bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2 SORPTION USING NA2CO3/AL2O3 SORBENT WITH VARIOUS FLOW PATTERNS OF FIXED/FLUIDIZED BED REACTORS
Authors: Jongartklang Nathphatsorn , Piemjaiswang Ratchanon , Piumsomboon Pornpote , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon
Published: October 2019

In this study, the carbon dioxide sorption using solid sorbent (sodium carbonate supported on alumina) in fixed and fluidized bed reactors was investigated. The key objective was to examine the carbon dioxide concentration profile or breakthrough curve (as well as capture capacity) and carbon dioxide sorption kinetic parameters with various flow regimes/flow patterns. The basic information for the sorption kinetic parameter computation was the breakthrough curve under different flow operating conditions. From the results, all the breakthrough curves were constant at the beginning stage then it decreased with the sorption time. The fixed bed gave longest sorption time. All the carbon dioxide gas was not captured in the fast fluidization flow regime. The turbulent fluidization flow regime exhibited highest carbon dioxide capture capacity. In addition, the employed deactivation kinetic model fitted well with the obtained experimental information. The initial sorption and deactivation reaction rate constants were the highest at the turbulent fluidization flow regime.
A NEW COEFFICIENT OF CONJUGATE GRADIENT METHODS FOR NONLINEAR UNCONSTRAINED OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Mohamed Nur Syarafina , Mamat Mustafa , Mohamad Fatma Susilawati , Rivaie Mohd
Published: October 2019

Conjugate gradient (CG) methods are widely used in solving nonlinear unconstrained optimization problems such as designs, economics, physics and engineering due to its low computational memory requirement. In this paper, a new modifications of CG coefficient ( ) which possessed global convergence properties is proposed by using exact line search. Based on the number of iterations and central processing unit (CPU) time, the numerical results show that the new  performs better than some other well known CG methods under some standard test functions.
EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL INTERESTERIFICATION ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PALM STEARIN AND RICE BRAN OIL BLENDS
Authors: Abd Rashid Norizzah , Tunku Safuan Tunku Saidatul Sa’adiah , Kelana Amalyna Teja , Zuher Mohd Akram , Omar Zaliha
Published: October 2019

Palm stearin (PS) and rice bran oil (RBO) were blended in the mass ratio of 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70 and 0:100. The oil blends were subjected to chemical interesterification (CIE) catalyzed by sodium methoxide (0.2% w/w). The following analysis were carried out before and after CIE: triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, slip melting point (SMP), solid fat content (SFC), microstructure, polymorphism and hardness index (HI).  After chemical interesterification, there were decrease and increase in the amount of several TAG. Changes in TAG composition caused changes in the physical properties of the blends. Both SMP and SFC of all blends decreased significantly (p<0.05) after interesterification except for RBO. Chemical interesterification also reduced the eutectic interaction at 5°C. However, for hardness index, only blends with 50% and 100% PS decreased significantly (p<0.05) from 33.197 to 26.097 and 5.397 to 3.720, respectively. The crystals of the blends became smaller and reduced in number after interesterification. Interesterification promoted the formation of more β' crystals than β in all blends. The 30:70 PSRBO blend was the most suitable for margarine production as it melted close to body temperature.
THE INTEGRATED AIRCRAFT ROUTING AND CREW PAIRING PROBLEM: ILP BASED FORMULATIONS
Authors: Mohamed Nurul Farihan , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati , Salhi Said , Mohamed Nurul Akmal
Published: October 2019

Minimization of cost is very important in airline as great profit is an important objective for any airline system. One way to minimize the costs in airline is by developing an integrated planning process. Airline planning consists of many difficult operational decision problems including aircraft routing and crew pairing problems. These two sub-problems, though interrelated in practice, are usually solved sequentially leading to suboptimal solutions. We propose an integrated aircraft routing and crew pairing problem model, one approach to generate the feasible aircraft routes and crew pairs, followed by three approaches to solve the integrated model. The integrated aircraft routing and crew scheduling problem is to determine a minimum cost aircraft routes and crew schedules while each flight leg is covered by one aircraft and one crew. The first approach is an integer programming solution method, the second formulation is developed in a way to lend itself to be used efficiently by Dantzig Wolfe decomposition whereas the third one is formulated as a Benders decomposition method. Encouraging results are obtained when tested on four types of aircraft based on local flights in Malaysia for one week flight cycle.
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM STEAM PYROLYSIS-GASIFICATION OF SUGARCANE LEAVES WITH SORBENT-CATALYSTS
Authors: Bunma Teerayut , Kuchonthara Prapan
Published: October 2019

In this work, the hydrogen production during biomass steam pyrolysis-gasification with a combined catalysts and sorbent. The biomass sample was originated from sugarcane leaves. The combined catalyst and sorbent (NiO-MgO-CaO/γ-Al2O3) was prepared by an excess-solution impregnation method and the property of fresh and used catalysts was characterized using XRD. The prepared sorbent-catalysts promoted both tar reforming and CO2 absorption. High hydrogen production was achieved due to the enhanced water–gas shift reaction by the latter. The pyrolysis-gasification experiments were conducted in a drop tube two-stage fixed bed reactor. The effect of operating parameters such as the amount of MgO (3, 5 and 10 wt.%) and CaO (3, 5 and 10 wt.%) on supported catalysts and the gasification temperatures (600, 700 and 800 oC) were investigated. It was found that the highest hydrogen yield of 23.2 mmol H2/gbiomass was attained using the Ni10Mg5Ca5 catalyst at the gasification temperature of 600 oC. However, the maximum of tar conversion was observed around 78 wt.% at gasification temperature up to 800 oC.
RELATIONSHIP AND TREND OF CHANGES ON PARATHYROID HORMONE AND CREATININE LEVEL OF PRENATAL ULTRASOUND INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL SUBJECTS
Authors: Dom S. M. , Saat N. H.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the effects of prenatal ultrasound exposure on parathyroid hormone and creatinine levels of young rabbit and its trend of changes, and the relationship between parathyroid hormone and creatinine levels of the experimental subjects. A total number of 14 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) served as the model, where seven pregnant rabbits (treated group) were scanned using ultrasound in the middle of pregnancy for 60 minutes, while another seven pregnant rabbits served as negative control group. After delivery term, the newborns resulted from treatment scheme served as the subject of this study. Blood samples were withdrawn between the ages of 1 month old to five months old and sent to the lab for parathyroid and creatinine level test. The parathyroid hormone (P=0.019) were significantly reduced and no significant difference in creatinine levels (P=0.485). There were significantly reduced PTH in 3 and 5 months old rabbits (P=0.046 and P=0.045, respectively and significantly reduced creatinine level in 2 months old rabbit (P=0.019). Correspondingly, there is no significant linear relationship between parathyroid hormone and creatinine levels (P = 0.835). For trend of changes test, A further long-term study should be taken into consideration to test whether prenatal ultrasound exposure might cause the opposite results in the next generation in young age rabbit.
PATHOGENIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM COCKROACHES FOUND IN FOOD PREMISES
Authors: Wahab Anis Husna , Mohd Tahir Mohd Pozi , Mohamed Emida
Published: October 2019

Cockroaches play an important role in transmission of different diseases either mechanically and biological because they spread and harbor various species of microorganism. This study was carried out to isolate the pathogenic bacteria from external and internal body of cockroaches at food premises. A total of 48 cockroaches, 32 of Periplanetta americana and 16 of Blatta orientalis, were collected at food premises in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Medically important bacteria were isolated from external and internal surface by using microbial technique. From the collected Periplanetta americana and Blatta orientalis, E.coli,Salmonella species, Shigella species, and Staphylococcus were isolated and identified  in their selective media such as nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and Xylone Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar using microbial technique. The data obtained from the study emphasized that cockroaches may play an important role in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria to human. The presence of cockroaches at food premises maybe due to unhygienic environment. Thus it may pose as a safety issue as they may carries of pathogenic microorganisms that can threaten the health of individuals.
IN VIVO ASSESSMENT ON ACUTE TOXICITY OF IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES WITH DIFFERENT COATINGS
Authors: Mohd Nor Nur Amirah , Ridwan Rasdin , Che Nordin Nornaizie , Abdul Razak Hairil Rashmizal , Md Saad Wan Mazlina
Published: October 2019

Engineered nanoparticles have been extensively explored in various biomedical settings including nanoparticulate imaging agents due to its promising benefits to mankind. Iodine-intolerance patients have caused alarming concerns in searching new contrast media with lower toxicity effect. However, proper potential mechanism of nanoparticles has yet to be fully established despite its early acceptance and emerging usage. By using animal model system, our aim is to assess acute toxicity of 14 nm iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with citric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid and silane-polyethylene glycol (SiPEG). Eighteen male Wistar Rats were used in order to explore the underlying toxicity of IONPs in liver tissues after 24 hours. Hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) were elucidated by using reactive oxygen species (ROS) production assay and western blotting for the presence of p53 protein expression. The results revealed SiPEG coated IONPs have lower ROS production and lower expression of p53, however no statistical significant were observed. It can be hypothesized that SiPEG has blood-pooling contrast agent potential due to longer circulation period in blood. While, IONPs not coated with SiPEG tend to be phagocytosed by mononuclear phagocyte system and released Fe2+ ions initiative to acute cellular toxicity. The outcomes highlighted that administration of SiPEG coated IONPs believed to be a safer radiographic contrast media.
OPTIMIZATION OF SOLAR FENTON OXIDATION AND COMPARISON OF RECYCLE WET AND DRIED FENTON SLUDGE IN TREATING PALM OIL MILL SECONDARY EFFLUENT
Authors: Shahrifun Nurul Shairah Ahmad , Hussain Hazilia , Omar Qistina
Published: October 2019

This paper reports on the potential use of wet and dried Fenton sludge in replacement of the ferrous salt in treating Palm Oil Mill Secondary Effluent (POMSE) sample. The aims of this study were to characterize the Fenton sludge and to compare the performances of wet and dried Fenton sludge as iron sources in treating POMSE. The Fenton sludge were used to replace the Ferrous salt in R1- R5 and the results were compared with treatment used only H2O2 (non-catalyze). The optimum condition was run prior to tests and was found to be pH 3, H2O2/COD 1.59 (weight ratio) and Fe/COD 1.0 (weight ratio). Findings showed the removal of COD, color, turbidity and TSS in recycle wet Fenton sludge were ranging from 62% - 79%, 24% - 50%, 46% -74% and 62% - 73%  respectively, while dried Fenton sludge treatment were ranging from 34% - 40%, 26% - 43%, 39% - 45% and 54% - 57% respectively. On the other hand, treatment with H2O2 showed approximately 60% removal for both COD and color while approximately 79% for both turbidity and TSS respectively. In conclusion recycled wet Fenton sludge treatment demonstrated higher removal of contaminant compared to the recycle dried Fenton sludge treatment.
MODIFICATION OF BSF LAYER IN BIFACIAL SOLAR CELL VIA PHOTOSENSITIZATION OF MOLECULES NANOSTRUCTURE
Authors: Mohd Sinin Nurul Aqidah , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Sepeai Suhaila , Sulaiman Mohamad Yusof , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri , Ahmad Ludin Norasikin , H. Zaidi Saleem
Published: October 2019

Surface passivation is the most significant step to keep the recombination loss at a tolerable minimum and avoid an unacceptably large efficiency loss when moving towards thinner silicon material. In this study, the modification and photosensitization on back surface field (BSF) of bifacial solar cell was investigated by using dye molecules nanostructure namely DiO. The DiO dye molecules nanostructure was passivated on SiNW and BSF layers using spin-coating method. The energy gaps of DiO dye are 2.14 eV (DiO in chloroform), 2.13 eV (DiO on silicon nanowire (SiNW)) and 2.12 eV (DiO on BSF). The time resolved photoluminescence increased with the DiO dye coated on SiNW ( 14Ï„">  = 1.24 nm) and BSF layers ( 14Ï„">  = 0.93 nm) compared to DiO dye in chloroform ( 14Ï„">  = 0.54 nm). The light trapping inside the interface layers of DiO dye/silicon indicating a slow process of charge recombination before its reach equilibrium states, it is due to interface interaction bonding within boundary layers and dye molecules nanostructure. The short circuit current density also increased about 25% from 4.44 to 5.56 mA/cm2 when applying the dye molecules nanostructure on BSF of the cell. Collection of photo carrier lead of internal and external quantum efficiency improved about 19% and 25%, respectively, is mainly due to energy transported to the junction. The photo-generated electron on DiO dye lead to improvement in the exciton dissociation efficiency leading to increase in the electrical properties.
ANALYSIS OF TAPERED FINLINE IN POWER COMBINER FOR WIDEBAND APPLICATION
Authors: Alia Sadick Nur Shaheera , Abd Aziz Ali Mohamad Zoinol Abidin , Ahmad Badrul Hisham , Othman Mohd Azlishah , Sulaiman Hamzah Asyrani
Published: October 2019

Tapered finline or slotline array has used in Vivaldi antenna design to produce Ultra-wideband (UWB). This paper focuses to design and analysis the structural of tapered finline in order to achieved wideband in rectangular waveguide power combiner at frequency 0.5 GHz to 6 GHz. There are three main parameters are studying in this paper which are of length of radiation region exponential coefficient at curves of radiation and exponential coefficient at curves of directivity. The design of tapered finline in power combiner is simulated using CST Microwave Studio Software. The simulation process is based on the input return loss at port 1 (S11), input return loss at port 2 (S22), isolation (S21) and insertion loss (S12). By studying the effect of the parameter on the design structure, it can be ensure that the tapered finline structures are suitable in wideband design.
TENSILE AND FRACTURE BEHAVIOUR OF VERY THIN 304 STAINLESS STEEL SHEET
Authors: Al-Bakri Ammar Adil , Sajuri Zainuddin , Ariffin Ahmad Kamal , Abdul Razzaq Mohammed , Fafmin Mohd Salehudin
Published: October 2019

Specimen with rectangular cross-section usually used to measure the tensile properties of materials. However, the specimen size and thickness may affect the results. In this study, tensile and fracture behaviours of very thin 304 stainless steel sheet were investigated. The thickness of the stainless steel sheets investigated were 100 and 300 µm. Tensile samples were cut into dumbbell-shaped of rectangular cross-section with same width for both thickness according to ASTM E8. The results showed that 100 µm thin steel sheet exhibited higher tensile strength with no clear evidence of yielding as compared to 300 µm sheet. The fracture morphology images observed by scanning electron microscopy revealed that both specimens fracture in ductile mode. Formation of dimples on the fracture surface could be recognized easily in 300 µm sample at higher magnification as compared to 100 µm sample.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF FRICTION STIR WELDING JOINTS IN DISSIMILAR MATERIAL PLATE STRUCTURE
Authors: Zahari Siti Norazila , Mohd Sani Mohd Shahrir , Abu Husain Nurulakmar , Ishak Mahadzir , Zaman Izzuddin
Published: October 2019

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a welding process that widely used as a solid state joining process for producing welded structure of similar and dissimilar materials such as aluminum alloy, magnesium etc. FSW process has expanded rapidly in industries including aerospace, automotive and maritime due to several advantages compared to other fusion welding. In this paper, experimental modal analysis (EMA) and normal mode finite element analysis (FEA) of the FSW welded joint structure of materials AA6061 and AA7075 will be carried out to identify dynamic properties. Rigid Body Element (RBE2) in MSC NASTRAN/PATRAN is used to model the welds and their compatibility for representing FSW welded structure also being identified. Model updating is performed to minimize the discrepancy between EMA and FEA. Model updating will be acted as an optimization method and is being presented using the structural optimization capability. Finite model updating could be done in individual components and welded structure. RBE2 connecting element can be used to represent friction stir welding with good accuracy.
MOULDABILITY OF WOOD FILLER REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE FOR INJECTION MOULDED ENGINE COVER USING MOULD FILING SIMULATION
Authors: Md Radzi Mohd Khairul Fadzly , Sulong Abu Bakar , Mohd Zanggi Baharuddin , Muhammad Norhamidi
Published: October 2019

Feasibility studies about processing lignocellulosic reinforced polymer composites by injection moulding have been receiving widespread attention nowadays. The aim of this research was to identify the optimal selection of parameters, significant parameters, and effects of the injection-moulding parameters during the post filling-stage. In this simulation study, the modelling of an automotive component, namely the Proton Waja CAMPRO car engine cover, required a 3-D model and mesh generation to obtain the mouldability of its composite material using the injection moulding process. Autodesk Moldflow Insight® was used to simulate and analyse the injection-moulding process. Therefore, 60 wt% of wood filler reinforced polypropylene was evaluated under optimised injection parameters (injection temperature, mould temperature, injection pressure and flow rate) during the post-filling stage simulation (filling time, average velocity, volumetric shrinkage, sink marks, and shear stress). In addition, numerical simulation by the Taguchi method consisting of S/N ratio and ANOVA were used in this research to determine which significant factors would affect all responses. Based on the numerical simulation results, the flow rate shows the most significant parameter for the reduction of filling time, volumetric shrinkage, sink marks, and shear stress while also enhancing the average velocity on the car engine cover.
EFFECTS OF RHEOCASTING AND THIXOFORMING ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A356 ALUMINIUM ALLOY
Authors: Samsudin M. , Omar M.Z. , Abdullah S.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the changes in mechanical properties and microstructure of aluminium alloy A356 that undergoes cooling slope casting. The alloy was cut into small cubes with an estimated weight of 400g before it was heated in a crucible induction casting machine. The temperature was set to 880 oC with a heating rate of 15 oC per min. Then, the metal was cooled to 620 oC until it turns to a semisolid, before pouring into a stainless steel mould through a 250 mm long and 60o cooling slope before it was cooled to room temperature. For the thixoforming experiments, the liquid fraction was between 30% and 50%, with various semisolid temperatures (583 oC-585 oC). The ram speed and die temperature were 85 mm/s and 200 oC, respectively. The microstructure and mechanical properties of rheocast feedstock in T6 condition were determined and compared with the metal without any heat treatment, rheocast and thixoformed alloy. It was found that thixoformed metal had the highest ultimate tensile and yield strength with reduced ductility. The microstructures are rosette, near globular and spherical, and were obtained in rheocast and thixoformed alloys, respectively. The α-Al grains were larger at higher semisolid temperatures.
AN INVENTORY RECOVERY MODEL FOR AN ECONOMIC LOT SIZING PROBLEM WITH DISRUPTION
Authors: Hishamuddin Hawa , Sarker Ruhul , Essam Daryl
Published: October 2019

Supply chains face risks from various unexpected events that make disruptions almost inevitable. This paper presents a disruption recovery model for a single stage production and inventory system, where finished product supply is randomly disrupted for periods of random duration. A production facility that manufactures a single product following the Economic Production Quantity policy is considered. The model is solved using a search algorithm combined with a penalty function method to find the best recovery plan. It is shown that the optimal recovery schedule is dependent on the extent of the disruption, as well as the back order cost and lost sales cost parameters. The proposed model is seen to be a very useful tool for manufacturers to make quick decisions on the optimal recovery plan after the occurrence of a disruption.
HETEROGENEOUS TRANSESTERIFICATION OF RUBBER SEED OIL BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
Authors: Mohd Zamberi Mahanum , Ani Farid Nasir , Abdollah Mohd Fadzli
Published: October 2019

An experimental investigation was conducted to explore the effects of using waste cockle shells as a heterogeneous catalyst on the transesterification process of very high free fatty acid (FFA) rubber seeds oil with methanol. The waste cockle was calcined at 900oC for 4 hours and was employed as a source of calcium oxide (CaO). SEM, XRD and XRF were adopted to analyze the catalyst characterization. The process variables namely oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration and reaction time were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) method. The optimum yield of 88.06% was obtained for the final product of biodiesel with optimal conditions was obtained as: molar ratio of methanol to oil of around 15.57:1, 9 % catalyst weight percentage with 2.81 hours reaction time. All the fuel properties were analyzed according to the ASTM D6751 and EN-14214 standards in terms of viscosity, acid value, density and flash point.
THE DESIGN OF MOBILE NUMERICAL APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT LIFECYLE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Abdul Aziz Naziatul Shima , Wan Ahmad Wan Fatimah , Hashim Ahmad Sobri
Published: October 2019

Children with autism require special attention during the teaching and learning process. The use of information technology in special education can assist the teaching and learning process become more effective. Many applications were developed to enhance the social skills and communication skills of the children with autism as they are known with social and communication impairments. However, numerical skills are also important to prepare the children for lifelong learning. Yet, the children with autism are struggling with normal learning methods. For that reason, a mobile numerical application is proposed to assist the children with autism to acquire numerical skills. The development of the numerical application adapted ADDIE lifecycle which consists of five phases; analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. This paper objectively discusses a design phase for development lifecycle of mobile numerical application, developed for the children with moderate and mild autism who are learning basic numbers, basic shapes and size of objects. The design phase of the numerical application uses the deliverable from the analysis phase which had been completed previously. This paper discusses the learning theories, learners and usability which have been incorporated in designing the numerical application. Heuristic evaluation had been conducted with three evaluators to improve the user interface of the mobile numerical application. The results from the heuristics evaluation show all the evaluators agreed and strongly agreed with all heuristics. Constructive suggestions were also obtained from the evaluators. The development phase of the mobile numerical application would be carried out in future.
Interpretation of mouth-bar and related lacustrine and fluvial sand bodies from the middle Green River Formation (Eocene), southern Uinta Basin, Utah
Authors: Keighley Dave , Spinnangr Øystein , Howell John , Flint Stephen
Published: October 2019

The Uinta Basin of eastern Utah is an intermontane basin that contains an ~2-km-thick succession of mostly carbonate-rich mudrock assigned to the Eocene Green River Formation. In the southwest part of the basin, along Nine Mile Canyon and its tributary canyons, the middle member of the Green River Formation contains numerous interbedded sand bodies. Previous researchers have interpreted these sand bodies variably as lacustrine deltaic mouth bars, terminal fluvial distributary bars, and various types of fluvial (delta plain/floodplain/braid plain) bar.

Using some modern western U.S. lakes as partial analogues, and taking into account the overall lacustrine basin context of a widely fluctuating, wave-influenced, alkaline-lake shoreline, we again interpret many of the sand bodies to be fluvial in origin. Several sand bodies both truncate and are capped by brown to red-maroon and variegated weak to noncalcareous mudstone with root and desiccation structures, indicating terrestrial deposition well away from the lake shoreline. Others display steep cutbanks from which noncalcareous, inclined heterolithic stratification laterally accreted as fluvial side bars. Utilizing helicopter-based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, we investigated additional sand bodies that may be better examples of deltaic mouth bars. In contrast to the more commonly documented highstand progradational mouth bars of marine and open lake settings, these sand bodies are interpreted to have originated as late-lowstand or transgressive system tract fluvial channels that were then flooded and modified by waves following lake transgression. These examples illustrate that any large-scale sandy bed form present in the general vicinity of a closed basin’s fluctuating lake shore may be expected to have formed under more than one set of environmental conditions. A revised set of guidelines is therefore presented to aid in the interpretation of lacustrine deltaic mouth bars.
Symptom interval and treatment burden for patients with malignant central nervous system germ cell tumours
Authors: Hayden James , Murray Matthew J , Bartels Ute , Ajithkumar Thankamma , Muthusamy Brinda , Penn Anthony , Calaminus Gabriele , Nicholson James
Published: October 2019

Objective

Patients with central nervous system germ cell tumours (CNS-GCTs) commonly initially present to primary care or general paediatricians. Prolonged symptom intervals (SI) are frequently seen in CNS-GCTs and have been associated with inferior outcomes in other brain tumours. This study reviewed the clinical presentation of CNS-GCTs and examined the effect of prolonged SI.

Design/Setting/Patients/Outcomes

International multicentre 10-year retrospective study (2002–2011 inclusive), across six international paediatric oncology treatment centres. All newly diagnosed patients with CNS-GCT were included. Main outcome measure was time interval from first symptom to diagnosis.

Results

The study cohort included 86 (58 males:28 female) patients (59 ‘germinoma’ and 27 ‘non-germinomatous’ GCTs), with tumours being pineal (n=33), suprasellar (n=25), bifocal (pineal+suprasellar; n=24) and ‘other’ site (n=4), of which 16 (19%) were metastatic. Median age at diagnosis was 14 years (0–23 years). The time to diagnosis from first symptom (SI) was 0–69 months (median 3 months, mean 9 months). A prolonged SI (>6 months) was observed in 28/86 patients (33%) and significantly associated with metastatic disease (11/28 (39%) vs 5/58 (9%); p=0.002)) at diagnosis, but not overall survival. With prolonged SI, endocrine symptoms, particularly diabetes insipidus, were more common (21/28 (75%) vs 14/58 (24%) patients; p<0.002), but raised intracranial pressure (RICP) was less frequent (4/28 (14%) vs 43/58 (74%) patients; p<0.001)) at first symptom.

Conclusions

One-third of patients with CNS-GCT have >6 months of symptoms prior to diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis is associated with metastatic disease. Early symptom recognition, particularly related to visual and hormonal disturbances in the absence of RICP, may improve timely diagnosis, reduce metastatic disease frequency and consequently reduce treatment burden and late effects.
Multicentre, randomised controlled trial of adjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer with residual human papilloma virus DNA following primary radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy: a study protocol
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Ouyang Yi , Su Jingjing , Liu Jing , Cai Qunrong , Xu Qin , Bai Zhigang , Cao Xinping
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cervical cancer awaits further confirmation. Evidences have shown that persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in exfoliated cell post-RT is a potential biomarker of subclinical residual disease and thus increases the risk of recurrence. In this prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial, we will use HPV DNA in exfoliated cell to identify patients with cervical cancer who received definitive RT or CRT with higher risk of relapse for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods and analysis

Eligible patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer stage IIA2 to IVA of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, adequate organ function and no locoregional disease or distant metastasis after completion of primary treatment will be screened for HPV DNA in exfoliated cell at 1 month post-RT. Patients with undetectable HPV DNA will undergo standard surveillance. Patients with detectable HPV DNA will be randomly assigned to either adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel and nedaplatin for four cycles (arm 1) or observation (arm 2). Patients will be stratified for primary treatment (RT vs CRT). The primary endpoint is relapse-free survival.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol received a favourable ethical opinion from the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University on 6 February, 2018, (No. 28). The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in conferences. A summary of the findings will be made available to participants.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-IIR-17012655; Pre-results.
Early life adversity, contact with children’s social care services and educational outcomes at age 16 years: UK birth cohort study with linkage to national administrative records
Authors: Teyhan Alison , Boyd Andy , Wijedasa Dinithi , Macleod John
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To use record linkage of birth cohort and administrative data to study educational outcomes of children who are looked-after (in public care) and in need (social services involvement), and examine the role of early life factors.

Setting, design

Prospective observational study of children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which recruited pregnant women in and around Bristol, UK in the early 1990s. ALSPAC was linked to the annual Children Looked-After (CLA) Data Return and Children In Need (CIN) Census. Educational outcomes at 16 years were obtained through linkage to the National Pupil Database (NPD). These included passing 5+ good GCSEs (grades A*-C, including English and Maths). Covariates included early life adversity and social position.

Participants

12 868 ALSPAC participants were linked to the NPD. The sample for the main educational outcomes analyses comprised 9545 children from the ALSPAC core sample who had complete education data.

Results

Overall, of the 12 868 ALSPAC participants linked to NPD data, 137 had a CLA record and a further 209 a CIN record during adolescence. These children were more disadvantaged than their peers and had little active study participation beyond infancy. In the main educational outcomes analyses, achievement of 5+ good GCSEs was low in the CLA (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.35) and CIN (0.11, 0.05 to 0.27) groups relative to their peers. Measured early life factors explained little of this difference.

Conclusions

Data linkage enabled the study of educational outcomes in children with social services contact. These children had substantially worse educational outcomes relative to their peers, for reasons likely to be multifactorial.
Platelet-Rich plasma Injection Management for Ankle osteoarthritis study (PRIMA): protocol of a Dutch multicentre, stratified, block-randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Paget LDA , Bierma-Zeinstra SMA , Goedegebuure S , Kerkhoffs GMMJ , Krips R , Maas M , Moen MH , Reurink G , Stufkens SAS , de Vos RJ , Weir A , Tol JL
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potentially efficacious treatment for ankle osteoarthritis (OA), but its use has not been examined in high-quality studies. Systematic reviews show that PRP injections significantly decrease pain and improve function in patients with knee OA. Ankle OA is more common than hip or knee OA in the young active population; with a prevalence of 3.4%.

PRP injections in ankle OA are shown to be safe and improve quality of life over time, but no randomised controlled trial has been conducted. Our randomised controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy of PRP injections for symptom reduction and functional improvement, compared with placebo, in the treatment of ankle (talocrural) OA.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct the Platelet-Rich plasma Injection Management for Ankle OA study: a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. One hundred patients suffering from ankle OA will be randomised into two treatment groups: PRP injection or placebo (saline) injection. Both groups will receive two injections of PRP or placebo at an interval of 6 weeks. Primary outcome is the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes determined at several follow-up moments up to 5 years, include Ankle Osteoarthritis Score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, pain subscale of (0–40), Visual Analogue Scale score (0–100), Ankle Activity Score (0–10), subjective patient satisfaction Short Form Health Survey-36, Global Attainment Scaling and the EuroQol-5 dimensions-3 levels utility score. A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed at 1 year.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee Amsterdam Medical Center, the Netherlands (ABR 2018–042, approved 23 July 2018) and registered in the Netherlands trial register (NTR7261). Results and new knowledge will be disseminated through the Dutch Arthritis Association (ReumaNederland), Dutch patient federation, conferences and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NTR7261.
Identifying and classifying anthropometric indicator for cardiovascular risk and coronary artery calcification: a protocol for a scoping review study
Authors: Frehner Caroline , Cunha Natalia Morais , Nagano Francisca Eugenia Zaina , Almeida Claudia Choma Bettega , Junior Emilton Lima
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality and disability worldwide, so the prevention becomes a priority in terms of public health. Therefore, it is necessary to use validated strategies to adequately identify these patients in daily clinical practice. The objective of this scope review is to comprehend and comprehensively describe the anthropometric indicators used in studies, such as such as weight, height, circumferences, lengths and skin folds, that address its association with coronary artery calcification to identify cardiovascular risk in the adult population.

Methods and analysis

Using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology as a guide, our scoping review of published reviews begins by searching several databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, Medline Complete (EbscoHost), Embase, LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde-BIREME Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde)and Web of Science and Scielo. As well as, it will be searched in the International Platform of the Registry of Clinical Trials of the WHO (www.who.int/ictrp); ClinicalTrials.gov; Transforming Research into Practice. Our team has formulated search strategies and two reviewers will independently screen eligible studies for final study selection. Bibliographic data and abstract content will be collected and analysed using a tool developed iteratively by the research team.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol reports a comprehensive, rigorous and transparent methodology. This scoping review will be the first study to compare anthropometric measurements and coronary artery calcification, and thereby will contribute to the design and comparison of future studies in this field. This protocol reports a comprehensive, rigorous and transparent methodology. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. By identifying gaps in the current body of literature, this study can guide future research.
Protocol for a prospective, observational cohort study of awareness in mechanically ventilated patients admitted from the emergency department: the ED-AWARENESS study
Authors: Pappal Ryan D , Roberts Brian W , Mohr Nicholas M , Ablordeppey Enyo , Wessman Brian T , Drewry Anne M , Yan Yan , Kollef Marin H , Avidan Michael Simon , Fuller Brian M
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Awareness with paralysis is a complication with potentially devastating psychological consequences for mechanically ventilated patients. While rigorous investigation into awareness has occurred for operating room patients, little attention has been paid outside of this domain. Mechanically ventilated patients in the emergency department (ED) have been historically managed in a way that predisposes them to awareness events: high incidence of neuromuscular blockade use, underdosing of analgesia and sedation, delayed administration of analgesia and sedation after intubation, and a lack of monitoring of sedation targets and depth. These practice patterns are discordant to recommendations for reducing the incidence of awareness, suggesting there is significant rationale to examine awareness in the ED population.

Methods and analysis

This is a single centre, prospective cohort study examining the incidence of awareness in mechanically ventilated ED patients. A cohort of 383 mechanically ventilated ED patients will be included. The primary outcome is awareness with paralysis. Qualitative reports of all awareness events will be provided. Recognising the potential problem with conventional multivariable analysis arising from a small number of events (expected less than 10—phenomenon of separation), Firth penalised method, exact logistic regression model or penalised maximum likelihood estimation shrinkage (Ridge, LASSO) will be used to assess for predictors of awareness.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval of the study by the Human Research Protection Office has been obtained. This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means.
Significance of angiographic clot meniscus sign in mechanical thrombectomy of basilar artery stroke
Authors: Baik Sung Hyun , Kim Joon Whi , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Dong Joon
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The relationship between the occlusive clot morphology and the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is not well known. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical significance of the clot meniscus sign in patients with acute BAO.

Methods

89 patients with acute BAO who underwent MT were retrospectively analyzed. The clot meniscus sign was defined as meniscoid/tram-track like antegrade side-wall contrast opacification of the thrombus. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the presence of the clot meniscus sign. The treatment and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

The clot meniscus sign was diagnosed in 62.9% (53/89) of the patients. The meniscus sign (+) group showed a shorter procedure time (55 vs 85 min; p=0.045), higher rate of successful recanalization (89.3% vs 63.6%, p=0.004), higher incidence of first pass effect (32.1% vs 6.1%, p=0.004), and lower number of passes (2 vs 3; p=0.042) when compared with the meniscus sign (−) group. The procedure time (OR 0.972, 95% CI 0.962 to 0.992; p=0.003) and clot meniscus sign (OR 7.920, 95% CI 1.769 to 35.452; p=0.007) were independent predictors of successful recanalization.

Conclusion

The clot meniscus sign is related to high first pass effect and short procedure time and is a reliable predictor of successful recanalization in patients with acute BAO.
A new method for determination of time-of-day breakpoints based on clustering and image segmentation
Authors: Shen Hui , Yan Jing , Liu Daoguang , Liu Zhigui
Published: October 2019

Signal control is an important part of the transportation system and plays an important role in improving the capacity of intersections. This paper proposes a new traffic time division method for multiperiod fixed-time control strategy. Firstly, we put forward a new concept — transportation overlap rate — to complete the clustering of daily traffic flow patterns. Then, all the daily traffic flow data belonging to the same category are composed into a matrix, which is converted into the corresponding image later with the aim of using the fast and robust fuzzy C-means clustering (FRFCM) method to segment it. Finally, the traffic time division and breakpoint location are obtained through further analysis and processing of the segmentation results. For each period, the optimal signal cycle and green split are separately calculated by Webster’s signal timing method to satisfy different traffic demands of each period and effectively improve the operation efficiency of the intersection. The simulation results at a certain intersection in the city of Mianyang demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Tillage system influences hydrophobicity but not water repellency of a clay loam soil in southwestern Ontario
Authors: Miller J.J. , Owen M.L. , Yang X.M. , Drury C.F. , Reynolds W.D. , Chanasyk D.S.
Published: October 2019

A 21 yr field study comparing zone tillage (ZT), no-tillage (NT), and moldboard plow tillage (MP) was used to elucidate tillage effects on soil hydrophobicity (SH) and soil water repellency index (RI) in a cool, humid clay loam soil in southwestern Ontario. The SH was 38% (P ≤ 0.05) greater for ZT and NT than MP, and it was similar between crop row (0.34) and crop inter-row (0.37) for ZT. The RI values were not different among tillage systems, or between the crop row versus crop inter-row positions under the three tillage systems.
Two cosmic coincidences for minimal Standard Model with general relativity
Authors: Frampton Paul H. , Nielsen Holger B.
Published: October 2019

It is said that there are no accidents or coincidences in physics. Within the minimal standard model combined with general relativity, we point out that there are three exceptionally long lifetimes which are consistent with being equal, and hence that there are two unexplained coincidences.
Characteristics of the breather waves, lump waves and semi-rational solutions in a generalized (2+1)-dimensional asymmetrical Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation
Authors: Peng Wei-Qi , Tian Shou-Fu , Zhang Tian-Tian
Published: October 2019

In this work, we study a generalized (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional asymmetrical Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov (NNV) equation. Its Hirota bilinear form is constructed via the Bell polynomial. Based on the obtained bilinear form, the Nth-order breather waves are derived explicitly under certain parameter constraints. Moreover, we generate the nonsingular Nth-order lump waves through applying the long wave limit method. Additionally, we successfully present the semi-rational waves containing the combination of lump waves and single-soliton waves, the combination of lump waves and breather waves.
Electronic structures, elastic, magnetic properties and half-metallicity in PtONa3 anti-perovskite
Authors: Youb Oum Elkheir , Aziz Zoubir , Meghoufel Feyza Zahira , Boubdellah Bouadjemi , Chenine Djoher , Lantri Tayeb , Terkhi Sabria
Published: October 2019

The structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of the cubic [Formula: see text] anti-perovskite are investigated by means of the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on the density functional theory (DFT). We have used three approximations: the generalized gradient (GGA), the GGA+[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is on-site Coulomb interaction correction, and the modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ-GGA). The elastic constants [Formula: see text] show that our compounds are ductile and anisotropic. The results obtained for the spin-polarized band structure and the density of states show a half-metallic behavior for the compounds using the GGA, GGA+[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and mBJ-GGA approaches. These results make [Formula: see text] a promising candidate for spintronics applications.
Vortex statistics of a cylinder wake flow close to the wall based on IB-LBM
Authors: Li Jianghua , Xia Yuxian , Qiu Xiang , Qian Yuehong , Liu Yulu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, statistical behaviors of vortex in the wake flow of a circular cylinder placed near a plane wall in the two-dimensional (2D) channel are investigated by Immersed Boundary Lattice Boltzmann Method. Although vortices shed from the cylinder periodically, there are very complicated interactions between vortices and the solid wall. The gap ratios [Formula: see text] are considered in three cases [Formula: see text] to study vortex statistic behaviors when flow is in steady state. It can be seen that a single row of coherent structures in the same sign varies to dipole vortex shedding as [Formula: see text] increases. The results of vortex statistics by the conditional analysis, which are based on a new and accurate vortex identification criteria called Liutex, show the algebraic number density [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is vortex area. The relationship between the vortex circulation [Formula: see text] and vortex area [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] and the one between the kinetic energy of vortex [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] in the range where [Formula: see text]. Moreover, it has been found that vortices contain about 30% of the total energy of the flow which is almost conserved as Re varies by studying the energy ratio [Formula: see text] of all vortices to the entire flow field. The statistic behaviors of energy spectrums show that the spectrums contain an inertial range in which [Formula: see text] not only in the coherent structure field but also in the background field. More features of the vortex structure in the wake flow have been described by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD). There is a linear relationship between the frequency and the mode of the form [Formula: see text] e[Formula: see text] in the semi-log coordinates. The period of each mode [Formula: see text] e[Formula: see text] in the semi-log coordinates. The time-dependent intrinsic correlation (TDIC) shows that there is a strong negative correlation relationship between the pressure and the flow velocity in the complex attachment vortex.