bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonothrombolysis Improves Myocardial Dynamics and Microvascular Obstruction Preventing Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Aguiar Miguel O.D. , Tavares Bruno G. , Tsutsui Jeane M. , Fava Agostina M. , Borges Bruno C. , Oliveira Mucio T. , Soeiro Alexandre , Nicolau Jose C. , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Chiang Hsu P. , Sbano João C.N. , Goldsweig Andrew , Rochitte Carlos E. , Lopes Bernardo B.C. , Ramirez José A.F. , Kalil Filho Roberto , Porter Thomas R. , Mathias Wilson
Published: April 2020

Background:

It has recently been demonstrated that high-energy diagnostic transthoracic ultrasound and intravenous microbubbles dissolve thrombi (sonothrombolysis) and increase angiographic recanalization rates in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We aimed to study the effect of sonothrombolysis on the myocardial dynamics and infarct size obtained by real-time myocardial perfusion echocardiography and their value in preventing left ventricular remodeling.

Methods:

One hundred patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction were randomized to therapy (50 patients treated with sonothrombolysis and percutaneous coronary intervention) or control (50 patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention only). Left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, risk area (before treatment), myocardial perfusion defect over time (infarct size), and global longitudinal strain were determined by quantitative real-time myocardial perfusion echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography imaging.

Results:

Risk area was similar in the control and therapy groups (19.2±10.1% versus 20.7±8.9%;
P
=0.56) before treatment. The therapy group presented a behavior significantly different than control group over time (
P
<0.001). The perfusion defect was smaller in the therapy at 48 to 72 hours even in the subgroup of patients with no recanalization at first angiography (12.9±6.5% therapy versus 18.8±9.9% control;
P
=0.015). The left ventricular global longitudinal strain was higher in the therapy than control immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (14.1±4.1% versus 12.0±3.3%;
P
=0.012), and this difference was maintained until 6 months (17.1±3.5% versus 13.6±3.6%;
P
<0.001). The only predictor of left ventricular remodeling was treatment with sonothrombolysis: the control group was more likely to exhibit left ventricular remodeling with an odds ratio of 2.79 ([95% CI, 0.13–6.86];
P
=0.026).

Conclusions:

Sonothrombolysis reduces microvascular obstruction and improves myocardial dynamics in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction and is an independent predictor of left ventricular remodeling over time.
Prognostic Value of Late Gadolinium Enhancement for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alba Ana Carolina , Gaztañaga Juan , Foroutan Farid , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Merlo Marco , Alonso-Rodriguez David , Vallejo-García Victor , Vidal-Perez Rafael , Corros-Vicente Cecilia , Barreiro-Pérez Manuel , Pazos-López Pablo , Perez-David Esther , Dykstra Steven , Flewitt Jacqueline , Pérez-Rivera José Ángel , Vazquez-Caamaño Maria , Katz Stuart D. , Sinagra Gianfranco , Køber Lars , Poole Jeanne , Ross Heather , Farkouh Michael E. , White James A. ,   for the MINICOR (Multi-Modal International Cardiovascular Outcomes Registry) Investigators
Published: April 2020

Background:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a unique tissue-based marker that, in single-center studies, suggests strong prognostic value. We retrospectively studied associations between LGE presence and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in a multicenter setting as part of an emerging global consortium (MINICOR [Multi-Modal International Cardiovascular Outcomes Registry]).

Methods:

Consecutive patients with dilated cardiomyopathy referred for cardiac magnetic resonance (2000–2017) at 12 institutions in 4 countries were studied. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazard and semiparametric Fine and Gray models, we evaluated the association between LGE and the composite primary end point of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device implant and a secondary arrhythmic end point of sudden cardiac death or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock.

Results:

We studied 1672 patients, mean age 56±14 years (29% female), left ventricular ejection fraction 33±11%, and 25% having New York Heart Association class III to IV; 650 patients (39%) had LGE. During 2.3 years (interquartile range, 1.0–4.3) follow-up, 160 patients experienced the primary end point, and 88 experienced the arrhythmic end point. In multivariable analyses, LGE was associated with 1.5-fold (hazard ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03–2.04]) risk of the primary end point and 1.8-fold (hazard ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.20–3.06]) risk of the arrhythmic end point. Primary end point risk was increased in patients with multiple LGE patterns, although arrhythmic risk was higher among patients receiving primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and widening QRS.

Conclusions:

In this large multinational study of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, the presence of LGE showed strong prognostic value for identification of high-risk patients. Randomized controlled trials evaluating LGE-based care management strategies are warranted.
Stroke Prevention With the PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9) Inhibitor Evolocumab Added to Statin in High-Risk Patients With Stable Atherosclerosis
Authors: Giugliano Robert P. , Pedersen Terje R. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Sever Peter S. , Keech Anthony C. , Bohula Erin A. , Murphy Sabina A. , Wasserman Scott M. , Honarpour Narimon , Wang Huei , Lira Pineda Armando , Sabatine Marc S. ,   on behalf of the FOURIER Investigators
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

The PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9) monoclonal antibody evolocumab lowered LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol by 59% to 0.8 (0.5–1.2) mmol/L and significantly reduced major vascular events in the FOURIER trial (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk). Herein, we report the results of a prespecified analysis of cerebrovascular events in the overall trial population and in patients stratified by prior stroke.

Methods—

FOURIER was a randomized, double-blind trial comparing evolocumab versus placebo in patients with established atherosclerosis, additional risk factors, and LDL cholesterol levels ≥1.8 (or non-HDL [high-density lipoprotein] ≥2.6 mmol/L) on statin therapy. The median follow-up was 2.2 years. We analyzed the efficacy of evolocumab to reduce overall stroke and stroke subtypes, as well as the primary cardiovascular composite end point by subgroups according to a history of stroke.

Results—

Among the 27 564 patients, 469 (1.7%) experienced a total of 503 strokes of which 421 (84%) were ischemic. Prior ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus, elevated CRP (C-reactive protein), history of heart failure, older age, nonwhite race, peripheral arterial disease, and renal insufficiency were independent predictors of stroke. Evolocumab significantly reduced all stroke (1.5% versus 1.9%; hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.66–0.95];
P
=0.01) and ischemic stroke (1.2% versus 1.6%; hazard ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62–0.92];
P
=0.005), with no difference in hemorrhagic stroke (0.21% versus 0.18%; hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.68–1.98];
P
=0.59). These findings were consistent across subgroups, including among the 5337 patients (19%) with prior ischemic stroke in whom the hazard ratios (95% CIs) were 0.85 (0.72–1.00) for the cardiovascular composite, 0.90 (0.68–1.19) for all stroke, and 0.92 (0.68–1.25) for ischemic stroke (
P
interactions, 0.91, 0.22, and 0.09, respectively, compared with patients without a prior ischemic stroke).

Conclusions—

Inhibition of PCSK9 with evolocumab added to statin in patients with established atherosclerosis reduced ischemic stroke and cardiovascular events in the total population and in key subgroups, including those with prior ischemic stroke.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01764633.
Blood Vitronectin Induces Detrimental Brain Interleukin-6 and Correlates With Outcomes After Stroke Only in Female Mice
Authors: Jia Cuihong , Malone Hannah M. , Keasey Matthew P. , Lovins Chiharu , Elam Jacob , Hagg Theo
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

Women have worse stroke outcomes than men, especially after menopause. Few studies have focused on female-specific mechanisms, other than hormones. We investigated the role of the blood protein VTN (vitronectin) after ischemic stroke in mice.

Methods—

Adult male and female VTN knockout and wild-type littermates and C57BL/6 mice received a middle cerebral artery occlusion and the injured brain tissue analyzed 24 hours to 3 weeks later for cell loss and inflammation, as well as neurological function. Blood VTN levels were measured before and after stroke.

Results—

Intravenously injected VTN leaked extensively from bloodstream into brain infarct and penumbra by 24 hours after stroke. Strikingly, VTN was detrimental in female, but not male, mice, as shown by reduced brain injury (26.2±2.6% versus 13.4±3.8%;
P
=0.018; n=6 and 5) and forelimb dysfunction in female VTN knockout mice. Stroke increased plasma VTN 2- to 8-fold at 24 hours in females (36±4 versus 145±24 μg/mL;
P
<0.0001; n=10 and 7), but not males (62±8 versus 68±6;
P
>0.99; n=10 and 7), and returned to control levels by 7 days. Individually variable VTN levels at 24 hours correlated with stroke-induced brain injury at 7 days only in females. VTN promoted stroke-induced microglia/macrophage activation and leukocyte infiltration in females. Proinflammatory IL (interleukin)-6 greatly increased in the striatum at 24 hours in wild-type mice but was increased ≈60% less in female (739±159 versus 268±111;
P
=0.02; n=7 and 6), but not male (889±178 versus 1179±295;
P
=0.73; n=10 and 11), knockout mice. In individual wild-type females, plasma VTN levels correlated with striatal IL-6 expression at 24 hours. The female-specific effect of VTN-induced IL-6 expression following stroke was not due to gonadal hormones, as shown by ovariectomy and castration. Lastly, intrastriatal injection of IL-6 in female mice immediately before stroke reversed the VTN knockout phenotypes of reduced brain injury and microglia/macrophage activation.

Conclusions—

VTN plays a novel sexually dimorphic detrimental pathophysiological role in females and might ultimately be a therapeutic target to improve stroke outcomes in women.
Doctors and social media: knowledge gaps and unsafe practices
Authors: Low JM , Tan MY , Joseph R
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION Easy access and availability of communication tools have facilitated doctors’ communication, adding new challenges. Through this study, we aimed to determine the profile of the knowledge and practices of doctors in our institution, and to identify knowledge gaps in the use of social media accounts. METHODS An anonymous survey was sent by electronic mail in March–May 2018 to 931 doctors working in National University Hospital, Singapore. It included questions on demographics; use of social media; and case-based scenarios involving professionalism, patient-doctor relationship and personal practices of social media use. RESULTS The response rate was 12.8%. The majority of the respondents owned a social media account (93.3%), had not received education on social media use in medical school (84.0%), did not own a separate work phone (80.7%) and claimed to have no medical education on this as a doctor (58.8%). Unawareness of the institution’s social media policy was reported by 14.3% of the respondents. Questions on knowledge of the privacy settings of their account were incorrectly answered. Only 75.6%–82.4% of the participants responded ‘no’ when asked if they would post pictures of patients or their results, even if there were no patient identifiers. CONCLUSION There is inadequate knowledge regarding institutional social media policy and privacy settings of social media accounts among doctors. Regarding practices in social media use, while most agree that caution should be exercised for online posts involving patients, ambiguity still exists. The emerging knowledge deficit and potentially unsafe practices that are identified can be addressed through continuing medical education and training on social media use.
Impact of the Council of Europe Guidelines on Electronic Evidence in Civil and Administrative Law
Authors: Jokubauskas Remigijus , Świerczyński Marek
Published: April 2020

On 30 January 2019 the Council of Europe adopted guidelines on electronic evidence in civil and administrative law (hereinafter “the Guidelines”). The article summarizes and analyses this soft law instrument and explains why its creation is important for the proper administration of justice and how it addresses and reflects technological developments, new business models and evolving case-law. Several conclusions have been identified regarding how use of the Guidelines will address current practical problems for courts and attorneys while maintaining full compliance with important principles like the right to a fair trial, protection of private life and national laws of the member states.
Do Equality and Non-discrimination Apply to Polygamous African Customary Marriages? A Constitutional and Statutory Analysis of 14 African Commonwealth States
Authors: Cotton Sonya
Published: April 2020

Scholarship on ‘radical decoupling’ and ‘sham constitutionalism’ suggests that constitutional promises do not necessarily translate to state action. African states, dually concerned with affirming African Customary Law (acl) and international standards of human rights, face particular legislative challenges in this regard. This article examines 14 Commonwealth African states’ statutory regulation of polygamy, which epitomizes that apparent dilemma. Using simple indices to code levels of protection, it argues for disjuncture between constitutional and legislative levels of protection of women’s rights in polygamous customary marriages. This calls into question the supremacy of constitutions as a catalyst for social reform and the need for revision to African marriage laws on the basis of equality, cognisant of the position of women in legally pluralistic societies.
Introduction: Dominicans and Jesuits, through the Centuries
Authors: Steinkerchner, O.P. Scott
Published: April 2020

This article interprets data from five key points in the relationship between the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) and the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) to develop guidelines about how this relationship can help or hinder the work of these two religious orders within the Roman Catholic Church. It concludes that conflictual relationships between the groups tend to hinder their work while collaborative relationships tend to amplify their work. The particular historical events studied are: early Dominican criticism of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola; the different ways that Dominicans and Jesuits employed Mary in their dealings with Muslims in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the de auxiliis controversy about the relationship between grace and free will; the founding of rival Dominican and Jesuit biblical schools at the beginning of the twentieth century; and the positive collaboration between Dominican Yves Congar and Jesuit Karl Rahner at the Second Vatican Council.
Nomenclatural clarification of the names Pelargonium althaeoides and P. chamaedrifolium (Geraniaceae)

Authors: ROUX M. MARIANNE LE , KLOPPER RONELL R.
Published: April 2020

While revising the southern African species of Pelargonium L’Hér. in Aiton (1789a: 417) sect. Peristera De Candolle (1824: 654) (Le Roux 2019), it was found that two names are in circulation for a single species. This matter was not addressed in the revision by Le Roux (2019) as P. althaeoides (Linnaeus 1753: 679) L’Hér. in Aiton (1789a: 420) was moved from Pelargonium sect. Peristera [subgen. Parvulipetalum Röschenbl. & F.Albers in Röschenbleck et al. (2014: 57)] to section Campylia (Lindl. ex Sweet 1820: pl. 43) De Candolle (1824: 656) (subgen. Pelargonium) in a molecular study by Röschenbleck et al. (2014). The matter therefore requires clarification.
A new Liopeltis Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: SOM HANNAH E. , GRISMER L. LEE , WOOD PERRY L. JR. , QUAH EVAN S. H. , BROWN RAFE M. , DIESMOS ARVIN C. , WEINELL JEFFREY L. , STUART BRYAN L.
Published: April 2020

Liopeltis is a genus of poorly known, infrequently sampled species of colubrid snakes in tropical Asia. We collected a specimen of Liopeltis from Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia, that superficially resembled L. philippina, a rare species that is endemic to the Palawan Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex, western Philippines. We analyzed morphological and mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the Pulau Tioman specimen and found distinct differences to L. philippina and all other congeners. On the basis of these corroborated lines of evidence, the Pulau Tioman specimen is described as a new species, L. tiomanica sp. nov. The new species occurs in sympatry with L. tricolor on Pulau Tioman, and our description of L. tiomanica sp. nov. brings the number of endemic amphibians and reptiles on Pulau Tioman to 12.
miR-223 Promotes Proliferation of Colon Cancer Cells by Down-Regulating Bcl-2-Like Protein 11 (BIM) Expression
Authors: Cheng Zhouyang , Cao Yang , Ni Qingfeng , Qin Jun
Published: April 2020

Colorectal cancer is one of malignant tumors. microRNA plays an important role in various diseases. In this study, we evaluated miR-223's effect on the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Protein and RNA expression levels in patients with clinical colorectal cancer were determined
by western blot and real-time quantitative PCR respectively. In addition, the mechanism of miR-223 action was explored by combining transfection methods in cell lines. Colon cancer tissues showed significantly elevated miR-223 expression compared with adjacent tissues. Meanwhile, FOXO3a and
BIM protein levels were significantly lower in cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues. In colon cancer cell lines, knockdown of miR-223 increased cell proliferation and decreased BIM expression. The luciferase reporter gene showed that miR-223 down-regulates BIM expression through targeting
FOXO3a. In colon cancer cells, miR-223 can down-regulate BIM expression through FOXO3a, thereby promoting the proliferation of colon cancer cells, indicating that targeting miR-223-regulated FOXO3a pathway might lead to the development of a number of drugs, and it is feasible to have a purpose
to regulate the behavior of malignant cells.
Effect of Fucoidan on NF-κB-Mediated Inflammatory Response in Rats with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan , Wang Qian , Liu Ying , Yang Shujing , Tan Bei , Feng Yanjing , Cao Chunlin
Published: April 2020

The incidence of cardiovascular disease in China has been increased year by year. Studies have suggested that fucoidan has many biological activities such as anti-coagulation, anti-tumor and anti-thrombosis. However, the effect of fucoidan on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear.
In this study, a rat model of AMI was made by coronary artery ligation. The NF-κB inhibitor PDTC or fucoidan intervention was administered followed by analysis of the degree of pathological damage of myocardial infarction by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the expression of related
proteins by Western blot, and the level of myocardial enzyme and inflammation by ELISA kit. Severe myocardial damage was observed in rats in the myocardial infarction model group, which was improved in both PDTC and fucoidan groups. At the same time, NF-κB signaling was significantly
activated in the myocardial infarction model group. Both PDTC and fucoidan could inhibit NF-κB signaling activation and reduce the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6. Administration of PDTC and fucoidan also improved myocardial enzymes and decreased level of aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB). Fucoidan can inhibit NF-κB-mediated inflammation and improve myocardial injury in rats with acute myocardial infarction, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of anti-infarction drugs for treating
AMI.
Application of Cluster Analysis in Building Retirement Wealth Adequacy Profile: A Case Study in Malaysia
Authors: Kamal Zarul Khaliff , Ismail Noriszura , Alaudin Ros Idayuwati
Published: April 2020

This study aims to examine retirement wealth adequacy based on the underlying structure of households’ attributes from Household Expenses and Income Survey 2014 (HEIS14) data. In specific, the two-step cluster analysis is carried out to build the profiles that will be used to
compute retirement wealth adequacy. In general, the data that contains both numerical and categorical variables do not suit well for pure hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis. To counter this issue, the twostep cluster analysis employs log-likelihood function to measure the distance
between two clusters, where the numerical variables are assumed to follow a normal distribution, meanwhile categorical variables are assumed to follow the multinomial distribution. We have used Schwarz’s Bayesian Criterion (BIC) and Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) to determine
the number of clusters to be formed. In addition, we employed a Silhouette measure of cohesion and separation to examine the overall goodness-of-fit. The analysis successfully generated a solution of three clusters. The first cluster represents households with the majority of SPM holders,
receiving an average gross monthly salary of RM 5058.73 and working in the private sector. The second cluster represents households with the majority of diploma holder/professional certificate, receiving an average gross monthly salary of RM 10154.06 and most of them (92%) working in the private
sector. The third cluster represents households who work in the public sector with an average gross monthly salary of RM 7185.74. From the microsimulation process, the results show that 51% of households in Cluster 1 have adequate retirement wealth, while only 13% of households in Cluster
3 have adequate retirement wealth.
Performance of Double Blade Savonius Rotor at Low Rotational Speed
Authors: Al-Ghriybah Mohanad , Zulkafli Mohd Fadhli , Didane Djamal Hissein , Mohd Sofian
Published: April 2020

The performance of the single and double blade Savonius rotors are numerically analyzed using the K-ε/realizable turbulence model. The computations are implemented at different values of tipspeed ratio from 0.2 to 0.4 with a step of 0.05. Both rotors have the same dimensions
with an external overlap between their blades equals 0.02 m. The results indicate that the double blade rotor performs better than the single blade rotor in terms of power coefficient. In addition, the torque coefficient is improved at all tested values of tip-speed ratio. Furthermore, the
results of the simulation show that the maximum power coefficient was 0.163 at tip-speed ratio = 0.4 for the double blade rotor, whereas the maximum improvement of the double blade rotor occurs at tipspeed ratio = 0.2 with a percentage of 11.86% compared to the single blade rotor. Moreover,
the highest value of the torque coefficient was 0.524 at tip-speed ratio = 0.2 for the double blade rotor.
A Review on Snake Robot Locomotion, Modelling, and Controlling in Challenging Environment
Authors: Abdulshaheed Areej Ghazi , Hussein Mohamed Bin , Dzahir Mohd Azuwan Mat , Saad Shaharil Mad , Othman Rohani
Published: April 2020

The flexibility of the snake robot body and its ability to adapt to different types of terrain attracted the attention of researchers to the great possibilities of its application in inspection, rescue, and searching tasks. These tasks require the robot to have the ability to navigate
smartly in a complex environment (CE), which is considered to be one of the most critical challenges in the robotics field. The robot should be able to sense the surrounding environment and overcome different types of obstacles. In this paper, we have presented a review of the different type
of snake robot locomotion and the controlling strategies in an environment with obstacles. We focus on avoidance obstacle locomotion as it is considered to be the most common strategy for dealing with obstacles. In addition, various types of modeling and controlling of locomotion with the
presence of obstacles are discussed. Finally, a recommendation on the introduction of an obstacle detection system (ODS) and sensor fusion technology is given.
A Statistical Analysis on Automobile Sales Performance in India
Authors: Subramanian Kayalvizhi , Othman Mahmod , Sokkalingam Rajalingam , Thangarasu Gunasekar
Published: April 2020

The automobile business is a main drivers of India’s economy and also one of the biggest markets in the world. The automobile business has developed more grounded in deals over all fragments have been record breaking number in the past in both domestic and export markets. The
presence of many manufacturers and brands in the country provides many choices to the buyers. This study pursues to examine the sales of the Indian Automobile Industry through statistical methods. The data used in this analysis are from secondary sources. The period of the study spans from
2012–2018. The obtained result shows on positive sales growth in the past five years. The automobile sales performance report will be useful for the current and new participant vehicle fabricating organization in India.
The Mechanical Performance of Tile Based on Plastic Waste (PW) Mixed Wood Waste (MWW)
Authors: Marsi Noraini , Huzaisham Nur Athirah , Rus Anika Zafiah Muhd , Lecthumanan Thineshnaidu , Mahmood Salwa , Masrol Shaiful Rizal , Rashid Azrin Hani Abdul , Fodzi Muhammad Haikal Mohd , Singam Rupashinii A/P Thana
Published: April 2020

Demand for recycling product like plastics, papers, metals and alternativematerials will increase due to its numerous applications particularly on business. Recently analysis estimates that 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been made within the 65 years production of plastics began.
Approximately 4.9 billion tons has already been terminated up in lowland or polluting the setting. This project research is to study the mechanical performance of tile based on plastic waste (PW) mixed with wood waste (WW). The objective is to evaluate the mechanical properties and to determine
the optimum ratio of PW reinforced WW for tile application. In this study, there are four types of composites ratio of PW reinforced WW which are 1.0 PW:2.0 WW, 2.0 PW:2.0 WW, 3.0 PW:2.0 WW, and 4.0 PW:2.0 WW. The processes involved grinding, sizing and mixture process. Firstly, the PW and
WW were grinded by using Grind Machine with the speed of 300 rpm. Then, the composition of PW and WW were mixed together with special resin by ratios into square aluminum tray with dimension of 26 cm×26 cm and thickness of 0.5 cm. The samples were cured for 48 hours at room temperature
(27 °C). The maximum tensile strength was observed that the ration of 3.0 PW:2.0 WW loading produced the highest strength at 313.81 N. The bending test exhibited 2069.20 N for the ratio of 3.0 PW:2.0 WW. For impact test, 3.0 PW:2.0 WW can withstand the maximum stress at 1.67 kJ/m2.
3.0 PW:2.0 WW showed lower density of 1.070 g/cm3 and higher porosity value of 0.05%. It clearly shows that fiber matrix bonding PW:WW in distribution special resin form a strong adhesive bond at ratio of 3.0:2.0 with magnification of 10× by using Optical Microscopes Image.
In conclusion, the composition ratio of PW:WW revealed that 3.0 ratio of PW reinforced with 2.0 ratio of WW produce optimum ratio for tile application.
Developing Learning Module for Equalizing the Competence of Students in 1st Piano Minor Course at Jakarta Institute of the Arts
Authors: Kusumaningsih Endang , Nadiroh  , Ibrahim Nurdin
Published: April 2020

Produce a learning module with video was the main aim of this study for equalizing of piano minor 1 subject’s student competence at the music department Jakarta Institute of Arts. This study also to get the empire data of the effective, efficient, interesting and productive. It
was the research and development type of research. There were 3 stages which are a pre-development, development and application. The process comprised validation, evaluation, revision and trial, data collection and analysis for achieving the product. The number of the respondent of this survey
were 23 which comprised of 4 validators, 3 senior students for a one-to-one test, 6 senior students, and 10 students for sample who followed the piano minor 1 class for improving the product. Analysis of the data using qualitative and quantitative approach. Qualitative data is contained of
correction, critic, suggestion and inputs from the subject experts such as the expert of design instructional, piano minor learning, language and media. Quantitative data is hypothesis comparative data between pre-test and posttest. The product of the research is the module learning of piano
minor 1 contains 5 subjects, namely: the utilization of piano; body position, and posture when play piano; notation reading; technic of playing the piano; expression of playing the piano. The module is completed by guidelines for student and lecturer. The result of this research showed that
a piano minor 1 learning module is suitable for students. The module is effective, efficient, productive and interesting that can equalize the competence of students.
Development of Safety Cost on Upper Structure Building Based on Work Breakdown Structure
Authors: Darongke Chyntia Christina , Latief Yusuf
Published: April 2020

Construction as one of the most influencing industry to the country’s economy on the other hand also have the highest number of workplace accidents. Based on the data, 32% of accidental cases in Indonesia happened on constructional sectors. Hazard combine with work environments,
workers behavior, organizational factor are the few reasons on the high number of workplace accident. In order to controlling the accidents, the safety risks in the construction industry need to be addressed. This paper aims to developing the standardized work breakdown structure for upper
structure in building as a series of task in the form activities and to identify the safety risks in construction project based on work breakdown structure in order to effectively listing the workplace safety risk to maximizing the prevention. The risks listed also following by the prevention
needed for controlling the risks, and the prevention would help to develop the component needed for cost of safety. In the end, the component of the cost of safety based on the prevention on the risk for each work breakdown structure will be more detailed and accurate.
Time Series Analysis of Land Cover Using Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Hosni Ahmad Taufiq , Teriman Suharto , Adnan Nor Aizam , Kamar Muhamad Asri Abdullah
Published: April 2020

The observation of land use/land cover (LULC) is essential as it allows humans to investigate the alteration of land which occurs over a period of time. This is to allow mankind to have a proper management of the earth resources and well planned development. One way to observe LULC
is by using remote sensing technology since it provides continuous data monitoring of the earth’s surface. This study is carried out at Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh, Perak and aimed to quantify the LULC changes, especially in urban areas which occurred within two decades from 1995 to 2005
and from 2005 to 2015. Maximum likelihood supervised classification was performed on three Landsat satellite imageries using ERDAS Imagine 2014 software. The images were classified into 4 general LULC categories namely forest, development area, green area, and water bodies. The results indicated
that a considerable amount of forested area was decreasing by 183.12 hectares within the last 20 years while development area gained a total of 157.12 hectares. This LULC changes showed a serious loss of trees and this sort of change tends to affect the nature’s ecosystem. Therefore,
by quantifying the loss of forest area will enable authorities to oversee and plan a better management of trees for future in urban environments. Such management plan is necessary in order to maintain the importance of trees towards nature and community.
A Review on Characteristics and Potential Applications of Henna Leaves (Lawsonia inermis)
Authors: Thana Singam Rupashinii A/P , Marsi Noraini Bt , Abdul Rashid Azrin Hani Bt , Nasir Siti Hana Bt , Ibrahim Siti Aida Bt , Roslan Mohd Nazrul B. , Huzaisham Nur Athirah Bt , Mohd Fodzi Muhammad Haikal B.
Published: April 2020

This review paper reports the studies available on the characteristics and applications of the henna (Lawsonia inermis) as a natural dye. Textile materials are mainly from synthetic dyes and fibers which are not renewable and not biodegradable. Around 30 million of tonnes was
estimated for the global consumption of textiles and was expected to grow up to 3% per annum while 70,000 tonnes of dyes were released to the environment. The population of people who will have allergic to the chemicals will grow up to 60% by year 2020 which was stated in business week. Apart
from that, natural dyes can be extracted and process from various sources such as plants, leaves, minerals, roots, barks and insect sections. Plants that was found in the world approximately 20% were for the pharmaceutical or biological test and new antibiotics were introduced in the market
are obtain from natural or semi-synthetic resources. For the biological test, henna oil was tested against Staphylococcus aureus which was 870 μg/mL and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 87 μg/mL respectively while henna leaves extraction using methanol of 95% showed
significant in-vitro antihyperglycemic effect. Chemical contains in the henna are carbohydrates as 33.62%, fibers as 33.5%, fatty oils as 10–11% and essential oil as 0.01–0.02%. Moreover, the good UV absorbency for the henna dyed cotton was at 900 °C for 60 minutes and
the colour fastness for the fabric which was dyed with henna is 4 which is good. Henna dye has slightly negative charge for the higher pH 9 for the washing fastness. The optimize condition for the pre-mordant is 4% for the copper sulphate (CuSO4) for cotton with the extraction of henna leaves.
Furthermore, the optimum condition for the henna to remove lead Pb (II) from wastewater are pH 6, contact time is 80 minutes, 10 ppm for the initial metal concentration and 0.75 g/L for adsorbent dosage.
Direct Ultrasound Synthesis of Vanadyl Pyrophosphate Catalyst for Partial Oxidation of N-Butane to Maleic Anhydride
Authors: Goo Kang Zhi , Leong Loong Kong , Yap Yeow Hong , Lin Kuen-Song , Chiang Chao-Lung
Published: April 2020

Three vanadyl pyrophosphate catalyst were prepared via direct ultrasound technique using organic, sesquihydrate and dihydrate routes, denoted as VPOuo, VPOus and VPOud respectively. Catalysts were synthesised in N-butane/air mixture based exclusively on direct ultrasound technique.
All catalysts exhibited well crystallised (VO)2P2O7. VPOus and VPOud demonstrated αII-VOPO4, which led to rise in vanadium average oxidation state. The catalysts were showing O1s approximate 530 eV, comparable P2p value and V2p3/2
at approximate 517 eV, providing vanadium oxidation state of approx. 4.0–4.2. Secondary structure composed of thin plate-like crystals in different sizes agglomerate to each other due to cavitation effect were observed in field emission scanning electron microscope. High resolution transmission
electron microscope demonstrated the existence of polycrystalline phase. The nature of the oxidants was investigated by temperature-programmed reduction in H2. VPOus showed highest amount of total removal of oxygen species suggesting that it had highest activity compared to VPOuo
and VPOud. The measurement of X-ray absorption near edge structure demonstrated incidence of vanadium oxide reductions in the flow of hydrogen, which indicates V4+ and V5+ presence. Catalytic tests demonstrated that the activity and selectivity to maleic anhydride increased
with direct ultrasound technique. This research has shown that the catalysts production time can be reduced to 2 hours and giving polycrystalline particles compared to conventional method.
Gasoline Yield Enhancement in Fluid Catalytic Cracking by Coprocessing of Petroleum Gasoil with Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Oil and Palm Fatty Acid Distillate
Authors: Azis Zarkoni , Susanto Bambang Heru , Nasikin Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Gasoline is liquid hydrocarbon fuel used for spark-ignition engine. Most of gasoline production is carried out in the petroleum oil refinery through several stages of process and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is an important process that can convert some of heavy oil fractions like
vacuum gasoil (VGO) and residue to be cracked into gasoline and lighter products. Consumption of gasoline for transportation fuel in Indonesia is higher than its production capability, so this gap has compelled to search the alternative process route using renewable feedstock. Coprocessing
of petroleum gasoil with crude palm oil in fluid catalytic cracking had been investigated previously resulting in lower value of conversion as well as gasoline yield when applying co-feeds at higher level of vegetable oils. Cracking feedstock containing triglyceride and fatty acid from vegetable
oil is supposed to be the other possibility as a reason of conversion and yield changes. The research work is aimed to find out another way for gasoline yield upgrading in fluid catalytic cracking process using available catalyst by coprocessing of VGO with refined bleached deodorized palm
oil (RBDPO) and small amount of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). The experimental work of cracking reaction was performed on fluid-bed reactor of ACE unit at temperature of 530 °C, nearly atmospheric pressure and catalyst-oil ratio of 5.5 g/g. Three kind of oil feeds were tested namely
VGO, VGO mixed with 5% RBDPO and VGO added with 5% RBDPO-PFAD of mixing ratio 9:1. The cracking reaction results in gaseous and liquid products. The gaseous phase product was analyzed using online gas chromatography to detect light hydrocarbon components of C1, C2 and H2 as dry gas and hydrocarbon
components of C3 and C4 as LPG. The liquid item was investigated through gas chromatography of simulated distillation to separate fluid components including gasoline, light cycle oil (LCO) and slurry oil. Carbon material placed on catalyst through cracking reaction was analyzed at regeneration
step of spent catalyst passed through catalytic converter by online Infrared method. Coprocessing of VGO with 5% RBDPO and VGO with 5% RBDPO-PFAD can alter conversion and product yields. The presence of triglyceride and fatty acid in oil feeds during cracking reaction influence signifi- cantly
to gasoline enhancement. Although this coprocessing work has shown initial phenomenon in accordance with hypothesis, further investigation is necessary to explore deeper in order to obtain an optimized process condition by various levels of coprocessing feed.
A Work Breakdown Structure Based Material Requirement Planning Information System Using Building Information Modeling for Flat Construction Project
Authors: Amri Aflah Ulil , Latief Yusuf
Published: April 2020

Indonesian government program to provide millions homes for community has carried out hundreds flat construction project. At the same time, deviation between the budget and actual cost due to unwell planned construction material make it a disrupting focus among contractor issue. Construction
material is an important element in construction projects since it cost up to 50%–60% of the total project cost. This study intend to overcome these issue by implementing well planned construction material requirement information system based on Work Breakdown Structure using Building
Information Modeling. The benefit of Building Information Modeling there is a lot of information which could be stored at Building Information Modeling in early planning stage so that construction conflict could be minimize. This research is using qualitative approach to achieve information
system of material needed based on Work Breakdown Structure using Building Information Modeling. First step is validating Work Breakdown Structure to define construction materials needed in flat construction project using expert assessment. Second step is developing construction material information
system. Validated construction materials are used to develop information system using Building Information Modeling. A case study in flat construction project is conducted to ensure information system is working well. The result of the development of construction material information system
is assessed by experts. The Delphi method is used to validate the expert assessment. Contribution from this research include utilization of Building Information Modeling to develop construction material information system is proposed and to enhance the effectiveness of the construction material
requirement planning in flat construction project.
The Effectiveness of Cyber Learning Methods to Improve Learning Motivation in Interior Design Courses
Authors: Mularsih Heni , Hartini
Published: April 2020

The Interior Design courses emphasizing accuracy requires high learning motivation. One stimulus to grow motivation is by applying teaching methods that are in accordance with the characteristics of the course, namely cyber learning methods that also facilitate accuracy and efficiency.
The purpose of this research is to improve learning motivation in interior design courses through cyber learning methods employing steps of project-based learning (PjBL). The study included quasiexperiments using two-group post test design. The instrument of learning motivation was adapted
from McClelland’s motivational theory. The number of participants was 60 students divided in two groups. The first students group learned by using conventional methods (control group), while the second students group learned by using cyber methods (experimental group). The number of
learning was 10 meetings. After completing the meetings, the two groups were measured based on the learning motivation. The results of the study indicate that cyber learning methods can increase student’s learning motivation in interior design courses. Result shows that the experimental
group of students has higher learning motivation than students in control group who were leaved uninterfered with the conventional method—the lectures.
A Centralized Gigabit Passive Optical Network Fault Monitoring Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor
Authors: Usman Auwalu , Zulkifli Nadiatulhuda , Salim Mohd Rashidi , Khairi Kharina
Published: April 2020

In this paper, an improved technique for a centralized fault monitoring and detection in Gigabitcapable Passive Optical Network using fiber Bragg grating sensor is proposed. The technique detects fault once it occurs at the vulnerable locations in the fiber optic distribution link by
the proposed Fiber Bragg Grating devices. The scheme uses an amplified Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier monitoring signal in the C-band and a uniform Fiber Bragg Grating with different Bragg wavelengths and reflectivities as the branch identifiers in the network. The reflected signal from the
optical sensor is analyzed at the Optical Line Terminal in the Central Office by an Optical Spectrum Analyzer to determine the branch with rupture in the network. The simulated result obtained shows that the system can monitor and detect a fault in the Feeder Fiber link, up to 20 km at optical
power received of −44 dBm. The scheme is capable of detecting a fault in the various optical distribution network at the remote node in the customer’s end, at minimum optical power received of −58 dBm with negligible effects on data signal transmission.
Enhancement of Gradient for Touching and Overlapping Objects
Authors: Abdullah Wan Mahani , Yaakob Shahrul Nizam , Ahmad Ainul Maulid , Aziz Mu’azah Md , Ishak Mohamad Izril , Shahrudin Muhammad Shahrizan
Published: April 2020

Normally, gradient image is sometime poor especially for touching and overlapping objects. The proposed method manipulates the use of HSV channels in order to enhance the gradient image obtained for objects with complex background. Only S and V channels are used in this technique. The
proposed gradient enhancement approaches were tested on HSV channel images. The Standard Sobel and Laplace of Gaussian (LoG) technique was used to compare the results and performance. The Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) values were calculated as a performance
matrix for the implementation. The results show the improvement of the gradient image if compared to existence approach.
Design Improvement of an Automatic Fish Feeding Machine
Authors: Sukor Mohd Azizee , Salleh S. M. , Yusoff A. H. M. , Mahmud W. M. A. W. , Ahmad S. , Mahzan S.
Published: April 2020

This study is about the design improvement of an automatic fish feeding machine. The most recent machine has been selected as the point of reference for this research. Realizing the limitation of existing automatic fish feeding machine has inspired the researcher to develop a system
which overcomes previous systems’ flaws, hence giving more advantages and benefits to the owner and workers. This research has three main goals: To design and fabricate automatic fish feeding machine; to ensure an accurate amount of fish pellet to be dispersed at a predetermined time,
360° and at specified distance; and to generate electricity by using the solar panel as the power source to make it suitable for outdoor environment of fish farming. We developed a prototype to measure the ability of the new automatic machine concept. These include design improvement,
storage capacity, ability and time for a pellet to dispense and the distance of food dispersed. The findings from the research showed that the use of vibration concept and gravity to channel down the fish pellet into the distribution channel has made this new design simpler. Also, the centrifugal
force concept to disperse the pellet 360° is a major improvement from the previous design. Three projection angles of 0°, 15° and 30° were studied. Although the current study is based on a small sample, the findings suggest that the projection angle at 15° is the best for
the current machine. We conclude that the new fish feeding machine has exceeded the performance of the previous machine in terms of functionality and design. However, with a small sample size, caution must be applied, as the finding might not be transferable to a large-scale fish farm environment.
Several possible future studies using the same experiment set up are apparent.