bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shooting at a moving target: phase equilibria modelling of high‐temperature metamorphism
Authors: Guevara V. E. , Caddick M. J.
Published: January 2016

Thermodynamic modelling and calculation of P–T pseudosections are commonly employed for quantifying the P–T evolution of metamorphic rocks. A key assumption involved in interpreting a P–T pseudosection is that the bulk‐rock composition used is representative of the effective bulk composition (EBC) from which apparently equilibrated mineral assemblages grew. Choosing an EBC can be difficult in cases where the rock has evolved significantly throughout the P–T history and has become domainal for whatever reason (e.g. loss of fluid and/or melt), particularly at suprasolidus conditions. During partial melting, melt migration may not only change the bulk composition by melt loss but also may generate local variations due to the variable consumption/loss of melt from domain to domain to create volumes of rock that were once internally equilibrated in the presence of a grain boundary melt, but which departed from equilibrium as inter‐granular mobility was slowed by local reductions in melt volume. As well as careful consideration of an EBC, the results of thermodynamic modelling are highly dependent on the specific thermodynamic data set and solution models used, as updates to these data sets may lead to substantially different calculated phase equilibria. This contribution addresses: (1) how consideration of evolving EBCs at multiple scales of observation can be used to resolve the history of complex high‐grade rocks, and (2) how use of different thermodynamic data sets and a–x models (i.e. thermocalc ds5.5 v. ds6) can result in different interpretations of metamorphic evolution. This study investigates the evolution of a mineralogically heterogeneous and texturally complex hand sample of granulite from the Gruf Complex (Central Alps). At the hand‐specimen scale, an EBC can be identified and used to constrain the P–T conditions at which the ‘whole rock’ was last in mutual equilibrium, in the presence of intergranular melt that has subsequently been lost or consumed. Smaller macrodomains (~cm scale) and microdomains (~mm scale) can be identified that represent subsequent evolution during and after melt channelization and loss, and P–T pseudosections can be calculated for the compositions of these domains. Using this approach reveals that the sample experienced a clockwise P–T path marked by near‐isothermal decompression following attainment of peak UHT conditions (~960 °C, 8.5 kbar). The approach enables construction of a P–T history of a rock for which P–T pseudosections are otherwise difficult to interpret. Thermodynamic modelling using ds6 yields similar results to those stated above, but suggests: (1) near‐isothermal decompression occurred over a wider pressure range (~0.5 kbar v. 1.5 kbar), and (2) that not all microdomains record this part of the P–T evolution.
Melatonin relieves neuropathic allodynia through spinal MT2‐enhanced PP2Ac and downstream HDAC4 shuttling‐dependent epigenetic modification of hmgb1 transcription
Authors: Lin Tzer‐Bin , Hsieh Ming‐Chun , Lai Cheng‐Yuan , Cheng Jen‐Kun , Wang Hsueh‐Hsiao , Chau Yat‐Pang , Chen Gin‐Den , Peng Hsien‐Yu
Published: January 2016

Melatonin (MLT; N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) exhibits analgesic properties in chronic pain conditions. While researches linking MLT to epigenetic mechanisms have grown exponentially over recent years, very few studies have investigated the contribution of MLT‐associated epigenetic modification to pain states. Here, we report that together with behavioral allodynia, spinal nerve ligation (SNL) induced a decrease in the expression of catalytic subunit of phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) and enhanced histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) phosphorylation and cytoplasmic accumulation, which epigenetically alleviated HDAC4‐suppressed hmgb1 gene transcription, resulting in increased high‐mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression selectively in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of rats. Focal knock‐down of spinal PP2Ac expression also resulted in behavioral allodynia in association with similar protein expression as observed with SNL. Notably, intrathecal administration with MLT increased PP2Ac expression, HDAC4 dephosphorylation and nuclear accumulation, restored HDAC4‐mediated hmgb1 suppression and relieved SNL‐sensitized behavioral pain; these effects were all inhibited by spinal injection of 4P‐PDOT (a MT2 receptor antagonist, 30 minutes before MLT) and okadaic acid (OA, a PP2A inhibitor, 3 hr after MLT). Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which MLT ameliorates neuropathic allodynia via epigenetic modification. This MLT‐exhibited anti‐allodynia is mediated by MT2‐enhanced PP2Ac expression that couples PP2Ac with HDAC4 to induce HDAC4 dephosphorylation and nuclear import, herein increases HDAC4 binding to the promoter of hmgb1 gene and upregulates HMGB1 expression in dorsal horn neurons.
Melatonin inhibits MMP‐9 transactivation and renal cell carcinoma metastasis by suppressing Akt‐MAPKs pathway and NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity
Authors: Lin Yung‐Wei , Lee Liang‐Ming , Lee Wei‐Jiunn , Chu Chih‐Ying , Tan Peng , Yang Yi‐Chieh , Chen Wei‐Yu , Yang Shun‐Fa , Hsiao Michael , Chien Ming‐Hsien
Published: January 2016

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of all urological malignancies because of its potent metastasis potential. Melatonin exerts multiple tumor‐suppressing activities through antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and anti‐angiogenic actions and has been tested in clinical trials. However, the antimetastastic effect of melatonin and its underlying mechanism in RCC are unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that melatonin at the pharmacologic concentration (0.5–2 mm) considerably reduced the migration and invasion of RCC cells (Caki‐1 and Achn). Furthermore, we found that melatonin suppressed metastasis of Caki‐1 cells in spontaneous and experimental metastasis animal models. Mechanistic investigations revealed that melatonin transcriptionally inhibited MMP‐9 by reducing p65‐ and p52‐DNA‐binding activities. Moreover, the Akt‐mediated JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were involved in melatonin‐regulated MMP‐9 transactivation and cell motility. Clinical samples revealed an inverse correlation between melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and MMP‐9 expression in normal kidney and RCC tissues. In addition, a higher survival rate was found in MTNR1Ahigh/MMP‐9low patients than in MTNR1Alow/MMP‐9high patients. Overall, our results provide new insights into the role of melatonin‐induced molecular regulation in suppressing RCC metastasis and suggest that melatonin has potential therapeutic applications for metastastic RCC.
Evidence‐Based Practices: Applications of Concrete Representational Abstract Framework across Math Concepts for Students with Mathematics Disabilities
Authors: Agrawal Jugnu , Morin Lisa L.
Published: January 2016

Students with mathematics disabilities (MD) experience difficulties with both conceptual and procedural knowledge of different math concepts across grade levels. Research shows that concrete representational abstract framework of instruction helps to bridge this gap for students with MD. In this article, we provide an overview of this strategy embedded within the explicit instruction framework. We highlight effective practices for each component of the framework across different mathematical strands. Implications for practice are also discussed and a detailed case study is provided.
Urinary heme oxygenase‐1 as a potential biomarker for early diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Xu Yuliang , Liu Xianghua , Nie Yali , Zhao Zhanzheng
Published: January 2016

Background

Our previous study showed that increases of urinary heme oxygenase‐1 (uHO‐1) could be a potential biomarker indicating evaluating intrarenal oxidative damage in obstructive nephropathy. Activation of oxidative stress is an important mediator of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical implications of uHO‐1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Eighty‐four type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (n=28), microalbuminuria (n=28), and macroalbuminuria (n=28) were included in this study. Control samples were collected from healthy volunteers (n=28) who had normal albuminuria and renal function. Urine HO‐1 levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Urinary HO‐1/creatinine (cr.) levels were significantly elevated in diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria compared to those in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (P<0.001) and control subjects (all P<0.001). In diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria, uHO‐1/cr. levels were also higher than those in controls (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that uHO‐1/cr. levels were positively correlated to urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and inversely correlated to glomerular filtration rate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of uHO‐1/cr. levels for early diagnosis and detection of DN revealed that the cut‐off value of uHO‐1/cr. was 4.59 ng/mg (sensitivity 75%, specificity 78.6%).

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that increases of urine HO‐1 levels can be detected in patients with type 2 diabetes before the onset of significant albuminuria, and associated with renal derangement in patients with established diabetic nephropathy. Urinary HO‐1 may be used as an early biomarker for diabetic renal injury.
Against Second‐Order Reasons*
Authors: Whiting Daniel
Published: January 2016

A normative reason for a person to φ is a consideration which favours φing. A motivating reason is a reason for which or on the basis of which a person φs. This paper explores a connection between normative and motivating reasons. More specifically, it explores the idea that there are second‐order normative reasons (not) to φ for or on the basis of certain first‐order normative reasons. In this paper, I challenge the view that there are second‐order reasons so understood. I then show that prominent views in contemporary epistemology are committed to the existence of second‐order reasons, specifically, views about the epistemic norms governing practical reasoning and about the role of higher‐order evidence. If there are no second‐order reasons, those views are mistaken.
Production of interleukins 4 and 10 in children with hepatic involvement in the course of Toxocara spp. infection
Authors: Mazur‐Melewska K. , Figlerowicz M. , Cwalińska A. , Mikoś H. , Jończyk‐Potoczna K. , Lewandowska‐Stachowiak M. , Służewski W.
Published: January 2016

Toxocara spp. infestations present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, from general inflammation of internal organs with eosinophilic granuloma formulation through ocular or brain involvement. There is also an asymptomatic form. The known factors that influence the clinical form of the disease are the intensity of the infestation, the localization of the larvae, the age of the patient, the efficiency of the immune system and the history of reinfection. The aim of our study was to evaluate the production of interleukins 4 (IL‐4) and 10 (IL‐10) in children in the course of Toxocara spp. infections with hepatic involvement. The analysis of peripheral leucocytes, eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and IL‐4 and IL‐10 concentrations presented significantly higher values in children with radiologically confirmed liver granuloma than in uncomplicated hepatomegaly. Based on statistical analysis, we confirmed the IL‐4/IL‐10 ratio variation in the analysed groups: patients with liver lesions showed a ratio of <1, while children without granulomas had a ratio of >2. The relevant analysis confirmed a positive statistical correlation in both seropositive groups for IgE and IL‐4, and only in the granuloma group for IgE and IL‐10.
Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment of Large Dams in the Euphrates–Tigris Region: An Analysis of International Law Binding Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey
Authors: Bremer Nicolas C.
Published: January 2016

The Euphrates–Tigris river system is among the most intensely developed freshwater resources worldwide. At the centre of its development are large‐scale dams supplying extensive irrigation schemes and hydroelectric power plants, which substantially impact the river system's dynamic and water quality. Due to the international dimension of the utilization of cross‐border freshwater systems, the impacts of the freshwater developments of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey can only be effectively addressed by environmental impact assessment (EIA), which takes into account transboundary effects. Since domestic EIA regulations of the Euphrates–Tigris riparian States pay little attention to transboundary effects, and no treaty would commit them to transboundary EIA in respect to the river system, such a requirement may only derive from customary international law. This article will show to what extent transboundary EIA is required by customary international law and how far these provisions bind the Euphrates–Tigris riparian States.
Geo‐questionnaire: A Method and Tool for Public Preference Elicitation in Land Use Planning
Authors: Jankowski Piotr , Czepkiewicz Michał , Młodkowski Marek , Zwoliński Zbigniew
Published: January 2016

Geo‐questionnaire involves an integration of sketchable maps with questions, aimed at eliciting public preferences and attitudes about land allocation and services. Respondents can link their answers with corresponding locations on a map by marking points or sketching polygon features. Geo‐questionnaires have been used to learn about perceptions and preferences of city residents for specific types of land use, place‐based services, and development projects. This article reports on results of an empirical study, in which an online geo‐questionnaire was designed and implemented to elicit preferences of residents in guiding an urban development plan. Preferences collected in the form of polygon sketches were processed using GIS operations and mapped for visual interpretation. The article focuses on aggregation and analysis of respondent preferences including the analysis of positional and attribute uncertainty. Results of the study show that geo‐questionnaire is a scalable method for eliciting public preferences with a potential for meaningfully informing land use planning.
Surgical Navigation Improves the Precision and Accuracy of Tibial Component Alignment in Canine Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Peters Kaleigh M. , Hutter Erin , Siston Robert A. , Bertran Judith , Allen Matthew J.
Published: January 2016

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine whether computer‐assisted surgical navigation improves the accuracy of tibial component alignment in canine total knee replacement (TKR).

Study Design

Retrospective radiographic review and prospective ex vivo study.

Sample Population

Canine TKR radiographs (n = 17 sets) and canine cadaveric stifles (n = 12).

Methods

Radiographs from TKR surgical workshops were reviewed to determine the incidence and magnitude of tibial component malalignment. Tibial component alignment was compared after either standard (“surgeon‐guided”) component placement or computer‐assisted (“navigation‐guided”) placement. Results were compared against the current recommendations of a neutral (0° varus–valgus) ostectomy in the frontal plane and 6° of caudal slope in the sagittal plane. A prospective cadaveric study was then undertaken by performing TKR in 12 canine stifle joints.

Results

Malalignment of >3° in the frontal and sagittal planes was identified in 12% and 24% of the radiographs from the retrospective review, respectively. Surgical navigation reduced both the mean error (P = .007) and the variability in frontal plane alignment (P < .001) as compared with surgeon‐guided procedures. The mean error in sagittal plane alignment was not significantly different (P = .321), but variability in alignment was significantly lower when navigation was used (P = .008).

Conclusion

Surgical navigation significantly improved accuracy and decreased variability in tibial component alignment in canine TKR. Clinical trials would be required to determine whether these improvements in surgical accuracy lead to better clinical outcomes in terms of joint function and a reduction in long‐term implant wear.
The Effect of Intravenous Regional Perfusion of the Distal Limb With Amikacin Sulfate on Wounds Healing by Second Intention in Horses
Authors: Edwards‐Milewski Margaux L. , Morello Samantha L. , Zhao Qianqian , Mattan‐Bell Cynthia
Published: January 2016

Objective

To compare the gross and histological effects of intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) using amikacin sulfate on second intention healing of distal limb wounds in adult horses with healing in untreated wounds.

Study Design

In vivo experimental study.

Animals

Adult horses (n = 7).

Methods

Two full thickness wounds (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were created aseptically on the dorsal aspect of each metacarpus and maintained under sterile bandages. One forelimb was randomly selected from each horse for IVRLP on days 2, 3, and 4 post‐wounding. Sequential biopsies were taken from 1 wound on each limb to evaluate the histological effects of IVRLP. Photographs were obtained of nonbiopsied wounds from days 2 to 62 for gross assessment and wound measurement. Wound size and contraction, healing rate during and immediately after IVRLP treatment, total healing rate, and histological scores for edema, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltrate, and fibrovascular proliferation were compared.

Results

No differences were observed between groups for wound size, wound contraction, healing rates during or after IVRLP treatment periods, or total healing rate. Wound size over time was larger in the IVRLP group compared with the control group; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Mononuclear cell infiltration was greater in the IVRLP group compared with controls. No differences were observed for other histological variables. All wounds healed without the formation of exuberant granulation tissue.

Conclusion

Treatment for 3 consecutive days with IVRLP using amikacin sulfate did not negatively affect surgical wounds healing by second intention in the distal limb of horses.
THE IMPACT OF REACTOR HEIGHT/DIAMETER (H/D) RATIO ON AEROBIC GRANULAR SLUDGE (AGS) FORMATION IN SEWAGE
Authors: Awang Nik Azimatolakma , Shaaban Md. Ghazaly
Published: January 2016

Until now, the development of aerobic granules sludge (AGS) has been extensively reported using sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with reactor height/diameter (H/D) ratio of over 10. This is because the formation process of aerobic granules itself is depending upon the flowing trajectory inside reactor indulge by reactor height and superficial air velocity (SUAV). Thus, this study aims to determine effect of reactor H/D ratio on performance of AGS develop in two SBRS with equal working volume and organic loading rate (OLR). The two SBRs namely as SBR1 and SBR2 had a difference in reactor H/D ratio of 11.3 and 4.4, respectively. At an aeration rate of 4 L/min,  SUAV for SBR1 was two time higher than in SBR2, which were 1.33 cm/s and 0.7 cm/s, respectively. Thus, the SBR2 configuration condition seems unfavorable for development of compact aerobic granules. However, it was found that aerobic granules can be developed in both SBRs at an OLR as low as 0.12 kg CODs/m3 d and up to 0.49 kg CODs/m3 d. Mature aerobic granules were successfully developed after 49 and 89 days of formation, for Batch1 AGS and Batch2 AGS, respectively. At stable conditions, the highest CODs removal and SS effluent for Batch1 AGS and Batch2 AGS were more than 80% and below 26 mg/L, respectively. While effluent performance in both reactors was high, analysis on SVI30 indicated that SBR1 produced more sludge than SBR2. Compare to SBR1, at similar settling time of 15 min, SBR2 provide a short settling distance for biomass which was preferable in case of system breakdown due to shock OLR.
IAQ ASSESSMENT IN UPNM MEDICAL CENTER
Authors: Ahmad Khairunnisa , Sue Ping Chew
Published: January 2016

The number of cases involving human death has increased due to scattered virus in the air. This has become a major concern on air quality, especially indoor air quality. The chemical compounds found in the building have limited exchange of outdoor and indoor, which results in building of contaminants such as CO2 emitted by occupants activity in the building. The usage of air conditioner is unable to removes pathogens because its only circulates in air within the area. Medical Centre has a very high potential to centralize the patient with diseases related to health problems such as asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular related-diseases. This study is conducted at medical centre of NDUM, in Kuala Lumpur. The number of patients admitted was compared to the level of CO2, temperature and relative humidity in the Medical Centre. The outdoor air index is collected from DOE Malaysia. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is used in this system as it can collect and disseminate the environmental data. Zigbee with 2.4GHz band is used as the wireless standard for the measurement. Sensors were attached to several points at the wall of the waiting room and were controlled by the PC module. Lab View is used to manage the data acquisition due to its ability to program a real-time system. The collected data of temperature, relative humidity and level of C02 determined the indoor air quality in the medical centre. This study brought to the assessment on the medical practice and the air quality that met the standard suggested by ASHRAE.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LIGHTING CONDITIONS ON FEEDING ACTIVITY AND EYE ADAPTATION OF POST LARVAE PENAEUS VANNAMEI
Authors: Sanudin Noorsyarinah , Tuzan Audrey Daning , Kawamura Gunzo , Kian Yong Annita Seok
Published: January 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of light and dark conditions on feeding activity and eye adaptations of post larvae (PL5, PL10, PL20 and PL30) Penaeus vannamei fed with frozen Artemia. Shrimp PL were placed individually in beakers and after acclimatization under the light or dark condition, PL were left to ingest known number of Artemia for 30 minutes. Thereafter, each PL was subsequently anesthetized by putting an ice cube into the beakers followed by adding few drops of paraformaldehyde. The results showed that the PL5 ingested significantly more frozen Artemia under light condition compared to dark condition (P<0.05). The eye structures of PL5 comprises of crystalline cone, rhabdom and fasciculated zone. However, it was incomplete due to the lack of clear zone and no migration of the screening pigment granules was observed under light and dark conditions. On the contrary, the number of frozen Artemia ingested by the latter stages PL10, PL20 and PL30 showed no significant differences (P>0.05) under both light conditions and these PL have complete eye structures with define clear zone. The width of clear zone was found to increase proportionally with the growth of the PL. Besides that, the screening pigment granules were able to migrate under light and dark conditions. The ability of the PL10, PL20 and PL30 to ingest almost similar numbers of Artemia under light and dark conditions suggests that different lighting conditions did not affect the feeding activity of the PL and other sensory organs may play roles in detecting food, while PL5 need light to improve their feeding activity. Based on these results, we suggest that in aquaculture practice, during the rearing of early stage of PL (PL10) can be cultured under any light condition.
BONE SCAFFOLD GEOMETRICAL DESIGN AND MATERIAL SELECTION BY USING ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Authors: S. Maidin, , H.S. Loo, , M.R. Alkahari, , K.F Samat , S.H. Yahaya,
Published: January 2016

Bone scaffold is used to aid the regenerative of human organ tissues that caused by a bone fracture. Bone fracture is normally caused by the exertion of exceeding force to the bone that could not be borne or due to bone disease such as osteoporosis. Hence, the use of bone scaffold is needed to provide comfort to a patient and to slowly replace the metal plate for bone implants. Since there is demand in the market for an effective bone scaffold design, the objective of this research is to study the application of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and bone scaffold design in medical application as well as to compare the effectiveness of several materials for its application. Four design of bone scaffolds had been proposed and simulated for compression test and torsional test. A CAD software was used to design bone geometrical structure. In order to select the best bone scaffold design, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used as the method to assist in the selection process. Based on the comparative analysis of different design, it was found that Design 1 was the best design. This was mainly due to its geometrical feature that permits higher strength compared to the other geometrical structure of the design. Furthermore, this research compares three different types of materials, namely Alumina Bio-ceramic, Bio-active Glasses and Calcium Phosphate Bio-ceramic. The comparative analysis showed that the best material was Alumina Bio-ceramic. This material has the highest strength compared to other materials due to its capability to sustain the force exerted on it and hence fulfil the priority setting of choosing the material with the highest strength as the main criteria. However, this material is the most expensive material compared to other two materials.
CHARACTERIZATION OF COLLAGEN EXTRACT FROM THE SKINS OF COMMERCIAL FRESHWATER FISH
Authors: Aminudin Anida , Muhammad Shamsul , Hamdan Ruhil Hayati , Shaari Rumaizi , Mad Nordin Mariam Firdhaus , Ahmad Saufi Roselina , Jan Mei Soon
Published: January 2016

Collagen was documented as a difficult and expensive protein to quantify due to its insoluble. It is particularly since solubility is a key functional property in a variety of applications such as healthcare and cosmetic products. The main aim of this study was to extract the collagens from the skins of commercial freshwater fish such as red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and pangasius (Pangasius pangasius) together with characteristics defined for each type of collagen extraction. The extracted collagens were determined in their molecular weights by using SDS-PAGE and the structure of it was observed under SEM. The obtained molecular weight of all three commercial fish collagens is approximately >80kDa. The characteristics of each type of collagen were then defined by using appropriate analysis through this research.
PARTICIPATION RESTRICTION IN CANCER SURVIVORS:A CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL GAP QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors: Sapihis Musaropah , Yim Loh Siew , Roslani April Camilla , Chinna Karuthan
Published: January 2016

Cancer survivors have unmet needs of preexisting functional limitations but there is very limited knowledge of the participation in daily occupation.  The study aimed to translate and cross culturally-adapt, of the Occupational gap Questionnaire (OGQ) which measures restriction in daily life into Malay language. Second aimed is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of OGQ on 33 cancer survivors aged from 18 to 70 years old attending a community program between February to April 2014. A cross-sectional study and non-random sampling was conducted in two phases: 1) Translation and Cross-cultural adaptation that involved backward and forward translation of OGQ from English into Malay, and process of face and content validation that involved a several pre and post-test. 2) Construct validation and further validated of a Reflective Measurement Model of OGQ-M using Partial Least Square –Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. A five point Likert scale of (1:‘Very minimal participation’ to 5:‘Very High participation) was added and some items were simplified and modified.  The result showed good content validity index (CVI) value of 0.8 for new tool.   Intra-correlation coefficients (ICC) for all subscales was good in IADL (0.72 – 0.96 ) ;Leisure (0.44 - 1.00); Social ( 0.78 – 1.00) and Work (0.76 -0.78). Further purifying of 30 reflective OGQ-M’s items resulted in 19 items, due to the low loading of 11 items from the recommended value of 0.4.Adequate reliability, convergent and discriminant validity were established. The OGQ-M is psychometrically sound, culturally sensitive and user friendly. Therefore, the final OGQ-M can be used for measuring participation restrictions in daily life occupation among Malaysian cancer survivors, and helps enhance occupational therapy intervention for better quality of life.
CHARACTERIZATION OF NEST STRUCTURE AND FORAGING ACTIVITY OF STINGLESS BEE, GENIOTRIGONA THORACICA (HYMENOPETRA: APIDAE; MELIPONINI)
Authors: Mohd Saufi Nur Farisya , Thevan Kumara
Published: January 2016

Meliponiculture is the activity of stingless bee keeping, where the colony of stingless bees extracted from wild for the purpose of domestication. The study of stingless bee nest architecture of selected species brings benefit to this newly booming industry. Geniotrigona thoracica, is one of the largest stingless bee in Malaysia and has potential used in meliponiculture. The objectives of this study are to determine nest structure and growth, foraging activity and morphometry of worker bee. Colonies (n=3) of G. thoracica were used to study the nest structure and growth, foraging activity and morphometry of worker bee. Sampling was done for a period of one year from July 2013 until June 2014 for nest growth and foraging frequency. For morphometry study, worker bees were sampled from each nest Result showed external nest structure formed in brown mount shape and the internal nest formed by three components, horizontal brood combs that surround with honey pots and pollen pots. The nest dynamics of G. thoracica changes according to the season. The peak time foraging frequency of G. thoracica was in between 1000 hrs until 1200 hrs.  From morphometry study of worker bee, result for flight cost and aggressive cost were 8.48 ± 0.440 and 0.06 ± 0.004 respectively.
POLYCYCLIC PRESENTATIONS OF THE TORSION FREE SPACE GROUP WITH QUATERNION POINT GROUP OF ORDER EIGHT
Authors: Mohammad Siti Afiqah , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Mat Hassim Hazzirah Izzati
Published: January 2016

A space group of a crystal describes its symmetrical properties. Many mathematical approaches have been explored to study these properties. One of the properties is on exploration of the nonabelian tensor square of the group. Determining the polycyclic presentation of the group before computing the nonabelian tensor square is the method used in this research. Therefore, this research focuses on computing the polycyclic presentations of the torsion free space group named Bieberbach group with a quaternion point group of order eight.
THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES ON SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Hami Norsiah , Muhamad Mohd Razali , Ebrahim Zuhriah
Published: January 2016

This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of sustainable manufacturing practices (SMP) on sustainability performance (SP) among manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Drawing from the theoretical lenses of stakeholder theory, the present study advocates the three pillars of sustainability, encompassing economic, environmental, and social sustainability, in measuring firm performance. Using PLS-SEM approach, the survey data collected from 150 firms were analyzed. The findings reveal that both underlying variables of SMP, internal SMP and external SMP, have positive and significant impact on environmental and social sustainability. Surprisingly, while internal SMP proof the significant positive influence on economic sustainability, external SMP failed to do so. Theoretically, the study contributes to the sustainable manufacturing literature by demonstrating the relationship between SMP and sustainability performance (SP). Practically, the study is beneficial for practitioners in understanding the diverse aspects of SMP and SP, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of their current SMP, and provides a guideline in improving their performance.
POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES (PHAs) FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS: BIOTRANSFORMATION OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT (POME) TO VALUE-ADDED POLYMERS
Authors: Zubairi Saiful Irwan , Mantalaris Athanasios , Bismarck Alexander , Aizad Syazwan
Published: January 2016

The study of cancer cell has been hindered by the lack of appropriate ex vivo models, which can mimic this microenvironment. It is hypothesized that the fabrication of porous 3-D scaffolds for the biomimetics growth of cancer cells ex vivo could facilitate the study of the disease in its native 3-D niche. For that reason, biomaterials are used for fabrication of 3-D scaffold, in general, may be natural polymers such as proteins, collagens and gelatin, or synthetic biopolymers. Among the various available biodegradable polymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have gained significant interest as one of the value-added materials which can be synthesized from abundantly available source of palm oil mill effluent (POME). Down the group of the PHA, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and copolymerizing this PHB that produced PHBVs; these two polymers have the most prevalent polymer used for scaffolds fabrication. A physico-chemical and biological modification has developed to improve wetting, adhesion, and printing of polymer surfaces, generally by introducing a variety of polar groups. These techniques must be tailored to introduce a specific functional group when the surface modification is a precursor to attach a bioactive compound. There are a few methods in order to fabricate porous 3-D scaffolds such as solvent casting, particulate leaching, thermally induced phase separation, gas forming, fiber bonding, electrospinning and also solid free form method. A review of the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) for tissue engineering applications is presented, beginning with the basic naturally derived polymerization of PHAs, biotransformation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) to the value-added polymers, novel methods of scaffold fabrication capabilities and its physico-chemical and biological surface modifications to increase cell-biomaterial affinity.
ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING SYSTEM AND CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM USING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING
Authors: Faghirinejadfard Amir , Mahdiyar Amir , Marsono Abdul Kadir , Mohandes Saeed Reza , Omrany Hossein , Tabatabaee Sanaz , Tap Masine Md
Published: January 2016

The new construction method known as Industrialized Building System (IBS) offers several benefits compared to the Conventional Building System (CBS); however, IBS is perceived by most of the practitioners to be an expensive method for being utilized in construction industry. Whilst relatively numerous studies have been carried out on the subject of IBS and CBS methods, there has not been any exploiting building information modeling (BIM) as a useful tool to calculate quantities, time, and cost needed to construct building with each of the two aforementioned methods. The aim of this paper is to calculate cost of two similar buildings (one is constructed with IBS method and other one with CBS method) and compare them in terms of economy based on a chosen case study and same initial investment. To this end, the construction cost of buildings is calculated using BIM software, namely Revit Architecture and Navisworks Manage for modeling the chosen case study and estimating construction cost, respectively. The findings indicated that IBS was not economic in low investment of company; however, with investment on more than 100 units of IBS, this method was shown more economical compared to CBS method. In addition, the initial investment on IBS method could be returned when more than 200 units of IBS were implemented in the projects.
MODELLING OF TWO STAGES DNA SPLICING LANGUAGES ON DE BRUIJN GRAPH
Authors: Mudaber Mohammad Hassan , Yusof Yuhani , Mohamad Mohd Sham , Ramli Aizi Nor Mazila , Lim Wen Li
Published: January 2016

Finding the sequence of the genome from its compositions as well as a mathematical graph is the most interesting topic in a field of DNA molecular.  Since lack of technology is the big obstacle that biologists are facing to read a long sequence of the genome from beginning up to the end, therefore finding the compositions of the genome having very long sequence and also its description via de Bruijn graph is challenging or even impossible.  In this paper, Yusof-Goode (Y-G) approach is used to generate the DNA splicing languages based on cutting sites of initial strings (one or two cutting sites) and crossing and contexts factors of restriction enzymes. The two short sequences of DNA (8bp) and two restriction enzymes are considered to create a connection between mathematics and DNA molecular.   This relation will be presented as de Bruijn graph so that every edge of the de Bruijn graph gives a k-mer composition of DNA molecule and also each path of the de Bruijn graph gives a DNA sequence and vice-versa. Besides, the persistency and permanency of two stages DNA splicing languages can be predicted using this model.
MULTIPLE DRIVING FORCES OF PADDY LAND CONVERSION: A LESSON FROM MALAYSIA’S RICE BOWL STATE
Authors: Azizan Muhammad Uzair , Hussin Khadijah
Published: January 2016

Land is an important but finite natural resource, crucial for numerous human activities such as for settlement, transportation, forestry, agriculture, animal husbandry, industry and recreation. Land can be seen as parallel to economic growth. With a rapid growth in development and urbanisation, there is an increase need for land and for that paddy land face with the paradox of allocation for agricultural and non-agricultural sector. The allocation of land for optimal agricultural use has become a paramount issue. This paper tries to analyse the revolution of paddy land in Kedah, what drives the conversion that resulted it, so that preservation mechanism on paddy land can be outlined in the future.
THE NONABELIAN TENSOR SQUARE OF A BIEBERBACH GROUP WITH SYMMETRIC POINT GROUP OF ORDER SIX
Authors: Yee Ting Tan , Mohd. Idrus Nor'ashiqin , Masri Rohaidah , Wan Mohd Fauzi Wan Nor Farhana , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Mat Hassim Hazzirah Izzati
Published: January 2016

Bieberbach groups are torsion free crystallographic groups. In this paper, our focus is given on the Bieberbach groups with symmetric point group of order six. The nonabelian tensor square of a group is a well known homological functor which can reveal the properties of a group. With the method developed for polycyclic groups, the nonabelian tensor square of one of the Bieberbach groups of dimension four with symmetric point group of order six is computed. The nonabelian tensor square of this group is found to be not abelian and its presentation is constructed.
PVDF MEMBRANE FOR OIL-IN-WATER SEPARATION VIA CROSS-FLOW ULTRAFILTRATION PROCESS
Authors: Moslehyani A. , Mobaraki M. , Ismail A. F. , Othman M. H. D. , Mayahi A. , Shamsaei E. , Abdullah M. S. , Razis M.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of ultrafiltration polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) membrane for oil-in-water separator. PVDF polymeric matrix membrane is excellent in term of chemical and thermal stabilities, which make it very promising to be used as a membrane matrix for water separation. However, poor hydrophilic property of the PVDF has led to the severe fouling during operation. Thus, current work was performed to investigate the effect of incorporation of two additives i.e. polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in PVDF-TiO2 membrane, which fabricated using dry/wet phase inversion technique. Membranes characterizations were performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle and UV-vis spectrophotometer. Accordingly, modified PVDF membrane possessed good hydrophilicity property when the additives were added into PVDF-TiO2 membrane matrix. In term of filtration performance, the experimental results showed that oil rejection using PVDF-TiO2/PVP membrane were ~99.7%, which met the requirement for discharge. On the other hand, PVDF-TiO2/PEG membrane was shown more enhancement in terms of permeate flux by given over 64 (L/m2h) at pressure of 2 bar gauge.
INTEL GALILEO BASED HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Bee Bee Koay , Shi Hao Pang , Jiunn Woei Loke , Omar Mohd Adib
Published: January 2016

Several home automation systems have been rapidly introduced in the recent years. However, the consumer adoption of home automation systems has been immensely slow. Moreover, most home automation systems available in the market are designed for western countries and do not have certain features that are crucial for consumers in tropical countries like Malaysia. Therefore, this paper identifies the possible criteria for this slow adoption and evaluates the potential of Intel Galileo for addressing these problems. Four popular home automation technologies are analysed and surveys are conducted to identify the needs of electricity and water consumers in Malaysia. A low cost, secure, user-friendly, easily installed and flexible Intel Galileo based home automation system that caters the needs of Malaysians is presented. The system is integrated with an Android application and uses a Wi-Fi network. To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system, the design and prototype implementation of a basic home automation system based on the Intel Galileo is developed and evaluated based on several tests and interviews. The proposed system can be used as a reference to increase consumer adoption of home automation systems in tropical countries.
ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTITYROSINASE ACTIVITIES OF PIPER MAINGAYI HK. ESSENTIAL OILS
Authors: Hashim Nur Athirah , Ahmad Farediah , Susanti Deny
Published: January 2016

The study was aimed to investigate the chemical components of stem and fruit volatile oils of Piper. maingayi Hk. with their antioxidant and antityrosinase activities. GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils obtained from the fresh stem and fruit of P. maingayi Hk. resulted in the identification of 34 and 18 components accounting for 83.6% and 78.7% of the total amount, respectively. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the most highly represented classes as the former ranging from 64.7% to 70.7%, and the latter varying from 7.4% to 8.6%. The main constituents of the stem oil were: β-caryophyllene (26.2%), a-cedrene (8.4%), caryophyllene oxide (6.7%) and cis-calamenene (6.2%), while the fruit oil was dominated by δ-cadinene (22.6%), β-caryophyllene (18.8%), a-copaene (11.2%) and a-cadinol (7.1%). The stem and fruit of P. maingayi oils showed significant value for antioxidant and antityrosinase activities.
What can ToF-SIMS do for wood-polymer composite analysis? A first investigation
Authors: Stroka Jesse R. , Goacher Robyn E.
Published: January 2016

The potential of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is explored as a unique analytical tool to complement current analyses in wood polymer composites (WPC) research. ToF-SIMS is examined due to its chemical imaging abilities with both high spatial resolution for imaging and high depth resolution going from the surface into the bulk of the material, as well as its low detection limits. The ToF-SIMS method is introduced and preliminary data are discussed, demonstrating ToF-SIMS analyses of commercial WPCs before and after weathering. Controlled weathering exposed samples to rain, ultraviolet radiation, and freeze-thaw cycles, both alone and in combination. The surfaces of the samples were analyzed using ToF-SIMS at five different stages of the weathering process. Topography was also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and the durability of the samples was measured at the end of weathering using three-point flexural strength testing. Analysis of the ToF-SIMS spectra using multivariate statistical methods demonstrated that ToF-SIMS distinguished samples that underwent various weathering conditions. ToF-SIMS images of WPC samples illustrated the spatial heterogeneity of the chemical components detected, and assisted with understanding changes observed in comparisons of the mass spectra. A depth profile indicated that some of the nitrogen-containing species observed in the spectra of the WPC were isolated to the surface of the sample. Throughout the discussion of this first analysis of WPC with ToF-SIMS, a focus is placed on the opportunities that exist for ToF-SIMS analysis of WPCs, along with the challenges that will need to be overcome for reliable interpretation of future data.
The Effect of Arm and Body Position on Respiratory Ventilation in High School Athletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Skaggs Jamie R. , LaGuardia Elizabeth R. A. , Sini Milo , Wren Tishya A.L. , Woon Regina P. , Skaggs David L.
Published: January 2016

Context:

A commonly encountered clinical scenario in athletic training is determining what body position is best for pulmonary recovery after strenuous training. Coaches often advise athletes to put their hands behind their heads following rigorous training, but this practice has no scientific support.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to determine how arm and body position affects ventilation in high school athletes. Our hypothesis is that a position in which the athlete is bent forward with the hands on the knees maximizes ventilation.

Design:

Case series.

Methods:

Seventeen healthy members of a high school track team, 8 females and 9 males with a mean age of 16.3 years (range: 14.6–18.5 years), performed a maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) test using a portable spirometer in three different positions: standing with (1) hands behind the head, (2) arms at the sides, and (3) leaning forward with hands resting on the knees.

Results:

The MVV performed with hands on knees (120.2 ± 5.9 L/min) was significantly higher than the MVV performed with hands at sides (109.3 ± 7.0 L/min; p = .004) and with hands behind head (114.1 ± 5.9 L/min; p = .03). The MVV performed with hands behind head and with arms at side did not differ significantly (p = .20).

Conclusions:

This is the first study examining the best body position to maximize ventilation in athletes. Leaning forward and placing the hands on the knees led to a significantly greater MVV compared with standing with the arms at the side and standing with the hands behind the head.