bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MODELING AND MOTION CONTROL OF A RIVERINE AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VEHICLE (ASV) WITH DIFFERENTIAL THRUST
Authors: Hong Mei Jian , Arshad M. R. 
Published: September 2015

It is challenging that Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) navigated in the riverine environment since the unknown and unstructured waterway, and the non-uniform riverbanks makes the waterway tracking difficult. This paper presents a catamaran type Autonomous Surface vessel (ASV) for autonomous bathymetry survey and environmental monitoring at riverine areas. The ASV is equipped without rudder, thus it is driven by differential thrust to control the speed and heading. The theoretical 3 DOF model of ASV and differential thrust steering dynamics is discussed. The aim is to perform the visual navigation that track along with the river by keeping in the center of river. Meanwhile, the speed is required to vary with the width of river to avoid collision. In order to perform the control aims, a balance control scheme is designed. The results indicate that the proposed control scheme is successful for the navigation task.
UNDERWATER POLE INSPECTION USING TWO MICRO AUVS
Authors: Siang Song Yoong , Arshad Mohd Rizal 
Published: September 2015

This article describes the strategy to use two Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in underwater pole inspection work. They are called vehicle A and vehicle B. Vehicle A will surround the pole in counter clockwise direction whereas vehicle B will surround the pole in clockwise direction until the two vehicles meet. Then they will dive a certain distance and continuous surrounding the pole in opposite direction. The mechanical design of both vehicle A and vehicle B are exactly the same. The only different between them is vehicle A will make use of higher capability of underwater navigation and tracking system. Therefore, vehicle A is functioning as lead vehicle. Vehicle A and vehicle B will communicate with each other periodically for control signal dissemination and positioning error. This article also mention about the prototype design of vehicle A And vehicle B. Some preliminary result of proposed pole inspection system is also included in this article.
EFFECT OF PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE ON TENSILE PROPERTIES AND THERMAL STABILITY OF RECYCLED HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE / WOOD FIBER COMPOSITES
Authors: Hanif M. P. M. , A. G. Supri , Zainuddin Firuz 
Published: September 2015

The effect of phthalic anhydride as a coupling agent on the tensile properties and thermal stability of recycled high density polyethylene/wood fiber (rHDPE/WF) composites were studied. Both composites rHDPE/WF and rHDPE/WF/PAH (modified with phthalic anhydride) were prepared using Brabender Plasticorder at a temperature of 160°C and rotor speed of 50 rpm. The result indicated that rHDPE/WF/PAH composites exhibit higher tensile strength and modulus of elasticity than rHDPE/WF composites. It was also found that the addition of phthalic anhydride offers better thermal stability in rHDPE/WF/PAH composites than that of rHDPE/WF composites.
OPTIMIZATION OF PRASEODYMIUM OXIDE BASED CATALYSTS FOR METHANATION REACTION OF SIMULATED NATURAL GAS USING BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN
Authors: Mat Rosid Salmiah Jamal , Wan Abu Bakar Wan Azelee , Ali Rusmidah 
Published: September 2015

Malaysia energy demand on natural gas is increasing, leading to the purification of sour natural gas through the removal of carbon dioxide using catalytic conversion technique. Praseodymium oxide is preferred due to its properties which are suitable in the production of catalysers, polish glass and also as alloying agent. Therefore, a series of praseodymium oxide catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method and was calcined at 400oC for 5 hours during screening reaction. The experimental Box-Behnken design was applied for optimizing the parameters in catalytic methanation reaction. The optimum parameters were found to be compatible with the experimental result which showed that Ru/Mn/Pr (5:35:60)/Al2O3 calcined at 800°C with 65% Pr loading and 7 g of catalyst dosage gave 96% of CO2 conversion, determined using FTIR, and yielded about 41% of CH4 at reaction temperature of 400°C. In the stability test, the catalyst’s performance showed an increase and was stable up to 7 hours with 96% of CO2 conversion. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed an amorphous structure while Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) illustrated the presence of small and dispersed particles with undefined shape covering the catalyst surface. EDX analysis revealed that when calcination temperature increased, the mass ratio of Ru increased. Meanwhile Nitrogen Adsorption (NA) analysis revealed that Ru/Mn/Pr (5:35:60)/Al2O3 catalyst attained surface area of 134.39 m2/g.
SAFETY SCAFFOLDING IN THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
Authors: Hamdan Nuraffefa , Awang Hanizam 
Published: September 2015

Statistics have shown that the construction industry is one of those sectors that have a high rate of deaths and injuries compared with to the other sectors. Scaffolding is a hazard that contributes to the large number of deaths and injuries in the construction industry. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the scaffolding related accidents at the construction site. The study was conducted using a questionnaire to obtain the maximum information and precise results. The questionnaire was prepared and distributed to listed contractors in grade G7 and G6 that are actively involved in carrying out construction work. The results of this study indicate that the higher factors influencing scaffold related accidents at construction site are caused by technical factors.
A STUDY ON EFFECTS OF SIZE COARSE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE STRENGTH
Authors: Abd Hamid N. A. , Abas N. F. 
Published: September 2015

The utilization of four types of aggregate for concrete work is investigated in this paper. Normal concrete is being produced from different types of aggregate and this imparts different property to the resulting concrete. The most important property of concrete is its compressive strength. For the purpose of this work, there are 4 types of aggregate size used for this study were classified as aggregate size 10, size 20, size 30 and mix aggregate. Concrete cube specimens of mix 1:1:2 were prepared with water-cement ratio of 0.5. The cubes were cured using methods water-submerged curing until testing ages of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days before the result determined. Some laboratory tests will be carried out in this study for the purpose of knowing the difference between the uses of different size aggregate in the concrete mix design. The tests carried out are as follows slump test, density test, flexural test, compression test, shrinkage and expansion test, ultrasonic pulse velocity test, water absorption test and permeability test. According to laboratory tests, we can conclude that size 30 and mix aggregates are the best choice in concrete design.
ESTABLISHING ELEMENTS OF A GOOD CITY PLANNING: AN ANALYSIS OF CITY PLANNING THEORIES
Authors: Safee Fatimatul Azadiah , M. Y. M. Yunos , Ismail Sumarni , Mohd Ariffin Noor Fazamimah , Mohd Isa Nor Kalsum 
Published: September 2015

Urban theory is fragmented. The relation of human purposeful activity (interaction) and city form is a major feature. However, some attention given to commentator's theory such as Jane Jacobs, Kevin Lynch and Alan Jacobs and Donald Appleyard in their taught toward city planning, in which the theories that explain the city planning's idea are reviewed. This study investigates comparison of ideology and theory of city planning. In order to search for the city planning theory, a qualitative method research which involves content analysis is the most suitable approach to be employed in this study. By the end of the research, this study will reveal the component of good city planning. This research will develop theoretical of city planning framework basis for making recommendation towards enhancement of city planning form. It is suggested a good city planning element by combining the theories to improve the quality of living in the city.
THE VALUATION APPROACH IN RELATION TO THE MODEL OF PRIVATISATION FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED
Authors: Raji Fauziah , Kamarudin Norhaya 
Published: September 2015

Privatisation of property development has been practiced in Malaysia since the 1980s where it not only involved the Federal Government but also the State Governments and the Local Governments. The government undertakes privatisation of property development for various benefits such as to reduce expenditure, to improve the quality of development and to ensure faster delivery of product. It was observed that valuation of lands involved in the privatisation is significant as the valuation determines the returns to the government and costs to the developer. Inevitably the valuation will determine whether the privatisation should proceed or not. This research investigates the relationship between the model of privatisation adopted (MOP) and the approach to valuation for privatisation of property development projects by a local authority in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The models of privatisation studied are the land swap, land lease, and the joint venture developments. Altogether fifteen privatisation projects were studied. Data gathered from interviews with key personnel from the identified projects were analysed qualitatively. The findings of the research positively report that the model of privatisation not only determines the type of valuation to be carried out whether capital or lease valuation but also influences the parameters for determining the value.
EFFECT OF VISCOELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF CELLULOSE OIL PALM FIBER (COPF) MODIFIED 60-70 ASPHALT BINDER FOR DETERIORATION FOR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Authors: A. Aziz Md. Maniruzzaman , Hamad Ahmed Wsoo , Maleka Abdulmalik Musa , Mohd Jakarni Fauzan 
Published: September 2015

This paper dealt with the viscoelastic behavior of Cellulose Oil Palm Fiber (COPF) modified 60-70 penetration grade asphalt binder for the deterioration of roads. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various COPF contents on the physical and the rheological properties of penetration grade 60-70 asphalt binder. Laboratory tests performed comprised of viscosity, penetration, softening point, short & long term ageing, as well as complex shear modulus (G*). The COPF was blended in 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% by weight of asphalt binder, including 0% as control. The COPF modified asphalt binder showed an increasing viscosity and softening point with the increase of COPF content, whereas the penetration decreased as the COPF was increased for the binder. The complex shear modulus (G*), rutting factor (G*/sin δ), and fatigue factor (G*sin δ) showed significant improvement for the modified samples compared to the unmodified samples. The results indicated that the COPF modified asphalt binder had high potential to resist permanent (rutting) deformation and fatigue cracking than the unmodified sample.
THERMAL AND FLEXURAL PROPERTIES OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE(RC)/POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE)(PHB)BIOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Yeng Lee Chiau , Wahit Mat Uzir , Othman Norhayani 
Published: September 2015

Regenerated cellulose (RC)/ poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composite was prepared via melt compounding with different RC contents from 1 to 7 wt.%. Regenerated cellulose fiber was prepared in NaOH/urea aqueous solution. The properties of the cellulose and the regenerated cellulose were compared using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results of TGA and DSC revealed that the regenerated cellulose had lower thermal properties than cellulose. Meanwhile, the FTIR of regenerated cellulose showed that the intensity portrayed by a few peaks had reduced or disappeared as compared to cellulose. Besides, PHB composites were characterized using TGA and flexural testing. Moreover, thermal stability of the composites insignificantly changed with the incorporation of RC. Improvement in flexural strength and modulus were observed, whereas 3 wt.% was found to be the optimum RC content.
FLOOD ESTIMATION AT UNGAUGED SITES USING GROUP METHOD OF DATA HANDLING IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Badyalina Basri , Shabri Ani 
Published: September 2015

Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) have been successful in many fields such as economy, ecology, medical diagnostics, signal processing, and control systems but given a little attention in hydrology field especially for flood estimation at ungauged sites. Ungauged site basically mean the site of interest is no flood peak data available. This paper presented application of GMDH model at ungauged site to predict flood quantile for T=10 year and T=100 year. There five catchment characteristics implement in this study that are catchment area, elevation, longest drainage path, slope of the catchment and mean maximum annual rainfall. The total number of catchment used for this study is 70 catchments in Peninsular Malaysia. Four quantitative standard statistical indices such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (CE) are employed. Based on these results, it was found that the GMDH model outperforms the prediction ability of the traditional LR model.
TIME MARKER GENERATOR USING OPERATIONAL TRANSCONDUCTANE AMPLIFIER
Authors: Srinivasulu Avireni , Tejaswini V. , Pitchaiah T. 
Published: September 2015

This letter introduces time marker generator (TMG) using operational transconductance amplifier (OTA). It is composed of comparator (i.e. sine wave to square wave converter), integrator and clipper. The performance of the proposed circuit is examined using Cadence and the model parameters of a 180 nm technology process. Later, the circuit was built with commercially available OTA (LM 13600), passive components used externally and tested at the outputs of comparator, integrator and clipper. Simulations and experimental results are shown that verify the proposed circuit of time marker generator.
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION ON THE OUTER WING OF FLYING BOAT REMOTE CONTROL MODEL
Authors: Syamsuar S. , Djatmiko E. B , Mujahid A. S , Erwandi Erwandi , Subchane Subchane 
Published: September 2015

The experiment of Wing in Surface Effect craft A2B and A2C B type for (1 - 2) seaters prototype are the background of this research. The aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, thrust and weight data of these prototypes were already investigated. The best ratio of Thrust per Weight is around 0.4 from this experience to fulfill the liftoff condition from the water surface. The step position on the hull as the theoretical prediction of Wing in Surface Effect craft is made (2 to 10)0 from center of gravity, c.g location to the step position. These formulas have been used to designing the Flying Boat remote control model. The whole process to build the remote control model is shown on this paper. The investigation of the outer wing of Flying Boat remote control model had been done to elaborate the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristic. Included the laser photo camera tracking to 3 D model and Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis have been done also. The three dimensions (3 D) figures are evaluated by CATIA software and then these data results were transfer to the input of CFx Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. The meshing, pressure distribution and forces distributions during hydro planing of outer wing and pontoon of Flying Boat remote control model have been analyzed by CFx Computational Fluid Dynamics software. The Z force on the outer wing and pontoon showed a good result.
An automatic registration method for pre‐ and post‐interventional CT images for assessing treatment success in liver RFA treatment
Authors: Luu Ha Manh , Niessen Wiro , van Walsum Theo , Klink Camiel , Moelker Adriaan 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:In image‐guided radio frequency ablation for liver cancer treatment, pre‐ and post‐interventional CT images are typically used to verify the treatment success of the therapy. In current clinical practice, the tumor zone in the diagnostic, preinterventional images is mentally or manually mapped to the ablation zone in the post‐interventional images to decide success of the treatment. However, liver deformation and differences in image quality as well as in texture of the ablation zone and the tumor area make the mental or manual registration a challenging task. Purpose of this paper is to develop an automatic framework to register the pre‐interventional image to the post‐interventional image.Methods:The authors propose a registration approach enabling a nonrigid deformation of the tumor to the ablation zone, while keeping locally rigid deformation of the tumor area. The method was evaluated on CT images of 38 patient datasets from Erasmus MC. The evaluation is based on Dice coefficients of the liver segmentation on both the pre‐interventional and post‐interventional images, and mean distances between the liver segmentations. Additionally, residual distances after registration between corresponding landmarks and local mean surface distance in the images were computed.Results:The results show that rigid registration gives a Dice coefficient of 87.9%, a mean distance of the liver surfaces of 5.53 mm, and a landmark error of 5.38 mm, while non‐rigid registration with local rigid deformation has a Dice coefficient of 92.2%, a mean distance between the liver segmentation boundaries near the tumor area of 3.83 mm, and a landmark error of 2.91 mm, where a part of this error can be attributed to the slice spacing in the authors’ CT images.Conclusions:This method is thus a promising tool to assess the success of RFA liver cancer treatment.
Clinical Outcomes Associated with Polymyxin B Dose in Patients with Bloodstream Infections Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Rods
Authors: Nelson Brian C. , Eiras Daniel P. , Gomez-Simmonds Angela , Loo Angela S. , Satlin Michael J. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Whittier Susan , Calfee David P. , Furuya E. Yoko , Kubin Christine J. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

There is significant variation in the use of polymyxin B (PMB), and optimal dosing has not been defined. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between PMB dose and clinical outcomes. We included patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative rods who received ≥48 h of intravenous PMB. The objective was to evaluate the association between PMB dose and 30-day mortality, clinical cure at day 7, and development of acute kidney injury (AKI). A total of 151 BSIs were included. The overall 30-day mortality was 37.8% (54 of 151), and the median PMB dosage was 1.3 mg/kg (of total body weight)/day. Receipt of PMB dosages of <1.3 mg/kg/day was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (46.5% versus 26.3%;
P
= 0.02), and this association persisted in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05 to 1.81;
P
= 0.04). Eighty-two percent of patients who received PMB dosages of <1.3 mg/kg/day had baseline renal impairment. Clinical cure at day 7 was not significantly different between dosing groups. AKI was more common in patients receiving PMB dosages of ≥250 mg/day (66.7% versus 32.0%;
P
= 0.03), and this association persisted in multivariable analysis (OR = 4.32; 95% CI = 1.15 to 16.25;
P
= 0.03). PMB dosages of <1.3 mg/kg/day were administered primarily to patients with renal impairment, and this dosing was independently associated with 30-day mortality. However, dosages of ≥250 mg/day were independently associated with AKI. These data support the use of PMB without dose reduction in the setting of renal impairment.
Voriconazole Enhances the Osteogenic Activity of Human Osteoblasts
In Vitro
through a Fluoride-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Allen Kahtonna C. , Sanchez Carlos J. , Niece Krista L. , Wenke Joseph C. , Akers Kevin S. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Periostitis, which is characterized by bony pain and diffuse periosteal ossification, has been increasingly reported with prolonged clinical use of voriconazole. While resolution of clinical symptoms following discontinuation of therapy suggests a causative role for voriconazole, the biological mechanisms contributing to voriconazole-induced periostitis are unknown. To elucidate potential mechanisms, we exposed human osteoblasts
in vitro
to voriconazole or fluconazole at 15 or 200 μg/ml (reflecting systemic or local administration, respectively), under nonosteogenic or osteogenic conditions, for 1, 3, or 7 days and evaluated the effects on cell proliferation (reflected by total cellular DNA) and osteogenic differentiation (reflected by alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium accumulation, and expression of genes involved in osteogenic differentiation). Release of free fluoride, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was also measured in cell supernatants of osteoblasts exposed to triazoles, with an ion-selective electrode (for free fluoride) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) (for VEGF and PDGF). Voriconazole but not fluconazole significantly enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. In contrast to clinical observations, no increases in free fluoride levels were detected following exposure to either voriconazole or fluconazole; however, significant increases in the expression of VEGF and PDGF by osteoblasts were observed following exposure to voriconazole. Our results demonstrate that voriconazole can induce osteoblast proliferation and enhance osteogenic activity
in vitro
. Importantly, and in contrast to the previously proposed mechanism of fluoride-stimulated osteogenesis, our findings suggest that voriconazole-induced periostitis may also occur through fluoride-independent mechanisms that enhance the expression of cytokines that can augment osteoblastic activity.
Rapid Development of Candida krusei Echinocandin Resistance during Caspofungin Therapy
Authors: Forastiero A. , Garcia-Gil V. , Rivero-Menendez O. , Garcia-Rubio R. , Monteiro M. C. , Alastruey-Izquierdo A. , Jordan R. , Agorio I. , Mellado E. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

In invasive candidiasis, there has been an epidemiological shift from
Candida albicans
to non-
albicans
species infections, including infections with
C. glabrata
,
C. parapsilosis
,
C. tropicalis
, and
C. krusei
. Although the prevalence of
C. krusei
remains low among yeast infections, its intrinsic resistance to fluconazole raises epidemiological and therapeutic concerns. Echinocandins have
in vitro
activity against most
Candida
spp. and are the first-line agents in the treatment of candidemia. Although resistance to echinocandin drugs is still rare, individual cases of
C. krusei
resistance have been reported in recent years, especially with strains that have been under selective pressure. A total of 15
C. krusei
strains, isolated from the blood, urine, and soft tissue of an acute lymphocytic leukemia patient, were analyzed. Strains developed echinocandin resistance during 10 days of caspofungin therapy. The molecular epidemiology of the isolates was investigated using two different typing methods: PCR-based amplification of the species-specific repetitive polymorphic CKRS-1 sequence and multilocus sequence typing. All isolates were genetically related, and the mechanism involved in decreased echinocandin susceptibility was characterized. Clinical resistance was associated with an increase in echinocandin MICs
in vitro
and was related to three different mutations in hot spot 1 of the target enzyme Fks1p. Molecular evidence of the rapid acquisition of resistance by different mutations in
FKS1
highlights the need to monitor the development of resistance in
C. krusei
infections treated with echinocandin drugs.