bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with pityriasis versicolor in a large national database
Authors: Hill Rachel C. , Faria Willian De , Gold Jeremy A. W. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Pityriasis versicolor (PV), a cutaneous fungal infection, most commonly affects adolescents and young adults and is associated with hyperhidrosis and humid weather. Understanding other factors associated with PV might help improve diagnostic and treatment practices.

Objectives

PV's associations with patient demographics, comorbidities and medication exposures were assessed using the All of Us Database, a large, diverse, national database from the United States.

Methods

A case–control study with multivariable analysis was performed.

Results

We identified 456 PV case‐patients and 1368 control‐patients. PV case‐patients (vs. control‐patients) were younger (median age [years] (standard deviation): 48.7 (15.4) vs. 61.9 (15.5); OR: 0.95, CI: 0.94–0.96) and more likely to be men versus women (42.8% vs. 33.9%, OR: 1.45, CI: 1.16–1.79) and Black (19.5% vs. 15.8%, OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02–1.80) or Asian (4.6% vs. 2.7%, OR: 1.86, CI: 1.07–3.24) versus White. PV case‐patients more frequently had acne (5.3% vs. ≤1.5%, OR: 5.37, CI: 2.76–10.48) and less frequently had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (14.7% vs. 24.7%, OR: 0.52, CI: 0.39–0.70) and hypothyroidism (OR: 10.3% vs. 16.4%, OR: 0.59, CI: 0.42–0.82). In multivariable analysis, PV odds were significantly higher in those with acne and lower in those with T2DM, older age and female sex.

Conclusions

Our results may be used as a basis for future studies evaluating whether acne treatment may decrease PV risk. Physicians could educate patients with acne about PV, including strategies to control modifiable PV risk factors, such as avoidance of hot and humid environments and avoidance of use of topical skin oils.
Successful treatment with rituximab in anti‐phospholipid syndrome nephropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and literature review
Authors: Choi Ji‐Young , Nam Eon Jeong , Han Man‐hoon , Kim Yong‐Jin , Lim Jeong‐Hoon , Jung Hee‐Yeon , Cho Jang‐Hee , Kim Chan‐Duck , Kim Yong‐Lim , Park Sun‐Hee
Published: July 2024

Anti‐phospholipid syndrome (APS) nephropathy is an autoimmune disease that is sometimes accompanied by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we report the use of rituximab to treat a case of APS nephropathy in a SLE patient with recurrent vascular thrombosis. A 52‐year‐old woman, who had been diagnosed with SLE 11 years earlier, was referred to a nephrology clinic for evaluation of azotaemia and proteinuria. She had experienced spontaneous abortion at 35 years of age. The patient had been diagnosed with right popliteal thrombosis at 39 years of age, and with left pulmonary artery thrombosis and SLE at 41 years of age. Before admission, she was undergoing anticoagulant and immunosuppressive therapies, with follow‐up in the rheumatology clinic. At her last outpatient clinic visit before admission, she exhibited mild bilateral lower‐limb pitting oedema, impaired renal function and proteinuria. Renal biopsy revealed arteriolar wall thickening, with thrombi in the capillary lumina and marked inflammatory cell infiltration in the interstitium. The patient was treated with warfarin and high‐dose corticosteroids. Intravenous rituximab (500 mg) was also administered twice at a 4‐week interval. Her renal function did not worsen any further, and her proteinuria decreased. Here we report the successful use of rituximab to treat APS nephropathy in a patient with SLE, who had progressive renal insufficiency.
Genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk in herbaceous angiosperms
Authors: Soto Gomez Marybel , Brown Matilda J. M. , Pironon Samuel , Bureš Petr , Verde Arregoitia Luis D. , Veselý Pavel , Elliott Tammy L. , Zedek František , Pellicer Jaume , Forest Félix , Nic Lughadha Eimear , Leitch Ilia J.
Published: July 2024

Angiosperms with large genomes experience nuclear‐, cellular‐, and organism‐level constraints that may limit their phenotypic plasticity and ecological niche, which could increase their risk of extinction. Therefore, we test the hypotheses that large‐genomed species are more likely to be threatened with extinction than those with small genomes, and that the effect of genome size varies across three selected covariates: life form, endemism, and climatic zone.

We collated genome size and extinction risk information for a representative sample of angiosperms comprising 3250 species, which we analyzed alongside life form, endemism, and climatic zone variables using a phylogenetic framework.

Genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk, a pattern driven by a signal in herbaceous but not woody species, regardless of climate and endemism. The influence of genome size is stronger in endemic herbaceous species, but is relatively homogenous across different climates. Beyond its indirect link via endemism and climate, genome size is associated with extinction risk directly and significantly.

Genome size may serve as a proxy for difficult‐to‐measure parameters associated with resilience and vulnerability in herbaceous angiosperms. Therefore, it merits further exploration as a useful biological attribute for understanding intrinsic extinction risk and augmenting plant conservation efforts.
Do exchangeable hydrogens affect the evaluation of partial mycoheterotrophy in orchids? Insights from δ2H analysis in bulk, α‐cellulose, and cellulose nitrate samples
Authors: Yagi Ryuta , Haraguchi Takashi F. , Tayasu Ichiro , Suetsugu Kenji
Published: July 2024

To evaluate the nutritional modes of orchids associated with ‘rhizoctonia’ fungi, analyses of hydrogen (δ2H), carbon (δ13C), and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios are usually adopted. However, previous studies have not fully accounted for exchangeable hydrogens, which could affect these evaluations.

Here, we performed standard δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H analyses on bulk samples. Additionally, we conducted δ2H analysis on α‐cellulose and cellulose nitrate samples to investigate whether the heterogeneity of exchangeable hydrogens among plant species influences the assessment of nutritional modes.

The δ2H of orchids were consistently higher than those of surrounding autotrophic plants, irrespective of the three pretreatments. Although the rhizoctonia‐associated orchid exhibited lower δ13C, its δ2H was higher than those of the autotrophs. Notably, among all response variables, δ15N and δ2H exhibited high abilities for discriminating the nutritional modes of rhizoctonia‐associated orchids.

These results indicate that a time‐efficient bulk sample analysis is an effective method for evaluating plant nutritional modes, as the heterogeneity of exchangeable hydrogens does not significantly impact the estimation. Using δ15N and δ2H benefits the assessment of partial mycoheterotrophy among rhizoctonia‐associated orchids.
Integration of attractive and defensive phytochemicals is unlikely to constrain chemical diversification in a perennial herb
Authors: Thosteman Hanna Eriksdotter , Eisen Katherine , Petrén Hampus , Boutsi Sotiria , Pace Loretta , Halley John M. , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C. , Buckley James , Friberg Magne
Published: July 2024

Diversification of plant chemical phenotypes is typically associated with spatially and temporally variable plant–insect interactions. Floral scent is often assumed to be the target of pollinator‐mediated selection, whereas foliar compounds are considered targets of antagonist‐mediated selection. However, floral and vegetative phytochemicals can be biosynthetically linked and may thus evolve as integrated phenotypes.

Utilizing a common garden of 28 populations of the perennial herb Arabis alpina (Brassicaceae), we investigated integration within and among floral scent compounds and foliar defense compounds (both volatile compounds and tissue‐bound glucosinolates).

Within floral scent volatiles, foliar volatile compounds, and glucosinolates, phytochemicals were often positively correlated, and correlations were stronger within these groups than between them. Thus, we found no evidence of integration between compound groups indicating that these are free to evolve independently. Relative to self‐compatible populations, self‐incompatible populations experienced stronger correlations between floral scent compounds, and a trend toward lower integration between floral scent and foliar volatiles.

Our study serves as a rare test of integration of multiple, physiologically related plant traits that each are potential targets of insect‐mediated selection. Our results suggest that independent evolutionary forces are likely to diversify different axes of plant chemistry without major constraints.
A new START
Authors: Palmgren Michael , López‐Marqués Rosa Laura
Published: July 2024

This article is a Commentary on Wojciechowska et al. (2024), 244: 1498–1518.
Development of a tightly regulated copper‐inducible transient gene expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana incorporating a suicide exon and Cre recombinase
Authors: Chiang Bing‐Jen , Lin Kuan‐Yu , Chen Yi‐Feng , Huang Ching‐Yi , Goh Foong‐Jing , Huang Lo‐Ting , Chen Li‐Hung , Wu Chih‐Hang
Published: July 2024

Chemical‐inducible gene expression systems are commonly used to regulate gene expression for functional genomics in various plant species. However, a convenient system that can tightly regulate transgene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana is still lacking.

In this study, we developed a tightly regulated copper‐inducible system that can control transgene expression and conduct cell death assays in N. benthamiana. We tested several chemical‐inducible systems using Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression and found that the copper‐inducible system exhibited the least concerns regarding leakiness in N. benthamiana. Although the copper‐inducible system can control the expression of some tested reporters, it is not sufficiently tight to regulate certain tested hypersensitive cell death responses. Using the MoClo‐based synthetic biology approach, we incorporated the suicide exon HyP5SM/OsL5 and Cre/LoxP as additional regulatory elements to enhance the tightness of the regulation.

This new design allowed us to tightly control the hypersensitive cell death induced by several tested leucine‐rich repeat‐containing proteins and their matching avirulence factors, and it can be easily applied to regulate the expression of other transgenes in transient expression assays.

Our findings offer new approaches for both fundamental and translational studies in plant functional genomics.
Gut microbiota mediates the anti‐inflammatory effects of supplemental infrared irradiation in mice
Authors: Wang Shijing , Chen Letian , Ma Zheng , Zhao Liting , Lu Yueying , Fu Yuming , Liu Hong
Published: July 2024

In recent years, studies have shown that low‐dose supplemental infrared (IR) irradiation exhibits systemic anti‐inflammatory effects. The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a potential mediator of these effects due to its role in regulating host metabolism and inflammatory responses. To investigate the role of gut microbiota diversity and metabolite changes in the mechanism of light‐emitting diodes (LED) infrared's anti‐inflammatory action, we conducted IR irradiation on mice. Serum inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA, and fecal samples were subjected to metagenomic, untargeted, and targeted metabolomic analyses. Our results demonstrated a significant increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in the IR group, accompanied by a declining trend in pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiome analysis revealed distinct alterations in composition and functional genes between the groups, including the enrichment of beneficial bacteria like various species of Parabacteroides and Akkermansia muciniphila in the IR group. Notably, the IR group exhibited enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism pathways and a reduction in DNA damage and repair pathways. Furthermore, targeted metabolomic analysis highlighted a notable increase in short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyric acid and isobutyric acid, which positively correlated with the abundance of several beneficial bacteria. These findings suggest a potential interplay between gut microbiota‐derived SCFAs and the anti‐inflammatory response. In conclusion, our study provides comprehensive insights into the changes in gut microbiota species and functions associated with IR irradiation. Moreover, we emphasize the significance of altered SCFAs levels in the IR group, which may contribute to the observed anti‐inflammatory effects. Our findings contribute valuable evidence supporting the role of low‐dose infrared light irradiation as an anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Expression of the alfalfa gene MsMDHAR in Arabidopsis thaliana increases water stress tolerance
Authors: Jaime Camila , Dezar Carlos , Pagán Israel , Dunger German
Published: July 2024

The ascorbate‐glutathione pathway plays an essential role in the physiology of vascular plants, particularly in their response to environmental stresses. This pathway is responsible for regulating the cellular redox state, which is critical for maintaining cell function and survival under adverse conditions. To study the involvement of the alfalfa monodehydroascorbate reductase (MsMDHAR) in water stress processes, Arabidopsis thaliana plants constitutively expressing the sequence encoding MsMDHAR were developed. Transgenic events with low and high MsMDHAR expression and ascorbate levels were selected for further analysis of drought and waterlogging tolerance. Under water stress, Arabidopsis transgenic plants generated higher biomass, produced more seeds, and had larger roots than wild type ones. This higher tolerance was associated with increased production of waxes and chlorophyll a at the basal level, greater stomatal opening and stability in regulating the relative water content and reduced H2O2 accumulation under stress conditions in transgenic plants. Overall, these results show that MsMDHAR is involved in plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. The data presented here also emphasises the potential of the MsMDHAR enzyme as a plant breeding tool to improve water stress tolerance.
Unwanted Family Planning Including Unwanted Sterilization: Preliminary Prevalence Estimates for India
Authors: Karra Mahesh , Canning David
Published: July 2024

Estimates of unwanted family planning (UFP), which are based on a desire to have a child in the next nine months among current contraceptive users, exclude women who are sterilized since these women are not asked about their fertility preferences; all sterilized women are assumed to have a “met need” for family planning. However, the India National Family Health Survey asks sterilized women if they regret being sterilized and whether they were told that the operation would result in their permanent inability to have children. We extend the concept of UFP by classifying sterilized women who express regret or who were not informed about the procedure's permanence, as having UFP. When limiting our analysis of UFP to nonsterilized contraceptive users, we find that 0.9 percent of Indian women had UFP in 2019–2021. In this period, 29.9 percent of Indian women were sterilized. We estimate that 4.9 percent of sterilized women express regret and 16.3 percent were not told of the procedure's permanence. Adding sterilized women who express regret raises our UFP estimate in India to 2.3 percent, while also including sterilized women who were not told about the procedure's permanence yields an overall UFP estimate of 6.9 percent in India.
Improved readability in written neurodevelopmental reports by five writing rules
Authors: Bejnö Hampus , Sonning Alexandra , Backman Anna , Klintwall Lars
Published: July 2024

The purpose of a neuropsychological assessment is to describe a child's difficulties and strengths to enable treatments and contextual adjustments. Typically, the assessment is summarized in the form of a written clinical report. However, such texts have been criticized for being too difficult for parents and teachers to read and comprehend. The purpose of this pre‐registered and randomized controlled study was to evaluate five writing rules to improve readability and accessibility in clinical reports: to structure the text with functional domains, exemplify cognitive tasks with examples from daily life, use examples from the daily life of the child, avoid jargon, and to write shorter sentences. We created two separate reports based on the same assessment information of a hypothetical child: one “standard” report, and one where the five writing rules were applied. One hundred teacher students at a teacher education program were randomized to read one of the reports, and then rated readability and answered a comprehension quiz. Results showed that the five writing rules led to improved ratings of readability, and helped readers recall more information immediately afterward. Effects were medium to large. Future studies need to investigate whether the findings generalize to parents and other potential readers. Additionally, future work should address how psychologists can be taught to improve their writing through writing guidelines.

Clinical trial registration: https://aspredicted.org/ac96p.pdf.
Identification of novel biomarkers for childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus using machine learning algorithms and immune infiltration analysis
Authors: Deng Yao , Sun Yanting
Published: July 2024

Background

Childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is often more severe than adult‐onset SLE and is challenging to diagnose due to its variable presentation and lack of specific diagnostic tests.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for cSLE by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using machine learning algorithms.

Methods

In this study, we utilized the Gene Expression Omnibus database to investigate the DEGs between cSLE and normal samples, conducting a functional enrichment analysis on DEGs. Subsequently, we employed machine learning algorithms, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and Support Vector Machine‐Recursive Feature Elimination, to identify hub DEGs, which serve as crucial biomarkers. We delved into the role of these hub DEGs in the pathogenesis of the disease and the correlation between these hub DEGs and immune infiltration by comprehensive immune infiltration analysis using the CIBERSORT algorithm.

Results

We identified 110 DEGs in cSLE, including 95 upregulated and 15 downregulated genes. Functional annotation revealed that these DEGs were involved in immune response processes, viral defense mechanisms, and regulation of interferon responses. Machine learning algorithms identified CCR1 and SAMD9L as hub DEGs, which were validated in multiple datasets and demonstrated high diagnostic value for cSLE. Mechanistic exploration suggested that CCR1 and SAMD9L are involved in immune response modulation, particularly in interferon signaling and the innate immune system. Assessment of immune cell infiltration revealed significant differences in immune cell composition between cSLE patients and healthy controls, with cSLE patients exhibiting a higher proportion of neutrophils. Moreover, CCR1 and SAMD9L expression levels showed positive correlations with neutrophil infiltration and other immune cell types.

Conclusion

CCR1 and SAMD9L were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for cSLE using machine learning and were validated in multiple datasets. These findings provide novel insights into the biological underpinnings of cSLE.
Geography of voter turnout in Slovak local elections (1994–2018): The effects of size and contagion on local electoral participation
Authors: Maškarinec Pavel
Published: July 2024

The main goal of this article is to analyze spatial disparities in local electoral participation in Slovakia between 1994 and 2018 on a very detailed spatial structure of all (almost 3000) municipalities. To achieve this goal, methods of global and local spatial autocorrelation and spatial regression are used. Municipality‐level analysis, then, provides three main results. First, cartographic presentations provide spatial evidence of highly stable patterns of electoral participation in Slovak municipalities. In the long term, there was no substantial inter‐electoral change in the clustering of voter turnout in the different municipalities, except for an overall significant decline in the homogeneity of the clusters with low or high electoral turnout. Second, while there was some positive spatial autocorrelation of turnout between a concrete municipality and its surroundings, suggesting the existence of a contagion effect, this effect was not too strong and quickly waned with growing distance. Third, as especially the local elections in 2018 suggested that local political environment has its own dynamics that are increasingly independent of municipality size, a more detailed analysis of the local political context combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques should be a priority in the future.
Long‐lasting residual efficacy of Actellic®300CS and Icon®10CS on different surfaces against Anopheles stephensi, an invasive malaria vector
Authors: Nikpour Fatemeh , Vatandoost Hassan , Hanafi‐Bojd Ahmad Ali , Raeisi Ahmad , Mirolyaie Abdolreza , Mojahedi Abdol‐rasol , Yaryan Masoud , Banar Ahad , Kaveh Farzad , Abbasi Madineh , Farmani Mostafa
Published: July 2024

Background

Anopheles stephensi, a malaria‐transmitting mosquito species, has developed resistance to various insecticides such as DDT, Dieldrin, Malathion, and synthetic pyrethroids. To combat this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests using Actellic®300CS and Icon®10CS for Indoor Residual Spraying to tackle pyrethroid‐resistant mosquitoes. The aim of this research project was to evaluate the susceptibility of An. stephensi to certain insecticides at the diagnostic concentration + intensity 5x diagnostic concentration (5XDC) assays in Iran and to study the lasting effectiveness of Actellic®300CS and Icon®10CS against this particular malaria vector.

Methods

This study assessed the susceptibility of An. stephensi populations in southern Iran to various insecticides, including deltamethrin 0.05%, DDT 4%, malathion 5%, bendiocarb 0.1%, a synergist assay with PBO 4% combined with deltamethrin 0.05%, and an intensity assay using 5x the diagnostic concentration of deltamethrin (0.25%) and bendiocarb 0.5%. Laboratory cone bioassay tests were conducted to determine the residual effectiveness of Actellic®300 and Icon®10CS insecticides on different surfaces commonly found in households, such as cement, mud, plaster, and wood. The tests were carried out following the WHO test kits and standard testing protocols.

Results

The An. stephensi populations in Bandar Abbas were found to be susceptible to malathion 5% and deltamethrin 0.25% (5XDC), but exhibited resistance to DDT, standard concentration of deltamethrin, and both standard and intensity concentrations of bendiocarb. In laboratory cone bioassay tests, An. stephensi mortality rates when exposed to Actellic®300CS and Icon®10CS on different surfaces remained consistently more than 80%. Actellic®300CS achieved more than 80% mortality on all substrates for the entire 300‐day post‐spraying period. Conversely, Icon®10CS maintained mortality rates more than 80% on plaster and wood surfaces for 165 days and on mud and cement surfaces for 270 days post‐spraying. Both Actellic®300CS and Icon®10CS demonstrated 100% mortality within 72 h of each test on all surfaces throughout the entire 300‐day post‐spraying period.

Conclusion

The study shows the varying levels of resistance of An. stephensi Bandar Abbas population to different insecticides and demonstrates the consistent performance of Actellic®300CS in controlling these mosquitoes on various surfaces. The findings suggest that long‐lasting CS formulations may be more effective for malaria vector control compared to the current options. Further research is needed to validate these findings in field settings and assess the impact of these insecticides on malaria transmission.
Relationship between English proficiency and socioeconomic status in Asia: Quantitative cross‐national analysis
Authors: Terasawa Takunori
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the relationship between English language proficiency and socioeconomic status (ELP–SES relationship) through a quantitative cross‐national analysis of 30 jurisdictions in Asia. It aims to uncover the degrees and patterns of the ELP–SES relationship by analysing AsiaBarometer surveys conducted in the mid‐2000s. Specifically, it assesses how English proficiency correlates with seven demographic and SES factors: generation, gender, education, occupational status (employment status and job categories), economic status, and residential location. Through cross‐tabulation and hierarchical cluster analyses, it was found that although a clear and close connection between English proficiency and SES exists in most parts of Asia, the extent and pattern of this connection significantly vary across jurisdictions. The most pronounced correlations, or English divides, were observed in former British and American territories and in less developed countries, while Central Asia and Japan showed relatively smaller correlations. Additionally, the degree and pattern observed did not always align with previous findings from case studies.
NUMERICAL PARAMETRIC SIMULATIONS FOR SEEPAGE FLOW BEHAVIOUR THROUGH AN EARTHFILL DAM
Authors: Kasim Fauziah , Fei Wong Sou
Published: July 2024

A finite element method is practical and applicable for many fields including forgeotechnical engineering structures. Seepage through earth dam is difficult toanalyse especially dams with multiple zones. Therefore, finite element is the besttool for analyzing seepage flow in an earthfill dam. The main objective of theproject is to simulate the seepage flow through an earthfill dam. Three sets ofsteady state numerical modeling are presented in the paper. Two sets ofparametric studies on long-term steady state flow were conducted usinghomogeneous and zoned earthfill dams for studying the behaviour of seepage inthe dams. The third set of the simulations is a case study, which is analysis ofsteady state seepage condition for Kuala Yong Dam, the main part of PergauHydroelectric Project, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). The seepage quantity atthe core and the downstream section were determined for the steady state flowcondition. The results of the parametric simulations show that the total fluxes atdownstream changes with the coefficient of permeability value. The flux quantitychanges linearly with maximum seepage velocity. Significant differences can beobserved in the case study, for the analysis using the coefficient of permeabilityfunction (varies with matric suction) versus analysis using a constant coefficientof permeability. Relationship between flux quantity at downstream andmaximum seepage velocity is non-linear when hydraulic conductivity function isintroduced in seepage analysis.
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODELS FOR PREDICTING WATER QUALITY INDEX
Authors: Juahir Hafizan , M. Zain Sharifuddin , Toriman Mohd. Ekhwan , Mokhtar Mazlin , Che Man Hasfalina
Published: July 2024

This study discusses the development and validation of an Artificial NeuralNetwork (ANN) model in estimating water quality index (WQI) in the Langat RiverBasin, Malaysia. The ANN model has been developed and tested using data from 30monitoring stations. The modeling data was divided into two sets. For the first set, ANNswere trained, tested and validated using six independent water quality variables as inputparameters. Consequently, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was applied to eliminateindependent variables that exhibit the lowest contribution in variance. Independentvariables that accounted for approximately 71% of the variance in WQI are DissolvedOxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Suspended Solids (SS) andAmmoniacal-Nitrate (AN). The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and pH contributedonly 8% and 2% to the variance, respectively. Thus, in the second data set, only fourindependent variables were used to train, test and validate the ANNs. We found that thecorrelation coefficient given by six independent variables (0.92) is only slightly better inestimating WQI compared to four independent variables (0.91) which demonstrates thatANN is capable of estimating WQI with acceptable accuracy when it is trained byeliminating COD and pH as independent variables.
STABILITY AND DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF FAILED EMBANKMENTS FOUNDED ON SOFT CLAYS
Authors: Jitno Hendra , Gofar Nurly
Published: July 2024

This paper presents results of stability and deformation analysis of several failed embankment case histories founded on soft clay. Different methods of limit equilibrium analysis (Fellenius, Bishop, Janbu and Spencer) adopted in computer program SLOPE/W were used to calculate the Factor of Safety of each embankment. A continuum approach utilising a finite difference computer program FLAC was also used to calculate the Factor of Safety and study the deformation behaviour of the embankment. The results obtained using both methods were compared with observations. The effect of analysis methods, variation of shear strength parameters of both fill and foundation soils on the Factor of Safety were also discussed. The variation of soil strength is a dominant factor in the slope stability analysis. The limit equilibrium method which satisfies both force and moment equilibrium give better prediction on the stability of the slope.
A MODIFIED STRESS MODEL TO PREDICT THE ULTIMATE BENDING STRENGTH OF SOLID TIMBER BEAMS USING PLASTIC APPROACH
Authors: Maung Zaw Khin , Mohamed Zainai , Saleh Abd Latif , Abu Bakar Suhaimi
Published: July 2024

A modified stress model based on the principle of plasticity to predict the ultimate bending strength of solid timber beams was developed. The model is capable to predict the actual bending strength of timber beams better than the existing stress models. The two main controlling parameters of the model are the ultimate tensile and compressive strengths of the beam material. The proposed model was verified through a series of laboratory experiments using a local hardwood timber, Dark Red Meranti. A number of specimens consisting of 12 beams, 10 tension specimens and 15 compression specimens were tested. The ultimate bending moment from test results were compared against the proposed and existing stress models. A significant non-linear relationship exists between load and deformation of timber in both bending and compression, but the stress-strain relationship is linear in tension. The strain is distributed linearly across the beam section and the neutral axis tends to shift towards the tensional side when the beam is loaded beyond the proportional limit. Although the tensile strength of the timber is larger than its compressive strength, the modulus of elasticity in tension and compression is approximately the same.
DECOLOURISATION OF REACTIVE DYESTUFF USING FENTONâ€™S REAGENT
Authors: Aris Azmi , N. Sharratt Paul
Published: July 2024

The behaviour of Fentonâ€Ÿs Reagent (FR) system in decolourising Reactive Black 5 (RB5) was investigated. It was observed that the system is capable to decolourise 0.2 mM RB5 within a reasonable time with most decolourisation occurred in the first minute. The performance of the process is greatly affected by the reagent dosage. The best dosages of peroxide and Fe2+ were 7 mM and 1 mM, respectively. The best H2O2:Fe2+:dye molar ratio was 35:5:1. The dye was also found to enhance the decomposition of the peroxide. This suggests the possibility of Fe3+/Fe2+ â€žredox-recycledâ€Ÿ as experienced in a Hamilton-like system favouring the use of FR process for the degradation of the dye
DETERMINATION OF MAXIMUM IN-PLACE AIR VOID FOR IMPERMEABLE HOT MIX ASPHALT PAVEMENTS
Authors: Hainin Mohd Rosli , Brown E. Ray
Published: July 2024

Obtaining adequate density is a major requirement in the construction of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Density is very much related to the air voids. As air voids increase, the density decreases. This study determined the maximum in-place air void for impermeable HMA pavements. A total of 497 core samples were obtained from 57 different ongoing HMA construction projects immediately after rolling. Nine different mix types utilised in this study were fine dense-graded 9.5 mm, 12.5 mm, 19.0 mm and 25.0 mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) mixes, coarse dense-graded 9.5 mm, 12.5 mm and 19.0 mm NMAS mixes, and Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) 9.5 mm and 25.0 mm NMAS mixes. Bulk specific gravity of each core sample was determined using both American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T 166 and vacuum sealing methods, and permeability was determined using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) PS129-01. This study found that in-place air void content was the most significant factor affecting permeability. The in-place air voids for dense-graded HMA pavements should not exceed 7%.
PUTRAJAYA RIVER SYSTEM RANKING USING FUZZY COMPOSITE PROGRAMMING
Authors: Shamsudin Supiah , Hashim Noor Baharim , Ab Rahman Azmi
Published: July 2024

Putrajaya river systems which consist of Sg. Chuau, Sg. Limau Manis and Sg. Bisa were ranked under multi criteria environment for future management. The rivers were ranked using multicriteria decision making approach, specifically applying Fuzzy Composite Programming (FCP). There are three main objectives of ranking; i) improving water quality, ii) enhancing water quantity and iii) minimising cost. The FCP structure contained 15 first-level indicators, six second level indicators, three third level indicators and one final indicator. Sensitivity analysis using four different set of weights were carried out to ensure the robustness of the options. Sungai Chuau was ranked the first with the highest ordered sequence value of 0.494. The highest ranking was determined based on the shortest distance between the fuzzy box and an ideal point. Sungai Chuau should be given the highest priority in the management and conservation of resources than the other river systems
AUTOMATED PAVEMENT IMAGING PROGRAM (APIP) FOR PAVEMENT CRACKS CLASSIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION
Authors: Che Puan Othman , Mustaffar Mushairry , Ling Tung-Chai
Published: July 2024

This paper describes the development of an Automated Pavement Imaging Program (APIP) for evaluating pavement distress condition. The digital image processing program enables longitudinal, transverse, and alligator cracks to be classified. Subsequently, the program automatically predicts types of cracks and estimates the crack intensity which can be used to rate pavement distress severity. Results obtained by this technique are compared with the conventional manual method to check accuracy. The algorithm developed in this study is capable of identifying types of cracks and the severity level at about 90% accuracy, which is similar to the accuracy obtained by the manual method.
STUB TYPE INTEGRAL ABUTMENT â€“ BACKFILL SOIL RELATIONSHIP
Authors: Krishta David Thevaneyan , P. Forth John
Published: July 2024

Integral bridges have become one of the most common types of joint-less bridge construction, certainly over the last three decades. Simple integral abutments, such as stub-type abutments supported by piling, have been found to perform well and recommended for widespread use. Cost-effective system in terms of construction, maintenance and longevity becomes their principal advantages, derived from the elimination of expansion joints and bearings. Elimination of joints from bridges creates a significant soil-structure interaction behind the abutment. A 2D finite element analysis was performed on a typical integral abutment bridge using OASYS SAFE to investigate the complex interactions that exist between the stub-type integral abutment bridge and the backfill soil. Where possible, these results were validated with existing field data. The results from this analysis are believed to help answer two of the most debated issues with respect to stub-type integral abutment bridge-soil interaction analyses. Firstly, it is clear, and now possible, that a reliably accurate soil constitutive model is used in the analysis/design. The Mohr-Coulomb soil model was found to realistically represent the soil behaviour. Secondly, the research may suggest that cyclic movements / loads may not significantly influence the overall behaviour of integral abutment bridges especially in a small daily temperature changes.
REVIEW OF AN ANCIENT PERSIAN LIME MORTAR â€œSAROOJâ€
Authors: Masoumi Mohammad Mehdi , Banakar Hanieh , Boroomand Bahar
Published: July 2024

Sarooj is an ancient Persian lime mortar of great antiquity which is hydraulic lime mortars and so compatible with the environment because of its ingredients. Sarooj has been used frequently in Iran since 1200 B.C. until the last decades, especially in the southern area; across the Persian Gulf, the most different climates which proves that Sarooj is highly compatible with different climates. The more practical methods of setting procedure of Sarooj is explained in detail. One of the most important features of Sarooj is its impermeable characteristic among mortars. Sarooj has not been a major highlight among researchshers for many years, but recently this material has started to gain some interest among researchers in Iran. This paper highlight the importance and benefit of Sarooj in construction by revieweing its ingredients, chemical and mix design, additives, and physical properties of Sarooj.
PREDICTING ASR LONG TERM EXPANSION THROUGH EXISTING TEST METHOD
Authors: R. Latifee Enamur , Kabir Md Rashedul
Published: July 2024

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) related distress in the concrete is considered as the second most important concrete durability issue after corrosion. The modeling of ASR distress and prediction of ASR expansion in the real-life concrete structure is a matter of great difficulty. In this research article, the prediction equations were derived using a special mathematical function known as Spline. The equations were based on the actual expansion curves of known reactive aggregates, and of the mitigation measures (e.g., fly ash, slag etc.). The experimental expansions in the extended period, i.e., beyond 84 days, through the Miniature Concrete Prism Test (MCPT) method were compared with the predicted expansions matching the experimental age. The results indicated that the experimental and the predicted expansions matched very well with R 2 value close to 1. It was also found that the reaction reached at a steady state condition after certain curing days and this steady state condition continued throughout the extended test period. Also, for the mitigation measures using low lime fly ashes, meta-kaolin and slag at certain percent replacement levels of cement by weight; the experimental expansion correlated well with the predicted expansion. Therefore, the expansion prediction can be used confidently for both reactive aggregates and the mitigation measures.
MATHEMATICAL PSYCHIATRY OF FIELD PLATE LOAD TEST USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Kumar K. Shiva Prashanth , Anbese Temesgen Wakweya
Published: July 2024

Present investigation deals with a mathematical psychiatry of Field Plate Load Test (FPLT) using FEM (Finite Element Method) in clayey soil to evolve the effect of plate dimension on settlement and coefficient of subgrade reaction (ks). A comparison between the obtained FEM results using Mohr-Coulombâ€™s soil model and interpretation of prior review of literature was addressed. Outcomes revealed that the ks is strictly dependent on parameters like size of the loaded area and loading magnitude, and thus completely general and generic, and not a fundamental material property of soil that can somehow be determined rationally.
MATERIAL FLOW ANALYSIS AND AWARENESS ON E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Shah Gautam Lalit , Mohd Yusof Mohd Badruddin , Ga Ming Ng
Published: July 2024

E-waste management is currently seen as an important environmental component and has received a worldwide attention. E-wastes in Malaysia are commonly disposed along with other domestic wastes at landfills, thus has caused a major concern amongst the public and the government. This method has been practiced in many developing countries which lack the proper disposal method of e-waste. A study was conducted in Skudai, Johor to analyze the level of awareness of Material Flow Analysis (MFA) among the public and retailers, as well as their views on current e-waste management from different aspects. The primary data was obtained through interview and questionnaire distribution. The sets of questionnaires that were distributed to public, computer retailers and hand-phone retailers were 200, 21 and 26, respectively. The analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. The result shows that the level of awareness among public, computer retailers and hand-phone retailers was low where the percentages who did not know about MFA were 52, 76 and 77 percent, respectively. The study found that demographic background did not affect willingness to recycle and reduce e-wastes. However, from the correlation analysis, it shows that there are significant correlation between interest of respondents toward environmental activities and willingness to practice MFA for both computer retailers and hand-phone retailers where p <0.05 at significant level of 95%. Spearmanâ€™s rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the significant level. Then, linear regression analysis also shows that for public respondent, people who had joined environmental activities before tend to perform MFA on e-waste management with more information at significant level of 95% (p < 0.05). This study implies that more environmental campaign should be performed in order to increase general knowledge of MFA among the public. The results of this study will assist the Malaysian waste management authorities to plan the collecting system and facilities needed for management of e-waste generated in the near future.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BRICK AGGREGATE CONCRETE ON A BASIS OF DRY DENSITY AND DURABILITY
Authors: Iffat Shohana
Published: July 2024

The most remarkable building material-concrete is generally designed to carry compressive loading. Concrete must be sufficiently durable in order to prevent penetration of corrosive elements through its surface. The mechanical properties of concrete are highly influenced by its density. A denser concrete generally provides higher strength and fewer amount of voids and porosity. Smaller the voids in concrete, it becomes less permeable to water and soluble elements. So water absorption will also be less and better durability is expected from this type of concrete. Water, containing harmful elements leads to corrosion of reinforcement embedded in concrete. Water itself is also vulnerable to embedded steel within concrete. A minimum water cement ratio is desired to maintain appropriate strength and durability of concrete. In this paper an experimental program conducting on compressive strength, density, absorption capacity and percent voids of hardened concrete is described. The variation of these properties with maturity of concrete was main focus of this experiment. Also, water and chloride permeability of commonly practiced concrete mixes are also evaluated through this paper. Comparison is made between two types of concreteâ€™s property test results. One of them is lightweight concrete made with crushed brick (BC) as primary coarse aggregate. Crushed brick is a locally available construction material in Indian subcontinent. Another type of concrete is a denser one, made with crushed stone (SC) as primary coarse aggregate. The comparisons on test results are presented with respect to time and water cement ratios. It was observed from the experiment that, strength and density increases with maturity of concrete and percent void and absorption capacity decreases with time. Better results were obtained from stone aggregate concrete than brick aggregate concrete in cases of all of the tests. A minimum water cement ratio is also recommended to ensure minimum level of durability through this paper.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE WITH PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF AGGREGATES WITH GRANITE POWDER AND COCKLE SHELL
Authors: Ponnada Markandeya Raju , Prasad S Siva , Dharmala Harish
Published: July 2024

Construction materials are being exploited by mankind posing a risk of their sustainability. On the other hand, many industries are producing waste by-products and their safe disposal is a major challenge to engineers and environmentalists. Identifying waste materials that resemble in properties with some ingredient of concrete can solve this problem to some extent. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of utilising two industrial by-products as a replacement of both fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. Granite powder and cockle shell are adopted as partial replacements to fine and coarse aggregate respectively. It is concluded from the study that maximum strength is attained with a combination of granite powder and cockle shell at 20% and 15% partial replacements of fine and coarse aggregate respectively for M30 grade Concrete. The compressive strength for 28 days at these combinations is 43.7 MPa which is 43.75% higher than that of conventional concrete.
COMPRESSIVE CREEP OF KENAF BIO-FIBROUS CONCRETE COMPOSITE UNDER ONE DIMENSIONAL STRESSING
Authors: Babatunde Ogunbode Ezekiel , Mohamad Yatim Jamaludin , Mohd Yunus Ishak , Abdul Hamid Hazlan , Abdul Aziz Azmahani , Razavi Masoud
Published: July 2024

The experiment was designed to investigate the creep of concrete specimens under one dimensional compressive principal stress. The equipment for producing the stress and the gauges for measuring the strains are described. The results of the experimental study illustrated the effects of the inclusion of Kenaf fibre and age at loading on creep signature of the concrete. Creep tests were performed in the drying room with 50Â±4% relative humidity. Kenaf fibres were used at 50mm fibre length and volume fractions of 0.5% by volume of mix. Results available for specimens subjected to 25 and 35% of the strength in compression were presented. The final discussion compared the effect of Kenaf fibre inclusion and age at loading of specimens subjected to compressive creep at two different stress levels. Low modulus fibrous concrete such as Kenaf bio-fibrous concrete composite demonstrated somewhat greater creep strains than the plain concrete, but the deformation behaviour shows improvement in ductility.