bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermo-voltage and strength performance of catalysed biomass concrete with Phosphomolybdic Acid and Ferric Chloride as renewable energy source
Authors: Lee H P , Gan Z S , Tan K S , Yong Y K , Abdul Rahman N , Low W P , Awang A Z
Published: July 2023

Catalyzed biomass concrete (CBC) is a cutting-edge technology that produces its own voltages when exposed to temperature changes. It is achieved by mixing catalyst and biomass in conventional concrete during fresh state, and the product generates electricity by oxidation. It helps in reducing cement consumption and minimizing environmental effect, yet to produce new renewable energy from concrete itself. Existing studies has proven the voltage effectiveness of CBC but still low in compressive strength, making it not suitable to serve as load carrying component. Hence in this study, a new chemical combination of catalyst in CBC is examined and reported in its voltage and compressive strength performance. Cubes and specimens with catalyst percentage ranging from 5% to 40% were prepared and tested its compressive strength up to 56 days and its voltage performance under three different exposing condition from 0°C to 100°C. The findings show that CBC specimens with such catalyst combination able to produce voltages, where specimens with 40% of catalyst had the highest voltage measurement of 0.443V. While for compressive strength, CBC cubes with 10% of catalyst performed higher than 40%, but the strength captured with new catalyst combination is better that existing study. It is evident that CBC with such catalyst suitable to serve as load bearing component, and at the same time, generating electricity with complete circuit, under temperature different.
Fresh properties and flexural strength of 3D printing sustainable concrete containing GGBS as partial cement replacement
Authors: Rahmat N F , Ali N , Abdullah S R , Abdul Hamid N A , Salleh N , Shahidan S
Published: July 2023

The most extensively used construction materials in the world are cement, mortar, and concrete. GGBS is an alternative to Portland cement that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly and has been recognized as an environmental-friendly construction material. It can also be used as a substitute or as a supplementary to cement, which can help promote sustainable development globally. On the other hand, 3D printing concrete is a revolutionary concrete building process that is developed by many research institutes and companies across the world. Some of the benefits of 3D printing concrete are the use of materials is optimized, reduce labour cost, fast construction and able to construct customized buildings. However the study about 3D printing concrete materials needs more extensive works in order for the materials to fulfill the criteria of 3D printing concrete properties. Therefore, this study tends to explore some of the materials properties of 3D printing concrete. The objective of this study is to investigate the fresh properties and flexural strength of 3D printing concrete containing GGBS as partial cement replacement and to evaluate the optimum percentage of GGBS as partial cement replacement in 3D printing concrete. The percentage replacement of GGBS that was carried out in this study was 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% with a 0.5 w/c ratio. Extrudability, flowability, buildability, and flexural strength tests were performed. From the experimental results, it shows that 30% of GGBS replacement recorded the highest flexural strength. The mix also performs well in extrudability and buildability test.
Walking test on Glulam-concrete composite floor
Authors: Abd Ghafar N H , Mohd Ikhsan H , Abd Aziz NZ , Yeoh D , Koh HB , Tuan Chik T N
Published: July 2023

Glulam-concrete composite floor (GCC) is a hybrid flooring system which adopted from timber-concrete (TCC) flooring system concrete by replacing the sawn timber joist to Glulam timber joist. The concrete topping was poured on the concrete topping with stiffness connectors were installed to prevent the slip behaviour. Glulam timber is engineered timber that has a bigger strength compared to swan timber. This study is aims to identify the vibration behaviour of 7.6 m × 4.05 m Glulam Concrete Composite (GCC) floor. The walking tests were performed to get the vibration excitation on the floor. The person was walked horizontal and diagonal from one edge to another edge of the floor. The vibration data was recorded by accelerometer and analysis using ARTeMIS software package. The first natural frequency that obtained from both walking tests, (horizontally and diagonally walking test) were 12.9 Hz and 12.39 Hz, respectively. The natural frequencies were higher that 8 Hz as recommended by Eurocode 5, as acceptable value of limitation of vibration serviceability on the flooring system. As conclusion, the vibration behaviour of GCC floor was acceptable and the floor is comfortable to be used.
Strength performance of reinforced concrete beam containing waste tire rubber and local waste material
Authors: Mokhatar S N , Mutalib N A N A , Zabiddin M Z I , Hadipramana J , Hakim S J S
Published: July 2023

The strength of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structure is one of the concerns for construction development. In this study, waste tire rubber has been used to replace fine aggregate and the local waste material, Rise Husk Ash (RHA) as a cement replacement. Three groups of specimens with the same percentage of RHA about 10% and different percentages of waste crumb rubber (CR), 0%, 6% and 10% have been produced. Cube specimen and cylinder specimen are tested under compressive strength test and splitting tensile test. Besides, RC beam is tested under four points bending test. It is observed that by replacing 10% of RHA as cement replacement in addition to 0%, 6% and 10% of CR into concrete specimen, it can produce the compressive strength of 52.3 MPa, 34.3MPa and 28.6MPa respectively. Meanwhile, splitting tensile test gives a result of 2.80 MPa, 2.17 MPa and 1.84 MPa, respectively, based on the different CR percentages. For four points bending test, 6% of CR with 10% RHA gain 81.3 kN maximum load with 4.98 mm deflection while 10% of CR with 10% of RHA generate 79.5 kN of maximum load with 5.86 mm deflection compared with control specimen. Overall, 6% of CR with 10% of RHA in the reinforced concrete beam manage to withstand maximum load compare with control specimen.
Use of silicon rubber as a viscoelastic material in dampers
Authors: Alhasan Abbas Ali , Vafaei Mohammadreza , Ali Sophia C.
Published: July 2023

One of the most extensively utilized structural control devices is the viscoelastic damper (VD), and significant study has gone into enhancing their efficiency in structures. The mechanical response of a VD supplied with silicone rubber as viscoelastic material (SRD) under various loading conditions is investigated in this research. A conventional VD is the SRD, which is made up of dual layers of rubber mounted between three steel plates. A total of two specimens were produced. To evaluate the influence of strain amplitude and excitation frequency on the mechanical characteristics of SRD, each damper was exposed to harmonic loading with different values. Hysteretic loops for each loading case were extracted, and the variations of several mechanical parameters with the variated loading conditions were inspected. The results indicate that SRD has a high energy dissipation capacity, and has stable performance under different working conditions. Finally, a proper simplified element model was created using SAP2000 software to evaluate the dissipation characteristics and control impact of the SRD in structures, and then a time history analysis was executed on multi storey structure. Due to the obvious dampers’ extra stiffness and efficient damping property, the control impact of the SRD dampers on structural displacement is preferred and reflected on reducing the excessive displacement due to structure movement, according to data obtained.
Sustainable construction material: Ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) for railway bridges in Malaysia
Authors: Meor Hussein M M H , Osman M H , Abd Rahman R
Published: July 2023

UHPFRC is a new concrete technology being used in many countries including Malaysia. UHPFRC favourable material properties open up new potential for precast options in bridge construction and have been widely used as beams for highway bridges in Malaysia. Nevertheless, PRC beams were preferred despite heavy in weight and large sections although these properties affect the design of the bridge substructure as well the cost of construction. This research is to review the applicability of Grade 140/155 UHPFRC beam for railway bridges in Malaysia. Laboratory tests for mechanical properties of UHPFRC were conducted and results were verified and complied with the French Standard, NF P18-470: 2016. The characteristic cylinder and cube compressive strengths were 151 and 155 MPa while the tensile limit of elasticity, post-cracking tensile strengths and modulus of rupture were 7.8, 8.4 and 24.3 MPa respectively. Structural analysis and design as per NF P18-710: 2016 requirement was then performed for a 15 meter UHPFRC IB650 beam to justify its applicability against a Grade 40/50 PRC U-beam of an existing railway bridge in which the ultimate shear and moment capacities of both beams were compared. The ultimate shear and moment capacities of the 4 numbers of U-beams/deck were 4,092 kN and 13,324 kNm respectively and when compared to UHPFRC IB650 beam, six numbers/deck were required with ultimate shear and moment capacities of 4,836 kN and 14,574 kNm respectively. For durability, the modulus of elasticity and depth of water penetration for UHPFRC were 50.8 GPa and 2mm respectively compared to 34 GPa and 11mm for Grade 40/50 concrete.
Properties of cement bricks containing sago fine waste (SFW) with different water-cement ratio
Authors: Norhayati A W , Suraya Hani A , Abdul Hadi Izaan I , Mazizah Ezdiani M , Mohamad Hairi O , Zalipah J , Noor Azlina A H , Shahiron S
Published: July 2023

Cement is a key material in the construction industry. However, this widespread use adversely affects the environment. The replacement of cement with waste materials, mainly agricultural wastes, can reduce the impact of environmental pollution and result in sustainable construction. Sago fine waste (SFW) is a fibrous residue from waste from sago milling operations where physical treatment has been made. This study used SFW as a partial cement replacement material in cement brick and the effect of adding SFW to cement brick properties. Brick samples are designed with five different percentages of 2,4,6,8, and 10% of cement replacement, including control cement brick. The mortar mix is based on a ratio of 1:3, which follows Malaysian brick production standards. For compressive strength, density, and water absorption tests, all the specimens were cured for 7 and 28 days. The strength of cement bricks was investigated based on the difference of two water-cement ratios: 0.5 and 0.6. The brick properties investigated in this study are density, water absorption and compressive strength. The experimental results show that the brick’s density, compressive strength, and water absorption decreased as the replacement percentage increased. However, it still meets the requirements of the standard for load-bearing structures. Analysis of this study is according to extensive data collection, the ideal composition for SFW in cement brick was 2% and 0.6 water-cement ratios. This demonstrates SFW’s promise as a novel pozzolanic material for producing more sustainable bricks. As a result, SFW as a cement replacement material could improve bricks’ physical and mechanical properties as curing time increases.
Tensile properties of slag-based engineered cementitious composites with ground granulated blast-furnace slag
Authors: Ismail Y , Lee S W , Oh C L , Md Zain M R , Yahya N A
Published: July 2023

During the last decade, concrete technology has been undergoing rapid development, resulting in a new concept of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) to overcome the brittle behaviour of cement-based materials. ECC is one movement to fully incorporate waste material as an innovation in green material due to excellent toughness and energy absorption capacity, self-healing ability, fire performance, and remain durable under erosion environment. ECC exhibits a strain-hardening behaviour through the formation of micro cracking. This study is focusing on the tensile behaviour of the slag-based ECC. A total of five ECC mixes were designed with different cement to ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) ratio. Five samples of dog bone and three cylindrical for each mixture were prepared for direct tensile and compression tests. Compared to control samples, there are increments in compressive strength for samples contained 50-60% of GGBS and reductions in compressive strength for samples contained 70-80% of GGBS. The tensile strengths of ECC increase in the rate proportionally to the content of GGBS in ECC mixtures. The failure modes of the ECC cylinder samples including crushing under compressive load and few micro cracks are observed in ECC dog bones.
The impact of implementing green elements on the toll roads of Indonesia
Authors: Rahmat  , Mairizal  , Majid Muhd Zaimi bin Abd , Ngian Shek Poi
Published: July 2023

Along with the increasing development of toll road construction in Indonesia, the impact of carbon emissions will also increase. In terms of increasing toll road development in Indonesia, several elements can affect the number of carbon emissions in Indonesia, including these elements during the operation of the toll road. Therefore, from some of these elements, a study is needed to determine the effectiveness of the application of green elements that can reduce carbon emissions and measure the application of green elements on toll roads in Indonesia. Referring to previous studies, toll roads will continue to be a contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, when the government wants to continue implementing toll road projects, including in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of implementing green elements in toll road development projects in Indonesia based on a literature review. This research uses literature study, data collection, and questionnaires which are analyzed using qualitative statistical analysis. The findings in this study are the green elements that have an impact on the implementation of toll road projects in Indonesia.
Strength and consolidation index parameters of stabilise clay soil using scrap rubber tyre
Authors: Nazaruddin A T , Shakri M S , Ladin M A , Hafez M A , Abd Rahman N F , Mohammad M
Published: July 2023

Scrap rubber tyres are one of the synthetic fibre materials that can be used as a soil stabilizer. This study looks into the effects of scrap rubber tyres as a soil stabiliser on clay soil. Soil samples were collected in Kota Kinabalu, and the scrap rubber tyre was passed through a 2 mm passing sieve. Three experimental tests were carried out: compaction, consolidation, and an unconfined compression test (UCT). During the compaction test, the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) parameters were determined using the proctor standard penetration test. The shear strength of all soil samples was determined using UCT. The consolidation test also looks at the compressibility index and swelling index. Four soil sample configurations were prepared, one as a control sample and three with different soils mixed with varying percentages of scrap rubber tires: 1.5%, 2%, and 5%. This study investigates the degree of compaction, shear strength, settlement behaviour (compressibility), and swelling behaviour of scrap rubber tyres as a soil stabiliser. According to the findings, the optimal amount of scrap rubber tyres as a stabiliser that could improve the properties of clayey soil is 2%.
Unconfined compressive strength assessment of stabilized marine soil with cockle shell powder as sustainable material on subgrade pavement
Authors: Rahman M H K , Md Nujid M , Idrus J , Tholibon D A , Bawadi N F
Published: July 2023

Sustainable infrastructure is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) introduced by the United Nation. By utilizing waste materials as recycled and reused materials in construction, it offers great benefits to people, the economy and the environment for sustainable infrastructure in geotechnical project development. The low strength of marine subgrade pavement soil can be improved by chemical stabilization from abundant natural waste near the coastal area. The use of seashells such as cockle shells in powder formed can be considered a potential sustainable natural waste additive in replacing lime and cement for stabilized marine soil. Yet, its potential performance in improving geotechnical properties has not extensively been investigated. Thus, the unconfined compressive strength of stabilized marine soil with cockle shell powder (CSP) was assessed experimentally. The treated soil specimens were mixed with 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of CSP (by dry weight of the soil sample) and prepared in the cylindrical dimension of 38 mm in diameter and 76 mm in height prior to unconfined compression test based on the optimum moisture content (OMC) obtained from the compaction test. All experiments were carried out in accordance with British Standard. The results show that the CSP can improve the strength of stabilized soil. The highest strength is 636.785 kPa for soil mixed with 10% of CSP which 157% increase compared with untreated soil. Therefore, the results of the study have shown that the addition of CSP to marine soil has improved significantly the unconfined compressive strength in soil stabilization, especially for pavement such as highways, airport runways and parking areas.
The effect of street design on speed of vehicles along urban residential streets in Johor
Authors: Rahim Saidathul Ummah Abd , Daniel Basil David
Published: July 2023

Street design plays an important role in controlling vehicular speed. This has a direct impact on enhancing the safety of road users and the quality of the environment for residents living adjacent to the streets. The increasing of road accidents every day is worrisome. The safety of other road users is adversely affected when drivers travel at high speeds. Speeding is also the cause of noise and air pollution, which may negatively impact community livability. The speed of the vehicle is influenced by the physical condition of the road such as uneven roads, sharp turns and narrow lanes. Thus, by tweaking the design of streets, it is possible to achieve speed reduction. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of road geometry and parking on speed of a moving vehicles in urban residential areas. This study was conducted on local streets and collectors in Johor. The data obtained were vehicle speed, road characteristics (road length, road width, road gradient) and number of parked vehicles. Then, the data were analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to find the relationship between street design and vehicle speed. The result from the analysis shows that road characteristics such as traffic calming and road gradient can significantly influence vehicle speed.
Evaluation of Warm Mix Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixture (WCRMA) on resisting permanent deformation
Authors: Rasidin Nur Najwa , Buhari Rosnawati
Published: July 2023

Crumb rubber (CR) is generated from the recycling of used or discarded car tires and has long been utilized in the paving industry. Crumb rubber can be used in asphalt mixes in two ways: dry process and wet process. However, compared to standard combinations, crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) requires much higher mixing and compaction temperatures. As a potential substitute, using warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology significantly lower hot-mix asphalt (HMA) production and placement temperatures through viscosity reduction. In accordance, the objectives of the study are to produce warm mix crumb rubberized asphalt mixtures (WCRMA) using a dry process and to evaluate WCRMA’s performance in terms of rutting resistance. WCRMA is produced by adding 1, 3, and 5% Sasobit® of the total weight of the binder. The rutting performance of WCRMA was evaluated by Dynamic Creep test. The result showed that the asphalt mixes with the largest percentages of Sasobit® (5%) showed the lowest lowest accumulated strain and permanent deformation. The modified asphalt mixture performed better and had greater rutting resistance due to the replacement of fine aggregate with crumb rubber and the addition of Sasobit® compared to control sample.
Analysis on car driver’s speed at Federal Route FT050
Authors: Omar N , Omar R , Ismail I
Published: July 2023

Johor is one of the states in Malaysia that records high accident statistics, especially on Federal Route FT050, Batu Pahat-Ayer Hitam. One of the elements causing an accident is the attitude of a driver who drives too fast and ignores the warning and speed limit signs. The study aimed to determine whether the warning signboard’s impact on driving speed at the before- and after-study locations. The GPS DG 200 was used to record the speed data of 50 trips at Batu Pahat to Ayer Hitam. Descriptive and inferential statistics (paired t-test) were used to determine whether or not a driver reduced their speed when approaching an accident-prone area. The results indicate that the warning sign is significant because drivers reduce their speed after passing a warning signboard.
Compressibility characteristics of collapsible gypseous soil: A review
Authors: Hassan Al-Riahi Saif M. , Pauzi Nur Irfah Mohd , Fattah Mohammed Y.
Published: July 2023

Gypseous soil is located in dry and semi-arid areas in unsaturated conditions and this type of soil becomes a serious issue for engineering and geotechnical when it becomes wet. the properties and structure of this soil change, when exposed to soaking and leaching, because gypsum is dissolved in water causing a rupture in the bonds that hold soil particles together and a reduction in the suction power that holds them together. Large settlements and potential collapse will happen which cause problems for the constructions built on it. This paper gives an overview of some of the properties of gypseous soils and previous research on the behavior of this soil. It was found that the collapse potential of gypseous soil increases with increasing the gypsum content and void ratio, and collapse potential decreases when the initial water content and dry density increase.
Soil stabilisation for laying road foundations: Way forward with organic soil treatment
Authors: Chong Wei-An , Chan Chee-Ming , Sani Salina , Rahman Noor Khazanah A , Yahya Nur Faezah
Published: July 2023

In Malaysia, the remediation of soils polluted by organic compounds is a challenging issue in environmental engineering. Improper treatment and conventional remove-and-replace approaches have low performance in terms of cost and sustainability. Hence, chemical stabilisation has been utilised worldwide to enhance the engineering properties of organic soils. This study focused on stabilising organic soil using cementitious-based chemicals blended with netted-polymeric fibre to improve its strength. This paper reviews the relevant past work as a basis for work in the pipeline. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of netted-polymeric fibre reinforcement on the shear strength characteristics of the stabilised organic sand. The fibre has tensile resistance that can be mobilised by normal pressures acting on fibre reinforcement soil. The best mixture of sand, clay, organic content and stabiliser for organic soil treatment will be identified as the way forward. The shear strength characteristics of the stabilised organic soil samples would then be evaluated parametrically using field application considerations.
Analysis of public facility (Petrol Pump Station) localization by using Geographic Information System (GIS). Case study: Ayer Hitam - Batu Pahat, Johor
Authors: Suhandri Hendy Fitrian , Nozlan Nur Farhana
Published: July 2023

The number of vehicles on the road today is increasing due to rapid urbanisation, which necessitates increased fuel consumption. As a result, a Petrol Pump Station (PPS) is an important location that serves people in need of fuel. This study evaluates these PPS within the Batu Pahat District with the goals of determining the existence of PPS distribution along the main road from Ayer Hitam to Batu Pahat, Johor, with a focus on Jalan Batu Pahat and Jalan Kluang, using a map and digitising in GIS software. The study also aims to use the Network Analysis method to analyse the localization of the existence of PPS in the study area. The study used Quantum GIS (QGIS) as an open-source application. Field surveys were used to collect data for the study, and the coordination for each PPS was acquired using a handled Global Positioning System (GPS) device, as well as other information such as the type of company, the number of pumps, the type of fuel, and the access facility provided. Maps and tables were used to present the results. The study’s findings are then expected to aid authorities and the community in the study area in planning to locate and identify PPS based on their proximity to PPS.
The selection of PPP scheme using VfM analysis for Sekupang – Batam Centre Corridor
Authors: Purnomo D A , Upahita D P , Utomo D P , Waseso A B , Fiantika T , Sucipto  , Yulianta  , Sampetoding M M , Triyanto  , Ismoyo K , Ajidarmo
Published: July 2023

The study on public mass transportation in Batam City was started in 2010 by BP Batam. The study is still in a long polemic due to problems arise in technical and non-technical aspects, such as limited funding capacity of local government. Therefore, the government wants to involve private sectors in the development plan. This study aims to analyse the selection of Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme using value for money (VfM) as one of the solutions for public transportation funding problems. The methodology used in this study is the benchmarking method from several scenarios with an emphasis on the point of view of economic and financial feasibility studies. Several scenarios of PPP Scheme with different concession period and investment proportion were analyzed based on its VfM policy. The result of the VfM analysis shows that the VfM value for actual condition is 1,139,946 (IDR Mill). The most significant factors that affect the value of VfM is the changes in the concession period. The concession period of 20 years gives the maximum VfM value. In all scenarios, there is no negative VfM value which indicates that this public project is better if it is carried out with the PPP scheme.
Sustainable navigation approach: Efficacy assessment of the constant radius turn technique in calculating wheel over point using a ship simulator
Authors: Kamis Amir Syawal , Fuad Ahmad Faizal Ahmad , Anwar Aimie Qamarina
Published: July 2023

Changing a ship’s course while manoeuvring on a planned track is challenging as the ship may deviate from its intended course line, particularly when a late course alteration is made. Therefore, a wheel over point must be precisely established as an indicator to initiate course alteration. The study examines the Constant Radius Turn technique’s accuracy, where it is frequently used to calculate and determine the wheel over point. Even though mariners on board the ship have been widely using the technique, there is a lack of evidence in the scholarly literature to verify its effectiveness. In this study, simulations were carried out using a ship simulator to obtain the cross-track distance data for a ship’s manoeuvrability in various navigation regions consist of harbour and confined water, coastal navigation, and open water navigation. The results were then compared to the cross-track limits for each region, which led to the discovery that constant radius turn is an excellent method for identifying wheel over points in coastal and open water navigation, but it is not suitable for use in harbours and confined water areas.
Possibility of application of intelligent buildings (IBs) characteristics to improve the office buildings performance in Yemen
Authors: Al-awag Eman Ali , Wahab Izudinshah Abd , Al-waraki Fadl Mohammed , Abass Fatma
Published: July 2023

At the beginning of the eighties last century, there was a qualitative leap in the architecture field, which was the beginning of the emergence of intelligent buildings (IBs). These buildings expressed the pinnacle of scientific and technical progress that humanity had reached in architecture. IB has an integrated intelligent system that can recognize, make decisions, and respond to variables on its own, in addition to achieving sustainability. With these new concepts in the architecture field, in Yemen, buildings are still traditional in their performance, where individual systems are used. This paper aims to investigate the possibility of applying the characteristics of IBs to Yemeni buildings, especially office buildings, to enhance these buildings’ performance in order to improve the employees’ productivity. To achieve this goal, the study reviewed the characteristics of IBs, specifically the IB’s systems, and the reality of architecture and informatics in Yemen by analyzing one of the contemporary office buildings that own and use technological systems. The review showed a high possibility of achieving the features of IBs in Yemeni buildings in terms of applying intelligent systems. However, to make Yemeni buildings smarter in their performance, their digital infrastructure and the information and communication technology (ICT) in Yemen must be updated.
Strategies for enhancing the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry
Authors: Rafindadi A D , Othman I , Shafiq N , Alarifi H , Wanees A A , Ibrahim A
Published: July 2023

BIM implementation is still low in construction, especially in developing countries. The study aims to identify the most effective strategies to improve BIM implementation in the construction industry. A quantitative approach was a means of data collection. There were no statistically significant differences in respondents’ opinions about the process of enhancing BIM implementation based on educational qualification, age bracket, or the number of BIM projects handled. However, there was based on the participants’ specialization and years of working experience. Multiple linear regression was conducted to investigate whether the strategies to improve BIM implementation in the construction industry could significantly predict the level of BIM knowledge/awareness. The findings indicate that three independent variables significantly predict the level of BIM knowledge, F (5, 61) = 8.795, p < 0.001. However, government support and national standard have an insignificant impact on the dependent variable. Also, the R2
= 0.419 depicts that the model explains 41.9% of the variance in the level of BIM knowledge. The research results have implications for enhancing BIM implementation in AEC projects and may increase industry effectiveness.
A case study: A SWOT analysis of small-scale rainwater harvesting system in Batu Pahat
Authors: Mostaffa M F , Noh H M , Musa S M S
Published: July 2023

Rainwater harvesting is a common practice of storing water in a container before it will be used for other purposes. On a domestic scale, homeowners with a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) installed in their houses faced challenges to maintain and use the stored water. Therefore, this study aims to identify strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of conventional domestic small-scale RWHS. A comprehensive opinion of the conventional domestic RWHS is gathered through a series of semi-structured interview with homeowners in Batu Pahat district. The result indicates the afterthought design of RWHS leads to bigger problems such as difficult to maintain, unknown water quality, hazards for children, fixed and undesirable design. The authors conclude by presenting the results in the form of SWOT analysis and offering some recommendations to mitigate existing problems addressed in this study.
Process considerations for Aerosol-Jet printing of ultra fine features
Authors: Gramlich Georg , Huber Robert , Häslich Florian , Bhutani Akanksha , Lemmer Uli , Zwick Thomas
Published: July 2023

In recent years, Aerosol-Jet (AJ) printing has become an increasingly popular technology applied in research ranging from the biomedical field to military applications to printed semiconductors. Extensive efforts have been made to understand the influence of process parameters and the underlying physical principles. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the optimization of ultra-small and highly precise printed features. Pushing the printer to its limits and manufacturing structures as small as tens of microns with a micrometer accuracy poses significant challenges, because effects that can be ignored for printing large features play a crucial role. This study demonstrates how the printing speed quickly causes intolerable distortions. In contrast to large-feature printing, the printing speed cannot be used as a free parameter to set the print thickness. We will discuss the non-constant printing behavior induced by the divert/boost shutter and present shutter on the fly as a solution to many problems, but only if the subroutine code is optimized. The modifications made to the code are disclosed in this paper for the first time. Knowing that printing precise features often results in a high print thickness, we will briefly discuss the issue of cracks caused by the drying of thick nanoparticle films. Altogether, this paper presents a range of important considerations for AJ printing ultra-fine features and an interesting insight into the particularities of operating the printer at its limits.
Wearable and printable devices for electrolytes sensing
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Ma Suman , Hu Linyu , Fan Zhiyong , Lin Yuanjing
Published: July 2023

With the development of biotechnology and the miniaturization of sensors, wearable devices have attracted extensive attention for real-time and non-invasive health monitoring at the molecular level. Among these, sensors for electrolytes analysis play an essential role in monitoring body physiological functions and metabolic activities. Herein, this review firstly summarizes the recent advances in electrolytes sensing via wearable devices, focusing on the most commonly adopted ion-selective electrodes, optical sensors and sensing platforms for effective body fluid collection and analysis. Innovative strategies based on nanomaterials engineering to achieve biosensing reliability, mechanical robustness as well as biocompatibility are also presented. Moreover, novel printable fabrication approaches to realize integrated wearable sensing systems with desirable compatibility and versatility are introduced. Finally, the challenges for practical applications and the perspectives on accurate and multi-functional sensing based on integrated wearable devices are discussed.
Longitudinal associations between β-amyloid and cortical thickness in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Mak Elijah , Zhang Liwen , Tan Chin Hong , Reilhac Anthonin , Shim Hee Youn , Wen Marcus Ong Qin , Wong Zi Xuen , Chong Eddie Jun Yi , Xu Xin , Stephenson Mary , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Zhou Juan Helen , O’Brien John T , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian
Published: July 2023

How beta-amyloid accumulation influences brain atrophy in Alzheimer's disease remains contentious with conflicting findings. We aimed to elucidate the correlations of regional longitudinal atrophy with cross-sectional regional and global amyloid in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and no cognitive impairment. We hypothesized that greater cortical thinning over time correlated with greater amyloid deposition, particularly within Alzheimer’s disease characteristic regions in mild cognitive impairment, and weaker or no correlations in those with no cognitive impairment. 45 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 12 controls underwent a cross-sectional [11C]-Pittsburgh Compound B PET and two retrospective longitudinal structural imaging (follow-up: 23.65 ± 2.04 months) to assess global/regional amyloid and regional cortical thickness, respectively. Separate linear mixed models were constructed to evaluate relationships of either global or regional amyloid with regional cortical thinning longitudinally. In patients with mild cognitive impairment, regional amyloid in the right banks of the superior temporal sulcus was associated with longitudinal cortical thinning in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex (P = 0.04 after False Discovery Rate correction). In the mild cognitive impairment group, greater right banks amyloid burden and less cortical thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex showed greater visual and verbal memory decline over time, which was not observed in controls. Global amyloid was not associated with longitudinal cortical thinning in any locations in either group. Our findings indicate an increasing influence of amyloid on neurodegeneration and memory along the preclinical to prodromal spectrum. Future multimodal studies that include additional biomarkers will be well-suited to delineate the interplay between various pathological processes and amyloid and memory decline, as well as clarify their additive or independent effects along the disease deterioration.
The mismatch negativity as an index of cognitive abilities in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Saini Fedal , Masina Fabio , Wells Jasmine , Rosch Richard , Hamburg Sarah , Startin Carla , Strydom André
Published: July 2023

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with an ultra-high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding variability in pre-AD cognitive abilities may help understand cognitive decline in this population. The mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event-related potential component reflecting the detection of deviant stimuli that is thought to represent underlying memory processes, with reduced MMN amplitudes being associated with cognitive decline. To further understand the MMN in adults with DS without AD, we explored the relationships between MMN, age, and cognitive abilities (memory, language, and attention) in 27 individuals (aged 17–51) using a passive auditory oddball task. Statistically significant MMN was present only in 18 individuals up to 41 years of age and the latency were longer than canonical parameters reported in the literature. Reduced MMN amplitude was associated with lower memory scores, while longer MMN latencies were associated with poorer memory, verbal abilities, and attention. Therefore, the MMN may represent a valuable index of cognitive abilities in DS. In combination with previous findings, we hypothesize that while MMN response and amplitude may be associated with AD-related memory loss, MMN latency may be associated with speech signal processing. Future studies may explore the potential impact of AD on MMN in people with DS.
The boundary between real and fictional others in the medial prefrontal cortex is blurred in lonelier individuals
Authors: Broom Timothy W , Wagner Dylan D
Published: July 2023

People spend much of their free time engaging with narrative fiction. Research shows that, like real-life friends, fictional characters can sometimes influence individuals’ attitudes, behaviors, and self-beliefs. Moreover, for certain individuals, fictional characters can stand in for real-life friends by providing the experience of belonging. Despite these parallels between how people think of real and fictional others, it is unclear whether, and to what degree, their neural representations are similar. Does the brain treat psychologically close fictional others as it does close real-world friends, or are real others somehow privileged in their neural representation? In the present study, fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones performed a trait-evaluation task for the self, 9 real-life friends/acquaintances, and 9 fictional characters from Game of Thrones while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. Using both brain decoding and representational similarity analysis, we found evidence of a categorical boundary between real and fictional others within the medial prefrontal cortex. However, the boundary between these categories was blurred in lonelier individuals. These results suggest that lonelier individuals may turn to fictional characters to meet belongingness needs, and this, in turn, alters the manner in which these categories are encoded within the social brain.
The microbiome of the sponge Aplysina caissara in two sites with different levels of anthropogenic impact
Authors: Hardoim Cristiane C P , Hardoim Pablo R , Lôbo-Hajdu Gisele , Custódio Márcio R , Thomas Torsten
Published: July 2023

Despite the important roles that marine sponges play in ecosystem functioning and structuring, little is known about how the sponge holobiont responds to local anthropogenic impacts. Here we assess the influence of an impacted environment (Praia Preta) on the microbial community associated with the endemic sponge Aplysina caissara in comparison to a less-impacted area (Praia do Guaecá) from the coast of São Paulo state (Brazil, southwestern Atlantic coast). We hypothesized that the local anthropogenic impacts will change the microbiome of A. caissara and that the community assembly will be driven by a different process (i.e. deterministic versus stochastic) under distinct levels of impact. The microbiome at the amplicon sequence variants level was found to be statistically distinct between sponges from the different sites, and this was also seen for the microbial communities of the surrounding seawater and sediments. Microbial communities of A. caissara from both sites were found to be assembled by deterministic processes, even though the sites presented distinct anthropogenic impacts, showing a pivotal role of the sponge host in selecting its own microbiome. Overall, this study revealed that local anthropogenic impacts altered the microbiome of A. caissara; however, assembly processes are largely determined by the sponge host.
Genomic Analysis of a Scale Worm Provides Insights into Its Adaptation to Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
Authors: He Xing , Wang Hui , Xu Ting , Zhang Yanjie , Chen Chong , Sun Yanan , Qiu Jian-Wen , Zhou Yadong , Sun Jin
Published: July 2023

Deep-sea polynoid scale worms endemic to hydrothermal vents have evolved an adaptive strategy to the chronically hypoxic environment, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale genome of the vent-endemic scale worm Branchipolynoe longqiensis (the first annotated genome in the subclass Errantia) and annotated two shallow-water polynoid genomes, aiming to elucidate the adaptive mechanisms. We present a genome-wide molecular phylogeny of Annelida which calls for extensive taxonomy revision by including more genomes from key lineages. The B. longqiensis genome with a genome size of 1.86 Gb and 18 pseudochromosomes is larger than the genomes of two shallow-water polynoids, possibly due to the expansion of various transposable elements (TEs) and transposons. We revealed two interchromosomal rearrangements in B. longqiensis when compared with the two shallow-water polynoid genomes. The intron elongation and interchromosomal rearrangement can influence a number of biological processes, such as vesicle transport, microtubules, and transcription factors. Furthermore, the expansion of cytoskeleton-related gene families may favor the cell structure maintenance of B. longqiensis in the deep ocean. The expansion of synaptic vesicle exocytosis genes has possibly contributed to the unique complex structure of the nerve system in B. longqiensis. Finally, we uncovered an expansion of single-domain hemoglobin and a unique formation of tetra-domain hemoglobin via tandem duplications, which may be related to the adaptation to a hypoxic environment.
Periodic surface loading using GRACE data for a layered viscoelastic earth model based on a direct relationship between geoid and displacement
Authors: Tang He , Zhang Lan , Sun Wenke
Published: July 2023

Loading theory is fundamental in explaining deformation resulting from surface mass changes. Although various theoretical methods, including the classical elastic loading theory by W. E. Farrell and I. M. Longman, have been proposed, a viscoelasticity-based theory may be required to address long timescale loading problems, such as annual and interannual deformation, as well as longer timescale loading effects. In this study, we use a semi-analytical approach to simulate the continuous periodic loading deformation of a viscoelastic, spherical, layered earth model with linear rheology profiles. We provide a series of formulas in the spectral domain for the spatiotemporal displacement, which establish connections between mass, geoid and displacement solely through the utilization of complex Love numbers and Stokes coefficients, thereby circumventing the need for viscoelastic Green's function. Using our newly proposed method, we investigate the viscoelastic loading deformation caused by annual cyclic mass loading, considering both steady-state creep and additional transient creep with a wide range of viscosities. The results indicate that when utilizing steady-state viscosity values constrained by GIA data, the viscoelastic effect is not evident in the annual cyclic load deformation. However, incorporating the Burgers model with transient creep mainly constrained by post-seismic deformation influences the amplitude and phase of the annual cyclic loading, highlighting the role of rheology. Furthermore, we observe that the horizontal displacement in periodic load deformation exhibits a higher sensitivity to the viscosity of the model compared to the geoid and vertical displacement, regardless of the rheological model used.
A comprehensive examination of the economic impact of out-of-pocket health expenditures in India
Authors: Nanda Mehak , Sharma Rajesh
Published: July 2023

More than 50% of health expenditure is financed through out-of-pocket payments in India, imposing a colossal financial burden on households. Amidst the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, injuries, and an unfinished agenda of infectious diseases, this study examines comprehensively the economic impact of out-of-pocket health expenditure (OOPE) across 17 disease categories in India. Data from the latest round of the National Sample Survey (2017–18), titled ‘Household Social Consumption: Health’, were employed. Outcomes, namely, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), poverty headcount ratio, distressed financing, foregone care, and loss of household earnings, were estimated. Results showed that 49% of households that sought hospitalization and/or outpatient care experienced CHE and 15% of households fell below the poverty line due to OOPE. Notably, outpatient care was more burdensome (CHE: 47.8% and impoverishment: 15.0%) than hospitalization (CHE: 43.1% and impoverishment: 10.7%). Nearly 16% of households used distressed sources to finance hospitalization-related OOPE. Cancer, genitourinary disorders, psychiatric and neurological disorders, obstetric conditions, and injuries imposed a substantial economic burden on households. OOPE and associated financial burden were higher among households where members sought care in private healthcare facilities compared with those treated in public facilities across most disease categories. The high burden of OOPE necessitates the need to increase health insurance uptake and consider outpatient services under the purview of health insurance. Concerted efforts to strengthen the public health sector, improved regulation of private healthcare providers, and prioritizing health promotion and disease prevention strategies are crucial to augment financial risk protection.