bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary biliary cirrhosis does not increase the risk of UTIs following diagnosis compared to other chronic liver diseases?
Authors: Varyani Fumi K. , West Joe , Card Timothy R.
Published: January 2013

Background

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) occur more frequently in patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC). Previous studies have compared UTI occurrence in PBC and general population controls, however, it remains unclear if UTI is a feature of all chronic liver diseases (CLD)s, or is specific to PBC, or if this is a cause or consequence of PBC.

Aims

We aimed to determine if UTIs are more common after a diagnosis of PBC compared to general population and CLD controls.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using the General Practice Research Database. We selected all cases of PBC plus 10 age‐ and sex‐matched general population controls, and an unmatched group with other CLDs. We formed a Cox–proportional hazard model of time to first UTI following diagnosis.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐eight (24.6%) of PBC cases had a UTI event compared with 2127 (21.1%) of matched and 2131 (11.7%) of the unmatched CLD controls. Comparing PBC with matched controls showed an approximately 30% increased risk of UTI [hazard ratio (HR) 1.33 confidence interval (CI) 1.17–1.52]. Adjusting for diabetes, smoking and previous UTI reduced this (HR 1.25 CI 1.09–1.42). The Hazard Ratio comparing PBC with unmatched CLD controls was 2.00 (CI 1.76–2.28), but this became non‐significant when adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, smoking and previous UTI 0.98 (0.86–1.12).

Conclusions

There is increased risk of UTI in PBC patients compared to general population controls, but not compared to CLD controls suggesting that this association is not specific to PBC after diagnosis.
A nationwide seroepidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in South Korea
Authors: Kim Do Young , Kim In Hee , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Cho Yong Kyun , Lee Joon Hyoek , Jin Young‐Joo , Lee Don , Suh Dong Jin , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Park Neung Hwa , Kang Ha Yan , Jung Young Kul , Kim Young Seok , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Lee Youn Jae , Lee Byung Seok , Yim Hyung Joon , Lee Heon Ju , Baik Soon Koo , Tak Won Young , Lee Sun Jae , Chung Woo Jin , Choi Sung‐Kyu , Cho Eun‐Young , Heo Jeong , Kim Dong Joon , Song Byung‐Cheol , Kim Man Woo , Lee Jun , Chae Hee Bok , Choi Dae Hee , Choi Hwa Young , Ki Moran
Published: January 2013

Background & Aims

The aim of this study was to reveal nationwide seroprevalence of HCV infection in South Korea by a large‐scale survey.

Methods

From January to December 2009, a total of 291 314 adults underwent health check‐up in 29 centres nationwide. The data concerning anti‐HCV antibody and biochemical tests were obtained from all participants. Among subjects with positive anti‐HCV, such data as HCV RNA, genotypes and treatment detail were additionally analysed.

Results

Using an estimated 2009 population of Korea, the age, sex and area‐adjusted anti‐HCV positive rate was 0.78%. Anti‐HCV prevalence in female patients (0.83%) was higher than that in male patients (0.75%). Gradual increase in anti‐HCV positivity was observed, from 0.34% in those aged 20–29 years to 2.31% in those >70 years. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted anti‐HCV prevalence varied in different areas, being higher in Busan and Jeonnam (1.53–2.07%), mid‐level in Seoul and surrounding districts (0.50–0.61%) and lower in Jeju (0.23%). The comparative analysis of laboratory variables between anti‐HCV (+) and anti‐HCV (−) group revealed significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and lower levels of serum lipids in anti‐HCV (+) group. Among 1 718 anti‐HCV positive subjects, serum HCV RNA was measured only in 478 people, of whom 268 (56.1%) patients had detectable HCV RNA in serum. Among 50 patients for whom assessment of response to antiviral therapy was feasible, overall sustained virological response was achieved in 84% of patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HCV infection is low in South Korea. Studies to analyse risk factors are warranted to reduce HCV infection.
OPTIMAL CONTROL APPLIED TO RIFT VALLEY FEVER
Authors: ADONGO DONALD , FISTER K. RENEE , GAFF HOLLY , HARTLEY DAVID
Published: January 2013

Abstract Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus is a mosquito‐born pathogen that infects livestock but it also has the capability to infect humans through direct or indirect contact with blood or organs of infected animals and by bites from infected mosquitos. The economic and social cost of the disease to rural populations can lead to a cascade of negative effects on the sustainability of animal and human populations. Vaccines exist to protect against this disease. Through a compartment model depicting the interactions leading to the spread of RVF in Aedes and Culex mosquitos and a livestock population, an optimal control problem is developed to minimize the number of vaccinated livestock at the final time while minimizing the negative effects of the infected Aedes and Culex mosquitos and the cost of the vaccination process. The unique optimal vaccination strategy is produced for given high transmission parameters and numerical results portray that vaccination depends on the level of effectiveness of the protocol.
“Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism”
Authors: McKanan Daniel
Published: January 2013

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition with denominational roots in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and theological roots stretching back to the Radical Reformation and the patristic period. Originally two traditions of liberal Christianity, its current non‐creedal form includes Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, pagan, mystical, process, and humanist spiritualities.
Engaging the U.S. Congress in the oral health of special‐needs adults: lessons from pediatric oral health policy
Authors: Edelstein Burton L.
Published: January 2013

The U.S. Congress has a long history of attending to insurance coverage for children's oral health services while being relatively silent about adult dental care. Yet many adults, made vulnerable by their disabilities and illnesses, are dependent upon governmental programs. This paper contrasts the robust history of federal legislative action in support of children's oral health with the lack of attention to adults' oral health to identify approaches that advocates may consider when engaging Congress in improving oral health for disabled and older adults. It provides a historical context of Congressional action on dental coverage from Medicaid and Medicare in the 1960s through passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and explicates the misconception that Congress has demonstrated about the importance of oral health for adults' well‐being and general health. Drivers and strategies for policy change are described and recommendations are made to expand coverage for vulnerable adults.
The Hormonal Correlates of Implicit Motives
Authors: Schultheiss Oliver C.
Published: January 2013

Implicit motives represent nonconsciously represented dispositions to seek specific classes of incentives and to avoid corresponding classes of disincentives. Growing evidence suggests that the implicit power motive is associated with basal levels and reactivity of the gonadal steroid hormones testosterone in men and estradiol in women. It is also associated with increased release of stress hormones (cortisol, norepinephrine) in response to dominance challenges and social defeat. The implicit affiliation motive is linked to the release of progesterone: increases in progesterone are followed by increases in affiliation motivation, and arousal of affiliation motivation is associated with concurrent or subsequent progesterone increases. There is limited evidence for a role of vasopressin in achievement motivation. These findings point to a key role of the hypothalamus for implicit motives, a role that is consistent with the existence of function‐specific nuclei within this brain area.
Digital Simulation of Saturated Electro-mechanical Energy Converters
Authors: Salleh M. Ridzuan
Published: January 2013

Based on th e now familiar Bond Graph analysis the process of electromechanical energy conversion in electrical machines is studied in detail. The paper avoids the use of transformation matrices and relies on the diagramatic representations which evolve from the bond graph method to extract the necessary mathematical equations for subsequent digital simulation.
Ellipsoidal Separation: A Medical Diagnostic Systems Technique
Authors: Newcomb Robert W.
Published: January 2013

A technique for separating clustered date through the use of n-dimensional ellipsoids surrounding the clusters is discussed. The ellipsoids are minimal in the sense that a maximum number of data points lie on their boundaries. The theory is set up for the computer aided classification of patients according to the presence or absence of a disease, though it is applica ble to other similar situations.
Effect of Axial Compressibility on the Snap-Through Buckling of Prestressed Arches
Authors: Huddleston John V.
Published: January 2013

A generalized theory is used to investigate the effect of axial compressibility on the stability of a prestressed arch obtained by buckling a strut into a deformed shape and then attaching it to its supports. For various amounts of compressibility, geometric and mechanical quantities caused by a uniform load that produces large displacement are computed. Symmetric and, in some cases, unsymmetric modes of buckling are found.
Fully-Coupled Solution Of Fluid Flow And Energy Equations
Authors: Wan Hassan Dr. Mat Nawi
Published: January 2013

Satu skim numerik yang cekap telah dibina untuk menyelesaikan persamaan aliran bendalir dan tenaga. Persamaan pembeza separa eliptik dari persamaan pengawal diubah kepada skim beza terhingga dengan menggunakan grid berselang dan pendekatan isipadu terkawal. Aturcara ini menyelesaikan satu pasang persamaan serentak taklinear dengan menggunakan cara Newton dan teknik matriks renggang. Cara ini tidak memerlukan pengendur bawah atau teknik cepat menumpu sebagaimana digunakan di dalam skim lelar biasa. Walau bagaimanapun, pengendur bawah yang sederhana dapat digunakan, dengan demikian jumlah masa pengiraan makin berkurang. Satu aliran gerakan apungan diaruhkan ke dalam suatu lingkungan dinding isotermal pugak yang panas dan sejuk telah diselesaikan pada Ra=106. Cara yang digunakan cepat menumpu dan cara ini dapat dilakukan untuk nombor Rayleigh yang lebih besar dan mungkin untuk jenis aliran lain. Kertas ini melaporkan aturcara, hasil dari perkiraan dan perbandingan dengan data numerik yang telah diterbitkan.

An efficient numerical scheme has been developed for the solution of fluid flow and energy equations. The elliptical partial differential equations of the governing equations are transformed into finite difference scheme using staggered grid and control volume approach. The algorithm solves the set of nonlinear simultaneous equations using Newton's method and a sparse matrix technique. The method does not require any underrelaxation or other convergence-enhancing techniques as employed in the normal iterative schemes. However, simple underrelaxation method can be used, thus further reduces the total computational time. A buoyancy driven flow induced in an enclosure by isothermally hot and cold vertical walls has been computed at Ra=106. The present procedure is rapidly convergent and the method can be extended for higher Rayleigh numbers and possibly for other types of flow. This paper reports the algorithm, the results of the computation and the comparisons with the published numerical data.
The Role Of High Degree Potential Coefficients And Satellite Altimeter Data In Gravity Field Aproximation In The Malaysian Region
Authors: Kadir Majid
Published: January 2013

Earth Gravity models (OSU81, OSU86E,and F) defined by a set of high degree potential coefficients were used to generate the geopotential geoid in the Malaysian region. In the very near future, land gravity measurements can be carried out where the station positioning in the survey will be by Global Positioning System (GPS) operating in differential mode. In areas with scarce height benchmark, especially in the remote areas of Peninsular Malaysia, the geopotential geoid can be utilized in conjunction with the satellite derived ellipsoidal heights to yield the orthometric heights of the gravity stations. Satellite altimeter data has the ability to provide high frequency gravity field information in the surrounding marine areas. The method of gravity anomaly recovery in the Tioman test area was based on the theory of least squares collocation. Gravity anomaly maps derived from satellite altimeter data can be used to scan large off-shore areas for detecting density contrasts within the oceanic's outer crust, and thus providing an indirect indication of potential hydrocarbon deposits.
A Study Of Geopotential Geoid In The Peninsular Of Malaysia
Authors: Ses Shahrum
Published: January 2013

Geoidal heights can be computed for a single point value or a grid of values. A program to compute geoidal heights from a set of high degree potential coefficients was developed. Backward recurrance formulas have been used to evaluate the value of normalized Legendre functions. The regional and global geopotential geoid evaluated from the available sets of potential coefficients were shown in the form of contoured maps. The computed geoidal heights derived from different sets of potential coefficients were compared with Doppler derived values at six points in Peninsular Malaysia. The results indicate that of the model tested OSU86 gives the best solution to the geopotential geoid in the region.
Thwaites' Method In Laminar Boundary Layer
Authors: Nordin Prof. Amer , Wah Lim Chee
Published: January 2013

Thwaites' method can be applied to find the boundary layer characteristics for either similar or nonsimilar flow for a variety of boundaries ranging from a simple flat plate (Blasius's Solution(1)) to a symmetrical airfoil. The flow properties to be determined include potential flow velocity distribution, displacement thickness, momentum thickness and coefficient of friction. Furthermore,the location of flow separation is readily obtainable from the numeric value of local coefficient of friction. Thwaites' Method is able to provide satisfactory approximate solution to different types of simple boundary as long as the flow is laminar and not separated. For a complex curvature such a an airfoil Thwaite' Method is yet to be tested. In this context, we will look into the applicability of Thwaites' Method for a particular symmetrical airfoil, NACA 0012.
Pengaruh Bahan Tambah Terhadap Kekuatan Dan Kebolehtelapan Simen Penggerudian Telaga
Authors: Md. Yassin Dr. Abu Azam , Haji Hamid Mohd. Fauzi
Published: January 2013

Kajian di makmal telah dijalankan untuk mengkaji pengaruh heberapa bahan tambah, pengaruh pencemaran garam dan pengaruh suhu rawatan ke atas sifat kekuatan mampatan dan ketertelapan Simen API Kelas G. Kajian dijalankan menggunakan alat Penguji Kekuatan Mampatan Simen dan Pengukur Ketertelapan Simen. Bahan tambah yang digunakan adalah bentonit, kalsium lignosulfonat dan natrium klorida. Selain digunakan sebagai bahan tambah, NaCl juga bertindak sebagai garam pencemar. Keputusan dari kajian ini menunjukkan penambahan bentonit ke dalam simen akan menurunkan kekuatan mampatan dan meningkatkan ketertelapan simen. Kalsium lignosulfonat juga memberikan kesan yang sama seperti bentonit iaitu menurunkan kekuatan mampatan dan meningkatkan ketertelapan simen. Natrium klorida memberikan kesan yang berbeza ke atas simen bergantung kepada kepekatan yang digunakan. Pada kepekatan yang rendah (di bawah 7%), NaCl akan meningkatkan kekuatan mampa1an dan menurunkan ketertelapan simen. Tetapi pada kepekatan yang tinggi (melebihi 7%), NaCl akan memberikan kesan yang sebaliknya iaitu menurunkan kekuatan mampatan dan meningkatkan ketertelapan simen. Pencemaran garam ke atas simen mengandungi 2% bentonit dan simen mengandungi 0.2% kalsium lignosulfonat juga memberikan kesan yang sama seperti kesan ke atas simen bersih. Suhu rawatan juga mempengaruhi kekuatan dan ketertelapan simen. Peningkatan suhu rawatan dari 80°F ke 180°F akan meningkatkan kekuatan dan menurunkan ketertelapan simen.
Temperature Control Of A Water Bath Process: A Comparative Study Between Neuro-Control, A Self-Tuning Adaptive Control, A Generalised Predictive Control, And A Conventional Feedback Control Approach
Authors: Khalid Marzuki , Yusof Rubiyah , Omatu Sigeru
Published: January 2013

Currently, neural networks are being used to solve problem related to control. One way to determine the reliability of the neuro-control technique is to test it on a variety of realistic problems, and to compare directly with existing traditional control technique, to see whether it works well and where it needs further refinement. In this article, we compare the neuro-control approach to a self-tuning adaptive control approach, a generalised predictive control approach, and a conventional feedback control approach on a real-time process control system. The neuro-control scheme consists of a backpropagation through time utility where two neural networks are trained one as an emulator, and the other as a controller. The four systems are compared conceptually and through experimental studies on the same single-input single-output water bath temperature control process. Comparisons, where applicable, are made with respect to methodology, system tracking performance, speed of adaptation, disturbance rejection, effect of long time-delay, and noise rejection. The results show that the neural network controller performs very well and offers encouraging advantages in many aspects over the other three controllers.
Pencirian Minyak Mentah Berlilin Melalui Kajian Fizikal Dan Hubungannya Dengan Masalah Parafin
Authors: Abd.Kadir Abd.Aiz , Hassan Zulkafli
Published: January 2013

Solid deposition, generically known as paraffin deposition is a problem which occurs during oil production, especially for wells which are producing waxy crude. High operating cost is incurred every year to control and manage paraffin problem. Techniques for the prevention and treatment of deposition will depend on factors which influence the deposition process itself. A good understanding of the waxy crude characteristics can help in the prediction, treatment and designing suitable production systems in order to manage the problem effectively. This report discusses the results obtained from the laboratory study on waxy crude characteristic. Four crude samples from the Malaysian oilfields were analysed

Pemendapan pepejal yang secara umumnya dikenali sebagai pemendapan parafin merupakan masalah yang dihadapi semasa proses pengeluaran minyak di lapangan, khususnya pada telaga yang menghasilkan minyak mentah berlilin. Masalah ini membabitkan kos operasi yang besar setiap tahun untuk diatasi. Kaedah untuk merawat menghalang pemendapan banyak bergantung kepada faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi proses pemendapan itu sendiri. Pengetahuan yang luas tentang ciri-ciri minyak mentah berlilin dapat membantu dalam proses peramalan, perawatan dan rekabentuk sistem; pengeluaran yang sesuai supaya masalah pemendapan tersebut dapat ditangani atau diuruskan dengan lebih berkesan. Laporan ini membincangkan keputusan beberapa ujikaji makmal terhadap ciri-ciri minyak mentah berlilin. Kajian ini telah dijalankan dengan menggunakan empat sampel minyak mentah yang diperolehi dari lapangan minyak di Malaysia.
Building Energy Performance Using Sheap
Authors: Wan Hassan Mat Nawi , Senawi Mohd Yusoff
Published: January 2013

This paper describes a Simplified Hourly Energy Analysis Package (SHEAP) for the computation of annual energy consumption in non-residential buildings. The package, developed at the Mechanical Engineering Faculty, uses the transmission matrix method in calculating conduction heat gains through opaque building sections, and adopts the weighting factor method for the calculations of cooling loads, heat extraction rates and actual space air dry bulb temperatures. Typical daily profiles of measured hourly weather data are used to approximate the external climatic conditions over a one-year period. A preliminary validation study indicates that SHEAP produces, reasonably good estimates when compared to the predictions by BUNYIP, a commercial building energy analysis package.
Some Balanced Colouring Algorithms For Examination Timetabling
Authors: Sulong Ghazali
Published: January 2013

This paper describes some balanced colouring algorithms designed to construct examination schedules in such a way that :(1) all examination take place within a minimum number of days; (2) students are never scheduled to take two examinations at the same time; (3) the number of courses are scheduled into each period are approximately equal. These algorithms were tested on a large range of random graphs.

Keywords: Balanced colouring,scheduling, random graphs,graph colouring
A Review On Pollution Control And Ecology Water Pollution Control Permit: Effluent Limitations And Monitoring Requirements
Authors: Maarof Faridah , Parker Dr. Sandra
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study is to review the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements authorized by the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology and proposes recomendations to enhance the improvement of the present requirements. The study is done at the city of Fayetteville and it concentrates on three main issues:
1. Sampling methods: Grab Versus Composite Sampling
2. Cost of the Sampling methods
3. Distinction between a fixed monthly average and a moving average.
Explanations and suggestions made are based on information from relevant literatures compiled with respect to monitoring of water quality. With the recomendations forwarded, it is hoped to aid the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of the Grab and Composite Sampling, realizing the cost involved and the distinction between using a fixed monthly average and a moving average measurement on the discharge limitation.
A Universal Relation Approach For Natural Query In Logic Database System
Authors: Selamat Harihodin
Published: January 2013

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence and Relational Database systems have contributed to the development of Logic Database systems. A lot of research in logic database have been encompassed on the query evaluation and optimization techniques. Very litde effort has been put to the development of the user's query system to facilitate the naive users interacting with the database. Currently, the form of query is based on the primitive logic form. Therefore, this project aims at developing a prototype natural query system to the logic database as a compromise between the primitive logic query and the natural language query systems. This paper describes a conceptual framework of the natural query system. The concept of predicate universal relation is introduced as an interface to bridge the natural query and the corresponding primitive logic query. The concept of data types is employed as a tool towards the construction of the predicate universal relation. We believe this is the first attempt towards a natural query system for logic database via a universal relation approach.

Keywords: query interface, logic database, deductive database, universal relation, query processing, query language, natural query, first order logic, data types
Computer Aided Resistance Prediction Of High Speed Planing Hull Forms
Authors: Mainal Mohd. Ramzan
Published: January 2013

Planing crafts have been the traditional solution to high speed at sea. However, the limitations on high speed planing hull forms in a seaway have led to a tremendous amount of work currently being carried out on hydrofoils, catamarans and hybrid crafts. Despite these facts, the warship, commercial and pleasure markets still show demands for planing crafts and many new designs appear every year. The objective of this paper is to develop a computational procedure for predicting the total resistance of hard chine planing hull forms, prior to model testing. The computer prediction is later validated with existing experimental results.
Tinjauan Rancangan Pemulihan Bencana PC Di Malaysia
Authors: Selamat Mohd. Hassan , Isa Normah , Othman Abu Talib
Published: January 2013

Oleh kerana bencana berlaku di luar jangkaan maka rancangan pemulihan bencana adalah perlu dalam merancang sumber, mengawal situasi serta memastikan organisasi masih berfungsi walaupun bencana menimpa pusat maklumatnya. Malangnya masih kurang organisasi yang menyediakannya. Jadi, satu tinjauan telah dijalankan untuk mengenalpasti sejauh mana pentingnya rancangan pemulihan bencana komputer peribadi kepada organisasi di Malaysia. Tanggapan pengguna tentang penyebab bencana dan kesannya terhadap operasi organisasi juga diselidiki. Data telah dikumpulkan dari organisasi di sekitar Lembah Kelang. Hasil kajian menunjukkan organisasi menganggap rancangan pemulihan bencana PC adalah penting terutamanya yang dihubungkan dengan rangkaian setempat. Strategi pemulihan juga dipraktikkan dengan sebaiknya oleh organisasi yang membangunkan rancangan tersebut. Keputusan juga menunjukkan bahawa bencana yang pernah berlaku tidak memberi kesan yang ketara kepada operasi organisasi disebabkan kebanyakan aplikasi yang kritikal dijalankan di kerangka utama.

Katakunci: PC; Bencana; Organisasi; Perancangan; Strategi
Non-Sulphur Vulcanization Of Rubber- A Brief Overview
Authors: Katun Md. Nasir
Published: January 2013

There are two types of non-sulphur vulcanization system for natural rubber(NR) that will be briefly disscussed here, peroxide vulcanization and urethane vulcanization. The peroxide and urethane systems do not offer a compromise,they have their own problems. They are alternative systems that are able to meet specific requirements. Outstanding characteristics of peroxide system are low permanent set and thermal stability. Urethane based vulcanisates provide the technologist with much improved fatigue on ageing, excellent bondability, chemically resistance and immune to temperature of cure where NR is called upon to meet the ever increasing demands put upon it by service conditions.

Keywords: vulcanization, crosslink, Novor, resistance, fatigue, ageing, modulus.
Boundary Representation-Based Feature Recognition
Authors: Ismail Napsiah , Abu Bakar Nooh
Published: January 2013

This paper introduces an ongoing research which is aimed at the development of an intelligent form feature extraction system from Computer Aided Design (CAD) database, a high level data structure form useful for Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) such as Automated Process Planning System (APPS). Part description in CAD models is the form of basic geometry and topology that is unsuitable for direct application in APPS. Furthermore, CAD software does not incorporate sufficient manufacturing specific data to be used in APPS. Therefore, feature recognition systems will provide the capabilities for bridging the gap between the CAD database and the CAM database. A solid boundary representation (B-rep) model of the part is used to describe the part. This paper concentrates on the recognition of machinable features of either depression or protrusion types to be used in Automated Process Planning System. Logical procedures were developed to recognise these features which consists of both simple and intersecting features.
Total Quality Management In Construction Projects: Role Of Clients Project Managers
Authors: Mohamed Abd.Hakim
Published: January 2013

The decision to implement Total Quality Management(TQM) in the construction industry should involve both the Client and Contractor. It is a complex and interactive process requires all participants to work jointly with a common objective. The participants should ensure that they are ready to change their traditional management culture and invest the required time, cost and skills for successful implementation. Primary, the Client should assess these requirement before embracing this concept. TQM is construction often starts with Client's commitment, and it is than extended to all participants of the process by requiring them to adopt the philosophy. This requires that Client to plan, organise and co-ordinate the process in a 23 "win-win" solution. The Client's Project Managers are often responsible for initiation and conduct an effective quality programme on behalf of the Client. After highlighting some important characteristtcs of TQM, this paper highlights twelve important responsibilities of the Client's Project Managers, and suggests best practices to be adopted by the Client's Project Managers when implementing TQM. These responsibilities are considered essential for the succesful implementation of TQM and include preparing and organising developing project definition; procurement; organising a joint co-ordinaltion team; design management; safety management; measuring and reviewing performance; communication; motivation; co-ordination; documentation and project postmorterm.
Elemental Enrichment And Its Attribution To Natural And Anthropogenic Sources In Fine And Coarse Aerosols Of Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Rashid M. , Griffiths R.F
Published: January 2013

A total of 139 collocated samples of fine and coarse atmospheric aerosols collected from July 1988 to December 1990 in Kuala Lumpur were analysed for their elemental composition,and for their assoctated concentrations in the sampled air. Nine elements i.e As, Br, Co, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb and Zn, were found to be strongly attributed to anthropogenic sources. Their elemental enrichment factors in fine and coarse size fraction were more than 17 times higher than those found in the crustal rock. Whilst, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, and V could be attributed to both anthropogenic and soil related aerosols. Both Al and Cl were exclusively originated from soil and marine in all size fractions respectively.

Key Words: Air pollution, aerosol, trace elements, enrichment factors
A New Efficient Ode Solver For Solving Initial Value Problem
Authors: Yaacob Nazeeruddin , Sanugi Bahrom
Published: January 2013

In this paper we develop a new three-stage,fourth order explicit formula of Runge-Kutta type based on Arithmetic and Harmonic means.The error and stability analyses of this method indicate that the method is stable and efficient for nonstiff problems.Two examples are given which illustrate the fcurth order accuracy of the method.

Keywords: Runge-Kutta method, Harmonic Mean, three-stage, fourth-order, covergence and stability analysis.
The Design Of UTMAS-1 Spraying Mechanism For Micro Light
Authors: Wahab A. A.
Published: January 2013

CGS Hawk-1 microlight has been identified as a suitable light atrcraft for aenal spraying in Malaysta due to its easily operable, relattvely cheap overhead and mamtenance costs. A spraying mechanism UTMA-1 was designed to sun the configuration of the mtcrolight. This mechanisim has the special feature of operation just by using the energy from the airflow around the microlight body and thus it does not need any electrical equipment such as battery and pump. The performance of the spraying mechantsm was determined through laboratory testings. The choice for suitable microlight for aerial spraying, the design of the spraying mechanism and the results of the laboratory testings on the spraying mechanism performance were presented and discussed in this paper.
Effect Of Air Staging On Palm Shell Combustion In Fluidised Bed Incinerator
Authors: Surjosatyo Adi , Nasir Ani Farid
Published: January 2013

The combustion of wastes and very low-grade fuels aims at obtaining thermal energy by subjecting them to heat treatment in order to destroy nitrogen oxide constituents or to convert the materials into a less inconvenient or even potentially usable form. For these purposes, a small pilot plant-scale bubbling fluidised bed incinerator was designed, constructed and tested. This incinerator has a heat capacity of around 26 - 30 kW. It was facilitated with refractory-lined combustion chamber of 0.15 m square cross section and a total height of 1.5 m. The agricultural wastes that have been incinerated in this fluidised bed facility was palm shell wastes. The waste was combusted over a bed temperature ranging from 780- 815°C. The use of air-staging technique of palm shell combustion test shows a reduction in the CO emission level. But, it results in a reduced combustion efficiency level due to high elutriation rate of carbon particles. The air-staging technique also effected the rise of NOx concentration level.

Keyword: Fluidised bed incinerator, air-staging technique, palm shell combustion, combustion efficiency, flue gas emission
Secondary Flow Development In A Cascade Like Passage Of A Turbomachine
Authors: Darus Amer Nordin
Published: January 2013

Makalah ini memaparkan formulasi analitik dan penyelesaian numerik aliran dimensi tiga yang rotasional di dalam sebuah saluran yang melengkung. Formulasi ini berdasarkan perhitungan halaju aliran dan komponen vortisiti selari axis saluran tersebut. Halaju sekunder ditentukan melalui penyelesaian serentak persamaan-persamaan ke terusan dan vortisiti melalui penggunaan fungsi seperti fungsi arus. Hasil-hasil numerik diberikan dan dibandingkan dengan data-data eksperimen yang ada.

This article presents the analytical formulation and numerical solution of the three-dimensional rotational flow in curved duct. The formulation is based on calculating the flow - wise velocity and vorticity. components from the momentum equation. The secondary velocities are determined from the simultaneous solution of the continuity and vorticity equations through the use of a streamlike function. The results presented arc compared with the existing experimental data.
Land Planning And Budgeting For Industry
Authors: Quazi Akef Asadullah
Published: January 2013

Perancangan guna tanah merupakan sebahagian besar daripada proses perancangan bandar dan amat penting memandangkan penawaran tanah di bandar adalah terhad. Teknik perancangan guna tanah sentiasa berubah serta menjadi bertambah sofistikated. Tetapi di dalam berbagai aspek perancangan bandar keadaan sedemikian tidak semestinya benar berlaku bagi negara-negara yang sedang membangun kerana profesion ini sendiri adalah baru di kalangan negaranegara berkenaan. Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara yang pesat membangun tidak memerlukan penggunaan sama ada data-data ataupun teknik-teknik analisa yang sofistikated di dalam menyelesaikan masalah perancangan bandar asalkan penyelesaian berkenaan boleh difahami oleh pihak pentadbir dan berguna dan sesuai di dalam konteks rancangan pembangunan bandar.

Kertas ini mengemukakan satu teknik perancangan dan belanjawan tanah yang mudah dan bagi kegunaan perindustrian. Memandangkan hasil daripada perancangan guna tanah ialah untuk mewujudkan keseimbangan di antara penawaran dan permintaan, maka teknik ini akan (1) mengenal pasti tanah yang berpotensi bagi kegunaan perindustrian dari segi tapak dan perletakannya (2) menganggarkan permintaan berdasarkan kepada piawaian yang dirumuskan daripada keadaan semasa serta pola keperluan tanah masa depan bagi berbagai jenis industri.

Landuse planning is a part of a larger process of urban planning, but is a very critical part because urban land is always in short supply. Landuse planning techniques have been changing very fast and gathering increasing amount of sophistication. But professional sophistication in various aspects of urban planning is neither possible, nor necessarily realistic in developing countries as
the profession itself is new in those countries. In a rapidly developing country like Malaysia the demands on urban planners are such that they have to produce urban planning solutions which do not require much sophisticated sets of data or lengthy analysis, yet are easily understandable by decision makers, and are meaningful in the context of planned urban development.
Dimensional Analysis As Applied To Scouring Around Bridge Piers In Alluvial Rivers
Authors: Ibrahim Abdul Aziz
Published: January 2013

Percubaan telah dibuat untuk menganalisa masalah hakisan dasar di sekitar tiang jambatan di dalam sungai lanar dengan penggunaan cerakinan dimensa. Proses hakisan sekitar tiang jambatan dipengaruhi oleh sebilangan angkubah-angkubah kompleks yang berkaitan. Hakisan di sekliling tiang jambatan didapati bergantung kepada dimensa jambatan dan saluran, Nombor Froude, nisbah pengecutan, ciri-ciri bahan dasar, dan parameter-parameter berhubung dengan alat-alat mengawal hakisan. Data terdahulu juga digunakan bagi menyokong kemasukan dan penyisihan
beberapa angkubah yang penting.

An attempt has been made to analyse the problem of the erosion around bridge piers in alluvial rivers with the help of dimensional analysis. The scouring process in the vicinity of a bridge pier is controlled by a number of complex interrelated variables. Scour around bridge piers is shown to depend primarily on the dimension of the pier and channel. Froude number, contraction ratio, properties of the bed material and parameters related to devices controlling the scour. Previous data are also employed to support the inclusion or exclusion of some of the important variables.
Orthogonal Least Square Algorithm and its Application for Modelling Suspension System
Authors: Ahmad Robiah , Jamaluddin Hishamuddin
Published: January 2013

Model matematik adalah penting bagi mendapatkan sambutan dinamik sesuatu sistem. Maklumat yang diperoleh boleh digunakan untuk mengkaji dan menganalisis sistem tersebut. Pemodelan yang dilakukan berdasarkan data masukan dan keluaran bagi sesuatu sistem dikenali sebagai pengenalpastian sistem. Salah satu isu di dalam pengenalpastian sistem ialah anggaran parameter dan pemilihan struktur model di mana berbagai kaedah telah digunakan termasuk kuasa dua terkecil ortogon. Algoritma kuasa dua terkecil ortagon adalah satu algoritma yang boleh menentukan struktur sesebuah model dengan memberikan sebutan signifikan yang menyumbang kepada model tersebut dan juga dapat memberikan nilai kepada parameter yang dianggarkan. Penerbitan algoritma ini disampaikan dan aplikasinya kepada pemodelan sistem suspensi kereta juga dibincangkan untuk membuktikan keberkesanan algoritma ini.

Kata kunci: Algoritma kuasa dua terkecil ortogon; model sistem dinamik; pengenalpasti sistem; model sistem suspensi.

A mathematical model is important to find a dynamic response of a system. The information obtained from the model could be used for investigation and analysis. Modelling based on input and output data is known as system identification. One of the issues in system identification is the parameter estimation and model structure selection where various methods have been studied including the orthogonal least square algorithm. Orthogonal least square estimation is an algorithm which can determine the structure of a model by identifying the significant terms contributed to the model and also capable of providing the final values of parameter estimates. The derivation of the algorithm is presented and its application to the modelling of a car suspension system is included the demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.

Keywords: Orthogonal least square algorithm; dynamic system modelling; system identification;suspension system model.
Pengasingan Strain Baru Kulat dari Tanah Di Malaysia untuk Penghasilan Asid γ –Linolenik (GLA)
Authors: A. Hamid A. , W. Yusof W. M. , M. Illias R. , Nadarajah K.
Published: January 2013

Kajian telah dijalankan untuk mendapatkan strain baru kulat yang menghasilkan GLA hasil penyaringan 21 pencilan yang diperoleh daripada tanah hutan simpan di sekitar Selangor dan Negeri Sembilan. Sebanyak 5 pencilan kulat daripada 21 pencilan yang diperoleh telah dikenalpasti menghasilkan asid γ–linolenik (GLA) (18:3, n-6) iaitu SK8, SK22, 2A1, DR dan K3, yang menghasilkan 6%, 7.6%, 6.9% 5.4% dan 13.5% GLA daripada asid lemak total masing-masing. Kelima-lima pencilan tersebut juga didapati menghasilkan peratusan lipid yang berbeza, iaitu 30%, 20%, 32%, 30% dan 8% lipid total (w/w, biojisim), masing-masing. Pencilan K3 mempunyai kandungan GLA yang setara dengan kandungan GLA dalam minyak ‘Evening Primrose’ yang dihasilkan secara komersial pada masa kini, iaitu 8-12% GLA dari asid lemak total. Pencilan 2A1 menunjukkan penghasilan GLA tertinggi (0.0096g GLA/g glukosa) berbanding SKA, SK22, DR dan K3, yang menghasilkan 0.0032. 0.0039, 0.007 dan 0.0025g, GLA/g glukosa, masing-masing. Perbezaan profil asid lemak bagi keseluruhan 21 pencilan juga dibincangkan.

Kata kunci: Oleaginous; kulat; γ-linolenic; asid lemak poli-tidak-tepu.

In our studies, 21 filamentous fungi were isolated from soil obtained from various sites of forest reserves in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Five isolates (SK8, SK22, 2A1, DR and K3) were found to produced γ–linolenic acid (GLA) (18:3, n–6) at 6%, 7.6%, 6.9%, 5.4% and 13.5% of their respective total fatty acid with lipid contents of 30%, 20%, 32%, 30% and 8% (w/w, biomass), respectively. The GLA content of K3 is comparable to that of the commercially available ‘Evening Primrose’ with GLA comprising of 8–12% of its total fatty acids. The difference in the fatty acid profiles from all 21 isolates is discussed here.

Key words: Oleaginous; fungi γ-linolenic; polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Measurement of Wiener Spectrum of Radiographic Screen–Film Systems
Authors: Wan Hassan Wan Muhamad Saridan
Published: January 2013

Satu kaedah untuk mengukur spektrum Wiener sistem skrin-filem radiografi dalam persekitaran hospital disajikan. Radiograf yang didedahkan kepada sinar–X seragam, diimbas oleh sebuah mikrodensitometer, dan data turun naik ketumpatan optik di sekitar nilai ketumpatan min diperoleh dengan menolak nilai ketumpatan min daripada nilai ketumpatan optik. Data dituras-laluan-rendahkan dengan mempuratakan pasangan piksel, diikuti dengan penurasan frekuensi rendah untuk menyingkirkan komponen frekuensi yang sangat rendah. Suatu surihan celah disintesis dengan mempuratakan surihan-surihan bersebelahan, dan surihan celah itu dibahagikan kepada segmen-segmen 256 data yang bertindih 128 datanya. Data dalam setiap segmen ditingkapkan dan transformasi–Fourier–pantaskan. Pekali–pekali Fourier dikuasa dua dan dinormalkan untuk menghasilkan spektrum kuasa. Pengukuran di lapangan terhadap skrin Lanex Regular dan Lanex Fine memberikan keputusan yang hampir sama dengan hasil yang telah diterbitkan.

Kata kunci: Spektrum kuasa; radiografi; sistem skrin-filem; spektrum Wiener

A method to measure the wiener spectrum of radiagraphic screen–film systems in a hospital setting is presented. Radiographs exposed to uniform X–rays are scanned by a microdensitometer, and optical density fluctuation data about the mean density are obtained by subtracting the mean density from the density values. The data are low–pass–filtered by averaging pairs of pixels, followed by low–frequency filtering to eliminate very low–frequency components. A slit trace is synthesised by averaging adjacent traces and the trace is segmented to segments of 256 data points per segment with overlap of 128 data points. Data in each segment are windowed and fast Fourier transformed. The Fourier coefficients are squared and normalized to obtain the power spectrum. On site measurement for Lanex Regular and Lanex Fine screens gives results that are comparable with published data.

Key words: Noise power spectrum; radiography; screen-film system; Wiener spectrum
Pendekatan Pengoptimuman dalam Penghasilan Objek Tiga Dimensi daripada Lukisan Garisan Dua Dimensi
Authors: Haron Habibollah , Mohamed Dzulkifli
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan beberapa kajian lepas yang menggunakan pendekatan pengoptimuman dalam menghasilkan objek tiga dimensi daripada lukisan garisan dua dimensi. Kertas kerja ini juga menerangkan berbagai-bagai sumber dan jenis lukisan garisan, ulasan mengenai bagaimana lukisan ini diwakilkan dan dianalisis dan penerangan mengenai beberapa teknik pengoptimuman yang berkaitan. Perbincangan diakhiri dengan cadangan kaedah pengoptimuman yang sesuai untuk menterjemah lukisan garisan bagi objek padu dengan garisan terlindung disorokkan.

Kata kunci: Pengoptimuman; objek padu; penafsiran; penghasilan objek tiga dimensi; lukisan garisan
Study on Water Resources in Tioman Island
Authors: Daulay Hassan Basyri , Abd. Rahman Norhan , Mohd. Kassim Amir Hashim , Mohd. Nasir Kamarul Azlan
Published: January 2013

Pulau Tioman terletak di sebelah tenggara Negeri Pahang merupakan salah satu dari pulau-pulau kecil di Malaysia yang sudah dimajukan sebagai destinasi pelancong. Berdasarkan penyelidikan terdahulu, pulau ini memerlukan bekalan air bersih melebih 2000 m3/hari untuk keperluan penduduk tempatan dan pelancong, dan keperluan ini akan meningkat dengan peningkatan jumlah penduduk dan pelancong. Penyelidikan terhadap air larian permukaan dan air bumi menunjukkan bahawa keduanya berpotensi sebagai sumber air yang baik untuk memenuhi keperluan air pada masa hadapan. Suatu kajian yang intensif dilaksanakan untuk mengkaji keupayaan sumber air yang sedia ada bagi pulau ini. Untuk menentukan berapa banyaknya air larian permukaan, perisian model MIKE 11 NAM digunakan, dan untuk menentukan keupayaan air bumi yang boleh dipam, ia berpandukan kepada perisian Aquifer Simulation Model (ASM). Kertas kerja ini membentangkan penemuan permulaan bagi jumlah sumber air yang sedia ada di Kg. Tekek Pulau Tioman, purata air larian permukaan harian adalah 3024 m3/hari yang dikira untuk tempoh bulan Februari 1999.

Kata kunci: Air larian permukaan; air bumi dan pulau kecil

Tioman Island which is situated in the southeast of Pahang State is one of the small islands in Malaysia that have been promoted as a tourism destination. Based on the previous study, the island requires more than 2000 m3/day of water for domestic and tourism industry consumption, and the demand is expected to rise due to the increasing population and tourism activities. Study on surface water and groundwater indicate a good potential for water resources to meet the demand of the future water needs. An intensive study is being carried out to investigate to quantity of water resource that is available in this island. In this study, the amount of surface water flow was estimated by using MIKE 11 NAM Model, and for groundwater extraction ASM (Aquifer Simulation Model) was used. This paper reports the preliminary findings of the amount of the water resources available in Kg. Tekek, Tioman Island, i.e. the daily average of surface runoff is 3024 m3/day and the groundwater extraction is 5003 m3/day, that was calculated for the period of February 1999.

Key words: surface water; groundwater and small island
Reka Bentuk Pembangunan Prototaip Perisian Pembelajaran Matematik VATrans yang Berasaskan Penggabungan Pemikiran Visualisasi dan Analisis
Authors: Abu Mohd Salleh , Tan Wee Chuen
Published: January 2013

Proses pembelajaran matematik yang bemakna banyak berasaskan kepada aktiviti mental melibatkan proses mencari, membina dan mengaplikasi perhubungan atau perkaitan secara logik serta membentuk kefahaman intuitif mengenai sesuatu konsep. Aktiviti ini amat berkait rapat dengan dua jenis pemikiran matematik dinamakan Visualisasi dan Analisis. Lazimnya, pembelajaran matematik yang berkesan bukan sahaja memerlukan pelajar mengamalkan kedua–dua jenis pemikiran ini tetapi juga ia perlu dilakukan secara bergabung. Keperluan penggabungan kedua–dua jenis pemikiran ini menjadi lebih jelas dalam beberapa topik matematik khususnya yang memerlukan pelajar membuat penaakulan dan konfigurasi ruang, misalnya Translasi. Artikel ini mencadangkan asas reka bentuk pembangunan prototaip perisian pembelajaran berasaskan penggunaan teknologi komputer (dinamakan VATrans) yang boleh bertindak sebagai alat pembelajaran (learning tool) yang membantu pelajar dalam mempertingkatkan penggabungan kedua–dua jenis pemikiran berkenaan dalam proses pembelajaran matematik.