bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-6 Gene Polymorphisms, Dietary Fat Intake, Obesity and Serum Lipid Concentrations in Black and White South African Women
Authors: Joffe Yael , Van der Merwe Lize , Evans Juliet , Collins Malcolm , Lambert Estelle , September Alison , Goedecke Julia
Published: June 2014

This study investigated interactions between dietary fat intake and IL-6 polymorphisms on obesity and serum lipids in black and white South African (SA) women. Normal-weight and obese, black and white women underwent measurements of body composition, serum lipids and dietary fat intake, and were genotyped for the IL-6 −174 G>C, IVS3 +281 G>T and IVS4 +869 A>G polymorphisms. In black women the IVS4 +869 G allele was associated with greater adiposity, and with increasing dietary fat intake adiposity increased in the IVS3 +281 GT+GG and IVS4 +869 AA or AG genotypes. In white women, with increasing omega-3 (n-3) intake and decreasing n-6:n-3 ratio, body mass index (BMI) decreased in those with the −174 C allele, IVS3 +281 T allele and IVS4 +869 AG genotype. In the white women, those with the IVS3 +281 T allele had lower triglycerides. Further, with increasing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA); triglyceride and total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (T-C:HDL-C) ratio decreased in those with the −174 C allele. In black women, with increasing total fat intake, triglycerides and T-C:HDL-C ratio increased in those with the IVS4 +869 G allele. This study is the first to show that dietary fat intake modulates the relationship between the IL-6 −174 G>C, IVS3 +281 G>T and IVS4 +869 A>G polymorphisms on obesity and serum lipids in black and white SA women.
Bacteria Inside Semiconductors as Potential Sensor Elements: Biochip Progress
Authors: Sah Vasu , Baier Robert
Published: June 2014

It was discovered at the beginning of this Century that living bacteria—and specifically the extremophile Pseudomonas syzgii—could be captured inside growing crystals of pure water-corroding semiconductors—specifically germanium—and thereby initiated pursuit of truly functional “biochip-based” biosensors. This observation was first made at the inside ultraviolet-illuminated walls of ultrapure water-flowing semiconductor fabrication facilities (fabs) and has since been, not as perfectly, replicated in simpler flow cell systems for chip manufacture, described here. Recognizing the potential importance of these adducts as optical switches, for example, or probes of metabolic events, the influences of the fabs and their components on the crystal nucleation and growth phenomena now identified are reviewed and discussed with regard to further research needs. For example, optical beams of current photonic circuits can be more easily modulated by integral embedded cells into electrical signals on semiconductors. Such research responds to a recently published Grand Challenge in ceramic science, designing and synthesizing oxide electronics, surfaces, interfaces and nanoscale structures that can be tuned by biological stimuli, to reveal phenomena not otherwise possible with conventional semiconductor electronics. This short review addresses only the fabrication facilities’ features at the time of first production of these potential biochips.
Robust Pedestrian Tracking and Recognition from FLIR Video: A Unified Approach via Sparse Coding
Authors: Li Xin , Guo Rui , Chen Chao
Published: June 2014

Sparse coding is an emerging method that has been successfully applied to both robust object tracking and recognition in the vision literature. In this paper, we propose to explore a sparse coding-based approach toward joint object tracking-and-recognition and explore its potential in the analysis of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) video to support nighttime machine vision systems. A key technical contribution of this work is to unify existing sparse coding-based approaches toward tracking and recognition under the same framework, so that they can benefit from each other in a closed-loop. On the one hand, tracking the same object through temporal frames allows us to achieve improved recognition performance through dynamical updating of template/dictionary and combining multiple recognition results; on the other hand, the recognition of individual objects facilitates the tracking of multiple objects (i.e., walking pedestrians), especially in the presence of occlusion within a crowded environment. We report experimental results on both the CASIAPedestrian Database and our own collected FLIR video database to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint tracking-and-recognition approach.
Implementation of Ultrasonic Sensing for High Resolution Measurement of Binary Gas Mixture Fractions
Authors: Bates Richard , Battistin Michele , Berry Stephane , Bitadze Alexander , Bonneau Pierre , Bousson Nicolas , Boyd George , Bozza Gennaro , Crespo-Lopez Olivier , Riva Enrico , Degeorge Cyril , Deterre Cecile , DiGirolamo Beniamino , Doubek Martin , Favre Gilles , Godlewski Jan , Hallewell Gregory , Hasib Ahmed , Katunin Sergey , Langevin Nicolas , Lombard Didier , Mathieu Michel , McMahon Stephen , Nagai Koichi , Pearson Benjamin , Robinson David , Rossi Cecilia , Rozanov Alexandre , Strauss Michael , Vitek Michal , Vacek Vaclav , Zwalinski Lukasz
Published: June 2014

We describe an ultrasonic instrument for continuous real-time analysis of the fractional mixture of a binary gas system. The instrument is particularly well suited to measurement of leaks of a high molecular weight gas into a system that is nominally composed of a single gas. Sensitivity < 5 × 10−5 is demonstrated to leaks of octaflouropropane (C3F8) coolant into nitrogen during a long duration (18 month) continuous study. The sensitivity of the described measurement system is shown to depend on the difference in molecular masses of the two gases in the mixture. The impact of temperature and pressure variances on the accuracy of the measurement is analysed. Practical considerations for the implementation and deployment of long term, in situ ultrasonic leak detection systems are also described. Although development of the described systems was motivated by the requirements of an evaporative fluorocarbon cooling system, the instrument is applicable to the detection of leaks of many other gases and to processes requiring continuous knowledge of particular binary gas mixture fractions.
Carbohydrate PEGylation, an approach to improve pharmacological potency
Authors: Giorgi M Eugenia , Agusti Rosalía , de Lederkremer Rosa M
Published: June 2014

Conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG), known as PEGylation, has been widely used to improve the bioavailability of proteins and low molecular weight drugs. The covalent conjugation of PEG to the carbohydrate moiety of a protein has been mainly used to enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of the attached protein while yielding a more defined product. Thus, glycoPEGylation was successfully applied to the introduction of a PEGylated sialic acid to a preexisting or enzymatically linked glycan in a protein. Carbohydrates are now recognized as playing an important role in host–pathogen interactions in protozoal, bacterial and viral infections and are consequently candidates for chemotherapy. The short in vivo half-life of low molecular weight glycans hampered their use but methods for the covalent attachment of PEG have been less exploited. In this review, information on the preparation and application of PEG-carbohydrates, in particular multiarm PEGylation, is presented.
Bioequivalence of a Darunavir/Cobicistat Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet versus Single Agents and Food Effect in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Kakuda Thomas N , Van De Casteele Tom , Petrovic Romana , Neujens Mark , Salih Hiba , Opsomer Magda , Hoetelmans Richard MW
Published: June 2014

Background

Darunavir requires pharmacokinetic enhancement to increase its bioavailability. Cobicistat is potentially an alternative pharmacokinetic booster to ritonavir. Bioequivalence of a darunavir/cobicistat fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus darunavir and cobicistat co-administered as single agents and the effect of a high-fat meal on the pharmacokinetics of the FDC were evaluated.

Methods

In this Phase I, open-label, randomized, three-panel, crossover study (NCT01619527), healthy volunteers received a single dose of darunavir (800 mg) with cobicistat (150 mg) as either an FDC or as single agents co-administered under fasted (panel 1, n=74) or fed (breakfast, panel 2, n=40) conditions, or as the FDC under fasted versus fed (high-fat breakfast) conditions (panel 3, n=19), with a ≥7 day washout period between treatments. Pharmacokinetic profiles, safety and tolerability were assessed.

Results

90% confidence intervals of the least square mean ratios for darunavir and cobicistat maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) were all within 80.00% and 125.00% in panels 1 and 2. Administration of the FDC with a high-fat breakfast significantly increased darunavir maximum plasma concentration 2.27-fold and AUC 1.63–1.70-fold, whereas cobicistat pharmacokinetics were unaffected. No volunteers discontinued due to adverse events (AEs). All AEs were grade 1 or 2. Overall, 27 (20%) and 26 (20%) volunteers had ≥1 AE at least possibly related to darunavir and cobicistat, respectively.

Conclusions

Bioequivalence of the darunavir/cobicistat 800/150-mg FDC was demonstrated versus darunavir and cobicistat co-administered as single agents under fasted or fed conditions. Food increased darunavir exposure, therefore, darunavir/cobicistat should be administered with food.
Progression to Advanced Liver Fibrosis in HIV–HCV-Coinfected Patients and Prioritization of New Hepatitis C Therapies
Authors: Labarga Pablo , Fernández-Montero Jose V , López Mariola , Barreiro Pablo , de Mendoza Carmen , Sierra-Enguita Rocío , Treviño Ana , Soriano Vincent
Published: June 2014

Background

Because of their high cost, the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is being restricted by many governments to chronic HCV-infected individuals with advanced liver fibrosis. However, response rates are lower and toxicities more frequent in this subset of patients.

Methods

All HIV–HCV-coinfected patients followed for at least 3 years at one reference clinic were identified. Liver fibrosis progression (LFP) was defined as a shift from Metavir F0–F2 to F3–F4 estimates (>9.5 KPa) using elastometry.

Results

A total of 527 HIV–HCV-coinfected patients were identified, of whom 344 had F0–F2 at baseline. Pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy was given to 205 patients with null/mild fibrosis, of whom 92 (44.9%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR). After a mean follow-up of 53 months, LFP occurred in 5.4% SVR, 25.7% non-SVR and 18% untreated patients ( P=0.005). In multivariate analysis, only achievement of SVR prevented LFP (adjusted hazard ratio 2.1; 95% CI 1.1, 4.1; P=0.01). In 139 untreated patients, only greater baseline elastometry values predicted LFP in multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.84; 95% CI 1.03, 3.3; P=0.03). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 79%. A discriminant threshold of 7.1 kPa gave 68% sensitivity and 82% specificity.

Conclusions

In the absence of successful treatment, more than 20% of HIV–HCV-coinfected patients with null/mild liver fibrosis progress to advanced fibrosis within 5 years. Patients with >7.1 kPa (Metavir F2) display the highest risk. Therefore, all coinfected patients with any significant liver fibrosis should be considered as candidates for new DAA-based therapies.
Switching Safely: Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy and Safety of Switching Efavirenz to Maraviroc Twice Daily in Patients on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Waters Laura , Jackson Akil , Else Laura , Rockwood Neesha , Newell Sally , Back David , Nelson Mark , Gazzard Brian , Boffito Marta
Published: June 2014

Background

CYP3A4 induction by efavirenz (EFV) persists after drug cessation; we assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy and safety of maraviroc (MVC) administered to HIV-infected individuals switching from EFV-containing therapy.

Methods

Patients with R5-tropic virus and suppressed viral load on two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus EFV switched EFV to MVC 600 mg twice daily for 14 days, and then to MVC 300 mg twice daily. Following screening, three intensive PK visits were performed (sampling was pre-dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h post-dose): day 1 (VISIT 1, MVC 600 mg twice daily), day 14 (VISIT 2, steady-state MVC 600 mg twice daily) and day 28 post regimen switch (VISIT 3, steady-state MVC 300 mg twice daily); MVC trough concentration (Ctrough) was determined 3, 6 and 10 days following regimen switch and viral loads up to week 24. MVC PK parameters on visits 1 and 2 and MVC Ctrough on day 6 were compared to visit 3 (reference) via geometric mean ratios (GMR) and 95% CIs.

Results

Twelve males completed the study. MVC PK parameters at visit 1 versus visit 3 were: GMR and 95% CI 12-h area under the curve (AUC0–12) 1.25 (1.00, 1.58); Cmax 1.64 (1.16, 2.31); Ctrough 0.61 (0.46, 0.80). Visit 2 MVC PK parameters were significantly higher than visit 3: GMR and 95% CI AUC0–12 2.31 (1.84, 2.90); Cmax 2.42 (1.87, 3.12); Ctrough 2.25 (1.74, 2.91). MVC was well tolerated with no grade 3/4 adverse events; all subjects maintained viral suppression to the end of the study.

Conclusions

The EFV induction effect necessitated increased MVC dose to 600 mg twice daily following switch and persisted for approximately one week after EFV cessation. This is less than the 2-week induction observed when switching EFV to etravirine and highlights the importance of studying different tail interactions. Higher dose MVC was well tolerated. All measured MVC Ctrough concentrations exceeded wild-type 90% inhibitory concentration.
L'Église dans le monde de ce temps
Authors: Mathon Gérard
Published: June 2014

Résumé De Gaudium et Spes (1965), on n’a pris en compte que la première partie : l’Église et la vocation humaine, qui traite de l’éthique fondamentale. Malgré les deux mille trois cents votes favorables, cette réception devait se révéler difficile. Au départ, une morale fondée sur la Loi naturelle et ses répercussions dans les normes du Décalogue ; au terme, une présentation ascendante qui puisse éclairer l’homme et la communauté humaine à partir de sa conformation au Christ, Verbe incarné. De quelle normes allait-on disposer ? Puis ce fut la publication de l’encyclique Humanae Vitae, plus tard les théologies de la libération, le retour aux normes avec la troisième partie du Catéchisme et enfin les condamnations de l’encyclique Veritatis Splendor . On s’achemine, semble-t-il aujourd’hui, vers une ouverture réciproque de la foi et de la raison.
La traduction salvatrice ?
Authors: Jobin Guy
Published: June 2014

Résumé À l’heure où le pluralisme idéologique et culturel sert souvent de prétexte de la part de groupes religieux pour mettre en pratique des stratégies de repliement identitaire – lesquelles peuvent (paradoxalement) se manifester publiquement ! –, la préoccupation de Habermas d’une traduction du potentiel sémantique religieux peut être entendue comme une occasion d’entrer dans un processus de dialogue et de discussion publique. L’hypothèse qui a mené ce travail est que l’explicitation des ressources théoriques sous-jacentes à la proposition habermassienne de traduction peut donner à penser sur les quelques conditions de participation des croyants et de leurs communautés à ce travail public. Par ce travail, nous avons cherché à rendre compte d’une avenue possible d’insertion des groupes religieux dans l’espace public différencié des sociétés complexes.
Framework for Information Sharing with Privacy and Priority Control in Long-Term Care in Japan
Authors: Miyagawa Shoko , Yamasaki Shigeichiro , Uchiyama Eiko , Amoroso Donald L.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the authors present a framework for information sharing with privacy and priority control in long-term care designed to promote appropriate information sharing among the people who are involved in long-term care for provision of better care service. The authors' framework includes four agents (user agent, local information system access agent, authentication/access control agent and priority control agent) and two databases (user database and care record index database). The LIS (local information system) access agent creates and updates the care record index database, which act as an index when user agents try to access to care recipient's record, based on the Open Authentication protocol. It also acts as a query interface from each user agent. The authentication/access control agent allows sensitive information to be shared in accordance with the policy defined by care recipient. The priority control agent judges the urgency of the information for either periodic or immediate notification. The authors also propose an implementation of this framework using the Resource Description Framework Site Summary, and demonstrate how our framework works with the scenario of care recipient's unexpected injury. In summary, this framework is designed to help people who require long-term care and provides an effective system for each staff that is in charge of administering long-term care services. The authors' information sharing system incorporates a multi-agent architecture to facilitate information sharing and privacy/priority control. The authors believe that this research provides an important first step for researchers who intend to build a prototype to automate the processes of information sharing for long-term health care.
An EEG-Based BCI Platform to Improve Arm Reaching Ability of Chronic Stroke Patients by Means of an Operant Learning Training with a Contingent Force Feedback
Authors: Cisotto Giulia , Pupolin Silvano , Cavinato Marianna , Piccione Francesco
Published: June 2014

The Brain Computer Interface platform described in this paper was implemented to enhance neuroplasticity of a stroke-damaged brain in order to promote recovery of motor functions like reaching, fundamentally important in a healthy daily life. To this scope a closed-loop between the stroke patients' brain and a robotic arm is established by means of a real-time identification of the cerebral activity related to the movement and its transformation in a force feedback delivered by the robot. In particular, an operant-learning strategy is employed: while patients are performing the motor task they receive a feedback of their neural activity. If the latter agrees with the expected neurophysiological hypothesis, they are helped by the robotic arm in completing the task. The method trains patients to control the modulation of sensorimotor rhythms of their perilesional area and, at the same time, it should induce them to associate that modulation to the reaching movement. In this way, the modification of the neural activity becomes an alternative tool for controlling the impaired reaching ability bypassing the damaged brain area. Preliminary encouraging results were found in both the two first patients recruited in the program.
The Effect of Monetary Policy on the Nigerian Deposit Money Bank System
Authors: Omankhanlen Alex Ehimare
Published: June 2014

This study investigates the effect of monetary policy on the Nigerian Deposit Money Bank (DMB) System. The Nigerian banking system is currently under-going a series of reforms in order to enhance its competitiveness and efficiency. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method is used to examine the effect of monetary policy on the Nigerian Deposit Money Bank System, using such variables as total loans and advances (TLA) as dependent variable and liquidity ratio (LR),cash reserve ratio (CRR), monetary policy rate (MPR), and average exchange rate (AER) as independent variables. The result of the findings shows that monetary policy rate reveal the most significant effect on commercial banks loans and advances during the period under study. The study thus recommends, among others, that the regulatory authority Central Bank of Nigeria should create credit procedures, policies and analytical capabilities which should be entrenched in the credit management of DMB's operations.
Effect of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Treatment on FTIR Profile of Agarwood Waste from Hydrodistillation Process
Authors: Zainuddin Nurul Amira Shazwani , Ku Hamid Ku Halim , Musa Mohibah , Rodhi Miradatul Najwa Muhd
Published: June 2014

Theestablishment of Aquilariaspp in producingagarwoodisgaining more and more attentionlately, especially withgrowinginterest in agarwoodoilextraction. Thus, theoilextractionsomehow produces abundantwaste of processedagarwood.Theintent of thisresearchistoutilizewastefromagarwoodoilextractionprocess,wherethesilicacontentin thiswastewasdetermined.A preliminarystudywasconductedontheeffect of hydrochloricacidtreatments ofagarwoodwasteon FTIR profile. Aftersoakingovernightwithdifferentacidconcentration; 0.3M, 0.5M and 1M, allthesamplesweredried and analyzedbyusingfouriertransform infra red (FTIR). Theresult shows theexistence of silicagroup in thewaste at 1031 cm-1peak. Thehighestsilicaintensityfoundwas86%,obtainedfromthesample of agarwoodwastetreatedwith 0.3M HCl.However, theintensitydecreasedproportionaltoincreasingacidconcentrationduetothedecrement of thesilicaconcentrationdetectedbytheinstrument.
Comparative Inhibition Effect of Synthesized Fatty Amides Mixture, Pyridine and Pyrrole on Carbon Steel in Saline Environment
Authors: Ibrahim Izni Mariah , Jai Junaidah , Hashim Md Amin
Published: June 2014

The inhibition effect of synthesized fatty amides mixture, pyridine and pyrrole as corrosion inhibitors on carbon steels in saline water had been compared using Linear Polarization Resistance Method (LPRM). It is still unknown which of these organics performed best than another. The experimental results showed that the inhibition effect of the synthesized fatty amides mixture is found to be better than pyridine and pyrrole, indicating the presence of various chain lengths of fatty amides molecules. These molecules provide a better surface on carbon steels than pyrrole and pyridine.
Study on the Impact of Welding on the Corrosion Properties of AA 6061 T6
Authors: Mahdi Elsadig , Eltai E.
Published: June 2014

Aluminium alloy 6061 T6 circular specimens were joined using TIG welding method. AlMg5 was used as filler. The corrosion behavior of welded and un-welded AA 6061 T6 was investigated using potentiodynamic and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements. Specimens were immersed in 3.5 (wt %) NaCl solution. Different zones with different corrosion properties were created as a result of the welding process. Results reveals that sever pitting corrosion has taken place on the heat affected zone (HAZ); the corrosion current of HAZ was increased. The measured potential of HAZ was more negative and largely fluctuated comparing to base metal (BM).
Development of Maskless-Curing Slurry Stereolithography for Fabricating High Strength Ceramic Parts
Authors: Hsu Huang Jan , Lee Shyh Yuan , Jiang Cho-Pei
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study is to develop a novel maskless-curing slurry stereolithograhy and sintering process which can fabricate high strength ceramic parts. Three dimension printing of additive manufacturing method was used. High performance stereolithography slurry, which was composed of zirconia powder as structure material and methanol as a solvent and a dispersant, could be prepared with colloidal processing. During layer casting, the diaphanous slurry can penetrate into pores of the subjacent layers. After drying, the binder in the penetrated liquid could connect the fresh layer and subjacent layers. Eventually, a gel-like green block could be built layer by layer. In the exposed region, the resin contained in the green block was cured to connect the zirconia powders to be a part of the rigid green part. The obtained rigid green part was then heated up to 300°C for binder burnout, and then sintered at 1350°C to obtain a high dense zirconia ceramic part. The proposed method of maskless-curing slurry was briefly described and it was proved that the good capacity of solidifying thin layer.
Type of Failure of Zirconia-Based Ceramics in Dental Laboratory in Misurata, Libya
Authors: Aboras Mohamed M. , Muchtar A. , Azhari C.H. , Yahaya N.
Published: June 2014

Zirconia (ZrO2) is used to fix restorations as a core material because of its mechanical properties, aesthetics, and compatibility. This study aims to analyze the failure types in ZrO2-based restoration fabricated in a dental laboratory in Misurata, Libya. Data were collected from laboratory records for a 30-day period with follow-up for five months. About 6% of the total restorations had defects with different percentages, 46% of which were fractures, 29% of which had weak bonding between ZrO2frameworks and veneers, 18% of which had cracks, and 7% of which had shade defects. Although ZrO2is a suitable material for dental restorations, defects may occur and lead to the failure of dental restorations. A thorough study is necessary to analyze the cause of failurein zirconia-based restorationsand to improve the properties to produce a versatile dental restorative material.
Effects of Ca Addition on Chemical Composition, Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of BaTiO3
Authors: Jongprateep Oratai , Khongnakhon Tunchanoke , Jantaratana Pongsakorn , Rugthaicharoencheep Sansanee
Published: June 2014

Owing to its high dielectric constant, barium titanate is a material commonly employed in fabrication of high energy density capacitors. Dielectric properties required for practical applications can be attained in barium titanate with desired chemical composition and microstructure. This study, therefore, aims at examining effects of additive contents on formation of secondary phases, microstructure and dielectric properties of BaTiO3 and BaTiO3 with 20-40 at% Ca. Chemical composition analysis revealed that single-phase BaTiO3 powder could be attained by the solution combustion technique. However, the powder with high Ca content exhibited large quantities of secondary phases. Dielectric property measurements of the uniaxially pressed powders indicated that dielectric constants could be enhanced with low Ca content. On the contrary, dielectric constant significantly degraded with high Ca content. This was attributed to formation of large quantities of secondary phases, coarse grain size and low density. Values of dielectric loss of all materials were lower than 1%.
The Application of Anti-Corrosion Materials in the Oil and Gas Field Development
Authors: Zhou Mo , Peng Hui Ying , Du Qi Yuan
Published: June 2014

With the development of some severely corrosive oil and gas fields, the phenomenon of material corrosion is increasingly serious. Through a large number of literature investigation, comparing with the advantages and disadvantages of anti-corrosion materials in CO2, H2S and Cl- concomitant environment. In the development of oil and gas filed use some new anti-corrosion materias. CRAs under highly corrosive conditions remains the most effective and relatively economical choice in downhole and wellhead. At special pipe sections usually use super high-density polyethylene and nylon. Process piping usually use CRAs and CLASs. In water treatment systems use non-metallic pipes (HDPE, FRP). Oil and gas output pipelines and rubber seals use CLASs, try to slow down the corrosion.
Linear and Angular Displacement Relationship of Natural Rubber Engine Isolator
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Azman , Salim Mohd Azli , Putra Azma
Published: June 2014

Linear and angular displacement is an important criteria for incompressible materials. Natural rubber is a one of the incompressible material because it has a potential to make uniform displacement when apply the quantum of force. This paper represents the linear and angular displacement of natural rubber engine isolator, respectively. The identity formulation is developed and trivial solution is faced. To doing so, the identity formulation is derived and finally the equation of relationship between linear and angular displacement is derived. Finally, the result has shown the transformation of these two displacements with quantum of frequency.
Surface Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan Film Incorporated with Marine Macroalgae by Casting Method
Authors: Idrus Nor Faeqah , Manshor Norasmah Mohammed , Davis Basil Giri
Published: June 2014

Chitosan is capable to form films which may replace non-biodegradable food packaging plastics. Chitosan films need to be plasticized to enhance its properties. Chitosan films were incorporated with brown seaweed by casting chitosan solution and brown seaweed solution on Petri dishes and heated at 55 °C. The surface morphology characteristic and mechanical properties were investigated. Surface morphology analysis of seaweed incorporated into chitosan film has resulted in a rougher film surface. Flocculation of seaweed extract in the chitosan film indicates that the seaweed has low miscibility with chitosan. The tensile strenght of chitosan seaweed film was recorded at the value below 8MPa with 20% of elongation, E. In contrast, the tensile strenght and elongation of pure chitosan films are recorded at 55 MPa and 60% respectively. Thus, this research has suggested that the incorporation of seaweed into chitosan film has lowered the value of the film properties.
Comparative Study of Motorcycle Helmets Impact Performance
Authors: Azhar Hamzah , Ariffin Aqbal Hafeez , Syazwan Solah Mohd , Md Isa Mohd Hafzi , Ahmad Yahaya , Voon Wong Shaw
Published: June 2014

Two sets of new and in-service helmets were impact tested using a drop test machine, in accordance to established helmet test protocols. The first test for full helmets was executed in compliance with standard speed requirements of 5.9 m/s in which three of five new helmets performed poorly. The second set utilized lower impact speed of 4 m/s for individual helmet components test. New helmet liners absorbed 5 times more impact energy than the in-service liners while the new shell was 19.3% better in dispersing impact energy than the in-service shell. The undesirable changes in liner thickness have explicit effect on the liner density which is translated into reduction in energy absorbing potential. In brief, exposure to weathering stresses and use intensities has affected helmet impact performance, regardless of service duration.
Novel Design of Valve Stem to Eliminate Buckling
Authors: Sharma Divyanshu , Kumar Prahlad , Date Prashant P. , Apte Prakash R.
Published: June 2014

Acceptable variations in the length of the valve stem, in a conventionally manufactured valve, give room to the possibility of the stem to buckle and get jammed in the guide. Salvaging such a situation is expensive and time consuming. The present paper addresses this problem by increasing the compliance of the valve stem by introducing holes in it. The desired elastic deformation along the length, however, causes transverse deformation, which needs to be minimized. The use of multiple holes helps achieve this. Taguchi Method based Design of Experiments using L25 orthogonal array has been used for performing the parametric design to arrive at the best settings of the 5 parameters. The optimal settings eliminate the buckling and thus make the operation of the valve stem robust against manufacturing variabilities.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on Microstructures and Properties of Warmly Deformed SCRAM Steel
Authors: Mou Yang , Xue Li Hong , Zhou Qi Lai , Lu Cai Xuan , Suo Jin Ping , Guo Li Ping , Yan You Wei
Published: June 2014

Effect of annealing temperature on microstructures and properties of warmly deformed SCRAM (Super-clean Reduced Activation Martensitic) steel on Gleeble-3500 thermo-simulation machine was investigated. The results showed that an increase in the annealing temperature can result in increasing the martensitic lath width from 0.48 um to 0.65 um and decreasing the dislocation density from 6.4×1015m-2to 2.8×1015m-2in SCRAM steel. The specimen exhibited high reduction of area and total elongations when the annealing temperature is up to 600 oC. The tensile fracture surface observation indicated that dimples became more uniform and deeper and cleavage fracture traces disappeared with the annealing temperature increasing. The irradiation-induced helium bubbles and hardening were observed in all the specimens after helium implantation to 1e + 17/cm2at 450 oC. The helium bubbles became larger but less when the annealing temperature increased. The optimal annealing temperature is 450 oC in this experiment.
Static Analysis of Variable Cross-Section Beam Carrying a Moving Heavy Load
Authors: Liu Zhi Feng , Zhang Bo Hua
Published: June 2014

The problem of variable cross-section beam carrying a moving heavy load is investigated. UG software is used to build a three-dimensional model of the beam. The finite difference method and finite element method are used static analysis for the variable cross-section beam carrying a moving heavy load. The static deformation of the beam guide surface is obtained. Comparing the data of the two method, the feasibility of the method is verified. This paper give a guide surface load curve research method of variable cross-section beam carrying a moving heavy load.
Influence of Gas Condensability on Labyrinth Seal's Sealability
Authors: Jiang Jie , Yang Yi Yong , Li Yong Jian , Huang Wei Feng
Published: June 2014

Labyrinth seals are widely used in rotating fluid machinery, due to its simplicity, low-cost and reliability. In this paper, the effect of cavities on leakage loss in straight-through labyrinth seals are studied by changing gas condensability. The fluid flow characteristics through straight-through labyrinth seals are obtained by using viscous flow analysis along with a RNG k-ε turbulence model. The numerical calculation and various gas pressure is that leakage of compressible gas is greater than that of incompressible gas. The result is investigated by the heating effect of labyrinth seal and density characteristics of compressible gas.
Cascade Aerodynamic Loss Correlations Accounting for Turbine Disk Inclination
Authors: Yuan Zhen Wei , Zhang Jun , Zhu Dong Shuai
Published: June 2014

Turbine cascade aerodynamic losses are heavily related to incidence. Conventional researches have been focused on a single blade row upon the convention that the whole turbine cascade has a universal incidence for all blades on the cascade and accordingly the overall aerodynamic loss of the cascade is the same as a single blade row. However, there are exceptional situations in engineering practice that each blade of a turbine cascade has a different incidence. When a turbine disk is inclined to its design position due to manufacturing errors and/or operating malfunctions, the incidence for a blade on the cascade varies along the circumference of the turbine disk. For such case, the conventional research conclusions are no longer adequate. The present paper is motivated to extend the conventional researches to account for such case. Based on the-state-of-the-art works in this field, new sophisticated correlations for turbine cascade aerodynamic losses were developed to cope with the problems with turbine disk inclination. Numerical simulations were performed to examine the effects of turbine disk inclination on the aerodynamic losses. Beneficial conclusions and remarks are given in the end.
Mechanism of the Strip Surface Chatter Marks with 1220 Cold Rolling Mill
Authors: Xie Chang Gui , Zeng Hai
Published: June 2014

Aiming at a 1220 strip surface, where the Cold Rolling Mill had chatter marks, on which the reasons for the formation was tracked tested for in-depth study. Based on the vibration test, the analysis was given to the dynamic characteristics of the rack [1-3]. It was found that had reaction to the mill that caused the forced vibration mill to further accelerate the formation of chatter marks. In the analysis of the mechanism on the chatter marks, the relationship between chatter marks spacing and vibration source was considered in successfully finding out the cause of the 1220 mill chatter marks generated, and then the chatter marks suppression measures were proposed with satisfied effects.
On the Kinematic and Meshing Efficiency Analysis of Planetary Gear Reducer with Two Ring Gears
Authors: Hsieh Long Chang , Chen Teu Hsia , Tang Hsiu Chen
Published: June 2014

Planetary gear trains can be used as the gear reducers with high reduction ratio. This paper focused on the kinematic and meshing efficiency analysis of planetary simple gear reducer with two ring gears. First, the planetary simple gear train with two ring gears is proposed by using different shift coefficients. Then, by referring to the train value equation, the reduction-ratio equation is derived for the design the planetary gear reducer with two ring gears. According to reduction-ratio equation, the planetary gear reducers with two ring gears and having reduction ratios (20, 50, and 100) are synthesized. Then, based on the latent power theorem, the meshing efficiency equation of planetary gear train with two ring gears is derived. According to the meshing efficiency equation, the meshing efficiencies of planetary gear trains with two ring gears are analyzed. In this paper, we conclude: (1) Larger reduction ratio makes less meshing efficiency, and (2) The meshing efficiency of planetary gear reducer with two ring gears is not good.
Tensile, Hardness, and Torsion Behavior of Welded AA
Authors: Eltai E. , Mahdi Elsadig
Published: June 2014

Tensile, Torsion, and Hardness behavior of welded and un-welded Aluminium Alloy 6061 T6 were investigated. Tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of tungsten Gas Arc welding (TIG) on some of the mechanical properties of the alloy. Different zones with different mechanical properties were created as a result of the welding process. Welding was found to have enormous impact on the tensile, torsion, and hardness properties of the alloy. Welded tensile specimens were failed at the welded area whereas not welded ones were failed at the centre. Welded torsion specimens were failed at the HAZ but not welded ones failed at the centre. The hardness of HAZ was decreased as a result of the heat generated during the welding process. Hardness values were increased as we moved away from the welded region.
Characterization of Interfacial Stresses of a Coating/Substrate System due to Underneath Periodic Eigenstrains
Authors: Wang Hai Wen , Chen Xue Jun
Published: June 2014

The interfacial stresses of a segmented Cr coating by the hybrid technique of laser pre-quenching steel substrate plus post-deposition have been investigated. The discrete laser quenched zones (LQZs) were modeled as multiple inclusions, each of which is embedded with a prescribed uniform eigenstrain. Based on the failure criterion of the adhesion strength, the interfacial stresses are considered to be responsible for interfacial debonding. The interfacial stresses were evaluated by using the finite element (FE) method. Dimensional analysis was utilized to identify the scaling variables affecting the stresses. The dependence of a range of dimensionless variables of interest on the interfacial stresses has been assessed through a detailed parametric study.
Study of Solidification Time and Solidus Velocity on Porosity Formation in High Strength Aluminum Alloy Castings
Authors: Kuo Yeong Sant
Published: June 2014

The purpose of the present study was to discuss the effects of local solidification time and solidus velocity on porosity formation in high strength aluminum alloy casting. With systematic change in the riser size, together with variation of thickness and length, A201 aluminum alloys were cast in 100% silica sand molds. The porosity content of A201 aluminum alloy was affected by the local solidification time and solidus velocity in this study. The correlation between porosity content and solidification time is found to be split into 2 bands, each being associated with one of the two thicknesses of plate castings. The longer the solidification time, the more the porosity content was measured in the A201 aluminum alloy plate casting. And the faster the solidus velocity, the more the porosity content in this study. The porosity content of A201 aluminum alloy was influenced by both of solidification time and solidus velocity at same time in this study. Basically, shorter local solidification time with slow solidus velocity seems get lower porosity content in A201 aluminum alloy castings.
Effect of Fiber Treatment on Stress-Strain Behavior of Kenaf Fibers Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites
Authors: El-Shekeil Y.A. , Sapuan S.M.
Published: June 2014

Natural fiber composites are getting much attention by researchers and industries. Natural fiber composites face the problem of incompatibility between fibers and polymers. Alkali treatment is the most common treatment for natural fiber composites. In this work, short “Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus) Fiber” (KF) reinforced “Themoplastic ‎Polyurethane (TPU)” was prepared using Haake Polydrive R600 ‎internal mixer. After mixing, sheets for specimen cutting were prepared by compression molding. The aim of this work is to study the effect of alkali fiber treatment on stress-strain behavior of TPU/KF composites. Different alkali concentration was used, namely; 2, 4 and 6% NaOH. Tensile stress and strain were deteriorated with increase in NaOH concentration, while modulus increased slightly.
Finite Element Analysis of Vacant Tubular Members under Static Loading Considering the Tip Shapes of Load
Authors: Effendi Mahmud Kori , Zaitsu Shuhei , Kawaguchi Hiromitsu , Kawano Akihiko , Matsuo Shintaro , Tsuda Keigo , Kido Masae
Published: June 2014

FEM analysis of MSC. Marc program is used to simulate the models. Three-dimensional FEM model with contact analysis between deformable body of specimens and rigid body of load are studied. The isotropic material and The Von Mises yield criterion are used and kinematic hardening is used as a flow plasticity model. The effect of various shapes of loading tips is investigated. The load-displacement were established. The results of these works are expected to be a useful reference for analyzing structures under various shapes of loading tips either static or dynamic loading.
Structure Based Grading of Kinematic Chains
Authors: Sanyal Shubhashis , Bedi G.S.
Published: June 2014

Kinematic chains differ due to the structural differences between them. The location of links, joints and loops differ in each kinematic chain to make it unique. Two similar kinematic chains will produce similar motion properties and hence are avoided. The performance of these kinematic chains also depends on the individual topology, i.e. the placement of its entities. In the present work an attempt has been made to compare a family of kinematic chains based on its structural properties. The method is based on identifying the chains structural property by using its JOINT LOOP connectivity table. Nomenclature J - Number of joints, F - Degree of freedom of the chain, N - Number of links, L - Number of basic loops (independent loops plus one peripheral loop).
Characteristics of Underexpanded Co-Flow Jets
Authors: Srinivasarao T. , Lovaraju P. , Rathakrishnan E.
Published: June 2014

The effect of inner nozzle lip thickness on the co-flow jet characteristics has been studied experimentally. Co-flow nozzles with inner nozzle lip thicknesses of 3 mm and 15 mm have been investigated. The thick-lip nozzle promotes mixing better than the thin-lip nozzle, for all the underexpanded operating conditions. The co-flow nozzle with thin-lip is effective in preserving the shock-cells nature, bringing down the longer shock-cell into shorter one and increasing the number of shock-cells compared to that of the co-flow nozzle with thick-lip.
Comparison of Thermal Fatigue Test Methods for Die Casting Process: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Chen Chang Rong , Wang Yan , Ou Heng An
Published: June 2014

Die casting is a cost-efficient method of forming geometrically complex near net-shaped products with close tolerances and excellent surface finishes.Due to the thermal shock characteristics, a number of test methods have been proposed to understand thermal fatigue behaviours of the die material as real die casting dies experience.This study reveals the differences of these methods by numerical modelling the thermal behaviour of the test specimen. Simplified die casting process is firstlyproposed to facilitate numerical computation. Test specimens are then optimized to be more representative of a real die. From the comparison results, we can conclude that least divergence can be obtained between immersion tests and induction heating based tests while furnace heating based tests would result in low thermal shock effects on the test sample.
An Assessment of Carrying Capacity for Substructure of Offshore Modular Drilling Rig
Authors: Guan Feng , Zhou Chuan Xi , Xu Jian , Zhou Bo , Yi Xian Zhong
Published: June 2014

Substructure of offshore modular drilling rig has complex loading. It is necessary that a 3D finite element analysis has been conducted by using finite element software for substructure. The distributions of integrated displacement and stress have been obtained. The results show that the axial strength and stiffness of the substructure are sufficient. The relevant evaluation methods were summarized and integrated into the finite element software, and the command flow program of post-processing is written. Through post-processing graphical display, the carrying capacity of substructure is presented. The results show that the carrying capacity of substructure can meet the requirements in the combination condition which contains the maximum rotary load and the maximum setback load. This research method can provide pertinent reference for carrying capacity assessment of steel structure, and have some practical significance for field operation.
Detection and Compensation of Positioning Accuracy Based on the Laser Interferometer
Authors: Ren Wei Da , Cheng Qiang , Cai Li Gang
Published: June 2014

The positioning accuracy of CNC machine tool is the best moving position accuracy which the machine tool can reach under the control of CNC control system. The principles of frequency laser interferometer measurement are described in this paper, and pitch error is compensated by taking DAHE V1500 CNC machine with FANUC system as example. The result shows that the precision of CNC machine tool is effectively improved.
Measurement Uncertainty Research on Current Operation Humidity Sensor
Authors: Wu Li Na , Lu Hui Guo
Published: June 2014

According to Evaluation and Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (JJF1059.1-2012), measurement error of each element sensor in automatic weather station will be in drift over time, temperature and other environmental factors. In order to ensure the accuracy, reliability of observational data of each element,in this paper,humidity calibration chamber provided environment, and precision dew-point transmitter as the standard device. The article has introduced the general methods and detailed procedures of how to use HMP45D temperature and humidity sensor for humidity measurement uncertainty evaluation.Finally,it gave an evaluation example.By analyzing and calculating the each component of measurement uncertainty,we got the expanded uncertainty of humidity is 1.50%RH and 1.46%RH, with temperature of 22degrees and 40degrees, 30%-75% relative humidity.
Feasibility Analysis of DC Digital Voltmeter Automatic Test Equipment
Authors: Zhang Wen , Liu Feng Zhen , Zhang Hui Lin
Published: June 2014

This article is based on DC digital voltmeter test procedures requirements (JJG315-83).It aims to use this method to test digital voltmeter error on the basis of AC and DC voltage , current and resistance with automatic test equipment . Systematic error analysis for the relevant verification and standard deviation analysis is done to prove that test error 6 digital voltmeter is feasible with this device .