bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Na+ transporter, TaHKT1;5‐D, limits shoot Na+ accumulation in bread wheat
Authors: Byrt Caitlin Siobhan , Xu Bo , Krishnan Mahima , Lightfoot Damien James , Athman Asmini , Jacobs Andrew Keith , Watson‐Haigh Nathan S. , Plett Darren , Munns Rana , Tester Mark , Gilliham Matthew
Published: August 2014

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has a major salt tolerance locus, Kna1, responsible for the maintenance of a high cytosolic K+/Na+ ratio in the leaves of salt stressed plants. The Kna1 locus encompasses a large DNA fragment, the distal 14% of chromosome 4DL. Limited recombination has been observed at this locus making it difficult to map genetically and identify the causal gene. Here, we decipher the function of TaHKT1;5‐D, a candidate gene underlying the Kna1 locus. Transport studies using the heterologous expression systems Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that TaHKT1;5‐D is a Na+‐selective transporter. Transient expression in Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll protoplasts and in situ polymerase chain reaction indicated that TaHKT1;5‐D is localised on the plasma membrane in the wheat root stele. RNA interference‐induced silencing decreased the expression of TaHKT1;5‐D in transgenic bread wheat lines which led to an increase in the Na+ concentration in the leaves. This indicates that TaHKT1;5‐D retrieves Na+ from the xylem vessels in the root and has an important role in restricting the transport of Na+ from the root to the leaves in bread wheat. Thus, TaHKT1;5‐D confers the essential salinity tolerance mechanism in bread wheat associated with the Kna1 locus via shoot Na+ exclusion and is critical in maintaining a high K+/Na+ ratio in the leaves. These findings show there is potential to increase the salinity tolerance of bread wheat by manipulation of HKT1;5 genes.
Species delimitation in the Aleochara fucicola species complex (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) and its phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Song Jeong‐Hun , Ahn Kee‐Jeong
Published: August 2014

To assess the accuracy of species delimitation and phylogenetic relationships of the Aleochara fucicola species complex, we performed molecular phylogenetic analyses. Detailed micromorphological characters were also examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The molecular data set included two mitochondrial (COI and COII) and three nuclear protein‐coding genes (CAD, EF1‐α and wg) for 19 populations of five species. Significant discordance was found between mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees. Two species, A. puetzi (Assing) and A. segregata Yamamoto and Maruyama, were not separated in the mitochondrial gene trees, but clearly were differentiated in the nuclear and concatenated gene trees. The SEM data also supported the separation of these two species, but an analysis of genetic divergence data did not. Adaptation to extremely harsh environments might reduce morphological variation in the A. fucicola species complex during the colonization of seashores. We present a multilocus phylogeny of the species complex. It suggests that the ancestor of the A. fucicola species complex occurred along the southern coasts of Northeast Asia, followed by dispersals to northern coasts.
Assessment of Green Inhibitor on the Crystal Structures of Carbonated Concrete
Authors: A. S. Abdulrahman, , Ismail Mohammad
Published: August 2014

The present paper involves studies of inhibitors on carbonation depth and carboaluminates of concrete which was exposed to accelerated carbonation. Three inhibitors used were; calcium nitrite, ethanolamine and eco-friendly green Bambusa Arundinacea. Concrete mix was designed to be 30 MPa with 0.45 W/C ratios which was chloride contaminated by 1.5% weight of cement content from analytical grade of magnesium chloride salt.  Inhibitors additions were 2% and 4% weight of cement content. The results show that Bambusa arundinacea inhibitor distinctively shows lowest level of carbonation. This developed hydrophobic green inhibitor characteristics was able to form impermeable barrier against CO2 gas. Additionally, hemicarboaluminate phases appears at hydration in calcite-containing Portland cement, even in the presence of two inhibitors (calcium nitrite and ethanolamine) which gradually converted to monocarboaluminate. Whereas, Bambusa arundinacea inhibitor causes the saturation of portlandite that maintained Ca/Si ratio above 1.65 and C-S-H remain unaffected by carbonation.
Tensile Behaviour of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: N. A. K. Hafizah, , M. W. Hussin, , M. Y. Jamaludin, , M. A. R. Bhutta, , M. Ismail, , M. Azman,
Published: August 2014

Natural fiber is usually used as reinforcement in polymeric materials, and short fibers are commonly used for non-structural applications. However, the lack of studies on long fiber reinforced polymeric materials, especially kenaf fiber, has limited its usage in Malaysia. This paper presents the experimental results of a series of tensile tests conducted on continuous kenaf fibers produced with different types of thermoset resin (epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester) arranged longitudinally. A total of 75 kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites containing up to 50% fiber volume fraction including 15 neat samples as control samples were produced. Then, the samples were tested using Universal Testing Machine to obtain their tensile behaviour. Results indicated that the composites’ performance increased gradually with every increment of fiber volume fraction. Factors affecting the tensile behaviour of kenaf fiber reinforced polymers are also explained and discussed. In conclusion, kenaf fiber can be used as reinforcing materials in polymeric materials.
Experimental Investigation on SSTT Confined Concrete with Low Lateral Pre-tensioning Stresses
Authors: Lee Hoong-Pin , Awang Abdullah Zawawi , Omar Wahid
Published: August 2014

An experimental and analytical study on the application of Steel Strapping Tensioning Technique (SSTT) confinement on twelve high-strength concrete cylinder specimens with dimension of 100 mm and 200 mm in diameter and height respectively has been studied and presented throughout this paper. The specimens were volumetric-identically confined with two different confining materials of different mechanical properties and lateral pre-tensioning stresses, namely SSTT(HC) and SSTT(SS). All concrete specimens were tested under uniaxial compression load. The performance of SSTT-type confined specimens were studied through their stress-strain relationship upon the longitudinal and transverse deformation, mode of failure, level of lateral pre-tensioning stress, and dilatancy behaviour. The results show that high-strength concretes confined with SSTT would significantly reduce the brittleness problem and at the same time, enhancing both ultimate compressive strength and ductility up to 65% and 344%, 36% and 269% for both SSTT(HC) and SSTT(SS), respectively. Those specimens confined with higher lateral pre-tensioning stress exhibits smaller radial expansion and higher rate of axial strain, able to slow down the dilation of confined specimens under loading and thus, helps in enhancing the compressive capacity and ductility. In addition, an analytical comparison between SSTT-type confinement and conventional confinement models have been presented and the results show a linear relationship between the compressive strength enhancement and confinement ratio. Current experimental results were also validated by comparing the observed stress-strain relationship proposed by Mander.
Activated Carbon Production from Agricultural Biomass Using Response Surface Method (RSM) for Cd (II) Removal
Authors: Musa Mutah , Kikuchi Akira , Abdul Majid Zaiton , Jaafar Jafariah , Salim Mohd Razman
Published: August 2014

The production of activated carbon (AC) from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was carried out using central composite design of response surface method to run a limited number of experiments with the possibility of revealing the interaction of three selected factors of temperature, time and nitrogen/steam flowrate at different levels. Two second order quadratic regression model equations were developed using statistical analysis with Design Expert® software. The models were used for the prediction of removal of Cd2+ and carbon yield. Correlation coefficients (R2) were 0.957 for removal and 0.985 for yield, showing the sufficiency of the model in predicting response within 13 experimental runs. Characterization of the product with optimal performance which was produced at 900oC, with nitrogen/steam flow of 100 mL/min and activation time of 30 minutes, was carried out. The performance showed this AC sample was able to remove 62.42% Cd2+ from an aqueous solution with concentration 2 mg/L within 2 hours at optimized conditions. Experimental results indicated that AC from SCB had good prospect for Cd2+ removal.
A Study of Biodiesel Production from Crude Jatropha Oil (CJO) with High Level of Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Farouk Hazir , Mohd Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Atabani A. E.
Published: August 2014

A two step-transesterification process was adopted to produce biodiesel from crude jatropha oil in lab scale and pilot plant. The crude jatropha oil used was sourced with high different level of free fatty acids. The first sample (FFA=4.5%) was subjected to pretreatment step under reaction condition of 0.225 v/v sulfuric acid (H2SO4), 6:1 w/w methanol (MeOH) to oil mole ratio, reaction temperature of 65°C, and 180 min of reaction time. Meanwhile, the second jatropha oil sample (FFA=8%) was subjected to pretreatment process in pilot plant under reaction condition of 0.225 v/v sulfuric acid (H2SO4), 4.5:1 w/w methanol (MeOH) to oil mole ratio, reaction temperature of 65°C, and 180 min of reaction time. Moreover, the esterifies oil from both jatropha oil samples was subjected to alkaline base step using base-catalyst process parameters of 1.2 w/w potassium hydroxide (KOH), 4.5:1 w/w methanol to oil mole ratio, reaction temperature of 60°C, and 120 min of reaction time. The final biodiesel yield obtained was 82% and 90% from the first and the second jatropha oil sample respectively. The basic physiochemical properties of the jatropha methyl ester produced from both jatropha oil samples were found to be within the ASTM D6751 specified limits.
Integrating Servo-Pneumatic Actuator with Ball Beam System based on Intelligent Position Control
Authors: Azman Muhammad Asyraf , Mohd Faudzi Ahmad ‘Athif , Mustafa Nu’man Din , Osman Khairuddin , Natarajan Elango
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this paper is to design a controller that can control the position of the cylinder pneumatic stroke. This work proposes two control approaches, Proportional-Integral-Derivative Fuzzy Logic (Fuzzy-PID) controller and Proportional-Derivative Fuzzy Logic (PD-Fuzzy) controller for a Servo-Pneumatic Actuator. The design steps of each controller implemented on MATLAB/Simulink are presented. A model based on position system identification is used for the controller design. Then, the simulation results are analyzed and compared to illustrate the performance of the proposed controllers. Finally, the controllers are tested with the real plant in real-time experiment to validate the results obtained by simulation. Results show that PD-Fuzzy controller offer better control compared to Fuzzy-PID. A Pneumatic Actuated Ball & Beam System (PABBS) is proposed as the application of the position controller. The mathematical model of the system is developed and tested simulation using Feedback controller (outer loop)-PD-Fuzzy controller (inner loop). Simulation result is presented to see the effectiveness of the obtained model and controller. Results show that the servo-pneumatic actuator can control the position of the Ball & Beam system using PD-Fuzzy controller.
A Huiristic Method for Information Scaling in Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Rezaei Ghasem , Ansari Majid , Memari Ashkan , Mojib Zahraee Seyed , Mohamed Shaharoun Awaluddin
Published: August 2014

Protecting information assets is very vital to the core survival of an organization. By increasing in cyber-attacks and viruses worldwide, it has become essential for organizations to adopt innovative and rigorous procedures to keep these vital assets out of the reach of exploiters. Although worldwide complying with an international information security standard such as ISO 27001 has been raised, with over 7000 registered certificates, few Iranian companies are under ISO 27001 certified. Also organization needs to perform a risk assessment in order to determine the organization's asset exposure to risk and determine the best way to manage this. The determination of risk within the methodology is based upon the standard formula, which the risk is calculated from the multiplication of the asset value, threats and vulnerability. The ISO 27001 requires is that 'An appropriate risk assessment shall be undertaken'. One of the main factors for risk assessment is identifying and scoring of Information asset in this process. Due to different values of asset in organizations, the main purpose of this study is to identify and investigate a weighted method to assign different values of assets in order to minimize vulnerability in manufacturing systems. This study also aims at improving asset value scoring by using heuristic methods. A real world case study was selected for implementation of this approach based on ISO27001` in Iran.
Dynamic Energy Absorption Performances of Rain Forest Vehicle (RFV) under Frontal Impact
Authors: Othman M. S. , Ahmad Z.
Published: August 2014

This paper treats the crash analysis and energy absorption response of Rain Forest Vehicle (RFV) subjected to frontal impact scenario namely impacting rigid wall and column. Dynamic computer simulation techniques validated by experimental testing are used to carry out a crash analysis of such vehicle. The study aims at quantifying the energy absorption capability of frontal section of RFV under impact loading, for variations in the load transfer paths and geometry of the crashworthy components. It is evident that the proposed design of the RFV frontal section are desirable as primary impact energy mitigation due to its ability to withstand and absorb impact loads effectively. Furthermore, it is found that the impact energy transmitted to the survival room may feasibly be minimized in these two impact events. The primary outcome of this study is design recommendation for enhancing the level of safety of the off-road vehicle where impact loading is expected.
Parametric Study of Concrete Load Bearing Wall with Opening Based on Stress Criterion
Authors: Hatami Somaieh , Abdullah Redzuan , Marsono Abdul Kadir
Published: August 2014

In load bearing wall, reinforcement is only provided to control cracking, not for strength. In this paper A 3D linear finite element stress analysis of concrete load bearing wall reinforced with a single layer of wire mesh for use in double storey houses is performed. Opening in the wall for doors and windows inclusion is included in the model. Haunches are also considered at the opening corners to strengthen the wall section above the opening. Critical stress in the wall based on an appropriate stress criterion is compared with allowable tensile and compressive stress of the concrete in accordance with Eurocode 2. Parametric studies are carried out on dimensions of rectangular opening and also on sizes of haunches in the load bearing wall with openings. This research states that the reduction in the height and length of the rectangular opening together has more effect in decreasing the critical maximum principal stress of the load bearing concrete walls. Also, adding haunches to the corners of rectangular opening causes to decrease the maximum principal stresses significantly, especially for bigger dimension of haunches.
Development of Emulsification containing Natural Colorant from Local Plant (Roselle)
Authors: Lee Peng Wong , Khanafi Mohamad Affuan , Mohd Setapar Siti Hamidah , Idham Zuhaili , Che Yunus Mohd Azizi , Ahmad Zaini Muhammad Abbas
Published: August 2014

Application of water-in-oil emulsion in the formulation of color cosmetic is very common. However using natural water-soluble pigments as cosmetic colorant is not general in the cosmetic industry although we knew the side effect from using synthetic colorant. This study concerns one of the most important problems in using natural pigment which was to obtain the lip moisturizer formulation and to determine emulsion stability. Roselle is a local potential pigment source which is added into castor oil as the oil phase with the aid of Span 80 and Tween 85 as emulsifier. Several emulsions were prepared using different proportions of emulsifiers and the most suitable hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) value for color emulsions was determined to continue with the finding of stable formulation. In addition, stable formulation was determined and emulsions stability were studied during the observation period. Emulsions were analyzed by using viscosity measurement, in order to determine a suitable formulation of emulsion. The formulation of emulsion was stabilized under HLB value of 5.3 which is 75% of Span 80 and 25 % of Tween 85.
Enhancement of Sugar Content through Progressive Freeze Concentration: Effect of Initial Concentration
Authors: Jusoh Mazura , Mohamed Nor Noor Naimah , Amran Nurul Aini , Syamsuri Shafirah
Published: August 2014

A new concentration technique is required to eliminate portion of water from coconut water (CW) and reduce the cost of storage, handling and shipping. As Progressive Freeze Concentration (PFC) could retain the nutritional compounds, it was applied to concentrate CW and enhance its sugar content. In PFC system, only a single block of ice is formed as a layer on the cooled surface. A coil stainless steel crystallizer was used as FC unit to investigate the enhancement of sugar content in CW. The effect of initial concentration of CW was then investigated on the performance of the PFC system through the Effective Partition Constant (K) value and increment of sugar content. It was found that lower initial concentration yielded lower K, which is favourable and high sugar content. The best K achieved was of 0.3101 and the highest sugar content increment acquired was 53% with the range of initial concentration investigated (3 to 5%Brix).
Thermal Treatment Effect on Free Amino Acids in Honey Samples
Authors: Adnan Nur Ardawati , Suan Chua Lee , Sarmidi Mohamad Roji
Published: August 2014

Free amino acids are minor constituents in honey which are responsible for the determination of botanical origin of honey. However, the composition of free amino acids was likely to be altered upon thermal treatment. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the profile of free amino acids before and after thermal treatment at 90°C for 30 minutes. This study revealed that phenylalanine (101.84-139.74 mg/kg), tyrosine (28.71-138.36 mg/kg) and proline (23.93-83.21 mg/kg) were found abundantly in all honey samples such as Tualang, Gelam and Acacia honey samples. After the honey were heated, it was found that proline and threonine were significantly reduced, while tyrosine, valine and lysine were increased in all honey samples. The proteolytic digestion was responsible for the increase of tyrosine, valine and lysine concentration after thermal treatment. The decrease could be attributed to the denaturation of proline and threonine themselves, apart from the reaction between the carbonyl group of reducing sugar and the amino acids upon thermal treatment.
Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Contents in Methanol Extracts from Swietenia Mahagoni and Andrographis Paniculata
Authors: Md Salleh Liza , Hartati Hartati , Jamaludin Roslina , Che Yunus Mohd. Azizi , Yakub Harisun , Abd. Aziz Azila
Published: August 2014

Traditional medicinal plants such as Swietenia mahagoni and Andrographis paniculata are rich with bioactive compounds. The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of methanol extract from Swietenia mahagoni and Andrographis paniculata were studied. They were extracted by Soxhlet extraction of 70% methanol solvent. The results obtained from this study showed Andrographis paniculata gave highest percentage yield by 19.94% compared to Swietenia mahagoni at 11.86%. In antioxidant activity, Andrographis paniculata and Swietenia mahagoni showed 89.93% and 60.77% respectively. While for total phenolic content highest in extract of Swietenia mahagoni by 55.0 mg/g and Andrographis paniculata only 7.7 mg/g.
Fractionation of Labisia Pumila using Solid-Phase Extraction for Extraction of Gallic Acid
Authors: Mohd Abdah Siti Nadiah , Sarmidi Mohammad Roji , Yaakob Harisun , Ware Ismail
Published: August 2014

Phenolics are the most ample secondary metabolites of plants and have drawn increasing attention in their applications in health supplement and functional cosmetic. This is due to their strong antioxidant properties and their marked effects in the inhibition of several oxidative stress associated metabolic disorder such as cancer and aging. In Labisia pumila, gallic acid (3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid) was found to be one of the most abundant secondary metabolite. It has been proposed as a biomarker in cosmetic and food supplement applications. In this research the identification and isolation of gallic acid were carried out. Different sorbent of solid-phase extraction (SPE) column were used for the fractionation of Labisia pumila var Alata water extract and the amount of gallic acid present in the fractions were quantified. The aim is to identify the better sorbent-solvent combination in SPE that result in higher recovery of gallic acid from Labisia pumila var Alata water extract. A range of solvent mixtures of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% methanol (Me Oh)-water was used. Gallic acid was successfully extracted and identified from Labisia pumila. From this discovery, C18 silica reversed phase solid phase extraction column could extracts highest gallic acid from Labisia pumila var Alata water extract. Retention of analyte from  the sample from second elution using 80% methanol-water Solvent may be used as the best method to extract the compound from Labisia Pumila var Alata since it has been reported to have various bioactivities such as high antioxidant activity and cytotoxic against many diseases. Using C18 silica reversed phase in SPE as a fractionation and extraction of gallic acid from Labisia pumila var Alata can be achieved for application purpose or future studies.
Liquid Membrane Component Selection for Succinic Acid Extraction
Authors: Nasruddin Nur Alina , Othman Norasikin , Idris Ani , Jusoh Norela
Published: August 2014

Succinic acid has received an upsurge interest in many industries due to its high product values and can be used in various applications. The purification cost for succinic acid from fermentation process was higher than the production cost, and the stock for succinic acid is limited. Thus, it is essential to develop an economical method to extract and purify the succinic acid. One of the promising methods is emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process. In this study, ELM system will be developed to recover succinic acid from a simulated succinic acid fermentation broth through the selection of liquid membrane component using liquid-liquid extraction method.  Several parameters such as different types of carrier, diluent, and stripping agent were investigated. The results show that the suitable carrier is Amberlite LA-2 with 87.2% of succinic acid extraction, the diluent is kerosene with 5% 1-octanol and the stripping agent is sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were selected as a main component for liquid membrane formulation.
Ultrafiltration Membrane for POME Treatment: Comparison Physical & Chemical Cleaning Process
Authors: Jasney N. F. , Ahmad A. L. , Ismail S.
Published: August 2014

Membrane technology has been improved and implied in wide range of application such as in food, chemical, medicine and many more. Nevertheless, the application of membrane in the separation process for treating palm oil mill effluent (POME) has not been applied on an industrial scale though researches have proven many advantageous of membrane system over conventional treatment such as high efficiency, low space requirement and low energy consumption. The main obstacle in using membrane in treating POME is fouling as it increase in cost and energy of the process, process down time and decrease in the efficiency. To overcome the challenge specific cleaning process for ultrafiltration membrane for palm oil mill effluent treatment is the current focus study. The experiments were conducted on polysulfone membrane with molecular weight cut off 30 KDa.The effect of physical cleaning of forward flushing and backwashing were compared. The effect of different chemical cleaning of; sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate were studied. Comparison between physical of backwashing and chemical cleaning by immersed in NaOH solution were performed to eliminate the fouling with the aims to minimize the time consume and maximize the membrane efficiency. Combination of both physical and chemical cleaning gave an interesting trend of reducing and increasing of membrane performance. Membrane separation process has improved the quality of the final effluent. The results show that by introducing the cleaning process, the performance of the flux can be recovered to more than 80 percent.
Importance of Glucose and Pseudomonas in Producing Degradable Plastics
Authors: Mojaveryazdi Farzaneh Sabbagh , Muhamad Ida Idayu , Rezania Shahabaldin , Benham Hiro
Published: August 2014

In this study, bacteria, P. oleovorans, was studied for its ability to produce PHA with glucose, fructose and sucrose as carbon sources that was grown at 25°C. The functional groups of the extracted PHA granules were identified as C=O group by Fourier transform Iinfrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The drastic absorption band at approximately 1720 cm‒1 indicates the stretching vibration of the C=O groups in the PHA polyester. The optimized production of PHA was done by RSM (Response Surface Method) through various growth parameters. The best condition of productivity range for glucose is 93.4419 g/L. In addition, the highest PHA production after optimization is 2.28236 g/L with a desirability of 0.986 g/L, meanwhile the highest amount of PHA produced from P. oleovorans was 2.30 g/L.
Development of Urea Coated with Neem (Azadirachta indica) to Increase Fertilizer Efficiency and Reduce Greenhouse Gases Emission
Authors: Hala Yusminah , Jumadi Oslan , Muis Abd. , Hartati Hartati , Inubushi Kazuyuki
Published: August 2014

Urea coated with neem fertilizer is one of the solutions to increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer and reduce greenhouse gases emission. Inhibition of the nitrification rate of urea can reduce NO3‒ and N2O gas, and at the same time urea can be efficiently absorbed by the plants. Neem (Azadirachta indica) can suppress nitrification rate of 20-50%, which is slightly lower than that of dyciandiamide (DCD) (56-80%). Coating of urea granules was done by dipping urea granules in 1% neem oil, exposed it to 2.5% and 5% neem cake and then homogenized by rotation. The results were compared to urea coated with 5% DCD. The efficiency of fertilizer and nitrification inhibition were measured by nitrate and ammonium changes and fluxes of N2O gas. The results showed that application of  urea coated with 5% neem on cabbage plants yielded the highest plant height. However, the leaf length and width were not significantly different with other urea treatments. Application of urea coated neem reduced nitrification rate and N2O emissions in the soil. Soil CO2’s levels treated either with 2.5% or 5% neem coated urea showed the lowest levels of CO2 soil. This suggests that neem can reduce N2O and CO2 emissions from urea fertilizer as well as the capacity to reduce nitrification rate.
Highly Active Aluminosilicates with a Hierarchical Porous Structure for Acetalization of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Prasetyoko Didik , Santoso Mardi , Bahruji Hasliza , Triwahyono Sugeng
Published: August 2014

We report the synthesis of highly active mesoporous aluminosilicate for the acetalization of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde with propylene glycol. The existing synthesis methods for aluminosilicate and ZSM-5 were modified to produce aluminosilicate material with hierarchical porous structure. A combination of two structure directing agents, tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), produced a highly active aluminosilicate framework that provides a wide access for bulky reactants and strong acid sites to catalyse the reaction. The pore structure and the strength of the acid sites were crucial for high conversion of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde.
Demand Side Management for Reducing Rolling Blackouts Due to Power Supply Deficit in Sumatra
Authors: Syadli Husna , Abdullah Md Pauzi , Hassan Muhammad Yusri , Hussin Faridah
Published: August 2014

When the high electricity demand growth is not matched by growth in generating sufficient capacity, deficit cannot be avoided. In Sumatera, power outages of up to 6 hours per day are part of the power crisis experienced. To date, deficits experienced by Sumatera require better management strategy and operation of electric power systems, taking into account the security system, reliability and customer service. This paper briefly discusses the impact of rolling blackouts on the community's economy and proposed demand-side management strategies as short term measure to overcome the power supply deficit in Sumatera. From the analysis, electricity savings in household equipment can save energy consumption by 98.79 MW at peak load and 97.55 MW for off peak load time.
Titanium Dioxide-Supported Sulfonated Low Rank Coal as Catalysts in the Oxidation of Styrene with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Nurhadi Mukhamad , Efendi Jon , Ling Lee Siew , Indra Mahlia Teuku Meurah , Siong Ho Chin , Yuan Lai Sin , Chandren Sheela , Nur Hadi
Published: August 2014

Titanium dioxide supported sulfonated low rank coal catalyst possesses high catalytic activity in liquid phase oxidation of styrene with aqueous hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. The catalysts were prepared by sulfonation with concentrated sulfuric acid and impregnation of titanium dioxide (500-2500 µmol). The effect of titanium dioxide impregnation and calcinations on the catalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, BET surface area, field emission scanning electron microscopy and hydrophobicity measurement. The catalytic activity of the catalysts in the oxidation of styrene by aqueous H2O2 without calcination increased when the amount of titanium dioxide increased. Meanwhile, the catalytic activity of the catalyst calcined at 500oC for 2 h was lower than before calcination. It is suggested that the agglomeration of titanium dioxide and hydrophobicity play important role in the catalytic activity of titanium dioxide-supported sulfonated low rank coal in the oxidation of styrene with aqueous H2O2.
Effect of Physical Pretreatment on Shrimp Waste for the Chitinase Production under Solid State Fermentation by Trichoderma virens
Authors: Rachmawaty Rachmawaty , M. Salleh Madihah
Published: August 2014

The effect of physical pretreatment and the physical structure of shrimp waste for subsequent use in the production of chitinase were investigated. Physical pretreatment was done using methods of microwave, oven, boiling and sun drying. From the results, it was evident that the structure of the shrimp waste has been affected. Higher chitinase production was found in treated shrimp waste as compared to untreated shrimp waste, due to the configuration changes that allows an increase in chitin’s degradability. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed a marked change in the physical appearance of treated shrimp waste as compared to the untreated shrimp waste, especially with microwave pretreatment. Shrimp waste pretreated with microwave was found to produce higher chitinase’s activity (0.194 U/g IDS) as compared to control (raw shrimp), boiling, oven and sundried pretreatments by increment of 2.9, 1.37, 1.2 and 1.2 fold, respectively.
Influence of Zinc on the Structure and Morphology of Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Kareem Sahira Hassan , Ooi Yee Khai , Abdulnoor Sabah Saeed , Shamsuddin Mustaffa , Lee Siew Ling
Published: August 2014

Nanocrystalline spinel ferrites with general formula of MnxZn1−xFe2O4; x = 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1 were prepared via co-precipitation method at 75 °C and pH 11. The XRD results showed that the doping of Zn ions into ferrite’s structure resulted in the reduction of both crystallinity and crystallite size.  The results also revealed that the synthesized MnxZn1−xFe2O4 crystalline in spinel cubic structure with particle size range of 13.0 – 22.5 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed an increase in particle size with the decreasing Zn content. The types of chemical covalent bonds which existed in the samples were determined via Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Improving the Inventory Levels of a Blood Supply Chain Through System Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Afshar Jafar , Sadeghiamirshahidi Narjes , Firouzi Ali Reza , Zahraee Seyed Mojib , Syed Hassan Syed Ahmad Helmi
Published: August 2014

The blood supply chain is a complex system with a multi-echelon structure. Hence, the integration of various interconnected elements, which should be synchronized appropriately, is a necessity to meet the patients’ requirements. The performance of the blood supply chain is a function of different variables that are dependent of each other. Therefore, the main aim of the chain is the optimization of the overall supply chain by considering the dynamic behavior of the system. The purpose of this study is to develop a system dynamic simulation model for a complex blood supply chain in order to improve the average level of inventories. The developed model is based on three echelons with a centrality on a regional blood center. The performance of the supply chain network in the current condition is investigated and based on the objectives, 17 scenarios were experimented for improving the average level of inventories to avoid outdates while there are not any backlogged orders. In addition, the best values of the investigated parameters (safety stock, supplier preparing lead time, in transit time and separation time) were determined.
Application of Moving Car Observer Method for Measuring Free Flow Speed on Two-lane Highways
Authors: Che Puan Othman , Ibrahim Muttaka Na’iya , Abdurrahman Usman Tasiu
Published: August 2014

There exists a need to evaluate the performance indicator that reflects the current level of service (LOS) of the subject facility to justify any decision making on expenditures to be made for improving the performance level of a road facility. Free-flow speed (FFS) is one of the key parameters associated with LOS assessment for two-lane highways. Application of a more realistic approach for assessing road’s performance indicators would result in better estimates which could in turn suggest the most appropriate decision to be made (for situations where upgrading is needed); especially, in terms of finance, materials and human resources. FFS is the driver’s desired speed at low traffic volume condition and in the absence of traffic control devices. Its estimation is significant in the analysis of two-lane highways through which average travel speed (ATS); an LOS indicator for the subject road class is determined. The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2010 offers an indirect method for field estimation of FSS based on the highway operating conditions in terms of base-free-flow-speed (BFFS). It is however, recommended by the same manual that direct field FSS measurement approach is most preferred. The Malaysian Highway Capacity Manual (MHCM) established a model for estimating FFS based on BFFS, the geometric features of the highway and proportion of motorcycles in the traffic stream. Estimating FFS based on BFFS is regarded as an indirect approach which is only resorted to, if direct field measurement proved difficult or not feasible. This paper presents the application of moving car observer (MCO) method for direct field measurement of FFS. Data for the study were collected on six segments of two-lane highways with varying geometric features. FFS estimates from MCO method were compared with those based on MHCM model. Findings from the study revealed that FFS values from MCO method seem to be consistently lower than those based on MHCM model. To ascertain the extent of the difference between the FFS values from the two approaches, student t-statistics was used. The t-statistics revealed a P–value of less than 0.05 (P < 0.05) which implies that there is a statistically significant difference between the two sets of data. Since MCO method was conducted under low traffic flow (most desired condition for field observation), it can be suggested that MCO estimates of FFS represent the actual scenario. A relationship was therefore developed between the estimates from the two methods. Thus, if the MHCM model is to be applied, the measured value needs to be adjusted based on the relationship developed between the two approaches.
Applying the Horizon Based Tomography Method to Update Interval Velocity Model, Identify The Structure of Pre-Stack Depth Migration 3D and Estimate The Hydrocarbon Reserve In SBI Field of North West Java Basin
Authors: Irawan Sudra , Sismanto Sismanto , Sukmatiawan Adang
Published: August 2014

Seismic data processing is one of the three stages in the seismic method that has an important role in the exploration of oil and gas. Without good data processing, it is impossible to get seismic image cross section for good interpretation. A research using seismic data processing was done to update the velocity model by horizon based tomography method in SBI Field, North West Java Basin. This method reduces error of seismic wave travel time through the analyzed horizon because the existence velocity of high lateral variation in research area. There are three parameters used to determine the accuracy of the resulting interval velocity model, namely, flat depth gathers, semblance residual moveout that coincides with the axis zero residual moveout, and the correspondence between image depth (horizon) with wells marker  (well seismic tie). Pre Stack Depth Migration (PSDM) form interval velocity model and updating using horizon-based tomography method gives better imaging of under-surfaced structure results than PSDM before using tomography. There are three faults found in the research area, two normal faults have southwest-northeast strike and the other has northwest-southeast strike. The thickness of reservoir in SBI field, North West Java Basin, is predicted between 71 to 175 meters and the hydrocarbon (oil) reserve is predicted about  with 22.6% porosity and 70.7% water saturation.
Public Transport System in Local City and Rural Area: Comparative Study Between Malaysia and Japan
Authors: Yukawa Sotaro , Ladin Mohd Azizul , O.K. Rahmat Riza Atiq Abdullah
Published: August 2014

Recently, bus companies in Peninsular Malaysia are confronted with a crisis of maintaining its local bus services. Operating unprofitable public transport system in local cities and rural areas is an important issue in a developed country. However, such cases (operating unprofitable public transport) have emerged in developing country like Malaysia. Until recently, researchers focused on this kind of problems for only developed country and there are not enough international comparison about local bus service. To address this gap, we conducted a comparative analysis between Japan and Malaysia in this paper. We’ll focus on the similarities and differences in terms of regulation, policy and some cases of bus substitution in both countries. We also examined the advantages and disadvantages about Japanese case and present some implication about future policy in Malaysia.
The Impact of R&D Resources and Capability on Company Performance
Authors: Sofian Saudah , Mustafar Mastora , Yusoff Mohd Effandi , Hock Heng Low
Published: August 2014

R&D resources and capability is expected to affect company performance, especially those of high technology. Highlights of the work shows companies with high R&D expenditure and manpower resources typically influence company performance. Therefore, in order to improve the company's performance it is important to take into account the elements of R&D resources and capability. Given the fact that these elements are important to the technology-based companies, this study was conducted to examine whether R&D resources and capability influence business performance. A set of questionnaire was distributed among 138 technology-based companies and statistical analyses were employed to analyze gathered data from the survey. Findings indicate that the elements do influence the business performance of the companies.
Evaluation of Service Performances of Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers in Actual Seas
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Azuwan , Adnan Faizul Amri
Published: August 2014

Ship performance in actual seas represents the true performance of the ship throughout the service life and is affected by the combination of various conditions i.e. environments, loading patterns and ship conditions. Environmental conditions of wind, wave, swell and ocean current are chaotic and stochastic in nature. Loading condition may vary in draft, trim and motions in each voyage. Ship condition is susceptible to hull and propeller fouled over years. This paper provides insight into the service performance of Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers (LNGC) in actual seas derived from post-mortem on years of voyage’s noon report collections. Evaluation method of service performance will be proposed and benefits that can be gained from such analysis will be discussed.
Feasibility Study of Wing-In-Ground for Marine Rescue Operation
Authors: Koto Jaswar , Prayetno E.
Published: August 2014

This study aims to investigate performance of current rescue facilities and position based on statistic data of sea accident between 2010 and 2011 in Kepulauan Riau. Current rescue facilities are located at the latitude 0.93105 and longitude 104.44359. Using the statistic data, an optimal recue location and facilities in Kepulauan Riau are determine based on International Maritime Organization (IMO) standard. International Maritime Organization requirement, an emergency, passengers should be able to leave the ship with time 60 minutes. The optimal position and rescue facilities are determined using Great Circle Distance-Spherical Trigonometry and Statistical of Standard Error methods. In this study, simulation code is developed using visual basic 2010 language. Results of simulation show current rescue facility requires a lot of time to reach the accident location which is up to 12.5 hours. In order to meet IMO requirement, this study proposes wing in ground for rescue operation. Using current rescue location, wing in ground also does not meet the IMO standard which is up to 3.04 hours. Additional, this study divides the Kepulauan Riau into two regions of rescue operation. The optimal for rescue facilities of region 1, at the latitude 0.74568 and longitude 104.36256, and based on the distribution of the accidents in Kepulauan Riau 2010-2011, current rescue facility required up to 5.6 hours to reach the accident area, while the wing in ground facilities required up to 1.3 hours. The optimal for rescue facilities of region 2, at the latitude 3.00338 and longitude 107.79373, current rescue facility required up to 5 hours to reach the accident area, while the wing in ground facilities required shorter time that is up to 1.2 hour.
Prediction of CO2 Emitted by Marine Transport in Batam-Singapore Channel using AIS
Authors: Rashidi M. , Koto Jaswar
Published: August 2014

Global warming and air pollution have become one of the important issues to the entire world community. Exhaust emissions from ships has been contributing to the health problems and environmental damage. This study focuses on the Strait of Malacca area because it is one of the world’s most congested straits used for international shipping where located on the border among three countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. This study will predict CO2 emission from the marine transport. This is accomplished by developed a ship database in the Straits of Malacca by using the data which obtained from Automatic Identification System (AIS). From the database, MEET methodology is used to estimate the CO2 emission from ships.
Prediction of Semi-Submersible’s Motion Response by Using Diffraction Potential Theory and Heave Viscous Damping Correction
Authors: Siow C. L. , Koto Jaswar , Abby Hassan , Khairuddin N. M.
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a three dimensional diffraction potential theory with heave viscous damping correction to predict motion response of multiple hulls semi-submersible structure. The heave viscous damping correction was applied in this paper to avoid the execution return an infinity value for heave motion when the heave motion is dominated by damping term. On previous stage, this method was shown it capability to apply on single hull structure. However, some modification is required to able the single hull diffraction potential theory applied to multiple hull structure. Upon this stage, the modification was made into the meshing system in purposes to able the numerical coding calculate the response of semi-submersible structure. This paper also presented the comparison between the result calculate by diffraction potential theory, commercial software-Hydrostar and experiment result in the selected semi-submersible model. In the comparison, it is obtained that the tendency between the numerical results and the experimental result is agreed between each other.
Ship Navigation Effect on Sedimentation in Restricted Waterways
Authors: Nakisa M. , Maimun A. , M. Ahmed Yasser , Behrouzi F. , Koto Jaswar , Priyanto A. , Sian A. Y. , Ghazanfari S. A.
Published: August 2014

This research work has focused on the environmental soil erosion in restricted water. The sedimentation is occurred by ship bank interaction phenomenon.ComputationalFluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to predict the soil erosion as a major global environmental issues. These kind of issues are referring to increase the precipitation of canals, environmental degradation, and non-specific source of contamination.Therefore, it is important to understand the processes of soil erosion and sediment transport along rivers.This can potentially help to identify the erosion vulnerable areas and find potential measures to reduce the environmental effects . The merchant ships such as LNG carriers, Ro-Ro ships and general cargo carriers navigate through the restricted waterways that have significant effects on soil erosion.In this study, we investigated the soil erosion and identified the most seriously eroded areas in the confined waterwaysvia Finite Volume Method (FVM).
Vessel Mooring Analysis and Ignition Range Dispersion Analysis for LNG Jetty Facilities
Authors: Turbaningsih Oktaviani , Yuanita Nita
Published: August 2014

The LNG jetty is facilities (forming part of the terminal) for the berthing and unloading of LNGC, including all shore-side discharging arms and docking facilities.The criteria design to build new LNG based on some aspect such as the result of bathymetric survey, the tanker or other vessel, port facilities, mooring layout, and also catastrophic accident such as LNG vapor dispersion. One of the critical issue on the LNG Jetty design is the configuration of mooring vessel, that should be analyzed before vessel need to berth on jetty. Mooring are provided to prevent vessel from drifting away from a berth.  It is assumed that the wave motions are unaffected by the stiffness of the mooring lines and fenders.