bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does N‐terminal huntingtin function as a ‘holdase’ for inhibiting cellular protein aggregation?
Authors: Sethi Ratnika , Tripathi Neha , Pallapati Anusha R. , Gaikar Abhishek , Bharatam Prasad V. , Roy Ipsita
Published: April 2018

Proteolytic cleavage of huntingtin gives rise to N‐terminal fragments. While the role of truncated mutant huntingtin is described in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis, the function of N‐terminal wild‐type protein is less studied. The yeast model of HD is generated by the presence of FLAG tag and absence of polyproline tract as flanking sequences of the elongated polyglutamine stretch. We show that the same sequence derived from wild‐type huntingtin exon1 is able to inhibit the aggregation of proteins in vitro and in yeast cells. It is able to stabilize client proteins as varied as luciferase, α‐synuclein, and p53 in a soluble but non‐native state. This is somewhat similar to the ‘holdase’ function of small heat shock proteins and ‘nonchaperone proteins’ which are able to stabilize partially unfolded client proteins in a nonspecific manner, slowing down their aggregation. Mutagenesis studies show this property to be localized at the N17 domain preceding the polyglutamine tract. Distortion of this ordered segment, either by deletion of this segment or mutation of a single residue (L4A), leads to decreased stability and increased aggregation of client proteins. It is interesting to note that the helical conformation of the N17 domain is also essential for aggregation of the N‐terminal mutant protein. Our results provide evidence for a novel function for the amphipathic helix derived from exon1 of wild‐type huntingtin.
A review of bullous pemphigoid associated with PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors
Authors: Lopez Adriana T. , Khanna Trisha , Antonov Nina , Audrey‐Bayan Claire , Geskin Larisa
Published: April 2018

Background

Dermatologic toxicity represents a substantial portion of all immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) associated with PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare cutaneous side effect of these medications, which can initially be clinically indistinguishable from other, low‐grade cutaneous toxicity.

Objective

To better characterize the clinical features of BP associated with PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors, evaluate the efficacy of various treatment regimens, determine the frequency of prodromal pruritus, and assess whether immunological diagnostic studies for BP are warranted in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors who develop intractable pruritus.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the English‐language medical literature was performed using key terms. Papers published on any date and from all origins were considered. Fourteen publications, containing 21 patient cases, were selected independently by two reviewers and deemed relevant to the present publication.

Results

Pruritus was a prominent feature of the majority (12/21) of cases and preceded or occurred concurrently with BP development. Bullae developed within 6–8 months of initiation of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors; however, a smaller subset of patients did not develop bullae for 1–1.5 years following initiation of therapy. Mean time to pruritus was similar for pembrolizumab and nivolumab at 19 and 21 weeks, respectively. Development of BP required discontinuation of immunotherapy in 76% (16/21) of cases.

Conclusion

Prodromal or “non‐bullous” variants of BP must be considered in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors who develop protracted or worsening pruritus. Early diagnostic immunological evaluation of the skin may lead to improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely initiation of treatment and prevent disruptions in cancer therapy.
Age and growth of migrating tropical eels, Anguilla celebesensis and Anguilla marmorata
Authors: Hagihara S. , Aoyama J. , Limbong D. , Tsukamoto K.
Published: April 2018

The age and growth of migrating tropical eels, Anguilla celebesensis and Anguilla marmorata from central Sulawesi, Indonesia, were examined. Migrating eels (63 A. celebesensis and 38 A. marmorata) were obtained from weirs near the Poso Lake outlet and non‐migrating eels (35 A. celebesensis and 119 A. marmorata) were captured by baited hooks, eel pots, scoop net and electro‐fishing in the Poso River system, Laa River system, Baluga River, Tongku River and Padapu River from February 2009 to October 2010. In both species, the proportion of eels with opaque otolith edges showed a single peak in July, suggesting that one annulus (a pair of translucent and opaque zones) was formed each year in their otoliths. Mean ± s.d. and range of total length (LT) and age was 785·2 ± 114·9 (585–1083) mm and 7·5 ± 1·6 (5–11) years in migrating female A. celebesensis and 1132·2 ± 173·7 (800–1630) mm and 11·6 ± 3·3 (7–23) years in A. marmorata. The age of migrating female eels was negatively correlated with annual growth rate, 100·7 ± 17·2 (68·1–145·0) mm year−1 in A. celebesensis and 97·9 ± 19·3 (66·6–131·6) mm year−1 in A. marmorata, but there was no significant correlation between the LT and annual growth rate in either species. The annual growth rates of these female tropical eels were typically higher than those of temperate anguillid species, suggesting a latitudinal cline in growth rate in the genus Anguilla reflecting the environmental conditions of their growth habitat.
Effects of Aging on the Human Brain: A Proton and Phosphorus MR Spectroscopy Study at 3T
Authors: Schmitz Birte , Wang Xin , Barker Peter B. , Pilatus Ulrich , Bronzlik Paul , Dadak Mete , Kahl Kai G. , Lanfermann Heinrich , Ding Xiao‐Qi
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To investigate accumulative aging effects on neurometabolism in human brain and to collect a reference dataset.

METHODS

Fifty‐four healthy volunteers aged evenly between 22 and 73 years were studied using whole‐brain 1H‐MR spectroscopic imaging in combination with 31P‐MRS at 3T. Global metabolite concentrations of brain N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), total choline (tCho), and total creatine (tCr), as well as phosphocreatine (PCr), adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP), phosphomonoesters (PME), phosphodiesters (PDE), and inorganic phosphate (Pi) were determined. Fractional volumes of brain gray matter (FVGM), white matter (FVWM), and total tissue (FVTB, GM+WM) were also estimated.

RESULTS

With age, NAA, ATP, and PME, as well as FVTB and FVGM decreased and tCho and FVWM increased linearly. Positive correlations were found between FVGM and global concentrations of NAA, ATP, PME, and Pi.

CONCLUSION

Age‐related accumulative metabolic changes in aging human brain correlated with reduced neuronal metabolic activity and density, reflected by decreased NAA, reduced mitochondrial activity by decreased ATP, and reduced membrane synthesis by decreased PME. These changes are associated with age‐related decrease of neuronal volume. Global NAA and ATP might be used as surrogate biomarker for monitoring aging in human brain.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an increasing indication for liver transplantation in the Nordic countries
Authors: Holmer Magnus , Melum Espen , Isoniemi Helena , Ericzon Bo‐Göran , Castedal Maria , Nordin Arno , Aagaard Schultz Nicolai , Rasmussen Allan , Line Pål‐Dag , Stål Per , Bennet William , Hagström Hannes
Published: April 2018

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is the second most common cause of liver transplantation in the US. Data on NAFLD as a liver transplantation indication from countries with lower prevalences of obesity are lacking. We studied the temporal trends of NAFLD as an indication for liver transplantation in the Nordic countries, and compared outcomes for patients with NAFLD to patients with other indications for liver transplantation.

Method

Population‐based cohort study using data from the Nordic Liver Transplant Registry on adults listed for liver transplantation between 1994 and 2015. NAFLD as the underlying indication for liver transplantation was defined as a listing diagnosis of NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or cryptogenic cirrhosis with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and absence of other liver diseases. Waiting time for liver transplantation, mortality and withdrawal from the transplant waiting list were registered. Survival after liver transplantation was calculated using multivariable Cox regression, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index and model for end‐stage liver disease.

Results

A total of 4609 patients listed for liver transplantation were included. NAFLD as the underlying indication for liver transplantation increased from 2.0% in 1994‐1995 to 6.2% in 2011‐2015 (P = .01) and was the second most rapidly increasing indication. NAFLD patients had higher age, model for end‐stage liver disease and body mass index when listed for liver transplantation, but overall survival after liver transplantation was comparable to non‐‐NAFLD patients (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.70‐1.53 P = .87).

Conclusion

NAFLD is an increasing indication for liver transplantation in the Nordic countries. Despite more advanced liver disease, NAFLD patients have a comparable survival to other patients listed for liver transplantation.
Interface pressure, perceptual, and mean arterial pressure responses to different blood flow restriction systems
Authors: Hughes L. , Rosenblatt B. , Gissane C. , Paton B. , Patterson S. D.
Published: April 2018

This study examined the cuff to limb interface pressure during blood flow restriction (BFR), and the perceptual and mean arterial pressure responses, in different BFR systems. Eighteen participants attended three experimental sessions in a randomised, crossover, counterbalanced design. Participants underwent inflations at 40% and 80% limb occlusive pressure (LOP) at rest and completed 4 sets of unilateral leg press exercise at 30% of one repetition maximum with BFR at 80% LOP. Different BFR systems were used each session: an automatic rapid‐inflation (RI), automatic personalized tourniquet (PT) and manual handheld pump and sphygmomanometer (HS) system. Interface pressure was measured using a universal interface device with pressure sensors. Perceived exertion and pain were measured after each set, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured pre‐, 1‐minute post‐ and 5‐minutes post‐exercise. Interface pressure was lower than the set pressure in all BFR systems at rest (P < .05). Interface pressure was, on average, 10 ± 8 and 48 ± 36 mm Hg higher than the set pressure in the RI and HS system (P < .01), with no differences observed in the PT system (P > .05), during exercise. Pain and exertion were greater in sets 3 and 4 in the RI and HS system compared to the PT system (P < .05). MAP was higher in the RI and HS system compared to the PT system at 1‐minute and 5‐minutes post‐exercise (P < .05). BFR systems applying higher pressures amplify mean arterial pressure and perceptual responses. Automatic BFR systems appear to regulate pressure effectively within an acceptable range during BFR exercise.
Kinetic demands of sprinting shift across the acceleration phase: Novel analysis of entire force waveforms
Authors: Colyer S. L. , Nagahara R. , Salo A. I. T.
Published: April 2018

A novel approach of analyzing complete ground reaction force waveforms rather than discrete kinetic variables can provide new insight to sprint biomechanics. This study aimed to understand how these waveforms are associated with better performance across entire sprint accelerations. Twenty‐eight male track and field athletes (100‐m personal best times: 10.88 to 11.96 seconds) volunteered to participate. Ground reaction forces produced across 24 steps were captured during repeated (two to five) maximal‐effort sprints utilizing a 54‐force‐plate system. Force data (antero‐posterior, vertical, resultant, and ratio of forces) across each contact were registered to 100% of stance and averaged for each athlete. Statistical parametric mapping (linear regression) revealed specific phases of stance where force was associated with average horizontal external power produced during that contact. Initially, antero‐posterior force production during mid‐late propulsion (eg, 58%‐92% of stance for the second ground contact) was positively associated with average horizontal external power. As athletes progressed through acceleration, this positive association with performance shifted toward the earlier phases of contact (eg, 55%‐80% of stance for the eighth and 19%‐64% for the 19th ground contact). Consequently, as athletes approached maximum velocity, better athletes were more capable of attenuating the braking forces, especially in the latter parts of the eccentric phase. These unique findings demonstrate a shift in the performance determinants of acceleration from higher concentric propulsion to lower eccentric braking forces as velocity increases. This highlights the broad kinetic requirements of sprinting and the conceivable need for athletes to target improvements in different phases separately with demand‐specific exercises.
When Do Misunderstandings Matter? Evidence From Survey Interviews About Smoking
Authors: Schober Michael F. , Suessbrick Anna L. , Conrad Frederick G.
Published: April 2018

This paper examines when conceptual misalignments in dialog lead to consequential miscommunication. Two studies explore misunderstanding in survey interviews of the sort conducted by governments and social scientists, where mismeasurement can have real social costs. In 131 interviews about tobacco use, misalignment between respondents' and researchers' conceptions of ordinary expressions like “smoking” and “every day” was quantified by probing respondents' interpretations of survey terms and re‐administering the survey questionnaire with standard definitions after the interview. Respondents' interpretations were surprisingly variable, and in many cases they did not match the conceptions that researchers intended them to use. More often than one might expect, this conceptual variability was consequential, leading to answers (and, in principle, to estimates of the prevalence of smoking and related attributes in the population) that would have been different had conceptualizations been aligned; for example, fully 12% of respondents gave a different answer about having smoked 100 cigarettes in their entire life when later given a standard definition. In other cases misaligned interpretations did not lead to miscommunication, in that the differences would not have led to different survey responses. Although clarification of survey terms during the interview sometimes improved conceptual alignment, this was not guaranteed; in this corpus some needed attempts at clarification were never made, some attempts did not succeed, and some seemed to make understanding worse. The findings suggest that conceptual misalignments may be more frequent in ordinary conversation than interlocutors know, and that attempts to detect and clarify them may not always work. They also suggest that at least some unresolved misunderstandings do not matter in the sense that they do not change the outcome of the communication—in this case, the survey estimates.
The Emotions of Abstract Words: A Distributional Semantic Analysis
Authors: Lenci Alessandro , Lebani Gianluca E. , Passaro Lucia C.
Published: April 2018

Recent psycholinguistic and neuroscientific research has emphasized the crucial role of emotions for abstract words, which would be grounded by affective experience, instead of a sensorimotor one. The hypothesis of affective embodiment has been proposed as an alternative to the idea that abstract words are linguistically coded and that linguistic processing plays a key role in their acquisition and processing. In this paper, we use distributional semantic models to explore the complex interplay between linguistic and affective information in the representation of abstract words. Distributional analyses on Italian norming data show that abstract words have more affective content and tend to co‐occur with contexts with higher emotive values, according to affective statistical indices estimated in terms of distributional similarity with a restricted number of seed words strongly associated with a set of basic emotions. Therefore, the strong affective content of abstract words might just be an indirect byproduct of co‐occurrence statistics. This is consistent with a version of representational pluralism in which concepts that are fully embodied either at the sensorimotor or at the affective level live side‐by‐side with concepts only indirectly embodied via their linguistic associations with other embodied words.
Value added and participation in global value chains: The case of Spain
Authors: Solaz Marta
Published: April 2018

Following Koopman, Wang, and Wei and using the data and indicators derived from the international input–output tables of the World Input–Output Database, this paper addresses the participation of the Spanish economy and its sectors in global value chains (GVCs) during the period 1995–2011 and its implications for the value added content of trade. The analysis reveals the increasing integration of the country in GVCs and the heterogeneity between manufacturing and services in their vertical specialisation and their contribution to value added. This paper also explores the link between the use of foreign factors and export performance at the industry level and finds that this type of involvement in GVCs is positively correlated with increases in the domestic value added content of Spanish exports.
A commercial soy‐based phospholipid emulsion accelerates clot formation in normal canine whole blood and induces hemolysis in whole blood from normal and dogs with inflammatory leukograms
Authors: Behling‐Kelly Erica L. , Wakshlag Joseph
Published: April 2018

Objective

To compare lipid emulsion‐induced hemolysis in blood from dogs with inflammatory leukograms to blood from healthy dogs, and determine the impact of a prototypical soy‐based phospholipid emulsion on coagulation in whole blood from healthy dogs.

Design

Ex vivo study using EDTA and citrated whole blood from healthy dogs and EDTA anticoagulated whole blood from dogs with inflammatory leukograms.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Animals

Healthy dogs (total of 16, 9 for hemolysis assays and 6 for thromboelastography) included student‐ and staff‐owned animals. Blood samples from dogs with inflammatory leukograms (8) were obtained from the clinical pathology laboratory after the complete blood count was performed as part of patient care. For the purposes of this study, an inflammatory leukogram was defined as a neutrophilia with a left‐shift (minimum of 3% band neutrophils) and evidence of toxic change.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Hemolysis was measured via spectrophotometric quantification of released hemoglobin and expressed as a percent of a water‐lysed control. The soy emulsion caused hemolysis in blood from healthy dogs, ranging from 3.6% to 16.4% as the dose increased, and 4.1% to 25.0% in blood from dogs with inflammatory leukograms. Hemolysis between these patient groups was significantly different at the highest dose. Coagulation was assessed by native thromboelastography. Treatment of whole blood with the lipid emulsion caused a significant decrease in the time to clot formation (R) and a shorter time to reach a clot amplitude of 20 mm (K).

Conclusions

Soy‐based lipid emulsions cause hemolysis that is more severe in blood from dogs with inflammatory leukograms and accelerate clot formation in canine blood. The in vivo significance of these findings is not clear at this time, but warrants additional investigation given the use of these emulsions in clinical practice.
Synthesis and characterization of composite polyaniline as hydrogen gas detector
Authors: Willis Alister Genndi , Haron Saharudin
Published: April 2018

Composite polymer consisting polyaniline (PANI) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were synthesized via oxidative polymerization of aniline. The composite PANI thin films were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and their optical properties towards hydrogen gas were investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra obtained verified the synthesis PANI/ZnO composite. From the experimental results, it was found that with increasing zinc oxide content in the composite cause the transmittance to decrease. The transmittance of the thin films slightly increased after exposed to hydrogen gas. PANI-ZnO (10%w.t.) exhibited best response compared to other composition with the highest transmittance peak difference of 11.4%.
FBG as air pressure sensors on generic UTM-LST half model
Authors: Izuan Muhammad , Raja Ibrahim Raja Kamarulzaman , Mat Shabudin Bin , Azmi Asrul Izam Bin
Published: April 2018

This work was done to investigate the feasibility of FBGs strain sensor in detection of air pressure on aeroplane model known as Generic UTM Half-Model. The FBGs was attached on the surface of  aeroplane model where its position is as near as possible to the location of static pressure sensor. Then, the sensing performance was tested inside UTM Low Speed Tunnel (UTM-LST) with the wind speed set at 30 , 40 , and 50 . The direction of wind was arranged to be in perpendicular to the sensing elements and the wing model angle was varied at 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°. The measured pressure coefficient, Cp based on Bragg wavelength shift was compared with FKPS 30DP Pressure Measuring Module data. The results shows that the shift in Bragg wavelength found to be linearly increased when the wind speed is increased. The pressure coefficient obtained by FBG has approximate value as the pressure coefficient of pressure sensor module at low angle of attack from 0° to 12°.
Modeling of decolorisation dyes by ozonation techniques using Levenberg-Marquardt neural network
Authors: Fatimah Siti , Wiharto Wiharto
Published: April 2018

Acid Black 1 (AB1) and Acid Yellow 19 (AY19) are synthetic dyes widely used in industries such as textiles and cosmetics, which have complex structures. Special techniques are needed to degrade the dye before it goes out into the environment. One technique that has been done is to use Advance Oxidation Process (AOPs) using ozonation process. The process requires a combination of values of 4 parameters to obtain the optimum decolorization percentage. The parameters are dye concentration (mg / L), ozone concentration (mg / L), pH, and temperature (oC). In laboratory experiments to obtain a combination of parameters that yield the optimum decolorization percentage, requires relatively high time and cost. This research proposes modeling using Levenberg-Marquardt neural network (LM-NN) to obtain combination of parameters that can yield optimum decolorization percentage. The experimental results with the ozonation method obtained consecutive decolorization percentage values AB1 and AY19 were 93% and 98%. The percentage of decolorization was produced from a combination of 4 parameters, with values of 740 mg/L, 13 mg/L, 6.20, and 380C, while for the AY19 was 830 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 6.20, and 390C. The result of prediction of AB1 and AY19 by using LM-NN model in sequence is 95,25% and 99,99%. The condition was generated from the combination of the 4 parameters, for AB1 the values of each parameter were 707.50 mg/L, 12.70 mg/L, 7.50 and 380C, while the AY19  was 587.50 mg/L, 15.50 mg/L, 7,65, and 330C. The result of experimental and predicted using the LM-NN model, referring to statistical test results with 95% confidence level, indicating that the percentage of decolorization did not occur of difference significantly (p-value> 0.05), both for AB1 and AY19. It shows that modeling with LM-NN can be used to predict the optimum decolorization percentage with predetermined parameters.
Mathematical modeling of geophone magnetic ring for sensitivity studies
Authors: Luka Mawa Patrick , Loh Ser Lee , Chuan Ching Dennis Ling
Published: April 2018

Geophone (model SM-24) pertaining its performance to detect surface wave at Free Wave Generator is analyzed. Sensitivity studies have been conducted to model the physical disadvantage such as spring suspension and magnetic field in geophone. From mathematical model of the ring permanent magnet, applying “superposition” has suggested a solution: an external resistor across its output terminal to amplify the exhibited linear damping behavior. Geophone with 60%, and 75% damping ratio are designed and built and the results show that 75% damping provide highest sensitivity. Analytic expression of vertical component of magnetic field shows that the damping ratio can be increased physically by increasing the radius of the magnetic field, however, by modifying the SM-24 damping ratio, similar outcome can be obtained.
Contactless power transfer system for low power medical devices
Authors: Swee Tan Tian , Meng Leong Kah , Malik Sameen Ahmed , Hou Tan Jia , Tengku Alang Tengku Ahmad Iskandar , Yun Lum Kin
Published: April 2018

Currently, contactless power transfer system is being implemented to power up the medical devices. Those medical devices can either power by transcutaneous cable or batteries. However, the power driven for medical devices via transcutaneous cable might lead to infection due to breach on the skin. The battery replacement surgery for cardiovascular patients also can lead to infection. Therefore, a contactless power transfer system is effectively solving the problem by transmitting power in a safe and non-invasive manner and has mitigate effect to patient health, yet efficient in the power transmission process. Magnetic coupled resonant is being designed since magnetic field cannot be shielded by biological tissues. Resonant power transfer technique can minimize the power scattering on the non-resonant objects such as human body. Impedance matching technique is utilized to improve the overall power transmission efficiency. The system consists a pair of transmitter and receiver coil, transmitter and receiver circuit, and a pair of transformer as impedance matching purpose. The system is capable to achieved a transfer efficiency of over 60%. Contactless power transfer technology does offer the advantages of safety, non-invasive and no significant effect on patient health. Eventually, bacterial infection on the skin breach is prevented.
Manufacturing methods for medical artificial prostheses– a review
Authors: Fua-Nizan Rosdayanti , Abdul Rani Ahmad Majdi , Yazid Din Mohamad
Published: April 2018

The main objective of this paper is to review the manufacturing methods that can be used for fabricating medical prostheses. The medical prostheses have different functions and applications. Selection of manufacturing method is made based on the material, design, and mechanical properties of the prostheses.  The conventional manufacturing methods that had been applied for manufacturing prostheses are machining, incremental sheet forming and investment casting. The combination of computer numerical control and additive manufacturing has been able to improve the process efficiency of these methods. However, direct fabrication by additive manufacturing has been able to replace the conventional method with better process efficiency and product accuracy.
Development of a novel mechanical tester for microfracture analysis
Authors: Goh Kheng Lim , Seng Chen Ye , Jun Chua Roy Jia , Chow Fong Tze , Ker Woh Yu , En Tan Eddie Zhi , Wang Rachel
Published: April 2018

The study of the mechanical properties of materials is important in the design and fabrication of any microscale product. Acquiring information such as the fracture toughness, fatigue limits, ultimate tensile and yield strength of these materials would help to determine the reliability of the final product made using the material. Traditionally, these material properties are obtained via mechanical testing on a macroscale tester such as the machines produced by Instron. However, mechanical testing of ‘softer’ materials with a microscopic size is more complicated as the test procedures and equipment have to address concerns such as clamping and alignment of specimen. Recent advancement in micromachining and micro-manufacturing has resulted in the availability of advanced and affordable instrumentation that can be applied to precisely manipulate the materials at microscopic dimensions; this provides the impetus to the development of microscale mechanical testers to study the micro-elasticity and micro-fracture mechanics of soft materials. The focus of this report is on the development of a micromechanical tester that can be used to study micrometer thick biomaterials and biological tissues. The tester can be mounted onto an X-Y stage of an inverted or compound microscope to observe the microscopic deformation and microfracture of the test specimen during testing. Three case studies are presented here to illustrate the performance of the mechanical tester. These studies address the characterisation of the mechanical properties of the flax fibre, oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre and coir fibre in dry and wet states.
Representation of multi-connected system of Fuzzy State Space Modeling (FSSM) in potential method based on a network context
Authors: Aminu Jibril , Ahmad Tahir , Sulaiman Surajo
Published: April 2018

The complexity of a system of Fuzzy State Space Modeling (FSSM) is the reason that leads to the main objective of this research. A multi-connected system of Fuzzy State Space Model is made up of several components, each of which performs a function. These components are interconnected in some manner and determine how the overall system operates. In this study, we study the concept of graph, network system and network projections which are the requisite knowledge to potential method. Finally, the multi-connected system of FSSM of type A namely feeder, common feeder and greatest common feeder are transformed into potential method using various method of transformation.
Estimation of Terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) dose rate in characteristic geological formations of Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Authors: Abba Habu Tela , Wan Hassan Wan Muhammad Saridan , Saleh Muneer Aziz , Aliyu Abubakar Sadiq , Ramli Ahmad Termizi
Published: April 2018

A study was conducted to estimate the terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) dose rates associated with the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K in the characteristic geological formations of Jos Plateau. A total of 51 surface soils from all the geological units were collected and measured using high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry system. From the measured activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K, TGR dose rates in air outdoors 1 m above ground surface, were estimated to be in the range of 36 nGy h-1 to 456 nGy h-1, depending on the geological formation, with an overall mean value of 143 nGy h-1. The estimated mean value is by a factor of two higher than the world average value of 59 nGy h-1. Geological formation G8 (Younger granites) appear to have the highest mean TGR dose rate while G7 (sandstone, clay and shale) show the lowest mean TGR dose rate. The results of this study inferred that, TGR dose rates outdoors for Jos Plateau differs with the different geological formations and significantly contributed by 232Th. An isodose map for the distribution of TGR and exposure rate to the public due to natural sources was also plotted using ArcGIS software. The data here presented can be used to evaluate public radiation dose and to produce radiological map for the country.
Forecasting of crude palm oil price using hybridizing wavelet and group method of data handling model
Authors: Basheer Huma , Khamis Azme
Published: April 2018

Forecasting of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is one of the most important and the largest vegetable oil traded in the world market. This study investigates the forecasting of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) price using a hybrid model of Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) with wavelet decomposition. The original monthly data of CPO time series were decomposed into the spectral band. After that, these decomposed subseries were given as input time series data to GMDH model to forecast the CPO price of monthly time series data. The result performance of hybridized GMDH model is compared with the original GMDH model. The measurements results from the mean absolute error (MAE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) showed that the hybrid GMDH model with wavelet decomposition gives more accurate result of predictions compared with the original GMDH model.
MHD heat transfer flow of Casson fluid past a stretching wedge subject to suction and injection
Authors: Ullah Imran , Shafie Sharidan , Khan Ilyas
Published: April 2018

The steady two dimensional incompressible hydromagnetic boundary layer flow caused by stretching wedge immersed in Casson fluid with heat transfer and suction/injection is investigated numerically. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using suitable transformations and then solved numerically via Keller-box method. Numerical results for local skin friction coefficient are compared with the existing literature and observed in closed agreement with those results. The effects of pertinent parameters on flow fields are displayed graphically and discussed. It is found that velocity decreases with increase of Casson parameter and wedge angle parameter when the wedge is stretching faster than free stream. It is also observed that rate of heat transfer at surface increases with the increase of Prandtl number and Casson fluid parameter. Moreover, with increase of suction parameter the fluid velocity decreases and rate of shear stress increases.
New fuzzy generalized bi Γ-ideals of the type (∈,∈∨qk) in ordered Γ-semigroups
Authors: Gambo Ibrahim , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Ullah Khan Hidayat , Muhammad Khan Faiz
Published: April 2018

A fuzzy subset A defined on a set X is represented as A = {(x, A (x), where x ∈ X}. It is not always possible for membership functions of type λA : X → [0,1] to associate with each point x in a set X a real number in the closed unit interval [0,1] without the loss of some useful information. The importance of the ideas of “belongs to” (∈) and “quasi coincident with” (q) relations between a fuzzy point and fuzzy set is evident from the research conducted during the past two decades. Ordered Γ-semigroup (generalization of ordered semigroups) play an important role in the broad study of ordered semigroups. In this paper, we provide an extension of fuzzy generalized bi Γ-ideals and introduce (∈,∈∨qk)-fuzzy generalized bi Γ-ideals of ordered Γ-semigroup. The purpose of this paper is to link this new concept with ordinary generalized bi Γ-ideals by using level subset and characteristic function.
A review on the geotechnical and engineering characteristics of marine clay and the modern methods of improvements
Authors: Mohammed Al-Bared Mohammed Ali , Marto Aminaton
Published: April 2018

Marine clay is a soft soil that could be found widely at the coastal and offshore areas. This type of soil is usually associated with high settlement and instability, poor soil properties that are not suitable for engineering requirements and low unconfined compressive strength of less than 20 kPa. Considerable failure could occur even with light loads and it shows flat or featureless surface. This kind of soil is considered as problematic due to the existence of high moisture content and usually exists as slurry with noticeable percentage of expandable clay minerals. In this paper, the geotechnical, micro-structure and engineering properties of marine clay are thoroughly reviewed and discussed. The properties include moisture content, particle size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, mineral compositions and shear strength. Moreover, due to the increasing demand of construction at coastal and offshore areas involving the marine clay, many attempts have been made to stabilize this kind of soil in order to solve the geotechnical related problems. Some of the common stabilization methods used to improve the properties of marine clay such as cement grouting, chemical additives and some environmental friendly additives are discussed. In long term, marine clay treatment using cement was found to be the best method. In addition, this paper serves as a guideline for the design and construction of projects on marine soils.
Adsorption study of Congo Red Dye with ZSM-5 directly synthesized from bangka kaolin withouth organic template
Authors: Iryani Ani , Ilmi Moh Mualliful , Hartanto Djoko
Published: April 2018

ZSM-5’s adsorption study of kaolin Bangka without organic template using congo red with initial concentration of 50-250 mg / L with variation of contact time of 40-180 minutes. The results of the adsorption of Congo Red (CR) dye at 30oC-50oC with pH 7, the increase in contact time causes the dye to decrease significantly. In addition, an increase in adsorption rate at first step then slows down as it approaches to the equilibrium point. The experimental results using each temperature variation, showing the equilibrium time of the adsorption process at contact time of 100 minutes. Four isotherm adsorption models were used to analyze and measure the results of experimental data adsorption. The ZSM-5 adsorption capacity of Bangka kaolin is exhibited for the reds of Congo isotherm adsorption. The results of isotherm adsorption studies on three temperatures showed the fitting into Langmuir isotherms adsorption type which means the adsroption occured physically monolayer, the kinetics of adsorption clearly follows the first-pseudo-order reaction kinetics with higher R2 closes to 1. The adsorption thermodynamics analysis show that the adsorption chategorized as exthormic reaction (negative value of ), this conclusion is supported by adsortion capacity data in 180 min contact times which demostrate that the increasing adorption temperature decreasing amount adsorbate being adsorbed. The  (Gibb’s Energy) of adsorption are negative in several temperature which demonstrates that the adsroption are spontanously occured in ech temperature. The adsorption study can be used as a reference for ZSM-5 adsorption optimization.
The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Training on Some Biochemical Values in Terms of Osteoporosis Risk in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Demirel Nurcan , Kaya Fatih , Pınar Salih
Published: April 2018

The main purpose of the present study is to comparatively examine the effects of Whole body vibration (WBV) trainings on some biochemical bone-turnover markers (Beta-CTx, Osteocalcin) in terms of osteoporosis. Twenty-four sedentary women (mean age=37.12±1.84 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided to 3 groups: whole body vibration exercise group (WBV, n=8), classical resistance exercise group (CR, n=8), and control group (CO, n=8). Vibration trainings and classical resistance trainings were applied in similar exercise models for major muscle groups three days a week for eight weeks, not on consecutive days but in the same contexts. Of biochemical values, Beta-CTx and Osteocalcin were analysed by using Cobas e 411 ECLIA (Electro Chem. Luminance Immune Assay) method before and after the eight-week exercise period. For intra-group comparisons paired-samples t-test, for inter-group comparisons one way ANOVA, and for multi-comparisons Tukey test were used. While a statistically significant difference was found between pretest posttest of Beta-CTx and Osteocalcin values of CR (p<.05), there was not a significant difference in WBV and CO groups (p>.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of pretest posttest biochemical value changes (Beta-CTx, Osteocalsin) of the participants (p<.05). As a result, eight-week WBV training in premenopausal women can be considered as safe in terms of biochemical values’ (Beta-CTx, Osteocalcin) remaining unchanged. On the other hand, CR training made significant changes on the values in question. Whether this change is an acute effect or not has become a raising question. This case can be studied in premenopausal women in further research.
Comparison of Some Biomotoric Properties and Anthropometric Measurements of Male Basketball and Football Players
Authors: Turna Bülent , Kılınç Fatih
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to determine and compare some biomotoric properties and anthropometric measurements of Antalya Muratpaşa High School Boys’ Basketball Team and Football Team.  Thirty volunteering players from Antalya Muratpaşa High School Boys’ Basketball and Football Teams participated in the study. Fifteen of the participants were from the Basketball Team and 15 were from Football Team. The mean age of the Football Team was 16,3 ±0,9 years; mean body weight was 65,6 ±9,4 kg, mean height was 170,3 ±6,7 cm; and the mean age of the Basketball Team was 15,5 ±0,74 years, mean body weight was 64,8 ±11,7 kg, mean height was 178,6 ±6,1 cm. As well as the height, weight, age values of the 15 Basketballer and 15 Footballer Boys’, the right and left grip force, back force, sprint tests, leg force, free vertical jump, subcutaneous fat measurements from 8 different points, and circumference measurements from 7 different points were taken. As a result of the comparison between some biomotoric properties, a significant difference was found between the vertical jump test values of the Basketball Team and Football Team (p<0, 05). When the Basketball and Football teams participating in the study were compared, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the calf area sub-cutaneous fat measurement values (p<0, 05). No statistically significant differences were found in the measurements of shoulder, chest inspiration, chest expiration, arm, forearm, thigh circumference, calf circumference, hip circumferences of the Boys’ Basketball and Football players who participated in our study (p<0,05). A statistically significant difference was found in the 10-m speed run tests of the Boys’ Basketball Team and Football Team Players (p<0,05). The data of the study were analyzed in Independent Samples T Test (p<0,05) according to statistical significance levels. Nobody should doubt that positive science is affecting all sports disciplines in the light of technological developments in our present age and it will continue even more in the future with more efficient and faster use to serve sports and sportsmen. In this context, it was aimed in the present study to determine how young sportsmen are suitable for their branches, and also to determine the missing and full aspects of their present biomotoric and physical statuses, supplement the missing aspects, and improve the full ones.
Investigation of Cardiovascular Endurance Levels of Sedentary High School Students
Authors: Akyol Betül , Söğüt Kayhan
Published: April 2018

The aim of our study is to examine the cardiovascular endurance systems of sedentary high school students. The 112 sedentary individual was taken to the 1600 meter walking test run, and the 120 sedentary individual Harward step test. While both individuals were participating in the same test, weight, height, oxygen saturation, and heart rate of participants were measured before starting the test. As soon as the test is finished (recovery period), oxygen saturation and heart rate variability of individuals are measured at 1, 3, 5 minutes. All measured variables were analyzed and compared. Analysis of the data was done according to the SPSS statistical program and the significance level was accepted as p <0.05. In the 1600-meter walking test, it was observed that there was a significant difference in mean heart rate between males and females p<0.05. There was a significant difference between the mean values of the time of completion of the 1600 m running test by males and females (p < 0.05). During the 1600-meter walking and Harward step test recovery period, there was no difference in the participants' parameters. There was no significant difference between oxygen saturations at beginning, recovery 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes in both tests. Significant differences were found between heart rate and oxygen saturation values (beginning, recovery 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes) in the intra-group comparisons of both groups. Participants' heart rates began to increase with exercise, but remained above the initial heart rate level during recovery. Participants' body mass indexes were observed to be within normal values. We think that can be increased cardio respiratory and cardiovascular fitness levels and can been created lifelong exercise habits by regular exercise programs are given to Sedentary high school students. Thus, we believe that the young population can be prevented from getting sick by providing healthier, social, active individuals.
A Think-Aloud Study: Listening Comprehension Strategies Used by Primary School Students
Authors: Bulut Berker , Ertem İhsan Seyit
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this research is describing and comparing the listening-comprehension strategies used by the students who are identified as successful and less successful about listening. In the research, the case study pattern was used among the qualitative research approaches. In the study, different situations of each student within the same group were examined. The study was carried out in 2017 with four students who attend the fourth grade of the primary school at the middle socioeconomic level in Efeler district of Aydın city. The data related to the cognitive processes used by the students who are selected using sampling of maximum diversity from purposeful sampling methods, during listening were obtained through the method of think aloud, which is one of the utmost effective ways of describing the cognitive activities in the listening comprehension process and of the comprehension strategies used in this process. When the data obtained from the think-aloud method was interpreted, it has been observed that the listening-comprehension strategies used by students differed. It has been determined that students who are identified as successful listener use more strategies on their listening comprehension process. Consequently, it is possible to state that the students are unaware of using the listening comprehension strategies since they are very little. It was also concluded that students who were identified as both successful and unsuccessful listeners have reached less the level of evaluation in terms of strategies.
Social Skills, Problem Behaviors and Classroom Management in Inclusive Preschool Settings
Authors: Karakaya Esra G. , Tufan Mumin
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to determine preschool teachers’ classroom management skills and investigate the relationships between teachers’ classroom management skills and inclusion students’ social skills and problem behaviors. Relational screening model was used as the research method. Study group consisted of 42 pre-school teachers working in Kocaeli province and 42 inclusion students aged 4-7. Personal Information Form, Classroom Management Skills Inventory for Pre-school Teachers and Pre-School and Kindergarten Behavior Scale were used to collect data. Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis methods were utilized to analyze the descriptive statistics. Results revealed that participating pre-school teachers had high level of perceived classroom management skills, teachers’ classroom management skills did not differ based on inclusion students’ age and gender but they significantly differed based on teachers’ age, seniority, type of school they graduated from and staff status. Inclusion students were found to have moderate social skills and high level of problem behaviors. Children scores in social skills and problem behavior scales did not change based on age but they significantly differed based on gender. According to the results, no meaningful relationships existed between teachers’ classroom management skills and inclusion students’ social skills and problem behaviors.