bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin prevents abnormal mitochondrial dynamics resulting from the neurotoxicity of cadmium by blocking calcium‐dependent translocation of Drp1 to the mitochondria
Authors: Xu Shangcheng , Pi Huifeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Nixian , Li YuMing , Zhang Huiliang , Tang Ju , Li Huijuan , Feng Min , Deng Ping , Guo Pan , Tian Li , Xie Jia , He Mindi , Lu Yonghui , Zhong Min , Zhang Yanwen , Wang Wang , Reiter Russel J. , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou
Published: January 2016

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent environmental toxin and occupational pollutant that is considered to be a potential risk factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal mitochondrial dynamics are increasingly implicated in mitochondrial damage in various neurological pathologies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the disturbance of mitochondrial dynamics contributed to Cd‐induced neurotoxicity and whether melatonin has any neuroprotective properties. After cortical neurons were exposed to 10 μM cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for various periods (0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hr), the morphology of their mitochondria significantly changed from the normal tubular networks into punctuated structures within 3 hr. Following this pronounced mitochondrial fragmentation, Cd treatment led to signs of mitochondrial dysfunction, including excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased ATP content, and mitochondrial membrane potential (▵Ψm) loss. However, 1 mM melatonin pretreatment efficiently attenuated the Cd‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation, which improved the turnover of mitochondrial function. In the brain tissues of rats that were intraperitoneally given 1 mg/kg CdCl2 for 7 days, melatonin also ameliorated excessive mitochondrial fragmentation and mitochondrial damage in vivo. Melatonin's protective effects were attributed to its roles in preventing cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) overload, which blocked the recruitment of Drp1 from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria. Taken together, our results are the first to demonstrate that abnormal mitochondrial dynamics is involved in cadmium‐induced neurotoxicity. Melatonin has significant pharmacological potential in protecting against the neurotoxicity of Cd by blocking the disbalance of mitochondrial fusion and fission.
Bats and aquatic habitats: a review of habitat use and anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Salvarina Ioanna
Published: January 2016

Many bats use aquatic habitats for foraging and for drinking water.

Interactions between aquatic and terrestrial systems are important for understanding food web dynamics and for conserving species and ecosystems. Therefore, in this review, I examined the data available on bats’ use of aquatic habitats.

The objectives of the present review were to evaluate the importance of aquatic resources for bats and to identify the effects that eutrophication, water pollution, and other anthropogenic impacts on water bodies have on bats.

Most studies on bats and aquatic habitats have been conducted in Europe or in North America. They show, directly or indirectly, how bats use aquatic resources.

Acoustic survey is the most common technique employed to assess habitat use by bats, although some researchers have used radio telemetry or other methods.

Myotis daubentonii is the most commonly studied species. Within this topic, research does not tend to be focused more on threatened species.

The effects of water pollution and eutrophication on bats remain unclear: different effects are reported for different species and in different areas.

More studies are needed from Africa, South America, and Asia, regions for which few data are available, as well as from arid regions where fresh water is a limited resource.
Nephrology training in Australia and New Zealand: A survey of outcomes and adequacy
Authors: Beaton Thomas J , Krishnasamy Rathika , Toussaint Nigel D , Phoon Richard K , Gray Nicholas A
Published: January 2016

Background

Advanced training programmes in nephrology should provide broad exposure to all aspects of nephrology. In Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), the Advanced Training Committee in Nephrology oversees training, and recent increases in trainee numbers have led to concern about dilution of experience.

Aim

To investigate early career paths of nephrologists in ANZ and determine the adequacy of training by comparing self‐determined competency and skill relevance among recently graduated nephrologists.

Methods

In 2015, the Advanced Training Committee in Nephrology administered an online survey during the annual subscription for members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology. Nephrologists who were awarded Fellowship after 2002 were invited to participate.

Results

The survey was completed by 113 Fellows with 8 respondents excluded (response rate 44.1%). Initial post‐Fellowship work included full‐time public hospital appointments (34.3%) or undertaking full‐time higher research degrees (41.9%). The majority reported securing their desired employment. Respondents indicated adequate training in most clinical skills; however, responses of ‘well trained’ in home haemodialysis (41.8%), conservative care (42.9%), automated peritoneal dialysis (38.8%), and assessment of kidney transplant recipients (48%) and living kidney donors (34.7%) were less adequate. Although considered highly relevant to current practice, responses of ‘well trained’ were low for management and research skills, including complaint management (16.3%), private practice management (2%), health system knowledge (14.3%) and regulations (6.1%), ethics approval (23.5%), research funding (11.2%) and quality assurance (26.5%).

Conclusion

Nephrology training in ANZ generally meets clinical needs and most secure their desired employment. Training in management and research are areas for improvement.
Emerging treatments in neurogastroenterology: Acotiamade, a novel treatment option for functional dyspepsia
Authors: Matsushita M. , Masaoka T. , Suzuki H.
Published: January 2016

Background

Acotiamide hydrochloride (Z‐338) is a new therapeutic agent for functional dyspepsia (FD). In 2013, the use of acotiamide was approved by the Japanese health insurance system.

Purpose

The aim of this review is to summarize the present staus of basic and clinical approach to acotiamide for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. The agent inhibits acetylcholinesterase in vitro and enhances muscle motility ex vivo. In phase‐II studies, 100 mg three times daily (t.i.d.) was determined to be the optimal dose for the treatment of FD. In phase‐III studies, overall treatment efficacy (OTE) was significantly better in the acotiamide group (52.2%) than in the placebo group (34.8%). However, the mechanism of its efficacy needs to be further elucidated. Acotiamide effectively improved FD symptoms, particularly postprandial distress syndrome symptoms, without causing major adverse effects.
Polyomaviruses BK, JC, KI, WU, MC, and TS in children with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rahiala Jaana , Koskenvuo Minna , Sadeghi Mohammadreza , Waris Matti , Vuorinen Tytti , Lappalainen Maija , Saarinen‐Pihkala Ulla , Allander Tobias , Söderlund‐Venermo Maria , Hedman Klaus , Ruuskanen Olli , Vettenranta Kim
Published: January 2016

Timely and reliable detection of viruses is of key importance in early diagnosis of infection(s) following allogeneic HSCT. Among the immunocompetent, infections with BKPyV and JCPyV are mostly subclinical, while post‐HSCT, the former may cause HC and the latter PML. The epidemiology and clinical impact of the newly identified KIPyV, WUPyV, MCPyV, and TSPyV in this context remain to be defined. To assess the incidence and clinical impact of BKPyV, JCPyV, KIPyV, WUPyV, MCPyV, and TSPyV infections, we performed longitudinal molecular surveillance for DNAemias of these HPyVs among 53 pediatric HSCT recipients. Surveillance pre‐HSCT and for three months post‐HSCT revealed BKPyV DNAemia in 20 (38%) patients. Our data demonstrate frequent BKPyV DNAemia among pediatric patients with HSCT and the confinement of clinical symptoms to high copy numbers alone. MCPyV and JCPyV viremias occurred at low and TSPyV viremia at very low prevalences. KIPyV or WUPyV viremias were not demonstrable in this group of immunocompromised patients.
Predicting football injuries using size and ratio of the multifidus and quadratus lumborum muscles
Authors: Hides J. A. , Stanton W. R.
Published: January 2016

Deficits in muscles of the lumbo‐pelvic region, such as a relatively small multifidus muscle, have been used to predict lower limb injuries in professional football players. Results have been less consistent for the size of the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle. Changes in size of the multifidus and QL muscles could be functionally related to each other, and modeling this relationship could improve prediction of lower limb injuries. Ultrasound imaging examinations were performed on male elite football players at the start of the Australian Football League (AFL) pre‐season and playing season. Injury data were obtained from records collected by each club. Results indicated that the cross‐sectional area of the multifidus muscle was related to the occurrence of an injury in the pre‐season (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08/cm2 decrease below the mean; OR for dichotomized measure = 12.2) and in the season (OR = 2.43/cm2). The size of the QL muscle was significantly related to an injury in the pre‐season (OR = 2.12/cm2 increase above the mean; OR for dichotomized measure = 7.26) but not in the season. A significant link was found between the ratio of the multifidus and QL muscles, and the incidence of pre‐season (OR = 14.71) and season injuries (OR = 5.29). The sensitivity and specificity of the model in the pre‐season were 75% and 85.7%, respectively; values for the playing season were 88.4% and 62.5%. A model was developed for prediction of lower limb injuries in football players. Combining size measurements of the multifidus and QL muscles improved predictive power. This information may have clinical implications for injury screening and prevention.
Advancing Science with VGI: Reproducibility and Replicability of Recent Studies using VGI
Authors: Ostermann Frank O. , Granell Carlos
Published: January 2016

In scientific research, reproducibility and replicability are requirements to ensure the advancement of our body of knowledge. This holds true also for VGI‐related research and studies. However, the characteristics of VGI suggest particular difficulties in ensuring reproducibility and replicability. In this article, we aim to examine the current situation in VGI‐related research, and identify strategies to ensure realization of its full potential. To do so, we first investigate the different aspects of reproducibility and replicability and their impact on VGI‐related research. These impacts are different depending on the objectives of the study. Therefore, we examine the study focus of VGI‐related research to assess the current body of research and structure our assessment. This work is based on a rigorous review of the elements of reproducibility and a systematic mapping and analysis of 58 papers on the use of VGI in the crisis management field. Results of our investigation show that reproducibility issues related to data are a serious concern, while reproducibility issues related to analysis methods and processes face fewer challenges. However, since most studies still focus on analyzing the source data, reproducibility and replicability are still an unsolved problem in VGI‐related research. Therefore, we show initiatives tackling the problem, and finally formulate strategies to improve the situation.
Alleviation of Epiphora by Canaliculosinostomy into the Caudal Maxillary Sinus in the Horse
Authors: Robinson Claire S. , Wylie Claire E. , Compston Polly C. , Payne Richard J.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To describe a technique of canaliculosinostomy into the caudal maxillary sinus to alleviate epiphora secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and to report the long‐term outcome in 5 horses.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Five client‐owned horses.

Methods

Case records of all horses presented for chronic epiphora to a single equine hospital that underwent surgical treatment were reviewed. All included horses had a Jones test or dacryocystography to confirm nasolacrimal duct obstruction. All horses were anesthetized and canaliculosinostomy was created from the medial canthus of the eye into the caudal maxillary sinus using a Steinmann pin and Jacob's chuck. A Foley catheter was placed normograde through the stoma. The inflated bulb held the Foley in place in the sinus, while the proximal end was pulled through the upper eyelid and sutured to the skin on the head. The Foley catheter was maintained in place for 3 weeks and then removed under sedation.

Results

Five horses were included. There were no intraoperative difficulties or complications. One horse dislodged the Foley catheter 3 days postoperatively. No other postoperative complications occurred. Followup was available for all horses. One horse was euthanatized for unrelated reasons 10 weeks postoperative at which time epiphora was resolved. The remaining 4 horses had resolution of epiphora at followup (24–46 months postoperative).

Conclusion

This report describes a simple technique for canaliculosinostomy into the caudal maxillary sinus and long‐term outcome in 4 of 5 horses, all of which had resolution of epiphora. This technique can be used to resolve epiphora of various etiologies.
EVOLUTION OF SIMPLE REACTION TYPE TURBINES FOR PICO-HYDRO APPLICATIONS
Authors: Farriz M.B. , Boejang H. , Masjuri M. , Aras M.S.M. , Razik N.H.A. , Mate S. , Sopian K.
Published: January 2016

This paper aims to explore the history and development of eight types of reaction water turbines, namely Hero’s turbine, Barker’s mill, Pupil’s turbine, Whitlaw’s mill, Quek’s turbine, the cross pipe turbine, the split reaction turbine and the Z-Blade turbine. These water turbines are discussed in terms of the complexity of the designs, the manufacturing processes involved, and the applications. It has been observed that even though most reaction type water turbines, except for the split reaction turbine and Z-blade turbine, have undergone different levels of design-related modifications and manufacturing processes, they are considered as being unsuitable for low-head and low-flow water resources in pico-hydro systems.
PREDICTION OF PM10 EXTREME CONCENTRATIONS IN URBAN MONITORING STATIONS IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA USING THREE PARAMETERS EXTREME VALUE DISTRIBUTIONS (EVD)
Authors: Ahmat Hasfazilah , Yahaya Ahmad Shukri , Ramli Nor Azam
Published: January 2016

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the best distribution to predict the extreme concentrations of PM10 using the three parameters Weibull, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) and Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD).  Methodology: The study used maximum concentration of daily PM10 data recorded in the period of 2000-2012 in Klang and Shah Alam, Selangor.  The parameters of all distributions were estimated using the method of Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE).  The goodness of fit of the distribution was determined using performance indicators namely; the accuracy measures and error measures.  The best distribution was selected based on the highest accuracy measures and the smallest error measures.  Results: The findings showed that the three parameters GEV was the best fit for daily maximum concentration for PM10 in these two stations.  The result also demonstrated that the predicted number of days in which the concentration of PM10 exceeded the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline (MAAQG) for daily concentrations of 150µg/m3 were more than 85% in compliance of the actual number of days.  Hence, the GEV can be used for the prediction of the PM10 extreme concentrations.
AGGREGATE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF SELECTED TERENGGANU BEACH AREA
Authors: Sapon Noraisyah , Yaacob Rosnan , Husain Mohd-Lokman , Mustapa Mohd-Zaini , Suriadi Rokiah
Published: January 2016

In general, the Terengganu beaches consist mainly of medium- to coarse-grained sand. Grain sizes were determined by dry sieving sediments; samples represent the upper 15 cm of surficial sediment, collected from the three main geomorphological tidal units during one year observation periods, covering the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons. The result demonstrates a good relationship between the monsoonal processes and the corresponding geomorphological elements. There are some differences between the various geomorphological tidal units, with a subtle trend from the low tide to high tide zone. Grain size decreases slightly from the low tide to the high tide. The sediment size fraction averaging from -0.48phi to 1.87phi. The most fine material was found at Kuala Besut (northernmost Terengganu) while the coarsest particle was found at Seberang Takir. However, the grain size parameters at different beach locations do not suggest a general trend of long-shore variations, except on the beach close to the river mouth. The differences between the seasons were larger than those between the geomorphological tidal units. During the northeast monsoon the mean size was coarser, sorting was worse and the distribution was more positively skewed.
THE EFFECT OF INCORPORATING RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT MIXTURES
Authors: Idham Mohd Khairul , Hainin Mohd Rosli
Published: January 2016

In pavement industries, incorporating appropriate amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the fresh mixtures is one of the approaches to attain sustainable principle in construction. Usage RAP materials have been practiced since 1970s, however, pavements made with RAP will reach the end of service life and need to be recycled again. Only a few studies done on the second recycle of RAP (R2AP). Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the effect of incorporating RAP and R2AP in the asphalt mixture. RAP was collected from in-service road which was exposed to the environment and traffic for seven years. While, the second cycle of RAP (R2AP) was obtained through the laboratory aging process.  20, 40, and 60 % of RAP and R2AP were mixed with fresh dense graded aggregates to form Asphaltic Concrete with 14 mm nominal maximum aggregate size (AC 14). Resilient modulus test was performed to evaluate the performance on rutting resistance. Tensile strength was also evaluated at 25 °C as an indicator for fatigue resistance. 60 % of RAP and 40 % of R2AP are observed to the best optimum amount to be added in the fresh mixture in order to improve both fatigue and rutting resistance.
A NORM TRUST FRAMEWORK FOR NORMS ADOPTION IN NORMATIVE MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Abdul Hamid Nurzeatul Hamimah , Ahmad Mohd Sharifuddin , Ahmad Azhana , Mustapha Aida
Published: January 2016

Researchers in normative multi-agent systems have emphasized the importance of equipping agents with the ability to detect and learn the norms of a new environment. They propose active learning approaches and prove that agents are capable of detecting norms using these approaches. However, most of their works entail agents that detect one norm in an event. We argue that these approaches do not help agents to decide in cases of norms coexistence is detected in an event. To solve this problem, we introduce the concept of norms trust to help agents decide which detected norms are credible in a new environment. In this paper, we propose a conceptual norms trust framework by inferring norms trust through two-tier assessment; credible agent evaluation and norms trust assessment. Norms trust assessment is based on filter factors of norm adoption ratio, norm adoption risk, and norms salience. The framework assesses norms trust value for each detected norm. This value is then used by the agent to decide either to only emulate or fully internalize the detected norms.
MOTHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF PARENTING A CHILD WITH DYSLEXIA AT A DYSLEXIA CENTRE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Alias Noor Amiera , Dahlan Akehsan , Sultan Ibrahim Syamsul Anwar
Published: January 2016

The number of children with dyslexia is estimated to be continuously increased in Malaysia. Dyslexia affects the academic learning capacity of children, thus affecting the academic achievement as well. Issues related to dyslexia have led to a more complex role and experience of mothers in taking care of their children with dyslexia as compared to mothers with normal children. This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the experiences of the mothers involved which included the challenges faced, and coping skills and their hopes in raising children with dyslexia. As a result, three themes have emerged: “life‘s bitterness“ that was related to the lack of time, living expenses, negative feelings, educational issues and distressful role as a mother; “Never mind, I take it that way…” that was related to the extra effort; and “I wish…” that was related to a need for improvement. In conclusion, mothers should be equipped with multi-disciplinary skills such as occupational therapy and psychology, besides other related skills as the key to help children with dyslexia. Health professionals also need to have a better understanding of raising children with dyslexia so that a more effective role in addressing this learning disability can be provided.
DISCRIMINATION OF DENGUE DISEASE FROM HEALTHY BASED ON THE CHEMOMETRY OF 1H NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Shahfizaa Nurul , Maulidiani Maulidiani , Osman Hasnah , Hock Tang T. , Shaari Khozirah , Ibrahim Baharudin , Abdel-Hamid Abdel-Hamid Z.
Published: January 2016

Dengue is the most important human viral disease transmitted by arthropod vectors and over half of the world's populations live in areas at risk of infection. The severity of the infection depends on the form of the disease, which can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Currently there is neither specific treatment nor vaccine to tackle this emerging disease. Metabolomics applied in this study, aimed to provide a global snapshot of all small-molecule metabolites in urine as biological sample of choice to more focused studies of metabolism to distinguish between healthy and dengue infected subjects. Fifty-two patients diagnosed with dengue fever at Penang General Hospital and fourty-three healthy individuals were recruited in this study. 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis (MVA) methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA) were employed for statistical data exploration. The model score plot results showed that all three MVAs showed very good spatial distributions with clear clusters/grouping between healthy individuals and dengue infected individuals. Also, statistically, the PLS-DA and OPLS-DA models had high reproducibility and predictivity values, > 0.5. In conclusion, this study established the potential of using a combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analyses in differentiating healthy and non-healthy individuals, based on obtained score plots reflecting the metabolites pertubation, where spectral features contributing most to variation or separation are identified for further analysis.
EFFECT OF CRUMB RUBBER ON CONCRETE STRENGTH AND CHLORIDE ION PENETRATION RESISTANCE
Authors: Md Noor Nurazuwa , Hamada H. , Sagawa Y. , Yamamoto D.
Published: January 2016

This paper present the effect of crumb rubber on its ability to produce concrete with structural strength when it was used directly from the plant without any treatment process. Crumb rubber was added as fine aggregates at 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of sand volume meanwhile silica fume was added at 10% by cement weight. Three main series of concrete namely rubberized concrete with water-to-cement ratio of 50% and 35% was design and development of compressive strength was observed from day 7 until 91 days. Also, effectiveness of crumb rubber under flexural strength and splitting tensile strength was studied at 28 days curing age. Effect of crumb rubber on durability performance was done on chloride ion penetration resistance performance by migration test and by immersion in salt water. Chloride ion diffusion in rubberized concrete by migration test was carried out under steady state condition using effective diffusion coefficient, De meanwhile, immersion test in salt water was conducted under non-steady state condition using apparent diffusion coefficient, Da. Results showed that compressive strength was decrease with the increasing of crumb rubber in the mixture.  Even though the strength were reducing with the inclusion of crumb rubber, the reduction were less than 50% and it achieved acceptable structural strength. Chloride transport characteristics were improved by increasing amount of CR and rubberized concrete with w/c = 0.35 gave better resistance against chloride ion compared to w/c = 0.50 with more than 50% difference. Silica fume provide slightly strength increment compared to normal rubberized concrete and the same behavior was observed during chloride ion diffusion test.
RECOVERY OF FERMENTABLE SUGARS FROM PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT VIA ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS
Authors: Silvamany Hemavathi , Harun Shuhaida , Mumtaz Tabassum , Md Jahim Jamaliah
Published: January 2016

In order to enhance the recovery of fermentable sugars from palm oil mill effluent (POME), experiments were carried out to analyze the effect of different combinations of enzymes and enzymatic hydrolysis retention time on the structural carbohydrate composition of POME originated from centrifugal waste and sterilizer condensate in the mill. The optimum combination of enzymes comprising of Celluclast 1.5 L (X1), Novozyme 188 (X2) and Viscozyme-L (X3) and optimum incubation time for enzymatic hydrolysis were determined based on one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT). For hydrolysis of centrifugal waste, maximum yield of 34.3 g/L monomeric sugar concentration was achieved with ratio of enzymes at 0.33: 0.33: 0.33 (X1:X2:X3), at enzyme loading of 3%, pH 4.8, and 48 hours of incubation at 50 ºC. For sterilizer condensate, maximum yield of 6.5 g/L monomeric sugar concentration was achieved with ratio of enzymes at 0.42: 0.33: 0.25 (X1:X2:X3) under similar processing condition.
SECURITY REQUIREMENTS VALIDATION FOR MOBILE APPS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Yusop Noorrezam , Kamalrudin Massila , Sidek Safiah
Published: January 2016

Security requirements are important to increase the confidence of mobile users to perform many online transactions, such as banking, booking and payment via mobile devices.  Objective: This study aims to identify the attributes of security requirements for mobile applications (mobile apps) and the existing tools, techniques and approaches used in security requirements. The gaps and limitations for each approach are also discussed. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify and analyse related literatures on validation of security requirements for mobile apps. We identified 68 studies that provide relevant information on security requirements for mobile apps. Result:  There were two main findings: (1) the attributes of security requirements that are relevant for mobile apps are authentication, confidentiality, authorization, access control   and integrity; (2) Mobile security testing methods for validating security requirements of mobile apps were also identified. Finally, the gaps and limitation of each approach requirements in relation to mobile apps were also discussed. Conclusions: The main challenge of security requirements is to identify the most appropriate security attributes and security testing technique to validate security requirements for mobile apps. As such, requirements engineers should consider the challenges posed by security requirements such as testing when validating and developing security requirements for mobile apps testing technique. Further, correct security requirements for security attributes of security requirements need to be considered at the early stage of development of the mobile apps development.
SURVIVAL OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN DREDGED MARINE SOILS
Authors: Mira Anuar Nurasiah , Chan Chee-Ming
Published: January 2016

Dredging work involves a range of marine soils, varying from coarse to fine, clean to contaminated. The work includes excavation and disposal phase, may affect the marine environment through releasing of the possible contaminants. The biological hazards in marine soils were observed to identify the present of pathogenic bacteria which may have adverse effects on human health and ecosystem. Numbers of pathogen, including the indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli have been used to assess the level of contamination in marine environment. The effect of natural factors including salinity, pH, soils particle sizes and solar exposure were investigated. The main goal is to understand bacteria survival ability, as an approach to deal with the hazards.
INTEGRATION OF VALUE ENGINEERING AND TRIZ-THEORY OF INVENTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING: A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK IN MALAYSIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Authors: Zamrah Zarak Shaifuddin , Sharif Safian
Published: January 2016

The paper aims to suggest a theoretical framework that demonstrates the integration of Value Engineering (VE) procedure with Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) tools, systematically tailored for Malaysian automotive environment. Previous works on VE-TRIZ integration are base on the SAVE® guidelines named Value Standard flow that suggested various TRIZ integration or entry points throughout this flow. However, in this work, the integration will take effect into the Creative Phase of the Value Standard flow. TRIZ is still new in Malaysian industrial perspective while as VE has become an accepted procedure in cost reduction activity in various industries especially in construction sectors. Referring to automotive industry,  VE implementation is seen ineffective since the overall and complete VE concepts and procedures are not thoroughly well-understood and applied. To balance the above-mentioned issues and to catalyst the effectiveness and successful of VE-TRIZ implementation specifically in the context of automotive industry, the proposed theoretical framework is seen inevitably beneficial.
DIGITAL IMAGE OF WATERMARKING: A SURVEY
Authors: Aghababaeyan Reza , Seyed Asrari Seyed Fariborz
Published: January 2016

This paper reviews the research status of digital image watermarking in the past decade. Considering there are too many publications about the digital image watermarking, we summarize main approaches and point out interesting parts of the researches. Multimedia watermarking technology offers advanced right away throughout the last several years. An electronic watermark is actually facts that are certainly imperceptibly and robustly inserted in the number data in ways that the idea is not taken off. Some sort of watermark commonly consists of information about the foundation, status, or perhaps receiver on the number data. In this review paper, certain requirements and apps intended for watermarking are usually reviewed. Purposes consist of copyright defense, data monitoring, and data pursuing. The fundamental concepts involving watermarking techniques are usually given and highlighted along with offered watermarking options for pictures, movie, audio tracks, text message files, along with advertising. Robustness and safety measures elements are usually mentioned in greater detail. Finally, several remarks are created around the cutting edge and possible potential trends inside watermarking technology.
PHYSICAL OPTIMIZATION OF THERMOSTABLE ALKALINE PROTEASE BY E. COLI BL21 (DE3) PLYSS HARBORING 50A PROTEASE GENE USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: Bohari Nor Hidayah , Ibrahim Noor Azlina
Published: January 2016

Physical optimization is important for enzyme production by fermentation process. In general, fermentation process at optimal condition increases the expression and production level of enzyme to many times in comparison with their natural production. This study was focused on the optimization of the physical factors that influenced the thermostable alkaline protease production. The induction and incubation time were studied using conventional method while the other three factors which are incubation temperature, initial pH of medium and agitation speed were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The interaction effects among these factors were explained using response plot and the model adequacy was satisfactory as the coefficient of determination (R2) was 96.48%. The enhancement of thermostable protease from 197.83 U/ml to 325.89 U/ml was achieved using both conventional and statistical approach of response surface methodology (RSM). This present study proved that physical optimization significantly affects the protease production and the optimum physical condition obtained may applied in large scale process.
EXTRACTION TRANSFORMATION LOAD (ETL) SOLUTION FOR DATA INTEGRATION: A CASE STUDY OF RUBBER IMPORT AND EXPORT INFORMATION
Authors: Jamaluddin Mimi Safinaz , Mohd Azmi Nurulhuda Firdaus
Published: January 2016

Data integration is important in consolidating all the data in the organization or outside the organization to provide a unified view of the organization's information. Extraction Transformation Load (ETL) solution is the back-end process of data integration which involves collecting data from various data sources, preparing and transforming the data according to business requirements and loading them into a Data Warehouse (DW). This paper explains the integration of the rubber import and export data between Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs) using the ETL solution. Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Microsoft SQL Server Agent Jobs have been used as the ETL tool and ETL scheduling.
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL/SILICA/CLAY COMPOSITES: EFFECT OF CLAY ON SURFACE MORPHOLOGY AND THERMO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Chang Hui Lai Josephine , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Hamdan Sinin
Published: January 2016

A simplified route towards the synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol/silica/clay (PVA-SiO2-clay) composites was presented. PVA-SiO2-clay composites were prepared via solution intercalation method. All the composites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), adsorption isotherm (BET), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), tensile test and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). FTIR spectrum indicated that PVA-SiO2-clay composites especially clay (1.28E) loaded composites had much less transmittance percentage compared to pure PVA and others clay composites. The SEM revealed that the interfacial bonding between PVA-SiO2 and clay (1.28E) was much better than others clay loaded composites which was reflected in adsorption isotherm. The BET result also showed high specific surface area with low diameter of pore size of the composites. The thermal stability of PVA-SiO2-clay (1.28E) composites was the highest and it had higher activation energy due to the strong bonding between the trimethyl stearyl ammonium with both PVA-SiO2. The XRF result showed that clay (1.28E) loaded composites contained significant high percentage of Si which confirmed the presence of Si-O-Si stretching vibration while the high percentage of K proved the clay mineral content in the composite. Clay (1.28E) enhanced the tensile strength and modulus of PVA-SiO2-clay composites among all the composites.
IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) PROCESS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Makmor Maisarah , Ismail Zulhabri
Published: January 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a planning tool to identify, predict and evaluate potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures in the early stages of proposed projects. Although EIA has been implemented in Malaysia for over 25 years, the EIA practices have yet to achieve the parameters of effective environmental management and sustainable development. Hence, this research aims to improve the EIA process in Malaysia. Three objectives were utilised in this research which are to recognise the fundamentals of EIA process and procedures applied in Malaysia, to analyse the issues in relation to the EIA preparation and submission conducted in Malaysia and to propose a set of recommendations to further improve the current EIA process in Malaysia. Mixed methods approach was embarked composed of qualitative instruments via document review and semi-structured interviews and quantitative instrument utilising questionnaire survey. Key issues on the EIA process in Malaysia were gathered from qualitative data collected. Analysis of data collected resulted to recommendations on the key issues regarding EIA. 25 proposed recommendations to improve the EIA process were contextualised and validated via questionnaire survey. Ergo, this research established an improved EIA process in Malaysia towards sustainable development to ameliorate the EIA practices in Malaysia.
DESIGN CONCEPT OF MOBILE STATIC DISCHARGER FOR HUMAN BODY ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE USING VAN DE GRAAFF’S GENERATORtic Discharge Using Van de Graaff’s Generator
Authors: Lim Soo King , Low Chong Yu , Lai Koon Chun
Published: January 2016

The damage of electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a well-known problem in the semiconductor industry. When human body (operator) is in contact with electrostatic sensitive semiconductor device during manufacturing process, damage to the oxide and other active parts of the device is caused by transferring of charge between device and human body. Semiconductor industry adopts preventive and protective approaches by grounding the human body with a wrist strap connecting to utility ground to neutralize the charge and setting up ESD preventive and protective workstation. Wearing a wrist strap is impractical for the operator and it causes psychological effect as the operator would not like to be strapped. A literature search and visit of many large semiconductor manufacturing facilities have revealed that there is no alternative mean used to neutralize charge from human body besides wearing a wrist strap. This paper presents a conceptual design of a mobile static discharger for human body electrostatic discharge using Van de Graaff’s generator to generate equal amount of positive and negative charge cloud to neutral the charge of the operator. The conceptual design is a fool-proof design and it is viable to be implemented. It is also a design that will revolutionize the technique of electrostatic discharge for human body in the semiconductor industry.
EXPLORING THE ANTECEDENTS OF SOCIAL NETWORK USAGE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE–A COMBINED GP-TOPSIS APPROACH
Authors: Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Gao Xiao Zhi , Abraham Ajith
Published: January 2016

The present study is focused with two objectives: (1) to explore the influence of big-five personality factors (extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) towards social network site (SNS) usage among Asian university students, and (2) to analyze the mediating roles of personality, cultural and technology factors,  in the relationship between SNS usage on academic performance. Moreover, assessment framework for the integration of personality, cultural and technology factors for the effectiveness of SNS usage on academic performance has not been adequately presented in the available literature. For measuring the effects of SNS usage on academic performance, we have integrated Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making (FMCDM) Approaches: (a) Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and (b) Goal Programming (GP) approach. Further, the hybridization of fuzzy TOPSIS and GP has addressed only in very few studies. Based on this context we have integrated fuzzy TOPSIS and GP approach for evaluating SNS usage on academic performance from the perspective of university students in India. The hybrid GP-TOPSIS methodology has been employed in a real case study among VIT university students in India. A numerical illustration for SNS usage on academic performance is also given to demonstrate the application of hybrid MCDM approach.
FLOW IN STRAIGHT THROUGH LABYRINTH SEAL: A COMPARISON OF FLUID STRUCTURE INTERACTION EFFECTS
Authors: Das Saurav , Thiam Toh Hoong , Hj. Abu Aminuddin , Das Saikat , Mondal Kuheli , Sarkar Abhijnan
Published: January 2016

A numerical study has been conducted to study the fluid structural interaction in a straight through labyrinth seal (half-model). The structural effect is identified and the fluid force is correlated with it which gives an estimate of the deformation that takes place in the seal. The distribution of the radial deformation along the seal axis for the rotational speed ranging from 6000 rpm to 15000 rpm is reported in this paper. The radial deformation which decreases the clearance between the rotating and stationary parts of sealing surface is an indication that centrifugal growth occurs. This finding is in agreement with other numerical and experimental work reported in the literature.
Hypoxia attenuates cardiopulmonary reflex control of sympathetic nerve activity during mild dynamic leg exercise
Authors: Katayama Keisho , Ishida Koji , Saito Mitsuru , Koike Teruhiko , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: January 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The cardiopulmonary baroreflex inhibits adjustment of sympathetic vasomotor outflow during mild‐intensity dynamic exercise. However, it is unclear how suppression of sympathetic vasomotor outflow by the cardiopulmonary baroreflex is modulated by a powerful sympatho‐excitatory drive from the exercise pressor reflex, central command and/or the arterial chemoreflex.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Hypoxia‐induced heightened sympathetic nerve activity during dynamic exercise attenuated cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of sympathetic vasomotor outflow. This could facilitate the redistribution of blood flow to the active muscles by sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction of inactive muscles.

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) does not increase during mild‐intensity dynamic leg exercise in normoxic conditions, despite activation of central command and the exercise pressor reflex. Suppression of MSNA could be caused by muscle pump‐induced loading of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. In contrast, MSNA increases during mild dynamic leg exercise in hypoxic conditions. We hypothesized that hypoxic exercise, which induces a powerful sympatho‐excitatory drive from the exercise pressor reflex, central command and/or arterial chemoreflex, attenuates cardiopulmonary reflex control of sympathetic vasomotor outflow. To test this hypothesis, MSNA was recorded during leg cycling in hypoxic conditions and with increased central blood volume by increasing the pedalling frequency to change the cardiopulmonary baroreflex. Subjects performed two leg cycle exercises at different pedal cadences of 60 and 80 r.p.m. (60EX and 80EX trials, respectively) in two (haemodynamic and MSNA) measurement conditions while breathing a hypoxic gas mixture (inspired oxygen fraction = 0.12). Thoracic impedance, stroke volume and cardiac output were measured non‐invasively using impedance cardiography. During the MSNA test, MSNA was recorded via microneurography at the right median nerve at the elbow. Changes in thoracic impedance, stroke volume and cardiac output during the 80EX trial were greater than those during the 60EX trial. The MSNA burst frequency during hypoxic exercise in the 80EX trial (39 ± 4 bursts min−1) did not differ from that during the 60EX trial (39 ± 3 bursts min−1). These results suggest that the cardiopulmonary baroreflex of sympathetic vasomotor outflow during dynamic exercise is modulated by heightened hypoxia‐induced sympathetic nerve activity.
Pre‐emptive analgesia and its supraspinal mechanisms: enhanced descending inhibition and decreased descending facilitation by dexmedetomidine
Authors: You Hao‐Jun , Lei Jing , Xiao Ying , Ye Gang , Sun Zhi‐Hong , Yang Lan , Niu Nan
Published: January 2016

Key points

Despite the clinical importance of pre‐emptive analgesia, the mechanisms by which it attenuates pain associated with central sensitization are poorly understood.

We find that fentanyl and the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine (Dex) differ significantly in their modulatory actions on noxious mechanical and noxious heat‐evoked nociception in vivo.

Unlike fentanyl, Dex modified descending control of nociception by decreasing the threshold for descending inhibition and/or increasing the threshold for descending facilitation.

Dex exhibited after‐actions on activities of thalamus in prolongation of noxious heat‐evoked paw withdrawal latency that persisted for at least 7 days.

This study provides insight into the organization of thalamic modulation in pre‐emptive analgesia.

We investigated and compared the antinociceptive effects of intraperitoneal administration of fentanyl (2–60 μg kg−1) and dexmedetomidine (Dex, 1–10 μg kg−1; a highly selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist) in the regulation of nociception assessed by measuring noxious paw withdrawal reflexes in rats. Fentanyl elevated noxious mechanical paw withdrawal threshold and prolonged paw withdrawal heat latency within 1–1.5 h (P < 0.05). Dex failed to affect the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold, yet significantly prolonged the paw withdrawal heat latency in a bi‐phasic manner; a short transient 1–1.5 h period followed by a second, slowly developing increase in latency that persisted for at least 7 days (P < 0.05). Lesion of the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) did not influence fentanyl‐induced antinociceptive effects, indicating peripheral and spinal antinociceptive mechanisms. By contrast, the Dex‐induced second, but not the first, phase of the prolonged paw withdrawal heat latency was significantly blocked by the lesion of either DLF or thalamic ventromedial (VM) nuclei, and was attenuated by intracerebral administration of either atipamezole (α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist) or WAY‐100635 (5‐HT1A receptor antagonist) into the VM nuclei (P < 0.05). Upon intramuscular 5.8% saline‐induced muscle nociception, pre‐emptive injection of fentanyl enhanced mechanical hyperalgesia and blocked heat hypoalgesia, whereas Dex significantly prevented the occurrence of mechanical hyperalgesia and enhanced heat hypoalgesia. It is suggested that Dex, but not fentanyl, significantly enhances descending inhibition and/or decreases descending facilitation to modulate pain and nociception. The present study provides novel insight into thalamus‐mediated mechanisms in pre‐emptive analgesia.
Characterizing large river sounds: Providing context for understanding the environmental effects of noise produced by hydrokinetic turbines
Authors: Bevelhimer Mark S. , Deng Z. Daniel , Scherelis Constantin
Published: January 2016

Underwater noise associated with the installation and operation of hydrokinetic turbines in rivers and tidal zones presents a potential environmental concern for fish and marine mammals. Comparing the spectral quality of sounds emitted by hydrokinetic turbines to natural and other anthropogenic sound sources is an initial step at understanding potential environmental impacts. Underwater recordings were obtained from passing vessels and natural underwater sound sources in static and flowing waters. Static water measurements were taken in a lake with minimal background noise. Flowing water measurements were taken at a previously proposed deployment site for hydrokinetic turbines on the Mississippi River, where sounds created by flowing water are part of all measurements, both natural ambient and anthropogenic sources. Vessel sizes ranged from a small fishing boat with 60 hp outboard motor to an 18-unit barge train being pushed upstream by tugboat. As expected, large vessels with large engines created the highest sound levels, which were, on average, 40 dB greater than the sound created by an operating hydrokinetic turbine. A comparison of sound levels from the same sources at different distances using both spherical and cylindrical sound attenuation functions suggests that spherical model results more closely approximate observed sound attenuation.