Abstract: Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of the copper metabolism, which is caused by a mutation in the copper-transporting P-type ATPase (ATP7B). The mechanism of this disease is the failure of hepatic excretion of copper to bile, and leads to copper deposits in the liver and other organs. The ATP7B gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 13 (13q14.3). This study aimed to investigate the gene mutation in the Vietnamese patients with WD, and make a presymptomatic diagnosis for their familial members. Forty-three WD patients and their 65 siblings were identified as having ATP7B gene mutations. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples; 21 exons and exon-intron boundaries of the ATP7B gene were analyzed by direct sequencing. We recognized four mutations ([R723=; H724Tfs*34], V1042Cfs*79, D1027H, and IVS6+3A>G) in the sum of 20 detectable mutations, accounting for 87.2% of the total. Mutation S105* was determined to have a high rate (32.6%) in this study. The hotspot regions of ATP7B were found at exons 2, 16, and 8, and intron 14, in 39.6 %, 11.6 %, 9.3%, and 7 % of patients, respectively. Among nine homozygote/compound heterozygote siblings of the patients with WD, three individuals were determined as asymptomatic by screening mutations of the probands. They would begin treatment after diagnosis. In conclusion, 20 different mutations were detected in 43 WD patients. Of this number, four novel mutations were explored, including [R723=; H724Tfs*34], V1042Cfs*79, D1027H, and IVS6+3A>G. The mutation S105* is the most prevalent and has been considered as a biomarker that can be used in a rapid detection assay for diagnosis of WD patients. Exons 2, 8, and 16, and intron 14 should be screened initially for WD patients in Vietnam. Based on risk profile for WD, genetic testing for presymptomatic patients is also useful in diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic increased significantly worldwide. The rise in cases of HIV/AIDS was also followed by an increase in the incidence of opportunistic infection, with tuberculosis being the most opportunistic infection found in HIV/AIDS and the main cause of mortality in HIV/AIDS patients. Diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS patients is often difficult because of the uncommon symptom in HIV/AIDS patients compared to those without the disease. Thus, diagnostic tools are required that are more effective and efficient to diagnose tuberculosis in HIV/AIDS. CXCL-10/IP-10 is a chemokine that binds to the CXCR3 receptor found in HIV/AIDS patients with a weakened immune system. Tuberculosis infection in HIV/AIDS activates chemokine IP-10 in urine, which is used as a marker for diagnosis of infection. The aim of this study was to prove whether IP-10 urine can be a biomarker diagnosis of active lung tuberculosis in HIV-AIDS patients. Design of this study is a cross sectional study involving HIV/AIDS patients with lung tuberculosis as the subject of this study. Forty-seven HIV/AIDS patients with tuberculosis based on clinical and biochemical laboratory were asked to collect urine samples and IP-10/CXCL-10 urine being measured using ELISA method with 18 healthy human urine samples as control. Forty-seven patients diagnosed as HIV/AIDS were included as a subject of this study. HIV/AIDS were more common in male than in women with the percentage in male 85.1% vs. 14.5% of women. In this study, most diagnosed patients were aged 31-40 years old, followed by those 21-30 years, and > 40 years old, with one case diagnosed at age less than 20 years of age. From the result of the urine IP-10 using ELISA method, there was significant increase of the mean value of IP-10 urine in patients with TB-HIV/AIDS co-infection compared to the healthy control with mean 61.05 pg/mL ± 78.01 pg/mL vs. mean 17.2 pg/mL. Based on this research, there was significant increase of urine IP-10/CXCL-10 in active lung tuberculosis with HIV/AIDS compared to the healthy control. From this finding, it is necessary to conduct further research into whether urine IP-10/CXCL-10 plays a significant role in TB-HIV/AIDS co-infection, which can also be used as a biomarker in the early diagnosis of TB-HIV.
Abstract: Background: There is a mutual relationship between sleep duration and obesity. We studied the relationship between sleep duration with obesity and dietary Intake. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 444 male students in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science. Dietary intake was analyzed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric indices were analyzed. Participants were being asked about their sleep duration and they were categorized into three groups according to their responses (less than six hours, between six and eight hours, and more than eight hours). Results: Macronutrient, micronutrient, and antioxidant intake did not show significant difference between three groups. Moreover, we did not observe any significant difference between anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage body fat). Conclusions: Our study results show no significant relationship between sleep duration, nutrition pattern, and obesity. Further study is recommended.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to provide educators an overview of international practices supporting young learners, arming us with adequate information to lead effective change. We will report on research and observations of Service Learning Projects conducted by one South Texas University. The intent of the paper is also to provide readers an overview of service learning in the preparation of teacher candidates pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The objective of noting the efficiency and effectiveness of programs leading to literacy and oral fluency in a native language and second language will be discussed. This paper also highlights experiential learning for academic credit that combines community service with student learning. Six weeks of visits to a variety of community sites, making personal observations with faculty members, conducting extensive interviews with parents and key personnel at all sites will be discussed. The culminating Service Learning Expo will be reported as well.
Abstract: The paper presents the results and industrial
applications in the production setup period estimation based on
industrial data inherited from the field of polymer cutting. The
literature of polymer cutting is very limited considering the number
of publications. The first polymer cutting machine is known since the
second half of the 20th century; however, the production of polymer
parts with this kind of technology is still a challenging research topic.
The products of the applying industrial partner must met high
technical requirements, as they are used in medical, measurement
instrumentation and painting industry branches. Typically, 20% of
these parts are new work, which means every five years almost the
entire product portfolio is replaced in their low series manufacturing
environment. Consequently, it requires a flexible production system,
where the estimation of the frequent setup periods' lengths is one of
the key success factors. In the investigation, several (input)
parameters have been studied and grouped to create an adequate
training information set for an artificial neural network as a base for
the estimation of the individual setup periods. In the first group,
product information is collected such as the product name and
number of items. The second group contains material data like
material type and colour. In the third group, surface quality and
tolerance information are collected including the finest surface and
tightest (or narrowest) tolerance. The fourth group contains the setup
data like machine type and work shift. One source of these
parameters is the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) but some
data were also collected from Computer Aided Design (CAD)
drawings. The number of the applied tools is one of the key factors
on which the industrial partners’ estimations were based previously.
The artificial neural network model was trained on several thousands
of real industrial data. The mean estimation accuracy of the setup
periods' lengths was improved by 30%, and in the same time the
deviation of the prognosis was also improved by 50%. Furthermore,
an investigation on the mentioned parameter groups considering the
manufacturing order was also researched. The paper also highlights
the manufacturing introduction experiences and further
improvements of the proposed methods, both on the shop floor and
on the quotation preparation fields. Every week more than 100 real
industrial setup events are given and the related data are collected.
Abstract: Model updating method has received increasing
attention in damage detection structures based on measured modal
parameters. Therefore, a probability-based damage detection
(PBDD) procedure based on a model updating procedure is
presented in this paper, in which a one-stage model-based damage
identification technique based on the dynamic features of a structure
is investigated. The presented framework uses a finite element
updating method with a Monte Carlo simulation that considers the
uncertainty caused by measurement noise. Enhanced ideal gas
molecular movement (EIGMM) is used as the main algorithm for
model updating. Ideal gas molecular movement (IGMM) is a multiagent
algorithm based on the ideal gas molecular movement. Ideal
gas molecules disperse rapidly in different directions and cover all
the space inside. This is embedded in the high speed of molecules,
collisions between them and with the surrounding barriers. In IGMM
algorithm to accomplish the optimal solutions, the initial population
of gas molecules is randomly generated and the governing equations
related to the velocity of gas molecules and collisions between those
are utilized. In this paper, an enhanced version of IGMM, which
removes unchanged variables after specified iterations, is developed.
The proposed method is implemented on two numerical examples in
the field of structural damage detection. The results show that the
proposed method can perform well and competitive in PBDD of
structures.
Abstract: In this paper, the average heat transfer characteristics
for a cross flow cylinder of 16 mm diameter in a vertical pipe has
been studied for single-phase flow (water/oil) and multicomponent
(non-boiling) flow (water-air, water-oil, oil-air and water-oil-air). The
cylinder is uniformly heated by electrical heater placed at the centre
of the element. The results show that the values of average heat
transfer coefficients for water are around four times the values for oil
flow. Introducing air as a second phase with water has very little
effect on heat transfer rate, while the heat transfer increased by 70%
in case of oil. For water–oil flow, the heat transfer coefficient values
are reflecting the percentage of water up to 50%, but increasing the
water more than 50% leads to a sharp increase in the heat transfer
coefficients to become close to the values of pure water. The
enhancement of heat transfer by mixing two phases may be attributed
to the changes in flow structure near to cylinder surface which lead to
thinner boundary layer and higher turbulence. For three-phase flow,
the heat transfer coefficients for all cases fall within the limit of
single-phase flow of water and oil and are very close to pure water
values. The net effect of the turbulence augmentation due to the
introduction of air and the attenuation due to the introduction of oil
leads to a thinner boundary layer of oil over the cylinder surface
covered by a mixture of water and air bubbles.
Abstract: A robotic arm and hand controlled by simulated
neurons is presented. The robot makes use of a biological neuron
simulator using a point neural model. The neurons and synapses are
organised to create a finite state automaton including neural inputs
from sensors, and outputs to effectors. The robot performs a simple
pick-and-place task. This work is a proof of concept study for a
longer term approach. It is hoped that further work will lead to
more effective and flexible robots. As another benefit, it is hoped that
further work will also lead to a better understanding of human and
other animal neural processing, particularly for physical motion. This
is a multidisciplinary approach combining cognitive neuroscience,
robotics, and psychology.
Abstract: The application of constructability is increasingly required not only in the construction phase but also in the whole project stage. In particular, the proper application of construction experience and knowledge during the design phase enables the minimization of inefficiencies such as design changes and improvements in constructability during the construction phase. In order to apply knowledge effectively, engineering technology efforts should be implemented with design progress. Among many engineering technologies, engineering for temporary works, including facilities, equipment, and other related construction methods, is important to improve constructability. Therefore, as basic research, this study investigates the applicability of temporary work engineering during the design phase in the building construction industry. As a result, application of temporary work engineering has a greater impact on construction cost reduction and constructability improvement. In contrast to the existing design-bid-build method, the turn-key and CM (construct management) procurement methods currently being implemented in Korea are expected to have a significant impact on the direction of temporary work engineering. To introduce temporary work engineering, expert/professional organization training is first required, and a lack of client awareness should be preferentially improved. The results of this study are expected to be useful as reference material for the development of more effective temporary work engineering tasks and work processes in the future.
Abstract: In this work, efficient directional coupler composed of
dielectric waveguides and metallic film has been analyzed in details
by simulations using finite element method (FEM). The structure
consists of a step-index fiber with dielectric core, silica cladding, and
a metal nanowire parallel to the core. The results show that an
efficient conversion of optical dielectric modes to long range
plasmonic is possible. Low insertion losses in conjunction with short
coupling length and a broadband operation can be achieved under
certain conditions. This kind of couplers has potential applications for
the design of photonic integrated circuits for signal routing between
dielectric/plasmonic waveguides, sensing, lithography, and optical
storage systems. A high efficient focusing of light in a very small
region can be obtained.
Abstract: In order to reduce numerical computations in the
nonlinear dynamic analysis of seismically base-isolated structures, a
Mixed Explicit-Implicit time integration Method (MEIM) has been
proposed. Adopting the explicit conditionally stable central
difference method to compute the nonlinear response of the base
isolation system, and the implicit unconditionally stable Newmark’s
constant average acceleration method to determine the superstructure
linear response, the proposed MEIM, which is conditionally stable
due to the use of the central difference method, allows to avoid the
iterative procedure generally required by conventional monolithic
solution approaches within each time step of the analysis. The main
aim of this paper is to investigate the stability and computational
efficiency of the MEIM when employed to perform the nonlinear
time history analysis of base-isolated structures with sliding bearings.
Indeed, in this case, the critical time step could become smaller than
the one used to define accurately the earthquake excitation due to the
very high initial stiffness values of such devices. The numerical
results obtained from nonlinear dynamic analyses of a base-isolated
structure with a friction pendulum bearing system, performed by
using the proposed MEIM, are compared to those obtained adopting a
conventional monolithic solution approach, i.e. the implicit
unconditionally stable Newmark’s constant acceleration method
employed in conjunction with the iterative pseudo-force procedure.
According to the numerical results, in the presented numerical
application, the MEIM does not have stability problems being the
critical time step larger than the ground acceleration one despite of
the high initial stiffness of the friction pendulum bearings. In
addition, compared to the conventional monolithic solution approach,
the proposed algorithm preserves its computational efficiency even
when it is adopted to perform the nonlinear dynamic analysis using a
smaller time step.
Abstract: In this paper, an advanced Nonlinear Exponential
Model (NEM), able to simulate the uniaxial dynamic behavior of
seismic isolators having a continuously decreasing tangent stiffness
with increasing displacement in the relatively large displacements
range and a hardening or softening behavior at large displacements, is
presented. The mathematical model is validated by comparing the
experimental force-displacement hysteresis loops obtained during
cyclic tests, conducted on a helical wire rope isolator and a recycled
rubber-fiber reinforced bearing, with those predicted analytically.
Good agreement between the experimental and simulated results
shows that the proposed model can be an effective numerical tool to
predict the force-displacement relationship of seismic isolation
devices within the large displacements range. Compared to the
widely used Bouc-Wen model, unable to simulate the response of
seismic isolators at large displacements, the proposed one allows to
avoid the numerical solution of a first order nonlinear ordinary
differential equation for each time step of a nonlinear time history
analysis, thus reducing the computation effort. Furthermore, the
proposed model can simulate the smooth transition of the hysteresis
loops from small to large displacements by adopting only one set of
five parameters determined from the experimental hysteresis loops
having the largest amplitude.
Abstract: In this paper, the results of experimental tests
performed on a Helical Wire Rope Isolator (HWRI) are presented in
order to describe the dynamic and static behavior of the selected
metal device in three different displacements ranges, namely small,
relatively large, and large displacements ranges, without and under
the effect of a vertical load. A testing machine, allowing to apply
horizontal displacement or load histories to the tested bearing with a
constant vertical load, has been adopted to perform the dynamic and
static tests. According to the experimental results, the dynamic
behavior of the tested device depends on the applied displacement
amplitude. Indeed, the HWRI displays a softening and a hardening
stiffness at small and relatively large displacements, respectively, and
a stronger nonlinear stiffening behavior at large displacements.
Furthermore, the experimental tests reveal that the application of a
vertical load allows to have a more flexible device with higher
damping properties and that the applied vertical load affects much
less the dynamic response of the metal device at large displacements.
Finally, a decrease in the static to dynamic effective stiffness ratio
with increasing displacement amplitude has been observed.
Abstract: In this paper, a one-dimensional (1d) Parallel Elasto-
Plastic Model (PEPM), able to simulate the uniaxial dynamic
behavior of seismic isolators having a continuously decreasing
tangent stiffness with increasing displacement, is presented. The
parallel modeling concept is applied to discretize the continuously
decreasing tangent stiffness function, thus allowing to simulate the
dynamic behavior of seismic isolation bearings by putting linear
elastic and nonlinear elastic-perfectly plastic elements in parallel. The
mathematical model has been validated by comparing the
experimental force-displacement hysteresis loops, obtained testing a
helical wire rope isolator and a recycled rubber-fiber reinforced
bearing, with those predicted numerically. Good agreement between
the simulated and experimental results shows that the proposed
model can be an effective numerical tool to predict the forcedisplacement
relationship of seismic isolators within relatively large
displacements. Compared to the widely used Bouc-Wen model, the
proposed one allows to avoid the numerical solution of a first order
ordinary nonlinear differential equation for each time step of a
nonlinear time history analysis, thus reducing the computation effort,
and requires the evaluation of only three model parameters from
experimental tests, namely the initial tangent stiffness, the asymptotic
tangent stiffness, and a parameter defining the transition from the
initial to the asymptotic tangent stiffness.
Abstract: The solution of the nonlinear dynamic equilibrium equations of base-isolated structures adopting a conventional monolithic solution approach, i.e. an implicit single-step time integration method employed with an iteration procedure, and the use of existing nonlinear analytical models, such as differential equation models, to simulate the dynamic behavior of seismic isolators can require a significant computational effort. In order to reduce numerical computations, a partitioned solution method and a one dimensional nonlinear analytical model are presented in this paper. A partitioned solution approach can be easily applied to base-isolated structures in which the base isolation system is much more flexible than the superstructure. Thus, in this work, the explicit conditionally stable central difference method is used to evaluate the base isolation system nonlinear response and the implicit unconditionally stable Newmark’s constant average acceleration method is adopted to predict the superstructure linear response with the benefit in avoiding iterations in each time step of a nonlinear dynamic analysis. The proposed mathematical model is able to simulate the dynamic behavior of seismic isolators without requiring the solution of a nonlinear differential equation, as in the case of widely used differential equation model. The proposed mixed explicit-implicit time integration method and nonlinear exponential model are adopted to analyze a three dimensional seismically isolated structure with a lead rubber bearing system subjected to earthquake excitation. The numerical results show the good accuracy and the significant computational efficiency of the proposed solution approach and analytical model compared to the conventional solution method and mathematical model adopted in this work. Furthermore, the low stiffness value of the base isolation system with lead rubber bearings allows to have a critical time step considerably larger than the imposed ground acceleration time step, thus avoiding stability problems in the proposed mixed method.
Abstract: The presence of sand in production lines in the oil and gas industries causes material degradation due to erosion-corrosion. The material degradation caused by erosion-corrosion in pipelines can result in a high cost of monitoring and maintenance and in major accidents. The process of erosion-corrosion consists of erosion, corrosion, and their interactions. Investigating and understanding how the erosion-corrosion process affects the degradation process in certain materials will allow for a reduction in economic loss and help prevent accidents. In this study, material loss due to erosion-corrosion of mild steel under impingement of sand-laden water at 90˚ impingement angle is investigated using a submerged impingement jet (SIJ) test. In particular, effects of jet velocity and sand loading on TWL due to erosion-corrosion, weight loss due to pure erosion and erosion-corrosion interactions, at a temperature of 29-33 °C in sea water environment (3.5% NaCl), are analyzed. The results show that the velocity and sand loading have a great influence on the removal of materials, and erosion is more dominant under all conditions studied. Changes in the surface characteristics of the specimen after impingement test are also discussed.
Abstract: Many types of controllers were applied on the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) unit to control the temperature. In this research paper, Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller are compared with Fuzzy Logic controller for temperature control of CSTR. The control system for temperature non-isothermal of a CSTR will produce a stable response curve to its set point temperature. A mathematical model of a CSTR using the most general operating condition was developed through a set of differential equations into S-function using MATLAB. The reactor model and S-function are developed using m.file. After developing the S-function of CSTR model, User-Defined functions are used to link to SIMULINK file. Results that are obtained from simulation and temperature control were better when using Fuzzy logic control compared to PID control.
Abstract: The objective of this article is to improve the passive vibration damping of solar array (SA) used in space structures, by the effective application of numerical optimization. A case study of a SA is used for demonstration. A finite element (FE) model was created and verified by experimental testing. Optimization was then conducted by implementing the FE model with the genetic algorithm, to find the optimal placement of aluminum circular patches, to suppress the first two bending mode shapes. The results were verified using experimental testing. Finally, a parametric study was conducted using the FE model where patch locations, material type, and shape were varied one at a time, and the results were compared with the optimal ones. The results clearly show that through the proper application of FE modeling and numerical optimization, passive vibration damping of space structures has been successfully achieved.
Abstract: Metaphorical creativity does not constitute a static property of discourse. It is an interactive dynamic process created online. There has been a lack of research concerning online produced metaphorical creativity. This paper intends to account for metaphorical creativity in online talk-in-interaction as a dynamic process that emerges as discourse unfolds. It brings together insights from the emergentist approach to the study of metaphor in verbal interactions and insights from conceptual blending approach as a model for analysing online metaphorical constructions to propose a model for studying metaphorical creativity in interactive talk. The model is based on three focal points. First, metaphorical creativity is a dynamic emergent and open-to-change process that evolves in real time as interlocutors constantly blend and re-blend previous metaphorical contributions. Second, it is not a product of isolated individual minds but a joint achievement that is co-constructed and co-elaborated by interlocutors. The third and most important point is that the emergent process of metaphorical creativity is tightly shaped by contextual variables surrounding talk-in-interaction. It is grounded in the framework of interpretation of interlocutors. It is constrained by preceding contributions in a way that creates textual cohesion of the verbal exchange and it is also a goal-oriented process predefined by the communicative intention of each participant in a way that reveals the ideological coherence/incoherence of the entire conversation.
Abstract: This study aims to identify the extent of the role of the Satuan Pengawas Intern (Internal Audit Unit) in detecting and preventing fraud in public universities in West Java under the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education. The research method applied was a qualitative case study approach, while the unit of analysis for this study is the Internal Audit Unit at each public university. Results of this study indicate that the Internal Audit Unit is able to detect and prevent fraud within a public university environment by means of red flags to mark accounting anomalies. These stem from inaccurate budget planning that prompts inappropriate use of funds, exacerbated by late disbursements of funds, which potentially lead to fictitious transactions, and discrepancies in recording state-owned assets into a state property management system (SIMAK BMN), which, if not conducted properly, potentially causes loss to the state.