bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosome-Derived miR21/SMAD7 Derived from Donor Osteoporosis Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Reconstituted Hosts
Authors: Chen Jie , Luo Yongsheng , Li Ting , Yang Wenbo , Zhang Wen , Wang Yuquan , Li Xingguo , Kong Lingjun
Published: April 2020

Exogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can regulate osteogenic differentiation. MicroRNA-21 has been shown to target SMAD7. This study explored the mechanism by which miR-21/SMAD7 inhibits osteogenic differentiation from exosomes secreted by osteoporosis patients-derived
MSCs. Exosomes were obtained from MSCs and miR-21 expression was detected. Normal MSCs were treated with exosomes secreted by MSCs from different sources for osteogenic differentiation followed by detection of ALP, Bglap and Runx2 level and ALP activity. Normal MSCs were divided into three
groups, which were treated with exosomes from normal adult MSCs, osteoporosis patients-derived MSCs and osteoporosis patients-derived MSCs + SMAD7 overexpression followed by analysis of the mRNA expression of ALP, Bglap and Runx2 by qRT-PCR and ALP activity. miR-21 expression in exosomes from
osteoporosis patients-derived MSCs was significantly higher than that from normal adults MSCs. After treatment with exosomes from osteoporosis patients-derived MSCs, Runx2 expression and ALP activity was significantly decreased. SMAD7 expression in osteoporosis patients was significantly lower
than that in normal adults. The expression of ALP, Bglap and Runx2 is significantly decreased after overexpression of SMAD7. SMAD7 is a target gene of miR-21 and plays a role in inhibiting osteogenic differentiation induced by exosomes from osteoporosis-derived MSCs.
Molecular Differences in Mouse Embryonic Frontal and Parietal Bone Derived Osteoblasts
Authors: Long Chao , Ma Xiangbing , Xu Guangtao , Hu Bo , Jin Limin
Published: April 2020

The embryonic tissue origins of the skull vault result in difference in the properties of the bone component. However, the specific molecular differences behind the bone elements are not clear. In this study, we analyzed the differences in osteoblast activities from frontal and parietal
bone at embryonic stage. The results showed that the osteoblasts of neural crest derived frontal bone are more capable of less bone matrix, higher proliferative ability and robust ALP activities, while the osteoblasts of mesoderm derived parietal tissue are with higher bone matrix, poor ALP
activities and less ability of ossification. Our data provides a specific molecular difference in osteoblasts of frontal and parietal bone during the development.
Performance of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor Treating Beverages Wastewater Using Cosmo Ball Coated With and Without Activated Carbon
Authors: Nur Dhamirah Sakinah J. , Aida Isma M. I.
Published: April 2020

Beverages industry producing large amount of wastewater during production and the cleaning process. The effluent discharge needs to be treated as it is harmful to the environment due to its high concentration of organic substances. In this study, the aim is to investigate the moving
bed biofilm reactor’s performance in treating beverages wastewater with (CMBAC) and without activated carbon (CMB). The surface of cosmo ball was coated with granular activated carbon used as the attached growth media in the reactor. 18 L of MBBR using cosmo ball as media was setup at
flowrate and hydraulic retention time of 1.5 L/hr and 8 hours, respectively. The reactor was maintained at pH 7 with minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/L. Experiment was repeated by using CMBAC as media. The best percentage removal achieved for chemical oxygen demand and total
suspended solid was by MBBR using CMBAC with 92.7% and 83.4%, respectively. It should be noted that absorption of contaminant by activated carbon absorption enhanced the organic removal in the reactor.
Cylindrical Concentricity and Coaxiality Optimization for Boring Process by Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Abdullah Allina , Khirulrizwan B. M. , Azman Afiqah
Published: April 2020

Machining is the process where the material on the surface of the workpiece is being removed through application of force and relative moment. Machining process involves a lot of process parameters. The utmost important thing in machining process is to achieve accurate dimensions and
good surface finish where its lead to produce the high-quality product. A good surface finish is one of the factors that greatly influence manufacturing cost and also describes the geometry of the machined surface combine with the surface texture. This experimental research has been conducted
in order to determine the optimum parameter involved that could affect the Concentricity and Coaxiality value by using Taguchi Method. To select the cutting parameters properly, the researcher collects the previous study to select the cutting parameters involving in Boring Operation of Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) Lathe machine. Based on the collected previous study, it is shown that best cutting parameters used for the boring process are cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut and using these cutting parameters as the controllable factor in this experiment. The researcher
also uses the different type of materials which are Aluminum Alloy 6061, Mild Steel and Carbon Steel. This experiment also used only one type of cutting tools which is cemented coated carbide. Taguchi Method approach has been used to achieve the best-intended models and analyze the optimum
parameter for the boring process by measure its concentricity and coaxiality of the workpiece. There are 9 workpieces been run in Conventional Lathe machine after been designed from the Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and main effect plot been analyzed to find out
the significant factor that affects the concentricity and coaxiality.
Review of Causes of Delay in Construction Projects
Authors: Al-Gheth Abdulhamid , Ishak Md. Sayuti Bin
Published: April 2020

Globally, construction delay is the main factors which have a high impact on countries’ economy and development. The present paper reports an exploratory research study of previous international research into delay factors affecting project delivery. The objective of this study
was to deliver an overview of construction delays in order to classify the main groups of delays and compare the UAE construction industry with international studies. In total, 14 groups were found to contribute to causing construction delays. Studies of the global and UAE construction industry
are in agreement that the leading group of factors that affect project completion are management factors; then, the second group comprises financial factors.
Develop of Hyperlinks Media to Learn Basic Wushu Techniques
Authors: Jarudin  , Ibrahim Nurdin , Muslim Suyitno
Published: April 2020

This study aims to develop hyperlink media through social media that are effective in learning basic wushu techniques. In develop, hyperlink media used the Analysis Development Design Implementation Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional model. The method used research and development with
a qualitative approach. The hyperlink media is tested with one to one evaluation, small group evaluation, and field testing. In this study, three instruments were used to collect data. Pretests were designed to identify learners’ initial abilities, questionnaires used the Liker scale
was given to instructional design experts, media, and material to validate the content of hyperlinked media, and posts to see the effectiveness of hyperlink media in improving learning. The results of the field test involving 37 learners participants suggested that hyperlink media was very
effective. As a medium for learning basic wushu techniques for beginner level. The results of this study indicate that the ADDIE develop the model is a learning design model that is based on an effective and efficient system approach and the process is interactive, the evaluation of each phase
can bring the development of learning to the next phase. In improving effective and efficient learning, media that are easy to use and keep up to date with technology are up to date. Develop of hypermedia instructional to learn basic wushu techniques shows an increase in skills of wushu learners
participants effectively and efficiently. Instructional methods used hypermedia as a support for the learning process, are very appropriate and innovative to facilitate learners, participants, and beginner learners.
Routing, Significant and Applications of Mobile AD-HOC Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Thanoun Mohammed Younis , Aleesa Ahmed Marwan
Published: April 2020

Nowadays development in the telecommunication fields brought much attention to the process of accessing network services with ad-hoc and related sensor support. The mobile random access to the network suffers from the capabilities to obtain certain access standards, recurrent topology
modifications, bandwidth restrictions, confined electrical power as well as undetectable airport terminal difficulty. In this paper, we study the significant wireless sensor network with their applications.
Other Properties and Presentation of Group from Kronecker Product on the Representation Quaternion Group
Authors: Yanita
Published: April 2020

The group was obtained by apply Kronecker product on the demonstration of the quaternion group is a finite group with 32 order. The elements of this group are 4×4 matrices and the group is a non-abelian. In the first results, it’s presented that the group was a solvable
group. In this paper, other properties will be presented and will also be given a presentation of the group. This property is associated with a series normal subgroup and the cyclic subgroup. It’s shown that the presentation of group have 4 generators and 5 relations.
Integrating Cloud in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract
Authors: Mohd Said Naqiyatul Amirah , Mustaffa Nur Emma , Tajul Ariffin Hamizah Liyana
Published: April 2020

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contract is a project delivery method in the oil and gas industry. However, the complexity of Engineering, Procurement and Construction projects inevitably leads to issues of project management, risk and technical to occur. Therefore, oil and
gas players demand a course of action in minimizing the issues arise in this project. Digitalization in the oil and gas trade indeed offers benefits in the upstream value chain of exploration, development, and production, which Engineering, Procurement and Construction projects take place.
Oil and gas companies had been focusing too much on digitizing technical work until the non-technical aspect has been abandoned. Therefore, this study presents and discusses the issues in Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract specifically in the Malaysian oil and gas industry.
This is a descriptive study and the methodology used is essentially based on the review of the literature in relation to Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract and the findings of a pilot study in relation to Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract and cloud computing.
The analysis revealed that the characteristics of cloud computing in relation to the adoption of Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract helps in empowering collaboration among stakeholders, allow oil and gas companies work highly automated, improve the performance of upstream oil
and gas industry, improve speed and minimize financial risks, delayed in schedule as well as improving the quality of the project.
Development of Mobile Learning-Based Learning Model in Higher Education Using the Addie Method
Authors: Prasetyo Dwi , Wibawa Basuki , Musnir Diana Nomida
Published: April 2020

Learning model is a series of meetings in the teaching and learning process that occurs between lecturers and students in college. Along with the development of information technology through mobile learning, the learning process also experiences a positive impact, namely by utilizing
smartphone devices. The purpose of this study is: accelerate transformation and facilitate communication learning between lecturers and students. The method used in this study is ADDIE method. The results expected with the support of smartphone devices can improve the quality of students.
So that lecturers and students can interact in the teaching and learning process without being constrained by space and time. The optimism of the successful implementation of this Mobile Learning system is very high because the facilities and atmosphere of various parties are very supportive
coupled with the need to be a priority requirement for everyone in this case students or students.
Prior Determination of Flash Floods: Artificial Intelligence Based Predictive Analysis Using Modified Cuckoo Search
Authors: Khan Talha Ahmed , Alam Muhammad , Kadir Kushsairy , Shahid Zeeshan , Mazliham M. S.
Published: April 2020

Flash floods are considered as the most intense hazard therefore rapid identification is needed. Tsunami also causes flash floods as it is commonly generated around the Pacific Ocean. Flash floods are also caused by the severely blocked streams in heavy rainfall. Floods have ended up
so many lives more than the other natural hazards and also devastated precious belongings and infrastructures. Cattles have also been affected by the floods event. Floods devastate the construction and infrastructure like roads, bridges and buildings that comes in the vicinity of effected
area by flood. Breakdown and overflow of dams may produce the deadly flash floods to the populated area and environs. Many strategies and methods have been followed to determine the flash floods on early basis so that evacuation announcements may be propagated. Numerous researches have been
studied and carried out to accomplish this task. Development of dams and reservoirs have been given more significance. Artificial Intelligence based competent decision-making algorithms like Bayesian classifier, PSO, ANN, NNARX, SVM and GA have been applied to achieve more accuracy in predictive
analysis. Direct observations from the sensors and data from the meteorological department have also been used for the predictive analysis of flash floods. Many yardstick parameters have been proposed in past researches to identify the flash floods vigorously like environmental CO2 levels,
precipitation velocity, wind speed, upstream level, height of the water, pressure, temperature and cloud to ground flashes. In this research papers a novel Artificial Intelligence based approach Modified Cuckoo Search (MCS) has been adopted to forecast the flash floods more rapidly and accurately.
Obtained results in the MATLAB have proved that Modified cuckoo search with the combination of Artificial Neural Network worked better than the recent available methods. Results have also been validated by comparing the MLP-PSO.
Electric Discharges Localization for Substation Fault Monitoring Using Two Elements Sensor
Authors: Singkang Lorothy Morrison Buah , Ping Kismet Anak Hong , Hoole P. R. P.
Published: April 2020

A substation is an important unit in the electric power system. Thus, the monitoring process must be carried out effectively to detect the operation status of the equipment, and pre-fault threat detection is necessary for safe operation. Many methods and intelligent techniques have
been developed to provide a better way of fault detection. However, power authorities unwilling to adopt those techniques due to the high cost of installation and more sensors required to improve localization accuracy. Therefore, to reduce cost and increase the speed of detection, this paper
presents a 2-element array antenna acted like a sensor to detect and localize the electric discharges from abnormal radiated electromagnetic activities in the substation based on the direction of arriving angle (DOA) received by the array antenna. Software implemented signal processor was
used to obtain the radiation patterns for different value of DOA relative to the normalized Array Factor (AFN). This 2-element Sensor was proven to eliminate the undesired signals (such as electromagnetic signals from outside the substation) and maximize the signals in the direction of the
desired signal by detecting the DOA of abnormal radiation from power apparatus (such as power transformer or circuit breaker bushings) inside the substation. It was proven that this cohesive unit was able to perform the two tasks by simultaneously eliminating or maximizing signals with very
small (such as 0.0873 radians) angle difference between external radiation and radiation from apparatus inside the substation. By performing these tasks, the 2-element Sensor was promisingly able to detect and localize the abnormal electrical activities such as Electric Corona and Electric
Arcs discharges that may occur in any substation based on the identified DOA from the power apparatus within the substation as a preventative approach for substation breakdown and to improve the efficiency and the performance of fault detection technique in future Substation Fault Monitoring.
Characterization of Marine Clay Under Microstructure Examination as a Potential Pozzolana
Authors: Abdulmalik Abdulaziz , Sani Nurul Amalina M. , Mohamed Azman , Sam Abdul Rahman Mohd. , Usman Jamilu , Khalid Nur Hafizah A.
Published: April 2020

Globally, marine clay is found in coastal areas. It is often regarded as a profitless material because it affects building foundations, dredging and replacing it with a more suitable material before construction is therefore inevitable. However, the dumping of this marine clay after
excavation has become a major problem in most countries like Singapore where dumping of clay is prohibited. Thus, the quest towards determining its potential use for sustainability. In that regards, this paper seek to investigate the characterization of two marine clay samples under microstructure
examination through particle size analysis (PSA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study the microstructural features of the marine clay under magnification in an attempt to examine its potential use as
a pozzolana. Characterization is a very important stage in order to know the characteristics of a material before the initiation of any necessary modification. From the microstructure analysis, the PSA revealed that the particles are in micro size with less than 35% of the materials retained
when wet sieved on 45 μm sieve. The XRF showed the chemical compositions of the marine clay with dominance of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silica oxide (SiO2) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3). These three oxides made up over 70% of the chemical
constituents in both samples. From TGA/DTA, maximum weight loss occurred at the temperature range 400–650 °C and the percentage of kaolinite was determine to be 42.7% and 45.1% for S1 and S2 respectively. From the XRD, the structural pattern and crystal orientation of marine clay
gave rise to a diffraction pattern showing a high intensity of quartz and kaolinite indicating yet again that the marine clay belongs to the kaolinite group with basic composition of aluminosilicate, hence can be used as a potential pozzolana.
Classification of Engineering Properties of Tropical Boulder in Completely Weathered Granite in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Dan Mohd Firdaus Md , Mohamad Edy Tonnizam , Komoo Ibrahim , Madun Aziman , Tan Siti Norsalkini Mohd Akip
Published: April 2020

Engineering properties of tropical weathered granite mass have been widely investigated and classified for engineering purposes. However, the engineering properties of tropical boulder in weathered granite profile is poorly understood and not well classified. This study aims to examine
and classify the physico-mechanical properties of granite boulder in completely weathered zone. A total of 34 in-situ boulders were examined from two granite quarries located in Southern Johor, Malaysia. Microstructure-mineralogical alterations were analyzed based on petrographic analysis
and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties were including dry density, porosity, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and permeability. Three properties were identified as significant indicators to differentiate between tropical boulder and completely weathered
granite when it is evaluated from the soil investigation drilling work namely; texture characteristics, discolourations and degree of weathering. Analysis revealed that the alteration of microstructures and minerals such as feldspar, biotite, and plagioclase from corestone (Grade I/II) to
saprolite (Grade IV/V) zone were significantly reduced the dry density, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and permeability with 32%, 99.5%, 98.6% and 84.8%, respectively. It has also significantly increased the porosity up to 11.6 times or 1065% from corestone to saprolite.
The significant different of physico-mechanical properties of material surrounding boulder due to weathering can be classified and useful in evaluation of geotechnical design and geological engineering applications.
Improved Control Strategy for Voltage and Current Compensator in a Grid-Connected Microgrid Without Dedicated Devices
Authors: Khidrani Attaullah , Habibuddin M. H. , Mokhtar A. S. B. , Sule A. H. , Naderipur A. , Arfeen Z. A.
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes the combined control strategy to suppress the voltage and current harmonic contents in a three-phase hybrid fuel cell and wind turbine grid-connected inverters when subjected to non-linear load and unbalanced conditions. This innovative technique can effectively
reduce the harmonic contents in the voltage and current of the studied system without any dependence on offset devices such as active and passive filters. The microgrid along with the proposed controlled strategy is modeled in Matlab/Simulink environment. In this research, it shows that the
proposed control strategy not only reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) to less than 5% (as compliance with IEEE 519 standard). It shows the superiority performance in the result as compared to existing techniques with the stabilization of unbalancing condition under different operating
conditions with load changes and instant DG insertion.
Labor Productivity for Steel Reinforcement Bar of Construction Projects
Authors: Nguyen Phong Thanh , Vo Khoa Dang , Phan Phuong Thanh , Thuy To Nguyen Quyen Le Hoang , Bich Huynh Vy Dang
Published: April 2020

The labor cost has a high proportion of the total cost of engineering and construction projects. Hence, labor productivity has to effect on the success of any engineering and construction projects. Installation of steel reinforcement bar, among others, is the most critical task. It
is often adversely affected by the outdoor environment and other factors. This paper presents the measurement of labor productivity by work sampling method for floor and beams steel reinforcement bar of high-rise buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The research identifies the proportion
of time consumption for effective tasks, supportive tasks, and ineffective tasks of steel reinforcement bar as follows: 31%, 34%, and 35% respectively. In other words, its labor productivity variability is shown by the change in effective work over periods. It is low at the beginning and the
end and is highest at the mid-shift working session.
Static and Dynamic Analysis of Selective Leverage System Gear Train
Authors: Ping Tiau See , Salleh Salihatun Md , Hafiz Yusoff Muhammad Al , Mohd Yusoff Ainul Husna , Rahman Nasrull Abd , Ismail Al Emran , Choiron Moch. Agus
Published: April 2020

Nowadays, the mechanical advantage is strongly emphasized in a mechanical system. Therefore, the most modern gearboxes are used to increase the torque without also increasing their output speed while reducing it. In this study, Selective Leverage System (SLS) gear train is generated
in Solidworks 2016 and together with dynamic motion study and static simulation analysis. Dynamic motion analysis is performed to provide output speed of SLS gear train. It can be concluded that the gear system runs with unchanged speed (RPM) for input and output which is approximately the
same with theoretical value in Selective Leverage System patent. The maximum output torque is evaluated by using theoretical calculation. At every 90° rotation, maximum value of output torque is produced. The results are validated and compared to the analytical value of patent. For static
simulation analysis, the stress distribution of T-shaped lever of Selective Leverage System gear train is identified by using composite material compared to the existing gear materials. The static simulation analysis between Aluminium Alloy, S45C Steel, Malleable Cast Iron and Glass Filled
Polyamide are compared and composite materials are capable to be used as a material of gear train components instead of current material, S45C Steel for better result.
Supply Production of Water Spinach Waste as a Supplement and Fermentability Feed Ruminant in Klaten District, Indonesia (Case Study at Dry Season 2018)
Authors: Hasanah Himmatul , Achmadi Joelal , Pangestu Eko , Agus Ali
Published: April 2020

This study aims to sup determine the utilization of water spinach as a substitute for forage sources, digestibility, and feed degradation. Klaten Regency is one of the producers of water spinach that has the potential to be developed as the center for producing the largest water spinach
at the regional level and has a role as one of supporting the needs of ruminant animal feed at regional and regional levels during the dry season. The method used is a survey, sampling technique with stratified random sampling. The conclusion of the results of this study is the total supply
of the use of water spinach reached the level of 20% resulting in higher total gas production, although it did not show a significant difference in VFA digestibility and production in vitro compared to the control. Feed digestibility increased with the addition of water spinach in a
feed with a productivity average of 2.05 tons/ha of 3,947 ha of land area. The scheme (chain) of the supply of dried water spinach straw material is 41.25% for privately owned ruminants, and 58.75% is sold to middlemen by being sold to farmers outside the Klaten Regency area.
Effect of Water Content in Co Solvent on Yield of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Gynura procumbens Leaves
Authors: Idris Sitinoor Adeib , Markom Masturah
Published: April 2020

Gynura procumbens also recognized as Sambung Nyawa is a type of the herbs found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. It has been consumed as ‘ulam’ by whom that aware of its potential as medicinal remedy and some even drink it as tea for theuraphatic
effect. Supercritical fluid extraction is a fast technique to extract valuable compounds from plant parts especially from leaves and seeds. A preliminary study on the effect of solvent water ratio towards yield of Gynura procumbens is conducted at pressure of 20 MPa, temperature of
70 °C, static time of 15 minutes, ethanol as the co solvent and flow rate of 4 ml/min. The time of extraction is 60 minutes. The solvent water ratio was set as follows: 100% ethanol, 75% ethanol and 50% ethanol. The yield obtained are 1.8267%, 0.5933% and 0.9733% for 100%, 75% and 50%
ethanol respectively. The extract is then further analysed using high pressure liquid chromatography to determine valuable compounds extracted within the stipulated time at different solvent water ratio. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography separation was done using 0.1% phosphoric
acid: acetonitirile as eluent in mobile phase to determine flavonoid compounds.
Petrophysical Changes of Sandstone Due to Salt Precipitation and Fines Migration During Carbon Dioxide Injection
Authors: Md Yusof Muhammad Aslam , Zainal Mohamed Zamrud , Idris Ahmad Kamal , Ibrahim Mohamad Arif , Yusof Shahrul Rizzal M. , Ismail Saiful Nizam , Mohshim Dzeti Farhah
Published: April 2020

Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in sandstone formation filled by brine aquifers is widely considered a promising option to reduce the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. However, the injection of reactive CO2 into sandstone rock creates injectivity
problems because of CO2-brine-rock interactions. The injection flow rate and CO2-fluid-rock exposure conditions are important factors that control the intensity of the reactions. The focus of this research was therefore on evaluating the petrophysical modifications in
sandstone core samples at distinct flow rates using different CO2 injection schemes. In this research, the porosity and permeability of Berea sandstone samples were measured using PoroPerm equipment. The core samples were initially saturated with dead brine (30 g/l NaCl) followed
by injection either by supercritical CO2 (scCO2) only, CO2-saturated brine only and CO2-saturated brine together with scCO2 at different flow rates. During injection, the differential pressure between the core inlet face and outlet face
were recorded. Fines from the produced effluent were separated and collected for characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX). Post-injection porosity and permeability of the core samples were measured and compared
with the pre-injection data to monitor changes. All sandstone core specimens showed favorable storage capability features in the form of capillary residual trapping with residual CO2 saturation ranging from 40% to 48%. In addition, all samples experienced important changes in their
petrophysical characteristics, which were more pronounced in the event of absolute porosity and permeability, which decreased from 20%–51% to 4%–32%. The suggested harm mechanism is primarily owing to salt precipitation and fines migration. Supported by FESEM images, the proposed
damage mechanism is mainly due to salt precipitation and fines migration.
Optimizing Clarification Process of Coconut Desiccant Wastewater Using Moringa oleifera as a Natural Coagulant
Authors: Maran Rekshavan Mani , Harun Noorfidza Yub
Published: April 2020

The coconut desiccant industry produces wastewater with high concentrations of suspended solids and turbidity, resulting in negative impacts to the environment if discharged without adequate treatment. The wastewater produced requires appropriate flocculant and coagulant compounds for
treatment via the clarification process. Commercial coagulants raise many environmental concerns pertaining to the release of toxic metal residues and traces of chloride and sulphate ions in the treated water. The use of eco-friendly coagulants as an alternative for commercial coagulants in
wastewater treatment is on the rise. Several factors that influence clarification performance during treatment includes coagulant dosage, flocculant dosage, and mixing rate of coagulation–flocculation process. The aim of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of using a natural
coagulant, Moringa oleifera extract in the removal of suspended solids and turbidity from the coconut desiccant industry wastewater. The Response Surface Methodology approach was used to optimize the concentration of coagulant and flocculant dosed along with mixing rate. The results
were measured as maximum percentage removal of suspended solids and turbidity. Coconut desiccant wastewater was collected over a period of five days. Moringa extract was produced via dilution of fat free Moringa seed powder with salt solution at a fixed ratio. The percentage removal of both
suspended solids and turbidity was in the range of 85.4–95.1% and 85.2 to 94.8% respectively, based on multiple jar tests conducted. The model generated for optimization is a quadratic model. The optimization produced an optimum point of treatment, which is 12.00 mg/L of Moringa extract
as coagulant, 12.660 ml/L of anionic polymer as flocculant and a mixing rate of 90 revolutions per minute, resulting in 93.997% and 93.735% removal of suspended solids and turbidity, respectively, proving a successful treatment of coconut desiccant wastewater.
The Sustainability of Stem Integration Knowledge Concept Among Malaysian Scientists
Authors: Bajuri Mohd Razip , Maat Siti Mistima , Halim Lilia
Published: April 2020

In today’s educational scenario, STEM integration has becoming a panacea for addressing the global technological revolution. With the United States of America as the pioneer in this disciplinary integration paradigm, many countries are trying to embrace STEM integration approach
in their respective educational system. Disciplinary integration approach is a complex approach yet offers many advantages in enhancing students’ interest in STEM-based careers. However, it also brings some hindrances such as the collation of each discipline to function and how this
should be implemented without losing each of the disciplines. Based on this concern, the approach complexities were viewed in relation to the STEM knowledge (ontology), ways of STEM learning (epistemology) and STEM values (axiology). Since STEM implementation in Malaysian education system
is still in the infancy stage, various aspects need to be taken into account rather than just literally adapting the commonly perceived concept. The exploration of STEM integration knowledge concept was done by applying phenomenological case study approach. Seven scientists from multi-disciplinary
research practices participated in this study by sharing their experiences through semi-structured interviews, observations, written articles and biographies. By applying grounded theory strategy analysis, four sustainable STEM knowledge concepts emerged. Overall findings suggest that STEM
integration knowledge concept is crucial and may assist in facing the new industrial revolution for Malaysia.
The Adoption of Building Information Modelling and Intelligent Contract to Payment Process in Malaysian Conventional Contract
Authors: Salleh Rozana Mohamed , Mustaffa Nur Emma , Rahiman Nafisah Abdul
Published: April 2020

Payment conflicts are never ending issue in Malaysian construction industry. This issue is a common scenario especially in public work project, which involves a conventional contract. The late payment and non-payment occur due to client inefficient payment administration caused by documentation
and human factors. It commonly ended up causing delays in project completion. However, the revolution of Information Technology (IT) within construction industry has shown the development of various management systems, which transformed the way projects are administered. The introduction of
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the project management systems, which have been created to centralised knowledge sharing resource as an effective collaborative and integrated approach between inter-disciplines in construction industry. The development of digital technology of
Intelligent Contracts brings great potential in BIM management to automate the contractual process and thus create possible solutions towards payment conflicts in the construction project. This paper discusses the process of payment in the conventional contractual procedure, which relate to
the causes of delay in payment. It is believed that by integrating BIM and Intelligent Contract’s attributes may help to eliminate the unnecessary procedure, which prolong the payment processes. Therefore, this study is carried out to explore what are the effects of adopting BIM and
Intelligent Contracts attributes in conventional payment process. This is a descriptive study and the methodology used is essentially on review of the literature in relation to payment processes in conventional contract, BIM management system and attributes of Intelligent Contract. The analysis
revealed that the adoption of BIM and Intelligent Contracts attributes in payment conventional process could improve the efficiency; reduce the time by eliminating third party interference and manual signatory. In addition, the project performance is analysed intelligently as well as minimise
the risks of losing information by keeping historical audit trails in automatic system repository.
Building Locator Using Geographical Information System Application
Authors: Mustaffa A. A. , Iruthayam C. M. , Bukhari S. , Omar A. H.
Published: April 2020

Rapid and fast-growing developments have increased the demand to build more facilities and buildings in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). In accordance with this statement, newly or senior students including lectures in UTHM finds it difficult to locate their accurate location
or destination which causes their wastage of time and energy. Thus, studies on locating building using Geographic Information System (GIS) application were conducted. The main aim of this study is to develop a web based GIS application as a proper and effective solution which is intended to
minimize the problems in locating buildings and facilities within main campus of UTHM. The objectives of this study are to develop a database for UTHM main campus buildings where it will be used to analysis building locator information and developing the database into a web-based application.
The database system is designed using QGIS where geospatial and attribute data were used to create a database as a dataset to run the application. This application known as Campus Building Locator (CBL) was designed with suitable information such as block name, building name and block image
to show building’s location and facilities. Questioners have been distributed to analysis the effectiveness of CBL based on users feedback. Based on the result obtained, 58% of the users strongly agree that CBL is a user-friendly application and 67% of users also strongly agree that
the information provided as mentioned before is sufficient enough to locate building or facilities around the campus area. About 58% of users are satisfied with the components and features provided in this application where it attracts the user to use it more often for their search. Overall,
CBL will introduce new searching approach, a very useful medium and standard references to all UTHM occupants.
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Observed Ground Water Level at Peat Hydrology Unit in South Sumatera
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Mardiansyah Wijaya , Surbakti Heron , Ariani Menik , Sulaiman Albert , Iskandar Iskhaq
Published: April 2020

An integrated observation system, so-called SEnsory data transmission Service Assisted by Midori Engineering laboratory (SESAME) has been deployed to measure hydrological and climatological parameters at peatlands of South Sumatera since June 2017. One of the observed hydrological parameters
is the Ground Water Level (GWL). This study evaluates the spatio-temporal variability of GWL observed at 4 locations, namely, Peat Hydrology Unit (PHU) Sungai Saleh 1 (SS1), Sungai Saleh 2 (SS2), Sungai Lumpur 1 (SL1), and Sungai Lumpur 2 (SL2). The data covered a period of July 1, 2017 to
June 30, 2018. This study focused on analyzing types of observed tides at each SESAME location. It was found that at the study location SL2, SS1, and SS2 the tidal type was a mixed tide prevailing diurnal. On the other hand, the observed GWL at the SL1 was dominated by a mixed tide prevailing
semidiurnal. Further analysis on the observed GWL indicates that the lowest GWL was observed in period September-October, while the highest GWL occurs in period March-April. Statistical analysis shows that the observed GWL was significantly correlated with the observed soil moisture at the
SL1 and the SL2. The coefficient correlation at those SL1 and SL2 were 0.85 and 0.95, respectively. It was also found that GWL had a significant correlation with Rainfall (RF).
Implications of Learning Interaction in Online Project Based Collaborative Learning
Authors: Razali Sharifah Nadiyah , Ahmad Mohd Hafiez , Noor Helmi Adly Mohd
Published: April 2020

Interaction is the success factors that support online learning pedagogy that can enhanced the learning and teaching process, increased students’ satisfaction and learning outcomes. This paper reviewed empirical studies on interaction in online learning. In order to achieve the
aim, the study was conducted qualitatively in the form of document review study. Conclusively, there were three common types of interaction that have been cited frequently in the literature: Learner–learner, learner–instructor and learner–content. However, this study embedded
the collaboration theory where learners take full responsibility to their learning with instructor guide. Therefore, the interaction between learner–learner and learner–instructor should be emphasized.
How to Development E-Learning Model of Data Base System
Authors: Effendi Rustam , Situmorang Robinson , Musnir Diana Nomida , Siang Jhoni Lagun
Published: April 2020

This study aims to develop products in the form of teaching materials database system subjects with the application of e-learning. The research method used is the R&D method. The results of the formative one-to-one learner evaluation were carried out between the developer and three
individual students. Tech reading in learning materials in information and communication technology courses is very clear and can be read by students well. The quality of the images displayed in the learning material and e-learning is very good and in accordance with the material content of
clarity of basic competencies to be achieved and indicators of material presentation on learning materials and e-learning programs in the Database Systems course have been very good and easily understood by students.
Evaluation of Leading Modes of Climate Variability in the CMIP Archives
Authors: Fasullo John T. , Phillips A. S. , Deser C.
Published: April 2020

The adequate simulation of internal climate variability is key for our understanding of climate as it underpins efforts to attribute historical events, predict on seasonal and decadal time scales, and isolate the effects of climate change. Here the skill of models in reproducing observed modes of climate variability is assessed, both across and within the CMIP3, CMIP5, and CMIP6 archives, in order to document model capabilities, progress across ensembles, and persisting biases. A focus is given to the well-observed tropical and extratropical modes that exhibit small intrinsic variability relative to model structural uncertainty. These include El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the northern and southern annular modes (NAM and SAM). Significant improvements are identified in models’ representation of many modes. Canonical biases, which involve both amplitudes and patterns, are generally reduced across model generations. For example, biases in ENSO-related equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature, which extend too far westward, and associated atmospheric teleconnections, which are too weak, are reduced. Stronger tropical expression of the PDO in successive CMIP generations has characterized their improvement, with some CMIP6 models generating patterns that lie within the range of observed estimates. For the NAO, NAM, and SAM, pattern correlations with observations are generally higher than for other modes and slight improvements are identified across successive model generations. For ENSO and PDO spectra and extratropical modes, changes are small compared to internal variability, precluding definitive statements regarding improvement.
Energetics of the Deep Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Maslo Aljaz , Azevedo Correia de Souza João Marcos , Pardo Julio Sheinbaum
Published: April 2020

The evaluation of the ocean energy balance is crucial for improving the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms sustaining ocean circulation. Based on the outputs of the ROMS ocean model, the energy cycle, eddy–mean flow interactions, and energy pathways of the deep Gulf of Mexico (GoM) have been investigated in this study. The theoretical framework for the analysis is based on the energy equations for the time-mean and time-varying flow, where some of the terms were split into their horizontal and vertical components to monitor the energy pathways. Of the energy maintaining deep kinetic energy (KE), approximately 75% is transferred from the upper layer to the deep layer by vertical pressure work (PW), about 6% by the horizontal PW through the Yucatan and Florida straits, and ~19% is generated through the processes related to baroclinic instabilities. The mean circulation generates eddies in the upper layer, while eddies drive mean circulation in the deep layer. Energy is transferred downward in the eastern and western part of the Gulf, upward in the deep western-central part, and a strong westward energy transport can be observed below 2000-m depth.
The Hurricane Harvey (2017) Texas Rainstorm: Synoptic Analysis and Sensitivity to Soil Moisture
Authors: Galarneau Thomas J. , Zeng Xubin
Published: April 2020

A synoptic analysis and soil moisture (SM) sensitivity experiment is conducted on the record-breaking rainstorm in Texas associated with Hurricane Harvey on 26–30 August 2017. The rainstorm occurred as the moist tropical air mass associated with Harvey was lifted along a frontogenetical near-surface coastal baroclinic zone beneath the equatorward entrance region of an upper-level jet streak. The weak steering winds in Harvey’s environment, allowing Harvey to remain nearly stationary, were associated with a deformation steering flow pattern characterized by a trough to the north and flanking ridges to the west and east. This pattern has occurred with other notable tropical cyclone rainstorms along the Gulf Coast, except in Harvey’s case it contributed to the collocation of deep tropical moisture and a persistent midlatitude lifting mechanism. Motivated by marked increases in SM during the rainstorm, a suite of six numerical simulations is used to test the sensitivity of the Harvey rainstorm (track, intensity, and rainfall) to varying SM. These simulations include dry, realistic, and wet SM conditions and an additional three runs with the initial SM held constant throughout the simulations. The results showed that track and prelandfall intensity were most sensitive to SM. Decreased SM resulted in the 1) development of an anticyclone in the southern plains that steered Harvey farther southwest in Texas, and 2) interruption in the intensification of Harvey in the Gulf of Mexico as dry air in the Yucatan Peninsula was entrained into Harvey’s circulation, contributing to a weaker system at landfall. Implications of these findings on the evolution of tropical systems are also discussed.
Post-disaster social work research: A scoping review of the evidence for practice
Authors: Harms Louise , Boddy Jennifer , Hickey Lyndal , Hay Kathryn , Alexander Melinda , Briggs Lynne , Cooper Lesley , Alston Margaret , Fronek Patricia , Howard Amanda , Adamson Carole , Hazeleger Tricia
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to understand the extent, range and nature of social work research activity after natural disasters and to identify the implications for future research and practice. A Scoping review methodology framework was used search of three databases: Web of Science, ProQuest and Informit was conducted to identify relevant studies between 2000 and 2018. Selection of studies was based on empirical research about social work and natural disasters and/or authored by social workers. Study selection found a total of 38 relevant articles. Charting the data was conducted and the following areas of focus were summarised: (1) interventions relating to psychosocial care, aid work and community work; (2) the effects of disasters on people and mediators of these effects; (3) social work education and challenges in disaster relief; and (4) measuring mental health outcomes of people who have experienced a disaster event. This scoping review has established that there is a range of social work literature focused on natural disasters that primarily examines social work interventions, the effects of disasters and social work education. Future social work research and practice needs to focus on the types and timing of interventions that promote positive recovery following natural disasters.