bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patent Protection, Southern Innovation and Welfare in a North–South Trade Model
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Sinha Uday Bhanu
Published: December 2012

In a North–South trade model, we analyse the implications of southern patent protection on southern innovation, profits and welfare. Southern patent protection may make the northern firm worse off and the southern firm better off by increasing the southern firm's incentive for innovation and affecting the nature of competition in the world market. The impact of southern patent protection on a country's welfare and on world welfare depends on the cost of southern innovation and the degree of product substitutability. We provide important insights into the outcomes of international negotiations regarding patent enforcement in the southern countries.
Evidence of differential selection for the −α3.7 and −α4.2 single‐α‐globin gene deletions within the same population
Authors: Yap Zhi Min , Sun Kar Mun , Teo Clara R.L. , Tan Arnold S.C. , Chong Samuel S.
Published: January 2013

Since the 1950s, a strong correlation between high carrier rates for β‐thalassemia mutations and selective survival advantage in tropical and subtropical ‘malarial belt’ regions has been established. Due to the relatively more complex genetics of α‐thalassemia, a similar relationship was demonstrated for α‐globin gene mutations only from the 1980s, with both single‐ and double‐α‐globin gene deletions prevalent in the malarial belt. Mechanistically, the single‐α‐globin gene deletions arise from non‐allelic recombination between the homologous α1 (HBA1) and α2 (HBA2) globin genes. Compared to the −α3.7 and αααanti3.7 rightward crossover alleles, much less is known about the −α4.2 and αααanti4.2 leftward crossover alleles. We performed a survey of 1,285 unselected cord blood samples from the 3 major ethnic groups in Singapore. Overall, the frequency of the −α3.7 deletion was significantly higher than its reciprocal αααanti3.7 triplication, consistent with positive selection for the −α3.7 single‐gene deletion. In marked contrast, there was no significant difference in frequency between the −α4.2 and reciprocal αααanti4.2 alleles, suggesting the absence of positive selection for the −α4.2 single‐gene deletion. The similar αααanti3.7 and αααanti4.2 allele frequencies also suggested that the crossover rates at X and Z homology boxes are similar. Taken together, these observations suggest a differential positive selection for the −α3.7 and −α4.2 alleles within the same population. Further population and biological studies may be required to explain these current observations.
Structural and functional aspects of PR‐10 proteins
Authors: Fernandes Humberto , Michalska Karolina , Sikorski Michal , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: January 2013

Physical, chemical and biological stress factors, such as microbial infection, upregulate the transcription levels of a number of plant genes, coding for the so‐called pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. For PR proteins of class‐10 (PR‐10), the biological function remains unclear, despite two decades of scientific research. PR‐10 proteins have a wide distribution throughout the plant kingdom and the class members share size and secondary structure organization. Throughout the years, we and other groups have determined the structures of a number of PR‐10 proteins, both in the crystalline state by X‐ray diffraction and in solution by NMR spectroscopy. Despite the accumulating structural information, our understanding of PR‐10 function is still limited. PR‐10 proteins are rather small (~ 160 amino acids) with a fold consisting of three α helices and seven antiparallel β strands. These structural elements enclose a large hydrophobic cavity that is most probably the key to their functional relevance. Also, the outer surface of these proteins is of extreme interest, as epitopes from a PR‐10 subclass cause allergic reactions in humans.
Effects of species richness and functional groups on chemical constituents relevant for methane yields from anaerobic digestion: results from a grassland diversity experiment
Authors: Khalsa J. , Fricke T. , Weigelt A. , Wachendorf M.
Published: December 2012

Changes in livestock production systems have led to land‐use changes and abandonment, especially of semi‐natural grassland in agriculturally less favoured regions. The generation of energy from biomass of extensive, high‐diversity grasslands can be an alternative to their abandonment, and anaerobic digestion is one possible method for converting grassland biomass into energy. However, little is known about the effects of species richness (SR) and functional groups on chemical constituents relevant for anaerobic digestion and the resulting energy potential. In this study, changes in the herbage chemical constituents that are relevant for forage quality were studied along a well‐defined diversity gradient (one to sixty species) and across different combinations of functional groups (legumes, small herbs, tall herbs and grasses). Substrate‐specific methane yield (CH4 sub) was estimated through the concentrations of forage‐quality parameters such as crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP), crude lipid, nitrogen‐free extract and their documented digestibility values, as well as the respective methane yields. Results show that with increasing SR, the CF increased and CP decreased, even though these effects could not be fully disentangled from the presence of grasses. These trends led to a negative effect of SR on CH4 sub, while the area‐specific methane yield (CH4 area = CH4 sub × biomass yield) increased due to a strong increase in biomass with increasing SR. The CH4 sub was increased when legumes were present, and it declined with the presence of grasses. Generally, CH4 sub and CH4 area varied between functional‐group monocultures and all functional‐group mixtures.
Isolation and characterization of H3N8 equine influenza A virus associated with the 2011 epizootic in Mongolia
Authors: Yondon Myagmarsukh , Heil Gary L. , Burks John P. , Zayat Batsukh , Waltzek Thomas B. , Jamiyan Bekh‐Ochir , McKenzie Pamela P. , Krueger Whitney S. , Friary John A. , Gray Gregory C.
Published: January 2013

Background

Equine influenza virus (EIV) epizootics affect 2·1 million Mongolian horses approximately every 10 years and critically impact economy and nomadic livelihood of Mongolia.

Objectives

An active surveillance program was established in 2011 to monitor influenza viruses circulating among Mongolian horses.

Methods

Nasal swabs were collected from horses in free‐ranging horse herds in Töv, Khentii, and Dundgovi aimags (provinces) from January to September 2011. Real‐time reversetranscriptase–polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) was used to determine the presence of influenza A virus. Influenza A‐positive specimens were cultured to amplify virus; viral RNA was extracted, and gene segments were amplified and sequenced by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A total of 745 horses were swabbed; most horses were without clinical signs of illness. In July 2011, reports of influenza‐like illnesses emerged among horses in Mongolia's capital, and subsequently, surveillance efforts were adjusted to swab horses associated with the epizootic. Thirty‐four specimens of rRT‐PCR influenza‐positive virus were collected in May, June, August, and September. Three specimens yielded detectable virus. Gene sequence studies suggested that all three isolates were identical H3N8 viruses. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the strain was very similar to other H3N8 EIVs circulating in central Asia between 2007 and 2008.

Conclusions

As large Mongolian equine herds often seem to suffer from EIV epizootics, it seems prudent to continue such routine equine influenza surveillance. Doing so will provide an early warning system, should novel viruses emerge, help in assessing if EIV is crossing over to infect humans and provide data to assess the likely effectiveness of current EIV vaccines.
Screening for mutations in haemophilia A patients by multiplex PCR‐SSCP, Southern blotting and RNA analysis: the detection of a genetic abnormality in the factor VIII gene in 30 out of 35 patients
Authors: JABBAR SHIREEN A.B. , PIENEMAN W. C. , DEUTZ‐TERLOUW P. P. , REITSMA P. H. , BRIET E
Published: January 2013

Summary. Summary. The molecular characterization of mutations in haemophilia A patients in this study was carried out by PCRSSCP. Southern blotting. and reverse transcribed‐PCR. A multiplex PCR in which four to eight exons were co‐amplified was developed to reduce the time needed for screening the coding region of the factor VIII gene. PCRSSCP was used to screen for small molecular defects. and reverse transcriptase PCR combined with Southern blotting was used to screen DNA for the inversions that occur frequently in intron 22 of the factor VIII gene. A group of 35 haemophilia A patients was analysed by these methods and 31 mutations were detected. In one patient two mutations were identified. The cases of mild and moderate haemophilia A showed changes in single nucleotides which predicted amino acid changes. The patients affected by severe haemophilia A showed two types of mutations. First. deletions or insertions that result in a frameshift in the coding DNA sequence were observed. Second. inversions were found which result in a disruption of the gene. With the screening strategies used we succeeded in elucidating an abnormality in the factor VIII gene in 30/35 haemophilia A patients.
Hand looms, power looms, and changing production organizations: the case of the Kiryū weaving district in early twentieth‐century Japan
Authors: Hashino Tomoko , Otsuka Keijiro
Published: January 2013

TheKiryū silk weaving district, located 200 kilometres north ofTokyo, has been one of the most advanced silk weaving districts since theTokugawa period (1603–1868). In the 1870s, it was a pioneer in the export of silk products from Japan and the leading producer of traditionalJapanesekimonoandobi(sash belts) for domestic markets. This study finds that the developmental process of theKiryū district from 1895 to 1930 can be divided into at least two phases, that is, one of gradual growth based on an inter‐firm division of labour using hand looms and one of dynamic development based on the factory system using power looms. Weaving manufacturers‐cum‐contractors pioneered gradual growth by sub‐contracting with rural village out‐weavers and with a number of specialized, supporting firms inKiryū town, and grew faster than factory production systems. New joint‐stock firms played the role of genuine entrepreneurs by introducing power looms, thereby realizing significant economies of scale. During this new phase, the weaving manufacturers‐cum‐contractors survived and also introduced new production systems.
Traditional Fermented Foods of North African Countries: Technology and Food Safety Challenges With Regard to Microbiological Risks
Authors: Benkerroum Noreddine
Published: January 2013

North African countries have a rich tradition in food technology, and many traditional foods of animal or plant origin are still widely consumed and highly appreciated. In fact, these foods play an important role in the economy and food security in these countries. Yet, they are still mainly prepared at the household level under poor sanitary conditions and marketed through informal routes. They thus remain beyond any official control for their compliance to national regulatory standards. Therefore, their consumption is anticipated to put the public health at risk, although such risk has never been estimated on a scientific basis due to the lack of consumption patterns, epidemiological data, and appropriate surveillance programs. The scarcity of scientific studies on the incidence of hazards in this specific category of foods adds to the difficulties in conducting scientifically sound risk assessment or profiling studies. This review provides a brief description of technologies of the most popular traditional foods of animal and plant origin in North Africa and discusses the potential microbiological risks associated with their consumption and the food safety challenges that they raise. The review also aims to draw the attention of stakeholders including decision makers in North African countries to the imperious need to assess or profile the health risks associated with their consumption, and consequently, take the necessary measures to reduce such risks. A tentative risk profiling of selected traditional North African foods is presented using as a template the “risk categorization model for food retail/food service establishments” developed by Health Canada.
Relationship between flat foot condition and gait pattern alterations in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Galli M. , Cimolin V. , Pau M. , Costici P. , Albertini G.
Published: January 2013

Background

In patients with Down syndrome (DS) one of the most common abnormalities is flat foot which can interfere significantly with normal daily activities, such as gait. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the relationship between the flat foot and the gait alterations in DS children.

Method

Twenty‐nine patients with DS and 15 non‐affected subjects were assessed using 3D Gait Analysis, using an optoelectronic system, force platforms and video recording. The degree of flat foot was assessed using the arch index and kinematic and kinetic parameters were identified and calculated from 3D Gait Analysis for each study participant.

Results

Data showed that ankle plantarflexion moment and ankle power during terminal stance were significant to differentiate the patients with and without flat feet: their peak values were significantly lower for the patients with flat foot. In addition, the research for correlation demonstrated that the higher the arch index value, the lower the peak of ankle moment and of the generated ankle power during terminal stance and the minimum of absorbed ankle power.

Conclusions

Children with flat foot displayed a less functional gait pattern in terms of ankle kinetics than children without flat foot, suggesting that the presence of flat foot may lead to a weaker efficient walking. Then, the increasing flat foot tended to result in lower push‐off ability, leading a less functional walking.
Accuracy and Reliability of Methods to Measure Marginal Adaptation of Crowns and FDPs: A Literature Review
Authors: Nawafleh Noor A. , Mack Florian , Evans Jane , Mackay John , Hatamleh Muhanad M.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To review methods used to investigate marginal adaptation of crowns and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), and to discuss testing variables employed and their influence on results.

Methods

Online libraries including PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid were searched for articles evaluating the marginal adaptation of crowns and FDPs using a combination of the keywords: “marginal accuracy,” “marginal fit,” “marginal gap,” “marginal discrepancy,” “fitting accuracy,” “crown,” and “FPD.” Peer‐reviewed publications in English in the period 1970 to December 2011 were collected, evaluated by their abstract, and included if they met the inclusion criteria. The criteria involved studies evaluating marginal adaptation of crowns and FDPs through clear experimental protocols. Exclusion criteria involved longitudinal prospective and retrospective clinical evaluations, studies using subjective tactile sensation, and other predefined criteria.

Results

A total of 277 papers were identified; only 183 met the inclusion criteria. Direct view technique was used by 47.5% of the articles followed by cross‐sectioning (23.5%), and impression replica (20.2%) techniques. The marginal gap values reported by these techniques varied among individual crown systems and across different systems because of variations in study type (in vivo vs. in vitro), sample size and measurements per specimen, finish line design, and stage at which the marginal gap was measured.

Conclusion

There was a substantial lack of consensus relating to marginal adaptation of various crown systems due to differences in testing methods and experimental protocols employed. Direct view technique was the most commonly used method of reproducible results. Also, conducting an experimental set‐up of testing a minimum of 30 specimens at 50 measurements per specimen should produce reliable results. Additionally, using a combination of two measurement methods can be useful in verification of results.
Crocin, a dietary colorant mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicity by modulating antioxidant status and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Jnaneshwari Sadashivaiah , Hemshekhar Mahadevappa , Santhosh Martin Sebastin , Sunitha Kabburahalli , Thushara Rammohan , Thirunavukkarasu Chinnasamy , Kemparaju Kempaiah , Girish Kesturu Subbaiah
Published: January 2013

Objectives

This study investigated the protective efficacy of crocin against hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in Wistar rats.

Methods

The experimental rats were treated with crocin orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 6 consecutive days after the administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (150 mg/kg). The ameliorative effect of crocin on organ toxicity was studied by evaluating oxidative stress enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and histological sections.

Key Findings

A single intraperitoneal CP injection significantly elevated endogenous reactive oxygen species and oxidation of lipids and proteins, which are the hallmarks of oxidative damage in liver and serum. In consequence, the primary defensive reduced glutathione, total thiol and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, were significantly reduced. In addition, liver and serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase along with acid and alkaline phosphatase were considerably increased. Oral administration of crocin significantly rejuvenated all the above altered markers to almost normal state. The protective efficacy of crocin was further supported by the histological assessment and restoration of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines and enzyme levels compared with the control drug.

Conclusion

The results obtained suggest the protective nature of crocin against CP-induced oxidative damage/inflammation and organ toxicity.
An interdisciplinary momentary confluence of events model to explain, minimize, and prevent pediatric patient falls and fall‐related injuries
Authors: Ryan‐Wenger Nancy A. , Dufek Janet S.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

This article reviews theoretical, empirical, and clinical evidence to support the hypothesis that pediatric patient fall episodes are rarely predictable; rather, falls and fall‐related injuries occur during the momentary convergence of child, parent, and caregiver human factors, and environmental, biomechanical, and system factors.

Conclusions

We propose an interdisciplinary pediatric fall and injury prevention model to guide future research toward interventions to prevent or minimize pediatric patient falls and injuries.

Practice Implications

When falls and near miss falls occur, nurses’ detailed descriptions of each model component are critical to discovery of more effective pediatric fall and injury prevention methods.
Toll‐like receptor 2‐mediated modulation of growth and functions of regulatory T cells by oral streptococci
Authors: Saeki A. , Segawa T. , Abe T. , Sugiyama M. , Arimoto T. , Hara H. , Hasebe A. , Ohtani M. , Tanizume N. , Ohuchi M. , Kataoka H. , Kawanami M. , Yokoyama A. , Shibata K.
Published: January 2013

This study was designed to determine whether oral streptococci modulate the growth and functions of regulatory T cells. Heat‐killed cells of wild‐type strains of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus mutans induced the Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) ‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation, but their lipoprotein‐deficient strains did not. Stimulation with these streptococci resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in splenocytes derived from both TLR2+/+ and TLR2−/− mice, but the level of increase in TLR2+/+ splenocytes was stronger than that in TLR2−/− splenocytes. Both strains of S. gordonii enhanced the proliferation of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells isolated from TLR2+/+ mice at the same level as those from TLR2−/− mice in an interleukin‐2‐independent manner. However, wild‐type and lipoprotein‐deficient strains of both streptococci did not enhance the suppressive activity of the isolated regulatory T cells in vitro, but rather inhibited it. TLR ligands also inhibited the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. Inhibition of the suppressive activity was recovered by the addition of anti‐IL‐6 antibody. Pretreatment of antigen‐presenting cells with the NF‐κB inhibitor BAY11‐7082 enhanced the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. These results suggested that interleukin‐6 produced by antigen‐presenting cells inhibits the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. Wild‐type strain, but not lipoprotein‐deficient strain, of S. gordonii reduced the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the acute infection model, whereas both strains of S. gordonii increased it in the chronic infection model mice. Hence, this study suggests that oral streptococci are capable of modulating the growth and functions of regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo.
Genetic linkage between male sterility and non‐spiny trait in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: Kammili Anjani
Published: January 2013

Genetic male sterility (GMS) exists naturally in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). In the existing safflower GMS lines, sterile and fertile plants are distinguishable at flowering. This causes delay in fertile plants rouging and reduction in hybrid purity. In this investigation, a cross between a spiny GMS parent 13‐137 and a spiny non‐GMS parent ‘A1’ was effected. One sib cross, SC‐67, producing non‐parental‐type non‐spiny sterile and spiny fertile plants in F3 was advanced to F9 through sib crossing between non‐spiny sterile and spiny fertile plants. Mendelian digenic segregation was not observed for non‐spiny trait and male sterility. The results revealed strong linkage between these traits. The linkage was confirmed in F2 generations of crosses between a non‐spiny marker‐linked GMS line (MGMS) and five elite lines. Male sterility–linked non‐spiny trait could distinguish sterile and fertile plants at elongation stage. The MGMS would be useful in production of pure F1 hybrid seed and development of elite populations.
The needs of informal caregivers of elderly people living at home: an integrative review
Authors: Silva Alcione Leite , Teixeira Helena Jorge , Teixeira Maria João Cardoso , Freitas Susana
Published: January 2013

Background

Over the past years, researchers have developed studies about informal caregivers who care for the elderly living at home. Meeting these needs can help these professionals to provide more appropriate care.

Aim

To explore and define the current status of published literature related to the needs of informal caregivers who care for the elderly living at home.

Method

This study follows an integrative literature review using Whittemore and Knafl's method. Given the lack of higher‐level evidence on this area of study, this method was considered to be the most appropriate to explore and define the current status of the available literature, which comes from a variety of scientific sources, and diverse methodologies. The literature research was performed using eleven electronic databases. The search was developed during the months of December 2010 and February 2011 and updated from March to April 2011. Studies written in English, Portuguese and Spanish were included. A total of 14 articles met the criteria in this review. Data were extracted from primary studies using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.

Results

The literature review showed a shortcoming of studies about the needs of caregivers of the elderly at home. It also identified a lack of high‐quality scientific evidence in this area. From the literature available, four core themes were generated to reflect the literature: information and training, professional support, effective communication and legal and financial support.

Conclusion

This integrative review offers important insight into the needs of informal caregivers, specifically for the elderly. The inclusive nature of integrative review method enabled us to provide a good understanding of underlying issues on the needs of informal caregivers. Challenges for the future are to broaden and enhance the scope of research in this area to provide effective support to intervention projects, services and care to informal caregivers.
Some Aspects of Combustion and Heat Release in Diesel Engines
Authors: Kannan K.S.
Published: January 2013

The author discusses the various stages of combustion in diesel engines from experiments conducted by himself and also by various other research workers in this field.

He then outlines the technique used in predicting heat released by the fuel during combustion in a diesel engine - a techniq ue on which he has worked during his Master's course at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

The technique consists of applying the first Law of Thermodynamics in steps of the period from inlet valve closure to exhaust valve opening. The First Law equation applicable is reformulated so as to be used on the digital computer.
CAD/CAM Laboratory Facilities And Research And Development Activities At Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Authors: Yahaya Mejar Mohd Saleh , Abd. Malik Adi Maimun
Published: January 2013

This paper describes the activities and development of CAD/CAM laboratory facilities in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The activities includes teaching, post graduate programmes, research and development in mechanical engineering. The paper also describes one activity of the development, which involve the interfacing ofa micro-based ship design software with CADAM.
Plan Topografi Berkomputer
Authors: Mohd. Lazim Musa , Ahmad Samsudin
Published: January 2013

Makalah penyelidikan ini membincangkan kaedah pengumpulan data-data ukur dari tempat pengukuran dan digunakan untuk memelot terus melalui komputer. Dalam konteks ini, kerja-kerja manusia telah dapat dikurangkan lebih daripada 75%.
Teknik Fotoakustiks
Authors: Ismail Abd Rahman , Abd Latif Mohd Annuar , Saad Che Mazlan
Published: January 2013

Kesan fotoakustiks terbentuk apabila sesuatu sampel menyerap haba secara berkala. Ini menyebabkan terbentuknya fluktuasi tekanan pada sampel dan media disekeliling sampel itu. Fluktuasi tekanan ini bergantung kepada sifat-sifat terma, optik dan fizikal sampel dan media disekeliling sampel itu. Pengukuran fluktuasi tekanan ini membolehkan kita menentukan sifat-sifat terma, optik dan fizikal sampel bahan. Magnitud kesan fotoakustiks adalah teramat lemah. Kajian yang telah dibuat menumpukan perhatian terhadap teori kesan fotoakustiks dan merekabentuk instrurnentasi yang dapat mengesan fluktuasi tekanan yang lemah yang dihasilkan oleh CdS dan Karbon. Penyelidikan ini telah berjaya mengesan kesan fotoakustiks pada peringkat fluktuasi tekanan yang sangat kecil iaitu di sekitar 10-4 Pa.
Morfologi Abu Terbang Dari Emisi Dandang Kilang Kelapa Sawit
Authors: Mohd. Yusof Mohd. Rashid , Harun Mohd
Published: January 2013

Pendekatan kepada morfologi abu terbang yang diambil dari dua bahagian berasingan di bawah aliran sebuah dandang di kilang memproses buah kelapa sawit iaitu; i) abu terbang yang terkumpul di dalam alat kawalan pencemaran udara, siklon berbilang dan ii) abu terbang yang terlepas ke udara melalui serombong asap, telah dilakukan dengan menggunakan mikroskop imbasan elektron (MIE). Gambaran melalui MIE jelas menunjukkan bahawa saiz butiran abu terbang terkumpul adalah lebih besar daripada saiz butiran abu terbang serombong yang terlepas ke atmosfera. Pembentukan butiran-butiran sfera di atas permukaan kedua-dua sampel abu terbang tersebut juga kelihatan agak jelas. Penggunaan hampas tempurung dan sabut buah kelapa sawit seperti sedia ada sebagai bahan api merupakan faktor utama yang boleh mempengaruhi morfologi zarahan abu terbang tersebut. Analisis beberapa unsur secara semi kuantitatif juga dilakukan dan dibincangkan di dalam kertas kerja ini.
Determination Of Thermal Conductivity Of Local Insulating Materials
Authors: Kannan K.S.
Published: January 2013

Tujuan pengajian ini adalah untuk menentukan nilai kealiran haba bagi bahan-bahan penebat tempatan. Olih kerana kealiran haba hanya boleh diperolehi dengan cara ujikaji, satu radas ujikaji yang dikenali sebagai 'guarded hot plate' telah direkakan di dalam makmal. Kealiran haba bagi empat bahan-bahan penebat tempatan ditentukan dengan menggunakan radas tersebut. Keputusan yang didapati adalah agak
memuaskan. Bagaimanapun, ada terdapat sedikit kekurangan dalam radas dan pada ujian yang telah dilaksanakan.

The aim of this study is to determine the thermal conductivity of locally available insulating materials. Since the thermal conductivity can only be obtained by experimental methods, an experimental rig known as the guarded hot plate was fabricated in the laboratory. The thermal conductivity of four locally available insulating materials was determined using this apparatus. The results obtained were acceptable. However the apparatus and the actual test had a few short comings.
An Assessment Of Drinking Water Quality In Parts Of Skudai, Johor Bahru
Authors: Othman Ir. Abd. Rasid Othman , Mohd Nor Mohd Asri , Aris Azmi , Hui Teng Keat , Jora Singh Jagjit Singh
Published: January 2013

In a assessment of drinking water quality in Skudai Johor Bahru, piped water samples in the distribution system from three different standpipe locations in Taman Sri Skudai, Taman Sri Pulai and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) campus were collected and tested for selected ions and bacteriological quality. The result show that pipe water supplied from a treatment plant at Gunung Pulai in Pontian was low in mineral content. No Eschericia Coli were detected expected at the UTM Campus with concentration of 3 counts/100 mL in one out of 12 sample tested. Total coliforms were found at each site with concentration ranging from 1 to 13 counts/100 mL in 15 out of 6 samples. Except for the coliforms and the fluoride levels exceeding a little over 1.5 mg/L in 8% of the samples, drinking water in the distribution system in the study area can generally be said to have met the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines during the study period. However, with the detection of coliforms and E. Coli at the household standpipes, the possibility of the distribution system in Skudai having pathogen contamination from time to time cannot be dismissed.

Keywords: drinking water quality
The Use Of 'Prince System' In Minimizing The Environmental Damages In Mining Activities
Authors: Ibrahim Mansor
Published: January 2013

PRINCE System is a method which can be applied to solve any environmental problem. An issue on reclamation policy of the ex-mining lands is cited as an example in explaining the system which has been used by Machiavelli and other politicians. There are at least four groups involved in determining the reclamation policy of the ex-mining lands; the politicians, the Department of Environment (DOE), the Chamber of Mines (COM) and the non-government organization (NGO). The proponents and the opponents of the reclamation policy can be gauged by applying the PRINCE System. Once the roots of the problems are identified, the issue can be conveniently resolved.
Evaluation Of Tank Hydraulic Characteristics Using Transient Tracer Technique
Authors: Salim Mohd. Razman
Published: January 2013

The hydraulic characteristics of three reactors were examined: completely mixed, plug flow and continuous flow with baffles. Flow patterns through these three type of reactors were analyzed by introducing a tracer dye into the fluid entering the reactor and observing the tracer output, in the fluid effluent. The tracer was detected quantitatively and provided an impulse signal photonmetrica11y that led to the hydraulic analysis of each reactor employing Statistical Analysis System.
Theoretical Investigation Into The Validity Of Strip Theory For Seakeeping Analysis Of Shallow-Draught Trawlers
Authors: Yaakob Omar
Published: January 2013

To study seakeeping,a number of analytical tools have been developed;the most popular of which is the two-dimensional strip theory.Due to the slenderness as umption inherent in the theory,doubts arise on the validity of the application of such method to small boats particulary those in with low length to breadth ratio and shallow-draught.This paper presents the results of a theoretical investigation into the validity of strip theory for shallow-draught fishing boat.Response amplitude operators of a series of fishing boats having varying length to breadth ratio were computed using computer programs based on a two-dimensional strip theory and a three dimensional method. The comparison of the two sets of result indicates that the strip theory is reasonably robust particularly at low forward speeds.
Bolehkah Hematit Menggantikan Barit Sebagai Bahan Pemberat Lumpur Penggerudian?
Authors: Ismail Issham , Kunang Andrew
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan hasil kajian yang dilakukan terhadap hematit tempatan untuk diguna sebagai bahan pemberat dalam lumpur penggerudian. Sampel hematit yang diperoleh dari lnstitut Penyelidikan Galian lpoh dikisar dan diayak mengikut spesifikasi API, sebelum dimasukkan ke dalam lumpur penggerudian untuk diuji sifat reologi, sifat kehilangan bendalir, kandungan pepejal dan kelelasannya. Seterusnya, keputusan ujikaji yang dihasilkan lumpur hematit dibandingkan dengan nilai yang diberikan oleh lumpur barit. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan walaupun hematit tersebut mempamerkan sifat reologi yang setanding dengan barit serta memberikan kehilangan bendalir dan kandungan pepejal yang rendah, tetapi masalah yang dihadapi hematit ialah sifat lelas yang menghalang penggunaannya dalam operasi penggerudian.
Optical Tomography: Concentration Measurement In A Pneumatic Conveyor
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Green R. G.
Published: January 2013

This paper describes an investigation into the use of optical fibre sensors in a tomographic measurement system designed to measure the flow of dry solids in gravity drop and pneumatic conveyors. A simple model of the system is provided and used to predict the response of individual sensors and the full system. Results are provided which show the model is acceptable.
Ciri-Ciri Angin Lintang Di Lebuhraya Plus Kajian Kes Km212
Authors: AB.Wahab Abas , Mohamed Kamar Haslinda
Published: January 2013

Satu kajian telah dilakukan di Kilometer 212 Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Malaysia menghala ke selatan. Di dalam kajian ini, pengukuran dibuat untuk mendapatkan halaju dan arah angin bagi bulan Januari hingga Jun 1997. Data yang diperolehi telah dianalisis, dan didapati, angin lintang memang berlaku di Kilometer 212. Analisis data dan keputusan kajian serta ciri-ciri tertentu angin lintang ada dijelaskan di dalam kertas ini. Halaju angin maksimum yang pernah dicatitkan sepanjang tempoh pengukuran adalah 13.5 m/s pada ketinggian 5 meter dari permukaan bumi.
Using Multiscale Edge Detection for Low Bit-Rate Subband Video Coding
Authors: Ashourian Mohsen , Mohd. Yusof Zulkalnain , S. Salleh Sheikh Hussain , S. A. Bakar Syed Abd. Rahman
Published: January 2013

This paper introduces a video compression system for very low bit–rate video–conferencing and tele–monitoring applications. The video codec first performs a three–dimensional subband decomposition on a group of video frames, and then encode the subbands with different quantization methods. By using a cubic spline wavelet, the spatial filter bank acts as a multiscale edge detector. This property is used for efficient selection and coding of high frequency subbands with geometric vector quantization. For lowest tempo–spatial subband, a DPCM coding with an entropy coder was used. Results at several low bit rates (16,32, 64, 128 Kbps) are reported and compared with H.263, the standard for low bit rate video coding.
Pyramid Vector Quantization of Video Subband With Dithering
Authors: Ashourian Mohsen , Mohd. Yusof Zulkalnain , S. Salleh Sheikh Hussain , S. A. Bakar Syed Abd. Rahman
Published: January 2013

This paper describes the development of a low complexity and fixed–rate video compression scheme based on three–dimensional subband coding of video signals. The video codec first performs three–dimensional subband decomposition on a group of video frames, and then encode high frequency subbands with pyramid vector quantization and lowest tempo–spatial band with a DPCM coding in time and space. To improve the visual quality of reconstructed video, different types of subtractive and non–subtractive dithering of pyramid vector quantizers were experimented and its effectiveness was proved by a standard pair comparison subjective test. Coder complexity was reduced by using longer filters in the first level of spatial decomposition for better selectivity and coding gain and shorter filter in the second level of decomposition for lower complexity. Results at different low bit–rate (64, 128 and 384 Kbps) for several standard video sequences are reported and compared with ITU standard H.263.
The Relevancy of Just–In–Time (JIT) Concept in Government Purchasing
Authors: Chai Khin Chung , Abu Bakar Nooh
Published: January 2013

Aplikasi konsep "Just–in–Time" (JIT) telah mencapai kejayaan yang ketara dalam persekitaran pembuatan. Kertas kerja ini memberi penjelasan yang terperinci terhadap konsep JIT serta menerangkan prasyarat dalam pelaksanaannya di sektor awam atau swasta. Walaupun kekuatan konsep ini tidak dipertikaikan, tetapi terdapat kajian menunjukkan bahawa ia tidak sesuai digunapakai untuk perolehan kerajaan secara menyeluruh. Namun demikian, nilai–nilai konsep JIT dalam konteks pengurusan pembekalan boleh dan patut diterokai.

Just–in–Time (JIT) concept has been applied with considerable success in manufacturing environment. This paper provides insights of JIT concept and the pre–requisites for successful application of JIT in either private or public sectors. Although JIT concept has many advantages, a current study suggested that its application couldn´t be applied in total to Govenment purchasing environment. Nevertheless, the essence of JIT concept in the context of supply management can and should be exploited.
Kriptosistem Multi–RSA
Authors: How Guan Aun , Abu Hasan Yahya , Shahril Ismail Eddie
Published: January 2013

Dalam kertas ilmiah ini kami persembahkan kriptosistem multi–RSA. Sistem baru berasaskan RSA ini membenarkan sebarang kombinasi k+1 pelanggan menyahsulit tetapi kurang daripada k+1 pelanggan gagal berbuat demikian. Hal ini dapat dicapai dengan memperkenalkan fungsi aritmetik istimewa yang menjamin ketepatan algoritma penyahsulitan sistem kami.

Kata kunci: Kriptografi; kriptosistem multi-RSA; penyulitan dan penyahsulitan

In this paper we present a multi–RSA cryptosystem. This new system based on RSA allows any k+1 parties to decrypt but less than k+1 parties cannot do so. All these happened by introducing a special arithmetic function, which ensures the exactness of our decryption algorithm.

Key words: Cryptography; multi-RSA cryptosystem; encryption and decryption
Separation of Phenylarsonic Compounds by Ion Pairing–Reversed Phase–High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Jaafar Jafariah
Published: January 2013

Sebatian fenilarsonik digunakan dengan meluas sebagai bahan tambah makanan ternakan bagi membantu proses tumbesaran dan mengawal penyakit di dalam industri ternakan ayam. Satu kaedah dijalankan bagi analisis arsenik di dalam bahan tambah makanan ternakan secara HPLC fasa terbalik–pasangan ion dengan pengesan ultralembayung. Dengan menggunakan turus oktadekilsililsilika, pemisahan sebatian arsenik anion [asid 3–nitro–4–hidroksifenilarsonik (3–NHPAA), asid p–arsanilik (p–ASA) dan asid fenilarsonik (PA)] telah diperoleh menggunakan tetrabutilammonium klorida 5 mM sebagai reagen pasangan ion di dalam fasa bergerak yang mengandungi asid malonik 3 mM dan 5% metanol pada kadar alir 1.4 mL min–1. Pengaruh pH fasa bergerak ke atas pemisahan dikaji dan didapati pH optimum adalah 5.85. Had pengesanan yang diperoleh bagi 3–NHPAA ialah 0.43 ng As.

Kata kunci: arsenik; bahan tambah makanan ternakan; HPLC fasa terbalik-pasangan ion

Phenylarsonic compounds are extensively used as feed additives to promote growth and to control disease in the poultry industry. A method was conducted that allowed the analysis of arsenic animal feed additives by ion pairing–reversed phase HPLC (IP–RP–HPLC) with a UV detection using an octadecylsilylsilica column. The separation of anionic arsenic compounds [3–nitro–4–hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (3–NHPAA), p–arsanilic acid (p ASA) and phenylarsonic acid (PA)] was accomplished using 5 mM tetrabutylammonium chloride as the ion pairing reagent in aqueous mobile phase containing 3 mM malonic acid and 5% methanol at a flow rate of 1.4 mL min–1. The influence of mobile phase pH on the separation was studied; the optimum pH found was 5.85. The detection limit obtained for 3–NHPAA was 0.43 ng As.

Key words: arsenic; animal feed additives; ion pairing-reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography
Designing Power System Stabilizer for Multimachine Power System Using Neuro-Fuzzy Algorithm
Authors: Othman M.F. , Mahfouf M. , Linkens D.A.
Published: January 2013

This paper describes a design procedure for a fuzzy logic based power system stabilizer (FLPSS) and adaptive neuro–fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and investigates their robustness for a multi–machine power system. Speed deviation of a machine and its derivative are chosen as the input signals to the FLPSS. A four–machine and a two–area power system is used as the case study. Computer simulations for the test system subjected to transient disturbances i.e. a three phase fault, were carried out and the results showed that the proposed controller is able to prove its effectiveness and improve the system damping when compared to a conventional lead–lag based power system stabilizer controller.
Decentralized Proportional-Integral Sliding Mode Tracking Control for a Class of Nonlinear Interconnected Uncertain System
Authors: Ahmad Mohamad Noh , S. Osman Johari H. , A. Ghani Mohd. Ruddin
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan pengawal ragam gelangsar ternyahpusat untuk sistem dalam kategori takpasti, tak lelurus tersaling hubung. Andaian yang dipakai dalam kertas kerja ini ialah loji yang hendak dikawal dianggap sebagai suatu sistem yang diwakili oleh subsistem–subsistem yang tersaling hubung di antara satu sama lain dan dinamik setempat untuk setiap subsistem pula diwakili oleh nilai nominalnya di samping ketakpastian berparameter terbatas. Di samping itu, dinamik untuk saling hubungan di antara subsistem juga diandaikan sebagai diwakili dengan cara yang serupa dan syarat padanan (matching conditions) benar untuk semua subsistem. Suatu pengawal ragam gelangsar ternyahpusat yang robust telah berjaya dihasilkan supaya untuk setiap subsistem, trajektori sebenar sistem akan menjejak trajektori yang dikehendaki menggunakan hanya mklumat dari pemboleh ubah keadaan setempat. Ragam gelangsar berkadaran–kamiran (Pi) sengaja dipilih untuk memastikan kestabilan dinamik keseluruhan sistem terjamin (meliputi fasa menjangkau dan fasa menggelangsar). Pembuktian secara matematik pengawal yang dicadangkan turut diketengahkan dalam kertas kerja ini dan keputusannya pula diperiksa benar tidaknya melalui satu kajian kes.

Kata kunci: Sistem skala besar; Kawalan ragam gelangsar ternyahpusat; Pengawal menjejak; Ketakpastian terpadan

A decentralized sliding mode controller for a class of nonlinear interconnected uncertain systems is presented in this paper. It is assumed that the plant to be controlled is represented by interconnected sub–systems and the local dynamics of each sub–system is represented by its nominal and bounded parametric uncertainties. It is also assumed that the interconnection dynamics is also represented in the same manner and it is further assumed that the matching conditions hold for every sub–system. A robust decentralized sliding mode controller is derived such that for each sub–system, the actual trajectory tracks the desired trajectory using only the local states information. The Proportional–Integral sliding mode is chosen to ensure the stability of the overall dynamics during the entire period i.e. the reaching phase and the sliding phase. Mathematical proof of the proposed controller is presented and the results are verified using a case study.

Key words: Large scale system; Decentralized sliding mode control; Tracking controller; Matched uncertainties
Aplikasi Konsep dan Kaedah Lukisan Kejuruteraan dalam Matematik oleh Guru-guru Matematik di Sekolah Menengah Teknik Seluruh Negeri Kelantan
Authors: Othman Widad , Ismail Hatta
Published: January 2013

Penyelidikan ini adalah untuk mengkaji tahap pengetahuan dan aplikasi Lukisan Kejuruteraan dalam mata pelajaran matematik oleh guru–guru matematik di semua Sekolah Menengah Teknik di negeri Kelantan. Semua guru matematik telah digunakan sebagai sampel dalam kajian ini. Set soal selidik yang mengandungi dua bahagian iaitu berbentuk kuantitatif dan kualitatif digunakan bagi mendapatkan keputusan yang lebih menyeluruh. Data dianalisis secara manual dan dikemukakan dalam bentak peratus. Hasil kajian menunjukkan guru tidak mempunyai pengetahuan tentang integrasi dua mata pelajaran tersebut, tahap aplikasi guru yang mempunyai pengalaman mengajar Lukisan Kejuruteraan adalah baik dan biodata guru seperti pengalaman mengajar dan kelulusan akademik tidak mempengaruhi pengetahuan dan aplikasi guru. Beberapa cadangan dikemukakan untuk memperbaiki kelemahan-kelemahan yang dikenalpasti, antaranya guru–guru perlu diberi pendedahan tentang konsep dan kaedah mengajar Lukisan Kejuruteraan. Di samping itu penyelarasan skema jawapan soalan matematik yang mempunyai kaitan secara langsung dengan Lukisan Kejuruteraan perlu dilakukan.

Kata kunci: Aplikasi pengetahuan; konsep; kaedah mengajar; mata pelajaran Lukisan Kejuruteraan dan matematik

The purpose of this research is to identify mathematics teachers level of knowledge in Engineering Drawing, and the application of Engineering Drawing concepts and methodologies in solving related mathematics problems in secondary technical schools in Kelantan. All mathematics teachers were selected as samples. To obtain a more comprehensive result, both quantitative and qualihtive data were collected using questionaires. The collected data were analyzed manually and presented in percentages. The results showed that the Mathematics teachers involved in this study have no knowledge integrating both subjects; mathematics and Engineering Drawing. However, the application level of teachers who have experience in teaching Engineering Drawing are better and the results showed that academic backkground and years of teaching have no effect on the respondents knowledge and application level. To improve the current situation, it is suggested that Mathematics teachers be exposed to the concepts and methodologies of Engineering Drawing. In addition an answer scheme for Mathematics questions which have applications in Engineering Drawing subject need to be coordinated.

Key words: Application of knowledge; concepts;teaching methods; engineerisng drawing subject and mathematics