bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation of essential oils of rosemary (
Authors: Mousapour Ali , Salarmoini Mohamad , Afsharmanesh Mohsen , Ebrahimnejad Hadi , Meimandipour Amir , Amiri Negin
Published: May 2022

Context Dietary supplementation with phytobiotics may form part of an alternative strategy to the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry. Essential oils of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Aims The aims were to evaluate in vitro characteristics of non-encapsulated and encapsulated rosemary essential oils, and to investigate their effects on growth performance, intestinal morphology and microbial population in broiler chickens. Methods Essential oil main components were determined, and the minimum inhibitory concentration and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical assay methods were applied for determination of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, respectively. In an in vivo study of performance, 1-day-old male chicks (n = 420) were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments with five replicates of 12 birds in a completely randomised experimental design. Treatments were control (basal) diet, and basal diet supplemented with chitosan (encapsulating agent) at 150 mg/kg, encapsulated and non-encapsulated rosemary essential oils at both 150 and 300 mg/kg, and the antibiotic flavophospholipol at 650 mg/kg. Key results Non-encapsulated essential oil had stronger antioxidant activity than the encapsulated form (IC50 values 0.969 and 1.879 mg/mL, respectively). Non-encapsulated essential oil had greater antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, whereas the encapsulated form was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus. During the whole growing period of the in vivo study, supplementation with different levels of non-encapsulated or encapsulated essential oils significantly (P < 0.01) improved bodyweight gain and feed conversation ratio compared with control and antibiotic diets. Furthermore, feed intake in birds receiving essential oils (150 or 300 mg/kg) was lower (P < 0.01) than in other groups. Villus height was increased (P < 0.01) in birds supplemented with essential oils compared with all other treatments. Ileal coliform count was lower in birds supplemented with non-encapsulated essential oil at 150 mg/kg than in birds fed the control diet. Conclusion Use of non-encapsulated rosemary essential oils at 150 mg/kg is recommended. Encapsulation did not provide additional benefits for most parameters. Implications Rosemary essential oils offer a potential replacement to conventional antibiotics in poultry nutrition, reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and presence of antibiotic residues in animal tissues.
Biofilms of foodborne pathogenic bacteria: how important are they?
Authors: Dykes Gary A.
Published: May 2022

Biofilms are recognised as an important mode of life in bacteria. All species of foodborne bacterial pathogens are known to form biofilms in vitro under the right growth conditions. This fact is often extrapolated to claim that biofilms are critical to the transmission of foodborne pathogens, particularly during processing. While this may be the case little direct in situ evidence, with some exceptions, is available to confirm this. This is because there are a number of difficulties in studying pathogen biofilms in food processing facilities. The reasons for these issues are discussed by comparison to work in the medical biofilm area, and by using species such as Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni as examples. A range of potential solutions and avenues for future research are presented.
Rising stars in the bakery: novel yeasts for modern bread
Authors: Wittwer Anna , Howell Kate
Published: May 2022

Bread is a widely consumed fermented food whose taste, aroma, and texture are partly determined by the choice of microbe(s) employed in dough fermentation. Consumer preferences and dietary considerations are currently changing; in addition to a desire for novel, complex flavour profiles, foods low in gluten and fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) are becoming increasingly important. The potential of non-conventional yeasts to improve and diversify key aspects of breadmaking is highlighted in this mini-review. Researchers have investigated species from the genera Kazachstania, Kluyveromyces, Lachancea, Pichia, Torulaspora, and Wickerhamomyces to this end. Some species have demonstrated comparable leavening capacity to baker’s yeast, as well as improved tolerance of baking-related stresses such as high salt and low pH conditions. Others have demonstrated valuable functional properties permitting the degradation of gluten and FODMAPs. Future research directions include the establishment of safe use status and the improvement of novel yeasts’ baking traits through techniques such as evolutionary engineering.
Focused ultrasound excites action potentials in mammalian peripheral neurons in part through the mechanically gated ion channel PIEZO2
Authors: Hoffman Benjamin U. , Baba Yoshichika , Lee Stephen A. , Tong Chi-Kun , Konofagou Elisa E. , Lumpkin Ellen A.
Published: May 2022

Significance

Modulation of peripheral nervous system (PNS) activity has shown promise in treating a wide range of diseases, from epilepsy to rheumatoid arthritis. Clinically, stimulation of nerves is most commonly delivered through invasive and risk-laden surgical electrode placement. Noninvasive technologies for PNS modulation can both increase safety and expand modulation application to various disease stages. Recent studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of noninvasive neuromodulation of brain circuits with ultrasound. This study identifies reliable protocols and molecular mechanisms for stimulating action potentials from individual peripheral neurons in the mammalian nervous system. These findings reveal the translational potential of ultrasound to effectively modulate the PNS through intrinsic neuronal mechanisms.
Transcytosis and trans-synaptic retention by postsynaptic ErbB4 underlie axonal accumulation of NRG3
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Vullhorst Detlef , Chaudhuri Rituparna , Guardia Carlos M. , Chaudhary Nisha , Karavanova Irina , Bonifacino Juan S. , Buonanno Andres
Published: May 2022

Neuregulins (NRGs) are EGF-like ligands associated with cognitive disorders. Unprocessed proNRG3 is cleaved by BACE1 to generate the mature membrane-bound NRG3 ligand, but the subcellular site of proNRG3 cleavage, mechanisms underlying its transport into axons, and presynaptic accumulation remain unknown. Using an optogenetic proNRG3 cleavage reporter (LA143-NRG3), we investigate the spatial-temporal dynamics of NRG3 processing and sorting in neurons. In dark conditions, unprocessed LA143-NRG3 is retained in the trans-Golgi network but, upon photoactivation, is cleaved by BACE1 and released from the TGN. Mature NRG3 then emerges on the somatodendritic plasma membrane from where it is re-endocytosed and anterogradely transported on Rab4+ vesicles into axons via transcytosis. By contrast, the BACE1 substrate APP is sorted into axons on Rab11+ vesicles. Lastly, by a mechanism we denote “trans-synaptic retention,” NRG3 accumulates at presynaptic terminals by stable interaction with its receptor ErbB4 on postsynaptic GABAergic interneurons. We propose that trans-synaptic retention may account for polarized expression of other neuronal transmembrane ligands and receptors.
A nuclear quadrupolar spin quantum heat engine
Authors: Çakmak Selçuk , Altintas Ferdi
Published: May 2022

We give an implementable scheme which uses intrinsic quadrupolar nuclear spin interactions to harvest efficient energy from a quantum Otto cycle. We employ realistic parameter regimes for the 23Na nucleus in sodium nitrate. The processes of the cycle are accomplished by orienting the sample with respect to the static magnetic field. The effects of stroke duration on the work output and efficiency are revealed in detail. Finite-time adiabatic transformations leading to quantum friction are found to substantially reduce cycle outputs which are stimulated from the non-secular parts of the quadrupolar interaction. An estimation for the power output at maximum efficiency is also given. We show that with the precise control and manipulation of the intrinsic nuclear spin interactions, for example in an advanced nuclear magnetic resonance setup, makes our scheme implement as a powerful quantum Otto cycle.
3D-printed terahertz metamaterial for electromagnetically induced reflection analogue
Authors: Li Shengnan , Shen Zhonglei , Yin Wei , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: May 2022

The electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) phenomenon in the metamaterials has been extensively investigated and applied in light storage, slow-light devices, and nonlinear devices. Most studies on the EIT-like phenomenon have been focused on the transmissive devices instead of reflective devices. Here we have proposed a 3D reflective metamaterial composed of two horizontal bars and a vertical bar (VB) to unfold the EIT-like effect in the terahertz frequency. Both computational simulation and theoretical analysis demonstrate that the coupling between the bright and dark mode starts when the structure symmetry is broken by the offset of the VB, giving rise to a transparency window in the reflection spectra. The EIT-like phenomenon can also be tailored by the lateral displacement of the VB. By combining the projection micro-stereolithography 3D printing and electron beam evaporation coating technology, two illustrative metamaterials are manufactured to characterize the EIT phenomenon. The reflection spectra measured by THz-TDS agree well with the theoretical results and validate the 3D design mechanism of reflective EIT-like devices. Our results unveil a practical and facile approach to designing and fabricating reflective EIT-like metamaterials and shed light on its potential application in multifunctional terahertz devices.
Spin splitting in monoperiodic systems described by magnetic line groups
Authors: Egorov Sergei A , Litvin Daniel B , Bandura Andrei V , Evarestov Robert A
Published: May 2022

In this paper we report the classification of all the 81 magnetic line group families into seven spin splitting prototypes, in analogy to the similar classification previously reported for the 1651 magnetic space groups, 528 magnetic layer groups, and 394 magnetic rod groups. According to this classification, electrically induced (Pekar–Rashba) spin splitting is possible in the antiferromagnetic structures described by magnetic line groups of type I (no anti-unitary operations) and III, both in the presence and in the absence of the space inversion operation. As a specific example, a group theoretical analysis of spin splitting in CoO (8, 8) nanotube is carried out and its predictions are confirmed by ab initio density functional theory calculations.
The novel sandwich composite structure: a new detection strategy for the ultra-sensitive detection of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX)
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Tianran , Gao Weiye , Zhu Chushu , Sha Pengxing , Dong Peitao , Wu Xuezhong
Published: May 2022

This study presents a novel sandwich composite structure that was designed for the ultra-sensitive detection of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX). Au nanorod arrays (Au NRAs) were prepared and bound to 10−7 M 6-MNA as adsorption sites for RDX, while Au nanorods (Au NRs) were modified using 10−5 M 6-MNA as SERS probes. During detection, RDX molecules connect the SERS probe to the surface of the Au NRAs, forming a novel type of Au NRAs-RDX-Au NRs ‘sandwich’ composite structure. The electromagnetic coupling effect between Au NRs and Au NRAs is enhanced due to the molecular level of the connection spacing, resulting in new ‘hot spots’. Meanwhile, Au NRAs and Au NRs have an auto-enhancement effect on 6-MNA. In addition, the presence of charge transfer in the formed 6-MNA-RDX complex induced chemical enhancement. The limits of detection of RDX evaluated by Raman spectroscopy using 6-MNA were as low as 10−12 mg ml−1 (4.5 × 10−15 M) with good linear correlation between 10−12 and 10−8 mg ml−1 (correlation coefficient R
2 = 0.9985). This novel sandwich composite structure accurately detected RDX contamination in drinking water and on plant surfaces in an environment with detection limits as low as 10−12 mg ml−1 and 10−8 mg ml−1.
Chemical fabrication, structural characterization and photocatalytic water splitting application of Sr-doped SnO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Jain Sapan K , Pandit Nayeem Ahmad , Fazil Mohd , Ali Syed Asim , Ahmed Jahangeer , Alshehri Saad M , Mao Yuanbing , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: May 2022

Semiconductor photocatalysis has gained considerable attention in recent years due to their enabling nature to convert solar energy into fuels of renewable hydrocarbon. However, many of them suffer from some drawbacks like the inability to visible light irradiation and wide band gaps. Herein, we have synthesized monophasic strontium (Sr) doped SnO2 nanoparticles by a cost-effective and environmental friendly hydrothermal method. As-synthesized nanoparticles showed rutile crystalline structure with irregular and rough cubical shape and no other elemental impurities. Sr-doped SnO2 nanoparticles show a constant decrease in bandgap with increasing dopant concentration, which is estimated for excellent photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic water splitting of as-prepared Sr-doped SnO2 nanoparticles for H2 generation shows a large influence of the increasing dopant concentration related to the narrowing bandgap on H2 generation rate. Hence, the tunable bandgap with adjusted dopant concentration indicates that band gap tuning through doping for produced nanostructures may open up a new opportunities for photocatalytic and other optoelectronic applications.
A randomised trial evaluating mask ventilation using electrical impedance tomography during anesthetic induction: one-handed technique versus two-handed technique
Authors: Gao Lingling , Zhu Yun , Pan Congxia , Yin Yuehao , Zhao Zhanqi , Yang Li , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2022

Objective. Mask positive-pressure ventilation could lead to lung ventilation inhomogeneity, potentially inducing lung function impairments, when compared with spontaneous breathing. Lung ventilation inhomogeneity can be monitored by chest electrical impedance tomography (EIT), which could increase our understanding of mask ventilation-derived respiratory mechanics. We hypothesized that the two-handed mask holding ventilation technique resulted in better lung ventilation, reflected by respiratory mechanics, when compared with the one-handed mask holding technique. Approach. Elective surgical patients with healthy lungs were randomly assigned to receive either one-handed mask holding (one-handed group) or two-handed mask holding (two-handed group) ventilation. Mask ventilation was performed by certified registered anesthesiologists, during which the patients were mechanically ventilated using the pressure-controlled mode. EIT was used to assess respiratory mechanics, including ventilation distribution, global and regional respiratory system compliance (C
RS), expiratory tidal volume (TVe) and minute ventilation volume. Hemodynamic parameters and the PaO2-FiO2 ratio were also recorded. Main results. Eighty adult patients were included in this study. Compared with spontaneous ventilation, mask positive-pressure ventilation caused lung ventilation inhomogeneity with both one-handed(global inhomogeneity index: 0.40 ± 0.07 versus 0.50 ± 0.15; P < 0.001) and two-handed mask holding (0.40 ± 0.08 versus 0.50 ± 0.13; P < 0.001). There were no differences in the global inhomogeneity index (P = 0.948) between the one-handed and two-handed mask holding. Compared with the one-handed mask holding, the two-handed mask holding was associated with higher TVe (552.6 ± 184.2 ml versus 672.9 ± 156.6 ml, P = 0.002) and higher global C
RS (46.5 ± 16.4 ml/cmH2O versus 53.5 ± 14.5 ml/cmH2O, P = 0.049). No difference in PaO2-FiO2 ratio was found between both holding techniques (P = 0.743). Significance. The two-handed mask holding technique could not improve the inhomogeneity of lung ventilation when monitored by EIT during mask ventilation although it obtained larger expiratory tidal volumes than the one-handed mask holding technique.
Abnormality classification from electrocardiograms with various lead combinations
Authors: Xu Zhuoyang , Guo Yangming , Zhao Tingting , Zhao Yue , Liu Zhuo , Sun Xingzhi , Xie Guotong , Li Yichong
Published: May 2022

Objective. As cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death, early and accurate diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities for a lower cost becomes particularly important. Given electrocardiogram (ECG) datasets from multiple sources, there exist many challenges to the development of generalized models that can identify multiple types of cardiac abnormalities from both 12-lead ECG signals and reduced-lead ECG signals. In this study, our objective is to build robust models that can accurately classify 30 types of abnormalities from various lead combinations of ECG signals. Approach. Given the challenges of this problem, we propose a framework for building robust models for ECG signal classification. Firstly, a preprocessing workflow is adopted for each ECG dataset to mitigate the problem of data divergence. Secondly, to capture the lead-wise relations, we use a squeeze-and-excitation deep residual network as our base model. Thirdly, we propose a cross-relabeling strategy and apply the sign-augmented loss function to tackle the corrupted labels in the data. Furthermore, we utilize a pos-if-any-pos ensemble strategy and a dataset-wise cross-evaluation strategy to handle the uncertainty of the data distribution in the application. Main results. In the Physionet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2021, our approach achieved the challenge metric scores of 0.57, 0.59, 0.59, 0.58, 0.57 on 12-, 6-, 4-, 3- and 2-lead versions and an averaged challenge metric score of 0.58 over all the lead versions. Significance. Using the proposed framework, we have developed the models from several large datasets with sufficiently labeled abnormalities. Our models are able to identify 30 ECG abnormalities accurately based on various lead combinations of ECG signals. The performance on hidden test data demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Neural networks for quantum inverse problems
Authors: Cao Ningping , Xie Jie , Zhang Aonan , Hou Shi-Yao , Zhang Lijian , Zeng Bei
Published: May 2022

Quantum inverse problem (QIP) is the problem of estimating an unknown quantum system from a set of measurements, whereas the classical counterpart is the inverse problem of estimating a distribution from a set of observations. In this paper, we present a neural-network-based method for QIPs, which has been widely explored for its classical counterpart. The proposed method utilizes the quantumness of the QIPs and takes advantage of the computational power of neural networks to achieve remarkable efficiency for the quantum state estimation. We test the method on the problem of maximum entropy estimation of an unknown state ρ from partial information both numerically and experimentally. Our method yields high fidelity, efficiency and robustness for both numerical experiments and quantum optical experiments.
V505 Cyg: A Mass-transferring Marginal Contact Binary
Authors: Chang Lin-Feng , Zhu Li-Ying
Published: May 2022

High-precision photometric data of V505 Cyg from TESS and one spectrum observed by us are presented in this work, and the stellar atmospheric parameters of the primary component were derived via spectral fitting. Applying the Wilson–Devinney code, the photometric elements were computed for the first time. The results show V505 Cyg is a near contact binary with the primary filling its Roche Lobe and the secondary a little under-filling, along with the temperature difference of about ΔT = 1900 K between the two components. The eclipse is total and lasts for about 90 minutes, which is about 0.1 phase, so the photometric results are reliable. This system belongs to near-contact binaries with the light curves enhanced around the left shoulder of the secondary minimum, which can be explained by a hot spot on the secondary components due to mass transfer, via a stream from the primary components hitting the facing surface of the secondary components. Meanwhile, we conducted an orbital period investigation of it in detail. The orbital period study based on all times of minimum including 230 new ones determined by us reveals a secular period decreasing at the rate of dP/dt = −2.31 × 10−7
d · yr−1. The decrease of the orbital period can be the result of mass transfer between the components, agreeing well with the configuration and the asymmetric light curves of V505 Cyg. V505 Cyg is therefore another rare example of mass transferring marginal contact binary lying on the rapid evolutionary stage predicted by the Thermal Relaxation Oscillation theory. With the orbital period decrease, V505 Cyg will evolve into an overcontact binary.
Initial Ni-56 Masses in Type Ia Supernovae
Authors: Bora Zsófia , Vinkó József , Könyves-Tóth Réka
Published: May 2022

We infer initial masses of the synthesized radioactive nickel-56 in a sample of recent Type Ia supernovae applying a new formalism introduced recently by Khatami & Kasen. It is shown that the nickel masses we derive do not differ significantly from previous estimates based on the traditional Arnett-model. We derive the β parameter for our sample SNe and show that these are consistent with the fiducial value of ∼1.6 given by Khatami & Kasen from SN Ia hydrodynamical simulations.
Realizing number recognition with simulated quantum semi-restricted Boltzmann machine
Authors: Zhang Fuwen , Tan Yonggang , Cai Qing-yu
Published: May 2022

Quantum machine learning based on quantum algorithms may achieve an exponential speedup over classical algorithms in dealing with some problems such as clustering. In this paper, we use the method of training the lower bound of the average log likelihood function on the quantum Boltzmann machine (QBM) to recognize the handwritten number datasets and compare the training results with classical models. We find that, when the QBM is semi-restricted, the training results get better with fewer computing resources. This shows that it is necessary to design a targeted algorithm to speed up computation and save resources.
Fabrication of biomimetic networks using viscous fingering in flexographic printing
Authors: Brumm Pauline , Fritschen Anna , Doß Lara , Dörsam Edgar , Blaeser Andreas
Published: May 2022

Mammalian tissue comprises a plethora of hierarchically organized channel networks that serve as routes for the exchange of liquids, nutrients, bio-chemical cues or electrical signals, such as blood vessels, nerve fibers, or lymphatic conduits. Despite differences in function and size, the networks exhibit a similar, highly branched morphology with dendritic extensions. Mimicking such hierarchical networks represents a milestone in the biofabrication of tissues and organs. Work to date has focused primarily on the replication of the vasculature. Despite initial progress, reproducing such structures across scales and increasing biofabrication efficiency remain a challenge. In this work, we present a new biofabrication method that takes advantage of the viscous fingering phenomenon. Using flexographic printing, highly branched, inter-connective channel structures with stochastic, biomimetic distribution and dendritic extensions can be fabricated with unprecedented efficiency. Using gelatin (5%–35%) as resolvable sacrificial material, the feasability of the proposed method is demonstrated on the example of a vascular network. By selectively adjusting the printing velocity (0.2–1.5 m s−1), the anilox roller dip volume (4.5–24 ml m−2) as well as the shear viscosity of the printing material used (10–900 mPas), the width of the structures produced (30–400 µm) as well as their distance (200–600 µm) can be specifically determined. In addition to the flexible morphology, the high scalability (2500–25 000 mm2) and speed (1.5 m s−1) of the biofabrication process represents an important unique selling point. Printing parameters and hydrogel formulations are investigated and tuned towards a process window for controlled fabrication of channels that mimic the morphology of small blood vessels and capillaries. Subsequently, the resolvable structures were casted in a hydrogel matrix enabling bulk environments with integrated channels. The perfusability of the branched, inter-connective structures was successfully demonstrated. The fabricated networks hold great potential to enable nutrient supply in thick vascularized tissues or perfused organ-on-a-chip systems. In the future, the concept can be further optimized and expanded towards large-scale and cost-efficient biofabrication of vascular, lymphatic or neural networks for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Existing fossil fuel extraction would warm the world beyond 1.5 °C
Authors: Trout Kelly , Muttitt Greg , Lafleur Dimitri , Van de Graaf Thijs , Mendelevitch Roman , Mei Lan , Meinshausen Malte
Published: May 2022

The Paris climate goals and the Glasgow Climate Pact require anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to decline to net zero by mid-century. This will require overcoming carbon lock-in throughout the energy system. Previous studies have focused on ‘committed emissions’ from capital investments in energy-consuming infrastructure, or potential (committed and uncommitted) emissions from fossil fuel reserves. Here we make the first bottom-up assessment of committed CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-producing infrastructure, defined as existing and under-construction oil and gas fields and coal mines. We use a commercial model of the world’s 25 000 oil and gas fields and build a new dataset on coal mines in the nine largest coal-producing countries. Our central estimate of committed emissions is 936 Gt CO2, comprising 47% from coal, 35% from oil and 18% from gas. We find that staying within a 1.5 °C carbon budget (50% probability) implies leaving almost 40% of ‘developed reserves’ of fossil fuels unextracted. The finding that developed reserves substantially exceed the 1.5 °C carbon budget is robust to a Monte Carlo analysis of reserves data limitations, carbon budget uncertainties and oil prices. This study contributes to growing scholarship on the relevance of fossil fuel supply to climate mitigation. Going beyond recent warnings by the International Energy Agency, our results suggest that staying below 1.5 °C may require governments and companies not only to cease licensing and development of new fields and mines, but also to prematurely decommission a significant portion of those already developed.
Relative exposure to microplastics and prey for a pelagic forage fish
Authors: Chavarry J M , Law K L , Barton A D , Bowlin N M , Ohman M D , Choy C A
Published: May 2022

In the global ocean, more than 380 species are known to ingest microplastics (plastic particles less than 5 mm in size), including mid-trophic forage fishes central to pelagic food webs. Trophic pathways that bioaccumulate microplastics in marine food webs remain unclear. We assess the potential for the trophic transfer of microplastics through forage fishes, which are prey for diverse predators including commercial and protected species. Here, we quantify Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) exposure to microplastics relative to their natural zooplankton prey, across their vertical habitat. Microplastic and zooplankton samples were collected from the California Current Ecosystem in 2006 and 2007. We estimated the abundance of microplastics beyond the sampled size range but within anchovy feeding size ranges using global microplastic size distributions. Depth-integrated microplastics (0–30 m depth) were estimated using a depth decay model, accounting for the effects of wind-driven vertical mixing on buoyant microplastics. In this coastal upwelling biome, the median relative exposure for an anchovy that consumed prey 0.287–5 mm in size was 1 microplastic particle for every 3399 zooplankton individuals. Microplastic exposure varied, peaking within offshore habitats, during the winter, and during the day. Maximum exposure to microplastic particles relative to zooplankton prey was higher for juvenile (1:23) than adult (1:33) anchovy due to growth-associated differences in anchovy feeding. Overall, microplastic particles constituted fewer than 5% of prey-sized items available to anchovy. Microplastic exposure is likely to increase for forage fishes in the global ocean alongside declines in primary productivity, and with increased water column stratification and microplastic pollution.
A Performance-Based Framework to Prioritize Adaptive Reuse Gallery: A Review On Sustainable Industrial Heritage Building in Malaysia & Australia
Authors: Amalina Hanapi Nur , Khaulah Sa'adah Wan Zulkipli Wan , Asyraf Mohd Rodzi Khairul
Published: May 2022

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2007), heritage building is a tangible manmade environment with its cultural (heritage) significance in which their social values, scientific and aesthetical elements imparted in the surrounding physical settings[1]. However, there been lack of comparative studies being done to how Malaysia and Australia accentuate their historical industrial land as mining cities to the sustainable adaptive reuse gallery. Thus this research aims to make comparative studies between these two countries since both were historically developed mainly as the mining industry in early city development era. The case studies employed in four identified buildings which represents the ideals of industrial heritage adaptation in both Malaysia and Australia. It’s involved the analysis and discussion on the general public perspective, policies, body participation and its application to the function of the studied buildings. The overall research and findings clearly shown that Australian approach of adaptive reuse towards industrial heritage give an impact to the community and become an iconic building as compare to Malaysian approach.
Perspectives in double-skin façade (DSF) advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Al-awag E A N , Wahab I A
Published: May 2022

Double-skin facades’ application has positive and negative effects on the building’s behaviour and performance. However, there is an ongoing debate about the advantages and disadvantages of DSF due to the lack of reliable data on DSF’s actual performance. This paper aims to present the advantages and disadvantages of the DSF by reviewing previous studies investigating the benefits and limitations of using the DSF system based on the parameters, namely, the DSF components and types. A general agreement is found that the application of DSF’s appropriate design positively affects building performance or the environment, despite the consensus on the high maintenance and construction costs of this DSF system compared to the single-skin façade (SSF).
Simulation Study on Natural Lighting Projection Through Façade Optimisation for A Proposed Disaster and Relief Center
Authors: Md Amin N D , Yip C F , Adnan N A , Sabil A , Noor Hisham N
Published: May 2022

Natural and artificial lighting is essential for humans to carry out and support daily routines from simple to complicated tasks. However, insufficient lighting in buildings leads to poor task performance and visual discomfort and may cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) such as itchy, watering eyes, and eye irritation. On the other hand, excessive light, particularly natural lighting, may contribute to heat gain in buildings and thermal discomfort and glare among occupants if a building is not well designed. Previous scholars found that a comfortable indoor environment with proper lighting improves occupants’ performance and satisfaction. Therefore, as a passive design strategy that promotes sustainability, natural lighting projection through façade optimisation is proposed and analysed implemented/studied for a proposed design of the Pontian Disaster and Relief Center. Revit Architecture software is used to develop 3D modelling of the design and simulate the interior solar pattern. Consequently, the application of shading devices is investigated along with on-site data collection to determine the climate pattern and other measurements to create more accurate data. Moreover, a case study on the Diamond Building was referred to assist the researcher for an appropriate pattern or form to maximise the solar radiation image, ultimately creating a new construction system. Finally, this study found that an application of natural lighting system for semi-open concept is considered sufficient towards maintaining occupants’ visual comfort, but solely based on simulation results.
Determinant Factors of Safety Impact to the School Buildings in West Sumatera - Indonesia
Authors: Masril  , Mairizal  , Kurniawan Deddy , Mohd Zin Rosli , Ismail Mohammad
Published: May 2022

In visual observations focused on emergency service facilities in several building locations, it was found that several emergency service facilities were not available. In addition, the facility also does not meet the provisions so it is categorized in an unsafe condition. From these conditions, it is necessary to know the safety factor for the comfort and security of the building. This study aims to determine the safety factor and several other factors that affect safety in buildings. It is necessary to determine the critical factors that have a very high influence and, the strategies needed in planning, construction, and operations. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods with SPSS and Smart PLS tools. A total of 20 questionnaires were given to respondents to get their opinion on the critical factors needed. The purpose of this research is to increase the knowledge base, especially in the field of developing school building safety standards in West Sumatra - Indonesia. The findings of this study are in the form of technical operation & maintenance factors that are influenced by systematic information systems and programs. In addition, safety factors are strongly influenced by building services, external environment, and operational & technical maintenance.
Conceptual Framework of Information Exchange Processes in Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Facilities Management
Authors: Samsuddin N , Ahmad Zaini A
Published: May 2022

The current research demonstrates Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the emerging construction technologies in the industry. Nonetheless, the adoption of BIM for Facilities Management (FM) has not yet been acknowledged. FM in Malaysia is still driven by traditional processes in which flag its development and economic competitiveness. The probable reason is lacking understanding of information exchange in the BIM platform across the project life cycle. Hence, the objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of information exchange processes in Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Facilities Management. A comprehensive review of the literature is employed in this research. The findings revealed the relationship between the information required by BIM in FM and the process for information exchange between BIM and FM systems emphasises four moderators as external factors, namely the FM information need to track, stakeholders’ responsibilities for data provision, equipment information export in COBie format in FM and import facilities data from the COBie spreadsheet into FM systems. The outcomes of this paper may assist stakeholders in optimising their present BIM requirements, increasing workflow efficiency, and expediting the effective adoption of BIM in Malaysia.
Geopolymer utilization in the pavement industry - An overview
Authors: Yaro N S A , Napiah M , Sutanto M H , Usman A , Jagaba A H , Mani A U , Ahmad A
Published: May 2022

The significant quantity of wastes has raised concern for their management and environmental effects. One of the alternatives ways is the reuse of waste in the construction industry through geopolymerization technology which incorporates waste materials with silica or/and alumina content with activator solution to form a matrix of geopolymers material. This process has attracted attention due to its successful application in different disciplines, influenced by its enhanced properties. This overview paper focuses on available research articles on geopolymers’ utilization in the pavement industry. The study analyzes available works of literature on various geopolymer materials, composition, processes, and the use of geopolymer as artificial aggregate, aggregate substitute, or modifier for the asphalt mixtures. Based on the qualitative overview it was observed that sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid solution molarity, liquid-to-binder ratio, duration of curing, and temperature affect the properties of geopolymer produced. Also, geopolymers show exceptional performances compared to conventional materials. Though, there is still limited literature about geopolymers pavement long-term performance as well as its response to extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, there is no standard for the design and preparation of geopolymer modified pavements. From the review, it was ascertained that geopolymers have great potential to be utilized in the pavement industry, as evidenced by the positive and affirmative performances from various studies. In conclusion, it is recommended and encouraged that the pavement industry should explore and utilize more geopolymer materials during construction to promotes sustainability.
Students’ perceptions on bicycle facilities in campus. A case study at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Johor
Authors: Zaperi N H , Ahmad Termida N
Published: May 2022

Increasing dependence on the private vehicles and motorised transport in the university campus have resulted in a growing traffic congestion and more demand for parking, air pollution and thus, contribute to high energy consumption. It is very necessary to encourage the use of active transportation such as cycling in campus among university students as higher education has been seen as a role model to outside community and has its own impact to community, socially and economically. The objective of this study is to identify students’ perceived current bicycle facilities in campus areas. The questionnaire in a Google Form were distributed through a social media platform (e.g. Facebook and WhatsApp) in order to avoid social interaction during pandemic COVID-19. A total of 328 respondents among postgraduate students in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) was chosen to answer the questionnaire. Furthermore, data was analysed using Descriptive Analysis and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). The Statistical Packages of Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 was used to do the statistical analysis of the sample data. Results show that students perceived some of the bicycle facilities in campus that have a high level of importance value for students, are having a low-level performance, such as improper cycling paths and poor lighting at night.
Empirical shear strength criteria for filled jointed of metasedimentary sandstone
Authors: Mohd-Nordin M M , Abdullah R A
Published: May 2022

Rock joint shear failure criteria constitute numerical simulation that significantly governs the calculation for rock mass stability analysis. The presence of joint infilling potentially reduces the estimation accuracy for the deformation of rock joint. This study discovers the role of infilling thickness in governing the empirical calculation of linear Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion and non-linear Barton-Bandis failure criterion. A series of direct shear tests with constant surface roughness and controlled infilling material composition facilitates the joint shear strength with various infilling thicknesses. The results indicate that the joint shear strength decreases primarily with infilling material within the joint aperture. Although all the friction angles are closely similar, different cohesion values show the influence of infilling material thickness on shear strength characteristics. The joint shear strength values indicate significant differences where the filled joint shear strength reduction depends on associated infilling thicknesses and the adopted failure criterion. Multiplication to the Filled Joint Factor (FJF
) normalized from the τfilled joint/τcleaned joint ratio will precisely evaluate the filled joint shear strength. Hence, the shear strength estimation from Mohr-Coulomb and Barton-Bandis failure criteria to the various thicknesses of joint infilling will provide sufficient filled joint deformability characteristics.
Effect of emulsifier on physical properties of cup lump modified emulsified bitumen residues
Authors: Abdul Ghafar S , Mohd Warid M N , Abdul Hassan N
Published: May 2022

The improvement of physical properties of emulsified bitumen residues is the prime concern for researchers to improve the performance of cold mix asphalt and different types of polymers are incorporated in emulsified bitumen for this purpose. However, the bitumen emulsion is usually prepared with the help of emulsifier and the function of emulsifier in the emulsions is to reduce the interfacial tension on the surfaces of bitumen and water droplets which results in a stable droplets suspension system for a sufficient period of time. Despite using it as an emulsifying agent, the impact of emulsifier on physical and rheological properties of bitumen emulsion’s residues is never studied before. In this study, different types of bitumen with pen 80/100, 60/70 and Cup lump rubber (CLR) modified bitumen were emulsified at 0.5%, 1% and 6.5% emulsifier (Redicote-EM44) content respectively. Physical tests such as penetration, softening point and viscosity were carried out on bitumen residues to investigate the effect of emulsifier. The results indicate that the emulsifier enhances the physical properties of bitumen emulsion residues. The resistance to penetration was improved up to 20% and 16% for the bitumen emulsion residues of 80/100 and 60/70 respectively while it had adverse effect on penetration value of CLR residue resulting in a decreased performance up to 19%. The effect of emulsifier on softening point was not remarkable but has improved SPV of 80/100 and 60/70 bitumen residues whereas the values decreased for CLR bitumen residue. The viscosity results were with better agreement of penetration and softening point results.
Volumetric Properties of Asphalt Mixture Containing Fly Ash Geopolymer
Authors: Bujang H , Aman M Y , Taher M N M
Published: May 2022

Countries around the world face challenges to maintain their existing road networks with the increasing development of the transportation industry in the past few decades. In Malaysia, dense graded asphalt has been paved extensively in most of the major road network. This paper presents the volumetric properties of asphalt mixture incorporating fly ash geopolymer. SuperpaveTM mix design method was employed with the nominal maximum aggregate size 12.5 mm to obtain the optimum binder content. In the respect, binder 80/100 and 60/70 penetration grade with 0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9% and 11% fly ash geopolymer by weight of asphalt binder were prepared. Bulk specific gravity and maximum theoretical specific gravity were determined to meet criteria asphalt binder at 4.0 percent air voids. The results indicated that, the optimum binder content for binder grade 80/100 and 60/70 is in range 5.02% – 5.83% and 5.03% - 6.00% respectively. The outcomes of this research significantly used for further performance test and analysis on asphalt mixture.
Permanent deformation of dry and wet asphalt mixture contained crystalline waterproofing additives
Authors: Buhari R , Suhaimi M A
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to investigate rutting performance of asphalt mixture containing few percent of CWA as an additive. In total, four different asphalt mixture containing 0%, 50%, 75% and 100% crystalline waterproofing additive (CWA) replacement from the total weight of filler were tested. The asphalt mixture NMAS 12.5 were prepared based on Superpave mixture design method. The rut depths of dry and wet asphalt mixture samples were measured using wheel tracking test machine and compare with control samples. The result show that rut depth of wet asphalt mixture containing 100% CWA is the lowest compare to other samples. In conclusion, replaced the asphalt mixture filler with CWA can improve it resistance to rutting compare to control sample.
Utilizing hydraulic modelling and Geographical Information System (GIS) in developing a water distribution network for reclaimed water
Authors: Adnan M N A , Mustaffa A. A. , Jeevaragagam P. , Aris Azmi
Published: May 2022

Rapid development has increased water demand, combined with population growth, water scarcity, climate change, and rapid economic growth, are driving factors for water reclaim. This paper reviews previous research on developing a water distribution system for delivering reclaimed water in order to mitigate the industry’s growing water demand. As a result, reclaimable wastewater should be identified in order to establish links between urban and industrial infrastructure planning and water reclamation. Correspondingly, it is tasked with the responsibility of developing low-cost water treatment for industrial water reclamation. Simultaneously, a reliable water distribution network is required to deliver reclaimed water. This can be accomplished through the use of hydraulic modelling and GIS to analyse, manage, and develop the water distribution network in response to a growing supply demand. Hydraulic modelling is used to calculate and analyse the demand for the water supply over a specified time period based on daily water use. Additionally, it computing the appropriate parameter for the pipeline in order to deliver an adequate amount of pressure to the consumer efficiently. The developed hydraulic model was then integrated into GIS to facilitate the network layout and visualization of the water distribution system. Apart from that, in order to fully implement the concept of reclaimed water and its delivery via a water distribution system, several factors must be considered, including public acceptance, economic viability, environmental stewardship, technical operation, and health risk.
The Aerodynamic Performance of Tall Buildings by Utilizing Aerodynamic Modifications - A Review Study
Authors: Al-masoodi Aiman H H , Alkhatib F H , Shafiq N , Wahab MMA
Published: May 2022

Since the beginning of this century, the trends in urban development have accelerated, as well as the demands for professional designers and planners have also been changed. Therefore, the rapid development in tall buildings has brought many challenges and issues that required systematic research and development. One of the major issues of the tall building to the structural designers is the wind load effect. Thus, the building shape and configuration should be determined based on the considerations of building’s form and function for wind effect. Various approaches are required to maintain the functional needs for reducing the vortex shedding phenomenon of the wind, such as aerodynamic modification techniques, which cause discomfort for the occupants. Aerodynamic modifications are classified into two categories; corner modifications, like rounded corners, recessed corners, chamfered corners, etc, and outer shape modifications, such as taper, set-back, twist of building form, etc. This paper reviews the aerodynamic modification techniques for tall buildings; recession and set-back type are the most effective among these modifications. It concludes that design modifications must be evaluated earlier in the design stage to mitigate the wind load and address serviceability concerns as per recommended, as well as to set the optimal building’s shape.