bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengurusan Sumber Fizikal IPT: Pengurusan Ruang
Authors: Abdul Wahab Ahmadfauzi
Published: January 2013

Implikasi kos berkaitan sumberâ€“sumber fizikal di dalam organisasi besar seperti Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) adalah sangat besar. Namun sehingga kini, kebanyakan pentadbiran IPT dan juga dari organisasiâ€“organisasi sektor awam yang lain terutamanya dari negara Asia masih belum memahami peranan dan sumbangan sumber fizikal ini kepada organisasi mereka. Sumber fizikal ini merupakan aset yang berharga dan boleh menjanakan pendapatan organisasi sekiranya diuruskan dengan berkesan. Kertas kerja ini merupakan hasil penyelidikan terhadap pengoptimaan penggunaan makmalâ€“makmal yang terdapat di IPTAâ€“IPTA di negara kita. Sebanyak 154 makmal dari enam IPTA telah dikaji dan secara keseluruhannya penggunaan ruang tersebut adalah rendah. Adalah diharapkan kertas kerja ini dapat memaklumkan pihakâ€“pihak tertentu tentang kepentingan pengurusan sumber fizikal kepada organisasi mereka, sumber yang tidak dioptimakan dan sumber yang boleh membantu penjanaan kewangan mereka.
Ke Arah Pembentukan Model Pemantauan Prestasi Pengurusan Projek Perisian
Authors: Mohd. Sappri Mazlan
Published: January 2013

Pembangunan perisian merupakan suatu proses yang kompleks dan dinamik mengikut evolusi perisian dari semasa ke semasa. Pengurusan projek yang efektif adalah penting bagi memastikan kejayaan pembangunan perisian. Kumpulan pembangunan perisian mempunyai tanggungjawab dalam menyediakan sistem komputer yang menepati kualiti perisian dan keperluan pengguna akhir. Selalunya, sistem yang dihasilkan tidak memenuhi kehendak sebenar pengguna. Metrik perisian menyediakan penyelesaian bagi isu kualiti perisian melalui maklum balas kepada pengurus projek dalam memantau status projek. Kajian ini adalah berkenaan dengan pembentukan model pemantauan prestasi pengurusan projek perisian berasaskan metrik yang akan dijadikan panduan dalam memandu proses pembangunan perisian pada fasa keperluan, fasa reka bentuk dan fasa implementasi. Fokus kajian juga mengambil kira bagaimana pemantauan dilakukan ke atas budaya kerja staf Teknologi Maklumat (IT) semasa proses pembangunan. Bagi tujuan ini, alat bantu iaitu Staff Evaluation Monitoring Program (StEMP) telah dibangunkan untuk memproses nilai metrik dan mempersembahkan maklumat seperti perbandingan masa suatu aktiviti dan masa yang diambil untuk pembetulan ralat. Seterusnya output ini akan digunakan untuk menyokong aktiviti pembuatan keputusan oleh kumpulan projek. Sebagai kesimpulannya kajian ini menerangkan bagaimana metrikâ€“metrik dipilih dan bagaimana ia diimplementasikan bagi meningkatkan kualiti perkhidmatan pembangunan projek perisian.

Kata kunci: Metrik perisian, pemantauan, prestasi staf, kualiti, penilaian

Software development is a complex and dynamic process based on software evolution from time to time. Effective project management is crucial to successful development of software. The software development group has the responsibility for providing computer system that meets software quality and needs of that end-user. Often the system provided does not satisfy users real needs. Software metrics provide insight into the quality of software, informing the developers about the status of a project. This study is to develop a performanceâ€“monitoring model for software project management based on metrics that will be a guideline to lead the development process through requirement phase, design phase and implementation phase. Focus on this study also considered how work culture among Information Technology staff is monitored during the development process. For this purpose, Staff Evaluation & Monitoring Program (StEMP) is developed to process the metrics value and visualize information such as comparative usage time to correct errors as output. Then, the output will be used to support decisionâ€“making activities by project team. As a conclusion, this study explains how the metrics were selected and how they are being implemented to improve quality service in software development.

Key words: Software metrics, monitoring, staff performance, quality, evaluation
Simulation Of A Two–Stroke Spark Ignition Free Piston Linear Engine Motion
Authors: Mohamed N. A. N. , Ariffin A. K. , Fonna S.
Published: January 2013

Enjin linear omboh bebas dua lejang cucuhan bunga api dianalisis dalam kertas kerja ini. Komponen utama daripada enjin adalah kebuk pembakaran, kebuk hapus sisa, kebuk tending balik dan gelangsar–omboh. Model dinamik dan termodinamik bagi gerakan gelangsaromboh dibentangkan. Seterusnya, kesan pelbagai nilai masukan haba dan nisbah mampatan terhadap halaju gelangsar–omboh dan panjang lejang juga diselidik. Dengan menggunakan parameter enjin yang dipilih, pergerakan enjin linear omboh bebas berhasil diselakukan. Hasil penyelakuan menunjukkan bahawa profil gerakan gelangsar omboh jauh dari bentuk sinus. Hasil penyelakuan terhadap pelbagai nilai masukan haba menunjukkan bahawa halaju dan panjang lejang gelangsar–omboh semakin tinggi dengan masukan haba yang semakin tinggi. Dengan semakin tinggi nisbah mampatan menyebabkan halaju gelangsar–omboh semakin tinggi manakala panjang lejang malar.

Kata kunci: Enjin linear omboh bebas, dua lejang, nisbah mampatan

Two–stroke spark ignition free piston linear engine concept is analyzed in this paper. The main components of the engine are combustion chamber, scavenging chamber, kickback chamber and slider–piston. Dynamic and thermodynamic models of the slider–piston motion are presented. Also, the effect of various heat additions and compression ratio on the slider–piston velocity, time taken for one stroke, and stroke length are explored. By using selected engine variables, the motion of the two–stroke free piston linear engine is successfully simulated. The results show that the velocity profile of slider–piston motion is non–sinusoidal. By varying the amount of heat addition, the velocity and stroke length of slider–piston will increase accordingly. However, by increasing compression ratio, the velocity of slider piston is noted to increase but the stroke length of slider–piston remains constant.

Key words: Free piston linear engine, two-stroke, compression ratio
Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction In Two Automotive Industries In Malaysia
Authors: Dawal Siti Zawiah , Taha Zahari
Published: January 2013

Satu tinjauan telah dijalankan untuk menyiasat perhubungan di antara kepuasan kerja, ciri-ciri tugasan dan faktor suasana yang mempengaruhi reka bentuk kerja di dua buah syarikat pembuatan automotif di Malaysia. Matlamat utama kajian adalah untuk menentukan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi persepsi pekerja terhadap tugas mereka. 170 orang subjek lelaki berumur di antara 18 tahun hingga 40 tahun dengan purata umur 26.8 tahun dengan sisihan piawai (SP) 5.3 tahun dan purata pengalaman kerja 6.5 tahun dengan SP 4.9 tahun telah mengambil bahagian. Satu set soalan pelbagai pilihan telah dihasilkan dan maklumat dikumpulkan dengan cara menemuduga pekerja di kilang pengeluaran tersebut. Hasil tinjauan menyokong kajian dengan menunjukkan bahawa ciri-ciri tugasan dan faktor-faktor suasana mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan kepuasan kerja.

Kata kunci: Kepuasan kerja, ciri-ciri tugasan, faktor-faktor suasana, reka bentuk kerja, industri automotif

A survey was conducted to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction, job characteristics and environmental factors that affect work design in two automotive manufacturing companies in Malaysia. The aim of the study is to determine the factors that influence employees’ perception towards their work. 170 male subjects between the ages of 18 to 40 years with the mean age of 26.8 and standard deviation (SD) of 5.3 years and mean work experience of 6.5 and SD of 4.9 years were involved. A set of multiple choice questionnaire was developed and data was collected by interviewing the employees at the production plants. The survey focused on job satisfaction, job characteristics and environmental factors. The results showed that job characteristics and environmental factors were significantly related to job satisfaction.

Key words: Job satisfaction, job characteristic factors, environmental factors, work design, automotive industry
The Design And Simulation Of Flow Mode Electrorheological Damper
Authors: Mukhlis Reiza Zakia , Nik Mohamed Nik Abdullah , Mohd Nor Mohd Jailani
Published: January 2013

electric field being applied, the increase is by a factor of 595.

Key words: Vehicle suspension, electrorheological damper, electrode gap
Effect Of Surface Boundary Condition On Rainfall Infiltration
Authors: Gofar Nurly , Lee Min Lee , Kassim Azman
Published: January 2013

Penyusupan air hujan amat dipengaruhi oleh keadaan sempadan permukaan tanah dan sifat–sifat hidraulik tanah. Kertas kerja ini mengetengahkan kajian mengenai kesan beberapa keadaan sempadan permukaan tanah terhadap penyusupan air hujan dengan menggunakan satu program komputer VADOSE/W. Satu kajian parametrik dijalankan untuk mengkaji kesan suhu persekitaran, kelembapan relatif udara, dan kelajuan angin terhadap penyejatan dan kadar penyusupan air hujan. Kesan konduktiviti hidraulik tanah terhadap mekanisma penyusupan air hujan juga dikaji dengan menggunakan dua model tiang tanah. Keputusan menunjukkan penyusupan air hujan adalah sensitif terhadap kelembapan relatif udara dan suhu persekitaran yang lebih rendah daripada suhu tanah, tetapi tidak sensitif terhadap kelajuan angin dan suhu persekitaran yang lebih tinggi daripada suhu tanah. Konduktiviti hidraulik tanah dan keamatan hujan mempunyai pengaruh yang besar terhadap mekanisme penyusupan dan pembentukan air larian permukaan. Maka, profil ketepuan tanah yang meyakinkan hanya boleh diperolehi jika keadaan sempadan permukaan tanah yang tepat dipertimbangkan dalam analisis.

Kata kunci: Penyusupan air hujan, penyejatan, keadaan sempadan, konduktiviti hidraulik, model tiang tanah

Rainfall infiltration is greatly influenced by the surface boundary condition as well as hydraulic properties of soil. This paper highlights the study on the effect of several surface boundary conditions on the rainfall infiltration using a computer program VADOSE/W. A parametric study was carried out to study the effect of ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind speed on the evaporation and rainfall infiltration rate. The effect of soil hydraulic conductivity on the mechanism of rainfall infiltration was also studied by using two soil column models. Results show that rainfall infiltration is sensitive to relative humidity and ambient temperatures lower than soil temperature, but insensitive to wind speed and ambient temperatures higher than soil temperature. The hydraulic conductivity of soil and rainfall intensity have great influence on the infiltration mechanism and the development of surface runoff. Thus, reliable saturation profile can only be achieved if accurate surface boundary condition was considered for analysis.

Key words: Rainfall infiltration, evaporation, boundary condition, hydraulic conductivity, soil column model
Kramersâ€“Kronig Analysis Of Infrared Reflectance Spectra With A Single Resonance
Authors: Ng S. S. , Hassan Z. , Abu Hassan H.
Published: January 2013

respectively.

Key words: Kramers-Kronig analysis, infrared reflectance spectroscopy, optical phonon modes
Maintaining Diversity For Genetic Algorithm: A Case Of Timetabling Problem
Authors: Md. Sultan Abu Bakar , Mahmod Ramlan , Sulaiman Md. Nasir , Abu Bakar Mohd. Rizam
Published: January 2013

Lebih sedekad, pelbagai pendekatan algoritma genetik (GA) digunakan bagi penyelesaian pelbagai jenis masalah pengoptimuman. Penyelesaian pramatang merupakan masalah utama kepada prestasi GA. Andaian umum mengatakan diversiti tinggi adalah penting untuk mengelakkan masalah ini. Gagal mengekalkan diversiti populasi mengakibatkan masalah ini dan menjejaskan kualiti keputusan yang dihasilkan. Dalam kertas kerja ini, kami menyarankan dua bentuk perwakilan masalah dan dua strategi untuk mengekalkan diversiti populasi, seterusnya menyelesaikan masalah ini. Algoritma ini kemudiannya diaplikasikan kepada masalah penjadualan dan menunjukkan keputusan yang menggalakkan.

Kata kunci: Algoritma genetik, penyelesaian pramatang, diversiti, penjadualan, pengoptimuman

Over the last decade, variant of genetic algorithm (GA) approaches have been used to solve various type of optimization problems. Premature convergence is the main problem for GA performance. A common hyphothesis is that high diversity is important to avoid this problem. Failure to maintain GA population diversity will lead to this problem and affected quality of result will be produced. In this paper, we proposed two-problem representation and two strategies to retain population diversity as well as preventing premature convergence. The algorithm was then applied to timetabling problem and showed promising result.

Key words: Genetic algorithm, premature convergence, diversity, timetabling, optimization
Effect Of Temperature On The Electrorotation Behavior Of Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Sudsiri Jutiporn , Wachner Derk , Simeonova Margarita , Donath Jutta , Gimsa Jan
Published: January 2013

The dielectric parameters of Human Red Blood Cells (HRBCs) were investigated by Electrorotation (ER). Suspended HRBCs were exposed to rotating electric fields in the range from 50 kHz to 250 MHz in a rectangular 4â€“electrode microchip chamber. ER spectra was recorded at external conductivities ranging from 0.02 â€“ 3.00 S/m. The electrode structures were fabricated on glass chips by laser ablation of a platinum layer. Different measuring temperatures were used. At low conductivities, the temperature of the microscopic stage was kept constant by a thermostat. At higher medium conductivities, the additional temperature increase in the measuring volume due to Joule heating was registered. Measured data in the range from 20 to 35Â°C were then sorted according to different temperature classes of a width of 5 K. The first and the second characteristic peak frequencies of ER were plotted over medium conductivity and interpreted using an oblate single shell model with a dispersive cytoplasm and temperature dependent electric cell parameters.

Key words: Erythrocyte, AC-electrokinetics, impedance, dispersion, ellipsoidal cell model, electric cell properties
Catalytic Cracking Of Palm Oil To Gasoline Over Pretreated Cuâ€“ZSMâ€“5
Authors: Siregar Tirena Bahnur , Amin Nor Aishah Saidina
Published: January 2013

compounds.

Key words: Zeolite, H-ZSM-5, Cu-ZSM-5, hydrogen pretreatment, cracking
Automatic Label Removal from Digitized Weld Radiographs
Authors: Soo Say Leong , Ratnam Mani Maran , Samad Zahurin , Khalid Mohd Ashhar
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membentangkan keadah mengeluarkan label secara automatik daripada radiograf kimpalan sebagai sebahagian daripada proses pengesanan kecacatan automatik. Suatu algoritma telah dibangunkan untuk mengesan dan mengeluarkan label yang tercetak pada radiograf kimpalan sebelum algoritma penyarian kimpalan dikenakan. Ujian kenormalan digunakan untuk menentukan sama ada profil keamatan selari dengan kimpalan mengandungi piksel label. Pengambangan diikuti dengan operasi mengisi kawasan dilakukan untuk mengeluarkan label. Algoritma tersebut diuji ke atas 50 radiograf kimpalan yang mempunyai label dan label pada 90% daripada imej tersebut dikeluarkan dengan jayanya.

Kata kunci: Radiograpfi kimpalan, pengeluaran label, ujian kenormalan

This paper presents a methodology to remove labels automatically from digitized weld radiographs as part of the automatic weld defect detection process. An algorithm was developed to detect and remove labels printed onto weld radiographs before weld extraction algorithm or defect detection algorithm is applied. Normality test was used to determine if the intensity profile parallel to the weld contains label pixels. Thresholding followed by region filling operations were carried out to remove the labels. The algorithm was tested on 50 weld radiographs with labels and the labels on 90% of these images were successfully removed.

Key words: Weld radiography, label removal, normality test
Tangential Flow Microfiltration of Gasification Power Plant Effluent by Inorganic Membrane
Authors: Mahesh Kumar S. , Agrawal P. , Roy S.
Published: January 2013

In the present paper, treatment of gasification power plant effluent from gas scrubber was carried out using microâ€“porous alumina membrane tubes consisting of different channels (1 and 7) under simulated process conditions of temperature (45 â€“ 55Â°C) and at varying transmembrane pressure drop (0.2 â€“ 2 bar). The effect of membrane geometry on the membrane separation characteristics and fouling behavior was studied. The experimental results show that the flux decreases significantly (~ 40%) during the first few minutes (10 min) of filtration which then stabilized with time. This behavior can be attributed to the classical dependence of flux on the time in microfiltration, which shows development of a relatively important fouling layer on the membrane surface. The characteristics of the effluent after filtration showed significant decrease in turbidity (95%), COD (50%), total dissolved solids (10%), and total solids (55%). The total suspended solids are reduced by almost 100% and the pH remained unchanged (in the field of neutrality) during the process. The effect of various resistances that are acting in series was calculated using Darcyâ€™s Law. These experimental results indicated that different filtration laws could be applied simultaneously for the description of the filtration data, which were found during crossâ€“flow microfiltration of gasification power plant effluent.

Key words: Ceramic membrane, gasification effluent, microfiltration, fouling, membrane cleaning
Penentuan Kedudukan Penderia Pancaran Akustik Pada Enjin Diesel Untuk Pemonitoran Kelikatan Minyak Pelincir
Authors: Inayatullah Othman , Mohd Nor Mohd Jailani , Jamaluddin Nordin , Mohamad Taib Iskandar
Published: January 2013

Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti kedudukan penderia pancaran akustik yang paling baik dalam pemonitoran kelikatan minyak pelincir dengan menggunakan blok enjin diesel sebagai model kajian. Setiap isyarat yang dirambat akan diterjemahkan ke dalam isyarat domain masa dan jelmaan fourier pantas. Tumpuan parameter kajian adalah nilai tenaga pancaran akustik. Hasil kajian ini pula menunjukkan bahawa nilai parameter berbeza pada setiap kedudukan penderia yang disebabkan oleh jarak penderia dari sumber tenaga pancaran akustik dengan nilai faktor k yang malar. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kedudukan penderia yang paling baik untuk pemonitoran kelikatan minyak pelincir pada enjin adalah di bahagian bawah, iaitu pada penghujung skrit omboh semasa omboh berada di pusat mati bawah. Ini menunjukkan bahawa jarak penderia dari pusat sumber isyarat mempengaruhi nilai tenaga pancaran akustik.

Kata kunci: Tenaga pancaran akustik; kelikatan minyak pelincir; faktor k; kedudukan penderia

This works aim to characterize the better sensor location in lubrication viscosity monitoring using diesel block as a media. The entire signal propagation was analysis by time domain and Fast Fourier Transform. The acoustic emission energy is the important parameter in this study. The result shows that for different parameter sensor location, a different parameter value is obtained because of the distance between sensor location and acoustic emission energy source with constant k factor. From the result, the best sensor location for monitoring lubrication viscosity in engine is at the end of the piston skirt when the piston is at under bottom dead center. The influence of acoustic emission energy is the length of the sensor located is considered.

Key words: Acoustic emission energy; lubrication viscosity; k factor; sensor location
Pembelajaran Berasaskan Masalah Bagi Mata Pelajaran Elektronik: Satu Kajian Tindakan Di Sekolah Menengah Teknik
Authors: Mustapha Ramlee , Abdul Rahim Zaharatul Laili
Published: January 2013

Tujuan kajian tindakan ini ialah untuk mengenal pasti masalah yang dihadapi oleh pelajar Kejuruteraan Elektrik dan Elektronik (PKEE) dalam topik transistor dan seterusnya melihat sikap pelajar terhadap Pembelajaran Berasaskan Masalah (PBM). PBM dikatakan dapat membantu meningkatkan kefahaman pelajar terhadap pembelajaran dan menjadikan proses pembelajaran lebih bermakna kepada pelajar. Kajian tindakan ini menggunakan model Kemmis dan Mc Taggart (1998). Teknik jigsaw juga digunakan pada gelung pertama dan kedua manakala teknik perbincangan dalam kumpulan digunakan pada gelung ketiga. Kajian tindakan ini dilakukan secara kolaboratif antara pengkaji dan guru PKEE serta 30 orang pelajar Tingkatan 5E3 di Sekolah Menengah Teknik Bukit Piatu, Melaka yang dilaksanakan selama sembilan minggu. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui penilaian rakan kumpulan, pemerhatian, ujian pencapaian pra dan pos, soal selidik untuk mengukur sikap pelajar terhadap PBM. Statistik deskriptif seperti kekerapan, peratusan, min dan sisihan piawai digunakan bagi menjawab persoalan kajian. Hasil kajian mendapati kemahiran berkolaborasi pelajar meningkat di setiap gelung, pencapaian pelajar semakin baik dan sikap pelajar positif terhadap PBM. Soalan terbuka mendapati aspek bekerjasama dan aspek penyelesaian masalah paling diminati dalam PBM.

Kata kunci: Kajian tindakan; pembelajaran berasaskan masalah; teknik Jigsaw; kejuruteraan elektrik dan elektronik; sekolah menengah teknik

The purpose of this action research was to identify the problems faced by electrical and electronic engineering students studying a difficult topic transistor. This study was also aimed at examining students’ attitude towards Problem–based Learning (PBL). PBL is said to enhance student’s understanding and make the learning more meaningful. This action research was based on Kemmis and Mc Taggart (1998) model. Jigsaw technique was also used in the first and second rounds of the study whereas the discussion technique was used in the third round. A random sample of 30 Form 5E3 students at Sekolah Menengah Teknik Bukit Piatu, Melaka was selected. The treatment was given for a duration of nine weeks. Data were obtained from peer assessment, observation, and pre and post tests. Descriptive statistics used in this study include frequency, mean, and standard deviation. The study found that the collaboration skill of students increases in each round and their achievements also showed better results. Students’ attittude became more positive with regard to PBL. In the open–ended questions, the study indicated that they liked collaborative and problem solving elements.

Key words: Action research; problem–based learning; Jigsaw technique; electrical and electronic engineering; technical school
Penggunaan Alat Bantu Mengajar Dan Hubungannya Dengan Pencapaian Kemahiran Mendengar Bahasa Arab
Authors: Nik Yusoff Nik Mohd Rahimi , Ab. Ghani Kamarulzaman
Published: January 2013

Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti pengamalan teknik pengajaran kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab, mengenal pasti tahap penggunaan Alat Bantu Mengajar (ABM) dalam pengajaran bahasa Arab, mengenal pasti tahap pencapaian kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab dan akhir sekali mengenal pasti perbezaan pencapaian kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab antara kumpulan yang menggunakan ABM dengan yang tidak menggunakan ABM. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian tinjauan semasa dengan menggunakan dua set soal selidik untuk pelajar dan satu set ujian kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pengamalan teknik pengajaran berada pada tahap rendah; tahap penggunaan ABM juga berada pada rendah; tahap pencapaian kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab berada pada tahap sederhana; dan terdapat perbezan yang signifikan antara kumpulan pelajar yang didedahkan dengan ABM dengan kumpulan pelajar yang tidak didedahkan dengan ABM.

Kata kunci: Kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab; teknik pengajaran kemahiran mendengar bahasa Arab; alat bantu mengajar

The aims of this study are to identify the practice of Arabic listening teaching technique in teaching Arabic, to identify the use of the teaching aids in teaching Arabic, to identify the level of Arabic listening skills, and lastly to identify the differences of Arabic listening skills between students who were exposed and students who were not exposed to the teaching aids. This study used the cross sectional research design and employed two sets of questionnaires for students and one set of Arabic listening test. The results showed that the practice of Arabic listening teaching technique in teaching Arabic was at the low level; the use of teaching aids in teaching Arabic was also at the low level; the Arabic listening skills was however at the moderate level; and there was a significant difference in Arabic listening achievement between students who were exposed and students who were not exposed to the teaching aids.

Key words: Arabic language listening skills; teaching of Arabic language listening skills; teaching aids material
Application Of Fuzzy Logic In The Assessment Of River Flow Characteristics At The Pier Scour
Authors: Jeevaragagam Ponselvi , Khairi Ahmad , Ahmad Tahir
Published: January 2013

Pada masa kini, tiada pembangunan teknik yang rasional untuk seseorang jurutera jambatan mengikutinya sebagai panduan apabila menilai kesan kerokan disebabkan aliran sungai pada penapak tiang jambatan. Biasanya penilaian kerokan pada jambatan adalah berdasarkan prosedur subjektif yang mana kosnya adalah mahal, pengambilan masa, ketidakpastian dan mempunyai bias oleh seseorang individu. Oleh itu, tujuan penyelidikan ini adalah untuk memperkenalkan teknik logik kabur dalam menilai sifat-sifat aliran sungai pada hulu jambatan (keadalaman aliran (Y1); kadaralir (Q1); kelajuan (V1); dan luas aliran (A1)), yang mana menyebabkan kerokan pada penapak tiang jambatan. Dalam mencapai objektif kajian ini, satu contoh masalah telah diperkenalkan untuk menggambarkan penggunaan metodologi terhadap hipotesis model jambatan yang merentangi Sungai Cherul di Ban Ho, Terengganu, Malaysia. Daripada penyelidikan ini, tahap keadaan kerokan pada penapak tiang boleh ditentukan dan maklumat ini dapat digunakan kelak oleh seseorang jurutera jambatan dalam menyediakan kaedah kawalan yang sesuai. Seterusnya, kaedah ini boleh membantu jurutera jambatan untuk membuat keputusan yang lebih rasional semasa menjalankan program pembaikan jambatan berdasarkan data pengawasan jambatan.

Kata kunci: Penilaian kerokan jambatan; keadaan kerokan tiang jambatan; kesan aliran sungai; model kata putus seragam; permodelan ketidakpastian

Currently; there is no well-established technique for a bridge inspector to follow when assessing the river flow effect to the scour depth at a bridge pier. The assessment of a bridge scour is normally based on subjective procedures that are costly, time consuming, uncertain and has a personal bias. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to propose the fuzzy logic technique in assessing the river flow characteristics at the upstream of the bridge (flow depth (Y1); discharge (Q1); velocity (V1); and flow area (A1)), which are resulted scouring at the pier foundation. In order to achieve the objective of this research, an example problem is presented to illustrate the use of the proposed methodology on a hypothetical bridge model across Cherul River at Ban Ho, Terengganu, Malaysia. From the research, the severity of scour condition at the pier foundation can be determined and this information will be useful for a bridge engineer to provide the relevant countermeasure or prevention method. Finally; this approach can assist a bridge engineer in making a rational decision for carrying out the bridge maintenance programme based on data taken from regular bridge inspection

Key words: Bridge scour assessment; pier scour condition; river flow effects; uniform decision-making model; uncertainty modeling
A Markovian Approach To The Modeling Of Sound Propagation In Urban Streets
Authors: Haron Zaiton , Oldham David
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini menguji kaedah novel, iaitu Markov untuk tujuan simulasi pengorakan bunyi di jalan raya. Kaedah ini menganggap deretan bangunan di tepi jalan menyerap dan memantulkan bunyi secara berserak. Proses simulasi menganggap proses pengorakan bunyi sebagai proses Markov jujukan pertama bercirikan matrix kebarangkalian perpindahan pancaran bunyi di antara permukaan–permukaan. Keputusan simulasi menggunakan kaedah Markov dibandingkan dengan keputusan diperolehi dari model kommersial RAYNOISE dengan menggunakan pilihan pantulan berserak. Hasil keputusan menunjukkan paras tekanan bunyi di jalan raya yang diramal oleh kaedah Markov mempunyai kesepadanan yang baik dengan ramalan diperolehi dari model RAYNOISE. Ini menunjukkan kaedah Markov mempunyai potensi untuk meramal pantulan berganda bagi keadaan sempadan berserak. Kesan agihan serapan permukaan bangunan juga dikaji, dan dengan skop dan anggapan kajian didapati jalan raya yang mempunyai deretan bangunan berpermukaan menyerap bunyi berupaya menghasilkan pengurangan bunyi kurang dari 1 dB.

Kata kunci: Pantulan berserak; proses Markov; kebarangkalian perpindahan; pengorakan bunyi; kawalan bunyi bising

This paper examined the capability of the novel approach called Markov in the simulation of sound propagation in streets. The approach assumes that the facades lining the streets absorb and reflect sound diffusely. The simulation process treated the sound propagation process as first order Markov process characterised by a matrix of transition probabilities relating to sound radiation between surfaces. The results of simulation using Markov model were compared with the results obtained from a commercial model, RAYNOISE using the diffuse reflection option. The results showed that sound pressure level in a street predicted by the Markov model was in good agreement with predictions obtained using RAYNOISE model. This suggest that the Markov model has the potential to predict multiple reflections for diffuse boundary conditions. The effects of distribution absorption of building facades were also investigated and within the scope and assumptions in this study; it is shown streets with absorbent building facade result in sound reductions typically less than 1 dB.

Key words: Diffuse reflection; Markov process; transition probability; sound propagation; noise control
Resolution and Noise Properties of CMOS and CR Digital Radiography Systems
Authors: Mohd Salleh Khairul Anuar , Wan Hassan Wan Muhamad Saridan , Hamzah Ab. Razak
Published: January 2013

Seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi perkomputeran dan pemprosesan imej, radiografi industri berbentuk konvensional telah bertukar arah kepada radiografi industri berasaskan digital. Dalam kajian ini, dua jenis alat radiografi industri digital untuk ujian tanpa memusnah (NDT), iaitu complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) dengan jarak piksel 50 μm dan computed radiography (CR) dengan jarak piksel 25 μm telah diuji dan diukur untuk menentukan kesesuaiannya dalam NDT. Pengukuran fungsi hantaran modulasi (MTF) dan spektrum kuasa hingar (NPS) telah dilakukan ke atas kedua–dua peralatan ini bagi menilai kualiti imej yang dihasilkan. Daripada pengukuran dan pengiraan yang dilakukan, purata MTF untuk CR dan CMOS pada modulasi 20% ialah 4.48 kitar/mm dan 2.83 kitar/mm. Untuk NPS pula keputusan menunjukkan CMOS memberikan hingar yang lebih tinggi daripada CR tetapi CR mempunyai keupayaan MTF yang lebih pada ukuran 20% modulasi. Daripada pengukuran dan pengiraan yang dijalankan, dapatlah dikatakan bahawa untuk menjalankan satu ujian NDT, pengguna perlu tahu keupayaan sebenar sesebuah alat dan bagaimana ia dibina supaya ujian NDT memberi gambaran tepat ke atas sesuatu sampel atau barangan yang diuji.

Kata kunci: Ujian tanpa memusnah (NDT); radiografi industri berasaskan digital (IDR); fungsi hantaran modulasi (MTF); spektrum kuasa hingar

Due to development of computer technology and image processing, conventional industrial radiography has changed to digital radiography system. In this study, two types of industrial digital radiography (IDR) modules for non destructive testing (NDT), namely complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) with 50 μm pixel pitch and computed radiography (CR) with 25 μm pixel pitch have been evaluated for NDT applications. The modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise power spectrum (NPS) measurement and calculation were adapted in order to evaluate the image quality of IDR images. From the measurement and calculation, the averaged MTF for CR and CMOS at 20% modulation are 4.48 cycles/mm and 2.83 cycles/mm, respectively. NPS measurement and calculation show that CMOS produced higher noise than CR. The CR system has lower and more stable NPS but has lower modulating capability at 20% compared to the CMOS system. The study shows that in order to perform NDT by using the evaluated modules, the user must know the true capability of system and how it is designed for specific application and discontinuity ditection.

Key words: Non destructive testing (NDT); industrial digital radiography (IDR); modulation transfer function (MTF); noise power spectrum (NPS); complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and computed radiography (CR)
OXADM dalam Sistem Keselamatan Rangkaian Cincin Metropolitan
Authors: Ab–Rahman Mohammad Syuhaimi , Mustaza Seri Mastura , Zan Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly , Baharudin Aida
Published: January 2013

Pemultipleks Tambah Gugur Silang Optik (OXADM) merupakan satu peranti optik hibrid baru yang dihasilkan melalui gabungan dua peranti asal, iaitu Pemultipleks Tambah Gugur Optik (OADM) dan Sambung Silang Optik (OXC). Ianya telah dibangunkan berdasarkan kajian terhadap kelemahan peranti sedia ada dengan beberapa ciri baru dan menarik telah dimasukkan. OXADM diperkenalkan untuk meningkatkan tahap keselamatan dalam rangkaian cincin. Dengan adanya ciri ‘Pengumpulan’ membolehkan perlindungan multipleks diaktifkan di mana kesemua isyarat yang melalui nod optik akan dikumpulkan di atas satu talian perlindungan/persediaan sekiranya berlaku kerosakan pada talian bekerja dalam rangkaian optik cincin. Antara skema perlindungan lain yang diperkenalkan oleh OXADM ini adalah perlindungan linear dan perlindungan cincin. OXADM membenarkan isyarat membuat pusingan secara ‘U’ secara dalaman untuk mengkuarantinkan kawasan kerosakan daripada kawasan yang selamat. Kedua–dua ciri inilah yang membezakan OXADM dengan peranti–peranti sebelumnya. Dengan adanya peranti OXADM ini membolehkan sebarang kerosakan yang berlaku dalam rangkaian optik dapat dipulihkan segera dengan mengaktifkan skema perlindungan yang sesuai berdasarkan jenis dan lokasi kerosakan yang berlaku. OXADM ini merupakan peranti pertama yang mengintegrasikan ketiga–tiga jenis mekanisme keselamatan rangkaian di dalam satu peranti.

Kata kunci: OXADM; skema keselamatan; rangkaian cincin; simulasi, perkakasan

The Optical Cross Add & Drop Multiplexer (OXADM) is a new hybrid optical device which has the combination of the original Optical Add And Drop Multiplexer (OADM) and Optical Cross Connect (OXC) devices. OXADM is developed based on the study on the demerits of the existing devices and new features are added to the device. OXADM is introduced to increase the survivability in ring architecture network. With its ‘Accumulation’ feature enable the multiplexing protection scheme can be activated where all the signals pass through an optical node are multiplexed onto a single path as a protection/preparation in case breakdown happens at the working line in an optical ring network. Other protection schemes provided by OXADM are the Linear Protection and Ring Protection. OXADM enable the signal to route internally as U turn to segment the breakdown area from the safe area. Both features have differentiated the OXADM with the previous existing device. With this new OXADM device, any breakdown happens in an optical network can be quickly fixed by activating the appropriate protection scheme based on the type and the location of the breakdown. OXADM device is known as the first device that integrates all three network safety mechanisms onto a single device.

Key words: OXADM; protection scheme; ring network; simulation; hardware
Countering Chronic Diseases
Sick Societies
Responding to the Global Challenge of Chronic Disease

David Stuckler and Karen Siegel, Eds.

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2011. 372 pp. Paper, $75, £39.99. ISBN 9780199574407.
Authors: Fried Linda P.
Published: January 2013

The contributors provide epidemiologic, economic, management, and political perspectives on the prevention and control of chronic diseases.
Death of a Star
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: January 2013

The discovery of a nearby supernova has brought astrophysicists closer to understanding a class of stellar explosions. Along with that success came an unexpected tragedy.
The Immune System's Compact Genomic Counterpart
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: January 2013

Small but powerful, piRNAs protect the genome and may have other functions as well.
Europe's €2 Billion Bet on the Future
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: January 2013

This month, the European Union will pick two futuristic research proposals and shower them with up to €1 billion each. But will it be money well spent?
Evaluation of CHROMagar STEC and STEC O104 Chromogenic Agar Media for Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Stool Specimens
Authors: Gouali Malika , Ruckly Corinne , Carle Isabelle , Lejay-Collin Monique , Weill François-Xavier
Published: January 2013

The performance of CHROMagar STEC and CHROMagar STEC O104 (CHROMagar Microbiology, Paris, France) media for the detection of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) was assessed with 329 stool specimens collected over 14 months from patients with suspected STEC infections (June 2011 to August 2012). The CHROMagar STEC medium, after an enrichment broth step, allowed the recovery of the STEC strain from 32 of the 39 (82.1%) Shiga toxin-positive stool specimens, whereas the standard procedure involving Drigalski agar allowed the recovery of only three additional STEC strains. The isolates that grew on CHROMagar STEC medium belonged to 15 serotypes, including the prevalent non-sorbitol-fermenting (NSF) O157:H7, O26:H11, and O104:H4 serotypes. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the CHROMagar STEC medium were between 89.1% and 91.4%, 83.7% and 86.7%, 40% and 51.3%, and 98% and 98.8%, respectively, depending on whether or not
stx
-negative
eae
-positive
E. coli
was considered atypical enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC) or STEC that had lost Shiga toxin genes during infection. In conclusion, the good performance of CHROMagar STEC agar medium, in particular, the high negative predictive value, and its capacity to identify NSF O157:H7 as well as common non-O157 STEC may be useful for clinical bacteriology, public health, and reference laboratories; it could be used in addition to a method targeting Shiga toxins (detection of
stx
genes by PCR, immunodetection of Shiga toxins in stool specimens, or Vero cell cytotoxicity assay) as an alternative to O157 culture medium. This combined approach should allow rapid visualization of both putative O157 and non-O157 STEC colonies for subsequent characterization, essential for real-time surveillance of STEC infections and investigations of outbreaks.
Association of Neurotropic Viruses in HIV-Infected Individuals Who Died of Secondary Complications of Tuberculosis, Cryptococcosis, or Toxoplasmosis in South India
Authors: Kannangai Rajesh , Sachithanandham Jaiprasath , Mahadevan Anita , Abraham Asha Mary , Sridharan Gopalan , Desai Anita , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Shankar Susarla Krishna
Published: January 2013

The frequencies of 10 opportunistic DNA viruses were determined by multiplex real-time PCR in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue of HIV-infected individuals. In the CSF, viruses were detectable in 45/55 cases: JC virus (JCV) in 62%, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 44%, cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 25%, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in 3.6%, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in 1.8%, and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in 1.8% of cases. A single virus was detectable in 20 cases, 19 cases had coinfection with two viruses, and 6 cases were positive for three viruses. JCV was detectable in the CSF of 62% of cases and in 42% of brain tissues, with higher loads in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (
P
< 0.05).
Influenza A (H15N4) Virus Isolation in Western Siberia, Russia
Authors: Sivay Mariya V. , Baranovich Tatiana , Marchenko Vasiliy Y. , Sharshov Kirill A. , Govorkova Elena A. , Shestopalov Aleksander M. , Webby Richard J.
Published: January 2013

The rarely identified influenza A viruses of the H15 hemagglutinin subtype have been isolated exclusively in Australia. Here we report the isolation of an H15N4 influenza A virus (A/teal/Chany/7119/2008) in Western Siberia, Russia. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the internal genes of the A/teal/Chany/7119/2008 strain belong to the Eurasian clade and that the H15 and N4 genes were introduced into the gene pool of circulating endemic avian influenza viruses through reassortment events.
The Acetyl-Esterase Activity of the Hemagglutinin-Esterase Protein of Human Coronavirus OC43 Strongly Enhances the Production of Infectious Virus
Authors: Desforges Marc , Desjardins Jessica , Zhang Chengsheng , Talbot Pierre J.
Published: January 2013

Most betacoronaviruses possess an hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) protein, which appears to play a role in binding to or release from the target cell. Since this HE protein possesses an acetyl-esterase activity that removes acetyl groups from O-acetylated sialic acid, a role as a receptor-destroying enzyme has been postulated. However, the precise function of HE and of its enzymatic activity remains poorly understood. Making use of neutralizing antibody and of molecular clones of recombinant human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), our results suggest that the HE protein of this HCoV could be associated with infection of target cells and, most notably, is important in the production of infectious viral particles. Indeed, after transfecting BHK-21 cells with various cDNA infectious clones of HCoV-OC43, either lacking the HE protein or bearing an HE protein with a nonfunctional acetyl-esterase enzymatic activity, we were reproducibly unable to detect recombinant infectious viruses compared to the reference infectious HCoV-OC43 clone pBAC-OC43
FL
. Complementation experiments, using BHK-21 cells expressing wild-type HE, either transiently or in a stable ectopic expression, demonstrate that this protein plays a very significant role in the production of infectious recombinant coronaviral particles that can subsequently more efficiently infect susceptible epithelial and neuronal cells. Even though the S protein is the main viral factor influencing coronavirus infection of susceptible cells, our results taken together indicate that a functionally active HE protein enhances the infectious properties of HCoV-OC43 and contributes to efficient virus dissemination in cell culture.
5-(Perylen-3-yl)Ethynyl-arabino-Uridine (aUY11), an Arabino-Based Rigid Amphipathic Fusion Inhibitor, Targets Virion Envelope Lipids To Inhibit Fusion of Influenza Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Other Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Colpitts Che C. , Ustinov Alexey V. , Epand Raquel F. , Epand Richard M. , Korshun Vladimir A. , Schang Luis M.
Published: January 2013

Entry of enveloped viruses requires fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Fusion requires the formation of an intermediate stalk structure, in which only the outer leaflets are fused. The stalk structure, in turn, requires the lipid bilayer of the envelope to bend into negative curvature. This process is inhibited by enrichment in the outer leaflet of lipids with larger polar headgroups, which favor positive curvature. Accordingly, phospholipids with such shape inhibit viral fusion. We previously identified a compound, 5-(perylen-3-yl)ethynyl-2′-
deoxy
-uridine (dUY11), with overall shape and amphipathicity similar to those of these phospholipids. dUY11 inhibited the formation of the negative curvature necessary for stalk formation and the fusion of a model enveloped virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). We proposed that dUY11 acted by biophysical mechanisms as a result of its shape and amphipathicity. To test this model, we have now characterized the mechanisms against influenza virus and HCV of 5-(perylen-3-yl)ethynyl-
arabino
-uridine (aUY11), which has shape and amphipathicity similar to those of dUY11 but contains an arabino-nucleoside. aUY11 interacted with envelope lipids to inhibit the infectivity of influenza virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1/2), and other enveloped viruses. It specifically inhibited the fusion of influenza virus, HCV, VSV, and even protein-free liposomes to cells. Furthermore, aUY11 inhibited the formation of negative curvature in model lipid bilayers. In summary, the arabino-derived aUY11 and the deoxy-derived dUY11 act by the same antiviral mechanisms against several enveloped but otherwise unrelated viruses. Therefore, chemically unrelated compounds of appropriate shape and amphipathicity target virion envelope lipids to inhibit formation of the negative curvature required for fusion, inhibiting infectivity by biophysical, not biochemical, mechanisms.
Structure of a VP1-VP3 Complex Suggests How Birnaviruses Package the VP1 Polymerase
Authors: Bahar Mohammad W. , Sarin L. Peter , Graham Stephen C. , Pang Jances , Bamford Dennis H. , Stuart David I. , Grimes Jonathan M.
Published: January 2013

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), a member of the family
Birnaviridae
, infects young salmon, with a severe impact on the commercial sea farming industry. Of the five mature proteins encoded by the IPNV genome, the multifunctional VP3 has an essential role in morphogenesis; interacting with the capsid protein VP2, the viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase VP1. Here we investigate one of these VP3 functions and present the crystal structure of the C-terminal 12 residues of VP3 bound to the VP1 polymerase. This interaction, visualized for the first time, reveals the precise molecular determinants used by VP3 to bind the polymerase. Competition binding studies confirm that this region of VP3 is necessary and sufficient for VP1 binding, while biochemical experiments show that VP3 attachment has no effect on polymerase activity. These results indicate how VP3 recruits the polymerase into birnavirus capsids during morphogenesis.
Even ‘safe’ medications need to be administered with care
Authors: Lutwak Nancy , Howland Mary Ann , Gambetta Rosemarie , Dill Curt
Published: January 2013

A 60-year-old man with a history of hepatic cirrhosis and cardiomyopathy underwent transoesophageal echocardiogram. He received mild sedation and topical lidocaine. During the recovery period the patient developed ataxia and diplopia for about 30 mins, a result of lidocaine toxicity. The patient was administered a commonly used local anaesthetic, a combination of 2% viscous lidocaine, 4% lidocaine gargle and 5% lidocaine ointment topically to the oropharnyx. The total dose was at least 280 mg. Oral lidocaine undergoes extensive first pass metabolism and its clearance is quite dependent on rates of liver blood flow as well as other factors. The patient's central nervous system symptoms were mild and transient but remind us that to avoid adverse side effects, orally administered drugs with fairly high hepatic extraction ratio given to patients with chronic liver disease need to be given in reduced dosages. Even ‘Safe’ medications need to be carefully administered.
Geometrodynamics of Lovelock black holes
Authors: Kunstatter Gabor
Published: January 2013

Lovelock gravity is arguably the most natural higher curvature, higher dimensional generalization of Einstein's theory of gravity. As shown in a previous paper (Kunstatter et al. arXiv:1210.1566; Kunstatter et al. Classical Quantum Gravity, 29, 092001 (2012) (Fast Track); arXiv:1201.4904.), the Hamiltonian for spherically symmetric Lovelock gravity is as simple as that of general relativity when written in terms of geometrodynamical variables (i.e., the areal radius and mass function). This result paves the way to the study of critical phenomena in black hole formation and the quantum mechanics of Lovelock black holes.