Structural analysis of floating offshore remote terminal for deep sea fishing

Productivity of offshore fishing can increase if there are offshore terminals providing services such as fish unloading and repair of crafts and gears to the fishing fleets. This research proposed the use of FORT (fishing offshore remote terminal) as a very large floating structure (VLFS). Structural analysis is key in the design of VLFS. The research developed an adaptable framework to simulate FORT's hydroelastic interaction and motion using Newtonian's harmonic method. The governing partial differential equation of motion including the effect of deformation and torsional inertia was expressed in a dimensionless form. A finite difference algorithm was employed to transform the differential equations into linear algebraic equations. Linear and nonlinear dynamic responses was obtained using Hamilton principle with modal superposition coupled with finite element methods. Sensitivity tests are performed to quanti$z the effect of changing numerical parameter. Variety of plate models is investigated. Techno-economic model is also developed. The solution for a selected load condition has been presented. The result on hydroelastic response for several wavelength q (0.12, 0.23 and 0.43) to structural length ratios (l:1,2:r and 4:1) revealed longish F9RT experiences higher elastic deformations as comparc a square FORT for higher wavelength. In continuous springing freeboard reaction, the safe margin decreases from 4m to below 2m at higher wavelength ratio. At small wave length the hydroelastic response is the smallest for the lower ratio orientation. It is found that hydroelastic response is minimal as aspect ratio close to 1. Resultant stress on FORT stiffness when aspect ratio approaches 1 amplifies response amplitude by 35%. Sensitivity test indicates, for full load condition, larger structure will experience larger deformation stress (0.928 MN/m2 for 250m, 1.035MN/m2 for 500m, 1.035MN/m2 for 1000m). Permanent plastic deformation starts occurr ing at 20o and worsen at 45o causing higher shear force and moment. Maximum torsional force exceeds 51.25N/m2. For long crest of 0.43 maximum torsional deflection measured are250m(19.32N/m2 for 250m), 500m (27.55N/m2 for 500m), and 1000m 1za.o:\Vm2 for 1000m). Net present value of F9RT is NPV of 146mil, internal rate of return of 22.94% overl5 years. FORT as a new concept is thus techno economically feasible. The analytical model developed is a comprehensive tool for FORT designers

Real time monitoring system for upper arms rehabilitation exercise

Arm rehabilitation activities necessary to be continuously monitored in order to provide information of rehabilitation results to be examined by physical therapist. The determination of monitoring is to enhancing rehabilitation process. Moreover, a portable and simple home-based rehabilitation device can help patients to improve daily rehabilitation process activity. Some earlier studies regarding home-based rehabilitation process have shown improvement in promoting human movement recovery. This paper focuses on the development of a measurement by using arms guard and Smart Glove or Rehabilitation Glove, to assist stroke patient because of some complications such as accident and disease. This paper concourses on the method and application of mechanical equipment, sensors equipped Rehabilitation Glove measurement gripping activities. The devices will move based on a human operator's finger and arms movement using the Rehabilitation Glove. The system development involves a Microcontroller and HyperTerminal as a core processing for the instrumentation, communication and controlling applications. A series of bend or known as flex force sensors are fitted in a Rehabilitation Glove to get reading from the movement of human fingers. The quality of the force feedback is strongly affected by the maximum torque measurable by the Rehabilitation Glove and the performance of the force controller. Finally, the intelligence, learning and experience aspects of the human can be combined with the strength, endurance and speed of the human arms and Rehabilitation sensor in order to generate proper output of this paper. © 2015 IEEE

Sustainability checklist for transport system plan for mangrove eco-park

Preservation of mangrove, like efforts on preservation of other natural ecosystem, is directly connected to sustainability. Eco-park as one model of mangrove eco-tourism is well accepted worldwide. Mangrove eco-park comprises of accommodations, edutainment centre, galleries, restaurants, etc. If these facilities are not properly planned and sustainability elements are not incorporated they will have negative effects to the preservation effort. The incorporation of sustainability elements in planning is already a standard practice by many district councils in developed countries like US and UK. Developers are to conform to the sustainability checklists failing which their project many not be approved. To be able to accommodate all type of development proposal the checklists are generic. Conformation to sustainability is required overall rather than the project systems and sub-systems. Therefore the checklists can be used for control purposes but with great limitations. System specific sustainability is required. This study identifies the generic model of a typical mangrove eco-park systems, sub and sub-sub systems and proposed their individual primary sustainability elements. A simplified model has been applied to the planning of transport system for Tanjong Pelepas Eco-Park (TPEP), a mangrove preservation effort by a Malaysian Port Authority. Thirty three eco-park sub-sub-systems have been prioritised and their primary sustainability elements identified. Parties responsible for the sustainability elements, either designer or TPEP operator, or both have been identified. The checklist is expandable and could be used to develop TPEP’s standard operating procedures

Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate isolated from kaempferia galanga inhibits inflammation by suppressing interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and angiogenesis by blocking endothelial functions

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate isolated from Kaempferia galanga. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate were assessed using the cotton pellet granuloma assay in rats, whereby the levels of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in the animals' blood. In addition, the levels of interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, and nitric oxide were measured in vitro using the human macrophage cell line (U937). The analgesic effects of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate were assessed by the tail flick assay in rats. The anti-angiogenic effects were evaluated first by the rat aortic ring assay and, subsequently, by assessing the inhibitory effects of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate on vascular endothelial growth factor, proliferation, migration, and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. RESULTS: Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate strongly inhibited granuloma tissue formation in rats. It prolonged the tail flick time in rats by more than two-fold compared with the control animals. The inhibition of interleukin and tumor necrosis factor by ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate was significant in both in vivo and in vitro models; however, only a moderate inhibition of nitric oxide was observed in macrophages. Furthermore, ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate considerably inhibited microvessel sprouting from the rat aorta. These mechanistic studies showed that ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate strongly inhibited the differentiation and migration of endothelial cells, which was further confirmed by the reduced level of vascular endothelial growth factor. CONCLUSION: Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate exhibits significant anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis, thus inhibiting the main functions of endothelial cells. Thus, ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate could be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory and angiogenesis-related diseases

Legal framework governing the carriage of liquified natural gas (LNG) within coastal water

The evitable of LNG evolution into coastal waters had reflected the lack and absent of clear guidelines on legal framework for governing the carriage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) within coastal water. IMO (Agenda item 21, MSC 83/INF.3/2007) did not pay direct attention to sustainable coastal water transport development. This is because the novelty of such industry and the traditional procedures of UN developmental bodies, normally needs sufficient time to consider a new and emerging phenomenon in their agenda of work. Thus it is a major source of inefficient and unsafe operation of the LNG carriage along the coast line. To date, there is no extension for LNG carriage within coastal water on every established rules and regulation. The main purpose of this study is to develop a legal framework model for the LNG transportation and carriage by using the IDEF0 structured modeling technique. The modeling process is divided into three phases, (i) the information gathering, (ii) the model development and (ii) the experts’ evaluation and validation. In the first phase, information on existing current legal practices were obtained through the literature study from applicable rules, regulations, conventions, procedures, policies, research papers and accident cases. In the second phase, a process model was drafted through an iterative process using the IDEF0 and the questionnaire is developed. From the questionnaire pilot test, each question blocks has shown an acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha value which is above 0.70. In the third phase, the preliminary of legal framework model is tested through forty five (45) potential respondents from various fields in legal practices and thirty eight (38) responded. A promising result was obtained where data exhibit normal distribution trend, even though every group has their own stand on the legal framework. The ANOVA output has generated P-values of 0.000. If P is less than or equal to the alevel, one or more mean value are significantly different. Through data correlation test, the correlated element blocks show a range of 0.0 to 0.4. A legal framework model for the LNG carriage within coastal water was constructed in the stand alone mode covering each aspect

Chemical composition, antiproliferative and antioxidant attributes of ethanolic extract of resinous sediment from Etlingera elatior (Jack.) inflorescence

The ethanolic extract of resinous sediment (EERS) of Etlingera elatior young inflorescence was examined for its anticancer effect and potential antioxidant activity. The anticancer effect of the EERS was evaluated on four human cancer cell lines, HCT 116, HT-29, Hela, and MCF-7, using the MTT assay. GC-MS analysis showed that the main components found in the EERS were nonyl cyclopropane (4.44%), 1-tetradecane (3.66%), cyclotetradecane (2.41%), cyclododecane (1.92%), and 1-decene (1.72%). The antioxidant activity was determined through different methods. High amounts of TPC and TFC in the EERS were found. Moderate antioxidant capacity of the EERS was detected by DPPH and ABTS assays, with EC50 values of 44.19 and 56.61 μg/mL and a high FRAP value of 281.79 nmol Fe+2 equivalent/mg extract. In the MTT assay, the EERS showed potent anticancer activity, with IC50 values of 19.82, 37.001, 50.49, and 53.29 μg/mL against HT-29, HCT 116, Hela, and MCF-7 tumour cell lines, respectively. Moreover, the results were comparable to or less potent than the standard reference drug, 5-fluorouracil. The results showed that the EERS of Etlingera elatior inflorescence contained a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids, which may to the selective antiproliferative effects towards colon cancer in vitro

Adipocytokine Regulation and Antiangiogenic Activity Underlie the Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Effects of Phyllanthus niruri against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The growth of adipose tissues is considered angiogenesis-dependent during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We have recently reported that our standardized 50% methanolic extract (ME) of Phyllanthus niruri (50% ME of P. niruri) has alleviated NAFLD in Sprague–Dawley rats. This study aimed to assess the molecular mechanisms of action, and to further evaluate the antiangiogenic effect of this extract. NAFLD was induced by eight weeks of high-fat diet, and treatment was applied for four weeks. Antiangiogenic activity was assessed by aortic ring assay and by in vitro tests. Our findings demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of 50% ME among NAFLD rats, were associated with a significant increase in serum adiponectin, reduction in the serum levels of RBP4, vaspin, progranulin, TNF-α, IL-6, and significant downregulation of the hepatic gene expression of PPARγ, SLC10A2, and Collα1. Concomitantly, 50% ME of P. niruri has exhibited a potent antiangiogenic activity on ring assay, cell migration, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tube formation, without any cytotoxic effect. Together, our findings revealed that the protective effects of P. niruri against NAFLD might be attributed to its antiangiogenic effect, as well as to the regulation of adipocytokines and reducing the expression of adipogenic genes