bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Hematologic Toxicity and Chemotherapy Dose Intensity in Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Shaikh Talha , Wang Lora S. , Egleston Brian , Burki Meher , Hoffman John P. , Cohen Steven J. , Meyer Joshua E.
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been shown to decrease abdominal toxicity in patients undergoing chemoradiation (CRT) for pancreatic cancer. We evaluated whether IMRT impacts the rates of hematologic toxicity and chemotherapy dose intensity in patients undergoing CRT.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing CRT between 2006 and 2012. Exclusion criteria included receipt of non-gemcitabine therapy, chemotherapy before CRT, or abnormal baseline hematologic indices. Endpoints included total gemcitabine dose received, dose intensity, unplanned dose reductions, and hematologic toxicity (WBC, ANC, platelet, and hemoglobin). Patient/treatment factors were evaluated for their relationship to the above endpoints during CRT and within the first 3 months post-CRT. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and regression models. Because of the multiple comparisons in the presented analysis, a false discovery rate adjustment was performed at the 5% false discovery rate level.

Results:

Eighty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-eight (68.2%) patients received treatment with IMRT, and 27 (31.8%) patients were treated with 3D-conformal radiation. During CRT, there was no relationship between radiation technique and gemcitabine dose received, dose intensity, or hematologic grade 3+ toxicity. Post-CRT, there was no relationship between radiation technique and total gemcitabine dose received, dose intensity, or dose reduction. Patients receiving IMRT were more likely to have ANC grade 3+ toxicity (P=0.007) post-CRT, although this was no longer statistically significant after correction. There were no other relationships between treatment technique and hematologic toxicity.

Conclusions:

IMRT technique may be associated with higher hematologic toxicity in patients undergoing CRT for pancreatic cancer. Given the expanding use of CRT, additional study is needed to identify the impact of IMRT on myelosuppression in these patients.
Randomized Controlled Comparison of Titanium-Sapphire Versus Standard Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Trabeculoplasty
Authors: Kaplowitz Kevin , Wang Samantha , Bilonick Richard , Oatts Julius T. , Grippo Tomas , Loewen Nils A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical effects of laser trabeculoplasty using a novel 790 nm wavelength titanium-sapphire laser (TLT) compared with a 532 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser used in standard selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

Methods:

Single institution prospective clinical trial of open-angle glaucoma patients randomized to TLT or SLT at the Yale Eye Center from 2011 to 2012. Patients with previous glaucoma surgery or trabeculoplasty were excluded. Trabeculoplasty was performed by a single surgeon unmasked to treatment group. All patients received 360 degrees of treatment. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) at 2 years.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients were enrolled. The mean baseline IOPs were 19.7 in TLT (n=18) and 20.4 mm Hg in SLT (n=19, P=0.69).

At 2 years, the mean IOP was 12.9 mm Hg (35% decrease, P<0.001) in the TLT group and 15.4 mm Hg (25% decrease, P=0.006) in the SLT group. The 2 groups did not differ in glaucoma medication use. Success, defined as IOP<21 mm Hg with >20% reduction from baseline without the need for secondary glaucoma procedures, occurred in 44% of TLT patients and 61% of SLT patients at 1 year and in 22% of TLT patients and 46% of SLT patients at 2 years (P=0.11). No patients experienced significant pain, anterior chamber reaction, corneal edema, or loss of vision.

Conclusions:

TLT may be a safe and effective alternative to SLT to lower IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Rural Active Living: A Call to Action
Authors: Umstattd Meyer M. Renée , Moore Justin B. , Abildso Christiaan , Edwards Michael B. , Gamble Abigail , Baskin Monica L.
Published: September 2015

Rural residents are less physically active than their urban counterparts and disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and conditions associated with insufficient activity. While the ecological model has been successful in promoting and translating active living research in urban settings, relatively little research has been conducted in rural settings. The resulting research gap prohibits a comprehensive understanding and application of solutions for active living in rural America. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to assess the evidence base for an ecological model of active living for rural populations and outline key scientific gaps that inhibit the development and application of solutions. Specifically, we reexamined the 4 domains conceptualized by the model and suggest that there is a dearth of research specific to rural communities across all areas of the framework. Considering the limited rural-specific efforts, we propose areas that need addressing to mobilize rural active living researchers and practitioners into action.
Induction of Lung Tumors in Mice with Urethane
Authors: Gurley Kay E. , Moser Russell D. , Kemp Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

In this protocol, urethane (ethyl carbamate) is used to induce lung tumors in mice. The use of urethane as an experimental carcinogen is especially attractive as it is inexpensive, relatively safe to handle, stable, and water soluble, and the protocol involves simple intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections in young mice. Urethane typically induces bronchioalveolar adenomas and, to a lesser extent, adenocarcinomas that resemble the adenocarcinoma subtype of non–small cell lung carcinoma. On a sensitive genetic background such as A/J, mice develop multiple adenomas visible on the lung surface by 25 wk, followed by the appearance of adenocarcinomas by 40 wk. Less-sensitive strains such as B6/129 develop tumors with a longer latency.
Tracking Movements of the Microtubule Motors Kinesin and Dynein Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Yildiz Ahmet , Vale Ronald D.
Published: September 2015

Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) is a wide-field illumination technique that illuminates only the molecules near the glass coverslip. It has become widely used in biological imaging because it has a significantly reduced background and high temporal resolution capability. The principles of TIRFM are illustrated in this protocol, in which the movements of motor proteins are imaged as they move along microtubules within live axonemes.
Larsen
&
Toubro strides out strategically on talent management
Authors: Panda Sunita , Sahoo Chandan Kumar
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Describes how, in a highly competitive environment, Larsen
&
Toubro attracts and retains its talent in a strategic way.

Design/methodology/approach

– Researches the firm’s various talent-management and leadership-training strategies.

Findings

– Reveals that 360-degree talent management is necessary to empower employees and to develop leadership capacities.

Practical implications

– Presents a framework for talent management and leadership development in a manufacturing business which can be recast to suit different organizational set-ups.

Social implications

– Explains that the company recruits many of its workers from rural India. Employees are recruited for their potential as much as for their existing skills.

Originality/value

– Describes a new dimension of talent management being practiced and its success in a manufacturing business.
Apprentices keep Dinamiks at the cutting edge of technology
Authors: Barnes Simon
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Describes the advantages that technology company Dinamiks gains from its apprenticeship program.

Design/methodology/approach

– Gives the managing director’s viewpoint of the benefits of apprenticeships to a small company.

Findings

– Reveals that apprentices have enabled Dinamiks to tap into the technology innovations and ways of working with technology that many young people take in their stride and to learn what of that needs to be included in its products.

Practical implications

– Details how the company has benefited from the energy of youth, a different style of conversation and innovative individuals who have the ideas to move the product, and therefore the company, on.

Social implications

– Explains that the program prepares apprentices to go out into the wider business world and be a valuable contributor in whatever field they ultimately choose.

Originality/value

– Highlights the winning combination of apprentices, who bring new ideas and ways of working, with seasoned employees, with their business acumen gained through years of experience.
Coaching the coaches
Authors: Chan Juni , Burgess John
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Reports on a case study of a 15-month coaching-development program in a Hong Kong-based organization. This paper outlines the purpose, processes and outcomes of the program.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws on the material obtained from internal coaches through structured interviews and focus groups that were held throughout the program.

Findings

– Reveals that the internal coaches reported that the coaching program improved their skills and enhanced their capacity to help others and develop managerial talent in the organization.

Practical implications

– Advances the view that a well-designed, long-term and continuously monitored coaching program using an external moderator/facilitating coach can develop professional managerial and leadership skills and support talent management.

Originality/value

– Describes a coaching-development program that has the potential to be applied in organizations that face talent-management and recruitment problems.
Step by step to soft-skills training
Authors: Rao M.S
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Emphasizes the need to give soft-skills training equal importance with other core subjects in Indian educational institutions to enhance students’ employability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Illustrates with a blueprint to ensure industry – institute interaction and co-ordination from all stakeholders including educators, industry, training and placement officers and soft-skills trainers.

Findings

– Highlights the need to treat soft skills like any other core subject to make students understand their importance.

Practical implications

– Shows that soft skills will enable students to grow not only as an enlightened and empowered individuals but also as an employable and self-employable individuals.

Social implications

– Seeks strong support from all stakeholders, including educators, students, parents, industry, non-governmental organizations and government, to enhance employability skills in students.

Originality/value

– Turns the spotlight on the importance of soft skills to students and the Indian economy as a whole.
The liability of employers for work stress
Authors: Mustafa Engin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Considers the subject of work stress and the potential liability to employers that may arise.

Design/methodology/approach

– Provides details of recent cases from England and Wales that bear upon workplace stress.

Findings

– Explains that, for liability to arise, there needs to be an injury to heath, and this needs to be attributable to stress at work.

Practical implications

– Advances the view that employers can reduce the likelihood of a successful claim as follows: reduce stress in the work environment; give clear written guidance on actions that employees should take if they feel that they are stressed and ensure the message is conveyed with evidence that this is the case; have a confidential help-line that can refer stressed employees to obtain appropriate help; train managers to look out for the signs of stress and act on them; and pay special attention to anyone who has already exhibited signs of stress or had time off work because of stress.

Social implications

– Argues that mental disorders are more difficult to identify than physical ones.

Originality/value

– Claims that the threshold for employer liability remains high. The employee will find it difficult to make a successful claim for workplace stress where the person keeps the fact that he or she is stressed from the employer.
Dialogic group coaching – inspiration from transformative mediation
Authors: Alrø Helle , Dahl Poul Nørgård
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to group coaching in the workplace that can enhance shared learning in groups and teams through dialogue as opposed to group members’ individual positioning through discussion and debate.

Design/methodology/approach

– An action research project conducted throughout one year in collaboration between the management groups of the Elderly Care in a Danish municipality, two organizational consultants and two researchers from the Department of Communication and Psychology at Aalborg University. The dialogical approach to group coaching is developed in the interaction between dialogue theory and the performance and close analysis of 12 video-taped coaching sessions with four management groups. The development of the dialogic group coaching concept is further supported through common reflections between researchers and groups in initial meetings as well as during the coaching sessions and final interviews, reflections between researchers and groups in initial meetings as well as during the coaching sessions and final interviews.

Findings

– The non-directive approach of dialogic group coaching is inspired by Transformative Mediation. This approach includes a focus on empowerment and recognition within the group in terms of promoting common reflection and learning. This also appears to diminish conflict talk and conflict-based relationships. Further, the dialogic approach emphasizes the importance of a coaching contract to create a common basis for reflection and action, which is found to reduce individual positioning.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a dialogic concept of group coaching in theory and practice, while focusing on the learning processes and development of the participating management groups.
The correct language of cataloguing local publications in East Africa
Authors: State Eliz Nassali , Kigongo-Bukenya Isaac M.N. , Okello-Obura Constant
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the subject cataloguing of local publications and subject access to local publications.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative approach was used. Methods included interviews, document reviews and observations.

Findings

– Adherence to cataloguing standards takes precedence over subject access. Rarely is a user the focus of choice of the subject term in the process of cataloguing. The terms assigned to local publications are generally too broad and, at times, border on inappropriateness. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of documented cataloguing policies and a waning interest in cataloguing matters from the profession.

Originality/value

– This study is intended to benefit the librarians who provide subject representation to local publications by way of streamlining the process of subject cataloguing, hence, enhancing access to these uniquely held resources. The outcome of this study, hence, will provide insight in the process of cataloguing local publications. In addition, the findings of this study will benefit the teaching of subject cataloguing in library and information science programs. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the body of library science by enabling a localized view to subject assignation. Ultimately, the significance of the study lies in its contribution to cataloguing education and research, especially with a perspective from Africa.
Exploration of information literacy skills status and impacts on the quality of life of artisans in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ukachi Ngozi Blessing
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to establish the information literacy skills status, medium for the acquisition of the skills and the impacts on the quality of life of artisans in Lagos, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. First, the purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting five categories of artisans specialised in creative works such as: hat making, knitting of clothes, fashion designing/tailoring, hair dressing and shoe making. Second, the proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting five artisans, each representing a particular category from the 20 local government areas that make up Lagos State. Hence, the sample size is 100. The instruments for data collection were questionnaire and oral interview. The oral interview was meant to complement the questionnaire, as the researcher observed that some of the artisans communicate better in oral discussions than in written ones. The researcher personally administered the instruments. The oral interview was guided by the interview schedule constructed by the researcher based on the research questions. The questionnaire collection period lasted three weeks. Data collected were analysed using simple percentages and frequency count and presented in tables and figures.

Findings

– The outcome of the study revealed that the artisans’ level of information literacy skills increased following their exploration of technological gadgets such as android and smart-phones which the study had established to be the main means through which they acquire their information literacy skills. Other sources such as the library and training organised by the state government have not benefited them. The result established that the increase in their information literacy skills status has enhanced their quality of life.

Practical implications

– An improvement in the information literacy skills status of artisans could positively impact their quality of life.

Originality/value

– An exploration of the information literacy skills status, medium for the acquisition of the skills and the impacts on the quality of life of artisans in Lagos has not been carried out before now. This study revealed the status as well as the most accessible and appealing medium of information literacy skills acquisition by the artisans. This will help the government and public library management with the knowledge of the information literacy skills’ needs including, formats and media most suitable for this category of people.
Relationship amongst ResearchGate altmetric indicators and Scopus bibliometric indicators
Authors: SHRIVASTAVA RISHABH , Mahajan Preeti
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the study aims to investigate the relationship between the altmetric indicators from ResearchGate (RG) and the bibliometric indicators from the Scopus database. Second, the study seeks to examine the relationship amongst the RG altmetric indicators themselves. RG is a rich source of altmetric indicators such as Citations, RGScore, Impact Points, Profile Views, Publication Views, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

– For establishing whether RG metrics showed the same results as the established sources of metrics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between the metrics provided by RG and the metrics obtained from Scopus. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were also calculated for the metrics provided by RG. The data were collected by visiting the profile pages of all the members who had an account in RG under the Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh (India).

Findings

– The study showed that most of the RG metrics showed strong positive correlation with the Scopus metrics, except for RGScore (RG) and Citations (Scopus), which showed moderate positive correlation. It was also found that the RG metrics showed moderate to strong positive correlation amongst each other.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitation of this study is that more and more scientists and researchers may join RG in the future, therefore the data may change. The study focuses on the members who had an account in RG under the Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh (India). Perhaps further studies can be conducted by increasing the sample size and by taking a different sample size having different characteristics.

Originality/value

– Being an emerging field, not much has been conducted in the area of altmetrics. Very few studies have been conducted on the reach of academic social networks like RG and their validity as sources of altmetric indicators like RGScore, Impact Points, etc. The findings offer insights to the question whether RG can be used as an alternative to traditional sources of bibliometric indicators, especially with reference to a rapidly developing country such as India.
The librarianship portfolio
Authors: Mills Chloe
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe the development of a Librarianship Portfolio for the purposes of permanent status evaluation and rank promotion at a small private university with a unionized faculty.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Librarianship Portfolio was conceived and based on teaching portfolios and evaluative documents at other colleges and universities and is also a direct result of collective bargaining negotiations.

Findings

– Interest in outcomes assessment and evaluation is increasing in the educational institutions where academic librarians work. One assessment strategy that has been developed for teaching faculty is the professional teaching portfolio. Librarians have not widely adopted this type of documentation for the purposes of tenure evaluation or work performance assessment.

Practical implications

– Portfolios such as this one can serve as a basis for collecting documentation and highlighting excellence in job performance at other academic libraries, whether or not librarians are faculty or belong to a union.

Originality/value

– The Librarianship Portfolio as described here is a unique creation in job performance evaluation.
A Review: Tomography Systems in Medical and Industrial Processes
Authors: Abd. Rahman Noor Amizan , En Hong Ling , Hj. Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Abdul Rahim Herlina , Ahmad Nasarudin , Bunyamin Salinda , Abas Khairul Hamimah , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Mohd Yunos Fazlul Rahman , Mansor Muhammad Saiful Badri
Published: September 2015

Conventional methods previously guided reading meter to monitor the process and steps must be taken to interpret the readings and what need to adjustment be implemented. With the use of the method tomography, imaging process that displays the contents of the flow in the pipe or vessel during the process of giving analysts in real time quickly. By so corrective action can be done at a fast rate. The image will be formed from the trajectory of the object or sensor plane passing through the tomographic system. Use tomography method can be adapted to the process or the materials to be monitored. This paper examines the use of tomography in medical and industrial sectors. For use in the medical field such as looking at the structure of tissue in the body, can be used to detect cancerous elements tomography method comprising the X-ray, optical coherence tomography (OCT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. The industrial sector consists of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT), optical Capacitance Tomography (ECT), and Tomography Ultrasonic (UT). This paper discusses the role, the use of concepts, basic design and development impact of the results of research conducted by previous researchers.
Progress in Ozone Sensors Performance: A Review
Authors: David Michael , Ibrahim Mohd Haniff , Idrus Sevia Mahdaliza , Azmi Asrul Izam , Ngajikin Nor Hafizah , En Marcus Tay Ching , Yaacob Maslina , Salim Mohd Rashidi , Abdul Aziz Azian
Published: September 2015

There has been a surge in ozone gas relevance in agriculture, environment and in the industry. This has resulted in increased research activities in areas involving ozone gas generation, application, safety and sensing. In this manuscript we present reviews of selected recent works (2011–2015) on ozone gas sensors based on absorption spectroscopy. Issues addressed include sensors applications versus requirements; sensors performance versus limitations and cost of sensors. Outstanding research issues are also outlined. While the review is mainly biased towards sensing of ozone using conventional absorption spectroscopy, other methods such as photo acoustic, photo reductive, photo stimulated, metal oxides, electrochemical, chemical, solid state and resistive ozone sensors were also considered in light of their performance criteria. Generally, it was observed that new applications of ozone gas lead to new sensing research challenges. Several sensing parameters were repeatedly investigated and improved upon over the years. Some of these parameters include: selectivity, sensitivity, speed of response, cost of sensor, lower detection limit and portability.
Characterization of Human Head Phantom based on its Dielectric Properties for Wideband Microwave Imaging Application
Authors: Md Said Mohd Sollehudin , Seman Norhudah , Jaafar Haliza
Published: September 2015

Characterization of phantom material based on its electrical properties across 1 to 6 GHz is investigated and presented in purpose for modelling of a human head phantom. This article presents five phantom samples mimicking main head tissues, which are the tissue of grey matter, white matter, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), blood and skin. The preparation of phantom samples is performed by using common and cheap materials, which are jelly powder, gelatine, water and sugar. The characteristics of materials used are discussed on the composition ratios and electrical properties. The electrical properties of materials are measured using a special dielectric coaxial probe connected to a vector network analyser (VNA). The obtained data is analysed in terms of relative permittivity,  and conductivity,  for the observation and further discussion on the characterizations. This phantom of the human head tissues later can be applied in the microwave imaging system for a further study on the health monitoring of the human body.
Application of Draw Wire Sensor in the Tracking Control of An Electro Hydraulic Actuator System
Authors: Salleh Sazilah , Rahmat Mohd Fua’ad , Othman Siti Marhainis , Zainal Abidin Hafilah
Published: September 2015

A draw wire sensor is considered as a contact measurement method. It is normally used to measure the speed and position of a system. A draw wire sensor is convenient especially when a low cost solution and a small sensor dimension are desired. The objective of this paper is to describe the application of draw wire sensor in control tracking of electro hydraulic actuator system. This research started with the modelling of electro hydraulic actuator system by using system identification approach. During the data taking process, an experiment is conducted using electro hydraulic actuator test bed. A draw wire sensor is attached to the load of electro hydraulic actuator system to measure the output displacement when the system is injected with the desired input signal. Draw wire sensor is measuring the output displacement in millimeters and then the signal is converted to voltage reading regarding to the given input signal. The input and output signal is collected and is used in system identification technique to obtain the best mathematical model that can represent the electro hydraulic actuator system. Once a model is obtained, a Self Tuning Controller (STC) with Generalize Minimum Variance Control (GMVC) strategy is designed to control the tracking performance of the electro hydraulic actuator system. The designed controller is tested in simulation and experiment mode. Then, the output result from both modes is compared. The results show that the output performance from both modes are almost similar. Thus, this research had shown that a draw wire sensor has a significant role in capturing an accurate output data from electro hydraulic actuator system even with or without the controller.
Jaundice Assessement of Newborn Baby: A Short Review on Kramel’s Rule and Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy
Authors: Zakaria Zulkarnay , Abd Jalil Jurimah , Sarkawi Shazwani , Balkhis Ibrahim , Abd Rahim Mohamad Aliff , Mustafa Nazahah , Ibrahim Maliki , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi
Published: September 2015

Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of white eyes (sclera), skin and mucous membrane which is clinically apparent when the level of serum bilirubin rises up to 5 mg/dl. Jaundice could cause abnormalities in the newborn infant when production of bilirubin exceeds the normal range. Formation of bilirubin starts from degradation of hemoglobin and haemoprotein, which is released from red blood cell. Current technique in evaluating jaundice of new born infant is based on Kramer’s Rule but unfortunately it is not very applicable to the babies with dark skin. Thus Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy (MIS) is introduced as an alternative to this issue as MIS is a non-invasive, non-intrusive and electrodeless measurement scheme. This paper will go through short overview on jaundice measurement as well as MIS modality.
LMI-based Multiobjective Integral Sliding Mode Control for Rotary Inverted Pendulum System Under Load Variations
Authors: M. A. Fairus, , Z. Mohamed, , M. N. Ahmad, , W. S. Loi,
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a multiobjective integral sliding mode controller (ISMC) for a rotary inverted pendulum system under the influence of varying load. Firstly, the nonlinear system is approximated to facilitate the desired control design via extended linearization and deterministic approach. By using both of these techniques, the nonlinear system is formulated into a nonlinear state-space representation where the uncertainties are retained in the model. Next, the design objectives are formulated into linear matrix inequalities (LMI) which are then solved efficiently through convex optimization algorithms. With proper selection variables, numbers of the decision variables for LMIs are reduced. Hence, it will reduce the numerical burden and believes the calculated values more viable in practice. Finally, simulation works are conducted and comparison is made between the proposed controller, such as normal ISMC and LQR. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller and the performance is evaluated through integral of absolute-value error (IAE) performance index.
A Review of Ultrasonic Tomography for Monitoring the Corrosion of Steel Pipes
Authors: Abd. Rahman Noor Amizan , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Pei Ling Leow , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Rahiman Mohd. Hafiz Fazalul , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Mohd Yunus Fazlul Rahman
Published: September 2015

Infrastructure development is currently taking place rapidly. Designing a dwelling or premises is currently implemented quickly while controlling construction costs in addition to providing guidance on planned development. The architecture uses steel as a main part of the pile and drainage system is connected from sources to consumer. This study focuses on steel pipes that are exposed to corrosion. This problem is considered serious because steel pipes are used not only for the delivery of water supply but also for the delivery of gas and oil to the oil and gas sector, where the same problem occurs. Impacts of the problem of corrosion of steel pipes contribute to the risk of loss to the owner of the premises or industry. An overview of leakage problems, which cause a reduction in the volume of materials or hazards to the environment and consumers, is given, and the occurrence of corrosion in pipelines is evaluated. Monitoring methods use ultrasonic tomography as a major contribution to the implementation of monitoring and assessing the status of pipe durability and ability. This paper looks at the concept of diverse ultrasonic tomography inventions used to assist the process of monitoring of the level of pipeline capacity that will suffer corrosion.
Environmetric Techniques Application in Water Quality Assessment: A Case Study in Linggi River Basin
Authors: Kasim Mohd Fadhil , Juahir Hafizan , Tawnie Ismail , Azid Azman , Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir , Samsudin Saiful , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Mohd Fazli Bashirah , Che Hasnam Che Noraini
Published: September 2015

In this research, determination of water quality status was carried out by using non-parametric Mann-Kendall analysis for the Linggi River Basin and for classification of the river, HACA and PCA has been used to classify the river to obtain the clearest picture of the water quality status. The dataset includes 6 parameters for 6 monitoring stations (1997 to 2012). Mann-Kendall trend analysis shows trend analysis indicate that significant improvement trend for all parameters studied except for BOD (WQ1 (P<0.1) and WQ6 (P<0.05)) and SS (WQ4 to WQ6 (P<0.05)) trend were shows the unhealthy significant trend. This indicates that even though the WQI getting good in trend, a few parameters such as BOD and SS need to be watched and enforcement by the local authority need to be done to make sure the WQI continuously getting better in the future. HACA grouped the six monitoring stations into three different clusters based on their similarities namely less pollution site (LPS), medium pollution site (MPS) and high pollution site (HPS). HACA indicate one station (WQ1) into group LPS, two stations into MPS (WQ2 and WQ3) and three stations into HPS (WQ4, WQ5 and WQ6) respectively. PCA was used to investigate the origin of each water quality variable based on the clustered region. Three principal components (PCs) were obtained with 75.3% total variation for HPS, 73.4% for MPS and 68.1% for LPS. The major pollution source for HPS are of anthropogenic source (municipal waste, domestic wastes) while for MPS the major source of pollution was from non point source pollution such as animal husbandry in livestock farm. For the LPS, major source comes from the sea tide effect (natural effect). The identification and classification of different region by this study will help the local authorities make better and more informed decisions about the improvement water quality program for the future.
Coastal Erosion Measurement Along Tanjung Lumpur to Cherok Paloh, Pahang During the Northeast Monsoon Season
Authors: Azid Azman , Che Hasnam Che Noraini , Juahir Hafizan , Amran Mohammad Azizi , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir , Gasim Muhammad Barzani , Mustafa Ahmad Dasuki
Published: September 2015

The map of Tanjung Lumpur to Cherok Paloh from 1996 to 2004 revealed that there were significant changes on coastal profiles. If the problem remains unsolved within 5 to 10 years, the beaches in the area might be fully eroded. The main objective of this study is to measure erosion of the coastline along Tanjung Lumpur to Cherok Paloh, Pahang during the northeast monsoon (December 2013 to February 2014). Transit set and dry sieving method were used for beach profile and grain size characteristics measurement. GRADISTAT v8 program is used for sedimentological analysis. Cluster analysis was used to show the group of higher eroded, medium eroded and lower eroded. The study found that almost all of the beach profiles had increased in length and the beach slopes were steeper; meanwhile the sedimentological analysis indicated that all the stations were dominated by sandy type during the period of study. The action of higher waves, tides and currents were the biggest contribution to erosion during northeast monsoon.  From this study, it can be concluded that almost all stations have undergone erosion during the northeast season.
Steady State Load Shedding to Prevent Blackout in the Power System using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Mageshvaran R. , Jayabarathi T.
Published: September 2015

Real and reactive power deficiencies due to generation and overload contingencies in a power system may decline the system frequency and the system voltage. During these contingencies cascaded failures may occur which will lead to complete blackout of certain parts of the power system. Under such situations load shedding is considered as an emergency control action that is necessary to prevent a blackout in the power system by relieving overload in some parts of the system. The aim of this paper is to minimize the amount of load shed during generation and overload contingencies using a new meta-heuristic optimization algorithm known as artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC). The optimal solution for the problem of steady state load shedding is done by taking squares of the difference between the connected and supplied real and reactive power. The supplied active and reactive powers are treated as dependent variables modeled as functions of bus voltages only. The proposed algorithm is tested on IEEE 14, 30, 57, and 118 bus test systems. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparison with the other conventional methods reported earlier in terms of solution quality and convergence properties. The comparison shows that the proposed algorithm gives better solutions and can be recommended as one of the optimization algorithms that can be used for optimal load shedding.
The Impact of Durian Rind in Water-based Mud in Combating Lost Circulation
Authors: Ismail Issham , Mohd Nor Anum Bisyarah , Hamid Mohd. Fauzi , Ismail Abdul Razak
Published: September 2015

A laboratory investigation has been done on durian rind, a fibrous material, as an alternative lost circulation material in water-based mud. The experimental works covered the rheological properties and lost circulation tests which were conducted before and after the hot-rolling tests as per API RP 13B. Those tests involved the use of standard mud testing equipment and a lost circulation test cell. The optimum concentration of the durian rind―which had been cleaned, cut into small pieces, dried in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours, and ground into small fine particles―was determined before a performance comparison study was done on both Hydro-plug (i.e., a commercial lost circulation material) and durian rind of different sizes, namely fine (0.5 mm), medium (1.0 mm), and coarse (2.0 mm). The experimental results showed that the durian rind worked well in combating the lost circulation. At its optimum concentration of 20 lb/bbl, the coarse durian rind was found to have performed excellently in combating lost circulation in 1 mm and 2 mm fractures. The standard rheological test showed that the rheological properties of drilling fluid were not too affected at standard temperature of 75°F but they changed significantly after the hot-rolling tests. The change in rheological properties was due to the flocculation of bentonite and chemical reaction of the pectin in durian rind.
Learning from ERP Implementation: A Case Study of Issues and Challenges in Technology Management
Authors: Nordin Norani , Adegoke Ojeniyi
Published: September 2015

Purpose: ERP implementation comes with huge business competitive advantages nevertheless it also has its difficulties and challenges. This paper presents the findings of field work and interview conducted on issues and challenges of ERP implementation on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It proposes implementation strategies at each of the implementation stages for a successful ERP implementation within SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed both personal interview and observation methods. Findings: The findings revealed that reengineering (organization and infrastructures), top management commitment, funds, skilled manpower, implementation time and data fill-in were the critical issues and challenges faced by SMEs during ERP implementation. Hence, these factors were identifies as ERP implementation successful factors to be considered by SMEs. Also the study proposed three implementation strategies stages which will enhance successful ERP implementation in the SMEs. Originality/value: This study identified funds, skilled manpower and data fill-in as part of critical factors for successful ERP implementation in SMEs. Therefore, the study was used to generate successful implementation strategies for SMEs.
Performance-Based Pushover Cyclic Test For Innovative Prefabricated Hybrid Industrialised Building System Sub-Frame
Authors: Ying Wong Jing , Marsono Abdul Kadir , Md. Tap Masine , Yip Chun-Chieh
Published: September 2015

The paper presents a pseudo-dynamic cyclic load test to evaluate the structural performance of innovative prefabricated hybrid Industrialised Building System (IBS) subjected to earthquake-induced ground motions. Two beams, three columns and six wall panels with scale of 1:5 were casted using concrete grade 30. Steel bars with diameters of 6 mm and 1.5 mm were used as main reinforcement and links, respectively. The frame was set-up and tested in two reversal directions of cyclic lateral loads in the structural laboratory. Eight Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs) and seven strain gauges were instrumented in the model to record deflections and strains. This experiment was conducted in displacement-controlled mode. Four cycles of loads were applied corresponding to the initial targeted lateral displacement to obtain hysteresis curve. The structural performance was assessed using structural seismic demand parameters such as story displacement, displacement ductility and energy dissipation. Three structural performance levels that were Immediate Occupancy (IO), Life Safety (LS) and Collapse Prevention (CP) were assessed with compliance of FEMA 356. Structural behaviour, localised stressed and failed components were checked and recorded. The experimental results were presented in load-displacement of the system, mapped crack patterns, and development of capacity curve. Damage ranking were proposed based on degree of damage of scaled 1:5 of SMART IBS frame.
Flood Risk Pattern Recognition Using Integrated Chemometric Method and Artificial Neural Network: A Case Study in the Johor River Basin
Authors: Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir , Azid Azman , Juahir Hafizan , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Amran Mohammad Azizi , Mustafa Ahmad Dasuki , Azaman Fazureen , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Mohd Saudi Madihah
Published: September 2015

Flood is a major problem in Johor river basin, which normally happened during monsoon season. However in this study, it shows that rainfall did not have a strong relationship for the changes of water level compared to suspended solid and stream flow, where both variables have p-values of <0.0001 and these variables also became the main factors in contributing to the flood occurrence based on Factor Analysis result. Time Series Analysis was being carried out and based on Statistical Process Control, the limitation has been set up for mitigation in controlling flood. All data beyond the Upper Control Limit was predicted to have High Risk to face flood and Emergency Response Plan should be implemented to prevent complication and destruction because of flood. The prediction for the risk level was carried out using the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN), where the accuracy of prediction was very high, with the result of 96% for the level of accuracy in the prediction of risk class.
Pattern of Interaction in Online Cooperative Learning: An Analysis of Communication Perspective
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Muhaimin , Mohd. Yusof Farahwahida , Aris Baharuddin
Published: September 2015

Communication is one of the generic skills needed by students in preparation for the career path. Cooperative learning supported by web applications has been identified as a strategy that can help students to improve their communication skills. The aim of this study is to identify pattern of interaction in an online cooperative learning (OCoL) that helps the communication skill aspect among students. A Learning Management System which is modified based on the principles of cooperative learning with the learning structure in accordance to the method of investigation group has been developed as a learning platform. It also serves as a data collection instrument. A group of 15 students were randomly selected to carry out six OCoL sessions which implemented using counterbalanced group quasi-experimental design. The results of quantitative and qualitative analysis of the log data showed two patterns of students interaction i.e. structured and unstructured pattern. The differences in pattern of interaction also influence students’ focus on using interaction tools and the quality of discussion produced. The results of this study have implications for the structural design of OCoL that can assist students in  communication aspect.
Motivating Factors to Breastfeed an Adopted Child in a Muslim Community in Malaysia
Authors: Saari Zilal , Mohd Yusof Farahwahida
Published: September 2015

Breast milk is the best milk for babies. Breastfeeding is not exclusive to biological mothers only, it is relevant to adoptive mothers too. Women who have never given birth are also able to produce breast milk by following induced lactation method. According to Islamic fiqh law (jurisprudence), woman who breastfeed a child who is not her biological child will be mahram to her nurse child. Therefore the aim of this study is to examine the motivating factors to breastfeeding a foster child in a Muslim community in Malaysia. This is a qualitative study using case studies and grounded theory. A total of 12 foster-mothers whom have successfully breastfed their foster children by induced lactation method were involved in this study. The method of collecting data is semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using QSR NVivo Version 10 software using the techniques of content analysis, word based analysis and code based analysis. This study found, the main motivating factor for a foster-mothers to breastfeed her foster child is to build a mahram relationship with her foster child, followed by the maternal instinct, psychology, nutrition, technology, offspring and obligations. Breastfeeding a foster child in the context of a Muslim community in Malaysia aims to achieve two objectives: Islamic tenet (syariat) and goals of humanity. Both of these goals are linked by science i.e. induced lactation technology. This study proves that a Muslim foster-mother can apply induced lactation as a way to build a fosterage (milk kinship) relationship with her foster child which ultimately facilitate in their family life.