bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and two-dimensional assembly of double-shell Na@Sn6L6@Sn3L3 clusters through tetrahedral citrate ligands
Authors: Zhu Yu , Li Dongsheng , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2022

Double-shell Na@Sn6L6@Sn3L3 clusters have been successfully constructed and further assembled into a 2D layer. Tetrahedral citrate ligands with multiple coordination sites play key roles in such hierarchical assembly.
Performance of GFN1-xTB for periodic optimization of metal organic frameworks
Authors: Nurhuda Maryam , Perry Carole C. , Addicoat Matthew A.
Published: April 2022

We benchmark GFB-xTB for periodic geometry optimisations of CoRE-MOF structures and find both local and global geometry well conserved.
High electron affinity triggered by lithium coordination: quasi-chalcogen properties of Li2Sn8Be
Authors: Xue Duomei , Chen Zeren , Liu Jingyao , Wu Di , Li Zhiru , Li Ying
Published: April 2022

A new superatom, namely Li2Sn8Be, has been characterized. What is extraordinary is that the introduction of Li ligands to Sn8Be endows the system with a high electron affinity and remarkable similarity to chalcogen elements.
UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of weakly hydrogen-bonded water in the liquid phase and on ice and snow surfaces
Authors: Maggiore Ettore , Tortora Mariagrazia , Rossi Barbara , Tommasini Matteo , Ossi Paolo Maria
Published: April 2022

UV excitation selectively enhances Raman scattering from weakly hydrogen-bonded water molecules.
An open-source framework for fast-yet-accurate calculation of quantum mechanical features
Authors: Caldeweyher Eike , Bauer Christoph , Tehrani Ali Soltani
Published: April 2022

We present the open-source framework kallisto that enables the efficient and robust calculation of quantum mechanical features for atoms and molecules.
Modulation of π character upon complexation captured by molecular rotation spectra
Authors: Zheng Yang , Yang Qin , Herbers Sven , Cheng Wanying , Jiang Zhongming , Wang Hao , Xu Xuefang , Bloino Julien , Gou Qian
Published: April 2022

Two configurations of the furan–CF3Cl complex have been observed by high-resolution rotational spectroscopy.
Skin bioelectronics towards long-term, continuous health monitoring
Authors: Wang Yan , Haick Hossam , Guo Shuyang , Wang Chunya , Lee Sunghoon , Yokota Tomoyuki , Someya Takao
Published: April 2022

Skin bioelectronics for long-term, continuous health monitoring opens unprecedented opportunities for timely disease management. This review summarized representative healthcare sensing, desired materials and designs, and various bio-signal analysis.
Host-guest chemistry of a bidentate silyl-triflate bis-Lewis acid – complex complexation behaviour unravelled by diffusion NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Schäfer Fabian , Mix Andreas , Cati Ninive , Lamm Jan-Hendrik , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: April 2022

Solution and solid state are markedly different for the adducts of different bipyridines to bidentate silyl-triflate bis-Lewis acids; the solution was studied by diffusion NMR titration experiments and reveals complex aggregates.
Digging into protein metalation differences triggered by fluorine containing-dirhodium tetracarboxylate analogues
Authors: Loreto Domenico , Esposito Anna , Demitri Nicola , Guaragna Annalisa , Merlino Antonello
Published: April 2022

The interaction of [Rh2(OAc)(tfa)3] with RNase A and HEWL was investigated in solution and at solid state. The results indicate that [Rh2(OAc)(tfa)3] reacts with proteins differently from [Rh2(OAc)4] and [cis-Rh2(OAc)2(tfa)2].
Copper-decorated covalent organic framework as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for phosphorylation of terminal alkynes
Authors: Chen Yu-Xuan , Zhang Mo , Zhang Shuai-Zheng , Hao Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Zhan-Hui
Published: April 2022

A copper decorated covalent organic framework has been prepared and identified as an efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst for the phosphorylation of terminal alkynes.
Thiobenzophenones: tunable hydrolysis-based donors for intracellular H2S delivery
Authors: Jiao Yan , Ye Haishun , Huang Haojie , Yi Long , Sun Lu
Published: April 2022

Thiobenzophenones are tunable structural motifs for intracellular H2S delivery through hydrolysis reaction.
Design, synthesis and antifungal mechanism of novel acetophenone derivatives containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thioethers
Authors: Dou Li , Shi Huabin , Niu Xue , Zhang Hong , Zhang Kankan , Wu Zhibing
Published: April 2022

Key functional groups carbonyl and 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol can be obtained simultaneously in the present of sulfuric acid. Antifungal mechanism study revealed that the compound can change the permeability of the cell membrane, causing their death.
Patchy metal nanoparticles with polymers: controllable growth and two-way self-assembly
Authors: Duan Hanyi , Malesky Tessa , Wang Janet , Liu Chung-Hao , Tan Haiyan , Nieh Mu-Ping , Lin Yao , He Jie
Published: April 2022

We report a new design of polymer-patched gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with controllable interparticle interactions in terms of their direction and strength.
Allosteric control of ACE2 peptidase domain dynamics
Authors: Trozzi Francesco , Karki Nischal , Song Zilin , Verma Niraj , Kraka Elfi , Zoltowski Brian D. , Tao Peng
Published: April 2022

The analysis of molecular dynamics simulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 peptidase domain via targeted machine learning and REDAN model revealed how the functional motions of this protein can be allosterically controlled.
A directing group switch in copper-catalyzed electrophilic C–H amination/migratory annulation cascade: divergent access to benzimidazolone/benzimidazole
Authors: Begam Hasina Mamataj , Nandi Shantanu , Jana Ranjan
Published: April 2022

A novel directing group switch strategy is explored in a copper-catalyzed divergent synthesis of benzimidazolone via electrophilic C–H amination/cyclization/1,2-C → N directing group migration cascade and benzimidazole through the extrusion of H2S.
Efficient and robust power and energy management for large clusters of plug‐in electric vehicles and distribution networks
Authors: Kanellos Fotios D. , Kalaitzakis Kostas , Psarras Ioannis , Katsigiannis Υannis
Published: April 2022

In this paper, an efficient and robust power and energy management for large clusters of plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) and distribution networks is proposed. The method aims to minimise the charging cost of large clusters of PEVs in real time while ensuring distribution network normal operation and satisfying a large number of constraints from PEV level up to distribution network. The design of the method ensures very low dependence on forecast errors of critical quantities such as electricity price while it can be easily integrated with conventional optimal power flow algorithms. To this end, innovative virtual differential operation costs are assigned to clusters of PEVs. Moreover, an innovative definition of the flexibility of a cluster of PEVs to change its power is introduced while a simple idea based on the principle of the selection of the fittest is used to achieve efficient power dispatch to the PEVs with minimal computational requirements. The efficiency and the robustness of the proposed method are proved by detailed simulations of several operation scenarios of a realistic distribution network with large penetration of PEVs and renewable energy sources.
An integrated dynamic voltage control strategy in active distribution network based on improved model predictive control
Authors: Li Yize , Wang Yinfeng , Ye Hongbo , Xie Wei , Hua Bin , Lu Chao
Published: April 2022

The distribution networks have more frequent and fast voltage fluctuations with the large‐scale access of distributed energy resources and electric vehicles. Based on remote terminal unit (RTU) and distribution terminal unit (DTU), traditional hierarchical control methods are difficult to achieve rapid global coordinated voltage regulation due to static modeling. For this purpose, this paper proposes an integrated dynamic voltage control strategy which integrates the objectives of local voltage control and secondary voltage control. First, simplified dynamic models of controllable equipment in active distribution network are established instead of the static models. On this basis, the state‐space prediction model of the control system is established. Then, based on the improved model predictive control (IMPC), the integrated dynamic voltage control strategy realizes rapid and global coordinated control through state prediction, rolling optimization and real‐time feedback correction. Numerical results show that the proposed strategy can achieve fast global coordinated voltage control in the time scale of seconds.
High resolution representation‐based Siamese network for remote sensing image change detection
Authors: Liang Zheng , Zhu Bin , Zhu Yaoxuan
Published: April 2022

Change detection of high‐resolution remote sensing images can help to accurately understand the changes in the earth's surface. Advanced methods based on deep features have some limitations, including limited accuracy, poor detection effect, and poor robustness. The main reason is that these frameworks have poor feature extraction capabilities, insufficient context aggregation, and inadequate discrimination capabilities. In order to solve these problems, SiHDNet, a Siamese segmentation network based on deep, high‐resolution differential feature interaction, is proposed. Specifically, after the high‐resolution features of the dual‐temporal image are extracted, the difference map is generated through a special fusion module, which contains sufficient and effective change information. Finally, the final binary change map is obtained through the improved spatial pyramid pooling module. Experiments are conducted on the newly released building change detection data set LEVIR‐CD and the challenging remote sensing image change detection data set Google Data Set. Five benchmark methods are chosen. The results of quantitative analysis and qualitative comparison show that SiHDNet is superior to the five benchmark methods. The results of the ablation experiment also verify the effectiveness of this method.
Multi‐hop similarity‐based‐clustering framework for IoT‐Oriented Software‐Defined wireless sensor networks
Authors: Shafique Ayesha , Asad Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad , Shaukat Saima , Cao Guo
Published: April 2022

The performance of Internet of Things (IoT)‐based Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) depends on the routing protocol and the deployment technique in modern applications. In a plethora of IoT‐WSNs applications, the IoT nodes are essential equipment to prolong the network lifetime with limited resources. Data similarity‐based clustering protocols exploit the temporal correlation among the neighbouring sensor nodes through the subset of data. In bendy supervision, IoT‐based Software Defined WSNs provide an optimistic resolution by allowing the control logic to be separated from the sensor nodes. The benefit of this SDN‐based IoT architecture, allows the unified control of the entire IoT network, making it easier to implement on‐demand network management protocols and applications. To this end, in this paper, we design a Multi‐hop Similarity‐based Clustering framework for IoT‐oriented Software‐Defined wireless sensor Networks (MSCSDNs). In particular, we construct data‐similar application‐aware clusters in order to minimise the communication overhead. Also, we adapt inter‐cluster and intra‐cluster multi‐hop communication using adaptive normalised least mean square and merged them with the proposed MSCSDN framework that helps prolong the network lifespan. The proposed framework is compared with the state‐of‐the‐art approaches in terms of network lifespan, stability period, instability period, report delay, report delivery, and cluster leader nodes generations. The MSCSDN achieves optimal data accuracy concerning the collected data.
Concrete-to-concrete shear friction behavior under cyclic loading
Authors: Taklas Mohamad , Leblouba Moussa , Barakat Samer , Al-Sadoon Zaid A.
Published: April 2022

The main objective of this paper was to study the concrete-to-concrete shear friction behavior under cyclic loading and different test rates. Eight dynamic push-pull tests were performed on concrete specimens with as-cast surface roughness type applying four different test rates. The test results include the hysteresis loops of the friction force-displacement relations. It is concluded that the dynamic coefficient of friction decreased with the increased test rate. This reduction in the dynamic coefficient of friction should be considered in the design of structural elements under cyclic or dynamic loading.
Structural performance of half scissor-like elements deployable structure
Authors: Chai Teck Jung , Tan Cher Siang , Mohammad Shahrin
Published: April 2022

An experimental investigation on the Half Scissor-Like Elements (H-SLEs) mechanism deployable structure under compression axial load is presented. Two prefab cylindrical shape H-SLEs mechanism deployable steel structures namely M1 (Bolted base column) and model M2 (Unbolted base column) were tested on their performance in term of strength and stability performance. The model prototype consists coldformed and hot roll steel with bolted connection and tested at deployed vertical configuration. Compression axial load was applied at the middle top of loading platform, transferred equally to the six H-SLEs deployable mechanism through supporting beams. The experimental results obtained indicated that three types of failure modes, i.e. excessive bearing capacity failure at lipped C-section flange around bolt hole perimeter, instability due to horizontal displacement at mid-height of H-SLEs deployable mechanism (Bolted joint area) and member buckling. Among these failures, horizontal displacement nominated the overall structure stability while section thickness impacts member bucking and bearing capacity. The experimental ultimate load was 1.63% greater than BS EN 1993 design load resistance for M1 condition while 30% less for M2 condition. The applied load difference between these two model prototypes was 31.15%. Thus, M1 ultimate loads capacity was satisfactory since less than 15% acceptable level while M2 not satisfactory. Beside, horizontal displacement was identify highly impacted scissor mechanism deployable structure instability and suitable member thickness may avoid section premature failure.
A comparison study on Australia, Eurocode, and US reinforced concrete structure repair codes
Authors: Lim Jee Hock , Chan Qing Wei , Tu Yong Eng , Singh Parnam , Lim Siong Kang
Published: April 2022

Currently, there is no local standard on reinforced concrete structures repairing in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to discuss the similarities and differences of the reinforced concrete structure repair codes of Australia, Eurocode, and United States.In the methodology and work plan stage, preliminary decision for concrete repair is made after the structural assessment. Next, repair work is conducted in relation to the general planning. Lastly, repair products applied in the system are ensured to be mutually compatible in order to accept the repair work. According to the 11 principles listed in EN 1504-9, concrete damages are classified as concrete defects and corrosion on reinforced concrete structure. SA HB 84:2018 is using the fundamental principles of EN 1504 as the main reference. Similarly, all three codes highlight the reinforcement corrosion as the primary reason of concrete damage. The main difference between ACI 546R-14 and EN 1504 is ACI 546R-14 provides no principle for all intended uses in repair works. Two case studies of reinforced concrete structure repairing for irrigation control structures and low-cost flat building are discussed. The case studies reveal a possibility of combining the strengths of a selected standards in reinforced concrete structures repair works.
Strength performance of deep beam with embedded side plates as shear reinforcement: A numerical analysis
Authors: Chai Khem Fei , Woon Kai Siong , Lim Jee Hock
Published: April 2022

The major design criteria in deep beam is shear failure, as it is brittle in nature and causes sudden damage or collapse. Hence, research had investigated the effect of their shear strengthening method on the load carrying capacity of deep beam. This study proposed a method which replace the shear link with mild steel plate as an alternative shear reinforcement that reduce steel congestion in deep beam. Three numerical specimens were modelled using ABAQUS. The specimens were simply supported at both end and two-point loads were gradually acting on the specimens in the mode of monotonic loading condition. The results obtained from the numerical control specimen was validated with the experimental results done by other researchers. The numerical results show that the load bearing capacity of proposed deep beams were lower than the conventional specimen. The mild steel plates in proposed beams demonstrated tendency of side concrete cover separation from the main concrete body. Hence, it caused delamination of concrete leading to lower load carrying capacity.
Experimental and computational evaluation of modal identification techniques for structural damping estimation
Authors: Moore Hollie , Broderick Brian , Fitzgerald Breiffni
Published: April 2022

The damping ratio is a key indicator of a structures susceptability to human discomfort due to dynamic loads. Computational models, wind tunnel studies and empirical data can provide estimates of the damping ratio of a structure. However, the only true way to investigate the damping ratio of a structure is through modal identification using data from field tests carried out on the full-scale finished structure. This paper investigates the efficacy of three modal identification methods for estimating the damping ratio of the first two modes of a structure from ambient data. The three methods considered are the Bayesian Fast Fourier Transform (BFFT), the Random Decrement Technique (RDT), and a hybrid of the RDT which first decomposes the ambient data into sub signals using Analytical Mode Decomposition (AMD) and is referred to as the AMD-RDT. Each method is applied to two case studies in order to investigate the accuracy of their damping estimates. The first case study is experimental and involves the excitation of a scaled model structure using a shake table; the second case study considers a computational model of a tall building under simulated wind loads. It was found that the AMD-RDT was the superior method for damping estimation, particularly for the estimation of damping ratio in the second mode, even when the modes were closely spaced. The length of time series data used and the noise within the data was seen to affect the accuracy of the three methods studied.
Application of building information modeling and damage detection technology in disaster recovery and reconstruction
Authors: Oktavianus Adrianto , Chen Po-Han , Chian Lin Jacob Je-
Published: April 2022

In the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction phase, building assessment is a very important first step in the process of repairing damaged buildings. In practices, the building assessment still needs building visual inspection and manual analysis which requires a lot of energy and time. Various emerging technologies in the construction sector that can be used to solve problems, for example: Building Information Modeling (BIM), image processing, artificial intelligence. The study aims to review the application of BIM and damage detection technology in postdisaster buildings assessment process. Furthermore, the study focuses more specifically on review of the technology application related to BIM and artificial intelligence for damage detection on crack or concrete spalling in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. The framework of the automatic integration of damage detection technology and BIM was developed as a way to generate retrofitting designs automatically based on field inspection and building information in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
Characterization of hydrophobic-treated recycled paper mill sludge in bituminous materials
Authors: Wong Tracy Leh Xin , Mohd Hasan Mohd Rosli , Leo Choe Peng , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Fahmi Haikal
Published: April 2022

The experimental investigation of the performance of hydrophobic-treated recycled paper mill sludge (RPMS) incorporated into asphalt mixtures is presented in this paper. This research implements RPMS as a solid waste additive to partially replace the mineral filler in the asphalt mixture while practicing green asphalt technology. The raw RPMS required mechanical pre-treatments and its hydrophilic property was modified chemically. The hydrophobicity was assessed by Hydrophilic Coefficient, Water Contact Angle (WCA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The ethanol method, which involved the esterification of ethyl esters that utilized 7ml of waste cooking oil (WCO) and 50ml of ethanol, was adopted. In the Marshall mix design, RPMS was incorporated at 0.5% and 1.0% of the weight of aggregates. Conventional 60/70 PEN bitumen and granite aggregates were used. The optimum binder content (OBC) was evaluated and justified by its adsorption strength. The mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures were determined and compared with the Public Work Department (PWD) specifications. All the volumetric properties satisfied the standard specification by PWD for 0.5% modified RPMS asphalt mixture, and thus it is preferable as it also involved lower binder cost due to the lower OBC achieved.
Influence of supplementary cementitious materials in the concrete’s compressive strength through artificial neural network
Authors: Ongpeng Jason Maximino , Clemente Spiro Jensen , Ong Carl Gavin , Te Dustin Dominic , Tecson Jerson Vincent , Roxas Cheryl Lyne
Published: April 2022

Supplementary cementitious materials have been proven to be effective partial cement replacements in concrete to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of ordinary Portland cement. In this study, artificial neural network was used to arrive at a predictive model to assess their effects in the compressive strength of concrete. Collection of 991 datasets from published literatures was done for the development of the best network model with acceptable root mean square error for both training and testing datasets. The supplementary cementitious materials were ranked accordingly using the improved stepwise method and network simulation. From the results, ground granulated blast-furnace slag with 15% cement replacement and silica fume with 30% cement replacement contributed to the highest increase in compressive strength.
Characterisation of Macrophyte Eleocharis dulcis for potential selected bioproducts
Authors: Mohamad A’Ashri Siti Nur Ezianie , Radin Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira , Mohd Noor Nur Nabilah , Al-Gheethi Adel , Khamidun Mohd Hairul , Ramadhan Hassan Dihom Hussin
Published: April 2022

Overpopulation of macrophytes in drainage ditches can lead to a problem in maintenance and reduce the efficiency of the system. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of Eleocharis dulcis (E. dulcis) for bioproduct potential by chemical composition analysis. E. dulcis samples were collected from Parit Raja drainage ditch and sent to Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development (MARDI) for fibre content (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn) concentration. From the result, the fibre content of E. dulcis show the potential for bioethanol with an average value of 37.62% cellulose, 21.31% hemicellulose and 12.25% lignin. Meanwhile, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were 2.78, 0.63 and 2423.51 mg/kg, respectively. These values were low compared to WHO/FAO (2007), EN 13432 and Malaysia Food Regulations 1985, except for Zn, which has a slightly higher value indicating that it is suitable to be used as a bio-based straw. In conclusion, E. dulcis had the potential as biomaterial straws and bioethanol based on the chemical compositions. Therefore, the productions are recommended for further analyses of the bioproduct performances.
A review on client’s perspective on selection of green building concept in construction industry
Authors: Nor Roslan Amir Rasydan , Samsudin Nor Syamimi , Mohammad Mazlina Zaira
Published: April 2022

The growing role of sustainability in the construction industry must be considered in the entire lifecycle. Therefore, green building is an important factor in managing the cycle from its design and construction, through operation and maintenance until the demolition. Furthermore, a systematic literature review was performed. The perspective of clients is crucial since decisions made will influence the overall green design of the project. This study focused on the main criteria of current green building in construction, the advantages of the implementation of green building in the construction industry, and the selection of green building elements based on the client perspective. Most of the buildings are involved in waste reduction and use local resources. The green building should be developed due to save resources, decrease pollution and energy consumed reduction. The data collected mentioned that reluctance to adopt the new sustainable technologies is one of the client’s viewpoints in selecting green buildings compared to conventional buildings. Therefore, the discussion revealed and reviewed the data collected from the 12 previous research articles
The application of Geostatistical software (SGeMS), Ilwis software and Kriging interpolation to simulate 3D stratigraphic structure model urban Rach Gia town, Kien Giang, Viet Nam
Authors: Truc Doan Thy
Published: April 2022

In recent decades, all of the previous researches for determination of the soil-rock characteristics implemented effectively such as geophysical method, static and dynamic penetration, chemical methods and blasting method and so on. These methods combined with experimental results in the laboratory. However, these methods lost much time, costs, and other environmental conditions that machines, tools, people, experimental environment, sample preservation, implemental methods, temperature, weather, and so on. From that, improvement of difficult problems that an urgent and essential method to build “3D spatial stratigraphic structure model in Rach Gia urban, Kien Giang in Viet Nam” was proposed and the results in the shorten time of design, construction time and the lowest costs that implemented by the Geostatistics (SGeMS), Ilwis software and Kriging interpolation. From the results of the 3D model of the stratigraphic structure shown fast for the soil characteristics (type of soils, states, colors, the thickness of soil layers, and mechanical properties) whereas it is not necessary to drill and measure in the laboratory and the field. Moreover, this method supplies scientists, Geology, and Civil engineer who can survey, design, and do construction easily and essentially. Especially, Geologists can predict in advance possible geology hazards during the construction time to ensure construction stability and save costs as low as possible.
Effect of 3D water table profile of horizontal drains on slope stability and idealization of 3D-FEM flow modeling to 2D-FEM flow modeling
Authors: Lakruwan Mihira , Kamura Akiyoshi , Kazama Motoki
Published: April 2022

Horizontal drains (HDs) are commonly used in the groundwater regime management of landslides. The groundwater table (GWT) profile of slopes with HDs have a complicated formation in three-dimensional (3D) space, requiring 3D analyses to obtain accurate results. However, owing to the complexity of 3D simulations, idealized two-dimensional (2D) cross sections are widely used in numerical simulations of such slopes. Unfortunately, stabilities are overestimated by 2D simulations because the 3D variation of the GWT is neglected. Finite element analysis is performed in this study to evaluate the effect of 3D variation of the GWT on the stability of slopes with HDs and to evaluate the effectiveness of 2D idealizations. The results demonstrate that idealized 2D analyses neglect the high pore water pressures between HDs, thereby overestimating the slope stability, especially with high rainfall intensities and large drain spacings. Alternatively, accurate results can be obtained in 2D analyses by manually estimating an average GWT profile using the Crenshaw and Santi method for steady-state conditions. Each method has its own limitations and, therefore, the selection of an appropriate method should be made based on the specific conditions and requirements of the problem.
Three (3D) dimension model of settlement differences of the clay ground under rigid foundation by the affection of the groundwater variations – A comparison
Authors: Truc Doan Thy
Published: April 2022

In recent decades, settlement differences of the Clay ground implemented in areas and countries in the world. Whereas marine clay ground behaviors under Rigid foundation to build the construction on the clay ground with marine clay origin was evaluated the different methods such as Field and experimental measuring method, Finite Element method, formulas or TERZAGHI method and so on. Moreover, the influence of the groundwater levels is one of the most quite important problems to be needed considering. The object of this paper uses Standard Penetration (SPT), Unconfined Compression Test, and TERZAGHI formula, groundwater effects, and simulation by the software for measuring the vertical displacement (or settlement differences) of the rigid foundation on marine clay origin ground at Vinh Quang ward, Rach Gia town, Viet Nam. Results of the paper described clearly for settlement differences (vertical displacement) of the Rigid foundation as building loading with a comparison between Field, experimental, and software simulation so it can consult effectively for design and doing construction works in Civil and Geology Engineering.
Effect of ceramic tiles dust on physical and engineering properties of tropical residual soil
Authors: Chong Siaw Yah , Lye Kien Meng , Lim Siong Kang , Lau See Hung , Foo Wei Lee , Ronald Richie Allen
Published: April 2022

Ceramic tile dust is a by-product from manufacturing plant or construction site which leads to the disposal or environmental issues. Previous research has identified the potential of ceramic tile dust in concrete and soil stabilisation. This research investigates on the potential application of ceramic tile dust for tropical residual soil stabilisation. Atterberg limits, compaction and unconfined compression tests were conducted on residual soil from Cheras, Malaysia with different ceramic tile dust contents (i.e., 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30%). The effect of ceramic tile dust percentage on plasticity index, compaction properties and unconfined compressive strength was discussed. It was found that the maximum dry density of the soil increased slightly until ceramic tile dust content of 20 %. However, the optimum moisture content and plasticity index were reduced with the addition of ceramic tile dust. The unconfined compressive strength was improved about 1.4 times for residual soil with 30 % of ceramic tile dust. In conclusion,ceramic tile dust is suitable to be recycled as a soil stabiliser as it could increase the maximum dry density and strength of the tropical residual soil.
Remote monitoring techniques for rehabilitated slope
Authors: Wong Leslie , Costa Susanga , Islam Tanvirul , Missen Jon , Anderson Nicole , Chiu Wing Kong , Kodikara Jayantha
Published: April 2022

AGL Loy Yang has been intensively engaged and involved in research in the area of rehabilitated mining slopes. A proposal was raised to turn the Loy Yang mine pit into a lake after decommission (in three decades) to achieve safe and stable rehabilitation of the mines. The slope stability of these rehabilitated slopes is one of the major concerns. The slopes are hardly failed spontaneously. Instead, they usually provide indications of distress (cracks and erosion) over some time. Therefore, an ongoing monitoring system may provide valuable time to mitigate the progression of the failure. Distributed optical fibre sensing (DOFS) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are emerging new and innovative technologies for remote monitoring a large civil structure for early warnings, alerts and decision making. Both DOFS and UAV have been recently deployed at Loy Yang rehabilitated trial site. The preliminary results have demonstrated their reliability and practicality for these rehabilitated slope monitoring techniques. These remote sensing techniques are compared and discussed in terms of slope monitoring application.
Numerical modelling and analysis of buckling-restraint braces in frame buildings due to seismic loads
Authors: Pourbehi Mohammad S. , Pallav Kumar
Published: April 2022

Buckling-Restraint Braces (BRB) is a new type of bracing system with energy dissipation mechanisms developed to improve the behaviour of conventional braces. In this system, the bracing member is placed in a metal or concrete casting that prevents this member from experiencing failure due to the lateral buckling. By implementing these changes, the brace's behaviour in compression is identical to its behaviour in tension, which is accompanied by yielding of material and therefore buckling does not occur. In this paper, the effect of the BRB system on the seismic performance of a typical frame is evaluated using the finite element method. Numerical studies using ABAQUS software are conducted to develop a 3D model of a BRB system, considering the nonlinearity effects of material and geometrical deformation. The BRB component is analysed under the cyclic loading protocol recommended by FEMA 450 and the resultant hysteretic behaviour of BRB is compared with the experimental work. The results show that the application of this system in structures may improve the stability of the structural system and enhance the energy dissipation mechanisms in the buildings. As a result, the structural design will be safer and more economical.
Geospatial assessment on the changing pattern of geomorphology: A case study on the world’s largest river island Majuli
Authors: Jyoti Sarmah Dhruba , Kumar Bhattacharjya Rajib
Published: April 2022

Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, is bounded by the river Brahmaputra in the south, river Subansiri in the northwest, and the Kherkatia Suti (an anabranch of the river Brahmaputra) in the northeast. Because of its unique geographical occurrence and part of the vast dynamic river system of the Brahmaputra basin, it has faced erosion problems since historical times and possesses a significant concern. The paper aims to study the historical changes in bank line shifting around Majuli and the associated geomorphic changes using multi-temporal satellite remote sensing data spanning from 1975 to 2021. The observation has revealed a dramatic bank line shifting with an erosion rate of 2.41 km2/year and a deposition rate of 0.75 km2/year. An enormous shrinking of the geomorphic area occurs around the island, with 563.69 km2 in 1975 to 422.10 km2 in 2021. The annual rate of land degradation of Majuli island between 1975 and 2021 of 3.07 km2/ year. There is an urgent need for multifaceted approaches of effective spatial planning to protect this geoheritage from being further engulfed by the river Brahmaputra and Subansiri.
Streamflow evaluation using IHACRES model in Kelantan river basin, Malaysia
Authors: Soo Eugene Zhen Xiang , Wan Jaafar Wan Zurina , Chin Ren Jie , Ling Lloyd , Ng Cia Yik , Prashant Srivastava
Published: April 2022

Kelantan is a flood-prone area where in the past years flood had occurred quite frequently. Determining a hydrological model that can represent Kelantan River basin by giving plausible simulated runoff according to the observed runoff is essential as this will allow appropriate prediction of future flood by using forecasted rainfall and other data. In this study, the IHACRES model was used to simulate runoff and the calibrated simulated runoff by daily scale and seasonal flood events were compared with observed runoff. In general, the IHACRES model performed better in seasonal scale as compared with annual scale in terms of calibration. However, performance of IHACRES degraded during validation stage, whereby the model tends to underestimate the high peak flows but estimate rather more accurate when no peak flows were present. In terms of annual scale, the best model was obtained by calibrating the streamflow in 2012 – 2013 (2 years), the validation results were not satisfactory with NSE = 0.473 and PBIAS = 27.7%. On the other hand, for seasonal analysis, the best model was obtained by calibrating the data of NEM 6 (November 2017 – March 2018). 3 out of 5 of the validation periods show unsatisfactory results (NSE ≤ 0.50). NEM 1 (November 2012 – March 2013) show the best validation results with NSE = 0.853. Further calibration is required in order to enhance the accuracy of the model.
Evaluation of Near-Real-Time GSMaP precipitation estimate over Yankul region, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Ragab Osama
Published: April 2022

Global precipitation data is very important for climate change research, and real-time precipitation estimates derived from satellites are attractive for a wide range of applications, such as extreme precipitation monitoring and natural hazard warning. The precipitation in the rain gauge represents the point distribution of the precipitation, which would lead to inaccurate results when calculating the average precipitation in a region with statistical methods. This document verifies the satellite-based precipitation data GSMaP_NRT with the precipitation amounts measured in the Yankul region of Oman. The results showed that the GSMaP_NRT precipitation data have high precision and a good correlation with the precipitation observed in the region. Furthermore, the results of these analyzes indicate that the GSMaP_NRT data have lower values than the observed data and can be significantly underestimated with heavy rains.
QGIS-enabled culvert locations: A case study in Wadi Ahin, Oman
Authors: Ibrahim Osama , Afandy Mohammed
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of culvert construction is to allow the rainfall and flash floodwater to flow smoothly to not get traffic hindered. In addition, culverts are one of the common structures used to protect roads against flood hazards. Wadi Ahin is selected to evaluate the validity of all culvert points along the streams in the Wadi. QGIS is a software that enables users to analyse spatial and geographic data. So, this software is used to assess the culvert locations to determine the exact locations of these culverts and if other culverts are needed along this Wadi to protect all main roads. As a result, there are 171 intersections. Some intersections between streams and roads are not covered with culverts which affect the traffic on rainy days.
Evaluation of molasses concentration and anoxic-aerobic react period in biodecolorization and mineralization of tartrazine (acid yellow 23)
Authors: Lee Khia Min , Tan Xin Hui
Published: April 2022

Dyes are widely used in the textile industry and 10–15% of these dyes are lost to effluent during the dyeing process. Dye reduction usually requires anaerobic or anoxic conditions, whereas bacterial biodegradation of aromatic amines is an exclusively aerobic process. Despite of its feasibility, increase efficiency of anaerobic color removal requires fast reductive processes with electron donor (organic co-substrate) which is usually the drawbacks of conventional biological process. The present study focuses on the evaluation of molasses concentration and anoxicaerobic react period in biodecolorization and mineralization of tartrazine under integrated anoxic-aerobic react sequencing batch reactor (IAASBR). The IAASBR system was operated under anoxic-aerobic condition with 24 hours per cycle. Different molasses loading (0.5 g/L; 1.0 g/L) and anoxic/aerobic react periods (17/4 hours; 12.5/8.5 hours) were adopted, and their effects on microorganism growth, tartrazine decolorization and COD removal were determined. Removal efficiency of tartrazine dye and COD increased to around 50–70% and up to 95%, respectively, after the molasses concentration doubled from 0.5 g/L to 1.0 g/L. The MLVSS also increased from 3660 mg/L to 7700 mg/L. The presence of molasses promote the growth of biomass in the IAASBR system and improve the treatment efficiency of IAASBR in biodecolorization and mineralization of tartrazine. In addition, shorter anoxic react (12.5/8.5 hours anoxic/aerobic) exhibited higher COD reduction (up to 94.00 mg COD/L.hr) compared to 71.93 mg COD/L.hr for 17/4 hours anoxic/aerobic period. However, for biodecolorization of tartrazine dye, influence of the anoxic-aerobic react duration was insignificant but more consistent tartrazine removal was observed under 12.5/8.5 hours anoxic/aerobic period.
Noise prediction for infrastructure construction activities using simple prediction chart technique
Authors: Ooi Wei Chien , Lim Ming Han , Lee Yee Ling
Published: April 2022

Construction noise is one of the most severe pollutions in the environment and causes different physical and psychological damages to human beings. In recent years, the research archetype has transposed towards the prediction of construction noise for its adverse effects on the environment and construction workers. Hence, a reliable noise prediction method is mandatory to control, mitigate, and abate the potential hazardous noise. This study aims to validate the results between the predicted and actual noise levels of construction activities mainly on infrastructure works by using the simple prediction chart technique. This study was carried out by using the sound power levels emitted by an individual machine during different infrastructure construction activities to predict the noise levels at different locations. The results showed a high accuracy of predicted noise levels along with an absolute difference of less than 3.0 dBA and a relative error of less than 4.0 %. Besides, the predicted noise levels are reliable as the R-squared value was high. On that account, the simple prediction chart method technique has the potential to be utilized as a managerial tool that may help to reduce the negative impacts of environmental noise to the surroundings and occupational noise to the workers.
Crucial conditions of domestic subcontract in Malaysian construction industry
Authors: Rosli Nor Marina , Mustaffa Nur Emma , Tajul Ariffin Hamizah Liyana , Mat Ya’acob Ibtisam Azwani , Rahmat Mazianah , Leu Keng Sin
Published: April 2022

In construction industry, almost every construction project has to deal with construction contract, due to the project complexity and high financial risk. The contracts are developed and published by various associations and professional bodies and are widely used in the construction industry. Contract conditions are intended to specify the duties and rights of the contractual parties and must be properly drafted. Contractual parties under a particular contract must be aware of the details of the contract conditions. In Malaysian construction industry, there are several standard forms of main contracts and nominated subcontracts. However, for domestic subcontract, main contractors prefer to use bespoke contract, which the parties modify the standard contracts by omitting several clauses or adding new clauses; thus, potentially compromise the completeness and accuracy of the contract. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the crucial conditions in the domestic subcontract commonly approached by main contractor in construction projects. A quantitative research method is adopted and the data have been collected by survey questionnaires. There are a total of 100 valid responses received from the construction industry practitioners in Malaysia. The survey objective is to rank the conditions in domestic subcontract from the most to the less important. As the result, the top 5 of relatively important domestic subcontract conditions, out of 27 conditions, are the terms of payment and final account, extension of time, variation, contractor’s and subcontractor’s obligations, and performance bond. The results of these surveys will enhance the contractual knowledge of main contractor and domestic subcontractor and improve awareness of crucial conditions that are prerequisite for the development of domestic subcontract.
Development of Regional Climate Model (RCM) for Cameron Highlands based on Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5
Authors: Pang Jin Min , Tan Kok Weng
Published: April 2022

Development of local climate is important for climate hazard assessment. Cameron Highlands was chosen as study area (longitude from 101°21’ to 101°30’ and latitude from 4°19’ to 4°37’) for climate downscaling. This paper presents the work of downscaling techniques and regional climate model (RCM) development. The second-generation Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) based on the representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 was applied to develop the local climate model for the period 2020-2100. The climatic parameters chosen were temperature (maximum and minimum) and rainfall. The simulated RCMs are then analysed using statistical reliability including Pearson correlation coefficient, linear regression, root mean square error (RMSE) and probability density function (PDF). The result showed that the simulated maximum, minimum temperature, and rainfall are most likely to follow RCP 8.5 scenario. Precipitation threshold for occurrence of flood event was estimated using intensity duration frequency (IDF) relationship generated by maximum precipitation. Return period of two years and four hours rainfall duration is used for threshold estimation as the rainfall is convective. The daily rainfall threshold for flood occurrence is estimated to be 11.3 mm/hr.
Comments about dispersion of light waves
Authors: Lefèvre Hervé C.
Published: April 2022

Dispersion of light waves is well known, but the subject deserves some comments. Certain classical equations do not fully respect causality; as an example, group velocity vg is usually given as the first derivative of the angular frequency ω with respect to the angular spatial frequency km (or wavenumber) in the medium, whereas it is km that depends on ω. This paper also emphasizes the use of phase index n and group index ng, as inverse of their respective velocities, normalized to 1/c, the inverse of free-space light velocity. This clarifies the understanding of dispersion equations: group dispersion parameter D is related to the first derivative of ng with respect to wavelength λ, whilst group velocity dispersion GVD is also related to the first derivative of ng, but now with respect to angular frequency ω. One notices that the term second order dispersion does not have the same meaning with λ, or with ω. In addition, two original and amusing geometrical constructions are proposed; they simply derive group index ng from phase index n with a tangent, which helps to visualize their relationship. This applies to bulk materials, as well as to optical fibers and waveguides, and this can be extended to birefringence and polarization mode dispersion in polarization-maintaining fibers or birefringent waveguides.
Optimal error estimates to smooth solutions of the central discontinuous Galerkin methods for nonlinear scalar conservation laws
Authors: Jiao Mengjiao , Jiang Yan , Shu Chi-Wang , Zhang Mengping
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study the error estimates to sufficiently smooth solutions of the nonlinear scalar conservation laws for the semi-discrete central discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element methods on uniform Cartesian meshes. A general approach with an explicitly checkable condition is established for the proof of optimal L2 error estimates of the semi-discrete CDG schemes, and this condition is checked to be valid in one and two dimensions for polynomials of degree up to k = 8. Numerical experiments are given to verify the theoretical results.