bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multilevel SPH Solver with Unified Solid Boundary Handling
Authors: Takahashi Tetsuya , Lin Ming C.
Published: October 2016

We propose a geometric multilevel solver for efficiently solving linear systems arising from particle‐based methods. To apply this method to particle systems, we construct the hierarchy, establish the correspondence between solutions at the particle and grid levels, and coarsen simulation elements taking boundary conditions into account. In addition, we propose a new solid boundary handling method to solve a pressure Poisson equation in a unified manner. We demonstrate that our method can handle general fluid simulation scenarios including two‐way fluid‐solid coupling, and the computational cost of this new solver scales nearly linearly with respect to the number of unknowns, unlike previous solvers for particle‐based methods.
Lifestyle interventions for weight loss in adults with severe obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Hassan Y. , Head V. , Jacob D. , Bachmann M. O. , Diu S. , Ford J.
Published: October 2016

Severe obesity is an increasingly prevalent condition and is often associated with long‐term comorbidities, reduced survival and higher healthcare costs. Non‐surgical methods avoid the side effects, complications and costs of surgery, but it is unclear which non‐surgical method is most effective. The objective of this article was to systematically review the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions compared to standard or minimal care for weight loss in adults with severe obesity. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, databases of on‐going studies, reference lists of any relevant systematic reviews and the Cochrane Library database were searched from inception to February 2016 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Inclusion criteria were participants with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m2 or BMI > 35 kg/m2 with comorbidity) and interventions with a minimal duration of 12 weeks that were multi‐component combinations of diet, exercise and behavioural therapy. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias criteria. Meta‐analysis was not possible because of methodological heterogeneity. Seventeen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Weight change in kilograms of participants from baseline to follow‐up was reported for 14 studies. Participants receiving the lifestyle intervention had a greater decrease in weight than participants in the control group for all studies (1.0–11.5 kg). Lifestyle interventions varied greatly between the studies. Overall lifestyle interventions with combined diet and exercise components achieved the greatest weight loss. Lifestyle interventions for weight loss in adults with severe obesity were found to result in increased weight loss when compared to minimal or standard care, especially those with combined diet and exercise components.
Exploration of Biomarkers for Amoxicillin/Clavulanate‐Induced Liver Injury: Multi‐Omics Approaches
Authors: Lee J , Ji SC , Kim B , Yi S , Shin KH , Cho JY , Lim KS , Lee SH , Yoon SH , Chung JY , Yu KS , Park HS , Kim SH , Jang IJ
Published: October 2016

To explore potential biomarkers for amoxicillin/clavulanate‐induced liver injury (AC‐DILI), we conducted a clinical trial in 32 healthy subjects based on multi‐omics approaches. Every subject was administered amoxicillin/clavulanate for 14 days. The liver‐specific microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) level increased prior to and correlated well with the observed alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level increase. This result indicates its potential as a sensitive early marker for AC‐DILI. We also identified urinary metabolites, such as azelaic acid and 7‐methylxanthine, with levels that significantly differed among the groups classified by ALT elevation level on day 8 after drug administration (P < 0.05). Lymphocyte proliferation in response to the drug was also observed. These findings demonstrate sequential changes in the process of AC‐DILI, including metabolic changes, increased miR‐122 level, increased liver enzyme activity, and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation after drug administration. In conclusion, this study provides potential biomarkers for AC‐DILI based on currently known mechanisms using comprehensive multi‐omics approaches.
Mothers speak differently to infants at‐risk for dyslexia
Authors: Kalashnikova Marina , Goswami Usha , Burnham Denis
Published: October 2016

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder manifested in deficits in reading and spelling skills that is consistently associated with difficulties in phonological processing. Dyslexia is genetically transmitted, but its manifestation in a particular individual is thought to depend on the interaction of epigenetic and environmental factors. We adopt a novel interactional perspective on early linguistic environment and dyslexia by simultaneously studying two pre‐existing factors, one maternal and one infant, that may contribute to these interactions; and two behaviours, one maternal and one infant, to index the effect of these factors. The maternal factor is whether mothers are themselves dyslexic or not (with/without dyslexia) and the infant factor is whether infants are at‐/not‐at family risk for dyslexia (due to their mother or father being dyslexic). The maternal behaviour is mothers’ infant‐directed speech (IDS), which typically involves vowel hyperarticulation, thought to benefit speech perception and language acquisition. The infant behaviour is auditory perception measured by infant sensitivity to amplitude envelope rise time, which has been found to be reduced in dyslexic children. Here, at‐risk infants showed significantly poorer acoustic sensitivity than not‐at‐risk infants and mothers only hyperarticulated vowels to infants who were not at‐risk for dyslexia. Mothers’ own dyslexia status had no effect on IDS quality. Parental speech input is thus affected by infant risk status, with likely consequences for later linguistic development.
Three‐dimensional measurement and cohesive element modelling of deformation and damage in a 2.5‐dimensional woven ceramic matrix composite
Authors: Saucedo‐Mora L. , Zou C. , Lowe T. , Marrow T. J.
Published: October 2016

A cohesive element numerical model, which reproduces the three‐dimensional microstructure of a 2.5‐dimensional silicon‐nitrogen‐oxide fibre/fabric‐reinforced boron nitride ceramic matrix composite (SiNO/BN) is applied to simulate the failure of specimens that are observed in situ during diametral compression testing. Measurements of deformation by image correlation of two‐dimensional optical surface observations and three‐dimensional X‐ray computed tomographs are used to fit the simulation's elastic properties for the matrix and fibre tows. The observed patterns of damage nucleation and propagation are correctly simulated using a local tensile strain criterion.
Associations between cognitive impairment and patient‐reported measures of physical/mental functioning in older people living with HIV
Authors: Underwood J , De Francesco D , Post FA , Vera JH , Williams I , Boffito M , Mallon PW , Anderson J , Sachikonye M , Sabin C , Winston A ,   the Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Observations in People Over Fifty (POPPY) study group
Published: October 2016

Objectives

While cognitive impairment is frequently reported in HIV‐positive individuals and has historically been associated with poorer functional outcomes, the associations between cognitive impairment and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in contemporary cohorts are unclear.

Methods

We tested cognitive function using a computerized battery (CogState™) in 290 HIV‐positive and 97 HIV‐negative individuals aged ≥ 50 years participating in the Pharmacokinetic and Clinical Observations in People Over Fifty (POPPY) study. Participants completed questionnaires detailing physical and mental health [Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36)], cognitive function [European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) questions], activities of daily living [Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)], depression [Patient Depression Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and Centres for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES‐D)], falls and sexual desire. Cognitive impairment was defined using the Frascati criteria, global deficit score (GDS) and multivariate normative comparison (MNC). In the HIV‐positive group, the classification performances of the different definitions of cognitive impairment and dichotomized questionnaire results were calculated.

Results

The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the HIV‐positive group was 34.5% (GDS), 30.0% (Frascati) and 22.1% (MNC), with only 2% diagnosed with HIV‐associated dementia. In general, the associations between cognitive impairment and PROMs were weak regardless of the definition used: mean c‐statistics were 0.543 (GDS), 0.530 (MNC) and 0.519 (Frascati). Associations were similar using the global T‐score to define cognitive impairment. Summary health scores (SF‐36) were lower, but only significantly so for those with cognitive impairment identified using MNC, for both mental health (61.4 vs. 75.8; P = 0.03) and physical health (60.9 vs. 75.0; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The associations between cognitive impairment and PROMs were weak, possibly because impairment was mild and therefore largely asymptomatic. Further work is needed to elucidate the clinical implications of cognitive impairment in HIV‐disease.
Naoxintong attenuates Ischaemia/reperfusion Injury through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Wang Yaqiong , Yan Xiaoxiang , Mi Shouling , Li Zhang , Wang Yuexiang , Zhu Hong , Sun Xiaolei , Zhao Buchang , Zhao Chao , Zou Yunzeng , Hu Kai , Ding Xiaoqiang , Sun Aijun , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2016

Naoxintong (NXT) is a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product extracted from 16 various kinds of Chinese traditional herbal medicines including Salvia miltiorrhiza, Angelica sinensis, Astragali Radix. Naoxintong is clinically effective in treating ischaemia heart disease. Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐Like Receptor with a Pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been critically involved in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Here, we have been suggested that NXT might attenuate myocardial I/R injury via suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Male C57BL6 mice were subjected to myocardial I/R injury via 45 min. coronary ligation and release for the indicated times. Naoxintong (0.7 g/kg/day) and PBS were orally administrated for 2 weeks before surgery. Cardiac function assessed by echocardiography was significantly improved in the NXT group compared to PBS group at day 2 after myocardial I/R. NLRP3 inflammasome activation is crucially involved in the initial inflammatory response after myocardial I/R injury, leading to cleaved caspase‐1, mature interleukin (IL)‐1β production, accompanying by macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. The cardioprotective effect of NXT was associated with a diminished NLRP3 inflammasome activation, decreased pro‐inflammatory macrophage (M1 macrophages) and neutrophil infiltration after myocardial I/R injury. In addition, serum levels of IL‐1β, indicators of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, were also significantly suppressed in the NXT treated group after I/R injury. Naoxintong exerts cardioprotive effects at least partly by suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in this I/R injury model.
Longitudinal study of cerebral surface morphology in youth with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and association with positive symptoms of psychosis
Authors: Radoeva Petya D. , Bansal Ravi , Antshel Kevin M. , Fremont Wanda , Peterson Bradley S. , Kates Wendy R.
Published: October 2016

Background

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder that greatly increases risk of developing schizophrenia. We previously characterized cerebral surface morphology trajectories from late childhood to mid adolescence in a cohort of youth with 22q11DS. Herein, we extend the study period into early adulthood, and describe further the trajectories associated with severe psychiatric symptoms in this cohort.

Methods

Participants included 76 youth with 22q11DS and 30 unaffected siblings, assessed at three timepoints, during which high resolution, anatomic magnetic resonance images were acquired. High‐dimensional, nonlinear warping algorithms were applied to images in order to derive characteristics of cerebral surface morphology for each participant at each timepoint. Repeated‐measures, linear regressions using a mixed model were conducted, while covarying for age and sex.

Results

Alterations in cerebral surface morphology during late adolescence/early adulthood in individuals with 22q11DS were observed in the lateral frontal, orbitofrontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, and cerebellar regions. An Age x Diagnosis interaction revealed that relative to unaffected siblings, individuals with 22q11DS showed age‐related surface protrusions in the prefrontal cortex (which remained stable or increased during early adulthood), and surface indentations in posterior regions (which seemed to level off during late adolescence). Symptoms of psychosis were associated with a trajectory of surface indentations in the orbitofrontal and parietal regions.

Conclusions

These results advance our understanding of cerebral maturation in individuals with 22q11DS, and provide clinically relevant information about the psychiatric phenotype associated with the longitudinal trajectory of cortical surface morphology in youth with this genetic syndrome.
Reducing Hospital Readmission Disparities of Older Black and White Adults After Elective Joint Replacement: The Role of Nurse Staffing
Authors: Lasater Karen B. , McHugh Matthew D.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To examine racial differences in readmissions of older adults undergoing elective total hip and knee replacement, to determine the relationship between nurse staffing and readmission, and to study whether the relationship between staffing and readmission differs for older black and white adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of multiple linked secondary data sources.

Setting

Nonfederal acute care hospitals in California, Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania (n = 483).

Participants

Patients aged 65 and older undergoing elective total hip or total knee replacement (N = 106,848; n = 102,762 white, n = 4,086 black).

Measurements

Unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge.

Results

Older black patients were more likely to have an unplanned readmission (7.5%) than their white counterparts (5.6%). Even after adjusting for patient‐ and hospital‐level factors, older black patients had 40% greater likelihood of readmission (odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–1.61). Each additional patient per nurse was associated with 8% greater odds of readmission for older white patients (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01–1.15) and 15% greater odds for older black patients (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08–1.22) after adjusting for patient‐ and hospital‐level factors.

Conclusion

Older minorities are more likely than their white counterparts to experience an unplanned readmission after elective orthopedic surgery. More‐favorable nurse staffing was associated with lower odds of readmission of older black and white patients, but better‐staffed hospitals had a greater protective effect for older black patients.
Mayan Semantics
Authors: Henderson Robert
Published: October 2016

This article has two interlocked goals. The first is to highlight the strands of research that have played an important role in shaping our understanding of Mayan language semantics. The second is to acquaint non‐Mayanists, and especially semanticists, with empirical phenomena that might prove especially interesting on typological or theoretical grounds. Given its particular dual mandate, this article cannot be an exhaustive survey of Mayan semantics, but it should instead be seen as introduction to those aspects of Mayan languages that have had an impact on the wider field of semantics, and that are current research hotspots.
Aquinas, Hadot, and Spiritual Exercises
Authors: Kruger Matthew
Published: October 2016

The work of Pierre Hadot can highlight understudied aspects of the work of Thomas Aquinas. Hadot offers two key concepts in his study of ancient philosophy: philosophy as a “way of life” and “spiritual exercises”, which help us to approach Thomas, especially given his regular use of the term “spiritual exercise” and the concept of “exercise.”
Biphasic regulation of the transcription factor ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) is essential for tapetum and pollen development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ferguson Alison C. , Pearce Simon , Band Leah R. , Yang Caiyun , Ferjentsikova Ivana , King John , Yuan Zheng , Zhang Dabing , Wilson Zoe A.
Published: October 2016

Viable pollen is essential for plant reproduction and crop yield. Its production requires coordinated expression at specific stages during anther development, involving early meiosis‐associated events and late pollen wall formation. The ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) transcription factor is a master regulator of sporopollenin biosynthesis, secretion and pollen wall formation in Arabidopsis. Here we show that it has complex regulation and additional essential roles earlier in pollen formation.

An inducible‐AMS reporter was created for functional rescue, protein expression pattern analysis, and to distinguish between direct and indirect targets. Mathematical modelling was used to create regulatory networks based on wild‐type RNA and protein expression.

Dual activity of AMS was defined by biphasic protein expression in anther tapetal cells, with an initial peak around pollen meiosis and then later during pollen wall development. Direct AMS‐regulated targets exhibit temporal regulation, indicating that additional factors are associated with their regulation.

We demonstrate that AMS biphasic expression is essential for pollen development, and defines distinct functional activities during early and late pollen development. Mathematical modelling suggests that AMS may competitively form a protein complex with other tapetum‐expressed transcription factors, and that biphasic regulation is due to repression of upstream regulators and promotion of AMS protein degradation.
High‐level expression of a novel chromoplast phosphate transporter ClPHT4;2 is required for flesh color development in watermelon
Authors: Zhang Jie , Guo Shaogui , Ren Yi , Zhang Haiying , Gong Guoyi , Zhou Ming , Wang Guizhang , Zong Mei , He Hongju , Liu Fan , Xu Yong
Published: October 2016

Chromoplast development plays a crucial role in controlling carotenoid content in watermelon flesh. Modern cultivated watermelons with colorful flesh are believed to originate from pale‐colored and no‐sweet progenitors. But the molecular basis of flesh color formation and regulation is poorly understood.

More chromoplasts and released carotenoid globules were observed in the red‐fleshed fruit of the 97103 cultivar than in the pale‐colored fruits of the PI296341‐FR line. Transcriptome profiles of these two materials identified Cla017962, predicted as ClPHT4;2, was dramatically up‐regulated during flesh color formation. High ClPHT4;2 expression levels were closely correlated with increased flesh carotenoid contents among 198 representative watermelon accessions. Down‐regulation of ClPHT4;2 expression in transgenic watermelons reduced the fruit carotenoid accumulation.

ClPHT4;2 as a function of chromoplast‐localized phosophate transporter was tested by heterologous expression into a yeast phosphate‐uptake‐defective mutant, western blotting, subcellular localization, and immunogold electron microscopy analysis. Two transcription factors, ClbZIP1 and ClbZIP2, were identified, which responded to ABA and sugar signaling to regulate ClPHT4;2 transcription only in cultivated watermelon species.

Our findings suggest that elevated ClPHT4;2 gene expression is necessary for carotenoid accumulation, and may help to characterize the co‐development of flesh color and sweetness during watermelon development and domestication.
(Dis‐)ordering the state: territory in Icelandic statecraft
Authors: Clark Julian , Jones Alun
Published: October 2016

Foucault and Lefebvre's writings have rekindled interest among geographers in territory–state relations, with recent work conceptualising territory as a state strategy to control space, and on the state as a socio‐natural relation. However, what is lacking is how these debates intersect with post‐human understandings of nature's materialities, and how the resulting ‘material territory’ mediates state periodisation. Drawing on a case study of Iceland, we address this issue to show how pre‐modern territorialisation shaped state territorialities, and how state periodisation arises from political order imbricating with the materialities of territory. The originality of the work is threefold. First is to show how territory as a material category resists or reinterprets political ordering through longitudinal examination of a single case. Second is to reconceptualise state periodisation as an evolutionary material‐political, as much as socio‐economic, process. Third is to establish empirically the unacknowledged tensions between the state's use of territory to order ‘domestic’ and ‘foreign’ affairs. We analyse the implications of a material conception of territory for state periodisation and for wider understandings of contemporary statecraft. The state is revealed as a site of multiple territorialities in space, and territorial multiplicities over time.
ZIRCONIUM LOADED BANANA STEM FIBERS AS ADSORBENT FOR RECOVERY OF HG(II)
Authors: Salamun Nurrulhidayah , Triwahyono Sugeng , Abdul Jalil Aishah
Published: October 2016

Mercury is one of the most toxic pollutants which pose a great threat to both human health and organism security. A great deal of research over recent decades has been motivated by the requirement to lower the concentration of these heavy metals in water and the need to develop low cost techniques which can be widely applied for heavy metals remediation. Adsorption is by far the most reliable technologies for removing mercury from water. In this study, banana stem fibers, a natural biomass was loaded with zirconium (IV) to investigate its feasibility for mercury removal from an aquatic environment. The XRD pattern for both BSF-HCl and Zr/BSF-HCl exhibited mainly the cellulose I structure which consists of two distinct crystal phases. The FESEM images illustrated the presence of relatively well organized, pronounced and uniform cavities distributed around the surface, indicated a good possibility for the metal ions to be adsorbed. The result shows that Hg (II) adsorption capacity increased from 45 to 72 mg/g after the immobilization of Zr due to increase in the active sites on the adsorbent.
A KINETIC STUDY OF ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS OF OIL PALM BIOMASS FOR FERMENTABLE SUGAR USING POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG) IMMOBILIZED CELLULASE
Authors: Asli Umi Aisah , Nwaha Isah , Hamid Hazirah , Zakaria Zainul Akmar , Sadikin Aziatul Niza , Kamaruddin Mohd Johari
Published: October 2016

In this work, enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase in a soluble and an immobilized form was studied to convert lignocellulosic oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biomass into fermentable sugars as a feedstock for bioethanol production. The cellulase was covalently immobilized with activated and functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) via glutaraldehyde coupling method. As a whole, the immobilized cellulase displayed 50% higher efficiency over free cellulase, in reducing sugar recovery during hydrolysis reactions at pH of 4.8 and temperature of 50°C. From the kinetic study, it showed that Michaelis constant (Km) and limiting velocity (Vmax) of immobilized cellulase were 179.2 mg/ml and 33.5 mg/ml.min respectively, comparable with the value for free cellulose, 171.8 mg/ml and 34.5 mg/ml.min respectively. This result could be attributed to the effect of PEG on the binding cellulase to substrate desorb substrates, and enables free interaction of cellulase to hydrolyse cellulose maximally
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM PHENOL STEAM REFORMING OVER Ni-Co/ZrO2 CATALYST: EFFECT OF CATALYST DILUTION
Authors: Nabgan Walid , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Mat Ramli , Nabgan Bahador , Asli Umi Aisah , Johari Anwar
Published: October 2016

This study looked into the hydrogen production from phenol steam reforming over Zirconia (ZrO2)-supported nickel-cobalt catalysts diluted with silicon carbide (SiC). The objective of this study is to obtain the effect of catalyst dilution on hydrogen production and the phenol conversion in various SiC dilutions. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and their performance tests were carried out in a micro fixed bed reactor at atmospheric pressure and 800 °C temperature, feed flow rate 0.36 mL/min, weight of catalyst 0.2 g, and dilution range of 0.05 to 0.35 g (1:0 to 1:1.75). The results showed that the catalyst dilution does not affect much on the catalyst activity toward phenol conversion. However, it does improve the conversion of phenol with the presence of SiC. The maximum conversion was at 0.3 g (1:1.5) SiC dilution, which was of 98.9 % and 0.6 mole fraction of hydrogen.
RADIATION GRAFTED NATURAL FIBRES FUNCTIONALIZED WITH ALKALISED AMINE FOR TRANSESTERIFICATION OF COTTONSEED OIL TO BIODIESEL
Authors: Moawia Rihab Musaad , Mahmoud Nasef Mohamad , Mohamed Nor Hasimah
Published: October 2016

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) grafted Linum usitatissimum (flax) fibers functionalized with diethylamine (DEA) groups followed by alkalisation were prepared and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for production of biodiesel. Particularly, the new basic catalyst was used for transesterification of cottonseed oil using different molar ratios with methanol and various reaction temperatures. The gas chromatography analysis was used to confirm the conversion of the cottonseed oil to biodiesel. The transesterification reaction temperature affected the conversion percentage significantly. The highest conversion was obtained at 60 °C. In addition, the oil/methanol ratio in the reaction mixture of 1:33 resulted in the highest conversion ratio reaching about 97 %. These results suggest that the alkaline organic catalyst prepared in this study has a potential for application in biodiesel production.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A SHORT MICROCHANNEL DEVICE FOR SURFACE COOLING
Authors: N. B Kamaruzaman , A. Saat
Published: October 2016

The development of microchannel devices is expanded widely due to the demand for small scale electronic devices. In order to increase the capability of the electronic devices, high heat transfer performance with low energy consumption cooler is required. This study is focusing on the characterization of new short microchannel for surface cooling purposes with the channel dimension of 800 µm wide, 200 µm length, 100 µm depth and total area of one cm2. Deionized water is used as the transport medium. A map of microchannel characteristics is plotted in term of average thermal resistance, pumping power, power supplied and mass flow rate of the fluid. From this mapping, it is shown that the thermal resistance decreased as the pumping power decreased. The results also show that the heat flux has not affected the value of pumping power. The different for each heat flux value is ranged between 3 to 4 %. The mapping presented in this study provides potential characteristics information and conditions to apply this particular microchannel for surface cooling
FOUNDATION MODELLING FOR COOLING WATER PUMP MACHINE IN PT PUPUK SRIWIJAYA (PURSI) II-B PROJECTS
Authors: Dewi Ratna , Hastuti Yulia , Mentari Agnes
Published: October 2016

PT Pupuk Sriwijaya (PUSRI) in Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia uses a lot of machines to run the fabric.  One of the project is PUSRI II-B, which use cooling water pump machine. The machine will not operate properly if it does not use the appropriate foundation to support static and dynamic loads. The Terzaghi and Meyerhof methods were used in static analysis to measure the settlement in the pile group and soil bearing capacity.  The frequency, damping, and vibration amplitude of the vibration that occur in a vertical and horizontal vibration, and the vibration rocking were calculated by using the trial error method for dynamic analysis.  Modelling frame foundation machine is the main focus in this research. The result shows that the most effective foundation dimension for cooling water pump machine is frame foundation type with the pile cap dimensions of 9.8 m x 4 m x 1.5 m; column of 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 1 m and slab of 9.8 m x 4 m x 0.3 m, and using the piles with a diameter of 0.35 m, length of 21 m and the spacing between the piles is about 2.45 m.  The gravel was compacted to the same level where the pile cap was planned in order to increase the soil shear modulus.
DEVELOPMENT OF SLOPE MONITORING DEVICE USING ACCELEROMETER
Authors: Bunawan Aliff Ridzuan , Mahin Mohd Azrul Hisham , Hezmi Muhammad Azril , Kassim Azman , A. Rashid Ahmad Safuan
Published: October 2016

There are many types of instruments that have been used for monitoring the high risk slopes as a precaution to prevent the loss of lives. Unfortunately, there is no such works of installation slope monitoring instrumentation as detectors and preventive actions before the slope failure. Automatic Wireless Accelerometer Monitoring System (AWAM) is a new device of monitoring system using accelerometer, introduced in this research. It is more efficient than conventional techniques and less expensive. The application and operation of this system does not interrupted by physical obstacles, different climate conditions, and the construction works at site. In addition, no contact is required since the accelerometers are installed on the slope. Consequently, geomorphology limitations are not considered as limitations of the system operation. This paper discusses the sensor database system by AWAM and shows the effectiveness of the device to monitor slope failures and act as a warning sign. It was presented in two parts; the first part consisted of the physical modelling calibration test from sensor database system (AWAM device) and from load cell test while the second part discussed on the numerical model simulated by using software (Slope/W and LimitState) and the data from vane shear test. The AWAM device can be used as a monitoring system to detect soil movements. However, accelerometer was able to give AWAM’s readings if the device is moving in tilting modes.
ANALYSIS OF SUCTION DISTRIBUTION RESPONSE TO RAINFALL EVENT AND TREE CANOPY
Authors: FakhrurazziIshak Mohd , Ali Nazri , Kassim Azman
Published: October 2016

This study provides an exploration of matric suction influenced by tree canopy interception on a single rainfall event. A field monitoring was carried out to measure matric suction at slope with two conditions; at toe of slope without tree and with a tree at toe of slope on a tropical residual soil. The variation in matric suction values and matric suction profiles response to the rainfall events on slope with and without a tree at toe were analysed to reveal the effect of the tree canopy. At initial condition, the matric suction was significantly higher at vicinity of tree compared to that of area without tree at toe of slope. However, a typical short and intense tropical rainfall has caused the matric suction to drop dramatically to a minimum value on slope without tree. This condition did not occur on slope with tree. Although, both slopes (with and without tree at toe) received the same amount of precipitation rainfall but the different responses in matric suction valueswere clearly shown at slope with tree at the slope toe. The short and intense rainfalls appeared to be the dominant factor to the suction variation at slope without tree, but not at slope with the tree. The tree canopy can be a factor to influence the suction variation at slope with tree as canopy interception reduced the amount of precipitation to the ground/sloping surface
3D NUMERICAL MODELLING OF SHALLOW TUNNEL IN WEATHERED GRANITE INCORPORATING MULTI-STAGE EXCAVATION AND PRE-SUPPORT
Authors: M. Yahya Sarder , A. Abdullah Rini , Mohamad Ismail Mohd Ashraf , Mohamad Hisham , Hezmi Muhammad Azril , Jusoh Siti Norafida
Published: October 2016

Generally tunnelling in urban ground condition is not always favourable due to the tunnels’ susceptibility to major displacement especially when excavated in the soft soil and/or weak weathered rock formation. Apart from conventional support systems, pre-support measure like forepoling umbrella arch is frequently used to reinforce the ground. Modern computational tools allows the inclusion of multi-stage excavations and pre-support which was not possible in two dimensional (2D) plane strain. This paper demonstrates the three dimensional (3D) finite element analysis of Pahang-Selangor raw water transfer tunnel, as a reference case, where multi-stage excavation and pre-support are incorporated as intrinsic part of the model. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)-3 segments which encountered Grade III weathered granite, having shallow overburden cover, was selected for numerical analysis using RS3 software. Comparison between simulated and observed data has shown good agreement during verification
ROCK BEARING RESISTANCE OF BORED PILES SOCKETED INTO ROCK
Authors: Sharudin Eda Suhaili , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty , Marto Aminaton , Jusoh Siti Norafida , Ahmad Kamarudin , Kasim Fauziah , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Hezmi Muhammad Azril
Published: October 2016

In view of the large movement required to mobilise the base resistance of bored piles and difficulty in base cleaning, the end bearing resistance often ignored in current design practice that will result in excessive rock socket length. Many attempts have been made to correlate the end bearing resistance with the uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock and the RQD but it is uncertain how applicable they are to rock type in Malaysia. This paper attempts to review the applicability of the formulas from previous studies to rock type in Malaysia. A program of field tests for 13 bored piles with diameter varying from 1000 mm to 1500 mm constructed in granite was conducted to measure the axial response of bored piles, tested using static load test and high strain load dynamic test to verify its integrity and performance. The results were evaluated and compared to the predicted rock bearing resistance. Based on the result obtained, the method by AASHTO gives the best prediction of rock bearing resistance for granite in Malaysia. However the relationship between compressive strength and rock discontinuities with the rock bearing resistance showed scattered results
WEBGIS BASED DATABASE INFORMATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DIMS) FOR MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND INDIA
Authors: Varadharajan Ramani Bai , Pavel Tkalich , S Mohan
Published: October 2016

The main aim of the project is to develop a new Database Information and Management System (DIMS) which is available and accessible online. Success of any modeling is embedded in using the perfect and adequate length of data. This is vital for studying or developing a scientific model for natural processes such as climate change and geo-hazards. Thus a geo-referenced meteorological, coastal and hydrological database for decision-making and policy formulation according to climate change impact has been developed. The objective of this study is to provide the DIMS that will allow sharing of climate change parameters that has impacted on the coast of selected countries. The methodology has online hosting of database combined with rapid data retrieval for both analytical and modeling functions. The outcome of the Web-GIS based DIMS would serve as a decision-support tool and aids for development of an integrated and sustainable management strategies for climate change and geo-hazards. The project has currently a database relevant to selected stations along the coasts of Malaysia, Singapore and India available on the project webpage www.globalclimate-engine.org. The project could be extended to cover the entire database pertaining to the in-land areas of these regions
ANALYSIS OF EXTREME RAINFALL INDICES IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Muhammad Nur Shazwani , Akashah Amieroul Iefwat , Abdullah Jazuri
Published: October 2016

Extreme rainfall events are the main cause of flooding. This study aimed to examine seven extreme rainfall indices, i.e. extreme rain sum (XRS), very wet day intensity (I95), extremely wet day intensity (I99), very wet day proportion (R95), extremely wet day proportion (R99), very wet days (N95) and extremely wet days (N99) using Mann-Kendall (MK) and the normalized statistic Z tests. The analyses are based on the daily rainfall data gathered from Bayan Lepas, Subang, Senai, Kuantan and Kota Bharu. The east coast states received more rainfall than any other parts in Peninsular Malaysia. Kota Bharu station recorded the highest XRS, i.e. 648 mm. The analyses also indicate that the stations in the eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia experienced higher XRS, I95, I99, R95 and R99 as compared to the stations located in the western and northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Subang and Senai show the highest number of days for wet and very wet (N95) as compared to other stations. Other than that, all stations except for Kota Bharu show increasing trends for most of the extreme rainfall indices. Upward trends indicate that the extreme rainfall events were becoming more severe over the period of 1960 to 2014.
DEPOSITION THICKNESS AND ITS EFFECT ON CRITICAL SHEAR STRESS FOR INCIPIENT MOTION OF SEDIMENTS
Authors: Joo Bong Charles Hin , Putuhena Frederik Josep , Lau Tze Liang , Ab. Ghani Aminuddin
Published: October 2016

There are evidences in existing literatures suggesting the incipient motion values for any particle size is substantially lower for rigid boundary condition as compared to loose boundary condition.  The objective of the current study is to determine the effect of sediment deposition thickness on the critical shear stress for incipient motion. Experimental works for incipient motion were carried out in a rectangular flume with varying sediment deposits thickness. Results showed that the sediment deposits thickness has effect on the critical shear stress at low sediment deposits thickness and the effect will slowly diminish as the sediment deposits thickness increases. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the experimental data to develop a new critical shear stress equation.  The best regression model has   value of 0.69;    value of 0.60;  value of 0.009 and Mallow’s  value of 3.00. The new equation appears to be more consistent as compared to existing incipient motion equations for rigid boundary condition by having 80% of the predicted data falls within the acceptable discrepancy ratio when tested with data from other authors. The new equation can be used to determine critical shear stress values for self-cleansing sewerage design and other related engineering applications
TREND ANALYSIS OF PRECIPITATION DATA IN FLOOD SOURCE AREAS OF KELANTAN RIVER BASIN
Authors: Abdulkareem Jabir Haruna , Sulaiman Wan Nor Azmin
Published: October 2016

Rainfall is one of the most important climatic elements that influence both the spatial and temporal water availability. Therefore, identification of its trend over years is vital for detection of extreme climatic changes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variability of precipitation in flood source areas of Kelantan river basin by detecting precipitation flood changes in the temporal structure for the period of 1984-2014. A total of 17 rain gage stations with at least 25 years’ records in the temporal structure for the period 1984-2014 were selected. For the AMF data, 4 gauging stations were selected for the analysis. Mann-Kendall and Sen slope estimator tests were used to detect possible precipitation trend. This resulted in the detection of non-statistically significant trend in the annual maximum series of 24-hr precipitation in 12 of the 17 selected rain gauge locations and statistically significant trend in 5 locations for the period under study. Whereas, the AMF series signaled significance at 5% level in all the stations. This may be as a result of watershed characteristics such as land use changes soil, topography, of the study area which needs to be studied in detail.
Kajian Kes Tempat Perlaksanaan Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Pedidikan Islam Sekolah Menengah Rendah di Johor
Authors: Hamdan Nazirah , Jasmi Kamarul Azmi
Published: October 2016

A variety of teaching and learning of Islamic Education is one of the elements that is been practiced by the Islamic Education teachers (GPI) in Johor. Therefore, this research is mainly focused on the venue for implementation the teaching and learning process of the subject, in order to create an effective and innovative learning session. Hence, in this study, the main data are supported by analysis documents and observation which collected from formal interviews of seven participants which are been considered as the main respondent. Other than that forty-two informants were identified in order to obtain more information as the supported to the main respondent. The transcript of the interviews data are analysed via N' Vivo 7.0 software to create a theme, sub-themes and sub-themes. The outcome of this study showed that there are five main areas that make up the pattern and most frequent areas of teaching and learning process are prayer room, library, classrooms, school region and audio visual room. This case study creates an outcome for Teaching and Learning Points of Islamic Education Model
Asset Pricing in Developed and Emerging Markets: A Survey
Authors: Ahmad Hakim Shabir , Mohamad Azhar
Published: October 2016

Asset pricing theory states that investors should be rewarded for the risks that are associated with the state variables, in addition to market risks, which affect their investment opportunity sets. The state variables, however, are latent variables that vary (a) within developed markets (which consist of segmented and international markets); (b) between developed and emerging markets. In this paper, we provide an evaluation of the development of asset pricing theory and an identification of factors that are pervasive and priced in both developed and emerging markets. This survey of the literature suggests there is a need for distinctive asset pricing models that consider the unique characteristics of both markets.
Self-powered textile for wearable electronics by hybridizing fiber-shaped nanogenerators, solar cells, and supercapacitors
Authors: Wen Zhen , Yeh Min-Hsin , Guo Hengyu , Wang Jie , Zi Yunlong , Xu Weidong , Deng Jianan , Zhu Lei , Wang Xin , Hu Chenguo , Zhu Liping , Sun Xuhui , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2016

A hybridized self-powered textile for simultaneously collecting solar energy and random body motion energy was demonstrated.
Striking the right chord
The Well-Tempered City What Modern Science, Ancient Civilizations, and Human Nature Teach Us About the Future of Urban Life
Jonathan F. P. Rose
Harper Wave, 2016, 478 pp.
Authors: Campbell Scott D.
Published: October 2016

A wide-ranging treatise seeks to reshape cities with an eye toward equality and resilience
The fourth dimension of vegetation
Authors: Birks H. John B. , Birks Hilary H. , Ammann Brigitta
Published: October 2016

100 years ago, Lennart von Post first used pollen analysis to reconstruct past ecosystems
Informing Antibiotic Treatment Decisions: Evaluating Rapid Molecular Diagnostics To Identify Susceptibility and Resistance to Carbapenems against Acinetobacter spp. in PRIMERS III
Authors: Evans Scott R. , Hujer Andrea M. , Jiang Hongyu , Hill Carol B. , Hujer Kristine M. , Mediavilla Jose R. , Manca Claudia , Tran Thuy Tien T. , Domitrovic T. Nicholas , Higgins Paul G. , Seifert Harald , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Patel Robin , Jacobs Michael R. , Chen Liang , Sampath Rangarajan , Hall Thomas , Marzan Christine , Fowler Vance G. , Chambers Henry F. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: October 2016

The widespread dissemination of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter
spp. has created significant therapeutic challenges. At present, rapid molecular diagnostics (RMDs) that can identify this phenotype are not commercially available. Two RMD platforms, PCR combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) and molecular beacons (MB), for detecting genes conferring resistance/susceptibility to carbapenems in
Acinetobacter
spp. were evaluated. An archived collection of 200 clinical
Acinetobacter
sp. isolates was tested. Predictive values for susceptibility and resistance were estimated as a function of susceptibility prevalence and were based on the absence or presence of beta-lactamase (
bla
) NDM, VIM, IMP, KPC, and OXA carbapenemase genes (e.g.,
bla
OXA-23
,
bla
OXA-24/40
, and
bla
OXA-58
found in this study) against the reference standard of MIC determinations. According to the interpretation of MICs, 49% (
n
= 98) of the isolates were carbapenem resistant (as defined by either resistance or intermediate resistance to imipenem). The susceptibility sensitivities (95% confidence interval [CI]) for imipenem were 82% (74%, 89%) and 92% (85%, 97%) for PCR/ESI-MS and MB, respectively. Resistance sensitivities (95% CI) for imipenem were 95% (88%, 98%) and 88% (80%, 94%) for PCR/ESI-MS and MB, respectively. PRIMERS III establishes that RMDs can discriminate between carbapenem resistance and susceptibility in
Acinetobacter
spp. In the context of a known prevalence of resistance, SPVs and RPVs can inform clinicians regarding the best choice for empiric antimicrobial therapy against this multidrug-resistant pathogen.
Replication-Deficient Particles: New Insights into the Next Generation of Bluetongue Virus Vaccines
Authors: Celma Cristina C. , Stewart Meredith , Wernike Kerstin , Eschbaumer Michael , Gonzalez-Molleda Lorenzo , Breard Emmanuel , Schulz Claudia , Hoffmann Bernd , Haegeman Andy , De Clercq Kris , Zientara Stephan , van Rijn Piet A. , Beer Martin , Roy Polly
Published: October 2016

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is endemic in many parts of the world, often causing severe hemorrhagic disease in livestock. To date, at least 27 different serotypes have been recognized. Vaccination against all serotypes is necessary to protect susceptible animals and to prevent onward spread of the virus by insect vectors. In our previous studies, we generated replication-deficient (disabled infectious single-cycle [DISC]) virus strains for a number of serotypes and reported preliminary data on their protective efficacy in animals. In this report, to advance the DISC vaccines to the marketplace, we investigated different parameters of these DISC vaccines. First, we demonstrated the genetic stabilities of these vaccine strains and also the complementing cell line. Subsequently, the optimal storage conditions of vaccines, including additives, temperature, and desiccation, were determined and their protective efficacies in animals confirmed. Furthermore, to test if mixtures of different vaccine strains could be tolerated, we tested cocktails of DISC vaccines in combinations of three or six different serotypes in sheep and cattle, the two natural hosts of BTV. Groups of sheep vaccinated with a cocktail of six different vaccines were completely protected from challenge with individual virulent serotypes, both in early challenge and after 5 months of challenge without any clinical disease. There was no interference in protection between the different vaccines. Protection was also achieved in cattle with a mixture of three vaccine strains, albeit at a lesser level than in sheep. Our data support and validate the suitability of these virus strains as the next-generation vaccines for BTV.

IMPORTANCE
Bluetongue (BT) is a debilitating and in many cases lethal disease that affects ruminants of economic importance. Classical vaccines that afford protection against bluetongue virus, the etiological agent, are not free from secondary and undesirable effects. A surge in new approaches to produce highly attenuated, safer vaccines was evident after the development of the BTV reverse-genetics system that allows the introduction of targeted mutations in the virus genome. We targeted an essential gene to develop disabled virus strains as vaccine candidates. The results presented in this report further substantiate our previous evidence and support the suitability of these virus strains as the next-generation BTV vaccines.