bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Metal Retention Performance of Media Filter Drains for Stormwater Management
Authors: Thomas Agathe , Haselbach Liv , Poor Cara , Freimund Maxwell
Published: March 2015

Stormwater runoff, a substantial source of nonpoint pollution, can be treated using Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as the Media Filter Drain (MFD). An MFD is a trench filled with an engineered media mix, usually with a grass overlay, that receives runoff from the paved roadway next to it. The MFD was shown to remove dissolved metals (zinc and copper), typical pollutants from vehicles and urban areas, which might negatively impact aquatic species in receiving waters, but its long-term effectiveness was not known. Existing media filter mixes of different ages were collected from two different sites in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Columns made with these media mixes received concentrated copper and zinc loading to simulate accelerated aging for estimated total lifespans from 14 to 22 years of copper and zinc loading, with little or no decrease in sorption. Throughout the aging process, some columns were subjected to performance testing with higher levels of typical runoff concentrations and average concentration decreases from influent to effluent were found to be greater than 90% for both copper and zinc. Based on this study, the MFD’s lifespan for zinc and copper treatment is significantly greater than the initial ten-year estimate.
Espaces culturels et sociaux interfrontaliers : le cas de la frontière franco-belge (Cultural and social exchanges through the french-belgian boundary)
Authors: Verhasselt Yola
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - Pour les habitants des régions frontières franco-belges, les activités culturelles et les loisirs se déroulent davantage dans leur propre pays. Les relations sociales sont aussi freinées par la frontière.
Quelques aspects universitaires et culturels dans l'espace Sarre-Lorraine (Universities, libraries and theaters in Lorraine and Saarland)
Authors: Reitel François
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - Cet article compare les équipements culturels (Universités, bibliothèques universitaires, théâtres), et les moyens dont ils disposent en Lorraine et dans les régions allemandes voisines, et analyse les causes et les conséquences des inégalités constatées (rôle du centralisme et du fédéralisme).
Quelques aspects de cohésion et de marginalité des communautés maritimes de la France septentrionale du XVIIe siècle à 1850 (Some features of the fishing communities in northern France from the 17th century to 1850)
Authors: Cabantous Alain
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - L'originalité des populations maritimes de la Mer du Nord et de la Manche orientale, entre 1650 et 1850, réside dans le fait que leur rapport à la mer est la source de toute leur organisation professionnelle, sociale, culturelle et familiale. En cela elles renforcent une spécificité communautaire plus sensible en ville qu'à la campagne. Les modifications subies par l'économie portuaire après 1750 et l'expansion démographique vont progressivement marginaliser ces populations qui devront opter pour le repli ou la dispersion, en fonction de leur attachement plus ou moins fort à l'identité maritime.
La société maritime face aux nouvelles populations littorales. L'exemple de la Haute-Normandie (Sea-side society and new populations in Haute-Normandie)
Authors: Rieucau Jean
Published: March 2015

Abstract. - Since the 1970's the seaboard of Higher Normandy has made room for new activities along its sea shore lying between the shoreline and the 5 nautical miles limit. These new implantations vie with the older functions of the seaside for the utilisation and occupancy of the littoral space, especially fishing. Most of the newer activities do not bring with tham new populations or occupations. Only did the two nuclear stations. Along the littoral space and in the harbour- towns, only the fishermen form a real society, although the elements of persistence over the years and stability of this society, are affected by the new trends. The merchant sailors, as well as the people employed in the harbours, constitute for the former a social entity having their abodes away from the harbours far inland on the continent, for the latter mere occupational groupings. Inside the coastal strip, only private fishermen find themselves in touch with people from outside the region or having nothing to do with the sea, such as the management of the nuclear industry. As opposed to other sections of the french coasts the holiday-makers do not fill in the gaps left by the fishing communities in the occupancy and all-the-year round animation of the seaside.
Industries de haute technologie et politique départementale d'innovation dans la couronne parisienne septentrionale (Industries of high technology and départemental politics of innovations in the Parisian northern surroundings)
Authors: Cavard Jean-Claude
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - On constate depuis quelques années, dans les départements du Val-d'Oise et de la Seine-Saint-Denis, l'émergence d'un grand nombre d'industries de pointe. La prise en compte de ce vivier, par les autorités régionales et départementales, devrait permettre la mise sur pied d'un «POLE TECHNOLOGIQUE ILE- DE-FRANCE-NORD », à condition que soient renforcées les structures universitaires.
Technologies nouvelles, modernisation et dépendance extérieure : la bureautique en France (High technology and dependancy : the bureautic in France)
Authors: Carroué Laurent
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - On étudie, à travers l'exemple de la bureautique, et dans le cadre de la division internationale du travail, quel est l'impact géographique de la dépendance de la France en la matière, sur les structures spatiales et industrielles des nouvelles technologies. On montre le rôle de pivot joué par l'Ile-de-France en matière commerciale, et une décentralisation très poussée de la production.
Le donjon de Langeais
Authors: Deyres Marcel
Published: March 2015

Dans l'état qui fut le sien au XIe siècle, le donjon de Langeais était percé à l'est par quatre baies, dont l'une éclairait le premier étage, et au nord par deux fenêtres et une porte. L'ancienne baie orientale du premier étage a été obstruée dès le début du XIIe siècle. Les montants de cette baie sont d'appareil et s'élargissent de bas en haut, trait que l'on retrouve dans certaines églises ligérines datables des environs de l'an mille. On peut donc dater le premier état du donjon des premières décennies du XIe siècle. Vers 1100, on profita de la construction d'un avant-corps pour reprendre les parties médianes de l'élévation orientale. La bâtisse fut alors renforcée par des contreforts ; elle fut, également, percée d'une quatrième ouverture à l'étage supérieur du mur oriental, tandis que la porte septentrionale fut agrandie. L'extérieur de l'élévation septentrionale fut remanié au XIIIe siècle. Doté d'un rez-de-chaussée et de deux étages sous Foulque Nerra, le monument n'eut plus qu'un étage sur haut rez-de-chaussée au XIIe siècle.

On a pu légitimement douter que les parties les plus anciennes de l'œuvre soient datables des environs de l'an mille. Mais, à cette époque, le monument était beaucoup plus une résidence castrale qu'un donjon véritable, encore que son parti général ait repris le thème des donjons de bois.
PROBABILISTIC FINITE ELEMENT STIFFNESS OF A LATERALLY LOADED MONOPILE BASED ON AN IMPROVED ASYMPTOTIC SAMPLING METHOD
Authors: Vahdatirad Mohammad Javad , Bayat Mehdi , Andersen Lars Vabbersgaard , Ibsen Lars Bo
Published: March 2015

The mechanical responses of an offshore monopile foundation mounted in over-consolidated clay are calculated by employing a stochastic approach where a nonlinear p–y curve is incorporated with a finite element scheme. The random field theory is applied to represent a spatial variation for undrained shear strength of clay. Normal and Sobol sampling are employed to provide the asymptotic sampling method to generate the probability distribution of the foundation stiffnesses. Monte Carlo simulation is used as a benchmark. Asymptotic sampling accompanied with Sobol quasi random sampling demonstrates an efficient method for estimating the probability distribution of stiffnesses for the offshore monopile foundation.
DESIGN OF A FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO SUPPORT FOUR-DIMENSIONAL TRAJECTORIES
Authors: Amaro Carmona Manuel Angel , Rudinskas Darius , Barrado Cristina
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the design and simulation of the functions of a flight Management System (FMS) in order to follow four-dimensional trajectories automatically. This is achieved by controlling the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, heading and vertical speed in order to arrive to the merging point in a specified time. The system receives data from the aircraft and computes new control parameters based on mathematical equations and algorithms of prediction trajectories. Additional features have been added to the FMS-4D, such as the capability of predicting the arrival time taking into account previous flight parameters and speed/altitude constrains. Finally, a testing phase was carried out using a flight simulator in order to obtain the performance and results of the designed system.
CONTROL OF SENSORLESS ELECTRICAL DRIVES OPERATING IN A HYBRID FLYING PLATFORM
Authors: Binkowski Tomasz
Published: March 2015

In the paper, the results of an investigation on the electrical drive of a hybrid flying platform (BAL) are presented. Due to restrictions on flying platforms it is necessary to use solutions with a limited number of sensors. For that purpose an investigation of two versions of electrical drives with a BLDC motor without a speed feedback has been conducted. The obtained results have been compared and conclusions regarding the practical use of the motor drive have been made. The investigations discussed in the paper concern only the proposed methods of speed estimation based on current measurement.
Low-Dose Adefovir Dipivoxil May Induce Fanconi Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term follow-up for Chinese Patients
Authors: Xu Li-Jun , Jiang Yan , Liao Ruo-Xi , Zhang Hua-Bing , Mao Jiang-Feng , Chi Yue , Li Mei , Wang Ou , Liu Xiao-Qing , Liu Zheng-Yin , Xing Xiao-Ping , Yu Wei , Xia Wei-Bo
Published: March 2015

Background

Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) nephrotoxicity is well known at a dose of 60 mg day-1 or 120 mg day-1. However, renal toxicity at a low-dose of 10 mg ADV for HBV-infected patients is not fully described. Our objective was to analyse the clinical features and outcomes of ADV-related Fanconi's syndrome in the Chinese population.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. A total of 35 patients with ADV-related Fanconi's syndrome were studied. Clinical manifestations and biochemical parameters were analysed. 19 patients were from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) included from August 2010 to December 2012. A total of 16 patients were eligible from case reports in the Chinese population retrieved in PUBMED, WANFANG and CNKI database. Bone mineral density and biochemical parameters including serum phosphate, calcium, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured before and after ADV cessation and during the follow-up.

Results

All recruited patients had hypophosphataemia, increased urinary phosphate excretion and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Serum phosphate levels rapidly increased especially within the 4 weeks after ADV cessation. Serum creatinine remained high or at the upper limit of normal range even after ADV cessation for 1 year. ALP increased in the first three months of ADV cessation and decreased at the 24th week. Bone mineral density was significantly improved after 6 months cessation of ADV.

Conclusions

ADV can be nephrotoxic at prolonged low doses of 10 mg. For those who take ADV long term, regular monitoring of serum phosphate, creatinine levels and urine routine tests are required.
Sales and Operations Management in Contemporary Organizations
Authors: Shaikh Salim
Published: March 2015

Based on in-depth dialogue with executives, analyzing technology research reports, and leading supply chain transformation programs, a growing evident trend was noticed that more and more companies are seeking to enhance their Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to higher levels of maturity. The question amongst supply chain executives has metamorphosed from “Why do we need to improve at this time” to “How do we do it?” This chapter attempts to alleviate those concerns by providing a practical and proven approach for change transformation across various levels of S&OP maturity, thereby enabling organizations to become more demand-driven, improve margins, increase market share, and become contemporary – Lean, Agile, and Social Sales and Operations Management (LASSOM).
Managing Purchasing with Different E-Procurement Solutions
Authors: Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , Eglese Richard W.
Published: March 2015

Increased demand from the market to carry out rapid business transactions has led many companies to seek to improve their regular business transactions. The progressive development of the internet in establishing a variety of electronic marketplaces has facilitated companies to move towards applying e-procurement technologies. This indirectly increases the competitiveness of companies due to well managed purchasing activities using e-procurement technologies. The strategic decision by the top management in implementing e-procurement technologies is mainly concentrated on managing the supply of external resources and preferred to focus on the implementation of green supply chain activities to increase the environmental performance with e-procurement technologies. With the spread of internet technologies, which led to changes in business strategy and its uses, companies will be provided with a digital platform for online business transactions. Therefore, business through electronic media (e-media) have the potential and power to transform business transactions and business relationships. E-procurement became the most important strategy for the business to purchase or procure goods or materials from global suppliers. Despite the claims on usability of e-procurement technologies, some companies however show little interest in applying e-procurement technologies because of the difficulty the companies to perform purchasing activities and other key aspects that influence the companies to exploit the technologies. As a major contributor to the growth of the agriculture sector, the Malaysia Palm Oil Industry (MPOI) should explore the potential of e-procurement and other relevant technologies to be exploited in the industry and enhance its competitiveness. The information on the applicability of e-procurement technologies for different types of materials at different stages of the industry supply chain will assist the industry players to achieve efficient purchasing activities. Hence, in this chapter the case study discussed will provide relevant e-procurement solutions with respect to the MPOI and will provide comprehensive purchasing activities of different types of products along the supply chain through e-procurement technologies.
Green Façade (Vertical Greening): Benefits and Threats
Authors: Rakhshandehroo Mehdi , Mohd Yusof Mohd Johari , Deghati Najd Meysam
Published: March 2015

In the challenge of development in dense urban areas and environmental preservation, sustainability is a significant requirement where green facade (vertical greening) is one of those approaches that flourished during the last decade although it is not a new concept. Hanging or vertical garden, vertical vegetable farms, balcony garden, container or planter box greening, green or eco building, green roof or rooftop garden, wall planter, and green envelop are all different aspects of this idea that demonstrate how wide this landscape can be. Greening the building envelope with vegetation can be used as a mean to restore the environmental conditions in dense urban areas. Designers can look for enhanced solutions where the façades are more than tinted glass barrier. Several researches have proven the environmental benefits of green facade on both new and existing buildings. They can be applied for mitigating the effect of urban heat island, increasing biodiversity and ecological value, insulating against environmental impact, outdoor and indoor comfort, social and psychological wellbeing and enhancement of air quality for city dwellers. This article discusses different systems of the green facade as a method of sustainable development.
Transport Policy in the Klang Valley, Malaysia: The Sustainability Agenda
Authors: Raja Ariffin Raja Noriza , Khairi Zahari Rustam , Tumin Makmor
Published: March 2015

There are many definitions of sustainable transport system, but generally it takes into account the three elements of sustainable development: the economy, the environment and the social well-being when deciding on policy that is affecting transportation activity. This paper examines the urban transport policy and its implications on sustainable transport agenda in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The research utilizes a combination of primary and secondary data. Interview was employed to gather the primary data, while scholarly works, government documents and archival records are the instruments used for gathering the secondary data. The findings shed light on the implications of transport policy on sustainable transport agenda in the Klang Valley. The main challenge seems to be the lack of holistic measures in tackling transport issues that are in conflict with the objectives of sustainable transport. This main factor stems from a combination of several other issues such as decision-making based on short-term result that are mostly driven by economically viable alternatives, transport policies that are focused on technology and structural improvement and the lack of political will to influence development processes that could bring forward sustainable transport agenda. To achieve sustainability, transport policy in Malaysia, particularly in the Klang Valley, must include the wider systems in which transportation activity is rooted.
Attributes and Characteristics of Place Attachment
Authors: Karsono Bambang , Wahid Julaihi
Published: March 2015

Relationship of functional and emotional elements between people and place creates a meaning; this process known as place attachment. In urban design, some general discussion focused on the importance of physical elements and activities to develop identity and atmosphere of place, however, study on place attachment in public open spaces is usually received with less attention. Considering this issue, the research focuses to examine the attributes and characteristics which are influence the place attachment in Sarawak Riverfront Promenade, a public space which is popular in Malaysia. By using a mixed method approach, this research covers two main areas namely urban design and environmental psychology. Survey and interview were conducted in selected place, a total of 165 respondents were involved in the questionnaire and 18 people participated in the interview. Observations have been carried out to obtain the physical and visual urban character in order to discover the level of place support users’ activities. Data processing and analysis were conducted by triangulation method and results of the data gathering as a research findings were processed based on the objective of the study. The findings indicated that the place attachment affects users’ perceptions of the riverfront promenade.
Sustainability is Important Part of the Identity in the Dimension of Regionalism Architecture
Authors: Hidayatun Maria I. , Prijotomo Josef , Rachmawati Murni
Published: March 2015

The objectives of this study is to find that sustainable is important part of the identity in the dimention of regionalism Architecture. By conducting a study of the relationship between sustainable architecture with identity dimensions of regionalism in architecture, will get a clarity that sustainability in architecture is an essential part to determine the identity of the architectural regionalism. In particular the identity of the architectural regionalism in Indonesia.
Non-Structural Elements of the Traditional Malay Houses in the East Coast and Northern Peninsular Malaysia: Similarities and Differences
Authors: Ismail Mazran , Abu Bakar Abu Hasan , Abas Noor Faisal , Roosli Ruhizal , Abdullah Shardy
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the results of the literature review on the non-structural elements of the traditional Malay houses in the East Coast and Northern Peninsular Malaysia. The main aim of the review is to seek for similarities and differences between the unique features of the elements in traditional house of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis and Penang, which most of the houses have been largely influenced by the architectural styles of Siam and Cambodia. For this purpose, a series of reviews have been done on relevant written documents like journal and proceeding articles, books, thesis, research reports and monographs, as well as documented measured drawings. The results showed that although the features of the non-structural elements in most of the houses are quite identical, but there are some aesthetical elements on the wall, door, window and roof of the houses are found to be significantly different, especially the elements like ‘gerbang pintu’, ‘kepala pintu & kepala tingkap’, types of wall, ‘tunjuk langit’, ‘sulur bayung’ and ‘kayu pemeleh’.
Green Materials Comparison of Sawdust and Coconut Fiber Acoustical Waffle Panel
Authors: Setyowati Erni , Hardiman G. , Atmaja Sugeng Tirta
Published: March 2015

The natural wealth of Indonesia produces a wide range of natural resources. This research will discuss sawdust and coconut fiber for example from natural resources which can be processed into building materials. Various researches have studied the absorber made from sawdust and coconut fiber, but only a few studies that made the absorber material that had the texture of waffle on its surface. The research method used was the method comparisons of density, absorption coefficient and Sound Transmission Loss (STL). The result is that the waffle panel from sawdust has a higher density than the waffle panel made of coconut fiber. The STL of the coconut fiber panel has ranged between 46,134 – 51,312 dB. This value is lower than the STL material of sawdust that has a value between 47,301 – 62,688 STL. The absorption coefficient of coconut fiber panels is 0,432–0,511, while the absorption coefficient of sawdust panel has range of 0,469 – 0,529.
Facilitate Recycle Activities via ICT and Physical Approach
Authors: Wan Ab Rahman Wan Nurhayati , Ng Yi Shien Jenny
Published: March 2015

Recycle, reuse and reduce are commonly heard as the activities to support for green environment. However, without or lack of self awareness and voluntary to contribute to the green it can cause a failure effort and projects from the government and other sectors. Furthermore, the public could not be expected to keep recycling without enough motivation, assistance and facility. Alternatively, we proposed a web application as an e-platform for the community and business entity including shopping mall, green business and other agencies to support and collaborate between each other in supporting for recycle and reuse. We have investigated through survey and interview with those involved including the public and representatives from the selected shopping malls to collect data of the current scenario regarding their awareness and willingness to contribute to green. Our solution called e-Reward for Recyclers purposely to motivate people to recycle their used items from home at one stop recycling centre by collaborating with shopping malls. Lastly, we wanted to connect people from the green business including recycle factory, reused company and welfare organization to the recycle centre for them to collect mass recycled items to be reused for their purposes.
Green Agenda: A Socio-Cultural Response to Sick Building Syndrom (SBS) and Building Related Illness (BRI) in African Domestic Architecture
Authors: Eghosa Noel Ekhaese , Babajide Adeboye Albert
Published: March 2015

Green agenda is a participatory method for developing and implementing local sustainable development strategies and plans with active involvement of different sectors in the local community where the process is conducted. But Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building Related Illness (BRI) are building concerns in African cities, because building designs, materials and styles are alien the culture and climate. The focus of the paper therefore was to deploy sustainability parameters (Green Agenda) to address SBS and BRI in African Domestic Architecture. Taking into consideration the three main aspects of green agenda which includes; identifying local values, process participation and genuinely owned result. The methodology employed was quantitative and qualitative. The findings revealed that the research had addressed the issues of imported design, sick building syndrome and building related illness using sustainability considerations. The study result has shown that the three aspects of local green agenda has socio-cultural nuance in Domestic Architecture that includes the values, beliefs, available materials in the studied community. This pre-supposes that building design necessarily need to have organic content (i.e. it has to be culture specific, socially responsive and environmentally friendly). Organic designs however have proved to be sustainable and also one of the way out of SBS and BRI. Keywords: Green Agenda, Agenda 21, Habitat Agenda, Socio-Cultural, Domestic Architecture, SBS and BRI
Integration PV and Wind into the Grid to Supply Electricity in Palu (Indonesia)
Authors: Dewi Sari
Published: March 2015

Palu has onshore wind potential 3.6 m/s in average and offshore 5.3 m/s in average. Based on the weather condition which has temperature between 27.3 degree Celcius - 37 degree Celcius, Palu has solar potential with an average insolation value 6.6. Shortage that is quite often happen in Palu (Indonesia) can be solved by installing 19.5 MW PV and 9.9 MW wind that can produce electricity of 234.1 MWh per day with total investment cost of US $129,005,860. By replacing some diesel generators with PV and wind and combined with 104.5 MW existing capacity, the total fuel can be saved is 16,599 gal per day and the total reduced CO2 production is 167 kg per day.
Flat Roof Defect: Preliminary Condition Survey for Water Ponding Monitoring
Authors: Hashim Ahmad Ezanee , Maruzuki Mohd Ikmal Fitri , Mohd Tawil Norngainy , Abd-Razak Mohd Zulhanif , Che-Ani Adi Irfan
Published: March 2015

Roof is among defect-prone building part as it exposed to natural factor especially rainfall and sunlight. Thus, the inspection on roof part must be done more frequent compare to other parts of building. However, roof is the most difficult part to inspect because of limited access and safety concern. This paper presents the result of preliminary condition survey for water ponding monitoring on flat roof surface and discussion on the solving method. The survey has been carried out on flat roof of an academic building in Penang, Malaysia on a rainy day. Based on the condition survey, we found that water ponding occurs on some parts of the flat roof. Water ponding on flat roof will cause moisture problem that trigger severe problem on building. Since water ponding problem ineffectively do monitor by traditional method, we proposed to design an intelligent system to monitor water ponding problem on flat roof. By using an intelligent system, water ponding existence can be detected at a real-time. Furthermore, the system is time saving, manpower saving and the data can be manage systematically without the presence of surveyor on site.
Common Defects on Floating Mosque: Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, Kuala Ibai, Kuala Terengganu
Authors: Mazlan Elis Mardzianah , Che-Ani Adi Irfan , Mohd Sarman Asmawan , Othuman Mydin Md Azree , Usman Ismar Minang Satotoy
Published: March 2015

As an emerging country, the construction industry is one of the factors to the development growth of the national economy. In Malaysia, there are various types of construction projects such as office buildings, housing, houses of worship, public and private institutions as well as the construction of infrastructure such as roads, drainage, landscaping and so on. The development is considered as an asset that must be protected in order to maintain the function of the development. Moreover, to emphasis on good asset management can reduce high operating costs and has helped many companies to improve efficiently in the face of recession. In addition, maintenance costs can be improved by taking into account, the condition of the building and report on the performance of building maintenance costs before a decision is made. Development of a wide range of defects is not a new scenario in Malaysia. Whether new or old, each is exposed to different types of defects. This paper is to discuss the common maintenance problems and building defects on civil and structural elements at the floating mosques buildings across Malaysia due to various factors. It will also provide opportunities to improve understanding of the building surveying profession in our country, namely to understand the scope and work as a building surveyor.
Well-Being of Malaysia's Disaster-Affected Coastal Communities
Authors: Zahari Rustam Khairi , Raja Ariffin Raja Noriza , Asmawi M. Zainora , Ibrahim Aisyah Nadhrah
Published: March 2015

The 26th December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami unleashed devastation in many countries causing fatalities and massive destruction of properties including a number of coastal communities along the west-coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of the tsunami to the well-being of the affected coastal communities after a gap of a few years since the 2004 disaster. Close attention was given to the respondents' perceptions with regards to mitigation tools and practices that should be adopted in preparing for any future disasters. Data was collected through questionnaire in tsunami-impacted coastal communities within the area of Kuala Muda in the state of Kedah, Malaysia. It was found that the 2004 tsunami disaster left a significant mark on Malaysia's and the world's disaster management landscape but the tragedy had also scarred the victims in the study area physically, financially and psychologically. The heightened disaster awareness subsequent to the event has further empowered the communities in their involvement in disaster management and steps must be taken to ensure these vulnerable communities are well-equipped to face any eventualities.
Dynamic Analysis on PCI Girder Bridge
Authors: Suangga Made , Santi
Published: March 2015

To produce a quality bridge then it should be taken into account with the correct parameters and the condition of the bridge. One of the parameters is an important bridge natural frequency incurred due to dynamic loads. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the natural frequency of bridge girder value measurement results in the field of natural frequency calculation results using Midas Civil programs and manuals, as well as knowing the value of the condition value of natural frequency of bridge between the actual value of natural frequency measurement results on the field and the value of natural frequency calculation program results Midas Civil. In the analysis, use design bridge gelagar PCI with a span of 21,95 meters. And bridge specifications will be made from the analysis of the natural frequency of the load calculation of structures with Midas program manual and Civil that would then be compared with the results of field measurements to find out the condition of the bridge. The natural frequency obtained from calculation manual for a bridge girder single of 5,95 Hz, and multi girder of 5,72 Hz.While value natural frequency of program midas civil for singles girder of 6,16 Hz, and for multi girder of 5,93Hz.
Post Modern Cross Comparative Analysis on the Mosque Ornamentation in Malaysia: (A Case Study of Charles Jencks)
Authors: Utaberta Nangkula , Handryant Aisyah Nur , Mydin Md Azree Othuman
Published: March 2015

Ornamentation is one of the elements in mosque which is almost considered as a compulsory element by the common people. Most of these ornaments are using the precedent from Middle East, such as geometry, floral and arabesque (Utaberta, 2014). Many architects are using revivalism approach of past architectural building such as the Putra Mosque, glorious son of Malaysia. The Putra mosque adopts distinct Islamic architecture that calls on a foreign eclectic revivalism (historicism design approach) of the Persian (Iranian) vocabulary found during the glorification of Safavid period (Utaberta 2012). Ornamentation in Islamic building has recorded in many books. describe that one of the first ornamentation in Islamic Building found in Persia which is using revivalism approach in designing ornament in its column. Ornamentation is the key element that is used in most mosques all over the world. The aim of this writing is to provide the Charles Jencks’s approaches to evaluating ornamentation system in mosque especially in Malaysia.
The Aspects of Visual Privacy and Interior Design Elements of Malay Dwelling (MD) in Melaka
Authors: binti Mohd Razali Noorul Huda , bin Talib Anuar
Published: March 2015

The Malay Dwelling (MD) is resided by the Malay people, who practices Islam and the Malay cultural values in their daily life. The traditional timber dwelling units consist of theserambi, “middle space”, bedroom, dining, kitchen and bathroom. This dwelling emphasizes on the hierarchy of privacy spaces and visual privacy elements for womenfolk. In Islam, theawrah(modesty) of adult women must be protected from the gaze of non-mahram(blood related) visitors. The space planning demarcations and interior architectural elements are provided to control and regulate visual privacy. It is vital to study women visual privacy because the entire dwelling space is accessible by women. The objective of this paper to study the privacy, space provisions and interior architectural elements that are based by religious beliefs, culture, behavior (adab) and daily social interactions. The research method employs on-site observations, spatial measurements and semi-structured interviews with the dwellers. The result reveals the interior space planning privacy provision and the applications of various architectural elements.
Reliability Analysis of Buckling Limit State for Friction Stir Welded Aircraft Stiffened Panels
Authors: Ouadia Mouhat , Khamlichi Abdellatif , Limam Ali
Published: March 2015

Buckling of stiffened panels is strongly affected by initial geometric imperfections. The panel assembling technique used can influence both the initial geometric imperfections pattern and material inohomogeneities. It was recognized for the particular case of stir friction welded stiffened panels that the presence of a weld can decrease significantly buckling strength. This is mainly due to the reduction in material strength in the weld zone. In this work, stir friction welded stiffened panels are modeled by using the finite element method. The modelling takes into account distributed and localized initial geometric imperfections as well as material degradation that are generated in the heat affect zone by this process. A parametric study was conducted on the effects of magnitude of geometric distributed imperfections; position, length and depth of a localized depression; as well as material degradation occurring near the weld stripe. Artificial neural network models were built by using the results of various simulations performed according to full factorial design of experiment tables. This has enabled to assess reliability of design of a stiffened panel with regards to the buckling limit state by means of Monte Carlo approach.
Tailoring Structural and Electrochemical Properties of Composite Ni-Based Electrocoatings
Authors: Łosiewicz Bożena , Popczyk Magdalena
Published: March 2015

Oxygen electroevolution reaction (OER) was studied in alkaline medium on the Ni-P+TiO2composite electrocoatings obtained from the Watts type bath containing the suspension of TiO2particles. The comparable Ni-P coatings were electrodeposited from the supporting electrolyte without titanium dioxide. The galvanostatic electrodeposition of all coatings was conducted on a polycrystalline copper substrate at the deposition current density of 240 mA cm-2for 30 min. The electrolysis process was carried out at temperatures of 293-333 K. It was found that the mass increment and the content of TiO2in the obtained coatings is a decreasing function of the electrodeposition temperature. It was also acertained that the built-in TiO2as the composite component into the Ni-P matrix has no effect on the improvement of the electrocatalytic properties of the Ni-P+TiO2composite electrodes towards OER probably due to limitation of the size of the electrochemically active surface area of the electrode material obtained under proposed conditions.
Comparison of Electrochemical Properties of Ni+MoS2 and Ni Coatings in an Alkaline Solution
Authors: Popczyk Magdalena , Łosiewicz Bożena
Published: March 2015

The Ni+MoS2composite coatings were obtained by electrolytic co-deposition of crystalline nickel with molybdenum sulfide powder from an electrolyte containing suspension of this powder. For comparison, the Ni coating was also deposited. These coatings were obtained in galvanostatic conditions at the current density ofjdep= -250 mA cm-2. A scanning electron microscope was used for surface morphology characterization of the coatings. The behavior of the coatings was investigated in the process of hydrogen evolution reaction from 5 M KOH solution using steady-state polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. It was found that introduction of molybdenum sulfide into nickel matrix, evokes developed and rough surface which is the reason for the increase in the rate of the HER as comapred to the smooth Ni electrode. Thus obtained coatings may be useful in application as electrode materials for the HER.
Effect of Sodium Hypophosphite Content in the Electroplating Bath on the Electrochemical Properties of Ni-P Alloy Coatings
Authors: Popczyk Magdalena , Łosiewicz B.
Published: March 2015

Porous Ni-P alloy coatings were prepared by galvanostatic electrodeposition at the deposition current density ofjdep= -250 mA cm-2from the nickel plating bath of the Watts type containing different content of sodium hypophosphite. Investigations of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were carried out in 5 M KOH solution at room temperature.Acimpedance behavior of the electrodes was described using electrical equivalent circuits containing two constant-phase elements (two-CPEs electrode model). The results obtained from the EIS and steady-state measurements allowed to determine the Volmer-Heyrovský mechanism and kinetics of the HER. It was found that for the Ni-P alloy coatings deposited from the galvanic baths after addition of sodium hypophosphite in the amount of 5, 10, 20 and 30 g dm-3, the decrease in their catalytic activity towards the HER is observed due to diminishing of intrinsic activity of the electrodes.
The Influence of Temperature of Electrodeposition on the Electrochemical Properties of Ni+MoS2+Mo Composite Coatings
Authors: Popczyk Magdalena , Łosiewicz B.
Published: March 2015

The Ni+MoS2+Mo composite coatings were obtained by the electrodeposition under the galvanostatic conditions (jdep= -250 mA cm-2) at the temperature of 30-60°C from the nickel bath containing a suspension of MoS2(<2 μm) and Mo (3-7 μm) powders. Studies of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were carried out in 5 M KOH solution at room temperature using steady-state polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The decrease of electrochemical activity towards the HER was found for the Ni+MoS2+Mo composite coatings with the increase in the temperature of their electrodeposition due to decrease of both the intrinsic activity and surface development.
Influence of Surface Development of Ni/W Coatings on the Kinetics of the Electrolytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Popczyk Magdalena , Łosiewicz Bożena
Published: March 2015

The Ni+W composite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition under the galvanostatic conditions (jdep= -300 mA cm-2) from the nickel plating bath containing an addition of tungsten powder of different granulation (<150 nm, 12 μm, <150 μm). For comparison, the Ni-W alloy coating was also obtained. Studies of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were carried out in 5 M KOH solution at room temperature using steady-state polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. It was found that for the Ni+W (<150 μm) composite coating increase in the activity of HER was observed in comparison with the others coatings.
Electrode Materials
Authors: Łosiewicz Bożena , Dercz Grzegorz , Popczyk Magdalena
Published: March 2015

This review work was focused on conventional and modern electrodes which play an important role in electrochemical systems. Among many types of existing electrode materials, some of the most prominent materials from the conventional (metals and their alloys, graphite and mixed metal oxides) and the modern (amorphous, modified and composite) electrodes, have been outlined. What is also discussed is the recent intensive usability of nanocrystalline electrodes of better properties than their microcrystalline equivalents, and development trend of electrode materials.
New Ni-Me-P Electrode Materials
Authors: Łosiewicz Bożena , Popczyk Magdalena , Osak Patrycja
Published: March 2015

The Ni-Me-P alloy coatings containing metal as alloying component (Me = Co, W) in a Ni-P amorphous matrix, were potentiostatically electrodeposited onto a polycrystalline Cu substrate. Deposition potential was established based on polarization curves of electrodeposition of Ni-Co-P, Ni-W-P and Ni-P alloy coatings. SEM, EDS, XRD and X-ray microanalysis methods, were applied for chemical and physical characterization of the obtained coatings. Linear analysis of Ni, Co and W distribution in the microregions of the appropriate alloy coating revealed that surface distribution of these elements is homogeneous what is due to a molecular mixing of the amorphous nickel matrix with the alloying components. It was found that the Ni-Co-P and Ni-W-P coatings have the amorphous structure like the Ni-P deposit and alloying components as Co or W are built-in into the appropriate coating in the amorphous form. The mechanism of the induced codeposition of these ternary Ni-Me-P coatings, has been discussed.
Characterization of Composite Coatings Obtained by Electrodeposition
Authors: Łosiewicz Bożena , Napłoszek Iwona , Popczyk Magdalena , Budniok A.
Published: March 2015

The work concerns the literature review which unambiguously shows that the composite coatings which apart from thed-electron metal powder contain another component of the composite, i.e. thep-electron metal powder, have not been obtained so far. This kind of qualitative composition of the coating enables selective extraction of thep-electron metal from the nickel matrix of the composite, as well as – after heat treatment – results in the formation of the mixture of intermetallic phases with the hitherto unknown activity in the electrochemical processes.
Cutting Edge: Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 4 Promotes Th17 Cell Function under Inflammation by Deubiquitinating and Stabilizing RORγt
Authors: Yang Jing , Xu Peng , Han Lei , Guo Zhixiang , Wang Xiuwen , Chen Zuojia , Nie Jia , Yin Shuying , Piccioni Miranda , Tsun Andy , Lv Ling , Ge Shenglin , Li Bin
Published: March 2015

RORγt is a key transcription factor that controls the development and function of inflammatory Th17. The mechanisms that regulate RORγt stability remain unclear. We report that Th17 cells highly express the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease (USP)4, which is essential for maintaining RORγt and Th17 cell function. Inhibition of the catalytic activity of USP4 with vialinin A, a compound derived from Chinese traditional medicine, dampened Th17 differentiation. USP4 interacted and deubiquitinated K48-linked polyubiquitination of RORγt, thereby promoting RORγt function and IL-17A transcription. Interestingly, TGF-β plus IL-6 enhanced USP4-mediated deubiquitination of RORγt. Moreover, USP4 and IL-17 mRNA, but not RORγt mRNA, were significantly elevated in CD4+ T cells from patients with rheumatic heart disease. Thus, USP4 could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of Th17-modulated autoimmune diseases.
A Novel IL-25 Signaling Pathway through STAT5
Authors: Wu Ling , Zepp Jarod A. , Qian Wen , Martin Bradley N. , Ouyang Wenjun , Yin Weiguo , Bunting Kevin D. , Aronica Mark , Erzurum Serpil , Li Xiaoxia
Published: March 2015

IL-25 is a member of the IL-17 family of cytokines that promotes Th2 cell–mediated inflammatory responses. IL-25 signals through a heterodimeric receptor (IL-25R) composed of IL-17RA and IL-17RB, which recruits the adaptor molecule Act1 for downstream signaling. Although the role of IL-25 in potentiating type 2 inflammation is well characterized by its ability to activate the epithelium as well as T cells, the components of its signaling cascade remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that IL-25 can directly activate STAT5 independently of Act1. Furthermore, conditional STAT5 deletion in T cells or epithelial cells led to a defective IL-25–initiated Th2 polarization as well as defective IL-25 enhancement of Th2 responses. Finally, we found that STAT5 is recruited to the IL-25R in a ligand-dependent manner through unique tyrosine residues on IL-17RB. Together, these findings reveal a novel Act1-independent IL-25 signaling pathway through STAT5 activation.
Patterns of a culture of aggression amongst Grade 10 learners in a secondary school in the Sedibeng District, South Africa
Authors: Myburgh Chris , Poggenpoel Marie , Nhlapo Lovia
Published: March 2015

Background: A number of reports to the Department of Education indicated high levels of aggression in a Grade 10 A class in a secondary school in Sedibeng District, Gauteng. Teachers, the school management team, school governing body, school-based support team, parents, community leaders and learners seemed unable to manage this constructively. Neither the culture of aggression nor the influence of this phenomenon on those entrapped in it were understood. No published research reports could be found on cultures of aggression in South African secondary schools. There was therefore a dire need to explore and describe the culture of aggression in this specific Grade 10 A class.Objectives: This article reports on patterns of a culture of aggression observed amongst learners in a Grade 10 class in a secondary school in the Sedibeng District of the Gauteng Department of Education.Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed with an ethnographic approach. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data consisted of observations of ‘rich points’, interviews and field notes, and thematic data analysis and an independent coder were used.Results: Findings reflected four patterns of a culture of aggression amongst learners, namely patterns of anger, bullying, fighting, and challenges to moral values. At the root of these were neglect of and non-adherence to human rights and a sound base of morals.Conclusion: The challenge is to assist the involved learners to respect each other’s human dignity, so that relationships can be developed in which those involved act with sensitivity towards each other’s needs. Such relationships often also result in the development of self-respect and a nuanced future orientation as part and parcel of mental health.