bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A REVIEW OF SYSTEMATIC APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE REDEVELOPMENT OF A CLOSED LANDFILL SITE
Authors: Nochian Ashkan , Mohd Tahir Osman , Maulan Suhardi , Mikaeili Ali Reza
Published: May 2016

Landfills are the common method of waste disposal. A closed landfill site can be an eyesore land and cause environmental hazardous impacts on surrounding areas. A sustainable solution for redevelopment of a closed landfill site, returns the land to an attractive and beneficial after-use. This study aim to identify potential sustainable solutions and factors in the redevelopment of closed landfill sites. The paper critically reviews the literature regarding vital understanding of the redevelopment process. The study also analyzed the successful landfill redevelopment projects in a wide range of time and locations to suggest the best end-use option. Additionally, the study offers an approach for integrating the social, economic and environmental benefits through the sustainable redevelopment solution contributing to the universal sustainable development and green built environment.
FRESH STATE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE INCORPORATING POFA
Authors: Mohamad Noridah , Abdul Samad Abdul Aziz , Nadjua A. , Goh W. I. , Anas A.
Published: May 2016

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is considered as a concrete, which can be placed and compacted under its own weight without vibration. The elimination of the need for compaction leads to better quality concrete and substantial improvement of working conditions. This paper investigates the fresh state and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete incorporating palm oil fuel ash (POFA) as a substitute for cement. Portland cement (PC) was partially replaced with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% POFA. The water to cement ratio was fixed at 0.4 for all mixtures. The workability of self-compacting concrete in terms of viscosity was determined from slump flow test (Diameter and T500), and V-funnel. The mechanical property tests were conducted on SCC cubes and cylinders to determine its compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. The results indicate that replacement of 5% POFA is the optimum value for cement replacement to obtain high workability and mechanical properties of concrete. SCC achieved the highest compressive strength at 28 days, which is 38.4 MPa, and MOE of 31.6 GPa with 5% POFA replacement.
THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURED CONCRETE ROOF TILE COMPOSITE USING CLAY AND RICE STRAW FIBRES ON A CONCRETE MIXTURE
Authors: Abas Noor Faisal , Abd Rased An Nisha Nur Welliana
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a review of research on the development regarding concrete roof tile composite using clay and rice straw on concrete mixture to produce sustainable building materials in reducing indoor temperature during hot and dry weather. Architects today are less stressed about the impact and significance of roofing material to reduce indoor air temperature in the building design. Concrete roof tile is an exceptionally strong product and can endure wind and storm that would tear up other roofing types. Because of its excellent strength, concrete roof tile can withstand lifetime of your home. It is less expensive than many of the roofing tiles that it competes with a wonderful combination and its longevity. Nevertheless, concrete roof tile is non-heat insulation and also rather heavy. The combination of concrete with clay can make the concrete roof tile as a bad conductor, become heat insulation material and reduce indoor temperature level. Rice straw is the natural fiber consists of great thermal to improve indoor air quality and alleviates the issue of the weak mechanical strength of combination with concrete and clay. Besides, it can reduce the density of concrete because it has a lower density than other fibers.
ASSESSMENT OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY, THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY AND SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE FOAMED CONCRETE
Authors: Mydin Md Azree Othuman
Published: May 2016

This paper focuses on experimental study to investigate the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of lightweight aggregate foamed concrete. All the specimens used were tested at 1250 kg/m3 of concrete density. The mix design proportion used for cement, sand and water ratio was 1: 2.67: 0.50. The artificial lightweight aggregate were used as additives by volume percentage of 10%, 13% and 17% based on specific density of artificial lightweight aggregate. Thermal test result shows that thermal conductivity value has fulfill the requirement for semi structure with thermal insulation characteristic which is below than 0.75W/mK and the specimen highest value is 0.66 W/mK. The rate for thermal diffusivity shows that high percentages of lightweight aggregate will reduce the thermal diffusivity. Specific heat capacity test show that the reading was higher when the percentage of lightweight aggregate is higher in lightweight concrete. This is due to the existence of moisture in the lightweight aggregate.
PEDESTRIAN POTENTIAL RISK WHILE CROSSING AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS
Authors: Hamidun Rizati , Kordi Nurul Elma , Endut Intan Rohani , Ishak Siti Zaharah , Mohd Yusof Mohd Faudzi
Published: May 2016

Risk of pedestrian while crossing a road section may influence by several factors, including their crossing behaviors which might be difficult to be measured. In this paper, a model using Petri nets is introduced to consider the behavioral factors in measuring pedestrian risk. The crossing scenario of the pedestrian was observed to identify the pedestrian accident event. Sequence of event in pedestrian accident was modeled into Petri Nets elements. The model is designed in the hierarchical structure to consider risk factors related to human behavior, engineering and environment. The analysis of the model provides the numerical value of pedestrian potential risk as they crossed at a signalized intersection. The effect of each factor on the potential risk can be observed through sensitivity analysis.  The use of Petri Nets is a novel approach in predicting pedestrian potential risk through the modeling of pedestrian accident process.
ASSESSING THE CONTENT VALIDITY OF HOSPITAL DISASTER RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT
Authors: Takim Roshana , Samsuddin Nor Malyana , Nawawi Abdul Hadi
Published: May 2016

Hospital disaster resilience assessment is a process of analysing the condition of the site, building, people and operations through a checklist of indicators (i.e., structural, non-structural and functional). As in 2011, Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction has been established with twofold objectives: 1) by 2011, assessments on the safety of existing hospital facilities to be undertaken and 2) by 2015, action plans for hospitals should be developed and implemented in disaster prone countries. Howbeit the initiative was established, valid instruments for assessing resilience of existing hospital are lacking particularly in Malaysia. Hence, the objective of the paper is to evaluate the content validity of the disaster resilience hospital assessment instrument. Two methods were employed in the form of document analysis (7 instruments) and CVR & CVI questionnaire (6 experts). Based on the document analysis, 129 elements with three main constructs are suggested to be incorporated in the instrument. The CVR scores revealed that 48 out of 129 items are regarded as the utmost critical (structural - 2; non-structural - 7; and functional - 39). The findings for I-CVI and modified kappa coefficient however revealed that 122 items in the instrument are appropriate and excellent. The remaining seven items values are considered fair and poor and recommended to be eliminated. In addition, based on the S-CVI/Ave it is revealed that the content validity of the proposed instrument is adequate. As for this reason, it is noteworthy that the instrument to be highly regarded for evaluating the existing hospitals’ resilience.
EDUCATIONAL BUILDING FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Nazri Nurul Aida , Ismail Zulhabri
Published: May 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a general term used for a group of people who suffer from complex disorders of neural development. Individual with autism face the problem of development disability where it significantly affects their communication, social interaction as well as behaviour. Besides that, autism also associated with learning ability where it depends on their severity. In response to a growing number of children with autism, the action should be taken to address the needs and problems of these individuals. Therefore, it is essential to provide a conducive environment to enhance their performance especially in terms of learning. This paper unveils the theoretical framework of the study which incorporates existing policies and initiatives regarding to building facilities in Malaysia as well as variables in order to enhance learning environment of children with autism within the context of educational facilities. A qualitative research method has been applied to achieve the objectives of this research. Preliminary findings were gathered through semi-structured interviews with teachers that deal with children with autism. The result indicates that building construction and environmental services have a great influence on children with autism especially in learning.
COMPARING THE RIGIDITY OF THE PRESTRESSED AND NON-PRESTRESSED FOUNDATION
Authors: Labudkova Jana , Cajkaa Radim
Published: May 2016

If compared with reinforced concrete, the prestressed concrete is able to resist higher loads before cracks develop. As cracks reduce considerably rigidity of the element, the prestressed element can be regarded as rather rigid. The article compares the rigidity of the prestressed and non-prestressed foundations in two axes. Prestressed and non-prestressed variant is made for foundation structure of the rolling device in the Block Mill. A parametric study was created for investigation of impacts of the prestress on the foundation height. The savings of the concrete due to prestressing was also observed.
COPPER REMOVAL FROM BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM USING MODIFIED ADSORBENT DERIVED FROM GROUNDWATER TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE AND RICE HUSK
Authors: Kutty S. R. M. , Ezechi E. H. , Khaw S. G. , Lai C. L. , Isa M. H. , Salihi I. U.
Published: May 2016

Copper removal from synthetic wastewater by biomass assisted adsorbents was evaluated in this study. Three different biological reactors of the same size (8.5 L) were aerobically operated at solid retention time (SRT) of 30 days and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 0.8 day. The first reactor was operated with biomass alone as the control reactor. The second reactor consist of biomass and ground water treatment plant sludge (GWTPS) whilst the third reactor consist of biomass and hybrid adsorbent (HA), which comprises 50% of microwaved incinerated rice husk ash (MIRHA) and 50% of GWTPS. The reactors were operated in eight different phases (Phase 1 – 8). Phases 1 – 2 were operated as acclimation period during which the biomass were allowed to stabilize within the reactor without copper addition. From phase 3 – phase 8, copper was added to the influent of the reactors at various concentrations and the reactor performance was monitored every two days. Results revealed that copper removal with the control reactor (RC) was markedly inferior compared with the reactors supported with GWTPS and HA adsorbents. The copper removal in the control reactor was in the range 0.47 – 2.62 mg/L from phase 5 to phase 8. Copper removal in the GWTPS reactor was in the range 0.19 – 0.83 mg/L from phase 5 to phase 8 whereas copper removal in the HA reactor was in the range 0.27 – 1.09 mg/L at the same conditions. Percentage removal of copper was 85 %, 94 % and 95 % for the control, GWTPS and HA reactors, respectively. The adsorbents, GWTPS and HA reactors removed copper effectively. This study demonstrates that solid waste materials such as GWTPS and HA can be beneficially utilized to improve biomass tolerance towards heavy metal toxicity and yields a significant removal of copper.
REMOVAL OF OIL AND GREASE FROM WASTEWATER USING NATURAL ADSORBENTS
Authors: Abdul Hamid Noor Sa’adah , Che Malek Nur Afirah , Mokhtar Hamizah , Mazlan Wan Suriatty , Mohd Tajuddin Ramlah
Published: May 2016

There are several pollutants that can harm our environment. Oil and grease are one of the examples of a pollutant that can cause a severe environmental problem. The highest concentration of oil and grease inside the sewer system can cause the sewer to clog that can lead to overflow. It can affect not only to the environment but can also affecting our health.  There are various methods of oil and grease removal that one of the examples is by using adsorption method. This method commonly uses activated carbon that is one of the effective adsorbents. Although effective, the cost for activated carbon is expensive thus a study was conducted by using agricultural residues as alternative adsorbents for oil and grease removal. This study objective is to determine the ability of two adsorbents, which are sugarcane bagasse and banana pith as an adsorbent in removing oil and grease from wastewater. It involved the characterization of adsorbent and the performance studies of the adsorbent. The adsorbent was characterized in term of physical and chemical characterization. Dosage and contact time are the parameter used for performance studies, to see the ability of adsorbents in removing oil and grease.
AN ELECTRIC SHAKE TABLE SYSTEM FOR DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
Authors: M. Bathan Gharry , G. Baldovino Renann , Ferrer Jose B. , B. Yao Cameron , E. Manabat Vincent Boy , P. Liza Fred
Published: May 2016

This study presents the design and development of an electric shake table system. The system was used to train civilians and professional responders for disaster preparedness and emergency training. The developed system can simulate actual ground shaking by combining both horizontal and vertical shaking motions produced by the two induction motors. Moreover, the table simulation can produce intensity ranging from III to VIII in accordance to the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS). The table’s motion was tested using a wireless digital seismograph to measure its effectiveness in tracking different earthquake intensities.
TEMPERATURE RISE OF COLD-FORMED STEEL BUILT-UP BACK-TO-BACK COLUMN UNDER STANDARD FIRE
Authors: Muftah Fadhluhartini , Mohd Sani Mohd Syahrul Hisyam , Mohammad Shahrin , Poi Ngian Shek , Md Tahir Mahmood
Published: May 2016

Cold-formed steel (CFS) has been used for various applications in building structure. Due to its many advantages, the uses of CFS can be widened to build new or to renovate existing single one or two families private homes. However, the fire resistance of the CFS is a critical issue whereby inclined to lose its vigour when it is exposed to fire, compared to hot-rolled steel member. This study takes the opportunity to investigate the application of this material as column members subjected to the standard fire. Four columns were tested. One column with a static load was tested under the ambient condition, while the three other columns were loaded at different degrees of utilisation under the standard ISO 834 fire conditions. The increases of temperature on the column surface were monitored using thermocouple Type K and the analyses of this thermocouple reading was taken to evaluate the mean temperature of the column. The temperature behaviours of back-to-back column for all degrees of utilisation showed that, the web was a lower temperature compared to the flange due to the greater thickness of the web. Meanwhile, the failure temperature of the CFS could reach up to 651.0 ºC for 30.0 % degree of utilisation with 8.0 minutes of resistant time.
EVALUATION OF SLUDGE FROM COAGULATION OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT WITH CHITOSAN BASED COAGULANT
Authors: Mohd Tadz Mohd Yuhyi , Ghani Nur Ain Farhana , Mohammad Sobani Hazwani Hawa
Published: May 2016

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) have been declared as one of the major source of environmental pollution due to indiscriminate discharge into watercourses. POME contained appreciable amount of nutrients that is beneficial to plants. However, direct usage of POME would results in toxification of plants and crops. Extraction of these nutrients would be beneficial for agricultural purposes. In this study, the sludge obtained from coagulation and flocculation of POME using chitosan based coagulant was evaluated. In addition, the fertility of the sludge was also evaluated by a set of pot trial tests using Scindapsus Aureus. Comparison was made using commercially available fertilizer. It was found out that macronutrients such as Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) initially contained within POME were removed, however the removal of Potassium (K) was found to be less effective. Interestingly, pot trial test results indicated that Scindapsus Aureus grows better using chitosan based sludge as compared to commercially available fertilizer.
CHARACTERIZATION ON SILICA FROM WASTE SUGARCANE BAGASSE FOR MEMBRANE FABRICATION
Authors: Mokhtar Hamizah , M. T. Ramlah , M. I. Aida Isma , A. H. Nabilah Huda , A. H. Noor Sa’adah , M. Wan Suriatty
Published: May 2016

The used of additive enhance the surface of the membrane layer and can be choose from various material. Examples of commonly used additive in membrane are Polyethylene glycol, silica oxide, cellulose acetate and Polyvinylpyrrolidone. Silica oxide was proven have ability to minimize the fouling problem hence increase hydrophobic properties of membrane. Silica also can be extracted from rice husk ash, sugarcane bagasse, sorghum vularae seed and kenaf by precipitation method, biodigestion and sol-gel process. Silica extraction from sugarcane bagasse was chosen as the organic additive for membrane formation. In order to investigate the suitability of the material, several characterization test have been conducted. There are thermal, microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. Thermal gravimetric analysis was performed on sugarcane bagasse to determine the amount of silica that can be extracted from it. Results of TGA on sugarcane bagasse show that the peak temperature at 315.70 °C are defined as crystalline melt. After the melt transition, the baseline takings to a slightly lower position than the pre-melt baseline. The post-melt baseline changes slope as the sample begins decomposition while TGA extrapolated onset temperature of 241.56 °C as this sample decomposes. The analysis of microscopic shows that the addition of silica from sugarcane bagasse changed the surface structure of the membrane especially at top layer and sub layer. Sugarcane bagasse show bands for carboxylate (COO-) and hydroxyl (OH-) groups. The availability of negatively charged groups at the surface of sugarcane bagasse shows potential to be used as additive in membrane fabrication.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE WITH FIBRES AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURE
Authors: Petrus Clotilda , Azhar Huurun ‘Ain , Lyn Dee Goh , Ismail Ruqayyah , Alisibramulisi Anizahyati
Published: May 2016

Concrete, when exposed to high temperature, can cause spalling, cracking, and severe damage, which could lead to a sudden collapse of a building. One of the solutions for overcoming this weakness of concrete is by incorporating fibres in the concrete mix. Concrete incorporated with more than one type of fibres is often known as hybrid concrete. In this paper, the compressive strength of the hybrid concrete when exposed to elevated temperature is studied. The result is compared to concrete mixed with a single type of fibre of polypropylene or steel fibres. An observation of spalling is also carried out to verify the compressive strength test. The test results showed that both the single fibre specimens with steel fibre and hybrid specimen improved by 23.34% and 24.60% in residual strength compared with other residual strengths of concrete specimens.
MEASURING THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS FROM THE CONTAMINATED SOIL REMEDIATION POLICY IN KOREA: A CONTINGENT VALUATION STUDY
Authors: Lim Seul-Ye , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: May 2016

Soil contamination caused by economic growth through industrialization and urbanization has been progressed inKorea. Soil polluted with heavy metals and chemicals makes significantly negative effects on human and wildlife health. This paper attempts to measure the economic benefits from the contaminated soil remediation policy using a specific case study ofKorea. To this end, the contingent valuation (CV) method is employed. A CV national survey of randomly selected 500 households was implemented using person-to-person interviewing in May 2105.  To elicit the willingness to pay (WTP), we apply one-and-one-half bound dichotomous choice question format to reduce the potential for response bias and spike model to deal with zero willingness to pay (WTP). The mean WTP for the policy is estimated to be KRW 1,357 (USD 1.2) for next ten years per household per year and statistically significant at the 1% level. Expanding the value to the national population gives us KRW 25.4 billion (USD 22.9 million) per year. We can judge that the Korean public places a significant value and be utilized in assessing the total benefits from the policy.
TENSILE BEHAVIOR OF BOLTED TIMBER COMPOSITE HALF-LAP CONNECTION FOR KERUING AND SESENDOK
Authors: Rosdi Nurain , Yasin Mohd Hanafie , Mohd Azam Mohd Hazim , Hassan Rohana
Published: May 2016

Over recent years, half-lap connection is widely used all over the world to provide longer structural member due to limited size of sawn timber in construction industries. Timber connected in joints may reduce overall mechanical properties of the structure. This paper present finding on a series of connection of half lap bolted joint member from Keruing (SG5) and Sesendok (SG7) timber species. The half-lap connection were subjected to tensile test and reinforced with GFRP sheet that were conducted until failure to determine their tensile behavior. The results showed that the GFRP help to increase the load carrying capacity of all the timber specimens especially timber species that lies in a weak strength group for almost 30 % by strength.
STRESS DISTRIBUTION OF SECONDARY BENDING IN SINGLE-LAP BOLTED JOINTS WITH DISSIMILAR JOINING PLATES AND PLATE TYPES
Authors: Ahmad Hilton
Published: May 2016

Single-lap joints are an important class of bolted joint in the aerospace and civil engineering sectors. This type of joint is preferred as it can reduce weight and hence help to optimize fuel efficiency. However, bolted single-lap joints exhibit secondary bending due to eccentricity of the applied loads. Flexural of plates during tensile loading alters the contact regions in the single-lap joint significantly, resulting in more non-linear behaviour and a stress gradient across the plate thickness. 3-D bolted single-lap joint were modelled in ABAQUS CAE incorporating the effect of the bolt tension from application of a tightening torque. Current 3-D model used elastic properties based on smeared-out properties, the effect of joint construction is considered further by examining the stress in a composite-composite joint and comparing with a composite-steel joint. In a related investigation the effect of varying composite thickness in the composite-steel joints is also studied.
MODELING WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR EFFECTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT ALLOCATION IN SELANGOR
Authors: Mohd Firdaus Hum Nurul Nadiah , Abdul Talib Suhaimi
Published: May 2016

Water in Selangor is getting scarce due to its rapid economic growth. A fast growing population and expanding urbanization in the state creates new demands for water availability. Thus, the present study analyses the effects of three different scenarios using Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model to evaluate the plausible future water scenarios of water availability in Selangor. The first scenario is business as usual which is later referred to as reference in this study. Second, higher population growth and the third is the application of the demand side management onto the reference and higher population growth scenario. These scenarios were then used to calculate the impact on the supply – demand gap by the year 2050. Two catchments were used namely Selangor and Langat to illustrate the water supply and demand in the state of Selangor. The study then generates information for use in managing water allocations amongst economic sectors in Selangor as the explicit accounting in the description of the water supply and demand among the urban and industry water usage is advocated. Such detailed scenario simulation and the inclusion of previously unaccounted for factors like the higher population growth and water savings management can help to create awareness of potential future problems, inform water practices and suggest management alternatives. Results show that with proper water savings measures, water deficit within Selangor will be significantly reduced.
SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF MALAYSIAN ACALYPHA INDICA: BIOCHEMISTRY AND HAEMATOLOGY ANALYSIS OF RAT
Authors: Hazali Norazlanshah , Mohd Nazri Nurul Nadia , Ibrahim Muhammad , Masri Mashita
Published: May 2016

Acalypha indica is one of the medicinal plants that have been used since ages to treat various diseases such as pneumoniae, asthma and skin diseases. This study aimed to explore the subchronic toxicity effect of Acalypha indica on Sprague Dawley rats based on haematological and biochemical parameters. The extract of Acalypha indica was prepared by aqueous extraction technique. 48 Sprague Dawley rats aged 7 weeks, weighing 150-200g were randomly divided into four groups, 6 animals per gender. A control group received water vehicle while three treated groups received the extract at dosage of 100 (low dosage group), 200 (medium dosage group) and 300 (high dosage group) mg/kg body weight. The sample was administered orally by using oral gavage daily for 90 days. No sign of toxicity and mortality was recorded in all groups throughout the study. There were no significant different (p>0.05) in body weight gain, food and water intake between control and treatment group. However, there was significant different in uric acid between control and high dosage group of male and female rats but the mean were in normal range. There were also reduced in mean of urea and creatinine in all dosage group of male and urea for all dosage group of female. Statistically significant reduced in urea was recorded between control and high dosage group of male only. Other parameters showed no significant different between control and treatment groups. Therefore, Acalypha indica is safe for human consumption and might be potential in reducing kidney damage problem.
STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT OF SAND TREATED BY BIOCEMENTATION PROCESS AND HEMP FIBER
Authors: Piriyakul Keeratikan , Iamchaturapatr Janjit
Published: May 2016

This article presents the green technology using biocementation process to initiate the crystal forms of carbonates to bind the soil particles resulting in soil mechanical improvement. This research examines the feasibility of microorganisms capable of hydrolyzing urea with production of carbonate collected from natural and agricultural soils. The biocement was prepared by a mixture of calcium salt, urea, and microbial suspension extracted from collected soil samples. The calcium crystal forming shapes was studied. This research measured the ammonification rate in biocemented process. Non-destructive testing method using shear wave velocity was applied for strength measurement in sand mixed with hemp fiber of 0.5 1.0 2.5 5.0 10.0 and 20.0% by volume. The optimum hemp fiber of 2.5% was found and formation of calcite layer on sand surface could be useful for the stabilization of the sand or earth structures.
ANALYSIS OF GAMMA IRRADIATED FOURTH GENERATION MUTANT OF RODENT TUBER (TYPHONIUM FLAGELLIFORME LODD.) BASED ON MORPHOLOGY AND RAPD MARKERS
Authors: Sianipar Nesti Fronika , Purnamaningsih Ragapadmi , Gumanti Devie Lolita , Rosaria Rosaria , Vidianty Merry
Published: May 2016

Rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) is an herbal medicinal plant with anticancer activity. The genetic diversity of rodent tuber is low due to vegetative propagation. Somatic cell population of rodent tuber from Bogor had been irradiated with gamma ray to increase genetic diversity. There were 37 clones of first generation putative mutant (MV1) which had been analyzed based on morphological and RAPD markers. Out of those 37 MV1 clones, there were 17 clones which had undergone genetic mutation and had a diversified genetic profile. MV1 had been regenerated to fourth generation putative mutant clones (MV4). This research was aimed to analyze the mutation stability of MV4 based on morphological and RAPD markers. Clone 6-1-2 had the highest increase of the number of shoots and leaves than control and the other MV4 clones, with 4.7 and 19.7 shoots and leaves, respectively. Clone 6-1-1-6 obtained the highest increase in plant height than control and the other MV4 clones, i.e. 25.2 cm. Clone 6-9-5 had the weightiest fresh and dry weight, i.e. 41.67 gram and 12.01 gram respectively. RAPD molecular marker analysis of MV4 by using 15 primers had produced 64 polymorphic DNA bands out of 146 total bands. OPD-10 primer produced the highest number of polymorphic bands, i.e. 15 polymorphic bands out of 17 total bands with sizes 200-2000 bp. RAPD profile of MV4 had showed 5 main clusters at similiarity coefficient cut-off 0.91. Morphological characterization and RAPD analysis had proved the stability of genetic mutation of MV4.
MODELING OF ANAEROBIC CO-DIGESTION OF PIG MANURE AND DOMESTIC ORGANIC WASTE
Authors: Thongnan Rachadaporn , Thongpan Hathaikarn , Rakmak Nirattisai , Siripatana Chairat
Published: May 2016

The normal practice in Thailand is that the wastes from pig-farms and households are treated separately.  Nutrient imbalance as well as other physico-chemical characteristics of each waste cause the anaerobic digestion process to work at suboptimal rates. This work is an attempt to describe the kinetics of anaerobic co-digestion of wastewater mixture from a pig-farm and domestic organic waste to understand the effect of their ratio on the biogas production efficiency in batch digesters which mimic a similar industrial practice. The batch experiments were carried out at three different temperatures (28 oC, 32oC and 35oC ), with and without initial pH adjustment (pH 7), and four levels of total solid (8%,12%,16% and 20% TS). It was found that the best operating condition was 35 oC, 16% TS and the pig-manure-to-domestic-waste ratio of 75:25. The modified Gompertz equation was used to estimate some Monod parameters and biomethane potential. Then modified two-substrate Monod equation was used to estimate the maximum specific biogas production rate (MBPR). It was also used to describe the microbial growth, substrate consumption and biogas production satisfactorily.
Modeling of a Dry Dual Clutch Utilizing a Lever-Based Electromechanical Actuator
Authors: Deur Joško , Milutinović Milan , Ivanović Vladimir , Eric Tseng H.
Published: May 2016

The paper proposes a dynamic model of an automotive dry dual clutch system, which comprises submodels of a lever-based electromechanical actuator and a dual clutch assembly. The model is developed by using the bond graph approach, and it can be used for clutch design, analysis, and control tasks. Special attention is devoted to modeling of friction, compliance, and lever geometry effects, as they are the ones that predominantly determine the accuracy of clutch static curve description and computational efficiency of the model. Several custom-designed test rigs are utilized for the purpose of collecting the experimental data needed for model parameterization and validation. Experimental validation demonstrates a good modeling accuracy for a wide range of operating parameters.
Iterative Learning Identification/Iterative Learning Control for Linear Time-Varying Systems
Authors: Liu Nanjun , Alleyne Andrew
Published: May 2016

This paper integrates a previously developed iterative learning identification (ILI) (Liu, N., and Alleyne, A. G., 2016, “Iterative Learning Identification for Linear Time-Varying Systems,” IEEE Trans. Control Syst. Technol., 24(1), pp. 310–317) and iterative learning control (ILC) algorithms (Bristow, D. A., Tharayil, M., and Alleyne, A. G., 2006, “A Survey of Iterative Learning Control,” IEEE Control Syst. Mag., 26(3), pp. 96–114), into a single norm-optimal framework. Similar to the classical separation principle in linear systems, this work provides conditions under which the identification and control can be combined and guaranteed to converge. The algorithm is applicable to a class of linear time-varying (LTV) systems with parameters that vary rapidly and analysis provides a sufficient condition for algorithm convergence. The benefit of the integrated ILI/ILC algorithm is a faster tracking error convergence in the iteration domain when compared with an ILC using fixed parameter estimates. A simple example is introduced to illustrate the primary benefits. Simulations and experiments are consistent and demonstrate the convergence speed benefit.
Comparison of three ultrasound based elastographic techniques in children and adolescents with chronic diffuse liver diseases.
Authors: Belei Oana , Sporea Ioan , Gradinaru-Tascau Oana , Olariu Laura , Popescu Alina , Simedrea Ioan , Marginean Otilia
Published: May 2016

Non-invasive techniques for liver fibrosis assessment were developed for adults and recent researches tested their accuracy in children. The only validated elastographic method for non-invasive liver fibrosis evaluation in children is Transient Elastography (TE). The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility of liver stiffness (LS) measurement in paediatric patients with chronic liver diseases by means of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography (ARFI) and 2D-Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE), compared to TE as reference method. Material and methods: We enrolled 54 consecutive children and adolescents with different chronic liver diseases. All patients were examined by means of TE, ARFI, and 2D-SWE. All measurements were performed in the right liver lobe, in the same session, in fasting condition. We considered reliable LS elastographic measurements as follows: for TE and ARFI - the median value of ten measurements with a success rate≥60% and an interquartile range<30%, for 2D-SWE - the median value of five measurements. Results: The successful measurement rate for TE was 94.4% (51/54). Taking TE as a reference method, sensitivity of ARFI for detecting fibrosis F1 was 71.42%, for F2-77.77%, for F3-62.5% and for F4-71.42%. Sensitivity of 2D-SWE for detecting F1 was 92.85%, for F2-83.33%, for F3-87.5% and for F4-85.71%. We found  significant correlations between TE and 2D-SWE on the entire lot (Kappa correlation factor=0.843, p=0.001). Analyzing the subgroup with SR=60%-70%, we did not find significant correlation between TE and ARFI (Kappa correlation factor=0.172, p=0.452). Assessing the subgroup with SR>70%, we found a significant correlation between TE and ARFI (Kappa correlation factor=0.761, p=0.001). Conclusions: Overall, 2D-SWE correlate better with TE compared to ARFI in children. Excluding patients with less satisfactory technical parameters, we obtained significant correlations between all three methods. Both SWE and ARFI are non-invasive techniques feasible of performing  on paediatric patients along with TE.
Ultrasonographic features of the persistence of superior left vena cava and pathological cardiac associations in fetus. Case series.
Authors: Mărginean Claudiu , Mărginean Cristina Oana , Muntean Iolanda , Togănel Rodica , Meliț Lorena Elena , Mărginean Maria Oana , Gozar Liliana
Published: May 2016

The persistence of superior left vena cava (PLSVC) is a pathological condition in fetus with risk of association with abnormalities like heterotaxy, cardiac abnormalities – atrioventricular septum defect, and conotruncal anomalies. In this paper we report 23 cases of fetuses with PLSVCs, reviewing their diagnosis, co-morbidities, and evolution in the newborns.
Non-anatomical polymer phantoms: a new tool to develop and assess technical skills in ultrasound guided procedures
Authors: Tremblay Jan-Alexis , Marquis François
Published: May 2016

.
US-guided peripheral vascular interventions, comments on the EFSUMB guidelines
Authors: Dietrich Christoph Frank , Horn Rudolf , Morf Susanne , Chiorean Liliana , Dong Yi , Cui Xin Wu , Atkinson Nathan , Jenssen Christian
Published: May 2016

Peripheral venous as well as arterial punctures have traditionally been performed on the basis of designated anatomi- cal landmarks. However, due to patients’ individual anatomy and vessel pathology and depending on individual operators’ skill, this landmark approach is associated with a signi cant failure rate and complication risk. This review comments on the evidence-based recommendations on ultrasound (US)-guided vascular access which have been published recently within the framework of Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS) of the European Federation of Societies for US in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) from a clinical practice point of view. Part 1 of the review had its focus on general aspects of US- guidance and on central venous access, whereas part 2 refers to peripheral vascular access.US-guided peripheral vascular interventions, comments on the EFSUMB guidelines
A very rare cause of recurrent back pain: hematocolpometra.
Authors: Dag Zeynep Ozcan , Tulmac Ozlem Banu , Isik Yuksel
Published: May 2016

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Formation of a SiOF reaction intermixing layer on SiO2 etching using C4F6/O2/Ar plasmas
Authors: Ohya Yoshinobu , Tomura Maju , Ishikawa Kenji , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru
Published: May 2016

High aspect-ratio etching of SiO2 by fluorocarbon (FC) plasmas (C4F6/O2/Ar) requires an in-depth understanding of the reactions on the SiO2 surface. Reactive gaseous FC species deposited on the surface and the bombardment of this FC layer with highly energetic ions lead to intermixing of FC and SiO2 to form volatiles that subsequently desorb, and silicon oxyfluoride (SiOF) intermediates are believed to accumulate at the reactive interface. The authors report the successful observation of a SiOF layer with a depth of less than 1.5 nm by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry using C602+.
Technical Note: Enhancing the surface dose using a weak longitudinal magnetic field
Authors: Carlone Marco , Tadic Tony , Keller Harald , Rezaee Mohammad , Jaffray David
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

The surface dose in radiotherapy is subject to the physical properties of the radiation beam and collimator. The purpose of this work is to investigate the manipulation of surface dose using magnetic fields produced with a resistive magnet. Better understanding of the feasibility and mechanisms of altered surface dose could have important clinical applications where the surface dose must be increased for therapeutic goals, or reduced to enhance the therapeutic benefit.

Methods:

A resistive magnet capable of generating a peak magnetic field up to 0.24 T was integrated with a cobalt treatment unit. The magnetic fringe field of the magnet was small due to the self‐shielding built within the magnet. The magnetic field at the beam collimation jaws of the cobalt irradiator was less than 10 G. The surface dose and depth dose were measured for varying magnetic field strengths.

Results:

The resistive magnet was able to alter the dose in the buildup region of the 60Co depth dose significantly, and the magnitude of dose enhancement was directly related to the strength of the longitudinal magnetic field. Peak magnetic fields as low as 0.08 T were able to affect the surface dose. At a peak field of 0.24 T, the authors measured a surface dose enhancement of 2.8‐fold.

Conclusions:

Surface dose enhancement using resistive magnets is feasible. Further experimental study is needed to understand the origin of the scattered electrons that contribute to the increase in surface dose.
Pile driving playback sounds and temporary threshold shift in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): Effect of exposure duration
Authors: Kastelein Ronald A. , Helder-Hoek Lean , Covi Jennifer , Gransier Robin
Published: May 2016

High intensity underwater sounds may cause temporary hearing threshold shifts (TTSs) in harbor porpoises, the magnitude of which may depend on the exposure duration. After exposure to playbacks of pile driving sounds, TTSs in two porpoises were quantified at 4 and 8 kHz with a psychophysical technique. At 8 kHz, the pile driving sounds caused the highest TTS. Pile driving sounds had the following: pulse duration 124 ms, rate 2760 strikes/h, inter-pulse interval 1.3 s, duty cycle ∼9.5%, average received single-strike unweighted broadband sound exposure level (SELss) 145 dB re 1 μPa2s, exposure duration range 15-360 min (cumulative SEL range: 173–187 dB re 1 μPa2s). Control sessions were also carried out. Mean TTS (1–4 min after sound exposure stopped in one porpoise, and 12–16 min in the other animal) increased from 0 dB after 15 min exposure to 5 dB after 360 min exposure. Recovery occurred within 60 min post-exposure. For the signal duration, sound pressure level (SPL), and duty cycle used, the TTS onset SELcum is estimated to be around 175 dB re 1 μPa2s. The small increase in TTS between 15 and 360 min exposures is due to the small amount of sound energy per unit of time to which the porpoises were exposed [average (over time) broadband SPL ∼144 dB re 1 μPa].
Papers of note in
Science
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2016

This week’s articles explain how B cells in the gut are instructed to switch to producing immunoglobulin A and why a particular histone mutation is oncogenic.
Homegrown factors in colon cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: May 2016

Intestinal microbes trigger tumorigenic signals.
Immunoassay Analysis of Kanamycin in Serum Using the Tobramycin Kit
Authors: Dijkstra J. A. , Voerman A. J. , Greijdanus B. , Touw D. J. , Alffenaar J. W. C.
Published: May 2016

Kanamycin is one of the aminoglycosides used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Blood concentrations of kanamycin are predictive for the treatment efficacy and the occurrence of side effects, and dose adjustments can be needed to optimize therapy. However, an immunoassay method for the quantification of kanamycin is not commercially available. We modified the existing tobramycin immunoassay to analyze kanamycin. This modified method was tested in a concentration range of 0.3 to 80.0 mg/liter for inaccuracy and imprecision. In addition, the analytical results of the immunoassay method were compared to those obtained by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analytical method using Passing and Bablok regression. Within-day imprecision varied from 2.3 to 13.3%, and between-day imprecision ranged from 0.0 to 11.3%. The inaccuracy ranged from −5.2 to 7.6%. No significant cross-reactivity with other antimicrobials and antiviral agents was observed. The results of the modified immunoassay method were comparable with the LC-MS/MS analytical outcome. This new immunoassay method enables laboratories to perform therapeutic drug monitoring of kanamycin without the need for complex and expensive LC-MS/MS equipment.
Iron Limitation Triggers Early Egress by the Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Legionella pneumophila
Authors: O'Connor Tamara J. , Zheng Huaixin , VanRheenen Susan M. , Ghosh Soma , Cianciotto Nicholas P. , Isberg Ralph R.
Published: May 2016

Legionella pneumophila
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that replicates in alveolar macrophages, causing a severe form of pneumonia. Intracellular growth of the bacterium depends on its ability to sequester iron from the host cell. In the
L. pneumophila
strain 130b, one mechanism used to acquire this essential nutrient is the siderophore legiobactin. Iron-bound legiobactin is imported by the transport protein LbtU. Here, we describe the role of LbtP, a paralog of LbtU, in iron acquisition in the
L. pneumophila
strain Philadelphia-1. Similar to LbtU, LbtP is a siderophore transport protein and is required for robust growth under iron-limiting conditions. Despite their similar functions, however, LbtU and LbtP do not contribute equally to iron acquisition. The Philadelphia-1 strain lacking LbtP is more sensitive to iron deprivation
in vitro
. Moreover, LbtP is important for
L. pneumophila
growth within macrophages while LbtU is dispensable. These results demonstrate that LbtP plays a dominant role over LbtU in iron acquisition. In contrast, loss of both LbtP and LbtU does not impair
L. pneumophila
growth in the amoebal host
Acanthamoeba castellanii
, demonstrating a host-specific requirement for the activities of these two transporters in iron acquisition. The growth defect of the Δ
lbtP
mutant in macrophages is not due to alterations in growth kinetics. Instead, the absence of LbtP limits
L. pneumophila
replication and causes bacteria to prematurely exit the host cell. These results demonstrate the existence of a preprogrammed exit strategy in response to iron limitation that allows
L. pneumophila
to abandon the host cell when nutrients are exhausted.
Amyloid Structures as Biofilm Matrix Scaffolds
Authors: Taglialegna Agustina , Lasa Iñigo , Valle Jaione
Published: May 2016

Recent insights into bacterial biofilm matrix structures have induced a paradigm shift toward the recognition of amyloid fibers as common building block structures that confer stability to the exopolysaccharide matrix. Here we describe the functional amyloid systems related to biofilm matrix formation in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and recent knowledge regarding the interaction of amyloids with other biofilm matrix components such as extracellular DNA (eDNA) and the host immune system. In addition, we summarize the efforts to identify compounds that target amyloid fibers for therapeutic purposes and recent developments that take advantage of the amyloid structure to engineer amyloid fibers of bacterial biofilm matrices for biotechnological applications.
Ubiquitin-Like Proteasome System Represents a Eukaryotic-Like Pathway for Targeted Proteolysis in Archaea
Authors: Fu Xian , Liu Rui , Sanchez Iona , Silva-Sanchez Cecilia , Hepowit Nathaniel L. , Cao Shiyun , Chen Sixue , Maupin-Furlow Julie
Published: May 2016

The molecular mechanisms of targeted proteolysis in archaea are poorly understood, yet they may have deep evolutionary roots shared with the ubiquitin-proteasome system of eukaryotic cells. Here, we demonstrate in archaea that TBP2, a TATA-binding protein (TBP) modified by ubiquitin-like isopeptide bonds, is phosphorylated and targeted for degradation by proteasomes. Rapid turnover of TBP2 required the functions of UbaA (the E1/MoeB/ThiF homolog of archaea), AAA ATPases (Cdc48/p97 and Rpt types), a type 2 JAB1/MPN/MOV34 metalloenzyme (JAMM/MPN+) homolog (JAMM2), and 20S proteasomes. The ubiquitin-like protein modifier small archaeal modifier protein 2 (SAMP2) stimulated the degradation of TBP2, but SAMP2 itself was not degraded. Analysis of the TBP2 fractions that were not modified by ubiquitin-like linkages revealed that TBP2 had multiple N termini, including Met1-Ser2, Ser2, and Met1-Ser2(p) [where (p) represents phosphorylation]. The evidence suggested that the Met1-Ser2(p) form accumulated in cells that were unable to degrade TBP2. We propose a model in archaea in which the attachment of ubiquitin-like tags can target proteins for degradation by proteasomes and be controlled by N-terminal degrons. In support of a proteolytic mechanism that is energy dependent and recycles the ubiquitin-like protein tags, we find that a network of AAA ATPases and a JAMM/MPN+ metalloprotease are required, in addition to 20S proteasomes, for controlled intracellular proteolysis.

IMPORTANCE
This study advances the fundamental knowledge of signal-guided proteolysis in archaea and sheds light on components that are related to the ubiquitin-proteasome system of eukaryotes. In archaea, the ubiquitin-like proteasome system is found to require function of an E1/MoeB/ThiF homolog, a type 2 JAMM/MPN+ metalloprotease, and a network of AAA ATPases for the targeted destruction of proteins. We provide evidence that the attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein is controlled by an N-terminal degron and stimulates proteasome-mediated proteolysis.