bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When a health policy cuts both ways: Impact of the National Emergency Access Target policy on staff and emergency department performance
Authors: Forero Roberto , Man Nicola , Nahidi Shizar , Fitzgerald Gerard , Fatovich Daniel , Mohsin Mohammed , Ngo Hanh , Toloo Ghasem (Sam) , Gibson Nick , McCarthy Sally , Mountain David , Hillman Ken ,   on behalf of the 4HR/NEAT Partnership Grant
Published: October 2019

Objective

To explore the impact of the Four‐Hour Rule/National Emergency Access Target (4HR/NEAT) on staff and ED performance.

Methods

A mixed‐methods study design was used to link performance data from 16 participating hospitals with the experiences reported by 119 ED staff during policy implementation. Quantitative and qualitative measures were triangulated to identify the staff and organisational effects on hospital performance. An overall score was developed to categorise hospitals into: high, moderate and low performers, then compared with four qualitative themes: social factors, ED management, ED outcomes and 4HR/NEAT compliance.

Results

Key factors identified were stress and morale; intergroup dynamics; interaction with patients; resource management; education and training; financial incentives; impact on quality and safety; perceived improvements on access block and overcrowding. High performing hospitals reported increased stress and decreased morale, decreased staff–patient communication and staff shortages; significant changes in ED management and effective use of the whole‐of‐hospital approach. Moderate performing hospitals reported similar characteristics to a lesser degree, and the perception that 4HR/NEAT did not impact ED practice. Low performing hospitals also reported increased stress and low morale and a less effective whole‐of‐hospital approach. ED staff also reported a reduction in communication with patients.

Conclusions

There was strong evidence of an association between high stress and low morale and the implementation of the 4HR/NEAT across all levels of performance. These adverse consequences of the 4HR/NEAT implementation indicate that a more nuanced approach to efficiency improvements is required. This would balance processes measured by 4HR/NEAT against a range of other clinical and organisational performance measures.
Assessment of spontaneous neuromuscular recovery: A comparison of the TOF‐Cuff® with the TOF Watch SX®
Authors: Sfeir Machado Eve , Keli‐Barcelos Gleicy , Dupuis‐Lozeron Elise , Tramèr Martin R. , Czarnetzki Christoph
Published: October 2019

Background

TOF‐Cuff® is a modified blood pressure cuff used to monitor neuromuscular block. We compared the assessment of spontaneous neuromuscular recovery between TOF‐Cuff® (test device) and TOF Watch SX® (reference device).

Methods

Forty patients aged 18‐65 years undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. TOF‐Cuff® was installed on an upper arm and the TOF Watch SX® on the thumb of the opposite side. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with intravenous propofol and sufentanil. After induction, the devices were calibrated and continuous train‐of‐four (TOF) stimulation was started. A single intravenous dose of rocuronium (0.6 mg kg−1) was administered for intubation. The primary outcome was total recovery time (time in minutes from the injection of rocuronium to a normalized TOF ratio of 90%). Agreement between the two devices was calculated using mean difference and limits of agreement.

Results

The primary outcome could be analysed in 27 patients because of 13 exclusions due to neuromuscular block reversal for shorter procedure surgical time, necessity of reinjection of rocuronium or technical failures of one of the two devices. Median total recovery time with the test device was 45 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 38.5‐61.5) and 63 minutes (IQR 51.1‐74.5) with the reference device. Total recovery time with the test device was on average 16.4 minutes shorter (limits of agreement, −6.1 to 39); increasing total recovery time was associated with increasing difference. The TOF ratio of the reference device was on average 0.59 (SD 0.23) when the test device indicated complete recovery. The TOF ratio of the test device was on average 0.98 (SD 0.03) when the reference device indicated complete recovery.

Conclusion

When compared with the TOF Watch SX®, TOF‐Cuff® overestimates spontaneous recovery of a rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block.
Recent developments and highlights in food allergy
Authors: Eiwegger Thomas , Hung Lisa , San Diego Kristen Ericka , O'Mahony Liam , Upton Julia
Published: October 2019

The achievement of long‐lasting, safe treatments for food allergy is dependent on the understanding of the immunological basis of food allergy. Accurate diagnosis is essential for management. In recent years, data from oral food challenges have revealed that routine allergy testing is poor at predicting clinical allergy for tree nuts, almonds in particular. More advanced antigen‐based tests including component‐resolved diagnostics and epitope reactivity may lead to more accurate diagnosis and selection of therapeutic intervention. Additional diagnostic accuracy may come from cellular tests such as the basophil activation test or mast cell approaches. In the context of clinical trials, cellular tests have revealed specific T‐cell and B‐cell populations that are more abundant in food‐allergic individuals with distinct mechanistic features. Awareness of clinical markers, such as the ability to eat baked forms of milk and egg, continues to inform the understanding of natural tolerance development.

Mouse models have allowed for investigation into multiple mechanisms of food allergy including modification of epithelial metabolism, and the induction of regulatory cell subsets and the microbiome. Increasing numbers of children who underwent food immunotherapy enlarged the body of evidence on mechanisms and predictors of treatment success. Experimental immunological markers in conjunction with clinical determinants such as lower age and lower initial specific IgE appear to be of benefit. More research on the optimal dose, preparation, and route of application integrating a high‐level safety and efficacy is demanded. Alternatively, biologics blocking TSLP, IL‐33, IL‐4 and IL‐13, or IgE may help to achieve that.
Against the odds: Hope as an antecedent of support for climate change action
Authors: Bury Simon M. , Wenzel Michael , Woodyatt Lydia
Published: October 2019

While individuals are often viewed as rational actors, engaging in action that promises success, sometimes they act despite low odds. We report two studies that investigate hope as a motivational resource during times when the odds of success seem low. We argue that when people are personally invested in the cause, their hope leaps with emerging possibility (low likelihood) of a positive outcome, but linearly aligns with likelihood for more probable outcomes (i.e., hope is a cubic function of likelihood). Crucially, hope then motivates support for collective action, in this case support for climate action, thus illuminating the possible antecedents for collective action against the odds. In Study 1, with a highly invested sample, hope mediated the relationship between cubic likelihood and support for climate change action. Study 2 extended these findings, showing that for individuals strongly invested in the outcome (but not for those less invested), hope arose with possibility but not probability of success, leading to greater support for climate change action. Hope's unique motivational role arises when the odds are low, when success is only possible rather than probable. These then represent the conditions that facilitate support for collective action against the odds.
Experimental identification of cancer driver alterations in the era of pan‐cancer genomics
Authors: Korenjak Michael , Zavadil Jiri
Published: October 2019

Rapidly accumulating data from large‐scale cancer genomics studies have been generating important information about genes and their somatic alterations underlying cell transformation, cancer onset and tumor progression. However, these events are usually defined by using computational techniques, whereas the understanding of their actual functional roles and impact typically warrants validation by experimental means. Critical information has been obtained from targeted genetic perturbation (gene knockout) studies conducted in animals, yet these investigations are cost‐prohibitive and time‐consuming. In addition, the 3R principles (replacement, reduction, refinement) have been set in place to reduce animal use burden and are increasingly observed in many areas of biomedical research. Consequently, the focus has shifted to new designs of innovative cell‐based experimental models of cell immortalization and transformation in which the critical cancer driver events can be introduced by mutagenic insult and studied functionally, at the level of critical phenotypic readouts. From these efforts, primary cell‐based selective barrier‐bypass models of cell immortalization have emerged as an attractive system that allows studies of the functional relevance of acquired mutations as well as their role as candidate cancer driver events. In this review, we provide an overview of various experimental systems linking carcinogen exposure‐driven cell transformation with the study of cancer driver events. We further describe the advantages and disadvantages of the currently available cell‐based models while outlining future directions for in vitro modeling and functional testing of cancer driver events.
Credit supply and capital structure adjustments
Authors: Rahman Shofiqur
Published: October 2019

Using the staggered deregulation of the U.S. banking industry as a series of exogenous shocks, I study the effect of the credit supply on the speed of capital structure adjustment. I find robust evidence that interstate and intrastate banking deregulation are positively associated with leverage adjustments. Specifically, the speeds of adjustment to target leverage are faster in the postderegulation periods. I also find that the positive effect is driven by firms that are financially constrained, are financially dependent on banks, and have less access to the public debt market and by deregulated banks’ ability to geographically diversify the credit risk.
Extending medical librarians’ competencies to enhance collection organisation
Authors: Bass Michelle B. , Allen Thea S. , Vanderpool Ariel , Capdarest‐Arest Nicole
Published: October 2019

Background

Like many health library associations, the Medical Library Association (MLA) developed competencies guiding lifelong learning and competence for medical librarians. Medical librarians should be able to develop skills in identified areas. One MLA indicator of organising resources defines expert skill as the ability to develop classification and metadata schemes for unique collections.

Objectives

This manuscript reviews available curricula for selected library programmes in the United States and Canada, along with professional development and informal opportunities for skill development to identify how medical librarians, who are not experts in cataloging or metadata and not employed as cataloging or metadata librarians, can progress in competency.

Methods

The authors reviewed library school and continuing education programming around metadata, along with answers from a pre‐existing informal poll regarding cataloging and metadata roles in health sciences libraries. Data were collected and examined using descriptive statistics.

Discussion

Gaps and opportunities for education around organising resources are discussed, including library school courses, formal continuing education opportunities and informal learning (e.g. peer support networks, on‐the‐job learning).

Conclusion

Education in organising resources should be created throughout the educational journey of librarianship. Continuing educational opportunities in organising resources should be created by professional organisations that expect competency in this area.
Does computerized anaesthesia reduce pain during local anaesthesia in paediatric patients for dental treatment? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Smolarek Priscila de Camargo , Wambier Letícia M. , Siqueira Silva Leonardo , Chibinski Ana Cláudia Rodrigues
Published: October 2019

This systematic review and meta‐analysis analysed whether pain and disruptive behaviour can be decreased by the use of computerized local dental anaesthesia (CDLA) in children. The literature was screened to select randomized clinical trials that compared computerized and conventional anaesthesia. The primary outcome was pain perception during anaesthesia; the secondary, disruptive behaviour. The risk of bias of individual papers and the quality of the evidence were evaluated. After search, 8389 records were found and 20 studies remained for the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. High heterogeneity was detected for both outcomes. For the pain perception, the overall analysis showed a standard mean difference of −0.78 (−1.31, −0.25) favouring CDLA; however, when only studies at low risk of bias were analysed (subgroup analysis), there was no difference between the two techniques [−0.12(−0.46, 0.22)]. For disruptive behaviour, no differences were detected for continuous [−0.26 (−0.68, 0.16)] or dichotomous data [0.81 (0.62, 1.06)]. The quality of evidence was judged as low for pain perception and very low for disruptive behaviour. It is concluded that there is no difference in the pain perception and disruptive behaviour in children subjected to computerized or conventional dental local anaesthesia. Notwithstanding, the quality of the available evidence is low.
Monetary policy and bubbles in US REITs
Authors: Caraiani Petre , Călin Adrian C. , Gupta Rangan
Published: October 2019

In this article, we analyze the effects of monetary policy on the bubbles in the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) sector of the United States. We use a time‐varying vector autoregressive model over the quarterly period of 1972:1 to 2018:1. We find protracted periods, starting from the onset of the recent financial crisis to the end of the sample period, where contractionary monetary policy is associated with increases in the bubble component in the REITs of the US economy. This result, which is robust to alternative REITs indexes, is contrary to the “conventional” view, as well as to the predictions of standard models of bubbles.
Epidemiology and determinants of facial telangiectasia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mekić S. , Hamer M.A. , Wigmann C. , Gunn D.A. , Kayser M. , Jacobs L.C. , Schikowski T. , Nijsten T. , Pardo L.M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Telangiectasia or red veins are one of the prominent features of facial skin ageing. To date, there are few studies investigating the determinants of telangiectasia.

Objectives

We investigated lifestyle and physiological factors associated with facial telangiectasia in a large prospective Dutch cohort study.

Methods

Telangiectasia was quantified digitally from standardized facial photographs of 2842 North European participants (56.8% female, median age 66.9) from the Rotterdam Study, collected in 2010–2013. Effect estimates from multivariable linear regressions are presented as the percentage difference in the mean value of telangiectasia area per unit increase of a determinant (%Δ) with corresponding 95% CI.

Results

Significant determinants were older age [1.7%Δ per year (95% CI 1.4, 2.0)], female sex [18.3%Δ (95% CI 13.2, 23.6)], smoking [current versus never 38.4%Δ (95% CI 30.3, 47.0); former versus never 11.6%Δ (95% CI 6.6, 16.9)], a high susceptibility to sunburn [10.2%Δ (95% CI 5.4, 15.3)] and light skin colour [pale versus white‐to‐olive 31.4%Δ (95% CI 19.7, 44.1]; white vs. white‐to‐olive 9.2%Δ (95% CI 2.8, 16.0)].

Conclusions

In this large cohort study, we confirmed known and described new determinants of facial telangiectasia.
Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) birth mass and pup growth in periods with contrasting ice conditions in Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Kovacs Kit M. , Krafft Bjørn A. , Lydersen Christian
Published: October 2019

Global climate warming has caused major reductions in sea ice in the Arctic, posing a serious threat to ice‐associated marine mammals. Herein, novel data on birth mass and pup growth rates over a 15‐year period (1993–2007; 10 years with growth data) are reported for bearded seals, as well as initial behavioral responses by this species to major, local declines in sea‐ice in Svalbard, Norway. In total, 205 pups were captured; 64 of which were recaptured, some repeatedly, producing 85 growth intervals for nursing pups. Average birth mass of pups was 37.1 ± 3.8 (SD) kg (range 33–47 kg, n = 25); birth mass before vs. after the sea ice collapse (2006 onward) were not found to differ. Pups grew at a rate of 3.0 ± 0.7 kg/day (1.8–4.8 kg/day, n = 64) during the nursing period. LME models suggest that ice concentration did not affect the growth rate of pups. Most females shifted from traditional first‐year ice floes to glacier‐ice pieces for birthing and nursing their young, following the regional sea ice collapse. However, retraction of tidal glaciers will likely eliminate this replacement birthing and nursing habitat for bearded seals in Svalbard in the coming decades.
Unveiling membrane thermoregulation strategies in marine picocyanobacteria
Authors: Breton Solène , Jouhet Juliette , Guyet Ulysse , Gros Valérie , Pittera Justine , Demory David , Partensky Frédéric , Doré Hugo , Ratin Morgane , Maréchal Eric , Nguyen Ngoc An , Garczarek Laurence , Six Christophe
Published: October 2019

The wide latitudinal distribution of marine Synechococcus cyanobacteria partly relies on the differentiation of lineages adapted to distinct thermal environments. Membranes are highly thermosensitive cell components, and the ability to modulate their fluidity can be critical for the fitness of an ecotype in a particular thermal niche.

We compared the thermophysiology of Synechococcus strains representative of major temperature ecotypes in the field. We measured growth, photosynthetic capacities and membrane lipidome variations. We carried out a metagenomic analysis of stations of the Tara Oceans expedition to describe the latitudinal distribution of the lipid desaturase genes in the oceans.

All strains maintained efficient photosynthetic capacities over their different temperature growth ranges. Subpolar and cold temperate strains showed enhanced capacities for lipid monodesaturation at low temperature thanks to an additional, poorly regiospecific Δ9‐desaturase. By contrast, tropical and warm temperate strains displayed moderate monodesaturation capacities but high proportions of double unsaturations in response to cold, thanks to regiospecific Δ12‐desaturases. The desaturase genes displayed specific distributions directly related to latitudinal variations in ocean surface temperature.

This study highlights the critical importance of membrane fluidity modulation by desaturases in the adaptive strategies of Synechococcus cyanobacteria during the colonization of novel thermal niches.
The elephant in the room: understanding the pathogenesis of Charles Bonnet syndrome
Authors: Carpenter Kilda , Jolly Jasleen K , Bridge Holly
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a syndrome characterised by complex visual hallucinations in individuals who are cognitively normal, though often elderly and visually impaired. Although first described over 250 years ago, the condition remains poorly understood and difficult to treat.

Recent findings

Our understanding of CBS pathogenesis has advanced little since it was first described, and much of the recent literature consists of case studies strikingly similar to the first published account of CBS. However, imaging studies have provided some indication as to the cortical areas implicated in the genesis of complex visual hallucinations, and the existence of similar hallucinatory syndromes in other sensory modalities suggests a common underlying mechanism.

This review begins by describing what is currently known about CBS, focusing on epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis. It then explores potential starting points for better understanding the pathogenesis of CBS, namely the existence of similar conditions in other sensory modalities and the reproduction of complex visual hallucinations in sensory deprivation scenarios. Finally, it discusses how CBS should be approached in clinical practice.
Cut‐point‐free accelerometer metrics to assess children’s physical activity: An example using the school day
Authors: Fairclough Stuart J. , Rowlands Alex V. , Taylor Sarah , Boddy Lynne M.
Published: October 2019

The aims were to (a) investigate associations between a novel accelerometer metric: the minimum acceleration value above which the most active 30‐minutes were accumulated during the school day (M30ACC), and health indicators, and (b) demonstrate that applying an equivalent cut‐point to the M30ACC metric gives comparable prevalence results as a moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) cut‐point approach. Two hundred and ninety‐six children (age 9‐10‐years) wore wrist‐mounted accelerometers for 7‐days. School day MVPA and M30ACC were calculated. Body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were also measured. Mixed linear models investigated associations between M30ACC and health indicators. Agreement between ranked MVPA and M30ACC values was assessed using percent agreement, kappa, sensitivity, and specificity statistics. M30ACC thresholds associated with health indicators were 213 mg (BMI), 206 mg (WHtR), and 269 mg (CRF) for girls. The equivalent values for boys were 234 mg (BMI), 230 mg (WHtR), and 327 mg (CRF). Less than half of girls and 75% of boys accumulated 30 minutes of school day MVPA. Just <50% of girls and >80% of boys had M30ACC values ≥200 mg, which is equivalent to brisk walking. Agreement between MVPA and M30ACC tertiles was high, reflected by the sensitivity and specificity values of >90%. Results demonstrate the utility of M30ACC as a PA metric that is not heavily influenced by researcher decisions. M30ACC has potential as an accelerometer‐specific metric for generating PA guidelines related to health indicators and easily understood forms of activity such as brisk walking.
Physical health and symptoms of relative energy deficiency in female fitness athletes
Authors: Mathisen Therese Fostervold , Heia Josefine , Raustøl Marius , Sandeggen Mari , Fjellestad Ingrid , Sundgot‐Borgen Jorunn
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Competing in aesthetic sports increases the risk of low energy availability and associated health impairments. Fitness physique sport is a popular, but understudied aesthetic sport. We evaluated health and symptoms of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED‐s) in female fitness athletes (FA) and female references (FR) during a competitive season.

Methods

Totally, 25 FA and 26 FR, mean (SD) age of 28.9 (5.7), were included. Assessments were at baseline (T1), 2‐weeks pre‐competition (T2), and 1‐month post‐competition (T3), by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan, indirect calorimetry, diet registration, The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, The Beck Depression Inventory, and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q).

Results

A history of eating disorders was reported by 35% FA and 12% FR. There were no between‐group differences at T1, besides less mean (99% CI) fat mass (FM) of 3.1 kg (−0.4, 6.5) in FA (P = .02). At T2, FA had lower BW of 6.7 kg (−12.0, −1.3), fat mass of −9.0 kg (−12.5, −5.5), and resting heart rate of −8.0 beats per minute (−14.5, −1.5) compared to FR (P ≤ .006). FA reduced resting metabolic rate by −191 kcal (−11, −371) and increased symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction (GD) by 1.4 points (0.3, 2.5) and prevalence of amenorrhea from 8% to 24%, (P < .003). At T3, there was a between‐group difference in fat mass, and a high number of FA with amenorrhea and GD.

Conclusion

Manifestation of symptoms of RED‐s, some with persistence one‐month post‐competition, raises concern for the health of FA and those complying with the fit body ideal.
Validation of Lean Manufacturing Implementation Framework Using Delphi Technique
Authors: Nordin Norani , Md Deros Baba Md Deros , Abdul Wahab Dzuraidah , Ab. Rahman Mohd Nizam
Published: October 2019

Lean manufacturing is a proven approach for success in manufacturing industry. However, several organisations failed in their attempt to implement lean manufacturing system. The transition to lean manufacturing requires radical change which involves a total reshaping of purpose, system and culture of the organisation. Therefore, a lean manufacturing implementation framework was developed. This framework is intended to provide practitioners with a better understanding of lean transition and minimize the conflicts of implementing lean manufacturing system. The purpose of this paper is to validate the proposed lean manufacturing implementation framework using Delphi technique. This technique is a process of gathering opinions of experts, which designed to achieve a convergence of opinions on a specific real–world issue. The work continued over two iterative rounds until consensus or stability is reached. Comments and suggestions given by the experts help to further improve and validate the framework. As conclusion, the final framework of lean manufacturing implementation is presented.
Effect of Moisture and Chloride Content on the Direct and Reflected Ground Penetrating Radar Waves Amplitude Ratio in Concrete Slab
Authors: Senin Syahrul Fithry , Hamid Roszilah
Published: October 2019

This paper focused on the effect of various moisture and chloride content on the direct and reflected waves (DW and RW) of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) amplitude ratio of concrete slab. The GPR is used in detecting both corrosion agents of 13 numbers of concrete (water/cement ratio= 0.7) slab samples. Radar measurement is employed on a fixed point of the samples to measure two signals referred to as the direct and reflected radar waves amplitudes. Simple signal processing on the collected time domain signal plots is executed by MATLAB® software to compute the attenuation of peak-to-peak amplitude of DW and RW which are normalized with respect to the peak-to-peak amplitude of DW recorded in air. From the analysis, strong linear relationships (R2 = 0.82 and 0.96) for water content variation of DW and RW are found. However, a very weak linear relationship with R2 of 0.31 for chloride content variation of DW but a strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.95) for the RW are established. These findings showed that both moisture and chloride content have a measurable influence on both GPR signals, which enable the GPR utitilisation on detecting the amount of both corrosion agents in concrete. The DW and RW amplitude ratio have the potential usage in mapping problematic zone by moisture and chloride contamination in concrete.
Chemical Composition of Native and Ammonia Fiber Expansion Pretreated Rice Straw-Unextracted versus Extractives-free Material
Authors: Harun Shuhaida , Md Jahim Jamaliah , Takriff Mohd. Sobri , Hassan Osman
Published: October 2019

Characterization of chemical composition for lignocellulosic biomasss (LCB) is essential in the conversion process of LCB to bioenergy and biochemicals. Accurate quantification of chemical composition allows for better determination of the LCB conversion and product yield in LCB processing. However, the presence of the extractable material is stated to strongly influence the compositional analysis of the LCB. This study was conducted to analyze and compare the chemical composition of (A) native-whole unextracted rice straw of (1) untreated rice straw (URS) and (2) AFEX pretreated rice straw (AC1RS and AC2RS) as well as (B) the extractives-free rice straw of (1) URS and (2) AFEX pretreated rice straw (AC1RS and AC2RS). The effect of the AFEX pretreatment on the composition of rice straw was determined using the extractives-free material of URS, AC1RS and AC2RS. The actual reported composition of native-whole rice straw of URS and AFEX pretreated rice straw were made based on the corrected values of the extractives-free rice straw of URS and AFEX pretreated rice straw. The rice straw was analyzed for structural constituents such as glucan, xylan, arabinan and Klason lignin as well as non-structural constituents. The results demonstrated that the extractives in native-whole unextracted rice straw significantly interfere with the analysis of Klason lignin. The lignin content of the rice straw was overestimated if the extractives were not removed prior to the compositional analysis. The extractives in rice straw statistically did not affect the carbohydrate analyses. However, some soluble sugars were removed from the rice straw during the extraction process.
THE CONCEPT OF TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED FACE-TO-FACE COLLABORATIVE LEARNING VIA DIGITAL INTERACTIVE AUDIO CAPTURING TOOL
Authors: Hj Salam Abdul Rahim , Mustaffa Faizal Yamimi , Abdullah Tina , Hj Salam Md. Sah
Published: October 2019

This paper shares the researcher’s experience in employing the technology supported face-to-face collaborative learning. In achieving this, a digital interactive audio capturing tool (DIACT) was used to digitally capture the interactive event of collaborative learning among English as second language (ESL) teacher trainees in a “Computer Integrated Classroom” (CiC) environment. Having merely online learning of computer support which ignores the elements of face-to-face (F2F), the impact of “collaboration” seems seriously lacking. With the emergence of DIACT in a CiC environment, the researcher attempts to see how those co-located ESL teacher trainees manage to effectively communicate face-to-face and collaborate among themselves to build knowledge. The interaction was captured and transferred to computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to be analyzed for evidence of impactful knowledge building. Findings indicated that the use of DIACT in a F2F CiC environment has significantly helped students in collaborative knowledge building.
CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL IN EMULSION LIQUID MEMBRANE CONTAINING 2-AMINO-2-METHYL-1-PROPANOL /MONOETHANOLAMINE
Authors: Suahadah S. N. , Kamarudin K. S. N. , Najib S. B. M. , Dolmat N.
Published: October 2019

Absorption using aqueous alkanolamine is commonly used in industry to remove the carbon dioxide. However it has several weaknesses such as corrosion problem and low absorption rate. Emulsion liquid membrane is introduced as an alternatives method for CO2 absorption because it can reduce the corrosion problem and the formation water droplets creates large interfacial area for absorption to occur. 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and monoethanolamine (MEA) present in the aqueous phase in the form of aqueous droplets, surrounded by the organic solution to form water in oil (w/o) emulsion. In this study, effects of amines ratios and amine quantities, and emulsification time and speed on the ELM stability and CO2 absorption were investigated. The ELM was prepared by homogenizing the aqueous and the organic phases. AMP and MEA were added into sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to form aqueous solution, and kerosene and Span-80 were mixed to form the organic solution. The absorption study was carried out in rotating disc contactor (RDC) column. A mixture of 12 v% MEA, 4 v% AMP in 100 ml aqueous solution and 8 v% Span-80 in 100 ml organic phase has high stability and can remove 60% of CO2. The stability of the emulsion remained high even after the absorption. This study proved that ELM has the potential to remove CO2 by using only small amount of amines.
RADIATION RISK ESTIMATION FROM OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL IMAGING EXPOSURE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Yahaya S.R. , Hassim Mimi H.
Published: October 2019

Ionizing radiation has been increasingly applied in medicine and firmly established as an essential tool for diagnosis. There is high possibility for medical radiation workers to receive doses that are considerably higher than recorded by their dosimeters due to lack of knowledge about ionizing radiation, lack of training in radiation protection, and attitude of the workers themselves toward radiation protection. The purpose of this study is to estimate the radiation risk due to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation among medical diagnostic workers at hospitals in Malaysia. Also the objective is to determine the knowledge of occupational radiation exposure and radiation safety among the workers.  The assessment was made based on the collective doses collected from film badge of the workers. The results of risk assessment show the mean annual collective effective dose based on type of X-ray procedure in this study was 5.445mSv, which is much lower compared to the whole body exposure dose limit, set by the ICRP Publication 60. A survey on knowledge of occupational radiation exposure and radiation safety was conducted using questionnaire and it was found that vast majority of respondents were aware of radiation safety with 91.3% answered the specific questions regarding radiation protection at workplace correctly. Unfortunately only 30.4% of the respondents fully understand the hazard they are exposed to. The study reveals that there is a critical need to educate not only medical radiation workers but also medical doctors and nurses to decrease unnecessary occupational exposure to radiation hazard.
ASSESSMENT ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH BEHAVIOR OF HYBRID FILLED EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITE
Authors: Mazlan Norkhairunnisa , Khoon Teong Chee
Published: October 2019

Compressive strength of the epoxy matrix loaded by combination of hybrid filler is expected to benefit by the hollow nature of microsphere and highly porous silica aerogel and, consequently it also depends on the suitable ratio of microsphere:silica aerogel (Mic:SilAe). In this study, the morphology of the fillers was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for microstructure analysis. The nanocomposite was then prepared by shear mixing technique. Compressive yield and fracture strength behavior were assessed as a function of Mic:SilAe ratios and its dispersion in epoxy matrix. The compressive yield and fracture strength increased monotonously with inclusion of considerable ratio of Mic:SilAe. The optimum loading of Mic:SilAe in epoxy nanocomposite was attained at filler ratio of 1:1 for compressive yield strength and filler ratio of 5:1 for compressive fracture strength, where the improvement were 28% and 90%, respectively
PERBANDINGAN CIRI-CIRI SOSIOEKONOMI PENERIMA INOVASI SISTEM INTENSIFIKASI PADI DAN PROJEK ESTET PADI
Authors: Kamarul Zaman Nur Badriyah , Ali Jamal , Othman Zakirah
Published: October 2019

Rice is a strategic commodity as it is a national staple food in Malaysia. However, Malaysia can only accommodate 70 to 80 percent of domestic needs. Strategies have been carried out by the government to boost rice production in the country include the introduction of innovation among paddy farmers. However, the innovations introduced to the target group in the paddy and rice industry, especially among rice farmers are often faced with the challenge of slow adoption rate despite the proven benefits of innovation. To ensure the innovations introduced coincide with the target group, innovation maker should identify the socioeconomic characteristics of the target group. Therefore, this study aimed to identify socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers who adopt to rice planting management innovation, Paddy Estate Project and SRI technique. Paddy Estate project management is the innovation implemented in the country’s granary areas whereas SRI technique is the paddy innovation management carried on the outside granary area especially in rural area. This study carried out in Paddy Estate Project in Muda area one of the main country’s granary area. This study was also carried out to farmers who apply SRI technique in paddy cultivation area in Peninsular Malaysia which covers the states of Kedah, Selangor, Johor and Kelantan. Based on the findings, there are differences in socio-economic characteristics between groups of farmers who adopt the SRI technique and groups of farmers adopt the Paddy Estate Project.
MULTIBAND CPW-FED SLOT ANTENNA FOR WLAN/WIMAX APPLICATIONS
Authors: Orikumhi Igbafe , Hamid Mohamad Rijal , Obadiah Ali Nyangwarimam
Published: October 2019

A square slot antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) is presented in this paper. The design consist of two pairs of “F” shaped planar strips placed within a square slotted ground. The strips are used to excite multiple resonant frequencies, the strips are connected to the ground plane by means of ideal switches. The proposed antenna has achieved multiple resonant frequencies of 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz for WLAN and 3.5/5.5 for WiMAX applications. The measured results shows a good agreement with the simulated results in terms of return loss, radiation pattern and gain. The proposed antenna is designed for the frequency range of 2 GHz to 7 GHz which makes it suitable for Bluetooth, WLAN and WiMAX applications.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SPECIAL ZONE FOR NONORGANIC SOLID WASTE IN FINAL DISPOSAL IN MANGGAR, BALIKPAPAN, EAST KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA
Authors: Pramiati Pramiati , Indrawati Dwi , Permata Sari Lin
Published: October 2019

Various problems in solid waste management are covered, among others concerning nonorganic solid waste deposited in Final Disposal. The generation volume amounting to 330,01 tons/day. The solid waste disposal consists of 66% organic and 34% nonorganic. To develop Final Disposal Manggar, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, one special zone is planned to accommodate nonorganic solid waste. The landfill method for sanitary landfill is covering total area of 25 ha of Final Disposal. The feasibility calculation of the Final Disposal based on Le Grand Method. The original design  for three landfill zones in Final Disposal Manggar was specified only for nonorganic waste, however, the plan will be made in 2 alternatives i.e. alternative 1 with separate system and alternative 2 with combined organic and nonorganic waste processing. Based on the calculation of the area totalling 17261,2 m2, the productivity period of zone 3 (three) in alternative 1 is 2 years and 5 months. As for alternative 2 the generate combined waste, except waste from market place with a density of 290 kg/m3 for 2014, which make the solid waste generation 438 m3/day, the productivity period of the combined system is 385 days.
THE EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS LIGHTING (CL) METHOD ON THE GROWTH DEVELOPMENT OF BRASSICA CHINENSIS FOR LED PLANT FACTORY IN WSN APPLICATION
Authors: Harun Ahmad Nizar , Ahmad Robiah , Mohamed Norliza
Published: October 2019

This study was performed to investigate the best practise on using LED light for optimum growth of Brassica Chinensis and reduce turn around time at different kind of photoperiod study utilizing Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology as remote monitoring system. Growth performance of Brassica Chinensis under two different wavelengths (blue and red) 16:4 as light source has been used to determine plant growth performance and phytochemicals aspect of plant characteristics. Two experiments were conducted which is the pulse treatment (1 hour light and 1 hour dark) and continuous light (CL) photoperiod treatment in both trials. Observation such as leaves count, height, dry weight and chlorophy I & ll of both plants were analysed. It was noted that the CL photoperiod has significant effect on overall growth performance and remarkably lead to improve the efficiency of the plant factory. In order to reason on data and monitor the environmental parameters of the plant factory, an intelligent system using embedded system has been developed to automate the LED control and manipulation. The result shows that the system is stable and has referential significantly in the area of plant factory or indoor farming system
KANSEI EVALUATION IN OPEN SOURCE E-LEARNING SYSTEM
Authors: Hadiana Ana , Mohd Lokman Anitawati
Published: October 2019

Many open source web based e-Learning systems are offered to support learning environment over the internet. Academic institutions usually choose to implement systems that meet the needs and characteristics of students. However, only little guide exists to support them in choosing systems that meet the implicit needs of students, thus adoption of e-Learning system is unsustainable. This paper reports an attempt to discover these implicit needs and how it correlates to the design of e-Learning systems by the adoption of Kansei Engineering. The objective is to analyze and choose the desired open source e-Learning system based on students’ implicit needs. Five open source e-Learning system were used as specimen in a Kansei evaluation procedure, employing one hundred subjects from the target user group. The result suggests that Kansei Engineering can be used to determine open source e-Learning systems that meets the implicit needs of targeted users, and thus enable sustainability of the system implementation.
ESTIMATING THE EFFICIENCY OF PAHANG RUBBER SMALLHOLDERS USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS APPROACH
Authors: Ali Na’imah , Ramli Noor Asiah , Zulkipli Faridah
Published: October 2019

RISDA has targeted for the income of each smallholder to be at least RM2500 per month by the end of 2015. However, approximately almost 90% of the smallholders’ monthly income is still below the target. Hence, in order to observe if this target is achievable, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency level of producing rubber among 95 rubber smallholders in Pahang. In addition, the study also investigated if there was any opportunity for increment of production among the rubber smallholders. Therefore, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, under the assumption of Variable Return to Scale (VRS) and Constant Return to Scale (CRS), was used to analyse the scale and the technical efficiency of the smallholders. Scale Efficiency was measured in order to estimate the return to scale of the smallholders. As a result, the study found that the average Overall Technical Efficiency (OTE) and Pure Technical Efficiency (PTE) scores of the smallholders were 43.47% and 43.78%, respectively. Thus, the majority of the smallholders were not technically efficient in producing rubber. Furthermore, based on the return to scale estimated, 41% of the smallholders were operating under the Increase Return to Scale (IRS), which implied that the smallholders had a sub-optimal scale size. The results obtained had been useful as the optimal input-output for the efficient rubber yield can be determined and may help RISDA, as well as agricultural planners, to devise a strategy in order to increase the productivity of rubber smallholders in Malaysia.
MAGNETIC GRAPHENE OXIDE AS ADSORBENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF LEAD(II) FROM WATER SAMPLES
Authors: Nodeh Hamid Rashidi , Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Sanagi Mohd Marsin
Published: October 2019

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared on graphene oxide (Fe3O4/GO) in situ in a one step process. The obtained Fe3O4/GO was used as an adsorbent for the removal for Pb(II) from environmental water samples prior to flame atomic absorption spectroscopy measurement. The adsorption procedure was optimized as follows: 60 min adsorption time, 50 mL sample volume, solution pH 4.5, and 25 mg adsorbent dosage. Under the optimum conditions, the adsorption efficiency obtained was greater than 75% (C = 50 mg L-1). The adsorption isotherm of Fe3O4@GO magnetic adsorbent was studied for Pb(II) adsorption using two isotherm adsorption models namely Langmuir and Freundlich. The adsorption isotherm data fits well with Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9988) rather than with Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) obtained was 86.2 mg g-1. The results signified that the prepared Fe3O4/GO nanocomposite has a great adsorptive ability towards the Pb(II) from environmental water samples.
THE SCHUR MULTIPLIER OF PAIRS OF NONABELIAN GROUPS OF ORDER P4
Authors: Afifi Nawi Adnin , Mohd Ali Nor Muhainiah , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Rashid Samad
Published: October 2019

Let (G,N)  be a pair of groups where G is any group and N is a normal subgroup of G, then the Schur multiplier of pairs of groups is a functorial abelian group. The notion of the Schur multiplier of pairs of groups is an extension from the Schur multiplier of a group G. In this research, the Schur multiplier of pairs of finite nonabelian groups of order p4, where p is an odd prime, is determined.
MODELLING THE CANCER GROWTH PROCESS BY STOCHASTIC DELAY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS UNDER VERHULTS AND GOMPERTZ’S LAW
Authors: Ayuni Mazlan Mazma Syahidatul , Rosli Norhayati , Azmi Nina Suhaity
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the uncontrolled environmental factors are perturbed into the intrinsic growth rate factor of deterministic equations of the growth process. The growth process under two different laws which are Verhults and Gompertz’s law are considered, thus leading to stochastic delay differential equations (SDDEs) of logistic and Gompertzian, respectively. Gompertzian deterministic model has been proved to fit well the clinical data of cancerous growth, however the performance of stochastic model towards clinical data is yet to be confirmed. The prediction quality of logistic and Gompertzian SDDEs are evaluating by comparing the simulated results with the clinical data of cervical cancer growth. The parameter estimation of stochastic models is computed by using simulated maximum likelihood method. We adopt 4-stage stochastic Runge-Kutta to simulate the solution of stochastic models.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF COPPER KAOLINITE AND SURFACTANT MODIFIED COPPER KAOLINITE AGAINST GRAM POSITIVE AND GRAM NEGATIVE BACTERIA
Authors: Md Saad Nor Syafawani Sarah , Nik Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam , Chong Chun Shiong
Published: October 2019

The aim of this research was to determine the antimicrobial activity of kaolinite modified with antimicrobial compounds against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Copper kaolinite (Cu-kaolinite) was prepared by loading raw kaolinite with copper nitrate trihydrate (CuNO3) while surfactant modified Cu-kaolinite (SM-Cu-kaolinite) was prepared by adding cationic surfactants hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium (HDTMA) on Cu-Kaolinite. Samples was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer. The antimicrobial activity of the samples was tested against Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442), and Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212) through disc diffusion technique (DDT) and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). The results showed that the antimicrobial activity of Cu-kaolinite increased after modified with HDTMA due to the synergistic effects of Cu ions and HDTMA molecules on the kaolinite. The antimicrobial activity for surfactant modified Cu-kaolinite was greater for Gram positive bacteria compared to Gram negative bacteria. In conclusion, the attachment of HDTMA on Cu-kaolinite contributed to the enhanced antimicrobial activity against wide spectrum of bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria).
WATER LEVEL MEASUREMENT VIA POLYMER DIAPHRAGM AND FIBER BRAGG GRATING SENSOR
Authors: Ameen Odai Falah , Younus Marwan Hafeedh , Rahman Rosly Abdul , Raja Ibrahim Raja Kamarulzaman
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a new design of sensor head to monitor water level inside the tank based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) was demonstrated. The sensor head consisted of an FBG placed under a very thin polymer plastic sheet layer. This sensor head acts as a sensitive diaphragm to sense water level based on hydrostatic pressure caused by the liquid weight. The hydrostatic pressure imposed on the sensor head produced strain in the embedded FBG, which caused a shift in Bragg wavelength detected by the optical spectrum analyzer. A calibration curve to relate liquid level and shift in the Bragg wavelength was constructed. A linear relationship between the shift in Bragg wavelength and the water level up to 70 cm height with a sensitivity of 2 pm/cm is achieved in this work.