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Sand control is an ongoing challenge in numerous hydrocarbon-producing wells in sand-rich reservoirs. Sand production in these wells can cause damage to equipment, reduce production rates, and lead to erosion that can damage subsea equipment, production equipment, well completions, and surface facilities. This problem can compromise the mechanical integrity of the well, resulting in reduced hydrocarbon production and increased operating expenses. This review evaluates various sand production mechanisms, including geological and mechanical production methodologies, and fluid-related aspects, which are thoroughly investigated to offer a thorough understanding of the complexity of the issue and the state of sand prediction approaches. Empirical correlations, numerical simulations, and analytical models are among the sand production prediction techniques critically assessed in this study. The benefits, drawbacks, and suitability of these techniques for various reservoir environments are discussed. Furthermore, the potential benefits of combining Fiber optic (FO) technologies and machine learning (ML) for real-time monitoring and mitigation are highlighted. This integrated strategy has the potential to transform sand control practices of the industry, as demonstrated by case studies and new research that highlights its effectiveness. The future vision outlined in this review includes developments in automation, data processing methods, and sensor technologies, which should improve the precision and dependability of sand production predictions and mitigation. In conclusion, this review paper provides an extensive analysis of the current level of prediction techniques, as well as the mechanisms behind sand production in oil and gas wells. This highlights how real-time, data-driven solutions for monitoring and addressing sand production problems may be provided by FO and ML, which can ultimately lead to safer and more effective hydrocarbon recovery operations.

We use a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) strategy to analyze different types of curves that are commonly encountered in parametric eigenvalue problems. We employ an offline-online decomposition method. In the offline phase, we generate the basis of the reduced space by applying the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method on a collection of pre-computed, full-order snapshots at a chosen set of parameters. Then we generate our GPR model using four different Matérn covariance functions. In the online phase, we use this model to predict both eigenvalues and eigenvectors at new parameters. We then illustrate how the choice of each covariance function influences the performance of GPR. Furthermore, we discuss the connection between Gaussian Process Regression and spline methods and compare the performance of the GPR method against linear and cubic spline methods. We show that GPR outperforms other methods for functions with a certain regularity.

•Expanded polystyrene waste produces hydrophobic coating potentially for upscaling.•Facile method and low cost chemicals were used.•Self-cleaning ability significantly improved.

Unique forests comprise of culturable microbes with unique properties that are of potential biotechnological uses. Considering that the pristine mixed dipterocarp forest and mangrove forest in Brunei Darussalam located in northwest Borneo in Southeast Asia are not well explored concerning their microbial diversity, this study aims to isolate and identify the culturable bacteria and fungi from these forest ecosystems. Bacteria and fungi were isolated using nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar, respectively. Microbial identification was done by DNA barcoding using 16S rRNA for bacteria and rRNA-ITS marker for fungi and supplemented by Biolog. A total of 16 bacterial and 19 fungal isolates were obtained which were identified to six bacterial and four fungal genera. Mixed dipterocarp forest harbored six genera of bacteria (Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Ralstonia, Staphylococcus, Burkholderia,and Cedecea), whereas mangrove forest showed two genera (Bacillusand Staphylococcus). Both types of forests showed three genera of fungi which were Trichoderma, Penicillium,and Aspergillus, with Saksenaeaisolated only from mangrove forests. This study not only enhances the understanding of the diversity of culturable microbes in Brunei’s forest ecosystems, which has been less investigated till date but also of their ecological and biotechnological value.

Dye pollutants are commonly found in waste water, posing a health risk. Adsorption is a potential technique for dye removal, because of its long-term viability, bio-adsorption is favored. Bio-adsorbent derived from local sources provides a long-term production supply. However, there is a wide range of bio-adsorption, which leads to differences in bio-adsorbent kinetics and characteristics. Tanjung fruit (Mimusops Elengi) peels are used to make activated carbon with a large specific surface area and high porosity. This fruit is one of the readily accessible native fruits in East Kalimantan. The effects of three activators (H3PO4, NaCl, and KOH) were studied. Characterization and analysis is conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology analysis and BET method for porosity analysis.The results reveal that acid activation (H3PO4) was successful in producing highly porous activated carbon, which has greater adsorption performance than salt (NaCl) and alkaline activation (KOH). The use of salt (NaCl) as an activating agent resulted in a greater development of broad porosity during the activation thermal treatment that followed. The carbon was activated at 500°C had a BET surface area of 587.59 m2g-1 and a pore size of 28.27 ml g-1, respectively. For isothermal and kinetics, the Langmuir model and pseudo-first-order reaction are the best fit models. Our findings provide important information on the guided synthesis of large-surface-area, extremely porous activated carbons from local biomass waste, which has a potential for adsorptive dye removal.

In this paper we discuss reduced order models for the approximation of parametric eigenvalue problems. In particular, we are interested in the presence of intersections or clusters of eigenvalues. The singularities originating by these phenomena make it hard a straightforward generalization of well known strategies normally used for standards PDEs. We investigate how the known results extend (or not) to higher order

This research deals with a batch scheduling problem to minimise total actual flowtime of parts through the shop with mheterogeneous batch processors, i.e., the machine simultaneously processing all parts in a batch. The parts to be processed are multiple items, and the completed parts must be delivered at different due dates. The total actual flow time of parts can be defined as an interval between arrival times of the parts and their respective due dates. The objective of minimising the total actual flowtime is not only to satisfy the due dates as a commitment to the customers, but also to minimise the length of total time spent by the parts in the shop. The problem is formulated as a mathematical model and an algorithm to solve the problem is proposed. Numerical examples show that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve the problem.

This research is conducted as a contribution to the design of future resilient global supply, subject to disruptions. In a collaborative network of enterprises (CNEs), companies laterally collaborate through information and resource sharing. A common practice of collaboration is through demand and capacity sharing (DCS), which aims to enable timely delivery to customers, despite uncertainties in the market and disruptions in available supply capacity. One key challenge of DCS implementation is to ensure that capacity-sharing proposals from one enterprise to another are generated efficiently. A slight delay in DCS protocols could lead to collaboration failures and backorder fees, prevalent if companies initiate the protocols when actual demand has been presented. This study aims to develop a new preemptive DCS, following CCT, Collaborative Control Theory protocol for DCS, in which machine learning is utilized to learn from historical market data and invite capacity-sharing proposals before actual demand occurs. Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network Autoencoders are used to detect anomalies in real-time. The detected anomalies become enablers of the capacity sharing proposal, which could initiate DCS preemptively. A case study of automobile manufacturers in Indonesia is used to validate the model. On average, for the given case study, preemptive protocols based on the learning protocols are capable of increasing the fulfillment rate to 91.03% in the demand-capacity sharing CNEs; better compared to the non-collaborative and non-preemptive demand-capacity sharing protocol (DCSP) baseline scenarios. Further research is being conducted for refinements.

This paper investigates integrated problems of batch scheduling and operator assignment with time-changing effects due to the operators experiencing different degrees of learning and forgetting, and accumulating different degrees of fatigue. Each batch will be processed through a number of operations in a flow shop, where each operation can be performed by one of the alternative operators. Each operator will be assigned to a maximum of one machine, and a minimum of one operator will be assigned to each machine. The production process could produce a number of defective products that can be reworked. The problems are formulated in a model, and the decision variables are operators' assignment to machines, the number of batches, batch sizes, items allocation to batches, and the schedule of the resulting batches. A proposed algorithm is developed to solve the model, and numerical examples show that the model and the algorithm work effectively for the investigated problem. [Submitted 30 January 2020; Accepted 15 January 2021]

In response to a growing concern over an inadequate level of knowledge sharing among the academics in higher education institutions (HEIs), the study, drawing on the self-determination theory, aims to examine the role of opportunity-enhancing HRM practices and public service motivation (PSM) in promoting knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) of academics. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were conveniently collected from 203 full-time faculty members serving in 12 private HEIs in Bangladesh. The results based on the structural equation modelling indicate that two HRM practices (i.e., teamwork and employee participation) have direct effects on KSB; whereas job autonomy is insignificantly related with KSB. Moreover, PSM mediates the relationship between all the three HRM practices (i.e., teamwork, employee participation, and job autonomy) and KSB. The findings suggest that jobs should be designed around the opportunity-enhancing HRM practices to promote PSM and KSB among the academics in HEIs.

Stretching of fetal membranes and uterine muscle, as occurs in late pregnancy, may encourage labor through an increase in levels of interleukin-8. Researchers obtained samples of fetal membranes, placenta, and muscle strips from the lower uterus from women who underwent elective cesarean deliveries and stretched the tissues for two to four hours. Levels of interleukin-8 increased in fetal membranes, placenta, and uterine muscle. Fetal membranes exhibited higher levels of interleukin-8 than did placenta. Interleukin-8 may initiate ripening of the cervix and labor by causing an inflammatory response that breaks down the collagen content of the cervix. Stretching of fetal membranes caused their collagen content to degrade. Interleukin-8 levels in amniotic fluid increase gradually in late pregnancy.

Byline: Emad El Maradny, Naohiro Kanayama, Abdul Halim, Kayoko Maehara, Toshihiko Terao Keywords: Amnion; amniochorion; interleukin-8; collagenase activity; stretching; muscles of lower uterine segment Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether stretching of fetal membranes can increase interleukin-8 concentration and collagenase activity. STUDY DESIGN: Strips of whole fetal membranes, amnion, or muscles of the lower uterine segment were stretched for 2 or 4 hours. Interleukin-8 and collagenase activity were measured in homogenized control and stretched samples. Immunohistochemical staining for interleukin-8 was carried out. RESULTS: The interleukin-8 concentration increased significantly after the whole fetal membranes were stretched for 2 and 4 hours (p < 0.0007 and 0.001, respectively). Also, stretching of amnion and muscles of the lower uterine segment for 2 and 4 hours increased the concentration of interleukin-8 significantly (p < 0 .0007 after 2 and 4 hours, respectively). Collagenase activity was significantly increased after stretching of amnion, amniochorion, and muscles of the lower uterine segment for 4 hours (p < 0.0007, 0.006, and 0.0007, respectively). After stretching, samples were darkly stained for interleukin-8 compared with control nonstretched samples. CONCLUSION: Stretching of amnion, amniochorion, and muscles of the lower uterine segment increased interleukin-8 production and collagenase activity. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:843-9.) Author Affiliation: Hamamatsu, Japan Article History: Received 18 April 1995; Revised 1 August 1995; Accepted 11 August 1995 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine., [star][star] Reprint requests: Emad El Maradny, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 3600 Handa-cho, 431-31 Hamamatsu, Japan., a 0002-9378/96 $5.00 + 0 6/1/68535

Byline: Abdul Halim, Naohiro Kanayama, Emad el Maradny, Akira Nakashima, A.B. Bhuiyanb, Selina Khatun, Toshihiko Terao Keywords: P selectin (GMP-140); glycocalicin; preeclampsia-eclampsia; platelet activation; endothelial cell activation Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We measured the concentrations of plasma P selectin (or GMP-140) and glycocalicin in preeclamptic and eclamptic women. Correlations between these two parameters and blood pressures, platelet counts, or plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex values were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: By use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays we measured the plasma GMP-140 and glycocalicin levels in normal pregnancies (n = 10) and preeclamptic (n = 10) and eclamptic (n = 20) pregnancies. The glycocalicin index was calculated as follows: (glycocalicin x [250 x 10.sup.6/ml])/(Individual platelet counts). Correlations between plasma GMP-140, glycocalicin, glycocalicin index values, blood pressures, platelet counts, and plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex values were analyzed. RESULTS: Plasma GMP-140 levels were found to be significantly elevated in preeclamptic (p < 0.0005) and eclamptic cases (p < 0.0001) compared with normotensive controls. Plasma glycocalicin (p = 0.01, 0.007) and glycocalicin index (p = 0.005, 0.002) values were also markedly elevated in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients compared with normal pregnant patients. Significant correlations between platelet counts or plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex levels and their corresponding plasma GMP-140 and glycocalicin and glycocalicin index values have been found in preeclamptic and eclamptic cases. However, blood pressures had correlations with GMP-140, glycocalicin, and glycocalicin index values in eclamptic cases. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated an elevation of plasma GMP-140 and platelet glycocalicin in preeclampsia and eclampsia. This study also reflects the usefulness of glycocalicin as a marker of platelet activation or turnover and endothelial dysfunction in these diseases. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1996;174:272-7.) Author Affiliation: Hamamatsu, Japan, and Dhaka, Bangladesh Article History: Received 13 December 1994; Revised 14 April 1995; Accepted 15 May 1995 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine,a and Dacca Medical College and Hospital. b , [star][star] Reprint requests: Abdul Halim, MB, BS, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 3600 Handa-cho, Hamamatsu 431-31, Japan., a 0002-9378/96 $5.00 + 0 6/1/66316

Urinary trypsin inhibitor in fetal urine appears to relax uterine muscles and suppress spontaneous uterine contractions. Samples of the muscle coat of the uterus were taken from 20 healthy pregnant women during elective cesarean section. The samples were cut into small strips to be used in the experiment. Neonatal urine of the fetuses delivered by cesarean were collected and centrifuged. Urinary trypsin inhibitor was shown to restrict uterine contractions induced by the stimulants oxytocin, prostaglandins, and lipopolysaccharide. This inhibitor apparently mediates increases of calcium flow to uterine muscles that would be necessary for their contraction.

Use of interleukin-8 may contribute to 'cervical ripening,' the softening and dilatation of the cervix necessary for vaginal birth. Eight rabbits in mid-pregnancy and 10 nonpregnant rabbits were treated with vaginal suppositories containing interleukin-8 (IL-8). The water content of the rabbit cervices increased after IL-8 application, suggesting that increased water content contributes to cervical softening. Measurements of neutrophils (white blood cells) and total concentration of particular carbohydrates increased after IL-8 administration. Both of these contribute to the breakdown of collagen in the cervical tissue that occurs throughout pregnancy to facilitate vaginal delivery.

An algorithm for solving batch-scheduling problems that emphasize minimal holding cost under just-in-time production systems is presented. Each of the batch-scheduling problems has varied holding costs for parts in complete batches and in-process batches. Although the algorithm was shown to be effective in solving the problems, the lack of similar problems addressed in previous research prevented the evaluation of the algorithm.

The halal food industries are rapidly expanding to fulfill global halal demands. Non-halal substances such as porcine proteins are often added intentionally or unintentionally to products. The development of highly selective and sensitive analytical tools is necessary, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry is a powerful tool that can cope with the challenge. The LC–MS method has great potential for halal authentication, because it has high sensitivity and low detection limit and detects several species markers and different tissue origins at once within one species. This article provides an understanding of recent advances in the application of LC–MS for the improvement of porcine authentication. Sample preparation, marker selection, separation and mass spectrometry conditions, quantitative assessment, and data processing for protein identification were all covered in detail to choose the most suitable method for the analytical needs.

In this paper, we will present a variational PDE-based image inpainting model in which we have used the square of the $$L^2$$ L2 norm of Hessian of the image uas regularization term. The Euler–Lagrange equation will lead us to a fourth-order linear PDE. For time discretization, we have used convexity splitting and the resulting semi-discrete scheme is solved in Fourier domain. Stability analysis for the semi-discrete scheme is carried out. We will demonstrate some numerical results and compare with $$\text {TV}-L^2$$ TV-L2 and $$\text {TV}-H^{-1}$$ TV-H-1 model.

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is the integration between communication networks, real-time control, and information technology. The system is expected to perform more complex traffic arrangements, in particular traffic management of emergency vehicles. Implementation with traffic signal pre-emption alone is not enough to give space for the emergency vehicle to cross an intersection safely, especially if the lane street has only one lane. The paper proposes a new model of traffic discharge acceleration based on queueing theory approach. In the proposed model, two performance indicators are introduced which are: speed of normal traffic in front of the emergency vehicle and travelling time of the emergency vehicle. The aim is that the emergency vehicle could reach a destination within a certain time and a constant speed. Moreover, the delay should be managed to a minimum. Linear and exponential acceleration formulas of the traffic in front of the emergency vehicle are derived and then validated. Performances of the model are tested against the models in the literature. Simulation results show the proposed model leads to better assurance that emergency vehicle is not delayed significantly. Based on the validation test, a formula has also been developed according to the proposed model.

This research examined the effect of pay-for-performance (PFP) and employee benefits on employee performance with mediating effect of distributive fairness in the nexus. Through a cross-sectional approach, data were collected from a sample of 140 Nigerian employees. Partial least squares (PLS) method algorithm and bootstrap techniques were used to test the study's hypotheses. The results provided support for all the hypothesised nexuses indicating that PFP and employee benefits influence the performance of workers positively. Also, the result showed that distributive fairness mediates the relationship between PFP and employee performance, and between employee benefits and employee performance. The implication is that PFP and employee benefits can boost and enhance employee performance provided distributive fairness is perceived in the reward system that is operating in the firms. Hence, distributive fairness is an inextricable element in any reward system. Limitations and recommendations are discussed.

Carcinosarcoma is a highly aggressive and infiltrative tumor. A finding of this tumor in a paranasal sinus is exceedingly rare. We describe the case of a 61-year-old man who presented [...]

Many hydrocarbon explorations in mature fields have been severely affected by complex and overburdening issues, such as shallow gas accumulation, gas pockets, and gas seepage. In this work, a new forward modelling technique is proposed in evaluating the potential survey design for fields affected by shallow gas cloud. In recent years, the implementation of innovative acquisition layouts has been producing significantly better seismic images, especially in the low illumination subsurface area. However, the uncertainty of the effectiveness in new acquisition design subsurface coverage always become a major stumbling block. To overcome this constraint, an optimization approach is suggested through the smart source and receiver location arrangement on the surface, with significant alignment to the conventional source and receiver arrangement approach. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is used to find the source-receiver configuration with maximum subsurface illumination coverage for the gas affected field situated in Malaysia Basin. Implementation of the PSO algorithm requires both a velocity model building process and wave field extrapolation from a target reflector to the surface level. The wave field data then was used to simulate receiver optimization outputs which eventually determined the subsurface illumination coverage. The results from the new optimization method for both synthetic model and Malaysia Basin data, offer a greater understanding of the consequences of obstacles caused by shallow anomalies with respect to seismic acquisition, data processing, and interpretation.

This paper presents an object-oriented modelling approach to production scheduling for FMS. The purpose of this study is to prepare a simulation tool to try a method of production scheduling that allocates jobs to the machines and cutting tools in an FMS. This model is developed by using Pharo as the language software for object-oriented programming through UML system design. This model consists of three types of classes. The first type is the Equipment-class, which related to the physical equipment in the FMS, for example machining-centers, cutting tools, pallet stocker, stacker crane. The second type is the Product-class that related to the information how to process the product. This class has sub-class such as process plan, machining operation and required cutting tools. The third class is the Production Planning and Controlling (PPC) class, which related to create the schedule to equipment. The PPC-class has sub-classes such as the daily order or job, job sequence, job allocation on machine and scheduling methods. A numerical example is provided in this paper to show that the object-oriented model for FMS and production scheduling is verified. The FMS consist of four identical machining centers and eight jobs. Each job has a process plan that requires some specific cutting tool types. The method for production scheduling in this model is Shortest Processing Time (SPT). The production scheduling performance is measured in this model.

The physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) /zinc oxide (PEDOT/ZnO) thin film electrode that were prepared electrochemically were studied. PEDOT was potentiostatically deposited on the hexagonal flake-like ZnO-covered ITO glass substrate by applying three different potentials (1.0 V, 1.25 V and 1.5 V) where under these circumstances, the effect of varying electropolymerization potentials where studied. The optical bandgap of each of the PEDOT/ZnO composites prepared were noticed to be within the range of 3.40 eV to 3.45 eV which were in between the optical band gap values of sole PEDOT and ZnO. The presence of both materials was asserted from XRD, FTIR and Raman analysis where all of the corresponding peaks for each of the materials in the spectra were assigned. SEM revealed the flake-like hexagonal morphology of ZnO which is in agreement with the XRD analysis. While the PEDOT morphology was discerned with round-shaped granular morphology where the average grain size was decreased with the electropolymerization potentials. The resistance of charge transfer of PEDOT/ZnO thin film was directly proportional to the electropolymerization potential while on the specific capacitance was inversely proportional. The composite exhibit both PEDOT and ZnO unique properties that can be used as a multi-functional material in various potential applications.

It is challenging to purify oily wastewater, which affects water-energy-food production. One promising method is membrane-based separation. This paper reviews the current research trend of applying cellulose as a membrane material that mimics one of three typical biostructures: superhydrophobic, underwater superoleophobic, and Janus surfaces. Nature has provided efficient and effective structures through the evolutionary process. This has inspired many researchers to create technologies that mimic nature’s structures or the fabrication process. Lotus leaves, fish scales, and Namib beetles are three representative structures with distinct functional and surface properties: superhydrophobic, underwater superoleophobic, and Janus surfaces. The characteristics of these structures have been widely studied and applied to membrane materials to improve their performance. One attractive membrane material is cellulose, whichhas been studied from the perspective of its biodegradability and sustainability. In this review, the principles, mechanisms, fabrication processes, and membrane performances are summarized and compared. The theory of wettability is also described to build a comprehensive understanding of the concept. Finally, future outlook is discussed to challenge the gap between laboratory and industrial applications.

This preliminary report is on two patients with congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia who had a persistent nonunion following intramedullary rodding and bone grafting. We do not advocate repeated surgery to achieve union. When limb length discrepancy becomes greater than 5 cm, we proceeded with an Ilizarov procedure with the primary aim of equalizing limb length rather than achieving union. Healing of the pseudoarthrosis occurred in both patients after lengthening over the intramedullary rod without compression of the nonunion site. We believe that union occurs because of hyperaemia during the lengthening. This approach minimizes the repeated surgeries that are usually needed and thus ensures a more normal childhood without frequent hospitalizations.

This paper reports on our study to determine the expectations of employers in respect of graduating students’ written communication. Our study is guided by two research questions: (i) what criteria do employers adopt in evaluating written assignments and (ii) what is the minimum level expected for acceptance of completed tasks in the workplace? Interviews were conducted and samples of graduating students’ written works were shown to informants (human resource personnel) from various fields, among others, the automotive, oil & gas, media, medical and higher education, to elicit their responses to performances of these students. The students had earlier on been given a task to analyse information presented in non-linear texts and to write their analyses in not more than 250 words. The informants were expected to give their responses on whether the quality of written analyses is acceptable or not, their criteria adopted in determining the acceptability of the written analyses, their views of good and poor writing and their expected minimum level of written work quality. Additional preliminary information had also been gathered on type, length, evaluation of the quality of written output and criteria used to assess the quality of written output through a questionnaire survey as a basis for the design of the set task. Results revealed that employers place importance on accuracy of reporting, conciseness, correct use of expressions and terminologies and maturity of thought, among others. From these informed responses, a draft rating scale of the expected writing ability of graduating students deemed relevant for the workplace was developed. Further refinement of the rating scale would follow with validation from the potential employers.

This paper explores our attempt to determine the construct of workplace written communication through a study involving graduating students and workplace professionals. Information regarding written tasks, minimum standards and quality expected from new graduate employees were gathered through interviews of human resource personnel from various fie lds. Based on the information gathered, a test of written communication was designed and administered to a group of sixty graduating students. The end products were collected, from which five were selected, believed to be representative of the product of the ‘good’, ‘satisfactory’, ‘modest’, ‘weak’ and ‘very weak’ writers. The scripts were then shown to the human resource personnel for assessment. Results were analysed to establish the different categories of criteria applied by the professionals in their assessment. From the analysis, the construct of workplace written communication was devised and subjected to validation.

The demand for skilled and well-balanced personnel has led to the growth of continuing education in Malaysia. UTMSPACE, since its inception in 1994, has expanded its role in providing English language training through the establishment of the English Language and Preparatory Programme Unit (UBIPP) in 2007. There are demands for English short courses and tailor-made programmes from the private and public sectors. This paper focuses on the need for retraining of English language competency in continuing education for employees at the workplace. Feedback from training providers, industrial and government sectors are crucial in determining the type of language training needed. The outcome provide some insights for future improvement in training development and continuing education.

A lecture should contain various forms of lecture language that could help students understand the flow of the lecture. Lecture language consists of expressions that mark the topic and plan of a lecture, and/or expressions that signal a new or transition of ideas. Currently, a spoken academic corpus of Malaysian engineering lectures (MASE corpus) is being developed in a joint project between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Coventry University. The project focuses on lecturing style in which various pragmatic features are being analysed. This paper presents an analysis of the use of lecture language found in the MASE corpus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess bone mineral density (BMD) changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoing longterm therapy with corticosteroids (CS) while taking calcium, calcitriol, or alendronate. The primary endpoint was BMD changes at 2 years. METHODS: Premenopausal SLE patients were randomized into 3 groups according to medication: calcium carbonate 500 mg bd (calcium alone), calcitriol 0.25 µg bd plus calcium carbonate 500 mg bd (calcitriol + calcium), and alendronate 70 mg/week plus calcium carbonate 500 mg bd (alendronate + calcium). BMD was measured at baseline and at the end of the first and second years. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were recruited. There were 33 patients taking calcium alone, 33 calcitriol + calcium, and 32 alendronate + calcium. On randomization, median duration of CS use was 2.5 years (range 0-20 yrs). Seventy-seven patients (78.6%) completed the study (23 taking calcium alone, 27 calcitriol + calcium, 27 alendronate + calcium). There were no significant differences in mean CS dosages among the 3 groups at the time of BMD measurements. After 2 years, there were no significant changes in BMD in the calcium-alone and calcitriol + calcium groups, apart from a 0.93% (p < 0.001) reduction in total hip BMD in the calcium-alone group. In contrast, the alendronate + calcium group showed significant increases in BMD of 2.69% (p < 0.001) in the lumbar spine and 1.41% (p < 0.001) in total hip. CONCLUSION: Both calcium alone and calcitriol + calcium preserved lumbar spine BMD in premenopausal patients with SLE taking longterm CS at 2 years, whereas alendronate + calcium led to increases in BMD in lumbar spine and total hip. Premenopausal women taking CS should be considered for osteoporosis prophylaxis.

Bestatin is an immunomodulatory peptide that stimulates the humoral and cell‐mediated immune system. It also has an inhibitory effect on multiple aminopeptidases. Recently we found that aminopeptidase N inactivates interleukin‐8 in vitro. Bestatin successfully suppresses the effect of aminopeptidase N on interleukin‐8. During cervical maturation many biochemical changes occur including decrease in collagen concentration and increase in collagenase and elastase activities. Interleukin‐8, which has a potent neutrophil chemotactic effect, was found to induce cervical ripening in rabbits. The combination of interleukin‐8 with bestatin also induced cervical ripening by providing approximately regular levels of neutrophil numbers, collagenase, and elastase activities. We therefore suggest that this regulatory mechanism also takes place in vivo through the inhibitory effect of bestatin on aminopeptidase N. J. Leukoc. Biol.57: 832–836; 1995.

Although nervous system complications often appear in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the relationship between HUS and the nervous system is still not clear. We suspect that damage to the nervous system may play a role in the pathophysiology of HUS. In this context, rats received different doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline to celiac ganglia or peritoneum. In rats treated with LPS on the celiac ganglia, a significant decrease in platelet count (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.05) were found, and at the same time plasma levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline increased markedly (p < 0.05). The renal arterioles and glomeruli showed endothelial swelling and narrowing of the lumina. Intense immunostaining for von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen in glomeruli and renal vessels was also observed. These parameters were accompanied by a systolic blood pressure elevation. The results suggest that the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HUS.

Background This research was aimed to study the biochemical changes in cervical mucus after application of laminaria tent.Material and methods Cervical mucus was collected before and after insertion of laminaria tent from 20 normal pregnant women in the first and second trimesters. Interleukin-1β, IL-8, collagenase activity, elastase activity, PGE2 and PGF2α were measured in the collected samples.Laminaria tent was also inserted in one vaginal cervix of five non-pregnant rabbits and the clinical and histological changes were compared with five non-treated rabbits. Collagen contents were assessed histologically and Leukocyte number was counted. Results IL-1β and IL-8 and elastase activity were significantly increased after insertion of laminaria (p < 0.0001, 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). Collagenase activity was not significantly changed. Whereas concentration of PGE2 and PGF2α in the mucus were markedly increased (p < 0.0001 and 0.001 respectively).Collagen contents were significantly decreased in laminaria and opposite side cervices (p < 0.0001). No significant changes in leukocyte count could be observed in treated and non treated cervices.Conclusions Insertion of laminaria leads to increase concentration of IL-1β, IL-8, PGE2, PGF2α and elastase activity. Mechanical stretching of the cervix and biochemical changes in cervical mucus may explain the mechanism of cervical ripening induced by laminaria.

The development of conductive polymer composites along with their advantages are rapidly growing to meet current demands in electronic applications. There are many types of matrix and filler that had been extensively researched in order to find the most suitable materials that can be utilized for electronic interconnect applications. Previous works carried out by researchers within the field revealed that by using melt blending techniques such as twin screw compounding and compression moulding can be used to develop conductive composite polymer such as from polypropylene (PP) incorporated with graphite as conductive filler. The conductivity of the composite can be measured using the 4-point probe technique. This short review aims to provide the latest insight in the area of electrically conductive polymer composites focused on the types of matrix and filler, processing and utilisation in electronic interconnect and other potential applications.

Study of recommendation parameters for injection moulding process was carried out with aid of Autodesk Moldflow Insight. Rice husk filled low-density polyethylene was used as the raw material. Standard dog- bone shape mould with ASTM were used throughout the simulation analysis. The investigations were carried out on fill analysis, fill + pack analysis and cool analysis on injection moulded dog-bone shape. From the simulation analysis, the recommended parameters of the injection moulding process for rice husk composites were determined.

Urinary trypsin inhibitor is a glycoprotein which has an inhibitory effect on many enzymes, especially neutrophil elastase. The concentration of urinary trypsin inhibitor in serum (maternal and fetal), urine and amniotic fluid was measured in 20 cases of preeclampsia and compared with levels in normal pregnancy. Urinary trypsin inhibitor levels were significantly increased in the maternal and fetal serum of preeclamptic patients compared to normal pregnancy (p < 0.0001), as well as in urine and amniotic fluid of the same patients. Relative fluorescence release of a calcium chelating agent (fura-2) from human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures was significantly increased by preeclamptic serum compared to serum of normal pregnant women (p < 0.03). After incubation of urinary trypsin inhibitor with the cultures, significant decrease of fura-2 release was observed (p < 0.03).Urinary trypsin inhibitor has an effect on suppression of activated neutrophils, elastase production and may have a protective effect on endothelial cells.

Maxillofacial fracture could be a quite common injury these days particularly in jaw angle. The healing process is physiologically complicated including each biological and mechanical aspects. Over the past decade, mandibular angle fracture simulation and modeling has been used to understand its details and mechanisms, to analyze specific clinical inquiry and to style healing approches. This paper aims to review the history and also the most recent work on biological and mechanical properties of miniplate . This paper provides a short review of mandibular angle fracture, miniplate evolution, biomaterials utilized in miniplates, structure of miniplates and finite element analysis of miniplate in three dimensional (3D) model.

Poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVA) is a biocompatible copolymer, easily processed and designed for intricate biomedical products. However, its toughness; which is the combination of high flexibility and high strength is quite low to resist tearing during long term use in human biological system. In this study, the possibility to enhance the tensile toughness of the PEVA was studied. Several ratios of organically modified MMT and bentonite were used as hybrid nanofillers in the PEVA matrix to form hybrid nanocomposites. Both nanoclays were pre-dispersed and destabilized prior to melt compounding with the PEVA. Results indicated that the use of O-MMT and bentonite in a ratio of 4:1 brought the best increment in the tensile toughness of the PEVA. This could be related to the improved interactions between PEVA with the hybrid nanofillers.

Considerable amounts of produced water (PW) is usually accompanied with the production of oil. Most countries with oilfields are generally water stressed countries. This study proposed electro-Fenton (EF) as alternative for the degradation of organic pollutants in PW. Continuous electro-Fenton processes was investigated using dimensionally stable anode Ti-RuO2/IrO2 and activated carbon fiber felt (ACFF) cathode. The effect of crucial process variables, namely, initial ferrous ions concentration (0.1-0.5 mM), current intensity (100-500 mA), and residence time (22-81 minutes) on the removal efficiency of COD was studied using contour and response surface plots. The experimental results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple response optimization for continuous EF experiments reveals that at optimum conditions (initial ferrous ion concentration of 0.306 mM, current intensity of 156.6 mA, and residence time of 81.0 min) the COD removal efficiency was 73.33% and electrical energy consumption was 0.901 kWh/kg COD. Improvement of continuous EF process was investigated using UVA irradiation (Photoelectron-Fenton). It was found that COD removal efficiency for continuous EF was increased to 81.1% and 86.0% when using one and two UVA lamps (3 Watt each) respectively. It is concluded that EF is an effective process for treating produced water and further improvement can be achieved by photo assisting the process.

The present study reports on the capability of CTA / Aliquat 336 electrospun fibers in extracting Cd(II) from aqueous phase. The CTA/Aliquat 336 electrospun fibers were produced by electrospun a polymer solution containing CTA and Aliquat 336 in DMC and methanol with a ratio of 8:2 respectively. The effect of different Aliquat 336 concentration on the performance of Cd(II) removal was examined. Extraction experiment was conducted in a batch mode using 5 ppm of Cd(II) in 1 M HCl solution. Results showed that the extraction of Cd(II) increased as Aliquat 336 concentration increased. Morphology structure of the CTA / Aliquat 336 electrospun fibers were also carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

In this work, the ability of spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a low-cost adsorbent to remove malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions was studied. Batch adsorption tests were carried out to observe the effect of various experimental parameters such as contact time, initial concentration of malachite green and adsorbent dosage on the removal of dye. The results obtained show that the percentage of dye removal will decreased with the increased of initial concentration of dye in the range of 50 mg/L to 250 mg/L. Besides, percentage removal of dye was also found to be increased as the contact time increased until it reached equilibrium condition. The results also showed that the adsorbent dosage in range of 0.2 g to 1.0 g is proportional to the percentage removal of malachite green dye. Study on the kinetic adsorption and isotherm adsorption has also been investigated. The adsorption isotherm data were described by Langmuir isotherm with high-correlation coefficients while the experimental data showed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model was the best model for the adsorption of MG by SCG with the coefficients of correlation R2 > 0.9978.