bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of innovation sector development: the linear and non-linear models of innovative economy building development
Authors: Karlova M , Fomina T
Published: September 2020

The author discusses the problems of the efficiency of innovation sector development: the linear and non-linear models of innovative economy building development. Currently, an active economy transition to a new technological mode and mainstreaming of innovation as a key factor in economic development are taking place all over the world. The Russian Federation is no exception. The undergoing investment policy should be aimed at ensuring the conditions that promote increasing in the rate and efficiency of innovation sector development. Today, the influence of factors determining the conditions for innovative development of the Russian economy, in general, and its regions in particular, is ambiguous. The purpose of this paper is to give a correlation and regression analysis for assessment of factors that impact the innovative activity of the state. Based on the analysis of trends in implementation of the Russian innovation activities over a period of 2000–2018, the paper specifies their strong and weak aspects. In virtue of the correlation and regression analysis, the internal structure of innovative activity was studied and the components were identified, the improvement of which will significantly increase the overall innovation index and transfer the country to the higher positions in the world ranking. It is noted that, in addition to a developed national structure of innovation activity, the fundamental research is required in combination with an effective education system. The dynamics of investments and staff number involved in the field of innovation is traced, the linear and non-linear models are constructed and practical recommendations are formulated. The revealed relations indicate the efficiency of using government expenditures for innovative and scientific development. The directions of increasing the efficiency of innovative economy development are specified.
Comparison and analysis of the main building materials’ characteristics for construction
Authors: Rodionov A S , Danilina M V , Pimenov N A , Romanchenko L N , Yarkin V V
Published: September 2020

The choice of material for the walls of the house is an important issue during construction. Walls take up a quarter of all the costs of building a house. If you carelessly take this choice, you can incur serious expenses in the future. When choosing materials for building a house, you need to measure your capabilities with a number of conditions and factors: functional load and purpose (summer house, housing for temporary or permanent residence); the climate of the area where the construction of the house is planned; project scope and number of storeys; the type of future exterior decoration of the facades; the presence and possibility of delivery of building materials to the facility; own budget. The article presents detailed comparative analysis of the most popular building materials (bricks, ceramoblocks, aerated concrete blocks, rounded bar, glued profiled beam, wooden frame, sandwich panels, wood). Each of them has its own advantages and has characteristics that may seem to someone as disadvantages.
Averaging the operating stripping ratio for sinking mining systems based on mathematical simulation
Authors: Loginov E , Ligotsky D , Argimbaev K
Published: September 2020

The article contains the research results for a rational mining mode, definitions, and averaging of the operating stripping ratio. When determining the mining mode using open-pit hydraulic excavators, the problem appears with averaging the operating stripping ratio. Averaging is usually achieved by changing the pit wall angle at the expense of the respective change in the bench width. Minimum bench width serves as a limiting factor if working benches have to be reduced during the open pit mining. Continuous mining operations in an open pit require calculation and averaging the operational stripping ratio. There is a classical approach to calculate the average operational stripping ratio, but this method is graphical and has some errors. Therefore, a mathematical simulation was carried out based on integral calculus to obtain more precise values.
Mathematical modeling of electrothermal processes using the example of high-frequency welding of a batch of symmetric polymer workpieces
Authors: Butorin D V , Filippenko N G , Bakanin D V , Bychkovsky V S , Larchenko A G , Livshits A V
Published: September 2020

The article substantiates the necessity and practical relevance of the mathematical modeling of processes of the high-frequency electrothermy of polymers. A mathematical model of high-frequency welding of polymeric and composite products has been developed. A mathematical model of high-frequency welding of a batch of polymeric and composite products has been developed, which is a system of differential equations of unsteady-state heat conduction with internal heat sources, which allows studying the heat distribution in the entire volume of the processed product of any geometric shape. The paper presents the testing results for the developed mathematical model at high-frequency welding of a batch of polymer parts. This made it possible to identify the effect of a non-insulated electrode heating up during sequential processing of a batch of parts on the position of the coordinate of the maximum heating point and to develop a technique for its search and maintenance of the required position. This, in turn, is necessary for organizing control of the high-frequency processing operation.
Fire and explosion measures for tanks protection selection algorithm based on quantitative assessment of big breathing
Authors: Elizaryev A , Tarakanov D , Mikhailova V , Tarakanov D , Epimakhov N , Elizareva E , Nasyrova E
Published: September 2020

Research objective: Scientific substantiation and development of an algorithm for selecting reservoir fire protection measures based on the big breathing (filling loss) quantitative assessment. Method of research: Theoretical generalization and analysis of approaches for choosing big breathing volume calculating methods, comparative analysis of modern methodological approaches for tank breaths quantitative assessment, as well as using methods for calculating BLEVE effect probability. Results of the study: Analysis of approaches for choosing methods showed that each method has its own calculation specifics, which are reflected in results. Using a comparative analysis of methodological approaches was determined that volumes of big breathing calculated for each method differ by more than 30%. In this regard, algorithm for choosing calculation methods with further forecasting of fire situation is proposed. The algorithm consists of three stages. At the beginning, it is necessary to calculate the filling loss volume, on the basis of them the level of damaging factors is carried out. Depending on the possible situation, protective measures are choosing.
Welding of ring joints of field pipelines with internal corrosion-resistant surfaced layer
Authors: Elagina O Y , Volkov I V , Buklakov A G , Nakonechnaya K V
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this work was to study the issues of ensuring the standard quality indicators of installation of welded pipes of field pipelines with a deposited layer of high-chromium steel. The research was performed on pipes made of steel 09G2S of the K48 strength category with a diameter of 258 mm and a wall thickness of 6 mm. The formation of the deposited layer on the inner surface of the pipe ends was performed by electric arc welding in protective gases with a wire SV-12X13 with a diameter of 1.2 mm. Welding of ring joints of pipes was performed with LB-52U type E50A electrodes according to GOST 9467 in accordance with the developed technology. Experimental testing of welding technology with an assessment of the quality of the resulting welds and their corrosion resistance was evaluated using non-destructive and destructive testing methods. Research results have shown the possibility of obtaining a corrosion-resistant welded joint with appropriate quality standards. Regulatory requirements for the welded connection of pipes with an internal surfaced layer were defined, which can be used in the implementation of projects for the construction of field pipelines with this design. It was shown, that to provide normative values of mechanical properties of welded joints of pipes with internal weld layer requires the development of additions to existing welding technology to the preparation of pipes prior to welding and temperature control prior and concomitant heating, to avoid embrittlement of the metal of the root seam layer when its alloying.
Influence of thermal insulation of the wall area of the floor on the ground on the heat loss amount
Authors: Malyavina E G , Gnezdilova E A
Published: September 2020

The relevance of the study is explained by the fact that in the Russian Federation, the “by zone” method of heat loss calculations of the floor on the ground does not allow considering various factors that affect heat losses. As the heat loss studying method, this work adopts the calculation of the non-stationary annual thermal regime of floors together with the soil mass. There is no such thermal protection indicator as the heat transfer resistance in a non-stationary thermal process, therefore the paper uses a characteristic, in other words, a conditionally reduced one for heat loss calculations through the floor on the ground in stationary thermal conditions. The purpose of this article is to calculate the average characteristic heat transfer resistances for each design zone for thermal protection of the wall area of the floor on the ground with different width of the insulation stripe and heat transfer insulation resistance. The considerable result of the work is detection of significant impact of the soil type, the width of the floor insulation stripe, and the actual resistance to heat transfer of this insulation on the characteristic heat transfer resistance in the first design zone. It follows from the study that the floor thermal insulation stripe in the wall area is the most effective structure of the floor thermal protection, both in terms of reducing heat losses, and in terms of compliance with the temperature standards for the floor.
Comparative technical and economic analysis of the Trombe wall use in the heat supply system at different climatic conditions
Authors: Kostikov S , Grinkrug M , Yiqiang J
Published: September 2020

This article is devoted to the problems of using any solar heating systems, the Trombe wall in particular, in modern heating systems and various climatic conditions. The main problem in solar heating systems is that the climatic conditions can be very different in one latitude, while the appropriateness of the Trombe wall using in heat supply systems will depend on the ratio between the incident solar energy and the room heat load. The main goal of this work is to determine the most effective climate divide for the Trombe wall using. This paper presents an algorithm for the technical and economic analysis of the Trombe wall effectiveness. The calculation results showed that the most appropriate Trombe wall use in the heat supply system is observed in the range of latitudes from 55° to 40° N. At the same time, the payback period of the Trombe wall is in the range from 3.5 to 10 years.
Liquid Sn-20Li alloy as a heat transfer fluid
Authors: Krasin V P
Published: September 2020

The purpose of present study was to obtain information on the solubility of components of structural materials in liquid Sn-20Li alloy in the temperature range of practical interest. To solve this problem, a thermodynamic simulation method was used, which included the following steps: (1) selection of models for the Gibbs energy functions; (2) selection and evaluation of input data; (3) optimization of model parameters; (4) calculations and comparisons. Using information on the excess Gibbs energies for the liquid phase in the form of Redlich-Kister polynomial expansions, for the corresponding binary systems, the temperature dependencies of solubility of nickel, iron, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten in the liquid Sn-20Li are calculated. The results of the calculations are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data known from the literature.
Virtual thermal tests of heating devices
Authors: Pukhkal V
Published: September 2020

To determine the values of the nominal indicators of heating devices, thermal tests are carried out. Analysis of the literature data has shown that, despite the widespread use of mathematical modeling for the study of heat transfer processes in heating devices, there is no comparison of test data and modeling. The purpose of this study is to test a heating device in a chamber (an indoor convector with a natural impulse of air movement) and compare it with the results of modeling. To assess the possibility of using and accuracy of modeling tests of heating devices, the data of tests of the indoor convector with natural convection “Golfstream” KRK 20.11.150 (LLC “Izoterm”), performed by the Institute “HLK Stuttgart” (Germany), were accepted. Modeling of the test chamber and convector is based on the FloEFD software package of “Axis Engineering” company. During virtual thermal tests of the convector, a heat flow was obtained that differs from the data of the convector tests on the test stand by 4.9%. It is concluded that it is possible to conduct virtual tests to optimize the design of heating devices and obtain the thermal characteristics of heating devices under all operating conditions and modes.
Statistical testing of hypotheses about the form of the factor law of influence by the Kolmogorov criterion
Authors: Tumanov A , Sabanaev A , Solovyov A , Tumanov V
Published: September 2020

When affected by the impact of emergency sources on the same type of elementary objects, the depth of the introduction of shrapnel into the barrier changes randomly. It is necessary to determine the law of distribution of random depth of inserting fragments into the barrier. In the course of the work, hypotheses about three distribution laws were tested. Based on the results of experimental studies, it is proposed to assess the suitability of the law of distribution, the statistics of which, according to the Kolmogorov criterion, is intended to check the alignment of empirical distribution with this continuous theoretical distribution. With a small number of tests on the criterion Kolmogorov confirmed the consent of even clearly incompatible samples. However, with a large number of observations (more than 50) the Kolmogorov Criterion is able to detect any deviation from the hypothesis.
Geometric and mechanical parameters for the adjustment of the preload of differential bearings in gearboxes of automobile axles
Authors: Vasiliev A , Bulavin I , Samoilova A
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the construction of bearing units of different cars differentials and provides the analysis of technical requirements for the adjustment of the preload of bearings. There are four most commonly used methods for the adjustment of the preload. This paper defines a method for the adjustment of the preload based on deformation of bearing seats, which is the most acceptable in production and which is characterized by the least indirect adjustment and consequently the least number of failures. A formula is given for the calculation of the required preload force based on the failure in opening the joint in the unloaded bearing. A description of industrial equipment for the implementation of this method is presented.
Study of the influence of the brake shoe temperature and wheel tread on braking effectiveness
Authors: Ivanov P , Khudonogov A , Dulskiy E , Manuilov N , Khamnaeva A , Korsun A , Treskin S
Published: September 2020

This article considers the coefficient of friction between the brake shoe and the wheel of the railway rolling stock. It conducts a review of the works on the study of the interaction of the brake shoe and wheel, considers a method for obtaining the calculated value of the friction coefficient used in the Russian Federation and in many countries, and indicates a drawback of this method that leads to errors in the calculations. The paper specially focuses on the study of heating of brake shoes during braking as a factor in changing the coefficient of friction between the wheel and the brake shoe. The FEM model of heating the brake shoes during braking is constructed taking into account changes in the mass and shape of the brake shoes during wear. Brake shoe wear is considered as a factor in changing the effectiveness of train brakes.
The problem spreading acoustic waves in a porous environment with air bubbles on por walls
Authors: Sitdikova L F , Gimaltdinov I K
Published: September 2020

The propagation of acoustic waves in a porous medium with air bubbles on the pore walls is numerically studied. Based on the equations of mechanics of multiphase media, a dispersion relation is obtained that describes the dependence of the complex wave vector on frequency, on the basis of which the dependence of the phase velocity and attenuation coefficient on frequency for “fast” and “slow” waves is studied. The calculation results make it possible to evaluate the effect of gas bubbles on the propagation of sound waves in a porous medium with bubbles on the pore walls. The study was carried out with the financial support of the Russian Federal Property Fund in the framework of the scientific project No. 19-31-60015.
Biomechanics, physics and energy modelling of motion control
Authors: Pomerantsev A
Published: September 2020

Free throws in basketball were chosen to search for regularities of motion control. Ten female basketball students took part in the experiment, each of whom performed a series of throws up to 10 hits. Using the method of high-speed video shooting and numerical simulation, the analysis of kinematic characteristics of the throws, biomechanics, physics and energy modelling of motion control was performed. As a result of the study the regularity was revealed, consisting in the fact that during repeated throws the motion control is carried out by correcting ballistic parameters from the boundary of the effective hit zone to the central zone of the most reliable hit. Sportswomen with a high degree of accuracy determined the direction of correction, but they could hardly determine the quantitative value of the correction itself. By analyzing the parameters of each individual throw directly, the second general regularity of motion control was found. A throw as a movement regularity is divided into two parts: preparatory – when an athlete from any game situation strives to take a standard (maximally familiar and maximally stereotypical) position with minimal uncertainty; and the main one – when from a standard position, based on motor memory according to the principle of the “reflex ring”, targeted movement correction is carried out. The second part of the movement allows for the possibility of random errors and excessive corrections occurrence.
Analytical solution of the Navier-Stoks equations reduced to the third-order equation for the problem of fluid motion in a round pipe
Authors: Khudjaev M
Published: September 2020

The paper defines a rheological law that takes into account the molecular and molar transfer of fluid particles between the layers of the flow; the equation of fluid motion, taking into account two mechanisms of molecular and molar exchange of momentum in the flow; the form of the obtained new equations in the form of an equation of the boundary layer, neglecting the terms whose order is much lower than the order held in the equations; statement of the problem of stationary fluid flow in cylindrical coordinates with the corresponding boundary conditions using the transition to new dimensionless variables; a technique for solving the Navier-Stokes equation reduced to a third-order differential equation for studying the motion of a fluid in a round pipe; analytical solution of the formulated problem; the role of the newly introduced molar transfer coefficient in describing the flow pattern. An analytical solution of the problem of fluid motion in a cylindrical pipe is obtained, taking into account these two transfer mechanisms where third-order terms are formed in the Navier-Stokes equations. For small Reynolds numbers, the influence of the newly introduced term on the flow pattern is a shortening of the length of the initial segment of motion. A decrease in the value of the new number is associated with an increase in this region.
Improving the resistance of road pavements to rutting
Authors: Aleksandrov A , Dolgih G , Aleksandrova N
Published: September 2020

The aim of the article is to analyze the types of ruts formed on the surface of coatings, to study the causes of their appearance and develop construction of pavements with increased resistance to rutting. A technique is described for an experimental study of the distribution of tire passes over the width of a lane. During the experiment on existing roads, accounting points of the distribution of tire passes were organized. At each registration point, numbered strips are applied to the roadway, separating numbered sections 30 cm wide. Based on the results of an experimental study, empirical distributions of tire passes along the width of the roadway are established. The empirical data made it possible to establish discrete distributions of tire passes in width, with the help of which a correction factor was introduced into the calculation of the total number of repeated design loads. This coefficient allows calculating the number of passes in longitudinal sections located at different distances from you to the edge of the roadway or the axis of the road. As a result, central and edge parts that perceive the largest number of passages of the twin tires of the rear axles of the cars are highlighted on the tracks. To increase the resistance of pavements to rutting, constructions with unequal strength in width are proposed. The greatest strength and resistance to rutting belong to longitudinal sections on which the largest number of tires of the rear axles pass. In longitudinal sections between the ruts, the pavement is less strong. The increased strength of sections prone to rutting is achieved by creating hidden (secret) elements. Such elements are arranged in sump hole of either a subgrade or a base of granular material. Drawings of pavement construction are given.
Solving a dynamic routing problem using an optimization algorithm
Authors: Lebedeva O A , Poltavskaya J O , Gozbenko V , Mikhailov A
Published: September 2020

Optimizing the configuration of the freight transport network is a challenge. The search for the optimal route solution in a dynamic urban multimodal transport network is aimed at minimizing the cost based on accurate forecasting of traffic flows and cost estimation. The purpose of the study is to review a methodology that can be applied centrally, by an organization that develops solutions for routing shippers, minimizing the total cost, assuming that all shippers involved in transportation send their requirements to a single coordinating center. Evaluation of a multimodal cargo routing system with restrictions on the number of vehicles is based on a hierarchical approach. It consists of several stages: prognostic modeling of the state of the traffic load of the road network and cost estimation for optimization, which includes a methodology for finding the optimal load to accelerate the convergence of the algorithm.
Precise clock synchronization for radio frequency positioning system based on White Rabbit PTP
Authors: Fedotov A , Orlov I , Antonov A
Published: September 2020

Use case of the White Rabbit Precision Time Protocol (PTP) sub-nanosecond clock synchronization system in complex with Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) is examined for precise time of RF signal arrival capture. Implemented WR PTP core port on target hardware platform is explained. TDC placement method for Intel Quartus Prime tool is also shown.
Energy-efficient Managing of Data Transmission in Socio-Cyberphysical System at Critical Facility
Authors: Ofitserov A , Budkov V , Letenkov M , Usina E
Published: September 2020

This paper describes information management exchange processes in data transmission network of a socio-cyberphysical system of a critical facility, ensuring secure data transmission. The lock-free routing approach, developed on the basis of this model, includes a number of methods, the implementation of which allows to meet reliability requirements as when designing of an energy-efficient data transmission network of a socio-cyberphysical system on a critical facility from scratch, as when modifying an already existing one. A composite efficiency measure gain is presented here, as well practical suggestions concerning practical application of the developed methods are given.
Breath testing for intra-abdominal infection: appendicitis, a preliminary study
Authors: Andrews B T , Das P , Denzer W , Ritchie G A , Peverall R , Hamade A M , Hancock G
Published: September 2020

In the current pilot study we aimed to determine whether breath analysis could be used to help recognise intra-abdominal infection, using acute appendicitis as an exemplar condition.

Our study included 53 patients (aged 18–88 years) divided into three groups: appendix group, 26 (13 male) patients suffering from acute appendicitis; control group 20 (seven male) patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery; normal group, seven patients who were clinically diagnosed with appendicitis, but whose appendix was normal on histological examination. Samples of breath were analysed using ion molecule reaction mass spectroscopy measuring the concentration of volatile compounds (VCs) with molecular masses 27–123. Intraperitoneal gas samples were collected from a subset of 23 patients (nine diagnosed with acute appendicitis).

Statistically significant differences in the concentration of VCs in breath were found between the three groups. Acetone, isopropanol, propanol, butyric acid, and further unassigned VCs with molecular mass/charge ratio (m/z) 56, 61 and 87 were all identified with significant endogenous contributions. Principle component analysis was able to separate the control and appendicitis groups for seven variables: m/z = 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 87 and 88. Comparing breath and intraperitoneal samples showed significant relationships for acetone and the VC with m/z = 61.

Our data suggest that it may be possible to help diagnose acute appendicitis by breath analysis; however, factors such as length of starvation remain to be properly accounted for and the management or mitigation of background levels needs to be properly addressed, and larger studies relating breath VCs to the causative organisms may help to highlight the relative importance of individual VCs.
Water Quality Status of Pergau Reservoir Water Catchment and Lake, Jeli, Kelantan
Authors: Samsudin Mohamad Fikri , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Syed Omar Sharifah Aisyah , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Sulaiman Mohd Sofiyan
Published: September 2020

A study has been conducted in Pergau Reservoir water intake in Jeli Kelantan. Pergau reservoir is a man-made lake that uses to generate electricity for Kelantan State. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) was organized the Pergau Scientific Expedition 2019 on 28th October 2019 until 3rd November 2019 in order to check the current status of water catchment of Pergau lake as the intake for the reservoir. In this study, 12 sampling sites was identified by TNB which seven in water catchment area and five stations in lake. During sampling works, water sample were collected for ex-situ analysis and for in-situ analysis, water quality reading was taken using YSI multiparameter. During this study, greater reading was recorded in lake compared to river due to altitude and canopy cover that affect water quality. Greater reading on water turbidity and temperature in lake because affect by natural process and human activity while in river, canopy layer reduces the sunlight penetration. Based on Malaysia Department of Environment, water quality index for both river and lake were identified at 93.3 and 95.1 respectively which classified as clean. Based on this study, clean water quality index will ensure the water safe to be used and environment was healthy.
A Development of a ‘ArcSWAT’ Surface Runoff Model for Estimating Urban Precipitation Recharge
Authors: Jamil Rohazaini Muhammad
Published: September 2020

Groundwater recharge estimation is a fundamental part of groundwater resources management and may need to be estimated at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Recharge is variable in time, responding to changes in land use and subsurface infrastructure as well as to climatic changes. Howevera, estimating recharge in urban environments is more complex than rural environments as it has many sources and pathways for recharge. Buildings, roads, land cover permeability, and other surface infrastructure combine with man-made drainage networks to influence recharge. Thus, this study is trying out an existing GIS-based system (ArcSWAT) to model and estimate urban recharge. The unconfined Triassic sandstone aquifer that underlies part of the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) was used as the study area for this project (occupies around 94.2km2 area). The results from this study show that SWAT model correlates better with 4RH (RMSE=17.78) as compared to UGif (RMSE=38.89) and 4ReH (RMSE=28.08). This is due to the reason that mains leakage factor has been included in 4RH and SWAT model. In summary, SWAT model produced a satisfactory result of urban precipitation recharge to the previous study that includes mains leakage factor during the modelling process.
Statistical and Spatial Analyses of the Kelantan Big Yellow Flood 2014
Authors: Achmad Bahar Arham Muchtar , Muhammad Marinah , Ali Khan Mohammad Muqtada , Naim Jemali Noor Janatun
Published: September 2020

Flooding is a yearly phenomenon which is mostly reflected in the Kelantan River basin during the northeast monsoon season due to the heavy rainfall. The December 2014 flood in Kelantan known as ‘Kelantan big yellow flood’ was unprecedented and the largest recorded flooding event in the century. Flood mitigation, especially in massive floods, should focus on minimizing the risk of severe flooding in one area. A reliable flood extent map is essential to plan proper flood mitigation measures by authorities prior to the extreme flood event (say 1 in 1000 years event). This study is an attempt to resolve the issue of severe flooding in a given area by preparing a map of zones prone to flooding. This was achieved mainly by site visits to the flood-prone area and gathering primary data from face to face interview with local people who were the victims of this flooding. This primary data is also crucial in determining flood vulnerability with respect to economic and social impacts. The integration of primary data with secondary data from several related agencies has resulted in preparing a reliable flood extent map which is slightly different from other such maps developed by Government, NGOs and active researchers in this field. The empirical findings using frequency analysis also helped in preparing a flood vulnerability index based on primary data gathered from the local people who were the flood victims.
Properties and Occurrences of Rock Coatings in Jeli, Kelantan As A Record of Environmental Processes
Authors: Abdul Rahim Nurul Aina Halimah , Ismail Roniza
Published: September 2020

Rock coatings can be defined as a product material deposition from surroundings. It is resulted from the wide variety of reactions which occur at the interface between the lithosphere and the biosphere. The coatings are biochemically and mineralogically complex and have the potential to record changes in their immediate environment. The changing of the coating gives information about the factors involved during the process which include dissolution and chemical reaction. The range of their activities and their proper significance in the environment as well as their relationship with the microorganisms that inhibit rocks and minerals provide a lot of information of the process involved. Types of coatings that have been identified on the outcrops around Kampung Kalai, Jeli are case hardening, iron film, dust film, rock varnish and lithobiontic coatings. The environmental exposures and inputs to the coatings, determines the coating mineralogy that formed on the parent rock. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to analyse the microscopic properties of the coating samples. The presence of iron oxides have been found on the brick orange coating which potentially occurred from chemical weathering such as oxidation and the leaching of iron-bearing minerals. Besides that, geochemical analyses using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on selected samples have shown limited information about the changing elemental composition. Iron, aluminium and silica are the major elements composition in the rock coatings reflecting the similar elemental composition of the existing parent rock.
Potential of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in Gua Musang Granites, Gua Musang, Kelantan
Authors: Shafiee Nor Shahida , Achmad Bahar Arham Muchtar , Ali Khan Mohamad Muqtada
Published: September 2020

Granitoid and some extrusive volcanic rocks are widely exposed in Kelantan. In Gua Musang area, the granites are characterized by slightly feldspar. One of the groups of elements found to be in association with granitic rocks is rare earth elements (REEs). The objective of the study is to investigate the distribution of REEs in different types of granitoid rocks in Gua Musang, Kelantan. For this purpose, 10 selected samples of granites were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Light REE are predominant, consisting up to 448.00 ppm. Distribution of light REE in the majority of samples (e.g as shown in sample #001, #003,#008, #009 and #010 ) are up to 90%. Interestingly, one of the samples show a considerably high REE value than previously reported in literatures (i.e sample #002 with a value of 574.3858 ppm) suggesting a good potential for REE. As granitoid rocks are widely exposed in Malaysia, result of this study would give a basic knowledge to develop a more detail study especially in Rare Earth Elements (REE) potential in different types of granitoid rocks in Malaysia.
Visual Tree Analysis of Rain Trees (Samanea saman) in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Main Campus
Authors: Tahir Zahirah Mohamad , Mohamad Mohidin Farah Shahanim , N Rosely Nik Fadzly
Published: September 2020

Samanea saman is an urban tree usually planted in an urban landscape for its important role providing numerous environmental, social and economic benefits to the people. These trees provide excellent protective shading tree and its wood were widely used as commercial timber. Although these trees had numerous potentials in agroforestry, there were limited specific research on Samanea saman recently. Given all the above benefits, a study with an objective to evaluate tree risk assessment of Samanea saman health in three different sites within USM main campus was conducted. In this study, health assessment of Samanea saman were inspected based on crown class, tree shape, leaf density and tree health including root system, trunk and branch structure. Each assessed trees were categorised in tree health ranking namely excellent, good, fair and poor based on their physical condition. Results shown that trees planted in wider lawn area and less polluted area exhibited the highest number in excellent condition compared to trees planted along sloped and paved area. Overall, Samanea saman were in good condition. This type of analysis approach will aid USM management to monitor the trees time to time to help the trees to grow well and serve sustainable environment in USM campus.
Forest Growth Analysis of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve
Authors: Naim Jemali Noor Janatun , Abd Rhani Mohd Fariz , Muhammad Marinah , Abdul Majid Nur Kyairatul Syafinie
Published: September 2020

A long term monitoring data of the dynamics changes on tree growth in Ulu Sat Forest Reserve, Kelantan was analysed. The growth plot was established in 1997 with status of poor forest. Permanent growth plot area was established to monitor the forest stands. Trees in the growth plot were measured every two years with various parameters include girth increment and tree height. Within sixteen years of observation, mean annual increment of trees in Ulu Sat Forest Reserve was at 0.33 cm/year. In general, mean DBH and tree height in this area was at 31.0 cm and 12.9 m respectively. Forest stands with DBH between 20-30 cm are majorly found in the area with 73 trees/ha. The non-dipterocarp species showed a significant decrease in terms of individual tree number when the diameter of the tree increases. Tree volume of non-dipterocarp species recorded at Ulu Sat Forest Reserve is 40 percent higher than dipterocarp species. Meanwhile, total basal area and tree volume contributed by dipterocarp species was 12.1 m2/ha and 227.0 m3/ha, respectively. Based on the enumeration and data analysis, this long term forest monitoring study is imperative to ensure each forest encompasses with adequate quantity of trees for future production, healthy in condition and could support the sustainability of forest ecosystem.
Species Composition and Density of Liana along the Watershed Area in Pergau, Jeli, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Fauzi Norashikin , Iias Muhammad Aideed , Amaludin Nazahatul Anis , Hambali Kamarul , Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Firdaus
Published: September 2020

A preliminary inventory of liana species composition and density in 0.15 ha of a managed watershed area in Pergau, Jeli northern part of Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia operated by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, recorded a total of 67 liana individuals (≥1 cm dbh) belonging to six genera and five families. The overall liana population density was equivalent to 446 ha−1. The Shannon-Wiener and Fisher’s α indices of the inventory were low with 1.44 and 1.59 respectively. Simpson value index was intermediate high, 0.80. Gynochthodes umbellata was found to be the most abundant species comprising 26.8% of the proportional abundance with density of 120 ha−1. Epipremnum giganteum was recorded as the second most abundant species with 22.4% of abundance and population density of 100 ha−1. The Agelaea sp. comprising of 19.4% of abundance, equivalent to a liana density of 86.7 ha−1. The least abundance was Uncaria sp. with 8.9% of the proportional abundance and density of 40ha−1. Both Spatholobus auritus and Marsedenia maingayi were among the three least proportional abundance of 11.9% and 10.5% whilst the population density of 53.3 ha−1 and 46.7 ha−1 respectively. It could be suggested that ecosystems along the Sungai Long II in Pergau have been disturbed, based on the high abundance of liana. Nevertheless, the existence of lianas within the vicinity play a vital ecological services in sustaining ecosystem productivity through nutrient cycling and also food provisions for frugivore fauna. To ensure the stability of the ecosystem, regular silviculture treatment should also be executed in the highly liana infected area. The uniqueness of certain liana stems tangling in the area could be part of tourist attraction in Pergau, Jeli.
Amphibians and Reptiles Survey at Tasik Pergau, Jeli, Kelantan and Its Updated Checklist
Authors: Ngadi Ehwan , Hambali Kamarul , Mohamed Mohd Sanusi , Abdul Wahab Mohamad Arif Iskandar , Nor Shukor Md
Published: September 2020

A surveyof amphibians and reptiles at Tasik Pergau, Kelantan was conducted from 30 until 31 October 2019 and 22 until 23 November 2019. Four sampling locations were surveyed, namely Long 1 & 2, Suda, Renyok, and Terang intake. The study was conducted using the Visual Encounter Survey method, an active sampling technique that is efficient for short observations. A total of 164 individuals were recorded which comprised of sixamphibian families and six reptiles families. The amphibian families recorded are Bufonidae, Dicroglossidae, Megophryidae, Microhylidae, Ranidae and Rhacophoridae. A total of 19 amphibian species of and eight reptile species were recorded during the sampling period. In addition, this study has recorded about 12 new records of amphibians and reptiles in Pergau area. These species are Limnonectes dionodon, L. malesianus, L. plicatellus, Megophrys nasuta, Hylarana erythraea, H. signata, Polypedates discantus, Calotes emma, Cyrtodactylus pulchellus, Eutropis macularia, Ahaetulla prasina and Xenochrophis trianguligerus,adding up to the total number of amphibians and reptiles to 42 species. Further studies need to be conducted intensive and extensively to obtain more information regarding amphibians and reptiles in Pergau area.
Assessment of Mangrove Replanting Site at Kg Tanjung Kepah, Lekir, Perak
Authors: Mohd Fauzi Nurul Fatihah , Min Teh Hee , Hashim Ahmad Mustafa
Published: September 2020

Mangroves are formation of salt-tolerant shrubs that inhabit the inter-tidal zones of sheltered coasts like estuaries and lagoons in tropical and subtropical latitudes. They solidly secure the land from the seas, and have the capability of withstanding strong wave action and heavy storm surges. The effectiveness of mangroves as natural coastal protection buffer has been well proven in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that brought devastating economic and ecological impacts to thirteen Asian and African countries, including Malaysia. Despite the importance of mangroves in coastal protection, this intertidal vegetation has been reported to be depleted at an alarming annual rate of 1 to 2% globally due to impacts of natural processes and anthropogenic influences. Tremendous efforts of mangrove restoration have been implemented along the Malaysian shoreline in the past decade, but just a modest number have been planned or studied by environmentalists and other researchers. The plantings were mostly executed in a trial-and-error approach without having a full understanding of the site conditions. Hence, a thorough appreciation of the site condition is mandatory so as to ensure high survivability of the young mangrove saplings at the replanting sites. This paper aims to assess one of mangrove replanting sites in Malaysia which is located at Kg Tanjung Kepah, Lekir, Perak. Several mangrove replanting efforts have been undertaken by Forestry Department at the area. However, none of the mangrove seedlings survived three months after the plantation at the open area sites. Some assessment were conducted including mangrove tree assessment, current measurement, soil and water sampling as well as topography detailed survey. The analysis from the assessment shows that the mangrove replanting failures might be influenced by several possible factors, especially the shore slope and topography. Hence, the most suitable engineering approach will be suggested for future protection.
The Efficiency of Bamboo Activated Carbon for Removal of COD from Fish Cracker Industry Wastewater via Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Mohd Alias Mohd Zazmiezi , Ghazi Rozidaini Mohd , Nik Yusoff Nik Raihan , Jamaludin Mohd Hafiz
Published: September 2020

Pre-treatment for wastewater in industry were utilizing activated carbon are gradually recognized by the world. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the performance of chemically activated carbon prepared from bamboo in removing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) from wastewater collected from fish cracker industry. The effects of initial concentration (10 % - 50 %), carbon dosage (0.1 g - 1.0 g), and contact time (3 h - 12 h) were examined. The adsorption experimental design was performed using the standard Response Surface Methodology design which was Box-Benhken design via Design-Expert software (version 7.0 Stat Ease, trial version). By increasing carbon dosage and lower initial concentration, the removal efficiency increased. According to Box-Benhken results, the activated carbon with zinc chloride activation was fitted to a quadratic equation and statistically significant. The R2 for the model was 0.9780 and the adjusted R2 was 0.9498. The optimum conditions suggested by the model for the process variable were 49.27 mg/l, 9.49 hours and 0.932 g for initial concentration, contact time and carbon dosage, respectively. The maximum removal obtained at these conditions was 70.579%.
The Removal of Methyl Orange Using CTA-Aliquat 336 Electrospun Fibers From Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abdul Halim Nurul Syazana , Umirah Idris Nor Shahirul , Shoparwe Nor Fazliani , Chee Tee Mei
Published: September 2020

Electrospinning is a versatile method in producing electrospun fibers with facinating features such as high porosity, larger surface to volume ratio and excellent funtionalities. The binding of specific fuctional group to the electrospun fibers has proven them as potential substances in adsorption of pollutants. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the extraction of methyl orange from aqueous solution using electrospun fibers made from cellulose triacetate (CTA) as the base polymer and Aliquat 336 as extractant. The effect of extractant (5-40 wt.%), pH of aqueous solutions (2, 4, 6, 7, 10 ) and initial dye concentrations (10- 50 ppm) were examined to determine the optimal extraction of methyl orange. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to investigate the functional group of the CTA-Aliquat 336 electrospun fibers at various Aliquat 336 concentration. The presence of positively charged ammonium groups and some C-O and C=O bonding are believed from the interactions of Aliquat 336 and CTA. Based on the results, the optimal extraction for methyl orange achieved was 98 % with CTA electrospun fibers containing 10 wt.% at pH 2 and 10 ppm of initial concentration. Thus, it can be concluded that this electrspun has potential to remove dye from wastewater.
Flood Risk and Its Effect on Property Value in Kuala Krai, Kelantan
Authors: Abd Hamid Aliya Atika Asyikin , Mar Iman Abd Hamid , Sathiamurthy Edlic
Published: September 2020

The effect of flood risk on property value is vital because property is the most asset coveted by people for ownership. The attraction to live in a location induces people to give less priority to environmental threat such as flood. This study investigates whether the value of the properties was affected by flood risk by taking Kuala Krai, Kelantan, as a case study. By combining spatial analysis, Geographic Information System mapping and statistical analysis, this study included flood risk as one of the tested variables to determine whether it has affected property value. The statistical methods used were the Ordinary Least Squares regression model (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). Market prices of a total of 811 transacted properties in the district of Kuala Krai were used to generate statistical model and property maps. The ArcGIS software was used to display and store modeled flood in the study area. The findings showed that higher property values were found around urban centers such as Kuala Krai, Dabong, and Manik Urai, although these areas were among the areas with deep flood inundation. The study disclosed that despite living in areas exposed to flood, the value of property was unaffected. On the other hand, the strategic location in the population concentration area has made it a more important factor than flood risk in determining the impact on property value. Furthermore, people’s receptiveness, adaptability, and risk-taking attitudes were likely to have caused flood to have failed to dislodge the population from flood-prone areas. Another possibility was that flood-prone areas were important economic activity zones so much so that people were more interested to live and work there rather than responding to flood risk.