bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Consonant Clusters in French
Authors: Bursill-Hall G. L.
Published: February 2018

In a recent article in Language, Sol Saporta pointed out that structural linguists had, for the most part, analysed sequences of phonemes but had ignored the frequencies of combinations. He goes on to produce an interesting and workable hypothesis, i.e. “the average frequency of a consonant cluster is a function of the difference between the phonemes in the cluster; low frequencies are expected for clusters which are either extremely similar or extremely dissimilar; high frequencies are expected for clusters which are at neither extreme.” What should be demonstrated by scholars of linguistics is that the frequency of these combinations is not haphazard.
Research in the Language and Place-Names of Newfoundland
Authors: Story G. M.
Published: February 2018

Adequate plans for the examination of the language and place-names of the Island were conceived only three years ago; it will not, therefore, be surprising if this interim report is a more or less inadequate sketch which may at times dwell more on what needs to be done rather than on what has actually been accomplished.

Some of the difficulties we are having to take into account result from the fact that toponymy and linguistic research are not altogether autonomous disciplines. Properly viewed they impinge on such studies as cartography, geography, history, social anthropology and folklore. One of the most encouraging recent developments in Newfoundland has been the lively interest in the inheritance of the Island, and the formulation of a programme of research for its adequate exploration.
Documents Pour L'Etude Du Français D'Europe
Authors: Vinay J.-P.
Published: February 2018

Pour justifier le bref exposé qui va suivre, je voudrais rappeler l'effort considérable des linguistes américains qui se sont appliqués depuis 30 ans à renouveler complètement leur matiére en repensant les matériaux dont ils disposaient, voire en suscitant un ensemble systématique d'enquêtes linguistiques vraiment unique en son genre. Evoluant dans un milieu anglophone, ces linguistes (dont un nombre important venaient d'Europe) se sont tournés de prime abord vers les langues allogènes, afin d'éviter les ornières trop profondes de la “grammaire” traditionnelle. On a assisté dès lors à une floraison d'ouvrages strictement descriptifs sur la structure des langues amérindiennes, qui passèrent de ce fait d'une semi-obscurité à une vive lumière. Puis ce fut le tour de langues plus lointaines, réservées jadis, semble-t il, à l'exploration de savants européens en contact avec les populations de l'Asie et de l'Afrique par suite du jeu des influences politiques.
Linguistic Geography in Canada: An Introduction
Authors: McDavid Raven I.
Published: February 2018

In linguistics as in any other field of learning, a scholar may concentrate on the particular aspect of study that most appeals to his temperament. One may choose to analyse and classify the structural phenomena which are found in all varieties of human speech; another may seek to determine the relationships which exist between languages known to be or suspected of being related; a third may follow the history of one particular language, tracing its development from the earliest records to the present; a fourth may concern himself with the many differences which exist contemporaneously among the speakers of one language. The different varieties of speech to be found in any language are called dialects, and the person who studies them is called a linguistic geographer
New Postage Stamps Focus on Bioluminescent Marine Life
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2018

The stamps help draw attention to the wonders of creatures that generate their own light and to the environmental problems that threaten them in marine habitats, scientists say.
Phase recovery and holographic image reconstruction using deep learning in neural networks
Authors: Rivenson Yair , Zhang Yibo , Günaydın Harun , Teng Da , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: February 2018

Phase recovery from intensity-only measurements forms the heart of coherent imaging techniques and holography. In this study, we demonstrate that a neural network can learn to perform phase recovery and holographic image reconstruction after appropriate training. This deep learning-based approach provides an entirely new framework to conduct holographic imaging by rapidly eliminating twin-image and self-interference-related spatial artifacts. This neural network-based method is fast to compute and reconstructs phase and amplitude images of the objects using only one hologram, requiring fewer measurements in addition to being computationally faster. We validated this method by reconstructing the phase and amplitude images of various samples, including blood and Pap smears and tissue sections. These results highlight that challenging problems in imaging science can be overcome through machine learning, providing new avenues to design powerful computational imaging systems.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors protect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by activating autophagy in proximal tubular cells
Authors: Liu Jing , Livingston Man J. , Dong Guie , Tang Chengyuan , Su Yunchao , Wu Guangyu , Yin Xiao-Ming , Dong Zheng
Published: February 2018

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have therapeutic effects in models of various renal diseases including acute kidney injury (AKI); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that two widely tested HDACi (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and trichostatin A (TSA)) protect the kidneys in cisplatin-induced AKI by enhancing autophagy. In cultured renal proximal tubular cells, SAHA and TSA enhanced autophagy during cisplatin treatment. We further verified the protective effect of TSA against cisplatin-induced apoptosis in these cells. Notably, inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine or by autophagy gene 7 (Atg7) ablation diminished the protective effect of TSA. In mice, TSA increased autophagy in renal proximal tubules and protected against cisplatin-induced AKI. The in vivo effect of TSA was also abolished by chloroquine and by Atg7 knockout specifically from renal proximal tubules. Mechanistically, TSA stimulated AMPK and inactivated mTOR during cisplatin treatment of proximal tubule cells and kidneys in mice. Together, these results suggest that HDACi may protect kidneys by activating autophagy in proximal tubular cells.
Introgression of a functional epigenetic OsSPL14WFP allele into elite indica rice genomes greatly improved panicle traits and grain yield
Authors: Kim Sung-Ryul , Ramos Joie M. , Hizon Rona Joy M. , Ashikari Motoyuki , Virk Parminder S. , Torres Edgar A. , Nissila Eero , Jena Kshirod K.
Published: February 2018

Rice yield potential has been stagnant since the Green Revolution in the late 1960s, especially in tropical rice cultivars. We evaluated the effect of two major genes that regulate grain number, Gn1a/OsCKX2 and IPA1/WFP/OsSPL14, in elite indica cultivar backgrounds. The yield-positive Gn1a-type 3 and OsSPL14WFP alleles were introgressed respectively through marker-assisted selection (MAS). The grain numbers per panicle (GNPP) were compared between the recipient allele and the donor allele groups using segregating plants in BC3F2 and BC3F3 generations. There was no significant difference in GNPP between the two Gn1a alleles, suggesting that the Gn1a-type 3 allele was not effective in indica cultivars. However, the OsSPL14WFP allele dramatically increased GNPP by 10.6–59.3% in all four different backgrounds across cropping seasons and generations, indicating that this allele provides strong genetic gain to elite indica cultivars. Eventually, five high-yielding breeding lines were bred using the OsSPL14WFP allele by MAS with a conventional breeding approach that showed increased grain yield by 28.4–83.5% (7.87–12.89 t/ha) vis-à-vis the recipient cultivars and exhibited higher yield (~64.7%) than the top-yielding check cultivar, IRRI 156 (7.82 t/ha). We demonstrated a strong possibility to increase the genetic yield potential of indica rice varieties through allele mining and its application.
Large XPF-dependent deletions following misrepair of a DNA double strand break are prevented by the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin
Authors: Brustel Julien , Kozik Zuzanna , Gromak Natalia , Savic Velibor , Sweet Steve M. M.
Published: February 2018

Deletions and chromosome re-arrangements are common features of cancer cells. We have established a new two-component system reporting on epigenetic silencing or deletion of an actively transcribed gene adjacent to a double-strand break (DSB). Unexpectedly, we find that a targeted DSB results in a minority (<10%) misrepair event of kilobase deletions encompassing the DSB site and transcribed gene. Deletions are reduced upon RNaseH1 over-expression and increased after knockdown of the DNA:RNA helicase Senataxin, implicating a role for DNA:RNA hybrids. We further demonstrate that the majority of these large deletions are dependent on the 3′ flap endonuclease XPF. DNA:RNA hybrids were detected by DNA:RNA immunoprecipitation in our system after DSB generation. These hybrids were reduced by RNaseH1 over-expression and increased by Senataxin knock-down, consistent with a role in deletions. Overall, these data are consistent with DNA:RNA hybrid generation at the site of a DSB, mis-processing of which results in genome instability in the form of large deletions.
A complex pattern with hexagonal lattice and white-eye stripe in dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Wei Lingyan , Dong Lifang , Fan Weili , Liu Fucheng , Feng Jianyu , Pan Yuyang
Published: February 2018

A novel type of white-eye pattern in a dielectric barrier discharge system has been investigated in this paper. It is a superposition of a hexagonal lattice and a white-eye stripe in appearance and evolves from a white-eye square grid state with the applied voltage increasing. Its spatio-temporal dynamics obtained by an intensified charge-coupled device shows that it consists of three transient rectangular sublattices. The spatiotemporally resolved evolutions of the molecular vibrational temperature and electron density of the pattern are measured by optical emission spectra. The evolution of surface charge distribution is given and its effect on the self-organized pattern formation is discussed.
Bufalin suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by targeting β-catenin/TCF signaling via cell cycle-related kinase
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Feng Hai , Sun Xuehua , Zhuo Yunhui , Li Man , Zhou Zhenhua , Huang Lingying , Jiang Yun , Zhu Xiaojun , Zhang Xin , Le Fan , Zheng Chao , Cheng Alfred Szelok , Gao Yueqiu
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, of which treatment options are limited especially in advanced stage. Bufalin, the major digoxin-like component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, exhibits significant antitumor activities in hepatoma cells, but the potential mechanism is obscure. Cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) is recently identified to be a crucial oncogenic master regulator to drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Here we investigated the molecular function of bufalin on CCRK-regulated signaling pathway, and expounded the underlying mechanism in HCC suppression. In vitro with PLC5 HCC cells and human immortal LO2 cells, proliferation, malignant transformation and cell cycle progression assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor effect of bufalin. In vivo with xenograft and orthotopic mice models, tumor growths with weight and volume change were assessed with or without bufalin treatment. Western blot, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were conducted to examine the expression level of CCRK and β-catenin/TCF signaling cascade. We revealed that bufalin suppresses PLC5 HCC cell proliferation, transformation and cell cycle progression rather than LO2 cells, which is correlated with CCRK-mediated β-catenin/TCF signaling. It was also confirmed in mice model. Thus, bufalin is a potential anti-HCC therapeutic candidate through the inhibition of CCRK-driven β-catenin/TCF oncogenic signaling pathway.
Cellulose Nanocrystal Templated Graphene Nanoscrolls for High Performance Supercapacitors and Hydrogen Storage: An Experimental and Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Dhar Prodyut , Gaur Surendra Singh , Kumar Amit , Katiyar Vimal
Published: February 2018

Graphene nanoscrolls (GNS), due to their remarkably interesting properties, have attracted significant interest with applications in various engineering sectors. However, uncontrolled morphologies, poor yield and low quality GNS produced through traditional routes are major challenges associated. We demonstrate sustainable approach of utilizing bio-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as template for fabrication of GNS with tunable morphological dimensions ranging from micron-to-nanoscale(controlled length < 1 μm or >1 μm), alongwith encapsulation of catalytically active metallic-species in scroll interlayers. The surface-modified magnetic CNCs acts as structural-directing agents which provides enough momentum to initiate self-scrolling phenomenon of graphene through van der Waals forces and π-π interactions, mechanism of which is demonstrated through experimental and molecular simulation studies. The proposed approach of GNS fabrication provides flexibility to tune physico-chemical properties of GNS by simply varying interlayer spacing, scrolling density and fraction of encapsulated metallic nanoparticles. The hybrid GNS with confined palladium or platinum nanoparticles (at lower loading ~1 wt.%) shows enhanced hydrogen storage capacity (~0.2 wt.% at~20 bar and ~273 K) and excellent supercapacitance behavior (~223–357 F/g) for prolonged cycles (retention ~93.5–96.4% at ~10000 cycles). The current strategy of utilizing bio-based templates can be further extended to incorporate complex architectures or nanomaterials in GNS core or inter-layers, which will potentially broaden its applications in fabrication of high-performance devices.
Ultra-intense laser interaction with nanostructured near-critical plasmas
Authors: Fedeli Luca , Formenti Arianna , Cialfi Lorenzo , Pazzaglia Andrea , Passoni Matteo
Published: February 2018

Near-critical plasmas irradiated at ultra-high laser intensities (I > 1018W/cm2) allow to improve the performances of laser-driven particle and radiation sources and to explore scenarios of great astrophysical interest. Near-critical plasmas with controlled properties can be obtained with nanostructured low-density materials. By means of 3D Particle-In-Cell simulations, we investigate how realistic nanostructures influence the interaction of an ultra-intense laser with a plasma having a near-critical average electron density. We find that the presence of a nanostructure strongly reduces the effect of pulse polarization and enhances the energy absorbed by the ion population, while generally leading to a significant decrease of the electron temperature with respect to a homogeneous near-critical plasma. We also observe an effect of the nanostructure morphology. These results are relevant both for a fundamental understanding and for the foreseen applications of laser-plasma interaction in the near-critical regime.
The effect of ether-functionalisation in ionic liquids analysed by DFT calculation, infrared spectra, and Kamlet–Taft parameters
Authors: Tsurumaki A. , Trequattrini F. , Palumbo O. , Panero S. , Paolone A. , Navarra M. A.
Published: February 2018

The effect of ether-functionalisation on ionic liquids is discussed based on Kamlet–Taft parameters and infrared spectra.
The life of proteins under mechanical force
Authors: Schönfelder Jörg , Alonso-Caballero Alvaro , De Sancho David , Perez-Jimenez Raul
Published: February 2018

We review the role of mechanical force in the protein life cycle and give an outlook on mechanochemistry and mechanopharmacology.
Discrepancy in the quantitative oxidation-state analysis of Eu species in sulfide phosphors by K-, L1- and L3-edge XANES spectrometry: choice of absorption edge and measurement mode
Authors: Yamamoto Takashi , Yukumoto Akira
Published: February 2018

A quantitative analysis of the oxidation state of europium (Eu) in phosphor samples was performed using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to investigate the influence of the constituent elements, absorption edge and measurement mode on the evaluated oxidation states.
Near infra-red dyes based on pyrene aza-BODIPYs
Authors: Balsukuri Naresh , Boruah Nayan Jyoti , Kesavan Praseetha E. , Gupta Iti
Published: February 2018

Donor–acceptor type pyrene substituted aza-BODIPYs are reported, and efficient energy transfer from pyrene moieties to the aza-BODIPY core caused significant red shifts in their absorption and emission spectra.
Zeolite Y microspheres with perpendicular mesochannels and metal@Y heterostructures for catalytic and SERS applications
Authors: Chen Zhuwen , Chen Chao , Zhang Jian , Zheng Guangchao , Wang Yanding , Dong Lei , Qian Wei , Bai Shan , Hong Mei
Published: February 2018

Zeolite Y microspheres with perpendicular mesochannels are prepared by using mono-alcohols as growth modifiers and carnitine for internal architecture modulation.
Synthesis, crystal structure and reactivity of η2-thiophyne Ni complexes
Authors: Terada Misaki , Nishii Yuji , Miura Masahiro
Published: February 2018

The first synthesis and crystal structures of five-membered ring aryne complexes are described.
Strong metal–support interaction improves activity and stability of Pt electrocatalysts on doped metal oxides
Authors: Jiménez-Morales Ignacio , Cavaliere Sara , Jones Deborah , Rozière Jacques
Published: February 2018

Niobium and antimony doped tin oxide loose-tubes decorated with Pt nanoparticles present outstanding mass activity and stability, exceeding those of a reference carbon-based electrocatalyst.
Implications of monomer deformation for tetrel and pnicogen bonds
Authors: Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Michalczyk Mariusz , Scheiner Steve
Published: February 2018

Monomer rearrangement raises the interaction energy by up to 20 kcal mol−1and intensifies its σ-hole by a factor of 1.5–2.9.
Valence shell threshold photoelectron spectroscopy of C3Hx (x = 0–3)
Authors: Garcia Gustavo A. , Gans Bérenger , Krüger Julia , Holzmeier Fabian , Röder Anja , Lopes Allan , Fittschen Christa , Alcaraz Christian , Loison Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2018

We present the photoelectron spectra of C3Hx (x = 0–3) formed in a microwave discharge flow-tube reactor by consecutive H abstractions from C3H4 (C3Hx + F → C3Hx−1 + HF (x = 1–4)), but also from F + CH4 schemes by secondary reactions.
Recent developments in intercalation compounds: chemistry and applications
Authors: Bisio Chiara , Nocchetti Morena , Leroux Fabrice
Published: February 2018

Welcome to this themed issue of Dalton Transactions entitled “Recent Developments in Intercalation Compounds: Chemistry and Applications”.
AIE-based universal super-resolution imaging for inorganic and organic nanostructures
Authors: Zhou Qi-Yuan , Fan Cheng , Li Chong , Wang Ya-Long , Chen Ze-Qiang , Yu Qi , Zhu Ming-Qiang
Published: February 2018

We propose an AIE-based universal super-resolution imaging scheme for inorganic and organic nanostructures with an optical resolution of 30 nm.
Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of compounds bearing both isoxazole and pyrazole moieties via 1,6-addition of pyrazol-5-ones to 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-alkenylisoxazoles
Authors: Li Feng , Pei Wenlong , Wang Jingjing , Liu Jie , Wang Juan , Zhang Ming-liang , Chen Zhiming , Liu Lantao
Published: February 2018

Bifunctional thiourea catalyzed 1,6-addition of pyrazol-5-ones to 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-alkenylisoxazoles to provide the desired products in 72–90% yield and 83–94% ee.
Fields and coupling between coils embedded in conductive environments
Authors: Chu Son , Vallecchi Andrea , Stevens Christopher J. , Shamonina Ekaterina
Published: February 2018

An approximate solution is developed for the mutual inductance of two circular coils enclosed by insulating cavities in a conducting medium. This solution is used to investigate the variation of the mutual inductance upon the conductivity of the background (e.g., soil, seawater or human body), as well as upon other parameters such as the vertical of the coils and the displacement of one of the coils in the horizontal plane. Our theoretical results are compared with full wave simulations and a previous solution valid when a conductive slab is inserted between two coupled resonant coils. The proposed approach can have direct impact on the design and optimisation of magnetoinductive waveguides and wireless power transfer for underground/underwater networks and embedded biomedical systems.
Power Factor Improvement Using Automatic Power Factor Compensation (APFC) Device for Medical Industries in Malaysia
Authors: Zaidi Maryam Nabihah , Ali Adlan
Published: February 2018

This paper present the project designed to correcting power factor for medical industries in Malaysia automatically. Which with hope to make the cost and energy usage efficient, because the energy source are depleting due to increase in population. Power factor is the ratio of real power and apparent power. This definition is mathematically represented as kW/kVA where kW is active power and kVA is apparent power (active + reactive). Reactive power is the non-working power generated by the magnetic and inductive load to generate magnetic flux. The increase in reactive power increase the apparent power so the power factor will decrease. Low pF will cause the industry to meet high demand thus making it less efficient. The main aim of this project is to increasing the current power factor of medical industries from 0.85 to 0.90. Power factor compensation contribute to reduction in current-dependent losses and increase energy efficiency while expanding the reliability of planning for future energy network. As technology develops, the gradual cost and efficiency penalty should reduce. Therefore, automatic power factor compensation device should become cost-effective and smaller device over time. That is the reason this project is using programmable device as it is a miniature architecture device.
A High Torque Segmented Outer Rotor Permanent Magnet Flux Switching Motor for Motorcycle Propulsion
Authors: Mbadiwe I Enwelum , Sulaiman Erwan , Md Zarafi Ahmad
Published: February 2018

Electric scooters also known as electric motorcycle are viable and personal means of road transportation have been making their ways into the world markets now because in them, combustion engine with the use of fuel oil for propulsion have been completely eliminated for economic and environmental imperatives. Electric motor which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy is used to overcome the complication of combustion engine. As it is, everyone is opting for combustion engine free and fuel-less type of vehicle. For this reason, manufacturers have exhibited interest, making research on electric motor very attractive. Meanwhile, surface permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) has been successfully developed having output torque of 110 Nm, the assembly of motor lacked mechanical strength between the rotor yoke and the mounted permanent magnet (PM) which heats up during speed operation, resulting to poor performance. To overcome the challenges laced with SPMSM, this paper presents a novel design of 24 stator 14 pole outer rotor-permanent magnet flux switching motor (SOR-PMFSM) capable of high torque and high performance. It employs an unconventional segmented rotor which has short flux path flow. It also embraces alternate stator tooth windings to reduce material cost. Design specifications and restriction with input DC current are the same with SPMSM. The 2D-FEA by JMAG, version 14 is used to examine the performance of the proposed motor in terms of cogging torque, back-emf, average torque, power and efficiency. Preliminary results showed that torque, power output and efficiency of the proposed motor are 1.9Nm times, 5.8kW times more than SPMSM and efficiency of 84% thus, can sustain acceleration for long distance travel.
Experimental and Numerical Comparison Q-Switched Fiber Laser Generation using Graphene as Saturable Absorber
Authors: Awang Noor Azura , Aziz Nor Syuhada , Azmi Atiqah Nabieha , Hadi Fatin Shaqira , Zakaria Zahariah
Published: February 2018

We demonstrated the comparison experimentally and numerically a compact Q-switched erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser based on graphene as a saturable absorber (SA). By optically driven deposition of graphene on a fiber core, the SA is constructed and inserted into a diode-pumped EDF laser cavity. Lasing in CW region starts at 10 mW, whereas stable self-starting Q-switching with a central wavelength of 1530 nm begins at 18 mW. In this paper, at 35 mW, the maximum pulse energy reaches at 2 μJ with pulse repetition rate of 1 MHz and the narrowest pulse width is around 10 μs is obtained. The stability of the pulse is verified from the radio-frequency (RF) spectrum with a measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 48 dB. In this study, the design is compared with the simulation using the Optisystem software. The output power of the experimental study is also compared with the simulation to examine the performance.
Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Rotary Flexible Joint Robotic Arm
Authors: Jalani Jamaludin , Jayaraman Suman
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this research is to design a fuzzy logic feedback controller (FLC) in order to control a desired tip angle position a rotary flexible joint robotic arm. The FLC is also employed to dampen the vibration emanated from a rotary flexible joint robotic arm when reaching a desired tip angle position. The performance of FLC is tested in simulation and experiment. It is found that the FLC is successfully designed, applied and tested. The results show that fuzzy logic controller performed satisfactorily control a desired tip angle position and reduce the oscillations.
Effect of Load Model Using Ranking Identification Technique for Multi Type DG Incorporating Embedded Meta EP-Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Abdul Rahim Siti Rafidah , Musirin Ismail , Othman Muhammad Murtadha , Hussain Muhamad Hatta
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the effect of load model prior to the distributed generation (DG) planning in distribution system. In achieving optimal allocation and placement of DG, a ranking identification technique was proposed in order to study the DG planning using pre-developed Embedded Meta Evolutionary Programming–Firefly Algorithm. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of different type of DG in order to reduce the total losses considering load factor. To realize the effectiveness of the proposed technique, the IEEE 33 bus test systems was utilized as the test specimen. In this study, the proposed techniques were used to determine the DG sizing and the suitable location for DG planning. The results produced are utilized for the optimization process of DG for the benefit of power system operators and planners in the utility. The power system planner can choose the suitable size and location from the result obtained in this study with the appropriate company’s budget. The modeling of voltage dependent loads has been presented and the results show the voltage dependent load models have a significant effect on total losses of a distribution system for different DG type.
A Study of Accuracy and Time Delay for Bilateral Master-Slave Industrial Robotic Arm Manipulator System
Authors: Mansor Nuratiqa Natrah , Jamaluddin Muhammad Herman , Shukor Ahmad Zaki , Lok Chee Cong
Published: February 2018

Bilateral master-slave industrial robotic arm manipulator system is an advanced technology used to help human to interact with environments that are unreachable to human, due to its remoteness or perilous. The system has been used in different areas such as tele-surgery, autonomous tele-operation for sea and space operation and handling explosive or high radiation operation fields. It is beneficial both for science and society. Remarkably, the system is not common and generally used in Malaysia. Likewise, the number of research conducted that focused about this technology in our country manufacturing industry are not yet discovered and existent. The implementation of this bilateral manipulator system in an industrial robot could be useful for industrial imminent and development over our country and people, specifically for production yield size and human operative. Hence, the study of bilateral robotic arm manipulator system in an industrial robot and analyzation of its performance and time delay in 3 differ controllers will be discussed to attest the efficiency and its effectiveness on the said design system. The experiment conducted was on KUKA youBot arm in V-Rep simulation with three different controllers (P, PD, PID).
The Significant Effect of Interface Shear Strength Between Soil Liner and Geotextile with Different Percentages of Bentonite and Sodium Bentonite with Geosynthetic
Authors: Razali Roslizayati , Che Azmi Nor Azizah , Che Lat Diana , Mukri Mazidah , Ahamad Farah Hafifie
Published: February 2018

This research focuses on the interface shear performance between geotextile and soil with various percentages of bentonite and sodium bentonite for landfill stability by using Direct Shear Test. Admixtures are mixed with clay to improve its performance as a liner material due to their ability to fill the voids between soil particles and also the most effective sealants. The aim of this study is focused on evaluating the effectiveness of bentonite and sodium bentonite on improving interface shear strength of fine soil. In this study, direct shear box was used to measure the interface shear strength of soil with different percentages of bentonite and sodium bentonite at optimum moisture content. Analysis shows that the most suitable percentage is of 5 % of bentonite and 2.5 % of sodium bentonite due to the highest interface shear strength of the mixture with geosynthetic. It is clearly shown that 2.5 % sodium bentonite is the most suitable percentage to be used as admixture for landfill stability as it gives higher interface shear strength.
Rating of Sound Absorption for EFBMF Acoustic Panels according to ISO 11654:1997
Authors: Samsudin Emedya Murniwaty , Ismail Lokman Hakim , Abd Kadir Aeslina , Nasidi Ida Norfaslia , Samsudin Noor Sahidah
Published: February 2018

Empty fruit bunch fibre (EFB) and mesocarp fibre (MF) have been used in the fabrication of a new acoustic panel as a sound absorber for building. Measurements were carried out following ISO 354 in the mini reverberation chamber and the sound absorption performance of EFBMF acoustic panels were rated based on ISO 11654. Measurements of the new EFBMF acoustic panel involves five panel designs of 100 EFB dust panels, 80:20 dust panels, 100MF coir panels, 90:10 coir panels and 50:50 coir panels with 5 cm of initial thickness. Results showed that 100MF coir panel achieved αw of 0.90 coefficient and was rated as Class A absorber followed by 90:10 coir panels with αw of 0.85 coefficient and 100 EFB dust, 80:20 dust and 50:50 coir panels having αw of 0.80 coefficients and been rated as Class B absorber. This research has successfully defined that EFB and MF are viable to be used as raw fibre for acoustic absorber for building.
A study on the use of renewable energy for coconut dehusking
Authors: Shamsudin Shamsul , Dominic Merikan Bonny , Herawan Safarudin , Ab Razak Juhari
Published: February 2018

A solar photovoltaic (PV) coconut dehusking machine may become one important application of renewable energy especially in rural areas like in Sarawak. It will not only enhance the socio-economy in such areas but also indirectly reduce the risk of injuries from the process of dehusking coconuts manually. Thus the purpose of the study is to simulate the performance of the PV coconut dehusking machine by circuit modeling in Simulink and PVsyst software. Simulation results showed that it could match the rpm and torque required in the dry coconut shear test. Furthermore, when implemented, such a PV-powered machine is expected to offer better cost of ownership in the long term when compared to a dehusking machine that runs on fossil fuel based on the PVsyst software analysis.
Fabrication and Machining Performance of Powder Compacted Alumina Based Cutting Tool
Authors: Abu Bakar Hadzley , Fahmi Naim , Mokhtar Faiz , Tamin Norfauzi , Azlan Umar , Adam Abdul Aziz , Izamshah Raja , Kasim Shahir
Published: February 2018

This study focuses on the fabrication of alumina based cutting tool for machining application. Specific weight of alumina powders were pressed in a mold using hydraulic press at 8 tons before compressed through Cold Isostatic Press (CIP) at 30000 psi. Green body then was dried and sintered at 1700 °C at 4 hours sintering time to form solid cutting tools. These cutting tools were then tested in turning operation to machine AISI 1045 with different cutting speeds. The results shows that CIP pressed alumina cutting tool obtained the hardness of 83.2 HRA which is considered adequate to machine AISI 1045 steel. The shrinkage of alumina powders recorded about 7% form green compact to sintered body. In terms of flank wear, the alumina cutting tool demonstrated decreased wear rate as the cutting speed increased from 150 m/min to 225 m/min. Wear area focused at the edge of cutting tool due to small nose radius with the minimum wear rate recorded at 0.0025 mm/s for 225 m/min cutting speed. The newly fabricated cutting tools can be improved if finer or secondary reinforced particles were used.
Development of Low-Cost Solar Water Heater Using Recycled Solid Waste for Domestic Hot Water Supply
Authors: Talib Din Abdul , Azri Azlan Khairul
Published: February 2018

This research is focused on the development of a low-cost solar water heater (SWH) system by utilizing solid waste material as part of system elements. Available technologies of the solar water heater systems, heat collectors and its components were reviewed and the best system combinations for low cost design were chosen. The passive-thermosiphon system have been chosen due to its simplicity and independency on external power as well as conventional pump. For the heat collector, flat plate type was identified as the most suitable collector for low cost design and suits with Malaysia climate. Detail study on the flat plate collector components found that the heat absorber is the main component that can significantly reduce the solar collector price if it is replaced with recycled solid waste material. Review on common solid wastes concluded that crushed glass is a non-metal material that has potential to either enhance or become the main heat absorber in solar collector. A collector prototype were then designed and fabricated based on crashed glass heat collector media. Thermal performance test were conducted for three configurations where configuration A (black painted aluminum absorber) used as benchmark, configuration B (crushed glass added partially) that use glass for improvement, and lastly configuration C (black colored crushed glass) that use colored glass as main absorber. Result for configuration B have shown a negative effect where the maximum collector efficiency is 26.8% lower than configuration A. Nevertheless, configuration C which use black crushed glass as main heat absorber shown a comparable maximum efficiency which is at 82.5% of the maximum efficiency for configuration A and furthermore have shown quite impressive increment of efficiency at the end of the experiment. Hence, black colored crushed glass is said to have quite a good potential as the heat absorber material and therefore turn out to be a new contender to other non-metal heat absorber such as plastic and rubber.
Exploring the Elements of Integrity in Peer Assessment
Authors: Zainal Abidin Noor Atikah , Masek Alias , Mohd Faiz Nur Sofurah , Sahdan Shafizza
Published: February 2018

Peer assessment is one of the best methods to evaluate group work of students. However, integrity of students as assessors is still questionable. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the elements of students’ integrity in carrying peer assessment. The qualitative approach using the document analysis and interviews is used to explore the elements of integrity in peer assessment. In an effort to increase the acceptance of this evaluation approach, the results show that the student’s integrity in conducting peer assessment consists of three elements, which are self-integrity, integrity in social interaction and work commitment.
It’s Not Just About the Game: A Study on Attitudes and Motivation of Malaysian Secondary Sports School Students in East Malaysia towards Learning English as a Second Language
Authors: Muhammad Isa Nursyaheedah , Zainal Abidin Noor Azlinda , Abdul Malek Nabila , Mohmad Sidik Mohamad Hazeem , Azli Abu Bakar Safirul
Published: February 2018

In the past few years, Malaysian athletes have gained international recognition with their impressive, world-record breaking accomplishments. As a result of this, Malaysian athletes are finding themselves being interviewed and giving speeches at local and international events. For professional athletes, there is a need and a duty to be able to communicate their stories and experiences as well as giving real insight and opinions about their performances, confidently, to both local and global audiences. In addressing these audiences, it is important for these professional athletes to be confident and are able to converse well using the English language, especially so when addressing a global audience. However, some Malaysian athletes are facing difficulties in communicating confidently and coherently, especially in English. It is a recognised and acknowledged skill gap in which is believed should be tackled during the formative school years. It is possible that the skill gap stems from a lack of motivation and poor attitude beginning from secondary school. This paper discusses the findings of a study undertaken to investigate these issues further by carrying out a questionnaire survey on the attitudes and motivation of Malaysian secondary sports school students in East Malaysia towards learning English as a second language. The study reveals an overall positive attitude towards learning English by the sports students. In addition, the findings reveal that the sports school students are extrinsically and intrinsically motivated in learning English. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and is expected to make a contribution to the literature of attitudes and motivation especially for but not limited to secondary sports school students.
Knowledge Construction Models: A view of Various Models for an Impeccable Learning Environment
Authors: Hashim Suhaizal , Mohaffyza Mohamad Mimi , Nadrah Wan Muda Wan Hanim
Published: February 2018

Knowledge construction plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of learning by focusing on how humans process information and transform it into knowledge. This paper tries to identify the models of knowledge construction process that is suitable for the development of learning environment. The process of constructing student knowledge through a learning system involves an analysis of several types of knowledge construction models used as analytical tools for online learning. The methodology that been used in this paper is thematic analysis. From the analysis, it seems that it is suitable for us to use the Alavi Knowledge Management Process Model to develop a learning environment. Besides, the analysis from Veerman and Veldhuis-Diermanse model also appears to be a better choice as the process in this model able to help construct a social constructivist principle through focusing on non-task related activities to determine the process of knowledge construction. The implementation of online collaborative discussions is said to have great potential to provide opportunities for students to engage intellectually in the process of knowledge construction and in the tradition of cognitive and constructivism learning. Therefore, teachers must be prepared to implement suitable developments and cultures in teaching strategies by providing basic information, involving students to practice and apply relevant skills and implement it in fitting time
The Effectiveness of Cognitive and Psychomotor Domain of Culinary Art Students’ Performance after Internship in Private Colleges
Authors: Harun Hairuddin , Abdul Rahman Abdul Wafi , Noorazman A. S. , Mohd Noor Siti Noor Fazelah , Md Sahak Adibah Aishah
Published: February 2018

With the demand of culinary arts graduates in hospitality industry, more higher learning institutions especially private colleges offer the programs. The course syllabus of culinary arts is specifically designed to provide a strong foundation for students who aspire to be chefs in the local and international fields. Students are equipped with a basic education in the culinary skills and knowledge associated with the cognitive and psychomotor domain. This study investigates the influence of the cognitive and psychomotor domain effect to private college student’s performance after internship. The internship program is gradually enhancing the students’ knowledge; confidence level and psychomotor performance which enable them to at least gain confidence when performing their practical assessment after coming back from internship. This is a positive indication in the beginning of the students’ life before expose into a real life work situation. Thus, this research can be a guidance for the private institutional lecturers to look into the effectiveness of cognitive and psychomotor domain of culinary art students’ performance in their internship programs.
The Optimization Concept of Service Fulfillment Measurement: A Research on Surgery Care
Authors: Nordin Norshahrizan , Che Razak Razli , Abdullah Sharmini , Saraih Ummi Naiemah , Marniati  , W. Muhamad Radzi Wan Norsyafawati
Published: February 2018

This paper presents an optimization concept of service fulfillment measurement. Service delivery is assumed free from constraint, while service fulfillment is expected to achieve by maximizing the customer preferences. As the constraints are considered, the customer preferences are developed in a form of new model to set the optimum level of variables. The concepts will be further improved for medium and large scale optimization, which capable to evaluate the customer requirement in Kano-QFD integration. The results were also validated based on Kano Model and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is integrated for patient attribute and service attribute prioritization. The new non-linear Kano-QFD service satisfaction model has been developed, tested and validated with Kano model to facilitate the analysis and decision making for better service delivery improvement.
Impacts of Psychological Capital on the Ethical Behavior of Teachers: A Case of Educational Sector in Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Fazal ur , Bin Md Yusoff Rosman , Bin Mohamed Zabri Shafie , Binti Ismail Fadillah
Published: February 2018

This study aims at investigating the effect of psychological capital on the ethical behavior of teachers in the higher educational sector of Pakistan. This study applied quantitative approach to collect data through questionnaire based survey from the teaching staff of Rawalpindi and Islamabad region universities in Pakistan. This study used descriptive statistics and step wise regression to analyze the collected data. Results of the study indicate that psychological capital has positive and statistically significant effect on the ethical behavior of teachers in the higher educational sector of Pakistan. This study addresses the need to investigate the relationship of psychological capital with the ethical behavior of teachers in the higher educational sector of Pakistan, which can help in understanding the nature of these variables in the higher educational sector of Pakistan.
Using Experimental Design in Assistive Learning Technology Trials: An Experience-Based Review
Authors: Ananta Gede Pramudya , Adly Mohd Noor Helmi , Nadiyah Razali Sharifah , Ahmad Asmala , Yusof Norzihani , Nur Azreen Ruslan Siti
Published: February 2018

Assistive learning technologies are products that are aimed at assisting people with disabilities in improving their learning with minimum intervention of caregivers. Their efficacy has been assessed by means of experimental research trials. An experiment is characterized by the treatments and experimental units to be used, the way treatments are assigned to units, and the responses that are measured. The treatments and experimental units require representative participants or sample. However, because of the limits of numbers of participants or sample sizes, such kinds of studies have been delicate but challenging experiences. This paper attempts to review such valuable research experiences.
A Revised Production Model of Learner-Generated Comic: Validation through Expert Review
Authors: Azman Farah Nadia , Zaibon Syamsul Bahrin , Shiratuddin Norshuhada
Published: February 2018

Recent advancement of authoring tools has fostered a widespread interest towards using comics as a Digital Storytelling medium. This technology integrated learning approach is known as learner-generated comic production; where learners constructively produce digital stories in a form of educational comics. However, there were concerns towards the obstacles and challenges of producing learner-generated comics. Hence, a conceptual production model of learner-generated comic was proposed to guide learners in designing and developing digital educational comics. Accordingly, as the decision making stage for validating the proposed model, expert review method was adopted. Results of expert review were coded and classified into flexibility, understandability, completeness, generality, and usability aspects, aligning with dimension of conceptual model characteristics. Consequently, a final appraisal cycle with experts was conducted to approve the revised and redesigned LGC production model based on expert review. In summary, the experts concluded that the proposed model replicates the process of learner-generated comic production very well, visually and descriptively. Suggestion of future research is put forward.
The Right of the Accused in Saudi in Criminal Procedure during Investigation Process and Arbitrary Dentation and Prohibits Torture and Protects the Rights of Suspects to Obtain Legal Council
Authors: Mohmed Alqahtani Faten , Ali Amani , M.A.AlBelihi Abdulrahman , Ali Metwally
Published: February 2018

Saudi Arabia has recent in years pass several important legislations to ensure a fair and balanced justice system, including: 1) The Law of Procedure Before Sharia Courts of September 2001, which grants defendants the right to legal representation and outlines the process by which please, evidence and experts are heard by the courts. 2) The Code of Law Practice of January 2001, which outlines requirements necessary to become an attorney and defines the duties and right of lawyers, including the right of attorney-client privilege. 3) The Law of Criminal Procedure of May 2001, which protects a defendant right with the regard to interrogation, investigation, and incarceration; outlines a series of regulations that justice and law enforcement authorities must follow during all stages of legal process, from arrest and interrogation to trial and sentencing; prohibits torture and protects the right of suspects to obtain legal counsel; and limits the period of arbitrary detention. The main objective of this study is to examine the operation of the criminal justice system in Saudi Arabia in light of the international human rights standards pertaining to the administration of justice. It involves the international human rights treaties and focuses mainly on the instruments in which the right to a fair trail in Saudi Arabia.
Withdrawn article: The Factors Influencing Organizational Citizenship Behaviour of Employees in Private Universities in South Sumatra Province
Authors: Anggraini Desi Ulpa , Riady Hanes , Hafid Harapid
Published: February 2018

This article has been withdrawn by the authors. Request approved by the editors and the publisher on February 28, 2018.