Abstract: In this investigation, we have evaluated the effects of
arsenic trioxide on hepatic function in pregnant and lactating Swiss
albino mice and their suckling pups. Experiments were carried out on
female mice given 175 ppm As2O3 in their drinking water from the
14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Our results showed
a significant decrease in plasma levels of total protein and albumin,
cholesterol and triglyceride in As2O3 treated mice and their pups. The
hyperbilirubinemia and the increased plasma total alkaline
phosphatase activity suggested the presence of cholestasis.
Transaminase activities as well as lactate deshydrogenase activity in
plasma, known as biomarkers of hepatocellular injury, were elevated
indicating hepatic cells’ damage after treatment with As2O3.
Exposure to arsenic led to an increase of liver thiobarbituric acid
reactive substances level along with a concomitant decrease in the
activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione
peroxidase and in glutathione.
Abstract: Social Media (SM) is websites increasingly popular
and built to allow people to express themselves and to interact
socially with others. Most SMT are dominated by youth particularly
College students. The proliferation of popular social media tools,
which can accessed from any communication devices has become
pervasive in the lives of today’s student life. Connecting traditional
education to social media tools are a relatively new era and any
collaborative tool could be used for learning activities. This study
focuses (i) how the social media tools are useful for the learning
activities of the students of faculty of medicine in King Khalid
University (ii) whether the social media affects the collaborative
learning with interaction among students, among course instructor,
their engagement, perceived ease of use and perceived ease of
usefulness (TAM) (iii) overall, the students satisfy with this
collaborative learning through Social media.
Abstract: Recently, universities are increasingly consuming
energy to support various activities. A large population of staff and
students in Malaysian universities has led to excessive energy
consumption which directly gives an impact to the environment. The
key question then ascended “How well is an energy management
(EM) been practiced in universities without taking the Critical
Success Factors (CSFs) into consideration to ensure the management
of university achieves the goals in reducing energy consumption.
Review on past literature is carried out to establish CSFs for EM best
practices. Thus, this paper highlighted the CSFs which have to be
focused on by management of university to successfully measure the
EM implementation and its performance. At the end of this paper, a
theoretical framework is developed for EM success factors towards
sustainable university.
Abstract: The legends about “user-friendly” and “easy-to-use”
birotical tools (computer-related office tools) have been spreading
and misleading end-users. This approach has led us to the extremely
high number of incorrect documents, causing serious financial losses
in the creating, modifying, and retrieving processes. Our research
proved that there are at least two sources of this underachievement:
(1) The lack of the definition of the correctly edited, formatted
documents. Consequently, end-users do not know whether their
methods and results are correct or not. They are not aware of their
ignorance. They are so ignorant that their ignorance does not allow
them to realize their lack of knowledge. (2) The end-users’ problem
solving methods. We have found that in non-traditional programming
environments end-users apply, almost exclusively, surface approach
metacognitive methods to carry out their computer related activities,
which are proved less effective than deep approach methods.
Based on these findings we have developed deep approach
methods which are based on and adapted from traditional
programming languages. In this study, we focus on the most popular
type of birotical documents, the text based documents. We have
provided the definition of the correctly edited text, and based on this
definition, adapted the debugging method known in programming.
According to the method, before the realization of text editing, a
thorough debugging of already existing texts and the categorization
of errors are carried out. With this method in advance to real text
editing users learn the requirements of text based documents and also
of the correctly formatted text.
The method has been proved much more effective than the
previously applied surface approach methods. The advantages of the
method are that the real text handling requires much less human and
computer sources than clicking aimlessly in the GUI (Graphical User
Interface), and the data retrieval is much more effective than from
error-prone documents.
Abstract: The study examined the effect of Bonny Light whole
crude oil (WC) and its water soluble fraction (WSF) on the activities
of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase
(SOD)) and crude mitochondria ATPases in the radicle of
germinating bean (Vigna unguiculata). The percentage germination,
level of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme and mitochondria
Ca2+ and Mg2+ ATPase activities were measured in the radicle of
bean after 7, 14 and 21 days post germination. Viable bean seeds
were planted in soils contaminated with 10ml, 25ml and 50ml of
whole crude oil (WC) and its water soluble fraction (WSF) to obtain
2, 5 and 10% v/w crude oil contamination. There was dose dependent
reduction of the number of bean seeds that germinated in the
contaminated soils compared with control (p
Abstract: The use of information tools is a common activity for
students of any educational stage when they encounter online
learning activities. Finding the relevant information for particular
learning tasks is the topic of this paper as it investigates the use of
information tools for a group of student participants. The paper
describes and discusses the results with particular implications for
use in higher education, and the findings suggest that improvement in
assessment design and subsequent student learning may be achieved
by structuring the purposefulness of information tools usage and
online reading behaviors of university students.
Abstract: Logistics processes of perishable food in the supply
chain include the distribution activities and the real time temperature
monitoring to fulfil the cold chain requirements. The paper presents
the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology as an
identification tool of receiving and shipping activities in the cold
store. At the same time, the use of RFID data loggers with
temperature sensors is presented to observe and store the
temperatures for the purpose of analyzing the processes and having
the history data available for traceability purposes and efficient recall
management.
Abstract: This research focused on comparing the critical
thinking of the teacher students before and after using Miller’s Model
learning activities and investigating their opinions. The sampling
groups were (1) fourth year 33 student teachers majoring in Early
Childhood Education and enrolling in semester 1 of academic year
2013 (2) third year 28 student teachers majoring in English and
enrolling in semester 2 of academic year 2013 and (3) third year 22
student teachers majoring in Thai and enrolling in semester 2 of
academic year 2013. The research instruments were (1) lesson plans
where the learning activities were settled based on Miller’s Model (2)
critical thinking assessment criteria and (3) a questionnaire on
opinions towards Miller’s Model based learning activities. The
statistical treatment was mean, deviation, different scores and T-test.
The result unfolded that (1) the critical thinking of the students after
the assigned activities was better than before and (2) the students’
opinions towards the critical thinking improvement activities based
on Miller’s Model ranged from the level of high to highest.
Abstract: The study of the electrical signals produced by neural
activities of human brain is called Electroencephalography. In this
paper, we propose an automatic and efficient EEG signal
classification approach. The proposed approach is used to classify the
EEG signal into two classes: epileptic seizure or not. In the proposed
approach, we start with extracting the features by applying Discrete
Wavelet Transform (DWT) in order to decompose the EEG signals
into sub-bands. These features, extracted from details and
approximation coefficients of DWT sub-bands, are used as input to
Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The classification is based on
reducing the feature dimension using PCA and deriving the supportvectors
using Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experimental are
performed on real and standard dataset. A very high level of
classification accuracy is obtained in the result of classification.
Abstract: The well been of human beings on construction site is
very important, many man power had been lost through accidents
which kills or make workers physically unfit to carry out construction
activities, these in turn have multiple effects on the whole economy.
Thus it is necessary to put all safety items and regulations in place
before construction activities can commence. This study was carried
out in Ondo state of Nigeria to known and analyse the state of health
and safety of construction workers in the state. The study was done
using first hand observation method, 50 construction project sites
were visited in 10 major towns of Ondo state, questionnaires were
distributed and the results were analysed. The result show that
construction workers are being exposed to a lot of construction site
hazards due to lack of inadequate safety programmes and nonprovision
of appropriate safety materials for workers on site. From the
data gotten for each site visited and the statistical analysis, it can be
concluded that occurrence of accident on construction sites depends
significantly on the available safety facilities on the sites. The result of
the regression statistics show that the level of significant of the
dependence of occurrence of accident on the availability of safety
items on site is 0.0362 which is less than 0.05 maximum significant
level required. Therefore a vital way of sustaining our building
strategy is by given a detail attention to provision of adequate health
and safety items on construction sites which will reduce the
occurrence of accident, loss of man power and death of skilled
workers among others.
Abstract: Ocimum americanum L (Lamiaceae) is an annual herb
that is native to tropical Africa. The in vitro and in vivo antioxidant
activity of its aqueous extract was carefully investigated by assessing
the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging
activity and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity. The
reducing power, total phenol, total flavonoids and flavonols content
of the extract were also evaluated. The data obtained revealed that the
extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds and scavenged the radicals
in a concentration dependent manner. This was done in comparison
with the standard antioxidants such as BHT and Vitamin C. Also, the
induction of oxidative damage with paracetamol (2000 mg/kg)
resulted in the elevation of lipid peroxides and significant (P < 0.05)
decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione
peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase in the liver and kidney
of rats. However, the pretreatment of rats with aqueous extract of O.
americanum leaves (200 and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg)
caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the values of lipid
peroxides and restored the levels of antioxidant parameters in these
organs. These findings suggest that the leaves of O. americanum have
potent antioxidant properties which may be responsible for its
acclaimed folkloric uses.
Abstract: The use of technology in the classroom is an issue that
is constantly evolving. Digital age students learn differently than their
teachers did, so now the teacher should be constantly evolving their
methods and teaching techniques to be more in touch with the
student. In this paper a case study presents how were used some of
these technologies by accompanying a classroom course, this in order
to provide students with a different and innovative experience as their
teacher usually presented the activities to develop. As students
worked in the various activities, they increased their digital skills by
employing unknown tools that helped them in their professional
training. The twenty-first century teacher should consider the use of
Information and Communication Technologies in the classroom
thinking in skills that students of the digital age should possess. It
also takes a brief look at the history of distance education and it is
also highlighted the importance of integrating technology as part of
the student's training.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to give an assessment of
environmental effects of IPPC permit conditions of installations that
are in specific territory with high concentration of industrial
activities.
The IPPC permit is the permit that each operator should hold to
operate the installation as stated by the directive 2010/75/UE on
industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control),
known as IED (Industrial Emissions Directive).
The IPPC permit includes all the measures necessary to achieve a
high level of protection of the environment as a whole, also defining
the monitoring requirements as measurement methodology,
frequency and evaluation procedure. The emissions monitoring of a
specific plant may also give indications of the contribution of these
emissions on the air quality of a definite area.
So, it is clear that the IPPC permits are important tools both to
improve the environmental framework and to achieve the air quality
standards, assisting to assess the possible industrial sources
contributions to air pollution.
Abstract: Verification and Validation of Simulated Process
Model is the most important phase of the simulator life cycle.
Evaluation of simulated process models based on Verification and
Validation techniques checks the closeness of each component model
(in a simulated network) with the real system/process with respect to
dynamic behaviour under steady state and transient conditions. The
process of Verification and Validation helps in qualifying the process
simulator for the intended purpose whether it is for providing
comprehensive training or design verification. In general, model
verification is carried out by comparison of simulated component
characteristics with the original requirement to ensure that each step
in the model development process completely incorporates all the
design requirements. Validation testing is performed by comparing
the simulated process parameters to the actual plant process
parameters either in standalone mode or integrated mode.
A Full Scope Replica Operator Training Simulator for PFBR -
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor has been developed at IGCAR,
Kalpakkam, INDIA named KALBR-SIM (Kalpakkam Breeder
Reactor Simulator) where in the main participants are
engineers/experts belonging to Modeling Team, Process Design and
Instrumentation & Control design team. This paper discusses about
the Verification and Validation process in general, the evaluation
procedure adopted for PFBR operator training Simulator, the
methodology followed for verifying the models, the reference
documents and standards used etc. It details out the importance of
internal validation by design experts, subsequent validation by
external agency consisting of experts from various fields, model
improvement by tuning based on expert’s comments, final
qualification of the simulator for the intended purpose and the
difficulties faced while co-coordinating various activities.
Abstract: Malaysia is rich with historic buildings, particularly in
Penang and Malacca states. Restoration activities are increasingly
important as these states are recognized under UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. Restoration activities help to maintain the uniqueness
and value of a heritage building. However, increasing in restoration
activities has resulted in large quantities of waste. To cope with this
problem, the 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle) is introduced.
The 3R concept is one of the waste management hierarchies. This
concept is still yet to apply in the building restoration industry
compared to the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to
promote the 3R concept in the heritage building restoration industry.
This study aims to examine the importance of 3R concept and to
identify challenges in applying the 3R concept in the heritage
building restoration industry. This study focused on contractors and
consultants who are involved in heritage restoration projects in
Penang. Literature review and interviews helps to reach the research
objective. Data that obtained is analyzed by using content analysis.
For the research, application of 3R concept is important to conserve
natural resources and reduce pollution problems. However, limited
space to organise waste is the obstruction during the implementation
of this concept. In conclusion, the 3R concept plays an important role
in promoting environmental conservation and helping in reducing the
construction waste.
Abstract: Eucalyptus species are well reputed for their
traditional use in Asia as well as in other parts of the world; therefore,
the present study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial and
antioxidant activities associated with essential oils from different
Eucalyptus species. Essential oils from the leaves of six Eucalyptus
species, including: Eucalyptus woodwardi, Eucalyptus stricklandii,
Eucalyptus salubris, Eucalyptus sargentii, Eucalyptus torquata and
Eucalyptus wandoo were separated by hydrodistillation and dried
over anhydrous sodium sulphate. DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant
power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity assays were carried
out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the oils. The results
indicate that examined oils exhibit substantial antioxidant activities
relative to ascorbic acid. Previously, these oils were evaluated for
their antimicrobial activities, against wide range of bacterial and
fungal strains, and they were shown to possess significant
antimicrobial activities. In this study, further investigation into the
growth kinetics of oil-treated microbial cultures was conducted. The
results clearly demonstrate that the microbial growth was markedly
inhibited when treated with sub-MIC concentrations of the oils.
Taken together, the results obtained indicate a high potential of the
examined essential oils as bioactive oils, for nutraceutical and
medical applications, possessing significant antioxidant and anti
microbial activities.
Abstract: Liver disorders are one of the major problems of the
world. Despite its frequent occurrence, high morbidity and high
mortality, its medical management is currently inadequate. This study
was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of saponin
extract of the root of Garcinia kola on the integrity of the liver of
paracetamol induced wistar albino rats. Twenty five (25) male adult
wistar albino rats were divided into five (5) groups. Group I was the
Control group that received distilled water only, group II was the
negative control that received 2 g/kg of paracetamol on the 13th day,
and group III, IV and V were pre-treated with 100, 200 and
400mg/kg of the saponin extract before inducing the liver damage on
the 13th day with 2 g/kg of paracetamol. Twenty four (24) h after
administration, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were
collected. The serum Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate
Transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activities,
Bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin, glucose and protein
concentrations were evaluated. The liver was fixed immediately in
Formalin and was processed and stained in Haematoxylin and Eosin
(H&E). Administration of saponin extract from the root of Garcinia
kola significantly decreased paracetamol induced elevated enzymes
in the test group. Also histological observations showed that saponin
extract of the root of Garcinia kola exhibited a significant liver
protection against the toxicant as evident by the cells trying to return
to normal. Saponin extract from the root of Garcinia kola indicated a
protection of structural integrity of the hepatocytic cell membrane
and regeneration of the damaged liver.
Abstract: The rate of natural gas dissociation from the Coal
Matrix depends on depressurization of reservoir through removing of
the cleat water from the coal seam. These waters are similar to brine
and aged of very long years. For improving the connectivity through
fracking /fracturing, high pressure liquids are pumped off inside the
coal body. A significant quantity of accumulated water, a combined
mixture of cleat water and fracking fluids (back flow water) is
pumped out through gas well. In Queensland, Australia Coal Seam
Gas (CSG) industry is in booming state and estimated of 30,000 wells
would be active for CSG production forecasting life span of 30 years.
Integrated water management along with water softening programs is
practiced for subsequent treatment and later on discharge to nearby
surface water catchment. Water treatment is an important part of the
CSG industry. A case study on a CSG site and review on the test
results are discussed for assessing the Standards & Practices for
management of CSG by-product water and their subsequent disposal
activities. This study was directed toward (i) water management and
softening process in Spring Gully CSG field, (ii) Comparative
analysis on experimental study and standards and (iii) Disposal of the
treated water. This study also aimed for alternative usages and their
impact on vegetation, living species as well as long term effects.
Abstract: This paper investigates the activity of the rectus
femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) in healthy subjects during salat
(prostration) and specific exercise (squat exercise) using
electromyography (EMG). A group of undergraduates aged between
19 to 25 years voluntarily participated in this study. The myoelectric
activity of the muscles were recorded and analyzed. The finding
indicated that there were contractions of the muscles during the salat
and exercise with almost same EMG’s level. From the result,
Wilcoxon’s Rank Sum test showed significant difference between
prostration and squat exercise (p
Abstract: In this study, data loss tolerance of Support Vector Machines (SVM) based activity recognition model and multi activity classification performance when data are received over a lossy wireless sensor network is examined. Initially, the classification algorithm we use is evaluated in terms of resilience to random data loss with 3D acceleration sensor data for sitting, lying, walking and standing actions. The results show that the proposed classification method can recognize these activities successfully despite high data loss. Secondly, the effect of differentiated quality of service performance on activity recognition success is measured with activity data acquired from a multi hop wireless sensor network, which introduces high data loss. The effect of number of nodes on the reliability and multi activity classification success is demonstrated in simulation environment. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of data loss in a wireless sensor network on activity detection success rate of an SVM based classification algorithm has not been studied before.