bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient participation in clinical encounters: a systematic review to identify self‐report measures
Authors: Mavis Brian , Holmes Rovner Margaret , Jorgenson Sarah , Coffey John , Anand Nandita , Bulica Emi , Gaulden Carolyn Marie , Peacock Jacob , Ernst Alycia
Published: March 2014

Background

There is evidence suggesting that active participation of patients in their health care can improve the quality of care and decrease health‐care costs. Further, patient reports of their health‐care experience are increasingly used to monitor health‐care quality.

Objective

This paper describes a systematic review of peer‐reviewed studies to identify measures of patients' active participation in their encounters with health‐care providers.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted for publications indexed from 1975 to 2011. Of interest were self‐reported measures of patient participation that were not limited to a specific health concern. All abstracts were reviewed independently by two authors, and the full paper was considered for those meeting inclusion criteria.

Main Results

From a review of 4528 citations, ten measures were identified. The approaches to development of the measures varied considerably, as did their study samples and their psychometric quality.

Discussion

These measures represented three conceptual frameworks: empowerment and self‐efficacy, therapeutic alliance, and consumerism/satisfaction. They provide a more comprehensive perspective of patients' experiences of their provider encounters, and a better understanding patient behaviour enhanced the quality of health‐care delivery or improved health outcomes. These measures underscore the continuing challenge of defining patient participation and the multiple theoretical approaches that underlie this form of patient behaviour.

Conclusions

Current interest in quality‐related physician report cards gives significant weight to patients' self‐reported experiences as one dimension of physician performance. It is critical to identify the specific focus and quality of measures selected for this and research purposes.
The Canine Orthopedic Index. Step 3: Responsiveness Testing
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine whether the Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) can detect changes in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) treated with either non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or placebo.

Study Design

Double blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

Animals

Dogs (n = 80) with OA.

Methods

Owners completed the COI on Day 0. Dogs were administered either carprofen or placebo on days 1 through 14. Owners completed the COI again on Day 14. The change in total instrument, stiffness, gait, function, and quality of life scores were assessed between groups.

Results

Dogs administered carprofen had significant decreases in the total instrument score (P = .002) as well as 3 of the 4 factor scores compared to dogs treated with placebo (stiffness scoreP = .015; gait scoreP = .001; and function score = 0.008). The change in quality of life score was not significantly different between carprofen and placebo treated dogs (P = .124).

Conclusions

The COI delivered the decreases in total instrument, stiffness, gait, and function scores that one would expect in dogs with OA treated with an NSAID compared with placebo administration. In this cohort of dogs, the quality of life score was not sensitive to the changes associated with NSAID administration.
Initial Experience With rhBMP‐2 Delivered in a Compressive Resistant Matrix for Mandibular Reconstruction in 5 Dogs
Authors: Boudrieau Randy J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To document cumulative initial experience and long‐term follow‐up of the use of rhBMP‐2/CRM for reconstruction of large mandibular defects (≥5 cm) in dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 5).

Methods

Medical records (October 1999–April 2011) of dogs that had mandibular reconstruction for defects/resections of ≥5 cm using rhBMP‐2/CRM were reviewed. Signalment, preoperative assessment/rationale for mandibular reconstruction, surgical methods, postoperative assessment of the reconstruction (evaluation of occlusion), and complications were recorded. A definitive histologic diagnosis was obtained in dogs that had mandibular resection for mass removal. Long‐term complications were determined. A minimum time frame of 2‐year in‐hospital follow‐up was required for case inclusion.

Results

Mandibular reconstruction was successfully performed in all dogs' defects where gaps of 5–9 cm were bridged. Surgical reconstruction rapidly restored cosmetic appearance and function. All dogs healed with new bone formation across the gap. New bone formation was present within the defects as early as 2 weeks after surgery based on palpation, and new bone formation bridging the gap was documented radiographically by 16 weeks. Minor complications occurred in all dogs in the early postoperative period, and included early firm swelling and gingival dehiscence in 1 dog; late plate exposure in 3 dogs; and exuberant/cystic bone formation in 2 dogs (related to concentration/formulation of rhBMP‐2/CRM). Two dogs had minor long‐term complications of late plate exposure and a non‐vital canine tooth; the plates and the affected canine tooth were removed. Long‐term in‐hospital follow‐up was 5.3 years (range, 2–12.5 years); further long‐term telephone follow‐up was 6.3 years (range, 2–12.5 years). All owners were pleased with the outcome and would repeat the surgery again under similar circumstances.

Conclusion

The efficacy and success of this mandibular reconstruction technique, using rhBMP‐2/CRM with plate fixation, was demonstrated with bridging of large mandibular defects regardless of the underlying cause, and with excellent cosmetic and functional results. Complications were common, but considered minor and easily treated. The complications encountered revealed the importance of tailoring the use of BMPs and fixation methods to this specific anatomic location and indication.
Positive peer pressure: Priming member prototypicality can decrease undergraduate drinking
Authors: Goode Chris , Balzarini Rhonda H. , Smith Heather J.
Published: March 2014

In two field experiments, we manipulated the extent to which sorority members viewed themselves as prototypical group members before they learned social norm information. In Study 1 (n = 109), participants who learned that they closely matched the ideal group member's personality intended to drink less alcohol after reading about related group norms. In Study 2 (n = 155), participants primed to think of themselves as ideal group members reported drinking less alcohol in comparison to participants primed to think of themselves as unique individuals. Participants who heard a descriptive norm presentation reported drinking less alcohol in comparison to participants who heard injunctive or combined norm presentations. If speakers prime group member prototypicality before delivering normative information, their message can be more effective.
Has Web 2.0 revitalized informal learning? The relationship between Web 2.0 and informal learning
Authors: Song D. , Lee J.
Published: March 2014

Learning is becoming increasingly self‐directed and often occurs away from schools and other formal educational settings. The development of a myriad of new technologies for learning has enabled people to learn anywhere and anytime. Web 2.0 technology allows researchers to shed a new light on the importance and prevalence of informal learning. However, there are few empirical studies that support the claim that this technology facilitates informal learning. The present study investigates the relationship between Web 2.0 levels and the evaluation of informal learning websites. For this purpose, 287 informal learning websites were selected and their Web 2.0 levels were rated based upon eight criteria proposed in the Web 2.0 exploratory literature. In addition, previously examined informal learning evaluation results were employed. The results showed that current informal learning websites have moderately adopted the most heavily promoted features of Web 2.0. Correlation analyses showed a positive relationship between Web 2.0 features and informal learning website ratings. The implications for the relationship and internal correlations of variables were summarized and discussed.
The effect of story grammars on creative self‐efficacy and digital storytelling
Authors: Liu C‐C. , Wu L.Y. , Chen Z‐M. , Tsai C‐C. , Lin H‐M.
Published: March 2014

Previous studies have proposed that the grammars may serve as a rule‐based scaffolding to facilitate story comprehension in storytelling activities. Such scaffoldings may inform students of crucial story elements and possible transitions among different elements. However, how these scaffoldings may influence story creation/writing activities is still not very clear. This study aims to understand and explore the relationship among rule‐based scaffoldings, creative self‐efficacy and storytelling products. By gathering the stories developed by 53 sixth graders and their creative self‐efficacy in a quasi‐experiment setting, this study investigated whether providing these rule‐based scaffoldings may influence their performance and creative self‐efficacy. The results of this study indicated that with these rule‐based scaffoldings, students produced better storytelling products in terms of content quality. However, the presence of story grammar rules also limited the students' freedom of creative thinking, and thus reduced the creative self‐efficacy level at the early stage of learning to create stories. Such findings support that the rule‐based scaffolding may be more helpful in facilitating storytelling in the idea exploration phase than in the generation phase. Educators may need to be cautious regarding the time point at which rule‐based scaffoldings would be most effectively integrated with learning activities.
Interactive whiteboard and virtual learning environment combined: effects on mathematics education
Authors: Heemskerk I. , Kuiper E. , Meijer J.
Published: March 2014

This study reports on the effects of the combined use of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) and a virtual learning environment (VLE) on mathematics performance and motivation. Lessons taught with an IWB were made available on the VLE, so that they could be consulted regardless of time and place. Students' mathematics performance was monitored during one school year and their motivation for mathematics was followed for 3 years. There was no relation between frequency of being taught with an IWB and mathematics performance. However, students' motivation for mathematics appeared to be positively related to the combination of lessons made for the IWB and availability of these lessons on the VLE. This availability was also the main reason for students' appreciation of the VLE. Students appeared to use the VLE mostly to prepare for tests and examinations.
Epithelial Attachment and Downgrowth on Dental Implant Abutments—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Iglhaut Gerhard , Schwarz Frank , Winter Robert R. , Mihatovic Ilja , Stimmelmayr Michael , Schliephake Henning
Published: March 2014

The soft tissues around dental implants are enlarged compared with the gingiva because of the longer junctional epithelium and the hemidesmosonal attachments are fewer, suggestive of a poorer quality attachment. Inflammatory infiltrates caused by bacterial colonization of the implant‐abutment interface are thought to be one of the factors causing epithelial downgrowth and subsequent peri‐implant bone loss. Gold alloys and dental ceramics as well as the contamination of the implant surface with amino alcohols, appear to promote epithelial downgrowth. Physical manipulaton of the abutment surfaces, including concave abutment designs, platform switching, and microgrooved surfaces are believed to inhibit epithelial downgrowth and minimizes bone loss at the implant shoulder. This paper reviews the factors that are believed to influence the migration of epithelial attachment the dental implant and abutment surfaces. Exploration of innovative computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing‐based concepts such as “one abutment—one time” and their effect on epithelial downgrowth are discussed.

Clinical Significance

Based on the review of current literature, the authors recommend inserting definitive abutments at the time of surgical uncovering. To implement this concept, registration of the implant position should to be taken at the time of surgical implant placement.
Circumstances and Contributing Causes of Fall Deaths among Persons Aged 65 and Older: United States, 2010
Authors: Stevens Judy A. , Rudd Rose A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To determine whether the increasing fall death rate among people aged 65 and older is due in part to temporal changes in recording the underlying cause of death.

Design

Analyses of multiple cause of death data using the online Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐ranging ON‐line Data for Epidemiologic Research system, which uses the National Center for Health Statistics' Multiple Cause of Death data set.

Setting

United States, 1999 to 2010.

Participants

People aged 65 and older with a fall listed on their death record as the underlying or a contributing cause of death.

Measurements

Circumstances and contributing causes off all deaths—records listing International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes W00 to W19 as the underlying cause of death—and underlying causes for records with falls as a contributing cause were examined. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess trends in the proportion of fall and fall‐associated deaths to total deaths for 1999 to 2010.

Results

In 2010, there were 21,649 fall deaths and 5,402 fall‐associated deaths among people aged 65 and older; 48.7% of fall deaths involved a head injury. Approximately half the fall death records included diseases of the circulatory system as contributing causes. From 1999 to 2010, there was a trend toward more‐specific reporting of falls circumstances, although total deaths remained unchanged. The proportion of fall deaths to total deaths increased 114.3%, and that of fall‐associated deaths to total deaths increased 43.1%.

Conclusion

The reasons behind the increasing older adult fall death rate deserve further investigation. Possible contributing factors include changing trends in underlying chronic diseases and better reporting of falls as the underlying cause of death.
Posterior scissors‐bite: masticatory jaw movement and muscle activity
Authors: Tomonari H. , Kubota T. , Yagi T. , Kuninori T. , Kitashima F. , Uehara S. , Miyawaki S.
Published: March 2014

Scissors‐bite is a malocclusion characterised by buccal inclination or buccoversion of the maxillary posterior tooth and/or linguoclination or linguoversion of the mandibular posterior tooth. This type of malocclusion causes reduced contact of the occlusal surfaces and can cause excessive vertical overlapping of the posterior teeth. This case–control study is the first to evaluate both masticatory jaw movement and masseter and temporalis muscle activity in patients with unilateral posterior scissors‐bite. Jaw movement variables and surface electromyography data were recorded in 30 adult patients with unilateral posterior scissors‐bite malocclusion and 18 subjects with normal occlusion in a case–control study. The chewing pattern on the scissors‐bite side significantly differed from that of the non‐scissors‐bite side in the patients and of the right side in the normal subjects. These differences included a narrower chewing pattern (closing angle, P < 0·01; cycle width, P < 0·01), a longer closing duration (P < 0·05), a slower closing velocity (P < 0·01) and lower activities of both the temporalis (P < 0·05) and the masseter (P < 0·05) muscles on the working side. In 96% of the patients with unilateral posterior scissors‐bite, the preferred chewing side was the non‐scissors‐bite side (P = 0·005). These findings suggest that scissors‐bite malocclusion is associated with the masticatory chewing pattern and muscle activity, involving the choice of the preferred chewing side in patients with unilateral posterior scissors‐bite.
Paired Preference Tests with Reversed Hidden Demand Characteristics
Authors: Xia Yixun , Rivera‐Quintero Alondra , Calderon Eduardo , Zhong Fang , O'Mahony Michael
Published: March 2014

To gain insight into the proportion of consumers who respond to extraneous factors in the paired preference testing situation, rather than the sensory properties of products being assessed, “placebo” preference tests with putatively identical products are used. One use is as a tool to select consumers who ignore extraneous factors and are thus suitable for use in preference tests, where experimenters wish to have confidence that consumers are ignoring extraneous factors and responding only to the sensory attributes of the products being tested. Yet, selecting such consumers tends often to reduce the sample size to approximately 20–35% of its original, which is unacceptably low. The protocol used in this study employed unusual instructions and questions to reverse the hidden demand characteristics of the test, so that the sample size was only reduced to 80–90% of its original.

Practical Applications

Paired preference tests are part of the battery of tests used for measuring food acceptance. Although, when used casually, the test is simple; when used for a formal assessment of acceptance, there are problems that must be addressed. One such problem is the tendency of consumers to respond with preferences, even when the stimuli are putatively identical. Such a bias has the potential to produce an overestimation of preferences, when products are being assessed by paired preference protocols. Accordingly, research into this phenomenon is worthwhile, so that more valid and reliable tests can be developed.
Trans‐Vaginal Mesh Revision: A Comprehensive Review on Etiologies and Management Strategies with Emphasis on Postoperative Pain Outcomes
Authors: MOCK Stephen , REYNOLDS William S. , DMOCHOWSKI Roger R.
Published: March 2014

The use of polypropylene mesh to augment surgery aimed to correct pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence stems largely from the high recurrence rates of native tissue repairs. While objective outcomes were improved, mesh related complications began to emerge that included mesh exposures, extrusions, dyspareunia and other pain issues. However, the indication for and benefit of surgical intervention(s) to address these complications are lacking. We aim to review to current literature regarding postoperative pain outcomes following vaginal mesh revision. Evidence based literature indicates that mesh complications are not rare and surgery that aims to address them generally have an overall benefit. However, studies available are generally small case series of a retrospective nature with short follow up. Some themes are evident: there is a long lag period from mesh insertion to removal; there is a lack of a true denominator of total mesh insertions making it hard to gauge the real scope of the problem; mesh material found not along the expected trocar path or coursing close to neurovascular structures thus raises the possibility of technical errors during insertion. Transvaginal mesh revision(s) for mesh complications generally have a positive effect on pain outcomes, but better controlled studies are needed. Additionally, since technical issues may be a factor in the development of mesh complications, rigorous training and sufficient surgical case volume should be emphasized.
Adjusting the Volume: Private‐Activity Municipal Bonds and the Variation in the Volume Cap
Authors: Whitaker Stephan
Published: March 2014

States allocate authority, under a federally‐imposed volume cap, to issue tax‐exempt bonds for financing private activities including industrial development, utilities, and low‐income housing. The generosity of the cap varies widely between states. This paper analyzes the relationships between the caps, political characteristics of the states, and the authorizations to competing constituencies. In per capita terms, each additional dollar of volume cap is associated with an additional $0.49 to $0.66 of borrowing per year. Mortgage revenue bonds and student loan bonds are the most responsive to variation in the cap. There is some evidence of political influence on the allocation process.
Zero‐Base Budgeting Redux in Georgia: Efficiency or Ideology?
Authors: Lauth Thomas P.
Published: March 2014

Zero‐base budgeting reentered the Georgia budgetary process in 2012 after a hiatus of approximately three decades. This article describes the events leading up to the reentry of ZBB, compares the new version of ZBB with the original version implemented during the administration of Governor Jimmy Carter in the 1970s, and assesses the likely impact of this latest budget reform for Georgia and other state governments. Even though the nomenclature, “ZBB,” used to describe the current Georgia budget process is the same as that used to describe the state's budget process during the Carter administration, operationally the Carter‐era and new ZBB are not the same. The Carter‐era ZBB had a unique and clearly defined terminology and set of procedures, whereas the new ZBB relies mostly on existing performance‐budget procedures. The Carter‐era ZBB purported to build the budget up from a zero base. The new ZBB is about drilling down into the base or continuation budget. The Carter‐era ZBB was a managerial process intended to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. The new ZBB is more ideologically conservative with the aim of cutting the budget and shrinking state government. Claimed budget reductions may be significant at the micro‐level, but they probably are not at the macro‐level. However, it may not matter what cost reductions are actually realized. The symbolic effect of the ZBB process is what is most important, confirming the fiscal conservative bona fides of state government leaders.
Screening ofChinese cabbage mutants produced by60Co γ‐ray mutagenesis of isolated microspore cultures
Authors: Huang Shengnan , Liu Zhiyong , Li Danyang , Yao Runpeng , Meng Qian , Feng Hui
Published: March 2014

Since the release of theChinese cabbage genome sequence, increasing interest has focused on the functional analysis of unidentified genes inChinese cabbage. Mutant analysis forms the basis of functional genomics research. To produce a variety ofChinese cabbage mutants in the same genetic background, buds containing late uninucleate spores from a doubled haploid line of theChinese cabbage variety ‘Fukuda 50’ were irradiated with60Co γ‐rays at doses of 20, 40 and 60 Gy. Then, the treated microspores were isolated and cultured. A total of 492 putativeM0mutants were isolated from 1483 regenerated plants. Of these, sixM1mutants were verified; the mutant frequency was 0.41%. These mutants comprise a mutant library that includes one plant shape mutant, two flower mutants and three male sterile mutants. Pollen viability detection andDNAflow cytometry were used to determine the ploidy of the regenerated plants. Some of the mutants isolated in this study may be useful forChinese cabbage breeding and functional genomics research.
Measure for measure: determining, inferring and guessing auxin gradients at the root tip
Authors: Peer Wendy Ann , Jenness Mark K. , Murphy Angus S.
Published: March 2014

The plant hormone auxin is transported from sites of synthesis to sites of action. Auxin responses are mediated by fast (non‐transcriptional) and slow (transcriptional; ubiquitinylation) responses, which affect physiological changes at cellular and organismal scales. As such, auxin transport vectors regulate programmed and plastic growth responses to optimize growth and development. Here we address some common problems in extrapolating ‘universal’ understanding of auxin transport streams from analyses of loss‐of‐function mutants and auxin transport inhibitors. We also discuss the analytical methods and tools used to directly quantify, measure and infer auxin gradients within the plant [DR5:GUS/GFP (beta‐glucuronidase/green fluorescent protein), DII‐VENUS; surface electrodes, direct quantification]. We discuss the assumptions and limitations of each of these analyses, present comparative summaries of auxin transport methods and assay conditions (diffusion, non‐specific transport and relevant assay conditions), and consider what is actually being transported and measured [labeled‐indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), IAA metabolites].
A high‐throughput imaging auxanometer for roots and hypocotyls of Arabidopsis using a 2D skeletonizing algorithm
Authors: Fraas Simon , Niehoff Vera , Lüthen Hartwig
Published: March 2014

Next generation phenotyping of auxin response mutants will be greatly facilitated by the ability to record rapid growth responses in roots and hypocotyls at high throughput and at high temporal resolution. As Arabidopsis seedlings are very tiny and fragile, imaging is the only adequate way for data acquisition. As camera‐based systems described before have a limited throughput, we used commercial flatbed scanners to record a large number of simultaneous experiments. We developed Hansa Trace, software for automatically detecting and measuring hypocotyl segments and roots in the images. We validated this system by measuring some well‐characterized growth responses to auxins, non‐auxins, ATPase activators and apoplastic acidification. The method can be shared on a cooperation basis and is able to perform measurements with minimal user intervention.
Immunolocalization of the Cholesterol Transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 in Canine Reproductive Tract Tissues and Spermatozoa
Authors: Palme N , Becher AC , Merkl M , Glösmann M , Aurich C , Schäfer‐Somi S
Published: March 2014

Contents

The mammalian sperm membrane undergoes cholesterol efflux during maturation and fertilization. Although ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters are known to transport cholesterol through cell membranes in other organs, their presence in canine testis, epididymis and sperm has not been proven to date. Hence, the aim of the present study was to localize the ABC transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 in canine testicular and epididymidal tissue as well as in spermatozoa membranes. To this end, semen samples from 12 dogs as well as testicles and epididymides of four young and healthy dogs were prepared for immunohistochemistry, respectively. Capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR) were induced in aliquots of the semen samples before immunostaining to assess changes in the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Evaluation by confocal microscopy revealed the presence of both ABCA1 and ABCG1 in canine testicles and of ABCA1 in the epididymides. In spermatozoa, only ABCA1 immunoreactivity was detected, mainly in the region of the acrosome and midpiece. After induction of capacitation, ABCA1 signal persisted in the acrosome but disappeared after AR, indicating a loss of ABCA1 with the loss of the acrosome. We conclude that ABCA1 and ABCG1 are expressed in canine testis, whereas only ABCA1 is expressed in epididymis and spermatozoa membrane, both transporters probably contributing to the regulation of membrane cholesterol content.
High‐Mobility Group Box 1 Inhibition Alleviates Lupus‐Like Disease in BXSB Mice
Authors: Zhang C. , Li C. , Jia S. , Yao P. , Yang Q. , Zhang Y.
Published: March 2014

High‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), a ubiquitous nuclear DNA‐binding protein, functions as a potent proinflammatory factor. In this study, we evaluated the effects of HMGB1 inhibition on murine lupus using the lupus‐prone model. We treated male BXSB mice with neutralizing anti‐HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (HMGB1 mAb) from age 16 weeks to 26 weeks. The control group received the same amount of control IgG. Lupus‐prone male BXSB mice treated with HMGB1mAb showed attenuated proteinuria, glomerulonephritis, circulating anti‐dsDNA and immune complex deposition. Levels of serum IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17 and IL‐18 were also significantly decreased by administration of HMGB1mAb in lupus‐prone BXSB mice. HMGB1mAb treatment also decreased the caspase‐1 activity in the kidneys of BXSB mice and reduced the mouse mortality. Our study supports that HMGB1 inhibition alleviates lupus‐like disease in BXSB mice and might be a potential treatment option for human SLE.
Revealing insect herbivory‐induced phenolamide metabolism: from single genes to metabolic network plasticity analysis
Authors: Gaquerel Emmanuel , Gulati Jyotasana , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: March 2014

The phenylpropanoid metabolic space comprises a network of interconnected metabolic branches that contribute to the biosynthesis of a large array of compounds with functions in plant development and stress adaptation. During biotic challenges, such as insect attack, a major rewiring of gene networks associated with phenylpropanoid metabolism is observed. This rapid reconfiguration of gene expression allows prioritized production of metabolites that help the plant solve ecological problems. Phenolamides are a group of phenolic derivatives that originate from diversion of hydroxycinnamoyl acids from the main phenylpropanoid pathway after N–acyltransferase‐dependent conjugation to polyamines or aryl monoamines. These structurally diverse metabolites are abundant in the reproductive organs of many plants, and have recently been shown to play roles as induced defenses in vegetative tissues. In the wild tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata, in which herbivory‐induced regulation of these metabolites has been studied, rapid elevations of the levels of phenolamides that function as induced defenses result from a multi‐hormonal signaling network that re‐shapes connected metabolic pathways. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the regulation of phenolamides obtained by mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics profiling, and outline a conceptual framework for gene discovery in this pathway. We also introduce a multifactorial approach that is useful in deciphering metabolic pathway reorganizations among tissues in response to stress.
Constrained Channel Assignment in Multi-channel Wireless Mesh Network
Authors: Salleh Shaharuddin , Salahudin Nur Atikah
Published: March 2014

A wireless mesh network is a multi-hop network consisting nodes called mesh routers and mesh clients. In the network, communication between a pair of nodes happens when both nodes share a same channel. Channel assignment is an application in graph theory on the vertex coloring. The channels are allocated in such a way to minimize the bandwidth with the constraints of avoiding the electromagnetic interference. In this paper, we focus on the channel allocation for multi-channel which considers adjacent-channel constraint, cochannel and cosite constraint. The minimum number of the channels that are used in the network with minimum completion time shows the effectiveness of the work.
Understanding the Factors of Children Missing/Running Away from Home in Malaysia
Authors: Alavi Khadijah , Nen Salina , Mohamad Mohd Suhaimi , Sarnon Norulhuda , Ibrahim Fauziah , Mohd Hoesni Suzana
Published: March 2014

Statistics issued by the Royal Malaysian Police show that the number of missing children cases in 2009 was 53, while the figure increased to 54 cases in 2010. The increase in the number of missing children from 2009 to 2010 remains unexplained. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the factors and reasons why children go missing in Malaysia. The study was conducted using qualitative methods. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structure questions. Respondents were selected from the missing children list obtained from the Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), Bukit Aman, for the years 2009 and 2010. Findings of the study classify the reasons into two main factors, the push factors and the pull factors, that cause children to go missing from home. Push factors consist of three main components: the individual, the family and the living environment. While the pull factors were divided into two components: peers influence and the community environment. We conclude that the majority of missing/run away children come from family conflicts. Thus, we propose well-structured prevention and interventions programs in order to protect and prevent children from running away from home.
Pembinaan dan Penentusahan Instrumen Kemahiran Proses Sains Untuk Sekolah Menengah
Authors: Tek Ong Eng , Mohamad Mohd Al-Junaidi
Published: March 2014

This study aims to develop a valid and reliable multiple-choice test referred to as Test of Basic and Integrated Process Skills (T-BIPS) for secondary schools to measure the acquisition of a full range of 12 science process skills (SPS), namely 7 basic SPS and 5 integrated SPS. This study involves two phases. Phase one entails the generation of test items according to a set of item objectives, and the establishment of the content and face validities as well as response objectivity in a qualitative manner through the use of panel experts. Phase two involves validating the psychometric properties of the instrument using field testing data from 104 Form 4 students of top, average and bottom sets in urban and rural schools. The final set of T-BIPS consists of 60 items: 28 items for basic SPS (with the KR-20 reliability of 0.86) and 32 items for integrated SPS (with the KR-20 reliability of 0.89). The mean item difficulty index is 0.60, ranging between 0.37 and 0.75, while the mean item discrimination index is 0.52, ranging between 0.20 and 0.77. The results of item analysis indicate that T-BIPS with the appropriate psychometric characteristics is an acceptable, valid and reliable test to measure the acquisition of science process skills.
The Role of Supply Chain Antecedents on Supply Chain Agility in SMEs: The Conceptual Framework
Authors: Mohammad Bagheri Mahdi , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Soltanic Iraj , Mardani Abbas , Hazrate Soltan Ehsan Kish
Published: March 2014

Firms must be agile for the reason that being responsive is a crucial competency for them in present global economy. Organizations that are agile happen to be more successful. The agility of an organization is dependent on the agility of its supply chain. The main aim of this paper is to give a new dimension in explaining how Trust, Information Technology (IT) and agility can create sustained competitive advantage for firms and develop an integrated framework to facilitate this. For the literature review of the related academic articles for the previous studies has been taken by international journals in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Operations Management. Achievement of supply chain agility (SCA) is linked to the other organization’s resources, namely trust, IT and firm performance that play mediator role between them. IT is considered as a competitive tool by researchers and practitioners. Therefore, it is crucial for managers to apply their firms' IT and trust as lower-order organizational capabilities to improve agility as a higher-order organizational capability. Hence, the current article gives a conceptual framework to ascertain factors which affect SCA and finally firm performance. The findings of this study will present interesting information and insight about how to improve agility in small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, the information presented in this study will be the foundation of future supply chain capability studies. To aid the study, this present study for develop the framework has been used the RBV theory. The paper also proposes the framework for future research in empirical investigation in companies. The study related the gap by developing a framework for measuring SCA, which enables any organization to identify critical success factors for sense and respond to market.
Design Analysis of CIMB Bank’s Website
Authors: Ab. Aziz Muhammad Ridhwan , Noorizzuddin Nooh Mohammad Mahbub Alam
Published: March 2014

Islamic banking has emerged in recent decades as one of the most important trends in the financial world, side by side with conventional banking. Website design has become a very powerful tool in disseminating information of a particular banking institution and this phenomenon has been fully utilized by both conventional and Islamic banks throughout the world. The purpose of this article is to analyze website design of CIMB Bank that offers both conventional and Islamic financing facilities. The methodology employed in this article is qualitative in nature through examining the websites of CIMB Bank. The finding shows that CIMB Bank needs to improve their both website designs in order to attract more customers to their websites and give true information with regard of their products and services. It is further suggested that future researcher tries to explore more in-depth website designs in terms of products and services provided by the conventional and Islamic banking institutions in order to increase their market shares.
Innovation of Blackening Labu Sayong
Authors: Jalil Abdul Rahim , Hassan Oskar Hasdinor , Md Zainuddin Norhidayah , Haron Hamdzun
Published: March 2014

The blackening technique of Labu Sayong (LS) or clay pitcher commonly performed either traditionally or in modern way is by removing the clay pitcher from the firing area one by one after the firing temperature reached maturity at around 850°C to 900°C. A finding indicates a few improvements can be done such as reducing the time of transferring the clay pitcher to the paddy husks, reducing the fuel consumption, uniforming the blackened effect of Labu Sayong and reducing the defects ratio of Labu Sayong. The innovative is to add paddy husks or organic materials into the kiln as soon as the firing temperature reached maturity during the cooling process. The paddy husks will get burnt and produce a thick smoke. By closing all the burner port holes and chimney damper, the smoke will diffuses inside the firing chamber which gave the blackened effect to Labu Sayong. Based on the studies, the best temperature to add the paddy husks into the kiln is between 350°C to 700°C, depending on the size of the kiln. The innovation blackening Labu Sayong can overcome the disadvantages of the conventional blackening technique while increasing productivity without additional operation costs.
Motion Characteristics of FLNG Systems under the Effect of Drift Motions of Two Floating Bodies
Authors: Li Qiao , Sugata Kohei , Nihei Yasunori , Ikeda Yoshiho
Published: March 2014

In recent years, some small and midsize gas fields are being developed all over the world, and FLNG systems which include LNG FPSO and shuttle LNG tank are going to be used. In rough sea, when produced LNG is offloaded from the FPSO to the shuttle tanker, two ships will be moored. In this study, we are focusing on characteristics of FLNG systems in waves and wind. Experimental studies were performedto observe motion of two floating bodies in tandem condition in regular waves. In the tank test, we observed drastic yawing and drift motions of a shuttle LNG tanker. These phenomena might be a threatto the safety of a FLNG system. In this paper, we will reveal a cause of these phenomena and evaluate a FLNG system by using a simple method.
Experimental Study of a Tanker Ship Squat in Shallow Water
Authors: Fathi Kazerooni Mohammadreza , Saeed Seif Mohammad
Published: March 2014

One of the phenomena restricting the tanker navigation in shallow waters is reduction of under keel clearance in the terms of sinkage and dynamic trim that is called squatting. According to the complexity of flow around ship hull, one of the best methods to predict the ship squat is experimental approach based on model tests in the towing tank. In this study model tests for tanker ship model had been held in the towing tank and squat of the model are measured and analyzed. Based on experimental results suitable formulae for prediction of these types of ship squat in fairways are obtained.
Design Verification of Heat Exchanger for Ballast Water Treatment
Authors: Balaji Rajoo , Yaakob Omar , Adnan Faizul Amri , K. K. Koh
Published: March 2014

Using waste heat from ship’s engines is one of the methods considered for heat treatment of ballast water. For such a system harvesting the engine exhaust heat, a heat exchanger will be vital. Design optimisation of a heater employing exhaust gases of the engine as utility fluid and ballast sea water as the process fluid was achieved using Lagrangian methods, keeping the annual cost as the objective function. Costs for installation, maintenance as also costs for the utility and process fluids were considered. Heat balance data, specific fuel consumption values from a typical operational ship and current fuel costs were considered for the design. The thermodynamic and geometric designs were worked out using computer based software for comparing the designs. Costs were also computed using a different approach for all the designs. Since the amount of heat transferred was specified and the application was limited to a single process, direct cost method was used for the computation. The objective function values obtained from Lagrangian equations were compared with the values obtained from direct cost computations. From the optimal designs, choice was justified based on annual cost, optimum exit temperature of shell side fluid and optimum mass flow of tube side fluid..
Effect of Mesh Number on Accuracy of Semi Submersible Motion Prediction
Authors: Abyn Hassan , Maimun Adi , Rafiqul Islam M. , Magee Allan , Jaswar Jaswar , Bodaghi Behnam , Pauzi Mohamad , Siow C. L.
Published: March 2014

Generally, floating structures play an important role for exploring the oil and gas from the sea. The force and motion prediction of offshore structures may be carried out by using time domain or frequency domain or model tests. In this paper the frequency domain analysis used because it is the simplified and linearized form of the equations of motion. Mostly in numerical calculations the number of meshes plays an important role in the accuracy of results, time of calculation and facing to computer memory limitations. The 3D source distribution panel method is shown to be sensitive to mesh near the resonance frequencies of the floating body. So, it is important to establish best practices and determine the mesh requirements for a given level of accuracy. The results obtained from numerical commercial software HydroSTAR (Hstar) on semi submersible prove it.
Viscous Flow Computation around the Wigley Hull with the Maneuvering Motion using the Inertial Coordinate System on the Non-inertial Grids
Authors: Naing Win Yan , Toda Yasuyuki
Published: March 2014

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique for ship hydrodynamics has been well developed with advanced capabilities for resistance and propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering. The Authors’ laboratory (Laboratory 3 of Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering in Osaka University) specializes in resistance and propulsion field and has carried out several simulations based on the CFD code in non-inertial ship-fixed coordinates system. The purpose of this research is to transform the present computation code to the one in inertial coordinate and to investigate the flow field around the Wigley hull for several motions up to three degrees of freedom (3 DOF). The transformed code is simulated on the flat plate initially and the nature of the flow field is investigated and confirmed with the hydrodynamics theory. Then, the wigley hull motions are simulated in several ways such as; uniform motion, pure yaw and circular motion test. The features of the flow field and hydrodynamic forces acting on the hull are discussed based on the computed results. Finally, the propeller effect is implemented behind the wigley hull using the body-force concept by the quasi-steady infinite bladed Blade Element Theory and a propulsion characteristic is observed. The transformed computation code in inertial coordinate is found to be much easier to simulate the different kinds of maneuvering motions compared to the code in non-inertial system and this paper covers the detailed transformation steps and the discussions on the computation results of different motions.
Numerical Analysis of Hydrodynamic Propeller Performance of LNG Carrier in Open Water
Authors: Nakisa M. , Maimun A. , M. Ahmed Yasser , Jaswar Jaswar , Priyanto A. , Behrouzi F.
Published: March 2014

Marine propeller blade geometries, especially LNG carriers, are very complicated and determining the hydrodynamic performance of these propellers using experimental work is very expensive, time consuming and has many difficulties in calibration of marine laboratory facilities. This paper presents the assessment on the effect of turbulent model and mesh density on propeller hydrodynamic parameters. Besides that, this paper focuses on the LNG carrier Tanaga class propeller hydrodynamic performance coefficients such as Kt, Kq and η, with respect to the different advance coefficient (j). Finally, the results from numerical simulation that were calculated based on RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stocks) equations, were compared with existing experimental results, followed by analysis and discussion sections. As a result the maximum hydrodynamic propeller efficiency occurred when j=0.84.
Review on Combustion Control of Marine Engine by Fuzzy Logic Control Concerning the Air to Fuel Ratio
Authors: Javad Nekooei Mohammad , Jaswar Jaswar , Priyanto A.
Published: March 2014

This research reviews a close loop control-oriented model, combined with air to fuel ratio, to regulate  combustion phasing in a spark- ignition marine engine operation. On the other hand ,Stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio () control plays a significant role on the  three way catalysts in the reduction of exhaust pollutants of the SI marine engine. Air to fuel management for SI marine engines is a major challenge from the control point of view because of the highly nonlinear behavior of this system. For this reason, linear control techniques are unable to provide the required performance, and nonlinear controllers are used instead. Therefore, a fuzzy MIMO Control system is designed for robust control of  lambda. As an accurate and control oriented model, an  air to fuel ratio model of a Spark Ignition (SI) marine engine is developed to generate simulation data of the engine's subsystems. The Goal of this control is to maintain the A/F ratio at stoichiometry.
Z-Manoeuvring of a Liquified Natural Gas Carrier with Podded Propulsion System
Authors: Jaswar Jaswar , Loh N. , Prayitno Adhy
Published: March 2014

The application of pod propulsion has become an important concern in designing a new LNG carrier due to the high maneuverability characteristic. However, podded propulsion LNG carrier is a new concept which is still in the evaluation stage. Practically, the maneuverability of podded propulsion LNG carrier is an uncertainty. Hence, it is essential to assess the ship’s maneuvering characteristics. Z-Manoeuvre assessment is one of the recommended tests for maneuverability prediction. This paper discusses on Z-Manoeuvre characteristic of the podded propulsion LNG carrier. A mathematical model for podded propulsion LNG carrier was presented and a simulation program was developed for the Z-Manoeuvre assessment. Finally, simulations were carried out on both conventional propulsion and podded propulsion LNG carriers. The simulation results show that podded propulsion LNG carrier has a better Z-Manoeuvre characteristic.
Analysis of an Asymmetrical Bridle Towline Model to Stabilise Towing Performance of a Towed Ship
Authors: Fitriadhy A. , Yasukawa H. , Yoneda T. , Koh K. K. , Maimun A.
Published: March 2014

This paper addresses an asymmetrical bridle towline model as a feasible solution model to stabilize towing performance of a towed ship. The basic thinking behind the approach adopted, is to deal with a better towing stability than employing the typical towline model1. Several towing parameters which may affect a towed ship motion behaviour i.e., tow angle and tow point position, are investigated theoretically. The nonlinear numerical time-domain simulation showed that the increase of towing angle up to 30 degrees and shifting tow point from 0.5 to 0.8 resulted in remarkable reduction in slewing motion of the unstable towed ship and the towline tension, which enhances effectively her towing stability.