bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Qualitative Findings: Challenges in Large Infrastructure Projects towards Development of Innovative Performance Measurement
Authors: Masrom Md. Asrul Nasid , Abd Rahim Mohd Hilmi Izwan , Mohamed Sulzakimin , Yunus Riduan
Published: July 2015

Performance measurement system to assess development of large infrastructure project has developed due to the unachieved of high design and technical requirements, excessive cost investments and lack of competent human resources and managerial capabilities. Growing numbers of discrepant of interest among key participants has also led to conflicts, blame cultures, and mismatches of objectives that have been found to be contributory factors to poor project performance. Although, several approaches have been determined, the challenges in terms of time, cost, and quality (objective measures) are still arguable. Further exploration requires the inclusion of additional challenges in delivering large infrastructure projects, particularly in relation to subjective measures, such as safety, relationship, satisfaction, social and environmental aspects. Owing to this limitation, preliminary findings of identification challenges in large infrastructure projects are vital to fulfill the current needs in the development of innovative performance measurement. The research adheres to by reviewing relevant literature and evaluating expert insights on the research topic. The results of the research would provide qualitative evidence in support of the notion that appropriate and comprehensive performance measurement to improve project outcome. This study may also encourage key stakeholders mainly involved in infrastructure projects to increase their attention on possible challenges to achieve project objectives and requirements in the development of a large project, and helps to the achievement of government transformation programme (GTP).
Optimization of Polyurethane Lightweight Aggregate with the Addition of Palm-Based Polyol
Authors: Mohd Sari Kamarul Aini , Sani Abdul Rahim M. , Mat Sohif , Hj. Badri Khairiah
Published: July 2015

Lightweight aggregate for concrete was produced by utilizing palm-based polyurethane (PU) as a substantial material. New types of green PU were prepared by reacting palm kernel oil polyol (PKO-p) with 2, 4-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (crude MDI). Six attempts on rigid PU were investigated to determine the reaction time, density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. An additional polyol showed high density between 200-300 kg/m3. The compressive strength and thermal conductivity improved to 11.5 MPa and 0.060 W/mK, respectively. As a conclusion, the results of palm-based PU showed excellent properties established the lightweight aggregate and insulation material in the concrete technology.
The Effect on Leachability and Indoor Air Quality by Incorporating Waste Material into Fired Clay Brick
Authors: Sarani Noor Amira , Abdul Kadir Aeslina
Published: July 2015

Recently waste material pollution is a critical issue in every developing country. The factors such as increasing of growing population, daily and industrial activities will lead to these phenomena. These issues give an idea to use waste as a construction material that will give minimum impact towards the environment. Many researchers have been studied on waste material such as organic waste, sludge, fly ash, rice husk and processed waste tea into fired clay brick. In this study, the investigate on the incorporating of cigarette butts (CBs) was conducted. During this study, different percentages of CBs (0%, 2.5% and 5.0%) were added into fired clay brick. Meanwhile, different heating rates were applied during the firing stage, which are 1°C/min, 3°C/min and 5°C/min respectively. All samples were fired up to 1050°C. Leaching tests were carried out to investigate the possibility of heavy metals leached from the manufactured brick. The results demonstrated that, in terms of physical and mechanical properties, CB Brick (2.5%) at 1°C/min improved the most and leached low heavy metals. For IAQ test, CB Brick (2.5%) fired at 1°C/min is acceptable to be used as building materials since it complied with ICOP-IAQ.
In Vitro Inhibitory Assay of an Isolated Indoor Airborne Fungus from an Institutional Building of Computer Education by Using Potassium Sorbate
Authors: Er Chin Ming , Sunar N.M. , Leman Abdul Mutalib , Othman Norzila , Gani Paran , Jamal N.A. , Emparan Q. , Emparan Quin Anak , Parjo U.K.
Published: July 2015

Currently, one of the main aspects of health and safety concern to facility owners and supervisors is indoor air quality. Meanwhile, pollution by airborne fungi in these facilities are acquiring more and more consideration due to its possible harmful side effects such as threats to occupiers’ health and damage to building parts and furniture. One of the recommendations to solve these indoor fungi pollution is bioactive compound which can act as a biocide. However, assessment of this compound in the real environment is often time-consuming and impractical. In this study, a bioactive compound, potassium sorbate which is commonly applied in food manufacturing was assessed for its efficiency as a biocide to restrict the growth of an isolated airborne fungus using an in vitro inhibition assay. The fungus was isolated from a new building of tertiary education of computer studies. It was grown on both biocide-incorporated MEA and untreated MEA. The diameter of the fungal colonies was noted time to time. The diameter of the colony of the treated fungus was downsized by 41.25% averagely in comparison with the untreated fungus. It was shown that potassium sorbate can restrict the growth rate of the isolated airborne fungus.
Preliminary Test of Hydrocarbon Exposure on Lepironia articulate in Phytoremediation Process
Authors: Sbania Nadya Hussin A.L. , Sheikh Abdullaha Siti Rozaimah , Idris Mushrifah , Jehawi Omar Hamed , Ismail Nur Izzati
Published: July 2015

The preliminary tests is physically and visually observed to estimate the concentrations of contaminants that can give negative effects on plants growth and at which concentration the plants can tolerate and survive. In this study, bulrush of Lepironia articulate was subjected to diesel to assess its ability to survive when exposed to diesel contaminants with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 mL diesel/L water). The investigation was conducted in 30 days with two flow systems, free surface (FSF) and sub-surface flow (SSF), were adopted to observe in which system the plant can tolerate to diesel better. These findings will be applied in future study of phytotoxicity test to assess its ability to phytoremediate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) contamination in wastewater. At the end of diesel exposure, the result indicated that the plant growth in SFS was better compared to FSF system. The plant had shown that it could only grow and survive in concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 mL diesel/L water in SSF and in concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mL/L in FSF system. The results of this study will be a basis for future study that aims to study PAHs removal from water using L. articulate plants.
Preparation and Characterization of Green Porous Palm Shell Based Activated Carbon by Two Step Chemical Activation Using KOH
Authors: Garba Abdurrahman , Basri Hatijah , Nasri Noor Shawal
Published: July 2015

The large quantity of agricultural waste materials that poses disposal challenge to our environment could be converted into useful products such as activated carbon (AC). Palm oil shell based porous AC was prepared by two step process using KOH as the chemical activant. Palm oil shell was carbonized at 800°C for 2 hours and activated using CO2 at same temperature for 1 hour which yield 23.27% fixed carbon. The AC was characterized by Langmuir surface area, BET surface area and pore volume of 410.7 m2/g, 350 m2/g and 0.2 cm3/g respectively, the FTIR analysis identified the presence of alkanes, carbonyls and hydroxyls as the main functional groups in the AC. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrates the gradual formation of pores from the precursor to the produced AC due to elimination of volatiles and contaminants in the material. However, the AC produced showed basic properties suitable for the removal of hydrophobic organic contaminants in water and wastewater.
Fast Synthesis of Highly Crystalline ZIF-8 Using Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Method
Authors: Lai Li Sze , Yeong Yin 	Fong , Lau Kok Keong , Azmi Mohd Shariff
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the formation of highly crystalline ZIF-8 using microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The crystallinity of the ZIF-8 particles was characterized using X-ray diffraction. The lattice vibrations of the structure in the ZIF-8 framework were determined through Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of the ZIF-8 particles was observed through scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that, 0.5 hour was sufficient for the formation of highly crystalline ZIF-8 particles using microwave-assisted solvothermal method under temperature 120 oC.
Characterisation of Ti-6Al-4V Reciprocating Sliding Wear Test Behaviour
Authors: Nurdin Nurarina Ahmad , Harun D. , Mohd Tobi Abdul Latif , Md. Nasir Ramdziah
Published: July 2015

Sliding contact will experience wear in majority of mechanical components during their service life where it reduces the performance of the components. The capability to predict the evolution of reciprocating wear scars, such as the scar’s width and depth, would be a valuable tool when designing mechanical components. Wear scar mechanism behaviour is characterised during stabilized cycle reciprocating sliding wear test of Ti-6Al-4V investigated using pin-on-flat arrangement under variable duration of sliding. The test samples were analyzed using profilometer test, optical microscopy test, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) test, Energy Depressive X-ray (EDX) test and Vickers Hardness (HV) test. Stabilised high number of cycles shows low wear rate and initiation period of low cycles produced higher wear rate.
Analysis by Pineapple Leaf in Chemical Pulping Process
Authors: Daud Zawawi , Mohd Hatta Mohd Zainuri , Mohd Kassim Angzzas Sari , Mohd Kassim Ashuvila , Awang Halizah
Published: July 2015

Malaysia has an abundance of agro waste material that have not been fully utilized to a maximum production. Thus, the finding of a new alternative fiber in non wood material will be favorable in paper production. Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) is the common tropical plant, which consists of coalesced berries. This pineapple is leading member of the family of Bromeliaceae and it came from genusAnanas. Fiber bundle from pineapple leaf can be separated from the cortex where it reveals the pineapple leaf fiber in multi-cellular and lignocelluloses pattern. This leaf has a ribbon-like structure and cemented together by lignin, pentosan-like materials, where it contributes to the strength of fiber [7]. All parts in pineapple from fruits to leaves could be consumed to give a health benefit for human life. Pineapple had been used as textile fiber, anti-inflammatory and also anti-helminthic agent. According to the FAO online database, the Malaysian country had consumed 255,000 tones per year and in third position in the world of consuming pineapple production. Pineapple is mainly produced as canned fruits and also coarse textiles in some Southeast Asian countries. Leaves of pineapple had been used as coarse textiles because of the fiber composition and structure inside the leaves [3]. All fibrous in non wood materials especially pineapple leaf consists of cellulose, holocellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin along with some extraneous material called extractives such as gum and resin. Previous research indicates pineapple leaf fiber contained higher cellulose content than wood fiber. Pineapple leaf fibers also consist of lignin [23], an adhesive component that binds the cellulose and hemicellulose. Pineapple leaf fiber had the lowest lignin content than other alternative fiber, which is favorable during chemical processing [12]. The chemical composition aspects have been considered in the previous literature, such as banana stem, coconut and oil palm and had been reported extensively. Pineapple leaf reported has a lowest lignin (10.5%) rather than banana stem (18.6%), oil palm (20.5%) and coconut (32.8%) that suggest can undergo bleaching more easily and have high fiber strength [12]. Besides that, pineapple leaf contains high holocelulose content (87.6%) than banana stem (65.2%), oil palm (83.5%) and coconut (56.3%) [11]. Those properties depend on the content of chemical composition in the pineapple leaf fiber, which is cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin content [15].
Removal of Zinc by Nano-Scale Zero Valent Iron in Groundwater
Authors: Nik Redzauddin Nik Nurul Ilani , Kassim Jalina , Amir Amnorzahira
Published: July 2015

Groundwater has long been identified as potential alternative of clean water supply due to its reliable quantity. However, pollution of groundwater due to anthropogenic factor still remains a challenging issue. To date, nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) has received great attention for its capability to treat various contaminants including chlorinated organics and metals. This study investigate Zinc (Zn) removal in aqueous solution by nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI). The characteristics study of the synthesized nZVI particles were investigated by its particle size and surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). SEM and TEM analyses verified that the particles size of synthesized nZVI were 71nm (< 100 nm). Structure of nZVI congragate to each other and a thin layer of oxide layer formed on the outer part of the nZVI particle. In the batch study, removal kinetic of Zn increased from 0.14 to 0.18 mins-1 as the concentration of Zn increased from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm. However, the removal kinetic decreased from 0.162 to 0.148 mins-1 as the amount of nZVI was increased from 0.25 mg/L to 2.50 mg/L. At pH 7, removal kinetic reached 0.157 mins-1. However as the pH suspension decreases to pH 6.5, the removal kinetics decreased significantly to 0.144 mins-1. The same behaviour was observed at pH 9 where the removal kinetics was decreased to 0.117 mins-1. Removal kinetic of Zn significantly decreased at basic condition due to the formation of passivation layer which decreased the density of reactive surface area (e.g., Fe0 and Fe2+) on the surface of nZVI. Experimental results from this study can provide basic knowledge of effectiveness of Zn removal mechanisms by nZVI at different environment conditions and provide potential remediation technology for the treatment of toxic heavy metals in groundwater.
Temporal Analysis of Ozone and Nitrogen Oxides Fluctuations at Pasir Gudang, Malaysia
Authors: Awang Norrimi Rosaida , Ramli Nor Azam , Yahaya Ahmad Shukri
Published: July 2015

Ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are closely related in the atmosphere. In ambient air, these pollutants always fluctuated depending on their emission sources and meteorological influences. The paper is aims to gain insight understanding of the monthly temporal variation of O3 and NOx concentrations to enable proper control strategies against these pollutants. One-year monitoring records from 1st January to 31st December 2009 of O3 and NOx at Pasir Gudang, were obtained from Department of Environmental Malaysia. Temporal analysis of O3 and NOx concentration fluctuation during annual and monthly were assessed using time series and scatter plots. The annual variations of O3 concentrations were negatively correlated with annual variation of NO and NO2 concentrations. Results suggest that NO concentration are higher than O3 and NO2 especially in May 2009. However, zero exceedences were recorded in the studied period for all pollutants against the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guidelines.
Leachability of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) Incorporated with Fly Ash and Bottom Ash by Using Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
Authors: Abdul Kadir Aeslina , Hassan Mohd Ikhmal Haqeem , Yang Eric Cheah Keng
Published: July 2015

The process of combustion in coal fired power plant generates ashes, namely fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA). In addition, coal ash generated from coal combustion generally contains heavy metals within their compositions. These metals are toxic to the environment as well as to the human health. Fortunately, treatment methods are available for these ashes and the use of FA and BA in concrete mix is one of the few. As such, this study presents the work in determining the leachability of self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporated with FA and BA. The ashes were obtained from Kapar Energy Ventures power plant in Kapar, Selangor. SCC mixtures incorporated with 10%, 20% and 30% FA (replacing cement) and BA (replacing sand) respectively was formulated and casted. The samples were then crushed to be extracted using Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and heavy metals content within the samples were identified accordingly using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). From the results, it was found that incorporation up to 30% of the ashes were safe as the leached heavy metals concentration did not exceed the regulatory levels, except for arsenic (As). On the other hand, incorporation of 20% FA and BA each in SCC provided the most economically viable product, with high strength and low leachate concentrations. In conclusion, this study will serve as a reference which suggests that FA and BA are widely applicable in concrete technology and its incorporation in SCC constitutes a potential means of adding value with appropriate mix and design.
Polishing of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Using Moving Bed Bio-Reactor
Authors: Kawan Jamal Ali , Abd-Rahman Rakmi , bin Jaafar Othman , Suja Fatihah
Published: July 2015

The pilot-scale experiment in moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with a capacity of 433 L was carried out for this study with real life situations, it was decided that the complete research work must be done under as realistic conditions as possible,i.e.with real municipal wastewater, chemical free and with local commercially available products such as carriers for biofilm reactor. The reactor was start-up in 30/9/2013 up to date, Effluent from clarifier of STP used as influence of MBBR for polishing. MBBR is using continues down flow to polish effluent municipal wastewater from a faculty of new building engineering community in UKM to get the water free from main pollutant parameters, for reuse in the irrigation or discharge to the river. Laboratory experiments will conduct with different hydraulic retention time (HRT), filling ratio of plastic (Enviro Multi Media) in the MBBR about 5%. Aerobic reactors used the majority of the decaying organic material. An average removal rate of 41.75%, 32.85%, 24.80% and 35.77% of initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) were achieved under a HRT of 24hr, 12hr, 6hr and 2hr, respectively. The model simulated results showed good agreements with experimental results. The model could be employed in the design of a full-scale MBBR process for simultaneous removal of organic carbon from effluent STP.
Biosorption of Zn(II) in High and Low Strength Synthetic Wastewater by Watermelon Rind (Citrullus lanatus)
Authors: Azizul-Rahman M.F.H. , Mohd Suhaimi A.A. , Othman Norzila
Published: July 2015

The heavy metal contain in the industrial wastewater can cause a pollution towards the environment and human due to its toxicity. Therefore extensive studies were conducted for the heavy metal removal. This study was conducted under several conditions by varying pH, biosorbent dosage, initial wastewater concentration and contact time. The results revealed that optimum pH, for high strength synthetic wastewater was 8.0 meanwhile for low strength synthetic wastewater was 7.0. Both high and low strength synthetic wastewater was optimum at 30 minutes of contact time with 1.5g and 0.02g of bisorbent dosage respectively. Meanwhile, the optimum initial metal concentration for high and low strength synthetic wastewater was 400ppm and 1ppm respectively. The results had proven that watermelon rind is able to treat wastewater with high and low concentration of metal.
Effect of Liquid Flow Rate and Amine Concentration on CO2 Removal from Natural Gas at High Pressure Operation in Packed Absorption Column
Authors: Abdul Halim Hairul Nazirah , Azmi Mohd Shariff , Bustam Mohammad Azmi
Published: July 2015

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from oil and natural gas operation at offshore platforms have significant contribution to global warming. The reduction of these GHG emissions is possible through CO2 capture technology. This study reports the absorption performance of monoethanolamine (MEA) for the removal of CO2 from natural gas (NG) at high pressure conditions. The absorption experiments were performed in an absorption column packed with Sulzer Metal Gauze Packing at 5.0 MPa operating pressure. The absorption performance was evaluated in terms of CO2 removal (%) with liquid flow rate ranging from 1.81 to 4.51 m3/m2.h and MEA concentration of 1.0 - 4.0 kmol/m3. It was found that CO2 removal (%) had increased with increasing liquid flow rate and MEA concentration.
The Progressive Response of Sahelian Dams to Sediment Intrusion: Case of Kano State between 1976 and 2009
Authors: Yakubu Mahadi Lawan , Abdurrahman Usman Tasiu , Ahmed Muhammad Tajuri , Aliyu Amina Sallau , Zango Muttaqa Uba , Maihula Ali Sani
Published: July 2015

Reservoirs are built to store water during abundance for possible reuse during scarcity; sediment incursion is the leading phenomenon that limit reservoirs to sustain this function. Therefore, modelling the rate at which reservoir accumulates sediments is critical in understanding the nature of the problem, the time frame within which it is expected to occur, and the best mitigation strategy that will maintain the reservoir service. This study investigated the sediment influx in three typical Sahelian reservoirs in Kano state using the bathymetric method. The reservoir capacities were found to be declining at different rates but with grave consequences on the future, and economy of the state. In prolific terms, the state is losing 490 million litres of water storage each year. Presently, Magaga lost 39% of its capacity; Thomas has lost 13%; while Kafin-chiri has lost 5%. For sustainability, this trend needs to be addressed. The short and long-term best management strategies to curtail this trend have been outlined in this study.
Physical Characterization of Rhodococcus zopfii DSM 44108 Bacteria Isolated from Municipal Sludge
Authors: Mohd-Towel Rosadibah , Amir Amnorzahira , Abdul-Talib Suhaimi
Published: July 2015

This paper presents physical characteristic of Rhodococcus zopfii through the use of Environment Scanning Electron Microscopy. This bacterium is very significant in enhancing degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the presence of natural biofilm in waste water treatment system. Rhodococcus Zopfii was isolated from municipal sludge at Universiti Teknologi MARA. The average size of Rhodococcus Zopfii was measured in the range of 1.1–2.85 μm lengths and 0.55-0.80 μm diameters. The colour of this bacterium was slightly pink on agar plate and it had rod shaped. Experimental results obtained from confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that this bacterium can easily attach on the surface of biofilm. The experimental results provide a scientific knowledge of physical characteristic of Rhodococcus Zopfii isolated from municipal sludge to grow on natural biofilm in wastewater treatment system.
Subsea Processing Equipment: A Strategy for Effective Assessment and Selection
Authors: Shobowale Kafayat Oluwatoyin , Hashim Fakhruldin Mohd , bin Hussien Hilmi
Published: July 2015

Subsea processing equipment’s are deployed in Deepwater / subsea marginal field, fields having challenging reservoir characteristics (which includes: high viscosity, high GVF) in order to economically recover oil and gas. They includes: multiphase booster pump, subsea separation and compression equipment’s. These equipment’s faces a high level of uncertainty as regards well and reservoir conditions, putting the equipment in an unfavorable condition covering a wide and variable range of processes including transient Flow, variable oil flow, fluid pressures, temperature and gas compression effects. More so, knowledge engineers in different areas are assessing this domain in different ways making the performance parameters and relations to be defined differently when utilizing computer based tools for assessment and selection. A four step process is proposed which are: domain knowledge acquisition, failure data analysis, knowledge model and a knowledge base system will reveal the key components and parameters that are needed to make an optimum decision. The applicability of these four step process is demonstrated in the assessment and selection of subsea multiphase booster pumps.
Groundwater Eco-Distribution System for the Combination of SAT and Therapy-Electrolysis Methods
Authors: Musa Sabariah , Hamdan Rafidah , Ahmad Noor Aliza , Ibrahim Muhammad Mujiduddin , Denan Fatinah , Ariff Nor Azliana
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Groundwater quality is generally affected by the soil type and being polluted naturally due to the soil properties itself. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of reducing the contamination of groundwater by a simple treatment using duo soil aquifer treatment (SAT) and therapy-electrolysis processes. The SAT was applied using physical recharge well system (REWES) in deep clay medium. The filtration in the well was also properly designed to purify the abstraction and treat discharges. Other contaminations such as fluoride, nitrate, chloride and turbidity in the groundwater were treated by therapy-electrolysis techniques. This treatment method reduces more than 64% of contaminations contain without affecting its mineralogy. Therefore, these duo treatments have the best combination of methods to reduce the unneeded contaminations without affecting the groundwater purity. A groundwater eco-distribution system is useful to be implemented in terms of economic process and is ecological friendly for water distribution facilities.
pH Effect on Phosphorus Removal in Synthetic Wastewater by Using Electric Arc Furnace Lab-Scale Filter
Authors: bin Maarup Syahrul Nizam , Paramasivan Palanisamy A.L. , binti Hamdan Rafidah
Published: July 2015

Phosphorus is a non-renewable source and due to its high levels of phosphorus in water body may lead to eutrophication problems. It may come from many sources such as industry, agriculture and also from wastewater treatment plant. Large excessive of phosphorus may increase the purification cost and serious water quality problem because of the effect of algae toxin in water. Conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) requires lot of cost such as labour, capital and maintenance costs. Therefore, the lab-scale aerated steel slag filter (ASSF) emerged as an alternative method to remove phosphorus from water due to its simple and also low cost technology has been developed to overcome this problem. This lab-scale filter has been conducted by using synthetic wastewater for an eight weeks starting from 19 March until 4th May 2014. This study is to investigate the effect of pH range from 4.5 to 7.5 and temperature for phosphorus removal mechanism. From this study, result shows that lab-scale ASSF achieve about 90% of phosphorus removal at pH 5.0. Based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, the steel slag is rich in Ca, Al and Fe which is enhance the P removal with the influence of pH for precipitation mechanism process in this experiment.
Stakeholder Influences and Environmental Management Practices in Fleet Operations – A Research Agenda
Authors: Thoo Ai Chin , Tan Lay Jie
Published: July 2015

Relationship between stakeholder influences and environmental management practices has not yet received sufficient attention in academic research in Malaysian fleet operations. Due to the increased awareness and concern among stakeholders for environmentally friendly business processes, the two main stakeholder influences including regulatory pressures and customer pressures are considered in combination to ensure firms to behave ethically and socially responsible. Environmental management practices including effectiveness of policy, effectiveness of implementation and effectiveness of planning in environmental management are one of the effective ways of dealing with environmental risks and costs. However, there is a little empirical research on how practitioners define and incorporate stakeholder influences into overall environmental management practices, particularly in the context of fleet operations. As such, this paper proposes a model to include two stakeholder influences and three environmental management practices. It is expected that this paper will offer useful guidance for future research scholars to empirically examine the relationship between stakeholder influences and environmental management practices for sustained business performance.
Vibration Condition Monitoring: Latest Trend and Review
Authors: Hui K.H. , Hee L.M. , Leong M. Salman , M. Abdelrhman Ahmed
Published: July 2015

Vibration analysis has proven to be the most effective method for machine condition monitoring to date. Various effective signal analysis methods to analyze and extract fault signature that embedded in the raw vibration signals have been introduced in the past few decades such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), short time Fourier transform (STFT), wavelets analysis, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT), etc. however, these is still a need for human to interpret vibration signature of faults and it is regarded as one of the major challenge in vibration condition monitoring. Thus, most recent researches in vibration condition monitoring revolved around using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to automate machinery faults detection and diagnosis. The most recent literatures in this area show that researches are mainly focus on using machine learning techniques for data fusion, features fusion, and also decisions fusion in order to achieve a higher accuracy of decision making in vibration condition monitoring. This paper provides a review on the most recent development in vibration signal analysis methods as well as the AI techniques used for automated decision making in vibration condition monitoring in the past two years.
Leachate Characteristics of Contaminated Soil Containing Lead by Stabilisation/Solidification Technique
Authors: Mohamed Hanif Mohamed Nur Shafiq , Tajudin Saiful Azhar Ahmad , Abdul Kadir Aeslina , Madun Aziman , Mohammad Azmi Mohamad Azim , Nordin Nurul Syakeera
Published: July 2015

Contaminated soil is often a problem and typical concern in the developing countries due to the lack of clean soil for development, such as in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of the available techniques for soil remediation contaminated with lead (Pb) through Stabilisation/Solidification (S/S) technique. In this study, cockle shell powders at different percentages (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) were added as a partial replacement of cement. Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the S/S technique to treat the contaminated soil. The results showed a 99% reduction of Pb concentration after the contaminated clay soil was treated with S/S technique. The combination of cement and cockle shell powders is very effectively used in the remediation of lead contaminated soil and reducing the amount of cement usage for sustainability approaches.
Comparison Study of the Dynamic Loading Characteristics between Peat and Sand Based on its Physical Properties
Authors: Zainorabidin Adnan , Zolkefle Siti Nurul Aini , Meng Siang Alvin John Lim , Mohamad Habib Musa , Mohd Razali Siti Nooraiin
Published: July 2015

Peat soils are challenging soils which are a problem for many geotechnical engineers especially in the design of shallow foundations and road constructions. The engineering properties of peat are dependent on the nature of its physical properties. Micro structural studies done on the soil shows that it consists of fibres which cause the soil to be highly compressible resulting in excessive settlement when they are subjected to moderate load increments or vibrations produce by traffic. In this paper, dynamic testing was done to approximately simulate traffic loading characteristics on peat taken from Parit Nipah and Pontian, Johor using a cyclic triaxial testing with 1Hz loading frequency. The results were compared with soil that has a stiffer particulate nature such as sand. The comparison showed that the dynamic loading parameters of dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of peat was dependent on the fiber content and was very much lower than that of well graded and uniform sands. This can be an important indication to understand the key parameter behaviour of peat that must be taken into account when designing and managing infrastructures on peat soils.
A Quantitative Review on Acceptance of Silent Piling Technology Among Designers in Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Zaiton , Yusoff Nor Azizi , Sufahani Suliadi Firdaus , Azhar Nur Abidah
Published: July 2015

Normally, the conventional method of piling that uses percussion, vibration or bored piles is less environmental friendly and may contributes to environmental problems. The study was conducted in order to identify the potential of silent piling technology for sustainable implementation. In addition, it is also useful to evaluate the acceptance of this technology and the level of technical knowledge among the engineers who are involved in construction industry, especially in Malaysia. Quantitative research using questionnaires was considered for this study in order to gain relevant information. The questionnaire was distributed to 43 companies that are registered under ACEM (Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia). The result shows that there is a great potential for silent piling technology in Malaysia. The technology is accepted among designers at the highest level. Meanwhile, the technical knowledge regarding silent piling technology is also at the highest level. In addition, the result also shows that Press-in technology is highly recommended for the construction industry for sustainable implementation. In conclusion, it is hope that suggestions and strategies can be synergized so that sustainable technology, such as Press-in technology, is applied in Malaysia. The technology is not only useful for the designer, but also the industry, local authorities and universities.
Mobilization of Pseudomonas putida in Kaolin Soil by Electrokinetic Bioremediation Technique
Authors: Ahmad Tajudin Saiful Azhar , Sunar Norshuhaila Mohamed , Mohamed Hanif Mohamed Nur Shafiq , Mohammad Azmi Mohamad Azim , Majunit Nurul Izzati , Yusof Mohd Fairus , Mohd Yusof Khairul Nizar
Published: July 2015

Contaminated soils are due to several factors which are caused by the removal of toxins, waste from industrial activities, heavy metals from landfill and organic and inorganic waste from fertilizer used by farmers. This study aims to measure the mobilization of Pseudomonasputida cells through kaolin clay soil using elctrokinetic bioremediation technique. The electrokinetic is used to generate currents into the soil, thus migrating ions to opposite charge of electrodes. The Pseudomonas putida and distilled water was supplied into the anode and cathode reservoirs, respectively. The electrokinetic bioremediation testing was conducted for 5 days duration using 50 V of electric current. The bacterial counts of Pseudomonas sp. are enumerated high at 1.3x107 cfu/gww (near the anode), 5.0x106 cfu/gww (in the middle) and 8.0x106 cfu/gww (near the cathode). These results showed high survivability of Pseudomonas sp. until Day 5. It was demonstrated that the electrokinetic bioremediation technique can be used for Pseudomonasputida transportation in kaolin clay soil throughout the soil specimen and moving in same direction with the electroosmotic flow in electrokinetic bioremediation system.
Development of Continuous Surface Wave System for Stiffness Testing
Authors: Zahari Hidayat , Madun Aziman , Ahmad Tajudin Saiful Azhar , Baharuddin Faizal Tajul , Dahlan Samsul Haimi , Abidin Mohd Hazreek Zainal , Jefferson Ian
Published: July 2015

The measurement of a small strain stiffness can be conducted via measuring the velocity of the material. The stiffness is an indicator for the strength of the material. It is an important parameter to understand the response of the material when it received the loads. The seismic surface wave has an advantage technique to measure the stiffness of the materials due to factors of time consuming and non destructive method. In addition, the test can be conducted on the surface of the material, thus ease to conduct the test. The continuous surface wave is using a steady state seismic source which can be controlled it frequency. Thus, sufficient energy at specified frequency can be obtained. This can be influenced the quality and reliability of the data. In addition the stiffness at specified depth can be identified. In this paper, in-house development of the equipment and the system was described. A few testing was conducted on different materials in order to assess the reliability of the developed system as well as the stiffness of the materials. As a result, the stiffness assessment on the concrete mortar, asphalt pavement and concrete wall showed the values were in the range of 0.25 to 0.33GPa, 0.05 to 0.13GPa and 0.35 to 0.51GPa respectively.
Monitoring of Electric Current during Electrokinetic Stabilisation Test for Soft Clay Using EKG Electrode
Authors: Ahmad Tajudin Saiful Azhar , Jefferson Ian , Madun Aziman , Abidin Mohd Hazreek Zainal , Baharuddin Mohamad  Faizal Tajul , Mohammad Razi Mohd Adib
Published: July 2015

Electrokinetic Stabilisation (EKS) method has the potential to overcome problems on highly compressible clay. This study presents the monitoring results from an experimental study of EKS on soft clay soil. Inactive kaolinite clay, inert electrode and distilled water (DW) were used as a pure system mechanism before any chemical stabilisers are utilised for stabilisation. Therefore, this monitoring data will provide a baseline study to improve efficiency of the EKS approach for ground improvement application. An inert electrode of Electrokinetic Geosythentic (EKG) developed at the Newcastle University was utilised to apply a constant voltage gradient of 50 V/m across a soil sample of 400 mm length. The distilled waters were used at the pore electrolyte fluid compartments and supplied under zero hydraulic gradient conditions for periods of 3, 7 and 14 days. Throughout, monitoring data of electric current for all treatments were measured. Results showed that the electric current trend in this pure system was attributed to the electrochemical effects in the clay-water electrolyte system.
Effect of Beating Process to Soda Anthraquinone Pulp of Oil Palm Male Flower Spikes Fibre
Authors: Masrol S.R. , Ibrahim Mohd Halim Irwan , Adnan Sharmiza , Amir Shah Muhammad Safiuddin Syah , Main Nor Mazlana , Esa M.F. , Othman M.H.
Published: July 2015

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of beating process to the characteristics of pulp and paper produced from oil palm oil male flower spikes (OPMFS). OPMFS pulp was prepared according to chemical Soda-AQ pulping process. 60 gsm handsheet of oil palm male flower spikes paper were prepared from OPMFS pulp with four different beating times which are 0 revolution, 1000 revolutions, 2000 revolutions and 3000 revolutions. All physical and mechanical characteristics were investigated according to TAPPI and MS ISO standards. The results show that overall physical and mechanical characteristics of POMFS paper were influenced and enhanced by beating process between 0 until 3000 revolutions. This research demonstrate some potential characteristics of palm oil male flower spikes (OPMFS) paper to be investigated as a newly explored non-wood based raw material for papermaking raw material for papermaking.
Characterisation of Plasticity Response for Reciprocating Sliding Wear Test of Ti-6Al-4V under Variables Number of Cycles
Authors: Harun D. , Nalatambi D. , Md. Nasir Ramdziah , Mohd Tobi Abdul Latif
Published: July 2015

Reciprocating sliding wear test of uncoated titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V is investigated using pin-on-flat contact arrangement of Ti-6Al-4V/Ti-6Al-4V pair under variable number of cycles at low number of cycles. The worn surfaces of the titanium alloy specimens were analyzed with the use of optical microscope (2D and 3D OM) and Vickers Hardness analysis was carried on. The pattern of the wear scar characteristics determined and the finding at the end of wear track had been focus through the presence at the end of wear track. It is suggesting an evidence of plastic deformation with the increasing in hardness value. The increase in hardness value at the end of wear track indicates increase in the plastic deformation with increasing number of cycles.
Condition Monitoring of Variable Speed Worm Gearbox Lubricated with Different Viscosity Oils
Authors: Ismon Maznan , Zaman Izzuddin , Ghazali Mohd Imran
Published: July 2015

Over the years, condition monitoring of gear transmission systems have captured significant worldwide attention from both industries and academia. This is in light of the fact that an effective condition monitoring techniques will unquestionably extend the life span of the rotating equipment. In this research, both the vibration and temperature monitoring techniques were utilized to characterize the vibration behavior of worm gear as function of gear lubricant’s viscosity. Three different types of lubricant’s viscosity; VG100, VG460 and VG680 were used in the study to serve the sliding friction of worm gears. The predetermined speeds of electric motor at 900, 1150 and 1400 rpm were introduced to the gearbox prior to the measurement of vibration signal and temperature profile. The results revealed that a lubricant with higher viscosity contributes to less vibration amplitude. At 1150 rpm, it was recorded that the vibration amplitudes are higher compare to the other motor speeds, for all lubricant's types. In this case, VG100 showed the highest vibration amplitude followed by VG460 and VG680. This result was corroborated well with the obtained temperature profiles which are 35.0°C, 35.7°C and 39.3°C for the respective VG100, VG460 and VG680. Thus, concludes the correlation between the lubrication’s viscosity, vibration level, temperature profile and worm gear speed.
Condition Monitoring of Industrial Gas Turbine Critical Operating Parameters Using Statistical Process Control Charts
Authors: Jeyabalan Harindharan , Hee Lim Meng , Leong Mohd Salman
Published: July 2015

This paper presents condition monitoring of industrial gas turbine by monitoring its critical operating parameters using statistical process control. This will consequently enables the detection of any degradation of gas turbine operating parameters and thus to better prepare for any forward actions that required. Basically performance of gas turbine and its critical operating parameters degrades over time. These parameters however degrades and eventually reach the OEM recomended limits without even triggereing any earlier alerts. Therefore, corrective maintenance actions are required to bring the parameters back to an acceptable operating condition which causing downtime in operation and accounts for large maintenance together with operating costs. Hence by identifying any degradation and deviation in gas turbine parameters in advance before it reaches its OEM limit will help to improve maintenance scheduling and practices and thus enhanced the reliability of the machine. It also able to identify false alarms and shutdowns which can cause unnecessary maintenance and non profitable stops. SFC method is also found to be able to estimate the progression of component/ performance degradation and thereby generating a continuously updated prediction of the remaining useful life of machine components. SPC based machine condition monitoring uses statistical process control charts such as individual and moving range methods to create the operating threshold of the machine. These thresholds were showed to be capable to determine and identify performance degradation in advance or earlier before it reaches the OEM limits for each individual parameters.
Improving Surface Smoothness of Aluminium Alloys Multi-Bead Weld for Welding Rapid Forming Application
Authors: Wagiman Abdullah , Wahab Md Saidin , Lajis Mohd Amri , Mamat Azuddin
Published: July 2015

Understanding the interference of multi-bead parameters on surface smoothness is essential for accuracy of the formed parts made by welding rapid forming. This paper presents an investigation on surface smoothness of multi-bead aluminium alloys. Deposition path planning and overlap ratio is manipulated in order to improve surface smoothness. Observation on bead cross section indicates that deposition path planning has remarkable effect on the surface smoothness. Multi-bead that developed using continuous path planning has surface smoothness of 0.46 mm – 1.34 mm and most bead present wavy type surfaces. The surface smoothness is improved by increasing the overlap ratio. Meanwhile, skip path planning produced good surface smoothness of 0.11 mm – 0.28 mm. An improved surface smoothness featuring flat surface type is obtained with this path planning.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterizations of MOF-199 Using Renewable Template
Authors: Mahadi Nurfatihah , Misran Halina , Othman S.Z. , Jamaludin Nur Syahadah , Manap Abreeza , Anuar N.F.S.
Published: July 2015

A three-dimensional (3D) copper-based metal-organic frameworks or MOF-199 were successfully synthesized by utilizing palm oil based fatty alcohols that acted as renewable template. The synthesis of MOF-199 employed different length of straight chain of fatty alcohols namely octyl, decyl, lauryl, myristyl and cetyl alcohols derived from palm oil using similar method to those reported earlier with some modifications. The microstructure of MOF-199 exhibited single particles with fine octahedral morphology at various particle sizes in the range of ca. 15-60 μm. The nitrogen adsorption isotherms were conducted to estimate the surface area and pore volume of the materials and were at ca. 400 – 1100 m2g-1 and 0.17 – 0.43 mLg-1 respectively. The surface area and pore volume of the materials decreased with longer straight chain fatty alcohol possibility due to mobility of the long carbon chain.
Comparison between SAC405 Lead-Free Solders and EN(P)EPIG and EN(B)EPIG Surface Finishes
Authors: Saliza Azlina Osman , Ourdjini Ali , Ibrahim Mohd Halim Irwan
Published: July 2015

In electronics industries, most of them had to shifted their solder materials from leaded solders into lead-free solders due to the environmental concerns and follow the legislation of Restriction of use Hazardous Substances (RoHS). Thus, Sn-Ag-Cu solder is one of the choices that can replace the leaded solder and also offer better properties. This study investigates the comparison between Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC405) and EN(P)EPIG and EN(B)EPIG surface finishes. Reliability of solder joint has been assessed by performing solid state isothermal aging at 150oC for 250 up to 2000 hours. After reflow soldering process, (Cu,Ni)6Sn5intermetallic compound (IMC) is dominated at near centre of solder meanwhile (Ni,Cu)3Sn4IMC is dominated at near outside of solder ball.Moreover, aging time resulted in an increase in thickness and changed the morphology into more spherical, dense and large grain size. Analysis by optical microscope revealed that the IMC thickness of EN(B)EPIG produced thicker IMC compared to EN(P)EPIG surface finish during reflow as well as isothermal aging.