bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and ischemic stroke : A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xiang Hong , Liu Mei Ling , Lin Rong , Xing Yaping , Zhao Tingli , Zhang Wen , Zhao Ming , Liu Qing Rong , Cao Kai
Published: October 2019

Background: To explore the generic association between miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and ischemic stroke (IS). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association quantitively. Results: A total of 6 studies (involving 2569 IS cases and 2645 controls) were included. miR-499 (rs3746444) polymorphism showed a statistically significant association with IS risk in the allelic model (G allele vs A allele), the dominant model (GG+AG vs AA), the recessive model (GG vs AG+AA) and the homozygote model (GG vs AA). ORs of the above 4 models were 1.20 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.40), 1.21 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.46), 1.40 (95%CI: 1.04, 1.88), 1.48 (95%CI: 1.10, 2.00) respectively. The I square of the allelic model and the dominant model was 58% and 59%, indicating large heterogeneity among included studies. By sensitivity analysis, I square of the two models dropped to 34.5% and 38.4%, the ORs were 1.26 (95%CI: 1.13, 1.42) and 1.28 (95%CI: 1.12, 1.46), there was still a statistical association between miR-499 (rs3746444) polymorphism and IS. The heterozygote model (AG vs AA) was not statistically significant, the OR was 1.18 (95%CI: 0.99, 1.42), the I square was 54%. Notably, by sensitivity analysis, I square of the heterozygote model dropped to 34.6%, the OR was 1.25 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.43), indicating a statistically significant association between miR-499 (rs3746444) polymorphism and IS. There was no publication bias for all the models by Egger's test. Conclusion: miR-499 (rs3746444) polymorphisms is associated with the increase of IS risk.
Phenotypes and transdifferentiation of transplanted oral mucosal epithelial cells for limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Huang Feifei , Qiu Jini , Xue Qi , Cai Rongrong , Zhang Chaoran
Published: October 2019

Background: To observe the epithelial phenotypes after autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET), assess the changes in the oral mucosal epithelium after transplantation on the ocular surface, and identify possible influencing factors.
Methods: We performed lamellar keratoplasty 6 months after initial COMET procedure on 2 patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) to further visual rehabilitation. The corneal buttons obtained during lamellar keratoplasty were examined by using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Results: Cell morphology of both excised corneal tissues resembled that of the normal cornea. They were positive for Cytokeratin3, Cytokeratin13, p63 and Zonula occludens-1. Expression of Cytokeratin12 was noted in the corneal epithelium of patient 1 but not found in patient 2.

Conclusions: The oral epithelium transplanted onto the ocular surface could express corneal phenotypes after COMET, which might be related to the corneal microenvironment.
A novel arthrodesis technique of the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Fuchs Volker
Published: October 2019

Purpose The aim of the study was to develop an implant for fusion of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) which, in contrast to known implant systems, can be used for isolated fusion of the SIJ as well as in combination with a lumbar instrumentation procedure or as an alternative to existing sacropelvic fixation (SPF) methods. Methods Following a comprehensive review of more than 200 high-resolution pelvic CT data sets, an implant body with high porosity and a large contact surface to the ilium and sacrum favoring integration was designed. Its shape was modeled based on the recess of the SIJ. A screw anchored in the ilium secures the position of the implant in the recess and allows connection to a lumbar instrumentation via an S1 screw. After receiving a detailed explanation and information about the novelty of the procedure, two patients with confirmed SIJ syndrome, who had undergone conservative treatment for more than 6 months without success, were operated on with a patient individual implant adapted to their anatomy. Results There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The postoperative CT and pelvic X-rays showed a good form fit of the implant body in the respective recess as well as correct positioning of the inserted screws. Conclusions The implant used first takes into account the special anatomy of the SIJ and also meets the requirements of a true arthrodesis of the joint. Clinical studies will now have to show whether the considerable theoretical advantages of the new implant system over existing SIJ implants and SPFs can be put into practice.
Long-term clinical outcomes of Toric IOL and ART +3.0D IOL in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism
Authors: luo jie , Liu Yang , Wang Feng , Su Ying , Xiao Xuebing
Published: October 2019

Background We aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of Toric intraocular lens (Toric IOL)and Acrysof IQ Restor Toric +3.0D intraocular lens (ART +3.0D IOL)in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism.Methods Fifty-eight eyes (46 participants) that had Toric IOL implantation, forty-three eyes (31 participants) that had ART +3.0D IOL implantation, were included in the study. All participants were assessed preoperatively, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Primary outcomes measure: uncorrected distance visual activity (UCDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA), astigmatism and IOL axis alignment, defocus curve, contrast sensitivity and ocular aberration.Results UCDVA was better than 0.3 LogMAR at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery in both groups, and UCDVA was significantly improved after surgery than before ( P <0.05). All patients with ART +3.0D IOL implanted after surgery achieved or exceeded the near-vision of Jr3, which could meet the needs for removal of lens. At 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, the residual astigmatic was (0.28±0.20) diopters(D), (0.32±0.25) D, (0.31±0.16) D, (0.32±0.22) D in Toric group, and (0.27±0.17) D, (0.31±0.21) D, (0.30±0.19) D, (0.33±0.20) D respectively in the ATR group. Compared with preoperative corneal astigmatism, the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05). The IOL axial mobility of all the patients was less than 5°in the two groups within 2 years after the operation. There was no difference in aberrations between the ART group and the Toric group under 3mm pupil, and there was statistically significant difference between the ART group and the Toric group under 5mm pupil ( P <0.05).Conclusions Toric IOL and ART + 3.0D IOL implantation were safe and effective in the treatment of cataract with corneal astigmatism,and ART + 3.0D IOL provided adequate near vision. The effect had long-term stability.
The experiences of a nonclinical set of adolescents and young adults living with persistent pain: a qualitative metasynthesis
Authors: Fegran Liv , Johannessen Berit , Ludvigsen Mette S. , Westergren Thomas , Høie Magnhild , Slettebø Åshild , Rohde Gudrun , Helseth Sølvi , Haraldstad Kristin
Published: October 2019

Background Around 15–30% of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) suffer from persistent or chronic pain. Strategies to manage pain in different populations have been well described; however, pain is an increasing problem among AYAs, and the use of over-the-counter medications is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify and synthesize evidence from qualitative primary studies on how AYAs in a nonclinical population experience living with persistent pain.Method A qualitative metasynthesis guided by Sandelowski and Barroso’s guidelines was used to synthesize the included studies. The electronic databases Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Psycinfo, Mednar, and ProQuest were searched for studies published in English or Nordic languages from January 2005 to April 2019. Inclusion criteria were adolescents aged 13–18 and young adults aged 19–24 with first-hand experience of living with persistent, recurrent, or episodic nonclinical pain in any body site. Pain associated with a medical diagnosis, malignant diseases, medical procedures or testing, or sport activities was excluded.Results Of 2254 screened records, nine studies including 184 participants (127 female and 57 male aged 11–28 years) with pain from a nonclinical population were analyzed into metasummaries and a metasynthesis. In five of the nine studies, headache was the focused pain condition, while three of the studies did not specify the type of pain. All studies were conducted in a Western cultural context. The metasynthesis revealed that the participants’ experiences were characterized by three themes: 1) juggling pain with everyday life; 2) exploring sources of information to manage pain; and 3) striving to find relief.Conclusion These AYAs experienced a need to juggle dealing with pain with everyday life and explored information on how to manage pain from various sources. Their management of pain was influenced by family norms, and they described how they were striving to find relief from pain.
Puberty During Sickle Cell Anemia In Cameroonian Children: A Case Control Study
Authors: Betoko Ritha Mbono , Um Suzanne Sap Ngo , Alima Anastasie Yanda , Chelo David , Nengom Jocelyn Tony , Simon Dominique , Chevenne Didier , Ndombo Paul Koki
Published: October 2019

Background Puberty is reported to be impaired in children with Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA). We therefore, aimed to explore clinical and hormonal features of puberty in Cameroonian children with emphasis on the factors associated with delayed puberty during SCA.Methods During a case-control study, we included 64 children aged 8 to 18 years with SCA matched to healthy controls. We assessed height, weight, body mass index, body composition and Tanner stages. Hormonal measurements included Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and sex steroids (estrogens/ testosterone) with radio-immunologic assays. We used a non-parametric test (Mann U Whitney Wilcoxon) to compare the median values ​​between cases and controls. We looked into associations between severity criteria of SCA and delayed puberty through multivariate analysis.Results Delayed puberty was reported in 27.3% of girls and 10% of boys with SCA. Median age of menarche was delayed by 2 years compared to controls. SCA patients had low free fat mass compared to controls (p = 0.03). Abnormal levels of Antimullerian hormone were reported in cases. History of severe infection, acute chest syndrome as well as low hemoglobin level were associated with delayed sexual maturation in children with SCA.Conclusion Our study reveals delayed puberty in children with SCA. Moreover, puberty is affected by severity of the disease. This highlights importance of regular monitoring of puberty during follow-up of these children.
An innovative model for mental health care and educational support in Brazilian medical education context: Personal Development Planning (PDP) Framework
Authors: Mayer Fernanda Brenneisen , Tafarel Jean Rodrigo , Salles Andressa , Fraga Rogério de , Knopfholz José , Moura Lídia Zytynski
Published: October 2019

Background The prevalence of mental health problems among medical students have significant proportions worldwide. The spirit of time ( germ. Zeitgeist) is to “Act” in favor of health promotion.Methods Conception of a PDP-Framework in a Brazilian Medical School based on medical students’ needs and curriculum reform. PDP definition and model were based on QAA Guidance Document (2009). The PDP-Framework received approval from the rector of the University, and was endorsed by the students’ representations. PDP-Framework were included in the Course Pedagogic Project and shared with academic community. The implementation of the PDP started in the first-semester of the medical program in 2018.Results The main issues of the medical students were lack of time for extra-curricular activities, lack of mental health care and educational support. Based on these results we performed a curricular reform that reduced the hours of curricular activities in 30% and conceived the PDP-Framework. Our model was to embedded PDP into mainstream curriculum as a subject discipline one hour per week in tutorial groups of ten students, facilitated by two psychologists and one doctor specialist in all years of the medical program. We defined two main competences that foresee transitional skills, self-regulation, self-care, professionalism, resilience and personal, educational and career planning. Learning outcomes were defined for each semester. The PDP privileges active methods of learning based on the process of reflection and transformation of reality. Assessment of student performance includes both formative and summative manner with self-perception questionnaires, reflective writing, ePortfolio, and peer and teacher feedback. The PDP evaluation will be based on Kirkpatrick’s Model.Conclusions Evidence on interventions in educational environment for the promotion of medical students’ mental health is limited and the quality of the studies is generally low. Partial results of a national survey on support models for medical students in Brazil point to three mains models: psychopedagogical, mental health care and mentoring, optional and parallel to curriculum. The PDP-Model embebbed into mainstream curriculum in all years of the course seems to bring a new concept of mental-health care and educational support for medical students in Brazil.
Integrating Rowcovers and Strip Tillage for Pest Management in Summer Squash and Muskmelon Production
Authors: Skidmore Amanda , Wilson Neil , Williams Mark , Bessin Ric
Published: October 2019

Pest management in cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) cropping systems is challenging. As a result, pesticides are heavily used for managing insect pests and diseases. This work focused on the application of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to control pests and reduce reliance on insecticide sprays while maintaining the quality and quantity of marketable yields in two commonly grown cucurbit crops: muskmelon (Cucumis melo) and summer squash (Cucurbita pepo). Plasticulture (raised beds covered in black plastic mulch) and strip tillage, two soil management systems commonly used for cucurbit IPM production, were compared to determine their impact on yield and pest numbers during the 2013–14 growing seasons. Additionally, the use of early season rowcovers and their impact on yield and pest pressure were investigated. Plasticulture use increased marketable yields compared with strip tillage for both summer squash and muskmelon, but strip tillage resulted in fewer total pests for both crops. Rowcover use did not have a consistent effect on insect pest numbers and showed a negative impact on the yield of both summer squash and muskmelon. No significant impacts on yield were observed when the interaction between rowcovers and the tillage system was investigated. The use of rowcovers impacted pest numbers, but these impacts were not consistent between insect pest species. Insecticide use was reduced in covered treatments, but only by one application. We concluded that these management techniques have the potential to be used in an IPM system, but the reduced marketable yield of strip tillage systems may reduce the adoption of this IPM technique for these crops.
Hydraulic Fluid Type and Remediation Practices on Hydraulic Leak Injury to Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens
Authors: Kaminski John E. , Lulis Tim T. , Russell Travis R.
Published: October 2019

Equipment with hydraulic implements are often used to maintain turfgrass surfaces. Hydraulic implements can malfunction and lead to leaks or spills of hydraulic fluid, which is phytotoxic to turfgrass. Previous research has documented extensively hydraulic fluid injury on warm-season turfgrasses, but these effects have not been evaluated on cool-season grasses and warrant further investigation. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare phytotoxicity of petroleum, vegetable, and synthetic hydraulic fluids on a creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) putting green and to evaluate the influence of postapplication remediation practices on reducing turfgrass injury. Turfgrass injury was evaluated over a 4-week period in 2011 and 2012 after simulated hydraulic fluid leak and remediation practices were applied. Complete necrosis was observed after 28 days for all hydraulic fluid types. However, water rinse (RO) or detergent soap solution drench followed by brushing in/water rinse (SBR) remediation practices effectively eliminated turfgrass injury by the end of the 4-week period for synthetic polyalkylene glycol fluid treatments, but no other hydraulic fluid types. Turfgrass managers might consider the synthetic polyalkylene glycol hydraulic fluid tested in this study as a less phytotoxic alternative to petroleum hydraulic fluids if a remediation practice is implemented after a leak or spill.
IMPLEMENTATION TECHNIQUE METHOD FOR ORDER PREFERENCE BY SIMILARITY TO IDEAL SOLUTION (TOPSIS) IN ASSESMENT OF DOG CHARACTERISTICS SYSTEM
Authors: Christine  , Agung Halim
Published: October 2019

Dogs are the most populated animals in 2016 according to a survey of pet populations by the UK's association of animal food makers (PFMA). With so many types of dogs and different characteristics, not all humans can choose the type of dog that suits their situation and condition. These non-conformities cause dogs to be dumped on the streets or abandoned without proper care.

Therefore the dog characteristics assessment system is made which aims to facilitate the user in choosing the type of dog that is suitable for the user's situation and condition. This system is made using the TOPSIS method (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). This system is based on the data of dogs registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club). This system uses eight criteria, three criteria for the filter process and five criteria for the weighting process. Of the five weighting criteria, there are three cost attributes and two benefit attributes. In the TOPSIS method (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) uses the principle that the chosen alternative must have the closest distance from the positive ideal solution and the longest (farthest) distance from the negative ideal solution.

The results obtained from this assessment system are by theory-based testing 50 times with a 78% suitability match percentage.

The conclusion obtained from this research is the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method is quite efficient to be applied in a dog characteristic assessment system
Hydrologic evaluation and effects of climate change on the Nong Han Lake Basin, northeastern Thailand
Authors: Supakosol Jirawat , Boonrawd Kowit
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the future runoff into the Nong Han Lake under the effects of climate change. The hydrological model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been selected for this study. The calibration and validation were performed by comparing the simulated and observed runoff from gauging station KH90 for the period 2001–2003 and 2004–2005, respectively. Future climate projections were generated by Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies (PRECIS) under the A2 and B2 scenarios. The SWAT model yielded good results in comparison to the baseline; moreover, the results of the PRECIS model showed that both precipitations and temperatures increased. Consequently, the amount of runoff calculated by SWAT under the A2 and B2 scenarios was higher than that for the baseline. In addition, the amount of runoff calculated considering the A2 scenario was higher than that considering the B2 scenario, due to higher average annual precipitations in the former case. The methodology and results of this study constitute key information for stakeholders, especially for the development of effective water management systems in the lake, such as designing a rule curve to cope with any future incidents.
An Insight into the Synthesis and SAR of 2,4-Thiazolidinediones (2,4-TZD) as Multifunctional Scaffold: A Review
Authors: Sethi Navjot Singh , Prasad Deo Nandan , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2019

2,4-Thiazolidinedione (2,4-TZD) is a versatile pharmacophore, a privileged scaffold, and a
remarkable sulphur-containing heterocyclic compound with diverse pharmacological activities. The
multifarious biological activities, due to different mechanisms of action, low cost, and easy availability
of 2,4-TZD impressed medicinal chemists to integrate this moiety to develop various lead compounds
with diverse therapeutic actions. This resulted in the swift development in the last decade for generating
different new potential molecules bearing 2,4-TZD. In this review, the authors attempt to shape and
present the latest investigations (2012 onwards) going on in generating promising 2,4-TZD containing
lead compounds. The data has been collected and analyzed to develop the structure-activity relationship
(SAR). The SAR and active pharmacophores of various leads accountable for antidiabetic, anticancer,
antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities have also been illustrated. This review also highlighted
some of the important chemical synthetic routes for the preparation of various 2,4-TZD derivatives.
This review will definitely serve as a useful source of structural information to medicinal chemists and
may be utilized for the strategic design of potent 2,4-TZD derivatives in the future.
Amphetamine Use in the Elderly: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Sassi Karina Lúcia Moreira , Rocha Natalia Pessoa , Colpo Gabriela Delevati , John Vineeth , Teixeira Antonio Lucio
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To systematically review the literature on the therapeutic use of amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate in elderly population with and without dementia.

Methods:

We conducted two researches on the PubMed, Scopus and Embase using the keywords (“elderly”) AND (“amphetamine” OR “methylphenidate” OR “lisdexamfetamine”) and then (“Alzheimer” OR “dementia”) AND (“amphetamine” OR “methylphenidate” OR “lisdexamfetamine”).

Results:

Twenty-nine papers met all the eligibility criteria. The results are encouraging as 81.5% of the studies showed clinical improvement of the investigated condition.

Conclusion:

Amphetamines and methylphenidate are probably effective strategies for different conditions in the elderly population. However, further studies are needed to provide more robust evidence on efficacy, dosage and safety for this population.
Biosynthesis and Kinetics of Silver Nanoparticles Formation by Reduction using Banana Kepok (Musa balbisiana) Peel Extract
Authors: Rengga Wara Dyah Pita , Setiawan Dhimas , Khosiatun Khosiatun
Published: October 2019

Biosynthesis and silver nanoparticles formation during the reduction of AgNO3were carried out by using an aqueous peel extract of banana kepok (Musa balbisiana) asa stabilizing agent. The formation of the stable silver nanoparticles with differentconcentration of AgNO3 has resulted in mostly spherical particles. The Ultraviolet-Visiblespectrophotometer, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffractometer were usedto characterize these biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. The spherical shapednanoparticles were uniformly distributed with the range diameter of 5 to 50 nm and theparticles were naturally crystallized with the crystal structure of the face-centered cubicgeometry. Additionally, the kinetics of the formation process of silver nanoparticles wasobserved by the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Based on the kinetic functions, the reductionprocess of banana peel extract had a constant formation rate of the autocatalytic processat 4.35 x 10-4/s.
A New Approach of Thin Coated Adsorbent Layer for Batch Adsorption Using Basic Dye
Authors: Azha S.F. , Ahmad A.L. , Ismail S.
Published: October 2019

Clay based adsorbent which formulated to acts as thin coated adsorbent layer (TCAL) is a new approach for adsorption of coloured wastewater. In this study, TCAL has been evaluated for the removal of methylene blue dye as an adsorbate from aqueous solution. It was prepared by combination formula of commonly known clay based adsorbent, a binder as well as solvent. This paper focused on evaluation of TCAL in terms of performance including effects of different types of binder used and ratio of adsorbent to binder. The study effect on ratio was targeted for its coating strength, contact time as well as percentage dye removal. The experimental data reported that the water based binder was the most suitable binder to be used in TCAL in terms of adsorption performance and gave strength to the coating adsorbent itself. The optimum ratio of adsorbent to binder is 0.3/2.5 weight mass. The percentage removal test for 100 mg/L concentration of Methylene Blue in batch adsorption of adsorbent coating layer was found to achieve 100 % removal within less than 3 hours. Elemental analysis and morphological structure were also determined. The finding revealed the potential of TCAL as an effective adsorbent for undertaken adsorption process on basic dye.
Preliminary Study on Extraction of Bio-flocculants from Okra and Chinese Yam
Authors: Lee Chai Siah , Chong Mei Fong , Robinson John , Binner Eleanor
Published: October 2019

Natural bio-flocculants were extracted from okra and Chinese yam using water extraction method, and the extract yield and their flocculating abilities were evaluated. Results showed that extraction of okra with seed removal and incubation followed by freeze drying enhanced the extract yield by 91% and improved the flocculating ability greatly by achieving solids removal of above 99% when compared with extraction without incubation and followed by oven drying. The effect of an incubation step was further investigated by using Chinese yam. With incubation, a higher extract yield of 2.95% was obtained compared with the extraction without incubation at 2.13% and high flocculating ability was achieved at 99.5% solids removal. To further investigate the application of bio-flocculants, the samples with the highest extract yield and flocculating ability were selected for a case study focusing on treatment of oleochemical wastewater. Yam bio-flocculant showed its flocculating activity with 80% solids removal when it was coupled with coagulant without pH alteration. However, pH adjustment was required for okra bio-flocculant. In conclusion, highly efficient okra and yam bio-flocculants were successfully extracted and their applicability to wastewater treatment was proven.
Performance Enhancement of Mixed Matrix Membranes through the Incorporation of Alkanolamines for CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Nasir Rizwan , Mukhtar Hilmi , Man Zakaria , Shaharun Maizatul Shima Bt. , Abu Bakar Mohamad Zailani
Published: October 2019

Diethanolamine (DEA) solution was used in this study to enhance the performance of polyethersulfone (PES) – carbon molecular sieve (CMS) mixed matrix membrane (MMMs). These new amine mixed matrix membranes (A3Ms) were fabricated at room temperature by using fixed concentration of PES, CMS and different concentrations (5, 10 wt. %) of DEA. The developed mixed matrix membranes were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) in order to investigate the effect of DEA addition on morphology and thermal stability. Gas performance tests were also performed to measure the permeance and selectivity. The characterization results showed that the membranes were thermally stable, dense and non-porous. The gas performance tests showed that the permeance and selectivity of A3Ms is higher than the native PES membrane. CO2 permeance increases with the increase of DEA concentration. Hence it was found that with an addition of 10% (wt. %) DEA at a pressure of 2 bars, the CO2 permeance was increased from 50.86 to 127.06 GPU and the CO2/CH4 selectivity was also increased from 3.08 to 12.30.
A Study on Synthesis and Testing of Polyols Using Soybean Oil and Castor Oil
Authors: Khan Shahzad Maqsood , Gull Nafisa , Akram Muhammad Yaseen , Haider Hakim Ali , Akram Muhammad Yasir , Imran Muhammad , Butt Muhammad Taqi Zahid , Jamil Tahir
Published: October 2019

The feasibility of methods of trans-esterification reactions for the preparation of polyols from unsaturated soybean oil and castor oil have shown in this study. The polyol products formed from soybean oil has primary alcohol functional group. For castor oil polyol, hydroxyl group of any chain of triglyceride is replaced by chlorine. Thus the polyol formed has two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Polyol is identified from hydroxyl functional group using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and characterized by acid value. It is seen that the synthesized polyols are useful in the treatment of processes, using polyols for the production of polyurethanes, and also manipulated to synthesize polyurethane with required properties.
Research on Biological Activity of some Extracts from Vietnamese Carica papaya Leaves
Authors: Vien Do Thi Hoa , Thuy Phung Thi
Published: October 2019

Carica papaya leaves have long been used in some folk remedies to treat cancer. This folk remedy originated from Queensland - Australia from 1978 (Harald W. Tietze, 1997). In Vietnam, there are some successful cases of using Carica papaya leaves for cancer treatment even though this mediation do not always work out. In this study, the soluble substances in water (aqueous extract), the carotenoid and the polar substances (polar extract) were extracted from Carica papaya leaves grown in Vietnam; the bioassays such as cytotoxicity on some tumor cell lines as well as antioxidant activity were also tested with obtained extracts. The results showed that all obtained extracts had antioxidant activity stronger than the control substance - vitamin C at the same tested concentration. At concentration of 100 μg/ml, the inhibitive activity on lung cancer cell line LU-1 of obtained extracts was highest, from 43.47% (aqueous extract) to 62.88% (polar extract). On carcinoma cell line KB, inhibitive ability of extracts was lower: 2.8% (polar extract) and 20.6% (aqueous extract). On the breast cancer cells MCF7, inhibitive ability of above extracts was quite high, from 33.95% to 56.19%. On the leukemia cell line HL 60, inhibitive ability of these extracts was also high, from 39.56 to 60.64%. In addition, the result pointed out that on stem cells isolated from mouse embryos (ESC), the obtained extracts was not toxic to healthy cells of this line. This suggested that extracts from Carica papaya leaves has the potential to become one of the natural substance products that can support cancer treatment in certain cases.
Optimisation of LS54/Dx Aqueous Two Phase System Conditions for Cutinase Recovery
Authors: Jahim Jamaliah Md. , Mohamad Abdul Wahab , Mutalib Fariza Akmal Abdul , Bakar Farah Diba Abu , Hassan Osman
Published: October 2019

Aqueous two phase system comprising Dehypon® LS 54 and K4484 Dextrin® was selected for recovery of cutinase enzyme. Parameters such as pH, system composition and type of salt as an additive, influenced the protein partitioning behaviour and optimisation of these parameters become necessary to be done in the design of primary recovery process of ATPS. The cutinase partitioning experiments were carried out with 30% of cutinase solution added to LS 54/Dx system. Results showed that cutinase enzyme preferred to partition into LS 54 rich-phase at pH 8.0 and the affinity of cutinase into top phase was observed higher with the increment of system compositions, which represented by tie line length (TLL). Furthermore, the addition of 50mM salts such as K2SO4 and KCl into LS 54/Dx system has led to raise partition coefficient of cutinase, kcut to 2.2 and 1.95 fold, respectively. The dependence of kcut on various additives such as (NH4)2SO4, Na2SO4 and K2SO4 at the same concentration, suggested that the addition of selected ions could enhance positive electrostatic potential which could attract more cutinase to partition into LS54 rich phase. As conclusion, the best conditions obtained for cutinase partitioning were pH8.0, TLL = 23% and Na2SO4 = 50mM, from which the maximum kcut of 2.83 with improved recovery of cutinase in top phase up to 79% can be achieved.
Natural Surfactant from Fatty Acid of Morinda citrifolia L. for Deinking Flotation
Authors: Trismawati Trismawati , Wardana I.N.G. , Hamidi Nurkholis , Sasongko Mega Nur
Published: October 2019

Natural surfactant is developed as fatty acid derivate from natural resources such as palm oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil. In South East Asia countries, the palm oil is used as the main resources of fatty acid derivate. Seed oil of Morinda citrifolia L. contains unsaturated fatty acid. It is extracted and concentrated. The concentrated fatty acid of Morinda citrifolia L. (CFAMC) is used as deinking surfactant. The CFAMC is analyzed by GCMS for its constituent and its deinking flotation performance is evaluated for yield, brightness, and ERIC of deinked pulp. Based on the old newspaper (ONP) pulp with brightness of 35.84 °ISO, and ERIC of 1982.4 ppm, the deinking flotation performance of CFAMC is approaching the natural surfactant. The brightness increase is 11.36% and 16.35%, and the ERIC reduction is 37.40% and 47.73% for CFAMC and natural surfactant respectively. SEM analysis is provided to see the residual Nanoink particles on the fibers.
Adsorption Compression Analysis for Supercritical Fluids using Ono-Kondo Model
Authors: Sumanatrakul Panita , Sangwichien Chayanoot , Aranovich Gregory , Donohue Marc D
Published: October 2019

In this paper, supercritical data has been evaluated and shown to demonstrate adsorption compression. Ono-Kondo analysis of adsorption isotherms for supercritical systems (including nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide on activated carbon Filtrasorb 400 and on zeolite 13X) indicates adsorption compression phenomenon at high pressure end just as in subcritical systems. Experimental isotherms for adsorption of supercritical fluids are plotted in Ono-Kondo coordinates with the Henry’s constant estimated based on results of modeling as well as calorimetric and chromatographic measurements. The linear sections of the results show the range of applicability of the classical Ono-Kondo model with constant energies of interactions. The slopes of these linear sections represent values and signs of these energies: negative slopes indicate repulsive interactions in adsorbed phase due to adsorption compression. Switching interactions from attractive to repulsive with an increase in the pressure for supercritical adsorption suggests that adsorbed phase has two regions. One is an attractive region at low-pressures and the other is a repulsive region at high pressures. It can be indicated that the shape of isotherms in Ono-Kondo coordinates can help to understand adsorbate-adsorbate energies; the slope of the line in Ono-Kondo coordinates gives the sign and magnitude of the energy as a function of adsorbate density.
Auxiliary Substrates for Elimination of Trichloroethene, Monochlorobenzene, and Benzene in a Sequential Anaerobic–Aerobic GAC Biobarrier
Authors: Gozan M. , Mueller A. , Tiehm A.
Published: October 2019

Sequential anaerobic-aerobic barrier is a novel concept for groundwater bioremediation. Trichloroethene (TCE), monochlorobenzene (MCB), and benzene (BZ) were used as model contaminants representing contaminant cocktails frequently found in the contaminated subsurface. The autochthonous microflora from a contaminated field was inoculated to eliminate model contaminants in a set of sequential anaerobic–aerobic granulated activated carbon (GAC) columns and batch studies. In the anaerobic column, the TCE was reductively dechlorinated through cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and ethene (ETH). Ethanol and sucrose as auxiliary substrates were added to donate electrons. In the second stage, MCB, BZ, and the lower chlorinated metabolites of TCE degradation, i.e. cis-Dichloroethene (cisDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC), were oxidatively degraded with addition of hydrogen peroxide and nitrate. This paper examines the influence of auxiliary substrates on the biological degradation of model pollutants. In the anaerobic barrier, the auxiliary substrates supply should be maintained low but stoichiometrically adequate for supporting reductive dechlorination. Supplying higher amount of auxiliary substrates provoked competitive reactions in anaerobic conditions, such as sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. If the auxiliary substrates are not utilized completely in the anaerobic phase, the remaining compounds flow into the aerobic phase. This led to unwanted conditions, i.e. oxidation of auxiliary substrates instead of pollutant elimination, and a higher consumption of electron acceptors. In the aerobic barrier, in particular, ethene proved to be a suitable auxiliary substrate for cometabolic degradation of cisDCE.
The Effect of the Presence of Cu2+ and Fe3+ Metal Ions on the Sorption of Mercuric Ion (Hg2+) by Sargassum cristaefolium
Authors: Alcantara Rochelle T. , Apodaca Dahlia C , Guzman Manuel R. De
Published: October 2019

Previous studies have indicated that the seaweed Sargassum cristaefolium is capable of binding with metal ions. The metal sorbing property of S. cristaefolium suggests its possible participation in the removal of Hg2+ ions in water and wastewater. However, the potential application of S. cristaefolium for environmental remediation and precious metals recovery depends on the understanding of the other factors that could play a role in the sorption process. This study illustrates the effects of some variables, such as pH and temperature, and that of the presence of other metal ions on the sorption process involving the binding of Hg2+ ions to S. cristaefolium. The uptake of Hg2+ ion was found to be affected by the initial concentration and the charge densities of the competing ions. Cu2+ ion shows a stronger affinity to Sargassum in the three metal systems of Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ ions. On the other hand, results show that Fe3+ ion is not a potential competitor for binding sites considering that no Fe3+ ion uptake by Sargassum has been observed.
Degradation Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen , Diem Phuong Ngoc , Roces Susan A. , Bacani Florinda T. , Kubouchi Masatoshi , Tetsuya Sakai , Yimsiri Piyachat
Published: October 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites are being used increasingly not only in strengthening structures of civil infrastructures and aerospace or automotive industries but also in many applications such as in medical fields or chemical plants. The present study relates to resin compositions having beneficial physical and mechanical properties, which may include improved resistance to delamination. This study focused on the different behaviors of CFRP composites when subjected to microwave irradiation. Based on the results of the 3-point bending test and SEM images, the delamination tendencies of breaking the CFRP under microwave were discussed. The results can be summarized as follows: (1) CFRP can be degraded under microwave irradiation; (2) two delamination tendency curves of CFRP by microwave irradiation were observed; (3) only the bending strength values of CFRP decreased with increasing microwave power and residence time; and, (4) the degradation of CFRP by microwave was limited.
Alcoholysis of Nyamplung Seed Oil Using Potassium Carbonate Catalyst
Authors: Sofiyah Sofiyah
Published: October 2019

The production of glycerol and ester by alcoholysis of vegetable oils has been widely studied. Various catalysts, such as sodium and potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid have been used to increase the rate of reaction. This preliminary research studied the possibility of using potassium carbonate catalyst. The experiment was conducted in an autoclave. A certain amount of nyamplung seed oil was poured into the autoclave and then the heater was switched on to heat up the oil to the required temperature of reaction. Besides, a mixture of ethanol and potassium carbonate was heated in a flask equipped with condenser to form ethanolate. As soon as the required temperature was reached, the ethanolate was quickly put into the autoclave containing the nyamplung seed oil. The temperature of the reaction was kept constant for a period of time. At the end of each process, a sample was withdrawn and analyzed for its glycerine content by acetin method. The variables studied were reaction time and catalyst concentration. The experimental data were evaluated by applying pseudo homogeneous approach. It was found that data were in good agreement with first order reaction with respect to nyamplung seed oil. Using an equivalent ratio of 5.1 ethanol to nyamplung seed oil, a temperature of lOQoC,and an agitation speed of 150 rpm, the favorable catalyst concentration was found to be at 0.008 gram of potassium carbonate per gram of nyamplung seed oil. Under this condition, the glyceride conversion was 0.5159 in 75 min.
Silvlated MCM-41 Synthesized from RiceHusk
Authors: Ketcome N. , Grisdanurak N.
Published: October 2019

Mesoporous material, MCM-41, synthesized from rice husk (RH-MCM-41) was modified by loading silylating agent (either Trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), Dimethyl- dichlorosilane (DMCS) or Phenyl-trichlorosilane (PTCS)) in different concentration (1-9 %wt), and aging time, varied from I, 6, 9 and 24 hr. Properties of samples were characterized by XRD, Nz adsorption, FfIR, and TPD and adsorption of water, hexane, and toluene. Chemical modification resulted smaller pore size average and less surface area of RH-MCM-41, from 2.9 to 2.2 nm and from 900 to 500 mZ/g, respectively. PTCS could affect RH-MCM-41 surface structure more than other two. Adsorption behavior of modified RH-MCM-41 was also reflected to comparatively higher hydrophobicity.
Degradation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Water Matrix Using UV/H202 Efect Of Initial PCB Concentration and Analysis of Reaction Product
Authors: Centeno Carmela R. , E. Estrellan Carl Renan , Maridable Julius B. , Abella Leonila C. , Gallardo Susan M.
Published: October 2019

his study investigated the effect of the different initialconcentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on its degradation in water matrix using UVIHP2 and on the formation of reaction intermediates or products. Simulated PCB-contaminated water solution was subjected to irradiation with 17 W, 254 nm wavelength UV lamp in a batch tubular reactor. The ratio of oxidant to PCBs, in terms of Arodor 1260, was based on 2,800 I!L HP2 isto 40 ppm PCB. Samples were extracted from the matrix by solid-phase extraction (SPE) method using C18 cartridges with hexane and ethyl acetate as solvents. The samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector System (GC-ECD) to determine the concentration of PCBs in the samples and pH was monitored every sampling time. The analysis of chloride (CI-)ion concentration in the samples was done using Argentometric titration. Determination of reaction intermediates and products was carried out with 40 ppm PCB concentration using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) system. A decrease in pH in the early stages of degradation was observed and the higher the initial concentration of PCB the greater was the drop in pH. The PCB degradation profile showed that from 1 to 40 ppm initial concentration, the degradation efficiency of UVIHP2 increased with increasing initial PCB concentration. At 80 ppm, however, it was observed that there was a decrease in the efficiency of the system. The inorganic chloride ions produced indicate that dechlorination took place in the system. GC-MS analysis verified the decrease in concentration of PCBs in the solution and showed the preferential attack of the UV/HP2 to PCBs over long chain saturated alkanes or waxes which contained the PCBs.
Photodegradation Kinetics of Phenol and Methylene Blue Dye Present in Water Stream Over Immobilized Film Ti02 Catalyst
Authors: Ling Chin Mei , Mohamed Abdul Rahman , Bhatia Subhash
Published: October 2019

A photocatalytic reactor has been designed to study the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of phenol and methylene blue dye present in water stream on immobilized Ti02 catalyst. The principal part of the reactor consisted of a cylindrical pyrex glass tube whose outer surface was coated with the synthetic Ti02 film catalyst prepared from sol-gel technique. An ultraviolet light lamp of 365 nm wavelength was set longitudinally in the center of the tube. The synthetic Ti02 film formulation with the molar ratio of 1 titanium isopropoxide : 8 isopropanol: 1.1 H20: 3 acetyl acetone: 0.05 acetic acid was used to develop the immobilized Ti02 film catalyst deposited over the glass support. The performance of the immobilized photocatalytic reactor was evaluated by studying the decomposition kinetics of phenol and methylene blue dye present in the aqueous stream. The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of phenol and methylene blue obeyed first order heterogeneous equation. The kinetic parameters were evaluated from the kinetic data using the Langmuir"Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) model. Keywords: Kinetics, methylene blue, phenol, photocatalytic reactor, and Ti02 film catalyst.
The Development of Chemical Industries In the Philippine
Authors: Jr. Dr. Servillano S.B. Olano,
Published: October 2019

This paper attempts to briefly describe the development and state of the chemical industry in the Philippines by presenting related information reported by government agencies and practitioners specificallyby the Chemical Industries Association in the Philippines.The informationcan help describethe weaknesses,problems, development aspects, prospects, and strengths of the industry. Hopefully, with the current development and the new and vigorous thrust of the government and private sector, trends for the coming years will be bright for the chemical industry and the industrialization of the country as a whole.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Life-Cycle Inventories of Electricity and Hydrogen as Energy Vectors for the Philippine Automative Transport Sector
Authors: Tan Raymond R. , Culaba Alvin B.
Published: October 2019

The Philippine automotive transport sector accounts for a significant portion ofthe country's petroleum consumption and air emissions. Research in alternative fuels for road vehicles is thus an essential element in the country's long-term-electrical environmental management strategy. Two radical vehicle technologies propulsion systems and fuel hydrogen for fuel cells - are widely considered to be the most promising energy vectors from an environmental standpoint. Electric vehicles (EV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCV) are driven by electric motors; the former use electricity stored in batteries, while the latter generate electricity from the oxidation of hydrogen. Potentially, both electric power and fuel hydrogen can be sustainably produced using renewable energy sources, and their use in vehicles generates almost no direct pollution. However, life-cycle assessment (LCA) may reveal significant environmental impacts from the infrastructure required to produce and distribute these energy vectors on a commercial scale. This study quantifies the life-cycle air emissions and energy balances associated with the use of electricity and hydrogen for motor vehicle propulsion in order to determine which fuel offers more environmental benefits. The assessment uses a modified version of the GREET 1.Sa fuel cycle inventory model, with corrections made to account for Philippine conditions. Sensitivity analysis is performed in the model to determine the effect of marginal power generation mix and system transmission losses on the life-cycle inventories of both energy vectors. The results of the simulation indicate that for a given marginal power generation mix, there is no clear-cut advantage in terms of environmental performance for either hydrogen or electricity.