Grindability Evaluation of Ultrasonic Assisted Grinding of Silicon Nitride Ceramic Using Minimum Quantity Lubrication Based SiO_(2)Nanofluid

Minimum quantity Lubrication(MQL)is a sustainable lubrication system that is famous in many machining systems.It involve the spray of an infinitesimal amount of mist-like lubricants during machining processes.The MQL system is affirmed to exhibit an excellent machining performance,and it is highly economical.The nanofluids are understood to exhibit excellent lubricity and heat evacuation capability,compared to pure oil-based MQL system.Studies have shown that the surface quality and amount of energy expended in the grinding operations can be reduced considerably due to the positive effect of these nanofluids.This work presents an experimental study on the tribological performance of SiO_(2)nanofluid during grinding of Si_(3)N_(4)ceramic.The effect different grinding modes and lubrication systems during the grinding operation was also analyzed.Different concentrations of the SiO_(2)nanofluid was manufactured using canola,corn and sunflower oils.The quantitative evaluation of the grinding process was done based on the amount of grinding forces,specific grinding energy,frictional coefficient,and surface integrity.It was found that the canola oil exhibits optimal lubrication performance compared to corn oil,sunflower oil,and traditional lubrication systems.Additionally,the introduction of ultrasonic vibrations with the SiO_(2)nanofluid in MQL system was found to reduce the specific grinding energy,normal grinding forces,tangential grinding forces,and surface roughness by 65%,57%,65%,and 18%respectively.Finally,regression analysis was used to obtain an optimum parameter combinations.The observations from this work will aid the smooth transition towards ecofriendly and sustainable machining of engineering ceramics.

Genetic diversity of the S-type small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of Plasmodium knowlesi isolates from Sabah,Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia

Objective:To determine the genetic diversity of Plasmodium(P.)knowlesi isolates from Sabah,Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia,targeting the S-type SSU rRNA gene and including aspects of natural selection and haplotype.Methods:Thirty-nine blood samples infected with P.knowlesi were collected in Sabah,Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.The S-type SSU rRNA gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction,cloned into a vector,and sequenced.The natural selection and haplotype of the S-type SSU rRNA gene sequences were determined using DnaSP v6 and illustrated using NETWORK v10.This study's 39 S-type SSU rRNA sequences and eight sequences from the Genbank database were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 11.Results:Overall,the phylogenetic analysis showed no evidence of a geographical cluster of P.knowlesi isolates from different areas in Malaysia based on the S-type SSU rRNA gene sequences.The S-type SSU rRNA gene sequences were relatively conserved and with a purifying effect.Haplotype sharing of the S-type SSU rRNA gene was observed between the P.knowlesi isolates in Sabah,Malaysian Borneo,but not between Sabah,Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.Conclusions:This study suggests that the S-type SSU rRNA gene of P.knowlesi isolates in Sabah,Malaysian Borneo,and Peninsular Malaysia has fewer polymorphic sites,representing the conservation of the gene.These features make the S-type SSU rRNA gene suitable for comparative studies,such as determining the evolutionary relationships and common ancestry among P.knowlesi species.

Lap-Shear Performance of Weld-Bonded Mg Alloy and Austenitic Stainless Steel in Three-Sheet Stack-Up

With the growing interest in utilizing Mg and austenitic stainless steel(ASS)in the automotive sector,joining them together in three-sheet configuration is inevitable.However,achieving this task presents considerable challenges due to the large differences in their physical,metallurgical and mechanical properties.To overcome these challenges,the feasibility of using weld-bonding to join Mg alloy/ASS/ASS was investigated.The nugget formation,interface characteristics,microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated.The results show that the connection between the Mg alloy and upper ASS was achieved through the combined effect of the cured adhesive and weld-brazing in the weld zone.On the other hand,a metallurgical bond was formed at the ASS/ASS interface.The Mg nugget microstructure exhibited fine columar grains composed predominantly of primaryα-Mg grains along with a eutectic mixture ofα-Mg andβ-Mg17Al12.The nugget formed at the ASS/ASS interface consisted largely of columnar grains of austenite,with some equiaxed dendritic grains formed at the centerline of the joint.The weld-bonded joints exhibited an average peak load and energy absorption of about 8.5 kN and 17 J,respectively(the conventional RSW joints failed with minimal or no load application).The failure mode of the joints changed with increasing welding current from interfacial failure via the Mg nugget/upper ASS interface to partial interfacial failure(part of the Mg nugget was pulled out of the Mg sheet).Both failure modes were accompanied by cohesive failure in the adhesive zone.

Informing policy makers in developing countries:Practices and limitations of geriatric home medication review in Malaysia-A qualitative inquiry

Objective:To explore existing practices and challenges in the delivery of geriatric home medication review(HMR).The study was part of a larger study aimed to offer solution to expand the range of geriatric HMR.Methods:This study employed qualitative exploratory design through semi-structured individual in-depth interviews with the public pharmacists involved in the delivery of geriatric HMR at public hospitals.The purpose of the interviews was to explore challenges faced by them in the delivery of geriatric HMR.Results:Based on the emerging themes from the qualitative data,the study reveals that geriatric HMR in Malaysia is integrated as part of multidisciplinary home care visits,encompassing a diverse patient population with various healthcare needs.However,it faces challenges such as the lack of outcome monitoring,formal training,and workforce constraints.Despite these hurdles,there is a pressing need for the expansion of this service to better serve the community,and collaboration with community pharmacists holds potential to broaden its scope.Ultimately,the findings suggest that pharmacist-led HMR is both warranted and feasible within the Malaysian healthcare context.In order to optimize medicine-use among older people living in the community,approaches for expanding geriatric HMR services in Malaysia must be developed.Conclusions:This study holds profound implications as it attempts to illuminate policy makers in developing countries,enabling them to formulate effective HMR plans.By considering the challenges highlighted within this research,policy makers can design a comprehensive HMR service that caters adeptly to the healthcare needs of the mass population.

A state-of-the-art review on recent advances in the fabrication and characteristics of magnesium-based alloys in biomedical applications

Magnesium(Mg)and its alloys have recently gained increasing attention in the biomedical field as promising biodegradable materials with harmless degradation products.Magnesium-based alloys have a wide range of biomedical applications because of their outstanding biocompatibility and unique mechanical properties.Widespread use of Mg-based biomedical devices eliminates the need for post-healing biomaterial removal surgery and minimizes the negative consequences of the implantation of permanent biomaterials,including stress shielding and undesired metal ion release in the body.This paper provides a literature review on the properties and manufacturing methods of Mgbased alloys for biomedical applications,including orthopedic implants,cardiovascular applications,surgical wires and staplers,and antitumor activities.Each application of Mg-based biomaterials is investigated from a biological perspective,including matching functional properties,biocompatibility,host tissue responses,and anti-microbial strategies,along with potential additive manufacturing technologies for these applications.Finally,an outlook is presented to provide recommendations for Mg-based biomaterials in the future.

Overview of novel nanobiosensors for electrochemical and optical diagnosis of leukemia:Challenge and opportunity

Leukemia is one of the ten types of cancer that causes the biggest death in the world.Compared to other types of cancer,leukemia has a low life expectancy,so an early diagnosis of the cancer is necessary.A new strategy has been developed to identify various leukemia biomarkers by making blood cancer biosensors,especially by developing nanomaterial applications so that they can improve the performance of the biosensor.Although many biosensors have been developed,the detection of leukemia by using nanomaterials with electrochemical and optical methods is still less carried out compare to other types of cancer biosensors.Even the acoustic and calorimetric testing methods for the detection of leukemia by utilizing nanomaterials have not yet been carried out.Most of the reviewed works reported the use of gold nanoparticles and electrochemical characterization methods for leukemia detection with the object of study being conventional cancer cells.In order to be used clinically by the community,future research must be carried out with a lot of patient blood objects,develop non-invasive leukemia detection,and be able to detect all types of blood cancer specifically with one biosensor.This can lead to a fast and accurate diagnosis thus allowing for early treatment and easy periodic condition monitoring for various types of leukemia based on its biomarker and future design controlable via internet of things(IoT)so that why would be monitoring real times.

Performance of pulsed plasma thruster at low discharge energy

As the size of satellites scales down, low-power and compact propulsion systems such as the pulsed plasma thruster(PPT) are needed for stabilizing these miniature satellites in orbit. Most PPT systems are operated at 2 J or more of discharge energy. In this work, the performance of a PPT with a side-fed, tongue-flared electrode configuration operated within a lower discharge energy range of 0.5-2.5 J has been investigated. Ablation and charring of the polytetrafluoroethylene propellant surface were analyzed through field-effect scanning electron microscopy imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. When the discharge energy fell below 2 J, inconsistencies occurred in the specific impulse and the thrust efficiency due to the measurement of the low mass bit. At energy ≥2 J, the performance parameters are compared with other PPT systems of similar configuration and discussed in depth.

Lecturers’Efforts in Building Rapport in the English-Medium Instruction(EMI)Context:Focus on the Use of Communication Strategies

Past studies reveal the prevalence of anxiety,coupled with low motivation and disengagement among students in English-medium instruction(EMI)programs.Given the detrimental impact these negative emotions can have on learning outcomes,it is imperative that teachers establish positive emotional rapport with their students.This study explores how experienced and highly rated EMI lecturers at a Chinese university’s overseas campus use communication strategies to build rapport with their students during interactive academic activities.It identifies the strategies used by these lecturers and examines how the strategies facilitate the teaching-learning process.The data,consisting of 10 hours of tutorials and 10 hours of supervisor-student supervision meetings,is analyzed using an adapted Conversation Analysis(CA)approach.The analysis reveals three types of communication strategies(CSs)frequently used by lecturers:back-channeling,codeswitching,and co-creation of messages.By employing these strategies,the lecturers established a strong rapport with the students,which created an encouraging and supportive learning environment.Consequently,this positive atmosphere facilitated students’learning of content knowledge through English.The findings of this study have implications for the training of lecturers who encounter difficulties in establishing rapport with multilingual students in the EMI setting.

Performance in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery: Does it reflect global rating scales in the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in porcine laparoscopic surgery?

Objective:To correlate the utility of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery(FLS)manual skills program with the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills(OSATS)global rating scale in evaluating operative performance.Methods:The Asian Urological Surgery Training and Educational Group(AUSTEG)Laparoscopic Upper Tract Surgery Course implemented and validated the FLS program for its usage in laparoscopic surgical training.Delegates’basic laparoscopic skills were assessed using three different training models(peg transfer,precision cutting,and intra-corporeal suturing).They also performed live porcine laparoscopic surgery at the same workshop.Live surgery skills were assessed by blinded faculty using the OSATS rating scale.Results:From March 2016 to March 2019,a total of 81 certified urologists participated in the course,with a median of 5 years of post-residency experience.Although differences in task time did not reach statistical significance,those with more surgical experience were visibly faster at completing the peg transfer and intra-corporeal suturing FLS tasks.However,they took longer to complete the precision cutting task than participants with less experience.Overall OSATS scores correlated weakly with all three FLS tasks(peg transfer time:r=0.331,r^(2)=0.110;precision cutting time:r=0.240,r^(2)=0.058;suturing with intracorporeal knot time:r=0.451,r^(2)=0.203).Conclusion:FLS task parameters did not correlate strongly with OSATS globing rating scale performance.Although FLS task models demonstrated strong validity,it is important to assimilate the inconsistencies when benchmarking technical proficiency against real-life operative competence,as evaluated by FLS and OSATS,respectively.

A Review on the Advancement of Renewable Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites: Prospects, Challenges, and Industrial Applications

Naturalfibre(NFR)reinforced functional polymer composites are quickly becoming an indispensable sustainable material in the transportation industry because of their lightweight,lower cost in manufacture,and adaptability to a wide variety of goods.However,the major difficulties of using thesefibres are their existing poor dimensional stability and the extreme hydrophilicity.In assessing the mechanical properties(MP)of composites,the interfacial bonding(IB)happening between the NFR and the polymer matrix(PM)plays an incredibly significant role.When compared to NFR/syntheticfibre hybrid composites,hybrid composites(HC)made up of two separate NFR are less prevalent;yet,these hybrid composites also have the potential to be valuable materials in terms of environmental issues.A new dimension to theflexibility of composites reinforced with NFR is added by the cost-effective manufacture of hybrid composites utilising NFR.The purpose of this study is to offer an over-view of the keyfindings that were presented on hybrid composites.The emphasis was focused on the factors that influence the performance of the naturalfiber composites,diverse approaches to enhancing MP,physical,electri-cal,and thermal characteristics of the HC.HC study in polymer science gains interest for applications in con-struction and automotive industries.

Properties of Zn-Bi composite coatings prepared by ionic co-discharge deposition

Zn-Bi composite was synthesized by ionic co-discharge deposition and its properties were investigated. The results show that the Zn-Bi composite with the incorporation of Bi has a finer grain size than the pure Zn coating and improves the mechanical properties. The microhardness is increased by approximately two times simply by adding a small amount of Bi electrolyte into a Zn bath solution. A lower volume loss of the Zn-Bi composite coating compared with the pure Zn coating also indicates that the Zn-Bi coating has a better wear resistance.

Textural characteristics,surface chemistry and oxidation of activated carbon

Numerous researches were reviewed and interpreted to depict a comprehensive illustration of activated carbon and its behavior towards oxidation.Activated carbon as one of the most important adsorbents is tried to be described in this review paper by terms of its＂Textural Characteristics＂and＂Surface Chemistry＂.These two terms,coupled with each other,are responsible for behavior of activated carbon in adsorption processes and in catalytic applications.Although as-prepared activated carbons are usually nonselective and their surfaces suffer from lack of enough reactive groups,their different aspects may be improved and developed by diverse types of modifications.Oxidation is one of the most conventional modifications used for activated carbons.It may be used as a final modification or as a pre-modification followed by further treatment.In this paper,methods of oxidation of activated carbon and other graphene-layer carbon materials are introduced and wet oxidation as an extensively-used category of oxidation is discussed in more detail.

Role of prophylactic antibiotics in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding

Bacterial infections are common in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding,occurring in 20%within48 h.Outcomes including early rebleeding and failure to control bleeding are strongly associated with bacterial infection.However,mortality from variceal bleeding is largely determined by the severity of liver disease.Besides a higher Child-Pugh score,patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are particularly susceptible to infections.Despite several hypotheses that include increased use of instruments,greater risk of aspiration pneumonia and higher bacterial translocation,it remains debatable whether variceal bleeding results in infection or vice versa but studies suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis prior to endoscopy and up to 8 h is useful in reducing bacteremia and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.Aerobic gram negative bacilli of enteric origin are most commonly isolated from cultures,but more recently,gram positives and quinolone-resistant organisms are increasingly seen,even though their clinical significance is unclear.Fluoroquinolones(including ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin)used for short term(7 d)have the most robust evidence and are recommended in most expert guidelines.Short term intravenous cephalosporin(especially ceftriaxone),given in a hospital setting with prevalent quinolone-resistant organisms,has been shown in studies to be beneficial,particularly in high risk patients with advanced cirrhosis.

Effect of quarry dust addition on the performance of controlled low-strength material made from industrial waste incineration bottom ash

The performance of industrial waste incineration bottom ash in controlled low-strength material （CLSM） was investigated in this paper, as the quarry dust was added. CLSM mixtures were made from the industrial waste incineration bottom ash, quarry dust, and cement. Tests for fresh density, bleeding, compressive strength, shear strength, hydraulic conductivity, and excavatability were carried out. The com- pressive strength ranges from 60 kPa to 6790 kPa, the friction angle varies from 5°to 19°, and the cohesion is from 4 to 604 kPa. Most of the mixtures are found to be non-excavatable. It is indicated that the quarry dust addition increases the compressive strength and shear parame- ters, decreases bleeding, and increases the removability modulus.

Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Medical therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus is ineffective in the long term due to the progressive nature of the disease, which requires increasing medication doses and polypharmacy. Conversely, bariatric surgery has emerged as a cost-effective strategy for obese diabetic individuals; it has low complication rates and results in durable weight loss, glycemic control and improvements in the quality of life, obesity-related co-morbidity and overall survival. The finding that glucose homeostasis can be achieved with a weight loss-independent mechanism immediately after bariatric surgery, especially gastric bypass, has led to the paradigm of metabolic surgery. However, the primary focus of metabolic surgery is the alteration of the physio-anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract to achieve glycemic control, metabolic control and cardio-metabolic risk reduction. To date, metabolic surgery is still not well defined, as it is used most frequently for less obese patients with poorly controlled diabetes. The mechanism of glycemic control is still incompletely understood. Published research findings on metabolic surgery are promising, but many aspects still need to be defined. This paper examines the proposed mechanism of diabetes remission, the efficacy of different types of metabolic procedures, the durability of glucose control, and the risks and complications associated with this procedure. We propose a tailored approach for the selection of the ideal metabolic procedure for different groups of patients, considering the indications and prognostic factors for diabetes remission.

Usefulness of a scoring system in the interpretation of histology in neonatal cholestasis

AIM:To ascertain the usefulness of a histological scoring system devised to assist in the interpretation of liver histology in neonatal cholestasis(NC) .METHODS:Liver biopsy specimens obtained from infants with NC referred to a tertiary pediatric unit in Malaysia were prospectively studied.The first author,blinded to the final diagnosis,devised the histological diagnosis based on a 7-feature(portal ductal proliferation,bile plugs in portal ductules,portoportal bridging,lymphocytic infiltration in portal region,multinucleated hepatocytes,neutrophilic infiltration,hepatocellular swelling) ,15-point(0 to 15) scoring system.The author classified the histological diagnosis as either biliary atresia(BA) or neonatal hepatitis(NH,all other diagnoses) ,and subsequently compared the author's diagnosis with the final diagnosis.RESULTS:Eighty-four biopsy specimens obtained from 78 patients were reviewed.Without the scoring system,BA was correctly diagnosed by the author histologically in 30 cases,labelled as NH in 3.For other diagnoses,BA was excluded correctly in 33 cases and mislabeled as BA in 2 cases.The overall sensitivity for BA was 91%,specificity 86% and accuracy 88%.With the scoring system,a score of ≥ 7 had the best diagnostic utility to differentiate BA from other intrahepatic cholestasis histologically(sensitivity 88%,specificity 94%,accuracy 92%) .Four patients with a score < 7 had BA,and 3 patients with a score ≥ 7 had NH.CONCLUSION:A 7-feature,15-point histological scoring system had good diagnostic accuracy in the interpretation of liver histology in neonatal cholestasis.

Factors influencing quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy

Recent technological advances in colonoscopy have led to improvements in both image enhancement and procedural performance.However,the utility of these technological advancements remain dependent on the quality of bowel preparation during colonoscopy.Poor bowel preparation has been shown to be associated with lower quality indicators of colonoscopy performance,such as reduced cecal intubation rates,increased patient discomfort and lower adenoma detection.The most popular bowel preparation regimes currently used are based on either Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte,a non-absorbable solution,or aqueous sodium phosphate,a lowvolume hyperosmotic solution.Statements from various international societies and several reviews have suggested that the efficacy of bowel preparation regimes based on both purgatives are similar,although patients' compliance with these regimes may differ somewhat.Many studies have now shown that factors other than the type of bowel preparation regime used,can influence the quality of bowel preparation among adult patients undergoing colonoscopy.These factors can be broadly categorized as either patient-related or procedure-related.Studies from both Asia and the West have identified patient-related factors such as an increased age,male gender,presence of co-morbidity and socioeconomic status of patients to be associated with poor bowel preparation among adults undergoing routine out-patient colonoscopy.Additionally,procedure-related factors such as adherence to bowel preparation instructions,timing of bowel purgative administration and appointment waiting times for colonoscopy are recognized to influence the quality of colon cleansing.Knowledge of these factors should aid clinicians in modifying bowel preparation regimes accordingly,such that the quality of colonoscopy performance and delivery of service to patients can be optimised.

Assessment of rapid impact compaction in ground improvement from in-situ testing

Ground improvement has been used on many construction sites to densify granular materials, in other word, to improve soil properties and reduce potential settlement. This work presents a case study of ground improvement using rapid impact compaction （RIC）. The research site comprises the construction of workshop and depots as part of railway development project at Batu Gajah-Ipoh, Malaysia. In-situ testing results show that the subsurface soil comprises mainly of sand and silty sand through the investigated depth extended to 10 m. Groundwater is approximately 0.5 m below the ground surface. Evaluation of improvement was based on the results of pre- and post-improvement cone penetration test （CPT）. Interpretation software has been used to infer soil properties. Load test was conducted to estimate soil settlement. It is found that the technique succeeds in improving soil properties namely the relative density increases from 45% to 70%, the friction angle of soil is increased by an average of 3°, and the soil settlement is reduced by 50%： The technique succeeds in improving soil properties to approximately 5.0 m in depth depending on soil uniformity with depth.

A state-of-the-art review of the fabrication and characteristics of titanium and its alloys for biomedical applications

Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys have been among the most commonly used materials for biomedical applications since the 1950 s.Due to the excellent mechanical tribological properties,corrosion resistance,biocompatibility,and antibacterial properties of titanium,it is getting much attention as a biomaterial for implants.Furthermore,titanium promotes osseointegration without any additional adhesives by physically bonding with the living bone at the implant site.These properties are crucial for producing high-strength metallic alloys for biomedical applications.Titanium alloys are manufactured into the three types ofα,β,andα+β.The scientific and clinical understanding of titanium and its potential applications,especially in the biomedical field,are still in the early stages.This review aims to establish a credible platform for the current and future roles of titanium in biomedicine.We first explore the developmental history of titanium.Then,we review the recent advancement of the utility of titanium in diverse biomedical areas,its functional properties,mechanisms of biocompatibility,host tissue responses,and various relevant antimicrobial strategies.Future research will be directed toward advanced manufacturing technologies,such as powder-based additive manufacturing,electron beam melting and laser melting deposition,as well as analyzing the effects of alloying elements on the biocompatibility,corrosion resistance,and mechanical properties of titanium.Moreover,the role of titania nanotubes in regenerative medicine and nanomedicine applications,such as localized drug delivery system,immunomodulatory agents,antibacterial agents,and hemocompatibility,is investigated,and the paper concludes with the future outlook of titanium alloys as biomaterials.

Analysis of chemical composition and bioactive property evaluation of Indian propolis

Objective:To analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate the bioactive potential of hydroalocoholic extract of propolis.Methods:Ethanol extract of propolis was analyzed by GCMS,HPTLC and HPLC methods and in vitro antioxidant,anticholinesterase and cytotoxicity assay were performed.Remits:GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids,alcohols, and quercetin.Quercetin was identified and quantified by HPTLC and HPLC methods.Dose dependent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was calculated as 16.20 and 34.33 μg/mL respectively.Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was significant and the IC_(50) value was calculated as 55.56 μg/mL.Anticholinesterase activity was less observed.The cytotoxic activity against both breast(MCF-7) and lung cancer(A543) cell lines were significant and the IC_(50)value was calculated as 10 and 13 μg/mL respectively.Conclusions: These findings showed that bioactive compounds present in propolis will alleviate many diseases and can be used for better human health.