bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PKA-RIIβ autophosphorylation modulates PKA activity and seizure phenotypes in mice
Authors: Zhang Jingliang , Zhang Chenyu , Chen Xiaoling , Wang Bingwei , Ma Weining , Yang Yang , Zheng Ruimao , Huang Zhuo
Published: March 2021

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common and intractable neurological disorders in adults. Dysfunctional PKA signaling is causally linked to the TLE. However, the mechanism underlying PKA involves in epileptogenesis is still poorly understood. In the present study, we found the autophosphorylation level at serine 114 site (serine 112 site in mice) of PKA-RIIβ subunit was robustly decreased in the epileptic foci obtained from both surgical specimens of TLE patients and seizure model mice. The p-RIIβ level was negatively correlated with the activities of PKA. Notably, by using a P-site mutant that cannot be autophosphorylated and thus results in the released catalytic subunit to exert persistent phosphorylation, an increase in PKA activities through transduction with AAV-RIIβ-S112A in hippocampal DG granule cells decreased mIPSC frequency but not mEPSC, enhanced neuronal intrinsic excitability and seizure susceptibility. In contrast, a reduction of PKA activities by RIIβ knockout led to an increased mIPSC frequency, a reduction in neuronal excitability, and mice less prone to experimental seizure onset. Collectively, our data demonstrated that the autophosphorylation of RIIβ subunit plays a critical role in controlling neuronal and network excitabilities by regulating the activities of PKA, providing a potential therapeutic target for TLE.
A multi-ethnic genome-wide association study implicates collagen matrix integrity and cell differentiation pathways in keratoconus
Authors: Hardcastle Alison J. , Liskova Petra , Bykhovskaya Yelena , McComish Bennet J. , Davidson Alice E. , Inglehearn Chris F. , Li Xiaohui , Choquet Hélène , Habeeb Mahmoud , Lucas Sionne E. M. , Sahebjada Srujana , Pontikos Nikolas , Lopez Karla E. Rojas , Khawaja Anthony P. , Ali Manir , Dudakova Lubica , Skalicka Pavlina , Van Dooren Bart T. H. , Geerards Annette J. M. , Haudum Christoph W. , Faro Valeria Lo , Tenen Abi , Simcoe Mark J. , Patasova Karina , Yarrand Darioush , Yin Jie , Siddiqui Salina , Rice Aine , Farraj Layal Abi , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Rahi Jugnoo S. , Krauss Ronald M. , Theusch Elisabeth , Charlesworth Jac C. , Szczotka-Flynn Loretta , Toomes Carmel , Meester-Smoor Magda A. , Richardson Andrea J. , Mitchell Paul A. , Taylor Kent D. , Melles Ronald B. , Aldave Anthony J. , Mills Richard A. , Cao Ke , Chan Elsie , Daniell Mark D. , Wang Jie Jin , Rotter Jerome I. , Hewitt Alex W. , MacGregor Stuart , Klaver Caroline C. W. , Ramdas Wishal D. , Craig Jamie E. , Iyengar Sudha K. , O’Brart David , Jorgenson Eric , Baird Paul N. , Rabinowitz Yaron S. , Burdon Kathryn P. , Hammond Chris J. , Tuft Stephen J. , Hysi Pirro G.
Published: March 2021

Keratoconus is characterised by reduced rigidity of the cornea with distortion and focal thinning that causes blurred vision, however, the pathogenetic mechanisms are unknown. It can lead to severe visual morbidity in children and young adults and is a common indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. Here we report the first large scale genome-wide association study of keratoconus including 4,669 cases and 116,547 controls. We have identified significant association with 36 genomic loci that, for the first time, implicate both dysregulation of corneal collagen matrix integrity and cell differentiation pathways as primary disease-causing mechanisms. The results also suggest pleiotropy, with some disease mechanisms shared with other corneal diseases, such as Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. The common variants associated with keratoconus explain 12.5% of the genetic variance, which shows potential for the future development of a diagnostic test to detect susceptibility to disease.
Progression of the late-stage divisome is unaffected by the depletion of the cytoplasmic FtsZ pool
Authors: Silber Nadine , Mayer Christian , Matos de Opitz Cruz L. , Sass Peter
Published: March 2021

Cell division is a central and essential process in most bacteria, and also due to its complexity and highly coordinated nature, it has emerged as a promising new antibiotic target pathway in recent years. We have previously shown that ADEP antibiotics preferably induce the degradation of the major cell division protein FtsZ, thereby primarily leading to a depletion of the cytoplasmic FtsZ pool that is needed for treadmilling FtsZ rings. To further investigate the physiological consequences of ADEP treatment, we here studied the effect of ADEP on the different stages of the FtsZ ring in rod-shaped bacteria. Our data reveal the disintegration of early FtsZ rings during ADEP treatment in Bacillus subtilis, indicating an essential role of the cytoplasmic FtsZ pool and thus FtsZ ring dynamics during initiation and maturation of the divisome. However, progressed FtsZ rings finalized cytokinesis once the septal peptidoglycan synthase PBP2b, a late-stage cell division protein, colocalized at the division site, thus implying that the concentration of the cytoplasmic FtsZ pool and FtsZ ring dynamics are less critical during the late stages of divisome assembly and progression.
How the water-soluble hemicarcerand incarcerates guests at room temperature decoded with modular simulations
Authors: McFerrin Katherine G. , Pang Yuan-Ping
Published: March 2021

Molecular dynamics simulations of hemicarcerands and related variants allow the study of constrictive binding and offer insight into the rules of molecular complexation, but are limited because three-dimensional models of hemicarcerands are tedious to build and their atomic charges are complicated to derive. There have been no molecular dynamics simulations of the reported water-soluble hemicarcerand (Octacid4) that explain how Octacid4 encapsulates guests at 298 K and keeps them encapsulated at 298 K in NMR experiments. Herein we report a modular approach to hemicarcerand simulations that simplifies the model building and charge derivation in a manner reminiscent of the approach to protein simulations with truncated amino acids as building blocks. We also report that in aqueous molecular dynamics simulations at 298 K apo Octacid4 adopts two clusters of conformations one of which has an equatorial portal open but the guest-bound Octacid4 adopts one cluster of conformations with all portals closed. These results explain how Octacid4 incarcerates guests at room temperature and suggest that the guest-induced host conformational change that impedes decomplexation is a previously unrecognized conformational characteristic that promotes strong molecular complexation.
Experimental demonstration of energy-transfer ratchet intermediate-band solar cell
Authors: Sogabe Tomah , Hung Chao-Yu , Tamaki Ryo , Tomić Stanko , Yamaguchi Koichi , Ekins-Daukes Ned , Okada Yoshitaka
Published: March 2021

A detailed balance calculation reveals an extremely high efficiency of 63.2% for intermediate-band solar cells (IBSCs) under maximum sunlight concentration. However, an actual IBSC device with an efficiency larger than the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit has so far not been reported. The main difficulties lie in realizing an efficient sequential two-photon absorption (STPA) which requires a sufficiently long lifetime intermediate state or intermediate band. In this article, we propose the concept of a ratchet type IBSC, utilizing a long lifetime of rare-earth ion luminescence centers in Erbium-doped GaAs. The temperature dependent differential external quantum efficiency reveals a significant STPA contribution originating from the Er3+ luminescence center. All the results were modeled and interpreted by integrating the ratchet effect with up-conversion along with a density functional theory (DFT) simulation. Our work demonstrates that the long lifetime energy-transfer mechanism in Er3+ centers contributes directly to the formation of a ratchet type IB.
Magnetic recyclable α-Fe2O3–Fe3O4/Co3O4–CoO nanocomposite with a dual Z-scheme charge transfer pathway for quick photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Alkanad Khaled , Hezam Abdo , Sujay Shekar G. C. , Drmosh Q. A. , Amrutha Kala A. L. , AL-Gunaid Murad. Q. A. , Lokanath N. K.
Published: March 2021

A novel α-Fe2O3–Fe3O4/Co3O4–CoO nanocomposite was developed, integrating multiple degradation pathways. The Z-scheme configuration and oxygen vacancies contributes toin situH2O2formation and simultaneous reactivation showing excellent performance.
Relating X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data to chemical bonding in MXenes
Authors: García-Romeral Néstor , Keyhanian Masoomeh , Morales-García Ángel , Illas Francesc
Published: March 2021

The relationship between core level binding energy shifts, available through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and chemical bonding is analysed for a series of MXenes, a new family of two-dimensional materials with many applications in nanotechnology.
Precision ethylene-styrene copolymers through the ring opening metathesis polymerization of 3-phenyl cyclododecenes
Authors: Onbulak Sebla , Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: March 2021

Precision polyolefin copolymers were synthesized by ROMP of phenyl-substituted cyclododecenes. Hydrogenation of the polydodecenamers afforded linear low density polyethylenes with a phenyl side chain every twelve backbone carbons.
Recent advances and prospects in the Zn-catalysed Mannich reaction
Authors: Shamna Salahudeen , Afsina C. M. A. , Philip Rose Mary , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: March 2021

Amino alkylation of an acidic α-proton of a carbonyl by formaldehyde and a primary/secondary amine or ammonia, affording a β-amino-carbonyl compound also known as a Mannich base is a valuable reaction. We focus on recent advances in Zn catalysed Mannich reactions.
One-step synthesis of fluorescent graphene quantum dots as an effective fluorescence probe for vanillin detection
Authors: Zhu Sujuan , Bai Xuexue , Wang Ting , Shi Qiang , Zhu Jing , Wang Bing
Published: March 2021

This study proposes an easy bottom-up method for the synthesis of photoluminescent (PL) graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using citric acid as the carbon source.
Aerobic oxidative CC bond cleavage of aromatic alkenes by a high valency iron-containing perovskite catalyst
Authors: Shibata Satomi , Kamata Keigo , Hara Michikazu
Published: March 2021

High-valency iron-containing perovskite catalyst BaFeO3−δ could efficiently promote the additive-free oxidative CC bond cleavage of various aromatic alkenes using O2 as the sole oxidant.
Synthesis and evaluation of modified siRNA molecules containing a novel glucose derivative
Authors: Salim Lidya , Goss Eva , Desaulniers Jean-Paul
Published: March 2021

Chemical modifications are critical for the development of safe and effective siRNAs for downstream applications.
Synergistic enhancement of the emergency treatment effect of organophosphate poisoning by a supramolecular strategy
Authors: Chen Junyi , Zhang Yadan , Chai Yao , Meng Zhao , Zhang Yahan , Chen Longming , Quan Dongqin , Wang Yongan , Meng Qingbin , Li Chunju
Published: March 2021

This work provides a feasible supramolecular strategy for improving the emergency treatment effect of OPs poisoning through synergistic effect.
The triple π-bridge strategy for tailoring indeno[2,1-b]carbazole-based HTMs enables perovskite solar cells with efficiency exceeding 21%
Authors: Yao Huiyun , Wu Tai , Wu Bingxue , Zhang Heng , Wang Zhihui , Sun Zhe , Xue Song , Hua Yong , Liang Mao
Published: March 2021

Methoxy-free donors are an emerging class of alternative methoxy triphenylamine materials toward stable organic hole-transporting materials (HTMs).
Signalling pathways contributing to learning and memory deficits in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Freeburn Aimée , Munn Robert Gordon Keith
Published: March 2021

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic trisomic disorder that produces life-long changes in physiology and cognition. Many of the changes in learning and memory seen in DS are reminiscent of disorders involving the hippocampal/entorhinal circuit. Mouse models of DS typically involve trisomy of murine chromosome 16 is homologous for many of the genes triplicated in human trisomy 21, and provide us with good models of changes in, and potential pharmacotherapy for, human DS. Recent careful dissection of the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS has revealed differences in key signalling pathways from the basal forebrain to the hippocampus and associated rhinal cortices, as well as changes in the microstructure of the hippocampus itself. In vivo behavioural and electrophysiological studies have shown that Ts65Dn animals have difficulties in spatial memory that mirror hippocampal deficits, and have changes in hippocampal electrophysiological phenomenology that may explain these differences, and align with expectations generated from in vitro exploration of this model. Finally, given the existing data, we will examine the possibility for pharmacotherapy for DS, and outline the work that remains to be done to fully understand this system.
Short-Term Effect of Intensive Speech Therapy on Dysarthria in Patients With Sporadic Spinocerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Sonoda Yuma , Yoshida Nao , Kawami Kazunori , Kitamura Akihiro , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Yamakawa Isamu , Kim Hyoh , Sanada Mitsuru , Imai Shinji , Urushitani Makoto
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate a structured approach for effective speech therapy (ST) for dysarthria and speech-related quality of life in patients with sporadic spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD), including cerebellar-type multiple-system atrophy and cerebellar cortical atrophy.

Method

Twenty-two patients with SCD (cerebellar-type multiple system atrophy, 15 patients; cerebellar cortical atrophy, seven patients) who underwent intensive ST were examined. Dysarthria was evaluated using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia Speech Dysfunction, Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria Articulation, oral diadochokinesis (OD), and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory pressure) and respiratory–phonatory coordination (maximum phonation time) were measured. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montréal Cognitive Assessment and the word fluency test. Mood was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The relationships between dysarthria scales (particularly, VHI-10) and clinical data were analyzed using stepwise regression. The differences in outcomes after intensive ST were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The alpha level (
p
) for statistical significance was set at .0125 by Bonferroni correction.

Results

For both pre- and post-ST, the patient's OD (
p
= .002) and maximum phonation time (
p
= .002) significantly improved, except for Speech Dysfunction scores of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (
p
= .705) and the VHI-10 (
p
= .018). The Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria Articulation, OD, and inspiratory pressure were identified as independent variables of VHI-10 (adjusted
R
2
= .820) for speech-related quality of life; no correlations among the Montréal Cognitive Assessment, word fluency test, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were observed.

Conclusion

OD and VHI-10 showed improvements due to changes in speech function and respiratory–phonatory coordination, justifying intensive ST treatment for dysarthria in patients with SCD.
Einkaufsgesellschaften in Deutschland: Einkaufsgesellschaften, Krankenhäuser und Vergaberecht
Authors: Weyand Rudolf
Published: March 2021

Was Sie als Krankenhausleiter und Einkäufer wissen sollten.
Modelling collective action to change social norms around domestic violence: social dilemmas and the role of altruism
Authors: Gram Lu , Granados Rolando , Krockow Eva M. , Daruwalla Nayreen , Osrin David
Published: March 2021

Interventions promoting collective action have been used to prevent domestic violence in a range of settings, but their mechanisms of operation remain unclear. We formalise and combine feminist theoretical approaches to domestic violence into a game-theoretic model of women’s collective action to change gendered social norms and outcomes. We show that social norms create a social dilemma in which it is individually rational for women to abstain from action to prevent domestic violence among neighbours, but all women suffer negative consequences if none take action. Promoting altruism among women can overcome the social dilemma. Discouraging women from tolerating domestic violence, imposing additional external punishment on men for perpetrating violence, or lowering costs to women of taking action against violence may not work or even backfire. We invite researchers on community mobilisation to use our framework to frame their understandings of collective action to prevent domestic violence.
Numerical simulation of the spheroidization process with cored wire injection in liquid iron using finite volume method
Authors: Wang HuiMin , Shi YiMin , Wang Yan , Su Jin
Published: March 2021

We develop a finite volume method for the simulation of the liquid iron cored wire feeding spheroidization technology, which can realize the visualization of the spheroidization process and provide guidance for parameter optimization. In this work, we first define a two-dimensional unsteady heat-transfer mathematical model for single-core structure cored wire melting in liquid iron and then discretize the governing equation numerically. The present solver is validated by comparing it with the data obtained from experimental studies. Interestingly, in the numerical results we found that the absorption velocity of the magnesium element can be improved to the greatest extent to get the most ideal spheroidizing effect. To further show the melting and boiling characteristics of spheroidization, we also explore the relationship between melting and boiling depth, wire feeding speed, and temperature of liquid iron in the feeding process, and the wire feeding speed–depth function was also obtained.
Autism spectrum disorder and language choice in Ghana
Authors: Orfson-Offei Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

One of the most crucial decisions to make for parents of children with Autism in Ghana (just like for others in
most bilingual and multilingual environments) is what language(s) to use with their children. This study was conducted to first
investigate the state of Autism in Ghana and then to unravel the language choices that parents make for their children and the
factors that influence the choices they make. Through interviews, the use of observation and questionnaires, members of Autism
Action Ghana, a support group for parents with children on the spectrum, were studied as a Community of Practice, as well as using
Bourdieu’s concept of Cultural Capital. Data analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively revealed that Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) is still a generally unknown and misconceived condition that receives no major government attention, so that parents are
left with finding very expensive and limited support for their children on their own. 77% of the 35 respondents use only English
with their children because of the advice they receive from therapists, in addition to the fact that all therapies available are
in English, the fear of further delaying speech in their non-verbal children should they use more than one language, and the
belief that English has more currency and will take their children further in life as compared to their indigenous languages,
among others. One of the implications of the choice of English is that the children will eventually become functionally
monolingual in a multilingual country and thus will be left with no choice when it comes to language.
Analysing the functions of online destination forums through a corpus-assisted discourse-analytic approach
Authors: Lam Phoenix W. Y.
Published: March 2021

Previous research on online travel communication has paid little attention to destination forums, where thousands of travellers worldwide post and view topics related to a place. The present study examines the functions of a destination forum on TripAdvisor. Through the first large-scale corpus-assisted discourse analysis of thousands of topic-initiating posts, this study identifies the functions of the forum, analyses how these functions are realised through prominent linguistic and discursive features, and investigates how these functions are performed by members at different levels of contribution and knowledge. The findings show that destination forums are functionally distinct from closely-related online travel texts and from forums in other professional contexts. This demonstrates the need to carry out detailed analyses of actual online travel communication across the spectrum to fully grasp the richness and subtlety of a set of interrelated forms of tourism discourse both as a whole, and as part of the whole.
Competitive and Co-Operative Analysis of Genetic-Programming
Authors: Hamid Danish , Majeed Hammad , Rahim Zulhasni Abdul , Iqbal Muhammad Saqib
Published: March 2021

Co-operative and competitive building blocks drive the evolution of GP. There exists useful schema which remains promising and persistent in terms of their occurrence over the generations. These schemas are majorly present at levels other than root level, and gradually this genetic material is pushed towards the root level by co-operation, where they compete with each other, few among those increase their occurrence at the root level and rest vanished. These schemas if extended to the deeper depths, still be useful and helps in achieving the goal of the problem. Lastly, some of these schemas are same even in different runs for the same problem. The experiment results show that the evolution is driven by co-operative rooted building blocks as well, along with the competitive building blocks. It shows the count of building blocks in different positions never reaches zero, which indicates the presence of the genetic material required for the construction of the building block at a particular position in the form of co-operation and competition with other schemas, which, at a later stage, may move to the correct position (root level). In our work, these behaviours are also demonstrated by injecting genetic material manually in the population and investigated their prominence throughout the evolution. This work contributes to many dimensions like; by combining these competitive building blocks appear at root level uncovers the problem solution over time. For that reason, by identifying, preserving and exchanging these building blocks explicitly, the system enactment can be improved severely. Additionally, the solutions of the developed versions of the same problem can also be handled through this.
A Predictive Analytics Model for Students Grade Prediction by Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Abdul Bujang Siti Dianah , Selamat Ali , Krejcar Ondrej
Published: March 2021

Research on predictive analytics has increasingly evolved due to its impact on providing valuable and intuitive feedback that could potentially assist educators in improving student success in higher education. By leveraging predictive analytics, educators could design an effective mechanism to improve the academic results to prevent students’ dropout and assure student retention. Hence, this paper aims to presents a predictive analytics model using supervised machine learning methods that predicts the student’s final grade (FG) based on their historical academic performance of studies. The work utilized dataset gathered from 489 students of Information and Communication Technology Department at north-western Malaysia Polytechnic over the four past academic years, from 2016 to 2019. We carried out the experiments using Decision Tree (J48), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Logistic Regression (LR) to study the comparison performance for both classification and regression techniques in predicting students FG. The findings from the results present that J48 was the best predictive analytics model with the highest prediction accuracy rate of 99.6% that could contribute to the early detection of students’ dropout so that educators can remain the outstanding achievement in higher education.
Optimizing data security by using Integration between double stegging by pixel value difference and advanced encryption standard
Authors: Elden M S , Shehata K , Badwy H , Medny A
Published: March 2021

Advancement of internet technology has led to massive text and multimedia data delivery over the internet, Steganography and cryptography are two prominent methods for secure communication through public network such as the Internet. Steganography predates cryptography somewhat Because of its stealthy features. In this paper, a new method has been proposed which combines cryptography and steganography to make communication even more secure. In this method first the secret data is embedded inside digital image ( cov 1 ) using adaptive pixel value difference (PVD) technique, thereafter advanced encryption standard ( AES) algorithm is applied to encrypt the previous digital image. Then encrypted digital image (cov1) will embed inside another digital image (cov2) using the same previous embedding technique. An additional layer of security has been introduced by applying double steganography to ensure the security of sensitive data, also this proposed method aims to keep the value of (PSNR) and (MSE) within accepted range and enhance the amount of secret data to be embedding. Peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and mean square error (MSE) are used as a benchmark to measure the performance of the proposed method.
Optimal rotor blade control using Grey Wolf Optimizer for small signal stability of SCIG Wind Turbine
Authors: Sule A H , Mokhtar A S , Bin Jamian J J , Arfeen Z A
Published: March 2021

The pitch control of Wind Turbine needs to be tuned for optimal pitch control performance. In this paper, the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is proposed to tune the PI controller in the pitch control of the Squirrel Cage Induction Generator (SCIG) Wind Turbine. The goal is to show that the slow convergence of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and the trapping into a local optimum of Genetic Algorithm (GA) tuning methods can be overcome by applying the GWO tuning method. The GWO, PSO and GA were applied online to tune the PI controller in pitch control. The tuning results were executed in the PI controller of pitch control of simulated SCIG Wind Turbine connected to a double circuit distribution line. Equally, the Ziegler Nichols (ZN) tuned PI controller was executed in the rotor blade control of the same Wind Turbine. From the simulation results, the GWO tuned PI controller executed in the pitch control of the Wind Turbine provided the least overshoot and the settling time in the aerodynamic power and torque compared to the PSO, GA and ZN tuned PI controllers. The significance of the proposed GWO tuning method for PI controller in the rotor blade control of the SCIG Wind Turbine, it can reduce the stress on the pitch actuator of the Wind Turbine. This is because it reduced overshoot and settling time in the trajectories of blade pitch demand of the Wind Turbine compared to PSO, GA and ZN tuning methods.
Surface Physicochemical Modification of Kenaf Adsorbent for Hydrogen Adsorption Study
Authors: Ezaty S N , Zaini B N , Tsuji T , Jamalullail Putra Albaraqbah W , Mohd Sahri D , Alias N , Shafei N S
Published: March 2021

In supporting the industrial kenaf plan developed by Malaysian government, this research has extended the use of kenaf as a sorbent to investigate its reliability for hydrogen adsorption system. In satisfying the objective, the effect of impregnation time and the effect of nickel nitrate concentration on hydrogen adsorption has been studied. In addition, to study the adsorption and desorption capability of the modified kenaf on hydrogen adsorption, the regeneration study was also accounted. The kenaf core with the range of particle size in between 300-500µm has been modified through the physicochemical modification by experiencing the carbonization and activation process prior to be impregnated in nickel nitrate solution (Ni(NO3)2). The morphological and elemental studies on the modified-kenaf sorbent have been done with the helped of Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy (VPSEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analyser, respectively. The hydrogen adsorption using the hydrogen adsorption system was controlled at the pressure of 5 bar. The results show that the modified-kenaf sorbent able to improve the hydrogen adsorption as compared to the unmodified-kenaf sorbent. Based on the morphological analysis, the modified-kenaf sorbent contain more micropores compares to the unmodified-kenaf sorbent which help in the adsorption capacity. Besides, the modified-kenaf sorbent has potential to be reused with minimum pressure drop of only 0.207 and 0.109 bar up to second regeneration cycles. This study has revealed that the modified-kenaf material has high capability to be used as hydrogen adsorbent and can be competitive technology over the existing current hydrogen storage technology.
Mix Design of High-Strength Concrete Incorporating Spherical and Crushed CRT Funnel Glass Waste
Authors: Pauzi N N M , Sadeghifam A N , Zain M F M
Published: March 2021

Cathode ray tube (CRT) funnel glass, due to its high content of lead oxide (PbO), is considered as hazardous waste. The growing volume of the disposed CRTs technology presents a risk of environmental contamination owing to the potential of toxic Pb metals leaching from glass. A typical way of recycling CRT funnel glass waste is by crushing it and partially replaced the cement and fine aggregates. However, this approach has been facing serious issues in terms of leaching of Pb. Hence, a new recycling method has been developed, that is by performing proper melting and annealing operations in producing the spherical CRT funnel glass (GS). GS does not show any harmful risk of the release of Pb to the environment. The Pb leaching value of CRT concrete specimens with GS is significantly lower than the allowable limit although it contains high concentration of PbO, 25%. While the performance of GS in leaching aspects have been determined, the optimum mix designs of high-strength concrete incorporating both GS and crushed CRT funnel glass (GC) as coarse aggregates yet remains to be investigated. Predominantly to provide a safe method of recycling CRT funnel glass as aggregate and to increase the confidence level of the industries, this paper addresses the mix design of high-strength concrete with GS and GC as coarse aggregates. Given the importance of selecting the materials and its contents, the influence of five parameters, i.e. water/binder (w/b) ratio, coarse aggregate (CA) content, superplasticizers (SP) dosage, and silica fume (SF) content were evaluated. It was found that the incorporating of GS and GC that differ in terms of morphologies (size, shape, texture) and water absorption rate than the natural rock have led to the increase of workability of CRT concrete mixtures, however, decrease the compressive strength. But the results also have highlighted that the CRT specimens that were designed with w/b ratio 0.31, 43% content of CA, 2% SP, and 10% SF were able to achieve the highest strength of 61 MPa, which was only 9% lower than control specimens. The optimum mix design of CRT concrete has greatly improved the strength of concrete and enhance its potential for future applications.
Predictive Growth Model of Indigenous Green Microalgae (Scenedesmus sp. UKM9) in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)
Authors: Mohd N , Yasin N H M , Takriff M S
Published: March 2021

Microalgae cultivation in POME treatment to removed environmental pollutants synchronized with biomass production. Biomass production depends on the proliferation rate of microalgae in wastewater, which is rarely addressed. Thus, growth rate assessment was performed on a local strain of Scenedesmus sp. UKM9 by using four different mathematical models of logistic, modified logistic, modified Gompertz, and Baranyi-Roberts. Statistical analyses, including root-mean-square error (RMSE), R2, adjusted R2, bias factor (BF), accuracy factor (AF), and standard error prediction (%SEP) were applied to verify the accuracy of each model. The findings illustrated that the Baranyi-Roberts model had the highest AF of 1.000, the lowest RMSE and %SEP values of 0.1300 and 5.40%, respectively, and the predicted BF value was 1.0001. These results revealed that the model was relevant to complex environmental conditions, and its parameter was biologically interpretable. The Baranyi-Roberts model regards a suitable model for the growth of indigenous microalgae of Scenedesmus sp. UKM9 in POME.
Electrochemical Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent using Graphite as Electrode Materials
Authors: Rakhmania  , Yuzir M A , Al-Qaim F F
Published: March 2021

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is one of the largest wastes produced by palm oil industries. The electrochemical process offers an alternative to treat POME with several advantages. Anodic oxidation as one of the mechanisms from the electrochemical process has high efficacy to oxidize the organic content. This oxidation ability depends on electrode materials. In this study, graphite was used as electrode materials. The effects of voltage, electrolysis time and electrolyte support was investigated. The results show the highest removal efficiency obtained were 71% of COD reduction and complete color removal at optimum condition. Using graphite as an electrode was found efficient compared to other traditional materials and capable to reduce time the POME treatment compared to conventional methods.
Variation of Green Synthesis Techniques in Fabrication of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles – A Mini Review
Authors: Mohamed Isa E D , Shameli K , Che Jusoh N W , Mohamad Sukri S N A , Ismail N A
Published: March 2021

The field of nanotechnology has been one of the major focus of research for scientists across the world. This field deals with the production and usage of nanoscale materials. The popularity of nanotechnology is due to its unique properties that cannot be found in its large counterpart. In these recent years, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) emerged as an important ceramic material that can be utilized across various fields such as medicine, cosmetics, textiles, wastewater treatment and many others. The fabrication of ZnO NPs can proceed through three major pathways which are physical, chemical and green synthesis. Among these synthesis method, green synthesis is preferable as it is more environmentally friendly. In this review, we summarize the various techniques of green synthesis in fabrication of ZnO NPs.
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide-Based Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Studies: A Mini Review
Authors: Mohamad Sukri S N A , Shameli K , Mohamed Isa E D , Ismail N A
Published: March 2021

Due to rapid industrialization, wastewater pollution has become a serious concern that needs to be addressed effectively. Untreated contaminants abundantly discharged into the water bodies have been proven to negatively impact the environment as well as human health. For a long time, zinc oxide (ZnO) has been used to treat these environmental pollutions in a process called semiconductor photocatalysis. In the field of material science, nanosized ZnO synthesized using green route has been used by many researchers as they are usually eco-friendly and cost effective. Even though ZnO nanostructures act as an excellent photocatalyst, there are still a few drawbacks that can limit their efficiency. To overcome these problems, ZnO modifications can be done to produce ZnO-based nanomaterials. In this mini review, we present up-to-date research progress on green synthesized ZnO-based nanomaterials and discusses on the methods used to modify ZnO nanostructures to improve photocatalytic efficiency.
Malaysian Medicinal Plant and Their Potential as Novel Anti-Arthritic Substances
Authors: Abdul Aziz Z A , Mohd Setapar S H , Nasir H M
Published: March 2021

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that leads to bone and joint destruction. Statistic showed that rheumatoid arthritis can be suffered by at least 1% of adult population globally. It possesses to significant disability and consequent reduction in quality of life that contribute to substantial socio-economic impact. Current treatment is involving the prescriptions of many steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-cytokines and anti-rheumatic drugs. However, the major challenges of these drugs are poor bioavailabity with potent to possess several adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular disorders, stroke, kidney failures and costly. Therefore, scientific committees suggest medicinal plants extract need to be taken into consideration which most research studies reported for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-oxidant activities with minimum side effects, which has high potential to be used in arthritis treatment. In Malaysia, almost 2000 medicinal plant species are reported to promote several health benefits. Based on research studies, some medicinal plants possess potential bioactive compounds with the activity related to the various inflammation diseases, including arthritis. Therefore, this review focuses on Malaysian plant extracts with high therapeutic potential for the future development of novel anti-arthritic drugs. There are 5 Malaysian medicinal plants have been reviewed and all plants showed interesting anti-arthritic activities by reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that resulted into inhibitory arthritis manifestation that comparable to positive control group. All reviews concluded that natural active constituents contained inside the extracts as the main cause of successful anti-arthritic potential of each Malaysian medicinal plant.
Evaluation of Henry Constant for Gas / Gas Mixture in Pure and Solvent Mixture Using Simple Functional Mixing Rule
Authors: Lai A J X , Basha A N , Tan L S , Tsuji T , Hoshina T , Funazukuri T , Bharath R
Published: March 2021

Some mixing rules were proposed with simple functional form to predict binary gas mixture solubility in pure solvent/pure gas solubility in binary solvent mixture. The experimental data employed were those of Tsuji et al. (2019) for equimolar binary gas mixture (nitrogen (N2) + oxygen (O2)) solubility in styrene at 303 K, and of Tsuji et al. (2005) for hydrogen (H2) solubility in equimolar mixture of benzene + cyclohexane at 303 K. These solubilities have a linear pressure dependence like Henry’s law at least up to 4.827 MPa. To predict gas solubilities, the mixing rules were proposed for Henry constant of gas mixtures in pure solvent and that of pure gas in solvent mixture just by using Henry constant of pure gas in pure solvent without any binary parameter. The function form was similar to that of van der Waals one fluid model, Q = ∑i ∑j
zi
zj
Q
ij for the mole ratio of constituent of gas or solvent mixture, zi. The Q = H and Q

ij
= (H

i
+ H

j
)/2 show the best reproducibility for (N2 + O2) solubility in styrene with average absolute relative deviation (AARD) 0.667 %. Otherwise, the Q = 1/H and Q

ij
= (1/H

i
+ 1/H

j
)/2 show the best reproducibility for H2 solubility in benzene + cyclohexane with AARD 5.605 %. The results were well described by a universality of physical properties and Lorentz-Berthelot theorem.
Materials Characterisation and Fracture Mechanism of Recycled Aluminium Alloy AA6061 Reinforced with Alumina Oxide
Authors: Issek M L , Mohd Nor M K , Ho C S , Lajis M A
Published: March 2021

This manuscript characterises the tensile behaviour and fracture mechanism of recycled aluminium alloy AA6061 reinforced with alumina oxide undergoing finite strain deformation of a uniaxial tensile test. The tests are conducted at three different strain rates of 6×10−3s−1, 6×10−2s−1, and 6×10−1s−1, at room temperature. The specimens are primarily examined in terms of stress-strain curves and microstructural analysis. The stress strain curve analysis is compared with the primary aluminium alloy AA6061. In general, the flow stress of both materials increases with increasing strain rate. The microstructures are investigated using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The analysis on the deformed specimens showed that the deformation is driven by a ductile fracture mechanism via voids nucleation, and sensitive to the strain rate changes. The results of this work provide valuable information to improve the existing recycling process before an appropriate engineering application can be established in relevant areas.
Inventory model for multi-perishable goods with limited storage capacity
Authors: Afiffi F F , Arvitrida N I
Published: March 2021

The warehouse has an important role, namely storing finished products as well as semi-finished, especially in the Agrifood Supply Chain (ASC) which has special characteristics such as limited shelf life, changing variations in demand and prices that can be adjusted to make ASC look more complex and more difficult than other supply chains. In this study, various thoughts are offered to fit the real conditions. Stochastic demand distribution, the presence of constant lead time on each product, exponential decay rates, to limited storage space capacity. Related to this assumption, the ongoing review (Q, r) is aimed at supply policies that are relevant to the agricultural-food supply chain problem. The development of a mathematical model with decision variables Q and r to minimize costs on warehouse procurement is then analyzed using a comparison using parameter ordering costs, storage costs, and shortage costs that have been determined in this study. on items with limited warehouse capacity. In previous research, the process of storing and procuring multi-products did not contain short-lived products. Also, other studies also explain the storage of products in a short shelf life does not contain a shortage of limited storage capacity. It can be done on research that will be carried out adjusted to conditions that occur in the real world It is estimated that it will make a practical contribution and be a reference model of inventory policies for warehouses that have relevant requirements.
The expired period of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) rubber hose supports consumer safety aspects
Authors: Mulyono A B , Purwanto E H
Published: March 2021

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) rubber hose has the corrosive characteristic with hydrocarbon compounds (butane and propane). This makes LPG rubber hose has an expired period. Standards or technical specifications are needed to guarantee the quality of the product and increasing product safety. Until now, the expired period of LPG hose has not been regulated in the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). This study aims to analyse expired period of LPG rubber hose for gas stoves. In this study, the descriptive qualitative method is used based on primary data (questionnaire and interview) and secondary data (literature study). The result of this study concluded that the determination of LPG rubber hose expired period based on shelf life and service life. The service life of rubber hose will vary due to different raw materials, additives, and usage conditions (time, temperature, pressure, and environment). Seventy-five percent (75%) of LPG rubber hose industry respondents conducted research on LPG rubber hoses service life and recommended service life period is one year.
Optimization in job shop scheduling problem using Genetic Algorithm (study case in furniture industry)
Authors: Aquinaldo S L , Cucuk N R , Yuniaristanto
Published: March 2021

Job shop scheduling problem belongs to a class of NP-Hard problems. We solve a scheduling problem in a job shop based furniture company. The company produces several products such as chair, table, home decorations, and home accessories. Currently, the company schedules the order using Earliest Due Date (EDD) and First Come First Serve (FCFS) methods. The best schedule resulted from those methods is then chosen and used as the initial solution for Genetic Algorithm (GA) method. The proposed algorithm is implemented in MATLAB 2019a to minimize the makespan. Parameters used in the GA formation of new generations are done by crossover using the Precedence Preservative Crossover (PPX) method and mutations using job-pair exchange mutations. The selection of chromosomes for regeneration in the crossover process is chosen by two chromosomes that have the best fitness and for the mutation process, one chromosome that has the worst fitness is chosen. Solution from genetic algorithm is better than EDD for the case study. From the results, GA produces shorter makespan compared to EDD and FCFS methods. The EDD method gives a makespan of 104,280 minutes and the FCFS method gives a makespan of 118,440 minutes, while GA provides a makespan of 81,780 minutes.
Efficiency measurements of Diponegoro University faculty using the Data Envelopment Analysis hierarchical network model
Authors: Hendrawan B M , Purwanggono B , Suliantoro H
Published: March 2021

Diponegoro University (UNDIP) is a state university located in Semarang city. UNDIP is aiming to become a world-class university. To become a world-class university, UNDIP has to maintain its quality in academic, research, and community service. But UNDIP was facing some challenges, like has to compete with other universities that growing rapidly. To achieve the target, the efficiency of every faculty in UNDIP should be continuously monitored and improved. Measuring the overall efficiency of every faculty is the aim of this research. The samples used in this research were all faculty of undergraduate programs in UNDIP. The hierarchical network data envelopment analysis model measuring the efficiency level of every faculty at UNDIP for systems with a hierarchical structure. In this research, the input variables used were the number of lecturers, the number of students, and amount of operational expenses. While the output variables were the number of graduates, the number of researches, the number of publications, the number of researches, the number of guidance & consultation, and the number of activities. The results of this study would help the management of university especially the dean of faculty to identify the inefficiency at every faculty in UNDIP and then plan for improvement.
Supply-demand optimization in the product distribution process through the branching method
Authors: Lukitosari V , Subriadi A P
Published: March 2021

Interaction and relationship between seller-buyer for the availability of certain products always involve the distribution process from suppliers to a number of customers so that demand at each destination is fulfilled. If the product cannot be fulfilled, the customer will find another supplier to meet the product’s shortcomings. Thus the supplier is trying to prevent the supply of other competitors of the same type. Effective logistical arrangements in the distribution of goods need to pay attention to the behavior characteristics of shipping costs. The purpose of this study is to minimize shipping costs with a distribution scheme that can optimize product loads. By using the Balinski linear approach, the problem of sending fixed costs can be solved by the branching method. The branching method gradually produces new problem-solving branches with different objective functions and constraints. Each value branch could be compared so that the optimal solution for the cost is found.