bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Extraction from Microarray Data
Authors: Fiori Alessandro , Grand Alberto , Bruno Giulia , Brundu Francesco Gavino , Schioppa Domenico , Bertotti Andrea
Published: December 2015

Nowadays, a huge amount of high throughput molecular data are available for analysis and provide novel and useful insights into complex biological systems, through the acquisition of a high-resolution picture of their molecular status in defined experimental conditions. In this context, microarrays are a powerful tool to analyze thousands of gene expression values with a single experiment. A number of approaches have been developed to detecting genes highly correlated to diseases, selecting genes that exhibit a similar behavior under specific conditions, building models to predict disease outcome based on genetic profiles, and inferring regulatory networks. This paper discusses popular and recent data mining techniques (i.e., Feature Selection, Clustering, Classification, and Association Rule Mining) applied to microarray data. The main characteristics of microarray data and preprocessing procedures are presented to understand the critical issues introduced by gene expression values analysis. Each technique is analyzed, and relevant examples of pertinent literature are reported. Moreover, real use cases exploiting analytic pipelines that use these methods are also introduced. Finally, future directions of data mining research on microarray data are envisioned.
Roles of Culture for Knowledge Sharing in Asian Virtual Teams
Authors: She Jinghuai , Zhang Xi , Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia , Wang Weiguang
Published: December 2015

Knowledge sharing is a critical component for successful knowledge management. For multi-culture virtual teams, the difference of culture and the limitation of virtual organization make it especially harder for knowledge-sharing management. This chapter addresses the culture and structure for knowledge sharing in virtual teams. Then, the case of Asian virtual teams is studied to show evidence for the established model. Discussion focuses on managing conflict and maximizing contribution.
Applying the K-Means Algorithm in Big Raw Data Sets with Hadoop and MapReduce
Authors: Savvas Ilias K. , Sofianidou Georgia N. , Kechadi M-Tahar
Published: December 2015

Big data refers to data sets whose size is beyond the capabilities of most current hardware and software technologies. The Apache Hadoop software library is a framework for distributed processing of large data sets, while HDFS is a distributed file system that provides high-throughput access to data-driven applications, and MapReduce is software framework for distributed computing of large data sets. Huge collections of raw data require fast and accurate mining processes in order to extract useful knowledge. One of the most popular techniques of data mining is the K-means clustering algorithm. In this study, the authors develop a distributed version of the K-means algorithm using the MapReduce framework on the Hadoop Distributed File System. The theoretical and experimental results of the technique prove its efficiency; thus, HDFS and MapReduce can apply to big data with very promising results.
From Tf-Idf to Learning-to-Rank
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Murshed Manzur
Published: December 2015

Ranking a set of documents based on their relevances with respect to a given query is a central problem of information retrieval (IR). Traditionally people have been using unsupervised scoring methods like tf-idf, BM25, Language Model etc., but recently supervised machine learning framework is being used successfully to learn a ranking function, which is called learning-to-rank (LtR) problem. There are a few surveys on LtR in the literature; but these reviews provide very little assistance to someone who, before delving into technical details of different algorithms, wants to have a broad understanding of LtR systems and its evolution from and relation to the traditional IR methods. This chapter tries to address this gap in the literature. Mainly the following aspects are discussed: the fundamental concepts of IR, the motivation behind LtR, the evolution of LtR from and its relation to the traditional methods, the relationship between LtR and other supervised machine learning tasks, the general issues pertaining to an LtR algorithm, and the theory of LtR.
Insights into the Search Behavior of Non-Medical Professionals Based on Task Difficulty and an Evaluation against New Generation Medical Information Retrieval Strategies
Authors: Inthiran Anushia , Alhashmi Saadat M. , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: December 2015

Medical information searching is amongst the most common type of search performed on the Internet. The accessibility and availability of publicly available medical domains has made medical domains a popular destination to perform medical type searches. However, non-medical professionals may find performing a medical type search difficult due to limited knowledge and expertise. Thus, medical information retrieval strategies are key in assisting non-medical professionals experience a productive search session. In this chapter, the authors review information retrieval strategies and introduce new generation information retrieval strategies. They then analyze search behavior of non-medical professionals when searching across varying levels of task difficulty. This is followed by an evaluation on how new generation medical information retrieval strategies support a non-medical professional's medical search session when searching across varying levels of task difficulty. Results of this research study provide a better understanding of the search behavior of non-medical professionals when searching across varying levels of task difficulty. The results also provide suggestions on how information retrieval strategies can better assist non-medical professionals when searching across varying levels of task difficulty.
Chinese Cultural Values and Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Au Alan K.M. , Yeung Matthew C.H.
Published: December 2015

In order to address the growing economic and social pressures of the 21st Century, Chinese must build solid foundations for a knowledge-based economy. However, knowledge sharing is relatively uncommon in Chinese communities and there has been little success in understanding the motivations and barriers of knowledge sharing in the Chinese context and thus there appears to be no systematic way to analyze the obstacles to information sharing among Chinese. In possession of Chinese cultural values has been commonly regarded as the reason for knowledge hoarding among Chinese. The present study examines whether or not Chinese's Confucian philosophy is responsible for the reluctance of knowledge sharing.
Effect of Knowledge Sharing and Supply Chain Management on Organizational Performance
Authors: Arun Korhan
Published: December 2015

Low priced and attainable information technology has made it possible to connect critical and proprietary information with supply chain partners, because of ever growing size, complexity, 7/24 system ability, evolved production processes etc. need flow of knowledge continuously. The knowledge integrated in the supply chain management (SCM) systems affects both supply chain and organizational performance. But since there is no single entity on performance an effective systematically approach to performance measurement could not be established. Generally in previous studies, organizational performance hasn`t been measured within the terms of SCM but if integral unit endeavor performance can be judged by so the overall performance can be judged by its departments` efforts. So SCOR model is chosen because important supply chain characteristics and their associated interactions aren't ignored. And organizational performance is reciprocal that performance measurement is taken a system for integrating the management of supply chain and knowledge. Therefore the objectives of the study were appeared to be correlation levels and relationships between knowledge sharing, SCM and organizational performance. This study is unique in terms of the dimensions that are being investigated in Turkey. While there are studies on SCM and knowledge sharing, each examined alone, this study tried to undercover the relationships between these two terms.
Business Intelligence in the Music Industry Value Chain
Authors: Russ Hanne , Kuilboer Jean-Pierre , Ashrafi Noushin
Published: December 2015

The arrival of the internet and the availability of music in digital formats have altered the landscape of the music industry. This paper examines the impact of the Internet on the music industry and argues that the adverse impact of technology disruption can be offset by the proper use of business intelligence technology throughout the value chain. A careful analysis of the value chain of music industry helps determine where and how Business Intelligence can be effectively implemented towards the best outcome. While there have been a number of studies about the implementation of BI in other industries such as finance, healthcare, and education, there has never been an insightful study of BI in the music industry. Scholars of business intelligence and music industry managers should benefit from this study as we explore yet another context for the application of BI technology and opportunities for adding value through Business Intelligence.
Knowledge Sharing between Local Government and Rural Remote Communities in Tanzania
Authors: Philips Chantal , Mtega Wulystan P. , Vainio-Mattila Arja
Published: December 2015

Social, economic, and cultural factors are known to influence the knowledge sharing process between governments and rural communities. There is evidence that the success of ICT for development partnerships depends on a broadly identified “local context” and involvement of local communities. This chapter describes a survey of citizens about their information needs and modes of reception as well as a pilot study of Village Information Officers. Utilizing new technologies such as mobile phone communication and community radio broadcasting in local languages is identified by remote and rural study and survey participants as a valuable alternative to traditional government methods for communicating with citizens. Rural people identified gaps in knowledge related to health, education, and economic activities. These three broad categories of knowledge are important for effective poverty reduction efforts of government. Due to the poor reach of newspapers or other forms of print and broadcast media, face-to-face communication and cell phones were mentioned by more than 60% of the respondents in Kilosa district as techniques used in accessing government information. The positive results achieved by Village Information Officers in responding to gaps in knowledge regarding government services and support for development efforts has led to further demand for replication of the pilot study to support pastoralists, emergency preparedness, and wildlife conservation.
Social Networks and Employee Knowledge Sharing and Performance
Authors: Peng Jianping , Quan Jing ("Jim")
Published: December 2015

In this chapter, the authors investigate the correlation between characteristics of the four social networks and employee task and contextual performance. The chapter focuses on the degree centrality and betweenness centrality of the four social networks (Job Advisory, Work Discussion, Friendship and Email Networks) of a Chinese state-owned enterprise as well as the individual attributes of knowledge sharing behavior and IT capability. The findings of this research are 1) employee contextual performance is uncorrelated with the network characteristics; 2) it is significantly and positively correlated with knowledge sharing behavior, but significantly and negatively correlated with individual IT capability, and 3) task performance is correlated, both positively and negatively, with various network characteristics, but not with knowledge sharing behavior and individual IT capability. In addition to discussing the cultural dimension of these results, the authors draw theoretical and managerial implications based on our research framework and findings.
Knowledge Sharing Barriers in Procurement
Authors: Atkova Irina , Tuomela-Pyykkönen Marika
Published: December 2015

This chapter introduces knowledge management as a means to analyse the process of knowledge sharing in organisations, specifically knowledge-sharing barriers faced by companies in procurement on the level of an individual employee, as well as at the level of an organisation. It argues that at the individual level knowledge sharing process is frequently hoarded by internal resistance, lack of trust, insufficient motivation, gap in awareness and knowledge, and at the organizational level, by bureaucracy and hierarchy, paradigm incoherency, lack or organisational reciprocity, absence of common legitimate language, organisational and national cultures, competition between the business units and departments, poor communication infrastructure, and localization. The chapter does not aspire to provide a complete list of the knowledge-sharing barriers faced by the companies within procurement but instead to draw attention to the complexity and problematic of the knowledge-transfer process. Awareness of the potential knowledge-sharing barriers allows the managers and companies to proactively respond to these challenges and develop solutions for a specific organisation.
Modeling the Metrics of Individual, Organizational and Technological Knowledge Sharing Barriers
Authors: Sharma B. P. , Singh M. D.
Published: December 2015

In today's knowledge-based business, knowledge is the only source of competitive advantage for engineering industries. Knowledge sharing plays an important role in the success of knowledge management (KM). Knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs) become obstacles for KM to achieve the goals of the industries. In this paper, three categories of KSBs have been identified such as individual, organizational and technological. The main purpose of this research is to measure the effectiveness of individual, organizational and technological KSBs by the application of an analytical network process (ANP) framework which helps to the managers for taking decision to enhance the successful knowledge sharing in the engineering industries. An ANP framework has been developed with the help of identified determinants, dimensions and enablers to evaluate alternatives such as individual, organizational and technological KSBs. Results indicate that the organizational KSBs have the maximum effect on knowledge sharing followed by technological and individual KSBs.
An Investigation of BI Implementation Critical Success Factors in Iranian Context
Authors: Ravasan Ahad Zare , Savoji Sogol Rabiee
Published: December 2015

Nowadays, many organizations take Business Intelligence (BI) systems to improve their decision-making processes. Although many organizations have adopted BI systems, not all of these implementations have been successful. This paper seeks to identify critical success factors (CSFs) that impact on successful implementation of BI systems in organizations. So, at first, through literature review, 26 CSFs were identified. Following that, a questionnaire was developed and then filled out by domain experts who had at least three years of experience in BI implementation projects in Iran. Robust Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was run for data analysis, which finally classified 26 CSFs into four distinct groups termed as “organizational”, “human”, “project management”, and “technical”. The results of this study provide a very useful reference for scholars and managers to identify the relevant issues of BI projects in Iran.
Comparison of Linguistic Summaries and Fuzzy Functional Dependencies Related to Data Mining
Authors: Hudec Miroslav , Vučetić Miljan , Vujošević Mirko
Published: December 2015

Data mining methods based on fuzzy logic have been developed recently and have become an increasingly important research area. In this chapter, the authors examine possibilities for discovering potentially useful knowledge from relational database by integrating fuzzy functional dependencies and linguistic summaries. Both methods use fuzzy logic tools for data analysis, acquiring, and representation of expert knowledge. Fuzzy functional dependencies could detect whether dependency between two examined attributes in the whole database exists. If dependency exists only between parts of examined attributes' domains, fuzzy functional dependencies cannot detect its characters. Linguistic summaries are a convenient method for revealing this kind of dependency. Using fuzzy functional dependencies and linguistic summaries in a complementary way could mine valuable information from relational databases. Mining intensities of dependencies between database attributes could support decision making, reduce the number of attributes in databases, and estimate missing values. The proposed approach is evaluated with case studies using real data from the official statistics. Strengths and weaknesses of the described methods are discussed. At the end of the chapter, topics for further research activities are outlined.
The Data Machine
Authors: Hanford Nicholas A.
Published: December 2015

Kenneth Burke warned of the trends of behaviorism in A Grammar of Motives as he found them to be a reduction of the human condition. In the current digital landscape, data mining aims at reducing the human user to characteristics and re-presenting those characteristics, through online advertising, to the user they were collected from. Due to these processes, rhetoricians are forced to take a deeper look at how the audience is constituted within digital situations. This chapter discusses the effects of data mining on Burke's work, providing an example for the contextualization of rhetorical theory in new media environments. By contextualizing Burke's concepts, this chapter allows for these ideas to be used more seamlessly within digital rhetoric and any medium where data mining is a consistent practice.
Beyond the Back Room
Authors: McFall Lisa M.
Published: December 2015

Many professors and students are surprised to learn about the variety of skills metadata and catalog librarians possess that can benefit their digital humanities projects. Metadata and catalog librarians already have experience in areas such as developing project metadata schemas and controlled vocabularies, as well as providing suggestions for project organization, and have the basic abilities needed to support learning new skills such as XML and TEI. This chapter will offer perspectives on how a metadata and catalog librarian can contribute to digital humanities projects. A case study focusing on the involvement of the Metadata and Catalog Librarian with the Digital Humanities Initiative (DHi) at Hamilton College will be used to illustrate one example of how to become successfully involved in digital humanities research on campus.
Information Systems in Healthcare with a Special Focus on Developing Countries
Authors: Abugabah Ahed , Afarraj Osama , Sansogni Louis
Published: December 2015

Information Systems offer tremendous opportunities to improve healthcare services. Thus far, they have a proven track record as a way to improve the quality of services, and work processes effectiveness. However, Health Information Systems can be inappropriately specified, having functional errors, being unreliable, and not user friendly. Such breakdowns may affect working processes and decisions of healthcare providers, resulting in potential harm to patients. This chapter will elaborate a number of important issues/problems related to Information Systems in healthcare with the aim of providing a deeper contextual insight into their application in healthcare and offer advice on the factors that should be considered when designing and evaluating them. The chapter aims at providing a literature review of Information Systems in healthcare and highlight the challenges Information Systems face in this domain by providing a significant review of Information System theory in healthcare.
Biologically Inspired Techniques for Data Mining
Authors: Alam Shafiq , Dobbie Gillian , Koh Yun Sing , Rehman Saeed ur
Published: December 2015

Knowledge Discovery and Data (KDD) mining helps uncover hidden knowledge in huge amounts of data. However, recently, different researchers have questioned the capability of traditional KDD techniques to tackle the information extraction problem in an efficient way while achieving accurate results when the amount of data grows. One of the ways to overcome this problem is to treat data mining as an optimization problem. Recently, a huge increase in the use of Swarm Intelligence (SI)-based optimization techniques for KDD has been observed due to the flexibility, simplicity, and extendibility of these techniques to be used for different data mining tasks. In this chapter, the authors overview the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), one of the most cited SI-based techniques in three different application areas of KDD, data clustering, outlier detection, and recommender systems. The chapter shows that there is a tremendous potential in these techniques to revolutionize the process of extracting knowledge from big data using these techniques.
Study of Fly Ash in Making Cementitious Composites
Authors: Jevtić Dragica , Zakić Dimitrije , Savić Aleksandar , Šerifi Veis
Published: December 2015

Applications of fly ash in building industry have very important and relevant problems of origin which are discussed in this paper. Authors have performed tests on mortar, plain concrete and Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) specimens. Experiments showed satisfactory results concerning possible application of fly ash as admixture for cementitious composites. Experimental research was conducted in the Laboratory for materials at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade.
3D Computer Systems Supporting Modeling of Lower Limb Orthoses
Authors: Bogusławski Grzegorz
Published: December 2015

This paper is aimed at developing the system assisting an orthotics specialist during correction process of orthoses structure. Orthotics is a specialty within medical field increasingly progressing in terms of variety of offered services, equipment and materials used. Further mentioned in this paper is the usage of optical scanning, depending on making series of photos in split second and then assembling then into 3D model, thus eliminating drawbacks of the classical methods based on the plaster cast preparation. The objective of such computer aided design is evaluation of the influence of prostheses shape modifications on their features.
Behavior Diagnostics of Bucket Wheel Support Structure Using Finite Elements Method: Optimization of Structures
Authors: Jovančić Predrag , Medenica Dragan , Milisavljević Vladimir , Ristović Ivica
Published: December 2015

Most common types of bucket wheels were analyzed by finite elements method in this paper. Also, relevant diagnostics parameters are defined for various constructions (stress concentration, deformation energy, distribution of potential and kinetic energy for main oscillation shapes). This approach enabled identification of weak spots and selection of such types of bucket wheel which are most suitable for specific working conditions on open cast mine.
Bionics - Natural but Innovative Methods Improve the Aeroacoustic Engineering
Authors: Kopania Joanna M.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the aeroacoustics result of the trailing edge noise prepared wings two species of owl - Barn owl (Tyto alba), called “good hearing” and Northern hawk-owl (Surnia ulula), called “good seeing”. The acoustic performance comparisons between the Barn owl and Northern hawk-owl show that there are differences between the sound intensity the studied wings. These results prove that the special sound suppression characteristics of wing feather play an important role for their silent flight. Therefore the flat plates with the cutting trailing edge have been studied. At lower speeds, a better noise reduction effect was obtained for the plates with edges as elliptical arcs. On the basis of the above tests it can be concluded that other types of notches on the trailing edge (not just a sawtooth) also reduce the aerodynamic noise of flat plate.
A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis for Category "Thermodynamics" within SCI-E - Part 6: Analysis of EF and AI
Authors: Dašić Predrag , Karić Marina
Published: December 2015

Category "Thermodynamics" was established in 1993 within SCI-E, starting with 25 journals, with only 55 journals in 2014, which is an increase of more than two times for the period observed. It is ranged as a category within SCI-E in 2014 according to number of journals on 100 position, from total 176 categories. This paper presents Part 6 of article series of comprehensive bibliometric analysis for category "Thermodynamics" within SCI-E, in which bibliometric indicators are analyzed: Eigenfactor (EF) and Article Influence (AI) for this category for the period 2007-2014. This analysis shows that journals:EnergyandInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transferhave by far the highest EF andProgress in Energy and Combustion Sciencehas the highest AI in this category and this period.Abbreviations:
The Analysis of Foreign Trade of Metal-Processing Industry in Serbia
Authors: Cvejić Radoje , Lojaničić Radojko , Ivannikov Nikolaj , Radoman Kristina , Lutovac Nataša
Published: December 2015

In the paper were analyzed main statistical characteristics of foreign trade for metal-processing industry in Serbia in period of 2008-2014. In order to convey a more comprehensive overview of tendencies as well as changes that appeared in frame of foreign trade we analyzed the dynamics and structure of export and import of individual products and product purpose. Analysis shows that during the observed period some of the trade indicators have improved but the main problems still remain such as high level of deficit and unsatisfactory export structure.
The Role of the Noise Maps for the Noise Management in the Cities
Authors: Kazimierska-Grębosz Marianna , Grądzki Ryszard
Published: December 2015

The paper presents the application of noise maps in cities to reduce the traffic noise level on the streets. The division of noise maps, noise indicators for the evaluation of these maps as well as software systems used for creating noise maps are described in this paper. On the example of the strategic noise map of Lodz, the dangerous for the residents, noisy places as well as the positive and negative effects of applied protections are analyzed. The analysis of changes of the noise level in the period of five years is also presented.
New Organizational Structures in Machine Industry Companies
Authors: Riznić Dejan , Nikolić Radmilo , Fedajev Aleksandra , Stojanović Goran
Published: December 2015

Most enterprises in the Serbian economy are guided, structured and culturally oriented in a way that accepts only minor changes. When such companies face with the challenges from the environment, they respond in an inadequate manner and with a delay. There is an increasing need for the enterprise to have a strategy which is harmonized with the structure that allows normal functioning and, on the other hand, to has an ability to notice and make innovative changes. The organization is successful if its organizational structure allows it through the continuous process of designing and process of making decisions about a number of issues with regards on the form, system and characteristics of the organization (enterprise) of machine industry. Regardless of the size and diversification of the organization, when designing new solutions an attention should be paid to the future of the organization for the challenges yet to come, but also on the motivation of individuals related to the organization's goals. Today doing business is more complex and constantly seeks creation of added value and competitive advantages. New opportunities for better business are within the organizations and through the achievement of efficiency and effectiveness by involving all stakeholders.
Importance and Role of Internal Communication in Organizations
Authors: Stevanović Mirjana I. , Gmitrović Aleksandra M.
Published: December 2015

Market liberalization has accelerated and strengthened the pressure of competitors in an open struggle for the retention of existing and favor of new clients. It is necessary to understand the importance and necessity of good business communication, because if business communication in the organization is at a higher level, then the relationship between the organization and its clients is at a higher level as well. Employees in the organization are the ones who represent it, so if the internal communication in the organization is at a higher level, then the quality of services provided to clients is also at a higher level. Effective communication between organizations and customers enables an organization to achieve its goal, which is that it is positioned in the market as a modern organization that provides quality and services of high level.
Elimination of Crisis Situation in Enterprise of Mechanical Industry
Authors: Vesić Dobrica
Published: December 2015

In modern business conditions companies are more or less characterized by complexity and fluctuation. Special economic conditions, particularly in terms of intensive processes of globalization and the global financial crisis, have shown a constant decrease profit-making of the enterprises in the machinery industry, and thereby worsening financial position. It is a kind of crisis of business enterprises in the less adaptable business-system environment. Crisis management comes to the fore a crisis, enterprises, primarily associated with the development of the situation in which the company has reached a critical point with certain characteristics. However, it is a definition of all the hallmarks of the crisis the company. In the narrower sense, the crisis of the company is to be understood as a process in which, unplanned and unwanted, endanger the fundamental economic objectives of the company - the goal of preserving invested capital, profit goal (profitability), the goal of preserving the liquidity and solvency of the company. Therefore identify four main phases of the crisis of business enterprises: strategic crisis, the crisis of profitability, liquidity crisis, liquidity and borrowing.
Designing Technological Procedure of Cylinder Assembly Mounting Using IDEF Standard
Authors: Nikolić Zoran , Savić Darko , Nikolić Milan , Nikolić Miodrag
Published: December 2015

Mechanical engineering is one of the fields in which contemporary information technologies are widely applied. Technologies of production mounting processes impose a need for designing software solutions which would significantly improve their performances. First of all, we refer to the acceleration of manipulation process of the integral parts of assembly, their modification and mounting processes themselves. The set of integrated IDEF methods represents basic tools of contemporary strategies and technologies for the advancement of technological and business processes. Within the implementation of the project “Information system of the cylinder assembly mounting technology“, we have conducted a functional and information modelling of technological process of cylinder assembly mounting by applying IDEF method. By information modelling of process data, the conditions for the development of an applicative data model are created.
One Approach to the Development of Plant Voždovac Database
Authors: Nikolić Zoran , Dašić Predrag , Jocić Dragan , Nikolić Milan
Published: December 2015

The paper presents the main characteristics of heating plant Voždovac, methods of data acquisition and storing them in a database. Special attention is paid to creating queries and reports. The database is comprehensive because in addition to the measured and calculated data it contains all parameters related to the number of heat transfer stations, their capacity, built-in device by which with most heating plants is equipped in our country and abroad, and the state of consumed heat energy. The contribution of the database to efficient operation of heating plant Voždovac and maintenance of its facilities is emphasized. The database operation is illustrated by explaining the mode of certain forms, queries and reports.
Energy Use Thermal Mixture for Engineering Product Lifecycle
Authors: Kovalevskyy Sergiy , Starodubcev Ivan , Tarić Mirsad , Džubur Žana
Published: December 2015

The article considers the rules of constructing machining operations in terms of impact of the product lifecycle to choose operating sizes. A comprehensive optimality criterion is proposed. Technology combined method of surface hardening mixtures based on thermal impurities and its perspective value are shown.
Applications of Neural Networks for Exactness of Treatment on Machine-Tools with Parallel Kinematics
Authors: Kovalevskyy Sergiy , Kovalevska Olena , Lutovac Mitar , Cvejić Radoje , Šerifi Veis
Published: December 2015

In this paper authors conducted analysis of management features on machine-tools with numerical control using neural network for achieving exactness. Applications of Hopfield networks are discussed in the paper along with application of neuron computers that offer decision making of tasks ticker-coil.
An Improved Sensitivity SPR Biosensor Using Multilayer Graphene
Authors: Hamid Toloue A.T. , Centeno Anthony , Ahmadi M.T.
Published: December 2015

A graphene-based Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensor is presented. Graphene layers added to a conventional gold thin film SPR biosensor leads to a drastic increase in sensitivity due to the increased biomolecule adsorption in the graphene layers. In comparison to conventional SPR sensors this produces a large change in the refractive index at the metal-dielectric interface. The reflection of light coupled into a SPR mode propagating along a thin Au-graphene layer surrounded by dielectric is calculated and compared to a conventional SPR sensor.
Finite Element Analysis of Porous Medical Grade Cobalt Chromium Alloy Structures Produced by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Ghani Saiful Anwar Che , Wan Harun Wan Sharuzi , Mat Taib Zahrul Adnan , Ab Rashid Fadzil Faisae , Hazlen Ramli Mohd , Omar Mohd Asnawi
Published: December 2015

The recent introduction of selective laser melting (SLM) for the processing of medical grade cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloy has led to a complex shape fabrication of porous custom CoCr alloy implants with controlled porosity to meet the requirements of the anatomy and functions at the region of implantation. This paper discusses finite element (FE) analysis and mechanical characterization of porous medical grade CoCr alloy in cubical structures with volume based porosity ranging between 60% and 80% produced using SLM rapid manufacturing process. Analysis by FE is considered beneficial to predict the effective mechanical properties of the porous structures manufactured by SLM due to minimization of the need for expensive and time consuming physical testing. Cellular structures modelling for fabrication with Direct Metal Laser Sintering machine were designed to vary between 60% and 80% to study the effect of structural variation on mechanical properties of the cellular porous structure. ANSYS 14.0 FE modelling software was used to predict the effective elastic modulus of the samples and comparisons were made with the experimental data. FE results show that with the material properties in the functions of porosities, minimum mesh size of 0.2 mm for triangular shape mesh and boundary as well as load conditions as applied in this study, agreement in equivalent stress, strain and deformation with the experimental results can be achieved to some extent. The technique for FE in this study can be used to investigate stress distribution in three dimensional model of real bone.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Micro-Structural, Crystallinity and Photocatalytic Properties of Hydrothermally Prepared Titanate Nanowires
Authors: Siti Mariam Mohamad , Siti Najihah A.B. , Zuhana A.Z. , Abd Kadir M.
Published: December 2015

Titanate nanowires were synthesised by hydrothermal process in 10M NaOH aqueous solution at 200oC for 24h. The samples were washed repeatedly in HCl aq. solution and deionized water until pH ~7. Subsequently, the samples were heat-treated at 400-850°C in air for 2h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the sample heat-treated at 800°C showed the crystalline structure of sodium titanate (Na2Ti6O13 ), while the presence of anatase phase was detected from the sample heat-treated at 850°C. Wire-like morphology of the synthesized sample was observed using FE-SEM. The photocatalytic activity of the samples heat-treated at 600,800, 850°C and 900°C was investigated by measuring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under UV-light irradiation and more than 90% of the dye was efficiently degraded by the sample heat-treated at 850°C within 45 minutes irradiation time as compared to other tested samples.
Effects of Poly(Vinyl Chloride)-Grafted-Maleic Anhydride on the Poly(Vinyl Chloride)/Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Kenaf Core Powder Composite
Authors: Abdul Majid Rohani , Ismail Hanafi , Razaina Mat Taib
Published: December 2015

PVC-g-MA has been synthesized to replace the conventional PE-g-MA as the compatibilizer in PVC/ENR/kenaf core powder composites. The presence of the maleic anhydride grafting on PVC was made evident by infrared analysis. PVC/ENR/kenaf core powder composite samples were prepared using Haake Polydrive with the temperature of 140°C, with different kenaf core powder loading (5, 10, 15 and 20 phr) and incorporating PVC-g-MA with 4 phr. The water absorption and thermo-oxidative ageing properties of the composites were investigated. The results indicated that the percent of water uptake decreased with the incorporation of PVC-g-MA. The thermo-oxidative ageing test shows that the ageing properties of PVC/ENR/kenaf core powder composites with the addition of PVC-g-MA are lower compared to PVC/ENR/kenaf without PVC-g-MA.
Integrated Process of Ceramic Slip Using Rotating Technique
Authors: Mahamad Sahab Abdul Rahim , Saad Nor Hayati , M. Salleh Farrahshaida , Hamidi Azlin , Said Ngah Doll , Teng Wan Dung
Published: December 2015

Hollow shape product from ceramic material is produced generally by slip casting technique. This conventional technique is widely used in ceramic industries. Ceramic slip compound by rotating technique namely slip rotary moulding process is studied for producing the hollow shape green ceramic product. From experimental studies this advanced technique has exemplified high potential in producing green hollow shape ceramic product for mass production. Laboratory test result shows that the rotating technique is able to produce hollow shape green ceramic product with desired thickness and sufficient green strength (1 MPa) able to hold during de-moulding process.
Optimization of Natural Fiber Composite Parameter Using Taguchi Approach
Authors: Md Yusof Fauziah , Abd Rahim Mohd Khairul Hazami , Samsudin Ahmad Safwan , Mohamad Nor Nor Hafiez , Ahmad Zuraida , Halim Zahurin
Published: December 2015

The Taguchi’s method is a statistical tool to design and process optimization for achieving quality of product. Natural fibre composition is a brilliant option for the most widely applied fibre in the composite innovation. The advantages of natural fibre composites are renewable, environmental friendly, low cost, low density, flexibility of usage and tend to decompose (biodegradability). Since there are hundreds fibre that could be utilized in natural fibre composite, optimization in design of experiment is a promising in fabricating natural fiber composite. Taguchi’s method is used within this study whiche it can reduce the time consumed rather than doing all the experiment instead. The point of this project is to understand and study parameters of composite from three options of fibre, volume ratio and matrix against the tensile stress. From these parameters, it can show the optimum level that produces the highest strength against tensile load. The best combination obtained from the result of Taguchi’s method for each parameter are Kenaf fibre, 55:45 fraction of volume ratio, and ‘Bisphenol A epoxy resin’ matrix (Miracast epoxy 1517). This composition gives the highest tensile stress value of 30.5277 MPa.
The Occurrence of Phase Separation in Microcrystalline Cellulose Filled Natural Rubber Films
Authors: Che Ali Ruslimie , Mustafa Asrul
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the use of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as hydrophilic filler in two types of natural rubber latexes which are high ammonia natural rubber (HA) and epoxidised natural rubber latex (ENR). Light microscopy (LM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile strength measurements were then conducted on the resulting films. The light microscopy analysis revealed that more MCC particles appeared at the air–facing (AF) surfaces relative to the substrate-facing (SF) surfaces of the HA films with increasing MCC content. In contrary, the ENR25 films showed more or less similar MCC particles appearing at both air-facing surfaces and substrate-facing surfaces. Further SEM cryo-fracture analysis at the cross sections of the MCC filled ENR25 films indicated that the MCC particles were randomly dispersed in the rubber matrix. It can be suggested that the phase separation of MCC particles to the films surfaces occurred due to the incompatibility of MCC with the rubber matrix. Thus, it can be inferred that the occurrence of phase separation is minimised in the MCC filled ENR films in comparison to the MCC filled HA films.
Synthesis and Functionalization of Silicone Hydride Copolymer with Allyl Methacrylate via Hydrosilylation Method
Authors: Abdul Hamid Zuratul Ain , Hong Fook Low
Published: December 2015

Silicone hydride copolymer was functionalized with allyl methacrylate under the platinum catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to yield comb-like poldimethylsiloxane grafted with methacrylate. The reaction was monitored via attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Silicone hydride copolymer was synthesized in advance under cationic equilibrium ring opening polymerization. From the results, silicone hydride copolymer was synthesized based on cationic equilibrium ring opening polymerization mechanism under acidic condition. The peaks obtained from attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra corresponded to silicone hydride copolymer structure and ascertained that the silicone hydride copolymer synthesis was completed after 72 hrs of reaction. Functionalization process of silicone hydride copolymer had proceeded according to the Chalk-Harrod mechanism. The disappearance of Si-H peak at 2157 cm-1 had been observed in the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra had indicated that the functionalization process was completed after 48 hrs of reaction.
Utilization of Waste Natural Rubber Latex for Cleaning Application
Authors: Ramli Noor Farhana , Dzulkafly Nuur Syuhada , Rashid Azura A.
Published: December 2015

Natural Rubber (NR) latex cleaning compound was prepared by using three types of NR latex; HA latex, waste latex and subnormal latex. Each of these NR latex is then compounded with two different cleaning agents; monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethylene glycol (DEG) at three different phr loading; 1, 3 and 5 phr. The mechanical properties of these compounds were also investigated. Cleaning efficiency was conducted by applying the NR latex cleaning compound on the dirty surfaces. From the results, NR latex compounded with MEA exhibit better mechanical properties at loading of 3 phr MEA. The cleaning efficiency also showed the ability of NR latex compound to clean the dirty surfaces with addition of cleaning agent especially at higher loading. The waste N R latex compound compounded with MEA shows the best result in cleaning the surfaces due to the presence of filler that can adsorbed the dirt on the surfaces.
Diffusion Bonding of Sialon to AISI 420 Martensitic Stainless Steel with Cut Off Heat upon Cooling
Authors: Md Ibrahim Nor Nurulhuda , Hussain Patthi , Awang Mokhtar
Published: December 2015

In the past years, not many works on joining sialon to martensitic stainless steel have been carried out. The effect of the cut off heat upon cooling on the joint has yet to be discussed. In this paper, this effect is studied in terms of the microstructure and hardness of the reaction layer. Diffusion bonding was utilized to join sialon and AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel. The joining processes were conducted at 1150°C and 1200°C for one hour under a uniaxial pressure of 17 MPa in a vacuum (i.e. 1.0x10-5Torr). The heat was cut off upon cooling and the samples were left in the furnace for about 20 hours to cool down. Thicker reaction layer was formed in 1200°C sample because interdiffusion and reaction of elements occurred more rapidly at this temperature. The cut off heat had caused the sialons to crack and it was very severe in 1150°C sample due to the formation of a very thin interface layer. This layer did not have the sufficient strength to bind sialon and steel together because one of the sialons was completely detached from the joint. Diffusion layer and parent steel were segregated due to the difference in properties between the regions and it was more noticeable in 1200°C sample. Iron silicides and aluminium oxide might be formed in the interface layer. Microstructure of the parent steel transformed from globular coarse carbide in ferrite matrix to large grain size with carbide’s precipitation along the grain boundaries. More precipitates were formed in 1200°C sample and they were concentrated near the segregation line of the diffusion layer and the parent steel. The weakest part of the joint was at the border of sialon and interface layer since their hardness were extremely different.
Effects of Compaction and Sintering Temperature to the Alloyability of FeCrCu Powder Mixture
Authors: Rahman Mujibur M. , Yogaswerarow S.R.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the alloyability of FeCrCu powder compacts formed through warm powder compaction route. A lab-scale uni-axial die compaction rig was designed and fabricated which enabled the powder forming at elevated temperature. Iron powder ASC 100.29 was mechanically mixed with other alloying elements, i.e., copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) as well as carbon (C) as additive for 60 minutes. Green samples were formed at 30°C (room temperature), 100°C, and 180°C through simultaneous upward and downward axial loadings. The defect-free green compacts were subsequently sintered in argon gas fired furnace at 900°C and 1000°C for 60 minutes at a rate of 5°C/minute. The alloyability of the sintered products was analyzed through XRD testing. The compressive strength of the sintered samples was also measured. The results revealed that FeCrCu alloy was formed at different intensity depended upon the forming and sintering temperature. The compressive strength was found to be highest for sample formed at 180°C and sintered at 1000°C.
An Overview of Powder Metallurgy (PM) Method for Porous Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)
Authors: Abdullah Zulaila , Razali Rosliza , Subuki Istikamah , Omar Mohd Afian , Ismail Muhammad Hussain
Published: December 2015

NiTi is categorized as a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) that has been commercially studied and used in biomedical industry due to two main unique properties, Pseudoelastic (PE) and Shape Memory Effect (SME). Combined with biomimetic properties to human bone, NiTi has the potential to be applied as implants by engineered manufacturing process. The common manufacturing by casting has some challenges in order to obtain intrinsic and miscellaneous design of NiTi parts leash to explore more using powder metallurgy (PM) method that expected to get the porous structure. This paper aims to provide an overview of processing NiTi by conventional PM method which could contribute in focusing porous part that suits for biomedical and implants.