bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Roughness of Pure Aluminium A1100 on the Cold Work Extrusion by Using Different Angles of Taper Die
Authors: Ridzuan Mohd Jamir Mohd , Hafis Mohd Bin Sulaiman , Azduwin K. , Mohamed A.R. , Fitriah S.N. , Shahril S.M.
Published: December 2013

The study presented in this paper is focused on the effect of surfaces roughness of pure aluminium A1100 on the cold work extrusion process by three different angles of taper die. Different angles of taper die will affect the surface roughness of the workpiece. To protect the surface and to reduce friction, lubricants are often used in extrusion process [1]. Different lubricants may have different optimum taper die angle that are suitable to be applied. Two types of materials used in this experiment are steel SKD 11 for taper die and aluminium A1100 for workpiece and different angles applied are 30o, 45o, and 60o. Moreover, with respect to each angle, three different types of lubricants were used which are Daphne Draw S Series, Palm Olein, and EFB bio oil. The Universal Testing Machine and Surface Roughness Tester were used in this experiment. The result obtained from the experiment shows that at 30o of taper die angle were producing the smooth product surfaces for each lubricant and Daphne Draw S Series could reduce the surface roughness compared to other lubricant test.
Dynamic Contact Angle of Modified Biopolymer Droplet on Urea Surface: Temperature Effects
Authors: Samsudin Yon Norasyikin , Ku Shaari Ku Zilati , Man Zakaria , Sufian Suriati
Published: December 2013

The droplet impact behaviour provides the particle coating characterization during the coating process of controlled release fertiliser. To have a good coating uniformity around the urea granules, it is necessary to enhance the wettabitily properties between the coating material and urea surface. The biopolymer material is preferred as the coating material because this polymer may degrade and will not cause any environmental impact to the environment. Various compositions of starch/urea /borate/lignin were prepared and evaluated for the wettability properties. The wettability characteristic measured is the dynamic contact angle. The high speed Charged-Couple Device (CCD) camera was used to capture the images of this droplet impact behaviour. Temperature plays an important factor during wetting stage because the coating material must be completely dried in continuous coating process in fluidised bed. From this analysis, it indicates that a composition of starch/urea/ borate (50/15/2.5) with 10% lignin has the best wettability characteristic and thus suitable to be used as a coating material. The ideal temperature for the coating process is 60°C.
Structural and Electrical Characterization of Hexanoyl Chitosan-LiClO4-TiO2-DMC Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Muhammad F.H. , Subban R.H.Y. , Winie Tan
Published: December 2013

Hexanoyl chitosan-based polymer electrolytes were prepared using the solution casting technique. The effect of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) plasticizer on the structural and electrical properties of the prepared electrolyte system was investigated by X-ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Upon addition of 15 wt. % of DMC, the ionic conductivity was increased to 4.09 x 10-4 S cm-1 from 3.06 x 10-4 S cm-1. The XRD results revealed the variation in conductivity from the structural aspect. For example, sample with lower crystallinity exhibits higher conductivity. The Rice and Roth model was employed to understand the variation in conductivity on the basis of number and mobility of free ions.
Natural Rubber/Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Recycled Nitrile Glove (NR/SBR/rNBRg) Ternary Blend: Curing Characteristics and Swelling Test
Authors: Nik Yahya N.Z. , Noimam N.Z. , Ismail Hanafi , Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd , Ragunathan Santiagoo
Published: December 2013

Curing characteristics and swelling behavior of natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber/recycled nitrile glove (NR/SBR/rNBRg) blends were investigated. Eleven composition ratio; 50/50/0, 50/40/10, 50/30/20, 50/20/30, 50/10/40, 50/0/50, 40/50/10, 30/50/20, 20/50/30, 10/50/40, and 0/50/50 of SMRL/SBR/rNBRg with the size of rNBRg ; 2.5 3.0 cm2 were prepared by using two roll mill at room temperature. Cure characteristics such as scorch time,t2, cure time,t90, minimum torque, ML, maximum torque, MH, and swelling behavior of SMRL/SBR/rNBRg ternary blends were examined. Results indicated that the scorch time and maximum torque of the NR/SBR/rNBRg blends decreased with increasing rNBRg content. The minimum torque of the blends increased as rNBRg content increased. The cure time of NR/SBR/rNBRg blends show a unique trend, which are depending on the domain rubber content. The increment in rNBRg content decreased the crosslink density of NR/SBR/rNBRg blends.
Hexanoyl Chitosan-Polystyrene Blend Based Composite Polymer Electrolyte with Surface Treated TiO2 Fillers
Authors: Winie Tan , Jamal Asheila , Hanif Nur Shazlinda Muhammad , Shahril N.S.M.
Published: December 2013

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) comprised of hexanoyl chitosan-polystyrene-LiCF3SO3-TiO2 were prepared by solution casting technique. The TiO2 fillers were treated with 4% sulphuric acid (H2SO4) aqueous solution. The effect of treated TiO2 on the structural and electrical behaviour of the prepared electrolyte systems was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Addition of TiO2 decreases the crystallinity of the electrolytes. Ac conductivity was calculated from σ(ω) = εoεrωtanδ. It is found that at all frequencies, σ(ω) increases with increasing temperature. Dielectric constant decreases with increasing frequency and increases with increasing temperature.
Low and High Temperature Isothermal Aging Effect on Morphology and Diffusion Kinetics of Intermetallic Compound (IMC) for Sn-Cu-Si3N4 Composite Solder
Authors: Norainiza Saud , Najib S.I. , Mohd Salleh M.A.A.
Published: December 2013

The effect of excessive intermetallic growth to the reliability of solder joints become major problem in electronic devices industry. In this study, we used Sn-Cu-Si3N4composite solder to observe the intermetallic compound (IMC) growth during low and high temperature aging. 50°C and 150°C represent low and high aging temperature respectively. Various isothermal of aging times were carried out by using 24hrs, 240hrs and 720hrs. The IMC thickness increases with increasing of aging temperature and time. Cu6Sn5 phase appear at low aging temperature whilst Cu6Sn5together with Cu3Sn phases has been observed at high aging temperature. The growth kinetics for low and high aging temperature is 1.63x10-18μm2/s and 2.75 x10-18μm2/s.
Warpage Analysis between Straight and Conformal Cooling Channels on Thin Shallow Shell
Authors: Shuaib Norshah Afizi , Fathullah M. , Shayfull Z. , Nasir S.M. , Hamzas M.F.M.A.
Published: December 2013

Warpage is a type mold defect due to non-uniform temperature variation which causes differential shrinkage rate on the moulded parts. An accurate warpage prediction is so important in helping mould designers to achieve successful mold design with minimum warpage defects. This work is performed with a purpose to determine and compare the best parameters can be selected in manufacturing of thin shallow shell using two different types of cooling channels which are straight cooling channels and conformal cooling channels. The results were obtained using Taguchi Method and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and run through simulation software. Both parameters are then compared with each other in recommending to the mold designers which is the best to be applied at mold design stage. It has been found from this work that two factors that significantly cause warpage on both cooling channels are packing pressure and filling time.
Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Compression Test and Energy Absorption of Aluminium/Polyurethane-Carbon Nanotubes Foam Sandwich
Authors: Sinar A.A. , Samsudin Siti Nursyafiqah , Zainuddin Firuz , Nur Azni M.A. , Akil Hazizan Md , Sahrim Ahmad
Published: December 2013

The foam was prepared by mixing the polyols, isocyanate and carbonnanotubes (CNTs) at 1000 rpm speed. The different content of the CNTs are varies from 0 3 (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0) percent by weight. The foam sandwich was prepared by using hand lay-up method with epoxy and hardener as the adhesive to bind the surface between Polyurethane (PU) - CNTs and Aluminium (Al) sheet. The effect of different CNTs content was studied on the compression test and energy absorption. The compression test results show fluctuated values with increasing percentage of CNTs in PU foam. This trend may due to particles agglomeration as the nanosize of CNTs can make the particles to agglomerate easily due to the strong adhesive force between the nanoparticles. The size of the CNTs particles might not similar thus it is believed that the distribution of the particles were not well. Increasing in percentages of CNTs in PU foam found to improve the energy absorption from 0.115 J for control PU foam to 0.140 J for PU-CNTs foam with 3% CNTs.
Axial Crushes on Composite Laminated Square Tubes under Compressive Loading
Authors: Arifin A.A. , Othman A.
Published: December 2013

In this paper presents the effect of energy absorption on thin-walled aluminum cross-section square tubes wrapped with woven E-glass fiber laminated composite subjected to quasi-static axial compression. The compression test was carried out experimentally to examine the amount of energy can be absorbed as well as to observe for failure behavior for each specimens. The wall-thicknesses aluminum square of 1.9 mm was investigated and woven E-glass fiber laminate reinforced polyester resin was examined. Two different numbers of layers woven E-glass were investigated and examined. Result obtained from experimental analysis such that initial peak load, mean load, quasi-static absorbed energy against displacement curves were recoded and plotted then compared for each specimen profile. Results indicated that the tubes crashworthy structure was affected significantly by different number of layers wrapped on wall aluminum square profile and also that the effect of crushing behaviors and failure modes was discussed.
Tensile and Morphological Properties of Low Density Polyethylene/Spear Grass Composites
Authors: Sam S.T. , Santhiya P. , Ragunathan S. , Noriman N.Z. , Ismail H.
Published: December 2013

The spear grass content on the tensile properties, morphology of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/spear grass was investigated. The compatibilising effect of epoxidised natural rubber (ENR 50) LDPE and spear grass was mixed by using twin screw extruder with various spear grass contents. The tensile properties were tested by using an Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The tensile strength and elongation at the break point were significantly improved by the addition of ENR 50, as evidenced by morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On the other hand, the tensile modulus increased with spear grass content up to 10% and decreased thereafter.Keywords: Epoxidised Natural rubber (ENR), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Spear Grass, Tensile Properties
Influence of Multilayer Textile Biopolymer Foam Doped with Titanium Dioxide for Sound Absorption Materials
Authors: Rus Anika Zafiah M. , Normunira Nik M. H. , Rahim Rahimah Abd
Published: December 2013

Biopolymer foam was prepared by the reaction of bio-monomer based on vegetable oil with commercial Polymethane Polyphenyl Isocyanate (Modified Polymeric-MDI) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The acoustic study of biopolymer foam with 2.5% TiO2 loading was examined by impedance tube test according to the ASTM E-1050 and laminated with three types of textile such as polyester, cotton and single knitted jersey. It was revealed that the thicker the fabric the higher the sound absorption coefficient (α) at low frequency level. The higher the number of layers or thickness of the fabric, the sound absorption through the fabric increases at low frequency but after the maximum it remains almost unaltered. Three layer of cotton fabric gives maximum α approximately equal to 0.578 which is 1.472mm thickness at low frequency level of 1000-2000Hz and single knitted jersey gives maximum α at 3th layer. Meanwhile , the α of biopolymer foam with 2.5% TiO2 loading laminated with polyester fabric approximately equal to 1 at lower frequency level of 1000-2000Hz with lower thickness that is 0.668mm. Polyester fabric with lowest thickness shows better α at lower frequency level due to the structure of the fabric. The relationships among the fiber properties such as fiber density, fiber diameter, fibrous material layer were considered as a factor that influences the sound absorption property.
Removal of Nickel Ions from Aqueous Solution by Polypyrrole Conducting Polymer
Authors: Mahmud H. N. M. Ekramul , Hosseini Samira , Yahya Rosiyah Binti
Published: December 2013

Polypyrrole (PPy) conducting polymer prepared by chemical oxidation method using FeCl3.6H2O as an oxidant has exhibited 100% adsorption efficiency for the removal of nickel ions from aqueous solution. At pH 7, 100% nickel absorption was found by the prepared polypyrrole as measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. At both acidic and alkaline solutions, the adsorption efficiency of PPy was substantially lowered. The effects of pH, the initial concentration of nickel stock solution and the contact time on the uptake of nickel ions were also investigated. With the variation of initial concentration from 1-5 ppm, the initial concentration of 1 ppm nickel has been found to be adsorbed fully (100%) by the prepared polypyrrole. The contact time of 8 hours has been found to be the highest effective contact hours as beyond this there was no adsorption effect. The FTIR results confirmed the presence of nickel ions in the polymer matrix after adsorption.
Lignin Loading Effect on Biodegradability and Nitrogen Release Properties of Urea Modified Tapioca Starch in Wet Soil
Authors: Majeed Zahid , Ramli Nur Kamila , Binti Mansor Nurlidia , Man Zakaria
Published: December 2013

Plant based biopolymers are abundantly and easily available naturally biodegradable raw materials to prepare slow release nitrogen technologies. To test the lignin loading effect on biodegradability of the slow release fertilizer (SRF) and nitrogen release applications, a pot experiment under real soil conditions was conducted. Lignin at different loading percentages 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% were mixed with urea-modified tapioca starch acting as slow release fertilizer (SRF). Increasing the percentage of lignin to starch reduced the weight loss with improved nitrogen slow release properties in wet soil. Soil microbial biomass was negatively correlated with increase of lignin percentages. Lignin is a low cost biopolymer and can be used to improve starch biodegradation and its slow release nitrogen properties.
Effect of Different Tex Number and Surfacing Veil Application on the Pultruded Kenaf Reinforced Composites (PKRC) under Natural Weathering Exposure
Authors: Zamri Mohd Hafiz , Akil Hazizan Md , Ishak Zainal Ariffin Mohd
Published: December 2013

Pultruded Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites (PKRC) was produced successfully using pultrusion technique at 70 wt% of fiber loading. Kenaf fiber 1400, 2200 and 3300 tex were used to produce PKRC with and without surfacing veil (SV). The aim of this study was to compare the properties of PKRC with and without SV after 200 days of natural weathering exposure. For natural weathering exposure study, PKRC 1400 specimen absorbed the least moisture followed by 2200 and the highest was 3300 tex. PKRC with SV showed lower moisture uptake than PKRC without SV in all the given environments.
Microstructure Study on Volcano Ash Geopolymer Aggregate at Different Sintering Temperature
Authors: Rafiza A.R. , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Kamarudin Hussin , Khairul Nizar Ismail , Hardjito D. , Badaruzzaman W.H. Wan , Yahya Zarina
Published: December 2013

Recent research shows that the by-product materials such as fly ash can be used as raw material in producing aggregates and lightweight aggregates. The usage of this material can improve the quality of the aggregates produced compared to conventional in term of structurally strong, physically stable, durable, and environmentally inert. However, volcano ash also has a potential to be used as artificial geopolymer aggregate due to high Si and Al contents. This volcano ash is almost dominated by quartz phase and sulfur. Volcano ash has plate-like structure. The structure of original volcano ash shows more layer stick together to form the bigger structure due to the existence of water. More large pores can be clearly observed at sintering temperature of 1000 °C and contribute to less density and have potential to be used as lightweight artificial geopolymer aggregate.
The Effects of Carbon Black and Calcium Carbonate as a Filler on Cure Characteristic and Physical Properties of SBR/CRr Blends
Authors: Azrem Ahmad Azmi , Noriman N.Z. , Razif M.N.
Published: December 2013

Filler are compounding ingredients added to a rubber compound for the purpose of iether reinforcing or cheapening the compound. Despite that, fillers can also be used to modify the physical properties of both unvulcanized and vulcanized rubbers. Typically filler materials include carbon black, calcium silicate, calcium carbonate and clay [. The mechanism of reinforcement of elastomers by fillers has been reviewed by several workers. They considered that the effect of filler is to increase the number of chains, which share the load of a broken polymer chain. It is known that in the case of filled vulcanizates, the efficiency of reinforcement depends on a complex interaction of several filler related parameters. They include particle size, particle shape, particle dispersion, surface area, surface reactivity, structure of the filler and the bonding quality between the filler and the rubber matrix [.
Photovoltaic Powered Uninterruptible Power Supply Using Microcontroller PIC16F628-I/P
Authors: Irwanto Muhamad , Farreq M. , Hadi Sasongko P. , Gomesh N. , Yusoff Mohd Irwan
Published: December 2013

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) sits between a power supply such as wall outlet and devices to prevent undesired feature that can occur within the power source such as outages, sags, surges and bad harmonics from the supply to avoid a negative impact on the devices. This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) powered UPS using microcontroller PIC16F628A-I/P. It is a standby UPS whereas if the main power source fails to supply power to loads, a battery powered inverter turns on to continue supplying power. The battery is charged by the PV using solar charger and transfer switch controlled by the microcontroller. The UPS was tested to a load of 240 V, 20 W AC aquarium water pump. The test result shows that the UPS perform well, when the main power source fails, the battery could power inverter and the microcontroller controls the transfer switch of the UPS inverter and the main power source.
Th1 Polarization of T Cells Injected into the Cerebrospinal Fluid Induces Brain Immunosurveillance
Authors: Fisher Yair , Strominger Itai , Biton Shva , Nemirovsky Anna , Baron Rona , Monsonego Alon
Published: December 2013

Although CD4 T cells reside within the cerebrospinal fluid, it is yet unclear whether and how they enter the brain parenchyma and migrate to target specific Ags. We examined the ability of Th1, Th2, and Th17 CD4 T cells injected intracerebroventricularly to migrate from the lateral ventricles into the brain parenchyma in mice. We show that primarily Th1 cells cross the ependymal layer of the ventricle and migrate within the brain parenchyma by stimulating an IFN-γ–dependent dialogue with neural cells, which maintains the effector function of the T cells. When injected into a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β (Aβ)–specific Th1 cells target Aβ plaques, increase Aβ uptake, and promote neurogenesis with no evidence of pathogenic autoimmunity or neuronal loss. Overall, we provide a mechanistic insight to the migration of cerebrospinal fluid CD4 T cells into the brain parenchyma and highlight implications on brain immunity and repair.
Platelet-Secreted MicroRNA-223 Promotes Endothelial Cell Apoptosis Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products via Targeting the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor
Authors: Pan Yi , Liang Hongwei , Liu Huan , Li Donghai , Chen Xi , Li Limin , Zhang Chen-Yu , Zen Ke
Published: December 2013

Platelets play a significant role in atherosclerosis, stroke, and asthma through active interaction with neutrophils, monocytes, and vascular endothelial cells. The mechanism underlying these intercellular interactions, however, is incompletely understood. In this study, we report that platelets can remotely modulate vascular endothelial cell apoptosis through releasing microRNA-223 (miR-223)–containing microvesicles (MVs). First, platelets expressed abundant miRNAs, and miR-223 had the highest level of expression. Platelet miR-223 and other miRNAs can be upregulated by the stimulation with thrombopoietin (TPO) or thrombin. Unlike leukocytes, platelets contained high levels of pre-miRNAs, and upregulation of mature platelet miRNAs by TPO was correlated with decreased pre-miRNAs. Second, under stimulation with TPO, platelets released a large amount of MVs, which also contain higher levels of miR-223. Elevation of miR-223 inside circulating platelet MVs (P-MVs) was also observed in plasma samples from patients with enteritis, hepatitis, nephritis, or atherosclerosis. Third, incubation of P-MVs with HUVECs, which had significantly lower levels of miR-223 than platelets, showed that P-MVs effectively delivered miR-223 into HUVECs. Finally, in HUVECs, exogenous platelet miR-223 decreased the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and thus promoted HUVEC apoptosis induced by advanced glycation end products. The proapoptotic effect of P-MVs on HUVECs was largely abolished by depleting cellular miR-223 using anti–miR-223 antisense oligonucleotide. In conclusion, our study presents the first evidence, to our knowledge, that platelet-released miR-223 promotes advanced glycation end product–induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis via targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor.
MPYS/STING-Mediated TNF-α, Not Type I IFN, Is Essential for the Mucosal Adjuvant Activity of (3′–5′)-Cyclic-Di-Guanosine-Monophosphate In Vivo
Authors: Blaauboer Steven M. , Gabrielle Vincent D. , Jin Lei
Published: December 2013

The bacterial second messenger (3′–5′)-cyclic-di-guanosine-monophosphate (CDG) is a promising mucosal adjuvant candidate that activates balanced Th1/Th2/Th17 responses. We showed previously that CDG activates stimulator of IFN genes (STING)-dependent IFN-I production in vitro. However, it is unknown whether STING or IFN-I is required for the CDG adjuvant activity in vivo. In this study, we show that STING−/− mice (Tmem173) do not produce Ag-specific Abs or Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines during CDG/Ag immunization. Intranasal administration of CDG did not induce TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, or MCP-1 production in STING−/− mice. Surprisingly, we found that the cytokine and Ab responses were unaltered in CDG/Ag-immunized IFNAR−/− mice. Instead, we found that CDG activates STING-dependent, IFN-I–independent TNF-α production in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, using a TNFR1−/− mouse, we demonstrate that TNF-α signaling is critical for CDG-induced Ag-specific Ab and Th1/Th2 cytokine production. This is distinct from STING-mediated DNA adjuvant activity, which requires IFN-I, but not TNF-α, production. Finally, we found that CDG activates STING-dependent, but IRF3 stimulation–independent, NF-κB signaling. Our results established an essential role for STING-mediated TNF-α production in the mucosal adjuvant activity of CDG in vivo and revealed a novel IFN-I stimulation–independent STING–NF-κB–TNF-α pathway.
A Circadian Clock Gene, Rev-erbα, Modulates the Inflammatory Function of Macrophages through the Negative Regulation of Ccl2 Expression
Authors: Sato Shogo , Sakurai Takuya , Ogasawara Junetsu , Takahashi Motoko , Izawa Tetsuya , Imaizumi Kazuhiko , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Ohno Hideki , Kizaki Takako
Published: December 2013

Disruption of the circadian rhythm is a contributory factor to clinical and pathophysiological conditions, including cancer, the metabolic syndrome, and inflammation. Chronic and systemic inflammation are a potential trigger of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and are caused by the infiltration of large numbers of inflammatory macrophages into tissue. Although recent studies identified the circadian clock gene Rev-erbα, a member of the orphan nuclear receptors, as a key mediator between clockwork and inflammation, the molecular mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Rev-erbα modulates the inflammatory function of macrophages through the direct regulation of Ccl2 expression. Clinical conditions associated with chronic and systemic inflammation, such as aging or obesity, dampened Rev-erbα gene expression in peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice. Rev-erbα agonists or overexpression of Rev-erbα in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264 suppressed the induction of Ccl2 following an LPS endotoxin challenge. We discovered that Rev-erbα represses Ccl2 expression directly through a Rev-erbα–binding motif in the Ccl2 promoter region. Rev-erbα also suppressed CCL2-activated signals, ERK and p38, which was recovered by the addition of exogenous CCL2. Further, Rev-erbα impaired cell adhesion and migration, which are inflammatory responses activated through the ERK- and p38-signaling pathways, respectively. Peritoneal macrophages from mice lacking Rev-erbα display increases in Ccl2 expression. These data suggest that Rev-erbα regulates the inflammatory infiltration of macrophages through the suppression of Ccl2 expression. Therefore, Rev-erbα may be a key link between aging- or obesity-associated impairment of clockwork and inflammation.
Probabilistic well-posedness for the cubic wave equation
Authors: Burq Nicolas , Tzvetkov Nikolay
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this article is to introduce for dispersive partial differential equations with random initial data, the notion of well-posedness (in the Hadamard-probabilistic sense). We restrict the study to one of the simplest examples of such equations: the periodic cubic semi-linear wave equation. Our contributions in this work are twofold: first we break the algebraic rigidity involved in our previous works and allow much more general randomizations (general infinite product measures v.s. Gibbs measures), and second, we show that the flow that we are able to construct enjoys very nice dynamical properties, including a new notion of probabilistic continuity.
Mapping tsunami impacts on land cover and related ecosystem service supply in Phang Nga, Thailand
Authors: Kaiser G. , Burkhard B. , Römer H. , Sangkaew S. , Graterol R. , Haitook T. , Sterr H. , Sakuna-Schwartz D.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused damages to coastal ecosystems and thus affected the livelihoods of the coastal communities who depend on services provided by these ecosystems. The paper presents a case study on evaluating and mapping the spatial and temporal impacts of the tsunami on land use and land cover (LULC) and related ecosystem service supply in the Phang Nga province, Thailand. The method includes local stakeholder interviews, field investigations, remote-sensing techniques, and GIS. Results provide an ecosystem services matrix with capacity scores for 18 LULC classes and 17 ecosystem functions and services as well as pre-/post-tsunami and recovery maps indicating changes in the ecosystem service supply capacities in the study area. Local stakeholder interviews revealed that mangroves, casuarina forest, mixed beach forest, coral reefs, tidal inlets, as well as wetlands (peat swamp forest) have the highest capacity to supply ecosystem services, while e.g. plantations have a lower capacity. The remote-sensing based damage and recovery analysis showed a loss of the ecosystem service supply capacities in almost all LULC classes for most of the services due to the tsunami. A fast recovery of LULC and related ecosystem service supply capacities within one year could be observed for e.g. beaches, while mangroves or casuarina forest needed several years to recover. Applying multi-temporal mapping the spatial variations of recovery could be visualised. While some patches of coastal forest were fully recovered after 3 yr, other patches were still affected and thus had a reduced capacity to supply ecosystem services. The ecosystem services maps can be used to quantify ecological values and their spatial distribution in the framework of a tsunami risk assessment. Beyond that they are considered to be a useful tool for spatial analysis in coastal risk management in Phang Nga.
Peritoneal Dialysis Access: Open versus Laparoscopic Surgical Techniques
Authors: Hwang Christine , Davidson Ingemar , Santarelli Stefano , Zeiler Matthias , Ceraudo Emilio , Pedone Meri , Saxena Ramesh , Slakey Douglas , Wade Melissa , Gallieni Maurizio
Published: December 2013

Aim

To outline pros and cons with the open and laparoscopic techniques when placing peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters.

Background

Controversy exists regarding which technique, the open and laparoscopic, if any, is superior to the other. In addition, there is the question of which approach is best in rescuing malfunctioning PD catheters.

Results

Rather than promoting one doctrine fits all, philosophically, doing the right thing for the patient by specific criteria is ethically the better model. These specific selection criteria include patient characteristics, the team's skills and knowledge and institutional resources and commitment. Also, the sophistication of a PD unit for training and monitoring of patients is crucial for successful outcomes. Open paramedian and two laparoscopic approaches are described in detail, outlining advantages and disadvantages of each, with suggestions when one method is preferred.

Conclusions

In general, the laparoscopic technique is associated with longer operative times, higher costs and the need to utilize general anesthesia. It is, however, the preferred method when rescuing malfunctioning catheters and may increase the PD patient population in patients with previous abdominal surgeries. The dialysis access surgeon should be familiar with both open and laparoscopic techniques and appropriately choose the ideal method based upon the individual patient and institutional resources.
Defining Rhetorical Argumentation
Authors: Kock Christian
Published: December 2013

This article argues for a definition of rhetorical argumentation based on the theme of the argumentation, that is, the issue in dispute, rather than its aim (e.g., to “win”) or its means (e.g., emotional appeals). It claims that the principal thinkers in the rhetorical tradition, from Aristotle onward, saw rhetoric as practical reasoning, that is, reasoning on action or choice, not on propositions that may be either true or false. Citing several contemporary philosophers, the article argues that this definition highlights certain distinctive properties of rhetorical argumentation that tend to be overlooked or undertheorized in argumentation theory.
Figural Logic in Gregor Mendel's “Experiments on Plant Hybrids”
Authors: Harris Randy
Published: December 2013

The most important contemporary development in rhetoric for the theory of argumentation is Jeanne Fahnestock's program of figural logic, the ruling insight of which is that figures epitomize arguments. Working primarily with the antimetabolic formula at the heart of Gregor Mendel's paper “Experiments in Plant Hybridization,” I investigate the figural bases of the logic anchoring this foundational essay in genetics. In addition to antimetabole, the formula also depends crucially on ploche, polyptoton, onomatopoeia, antithesis, synecdoche, reification, and metaphor.
Entrepreneurship in Africa through the Eyes of GEDI
Authors: Ács Zoltán J. , Szerb László , Jackson Scott
Published: December 2013

Since the 1990s several new indices, including the Index of Economic Freedom, Doing Business and the Global Competitiveness Index, have been created to achieve progress in modernizing the business climates of developed and developing countries alike. These indicators, however, are focused largely on ameliorating burdens for current business, addressing issues with property rights, processes, etc. While necessary in the public effort to improve economic incentives and create employment, they remain insufficient to foster the economic essence of development: entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship policy are not merely about small business, or even at times about business at all; rather, they are about creating environments in which people are able to perceive entrepreneurial opportunities to improve their lives and in which they are empowered to act on their visions. While much has been written about the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and increasingly about the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index (GEDI), this paper represents the first attempt to examine private enterprise development in Africa.
African Diaspora Entrepreneurs
Authors: Ojo Sanya , Nwankwo Sonny , Gbadamosi Ayantunji
Published: December 2013

African entrepreneurs in the diaspora are increasingly leveraging the duality of transnational space to expand economic opportunities in their countries of origin. Using the UK (London) and Sub-Saharan Africa migration corridor as a contextual prism, this paper explores the ‘everydayness' of entrepreneurship among African entrepreneurs in relation to how they traverse entrepreneurial spaces linking their countries of origin (home) and country of residence (host). Data collection combined discovery-oriented and ‘observer as participant’ techniques and emerging strands were fully explored using focus group protocols. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the findings indicate that Africans in diaspora contribute to Sub-Saharan African economic development through entrepreneurial investments. Diaspora direct investment (DDI) is an authentic avenue that unlocks untapped investment opportunities, and its objectives are driven by both economic and non-economic factors. Thus policy makers need to focus on harnessing its benefits.
The Relationship between Planning Strategies and Entrepreneurial Success for Start-Up Entrepreneurs in the Western Cape
Authors: Basardien Fawzy , Friedrich Christian , Parker Hamieda
Published: December 2013

The total entrepreneurial activity rate in South Africa was 9.1% in 2011, compared with 8.9% in 2010, which is below the average for similar economies. This study examines the moderating impact of environmental difficulty on the relationship between planning strategies and entrepreneurial success. The authors carried out a cross-sectional interview-based study of 60 start-up entrepreneurs in the Western Cape in South Africa. The results show that environmental difficulty moderated the relationship of ‘opportunistic’ and ‘reactive’ strategies to entrepreneurial success. No moderation effects were found for environmental difficulty on the relationship between success and ‘complete planning’ and ‘critical point planning’ strategies.
The Venturesome Poor and Entrepreneurial Activity in Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Yazid A. , Mitra Jay
Published: December 2013

Based on a cross-sectional study using a data set of 77,400 households in 37 regions of Nigeria, the authors examine how the ability of the poor to use information and communication technology-based products (their ‘venturesomeness’) influences the location of entrepreneurial firms in urban and rural regions. They investigate in particular the role of human capital in mediating the relationship between such venturesome consumption and the location of entrepreneurial firms. They test three sets of hypotheses to examine this relationship using multiple regression analyses, bivariate correlations and t-tests. The authors find that the use of information and communication technology by both the urban and rural poor is significantly linked to the location of entrepreneurial firms. While human capital mediates this relationship with regard to the poor in urban areas, the same is not the case for the rural poor. Implications are drawn for theory, practice and policy.
Allergy-Related Disorders in the Construction Industry
Authors: Carino Mauro , Romita Paolo , Foti Caterina
Published: December 2013

Working conditions in the construction industry have improved in many industrialized countries, but heavy physical work with recurrent exposure to chemical agents, dust, and climatic influences still represents considerable risk for construction workers and may affect their health. The aim of this review is to analyze available data of the literature on allergy-related respiratory and skin disorders with emphasis on a preventive appraisal in order to produce statements and recommendations based on research evidence. The most common agents involved in the construction industry as a cause of occupational asthma (OA) in industrialized countries are isocyanates, wood dust, resins, glues, cobalt, and chromium. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an immunologic cell-mediated response to a sensitizing agent and the most common sensitizing agents associated with construction workers are epoxy resins, thiurams and thiazoles, and chromates. Medical surveillance must consider individual risk factors such as differences in individual susceptibility and sensitization to agents at workplace. Once work-related disorder is confirmed, adequate fitness for work should be assessed for the worker impaired by health condition. A reliable diagnosis of an index case is a sentinel event that may reveal risks for workers with similar exposure, leading to a revised risk assessment at the workplace that should reduce the risk and prevent further cases.
Utility of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in active surveillance for favourable risk prostate cancer
Authors: Chiang Andrew , Loblaw Andrew , Jethava Vibhuti , Sethukavalan Perakaa , Zhang Liying , Vesprini Daniel , Mamedov Alexandre , Nam Robert , Klotz Laurence
Published: December 2013

Introduction: This retrospective review compares prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (DT) prior to the initiation of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (pre-5-ARI) to after the PSA nadir (post-nadir) has been reached for patients on active surveillance for favourable risk prostate cancer.Methods: Between 1996 and 2010, a total of 100 men with a history of 5-ARI use were captured from our active surveillancedatabase. Twenty-nine patients had a sufficient number of PSA values to determine both pre-5-ARI and post-nadir DTs. PSADT was calculated using the general linear mixed-model method.Results: The median follow-up was 69.5 months. The median pre-5-ARI PSADT was 55.8 (range: 6-556.8) months, while the post-nadir value was 25.2 (range: 6-231) months (p = 0.0081). Six patients were reclassified after an average of 67.7 (range: 59-95) months, due to progression in PSADT (n = 2) or Gleason score (n = 4). The median pre-5-ARI and post-nadir DTs for this group were 42.3 (range: 32.4-91.1) and 21.1 (range: 6-44.3) months, respectively.Conclusion: 5-ARIs significantly decreased PSADT compared to prior to their initiation. This effect may be due to preferential suppression of benign tissue following PSA nadir. The resulting PSADT would then represent a more accurate depiction of the true cancer related DT. If validated with a larger cohort, 5-ARIs may enhance the utility of PSADT as a biomarker of disease progression in active surveillance.
Koppe’s Work of 1948: A Fundamental for Non-Equilibrium Rate of Particle Production
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser
Published: December 2013

In 1948, Koppe formulated an almost complete recipe for statistical-thermal models including particle production, formation and decay of resonances, temporal and thermal evolution of the interacting system, statistical approaches, and equilibrium condition in final state of the nuclear interaction. As the rate of particle production was one of the basic assumptions, recalling Koppe’s work would be an essential input to be involved in the statistical prediction of non-equilibrium particle production in recent and future ultra-relativistic collisions.
Ultrafiltration organic fouling control: Comparison of air‐sparging and coagulation
Authors: Wray Heather E. , Andrews Robert C. , Bérubé Pierre R.
Published: December 2013

Air‐sparging and coagulation/flocculation were compared as fouling control strategies during ultrafiltration of surface waters. Fouling was assessed following coagulation (0.5 and 15 mg/L alum) and surface shear stress representative of different air‐sparging conditions: continuous coarse bubble, intermittent coarse bubble, and large pulse bubble. Results indicated that 0.5 mg/L of alum reduced membrane fouling, especially for waters with higher concentrations of organic matter (> 4 mg/L dissolved organic carbon). A 15‐mg/L alum dose did not significantly improve membrane performance relative to the low dose. Air‐sparging reduced fouling, but the benefits were not additive in combination with coagulation. Potential cost savings were calculated based on longer permeation times made possible by reduced fouling, and the value associated with water produced relative to energy costs (air‐sparging) and chemical costs (coagulant). For the water investigated, 0.5 mg/L of alum or large pulse bubble air‐sparging was optimal for membrane fouling control.
Predicting the potential of contaminant intrusion in water distribution systems
Authors: Mansour‐Rezaei Saheb , Naser Gholamreza , Sadiq Rehan
Published: December 2013

Contaminant intrusion in a water distribution system has three main prerequisites: the availability of a contaminant source in the proximity of the system, a driving force (low/negative pressure), and a pathway. Studying a water distribution system with cast‐iron pipes, this research developed a fuzzy rule–based model to determine the potential of contaminant intrusion through corroded iron pipes. The results illustrated the capabilities of the fuzzy rule–based model for prioritizing the junctions of a water distribution system with respect to potential for contaminant intrusion.
Structure and equilibria among silicate species in aqueous fluids in the upper mantle: Experimental SiO2–H2O and MgO–SiO2–H2O data recorded in situ to 900°C and 5.4 GPa
Authors: Mysen B. O. , Mibe K. , Chou I.‐M. , Bassett W. A.
Published: December 2013

Experiments to determine silicate structural species in silicate‐saturated aqueous fluids in equilibrium with silica polymorphs (quartz and coesite), enstatite, and enstatite + forsterite in the SiO2–H2O and MgO–SiO2–H2O systems have been carried out in situ in the 0.4–5.4 GPa and 700–900°C pressure and temperature ranges, respectively. MicroRaman spectroscopy was the structural probe. In the SiO2–H2O system (1.6–5.4 GPa/700–900°C), the detected silicate species are Q0 (SiO44−), Q1 (0.5 Si2O76−), and Q2 (SiO32−). The expression 2Q1 ⇌ Q0 + Q2 describes the equilibrium among these species with ∆H and ∆V values from the isochoric temperature and isothermal pressure dependence of its equilibrium constant, K = XQ0·XQ2/(XQ1)2, range from −23 to −69 kJ/mol and −1 to −2 cm3/mol, respectively. In the system MgO–SiO2–H2O the calculated silica solubility, using literature algorithms, is approximately 50% of that in the SiO2–H2O system at similar temperature and pressure. Only Q1 and Q0 species were detected in the MgO–SiO2–H2O fluids, whether in equilibrium with enstatite + forsterite (P < 3 GPa) or enstatite only (P > 3 GPa). The temperature and pressure dependence of the equilibrium constant, K = XQ1/XQ0, for this system yields average values of ∆H = 40 ± 5 kJ/mol and ∆V = −2.3 ± 0.4 cm3/mol. The speciation of silicate in aqueous fluids resembles that in hydrous melts as a function of temperature and pressure at deep crustal and upper mantle temperature and pressure conditions, and they become increasingly similar with depth. As the silicate speciation and solubility in the aqueous fluid depend on silicate composition, the pressure and temperature at which complete miscibility occurs will also vary with silicate composition. The structural similarity between fluids and melts will also lead to fluid/melt element partition coefficients trending toward 1 and mineral/fluid partition coefficients trending toward mineral/melt values in the upper mantle as the silicate‐H2O systems approach complete miscibility with increasing temperature and pressure.
Tidal marsh methane dynamics: Difference in seasonal lags in emissions driven by storage in vegetated versus unvegetated sediments
Authors: Reid M. C. , Tripathee R. , Schäfer K. V. R. , Jaffé P. R.
Published: December 2013

Estuarine and coastal wetlands exhibit high rates of carbon burial and storage in anaerobic sediments, but the extent to which carbon sequestration is offset by methane (CH4) emissions from these ecosystems remains unclear. In this study we combine measurements of sediment‐air CH4 fluxes with monitoring of belowground CH4 pools in a New Jersey tidal marsh in order to clarify mechanistic links between environmental drivers, subsurface dynamics, and atmospheric emissions. Measurements were conducted in an unvegetated mud flat and adjacent low marsh vegetated with Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis. Pore water measurements throughout the year revealed long‐term CH4 storage in mud flat sediments, leading to a seasonal lag in emissions that extended into winter months. CH4 reservoirs and fluxes in vegetated sediments were well described by an empirical temperature‐response model, while poor model agreement in unvegetated sediments was attributed to decouplings between production and flux due to storage processes. This study highlights the need to incorporate sediment gas exchange rates and pathways into biogeochemical process models.
Handwriting Comparison Opinions Admissibility After theNASReport
Authors: DesPortes Betty Layne
Published: December 2013

The publication in 2009 of a government‐commissioned report on the “needs of the forensic science community” in the United States has become a seminal event in the forensic science community. The report has also become a milestone in the legal community, similar to theDaubertcase, by which expert opinion testimony admissibility decisions are classified. It has become common now to refer to legal decisions as “pre‐NASReport” or “post‐NASReport.” In this article, the post‐NASReport decisions concerning the admission of handwriting comparison opinions are discussed. As with other areas of forensic science, theNASReport has not significantly altered the admission of handwriting comparison expert testimony, but the legal landscape has changed with more substantive discussions of the underlying methodologies and research in admissibility hearings. The courts have primarily considered any “limitations” in handwriting comparison methodologies and opinions to be properly addressed through the crucible of cross‐examination and through the presentation of contrary evidence.