bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical, causal effects of sensory gain modulation on motor inhibitory control – a tDCS, EEG-source localization study
Authors: Friedrich Julia , Beste Christian
Published: November 2018

Response inhibition is a key component of executive functioning, but the role of perceptual processes has only recently been focused. Although the interrelation of incoming information and resulting behavioural (motor) effects is well-known to depend on gain control mechanisms, the causal role of sensory gain modulation for response inhibition is elusive. We investigate it using a somatosensory response inhibition (Go/Nogo) task and examine the effects of parietal (somatosensory) cathodal and sham tDCS stimulation on a behavioural and neurophysiological level. For the latter, we combine event-related potential (ERP) and source localization analyses. Behavioural results reveal that cathodal stimulation leads to superior inhibition performance as compared to sham stimulation depending on the intensity of tDCS stimulation. The neurophysiological data show that an early (perceptual) subprocess of the Nogo-N2 ERP-component is differentially modulated by the type of stimulation but not a later (response-related) Nogo-N2 subcomponent. Under cathodal stimulation, the early N2 amplitude is reduced and the right inferior frontal gyrus (BA45) is less active. Cathodal tDCS likely enhances inhibition performance via decreasing the efficiency of gain control and the impact of sensory stimuli to trigger prepotent responses. Thereby, response inhibition processes, associated with structures of the response inhibition network, become less demanded.
Solvent-free spectroscopic method for high-throughput, quantitative screening of fatty acids in yeast biomass
Authors: Laurens Lieve M. L. , Knoshaug Eric P. , Rohrer Holly , Van Wychen Stefanie , Dowe Nancy , Zhang Min
Published: November 2018

Sustainable biofuels and bioproducts technologies are being developed by fermentation of sugars present and released from pretreated cellulosic biomass to lipids using oleaginous yeasts.
Development of bismuth-functionalized graphene oxide to remove radioactive iodine
Authors: Han Sangsoo , Um Wooyong , Kim Won-Seok
Published: November 2018

Bismuth-functionalized graphene oxide shows high performance in the removal of radioactive iodine.
A nickel(ii) complex under water-oxidation reaction: what is the true catalyst?
Authors: Feizi Hadi , Bagheri Robabeh , Jagličić Zvonko , Singh Jitendra Pal , Chae Keun Hwa , Song Zhenlun , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: November 2018

A Ni(ii) complex as a water-oxidizing catalyst under electrochemical conditions was studied and the role of Ni oxide as a true catalyst was investigated.
Synthesis and ligand substitution reactions of κ4-B,S,S′,S′′-ruthenaboratranes
Authors: Foreman Mark R. St.-J. , Hill Anthony F. , Ma Chenxi , Tshabang Never , White Andrew J. P.
Published: November 2018

Ruthenaboratranes of the form [Ru(CO)L{κ4-B(mt)3}] (mt = N-methimazolyl) arise via substitution of the PPh3 ligand in [Ru(CO)(PPh3){κ4-B(mt)3}] by L (L = PMe2Ph, PMe3, P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3, P(OPh)3) or reactions of [RuCl(R)(CO)Ln] (R = Ph, CHCHPh; n = 2, L = PCy3; n = 3, L = P(OMe)3, PMe2Ph) with Na[HB(mt)3].
Radium in hydraulic fracturing wastewater: distribution in suspended solids and implications to its treatment by sulfate co-precipitation
Authors: Ouyang Bingjie , Renock Devon J. , Ajemigbitse Moses A. , Van Sice Katherine , Warner Nathaniel R. , Landis Joshua D. , Feng Xiahong
Published: November 2018

More than half of Ra-226 in waste solid is labile, which can be immobilized by AMD with proper chemistry.
A gold(i) biscarbene complex with improved activity as a TrxR inhibitor and cytotoxic drug: comparative studies with different gold metallodrugs
Authors: Schmidt Claudia , Albrecht Lucia , Balasupramaniam Shantheya , Misgeld Rainer , Karge Bianka , Brönstrup Mark , Prokop Aram , Baumann Knut , Reichl Stephan , Ott Ingo
Published: November 2018

Gold complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been attracting major attention in medicinal inorganic chemistry based on their favorable antiproliferative effects and the structural versatility of the coordinated NHC ligands. Here we present a novel complex of the type (NHC)2Au+, which represents a substantially improved and selective TrxR inhibitor compared to close structural analogues. The complex is highly stable in various solutions over 96 hours, however, comparative cellular uptake studies indicate metabolic transformations inside cells over time. A portfolio of other gold complexes (e.g. Auranofin) has been used as references in key biological assays, showing that the novel (NHC)2Au+ complex exhibits substantially lower protein binding in combination with a strongly enhanced cytotoxic activity.
Peptide-directed encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles into protein containers
Authors: Künzle Matthias , Mangler Johanna , Lach Marcel , Beck Tobias
Published: November 2018

A highly efficient strategy for the encapsulation of nanoparticles into protein containers using cargo-loading peptides.
Super-alkalis as building blocks of one-dimensional hierarchical electrides
Authors: Fang Hong , Zhou Jian , Jena Puru
Published: November 2018

Cluster as the building block of electrides that are ionic compounds with localized electrons acting as anions.
Strain-sensitive electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-graphene-filled rubber composites under cyclic loading
Authors: Yang Heng , Yao XueFeng , Yuan Li , Gong LinHui , Liu YingHua
Published: November 2018

We investigated the resistance response mechanisms and provided a resistance regulation strategy for conductive nanocomposites.
Engineering additional edge sites on molybdenum dichalcogenides toward accelerated alkaline hydrogen evolution kinetics
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhao Guoqiang , Rui Kun , Chen Yaping , Xu Xun , Dou Shi Xue , Sun Wenping
Published: November 2018

Molybdenum dichalcogenidebased heterostructures deliver substantially improved catalytic activity over the individual nanosheets in alkaline media.
Direct observation of quantum tunnelling charge transfers between molecules and semiconductors for SERS
Authors: Kim Nam-Jung , Kim Jayeong , Park Jun-Beom , Kim Hyemin , Yi Gyu-Chul , Yoon Seokhyun
Published: November 2018

We used high-quality ZnO nanostructures/graphene substrates for understanding the mechanisms of charge transfer (CT) that take place under nonplasmonic conditions. We found that the CT is asymmetric and exhibits a unique oscillating behavior.
Direct (het)arylation of tetrahydroisoquinolinesviaa metal and oxidant free C(sp3)–H functionalization enabled three component reaction
Authors: Haldar Surajit , Jana Chandan K.
Published: November 2018

Direct arylation and heteroarylation of unprotected tetrahydroisoquinolines were achieved under conditions free of metals, oxidants and solvents.
Efficient synthesis of esters through oxone-catalyzed dehydrogenation of carboxylic acids and alcohols
Authors: Hou Fei , Wang Xi-Cun , Quan Zheng-Jun
Published: November 2018

An environmentally friendly oxone (20 mol%) catalyzed esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols has been developed, providing an attractive alternative to the construction of valuable carbonyl esters.
Application of DFT-based machine learning for developing molecular electrode materials in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Allam Omar , Cho Byung Woo , Kim Ki Chul , Jang Seung Soon
Published: November 2018

In this study, we utilize a density functional theory-machine learning framework to develop a high-throughput screening method for designing new molecular electrode materials.
Highly efficient hydrogen evolution from water electrolysis using nanocrystalline transition metal phosphide catalysts
Authors: Wu Weiming , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Wang Sa-Sa , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: November 2018

Nanocrystalline phosphide catalysts were prepared for hydrogen evolution from water electrolysis in an ECPB system. CoP exhibited efficient activity and high stability. Its catalytic activity could rival that of commercial Pt/C catalyst.
Synthesis and characterization of nano-crystalized HfC based on an aqueous solution-derived precursor
Authors: Jiang Youlin , Ni Dewei , Ding Qi , Chen Bowen , Chen Xiaowu , Kan Yanmei , Dong Shaoming
Published: November 2018

Nano-crystalized HfC was successfully synthesized based on an aqueous solution-derived precursor using hafnium tetrachloride and sucrose as raw materials.
Elevated Notch1 enhances interleukin-22 production by CD4+ T cells via aryl hydrocarbon receptor in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pang Bo , Hu Cong , Xing Na , Xu Lei , Zhang Songling , Yu Xiaowei
Published: November 2018

Notch signaling induced interleukin (IL)-22 secretion by CD4+ T cells via retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt) or aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Previous studies have demonstrated that Notch-AhR-IL-22 axis took part in the pathogenesis of chronic viral infection, however, its role in cancer has not been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of current study was to investigate the involvement of Notch-AhR-IL-22 axis in the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 37 late-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients and 17 healthy individuals were enrolled. CD4+ T cells were purified from peripheral bloods and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF), and were stimulated with γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI). mRNA corresponding to Notch receptors and transcriptional factors were measured by real-time PCR. IL-22 concentration was investigated by ELISA. The bioactivity (including cellular proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion) of lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 was also assessed in response to recombinant IL-22 stimulation in vitro. Notch1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in CD4+ T cells purified from peripheral bloods and tumor site BALF in lung adenocarcinoma patients. IL-22 expression and RORγt/AhR mRNA in BALF was also remarkably increased in tumor site. Inhibition of Notch signaling by GSI did not affect cellular proliferation, but reduced IL-22 production in CD4+ T cells from BALF, along with down-regulation of AhR, but not RORγt. Moreover, IL-22 stimulation promoted A549 cells invasion. The current data indicated that elevated Notch1 induced higher IL-22 secretion by CD4+ T cells in lung adenocarcinoma patients, and Notch-AhR-IL-22 axis took part in the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma.
A Comparison of Personal Sound Amplification Products and Hearing Aids in Ecologically Relevant Test Environments
Authors: Brody Lisa , Wu Yu-Hsiang , Stangl Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the benefit of self-adjusted personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) to audiologist-fitted hearing aids based on speech recognition, listening effort, and sound quality in ecologically relevant test conditions to estimate real-world effectiveness.

Method

Twenty-five older adults with bilateral mild-to-moderate hearing loss completed the single-blinded, crossover study. Participants underwent aided testing using 3 PSAPs and a traditional hearing aid, as well as unaided testing. PSAPs were adjusted based on participant preference, whereas the hearing aid was configured using best-practice verification protocols. Audibility provided by the devices was quantified using the Speech Intelligibility Index (American National Standards Institute, 2012). Outcome measures assessing speech recognition, listening effort, and sound quality were administered in ecologically relevant laboratory conditions designed to represent real-world speech listening situations.

Results

All devices significantly improved Speech Intelligibility Index compared to unaided listening, with the hearing aid providing more audibility than all PSAPs. Results further revealed that, in general, the hearing aid improved speech recognition performance and reduced listening effort significantly more than all PSAPs. Few differences in sound quality were observed between devices. All PSAPs improved speech recognition and listening effort compared to unaided testing.

Conclusions

Hearing aids fitted using best-practice verification protocols were capable of providing more aided audibility, better speech recognition performance, and lower listening effort compared to the PSAPs tested in the current study. Differences in sound quality between the devices were minimal. However, because all PSAPs tested in the study significantly improved participants' speech recognition performance and reduced listening effort compared to unaided listening, PSAPs could serve as a budget-friendly option for those who cannot afford traditional amplification.
Clinical Progression in Four Cases of Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Utianski Rene L. , Duffy Joseph R. , Clark Heather M. , Strand Edythe A. , Boland Sarah M. , Machulda Mary M. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This case series details the clinical progression of patients with primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) to illustrate, using several methods and supplemental material examples, the changes that occur in speech and language functioning in this patient population.

Method

Four patients who presented with PPAOS were followed between 5 and 6 years. Two patients had predominant articulatory abnormalities (termed
phonetic PPAOS
), 1 had predominant prosodic abnormalities (prosodic PPAOS), and 1 had relatively equal articulatory and prosodic abnormalities (mixed PPAOS). Detailed speech (including acoustics), language, neurologic, and neuropsychological data were collected.

Results

At initial exam, the patients ranged from 60 to 77 years old, with presenting disease duration of 1.5–10 years. Although all patients presented with an isolated apraxia of speech, all developed varying degrees of aphasia and dysarthria. Patients with phonetic PPAOS developed relatively more severe aphasia than the other 2 patients. All patients eventually had severe functional communication limitations and required alternative or augmentative means of communication, although at varying times postonset of their initial speech problem. Two patients developed dysphagia, 3 showed mild–moderate Parkinsonism, and 2 developed depression. For all patients, simple temporal acoustic measurements documented slowed speech rate over time.

Conclusions

This case series demonstrates that patients who initially present with PPAOS may develop aphasia and dysarthria, cognitive and behavioral changes, and other neurologic signs. Whether these changes can be predicted by the perceptual characteristics of the apraxia of speech is yet to be determined. The detailed longitudinal profiles provide valuable clinical insight into the progression of disease in people with PPAOS.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7051616
Planning of Keraton Cultural Tourism in Cirebon, Indonesia Based on Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Authors: Rosmalia Dini , Dewi Euis Puspita , Maspiyanti Febri
Published: November 2018

Cirebon is one of the cities in Indonesia with a unique cultural landscape and is well known as a cultural and religious tourism area. The culture of the palace community in Cirebon is strongly influenced by the Sultanate of Cirebon so the various cultural rituals held by most of the people can be seen in places that have links with the Palace. The rituals and locations of the event are an interesting cultural element to serve as tourism assets. Graphical User Interface based tourism planning becomes essential to broaden the knowledge and insight of society to cultural and religious tourism in Cirebon, not only for the people of Cirebon but also Indonesia and abroad. In this study, a map of Cirebon tourist maps will be displayed in the form of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) on Android-based smartphone operation.
The Development of Condition Assessment for Heritage Building
Authors: Zuraidi Siti Nor Fatimah , Abdul Rahman Mohammad Ashraf , Akasah Zainal Abidin
Published: November 2018

This study examines the criteria and properties of the elements in the legacy of buildings. Using the Hierarchy Analysis Method (AHP), new instruments are developed based on the criteria and attributes that have been identified for the legacy building elements. The new instrument is given to industry professionals and academicians to get their opinions. This study shows the number of attributes of the score for the criteria. The results show that new instruments are developed and used as tools for assessing the elements of heritage building conditions. This new instrument can be proposed to the National Heritage Department to be used as a guideline for assessing the heritage buildings in the future.
Evaluation of Grouting Condition of Post-Tensioned Concrete using R-wave Method
Authors: Cheong Kah Kian , Lee Foo Wei , Leong Kah Hon , Yew Ming Kun , Lee Yee Ling
Published: November 2018

Post-tensioning (PT) system is widely used not only in bridge construction, but also used as a replacement of reinforced concrete (RC) structure for slab, beam, and wall. Nowadays, many countries around the world are focusing on sustainable development in the construction industry. PT system is one of a system which able to meet the standard of sustainable building construction. Its advantages are able to save more materials, construction time and maintenance cost. To ensure the safety of PT systems during construction, some methods are implemented to evaluate the concrete condition. In this study, the Rayleigh wave (R-wave) method is used to evaluate the grouting condition of the post-tensioned concrete structure. Useful parameters of R-wave such as amplitude, time, frequency and wave velocity are identified and obtained through a series of numerical simulations and experimental tests. Different frequencies are excited to examine the behavior of R-wave propagated through a concrete medium with different grouting conditions in the simulation. In experimental testing, different diameters of steel balls are used as an impactor to generate waveform and the generated waveforms were recorded by the data logger. Three equidistance receivers are placed on top of the tested concrete specimen with different duct materials of aluminium duct and PVC duct embedded in it. As a conclusion, when voids are present in the concrete specimen, high readings of amplitude and dominant frequency are recorded and the travelling wave velocity is slow.
Preparation for the Final Testing of the Sprayed Bentonite Sealing Layer of a Pond Dam
Authors: Stastka Jiri , David Vaclav , Cernochova Katerina
Published: November 2018

This paper presents research conducted on the development of a bentonite material suitable for the sealing of the dams of large ponds used for commercial fishing purposes. It is intended that the material will be applied using spray technology. The research was motivated by the large number of very old commercial fish ponds in the Czech Republic of which some are nearly a thousand years old. With the passage of time, leakage through the dams leads to the creation of caverns and preferential flow paths which may eventually result in a breach in the dam wall. An efficient technological approach to the sealing of these earth structures may, therefore, help to mitigate the risk of their failure and destruction. A potentially suitable material for this purpose has been researched and developed at the Czech Technical University and is now ready for the experimental testing phase involving the construction and study of a physical model of such a dam constructed according to the geometry of traditional commercial fish ponds.
A New Mixing Method for Lightweight Concrete with Oil Palm Shell as Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Loh Leong Tatt , Yew Ming Kun , Yew Ming Chian
Published: November 2018

Oil Palm Shell (OPS) is the solid waste product from the palm oil sector of the agricultural industry. The substitution of coarse aggregate in concrete with OPS to produce lightweight concrete (LWC) had been researched since two decades ago. The author has discovered fluctuation on the performance of OPSLWC. One of the factors is the workability. As an initiative to enhance the performance of OPSLWC, the author proposes a new mixing method (NMM) modified from the mix design of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The effects of the NMM on the workability, uniformity, compressive strength and splitting tensile strength are investigated. The workability of the NMM is 25.5% higher than the conventional method (CM). The compressive strength shows an improvement of 5.76%; while the splitting tensile strength is increased by 22.35%. The new findings of this research have shown a positive impact on the concrete industry.
The Sustainability of Health and Safety on Construction Sites in Zamfara State
Authors: Muhammed Ismaila Oladunni , Ashiru Adegbenga Raphael
Published: November 2018

Construction industry has been attributed to be the growth of Nigerian economic and infrastructural development. Annual reports show that consistent accidents on construction sites in Zamfara State has affected substantial number of workers as they become temporarily or permanently disabled, thereby making many construction sites a death trap. It is as a result of high construction site accident currently experiencing in Zamfara state that this research was carried out to appraise the sustainability of health and safety of construction workers on sites. Subsequently, SPSS Version 20 was used to analyse descriptive statistical analysis. Furthermore, the findings highlighted that the performance and output of construction workers on construction sites depends on proper practice of health and safety. The research findings also recommended ways to enhance employers and employee’s compliance to existing laws guiding health and safety on Zamfara State construction sites.
Developing an Effective Conceptual Framework for Safety Behaviour in Construction Industry
Authors: Zid Chaher , Kasim Narimah , Benseghir Hocine , Nomani Kabir Muhammad , Bin Ibrahim Abdullah
Published: November 2018

The construction industry involves one of the most hazardous occupation for workers due to complex management processes, environmental issues, work pressure and heavy and complicated equipment involved in modern construction projects. Despite the advancement of technology in the construction industry, an escalating number of fatal accidents occur because of the human errors and the unsafe behaviours. In this research, an analysis for previous studies has been conducted to define all safety behavioural factors in construction industry for improving the safety performance in construction industry. All the studies were categorised in accordance with their methodologies, analytical methods, variables, and the findings in order to build an effective conceptual framework. The framework comprises of three main categories that incur direct impact toward the safety behaviour in construction industries, namely: (a) organizational factors, (b) safety climate factors, and (c) individual factors. Each category has own variables which make a total of 16 factors for all categories. The framework facilitates to assess the effectiveness of a construction industry, identify the deficiencies and the weakness, and create procedures to manage the accident in future by controlling the safety behaviour of employees.
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Modeling for Prediction of Pesticide Wastewater Degradation by FeGAC/H2O2Process
Authors: Affam Augustine Chioma , Chaudhuri Malay , Wong Chee Chung , Wong Chee Swee
Published: November 2018

The study examined artificial neural network (ANN) modeling for the prediction of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and chlorothalonil pesticides degradation by the FeGAC/H2O2process. The operating condition was the optimum condition from a series of experiments. Under these conditions; FeGAC 5 g/L, H2O2concentration 100 mg/L, pH 3 and 60 min reaction time, the COD removal obtained was 96.19%. The ANN model was developed using a three-layer multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network to predict pesticide degradation in terms of COD removal. The configuration of the model with the smallest mean square error (MSE) of 0.000046 contained 5 inputs, 9 hidden and, 1 output neuron. The Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation training algorithm was used for training the network, while tangent sigmoid and linear transfer functions were used at the hidden and output neurons, respectively. The predicted results were in close agreement with the experimental results with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9994 i.e. 99.94% showing a close agreement to the actual experimental results. The sensitivity analysis showed that FeGAC dose had the highest influence with relative importance of 25.33%. The results show how robust the ANN model could be in the prediction of the behavior of the FeGAC/H2O2process.
Selective Adsorption of CPTMS-SBA-15 towards Zinc and Cadmium for Liquid Waste Remediation
Authors: Dhaneswara Donanta , Putranto Dewantoro Adhy , Bachtiar Muhammad , Fatriansyah Jaka Fajar
Published: November 2018

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 has been synthesized using Tetraorthosilicate as precursor and Pluronic 123 triblock copolymers as template through the sol gel method. The surface of SBA-15 was modified using functionalization agent CPTMS (3-chloropropyl(trimethoxy)silane). SBA-15 was found to have surface area of 831.996 m2/g higher than CPTMS-SBA-15 which has surface area at 711.061 m2/g. Laboratory water sampels of Zn and Cd were adsorbed by CPTMS-SBA-15 and SBA-15. The comparison of SBA-15 and CPTMS-SBA-15 indicated that CPTMS-SBA-15 has lower surface and pore size. CPTMS-SBA-15 also has lower effectiveness in adsorption than SBA-15. The comparison between Zn and Cd percentage removal has been studied in this paper. XRD was used for identify the materials. FTIR was used to study the organic group of both SBA-15. AAS was used for determine the adsorption capability of SBA-15.
Effect of Replanting Zinnia Plants for Remediation of Oil-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Mita Makoto , Ikeura Hiromi , Kai Takamitsu , Tamaki Masahiko
Published: November 2018

Previously, we demonstrated that the zinnia plant was effective for the phytoremediation of oil-contaminated soils and that it had a higher remediation effect during the initial growth period. Therefore, repeated planting of zinnia for the initial growth period might enhance the remediation of contaminated soils, so we performed the following study. Seeds were sown in soils containing 4% (w/w) diesel oil and grown for 100 days. We carried out two treatments: replanted plots where above-ground parts of plants were cut after 50 days, and new seeds were sown; or non-replanted plots where plants were allowed to grow for 100 days. The soil dehydrogenase activity and soil total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were analyzed. At the end of the study, no significant differences were found between replanted and non-replanted plots for either measurement. Therefore, replanting did not affect remediation. Degradable oil components in the soils may have been degraded in the initial growth period of the first planting, but by the time of replanting there may have been few degradable oil components left in the soil, so there was no beneficial effect of replanting. We concluded that replanting is unsuitable for phytoremediation of oil-contaminated soils.
Mineralization of Hazardous Waste Landfill Leachate using Photo-Fenton Process
Authors: Singa Pradeep Kumar , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Ho Yeek-Chia , Lim Jun-Wei
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the COD removal efficiency of Photo-Fenton oxidation process. The reagents used in the Photo-Fenton process are catalyst Fe2+ and H2O2 as oxidizing agent. A 16W UV lamp was used to carry out the experiments. All the experiments were performed in batch mode to investigate the influence of operating conditions viz., Fenton reagents dosage, molar ratio and reaction time. The maximum COD removal observed was 68% under optimum operating conditions. The operating conditions H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio = 3 and reaction time = 90 minutes were found to optimum. The dosages of Fenton reagents i.e. hydrogen peroxide and Fe2+ were optimum at 0.09 mol/L and 0.03 mol/L respectively.
Strategic Noise Mapping Prediction for a Rubber Manufacturing Factory in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Ming Han , Lee Yee Ling , Lee Foo Wei , Heng Gan Chin
Published: November 2018

Rubber product manufacturing industry was found with severe occupational noise exposure problems due to improper noise management and lack of reliable noise information at the workplace. Strategic noise mapping provides important information in monitoring the occupational noise. Therefore, a case study was conducted to investigate the current noise exposure circumstances based on the information from the noise map and noise risk zones. The stochastic noise mapping simulation method was applied to predict these maps. Based on the results, most of the regions in the operation area were bounded with a noise contour level of 80 dBA and some small regions were exceeded the noise level of 100 dBA. More than 45 % of mapping area was categorised as extremely high risk and high risk zones. Workers are exposed to the high noise level in this workplace. The management should take immediate action for controlling noise and always supervise their workers in using the hearing protection equipment.
Evaluation of SRE Scenarios for Penang, Selangor and Johor in Peninsular Malaysia using PRECIS Regional Climate Model (RCM)
Authors: Chin Kah Seng , Tan Kok Weng
Published: November 2018

Climate change is unambiguous as there is much evidence from around the world showing that changes have already occurred. This phenomenon is in response to an array of human activities, notably the release of greenhouse gases; an understanding of the rate, mode and scale of this change is now of literally vital importance to society. Researchers utilize climate models to study the dynamics of our changing climate and also to make future projections. Climate models are basic representation of many interactions within the Earth’s climate which includes the atmosphere, land surface, oceans and ice. These models are typically quantitative in nature and range from simple depictions of the climate to very complex ones. In this present study, downscaled PRECIS regional climate models (RCMs) were used to project the average minimum and average maximum temperatures and average precipitation for Penang, Selangor and Johor in Peninsular Malaysia. The RCM projections for these three states were developed based on ECHAM4 A2 and ECHAM5 A1B scenarios for the years 1980 to 2069 and ECHAM4 B2 scenario for the years 2010 to 2069. Bias correction will be applied to the simulated historical data to remove common systematic model errors. Historical observation data of monthly average minimum and maximum temperatures and monthly average rainfall from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) will be used in the bias correction. Finally, a RCM scenario which matches with the historical observation data of the three states for future projections will be recommended.
The Application of Piezoelectric Sensor as Energy Harvester from Small-scale Hydropower
Authors: Zakaria Hidayatul Aini , Loon Chan Men
Published: November 2018

Renewable energy technology nowadays is advancing in research and application as an alternative for non-renewable energy sources including fossil fuels and coals since it is considerably less hazardous for the environment. In recent years, many studies to harvest energy from water energy including ocean waves and hydropower has been conducted. The inherent characteristic of the piezoelectric sensor which can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy has created an alternative to generate energy from renewable sources. The main aim of this research is to harvest energy from water movements which include self-generated water waves, automated water waves, flowing water and falling water. The piezoelectric sensor used in this research is a pressure-based piezoelectric sensor which means when there is a pressure exerted on the surface, it will generate electricity. A prototype was designed and simulated by Proteus software and the prototype was fabricated for energy harvesting from water movements. In this study, four methods had been used to harvest energy from small scale hydropower where two methods are from water waves generated from a hairdryer and ultrasonic cleaner and another two methods from falling water and flowing water. The results obtained shows that harvested energy from falling water gives the best results in which it has accumulated up to 13V in the same amount of time as compared to water waves and water flow.
The Effect of Load Carrying Capacity of Pile-response Under Subsequent Loading for Rotary-Jacking Pile
Authors: Hassan Nor Syamira , Ibrahim Aniza
Published: November 2018

Pile jacking process can lead to high bearing capacity, stiff base response but sometimes excessive installation resistance. However, it limited by jack capacity and negative shaft resistance. To overcome some of the above problems and to improve the pile performance, rotary jacking of the pile is used. It can alleviate installation problems and bearing capacity is activated during subsequent loading. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the behavior of pile using this new innovative technique. A 25 mm circular fabricated steel pile was used for the experiments The experiments were done in the laboratory using a large container filled with silica sand, and the rotary and jacking method was tested with few series of cases. Results show that this new method of pile installation is successfully obtained and acceptable. This new method of pile installation is an innovative method to be used for the future in the construction industry.
Prediction of Consolidation Characteristics from Index Properties
Authors: Ng Kok Shien , Chew Yee Ming , Lazim Nur Izzati Ahmad
Published: November 2018

Compression index and coefficient of consolidation are two most important parameters in obtaining the consolidation characteristics of cohesive soil. Considerable time and effort are required to obtain these parameters from the oedometer test. Therefore, this study aims to correlate these two parameters with the index properties. Five remoulded samples are tested for their physical properties as well as their consolidation characteristics. The results show good relationship was obtained for the liquid limit and the compression index while the coefficient of consolidation is best correlated with the plastic limit. Multiple regression analysis was performed to improve the prediction. Liquid limit is best coupled with specific gravity to estimate the compression index while plastic limit and plastic index can be used to best predict the coefficient of consolidation.
Geotextile Encapsulation as Protection to Lime Column under Shear Load
Authors: Chong Siaw Yah , Kassim Khairul Anuar , Lee Min Lee , Lau See Hung
Published: November 2018

Deep lime stabilization such as lime column, can effectively improve the problematic soft clay through stabilization, settlement reduction and embankment stabilization. Nevertheless, the reduction of lime column load capacity was often encountered due to the column lateral displacement which was induced by high lateral earth pressure in embankments and deep excavation. In order to protect and enhance the mobilization of lime column strength, geotextile encapsulation was proposed for lime column. In this study, large shear box tests were conducted on lime column and geotextile encapsulated lime column (GELC) stabilized Pontian marine clay samples with different column sizes and curing ages, in order to investigate the performance of geotextile encapsulation on lime column in Pontian marine clay under shear loading. It was found that geotextile encapsulation effectively increased the horizontal shear resistance of lime column and protected the column from defect due to lateral displacement, especially at early age when modification was still in process. Geotextile encapsulation also successfully protected lime column from shear and bending failure under lateral load.
Simulations of Depth-Averaged Streamwise Velocity of Meandering Compound Channel using TELEMAC Modules
Authors: Lim Abdul Haslim Abdul Shukor , Ismai Zulhilmi , Jama Mohamad Hidayat , Ridzuan Makhtar Md.
Published: November 2018

Capabilities of numerical tools to simulate fluid problems significantly depend on its methods to solve for the Navier-Stokes equations. Different dimensional computing tools using the same horizontal meshes were used to simulate flow conditions inside non- and vegetation meandering compound channel. Both tools give good agreement for simulations of depth-averaged streamwise velocity inside the main channel, but its capabilities vary significantly for simulations on floodplains. Lower relative depth recorded a higher percentage of errors than flow with higher relative depth. Vegetation along the main channel increased the flows complexity especially in the area near the vegetation thus reducing the simulation capabilities of the computing tools. Simulations work by TELEMAC-3D significantly better in the areas with highly dimensional and turbulence conditions. TELEMAC-2D is still useful because of its simplicity and lower computing time and resources required.
A Fundamental Study of Supercritical Flow at Sudden Expansion Structure by Using Numerical Model
Authors: Lim Jia Jun , Puay How Tion , Zakaria Nor Azazi
Published: November 2018

In the design of hydraulic structures, it is common to deal with the supercritical flow. Abrupt expansion structure represents a type of transition often constructed in manmade hydraulic structure (e.g. chutes in dam structures, sewer or drainage system, an irrigation channel, etc.) to cater the geometry difference. It is important to cater to the design of such transition especially it involves flow with high velocity. The flow features of high-velocity flow at sudden expansion channel are studied. A two-dimensional depth-averaged model (DA model) incorporate with Constrained Interpolation Profile (CIP) scheme is developed to simulate the supercritical flow at the abrupt expansion channel. The numerical model is able to reproduce the flow features of supercritical flow at the abrupt expansion structure. The simulated results are compared with the analytical solution with a different degree of agreement is observed. The same numerical setup is applied to the model generated by FLOW-3D model. The numerical results from the DA model and FLOW-3D model are compared with previous experimental results. The simulated results from the DA model showed better agreement with the experimental results.
Review of Seismic Assessment for High Rise Building Isolated by Dilatation to Minimize Irregularity
Authors: Fajari Muhammad Aji , Sumarsono Ririt Aprilin
Published: November 2018

Noticeably, the design of today’s building particularly high rise building and skyscraper show irregularity in both horizontal and vertical direction which is dangerous for each element inside the building. Handily, certain disjoint can be applied to the building to minimize the irregularity for better desired behaviour. Dilatation is a well-known method together with several other methods are introduced and implemented for gaining principal of simple regular building. Double column and cantilever beam method are two of them which are excellent to divide the building into several regular buildings after they are applied. The double column is found out to perform better on dilatation direction application at the weak axis of the building. Moreover, accurate review of double column distance will solve the load transfer discontinuity so that better behaviour and performance can be satisfied. Hereinafter, the cantilever beam conducts perfectly when the shear wall is sufficiently installed and the cantilever beam span is contently fulfilled. Shear wall remarkably contributes to enhancing the behaviour and performance of the structure as the shear wall placement is proper to absorb seismic lateral force. Recommendation of both systems can be well performed once the column distance, cantilever span, and shear wall installation are strongly taken into consideration.
Seismic Performance of Disjointed Horizontally Irregular Building by Remodeling the Column and Beam
Authors: Fajari Muhammad Aji , Sumarsono Ririt Aprilin
Published: November 2018

Introduction to the seismic parameter for structural analysis has increased the awareness of better quality for a building to reach safety purpose limit. Considerably, the configuration and shape of the building must be restricted to the regular one. This paper will harness horizontally irregular building to be remodeled into several regular buildings. Furthermore, linear dynamic analysis by using response spectra is harnessed for gaining behaviour of the buildings and capacity of structural members. Beams are chosen to be discontinuous at several corners to create separation on the building; hereinafter, console beam system is implemented. Next, the double column is utilized to obtain the separation of the horizontally irregular building. Entirely, the discontinuity issue of applying dilatation leads to the behaviour of the building and capacity of the structural member inside. Further discontinuity distance which is shown in a double column system can be settled down by applying dilatation in the accurate building axis so that the failure will not be severe or simply deducting the gap between twin columns. In contrary, console beam satisfactorily behaves in order to decrease horizontal irregularity even turn it into the regular building. Moreover, the capacity of the building can be significantly enhanced as the shear wall is installed.
Effective Dispersion of Carbon Nanotube in Epoxy Grout for Structural Rehabilitation
Authors: Lim Kar Sing , Kam Seng Hai , Zardasti Libriati , Yahaya Nordin , Md Noor Norhazilan
Published: November 2018

The industry nowadays is incorporating the composite repair system for repairing pipelines rather than the conventional steel repair. The mechanism of this repair method usually consists of three components which are the composite wrapping, infill material and the adhesive. However, there has been very little research on the function of the infill in the repair mechanism. This work is concerning the enhancement of the performance or the strength properties of the infill material in pipeline repair by reinforcing the putty with carbon nanotubes (CNT). The enhancement of the performance of the infill has been carried out by dispersing the CNT into epoxy resin with a three roll mill. In the mechanical properties testing, it is found that the CNT is an effective material to improve the tensile strength of the epoxy grout. However, the CNT-modified samples in the compressive property test show a contrast to the tensile test. All the CNT-modified samples exhibit a lower compressive strength than the control sample and the milled down sample. In conclusion, CNT shows the potential to be a very good material to enhance the mechanical properties of epoxy grout, however, with this specific brand of epoxy grout that contains steel filler in the resin, the CNT only improve the tensile properties but the compressive properties of the epoxy grout has been compromised as compared to the control sample.
Review on Composite Joints for Cold-Formed Steel Structures
Authors: Amsyar Faisal , Tan Cher Siang , Ma Chau Khun , Sulaiman Arizu
Published: November 2018

Introduction of the lightweight cold-formed steel (CFS) sections to building construction has been well-established these days due to its high structural performance, corrosion resistance, ease of construction and maintenance as well as aesthetic appearance. In the early of 21th century, researchers found out that the structural performance of the CFS can be improved significantly by integrating it with other materials, for instance, concrete, to create the composite system. This is due to concrete material is excellent in compression but less effective to resist tension force. There were little works being carried out and lack of technical literature regarding on the composite connections for CFS structural frames, especially on the composite beam-to-column joints. This paper aims to collect and review on the previous researches of composite joints for CFS structures from the past two decades. The review is made in three distinctive topics i.e. CFS beam-to-column joints, composite beam-to-slab joints and composite beam-to-column joints. Most of the investigations indicated that composite joint yields higher ultimate load and moment resistance compared to the non-composite joint.
Strength Effect of Different U-Shaped HDR Thicknesses in Hook-End Precast Beam-Column Joint: A Nonlinear FE Analysis
Authors: Woon Kai Siong , Hejazi Farzad
Published: November 2018

A precast reinforced concrete frame constructed with new hook-end joint at both beam-column connections was numerical modelled and analysed using Finite Element Method, for its overall strength attainment under the action of horizontal cyclic loading. Five different thicknesses of U-shaped HDR, ranging from 15 to 35 mm thick in 5-mm intervals, were assigned in the numerical model as the vibrational absorber component in between the hook-end beam-column joints. The numerical force-displacement curves showed that precast frame with various thicknesses of U-shaped HDR had similar shape of hysteresis loops among each other. However, the precast frame with 25 mm thick of U-shaped HDR at its hook-end beam-column joint demonstrated the capacity to fulfil the highest force and displacement demands when compared with other thicknesses of HDR.
Geophysical identification of voids and loosened zones in the shallow subsurface of post-mining areas
Authors: Pilecki Zenon
Published: November 2018

The shallow historic exploitation of Zn-Pb/Fe ore deposits as well as hard coal has generated many discontinuous deformations on the terrain surface in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin/Poland. Discontinuous deformations occur in different forms as sinkholes, synclines, cracks, faults or ditches. The basic cause of their occurrence is the presence of void and loosened zones in the shallow subsurface. If the appropriate conditions arise, the sinkhole process begins to move upwards and may cause a discontinuous deformation on the terrain surface. Typically, geophysical methods are used for void and loosened zone identification. The most effective methods are gravimetric, seismic, electric resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Geophysical testing, requires distinct changes in the physical properties in the rock mass. The identified geophysical anomalies should be verified by control borehole and borehole tests to confirm the presence of the void and loosened zones in the rock mass. The results of control drilling and borehole tests determine the need to apply treatment works. In order to assess the threat of the occurrence of discontinuous deformations in the areas of historical shallow mining in Upper Silesia, a classification system based on geophysical tests has also been developed.