bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Visualization for Information Retrieval through Ontologies with Entity Evolution
Authors: Katifori Akrivi , Vassilakis Costas , Lepouras George , Torou Elena
Published: December 2015

Incorporating digital tools in the business and scientific research workflows is at the moment an on-going process, challenging and demanding as every domain has its own needs in terms of data models and information retrieval methods. The information in some domains involves entity evolution, a characteristic that introduces additional tasks, such as finding all evolution stages of an entity, and poses additional requirements for the information retrieval process. In this paper, we present a user study aiming to investigate how the different aspects of ontology modelling affect the performance and effectiveness of users regarding information retrieval tasks that are carried out using visualization methods. The results of the user study are analyzed and guidelines for ontology design are offered.
A Comparative Study on Medical Diagnosis Using Predictive Data Mining
Authors: Mousavirad Seyed Jalaleddin , Ebrahimpour-Komleh Hossein
Published: December 2015

Medical diagnosis is a most important problem in medical data mining. The possible errors of a physician can reduce with the help of data mining techniques. The goal of this chapter is to analyze and compare predictive data mining techniques in the medical diagnosis. To this purpose, various data mining techniques such as decision tree, neural networks, support vector machine, and lazy modelling are considered. Results show data mining techniques can considerably help a physician.
Knowledge Sharing for Improving Effectiveness of University-Industry Collaborations
Authors: Nemati-Anaraki Leila , Heidari Azadeh
Published: December 2015

Knowledge is one of the most important strategic resources in industrial organizations. Knowledge sharing is a mechanism to capture, disseminate, transfer, and apply useful knowledge. For these reasons, knowledge sharing has become a strategic issue as a source of funding for university research and as a policy tool for economic development for industrial organizations. Collaborations between universities and industrial organizations can play an important role in the areas of knowledge sharing. There are many factors that can affect collaboration between industrial firms and universities. This chapter begins with the description of the term knowledge. It discusses knowledge sharing and collaborations between universities and industrial organizations and the importance of communicational channels, especially information and communication technologies and university libraries. Finally, this chapter proposes a conceptual model for knowledge sharing collaborations between universities and industrial organizations.
Enablers and Barriers of Knowledge Sharing for Offshore Outsource ISD Project
Authors: Solli-Sæther Hans , Karlsen Jan Terje
Published: December 2015

Many firms increase their flexibility and raise their information systems development (ISD) capacity by exploiting qualified personnel in low cost countries. Since ISD is a knowledge-intensive activity, knowledge sharing is particularly critical in an offshore outsourcing context. The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in offshore ISD projects. This research is important, as there is a need to understand knowledge organizations case by case to develop effective and contingent strategies to increase knowledge sharing. The empirical data are based on a qualitative case study with in-depth interviews following a semi-structured approach. In this research we investigate a Norwegian based information systems service provider and their offshoring of ISD to Bangladesh. The paper contributes to understanding the role and specific challenges of knowledge sharing in offshoring ISD projects. The empirical results showed that structural as well as political, cultural and personal enablers play an essential role in facilitating knowledge sharing. The role of the Scrum methodology, in particular, with its daily Scrum meeting should be underlined because it enables coordination, communication and knowledge sharing between the parties. Additionally, several key barriers hindering knowledge sharing were discovered such as lack of direct personal interaction, time differences, poor infrastructure, cultural heterogeneity, and different personalities.
A Literature Survey for Hazardous Materials Transportation
Authors: Erol Serpil , Yilmaz Zafer
Published: December 2015

Transportation has the greatest importance in logistics. The main focus for the carriers is the cost of transportation. Transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat) is a special kind of transportation due to freight transported. Causalities due to the accidents caused by vehicles that are carrying hazardous materials will be intolerable. For hazmat transportation, in addition to transport costs, risk of transporting hazmat also has to be considered. Many researchers studied on hazmat transportation problems in order to propose optimal solutions with respect to cost, risk, emergency response, facility location etc. In this study, a literature survey of articles about hazmat transportation was prepared. The articles published in refereed journal from 1973 to 2014 were taken into consideration. The articles were also classified according to their main focuses and hazmat type carried.
Customer Relationship Management and Data Mining
Authors: Gordini Niccolò , Veglio Valerio
Published: December 2015

In the global market of today, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) plays a fundamental role in market-oriented companies to understand customer behaviors, achieve and maintain a long-term relationship with them, and maximize the customer value. Moreover, the digital revolution has made information easy and fairly inexpensive to capture. Thus, companies have stored a large amount of data about their current and potential customers. However, this data is often raw and meaningless. Within the CRM framework, Data Mining (DM) is a very popular tool for extracting useful information from this data and for predicting customer behaviors in order to make profitable marketing decisions. This research aims to demonstrate the classification decision tree as one of the main computational data mining models able to forecast accurate marketing performance within global organizations. Particular attention is paid to the identification of the best marketing activities to which firms should concentrate their future marketing investments. The criteria is based on the loss functions that confirm the accuracy of this model.
Quantifying Education Quality in Secondary Schools
Authors: Spruit Marco , Adriana Tiffany
Published: December 2015

This research assesses the important factors in assuring education quality in secondary schools by using a business intelligence approach. A Business intelligence framework is created by employing a business intelligence process to identify the stakeholders and components relevant to education quality. The resulting Education Quality Indicator (EQI) framework consists of seven Critical Success Factors and is measured through twenty-eight Key Performance Indicators. The EQI framework is evaluated through expert interviews and a survey, and demonstrates that the most important factor in assuring education quality is a teacher's ability to communicate with students. Finally, a feasibility analysis is conducted in the environment of an information system that is implemented for secondary schools in the Netherlands.
Knowledge Management Practice at a Bulgarian Bank
Authors: Shah Mahmood Hussain , Rahneva Nevena , Ahmed Rizwan
Published: December 2015

This chapter reports on knowledge management (KM) practices in the customer service and lending departments of one of Bulgaria's top retail banks and investigates how KM processes can be further improved. The Bank's KM activities have been studied using observations, interviews and informal discussions for data collection. Findings were compared and contrasted with existing literature in similar contexts. Although rudiments of knowledge sharing are evident from the KM activities in different departments of the bank, the limitations such as resistance to change of the implemented KM systems are impeding the effectiveness of the knowledge management process. More training and incentives are needed to increase knowledge creation and sharing. Moreover, a clearly articulated KM strategy along with success criteria and commitment and support from senior management is needed. There is a severe lack of knowledge management studies in Bulgarian context in general and Bulgarian banking sector in particular. The authors' findings will potentially help in improving knowledge sharing practice as well as provide a valuable insight into knowledge management related issues in the Bulgarian context. The findings from this research can be useful to companies from Eastern Europe and other regions in improving their knowledge sharing practice.
Mind Training for Innovation
Authors: Connell Julia , Thaarup Charlotte
Published: December 2015

This chapter fills a gap in the innovation literature by exploring why creativity and innovation are important in the workplace and how the process of creativity can be supported through the practice of mindfulness. At the group and organisational levels, the chapter examines what is required of an organisation through an HR perspective in order to facilitate the optimum context for supporting creativity and innovation through knowledge sharing and transfer. There is a key emphasis on an organisation's culture, structure, and ethos, utilising a knowledge-sharing framework, in addition to a focus on the physical workspaces that can support innovative and creative processes. Finally, proposals for managers and human resource personnel interested in building foundations for creativity in the workplace include: mindfulness training and support for mindfulness practice, the reduction of stress to allow creativity to emerge, and group/team support and training. Suggestions for future research are also offered at the end of the chapter.
Amelioration of Anonymity Modus Operandi for Privacy Preserving Data Publishing
Authors: Indumathi J.
Published: December 2015

The scientific tumultuous intonation has swept our feet's, of its balance and at the same time wheedled us to reach the take-off arena from where we can march equipped and outfitted into the subsequent century with confidence & self-assurance; by unearthing solutions for all information security related issues (with special emphasis on privacy issues). Examining various outstanding research problems that encompass to be embarked upon for effectively managing and controlling the balance between privacy and utility, the research community is pressurized to propose suitable elucidations. The solution is to engender several Privacy-Preserving Data Publishing (PPDP) techniques like Perturbation, swapping, randomization, cryptographic techniques etc., Amongst the various available techniques k-anonymity is unique in facet of its association with protection techniques that preserve the truthfulness of the data. The principal chip in of this sketch out comprises: 1) Motivation for this exploration for Amelioration Of Anonymity Modus Operandi For Privacy Preserving Data Mining; 2) investigation of well-known research approaches to PPDM; 3) argue solutions to tackle the problems of security threats and attacks in the PPDM in systems; 4) related survey of the various anonymity techniques; 5) exploration of metrics for the diverse anonymity techniques; 6) performance measures for the various anonymity techniques; and 7) contradistinguish the diverse anonymity techniques and algorithms.
Information Evaluation
Authors: Malheiro da Silva Armando , Ribeiro Fernanda
Published: December 2015

Evaluation in the context of information services has mainly looked at three distinct areas: service performance evaluation, information retrieval evaluation, and information flow evaluation. This last area, especially used in archives and designated as “appraisal,” aims to define the information's fate after several years of use, and its purpose is to eliminate documents in order to free space in the stacks. This study provides a brief overview of the two first areas and analyzes the third one in depth from a perspective that sees evaluation as a methodological operation that can be applied to information produced and used in any context. Criteria and parameters are proposed to assist with objective action in practice.
How Web 2.0 Shapes Patient Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Libreri Chiara , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: December 2015

Web 2.0 has totally changed the health communication world. In particular, it has reconfigured peer exchanges about health. These exchanges are important because they allow knowledge sharing and construction between patients, in particular chronic patients. Although their importance is well established, this field of study brings together a variety of theories not uniformly shared or understood. It is not clear how patients use Web for knowledge processes: what kind of knowledge processes happen in Web 2.0 between patients? How does Web 2.0 sustain or impede these processes? The aim of this research is to map virtual exchanges about diabetes in Italy by developing a systematic exploration of Web using the main search engines (Google, Yahoo) and analyzing the site that hosts posts and exchanges about diabetes. According to a psychosocial perspective, findings highlight the main features of online knowledge processes among patients.
Data Profiling and Data Quality Metric Measurement as a Proactive Input into the Operation of Business Intelligence Systems
Authors: Delaney Scott
Published: December 2015

Business intelligence systems have reached business critical status within many companies. It is not uncommon for such systems to be central to the decision-making effectiveness of these enterprises. However, the processes used to load data into these systems often do not exhibit a level of robustness in line with their criticality to the organisation. The processes of loading business intelligence systems with data are subject to compromised execution, delays, or failures as a result of changes in the source system data. These ETL processes are not designed to recognise nor deal with such shifts in data shape. This chapter proposes the use of data profiling techniques as a means of early discovery of issues and changes within the source system data and examines how this knowledge can be applied to guard against reductions in the decision making capability and effectiveness of an organisation caused by interruptions to business intelligence system availability or compromised data quality. It does so by examining issues such as where profiling can be best be applied to get appropriate benefit and value, the techniques of establishing profiling, and the types of actions that may be taken once the results of profiling are available. The chapter describes components able to be drawn together to provide a system of control that can be applied around a business intelligence system to enhance the quality of organisational decision making through monitoring the characteristics of arriving data and taking action when values are materially different than those expected.
Metadata in Serbia
Authors: Sofronijevic Adam , Dakic Natasa , Andonovski Jelena
Published: December 2015

This chapter discusses the usage of metadata in libraries in Serbia. So far metadata have been used for describing printed documents available for patrons in library holdings and for describing digital documents available in online repositories. Paper presents some specific aspects of metadata usage primarily in regards to automation of digital data delivery for patrons. The advent of information technologies provides librarians in Serbia, as well as their colleagues in other countries, with powerful tools to describe digital objects and interconnect them making those related digital objects effectively available for users via an emergent, more semantic web.
Overview of Sustainable Cementitious Composites Properties with Added Recycled Rubber
Authors: Jevtić Dragica , Zakić Dimitrije , Savić Aleksandar , Šerifi Veis
Published: December 2015

The paper is focused to the properties of cementitious composites such as: mortar, ordinary concrete and self-compacting concrete made by means of recycled rubber granulate as a partial replacement for commonly used aggregate. This paper, together with the results of authors' own experimental research on rubberized cementitious composites is presented in detail. The comprehensive conclusion suggests that this type of material can be successfully applied in many fields of engineering practice, thanks to its sustainability, elasticity and durability.
Small Wind Turbine Rotor Design
Authors: Kegl Breda , Pehan Stanislav
Published: December 2015

The paper discusses the development procedure of a small direct drive wind turbine. Especially attention to the main rotor and to the wind blade design procedure is dedicated. Decisional technological steps are described, which makes the wind turbine design effective as environmental friendly product. All the design procedures are well documented by the clearly figures and by adequate descriptions as well. The starting conditions at different wind conditions are estimated and the interesting discussion about the necessity of the starting motor is given.
Modal Analysis of a Small Savonius Aerogenerator by Using SolidWorks Simulation
Authors: Khelifi Cherif , Ouali Mohammed , Ferroudji Fateh , Adjlout Lahouari
Published: December 2015

Wind energy generation using Savonius wind turbine becomes a promising technology of renewable energy and sustainable development, opportune in urban areas for several applications. This strong rotary machine handles with high wind speeds, requires low maintenance owing to the self-lubricating bearings, and to the self-placing to the wind flow as well as to the self-starting at very low wind velocity. During last decade, the industrial computer codes become a major technology tools in modeling, and simulation of dynamics structures for improving and optimizing their performances. Present paper, investigated the dynamic comportment of a small three-bladed Savonius-aerogenerator using SolidWorks simulation software. The simulation results showed that the design reliability and stability were confirmed since no resonance to be happened in the structure and the quality factor is close to 7 for the first five vibration modes. The two first natural frequencies 16.62Hz and 16.74Hz of the wind turbine are far away from external excited frequencies active at the wind speeds up to 15m/s.
Efficient Velomobile Design
Authors: Pehan Stanislav , Kegl Breda
Published: December 2015

The paper discusses the development procedure of a velomobile concept vehicle. Some advantages of a velomobile usage and its positive effect on sustainable living conditions in cities are presented. A few designs of velomobile on the recumbent tadpole trike base are developed, judged and compared. The conceiving and design phases of a fairing space frame construction covered by the canvas surface are described. Main advantages and disadvantage of a velomobile made on that way are pointed out. Some improvements of velomobile in terms of additional power engine are discussed and proposed and even one effective design solution of the transmission is designed. In the frame of the project the velomobile equipped by the canvas surface is made in real and this is illustrated by the photographs.
Frictional Torque Behavior in Actively-Closed Actuated Dry Clutch: The Temperature Influence
Authors: Senatore Adolfo , Pisaturo Mario , Dašić Predrag
Published: December 2015

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) systems are generally constituted by a dry or wet clutch assembly and a multi-speed gearbox, both equipped with electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic actuators, which are driven by a control unit, the transmission control unit (TCU). In this transmission type the quality of the vehicle propulsion as perceived by the driver is largely dependent on the quality of the control strategies. This paper aims at providing to control engineers a reliable mathematical model of the frictional torque characteristic of 'actively closed' dry clutch along with the influence of the temperature on the characteristic.
A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis for Category "Thermodynamics" within SCI-E - Part 5: Analysis of II, CHL and CngHL
Authors: Dašić Predrag , Karić Marina
Published: December 2015

Category "Thermodynamics" was established in 1993 within SCI-E, starting with 25 journals, with only 55 journals in 2014, which is an increase of more than two times for the period observed. It is ranged as a category within SCI-E in 2014 according to number of journals on 100 position, from total 176 categories. This paper presents Part 5 of article series of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis for category "Thermodynamics" within SCI-E, in which bibliometric indicators are analyzed: Immediacy Index (II), Cited Half-Life (CHL) and Citing Half-Life (CngHL) for this category for the period 1993-2014. This analysis shows that journal: Progress in Energy and Combustion Science have by far the highest II and MII in this category and this period.Abbreviations:
Pipes Life Prolonging Possibility in Boilers Fired up by Municipal Waste
Authors: Marušić Vlatko , Kovalevskyy Sergiy , Samardžić Ivan , Opačak Ivan , Marušić Luka
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the specifics of the waste incineration boiler with natural circulation fueled with municipal waste. During operation, certain parts of the boiler are exposed to corrosion and erosion due to effect of particles from the flue gas stream at high temperature. Tests have been performed which include sediment and pipe damage after one year of boiler work. Chemical analysis of sediment samples was taken from the tubes was determined presence of NaCl and Fe compounds and share from 18 % organic substances in the presence of SO3.
Experimental Research on Technological Parameters Optimization of Natural Gases
Authors: Țîțu Mihail Aurel , Purcar Carmen , Făgărășan Vasile
Published: December 2015

The paper contains a modeling application with the help of factorial experiments of influence variations of some parameters of natural gases over the hourly flow delivered towards population. In order to completely and correctly draft the experiment we followed and highlighted the objective functions of the process to be analyzed, and then there were identified the factors that influence the objective function to be analyzed. In the end the experimental data was processed and solutions were proposed.
Effectiveness Rising of Wheel-Pairs Renewal by Cup-Tip Cassette Tool
Authors: Kovalov Viktor , Guzenko Vitaliy , Dašić Predrag , Polupan Ivan
Published: December 2015

The results of studies of the load effect on the cylindrical surface of the fixing holes of the insert on the durability and dynamic characteristics of the improved design of split cup-tip tool for wheelset processing are presented. It is approved that the radial force on the cylindrical surface of the fixing holes of the insert is of a significant effect on the stiffness characteristics of split cup-tip tool.
Cross-Linked Effects by Genipin on Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan Film
Authors: Hisham Siti Farhana , Kasim Siti Hajar , Abu Bakar Syazana , Mohd Sabri Siti Noorzidah , Mastor Azreena , Abdul Manaf Abdul Yazid , Abu Norhidayah , Noorsal Kartini , Abdul Rashid Ahmad Hazri
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of cross-linked reaction on physicochemical properties of chitosan film by using genipin as cross-linker agent. Series of chitosan film samples with different amount concentration of genipin loaded (0-3 wt %) were prepared and characterized. The physicochemical properties of films were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR), UV-vis spectroscopy, Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water vapour and tensile test. The cross-linking reaction had affected on colour changing of chitosan film samples from light yellow to dark blue in line with the increasing of genipin concentration. Thus, UV-vis spectroscopy on the cross-linked samples showed the absorbance value at 600 nm wavelength due to genipin content. FTIR observation on cross-linked film samples showed no characteristic of –OCH3 peak from genipin at 1444 cm-1 which resulted by new covalent bonding occurred between chitosan and genipin. Cross-linking also had increased the oxygen barrier and reduced the water vapor rate through the film. Chitosan film sample with addition of 1 wt% genipin achieved the highest tensile stress average at 49.46 MPa compared to other samples while percent of elongation at break reduced with the increasing of genipin concentration loaded
Preparation of Ceramic Hollow Fiber Membrane Using Phase Inversion and Sintering Technique
Authors: Abdullah Norfazliana , Rahman Mukhlis A. , Ismail A.F. , Othman M.H.D. , Jaafar Juhana
Published: December 2015

Alumina hollow fiber membrane with asymmetric structure has been developed using phase inversion technique followed by sintering process. The formation of asymmetric alumina hollow fiber was influenced by a phenomenon known as hydrodynamically unstable viscous fingering. A desired morphology of the ceramic hollow fiber membrane, that consists of 52 % of finger-like and the rest is sponge-like structure, is tailored by controlled parameters during membrane fabrication process. The result shows that the ratio of alumina/PESf should be reduced to 6. At this ratio, the finger-like structure can be easily formed with inner and outer diameters were 1.11 mm and 2.05 mm respectively. From the given thickness, approximately 243 µm of finger-like length can be developed originating from the lumen of hollow fiber.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Warm Compacted Carbon-Copper Composite by Different Powder Formulation
Authors: Nurul Hadi Mohd Afiq , Selamat Mohd Asri , Budin Salina , Ria Jaafar Talib , Mahaidin Ahmad Aswad , Syazwan Sulaiman Zaim , Omar Ahmad Zahid , Mohd Hijazi Mohd Bakri
Published: December 2015

Carbon(C)/Copper(Cu) Composites based materials were developed by associating both pressure and heat to the mixture of the powder. Three samples of different formulations were prepared by the powder metallurgy route in which the C-Cu powder were mixed with E-poxy Resin in a tubular mixer, pre-compacted using an automated hydraulic press machine, warm compacted using a warm compaction machine and finally post baked in oven. Each sample was subjected to density, hardness, transverse rupture strength and resistivity tests. The microstructures of the sample were observed under the scanning electron microscope. Test results of the developed samples show that sample C produced the highest physical, mechanical and electrical properties. However, the samples developed had lower physical, mechanical and electrical properties as compared with the commercial sample. This phenomenon was taught to be due to high porosity and insolubility of carbon and copper in the sample developed. Thus, father study will be done based on sample C formulation.
Tensile Properties and Morphological Studies of Kenaf-Filled Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) (LLDPE/PVA/KNF) Composites: The Effects of KNF Loading
Authors: Pang Ai Ling , Ismail Hanafi , Abu Bakar Azhar
Published: December 2015

Tensile properties and morphological studies of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/kenaf (KNF) composites were investigated. The composites with different KNF loading (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 phr) were prepared using a Thermo Haake Polydrive internal mixer at 150°C and 50 rpm for 10 min. The results indicated that tensile strength and elongation at break were decreased with increasing KNF loading, whereas tensile modulus showed the opposite trend. Tensile fractured surfaces observed by scanning electron microscopy showed better interfacial adhesion between LLDPE/PVA and KNF at 10 phr KNF loading.
Fabrication of Carbon-Copper Composites Using Local Carbon Material: Microstructure, Mechanical, Electrical and Wear Properties
Authors: Selamat Mohd Asri , Mahaidin Ahmad Aswad , Nurul Hadi Mohd Afiq , Sulaiman Zaim Syazwan , Abdul Razak Mohd Idham
Published: December 2015

The carbon-copper (C-Cu) composites combine the positive characteristics of thermal and electrical conductivity from Cu, low thermal expansion coefficient and lubricating properties from conventional graphite. For that particular application, C-Cu composites are widely used as electrical contact devices such as carbon brushes and current-collector for railway power collection system. Due to economic and environment concern, activated-carbon produced from MPOB’s oil palm kernel shell (OPKS) is studies as replacement for conventional graphite. The OPKS is crushed and mixed with copper and resin powder before it is compacted into shape. Then the green body undergoes warm-compaction (1140MPa;100-150°C) followed by post-baking (150-250°C) process to enhance its properties. The physical and mechanical properties of the C-Cu composite were analysed. The resulting microstructures, electrical and wear properties also are presented and discussed. The prototype of current-collector for PUTRA LRT and carbon brushes for electrical applications was produced from this research work.
Chemical Reaction and Morphology of Polypropylene (PP)/Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBRr)/Banana Skin Powder (BSP) Composites with γ-APS
Authors: Abdul Ghani Azlinda , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Tunku Ozir Tunku Alisha Zanariah , Ting Sam Sung , Ismail Hanafi
Published: December 2015

Polypropylene (PP)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composites were studied. Different BSP filer loading (5, 10, 15,20,25,30 wt. %) were prepared by using heated two roll mill at 180 °C. Then, the composites were tested for functional group using FTIR model Perkin Elmer Series 2. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (VPFESEM) model Zeiss SUPRA 35VP also were using for morphological study. The effect of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) as coupling agent were evaluated.The FTIR test shows different bands around 3200-3500 and 1740 cm-1 which represent the stretching of OH and C=O groups respectively. As for BSP which composed mostly of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, the cellulose backbone C-OH is represent by the peaks of 1050 and 1048 cm-1 respectively. The γ-APS intense band around 1167 cm-1 and 1098 cm-1 in treated composite was assigned to the stretching of the-Si-O-Cellulose and –Si-O-Si-bond respectively. The large band around 1050 cm-1 found on BSP filler was attribute to the –Si-OH group which later this band will disappear after the surface modification. This evidenced that bonding between γ-APS treated BSP with PP/NBRr matrices. Morphological study supported this finding which BSP filler treated with γ-APS has improved the adhesion between BSP filler and PP/NBRr matrices.
Effects of APS Silane on Tensile Properties of Polypropylene (PP)/Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBRr)/Banana Skin Powder (BSP) Composites
Authors: Abdul Ghani Azlinda , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Tunku Ozir Tunku Alisha Zanariah , Ting Sam Sung , Ismail Hanafi
Published: December 2015

Polypropylene (PP)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composites with different BSP filler loading (5,10,15,20,25,30wt. %) were studied. Composites were prepared by using heated two roll mill at 180 °C. The effect of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) as coupling agent were evaluated. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young’s Modulus and Elongation at Break (Eb) of the different composites were investigated. Tensile strength and Elongation at break of the composites were found to be decreasing with increasing BSP filler loading. The Young’s Modulus was found to be increasing with BSP filler loading due increment of composite rigidity. At similar BSP filler loadings, γ-APS treated BSP composites shows higher tensile strength and Young’s Modulus. This may due to strong bonding between BSP filler and PP/NBRr matrices in the presence of APS silane coupling agent. The morphological studies strongly support this findings whereby good interaction and less pull outs of BSP filler was noticed in the presence of APS silane.
Study of Two Facile Methods for Preparation of Titanium Dioxide/Graphene Nanocomposite for DSSC’s Photoanode
Authors: Mahdavi Ardakani Seyed Esmaeil , Mahinder Singh Balbir Singh , Mohamed Norani Muti
Published: December 2015

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a well-known promising photocatalyst that has been used as the photoanode in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Since graphene has good electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, its use is supposed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, the absorption of dye and enhance the mechanical strength of the layers of DSSC. There are several methods of preparing TiO2/graphene composite using complicated process and high-tech instruments. In this study, TiO2/graphene nanocomposite was prepared using two facile methods, which is achieved by mixing graphene oxide (GO) sheets with commercially available TiO2paste and the other method was based on thermal reaction of mixed TiO2and GO before incorporating it to the working electrode of DSSC. The quality of GO reduction in the process of making the composite was characterized by using FTIR spectra and Raman spectroscopy.
A Short Review of Infra-Red Spectroscopic Studies of Geopolymers
Authors: Khan Muhammad Irfan , Azizli Khairun Azizi , Sufian Suriati , Man Zakaria , Khan Amir Sada , Ullah Hafeez , Siyal Ahmer Ali
Published: December 2015

Infra-red spectroscopic (IR) analysis of the geopolymers provides information regarding gel chemistry, quantitative analysis, kinetics and effect of different activators on geopolymers. This review discusses the IR analysis of geopolymers and their starting materials. Different applications of IR spectroscopy, used in geopolymerization, are explored in detail. Future research questions regarding IR analysis of geopolymers are also discovered
A Comparative Study of Obliquely Positioned Aluminium Alloy 6063 Tubes under Axial Loading
Authors: Hashim Hafizan , Ab Ghani Amir Radzi , Lukman Hafizi , David N.V.
Published: December 2015

A conventional tube is considered in oblique position when its longitudinal is oblique. However, oblique attachments vary as the tube can be a straight or angulated tube. In the present study, impact responses of different oblique positioned tubes subject to axial loading were numerically studied. Next, the best oblique arrangements were proposed that have higher critical load angle and energy absorption capacity. Results show that specimen of Top-Bottom Angulated (TBA) from horizontal is the best choice for its lowest initial peak load and mean crush load. This data therefore has great potential for further enhance the new design of energy absorbers in oblique position.
Sintering Effects on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of CoCrMo Alloy
Authors: Abdull Hamid Mohd Hasnan , Mohamed Fadzil Fazira Suriani , Selamat Mohd Asri , Ahmad M.A.
Published: December 2015

Cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy is widely used in artificial hip and knee joints because of their excellence corrosion and wear resistance, as well as good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This study investigates the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CoCrMo using powder metallurgy technique. CoCrMo powder was mixed with zinc stearate and then put into the shaker mixer at 65 rpm for 3 hours. The powder was then compacted at a pressure of 18T using an automated hydraulic press and sintered at a temperature in the range of 1200 – 1400 °C under 95 Vol% N2/ 5 Vol% H2atmosphere. The microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of the samples are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vickers’s microhardness tester and transverse rupture strength (TRS). The study reveals that the density, hardness and strength of CoCrMo samples increase as sintering temperature increases.
Effects of Soaking Duration on the Properties of LSCF–SDCC for Low-Temperature SOFC
Authors: Agun Linda , Jimat Siti Fairus , Abd Rahman Hamimah
Published: December 2015

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer the advantages of high efficiency, low pollution emission, and low processing cost. SOFC quality is strongly influenced by the preparation process. Composite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) samarium-doped ceria carbonate (SDCC) cathode for low-temperature SOFCs was developed, and the effect of sintering soaking time on the physical properties of an LSCF–SDCC composite cathode was studied. Composite cathode powders with 50 wt.% LSCF and 50 wt.% SDCC were mixed before undergoing calcination and uniaxial pressing process. The pressed samples were sintered at 600 °C and soaked at 1, 2, and 3 hr. The porosity and density results obtained by the Archimedes method showed a decrement of porosity from 24.92% to 19.62% and an increment of density from 4.03 g cm−1 to 4.15 g cm−1 under 1 hr to 3 hr of soaking time. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the grain size of the composite cathode surface increases with increasing soaking time. X-ray diffraction results demonstrate that the diffraction angles at 33o and 59o exhibit a decreasing SDCC peak because of the increasing grain size. However, the new peak of lithium chromium oxide (Li2CrO4) appears at an angle of 21.66° for 3 hr soaking time. The findings proved that soaking time influences the microstructure of the composite cathode.
Shape Memory Behaviour of NiTi Alloy Produced by MIM Using Palm Stearin Based Binder
Authors: Ismail Muhammad Hussain , Razali Rosliza , Abdullah Zulaila , Subuki Istikamah , Muhamad Norhamidi
Published: December 2015

In this present work, NiTi alloy has been successfully produced by metal injection moulding (MIM) starting with elemental powders mixture of Nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti) mixed with a composite binder of palm stearin (PS) and polyethylene (PE). Two different atomic fractions of Ni-Ti were investigated; 50-50 and 50.8-49.2 and the powder loading used was 65.5vol%. The green parts were successfully injection moulded at an optimum temperature of 130°C. The samples were then underwent solvent extraction using n-heptane solution to remove the primary binder of PS. It was followed by thermal debinding to completely remove the backbone binder of PE and subsequently sintered in high vacuum at 1050°C to allow diffusion of the elemental Ni and Ti powders to form NiTi alloy. The phase constituents of the sintered specimens were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), equipped with EDX analysis under back-scattered electron (BSE) mode. The reversible austenite to martensite phase transformation temperatures (PTTs) correspond to shape memory effect (SME) was determined by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) with heating and cooling cycle in the range of-50 and 200°C. The influence of Ni-Ti ratio and the processing conditions on phase constituents and SME was then analyzed and discussed.
Effects of Different Electrolyte Concentrations and Scan Rates in Mesoporous Carbon Electrode-Based Capacitance
Authors: Md Jamil Farinaa , Sulaiman Mohd Ali , Mohd Ibrahim Suhaina , Masrom Abdul Kadir , Yahya Muhd Zu Azhan
Published: December 2015

A series of mesoporous carbon sample had been synthesized by using a modification of template silica, SBA-15. Sucrose was added into a large pore size of SBA-15 by using incipient wetness impregnation method. A proper carbonization and removal silica process had been done to produce large pore size of mesoporous carbon. Two electrode cells were prepared by coating mesoporous carbon into stainless steel mesh as a supercapacitor electrode. A few of electrolyte concentration also had been investigated by cyclic voltammetry using a various concentration of KOH in the range 1-12 M. It shows that 6M KOH gives a better performance of EDLC.
A Study on the Optimization of Solvent Debinding Process for Powder Injection Molded 316L Stainless Steel Parts
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Ahmad Faiz , Bm-Yousoff P.S.M. , Altaf Khurram , Omar Afian , Raza Muhammad Rafi
Published: December 2015

Optimization of solvent debinding process parameters for powder injection molded 316L stainless steel (SS) has been reported in this research work. Powder gas atomized (PGA) 316L SS was blended with a multicomponent binder in Z-blade mixer at 170°C ± 5°C for 90 minutes. Feedstock was successfully injected at temperature 170 ± 5°C. Injection molded samples were immersed in n-heptane for 2h, 4h, 6h and 8h at temperatures 50°C ,55°C and 60°C to extract the soluble binder components. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results attested that soluble binder components were completely extracted from injection molded samples at temperature 55°C after 6h.
Examination of Machining Parameters on the Surface Roughness of Stavax ESR Material Using Electro Discharge Machining
Authors: Asmelash Mebrahitom , Azhari Muhamad
Published: December 2015

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of EDM die sinking machining parameters on surface roughness of Stavax material for mould insert. The spark gap, peak current and servo voltage were manipulated to find the best combination of EDM machining parameters. The surface roughness of the machined surface of each specimen was measured using Perthometer and the image of texture was observed by using optical microscope. It was observed that the surface roughness was highly affected by the spark gap and peak current whereas the servo voltage had little effect.
Physical Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Nanofiber Prepared by Electrospinning Method
Authors: Nor N.A.M. , Jaafar Juhana , Rahman Mukhlis A. , Othman M.H.D. , Yusof Norhaniza , Salleh W.N.W. , Lau Woei Jye
Published: December 2015

Titanium dioxide nanofibers with diameter ranging to several nanometers were synthesized via electrospinning technique. The precursor solution was prepared by mixing the polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP (MW~1,300,000) in ethanol, meanwhile titanium tetraisopropoxide, TTIP in acetic acid was slowly added into the solution under a vigorous stirring. The precursor solutions were then used in the electrospinning process under high voltage supply. As-spun nanofibers were heat-treated under different temperature 400°C and 500°C. The TiO2nanofibers were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the heat treated TiO2nanofibers consist of anatase and rutile phases. As the calcination temperature increased (400-500°C), the anatase phases are greater than rutile phase and specific surface area are decreases while the calcination process influenced the nanofibers diameter.
Investigation of the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Gadolinium-Doped Zinc Oxide Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Che Ani Norhidayah , Sahdan Mohd Zainizan , Nafarizal Nayan , Mohd Tawil Siti Nooraya
Published: December 2015

Thin films of undoped and gadolinium-doped zinc oxide (Gd-doped ZnO) with different Gd concentration (1-8 at. %) were deposited onto a glass substrate by sol–gel spin-coating technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD, Bruker D8 Advance) studies confirmed the nature of the films as polycrystalline, with typical hexagonal wurtzite structure. The film also showed variation in crystallite size and change in relative intensities, upon different Gd concentrations. Besides, the influence of Gd concentration on the optical transmittance of ZnO films was studied using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis, Shimadzu UV 1800) in the wavelength range 300-800 nm. The optical transmittance of all films is higher than ~95% in the visible region, and doped films become more transparent. The electrical resistance was measured by two point probe (Keithley-2400). The resistance decrease with increasing Gd concentration up to 2 at.% and it increased for further increase Gd concentrations.
Fluorescence Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Study on Local Structures of Rare-Earth-Doped InGaGdN
Authors: Mohd Tawil Siti Nooraya , Emura Shuichi , Krishnamurthy Daivasigamani , Asahi Hajime
Published: December 2015

Local structures around gadolinium atoms in rare-earth (RE)-doped InGaGdN thin films were studied by means of fluorescence extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measured at the Gd LIII-edges. The samples were doped with Gd in-situ during growth by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). Gd LIII-edge EXAFS signal from the GaGdN, GdN and Gd foil were also measured as reference. The X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra around Gd LIII absorption edge of InGaGdN samples observed at room temperature indicated the enhancement of intensities with the increase of Gd composition. Further EXAFS analysis inferred that the Gd atoms in InGaN were surrounded by similar atomic shells as in the case of GaGdN with the evidence indicating majority of Gd atoms substituted into Ga sites of InGaGdN. A slight elongation of bond length for the 2nd nearest-neighbor (Gd–Ga) of sample with higher Gd concentration was also observed.
Optical and Electrochemical Properties of Co3O4/SiO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: M. Ali Gomaa A. , Fouad Osama A. , Makhlouf Salah A. , Yusoff Mashitah M. , Chong Kwok Feng
Published: December 2015

Co3O4/SiO2 nanocomposite was obtained via citrate-gel method. 22 nm in size Co3O4 particles in an amorphous SiO2 matrix were obtained. Co3O4:SiO2 wt. ratio was verified using EDX and found to be close to the 80 % nominal ratio. The UV-Vis measurements showed broad absorption bands at around 440 and 790 nm. The optical band gap values were 1.95 and 1.35 eV respectively, being close to those observed for pure Co3O4 nanoparticles. The electrochemical measurements in 5 M KOH solution were performed using a three-electrode type system. Co3O4/SiO2 nanocomposite exhibited high specific capacitance reaching 758 F g-1 at 2.5 mV s-1. Very small solution and electrode-electrolyte interfacial charge transfer resistances were obtained when impedance spectra were analysed.
The Effects of Reaction Temperature on the Morphology and the Quality of the Carbon Nanotube - Silica Microparticles
Authors: Othman Raja Nor , Wilkinson Arthur N.
Published: December 2015

Carbon nanotube has been successfully grafted on the surface of spherical silica gel via floating-catalyst chemical vapour deposition method. The growth conditions were set to be 3 hours growth time and 5 wt. % of ferrocene catalyst (dissolved in toluene) injected into the furnace at a rate of 0.04 ml/min. It was found that the reaction temperature of 760°C yields the best quality hybrid particles. Decreasing and increasing the reaction temperature resulted in the formation of product that consists of thicker tubes, higher defects as analysed by Raman, as well as least carbon formation.
Thermal Analysis of Polylactic Acid/Liquid Natural Rubber Reinforced with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Mat Ali Adilah , Ahmad Sahrim H.
Published: December 2015

This article studies the thermal properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA)/liquid natural rubber (LNR) blends which prepared via melt blending method. Various percentages (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4 wt%) of MWCNT were added into PLA/LNR blend. TGA shows that the addition of MWCNT into PLA/LNR blends helps to improve thermal stability of the PLA/LNR/MWCNT nanocomposites. DSC shows that the glass transition temperature increased when 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% of MWCNT was added to the PLA/LNR blend. The cold crystallization and melting temperature were reduced when MWCNT was added in the PLA/LNR blend systems. The SEM micrographs confirm the effect of good dispersion of 3.5wt% of MWCNT in PLA/LNR blend helps to promote well combined MWCNT-matrix networks and generate the synergistic effect of the system which is improved the thermal properties significantly.