bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dual‐color marker system for in vivo visualization of cell cycle progression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yin Ke , Ueda Minako , Takagi Hitomi , Kajihara Takehiro , Sugamata Aki Shiori , Nobusawa Takashi , Umeda‐Hara Chikage , Umeda Masaaki
Published: August 2014

Visualization of the spatiotemporal pattern of cell division is crucial to understand how multicellular organisms develop and how they modify their growth in response to varying environmental conditions. The mitotic cell cycle consists of four phases: S (DNA replication), M (mitosis and cytokinesis), and the intervening G1 and G2 phases; however, only G2/M‐specific markers are currently available in plants, making it difficult to measure cell cycle duration and to analyze changes in cell cycle progression in living tissues. Here, we developed another cell cycle marker that labels S‐phase cells by manipulating Arabidopsis CDT1a, which functions in DNA replication origin licensing. Truncations of the CDT1a coding sequence revealed that its carboxy‐terminal region is responsible for proteasome‐mediated degradation at late G2 or in early mitosis. We therefore expressed this region as a red fluorescent protein fusion protein under the S‐specific promoter of a histone 3.1‐type gene, HISTONE THREE RELATED2 (HTR2), to generate an S/G2 marker. Combining this marker with the G2/M‐specific CYCB1‐GFP marker enabled us to visualize both S to G2 and G2 to M cell cycle stages, and thus yielded an essential tool for time‐lapse imaging of cell cycle progression. The resultant dual‐color marker system, Cell Cycle Tracking in Plant Cells (Cytrap), also allowed us to identify root cells in the last mitotic cell cycle before they entered the endocycle. Our results demonstrate that Cytrap is a powerful tool for in vivo monitoring of the plant cell cycle, and thus for deepening our understanding of cell cycle regulation in particular cell types during organ development.
Immunocytochemical detection of the class A macrophage scavenger receptor CD204 using air‐dried cytologic smears of canine histiocytic sarcoma
Authors: Kato Yuki , Funato Risa , Hirata Akihiro , Murakami Mami , Mori Takashi , Maruo Koji , Yanai Tokuma , Sakai Hiroki
Published: August 2014

Background

Cytologic diagnosis of canine histiocytic sarcoma (CHS) can be challenging because neoplastic histiocytes commonly show marked nuclear and cellular atypia and may resemble other pleomorphic malignant round cell tumors. Therefore, even on histopathologic examination, immunostaining is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to validate an anti‐human CD204 antibody for immunocytochemical staining of air‐dried smears for a rapid definitive diagnosis of CHS.

Methods

Cytologic specimens were obtained from 10 dogs with CHS and 45 dogs with other tumors. After the cytologic evaluation of modified Giemsa‐stained smears, acetone‐fixed specimens were immunostained using mouse anti‐human CD204 antibodies. All immunocytochemical specimens were assessed blinded and at high‐power magnification (× 40 objective) in 10 randomly selected fields per sample. Parameters evaluated were the subjective staining intensity and location, and the proportion of positive cells.

Results

All 10 CHS samples showed intense positive staining for CD204 in ≥ 50% of the cells, whereas the 45 other tumors were negative for CD204 staining.

Conclusions

Immunocytochemistry of air‐dried cytologic smears of CHS for CD204 is useful for a rapid confirmation of a cytologic diagnosis of CHS.
A Field Trial Study on Jet Grouting to Improve the Subsoil in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Tran-Nguyen Hoang-Hung , Tho Thanh , Huu Ly Thang
Published: August 2014

This study attempts to fabricate a single Jet Grouting system from used machines and the machines were modified by the authors. The assembled jet grouting system was fabricated to create soil cement mixing by high pressure beams at pressure up to 30 MPa of cement slurry or water plus cement slurry. The two soilcrete columns were created using the above Jet Grouting system at the bank of Nhieu Loc canal, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The diameters of the soilcrete columns vary from 0.8-1.3 m at the top and larger 0.4 m at the bottom. The lengths of the columns were 12 m and 4 m for the column 1 and 2, respectively. Characteristics of a soilcrete column are appreciably dictated by operating parameters of a Jet Grouting system.
Process Sequence Development for Automated Progressive Freeze Concentration System
Authors: Safiei Nor Zanariah , Jusoh Mazura
Published: August 2014

Nowadays there is a growing interest on Progressive Freeze Concentration (PFC) in solution concentration process due to its several significant advantages. The PFC process is proven to be able to be applied successfully in industrial application. PFC often exhibits a dynamic character and involves complex behavior and process. Even a slight change in the operating condition can cause unstable process behavior and lead to low performance of the system. Due to these reasons, the objective of this paper is to develop a sequence for conducting PFC process. In order to develop the process sequence, it has been divided into four major steps which are feeding process, crystallization process, Product 1 collection and Product 2 collection.  This system offers improved overall performance in conducting experiments as well as increased efficiency of the separation process.
Isolation of Pectin from Nephrolepis Biserrata Leaves at Different Extraction Time
Authors: Pagarra Halifah , A. Rahman Roshanida , Jusoh Mazura
Published: August 2014

Based on a previous test (fractionation) on Nephrolepis biserrata, lignocellulose contains 34.27% of pectin and oligosacharides, 1.78% of hemicellulose, 20.66% of cellulose and 43.29% of lignin. The optimum time for extraction of pectin from Nephrolepis biserrata leaves was investigated. Extraction time of 60, 90, 120 minutes at pH 1.5 and temperature of 80°C were found to significantly affect the extraction of pectin from Nephrolepis biserrata leaves. Maximum pectin yield is 15.8%, which was obtained in sulphuric acid solution of pH 1.5 at 80°C for 120 minutes.
The Effect of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Parameters on the Swietenia Mahagoni Seed Oil Extraction and its Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Md Salleh Liza , Abd. Aziz Azila , Che Yunus Mohd. Azizi
Published: August 2014

In this study, the influence of supercritical extraction parameter on the oil extraction of Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) was investigated. Supercritical extraction was carried out using the operation pressures of 20, 25 and 30 MPa, and temperature was varied in 40, 50 and 60°C. The parameter used for CO2 flow rate was constant, 2 mL/min, with extraction time of 180 min by using matrix particle size of 0.75 mm. Then, the extracted oils were tested for cytotoxic activity and properties. MTT assay was used as in vitro study to investigate the cytotoxic properties of the extracted on human fibroblast cells (HSF 1184). The study reveals that the extraction yield depends on the pressure and temperature. There is a significant difference of 40, 50 and 60°C at different pressures, whereby increasing pressure leads to significant increase extraction yields. MTT assay results indicate that all the extracts under different extraction parameters are non-cytotoxic. The results confirmed that supercritical extraction could be a promising technique to produce high quality botanicals extracts, free of solvent and non-cytotoxic with significant cost savings.
Kinetic Study on the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Decanter Cake from Palm Oil Milling Plant by using Thermogravimetry Data
Authors: Dewayanto Nugroho , Isha Ruzinah , Nordin Mohd Ridzuan
Published: August 2014

The kinetic study on the catalytic pyrolysis of decanter cake (DC) from palm oil milling plant was carried out using thermogravimetry method. Catalysts were added to dry DC in desired ratio and then mixed manually. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, the main thermal decomposition of both non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis of DC occurred at 210–530°C. Coats-Redfern method was used in this study. Two stage reactions were identified during the main thermal decomposition, with the first stage at 210–330°C, while second stage occurred at 330–530°C. The pyrolysis reaction obeyed the first and second order kinetic model for first and second stage reaction, respectively. The presence of the catalysts reduced the activation energy of thermal decomposition in both stages. Minimum activation energy value was observed at 10 wt% of catalyst loading.
Cr Doped TiO2 Supported on TUD-1 Photocatalyst for Dye Photodegradation
Authors: Khai Ooi Yee , Yuliati Leny , Lee Siew Ling
Published: August 2014

New visible light driven photocatalysts of 1 mol% Cr doped TiO2 supported on TUD-1 have been successfully synthesized. The Cr-TiO2/xTUD-1 (x = 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) photocatalysts were prepared via surfactant-free sol-gel method followed by wet impregnation procedures. XRD analysis revealed that both TiO2 and Cr were incorporated in the highly porous siliceous matrix. FTIR analysis showed the existence of Si-O-Ti in all the materials. As observed, tetrahedral-coordinated Ti species were dominant in Cr-TiO2/10TUD-1, Cr-TiO2/20TUD-1 and Cr-TiO2/30TUD-1. Meanwhile, octahedral- coordinated Ti species were the dominant species in Cr-TiO2/40TUD-1 and Cr-TiO2/50TUD-1. It has been demonstrated that the amount of TUD-1 as photocatalyst support affected the wavelength response and the bandgap energy of the resulting materials. All the materials have bandgap energy of ~2.9 eV. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized materials was tested out in dye photodegradation under visible light irradiation at 298 K for 5 hours. Results showed that all Cr-TiO2/TUD-1 materials had higher photocatalytic activity than that of Cr-TiO2. This could be explained by the high surface area and porosity provided by TUD-1 in enhancing the adsorption and diffusivities of the dye molecules, hence leading to the promising photocatalytic activity. Among the materials prepared, Cr-TiO2/30TUD-1 appeared as the most superior photocatalyst which gave the highest dye photodegradation.
A Review of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Technology and Application
Authors: Marchetto Fabio , Abdul Aziz Azhar
Published: August 2014

The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology was firstly documented on 1822. In this review paper, the authors contemplated the inhibiting factors that resulted in limited industrial application and analysis using SFE. The driving trend nowadays is to apply what have been discovered almost 200 years ago is in an escalating fashion. The major application of the supercritical state of a common gas (carbon dioxide) is an extremely important technology, since at the critical pressure and temperature carbon dioxide is not a solid, not a liquid neither a gas and it has a no surface tension, which qualifies to be an extremely good ‘non polar solvent’ and therefore applicable for extraction of essential oils, caffeine and several other applications. The major advantages on the SFE are over the lower operating energy cost and the extracted compound remains intact as there is not thermal decomposition and the final concentrate is free of any residual processing solvent due to carbon dioxide’s natural tendency being a gas which however, is volatile in ambient temperature and pressure. The process of purification does not require any distillation to purify the extracted compound, just the pressure is released and the carbon dioxide as a solvent will leave the concentrate liquid at the bottom of the vessel, as a gas, and will not have any binding or forming azeotrope mixture that are difficult to separate to high purity. The supercritical condition of a gas or liquid is not fully being exploited and there is a great opportunity for more industrial application as to be elaborated in this paper.
Measurement Efficiency of Entrepreneurial Universities by Using Mathematical Programming (DEA) Approach
Authors: Moradi Deluyi Amir Hosein , Rashed Fatemeh , Sofian Saudah , Daud Khadijah
Published: August 2014

Entrepreneurship orientation (EO) approach provides universities with a plan and roadmap for getting over rising uncertainty and complexity. Inspiring universities to embrace transformation and innovation, risk taking and proactive policy for planning and executing development strategies for success in the dynamic competitive environment arise from entrepreneurship orientation spirit. To reach this status, the key factors of success in entrepreneurship should be taken into consideration and assessed in universities. Structural and entrepreneurial policies as key non-financial factors are two concepts that have received considerable attention over the past years. Measuring efficiency of universities by the mentioned factors and using mathematical programming like Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method is the aim of this study. Hence, this paper applied DEA method for measuring efficiency of 16 faculties and institutes in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM) in Iran. Descriptive-survey methodology was used and data were collected through questionnaire survey. The faculties and institutes were ranked based on structural policies and EO through DEA. Finally, the DEA method recommended the development roadmaps template for the 11 faculties and institutes which were inefficient.
A Study to Develop Critical Success Factors of Roads Maintenance Management System for Sustainable Facility Management
Authors: Kamil Insannul , Alias Buang , Mohammed Abdul Hakim , Muthuveerappan Chitrakala , Plamonia Mego
Published: August 2014

The issues of sustainability in road maintenance management have been widely discussed in recent years. In some countries the maintenance of roads were based on selected indicators or commonly known as key performance indicators. In some countries such as Indonesia the allocation of budget and road maintenance planning were based on the age of these roads. The budget for and the planning of roads based on age have resulted in poor road conditions in Indonesia. The main objective of this study is to develop a sustainable road maintenance and management model (SRMM model) for the city of Padang, West Sumatrea that are in consonant with the vision, mission and goals of road authority towards meeting sustainable road maintenance management program. Using data obtained from selected roads in that city, after reviews of literature to identify key factors that contributed to the sustainable maintenance and management of roads, an opinion survey was conducted. Eleven experts in the field of road infrastructure and facilities management were selected as respondents. These experts were asked to identify the key factors that contributed to the quality of road maintenance management. Using the cut-off point approach, ten KPIs listed from the reviews are connected with the vision, mission and goals of the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Public Works Republic of Indonesia as the road authority. Respondents were asked to provide an assessment of the criticality level of the KPIs to the vision, mission and goals. Based on the calculation results, ten CSFs were identified to develop the (SRMM) model. The use of SRMM model based on statistically selected CSFs by the road authority is anticipated to help develop a reliable and sustainable road maintenance management system in Padang.
Maneuvering Simulation of Two Ships During Meeting and Passing
Authors: Kitagawa Koki , Sano Masaaki , Yasukawa Hironori
Published: August 2014

Motion equations of two ships maneuvering in close proximity are solved in consideration of the interaction between hulls. The interaction forces are calculated by a 3D panel method as a function of the ship position in the time step and considered as external forces in maneuvering. Four kinds of ships are prepared and the maneuvering motions are simulated with variation of the combination of ships, water depth, ship speed and draft. The effect of those parameters on the interaction forces and two ships behaviors are investigated.
Parameters Study of Deep Water Subsea Pipeline Selection
Authors: Junaidi Abdul Khair , Koto Jaswar
Published: August 2014

Recent developments in offshore pipeline projects in Malaysia waters are showing general trend towards deeper water, such as KIKEH in 2200 meter water depth. As the exploration is getting into deeper water or crossing a deep water section, different design issues may become governing compared to shallow water. Conceptual Design for Deep Water Pipeline discusses number of issues that need to be taken onto account in the design of pipelines in deep water. Aspect related to high external pressure, limitation for installation and geo-hazards are addressed. In order to give an early insight for designer to measure the reliability for a deep water project to current technology capabilities, a simulation program required to achieve the objective. This paper discusses several factors for selection of subsea pipelines such as wall thickness, buckling arrestors design, installation configuration and free spanning.
Realistic Design of a Floating Breakwater Design with Moonpools
Authors: Mahmuddin Faisal , Rahimuddin Rahimuddin
Published: August 2014

In an attempt to obtain a 2D floating breakwater model with high performance in wave reflection, genetic algorithm (GA) was combined with boundary element method (BEM) in the previous study. The performance of the obtained model was verified with numerical relations as well as an experiment in towing tank. Moreover, its performance and characteristics in 3D case were also evaluated in the subsequent study. However, because the 3D model is formed by simply extruding the 2D shape in longitudinal direction, it only produces a model with uniform transversal shape which is considered to be less effective and efficient in terms of technical and economical points of view. Consequently, it is needed to modify the model to obtain a more realistic and efficient design without reducing significantly the high performance obtained previously. In the present study, several modifications of the original 3D model are performed which include placing moonpools inside the body. The performance and characteristics of the modified models in terms of wave elevations on the free surface are evaluated at various wavelengths by using higher order boundary element method (HOBEM). The accuracy of the computed results is confirmed with Haskind-Newman and energy conservation relations. From the modifications and evaluations of the models, it could be realized that the moonpools inside the body could be used to obtain a more realistic model without reducing the optimum performance of the original model shape.
Simulation Analysis of Fire Safety System Onboard Indonesia Ro-Ro PaxCrossing Ferries
Authors: Sunaryo Sunaryo , Nugroho Yulianto , Azhary AlfiIndra
Published: August 2014

Fire onboard ro-ro ferry usually claims a great number of casualties. In Indonesia 41% of major marine accidents were fire accidents. Victims of ferry fire accident are usually due to smoke, heat, and low visibility. The research is aimed to simulatethe flow of heat and smoke during a fire from car decks of the ferry to passenger decks and how the fire safety systemsprovide sufficient time for the passengers to escape from the affected areas. Fire Dynamic Simulator V5 (FDS V05) software was used in three different fire scenarios namely without sprinklers; with sprinklers but without smoke exhaust and fresh air supply fans; and with sprinklers, smoke exhaust and fresh air supply fans. It is proven that water sprinklers could suppress the distribution of heat, and smoke exhaust and fresh air supply fans have contribution in maintaining the visibility.
Univariate Throughput Forecasting Models on Container Terminal Equipment Planning
Authors: Yong Chung Ee Jonathan , Abd Kader Abd Saman , Ahmad Zamani , Keng Beng Loke
Published: August 2014

Planning of Container Terminal equipment has always been uncertain due to seasonal and fluctuating throughput demand, along with factors of delay in operation, breakdown and maintenance. Many time-series models have been developed to forecast the unforeseen future of container throughput to project the needed amount of port equipments for optimum operation. Conventionally, a "ratio" method developed by port consultants at early port design stage is adopted for equipment planning, giving no consideration to the dynamic growth of the port in terms of improved layout and technological advancement in equipments. This study seeks first to enhance the empirical approach of the equipment planning at the end of planning time horizon by including assumed coefficient of port capacity parameters. The second is to compare the size of equipment purchase by receiving different terminal's future throughput demand from two univariate forecasting models at planning time horizon. The empirical method of equipment planning will be tested against the conventional yard equipment per quay crane ratio after deriving the throughput demand from forecasting models of Holt-Winter's exponential smoothing and seasonal ARIMA (autoregression integrated moving average) model. Results in the form of graphs and tables indicate similar forecasting pattern by two models and equipment estimation proofs to avail more redundancy for optimum operation. Suggestions for better estimation of equipments are also made for future models.
A Complete System Modelling of Piezoelectric Energy Harvester (PEH) with Silicon Carbide (SiC) Used as Cantilever Base
Authors: Mohd Kazim Mohd Nor Fakhzan , Raman Selvanayakan , Shafie Muhammad Hafiz , Mohd Nasir Nashrul Fazli , Abdul Muthalif Asan Gani
Published: August 2014

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a material that possesses hardness and robustness to operate under high temperature condition. This work is a pilot in exploring the feasibility of cubic piezo element on the SiC wafer with integrated proof mass as horizontal cantilever with perpendicular displacement with respect to the normal plane. With the advance of electronic circuitry, the power consumption is reduced to nano-watts. Therefore, harvesting ambient energy and converting into electrical energy through piezoelectric material will be useful for powering low power devices. Resonance is a property which able to optimize the generated output power by tuning the proof masses. The damping ratio is a considerable parameter for optimization. From analytical study, small damping ratio will enhance the output power of the piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH). This paper will present mathematical modelling approach, simulation verification and the conditional circuit named versatile precision full wave rectifier.
Small Gas Component Detection using Ultrasonic Transmission-mode Tomography System
Authors: Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Pusppanathan Muhammad Jaysuman , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul , Mohd Yunus Fazlul Rahman , Zakaria Zulkarnay , Chiew Loon Goh , Buyamin Salinda , Ahmad Nasarudin , Md Yunos Yusri , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the development of an ultrasonic transmission-mode tomography system for the detection of small gas components by using higher frequency ultrasonic transducers. The selection of the transducer is important and must be suitable to the application design. Consideration on the natural limitation of ultrasonic wave is also noted as the higher the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, the better the sensitivity but lower penetration depth. 16-pairs of these ultrasonic sensors are installed and fixed inside a sensor jig which is designed to hold all the sensors while providing support for optimum angle sensor placement. The sensor jig is also mounted on the circumference of a vertical column which will be used as the investigated process vessel. The developments presented also include the non-invasive fabrication techniques, the electronic measurement circuits, image reconstruction technique, and finally on the imaging results of the proposed system.
Simulations of Two Patterns Fiber Weaves Reinforced in Rubber Actuator
Authors: Mohd Nordin Ili Najaa Aimi , Faudzi A. A. M. , Razif M. R. M. , Natarajan E. , Wakimoto S. , Suzumori K.
Published: August 2014

Over recent years, studies on soft mechanism are rapidly being paid to attention especially in pneumatic actuator field. Good actuator should be able to provide sufficient force and flexibility in movement, hence bending motion is vital criteria needed in soft robotic actuation. In this paper, a solution to soft bending pneumatic actuator is proposed in which several patterns fiber weave designs are introduced. The objectives of the simulations is to investigate which weave patterns combination of fiber reinforced actuator models yields the best bending characteristics and its relation to the contraction or extension characteristics shown by single weave pattern actuator models. From the results, when two patterns of fiber weave are attached together to form a sleeve, significant bending were obtained from most of the models simulated. Large bending resulted from combined two patterns fiber weave models are achieved when maximum contraction and extension characteristics exhibit by both fiber weave patterns.
Biotechnology Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) by Mix-culture Green Microalgae to Enhancing Carbon Uptake Rate and Carbon Dioxide Removal Efficiency with Variation Aeration Rates in Closed System Photobioreactor
Authors: Rinanti Astri , Dewi Kania , Kardena Edwan , Astuti Dea Indriani
Published: August 2014

Carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration by green microalgae is receiving increased attention in alleviating the impact of increasing CO2 in the atmosphere. The goal of this study was to explore the capacity of mixed culture green microalgae Chlorella sp, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Ankistrodesmus sp. as carbon capture and storage agent to enhance CO2 uptake rate and CO2 removal efficiency which was observed at elevated CO2 aeration rates of 2, 5, and 8 L min-1 supplied to vertical photobioreactor continuously in batch system culture. The operation condition of this research were 6.5-7.5 pH, temperature of 300C, light intensity  of 4000 lux with 16 hours light period and 8 hours dark period, and high pure CO2 elevated level of 5 to 18 (concentration in %; v/v in the aeration gas) as inorganic carbon. The maximum CO2 removal efficiency of the mix culture was 59.80% when the biomass was obtained at 4.90 gL-1 and CO2 flow rate (Lmin-1) of 5 vvm in a vertical photobioreactor. The value of CO2 removal efficiency improved by almost 200% and 120% as compared to that in the low and high aeration rate (2 Lmin-1 and 8 Lmin-1) respectively. The CO2 up take rate of a mixed culture reach 979.62 mg carbon L-1day-1, which was enhancing by 3-fold in high aeration rate (8 Lmin-1). The results showed that the CO2 removal efficiency and carbon uptake rate was related to biomass concentration and aeration rate of CO2 supplied.
Assessing Building Vulnerability to Tsunami Hazard in Padang
Authors: Honesti Leli , Abd Majid Muhd Zaimi , Muchlian Meli , Djali Nazwar
Published: August 2014

It may be necessary to carry out a study about risk analysis of building vulnerability to tsunami hazard in order to identify and develop potential tsunami risk in a coastal community. The objective of this study is  to develop a risk analysis of building vulnerability to tsunami hazard in Parupuk Tabing, Padang. The study aims to: (1) identify and develop the building vulnerability of various building types to tsunami hazard; (2) simulate the tsunami propagation; and (3) develop risk analysis of building vulnerability to tsunami hazard in Padang.  Risk level is determined by relative vulnerabilty index score of each building to a tsunami. The buildings were classified in five classes (very low risk, low, medium, high and very high). The method used to analize pattern of various types of building and tsunami inundation is by applying formulas in the field and simulating an earthquake with TUNAMI N3 Imamura method respectively. Clearly, the relative vulnerability index ranges of the building samples in Parupuk Tabing are from 3 to 5 (medium, high and very high risk). This study shows that risk components for building protection are around 30 to 40%, whereas water inundation is 33.33%, followed by building vulnerability of 22.67-33.67%. It can be estimated that, the condition can be very vulnerable, if the level of water is  more than 2 m around a building and the vulnerability of water is around 33%. The results of this study contribute to the development of risk management strategies in designing of building and construction standards as well as plan for vertical evacuation and land use zones in order to mitigate the impact of tsunami disaster in coastal communities of Padang.
The Effect of Velocity in High Swirling Flow in Unconfined Burner
Authors: A. R Norwazan , Mohd. Jaafar Mohammad Nazri
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a numerical simulation of swirling turbulent flows in combustion chamber of unconfined burner. Isothermal flows with three different swirl numbers using axial swirler are used to demonstrate the effect of flow in axial velocity and tangential velocity on the center recirculation zone. The significance of center recirculation zone is to ensure a good mixing of air and fuel in order to get a better combustion. The inlet velocity, U0 is 30 m/s entering into the burner through the axial swirler that is represents a high Reynolds number. A numerical study of non-reacting flow in the burner region is performed using ANSYS Fluent. The Reynolds–Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) standard k-ε turbulence approach method was applied with the eddy dissipation model. The paper focuses the flow field behind the axial swirler downstream that determined by transverse flow field at different on radial distances. The results of axial and tangential velocity were normalized with the inlet velocity. The velocity profiles are different after undergoing the different swirler up to the burner exit. However, the results of velocity profile showed that the high SN gives a better swirling flow patterns.
Tensile Strength Matrix Composite Waste Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Mataram A.
Published: August 2014

Polypropylene (PP) including a type of plastic which ranks second on the most number of types of plastic waste after the type of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Glass fibers have superior mechanical properties of natural fibers. Because it has good mechanical properties, glass fibers currently plays an important role in the use of composite reinforcement. Mechanical properties of glass fiber owned and PP waste in environmental conditions that more conditions, it can be utilized as a composite reinforcement and matrix materials. This research was conducted by of injection molding method. The comparison between the volume fraction of the glass fiber matrix of type PP plastic waste with variation 0% fibers 100% matrixs, 10% fibers 90% matrixs, 20% fibers 80% matrixs, 30% fibers 70% matrixs, 40% fibers 60% matrixs, and 50 % fibers 50% matrixs. The optimum conditions obtained in this study was the comparison of variation occurs in 50% fibers volume fractions of 50% matrixs were: tensile stress was 24.30 N/mm2, tensile strain was 13.60%.
Selective Extraction of Palladium from Simulated Liquid Waste Solution by Emulsion Liquid Membrane Process using D2EHPA as a Mobile Carrier
Authors: Othman Norasikin , Mohamed Noah Norul Fatiha , Harruddin Norlisa , Abdullah Nurul Ashida , Bachok Siti Khadijah
Published: August 2014

Liquid semiconductor waste has become a serious problem to the environment due to the toxicity of heavy metals in the wastewater. However the monetary value of precious metals such as gold, silver and palladium has become a great concern nowadays. Therefore this study is investigating the recovery of palladium by emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process using di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as a carrier. The important parameters affecting the extraction of palladium such as concentrations of carrier and stripping agents, extraction time and treat ratio were investigate. This experiment was conducted using a mixer-settler in a batch system. The results showed that more than 90% of palladium was extracted using 0.05M D2EHPA, 0.1 M H2SO4 as a stripping agent, 5 minutes extraction time, and 1:3 treat ratio. However, the study on emulsion stability showed unstable results due to the leakage and swelling occurrence during the extraction process. As a conclusion, the research shows that ELM has the potential to extract palladium from simulated waste solution using D2EHPA as a mobile carrier.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) Hydrogel and Its Thermo-responsive Properties for Polymer Enhanced Ultrafiltration
Authors: Chen J. J. , Ahmad A. L. , Ooi B. S.
Published: August 2014

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel with thermo-responsive properties has been successfully synthesized. The hydrogel functional groups, volume phase transition (VPT) temperature and hydrodynamic size were altered upon copper ion adsorption indicated that the copper ion adsorption had disturbed the hydrogen bonding between the water molecule and the amine/ carboxylic groups present in the hydrogel matrix. It also demonstrates that internal adsorption also play important roles that enhance the copper ion removal. The adsorption process is more favourable at low temperature while the separation process should be carried out at higher temperature to mitigate fouling phenomenon. The hydrophobic behaviour of the hydrogel at temperature higher than the VPT value could minimize its interactions with the hydrophilic membrane.
Membranes Separation of 2-Ethyl Hexyl Amine/1-Decene
Authors: Bawareth Bander
Published: August 2014

1-Decene is a valuable product in linear alpha olefins plants that is contaminated with 2-EHA (2-ethyl hexyl amine). Using organic solvent nanofiltration membranes for this separation is quite challengeable. A membrane has to be a chemically stable in this environment with reasonable and stable separation factor. This paper shows that Teflon AF 2400 and cellulose acetate produced interesting results in 1-decene/2-EHA separation. The separation factor of Teflon AF 2400 is 3 with a stable permeance of 1.1x10-2 L/(m2·h·bar). Likewise, cellulose acetate gave 2-EHA/1-decene separation factor of 2 with a lower permeance of 3.67x10-3 L/(m2·h·bar). A series of hydrophilic membranes were tested but they did not give any separation due to high degree of swelling of 2-EHA with these polymers. The large swelling causes the membrane to lose its diffusivity selectivity because of an increase in the polymer's chain mobility.
Characteristic and Performance of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes Blended with Lithium Chloride in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation
Authors: Lai S. O. , Chong K. C. , Lee K. M. , Lau W. J. , Ooi B. S.
Published: August 2014

Membrane distillation (MD) is one of the recent rising membrane separation techniques adopted in the desalination and wastewater treatment. Unlike other pressure-driven separation processes such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, MD is a thermal-driven process which involves vapor pressure difference across the feed and permeates solutions. As such, MD requires low energy consumption. Hydrophobic polymeric materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are frequently used in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) due to low surface energy and promising thermal resistance. In this study, the DCMD hollow fiber membranes were separately prepared with PVDF and PVDF blended with lithium chloride (LiCl) through dry/wet phase inversion method. Subsequently, the membranes were used in a DCMD process to remove sodium chloride (NaCl) under different feed inlet temperatures to examine the effect of LiCl additives on the neat membrane. The result showed that by adding LiCl into the neat membrane solution, the finger-like structure was change to a sponge-like structure with microvoids. Furthermore, the performance of the LiCl additive membrane in term of permeate flux was found to be 20% higher compared to that of the neat membrane. Other results of the membrane characteristics were also discussed.
Experimental Study of Hydrogen and Methane Permeation through Asymmetric PEI Membranes
Authors: Shams Abadi Ahmad Arabi , Kargari Ali , Babaheidari Masoud Bahrami , Majdian Kaveh
Published: August 2014

Reducing the amount of off-gases to flare is an important issue addressed by petrochemical plants and refineries. Therefore, separation of hydrogen from methane is crucial monetary and environmental incentives for these industries. The current research is aimed preparation of asymmetric polyetherimide(PEI) membranes for this purpose. The different mechanism of gas intake in PEI resulted in a decrease in hydrogen permeance and selectivity and adverse behavior for methane with pressure enhancement. There was a decline in both gases permeance and unexpected enhancement in selectivity. The effect of bath temperature was demonstrated. An effective coating method was applied and the selectivity increased noticeably.
Absorption of CO2 Form Natural Gas via Gas-liquid PVDF Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactor and Potassium Glycinate as Solvent
Authors: Ghasem Nayef , Al-Marzouqi Mohamed , Abdul Rahim Nihmiya
Published: August 2014

PVDF hollow fiber membranes were fabricated using Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) method. Gas-liquid interface is formed at the pore openings adjacent to the liquid. In the membrane contactor module, gas diffuses from the gas side across the membrane and reaches the gas liquid interface where gas is absorbed and then reacted in the presence of solvent such as aqueous sodium hydroxide or amine solutions. Nowadays, Monoethanol amine (MEA) and Diethanolamine (DEA) are the most commonly used solvents. In the present work potassium glycinate is used as an alternative liquid absorbent. A comprehensive two-dimensional mathematical model was developed for the transport of carbon dioxide-methane gas mixture through the in lab-made hollow fiber membrane contactor. Potassium glycinate is found to be a promising liquid absorbent. Model predictions were validated with experimental data. Results revealed that mass transfer rate generally increased with the absorbent concentration and that aqueous potassium glycinate solution performs better than MEA and DEA. The model equations were solved using COMSOL software package, model predictions were in good agreement with experimental data.
Local rigidity for hyperbolic groups with Sierpiński carpet boundaries
Authors: Merenkov Sergei
Published: August 2014

Let$G$and$\tilde{G}$be Kleinian groups whose limit sets$S$and$\tilde{S}$, respectively, are homeomorphic to the standard Sierpiński carpet, and such that every complementary component of each of$S$and$\tilde{S}$is a round disc. We assume that the groups$G$and$\tilde{G}$act cocompactly on triples on their respective limit sets. The main theorem of the paper states that any quasiregular map (in a suitably defined sense) from an open connected subset of$S$to$\tilde{S}$is the restriction of a Möbius transformation that takes$S$onto$\tilde{S}$, in particular it has no branching. This theorem applies to the fundamental groups of compact hyperbolic 3-manifolds with non-empty totally geodesic boundaries. One consequence of the main theorem is the following result. Assume that$G$is a torsion-free hyperbolic group whose boundary at infinity$\partial _{\infty }G$is a Sierpiński carpet that embeds quasisymmetrically into the standard 2-sphere. Then there exists a group$H$that contains$G$as a finite index subgroup and such that any quasisymmetric map$f$between open connected subsets of$\partial _{\infty }G$is the restriction of the induced boundary map of an element$h\in H$.
Turbulent Flow Over a Flat Plate Downstream of a Finite Height Perforated Plate
Authors: Fouladi F. , Henshaw P. , Ting D. S.-K.
Published: August 2014

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the turbulent flow over a flat plate in a wind tunnel. The turbulence was generated by a plate with diamond-shaped perforations mounted perpendicular to and on the leading edge of the flat plate. Unlike conventional grid turbulence studies, this perforated plate had a finite height, and this height was explored as a key independent parameter. Instantaneous velocity measurements were performed with a 1D hot-wire anemometer to reveal the behavior of the flow a short distance downstream of the perforated plate (X/D = 10–30). Different perforated plate heights (H = 3, 7, 11 cm) and free stream velocities (U = 4.5, 5.5, 6.5 m/s) have been studied.
Using Entropy Measures to Characterize Human Locomotion
Authors: Leverick Graham , Szturm Tony , Wu Christine Q.
Published: August 2014

Entropy measures have been widely used to quantify the complexity of theoretical and experimental dynamical systems. In this paper, the value of using entropy measures to characterize human locomotion is demonstrated based on their construct validity, predictive validity in a simple model of human walking and convergent validity in an experimental study. Results show that four of the five considered entropy measures increase meaningfully with the increased probability of falling in a simple passive bipedal walker model. The same four entropy measures also experienced statistically significant increases in response to increasing age and gait impairment caused by cognitive interference in an experimental study. Of the considered entropy measures, the proposed quantized dynamical entropy (QDE) and quantization-based approximation of sample entropy (QASE) offered the best combination of sensitivity to changes in gait dynamics and computational efficiency. Based on these results, entropy appears to be a viable candidate for assessing the stability of human locomotion.
An Optimization Study of the Screw Orientation on the Interfacial Strength of the Anterior Lumbar Plate System Using Neurogenetic Algorithms and Experimental Validation
Authors: Lee Chian-Her , Hsu Ching-Chi , Huy Dinh Cong
Published: August 2014

Anterior lumbar plate (ALP) systems have been widely used as an effective interbody fusion device for treating spinal cord compression. However, clinical complications, such as implant loosening and breakage, still occur. Past studies have investigated the effects of the screw orientation on the interfacial strength, but these studies were inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to identify an ALP system with excellent interfacial strength by varying the screw orientation. Three-dimensional finite element models of L4–L5 segments with an ALP system were first constructed. A neurogenetic algorithm, which combines artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms, was subsequently developed to discover the optimum plate design. Finally, biomechanical tests were conducted to validate the results of the finite element models and the engineering algorithm. The results indicated that the interfacial strength of the optimum plate design obtained using the neurogenetic algorithm was excellent compared with the other designs and that all of the locking screws should be inserted divergently. Both the numerical and experimental outcomes can provide clinical suggestions to surgeons and help them to understand the interfacial strength of ALP systems in terms of the screw orientation.
A Refined Technique to Calculate Finite Helical Axes From Rigid Body Trackers
Authors: McLachlin Stewart D. , Ferreira Louis M. , Dunning Cynthia E.
Published: August 2014

Finite helical axes (FHAs) are a potentially effective tool for joint kinematic analysis. Unfortunately, no straightforward guidelines exist for calculating accurate FHAs using prepackaged six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) rigid body trackers. Thus, this study aimed to: (1) describe a protocol for calculating FHA parameters from 6DOF rigid body trackers using the screw matrix and (2) to maximize the number of accurate FHAs generated from a given data set using a moving window analysis. Four Optotrak® Smart Markers were used as the rigid body trackers, two moving and two fixed, at different distances from the hinge joint of a custom-machined jig. 6DOF pose information was generated from 51 static positions of the jig rotated and fixed in 0.5 deg increments up to 25 deg. Output metrics included the FHA direction cosines, the rotation about the FHA, the translation along the axis, and the intercept of the FHA with the plane normal to the jig's hinge joint. FHA metrics were calculated using the relative tracker rotation from the starting position, and using a moving window analysis to define a minimum acceptable rotational displacement between the moving tracker data points. Data analysis found all FHA rotations calculated from the starting position were within 0.15 deg of the prescribed jig rotation. FHA intercepts were most stable when determined using trackers closest to the hinge axis. Increasing the moving window size improved the FHA direction cosines and center of rotation accuracy. Window sizes larger than 2 deg had an intercept deviation of less than 1 mm. Furthermore, compared to the 0 deg window size, the 2 deg window had a 90% improvement in FHA intercept precision while generating almost an equivalent number of FHA axes. This work identified a solution to improve FHA calculations for biomechanical researchers looking to describe changes in 3D joint motion.
Full-Field Strain Measurement During Mechanical Testing of the Human Femur at Physiologically Relevant Strain Rates
Authors: Grassi Lorenzo , Väänänen Sami P. , Amin Yavari Saber , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Weinans Harrie , Ristinmaa Matti , Zadpoor Amir A. , Isaksson Hanna
Published: August 2014

Understanding the mechanical properties of human femora is of great importance for the development of a reliable fracture criterion aimed at assessing fracture risk. Earlier ex vivo studies have been conducted by measuring strains on a limited set of locations using strain gauges (SGs). Digital image correlation (DIC) could instead be used to reconstruct the full-field strain pattern over the surface of the femur. The objective of this study was to measure the full-field strain response of cadaver femora tested at a physiological strain rate up to fracture in a configuration resembling single stance. The three cadaver femora were cleaned from soft tissues, and a white background paint was applied with a random black speckle pattern over the anterior surface. The mechanical tests were conducted up to fracture at a constant displacement rate of 15 mm/s, and two cameras recorded the event at 3000 frames per second. DIC was performed to retrieve the full-field displacement map, from which strains were derived. A low-pass filter was applied over the measured displacements before the crack opened in order to reduce the noise level. The noise levels were assessed using a dedicated control plate. Conversely, no filtering was applied at the frames close to fracture to get the maximum resolution. The specimens showed a linear behavior of the principal strains with respect to the applied force up to fracture. The strain rate was comparable to the values available in literature from in vivo measurements during daily activities. The cracks opened and fully propagated in less than 1 ms, and small regions with high values of the major principal strains could be spotted just a few frames before the crack opened. This corroborates the hypothesis of a strain-driven fracture mechanism in human bone. The data represent a comprehensive collection of full-field strains, both at physiological load levels and up to fracture. About 10,000 points were tracked on each bone, providing superior spatial resolution compared to ∼15 measurements typically collected using SGs. These experimental data collection can be further used for validation of numerical models, and for experimental verification of bone constitutive laws and fracture criteria.