bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Malaise traps to assess aculeate Hymenoptera associated with farmland linear habitats across a range of farming intensities
Authors: Volpato Alessio , Ahmed Karzan S. D. , Williams Christopher D. , Day Michael F. , O'Hanlon Aidan , Ruas Sara , Rotchés‐Ribalta Roser , Mulkeen Collette , hUallacháin Daire Ó , Gormally Michael J.
Published: October 2019

The intensification of farming practices, along with the loss and fragmentation of semi‐natural habitats within agricultural areas, has contributed significantly to insect decline worldwide including flower‐visiting aculeate Hymenoptera.

In this study aculeate Hymenoptera were collected using bi‐directional Malaise traps placed along farmland linear habitats across a range of farming intensities. The aim was to further our understanding of the value of farmland linear habitats to this insect group and in particular the Vespinae, an understudied subfamily.

Overall, significantly greater aculeate Hymenoptera species richness was found on extensive than on intermediate and intensive farms. Significantly more species and specimens were collected on the side of the traps adjacent to the linear habitats compared to the side which opened onto the fields. Aculeate Hymenoptera species richness was also significantly greater in dense hedgerows than in open hedgerows. Furthermore, two out of six Vespinae species, Vespula rufa and Vespula vulgaris, had significantly more individuals on extensive than intensive farms.

This study highlights that low‐intensity farming practices and farmland linear habitats, especially dense hedgerows, may enhance aculeate Hymenoptera occurrence in agricultural areas. It also demonstrates that Malaise traps set up along linear habitats across a range of farming intensities can make a significant contribution to knowledge regarding the biodiversity value of such areas. Given that selected Vespinae species follow similar trends to aculeate Hymenoptera, the possibility of using them as simple biodiversity indicators is worthy of further exploration.
Del machismo a la coparentalidad. Evolución de las mentalidades en Italia
Authors: MARTONE Michel
Published: October 2019

En el presente artículo se analizan los complejos procesos legislativos y judiciales necesarios para establecer el derecho de coparentalidad en la reglamentación laboral italiana. Tras identificar en el ordenamiento jurídico la tendencia a equiparar la protección de la familia con el apoyo a la mujer y a la maternidad, se investiga la evolución legislativa que ha llevado a reconocer al padre como pilar fundamental en la crianza de los hijos. Por último, se analiza en detalle la jurisprudencia que, con su interpretación de los principios legislados, ha contribuido a superar la resistencia de la cultura patriarcal al cambio.
Poor initiation of smoking cessation therapies in hospitalised patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with low levels of formal training among hospital doctors and under‐utilisation of nursing‐led interventions
Authors: Pham Jonathan , Pitney Stephanie , Sweeney Duncan , Reekie Clive , Harkness Nick
Published: October 2019

Background

Smoking cessation intervention is a key component in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aims

To evaluate the prescribing of smoking cessation therapies (SCT) among hospital clinicians and identify factors that may hinder delivery of effective interventions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital with an acute exacerbation of COPD was performed. A survey of hospital clinicians was also performed to ascertain levels of training and confidence in prescribing SCT.

Results

Nearly all medical and non‐medical hospital clinicians self‐reported confidence in offering SCT (91.1 vs 82.5%, respectively, P = 0.216). However, of the 122 eligible patients in our study population, the majority did not have any form of SCT initiated during their admission (n = 68, 55.7%) and only 21 patients (17.2%) were referred to the nurse‐led smoking cessation service. Very few patients were initiated on efficacious regimes such as combination‐nicotine replacement therapy (n = 8, 6.6%) or varenicline (n = 2, 1.6%). Only a small proportion of hospital doctors reported confidence in prescribing varenicline and bupropion (17.2 and 6.9%, respectively). Furthermore, very few hospital doctors reported ever receiving formal training in SCT compared to non‐medical hospital staff (42.2 vs 84.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the real‐life challenges in tackling nicotine dependence in hospitals: under‐utilisation of evidence‐based pharmacotherapies, limited access to formal training for doctors and poor uptake of nurse‐led smoking cessation services. Granting limited prescribing rights for specialised nurses may help hospital clinicians to alleviate gaps in current clinical practice.
Future prospects for CD8+ regulatory T cells in immune tolerance
Authors: Flippe Léa , Bézie Séverine , Anegon Ignacio , Guillonneau Carole
Published: October 2019

CD8+ Tregs have been long described and significant progresses have been made about their phenotype, their functional mechanisms, and their suppressive ability compared to conventional CD4+ Tregs. They are now at the dawn of their clinical use. In this review, we will summarize their phenotypic characteristics, their mechanisms of action, the similarities, differences and synergies between CD8+ and CD4+ Tregs, and we will discuss the biology, development and induction of CD8+ Tregs, their manufacturing for clinical use, considering open questions/uncertainties and future technically accessible improvements notably through genetic modifications.
Light affects parental provisioning behaviour in a cavity‐nesting Passerine
Authors: Podkowa Paweł , Malinowska Katarzyna , Surmacki Adrian
Published: October 2019

Nocturnal bird species possess special adaptations to maximise visual efficiency under low light levels. However, some typically diurnal species also experience low‐light environments. For example, cavity‐nesting Passerines raise broods in dark cavities and search for food in light‐abundant surroundings. It is not clear whether they possess special adaptations for low light vision or breed in cavities at the expense of impaired parental care. In this study, we tested whether light conditions affect the provisioning efficiency of great tits. We experimentally tested how the level of natural and artificially increased illumination inside nest boxes affects parental feeding duration, frequency and timing. We monitored 15‐h of provisioning activity of great tit parents when nestlings were day seven post hatch. We used traditional ‘dark’ nest boxes and ‘bright’ nest boxes with increased illumination obtained by using semi‐transparent plastic windows. The duration of single feedings were, on average, shorter in brightened nest boxes compared to dark ones. This difference tended to be higher early in the morning and in the evening, when the illumination in dark nest boxes was the lowest. Nest box type, however, did not influence feeding frequency or times of the onset and the end of feeding. Our findings provide new evidence for impaired efficiency of parental care due to lowered light conditions. Further research is needed to test whether prolonged feeding duration has negative effects on adult time budgets and nestling energy expenditures.
Accuracy of body mass estimates of formalin‐preserved fish – a review
Authors: Nordeide Jarle Tryti
Published: October 2019

This paper highlights possible effects of physical and chemical mechanisms of formalin fixation and preservation on biological tissue and reviews the consequent potential inaccuracies on estimates of body mass of small fishes fixed and preserved in formalin. Twenty‐six papers including 65 independent experiments with 35 species which examine effects of formalin on body mass estimates on small fishes are included. The effect of the formalin on the specimens depends on the salinity of the water used to dilute the commercial formalin (usually 1:9 formalin: water) before being used to fixate and preserve fish. Mean wet body mass of the specimens from the studies using seawater or fresh water diluted formalin deceases by 13% and increases by 7%, respectively, from before to after being immersed in formalin. The same trend is found with condition factor in the few papers that report this parameter. Body length decreases on average by c. 2% in fixated and preserved fish regardless of whether the formalin is diluted in seawater or fresh water.
Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with antibiotic resistance genes in Chilean Piscirickettsia salmonis strains
Authors: Figueroa Jaime , Castro Diana , Lagos Fernando , Cartes Carlos , Isla Adolfo , Yáñez Alejandro J. , Avendaño‐Herrera Rubén , Haussmann Denise
Published: October 2019

The aetiological agent of Piscirickettsiosis is Piscirickettsia salmonis, a Gram‐negative intracellular pathogen, and high doses of antibiotics have regularly been employed to treat this infection. Seven florfenicol and/or oxytetracycline resistance genes (tet pump, tetE, Tclor/flor, Tbcr, TfloR, ompF and mdtN) were identified in strains by in silico genome analyses. Later, the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and its relationship with the resistance to these antibiotics were identified and analysed, using the original LF‐89 strain as reference. Trials to determine and compare the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxytetracycline and florfenicol in each strain, as well as to quantify the gPCR transcripts levels in the selected genes, were performed. Therefore, variations in the resistance to both antibiotics were observed, where the strain with fewer SNPs showed the highest susceptibility. Consistently, the in silico 3D analyses of proteins encoded by the selected genes revealed structural changes, evident in the sequences with the highest number of SNPs. These results showed that the bacterial resistance to oxytetracycline was mainly linked to the presence of SNPs in relevant sites, antibiotic resistance genes and an OmpF porin, leading to important changes in the protein structure.
Too little, too late? The underuse of beta‐blockers in COPD needs evidence to address clinical uncertainty
Authors: Jenkins Christine
Published: October 2019

See related Article
Estimating the Probability of Default for No-Default and Low-Default Portfolios
Authors: Blümke Oliver
Published: October 2019

The paper proposes a sequential Bayesian updating approach to estimate default probabilities on rating grade level for no- and low-default portfolios. Bayesian sequential updating enables default probabilities to be obtained also for those rating grades for which no defaults have been observed. The advantage of this approach is that it preserves the rank order of rating grades in the case of no defaults. Rank preservation is not ensured when using an identical prior distribution across all rating grades. We discuss Bayesian sequential updating for the beta–binomial model and a model incorporating the asymptotic single-risk factor model of the Basel Accord. Practical aspects such as incorporating information from external sources and the margin of conservatism are addressed.
A Time-Varying Bayesian Joint Hierarchical Copula Model for Analysing Recurrent Events and A Terminal Event: An Application to the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Li Zheng , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Wang Ming
Published: October 2019

Recurrent events could be stopped by a terminal event, which commonly occurs in biomedical and clinical studies. Taking the Cardiovascular Health Study as a motivating example, patients can experience recurrent events of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke during follow-up, which, however, can be truncated by death. Since death could be a devastating complication of MI or stroke recurrences, ignoring dependent censoring when analysing recurrent events may lead to invalid inference. The joint shared frailty model is widely used but with several limitations: two event processes are conditionally independent given the subject level frailty, which could be violated because the dependence may rely on unknown covariates varying across recurrences; the correlation between recurrent events and death is constant over time because of the same frailty within subject, but MI or stroke recurrences could have a time-varying influence on death due to higher risk of another event of MI or stroke after the first. We propose a time-varying joint hierarchical copula model under the Bayesian framework to accommodate correlation between recurrent events and dependence between two event processes which may change over time. The performance of our method is extensively evaluated by simulation studies, and lastly by the Cardiovascular Health Study for illustration.
Mathematical Model for Wear Rate of Negative Graphite Electrode in Electrical Discharge Machining on Ti-5A1-2.5Sn
Authors: Rahman Khan Md. Ashikur , Rahman M. M. , Kadirgama K. , Ismail A. R.
Published: October 2019

There are several electrical and non-electrical factors having the significant effect on tool wear in electrical discharge machining (EDM). It is very difficult to select the parameters correctly. Likewise, the tool wear rate is changed dramatically with workpiece material and electrode material. Until now no attempt is appeared that yields the tool wear characteristics in EDM on Ti-5Al-2.5Sn retaining Graphite as electrode. Thus, in this study a mathematical model is developed to predict the tool wear rate which will provide the opportunity of proper selection of the EDM parameters and make the EDM cost effective. To model both the linear and non-linear equation is applied using the experimental data which are obtained performing the experimentation as design of experiment. The developed model has been verified through analysis of variance (ANOVA). The second-order non-linear model is found as appropriate as compared with a linear model. It is evidenced that the proposed model can effectively predict the tool wear rate (TWR) and adequately explains the variation in the machining parameters on TWR.
The Effect of Ball Milling Process on Sintering and Densification Enhancement of W-Bronze Composites
Authors: Mohammed Kahtan Sadiq , Rahmat Azmi , Ahmad Khairel Rafezi
Published: October 2019

Τhe miscibility of W in Sn and Cu is extremely poor. The wettability of W by those two elements is limited. To tackle this problem, two step ball milling process of the W–bronze elemental powders was proposed in this study. The softness of Sn in the first step was exploited to modify the surface morphology of the W particles. In the second step Cu was added to the ball milled mixture. To achieve this goal, two different sets of W50wt. %–pre mix bronze compacts of ball milled and of as received powders were utilized. Sintering process was performed at 1150°C. The two–step ball milled powders yielded sintered compacts of fine polygonal and homogeneous W network skeletal dispersed in bronze matrix. Sintered compacts of about 95% theoretical density were produced by this technique.
Rheological Behaviour of Novel Feedstock for Manufacturing Porous Stainless Steel via (MIM)-PSH
Authors: Tatt Tan Koon , Muhamad Norhamidi , Muchtar Andanastuti , Sulong Abu Bakar , Yunn Heng Shye
Published: October 2019

Metal foam has emerged as a new class material that can be used in structural and functional applications. Because of its excellent mechanical and physical properties, it has been extensively used in aerospace, automotive and medical industries. There are several ways to produce the metal foams. In this study, a net shape foaming technology namely Metal injection moulding-Powder space holder method (MIM-PSH) was used to produce the porous metal. A novel space holder, glycine was mixed with the water atomized stainless powder, palm stearin and polyethylene binder. Rheological behaviours of the feedstocks were fully investigated. The volume fraction of glycine was varied for 50% and 70%, to study its effect on the rheological properties. The results showed that all feedstocks exhibit shear thinning behaviour. As the volume fraction of space holder increased, the viscosities of feedstocks are increased. The activation energy, E is proportional to the amount of space holder used. All feedstocks are found to be suitable for MIM-PSH to produce the porous stainless steel.
BIM Technologies Applications in IBS Building Maintenance
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi , A. Mutalib Azrul , Hamzah Noraini , Baharom Shahrizan
Published: October 2019

Because of their characteristic attributes of storing all the information of a building and visualising the maintenance process of a project over its entire lifecycle, generating the automated control and monitoring of building diagnosis (e.g. component utilisation, component failure, etc.) as well as providing decision support for the choice of maintenance measures and the scheduling of maintenance, BIM technologies have a special appeal for the building maintenance profession. In spite of this appeal, there are currently very few operational BIM technologies in the field of IBS building maintenance. One reason for this may be a lack of awareness by the industry as to what BIM technologies currently exist and what their capabilities are. Presenting this information to the potential users in an easily scannable format is one of the objectives of this paper. A second objective of this effort is to present the characteristics of the state-of-the-art BIM technologies to researchers and industry practitioners. This information will help them in making a choice of the most appropriate tools and trigger communication between users working in similar domains.
Determination of Ultimate Pile Bearing Capacity from a Seismic Method of Shear Wave Velocity in Comparison with Conventional Methods
Authors: Mohd Nayan Khairul Anuar , Taha Mohd Raihan , Omar Noor Adila , Bawadi Nor Faizah , Joh Sung-Ho , Omar Mohamad Nor
Published: October 2019

The seismic method in the ultimate bearing capacity of piles based on shear wave velocity measurement is a new technique in geotechnical engineering design. In this study, the value of shear wave velocity, Vs is being successfully used to formulate a theory to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of piles.   This theory is adapted from the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundation proposed by Keceli. Keceli’s formula is adapted by equating the pile tip vertical resistance of the seismic formula to the end bearing capacity of the pile tip for each layer. The sum of half the vertical resistance of each layer is then equated to the total shaft resistance of the pile. The end tip is then added to the total shaft resistance to give the total ultimate pile bearing capacity of the pile. This study was conducted at three sites, two sites of residual soil located in Malaysia and one site of alluvial soil situated at Collierville, Tennessee, USA. The results of the adapted seismic formula were compared with the static pile bearing capacities calculated using conventional methods proposed by Meyerhof for the SPT-N values and the Schmertmann, Bustamante and Gianeslli method for the SCPTu values. The percentage error in the ultimate bearing capacity of the piles between the adapted seismic and the conventional methods for all the sites were found to be -4.77%, -3.01% and -0.93% at Hulu Langat, Mutiara Damansara and Collierville sites respectively.
A FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPING CULTURE-BASED MULTI-MODAL MIND GAMES: IMPROVING SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN
Authors: Mohd Hanifa Rafizah , Alias Maizam , Bahrudin Ida Aryanie , Surip Miswan , Ibrahim Zuraida , Roslan Rosfuzah
Published: October 2019

Cases of autism, a developmental disorder that disconnects individuals from their environment and people is on the rise with 30% increase being reported in Malaysia from 2008-2011. Early childhood intervention is essential in ensuring autistic children have the opportunity to develop their full potential and enabling them to contribute to society in later years. The intervention will also enhance education opportunities of such children, thus supporting the efforts of NASOM as well as the government’s “education for all aspirations”. One approach that has shown great potential in enhancing social interaction skills among autistic children is the multi-modal mind games approach. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework in designing a culture-based multimedia supported mind games for autistic children. Action research method will be adopted since the cyclic nature of the method will provide opportunity for improving existing educational practices for autistic children. Needs analysis will be conducted to determine weaknesses and strengths of the current practices in developing social interaction skills among autistic children. Parents and teachers will be interviewed and autistic children between the age of five and eight will be observed to get a comprehensive view of the existing situation. Based on the analysis, a set of culture-based mind games multimedia supported as well as face to face interactions will be designed and prescribed to selected autistic children.
MODELING THE IMPACT OF NATURAL AND SECURITY HAZARDS IN AN LNG PROCESSING FACILITITY
Authors: Al-shanini Ali , Ahmad Arshad , Khan Faisal , Hassim Mimi , Al-shatri Ali
Published: October 2019

Development of accident models based on cause and effect relationships facilitates the formulation of accident prevention and mitigation plans in the Chemical Process Industries (CPIs). In this paper, failures of accident prevention barriers triggered by man-made and natural hazards are causally modeled using Fault Trees (FTs) models. Additionally, updated technique of FTs basic and top events failure probabilities was applied using Hierarchy Bayesian Approach (HBA) based on basic events precursor data. This updated methodology overcomes the uncertainty limitation in the determination of FTs reliability data, as well as converge them into their accurate values. Moreover, it provides valuable information supporting risk based decision. The methodology was applied to LNG pipeline and liquefaction plant Dispersion Prevention Barrier (DPB). The result shows the capability of the methodology to model natural and security hazards (NE&ISHs) in both qualitative and quantitative manners, as well as, to update FT events failure probabilities through the use of the precursor data to the HBA. Outcomes demonstrate that the average posterior failure probability of DPB of that particular case study increased from 0.0613 to 0.204232 which represents a 3.33 times increment compared with the prior.
BIOHYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM FERMENTATION OF SWEET SORHGUM (SORGHUM BIOCULAR L) BY INTEROBACTER AEROGENES ADH-43 IN THE PACKED-BED REACTOR
Authors: Rachman M. A. , Eniya L.D. , Widyastuti E.T.
Published: October 2019

Hydrogen gas (H2) is one of a clean energy because its combustion produces only water vapor and heat, and leaves no carbon emissions. H2 gas is an energy future that promises both from the aspect of social, economic, or environmental.  One of potential raw material for H2 gas production is Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor).  It is an annual plant native of tropical adaptive in hot and dry season.  Moreover,   it has a high biomass production , it also can adapt to extreme and sub-tropical regions.  The objective of this experimental work was to produce gas H2 using sweet sorghum at packed-bed reactor by Enterobacter aerogenes ADH-43 and to get optimum dilution rate in order to increase gas H2 production. The reactor used is a packed bed with a working volume of 450 mL and total volume of 900 mL, height 60 cm with a diameter of 4 cm. The reactor is equipped with a coat of water associated with water heating to the temperature maintained at 37 ° C ± 1 oC.   It also linked to the flask containing the Ca (OH) 2 which serves to capture the CO2 gas produced, so expect only the H2 gas.  Batch experiments were performed in the beginning, the fresh sorghum medium was fed into the reactor before two hours  of the stationary phase in order to achieve continuous culture.  The steady state condition showed that that optimum dilution rate was 0.15 h-1 with H2 gasproduction 81.50 mmol/L.h and yield 0.87 mol H2/mol total sugar.
FLOW BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS ALONG AN ENGINE AIR INTAKE PIPE
Authors: Kamarulbaharin Zainal Abidin , Kasolang Salmiah
Published: October 2019

There is a concern with the flow behaviour inside the air intake pipe that affects the desirable pressure ratio for inflow into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Measurements of flow along the intake pipe are required to better understand the physics of the intake system. This paper focuses on investigating the dynamics of the pressure profile along the intake pipe. The methodology involves experimental work utilising a red oil manometer to measure the pressure. Results analysis is presented as graphs of gauge pressures against engine speeds. From experimental results, the pressure profiles along the intake pipe were similar at different engine speed settings and pipe lengths. It was observed that the values of gauge pressure were lowest at the pipe entrance and it continued to rise along the pipe until it reaches the intake valve.  This is a preliminary study looking into the effect of pipe geometry on the pressure dynamics.
PHOSPHOTUNGSTIC ACID SUPPORTED ON ACID-LEACHED POROUS KAOLIN FOR FRIEDEL-CRAFTS ACYLATION OF ANISOLE
Authors: Mohd Basir Norsahika , Oktendy Lintang Hendrik , Endud Salasiah
Published: October 2019

Porous clay heterostructures (PCH) was derived from natural kaolin through intercalation with cationic potato starch as the template. Leaching of PCH was performed in concentrated acid solutions consisting of HCl and H2SO4. Phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on PCH and modified PCH were synthesized by wet impregnation method. The resulting PCH showed remarkable increase in surface area starting from 15 m2g–1 for the parent kaolin to maximium value of 725 m2g–1 for PCH. Acidity studies by pyridine adsorption and FTIR spectra showed that both natural kaolin and PCH possessed strong Lewis acid sites. In contrast, the surface acidity of HPW supported on PCH was significantly enhanced and comprising mainly Brönsted acid sites. The correlation between the Brönsted to Lewis acid ratios (B/L) and either conversion or selectivity of the catalysts has been studied in Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole. The PCH/30HPW catalyst with the highest number of Brönsted acid sites showed excellent catalytic activity giving 86% conversion of anisole and high selectivity of 95% toward p-methoxypropiophenone.
INTERACTIVE PERSUASIVE LEARNING ELEMENTS AMONG ELDERLY: A MEASUREMENT MODEL
Authors: Zulkifli A.N. , Ahmad M. , Abu Bakar J.A. , Mat R.C. , Noor N. M.
Published: October 2019

The increasing usage of computer technology in myriad fields involves almost all level of the society to interact with the technology. Although the receptions are going well, however, for certain level of ages in the society, the need seems to be difficult to them. Of the level, elderly is a must to be considered for designing and developing computer technology systems that suit them better. Hence, our study proposes a conceptual model of an interactive persuasive learning system to encourage the elderly to use a computer application for learning. This paper is part of our study that evaluates a measurement model of interactive elements of persuasive learning among elderly. This study used empirical study as a method for data collection. Data was collected from 300 elderly respondents and each respondent was supplied with a laptop to enable him/her to use the interactive courseware. The data was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). The results have shown that the measurement model fits the data. Therefore, the model is suitable for interactive media among elderly. Further, this study intends to identify the relationship between the interactive media features and persuasive learning elements among elderly.
HALATUJU DAN PERMASALAHAN PELAKSANAAN PROSES PRA PEMBANGUNAN PRODUK BAHARU: PERSPEKTIF PKS MALAYSIA
Authors: Abu N.H. , Deros B.M. , Mansor M.F.
Published: October 2019

Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) form a substantial role in the development of Malaysian economy. In order to compete in market SMEs needs to develop, produce and introduce new product continuously. The literature reviews have found that there are relatively great numbers of SMEs fail in their new product within a year in market. The first objective of this study is to identify the main goal of SMEs implementing product pre-development process and the second objective is to identify the obstacles that can results failure in product pre-development process implementation especially among food and beverages SMEs in Malaysia. A qualitative approach were employed in this study. A total of 187 food and beverages SMEs involve in this study. The finding indicate that SMEs involve in product pre-development process because to producing quality product, to ensure product success in market and to prepare accurate financial budget. Meanwhile, the main barrier of pre-development process implementation is lack of careful planning, lack of skill workers and inappropriate training program. The finding in this research can be a useful guideline to food and beverages SMEs for the implementation of the pre-development process.
COUPLING-BASED TURNS DISTRIBUTION FOR PLANAR SPIRAL COIL ANTENNAS IN NEAR FIELD MAGNETIC INDUCTION LINKS
Authors: Eteng Akaa Agbaeze , Abdul Rahim Sharul Kamal , Leow Chee Yen , Chew Beng Wah
Published: October 2019

This paper describes a numerical study of a coupling-based turn-distribution approach to achieving good transmission performance in near field magnetic inductive links using low Q-factor coil antennas. Coil antenna turns are distributed to match an upper reference coupling level, leading to a stronger axial H-field, with a low margin of Q-factor increment from a baseline minimum. Numerical results demonstrate improved transmission efficiency performance relative to a minimal Q-factor coil antenna when the modified antenna is employed in a symmetric bi-directional inductive link.  This approach to increasing transmission efficiency indicates prospects for extending the utility of low Q-factor HF-RFID interrogator antennas to include wireless power delivery applications.
ESTIMATION OF SPECIFIC ABSORPTION RATE IN THE HUMAN LEG AND TESTICLE DUE TO A METALLIC RING
Authors: Othman Nazirah , Samsuri Noor Asmawati , A Rahim Mohamad Kamal
Published: October 2019

This research evaluates the effect of human body and metallic ring in the vicinity of dipole antenna on antenna radiation pattern and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). Homogeneous and realistic body models have been considered in the paper. Half wave dipole antenna is used as the excitation source operating at 0.9 GHz and 1.8 GHz. The metallic ring is modelled as conducting objects. The results have shown that the presence of human body near to the antenna significantly distorted the antenna radiation pattern. The antenna gain is decresed approximately 10 dB at 0.9 GH and 25 dB at 1.8 GHz in the direction of body. Nevertheless, the presence of metallic ring do not have any profound effect on antenna radiation pattern due to their size which is relatively small compared to the size of the human body. Additional metallic ring close to the human leg could alter the SAR and the effect varies depending on the size of the rings. The presence of metallic ring significantly increases the averaged 10g SAR inside the testicle by more than 20% at 1.8 GHz.
EFFECT OF BIO-OIL FROM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH ON PENETRATION INDEX OF ASPHALT BINDER
Authors: Abdul Raman Noor Azah , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Ani Farid Nasir , M.Warid M.Naqiuddin , Idham Mohd Khairul , Mamat Rosmawati
Published: October 2019

Bio-oil which is derived from pyrolysis palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is expected to be a potential alternative modifier for asphalt. This study focused on the effect of bio-oil on the penetration index (PI) asphalt. Bio-oil is blended between 2%-10% by weight of virgin asphalt penetration grade 80/100. Physical properties are measured and compared with virgin asphalt by the conventional physical binder test – softening point and penetration. The penetration index (PI) values is calculated to identify the typical values of asphalt type. Based on the findings, it was found that increased bio-oil content can effectively soften the asphalt at the same time maintain the temperature susceptibility. Modification asphalt is still within the grade 80/100 PEN with the addition of 10% maximum of bio oil. The stiffness of modified asphalt need to be further improved by addition polymer for better asphalt binder properties.
DESIGNING INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL COMPACT DISC (CD) FOR COMPUTER NETWORK SUBJECT
Authors: Rukun Kasman , Huda Asrul , Hendriyani Yeka , Hartanto Suryo
Published: October 2019

Early observation that was done by the researcher showed that the student learning outcome at SMK 1 Pulau Punjung is still at the low level due to the assumption that the students lack media support in learning. Using an Interactive Tutorial CD is believed to be able to reduce the dependence of the student toward the teachers. The aim of this research was to design the interactive tutorial CD in the form of multimedia based learning media which contain the theory and the basic subject of computer network. It is also equipped with examples of Video tutorial lab computer network installation. The result of this study indicates that there is an improvement in student learning outcome by using this learning media. The problem of limited teachers in school can also be alleviated.
WEB BASED ADVERTISING INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN FOR NEWSPAPER
Authors: Sriwahyuni Titi , Huda Asrul , Afka Dede Senjaya , Suadi Depi
Published: October 2019

Singgalang daily newspaper is a print media company which is not only engaged in  journalism, which provides the latest news but also in advertisement. The advertisement booking system of Singgalang daily newspaper is not fully computerized yet particularly with regards to the database system for saving ordering and payment data. The company still uses receipts and calculators, causing errors in calculation that make Singgalang daily newspaper advertisement transaction inefficient and ineffective. The company wanted to develop an advertising information system which is equipped with an e-commerce that can help costumers in promoting their product and facilitate costumers in booking advertisement in Singgalang daily newspaper. A web-based information system was designed using Hypertext PreProcessor (PHP) and Framework Codelgniter which will facilitate employees of the company to manage ordering and payment data for online advertising.
CONSTRUCTION OF CUSTOMIZABLE SOA SECURITY FRAMEWORK USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Ibrahim B Mohamed , Hassan Mohd Fadzil
Published: October 2019

The Web Services technology for the implementation of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is the preferred choice in the current era of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI). As Web Services architecture is dynamic and loosely coupled, security aspects must be considered thoroughly at the time of designing. It is prone for attacks as it uses XML format for data exchange, which is a plain text. A novel security component named “Intelligent Security Engine (ISE)” is introduced into the proposed framework which incorporates Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) Learning Techniques for supervised knowledge acquisition on security threats of SOA. Thus, the proposed security framework is capable in the identification of future security vulnerabilities of SOA and can work effectively even for in-secured cross organizational EAI environment.
ARCHITECTURE AND FORWARDING MECH-ANISM FOR GEO-FENCING APPLICATIONS WITH MULTIPLE INFORMATION PROVIDERS
Authors: Dirgahayu Teduh
Published: October 2019

Geo-fencing application is a class of location-based service that provide mobile users with services, i.e. information or functionality, when the users are within certain geographical areas. In this paper, we present an architecture for geo-fencing applications that allow information provisioning from multiple providers based on users’ locations. The architecture includes a central component called service router whose main task is to forward information requests from the users’ mobile applications to targeted information providers. The architecture assumes that information is stored in specific content management systems (CMSs). We also present a location-based request forwarding mechanism for the service router. Every request from the applications must include the users’ location coordinates. These coordinates are used to determine to which information provider the request should be forwarded. In addition, the forwarding mechanism includes a caching mechanism to make efficient the forwarding process. The architecture and forwarding mechanism are implemented in RESTful Web Services. This architecture offers three main benefits, i.e.: (i) natural fit to real-world situation, in which each area is administered by an authority, (ii) scalability by delegating the routing tasks to a composition of service routers in a hierarchical architecture, and (iii) consistent presentation by allowing the mobile applications to restructure and reformat information from the providers.
SENTIMENT CLASSIFICATION WITH CONCEPT DRIFT AND IMBALANCED CLASS DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Jalilvand Abbas , Salim Naomie
Published: October 2019

Document-level sentiment classification aims to automate the task of classifying a textual review, which is given on a single topic, as expressing a positive or negative sentiment. In general, people express their opinions towards an entity based on their characteristics which may change over time. User‘s opinions are changed due to evolution of target entities over time. However, the existing sentiment classification approaches did not considered the evolution of User‘s opinions. They assumed that instances are independent, identically distributed and generated from a stationary distribution, while generated from a stream distribution. They used the static classification model that builds a classifier using a training set without considering the time that reviews are posted. However, time may be very useful as an important feature for classification task. In this paper, a stream sentiment classification framework is proposed to deal with concept drift and imbalanced data distribution using ensemble learning and instance selection methods. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method in compared with static sentiment classification.
IMPROVING GENDER CLASSIFICATION WITH FEATURE SELECTION IN FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Authors: Hairuddin Nurul Liyana , Yusuf Lizawati Mi , Othman Mohd Shahizan , Abdul Majid Hairudin
Published: October 2019

Gender classification has been one of the most vital tasks in a real world problem especially when it comes to death investigations. Developing a biological profile of an individual is a crucial step in forensic anthropology process as for the identification of gender.  Forensic anthropologists employ the principle of skeleton remains to produce a biological profile. Different parts of skeleton contains different features that will contribute to gender classification. However, not all the features could contribute to gender classification and affect to a low accuracy of gender classification. Therefore, feature selection method is applied to identify the most significant features for gender classification. This paper presents the implementation of feature selection approaches which are Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Harmony Search (HS) algorithm using three different dataset from Goldman Osteometric Dataset, Osteological Collection and George Murray Black Collection. All three dataset contains 4081 samples of metrics measurement and have gone through the process of classification by using Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) and Naïve Bayes classifier. The main scope of this paper is to identify the effect of feature selection towards gender classification. The result shows that the accuracy of gender classification for every dataset increased when feature selection is applied to the dataset. Among all the skeleton parts in this experiment, clavicle part achieved the highest increment of accuracy rate which is from 89.76% to 96.06% for PSO algorithm and 96.32% for HS.
THE SQUARED COMMUTATIVITY DEGREE OF DIHEDRAL GROUPS
Authors: Abdul Hamid Muhanizah , Mohd Ali Nor Muhainiah , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Erfanian Ahmad , Abd Manaf Fadila Normahia
Published: October 2019

The commutativity degree of a finite group is the probability that a random pair of elements in the group commute. Furthermore, the n-th power commutativity degree of a group is a generalization of the commutativity degree of a group which is defined as the probability that the n-th power of a random pair of elements in the group commute. In this paper, the n-th power commutativity degree for some dihedral groups is computed for the case n equal to 2, called the squared commutativity degree.
A GENERALIZATION ON THE NTH COMMUTATIVITY DEGREE OF ALTERNATING GROUPS OF DEGREE 4 AND 5
Authors: Abd Rhani Norarida , Mohd Ali Nor Muhainiah , Sarmin Nor Haniza
Published: October 2019

The theory of commutativity degree is important in determining the abelianness of a group. The commutativity degree of a finite group G is the probability that a pair of elements chosen randomly from a group G, commute. The concept of commutativity degree can be generalized to the nth commutativity degree of a group which is defined as the probability of commuting the nth power of a randomly chosen element with another random element from the same group. In this research, the nth commutativity degree of alternating groups of degree 4 and 5 are presented.
STAGNATION POINT FLOW OF MHD DUSTY FLUID TOWARD STRETCHING SHEET WITH CONVECTIVE SURFACE
Authors: Mohamad Isa Sharena , Ali Anati , Shafie Sharidan
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the study of stagnation point of hydromagnetic flow of dusty fluid over a stretching sheet with the bottom surface of sheet heated by convection from hot fluid. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformation. These resulting nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by using Runge-Kutta Fehlberg fourth-fifth order method (RKF45 Method). The characteristics of velocity and temperature profiles of hydromagnetic fluid flow of dusty fluid are analyzed and discussed for different parameters of interest such as convective Biot number, fluid-particle interaction parameter, magnetic parameter, ratio of free stream velocity parameter and Prandtl number on the flow. The numerical results are compared with previous published results for validation
ELGAMAL DIGITAL SIGNATURE SCHEME WITH INTEGRATED CFEA-TECHNIQUE
Authors: Mandangan Arif , Che Hussin Che Haziqah , Ee Hung Chang
Published: October 2019

One of the four security goals is authentication. Authentication is a mechanism to ensure that we are communicating with the intended party. If Alice and Bob want to communicate securely, then the authentication mechanism will be able to ensure that Alice is truly communicating with Bob, and Bob is truly communicating with Alice. This mechanism can be provided by the cryptography. One of the most established cryptography schemes is ElGamal cryptosystem. The original version of this cryptosystem is to provide confidentiality through encryption and decryption procedures. By manipulating these procedures, the authentication mechanism can be carried out. Thus, ElGamal Digital Signature Scheme emerges as one of the most popular authentication mechanisms. In order to provide good level of security, proper parameters must be used in this scheme. This includes the size of the parameters. Larger parameters will provide a better level of security. As a consequence, the performance of the scheme becomes an issue in real life application. In this paper, we proposed the enhancement of the ElGamal Digital Signature Scheme by integrating the Continued-Fraction-Euclidean-Algorithm (CFEA) technique. This technique is able to reduce the number of data to be processed in the signing and verification procedures. By integrating the CFEA-technique into the ElGamal Digital Signature Scheme, any number of documents can be compressed becomes a pair of documents. Therefore, the signing and verification procedures can be done in smaller number of steps.
THE AUTOMATED SEGMENTATION TECHNIQUES OF T2-WEIGHTED MRI IMAGES USING K-MEANS CLUSTERING AND OTSU-BASED THRESHOLDING METHOD
Authors: Isa Iza Sazanita , Sulaiman Siti Noraini , Mustapha Muzaimi
Published: October 2019

The k-means clustering and Otsu-based thresholding of MRI images segmentation are widely used to cluster the lesions in human brain. The main objective of this paper is to employ both algorithms concept to obtain the optimum value of clusters center and threshold levels for a better segmentation process. Both segmentation approaches were used to partition the images into separate classes which are composed of pixels that have similar pre-defined feature values. The evaluation of both segmentation techniques were measured via qualitative and quantitative analysis. From the analysis of the results, it is justified that the proposed approaches are able to efficiently illustrate good segmentation results. The K-means algorithm is also successfully preserved important features of the MRI segmented images as the larger number of clustering reveals bigger grayscale intensity distribution on delineation marks of the MS lesions.
INFLUENCE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES ON VISCOSITY AND ELECTRORHEOLOGY OF DIELECTRIC NANOFLUIDS-SCALE-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Adil Muhammad , Mohd Zaid Hasnah , Kean Chuan Lee , Ahmad Latiff Noor Rasyada
Published: October 2019

The appearance of electric field and shear dependent viscosity change in dielectric nanofluids provide potential for prospective applications especially in enhanced oil recovery. When nanofluids are activated by an applied electric field, it behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid under electrorheological effect, where the augment of electric field intensity increases the interaction among nanoparticles. Hence the mobility of the fluid can be efficiently controlled by regulating the applied field. Electrorheological characteristics of ZnO and Al2O3 nanofluids with various nanoparticles concentration (0.1, 0.05, 0.01 wt%) were measured. Results show that all the nanofluids exhibit pseudoplastic (shear thinning) behavior, while the electric field causes a visible increase in viscosity at a high shear rate.  From the experimental results, it is also explained how the polarization of induced dipoles affects the electrorheology of nanofluids, by creating chains that align with the applied electric field. This paper also describes the designing and experimental aspects of the electromagnetic system, to investigate the change in viscosity of nanofluids.