bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct nanoimprinting of nanoporous organosilica films consisting of covalently crosslinked photofunctional frameworks
Authors: Mizoshita Norihiro , Yamada Yuri , Murase Masakazu , Goto Yasutomo , Inagaki Shinji
Published: July 2020

Nanoimprinting of organosilica materials is a new powerful tool for preparing nanostructured robust films that are suitable for photofunctional applications.
Carbon supported PdNi alloy nanoparticles on SiO2 nanocages with enhanced catalytic performance
Authors: Zhang Min , Ling Yang , Liu Libin , Xu Jingli , Li Jiaxing , Fang Qunling
Published: July 2020

Here we present a simple approach for the fabrication of Pd–Ni alloy nanoparticles embedded in a carbon layer on raspberry-like SiO2 hollow nanocages (SiO2@C-PdNi).
Uncovering the origin of enhanced field emission properties of rGO–MnO2heterostructures: a synergistic experimental and computational investigation
Authors: Rondiya Sachin R. , Karbhal Indrapal , Jadhav Chandradip D. , Nasane Mamta P. , Davies Thomas E. , Shelke Manjusha V. , Jadkar Sandesh R. , Chavan Padmakar G. , Dzade Nelson Y.
Published: July 2020

The unique structural merits of heterostructured nanomaterials including the electronic interaction, interfacial bonding and synergistic effects make them attractive for fabricating highly efficient optoelectronic devices.
Impact of sediment parameters in the prediction of benthic microbial fuel cell performance
Authors: Joiner Kevin L. , Tukeman Gabriel L. , Obraztsova Anna Y. , Arias-Thode Yolanda Meriah
Published: July 2020

BMFC power output is correlated with costal sediment parameters to predict BMFC performance in the natural environment.
A comparative study on the interface tension and interface dilational rheological properties of three sodiumN-acyl aromatic amino acid surfactants
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Qun , Yang Jian , Zhou Yawen , Zhou Zhaohui , Wang Ce
Published: July 2020

Interface dilational rheology is useful for understanding and exploring the role of interface phenomena.
Enhanced reductive removal of ciprofloxacin in pharmaceutical wastewater using biogenic palladium nanoparticles by bubbling H2
Authors: He Peipei , Mao Tianyu , Wang Anming , Yin Youcheng , Shen Jinying , Chen Haoming , Zhang Pengfei
Published: July 2020

A solution has been successfully introduced to three key challenges from the wastewater containing waste microorganisms, metal and ciprofloxacin, respectively.
Metabolomics reveals that the cAMP receptor protein regulates nitrogen and peptidoglycan synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Yi , Rebollo-Ramirez Sonia , Larrouy-Maumus Gerald
Published: July 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires extensive sensing and response to environment for its successful survival and pathogenesis, and signalling by cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) is an important mechanism.
Detection signal amplification strategies at nanomaterial-based photoelectrochemical biosensors
Authors: Yang Liwei , Zhang Si , Liu Xiaoqiang , Tang Yunfei , Zhou Yanmei , Wong Danny K. Y.
Published: July 2020

This review focusses on unique material modification and signal amplification strategies reported in developing photoelectrochemical biosensors with utmost sensitivity and selectivity.
Schlafen Sie gut!
Authors: Spork Peter
Published: July 2020

Warum wir schlafen, wie viel Schlaf wir brauchen und welche Auswirkungen zu wenig Schlaf hat – Wissenschaftsautor Peter Spork beschäftigt sich seit vielen Jahren mit dem Thema Schlaf. Im folgenden Beitrag beleuchtet der Autor auch, welchen Einfluss Schicht- und Nachtarbeit auf die Gesundheit haben kann, und macht Vorschläge, wie sich diese möglichst verträglich gestalten lässt.
„Schlaf ist der beste Arzt“
Authors: Wegmann Rita , Roenneberg Till
Published: July 2020

Kaum jemand hat den Schlaf so umfassend erforscht wie Till Roenneberg. Im Interview mit intensiv-Herausgeberin Rita Wegmann hat sich der Chronobiologe und Schlafforscher unseren Fragen gestellt.
Multiple optical impacts of anion doping in epitaxial barium titanate films
Authors: Tyunina M. , Vetokhina O. , Nepomniashchaia N. , Pacherova O. , Cichon S. , Kocourek T. , Jelinek M. , Dejneka A.
Published: July 2020

Multiple strong impacts of anion doping Λ (Λ = oxygen vacancy, nitrogen, or hydrogen) on the optical properties in the near-infrared to vacuum ultraviolet spectral range are experimentally revealed in cube-on-cube-type epitaxial perovskite BaTiO3−δΛδ films (δ ≤ 0.01) grown on (001)SrTiO3 substrates. Compared to the reference undoped films and bulk crystal, the anion-doped films exhibit massive changes of the index of refraction in the transparency range Δn of ∼0.1 to 0.2, a profound bandgap widening ΔEg of ∼0.3 eV to 0.4 eV, a dopant-specific near-edge absorption, and doping-induced interband transitions. Both the conduction-band uplift and the changes in the index of refraction are ascribed to the internal stress and electric field, which result from epitaxially controlled dopant locations in the [Ba–O](001) planes. The dopant-induced in-gap states are responsible for the near-edge absorption, whereas the dopant-induced conduction-band states are suggested to modify the interband transitions and the intrinsic elasto- and electro-optic coefficients.
Metal–insulator transition in few-layered GaTe transistors
Authors: Xia Xiuxin , Li Xiaoxi , Wang Hanwen
Published: July 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have triggered enormous interest thanks to their interesting properties and potential applications, ranging from nanoelectronics to energy catalysis and biomedicals. In addition to other widely investigated 2D materials, GaTe, a layered material with a direct band gap of ~1.7 eV, is of importance for applications such as optoelectronics. However, detailed information on the transport properties of GaTe is yet to be explored, especially at low temperatures. Here, we report on electrical transport measurements on few-layered GaTe field effect transistors (FETs) encapsulated by h-BN at different temperatures. We find that by tuning the carrier density, ambipolar transport was realized in GaTe devices, and an electrical-field-induced metal to insulator transition (MIT) was observed when it was hole doped. The mobilities of GaTe devices show a clear dependence on temperature and increase with the decrease of temperature, reaching ~1200 cm2V−1s−1 at 3 K. Our findings may inspire further electronic studies in devices based on GaTe.
Mn doping effects on the gate-tunable transport properties of Cd3As2 films epitaxied on GaAs
Authors: Wang Hailong , Ma Jialin , Wei Qiqi , Zhao Jianhua
Published: July 2020

The Mn doping effects on the gate-tunable transport properties of topological Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 films have been investigated. Mn-doped Cd3As2 films are directly grown on GaAs(111)B substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy, during which the single crystal phase can be obtained with Mn concentration less than 2%. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation and quantum Hall effect are observed at low temperatures, and electrons are found to be the dominant carrier in the whole temperature range. Higher Mn content results in smaller lattice constant, lower electron mobility and larger effective band gap, while the carrier density seems to be unaffected by Mn-doping. Gating experiments show that Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation and quantum Hall effect are slightly modulated by electric field, which can be explained by the variation of electron density. Our results provide useful information for understanding the magnetic element doping effects on the transport properties of Cd3As2 films.
Big Data from Space for Precision Agriculture Applications
Authors: Bovolo F , Bruzzone L , Fernández-Prieto D , Paris C , Solano-Correa Y T , Volden E , Zanetti M
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an approach for precision agriculture large scale applications based on the analysis of big data consisting in Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) acquired by ESA Sentinel-2 (S2) satellite constellation. The approach has been developed in the framework of the ESA SEOM - Scientific Exploitation of Operational Missions - S2-4Sci Land and Water project [1]. To focus only on agricultural areas, images are first filtered based on a land cover (LC) map that is generated by updating available old maps by means of recent images. Then S2 SITS are used to analyse agricultural areas. Two macro challenges are therefore considered: (i) automatic update of LC maps and generation of agricultural areas mask; and (ii) unsupervised multi-temporal (MT) fine characterization of land plots.
Integrated capacity building for faster up-take of Earth observation data in knowledge value chains.
Authors: Lilja Bye Bente , Voidrot Marie-Francoise
Published: July 2020

In order to benefit from the vast amount of Earth observation data, faster transformations of data to information and knowledge is necessary. NextGEOSS data hub and platform enable this through its services. These services are delivered in a 5-step user experience that includes training and capacity building in each step. NextGEOSS is using various methods, such as online training, hackathons, and in person training integrated in a onboarding process applicable to all value chains, resulting in faster up-take of Earth observation data.
The Minamata Knowledge Hub: from data to knowledge supporting Minamata Convention on Mercury
Authors: D’Amore F , De Simone F , Bencardino M , Cinnirella S , Hedgecock I M , Sprovieri F , Pirrone N
Published: July 2020

Atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions are a significant component of the global Hg cycle. As the Minamata Convention on Mercury comes into effect, controlling atmospheric mercury emissions has become a compulsory goal. Decision-maker initiatives process the scientific data and information within a milieu encompassing many economic, political, social, and cultural concerns. A knowledge platform oriented to support decisors aims to answer questions on how will change the Hg deposition fluxes over one/some/all of the receptor regions following the alteration of Hg anthropogenic emissions, and which is the impact on the marine food. In this paper we present the knowledge platform in order to support Minamata Convention and stakeholders to take better decisions from data. The process to learn from data are discussed and presented from an user point of view, proposing features and tools to be included in a knowledge platform oriented to earth observation.
Linked Data Approach to Water Resources Management of Hydropower Reservoirs
Authors: Damova M , Stoyanov E , Kopchev M , Kuzmanova K , Natali S
Published: July 2020

The exploitation of hydropower reservoirs involves daily water resources management. Water resources managers consult periodically collected detailed data about the condition of the hydropower reservoirs, water economic data, meteorological data and forecasts, geographical and geospatial information about the water reservoirs and their contingent environment. These data are usually scattered and looked at one by one per category. Moreover, satellite data have not been typically involved in this process. We propose a linked data approach [1] to create knowledge value chain for the needs of hydropower reservoirs exploitation, based on semantic integration of earth observation data with spatial information of GIS, symbolic, numerical data and domain knowledge. We demonstrate on the example of water balance calculation for dams and cascades how satellite data and in-situ measurements are being mixed with other data, apply neural networks [2] to forecast water levels, water volumes and other characteristics based on historic data. We show how the results of the forecasts interoperate with the linked data infrastructure, how dangerous situations for the contingent areas of the water reservoirs can be identified and how signals about risks of dam overflow and hence about the water quantities available for discharge can be provided.
An Italian interdisciplinary citizen observatory for the protection and promotion of night skies on year 12 of its evolution: challenges and opportunities from a Digital Earth perspective
Authors: Giacomelli A , Maggi E , Massetti L
Published: July 2020

Citizen observatories are community-based systems that can complement official networks for environmental data collection. This study proposes the case of a Citizen Observatory on light pollution, developed in Tuscany since 2008. Starting from the collection of measurement by volunteers, the observatory is now composed by a heterogeneous array of subjects (two research institutions, two rural communities, a rock-blues band, and a professional photographer) operating from local to international level through its connection with the international scientific community. This collaboration produced several outcomes: light pollution monitoring campaigns, numerous outreach events for raising citizen awareness on light pollution and its consequences and for the promotion of dark sky areas, input to global level position papers and scientific publications, the organization of an international Symposium on promotion and protection of the night sky.
Using Open Remote Sensing and Geographic Data for SMART Monitoring of Nature-based TOURISM in the Azores Islands Natural Parks: towards (more) Sustainability
Authors: Gil Artur , Fernández-Urrutia Manuel , Tiago Flávio , Teresa Borges-Tiago Maria
Published: July 2020

A remote sensing-based operational tool using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 free and open access satellite multispectral data, and based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, is under development for monitoring land-cover/land-use changes in the Azores Islands Natural Park.
RUS Copernicus: an Expert Service for New Sentinel Data Users
Authors: Guzzonato E , Mora B , Remondière S , Palazzo F
Published: July 2020

With an unprecedented amount data acquired continuously, the Copernicus satellite constellations provide essential information for analysing and monitoring the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. However, technical and knowledge barriers may affect user’s uptake of such datasets. The Copernicus Research and User Support (RUS) Service (funded by the EC and managed by ESA) began operations in October 2017 and aims to support overcoming such issues. Provision of scalable, preconfigured cloud environments offers users the possibility to remotely store and process data. The platform relies on Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS). In addition, technical and scientific support (including training sessions) is provided to facilitate exploitation of Copernicus data. The RUS Service is specially addressed to users from European countries that are willing to discover and use Copernicus core products and datasets. The service is free for the eligible end users. Commercial and operational activities cannot be carried out through the RUS Service.
Estimation of winter wheat leaf area index at different growth stages using optimized red-edge hyperspectral vegetation indices
Authors: Xing Naichen , Huang Wenjiang , Dong Yingying , Ye Huichun , Pignatti Stefano , Laneve Giovanni , Casa Raffaele
Published: July 2020

Leaf area index (LAI), as one of the most important indicators in vegetation growth monitoring, has been widely used in crop growth monitor and yield estimation. Previous studies focused on LAI retrieval for whole growth stages, this study inversed LAI at five main growth stages using widely-acknowledged vegetation indices and their optimized red-edge transformations. We used hyperspectral data to analyse relationships between LAI and vegetation indices. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used in this study to distinguish the best indices for distinct growth stages. The results show that LAI retrieval at various growth stages have distinct results. The best fitted indices for different growth stages are not fixed. The best indices for five stages are OSAVIre1, SRre1, SAVIre2, SAVIre2 and OSAVIre1 with R2 value of 0.20, 0.50, 0.49, 0.72 and 0.23, respectively. Most vegetation indices show better performance in milky stage than other four stages this may due to the high vegetation cover in this stage because leaves rise to maximum. Indices composed of red-edge exhibited better relationships with LAI with higher R2 and lower RMSE. Indices combined reflectance at 740 nm are capable of inversing LAI at stem elongation, anthesis and milk development stages. Indices with 705 nm showed better results in jointing and ripening stages. The results indicate that:1) specific vegetation indices for distinct growth stages lead to better estimation than inversing LAI for whole growth stages; 2) indices take advantage of red-edge showed better potentials in estimating high LAI than traditional visible wavelength.
Developing Standards for Earth Observation Data Products
Authors: Khalsa S J S
Published: July 2020

Earth Observation data, as one element of the rapidly expanding world of Big Data, holds the potential to assist in addressing many of the societal and environmental problems facing humanity. Standards, especially community-developed open standards, are an important part of the solution. This paper describes the activities of the IEEE GRSS Standards for Earth Observations Technical Committee in developing standards to improve accessibility and interpretability of data from several kinds of remote sensing technologies.
Digital Approach to Forest Cover Mapping: a Case Study of Forest-Tundra in the near-Yenisei Siberia
Authors: Ryzhkova V A , Danilova I V , Korets M A
Published: July 2020

An algorithm of semi-automated classification and mapping of vegetation cover was developed based on the digital data (satellite images, digital elevation model, and climate data base) and ground truth data. The obtained maps cover a range of vegetation growth conditions, diversity of the vegetation types, and bog complexes in the forest-tundra zone of the Middle Siberia.
The value of and impediments to open data Sharing of microbial Whole Genome Sequences (WGS): - The next global machine: the Global Microbial Identifier
Authors: Schlundt J
Published: July 2020

As Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) spreads globally fast, there is an obvious potential to develop a global microbial DNA database to aggregate, share, mine and use microbiological genomic data. In the future, all microbial species, strains, clones will be in the database, enabling any laboratory to upload its sequence and seek the correct identification answer, meaning species, type (clone) and antimicrobial resistance. Thiswill also enable real-time global surveillance of all relevant communicable diseases (human, animal, plant). Such a system would promote equity in access and is suggested in the global initiative: the Global Microbial Identifier (www.globalmicrobialidentifier.org)
Remote Sensing data for the investigation of geo-hazard: EO4GEO project and the knowledge sharing challenges
Authors: Cipolloni C. , Comerci V. , Delfini C. , Ferrigno F. , Guerrieri L. , Leoni G. , Spizzichino D. , Ventura R.
Published: July 2020

The improved capabilities of Remote Sensing in data acquisition, analysis and implementation of standardized products lead decision makers and managers to a better understanding and assessment against geo-hazard. But since geo-hazard pose potential risks to people, assets and the environment the better knowledge to deal with the huge amount and the high quality of Earth Observation data is required. EO4GEO Project represents the latest challenge to define a standard methodology for the creation of integrated application using EO data and services to carry out geo-hazard risk monitoring, assessment and mitigation options.
Biomass and Coppicing Ability of Genetically Improved Calliandra calothyrsus for Wood-Energy with Different Spacing
Authors: Hendrati R L , Hidayati N , Nurrohmah SH
Published: July 2020

Beside wood quality, biomass and ability to coppice of fast-growing woody species for renewable energy are two essential indicators. Appropriate spacing among individual plant is therefore required to get the best harvest. This study is observing biomass, branching and coppicing ability of Calliandra calothyrsus at different spacings. Initial experimental plots were using 5 blocks of 16 individuals at spacings of 0.5x1; 1x1; 0.5x2; 1x2 and 2x2m and assessed at 6 months old around reproductive stage. Due to no significant differences, two spacing plots of 2x1 and 1x1m are compared for biomass and wood dimension assessment from 14 individuals per block replicated into 4 blocks after 3 years. Coppicing ability was counted after 2 months of felling. The results indicated that diameter has positive correlation with number of initial branches as well as number of coppices. Specific gravity of wood is also increasing with diameter. Between the two types of spacing, the first wood production is better for 1x1m than 1x2m with 76.3 ton/ha (152 m3/ha) for 1x1m and 72 ton/ha (144 m3/ha) for 1x2m. This indicates a better production than the predicted MAI from the breeding. Specific gravity is recorded to be better at more spaciuos distance.
Relationship betweenAcacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis hybrids and their parents based on leaf and root anatomy characteristics
Authors: Sunarti S , Nirsatmanto A , Permatasari I , Suharyanto
Published: July 2020

Acacia mangium×Acacia auriculiformishybrids do not always perform intermediate features of both parents. A study was conducted to observe the similarity of Acacia hybrid progenies to their parents based on anatomical features of leaf and root. Leaf and root samples were taken from each three sampled trees of Acacia hybrid and parent species selected on three growth superiority classes: superior, intermediate and inferior. The anatomical features were observed on leaf and root tissue specimens prepared through free-hand and non-embedding technique. Similarity and relationship indexes were determined using cluster analysis.The similarity index between the superior hybrid and female tree was higher than that ofthe male tree with similarity index value of 88.45% and 87.60% respectively. Based on the phenogram analysis, the parent species were clustered into two clearly separated groups with the distance of 86%. The superior and intermediate classes of Acacia hybrids tended to cluster into female parent group. Superior Acacia hybrids could be potentially produced by selecting the superior female parents as mother.
Effect of methylisothiazolinone biocide in tissue culture sterilization of Casuarina equisetifolia
Authors: Putri A I , Prastyono  , Haryjanto L , Herawan T , Fauzi A , Izudin E , Setiawan A , Suprihati  , Hartono R , Priatna D , Herdiantara B , Suharyanto  , Wahno I
Published: July 2020

In this study, modification of tissue culture sterilization techniques using methylisothiazolinone bocide (MB) in liquid and solid medium was used to evaluate the acquisition of axenic Casuarina equisetifolia culture in vitro with natureexplant sources. One experimental unit had 12treatment combinations with 20replications of explants in each treatment. Acquisition of the best axenic culture of C. equisetifolia after 30 days of incubation was in a sterilization combination for 3 days shaking out in liquid WPM medium with 8 mg/l MBand in solid WPM medium with 6 mg/l MB.C. equisetifoliashowsa good growth response in WPM medium without the addition of exogenous growth hormone. The first indication of axillary shoot explants were elongation response within 15 days of culture initiation. Shoot tips changed in color from dark green to a more obvious transparent green and the internode sections became swollen and barrel-shaped. Single shoot formation from axillary buds at basal nodes and sprouted lateral buds were visible within 30 days. The 90%of shoot formation in the axenic culture of Casuarina equisetifolia werefrom lateral buds.
Genetic Structure of Calophylluminophyllum L. in Dompu Natural Forest
Authors: Nurtjahjaningsih I L G , Prihatini I , Qiptiyah M , Rimbawanto A
Published: July 2020

Calophylluminophyllum is an indigenous species and distributed mostly at shoreline areas in Indonesia. Genetic conservation of this species inits natural habitats is very important. A study aimed to assess genetic diversity and structure of C. inophyllum at Dompu natural forestwas carried out. Leaf samples were collected from three natural populations at Dompuregency (Kilo, Kempo and Pekat). Genetic analysis was carried out using six simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Private alleles were only found at Kilo population. Number of detected alleles (NA), values of alleles diversity (AR) and gene diversity (HE) were also higher at Kilo (NA: 17; AR: 2.219; HE: 0.339) than at Kempo (NA: 10; AR: 1.661; HE: 0.219) and Pekat (NA: 12; AR: 1.941; HE: 0.276). The values of the inbreeding coefficients (FIS) were insignificant among the populations. The medium- scale genetic structure showed that genetic relations. Fine-scale genetic structure analysis showed insignificant genetic structure among trees in distance of 2 m at Kilo and 400 m at Pekat, respectively, suggesting that C. inophyllum was dispersed as far as 2 m to 400 m.
Seed handling of specific forest tree species : Recalcitrant and intermediate seed
Authors: Yulianti  , Putri K P , Yuniarti N , Aminah A , Suita E , Danu  , Sudrajat D J , Nurhasybi  , Syamsuwida D
Published: July 2020

Indonesia is a tropical country with an area of rain forests around 128 million ha. Forests have economic, social and environmental functions, therefore those functions must be sustained. Seeds are a very important part for maintaining the sustainability of forest functions, by providing good quality of seeds and seedlings. Nearly 70% of the seeds of forest plants in Indonesia are recalcitrant and intermediate, dominated by species of Dipterocarpaceae, Myrtaceae, Araucariaceae, and Verbenaceae. In general, the characteristics of the seeds can be divided into 3 groups based on their sensitivity of drying and storability, namely orthodox, recalcitrant and intermediates. The viability of orthodox seeds can be maintained for long storage periods in low temperatures, whereas recalcitrant seeds are difficult to store for long periods and loseitsviability in a short time. Intermediate seeds are in between of the two characters, that the viability can be kept for a longer time (generally less than 1 year) than recalcitrant seeds. The main problems for recalcitrant and intermediate seeds are their short life time and for some species, the flowering and fruiting periods do not occur every year, especially for the species of Dipterocarpacae. These problems makedifficult to get large quantities of high-quality seeds. Therefore, seed handling techniques of recalcitrant and intermediates seeds are urgently needed. A proper seed handling is the key to maintain the physical, physiological and genetic quality of seeds which should be carried out by involving several activities including techniques of seed production, seed testing, seed storage, and nursery technique.
B-site Substitution Effects on The Catalytic Activity of Perovskites Compounds towards Oxidative Degradation of Orange II Solutions
Authors: Nur Ain Abdul Rahman Nadhratul , Aida Zubir Nor , Alrozi Rasyidah , Imam Maarof Hawaiah
Published: July 2020

Perovskite is known as potential decent ceramic metal oxides catalyst for wastewater treatment particularly in catalytic oxidation process. Perovskites can be uniquely and chemically tailored due to its simple structure which able to accommodate wide range of A and/or B-site cations. In this work, detailed investigations on the substitution effect of different B-site cations into the main structure of perovskite compounds towards catalytic oxidation of orange II solution were performed. Four (4) different types of B-site metal cations (Cu, Ni, Mo and Co) were substituted into perovskites structure via a combined EDTA-citric acid complexation method. The reactivity of resultant perovskites was found to be in sequence of Na0.27Ca0.48Cu0.25O3 > Na0.25Ca0.48Ni0.27O3 ≍ Na0.09Ca0.29Mo0.62O3 > Na0.02Ca0.33Co0.39O3 in the absence of stimulant or oxidant during 2 hours heterogeneous reaction. Interestingly, Na0.09Ca0.29Mo0.62O3 perovskites catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity by having complete Orange II removal (≍99%) in the presence of oxidant (0.022M H2O2) within 15 min of reaction. The reactivity of B-site perovskites catalysts changed significantly in presence of oxidant during heterogeneous reaction that can be represented as Na0.09Ca0.29Mo0.62O3> Na0.27Ca0.48Cu0.25O3>Na0.02Ca0.33Co0.39O3>Na0.25Ca0.48Ni0.27O, respectively. Such findings confer tunable and unique catalytic properties of B-site perovskites catalysts in enhancing the oxidative degradation of recalcitrant dye contaminated wastewater effluents.
Characterization of Fly ash and Ground Granulated Blast Slag for Soil Stabilization Application Using Geopolymerization Method
Authors: Rizki Abdila Syafiadi , Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd , Faheem Mohd Tahir Muhammad , Ahmad Romisuhani , Syafwandi  , Isradi Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Clay soils provide several challenges for geotechnical and civil engineers. This type of soils has a low strength, high plasticity and can cause damage to the road pavement such as crack and soil strength reduction. Thus, require stabilization method. Continue of research and investigations have been done to find other alternative in soil stabilization that eco-friendly. Geopolymer, one of the alterative eco-friendly soil stabilization method offering small swelling potential and outstanding adhesion to soil properties, which could be an effective soil stabilizer. Geopolymer is a reaction that chemically integrates minerals that involves naturally occurring silicoaluminates sources. The geopolymer synthetized from soil, fly ash, ground granulated blast slag and an alkaline solution made from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). The characterization testing includes physical properties, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine the physical properties, elemental chemical composition, mineralogical properties, microstructure, and bonding chemical of the raw material, respectively. Based on the characterization result, the soil, fly ash and ground granulated blast slag consists mainly of silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) which make it suitable to be used as raw materials for geopolymer formation. This paper presents a characterization analysis of soil, fly ash and ground granulated blast slag as raw materials for soil stabilization application using geopolymerization method.
The Influence of Sodium Hydroxide Concentration on Physical Properties and Strength Development of High Calcium Fly Ash Based Geopolymer as Pavement Base Materials
Authors: Ahmad Sofri Liyana , Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd , Rosli Mohd Hasan Mohd , Huang Yue
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with the development of high calcium fly ash based geopolymers. Geopolymer paste was prepared from fly ash alkaline activator solutions using various mix design including molarity of sodium hydroxide used (6-14M) with solid-to-liquid ratio (1.0-3.0) and the sample were curing at ambient temperature. In this paper, flow value, setting time and unconfined compressive strength of high calcium fly ash based geopolymer paste was carried out using flow table equipment, Vicat’s apparatus and compression testing machine to measure the properties caused by high calcium fly ash. It was found that solid to liquid ratio of 2.0 and NaOH molarity of 12M was the best mix design to be applied due to its maximum unconfined compressive strength achieved (up to 19MPa at 28 days) as well as its flow ability of the fresh paste which shown better result compared to other mix designs. High calcium was also found to result in higher strength.
Harmful Heavy Metals and Liquid Organic Waste Membrane Based on Fly-Ash/TiO2-rGO Composite
Authors: Permatasari A.D. , Fahira N. , Fadhila N. , Subaer
Published: July 2020

This study utilized fly-ash and TiO2/rGO as raw materials to produce membrane for absorbing harmful heavy metals and liquid organic waste. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by using modified Hummer’s method and then transformed into reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) by means of hydrothermal reduction at 160°C for 4 hours. The objective of this research was to identified the structure and morphology as well as the ability of the produced membrane to absorb heavy metals. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) examination showed the high purity of GO and rGO nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images for each TiO2 concentration showed that membrane added with 1% TiO2 result in homogenous distribution of TiO2 and rGO on the surface of geopolymer. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (ASS) showing significant differences of Fe heavy metal of the contaminant concentration before and after filtration. Fe concentration in the first concentration was 1.226 ppm and become 0.239 ppm after filtration process was performed. The results of this study indicate that the membrane based on geopolymer/TiO2-rGO contain 1% of TiO2 and rGO relative to the mass of the starting fly-ash can be used as a membrane of heavy metal absorption.
Effect of Xylanase Immobilisation Conditions by Combination of Entrapment and Covalent Binding on Alginate Beads
Authors: Sabrina Mohd Sukri Siti , Sakinah Abdul Munaim Mimi , Wan Zuraida , Hassan H , Nur Fadzeelah A K , Jamaludin S K
Published: July 2020

The immobilisation of enzymes offer improvement in enzyme stability and characteristics as well as overcome the limitations of free enzyme systems for commercial purposes. In the current study, xylanase was immobilised using a combination technique of entrapment and covalent binding within and onto calcium alginate beads. The sodium alginate and calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration used for the preparation of alginate beads which is the support matrix for xylanase immobilisation were fixed at 3% (w/v) and 0.3 M, respectively. The effect of immobilisation conditions (agitation rate, enzyme loading, and glutaraldehyde concentration) were studied using One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) approach. The best condition for optimum immobilisation yield (83.93%) was found to be made up of the following parameter combination: agitation rate, 200 rpm; xylanase loading, 200 U; and glutaraldehyde concentration, 12% (w/w). The study shows the immobilisation conditions play a significant role towards the immobilisation yield of xylanase.
The Influence of Temperature and Pressure Variation on the Reactivity of Multimetallic-Zeolite Hybrid Catalyst for Methanol Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zahiruddin Ramli Muhammad , Syed-Hassan Syed Shatir A. , Hadi Abdul
Published: July 2020

The potential of Cu/Zn/Al/Zr – ZSM-5 zeolite hybrid catalyst, prepared by using the newly-improvised technique, namely ultrasonic spray precipitation (USP) is being explored in converting CO2 into methanol. In this study, the effect of reaction temperature (400–560K) and pressure (20–50 bar) towards catalytic activity were investigated. This technique had influenced the formation of ultrafine particles (75 nm) with relatively high BET surface area (167 m2 g-1) and both Cu surface area (12.5 m2 g -1) as well as Cu dispersion (8.88 %). TPD profile of H2 and CO2 revealed that this catalyst possess a multiple adsorption states at low (353–383 K) and high (653–858 K) temperature region. Reactivity – wise, an increment of pressure had improved the CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity with maximum value of 35.5 % and 28 %, respectively. In contrast, the exothermic nature of CO2 hydrogenation reaction had retarding both CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity at temperature higher than 523 K with the highest value for both were 36.3 % and 20.7 %, respectively.
Occupational Safety and Health Leadership and Performance in Malaysian Industries
Authors: Abdul Hamid Suhaila , Leman A.M , Goolamally Norlia , Afizi Shuaib Norshah
Published: July 2020

Leading and managing form the framework for skills and abilities that are necessary for an individual to drive team success. Occupational safety and health (OSH) Leadership modeled the organisational commitment in OSH and for the commitment to growth and sustained, it requires management support for employees OSH engagement. Both of the leadership and management support are addressed in the safety and health policy as stipulated in the Section 16 of Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 to provide assurance on the OSH compliance as well as providing opportunity for employer to establish decent work through freedom from injury and ill health and provision of safe and healthy workplaces. The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of OSH management support in the relationship between OSH leadership and Safety Performance in Malaysian Industries in the context of organisational culture model. 300 responses who were OSH practitioners were collected from twelve different industries in Malaysia. Data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS. Results showed that having a leadership alone is not sufficient to improve OSH performance, it needs the mediation effect of OSH management support on OSH performances.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Ceramic Reinforced Sn-0.7Cu Solder
Authors: Nadiah Izzati Z , Mustafa Al-Bakri A , Mohd Salleh M A A , Ahmad Romisuhani , Aida Mohd Mortar Nurul , Ramasamy Shamala
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the effect of various geopolymer ceramic particles addition in matrix SnCu solder paste on its geopolymer ceramic’s microstructure and their mechanical properties after being reinforced in solder alloy. The composite solder was prepared by mechanically mixed 1.0 wt.% geopolymer ceramic powder into SnCu powder and compacted via powder metallurgy (PM) technique. Based on microhardness results, the presence of slag geopolymer shows an improvement after being reinforced with SnCu.
Enhanced Monomodal Image Registration Process With Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Syafiq Md Roslan Muhammad , Azizah Ali Nor , Haizan Mohd Radzi Nor , Mohamed Amin Muhalim
Published: July 2020

Medical image registration is one of the processes involved in medical image analysis. During the process, an image will be computed and transform it for mapping the reference image to the target image to analyze the similarity merits as to help in diagnosis the situation in the medical field. However, the accuracy of the image registration is in question, might be improved if we can make use some optimization during the image registration process. In this research, we propose an enhancement of image registration algorithms based on monomodal registration by incorporating Cuckoo Search (CS) method for Lévy flight generation while simultaneously modifying and optimizing it to work on MRI image scanners, specifically to detect brain cancer. The performance of the proposed monomodal registration with CS algorithm was compared with basic traditional monomodal registration. The experimental results were validated by measuring the Normalized Mutual Information (NMI) and CPU run-time for all cases investigated. Our results show that the proposed monomodal registration with CS algorithm achieved the best 2% improved in NMI results and 42% reduced in CPU run-time. The method evolved to be more promising and computationally efficient for medical image registration.
EEG Pattern of Psychomotor Activities for Non-Dyslexic Person Due to Different Gender
Authors: Fuad N. , Nasir E.M.N.E.M. , Marwan M.E. , Hashim S. , Danial Md. Nor.
Published: July 2020

Human have a complex organ that called as brain, every action and decision was instructed by brain. This research was conducted to identify the pattern of EEG brainwaves for psychomotor abilities between male and female focussing to non-Dyslexic or normal engineering students at UTHM. Non-Dyslexic is a person who has not learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). In addition, psychomotor abilities tests are important to measure the ability of motor skill and hand on to manipulate and controlling objects such as constructing circuit or robot and do programming for coding. The other way to measure the development of psychomotor abilities by using accuracy test, reaction time, precision and procedure techniques. Other than that, psychomotor abilities test also can be used to identify the suitable occupation based on their tendency. Psychomotor abilities requests a creative thinking, focus and also involves human mind and body that link together while performing the psychomotor abilities. The objective of this research was to collect sample data off EEG from subject’s brain during psychomotor learning activities, to analyse the brainwaves produces by brain while going through psychomotor learning activities and to analyse the data collected using statistical analysis and do comparison on term of psychomotor activities between difference genders. Based on the result that have been conducted, almost all psychomotor persons have Beta and Alpha band but Beta band will be more domain than Alpha band. As a conclusion, this research has found out that between male and female that involved in this research the number of male subjects higher than female subjects as a psychomotor person.
Indoor Smart Wheelchair: Systematic Mapping
Authors: M. Irsyad Kamil R , Jawawi Dayang N. A. , Mamat Rosbi , Jamal Nurul N.
Published: July 2020

Wheelchair are designed to enhance a patient’s personal mobility. It should help users to engage as much as possible in events. Therefore, rather than having a negative impact on its health or safety, the consumer should be able to live more active lives. Researchers have constantly worked to provide the patient with the best tool. At the time, patients had the option to use a wheelchair only, but now exoskeletons were introduced and proved as planned to have been successful. However, the use of wheelchair have never been brought down, in fact, the wheelchair that we all known are evolving into something fresh and new due to the effort of researchers applying new technology. Since a new idea for wheelchairs has been proposed, we conducted a systematic mapping study (SMS) on features introduced by researchers on wheelchairs. We identified 41 papers coming from conferences, symposium, workshops and journals. A total of 13 features exist in wheelchairs are identified. We present a qualitative analysis of the wheelchair, an overview on features for wheelchairs.
Applying Game Theory to Mortgage Framework
Authors: Shukur Abu Hasan Abdul , Firdaus Mohd Azmi Nurulhuda , Nur Amir Sjarif Nilam , Md Sarkan Haslina , Yahya Yazriwati , Ya’acob Suraya
Published: July 2020

To some, the retail banking market is considered an oligopoly. This is not healthy for a country’s economy and its people because it is important for competition to thrive in the banking industry. Any form of market failure or anti-competitive behaviour affects productive efficiency, consumer welfare and economic growth. With the introduction of the Base Rate (BR) to replace the Base Lending Rate (BLR), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) seeks to inject transparency into the mortgage framework. Under this system, banks will have to disclose their margins and are not allowed to loan below the BR just to attract customers and boost loan growth. This new framework will allow customers to make better financial decisions whilst having little impact on borrowers. Even though this only applies to personal home loans, it still poses a challenge to competing banks. Those with a seemingly strong niche in consumer financing will be able to offer more attractive and competitive BR leading to better Effective Lending Rates (ELR). This paper proposes using Game Theory (GT) as a method to predict probable outcomes in strategic interactions for BR revision. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) will then provide a means of weighing the probabilities of the contributing factors. With the ability to anticipate the competition’s next moves in a quantifiable manner, strategists will be better prepared in understanding and navigating the complex banking system.
Influence of Size Effect on Cutting Edge Rounding and Surface Roughness in Micro-Milling of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Fakirin Ismail Izzul , Afizi Shuaib Norshah , Zainal Abidin Zailani , Abdul Rahim Irfan , Heinemann Robert
Published: July 2020

The quality of cutting depends most on the cutting tool condition. Towards having a good quality finish, cutting tolerance becomes a major concern, especially when machining at micro-scale where highly precise cutting is desired. This research investigates the size-effect during the micro-milling of Ti-6Al-4V under dry condition where the observations were made on cutting edge rounding (CER) and workpiece surface roughness. The result showed that the lower the feed rate, the greater rounding on the cutting edges were observed. Similar trend in result was obtained when measuring the surface roughness. The best feed rate for both observations was at 60 mm/min, where this setting has brought the mechanism to shearing, as the ratio between undeformed chip thickness and cutting edge radius started at 1.
The Effect of Different Khaya Senegalensis Raw Feedstock Particle Sizes On Solid Fuel Pellet Quality
Authors: Izzati Ismail Ras , Iqbal Usamah Mohd , Razak Shaari Abdul , Chu Yee Khor , Rahayu Mohamed Alina , Riduan Jamalludin Mohd , Abdul Razak Norawanis , Yit Leng Lee , Lailina Makhtar Nur , Uzair Mohd Rosli Mohd
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the usage and demand for biomass pellet has been increasing due to the need of substitution for non-renewable energy source. Therefore, high quality solid fuel is in need to cater this demand. Pellet qualities such as durability, calorific value and density are different depending on the type of material, size of particle and the density of the feedstock. In this study, the durability, calorific value and unit density of Khaya Senegalensis pellet was investigated. This was done to identify the optimum particle size to obtain the best qualities of pellet possible. The ground biomass material was separated into 0.15 mm, 0.50 mm and 1.00 mm particle sizes, pelletized and ultimately the pellet durability, calorific value and unit density were tested in this study. It was found that 0.15 mm particle size resulted in the highest pellet durability, and density value. 1.00 mm particle size pellet has the highest calorific value. As a conclusion, different raw biomass feedstock particle size will affect the durability, density and calorific value of pellet.
Ergonomic Risk Assessment on Welding Practical Work on Learning Process at Malaysia Polytechnic Diploma of Engineering Programme
Authors: Fahzan bin Salleh Khairul , Mohd Fadzil Syazwani , Yusof Md Daud Mohd
Published: July 2020

Practical work is part of the compulsory process of learning for any engineering student in polytechnic Malaysia. This study focuses on the ergonomic risk assessment during the practical work for Malaysian Polytechnic for mechanical diploma programme. Consequently, it is also implemented to identify potential harm caused by ergonomic risk factors. This study uses quantitative method through the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMQ) framework and is followed by a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The instruments used are measuring tape, smartphones for recording audio and video as well as digital images, assessment checklists (CMQ and REBA), personal protective equipment, goniometers and weights scale. Based on the study, all elements of value provide high level risk score results and require ergonomic risk control. Therefore, it is recommended to review the body’s posture and improve the techniques during the weld practical work process to reduce ergonomic risk factors.