bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen generation from formic acid decomposition on a highly efficient iridium catalyst bearing a diaminoglyoxime ligand
Authors: Lu Sheng-Mei , Wang Zhijun , Wang Jijie , Li Jun , Li Can
Published: March 2018

A new iridium catalyst bearing a dioxime derived ligand has been developed for aqueous formic acid (FA) dehydrogenation in the absence of any additives. These catalysts can work at high temperature or room temperature with high efficiency and stability.
Modulation of biomimetic properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles by hypoxic tumor microenvironments: steering towards tumor specificity
Authors: Sridharan Preethi , Vinothkumar G. , Pratheesh Pooja , Babu K. Suresh
Published: March 2018

Cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibit selective cytotoxic and biomimetic antioxidant activity due to the redox transformation between Ce3+ ↔ Ce4+ states under tumor-like conditions.
Synthesis of petal-like δ-MnO2 and its catalytic ozonation performance
Authors: Luo Kai , Zhao Shi-Xi , Wang Yi-Feng , Zhao Shu-Jin , Zhang Xi-Hui
Published: March 2018

Petal-like δ-MnO2 microspheres were successfully synthesized by a very simple hydrothermal method with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as the only raw material.
Ruthenium carbonyl complexes with pyridylalkanol ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties for aerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols
Authors: Hao Zhiqiang , Li Ning , Yan Xinlong , Li Ying , Zong Siqi , Liu Huating , Han Zhangang , Lin Jin
Published: March 2018

Several new trinuclear ruthenium carbonyl complexes were synthesized and their application in aerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols was also established.
Cooperative role of halogen and hydrogen bonding in the stabilization of water adducts with apolar molecules
Authors: De Santis Matteo , Nunzi Francesca , Cesario Diego , Belpassi Leonardo , Tarantelli Francesco , Cappelletti David , Pirani Fernando
Published: March 2018

Conversely to the H2O–CF4 adduct, an appreciable intermolecular bond stabilization by charge transfer is operative in the H2O–CCl4 system.
Bubble-wrap carbon: an integration of graphene and fullerenes
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Jing-yao , Xia Jing , Lin Hai-qing , Miao Mao-sheng
Published: March 2018

Integration of graphene and fullerenes will generate a series of novel two-dimensional carbon allotropes possessing peculiar electronic and mechanical properties.
Vertically-aligned Co3O4 arrays on Ni foam as monolithic structured catalysts for CO oxidation: effects of morphological transformation
Authors: Mo Shengpeng , Li Shuangde , Ren Quanming , Zhang Mingyuan , Sun Yuhai , Wang Bangfen , Feng Zhentao , Zhang Qi , Chen Yunfa , Ye Daiqi
Published: March 2018

Advanced Co3O4 nanoarray-based monolithic catalysts with a stable structure and morphology can be successfully designed and utilized to in situ grow on Ni substrates, which were investigated for catalytic CO oxidation.
Cooperative inter- and intra-layer lattice dynamics of photoexcited multi-walled carbon nanotubes studied by ultrafast electron diffraction
Authors: Sun Shuaishuai , Li Zhongwen , Li Zi-An , Xiao Ruijuan , Zhang Ming , Tian Huanfang , Yang Huaixin , Li Jianqi
Published: March 2018

Temporal phase diagram of reversible structural evolution of photoexcited MWCNTs showing cooperative inter- and intra-layer lattice dynamics.
A chemical/molecular 4-input/2-output keypad lock with easy resettability based on red-emission carbon dots–Prussian blue composite film electrodes
Authors: Li Menglu , Wang Zifei , Liang Jiying , Yao Huiqin , Shen Li , Liu Hongyun , Fan Louzhen
Published: March 2018

A 4-input/2-output keypad lock with good resettability built on red-emission-carbon dots–Prussian blue composite film electrodes.
Persulfate-promoted oxidative C–N bond coupling of quinoxalinones andNH-sulfoximines
Authors: Sumunnee Ladawan , Pimpasri Chaleena , Noikham Medena , Yotphan Sirilata
Published: March 2018

A simple approach for a direct sulfoximination of quinoxalinonesviaK2S2O8-mediated oxidative coupling is reported.
Efficient antiviral co-delivery using polymersomes by controlling the surface density of cell-targeting groups for influenza A virus treatment
Authors: Chun Haejin , Yeom Minjoo , Kim Hyun-Ouk , Lim Jong-Woo , Na Woonsung , Park Geunseon , Park Chaewon , Kang Aram , Yun Dayeon , Kim Jihye , Song Daesub , Haam Seungjoo
Published: March 2018

This work describes efficient co-delivery system based on phenylboronic acid functionalized polymersomes.
Cross-linked AIE supramolecular polymer gels with multiple stimuli-responsive behaviours constructed by hierarchical self-assembly
Authors: Zhang Chang-Wei , Ou Bo , Jiang Shu-Ting , Yin Guang-Qiang , Chen Li-Jun , Xu Lin , Li Xiaopeng , Yang Hai-Bo
Published: March 2018

Cross-linked AIE supramolecular polymer gels were successfully constructed by hierarchical self-assembly.
Gradient helical copolymers: synthesis, chiroptical properties, thermotropic liquid crystallinity, and self-assembly in selective organic solvents
Authors: Chen Junxian , Li Bowen , Li Xiaofu , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua
Published: March 2018

A series of novel gradient copolymers R-(−)-poly(StN-grad-C8) were synthesized through atom transfer radical copolymerization of an achiral styrenic monomer, N,N-dimethyl-4-ethenylbenzamide (M-StN), and a chiral bulky vinylterphenyl monomer, (−)-2,5-bis{4′-[(R)-sec-octyloxycarbonyl]phenyl}styrene (R-(−)-M-C8).
Self-assembly of fluorous amphiphilic copolymers with ionogels and surface switchable wettability
Authors: Chavan Santosh N. , Padhan Anil K. , Mandal Debaprasad
Published: March 2018

Fluorous amphiphilic ionic copolymers of 1H,1H,2H-Perfluoro-1-octene and vinyl imidazole self-assembled in different solvents to form ionogels and exhibits tunable substrate switching wettability.
Cube-like CuCoO nanostructures on reduced graphene oxide for H2 generation from ammonia borane
Authors: Zheng Hechuang , Feng Kun , Shang Yunpeng , Kang Zhenhui , Sun Xuhui , Zhong Jun
Published: March 2018

Cu0.5Co0.5O cubes on rGO shows a high TOF of 81.7 (H2) mol (Cat-metal)mol−1 min−1 in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.
Fused donor–acceptor π-conjugated diazatruxenones: synthesis and electronic properties
Authors: Benito-Hernández Angela , El-Sayed Mardia T. , López Navarrete Juan T. , Ruiz Delgado M. Carmen , Gómez-Lor Berta
Published: March 2018

A promising candidate for ambipolar charge transport: a disk-like platform, diazatruxenone, as a novel, compact and planar donor–acceptor molecule.
Homogeneous grafting of cellulose with polycaprolactone using quaternary ammonium salt systems and its application for ultraviolet-shielding composite films
Authors: Yu Yongqi , Gao Xin , Jiang Zeming , Zhang Wentao , Ma Jiwei , Liu Xuejiao , Zhang Liping
Published: March 2018

Microcrystalline cellulose graft polycaprolactone (MCC-g-PCL) was successfully synthesized by ring-opening copolymerization catalyzed by 4-dimethylaminopyridine in a dual tetrabutylammonium acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide solvent system.
Dominant formation of disulfidic linkages in the sulfur cross-linking reaction of isoprene rubber by using zinc stearate as an activator
Authors: Sakaki Yuta , Usami Ryota , Tohsan Atitaya , Junkong Preeyanuch , Ikeda Yuko
Published: March 2018

The bridging bidentate zinc/stearate complex, an intermediate for the sulfur cross-linking reaction, supposedly induces an abundance of disulfidic linkages in the rubber network.
Towards selective electrochemical conversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol
Authors: James Olusola O. , Sauter Waldemar , Schröder Uwe
Published: March 2018

Glycerol electrolysis in chloride media allows a green and sustainable route production to 1,3-propanediol and also benefits from easy integration into the chlor-alkali industry.
Enhanced near infrared persistent luminescence of Zn2Ga2.98Ge0.75O8:Cr0.023+ nanoparticles by partial substitution of Ge4+ by Sn4+
Authors: Song Ting , Zhang Meng , Liu Yuxue , Yang Jian , Gong Zheng , Yan Hong , Zhu Hancheng , Yan Duanting , Liu Chunguang , Xu Changshan
Published: March 2018

Distance between the 4T2 energy level and traps depth can be modulated and the NIR persistent luminescence can be enhanced.
Mechano-induced persistent room-temperature phosphorescence from purely organic molecules
Authors: Mu Yingxiao , Yang Zhiyong , Chen Junru , Yang Zhan , Li Wenlang , Tan Xianbao , Mao Zhu , Yu Tao , Zhao Juan , Zheng Shizhao , Liu Siwei , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo , Xu Jiarui , Aldred Matthew. P.
Published: March 2018

Interesting purely organic persistent room-temperature phosphorescence induced by not only photoirradiation but also mechanical action has been presented.
Gene specific-loci quantitative and single-base resolution analysis of 5-formylcytosine by compound-mediated polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Wang Yafen , Liu Chaoxing , Zhang Xiong , Yang Wei , Wu Fan , Zou Guangrong , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhou Xiang
Published: March 2018

5-Formylcytosine (5fC) is known as one of the key players in the process of active DNA demethylation and displays essential epigenetic functions in mammals.
A redox-active diborane platform performs C(sp3)–H activation and nucleophilic substitution reactions
Authors: Kaese Thomas , Trageser Timo , Budy Hendrik , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans-Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: March 2018

Targeted C(sp3)–H activation or nucleophilic substitution reactions have been achieved through the interaction of a diborane dianion with haloalkanes.
Hydrogen bonding and thermoplastic elastomers – a nice couple with temperature-adjustable mechanical properties
Authors: Wittenberg Elisabeth , Meyer Andreas , Eggers Steffen , Abetz Volker
Published: March 2018

Hydrogen bonded supramolecular styrene–butadiene copolymers are investigated regarding their structure–property relationships using DSC, DMA, FTIR and SAXS.
Assessment of ecologically prepared carbon-nano-spheres for fabrication of flexible and durable supercell devices
Authors: Haladkar Sushant A. , Desai Mangesh A. , Sartale Shrikrishna D. , Alegaonkar Prashant S.
Published: March 2018

An ecological, flexible, durable carbon-nano-sphere supercell.
A CO2-responsive graphene oxide/polymer composite nanofiltration membrane for water purification
Authors: Dong Liangliang , Fan Weizheng , Tong Xia , Zhang Hongji , Chen Mingqing , Zhao Yue
Published: March 2018

Nanofiltration membranes based on graphene oxide complexed with a CO2-responsive polymer display gas-tunable water permeability, high retention of dye molecules and excellent trade-off between water permeability and rejection of some salts.
A Co–N4 moiety embedded into graphene as an efficient single-atom-catalyst for NO electrochemical reduction: a computational study
Authors: Wang Zhongxu , Zhao Jingxiang , Wang Jingyang , Cabrera Carlos R. , Chen Zhongfang
Published: March 2018

Co–N4-embedded graphene exhibits superior catalytic performance for NO electrochemical reduction with a lower onset potential than that of Pt-based catalyst.
Wearable superhigh energy density supercapacitors using a hierarchical ternary metal selenide composite of CoNiSe2 microspheres decorated with CoFe2Se4 nanorods
Authors: Muralee Gopi Chandu V. V. , Reddy Araveeti Eswar , Kim Hee-Je
Published: March 2018

A composite of hierarchical CoNiSe2 (CNS) microspheres decorated with a CoFe2Se4 (CFS) nanorod-like architecture was successfully synthesized and the assembled symmetric supercapacitor achieves a superhigh energy density.
PIASγ controls stability and facilitates SUMO-2 conjugation to CoREST family of transcriptional co-repressors
Authors: Sáez Julián Esteban , Arredondo Cristian , Rivera Carlos , Andrés María Estela
Published: March 2018

CoREST family of transcriptional co-repressors regulates gene expression and cell fate determination during development. CoREST co-repressors recruit with different affinity the histone demethylase LSD1 (KDM1A) and the deacetylases HDAC1/2 to repress with variable strength the expression of target genes. CoREST protein levels are differentially regulated during cell fate determination and in mature tissues. However, regulatory mechanisms of CoREST co-repressors at the protein level have not been studied. Here, we report that CoREST (CoREST1, RCOR1) and its homologs CoREST2 (RCOR2) and CoREST3 (RCOR3) interact with PIASγ (protein inhibitor of activated STAT), a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier)-E3-ligase. PIASγ increases the stability of CoREST proteins and facilitates their SUMOylation by SUMO-2. Interestingly, the SUMO-conjugating enzyme, Ubc9 also facilitates the SUMOylation of CoREST proteins. However, it does not change their protein levels. Specificity was shown using the null enzymatic form of PIASγ (PIASγ-C342A) and the SUMO protease SENP-1, which reversed SUMOylation and the increment of CoREST protein levels induced by PIASγ. The major SUMO acceptor lysines are different and are localized in nonconserved sequences among CoREST proteins. SUMOylation-deficient CoREST1 and CoREST3 mutants maintain a similar interaction profile with LSD1 and HDAC1/2, and consequently maintain similar repressor capacity compared with wild-type counterparts. In conclusion, CoREST co-repressors form protein complexes with PIASγ, which acts both as SUMO E3-ligase and as a protein stabilizer for CoREST proteins. This novel regulation of CoREST by PIASγ interaction and SUMOylation may serve to control cell fate determination during development.
IL-12-mediated transcriptional regulation of matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Roupakia Eugenia , Markopoulos Georgios S , Kolettas Evangelos
Published: March 2018

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling enzymes involved in developmental processes, tissue remodelling and repair, inflammatory and immune diseases and cancer. In a recent issue of Bioscience Reports (vol. 37, issue 6, BSR20170973), Liu and colleagues investigated the expression of MMPs such as MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase), MMP-3 (stromelysin 1) and MMP-13 (collagenase 3) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) regulated by interleukin-12 (IL-12), a cytokine implicated in inflammatory and immune responses. They showed that IL-12 activates canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling leading to increased expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13, and to a smaller reduction in the expression of MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) at both mRNA and protein levels, with corresponding changes in the secreted levels of these ECM-remodelling and immune regulatory metalloproteinases. While canonical NF-κB signalling regulates these MMPs, it also interacts with additional factors to determine whether some of these MMPs are induced or downregulated, in response to IL-12. Here, we comment on the possible mechanisms of IL-12-mediated transcriptional regulation of MMPs.
A role for viral infections in Parkinson’s etiology?
Authors: Olsen Laura K. , Dowd Eilis , McKernan Declan P.
Published: March 2018

Despite over 200 years since its first description by James Parkinson, the cause(s) of most cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are yet to be elucidated. The disparity between the current understanding of PD symptomology and pathology has led to numerous symptomatic therapies, but no strategy for prevention or disease cure. An association between certain viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases has been recognized, but largely ignored or dismissed as controversial, for decades. Recent epidemiological studies have renewed scientific interest in investigating microbial interactions with the central nervous system (CNS). This review examines past and current clinical findings and overviews the potential molecular implications of viruses in PD pathology.
Two Grammatical Tasks for Screening Language Abilities in Spanish-Speaking Children
Authors: Auza Benavides Alejandra , Kapantzoglou Maria , Murata Chiharu
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study assessed concurrent validity evidence for 2 grammatical tasks of a new screener, the Tamiz de Problemas de Lenguaje, for identifying monolingual Spanish-speaking children at risk for specific language impairment with grammatical deficits.

Method

A total of 770 4- to 6-year-old monolingual, Spanish-speaking children with and without language impairment were sampled from 3 different states in Mexico. Multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to assess the predictive utility of the model and the classification accuracy of the tasks. The criterion was diagnosis of specific language impairment with grammatical deficits on the basis of a comprehensive language assessment.

Results

Results indicated that sensitivity estimates ranged from .90 to .94 and specificity estimates from .83 to .92. Overall, there was a good balance between sensitivity and specificity estimates with moderate to large positive and negative likelihood ratios.

Conclusion

Results suggested that the 2 grammatical tasks are suitable for identifying 4- to 6-year-old monolingual Spanish-speaking children at risk for grammatical deficits.
Professor John Clifford West
Authors: Atherton Derek Percy
Published: March 2018

This article provides a short note on the research work and academic life of the late Professor J.C. West as an introduction to a reprint of his Presidential Address as President of the IEE in 1984.
Dynamical ages of the young local associations with Gaia
Authors: Miret-Roig N. , Antoja T. , Romero-Gómez M. , Figueras F.
Published: March 2018

Context. The young local associations (YLAs) constitute an excellent sample for the study of a variety of astrophysical topics, especially the star formation process in low-density environments. Data from the Gaia mission allows us to undertake studies of the YLAs with unprecedented accuracy.

Aims. We determine the dynamical age and place of birth of a set of associations in a uniform and dynamically consistent manner. There are nine YLAs in our sample ϵ Chamaeleontis, TW Hydrae, β Pictoris, Octans, Tucana-Horologium, Columba, Carina, Argus, and AB Doradus.

Methods. We designed a method for deriving the dynamical age of the YLAs based on the orbital integration. The method involves a strategy to account for the effect of observational errors. We tested the method using mock YLAs. Finally, we applied it to our set of nine YLAs with astrometry from the first Gaia data release and complementary on-ground radial velocities from the literature.

Results. Our orbital analysis yields a first estimate of the dynamical age of 33−0+9 Myr, 1313−0+7 Myr, and 55−0+23 Myr for ϵ Chamaeleontis, β Pictoris, and Tucana-Horologium, respectively. For four other associations (Octans, Columba, Carina, and Argus), we provide a lower limit for the dynamical age. Our rigorous error treatment indicates that TW Hydrae and AB Doradus deserve further study.

Conclusions. The dynamical ages that we obtain are compatible spectroscopic and isochrone fitting ages obtained elsewhere. From the orbital analysis, we suggest a scenario for these YLAs where there were two episodes of star formation: one ~40 Myr ago in the first quadrant that gave birth to ϵ Chamaeleontis, TW Hydrae, and β Pictoris, and another 5−15 Myr ago close to the Sun that formed Tucana-Horologium, Columba, and Carina. Future Gaia data will provide the necessary accuracy to improve the present results, especially for the controversial age determinations, and additional evidence for the proposed scenario once a complete census of YLAs and better membership can be obtained.
A unified accretion-ejection paradigm for black hole X-ray binaries
Authors: Marcel G. , Ferreira J. , Petrucci P.-O. , Henri G. , Belmont R. , Clavel M. , Malzac J. , Coriat M. , Corbel S. , Rodriguez J. , Loh A. , Chakravorty S. , Drappeau S.
Published: March 2018

Context. X-ray binaries display cycles of strong activity during which their luminosity varies across several orders of magnitude. The rising phase is characterized by a hard X-ray spectrum and radio emission due to jets (hard state), whereas the declining phase displays a soft X-ray spectrum and no jet signature (soft state). The origin of these correlated accretion-ejection and spectral hysteresis cycles is still under investigation.

Aims. We elaborate on the previously described paradigm, where the increase and decrease in the disk accretion rate is accompanied by a modification of the disk magnetization μ, which in turn determines the dominant torque allowing accretion. For μ greater than some threshold, the accretion flow produces jets that vertically carry away the disk angular momentum (jet-emitting disk, or JED mode), whereas for smaller μ, the turbulence transfers the disk angular momentum outward in the radial direction (standard accretion disk, or SAD mode). The goal of this paper is to investigate the spectral signatures of the JED configurations.

Methods. We have developed a two-temperature plasma code that computes the disk local thermal equilibria, taking into account the advection of energy in an iterative way. Our code addresses optically thin/thick transitions, both radiation and gas supported regimes, and computes in a consistent way the emitted spectrum from a steady-state disk. The optically thin emission is obtained using the BELM code, which provides accurate spectra for bremsstrahlung and synchrotron emission processes as well as for their local Comptonization.

Results. For a range in radius and accretion rates, JEDs exhibit three thermal equilibria, one thermally unstable and two stable: a cold (optically thick and geometrically thin) and a hot (optically thin and geometrically thick) equilibrium. From the two thermally stable solutions, a hysteresis cycle is naturally obtained. However, standard outbursting X-ray binary cycles cannot be reproduced. Another striking feature of JEDs is their ability to reproduce luminous hard states. At high accretion rates, JEDs become slim, where the main cooling is advection.

Conclusions. When the loss of angular momentum and power in jets is consistently taken into account (JED mode), accretion disks have spectral signatures that are consistent with hard states, up to high luminosities. When no jet is present (SAD mode), the spectral signature is consistent with the soft state. These two canonical spectral states of black hole binaries can be explained in terms of two completely different dynamical solutions, namely JED and SAD. The observed spectral cycles can therefore be directly understood in terms of dynamical transitions from one accretion mode to another. These transitions must involve states where some regions emit jets and others do not, however, which argues for hybrid disk configurations.
The Utilisation of Shredded PET as Aggregate Replacement for Interlocking Concrete Block
Authors: Mokhtar M. , Kaamin M. , Sahat S. , Hamid N.B.
Published: March 2018

The consumption of plastic has grown substantially all over the world in recent years and this has created huge quantities of plastic-based waste. Plastic waste is now a serious environmental threat to the modern way of living, although steps were taken to reduce its consumption. This creates substantial garbage every day, which is much unhealthy. Plastic bottles such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was use as the partially component in this making of interlocking blocks concrete. This project investigates the strength and workability of the interlocking block concrete by replacing course aggregate with % PET. The suitability of recycled plastics (PET) as course aggregate in interlocking block concrete and its advantages are discussed here. Moreover, there were more benefits when using interlocking block than using conventional block such as it easy for construction because they are aligning, easy to place, high speed stacking and they offer more resistance to shear and buildings would be even stronger. Based on the test perform, the failure parameter were discussed .From the compressive strength test result, it shows that the strength of concrete block decreased with increased of PET used. From the results, it shows that higher compressive strength was found with 5% natural course aggregate replaced with PET compared to other percentages.
Drying Shrinkage of Mortar Incorporating High Volume Oil Palm Biomass Waste
Authors: Abdul Shukor Lim Nor Hasanah , Samadi Mostafa , Mohd. Sam Abdul Rahman , Abd Khalid Nur Hafizah , Sarbini Noor Nabilah , Ariffin Nur Farhayu , Hussin Mohd Warid , A. Ismail Mohammed
Published: March 2018

This paper studies the drying shrinkage of mortar incorporating oil palm biomass waste including Palm Oil Fuel Ash, Oil Palm Kernel Shell and Oil Palm Fibre. Nano size of palm oil fuel ash was used up to 80 % as cement replacement by weight. The ash has been treated to improve the physical and chemical properties of mortar. The mass ratio of sand to blended ashes was 3:1. The test was carried out using 25 × 25 × 160 mm prism for drying shrinkage tests and 70 × 70 ×70 mm for compressive strength test. The results show that the shrinkage value of biomass mortar is reduced by 31% compared with OPC mortar thus, showing better performance in restraining deformation of the mortar while the compressive strength increased by 24% compared with OPC mortar at later age. The study gives a better understanding of how the biomass waste affect on mortar compressive strength and drying shrinkage behaviour. Overall, the oil palm biomass waste can be used to produce a better performance mortar at later age in terms of compressive strength and drying shrinkage.
Compaction and Plasticity Comparative Behaviour of Soft Clay Treated with Coarse and Fine Sizes of Ceramic Tiles
Authors: Al-Bared Mohammed Ali Mohammed , Marto Aminaton , Harahap Indra Sati Hamonangan , Kasim Fauziah
Published: March 2018

Recycled blended ceramic tiles (RBT) is a waste material produced from ceramic tile factories and construction activities. RBT is found to be cost effective, sustainable, environmental-friendly and has the potential to be used as an additive in soft soil stabilization. Recent reports show that massive amounts of RBT are dumped into legal or illegal landfills every year consuming very large spaces and creating major environmental problems. On the other hand, dredged marine clay obtained from Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia has weak physical and engineering characteristics to be considered as unsuitable soft soil that is usually excavated, dumped into landfills and replaced by stiff soil. Hence, this study investigates the suitability of possible uses of RBT to treat marine clay. Laboratory tests included Standard proctor tests and Atterberg limits tests. The plasticity of marine clay was evaluated by adding 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of 0.3 mm RBT. In addition, the compaction behaviour of treated marine clay was compared by adding two different sizes (0.3 mm and 1.18 mm diameter) of RBT. For both coarse and fine sizes of RBT, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the dry weight of the soft clay were added. The mixture of each combination was examined in order to evaluate the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and the optimum moisture content (OMC) for the treated soft clay. MDD and OMC for soft untreated samples were 1.59 Mg/m3 and 22%, respectively. Treated samples with 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of 0.30 mm size RBT resulted in a significant reduction of OMC ranged from 19 to 15% while MDD resulted in increment ranged from 1.69 to 1.77 Mg/m3. In addition, samples treated with 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of 1.18 mm size RBT resulted in major reduction of OMC ranged from 15 to 13.5% while MDD increased effectively from 1.75 to 1.82 Mg/m3. For all mix designs of soft clay-RBT, MDD was gradually increasing and OMC was sharply reducing with further increments of both sizes of RBT.
Characterization of Fly and Bottom Ashes Mixtures Treated using Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Robert C.G. , Ayob A. , Muhammad Zaki M.F. , Razali M.E. , Lew E.V. , Hong P.Y.
Published: March 2018

Malaysia promotes coal as an option for solid fuel in electric power generation. Demanding of electricity needs, therefore, has led to increase the coal consumption and thus producing more coal waste products. The disposal of coal waste ashes has been a main concern to power generation station due to the need of disposal sites and operational costs. This study investigates the composition of fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) mixtures with difference component percentage treated with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at 1.5 and 2.5 wt% solutions and examined in terms of specific gravity, pH, maximum dry density properties, and its surface morphology. Although the chemical composition of the SLS and PVA treated fly and bottom ashes studied in this current work is not altered extensively, significant changes could be observed in its physicochemical properties. Chemically treated fly and bottom ashes mixtures with SLS and PVA at 1.5 wt% solution exhibited specific gravity of 1.97 to 2.92 and high pH values within range of 9.28 to 10.52. The mixture of BA:FA=0:1 ratio depicting high maximum dry density of 1.35 to 1.56 g/cm3 in both SLS and PVA solutions at 1.5 and 2.5 wt%. Scanning electron microscopy image shows distinct surface morphologies of SLS-treated fly and bottom ashes mixture that the particles are packed closely, strongly bonded similar to popcorn shape due to the effect of active silanol groups acted on coal ashes surface with the presence of Al-O/Si-O/other oxides. These findings suggest that higher level of chemical interaction between the fly and bottom ashes particles, significantly enhances pozzolanic reactions such as shear strength, plasticity, cementing properties, and thus other engineering properties.
Infrastructure Joint Venture Projects in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Romeli Norsyakilah , Halil Faridah Muhamad , Ismail Faridah , Hasim Muhammad Sufian
Published: March 2018

As many developed country practise, the function of the infrastructure is to connect the each region of Malaysia holistically and infrastructure is an investment network projects such as transportation water and sewerage, power, communication and irrigations system. Hence, a billions allocations of government income reserved for the sake of the infrastructure development. Towards a successful infrastructure development, a joint venture approach has been promotes by 2016 in one of the government thrust in Construction Industry Transformation Plan which encourage the internationalisation among contractors. However, there is depletion in information on the actual practise of the infrastructure joint venture projects in Malaysia. Therefore, this study attempt to explore the real application of the joint venture in Malaysian infrastructure projects. Using the questionnaire survey, a set of survey question distributed to the targeted respondents. The survey contained three section which the sections are respondent details, organizations background and project capital in infrastructure joint venture project. The results recorded and analyse using SPSS software. The contractors stated that they have implemented the joint venture practice with mostly the client with the usual construction period of the infrastructure project are more than 5 years. Other than that, the study indicates that there are problems in the joint venture project in the perspective of the project capital and the railway infrastructure should be given a highlights in future study due to its high significant in term of cost and technical issues.
A Case Study on the Walking Speed of Pedestrian at the Bus Terminal Area
Authors: Mohamad Ali Mohd Firdaus , Abustan Muhamad Salleh , Abu Talib Siti Hidayah , Abustan Ismail , Abd Rahman Noorhazlinda , Gotoh Hitoshi
Published: March 2018

Walking speed is one of the factors in understanding the pedestrian walking behaviours. Every pedestrian has different level of walking speed that are regulated by some factors such as gender and age. This study was conducted at a bus terminal area with two objectives in which the first one was to determine the average walking speed of pedestrian by considering the factors of age, gender, people with and without carrying baggage; and the second one was to make a comparison of the average walking speed that considered age as the factor of comparison between pedestrian at the bus terminal area and crosswalk. Demographic factor of pedestrian walking speed in this study are gender and age consist of male, female, and 7 groups of age categories that are children, adult men and women, senior adult men and women, over 70 and disabled person. Data of experiment was obtained by making a video recording of the movement of people that were walking and roaming around at the main lobby for 45 minutes by using a camcorder. Hence, data analysis was done by using software named Human Behaviour Simulator (HBS) for analysing the data extracted from the video. The result of this study was male pedestrian walked faster than female with the average of walking speed 1.13m/s and 1.07m/s respectively. Averagely, pedestrian that walked without carrying baggage had higher walking speed compared to pedestrian that were carrying baggage with the speed of 1.02m/s and 0.70m/s respectively. Male pedestrian walks faster than female because they have higher level of stamina and they are mostly taller than female pedestrian. Furthermore, pedestrian with baggage walks slower because baggage will cause distractions such as pedestrian will have more weight to carry and people tend to walk slower.
Investigation on factors that contribute to the abandonment of building in construction industry in Malaysia
Authors: Ariffin Nur Farhayu , Md Jaafar Mohd Faizal , Ali Mohamad Idris , Ramli Noram Irwan , Muthusamy Khairunisa , Abdul Shukor Lim Nor Hasanah
Published: March 2018

In Malaysia, the construction sector is one of the important sectors that contribute to economic growth and employments. However, a major concern facing the construction industry is the growing rate of delays in project delivery. In the worse cases, the projects were abandoned due to some reasons when the contract period ended. Abandoned building defines as construction work that has been continuously stalled for 6 months or more, during the project completion period or beyond the scheduled date of completion. When the projects become abandoned, it gives an adverse effect on many parties such as the developer, contractor, consultant and also client. According to previous researchers, the abandonment of building causes a serious problem and need some mitigation plan to avoid this problem from occurring. This study will investigate the fundamental factors that contribute to the abandonment of building and projects in Malaysia based on the current data of the abandoned building in most states in Malaysia. The data was collected from the respondents who is in the construction industry and had experience working with abandoned housing project. Form the respondents perspective, it shows that the main factor contribute to the building abandonment is due to the financial problem facing by the developer company.
Performance Evaluation of Hot Mix Asphalt with Different Proportions of RAP Content
Authors: Kamil Arshad Ahmad , Awang Haryati , Shaffie Ekarizan , Hashim Wardati , Abd Rahman Zanariah
Published: March 2018

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is old asphalt pavement that has been removed from a road by milling or full depth removal. The use of RAP in hot mix asphalt (HMA) eliminates the need to dispose old asphalt pavements and conserves asphalt binders and aggregates, resulting in significant cost savings and benefits to society. This paper presents a study on HMA with different RAP proportions carried out to evaluate the volumetric properties and performance of asphalt mixes containing different proportions of RAP. Marshall Mix Design Method was used to produce control mix (0% RAP) and asphalt mixes containing 15% RAP, 25% RAP and 35% RAP in accordance with Specifications for Road Works of Public Works Department, Malaysia for AC14 dense graded asphalt gradation. Volumetric analysis was performed to ensure that the result is compliance with specification requirements. The resilient modulus test was performed to measure the stiffness of the mixes while the Modified Lottman test was conducted to evaluate the moisture susceptibility of these mixes. The Hamburg wheel tracking test was used to evaluate the rutting performance of these mixes. The results obtained showed that there were no substantial difference in Marshall Properties, moisture susceptibility, resilient modulus and rutting resistance between asphalt mixes with RAP and the control mix. The test results indicated that recycled mixes performed as good as the performance of conventional HMA in terms of moisture susceptibility and resilient modulus. It is recommended that further research be carried out for asphalt mixes containing more than 35% RAP material.
A novel approach to enhance the accuracy of vibration control of Frames
Authors: Toloue Iraj , Liew Mohd Shahir , Harahap I.S.H , Lee H.E.
Published: March 2018

All structures built within known seismically active regions are typically designed to endure earthquake forces. Despite advances in earthquake resistant structures, it can be inferred from hindsight that no structure is entirely immune to damage from earthquakes. Active vibration control systems, unlike the traditional methods which enlarge beams and columns, are highly effective countermeasures to reduce the effects of earthquake loading on a structure. It requires fast computation of nonlinear structural analysis in near time and has historically demanded advanced programming hosted on powerful computers. This research aims to develop a new approach for active vibration control of frames, which is applicable over both elastic and plastic material behavior. In this study, the Force Analogy Method (FAM), which is based on Hook’s Law is further extended using the Timoshenko element which considers shear deformations to increase the reliability and accuracy of the controller. The proposed algorithm is applied to a 2D portal frame equipped with linear actuator, which is designed based on full state Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR). For comparison purposes, the portal frame is analysed by both the Euler Bernoulli and Timoshenko element respectively. The results clearly demonstrate the superiority of the Timoshenko element over Euler Bernoulli for application in nonlinear analysis.
The effects of alkanolamide addition on cure characteristics, swelling behaviour and tensile properties of silica-filled natural rubber (NR) / chloroprene rubber (CR) blends
Authors: Surya Indra , Siregar Syahrul Fauzi , Ismail Hanafi
Published: March 2018

Effects of alkanolamide (ALK) addition on cure characteristics, swelling behaviour and tensile properties of silica-filled natural rubber (NR)/chloroprene rubber (CR) blends were investigated. The ALK was synthesized from Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Stearin (RBDPS) and diethanolamine, and incorporated into the silica-filled NR/CR blends as a non-toxic rubber additive. The ALK loadings were 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 phr. It was found that the ALK exhibited shorter scorch and cure times and higher elongation at break of the silica-filled NR/CR blends. The ALK also exhibited higher torque differences, tensile modulus and tensile strength at a 1.0 phr of ALK loading and then decreased with further increases in the ALK loading. The swelling measurement proved that the 1.0 phr loading of ALK caused the highest degree in crosslink density of the silica-filled NR/CR blends.
Peat Soil Stabilization using Lime and Cement
Authors: Mohd Zambri Nadhirah , Md. Ghazaly Zuhayr
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a study of the comparison between two additive Lime and Cement for treating peat soil in term of stabilization. Peat and organic soils are commonly known for their high compressibility, extremely soft, and low strength. The aim of this paper is to determine the drained shear strength of treated peat soil from Perlis for comparison purposes. Direct Shear Box Test was conducted to obtain the shear strength for all the disturbed peat soil samples. The quick lime and cement was mixed with peat soil in proportions of 10% and 20% of the dry weight peat soil. The experiment results showed that the addition of additives had improved the strength characteristics of peat soil by 14% increment in shear strength. In addition, the mixture of lime with peat soil yield higher result in shear strength compared to cement by 14.07% and 13.5% respectively. These findings indicate that the lime and cement is a good stabilizer for peat soil, which often experienced high amount of moisture content.
Properties of cold-bonded lightweight artificial aggregate containing bottom ash with different curing regime
Authors: Mohamad Ibrahim Norlia , Ismail Khairul Nizar , Che Amat Roshazita , Iqbal Mohamad Ghazali Mohamad
Published: March 2018

Cold-bonded pelletizing technique is frequently used in aggregate manufacturing process as it can minimise the energy consumption. It has contributed to both economical and environmental advantages because it helps to reduce the gas emissions problems. Bottom ash collected from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plant was selected as raw material in this study and was utilised as a partial replacement for cement for artificial aggregate production. Several percentage of ash replacement was selected ranged from 10 to 50%. Aggregate pellets were subjected to different types of curing condition which is room-water (RW), room-room (RR), oven-room (OR) and oven-water (OW) condition. Properties of aggregate pellets were examined to obtain its density, water absorption, aggregate impact value (AIV) and specific gravity (SG). The results indicated that the most efficient curing regime is by exposing the aggregate in RW condition. The optimum aggregate was selected at 20% where it has satisfied the required density of 739.5kg/m3, and classified as strong aggregate with AIV 14. However, the water absorption of aggregate increased proportionately with the increment of ash content.
Microstructural characterization of catalysis product of nanocement based materials: A review
Authors: Mohamed Sutan Norsuzailina , Akma Ideris Nur Izaitul , Linda Taib Siti Noor , Lee Delsye Teo Ching , Hassan Alsidqi , Sahari Siti Kudnie , Mohamad Said Khairul Anwar , Sobuz Habibur Rahman
Published: March 2018

Cement as an essential element for cement-based products contributed to negative environmental issues due to its high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission during its production. These issues create the need to find alternative materials as partial cement replacement where studies on the potential of utilizing silica based materials as partial cement replacement come into picture. This review highlights the effectiveness of microstructural characterization techniques that have been used in the studies that focus on characterization of calcium hydroxide (CH) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) formation during hydration process of cement-based product incorporating nano reactive silica based materials as partial cement replacement. Understanding the effect of these materials as cement replacement in cement based product focusing on the microstructural development will lead to a higher confidence in the use of industrial waste as a new non-conventional material in construction industry that can catalyse rapid and innovative advances in green technology.
Lignin recovery and it effects quality of anaerobic treated palm oil mill effluent (AT-POME)
Authors: Ibrahim Abdul Haqi , Ridwan Muhammad Fahmi , Abidin Che Zulzikrami Azner , Ong Soon Ann , Wong Yee Shian , Azhari Ayu Wazira , Ozir Siti Norruhaidawati
Published: March 2018

Lignin is one of the main structural polymers present in plant tissue. It can also be found as an isolated product of the pulp and paper industry. Palm oil mill effluent (POME) has been known as high strength industrial wastewater that is difficult to treat due to its large variety of inorganic and organic contents. The main purpose of this study is to recover soluble lignin from anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (AT-POME) and indirectly improves the quality of AT-POME. AT-POME was adjusted to different pH using different type of acids. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized to obtain the optimum operating parameters as well as to analyse the interaction between them. Model shows that 74.67 % of lignin can be recovered from AT-POME after 5 minutes reaction time using sulfuric acid (H2S04) at pH 5. Hence from the experiment, it was proved that simple pH adjustment could precipitate the soluble lignin from AT-POME.
Incorporation of layered double nanomaterials in thin film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for magnesium sulphate removal
Authors: Tajuddin Muhammad Hanis , Yusof Norhaniza , Wan Salleh Wan Norharyati , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Hairom Nur Hanis Hayati , Misdan Nurasyikin
Published: March 2018

Thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane with copper-aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH) incorporated into polyamide (PA) selective layer has been prepared for magnesium sulphate salt removal. 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 wt% of LDH were dispersed in the trimesoyl chloride (TMC) in n-hexane as organic solution and embedded into PA layer during interfacial polymerization with piperazine. The fabricated membranes were further characterized to evaluate its morphological structure and membrane surface hydrophilicity. The TFN membranes performance were evaluated with divalent salt magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) removal and compared with thin film composite (TFC). The morphological structures of TFN membranes were altered and the surface hydrophilicity were enhanced with addition of LDH. Incorporation of LDH has improved the permeate water flux by 82.5% compared to that of TFC membrane with satisfactory rejection of MgSO4. This study has experimentally validated the potential of LDH to improve the divalent salt separation performance for TFN membranes.
Analysis of Multi-Criteria Evaluation Method of Landfill Site Selection for Municipal Solid Waste Management
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Habiba , Majid Zulkepli , Bin Yusof Norhakim , Bello Yamusa Yamusa
Published: March 2018

Landfilling remains the most common systematic technique of solid waste disposal in most of the developed and developing countries. Finding a suitable site for landfill is a very challenging task. Landfill site selection process aims to provide suitable areas that will protect the environment and public health from pollution and hazards. Therefore, various factors such as environmental, physical, socio-economic, and geological criteria must be considered before siting any landfill. This makes the site selection process vigorous and tedious because it involves the processing of large amount of spatial data, rules and regulations from different agencies and also policy from decision makers. This allows the incorporation of conflicting objectives and decision maker preferences into spatial decision models. This paper particularly analyzes the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method of landfill site selection for solid waste management by means of literature reviews and surveys. The study will help the decision makers and waste management authorities to choose the most effective method when considering landfill site selection.