bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Different Land Uses on the Escherichia coli Concentrations, Physical and Chemical Water Quality Parameters in a Tropical Stream
Authors: Yee Ling Teck , Wee Lim Swee , Bilung Lesley Maurice , Nyanti Lee
Published: March 2019

Rural streams are important source of water for the nearby communities. However, bacterial contamination from agriculture and human settlement may render the water unsuitable for drinking and body contact recreation. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the impact of different land uses such as animal farming and human settlement on E. coli concentrations in the Serin River, a tropical stream. Samplings were conducted at 9 stations from September 2009 to March 2010. Results showed that E. coli concentrations ranged from 2,000-6,900,000 CFU/100 mL with E. coli concentrations in fish aquaculture water exceeding the WHO standard. Animal and crop farming stations showed the highest E. coli concentrations in the tributaries. Re-suspension from stream sediment and non-point sources such as runoff contributed to the high concentrations observed in the main river. Multiple linear regressions indicated that total suspended solids and dissolved oxygen were significant water quality parameters and they explained 68.1% of the total E. coli variations observed.
Serological Prevalence of Leptospiral Infection in Wildlife in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Thayaparan Siva , Robertson Ian , Amraan Fairuz , Su'ut Lela , Abdullah Mohd Tajuddin
Published: March 2019

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic leptospiral bacteria, which are transmitted directly orindirectly from animals to humans or animal to animal. The first phase of this proposed study was carried out todetermine the extent of exposure to leptospirosis in wild mammals surrounded by human settlements aroundwildlife or tourism area (Wind Cave, Fairy Cave, Bako National Park and Matang Wildlife Center). This studyreports an incident of leptospirosis among primates (three captive and two free ranging), rats, bats, squirrels andmongoose around Kuching, Sarawak area, which has been screened for Leptospirosis. Blood samples wereobtained to determine the presence of antibodies through the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) usingeighteen serovars of Leptospira commonly found in Malaysia as antigens. It was observed that four out of thefive monkeys (80%), rats (9/4) (44%), bats (20/5) (20.8%), squirrels 4/4 (100%) and mongoose (1) (100%)reacted against one or more serovars of Leptospira. In this study antibody of five serovars of Leptospirainterrrogans Copenheni, Leptospira interrrogans Lai, Leptospira interrrogans Pomona, Leptospira interrrogansPyrogenes, Lepto 175* were detected. Serovars Copenhegeni, Lai, Pomona and Pyrogenes were consideredpathogenic for different mammals including human beings. No information about serovars lepto 175 and furtherstudies going on. This is providing information on the possible zoonotic importance of mammalian species inmaintaining this disease in Sarawak. The transmission of leptospires in rats reported several incidents andbetween primates, bats, squirrels, mongoose and human is not reported elsewhere but this could create newreservoir and transmission routes and may affect the tourism, conservation effort and public health.
Synthesis and Spectral Characterization of 4-Hydroxy-3- Methoxybenzaldehyde Derivatives
Authors: Asaruddin Mohd Razip , Ezekiel Sam , Ariffeen Mohammad Farhan , Affan Md Abu
Published: March 2019

Vanillin plays an important role in flavouring and as aroma agent. Vanillin has been used as a chemicalintermediate in pharmaceutical and chemical syntheses. Schiff base products have been proved to posesbeneficial biological effect towards health. Fourteen vanillin derivatives were synthesized via Schiff basereaction using p-vanillin as the starting material reacted with 2-aminobenzenethiol, furan-2-carbohydrazide, 2-hydrazinylpyridine, 4-hydroxybenzohydrazide, acetohydrazide, benzohydrazide, (diphenylmethylidene)hydrazine, pyridine-4-carbohydrazide, benzene-1,2-diamine, phenylhydrazine, 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide, 1,3-benzothiazol-2-amine, 1-cyclohexylthiourea respectively. All of the compounds were characterized by elementalanalysis, FTIR and 1H NMR.
Nutrient and Physiological Requirements for Biomass Production of Pestalotiopsis sp. UMAS P14 and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. UMAS P2005/2592
Authors: Azeez Lateef Adebola , Muid Sepiah , Bolhassan Mohamad Hasnul
Published: March 2019

Fungi are important decomposers in our ecosystem and are useful in metabolite production, bio-degradation and bio-sorption of different substrates and wastes through their mycelial biomass. Fungal species are known to have different preferences for their growth requirements. Two fungal species Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis useful in many biotechnological applications were studied. Nutrient and physiological requirements for mycelial biomass production such as carbon and nitrogen, pH, light and temperature were investigated. Both fungal isolates were grown in liquid basal medium supplemented separately with various carbon and nitrogen source and incubated under different light, pH and temperature conditions for 15 days. In general, Pestalotiopsis sp. and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. showed significant preferences for monosaccharide and disaccharide carbon source as compared to sugar alcohols and polysaccharides, whereas ammonium tartrate was more preferred as a nitrogen source compared to ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate and other ammonium salts. These two fungal species were able to grow and produce good mycelial biomass (223.33 mg for Pseudopestalotiopsis and 136.67 mg for Pestalotiopsis) at temperature range of 15°C to 30°C and (290.00 mg for Pseudopestalotiopsis and 256.67 mg for Pestalotiopsis) on media pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, they showed no significant preferences between constant light, total darkness and alternate light conditions. The results from this study will be very useful for the mycelial biomass production of Pestalotiopsis sp. and Pseudopestalotiopsis sp. for their biotechnological applications.
Towards Dynamic Policy Instruments for Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation in National Parks: A Case Study on Bangladesh and Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Miah Md Rahimullah , Sayok Alexander , Sarok Ahi , Uddin Mohammad Belal
Published: March 2019

Asia is the most populous region, with a substantial number of global biodiversity hotspots and several megadiverse countries, including Malaysia, with rich cultural and natural heritages. In this region, natural heritages within protected areas is under threat with high tendency of biodiversity losses. Exploitation is widespread but effective conservation is hampered by lack of systematically dynamic policies and instruments. This study attempts to relook at key factors that strengthen policies towards conserving biodiversity at national parks (NPs) in Bangladesh and Sarawak, Malaysia. It focuses on the analysis and review of the present tools (policy, growth of national parks and legal aspects) used to enhance conservation activities within and around these areas through literature review, observations of some of the parks, as well as interviews with relevant staff and indigenous community. The study showed that the growth of NPs maximized for the period of 2010 to 2014 both in Bangladesh and Sarawak, Malaysia reflecting the importance that both countries are placing on the conservation of biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. This is indeed a positive sign that both two countries reveal towards achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 for the global protected areas network. Overall, the study suggests that the dynamic policy-based decision-making on sustainable biodiversity protection at NPs in both countries should incorporate development with environmental, economic, social, institutional and administrative domains.
Studies on Homalomeneae (Araceae) of Borneo XXI: A New Karst Limestone Obligated Homalomena Species Endemic to Niah Caves
Authors: BOYCE PETER C.
Published: March 2019

Homalomena niahensis P.C. Boyce, is described and illustrated as a new species of Homalomena [Homalomena Clade] locally endemic to Niah Caves, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, where it is obligated to Karst limestone. Homalomena niahensis is the sixth species to be described for the Homalomena Selaburensis Complex to which its nearest congener is Homalomena selaburensis. An identification key to species of the Homalomena Selaburensis Complex is provided.Keywords: Araceae, Borneo, Homalomena, Malaysia, Sarawak, Karst limestone
Assessment of Plant Diversity of a Seasonal Tropical Wetland Forest Ecosystem in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Sajal , Pavel Muha Abdullah , Uddin Mohammad Belal
Published: March 2019

The quantitative analysis of plant diversity was explored on a seasonal tropical wetland forest ecosystem at Ratargul Swamp Forest. The simple random sampling protocol was adopted, and 30 plots (10 m×10 m) each with one subplot (2 m×2 m) was investigated for the vegetation survey. The study found about 539 individuals of 48 species belonging to 36 families. Poaceae was the dominant among all family. The upper (trees with all size) and lower (shrubs, herbs, climbers, grasses) stratum was dominated by Pongamia pinnata and Clinogyne dicotoma, respectively. The taxonomic diversity was moderate in both lower and upper strata. The value of floristic quality index was calculated at 19.92, which represents moderate vegetative quality. The outcome also revealed the disturbances which influenced the plant community, mostly due to branch cutting by human (<30%). The findings will be useful for the conservation and scientific management of biodiversity as a hotspot in seasonal tropical wetland forest system.Keywords: Biodiversity, conservatism, disturbance, hotspot, wetland
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water, Fish and Sediments of the Baleh River, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Chai Hui Ping , Lee Nyanti , Grinang Jongkar , Ling Teck Yee , Sim Siong Fong
Published: March 2019

This paper reports the heavy metals content in water, sediments and in fish of the Baleh River, in order to evaluate the contamination status of metals. Water and sediment samples were obtained from seven stations located upstream of the Baleh River. Fish species were collected using netting and three species were recorded. Samples were digested and subjected to metal analysis. The findings indicate that there is low risk of metal contamination in water and sediments. Nonetheless some stations were characterized by higher levels of Fe, Al and Mn in water, likely due to accelerated sediment runoff. The acid extractable metal content reported in this study represents the dissolved and weakly-sorbed metals on particulates. For fish, accumulation of heavy metals was found to be more pronounced in the gills, compared to dorsal and ventral muscles. The concentration of Fe, Mn and Al were particularly high in the gills, as these elements were abundant in water. Hg on the other hand was consistently higher in dorsal and ventral muscles. Generally, concentrations of heavy metals in fishes of the Baleh were well within the permissible limit of Food and Agriculture Organization.Keywords: contamination status, metal analysis, Fe, Mn, Al
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND GROWTH OF INDIA: DOES FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT HELP IN IMPROVING ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY?
Authors: Jayaraman T. K. , Choong Chee -Keong , Ng Cheong -Fatt
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates whether there exists a long term relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in India with special reference to the role of financial sector development (FSD), which is now considered as a critical contingent factor as borne out by recent empirical studies elsewhere. A 35 -year period (1979-2013), which is covered by this paper, witnessed gradual introduction of economic reforms picking up speed from early 1990s. The doors were opened to FDI. Undertaking an empirical study on FDI’s contribution to growth of Indian economy by taking into account the role of financial sector development (FSD) as a contingent factor, this paper concludes that FDI and FSD have contributed to growth. It is also confirmed that the interaction term between FDI and financial development indicates a complementary relationship between the two. Keywords: India; FDI; FSD; Growth; Threshold Level; Interaction Effect.
ORGANISATIONAL TRUST AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN PERCEIVED ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT AND CONSTRUCTIVE DEVIANCE
Authors: Kura Kabiru Maitama , Mohd. Shamsudin Faridahwati , Chauhan Ajay
Published: March 2019

Although extant empirical research on workplace deviance has traditionally focused onbehaviours that threaten the well-being of an organization and/or its members, however,there is a paucity of research investigating constructive deviant behaviours, which play asignificant role in creating positive organizational change. Drawing upon social exchangetheory, this study examined organisational trust as a mediator of the relationship betweenperceived organisational support and constructive deviance. The data was obtained from asample of 212 full-time employees of a public sector organization in Nigeria. Results frompartial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyses revealed that perceivedorganisational support was positively related to constructive deviance. In addition, the resultsdemonstrated that organisational trust partially mediated the relationship between perceivedorganisational support and constructive deviance.Keywords: Constructive Deviance; Workplace Deviance; Organisational Support;Organisational Trust; Social Exchange Theory.
TRADE OPENNESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CAUSALITY TEST IN PANEL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Idris Jamilah , Yusop Zulkornain , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: March 2019

Openness to trade has been one of the primary drivers stimulating growth. The goal of this particular study is to investigate the relationship between trade openness and economic growth in 87 selected countries which includes both Organizations for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and developing countries for 1977–2011 periods. We used two measures of trade openness i.e. the ratio of trade openness (TO) typically spoke by exports plus imports in nominal value divided by GDP (nominal) which is commonly used in the literature, and trade openness in real (RO) which is defined as the sum of imports and exports in US$ relative to GDP in purchasing power parity US$ (real GDP). An empirical studywas conducted to determine the causal relationship between trade openness and growth in a panelperspective. We used a dynamic panel data estimation method i.e. the general method of moments (GMM). The empirical results reveal a bidirectional causal relationship for both developing and OECD countries. Our finding is consistent with the endogenous theory that increased openness leads to higher growth, which thus prompts expanded openness.Keywords: Openness; Economic Growth; Dynamic Panel General Method of Moments (GMM).
EARNINGS MANAGEMENT AND DIVIDEND POLICY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THAILAND1
Authors: Chansarn Supachet , Chansarn Thanyakorn
Published: March 2019

This study aims to examine earnings management of 51 small and medium enterprises listed inMarket for Alternative Investment (MAI) of Thailand during 2005 – 2012. Earnings managementin this study is measured by discretionary accruals based on Kasznik Model (Kasznik, 1999) andKothari Model (Kothari et al., 2005). Additionally, this study also investigates the influence ofearnings management on dividend policy of these companies which are measured bytwo indicators, including dividend payout ratio and dividend yield, by employing fixed andrandom effects regression analyses. The findings reveal that listed companies in MAI had highearnings management due to high average discretionary accruals in absolute term whichequalled 11.91 percent of total assets based on Kasznik Model and 12.55 percent of total assetsbased on Kothari Model. Moreover, earnings management is found to have the positive influenceon dividend yield of listed companies in MAI. That is, one percent increase in discretionaryaccruals in absolute term as percentage of total assets will lead to about 0.2 percent increasein dividend yield. In contrast, earnings management is found to have no influence on dividendpayout ratio.Keywords: Earnings Management; Earnings Quality; Dividend Policy; SMES; Market forAlternative Investment; Thailand.
DETERMINANTS OF INFORMATION SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS IN MANAGING AGRO-BASED PROJECTS
Authors: Thi Lip-Sam , Wan Adnan Che Wan Muhammed Salleh Bin
Published: March 2019

Previous studies have suggested the use of PMIS is considered to be advantageous towards successful project management. Using the antecedents of system success model proposed by DeLone and McLean, and the updated Information System Success Model (ISSM), this study attempts to examine the implementation of PMIS in agro-based projects undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry in Malaysia (MoA). The objectives of the study are to examine PMIS effectiveness and identify the determinants that influence system effectiveness. The sample for this study comprised of PMIS end-users from MoA. The findings of this study indicate that PMIS is an effective system to support end users for project management and monitoring activities. Information and service quality have significant relationship with system effectiveness. Between these factors, information quality is found to have the greatest effect on the variation of PMIS effectiveness.Keywords: PMIS; System Effectiveness; System Quality; Information Quality; Service Quality.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS, ANYONE? EARNINGS, EMPLOYMENT CHANCES AND JOB CHOICE OF FRESH UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
Authors: Soon Jan-Jan , Lim Hock-Eam
Published: March 2019

Whether or not one can get employed, how much one can earn, and what types of job one gets are typically the main concerns of newly minted university graduates. In this study, we have collected data from fresh graduates of two public universities in Malaysia, i.e. on actual job choices that fresh graduates have made, their monthly earnings, and whether or not they are employed. With these data, our study contributes to the empirical literature and focuses on the issue of whether or not entrepreneurship education is significant in influencing earnings, employment probabilities, and types of job. The main conclusions from our findings are (i) graduate entrepreneurs’ monthly earnings are higher than graduates employed in qualification-mismatched jobs, but lower than those with qualification-matching jobs, (ii) graduates with entrepreneurship degrees earn less than those with non-entrepreneurship degrees, (iii) having an entrepreneurship degree has no significant influence on employment chances, and (iv) an entrepreneurship degree also is also insignificantly associated with any of the probabilities of landing a job that is either commensurate or incommensurate with one’s degree, or the probabilities of being unemployed.Keywords: Employment Probability; Earning; Job Choice; Graduate Entrepreneur.
A STUDY ON LONGEVITY FACTOR: THE CASE OF GOVERNMENT PENSIONER IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ibrahim Rose Irnawaty , Siri Zailan
Published: March 2019

There are many researches showing that the life expectancy for most countries is increasing. Since the life expectancy at a particular age tends to increase over time for male and female, the mortality risk tends to be smaller over time. Therefore it is expected that pensioners tend to live longer and thereby cause increase in pension liabilities to the government. Countries are looking for solutions to decrease the effect of increased longevity on pension costs. The most common changes are to equalize the retirement age for male and female and to rise the retirement age. Therefore, we studied the longevity factor for the government pensioner in Malaysia at age 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 years respectively. Since the pensions are paid for the rest of the pensioner’s life in the event of his death and also to his spouse and child if any in the form of a derivative pension, the longevity factor for pensioner, spouse and child will be formulated and estimated separately. To formulate and estimate these factors, the theory of annuities and the Pension Law of Malaysia need to be studied.Keywords: Life Expectancy; Mortality Risk; Pension Liabilities; Longevity Factor; Derivative Pension; Annuities.
ENHANCING CAREER COMMITMENT: THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Authors: Yahya Khulida Kirana , Tan Fee-Yean
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between human resource management(HRM) practices (training and development, compensation and promotion) with careercommitment. Data was gathered through questionnaire from 253 employees of a multinationalcompany in Malaysia. The regression results indicated that compensation, and training anddevelopment were significant predictors to enhance career commitment. The results alsosuggested that compensation was the most important factor that influence career commitmentfollowed by training and development.Keywords: Career Commitment; HRM Practices; Training and Development; Compensation;Promotion.
A VALIDATION OF THE SHORT-TERM INTERNATIONAL TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS SCALE
Authors: Jais Juraifa , Smyrnios Kosmas , Hoare Lynnel
Published: March 2019

Many researchers highlighted the need to develop organizational guidelines to enable theeffective support and maintenance of critical human resources during expatriate sojourns.However, lack of instruments that measure perceived support for fly-in, fly-out academicshas been a shortcoming in past research. In this study, the development of the Short-termInternational Teaching Assignments Scale (STITAS) is described. The STITAS was composedof 13 items aimed to measure four factors of perceived support: organisational support, HRsupport, financial support and career support. The STITAS was piloted with 193 fly-in, fly-outacademics from 24 Australian universities that participated actively in transnational education.Data analyses involved Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis.Cronbach’s alpha of the STITA was found to be 0.85, and the construct validity with the fourfactorstructure was confirmed with GFI = 0.917.Keywords: Instrument Development; Academics; Short-Term Assignments; Australia.
SUCCESS STRATEGIES IN ISLAMIC MARKETING MIX
Authors: Abdullah Johari Bin , Haji Hamali Jamil , Abdullah Firdaus
Published: March 2019

Islamic marketing (IM) is gaining momentum in the development of marketing knowledge and its practical implication to business and customer is undeniably significant. In fact, it has been growing rapidly in the past years and has grabbed the attention of both academics and practitioners of marketing. Nevertheless, this area still remains understudied with limited empirical evidence, particularly on marketing mix decisions or four Ps (product, price, promotion and place) in line with Islamic principles. Therefore, this paper attempts to identify critical factors in conducting Islamic marketing mix activities and their relative importance. Using combination of both qualitative and quantitative research method, this paper proposed a set of 23-item instrument that measures Islamic marketing mix which has been empirically tested for its unidimensionality, reliability and validity through factorial analyses. Findings suggest that Muslim customers consider five critical factors that must be emphasized by businesses in conducting their marketing mix. In their order of importance using multiple regression analysis, the factors are ‘Conformity’, ‘Character’, ‘Commitment’, ‘Conscience’ and ‘Customer Centrism’. Therefore, it is proposed that businesses can adopt the strategies in engaging with Muslim customers through their marketing mix activities by consistently conforming to Syariah, exhibiting distinctive characteristics, instilling assurance, embedding morality and conscience and lastly embracing a ‘customer oriented’ approach.Keywords: Islamic Marketing; Marketing Mix; Factorial Analyses.
LIFE AS MARKET WOMEN: EXTRINSICLY OR INTRINSICLY MOTIVATED?
Authors: Karubi Nwanesi Peter
Published: March 2019

Wet-markets in Sarawak have remained a momentous part and parcel of the Sarawak people. Such markets exist in both the rural and urban areas of the state, but more importantly, it is popularized by women, either as sellers (traders) or buyers in these markets. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to critically examine the factors that motivate female sellers (market women) in these wet markets to take up this occupation. To empirically explain these factors, the study will explore the notion of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in relation to women’s participation in the wet market trading activities. Intrinsic motivation is defined as the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some external influence. In contrast, extrinsic motivation is a behaviour that takes place when one is being influenced to do something by an external force.
Thermal Performance of Oil Palm Fibre and Paper Pulp as the Insulation Materials
Authors: Ibrahim S.H. , W.K. Sia , Baharun A. , Nawi M.N.M. , Affandi R.
Published: March 2019

Energy consumption for residential use in Malaysia is keep increasing yearly in order to maintain the internal thermal comfort of the building. Roof insulation material plays a vital role in improving the thermal comforts of the building while reduce the cooling load of the building. Oil palm industry in Malaysia had grown aggressively over the past few decades. Tons of oil palm waste had produced during the process such as empty fruit bunch fiber. Another waste material that available and easy to obtain is paper. Paper is a valuable material that can be recycled. Waste paper comes from different sources such as newspaper, office and printing papers. This study will take advantage of the available resources which could contribute to reduce the environment impact. The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal performance of roof insulation materials using mixture of oil palm fiber and paper pulp with different ratio and thickness. This study found that the thermal performance of the paper pulp is slightly better compare to the oil palm fiber. Thermal conductivity of the particle board reduces around 4.1% by adding the 10% of paper pulp into the total density of the particle board. By adding 75% of paper pulp, the thermal conductivity of the particle board could be reduced to 24.6% compare to the oil palm fiber board under the similar condition. Therefore, from this study, it could be concluded that paper pulp has high potential to be used as a building insulation material.
Estimating Probable Maximum Precipitation for Linau River Basin in Sarawak
Authors: Hussain M. , Nadya S. , Chia F.J.
Published: March 2019

The probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is the greatest depth of precipitation for a given duration that is physically possible over a given size storm area at a particular geographical location at a certain time of the year. PMP is very important to be considered for the design of river regulating structures i.e Dams and Barrages to overcome any possible chance of overtopping failure as well as for public safety and hazards downstream of any of these structures. Especially if these structures located in the upstream of the of the populated town or city than the failure could damage severely such areas. As such the PMP convention is always a requirement as primary design dam/reservoir criteria when public safety is of concern. The PMP is used to derive Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), which further used in hydraulic modeling to check the impact assessments for such occasions. This paper focuses on estimation of PMP for Linau River Basin in Sarawak using statistical method proposed by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is described in its operational manual. Long Lidam and Long Laku are located in Linau River Basin but Long Laku has long discontinuity in the data set thus the rainfall series at Long Lidam is further used for PMP estimation. The missing data was in-filled using Belaga rain gauge station as Long Lidam rainfall has good correlation with Belaga rainfall data. Hershfield statistical method has been adopted to estimate the 24-hour duration PMP. The Probable Maximum Precipitation for 24-hour duration storm is estimated as 691 mm for the Linau River Basin.
Influence of Silica Based Waste Materials on the Mechanical And Physical Properties of Mortar
Authors: Balang S.I. , Mohamed Sutan N. , Yakub I. , Jaafar M.S. , Matori K.A.
Published: March 2019

This is an investigation on the influence of silica based waste materials namely silica fume (SF) and recycled vase (RV) on the physical and mechanical properties of mortar. Results showed that 15%SF modified mortar achieved the highest strength and lowest water absorption capability compared to Control mortar and other mixtures. The result was confirmed by water absorption capability test for the same mixtures where 15% SF modified mortar was found to absorb the least. Furthermore, combination of 15% SF and 10% RV achieved the lowest water absorption compared to other combinations samples but higher than Control and 15% SF modified mortar. The results of this study indicated that SF is highly pozzolanic material that can be an excellent cement replacement material to produce high-performance concrete. Study on pozzolanc behavior of SF samples subjected to longer hydration time is needed. Further microstructural investigation is needed to confirm the hypothesis on retardation of hydration due to unreactive RV.
Evaluation on factors affecting bacteria growth in collected rainwater
Authors: Sarudu Nureleana H. , Selaman Onni S. , Baini Rubiyah , Rosli Nor Azalina
Published: March 2019

Rainwater collected in rural areas may be contaminated and could affect health if consumed. Therefore, the rainwater quality is evaluated by identifying factors that affect the growth of bacteria and how they contribute to the growth. The factors are temperature, pH, oxygen and nutrient concentration which tested using thermometer, pH meter, DO meter and TOC Analyser. Bacteria densities were determined through MPN method using Colilert-18. Results showed Kuching samples have lower water temperature and TOC, less acidic but higher DO compared to Kota Samarahan samples. Evening samples showed lower water temperature and DO, but higher acidity and TOC compared to morning samples. Bacteria densities also showed decrease in readings and only Total Coliform are presence as rainwater collected in an open space. Samples temperature between 26°C and 28°C and pH readings between 5.59 and 6.05 shows that bacteria may adapt and exhibit growth but limited. DO and TOC also decreases between 0.33mg/L and 0.72mg/L and between 0.6340mg/L and 1.9338mg/L respectively. This indicates the uptake of oxygen and usage of organic carbon by the bacteria. These results correspond to the decreasing bacteria densities as due to limitation of oxygen and nutrients concentration and ideal range of temperature and pH for growth.
ALTERNATIVE USE OF ROUNDABOUT AS STORM WATER DETENTION POND
Authors: Mah D.Y.S. , Ho T. Y.
Published: March 2019

This study explores the concept of utilising roundabout as a component of the urban stormwater system. The research team has developed a drainage model to incorporate a roundabout as dry detention pond. In addition, the model is used to determine the effectiveness of such design by applying the concept virtually on a real-world roundabout at the southeast of UniGarden, a housing estate situated about 17 km from Kuching City of Sarawak. Computer representations of the existing drainage system and roundabout dry detention pond are built using the USEPA SWMM software. The modelling effort shows that the open space provided by a large roundabout is capable of achieving the maximum attenuation of storm flows and is able to hold 100% of runoff from 100-year storm. As empty spaces are increasingly hard to come by in urban areas; therefore, using an open space in a roundabout for dry detention pond is a good example of an innovative drainage system.
ASSESSMENT OF SOIL EROSION BY SIMULATING RAINFALL ON AN EQUATORIAL ORGANIC SOIL
Authors: A.H Johari , P.L. Law , S.N.L. Taib , L.K. Yong
Published: March 2019

Soil erosion occurs on construction sites partly due to site clearing that exposes the land to the erosive power of rainfall. A proposed construction project requires the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment EIA) to assess the impact of the project on the environment. Assessment of soil erosion is included in the EIA, but the equation to estimate soil erosion known as the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is only applicable to a soil containing up to four percent organic matter. This limitation of USLE requires an alternative that can predict soil erosion on an organic soil. This study attempts to assess erosion that occurs on an organic soil by simulated rainfall. Field soil samples were reconstructed into three shapes and exposed to simulated rainfall. Results indicate that the amount of organic soil loss decreases with increasing duration of rainfall. Particle size distribution shows that particles with sizes finer than coarse sand (1.7 mm) remained on the slopes. Equations were developed from the graphs of soil loss versus duration of simulated rainfall to estimate soil loss occurring on slopes covered by an organic soil. The outcome of this study can be a precursor to developing an equation to estimate soil erodibility of a slope overlain by an organic soil.
Removal of Phosphorus from Synthetic Wastewater Using Recycled Concrete Aggregates as a Filter Medium
Authors: Adnan S. H. , Hamdan R. , Roni N. A.
Published: March 2019

These days, sustainability has become a primary concern as the large amount of natural resources are being used to produce materials such as concrete. Concrete from the construction industry constitutes the major proportion of construction waste. This could bring negative impact including depletion of natural resources, pollution, increasing landfill space, and high cost of waste disposal. All of these negative impacts are the sustainability issues that should be concentrated on. Hence, alternative methods have been introduced in order to reduce waste by recycling concrete waste. One of the alternative methods that can be used is by reusing recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) from discarded waste cubes. RCA can be used to produce new concrete but it will generally have a lower performance compared to normal concrete. Thus, the present study introduces an alternative method which is by reusing the RCA as a water filter medium to remove phosphorus from wastewater. Phosphorus is one of the inorganic compounds found in wastewater that can lead to environmental problems such as eutrophication. Based on previous studies, many types of materials with various chemical compositions have been used for phosphorus removal from wastewater. Therefore, this study demonstrates the ability of RCA as an alternative method for phosphorus removal from wastewater. In addition, three different factors have been considered in the removal of phosphorus namely, different initial concentration of phosphorus, different sizes of RCA and dosage of RCA used during the treatment process. Based on the experiments conducted, the lowest initial concentration of phosphorus of 10 mg/L, the smallest RCA size ranging between 0mm to 5mm and the highest RCA dosage of 50g resulted in the highest percentage of phosphorus removal in wastewater.
Uplift Capacity of Single And Group of Granular Anchor Pile System
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Mohit , Chandaluri V.K. , Sawant V. A.
Published: March 2019

In view of increased development in the infrastructure across the world, now it becomes necessary to go for the marginal sites having weak soil for foundation. Foundations are normally designed to transfer compressive and uplift forces safely to the subsoil, wherein piles provide an appropriate solution. But the option of pile foundation is quite expensive. Before going for pile foundation, the feasibility of other alternatives must be accessed thoroughly. If it is possible to adopt some suitable ground improvement technique for enhancement of foundation strength, then it should be considered. In the present study, Granular Anchor Pile System is proposed to with stand uplift forces. The present paper, based on a field study, briefly discusses the basic principles associated with the granular pile. The analysis of field test data indicates that the proposed granular pile system is a viable means for ground improvement. It is found effective for improving varying soil conditions and capable of providing resistance to compressive forces in addition to the uplift resistance. Besides, this foundation technique has been found cost effective as compared to the concrete piles.
Refinement of Topographical Factor For Estimating Soil Loss and Sediment Yield in Equatorial Regions
Authors: Yong L. K. , Law P. L. , L. Taib S. N. , S. Mah D. Y. , Johari A. H.
Published: March 2019

This paper aims to improve the Topographical Factor for estimation soil loss and sediment yield in Equatorial region. In the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Topographical factor (LS) is derived as soil loss amount related to gently-inclined plane surface of 72.6ft (22.13m) slope length and 9% slope gradient in United States of America (USA). The terrains in equatorial region (especially at construction sites) comprise of more cone-shaped and pyramid- shaped characterized with steeper slopes and shorter slope lengths as compared to agricultural lands in USA. Topographical Factors (TT, TC & TP) in equatorial region were found as function of sediment yield (SY), surface runoff velocity (RV), and silt and clay compositions (SC). Triangular prism-shaped slope could be used as reference or indicator due to the shape is comparable or almost similar to that of the RUSLE’s gently-inclined plane surface. Cone-shaped and pyramid-shaped showed approximately 80% and 77%, respectively similar to triangular prism-shaped. Therefore, the Topographical Factors for triangular prism-shaped, cone-shaped and pyramid-shaped landscapes in equatorial region: Error! Reference source not found. (Triangular Prism), Error! Reference source not found. (Cone) andError! Reference source not found. (Pyramid).
High-Precision Combined Tidal Forecasting Model
Authors: Liu Jiao , Shi Guoyou , Zhu Kaige
Published: March 2019

To improve the overall accuracy of tidal forecasting and ameliorate the low accuracy of single harmonic analysis, this paper proposes a combined tidal forecasting model based on harmonic analysis and autoregressive integrated moving average–support vector regression (ARIMA-SVR). In tidal analysis, the resultant tide can be considered as a superposition of the astronomical tide level and the non-astronomical tidal level, which are affected by the tide-generating force and environmental factors, respectively. The tidal data are de-noised via wavelet analysis, and the astronomical tide level is subsequently calculated via harmonic analysis. The residual sequence generated via harmonic analysis is used as the sample dataset of the non-astronomical tidal level, and the tidal height of the system is calculated by the ARIMA-SVR model. Finally, the tidal values are predicted by linearly summing the calculated results of both systems. The simulation results were validated against the measured tidal data at the tidal station of Bay Waveland Yacht Club, USA. By considering the residual non-astronomical tide level effects (which are ignored in traditional harmonic analysis), the combined model improves the accuracy of tidal prediction. Moreover, the combined model is feasible and efficient.
An Approach to the Dynamics and Control of Uncertain Robot Manipulators
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Xiaolong , Xu Shaoping , Ding Yihui , Zhu Kun , Liu Peter Xiaoping
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a novel constraint-following control for uncertain robot manipulators that is inspired by analytical dynamics is developed. The motion can be regarded as external constraints of the system. However, it is not easy to obtain explicit equations for dynamic modeling of constrained systems. For a multibody system subject to motion constraints, it is a common practice to introduce Lagrange multipliers, but using these to obtain explicit dynamical equations is a very difficult task. In order to obtain such equations more simply, motion constraints are handled here using the Udwadia-Kalaba equation(UKE). Then, considering real-life robot manipulators are usually uncertain(but bounded), by using continuous controllers compensate for the uncertainties. No linearizations/approximations of the robot manipulators systems are made throughout, and the tracking errors are bounds. A redundant manipulator of the SCARA type as the example to illustrates the methodology. Numerical results are demonstrates the simplicity and ease of implementation of the methodology.
Resistance of Multiple Diploid and Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Varieties to Three Projected Drought Scenarios for the UK in 2080
Authors: Lee Mark A. , Howard-Andrews Victoria , Chester Michael
Published: March 2019

Forage plants underpin the livestock industry. Selective breeding, including polyploidization, where genome size is increased by whole genome duplication, changes the productivity and stress tolerance of new varieties. We conducted a growth chamber experiment to investigate the likely responses of Lolium perenne L. to drought, testing four diploid and four tetraploid varieties. We simulated projected spring and summer temperatures for the South-West of England in 2080, applying three projected rainfall scenarios, which varied in drought severity. Drought caused a reduction in productivity, but there was substantial variation between varieties (up to 82%), with the optimal variety changing depending on drought severity. Across three harvests, productivity declined by 43% and 27% (dry biomass) for the severe and likely drought scenarios, respectively. In the final harvest, tetraploids exhibited a greater biomass under severe drought, whereas diploids had a greater biomass under the current rainfall and likely drought scenarios. Longer stomata were observed in tetraploids; however, stomatal conductance was not significantly different between ploidy levels. Trait selection will be important for future drought adaptation. Local climate projections will need to be consulted when selecting L. perenne varieties to tolerate the spatially variable reductions in future rainfall.
Characterizing Antimicrobial Use in the Livestock Sector in Three South East Asian Countries (Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam)
Authors: Coyne Lucy , Arief Riana , Benigno Carolyn , Giang Vo Ngan , Huong Luu Quynh , Jeamsripong Saharuetai , Kalpravidh Wantanee , McGrane James , Padungtod Pawin , Patrick Ian , Schoonman Luuk , Setyawan Erry , Harja Sukarno Ady , Srisamran Jutanat , Ngoc Pham Thi , Rushton Jonathan
Published: March 2019

A framework was developed to characterize the antimicrobial use/antimicrobial resistance complex in livestock systems in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Farm profitability, disease prevention, and mortality rate reduction were identified as drivers toward antimicrobial use in livestock systems. It revealed that antimicrobial use was high in all sectors studied, and that routine preventative use was of particular importance to broiler production systems. Misleading feed labeling was identified as a hurdle to the collection of accurate antimicrobial use data, with farmers being unaware of the antimicrobials contained in some commercial feed. Economic analysis found that the cost of antimicrobials was low relative to other farm inputs, and that farm profitability was precariously balanced. High disease and poor prices were identified as potential drivers toward economic loss. The research indicates that antimicrobial use in small-scale poultry production systems improves feed conversion ratios and overall productivity. However, data were limited to quantify adequately these potential gains and their impacts on the food supply. During the study, all countries embraced and implemented policies on better management of antimicrobial use in livestock and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. Future policies need to consider farm-level economics and livestock food supply issues when developing further antimicrobial use interventions in the region.
Land Subsidence Susceptibility Mapping Using Bayesian, Functional, and Meta-Ensemble Machine Learning Models
Authors: Oh Hyun-Joo , Syifa Mutiara , Lee Chang-Wook , Lee Saro
Published: March 2019

To effectively prevent land subsidence over abandoned coal mines, it is necessary to quantitatively identify vulnerable areas. In this study, we evaluated the performance of predictive Bayesian, functional, and meta-ensemble machine learning models in generating land subsidence susceptibility (LSS) maps. All models were trained using half of a land subsidence inventory, and validated using the other half of the dataset. The model performance was evaluated by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the resulting LSS map for each model. Among all models tested, the logit boost, which is a meta-ensemble machine leaning model, generated LSS maps with the highest accuracy (91.44%), i.e., higher than that of the other Bayesian and functional machine learning models, including the Bayes net (86.42%), naïve Bayes (85.39%), logistic (88.92%), and multilayer perceptron models (86.76%). The LSS maps produced in this study can be used to mitigate subsidence risk for people and important facilities within the study area, and as a foundation for further studies in other regions.
Hybrid Grey Wolf Optimization Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Aircraft Engines Based on an Elastic BP Neural Network
Authors: Xiao Lingfei , Xu Min , Chen Yuhan , Chen Yusheng
Published: March 2019

In order to deal with control constraints and the performance optimization requirements in aircraft engines, a new nonlinear model predictive control method based on an elastic BP neural network with a hybrid grey wolf optimizer is proposed in this paper. Based on the acquired aircraft engines data, the elastic BP neural network is used to train the prediction model, and the grey wolf optimization algorithm is applied to improve the selection of initial parameters in the elastic BP neural network. The accuracy of network modeling is increased as a result. By introducing the logistics chaotic sequence, the individual optimal search mechanism, and the cross operation, the novel hybrid grey wolf optimization algorithm is proposed and then used in receding horizon optimization to ensure real-time operation. Subsequently, a nonlinear model predictive controller for aircraft engine is obtained. Simulation results show that, with constraints in the control signal, the proposed nonlinear model predictive controller can guarantee that the aircraft engine has a satisfactory performance.