bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Movement tactics of a mobile predator in a meta‐ecosystem with fluctuating resources: the arctic fox in the High Arctic
Authors: Lai Sandra , Bêty Joël , Berteaux Dominique
Published: October 2016

Animal movement is a fundamental process shaping ecosystems at multiple levels, from the fate of individuals to global patterns of biodiversity. The spatio‐temporal dynamic of food resources is a major driver of animal movement and generates patterns ranging from range residency to migration and nomadism. Arctic tundra predators face a strongly fluctuating environment marked by cyclic microtine populations, high seasonality, and the potential availability of sea ice, which gives access to marine resources in winter. This type of relatively poor and highly variable environment can promote long‐distance movements and resource tracking in mobile species. Here, we investigated the winter movements of the arctic fox, a major tundra predator often described as a seasonal migrant or nomad. We used six years of Argos satellite telemetry data collected on 66 adults from Bylot Island (Nunavut, Canada) tracked during the sea ice period. We hypothesized that long‐distance movements would be influenced by spatio‐temporal changes in resource availability and individual characteristics. Despite strong annual and seasonal changes in resource abundance and distribution, we found that a majority of individuals remained resident, especially those located in an area characterized by highly predictable pulse resources (goose nesting colony) and abundant cached food items (eggs). Foxes compensated terrestrial food shortage by commuting to the sea ice rather than using long‐distance tracking or moving completely onto the sea ice for winter. Individual characteristics also influenced movement patterns: age positively influenced the propensity to engage in nomadism, suggesting older foxes may be driven out of their territories. Our results show how these mammalian predators can adjust their movement patterns to favor range residency despite strong spatio‐temporal fluctuations in food resources. Understanding the movement responses of predators to prey dynamics helps identifying the scales at which they work, which is a critical aspect of the functioning and connectivity among meta‐ecosystems.
Causes of homelessness prevalence: Relationship between homelessness and disability
Authors: Nishio Akihiro , Horita Ryo , Sado Tadahiro , Mizutani Seiko , Watanabe Takahiro , Uehara Ryosuke , Yamamoto Mayumi
Published: October 2016

Aim

Many studies have reported that the prevalence of mental illness and cognitive disability is higher among homeless individuals compared to the general population, and the rates of mental illness among the homeless population have recently increased. This study: (i) compares causes of homelessness or barriers to escaping homelessness for people with/without mental illness/cognitive disability; (ii) reveals problems with the Japanese homeless policy; and (iii) proposes an effective and necessary support system.

Methods

The participants were 114 homeless individuals. A psychiatric diagnostic interview and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, version III were used to measure participants’ mental health and cognitive abilities. A questionnaire was administered comprising 17 items related to the causes of their homelessness and barriers to escaping from it. Participants were divided into four groups – with/without mental illness or cognitive disability – and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the questionnaire results.

Results

Individuals with cognitive disabilities considered bad relationships with their family members to be the cause of their homelessness. Conversely, normal individuals considered their homelessness to be the result of debt more so than did individuals with mental problems. Individuals with mental illness had more difficulties escaping homelessness than did either normal individuals or individuals with cognitive disability. This tendency was observed most strongly among individuals with both mental illness and cognitive disability.

Conclusion

Most homeless individuals considered economic problems to be the cause of their homelessness; however, difficulties with human relationships were also important factors and were more difficult for participants to acknowledge. Furthermore, these difficulties were exacerbated among those individuals with mental problems.
Sclerotic Regressing Large Congenital Nevus
Authors: Patsatsi Aikaterini , Kokolios Miltiadis , Pikou Olga , Lambropoulos Vasilios , Efstratiou Ioannis , Sotiriadis Dimitrios
Published: October 2016

Regression of congenital nevi is usually associated with loss of pigment or halo formation. In rare cases, regression is characterized by sclerosis and hair loss. We describe a rare case of a sclerotic hypopigmented large congenital melanocytic nevus in which a localized scleroderma‐like reaction process of regression seemed to have started in utero and progressed throughout early childhood.
Moderate Prenatal Cadmium Exposure and Adverse Birth Outcomes: a Role for Sex‐Specific Differences?
Authors: Taylor Caroline M. , Golding Jean , Emond Alan M.
Published: October 2016

Background/Aim

Studies on the effects of moderate prenatal exposure to cadmium (Cd) on birth outcomes have been contradictory and it has been suggested that effects may be partly masked by sex‐specific effects. Our aim was to examine the association of Cd exposure in a large group of pregnant women with birth outcomes in the whole group of participants and by sex.

Methods

Pregnant women were enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for singleton pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for Cd (n = 4191). Data collected on the infants included anthropometric variables and gestational age at delivery. Data were analysed using SPSS v18.

Results

There were adverse associations of maternal blood Cd level with birthweight (unstandardized B coefficient −62.7 g, 95% CI −107.0, −18.4) and crown–heel length (−0.28 cm, 95% CI −0.48, −0.07) in adjusted regression models. On stratification by sex, maternal blood Cd level was adversely associated with birthweight (−87.1 g, 95% CI −144.8, −29.4), head circumference (−0.22 cm, 95% CI −0.39, −0.04), and crown–heel length (−0.44 cm, 95% CI −0.71, −0.18) in girls but not in boys in adjusted regression models.

Conclusion

In these pregnant women with moderate prenatal Cd exposure there evidence of adverse associations with birth anthropometry variables in the whole group. However, there was evidence of associations with anthropometric variables in girls that were not evident in boys. Sex‐specific effects require further investigation in large cohorts as a possible contributor to the lack of associations generally found in mixed‐sex studies.
Characteristic Features of REE and Pb–Zn–Ag Mineralizations in the Na Son Deposit, Northeastern Vietnam
Authors: Pham‐Ngoc Can , Ishiyama Daizo , Tran Tuan Anh , Hoshino Mihoko , Taguchi Sachihiro
Published: October 2016

The Na Son deposit is a small‐scale Pb–ZnPb–Zn–Ag deposit in northeast Vietnam and consists of biotite–chlorite schist, reddish altered rocks, quartz veins and syenite. The biotite–chlorite schist is intruded by syenite. Reddish altered rocks occur as an alteration halo between the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and the biotite–chlorite schist. Allanite occurs in the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and in the proximal reddish altered rocks. Rare earth element (REE) fluorocarbonate minerals occur along fractures or at rim of allanite crystals. The later horizontal aggregates of sulfide veins and veinlets cut the earlier reddish altered rocks. The earlier Pb–Zn veins consist of a large amount of galena and lesser amounts of sphalerite, pyrite and molybdenite. The later Cu veins cutting the Pb–Zn veins include chalcopyrite and lesser amounts of tetrahedrite and pyrite.

The occurrences of two‐phase H2O–CO2 fluid inclusions in quartz from biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz veins and REE‐bearing fluorocarbonate minerals in allanite suggest the presence of CO2 and F in the hydrothermal fluid. The oxygen isotopic ratios of the reddish altered rocks, biotite–chlorite schist, and syenite range from +13.9 to +14.9 ‰, +11.5 to +13.3 ‰, and +10.1 to +11.6 ‰, respectively. Assuming an isotopic equilibrium between quartz (+14.6 to +15.8 ‰) and biotite (+8.6 ‰) in the biotite–allanite‐bearing quartz vein, formation temperature was estimated to be 400°C. At 400°C, δ18O values of the hydrothermal fluid in equilibrium with quartz and biotite range from +10.5 to +11.7 ‰. These δ18O values are consistent with fluid that is derived from metamorphism. Assuming an isotopic equilibrium between galena (+1.5 to +1.7 ‰) and chalcopyrite (+3.4 ‰), the formation temperature was estimated to be approximately 300°C. The formation temperature of the Na Son deposit decreased with the progress of mineralization.

Based on the geological data, occurrence of REE‐bearing minerals and oxygen isotopic ratios, the REE mineralization is thought to result from interaction between biotite–chlorite schist and REE‐, CO2‐ and F‐bearing metamorphic fluid at 400°C under a rock‐dominant condition.
ENHANCING THE VALUE OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AT A REGIONAL LEVEL
Authors: Williams Galina
Published: October 2016

The presence of a quality health care service (HCS) industry in a region can contribute significantly to the attraction of new industries, retain the existing ones, and contribute to the overall social and economic prosperity of the region. However, when conducting an economic impact assessment it is not always clear how the value of the HCS industry can be increased at a regional level. The HCS industry is often one of the largest industries in a region in terms of creating employment and generating income, but unless it creates linkages with other industries, its contribution to the prosperity of the region will be limited. This paper suggests a methodology for economic impact assessment aimed at increasing the benefits of HCS at a regional level. Using a case study of the Fitzroy Statistical Division, a non‐metropolitan region in Queensland, Australia, the regional economic impact is assessed using input–output analysis. In each region, the key sectors need to be encouraged to enhance connections with the HCS industry in order to enhance the value of HCS in the region.
Is Exposure to Suicide Beyond Kin Associated with Risk for Suicidal Behavior? A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Maple Myfanwy , Cerel Julie , Sanford Rebecca , Pearce Tania , Jordan Jack
Published: October 2016

Suicide bereavement and postvention literature often espouses risk for subsequent suicidal behavior among those previously exposed to a suicide death. Most often risk is discussed in relation to kin; however, many more individuals are exposed to suicide, and the impact of this exposure is important to understand in relation to targeting postvention. This review examined the research literature (1990–2014) to determine the evidence base for risk among those exposed to suicide. The findings demonstrate that risk of suicidal behaviors among those exposed to the suicide is significantly higher than those unexposed. These results are discussed within the context of current research in the field of postvention, and suggestions for future research are suggested.
In vivo skin moisturizing measurement by high‐resolution 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mesrar J. , Ognard J. , Garetier M. , Chechin D. , Misery L. , Ben Salem D.
Published: October 2016

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rarely used for the exploration of skin, even if studies have validated both feasibility of skin MRI and its interest for anatomical, physiological, and biochemical study of the skin. The purpose of this study is to explore moisturizing of the different skin layers using 3‐T scan.

Methods

An MRI of the heel's skin was performed using a 23 mm coil diameter on a 3T scan with a FFE (Fast Field Echo) 3D T1‐weighted sequence and a TSE (Turbo Spin Echo) calculation T2‐weighted sequence (pixels size of respectively 60 and 70 μm). This study was conducted on 35 healthy volunteers, who were scanned before applying moisturizer topic and 1 h after applying it. Region of interest in the stratum corneum, the epidermis and the dermis were generated on the T2 mapping. The thickness of each layer was measured. The T1 sequence allowed accurate cross‐examination repositioning to ensure the comparability of the measurements.

Results

Among the 35 cases, two were excluded from the analysis because of movement artifacts. Measurements before and after moisturizer topic application displayed a T2 increase of 48.94% (P < 0.0001) in the stratum corneum and of 5.45% (P < 0.0001) in the epidermis yet without significant difference in the dermis. There was no significant link between the thickness of the stratum corneum and the T2 increase. However, there was a strong correlation between the thickness of the stratum corneum and the thickness of the epidermis (P < 0.001; rhô=0.72).

Conclusion

High‐resolution MRI allows fine exploration of anatomical and physiological properties of the skin and can further be used to extend the studies of skin hydration.
Immunohistochemical expression of MDR1‐Pgp 170 in canine cutaneous and oral melanomas: pattern of expression and association with tumour location and phenotype
Authors: Finotello R. , Monné Rodriguez J. M. , Vilafranca M. , Altimira J. , Ramirez G. A. , Haines A. , Ressel L.
Published: October 2016

Canine melanoma (CMM) more commonly affects the oral mucosa and the cutis. CMM shares several features with human melanomas (HMM), included resistance to a broad variety of antineoplastic chemotherapy agents. P‐glycoprotein 1 (Pgp) expression is a well‐recognized feature of multi‐drug resistance and the purpose of this study was to investigate its expression in treatment naïve CMM. We also investigated Pgp association with tumour location and histological features. Histology records of CMM were retrieved, including patients from 2012–2014. Twenty‐five cases of CMM were included in this study. Results revealed that Pgp is expressed in CMM and oral tumours were more likely to have a membranous Pgp expression (100%) than cutaneous tumours (66.6%) (P = 0.010). Cytoplasmic and nuclear Pgp expression could also be identified. Results of this study bring useful data that help in understanding one of the possible mechanisms responsible of intrinsic chemotherapy resistance in canine CMM.
ROOM MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FROM PHOTO IMAGES USING GLCM, MODIFIED ZERNIKE MOMENTS, AND PSO-BP APPLICATION
Authors: Zainudin Fathin Liyana , Mahamad Abd Kadir , Saon Sharifah , Yahya Musli Nizam
Published: October 2016

In acoustic engineering, the types of material used in a room are basically one of the fundamental features that are essential in some of room acoustic parameters computation. This paper proposed an improved system to identify room material type from its surface photographic image. Data images of several room surfaces were collected for the system input. This improved system implements Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and modified Zernike moments for image extraction and hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and back-propagation (PSO-BP) algorithm for classification. For comparison purpose, experiments using variations combination of GLCM and modified Zernike moments extraction as well as Levenberg-Marquardt, back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and PSO-BP algorithm were executed. By applying the proposed methods, the system accuracy increased around 30% compared to previous research. Moreover, the convergence attained during training was three times faster compared to BP algorithm. Thus using the new methods in identifying material surface images had positively improved the system in becoming more efficient and reliable.
CO2 REFORMING OF METHANE OVER NI SUPPORTED ON MESOSTRUCTURED SILICA NANOPARTICLES (NI/MSN): EFFECT OF NI LOADING
Authors: Sidik Siti Munirah , Abdul Jalil Aishah , Triwahyono Sugeng , Asli Umi Aisah
Published: October 2016

A series of Ni incorporated Mesostructured Silica Nanoparticles (MSN) were prepared by physical mixing method. Electrolyzed nickel oxide was used as the Ni precursor. The N2 adsorption-desorption and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses evidenced that the increase in Ni loading decreased the surface area and crystallinity, and increased Ni particle size in the catalyst, respectively. The activity of CO2 reforming of CH4 followed the order of 10Ni/MSN > 15Ni/MSN > 5Ni/MSN > MSN. The highest activity was achieved by 10Ni/MSN with the CH4 and CO2 conversion of 63.4% and 87.2 %, respectively. The results indicated that the presence of a suitable Ni amount in MSN was beneficial to achieve high catalytic activity due to its effect on the amount of active metal sites available for the reaction. Thus, the electrolyzed nickel oxide precursor and Ni/MSN catalyst prepared by electrochemical method and physical mixing synthesis has a potential to be utilized in CO2 reforming of CH4.
IMPROVEMENT OF THERMAL COMFORT INSIDE A MOSQUE BUILDING
Authors: Noman Fawaz Ghaleb , Kamsah Nazri , Mohamed Kamar Haslinda
Published: October 2016

A combined natural ventilation and mechanical fans are commonly used to cool the interior space inside the mosques in Malaysia. This article presents a study on thermal comfort in the Al-Jawahir Mosque, located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The objective is to assess the thermal comfort inside the mosque under the present ventilation system by determining the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and the Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD). These values were then compared to the limits stated in the ASHRAE Standard-55. It was found that the PMV varies from 1.68 to 2.26 while the PPD varies from 61% to 87%. These show that the condition inside the mosque is quite warm. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used to carry out flow simulations, to identify a suitable strategy to improve the thermal comfort inside the mosque. Results of CFD simulations show that installing four exhaust fans above the windows on the west-side wall of the mosque is the most effective strategy to improve the thermal comfort inside the mosque. Both the PMV and PPD values can potentially be reduced by more than 60%.
CHARACTERIZING ANOMALIES IN DISTRIBUTED STRAIN MEASUREMENTS OF CAST-IN-SITU BORED PILES
Authors: Mohamad Hisham , Pin Tee Bun , Ang Koh An , Chong Mun Fai
Published: October 2016

This paper describes the method of identifying typical defects of bored cast-in-situ piles when instrumenting using Distributed Optical Fiber Strain Sensing (DOFSS). The DOFSS technology is based on Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analyses (BOTDA), which has the advantage of recording continuous strain profile as opposed to the conventional discrete based sensors such as Vibrating Wire strain gauges. In pile instrumentation particularly, obtaining distributed strain profile is important when analysing the load-transfer and shaft friction of a pile, as well as detecting any anomalies in the strain regime. Features such as defective pile shaft necking, discontinuity of concrete, intrusion of foreign matter and improper toe formation due to contamination of concrete at base with soil particles, among others, may cause the pile to fail. In this study, a new technique of detecting such defects is proposed using DOFSS technology which can potentially supplement the existing non-destructive test (NDT) methods. Discussion on the performance of instrumented piles by means of maintained load test are also presented
EFFECTS OF GEOGRID REINFORCEMENT ON THE STATIC LIQUEFACTION BEHAVIOR OF GRANULAR FILL BY TRIAXIAL TEST METHOD
Authors: N. Mahendran , A. Hemalatha
Published: October 2016

Replacing theexistingweaksoilby granularfillmaterial(partialorfull)isone oftheconventionalstabilisationtechnique toimprovethebearing capacity and liquefactionbehaviorofthesoil.However, inmanycasesthedepthofreplacedgranular fillbecomesvery thick,thusleadtothe excessive cost. In the solution to this problem an experimental investigation was initiated to evaluate the effectofgeogrid reinforcementonthe staticliquefaction resistance of granularfillobtainedfrom Karaikudi, SivagangaiDistrict,Tamilnadu, India. An experimental program through triaxial compression was conduct and with various investigation on geogrid layers confining pressures. It was observedthat the extensile force of thegeogridgradually contributestothe improvementof the reinforcedspecimensshear strengthandthe extensileforceincreasedwiththeincrease inthe numberofgeogridlayers,asa result thefailuremodechangedfromshearband tobulging.Theinstalledgeogridlayersin thegranular fillimprovedthestress–strain response intermsofincrease inpeak deviatoric stressanddecrease infailure strains.Inaddition,the extensile force providesbetterinterlocking propertytothe granular   fill   be   arranged   between   the geogrid,leading tothedecreaseinthe pore waterpressure.Underaconfining pressureof150 kPatheporewaterpressure of the un-reinforced specimen was about 117 kPa,whereasthegranular fillreinforced withone,twoandthree layersofgeogrid achieved    the   pore    water   pressure   of 97.5 kPa,76.5 kPa and49.5 kPa,respectively, whichare 20.12 %,52.94 % and136.36 %, lower than thatofthe un-reinforced specimen. The findings conclude that the geogrids considerablyinfluencetheshearbehaviour of granular fill, andthe geogrid reinforcement improvesthe interlocking strengthof thegranularfill,thusimproving its shear strength
EFFECT OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND BLASTING PRACTICE IN FLY ROCK ACCIDENT AT JOHOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohamad Edy Tonnizam , Murlidhar Bhatawdekar Ramesh , Armaghani Danial Jahed , Saad Rosli , Shiang Yi Chang
Published: October 2016

Blasting operation is common method in hard rock excavation at civil engineering and mining sites. Rock blasting results in the fragmentation along with environmental hazards such as fly rock, ground vibration, air-blast, dust and fumes. Most of the common accidents associated with blasting are due to fly rock. A fly rock accident had occurred on 15 July 2015 at a construction site at Johor, Malaysia. Due to this accident, nearby factory worker was killed while two other workers were seriously injured after being hit by rock debris from an explosion at construction site, 200 m away from the factory. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the causes of fly rock accident based on geological structures and blasting practice such as blast design, pre inspection on geological structures, identifying danger zone due to blasting and communication and evacuation of personnel before blast.  It can be concluded that fly rock could have been controlled in three stages; initial drilling of holes based on blast design, ensure limiting charge for holes having less burden or having geological discontinuity, and selecting proper sequence of initiation of holes.
INFLUENCE OF MODIFIED AIR ON COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS IN MESO-SCALE VORTEX COMBUSTOR
Authors: Khaleghi Mostafa , A. Wahid Mazlan , Saat A. , Fairus M. Y. M. , Sies M. M. , Kamaruzaman N. , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Amri M. Mohammad , Mohammed H. A.
Published: October 2016

The need to supply power for miniaturized mechanical devices opens exciting new opportunities for combustion, especially in the field of micro-power generation. Because of the need for power supply devices with high-specific energy (small-size, low weight, long duration) and power. Meso/micro scale combustion has been considered as a potential solution for many small-volumes and energy demanding systems, such as power supplies for portable device. In this study the structure of turbulent diffusion flames in a meso scale combustor with different oxygen concentration has been investigated using a new design of vortex combustor. Methane gas was used as a fuel. Numerical investigations have been performed on the temperature distribution, swirl number, heat loss, and emitter efficiency in vortex combustion. The results have been obtained for various O2 concentrations in the air as oxidizer. The results shows that thermal flame behaves depend strongly on the oxygen content in the oxidizer. When the oxygen concentration increases from 15% to 30%, the flame temperature of the meso-combustion rises in all cases. Emitter efficiency is very high in the meso-combustor with high O2 concentration in oxidizer.
INVESTIGATION OF MICRO-PITS FORMATION ON BILLET SURFACES IN PLANE STRAIN EXTRUSION
Authors: Izhan I. M. , Syahrullail S. , Yong S. Y. , Nurul M. A.
Published: October 2016

Extrusion is a process of pushing a material through a die to yield a desired cross-section product. The application of surface texture has become well known for enhancing tribological performance. In this research, the effect of micro-pits embedded on a work piece lubricated with vegetable oil using plain strain extrusion were studied and compared with those seen with mineral-based oil lubricant. The experiments were conducted at room temperature (around 27℃). A taper die with a 60 die half-angle, with micro-pits array, was prepared. Test lubricants used were paraffinic mineral oil (PMO) VG460 and VG95 and refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) palm stearin. The results were analysed to determine the extrusion load and the billet’s surface roughness and plastic deformation. RBD palm stearin was recorded as having the highest extrusion load (83.15 kN).
EVENT-BASED RAINFALL-RUNOFF MODELING USING ADAPTIVE NETWORK-BASED FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM
Authors: Nawaz Nadeem , Harun Sobri , Talei Amin , Chang Tak Kwin
Published: October 2016

Population growth and transformation of agricultural or forest landscapes to built-up areas are the common phenomenon in the fast developing countries. Such changes have significant impact on hydrologic processes in the catchment which in turn may end up with an increase in both magnitude and frequency of floods in urban areas. Therefore, reliable rainfall-runoff models that are able to estimate discharge of a catchment accurately are in need. To date, several physically-based models are developed to capture the rainfall-runoff process; however, they require significant number of parameters which could be difficult to be measured or estimated. Beside these models, the artificial intelligence techniques have shown their ability to identify a direct mapping between inputs and outputs with less number of physical parameters. Adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is one of the well-practiced techniques in hydrological time series modeling. The aim of this study was to check the capability of ANFIS in event-based rainfall runoff modeling for a tropical catchment. A total of 70 rainfall-runoff events were extracted from twelve years hourly rainfall and runoff data of Semenyih River catchment where 50 of them were chosen for training and the remaining 20 for testing. An input selection method based on correlation analysis and mutual information was developed to identify the proper input combinations of rainfall and discharge antecedents. The results obtained by ANFIS model were then compared with an autoregressive model with exogenous inputs (ARX) as a bench mark. Results showed that ANFIS outperforms ARX model and has capabilities to be used as a reliable rainfall-runoff modeling tool.
ANALYSIS OF TRENDS OF EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS USING MANN KENDALL TEST: A CASE STUDY IN PAHANG AND KELANTAN RIVER BASINS
Authors: Othman Mazlina Alang , Zakaria Nor Azazi , Ab. Ghani Aminuddin , Chang Chun Kiat , Chan Ngai Weng
Published: October 2016

Climate change leads to changes in rainfall and extreme event. This phenomenon has already begun to transform the rainfall patterns in Malaysia. It was clearly proven when the northern and eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak and Johor were hit by the catastrophic floods in December 2014, events that have been described as the worst in decades. Although there are a number of studies in climate change and extreme rainfall events in Malaysia, there are still large knowledge gaps about their relationship. Understanding the shifts and predicting changing trends in rainfall distribution is needed for predicting and managing the floods.  In this paper, Mann Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope estimator are employed to determine the trend of extreme rainfall events of various storm durations in the Pahang and Kelantan river basins. The results indicate that annual maximum daily rainfall for Pahang River basin and Kelantan River basin increased throughout 45 years. Results show that the percentage of stations with statistically significant trend (at 0.05 significance level) in the Kelantan River basin are higher compared to the Pahang River basin. Percentage of stations showing increasing trends were much higher for short duration rainfall (10, 30 and 60 minutes and  3 hours) compared to long duration rainfall (6, 12, 24, 48, 120 and 240 hours). This study will be useful for planning, designing and managing floods and stormwater systems in this area
Analisis Faktor Kes Pembubaran Perkahwinan Yang Kerap Bermasalah Di Mahkamah Syariah
Authors: Muhammud Farah Safura , Ruskam Aminuddin
Published: October 2016

Peningkatan kes pembubaran perkahwinan di Malaysia bukan sesuatu yang baharu. Bahkan peningkatan tersebut semakin membimbangkan dan memberi tekanan terutama kepada sistem pentadbiran Mahkamah Syariah. Terdapat beberapa elemen permasalahan yang  dibangkitkan seperti isu penangguhan kes, isu diskriminasi wanita,  dan isu kelemahan sistem pentadbiran Mahkamah Syariah.  Walaupun begitu hanya beberapa jenis kes sahaja yang didapati kerap bermasalah iaitu kes fasakh dan kes pengesahan lafaz cerai. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temubual mendalam yang melibatkan sepuluh Pegawai Syariah di Negeri Selangor. Seterusnya, dapatan kajian diolah menggunakan perisian Nvivo 10 dan menghasilkan jadual faktor kes yang kerap bermasalah di Mahkamah Syariah. Hasil kajian menunjukkan terdapat beberapa kes perlu diberi perhatian. Justeru,  Faktor tersebut diharapkan dapat dimanfaatkan untuk penambahbaikan pentadbiran kes pembubaran perkahwinan di Mahkamah Syariah
Editorial Message
Authors: Yusof Kamaruzaman
Published: October 2016

Message from editorial team.
The Mujaddid of His Age: Al-Ghazali And His Inner Spiritual Journey
Authors: Abd Rahman Mohd Rosmizi Bin , Yucel Salih
Published: October 2016

Imam al-Ghazali has been regarded as the mujaddid (the reviver or the Islamic reformer) of the 5th century AH of Islam, and has been credited with various titles, of which the most famous is as Hujjat al-Islam (Proof of Islam). This article investigates the development of al-Ghazali’s thought and spiritual journey through different stages of his life. Employing library research and historical analysis, this article divides al-Ghazali’s life into three main periods, namely, before, during, and after seclusion. Initially he was mainly jurist and theologian, but radically transformed to become a personal Sufi during the seclusion period, leading to his subsequently becoming an active public Sufi. The result from the analysis of the first phase of al-Ghazali’s life shows that al-Ghazali experienced a radical spiritual and intellectual transformation, which led him to discover Sufism, but without neglecting theology, jurisprudence, and philosophy. There was significant evolution in al-Ghazali’s life towards a spiritual orientation as shown by the analysis of his second phase, in which he later sought to share with others after seclusion. If in the phase of seclusion al-Ghazali was personal—namely, focused on personal reformation, devotion, and inner spiritual self—the phase of al-Ghazali’s life after seclusion marked the beginning of an active spiritual public life. The result shows that this new al-Ghazali actively tried to reform every class of society (the public, elites, theologians, philosophers, mystics, and others) through teachings, writings, and by sharing his personal spiritual experience. It is evident that with all his efforts and achievements, al-Ghazali offered a great and abiding contribution in reviving the spiritual dimension of Islam, furnished and served it to the Muslim world.
TRPV4 participates in pressure‐induced inhibition of renin secretion by juxtaglomerular cells
Authors: Seghers François , Yerna Xavier , Zanou Nadège , Devuyst Olivier , Vennekens Rudi , Nilius Bernd , Gailly Philippe
Published: October 2016

Key points

Increase in blood pressure in the renal afferent arteriole is known to induce an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of juxtaglomerular (JG) cells and to result in a decreased secretion of renin.

Mechanical stimulation of As4.1 JG cells induces an increase in [Ca2+]i that is inhibited by HC067047 and RN1734, two inhibitors of TRPV4, or by siRNA‐mediated repression of TRPV4.

Inhibition of TRPV4 impairs pressure‐induced decrease in renin secretion.

Compared to wild‐type mice, Trpv4−/− mice present increased resting plasma levels of renin and aldosterone and present a significantly altered pressure–renin relationship.

We suggest that TRPV4 channel participates in mechanosensation at the juxtaglomerular apparatus.

The renin–angiotensin system is a crucial blood pressure regulation system. It consists of a hormonal cascade where the rate‐limiting enzyme is renin, which is secreted into the blood flow by renal juxtaglomerular (JG) cells in response to low pressure in the renal afferent arteriole. In contrast, an increase in blood pressure results in a decreased renin secretion. This is accompanied by a transitory increase in [Ca2+]i of JG cells. The inverse relationship between [Ca2+]i and renin secretion has been called the ‘calcium paradox’ of renin release. How increased pressure induces a [Ca2+]i transient in JG cells, is however, unknown. We observed that [Ca2+]i transients induced by mechanical stimuli in JG As4.1 cells were completely abolished by HC067047 and RN1734, two inhibitors of TRPV4. They were also reduced by half by siRNA‐mediated repression of TRPV4 but not after repression or inhibition of TRPV2 or Piezo1 ion channels. Interestingly, the stimulation of renin secretion by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin was totally inhibited by cyclic stretching of the cells. This effect was mimicked by stimulation with GSK1016790A and 4αPDD, two activators of TRPV4 and inhibited in the presence of HC067047. Moreover, in isolated perfused kidneys from Trpv4−/− mice, the pressure–renin relationship was significantly altered. In vivo, Trpv4−/− mice presented increased plasma levels of renin and aldosterone compared to wild‐type mice. Altogether, our results suggest that TRPV4 is involved in the pressure‐induced entry of Ca2+ in JG cells, which inhibits renin release and allows the negative feedback regulation on blood pressure.
Development of Safety Analysis Code TACOS and Application to Fuel Qualification Test Loop
Authors: Jiang Chaofei , Tian Wenxi , Qiu Suizheng , Su Guanghui
Published: October 2016

In this study, transient analysis code of SCWRs (TACOS), with the ability of simulating transients or accidents under both supercritical water (SCW) conditions and subcritical water conditions, has been developed with fortran 90 language, and simulation has been performed to the European SCWR fuel qualification test (FQT) system. The semi-implicit finite difference technique was adopted for the solution of coolant dynamic behavior in the loop. Furthermore, an illustration of numerical solution for the heat structure model and other models was presented. The code TACOS is then applied to simulate the Edward-O’Brian blow-down experiment to evaluate its capacity in simulating the fast blow-down progress. Therefore, the design basis accidents (DBAs) with the trans-critical transient were investigated for the SCWR-FQT system. The results by TACOS indicate that the SCWR-FQT with the existing safety system can be cooled effectively.
A Numerical Solution to the Point Kinetic Equations Using Diagonally Implicit Runge Kutta Method
Authors: Zhang Zhizhu , Cai Yun
Published: October 2016

It would take a long time to solve the point kinetics equations by using full implicit Runge-Kutta (FIRK) for the strong stiffness. Diagonally implicit Runge-Kutta (DIRK) is a useful tool like FIRK to solve the stiff differential equations, while it could greatly reduce the computation compared to FIRK. By embedded low-order Runge-Kutta, DIRK is implemented with the time step adaptation technique, which improves the computation efficiency of DIRK. Through four typical cases with step, ramp sinusoidal and zig-zag reactivity insertions, it shows that the results obtained by DIRK are in perfect agreement with other available results and DIRK with adaptive time step technique has more efficiency than DIRK with the fixed time step.
Analysis of the Effects Caused by the Core Compaction Into LFR Reactor
Authors: Lo Frano Rosa , Giovanni Pugliese
Published: October 2016

Due to the high inertia of the metal coolant, the safety concerns of the next generation LMRs (e.g. the Advanced Lead Fast Reactor European Demonstrator - ALFRED) have some connections with the core compaction phenomenon when severe earthquake occurs. In this paper the effects on the fuel assemblies (FAs) are numerically analyzed (by FEM code) taking into account suitable boundary and initial conditions. To characterize the interaction between the internal components, surface-to-surface contact condition has been implemented.

The results indicate that the annular area neighboring the piping penetration ovalizes and so a circumferential buckling occurs. The FAs undergo bending deformation especially in correspondence of the half height of the elements. The displacement varies along the vertical axis (direction of maximum flexibility) reaching, in some time interval, the maximum value of about 9 cm. Vibration phenomenon also appeared.
Evaluation of Enhanced Risk Monitors for Use on Advanced Reactors
Authors: Ramuhalli Pradeep , Veeramany Arun , Bonebrake Christopher A. , Ivans William J. , Coles Garill A. , Hirt Evelyn H.
Published: October 2016

This study provides an overview of the methodology for integrating time-dependent failure probabilities into nuclear power reactor risk monitors. This prototypic enhanced risk monitor methodology was evaluated using a hypothetical probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) model, generated using a simplified design of a liquid-metal-cooled advanced reactor (AdvRx). Component failure data from industry compilation of failures of components similar to those in the simplified AR model were used to initialize the PRA model. Core damage frequency (CDF) over time were computed and analyzed.

In addition, a study on alternative risk metrics for AdvRx was conducted. Risk metrics that quantify the normalized cost of repairs, replacements, or other operations and management (O&M) actions were defined and used, along with an economic model, to compute the likely economic risk of future actions such as deferred maintenance based on the anticipated change in CDF due to current component condition and future anticipated degradation. Such integration of conventional-risk metrics with alternate-risk metrics provides a convenient mechanism for assessing the impact of O&M decisions on safety and economics of the plant. It is expected that, when integrated with supervisory control algorithms, such integrated-risk monitors will provide a mechanism for real-time control decision-making that ensure safety margins are maintained while operating the plant in an economically viable manner.
The Application of PSHA Method in the Determination of Beyond Design Basis Earthquake for New NPP Design
Authors: Shang Ziduan , Huang Xiao , Chu Meng , Zhang Lutong , Wu Chunhua
Published: October 2016

Even though in the past 30 years, Beyond Design-Basis Event (BDBE) Design for nuclear power plant (NPP) has been considering as one of the design commitment for the safety and function goals, often time a compromise inevitably take the place when conduct the detail engineering design. There is several reasons lead to this situation: (1) the lacking of thorough investigation and research on this subject, (2) the need for clarity and recommendations from industrial code and standard practice, (3) the need for clearer and specific regulation and regulatory requirements, (4) the consideration of economy.

By understanding the above situations, this paper is contributed to investigate the determination of Beyond Design Basis Seismic (BDBS) design for new NPPs in current timeframe. Due to the complexity of this new emerging subject, this paper, as the carrier of preliminary (phase 1) results, is attempting to summarize the authors’ latest research progress from technical and design practice point of view.

The preliminary research on BDBE determination is focusing on the investigation of the applicability of PSHA method on this subject. Following aspects are considered in this phase 1 report:

• The definition of BDBE from current nuclear power engineering perspectives.

• The discussion of the applicability of PSHA on BDBE determination.

• Suggested procedures for BDBE determination etc.

• The recommendation of approaches for SSC modeling and analysis under BDBE.

This paper will also cover some topics on the design criteria for beyond design basis earthquake loading conditions. A more detailed discussion on beyond design basis loading’s combinations and design criteria will be investigated in the phase 2 report of this research.
Preliminary Investigation of Physical Characteristics in a New Power Ramp Test Irradiation Rig
Authors: Zhang Liang , Qiu Liqing , Tong Mingyan
Published: October 2016

Power Ramp test (PRT) of a fuel element is generally conducted with a PRT irradiation rig within a research reactor, in order to study the fuel’s behavior and validate its safety under power transient. Neutronics characteristics of a new PRT irradiation rig within a typical HFETR (High Flux Engineering Test Reactor) core and its components’ heat generation rates are calculated with MCNP code in this paper. The range of the test fuel rod power is obtained with a coupled Neutronic-Thermal-Hydraulic calculation method which combines MCNP and CFX code. The results show that changing the density of 3He gas can vary the test fuel rod power effectively, and the 3He gas layer influences the neutron field intensely by reducing the thermal neutron current into the layer and decreasing the neutron flux in and near the irradiation rig. The test fuel rod power varies from 5.80kW to 15.3kW while decreasing the 3He gas pressure from 4.5MPa to 0.13MPa, along with 0.231$ reactivity addition. Power of the fuel pellet in the test rod increases monotonically along with the 3He gas pressure reducing, and its calculation results have good agreement with the curve fitting by a natural logarithm function.
Study of Equipment Survivability Under Severe Accident Conditions
Authors: Yan Jinquan , Xue Shanhu , Tian Lin , Lu Wei
Published: October 2016

To improve nuclear power plant safety, severe accident prevention and mitigation for both new development and existing plants are generally required by various nuclear safety authorities worldwide. Although great efforts have been made, how to ensure equipment survivability under severe accident conditions is still a concern. This paper depicts an approach to demonstrate the equipment survivability under severe accident conditions by taking passive pressurized water reactor CAP1400 as an instance, including screening of severe accident sequences, determination of bounding environment conditions within containment, equipments identification used for severe accident mitigation and proposed test plan.
Electronics for Instrumentation and Controls in Accelerator Driven Sub-Critical System
Authors: Cui Wenjuan , He Zhiyong , Zhao Qiang , He Yichuan , Luo Yuxi
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we study the electronics in the instrumentation and control (I&C) systems for an accelerator driven sub-critical (ADS) system, where a target located at the centre of a sub-critical reactor core is bombarded by the protons from an accelerator. In comparison with a commercial reactor used in nuclear industry, more control electronics are required to exactly couple the high-energy beam from the accelerator to the spallation target in the reactor core. There is a strong drive to utilize standard commercial-off-the-shelf devices to minimize cost and development time. In order to improve the reliability of I&C systems, redundancy architecture has been considered by adding more electronic devices. In comparison with I&C system without redundancy, the dual redundancy architecture improves the reliability of the system by 20000 times. Then, we study the potential application of electronics devices, such as the preamplifiers for detectors, in the reactor building by shielding them with shielding materials. Since the most effective neutrons in creating radiation damages are those fast neutrons with the energy of more than 0.1 MeV, we have proposed a sandwich shielding method to reduce the neutron-induced radiation effects, in which the first and third layers are made of polyethylene and the second layer is made of heavy metal, e.g. tungsten. Simulation results with GEANT4 code have indicated that the shielding with a 30 cm-thick sandwich can increase the expected lifetime of electronics by 1258 times, and can reduce the soft errors caused by single event upsets by 5400 times.
ASME Operation and Maintenance (OM) Code Overview
Authors: Lippy Ronald C.
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide a general overview of the organization and content of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants (OM) Code. This will involve a brief description of the regulatory requirements associated with Inservice Testing (IST) as well as a brief overview of the OM Code scope and requirements. This paper will discuss, in general, the regulations requiring IST as well as a brief discussion on when Preservice Testing (PST) and IST become required. A general organization of the ASME OM Code will be provided as well as general topics associated with how to determine when testing and examination intervals are established; what documentation is required; and general discussion regarding the various subsections of the OM Code and the components associated with the OM Code. Alternatives to the OM Code requirements and how to obtain these alternatives will also be provided as well as how the edition applicability of the ASME OM Code is determined. There is also discussion regarding a few general issues associated with the OM Code regarding existing reactor power plants as well as the “new builds” and advanced reactor plants and designs.
Improvement on the Manufacture of UO2 Pellet
Authors: Fu Hao
Published: October 2016

Recently, the ratio of the UO2 powder made from dry process has increased obviously comparing those produced by wet process since the wet process has been gradually eliminated. Furthermore, the yield of the pellet is less than 85% during the UO2 pellet production process. This causes the increasing tendency of scrap stocked and production cost. It is because the wet process method cannot adapt to the dry process powder. In this article, improvement on the manufacture of UO2 pellet is researched. Firstly, To achieve the minimum defection of the pellet and residual volume of the grinding scrap, several variable processes such as the improving density of the green pellet, the redesigning cavity block size and the modified pressure maintain method were investigated. The optimum process is shown to be a much superior approach to improving the yield of the pellet, decreasing the amount of the scrap, the cost of production and contributing to further developing of pellet manufacturing technology.