bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security issues of system innovation strategies
Authors: Prokopenko Olha , Omelyanenko Vitaliy , Tirto Teofilo
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study is to consider the main points of system innovation policy within the security strategy. Within the new trends in security science technological trajectory analysis creates an effective field of innovation communications, the main task of which is to stimulate the dialogue of innovation activity stakeholders and their cooperation with the help of specialized approaches. In the framework of the system of national security strategies, we propose the formation of innovation-synergetic design methodology. Industry 4.0 can be considered as a priority project, which can reduce the influence of a number of negative factors, since its implementation will ensure the scientific and innovative security and stability of the positive dynamics of the country 's development, increase the competitiveness of the national economy. Thus, the task of coordinating innovation development within the Industry 4.0 is to promote structural reforms, to select the mechanisms for the most effective concentration of resources in priority innovation directions, to create a system for monitoring the efficiency of using innovation infrastructure facilities, to create conditions for the development of competition, coordination of development institutions, implementation of foreign policy orientation of the innovation, regulation of behavior of companies with state participation and natural monopolies, including through innovation development program.
Diagnostics of a persistence property for quotations dynamics on high-tech stock markets
Authors: Maksyshko Nataliia , Vasylieva Oksana
Published: May 2019

The research purpose is diagnosis of the persistence property for the stock quotes time series of leading companies belonging to the high-tech sector: Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co. The persistence property or the trend-stability of the time series is crucial meaning for the investor. As a result of the application of the R\S-analysis, it is proved that the stock quotations dynamics of these companies have the persistence property. Also, the method of sequential R\S analysis is applied: the leading characteristics of the long-term memory are discovered, which makes it possible to carry out a comparative analysis of their predictability. It is found that the time series of profitability do not have the properties of persistence. However, the tests for diagnostic of a deterministic chaos reveal the appearance of the persistence property in the time series of “delayed” profitability. The obtained results allows to state the fractal nature for the time series of quotations, while the characteristics of the persistence (depth of memory) determined by the research can be useful to the investor in terms of the investment instrument choice and the investment horizon as well as can be used in selecting the parameters for a forecasting model.
Evaluation of the Memory Enhancing Activity of Dichloromethane Fraction of the Methanolic Extract of Pycnanthus angolensis Stem Bark on Experimental Models of Memory Impairment
Authors: Ekwutosi Patricia Chinwuba , Adewale Ganiyu Bakare , Benneth Ben-Azu , Ezekiel Olugbenga Iwalewa
Published: May 2019

Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw) Warb., Myristicaceae, is used extensively in ethnomedicine. Numerous health benefits have been ascribed to the use of different parts of P. angolensis including its role in cognitive function and inflammatory conditions. Hence, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of stem bark of the plant on memory function in mice.

The plant material was pulverized into powder and extracted by maceration with 80% methanol at room temperature for 48 h. This was subsequently fractionated using N-hexane, Dichloromethane (DCM) and Ethyl acetate. The Dichloromethane fraction which is the most potent fraction (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) was evaluated for memory enhancing activity using the Y-maze (YMT), morris water maze (MWM) and the elevated plus maze (EPM) on D-galactose plus scopolamine and ketamine induced amnesia. The antioxidant markers and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibiting effect of DCM were also investigated.

The results obtained from the behavioural study indicates that the DCM fraction significantly (p<0.05) increased alternation behaviour of mice in the YMT, decreased the escape latency in the MWM paradigm and decreased the transfer latency in the EPM. Biochemically, DCM increased glutathione, and superoxide dismutase, but decreased malondialdehyde and AChE activity in the brain.

The findings therefore suggests that the DCM possesses significant memory enhancing activity, which may be due to enhancement of antioxidant activity and cholinergic transmission. The attenuation of the effect of ketamine by the DCM may possibly result from an increase in NMDA receptor mediated neurotransmission and attenuation of oxidative stress.
Die radikale Prostatektomie im Wandel der Zeit
Authors: Schrader Andres Jan , Müller Johannes , Janssen Martin , Krabbe Laura-Maria
Published: May 2019

Die Durchführung der radikalen Prostatektomie hat sich in den letzten 200 Jahren deutlich verändert; gerade in den letzten 50 Jahren entwickelte sich die Technik deutlich weiter. Als Meilensteine dürfen zum einen die Arbeiten von Walsh in den späten 70er und frühen 80er Jahren angesehen werden, welche zu einer signifikanten Reduktion der Morbidität des Eingriffes führten, zum anderen die Einführung (Roboter-assistierter) minimal-invasiver Operationstechniken. Den absoluten Goldstandard bzgl. des Zuganges gibt es bis heute nicht. Innovative Ansätze, z. B. die Zuhilfenahme der sog. „augmented reality“ werden aktuell bzgl. ihres Potentials evaluiert. Dieser Übersichtsartikel in der Jubiläumsausgabe des Urologen beschäftigt sich mit den Meilensteinen der Entwicklung dieses für die Urologie wichtigen Eingriffs.
Characteristics of Contemporary Methodologies of Classic Homeopathy
Authors: Madsen Ruy
Published: May 2019

In the early 21st century, the methodologies of Massimo Mangialavori, Rajan Sankaran and Jan Scholten stood in classic homeopathy. These authors criticise the traditional methods of case analysis and propose new instruments to the search for the most appropriate remedy. These contemporary methodologies present common points: the study of themes, classification in groups, interrelation of substance-remedy-patient and predictive character. These characteristics were already presented by other authors throughout the history of homeopathy, but they were only systematised as a practical instrument in the past decades.
A Case of PCOS Treated with Homeopathy
Authors: van Helmond Wiet
Published: May 2019

This article presents a case of a young woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who has set her mind on having a child. Then after finally the woman becomes pregnant, there is the question ‘is this what I really want?’
Treatment of Urinary Stones with Constitutional Homoeopathic Medicines—Two Evidence-Based Case Reports
Authors: Sahoo Amulya Ratna , Hati Akshaya Kumar , Nayak Chintamani , Nayak Chaturbhuja
Published: May 2019

Introduction Urolithiasis is a very common disease. Stones in any part of the urinary tract can produce symptoms and complication, but because the lower part of the ureter is the narrowest part of the urinary tract, stones get lodged easily producing pain and haematuria commonly. If we keep in mind the limitation and complication of the surgical procedure, homoeopathy can provide a real solution for such conditions. There are several ways of homeopathic prescription, such as based on keynotes, general symptoms, constitution, miasm, etc. Two cases of ureteric calculi are presented here, who were prescribed on the basis of constitutional symptoms and got good results.

Case Profile In the first case, the only symptom was pain in the right flank, and as per ultrasonography (USG) report, there was 7.4 mm calculus in the lower part of the right ureter. In the second case, there were symptoms like pain in the left flank, burning urination and haematuria. The USG report confirmed 6 mm stone in the left ureterovesical junction (UVJ). After detailed case taking, both the cases were prescribed on the basis of constitutional symptoms. Lycopodium in 50 millesimal potencies (0/1–0/4) in the first case and Phosphorus in centesimal potency (1M) in the second case provided prompt relief of the symptoms within a short period. USG reports of both the cases also confirmed no stones after approximately 2 months of treatment.

Conclusion Homeopathy provided good relief in two cases of ureteric calculi; constitutional medicines were found useful in combating acute ureteric colic and facilitating expulsion of stones. Because the constitutional symptoms matched, the polychrest homoeopathic medicines like Lycopodium and Phosphorus produced their best effect. But the inferences drawn from the two case reports may not be sufficient to reach a definitive conclusion. So clinical trials to establish the efficacy of constitutional remedies in the treatment of ureteric calculi are suggested.
Homoeopathic Treatment of Large Endometrial Polyp: A Case Report
Authors: Dutta Abhijit , Singh Subhas
Published: May 2019

An endometrial polyp is a mass arising from inner lining of the uterus. It may be pedunculated or sessile. A 27-year-old woman presented with severe menstrual and intermenstrual bleeding along with severe pain abdomen during menstruation. After relevant investigation, it was diagnosed as a case of large endometrial polyp. On the basis of presenting symptoms, the patient was treated with succession of remedies. After a considerable period of treatment, complete disappearance of the polyp was found. Rationale of this case report is to show better prognosis of a case of uterine polyp with homoeopathic intervention.
A Review of Homoeopathic Research in the Prevention and Treatment of Dengue Fever
Authors: Bawaskar Ramesh Supadu , Shinde Vaishali Haribhau
Published: May 2019

Introduction Dengue ranks as the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world, with its incidence being increased 30-fold in the past 50 years. An epidemic of dengue/dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a major public health problem causing significant health and economic burden. The dengue crisis is further complicated by the lack of vaccines and antiviral drugs for prevention and control of this disease. This systematic review investigates and evaluates various studies done with homoeopathic therapy for the prevention and treatment of dengue fever.

Objective Evaluate the usefulness of homoeopathy for a prevention and treatment of dengue fever through literature review and to develop the strategy for future research.

Method A comprehensive search in electronic database aimed to target the available literature of observational studies, randomised trials, controlled trials, case studies on dengue fever in homoeopathy (excluding non–peer-reviewed journals) and limited to English language.

Result A literary search through various databases helped identify a few significant studies as one double-blind placebo-controlled trial, one comparative clinical study, one case study and two community-based studies.

The community-based studies showed positive results for the role of homoeopathic medicines as a prophylactic medicine. The double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed no difference in outcome between the two groups. The comparative clinical study showed that the homoeopathic combination appeared to be a more potent treatment against dengue fever when compare with standard maintenance therapy. The case study shows favourable results, but the sample size is only of 10 cases.

Conclusion In future, high-quality randomised controlled trial (RCT), vitro and animal model studies are required to support the efficacy of homoeopathic therapeutics.
Adenosine and Forskolin Inhibit Platelet Aggregation by Collagen but not the Proximal Signalling Events
Authors: Clark Joanne C. , Kavanagh Deirdre M. , Watson Stephanie , Pike Jeremy A. , Andrews Robert K. , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Poulter Natalie S. , Hill Stephen J. , Watson Steve P.
Published: May 2019

Background The G protein-coupled receptor, adenosine A2A, signals through the stimulatory G protein, Gs, in platelets leading to activation of adenylyl cyclase and elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and inhibition of platelet activation.

Objective This article investigates the effect of A2A receptor activation on signalling by the collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP) VI in platelets.

Methods Washed human platelets were stimulated by collagen or the GPVI-specific agonist collagen-related peptide (CRP) in the presence of the adenosine receptor agonist, 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) or the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin and analysed for aggregation, adenosine triphosphate secretion, protein phosphorylation, spreading, Ca2+ mobilisation, GPVI receptor clustering, cAMP, thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and P-selectin exposure.

Results NECA, a bioactive adenosine analogue, partially inhibits aggregation and secretion to collagen or CRP in the absence or presence of the P2Y12 receptor antagonist, cangrelor and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. The inhibitory effect in the presence of the three inhibitors is largely overcome at higher concentrations of collagen but not CRP. Neither NECA nor forskolin altered clustering of GPVI, elevation of Ca2+ or spreading of platelets on a collagen surface. Further, neither NECA nor forskolin, altered collagen-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk, LAT nor PLCγ2. However, NECA and forskolin inhibited platelet activation by the TxA2 mimetic, U46619, but not the combination of adenosine diphosphate and collagen.

Conclusion NECA and forskolin have no effect on the proximal signalling events by collagen. They inhibit platelet activation in a response-specific manner in part through inhibition of the feedback action of TxA2.
Cangrelor versus Ticagrelor in Patients Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Impact on Platelet Activity, Myocardial Microvascular Function and Infarct Size: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ubaid Salahaddin , Ford Thomas J. , Berry Colin , Murray Heather M. , Wrigley Benjamin , Khan Nazish , Thomas Mark R. , Armesilla Angel L. , Townend Jon N. , Khogali Saib S. , Munir Shahzad , Martins Joe , Hothi Sandeep S. , McAlindon Elisa J. , Cotton James M.
Published: May 2019

Background Oral P2Y12 inhibitors take more than 2 hours to achieve full effect in healthy subjects and this action is further delayed in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Intravenous P2Y12 inhibition might lead to more timely and potent anti-platelet effect in the context of emergency primary angioplasty, improving myocardial recovery.

Objectives This article compares the efficacy of intravenous cangrelor versus ticagrelor in a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Materials and Methods In an open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial, 100 subjects with STEMI were assigned 1:1 to intravenous cangrelor or oral ticagrelor. The co-primary endpoints were platelet P2Y12 inhibition at infarct vessel balloon inflation time, 4 and 24 hours. Secondary endpoints included indices of coronary microcirculatory function: index of microvascular resistance (IMR), initial infarct size (troponin at 24 hours) and final infarct size at 12 weeks (cardiac magnetic resonance). Secondary endpoints included indices of coronary microcirculatory function (index of microvascular resistance [IMR]), initial infarct size (troponin at 24 hours), final infarct size at 12 weeks (cardiac magnetic resonance), corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count, TIMI flow grade, myocardial perfusion grade, and ST-segment resolution (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02733341).

Results P2Y12 inhibition at first balloon inflation time was significantly greater in cangrelor-treated patients (cangrelor P2Y12 reaction unit [PRU] 145.2 ± 50.6 vs. ticagrelor 248.3 ± 55.1). There was no difference in mean PRU at 4 and 24 to 36 hours post-dosing. IMR, final infarct size, angiographic and electrocardiographic measures of reperfusion were all similar between groups.

Conclusion Cangrelor produces more potent P2Y12 inhibition at the time of first coronary balloon inflation time compared with ticagrelor. Despite this enhanced P2Y12 inhibition, coronary microvascular function and final infarct size did not differ between groups.
Frequency and Clinical Impact of Platelet Factor 4-Specific Antibodies in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Vayne Caroline , May Marc-Antoine , Bourguignon Thierry , Lemoine Eric , Guery Eve-Anne , Rollin Jérôme , Gruel Yves , Pouplard Claire
Published: May 2019

Introduction/Objectives Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides circulatory support in patients with severe heart failure, but the frequent use of unfractionated heparin exposes patients to high risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We prospectively evaluated the development and clinical impact of platelet factor 4 (PF4)-specific antibodies (Abs) during ECMO and whether specific biological characteristics could predict HIT.

Materials and Methods From 2014 to 2018, we studied 57 adults who underwent an ECMO for at least 5 days. The plasma samples collected daily were tested for PF4-specific Abs using immunoassays to detect immunoglobulin (Ig) G, A, and M isotypes or only IgG. Serotonin release assay was performed without and with PF4 to detect pathogenic Abs.

Results Twenty-nine patients (50%) were positive for PF4-specific Abs (IgG, A, M), with IgG in 17/57 (30%) and 16 of them (94%) were immunized within 10 days. PF4-specific IgG Abs did not affect the clinical or biological course of most patients. HIT was suspected in only two patients with ECMO circuit dysfunction and unexpected platelet count decrease after day 5. High levels of PF4-specific IgG were detected in both patients, and HIT was confirmed by a serotonin release assay, which was also more sensitive when exogenous PF4 was present.

Conclusion PF4-specific Abs are common during ECMO but are mostly non-pathogenic and not associated with a less favorable prognosis. However, an abnormal platelet count evolution, in particular if associated with ECMO circuit dysfunction, should prompt the search for pathogenic PF4-specific IgG.
Increased Accumulation and Retention of rhFVIIa (eptacog beta) in Knee Joints of Hemophilia A Mice Compared to Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Magisetty Jhansi , Pendurthi Usha R. , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Grandoni Jerry , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan
Published: May 2019

Our earlier studies showed that recombinant human factor VIIa (rhFVIIa) administered intravascularly in mice disappeared rapidly from the circulation. However, a small fraction of rhFVIIa that entered extravascular remained functionally active for an extended period. The present study aims to investigate the dose-dependency of rhFVIIa accumulation and retention in mouse knee joints and test whether the hemophilic condition affects rhFVIIa sequestration in joints. Wild-type and FVIII−/− mice were injected with three doses of rhFVIIa (eptacog beta, 90, 250, and 500 μg/kg) via the tail vein. At varying times following rhFVIIa administration, blood and knee joints were collected to measure FVIIa activity and antigen levels in plasma and joint tissues. Joint tissue sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of rhFVIIa. Vascular permeability was assessed by either Evans Blue dye or fluorescein dextran extravasation. The study showed that rhFVIIa accumulated in knee joints of wild-type and FVIII−/− mice in a dose-dependent manner. rhFVIIa antigen and FVIIa activity could be detectable in joints for at least 7 days. Significantly higher levels of rhFVIIa accumulation were observed in knee joints of FVIII−/− mice compared with that of wild-type mice. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed higher levels of rhFVIIa retention in FVIII−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Additional studies showed that FVIII−/− mice were more permissible to vascular leakage. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate a dose-dependent accumulation of rhFVIIa in knee joints, and the hemophilic condition enhances the entry of rhFVIIa from circulation to the extravascular. The present data will be useful in improving rhFVIIa prophylaxis.
Structure-property relations characterizing the devitrification of Ni-Zr glassy alloy thin films
Authors: Bhattacharya Debarati , Rayaprol S. , Ali Kawsar , Chandrasekhar Rao T. V. , Krishna P. S. R. , Tokas R. B. , Singh S. , Prajapat C. L. , Arya A.
Published: May 2019

The investigation of devitrification in thermally annealed nanodimensional glassy alloy thin films provides a comprehensive understanding of their thermal stability, which can be used to explore potential applications. The amorphous to crystalline polymorphous transformation of cosputtered Ni-Zr alloy (Ni78Zr22 at. %) films, with a thickness lower than the reported critical limit of devitrification, was studied through detailed structural characterization and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Devitrification to a nanocrystalline state (Ni7Zr2 structure) was observed at 800 °C, with an increase in density (∼3.6%) much higher than that achieved in bulk alloys. Variation in the magnetic property of the films and the overall physical structure including morphology and composition were examined before and after annealing. MD simulations were employed to effectively elucidate not only the high densification but also the increased magnetic moment after annealing, which was correlated with the simulated change in the coordination number around Ni atoms. The structural relaxation process accompanying devitrification was described as a disorder-to-order transformation while highlighting the crucial role played by chemical short range order prevalent in glassy materials.
Face Recognition Algorithm Based on VGG Network Model and SVM
Authors: Chen Hongling , Haoyu Chen
Published: May 2019

The problem that the dimension of facial features is too large does exist with the Deep learning face recognition. This paper proposes a face recognition algorithm based on SVM combined with VGG network model extracting facial features, which can not only accurately extract face features, but also reduce feature dimensions and avoid irrelevant features to participate in the calculation. Firstly, the VGG-16 model is obtained by training the training data set, which is used for feature extraction, on top of this, principal component analysis method (PCA) is used for feature dimensionality reduction, and last, the face recognition is performed by SVM classifier with linear kernel function. In this paper, we conduct a comparative experiment on CelebA dataset and find that the accuracy reaches its peak when the feature dimension is reduced to 400.The experiment is carried out on LFW dataset using 400-dimensional feature data, and comparing with other algorithms, the results show that the algorithm in this paper has reached the level of state-of-art.
Control Method Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning for Robotic Follower with Monocular Vision
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Qiu Feng , Liu Xiaobo
Published: May 2019

Robotic follower is receiving attention widely in recent years. Aiming at the problems of low sample collection efficiency, high training cost and difficult design of reward function in the real world, we propose a control method based on deep reinforcement learning. Different depth layers are adopted to attain the end-to-end control of the robotic follower through pre-trained. Then, we design a reward function mechanism to judge whether the robot follower follow falsely. Then the appropriate pre-trained network is transferred to reinforcement learning, and a deep reinforcement learning system for monocular vision robot following tasks is established. According to the experimental results, the proposed deep reinforcement learning method can efficiently collect a large number of data sets, shorten the training period and reduce the number of times that the robot follower loses its target.
A Novel Information Integration Algorithm for Speech Recognition System: Basing on Adaptive Clustering and Supervised State of Acoustic Feature
Authors: Xu Chen , Xiao Xi
Published: May 2019

When utilizing the most likely state sequence (MLSS) criterion in Gauss mixture model-hidden Markov model (GMM-HMM) to acquire the best state series of observations, only the maximum likelihood state of speech frame is considered. Therefore, the influence of other states is neglected, which leads to the losing of some important information, and further reduces the recognition rate of the system. In this paper, we propose two new features, which are called state likelihood cluster feature (SLCF) and supervised state feature (SSF), to both reflect acoustic features and fuse state information. Combining SLCF and SSF with Mel frequency cepstrum coefficient (MFCC), Mel frequency cepstrum & state likelihood cluster feature (MSLCF) and Mel frequency cepstrum & supervised state feature (MSSF) are formed, respectively. By the proposed MSLCF and MSSF in Chinese speech recognition experiment, the relative error rate of the isolated word recognition system declines 6.10% and 9.66%, respectively, and the relative error rate of the continuous speech recognition system declines 2.53% and 11.05%, respectively.
Machinability of Alloy Steel and Titanium Alloy under Carbon Dioxide Snow, Micro-lubrication and Hybrid Lubro- Cooling
Authors: Iqbal A , Zaini J , Nauman MM
Published: May 2019

Efficient removal of process heat in machining of high-strength alloys is critical to product quality, process cost and productivity. The paper experimentally investigates the effects of employing a cryogenic coolant (CO2 snow), micro-lubrication and hybridization of the two on the performance measures, such as tool damage, machining forces and specific cutting energy in cutting of two commonly used high-strength alloys, Ti-6Al-4V and 40NiCrMo6. It was found that although the aforementioned cooling approached improved machinability of both the alloys but the titanium based alloy remained more difficult-to-cut than the alloy steel. Hybrid lubro-cooling and CO2 snow cooling proved to be the most effective options for machining of 40NiCrMo6 and Ti-6Al-4V, respectively.
A Nonlinear Preventive Maintenance Model with an Environmental Factor Based Weibull Distribution
Authors: Gao Wenke , Ji Hong , Wang Yu , Yang Tianshu
Published: May 2019

Most of the Preventive maintenance (PM) reliability modeling research has focused on the relationship between two adjacent failure intensity functions, while few real case studies have demonstrated the application of these PM models. Thinking from this vision, a nonlinear PM model with scale and shape adjustment parameters is proposed based on a Weibull distribution, and two adjustment parameters can describe each PM effect. Meanwhile, the proposed model can separate the influence of an environmental factor from the failure intensity function of the new system when it operates under a new condition. The environmental parts in the failure intensity function can be improved or removed after several PM actions. Finally, one real case study is exhibited to illustrate the proposed model. The results indicate that the proposed model exhibits good fitting performance in reliability modeling and can describe the PM effect quantitatively as well as reveal the influence of the environmental factor on the system reliability.
Finite Element Analysis of Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) of Aluminum 7075 Using Different Types of Toolpath
Authors: Esmaeilpour R , Pourboghrat F , Kim H , Park T
Published: May 2019

To make large number of parts in automotive, aerospace, and appliances industries, sheet conventional metal forming processes, such as stamping, are used. However, for small number of productions, novel flexible manufacturing processes, such as incremental sheet forming (ISF) must be utilized to decrease the production costs. Studying the process parameters in ISF process such as, the toolpath, step size, tool size, feed rate, lubrication, and wall angle is essential as they are affecting the formability and deformation behavior of this process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect different types of toolpath, such as z-level (profile) and helical (spiral) to form a truncated-conical geometry in simulation of the single point incremental forming (SPIF) of AA7075-O. A detailed comparison of these tool paths' predictions was made with respect to the effective plastic strain distribution, part thickness, tool force and moment.
Numerical modeling of leachate migration in compacted tropical laterite soil
Authors: Bello Yamusa Yamusa , Alias Noraliani , Ahmad Kamarudin , Sa’ari Radzuan , Zurairahetty Mohd Yunus Nor
Published: May 2019

To protect groundwater from leachate contamination in sanitary landfill involve the use of hydraulic barriers i.e. liners and covers. Nonetheless, can these barriers continue to impede the migration of leachate over a long period? A full-scale experiment would be prohibitively costly and time consuming. The only feasible recourse therefore is to construct a model, which reasonably portray the behaviour of the full-scale system and simulate the relevant physical parameters and describes the overall significant characteristics of the transport phenomena. This research investigates the long-term performance of compacted tropical laterite soil liners at various gradations against leachate migration in sanitary landfills using numerical modeling. Series of laboratory experimentation were carried out using three different laterite soil gradations (30%, 40% and 50% with respect to fines content) compacted at optimum moisture content using British Standard light energy. Leachate was poured on the compacted soil in an acrylic column and its migration was monitored using Digital Image Technique (DIT). Subsequently, PetraSim computer software a graphical interface used to solve problems related to contaminant transport was applied to predict the velocity of leachate migration. The predicted velocity values for 30%, 40% and 50% fines are 4.5 x 10−7 m/s, 7 x 10−9 m/s, and 8 x 10−10 m/s, respectively. This shows that the laterite soil with 50% fines content is more compatible with the leachate and can be used as soil liner. The outcome of this research would enable designers to use non-destructive method to monitor and predict leachate migration in compacted soil liners to simulate leachate migration in waste containment applications.
Performance evaluation of some selected infiltration models at Bayero University farm, Kano-Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim A , Lary S K , Zakari M D , Nasidi N M , Yahya M N
Published: May 2019

Soil’s infiltration characteristics remain important variables of consideration in irrigation systems designs as well as in soil and water management. This work was conducted to evaluate the performances of three different infiltration models (Kostiakov, Horton and Philip) in order to select a suitable model for use in determination of infiltration characteristics of soils neighbouring Bayero University, Kano-Nigeria. Experiments were conducted in three different locations within the study area and the performance of each model was analysed and compared against a direct measurement using double ring infiltrometer. The results showed no significant difference (Least significant difference = 0.29 @ 0.05 level of significance) between the direct measurement on field and the result obtained using Kostiakov and Horton’s model having mean infiltration rate of 1.05 and 1.04cm per minutes respectively, while the Philip’s model showed a significant difference in means (1.76cm/min) indicating higher sensitivity of its measurement. There was no significance difference (p=0.19 @ 0.05 level of significance) on replicating the experiment for the 3 different locations. Thus, the Kostiakov’s and Horton’s models were recommended for the infiltration characteristics measurement in Kano and elsewhere with similar environmental conditions.
Support design for the diversion tunnel of Diamer Basha Dam, Pakistan, considering the recent developments in empirical systems
Authors: Rehman H , Naji A M , Ali W , Kim J , Abdullah R A , Yoo H K
Published: May 2019

The use of rock mass rating (RMR) and tunneling quality index (Q) systems in drill and blast tunneling for support design is necessary in the current practice worldwide as these systems are developed empirically for this particular purpose. However, due to the modifications of individual system, no comparison has been made between their suggested support in tunnel design. Empirical rock mass classification systems are continuously updated to reach a reliable support system for construction of tunnels in rocks. This paper presents the utilization of updated versions of RMR and Q system in empirical support design of a diversion tunnel located at Diamer Basha dam site, Pakistan. The rock mass along the alignment of tunnel is divided into different geological units based on rock mass quality, assessed from borehole data. From comparison of recommended support system by RMR and Q system, it is concluded that the RMR system recommend heavy support as compared to Q system. A linear correlation is also obtained between RMR and Q system for the same rock mass which shows a comparatively better correlation coefficient.
The effect of scanline direction and extent of rock exposure on assessment of geometrical properties of discontinuities in rock mass
Authors: Ali W , Abdullah R A , Rehman H , Junaid M
Published: May 2019

In this study, the borehole coring method and discontinuity scanline survey method are used to characterize the rock mass for the engineering design of underground structures at a dam site. Scanline survey is conducted on rock exposures in an exploratory adit. Cores from a borehole drilled near to the exploratory adit are also examined. The purpose of this study is to highlight the merits and demerits and the capacity of each method to characterize the geometrical properties of discontinuities. It is observed in the study area that the discontinuity scanline survey being conducted on large exposures, provides good results in estimating the orientation, trace length, roughness and interconnectivity of discontinuities. However, the direction of scanline introduces bias in results, because discontinuities parallel to the scanline line are not considered. The borehole method provided a good reflection of the bed rock; however, it presents a very rough estimate of geometrical properties of discontinuities. Moreover, estimation of areal extent of discontinuity plane is not covered by both the methods. However, engineering judgement by experienced engineering geologists can help in taking an informed guess.
Investigation on rheology and physical properties of asphalt binder blended with waste cooking oil
Authors: Bilema M A , Aman M Y , Hassan N A , Abdullah N F A
Published: May 2019

The service life of the concrete pavement is more than 20 years. While the service life of asphalt pavement is about ten years. The service life cannot be achieved due to pavement damage and increase the cost of road maintenance. The waste cooking oil gives a solution to soften the asphalt binder. The idea of using WCO is the possibility of transferring the aged asphalt binder condition from stiff to soft and reuse it for a new construction road. In this study, the bitumen grade 60/70 blended with 0, 2, 4, 6% of waste cooking oil by the weight of the bitumen. In this study, the bitumen prepared with various waste cooking oil percentage evaluated in terms of their properties such as the Softening point, Penetration, penetration index, penetration-viscosity number, Viscosity, and Dynamic Shear Rheometer. The test result indicates that the penetration values increased with rising the content of the waste cooking oil and the softening point result decreased related to the quantity of the waste cooking oil. The viscosity of the binder reduced when increased the content of WCO. The strength of the binder (G*) will decrease, and the elasticity of the binder (&) will grow when increased the content of the oil. The rutting parameter decreased with increased WCO. From this finding, it concluded that the waste cooking oil has a potential impact on soft the asphalt binder and can be used to produce a soft asphalt binder. Moreover, the 60/70 grade asphalt binder can be 80/100 after adding 2% of waste cooking oil.
Effects of Waste Denim Fibre (WDF) on the physical and rheological properties of bitumen
Authors: Al-Sabaeei A , Napiah M , Sutanto M , Alaloul W
Published: May 2019

About 15% of the denim jeans are waste materials during the cutting processing in the manufacturing. That is considering a huge waste need to be managed and recycled in a sustainable manner. In this research, waste denim fibre modified binders were prepared at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% concentration of waste denim fibre by weight of bitumen. Effects of waste denim fibre on physical and rheological properties of bitumen were investigated by conducting penetration, softening point, ductility, temperature susceptibility, complex modulus, phase angle and permanent deformation parameters evaluations. Results show that the addition of waste denim fibre reduces the penetration, ductility and temperature susceptibility and increases the softening point of bitumen, which indicating improved permanent deformation resistance of bitumen. Based on dynamic shear rheometer analysis, it was found that, waste denim fibre improved the rheological properties of bitumen from a temperature range of 40°C to 70°C. Furthermore, rutting parameter evaluation indicated that denim fibre modified bitumen has high resistance to rutting due to the enhancement of its elastic behaviour with increased of denim fibre content in the modified binder. It was also noted that 2% WDF is the optimum content for improving the rutting resistance of base bitumen.
Thermal properties of cool asphalt concrete containing phase change material
Authors: Mizwar I K , Napiah M , Sutanto M H
Published: May 2019

Building and pavement, due to their impervious nature, are listed as some of the main causes for Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomena where the temperature in the urban area is higher than that of surrounding areas. Due to its characteristic that can absorb and release heat at a specific temperature, Phase Change Materials (PCM) has been widely used in building infrastructure as thermal regulation to combat UHI. However, the application of PCM in pavement infrastructure is still very limited due to a lack of study on this. This study analyses the Phase Change Material in asphalt concrete focussing on thermal properties, which is surface temperature. Experiments were carried out on a slab of wearing course with the PCM substituting the equivalent amount of mineral filler, and then compared with a slab of conventional wearing course. The study showed that the potential of PCM used in pavement mixture decreased the surface temperature of the pavement. The maximum difference of temperature of PCM and asphalt concrete mixture reached 120C.
Effect of different rejuvenating agents on the mechanical performance of recycled bituminous mixture
Authors: Idham M K , Jeffry S N A , Hainin M R , Yaacob H , Hassan N A , Warid M N M , Mohamed A , Yunus N Z M
Published: May 2019

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a waste material generated from pavement milling activity. Rejuvenating agent is introduced to restore the properties of aging bitumen in RAP. Many studies have been investigated the performance of recycled mixture incorporating RAP with oil-based (OB) rejuvenating agent, but there is still limited research on water-based (WB) rejuvenating agent. Therefore, this study evaluated the performance of mixture incorporating RAP with OB and WB rejuvenating agents (RAP-OB and RAP-WB). OB and WB rejuvenating agents were added at recommended content of 0.70% and 52.13% by weight of bitumen, respectively. Indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, dynamic creep and asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) tests were conducted to assess the resistance of the mixtures toward permanent deformation and fatigue cracking. It was found that the addition of OB rejuvenating agent enhanced the tensile strength, resilient and stiffness modulus by approximately 41%, 94% and 158%, respectively, relative to the control mixture. APA recorded that RAP-OB produced the lowest rut depth, followed by RAP-WB and control mixture. It indicates that RAP-OB produced the highest resistance to permanent deformation and fatigue cracking. Thus, the OB rejuvenating agent significantly improved the performance of the recycled mixture compared to the WB rejuvenating agent.
Effects of u-shaped subgrade concrete panel on subgrade deformation
Authors: Kamarudin N. A. S. , Mohamed A. , Nor H. M. , Khalid N. H. A. , Sam A. R. M. , Hainin M. R. , Yaacob H. , Idham M. K. , Hassan S. A.
Published: May 2019

California Bearing Ratio of subgrade lesser than 5% requires a treatment work either by stabilisation or strengthening method. In this study, the latter concept was chosen for the application of U-shaped Subgrade Concrete Panel as it is a method that has less disturbance to the native soil. As the name suggested, this U-shaped Subgrade Concrete Panel is a precast U-shaped concrete panel to be installed into the subgrade soil in an inverted direction. It is divided into two sections; the horizontal panel and vertical webs beneath the panel. Hence, the objective of this paper is to present the effect of applying the U-shaped Subgrade Concrete Panel into subgrade soil with a CBR value of less than 3%. There are 3 sizes of control panel used; square panel with dimension of 150 mm x 150 mm x 50 mm, 300 mm x 300 mm x 50 mm, and 600 mm x 600 mm x 70 mm, and 6 types of U-shaped Subgrade Concrete Panel; square area of 150 mm x 150 mm, 300 mm x 300 mm, and 600 mm x 600 mm. While the depth of the U-shaped Subgrade Concrete Panel varies from 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 270 mm, and 370 mm. The static load test was applied to centre, edge, and corner point of the panel, as to study the interlocking effect when it is subjected to a localised load. As the study was conducted in the laboratory, the condition of the subgrade soil fully controlled by monitoring the moisture content and the density of the soil in the test box. Settlement of the subgrade soil after compactions was observed and recorded as part of the initial conditions before the static load test was applied to the panel. After the compaction of the subgrade, it shows that a longer web section had caused lesser settlement compared to the control panel, indicating better resistance towards lateral movement under the U-shaped Subgrade Concrete Panel.
Driving behaviour among civil engineering students: a case study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Authors: Nasir M. A. A. M. , Mashros N. , Muslim N. H. H. , Mohd N. I. , Hassan N. A. , Rohani M. M. , Yunus N. Z. M. , Sukor N. S. A. , Jusoh S. N.
Published: May 2019

Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) is the most popular self-report driving assessment tool globally for assessing crash risk and aberrant driving behaviours among motorists. Therefore, this study reports on the utilisation of the DBQ to examine the self-reported driving behaviours (and crash outcomes) of a sample of university students. Questionnaires which contains demographic questions and 36 items measuring driving behaviour (including driving distractions, violations, errors and lapses) in traffic were distributed manually to participants. The findings show that distractions factor is most frequently reported items among all of the respondents (M = 4.11). Besides, there are also significant association among the demographic factors such as ‘driving experience’ and ‘vehicle type’ with gender of respondents. Meanwhile, there is no significant association between ‘accident involvement’ with gender of respondents. In terms of driving behaviour comparison, the behaviour among male drivers is significantly different compared to female drivers in all the scores and the constructs ‘violations’, ‘errors and ‘lapses’ except for the construct ‘distractions’. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference between drivers who have and have not possessed valid driving license in all driving behaviour.
The maintenance for present infrastructures in southern part of Japan
Authors: Fukumoto M. , Kokubu H. , Sueyoshi T. , Tsutsumi T.
Published: May 2019

In general, governments used to increase the number of public works for their economic recovery. In United State, huge number of bridges, roads and tunnels were constructed in 1920’s. The lifetime of infrastructures is regarded as fifty years in general. In addition, the budget for maintenance of infrastructure had been decreased from the latter half of 1960s to 1970s. Therefore, most of these infrastructures were decayed in 1980’s and this period is called as ‘America in Ruins’. In Japan, enough number of power generators were required to launch heavy industries after World War II. To export these products, ports and highways were constructed. Furthermore, the bullet train ‘Shinkansen’ and urban expressways in Tokyo were constructed for Olympic game held in 1964. In 2010’s, most of these infrastructures seem to reach their life time. However, government doesn’t have enough budget for renovations. Therefore, new standards and technologies for repair and inspections are being required. Nowadays, huge number of infrastructures are under construction in Malaysia. Similar issues of United States or Japan may be occurred in this fifty years. In this paper, recent policy of government and new technologies including methods and equipment for maintenance of infrastructures in southern part of Japan are shown.
Bridge monitoring and management system using GIS
Authors: Ibrahim N. , Yunus M. Z. M.
Published: May 2019

In this modern world, the use of computer technology in most of the parts of life are necessary especially in engineering scopes. With an advanced technology system, engineers are able to solve the problems encountered from the unexpected situations with an effective ways. Bridge monitoring and management system encompasses the important aspects to be taken in its lifecycle and life span of the bridge. Effective and practicability of system developed allow bridge practitioners to collect, process, analyses, visualize and presented the database information through a moderate medium of delivery among the users. GIS acts as a tools for a bridge practitioners to provide spatial solutions for a problems encountered in spatial data handling for a bridge. This paper discussed about the GIS approach in the monitoring and management system for a bridge structure.
Calibration of microsimulation model for tight urban diamond interchange under heterogeneous traffic
Authors: Azam M. , Puan O. C. , Hassan S. A. , Mashros N.
Published: May 2019

Traffic simulation models have been widely used to evaluate design alternatives and to help decision-makers to select best design option for prevailing traffic conditions. This study focuses on application of microsimulation model to the performance assessment of Tight Urban Diamond Interchange (TUDI) located in a congested urban setting with population more than 9 million and current transport demand up to 13.5 million daily motorized trips. Geometric and operational data was collected by conducting multiple site visits. Traffic volume data showed the heterogeneous nature of traffic. Microsimulation model; VISSIM was applied and appropriateness of this model and the proposed methodology was assessed based on maximum queue length as Measure of Effectiveness (MOE). Calibration of model was done in two stages: system calibration and operational calibration. System calibration was done by reflecting the actual geometric and control conditions in model. While operational calibration was done by conducting Sensitivity Analysis (SA). MOE values from calibrated model were compared with the field values of maximum queue length. This study revealed that SA helps in selecting the most appropriate parameters and their values. Results from VISSIM show the cumulative difference of 32 % from the field observed values.