bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Steam Penetration and Sterilization of Natural Latex Wraps
Authors: Rossanese Matteo , Gasson James , Barker Colin , Bowlt Kelly
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of steam and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization of Vetrap™ bandages.

Study Design

Prospective experimental study.

Sample Population

Vetrap™ bandages (n = 70; 35 as supplied by the manufacturer, 35 unwound and tightly rewound).

Methods

Vetrap™ bandage rolls (n = 60) marked with a 1 cm square were inoculated with 0.1 mLGeobacillus stearothermophilusspores, packaged in a pouch together with independent sterilization indicators and assigned into 3 sub‐groups for sterilizer type: dynamic air removal, gravity displacement, and bench‐top pre‐vacuum and further sub‐divided into 2 sterilization temperatures. Vetrap™ bandages rolls (n = 10) were inoculated with 0.1 mLBacillus atrophaeusspores in the same manner and underwent EtO sterilization. After sterilization, the 1 cm marked square was aseptically resected to the level of the cardboard tube and enriched in a flask containing 10 mL tryptic soy broth for 24 hours at 60°C forG. stearothermophilusand 37°C forB. atrophaeus. Aliquots were subsequently plated on a Petri dish of tryptic soy agar and incubated at 60°C forG. stearothermophilusand 37°C forB. atrophaeusfor 24 hours. Samples were scored positive if colonies of indicator organism were present on the nutrient agar after 24 hours.

Results

Three Vetrap™ bandages yielded post‐sterilization growth ofG. stearothermophilus: 2 from the dynamic air removal sterilizer at 134°C for 3.5 minutes, and 1 from the bench‐top pre‐vacuum sterilizer at 121°C for 15 minutes. After EtO sterilization, no positive samples were detected.

Conclusions

Steam sterilization may be incomplete for Vetrap™ bandages whereas EtO showed complete destruction of resistant bacterial spores.
Accuracy of Tibial Osteotomy Placement Using 2 Different Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Jigs
Authors: Tan Christopher J. , Bergh Mary Sarah , Schembri Mark A. , Johnson Kenneth A.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To report the accuracy of osteotomy position in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and to evaluate the effect of 2 different TPLO jig and saw systems on tibial osteotomy position.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 124; 134 TPLO).

Methods

Medical records (2004–2005; 2008–2011) and stifle radiographs of 2 groups of dogs that had TPLO to treat cranial cruciate ligament disease were reviewed. One group had a TPLO performed using an alignment jig system alone (Slocum group), whilst in the other group, an alignment jig system combined with a saw guide (Synthes group) was used. Postoperative radiographs were examined and the distance and direction of the centroid of the osteotomy was compared to the intended osteotomy position.

Results

The absolute distance of eccentricity (DOE) in the Slocum group (5.6 ± 2.5 mm) was significantly greater than that of the Synthes group (3.4 ± 1.8 mm; P < .01). DOE was caudal and distal in 79% of cases.

Conclusions

Most tibial osteotomies were centered at a point distal and caudal to the intended osteotomy position. Use of a TPLO system with a saw guide was associated with more accurate placement of the osteotomy and more accurate leveling of the tibial plateau.
Finding one's place in someone else's place: The tentative encounter between newcomers and long‐time residents in rural Quebec
Authors: Guimond Laurie , Gilbert Anne , Simard Myriam
Published: March 2014

Lorsque les nouveaux ruraux rencontrent les résidents de longue date, surviennent des défis de cohabitation. D'une part, les premiers doivent « faire leur place » dans des milieux déjà habités, d'autre part, l'espace social des seconds est remodelé par l'arrivée des premiers. Dans ce contexte, cet article s'interroge sur la rencontre d'individus nouvellement installés avec les populations plus anciennes. Son matériel empirique consiste en des entrevues menées auprès de ces deux groupes dans deux municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) contrastées au Québec : Brome‐Missisquoi et Arthabaska. La méthode d'analyse est qualitative et l'approche est axée sur les représentations des populations rurales nouvelles et anciennes quant à ce qui les éloigne ou les rapproche l'une de l'autre. La contribution de l'article réside dans son analogie à la métaphore théâtrale de Goffman, en insistant toutefois sur le milieu géographique modulant la rencontre. Il en ressort que cette dernière est généralement timide, les rapports entre les nouveaux ruraux et les résidents de longue étant souvent superficiels et réservés à l'espace public.
The Effects of Public Reporting on Physical Restraints and Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Home Residents with Severe Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Konetzka R. Tamara , Brauner Daniel J. , Shega Joseph , Werner Rachel M.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To assess whether reductions in physical restraint use associated with quality reporting may have had the unintended consequence of increasing antipsychotic use in nursing home (NH) residents with severe cognitive impairment.

Design

Retrospective analysis of NH clinical assessment data from 1999 to 2008 comparing NHs subject to public reporting of physical restraints with nonreporting NHs.

Setting

Medicare‐ and Medicaid‐certified NHs in the United States.

Participants

Observations (N = 3.9 million) on 809,645 residents with severe cognitive impairment in 4,258 NHs in six states.

Intervention

Public reporting of physical restraint use rates.

Measurements

Use of physical restraints and antipsychotic medications.

Results

Physical restraint use declined significantly from 1999 to 2008 in NH residents with severe cognitive impairment. The decline was larger in NHs that were subject to reporting of restraints than in those that were not (–8.3 vs –3.3 percentage points, P < .001). Correspondingly, antipsychotic use in the same residents increased more in NHs that were subject to public reporting (4.5 vs 2.9 percentage points, P < .001). Approximately 36% of the increase in antipsychotic use may be attributable to public reporting of physical restraints.

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that public reporting of physical restraint use had the unintended consequence of increasing use of antipsychotics in NH residents with severe cognitive impairment.
Associations Between Urine Excretion of Isoflavonoids and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Isoflavone Soy Health Clinical Trial
Authors: John Jan A. St. , Henderson Victor W. , Hodis Howard N. , Kono Naoko , McCleary Carol A. , Franke Adrian A. , Mack Wendy J.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To determine effect of change in urine excretion of isoflavonoids on cognitive change.

Design

Post hoc analysis of isoflavonoid exposure (mean 2.7 years) during the randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind Women's Isoflavone Soy Health trial.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Healthy postmenopausal women (N = 350).

Intervention

Twenty‐five grams of isoflavone‐rich soy protein (91 mg of aglycone weight isoflavones: 52 mg genistein, 36 mg daidzein, 3 mg glycitein) or milk protein‐matched placebo provided daily.

Measurements

Overnight urine excretion, fasting plasma levels of isoflavonoids, and cognitive function measured at baseline and endpoint.

Results

Three hundred women (age: mean 61, range 45–92) completed both cognitive assessments and did not use hormone replacement therapy during the trial. Mean on‐trial change from baseline in urine excretion of isoflavonoids was not significantly associated with change in a composite score of global cognition (P = .39). Secondary analyses indicated that change in urine excretion of isoflavonoids was inversely associated with change in a factor score representing general intelligence (P = .02) but not with factor scores representing verbal or visual episodic memory. Mean differences in this general intelligence factor score between women in the lowest and highest quartiles of isoflavonoid change were equivalent to an approximate 4.4‐year age‐associated decline. Analyses based on plasma isoflavonoid levels yielded similar but attenuated results.

Conclusion

In healthy postmenopausal women, long‐term changes in isoflavonoids are not associated with global cognition, supporting clinical trial results, although greater isoflavonoid exposure from dietary supplements is associated with decrements in general intelligence but not memory; this finding requires confirmation in future studies.
Influence of the phase effect on gradient‐based and statistics‐based focus measures in bright field microscopy
Authors: SCHOELL S. , MUALLA F. , SOMMERFELDT B. , STEIDL S. , MAIER A. , BUCHHOLZ R. , HORNEGGER J.
Published: March 2014

Autofocusing is essential to high throughput microscopy and live cell imaging and requires reliable focus measures. Phase objects such as separated single Chinese hamster ovary cells are almost invisible at the optical focus position in bright field microscopy images. Because of the phase effect, defocused images of phase objects have more contrast. In this paper, we show that widely used focus measures exhibit an untypical behaviour for such images. In the case of homogeneous cells, that is, when most cells tend to lie in the same focal plane, both gradient‐based and statistics‐based focus measures tend to have a local minimum instead of a global maximum at the optical focus position. On the other hand, if images show inhomogeneous cells, gradient‐based focus measures tend to yield typical focus curves, whereas statistics‐based focus measures deliver curves similar to the case of homogeneous cells. These results were interpreted using the equation describing the phase effect and patch‐wise analysis of the focus curves.

Bioprocess engineering experts are also influenced by the phase effect. Forty‐four focus positions selected by them led to the conclusion that they prefer to look at defocused images instead of those at the optical focus.
Daily Patterns and Adaptation of the Ghrelin, Growth Hormone and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 System Under Daytime Food Synchronisation in Rats
Authors: Arellanes‐Licea E. del C. , Báez‐Ruiz A. , Carranza M. E. , Arámburo C. , Luna M. , Díaz‐Muñoz M.
Published: March 2014

Daytime restricted feeding promotes the re‐alignment of the food entrained oscillator (FEO). Endocrine cues which secretion is regulated by the transition of fasting and feeding cycles converge in the FEO. The present study aimed to investigate the ghrelin, growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 system because their release depends on rhythmic and nutritional factors, and the output from the system influences feeding and biochemical status. In a daily sampling approach, rats that were fed ad lib. were compared with rats on a reversed (daytime) and restricted feeding schedule by 3 weeks (dRF; food access for 2 h), also assessing the effect of acute fasting and refeeding. We undertook measurements of clock protein BMAL1 and performed somatometry of peripheral organs and determined the concentration of total, acylated and unacylated ghrelin, GH and IGF‐1 in both serum and in its main synthesising organs. During dRF, BMAL1 expression was synchronised to mealtime in hypophysis and liver; rats exhibited acute hyperphagia, stomach distension with a slow emptying, a phase shift in liver mass towards the dark period and decrease in mass perigonadal white adipose tissue. Total ghrelin secretion during the 24‐h period increased in the dRF group as a result of elevation of the unacylated form. By contrast, GH and IGF‐1 serum concentration fell, with a modification of GH daily pattern after mealtime. In the dRF group, ghrelin content in the stomach and pituitary GH content decreased, whereas hepatic IGF‐1 remained equal. The daily patterns and synthesis of these hormones had a rheostatic adaptation. The endocrine adaptive response elicited suggests that it may be associated with the regulation of metabolic, behavioural and physiological processes during the paradigm of daytime restricted feeding and associated FEO activity.
Three‐dimensional (3‐D) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of the fluorescent dissolved organic matter released by the marine toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella exposed to metal stress by zinc or lead
Authors: Herzi Faouzi , Jean Natacha , Sakka Hlaili Asma , Mounier Stéphane
Published: March 2014

We investigated the effects of zinc or lead on growth and on exudation of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) by the marine toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella (Whedon & Kofoid) Balech. The species was exposed to increasing free zinc (1.34 × 10−7 M–3.98 × 10−6 M) or lead (5.13 × 10−9 M–1.82 × 10−7 M) concentra‐tions. Low metal levels ([Zn2+] = 1.34 × 10−7 M; [Pb2+] = 5.13 × 10−9 M) had no effect on cell growth. Toxic effects were observed from higher metal contamination ([Zn2+] = 3.98 × 10−6 M; [Pb2+] = 6.54 × 10−8 M), as a conversion of vegetative cells into cysts. Analysis of the released FDOM by three‐dimensional (3‐D) fluorescence spectroscopy was achieved, using the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The PARAFAC modeling revealed four components associated with two contributions: one related to the biological activity; the other linked to the organic matter decomposition in the culture medium. The C1 component combined a tryptophan peak and characteristics of humic substances, whereas the C2 component was considered as a tryptophan protein fluorophore. The two others C3 and C4 components were associated with marine organic matter production. Relea‐sed fluorescent substances were induced by low ([Zn2+]= 1.34 × 10−7 M; [Pb2+] = 5.13 × 10−9 M) and moderate ([Zn2+] = 6.21 × 10−7 M; [Pb2+] = 2.64× 10−9 M) metal concentrations, suggesting the activation of cellular mechanisms in response to metal stress, to exudate FDOM that could complex metal cations and reduce their toxicity toward A. catenella cells.
Evaluating the feasibility of a parent‐briefing intervention in a pediatric acute care setting
Authors: LeGrow Karen , Hodnett Ellen , Stremler Robyn , Cohen Eyal
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a parent‐briefing intervention for parents of hospitalized children with complex healthcare needs.

Design and Methods

A phase I, single‐group, posttest study. There were 18 physicians, 25 nurses, and 31 parents who participated in the study. Participants were asked to sit while carrying out the briefings with parents. Parents and clinicians completed a feasibility questionnaire post briefings.

Results

Sixty‐eight briefings were carried out. Parents and nurses evaluated the briefings in a favorable manner, whereas physicians' ratings were mixed.

Practice Implications

Further inquiry is recommended to understand the effects of a structured communication intervention on parent–professional decision‐making practices.
Dignity and the capabilities approach in long‐term care for older people
Authors: Pirhonen Jari
Published: March 2014

The ageing populations of the Western world present a wide range of economic, social, and cultural implications, and given the challenges posed by deteriorating maintenance ratios, the scenario is somewhat worrying. In this paper, I investigate whether Martha C. Nussbaum's capabilities approach could secure dignity for older people in long‐term care, despite the per capita decreases in resources. My key research question asks, ‘What implications does Nussbaum's list of central human capabilities have for practical social care?’ My methodology combines Nussbaum's list with ethnographic data gathered from a Finnish sheltered home for older people. On the basis of this study, it seems that the capabilities approach is a plausible framework for the ethics of care because it highlights differences in the ability to function and thus differences in opportunities to pursue a good life. The ideas presented in this article could assist social policy planners and executives in creating policies and practices that help old people to maintain their dignity until the end of their days.
The Flypaper and Asymmetric Effects of Intergovernmental Grants to Quebec Municipalities
Authors: Mehiriz Kaddour , Marceau Richard
Published: March 2014

This study uses a panel fixed effect model to analyze the impact of intergovernmental grants on municipal spending in Quebec. The data from the 1,084 municipalities covering the period 2001–2007 are used for this purpose. The study shows that grants have flypaper and asymmetric effects and that the extent of these effects is sensitive to the type of grants and municipal expenditures. Furthermore, it suggests that conditional grants seem to be a more effective tool for changing the composition of the supply of municipal services whereas unconditional grants are more suitable to stimulate the level of provision of these services.
Tax Limitations and Revenue Shifting Strategies in Local Government
Authors: Blom‐Hansen Jens , Bækgaard Martin , Serritzlew Søren
Published: March 2014

The literature on tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) shows how limiting the freedom of local governments to levy taxes may have considerable unexpected effects. Entities subjected to such limitations may, as their proponents hope, react by cutting expenditures and revenue, but they may also strategically change their revenue structure and increase reliance on income sources not subjected to limitations. However, these findings are overwhelmingly based on studies of state and local governments in the United States. Their relevance outside this empirical setting remains unclear. A study of Denmark, where the central government imposed tax limitations on municipalities in 2009, makes two contributions. First, it probes the empirical domain of the U.S. findings. Second, it constitutes an empirical testing ground where endogeneity is not a pressing concern. In the United States, TELs are often self‐imposed either by local legislatures or by citizens through voter initiatives, which may bias the correlation between TELs and tax rates. We analyze a dataset of all Danish municipalities from 2007 to 2011 and demonstrate that TELs do indeed stop taxes from increasing but also confirm the findings from the TEL literature that entities subjected to tax limitations employ revenue‐shifting strategies. In Denmark, however, these strategies are contingent on the specifics of the Danish intergovernmental system, which render central government grants an attractive object of revenue‐shifting strategies. Our analysis thus helps identify the scope conditions of core findings within the literature.
New instrument for measuring multiple domains of social cognition: Construct validity of the Social Cognition Screening Questionnaire (Japanese version)
Authors: Kanie Ayako , Hagiya Kumiko , Ashida Sayaka , Pu Shenghong , Kaneko Koichi , Mogami Tamiko , Oshima Sachie , Motoya Maki , Niwa Shin‐ichi , Inagaki Akiko , Ikebuchi Emi , Kikuchi Akiko , Yamasaki Syudo , Iwata Kazuhiko , Roberts David L , Nakagome Kazuyuki
Published: March 2014

Aim

The present study aimed to test the construct validity and internal consistency of the Social Cognition Screening Questionnaire (SCSQ) (Japanese version).

Methods

We first tested whether the subscale scores and the total score of the SCSQ could discriminate patients with schizophrenia from normal controls. Next, we tested the internal consistency. Finally, we investigated the relation between the subscale scores and other measures of social cognition and social functioning that were presumed to correspond to the subscale's scores, including the Hinting Task, the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire (AIHQ), the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale and the Social Functioning Scale.

Results

The subscale scores and the total score appeared to show more robust between‐group differences than other measures of social cognition, such as the AIHQ and the Hinting Task. The total score distinguished the patients from normal controls with an area under the receiver–operator curve of 0.84, which indicated a high level of discrimination. The Cronbach's alpha for the four subscales was 0.72, which was considered acceptable. In terms of criterion‐related validity, theory of mind, metacognition and hostility bias subscale scores showed significant correlations with the Hinting Task, Beck Cognitive Insight Scale and AIHQ, respectively. Moreover, the theory of mind subscale score showed a significant correlation with four domain scores of the Social Functioning Scale. The present results indicated good construct validity and internal consistency of the SCSQ.

Conclusions

Although this is an interim report with a small sample size, the SCSQ holds promise as an efficient measure for social cognition.
Levels of Selection Are Artefacts of Different Fitness Temporal Measures
Authors: Bourrat Pierrick
Published: March 2014

In this paper I argue against the claim, recently put forward by some philosophers of biology and evolutionary biologists, that there can be two or more ontologically distinct levels of selection. I show by comparing the fitness of individuals with that of collectives of individuals in the same environment and over the same period of time – as required to decide if one or more levels of selection is acting in a population – that the selection of collectives is a by‐product of selection at the individual level; thus, talking about two or more levels of selection represents merely a different perspective on one and the same process.
Redox Control of Indoleamine 2,3‐Dioxygenase Expression and Activity in Human Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells is Independent of Changes in Oxygen Tension
Authors: Mattox M. L. , D'Angelo J. A. , Dickinson B. L.
Published: March 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) initiate adaptive immune responses to pathogens and tumours and maintain tolerance to self and innocuous antigens. These functions occur in organs and tissues exhibiting wide variations in nutrients, growth factors, redox and oxygen tension. Understanding how these microenvironmental factors influence DCs to affect immunological outcomes is of increasing relevance with the emerging success of DC‐based cellular vaccines. In a previous study, we examined whether redox, an important environmental cue, could influence DC expression of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO). IDO‐competent DCs promote long‐term immune homoeostasis by limiting exaggerated inflammatory responses and directing regulatory T‐cell effector function. To alter redox, we manipulated the activity of the cystine/glutamate antiporter, which functions to maintain intracellular and extracellular redox. The results of that study showed that redox perturbation strongly induced IDO expression and activity in DCs. While this study was performed using standard cell culture techniques with DCs cultured under 5% CO2 and 20% O2, it is clear that DCs capture and present antigens in inflamed tissues and secondary lymphoid organs which exhibit low oxygen tension (1–5% O2). Therefore, here we investigated whether oxygen tension influences DC expression of IDO in the context of homoeostatic and altered redox.
Polymorphisms in the Interleukin‐1 Gene Locus and Chronic Periodontitis in Patients with Atherosclerotic and Aortic Aneurysmal Vascular Diseases
Authors: Armingohar Z. , Jørgensen J. J. , Kristoffersen A. K. , Schenck K. , Dembic Z.
Published: March 2014

Chronic periodontitis (CP) and atherosclerotic and aortic aneurysmal vascular diseases (VD) are inflammatory conditions that share a number of predisposing factors. They have a complex genetic heritability and may share genetic risk factors, but a well‐defined relationship is still not determined. In addition, distinct genetic patterns of predisposition have been associated with these diseases. Here, we investigated the association of polymorphisms in the IL‐1 gene locus with CP in a case–case study analysing VD patients with or without CP. Seventy‐four patients with VD of whom 36 had CP were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL1A ‐889 (rs1800587), IL1B +3954 (rs1143634) and IL1B at −511 (rs16944) genes and for VNTR polymorphisms in the IL1RN gene. A significantly higher frequency (17%) for allele 1 (four repeats) of the IL1RN VNTR gene was found among the VD patients with CP compared to those without CP. In addition, the frequency of the IL1RN VNTR genotypes 1/1 (4/4 repeats) and 2/2 (2/2 repeats) were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in VD patients with CP. These findings suggest an association of genetic polymorphisms in the IL1‐gene locus with risk for CP in patients with VD. The carriage of the risk genotypes, the development and the subsequent influence of CP on systemic health may constitute an additional burden in the pathogenesis of VD. This emphasizes the importance of effective periodontal treatment in patients with VD.
Complement Activation and its Prognostic role in Post‐cardiac Arrest Patients
Authors: Jenei Z. M. , Zima E. , Csuka D. , Munthe‐Fog L. , Hein E. , Széplaki G. , Becker D. , Karádi I. , Prohászka Z. , Garred P. , Merkely B.
Published: March 2014

Cardiac arrest causes generalized ischaemia/hypoxia, and subsequent resuscitation inflicts reperfusion injury, the pathology of which is not fully understood. Moreover, predicting the prognosis of comatose, post‐cardiac arrest patients is a complex clinical challenge. We hypothesized that the extent of complement activation might be a reliable predictor of mortality in this population. Forty‐six comatose cardiac arrest patients were enrolled into our prospective cohort study, conducted in a tertiary care university clinic. All subjects were cooled to 32–34 °C body temperature for 24 h and then allowed to rewarm to normothermia. All patients underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. On admission, at 6 and 24 h, blood samples were taken from the arterial catheter. In these, complement products (C3a, C3, C4d, C4, SC5b9 and Bb) were measured by ELISA in blood samples. Patients were followed up for 30 days; 22 patients (47.8%) died by the end of this period. We observed that complement activation (determined as the C3a to C3 ratio) was higher in non‐survivors than in survivors at each time point. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the C3a/C3 ratio determined 24 h after the initiation of therapeutic hypothermia predicted 30‐day mortality regardless of age, sex and the APACHE II score. Complement activation occurs in post‐cardiac arrest patients, and its extent correlates with 30‐day survival. The C3a/C3 ratio might prove useful for estimating the prognosis of comatose post‐cardiac arrest patients.
Three new HLA‐B alleles determined by sequence‐based typing: B*15:222, B*15:247, B*27:92
Authors: Ducreux S. , Favre‐Victoire I. , Giannoli C. , Moskovtchenko P. , Dubois V.
Published: March 2014

We characterized three new HLA class I alleles: B*15:222, B*15:247 and B*27:92 found by routine typing.
An Evolutionary Perspective on Information Processing
Authors: Trimmer Peter C. , Houston Alasdair I.
Published: March 2014

Behavioral ecologists often assume that natural selection will produce organisms that make optimal decisions. In the context of information processing, this means that the behavior of animals will be consistent with models from fields such as signal detection theory and Bayesian decision theory. We discuss work that applies such models to animal behavior and use the case of Bayesian updating to make the distinction between a description of behavior at the level of optimal decisions and a mechanistic account of how decisions are made. The idea of ecological rationality is that natural selection shapes an animal's decision mechanisms to suit its environment. As a result, decision‐making mechanisms may not perform well outside the context in which they evolved. Although the assumption of ecological rationality is plausible, we argue that the exact nature of the relationship between ecology and cognitive mechanism may not be obvious.
Pembahagian Harta Pusaka Felda: Perspektif Masyarakat Islam Felda Taib Andak
Authors: Nor Muhamad Nasrul Hisyam , Mat Hussain Norazila
Published: March 2014

Umum mengetahui bahawa pembahagian harta pusaka FELDA mempunyai keunikan tersendiri dan berbeza dengan pembahagian harta pusaka biasa kerana tertakluk kepada Akta Tanah (Kawasan Penempatan Berkelompok) 1960. Artikel ini bertujuan mengkaji berkenaan isu-isu pembahagian harta pusaka masyarakat Islam di FELDA Taib Andak, Kulai Johor. Dalam kajian ini, penulis telah mendapatkan respons warga peneroka mengenai mekanisme pembahagian harta pusaka FELDA dan pandangan serta sikap mereka berkenaan pembahagian harta pusaka FELDA. Selain itu, pandangan daripada beberapa individu yang terlibat sama ada secara langsung atau tidak langsung berkaitan hal ehwal pusaka FELDA juga telah diambil. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kebanyakan warga peneroka memilih untuk melantik pentadbir sebagai mekanisme pembahagian harta pusaka FELDA berbanding memberi pemilikan terus kepada mana-mana waris yang dipersetujui bersama. Kajian juga mendapati bahawa sikap masyarakat peneroka mengenai penyelesaian pembahagian harta pusaka merupakan punca utama kepada berlakunya masalah pembahagian harta pusaka FELDA. Berdasarkan hasil dapatan kajian, penulis telah mengemukakan beberapa cadangan sebagai kaedah penyelesaian kepada isu-isu pembahagian harta pusaka warga peneroka FELDA.
Effect of Obstacle on Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) in Closed Pipe or Channel–An Overview
Authors: Sulaiman S. Z. , Kasmani R. M. , Mustafa A. , Mohsin R.
Published: March 2014

Due to complicated and rapid process, deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) becomes one of the major challenges in combustion theory where the exact mechanism is still poorly understood. Theoretically, the presence of obstacle may disturb flame propagation and hence make the DDT predictions more complex. Thus a comprehensive study is required to acknowledge DDT performance precisely. Lacking of information in literature causes the prediction of the transition period is still uncertain. In contrast, appropriate estimation of the DDT event is crucial for explosion safety. Thus, this present paper discusses the effect of obstacle on prediction transition deflagration to detonation event in pipeline system in order to apply an effective protection and safety systems to prevent and mitigate the gas explosion in industries. In addition the effect of bending on flame acceleration and explosion development would also be explored.
Zakat Distribution and Programme for Sustaining Muallaf Belief and Thought
Authors: Johari Fuadah , Ab. Aziz Muhammad Ridhwan , Ibrahim Mohd Faisol , Mohd Ali Ahmad Fahme
Published: March 2014

Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam that emphasises the socio-economic development. Any discussion on zakat in the context of worship cannot be disconnected from the socio-economic factor, especially in aiding the underprivileged.  The primary purpose of zakat is to redistribute wealth of the society among the poor. Zakat is not purely welfare-oriented that relies on the contribution of the giver but an obligation that must be carried out to qualified recipients. Therefore, it is pertinent that the management of zakat is made efficient to ensure that the rights of the recipients and the society, in general, will not be put in jeopardy. The question is then raised regarding the type of zakat distribution or programmes pertaining to the asnaf Muallaf. The objective of this article is to explore zakat distribution programmes for sustaining muallaf belief (Tauhid) and thoughts (Iman). The methodology of this article is based on qualitative research through document analysis and interview with zakat officer. This article has revealed that a huge amount had been allocated for the development of asnaf Muallaf. It is conclude that, State Islamic Religious Council needs to continuously improve a comprehensive programmes that focus on sustaining the Muallaf belief (Tauhid) and thoughts (Iman).
Estimation of Electrical-Wave Power in Merang Shore, Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: Jaswar Jaswar , Siow C. L. , Maimun A. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: March 2014

Malaysian government introduced Small Renewable Energy Power (SREP) Program such as biomass, biogas, and municipal solid waste, solar photovoltaic and mini-hydroelectric facilities in 2001. In year 2010, the energy generated by biomass was achieved 18 MW and mini hydro also successes to generate around 23 MW. Green Technology and Water Malaysia are targeted by Ministry of Energy to achieve cumulative renewable energy capacity around 2080 MW at year 2020 and 21.4 GW at year 2050. This paper discusses the possibility to utilize ocean wave in Merang shore, Terengganu, Malaysia. The literature reviewed available technologies used to convert wave energy to electricity which are developing currently. The available technologies reviewed here are attenuator, overtopper, point absorbers, oscillating wave surge converter and oscillating water column. The work principle of the device was covered. Finally, the sea condition in Malaysia also studied to analyze the possibility to utilize the wave energy by using the available technologies. It is found that the mean wave height is 0.95 meter and the mean wave period is 3.5 second in the Merang shore, Terengganu, Malaysia. Attenuator type wave converter developed by Wave Star is considered as one of the possible devices to be installed at the location. From the calculation, it is obtained that the total rate electrical power possible to grid is 649 MWh a year if only one set of C5 Wave star device is installed on Merang shore, Terengganu.
Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Hydrogen in Vortex Flame
Authors: Khaleghi Mostafa , Ehsan Hosseini Seyed , Abdul Wahid Mazlan
Published: March 2014

Due to industrial development and population growth, global demand for energy has increased enormously. The increased consumption of primary sources of energy such as coal, oil and natural gas has exerted a strong influence on the atmospheric environment. Among all of the alternative fuels, hydrogen offers the greatest potential benefits to energy supply and the environment. In the current study computational investigations of a turbulent asymmetric vortex flame is presented. This study has predicted lean and stoichiometry flammability limits for hydrogen. The three dimensional flow fields have been described using a computational methodology that implements the k−ε RNG turbulence model. The computational model is validated for reaction flow. The special hydrogen-air mixing concept eliminates the risk of flame flashback and enables operation with very low NOx emissions.
Fracture of Scantling Support Structure of Gas Processing Module on FPSO
Authors: Mufti F. M. , Afrizal Efi , Djatmiko E. B. , Murdjito Murdjito , Jaswar Jaswar
Published: March 2014

Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) in its operation is significantly affected by the environmental load as well as operational loads. These loads indirectly affect the structural components such as modules and its supports structures onboard of the FPSO. Investigation of fracture propagation has been carried out on the scantling support structure system of gas processing module. Modeling the structure with the finite element method (FEM) approach was performed by utilizing ANSYS 11.0 software. The fracture propagation evaluation is accomplished by elastic-plastic fracture mechanics with J-Integral method on crack first-mode (opening crack) accordance with DNV-OS-F201. As case study, FPSO Belanak operated at Conoco Block B in Natuna, Indonesia was investigated.
Experimental Study on Seakeeping Performance of a Catamaran with Asymmetric Demi-Hulls
Authors: Ikezoe S. , Hirata N. , Yasukawa H.
Published: March 2014

To capture the seakeeping performance of a catamaran with asymmetric demi-hulls, tank tests were carried out in regular head waves using a scaled model with 2.036 m in length. The lateral space between the demi-hulls was changed in the tests as W/B=2.55, 2.90 and 3.25, where W denotes breadth overall and B the breadth of the demi-hull. Also, two models with different water lines of inside flat and outside round (IF-type) and of outside flat and inside round (OF-type) were used. OF-type is superior to IF-type in both ship motion and added resistance performances in waves at the design speed. In IF-type series, the smallest clearance, W/B=2.55 is the best in the added resistance performance.
Stability of Mobile Floating Harbor Container Crane
Authors: Jaswar Jaswar , Tiau K. U. , Abyn Hassan , Siow C. L.
Published: March 2014

Stability of the mobile floating harbor is an important criterion to avoid an accident in port operation during lifting, loading, and uploading container. The stability of a mobile floating harbor which completed with a container crane was analyzed by study the structure’s rolling amplitude at several sea conditions. Factors considered in the study as follows: size and height of crane and the location of the container during loading and unloading. The mobile floating harbor was constructed using a semi-submersible model on a scale of 1:70 with a specified gantry crane with maximum outreach length 65 meters (Actual size). Using the model, inclining test, swing and oscillating tests was carried out to obtain hydrostatic particulars. By using the experimental result, the roll amplitude for several sea conditions was simulated using the Morison equation. The simulation results showed that the highest roll amplitude occurs when the crane for mobile floating harbor loaded with container in any sea condition.
Mooring Pattern Optimization Using A Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Mirzaei Mahdi , A. Maimun, , A. Priyanto, , A. Fitriadhy,
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a constraint Genetic Algorithm is used for the purpose of mooring pattern optimization. The Genetic Algorithm is applied through a mathematical formulation which is introduced to define a typical mooring system optimization problem. The mathematical formulation is used in a case study on a spread moored crane barge, operating in the vicinity of a jacket type platform, in order to minimize its surge motions towards the platform. For this purpose, a set of criteria regarding clearances between anchors and seabed preinstalled facilities (pipelines), and also between the crane barge and the jacket platform are presented and considered. An automatic process of repetitive analyses implementing a MATLAB code as an interface between the Genetic Algorithm and a mooring system analysis program is used, and an optimum solution is resulted by performing 4000 quasi-dynamic analyses in time domain. The effectiveness of the Genetic Algorithm in leading to an optimum mooring system pattern is studied and it is shown that using a proper formulation of the problem, the Genetic Algorithm can be a very useful tool for finding an optimum pattern for mooring systems in fields with constraints on anchor locations and vessel motions.
Effect of hBN/Al2O3 Nanoparticle Additives on the Tribological Performance of Engine Oil
Authors: Chua Abdullah Muhammad Ilman Hakimi , Abdollah Mohd Fadzli , Amiruddin Hilmi , Tamaldin Noreffendy , Mat Nuri Nur Rashid
Published: March 2014

Nanotechnology currently has an important role in reducing engine wear and improving fuel efficiency within engines using nanoparticle additives in engine oil. In this work, the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticle additives, on the tribological performance of SAE 15W40 diesel engine oil, was studied. A tribological test was conducted using a four-ball tribotester. The results show that the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate of the ball reduced significantly by dispersing hBN nanoparticle additives in SAE 15W40 diesel engine oil; compared to without or with Al2O3 nanoparticle additives. This is in accordance with the significant reduction of wear scar diameter and smoother worn surfaces observed on the balls.
Investigation of Friction Power Losses in Automotive Journal Bearings
Authors: Allmaier H. , Sander D. E. , Knauder C. , Reich F. M.
Published: March 2014

Journal bearings are used in a large number of critical positions in automotive internal combustion engines (ICE) and contribute a major contribution to the total friction power losses in these engines. These reasons motivate in addition the accurate and reliable simulation of the operating conditions and friction power losses in journal bearings. In this work the lubrication of journal bearings is investigated in detail using detailed rheological lubricant models that include the piezoviscous effect. To describe mixed lubrication realistically in the simulation, a sophisticated contact model is employed together with measured surface roughness data from journal bearings. Starting point is an extensive thermo-elastohydrodynamic (TEHD) simulation, which yields important insights into the thermodynamical behavior of the lubricant film in journal bearings. From these results, a powerful isothermal elastohydrodynamic (EHD) simulation model is derived that calculates the oil temperature for the simulation from two easily accessible experimental temperatures. The capabilities of the presented simulation methods are compared to extensive experimental measurements performed on a journal bearing test-rig, which show excellent agreement.
Surface Roughness Optimization in Drilling Process Using Response Surface Method (RSM)
Authors: Amran Mohd , Salmah Siti , Sanusi Mohd , Yuhazri Mohd , Mohamad Noraiham , Azam Mohd Asyadi’ , Abdullah Zulkeflee , Mohamad Effendi
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the effect of drilling parameters on surface roughness and surface appearance by applying response surface method (RSM). The mathematical model for correlating the interactions of drilling parameters such as spindle speed, feed rate and drill diameter on surface roughness was developed. RSM methodology was used as it is a technique that most practical and effective way to develop a mathematical model. In addition, this method also can reduce trial and error in experiment. Since the number of factors are three; spindle speed, feed rate and drill diameter, by applying RSM the total numbers of experiment involved are 20 experimental observations. From the experimental result, it is found that the minimum surface roughness on the hole was 1.06 mm from combination of 2000 rpm spindle speed, 78 mm/min feed rate and 2.5 mm drill diameter. While the maximum surface roughness 2.59 mm was the combination of 250 rpm spindle speed, 153 mm/min feed rate and 3.5 mm drill diameter. A mathematical equation was developed with percentage of error are 0% to 29%. Thus, from the result we understand that to find the smooth surface in drilling process, it needs higher spindle speed with lower feed rate and smaller diameter.
Numerical Simulation of Artificical Hip Joint Movement for Western and Japanese-Style Activities
Authors: Saputra Eko , Anwar Iwan Budiwan , Ismail Rifky , Jamari J. , Der Heide Emile van
Published: March 2014

A numerical simulation model for observing the artificial hip joint movement with respect to the range of motion during human activities is presented in this paper. There were two human activities discussed, i.e. Western-style and Japanese-style. Previous investigation has reported the range of motion on the artificial hip joint for Western-style and Japanese-style, measured from the postoperative total hip arthroplasty patients. The aim of this investigation is to observe the probability of prosthetic impingement and to calculate the von Mises stress during these activities using finite element analysis (FEA). The Western-style activities consist of picking up, getting up and sitting, while the Japanese-style activities consist of sitting on legs with fully flexed at the knee (seiza), squatting and sitting on legs with fully flexed at the knee (zarei). The FEA uses a three-dimensional nonlinear model and considers the variation of the acetabular liner cup positions. Result shows that a prosthetic impingement is found in the Western’s picking up activity. This activity induces a prosthetic impingement in a certain the acetabular liner cup position. In the Japanese-style activities there is no prosthetic impingement observed. However, a critical value in the range of motion was observed for the Japanese’s Zarei activity for certain the acetabular liner cup position. The acetabular liner cup positions influences the probability of prosthetic impingement.
Removal of Ethyl Orange Dye Using Hybrid Chitosan and Zinc Oxide
Authors: Ngadi Norzita , Mahmud Mohamad Akmal , Jusoh Mazura , Abd Rahman Roshanida , Alias Hajar
Published: March 2014

Ethyl Orange is a type of water-soluble azo dye, which is widely used in the textile, printing, paper manufacturing, pharmaceutical and food industries. Due to a large-scale production and extensive application of azo dyes, it can cause considerable amount of polluted wastewater and can generate serious health-risk factors. Chitosan, a low cost adsorbent has been widely used to treat azo dye. Recent studies had discovered heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductors such as zinc oxide is quite applicable because of its ability to decolorize dye-containing wastewater more effectively. The purpose of this research is to hybridize the low-cost adsorbent chitosan and semiconductor zinc oxide to produce an adsorbent which has high efficiency for removing azo dye. The parameters that were used in this study are pH values (pH 5.0 to 9.0), temperature (25 to 60◦C) and the initial dye concentration (0.10 to 1.00 mg/L). The results obtained showed that hybrid chitosan and zinc oxide adsorbent had successfully decolorized ethyl orange dye in water. The optimum conditions for the highest removal of ethyl orange (85%) were achieved at following conditions; temperature of 60°C, using adsorbent containing 1 g of chitosan and 2.0wt % of zinc oxide, 1.0 mg/L of dye concentration, at pH 7 and 2 hours of mixing time with 130 rpm of mixing rate. In this study, the adsorption process was found to fit the Freundlich isotherm than of the Langmuir isotherm.
Stochastic Geometry Based Dynamic Fractional Frequency Reuse for OFDMA Systems
Authors: Ullah Rahat , Fisal Norsheila , Safdar Hashim , Khalid Zubair , Maqbool Wajahat , Ullah Hanif
Published: March 2014

Fractional Frequency Reuse (FFR) has been acknowledged as an efficient Interference Management (IM) technique, which offers significant capacity enhancement and improves cell edge coverage with low complexity of implementation. The performance of cellular system greatly depends on the spatial configuration of base stations (BSs). In literature, FFR has been analyzed mostly with cellular networks described by Hexagon Grid Model (HGM). HGM is neither tractable nor scalable to the dense deployment of next generation wireless networks. Moreover, the perfect geometry based HGM tends to overestimate the system's performance and not able to reflect the reality. In this paper, we use the stochastic geometry approach; FFR is analyzed with cellular network modeled by homogeneous Poisson Point Process (PPP). PPP model provides complete randomness in terms of BS deployment, which captures the real network scenario. A dynamic FFR scheme is proposed in this article, which take into account the randomness of the cell coverage area described by Voronoi tessellation. It is shown that the proposed scheme outperforms the traditional fixed frequency allocation schemes in terms of  capacity and capacity density.