bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TREX1 531C>T Polymorphism is Associated with High Proviral Load Levels in HTLV-1-Infected Persons
Authors: Silva Denis de Castro , Amoras Ednelza da Silva Graça , Moura Tuane Carolina Ferreira , Lopes Felipe Teixeira , Gomes Samara Tatielle Monteiro , Costa Carlos A. da , Sousa Maísa Silva , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas
Published: December 2019

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) deregulates the immune system and cell cycle, resulting in loss of immune tolerance and disease, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) maintains innate immune tolerance of the host and host-cell permissiveness to retroviral infections. TREX1 polymorphisms may influence the course of infection and autoimmune manifestations. The influence of TREX1 531C/T polymorphism was investigated in HTLV-1 infection and development of symptoms among 151 persons infected with HTLV-1 (32 HAM/TSP, 19 rheumatologic manifestations, two dermatitis, five more than one diagnosis, two probable HAM/TSP, and 91 asymptomatic individuals) and 100 uninfected persons in the control group. Polymorphism genotyping and proviral load quantification were performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were screened by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. No statistically significant difference was found in polymorphism genotype and allele frequencies between the infected and control groups. HAM/TSP patients showed higher frequency of TT genotype than asymptomatic persons (p = 0.0339). Proviral load was significantly higher among individuals with CT/TT genotypes and CC genotype carriers had lower proviral load and higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines. ANAs were present only in the HAM/TSP group. TREX1 531C>T polymorphism seems to be associated with TREX-1 regulation and HTLV-1 infection.
The Zebrafish Xenograft Platform—A Novel Tool for Modeling KSHV-Associated Diseases
Authors: Pringle Eric S. , Wertman Jaime , Melong Nicole , Coombs Andrew J. , Young Andrew L. , O’Leary David , Veinotte Chansey , Robinson Carolyn-Ann , Ha Michael N. , Dellaire Graham , Druley Todd E. , McCormick Craig , Berman Jason N.
Published: December 2019

Kaposi’s sarcoma associated-herpesvirus (KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus-8) is a gammaherpesvirus that establishes life-long infection in human B lymphocytes. KSHV infection is typically asymptomatic, but immunosuppression can predispose KSHV-infected individuals to primary effusion lymphoma (PEL); a malignancy driven by aberrant proliferation of latently infected B lymphocytes, and supported by pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors produced by cells that succumb to lytic viral replication. Here, we report the development of the first in vivo model for a virally induced lymphoma in zebrafish, whereby KSHV-infected PEL tumor cells engraft and proliferate in the yolk sac of zebrafish larvae. Using a PEL cell line engineered to produce the viral lytic switch protein RTA in the presence of doxycycline, we demonstrate drug-inducible reactivation from KSHV latency in vivo, which enabled real-time observation and evaluation of latent and lytic phases of KSHV infection. In addition, we developed a sensitive droplet digital PCR method to monitor latent and lytic viral gene expression and host cell gene expression in xenografts. The zebrafish yolk sac is not well vascularized, and by using fluorogenic assays, we confirmed that this site provides a hypoxic environment that may mimic the microenvironment of some human tumors. We found that PEL cell proliferation in xenografts was dependent on the host hypoxia-dependent translation initiation factor, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E2 (eIF4E2). This demonstrates that the zebrafish yolk sac is a functionally hypoxic environment, and xenografted cells must switch to dedicated hypoxic gene expression machinery to survive and proliferate. The establishment of the PEL xenograft model enables future studies that exploit the innate advantages of the zebrafish as a model for genetic and pharmacologic screens.
Three New Orbivirus Species Isolated from Farmed White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States
Authors: Ahasan Mohammad Shamim , Subramaniam Kuttichantran , Campos Krauer Juan M. , Sayler Katherine A. , Loeb Julia C. , Goodfriend Olivia F. , Barber Hannah M. , Stephenson Caroline J. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Charrel Remi N. , Wisely Samantha M. , Waltzek Thomas B. , Lednicky John A.
Published: December 2019

We report the detection and gene coding sequences of three novel Orbivirus species found in six dead farmed white-tailed deer in the United States. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new orbiviruses are genetically closely related to the Guangxi, Mobuck, Peruvian horse sickness, and Yunnan orbiviruses, which are thought to be solely borne by mosquitos. However, four of the six viruses analyzed in this work were found as co-infecting agents along with a known cervid pathogen, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus-2 (EHDV-2), raising questions as to whether the new viruses are primary pathogens or secondary pathogens that exacerbate EHDV-2 infections. Moreover, EHDV-2 is known to be a Culicoides-borne virus, raising additional questions as to whether Culicoides species can also serve as vectors for the novel orbiviruses, if mosquitoes can vector EHDV-2, or whether the deer were infected through separate bites by the insects. Our findings expand knowledge of the possible viral pathogens of deer in the United States. Moreover, due to the close genetic relatedness of the three new orbiviruses to viruses that are primary pathogens of cattle and horses, our findings also underscore a crucial need for additional research on the potential role of the three new orbiviruses as pathogens of other animals.
Evaluating the Influence of Rain Event Characteristics on Rainfall Interception by Urban Trees Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Zabret Katarina , Šraj Mojca
Published: December 2019

Urban trees play an important role in the built environment, reducing the rainfall reaching the ground by rainfall interception. The amount of intercepted rainfall depends on the meteorological and vegetation characteristics. By applying the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), we analysed the influence of rainfall amount, intensity and duration, the number of raindrops, the mean volume diameter (MVD), wind speed and direction on rainfall interception. The analysis was based on data from 176 events collected over more than three years of observations. Measurements were taken under birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) trees located in an urban park in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The results indicate that rainfall interception is influenced the most by rainfall amount and the number of raindrops. In general, the ratio of rainfall interception to gross rainfall decreases with longer and more intense rainfall events. The influence of the raindrop number depends also on their size (MVD), which is evident especially for the pine tree. For example, pine tree interception increases with smaller raindrops regardless of their number. In addition, MCA gives a new insight into the influence of wind characteristics, which was not visible using previous methods of data analysis (regression analysis, correlation matrices, regression trees, boosted regression trees). According to the nearby buildings, a wind corridor is sometimes created, decreasing rainfall interception by both tree species.
Quantifying the Variability in Flow Competence and Streambed Mobility with Water Discharge in a Gravel-Bed Channel: River Esva, NW Spain
Authors: Vázquez-Tarrío Daniel , Fernández-Iglesias Elena , Fernández García María , Marquínez Jorge
Published: December 2019

Streambed mobility in gravel-bed rivers is largely controlled by the rate at which particles with different grain sizes are recruited from the riverbed into the bed load. In this paper, we present a study case in which we explored this question, based on combining field observations using painted plots and the grain size analysis of a large flood sediment deposit in the River Esva, northwest Spain, and the generalized threshold model (GTM) competence model developed by Recking. The main aim was to accomplish a complete characterization of streambed mobility in this river. The obtained results suggest the large potential of the GTM model compared to previous competence models when searching for the quantitative description of particle entrainment and streambed mobility in the River Esva. We observed how the grain size of the bed load in the River Esva tended to be closer to that of the sub-armour bed material during large floods, while moderate magnitude flows tended to carry a relatively fine bed load. Additionally, we compared our results with previously published field observations on flow competence. This comparison outlined the large degree of site specificity in the links between grain size of the bed load and that of the bed material.
Investigation of the Sloshing Behavior Due to Seismic Excitations Considering Two-Way Coupling of the Fluid and the Structure
Authors: Dinçer A. Ersin
Published: December 2019

Sloshing behavior due to near-fault type and earthquake excitations of a fluid in a tank having a highly deformable elastic structure in the middle was investigated experimentally and numerically in this paper. In the numerical model, fluid was simulated with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and structure was simulated with the finite element method (FEM). The coupling was satisfied with contact mechanics. The δ-SPH scheme was adapted to lower the numerical oscillations. The proposed fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method can simulate the violent fluid-structure interaction problem successfully. The effects of near-fault type and earthquake excitations on free-surfaces of fluid and the elastic structure are presented.
Pedunculate Club-rush Bolboschoenus laticarpus (Cyperaceae) ‒ an overlooked native or a spreading neophyte?
Authors: Rumsey Frederick J. , Crouch Helena J. , Lansdown Richard V. , Spencer Mark A.
Published: December 2019

Bolboschoenus laticarpus Marhold, Hroudová, Zákravský & Ducháček (for which we suggest the common name Pedunculate Club-rush) is reported from the British Isles and the characters which distinguish it from B. maritimus (L.) Palla are given. The known English distribution is presented and placed in its wider geographical context. The ecology and history of this species in Britain are outlined and its likely status is considered. B. laticarpus is locally abundant and widely distributed in a range of natural and artificial habitats, particularly within the Somerset Levels and also in the flood plains of some larger rivers, where it is now known to have been long persistent. B. laticarpus appears to be a successful colonist, having arrived recently in several newly created, artificial habitats. The mode of introduction is unknown but believed to be natural, and indeed elsewhere in Europe it is reportedly increasing within its natural range, perhaps as a consequence of changes in land-use, eutrophication and potentially climate. We therefore regard it as a native taxon.
Manejo tradicional da pesca na Área de Proteção Ambiental do Delta das Américas
Authors: Feitosa Leidimar Lustosa Alves , Barros Maria Claudene , Almeida Zafira da Silva de
Published: December 2019

Este estudo analisa a pesca em Barra Grande, município de Cajueiro da Praia-PI, identificando atributos de sustentabilidade e práticas de manejo que demonstram a sustentabilidade dos modelos de exploração com base no conhecimento tradicional dos pescadores entrevistados. Constatou-se a existência de atributos de sustentabilidade envolvendo as dimensões social, ecológica, tecnológica, econômica e de manejo da pesca e foram caracterizados oito sistemas de pesca, cujas medidas de manejo tradicional como a construção de marambaias têm contribuído para a continuidade da atividade. Assim, atributos e medidas de manejos constatados revelam aspectos que subsidiam a sustentabilidade pesqueira na comunidade e que necessitam ser contemplados nas ações de gestão da área.
Paisagismo e Educação Ambiental: revitalização do espaço escolar e suas potencialidades problematizadoras
Authors: Sander Deisi Geneci
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo apresenta a reflexão sobre a aplicação de uma oficina pedagógica sob o viés da Educação Ambiental (EA) e da Ecopedagogia em duas escolas municipais de ensino fundamental em São Leopoldo/RS, que desejavam a revitalização paisagística do espaço escolar e de uma pracinha no entorno da escola. O projeto de ação foi idealizado a partir do Curso de especialização Lato Sensu em Educação Ambiental da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (UAB/FURG), tendo como objetivo oferecer subsídios formativos aos educadores das escolas à incorporação da dimensão socioambiental na revitalização paisagística dos espaços, explorando noções de interdisciplinaridade, meio ambiente, Educação Ambiental e Ecopedagogia. Para isso, pesquisou-se as concepções dessas categorias nos textos de Marcos Reigota, Carlos Frederico Bernardo Loureiro, Isabel Cristina de Moura Carvalho e Moacir Gadotti. Por meio da aplicação de questionários e oficinas, foi possível concluir que a maioria dos educadores mantém uma concepção naturalista de meio ambiente, apesar de a concepção de Educação Ambiental aproximar-se significativamente dos seis objetivos da EA definidos da Carta de Belgrado. A aplicação da oficina resultou, de acordo com as respostas dos docentes, na ampliação do entendimento das concepções das categorias mencionadas, na concordância de possível reformulação da prática pedagógica para atender ao que prima a Ecopedagogia e na compreensão do rico campo pedagógico que pode ser explorado com os alunos, durante a revitalização dos espaços públicos citados.
Tendinopatías: etiología, histopatología y avances terap
Authors: Bonilla Alvarado Francisco
Published: December 2019

Objetivos: Describir los principales cambios histopatológicos presentes en las tendinopatías, su patogénesis y los avances terapéuticos encontrados en la literatura. 

Palabras Claves: Tendinopatías, histología, patogénesis, inflamación, tendinosis, regeneración. 

Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura relacionada con las tendinopatías su patogénesis, cambios histológicos, avances terapéuticos en el uso de células madres, factores de crecimiento (plasma rico en plaquetas) y terapia farmacológica. Se utilizaron las bases de datos de pubmed, clinical key, science direct. Se incluyeron artículos de revisiones bibliográficas entre 2005 al 2018, escritos en inglés. 

Conclusiones: Las tendinopatías tienen un complejo origen multifactorial, donde los factores extrínsecos e intrínsecos juegan un papel importante para el desarrollo de dicha afectación. La inflamación tiene un rol determinante en el desarrollo de la patogenia de las tendinopatías. La terapia farmacológica antiinflamatoria tiene efectos a corto plazo en la disminución del dolor, sin embargo, resulta contraproducente a largo plazo. Existe controversia sobre el uso del Plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) y de terapia celular (stem cells), se requiere de mayor investigación que pueda evidenciar la eficacia de dichos tratamientos.
Farengeal Havayolu Ölçümlerinde Toplam Havayolu Hacmi İle Bölgesel Havayolları Arasındaki Korelasyonun Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: POLAT Mevlüde , CEYLAN İsmail , POLAT Mehmet Emrah
Published: December 2019

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, dentofasiyal anomali tanılı hastaların total
farengeal havayolu hacimleri ile nazofarengeal, retropalatal ve retroglossal
havayolu hacimleri arasındaki korelasyonu değerlendirmektir.Materyal ve
Metod: Yaşları 9.1 ile 13.8
aralığında olan 26 kız ve 34 erkek olmak üzere toplam 60 dentofasiyal deformite
tanısı konulmuş bireyin CBCT kayıtları çalışma kapsamına alınmıştır. Kayıtlar
üzerinden hastaların yaş, cinsiyet, nazofarengeal, retropalatal, retroglossal
ve total havayolu hacimleri kaydedilmiştir. Solunum yolları ile ilgili ölçümler
hacimsel parametreler kullanılarak karşılaştırılmıştır. Hasta verileri
cinsiyetler üzerinden ve cinsiyetten bağımsız olarak iki aşamada istatistik
analiz programı ile yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Nazofarenks, retropalatal, retroglossal hacimler ile total hacim
değişkenleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmaktadır
(p<0.05).Sonuçlar incelendiğinde, nazofarengeal hacim ile total hacim
arasında %59,9 retropalatal hacim ile total hacim arasında yaklaşık %84,2 ve
retroglossal hacim ile total hacim arasında %73,1 düzeyinde aynı yönlü ilişki
bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca nazofarengeal hacim ile retropalatal hacim arasında
yaklaşık %27,1; retropalatal hacim ile retroglossal hacim arasında %48,7
düzeyinde aynı yönlü ilişki mevcuttur. Korelasyon fark testi bulgularına göre,
kızlarda retropalatal-total hacim arasında ilişki erkeklere göre yaklaşık %13
oranında daha fazladır. Cinsiyet değerlendirmeye alınmadan yapılan korelasyon
değerlendirilmesinde ise total hacim ile nazofarenks, retropalatal ve
retroglossal hacimler arasında güçlü korelasyon varlığı saptanmıştır. Bu
kolerasyonların içinde en güçlü ilişki total hacim ile  retropalatal hacim arasında bulunmuştur
(%84,2).

Sonuç: Çalışmamız sonucunda, her üç anatomik bölgenin de total havayolu hacmi
için önemli olduğu, klinik olarak önemli bulunmasa da nazofarengeal havayolu
ölçümlerinin de total havayolu hacmi ile güçlü bir kolerasyon gösterdiği,
retropalatal havayolu hacminin total havayolu hacmi ile en güçlü korelasyonu
gösterdiği ve cinsiyetler arası segmental ve total havayolu hacimleri arasında
retropalatal-total hacim hariç istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark
bulunmadığı sonuçları kaydedilmiştir
Competencias profesionales y la empleabilidad, para egresados y titulados de la carrera de auditoría
Authors: González Díaz Emilio Enrique , Alfaro Castillo Mauricio Iván
Published: December 2019

Entre los objetivos formulados en la declaración de Bolonia (1999), y que son el eje sobre el que se sustenta el nuevo paradigma educativo en la educación superior, se encuentra: “Formular criterios académicos, competenciales y de cualificación profesional que respondan a la demanda del mercado laboral y que permitan responder a los retos educativo, laborales y sociales actuales”. La Conferencia de Berlín (2003), pone énfasis en la empleabilidad de los graduados, La Conferencia de Bergen (2005), señala que para mejorar el empleo de los graduados, es necesario reforzar el diálogo con Empleadores y Agentes sociales.

A raíz de los constantes cambios generados en la profesión y la necesidad de adecuarse a ellos permanentemente, se hace necesaria una evaluación constante de las capacidades y conocimientos de los profesionales del área de la auditoría. La presente investigación realiza un análisis de la valoración de las demandas de mercado, de las competencias profesionales para la inserción laboral y remuneración de los titulados de la carrera de Auditoría en la Ciudad de La Serena, con el objetivo de entregar información actualizada de los factores de empleabilidad, como insumo útil, para la orientación de los planes y programas de estudios, movilizando el capital intelectual y alineándolo a lo demandado por los agentes socioeconómicos.

El estudio se configuró una perspectiva mixta., El rasgo cualitativo se manifiesta en la obtención de información de los egresados de carreras de auditoría, considerados como agentes estratégicos mediante las percepciones y visiones subjetivas que estos entregan, mientras que lo cuantitativo se expresa en función del análisis de datos obtenidos en la aplicación de la encuesta de inserción de l’Agència per a la Qualitat del Sistema Universitari de Catalunya (AQU).

La investigación permitió identificar las competencias profesionales más valoradas en el mercado para los Contadores Auditores recientemente egresados, así como, confirmar la importancia de las características personales, como factor determinante en la empleabilidad. Se determinó que los egresados establecían una relación entre competencias, rubro de desempeño y el nivel de remuneraciones, así como una valoración de la calidad del trabajo.
Effect of Mordant Types and Methods on the Color Fastness Properties of Silk Fabrics dyed with Brown Seaweeds
Authors:   Textile Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia,, Talib* Nabila , Ahmad Mohd Rozi ,   Textile Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Ismail Khudzir ,   Fuel and Biomass Energy Research Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia, Ab Kadir Muhammad Ismail ,   Textile Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia,
Published: December 2019

Natural dyes come from plenty of sources including plants, animals, insects or microorganisms. At present, natural dyes are highly demanded in textile application. In this study, brown seaweed (Sargassum spinosum) extracts were utilized for silk coloration with the use of metallic salts mordants (Iron II Sulphate and Aluminium Sulphate) and biomordants (cinnamon and chitosan). Dyeing was performed with pre-mordanting and simultaneous mordanting methods. The dyed fabrics were analyzed in terms of color fastness properties to washing, perspiration, rubbing and light. The results revealed that seaweed dyes with cinnamon mordant gave darker shades and higher absorbency towards silk which is comparable to iron mordant. The approach of using biomordant is parallel to the sustainability demand of natural dyes in textile application.
Thin Film Composite Membrane from PSF/Chitosan/PEG: Effect of PVA Concentration on the Removal of Mercury and Antifouling Properties
Authors:   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Kassim Shaari* Norin Zamiah , Fazrul Basri Mohamad ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Yazid Raimi Ruhaizat Mohammad ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Sulaiman Nurul Aida ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Ramlee Shahira ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: December 2019

In this study, a thin film composite membrane was synthesized by coating a layer of hybrid membrane formulated from a blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross linked with tetraethylorthosilicate on a polysulfone support membrane. The aim of this experiment is to study the effect of varying the PVA concentrations on the performance of the TFC membranes on the removal of mercury and to determine their antifouling behaviour. Four different concentrations of PVA were selected; 2 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.% and 6 wt.%. Results showed that the increase concentration of PVA leads to good removal of mercury ions, and good antifouling properties which was portrayed through high FRR and RFR respectively, and low IFR. The suitable concentration of PVA was found at 3 wt. %, where it has yield TFC membrane that able to remove all the mercury ions from the solution even after 30 minutes filtration time with sufficient amount of flux as compared to other membranes. It also portrays good anti fouling behaviour due to low IFR and average value of RFR (66%). Therefore, this study concludes that the fabricated thin film composite membrane suitable to be used in membrane filtration for heavy metal removal.
Flexural Strength, Fracture and Impact Toughness Analysis of Kenaf/Woven Fibreglass Polyester Composite
Authors:   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Salleh* Z. , Taib* Y. M. ,   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Kushairi S. ,   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Yunus S. ,   Mechatronics Section, Electrical Engineering Department, German Malaysian Institute (GMI), Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia., Kalam A. ,   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

Natural fibers may be obtained from plant, animal and mineral sources. They are becoming a promising high potential reinforcement material for composites and thus have drawn attention from many researchers. Apart from their well-known benefits such as environmental friendly, low cost and biodegradability compared to synthetic fibres, they also have low density, minimal abrasive wear to machinery, high specific strength and modulus and can be recycled thermally. In recent years, kenaf fibres have appeared as one of the outstanding materials being used in the textile, building, plastics and automotive industries. However, it cannot be used in heavy applications. Thus hybridization with fibreglass may improve the overall mechanical properties of the composite materials. Kenaf/woven fibreglass unsaturated polyester composites was fabricated using a combination of hand lay-up and cold-press methods. A sandwich configuration with the skin being fibreglass and the core made of kenaf fibre is employed in this work. It can be surmised that the flexural strength, fracture and impact toughness of this hybrid material are influenced by fibreglass at skin layer rather than matrix strength.
Stress Analysis of a Patient-specific Socket Design during Gait Cycle
Authors:   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Azmi Ab Patar* Mohd Nor , Mahmud Jamaluddin ,   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Lee Hokyoo ,   Department of Mechanical and Control Engineering, Niigata Institute of Technology, Japan.
Published: December 2019

Transtibial amputation is one of the common surgical procedure involved removal of lower limbs specifically below the knee. The need of amputation was caused by major accidents or diseases. Prosthetic socket was an important part as it kept the residual limb in place. It should allow amputee to perform daily activities without caused any pains. Most amputees reviewed the socket’s design caused pain on their residual limb. This project was purposed to analyse the pressure distribution on the prosthetic socket design. Design of the socket was based on stump’s condition which verified from the hospitals. Autodesk Meshmixer software was used to remodel the socket design from 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) data of real stump. Pressure sensors measured the pressure exerted due to contact between socket and stump. The measured pressure distribution was analysed according to the pressure tolerant and sensitive areas to avoid the uncomfortable pain. The simulation of socket design was simulated using Finite Element Method (FEM) in ANSYS Static Structural. FEM indicated the behaviour of the socket during static and dynamic condition. Then, prosthetic sockets were fabricated in-house manufacturing process based on Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology using 2.85-mm filament of polyamide nylon (PA). Thus, the tensile properties of the nylon socket material were determined according to ASTM D638. The evaluated stress was 11.30 MPa at the mid-stance that proved the material was highly strength to support the load. The structural integrity of the complete prosthesis socket should be investigated according to ISO 10328 for future improvement.
Electrospun Nitrogen-doped TiO2 Nanofibrous Thin Film for Photovoltaic Application
Authors:   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Malaysia., Hussain* Mohamed Hasaan , Bakar* Noor Fitrah Abu ,   corresponding author, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Malaysia., Pei Lim Ying ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Malaysia., Chin Lim Ying ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450, Shah Alam, Malaysia., Naim Mohd Nazli ,   Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

This research study aims at fabrication of fine size nitrogen doped TiO2 nanofiber using electrospinning method and evaluation of the performance of TiO2 in a photovoltaic cell under visible light irradiation. Undoped and N doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sol gel method where titanium isopropoxide was used as the source of TiO2 and ammonium nitrate was used as the source of N dopant. TiO2/PVA composite material was prepared by stabilizing TiO2 particle in to 10 wt % of PVA (aq) solution in order to prepare thin film that can be coated on photovoltaic (PV) cells. Coating of solid thin film PV cells by TiO2/PVA nanofibers was conducted using electrospinning and doctor blade method. In both systems, doping the TiO2 with nitrogen improved its optical properties which it successfully lowered the band gap energy from 3.14 to 2.76 eV and shifted its optical response to the visible light region. The presence of O-H stretching vibration, O-H bending and vibration of the N-Ti bond contributed to an increased performance of the PV cells. The electrospun N-doped TiO2 produced better power output than doctor blade method coated PV cells with power of 0.040 and 0.026 mW, respectively.
Blooming of Compounding Ingredients in Natural Rubber Compounds under Different Peroxide Loading
Authors:   Orchestrated Polymer Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia, Yasin Ummu Qani’ah , Zawawi* Engku Zaharah Engku ,   Orchestrated Polymer Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Tahir Hairani ,   Orchestrated Polymer Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia, Adnan Noorazlina ,   Centre of Foundation Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangot, Kampus Dengkil, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor., Kamarun* Dzaraini ,   Orchestrated Polymer Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

Rubber compounds normally shows blooming phenomena whereby a thin layer of powdery material or films and oils formed on the surface. These blooms are usually low molecular weight compounding ingredients such as curing agents, accelerator, processing aids and activators that migrated to the surface. Excessive blooming can degrade the vulcanized rubber and reduced its quality. It is therefore necessary to determine the compounding ingredients that bloomed in an effort to reduce the effect of blooming. This study was aimed at identifying the compounding ingredients that dominate the blooming process. Sulphur, paraffin wax and zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) with specific functions were added as compounding ingredients in natural rubber (SMR L). Dicumyl peroxide were added as the curing agent at several loadings. The rubber compounds were cured at 150oC in the presence of dicumyl peroxide as curing agent at several loadings. They were stored under room temperature for blooming to take place. Blooms were analysed using FTIR and EDX. EDX analysis detected the major element present in the blooms to be carbon at 53.5% abundance. Similarly, FTIR results produced high intensity of C-H band at 2916 cm-1 and 722 cm-1 which are due to stretching and bending vibration of C-H paraffinic. It was concluded that paraffin wax preceded sulphur and ZDEC in blooming of SMR L.
Rapid Expansion Supercritical Solution (RESS) of Carbon Dioxide as a Green Technology Method for Leucaena Leucocephala Solid Oil Particle Formation
Authors:   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Zainuddin* N. A. , Sulong N. S. ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia., Mohamad N. D. ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

Rapid expansion supercritical solution (RESS) is a technology introduced that produces a small solid oil particle with organic solvent free particle. RESS method is a better method compared to the traditional method due to many advantages such are produce clean extraction yields, obtain free solvent traces, environmental friendly and short processing time can be used in various industries such as cosmetic and pharmaceutical. Therefore, RESS technique is applied in order to produce direct solid oil particle from Luecaena leucocephala (L.leucocephala) pods instead of oil. In this study, the operating condition that applied during the RESS process in order to obtain the highest solid oil particle from the L.leucocephala pods sample are extraction temperature of 40 ºC, 45 ºC, 50 ºC, 55 ºC and 60 ºC and extraction pressure of 3000 psi, 4000 psi, 5000 psi, 6000 psi and 7000 psi at the constant extraction time of 40 minutes. The highest yield of L.leucocephala solid oil particles that obtained is about 0.65% at 60 oC and 7000 psi. The major components that obtained from the highest yield are 2,2,3-trimethyldecane, Cyclopentanone, propanoic acid and Cyclobutane, 1,2-diphenyl- by as identified by using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS).
Release of Ammonium-N (NH4+) and Nitrate-N (NO3-) by Different Leguminous Cover Crops (LCCs) Planted in Peat Soils
Authors:   Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka Kampus Jasin, 77300 Merlimau, Melaka, Malaysia., Rahman* Muhammad Rahmat Abdul , Boll Kassim* Nur Qursyna ,   Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Melaka Kampus Jasin, 77300 Merlimau, Melaka, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

Peat soils is renowned for the low mineral-N concentration which is crucial for crop’s growth. One of the effective and conserving method to improve the soil mineral-N concentration is by planting leguminous cover crop (LCC) which is common in oil palm plantation area. However, different LCCs was found to release different concentration of mineral-N into the soils. Hence, this study aims to determine the concentration of soil mineral-N in form of soil ammonium-N (NH4+) and soil nitrate-N (NO3-) by different types of LCCs namely Mucuna bracteata, Calopogonium mucunoides, Pueraria javanica and Centrosema pubescens as well as to evaluate the effects on physico-chemical properties of peat soils. Results showed most of the LCCs can survive in acidic peat condition whilst improving the concentration of mineral-N in the soils. Mucuna bracteata was found to release a significant amount of mineral-N into the soils and shows a vigorous growth compared to others during the study period. However, it should be noted that different LCCs required distinct time to fix N since the maturity for different LCCs is different. Hence, prolonged studies on release of mineral N into the soil by LCCs are recommended.
Properties of Particleboard in Correlation with Mat Weight and Press Factor
Authors:   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia., Yunus* Nor Yuziah Mohd , Ab. Rani Muhammad Abdilah ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia., Mohamed Tamat Nur Sakinah ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia., Abdul Rahman* Wan Mohd Nazri Wan ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

The influence of resin types on board properties and the correlation to mat weight and press factor on commercial production of particleboard were investigated. These factors could be used as the control mechanism for board making in order to predict final board properties. The resins used in this study were the lower emission resin E0, E1 and EC. Rubberwood and mix tropical species were used as raw material for manufacturing particleboard with thickness of 18mm. This research was done at Mieco Chipboard Bhd. The boards were tested for their mechanical properties which are modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding (IB) and screw withdrawal. Overall, the result shows that board made from E0 resin had better MOE, MOR and IB. Meanwhile the result of screw edge showed that board made from E1 resin is better with the value of 510N. The result also showed high correlation between mat weight and press factor (0.937) and contributed in particleboard manufacturing control
Lamination Properties of Particleboard from Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) and Wood Wastes
Authors:   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia., Abdul Rahman* Wan Mohd Nazri Wan , Fika Wan Zakaria Wan Nurul Amira Shah ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia., Mohamed Tamat Nur Sakinah ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia., Mohd Yunus* Nor Yuziah ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pahang, Malaysia.
Published: December 2019

The lamination properties on surfaces of laminates board by using different types of decorative papers was evaluated for particleboards manufactured using urea formaldehyde (UF). The different paper need to be checked for suitability especially in protection of performance of laminated particleboard. Failure of product will be costly for both user and supplier. Lamination was done on the top and bottom surfaces of particleboard. These papers are decorative paper S (Stipples), decorative paper T (Texture) and decorative paper WE (Wood grain). Effects of different types of decorative paper used on laminated board for resistance to acid, resistance to scratch, resistance to abrasion and resistance to graphite were investigated. The results showed that significant variation for scratch test but not significant for the other tests. Overall, decorative papers used in this study meet the requirement for the standard BS EN 14322:2004.
Implementation of Staggered Pulse Repetition Frequency RADAR Tracking with Xilinx FPGA
Authors:   Department of ECE, Vignan Institute of Technology and Science, Deshmukhi, Telangana, India., Vardhini* P.A.Harsha , Upender P. ,   Department of ECE, Vignan Institute of Technology and Science, Deshmukhi, Telangana, India.
Published: December 2019

This paper implements a Pulse Repetition Interval tracker against Staggered PRI Radar. Tracking of Staggered PRI is done using the IAR Embedded Workbench on STR710 microcontroller. Staggered Pulse Repetition Frequency is generated using Pseudorandom Number Generator using Linear Feed Back Shift Register in VHDL and implemented in Spartan-3E.
E-Banking Services: Impact of Demonetization on Satisfaction of Customers
Authors:   Research Scholar, PG Department of Management Studies(CBSMS), Bangalore University, Bangalore, India, Kotasthane* Deepa , Sinha Dr.Ritika ,   Assistant Professor, PG Department of Management Studies(CBSMS), Bangalore University, Bangalore, India
Published: December 2019

The paper aims to determine the effect of demonetisation on the e-banking services and the consequent impact on the satisfaction of the customers. The study utilised data from 252 customers of private and public banks in India through questionnaires. It was found that the usage of e-banking services has increased after demonetisation. Further, it was observed that the age of the customers was the main determinant of the preference as well as actual usage of the e-services of the banks. Also, the educational qualification of the customers impacted the usage of the services both prior and post-demonetisation. Further, a significant relationship was established between the usage of e-services and customer satisfaction. It was established that the trust in using of the services increased after demonetisation.
Static and Dynamic Analysis of Cellular Beams
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India., Prasath* C.Rajendra , Karthik P.M.Dhureen ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India., Muthanand P. ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: December 2019

Utilization of castellated beam has become extremely well known nowadays because of its beneficial auxiliary applications. The chief preferred position of castellated beam is increment in vertical twisting solidness, simplicity of administration arrangement and appealing appearance. Anyway one outcome of essence of web opening is the advancement of different neighborhood impacts. This is because of expanded profundity of area with no extra weight, High solidarity to weight proportion, their lower upkeep and painting cost. In this work steel I area was chosen. To break down the static and dynamic conduct of castellated steel beams having different openings were displayed by limited component programming bundle ABAQUS 6.14. Investigation was completed on the beams with consistently circulated burden and their closures are essentially bolstered. The avoidance at focus of beam different disappointment examples are examined. In this investigation of castellated beam having different web openings are dissected by ABAQUS (Finite component analysis).From the Finite component examination results compelling model is recognized.
Increasing Digital Banking Adoption and Usage Trends in India and its Impact on Financial Inclusion
Authors:   Professor , Amity University , Uttar Pradesh , Noida ( AUUP ), Uttar Pradesh, India., Bhasin* Dr. Narinder Kumar , Rajesh Dr. Anupama ,   Professor , Amity University , Uttar Pradesh , Noida ( AUUP ), Uttar Pradesh, India.
Published: December 2019

Financial Inclusion in India is growing with adaptation of increasing Digital Banking Trends with more Fintech players entering into the market. With more disruptive technologies and intervention with help of internet and mobile banking, adaptation and usage of electronic banking in rural and semi rural areas is also reflecting increasing trends. This reflects that more households are provided with affordable banking services including savings accounts, loans, pension and Rupay Debit Cards for the day to day retail transactions. This paper focuses on recent trends of digitalisation and analyzes the sustainability impact on increased and advanced Financial Inclusion in India.
Delay Minimization in on Chip Interconnects by the Method of Logical Effort
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of ECE, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation,Vaddeswaram ,A.P., India., Sivasankari* S.A. , Kumar B.Sakthi ,   Assistant Professor, Department of ECE, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation,Vaddeswaram ,A.P., India., Vel R.Ohmsakthi ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Agni College of Technology,Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
Published: December 2019

The ultimate aim of the work is to minimize the delay in on-chip interconnects. Our objective is to analyze the wire geometry impact for delay minimization. Here proposed effect is achieved by Logical effort(LE).The analyzes which is on the low swing where it was implemented by using CMOS circuit in 90 nm GPDK library and simulations on the cadence virtuoso ADE EDA tools. Once by reducing the delay the application is oriented for high speed applications. The logical effort (LE) model which reduces the delay minimization. This work which compensates both the long interconnects and short interconnects.
Cathartic Bot for Hospital Applications
Authors:   Assistant professor, Department of EIE, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India., K* Srividya. , S Nagaraj. ,   Assistant professor, Department of EEE, P.B. College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, M Subramanian. ,   Assistant professor, Department of EIE, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, Rani.N Nithya ,   Assistant professor, Department of EIE, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
Published: December 2019

Healthcare facilities are havens for recovery and rehabilitation. Infection prevention technologies are of great challenge to a new era of ultra-clean hospital’s and emergency care facilities with the implementation of highly-efficient UV-disinfection robots. cathartic bot offer hospital grade full-room sterilization. In action, the UV-Disinfection Robot can significantly reduce populations of microbes in under five minutes. The UltraViolet light penetrates certain distance around the robot, sterilizing everything in its proximity. It can clean entire rooms better than humans, helping to eradicate HAI instances. The robot can carefully navigate around the room while using germicidal UV-C rays to disinfect equipment. The bot is controlled through mobile app to avoid direct contact.When the room has been cleansed fully ,the rate of light reflection will be reduced so the robot will be turned off automatically.
Experimental Evaluation on Strength Properties of Concrete using Silica Fume and Plastic Aggregates
Authors:   Assistant Professor, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul, TamilNadu, India., kumar S* Dr. Siva , V Anushya ,   Assistant Professor, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Dindigul, TamilNadu, India.
Published: December 2019

Creation on invigorating the solid is underneath work for a substantial length of your time. India utilizes the broad fortified development works materials, for instance, Plastic totals and oxide smolder and totally different fixings in RCC development. In development trade, important thought has been given to the employment of sunshine weight totals as fine and coarse total substitutions. Reused Plastic mixture (RPA) has been acquainted with instead of coarse total with cause cement to possess light-weight weight. This paper speaks to the implications of an eternal work did to form light-weight weight concrete created with plastic totals and oxide seethe as mineral admixtures. alpha examination on solid mix M40 is finished by 100 percent replacement and growth of bond with oxide seethe, and coarse total with reused plastic totals at the paces of 100 percent, half-hour and 0.5 and their compressive quality and split rigidity of cement were talked regarding for seven, twenty eight days and flexural quality has likewise been talked regarding for seven, twenty eight days relying upon the best dose of substitution in compressive quality and split physical property of cement
Effect of Machining Parameter and Multi-Response Optimization during End-Milling in GFRP-VARTM Composites using RSM Based Response Surface Regression Method
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Pondicherry, India, Martin* L. , Venkatachalapathy V.S.K. ,   Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Pondicherry, India., Selvaraju A. ,   Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry, India.
Published: December 2019

This paper is going to find out the correlation between cutting parameters and responses for GFRP composite material during end milling using the WC-CO tool. An experimental plan, based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) techniques according to the Response Surface Regression (RSR), made up of Vaccum-Assisted Resin Transfer molding using solid carbide end mills. The objective of this paper is to investigate the machining parameters on glass fiber reinforcement polymer during the end milling process of a WC-Co cutting tool grade.