bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are cash transfers the answer for child nutrition in sub‐Saharan Africa? A literature review
Authors: Manley James , Slavchevska Vanya
Published: October 2017

Early evidence is ambiguous on the effects of cash transfer programmes on children, but until the last few years there has been little focus on Africa. We review the literature on 20 cash transfer schemes, including 12 from sub‐Saharan Africa. Such interventions have shown improvements in household diet and, in some cases, to agriculture, but have not always improved child health. However, a larger perspective focusing on two key time periods for nutrition—adolescence and the first 1,000 days of life reveals more opportunities for impact. In particular, the opportunity to empower young women to access secondary education and the reduction of adolescent pregnancy rates can improve the health of African children. Cash transfer programmes show promise, though there is room for improvement.
Central Bank or Monetary Authority? Three Views on Money and Monetary Reform
Authors: Decker Frank
Published: October 2017

The global financial crisis triggered profound changes in the conduct of monetary policy, with ultra‐low interest rates and asset purchases becoming the main policy tools. This represents a major shift towards interventionism that even ten years after the global financial crisis has not been reversed. In this article, I assess three views on money and monetary reform. I argue that a central bank regime with a narrow focus on refinancing property at market interest rates remains an attractive alternative to the current regime and provides an essential benchmark to assess the progress of monetary normalisation.
How Functional is the Eurozone? An Index of European Economic Integration Through the Single Currency
Authors: Castañeda Juan E. , Schwartz Pedro
Published: October 2017

This article is a step towards empirically assessing how close the Eurozone is to becoming an ‘optimal currency area’, as originally defined by Mundell (). For this purpose we have compiled ten indicators, organised them in four partial indices, and summarised them in an overall indicator of ‘optimality’. The resulting picture is mixed, with zone optimality not increasing when circumstances were favourable but the trend towards integration returning after the 2008–14 crisis. The suggestion is that disintegration during the crisis, rather than being evidence of failure of the Eurozone when the going was tough, showed a self‐healing mechanism at work. However, our measurements and indices show that optimality is much further away than it was in 1999, when the euro was launched.
Infection surveillance in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Caldas Teixeira Daniela , Martins Oliveira Diniz Lilian , Orlandi Mourão Paulo Henrique , Kakehashi Fabiana Maria , Vaz de Macedo Antonio , Duani Helena , Trindade Clemente Wanessa , de Sá Rodrigues Karla Emília , Maia de Castro Romanelli Roberta
Published: October 2017

Objective

To describe the profile of reported healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) in pediatric patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a reference center.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of pediatric patients who were submitted to HSCT from 2008 to 2016. The criteria for HAI were based on those established by the National Healthcare Safety Network. Data were collected by active surveillance performed daily by professionals. This study was approved by the institutional research ethics committee.

Results

A total of 86 HSCTs were performed in 81 patients younger than 18 years of age (median, 10 years). Of these, 69 (85%) were males. Aplastic anemia and leukemia were the main diagnoses. A total of 140 HAIs were diagnosed with an incidence density of 28.2 infections/1000 patient‐days. The most common HAI was laboratory‐confirmed bloodstream infection (46), the majority of which was reported to be central venous catheter‐associated (43). Gram‐negative bacteria were the most prevalent microorganisms (58.5%). Almost all the infections occurred until 30 days after transplantation, and 17 deaths were observed within 180 days after the procedure.

Conclusion

Active surveillance of HAIs in HSCT children allowed the evaluation of the incidence and profile of HAIs, which is essential for the health care of these patients.
Erythroblast macrophage protein (Emp): Past, present, and future
Authors: Javan Gulnaz T. , Salhotra Amandeep , Finley Sheree J. , Soni Shivani
Published: October 2017

This review is a journey of the landmark erythroblast macrophage protein (Emp) discovered in 1994, and it walks chronologically through the progress that has been made in understanding the biological function of this protein. Historically, Emp was the first identified cell attachment molecule and is expressed in both erythroblasts and macrophages and mediates their attachments to form erythroblastic islands. The absence of Emp erythroblasts shows defects in differentiation and enucleation. Emp‐deficient macrophages display immature morphology characterized by small sizes, round shapes, and the lack of cytoplasmic projections. Although the primary sequence of Emp has already been determined and its role in both erythroid and macrophage development is well established, there are major gaps in the understanding of its function at the molecular level. Recent studies had implicated its importance in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration, but the molecular mechanisms are still enigmatic. Previous studies have also demonstrated that downregulation of Emp affects the expression of mitogen‐associated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and thymoma viral protooncogene (AKT‐1) resulting in abnormal cell motility. In this review, we summarize the proposed function of Emp based on previous studies, present scenarios, and its plausible future in translational research.
Modes I/II SIF of a diametrically compressed Brazilian disc having a central inclined crack with frictional surfaces
Authors: Hammouda M.M.I. , Fayed A.S.
Published: October 2017

An in‐house finite element code was used to analyse a diametrically compressed isotropic homogeneous Brazilian disc having a central inclined crack with frictional surfaces for the evaluation of its corresponding modes I and II stress intensity factor (SIF). One‐half of the disc was successfully idealized. The coefficient of friction between the crack surfaces ranged from 0 to 1 in steps of 0.1. Relative crack length ratios of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 were analysed with crack angles up to 90° in steps of 5°.

The crack angle corresponding to the transition from a mixed mode I/II to a pure mode II decreases with increasing the relative crack length ratio. An increase in the relative crack length ratio leads to an increase in the range of crack angles corresponding to a partially closed crack. The crack angle at which fully closed sliding crack surfaces commences is 30° independent of the relative crack length ratio and the friction coefficient. With the same relative crack length ratio and increasing the friction coefficient, there is a corresponding decrease in the crack angle for the maximum mode II SIF. With a decrease in the relative crack length ratio or the friction coefficient, the crack angle beyond which the crack surfaces become in a fully sticking mode decreases resulting in zero mode II SIF. Generally, mode II SIF decreases with increasing the friction coefficient between the crack surfaces. Good agreement has been generally obtained with relevant results found in the literature.
Display behaviour, social organization and vocal repertoire of Blue‐backed Manakin Chiroxiphia pareola napensis in northwest Amazonia
Authors: Cárdenas‐Posada Ghislaine , Cadena Carlos Daniel , Blake John G. , Loiselle Bette A.
Published: October 2017

Members of the avian family Pipridae (manakins) have served as a model system for studies aimed at understanding cooperation among individuals, traits involved in sexual selection and the evolution of female preferences. These studies rely on a detailed natural history baseline, yet multiple manakin taxa remain unstudied, precluding comparative analyses and assessment of geographical variation. The Blue‐backed Manakin Chiroxiphia pareola is a widely distributed species with four recognized subspecies; however, most published information on display behaviour, social organization and vocalizations are derived from an island population of one subspecies, Chiroxiphia pareola atlantica. To describe the social organization and patterns of activity of the subspecies C. p. napensis, we studied a population in eastern Ecuador and collected data from seven display areas or leks within the Tiputini Biodiversity Station. We used focal observations, camera traps and automatic song recorders to collect information for the field seasons from January to March 2013 and video cameras from February to March 2014. Males were active most of the day with a peak in activity at noon. Display areas were occupied by one to five males, ranging from > 2 to > 18 years old. The vocal repertoire included duet song displays and a variety of calls. We provide sonograms for all six observed vocalizations, including two previously unrecorded vocalizations for the species, and comment on the possible behavioural context of each vocalization. We describe five distinct display elements and the dance display behaviour, and highlight differences relative to other species of the genus. The first part of the dance display involved cooperative dancing, whereas the second part was a solo display, usually performed by alpha males. Our work reveals some differences between C. p. napensis and C. p. atlantica, such as a possible aggressive interaction between males of different ages and hierarchical status that has not been reported before and the apparent absence of mechanical wing sounds in C. p. napensis. The data reported here help advance our knowledge of the evolution of display behaviour among manakins.
Biogeography of salt marsh plant zonation on the Pacific coast of South America
Authors: Fariña José M. , He Qiang , Silliman Brian R. , Bertness Mark D.
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the biogeography of plant zonation in salt marshes on the Pacific coast of South America; to examine whether salt marsh plant zonation varies with latitude; and to explore the relative importance of climatic, tidal, edaphic and disturbance factors in explaining large‐scale variation in salt marsh plant community structure.

Location

A 2,000‐km latitudinal gradient on the Pacific coast in Chile, with a climate shift from hyper‐arid at low to hyper‐humid at high latitudes.

Methods

Plant zonation was quantified in field surveys of ten marshes. Climate, tidal regimes, edaphic factors and disturbances (tsunami and rainfall floods) were determined. We used multivariate analyses to explore their relative importance in explaining large‐scale variation in salt marsh plant community structure.

Results

Across latitude, marshes were dominated by distinct plant communities in different climate regions, especially at the extreme dry and wet latitudes. Intertidal plant species zonation was present in hyper‐arid and semi‐arid climates, but not in arid, humid and hyper‐humid climates. Latitudinal variation in low‐marsh plant communities (regularly flooded at high tide) was largely a function of precipitation, while at high marshes (never flooded at high tide) latitudinal variation was explained with precipitation, temperature, tidal cycles, soil salinity and disturbances.

Main conclusions

Salt marshes on the Pacific coast of South America belong to Dry Coast and Temperate biogeographic types. Salt marsh plant zonation varies across latitude, and is explained by climatic, tidal, edaphic and disturbance factors. These patterns appear to be mechanistically explained by extrapolating experimentally generated community assembly models and have implications for predicting responses to climate change.
RETRACTED: Tanshinone IIA alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury by downregulating TRPM7 and pro‐inflammatory factors
Authors: Li Jie , Zheng Yan , Li Ming‐Xian , Yang Chu‐Wei , Liu Yu‐Fei
Published: October 2017

The study aimed to investigate the role of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) in its regulation of TRPM7. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into the normal saline (NS), LPS, knockout (KO) + LPS, low‐dose Tan IIA (Tan‐L), middle‐dose Tan IIA (Tan‐M), high‐dose Tan IIA (Tan‐H) and KO + high‐dose Tan IIA (KO + Tan‐H) groups. The level of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, TRPM7 protein expression, current density‐voltage curve and Ca2+ concentration were detected through ELISA, Western blotting, electrophysiological experiment and a calcium‐imaging technique, respectively. The rats in the KO + LPS, Tan‐L, Tan‐M, Tan‐H and KO + Tan‐H groups all displayed lower levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 than the LPS group. Rats in the KO + Tan‐H group exhibited lower levels of NF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 than rats in the Tan‐H group. Elevated levels of TRPM7 protein expression in the LPS and Tan groups were detected in comparison with the NS group. However, TRPM7 protein expression in Tan‐M and Tan‐H groups was notably lower than in that of the LPS group. In comparison with the NS group, the LPS and Tan groups had a greater PIMs cell density and a higher concentration of Ca2+. Contrary results were observed in the KO + LPS, Tan‐H and KO + Tan‐H groups. Tan IIA decreases calcium influx in PIMs and inhibits pro‐inflammatory factors which provide an alleviatory effect in regards to LPS‐induced ALI by suppressing TRPM7 expression.
Nutrient‐driven O‐GlcNAc in proteostasis and neurodegeneration
Authors: Akan Ilhan , Olivier‐Van Stichelen Stephanie , Bond Michelle R. , Hanover John A.
Published: October 2017

Proteostasis is essential in the mammalian brain where post‐mitotic cells must function for decades to maintain synaptic contacts and memory. The brain is dependent on glucose and other metabolites for proper function and is spared from metabolic deficits even during starvation. In this review, we outline how the nutrient‐sensitive nucleocytoplasmic post‐translational modification O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) regulates protein homeostasis. The O‐GlcNAc modification is highly abundant in the mammalian brain and has been linked to proteopathies, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. C. elegans, Drosophila, and mouse models harboring O‐GlcNAc transferase‐ and O‐GlcNAcase‐knockout alleles have helped define the role O‐GlcNAc plays in development as well as age‐associated neurodegenerative disease. These enzymes add and remove the single monosaccharide from protein serine and threonine residues, respectively. Blocking O‐GlcNAc cycling is detrimental to mammalian brain development and interferes with neurogenesis, neural migration, and proteostasis. Findings in C. elegans and Drosophila model systems indicate that the dynamic turnover of O‐GlcNAc is critical for maintaining levels of key transcriptional regulators responsible for neurodevelopment cell fate decisions. In addition, pathways of autophagy and proteasomal degradation depend on a transcriptional network that is also reliant on O‐GlcNAc cycling. Like the quality control system in the endoplasmic reticulum which uses a ‘mannose timer’ to monitor protein folding, we propose that cytoplasmic proteostasis relies on an ‘O‐GlcNAc timer’ to help regulate the lifetime and fate of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. O‐GlcNAc‐dependent developmental alterations impact metabolism and growth of the developing mouse embryo and persist into adulthood. Brain‐selective knockout mouse models will be an important tool for understanding the role of O‐GlcNAc in the physiology of the brain and its susceptibility to neurodegenerative injury.

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Family‐centred care for families living with cystic fibrosis in a rural setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Jessup Melanie , Smyth Wendy , Abernethy Gail , Shields Linda , Douglas Tonia ,   On behalf of AREST‐CF
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore experiences of family‐centred care among parents of children with cystic fibrosis living far from tertiary treatment centres and to understand what such distances mean to their care.

Background

Australia is a large continent. However, many families with a child with cystic fibrosis live in regional areas, often thousands of kilometres away from the primary treatment centres located in Australia's coastal capital cities.

Design

A qualitative, phenomenological design using a Van Manen () approach.

Methods

Individual, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents (n = 7) of a child with cystic fibrosis who lived in regional Australia. Thematic content data analysis was used.

Results

The essence of the participants’ experience was their seeking certainty and continuity in the changeable realm of cystic fibrosis while negotiating a collaborative approach to their child's care. Five core themes and two subthemes were identified: “Daily care: a family affair,” including the subtheme “Accessing expert care”; “Family‐centred care: seeking inclusion”; “Control versus collaboration: seeking mutual trust,” with the subtheme “The team who grows with you”; “Future projections”; and “The CF circle.”

Conclusion

Some concerns are not unlike those of their city counterparts, but can be intensified by their sense of distance and isolation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Insight into this unique milieu from the parents’ perspective is requisite so that care is appropriate to such a challenging environment and incorporates the whole family.
Changes in sleep quality with age–a 36‐year follow‐up study of Finnish working‐aged adults
Authors: Hublin Christer , Lehtovirta Mikko , Partinen Markku , Koskenvuo Markku , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: October 2017

Long‐term follow‐up data on changes in sleep quality among middle‐aged adults is scarce. We assessed sleep quality in a population‐based cohort (n = 4847) of twins born between 1945 and 1957 during a follow‐up of 36 years, with four measurement points in 1975, 1981, 1990 and 2011. Sleep quality was categorized as sleeping well, fairly well, fairly poorly or poorly. The mean age at the beginning of follow‐up was 24.0, and at the end was 60.3 years. Of all the adults, 71.1% slept well or fairly well at each time‐point throughout the follow‐up and 0.5% poorly or fairly poorly. The proportion of those sleeping poorly or fairly poorly increased linearly over time; 3.5% among both sexes at the start, and 15.5% among men and 20.9% among women at the end of the follow‐up. The last survey indicated a strong association between self‐rated health and sleep quality: sleeping poorly or fairly poorly was reported 15 times more frequently by those rating their health as fairly poor than by those rating their health as very good. There was a strong association between indicators of depression and poor sleep. Although many studies have reported increasing frequencies in sleep problems, our results, based on a long‐term cohort study, indicate that the majority of people sleep well or fairly well. Sleep quality declines with age, but only a very small fraction of the adults in this long follow‐up consistently slept poorly.
Congenital cytomegalovirus in Japan: More than 2 year follow up of infected newborns
Authors: Koyano Shin , Morioka Ichiro , Oka Akira , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Asano Kimisato , Ito Yushi , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Yamada Hideto , Suzutani Tatsuo , Inoue Naoki ,   the Japanese Congenital Cytomegalovirus Study Group
Published: October 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection identified on urine‐filter screening assay at >2 years’ follow up, and to observe the clinical outcomes after anti‐CMV treatment.

Methods

Sixty of 72 congenital CMV patients were enrolled and clinically observed for >2 years. Forty‐three were asymptomatic at birth; seven were symptomatic at birth but untreated with anti‐CMV drugs; and 10 were symptomatic and treated with anti‐CMV drugs.

Results

Of the 43 asymptomatic patients, three developed hearing loss or language disability for which association with congenital CMV has been repeatedly reported, and two had neurological sequelae of which the etiology was unclear, indicating that the rate of CMV‐associated late‐onset sequelae was 7–12%. All seven symptomatic infants without treatment developed sequelae, while three of the 10 treated patients were free from any sequelae.

Conclusions

The rate of late‐onset sequelae observed in Japan is similar to that reported in the USA and Europe. The treatment of symptomatic patients with antiviral agents results in favorable clinical outcomes. Thus, newborn urine–filter paper screening of congenital CMV infection is warranted.
“Racial realism II: Are folk races real?”
Authors: Spencer Quayshawn
Published: October 2017

This article is Part II in a pair of articles on racial realism. In Part I, I defined “racial realism” and discussed the major attempts in the past twenty years among metaphysicians of race and biologists to defend racial realism from the viewpoint of what biologists mean by “race.” In this article, I continue discussing and critiquing how metaphysicians of race have conceived of and defended racial realism, but with a focus on how ordinary people use “race.” I focus on two broad groups of racial realisms in this article: biological racial realism and social racial realism. After defining each one, I summarize a representative sample of recent attempts from metaphysicians of race to defend both types of racial realism. I also discuss major criticisms against each attempt. I end by sketching a new, radical pluralist way of being a racial realist, and I provide some empirical motivation for why it's promising.
Novel mutations in KLF1 encoding the In(Lu) phenotype reflect a diversity of clinical presentations
Authors: Keller Jessica , Vege Sunitha , Horn Trina , Keller Margaret A. , Leger Regina M. , Aeschlimann Judith , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Westhoff Connie M.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Mutation in the KLF1 gene is the cause of the In(Lu) (Inhibitor of Lutheran) Lu(a–b–) phenotype and more than 60 alleles have been associated with this phenotype. Here we describe findings from investigation of seven cases: six presenting with a Lu(a–b–) phenotype including the historical index case and one referred from a patient with chronic anemia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Serologic testing was by standard methods. DNA testing included amplification and sequencing of KLF1 and LU coding regions. A StuI polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism was designed to target c.304T>C in KLF1.

RESULTS

Five different KLF1 alleles were identified. Three are new: KLF1*90A (p.Trp30Ter), KLF*911A (p.Thr304Lys), and KLF1*304C,318G (p. Ser102Pro, Tyr106Ter) present in two unrelated individuals. Two, including the index case, had c.954dupG (p.Arg319Glufs*34), that is, KLF1*BGM06. The child with unexplained anemia had c.973G>A (p.Glu325Lys), associated with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. The common c.304T>C was found in two of the seven samples investigated and in 60 of 100 blood donors.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in KLF1 are pleiotropic and although most are benign, others are associated with hematologic abnormalities. We report three new KLF1 alleles associated with benign In(Lu) and document both the molecular basis of the original In(Lu) phenotype using a frozen sample stored for more than 50 years and the cause of unexplained anemia in a child. We also confirm previous observations that c.304C (p.102Pro) is not, by itself, associated with an In(Lu) phenotype in donors self‐identified as U.S. minorities.
Engineered cross‐reacting nanobodies simplify comparative oncology between humans and dogs
Authors: Mazzega E. , de Marco A.
Published: October 2017

Antibodies cross‐reacting with homologue antigens in different species would be essential reagents for the development of comparative oncology studies. In comparison with conventional immunoglobulin Gs, recombinant nanobodies (single‐domain variable regions of heavy‐chain only antibodies of Camelidae origin) can be easily isolated in vitro and engineered into a variety of reagents with optimized characteristics for different research and clinical applications. We recovered an anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (anti‐HER2) nanobody from a naïve llama library by direct panning on whole cells and expressed it fused to Fc and green fluorescent protein. These immunoreagents were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence with both human and canine cells overexpressing HER2 and its canine homologue dog epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The reported data illustrate the potential of using this class of antibodies in comparative oncology and suggest some development perspectives enabled by in vitro panning of pre‐immune nanobody libraries.
Nitric oxide (NO) radical inhibitory of hedyotis philippinensis and its marker compound, asperuloside
Authors: Mohamad Mahbob Emi Norzehan , Ahmad Rohaya , Ahmad Syahida
Published: October 2017

Hedyotis spesies have been used in Chinese folk medicine as a treatment for colds, stomatitis and various inflammations. In this study, three methanolic extracts of Hedyotis species (Hedyotis corymbosa, Hedyotis havilandii and Hedyotis philippinensis) were screened for their anti-inflammatory activity. The plant extracts along with asperuloside, the marker compound of H. philippinensis were tested for their anti-inflammatory effect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon- (IFN-)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production using RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Among the three species, H. philippinensis (leaves and stems) showed good NO radical inhibitory activity (with IC50 values of 139.76±12.50 and 176.21±2.48 g/ml, respectively). Asperuloside, isolated as a major compound from the plant moderately inhibited LPS/IFN--induced NO production by 63% at a concentration of 100 M (45% cell viability) compared to L-NAME (77 %). Its IC50 value was found to be 75.45±2.25 M. Its inhibition was also found to be dose-dependent.
Standard errors estimation in the presence of high leverage point and heteroscedastic errors in multiple linear regression
Authors: Peng Khoo Li , Adnan Robiah , Ahmad Maizah Hura
Published: October 2017

In this study, the Robust Heteroscedastic Consistent Covariance Matrix (RHCCM) was proposed in order to estimate standard errors of regression coefficients in the presence of high leverage points and heteroscedastic errors in multiple linear regression. Robust Heteroscedastic Consistent Covariance Matrix (RHCCM) is the combination of a robust method and Heteroscedasticit Consistent Covariance Matrix (HCCM).  The robust method is used to eliminate the effect of high leverage points while HCCM is mainly used to eliminate the effect of heteroscedastic errors. The performance of RHCCM was assessed through an empirical study and compared with results obtained when the original Heteroscedastic Consistent Covariance Matrix was used.
Study of local silica sand deposits for producing leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications
Authors: Saiyed Mohd Nurddin Siti Mazatul Azwa , Selamat Malek
Published: October 2017

The objective of this research work was to examine the potential of using local silica sand from Terengganu, as a raw material in producing leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications.  The characterization of the silica sand was carried out using chemical analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The study also focused on the effect of temperature and soaking time of sintering on the formation and properties of leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications.  A starting glass composition of weight %; 64.2% SiO2, 16.1% Al2O3, 13.6% K2O, 5.10% Na2O, 0.5% TiO2 and 0.5% LiO2 was melted in an electric furnace, and then quenched in cool water to produce glass frit. The glass powders were ball milled and compressed to form 13mm diameter discs.  The discs were sintered at 700°C,750°C, 800°C and 850°C for 1.0, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0 hours. The XRD analysis results show that the glass powders produced leucite phase as the major phase at certain temperature and soaking time of sintering.   The sanidine (KAlSi3O8) phase was also formed as the minor phase.  The properties of sintered discs were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Vickers micro hardness and universal testing machine (UTM).  Based on the microhardness and three point bending test results,  the strength of the samples increased as the soaking time of sintering increased.________________________________________GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Representation of flat EEG images via fuzzy limit
Authors: Zenian S. , Ahmad Tahir , Idris A.
Published: October 2017

Sugeno type intuitionistic fuzzy generator is one of the way to compute the non-membership value in the theory of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS).  It can be extended to the concept of fuzzy limit in order to determine the hesitation value.  The value of parameter, namely , in the non-membership function will influence the hesitation value and the results will be demonstrated in the form of images.  Hence, by implementing the definition of fuzzy limit, different value of  will be tested in obtaining the values of parameter  that will determine the value of .  Moreover, the relationship between hesitation and membership value will be demonstrated graphically.
An integer programming model for gate assignment problem at airline terminals
Authors: Kok Chun Chong , Nordin Syarifah Zyurina
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we concentrate on a gate assignment problem (GAP) at the airlines terminal. Our problem is to assign an arrival plane to a suitable gate. There are two considerations needed to take. One of its is passenger walking distance from arrival gate to departure gate while another consideration is the transport baggage distance from one gate to another. Our objective is to minimize the total distance between the gates that related to assign the arrival plane to the suitable gates. An integer linear programming (ILP) model is proposed to solve this gate assignment problem. We also conduct a computational experiment using CPLEX 12.1 solver in AIMMS 3.10 software to analyze the performance of the model. Results of the computational experiments are presented. The efficiency of flights assignment is depends on the ratio of the weight for both total passenger traveling distances and total baggage transport distances.
Properties and catalytic performance of sulphate-vanadia impregnated fumed silica as oxidative catalyst
Authors: Zulkeple Nor Masdiana , Mohd Kamal Norhasyimah , Mohd Ekhsan Jamilah , Che Me Salasiah , Ean Lim Swee , Lee Siew Ling
Published: October 2017

A series of sulphate-vanadia impregnated fumed silica oxidative catalysts were synthesized via impregnation method. The samples were prepared by impregnation of 1 wt% of vanadium and 0.2 M of sulphuric acid onto fumed silica as support. Surface area of the silica supported samples were similar of 118 m2/g. UV-Vis DRS results showed existence of o supported V species and the charge transfer bands associated with O2- to V5+ in tetrahedral environments. Catalytic performance were evaluated via epoxidation of 1-octene to 1,2-epoxyoctane using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. It had been demonstrated that sulphate-vanadia impregnated fumed silica had high catalytic activity of 626 ± 0.2 mmol epoxide was produced after 24 h reaction. This may indicate that more oxidative sites were generated after the impregnation of V and sulphate onto the SiO2 matrixes.
Effect of calcination temperatures on the photocatalytic activities of commercial titania nanoparticles under solar simulator irradiation
Authors: Ruu Siah Wai , O. Lintang Hendrik , Shamsuddin Mustaffa , Yuliati Leny
Published: October 2017

In this study, the effect of calcination temperatures on the photocatalytic activity of commercial TiO2 photocatalysts (Evonik P25, Evonik P90, Hombikat UV100, Hombikat N100) was evaluated for degradation and removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide under solar simulator irradiation. The calcined samples were prepared by heating commercial TiO2 photocatalysts at 573 or 773 K for 4 hours. It was confirmed that before calcination treatment, the P25 TiO2 showed similar activity to the P90 TiO2, which activity was higher than those of Hombikat UV100 and N100 TiO2. The activity of P25 and P90 was reduced when the photocatalysts were calcined at 573 K and 773 K. On the other hand, the Hombikat catalysts showed an improved activity with the increase of calcination temperatures.
New Face of MJFAS
Authors: Nur Hadi
Published: October 2017

The Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences (MJFAS), has come a long way since its beginnings in 2005 when six papers appeared in the first issue. As the Editor-in-Chief of the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, I am writing to invite you to submit your most important research to the Journal. We envision the Journal as the best place to publish all of the levels of research in fundamental and applied sciences from all over the world, especially from researchers in Malaysia dan Indonesia. Working with our knowledgeable and international Editorial Board members and I can assure you of a rapid, robust and fair peer-review process.As the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences is now indexed by Thomson Reuters Web of Science, we are especially aiming to reduce time to decision. We also have begun to work towards raising the Journal’s impact factor. For the coming submissions, the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences will start implementing the "Your Paper, Your Way" initiative. In this way, authors can focus on the scientific quality of the paper. Journal-specific formatting such as reference style is no longer needed. The Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences is now entering its twelfth year and it is now the official journal of the Indonesia-Malaysia Research Consortium (I'M Research Consortium). The consortium's aims are to foster the development of the field through a crossdisciplinary approach and to reach consensus in areas of common interest in fundamental and applied sciences field. By making the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences the official journal of the I'M Research Consortium, we hope to provide a forum to bring together society members and to publish peer-reviewed consensus documents that emerge from the activities of the consortium. The year of 2016 marks the next in a series of regular changes to the Editorial Board. Several of the Editorial Board members have been with the journal for a large part of its development and have been responsible for its success through their contributions both as authors as well as reviewers and advisors. In the course of 2016, the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences launched its Facebook page (see www.facebook.com/mjfas2016), providing its readers with information about events of general interest to researchers and scientists as well as details and links to papers and research featured in the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences. Thank you in advance for your valuable contributions to the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences.
Seed germination analysis in germplasm of capsicum annum
Authors: Rayiappan Alexander Ray , Sarobo Zulaikha , Javed Muhammad Arshad
Published: October 2017

Capsicum annum is commercially cultivated due to its nutritional and pharmaceutical values. It is particularly important in Malaysia due to its abundant use in daily life food. Although it is warm seasonal plant, its productivity is not high in tropical environment. High seed germination is the prerequisite for good seedling establishment. Present study is conducted to study the varietal response for germination traits in diverse capsicum germplasm.  Five germination traits were focused e.g.  Final germination percentage (FGP), speed of germination (SG), initiation of germination (IG), days to 50% germination (R50) and peak period of germination (GP). Seeds of each variety were kept in triplicate at room temperature using Yoshida medium coupled with photoperiod of 14 hours for two weeks. Mean values for FGP (81%), SG (rate=2), IG (9th day) and R50 (10th day) and GP (12th day) were observed in 93 varieties. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference for all germination traits, reflecting that present germplasm is diverse for germination traits. These findings would be useful to improve the germination traits in capsicum hybridization programs.
Technical note: optical extinction coefficient of polydisperse spherical gold nanoparticles in water
Authors: Chong Jia Cherng , Ling Lee Siew , Bidin Noriah
Published: October 2017

The extinction coefficients of polydispersed gold nanoparticles up to σ = 360 nm were computed via exact solution of Mie theory. A narrow extinction peak around 520 nm occurs for mean particle sizes  within dipole approximation limit. Spectral characteristics for extinction coefficient computed based on increasing mean particle sizes, degree of polydispersity, composition ratio of bimodal size distributions and changes in dispersant temperature are compared. As mean particle sizes increases, the plasmon resonance peak red-shifts and broadens skewing towards infrared. Increasing polydispersity on mean particle diameter beyond dipole approximation limit decreases peak extinction coefficient values. Increasing temperature from ambient to boiling changes the peak extinction coefficient intensity value by an order of 10^-13 while resonance wavelength remains unchanged.
The effects of gas flow rate and annealing on the morphological properties of zinc oxide nanostructures thin film using chemical vapour deposition process
Authors: Khoo W. H. , Sultan S. M. , Sahdan M. Z.
Published: October 2017

Zinc Oxide nanostructures thin films have been deposited on glass substrates by using chemical vapour deposition technique at 1000°C assisted by gas blocker. Glass substrates was sputtered by ~5nm of gold to form a catalyst layer on top of glass. Different gas flow rates of 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.40 L/min were used in the deposition. After the deposition, the layer was annealed at temperatures of 500°C for 1 hours under atmospheric pressure. The surface morphologies of ZnO thin film were investigated field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the presence of ZnO layer with high peak of (002) crystal orientation and shows improvement after annealing. The mechanism of ZnO nanostructures formation will be discussed in this paper
The application of fuzzy logistic equations in population growth with parameter estimation via minimization
Authors: Zulkefli Nor Atirah Izzah , Yeak Su Hoe , Maan Normah
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a numerical solution for the first order fuzzy logistic equations by extended Runge-Kutta fourth order method with estimated parameters. The parameters are estimated by minimization technique using conjugate gradient approach. Then, the fuzzy logistic model with the estimated parameters is used to fit the population growth in Malaysia. Numerical example is given to show the efficiency of the proposed model. Keywords: Fuzzy logistic equations, Population growth, Parameter estimation, Minimization technique
Bidirectional-pumped tunable fiber laser using a voltage-controlled Fabry-Perot Etalon filter
Authors: Sharbirin Anir Syazwan , Samion Muhamad Zharif , Muhamad Aisah , Ismail Mohammad Faizal , Ahmad Harith
Published: October 2017

Fabry-Perot based filters have long been an attractive interferometric device due to its simple construction and versatility for various applications. In this paper, we demonstrate a bidirectional-pumped tunable Thulium-doped Fiber Laser (TDFL) using a voltage-controlled Fabry-Perot Etalon (FPE) filter. The filter allows a maximum tuning range of ~42.0 nm, from 1965.40 nm, up to 2007.35 nm. The generated laser also exhibits a relatively low threshold power of ~62.57 mW and narrow bandwidth of ~0.16 nm. The tuning capability exhibits an exponential growth relationship which can be exploited for precise automatic electronic control.
On certain p-valently analytic functions involving hadamard products
Authors: Darus Maslina
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we introduce and study some properties of unified class WTλ(Φ,Ψ;η,β,p) involving the Hadamard Products given by Juneja et. al in 1985. The properties include coefficient bounds, growth and distortion, and closure theorem. Further, the radii of starlikeness and convexity is also given. AMS Subj. Classification: 30C45.
A global optimization using interval arithmetic
Authors: Mohd Ismail
Published: October 2017

In order to establish an algorithm for bounding the global minimizers of a twice continuously differentiable function f :Rn → R1 in a given box ( a compact interval in Rn ) using interval arithmetic, which is superior in the sense of less time needed compared to other method ([2]), in this paper we will attempt to describe as much as possible the ideas which presents and fulfill the explicitly mentioned algorithm.
Complete Fuzzy n-normed linear space
Authors: Vijayabalaji S. , Thillaigovindan N.
Published: October 2017

This paper introduces the notion of Cauchy sequence, convergent sequence and completeness in fuzzy n-normed linear space. AMS Mathematics Subject Classification: 46S40, 03E72.
A redefinition of mahalanobis depth function
Authors: A. Djauhari Maman
Published: October 2017

Depth function is a new notion intensively developed in the last decade in the field of non-parametric statistics, computational geometry, algebra, and computer science. It is closely related to multivariate ordering, robust estimation, and outlier detection. One of the most widely used in statistics and related areas is the so-called Mahalanobis depth. In this paper we redefine that depth function by introducing a new one which is equivalent to the former, in the sense that they give the same multivariate ordering, less complicated to compute, and generalizes the “vanishing at infinity” property of depth function.
Fiber Bragg grating modeling, simulation and characteristics with different grating lengths
Authors: Sze Phing Ho , Ali Jalil , Abdul Rahman Rosly , Ahmed Tahir Bashir
Published: October 2017

In this paper we perform a simulation of fiber Bragg grating sensor with different grating lengths. It is shown that the grating length represents as one of the critical parameters in contributing to a high performance fiber Bragg grating sensor. The simulated fiber gratings with different lengths were analyzed and designed by calculating reflection and transmission spectra, and the bandwidth. Such simulations are based on solving coupled mode equations that describe the interaction of guided modes. The coupled mode equations are solved by the Transfer Matrix Method (a fundamental matrix method).
Bacteria producing hopanoids from crude oils: The route for using microorganism as crude oil and sediments marker
Authors: Putra Surya Rosa
Published: October 2017

The presence of specific geochemical hopanoids has been recently observed in some living organisms. In this work, bacteria from crude oils reservoir (a part of mature sediments) has been isolated and identified. Their hopanoids have been screened. Hopanoids are only detected in bacteria from the depth reservoir (high temperature and pressure), namely Kawengan and Bangko reservoir. Bacteria from Kawengan crude oils produce an α,β-methy hopane, a compound that usually serve as a main marker for sediment maturation. Bacteria from Bangko crude oils posses several ordinary biohopanoids and one geochemical hopanoid, an acid hopanoid with a double bound at C-17 and C-21. According to 16S rRNA data, the two bacteria are respectively close to Streptomyces species and Alicyclobacillus species.
Recognition of Simple Splicing Systems using SHAutomaton
Authors: Wan Heng Fong , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Ibrahim Zuwairie
Published: October 2017

Splicing language is the language which results from a splicing system. Splicing system was first introduced by Tom Head in 1987 as the mathematical model of systems of restriction enzymes acting on initial DNA molecules. Splicing languages are closely related to automata theory. Simple splicing systems can be recognized by SH-automata diagrams due to the regularity of splicing languages. SH-automaton defines exactly one language which is the language generated by the simple splicing system. In this paper, the concept of firm and maximal firm subwords are introduced. Some examples are then given to illustrate the maximal firm subwords of a word in a simple splicing system. Taking the SH-automata concept, which is a short compact way of encoding normal non-deterministicautomata in the special case of SH systems, the maximal firm subwords of the initial words of an SH systems serve as the labels for the associated  SH-automaton. Some examples which will show the maximal firm subwords of the words in the initial set I, the regular expression for the language generated by the given splicing system and the simplest non-deterministic automaton that recognizes the corresponding splicing system are also given
Dielectric Properties of Ternary ( ) ( )x ( ) x ZnO MgO PO 30 2 5 70− (x = 5, 8, 13) Glasses
Authors: Khor S. F. , Talib Z. A. , Daud W. M. , Sidek H. A. A. , Yunus W. M. M. , Shaari A. H.
Published: October 2017

(ZnO)30(MgO)x(P2O5)70-x glasses of the composition x = 5, 8 and 13 mol % have been prepared by melt quenching technique. The dielectric permittivity (89) and loss factor (8:) were measured in the frequency range from 0.01 Hz to 1 MHz and in the temperature range 303 to 573 K . From the results there are evidence of dipolar relaxation occurring between 103 – 106 Hz while at low frequency the spectrum is dominated by dc conduction which manifested by the 1/@ slope of loss factor plot. Value of the relaxing frequency (@p) plotted against 1/T shows one electrical transportation mechanism. The empirical data was sufficiently fitted by using Harviliak-Negami equation.
Titanium and Copper Oxide Based Catalysts for the Insitu Reactions of Methanation and Desulfurization in the Removal of Sour Gases from Simulated Natural Gas
Authors: Wan Abu Bakar W.A. , Othman M.Y. , Ali R. , Ching K.Y. , Mohd. Nasir J.
Published: October 2017

The objective of this novel catalyst development is to achieve both low temperature and high conversion of sour gases. Supported mixed metal oxide catalysts were prepared by impregnating the catalysts on alumina beads for the in-situ reactions of H2S desulfurization and CO2 methanation from room temperature up to 200oC. The results showed that the 100% conversion of H2S to elemental sulfur for all of the potential catalysts was achieved at 100oC. However, methanation of CO2 in the presence of H2S yielded 0.4% CH4 over Fe/Zn/Cu/Ti-Al2O3 catalyst and 0.7% CH4 over Fe/Zn/Cu-Al2O3 catalyst at maximum studied temperature of 200oC. XPS results indicated that spinel compounds of CuFe2O4 and Fe3O4 act as the active sites on the Fe/Zn/Cu-Al2O3 and Fe/Zn/Cu/Ti-Al2O3 catalysts. The appearance of Fe3+-OH on Fe/Zn/Cu/Ti-Al2O3 catalyst increased its H2S desulfurization activity. N2 adsorption-desorption analysis illustrated that 34% of the surface area of Fe/Zn/Cu-Al2O3 catalyst was reduced while Fe/Zn/Cu/Ti-Al2O3 catalyst showedreduction of 17% after catalytic testing, which indicated the deactivation of the catalysts resulted from sulfur poisoning.
Effect of electric field in liquid phase oxidation of benzhydrol by aqueous hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Boon Hoo Amelia , Nur Hadi
Published: October 2017

Electric-field-induced oxidation of benzhydrol to benzophenone over conducting surface containing titanium dioxide has been carried out by usinghydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The results suggest the occurrence of synergistic effect of electric field and titania in which the interphase area between thetitania particles and conducting surface is the most active region for the reaction. The electrical field on the generation of surface charge to induce theadsorption of organic substrate has also been confirmed by dye adsorption experiments.