bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Predictive Relationships between Faculty Engagement, Learner Satisfaction and Outcomes in Multiple Learning Delivery Modes
Authors: Yen Cherng-Jyh , Abdous M’hammed
Published: November 2014

The confluence of technology convergence, market forces, and student demand for greater access is reshaping higher education institutions. Indeed, the convergence of technological innovations in hardware, software, and telecommunications, combined with the ubiquity of learning management systems, is reconfiguring and strengthening traditional teaching and learning delivery modes (Amirault & Visser, 2009; Harasim, 2006; Laurillard, 2008). In the current context, one in which universities are forced to adapt, rethink, and even reinvent themselves, the traditional lines between distance education (DE) and face-to-face teaching and learning are becoming progressively blurred, particularly since the dramatic rise of online and blended or hybrid learning (Means, Toyama, Murphy, Bakia, & Jones, 2009; Parsad & Lewis, 2008). This structural transformation is progressively redefining the concept of faculty’s presence and their ability to interact and engage learners. The traditional model of teaching and learning (with its heavy reliance on teacher presence) is being augmented with various tools and technologies (Abdous & Yen, 2010). Additionally, student engagement and its corollary, interaction, have been closely linked to desirable learning outcomes, including academic achievement, critical thinking, and grades (Handelsman, Briggs, Sullivan, & Towler, 2005; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005; Carini, Kuh, & Klein, 2006).
Performance Analysis of Sequential and Parallel Neural Network Algorithm for Stock Price Forecasting
Authors: Rahman Rashedur M. , Thulasiram Ruppa K. , Thulasiraman Parimala
Published: November 2014

The neural network is popular and used in many areas within the financial field, such as credit authorization screenings, regularities in security price movements, simulations of market behaviour, and so forth. In this research, the authors use a neural network technique for stock price forecasting of Great West Life, an insurance company based in Winnipeg, Canada. The Backpropagation algorithm is a popular algorithm to train a neural network. However, one drawback of traditional Backpropagation algorithm is that it takes a substantial amount of training time. To expedite the training process, the authors design and develop different parallel and multithreaded neural network algorithms. The authors implement parallel neural network algorithms on both shared memory architecture using OpenMP and distributed memory architecture using MPI and analyze the performance of those algorithms. They also compare the results with traditional auto-regression model to establish accuracy.
E-Government’s Role in Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: November 2014

Governments the world over are increasingly implementing e-government systems as part of public sector reforms to enhance good governance and service delivery. This chapter reviews successful e-government projects in South Africa. E-governance is seen as a panacea to country’s several challenges of service delivery, poverty, inequality, democracy, respect for human rights, and corruption. The South African government understands the urgency of addressing poverty and improving service delivery to majority of citizens who were marginalized during white majority rule. Most of South Africa’s black majority, for example, lives in poverty compared to their white counterparts. To address these imbalances, projects are guided by the principle of public service for all under the brand Batho Pele (meaning people first). Some e-government projects in South Africa have borne fruits; they empowered people to overcome development obstacles, have helped fight poverty, and uplift the socio-economic and living standards of citizens. The challenges facing the e-government projects include high costs of broadband access, diversity of languages that need to be converted to the language of the Internet, red tape and bureaucratic system, as well as financial sustainability and the use of top down design approaches in projects with little or no initial user involvement.
Citizen-Centric Service Dimensions of Indian Rural E-Governance Systems
Authors: Misra Harekrishna
Published: November 2014

E-governance systems in India have witnessed prolific advancement over the years. India has strategically adopted e-governance as a part of its policy. In recent times each state has its own e-governance plan to deliver services as planned. National policy also aims to provide formalized services across the nation while recognizing the importance of state specific services. This approach includes various mission mode projects under national e-governance plan (NeGP). Manifestation of such approach has resulted in 100,000 common service centers (CSC) in rural areas. It is expected that rural citizens would find them useful and it may contribute for effective governance. In this chapter it is argued that such an initiative would be successful if rural citizens find these CSCs useful for their livelihood security. Various dimensions of this phenomenon are also examined through some cases in this chapter to understand their contributions to successful CSCs in India.
A Synopsis of Information Communication Technologies Applications in Agro-Based Livelihoods in Nigeria
Authors: Oladele O. I.
Published: November 2014

This chapter examines the applications of information communication technologies in agro-based livelihoods in Nigeria. A multipurpose community information access point was established at a pilot level in Ago-Are, Oyo State, Nigeria. The center equipped with basic ICT infrastructures including Internet connectivity made available through a VSAT, provided timely solutions to the basic problems of farmers’ lack of information on agriculture, lack of access to inputs and output markets, and lack of access to some basic but relatively expensive equipment. The services include the Answering Farmer’s Needs-a private-public collaborative project involving several organizations. There is also the Fantsuam Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that works with farmers in rural communities in Northern Nigeria with an on-going micro-credit project aimed at alleviating poverty among rural women. This chapter highlights the synergistic use and challenges for each of these projects and proffers suggestions for the adoption and adaptation in different parts of the world.
GIS
Authors: Bianchini Elena , Sicurella Sandra
Published: November 2014

The advent of the GIS technology has revolutionized the traditional field of information and cartographic production. The GIS, indeed, enables the management of much more numerous and more complex data and it is able to overcome the static and the traditional two-dimensional cartography. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which is used in various fields and disciplines, also represents a valuable tool for investigation in the university research. In criminology in particular, it has facilitated, regarding the city of Bologna, a kind of crime mapping on the nature of the so called “petty crimes” within the jurisdiction of the criminal Justice of the Peace, and the creation of a city’s map on which have been identified support centers for victims operating in them. The use of GIS software is the basis in order to realize and put into practice not only operational measures designed to combat and to prevent crime, but it is also of help to social control measures, to public policy and to security. To the end of ensuring public safety, nowadays, it is essential to have a clear, spatial, and graphic representation of the high concentrations of crime areas and of the degraded ones, in which there is a greater likelihood that some type of crime is committed.
Cultural Management for Multinational Enterprises
Authors: Zuber Christian , Pfohl Hans-Christian
Published: November 2014

Due to the dynamics in international business, it has become increasingly complex for the Multinational Enterprise (MNE) to find a balance between worldwide standardisation of operational processes and the usage of local advantages. The foreign subsidiary's managers and employees are stuck in the middle of environmental requirements, defined by the parent company on the one hand and the local social environment on the other hand. To ensure organizational efficiency in foreign subsidiaries, the rising conflict between corporate and country cultural characteristics can be solved through active cultural management. This chapter describes fundamentals of culture on corporate and country level and deduces a framework for cultural management. Furthermore, strategies are presented to close the gap between a subsidiary's external requirements and the internal implementation.
Waiting to Exhale
Authors: Martinelli-Lee Teresa , Kahan Jeffery
Published: November 2014

Tobacco companies have long been on the defensive, but a new product, digital vapor cigarettes, offers what seems to be a social compromise: smoke-free smoking or “vaping.” This chapter explains and examines how this controversial product, new to the U.S. and European markets as of 2007, has affected the retail tobacco industry, both reinvigorating its sales and reviving some of its best integrative marketing strategies. The only adversaries strong enough to hinder its success are laws and regulatory action.
Linking Cost Control to Cost Management in Healthcare Services
Authors: Bertoni Michele , De Rosa Bruno , Grisi Guido , Rebelli Alessio
Published: November 2014

The issue of healthcare costs has become increasingly problematic over the years. This chapter summarizes the problems faced by hospitals when measuring the costs of healthcare treatments, explaining how an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) framework can be successfully adopted in healthcare settings. After describing the theoretical foundations of cost control and cost management, the chapter continues with the analysis of three real-life applications of ABC in a hospital, drawn from the process analysis and activity-based costing experience developed at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti” (Joint Hospitals) of Trieste, Italy. In particular, the cases are about cost measurement in cardiology, odontostomatology, and radiology, and describe the technical solutions applied for computing the costs of selected therapeutic and diagnostic treatments. A particular emphasis is placed on how these measures have been subsequently used by hospital managers and medical personnel in order to gain insights and to improve the efficiency of the processes developed within the organization.
Corruption, Business Climate, and Economic Growth
Authors: Chandan Harish C.
Published: November 2014

Corruption is globally pervasive. Defined as abuse of entrusted power for private gain (Transparency International, 2013), corruption represents a set of economic, social, cultural, and political practices that are secretive and rooted in greed, ambition, or quest for power. This chapter reviews causes of corruption including the macro- and micro-level determinants of corruption such as leadership, management, and organizational culture. Various subjective and objective measures of corruption are discussed. Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index (EFI) are reviewed. The World Bank's Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS), Doing Business Indicator (DBI), and World Bank Institute's Governance Indicator (WBI-GI) are also reviewed, as is the role of global anti-corruption agencies and various instruments. Additionally, the relationship between corruption and foreign domestic investment, economic growth, and economic and political institutions are considered, as are anti-corruption intervention strategies for corruption and business ethics training.
In-Store Communication to Improve the Customer Experience
Authors: Melia Monia , Colurcio Maria , Caridà Angela
Published: November 2014

The article focuses on in-store communication and investigates how retailers attempt to influence the customer shopping experience through the management of three store dimensions: physical, social and sensorial. This work deals with the in-store communication activities in the Italian pharmaceutical retailing. Results showed as the in-store communication helps retailer to create unique customer experiences. The management of the physical environment, the creation of trustfully relationships and the stimulation of the senses in the store can contribute to create an experience in consumers by affecting their cognitive, affective, emotional, social and physical responses to retailer.
Web vs. Mobile
Authors: Kranz Tobias T. , Teschner Florian , Weinhardt Christof
Published: November 2014

Typically, Information Systems (IS) are used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. On the one hand, mobile IS, with their ubiquitous character, have the potential to extend the application range of traditional IS. On the other hand it is also known that mobile IS have drawbacks, like a small screen size and limited processing power. The question arises if mobile IS changes decision behavior and more importantly decision performance. This paper contains a field experiment in a play money prediction market with over 2,000 participants in which users use a web frontend as well as a mobile application. Its market setting is well suited to study both decision behavior and decision performance on a user-by-user basis. It is found that participants' trading behavior using a mobile device does differ from using a stationary device. Moreover, looking at decision performance, this paper finds significantly lower trading profits when using mobile devices.
Object-Oriented Evolutionary Testing
Authors: Nogueira Ana Filipa , Ribeiro José Carlos Bregieiro , Fernández de Vega Francisco , Zenha-Rela Mário Alberto
Published: November 2014

In Object-Oriented Evolutionary Testing, metaheuristics are employed to select or generate Test Data for Object-Oriented software. The application of search-based strategies to the Software Testing of Object-Oriented Software is fairly recent and is yet to be investigated comprehensively; this article aims to explore, review and contextualize relevant literature and research in this area, while pinpointing open problems and setting grounds for future work.
Developments on the Regulatory Network Computational Device
Authors: Lopes Rui , Costa Ernesto
Published: November 2014

Evolutionary Algorithms (EA) approach differently from nature the genotype-phenotype relationship, a view that is a recurrent issue among researchers. Recently, some researchers have started exploring computationally the new comprehension of the multitude of regulatory mechanisms that are fundamental in both processes of inheritance and of development in natural systems, by trying to include those mechanisms in the EAs. One of the first successful proposals was the Artificial Regulatory Network (ARN) model. Soon after some variants of the ARN, including different improvements over the base model, were tested. In this paper, the authors revisit the Regulatory Network Computational Device (ReNCoDe), now empowered with feedback connections, providing a formal demonstration of the typical solutions evolved with this representation. The authors also present some preliminary results of using a variant of the model to deal with problems with multiple outputs.
An Empirical Study of Factors Influencing Consumer Attitudes towards SMS Advertising
Authors: Dharmadasa Pradeep , Alahakoon Thilini
Published: November 2014

This article examines factors influencing consumer attitudes towards SMS advertising. The study's research framework was conceptualized using five predictor variables – informativeness, irritation, privacy, credibility, and incentives – and an outcome variable of consumer attitudes towards SMS advertising. The informativeness, irritation, and privacy was labelled as central route constructs and credibility and incentives were labelled as peripheral route constructs. Survey data collected from 251 mobile users selected from a cohort of undergraduates in business management from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, were analyzed using the Structural Equation Method (SEM). Results suggest that the informativeness and incentive variables are positively associated with customer attitudes towards SMS advertising, whereas irritation and privacy are found to be negatively associated with consumer attitudes towards SMS advertising. Surprisingly, credibility was found to be an insignificant factor predicting consumer attitudes towards SMS advertising. Several implications for consumer attitudes towards SMS advertising are discussed.
Exploring Facebook (FB) as an Online Tutorial Complement in Distance Education
Authors: Susilo Adhi , Kaufman David
Published: November 2014

Facebook (FB) has become the “communication portal” for social networking, which has rapidly transformed the way people communicate and stay connected. From an educational perspective, social networking sites have received ambiguous reviews. The authors explore FB use at an Asian distance university by ten domestic workers as students in an English course, as well as lecturer engagement with students in that course. Drawing on virtual ethnography and online qualitative interviews, this study relies on qualitative data that shows there are potential positive benefits to using FB for teaching and learning, particularly for the development of educational micro-communities. However, certain challenges need to be managed and are discussed.
Developmental Aspects of Regional Airports in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kania David
Published: November 2014

This paper aims to compare the developmental aspects of regional airports in the Czech Republic. Only international airports were included in the selection, namely airports with an IATA code (IATA – International Air Transport Association). The following factors affected the selection of airports: air transport volume and the runway length. All public international airports with scheduled and non-scheduled commercial traffic have been included in the selection, these airports being The Brno – Tuřany Airport (BRQ), Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava (OSR), Pardubice Airport (PED) and Karlovy Vary Airport (KLV). The list intentionally excludes the Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG), which, being the airport of the capital city, would have excessive impact on the evaluation of the monitored statistical data. In terms of individual airports, the author evaluates the impact of runway parameters, reference field length and the parameters of radio navigation and lighting equipment. Other monitored aspects include the population of the respective cities (or cities where the airport is located), the airport's location relative to the city centre and its transport connection. The last monitored aspect is the impact of competing foreign airports from across the border on the regional airport's development. The aim is to prove or disprove the idea that the airport with best equipment and location (airport with the greatest potential) should exhibit the best performance in terms of the number of passengers throughput, number of movements and the cargo throughput.
Preservation, Reconstruction or Conversion - Contemporary Challenge for Historic Urban Areas and Historic Buildings
Authors: Bradecki Tomasz , Uherek-Bradecka Barbara
Published: November 2014

The problem of preservation, reconstruction and conversion of historic urban layouts and historic buildings have been discussed in the article. Although some of the urban layouts and structures are not monuments by formal means, they are often being well protected by local law (Local Development Plans). Both the quantity of the original structures (very few remained original - many objects within the layout have been already converted) and the quality of the original substance and architectural layout - to little space, many elements which need reconstruction - allow to raise a question: Does preservation or reconstruction still make sense, and does conversion should be allowed. Several case studies have been discussed: Wolf's Throat in Gliwice (Glaubenstatt) - urban village layout set up by Germans in 1941, design for house conversion in Wolfsthroat and also Szobiszowice (Schobischowitz) in Gliwice - one of the urban neighbourhoods layout set up by Germans before the II-nd world. Authors of the article are practicing architects: theory versus practice have been discussed. keywords: historic buildings, historic urban layout, historic district, reconstruction, convertion
Assemblage Thinking in Urban Studies: How to Conceive of a City?
Authors: Holubec Pavel
Published: November 2014

Assemblage thinking is process-based thinking. Understanding cities from this perspective therefore implies searching for processes that are assembling the city and that keeps it alive. Because of this approach, we don't need to ask: „what the city is?“ but either: „how did cities emerge?“ or: „how is their existence maintained?“ The paper argues that the perspective, from which we see cities, matters, because it either highlights or hides something. We will argue, that the result of an object-based thinking about cities, that stems from modern order of the world, is a very finite and constricted notion of a city, that in effect precludes any alternatives. But by overcoming the obsolete notions of objects, objectivity and subjects by notions of assemblage, perspectivity and chaining, the new world order may eventually emerge and resolve also the mounting enviromental and social problems. We understand city as a specific kind of creature that, through imposition of limits, has helped the human society to differentiate and become global. But now is the time to limit the city, acknowledge planetary boundaries and this way force the global society to develop itself so it can adapt to the challenges of the Anthropocene.
The Revitalization of the Historic Centre of the Town Slany
Authors: Pešková Zuzana
Published: November 2014

In 2006, the town council of Slany decided to respond to the new trend of regional policy in the Central Bohemia region and focused on the revitalization of the historic core of the town. The large-scale project was assigned to a team of professionals (teachers and graduates of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague), led by Professor Sykora. Team members are to deal with issues of historical centre. The project presented a challenge to test theory, principles and procedures in practical design. The projected area featured Masaryk Square and 22 adjacent streets defined by the existing town walls. The reconstruction project of Vinarickeho Street was the first part of the overall project of revitalization of the historic core of the town chosen to implement. This reconstruction was one of the most technically, organizationally and financially complex works that have been undertaken in Slany recently. Construction started in November 2010 and lasted one year. Although this is a project of smaller scope, thanks to its complexity, sensitive approach and craftsmanship it brought the creators the price Construction of the Year 2012 in the Central Bohemia region and advanced to the second round in the competition Construction of the Year 2012 in Czech Republic.
Signs of a Totalitarian System in Architecture of Socialist Realism
Authors: Wolfová Marie , Ševčíková Hana , Rykalová Eva , Fabian Radek
Published: November 2014

The presented article deals generally with the use of architecture to the propagation of the ideas and the use of structure of space for propagation of power influences of one group at the expense of another group. The use of architecture to the propagation of ideology lies in the tendency to shape ideologically acceptable space. Space is shaped so the world should be seen in accordance to the ideology and not to the reality. Architectural styles are specific for certain communities that are separated by land, culture, and time. Morphology is associated in architecture with a certain cultural epoch. The article focuses on the use of architecture in propaganda of one totalitarian system - socialist realism, which is typical in the Czech cultural environment in 1948 – 1958. The architecture of socialist realism should promote sociability of people. The aim was to demonstrate the power of unity of collective and nothingness of human individuality. A few examples of basic elements and characters in the architecture of real socialism in Ostrava are mentioned in the conclusion of the article.
The Comparison of the Variety of Finite Element Method (FEM) Based on the Arm of Mining Excavator
Authors: Zou Hao , Zhang Ming , Ren Jia Jun
Published: November 2014

In this paper, authors made contrast with the three finite element methods in analysis accuracy and usability .Those are all based on the structural analysis of mining excavator arm. The first fem is using UG solid modeling capabilities to create model .The finite element model is generated by UG_ANSYS, including setting the loads of material properties and boundary conditions ,also loading work. The process is called preprocessing completely .Then export a“. inp” file,after that, imported that file directly into ANSYS software for solving. The second one is to import solid mode created in UG into ANSYS software directly ,then take pretreatment and solution accordingly.The last one is using UG modeling and UG NX NASTRAN (the finite element analysis function) for structure analysis. It is concluded that using UG completely pretreatment of ANSYS analysis method and UG NX NASTRAN method feel more convenient to operate it with the high analyze accuracy,with the two methods , designers can modify mining mechanical arm weak positions more easily.In turns,they can improve the designing level of physical prototyping.
The Tip/Tilp Mirror Modal Analysis Based on Flexible Connection of Equivalent Spring
Authors: Wang Cai Ling , Wang Hong Wei
Published: November 2014

According to flexible connectivity of space stabilization system,This paper proposes the finite element analysis method using multiple equivalent spring connecting unit to replace the original flexible connections. And the elastic coefficient’s correspondence between the equivalent spring and the original spring were deduced. Using the equivalent spring method, the tip/tilt mirror system for finite element modeling is completed, After completion of the modal analysis, first-order resonant frequency is calculated. At last, the tip/tilt mirror system is tested in non-contact laser resonance detection system, And test results and modal analysis results were compared, and results show that the finite element modeling method of using equivalent spring connecting is effective. Provide constructive reference for subsequent tip/tilt mirror design, has a very important reference for similar projects.
Design and Kinematics Analysis of Locust-Like Jumping Mechanism
Authors: Zhen Zhen , Mi Jie
Published: November 2014

The bionic robot is of great value in research and application. In this paper, the jumping mechanism of a jumping robot is designed through imitates locusts’ jumping, which based on the principles of bionics. The model is established according to the physical structure of locusts, and the kinematic analysis of the model is done by using the virtual prototype software, ADAMS. By comparing the influence of different length on the motion, the curve of displacement, velocity, acceleration and other parameters with different length of actuator was given, as well as the position of dead point. Through analysis by using the virtual prototype software, the appropriate length of bar is confirmed. Thus, a feasible scheme for jumping mechanism of jumping robot is provided.
Mill Gear Box of Intelligent Diagnosis Based on Support Vector Machine Parameters Optimization
Authors: Liu Xiao Hui , Xu Yong Gang , Guo De Ying , Liu Fei
Published: November 2014

For mill gearbox fault detection problems, and puts forward combining support vector machine (SVM) and genetic algorithm, is applied to rolling mill gear box fault intelligent diagnosis methods. The choice of parameters of support vector machine (SVM) is a very important for the SVM performance evaluation factors. For the selection of structural parameters of support vector machine (SVM) with no theoretical support, select and difficult cases, in order to reduce the SVM in this respect, puts forward the genetic algorithm to optimize parameters, and the algorithm of the model is applied to rolling mill gear box in intelligent diagnosis, using the global searching property of genetic algorithm and support vector machine (SVM) of the optimal parameter values. Results showed that the suitable avoided into local solution optimization, the method to improve the diagnostic accuracy and is a very effective method of parameter optimization, and intelligent diagnosis for rolling mill gear box provides an effective method.
Analysis and Design on a New Garbage Baler
Authors: Li Cong Quan , Zou Xiao Bo
Published: November 2014

Now most of the living garbage is transported to landfill. After soaking, waste water come from garbage will flow to the ponds, rivers and farmland. So living garbage is one of the main reasons of agricultural pollution. To solve this problem, a new type machine for compressing and packing garbage was designed, which is composed with brace, steering wheel, hopper, transmission, compression, banding, etc. The machine disposed garbage dispersedly. When the operator stamps the pedal, the gear will roll, and the rack, and slide piston will be moved. So the garbage will be compressed , packed , stacked, and can be air-dried. So the water and soil could not be polluted. This treatment of garbage can effectively reduce soil and water pollution
The Progress and Application of Rapid Prototying Technology
Authors: Zou Zhen Wen , Ye Xi Cong
Published: November 2014

The principle and application of rapid prototyping technology were presented. Several typical rapid prototyping technology were introduced, such as the Stereo Lithography Appearance, Laminated object manufacturing, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, three dimensional spray adhesive technology. The rapid prototyping technology was used in manufacturing, clinical surgical, defense technology, ceramics, dental, and so on. The choke point of rapid prototyping technology application was analyzed, such as molding materials, precision error, and the performance of data sharing software. The future development trend of rapid prototyping technology is prospected also.
Study of the Effects of Cutting Parameters on Poly-Silicon Nano Machining
Authors: Zhu Ying , Xiang Zhi , Xie Ling Ling , Zhang Yin Cheng , Zhao Jian Cun
Published: November 2014

The current status of nanofabrication briefly reviewed, then molecular dynamics model of poly-silicon is founded on micro-nanoscale with molecular dynamics method, in which several typical defects are distributed reasonably. Molecular dynamics simulation of nanocutting process is conducted according to the simulation model. Keeping the other conditions remain unchanged, simulating calculation is made by reasonably changing cutting parameters such as cutting velocity and cutting depth, through which the changes of the morphology structure of workpiece surface,cutting force and system potential energy are observed. The simulation results are compared and studied, then the influence laws of each parameter on morphology structure of workpiece surface, cutting force and system potential energy are analyzed. Based on this, the mechanism of poly-silicon nanomachining is discussed .
Axial Magnetic Field Distribution Simulation and Optimization in Rotating Magnetron Sputtering System
Authors: Zhang Ruo Fan , Wang Ren Cheng , Cheng Jia , Lu Yi Jia
Published: November 2014

The primary goal of this study is to optimize the dynamic axial magnetic field distribution in magnetron sputtering system, guiding the target ions to project directly to the substrate. A group of electromagnetic coils were set up to generate an auxiliary axial magnetic field. The configuration of axial magnetic field in different electrifying modes on coils were simulated using numerical integration. Based on the general theoretical results, this paper proposed an optimization of coil arrangement and electrifying modes for a C-shape direct current(DC) magnetron. A 3D model of the coils was set up and the finite element analysis results verified the accuracy of theoretical results. Consequently, this study proposed an arrangement and electrified scheme of electromagnetic coils to provide a dynamic auxiliary axial magnetic field, which could match with the shape and movement of the primary magnetron.
Effect of Silicon Oxide Size and Reducing Environment on the Photocatalytic Capability of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Chitosan/Silicon Oxide Beads
Authors: Sulaiman Syazwan Liyana , Ahmad Sufizar , Taib Hariati
Published: November 2014

The present work assess the capability of silicon oxide (SiO2) nanoparticle and microparticle incorporated in poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/silicon oxide (PVA/CS/SiO2) beads to reduce chromium (Cr) ions of Cr (VI) to Cr (III). PVA/CS/(nanoand micro)-SiO2 beads were prepared through a simple drop wise method. The elemental analysis of prepared photocatalytic beads were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and morphology of PVA/CS/SiO2 beads before and after Cr ions reduction were observed with SEM. The reduction of chromium (Cr (VI)) ions by both of PVA/CS/(nanoand micro)-SiO2) beads, as evaluated by the reduction duration taken were studied by photocatalytic process in which factors of SiO2 powders size and pH of reducing environment were varied. Photocatalytic studies revealed better performance of PVA/CS/nanoSiO2 beads in compared to PVA/CS/micro-SiO2 beads in Cr (VI) to Cr (III) ions reduction. Reduction Cr (VI) to Cr (III) ions by PVA/CS/nanoSiO2 beads occurred in 30 minutes and 50 minutes by PVA/CS/micro-SiO2. Moreover, both PVA/CS/(nanoand micro)-SiO2 showed excellent reduction of Cr (VI) ions at lower pH environment. It is thus concluded that both of PVA/CS/(nanoand micro)-SiO2 beads are capable for chromium reduction in highly acidic environment in which PVA/CS/nanoSiO2 beads showed better performance.
Effect of Heat Treatment Parameters in Plasma Arc Surface Hardening of AISI 4340 Steel
Authors: Wagiman Abdullah , Wahab Md. Saidin , Mohid Zazuli
Published: November 2014

Flame hardening has been traditionally used for selective surface hardening of steel. This technique frequently resulting in imprecise harden area and part distortion when overheated. Focused heating source such as plasma arc can be an alternative to overcome this problem. In this work, plasma arc is scanned at the 4340 steel surface to improve the hardness. The variable parameters investigated were at scanning speed and operating current. Four types of surfaces were observed after they are scanned with plasma arc. They are fully-melted, partially-melted, non-melted continuous and non-melted intermittent where each type of surface has different roughness value. This work found that scanning speed and operating current has significantly influence the type of surface and roughness values. Analysis on non-melted surface gives the maximum depth of hardened layer of about 187 μm as well as hardness values of about 990 HV50. It is also observed that the depth of hardened layer and hardness value is significantly decreasing with increase in scanning speed or the decrease in operating current. Microstructure examination on hardened layer revealed that the increase of hardness is due to formation of fine grain martensitie structure.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Properties of Kenaf Fiber Mat/Unsaturated Polyester Composite Produced by Resin Transfer Molding
Authors: Ariawan Dody , Mohd Ishak Z.A. , Mat Taib R. , Ahmad Thirmizir M.Z. , Phua Y.J.
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the effect of heatingtime during heat treatment on mechanical and physical properties of the kenaf fiber and its composites. Kenafbast fibers were modified by heat treatmentat 140°C for2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 hours. Composites were fabricated by resin transfer molding process with unsaturated polyester as matrices and needle-punched kenaf fiber mat as reinforces. The fiberswerecharacterized by Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). FT-IR resultsshowedthe changesin intensity ofhemicelluloce wavelength (1736 cm-1). Besides XRD observation also confirmed the increase of cellulose content in kenafthat described to the increase of crystallinity index ofkenaf fiber with heat treatment. The single fiber strength investigation stated that the highest strength and modulus was obtained bykenaf fiber heated for10hours indrying oven. SEM observation showed the decreasing numbers of impuritieson thefibers surface with fiber treatment compared to untreated kenaf fibers. The flexural properties of composites showed a similar trend to fiber strength, but the fracture toughnesshas showedcontrary results.
The Effects of Fiber Content in Plasticized Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) - Sweet Potato Peel Blends
Authors: Nizam Salleh Mohd Shahrul , Mohd Norzila , Omar Zarina , Khalid Sopiah Ambong , Saadon Norkamruzita , Mat Yashim Marshahida
Published: November 2014

The effects of fiber content in sweet potato peel-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol blends were investigated. Plasticized Polyvinyl Alcohol (PPVA) was blended with Sweet Potato Peel (SPP). Prior to compounding process, PVA was plasticized with 30 phr glycerol as well as 10 phr distilled water. Blends of PPVA at composition of 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% and 40% of SPP were compounded using melt mixing equipment with an additional of 20 phr glycerol. A casting method was used to prepare the PPVA-SPP film sheet. Based on the tensile test results, PPVA with 80% SPP recorded the lowest tensile strength (5.385 MPa) as compared to blends which contain 40% SPP (13.612 MPa). The reduction of tensile strength with the addition of SPP was due to poor interfacial adhesion between the PVA and SPP which was proven by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis.
Effect of Reprocessing Palm Fiber Composite on the Mechanical Properties
Authors: Dhar Malingam Sivakumar , bin Hashim Muhammad Hilmi Ruzaini , bin Said Md Radzai , Rivai Ahmad , bin Daud Mohd Ahadlin , Sivaraos Sivaraos , bin Che Mahzan Muhammad  Ammar
Published: November 2014

Concern for the environment, both in terms of limiting the use of finite resources and the need to manage waste disposal, has led to increasing pressure to recycle materials at the end of their useful life. This work describes the effects of reprocessing on the mechanical properties of oil palm fiber reinforced polypropylene composites (PFC). Composites, containing 30wt% fiber with 3wt% Maleate Polypropylene as a coupling agent, were reprocessed up to six times. For this composite, tensile strength (TS) and Young modulus (YM) were found to decrease by 9.6% and 4.7% after being reprocessed for six times. Flexural strength was found to decrease by 23.8% with increased number of reprocessing. The hardness numbers of the composite were found to increase by 7.43% from 72.10 to 77.89 after the sixth reprocessing. In general the degradation on the mechanical properties is considered to be small and PFC has potential to be reprocessed.
Grain Size Effects on the Oxidation of Fe-33Ni-19Cr Alloy at 700°C
Authors: Parimin Noraziana , Hamzah Esah , Amrin Astuty
Published: November 2014

The effect of different grain size on the oxidation of Fe-33Ni-19Cr alloy was discussed. The present paper focuses on the oxidation behaviour in dry air at temperature of 700oC with respect to oxidation kinetics. Solution treatment was applied to Fe-33Ni-19Cr alloy by means of different solution annealing temperature to alter the average grain size of the specimens. Solution heat treatments were carried out on Fe-Ni-Cr alloys at three different temperatures, namely, 1000oC, 1100oC and 1200oC. The results showed that the average grain size increased with increase in solution annealing temperature that was significantly affecting the oxidation kinetic of the materials. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed in this study to analyse the oxidation behaviour of solution-annealed samples. Smaller grain size improves the protective oxidation behaviour by enhancing spallation resistance and reducing oxidation rate. Spallation resistance correlates with a reduction in texture of the oxide layers.
Effect of Stannum on Properties of Graphite/Stannum Composite for Bipolar Plate
Authors: Selamat Mohd Zulkefli , Masron Farhana , Md Yusuf Muhammad Yusri , Kamarolzaman Anita Akhmar , Mohd Tahir Musthafa , Herawan Safaruddin Gazali
Published: November 2014

Over the past decade, rapid progress has been made in the understanding and development of Hybrid Conductive Composite (HCC) to be used as bipolar plate, one of the most important components in Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The formation processes of HCC and loading ratios of composite have significant effects on their properties especially electrical and mechanical properties. Thus, the research focuses on Graphite (Gr) as a filler and Stannum (Sn) as a binder in fabrication of HCC as a bipolar plate. The fabrication process began with Gr and Sn needed to dry mixed used ball mill with several ratios of loading, which are 60/40, 70/30 and 80/20 respectively. The shape of this composite was molded with a diameter of 25 mm through hot compression machine to form discs. The effect of different loadings on the properties such as electrical conductivity, bulk density and microstructure were observed and confirmed to be able to meet the DOE target properties as PEMFC bipolar plates. The result showed that Gr/Sn composite with 20 wt% Sn had the highest electrical conductivity which was 720 S/cm. In the other side, the bulk density showed decrement as Sn contents increased from 1.71 to 1.48 g/cm3. The findings promise an enhanced performance of HCC as a bipolar plate to be used in PEMFC which is beneficial for mobile and portable application industry. A further study on agglomeration and the mechanical properties such as the flexure strength and hardness should be pursued.
Characterization of Nanoclay-Modified Epoxy Polymers Using X-Ray Diffraction Analysis
Authors: Amir Widia Wahyuni , Jumahat Aidah , Kalam Anizah
Published: November 2014

Clay-nanoplatelets have emerged among the other nanomaterials for over the past few years due to their good thermal stability and mechanical properties. This paper presents the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of nanoclay filled epoxy nanocomposites. In this study XRD was used to measure the dispersion state of clay particles in epoxy. A series of nanocomposites with 1 wt%, 3 wt% and 5 wt% nanoclay was fabricated using mechanical stirring and three roll mill methods. The overlaid of XRD patterns of pure Epikote 828 polymer, Cycom 977-20 polymer and polymer-nanoclay nanocomposites were produced. It was found that, there were no peak of diffraction pattern appeared for pure Epikote 828 and Cycom 977-20. Based on XRD results, the polymer is able to intercalate between the clay layers because the interlayer spacing between the clay platelets increased significantly. In addition, the results showed that the dispersion of clay in epoxy was more uniform using three-roll mill method compared to mechanical stirring method.
The Effect of Heat Treatment on Fatigue and Mechanical Properties of 6061 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Zaiedah Nasir Nurulhilmi , Mohd Daud Mohd Ahadlin , Selamat Mohd Zulkefli , Rivai Ahmad , Dhar Malingam Sivakumar
Published: November 2014

This paper investigated the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties and microstructure of 6061 aluminium alloy. The aluminium alloys were examined in the heat treated conditions, using different quenching media, water and oil. The alloy was solution heat treated at temperature of 529oC for one, three and five hour respectively. Aging treatment was carried out at temperature of 160oC which is assumed to be the best temperature for ageing process. Hardness measurement was carried out using a Brinell Hardness Tester Machine. The results shows hardness and impact strength are inversely proportional to each other, as the hardness of 6061 aluminium alloy decreases and impact strength increases.
Synthesis and Phase Behaviors of New Heterocyclic Liquid Crystals: Nematic and Smectic Properties
Authors: Foo Kok Leei , Ha Sie Tiong
Published: November 2014

A series of new rod-shaped liquid crystal, 6-methoxy-2-(4-alkyloxybenzylidenamino) benzothiazoles possessingeven numbers of carbon atoms at the alkyloxy chain (CnH2n+1O-, n = 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) are prepared and characterized. The phase behaviour of these new compounds was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and polarising optical microscopy. All members exhibited mesophase. Influence of alkyl chain length on the mesomorphic properties was studied. Enantiotropic nematic phase was identified in all the members except for n = 18. Lower member (n = 10) exhibited monotropic (metastable) smectic A phase. The enantiotropic smectic A phase was observed from n-dodecyloxy derivatives onward to the last homologous synthesized.
Effect of Relative Humidity on Drying Kinetics of Agricultural Products
Authors: Sabudin Sulastri , Hakimi Remlee Mohd Zairul , Mohideen Batcha Mohd Faizal
Published: November 2014

The demand for food has been ever increasing in proportion with the growing human population. This includes agricultural products including fruits. Hence, food preservation for extended usage through drying is gaining importance. This study reports the drying behavior of several agricultural products, namely sweet potato, carrot, ginger, turmeric, passion fruit and its rind. Focus has been given to the effect of relative humidity on drying for these products at room temperature. Experiments were carried out at 27°C by varying relative humidity at 40%, 60% and 80%. It was found that the relative humidity has a strong effect on drying, with lower relative humidity providing higher drying rates. In humid surrounding like Malaysia which has an average humidity more than 70%, controlling humidity of drying air may result in an energy efficient process in comparison to raising the drying air temperature
The Effect of EDM Die-Sinking Parameters on Material Characteristic for Aluminum Composite
Authors: Ali Mohd Amran , Suraya Laily , Jaffar Sidek Nor Atiqah , Hussein Nur Izan Syahriah , Muhamad Mohd Razali , Manshoor Bukhari , Lajis Mohd Amri , Izamshah Raja , Hadzley Mohd , Taufik Taufik
Published: November 2014

The machining ability of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) die-sinking on material characteristics of LM6 (Al-Sil2) is studied. This is due to the machining process on sharp edge, pocket, deep slot and micro hole cannot be performed by milling and turning machine. The objective of this paper is to determine the relationship between the machining parameters such as pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current and voltage on material removal rate (MRR) that are electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra). Graphite tool of diameter 15mm was chosen as an electrode. Taguchi method is used as analysis technique to develop experimental matrix that is used to optimize the MRR, EWR and Ra. The analysis was done by using the Minitab software version 16. It is found that the current and pulse off time are significantly effected the MRR, EWR and Ra while pulse on time and voltage are less significant factors that affected the responses. From the Taguchi method, the best setting of optimum value was obtained. Thus, it shows that Taguchi method is the best quality tools that can be applied for production.