bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Materials Through SVM Classification of Their LIBS Spectra
Authors: Haider Zuhaib , Munajat Yusof , Kamarulzaman Raja Ibrahim , Rashid Munaf
Published: September 2013

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy is a strong analytical method for qualitative studies and Support Vector Machines (SVM) is a powerful machine learning technique for pattern recognition and classification. In this paper we present an application of LIBS qualitative capability reinforced by SVM classification. Three different samples were ablated by an Nd:YAG laser and their spectra were recorded by Ocean Optics HR4000 spectrometer. These spectra possess signatures of the ablated materials. Sometimes these are visible to the naked eye while in many cases it is hard to decide about the presence of any pattern identifying a particular material. In addition variations are always found in the spectra obtained from laser induced ablation. In this situation a pattern recognition tool is very useful that sweep through the whole spectrum and record minor details. Here SVM serves the purpose. SVM classifiers were trained with distinct sets of spectra, belonging to specific materials, for classification. The results obtained from this preliminary experiment are encouraging and can lead us on positive grounds for the future work. This combination of tools can prove to be valuable for fast and automated identification and classification.
Vibrational Studies of Zinc Antimony Borophosphate Glasses Doped Rare Earth
Authors: Rohaizad Aliff , Hussin Rosli , Aziz Nur Aimi Syaqilah , Uning Royston , Bohari Nur Zu Ira
Published: September 2013

Zinc antimony borophosphate glasses has been determined for [10P2O5 –40B2O3 –xSb2O3 –(50–x)ZnO] and composition of [10P2O5 – 40B2O3 –40Sb2O3 –10ZnO] has been doped with 1 mol% of rare earth (Eu, Nd, Sm, Er). The functions of compositional changes on their structural features were examined using X–Ray Diffraction (XRD) to detect the amorphousity phase present. While Fourier Transform Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy were used to identify the presences of vibrational modes and band assignments of phosphate, borate, antimony, zinc and Rare earth ion in the system. XRD results expose that crystalline phase changes with different amount of zinc and antimony substitution. Hydroxyl group absorption also vary due to this composition changes and clearly shown in IR spectroscopy in the ranges 1400–4000 cm–1. Result of IR spectroscopy indicated that bands around 1440 cm–1 and 760 cm–1 was ascribed to the vas(B–O–B) and vs(P–O–P) vibration respectively. The changes of this vibration indicated that P–O–B linkage was formed near 660 cm–1. The modification of zinc antimony borophosphate glasses with rare earth was studied and showed present of rare earth ion in the glass system does not change the structural features.
Pembentukan TPS dalam Pembuatan Lean: Satu Kajian Perbandingan
Authors: Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , A Ghani Jaharah , Ho Chan Kien , Afandi Abusin Muhammad Amir
Published: September 2013

Pembuatan Lean dan Toyota Production System (TPS) merupakan amalan atau falsafah pengurusan kualiti yang popular di kalangan pengusaha pembuatan. Tujuan utamanya adalah untuk meminimumkan pembaziran dalam pengeluaran dan memberi fokus kepada aktiviti yang mampu menambah nilai. Selain daripada mencari persamaan ataupun perbezaan, kajian ini menggabung serta merungkaikan teori pembuatan lean dan TPS. Kajian kes juga telah dijalankan, dan melibatkan temu bual di tiga syarikat yang terpilih. Pelbagai faktor yang membezakan pembuatan lean dengan TPS telah dibincangkan bagi membuktikan kedua-dua falsafah ini adalah berlainan. Keputusan perbandingan menunjukkan bahawa pembuatan lean dan TPS adalah berbeza dari segi faktor masa, prinsip, tujuan, matlamat, penjenamaan, teknik dan pelaksanaan.. Syarikat-syarikat lebih cenderung mengamalkan lima prinsip pembuatan lean dan sebahagian prinsip TPS dengan mengaplikasikan lima teknik atau konsep amalan kualiti utama iaitu 5S, Kerja Terpiawai, VSM, JIT dan Kaizen. Melalui kajian kes ini, didapati bahawa kekurangan kerjasama daripada pembekal serta pemahaman dan kesedaran pekerja yang rendah merupakan halangan utama dalam pelaksanaan pembuatan lean atau TPS. Kajian ini boleh dijadikan sebagai satu rujukan kepada pembaca dan syarikat-syarikat yang bercadang untuk melaksanakan  pembuatan lean atau TPS.
Using Soft Consensus Clustering for Combining Multiple Clusterings of Chemical Structures
Authors: Saeed Faisal , Salim Naomie
Published: September 2013

The consensus clustering has shown capability to improve the robustness, novelty and stability of individual clusterings in many areas including chemoinformatics. In this paper, graph-based consensus method (cluster-based similarity partitioning algorithm CSPA) and soft consensus clustering were examined for combining multiple clusterings of chemical structures. The clustering is evaluated based on the ability to separate active from inactive molecules in each cluster. Experiments suggest that the effectiveness of soft consensus method can obtain better results than the hard consensus method (CSPA).
Elevated Temperature Fatigue Life Investigation of Aluminium Alloy based on the Predicted S-N Curve
Authors: Zakaria K. A. , Abdullah S. , Ghazali M. J.
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses a methodology used to predict the stress-life (S-N) curve at elevated temperatures based on the normal S-N curve. Fatigue tests were performed under stress control at room temperature in accordance with the ASTM E466 standard to obtain a normal S-N curve. In addition, the tests were performed at both room and elevated temperatures using constant-amplitude, high-to-low sequence, and low-to-high sequence loadings to investigate the effect of the load sequence at elevated temperatures on fatigue life. Three elevated temperature regimes at 70 to 250°C were chosen based on the maximum temperature of the engine mount bracket and the cylinder head that can be reached during normal service. The results show that the fatigue lives were significantly affected by the load sequences at both room and elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the existing fatigue data obtained at elevated temperatures can be used to predict the corresponding S-N curves.
Object-oriented Design Framework for Stock Keeping Unit Generating System
Authors: M. R. Khabbazi , A. Shapi'i , M. K. Hasan , R. Sulaiman , A. Eskandari , A. Taei-Zadeh
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes an object-oriented design for generating Stock Keeping Unit coding system. Through recognition and analysis of the inventory item particulars and conceptualizing the important classes as one package, the framework is developed in a modular-basis able to be integrated with other parts of the system. Using UML class and package diagram as of the best practice in object-oriented, conducting the analysis and design is elaborately discussed. A prototype implementation is carried out to support the designed framework over its applicability at a modular information system. Moreover, the item particular package with unique and organized SKU numbering system efficiently supports the fundamental need of item identification at inventory control operations and classification and guarantees different types of reports and lookups.
Thermal Effect on Void Formation of Waxy Crude Oil Using Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Authors: Shafquet Areeba , Ismail Idris , Jaafar Azuraien
Published: September 2013

Waxy crude oils are commonly found in many parts of the world and represent a huge amount of the global oil reserves. Precipitation of paraffin waxes during various phases creates many problems in the oil industry. Therefore, waxy crude oils create many flow assurance issues essentially linked to them and understanding of the effect of relevant factors and phenomena are of great practical importance. In process industries, the measurement of void fraction is considerably important for sustainable operations and the erroneous calculation could be the cause of many industrial accidents. The customary approach separates the two-phases first and then measures the mixture as individual components. These methods are not favorable as they may result in the disruption of incessant industrial processes. Due to these limitations, this study is aimed to analyze the gel formation behavior of a waxy crude oil under static and dynamic cooling using non-invasive/non-intrusive experimental technique; i.e. Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT). This paper describes a fabrication of dual-plane ECT sensor for testing of waxy crude oil at different temperature conditions. ECT images and raw data measurements have been obtained from the two planes are then normalised and then used for image reconstruction. The findings reported in this paper represent part of an ongoing investigation that may lead to develop a cross-correlation between the two planes. The outcome of the study could be used to fully understand the phenomenon of void fraction in waxy crude based on varying the temperature and also based on the design of ECT sensor.
A Review of CADs, Languages and Data Models for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Habibi Narjeskhatoon , Mohd Hashim Siti Zaiton , Rodriguez Cesar A. , Samian Mohd Razip
Published: September 2013

Synthetic biology is to apply engineering standards to the biology. It has two main aims; first to design and construct biological systems in order to extend the understanding of how they work, and second, to design biological systems for performing valuable tasks like medications synthesis and biofuels production. Due to the complex nature of the biological systems, and similar to the engineering fields, computational methods and computer aided design (CAD) tools, are required to handle this complexity. In this review, existing CADs, languages and data models for synthetic biology are explored. The goal is to provide an insight for the synthetic biologists to take advantage of the available computational tools and to find out the gaps to work on.
The Use of Wald’s Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) in Cocoa Pod Borer Management
Authors: Chang Albert Ling Sheng
Published: September 2013

Sequential sampling plan (SSP) has been widely used in many engineering and quality control study. The advantage of using the SSP is the sample size is not fixed in advance, but is determined in part by the results of the sampling process. The application of the SSP is not limited to the industry, it also being used in pest management. This is because the SSP are generally more cost effective than plans based on a fixed sample size. Wald's Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) is one of the most common sequential sampling plans in insect pest management. It has been used to determine pest status at one time which could be used, through time, to monitor the status of the population and to take action when the pest density exceeded the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). Cocoa pod borer or CPB (Conopomorpha cramerella (Snell)) is a pest of concern to the cocoa growers in South-East Asia that has become one of the major factors that dampened the interest expressed in cocoa cultivation because of the heavy losses of cocoa pods due to the pest if effective control measure is not employed. The chemical control appeared to be one of the effective control measure used by the growers to control the CPB. Current practice used by the growers in applying the chemical is biweekly spraying which could see the increasing cost of chemical and labor used. The study was conducted to develop the Wald’s SPRT to monitor the CPB infestation level relative to the ETL based on counting the CPB eggs found on the pods aged 1 month before ripen or pod length 131 mm to 150 mm. The performance of the Wald’s SPRT was validated using independent data sets collected from Cocoa Research and Development Center (CRDC) Madai.
Proportional Odds Model Affiliate with Random-Effect Longitudinal Model
Authors: Yoke Chin Wan , Mohd Khalid Zarina
Published: September 2013

Joint survival-longitudinal analysis gains popularity in recent clinical studies. A proportional hazards (PH) model in survival sub-model is commonly an alternative path to simplify a complex covariates hazard model into a regression model. The PH model however closed only to the Weibull distribution, brought about inappropriate application for the log-logistic observations. Proportional odds (PO) model in that case raised forward to perform similarly with the PH model. The subsequent modelling study is therefore producing a joint PO-longitudinal analysis rather than a widely applicable joint PH-longitudinal analysis. Latent parameters is introduced as a linkage technique between the two sub-models. Investigation in this study relies on the simulation statistics in which the survival time-to-event data and longitudinal measurements are both influenced by a covariate effects. The repeatedly measures data additionally allow for different kind of missingness mechanisms. Maximum likelihood estimation method is applied to the joint model parameters estimation. The performance of the joint model and separated sub-models are then be compared. The illustrated results contributed better estimators on the joint model instead of separated model.
Parameter Estimation of Lotka-Volterra Model : A Two-Step Model
Authors: Abd. Rahman Haliza , Bahar Arifah , Rosli Norhayati
Published: September 2013

The deterministic power law logistic model is used to describe density-dependent population growth for cases when ordinary logistic model is found to be insufficient. This paper estimates the parameters of stochastic power law logistic model specifically the Lotka-Volterra model by employing the two-step approach. The Bayesian approach is implemented in the first step of estimating the regression spline parameters. Combining the existing and proposed nonparametric criterion, the structural parameters of SDE are estimated in the second step. Results indicate high percentage of accuracy of the estimated diffusion parameter of Lotka-Volterra model supporting the adequacy of the proposed criterion as an alternative to the classical methods.
Self-Tuning Varri Method in Preparing Fatigue Segment
Authors: Osman M. H. , Nopiah Z. M. , Abdullah S. , Lennie A.
Published: September 2013

An overlapping segmentation method on time series data is often used for preparing training dataset i.e. the population of instance, for classification data mining. Having large number of redundant instances would burden the training process with heavy computational operation. This would happen if practitioners fail to acknowledge an appropriate amount of overlap when performing the time series segmentation. Fortunately, the risk could be decreased if knowledge preferences can be determined to guide on overlapping criteria in the segmentation algorithm. Thus, this study aims to investigate how the Varri method is able to contribute for better understanding in preparing training dataset consists of irredundant fatigue segment from the loading history (fatigue signal). Generally, the method locates segment boundaries based on local maxima in the difference function which are above the assigned threshold. In the present study, the mean and standard deviation have been used to define the function due to the fact that predicting attributes are the key components in defining instance redundancy. The resulting dataset from the proposed method is trained by three classification algorithms under the supervision of the Genetic algorithms-based feature selection wrapper approach. The average performance index shows an additional advantage of the proposed method as compared to the conventional procedure in preparing training dataset.
Spatial Interpolation on Rainfall Data over Peninsular Malaysia Using Ordinary Kriging
Authors: Jamaludin Suhaila , Suhaimi Hanisah
Published: September 2013

This study presents the spatial analysis of the rainfall data over Peninsular Malaysia. 70 rainfall stations were utilized in this study. Due to the limited number of rainfall stations, the Ordinary Kriging method which is one of the techniques in Spatial Interpolation was used to estimate the values of the rainfall data and to map their spatial distribution. This spatial analysis was analysed according to the two indices that describe the wet events and another two indices that characterize dry conditions. Large areas at the east experienced high rainfall intensity compared to the areas in the west, northwest and southwest. The small value that has been obtained in Aridity Intensity Index (AII) reflects that the high amount of rainfall in the eastern areas is not contributed by low-intensity events (less than 25th percentile). In terms of number of consecutive dry days, Northwestern areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded the highest value. This finding explains the occurrence of a large number of floods and soil erosions in the eastern areas.
The Breakdown of Symmetry in Word Pairs in 1,092 Human Genomes
Authors: Afreixo Vera , P. Garcia Sara , M. O. S. Rodrigues João
Published: September 2013

Single strand symmetry has been observed in several genomes, and some authors have associated this phenomenon to genome evolution. However, it is still not clear how strong and exceptional this phenomenon is. We use next-generation sequencing data from a sample of 1,092 human individuals made available by the 1000 Genomes Project. To evaluate the phenomenon of symmetry of single-strand human genomic DNA, we explore and analyze these 1,092 human genomes and 1,092 randomly generated sequences, each forced to mimic the nucleotide frequency distribution of their real counterpart. Our methodology is based on measurements, traditional and equivalence statistical tests using different parameters. By statistical testing we find that the global symmetries phenomenon is significant for word lengths  smaller than 8. When we evaluate the global symmetry scores, we obtain strong values for all word lengths and both types of sequences under study. However, the symmetry scores in human genomes reach higher values and have lower dispersion than those in random sequences. We also find that human and random symmetry scores are significantly different. We conclude that in the human genome, the differences between symmetric words are higher than in random sequences, but the correlation between symmetric words in human genomes is higher.
A Probabilistic Individual-based Model for Infectious Diseases Outbreaks
Authors: Vittorini Pierpaolo , Villani Antonella , Di Orio Ferdinando
Published: September 2013

The mathematical modelling of infectious diseases is a large research area with a wide literature. In the recent past, most of the scientific contributions focused on compartmental models. However, the increasing computing power is pushing towards the development of individual models that consider the disease transmission and evolution at a very fine-grained level. In the paper, the authors give a short state of the art of compartmental models, summarise one of the most know individual models, and describe both a generalization and a simulation algorithm.
Transfering Data from a Server to an Android Mobile Application: A Case Study
Authors: Anacleto Ricardo , Figueiredo Lino , Almeida Ana , Novais Paulo
Published: September 2013

Nowadays, due to the incredible grow of the mobile devices market, when we want to implement a client-server applications we must consider mobile devices limitations. In this paper we discuss which can be the more reliable and fast way to exchange information between a server and an Android mobile application. This is an important issue because with a responsive application the user experience is more enjoyable. In this paper we present a study that test and evaluate two data transfer protocols, socket and HTTP, and three data serialization formats (XML, JSON and Protocol Buffers) using different environments and mobile devices to realize which is the most practical and fast to use.
Merging of Game Principles and Learning Strategy using Apps for Science Subjects to Enhance Student Interest and Understanding
Authors: Mat Sin Nazirah , Talib Othman , Norishah Tengku Putri
Published: September 2013

The popularity of digital games is undeniable. There are numerous studies on digital games based learning (DGBL) which demonstrate the increased interest in digital games among students. Conversely, there has been a significant decline of interest in learning science. DGBL merges principles and strategies from the game and education fields. It is believed the combination of these two fields would enhance interest in learning science as well as assist students to understand highly conceptual subjects such as Chemistry. However, researchers face challenges to integrate principles of games into educational theories which are often too broad to be implemented in DGBL development. As such, this conceptual paper tries to discuss the potential of merging game principles and learning strategies in DGBL for teaching science concepts.
Students’ Characteristics as Indicator for Effective Teaching
Authors: Nordin Aziz
Published: September 2013

Students are the most valuable asset to a country. The success of students in learning science and mathematics not only depends on how well the educators look into the students’ needs per se but also and the interactions of both parties during teaching and learning processes. Therefore, this research was carried out to gather information and to formulate the standard criteria for teaching and learning science and mathematics. The research instruments were the set of questionnaires that were designed to identify students’ abilities, background, perception, students’ interests and motivation, multiple intelligents, thinking styles, learning style and creativity on teaching and learning science and mathematics. The respondent consists of 101 second year and 104 third year students who have taken science and mathematics programs. The research found out that there are interesting patterns of students’ performance according to their characteristics. Finally, the findings revealed that there are challenges for the science and mathematics educator to make use students’ characteristics to promote optimum learning among students.
Developing Pre-service Secondary Teachers' Skills of Using the Geometer's Sketchpad to Teach Mathematics through Lesson Study
Authors: Cheng Meng Chew , Chap Sam Lim , Thiam Yew Wun , Hooi Lian Lim
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to develop pre-service secondary teachers’ skills of using The Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP) to teach mathematics through Lesson Study (LS). GSP is a dynamic geometry software program for constructing and investigating mathematical objects that adds a powerful dimension to the teaching and learning of geometry and many other areas of mathematics. Lesson Study is a Japanese model of teacher professional development in which small groups of teachers collaboratively plan, teach and revise a lesson to improve the quality of their teaching as well as to enrich students’ learning experiences. Twenty-three LS groups comprising 2 pre-service secondary teachers who attended a mathematics teaching methods course in a local public university were set up in four tutorial groups each consisting of five or six LS groups. This paper discusses how LS has helped to develop pre-service secondary teachers’ skills of using GSP to teach the topic of ‘Loci in Two Dimensions’ in one of the LS groups. Analysis of their GSP sketches in the first, second and third lessons indicates that the participants of this LS group showed positive changes in their skills of using GSP to teach the topic.
The Communication Skills and Mathematical Connections of Prospective Mathematics Teacher:A Case Study on Mathematics Education Students, Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia
Authors: Widjajanti Djamilah Bondan
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this research is to identify which aspects of the communication skills and mathematics connections of the prospective mathematics teacher that need to be improved. The subjects of the research were 34 fourth-semester students of Mathematics Education Study Program, State University of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, who took Discrete Mathematics course from February to May 2012. The identifications are done through 6 times by quizzes/tests. The aspect of mathematical communication that had been studied was the ability of students in: (1) writing the statements, reasons, or explanations, and (2) using terms, notations, tables, diagrams, charts, drawings, illustrations, mathematical models, or formulas. While the aspect of mathematical connections that had been examined was the ability of students in: (1) stating the relationship between facts, concepts, or mathematics principles, (2) developing a mathematical model of the daily life problems, and (3) mentioning the concept underlying the solution from the given mathematical problems. Results shows that the students tend to be weak in: (1) writing down the reasons, (2) using charts, pictures, and illustrations, and (3) developing a mathematical model.
Development of Teaching and Learning Materials for Geometry through Problem-based Learning Model
Authors: Haw Chen Wen
Published: September 2013

Problem-based learning (PBL) model can help students to study oneself from the question even more. This research hopes to think Luce Chapel in Tunghai University as the model to incorporate geometry in mathematics. The method comes to develop the teaching aid of the model of Luce chapel to excite students of different stages thinking deeply the designed questions and to assist teaching. We include the mathematics concepts incorporated in the teaching aid: The structure of 3 – dimensional space for elementary school students comes by way of designing and counting the building blocks; Lead the junior high school students to calculate the surface area , volume, and pile up the building blocks to utilize arithmetic progression; Let the high school student utilize elementary functions and conic sections. Moreover, by the fact that the chapel tiles levelly and smoothly, some advanced geometric concepts can be also introduced to university students.
Model Ekonomi Sufi Imam Al-Ghazali
Authors: Noyo Sarkun Mif Rohim , Al-Kindely Surtahman Kastin Hasan
Published: September 2013

Model merujuk kepada contoh mudah dan ringkas bagi menggambarkan keadaan interaksi dalam dunia yang sebenar. Ia dibina bagi memudahkan memahami perhubungan atau perjalanan sesuatu bahagian dalam fenomena alam sama ada secara semula jadi atau terancang. Setelah jatuhnya krisis Amerika dan sekutunya melalui konsep kapitalis liberal berkesan terhadap dunia global, maka muncul berbagai konsep ekonomi dengan nama Islam di negara-negara majoriti penduduk muslim, namun anehnya konsep ekonomi Islam yang dirumuskan oleh pakar ekonomi Islam dan ahli hukum Islam tidak berimpak positif, namun tidak berbeza dengan konfensional dan akan berdampak negatif dalam kehidupan masyarakat secara global. Oleh kerana itu, kajian ini akan mendedahkan model ekonomi sufi Imam Gazali yang dibina menggunakan pendekatan zuhud bagi menghubungkan antara tasawuf dan ekonomi (harta dunia). Peringkat-peringkat zuhud dengan beberapa petandanya seperti meninggalkan segala yang syubhah, meninggalkan pencarian yang melalaikan, memenuhi keperluan secara sederhana dan seterusnya mencari sekadarnya dunia-harta akan digunakan sebagai objek penting dalam model tersebut. Di samping itu, satu maqamat penting dalam tasawuf, akan memaparkan bagaimana zuhud berperanan dalam mempengaruhi corak gelagat manusia dalam mencari dan mengguna harta dalam model ekonomi yang kami namakan sebagai model ekonomi sufi.
Tahap Kesediaan Guru Sekolah Menengah Harian Mengamalkan Kepimpinan Tersebar
Authors: Othman Norasmah , Md Said Rofilah
Published: September 2013

Arus globalisasi dunia telah memberi impak yang tinggi hingga mencetuskan perubahan dalam dunia pendidikan di Malaysia. Mengurus perubahan dalam pendidikan ini memerlukan kualiti kepimpinan dan kelangsungan pengurusan yang mantap dan efektif bagi menjamin peningkatan dalam profesionalisme pendidik serta penambahbaikan sekolah dari aspek pencapaian akademik dan pembangunan sahsiah sekolah. Untuk itu, keterlibatan dan kesediaan guru-guru selain pengetua sekolah amat diperlukan bagi menghadapi perubahan tersebut. Justeru, satu kajian telah dilaksanakan bagi tujuan mengenal pasti tahap kesediaan guru sekolah menengah harian mengamalkan kepimpinan tersebar. Dimensi amalan kepimpinan tersebar diukur dalam: penetapan dan perkongsian visi, misi dan matlamat sekolah; budaya sekolah; perkongsian tanggungjawab serta amalan kepimpinan. Kajian ini merupakan satu kajian tinjauan dengan menggunakan soal selidik sebagai instrumen utama. Seramai 515 orang guru di sekolah menengah harian (SMH) telah terlibat dalam kajian ini. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan tahap kesediaan guru SMH terhadap amalan kepimpinan tersebar adalah pada tahap tinggi. Ini bermakna guru-guru SMH sudah bersedia mengamalkan kepimpinan tersebar. Kesediaan ini boleh membantu pengetua dalam pengurusan sekolah dengan lebih efektif dan lancar.
Rangsangan Motivasi Ketibaan Pelancong Asing Mengikut Kawasan ke Malaysia
Authors: N. H. M. Salleh, , S. H. Idris, , M. S. Shukor, , R. Othman,
Published: September 2013

Rangsangan motivasi perjalanan pelancong merupakan satu aspek penting dalam kajian literature pelancongan. Kajian ini menganalisis faktor motivasi tolakan dan tarikan berdasarkan sampel 200 responden daripada empat kawasan iaitu Asia Tenggara, Asia Barat, Eropah dan Amerika. Pemilihan empat region ini adalah disebabkan oleh beberapa alasan di mana, i) Pasaran Asia Tenggara merupakan pembekal utama ketibaan pelancong, ii) Pasaran Asia Barat pula menunjukkan peningkatan ketibaan yang tinggi kesan daripada insiden 11 September, iii) Pasaran Eropah dan Amerika adalah untuk mewakili pasaran dari negara maju. Analisis min digunakan dalam kajian ini untuk menerangkan kepentingan setiap faktor rangsangan motivasi pelancong. Analisis jurang (perbezaan antara min) bagi semua pemboleh ubah tolakan dan tarikan turut dilakukan. Setiap faktor ransangan diukur dengan item-item yang mempunyai darjah kebolehpercayaan yang tinggi. Dapatan kajian rangsangan motivasi tolakan menunjukkan bahawa pemboleh ubah tolakan yang paling penting ialah untuk mengalami sesuatu yang berbeza. Manakala kesejahteraan dan keselamatan adalah pemboleh ubah terpenting untuk rangsangan motivasi tarikan. Bagaimanapun, hasil ujian perbandingan rangsangan motivasi pelancong adalah berbeza-beza mengikut kawasan. Dengan itu, kerajaan perlu menitikberatkan aspek kesejahteraan dan keselamatan serta menjadikan faktor-faktor lain hasil dapatan kajian ini sebagai panduan dalam membuat dasar berkaitan pelancongan. Hasil kerja ini dapat dijadikan panduan kepada pembuat dasar dalam mengetahui perkara sebenar yang meransang ketibaan pelancong ke Malaysia dan seterusnya memperbaiki kelemahan fasiliti dan tarikan yang diperlukan oleh para pelancong.
Treatment of Textile Wastewater using Biodegradable Flocculants of Chitosan and Extracted Pandan Leaves
Authors: Ngadi Norzita , Yusoff Nor Aida
Published: September 2013

The study investigated the performance of chitosan and extracted pandan leaves towards treatment of textile wastewater by using flocculation process. Pandan leaves were extracted by using solvent extraction method. Flocculation process was conducted using a Jar test experiment. The effect of dosage, pH, and settling time on reduction of COD, turbidity and color of textile wastewater was studied. The results obtained found that chitosan was very effective for reduction of COD, turbidity, color and indicator for color. The best condition for COD and turbidity removal was achieved at 0.2 g dosage, pH 4 and 60 minutes of settling time. Under this condition, about 58 and 99% of COD and turbidity was removed, respectively. However, the results obtained using extracted pandan was opposite compared to the chitosan. Extracted pandan was not able to remove both COD and turbidity of the waste.
Analisis Kritikal Terhadap Pembiayaan Semula Perumahan Secara Islam Melalui Kontrak Musharakah Mutanaqisah
Authors: Isamail Mohamad Zaim , Tamkin Joni , Abu Hussin Mohd Fauzi
Published: September 2013

Pembiayaan perumahan secara Islam melalui perbankan Islam di Malaysia mengadaptasi pelbagai bentuk instrumen kewangan Islam. Ini bergantung kepada kehendak dan keperluan sesebuah bank/institusi kewangan Islam tersebut. Antaranya adalah penggunaan Bay’ BithamanAjil (BBA), Ijarah dan sebagainya. Namun, sejak kebelakangan ini, terdapat kritikan yang mempersoal kerelavanan instrumen tersebut bagi membiayai pembiayaan perumahan mahupun pembiayaan semula perumahan. Justeru, satu lagi instrumen baru telah diperkenalkan, iaitu kontrak Musharakah Mutanaqisah. Kontrak ini telah diamalkan oleh beberapa bank Islam terpilih di Malaysia. Oleh kerana kontrak ini masih di peringkat awal pelaksanaan, objektif utama kertas kerja ini akan menganalisis dan menjelaskan secara kritikal konsep pelaksanaan penggunaan kontrak tersebut yang di aplikasi bagi pembiayaan semula perumahan (Home Refinancing). Kajian ini memfokuskan kepada dua bank utama yang mengaplikasi kontrak tersebut, iaitu RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (RHBIBB) dan juga Maybank Islamic Berhad (MIB).Antara objektif lain dalam kajian ini juga akan menjelaskan persoalan mengenai kebolehan pihak pelanggan melaksanakan pembiayaan semula perumahan sekiranya ianya berlaku di dua bank yang berbeza. Sebagai contoh dari RHBIB ke MIB. Selain itu, kajian ini juga akan menjawab persoalan utama dalam muʻamalat, iaitu sama ada pembiayaan semula perumahan ini mempunyai unsur ʻInah ataupun tidak. Dalam menjalankan kajian ini, kajian perpustakaan dan temu bual telah digunakan untuk mengumpul data dan maklumat yang berkaitan. Temu bual telah dijalankan di kedua-dua bank yang disebutkan di atas. Data yang diperoleh kemudiannya dianalisis dengan menggunakan pelbagai kaedah yang merangkumi metode induktif, deduktif dan juga komparatif. Antara lain, dapatan kajian daripada analisis ini mendapati bahawa terdapat beberapa isu-isu berbangkit akibat daripada penggunaan kontrak ini dalam pembiayaan semula perumahan, antara seperti isu pemilikan apabila seseorang pelanggan hendak mendapatkan pembiayaan semula perumahan, sedangkan rumah tersebut masih dikongsi dengan pihak bank. Begitu juga dengan permasalahan penetapan harga rumah yang hendak dibiayai semula. Hasil daripada analisis ini, beberapa cadangan dikemukakan bagi memperhalusi lagi pelaksanaan kontrak ini.
An Example on Computing the Irreducible Representation of Finite Metacyclic Groups by Using Great Orthogonality Theorem Method
Authors: Samin Nizar Majeed , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Rahmat Hamisan
Published: September 2013

Representation theory is a study of real realizations of the axiomatic systems of abstract algebra. For any group, the number of possible representative sets of matrices is infinite, but they can all be reduced to a single fundamental set, called the irreducible representations of the group. This paper focuses on an example of finite metacyclic groups of class two of order 16. The irreducible representation of that group is found by using Great Orthogonality Theorem Method.
Estimating Kinetic Parameters for Essential Amino Acid Production in Arabidopsis Thaliana by Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Ng Siew Teng , Chong Chuii Khim , Choon Yee Wen , Chai Lian En , Deris Safaai , Illias Rosli Md , Shamsir Mohd Shahir , Mohamad Mohd Saberi
Published: September 2013

Parameter estimation is one of nine phases in modelling, which is the most challenging task that is used to estimate the parameter values for biological system that is non-linear. There is no general solution for determining the nonlinearity of the dynamic model. Experimental measurement is expensive, hard and time consuming. Hence, the aim for this research is to implement Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) intoSBToolbox to solve the mentioned problems. As a result, the optimum kinetic parameters for simulating essential amino acid metabolism in plant model Arabidopsis Thaliana are obtained. There are four performance measurements used, namely computational time, average of error rate, standard deviation and production of graph. As a finding of this research, PSO has the smallest standard deviation and average of error rate.  The computational time in parameter estimation is smaller in comparison with others, indicating that PSO is a consistent method to estimate parameter values compared to the performance of Simulated Annealing (SA) and downhill simplex method after the implementation into SBToolbox.
High Heat Flux Cooling of Electronics: The Need for a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Herwig Heinz
Published: September 2013

In a discussion initiated by the German Research Foundation (DFG) about cooling of electronics, two aspects turned out to be important: The need for a paradigm shift from an “add on” to an “integrated multidisciplinary” solution and the definition of generic demonstrators for cooling strategies.
Analytical Thermal Solution to a Nonuniformly Powered Stack Package With Contact Resistance
Authors: Ghalambor S. , Agonafer D. , Haji-Sheikh A.
Published: September 2013

The semiconductor industry, following Moore's law, has consistently followed a trajectory of miniaturization that enables design engineers to achieve greater levels of innovation in the same or smaller die footprints. According to Samsung technologists, the next generation of semiconductor technology will cost about $10 billion to create. Alternatively, improved performance through lowering of signal delays can also be achieved using stacked or 3D packaging. With this architectural achievement come cooling challenges as it is difficult to utilize conventional cooling technology and especially when stacking logic and memory processors for high end applications. The accumulation of excessive heat within the stack is a challenge that has caused thermal engineers to focus on the issue of extracting this heat from the system. Thus, one important aspect of design is the ability to obtain an accurate analytical temperature solution of the multilayer stack packages beforehand in order to sustain the reliability of the 3D stack packages albeit for a more simplified configuration. This study addresses the analytical solution of temperature distribution in multilayer bodies by using the Mathematica code developed in this study. The numerical approach using ansys Workbench is discussed, and the results are compared with the one obtained analytically.
Design for Thermo-Acoustic Stability: Procedure and Database
Authors: Bade S. , Wagner M. , Hirsch C. , Sattelmayer T. , Schuermans B.
Published: September 2013

A design for thermo-acoustic stability (DeTAS) procedure is presented, that aims at selecting a most stable burner geometry for a given combustor. It is based on the premise that a thermo-acoustic stability model of the combustor can be formulated and that a burner design exists, which has geometric design parameters that sufficiently influence the dynamics of the flame. Describing the burner and flame dynamics in dependence of the geometrical parameters an optimization procedure involving a linear stability model of the target combustor maximizes the damping and thereby yields the optimal geometrical parameters. To demonstrate the procedure on an existing annular combustor a generic burner design was developed that features two geometrical parameters that can easily be adjusted. To provide the database for the DeTAS procedure static and dynamical properties of burner and flame were measured for three by three configurations at a fixed operation point. The data is presented and discussed. It is found that the chosen design exhibits a significant variability of the flame dynamics in dependence of the geometrical parameters indicating that a DeTAS should be possible for the targeted annular combustor.
Sedimentary and metamorphic lithofacies of the Lower Negaunee Iron Formation, Marquette District, Michigan, USA
Authors: Pietrzak-Renaud Natalie J.
Published: September 2013

The base of the Proterozoic Negaunee Iron Formation is exposed in the open pit at Tilden Mine, Marquette, Michigan. Juxtaposed against the Archean-aged Palmer Gneiss, it is bounded by the regional-scale Southern Shear Zone and cut by two sets of dykes: an older chloritic and schistose set and a younger 1.1 Ga Keweenawan set. Tilden Mine is dominated by a 100 m scale plunging northwest-anticline and is cut by a growth fault locally termed the Tower Hill Fault that intersects the Southern Shear Zone. The base of the exposed iron formation is composed of three lithofacies, including lower clastics that grade into the overlying banded iron formation that in turn grades upward into granular iron formation. This succession is capped by chloritic metadiabases locally termed the Summit Hill Sill and Pillar Intrusive. Petrographic and mineral chemical investigations document primary or early diagenetic hematite, siderite and possibly ferri-hydrite, metamorphic and related hydrothermal magnetite, chlorite, late martite overgrowing earlier magnetite and growth of specularite. All three lithofacies are cut by brittle fractures and late quartz veins. Brittle fractures are coated with chlorite, carbonate minerals, fluor-apatite, and sparse Cu-sulphides. These lithofacies document initial clastic sedimentation of strained detrital quartz into a subsiding fault trough. Over time, as subsidence slowed or sea level fluctuated, clastic deposition competed with quiescent chemical sedimentation, leading to deposition of the banded iron formation facies. As a stable shelf platform emerged, the granular iron formation facies was deposited via wave reworking of hardgrounds. Subsequent diagenesis initiated dissolution of carbonate and chert and promoted diagenetic replacement of primary iron minerals and chert. Regional metamorphism during Penokean orogeny at 1875–1835 Ma produced a suite of secondary metamorphic and related hydrothermal minerals. Metamorphism and hydrothermal flux related to the 1750 Ma development of the Republic Metamorphic Node overprinted the iron formation at Tilden to greenschist facies and infilled brittle fractures with a unique mineral assemblage. This unique mineral assemblage exhibits some striking similarities to Mn, Au, and Cu-sulphides documented at Champion Mine, west of Tilden, and proximal to the core of the Republic Node.
ENERGETICS OF VHg-RELATED DEFECTS IN As-DOPED HgCdTe
Authors: DUAN H. , DONG Y. Z. , LIN Z. P. , ZHANG X. , HUANG Y. , CHEN X. S.
Published: September 2013

Arsenic-doped HgCdTe usually exhibits compensated n-type conductivity, which is ambiguously attributed to isolated vacancies (V Hg ) or arsenic-vacancy complexes ( As Hg – V Hg and As Hg –2V Hg ). Our first-principles calculations clarified the correlation of these V Hg -related defects with the carrier compensation in As -doped HgCdTe by calculating the defect formation energies, as a function of atomic/electron chemical potentials. Under n-type condition, the lowest formation energy defect is found to be the As Hg donor followed by the V Hg acceptor, leading to a compensated n-type material. The arsenic-vacancy complexes are shallow acceptors but their high formation energies render them unlikely to be the compensating candidates. Their large binding energies, however, allow us to predict that the formation of the As Hg –2V Hg complex defect will be enhanced under postgrowth annealing treatment, in agreement with the arsenic activation model by Berding et al. [J. Electron. Mater.27, 605 (1998)].
NONEXTENSIVE STATISTICAL MECHANICS APPROACH TO THE SOMMERFELD MODEL FOR METALLIC ELEMENTS
Authors: OURABAH KAMEL , TRIBECHE MOULOUD
Published: September 2013

Using the generalized Fermi–Dirac distribution function arising from Tsallis statistical mechanics, we revisit the Sommerfeld model for metallic elements. The chemical potential, the total energy and the heat capacity are calculated. It is shown that the linearity between the heat capacity and the temperature is q-dependent, where q stands for the entropic index. In the limit q→1, the results of the usual model are recovered. Comparisons are made with experimental data and with the values of the usual model. The Pauli magnetic susceptibility is found not affected by the electron nonextensivity. Our results suggest that we can rely on the generalized nonextensive Sommerfeld model to expect achievement of reasonable agreement between theory and experiment. They may aid to constrain the values of the nonextensive parameter q for metallic elements and to determine more clearly the reality of nonextensive effects.
SIZE AND TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENT AND LATTICE PARAMETER OF NANOMATERIALS
Authors: KUMAR RAGHUVESH , SHARMA GEETA , KUMAR MUNISH
Published: September 2013

A simple theoretical model is developed to study the effect of size and temperature on the coefficient of thermal expansion and lattice parameter of nanomaterials. We have studied the size dependence of thermal expansion coefficient of Pb , Ag and Zn in different shape viz. spherical, nanowire and nanofilm. A good agreement between theory and available experimental data confirmed the model predictions. We have used these results to study the temperature dependence of lattice parameter for different size and also included the results of bulk materials. The temperature dependence of lattice parameter of Zn nanowire and Ag nanowire are found to present a good agreement with the experimental data. We have also computed the temperature and size dependence of lattice parameter of Se and Pb for different shape viz. spherical, nanowire and nanofilm. The results are discussed in the light of recent research on nanomaterials.
PARAMETRIC EXCITATION OF SOLITONS IN DIPOLAR BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATES
Authors: BENSEGHIR A. , WAN ABDULLAH W. A. T. , UMAROV B. A. , BAIZAKOV B. B.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we study the response of a Bose–Einstein condensate with strong dipole–dipole atomic interactions to periodically varying perturbation. The dynamics is governed by the Gross–Pitaevskii equation with additional nonlinear term, corresponding to a nonlocal dipolar interactions. The mathematical model, based on the variational approximation, has been developed and applied to parametric excitation of the condensate due to periodically varying coefficient of nonlocal nonlinearity. The model predicts the waveform of solitons in dipolar condensates and describes their small amplitude dynamics quite accurately. Theoretical predictions are verified by numerical simulations of the nonlocal Gross–Pitaevskii equation and good agreement between them is found. The results can lead to better understanding of the properties of ultra-cold quantum gases, such as 52 Cr , 164 Dy and 168 Er , where the long-range dipolar atomic interactions dominate the usual contact interactions.
AN EFFECTIVE CONTROL FLOW CHECKING METHOD FOR MULTITASK PROCESSING IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: ASGHARI SEYYED AMIR , ABDI ATENA , KAYNAK OKYAY , TAHERI HASSAN , PEDRAM HOSSEIN
Published: September 2013

Electronic equipment used in harsh environments such as space has to cope with many threats. One major threat is the intensive radiation which gives rise to Single Event Upsets (SEU) that lead to control flow errors and data errors. In the design of embedded systems to be used in space, the use of radiation tolerant equipment may therefore be a necessity. However, even if the higher cost of such a choice is not a problem, the efficiency of such equipment is lower than the COTS equipment. Therefore, the use of COTS with appropriate measures to handle the threats may be the optimal solution, in which a simultaneous optimization is carried out for power, performance, reliability and cost. In this paper, a novel method is presented for control flow error detection in multitask environments with less memory and performance overheads as compared to other methods seen in the literature.