bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium genavense infection in a solid organ recipient: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Ombelet S. , Van Wijngaerden E. , Lagrou K. , Tousseyn T. , Gheysens O. , Droogne W. , Doubel P. , Kuypers D. , Claes K.J.
Published: December 2015

Renal transplant recipients are highly susceptible to infections caused by uncommon pathogens because of their immunocompromised state. We report a case of disseminated Mycobacterium genavense infection in a patient with a combined renal and cardiac transplant. Diagnosing M. genavense infections remains a challenge because of the absence of specific clinical symptoms in combination with the difficulties of culturing the organism using standard mycobacterial culture procedures. This clinical case demonstrates the importance of molecular techniques as part of the initial work‐up in order to rapidly establish the diagnosis.
Aspergillus otitis in small animals – a retrospective study of 17 cases
Authors: Goodale Elizabeth C. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , White Stephen D.
Published: December 2015

Background

Aspergillus spp. are saprophytic opportunistic fungal organisms and are a common cause of otomycosis in humans. Although there have been case reports of Aspergillus otitis externa in dogs, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first retrospective case series describing Aspergillus otitis in dogs and cats.

Objective

To characterize signalment, putative risk factors, treatments and outcomes of a case series of dogs and cats with Aspergillus otitis.

Animals

Eight dogs and nine cats diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records from 1989 to 2014 identified animals diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis based on culture.

Results

All dogs weighed greater than 23 kg. The most common putative risk factors identified in this study were concurrent diseases, therapy causing immunosuppression or a history of an otic foreign body. Aspergillus otitis was unilateral in all study dogs and most cats. Concurrent otitis media was confirmed in three dogs and one cat, and suspected in two additional cats. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common isolate overall and was the dominant isolate in cats. Aspergillus niger and A. terreus were more commonly isolated from dogs. Animals received various topical and systemic antifungal medications; however, otic lavage under anaesthesia and/or surgical intervention increased the likelihood of resolution of the fungal infection.

Conclusion

Aspergillus otitis is uncommon, typically seen as unilateral otitis externa in cats and larger breed dogs with possible risk factors that include immunosuppression and otic foreign bodies; previous antibiotic usage was common.
IDENTIFICATION OF ON-AND OFF-LINE LINEAR STATE SPACE MODELS USING SUBSPACE METHODS
Authors: Khalid Nurul Syahirah , Abd. Wahab Norhaliza , Zakaria Muhammad Iqbal
Published: December 2015

In this paper, subspace identification methods are proposed to analyze the differences between On-And Off-Line Linear State Space Models Using Subspace Methods. There are several ways that can estimate the order of the system. For this paper, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is used to estimate the order of the system. Comparing with the others methods, this method only need a limited number of input and output data for the determination of the system matrices. Two methods of the subspace algorithm are used which is N4SID (Numerical algorithm for Subspace State Space System Identification) and MOESP (Multivariable Output-Error State-Space model identification).
SIMULATIVE STUDIES ON ULTRASOUND INTERACTIONS FOR STEEL PIPE TRANSMISSION
Authors: Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Pusppanathan Muhammad Jaysuman , Mohd Yunus Fazlul Rahman , Chiew Loon Goh , Buyamin Salinda , Md Yunos Yusri , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Fazalul Rahiman Mohd Hafiz , Zakaria Zulkarnay
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the simulative studies on the use of ultrasonic sensors for steel pipe investigation. Using the acoustic impedance, calculations are done to estimate the propagated ultrasound signal based on its reflection and transmission percentage. The ultrasound wave propagation simulations are then further studied using a modeling software to simulate and visualize the wave interactions between different boundaries. Experiments done with real hardware have shown correlation with the numerical and simulation studies.
PID PARAMETERS OPTIMIZATION USING PSO TECHNIQUE FOR NONLINEAR ELECTRO HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR
Authors: Othman Siti Marhainis , Rahmat Mohd Fua’ad , Md. Rozali Sahazati , Salleh Sazilah
Published: December 2015

Electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA) system inherently suffers from uncertainties, nonlinearities and time- varying in its model parameters which cause the modeling and controller designs are more complicated. Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control scheme has been proposed and the main problem with its application is to tune the parameters to its optimum values. This study will look into an optimization of PID parameters using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Simulation study has been done in Matlab and Simulink.
HOLONOMIC AND OMNIDIRECTIONAL LOCOMOTION SYSTEMS FOR WHEELED MOBILE ROBOTS: A REVIEW
Authors: Aziz Safar M. Juhairi
Published: December 2015

Holonomic and omnidirectional locomotion systems are best known for their capability to maneuver at any arbitrary direction regardless of their current position and orientation with a three degrees of freedom mobility. This paper summarizes the advancement of holonomic and omnidirectional locomotion systems for wheeled mobile robot applications and discuss the issues and challenges for future improvement.
ANALYZING AND EVALUATING A PMV-BASED THERMAL COMFORT MODEL IN CONTROLLING AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Authors: Ahmad Aidil Sukri , Abdul Shukor S. A. , Kohlhof Karl , Zahid Jamal Zul Azhar , Mohamad Azizul
Published: December 2015

The usage of air conditioning system to create a thermally comfortable environment in tropical countries is often a must, not necessarily luxurious any longer. However, the extreme usage of the system will lead towards higher consumption of energy and higher cost. A promising energy efficient model developed based on the Predictive Mean Vote (PMV) is analyzed and evaluated here to distinguish its workability. This model only requires the user to enter their respective PMV value (from -1 to +1) and the respective parameters will be inserted into the air conditioning system, which is based on the standard thermal comfort ISO 7730. Analyses and evaluations were done based on the measurements from human subjects and their feelings towards the surroundings were recorded to see the performance of the model. From here, more than 91% of the subjects agree with the parameters used in defining their thermal comfort. This proves the workability of the model towards controlling the air conditioning system in creating a thermal comfort ambience at lower energy consumption, and further simulative investigations are appreciated before implementation.
Q-IBADAH MOBILE APPLICATION: A USABILITY PILOT TESTING
Authors: Saidin Aeni Zuhana , Mohamed Khairun Salwa , Husnayat Adzmi Zayana , Azhar Nurul Wadhihah
Published: December 2015

Q-Ibadah is a mobile application that aims to nurture KAFA students on their Islamic and religious knowledge.  The lack of accessibility of digital and online KAFA subject resources have become the motivation in the development of this mobile app.  Design and development of this application have followed the software development phases by iterating its design based on the results gathered during the usability pilot-testing phase.  As a result, few alterations were suggested for the next development cycle. This research is aimed to provide more contemporary learning style for this important religious lesson for children in Malaysia.
MEASURING PERCEIVED HELPFULNESS OF COMPUTERIZED DECISION AID FOR YOUTH
Authors: Sarif Siti Mahfuzah , Ibrahim Norfiza , Shiratuddin Norshuhada
Published: December 2015

The nature of a decision aid is to provide assistance to the users. The assistance should be evaluated from two different perspectives, as human decision making models are mostly based on two approaches: process oriented and outcome oriented. Hence, the property of providing useful assistance (i.e., helpfulness) through a decision aid needs to consider both process and outcome factors. This study explores the constructs of measuring helpfulness through a systematic process which result in four dimensions being identified: reliability, decision making effort, decision process awareness, and confidence. A quantitative validation was also reported on measuring perceived helpfulness of a computerized decision aid for youth, known as YouthPDA.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY FOR LAPTOP MAINTENANCE (MAR4LM)
Authors: A. Shaaban Ousama , Che Mat Ruzinoor , Mahayudin Mohd Hafiz
Published: December 2015

Currently, laptops have become a necessity to most of the people as laptop provides mobility and helps in doing the task that a normal desktop PC can do. However, the malfunction of the laptop hardware will distract the user work and decrease the productivity. By utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) that combine real world and virtual world, a laptop maintenance application can be made in reality. The objective of this paper is to discuss on how to develop Mobile Augmented Reality for Laptop Maintenance (MAR4LM) applications. This AR application specifically develop for smart phones based on the android platform. Therefore, this study presents a way to understand and discuss the process of using this new technology on the android platforms. This application has been proven in increasing the understanding of the users about their laptop and doing maintenance on their own self. In addition, laptop maintenance tasks will become straightforward, easy to use, interactive, and easily available anywhere and anytime.
INTEGRATION OF PERSUASIVE MULTIMEDIA IN DESIGNING LEARNING APPLICATION FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Authors: Othman Azliza , Wan Yahaya Wan Ahmad Jaafar , Muniandy Balakrisnan
Published: December 2015

This paper focuses on the design of learning application with the purpose to provide knowledge on child sexual abuse (CSA) to children ages 7 to 9 years old. Currently, children are not aware of prohibited adult touches to their body due to lack of knowledge on CSA. Moreover, information on how to avoid potential of CSA and self protection is still lacking. In such situation, they need to be educated and made aware of the danger of sexual abuse. In providing a better learning aid, this study incorporates multimedia learning and persuasive technology in developing a learning application named Persuasive Multimedia Learning Application (PMLA). Additionally, this study also adopts the components in constructivist learning environment (CLE) for the organization of the contents in designing PMLA. Then, perceived motivation test was conducted to assess children’s learning experience after using the application. The results show that the integration of multimedia and persuasive technology has potential in motivating children in using the application and facilitating them for better understanding on CSA.
EXPERIENCING MUSEUM LEARNING THROUGH MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTIONS
Authors: Alwi Asmidah , McKay Elspeth
Published: December 2015

The use of multimedia instructions for learning purposes has become very common due to the advances of the Internet technology. With this reason, museums around the world are utilizing such technology in order to provide richer museum learning experiences to their visitors. This paper discusses a study that investigated the relationship between multimedia instructional strategies with individual cognitive styles preferences in a museum environment. Comparison of the web-based and physical museum settings , the findings based on a pre-test post-test quasi experiment reveals that the general performances of museum visitors exposed to multimedia instructions in a web-based environment is better than in the physical environment. Further analysis on the individual cognitive styles preferences (SCSD) and the combined cognitive style (CCSD) were also discussed. The analysis also reveals that there is an interactive effect between the individual cognitive styles and the multimedia instructions in the museum learning experience.
CHILDREN ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A ROAD SAFETY APPLICATION
Authors: Shaari Nassiriah , Saidin Aeni Zuhana , Alwi Asmidah
Published: December 2015

Road safety campaigns and programs have been extensively introduced and implemented in Malaysia. However, their effectiveness is still being debated. Children especially will become the unfortunate victims of road accidents if they are unaware of the danger and precaution actions to be safe on the road. In response to that, this paper introduces an application as an alternative that inculcates road safety awareness to further support existing related programs and campaigns. Particularly, an interactive web application incorporating interactive multimedia elements has been designed and evaluated. Results on the usability test indicate a promising success and highlight aspects and issues that can be further focused for improvement and enhancement.
INHALABLE AND RESPIRABLE DUST FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT
Authors: Mohd Din Shamzani Affendy , Othman Rashidi , Nik Yahya Nik Nurul Hidayah , Hanapi Norsyamimi
Published: December 2015

Among the anthropogenic air pollutant that lead to the global warming, this research focuses on the inhalable dust and respirable dust that comes from the emissions of coal. Recently, the demand of electricity supply in Malaysiais raising and leads to the diversification of its resources towards the non-renewable energy. Coal-fired power plant emission had been recognized as one of the manmade sources of particulate matter. 8-hours personal particulate matter sampling had been done at a coal-fired power plant with 7-hole sampler at 2 L/min air flow and cyclone sampler at 2.2 L/min air flow. This study found that 96.78 % of the result from total inhalable dust exceeds the PM10DOE Malaysia standard of 0.15mg/m3. The percentage ratio of respirable towards total inhalable dust is 50.25%. Further analysis showed that as the temperature increases, the particulate matter concentration also increases. It is believed that the smaller particles offer higher degree of human health risk. The particulate from coal with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micron and lesser can be deposited into deeper part of lung and provide adverse health impact towards the public or residence of surrounding coal-fired power plant location area, generally and coal-fired power plant workers, in specific.
OPTIMAL TIMAH TASOH RESERVOIR IN, PERLIS: AN OPERATION USING THE GRAVITATIONAL SEARCH ALGORITHM (GSA)
Authors: Ahmad Asmadi , Mohd Razali Siti Fatin , El-Shafie Ahmed , Mohamad Zawawi Samba
Published: December 2015

The construction of a dam or a reservoir can have a serious impact the environment. When dealing with the increasing water demand from irrigation and water supply, alternative solution has to be sought way rather than building a new dam. Therefore, reservoir optimization can be employed as a new approach in sustainable engineering to solve this kind of problem. In this paper an optimization algorithm based on the Newton law of gravity, which is called Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), is introduced for optimal reservoir operation study. In GSA, every mass has four specifications, which are position, inertial mass, active gravitational mass, and passive gravitational.Â  The location of the mass is the solution of the problem, with the gravitational and inertial masses being determined by using a fitness function. Furthermore, The algorithm was applied to the Timah Tasoh reservoir and the release policy was tested by using simulation of demand and release. The result revealed that 72% of the times the reservoir managed to fulfill the demand to the users. Moreover, with the new optimized release policy, the dam operator can manage the reservoir release for the users by determining the inflow pattern, as well as by and observing the current storage condition as a guideline
SUSTAINABLE HOSPITAL FOR URBAN RESIDENTS
Authors: Mohd Din Shamzani Affendy , Nik Yahya Nik Nurul Hidayah , Othman Rashidi
Published: December 2015

Malaysia is one of the sustainable countries in the world as it ranked at 51st over 178 countries in Environmental Performance Index (EPI). However, Malaysia as an upper-middle-income country set strong forces in Gross Domestic Production from 2009 until 2014 at 16.18 per cent (%) inclination. The urbanisation activities exposing the urban residents to the concentration of fine and ultrafine particulates matter (PM) include the urban area hospital occupants. The main aim of this research is to investigate the adverse health effects towards the patients in hospital specifically, Kuala Lumpur in general. Significantly, the outcome assist in particulate matter impact control in expenditure by general government and promotes the sustainable hospital ambient towards its occupants. The case study for this pilot study is Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL). The approaches used are literature review and data collections. The findings identified the motor vehicles as the main sources of Particulates Matter in Kuala Lumpur urban area. As the sources increases, the PM concentration also increases. Simultaneously, the number of patients facing respiratory related diseases also increased.  Contradict to previous researchers’ theory, Malaysian results shows that as the number of unhealthy days increase in the year 2012, yet the morbidity case reported decreases. This is for the general government had spent at an increment of 7.46% in the year 2011 during the fall of unhealthy days at 11.76 % in 2011. This shows that the general government spend effectively to mitigate the repeat cases of respiratory patients facing by high risk communities. In conclusion, the sustainable development can be achieved as the economy is being blend well with the environment.
THE EFFECT OF VARIES CAMERA CALIBRATION FIELDS ON CAMERA PARAMETERS
Authors: Yusoff Ahmad Razali , Mohd Ariff Mohd Farid , M. Idris Khairulnizam , Majid Zulkepli , K. Chong Albert
Published: December 2015

All photogrammetric applications need good camera parameters for mapping purpose, such as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that encompassed with camera devices. Simple camera calibration is commonly used in many experiments in order to obtain the camera parameter’s value. In aerial mapping, interior camera parameters value of close-range camera calibration is used to correct the image error. However, the changes of the interior calibration parameters used need to be considered at different heights of mapping. Therefore, this research aims to contribute by analyzing of camera parameters’ changes from three heights using calibration field, and one camera calibration in the laboratory as commonly used. Camera distance heights of 15 metre, 25 metre, 55 metre, and 1.4 metre camera distance in the laboratory. The results show the changes in camera parameter’s value. Hence, value of camera calibration parameters of a camera is considered different and can change depend on the distance (height) of calibration.
FIELD MEASUREMENT OF PARTICULATE MATTER INSIDE A BUS PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
Authors: Ahmad Shafie Noor Emilia , Mohamed Kamar Haslinda , Kamsah Nazri
Published: December 2015

Passengers commuting with buses are exposed to indoor air that contains contaminants such as particulate matters (PM).  These contaminants could affect the passenger’s health in long and short term durations. Depending on the size of the particles, a respiratory allergy and airborne transmission could affect the passenger’s health.  This article presents a field measurement to assess the airborne particles concentration of particulate matters inside a passenger bus compartment. The data collections were done at the front, middle and rear sections of the compartment, at a height of 1.1 m from the floor.  The field measurements were carried outfrom 7.30 AM to 9.00 AM, 1.30 PM to 2.30 PM and from 4.15 PM to 5.00 PMwhich are the peak hours periods.  A HPC300 handheld particles counter was used to measure the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. The results show that the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly high during the afternoon and evening hours. Also, the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were higher at the front section of the passenger compartment compared to the middle and rear sections. It was also found that the peak hour periods, ventilation setting, infiltration, boarding and unboarding of passengers are among the factor that would increase the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 particles inside the passenger compartment.
EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE AND MICROCLIMATE ON THE DISTRIBUTION FERNS IN AND URBAN AREAS
Authors: Othman Rashidi , Mohd Latiff Nur Hanie , Tukiman Izawati , Hashim Khairusy Syakirin Has-Yun
Published: December 2015

The aim of the research is to explore the potential of fern species as natural ecological indicator agent to forecast microclimate changes in the urban area. Ferns which also known as pteridophyte are not only valuable in term of its ethno-botanical uses such as food and medicine but also useful in ecological values. Other than that it can be used to treat unhealthy environment such as absorbing methane gas, fertilizing land and treating heavy metal such as arsenic as well as can be used as a potential ecological indicator agent for microclimate changes. In this research, observation and measurement were made at two different environments which are natural environments; Gunung Jerai, Kedah and Lata Jarum, Pahang and manmade setting environments; Hospital Serdang, Serdang and Secret Garden, Kuala Lumpur. Interestingly results from two case studies of natural environments indicated that the distribution and abundance of fern species strongly influenced by differences in altitude. Twelve fern species were found at different elevations at Gunung Jerai, Kedah whereas 20 fern species were found at Lata Jarum, Pahang. Among the species found at Gunung Jerai were Selaginella willdenowii, Arcypteris irregularis, Adiantum caudatum, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Histiopteris stipulacea, Athyrium cordifolium, Osmund wachellii, and Cyathea contaminans. Whereas the species found at Lata Jarum are Dicranopteris linearis, Phymatodes scolopendria, Antrophyum callifolium, Arcypteris irregularis, Phymatodes crustachea, Selaginella willdenowi, Angiopteris evecta and Aglaomorpha heraclea. Another factor that influences the occurrences of the fern species is microclimate particularly atmospheric factor. Results observed from both case studies showed that light intensity, relative humidity and temperature also influenced the distribution of fern species. Therefore fern species are excellent ecological indicator which can be used as phytoindicator for unhealthy environment such as harsh environment or to predict microclimate changes at urban area.
EFFECT OF CUTTING PARAMETERS ON CUTTING ZONE IN CRYOGENIC HIGH SPEED MILLING OF INCONEL 718 ALLOY
Authors: Musfirah A. H. , Ghani J. A. , Che Haron C. H. , Kasim M. S.
Published: December 2015

In tribology phenomenon, surface roughness has become one of the most important factors that contributed to the evaluation of part quality during machining operation. In order to understand the behavior of cryogenic cooling assistance in machining Inconel 718, this paper aims to provide better understanding of tribological characterization of liquid nitrogen near the cutting zone of this material in ball end milling process. Experiments were performed using a multi-layer TiAlN/AlCrN-coated carbide inserts under cryogenic and dry cutting condition. A transient milling simulation model using Third Wave Advantedge has been done in order to gain in-depth understanding of the thermomechanical aspects of machining and their influence on resulted part quality. The cryogenic results of the cutting temperature, cutting forces and surface roughness of the ball nose cutting tool have been compared with those of dry machining. Finally, experimental results proved that cryogenic implementation can  decrease the amount of heat transferred to the tool up to almost 70% and improve the surface roughness to a maximum of 31% when compared with dry machining. Furthermore, the microstructure of machined workpiece revealed that cryogenic cooling also can reduce a plastic deformation at the cutting surface as compared with the dry machining.
WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATION BASED ON WATER QUALITY INDEX IN SUNGAI LANGAT, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Ahmad Salleh , Kutty Ahmad Abas , Raji Fauziah , Saimy Intan Sazrina
Published: December 2015

A study to determine the Water Quality Index (WQWQII) of Sungai Langat was conducted in which 10 sampling stations were selected. Water quality samples were taken according to the standard methods recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA) and manual HATCH for the lab tests. The measurements done on site were to obtain reading parameters such as temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels using the meter YSI 556 MPS. Laboratory analysis was conducted to get parameter readings such as total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH3-N). All the parameters tested were the sub index needed in the calculation of the water quality classification.  River classification is done according to the National Water Quality Index (WQS). The Pearson statistical correlation analysis was carried out to show the relationship between the sub-index parameter of (0.01) and the sampling stations for all parameters studied. Stations 1 and 2 were categorized in class I with an average value of (93.55 ± 2.27) and (92.56± 2.54) respectively. Station 3 recorded an average WQI reading of (91.55 ± 2.33) in class II while stations 4 to 10 recorded readings from (76.03 ± 4.72) to (68.60 ± 4:51) in class III. Generally the results show that the Water Quality Index from the sampling stations are categorized between classes I to III.
A STUDY OF CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENS ON THE KITCHEN SURFACES
Authors: Al Amin Murni Noor , Wan Dagang Wan Rosmiza Zana
Published: December 2015

Cross-contamination provides the opportunity for various of bacteria to be deposited on each of the surface contact during meal preparation. Raw poultry especially raw chicken was the main reservoir of foodborne pathogens that can cause foodborne diseases. Therefore, a study on the potential of cross-contamination contribute to spread E. coli, Salmonella spp. and S. aureus on the kitchen surfaces during chicken preparation was conducted. A total of 36 isolates were collected from six sampling sites before and after the chicken preparation. The enumeration of the bacteria from the sampling sites showed a significant change in the mean total plate counts (TPC) of the isolates before and after the chicken preparation. These results emphasized that cross-contamination occurred around the sampling sites during the preparation of the chicken. Isolation and identification of the three foodborne pathogens, E. coli, Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were carried out on its respectively selective and differential media. The presumptive identified foodborne pathogens were confirmed as E. coli, Salmonella spp. and S. aureus according to their microscopic and biochemical characteristics.
USING MANNOSE AS A POSITIVE SELECTION OF TRANSFORMED CARICA PAPAYA L. VAR ‘EKSOTIKA’
Authors: A. Razak Roslinda , Sekeli Rogayah , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Abdullah Janna Ong
Published: December 2015

The main objective of this study is to develop marker-free transgenic papaya plants via positive selection using phosphomannose isomerase (pmi) gene. Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) is an enzyme that converts mannose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate, a glycolysis intermediate that supports the growth of plant cells. To establish a marker-free positive selection system using this PMI, the effect of mannose on the growth and development of embryogenic ‘Eksotika’ papaya callus was evaluated. One-month old embryogenic calli were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium in which 60 g/L sucrose in the original recipe was replaced with different concentrations of mannose and sucrose. Mannose was supplied as the sole carbon source or in combination with sucrose at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 g/L. Embryogenic calli cultured on medium supplemented with a ratio of 0:60 g/L mannose: sucrose was used as a control. The results after six sub-cultures showed that most of the embryogenic calli transferred on media containing only mannose turned brown. Higher concentrations of mannose resulted in higher percentage of brown calli (dead). Mannose at 30 g/L mannose was found to be effective for screening transformed embryogenic calli.  Evaluation of papaya transformation efficiency using this positive selection system was pursued using 650 one-month-old embryogenic calli Agrobacterium-transformed with pNOV2819 harboring the pmi gene. Only transformed cells are capable of utilizing mannose as a carbon source to grow. After five months on mannose selection, all 67 putative transformants obtained were PCR-positives for the pmi gene.
FLOOR SLIPPERINESS MEASUREMENT UNDER SPILLAGE CONDITION
Authors: Ahmad Norazrin Azwani , Md. Tap Masine , Syahrom Ardiyanshah , Mohd Rohani Jafri , Johari Mohamed Fitri
Published: December 2015

To understand the risk of slipping accidents in the industry, it is imperative to measure the coefficient of friction (COF) between footwear and floor. In this study, COF values were measured for four types of floor with five surface conditions that represent dry conditions and four liquid spillage conditions. A portable skid-resistance tester was used to measure the COF with three footwear materials attached on the slider. The results show that the interaction between floor type, footwear material, and surface conditions was significant (p< 0.0001). Variation of COF value was found due to different footwear materials and floors involved during the interaction. The friction loss results also conclude that the COF became reduced significantly in all footwear-floor conditions (in the range of 17% to 78%) in the presence of spillage on the floor.
A STUDY ON BENCHMARKING UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE AND IMPLEMENTATION BARRIERS IN MALAYSIAN OIL PALM INDUSTRY
Authors: Rahman Norashikin , Md Deros Baba , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , A. Ghani Jaharah , Saleh Chairul
Published: December 2015

This paper is based on a survey conducted on top management’s benchmarking understanding, awareness and barriers in the Malaysian oil palm industry. The two main objectives of this paper are: firstly, to investigate the level of understanding and knowledge; secondly, to identify the barriers that could hinder and disrupt the benchmarking implementation in the Malaysian oil palm industry. A survey questionnaire tested for reliability and validated by experts and practitioners was developed and distributed through postal mail and email to 700 respondents involved in the oil palm industry.  Survey results revealed that 77.9% of them are still in the moderate category, 8.1% in the low category and only 14% have good benchmarking understanding and knowledge. Survey results also showed that the three main barriers faced during the benchmarking implementation are due to: lack of understanding on the benchmarking knowledge, lack of clarity with regard to specific areas to be benchmarked and top management culture
MATHEMATICAL PRODUCT RECOVERY MODEL FOR PERISHABLE GOODS
Authors: Alif Lee Ayu Artini , Md Tap Masine , Ma'aram Azanizawati , Redzuan Norizah
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a perishable product recovery model that aim to maximize the total recovery value of the return product. The perishable product under consideration has a property of quality degradation over time and can be reprocessed. The proposed model are expected to decide which, when and how does the return product being retrieve from the retailer.
HUMAN MOVEMENT REPRESENTATION IN VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT USING GAMING SOFTWARE
Authors: Mohamaddan Shahrol , Syed Shazali Syed Tarmizi , Zainal Abidin Ana Sakura , Case Keith
Published: December 2015

Human movement in crowd can be considered as complex and unpredictable. In this research, image analysis, video observation and conceptual behaviour was developed as a method to understand the human movement in crowd. Based on the method, human movement was represented or converted into the virtual environment using gaming software called DarkBASIC Professional (DBPro). The developed program using DBPro was applied as a tool to simulate and predict human movement in different building layout. Two subjects (adult and older people) were selected as the virtual entities. Human movement at the bottleneck and non-bottleneck layout was presented in this paper as example of case study.
OPERATION OVERLAPPING APPROACH IN MTS PRODUCTION TYPOLOGY TO ASSIST THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Authors: Saleh Chairul , Agitya Raisa Rahma , Badri Huda Muhammad , Md. Deros Baba
Published: December 2015

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has appeared to be important in business practices in order to survive in the competition. Sustainable performance assessment, that includes economic, social, and environmental aspects need to be given due attention by the business players in order to understand the position of the company so that it can fulfill customer satisfaction. In this research, each of the aspects is measured using different methods. The Economic performance assessment is represented using the Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR) model that helps in measuring the success of a supply chain operation. It uses 15 indicators deemed relevant in the Make-to-Stock production typology that is distributed into five performance attributes. The economic assessment is then obtained through these performance attributes that result in 97.5% in agility, 92% in cost, 78.2% in reliability, 72% in asset management, and 40.67% in responsiveness. Meanwhile, the social performance assessment is directed at employee's welfare. Questionnaires are distributed to 30 employees to measure company's commitment to address their social issues. It results in a perfect score as 100% in fair salary, annual allowance, and training, while health insurance and safety equipment only cover 70% and 30%, respectively. The environmental aspect is noticed on the wastewater management, since it mainly contributes for company's waste. The assessment lies on the liquid contamination test and is compared to the maximum standard level, set by the government. Environmental assessment shows 76.8% in acidity, 71.93% in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), 33.15% in temperature, and 0% in both Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). While this research is focusing on improving the performance in the supply chain process (Economic aspect), which is the worst assessment in the economic aspect, which is responsiveness, it is selected to be improved to reach an optimum performance. Therefore, the operation-overlapping approach is applied in the scheduling of the production process to improve company’s responsiveness, which is from 40.67% to 60.67%.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW MODEL OF MOTORCYCLE SEAT WITH BUILT-IN LUMBAR SUPPORT
Authors: Mohd Shafiei Umi Kalsom , Karuppiah Karmegam , Mohd Tamrin Shamsul Bahri , Yong Meng Goh , Rasdi Irniza , Alias Ayuni Nabilah
Published: December 2015

Motorcycle is getting significant attention as it is already and will be an important mode of transport in the future. However, motorcycle is a hazardous type of vehicle mode and therefore requires more efforts to enhance their safety and comfort level. As compared to car drivers, motorcyclists are more exposed to sitting hazards during the riding process. Due to increased exposures to seated postures, sitting comfort has become an important issue that demands adequate ergonomic interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of new model of motorcycle seat with lumbar support aimed at reducing muscle discomfort among male motorcyclists. This study was conducted among male motorcyclists at University Putra Malaysia (UPM). 94 subjects were participated, with 47 subjects for each control and experimental group. Each subject was asked to sit for 2 hours on motorcycle in two different sessions. At every 15 minutes interval, subjects were required to evaluate their discomfort level on Borg’s scale CR-10 questionnaire. Results in this study found that lumbar support (prototype) shows a significant effect towards certain body parts particularly on the neck, shoulder, upper back, arms and also lower back. However, there were no significant effect were found on the buttock, thigh, knee, calf and ankles. In conclusion, this new model of motorcycle seat with lumbar support can help to reduce discomfort level towards motorcyclists especially during prolonged riding process.
COMPARATIVE DOCKING STUDY OF ‘DUKUNG ANAK’ PHYTONUTRIENT COMPOUNDS WITH ANTI-CHOLESTEROL PROPERTIES
Authors: Rozano Lina , Abdullah Zawawi Muhammad Redha , Ahmad Muhammad Aizuddin , Jaganath Indu Bala
Published: December 2015

Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) has been a useful strategy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Molecular docking study was carried out to study the effects of geraniin and its metabolites on 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase acts on melavonate pathway for cholesterol production in the liver but high level of cholesterol in the body may lead to cardiovascular disease where low density lipoprotein accumulates and forms atherosclerotic plaque. In clinical treatment, drug statin is used to block 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase function to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease but there are unwanted effects where drug statin may cause muscle pain and liver damage. Naturally obtained phytonutrient compounds, geraniin and urolithin groups from dukung anak or scientifically known as Phyllanthus sp. were evaluated for 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitory activity using in silico docking studies. Most of these compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase in comparison with known drugs of cardiovascular disease. The binding energies of urolithin A, urolithin B-glucoronide and urolithin D-glucoronide were compared with that of geraniin and it was found that these phytonutrient compounds may have more potent inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase comparable with the current drug for cardiovascular disease.
Atomic layer deposition by reaction of molecular oxygen with tetrakisdimethylamido-metal precursors
Authors: Provine J , Schindler Peter , Torgersen Jan , Kim Hyo Jin , Karnthaler Hans-Peter , Prinz Fritz B.
Published: December 2015

Tetrakisdimethylamido (TDMA) based precursors are commonly used to deposit metal oxides such as TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2 by means of chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Both thermal and plasma enhanced ALD (PEALD) have been demonstrated with TDMA-metal precursors. While the reactions of TDMA-type precursors with water and oxygen plasma have been studied in the past, their reactivity with pure O2 has been overlooked. This paper reports on experimental evaluation of the reaction of molecular oxygen (O2) and several metal organic precursors based on TDMA ligands. The effect of O2 exposure duration and substrate temperature on deposition and film morphology is evaluated and compared to thermal reactions with H2O and PEALD with O2 plasma.
Ultraviolet photodetector based on MgxZn1-xO films using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Lin Yu-Chang , Lee Hsin-Ying , Lee Ching-Ting
Published: December 2015

A plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) system was used to deposit magnesium zinc oxide (MgxZn1−xO) films with various Mg content (x). The MgxZn1-xO films were applied to metal–semiconductor–metal ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (MSM-UPDs) as an active layer. The Mg content in the MgxZn1-xO films was modulated by adjusting the ZnO–MgO cycle ratios to 15:1, 12:1, and 9:1. Correspondingly, the Mg content in the MgxZn1-xO films characterized using an energy dispersive spectrometer was 0.10, 0.13, and 0.16, respectively. The optical bandgap of the MgxZn1-xO films increased from 3.56 to 3.66 eV with an increase in Mg content from 0.10 to 0.16. The peak position of photoresponsivity for the MgxZn1-xO MSM-UPDs was also shifted from 350 to 340 nm. The UV-visible rejection ratios of the MgxZn1-xO MSM-UPDs were higher than 3 orders of magnitude. In addition, excellent detectivity and noise equivalent power for the MgxZn1-xO MSM-UPDs were observed at a bias voltage of 5 V. The high performance of the MgxZn1-xO MSM-UPDs was achieved by PE-ALD at a low temperature.
Atomic layer deposition of NiS and its application as cathode material in dye sensitized solar cell
Authors: Mahuli Neha , Sarkar Shaibal K.
Published: December 2015

Nickel sulfide (NiS) is grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using sequential exposures of bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dionate)nickel(II) [Ni(thd)2] and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at 175 °C. Complementary combinations of in situ and ex situ characterization techniques are used to understand the deposition chemistry and the nature of film growth. The saturated growth rate of ca. 0.21 Å per ALD cycle is obtained, which is constant within the ALD temperature window (175–250 °C). As deposited films on glass substrates are found polycrystalline without any preferred orientation. Electrical transport measurement reveals degenerative/semimetallic characteristics with a carrier concentration of ca. 9 × 1022 cm−3 at room temperature. The ALD grown NiS thin film demonstrates high catalytic activity for the reduction of I−/I3− electrolyte that opens its usage as cost-effective counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells, replacing Pt.
Physical Activity and Safety From Crime Among Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: da Silva Inacio C. M. , Payne Valerie L. C. , Hino Adriano Akira , Varela Andrea Ramirez , Reis Rodrigo S. , Ekelund Ulf , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: December 2015

Background:

The aim of this study was to review the evidence to date on the association between physical activity and safety from crime.

Methods:

Articles with adult populations of 500+ participants investigating the association between physical activity and safety from crime were included. A methodological quality assessment was conducted using an adapted version of the Downs and Black checklist.

Results:

The literature search identified 15,864 articles. After assessment of titles, abstracts and full-texts, 89 articles were included. Most articles (84.3%) were derived from high-income countries and only 3 prospective articles were identified. Articles presented high methodological quality. In 38 articles (42.7%), at least one statistically significant association in the expected direction was reported (ie, safety from crime was positively associated with physical activity). Nine articles (10.1%) found an association in the unexpected direction and 42 (47.2%) did not find statistically significant associations. The results did not change when we analyzed articles separately by sex, age, type of measurement, or domains of physical activity evaluated.

Conclusions:

The current evidence, mostly based on cross-sectional studies, suggests a lack of association between physical activity and safety from crime. Prospective studies and natural experiments are needed, particularly in areas with wide crime variability.
In-school and Out-of-school Physical Activity in Preschool Children
Authors: O’Neill Jennifer R. , Pfeiffer Karin A. , Dowda Marsha , Pate Russell R.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Little is known about the relationship between children’s physical activity (PA) in preschool (in-school) and outside of preschool (out-of-school). This study described this relationship.

Methods:

Participants were 341 children (4.6 ± 0.3 years) in 16 preschools. Accelerometers measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) in-school and out-of-school. In the full sample, Pearson correlation was used to describe associations between in-school and out-of-school PA. In addition, children were categorized as meeting or not meeting a PA guideline during school. MVPA and TPA were compared between the 2 groups and in-school and out-of-school using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results:

In the full sample, in-school and out-of-school PA were positively correlated for MVPA (r = .13, P = .02) and TPA (r = .15, P = .01). Children who met the guideline in-school remained comparably active out-of-school. However, those who did not meet the guideline were more active out-of-school than in-school. The groups were active at comparable levels while out-of-school. Identical patterns were seen for MVPA and TPA.

Conclusions:

Children’s in-school PA was positively associated with out-of-school PA. Children who did not meet the guideline in-school were more active out-of-school than in-school, suggesting preschool and classroom factors may reduce some children’s PA in-school.
The Effect of Lifestyle Interventions on Excess Ectopic Fat Deposition Measured by Noninvasive Techniques in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hens Wendy , Taeymans Jan , Cornelis Justien , Gielen Jan , Van Gaal Luc , Vissers Dirk
Published: December 2015

Background:

Reduction of ectopic fat accumulation plays an important role in the prevention of insulin resistance in people with overweight or obesity. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the current evidence for the use of noninvasive weight loss interventions (exercise or diet) on ectopic fat.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Clinical trials in PubMed, PEDro, and the Cochrane database were searched.

Results:

All 33 included studies described the effect of lifestyle interventions on ectopic fat storage in internal organs (liver, heart, and pancreas) and intramyocellular lipids (IMCL), hereby including 1146, 157, 87, and 336 participants. Overall, a significant decrease of ectopic fat was found in liver (−0.53 Hedges’ g, P < .001), heart (−0.72 Hedges’ g, P < .001) and pancreas (–0.55 Hedges’ g, P = .098) respectively. A trend toward decrease in IMCL was also observed. Meta-regression indicated a dose-response relationship between BMI reduction and decreased hepatic adiposity. Exercise alone decreased ectopic fat but the effect was greater when combined with diet.

Conclusions:

Lifestyle interventions can reduce ectopic fat accumulation in the internal organs of overweight and obese adults. The results on IMCL should be interpreted with care, keeping the ‘athlete’s paradox’ in mind.
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema in hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Soumagne Thibaud , Pana-Katatali Héloïse , Degano Bruno , Dalphin Jean-Charles
Published: December 2015

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema is a distinct syndrome reported in patients who smoke. A 72-year-old, never-smoking female dairy farmer was referred for progressive dyspnoea on exertion, basal crackles on auscultation, normal spirometry and normal lung volumes but decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, centrilobular emphysema in the upper zones of the lungs and diffuse infiltrative lung disease in the lower zones on high-resolution CT scan. Bronchoalveolar lavage differential cell count showed 35% lymphocytosis, and precipitating antibodies forWallemia sebi,Trichodermaspecies andCladosporium sphaerospermumwere identified. The diagnosis of farmer's lung disease with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema was retained. This case highlights for the first time that hypersensitivity pneumonitis should be suspected in the setting of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema in non-smoking patients.