bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Utilization of Rice Husks Powder as an Antioxidant in Asphalt Binder
Authors: Nahi Mohammed Hadi , Kamaruddin Ibrahim B. , Madzlan Napiah
Published: June 2014

Aging is one of the main contributors for asphalt failure. Oxidation aging is the main cause of long-term deterioration in asphalt pavements as a pavement ages, oxidation stiffens a pavement, making it more susceptible to failure from load and thermal stresses. Slowing a pavement’s oxidative aging would maintain its elastic properties and delay aging problems. There is no performance enhancer in widespread use, acting as an antioxidant that slows the oxidative aging of asphalt binder. The main objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using biomass powder derived from rice husks as an antioxidant additive to control the asphalt age hardening. The waste of rice husks was dried at 40°C for 9–11 days. The dried materials was grounded, and sieved to get fine powder. To evaluate the performance of the antioxidant, samples have to be aged according to SUPERPAVE standards (RTFOT and PAV) and physical, chemical, and rheological properties have to be analyzed. The preliminary results of penetration test softening point test shows that adding 4% of rice husks’ powder to 80/100 binder didn’t change the grade of the binder.
A Field Study of Mould Growth for Institute Higher Education Library Buildings in Malaysia
Authors: Suriani Ngah Abdul Wahab , Mohammed Nurul Izma , Khamidi Mohd Faris , Jamaludin Nazhatulzalkis
Published: June 2014

This paper is part of a PhD field study that focuses on the importance of conducting a visual inspection and evaluation of the indoor climates in libraries. Libraries contain a large amount of stored books that require a stable relative humidity to guarantee its preservation. Mould can survive and grow when indoor relative humidity is high and fungus is present all the time in the air that we breathe. Recording data through visual inspection and field studies. Its recorded the indoor relative humidity, temperature and lighting to assess mould growth problems. The assessment technique for this paper is based on guidelines survey and literature review. Visual inspection found few symptoms of mould growth that related to the amount of moisture appeared when the relative humidity in the library increases. Finally, the recording data for temperature and relative humidity demonstrate the result show that the stable indoor climate in the library building.
Embodied Carbon of Buildings: Tools, Methods and Strategies
Authors: Farhan Syed Ahmad , Shafiq Nasir , Azizli Khairun Azizi , Umar Usman Aminu , Gardezi Syed Shujaa Safdar
Published: June 2014

Embodied carbon can be defined as the “CO2 emissions produced during the extraction of resources, transportation, manufacture, assembly, disassembly and end-of-life disposal of a product”. Calculation of the carbon footprint of buildings is important to promote the construction of low-carbon buildings that release significantly less CO2 compared to conventional buildings. However, researchers and practitioners in this area tend to disregard the embodied carbon and pay more attention to the operational carbon when calculating the carbon footprint of buildings. This paper reviews the current state and trend of research on the embodied carbon of buildings with focus on the tools, methods and strategies employed and makes recommendations for future research direction.
Evaluation of Multi Storey Structures in Malaysia
Authors: Potty Narayanan Sambu , Hamid Mohd Redzuan Abdul
Published: June 2014

Malaysia has not traditionally considered earthquake and hurricane loading in design. Several tremors in neighboring countries necessitated a relook at the seismic reliability of structures in Kuala Lumpur and Penang with significant seismic risk. The study started with simple vertical load analysis (the current practice) and then the earthquake and the wind loading were imposed. The integrity of structures was evaluated for serviceability deflections using UBC 1997, IS 875-3-1987 and IS 1893. Permissible deflections were exceeded at 40 m/s for 87 m height buildings; at 45m/s for above 70 m height buildings; at 50 m/s for buildings above 59.5 m height. Higher value of ground accelerations (>0.1 g) results in exceeding the serviceability deflections
Evaluation of Roofing Systems in Malaysia Based on MS 1553 BS 6399, EC1-1-4 and IS 875 Wind Codes
Authors: Seavhai Kang , Narayanan S.P.
Published: June 2014

This paper evaluates the performance of different roofing sheet systems for different roof types using four different codes namely MS 1553, EC1-1-4, IS 875 and BS 6399. The maximum roof pressures using different codes (MS 1553, EC1-1-4, IS 875 and BS 6399) on critical and general area of the different roof types considering buildings with non-dominant opening, dominant opening and canopies have been evaluated. The maximum recommended wind speed in MS 1553 namely 33.5 m/s has been used as the reference for the numerical comparison. The major differences in the codes include averaging time for wind speed, terrain, reference height, and pressure coefficients. The study examines the conservativeness or not of the codes if used in the Malaysian context, even though they have been developed for a different wind climate and region. Further, the results of static test on different steel roofing sheets used in Malaysia using AS 1562.1 available as the limit state wind pressure capacities in the technical brochures are compared with design wind pressures for critical and interior regions of the roof for different wind zones. The suitability of a particular roofing sheet system for a particular wind zone is then assessed.
Private Finance Initiatives (PFI): Getting it Right
Authors: Umar Abdullahi A. , Zawawi Noor Amila Wan Abdullah , Otairu Abdul Ganiyu , Othman Idris
Published: June 2014

Recently, the UK government reformed the popular PFI into what is now referred to as PF2 after years of denying that the PFI was not delivering value for money. The reform is the result of many factors, principal of which was public sector PFI capacity deficiencies which has compromised the success of many projects. Therefore, this study set out to determine the most important PFI skills from the perspectives of public and private sector PFI practitioners and if there exists differences in opinion between the sectors. A survey of the most important PFI skills was conducted among practitioners during the course of 2 infrastructure conferences held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Factor analysis of 17 PFI skills produced 3 factor groupings that broadly explain the PFI skills requirements. These skills include Contract design skills, Contract Management skills, and Risk identification and Management skills. There was however no statistically significant difference in opinion between the public and private sector respondents.
Service and Construction Sector of Malaysia: Causality Link (1991-2013)
Authors: Khan Raza Ali , Liew Mohd Shahir , bin Ghazali Zulkipli
Published: June 2014

The number of research studies has been conducted over the importance of service and construction sector in an economy and confirmed that these two sectors are always being closely associated to the aggregate economy and play crucial role in the socio economic development of a country. The objective of this study is to examine the link between the construction and service sector of Malaysia during the last two decades by using time series econometric analysis. The Granger causality approach is used to obtain the objective of the study. The results of the study suggest that there is a uni-directional (one way) association between the service and construction sector in Malaysia i.e. construction sector to service sector. The construction sector plays a significant role to motivate the economic activities of the service sector in Malaysia and the service sector take 6 months (two quarters) to absorb the impact of a shock coming from the construction sector. The results of the study are important and useful for developing future policies for the construction and services sectors of Malaysia. The results are also important and informative for interested parties of the sectors.
Feasibility of Alum Sludge as Phosphate Removal
Authors: Nazirul Mubin Zahari , Hua Chua Kok , Sidek Lariyah Mohd
Published: June 2014

Alum sludge contained a large portion amount of the aluminum derived from the coagulation process in secondary stage water treatment. Alum sludge is discharge to the landfill and it can affect on disposal management. This study investigates the treatment of wastewater using the low-cost adsorption material and also an innovation in green technology for the preservation of the environment. This finding attempts to determine the effectiveness of dewatered water treatment alum sludge as media to remove pollutant (phosphate) from wastewater. The continuous flow test approach with constant speed allocate is being used in this study. Alum sludge was prepared in 2.36 mm sieve size in dry condition and the initial synthetic water concentration (phosphate solution) was set in increasing order 2.6 mg/L to 30.5 mg/L. The test was monitored over 30 days with constant flow rate. The results indicated removal phosphate in beginning of contact time at 30% - 90%. The maximum percentage removal is 91% - 98% in various condition. The dewatered alum sludge from water treatment plant has great potential as phosphate removal.
The Development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Definition
Authors: Latiffi Aryani Ahmad , Brahim Juliana , Fathi Mohamad Syazli
Published: June 2014

Conventional practice on managing information in construction has sometimes created a miscommunication and errors among construction players. Therefore, Information Communication Technology (ICT) has introduced Building Information Modeling (BIM) for managing construction projects effectively and efficiently. Different terms on definition of BIM have been used and expanded widely with different perspectives. The aim of this paper is to explore the notion of BIM development from the year of 1975 to 2013. The methodology of this paper is based on literature review on BIM definitions. The findings reveal that there are six perspectives in BIM development which are design, estimation, construction process, building life cycle, performance and technology. From the development of BIM, it can be concluded that BIM is a new methodology that involves the use of technologies in order to improve collaboration and communication of construction players as well as the management of documentation.
Research on HGV Collisions with Concrete Bridge Piers
Authors: Wee Teo , Yin Hor , Maharun Mui’nuddin , Saravanan Karuppanan , Liew M. Shahir , Salleh A. Rahman , Wong T.C.
Published: June 2014

Bridge piers are highly vulnerable to accidental collision with heavy truck vehicles. Current design and assessment codes account the effect of vehicle collision by means of an equivalent static load. This methodology although is simple but have raised many concerns on their suitability to reflect the exact collision condition, which is highly dynamic. Therefore many existing bridge piers are in great danger of malicious impact. Recently, a research collaboration is initiated between JKR and UTP to investigate the impact vulnerability of RC bridge piers when subjected to HGV truck collisions. The work involves using nonlinear finite element (FE) simulation to conduct complex vehicle-pier impact scenarios. This paper is intended to present the general outlook plan of this project with emphasis focused on the consideration of FE models used for HGV trucks and concrete bridge piers.
A Review on the Factors Influencing the Park-and-Ride Traffic Management Method
Authors: Memon Irfan Ahmed , Madzlan Napiah , Talpur Mir Aftab Hussain , Hakro Muhammad Rehan , Chandio Imtiaz Ahmed
Published: June 2014

Park-and-ride is a traffic management method of traffic congestion problem in urban areas. As an extent of total demand management, park-and-ride service (P&R service) has broadly implemented in many countries. P&R service has proven to be progressive in alleviating traffic congestion despite of complication in finding parking spaces in the city centers. The objective of this research is to discuss a model to shift car travelers’ to park-and-ride service (P&R service) and to investigate the factors which influence car travelers’ behavior. This study can support policy makers’ with useful information for future planning and development of park-and-ride service. Research outcomes will support policy-making and provide base for future study on modal choice behavior model for park-and-ride service.
Assessment on Bearing Capacity of Two Clay Layers Soil Using COMSOL
Authors: Md Nujid Masyitah , Taha Mohd Raihan
Published: June 2014

Natural soils are often deposited in layers and homogeneous soils which are very rarely found in nature. Thus, bearing capacity of layered soil cannot be treated anymore as single soil since the soil strength and stiffness parameters are different and increase their linearly with depth. There are two cases which can be consider as inhomogeneous layer soil where strong clay overlaying weak clay layers or weak clay overlaying strong clay layers. A parametric study was conducted to assess the ultimate bearing capacity of a smooth strip footing subjected to vertical load resting on two undrained clays layered soil. A two dimensional (2D) plane strain model incorporated in COMSOL Multiphysics (version 4.3a) which a finite element software was adopted with two physical branches that have been chosen. Two clays layered soil were assumed as linear elastic incompressible material which failed in the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. The finite element results were presented in terms of a modified bearing capacity factor for different ratios of top layer thickness, strength and stiffness ratio of two clay layers. The computation results were then compared to published studies. The numerical analysis showed that strong clay overlaying weak clay layers with c1/c2 >1 resulted in increase of Nc* as h/B ratio increase. In contrast, for a case where weak clay overlaying strong clay layers with c1/c2 <1 showed decrease of Nc* as h/B ratio increase. In comparing results of bearing capacity factor, Nc* indicated a similar trend from previous studies. Stiffness parameters did not affect the solutions as long as remain constant for all cases within suitable ranges of parameters.
Floating Treatment Wetland as an Alternative for Water Quality Improvement: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nur Asmaliza Mohd Noor , Mohd Sidek Lariyah , Kok Kah Hoong , Humaira Haron Siti , Basri Hidayah
Published: June 2014

Floating treatment wetland (FTW) is one of green innovation in order to enhance water quality as an alternative treatment for water quality improvement. The aim of this study is to identify the capability of floating wetland to remove stormwater pollutant in the river. The lab scale floating treatment wetlands were set up using three different sizes of the floating system with floating mat that made from plastics. Water quality samplings had been conducted starting from 4 December 2012 until 14 December 2012 to evaluate the performance for floating treatment wetland. The results indicate the removal efficiency gradually increased with the hydraulic retention time for water quality parameters such as Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Phosphorus (TP) and Total Nitrogen (TN) with a range of removal efficiency from 70% to 100%, -5.55% to 88.9%, 9.1% to 68.2%, -8.3% to 63% and 31.4% to 70.3% respectively.
Effect of Soil Depth on the Quantification of Soil Moisture Content Value Estimated from NOAA Satellite Images
Authors: Hassaballa Abdalhaleem A. , Matori Abdul Nasir , Shafri Helmi Z.M.
Published: June 2014

Soil moisture (MC) is considered as the most significant boundary conditions controlling most of the hydrological cycle’s processes especially over humid areas. However, MC is very critical parameter to measure because of its variability in both space and time. The fluctuation of MC along the soil depth in turn, makes it so difficult to assess from optical satellite techniques. The study aims to produce a rectified satellite’s surface temperature (Ts) in order to enhance the spatial estimation of MC. The study also aims to produce MC estimates from three variable depths of the soil using optical images from NOAA 17 in order to examine the potential of satellite techniques in assessing the MC along the soil depths. The universal triangle (UT) algorithm was used for MC assessment based on Ts, vegetation Indices (VI) and field measurements of MC; which were conducted at variable depths. The study area was divided into three classes according to the nature of surface cover. The resultant MC extracted from the UT method with rectified Ts, produced accuracies of MC ranging from 0.65 to 0.89 when validated with in-situ measured MC at depths 5cm and 10 cm respectively.
Kinetic Study of PAHs Degradation in Produced Water Using Ti/RuO2 Anode
Authors: Yaqub Asim , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Kutty Shamsul Rahman  Mohamed , Ajab Huma
Published: June 2014

Oil production offshore and onshore results in production of huge amount of water, called produced water (PW). PW is one of source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs to the aquatic environment. Degradation kinetics of 16 priority PAHs were studied in PW treatment using Ti/RuO2 anode in a batch setupat three different current densities 3.33, 6.67 and 10 mA/cm2. GC-MS was used for quantification of each PAH. Kinetics study confirmed that electrochemical degradation of all PAHs had follow first-order kinetic using Ti/ RuO2. Results showed that values of rate constant k were increase by increasing current density.
Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Fe-Doped CuO Nanostructures
Authors: Basith N. Mohamed , Vijaya J. Judith , Kennedy L. John
Published: June 2014

Pure and Fe-doped CuO nanostructures with different weight ratios (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at wt% of Fe) were prepared by a facile and fast microwave combustion method. The structure and morphology of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The XRD patterns refined by the Rietveld method indicated the formation of single-phase monoclinic structure and also confirm that the Fe ions are successfully incorporated into the CuO crystal lattice by occupying Cu ionic sites. Interestingly, the morphology was found to change considerably from nanoflowers to nanorod and disk-shaped then to nanoparticles with the variation of Fe content. The optical band gap calculated using DRS was found to be 2.8 eV for pure CuO and increases up to 3.4 eV with increasing Fe content. Photoluminescence measurements also confirm these results. The magnetic measurements indicated that the obtained nanostructures are found to show a room temperature ferromagnetism (RTF) with an optimum value of saturation magnetization at 2.0 wt.% of Fe-doped CuO, i.e.1.2960 x 10 -3 emu/g.
Effect of Surfactants on Structural and Dielectric Properties of Cobalt Ferrite
Authors: Khatri Hemal , Packiaraj G. , Jotania Rajshree B.
Published: June 2014

Cobalt ferrite (Cofe2o4) particles were synthesized with and without presence of surfactants using a co-precipitation method. Three surfactants Cetyl Tri methyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB-cationic), Sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (anionic), Triton X-100 (nonionic), were used and investigate their effects on the structural and dielectric properties of CoFe2O4 particles. The ferrite precursors were first pre calcined in a muffle furnace at 500°C and then calcined at 950°C. Structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of prepared particles were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, Dielectric and Low field ac magnetic susceptibility measurement. Phase purity of prepared samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The sample with surfactant Triton X-100 shows the highest values of dielectric constant at low frequency.
Synthesis, Structural and Dielectric Properties of Pure and Ni Substituted Bismuth Ferrite
Authors: Blessi S. , Vijayalakshmi S. , Pauline S.
Published: June 2014

Multiferroics have been known as materials exhibiting both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties in same phase, they have interesting physical properties as well as possibility of practical application in some new memories, spintronics and sensor devices. The present work reports the fabrication of pure and Nickel substituted Bismuth Ferrite by simple hydrothermal method at 180oC for 11 hours. The structural study was carried out using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and the Dielectric properties were investigated over a wide range of frequency and temperature. The image of SEM is in good agreement with the XRD analysis. The synthesis method is simple and cost effective. KEYWORDS: Multiferroics; Dielectric loss; Hydrothermal method; XRD.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel ZnO Nanophosphors
Authors: Kurrey Manmohan Singh , Diwan Bhoopendra Dhar
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the novel ZnO nanophosphors is synthesized by solgel method. The study exposed ZnO nanophosphors samples in Gamma (y) radiation to investigate their thermo-luminescence (TL) intensity as a function of temperature. The thermo-luminescence response has been studied in the dose range 0.291.16 kGy and it is observed that the thermo-luminescence response increases with increase in the dose. Moreover, the TL intensity increases with temperature and attains its maximum value near 200 Cand decreases after this temperature. Keywords: Dosimetry; Thermo-luminescence; Zinc oxide; Nanophosphors.
Synthesis of Polythiophene and its Carbonaceous Nanofibers as Electrode Materials for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Balakrishnan K. , Kumar Manish , Angaiah Subramania
Published: June 2014

A highly porous polythiophene (PTh) nanofibers were synthesized by surfactant assisted dilute polymerization method using FeCl3 as oxidant. They were confirmed by XRD and FTIR analysis. The surface morphology of PTh was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared polythiophene nanofibers were subjected to calcination under inert gas atmosphere at 1400oC for 2 hrs to get carbonaceous PTh nanofibers. The asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled using PTh nanofibers as the cathode and carbonaceous PTh nanofibers as the anode in 6M KOH electrolyte. The electrochemical supercapacitor performances were carried out to find out the specific capacitance, energy density and power density of the cell. The above results confirmed that the prepared PTh nanofibers and carbonaceous PTh nanofibers could be used as electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitor applications. Keywords: Polythiophene, Dilute polymerization method, Carbonaceous material, Asymmetric supercapacitor, Specific capacitances
Nanomaterials in PU Foam for Enhanced Sound Absorption at Low Frequency Region
Authors: Gayathri R. , Vasanthakumari R.
Published: June 2014

Lot of research is going on to develop materials suitable for absorbing sound and reducing noise. By virtue of their superior vibration damping capability and attractive characteristics such as visco elasticity, simple processing and commercial availability, polyurethane foams are extensively applied not only in automotive seats but also in various acoustical parts. However, the sound absorption coefficient of polyurethane foams is high (0.8 1.0) in high frequencies in the range 300 to 10000Hz while it is found to be low (0 to 0.5) at low frequencies (10 to 200 Hz). In this study new polyurethane based porous composites were synthesized by in situ foam rising polymerization of polyol and diisocyanate in the presence of fillers such as nanosilica (NS) and nanoclay (NC). The effect of these fillers at various concentrations up to 2% was studied for sound absorption characteristics in the frequency range 100-200Hz. Sound absorption coefficient was determined using standing wave impedance tube method. The sound absorption coefficient of filled PU foams increases from 0.5 to 0.8 with frequency increase from 100 to 200 Hz at higher content of the nanofillers employed. This research work is further extended to study the sound absorption capacity of unfilled PU foam with varying thickness and also hybrid foams with woven glass (GFC) and polyester cloth (PEC). The unfilled foam with 60mm of thickness gives sound absorption value same as that of 15mm of filled foam. Further enhanced absorption value is achieved with PU/NS-GFC hybrid. The results obtained are explained based on the porosity of composite structure and foam cell size.Key words Polyurethane foam, sound absorption coefficient, nanosilica, nanoclay, low frequency sound.
Single Step Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Decorated Graphene Oxide Using Aniline as Reducing Agent and Study its Application on Elecrocatalytic Detection of Tryptophan
Authors: Divya P. , Sudarvizhi A. , Pandian K.
Published: June 2014

A single step method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide nanocomposite using aniline as reducing agent has been developed. The composite was characterized using FE-SEM, UV-Vis and FT-IR and XRD analysis. The electron transfer behavior of the modified electrodes was investigated in a redox probe using cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were employed to evaluate the electrochemical properties of AuNPs/GO/GCE towards the electrochemical oxidation of tryptophan. A calibration graph was constructed by plotting the concentration of tryptophan against the peak current. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the oxidation peak currents were measured by varying the tryptophan concentrations. The resulting sensor displays an excellent repeatability and long-term stability.
Physicochemical Studies on Nano Silver Particles Prepared by Green and Chemical Methods
Authors: Praveena V. Durga , Kumar K. Vijaya
Published: June 2014

AgNPs were synthesized by two different methods chemically using sodium citrate as reducing agent, plant mediated by achyranthes aspera as reducing agent. Chitosan (CS) biopolymer is used as a capping agent in order to enhance the stability and dispersibility as well as to remove aggregation. The appearance of surface Plasmon band in the ultraviolet-visible spectra (410-445 nm) is due to the formation of AgNPs in different sizes. Also the data was clarified that the CS molecules coordinate to the surface of nanoAg particles through their head-groups. FTIR spectra were recorded in a Perkin Elmer version 10.03.06, Spectro Photometer. The FTIR analysis suggests that the prepared chitosan silver nanocomposite film consists of an intermediate/or complex of tri-ammonium citrate, chitosan and metal ions. Finally Antibacterial activity of Ag-CS composites indicating that highest antibacterial activity was detected with green film than chemical film.
Silver Nanoparticles on Zinc Oxide: An Approach to Plasmonic PV Solar Cell
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Kamal , Drmosh Qasem Ahmed , Al Harabi Fahhad , Tabet Nouar
Published: June 2014

Efficient light management in solar cells can be achieved by incorporating plasmonic nanoscatterers that support surface plasmons: excitations of conduction electrons at the interface/surface. As known, light trapping increases the amount of light absorbed by bouncing the light within the cell, giving it a chance to be absorbed thereby increasing the absorption and scattering cross-section. The challenge is to fabricate these plasmonic nanoparticles in cost-effective method as well as without hampering optical, electrical and topographical properties of underneath layers. Here in this report a simple two step method was adopted to fabricate silver nanoparticles on zinc oxide followed by topographic and elemental analysis thereof. Numerical calculation was carried out to elucidate optical scattering of silver nanoparticles of various sizes as well as that of dimer. Near-electric field distribution of single silver nanoparticles and dimer along with the individual component of electric field was simulated by finite different time domain analysis. Using the benefit of increased scattering cross-section and ease of such nanoparticles fabrication, a cell configure is proposed herewith.
Experimental Investigation of Aqueous Cerium Oxide Nanofluid Blend in Diesel Engine
Authors: Venkatesan S.P. , Kadiresh P.N. , Kumar K. Suresh
Published: June 2014

Influence of aqueous cerium oxide nanofluid on the major physicochemical properties of diesel and the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of diesel engine were investigated. 50cc of aqueous cerium oxide nanofluid was dispersed into 1 litre of diesel fuel for preparing test fuel. The diesel with and without aqueous cerium oxide nanofluid was tested in a direct injection diesel engine at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of full load condition. nanosized cerium oxide has more surface area, higher activity and can react with water at high temperature to generate hydrogen and improve fuel combustion. Also cerium oxide acts as oxygen buffer causing simultaneous oxidation of hydrocarbons as well as the reduction of oxides of nitrogen. The results on the combustion of diesel mixed with aqueous Cerium oxide nanofluid showed an increase in total heat of combustion and a decrease in concentration of HC, NOxand smoke in the exhaust emission from the diesel engine.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zn Nanoparticles by Using Hetero-Bicyclic Compound
Authors: Pushpanathan V. , Kumar D. Suresh
Published: June 2014

The 1:1 condensation reaction between benzil and tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane in methanol yields a hetero bicyclic compound 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-diphenyl-3,7-dioxa-8-aza-bicyclo [3.2.octan-2-ol. It was characterized by FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. The structure was conclusively determined by X-ray diffractrometric analysis. The structure shows a hetero bicyclic ring system. It consists of six membered morpholine and five membered oxazolidine rings with free hydroxyl groups. This bicyclic compound was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent to prepare zinc nanoparticles. The morphology and structure were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectrum analysis (EDS).
Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Time Effect on Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Growth Using C2H2 and H2 as Precursors
Authors: Noriah Yusoff , Saad Nor Hayati , Nabipoor Mohsen , Sulaiman Suraya , Sheng Daniel Bien Chia
Published: June 2014

Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) structures were grown on cobalt catalyst layer through Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) process. Acetylene (C2H2) and hydrogen (H2) are used as precursors during the PECVD process. The morphology structures of the MWCNTs grown under different PECVD time were investigated and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The effect of the PECVD time on the MWCNT growth is studied by varying the PECVD time at 45 sec and 600 sec. The morphology structures suggest that the growth rate is proportional to the PECVD time under the similar setting condition of pressure, acetylene flow-rate and temperature.
Synthesis, Magnetic and Surface Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported Nickel Oxide Hybrid Nanomaterials
Authors: Ganpath Mukul Jain , Rajendiran Rajesh , Rengarajan Venkatesan
Published: June 2014

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) supported on the reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) surface by a simple ultra-sonochemical method (r-GO-NiONPs). The formation of the r-GO was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The layer content of the r-GO was characterised by Raman spectroscopy. The crystalline nature and average particle size of the NiONPs were inferred by Powder-XRD spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticle was studied by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The total surface area of the r-GO-NiONPs was ascertained by Nitrogen gas BET adsorption isotherm. Surface area of r-GO-NiONPs is 282 m2g-1 which is little over twice of Graphene Oxide (GO) 132 m2g-1. The magnetic properties of the prepared r-GO-NiONPs was studied using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). Field dependent magnetization studies of r-GO-NiONPs delivers a very promising result.
Fractal Modeling Research in Permeability of Camellia and Bancoul Nut Cakes under Cold-Press
Authors: Ren Xiao Cong , Zheng Xiao , Chen Ge , Sun Zhi Xian
Published: June 2014

This study focuses on cold-pressed oil cakes of camellia and bancoul nut seeds, studying the fractal characteristics of pore microstructure of these two oilseed cakes. Combined with the fractal theory, the Darcy law and Hagen-Poiseuille formula were applied to establish a fractal permeability model of oil seed cakes. Cold press was used to determine permeability of oil cakes of camellia and bancoul nut seeds. The calculated values obtained through the model were compared to the experimental values. The relative average errors for camellia and bancoul nut oilseed cakes were 11.7% and 8.7%, respectively.
Optimizing Clarification of Pineapple Peel
Authors: Tengrang Ugsornphak , Chongkhong Sininart
Published: June 2014

Alpha-amylase is a potentially useful enzyme for the pretreatment and pre-hydrolysis (clarification) of pineapple peel. The clarified products contain sufficient glucose content for ethanol fermentation. The influences of quantity of the peel to water (10-16 %w: weight of peel to weight of water), alpha-amylase amount (100-240 U/g: U of amylase to g of peel), pH value (5.5-7.0), temperature (70-100oC) and time (60-240 min) were investigated by RSM (Response surface methodology). To obtain 31.8 g/L of the highest glucose concentration, the clarification is to be performed by 16 %w peel to water, 188 U amylase/g, 5.5 pH at 70oC for 240 min.
Purification of Enzymatically Produced Trehalose by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Carrying Compound UV- and NTG-Induced Mutations
Authors: Piao Chun Hong , Wang Yan , Liu Jun Mei , Yu Han Song , Wang Yu Hua
Published: June 2014

Here, we describe a new method for the separation of trehalose after its enzymatic production. Compound mutagenesis of the Angel strain ofSaccharomycescerevisiaeusing ultraviolet irradiation and N-ethyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine resulted in three strains with high levels of maltose consumption, as determined by measurement of the residual maltose content of the culture medium. After 48 h of cultivation, the amount of residual maltose in the non-fermentation medium was 12.63%, a seven-fold reduction compared with that obtained with the original, non-mutated strain. Mutant strain G-4C3 produced trehalose with a purity of up to 96.69%.
Effects of Water Temperature on Biochemical Characteristics of Mandarin Fish during Live Transportation
Authors: Cheng Shou Kun , Chen Shun Sheng , Wang Li Juan , Huang Shuo Lin
Published: June 2014

Objective and Methods: The effect of water temperature on Mandarin fish during live transportation was studied through testing the respiratory rate, ammonia nitrogen in water, glycogen and lactic acid in flesh and blood biochemical indicators at 20°C, 15°C,10°C and 5°C after transported for 0h, 3h, 10h and 24h. Results: The respiratory rate declined with the decreasing temperature and extending transportation time; the ammonia nitrogen in water increased with the temperature falling and lapse of time; the glycogen dropped as time went by and 24h later it declined with the temperature falling; but lactic presented a completely opposite trend; The cortisol decreased with the temperature declined, and rose first and then fell with the time; AST had a negative correlation with water temperature but GLU had a positive correlation; UREA decreased significantly with the declined temperature between 20°C and 10°C, and the level of it at 5°C was close to at 20°C.Conclutions: All these results revealed that 5°C should be selected for short distance transportation less than 10h and 10-15°C was the best choice for long distance transportation.
Physicochemical Properties of Biodegradable Tilapia Skin Gelatin Film and Gelatin-Polysaccharide Based Composite Films
Authors: Peng Shuai , Niu Li Hong , Lai Ke Qiang , Huang Yi Qun
Published: June 2014

The present study was to investigate the film forming properties of tilapia skin gelatin as affected by the addition of 2%, 5% Arabic gum or pectin (g/g gelatin), as well as 1%, 2% glutaraldehyde (GTA) (g/g gelatin) in an attempt to improve gelatin film properties. Tensile strength (TS) and transparency of gelatin film were improved 36.6% and 30.3% by the addition of Arabic gum, respectively, while the water vapor permeability (WVP) was not affected. The addition of pectin had less effect on the film tensile strength and transparency, but led to 41.7% of increase in WVP. Tensile strength and WVP of gelatin-arabic gum composite film cross-linked with 2% GTA were better than those of 1% GTA cross-linked composite film, though the extensibility and transparency were slightly weak. The FTIR spectra of gelatin films showed that both Arabic gum and pectin formed cross-linkages with gelatin protein molecules, while GTA facilitated the formation of intermolecular bonds, resulting in more stable films.
Plant MicroRNAs Responsive to Fungal Infection
Authors: Zhang Hui Li , Chen Lin , Li Wen Na , Wang Li Li , Xie Hong Yu
Published: June 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs transcribed from non-coding DNA, which have the capacity to base pair with the target mRNAs (messenger RNAs) to repress their translation or resulted in cleavage. We have paid much attention on the DNA and its coded proteins, the discovery of miRNAs as gene negatively regulators has led to a fundamental change in understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation in plants. Fungal pathogens infection is the main cause of most economic crops diseases. Unlike humans, plants don’t evolved to have a adaptive immune system, they protect themselves with a mechanism consists of activation and response. Recently, high throughput sequencing validated that miRNA play a crucial role in plant-fungus interaction. A better understanding of miRNA-mediated disease mechanism in fungi should clarify the strategy of crop disease control. MiRNA-based manipulations as gene suppressors, such as artificial miRNAs, may emerge as a new alternative approach for the improvement of crops and control of crop disease.
A Bioaerosol Detection IRLidar
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhao Xue Song , Zong Jun Jun
Published: June 2014

Lidar is the main standoff detection system against bioagent/bioaerosol, An infrared lidar has been developed for bioagent/bioaerosol monitoring. The overall architecture and specifications of the lidar were described. The results of overlap coefficient, horizontal and slant measurements at Hefei, such as comparison of observed horizontal extinction coefficients between commercial MPL Lidar and the IRLidar, the slant path time-space extinction coefficient distributions have been revealed and discussed. The results show that the IRLidar is a reliable lidar with advanced performances.
Effect of Different Temperatures on Storage Quality of Fresh-Cut Apples
Authors: Li Qi , Leng Chuan Zhu , Wang Si Xin , Li Xi Hong , Chen Lan , Li Yao Yao , Chen Huan Huan , Huang Xin Hong , Hao Mei Mei
Published: June 2014

Taking ‘Fuji’ fresh-cut apples as material, studied on the effect of different temperatures (-2 ̊C,0 ̊C,2 ̊C and 4 ̊C) on storage quality of fresh-cut apples during 25 days. The results indicated that low temperature can significantly keep the storage quality of fresh-cut apples and inhibit browning. Moreover, compared to the other treatment groups, treatment at 0 ̊C better maintained the firmness, color, as well as higher contents of titratable acid and lower MDA content, which showed 0 ̊C can extent storage time.
Finite Element Analysis of Femoral Fracture System
Authors: Gao Ya Lei , Dong Li Min , Chen Wei
Published: June 2014

Plates are most commonly used fixation devices on treatment of femoral fracture, Hwoever, due to the unique mechanical properties and the strong bearing capacity of the femur, the cases of plate broken are at the top of the body skeleton. With the femur’s healing, the stress on the femur and plate is in the process of dynamic transfer. Therefor, healing factors of femur should be considered to more fully describe the stress conditions, on femoral fracture fixation study. This paper study on titanium plate fixation of femoral fracture, analyzed the stress of the femur and plate in different healing period of the femur under different loads.
Influence of Operating Parameters on Physicochemical Properties of Fruit Juice Powders Produced by Spray Drying
Authors: Zhang Li Li , Ma Chuan Chuan
Published: June 2014

This paper investigated the influence of operating parameters such as inlet air temperature, compressed air flow rate, concentration of carrier agent and type of carrier on the physicochemical properties of fruit juice powders produced by spray drying.The results indicated that increasing inlet air temperature resulted in the larger size particles with smoothly spherical appearance, and to lower bulk density and moisture content. The bulk density of powders also decreased with increasing carrier agent concentration, decreasing compressed air flow rate. The higher feed flow rate negatively affected process yield and positively influenced moisture content, and occurring the wall deposition easily. Additionally, the anthocyanin retention mainly depends on the inlet air temperature and type of carrier. Moreover, the novel methods and ideas to this problem in the next studies were presented.
The Optimization Plastic Coefficient in AWC Research and Application
Authors: Yin Fang Chen , Ma Geng Sheng , Yu Jia Xue , Ji Ya Feng , Wang Bo , Zhang Dian Hua
Published: June 2014

Aimed at the main factors of hot rolled strip steel product width fluctuation, rolled piece is put forward to plasticity coefficient and entrance width as the input variables of feedforward AWC control algorithm.Expounds a kind of optimization of plasticity coefficient Q feedforward AWC control system principle and plasticity coefficient Q of linear prediction algorithm.Field application shows that the Q prediction feedforward AWC has significant effect on inhibition of hot rolled strip width deviation.
Study on Resin Infusion Behavior of the CFRP Integrated Manufacturing Process Based on RFI Process
Authors: Guo Yu Qin , Meng Zhao , Sun Min Hang , Li Fu Zhu , Chen Wei
Published: June 2014

In the CFRP integrated manufacturing process based on RFI process, a CFRP stacking sheet is fabricated by laying alternatively Carbon Fiber Fabrics on Epoxy Resin Films each other. So its infusion process can be regarded as a concurrent infusion system consisting of some representative infusion systems with the delay time. Where, each representative infusion system includes a single layer resin film and a single layer carbon fiber fabric. It means that the infusion behavior of a CFRP stacking sheet can be described as a combination of the time delay from the bottom layer to the top layer and the required infusion time of the top representative infusion system. Based on this idea, the infusion behavior of the CFRP stacking sheets with different infusion pressures and the number of layer of Carbon Fiber Fabric is researched with the aid of the simulation software of RFI process developed especially and experiments, whose objects is to discover the impacts of the number of layer of Carbon Fiber Fabric and the infusion pressure on the resin infusion behavior. It is noticed that the predicted results have a good agreement with the experimental ones, which also verifies the applied method in this paper is feasible and valid to determine proper process conditions of the CFRP integrated manufacturing process.
Crystallization Behavior and Crystal Morphology of PP/POEg Blends
Authors: Wang Kun Yan
Published: June 2014

Polypropylene (PP)/Maleic anhydride grafted poly (ethylene-octene) (POEg) were prepared by melt blending method. The crystallization behavior and crystal morphology were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and polarzing optical microscope (POM). Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) experiments showed that the melting point and crystallization point decreased when POEg added to the blend. XRD results show that the POEg not change the crystal structure in the blends but only decrease the intensity of the diffraction peak. The spherulitic structure could also observed when added POEg to the matix of PP, but the shape of the spherulites distorted.
Bake Hardening Properties of Ultra-Rapid Annealed Ultra-Low Carbon Bake Hardening Steel
Authors: Xu De Chao , Li Jun , Liu Yan Dong , Kong Xiang Wei
Published: June 2014

Ultra-rapid annealing (URA) experiments were carried out to study the effect of heating rate on the recrystallization kinetics, grain size and Bake-hardening (BH) properties of Ultra-low carbon Bake Hardening Steel annealing with different heating rates followed by gas cooling (about 100°C/s) with variation of soaking times. It was shown that the degree of grain refinement is controlled by the parameters of heating rates and soaking time of the Ultra-rapid annealing cycles. For the steels investigated, the final grain size decreases with increasing heating rate and increases with increasing soaking time. The effects of dislocation density, varied by means of non-temper rolling reduction and a temper rolling reduction of 1% on the Bake-hardening properties were investigated within an aging temperature of 170°C for 20 min.
Study of the Capacitive Properties of Strontium Barium Niobate Deposited by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Su Sheng Chien , Chang Wen Chung , Wu Chia Ching
Published: June 2014

Ferroelectric SrxBa1−xNb2O6 (SBN) thin films are deposited on Al/Si (100) substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The nanograin sizes of the SBN thin films were analized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction reveals that all the SBN thin films show an amorphous structure because they were deposited at room temperature.The capacitive properties of the SBN thin films were measured using metal ferroelectric insulation semiconductor (MFIS) structures. The memory window of the MFIS structure was characterized with a capacitance-voltage (C-V) method.
The Effect of Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Austenitic Stainless Steel on Plasma Carburizing
Authors: Zhang Ting , Tong Xing Sheng
Published: June 2014

In this study, low temperature plasma carburizing technology as one of the surface hardening techniques has been applied to improve the mechanical properties of 304 austenitic stainless steel. Several low temperature process parameters were studied to focus on the structure and properties of the carburized layer. The results shows that carburizing at 450°C, C3H8: H2 = 1: 40, carburizing time 10h could get a better white layer, a better wear resistance and a reasonable corrosion resistance, which proved to be the optimal hardening treatment.
Oxidation-Resistance of (Ti,Al,Nb)N Coatings Prepared by Arc Ion Plating
Authors: Li Ming Sheng , Wang Li , Zhang Shu Juan , Luo Liu Gen
Published: June 2014

In this study, composite metastable (Ti0.5Al0.5)N, (Ti0.475Al0.475Nb0.05)N and (Ti0.45Al0.45Nb0.1)N coatings were respectively deposited on a wrought martensite steel 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV by arc ion plating technique. All coatings possessed a dense structure, although droplets existed on the surface of the coatings. It was identified by XRD that the phase structure of all the coatings was the same B1 NaCl with a small mount of ε phase. Oxidation-resistance of (Ti,Al,Nb)N coatings at 800oC for up to 50 hr was investigated and the results showed that the introduction of niobium into the coatings dramastically improved the oxidation-resistance of the coatings in air. (Ti0.45Al0.45Nb0.1)N possessed more excellent oxidation-resistance than (Ti0.475Al0.475Nb0.05)N.