bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in Mature Cystic Teratoma
Authors: Kurniadi Andi , Harsono Ali Budi , Mantilidewi Kemala , Anfasa Muhamad Khalif , Fitriana Maya Noor , Hernowo Bethy
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is a common benign adnexal tumor contributing to about 20% of all ovarian tumors, and it may occur in 10–20% of women during their lifetime. Although the nature of MCT of the ovary is benign, about 1–2% of MCT undergo malignant transformation.

CASE REPORT: Here, we report a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in MCT. This one rare case report of SCC arising in MCT showed satisfactory response to adjuvant chemotherapy. Careful routine evaluation is needed for possible recurrency.

CONCLUSION: This patient was found with infiltration to the urinary bladder and concluded as stage IIB; therefore, the surgeon decided to give adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel/carboplatin. After given three cycles of paclitaxel carboplatin chemotherapy the patient showed favorable outcome, as the CT scan evaluation showed no residual mass.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Real-world Study
Authors: Berdikhojayev Mynzhylky , Sarshayev Marat , Musabekov Maksat , Suleimankulov Nurzhan , Suieumbetov Daulet , Tsigengagel Oxana
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at epidemiological analysis of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) regarding their location, size, multiplicity, type of intervention provided, and associated complications in the Kazakhstani population.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 400 patients diagnosed with IA admitted to the Central Clinical Hospital of Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, a referral hospital for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Patients admitted between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 with radiologically confirmed diagnosis of unruptured IA were included in the study.

RESULTS: Overall, there were 400 patients with a 2.8 female/male ratio. The bulk of aneurisms – 96.0% – were of size <25 mm in diameter and single. Median age of patients was 55 years and the youngest patient was 22-years-old, while the oldest patient aged 83 years. The left internal carotid artery (ICA) was the most common site if IA localization followed by the right ICA. The left and right middle cerebral arteries were the second most common localization sites. More than a half of patients presented with aneurysm-related complications before the intervention, of which subarachnoid hemorrhage was the most common type. Embolization with or without stenting was performed in more than 50% of patients and 96.5% of all surgeries were not associated with complications.

CONCLUSION: There is a need for careful consideration of clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with unruptured IA in a real-world practice as these data are needed for the development of management strategies.
Carabids species diversity in Mediterranean beech forests
Authors: Pizzolotto Roberto
Published: January 2022

Carabid beetles are gaining more and more attention in applied studies on environmental monitoring or evaluation of natural resources, probably because they can be used as model organisms. Data on the biology and species richness and abundance of carabids could give valuable information in such applied studies, but online resources are not so informative, at least for Italy. To start filling this gap, a data table (Darwin Core formatted) was uploaded in GBIF database. The table is the result of a pitfall trapping survey of carabids living in a small part of the beech forest ecosystem of the Calabria Region (Italy). Amongst the collected species, few were very abundant, which are likely to be the characterising species of the studied ecosystem.

Online datasets of Italian carabids are absent and information about the species biology, richness and abundance often lies in hard-copy papers. The dataset provided here is the first tentative approach, at least for the Italian fauna, to propose a formal structure for data on carabids acquired by field surveys and to give open access to these data. Furthermore, the need for new Darwin Core terms was commented upon briefly.
An updated checklist of Mozambique’s vascular plants
Authors: Odorico Délcio , Nicosia Enrico , Datizua Castigo , Langa Clayton , Raiva Raquel , Souane Joelma , Nhalungo Sofia , Banze Aurélio , Caetano Belkiss , Nhauando Vânia , Ragú Hélio , Machunguene Jr. Mário , Caminho Jónata , Mutemba Leonel , Matusse Efigénio , Osborne Jo , Wursten Bart , Burrows John , Cianciullo Silvio , Malatesta Luca , Attorre Fabio
Published: January 2022

An updated checklist of Mozambique’s vascular plants is presented. It was compiled referring to several information sources such as existing literature, relevant online databases and herbaria collections. The checklist includes 7,099 taxa (5,957 species, 605 subspecies, 537 varieties), belonging to 226 families and 1,746 genera. There are 6,804 angiosperms, 257 pteridophytes, and 38 gymnosperms. A total of 6,171 taxa are native to Mozambique, while 602 are introduced and the remaining 326 taxa were considered as uncertain status. The endemism level for Mozambique’s flora was assessed at 9.59%, including 278 strict-endemic taxa and 403 near-endemic. 58.2% of taxa are herbaceous, while shrubs and trees account respectively for 26.5% and 9.2% of the taxa. The checklist also includes ferns (3.6%), lianas (1.7%), subshrubs (0.5%) and cycads (0.3%). Fabaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae are the three most represented families, with 891, 543 and 428 taxa, respectively. The extinction risk of 1,667 taxa is included, with 158 taxa listed as Vulnerable, 119 as Endangered and as 24 Critically Endangered. The geographical distribution, known vernacular names and plants traditional uses are also recorded.
The macroevolutionary and developmental evolution of the turtle carapacial scutes
Authors: Ascarrunz Eduardo , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: January 2022

The scutes of the carapace of extant turtles exhibit common elements in a narrow range of topographical arrangements. The typical arrangement has remained constant since its origin in the clade Mesochelydia (Early Jurassic), after a period of apparent greater diversity in the Triassic. This contribution is a review of the development and evolutionary history of the scute patterns of the carapace, seen through the lens of recent developmental models. This yields insights on pattern variations in the fossil record. We reinterpret the “supracaudal” scute and propose thatProganochelyshad five vertebral scutes. We discuss the relationship between supramarginal scutes and Turing processes, and we show how a simple change during embryogenesis could account for origin of the configuration of the caudal region of the carapace in mesochelydians. We also discuss the nature of the decrease in number of scutes over the course of evolution, and whether macroevolutionary trends can be discerned. We argue that turtles with complete loss of scutes (e.g., softshells) follow clade-specific macroevolutionary regimes, which are distinct from the majority of other turtles. Finally, we draw a parallel between the variation of scute patterns on the carapace of turtles and the scale patterns in the pileus region (roof of the head) of squamates. The size and numbers of scales in the pileus region can evolve over a wide range, but we recognized tentative evidence of convergence towards a typical configuration when the scales become larger and fewer. Thus, typical patterns could be a more general property of similar systems of integumentary appendages.
La start-up comme nouvel esprit de l’action publique ?
Authors: Célérier Laure , Arfaoui Mehdi
Published: January 2022

Cet article explore les transformations de l’action publique par la start-up. Il conceptualise un esprit de la start-up entendu au sens wébérien, et en souligne les effets transformateurs. L’analyse de quatre enquêtes de terrain fait ressortir des formes plurielles de « startupisation **  » de l’action publique – c’est-à-dire des transformations variées de l’action publique par la start-up – dont les traits partagés signalent un déplacement commun de l’action publique. Cette analyse met de plus en évidence un encastrement de la start-up dans la bureaucratie, de sorte que la start-up contribue essentiellement à un renouvellement, plutôt qu’à une subversion, de la conduite bureaucratisée de l’action publique.
La fondation de France et les soins palliatifs
Authors: Benamouzig Daniel , Bergeron Henri , Segret Aurélie
Published: January 2022

Cette recherche porte sur le rôle de la Fondation de France (FDF) dans le développement des soins palliatifs en France. Alors que l’histoire des soins palliatifs en France a fait l’objet d’importants travaux depuis une vingtaine d’années, le rôle de la FDF semble être passé inaperçu. Or, elle a développé de nombreuses activités dans ce domaine, à travers le financement de projets qui concourent à la formation d’un champ organisationnel. Réalisée à partir d’entretiens et d’une consultation des archives du programme de la FDF consacré aux soins palliatifs, cette recherche montre comment ces interventions ont contribué à l’élaboration d’une politique publique en faveur des soins palliatifs. Initialement, la FDF se rapproche des promoteurs des soins palliatifs, avec lesquels elle entretient des liens d’ affinités tout en leur apportant une légitimité. Ensuite, la FDF facilite l’institutionnalisation des soins palliatifs en jouant un rôle de catalyseur auprès des acteurs favorables à son développement, y compris au sein de l’État. Enfin, la FDF établit une médiation inter-temporelle en maintenant l’attention sur cette thématique et en se faisant le courtier de ces initiatives d’une période à l’autre. La triple référence aux notions d’ affinités , de catalyse et de médiateur inter-temporel caractérise un mode d’intervention discret et indirect, qui s’est avéré efficace : il a permis la construction d’un champ organisationnel nouveau et légitime, que l’État fut bientôt en mesure de soutenir.
Design territorial, représentations spatiales et participation citoyenne : revue de cas et analyse d’outils
Authors: Jolivet-Duval Marion , Safin Stéphane , Huron Samuel
Published: January 2022

Le design territorial est un champ de pratiques récent dont la définition n’est aujourd’hui qu’esquissée. Son apparition va de pair avec l’évolution du rôle et des formes des représentations territoriales qui, depuis une vingtaine d’années, favorisent la participation citoyenne dans toute sa palette. Bien que des recherches approfondies aient été menées sur les outils et les méthodes de design participatif, il manque encore une taxonomie portant sur l’usage des techniques de représentation spatiale dans le champ spécifique du design territorial. Notre recherche prolonge et enrichit donc les travaux existants. Un premier temps a été consacré à la collecte et à la classification de 28 cas d’étude à partir de deux critères établis initialement et de catégories descriptives constituées progressivement. Un second temps a consisté à élaborer des visualisations nous permettant d’identifier des opportunités de développement telles que la recherche d’outils favorisant la génération d’idées, l’autonomie des participants ou l’usage décentralisé.
The Boltzmann-Grad limit for the Lorentz gas with a Poisson distribution of obstacles
Authors: Golse François
Published: January 2022

In this note, we propose a slightly different proof of Gallavotti's theorem ["Statistical Mechanics: A Short Treatise", Springer, 1999, pp. 48-55] on the derivation of the linear Boltzmann equation for the Lorentz gas with a Poisson distribution of obstacles in the Boltzmann-Grad limit.
Investigating the Usability of Universities’ Websites: Upgrading Visualization Preference and System Performance
Authors: Shiau Gee Lilian Lee , Dasan Jakaria , Che Hassan Che Hasaruddin
Published: January 2022

The usefulness of a web site is based on the prospect of a satisfactory website user.  In improving the usefulness of a university’s website, it is essential to present precise data and disseminate prompt information to students. This paper was conducted to analyse and recommend a better process for the information display (content and work processes) of university websites development. Questionnaires were distributed and feedbacks were received from 350 respondents. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the process of (content and processes) of the university websites based on five main aspects: i) Content and Organization Structure, ii) Linkages and Navigation, iii) Language, iv) Education Content and v) Option and Performance. Analysis showed that the percentage of question items has a positive tendency in perception regarding improvements need to enhance the intensity of the university website portal, especially in terms of links, content organization and live help desk requirements that can directly provide an easier means of that can providing information and accelerating up the operation of receiving data. In summary, this study also outlines the proposal for academic websites display to increase the serviceability of the site to users.
Enhancing HOTS using Problem-Based Learning and Digital Game in the Context of Malaysian Primary School
Authors: Chuang Tong Liew , Rosli Mohd Shafie , Saleh Nor Shela
Published: January 2022

Learning in the 21st century emphasize on development of higher order thinking skills such as problem-solving skills with substantial highlight was given toward student-centred approach. Digital game and problem-solving activities are an ideal combination of student-centred approach which facilitate active participation for students to practice and develop their thinking skills. This study was conducted to investigate the effect and the process of using digital game and problem-based learning skills to enhance higher order thinking skills in primary school student in the context of Malaysia. A preliminary study was conducted to 50 samples to collect data about their current higher order thinking skills level. The result shows samples are good in identify problem and solution, but weak in decision making and reasoning. To study the effect of digital game and problem-based learning combined in enhancing higher order thinking skills, a pre-test and post-test was conducted to 35 samples before and after three sessions of digital game problem-based learning section. After running a paired sample t test upon the pre-test and post-test, the result show that the combination of digital game and problem-based learning have significant effect in enhancing higher order thinking skills. To understand samples’ learning process, reflection journal was used after each learning section and an interview was conducted following the post-test. The data gathered indicate samples do enjoy learning with digital games and problem-based learning, and they agreed the approaches help them to learn better. However, they expected for more exciting games and group activities in the future. This study opens a gateway for developing student-centred and fun learning approach that beneficial toward student’s higher order thinking skills.
Career Re-Invention Through Entrepreneurial Mindset and Entrepreneurial Orientation in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Raimi Lukman , Kah Jainaba M. L.
Published: January 2022

The chapter explicates how career reinvention is leveraged for saving jobs and ensuring business continuity in readiness for the post-pandemic era. The employees exploited entrepreneurial mindset (EM) as a resilience strategy to save current jobs and create new jobs, while employers adopted the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) to keep their businesses afloat and meet their bottom-line. In the 20 multiple cases reviewed, some of the EM characteristics that employees manifested include determination, drive to achieve, opportunity orientation, persistent problem-solving, internal locus of control, tolerance for ambiguity, calculated risk-taking, high energy level, innovativeness, vision, passion, and team building. Comparatively, the EO dimensions that employees utilised include innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy. The chapter enriches the EM and EO concepts by explicating both as career re-invention strategies for saving existing jobs, creating new jobs, and ensuring business continuity in the post-pandemic era.
Innovations in Participatory Democracy
Authors: Garcia Maria Jesus Garcia
Published: January 2022

The increase in the democratic participation of citizens has been a constant throughout the evolution of the European Union which has run in parallel with its progressive increase in competences as the states have ceded sovereignty in areas increasingly distant from those that justified the creation of the European Communities in the middle of the last century. The gradual expansion of the community cosmos has made more evident the distance between the citizens, around whom the European Union orbits, and the institutions with the capacity to decide, which has accentuated the perception of the deficit of democratic legitimacy that has been attributed since its inception to this supranational organization. To remedy this, the European Union has resorted to democratic participation, first through the mechanisms of representative democracy and the direct election of members of Parliament by the citizens and then by articulating integrated collaboration mechanisms in the field of so-called participatory democracy.
Sociology of the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Sekiwu Denis , Ocan Johnson
Published: January 2022

Much of the research on COVID-19 is gleaned on epidemiological, virological, and medical outcomes of the global pandemic. In education, research focus is skewed towards how school closure affected the psychological disposition of learners, ignoring debate on COVID-19 effects on teachers' social and economic wellbeing. Mandatory school closure influenced private school owners to halt teachers' payment on the pretext that schools had no revenue. In sociological and motivational theory, such a lag in earning is certainly linked to potential decline in the teacher's social and economic wellbeing and henceforth a huge demotivator for this group. Critical analysis of private school teachers' social and economic wellbeing during COVID-19 and the coping mechanisms are, therefore, the subject of this chapter.
Physiochemical Properties of Biofilm from Dioscorea hispida Starch Blended with Glycerol Extracted from Recycling Cooking
Authors: Adila Aminuddin , Aimi Abdul Hamid Zubaidah , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Fatimah Mhd. Ramle Sitti
Published: January 2022

Glycerol is a by-product produced from biodiesel production through the transesterification process. The excessive amount of glycerol generated during this process may become an environmental problem since it cannot be disposed on the environment. One of the possible applications is its use in biofilm production as a plasticizer. This research aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of biofilm produced from Dioscorea hispida (Ubi Gadong) starch with a different formulation of glycerol extracted from recycling cooking oil. Dioscorea hispida starch has shown great potential as a major component in bioplastic production due to its faster degradation rate, while glycerol acted as a plasticizer. The contact angle, water absorption, water content, and degradation rate of biofilm were also studied. Biofilm with the highest ratio of glycerol content showed the highest water absorption, which achieved 75.75%, and the biodegradable rate of biofilm was 97.99% on day 3. The lowest glycerol content in biofilm showed the lowest contact angle and completely biodegradation after five days buried in the soil.
Preparation of Porous Porcelain with Treated Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Sludges the Foaming Agent
Authors: Alias Suffi Irni , Johar Banjuraizah , Adam Syed Nuzul Fadzli , Taib Mustaffa Ali Azhar , Othman Fatin Fatini , Yahya Hamdan
Published: January 2022

The potential of treated FGD sludge as foaming agent in ceramic porcelain were studied. The effect of treated FGD sludge content on phase composition, porosity and mechanical strength of porous ceramic were investigated. The result showed that the addition of treated FGD sludge improve the porosity. However, the increased porosity significantly reduced the flexural strength in sample after sintering at 1200°C for 3 hours. The porous of ceramic porcelain produced in this study can be used for insulation in high temperature application.
Study on Composition of Rice Husk Silica Reinforcement to Hardness and Microstructure of Recycling Milled AA7075
Authors: Joharudin Nurul Farahin Mohd , Latif Noradila Abdul , Mustapa Mohammad Sukri , Hassan Nur Zaha , Supawi Aiman
Published: January 2022

Metal matrix composites based on aluminium reinforced natural waste are a well-known material industry application because they can reduce environmental pollution. This paper presents the hardness and microstructure analysis of recycling milled aluminium (AA7075) at various composition of rice husk silica. Recycling milled AA7075 reinforced with rice husk burned at 1000°C at various composition i.e., 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 wt.%, were investigated. Metal matrix composites samples were prepared by cold compaction method due to the lower energies consumption and operating cost compared to conventional recycling by casting. The results reveals that the hardness of metal matrix composites samples increased at increasing of rice husk silica up to 5 wt.%. The addition of rice husk silica increased the irregularities of pore shape and it resulted in higher porosity and random pore shapes compared to unreinforced metal matrix composites samples. Based on investigation of metal matrix composites samples, rice husk silica has good potential to improve the material behavior with appropriate composition of rice husk silica to metal matrix composite.
Utilization of Empty Fruit Bunch Derived Vapor for Carbon Deposition within Iron Ores
Authors: Marzuki Hasan , Rozhan Alya Naili , Purwanto Hadi
Published: January 2022

Metallurgical coke is the main source of fuel and reducing agent for iron and steel industry. Empty fruit bunch (EFB) biomass which is abundantly available in Malaysia could be utilized as a source of energy as well as reducing agent in iron making process. This research presents carbon infiltration within low-grade iron ore via chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) method from EFB pyrolysis vapor. Low-grade iron ore was first heated to remove the combined water (CW) that consequently created pore network within the iron ore. These pores would act as sites for carbon infiltration in the iron ore. The EFB treatment on iron ore has been carried out at different temperatures and the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the carbon infiltration has been investigated. The Brunauer−Emmet−Teller (BET) and Barrett−Joyner−Halenda (BJH) methods have been performed to analyze pore surface and pore volumes of the iron ore. Pore surface and pore volume decreased as the temperature increased indicated that more carbon has been deposited. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, it was shown that the low-grade iron ore has been transformed into iron (Fe). The infiltrated carbon from the EFB pyrolysis vapor in the pore surface iron ore is proven to be able to be utilized as source of energy and reducing agent to partially replace metallurgical coke in the blast furnace in order to reduce emission of harmful gas.
Fabrication and Characterization of Alginate/Iron (III) Oxide Beads and Biofilm for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zakhi Wan Ahmad Mustaqim Ahmad , Idris Maizlinda Izwana
Published: January 2022

This research study focused on the fabrication and characterization of sodium alginate incorporated with iron (III) oxide in the form of beads and biofilm for biomedical application. The fabrication of the samples was carried out by using solution casting method and syringe pump extrusion technique. Beads and biofilm of sodium alginate incorporated with iron oxide were characterized by several characterization testing such as XRD, FTIR and contact angle measurement. From the XRD testing shows the diffraction peak that confirmed the cubic structure of Maghemite. Then, FTIR analysis shows the presence of several intermolecular and intramolecular bond stretching of sodium alginate. Lastly, contact angle measurement exhibits that alginate incorporated with iron oxide has hydrophilic behavior due to the contact angle less than 90Also, it was found that as the contact angle reduced as the weight of iron oxide increased.
Effect of Stirring Speed on the Formation and Characteristic of Alginate Microspheres via Gelation/ Emulsification Method
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Uyen , Hamid Zuratul Ain Abdul , Ahmad Nurazreena
Published: January 2022

Alginate microspheres are used for controlled drug delivery system; however, the formation and size control of alginate microspheres is necessary for these systems to be effective. Therefore, the influence of stirring speed on the characteristic of alginate microspheres (AMs) via emulsification/gelation method was evaluated. Alginate solution was emulsified into liquid paraffin oil to form water in oil emulsion and followed by cross-linked with Ca2+ ions. The shape and surface characteristics of AMs were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Morphological observation shows that at lower stirring speed, the alginate particles were irregularly shaped with a rough surface. Whereas, increasing stirring speed resulted in spherical microspheres with smoother surface. Particle size analysis by laser diffraction method showed a decreased in mean particle size and more homogeneous distribution as the stirring speed increased. The mean particle size of AMs was found to be in the range of 28.5-69.6 μm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis shows that there was no shifting in peak positions in the transmittance spectrum of AMs. This study suggested that the formation of AMs can be synthesis via emulsification/gelation method and the size of the AMs can be tailor by varying the stirring speed.
Corrosion Behavior of Antimony (Sb) Modified Galfan (Zn-Al) Coated Steel
Authors: Ikhliluddin Mohd Izdiyad , Mohamad Maziha , Mat Yajid Muhammad Azizi , Abu Bakar Engku Mohammad Nazim Engku , Wan Ali Wan Fahmin Faiz
Published: January 2022

High corrosion resistance of Zn-Al-Mg (ZAM) alloy is widely used in steel wire rope protection. This alloy, however, due to Mg reactivity, easily induced dross formation containing MgZn2 and Mg2Zn11 which reduced the coating integrity. Thus, in this work, Mg is replaced with various wt.% Sb (ZAS) coated on steel surface will via hot-dip process at the eutectic environment. The thickness of the intermetallic layer and coating thickness were observed using an optical microscope and SEM. It was found that 0.3 wt.% Sb improved the corrosion performance 45.5% (0.00267 mmpy) than ZAM coated steel (0.00490 mmpy) under accelerated corrosive medium of 3.5% NaCl.
TiO2 Photoelectrode Band Gap Modification Using Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) for Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Sharif Noor Fadzilah Mohamed , Shafie Suhaidi , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin , Md Din Muhamad Faiz , Yusuf Yusnita , Shaban S.
Published: January 2022

In this study, a CQDs at different concentration is used to modify the TiO2 photoelectrode band gap which can improve light absorption of DSSC. The photoelectrode is immersed in different CQDs concentration at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg/ml to study the effect on TiO2. It was found that photoelectrode with 7.5 mg/ml CQDs was successfully narrowing the TiO2 band gap and generated the highest photocurrent and power conversion efficiency at 17.06 mA/cm2 and 7.23% respectively, compared to pristine TiO2 (PT) at 10.94 mA/cm2 and 4.63% . The band gap narrowing mechanism for CQDs- TiO2 is obtained from the Tauc’s plot method using absorption spectra. The result shows a pristine TiO2 photoelectrode (PT) band gap is 3.38 eV, upon existing of CQDs, the band gap of all photoelectrodes with CQDs at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 were reduced to 3.30 eV, 3.28 eV, 3.09 eV, and 3.29 eV respectively. PG 7.5 cell with lowest band gap at 3.09 eV generates effective electron transport from N719 dye to CQDs/ TiO2 layer compared to other photoelectrodes. The band gap narrowing effect is attributed from chemical bonds of Ti-O-C molecules between CQDs/TiO2. Thus, extra energy states are introduced between CQDs and TiO2. The location of these energy will present a quantum confinement effect which narrow the CQDs-TiO2 band gap which extend the light absorption to visible region.
Mechanical Enhancement of Composite Bricks Using Kenaf and Oil Palm Cellulose Nanofibrils
Authors: Shari Nur Atiqah Syahirah , Mocktar Nurfarah Aini , Mohamed Noor An'amt , Mohd Zahri Abdul Aziz , Arifullah Mohammed , Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar Abdul
Published: January 2022

The application of nanocellulose has been adapted as fillers in composite bricks. Raw kenaf and oil palm empty fruit bunch were treated through chemical treatment and high intensity ultrasonication process to produce cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). One control brick without CNF and ten CNF composite bricks were fabricated. The composite bricks used different amount of CNF which were 40 - 200 ml mixed with filtered sand, portland cement and pebbles. Physical and mechanical characterization was done by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and universal testing machine (UTM) on CNF and composite bricks. FESEM showed the fibril diameter were ranges from 30 - 80 nm for kenaf and 20 - 60 nm for oil palm. The compression tests showed that control brick, 40 ml kenaf CNF composite brick and 40 ml oil palm CNF composite brick were cracked at force 39.01 kN, 50.46 kN and 42.16 kN respectively. Kenaf CNF composite brick has the highest value of Young’s Modulus which is 28.92 N/mm2, followed by oil palm CNF composite brick with 27.8 N/mm2 and control brick (Malaysia Standard) with 25.8 N/mm2. Kenaf and oil palm CNF can increase the strength of the bricks because of enhancement in their mechanical properties.
Effect of Ferrite as Filler in Sugarcane Bagasse Paper via Irradiation Method
Authors: Azmi Annur Azlin , OTHMAN SITI AMIRA
Published: January 2022

Deforestation issues increased dramatically every year specially to produce paper. Therefore, to supplement the limited wood fibre resources, non-wood fibres especially sugarcane bagasse introduced an alternatives resolve for raw material is considered in paper-based industries. This study addresses the analysis of magnetic sugarcane bagasse materials as substitute fibres in papermaking. Paper is generally made with cellulose fibre which has some specific features used for educational, packaging, and cleaning purposes. Sugarcane bagasse (Saccarhumofficinarum) is popular for its cellulose, holocellulose, and lignin that far more convenient than wood fibres. Meanwhile, the demands of magnetic material in magnetic papermaking industry has increased due to its excellent mechanical characteristics. As the magnetic paper shows some superiority in properties such as renewable use and folding resistance. The used of filler in this study is to alter the properties such as texture, opacity, brightness, dimensional stability, and overall printability. Thus, the used of ferrite (Fe) magnet as a filler can enhance the paper properties. Ferrite is recognized as a hard-magnetic material with distinct properties such as good mechanical hardness and chemical stability, therefore it is a much more convenient material for magnetic paper production. Through the observation under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), the image obtained shows that magnetics sugarcane bagasse paper was more convenient to be used as an alternative for paper making. Next, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) recognizes the presence of a functional group of the magnetics sugarcane bagasse paper. Moreover, the chemical properties obtained from this study show that the magnetics sugarcane bagasse was as good as the commercial paper available in the industries. To increase the integrity of the paper, the radiation process by using gamma-ray was done to the paper to see the different for pre and post radiation.
Crystallinity of Nanocellulose and its Application in Polymer Composites: A Short Review
Authors: Rejab Nik Akmar , Akindayo John Olabode , Jaafar Mariatti
Published: January 2022

There are various different types of nanocellulose such as nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), nanocrystal cellulose (NCC), and nanocrystal sphere (NCS). Each nanocellulose contains ordered nanocrystallites and low-ordered nano domains (amorphous). Nanocellulose can be used in several different applications such as coating for a wearable sensor device, film for supercapacitors, flexible fire-resistant foams for architecture, manufactory, and aerospace. All of these were made, following some chemical and mechanical processes. Some nanocellulose has a highly crystalline structure that has the potential to improve mechanical properties for industrial applications. Therefore, the present review compiles the most recent information on nanocellulose crystallinity influence on the polymer composites. In this review, the crystallinity of nanocellulose from different sources is discussed. The preparation of several nanocrystals cellulose via chemical treatment, particularly cellulose hydrolysis are described. It can be concluded that , the cellulose crystalline structure as filler or reinforce was responsible for the improvement of polymer matrix properties.
Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Graphene Decorated with ZnO Hollow Spheres for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Abdullah Abqari Luthfi Albert , Radiman Shahidan , Hamid Muhammad Azmi Abdul , Hanappi Mohamad Faizal Yusman Mohd
Published: January 2022

Single-layer graphene-ZnO hollow sphere (SLG-ZnO(HS)) composites were successfully prepared through facile one-step solvothermal synthesis route. The morphological structures of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hollow spheres consisting of ZnO nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 30 nm are decorated to both sides of the SLG sheets. The electrochemical performances were tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance (EIS). The SLG-ZnO(HS) composite electrode synthesized at a concentration of 0.25 mM Zn precursor exhibited an enhanced specific capacitance of 34.7 F/g at a scan rate of 1 mV/s with energy and power densities of 5.39 W h/kg and 1.73 kW/kg, respectively.
Study of Different Composition of Gypsum as Retarder in Ordinary Portland Cement
Authors: Khairuddin Nur Afifah Mohd , Ja'afar Fathin Elliana , Ahmad Sukhairi , Ismail Khairul Nizar
Published: January 2022

Mortar is another construction medium made of cement, which is mixed with sands and water, and lime is applied to increase the product's longevity. The gypsum renders workability to make mortar or concrete by keeping the cement in plastic state at early age of hydration. The gypsum is called the retarding agent of cement because the gypsum which is mainly used for regulating the setting time of cement. To get the optimal setting time for optimum compressive strength, gypsum in the cement needs to be control. Cement setting time when it hydrates and renders cement paste when combined with water. The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of different amount in Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Vicat apparatus was used to analyze the initial setting time of cement paste. Gypsum and clinker were used in production of mortar with the size 50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm. This research deals with observation of the cement setting time to point out some differences that would effect to strength of mortar. The results reveal that control gypsum with 4% of gypsum has the highest strength as compared to 0% of gypsum and 8% of gypsum. The setting time of cement paste are discussed with respect to their influence on the strength of mortar.
Effects of Sulphuric Acid and Speed Rotation on Hydrolysis of Bamboo Sawdust
Authors: Zahir Norfazira Md. , Abdullah Muhammad Khalil , Jabit Nurul  Ain , Ismail Suhaina
Published: January 2022

Bamboo saw dust (BSD) as reducing agent in low-grade manganese ore leaching is used, and therefore the performance of cellulose hydrolysis will affect the percent recovery of Mn ore. This work is studies the effect of sulphuric acid and speed rotation on hydrolysis of BSD. The crytallinity of BSD were investigated. The parameters considered in this work are sulphuric acid concentration and the speed rotation by using 23 +3 factorial design. The significant factor, main and interaction effect were investigated based on Analysis of Variance obtained from statistical software. It shows that the sulphuric acid concentration is the main factors that affects the percentercent crystallinity compared to rotation speed. It is proved by the DOE analysis and supported by the crystallinity analysis of BSD before and after hydrolysis process. The optimum condition that can be suggested to obtain low percent crystallinity are when the sulphuric acid concentration and speed rotation at 4M and 400 rpm respectively. This indicates that reducing agent can be obtained from BSD in mild condition of hydrolysis due to decrement of cellulose crystallinity
Malaysia’s Rare Earth Element Story: Characterizing the "Amang"
Authors: Natasya Zamri Ain , Abdullah Norazharuddin Shah
Published: January 2022

Amang is known as a waste product after extraction of tin oxide (cassiterite, SnO2) from its ore. Not long ago, in Malaysia, these tin ore tailings were left in abundance after long years of mining activities. Little had it been realized then, of the importance and future economics of the heavy minerals present in these tailing ‘deposits’ may offer. It is known that the heavy minerals from amang contained rare earth elements that are beneficial in various applications in different types of industries, such as monazite ([Ce, La, Nd, Gd, Th] PO4), zircon (ZrSiO4), ilmenite (FeOTiO2), xenotime (YPO4) and struverite (NbTaTiO2). This paper looks briefly in Malaysia’s REE story and the contents of amang, that makes the story. Amang samples from Kinta Valley were chosen to be characterized, being reminiscent of the country’s REE exploits. Mineral characterization were achieved via various equipment and techniques; this includes utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, to determine (amongst others) surface morphology and morphological element/mineral identification, chemical element identification and mineral phases present, respectively. Mineralogical studies were also done by scrutinizing polished sections, interpreted under the reflected-light microscope and SEM/EDX, providing more insight into the mineral distribution in the amang and the possibility of liberation. All analyses were done at different size fractions for good comparison with possible indication of ample physical processing, before any proposed chemical processing can take place. Results showed that the chemical and phase constituents in amang were conclusively identified, with the complex distribution of mineral phases reaching 80% liberation at sizes below 125 μm.
Coal Power Plant Fly Ash Characterization Assessment for Geopolymerization Process
Authors: Khairuddin Nurul Wahida Ahmad , Zahari Ahmad Khairulikram , Phillip Esther , Sujan Muhammad Fathi
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the physical and chemical properties of fly ash obtained from two coal power plants; the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Power Plant in Kapar, Selangor and Sultan Azlan Shah Power Plant in Manjung, Perak. Moisture and radionuclide contents, and chemical composition in the fly ash were characterized. It was found that moisture content for Kapar and Manjung fly ash were at 0.41% and 0.11%, respectively. XRF result showed that Kapar fly ash sample is of class C due to the total percentage of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 being less than 70% while Manjung fly ash sample is of class F due to the total percentage of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 of more than 70%. Gamma spectrometry analysis indicated presence of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the samples. These data can be used to establish a technical standpoint in supporting the development of radioactive waste immobilization technology using geopolymer material. This study is expected to benefit the nuclear fuel cycle specifically in conditioning of low-level radioactive waste produced in nuclear power plants.
Influence of Gamma-Irradiation on Swelling Percentage, Flammability Resistance and Morphological Analysis of EPDM/Sepiolite Composites
Authors: Zaini Nurul Aizan Mohd , Hanafi Ismail , Rusli Arjulizan , Sofian Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

Gamma irradiation is a particularly effective method for inducing crosslinking, which leads to improved composite characteristics. The effects of gamma irradiation on swelling percentage, flammability and morphological analysis were investigated. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber composites were prepared with various amounts from 10-60 phr (part per hundred part of rubber) of the sepiolite particles using a two-roll mill machine. The composites were subjected to 50 kGy of gamma irradiation and compared with unirradiated composites. The results demonstrate a reduced in swelling percentage at all sepiolite loadings. The crosslinks of rubber chains into sepiolite/EPDM composites generated by gamma rays resulted in improvements in the swelling resistance. The irradiation composites, however showed lower flammability resistance to the non-irradiated composites.
Tectona grandis: Examine an Ultrastructure on Cultivated Teakwood due to the Scanning Electron Microscopy Enhanced by Heat Treatment
Authors: Sulaiman Mohamad Saiful , Wahab Razak , Mokhtar N. , Edin T. , Razali S.M.
Published: January 2022

Cultivated timber species that focus on fast-growing are slowly being utilized as an alternative source of materials by the timber industry worldwide. Most of them are cultivated as mono-species and, upon harvesting, possess lower properties than those harvested from the forest. To utilize them for a longer service span requires preservatives or some other treatment. The environmentally friendly heat treatment process can improve the wood properties by improving their durability against insects and fungi attacks. Each species requires optimum temperature and treatment duration without affecting its properties. Applying the heat treatment at extreme temperatures and duration can reduce the strength properties. This paper investigated the ultrastructure of heat-treated cultivated 10- and 15-years-old Tectona grandis after a three-month grave ground contact test. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used in the investigation. The correlations were drawn between the treated and untreated teak before and after three-month periods. The inspections concentrate essentially on the cell structure changes due to the heat treatment process. No significant difference was observed between the two age groups. However, heat-treated samples at extreme temperatures experience elongated and collapsed vessels, deformed fibers, and decreased microfibrils in the cell walls of fibers. The study intimates that heat treatment alters the cell structure of cell walls in teak wood and increases the durability of the wood in the long term.
Box Behnken Design to Optimize Parameter for Vapor Grafting of Cinnamaldehyde Essential Oil onto Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Hilmi Farah Fadzehah , Wahit Mat Uzir , Ghazali Zulkafli , Shukri Nor Azwin , Ibrahim Siti Nurul Syafika Sheikh
Published: January 2022

This paper discuss the use of Box Behnken design (BBD) to optimize parameters used in conducting experiment for radiation induced grafting (RIG) experiment of graft cinnamaldehyde (antimicrobial agent) to polyvinyl alcohol/sago starch (PVA/SS) film in order to develop antimicrobial film for food packaging. BBD is having the maximum efficiency with objective to have maximum value of grafting yield (GY). This experiment involving three parameters which is absorbed dose (kGy), temperature (°C), and reaction time (min), all in three levels. The proposed BBD requires 15 runs of experiment for data acquisition and modeling the response surface. Three regression models were developed, and their adequacies were verified to predict the output values at nearly all conditions. This work resulted in identifying the optimized set parameters values for RIG experiment, which is absorbed dose at 102.67 kGy, reaction time at 51.67 minutes and reaction temperature 44.68°C in order to achieve maximum value of grafting yield at 20.79%. Afterwards, the models were validated by performing actual experiments, taking three sets of random input values. The output parameters (actual value) measured through experiments are in good consistency with the predicted values, where the actual value of GY is 18.7% as compared to predicted value of GY of 20.79%. The deviation value 2.09% prove success of developed model in predicting grafting yield in RIG using limited number of experiments.
Influence of Modified Chemical Compositions on Palm Oil Fuel Ash to the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Porcelain
Authors: Durumin-Iya Sani Garba , Noh Mohamad Zaky , Adamu Maryam Sanusi
Published: January 2022

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is produced and disposed of by the palm oil industries as waste after burning palm fiber, husk, kernel, and shell as fuel to general electricity in-house. The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of modified chemical compositions on POFA on the physico-mechanical properties of porcelain. POFA was washed with 1, 2, and 3 Molar of HCl acid and heat treated. The powder was partially replaced with quartz at 15 wt.% and mixed in a ball mill machine for 12 hours. Modified POFA (admixture of CaO, Al2O3, MgO, P2O5, SiO2, and Fe2O3) was added to the porcelain composition at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% to measure its influence on physico-mechanical properties of porcelain. The mixture was homogeneously mixed and dry pressed into a pellet at mould pressure 91 MPa and sintered at 1150 °C for 2 hours soaking time. The result of this research shows that these chemical compounds influenced physico-mechanical properties of porcelain, the optimum bulk density, compressive strength, and Vickers micro hardness values were obtained by the addition of modified POFA (admixture of CaO, Al2O3, MgO, P2O5, SiO2, and Fe2O3).
Densification of Zirconia Toughened Alumina Added CeO2 Ceramics via Hot Isostatic Press Sintering Technique
Authors: Su Nurul Khairunnisa , Rejab Nik Akmar , Ahmad Zainal Arifin , Abdullah Norazharuddin Shah
Published: January 2022

The aim of this research is to investigate the combined effects of CeO2 additions and hot-isostatic pressing sintering (HIPping) technique on the densification of ZTA ceramics. Addition of CeO2 to ZTA ceramics leads to formation of a secondary phase (CeAl11O18) which played a vital role in affecting the density and porosity. Microstructure investigations showed that HIPping had a significant role in the removal of pores. The sample with 5 wt.% of CeO2 addition showed the optimum value. The highest bulk density is 4.46 g/cm3 and the lowest percentage of porosity is 0.35%.