bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Possible Method for 3D Photo Scanning Speed Survey
Authors: Barbato Davide
Published: July 2015

More and more studies have been conducted in the field of architectural survey: the development and the optimization of new technologies, are greatly expanding the range of application, reaching more properly engineering areas. Strong standardization of infographics technologies the way of restitution of the artifacts is changing: no more - and not only - bi-tridimensional productions, but conceptual analysis and representations that go beyond the simple “visual” aspect of the work on which we investigate. However, we encounter new and important problems about the standards to be followed and the reliability and compatibility of the implemented procedures and methodologies. The aim of this chapter is the definition of a documentation able to guarantee the scientific survey operations, a decay of the errors and an adequate graphical output, combining the direct survey to the photo scanning technique applying this methodology to the survey of Sant'Angelo Fasanella bridge in province of Salerno.
Digital Tools for Urban and Architectural Heritage
Authors: Cigola Michela
Published: July 2015

Aim of this paper is focusing on experiences that combine an analysis on territorial, urban and architectural scale with computerized techniques of representation. These experiments (conducted in PRIN 2006 and 2008 national researches) had as focus the use and development of information systems to test their efficiency as an aid to analysis and survey of the Cultural Heritage, specially Urban and Architectural Heritage. Particulary, the aim of this paper is focusing on experiences that combine an analysis on territorial, urban and architectural scale with computerized techniques of representation.
Digital Reconstruction of Demolished Architectural Masterpieces, 3D Modeling, and Animation
Authors: Spallone Roberta
Published: July 2015

This chapter reviews methods and techniques of digital reconstruction of disappeared architectural masterpieces. Through the overview of theoretical positions are explored heuristic values and communicative potentials of three-dimensional reconstruction, and prerogatives of animation in the interaction with three-dimensional data. Different critical approaches related to the architectures remained on paper are then brought to light. The examination of several case studies, also personally conducted, is extended to unbuilt architectures and minor architectures subject to demolition or transformation in order to highlight the different strategies used for the preservation of the memory of such heritage. Finally, the case study of Turin Horse-Racing Society Building by Carlo Mollino is extensively presented through the analysis of contemporary critical bibliography concerning the project, a description of archival sources and illustration of methods and techniques of the digital reconstruction.
A Virtual Journey through 2D and 3D Elaborations Recorded with Range-Based and Image-Based Method
Authors: La Mantia Mariella
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to define a virtual journey into the vast repertoire of images and representations realized as a result of the measuring operations of the Vitelleschi Palace. The chapter will provide detailed informations about the history of the Palace, together with a deep investigation of its building phases, conducted through both the analysis of historical graphic documentation and the performing of a new architectural survey. The field of architectural survey, in recent decades, has undergone profound transformations made possible by the introduction and establishment of new instruments that have sped up the acquisition times and increased the amount of data collected with a high automation of measuring operations. The centuries-old building, product of many stratifications that occurred over time, are the examples that best of all offer themselves to these procedures of investigation. In this sense, the Vitelleschi Palace, authentic architectural masterpiece whose facades witness the period of transition between different architectural addresses, is a landmark case.
Learning Maths with Mobiles
Authors: Vainio Teija , Walsh Tanja
Published: July 2015

This chapter presents an overview of our experiences on cross-cultural design of technology in the context of mobile learning focusing on supporting learners to study mathematics in two different countries. The aim of our study is to discuss design issues from the perspective of two different types of cultures and reflect culturally sensitive issues based on a longitudinal study, which included empirical data from altogether over 3500 learners of grades 9 and 10. As a result we outline two focus areas: content and concept for best design practices. Furthermore, we argue that cross-cultural design of technology can help to identify culturally sensitive areas such as attitudes towards informal and collaborative learning and recognizing the local context for the content. Cross-cultural design of technology supports development of good user experience of mobile learning services for different local learning contexts.
Investigating the Mathematics of Inaccessible Objects
Authors: Staats Susan , Ernst David , Berken Shelley , Robertson Douglas
Published: July 2015

This chapter uses a reflective practice standpoint to discuss the use of iPad-based video production apps to conduct mathematical inquiries in a college algebra class. By using sketching apps to layer photos with grids, and capturing mathematical notation as it was written, students describe mathematical features of artwork that cannot be physically touched for measurement. We discuss the potentials and pitfalls of a video assignment to uncover the mathematics of these “inaccessible” art objects. Student math videos are described through three themes: choice of video platform; level of engagement with mathematics; and videos as a lens to perceive mathematical thinking. Our commentary suggests that touch-enabled mobile devices are especially well-suited for experiential, inquiry learning activities. As research on touch-enabled devices proceeds, mathematics education researchers may consider the ways in which non-mathematical apps can be turned towards learning mathematics.
Off-Line Communication in Mathematics Using Mobile Devices
Authors: Clanché Pierre , Jančařík Antonín , Novotná Jarmila
Published: July 2015

The chapter focuses on off-line communication using (not only) mobile devices where absence of direct communication increases the risk of misunderstanding and loss of time. Two principles that can lower this danger, the principle of charity and the principle of scaffolding, are presented first separately, and then in mutual relationship. The aim of this chapter is to show that charity and scaffolding are two (connected) stages of help to pupils. If the teacher applies the principle of charity, it enables him/her to understand pupils and/or discover their problems. Having detected the learners' misconceptions or problematic parts, he/she will be able to follow the pupils' thinking process and with the help of scaffolding advance the pupils' knowledge to a higher level. All the presented theoretical constructs are illustrated by examples from an on-line mathematical course for secondary pupils. The role of technological devices in developing the quality of pupils' participation in the course is documented.
An Exploration of Developing Mathematics Content for Mobile Learning
Authors: Kalloo Vani , Mohan Permanand
Published: July 2015

In this chapter, the authors explore the development of mathematics content for mobile learning. Firstly, some key factors which affect the development of mathematics content for mobile learning are considered. The development of content is challenging because of the limitations of a mobile device and the diversity of the mathematics content. The diversity of the content refers to the different types of mathematics content such as text, numbers, algebraic equations or graphs. The main challenge is determining the most effective way to represent this content on a mobile device. The need to consider factors such as the type of mathematics content, mobile device limitations, and the inclusion of mathematics pedagogy are discussed. The reason why each of these factors is significant is explained and a method for developing mathematics learning content is presented. The chapter closes with an example of a learning activity developed using this method.
Introducing iPads into Primary Mathematics Classrooms
Authors: Attard Catherine
Published: July 2015

The fast pace of technology has meant that new technologies are often being introduced into classrooms without knowledge of how they can be used to enhance teaching and learning in mathematics. This chapter explores how a small group of teachers used a new technology, the iPad, to teach mathematics within the first six months of their implementation and without the support of professional development. Findings from two separate studies are presented to support the argument that care should be taken when introducing any new technology to teach mathematics in primary classrooms and appropriate professional development that addresses the combination of mathematical content, pedagogy and technology is critical for all teachers, regardless of teaching experience.
A Multimodal Discourse on the Use of Touch Enabled Mobile Devices for Mathematics Education
Authors: Lane Jenny
Published: July 2015

The Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) iPads in School Project aimed to investigate how touch enabled mobile devices, iPads, were used in classrooms. This chapter shares findings from the research selected for their relevance for mathematics education. Qualitative and quantitative research was undertaken in ten West Australian classrooms from kindergarten to year ten, over two years. A community of practice model supported teacher reflection “on action” and “in action” aligned to national standards. Self-tracking video devices gathered evidence on how teachers were using iPads in teaching. Videos were analysed and tagged using multimodal discourse analysis software and a research-based checklist to identify effective pedagogical practices using iPads in mathematics education entitled the TIPs Mobile Pedagogies in Mathematics Checklist (Tips-Mobile-Maths) was developed. A series of short vignettes called “i-Stories” were developed. Social networking connected the teachers and was used for dissemination of research findings.
Automatic Localization of the Optic Disc Center in Retinal Images based on Angle Detection in Curvature Scale Space
Authors: Elbalaoui A. , Fakir Mohamed , Boutaounte M. , Merbouha A.
Published: July 2015

Digital images of the retina is widely used for screening of patients suffering from sight threatening diseases such as Diabetic retinopathy and Glaucoma. The localization of the Optic Disc (OD) center is the first and necessary step identification and segmentation of anatomical structures and in pathological retinal images. From the center of the optic disc spreads the major blood vessels of the retina. Therefore, by considering the high number of vessels and the high number of the angles resulted from the vessels crossing, the authors propose a new method based on the number of angles in the vicinity of optic disc for localization of the center of optic disc. The first step is pre-processing of retinal image for separate the fundus from its background and increase the contrast between contours. In the second step, the authors use the Curvature Scale Space (CSS) for angle detection. In the next step, they move a window about the size of optic disc to count the number of corners. In the final step, they use the center of windows which has the most number of corners for localizing the optic disc center. The proposed method is evaluated on DRIVE, CHASE_DB1 and STARE databases and the success rate is 100, 100 and 96.3%, respectively.
Real-Time Detection of Road Signs
Authors: Salhi Abderrahim , Minaoui Brahim , Fakir Mohamed , Sajieddine Mohammed
Published: July 2015

In order to realize an identification system of traffic road signs in real time, the authors have developed a performed detection method of these signs in real time. This method, presented in this paper, is implemented in two modules. The first is a pre-processing module based on video stream processing technics and the second, based on the polygonal approximation digital curves, identifies areas that may contain road signs using the particularity of their colors and contours. All algorithms implemented in this work are developed under the programming language C / C ++ using OpenCV library. The results of tests, realized on real videos of the traffic signs, show the performance improvement of the method developed in this work in terms of rate and speed of detection.
A Modified Value Iteration Algorithm for Discounted Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Chafik Sanaa , Daoui Cherki
Published: July 2015

As many real applications need a large amount of states, the classical methods are intractable for solving large Markov Decision Processes. The decomposition technique basing on the topology of each state in the associated graph and the parallelization technique are very useful methods to cope with this problem. In this paper, the authors propose a Modified Value Iteration algorithm, adding the parallelism technique. They test their implementation on artificial data using an Open MP that offers a significant speed-up.
Utilization of Nano Silica as Cement Paste in Mortar and Porous Concrete Pavement
Authors: Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Yusak , Ramadhansyah Putra Jaya , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Wan Ibrahim Mohd Haziman , Fadzli M.N.
Published: July 2015

The high percentage of porosity in porous concrete pavement tends to decrease its strength. In concrete industry, nano silica is one of the most popular materials that will improve the properties of cementitious materials. This paper, prepared to review the effect of nano silica in cement paste and mortar related to porous concrete pavement. It was found that, by incorporating nano silica with the right composition in cement paste and mortar, it will improve their mechanical properties. By incorporating nano silica in the mixture, it can be predicted that the strengthening effect of nano silica would be further enhanced in porous concrete because the nano silica improve not only the cement paste, but also the interface between paste and aggregate.
Nanoemulsion: Formation, Characterization, Properties and Applications - A Review
Authors: Nor Bainun Ismail , Alias Nur Hashimah , Syed-Hassan Syed Shatir A.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the formation, characterizaton, properties and applications of nanoemulsions are reviewed and summarized. Nanoemulsions are under extensive investigation as it can aid to recover the residual oil from reservoir rock in Oil Recovery application because of the submicron sized emulsion. Nanoemulsion is thermodynamically or kinetically stable system in which two or more immiscible phases that is made up at least one phase dispersed in others by mechanical shearing with appropriate surfactants. Nanoemulsions possess stability against creaming or sedimentation due to their small particle size while Ostwald ripening forming the main mechanism of nanoemulsion breakdown. Nanoemulsion has droplet sizes of the internal phase less than 500nm. Particle size and surface properties of droplets of nanoemulsion plays an important factor in the biological behavior of the formulation. Nanoemulsion shows great promise for the future of oil industries and biotechnologies, cosmetics and drug therapies.
Cementitious Materials Usage in Self-Compacting Concrete: A Review
Authors: Hamzah Ahmad Farhan , Wan Ibrahim Mohd Haziman , Jamaluddin Norwati , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Zainal Abidin Norul Ernida
Published: July 2015

There are significant changes observed in concrete materials, the properties of innovated concrete have also experiencing revolutionize through hi-tech encroachment. Instead of new changes in the materials used in concrete making, the adjustment in concrete is started from conventional concrete strength and slowly tracked by high-strength concrete and high-performance concrete. Recently, the exploitation of by-products waste in the self-compacting concrete (SCC) had achieved massive interest among researchers due to practicable and beneficial features. Most of the prior works focused on SCC combining with supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, coal bottom ash, silica fume, ground granulated glass blast-furnace slag and rice husk ash. Concrete with these cementitious materials have been used extensively throughout the world. These materials used as mineral admixtures in concrete and strengthen the durability and concrete properties. The concrete applications are increasing with the passage of time due to their superior structural performance, environmental friendliness and low impact on energy utilization. Through these understanding, this research points out the idea of cementitious materials in concrete, especially SCC possess with numerous positive features such as durability, flowability and overall performance of concrete. It can be seen that cementitious materials have high benefit and lead to curing potential. However, it is important to understand that these materials are relatively expensive. Thus, this is a main reason behind their less adoption compared to add as mixtures in Portland cement.
The Effects of Particle Size and Viscosity on Settling Behaviour and Rheological Performance of Isopropyl Laurate Drilling Fluid
Authors: Abdullah Shafikah , Azizi Azlinda , Yahya Effah , Sauki Arina , Ghazali Nurul Aimi , Jamaludin Siti Khatijah , Mohamad Daud Ahmad Rafizan
Published: July 2015

Density and viscosity are two major rheological properties that determine the performance of an isopropyl laurate (IPL) ester based drilling fluid. In this study, the effect of barite particle size on the IPL drilling fluid system settling behaviour was investigated using five particle sizes namely-32, 32-45, 45-75, +75μm and the unsieved barite. Stokes’ law of separation theory was employed in the analysis. It was found that smaller barite particle sizes (<75μm) enhances the settling resistance. An ideal barite particle size of-32μm was chosen and used in the subsequent formulations to obtain optimum rheological properties by varying the amount of viscosifier used at 4.0, 10.0 and 20.0g marked as sample (a), (b) and (c). These samples were analysed for their rheology by using the conventional Fann viscometer calibrated using Bingham model. The results showed that sample (b) exhibited the most promising performance based on the plastic viscosity, yield point and gel strength rheological analyses. Moreover, IPL drilling fluid sample (b) showed improve particle suspension ability for more than 78 hours when compared to IPL drilling fluid system prepared using unsieved barite particles. The results suggested that palm oil based isopropyl laurate ester has the potential to be used as based fluid in the ester based drilling fluid system.
A Conceptual Reactor Design Based on Combination of Pressure Leaching - Electrochemical Deposition Techniques for Study of Gold Recovery from e-Waste
Authors: Nazri Amirul Islah , Basir Nor Irwin , Murat Muhamad Nazri
Published: July 2015

In Malaysia, the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) generated in 2008 was stated to be around 688,000 metric tonnes and was forecasted to increase to 1.11 million metric tonnes in the year 2020 [1]. Typical e-waste contains some elements of precious metal, which is mainly generated from the result of the revolution of computer technology. Currently, the most common technique being practiced to recover gold from e-waste is through cyanide leaching system and subsequent gold recovery techniques which may include electrodeposition. However, due to toxicity of the harmful cyanide, a non-cyanide extraction route is now becoming a necessity to minimize safety and environmental issues. In order to maximize the efficiency and safety of gold recovery from e-waste, a non-cyanide route using a reactor based on electrodeposition technique has been proposed. This paper explains the conceptual reactor design which combines the pressure leaching process of gold from e-waste and the gold recovery using electrodeposition via a non-cyanide route as a safer and environmental friendly process in recovering gold from e-waste.
Comparison of Starch Fiber Filled-Polyvinyl Alcohol and Native Starch Filled-Polyvinyl Alcohol under Tensile Analysis
Authors: Salleh Mohd Shahrul Nizam , Mohd Norzila , Omar Zarina , Saadon Norkamruzita
Published: July 2015

The tensile properties of starch fiber (SF) and native starch (NS) filled polyvinyl alcohol were investigated in this study. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) was blend with starch fiber as well as native starch. Prior to compounding process, PVA was plasticized with 30 phr glycerol as well as 10 phr distilled water. A solution casting method was used to prepare the SF-PPVA and NS-PPVA film sheet. Based on the tensile test results SF filled PVA recorded the highest tensile strength (20.015 MPa) as compared to NS filled PVA (12.302MPa). The tensile strength of the blends film was depending to the interfacial adhesion between matrixes in the blends. In spite of that, NS filled PVA have noted the highest elongation during the test. SF and NS played important role in affecting the blends matrix through disturbing the arrangement of continuous phase of PVA.
A Review: Pharmacological Properties of Aquilaria spp.
Authors: Jok Veronica Alexander , Che Radzi Nurhaslina , Ku Hamid Ku Halim
Published: July 2015

One of the most precious plants on earth is genus Aquilaria which able to produce agarwood . Under this genus, there are more 15 species around the world where the population is dense in Asia region. Four main Aquilariaspp will be discussed; (1) AquilariaSinensis, (2) AquilariaMalaccensis, (3) AquilariaCrassna and (4) AquilariaSubintegra which currently being researched for health applications. The review helped researcher to have the brief ideas on the pharmacological effects of agarwood.
A Study on Absorption Coefficient of Sustainable Acoustic Panels from Rice Husks and Sugarcane Baggase
Authors: Zuhaira Ismail Farrah , Rahmat Mohamad Nidzam , Ishak Norishahaini M.
Published: July 2015

Noise has detrimental effects on human lives and it is a nuisance to the environment. As many of the available sound reduction materials in the current market are hazardous, there are demands for alternative sustainable materials to reduce the noise problem. Therefore, the aim of this research is to study the potential of using an agricultural waste as sound absorption panel. For the purpose of this study, the combination of two materials was under studied; rice husks and sugarcane baggase. There were two main objective of the research; first is to develop absorption panels from the combination of rice husks and sugarcane baggase at different percentage of mixture. Second objective is to identify the absorption rate of the panels. The study encompasses the fabrication of the sustainable sound panels using the rice husk and sugarcane fibre and bond using Phenol formaldehyde (PF). Five panels of sized 12 inch x 12 inch and 12 mm thick were fabricated. The absorption coefficient of the samples was done at the acoustic lab, Faculty of Engineering & Build Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi. The panels were tested using an impedance tube. The procedure of the test was carried out in accordance with ISO 10534-2:1998 standards. Based on the results, sample 1 gave the highest absorption coefficient compared to sample 2, 3, 4 and 5. It can be concluded that the acoustic panel made from a mixture of 100% rice husks had higher absorption co-efficient compared to the performance of the other samples given the fact that the characteristic of the rice husks which has air gap in every single piece of rice husk. The spongy properties of the sample 1 panel has created many void spaces which encouraged more sound absorption capability due to the porous surface of the panel. Sound absorption is very much affected by the availability of porosity level of the panel. Thus, further studies on other potential materials from waste should be conducted.Keywords. Noise, Agriculture waste, sound, absorption panels, absorption co-efficient
Rubber Tree Clone Breed Identification Based on Latex Spectrum Properties
Authors: Abdullah Noor Ezan , Hashim Hadzli , Madzhi Nina Korlina , Sulaiman Mohd Suhaimi , Ismail Faridatul Aima , Hanafiah Kamaruddin Mohd
Published: July 2015

The phenomenon of rubber consumption in Malaysia has been increased parallel with the world demand. Hence, it is necessary for the cultivators to gain some knowledge for differentiating various rubber tree clone breed which may give them high latex yield after 5 years or more of planting. This paper discusses the identification of several rubber tree clones breed based on the best percentage of the reflectance wavelength obtained from the respected latex. In this work, there were three selected rubber tree clones which are RRIM 2025, PB 355 and PB 350 suggested by Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) will undergo a preliminary analysis on the significant information of spectrum properties acquired from the latex. A hundred of latex samples have been collected from each clone and extracted the optical measurements of the primary color spectrum (Red, Green and Blue) using spectrometer. The next step is to analyze the acquired information based on its reflectance wavelength with respect to clones and at the end it will be evaluated statistically. As a result, there were two out of three clones could be discriminated between each other with refer to the green wavelength (573nm).
Analysis of Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Content in Garcinia mangostana Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ibrahim Ummi Kalthum , Mahamad Husin Amira Sofea , Mohd Salleh Ruzitah
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content on different parts of Garcinia mangostana which are pericarp, leaf, fruit, and seed. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Response surface method (RSM) was used to determine the effect of the two extraction variables: extraction time (30-120 minutes) and extraction temperature (30-50°C) on yield of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different parts of Garcinia mangostana. The significant factors on each experimental design response were identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The best condition for total phenolic content of different parts of Garcinia mangostana was chosen based on the desirability obtained by using extraction temperature of 30°C and extraction time of 60.09 minutes, which resulted in 0.0274 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content in pericarp, 0.2501 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content in leaf, 0.0202 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content in fruit, and 0.0198 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content in seed of Garcinia mangostana. Under this conditions, it was found that the antioxidant activity of pericarp, leaf, fruit, and seed of Garcinia mangostana were 89.45%, 86.58%, 93.33%, and 78.80% of radical scavenging activity, respectively.
Curing and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Hybrid Thermoset Resins from Unsaturated Polyester and Acrylated Epoxidized Palm Oil
Authors: Fakhari Alireza , Rahmat Abdul Razak , Wahit Mat Uzir , Khalili Amirali , Alsagayar Zyad Salem
Published: July 2015

In this study a series of green thermoset resins have been produced from blending acrylated epoxidized palm oil (AEPO) and unsaturated polyester (UPE). The UPE/AEPO ratio was changed between 90/10 and 70/30 wt%. The curing behavior and morphology of hybrid systems were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, studies on mechanical properties were performed by tensile and flexural tests. The results revealed that, these green thermoset resins exhibit thermo mechanical properties comparable to those of commercial unsaturated polyesters.
Chemical Activation of Durian Shell Activated Carbon: Effects of Activation Agents
Authors: Wan Mahmood Wan Norasiah , Samsuddin Rusnah , Deris Raja Razuan Raja
Published: July 2015

Selection of suitable activation agent is important in order to produce high surface area of activated carbon. The present study was undertaken to develop high surface area of durian shell activated carbon (DSAC) using different chemical activation agents which were potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Surface porosity and surface area were directly measured from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface area analyzer, respectively. For the optimum condition, it showed that H3PO4 treated DSAC had the highest surface area which was 257.50 m2/g compared to KOH treated DSAC which was 13.10 m2/g. H3PO4 treated DSAC also showed the highest micropore surface area, external surface area and total pore volume with 191.22 m2/g, 66.28 m2/g and 0.149 cm3/g, respectively. SEM result showed that H3PO4 treated DSAC had a well pronounce porosity than durian shell char. Surface area and surface porosity were important in an adsorption process.
Comparison on Oil Yield of Phoenix dactylifera Seed Oil Extraction by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Solvent Extraction Method at 50°C
Authors: Aris Noor Aiysah , Norhuda I. , Adeib Idris S.
Published: July 2015

Oil yield extraction from Phoenix dactylifera seed was compared at 50°C based on highest oil yield results using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method. The comparison was based on the efficiency of the method to extract high quality pure oil without addition of organic solvent. Time taken to extract the oil was also evaluated as part of the method’s performance. Analysis of component in the oil was done using gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Oleic acid revealed to be the main fatty acid in Phoenix dactylifera seed oil, followed by palmitic acid, lauric acid, ascorbyl palmitate and others.
Determination of Chemical Species in MDEA – Carbon Dioxide – Water System by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Suleman Humbul , Shahid Muhammad Zubair , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah , Man Zakaria , Khalil Mohammad Azmi Bustam
Published: July 2015

Alkanolamines based carbon dioxide absorption from flue gases remains the most industrially implemented technique. The effective design of absorbers and associated equipment requires robust thermodynamic and kinetic models thus, instigating research efforts in chemical speciation and characterization of CO2 loaded alkanolamine solutions. In this study, the potential of Raman spectroscopy has been investigated to determine the in situ chemical speciation in MDEA – CO2 – Water system. The Raman spectra have been fitted to thermodynamic values using principal component regression. Results are in good agreement for carbonate, bicarbonate, MDEA and protonated MDEA chemical species.
Effect of Carbon and Nitrogen Ratio, Mineral Solution & Inoculum Size in the Production of Xylanase Using Oil Palm Leaf
Authors: Norazlina I. , Ku Halim K.H. , Abd Manaf Shareena Fairuz , Abu Bakar Muhammad Afiquddin
Published: July 2015

The production of xylanase by Aspergillusniger ATCC 16404 via solid state fermentation (SSF) system using oil palm leaves (OPL) as substrate was investigated. Fermentation parameters studied using one factor at a time (OFAT) technique, were carbon-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, mineral solution size and inoculums size. It was found that the optimum C/N ratio was at 0.4 with xylanase activity at 16.046 U/min. Meanwhile, the optimum size for both mineral solution size and inoculum size were at 1 ml with the xylanase activity recorded at 14.500 U/min and 19.057 U/min respectively. This shows that that the utilization of OPL as substrates in xylanase production using Aspergillusniger ATCC 16404 was a successful.
Effect of Drying Temperature and Time on Antioxidant and Total Phenolic Content in Garcinia mangostana Pericarp
Authors: Ibrahim Ummi Kalthum , Austin Enith Anak , Mohd Salleh Ruzitah
Published: July 2015

Garcinia mangostana is found to contain many antioxidants especially in the pericarp. During extraction process, antioxidant stability and phenolic content in the Garcinia mangostana was depended on the temperature applied during drying process as well as the type of solvent used. Therefore, it is important to know the temperature and the most suitable solvent used in order to maintain the stability of antioxidant and total phenolic content in the Garcinia mangostana pericarp. The purpose of this study is focused on the effect of extraction solvent and drying temperature on the antioxidant stability and total phenolic content in Garcinia mangostana pericarp. Three (3) types of solvent used in the extraction process were methanol, ethanol and distilled water. The effect of thermal on antioxidant stability was investigated by drying the Garcinia mangostana pericarp at temperature of 50°C, 60°C and 70°C for 3 to 24 hours. From this study, it is found that the best solvent used for extraction was methanol and the best condition for drying temperature is at 55.13°C for 3 hours. Results from this study are important in Garcinia mangostana pericarp preservation, shelf-life, and improvements of the quality.
Degree of Hardening of Epoxy-Modified Mortars without Hardener in Tropical Climate Curing Regime
Authors: Ariffin Nur Farhayu , Hussin Mohd Warid , Mohd.Sam Abdul Rahman , Rafique Bhutta Muhammad Aamer , Abdul Shukor Lim Nor Hasanah , Abd Khalid Nur Hafizah
Published: July 2015

Previous studies show that the epoxy resin will harden in the presence of calcium hydroxide from cement hydration process under steam curing. In this study, commercially available epoxy resin without any hardener was used as a polymeric admixture to prepare epoxy-modified mortars subjected to dry, and 5 day wet followed by dry curing in tropical environment. The mortars were prepared with a mass ratio of cement to fine aggregate 1:3, water-cement ratio of 0.48 and epoxy content of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of the cement. The tests conducted were workability, setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, and degree of hardening of epoxy resin. The results of the study show that the optimum epoxy content that produced the highest strength was 10% under wet-dry curing. However, the degree of epoxy hardening starts to decrease with an increase in epoxy content above 10%. It was also found that a significant improvement in strength development is achieved along with additional dry curing period due to gradually hardening reaction of epoxy resin with cement hydrates.
Effect of Fluid Invasion to Formation Resistivity
Authors: Wan Bakar Wan Zairani , Sauki Arina , Abd Halim Mohd Haziafiz , Mohd Taib Norrulhuda
Published: July 2015

Clay is the primary cause for resistivity reduction in most of the low resistivity pay cases. While dry clay acts as insulator, reaction with water made wet clay a good conductor. Clay conductivity is contributed by the exchangeable cation properties of the mineral. This reduces the actual resistivity of the formation, especially in the invaded zone. The effect is more severe if clay existed as dispersed type in the formation; which will also reduce other important petrophysical properties such as porosity and permeability. The study was conducted to observe the mechanism and reduction of formation resistivity due to mud invasion and find the relationship between resistivity reduction and petrophysical properties of the formation. The resistivity was measured on four types of samples with different grain size and sorting; well sorted fine grain size, well sorted medium grain size, well sorted coarse grain size and not well sorted sand. Three types of fluids were flushed into sand pack those are brine, crude oil and water based mud to simulate the invasion process. Sand pack with not well sorted sand and fine grain size had the most resistivity reduction, which possibly due to the high clay content that interacted with water.
Effect of Maltodextrin in Production of Spray Dried Kaffir Lime
Authors: Ibrahim Nor Madihah Bt , Rahman Norazah Bt Abdul , Hashib Syafiza Bt Abd
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effect amount of maltodextrin as a carrier agent in production of Kaffir Lime powder. Pure concentrated Citrus Hystrix juice with maltodextrin as carrier agent has been spray dried at constant inlet temperature of 140°C, outlet temperatute of 70°C and pressure of 40psi and pump speeds at 1 rpm with different percentage of maltodextrin. The highest amount of Kaffir Lime powder, 23.43 g was obtained at 40% of maltodextrin added to the juice.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB)
Authors: Pahlawi Qadly Ameen , Ghazali Nazlee Faisal , Mohd Hanim Khairilanuar , Nik Mahmood Nik Azmi
Published: July 2015

A preliminary study was performed on enzymatic hydrolysis process for treating empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre. The bioconversion of cellulose hydrolysis was carried out with soluble cellulase from Trichodermareesei as the biocatalyst. Crucial trends such as substrate and enzyme loading influencing the enzymatic reaction were also studied in order to enhance the cellulose conversion. The results indicate that as the enzyme loading was increased, the EFB conversion also increased until it reached 115.63 FPU/g of enzyme concentration, beyond this values, the reverse occurred. On the other hand, as the substrate loading was increased the conversion decreased. Inhibition of enzyme adsorption by hydrolysis products appear to be the main cause of the decreasing conversion at increasing enzyme loading and substrate loading.
Evaluation of CO2 Sequestration by Microalgae Culture in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Medium
Authors: Ahmad Adibah Dayana , Salihon Jailani , Tao Ding Gong
Published: July 2015

The microalgae Chlorella sp. grows well in POME medium sparged with a mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and air under 10,000 lx of lighting. The percentage of CO2 in the mixture, and the flow rate of the mixture (representing agitation) have important effects on the microalgae biomass yield. However, the percentage recovery of CO2 as microalgae biomass was very low in all cases, indicating that most of the sparged CO2 did not dissolve in the POME and was not sequestered by the microalgae but has in fact escaped with the bubbles into the head-space and out into the atmosphere. This result indicates that in order to increase the percentage of CO2 recovered, the area of improvement is mainly in the mass transfer of CO2 from the gas phase into the liquid phase. To ensure that dissolved CO2 does not re-form bubbles, the mass transfer has to be demand-driven, where the rate of uptake of dissolved CO2 by the microalgae has to be higher than the rate of mass transfer of CO2 from gas phase into the liquid medium.
Fruit-Milk Powder: A Review of Spray Drying Technology
Authors: Suzihaque M.U.H. , Norafiqah A. , Norekanadirah A.R.
Published: July 2015

Fruit-milk powder contain various nutritional and therapeutic values. Constipation in children is associated with the lack of fiber from food intake. Child’s diet during their first years of life depends greatly on milk as their main food supply. The primary objective of drying milk incorporated with fruits is to preserve it in a shelf-stable powdered form of high quality without a need for refrigeration. Milk powder are mainly produced using spray-drying and freeze-drying. The parameters needed to be taken into consideration are identified as the factors affecting the physical properties of dried milk powder. A review of the drying technology is presented. Keywords: Milk powder, spray drying, freeze drying, fruits
Kinetic Parameters of Biomass Pyrolysis – Comparison between Thermally Thick and Fine Particles of Biomass
Authors: Saringat Muhammad Ilmam B. , Som Ayub M. , Talib Norhayati , Asadullah Mohammad
Published: July 2015

In this study, kinetic parameters of fast and slow pyrolysis is compared. For fast pyrolysis, cylindrical wood pieces of 20 mm diameter and 50 mm length is pyrolysed in a tube furnace at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 500°C. Solid, liquid and gas products are collected and the yields are calculated. For slow pyrolysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is used using sawdust from the same biomass. Using the experimental data from two different methods the kinetic parameters are calculated such as activation energy and pre-exponential factor for the two different pyrolysis methods. For fast pyrolysis the parameters are found to be E = 32.5 kJ/mol and A = 35/min and for slow pyrolysis Es = 50.48 kJ/mol and As = 3179.86/min. The large difference between the values show that kinetic studies and modelling work using thermogravimetric analysis data is not suitable for commercial scale simulation. Also, the pre-exponential value for fast pyrolysis shows that the kinetic equation used from flash pyrolysis is not exactly suitable for this situation. Therefore, it is recommended that more studies on the kinetic parameters of fast pyrolysis of thermally thick biomass need to be done.
Microencapsulation of Essential Oils Application in Textile: A Review
Authors: Abdul Aziz Fitrah Rabani , Jai Junaidah , Raslan Rafeqah , Subuki Istikamah
Published: July 2015

Essential oils (EOs) widely known to possess various beneficial properties which are vital in numerous fields such as fragrance, flavour and medical. However, its high volatilities cause it ineffective in handling and utilizing for commercial application such as in textile. Although microencapsulation technology can trap oily components stably to fibers, a lots of affecting factor needs to be considered in order to have high performance microcapsules which can serve specific application. This review paper emphasize on microencapsulation of EOs and their promising benefit in textile application. Techniques and material use to produce EOs microcapsule, also process condition, aiding agent and fabric impregnating procedure are also reviewed for further studies.
Development of Hydrophobic Microporous Isotactic Polypropylene Membrane for Membrane Contactor Application
Authors: Wan Zulaisa Amira Wan Jusoh , Rahman Sunarti Abd
Published: July 2015

Membrane Contactor (MC) is a well-known membrane technology to provide significant advantages required by industries. For MC, a hydrophobic membrane required as a barrier so that liquid absorbent and flue gaseous do not disperse with one another. However, the major concern in hydrophobic membrane is getting swelling by liquid after a short operating period. To minimize the swelling, this study focused on the exploration on membrane fabrication by Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS). As the immersion in solvents is one of the important step to extract the diluent from membranes pores, the effect of the immersion in methanol was studied. The productions of hydrophobic microporous flat sheets were accomplished by using isotactic Polypropylene (iPP) and two type diluents: Dipenyl Ether (DPE) and Methyl Salicylate (MS). The measurement of hydophobicity of membranes produced was conducted by Test System of JY-82 Video Contact Instrument. Membranes produced were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The highest hydrophobicity obtained were 124°(three hours immersed in methanol) and 107° (two hours immersed in methanol) by DPE and MS respectively. All membranes show spherical pores, indicating that membranes were formed via liquid-liquid TIPS and strong bond alkane group by Infrared (IR) spectras show that the membranes produce did not change when undergo TIPS process.
Nutrient Removal of POME Using POME Isolated Microalgae Strain, Characium sp.
Authors: Tamil Selvam Tamilarasi B. , Renganathan Rajkumar , Takriff Mohd Sobri
Published: July 2015

The study examines the efficiency of nutrients removal by a locally isolatedmicroalgae strain from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) treatment pond, Characium sp. Theexperiment was conducted in laboratory conditions at room temperature for 20 days. Sampleswere taken at a two-day interval for dry weight, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), andnutrient removal analysis as well as carotenoid, protein and lipid content. The study showedthat the COD level of POME was reduced by 45.41%. Characium sp successfully removed90.35% of ammoniacal nitrogen, 86.9% of ammonia, 87% of ammonium and 88.6% of totalnitrogen content. This species was also found to remove up to 99.1% of phosphate contentand 99.5% of phosphorus. Characium sp produced 0.78 mg/L of carotenoid, 15.24 mg/L ofprotein and 18.43 mg/L of lipid by the end of the 20-day study period.
Optimization of DMC Transesterification Based Biodiesel Production
Authors: Mohd Ali Nur Amirah , Aziz Norashid
Published: July 2015

In this work, two types of optimization problems which are crucially related to batch reactor operation are considered. First problem is to maximize the conversion and second problem is to minimize the batch time. Both problems are solved using sequential quadratic programming (SQP) available in Aspen Plus. The manipulated variables i.e. reactor temperature and amount of palm oil are optimized simultaneously based on the specified objective function and equality constraint. Effect of intervals for both optimization problems are also evaluated in this paper. The results show that in maximizing conversion, the number of intervals did not significantly affect the amount of conversion. Meanwhile in minimizing batch time, the introduction of intervals was positively reduced the reactor temperature but negatively minimize the batch time.
Palladium Extraction Using Emulsion Liquid Membrane Process – Stability Study
Authors: Mohamed Noah Norul Fatiha , Othman N. , Bachok Siti Khadijah , Abdullah Nurul Ashida
Published: July 2015

Palladium is a rare precious metal with unique physical properties that are used in diverse industrial applications and in jewellery. Due to its economic value and its limited natural resources, palladium recovery from secondary resources has assumed a great significance. Therefore, this study investigated the possibility of using Emulsion Liquid Membrane (ELM) process for the extraction of palladium from simulated wastewater. The experiment was conducted using a mixer-settler in a batch system using 0.1 M Cyanex 302 in kerosene as a new carrier for palladium and 1.0 M Thiourea in 1.0 M H2SO4 as a stripping agent. The effect towards membrane stability of different parameter such as surfactant concentration, emulsifying time and agitation speed has been attempted. The results show that at favourable condition of 2% w/v of span 80, 3 minutes emulsifying time, and 200 rpm agitation speed, 94% of palladium was extracted. Hence, ELM is proven to be a very promising technique for the extraction of palladium from wastewater.
Predicting Blast Overpressure Caused by Vapour Cloud Explosion at External Vicinity of Chemical Processing Plant
Authors: Ahmad Ain Munirah , Abdul Rashid Zulkifli , Alias Azil Bahari , Bani M. Shahnor , Hashim Ruslan , Yusoff Nor Syazwani
Published: July 2015

In this work, the prediction of the overpressure resulting from a vapor cloud explosion (VCE) will be conducted from external area of a chemical process plant. Based on Feyzin Refinery disaster, this study will analyzed and focused on the spillage from a delayed ignition causing a VCE from the T61-443 sphere tank. TNT Mass Method and Baker-Strehlow models are used to estimate the overpressure of the explosion. The results are presented in the form of table and figures to compare the two methods and justify the overpressure predicted.
Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Fluids for Particle Formation from Pharmaceutical Compounds: A Review
Authors: Zainuddin N.A. , Norhuda I. , Adeib I.S. , Sarijo Siti Halimah
Published: July 2015

The rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) is a promising method for particle formation. In this paper, general review of fundamental and available results from studies of particle formation by RESS process using carbon dioxide as a solvent for pharmaceutical compounds.