bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligonol Supplementation Affects Leukocyte and Immune Cell Counts after Heat Loading in Humans
Authors: Lee Jeong , Shin Young
Published: June 2014

Oligonol is a low-molecular-weight form of polyphenol and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, making it a potential promoter of immunity. This study investigates the effects of oligonol supplementation on leukocyte and immune cell counts after heat loading in 19 healthy male volunteers. The participants took a daily dose of 200 mg oligonol or a placebo for 1 week. After a 2-week washout period, the subjects were switched to the other study arm. After each supplement, half-body immersion into hot water was made, and blood was collected. Then, complete and differential blood counts were performed. Flow cytometry was used to enumerate and phenotype lymphocyte subsets. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in blood samples were analyzed. Lymphocyte subpopulation variables included counts of total T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Oligonol intake attenuated elevations in IL-1β (an 11.1-fold change vs. a 13.9-fold change immediately after heating; a 12.0-fold change vs. a 12.6-fold change 1h after heating) and IL-6 (an 8.6-fold change vs. a 9.9-fold change immediately after heating; a 9.1-fold change vs. a 10.5-fold change 1h after heating) immediately and 1 h after heating in comparison to those in the placebo group. Oligonol supplementation led to significantly higher numbers of leukocytes (a 30.0% change vs. a 21.5% change immediately after heating; a 13.5% change vs. a 3.5% change 1h after heating) and lymphocytes (a 47.3% change vs. a 39.3% change immediately after heating; a 19.08% change vs. a 2.1% change 1h after heating) relative to those in the placebo group. Oligonol intake led to larger increases in T cells, B cells, and NK cells at rest (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.001, respectively) and immediately after heating (p < 0.001) in comparison to those in the placebo group. In addition, levels of T cells (p < 0.001) and B cells (p < 0.001) were significantly higher 1 h after heating in comparison to those in the placebo group. These results demonstrate that supplementation with oligonol for 1 week may enhance the immune function under heat and suggest a potential useful adjunct to chemotherapy in malignant diseases.
Enhancing Evacuation Plans with a Situation Awareness System Based on End-User Knowledge Provision
Authors: Morales Augusto , Alcarria Ramon , Martin Diego , Robles Tomas
Published: June 2014

Recent disasters have shown that having clearly defined preventive procedures and decisions is a critical component that minimizes evacuation hazards and ensures a rapid and successful evolution of evacuation plans. In this context, we present our Situation-Aware System for enhancing Evacuation Plans (SASEP) system, which allows creating end-user business rules that technically support the specific events, conditions and actions related to evacuation plans. An experimental validation was carried out where 32 people faced a simulated emergency situation, 16 of them using SASEP and the other 16 using a legacy system based on static signs. From the results obtained, we compare both techniques and discuss in which situations SASEP offers a better evacuation route option, confirming that it is highly valuable when there is a threat in the evacuation route. In addition, a study about user satisfaction using both systems is presented showing in which cases the systems are assessed as satisfactory, relevant and not frustrating.
A Medical Cloud-Based Platform for Respiration Rate Measurement and Hierarchical Classification of Breath Disorders
Authors: Fekr Atena , Janidarmian Majid , Radecka Katarzyna , Zilic Zeljko
Published: June 2014

The measurement of human respiratory signals is crucial in cyberbiological systems. A disordered breathing pattern can be the first symptom of different physiological, mechanical, or psychological dysfunctions. Therefore, a real-time monitoring of the respiration patterns, as well as respiration rate is a critical need in medical applications. There are several methods for respiration rate measurement. However, despite their accuracy, these methods are expensive and could not be integrated in a body sensor network. In this work, we present a real-time cloud-based platform for both monitoring the respiration rate and breath pattern classification, remotely. The proposed system is designed particularly for patients with breathing problems (e.g., respiratory complications after surgery) or sleep disorders. Our system includes calibrated accelerometer sensor, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and cloud-computing model. We also suggest a procedure to improve the accuracy of respiration rate for patients at rest positions. The overall error in the respiration rate calculation is obtained 0.53% considering SPR-BTA spirometer as the reference. Five types of respiration disorders, Bradapnea, Tachypnea, Cheyn-stokes, Kaussmal, and Biot’s breathing are classified based on hierarchical Support Vector Machine (SVM) with seven different features. We have evaluated the performance of the proposed classification while it is individualized to every subject (case 1) as well as considering all subjects (case 2). Since the selection of kernel function is a key factor to decide SVM’s performance, in this paper three different kernel functions are evaluated. The experiments are conducted with 11 subjects and the average accuracy of 94.52% for case 1 and the accuracy of 81.29% for case 2 are achieved based on Radial Basis Function (RBF). Finally, a performance evaluation has been done for normal and impaired subjects considering sensitivity, specificity and G-mean parameters of different kernel functions.
Correction: Tamura, S. and Fujie, K. Material Cycle of Agriculture in Miyakojima Island: Material Flow Analysis for Sugar Cane, Pasturage and Beef Cattle. Sustainability 2014, 6, 812–835.
Authors: Tamura Shuichi , Fujie Koichi
Published: June 2014

We found a typo in our previous published paper [1]. “Okinawa Main Ilsand” and “Kyushu Ilsand” are supposed be “Okinawa Main Island” and “Kyushu Island”. [...]
99mTc tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in CAD
Authors: Keinrath P. , Rettenbacher L. , Rendl G. , Holzmannhofer J. , Hammerer M. , Schuler J. , Beheshti M. , Pirich C.
Published: June 2014

Aim: Early stress imaging (15 min after injection of the radiopharmaceutical) in 99mTc tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) has been shown feasible in comparison to standard imaging after 45 minutes, but the effects on image quality and diagnostic accuracy ask for further evaluation. Patients, methods: 97 patients (61 men, 36 women, age 69 ± 11 years) underwent both early (EA) and standard (SA) acquisition (after 14 ± 4 min and 43 ± 6 min, respectively) using 99mTc tetrofosmin gated SPECT with iterative reconstruction. sub- diaphragmatic tracer activity and image quality was scored in a 4-point scale by blinded observers. Semiquantitative myo- cardial perfusion analysis was performed on a 17-segment model using standard cardiac quantification SPECT software (4 DM- SPECT). Stenoses of indeterminate haemody- namic significance were validated by measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR). Results: Extra-cardiac tracer activity was more commonly found in EA (43%) than in SA (38%), but without any diagnostic impact in > 95% of the patients. The mean summed stress score was significantly higher for early than standard imaging (6.4 ± 6.3 vs.5.6 ± 6.1, p = 0.009). The amount of ischaemic area was not significantly different (EA: 9.1 ±6.7 % vs. SA: 7.8 ± 6.9 %). The mean stress ejection fraction was 52 ± 11% (EA) compared to 55 ± 11 % (SA) (p = ns). FFR was inversely related to SDS at early (r = -0.704, p < 0.05) and standard (r=-0.678, p < 0.05) acquisition. All patients with a FFR < 0.8 (considered as hemodynamically significant stenoses) revealed a positive scan. Conclusion: Stress 99mTc tetrofosmin MPS with early acquisition is feasible and at least equally accurate when iterative reconstruction is applied.
Management of gastrointestinal complaints in differentiated thyroid cancer patients treated with 131I
Authors: Mirzababaee M. , Shafiei B. , Seifollahi S. , Motazdian M. , Fatholahi L. , Delavari S. , Naghshine R. , Baharfar N. , Tabeie F. , Javadi H. , Asli I. N. , Assadi M.
Published: June 2014

Objective: To compare safety and efficacy of pantoprazol , metoclopramide, ondansetron, as compared to placebo, in controlling gastrointestinal (GI) complaints of thyroid cancer patients treated with I-131these patients. Design: Four-armed, parallel group, single blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, setting: A university hospital, registration: database for clinical trials IRCT2013061713705N1. Patients: 85 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who received 131I. Main outcome measures: Post- radioiodine nausea and vomiting within three days of therapy (primary endpoint); occurrence of adverse reaction. Results: The patients’ characteristics were similar within the study groups. Among the study variables, age, sex, administered dosage, history of previous GI complaints, and history of hyper- emesis gravidarum in female patients were not statistically different among the groups (p > 0.05). The results revealed that only ondansetron shows a therapeutic benefit over the placebo in controlling nausea (p < 0.05); however, it does not prevent vomiting (p > 0.05). The other two drugs, pantoprazole and metoclopramide, did not control nausea (p > 0.05) or vomiting (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study may demonstrate that the therapeutic dose of ondansetron could be an effective prophylactic agent in controlling GI complaints in differential thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients following RAI therapy; however, these preliminary findings should be validated in larger studies.
Impact of Prior Virological Failure and Nucleos(t)ide Genotypic Resistance Mutations on the Efficacy of Switching from Ritonavir-Boosted Protease Inhibitors to Raltegravir
Authors: Blanco José L , Gonzalez-Cordón Ana , Llibre Josep M , Calvo Marta , Gutierrez Felix , Podzamczer Daniel , Laguno Montserrat , Fumero Emilio , Murillas Javier , Mallolas Josep , Martinez-Rebollar Maria , Lonca Montserrat , Perez Iñaki , Gatell Josep M , Martinez Esteban
Published: June 2014

Background

The virological efficacy of switching from a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r)- to a raltegravir (RAL)-containing regimen remains controversial according to the results of SWITCHMRK and SPIRAL studies. The aim of this analysis is to assess the impact of prior resistance mutations to nucleos(t)ides and other potential factors on the virological outcome.

Methods

This was a substudy of the prospective, open-label, multicentre SPIRAL study. Demographic, virological variables, prior episodes of virological failures (VF) and archived resistance mutations to nucleos(t)ides were identified from databases and its impact measured by genotypic sensitive scores (GSS) according to the genotypic resistance interpretation algorithm from the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database on outcome was analysed.

Results

Of 250 patients (128 RAL and 122 PI/r) included in the main SPIRAL study, 74 (30%) had previous VF with prior genotypic resistance tests (GRT). Median time of virological suppression prior to inclusion in SPIRAL study was 63.5 months. GSS for backbone nucleos(t)ides was <1 in 15/38 (39%) in the RAL arm and in 9/36 (25%) in the PI/r arm ( P=0.13). Among those with nucleos(t)ides GSS <1, 0/15 (0%) in the RAL versus 2/9 (22%) in the PI/r arm developed VF ( P=0.13). Moreover 0/11 subjects with null or residual (GSS≤0.5) backbone activity developed VF in the RAL arm.

Conclusions

The 48-week virological efficacy of switching from a PI/r to RAL in subjects with long-term virological suppression was not compromised by a reduction of the nucleos(t)ide backbone activity.
Virological Outcome and Management of Persistent Low-Level Viraemia in HIV-1-Infected Patients: 11 Years of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Boillat-Blanco Noémie , Darling Katharine EA , Schoni-Affolter Franziska , Vuichard Danielle , Rougemont Mathieu , Fulchini Rosamaria , Bernasconi Enos , Aouri Manel , Clerc Olivier , Furrer Hansjakob , Günthard Huldrych F , Cavassini Matthias ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Aubert V , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Böni J , Bucher HC , Burton-Jeangros C , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Dollenmaier G , Egger M , Elzi L , Fehr J , Fellay J , Furrer H , Fux CA , Gorgievski M , Günthard H , Haerry D , Hasse B , Hirsch HH , Hoffmann M , Hösli I , Kahlert C , Kaiser L , Keiser O , Klimkait T , Kouyos R , Kovari H , Ledergerber B , Martinetti G , Martinez De Tejada B , Metzner K , Müller N , Nadal D , Nicca D , Pantaleo G , Rauch A , Regenass S , Rickenbach M , Rudin C , Schöni-Affolter F , Schmid P , Schüpbach J , Speck R , Tarr P , Telenti A , Trkola A , Vernazza P , Weber R , Yerly S
Published: June 2014

Background

Management of persistent low-level viraemia (pLLV) in patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) with previously undetectable HIV viral loads (VLs) is challenging. We examined virological outcome and management among patients enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).

Methods

In this retrospective study (2000–2011), pLLV was defined as a VL of 21–400 copies/ml on ≥ three consecutive plasma samples with ≥8 weeks between first and last analyses, in patients undetectable for ≥24 weeks on cART. Control patients had ≥ three consecutive undetectable VLs over ≥32 weeks. Virological failure (VF), analysed in the pLLV patient group, was defined as a VL>400 copies/ml.

Results

Among 9,972 patients, 179 had pLLV and 5,389 were controls. Compared to controls, pLLV patients were more often on unboosted protease inhibitor (PI)-based (adjusted odds ratio [aOR; 95% CI] 3.2 [1.8, 5.9]) and nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-only combinations (aOR 2.1 [1.1, 4.2]) than on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and boosted PI-based regimens. At 48 weeks, 102/155 pLLV patients (66%) still had pLLV, 19/155 (12%) developed VF and 34/155 (22%) had undetectable VLs. Predictors of VF were previous VF (aOR 35 [3.8, 315]), unboosted PI-based (aOR 12.8 [1.7, 96]) or NRTI-only combinations (aOR 115 [6.8, 1,952]), and VLs>200 during pLLV (aOR 3.7 [1.1, 12]). No VF occurred in patients with persistent very LLV (21-49 copies/ml; n=26). At 48 weeks, 29/39 patients (74%) who changed cART had undetectable VLs, compared with 19/74 (26%) without change ( P <0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients with pLLV, VF was predicted by previous VF, cART regimen and VL≥200. Most patients who changed cART had undetectable VLs 48 weeks later. These findings support cART modification for pLLV>200 copies/ml.
Management of Multidrug-Resistant CMV Infection in Immunocompromised Patients: Case Report of a Heart-Transplant Recipient and Review of the Literature
Authors: Deback Claire , Burrel Sonia , Varnous Shaïda , Carcelain Guislaine , Conan Françoise , Aït-Arkoub Zaïna , Autran Brigitte , Gandjbakhch Iradj , Agut Henri , Boutolleau David
Published: June 2014

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a leading cause of morbidity after solid organ transplantation. The efficiency of antivirals for the treatment of CMV infections may be hampered because of the emergence of CMV resistance to antivirals. The development of CMV multidrug resistance, which remains uncommon but does occur, constitutes a clinically challenging complication and may contribute to difficult therapeutic management and adverse clinical outcome. We report here the observation of the emergence of a multidrug-resistant CMV infection in a heart-transplant recipient and review the literature on similar cases to identify the potential strategies for the successful management of CMV multidrug resistance among immunocompromised patients.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Hepatitis Delta in HBsAg-Positive Patients by HIV Status
Authors: Nicolini Laura A , Taramasso Lucia , Schiavetti Irene , Giannini Edoardo G , Beltrame Andrea , Feasi Marcello , Cassola Giovanni , Grasso Alessandro , Bartolacci Valentina , Sticchi Laura , Picciotto Antonino , Viscoli Claudio ,   the Ligurian HBV Study Group
Published: June 2014

Background

The epidemiology of HBV-associated hepatitis has changed in recent years, especially after the introduction of anti-HBV vaccination, with a consequent decrease in the incidence of HDV-associated hepatitis. However, HDV remains of concern in non-vaccinated people and in immigrants. The aim of this retrospective survey has been to assess prevalence and clinical characteristics of HDV infection in Liguria, a region in Northern Italy, in both HIV-positive and negative patients.

Methods

During the year 2010, 641 patients chronically infected with HBV entered an observational study of HBV infection conducted in eight tertiary care centres belonging to the ‘Ligurian HBV Study Group’.

Results

Of 641 patients, 454 (70.8%) were evaluated for HDV serology and 26 (5.7%) were found positive. Among them, 16 were also HIV-positive and 10 were not. Of the 428 HDV-negative patients, only 313 were tested for HIV and 33 (10.5%) were positive. At the time point of study entry there was no age difference between HIV-positive or negative patients, but HIV-positive patients were 10 years younger than HIV-negative (mean age 34.25 ±6.16 versus 41.50 ±8.89 years; P=0.021) at the time point of their first visit in each centre and they were also more frequently intravenous drug users ( P=0.009). Despite a similar rate of cirrhosis in the two groups, no HIV-positive patient received an HDV-active therapy (that is, interferon), versus 4 of 10 HIV-negative patients ( P=0.014).

Conclusions

HDV infection is still a problem in patients not covered by HBV vaccination. Both HDV and HIV testing were frequently overlooked in our setting.
Paradigmas y enfoques teóricos en la sociología de la música
Authors: Noya Javier , Del Val Fernán , Muntanyola Dafne
Published: June 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es plantear un estado de la cuestión sobre las corrientes teóricas en la sociología de la música actual. A escala internacional, la sociología de la música ha sido un campo pródigo en teorías más que en investigación empírica, sobre todo en la tradición europea. El escenario teórico que encontramos en la sociología de la música sigue el pluralismo paradigmático de la sociología general. Esto se refleja en una variedad de enfoques, que presentaremos aquí, y que diferenciamos según el plano en el que operan: macro, meso y micro. Ofrecemos una síntesis de las propuestas de clásicos como Weber, Adorno, DeNora y Bourdieu, e incluimos nuevas propuestas metodológicas desde el análisis de redes sociales, la etnografía y los estudios culturales. Para consolidar un marco teórico de referencia debemos huir de la trampa postmoderna, que renuncia a la crítica sociológica, y reconoceremos el carácter necesario de una verdadera teoría social.
Android-Based Visual Tag Detection for Visually Impaired Users
Authors: Dong Hao , Kang Jieqi , Schafer James , Ganz Aura
Published: June 2014

In this paper the authors introduce PERCEPT-V indoor navigation for the blind system. PERCEPT-V enhances PERCEPT system by enabling visually impaired users to navigate in open indoor spaces that differ in size and lighting conditions. The authors deploy visual tags in the environment at specific landmarks and introduce a visual tag detection algorithm using a sampling probe and cascading approach. The authors provide guidelines for the visual tag size, which is a function of various environmental, and usage scenarios, which differ in lighting, dimensions of the indoor environment and angle of usage. The authors also developed a Smartphone based user interface for the visually impaired users that uses Android accessibility features.
Using RFID and Wi-Fi in Healthcare
Authors: Dingli Alexiei , Seychell Dylan
Published: June 2014

Europe faces a considerable challenge in providing good quality health care in the forthcoming future as the aging population increases. The phenomenon also results in a considerable cost on society due to the dependency on the public health sector particularly because such individuals would not be able to contribute to the economy. On the other hand, younger persons would need to make alternative arrangements to assist their elderly parents or relatives, potentially affecting productivity. The project PervasIve Nursing And docToral Assistant (PINATA) seeks to tackle this matter through the merging of Ambient Intelligence (AmI) and semantic web technologies. PINATA utilises pervasive devices to aid doctors and nurses to focus on the patient and thus improve the quality of healthcare services. This project proves the significant importance of using wireless technology in healthcare. This paper focuses on the use of Wi-Fi and RFID in an effort to enable continuous and intelligent monitoring of patients' conditions remotely. Results show that the detection system performs well (over 80%) accuracy on fall detection and the manual readings mapped 100% with the results collected by the system over the Wi-Fi infrastructure discussed in this paper.
Optimal Control Indicators for the Assessment of the Influence of Approximate Optimal Feedback in the Baseline RBC Model
Authors: Kollias Iraklis
Published: June 2014

This paper utilizes the baseline Real Business Cycle (RBC) model in order to construct a time recursive approximate optimal decision rule as a linear function of the model's state variables and an exogenous surprise shock that hits the economy. The constructed rule is subsequently used in order to examine and compare the dynamics of the capital stock and random total factor productivity (TFP). For this purpose, an open-loop control system is analyzed and compared with the closed-loop control system which results from the application of the time recursive approximate optimal decision rule. A set of optimal control indicators is proposed in order to evaluate the effects resulting from the application of this rule on the behavior of the open-loop control system. The results obtained show a significant reduction in the volatility of the capital stock when the constructed approximate optimal decision rule is applied to the open-loop control system.
Attitude of Investors to Capital and Money Market Investments Before and After Financial Crisis
Authors: Olokoyo Felicia Omowunmi , Oyewo Babajide Michael , Babajide Abiola A.
Published: June 2014

In the second half of 2008, the world experienced financial and economic storm. Value of investments crashed and investors lost money to the extent of their exposure to financial markets. In the light of gradual global economic recovery from the effect of the financial crisis in recent times, the research comparatively studied the attitude of investors to investments before and after the financial melt-down in Nigeria. Secondary data sourced from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for the period 1961 to 2011 were analysed using statistical procedures such as correlation, multivariable regression and t-test. The study found out that there was significant change in the attitude of investors before and after the financial crisis to investments, as investors switched funds from capital market securities in favour of money market instruments which guaranteed fixed interest income. Despite the fact that the capital market is gradually recovering; investors still demonstrate low confidence in the market. It was therefore recommended that the NSE should strive to regain and retain common investors' confidence in the primary market through improvement in their corporate performance.
Specific Heat and Volumetric Heat Capacity of Granular Materials as Affected by Moisture and Density
Authors: Abu-Hamdeh Nidal H.
Published: June 2014

The granular materials examined in this study were some Saudian soils. The effect of water content and bulk density on the specific heat and volumetric heat capacity of two Saudian soils (sand and loam) was investigated through laboratory studies. These laboratory experiments used the calorimetric method to determine specific heat of soils. For the type of soils studied, specific heat increased with increased moisture content. Also, volumetric heat capacity increased with increased moisture content and soil density. The volumetric heat capacity and specific heat of soils observed were compared with independent estimates made using derived theoretical relations. The differences between the observed and predicted results were very small. Loam soil generally had higher specific heat and volumetric heat capacity than sandy soil for the same moisture content and soil density.
Rheological Study of Nanosilica Based Drilling Fluid
Authors: Alias Nur Hashimah , Mohd Tahir Nuurhani Farhanah , Mohd T.A.T. , Ghazali N.A. , Yahya E. , Shahruddin M.Z. , Ramlee Nur Azrini , Azizi A.
Published: June 2014

In drilling and well completion operations, drilling fluid is a crucial element as it is employed for the purposes of several functions. The main functions of drilling fluid are to control formation pressure, maintain the wellbore stability, transport the cuttings up to surface to clean the borehole bottom as well as to lubricate and cool the drill bit. Moreover, it is used to minimize the drilling damage to reservoir and suspend cuttings when the pumping is stop, hence it will not falling back down the borehole. The purpose of this study is to formulate new drilling mud formulation modified with nanosilica. Six samples of water based mud (WBM) were prepared using three types of polymers, (Xanthan Gum, Hydro Zan Plus and Hydro Star HT), starch and nanosilica. Basic rheological tests such as density, viscosity and pH were carried out. The density test was carried out using mud balance meanwhile the pH test was using pH meter. Theplasticviscosity, yield point and gel strength tests were carried out using viscometer. Besides that, physical observation was also performed for as the stability test. The results concluded that water based mud incorporated with polymer Hydro Zan Plus and nanosilica can be a potential candidate to be commercialized as a smart nanodrilling fluid.
Effect of Chemical Vapor Deposition Process Parameters on Graded SiC-SiO2 Coating
Authors: Fu Zhi Qiang , Yu Yan Li , Yue Wen , Wang Cheng Biao , Tang Chun He
Published: June 2014

The effect of the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process parameters on the structure of graded SiC-SiO2coating was studied through thermodynamic computation. The addition of enough hydrogen into the carrier gas is necessary for the synthesis of the graded SiC-SiO2coating. Both high deposition temperature and low deposition temperature make the change of the composition of the coating abrupt with the change of the composition of CVD atmosphere, which is harmful to the process control of the coating. A low concentration of reactants is preferred according to the thermodynamic computation but the deposition rate is too low at a low concentration of reactants. When hydrogen is the carrier gas and the concentration of SiCl4is between 1 – 2 vol%, the graded SiC-SiO2coating with a suitably graded distribution of SiC and SiO2can be easily obtained through gradually changing the flow rate ratio of methane and water vapor at 1100 - 1200 °C.
The Theoretical Study of TM Transmittance and Contrast Ratio for Sub-Wavelength Metallic Gratings
Authors: Jin Ren Cheng , Rui Yang , Chu Jin Kui , Zhang Ying Jie
Published: June 2014

According to the requirement of the bionic navigation sensitive wave band of 380nm~520nm for sub-wavelength metallic gratings, in order to achieve performance indicators under the basic structural parameters. Analyzing TM transmittance and contrast ratio is carried out by employing finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The result reveals that height, slit width and dielectric of grating impact TM transmittance and contrast ratio in various extents, and the greatest influence on the TM transmittance and contrast ratio is slit dielectric and slit width respectively.
Chemical and Thermal Characterization of Dilute Sulfuric Acid Hydrolysis of Coconut Dregs
Authors: Normah B. , Mohd Rodhi Miradatul Najwa , Mohibah Musa , Subari Fuzieah , Norazlina I. , Ku Hamid Ku Halim
Published: June 2014

Coconut dregs that are commonly used for animal feed have the potential for glucose production due to high carbohydrate content. Nevertheless, no study found on understanding the properties of this biomass. Hence, the main purpose of this paper was to propose appropriate operational conditions for the dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis of coconut dregs and to investigate the chemical and thermal properties of coconut dregs. The biomass was hydrolyzed with 1% sulfuric acid (v/v) at different residence times (30 and 60 min) and temperatures (110, 120 and 130°C). Higher glucose produced (0.29 g/L ) was obtained when the coconut dregs were hydrolyzed at temperature of 130°C and a residence time of 60 min. FTIR spectrarevealedthe degradation of the lignocelluloses chemical structure. The changes of the chemical structure of hemicelluloses and cellulose after hydrolysis obviously showed that the degradation of the polymer of carbohydrate in coconut dregs to glucose. These results of degradation of lignocelluloses compound were consistent with those from the TGA. The result from TGA analysis revealed a reduction in thermal stability of the hydrolyzed fraction compared to raw state of coconut dregs.
Microwave-Alkali Activation on the Morphology and Structure of Bamboo Activated Carbon
Authors: Hamzah Fazlena , Sarif Mahanim , Zulkifli Farah Nur Zaiham , Ismail Nur Hamizah , Manaf Shareena Fairuz Abdul , Idris Ani , Ibrahim Wan Asma , Krishnan Jagannathan
Published: June 2014

A study was conducted for production of activated carbon (AC) from industrial bamboo waste using carbonization and Microwave-alkali (Mw-A) activation techniques. The aim of the study is to produce activated carbon with higher surface area via Mw-A activation techniques. The study was focused on the effect of activation (KOH soaking and Mw-A) and carbonization temperature (400oC and 500oC) on the physical and chemical structure of AC. The analysis was conducted using proximate analysis, BET surface area, FESEM and FTIR analysis. The morphology and characteristic study on activated carbon shown that Mw-A activation techniques gave higher BET surface area and well develop pore structure. The results indicated that Mw-A activation of activated carbon gave BET surface area of 950m2g-1, whereas by using steam activation only 719 m2g-1 of BET surface area was recorded. Higher carbonization temperature for Mw-A treated bamboo produced higher surface area of AC. At 500oC, 1578m2g-1 BET surface area of AC was achieved. This work highlighted, Mw-A activation can be applied and further enhanced to obtain higher surface area of activated carbon derived from industrial bamboo waste.
Effect of Powder Particle Size of Tin Based Alloy Sintered via Hybrid Microwave and Conventional Furnace
Authors: Azrina Arshad , Ismail Shaiful Anuar , Nurulhuda A. , Suhaila Yacob , Rafidah Ali
Published: June 2014

Microwave processing of metal alloy powders have gained considerable potential in the field of material synthesis. This paper aims to present the effect of powder particle size of Tin Based Alloy sintered using different type of heat source. Tin (Sn) based alloy containing two different sizes, 10 μm and 150 μm of Sn powder were successfully sintered using hybrid microwave and conventional sintering. The overall processing time was reduced by about 93% through microwave sintering. The comparative analysis is based on densification parameter, microhardness, microstructures and XRD detected phases of the specimens. All specimen with 10 μm sintered in microwave exhibited 90% of theoretical density while exhibited 86% lower porosity and possessed 30% higher in microhardness value.
Corrosion Resistance by Sodium Metavanadate for AZ91D Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Fadzilah Toha Nor , Norbahiyah S. , Zamzuri Mohd Zain Mohamad
Published: June 2014

An oxide film was prepared on AZ91D magnesium alloy by anodizing in solution containing sodium metavanadate (NaVO3). The corrosion resistance of the substrate was investigated at a fixed current density 10 mA/cm2for 5 mins with different concentration of solution in the range of 0 – 1.0 g/l. The surface morphology, phase structure and corrosion resistance of oxide film were studied by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), potentiodynamic polarization technique and corrosion test.
Effect of Ultrasonic and Sonothermal Treatment on Weight Reduction and Particles Size Distribution of Raw Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)
Authors: Abd Rahman Siti Raihanah , Ku Hamid Ku Halim , Alias Rusmi , Musa Mohibah
Published: June 2014

Thetemperature rise during ultrasonic and sonothermal pretreatments had induced the volatilisationof wastewater prior to anaerobic digestion process. In this study,wastewater from palm oil mill which is known as raw palm oil mill effluent (POME) was exposed to ultrasonic irradiation by using an ultrasonic bath at the rate of 37 kHz. Effects ofultrasonic and sonothermaltreatments onphysical properties of raw POME as a result of the volatilisation process were investigated through these analyses: weight reduction, particle sizedistribution and Specific Surface Area (SSA). The weight reduction was observed to be increased by 39.05% after 6 hours ofultrasonic exposure due to volatilisation process in aqueous phase.The combined sonothermal at a temperature of 75oC resulted in the highest weight reduction, 19%, compared to lower sonothermal temperatures of 45oC, 55oC and 65oC after 1 hour treatment. Looking at particle size distributions after the treatment, the process reduce the Average Particle Size, D[4,3](or de Brouckere mean diameter) while making the SSAincrease, both rather significantly. However, there were slight increase observed in D[4,3] and areduction in SSA after 3 hours of ultrasonic treatment. This is mostly due to thereflocculation process during the ultrasonic treatment. In contrast, an hour ofsonothermaltreatment showed that the D[4,3] of raw POME continuously reduced as the temperature increase from 45oCto 75oC.
Evaluation of Buckling Performance of Fibre Metal Rectangular Plates: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Vasumathi M. , Vela Murali
Published: June 2014

Carbon reinforced aluminium laminate (CARAL) is a fibre metal laminate which consists of layers of carbon fibre and thin layers of aluminium. Buckling strength of CARAL under various support conditions is studied in this paper. Since CARAL is composed of fibre and metal, the pattern of failure of the laminate under compressive loads is truly imperative. The compressive buckling strength depends on geometrical parameters like length and width of the specimen and the sequence in which the layers are stacked. It also depends on the boundary condition. In this study, the critical buckling load is determined by varying the parameters such as aspect ratio (length/width), stacking sequence and boundary condition. Two different boundary conditions are considered, simply supported and fixed support condition. Numerical simulation analysis shows a maximum deviation of 16.72% from experimental results. The different failure modes executed by the laminate under compressive loading are also determined. The critical buckling load of CARAL constrained on all sides is evaluated numerically for different boundary conditions. Buckling load, in this case, takes maximum value when CARAL is clamped on all sides whereas it takes minimum value when the plate is simply supported on three sides keeping the fourth side fixed.
Automated Metamaterial Design with Computer Model Emulation and Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Liu Bin , Ji Chun Lin
Published: June 2014

We present an automated computation system for large scale design of metamaterials (MTMs). A computer model emulation (CME) technique is used to generate a forward mapping from the MTM particle’s geometric dimension to the corresponding electromagnetic (EM) response. Then the design problem translates to be a reverse engineering process which aims to find optimal values of the geometric dimensions for the MTM particles. The core of the CME process is a statistical functional regression module using a Gaussian Process mixture (GPM) model. The reverse engineering process is implemented with a Bayesian optimization technique. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can facilitate rapid design of MTMs.
Thermal Stability of an Axial-Compressed Open-Tip Carbon Nanocone
Authors: Liao Ming Liang
Published: June 2014

This paper used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate thermal stability of an axial compressed open-tip carbon nanocone, which have an apex angle of 19.2°. To study the thermal stability, the carbon nanocone was first compressed axially up to the compression strain near its critical strain for buckling. Temperature of carbon nanocone was then increased gradually and the corresponding axial force in the carbon nanocone was monitored to examine the thermal stability of the carbon nanocone. It was found that the critical temperature for thermal instability grows with the decrease of the initial compressed strain. Comparing with the buckling mode of the carbon nanocone, the thermal instability mode displayed a swelling configuration rather than a deflective configuration of the buckling mode. The interesting finding would be helpful for applications of open-tip carbon nanocones.
Research on the Microstructure and Performance of Asphalt after the Salt Freezing Cycle
Authors: Han Ji Wei , Cui Ya Nan , Li Zhen , Li Chao , Liu Zhen Zheng
Published: June 2014

About more than 90% highway have adopted asphalt concrete pavement in China. A lot of quality problems appeared in the highway pavement due to freezing-thawing circulations under the condition of low temperature. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to observe the microstructure of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt and rubber powder modified asphalt before and after the salt freezing. Also three routine indicators (penetration, softening point and ductility) for the two kinds of asphalt were tested before and after the salt freezing. The analysis results showed that the temperature susceptibility of SBS modified asphalt and rubber powder modified asphalt were all increased and the high temperature performance and low temperature performance of both asphalt were reduced after the salt freezing cycles as the same time the performance of rubber modified asphalt after salt freezing cycle was superior to SBS modified asphalt by comparing the basic indicators of them.
Optimization in Synthesis of ITO Thin Films Fabricated by DC Magnetron Sputtering Method
Authors: Zheng Hua Jing , Zhang Chi , Ruan Zheng
Published: June 2014

With high optical transparency and electrical conductivity, ITO thin films were fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering. Series of research and exploration are presented on DC magnetron sputtering method for preparing ITO thin film. With substrate temperature of 60 °C, sputtering power of 200W,sputtering pressure of 1 mTorr, water pressure of 2×10-5Torr, the sheet resistance of the ITO conductive substrate is 53 Ω/□ and the transmittance is 83%.
Optimum Shape and Dies Design for New Thin Metal Gasket by Using Simulation Experiment
Authors: Choiron Moch. Agus , Purnowidodo Anindito
Published: June 2014

In this study, new thin corrugated metal gasket will be developed by using simulation experiment. The optimal design and dies design for gasket manufacturing is determined by using computer simulation based on finite element analysis (FEA). In the design stage, the Taguchi method is used to predict optimal design of new thin corrugated metal gasket. The L9 orthogonal array was concerned to design experimental matrix for four factors with three levels. In the manufacturing stage, gasket product is simulated by using ANSYS 14.5 and experimental press forming process by using press hydraulic machine. From the result, the optimal design is the model with R = 3 mm, p = 6 mm, OH = 3 mm and h = 0.2 mm. Based on simulation results and experimental press forming product, it can be concluded that the virtual design from computer simulation results can be used for predicting the real product.
Estimating Correlation of Effective Thermal Conductivity on the Spherical Packed Bed Porous Media
Authors: Peamsuwan Rapeepong , Krittacom Bundit
Published: June 2014

The correlation of an effective thermal conductivity (keff) on spherical packed bed porous media with stagnant fluid was proposed. Alumina-Cordierite ceramic ball (Al-Co) having average diameter (d) of 2.1 cm and porosity (Φ) of 0.468 was examined. The experimental procedure was operated based on ASTM E1225. The tested porous sample was sandwiched by references materials (Solid Brass, 70%Cu, 30%Zn). A higher temperature (TH) on the top of test set was obtained from wire heater with a constant electrical power of 350 W. The water cooling set was installed at the bottom of to generate a lower temperature (TL). Four previous models established from geometrical structure were compared to validate the present correlation. From experiment, it was found that keff decreased with increasing TH. Thus, the relation between keff and TH was appropriately proposed by a correlating linear-equation (keff/kf = 329.2(1-0.1028(TH/100)). Agreement between the present correlation and literature models was satisfied particular.
Application of Finite Element to Spur Gear Stress Reduction Using Stress Relieving Feature
Authors: Abu-Hamdeh Nidal H. , Alharthy Mohammad
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to create stress relieving features to reduce the root fillet stress in spur gear. A pilot model was established to predict von Mises stress at the root fillet of the gear without holes and was used as a reference model. Finite element modeling was adopted using Abaqus® package. The predicted stresses were compared with stresses obtained by AGMA analytical solution. A good agreement was found in the comparison between the calculated and predicted stresses. Then, another model, namely hole model, was built to investigate the effect of various hole parameters (number, diameter, location, angle). The hole model was performed by creating hole/holes in the gear body. The results obtained showed that increasing the diameter size of hole/holes resulted in higher percentage of stress reductions compared to the pilot case. Furthermore, increasing the number of holes resulted in higher percentage of stress reductions compared to the pilot case, but gear rigidity in this case was highly affected.
Modeling of TiN Coating Thickness Using ANFIS
Authors: Jaya Abdul Syukor Mohamad , Basari A. Samad Hasan , Razali Sazalinsyah , Muhamad Muhd Razali , Abd Rahman Md Nizam
Published: June 2014

In this paper, an approach in predicting thickness of Titanium Aluminum Nitrite (TiN) coatings using Adaptive Network Based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is implemented. The TiN coatings were coated on tungsten carbide (WC) using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) magnetron sputtering process. The N2 pressure, argon pressure and turntable speed were selected as the input parameters and the coating thickness as an output of the process. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to design the matrix in collecting the experimental data. In the ANFIS structure, three bell shapes were used as input membership function (MFs). The collected experimental data was used to train the ANFIS model. Then, the ANFIS model was validated with confirmatory test data and compared with other prediction models in terms of the root mean square error (RMSE), residual error and prediction accuracy. The result indicated that the developed ANFIS model result was the lowest RMSE7 and average residual error, besides the highest in prediction accuracy compared to the other models. The result also indicated that the limited experimental data could be used in training the ANFIS model and resulting accurate predictive result.
The Design Research of Millimeter-Wave Homing Empty - Empty Ammunition Ballistics
Authors: Xie Wei Shi , Xiao Zhi Hua , Tang Jian
Published: June 2014

The millimeter-wave terminal guidance ammunition monitoring scanning field is small. The modified design is in order to improve the search section trajectory guidance. This study established seeker search area to capture the target model, which leads to the missile engine unpowered glide distance formula after flameout. At the millimeter-wave terminal on the missiles contraction section ballistic. Each missile is designed for the flat road, the swash decline ballistic programs. Flat missile road program scans and does not shrink. Its flight speed falls and declines rapidly, has different gliding distance and terminal velocity. After the missile engine is flameout, its start-gliding speed is great. Ramp fell ballistic program enhances the air-air (or air-ground) guided missile’s gliding ability, helping to improve range. But shortcomings are that target tracking scanning domain contracts. Using the seeker optical axis in the pitch direction can achieve accurate positioning with the height precession. Two ballistic designs can both meet the target seeker’s scanning, thus effectively improve the striking precision.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Elaeis guineensis (Palm Leaves): An Investigation on the Effect of Reaction Time in Reduction Mechanism and Particle Size
Authors: Ramli Nor Ain , Jai Junaidah , Yusof Noorsuhana Mohd
Published: June 2014

In this research, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using elaeis guineensis leaves extract was investigated and the effect of reaction time in reduction mechanism and particle size is studied. UV-visible sprectrophotometer was used to monitored the reduction reaction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles and formation of silver nanoparticles shown at 15 minutes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microcopy (FESEM) shows polydispersed and irregular shape of silver nanoparticles with aggregation. Further confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles by energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX). From this research, it was found that the increasing reaction time increases the rate of reduction reaction of silver ions.
Optimum Design Based on Damage Tolerance for Overall Beam Structure
Authors: Chang Fei , Li Shu Lin , Yin Jun Jie , Shi Xiao Peng , Zhou Bin
Published: June 2014

Focus on the problem that traditional aircraft design thought can’t meet the security and economy requirement of modern aircraft, studying the optimum design method based on damage tolerance for overall beam. For example with aircraft overall beam, constructed the optimization model based on support vector machine agent model with the lightest weight of the structure as the optimization objective, the minimum residual strength value as the constraint, section parameters as the design variables, through mathematical programming, get the optimization results under different residual strength requirement value, and calculate the crack growth life.
Research on Hydrodynamic Performance of Three-Dimensional Airfoil with Tubercles on Leading-Edge
Authors: Chang Xin , Wang Xin Ning , Cheng Xiang Ru
Published: June 2014

This paper aims to improve and control hydrodynamic performance of three-dimensional airfoils and investigate hydrodynamic performance of three-dimensional airfoil with tubercles on leading-edge by imitating the sinusoidal leading-edge systematically. Based on the DES method, a series of parameters, such as amplitudes and numbers of tubercles, had been studied via the FLUENT software with model constructed by ICEM software and divided by structural grid. According to the results, the amplitudes significantly affect the hydrodynamic performance of three-dimensional airfoil. With maintaining other conditions,tubercle airfoils can make stall angle delay, raise the lift and the drag ratio coefficient. Especially, if there is a bigger attack angle, it is better to reduce resistance and save energy, which will be a cornerstone for further study. It is of vital importance to find out appropriate amplitudes and numbers of tubercles to achieve further progress in hydrodynamic performance of three-dimensional airfoil.