bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of oleylphosphocholine (OlPC) in vitro and in a mouse model of invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Paulussen Caroline , Boulet Gaëlle , Bosschaerts Tom , Cos Paul , Fortin Anny , Maes Louis
Published: January 2015

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) has become increasingly common and is characterised by high morbidity and mortality. Upcoming resistance threatens treatment with azoles and highlights the continuous need for novel therapeutics. This laboratory study investigated the in vitro and in vivo potential of the alkylphospholipid oleylphosphocholine (OlPC) against Aspergillus. In vitro activities of OlPC, miltefosine, posaconazole and voriconazole were determined for Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus and A. flavus. In vivo efficacy of OlPC was evaluated in a systemic A. fumigatus mouse model, adopting a short‐term and long‐term oral or intraperitoneal dosing regimen. OlPC showed good in vitro activity against A. fumigatus (IC50 = 1.04 μmol l−1). Intraperitoneal administration of 50 mg kg−1 day−1 OlPC significantly reduced the fungal organ burdens at 4 days post‐infection (dpi). Although 5‐ and 10‐day OlPC treatment improved survival, organ burdens were not affected at 10 and 15 dpi. While this study showed excellent in vitro activity of OlPC against Aspergillus spp., its therapeutic efficacy in an acute mouse model for IA was less convincing. Given the limited therapeutic options in the current antifungal market for invasive infections, OlPC activity should be assessed in a less stringent in vivo model, potentially in combination treatment with other already marketed antifungal drugs.
Onychomycosis in Israel: epidemiological aspects
Authors: Segal Rina , Shemer Avner , Hochberg Malca , Keness Yoram , Shvarzman Rima , Mandelblat Marina , Frenkel Michael , Segal Esther
Published: January 2015

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection treated orally for prolonged periods of treatment, caused primarily by Dermatophytes, Candida species and non‐dermatophyte moulds (NDMs). The prevalence of specific aetiology may differ in dependence of environmental, geographic and demographic factors, and may affect management of the infection. The objective of this survey was to analyse epidemiologic parameters of onychomycosis in Israel. Data of a cohort of 27 093 patients were collected from six centres during a 2‐ and 10‐year period. The diagnosis was based on microscopy of KOH/calcofluor mounts of nail scrapings and culture isolation. A positive result indicates isolation of a fungus in culture. Data were analysed for each centre and expressed as range for the whole cohort, using the spss v18 software. Analysis included three epidemiologic parameters: fungal aetiology in toe‐ and fingernails; association with gender; association with age group. Dermatophytes were the major causative agents and Trichophyton rubrum the most frequent isolate. Candida species were more frequent in women fingernails; frequency increased with age and C. parapsilosis the most frequent species. NDMs were isolated at low rate and Aspergillus terreus was the most frequent isolate. This is a first large cohort of onychomycosis patients from Israel analysed by defined epidemiological parameters.
Leptin resistance in diet‐induced obesity: the role of hypothalamic inflammation
Authors: de Git K. C. G. , Adan R. A. H.
Published: January 2015

The consumption of Western diets, high in sugar and saturated fat, is a crucial contributor to the alarming incidence of obesity and its associated morbidities. These diets have been reported to induce an inflammatory response in the hypothalamus, which promotes the development of central leptin resistance and obesity. This inflammatory signalling involves dynamic changes in the expression and activity of several mediators of the innate immune system, including toll‐like receptor 4, IκB kinase‐β/nuclear factor‐κB, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, as well as the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy defect. Although the exact cellular mechanisms remain incompletely understood, recent evidence suggests that the inflammatory response is at least mediated by interactions between neurons and non‐neuronal cells such as microglia and astrocytes. Current evidence of the contribution of each inflammatory mediator to leptin resistance and diet‐induced obesity (DIO), including their reciprocal interactions and cell‐type‐specific effects, is reviewed and integrated in a conceptual model. Based upon this model and pharmacological intervention studies, several inflammatory mediators are proposed to be promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of DIO.
Acute His‐Bundle Injury Current during Permanent His‐Bundle Pacing Predicts Excellent Pacing Outcomes
Authors: VIJAYARAMAN PUGAZHENDHI , DANDAMUDI GOPI , WORSNICK SARAH , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

His‐bundle (HB) pacing (P) is a physiological alternative to right ventricular pacing (RVP), but is technically challenging and limited by higher pacing thresholds. Myocardial injury current (IC) recorded during right ventricular lead placement implies good tissue contact and is associated with low‐pacing thresholds. IC at the HB has not been previously described. We hypothesized that HBIC during permanent HBP may be associated with lower pacing thresholds.

Methods

Permanent HBP was performed using Medtronic Select Securetm (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) delivered via a fixed‐curve (C315 His) sheath. HB electrogram (EGM) was recorded in a unipolar fashion from the lead tip. Presence or absence of HBIC was documented. HBP threshold, sensing, and impedances were recorded at implant, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 1 year.

Results

Sixty patients (age 72 ± 15 years; male 55%, sick sinus syndrome 40%, atrioventricular block 60%, fluoroscopy duration 9.2 ± 3.7 minutes) underwent successful permanent HBP. HBIC was recorded in 22 (37%) patients (group I). HBEGM without IC was recorded in the remaining 38 (63%) patients (group II). Pacing threshold at implant, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 1 year were significantly lower in group I (1.16 ± 0.4 V; 1.18 ± 0.5 V; 1.23 ± 0.6 V; 1.3 ± 0.6 V @ 0.5 ms) compared to group II (1.75 ± 0.7 V; 1.82 ± 0.8 V; 1.93 ± 0.8 V; 1.98 ± 0.9 V @ 0.5 ms, P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

IC can be recorded at the HB during permanent HBP in 37% of patients. HBIC is associated with significantly lower pacing thresholds compared to patients in whom HBIC was not recorded. HBIC may be a marker for superior short‐term HBP thresholds.
GLOBAL PUBLIC POLICY: DOES THE NEW VENUE FOR TRANSNATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL CHALLENGE THE OLD WAY OF DOING THINGS?
Authors: MAMUDU HADII , CAIRNEY PAUL , STUDLAR DONLEY
Published: January 2015

The World Health Organization has fostered a new global public policy – the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC). Until the 1980s, tobacco control was the sole preserve of states. Now, most countries accept the transnational nature of policy. We explain this shift by identifying mutually reinforcing changes in key policy process elements: transnational actors became a source of policy learning; an international venue ‘institutionalized’ new policies; networks began to include tobacco control groups and exclude tobacco companies; socioeconomic shifts undermined public support, and the economic case, for tobacco; and the dissemination of scientific evidence helped actors reframe the image of tobacco, from an economic good to a health crisis. These elements combined to produce an environment conducive to ‘comprehensive’ tobacco control. Yet the implementation of theFCTChas been slow and uneven, reflecting the continued importance of domestic policy environments, most of which are not conducive to major policy change.
Mining the Brain for a New Taxonomy of the Mind
Authors: Anderson Michael L.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, I summarize an emerging debate in the cognitive sciences over the right taxonomy for understanding cognition – the right theory of and vocabulary for describing the structure of the mind – and the proper role of neuroscientific evidence in specifying this taxonomy. In part because the discussion clearly entails a deep reconsideration of the supposed autonomy of psychology from neuroscience, this is a debate in which philosophers should be interested, with which they should be familiar, and to which they should contribute. Here, I outline some of the positions being advocated, and reflect on some of the possible implications of this work both for scientific and folk psychology.
Moore's Paradox in Speech: A Critical Survey
Authors: Williams John N.
Published: January 2015

It is raining but you don't believe that it is raining. Imagine accepting this claim. Then you are committed to saying ‘It is raining but I don't believe that it is raining’. This would be an ‘absurd’ thing to claim or assert, yet what you say might be true. It might be raining, while at the same time, you are completely ignorant of the state of the weather. But how can it be absurd of you to assert something about yourself that might be true of you? This is Moore's paradox as it occurs in speech. What is the source of the absurdity? And why does it strike us that a contradiction is somehow at work when there is no contradiction in the content of what is asserted? In Section2, I describe Moore's formulation of the paradox and evaluate his own solutions. In Section3, I discuss Wittgenstein's influence in solving the paradox. In Section4, I discuss Shoemaker's priority thesis that once the absurdity in belief has been explained, then this will translate into an explanation of the absurdity in assertion. In Section5, I discuss work on omissive and commissive Moore‐paradoxical assertions, i.e. those of the formsp & I don't believe that pandp & I believe that not‐p. In Section6, I discuss work on assertions of the formp & I don't know that p.
Relativism 1: Representational Content
Authors: Kölbel Max
Published: January 2015

In the pair of articles of which this is the first, I shall present a set of problems and philosophical proposals that have in recent years been associated with the term ‘relativism’. All these problems and proposals concern the question of how we should represent thought and speech about certain topics. The main issue here is whether we should model such mental states or linguistic acts as involving representational contents that are absolutely correct or incorrect, or whether, alternatively, their correctness should be thought of as varying with some (more or less surprising) factor.

In this, first, article, I shall discuss the general issue of relativism about representational content. I shall claim that there are legitimate ways of attributing contents that are absolute truth‐bearers, and there are also equally legitimate ways of attributing relativistic representational contents.

In the companion piece ‘Relativism 2: Semantic Content’, I look in more detail at the more specific question whether semantic contents (i.e. the contents assigned to linguistic utterances in the semantics of natural language) should be construed in an absolutist or a relativist way.
Whither Power in Public Administration? Attainment, Dissipation, and Loss
Authors: Durant Robert F.
Published: January 2015

Norton Long's 1949 essay, “Power and Administration,” has a complicated legacy. First, analysis reveals both support for and important refinements of Long's arguments since the article's publication. Second, Long's claim has proven problematic that competition among agencies for power would bring more coordination and a cross‐agency sense of purpose to the federal government. Third, the bureaucratic pluralism that he explained and defended produced special interest biases that were off‐putting to large segments of citizens and thus helped create an unsupportive political environment for needed capacity building in the federal government. Fourth, by not considering how institutions “coevolve,” Long failed to warn that “horizontal power” building by individual agencies would provoke efforts by elected officials to enhance their control over bureaucracy in ways that, over time, diminished their collective sources of power. Finally, much remains to be done before what Long called a “realistic science of administration” incorporating the “budgeting of power” exists in public administration.
Competing Claims and Nationalist Narratives: A City/State Debate in a Globalising World
Authors: Dempsey Kara E.
Published: January 2015

This paper contributes to ongoing discussions about international urban entrepreneurialism, place marketing efforts, and city/state relations through an empirical analysis of a controversial state‐sponsored prestige project, Galicia's ‘City of Culture’ museum. The protracted intra‐regional debate surrounding the construction of the museum is informative in that it offers a scenario in which two rival cities are competing with each other within the same state. The story of their conflict adds a new and complicating dimension to the discussion by highlighting how city identity may intersect with national identity in relation to the politics of the state. The results show how the actual politics of city/state relations can be one of contestation between a range of political interests that extend beyond a simple, bipolar city/state relationship.
Online Fashion Retailing and Retail Geography: The Blogshop Phenomenon inSingapore
Authors: Yeung Godfrey , Ang Kim Leng
Published: January 2015

This paper examines why blogshops exist inSingapore and how these unconventional online retailing channels can be extended to bricks and mortar shops. The rise of blogshops is due to a combination of low barriers to entry and the informal institutions that bind the blogshop community for mutual support, and the development of a self‐regulatory regime. Blogshops are spatially embedded and supported by the contextualised network of economic actors which facilitate the open exchange of practices and ideas through information diffusion across both virtual and physical space. The overlap between virtual and physical space is further illustrated by businesses extending their virtual space to bricks and mortar shops, which in turn supports their sustainability by widening their market penetration. Therefore, blogshops not only reverse the development path from conventional to online retailer, but also illustrate the importance of physical space for the accumulation and transfer of tacit knowledge.
Globalisation, Sustainability and the Role of Institutions: The Case of the Chilean Salmon Industry
Authors: Iizuka Michiko , Katz Jorge
Published: January 2015

The importance of aquaculture in the fishery sector is increasing. The growth of aquaculture complements the stagnant growth of extractive fisheries. Many countries are now entering this emerging economic activity. This positive feature has some serious drawbacks when the country has no local institutions to ensure the environmental sustainability of aquaculture. The Chilean salmon farming industry has grown dramatically since the mid‐1980s to become the leading exporter of farmed salmon after Norway. The sector, however, suffered decline due to the sanitary crisis in 2007. It is said that this crisis was caused by overexploitation and overconcentration of fish farms. This paper tries to explain the mechanisms of the sanitary crisis – a ‘tragedy of the commons’ – by paying attention to the role of endogenous factors such as local knowledge, capacity building, local ecological conditions and the emergence of local institutions, focusing on the case of salmon farming in Chile.
Internationalisation Efforts of Chinese and Indian Companies: An Empirical Perspective
Authors: Duysters Geert , Cloodt Myriam , Schoenmakers Wilfred , Jacob Jojo
Published: January 2015

In this paper we aim to understand the internationalisation strategies of companies from India and China. In particular we focus on two external organisational modes: mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and strategic technology alliances. Using a large longitudinal data set we show that Greater China and India are emerging as important players in worldwide M&As and alliances whereas the traditional dominance of the US in both these activities is on the decline. Our analysis of the patterns of M&As and alliances revealed important similarities and differences between the two countries.
Neighbour Relations in the Netherlands: New Developments
Authors: Mollenhorst Gerald
Published: January 2015

Because people can cover long distances either online or by travelling to keep in touch with associates relatively easily, some believe that the local has lost its significance. Others argue that community and neighbourhood contacts are still important, for example, as a source of social support. According to Mollenhorst and colleagues, neighbours became more important in Dutch personal networks between 2000 and 2007. I assess how this developed between 2007–2008 and 2013. Next‐door neighbours have (again) become more important. Neighbours are predominantly mentioned as associates who are visited and, increasingly, as associates who are asked for practical help. In contrast to Mollenhorst and colleagues, I find that the extent to which the Dutch like and trust neighbours in their network increased while contact frequency (further) declined. For highly educated residents, people without paid work, homeowners, and people with initially small local networks, the size of neighbour networks increased.
The clinical value of whole blood point‐of‐care biomarkers in large animal emergency and critical care medicine
Authors: Radcliffe Rolfe M. , Buchanan Ben R. , Cook Vanessa L. , Divers Thomas J.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To summarize the current medical literature and provide a clinical perspective of whole blood point‐of‐care (POC) biomarkers in large animal emergency and critical care practice.

Data Sources

Original studies, reviews, and textbook chapters in the human and veterinary medical fields.

POC biomarkers are tests used to monitor normal or disease processes at or near the patient. In both human and veterinary medicine these tools are playing an increasingly important role in the management of critical diseases. The most important whole blood POC biomarkers available for veterinary practitioners includel‐lactate, cardiac troponin I, serum amyloid A, triglyceride, creatinine, and glucose, although many other tests are available or on the horizon.

Conclusion

Whole blood POC biomarkers enable clinicians to provide improved management of critical diseases in large animals. These tools are especially useful for establishing a diagnosis, guiding therapy, and estimating disease risk and prognosis.
Controversies in the management of feline urethral obstruction
Authors: Cooper Edward S.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To discuss areas of differing opinion in the management of feline urethral obstruction and present current evidence to either support or refute common practices.

Etiology

Urethral obstruction may occur as a result from a functional obstruction (idiopathic obstruction) or a physical obstruction, such as mucous plugs or calculi within the urethra. Potential risk factors for obstruction in cats include predominantly indoor status, decreased water intake, and increased body weight.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is most commonly made based on history and initial physical exam—straining to urinate, vocalizing, signs of systemic illness, moderate to large firm bladder on abdominal palpation.

Therapy

Treatment is based on available evidence. The type of IV isotonic crystalloid used does not seem to matter and rate should be determined by need for fluid resuscitation, and replacement of deficit and ongoing losses. Though controversial, cystocentesis appears to be safe and may offer some benefits in initial management. There is evidence to suggest a smaller urethral catheter (3.5 Fr) may be associated with decreased risk of reobstruction. Routine use of antimicrobial agents in hospital is not recommended; they should be dispensed based on culture performed at the time of catheter removal. Though commonly used, evidence in support of antispasmodics is limited and further prospective investigation is needed.

Prognosis

Feline urethral obstruction is associated with 90–95% survival, with reported recurrence rates of 15–40%. Potential factors affecting recurrence include size or duration of indwelling urinary catheter, use of antispasmodic agents, patient age, and indoor‐outdoor lifestyle; however, different studies offer conflicting results. Increased water intake and environmental modification do seem to decrease risk of recurrence.
Active Learning Strategies to Teach Undergraduate Nursing Statistics: Connecting Class and Clinical to Prepare Students for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Wonder Amy Hagedorn , Otte Julie L.
Published: January 2015

This column shares the best evidence‐based strategies and innovative ideas on how to facilitate the implementing of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741‐6787
A Conceptual Approach of 5S to Improving Quality and Environmental Performance of Malaysian Oil Palm Dealers
Authors: Jamian Rahim , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , Md Deros Baba , Mohamed Mohd Saiful , Nik Ismail Nik Zainuddin
Published: January 2015

Global concerns on quality and environmentally sustainable products are giving extensive pressure on the competitiveness of Malaysian palm oil industry. As part of palm oil supply chain, the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) dealers play an important role in the development of the industry as well as contributing a significant impact on the environmental pollution. Despite the adoption of codes of practice (COPs) by dealers, recent studies reveal the problem of quality deterioration of FFB is caused by ineffective handling practices including poor housekeeping and delay in transportation. Empirical evidence shows that the quality and environmental performance of firms improve through 5S practices. Therefore, this conceptual study primarily aims to improve the existing practices for the handling of harvested oil palm by incorporating the 5S concept (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, sustain) into COPs. In this context, several propositions are formulated based on literature. The findings of survey and case studies within FFB dealer sub-sector shall be used as input to enhance the proposed improvement work. The propositions shall be validated by a panel of experts through the Delphi technique before it can be used as a reference by FFB dealers to simultaneously improve their quality and environmental performance.
Effects of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Injector Position on Intake Manifold towards Diesel-CNG Dual Fuel (DDF) Engine Performance
Authors: Supee A. , Mohsin R. , Majid Z. A. , Raiz M. I.
Published: January 2015

In Diesel-CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Dual Fuel (DDF) system, CNG is generally inducted in the intake manifold by CNG injector which is mounted on the intake manifold whereas diesel fuel is directly injected into engine cylinder using existing diesel fuel injector system. Status quo of optimum CNG injector position on intake manifold will  provide better gaseous fuel mixing quality, produce high turbulence kinetic energy and thus improve the performance of the diesel engine under DDF system. Thus, under full load condition at 2750 rpm, the engine performance and exhaust gas emissions tests such as nitric oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) were conducted on a diesel engine under DDF system for optimization of CNG injector position. Four CNG injector position on intake manifold were selected and optimum position of CNG injector was found to be at "position 2" which results in higher power output and less exhaust gas emissions. Further analysis by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) shows that CNG injector at "position 2" exhibit better quality of homogeneous CNG-air mixture and higher turbulence kinetic energy compared to other position. Based on the findings, an optimization of CNG injector position on intake manifold provide promising modification method due to the simple, cheaper and commercially acceptable.
Effect of Confining Layers of Steel Straps Confined High-Strength Concrete Cylinder under Uniaxial Cyclic Compression
Authors: Lee Hoong Pin , Awang Abdullah Zawawi , Omar Wahid
Published: January 2015

The remarkable advantages and promising increment in concrete ultimate capacity as well as ductility by using steel straps as lateral confinement has brought the steel strapping tensioning technique (SSTT) as one of the most affordable confining technique in market. A number of studies have been reported the behaviour of SSTT-confined concrete under uniaxial monotonic compression loading but none of any study addressed the uniaxial cyclic response of such confinement. In this paper, twenty-one high-strength concrete cylinder specimens with diameter of 150 mm and 300 mm in height were cast, laterally pre-tensioned with steel strap in different confining layers and tested to failure under uniaxial cyclic and monotonic compression loading. A number of conclusions to be drawn from experimental results including the tangential validation of stress-strain curve for uniaxial monotonic and cyclic loading, independency of plastic strain to the amount of confining layers, the disagreement of uniqueness concept on the repeated uniaxial unloading and reloading cycles, and the promising effect of confining layers and loading patterns to the ultimate capacity of SSTT confinement. A plastic strain model is proposed and compared with existing plastic strain models. The result proved that SSTT confinement able to secure the lowest plastic strain among the others existing confinement method.
Evaluating Feature Extractors and Dimension Reduction Methods for Near Infrared Face Recognition Systems
Authors: Farokhi Sajad , Sheikh Usman Ullah , Flusser Jan , Shamsuddin Siti Mariyam , Hashemi Hossein
Published: January 2015

This study evaluates the performance of global and local feature extractors as well as dimension reduction methods in NIR domain. Zernike moments (ZMs), Independent Component Analysis (ICA), Radon Transform + Discrete Cosine Transform (RDCT), Radon Transform + Discrete Wavelet Transform (RDWT) are employed as global feature extractors and Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Gabor Wavelets (GW), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Undecimated Discrete Wavelet Transform (UDWT) are used as local feature extractors. For evaluation of dimension reduction methods Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis + Principal Component Analysis (Fisherface), Kernel Fisher Discriminant Analysis (KFD) and Spectral Regression Discriminant Analysis (SRDA) are used. Experiments conducted on CASIA NIR database and PolyU-NIRFD database indicate that ZMs as a global feature extractor, UDWT as a local feature extractor and SRDA as a dimension reduction method have superior overall performance compared to some other methods in the presence of facial expressions, eyeglasses, head rotation, image noise and misalignments.
The Pattern of Interaction in Online Cooperative Learning
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Muhaimin , Mohd. Yusof Farahwahida , Aris Baharuddin
Published: January 2015

Online Cooperative Learning (OCoL) provides a different experience compared to Conventional Cooperative Learning (CCoL). The implementation of OCoL uses various web-based tools to support elements of Cooperative Learning such as face to face interaction. This study looks into the patterns of interaction on OCoL using group investigation as learning method. A Learning management system namely Moodle (LMS) was chosen as a platform to run this OCoL. A group of 15 students from one of the academic programmes at one of our local universities were selected randomly to carry out six learning sessions using OCoL. OCoL learning activities are classified into: learning activities, use of interactive tools, and structure of learning to facilitate the process of analysis. A pattern of interaction was identified through quantitative and qualitative analysis of log data in usage of OCoL through six learning sessions which recorded automatically. Several patterns of interaction were identified and classified by learning session, learning structure, and number of access. Analysis found that students showed a high number of accesses in the early learning session, but this number decreased at the middle and final learning session which students tend towards individual activities such as information searching as well as group investigation method. The results of this study proposes a set of guidelines of design and implementation of online cooperative learning and also learning management system which is widely used as e-learning system in higher education institution.
Payment Issue in Malaysian Construction Industry: Contractors’ Perspective
Authors: Azman Mohamed Nor Azhari , Dzulkalnine Natasha , Abd Hamid Zuhairi , Wai Beng Khuan
Published: January 2015

This paper research entitled “Payment Issue in Malaysian Construction Industry by Contractor” intends to investigate the causes of late and non-payment in the Malaysian construction industry. Payment problems are old age issues that permeate the Malaysian construction industry. So often, contractors and parties in the construction industry complain either not getting paid or payments have been unduly delayed by the employer. A preliminary study was undertaken of 100 samples of contractors. The findings of the research shows that the potential major causes of late and non-payment are local attitude, delay in certification by consultant and paymaster's poor financial management. Based on the factor analysis findings, there are three factors that should be taken care which are under factor management and documentation, communication and contract, and culture and attitude. Findings of this study may assist the government and relevant parties in addressing problems associated to late and non-payment in an effective and timely manner to create a win-win situation for all parties in the Malaysian construction industry. The findings will be used as a platform in establishing the payment scenario in Malaysian construction industry prior to Construction Industry Payment Adjudication Act (CIPAA).
Multiplicative Piecewise Gamma in Survival Data Analysis
Authors: Mohamed Ismail Noraslinda , Mohd Khalid Zarina , Ahmad Norhaiza
Published: January 2015

The proportional hazard model is the most general of the regression models since it is not based on any assumptions concerning the nature or shape of the underlying survival distribution. The model assumes that the underlying hazard rate is a function of the covariates (independent variables) and there are no assumptions about the nature or shape of the hazard function. Proportional hazards model in survival analysis is used to estimate the effects of different covariates which was influenced by the survival data. This paper proposes the new multiplicative piecewise gamma in the hazard function using OpenBugs Statistical Packages. The proposed model is a flexible survival model for any types of non-informative censored data in estimating the parameters using Bayesian approach and also an alternative model to the existing model. We used the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method in computing the Bayesian estimator on leukemia data. The results obtained show that the proposed model can be an alternative to the existing multiplicative model since it can estimate the parameters using any types of survival data compared to the existing model that can only be used for leukemia data.
Effect of Sintering Aid on CGO Electrolyte for the Fabrication of Low Cost, Structural-controlled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Manakor Krishnan , Jamil Siti Munira , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , A. Rahman Mukhlis , Jaafar Juhana , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: January 2015

This paper reports the effort in reducing sintering temperature of cerium gadolinium oxide (CGO), a common intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte, by doping it with lithium nitrate (LiNO3) at 1, 2 and 3 mol%. LiNO3-CGO/NiO-CGO electrolyte/anode dual-layer hollow fibre (HF) for micro-tubular SOFC has been developed in this study via brush painting technique. The developed dual-layer HFs, which are co-sintered at 900-1250°C with the interval of 50°C, characterized by mechanical strength and microstructural analysis. Benefit of this study is the reduction of the sintering temperature, which eventually contributes to the fabrication of low-cost SOFC. Moreover, brush painting technique provides great adhesion between anode and electrolyte layer during sintering. With the increasing sintering temperature and content of LiNO3, densification and the mechanical strength of the developed dual-layer HF increased. Based on the experimental works, a sintering temperature of 1150°C with 3 mol% of LiNO3 as sintering additive is recommended for the construction of the low cost dual-layer micro-tubular SOFCs.
Effect of pH on Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Solution to Polysulfone-based Membrane
Authors: Aminudin Nurul Nabilah , Basri Hatijah , Yunos Muhammad Zaini , Harun Zawati , Pei Sean Goh
Published: January 2015

In this work, polysulfone (PSf) flat sheet membrane was prepared via phase inversion technique. The effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive on membrane performance were observed and investigated. The membrane permeation was evaluated in terms of pure water flux (PWF) and solute rejection at different pHs (pH 3, pH 5, pH 7 and pH 9). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was used to study the performance of the prepared membrane. Results showed that the increase of PEG concentration led to higher PWF. This is due to PEG role as a pore forming agent in casting solution. The PWF was found to increase up to 101.85 LMH at 5% PEG. However, the PWF decrease when the PEG concentration is increased up to 7% and 9%. Similarly, flux rate at different pH showed the same plot as PWF. At pH 9, the PWF is high compared to pH 3, pH 5 and pH 7. The BSA rejection data at pH 3 and pH 5 shows the high rejection compared to pH 7 and pH 9. No significant changes were observed when PEG concentration was increased. As a conclusion, the addition of PEG has improved the performance of membrane in terms of PWF at a certain percentage (with the highest was given at 5%) of PSf membrane. It is also evidenced that the % of BSA rejection increased with decreasing pH.
Effect of Zeolite Synthesized from Rice Husk Silica Towards Mixed Matrix Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane
Authors: Rosman Nurafiqah , Harun Zawati , Yunos Muhammad Zaini , Hasan Sulaiman
Published: January 2015

In the present work, polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by solution casting via phase inversion process. The effects of synthesized rice husk (RH) zeolite on the properties and performance of the casted PSf membrane were observed and investigated. Characterization of synthesized RH zeolite and morphology of membrane were conducted by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission microscopy (FESEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis shows a mixture of zeolite A, Y and P, while FESEM images showed agglomeration of cubic-shaped morphology of the synthesized RH zeolite. SEM analysis on membrane morphology indicates that the addition of synthesized RH zeolite obviously changed the microstructure of the membrane sub layer. At 2g RHY content, the membranes held the highest water permeability (315.29 Lm-2h-1) and continuously decreased with higher RHY content. The incorporation of the RHY particles beyond 2% causes declination to the membrane flux and increment to the humic acid rejection from 95.8 to 99.6%.
Review of Electrostatic Sensor Applications
Authors: Tajdari Teimour , Rahmat Mohd Fuaad
Published: January 2015

Electrostatic sensors have a simple but robust structure, which can detect the electric charge from moving charged particles. Measurement of the dry particle mass flow rate, velocity, and concentration in a conveyor are the main areas of sensor application. This paper considers the measurement methods and techniques that utilize electrostatic sensors for instrumentation. The most significant applications of the sensor are reviewed and a newly developed technique in particle sizing using the spatial filtering method is explained. The results of the study re-emphasize the flexibility, reliability and cost-effective features of the electrostatic sensor for industrial applications.
Octagon Modelling Using Parallel Projection of Optical Tomography
Authors: Mohd Fadzil Naizatul Shima , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Jamaludin Juliza , Mohd Muji Siti Zarina , Abdul Sahib Mohd Fadzli , Mansor Mohd Saiful Badri , Ayob Nor Muzakkir Nor , Jumaah Mohd Fahajumi , Ridzuan Aw Suzanna , Zawahir Mohd Zikrillah
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a hardware design, arrangement and measurement for optical tomography where optical tomography uses light sources as the transmitter and photodiodes as the receiver. By using parallel projection for 44 laser transmitters and photodiode receivers at the cross-sectional boundary, the existence of bubbles inside a vertical column pipeline is determined. Octagon modelling with an eight-sided jig is used for projection and the measurement method for this research is shown. An offline technique is used to collect readings from each signal and the image is reconstructed from the data received.
Adapting SICK PLS 101 Laser Scanner for 3D Interior Modelling Data Collection
Authors: Abdul Shukor Shazmin Aniza , Rushforth Emma
Published: January 2015

This paper highlights on the process of optimizing a SICK PLS 101 laser scanner sensor to collect 3D data of building interiors. The sensor, which is an industrial-based, is used to perform tasks like inspection, metrology and safety. 3D modelling of building interiors has gained a lot of interest recently, and the model can be used as the 3D as-built and assist facility management processes, as well as for preserving and conservation of old important buildings. On the other hand, not all sensors are capable of generating suitable data that can be used to produce the 3D model. LIDAR for example, is the preferred sensor in collecting interior data, but is prohibitive to some due to its cost. In addition to that, it usually comes with its own programme to collect the data, which can lead towards standardization issues. Other system like stereo vision can also be used; however it has limitations when handling occlusion and clutter while capturing in-use interior data. Thus, utilizing a SICK PLS 101 laser scanner to collect 3D interior data will provide a low cost solution in producing 3D interior models. The laser sensor can only scan in 2D for 180° horizontal area, yet by installing a servo motor, it is able to scan a hemispherical area in one operation. The overall system is sufficient to gather 3D data of a building interior – it can handle occlusions and clutter within an interior, is able to produce a standard ASCII file as well as generating output with adequate resolution, which can also solve the issues of standardization and the massive datasets created by LIDAR. As a conclusion, by optimizing a SICK PLS 101 laser scanner, we are able to produce a low cost, low level solution to gather 3D data of building interiors. Due to the restriction in cost and features of other sensors, the capability to utilize this sensor is appreciated.
A Review of Process Tomography Application in Inspection System
Authors: Abdul Wahab Yasmin , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazlul , Abdul Rahim Herlina , Ridzuan Aw Suzanna , Jamaludin Juliza , Mohd Fadzil Naizatul Shima
Published: January 2015

The inspection system is crucial to ensure the system is always in a good condition. A technique that can be used for inspection system is process tomography. By promising non-destructive approach; various types of process tomography applied in civil, manufacturing and electrical applications. The purpose of this paper is to review the types of process tomography such as ultrasonic tomography, x-ray tomography, optical tomography, electrical resistance tomography, and electrical impedance tomography that had been applied to the inspection system. Variety techniques of inspection based on those sensors briefly discussed in this paper. The result showed that the process tomography expanded tremendously in the inspection system. Finally, a potential future research on the inspection system in the civil application proposed in this paper.
Image Fusion Using Fuzzy Logic Pixel Fusion for Dual Modality Tomography System
Authors: Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Faramarzi Mahdi , Yunus Fazlul Rahman , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Phang Fatin Aliah , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul , Ahmad Anita , Pei Ling Leo , Abas Khairul Hamimah
Published: January 2015

Process tomography has been widely investigated and developed over time. The aim of this method is to measure the cross-sectional distribution of multiphase flow parameters based on its sensing technique. These single modality approaches has its own limitation whereby combination of two or more modality could overcome this issue. Therefore, a dual modality tomography (DMT) emergence of electrical capacitance sensors and ultrasonic sensor arrays for multiphase liquid mixture measurement was proposed. This paper presents an image fusion model using fuzzy logic pixel fusion method to integrate information for multisensory system such as DMT. A simulation analysis was carried out to perform image fusion on both ECT and UT input images. The developed fusion model proven to be successful in visualizing multiphase flow measurement. Thus, further validation and assessments were employed on the acquired results.
Dual Nanoprobe for Single Cell Viability Detection: Method Characterization
Authors: Mat Sulaiman Abdul Hafiz , Ahmad Mohd Ridzuan
Published: January 2015

This paper presents characterization results of the dual nanoprobe technique for single cell viability detection. Characterization is one of the steps in improving single cell viability detection technique in term of dual nanoprobe sensitivity, design and measurement configuration. The characterizations were focused on improving dual nanoprobe sensitivity and design by studying the effect of different material types, cross sections and measurement configuration, i.e. penetration depth and the gap of the dual nanoprobe on the measurement result. From the findings, the most preferred material is Tungsten and different cross section shapes do not give significant differences in dual nanoprobe sensitivity. It was also found that the current flow increases significantly with deeper penetration depth and narrower probes gap. Therefore, penetration depth and gap need to be constant during measurement in order to get reliable single cell viability detection result. The dual nanoprobe also has the potential to be used in single cell surgery, single cell thermal measurement, single cell drug delivery, and early disease detection applications.
Nano-Sensor for Single Cell Thermal Characterization
Authors: Abdullah Binslem Salma , Ahmad Mohd Ridzuan
Published: January 2015

A cell’s intracellular temperature has been shown to have a vital role in controlling the cell’s properties, activities and reacting to external stimuli. Yet, current conventional methods are unable to give any measurements when spatial resolution decreases to a micro scale. Many researchers from different fields are trying to develop ways that give high accuracy and high temperature sensitivity. We present a nano-needle microfluidic system for single cell temperature measurement. Here we discuss optimization using the finite element approach to sensor design using tungsten as the electrode and semiconducting metal oxide Co3O4 as the sensing element. The dimensions of the sensor that gave the highest voltage and, thus, the highest sensitivity ratio of 1:4 of the electrode cross sectional area / element diameter, were a gap of 450 nm between the electrodes and a penetration depth of 250 nm of the electrode into the element. Furthermore, the voltage response had a 48 µm difference over a range of 293.15–333.15. The sensor sensitivity was a 0.01° C and the response time was 1 ns.
Fault Detection and Monitoring Using Multiscale Principal Component Analysis at a Sewage Treatment Plant
Authors: Mirin Siti Nur Suhaila , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza
Published: January 2015

Safety, environmental regulations, the cost of maintenance and the operation of sewage treatment plants are some of the many reasons researchers have carried out countless research studies into fault detection and monitoring over the years. Conventional principal component analysis (PCA) in particular has been used in the field of fault detection, where the technique is able to separate useful information from multivariate data. However, conventional PCA can only be used on data that has a constant mean, which is rare in sewage treatment plants. Consequently, the success of combining wavelet and conventional PCA has attracted many researchers to apply it to fault detection where the wavelet is capable of separating data into several time scales. The separated data will be approximated to a constant mean. In addition, the conventional PCA only captures the correlation across the data, unlike multiscale PCA (MSPCA) which captures the correlation within the data and across the data. Therefore, in this work, MSPCA is introduced to improve the performance of PCA in fault detection. The objective of this paper is to reduce false alarms that exist in PCA fault detection and monitoring. Data from the Bunus sewage treatment plant (Bunus STP) is used and analysed using conventional PCA with Hotelling’s T2 and the squared prediction error (SPE). MSPCA with Hotelling’s T2 and SPE is used to improve the efficiency of fault detection and monitoring performance in conventional PCA. Therefore, MSPCA is successful in improving conventional PCA in fault detection and monitoring by reducing false alarms.
A Review on Development and Optimization of Emergency Medical Services in Malaysia
Authors: Loong Go Ting , Siong Lim Cheng , A. Danapalasingam Kumeresan , Loong Peng Tan Michael , Wei Tan Chee
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a review on emergency medical services delivery in Malaysia. The background and the development of emergency medical services in Malaysia are highlighted. Emergency medical services delivery in Malaysia is currently categorized as in developing phase. The efficiency of the delivery in Malaysia is lagged behind other developed countries. Moreover, we also explain the current problems of emergency medical services in Malaysia. The related works to optimize the delivery of emergency medical services in Malaysia are also discussed.