bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengetahuan Pedagogi Isi Kandungan Guru Sains Sekolah Rendah dalam Mengajarkan Pemikiran Sains Keusahawanan: Satu Kajian Kes
Authors: Syukri Muhammad , Halim Lilia , Mohd. Meerah T. Subahan , Buang Nor Aishah
Published: September 2013

This qualitative study aims to determine the science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and its components applied by them in the teaching of entrepreneurial science thinking (EST) by using the EST module. The teaching of entrepreneurial science thinking is an effort to cultivate students’ thinking to apply their scientific knowledge in everyday situation in a creative and inovatif way, including with the orientation of entrepreneurship thinking. Two science teachers, who have educational background and experience in using the EST  module to teach science in primary schools, are involved in this study. The qualitative data was analysed by using the six phases of Shulman‘s pedagogical reasoning model (understanding, transformation, instruction, assessment, reflection, and new understanding) in each thinking step in the EST module (observe, new ideas, innovation, creativity, and society). It was found that the PCK component which is always referred to by both teachers is knowledge of students, while the knowledge component of PCK which is seldom applied by the science teachers is knowledge of the contexts. Meanwhile, pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge are applied to all steps of the EST module, but not referred to in all the pedagogical phases of Shulman’s reasoning model. The findings of this study indicate that knowledge of the students is the most important component of teaching EST in primary schools. This study also supports the previous research stated that to enhance creativity and innovation among students, teachers must have knowledge about their students.
Choosing Mathematical Examples: Routine but Not an Easy Task
Authors: Sulaiman Faridah , Mohamed Mohini
Published: September 2013

Choosing examples for the purpose of teaching mathematics is routine tasks done by every mathematics teachers. Examples are an important medium used by mathematics teachers as a communication device to discuss mathematical content with their students (Leindhart, 2001). Through examples, students build their understanding about mathematical ideas. In spite of the important role played by mathematical examples, the knowledge about mathematical exemplification is not formally taught to the teachers. It has to be built by the teachers through their teaching experience (Zaslavsky & Zodik, 2007). The purpose of this study is to capture this knowledge. We study six Excellent Mathematics Teachers teaching practices using pre-active notes, observation and interview in order to know the things that influence their choice of examples.  Findings show that although choosing examples is a routine task, but it seems that it is not an easy one.
Perbandingan Pola Pembelajaran Kontekstual dan Tahap Pemahaman Konsep Sains Pelajar Sekolah Menengah Rendah di Malaysia dan Singapura
Authors: Kee Sun Low , Yoon Fah Lay
Published: September 2013

In order to produce world class human model, science education that is able to provide individuals who are innovative, creative and productive was the main focus of the education system in Malaysia. Malaysian student science performance deteriorating sharply against other Asian countries (TIMSS 2007) has resulted in our country is falling behind. Failure to relate the lesson content with real-life context of a major source of students are not interested and thus not able to capture the knowledge of good science. Contextual learning approach to build a concrete relationship between the content of science education in the context of the day has become the main approach outlined in the syllabus of Science in Malaysia and also in many countries. Thus contextual learning pattern also focus on the survey. This study examined the differences contextual learning pattern and level of understanding of science concepts junior high school students in Malaysia and Singapore. Data were collected from the Trends in International Mathematics Program and Science Study 2007 (TIMSS), the sample consisted of 4,466 students of Malaysia and 4,599 students of Singapore. The results showed that there were significant differences between the patterns of contextual learning and students' level of understanding of the concept of Sciences Malaysia and Singapore. Singapore students showed a higher level of understanding of Malaysian students in all domains, especially in the understanding and application domains. The results also showed a significant relationship between contextual learning pattern with students' understanding of Science concepts, but the regression of these two variables is very low.
Realising Values Through a Probability Activity
Authors: Sivasubramaniam Pumadevi
Published: September 2013

Values define outlook and attitudes of an individual. Hence, inculcating moral values is of utmost importance to develop the desired behaviour in an individual. Values are a vital part of the affective domain of education including mathematics education. This paper reports a study that aimed to determine the effectiveness of a probability activity in providing experience to students to help them realise the role of the values of ‘humility’, ‘determination’ and ‘perseverance’ in achieving their goals. The comparison of these intended values of the researcher and the students realised values which were based on their written reflections, illustrates the extent to which the activity served its purpose. The results of the study showed that the activity did serve its purpose for the majority of students and hence is suitable to provide experience to students to help them realise the significance of  these values.
An Analysis on the Selected Factors Contributing to Science and Mathematics Achievement Among Secondary Students in Two SEAMEO Member Countries
Authors: Awang Roger , Yoon Fah Lay
Published: September 2013

This paper sets out to examine critically the effects of selected factors contributing to science and mathematics achievement among 8th grade students in Malaysia and Singapore. The Trend in International Science and Mathematics Study (TIMSS) 2007 database was utilized to explore a) if there were correlations between students receiving additional support and/or gaining exposure from academic related enrichment activities at home and schools with their science and mathematics achievement and, b) How well do the knowledge/skills gained from the use of technological tools and Internet contribute towards their science and mathematics achievement among Malaysian and Singaporean Grade 8 students. The sample consists of 4,466 students from Malaysia and 4,599 students from Singapore who participated in the TIMSS 2007 assessment. This study will provide some insights on why some students perform better than others in science and mathematics by highlighting the effect of additional support and/or exposure from academic related enrichment activities at home and schools, and the knowledge/skills gained from the use of technological tools and internet on students’ science and mathematics achievement.
Determination of Ultrasonic Welding Optimal Parameters for Thermoplastic Material of Manufacturing Products
Authors: Rashli Rashiqah , Abu Bakar Elmi , Kamaruddin Shahrul
Published: September 2013

Ultrasonic welding had been widely used in various manufacturing industries such as aviation, medical, electronic device and many more. It offers a continued safe operation, faster and also low cost as it able to join weld part less than one second and also simple to maintain the tooling devices. Though ultrasonic welding brings a lot of advantages in assembly especially in thermoplastic material of manufacturing product, it also has a dominant problem to be deal with. The problem in ultrasonic welding is poor weld quality due to improper selection of ultrasonic welding parameters especially in near field configuration. Thus, an optimal combination of parameters is crucial in order to produce good quality weld assembly for this configuration. In this paper, ultrasonic welding process, ultrasonic weld joint defects and determination of optimal parameters for thermoplastic material had been discussed thoroughly.
Kaedah Relatif Untuk Penentuan Nilai Pembetulan Medan Bebas Mikrofon Pengukuran Bunyi
Authors: Wan Salleh Wan Aziz , Jamaludin Nordin , Mohd Nor Mohd Jailani
Published: September 2013

Nilai pembetulan medan bebas adalah nilai yang digunakan untuk menukarkan sambutan tekanan mikrofon pengukuran bunyi semasa tentukuran kepada sambutan medan bebas. Kaedah perbandingan relatif telah dibangunkan untuk menentukan nilai pembetulan medan bebas sebagai pilihan kepada kaedah mutlak yang sediada. Sambutan medan tekanan telah dibandingkan secara relatif dengan medan bebas. Sambutan mikrofon di dalam setiap medan diperolehi secara perbandingan dengan mikrofon standard makmal yang telah diketahui nilai pembetulan medan bebasnya. Kedua-dua mikrofon didedahkan secara berturutan kepada sumber bunyi dengan aras tekanan bunyi yang sama di dalam medan bebas dan medan tekanan dan voltan keluaran AC akan diukur. Medan bebas dihasilkan di dalam kebuk nirgema dan medan tekanan di dalam pengganding penentukur bunyi. Nilai pembetulan medan bebas untuk dua mikrofon yang telah diketahui nilainya dari pembuat telah ditentukan dan dibandingkan untuk tujuan pengesahan kaedah. Keputusan perbandingan kedua-dua mikrofon yang saling menepati setelah mengambil kira ketidakpastiannya menunjukkan kaedah relatif boleh digunakan.
Pengetahuan Murid dan Perkaitan Ibu Bapa Terhadap Kesedaran Alam Sekitar: Satu Kajian Awal
Authors: Liew Abdullah Nurul Hidayah , Shafii Haryati , Ta Wee Seow
Published: September 2013

Kajian ini merupakan kajian awalan tentang kurikulum Sains sekolah rendah berkenaan pengetahuan dan kesedaran murid terhadap alam sekitar di sekolah kebangsaan. Pengetahuan alam sekitar dalam kajian ini difokuskan kepada Unit Pengendalian Bahan Buangan iaitu bagi tajuk Bahan Buangan, Kesan Bahan Buangan dan Pereputan Bahan Buangan serta Kemusnahan Alam Sekitar di bawah Unit Interaksi Antara Benda Hidup berdasarkan kurikulum Sains tahun 6. Data dikutip menggunakan kaedah kaji selidik yang terdiri daripada dua set soalan iaitu set A (72 item) dan set B (28 item) terhadap 31 sampel murid dan 30 sampel ibu bapa. Data yang diperoleh telah dianalisis menggunakan peratusan untuk menentukan tahap pengetahuan murid, analisis ujian t untuk menentukan perbezaan antara jantina dan khi kuasa dua perkaitan antara sektor perkerjaan ibu bapa dengan tingkah laku murid terhadap alam sekitar. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pengetahuan alam sekitar dalam kalangan murid adalah tinggi dan tahap kesedaran adalah sederhana. Guru Sains tahun 6 juga didapati telah menerapkan nilai-nilai murni alam sekitar semasa mengajar mata pelajaran Sains. Terdapat perkaitan antara sektor pekerjaan bapa dengan tingkah laku murid terhadap alam sekitar iaitu pada nilai χ2 = 27.871 (p=.000), tetapi sebaliknya bagi sektor pekerjaan ibu. Selain itu, ibu bapa berpendapat bahawa mereka merupakan pihak yang bertanggungjawab meningkatkan kesedaran anak terhadap alam sekitar, manakala sekolah merupakan medium yang paling sesuai untuk tujuan tersebut. Kesimpulannya, selain daripada sekolah dan guru, ibu bapa juga berperanan penting dalam meningkatkan kesedaran murid terhadap alam sekitar. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian lanjut mencadangkan sampel lebih besar untuk penentuan pengaruh ibu bapa terhadap kesedaran alam sekitar murid.
Removal of Etyhl Orange Dye using Waste Eggshell
Authors: Ngadi Norzita , Wan Jusoh Wan Nur Shahida
Published: September 2013

In this study, waste eggshells were used as a low cost raw material to remove ethyl orange dye in aqueous solution. The waste eggshells were calcined at temperatures of 600, 700, 800 and 900°C in the furnace for 2 h. Further, the calcined waste eggshells were treated chemically using 2 M of potassium carbonate. The calcined waste eggshells were characterized using Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The surface morphology of the calcined and uncalcined (i.e. natural) waste eggshell was obtained using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The dye concentration was determined using UV-Vis spectrometry at wavelength of 474 nm. The results obtained showed that the percentage of dye removal using natural waste eggshell was 47.1%. For the calcined waste eggshell, the removal of dye decreased as the calcined temperature increased. For the pH effect, the acidic solutions give the highest percentage of dye removal which is 54 %. As expected, the higher the dose of waste eggshell used, the higher the dye removed. The highest removal of dye was obtained by using 2.0g of waste eggshell which is 48.2%. For the temperature effect, the adsorption of dye decreased as the temperature increased. The highest removal of dye was achieved at 50°C which is 63.0%. In this study, the adsorption process was found to fit the Freundlich isotherm than of the Langmuir isotherm.
Design and Evaluation of a MEMS-Based Stirling Microcooler
Authors: Guo Dongzhi , Gao Jinsheng , McGaughey Alan J. H. , Fedder Gary K. , Moran Matthew , Yao Shi-Chune
Published: September 2013

A new Stirling microrefrigeration system composed of arrays of silicon MEMS cooling elements has been designed and evaluated. The cooling elements are to be fabricated in a stacked array on a silicon wafer. A regenerator is placed between the compression (hot side) and expansion (cold side) diaphragms, which are driven electrostatically. Air at a pressure of 2 bar is the working fluid and is sealed in the system. Under operating conditions, the hot and cold diaphragms oscillate sinusoidally and out of phase such that heat is extracted to the expansion space and released from the compression space. Parametric study of the design shows the effects of phase lag between the hot space and cold space, swept volume ratio between the hot space and cold space, and dead volume ratio on the cooling power. Losses due to regenerator nonidealities are estimated and the effects of the operating frequency and the regenerator porosity on the cooler performance are explored. The optimal porosity for the best system coefficient of performance (COP) is identified.
Operational Limitations of Heat Pipes With Silver-Water Nanofluids
Authors: Godson Asirvatham Lazarus , Nimmagadda Rajesh , Wongwises Somchai
Published: September 2013

The paper presents the enhancement in the operational limits (boiling, entrainment, sonic, viscous and capillary limits) of heat pipes using silver nanoparticles dispersed in de-ionized (DI) water. The tested nanoparticles concentration ranged from 0.003 vol. % to 0.009 vol. % with particle diameter of <100 nm. The nanofluid as working fluid enhances the effective thermal conductivity of heat pipe by 40%, 58%, and 70%, respectively, for volume concentrations of 0.003%, 0.006%, and 0.009%. For an input heat load of 60 W, the adiabatic vapor temperatures of nanofluid based heat pipes are reduced by 9 °C, 18 °C, and 20 °C, when compared with DI water. This reduction in the operating temperature enhances the thermophysical properties of working fluid and gives a change in the various operational limits of heat pipes. The use of silver nanoparticles with 0.009 vol. % concentration increases the capillary limit value of heat pipe by 54% when compared with DI water. This in turn improves the performance and operating range of the heat pipe.
Large-Scale Simulation of Fluid Flows for Lubrication of Rough Surfaces
Authors: Brunetiere Noel , Wang Q. Jane
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a novel method to compute the lubricant pressure distribution between a rough and a smooth surface in relative motion. The originality of this method is to combine a deterministic approach for the large scales and a stochastic model for the small scales of the problem. As a result, the new method allows a significant mesh reduction while maintaining an accurate prediction of the generated load.
Characterization of Lean Burn Module Air Blast Pilot Injector With Laser Techniques
Authors: Meier U. , Freitag S. , Heinze J. , Lange L. , Magens E. , Schroll M. , Willert C. , Hassa C. , Bagchi I. K. , Lazik W. , Whiteman M.
Published: September 2013

For lean burn combustor development in low emission aero-engines, the pilot stage of the fuel injector plays a key role with respect to stability, operability, NOx emissions, and smoke production. Therefore it is of considerable interest to characterize the pilot module in terms of pilot zone mixing, fuel placement, flow field, and interaction with the main stage. This contribution focuses on the investigation of soot formation during pilot-only operation. Optical test methods were applied in an optically accessible single sector rig at engine idle conditions. Using planar laser-induced incandescence (LII), the distribution of soot and its dependence on air/fuel ratio, as well as geometric injector parameters, was studied. The data shows that below a certain air/fuel ratio, an increase of soot production occurs. This is in agreement with smoke number measurements in a standard single sector flame tube rig without optical access. Reaction zones were identified using chemiluminescence of OH radicals. In addition, the injector flow field was investigated with PIV. A hypothesis regarding the mechanism of pilot smoke formation was made based on these findings. This along with further investigations will form the basis for developing strategies for smoke improvement at elevated pilot-only conditions.
Switching Gain-Scheduled Control Design for Flexible Ball-Screw Drives
Authors: Hanifzadegan Masih , Nagamune Ryozo
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes an application of the switching gain-scheduled control technique to the flexible ball-screw drive servo system with a wide range of operating conditions. The wide operating range is caused by the change of the table position and the workpiece mass during the machining operation, and leads to plant dynamics variations. To achieve high tracking performance of the table position against the dynamics variations and the cutting force disturbance, a set of gain-scheduled controllers is designed so that each controller damps out the resonance of the ball-screw system and increases the closed-loop bandwidth for a local operating range, and tracking performance is guaranteed under the switching between these controllers. Experimental results with a laboratory-scale ball-screw drive setup demonstrate that the switching gain-scheduled controller outperforms the nonswitching one by up to 52% in tracking accuracy.
Instability of a Confined Viscoelastic Liquid Sheet in a Viscous Gas Medium
Authors: Duan Run-ze , Chen Zhi-ying , Wang Chen , Yang Li-jun
Published: September 2013

A linear analysis method was used to investigate the instability behavior of a viscoelastic liquid sheet moving through a viscous gas bounded by two horizontal parallel flat plates. The liquid sheet velocity profile was taken into account. The result showed that the velocity gradient of viscoelastic liquid sheets was greater than that of the corresponding Newtonian sheets. The effects of time-constant, elasticity number, and the ratio of distance between the liquid sheet and flat plate to liquid sheet thickness on the velocity profiles of viscoelastic liquid sheets were also investigated. The relationship between temporal growth rate and the wave number was obtained using linear stability analysis and solved using the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. The rheological parameters and flow parameters were tested for their influence on the instability of the viscoelastic liquid sheets. It is concluded that disturbances grow faster on viscoelastic liquid sheets than on Newtonian sheets with identical zero shear viscosity. Increasing the momentum flux ratio, elasticity number, Weber number, and liquid Reynolds number accelerated the breakup of the viscoelastic liquid sheet, while increasing the time constant, ratio of the distance between the liquid sheet, and the flat plate to the liquid sheet thickness had the opposite effect.
AN INVERSE DESIGN METHOD FOR METAMATERIAL SHRINKING DEVICE
Authors: LI TINGHUA , HUANG MING , YANG JINGJING , ZENG JIA , LU JIN
Published: September 2013

In this paper, an inverse method to determine the parameters of metamaterial shrinking device is developed. Different from the traditional design method, of which the transformation function must be known in advance, this method allows us to directly obtain material parameters of device without any knowledge of the corresponding transformation function. Moreover, to further remove the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of material parameters, layered device composed of only homogeneous and isotropic materials is presented based on effective medium theory. The validity of such a method and shrinking effect of designed device are confirmed by full-wave simulations.
VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF A GRAPHENE NANORIBBON UNDER HARMONIC LORENTZ FORCE USING A HYBRID MODAL-MOLECULAR DYNAMICS METHOD
Authors: FIROUZ-ABADI R. D. , MOHAMMADKHANI H. , AMINI H.
Published: September 2013

An efficient hybrid modal-molecular dynamics method is developed for the vibration analysis of large scale nanostructures. Using the reduced order method, presented in this paper, linear and nonlinear vibrations of a suspended graphene nanoribbon (GNR) carrying an electric current in a harmonic magnetic field are investigated. The resonance frequencies as well as the nonlinear vibration response obtained by the present technique and direct molecular dynamic simulations are in very good agreement. Also, the obtained results illustrate the hardening behavior of nonlinear vibrations which is diminished by stretching the GNR.
Structure and optical properties of fullerene C60 complex with dipyridinated iron(II) phthalocyanine [Fe(II)Pc(C5H5N)2]·C60·4C6H4Cl2: First structure of bisaxially coordinated iron(II) phthalocyanine complex with acetonitrile Fe(II)Pc(CH3CN)2
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Simonov Sergey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: September 2013

The complex of fullerene C 60 with dipyridinated iron(II) phthalocyanine [ Fe ( II ) Pc ( C 5 H 5 N )2]· C 60·4 C 6 H 4 Cl 2 (1) has been obtained as single crystals. According to the IR- and UV-visible-NIR spectra, 1 is molecular solid with no charge transfer from Fe ( II ) Pc ( C 5 H 5 N )2 to C 60· C 60 molecules form closely packed linear columns in 1 along the b axis with a uniform interfullerene center-to center distance of 9.99 Å and multiple short van der Waals (vdW) C … C contacts between fullerenes of 3.10–3.18 Å. Totally each Fe ( II ) Pc ( C 5 H 5 N )2 unit is surrounded by four C 60 molecules two of which form short vdW C … C contacts with the phthalocyanine plane locating near two adjacent phenylene substituents of Fe ( II ) Pc . The Fe ( II ) Pc ( C 5 H 5 N )2 geometry remains almost unchanged as compared with that of fullerene free Fe ( II ) Pc ( C 5 H 5 N )2. The iron(II) atoms are located exactly in the Pc plane, the Fe - N ( C 5 H 5 N ) bond length is 2.038(3) Å and the averaged of the Fe - N ( Pc ) bond length is 1.935(3) Å. Bisaxially coordinated iron(II) phthalocyanine complex with acetonitrile Fe ( II ) Pc ( CH 3 CN )2 does not cocrystallize with C 60. Nevertheless, good quality crystals of [ Fe ( II ) Pc ( CH 3 CN )2]·2 C 6 H 4 Cl 2 (2) were isolated in this synthesis. That is the first structure of bisaxially coordinated metal phthalocyanine complex with nitrile containing solvent. Acetonitrile unusually strongly coordinates to Fe ( II ) Pc with the Fe – N ( CH 3 CN ) bond length of 1.938(1) Å. The iron(II) atoms are located in the Pc plane and the averaged length of the Fe - N ( Pc ) bonds is 1.934(1) Å.
The Price of Uncertainty
Authors: Balcan Maria-Florina , Blum Avrim , Mansour Yishay
Published: September 2013

In this work, we study the degree to which small fluctuations in costs in well-studied potential games can impact the result of natural best-response and improved-response dynamics. We call this the
Price of Uncertainty
and study it in a wide variety of potential games including fair cost-sharing games, set-cover games, routing games, and job-scheduling games. We show that in certain cases, even extremely small fluctuations can have the ability to cause these dynamics to spin out of control and move to states of much higher social cost, whereas in other cases these dynamics are much more stable even to large degrees of fluctuation.

We also consider the resilience of these dynamics to a small number of Byzantine players about which no assumptions are made. We show again a contrast between different games. In certain cases (e.g., fair cost-sharing, set-cover, job-scheduling) even a single Byzantine player can cause best-response dynamics to transition from low-cost states to states of substantially higher cost, whereas in others (e.g., the class of
β
-nice games, which includes routing, market-sharing and many others) these dynamics are much more resilient.

Overall, our work can be viewed as analyzing the inherent resilience or
safety
of games to different kinds of imperfections in player behavior, player information, or in modeling assumptions made.
Competitive Shopbots-Mediated Markets
Authors: Sarne David
Published: September 2013

This article considers markets mediated by autonomous self-interested comparison-shopping agents. As in today’s markets, the agents do not charge buyers for their services but rather benefit from payments obtained from sellers upon the execution of a transaction. The agents aim at maximizing their expected benefit, taking into consideration the cost incurred by the search and competition dynamics that arise in the multi-agent setting. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of such models, based on search theory principles. The analysis results in a characterization of the buyers’ and agents’ search strategies in equilibrium. The main result of this article is that the use of self-interested comparison-shopping agents can result in a beneficial equilibrium, where both buyers and sellers benefit, in comparison to the case where buyers control the comparison-shopping agent, and the comparison-shopping agents necessarily do not lose. This, despite the fact that the service is offered for free to buyers and its cost is essentially covered by sellers. The analysis generalizes to any setting where buyers can use self-interested agents capable of effectively performing the search (e.g., evaluating opportunities) on their behalf.
Orchestrating stream graphs using model checking
Authors: Malik Avinash , Gregg David
Published: September 2013

In this article we use model checking to statically distribute and schedule
Synchronous DataFlow
(SDF) graphs on
heterogeneous execution architectures
. We show that model checking is capable of providing an optimal solution and it arrives at these solutions faster (in terms of algorithm runtime) than equivalent ILP formulations. Furthermore, we also show how different types of optimizations such as task parallelism, data parallelism, and state sharing can be included within our framework. Finally, comparison of our approach with the current state-of-the-art heuristic techniques show the pitfalls of these techniques and gives a glimpse of how these heuristic techniques can be improved.
Weighted Essentially Nonoscillatory Method for Two-Dimensional Population Balance Equations in Crystallization
Authors: Ruan Chunlei , Liang Kunfeng , Chang Xianjie , Zhang Ling
Published: September 2013

Population balance equations (PBEs) are the main governing equations to model the processes of crystallization. Two-dimensional PBEs refer to the crystals that grow anisotropically with the change of two internal coordinates. Since the PBEs are hyperbolic equations, it is necessary to build up high resolution schemes to avoid numerical diffusion and numerical dispersion in order to obtain the accurate crystal size distribution (CSD). In this work, a 5th order weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) method is introduced to compute the two-dimensional PBEs. Several numerical benchmark examples from literatures are carried out; it is found that WENO method has higher resolution than HR method which is well established. Therefore, WENO method is recommended in crystallization simulation when the crystal size distributions are sharp and higher accuracy is needed.
LDPE/HDPE/Clay Nanocomposites: Effects of Compatibilizer on the Structure and Dielectric Response
Authors: Zazoum B. , David E. , Ngô A. D.
Published: September 2013

PE/clay nanocomposites were prepared by mixing a commercially available premixed polyethylene/O-MMT masterbatch into a polyethylene blend matrix containing 80 wt% low-density polyethylene and 20 wt% high-density polyethylene with and without anhydride modified polyethylene (PE-MA) as the compatibilizer using a corotating twin-screw extruder. In this study, the effect of nanoclay and compatibilizer on the structure and dielectric response of PE/clay nanocomposites has been investigated. The microstructure of PE/clay nanocomposites was characterized using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermal properties were examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The dielectric response of neat PE was compared with that of PE/clay nanocomposite with and without the compatibilizer. The XRD and SEM results showed that the PE/O-MMT nanocomposite with the PE-MA compatibilizer was better dispersed. In the nanocomposite materials, two relaxation modes are detected in the dielectric losses. The first relaxation is due to a Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars interfacial polarization, and the second relaxation can be related to dipolar polarization. A relationship between the degree of dispersion and the relaxation ratefmaxof Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars was found and discussed.
Morrey Spaces for Nonhomogeneous Metric Measure Spaces
Authors: Yonghui Cao , Jiang Zhou
Published: September 2013

The authors give a definition of Morrey spaces for nonhomogeneous metric measure spaces and investigate the boundedness of some classical operators including maximal operator, fractional integral operator, and Marcinkiewicz integral operators.
Energy Analysis in Combined Reforming of Propane
Authors: Moon K. , Kale Ganesh R.
Published: September 2013

Combined (steam and CO2) reforming is one of the methods to produce syngas for different applications. An energy requirement analysis of steam reforming to dry reforming with intermediate steps of steam reduction and equivalent CO2addition to the feed fuel for syngas generation has been done to identify condition for optimum process operation. Thermodynamic equilibrium data for combined reforming was generated for temperature range of 400–1000°C at 1 bar pressure and combined oxidant (CO2+ H2O) stream to propane (fuel) ratio of 3, 6, and 9 by employing the Gibbs free energy minimization algorithm of HSC Chemistry software 5.1. Total energy requirement including preheating and reaction enthalpy calculations were done using the equilibrium product composition. Carbon and methane formation was significantly reduced in combined reforming than pure dry reforming, while the energy requirements were lower than pure steam reforming. Temperatures of minimum energy requirement were found in the data analysis of combined reforming which were optimum for the process.
Analysis of a Model Arising from Invasion by Precursor and Differentiated Cells
Authors: Hou Xiaojie
Published: September 2013

We study the wave solutions for a degenerated reaction diffusion system arising from the invasion of cells. We show that there exists a family of waves for the wave speed larger than or equal a certain number and below which there are no monotonic wave solutions. We also investigate the monotonicity, uniqueness, and asymptotics of the waves.
H∞Observer-Based Sliding Mode Control for Uncertain Stochastic Systems with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Zhang Peng , Kao Yonggui , Zhu Jingyan , Li Wei
Published: September 2013

The paper is concerned with sliding mode control for uncertain time-delay systems subjected to input nonlinearity and stochastic perturbations. Using the sliding mode control, a robust law is derived to guarantee the reachability of the sliding surface in a finite time interval. The sufficient conditions on asymptotic stability of the error system and sliding mode dynamics with disturbance attenuation level are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Inhibitory Effect ofChrysanthemum zawadskiiHerbich var.latilobumKitamura Extract on RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Gu Dong Ryun , Hwang Jin-Ki , Erkhembaatar Munkhsoyol , Kwon Kang-Beom , Kim Min Seuk , Lee Young-Rae , Lee Seoung Hoon
Published: September 2013

Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbichvar.latilobum Kitamura, known as “Gujulcho” in Korea, has been used in traditional medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. However, these effects have not been tested on osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells that regulate bone metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects ofC. zawadskiiHerbich var.latilobumKitamura ethanol extract (CZE) on osteoclast differentiation induced by treatment with the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). CZE inhibited osteoclast differentiation and formation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of CZE on osteoclastogenesis was due to the suppression of ERK activation and the ablation of RANKL-stimulated Ca2+-oscillation via the inactivation of PLCγ2, followed by the inhibition of CREB activation. These inhibitory effects of CZE resulted in a significant repression of c-Fos expression and a subsequent reduction of NFATc1, a key transcription factor for osteoclast differentiation, fusion, and activationin vitroandin vivo. These results indicate that CZE negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation and may be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of various bone diseases, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.
Rhodiola roseaImpairs Acquisition and Expression of Conditioned Place Preference Induced by Cocaine
Authors: Titomanlio Federica , Manzanedo Carmen , Rodríguez-Arias Marta , Mattioli Laura , Perfumi Marina , Miñarro José , Aguilar María A.
Published: September 2013

A novel approach to the treatment of adverse effects of drugs of abuse is one which makes use of natural products. The present study investigated the effect ofRhodiola roseaL. hydroalcoholic extract (RHO) on cocaine-induced hyperactivity and conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice. In a first experiment, mice received RHO (15, 20 or 25 mg/kg, IG), cocaine (25 mg/kg, i.p.) (COC), or a combination of both drugs (COC + RHO15, COC + RHO20, and COC + RHO25), and their locomotor activity was evaluated. In a second experiment, the effects of RHO on the acquisition, expression, and reinstatement of cocaine CPP (induced by drug priming or social defeat stress) were evaluated. RHO alone did not increase activity but potentiated the hyperactivity induced by cocaine.Rhodioladid not induce motivational effects by itself but attenuated the acquisition and expression of cocaine-induced CPP. Moreover, it was found that RHO did not block reinstatement. The results indicate that RHO is effective in reducing the rewarding properties of cocaine but is ineffective in preventing priming or stress-induced cocaine reinstatement. In light of these findings, the benefits ofRhodiola roseaL. as a treatment of cocaine addiction would seem to be limited.
Gene Expression Profiling on the Molecular Action of Danshen-Gegen Formula in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Postmenopausal Women with Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Koon Chi-Man , Ko Chun-Hay , Sun Xu-Xu , Hoi Sandy Wan-Heng , Tam Jacqueline Chor-Wing , Cheung David Wing-Shing , Cheng King-Fai , Pang Suet-Yee , Lo Wing-Man , Chook Ping , Lau Clara Bik-San , Chan Wai-Yee , Leung Ping-Chung , Kwok Timothy Chi-Yui , Fung Kwok-Pui
Published: September 2013

The Danshen-Gegen formula (DG) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula which has long been used to treat cardiovascular disease. DG was found to be a cardiovascular tonic in our recent research. However, a comprehensive investigation of the molecular mechanism of DG in cardiovascular disease has not been performed. The aim of this study was to clarify the transcriptional profiling of genes modulated by DG on postmenopausal women by using DNAmicroarray technology. We obtained 29 whole blood samples both from DG-treated and placebo-treated subjects. Blood lipid profile and intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured. Affymetrix GeneChip was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by validation by the real-time PCR method. The results showed that DG-treated group has a significant improvement in IMT and lipid profile as compared to placebo-treated group. For the genomic study, the DG-treated group has a higher number of DEGs identified as compared to the placebo-treated group. Two important biological processes of “regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by hormone” and “regulation of smooth muscle proliferation” have been identified by GePS in the DG-treated group. No significant biological process and cellular components were identified in the placebo-treated group. This genomic study on the molecular action of DG in postmenopausal women gathered sufficient molecular targets and pathways to reveal that DG could improve neointima thickening and hypertension.
Helical Irradiation of the Total Skin with Dose Painting to Replace Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy for Therapy-Refractory Cutaneous CD4+ T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hsieh Chen-Hsi , Shueng Pei-Wei , Lin Shih-Chiang , Tien Hui-Ju , Shiau An-Cheng , Chou Yueh-Hung , Wu Meng-Hao , Wang Jen-Yu , Chen Chi-Kuan , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: September 2013

A 36-year-old woman was diagnosed with a therapy-refractory cutaneous CD4+ T-cell lymphoma, T3N0M0B0, and stage IIB. Helical irradiation of the total skin (HITS) and dose painting techniques, with 30 Gy in 40 fractions interrupted at 20 fractions with one week resting, 4 times per week were prescribed. The diving suit was dressed whole body to increase the superficial dose and using central core complete block (CCCB) technique for reducing the internal organ dose. The mean doses of critical organs of head, chest, and abdomen were 2.1 to 29.9 Gy, 2.9 to 8.1 Gy, and 3.6 to 15.7 Gy, respectively. The mean dose of lesions was 84.0 cGy. The dosage of left side pretreated area was decreased 57%. The tumor regressed progressively without further noduloplaques. During the HITS procedure, most toxicity was grade I except leukocytopenia with grade 3. No epitheliolysis, phlyctenules, tumor lysis syndrome, fever, vomiting, dyspnea, edema of the extremities, or diarrhea occurred during the treatment. HITS with dose painting techniques provides precise dosage delivery with impressive results, sparing critical organs, and offering limited transient and chronic sequelae for previously locally irradiated, therapy-refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
A Systematic Review of Biopsychosocial Training Programs for the Self-Management of Emotional Stress: Potential Applications for the Military
Authors: Crawford Cindy , Wallerstedt Dawn B. , Khorsan Raheleh , Clausen Shawn S. , Jonas Wayne B. , Walter Joan A. G.
Published: September 2013

Combat-exposed troops and their family members are at risk for stress reactions and related disorders. Multimodal biopsychosocial training programs incorporating complementary and alternative self-management techniques have the potential to reduce stress-related symptoms and dysfunction. Such training can preempt or attenuate the posttraumatic stress response and may be effectively incorporated into the training cycle for deploying and redeploying troops and their families. A large systematic review was conducted to survey the literature on multimodal training programs for the self-management of emotional stress. This report is an overview of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified in this systematic review. Select programs such as mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management, Autogenic Training, Relaxation Response Training, and other meditation and mind-body skills practices are highlighted, and the feasibility of their implementation within military settings is addressed.
Clinical and Capillaroscopic Modifications of the Psoriatic Plaque during Therapy: Observations with Oral Acitretin
Authors: Stinco Giuseppe , Buligan Cinzia , Errichetti Enzo , Valent Francesca , Patrone Pasquale
Published: September 2013

Psoriasis is considered to be an inflammatory autoimmune disease, where angiogenesis plays an undefined pathogenetic role. The well-known changes of the superficial microvasculature in the psoriatic plaque can be easily assessed in vivo by videocapillaroscopy. In the last years, several studies reported the clinical and capillaroscopic response of the psoriatic plaque during different topical and systemic treatments. In the present work we evaluated the effects of acitretin (0.8 mg/kg/day) on videocapillaroscopic alterations and the clinical response in 11 patients affected by plaque psoriasis at the baseline (T0) and after 4 (T1), 8 (T2), and 12 (T3) weeks. A clinical improvement during the treatment with a complete clinical healing of the plaque in 7 of the 11 patients was observed. The typical “basket-weave” capillaries of the psoriatic lesions showed a reduction of 65.4% in diameter at the end of the study; only 3 patients returned to a normal capillaroscopic pattern. As observed during previous our studies, we found a discrepancy between clinical and capillaroscopic results, with a far greater improvement in the first than in the second. This finding could be in agreement with a secondary role of blood vessels in the pathogenesis and persistence of psoriatic lesions.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Chronic Diseases of Youths and Access to Health Care in the United States
Authors: Price James H. , Khubchandani Jagdish , McKinney Molly , Braun Robert
Published: September 2013

Racial/ethnic minorities are 1.5 to 2.0 times more likely than whites to have most of the major chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are also more common in the poor than the nonpoor and this association is frequently mediated by race/ethnicity. Specifically, children are disproportionately affected by racial/ethnic health disparities. Between 1960 and 2005 the percentage of children with a chronic disease in the United States almost quadrupled with racial/ethnic minority youth having higher likelihood for these diseases. The most common major chronic diseases of youth in the United States are asthma, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, dental disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental illness, cancers, sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and a variety of genetic and other birth defects. This review will focus on the psychosocial rather than biological factors that play important roles in the etiology and subsequent solutions to these health disparities because they should be avoidable and they are inherently unjust. Finally, this review examines access to health services by focusing on health insurance and dental insurance coverage and access to school health services.
An n-of-1 Trial Service in Clinical Practice: Testing the Effectiveness of Liuwei Dihuang Decoction for Kidney-Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Yuhong Huang , Qian Liu , Yu Liu , Yingqiang Zhao , Yanfen Li , Shujing Yu , Shufang Qin , Lanjun Sun , Shuxuan Zou , Baohe Wang
Published: September 2013

Objective. To describe the clinical use of n-of-1 RCTs for kidney-Yin deficiency syndrome that is a traditional Chinese medicine syndrome in publicly clinical practice in China.Methods. Our study included patients with kidney-Yin deficiency syndrome, using a within-patient, randomized, double-blind, crossover comparison of Liuwei Dihuang decoction versus placebo.Outcome Measures. Primary outcome measures included number of individual completion rates, response rate, and post-n-of-1 RCTs decisions. Secondary measures were the whole group score of individual Likert scale, SF-36 questionnaire.Results. Fifty patients were recruited and 3 were not completed. Forty-seven patients completed 3 pairs of periods, 3 (6.38%) were responders, 28 (59.57%) were nonresponders, and 16 (34.05%) were possible responders. Doctors and patients used the trial results to making decision. Three responders stayed on the medication management, 28 nonresponders ceased the LDD, 7 patients of the 16 possible responders could not give clear decision, and the others kept the same medication station. Among the whole group, neither the individual Likert score nor the SF-36 showed any statistical differences between LDD and placebo.Discussion. More attention should be paid to choose experienced TCM doctor as investigator and keep the simulant same with test medication in n-of-1 RCTs of TCM and sufficiently biological half-life period of Chinese medicine compound.
Nanofibre Electrospinning Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Cellulose Composite Mats Obtained by Use of a Cylindrical Electrode
Authors: Sutka Anna , Kukle Silvija , Gravitis Janis , Milašius Rimvydas , Malašauskienė Jolanta
Published: September 2013

A study of nanofibre composites obtained by electrospinning from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solutions of steam exploded hemp fibres and shives is reported. A combined treatment of steam explosion (SE), ball milling, and high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) is applied to prepare cellulose nanofibres (CNF) from hemp fibres (CNF-F) and shives (CNF-S). The reflectance Fourier transform infrared (FTIR ATR) spectroscopy is used to analyze the obtained PVA/CNF composite mats. Morphology of the PVA/CNF composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Epimedium Flavonoids Counteract the Side Effects of Glucocorticoids on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Authors: Huang Jianhua , Li Jijun , Zheng Songbai , Wu Junzhen , Zhang Wei , Sun Tao , Dewan Sheilesh Kumar , Kalionis Bill , Shen Ziyin , Tai Xiantao , Xia Shijin
Published: September 2013

Our previous studies demonstrated that the epimedium herb, when simultaneously used with GCs, counteracted suppressive effects of GCs on the HPA axis without adverse influence on the therapeutic action of GCs. Here, total flavones were extracted from the epimedium flavonoids (EFs) and then used to investigate whether EFs provide protective effects on the HPA axis. We found that GCs induced a significant decrease in body weight gain, adrenal gland weight gain, and plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone levels. After treatment with EFs, body weight gain, adrenal gland weight gain, and plasma corticosterone level were significantly restored, whilst plasma ACTH level was partially elevated. EFs were also shown to promote cell proliferation in the outer layer of adrenal cortex and to enhance the migration of newly divided cells toward the inner layer. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) was measured, and EFs significantly upregulated IGF-II expression. Our results indicated that EFs counteract the suppression of the HPA axis induced by GCs. This may involve both the ACTH and IGF-II pathways and thereby promote regeneration of the adrenal cortex suggesting a potential clinical application of EFs against the suppressive effects of GCs on the HPA axis.