bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tendon injuries
Authors: Wu Fan , Nerlich Michael , Docheva Denitsa
Published: July 2017

Tendons connect muscles to bones, ensuring joint movement. With advanced age, tendons become more prone to degeneration followed by injuries. Tendon repair often requires lengthy periods of rehabilitation, especially in elderly patients. Existing medical and surgical treatments often fail to regain full tendon function. The development of novel treatment methods has been hampered due to limited understanding of basic tendon biology. Recently, it was discovered that tendons, similar to other mesenchymal tissues, contain tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) which possess the common stem cell properties. The current strategies for enhancing tendon repair consist mainly of applying stem cells, growth factors, natural and artificial biomaterials alone or in combination. In this review, we summarise the basic biology of tendon tissues and provide an update on the latest repair proposals for tendon tears.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:332-342. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160075
Book Reviews
Authors: Kenyon Andrew , Cuelenaere Eduard , Damme Kristin Van
Published: July 2017

Media Pluralism and Diversity: Concepts, Risks and Global Trends, Peggy Valcke, Miklós Sükösd and Robert Picard (eds) (2016) London: Palgrave Macmillan, 362 pp., ISBN: 9781137304292, h/bk, $109

New Patterns in Global Television Formats, Karina Aveyard, Albert Moran and Pia Majbritt Jensen (eds) (2016) Bristol: Intellect, 345 pp., ISBN: 9781783207121, p/bk, £35

News for a Mobile-First Consumer, P. M. Pointdexter (2016) New York: Peter Lang, 272 pp., ISBN: 9781433128400, p/bk, Є44
Teaching the ‘people’s music’ at the ‘people’s college’: Popular music education in the junior college curriculum in Los Angeles, 1924–55
Authors: Krikun Andrew
Published: July 2017

The historical foundations of formal popular music education in post-secondary institutions in the United States has rarely been explored. This article provides an overview of the seminal popular music courses and degree programmes at three post-secondary public institutions, from their establishment in the 1920s until the 1950s. Several important music educators responsible for these innovative programmes are profiled, including band director Audre Stong at Pasadena City College, department chair Leslie Clausen at Los Angeles City College and band director Dwight Defty, who introduced the first popular music degree programme, Modern Music, in 1936 at Long Beach City College. Factors that led to the introduction of popular music in the curriculum included the expansion of vocational education in California public schools, softening the boundary between highbrow and lowbrow musical traditions in the Los Angeles music scene, strong local public school music education and the democratic movement towards student- and community-centred education.
Higher order intrinsic weak differentiability and Sobolev spaces between manifolds
Authors: Convent Alexandra , Van Schaftingen Jean
Published: July 2017

We define the notion of higher-order colocally weakly differentiable maps from a manifold M to a manifold N.
When M and N are endowed with Riemannian metrics,

p
≥
1

{p\geq 1}

and

k
≥
2

{k\geq 2}

, this allows us to define the intrinsic higher-order homogeneous Sobolev space

W
˙

k
,
p

⁢

(
M
,
N
)

{\dot{W}^{k,p}(M,N)}

.
We show that this new intrinsic definition is not equivalent in general with the definition by an isometric embedding of N in a Euclidean space; if the manifolds M and N are compact, the intrinsic space is a larger space than the one obtained by embedding. We show that a necessary condition for the density of smooth maps in the intrinsic space

W
˙

k
,
p

⁢

(
M
,
N
)

{\dot{W}^{k,p}(M,N)}

is that

π

⌊

k
⁢
p

⌋

⁢

(
N
)

≃

{
0
}

{\pi_{\lfloor kp\rfloor}(N)\simeq\{0\}}

.
We investigate the chain rule for higher-order differentiability in this setting.
New solutions for critical Neumann problems in ℝ2
Authors: Deng Shengbing , Musso Monica
Published: July 2017

We consider the elliptic equation

{-\Delta u+u=0}

in a bounded, smooth domain Ω in

{\mathbb{R}^{2}}

subject to the nonlinear Neumann boundary condition

{\frac{\partial u}{\partial\nu}=\lambda ue^{u^{2}}}

, where ν denotes the outer normal vector of

{\partial\Omega}

. Here

{\lambda>0}

is a small parameter. For any λ small we construct positive solutions concentrating, as

{\lambda\to 0}

, around points of the boundary of Ω.
Bürgerengagement in Zeiten des demographischen Wandels: Die Rolle von Büchereien und anderen sozialen Infrastruktureinrichtungen im Dorf
Authors: Franzen Nathalie
Published: July 2017

Durch den wirtschaftlichen und demographischen Strukturwandel in den Dörfern veränderte sich auch das Zusammenleben der ländlichen Gesellschaft: die Infrastruktureinrichtungen wie auch die Arbeitsplätze sind meist in den Ballungsräumen. Dies fordert aber auch das bürgerschaftliche Engagement, das mit neuen Wegen und Angeboten das soziale und kulturelle Leben im Dorf wieder bereichern kann. Gute Beispiele hauptsächlich aus Rheinland-Pfalz werden zeigen, dass so das Miteinander aller Generationen gefördert werden kann.
Optimism, Pessimism, Audit Uncertainty, and Tax Compliance
Authors: Lee Kangoh
Published: July 2017

As the tax authority releases or withholds relevant information, it decrease or increases the extent of uncertainty about the audit probability taxpayers perceive, affecting their reporting behavior and expected tax revenues. The effects of an increase in enforcement uncertainty on the expected tax revenues depend on taxpayer pessimism or optimism and on additional information about the audit probability taxpayers receive. The expected tax revenues tend to increase in response to an increase in audit uncertainty, and the tax authority would have little incentive to release more information to the extent that it cares about tax revenues.
Ultimate Longitudinal Strength of Composite Ship Hulls
Authors: Zhang Xiangming , Huang Lingkai , Zhu Libao , Tang Yuhang , Wang Anwen
Published: July 2017

A simple analytical model to estimate the longitudinal strength of ship hulls in composite materials under buckling, material failure and ultimate collapse is presented in this paper. Ship hulls are regarded as assemblies of stiffened panels which idealized as group of plate-stiffener combinations. Ultimate strain of the plate-stiffener combination is predicted under buckling or material failure with composite beam-column theory. The effects of initial imperfection of ship hull and eccentricity of load are included. Corresponding longitudinal strengths of ship hull are derived in a straightforward method. A longitudinally framed ship hull made of symmetrically stacked unidirectional plies under sagging is analyzed. The results indicate that present analytical results have a good agreement with FEM method. The initial deflection of ship hull and eccentricity of load can dramatically reduce the bending capacity of ship hull. The proposed formulations provide a simple but useful tool for the longitudinal strength estimation in practical design.
Modified Minimal Error Method for Nonlinear Ill-Posed Problems
Authors: Sabari M. , George Santhosh
Published: July 2017

An error estimate for the minimal error method for nonlinear ill-posed problems under general a Hölder-type source condition is not known. We consider a modified minimal error method for nonlinear ill-posed problems. Using a Hölder-type source condition, we obtain an optimal order error estimate. We also consider the modified minimal error method with noisy data and provide an error estimate.
Optimisation of Design and Operation Parameters for Multicomponent Separation via Improved Lewis-Matheson Method
Authors: Ching Tiong Ching , Nandong Jobrun
Published: July 2017

Distillation is the most commonly used separation and purification technique in the chemical and allied industries despite that it has been known as the most energy-consuming unit in process industry. The need to reduce this energy consumption has become one of the important focuses in the efficient design and optimization of distillation processes. In the present work, we propose an improved Lewis-Matheson stage-by-stage procedure by incorporating the Fenske equation to enhance the estimation of the non-key component distributions, and thus avoiding infeasible solutions to the stage-by-stage system of equations of mass and energy balances. A modified theta method is also included in the design procedure to satisfy the feed stage matching criteria which help reduces the computational time while increasing the accuracy of feed composition matching. By using the proposed modified Lewis-Matheson method, an optimization is conducted in Matlab environment where the problem formulation takes into account both sets of design and operating parameters with specified product purity as the constraint. The objective function of the optimization is to minimize the Total Annualized Cost (TAC), which includes both capital and operating costs. The effectiveness of the proposed design procedure is demonstrated using an industrial-scale natural gas liquids (NGLs) depropanizer fractionation unit.
Autorität heute – mit Arendt über sie hinaus
Authors: Miller Simone Rosa
Published: July 2017

In her essay “What is authority” Hannah Arendt wonders whether “What was authority?” would have been the more appropriate title. This paper aims to show that authority is indeed a contemporary phenomenon and one that is taking on ever greater significance. Arendt’s work on authority is used to support conclusions that she herself did not draw. These can be useful for the understanding of authority within today’s political and civil realms. With respect to the political system of representative democracies, the paper challenges Arendt’s claim that authority has vanished from contemporary societies and points to two new figures of authority, namely the expert and the populist. It diagnoses the comeback of the old antagonism between a metaphysical and a democratic justification of authority.
Brief aus Norwegen
Authors: Erbacher Christian
Published: July 2017

Building on my experiences as a student, PhD candidate and researcher, this “letter from Norway” presents some characteristics of philosophy at the University of Bergen. First, I describe a basic philosophy course that is obligatory for each student at the university. As this “examen philosophicum” provides a common ground for graduates from all subjects, philosophy is still present in Norwegian public discourse. Second, I follow one specific thread in the history of Bergen’s philosophy department, focusing on the philosophy of language and Wittgenstein studies that began with the first professor and is still practiced, for example with recent digital editing. In this context I also sketch the working conditions for PhD-students and researchers today. Finally, a brief exposition of the original praxeology of Jakob Meløe allows me to formulate what I found so characteristic of philosophy in Bergen: the recognition and appreciation of specific and individual experiences in doing philosophy.
Continuous Addition Polymerization
Authors: Beginn Uwe
Published: July 2017

Free- and controlled radical polymerizations have become standard reactions in the research laboratory to prepare a large variety of homo- and copolymers. Hence, the synthetic polymer chemist is frequently asked to supply a colleague or a project partner with 10 - 20 g of some (co)polymer. The usual mode of action is the "batch polymerization": Solvent, initiator and monomers are mixed and heat under an inert atmosphere until (almost) full conversion of the monomer has been achieved. Sometimes the researcher is not aware the fact, that this simple procedure is ineffective when used to prepared larger quantities of homopolymers and it will produce a messy product in many copolymerization reactions.
Hybrid polymer/nanocrystalline TiO2 composites prepared via low-temperature in-matrix crystallization of titania
Authors: Tolstov Alexander , Matyushov Vitaliy , Klymchuk Dmytro
Published: July 2017

The novel approach for in situ preparation of polymer/TiO2 composites via low-temperature in-matrix crystallization of sol-gel prepared titania was developed and successfully applied. Rigid aromatic polyimide (PI) and flexible poly(ether-urethane)acrylate (PEUA) were used as polymer matrices and the templates for titania crystallization. Structure and morphology of prepared hybrids have been characterized by WAXD, FTIR and SEM. Chemical interaction between functional groups of the polymers and reactive inorganic component were studied. It was found that the rigid PI is more perspective matrix (instead of flexible PEUA) for carrying out the low-temperature crystallization of TiO2. Developed crystallization technique allowed to decrease the temperature of TiO2 crystallization from 350-500 °C to 250 °C (at atmosphere pressure) and to prepare functional crystalline TiO2-based polymer composites as perspective photoactive materials. Moreover, proposed approach gives also the possibility to obtain the polymer composites with enhanced compatibility between dispersed titania and continuous polymer phases.
A study on hybrid oligomeric type II photoinitiator
Authors: Ye Guodong , Kan Wenbo , Yang Jianwen , Zeng Zhaohua , Liu Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2017

Preparing tailor-made hybrid photoinitiator (PI) for specific applications continues to gain momentum. The hybrid PIs comprising both H-abstraction chromophore and coinitiator moiety are the candidate materials with energy-saving and environment-protection in the photo-curing field. So two oligomeric photoinitiators (OMKs) containing benzophenone (BP) and aliphatic tert-amines chromophore in the main-chain (OMK-2) or side-chain (OMK-1) were synthesized and characterized respectively. Photophysical investigation showed that the absorption maxima of OMKs were around 340 nm, red shifted about 5-10 nm compared to BP. Their initiation efficiencies were found to be higher than that of BP and 4,4’-bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone(MK) respectively. The reaction proceeds via a simple electron-transfer/proton-transfer mechanism. Dynamic NMR data reveal that H-abstraction reacts predominantly via alpha H of aliphatic tertamines, as might be expected on the basis of the lower ionization potential and bond dissociation energy of aliphatic amines compared to aromatic amines. The reaction mechanism of H-abstraction was confirmed by using radical scavenger 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxy(TEMPO), which acts as a probe under photolysis reaction conditions. The volatility and migration were tested under simulated conditions, the result show that OMKs exhibited very low volatility and significantly reduced migration compared to the low molecular analogs. Results showed that the OMKs are the promising candidate as higher efficient PIs with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission and reduced migration. They are suitable for environmental-friendly formulations.
Polypyrrole-modified starch films: structural, thermal, morphological and electrical characterization
Authors: Vasques Caroline T. , Domenech Susana C. , Barreto Pedro L. M. , Soldi Valdir
Published: July 2017

Starch films were obtained by incorporating sorbitol and FeCl3.6H2O by casting. The films were exposed to pyrrole vapors to promote polymerization. PPy/starch films were characterized by rheology, elemental analysis, electrical dc conductivity measurements, X-Ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, SEM and FTIR. Optimal synthesis conditions were obtained with starch films containing 5 % w/w of FeCl3.6H2O and 10 h of exposure to pyrrole vapors. The method allowed obtaining smooth, homogeneous films, with electrical conductivity values up to ca. 3.5 x 10-6 S.cm-1. The results suggest that a complex of starch and ferric chloride is formed properties of which are not influenced by the presence of polypyrrole. No chemical interactions were observed between polypyrrole and starch in the film.
Cosmeto-textile from formulation to characterization: an overview
Authors: Ripoll L. , Bordes C. , Etheve S. , Elaissari A. , Fessi H.
Published: July 2017

Functionalized textiles and especially cosmetotextiles are increasingly used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. A cosmetotextile allows the administration of active molecules simply and controllably. It can also be used to change the surface properties of a fabric in order to make it self-cleaning, hydrophobic or lipophobic. Different techniques have been developed over recent years to functionalize fabrics: microencapsulation, plasma, sol-gel. The adhesion of the molecules, drugs and particles that functionalize textiles can be achieved physically or chemically. This article reviews the current state of the art concerning functionalization techniques and the methods used to characterize a functionalized fabric. Based on existing results and the authors’ reflections, it provides discussion and suggestions related to choosing processes. This review also reveals the surprising lack of publications on the functionalization of textile supports.
Synthesis and kinetic studies of TiO2/polystyrene composite particles by emulsion polymerization
Authors: Jianmin Zhang , Zheng Peng , Xiuguo Sun , Caihui Wang , Jungang Gao
Published: July 2017

In the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, emulsion polymerization of styrene with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as an emulsifier and potassium persulphate as an initiator was investigated in detail. It was shown that SDS concentration influences the morphology of the composite particles in higher degree. Moreover, the effects of operating variables such as emulsifier concentrations, initiator concentration, monomer concentration, and polymerization temperature on the kinetic features were also examined. The kinetic data showed that at conditions studied, the rate of polymerization over interval II was proportional to the 0.68 power of the initial emulsifier concentration, to the 2.2 power of the initial initiator concentration and to the 1.6 power of the initial monomer‟s concentration. The initiator concentration has a dominant effect on the rate of the polymerization. The appropriate conditions for polymerization were obtained when emulsifier concentration of 6.5×10-3 mol·L-1, initiator concentration of 4.4×10-3 mol·L-1, the polymerization temperature of 75 °C and the initial monomer‟s concentration of 0.288 mol·L-1 were used. The polymerization rate obtained is more favorable than that of the conventional emulsion approach. The experimental results can be reasonably ascribed to the nucleation mechanism of “TiO2/SDS” micelles in the emulsion polymerization of styrene.
Stereocomplexes formation from enantiomeric star-shaped block copolymers of ε-caprolactone and lactide
Authors: Łukaszczyk Jan , Jelonek Piotr , Trzebicka Barbara , Domb Abraham J.
Published: July 2017

Enantiomeric star-shape block copolymers of ε-caprolactone and lactide with different molar masses and compositions were synthesized using pentaerythritol/tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate as initiating system. Stereocomplex formation between pair of enantiomeric blocks of star arms was investigated. Thermal properties of both copolymers and obtained stereocomplexes were examined. A rise of above 50 °C of melting temperature of polylactide phase was observed as a consequence of stereocomplex creation.
Thermal characterization of novel aliphatic polyesters with ether and thioether linkages
Authors: Soccio M. , Lotti N. , Finelli L. , Munari A.
Published: July 2017

Several novel ether or thioether linkage containing aliphatic polyesters and poly(alkylene dicarboxylate)s were synthesized for comparison and characterized in terms of chemical structure and molecular weight. The thermal behavior was examined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. All the polymers showed a good thermal stability, even though lower for the ether or thioether linkage-containing polyesters. The decrement of the thermal stability appears to be more relevant in the case of the presence of sulphur atoms. At room temperature the samples appeared semicrystalline, except PTTDG and PDEDG, which were viscous oils; the effect of the introduction of ether or thioether group was an increment of the Tgvalue, a decrement of the melting temperature and a significant decrease of the crystallization rate. The entity of the variations was found to be affected by the kind of group introduced, and the trend observed can be explained on the basis of atom electronegativity and dimensions
Partial clinical remission in type 1 diabetes: a comparison of the accuracy of total daily dose of insulin of <0.3 units/kg/day to the gold standard insulin-dose adjusted hemoglobin A1c of ≤9 for the detection of partial clinical remission
Authors: Lundberg Rachel L. , Marino Katherine R. , Jasrotia Aastha , Maranda Louise S. , Barton Bruce A. , Alonso Laura C. , Nwosu Benjamin Udoka
Published: July 2017

Background:

It is unclear whether the gold standard test for the detection of partial clinical remission (PCR) in new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D), the insulin-dose adjusted Hemoglobin A

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 204 subjects of ages 2–14 years, mean age 7.9±3.2 years, (male 7.8±3.4 years, [n=98]; female 7.9±3.0 years, [n=106], p=0.816) with new-onset T1D. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected for the first 36 months of disease. PCR was defined by both IDAA

Results:

There were 86 (42.2%) (age 9.1±3.0 years; male 57%) remitters by IDAA

Conclusions:

There were no significant differences in the number of remitters, duration of PCR, or the time of peak remission defined by IDAA
NLRP genes and their role in preeclampsia and multi-locus imprinting disorders
Authors: Soellner Lukas , Kopp Kathrin Maria , Mütze Sabine , Meyer Robert , Begemann Matthias , Rudnik Sabine , Rath Werner , Eggermann Thomas , Zerres Klaus
Published: July 2017

Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2–5% of all pregnancies. It is a multifactorial disease, but it has been estimated that 35% of the variance in liability of PE are attributable to maternal genetic effects and 20% to fetal genetic effects. PE has also been reported in women delivering children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS, OMIM 130650), a disorder associated with aberrant methylation at genomically imprinted loci. Among others, members of theNLRPgene family are involved in the etiology of imprinting defects. Thus, a functional link between PE,NLRPgene mutations and aberrant imprinting can be assumed. Therefore we analyzed a cohort of 47 PE patients forNLRPgene mutations by next generation sequencing. In 25 fetuses where DNA was available we determined the methylation status at the imprinted locus. With the exception of one woman heterozygous for a missense variant in theNLRP7gene (NM_001127255.1(NLRP7):c.542G>C) we could not identify further carriers, in the fetal DNA normal methylation patterns were observed. Thus, our negative screening results in a well-defined cohort indicate thatNLRPmutations are not a relevant cause of PE, though strong evidence for a functional link betweenNLRPmutations, PE and aberrant methylation exist.
Effect of female genital cutting performed by health care professionals on labor complications in Egyptian women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Saleh Wael F. , Torky Haitham A. , Youssef Mohamed A. , Ragab Wael S. , Ahmed Mohamed A. Sayed , Eldaly Ashraf
Published: July 2017

Aim:

To examine the effect of the degree of female genital cutting (FGC) performed by health-care professionals on perineal scarring; delivery mode; duration of second stage of labor; incidence of perineal tears and episiotomy in a cohort of uncircumcised versus circumcised (types I and II) women.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study included 450 primigravida women in active labor attending the Faculty of Medicine Cairo University Hospital between January 2013 and August 2014. Women were divided into three groups based on medical examination upon admission. Group I (Control) included 150 uncut women, Group II included 150 women with type I FGC and Group III included 150 women with type II FGC. A structured questionnaire elicited the information on women’s socio-demographic characteristics including age, residence, occupation, educational level, age of marriage and FGC circumstances. Association between FGC and labor complications was examined. Main outcomes: risk of perineal scarring; delivery mode; duration of second stage of labor; incidence of perineal tears and episiotomy.

Results:

Family history of genitally cut mother/sister was the most significant socio-demographic factor associated with FGC. FGC especially type II was associated with significantly higher incidence of vulvar scar (P<0.0002), perineal tears (P<0.0001) and increased likelihood of additional vaginal and perineal trauma [odds ratio (OR): 1.85, 95% CI: 0.60–5.65. P≤0.001]. There was insignificant difference in risks of cesarean section (CS), instrumental delivery, episiotomy and short-term neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion:

The study strengthens the evidence that FGC increases the risk of tears in spite of medicalization of the practice.
Al-doped ZnO films deposited by magnetron sputtering: effect of sputtering parameters on the electrical and optical properties
Authors: Pan Qingtao , Song Xin
Published: July 2017

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were prepared by magnetron sputtering method. The influences of deposition pressure, substrate temperature, Ar flow rate and film thickness on optical and electrical properties were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometer and Hall measurements. The experimental results revealed that a low resistivity, smaller than 4 × 10-4 Ω·cm, was obtained when the deposition pressure was smaller than 0.67 Pa and substrate temperature about 200 °C. Ar flow rate had a small influence on the resistivity but a big influence on the transparency at near infrared range (NIR). We obtained optimized AZO thin films with high ponductivity and transparency at low deposition pressure, small Ar flow and appropriate temperature (around 200 °C). The etching behavior of the AZO thin films deposited at the different Ar flow rates was also studied in this paper. The results show that Ar flow rate is a very important factor affecting the etching behavior.
CeO2/NiTiO3nanocomposites; synthesis, photoluminescence and magnetic behavior
Authors: Enhessari M. , Sakhaei M. , Salehabadi A. , Etemad L.
Published: July 2017

Pure phase NiTiO3was obtained via a modified sol-gel method. Addition of CeO2in a modified oxidizing atmosphere in stearic acid at 750 °C led to the growth of several nanoscaled Ce-rich phases. The formation of NiTiO3and CeO2/NiTiO3was strongly confirmed based on metal-oxygen and metal-metal absorption bands. The nanometric formation of crystals and narrow distribution of nanoparticles were confirmed by XRD and FE-SEM. The magnetic properties indicated weak ferromagnetic behavior of NiTiO3and paramagnetic behavior of CeO2/NiTiO3nanocomposites. The paramagnetic properties were improved gradually into superparamagnetic upon increasing CeO2domain to 30 mol%. It was observed that the current density can achieve 1 × 10-9A/cm2for the sample containing 30 mol% CeO2at an electrical field equal to 40 V/cm.
Structural and physico-mechanical characterization of closed-cell aluminum foams with different zinc additions
Authors: Bisht Ankur , Gangil Brijesh
Published: July 2017

Closed-cell aluminum foams with different percentages of zinc content were successfully prepared and investigated. The foamable precursors were prepared in a pit furnace by adding calcium as thickening agent, calcium carbonate as blowing agent and different percentages (0 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% and 1 wt.%) of zinc particles at 650–750°C. The distribution of Zn elements and quassi-static behavior of the foams at room temperature were investigated. The experimental results show that Zn element is uniformly distributed in cell wall matrix. The distribution of Zn elements had a significant effect on the quasi-static compressive behavior of aluminum foams; from the results, it is obvious that zinc-containing foams possessed higher compressive strength and energy absorption capacities than pure aluminum foams. Hence, it can be concluded that increase in percentage of Zn particles helps to increase the compressive strength, plateau region and energy absorption, in addition to providing better and uniform pores.
Self-Healing of Dense Asphalt Concrete by Two Different Approaches: Electromagnetic Induction and Infrared Radiation
Authors: Ajam H. , Lastra-González P. , Gómez-Meijide B. , Airey G. , Garcia A.
Published: July 2017

Self-healing of cracks in asphalt mixtures is a phenomenon that can be accelerated by reducing the viscosity of bitumen as it increases the capillarity flow through the cracks. One method to achieve this is by increasing temperature, which also produces a thermal expansion that contributes to the circulation of the bitumen through cracks. In the present paper, the healing performance of asphalt mixture heated using infrared heating to simulate the natural solar radiation, and induction heating, a new method to increase the temperature of asphalt pavements, were compared in terms of time and healing temperature. Healing was defined as the relationship between the 3-point bending strength of an asphalt beam before and after healing. The results show that both methods reach similar and satisfactory healing ratios at around 90 %. However, induction heating is more energy efficient because the effect is concentrated on the binder, instead of heating the whole mix. This can be translated into much shorter heating times to reach the same healing level. Finally, an optimum radiation energy was found, after which higher amounts of infrared radiation damage the properties of the healed material.
Perbandingan corak kesepaduan pasukan bola tampar lelaki dan wanita peringkat sekolah menengah daerah Larut Matang dan Selama
Authors: Moorthy Atchmmahdevi A/p , Abd. Aziz Shaharudin
Published: July 2017

Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengkaji perbandingan corak kesepaduan pasukan bola tampar lelaki dan wanita  peringkat sekolah menengah daerah Larut Matang dan Selama. Seramai 192 orang pemain bola tampar (96 lelaki dan 96 wanita) dipilih secara bertujuan sebagai responden. Kajian ini berbentuk tinjauan kuantitatif dan instrumen kajian yang digunakan untuk mengenalpasti corak kesepaduan adalah Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ : Carron,Widmeyer, & Brawley,1985) yang mengandungi 18 item dan empat dimensi kesepaduan. Instrumen ini mengkaji corak kesepaduan pemain bola tampar lelaki dan wanita di peringkat suku akhir dan separuh akhir daerah Larut Matang Dan Selama. Data yang diperolehi dianalisis menggunakan ujian diskriptif dan ujian-t sampel tidak bersandar. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kesepaduan paling tinggi dalam kalangan pasukan yang menang di peringkat suku akhir dan separuh akhir berbanding dengan pasukan yang kalah. Dapatan menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dalam kalangan pasukan yang menang di peringkat suku akhir. Namun tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dalam kalangan pasukan lelaki dan wanita yang kalah dan menang di peringkat separuh akhir. Ini bermakna pasukan yang mempunyai perhubungan dan toleransi yang erat terhadap ahli pasukan mempunyai tahap kesepaduan yang tinggi. Oleh itu, pasukan tidak mempunyai minat terhadap ahli pasukan menyebabkan kesepaduan rendah serta pencapaian mereka tidak konsisten. Penyelidik menegaskan bahawa kesepaduan pasukan merupakan salah satu faktor yang penting dan jurulatih harus memberi penekanan terhadap kesepaduan pasukan sebelum, semasa dan selepas perlawanan bagi membentuk satu pasukan yang berprestasi tinggi pada masa akan datang.
Anthropometric correlates of handgrip strength among Nigerian primary school pupils
Authors: Hammed Adebisi Isiak , S. M. Adodo
Published: July 2017

Study aim: This study investigated the interdependence of anthropometrics with handgrip strength (HGS) among Nigerian primary school pupils. Materials and methods: A total of 200 primary school pupils participated in this study. Electronic handgrip dynamometer was used to measure HGS in kg, body height and body weight were measured with a wall–mounted stadiometer in meters and bathroom weighing scale in kg respectively. In addition, forearm circumference was measured at the largest part of the forearm and maximum hand width was taken for hand circumference. The relationship between HGS and anthropometric parameters was analyzed using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation. Results: The outcome of this study showed that age correlated disproportionately but significantly (p < 0.05) with HGS. Also, body weight, BMI and handedness were found to associate proportionately and significantly with HGS. However, hand and forearm circumferences were observed to relate positively but insignificantly (p>0.05) with HGS.   Conclusion: This study therefore concluded that the most important determinants of HGS among Nigerian primary school pupils are body weight, BMI and handedness and thus, could be considered as markers of nutritional and health status, as well as physical fitness of these individuals.
The Effectiveness of Tablet-Based Application as a Medium for Feedback in Performance Analysis during a Competitive Match in Elite Soccer
Authors: Musa Rabiu Muazu , Abdullah Mohamad Razali , Musawi Maliki Ahmad Bisyri Husin , Kosni Norlaila Azura , Mat-Rashid Siti Musliha , Adnan Aleesha , Alias Norzulaika , Eswaramoorthi Vijayamurugan
Published: July 2017

Tablet based application (TBA) has been shown to be useful in evaluating soccer players’ performance. However, a study investigating the ability of the application as a medium for feedback is desirable. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of TBA as a medium for feedback in real time at half-time interim of a competitive match in improving the performance of soccer players. StatWatch application was installed on a tablet phone and used as a device for data collection. Eleven performance analysts were recruited to assist in the data collection such that each performance analysts covered a particular player during the game. Players Performances were assessed based on performance parameters relevant to the demand of the game. Data were collected as the game progressed, and information was transmitted to the controller of the analysis before being relayed to the chief coach at the half time interval of the match. Matches of the club for eight weeks were analysed. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to assess the progress of the team in between the first and second halves of the matches played. The result shows improvement on the performances of the club at the second halves of the eight matches played (F (1, 14.10) = 8.94, p < .05). A follow-up test demonstrates a significant progress on the overall team performance from week1 to week 8, p > 0.001. TBA appeared to be a useful medium for providing feedback at a first half interval of a competitive match for improving the performance of soccer players during the subsequent.
A Review of Maximizing Muscle Building Capabilities with Anabolic Enzymes
Authors: Agbons Elvis , Egbaidomeh Ohis
Published: July 2017

Building muscle at a rate faster than the human body would under normal circumstances is of great importance in skills and activities that require intense muscular effort. Although physical training stands as the backbone of muscle building, physiological variations make it an unfair yardstick in measuring individual efforts. Other methods of muscle building such as specialized nutrition and the use of digestive enzymes in breaking down proteins for quick absorption are also commonly used together with physical training. The use of anabolic substances however, has proved more successful than any of the aforementioned methods. Nevertheless, with it come ethical, legal and clinical issues especially in sports. In spite of this, athletes still find ways of circumventing test protocols which has been a major issue for the World Anti-Doping Agency .However, advancements in science have opened the doorway for anabolic enzymes which are the ultimate muscle growers to be more or less, directly manipulated. One method is gene doping which involves altering gene expressions. The future of muscle building lies on man’s ability to decisively alter the functioning of these enzymes directly.
Perkembangan motor kasar di kalangan murid orang asli berumur tujuh, lapan dan sembilan tahun di daerah Gua Gusang Kelantan
Authors: Ariff Asraff , Ibrahim Halijah
Published: July 2017

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti tahap perkembangan motor kasar kanak-kanak Orang asli yang berumur tujuh, lapan dan sembilan tahun serta membezakannya dengan menggunakan skala Gross Motor Development Quotient (GMDQ). Kajian ini berbentuk ex post facto yang melibatkan 120 orang subjek (L:67, P:53) yang berumur diantara tujuh, lapan dan sembilan tahun. Ujian perkembangan motor kasar Ulrich (2000) telah dijalankan untuk mengukur tahap perkembangan motor kasar murid-murid Orang Asli bagi kemahiran lokomotor dan manipulatif. Skor yang diperolehi ditranskripkan bagi mendapatkan skor GMDQ. Skor-skor ini dianalisis menggunakan perisian Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Versi 22.0 bagi membandingkan min pencapaian motor kasar murid-murid Orang Asli mengikut peringkat umur tujuh, lapan, dan sembilan tahun. Hasil dapatan menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan bagi GMDQ murid-murid Orang Asli berumur tujuh, lapan, dan sembilan tahun [F (2, 117) = 40.264, p< .05].  Bagi analisis Post Hoc Test, ketiga-tiga kumpulan umur murid-murid Orang Asli menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan bagi skor GMDQ (p < 0.05). Kajian menunjukan terdapat  perbezaan GMDQ mengikut peringkat umur. Perkembangan motor kasar murid-murid orang asli yang berumur tujuh tahun boleh dikatakan berada dalam perkembangan yang normal, manakala murid-murid orang asli yang berumur lapan, dan sembilan tahun mempunyai perkembangan motor yang lemah. Kata Kunci: Motor kasar, Orang asli, skor GMDQ
Application of the Psychological Continuum Model to understand customers’ involvement and satisfaction in a fitness center
Authors: Joseph Jacklyn , Yusof Aminuddin , Kim Geok Soh
Published: July 2017

This research examined how customers’ perceptions of service quality influence the degree of their involvement and psychological connection to a sport activity at a fitness center by applying the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM). Research instruments consisted of the PCM and SERVQUAL and administered to customers at a fitness centre in Malaysia (n = 248). In terms of sport involvement, the results showed most subjects are in the level of attachment. Results showed all dimensions of service quality have negative mean scores which mean customers are dissatisfied will all aspects of service quality at the fitness centre.  A one-way ANOVA showed differences in satisfaction with service quality based on the PCM level of involvement for tangible, reliability, responsiveness and empathy dimensions of service quality. Customers at the higher level of involvement (allegiance) reported less dissatisfaction with the tangible, responsiveness, empathy and reliability dimensions of service quality compared with those at the awareness level.
Using Wireless Pedometers to Measure Children’s Physical Activity: How Reliable is the Fitbit Zip?
Authors: Xu Tingting , Byker Erik Jon , Gonzales Monica Rae
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of wireless pedometers in measuring elementary school children’s physical activity. Activity measurement using a wireless pedometer Fitbit Zip was compared to activity measurement using Yamax Digital-Walker SW701 for a group of randomly selected 25 children in Grades 3, 4, and 5 (n =25).  Fitbit Zip wireless pedometers were found to have an appropriate degree (Nunnally & Bernstein, 1994) of accuracy and reliability compared to the Yamax SW701 pedometer.  The Fitbit Zip wireless pedometer collected more step counts than the Yamax SW701 pedometer; however, the difference was not statistically significant.  Participants reported that they preferred wearing the Fitbit Zip to the Yamax SW701 because the Fitbit Zip was more comfortable to wear and less likely to fall off. Participants also reported being more motivated to move while wearing the Fitbit Zip.
Comparison of two recurve archery techniques: A preliminary study
Authors: Ghafar Rosniwati , Jiun Sien Lau , Ariffin Mohd Asri , Mohamed Mardhiah , Mat Zain Mohd Hafezi
Published: July 2017

Interest in archery is growing nowadays in Malaysia. Archery is preferred because it can be considered a static sport (Hafiz & Daliya, 2010). It is easy to learn archery but very difficult to master the techniques in archery (Lee & Benner, 2009). We even made good progress during SEA games in 1997, others already more advanced than us, especially in developing a good technique in archery. One of the best techniques already introduced by Kisik Lee for recurve archery (Villasor, no date). The objective of this research was to compare the similarities and differences between Kisik Lee’s technique and the elite’s technique. An elite archer from Kelantan state archer volunteered to be a subject for this study. A passive marker was used to detect the movement in each technique. The performance of the elite’s technique and Kisik Lee’s technique was captured using a 3D Qualysis motion analysis system. The performance evaluated after a short period of time was allocated for training and practicing the Kisik Lee’s technique. Statistical analysis was done in 11 steps of the technique during stance, posture and shoulder alignment using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Eight steps showed significant differences, while three steps showed no significant difference between the tested techniques.  Results showed that Kisik Lee’s method was different from the elite’s method.  We can also conclude that Kisik Lee’s method was suitable for the Malaysian athletes, since it showed an improvement in target grouping from the score sheet even after a short period of training time. Longer training time is needed to make perfect the Kisik Lee’s technique.
Ras/MAPK Modifier Loci Revealed by eQTL inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sterken Mark G , van Bemmelen van der Plaat Linda , Riksen Joost A G , Rodriguez Miriam , Schmid Tobias , Hajnal Alex , Kammenga Jan E , Snoek Basten L
Published: July 2017

The oncogenic Ras/MAPK pathway is evolutionarily conserved across metazoans. Yet, almost all our knowledge on this pathway comes from studies using single genetic backgrounds, whereas mutational effects can be highly background dependent. Therefore, we lack insight in the interplay between genetic backgrounds and the Ras/MAPK-signaling pathway. Here, we used a Caenorhabditis elegans RIL population containing a gain-of-function mutation in the Ras/MAPK-pathway gene let-60 and measured how gene expression regulation is affected by this mutation. We mapped eQTL and found that the majority (∼73%) of the 1516 detected cis-eQTL were not specific for the let-60 mutation, whereas most (∼76%) of the 898 detected trans-eQTL were associated with the let-60 mutation. We detected six eQTL trans-bands specific for the interaction between the genetic background and the mutation, one of which colocalized with the polymorphic Ras/MAPK modifier amx-2. Comparison between transgenic lines expressing allelic variants of amx-2 showed the involvement of amx-2 in 79% of the trans-eQTL for genes mapping to this trans-band. Together, our results have revealed hidden loci affecting Ras/MAPK signaling using sensitized backgrounds in C. elegans. These loci harbor putative polymorphic modifier genes that would not have been detected using mutant screens in single genetic backgrounds.
Genome-Wide SNP Discovery and Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Farmed Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) in Northeast China Using Double-Digest Restriction Site-Associated DNA Sequencing
Authors: Ba Hengxing , Jia Boyin , Wang Guiwu , Yang Yifeng , Kedem Gilead , Li Chunyi
Published: July 2017

Sika deer are an economically valuable species owing to their use in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly their velvet antlers. Sika deer in northeast China are mostly farmed in enclosure. Therefore, genetic management of farmed sika deer would benefit from detailed knowledge of their genetic diversity. In this study, we generated over 1.45 billion high-quality paired-end reads (288 Gbp) across 42 unrelated individuals using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). A total of 96,188 (29.63%) putative biallelic SNP loci were identified with an average sequencing depth of 23×. Based on the analysis, we found that the majority of the loci had a deficit of heterozygotes (FIS >0) and low values of Hobs, which could be due to inbreeding and Wahlund effects. We also developed a collection of high-quality SNP probes that will likely be useful in a variety of applications in genotyping for cervid species in the future.
Recombination-Driven Genome Evolution and Stability of Bacterial Species
Authors: Dixit Purushottam D , Pang Tin Yau , Maslov Sergei
Published: July 2017

While bacteria divide clonally, horizontal gene transfer followed by homologous recombination is now recognized as an important contributor to their evolution. However, the details of how the competition between clonality and recombination shapes genome diversity remains poorly understood. Using a computational model, we find two principal regimes in bacterial evolution and identify two composite parameters that dictate the evolutionary fate of bacterial species. In the divergent regime, characterized by either a low recombination frequency or strict barriers to recombination, cohesion due to recombination is not sufficient to overcome the mutational drift. As a consequence, the divergence between pairs of genomes in the population steadily increases in the course of their evolution. The species lacks genetic coherence with sexually isolated clonal subpopulations continuously formed and dissolved. In contrast, in the metastable regime, characterized by a high recombination frequency combined with low barriers to recombination, genomes continuously recombine with the rest of the population. The population remains genetically cohesive and temporally stable. Notably, the transition between these two regimes can be affected by relatively small changes in evolutionary parameters. Using the Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) data, we classify a number of bacterial species to be either the divergent or the metastable type. Generalizations of our framework to include selection, ecologically structured populations, and horizontal gene transfer of nonhomologous regions are discussed as well.
SID-1 Functions in Multiple Roles To Support Parental RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Eddie , Hunter Craig P
Published: July 2017

Systemic RNA interference (RNAi) in Caenorhbaditis elegans requires sid-1, sid-3, and sid-5. Injected, expressed, or ingested double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is transported between cells, enabling RNAi in most tissues, including the germline and progeny (parental RNAi). A recent report claims that parental RNAi also requires the yolk receptor rme-2. Here, we characterize the role of the sid genes and rme-2 in parental RNAi. We identify multiple independent paths for maternal dsRNA to reach embryos and initiate RNAi. We showed previously that maternal and embryonic sid-1 contribute independently to parental RNAi. Here we demonstrate a role for embryonic sid-5, but not sid-2 or sid-3 in parental RNAi. We also find that maternal rme-2 contributes to but is not required for parental RNAi. We determine that parental RNAi by feeding occurs nearly exclusively in adults. We also introduce 5-ethynyluridine to densely internally label dsRNA, avoiding complications associated with other labeling strategies such as inhibition of normal dsRNA trafficking and separation of label and RNA. Labeling shows that yolk and dsRNA do not colocalize following endocytosis, suggesting independent uptake, and, furthermore, dsRNA appears to rapidly progress through the RAB-7 endocytosis pathway independently of sid-1 activity. Our results support the premise that although sid-1 functions in multiple roles, it alone is central and absolutely required for inheritance of silencing RNAs.