bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RECYCLED PET FOR RICE HUSK/POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Authors: Ahmad I. , Abu Bakar D. R. , Mokhilas S. N. , Ramli A
Published: December 2017

Rice husks were combined with unsaturated polyester resin, synthesized from glycolysed product of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste to form rice husk (RH)/polyester composites. PET from post-consumer soft drink bottles was recycled through glycolysis, followed by polyesterified with maleic anhydride and then cross-linked with styrene to producea formulation for the resin. Characterizations of the synthesized resin were performed byhydroxyl, acid values and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) techniques. The effect of filler loading and surface modification of rice husks on the mechanical properties of the composites were also investigated. It has been observed that the increasing filler loading resulted in reduction of tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength but increased tensilemodulus and hardness. At similar filler loading, alkalized filler composites have higher mechanical properties.
Study on the osmotic pre-treatment and infrared radiation on drying kinetics and colour changes during drying of agricultural products
Authors: Chou, S. K. , Chua, K. J. , Mujumdar A. S. , Tan, and M. , Tan S. L.
Published: December 2017

A combination of intermittent infrared and continuous convection heating was used to dehydrate various osmotically pretreated sample of potato (in solutions of 10%, 20% and 30% NaCl) and pineapple (in solutions of 30%, 50%, 70% Brix). In one set of runs, the infrared source was turned on and off sequentially according to a predetermined time schedule. In the other set, a thermocouple located on the surface of the drying slice exposed to the radiant heat flux measured the temperature continuously and cut off the infrared source automatically when the surface temperature reached 36 to 45°C. The effect of osmotic-IR conditions on colour changes of potato, pineapple and apple was investigated. With appropriate choice of infrared intermittency as well as osmotic pretreatment, it is possible to reduce the overall colour change while maintaining high  drying rates. Results from the temperature feedback system indicated no measurable colour degradation occurred despite faster drying kinetics, reduction in drying times and minimisation in product shrinkage.
Spectrophotometric method for hg(ii) determination in aqueous environment using zinc-dithizonate complex
Authors: Ahmad, Musa Ahmad , Marsom Elya Sufliza , Hamzah Harun
Published: December 2017

This article described the use of zinc-dithizonate for spectrophotometric  determination of Hg(II) in aqueous environment. Zinc dithizonate was found to react selectively with Hg(II) to give a reddish yellow complex  with  optimum  absorbance  at  pH  1.0. This complex was found to be useful for  spectrophotometric determination of aqueous Hg(II) in the concentration range of 1.0 - 12.0 ppm. This method was also found to be reproducible with calculated relative standard deviation, RSD of 1.08%. At 1:1 mole ratio, interfering ions such as CH COO·, Pb2+ and Ag+ were found to interfere at degree 3 of interference of more than 10.0%.
NEW UPPER AND LOWER BOUNDS LINE OF SIGHT PATH LOSS MODELS FOR MOBILE PROPAGATION IN BUILDINGS
Authors: Phaiboon Supachai , Phokharatkul P. , Somkuarnpanit Suripon
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a method to predict line-of-sight (LOS) path loss in buildings. We performed measurements in two different type of buildings at a frequency of 1.8 GHz and propose new upper and lower bounds path loss models which depend on max and min values of sample path loss data. This makes our models limit path loss within the boundary lines. The models include time-variant effects such as people moving and cars in parking areas with their influence on wave propagation that is very high.  The results have shown that the proposed models will be useful for the system and cell design of indoor wireless communication systems.
ELECTRORESPONSIE BEHAVIOR OF POLYELECTROLYTE GELS (ACRYLIC ACID-CO-N-N' METHYLENE BISACRYLAMIDE) UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRIC FIELD
Authors: Nam Nguyen Phuong Hoai , Mendes Eduado
Published: December 2017

Polymer gels which were synthesized from acrylic acid and N-N’ methylene bisacrylamide exhibited electrical sensitive behavior. Their swelling properties and electroresponsive behavior were studied. The results indicated that the water take-up ability of the hydrogel increased with the decreased N-N’ methylene bisacrylamide content within the network. The hydrogel membranes swollen in a neutral NaCl solution, bent toward the cathode under non-contact DC electric fields, and their bending speed and equilibrium strain increased with the increased of applied voltage. In addition, the effect of crosslinker concentration of N-N’ methylene bisacrylamide on bending behavior of the gels have been studied. The equilibrium strain decreased as the crosslinker concentration increased. By changing the direction of the applied potential cyclically, the hydrogel membranes exhibited good reversible bending behavior. The bending of the hydro gel membranes was initially explained by a bending theory of polyelectrolyte hydrogel based on the charge of osmotic pressure due to the ion concentration different between the inside and the outside of the network.
Fungsi Associated with Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena Leucocephala) (Lam) De with Seeds and Their Control
Authors: QUINIONES SEBASTIAN S
Published: December 2017

Thirteen fungi were isolated from Leucaena seeds from different places in the philipines. These were; Fusarium moniliforme, F. solani, F. semitecctum, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Cephalosporium sp., Phoma sp., Phoma sp., Cladosporiumsp., Chaetomium sp., Chaetomiun sp., Penicilium sp. and Aspergilus flavus. C. graminiculo completely inhibits the germination of seeds once it has colonized the seeds.
AROMATIC PLANTS FROM VIETNAM, SOURCES OF PHENYLPROPANOID PRODUCTS FOR INDUSTRY
Authors: Hoi Tran Minh
Published: December 2017

Aromatic plants produce by vapour distillation or other processes essential oils which are products with high commercial value used in the natural product industries such flavour and fragrance, perfumes and cosmetics industries as well as pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to characterise some aromatic plants from Vietnam through the chemical composition of their essential oils. We got interested in essential oils which contained a main component with high to ultra high content, susceptible to find an industrial use. For this study, a dozen of plants have been selected. The composition of their essential oils will be compared with those of the same plants, reported in the literature, from Vietnamese origin or from other countries.
A NEW INVESTIGATION OF VIETNAM’S BERYL
Authors: Binh Nguyen Van , Hong Nguyen Thi
Published: December 2017

The paper presents briefly new investigation of Vietnam beryl group, especially some characteristics of regional geology of Song Chay granite massif and new find of big crystals of beryl in them. The green beryl is found in quartz - mica - tourmaline, mica - feldspar – quartz pegmatite bodies in the south part of Song Chay granite - gneiss massif near Na Chi and Tan Nam villages, Quang Binh district, Ha Giang province.
A NEW QoS GUARANTEE SLA BASED-SCHEME FOR HANDOFF CALLS IN WIRELESS NETWORKS
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Cao , Quan Tran Hong , Lee Sang-Ho , Moon Jung-Mo
Published: December 2017

The most important thing is guarantee QoS over wireless infrastructures. The efficient of service level agreement (SLA) is becoming increasingly important to both service providers and customers. This paper presents some traffic control schemes for improving QoS, trafficmodel and performance evaluation are described. We are defining a new scheme for improving handoff call performances in wireless networks, a finite queuing scheme for the handoff calls. SLA measurement calculates the packet delay parameter (PD) of handoff calls. The handoff calls will be accepted into queue if their PD will be smaller than the average waiting time of the queue. Important performance measures of the suggested scheme such as the blocking probability of new call and dropping probability of handoff call are described and evaluated.
INFLUENCE OF SILICA COLLOID ON RHEOLOGY OF CEMENT PASTE WITH SUPERPLASTICIZER
Authors: Chuong T.H. , Nga P.V.
Published: December 2017

Information of rheological behavior of binder paste is important for proportioning high slump concrete mixture at low water to cement ratios. This paper presents experimental data on the rheological property of silica colloid incorporated binder paste using naphthalene based and polycarboxylate based superplasticizer, compared to that of silica fume incorporated binder paste. Experimental data showed that silica colloid incorporated binder is compatible to tested superplasticizers in the all investigated range of silica colloid content, whereas the pastes incorporated with high silica fume content (over 10%) indicated incompatibility, especially to naphthalene based superplasticizer. There was also found out saturated content of superplasticizer corresponding to every kind of binder and water-binder ratio, with and without set retarding admixture.
THE EFFECT OF INNER DIAPHRAGMS AND NON-CONTINUOUS SILL SECTION ON THE STIFFNESS OF AUTOMOTIVE B-PILLAR
Authors: Tan C.F. , Shamsuddin S.A. , Shafie M.H.
Published: December 2017

The paper discusses the knowledge on the behaviour of T-frame under specific loading will be obtained by experimental methods in order to investigate the deflection of the vehicle B-pillar or T-frame. In addition, a series of T-frame were designed with inner diaphragm at various location in the sill member in order to investigate the effect of inner diaphragm and noncontinuous closed hat section in the sill member. Lastly, the results from the experimental tests were compared with the finite element analysis results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the inner diaphragm in the automotive B-pillar.
DEFORMATION OF WOOD IN COMPRESSION DURING MOISTURE MOVEMENT
Authors: Hamdan S. , Osman M.S. , Chew M.Y.
Published: December 2017

This work presents the phenomenon of mechano-sorptive strain in the deformation of wood during moisture content (MC) changes. A series of experiments were designed to demonstrate the greatly enhanced deformation due to the mechano-sorptive effect. The purpose of this work is to show the magnitude of mechano-sorptive creep compared to the ordinary viscoelastic creep with applied compressive load. In order to do this, several conditions were induced. They were the moisture movement with MC change, moisture movement without MC change and conditions without moisture movement. Several apparatus were assembled to produce the desired conditions. Special care is taken to make sure that the compressive load is relatively small and is within elastic limit. This work observed the unique patterns of strains of various conditions that were induced in the experiments. The characteristics shown in the results were evaluated logically and compared to existing theories to confirm their validity. The results have shown that with the presence of mechano-sorptive, the maximum strains of Jelutong (dyera costulata) wood specimens loaded at 200N is 0.433x10 -3 . The results showed that the severest deformation is caused by the increasing MC in the wood specimen, attributed to the mechanosorptive (MS) effect.
EFFECTS OF Sr SUBSTITUTION ON CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE AND RAMAN SPECTRA OF La2-xSrxNiO4+δ
Authors: Thanh Tran Dang , Hong Le Van
Published: December 2017

Effects of Sr2+ substitution for La3+  on oxygen concentration and structure of La2-xSrxNiO4+δ   have been observed by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering. Oxygen concentration and unit cell volume of the material decrease monotonously in dependence of x.   The vibration modes were calculated for La2NiO4 in K2NiF4  type structure with the group symmetry of I4/mmm. The Raman active modes for this symmetry were also theoretically identified. Raman back scattering spectra have been carried out for all the ceramic polycrystalline samples at room temperature. Two Raman lines at 224.6 cm-1  and 433 cm-1 , assigned to Eg  and A1g  vibration modes of oxygen O(II) in bonding La/Sr-O were observed for all the samples. The lower mode 224.6 cm-1  shifts down to 208 cm-1 , whereas the upper mode 433 cm-1  shifts up when concentration of the Sr substituting for La increases.
NUMERICAL RESULT FOR VARIATIONAL INEQUALITY PROBLEMS WITH EQUALITY CONSTRAINT
Authors: Loi Pham Van
Published: December 2017

In this paper we present some numerical results for illustrating a theoret- ical results obtained in our investigation in the field of variational inequality problems with constraint in the form of operator equation involving monotone operator.
MEASURMENT OF BENDING PROPERTIES OF RHIZOPHORA TROPICAL WOOD
Authors: Hamdan Sinin , Hasan Mahbub , Nohe Yoann
Published: December 2017

The Young’s modulus, load at the yield point and proportional limit stress from the compression bending (cb) test were compared with the four point bending tests (4pb). The theoretical Young’s modulus are larger than the real reading for 5mm and 10mm thick specimens, except for 200mm long specimens due to specimen nonlinearity. The experimental results for the short specimens are slightly high compared to the theory due to uniaxial compression in both tensile and compressive planes. Since the additional deflection produced by the shearing force and the stress concentration at the loading point was smaller with the compression bending test compared to the conventional four point bending test the values of Ecb are larger than E4pb. It is noted that when length/thickness (l/t)>80, the values of Ecb are scattered. In addition, Ecb decrease sharply when l/t<30. In order to obtain a stable Young’s modulus value, it is suggested that the l/t should be 30~80.
Characteristics of unsupported alumina membrane prepared using sol-gel technique
Authors: Othman, M.R. , Ahmad A.L. , Mukhtar H.
Published: December 2017

A laboratory scale alumina membrane was prepared using sol-gel technique. Results from the experiment demonstrate that the addition of PVA is important for viscosity adjustment to determine the appropriate coating time if the membrane is required for coating on the porous support. The effects of varying PVA content  and sintering temperature on the characteristics of the sintered membrane are discussed. In this work, a 2 volume % of PVA solution containing 4g of PVA in lOOml of water was discovered to be adequate to achieve appropriate porosity level and avoid cracks in the gel layer. It was also discovered that the sol viscosity essentially increased as the PVA addition was increased. On the contrary, the coating time decreased as PVA content in the sol was increased. Generally, the pore size of the membrane increased with the increase in PVA addition. The density of the membrane increased with increase in sintering temperature. The porosity level however, decreased as the temperature was increased. The pore size became greater and pore size distribution wider at higher sintering temperatures.
A METHOD BUILD FUZZY ASSOCIATE MEMORY FOR FUZZY CONTROL PROBLEMS
Authors: Thanh Ha Pham , Cat Ho Nguyen , Nhu Lan Vu
Published: December 2017

Building fuzzy associate memory accordance with control problems has great meaning for control methods  In this paper we propose a method, that build fuzzy associate memory for control problem based on optimal trajectory of control problem, the method developed by theory hedge algebras and genetic algorithm.
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AGAR EXTRACTED FROM SIX RED SEAWEED SPECIES GROWING IN THE COAST OF VIETNAM
Authors: Van Tran Thi Thanh , Ly Bui Minh , Buu Ngo Quoc , Kinh Chu Dinh
Published: December 2017

Polysaccharides extracted from six red seaweed species growing in Vietnam have been studied. Characterisation of their structure by chemical and spectroscopic methods showed that all of them have a basic repeating structure of alternating 3-linked b-D-galactopyranosyl and 4-linked 3,6-anhydro a-L-galactopyranosyl units with substituted methyl ether groups.   The native agar offers only weak gelling abilities owing to the 4-linked a-L-galactopyranosyl 6-sulfate as its precursor. Conversion of this unit into the corresponding 3,6-anhydride by treating with hot alkali generally led to gel strength increasing. The agars from G. fisheri and G. firma are poorly substituted, while those from G.asiatica, G.tenustipitata and G. heteroclada are partly methylated on position 6 of the 3-linked b-D- galactose. Agar from Gelidiella acerosa is partlly methylated on both positions 6 and 2 of the 4linked 3,6-anhydro a-L-galactose.   The alkali- modified agars have been obtained in acceptable quantities with gel strength of 300932 g/cm2. The obtained results showed that all the six algal species are suitable as raw material for commercial agar production and worthy of further cultivation
TEMPORO-SPECTRAL COHERENT STRUCTURE OF TURBULENCE AND PRESSURE USING FOURIER AND WAVELET TRANSFORMS
Authors: Le Thai-Hoa , Nguyen Dong-Anh
Published: December 2017

Studying the spatial distribution in coherent fields such as turbulent and turbulent-induced force ones is important to model and evaluate turbulent-induced forces and response of structures on the turbulent flows. Turbulent field-based coherent function is commonly used for the spatial distribution characteristic of induced forces in the frequency domain. This paper will focus to study spectral coherent structure of turbulence and forces in not only the frequency domain using conventional Fourier transform-based coherence, but also temporo-spectral coherent one in the time-frequency plane thanks to wavelet transform-based coherence for more understanding of the turbulence and force coherences and their spatial distributions. Effects of spanwise separations, bluff body flow and flow conditions on coherent structures of turbulence and induced pressure, comparison between turbulence and pressure coherences as well as intermittency of coherent structure in the time-frequency plane will be investigated here.
Present and future science and technology cooperation in asean
Authors: Ghee Ang How
Published: December 2017

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Science and technology formulation - the philippines experience
Authors: Soriano Emanuel
Published: December 2017

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Science and technology in singapore
Authors: Ghee Ang How
Published: December 2017

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The status and quantitative policy of science and technology in thailand
Authors: Sabhasri Sanga , Yuthavong Yongyuth
Published: December 2017

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Patent statistics at the commission of the european communities
Authors: Kronz Hermann
Published: December 2017

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Science policy in thailand
Authors: Pombhejara Vichivong N.
Published: December 2017

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Technology transfer management - some policy alternatives
Authors: Kintanar Q. L.
Published: December 2017

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Development in biotechnology - with reference to malaysia
Authors: Sallen Abu Bakar , Smith John E.
Published: December 2017

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CATHODIC ELECTRODEPOSITION OF Cu 4 SnS 4 THIN FILMS FROM ACIDIC SOLUTION
Authors: Kassim Anuar , Min Ho Soon , Kuang Zulkefly , Tee Tan Wee , Abdullah Abdul Halim , Sharif Atan , Haron Md. Jelas , Nagalingam Saravanan
Published: December 2017

In this work the synthesis of copper tin sulfide thin films by electrodeposition is carried out. The films were deposited onto ITO glass substrates from an aqueous solution bath containing copper sulfate, tin chloride and sodium thiosulfate at pH 1 and room temperature. Prior to the deposition, a cyclic voltammetry experiment was carried out  between two potential limits (+1000 to -1000 mV versus Ag/AgCl) to probe the effect of  the applied potential and to determine the most likely suitable electrodeposition potential  for the deposition of copper tin sulfide. The deposition was attempted at various cathodic potentials such as -400, -600, -800, -1000 mV to determine the optimum deposition  potential. The films have been characterized by techniques such as optical absorption, Xray diffraction  and  atomic  force  microscopy. The XRD patterns show that the films are polycrystalline with orthorhombic structure. The AFM studies reveal the electrodeposited films were smooth, compact and uniform at deposition potentials of –600 mV versus  Ag/AgCl. The direct optical band-gap energy was obtained to be 1.58 eV.
Adaptive Backstepping Control of Electrical Transmission Drives with Elastic, Unknown Backlash and Coulomb Friction Nonlinearity
Authors: Đông Huỳnh Văn , Kiên Trần Xuân , Định Nguyễn Công
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present a new scheme to design an adaptive controller for uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown backlash, Coulomb friction nonlinearity. The control design is achieved by introducing a smooth approximate backlash model and certain well defined functions and by using backstepping technique. It is shown that the proposed controller can guarantee that the system is global asymptotic stable.
Effects of pressure on thermal contact resistance for rough mating surfaces
Authors: Abdullah, M. Z. , Yau, Y. C. , Alauddin, and Z. A. Zainal , Seetharamu K. N.
Published: December 2017

Thermal contact resistance has been studied experimentally to  investigate the effect of pressure between two aluminium or two brass rough surfaces at three different heat flux levels. Three different rough surfaces are considered in the range of 2.63 to 40.69μm. It is demonstrated that the thermal contact resistance reduces significantly with pressure for both materials, the harder material gives higher thermal contact resistance as expected
Forecasting water demand using back propagation networks in the operation of reservoirs in the citarum cascade, west java, indonesia
Authors: Mashudi Mulya R.
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the use of Neural Networks (NN) as a potential means of more accurately forecasting water demand in the Citarum River basin cascade. Neural Networks have the ability to recognise nonlinear patterns when sufficiently trained with historical data. The study constructs a NN model of the cascade, based on Back Propagation Networks (BPN). Data representing physical characteristics and meteorological conditions in the Citarum River basin from 1989 through 1995 were used to train the BPN. Nonlinear activation functions (sigmoid, tangent, and gaussian functions) and hidden layers in the BPN were chosen for the study.
A SENSITIVE ASSAY FOR NON-SPECIFIC N-METHYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN RAT TISSUES BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION
Authors: Shimbhu Dawan , Kojima Kohichi , Nagatsu Toshiharu
Published: December 2017

Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and non-specific N -methyltransferase  (EC 2.1.1.28) catalyze the N-methylation of aromatic amines. PNMT is specific for phenylethanolamines such as noradrenaline (NA). and catalyzes the step in catecholamine biosynthesis, forming adrenaline (AD) from NA. PNMT activity is high in adrenal gland, whereas non-specific N-methyltransferase is distributed in various tissues such as the lungs. Borchardt et al. first reported a method to detect PNMT activity by  high-performance liquid chromatography electrochemical detection (HPLC-EICD), which could demonstrate the activity only in the adrenal medulla and hypothalamus. Recently, Troeewicz et al. reported a highly sensitive assay method for PNMT using HPLC-EICD by which the activity in all regions of rat brains could be measured. The activity of non-specific N-methyltransferase in brain regions and peripheral tissues of the rat could be detected by a radioassay. However, there has been no repot on an assay method for non-specific N-methyltransferase using HPLC-EICD. In this paper, we describe a highly sensitive assay procedure for the activity of non-specific N-methyltransferase by high-performance reversed-phase ion pair chromatography with electrochemical detection. By this method, the non-specific N-methyltransferase activity could be determined in various rat brain regions and peripheral tissues.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE PREDICTION OF PLASTICS BALL GRID ARRAY (PBGA) USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Leong C.H. , Azid I.A. , Seetharamu K.N.
Published: December 2017

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on feed-forward backpropagation model is used  to predict junction temperature in PBG A package. The limited results obtained from FEM (using IDEAS software) are used to train the neural network. The effect of source power, substrate and mold compound thermal conductivity, die size, substrate thickness and air velocity on junction temperature and thermal resistance has been investigated using ANN.  The predicted junction temperature using ANN agrees closely with the prediction from FEM. ANN method takes a small fraction of the time and effort compared to that required by HEM for prediction.
STUDY OF PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROXYAPATITE COATINGS BY SOL-GEL TECHNIQUE
Authors: Ramanan Sutapa Roy , Venkatesh Ramanan
Published: December 2017

Hydroxyapåtite (HAP) coatings were prepared on glass substrates by sol-gel dip coating method, using a isopropanol solution of calcium nitrate and 2-butanol solution of phosphorous pentoxide as starting precursors and mixing them to get a coating solution with Ca/P ratio of 1.67. The prepared coatings were dried at 150°C and subsequently  fired at 500°C to obtain dense coatings. Multilayer coatings were prepared to increase the final thickness. For some samples, SiO2, TiO2, Al2O, and Zr02 coatings modified the interface between the glass and HAP. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR and DTA/TG were used for characterization. All the coatings obtained at 500°C in air had only crystalline hydroxyapatite phase, characteristics FTIR signature peaks of HAP and dense and smooth morphology with the apparent presence of micropores. The cross-sectional microstructure of the coatings showed presence of smooth interface.
USING TWO TIME SCALES OF TURBULENCE FOR BOUNDARY LAYER FLOWS
Authors: Saeid Nawaf H.
Published: December 2017

A near wall improvement of the k-ε model of turbulence is proposed and evaluated. The present model takes into account the asymptotic behavior of turbulent scales near wall region and for free turbulence region. The Kolmogorov turbulent time scale is introduced as a lower limit. The model is used for prediction of turbulent boundary layer flows. Predictions compared with experimental data of several flow cases, with encouraging results.
DESIGN OF ROBUST H∞ POWER SYSTEM STABILIZER USING NORMALIZED COPRIME FACTORIZATION
Authors: Ngamroo I. , Dechanupaprittha S.
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a new design procedure of robust power system stabilizers (PSS) using H∞ control via normalized coprime factorization (NCF) approach. The design procedure of the proposed PSS is systematically described. Moreover, the selection method of the weighting function in H∞ control design is explained in a simple manner. The performance and robustness of the proposed PSS are investigated in comparison with the conventional PSS by examining the case of a single machine connected to an infinite bus (SMIB) system. The simulation results are illustrated to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed PSS.
NARROWING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN MALAYSIA: ISSUES AND INITIATIVES
Authors: Foo L.N. , Lai W.K. , Elamzazuthi C.
Published: December 2017

Equity of and access to information and communication technologies (ICT) is currently a burning issue in many countries around the world. Malaysia, as a nation with about 22 million inhabitants, has taken some strong strides in recent times to bridge the access and equity gaps through appropriate policies and strategic national programmes. This paper will examine some of the key elements of several of these initiatives to bridge the digital divide in the country, in particular, the Titian Digital programme. We will also be identifying some of the major challenges that this programme hopes to resolve.
Application of Deswirl Device in Cyclone Dust Separator
Authors: Abdullah M. Z. , Husain Z. , Fraser S. M.
Published: December 2017

The experimental investigations of the vortex flow inside the vortex finder (outlet duct) of the cyclone dust separator have been carried out.  Preliminary study from the visualization experiment has been performed and discovered vortex instability inside the conventional vortex finder.  In order to minimize the instabilities, the streamlined entry shape was inserted at the vortex finder entrance and the results showed remarkable improvement of the vortex flow instability inside the vortex finder.  The velocity measurements of two main components of velocity were performed using a laser-Doppler anemometry at the cyclone vortex finder outlet.  The experiments were conducted at a constant flow rate of 0.0246m3/s with the vortex finder diameter of 64mm and with several types of entrance configuration in order to improve the cyclone performance and to reduce the losses.  The use of deswirl devices inside the vortex finder significantly reduced pressure drop and energy losses.
Design and Development of A Three-Point Auto Hitch Dynamometer for An Agricultural Tractor
Authors: Kheiralla A. F. , Yahya A. , Zohadie M. , Ishak W.
Published: December 2017

This paper describes the design, development and calibration of a three-point auto hitch dynamometer for measuring the horizontal and vertical forces that existed at the three-point hitch of an agricultural tractor.  The design concept of the dynamometer was based on an instrumented inverted U frame assembly that was mounted between tractor links and implement. The design incorporates for both lower point hitch spread and mast height adjustments, and quick hitch capability in accordance with category 1 and II three-point hitch system.  The force sensing elements were comprised of three steel extended octagonal ring transducers that were located between the inverted U frame and hook brackets.  Electrical resistance strain gauges were mounted on the extended octagonal ring transducer at strain angle nodes to independently monitor strains that were proportional to the horizontal and vertical forces at the ring center. Each transducer was designed for maximum horizontal and vertical forces of 25 kN and 10 kN at measurement mean sensitivities of 25.19 µStrain/kN and 25.60 µStrain/kN, respectively. However, the complete dynamometer has been designed to measure the maximum resultant horizontal and vertical forces of 50 kN and 20 kN, respectively.  Field demonstration tests on the dynamometer and data acquisition system showed that they were able to function effectively as intended.  The data acquisition system was able to successfully scan and record the dynamometer signals as programmed.  This dynamometer was part of the complete instrumentation system to be developed onboard a Massey Ferguson 3060 tractor for the generation of a comprehensive database on the power and energy requirements of the tractor and its working implement in the field.
Design of A Hvdc-Based Controller for Load Change Compensation and Stabilization of Inter-Area Oscillations
Authors: Ngamroo I.
Published: December 2017

As an interconnected power system via a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link is subjected to a rapid load change with the frequency of inter-area oscillation mode, system frequency and tie line power may be severely disturbed and oscillate.  To compensate for the rapid load change and stabilize both frequency and tie line power oscillations due to the inter-area mode, the dynamic power flow control via a HVDC link can be exploited.  To implement this concept, a new design method of HVDC-based controller is proposed.  To grasp a physical characteristic of the inter-area oscillation frequency, the technique of overlapping decompositions is employed to achieve the subsystem embedded with the inter-area mode.  Consequently, the second-order lead/lag controller of HVDC link can be designed in this subsystem.  To acquire the desired overshoot of frequency oscillations, the parameters of the controller are automatically optimized by the Tabu Search (TS) algorithm.  The effectiveness of the designed controller is investigated in a three-area longitudinal interconnected power system which represents the interconnection between the south of Thailand and Malaysia power systems.
Efficient Reactive Power Compensation Algorithm for Distribution Network
Authors: Jerome J.
Published: December 2017

The use of automation and energy efficient equipment with electronic control would greatly improve industrial production.  These new devices are more sensitive to supply voltage deviation and the characteristics of the power system that was previously ignored are now very important. Hence the benefits of distribution automation have been widely acknowledged in recent years. This paper proposes an efficient load flow solution technique extended to find optimum location for reactive power compensation and network reconfiguration for planning and day-to-day operation of distribution networks.  This is required as a part of the distribution automation system (DAS) for taking various control and operation decisions.  The method exploits the radial nature of the network and uses forward and backward propagation technique to calculate branch currents and node voltages.  The proposed method has been tested to analyze several practical distribution networks of various voltage levels and also having high R/X ratio.
Empirical Models for Power and Energy Requirements II : A Powered Implement Operation in Serdang Sandy Clay Loam, Malaysia
Authors: Kheiralla A. F. , Yahya A. , Zohadie M. , Ishak W.
Published: December 2017

Power and energy requirements were measured with an instrumented tractor for rotary tilling in Serdang sandy clay loam soil.  The effects of travel speed and rotor speed upon the measured data were investigated.  Power model from orthogonal regression analysis was formulated based on linear and quadratic functions of travel speed and bite length.  Fuel consumption model from regression analysis was formulated based on linear tractor PTO power as well as linear equivalent tractor PTO power.  Fuel consumption rates predicted by ASAE D497.3 were found to be 25% to 28% overestimates of the values predicted by the model developed.  However, fuel consumption rates reported by OECD Tractor Test were found to be 1% to 9% lower than the fuel consumption rates predicted by the model developed.  A comparison of power and energy requirements for both powered and draught implements showed that the disk harrow was the most energy efficient implement in terms of fuel consumption and specific energy followed by the rotary tiller, disk plough and mouldboard.  Finally, average PTO power, fuel consumption, wheel slip, wheel power and specific energy for a powered implement are presented.
The Use of Artificial Neural Network to Optimize The pH Response Range of Chlorophenol Red
Authors: Wong F. , Ahmad M. , Heng L. Y.
Published: December 2017

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) had been used in this study to extend the response range of the pH indicator.  The input from absorbance values of the absorbance spectra of chlorophenol red at different pH was used to train the ANN.  During the training process, the coefficient values of the ANN will be adjusted to obtain the desire output.  In this research, back propagation algorithm had been used for optimizing the response range of the pH indicator chlorophenol red in solution.  The result indicates that the use of ANN enable the pH response range to be extended from 4.8-6.8 to 1.0-10.0.
Extraction of Residue Oil from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Using Organic Solvent
Authors: Ahmad A. L. , Sithamparam K. , Zulkali M. M. D. , Ismail S.
Published: December 2017

Palm oil industry in Malaysia has grown to become an important agriculture based industry and it is accounted for about 52% of the world palm oil output, which generated RM 13 billions export earning for the country.  With increased cultivation and production of palm oil in the region, the disposal of the processed waste will become a major problem if it is not being treated properly.  Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is extremely polluting with its high organic content. Oil and grease content in POME is 4,000 mg/L which is relatively high compared to the allowable limit by the Malaysian Department of Environment of only 50 mg/L.  This paper describes the research results in removing oil and grease content for the POME using solvent extraction method.  Six different organic solvents; n-hexane, n-heptane, benzene, petroleum ether, pentane and petroleum benzene were used.  For every solvent the effect of solvent ratio, mixing time, mixing speed and pH were analyzed to determine the optimum condition for maximum extraction of oil.  Results showed that n-hexane give the best performance in extracting oil from POME with solvent to POME ratio of 6:10.  It was estimated about 0.54 grams of oil and grease per liter of POME can be extracted at optimum conditions; mixing speed of 200 rpm, 20 minutes mixing time and at pH 9.
ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF POLYCRYSTALLINE COPPER DURING THE ADSORPTION OF CO ABSTRACT
Authors: Salimon J. , Kalaji M.
Published: December 2017

The electrochemical properties of electrode copper in carbon monoxide-saturated phosphate buffered solution were investigated. The electrochemistry of copper surface was sufficiently changed after the supporting electrolyte solution was saturated with CO. The hydrogen evolution region was depressed and shifted cathodically due to the adsorption process of CO on the copper surface in a linear or terminally bonded manner, Cu-CO . The oxidation and the reduction peaks of copper were significantly changed with two couple of redox peaks. This is due to the subsequent formation and the corresponding reduction of copper(I) and the copper carbon monoxides species. Further changed in electrochemical properties occurred when the electrode surface was polarized at high cathodic potential (-1.4 V) for a period of time (15 min). The hydrogen evolution region was further depressed due to the adsorption of CO process in multiple bonding sites as adsorbed bridge bonded CO, Cu-CO B L that occurred predominantly.
CHEMICAL DESULPHURISATION OF SUB-BITUMINOUS HIGH SULPHUR INDONESIAN COAL VIA PEROXYACETIC ACID TREATMENT
Authors: Ishak M.A.M. , Ismail K. , Nawi M.A.M. , Ismail A.F.
Published: December 2017

The chemical desulphurisation from an Indonesian high sulphur sub-bituminous Banjarmasin Haji Ali-Aliansar coal was investigated using the peroxyacetic acid (PAA), a mild oxidising agent. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide:acetic acid (i.e. 30:70 by volume ratio with 6% of hydrogen peroxide concentration) at 50°C of reaction temperature is capable of reducing the total sulphur content in the coal from 3.46% to 1.29% by weight, corresponding to the removal of up to ca. 72% of the total sulphur; both the inorganic (mainly pyrite) and organic sulphur forms, and approximately 10 to 44% of ashes in the coal. The simultaneous removal of both inorganic and organic sulphur forms was measured with respect to reagent volume mixed ratio, reaction temperature and hydrogen peroxide concentrations. The success of desulphurisation was measured by the reduction of the total sulphur content of the desulphurised product, its S/ C atomic ratios and ash yields of the treated coal. In general, all inorganic and some of the organic sulphur could be removed from the coal using mild conditions without severely affecting the coal microstructure as observed via the Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX)  which supplied the coal sample.
INTEGRATING ABC AND EVA TO EVALUATE INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Authors: Chiadamrong N.
Published: December 2017

The significance of investment is transparent in the world of competitive business. Traditional costing systems in which their emphasizes are for short term savings rather than long term benefits have shown some lacking in providing accurate and reliable cost data for the investment decisions. Activity-based Costing (ABC), which is developed to satisfy some of the weaknesses of the traditional costing systems, can provide valuable insights into the operating processes and come up with more accurate cost data. In this paper, ABC is used to provide significant information for investment decisions. Although, the ABC method provides accurate operating product costs, it does not identify which products are economic valued added creators and so contribute to companies’ wealth. This drawback can be overcome by applying Economic Value Added (EVA). The adoption of ABC and EVA can represent a considerable change in the managerial thinking and to corporate strategies and business performance.
تأثير التسميد الورقي بعنصري البوتاسيوم والكالسيوم في نمو وحاصل ومكونات الماش / EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM ELEMENTSIN SOME GROWTH AND YIELD CHARACTERS OF GREEN GRAM (Vigna radita L.)
Authors: هاشم زيد جعفر
Published: December 2017

نفذت التجربة في حقل خاص بمنطقة مشروع المسيب التابعة لمحافظة بابل خلال الموسم الصيفي 2016 بهدف دراسة تأثير التغذية الورقية بأربعة تراكيز من البوتاسيوم k (0، 100، 200، 300) ملغم.لتر-1 ماء وأربعة تراكيز من الكالسيوم  Ca(0، 50، 100، 200) ملغم.لتر-1 وتداخلهما في نمو وحاصل الماش. صممت التجربة على وفق أسلوب التجارب العاملية وتصميم القطاعات العشوائية الكاملة (RCBD) وبثلاثة مكررات. بينت النتائج تفوق المستوى 200 ملغم K.لتر-1باعطاء أعلى متوسط لصفة ارتفاع النبات، الوزن الجاف للنبات، عدد القرنات.نبات-1،عدد البذور.قرنة-1 وحاصل البذور غم.نبات وبلغت (58.33 سم، 112.23 غم، 36.75 قرنة.نبات-1، 6.23 بذرة . قرنة-1 و775.0 غم. نبات-1) على التوالي في حين تفوق التركيز 100 ملغمK  .لتر-1 في صفة وزن 1000 بذرة  واعطى 50.11 غم. كذلك لم يلاحظ وجود فرق معنوي عند رش الكالسيوم في صفة حاصل البذور النهائي في حين اعطى التداخل للمعاملة K2 مع Ca2 اعلى معدل لحاصل البذور بلغ 803.0 غم.نبات-1.
Memahami Konsep Dasar Gerak, Bentuk Dan Ukuran Bumi Studi Analisis Kitab Al-Qȃnȗn Al-Mas'ȗdȋ Karya Al-Biruni Dalm Konteks Hukum Islam
Authors: Sakirman Sakirman
Published: December 2017

The central point of a scientist is imprinted on the contribution that can be given to his people. Because, the work that was born of a scientist is a reference that never died was referred by the next scientist in order to complete the methodological study that has not been explored. Al-Biruni, was one of the most admired scientists of his time, especially in the study of astronomy.
In 1030 AD, al-Biruni wrote an astronomical encyclopedia entitled Al-Qȃnȗn Al-Mas'ȗdȋ
In one of these works, al-Biruni attempted to integrate and interconvert classical astronomical ideas with modern astronomy. The work that became his magnumopus, is still the main reference of astronomers. In brief, Al-Qȃnȗn Al-Mas'ȗdȋ eborate about the intricacies of modern astronomical studies, because in mathematical studies al-Biruni already using the calculation of higt accuration. One of them is the study of basic, motion, shape and size of the earth. According to the thought of al-Biruni as poured in Al-Qȃnȗn Al-Mas'ȗdȋ , al-Biruni proves that the shape of the earth is round, the earth revolves around the sun and the moon rotates by its spin around the earth. Based on the above assumption, al-Biruni can be equated with modern astronomy. Because in his thinking, al-Biruni tried to dismiss the study of astronomy with an astrological methodology.
Implementasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Multikultur dan Budaya di SD/MI
Authors: Afifah Nurul
Published: December 2017

Sejatinya pendidikan multikultur menjadi bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dalam semua jenjang pendidikan. Oleh karena itu penanaman nilai-nilai multikultur idealnya diaplikasikan dalam setiap mata pelajaran di semua jenjang pendidikan formal. Multikultur adalah kearifan lokal untuk melihat keanekaragaman budaya sebagai realitas fundamental dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat. Multikultur dalam praktek adalah strategi dari integrasi sosial dimana keanekaragaman budaya benar-benar diakui dan dihormati. Pembelajaran berbasis multikultur dan budaya di tingkat sekolah dasar (SD/MI) disesuaikan dengan tingkat perkembangan berfikir anak SD yang masih dalam taraf konkrit. Pendekatan yang digunakan merupakan pendekatan yang berorientasi pada kebutuhan perkembangan anak (DAP atau Developmentally Appropiate Practice). Implementasinya adalah dengan pembelajaran tematik untuk kelas rendah (I-III) dan pembelajaran terpadu untuk kelas atas (IV-VI). Alternatif lainnya adalah dengan pendekatan aditif. Strategi pembelajaran yang digunakan Cooperatif Learning, Think Pair Share dan Multiple Integensia. Untuk evaluasi menggunakan Authentic Assassement.

Kata Kunci : Multikultur, Pembelajaran, Sekolah Dasar
PRODUKTIFITAS PRIMER DAN KELIMPAHAN IKAN LAYANG (Decapterus spp.) HUBUNGANNYA DENGAN FENOMENA ENSO, DI SELAT MAKASSAR BAGIAN SELATAN
Authors: Prasetyo Andhika Prima , Suwarso Suwarso
Published: December 2017

Two species of scad fish (Decapterus russelli and D. macrosoma) is a major catch of purse seine in almost fishing area, its contributed approximately 58%. Production data of scad fish is based on catch data of purse seine which having fishing base in Java (2006-2007). Chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature and Photosyntetic Available Radiation (PAR) was derived from satellite imagery AQUA MODIS. That data is used to estimate primary productivity with Vertically Generalized Production Model (VGPM). The effect of ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) to scad fish fisheries also discussed. This research is aimed to get information about the effects of ENSO to primary productivity and abundance of scads in the southern part of Makassar Strait. Results showed scad fish abundance in the waters of the southern Makassar Strait fluctuates according to season, the peak abundance lasted for three months between November to January. Utilization of scad fish as 3th tropic level component showed percentage of utilization is 8,93% in 2006 and 14,59% in 2007. AQUA MODIS image data showed the highest chlorophyll concentrations occurred between February to April each year. While the highest sea surface temperature occurs in November-January period. There are indication that ENSO have indirect effect to chlorophyll-a consentrations and sea surface temperature. Both of them having relations with scad fish abundance in Makassar Strait.
PRIORITAS STRATEGI KELEMBAGAAN PENGELOLAAN SUMBER DAYA IKAN LESTARI BERBASIS OTONOMI DAERAH DI KAWASAN SELAT BALI
Authors: Fauzi S. , Iskandar B. H. , Murdiyanto B. , Wiyono E. S.
Published: December 2017

This paper describes some prioritised strategies and its concept of implementation for institution related to capture fisheries resources in Bali Strait within local governance context in order to implement sustainable fiheries concept. Analysis Hierachy Process (AHP) was applied to construct the sequence of priorities. The results show that prioritised strategy, in sequence, were management development is carried out by specific institution that formed by local goverment (RK = 0,284), intensively coordination in local government to control fishing gear allocation and conflict (RK = 0,243), development of all management effort by each local government (RK = 0,216), development of intensively coordination of local government in each managemnent activities (RK = 0,148) and developmentof intensively of local government to control fishing gear allocation and fishing ground (RK = 0,109). Implementation concept of prioritised strategy (management development is carried out by specific institution that formed by local government) was the specific institution should play roles as an excecutor of fisheries resources conservation program, as a manager in fish resources utilization appropriate to SKB (catch quota, number of fishing gear, potential fishing ground), as a controller in selling price and fishing gears operation periodically, as an information centre of human resources in fisheries and its development and as a facilitator in development of local income generating contributed from fisheries sector.