bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconceptualizing object construction: the dynamics of Building Information Modelling in construction design
Authors: Miettinen Reijo , Paavola Sami
Published: September 2016

The article discusses the concepts of object and object construction through studying the collaborative use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction design. It suggests that a combined BIM model in design can be regarded as an ideal or special object, as suggested by Ilyenkov in his theory of the ideal. The concepts of intermediary object and artefact help in analysing the cycles of construction of such an object in design. BIM models as modifiable digital artefacts contribute to their capability of functioning as tools of individual design work and collaboration as well as means of objectifying the outcomes of design cycles into intermediary objects. We argue that the uses of combined BIM models give birth to a new modality of spatial thought, perception and collaborative problem solving in construction design.
Provisional epidemiological cutoff values for standard broth microdilution susceptibility testing of Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Gieseker C M , Crosby T C , Woods L C
Published: September 2016

The gliding aquatic bacterium Flavobacterium columnare causes columnaris disease, a common problem for wild and farmed freshwater fish worldwide. Recently, a broth microdilution method was standardized to test the susceptibility of F. columnare against antimicrobials commonly used in aquaculture. We used this new method to measure the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ten antimicrobials against 120 F. columnare isolates. The resulting MIC frequency distributions for each antimicrobial (1 MIC/isolate) were used to estimate epidemiological cut‐off values (ECVs) which separate isolates with typical wild‐type (WT) susceptibility from isolates with decreased non‐wild‐type (NWT) susceptibility. We identified 22 NWT isolates with elevated MICs relative to the ECV that covered 99.9% of the MIC distribution against one or more of the antimicrobials: ampicillin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, florfenicol, flumequine, oxolinic acid or oxytetracycline. Ten of the NWT isolates had decreased susceptibility to a single antimicrobial class, six isolates to two antimicrobial classes and six isolates to three or more antimicrobial classes. The MIC frequency distributions and provisional cut‐off values provide data needed to set epidemiological cut‐off values to monitor for the development of antimicrobial resistance among F. columnare.
Validation of a serum neutralization test for detection of antibodies specific to cyprinid herpesvirus 3 in infected common and koi carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Cabon J , Louboutin L , Castric J , Bergmann S , Bovo G , Matras M , Haenen O , Olesen N J , Morin T
Published: September 2016

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) is the aetiological agent of a serious infective, notifiable disease affecting common carp and varieties. In survivors, infection is generally characterized by a subclinical latency phase with restricted viral replication. The CyHV‐3 genome is difficult to detect in such carrier fish that represent a potential source of dissemination if viral reactivation occurs. In this study, the analytical and diagnostic performance of an alternative serum neutralization (SN) method based on the detection of CyHV‐3‐specific antibodies was assessed using 151 serum or plasma samples from healthy and naturally or experimentally CyHV‐3‐infected carp. French CyHV‐3 isolate 07/108b was neutralized efficiently by sera from carp infected with European, American and Taiwanese CyHV‐3 isolates, but no neutralization was observed using sera specific to other aquatic herpesviruses. Diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and repeatability of 95.9%, 99.0% and 99.3%, respectively, were obtained, as well as a compliance rate of 89.9% in reproducibility testing. Neutralizing antibodies were steadily detected in infected carp subjected to restrictive or permissive temperature variations over more than 25 months post‐infection. The results suggest that this non‐lethal diagnostic test could be used in the future to improve the epidemiological surveillance and control of CyHV‐3 disease.
Prevalence and tracing of persistent Listeria monocytogenes strains in meat processing facility production chain
Authors: Véghová Adriana , Minarovičová Jana , Koreňová Janka , Drahovská Hana , Kaclíková Eva
Published: September 2016

This work was aimed at determining the occurrence and diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in a traditional meat‐processing facility to reveal persistent contamination. A total of 268 samples, including 196 environmental samples and 72 meat samples were collected during a four‐year period, and 70 were found to be L. monocytogenes positive. Molecular serotyping of 77 isolates classified these strains into four serogroups, with the majority of 34 strains in serogroup IIa. To reveal the persistent contamination, subtyping by AscI/ApaI‐PFGE was applied. Cluster analysis resulted in strain discrimination into 18 profiles. Strains with PFGE/MLST‐ST classification as 1/ST9, 2/ST14 and 9/ST2 were predominant and considered persistent. Based on the results of PFGE, a spatial and temporal map of persistent L. monocytogenes contamination was drawn. Subtyping by PFGE was used as a reliable tool to reveal persistent contamination and, complemented with virulence characteristics, can contribute to the improvement of L. monocytogenes control programs in food processing.

Practical application

Listeria monocytogenes is a food‐borne pathogen with significant public health and economic impact. This study, focused on prevalence and tracing of L. monocytogenes strains in a traditional meat‐processing facility, revealed persistent contamination by the pathogen. Data of PFGE profiling from repeated samplings over a four‐year period facilitated to draw a spatial and temporal map of persistent L. monocytogenes strains spreading in a meat‐processing facility and, subsequently, will allow optimisation of cleaning and disinfection measures to ensure hygiene. Based on the detection of virulence factors, persistent ECIII and comK prophage‐positive strains were observed, indicating a higher risk of contamination by more virulent L. monocytogenes strains. The obtained results clearly indicate, that most attention should be paid to control strategy improvement in the meat processing chain focused preferably on prevention, not only to final products.
Anti‐Listerial inhibitory lactic acid bacteria in fresh farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets during storage at 4 °C under vacuum‐packed conditions
Authors: Boulares Mouna , Mankai Mélika , Sadok Saloua , Hassouna Mnasser
Published: September 2016

The inhibition capacity of four combinations of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Carnobacterium piscicola) has been demonstrated against Listeria monocytogenes in fresh farmed sea bass fillets artificially contaminated. The four combinations gave promising results, having a significant bacteriostatic effect against all tested microflora, during 21 days of vacuum storage at 4 °C.

Throughout storage, biochemical alteration appeared more pronounced in farmed sea bass fillets inoculated with pure Listeria, with significantly higher levels of total volatile bases (TVB‐N) and trimethylamine (TMA‐N). Moreover, the inoculation of LAB combinations was efficient in preventing the decrease of lipid and protein contents and preserving a good content of ω‐3 fatty acids, particularly the eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5N3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6N3).

Besides, the proteolytic activity on sarcoplasmic proteins (SP) and myofibrillar proteins (MP) was determined by Sodium dodecyl sulphate–poly‐acrylamide gel electrophoresis, comparing the protein profile of control fish fillets with those inoculated with LAB strains or/and L. monocytogenes, during vacuum refrigerated storage.

Practical Applications

Due to the increase of interest in food‐grade preservatives of biological origin, food preservation became a challenge since several foodborne pathogens pose a health risk to consumers and cause serious hazard in food products. Listeria monocytogenes is an important food poisoning pathogen that can survive in lightly preserved seafood products stored at low temperatures. Considering this, biopreservation of fresh farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets during 21 days of vacuum storage at 4 °C using four combinations of LAB strains originating from fresh seafood and having important antagonistic effect, and low proteolytic and lipolytic activities, is a promising way to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as L. monocytogenes without changing the quality of the product and to guarantee adequate product safety.
Relationship Between Frailty and Oral Function in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Adults
Authors: Watanabe Yutaka , Hirano Hirohiko , Arai Hidenori , Morishita Shiho , Ohara Yuki , Edahiro Ayako , Murakami Masaharu , Shimada Hiroyuki , Kikutani Takeshi , Suzuki Takao
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To determine the standard values of and age‐related changes in objective oral function of healthy older people; compare oral function of robust, prefrail, and frail older people; and determine the association between oral function and frailty.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Elderly adults (≥65) from the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly were included and assigned to the robust, prefrail, and frail groups (N = 4,720).

Measurements

Each participant underwent detailed physical testing to assess frailty. The frailty phenotype was defined according to the presence of limitations in three or more of the following five domains: mobility, strength, endurance, physical activity, and nutrition. The numbers of present teeth and functional teeth were counted, and occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) rate were measured, along with sociodemographic and functional status, comorbidities, and blood chemistry.

Results

The number of present teeth, occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, and ODK rate decreased with age. The frail group had significantly fewer present teeth (women aged ≥70), lower occlusal force (women aged ≥70; men aged ≥80), lower masseter muscle thickness, and lower ODK rate than the robust group. Multivariate analysis indicated that age, Geriatric Depression Scale score, skeletal muscle mass index, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, albumin and triglyceride levels, and oral function were significantly associated with frailty.

Conclusion

Age‐related differences in oral function were found in older adults. Moreover, frail older individuals had significantly poorer oral function than prefrail and robust individuals. The risk of frailty was associated with lower occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, and ODK rate.
Consequential Life Cycle Assessment of Pasture‐based Milk Production: A Case Study in the Waikato Region, New Zealand
Authors: Chobtang Jeerasak , McLaren Sarah J. , Ledgard Stewart F. , Donaghy Daniel J.
Published: September 2016

Farm intensification options in pasture‐based dairy systems are generally associated with increased stocking rates coupled with the increased use of off‐farm inputs to support the additional feed demand of animals. However, as well as increasing milk production per hectare, intensification can also exacerbate adverse impacts on the environment. The objective of the present study was to investigate environmental trade‐offs associated with potential intensification methods for pasture‐based dairy farming systems in the Waikato region, New Zealand. The intensification scenarios selected were (1) increased pasture utilization efficiency (PUE scenario), (2) increased use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to boost on‐farm pasture production (N fertilizer scenario), and (3) increased use of brought‐in feed as maize silage (MS) (MS scenario). Twelve impact categories were assessed. The PUE scenario was the environmentally preferred intensification method, and the preferred choice between the N fertilizer and MS scenarios depended upon trade‐offs between different environmental impacts. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to test the effects of choice associated with: (1) the approaches used to account for indirect land‐use change (ILUC) and (2) the competing product systems (conventional beef systems) used to handle the co‐product dairy meat for the climate change (CC) indicator. Results showed that the magnitude of the CC indicator results was influenced by the ILUC accounting approaches and the choice associated with a global marginal beef mix, but the relative CC indicator results for the three intensification scenarios remained unchanged.
Factors Influencing the Relationship Between the Dose of Amlodipine Required for Blood Pressure Control and Change in Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Cats
Authors: Bijsmans E.S. , Doig M. , Jepson R.E. , Syme H.M. , Elliott J. , Pelligand L.
Published: September 2016

Background

Hypertension is a common problem in elderly cats. In most cats, systolic blood pressure (SBP) of <160 mmHg is achieved in response to amlodipine besylate at either 0.625 or 1.25 mg q24h. The individual cat factors determining dose requirement dose have not been explored.

Aims

To determine whether individual cat factors influence the dose of amlodipine required to achieve adequate blood pressure control and to determine whether factors other than the prescribed dose of drug alter the achieved plasma amlodipine concentrations.

Methods

Fifty‐nine hypertensive cats that required 0.625 mg (A) and 41 cats that required 1.25 mg (B) amlodipine to reach a target SBP of <160 mmHg were identified, and plasma amlodipine concentrations were determined. Comparisons were made between groups, and multivariable linear regression models were performed to investigate predictors of antihypertensive response.

Results

Cats that required a greater dose of amlodipine had significantly higher SBP at diagnosis of hypertension (A: (median [25th, 75th percentile]) 182 [175,192] mmHg; B: 207 [194,217] mmHg, P < .001), but comparable blood pressure was achieved after treatment. Plasma amlodipine concentrations were directly related to the dose of amlodipine administered. At diagnosis, cats in group B had significantly lower plasma potassium concentration (A: 4.1 [3.8,4.5]; B: 3.8 [3.6,4.2] mEq/L, P < .01). Weight did not differ between groups. The decrease in SBP was directly and independently associated with the SBP at diagnosis and the plasma amlodipine concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cats with higher blood pressure at diagnosis might require a greater dose of amlodipine to control their blood pressure adequately. Differences in amlodipine pharmacokinetics between cats do not seem to play a role in the antihypertensive response.
To ∼P or Not to ∼P? Non‐canonical activation by two‐component response regulators
Authors: Desai Stuti K. , Kenney Linda J.
Published: September 2016

Bacteria sense and respond to their environment through the use of two‐component regulatory systems. The ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental stresses is directly related to the number of two‐component systems an organism possesses. Recent advances in this area have identified numerous variations on the archetype systems that employ a sensor kinase and a response regulator. It is now evident that many orphan regulators that lack cognate kinases do not rely on phosphorylation for activation and new roles for unphosphorylated response regulators have been identified. The significance of recent findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Temporal variation in habitat selection breaks the catch‐22 of spatially contrasting predation risk from multiple predators
Authors: Lone Karen , Mysterud Atle , Gobakken Terje , Odden John , Linnell John , Loe Leif Egil
Published: September 2016

Predator avoidance depends on prey being able to discern how risk varies in space and time, but this is made considerably more complicated if risk is simultaneously present from multiple predators. This is the situation for an increasing number of mammalian prey species, as large carnivores recover or are reintroduced in ecosystems on several continents. Roe deer Capreolus capreolus in southern Norway illustrate a case in which prey face two predators with contrasting patterns of predation risk. They face a catch‐22 situation: spatially avoiding the risk from one predator (lynx Lynx lynx in dense habitat) implies exposure to the other (hunters in open habitat). Using GPS‐data from 29 roe deer, we tested for daily and seasonal variation in roe deer selection for habitat with respect to the habitats’ year‐round average risk level. Generally, roe deer altered their habitat selection between night and day in a pattern consistent with being able to avoid predicted risk from the nocturnal lynx during night and predicted risk from human hunters during day. However, seasonal variation in habitat selection only partially corresponded with the predicted seasonal variation in risk. Whereas roe deer avoided areas with high risk from hunters more strongly during the hunting season than in other seasons, there was a lack of selection towards areas and time periods lowering the risk of lynx predation during winter. It seems likely that the risk of starvation and thermal stress constrain roe deer habitat selection during this energetically challenging season with cold temperatures, snow cover and limited natural forage. The habitat selection pattern of roe deer fits thus only partly with the two contrasting risk gradients they face. Adjusting risk‐avoidance behavior temporally can be an adaptive response in the case of several predators whose predation patterns differ in space and time.
Diagnostic techniques for viroids
Authors: Gucek T. , Trdan S. , Jakse J. , Javornik B. , Matousek J. , Radisek S.
Published: September 2016

The fast growth of the human population forces us to produce more food, but higher crop production also leads to the fast spread of diseases. Plant pathology deploys a wide range of methods that do not provide an adequate solution to all disease losses. In the case of viroids, therapeutic means of control are not available; therefore control strategies are more focused on the development of reliable detection methods to quickly exclude the infected plant material. Although viroids are the smallest and simplest plant pathogens, their identification and detection is not straightforward. Each viroid–host combination is specific, and for reliable identification, all steps from sampling to final detection must be performed accurately. In this review, several methods for viroid detection in various host plants are discussed, including their advantages and disadvantages. Even though relatively new molecular methods enable fast and sensitive detection of viroids, a combination of different methods gives the most reliable identification. Techniques based on nucleic acids may be the future for viroid detection but they still cannot replace biological indexing, which is usually essential in epidemiological and aetiological studies.
Higher prevalence of wheezing and lower FEV1 and FVC percent predicted in adults with sickle cell anaemia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Musa Baba M. , Galadanci Najibah A. , Rodeghier Mark , Debaun Michael R.
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing are common in adults with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), even in the absence of asthma. However, the prevalence of spirometry changes and respiratory symptoms in adults with SCA is unknown.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional study design, we tested the hypothesis that adults with SCA (cases) would have higher rates of lower airway obstruction and wheezing than those without SCA (controls) using the American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Diseases’ questionnaire. Patients were adults with SCA aged between 18 and 65 years. Controls were consecutive unselected individuals without SCA who presented to an outpatient general medicine clinic.

Results

We enrolled 150 adults with SCA and 287 consecutive controls without SCA. The median age was 23.0 and 27.0 years for adults with and without SCA, respectively. Cases were more likely to report cough without a cold (35.0% vs 18.6%, P < 0.001), lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) % predicted (70.1% vs 82.1%, P = 0.001) and lower forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted (67.4% vs 74.9%, P = 0.001) than controls. In the multivariable model, wheezing was significantly associated with SCA status (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.08–2.65, P = 0.024). Similarly, FEV1
% predicted was significantly associated with SCA status and wheezing (P = 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

Adults with SCA experience a higher rate of wheezing and impaired respiratory functions compared with controls from the same region.
The Power of Policy Regimes: Explaining Shale Gas Policy Divergence in Bulgaria and Poland
Authors: Goldthau Andreas , LaBelle Michael
Published: September 2016

Shale gas policies vary significantly across Europe, notably in Russia‐dependent Central Eastern Europe. Most strikingly, Bulgaria banned shale gas, whereas Poland remains firmly committed to fostering it despite its drawbacks. This article uses a policy regime approach to explain the shale gas puzzle. Drawing on a large set of interviews, the piece investigates regime strength as the causal factor that explains the adoption of specific shale gas laws (Poland) or a fracking ban (Bulgaria). It finds that the Polish shale gas policy regime was strong, based on a powerful political narrative and characterized by an institutional process ensuring the buy‐in of actors from relevant policy levels and subsystems. In Bulgaria the policy regime was weak, failed to co–opt key stakeholders, and was institutionally ill‐designed. The findings show how different degrees of policy regime strength translate into diverging policy trajectories in two countries that otherwise operate in similar environments.
The accuracy of claims data for measuring transfusion rates
Authors: Howard D. H. , Karcz A. , Roback J. D.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To determine if billing records accurately report the receipt of red blood cell transfusions.

Background

Many red blood transfusions are given inappropriately, but efforts to monitor transfusion rates are hampered by a lack of data that facilitate benchmarking.

Methods

Using billing records and electronic medical records from 53 community hospitals, we estimated the sensitivity and specificity of billing records for measuring the receipt of transfusions in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures.

Results

The sample included 12 091 patients, of whom 5215 received red blood cell transfusions according to electronic medical records. The sensitivity of billing data for measuring transfusions was 71·6% (95% CI: 60·4–82·8%). The specificity was 92·6% (95% CI: 88·3–97·0%).

Conclusions

Researchers can use billing records to measure transfusion rates but should consider excluding hospitals with very low transfusion rates, which may indicate that the hospitals do not accurately report transfusions in billing data.
PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM PALM OIL USING EGG SHELL WASTE AS HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST
Authors: Ngadi Norzita , Hamdan Nur Fadzlyana , Hassan Onn , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah
Published: September 2016

Egg shell waste was investigated in a triglyceride transesterification with a view to determine its viability as a solid catalyst for the biodiesel production. The utilization of egg shell as a catalyst not only reduces its environmental effects, but also reduces the price of biodiesel to make it competitive with petroleum diesel. In this study, egg shell waste was ground and the powder produced was calcined at 900˚C for 4 hours in a furnace. The physical properties of the catalyst were characterized by using the Fourier Transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and the biodiesel conversion was determined by the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). 4wt% of catalyst dosage was fixed throughout the experiment. The results obtained indicated that CaO derived from egg shell waste was comparable with the commercial CaO. The maximum percentage yield of biodiesel by using derived CaO is 75.85% under optimum conditions of 6:1 methanol to oil ratio after 3 hours at 65˚C, while for commercial CaO, 74.97% yield of biodiesel with 3:1 methanol to oil ratio after 3 hours at 60˚C.
EFFECT OF MULTI-DESIGN SKIN MODEL AND CHARACTERISTIC ON MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF LIGHT-SKIN DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE SPECTRA
Authors: Yusoff Muhammad Nur Salihin , Jaafar Mohamad Suhaimi
Published: September 2016

This study was carried out to analyze the impact of four skin models and three skin characteristics on Monte Carlo simulation of light-skin diffuse reflectance spectra. The simulation was performed using graphic processing unit (GPU)-based Monte Carlo code (CUDAMCML). The computation platform was a laptop with 2.3 GHz processor (Intel Core i5-2410M) and supported by NVIDIA’s Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) graphic card (GeForce GT 520M). This analysis showed the importance of taking into account the depth distribution of melanin in designing a multi-layered skin model. Addition of complexity to the model caused only less than two minutes increment of computation time. Increase of melanin concentration reduced the values of diffuse reflectance over the spectrum while the profile of ‘W’ curve became less-defined. Increase of blood concentration also decreased the values of diffuse reflectance (particularly at wavelengths < 600 nm) but the profile of ‘W’ curve became more-defined. Increase of epidermal and dermal thicknesses influenced the diffuse reflectance spectra but not for subcutaneous fat thickness.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF HELMINTHS AND COCCIDIA INFECTION FROM GOATS IN TWO FARMS IN KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA
Authors: Hisamuddin Nur Hazirah , Hashim Najat , Soffian Sharmeen Nellisa , Raja Abdul Rahman Raja Nur Rahifah Inani , Mohammad Mardhiah , Md Isa Muhammad Lokman , Mat Yusof Afzan
Published: September 2016

Helminths and coccidia are major causative agents causing parasitic infections in livestock production. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminths and coccidia in goats in Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 227 goats which consists of 107 adult goats and 120 young goats were selected randomly from two farms located in Terengganu, Malaysia. Sodium chloride flotation technique was used to identify helminths eggs and coccidia oocysts. The number of eggs per gram and faecal oocysts count were determined by using modified McMaster technique. Out of 227 goats, 221 goats were positive for gastrointestinal parasites giving the overall prevalence 97.36%. The highest prevalence was recorded for Eimeria (89%) followed by Strongyloides (46.3%), Strongyle (18.1%), Monezia (10.6%) and the lowest prevalence was recorded for Trichuris spp. (9.7%). Coccidia oocyst counts were significantly higher in young goats as compared to adult goats while the Strongyle and Strongyloides egg counts were significantly higher in adult goats compared to young goats (P<0.05). The findings of this study suggested that good management practices and proper hygiene management are important to combat the infection so that there will be no case of parasitic infection among goats in the near future in Terengganu.
MECHANICAL AND SHRINKAGE PROPERTIES OF HYBRID STEEL AND POLYPROPYLENE FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE COMPOSITE
Authors: Wan Jusoh Wan Amizah , Ibrahim Izni Syahrizal , Mohd Sam Abdul Rahman , Sarbini Noor Nabilah
Published: September 2016

An experimental study had been carried out to investigate the mechanical properties, expansion and shrinkage of fibre reinforced concrete composite (FRC). However, instead of using single type fibre of either steel (SF) or polypropylene (PPF), this study also combined the two types in one mix.The mechanical properties investigated in this study include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength. Three different FRC mix proportions and one normal concrete (control) were casted which includes (a) 75% SF, (b) 75% SF + 25% PPF, (c) 25% PPF, and (d) 0% fibre for control (PC). Meanwhile, the volume fraction, Vf for the FRC was fixed at 1.5% and the concrete strength was designed to achieve grade C60 at 28 days. The results show that the use of fibres in concrete decreased the workability of concrete. In addition, concrete mix with both SF and PPF produced the highest splitting tensile and flexural strengths by an increase of 75.9% and 86.5%, respectively as compared with the control. Furthermore, expansion and shrinkage of FRC was found to be less than the control. It can be concluded that the combined SF and PPF in concrete gives the most appropriate combination as regards to the highest flexural and splitting tensile strengths, and also reduced the shrinkage strain.
DYNAMIC SIMULATION MODEL OF BEEF SUPPLY CHAIN TO FULFILL NATIONAL DEMAND
Authors: Suryani Erma , Hendrawan Rully Agus , Muhandhis Isnaini , Puspa Dewi Lily
Published: September 2016

Sustainable food supply chain is required to mitigate supply chain risks, reinforce long-term supplier relationships and build stakeholder and customer trusts. It has a significant role in social welfare, political stability, and economic growth. In this research, we treated beef as a commodity, based on consideration that the demand of this commodity continues to increase in line with population growth and the needs of processed food industries. On the other hand, the supply of this commodity tends to decline. Currently beef production in Indonesia covers only about 60% of the need, i.e. the rest is imported. The beef supply chain is too long, and the demand surges during Eid festivities causing shortages of beef in the market. There is a need to design a program that is strategic and systematic to anticipate shortages of beef production as importing beef product is unable to resolve the issue. One of the problem-solving efforts that can be done is to improve supply chain management. There is a need to plan, build, and integrate aspects of "production-distribution-consumption” at the national level by identifying the stakeholders including regions and distribution channels.  By considering the aforementioned problems, the beef supply chain can be improved with the support of simulation model to assess the existing system and to develop some scenarios to improve the system performance. We utilized system dynamics model to accommodate several key variables or parameters that have significant contribution to strategic sustainable development of food supply chain, such as changes and uncertainties in supply (caused by climate change), demand, distribution, as well as internal and external business factors. The research results show that national demand can be fulfilled through several strategic initiatives.
SIMULATION OF A SIMPLE VAPOUR-COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM USING R134a
Authors: Senawi Mohd Yusoff , Mahmod Farah Wahidah
Published: September 2016

A computerized simulation of a simple single-stage vapour-compression refrigeration system has been made. The steady-state simulation uses the accurate property correlations developed by Cleland for refrigerant R134a. The inputs to the program are: evaporator pressure, condenser pressure, superheating at evaporator outlet, subcooling at condenser outlet and compressor isentropic efficiency. The program outputs are: refrigerating effect, compressor work input, coefficient of performance (COP) and suction vapour flow rate per kW of refrigeration. An increase in the evaporator pressure from 150 to 250 kPa improves the COP by 40%. The COP is decreased by 35% when the condenser pressure is increased from 1000 to 1500 kPa. Increasing the superheat at the evaporator outlet from 0 to 160C improves the COP by 2.6%. An increase in subcooling at the condenser outlet from 0 to 160C increases the COP by 20%. The COP is improved by 150% when the compressor isentropic efficiency is increased from 0.4 to 1.
THE TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CACTUS AND MINERAL OIL BLENDS USING FOUR-BALL TRIBOTESTER
Authors: Hassan Mohammed , Syahrullail S. , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: September 2016

The oil derived from vegetables has been seen as an alternative to mineral oils for lubricants because of certain inherent technical properties, renewable source and their abilities to biodegrade. Vegetable oil is known to have a high viscosity index with a higher lubricity value compared to mineral oil. Despite its potentiality as a candidate alternative, vegetable oil has several limitations. It has a low wear resistance, and it is highly sensitive to temperatures with tribological characteristics. The majority of technical solutions, including additivation, chemical alterations, and blending, are being proposed as means of overcoming the listed limitations. This study seeks to investigate the characteristics of cactus oil with respect to its use as a bio-lubricant as well as the characteristics of environmentally friendly vegetable oil when they are mixed with mineral oils as alternative oil for petroleum, using the four-ball tribotester. The volumetric blending ratio was varied (20% to 80%) and these blends were performed at 1200 rpm, for one hour, with 40 kg of load at a temperature of 75ºC (ASTM D4172-B) standard. According to the results, it was found that the lowest wear scar diameter was 431.23µm, which was identified in the blend of 20% cactus oil with 80% mineral oil which symbolized by (CC20%), compared to that of neat cactus oil at 669.16 µm and mineral oil at 546.46 µm.In addition, the result also indicates that a 80% addition of cactus oil, the coefficient of friction tends to decrease compared to the values of neat cactus oil. Finally, it is concluded, the blends of cactus oil with commercial lubricant oil have better performance compared to commercial lubricant oil or neat cactus oil.
TORREFACTION OF PALM BIOMASS BRIQUETTES AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE
Authors: Mohd Faizal Hasan , M. Jusoh M. Amin , Abdul Rahman Mohd Rosdzimin , Syahrullail S. , Latiff Z. A.
Published: September 2016

The climate change has driven towards transformation from the high energy dependence on fossil fuel to inexhaustible renewable energy such as solar, wind, mini hydro and biomass. In Malaysia, abundant of palm biomass residues are produced during the processing of fresh fruit bunch. Therefore it is inevitable to harness these bioenergy sources in order to prevent waste accumulation at adjacent to palm mills. In order to utilize such bioenergy sources and to cope with the fast growing demand of energy, combination technique of densification and torrefaction is one of the potential ways to be practised. In the present study, the physical and combustion properties of torrefied empty  fruit bunch (EFB) briquettes were investigated experimentally with constant nitrogen flow rate of 1 l/min , for various torrefaction temperatures (225-300). Before torrefaction process, EFB briquettes were initially produced under controlled condition with compaction pressure of 7 MPa and briquetting temperature of 150. In general, the torrefied EFB briquettes were successfully produced in the present study. The results show that an increase in torrefaction temperature from 225  to 300  causes a significant increase in gross calorific value (from around 17400 kJ/kg to 25000 kJ/kg), fixed carbon content (from 16.2% to 46.2%) and ash content (from 2.4% to 17.2%). On the other hand, relaxed density and volatile matter decrease, from 1017 kg/m3 to 590 kg/m3 and from 73.1% to 29.7%, respectively. As a conclusion, the gross calorific value and fixed carbon content are improved due to torrefaction. In addition, it was found that gross calorific value and moisture content of the torrefied EFB briquettes fulfil the requirement for commercial briquette production as stated by DIN51731 (gross calorific value>17500 kJ/kg and moisture content <10%).
Analytical Force Modeling of Fixed Abrasive Diamond Wire Saw Machining With Application to SiC Monocrystal Wafer Processing
Authors: Li Shujuan , Tang Aofei , Liu Yong , Wang Jiabin , Cui Dan , Landers Robert G.
Published: September 2016

Free abrasive diamond wire saw machining is often used to cut hard and brittle materials, especially for wafers in the semiconductor and optoelectronics industries. Wire saws, both free and fixed abrasive, have excellent flexibility, as compared to inner circular saws, outer saws, and ribbon saws, as they produce a narrower kerf, lower cutting forces, and less material waste. However, fixed abrasive wire saw machining is being considered more and more due to its potential for increased productivity and the fact that it is more environmentally friendly as it does not use special coolants that must be carefully disposed. The cutting forces generated during the wire saw process strongly affect the quality of the produced parts. However, the relationship between these forces and the process parameters has only been explored qualitatively. Based on analyzing the forces generated from the chip formation and friction of a single abrasive, this study derives an analytical cutting force model for the wire saw machining process. The analytical model explains qualitative observations seen in the literature describing the relationship between the cutting forces and the wafer feed rate, wire velocity, and contact length between the wire and wafer. Extensive experimental work is conducted to validate the analytical force model. Silicon carbide (SiC) monocrystal, which is employed extensively in the fields of microelectronics and optoelectronics and is known to be particularly challenging to process due to its extremely high hardness and brittleness, is used as the material in these experimental studies. The results show that the analytical force model can predict the cutting forces when wire saw machining SiC monocrystal wafers with average errors between the experimental and predicted normal and tangential forces of 9.98% and 12.1%, respectively.
Thermal Field Measurements for a Shaped Hole at Low and High Freestream Turbulence Intensity
Authors: Schroeder Robert P. , Thole Karen A.
Published: September 2016

Shaped holes are increasingly selected for airfoil cooling in gas turbines due to their superior performance over that of cylindrical holes, especially at high blowing ratios. The performance of shaped holes is regarded to be the result of the diffused outlet, which slows and laterally spreads coolant, causing coolant to remain close to the wall. However, few thermal field measurements exist to verify this behavior at high blowing ratio or to evaluate how high freestream turbulence alters the coolant distribution in jets from shaped holes. The present study reports measured thermal fields, along with measured flowfields, for a shaped hole at blowing ratios up to three at both low and high freestream turbulence intensities of 0.5% and 13.2%. Thermal fields at low freestream turbulence intensity showed that the coolant jet was initially attached, but far downstream of the hole the jet lifted away from the surface due to the counter-rotating vortex pair. Elevated freestream turbulence intensity was found to cause strong dilution of the coolant jet and also increased dispersion, almost exclusively in the lateral as opposed to the vertical direction. Dominance of lateral dispersion was due to the influence of the wall on freestream eddies, as indicated from changes in turbulent shear stress between the low and high freestream turbulence cases.
Modeling and Identification of Real-Time Processes Based on Nonzero Setpoint Autotuning Test
Authors: Ghorai Prasenjit , Majhi Somanath , Pandey Saurabh
Published: September 2016

The paper presents a real-time system modeling and identification scheme for estimation of plant model parameters using a single asymmetrical relay test. A modified set of analytical expressions for unknown plant models under nonzero setpoint and non-negative relay settings is derived. Thereafter, the unknown parameters of three different stable plant models are identified as first-order plus dead time, overdamped, and critically damped second-order plus dead time. The well-known examples from literature are included to show the accuracy of the proposed method through computer simulations. Yokogawa distributed control system centum CS3000 is considered as a design platform for an experimental setup for the realization of asymmetrical relay feedback test. Finally, the transfer function models derived from successive identification of plant dynamics are compared with the literature through Nyquist plots.
Constrained Repetitive Model Predictive Control Applied to an Unsteady Compressor Stator Vane Flow
Authors: Steinberg Simon J. , King Rudibert , Staats Marcel , Nitsche Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a constrained Repetitive Model Predictive Controller (RMPC) implemented as closed-loop flow controller for an experimental compressor stator cascade. The objective of the controller is to decrease the impact of periodic disturbances on the passage flow. The disturbances are generated by movable flaps that are located downstream of the trailing edges of the stator vanes. The flaps emulate the throttling effect of periodically closed combustion tubes in a pulsed detonation engine on the flow over the stator vanes. The RMPC adjusts the actuation amplitude of fluidic sidewall actuators according to the present state of the passage flow. The current flow situation is monitored by pressure sensors that are mounted flush to the surface of one of the stator vanes. This data is fed back in real-time to the RMPC which thereupon modifies the actuation amplitude. By learning from period to period, a control command trajectory is computed that reduces detrimental effects of the periodic disturbance in an optimal manner while respecting the input constraints of the physical system. Five-hole-probe measurements in the wake of the passage are utilized to compare the optimized, transient actuation trajectories to the case of constant amplitude actuation.
Computation of Liquid Fuel Atomization and Mixing by Means of the SPH Method: Application to a Jet Engine Fuel Nozzle
Authors: Dauch T. , Braun S. , Wieth L. , Chaussonnet G. , Keller M. , Koch R. , Bauer H.-J.
Published: September 2016

At the “Institut für Thermische Strömungsmaschinen” (ITS) a numerical method based on the the meshfree “Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics” (SPH) approach has been developed with the objective of computing primary breakup in the vicinity of fuel spray nozzles [1, 2]. In recent publications the successful application of the code to different flow problems is demonstrated [3, 4].

In this paper we present the first application of the method to investigate a simplified, but applied fuel spray nozzle geometry of the swirl cup design in 2D. The atomization process of Jet-A1 at ambient and at high pressure conditions is compared in terms of film flow development, mixing and spray characteristics. The influence of pressure is pointed out and quantified.

The study demonstrates that the SPH method is a suitable toolbox for the analysis and the design of fuel spray nozzles. Unique analysis tools that are not available in grid-based CFD methods are presented and applied. Droplet distributions are extracted, which can be considered as possible input in subsequent Euler-Lagrange computations.
Design of Experiments and Numerical Simulation of Deteriorated High Pressure Compressor Airfoils
Authors: Reitz Gerald , Schlange Stephan , Friedrichs Jens
Published: September 2016

During the operation of a jet engine, deterioration occurs. This constantly affects the engine performance parameters like exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and thrust specific fuel consumption (TSFC). If the EGT reaches a given limit, the engine has to be overhauled during a shop visit at a MRO company (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul). Using the example of the high pressure compressor (HPC), the airfoils get analyzed for a few geometric properties and classified as serviceable, repairable and non-repairable. The repairable airfoils go through a repair process without in detail considering the actual geometry. To improve the repair process, tailored maintenance actions are desirable. For this purpose, the aerodynamic properties of the airfoil shall be the key factor for defining the repair actions. Therefore, geometric properties with high influence on the aerodynamic performance have to be known to reduce the amount of measuring time.

This paper will present a Design of Experiments (DoE) for HPC-airfoil geometry variations. Therefore, 550 different stage setups will be generated, simulated and analyzed. The database will be imported to a Kriging Method to generate a meta-model. Afterwards, the impact of the different geometric properties on the aerodynamic performance, like pressure-, work- and loss coefficients, will be analyzed by using the meta-model. The most important parameters will be determined and their impact on the flow will be explained.
Mixing Enhancement Induced by a Delta Wing in Supersonic Flows
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Shi-bin , Yan Li , Liu Jun
Published: September 2016

The maximization of rapid fuel-air mixing is one of the essential issues for the efficient operation of scramjet engines. A delta wing with its height being 6mm is located ahead of the injector to enhance the mixing process between the injectant and air in the supersonic flow with the freestream Mach number being 3.75, and the influence of the distance between the delta wing and the injector on the mixing efficiency is evaluated numerically, as well as the effect of the jet-to-crossflow pressure ratio. At the same time, the predicted results obtained in the three-dimensional transverse injection flow field are compared with the available experimental data in the open literature, and the grid independency analysis is conducted as well. The obtained results show that the mixing efficiency increases with the decrease of the jet-to-crossflow pressure ratio, and this conclusion is consistent with that obtained in the transverse injection flow field. The predicted wall static pressure distributions show reasonable agreement with the experimental data, and the grid scale has only a slight impact on the predicted results. Further, it is observed that the mixing efficiency increase with the decrease of the distance between the delta wing and the injector, and the hydrogen penetrates deeper into the core flow when the distance is smaller. Accordingly, the plume area is larger. This illustrates that the transverse jet flow field is affected by the vortex generated by the delta wing, and the mixing process is enhanced. The maximum mixing efficiency at x = −350mm is nearly 0.84 in the range considered in this paper.