bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APML drives a culture of ownership and innovation
Authors: Chandwani Rajesh K. , Varkkey Biju
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Discusses the key dimensions of organizational culture at Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd (APML), India.

Design/methodology/approach

– Describes the role of human resource management (HRM) practices in building an organizational culture which enhances performance through innovation and a strong customer-service orientation.

Findings

– Discusses how field-level employees in APML are connected with the organization through the owners and top management. Through different HRM practices, APML has been successful in instilling a feeling of ownership among the employees and in harnessing their energy for fostering innovation, superior customer service and profitability.

Practical implications

– Highlights the positive aspects of employee involvement in the context of an Indian family business.

Social implications

– Illustrates that emphasizing family values in the organizational culture can enable the organization to develop a sense of gratitude and reciprocity.

Originality/value

– Stresses the importance of both the family orientation and related HRM practices of a large Indian organization.
Acquire the tools and techniques to build your leadership brand
Authors: Rao M.S
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Outlines tools and techniques needed to be a winner.

Design/methodology/approach

– Differentiates between winners and whiners and outlines tips to build your leadership brand.

Findings

– Implores you to list out your talents and skills and blend them effectively to stand out and succeed in your career.

Practical implications

– Shows that the study can be applied in any industry or economic sector.

Social implications

– Seeks strong support from all stakeholders to build your leadership brand.

Originality/value

– Turns the spotlight on understanding the mind of winners. Shows how to build a leadership brand to achieve success, peace and happiness.
Don’t give up on the no-hopers
Authors: McPherson Blair
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Presents reverse talent-spotting as a way of getting the best out of underperforming managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Examines the usual ways in which organizations deal with no-hopers and puts forward a more effective option based on a case study of an employee of a local authority social-service department.

Findings

– Explains that organizations usually hope that the disaffected and incompetent will be forced out during organizational restructuring, but often they are simply redeployed, passing the problem on to another department or team. The ambitious high-flyers do not hang around but the square pegs in round holes do, so it makes more sense to focus on the square pegs.

Practical implications

– Describes how senior managers invested in a group of underperforming managers the sort of time and energy that they normally reserve for those they see as future high-flyers. The group responded positively. They became less cynical, more open-minded about changes in the organization and more confident in their own skills and knowledge as managers.

Social implications

– Details how every organization has people with talent and ambition who will show themselves to be capable and will succeed but what separates the best organizations from the rest is how they develop the underperforming individuals.

Originality/value

– Shows that concentrating management time and effort on underperformers, who tend to stick around in an organization, can often be more rewarding for the organization than investing in the high-flyers who will be more likely to leave.
How we missed the boat: reading scholarship and the field of LIS
Authors: Dali Keren
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons for the gradual extinction of reading scholarship in Library and Information Science (LIS) departments and to identify three problematic areas accounting for its dropping prestige: paradigmatic conflicts, the influence of the corporate university and low awareness of the potential of reading research. It also proposes possible solutions to each problem.

Design/methodology/approach

– Close reading and analysis of an extensive selection of sources with novel conceptualization and critical perspectives.

Findings

– The information science paradigm, which has dominated LIS, is not sufficient to accommodate reading research. The information science model has a detrimentally restrictive effect on reading scholarship. Library science, which should be considered an autonomous discipline rather than an appendix of information science, is more conducive to the study of reading. Non-specialization-based academic hiring to increase values-based diversity in LIS through a larger influx of reading scholars is advocated.

Originality/value

– Reading scholarship, unduly deemed “old-fashioned”, or euphemistically “traditional”, is one of the most potent areas of academic inquiry, to which LIS scholars are perfectly positioned to make a unique contribution. Reading research in LIS has great merit irrespective of its connection to information and technology; a set of evaluative questions to determine the quality of reading scholarship is introduced. Using a case study, the paper illustrates the potential of reading research for interdisciplinary connections, community partnerships and the enrichment of LIS education and professional practices. An honest look at one of the most exciting academic fields, regrettably neglected by LIS.
Second national accessibility survey: librarians, patrons, and disabilities
Authors: Bonnici Laurie J , Maatta Stephanie L. , Brodsky Jackie , Steele Jennifer Elaine
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to determine the state of library services to people with disabilities in the USA since the last study conducted in 2008. Social capital theory provides a lens to reconceptualize equal access in a global context, and to offer insights on the effects of new information technologies for re-envisioning universal access. Strategic alliances with education and human–computer interaction researchers are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Librarians serving the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) were surveyed. Questions addressed clientele, services, technologies, career opportunities, leadership, library and information science (LIS) education and librarian demographics.

Findings

– Human resources, leadership, outreach and out-of-the-box solutions applying mainstream technologies are identified as major challenges to the future of information access for disabled persons through the NLS/BPH system.

Research limitations/implications

– The survey was limited to librarians serving the NLS/BPH. A similar survey distributed in other nations could expand the possibilities of future research and collaboration.

Practical implications

– Information from this survey can aid information professionals planning delivery of information services to disabled patrons. Suggestions for shifting from special access to universal access philosophy ensure access for all. Results can also help LIS educators prepare graduates to serve an aging population that will challenge standard methods of information access and services.

Originality/value

– This study provides the current perspective of services to persons with disabilities compared to findings by the researchers in 2008. Since the first survey in 2008, the service has been updated through a national effort of digitization. This study is the first comparative study of the NLS.
Practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi
Authors: Makori Elisha Ondieki , Njiraine Dorothy , Talam Peninah
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to assess practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi and provide useful guidelines to the issues and lessons learned to the other practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used cross-sectional descriptive survey design to gather and analyze data that was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. In addition, questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide were utilized to collect data from the respondents.

Findings

– First, the study established that the IR has not been well integrated into mainstream information services of the library. Second, there is lack of awareness on the use of IR as an information resource on the part of students and staff. Third, there is need to integrate different forms of information into the IR including graphics, video and sound to carter for the whole population of users even those with disabilities. Finally, there is need for aggressive or serious rebranding, marketing and promotion of the IR.

Research limitations/implications

– IRs are vital sources of information that are increasingly being integrated and utilized in African higher education. Discussion of the University of Nairobi as a case study provides practical lessons, implications and home grown solutions for other institutions of higher learning in the African context.

Practical implications

– IR is not only contemporary or emerging source of knowledge, information and communication but also fundamental or basic in institutions of higher learning. Consequently, IR provides excellent opportunities for universities to expand knowledge beyond internal and external learning environments.

Social implications

– Being fundamental sources of knowledge, IRs provide and support teaching, learning, research activities, scholarly communications and community services in universities and the society at large. As information and communication hubs, IRs have reinvented the image and role of universities as sources of knowledge in the society.

Originality/value

– Universities need to embrace IRs as vital and valid sources of knowledge and learning. Developing IRs without aggressive rebranding, marketing and promotional strategies is not enough for universities, associated institutions plus the information staff, but with prove that the resources are being utilized to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
Sonar Assistive Device for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Kamaludin Muhammad Haziq , Mahmood Nasrul Humaimi , Ahmad Abd Hamid , Omar Camallil , Md Yusof Masdinah Alauyah
Published: September 2015

An affordable sonar assistive device was developed to facilitate the visually impaired people to walk inside or outside their homes. The device uses a sonar technology where each ultrasonic sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter will transmit a signal to an obstacle in front of it and when the signal reaches an obstacle, the signal is reflected back. The reflected signal is then received by the receiver. The system of Arduino Pro Mini will then evaluate the echo to identify the presence t of the obstacles. This ultrasonic sensor can detect obstacles as far as 4 meters. Hands-on testing was conducted to identify visually impaired people needs and to provide them an opportunity to use the device. The users were interviewed to find out about their experience. The results clearly show that 90% of the users were satisfied with the features of the device and they were also confident of using the device to detect different types of obstacles.
Fault Monitoring System for Traffic Light
Authors: Marzuki Muhamad Zaki Amin , Ahmad Anita , Buyamin Salinda , Abas Khairul Hamimah , Hj Mat Said Seriaznita
Published: September 2015

Traffic light breakdown is very common. These create hassle as well as unsafe condition for road users. This project provides a new paradigm in traffic light monitoring system. The system has the capability to send multiple Short Message Service (SMS) to the contractor, traffic police and local council in the event of a malfunction traffic light. Normally, road users have to call the contractor based on the information displayed at the traffic light pole. With the current system, time taken to respond to the traffic light breakdown depends on how soon road users call the contractor. Monitoring system for fault traffic light will address this matter. In this project, the system can detect two types of failure, power failure and bulb/ Light Emitting Diode (LED) failure (a particular light not working i.e. red light only). Upon receiving the power failure signal, SMS will be sent to the above-mentioned parties for further action. For LED types of traffic light, the system has the capability to detect deterioration in function. If >50% of the LED for any light is not working the system will notify the contractor and other related parties to perform restorative action. The malfunction of LED can be detected by measuring real current vs the nominal current for that particular light. The seriousness of traffic light failure is divided into three parts, which are the total power failure, total LED failure and partial failure. The microcontroller analyzes the seriousness of the failure and sends the signal to a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) module. Then the GSM module will send the details of failure including location and types of failure. For this project, LED was used as prototype of the traffic light.
Miniaturized Planar Tomography for Multiphase Stagnant Sample Detection
Authors: Mohd Razali Nur Adila , Azmi Aizat , Mohammad Din Shahrulnizahani , Chee Pei Song , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Ling Leow Pei
Published: September 2015

Miniaturized device offers portability, high throughput and faster time response compared to macroscale devices. In microdevices, most of the application utilizes planar electrode for microanalysis process as it is inexpensive, highly controllable system and easy for installation. In addition, miniaturized planar sensor offers great potential for microscale medical diagnosis, chemical analysis, environmental analysis, cell culture application and single cell measurement using tomography measurement. In this project, a miniaturized planar tomography system is developed for multiphase sample detection such as liquid-solid and liquid-liquid. Eight-electrode device was fabricated on the copper plated printed circuit board (PCB) using the commercial fabrication technique. The ability of the proposed device in reconstructing images of a multiphase sample using Linear Back Projection algorithm is tested. Experimental results show that the reconstructed images closely resemble with the cross-section of the stagnant multiphase sample.
A Review on the Developments, Potentials and Challenges of Application of Metal Products and in Metal Industry Using Process Tomography System
Authors: En Hong Ling , Hj. Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Md. Yunos Yusri , Izran Ishak Mohd Hafis , A. Danapalasingam Kumeresan , Wahab Ahmad Ridhwan , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazlul , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Mohamad Elmy Johana
Published: September 2015

This paper will provide an overall view of the developments, potentials and challenges of industrial applications involving metal products and in metal industry using process tomography system. The primary focus of the review is to highlight the differences occurred in process tomography in using metallic and non-metallic product especially involving the steel pipes which includes the differences in sensor arrangements (ERT, ECT, EIT), issues that arises in the use of metal and steel product besides in the metal production itself.
Study of Human Driving Skill in Expected and Guided Conditions
Authors: Badrul Hisham Amirah ‘Aisha , Izran Ishak Mohamad Hafis , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Idris Nurul Hawani
Published: September 2015

This day, Human Machine System (HMS) consider being a proven technology, which has gained an important role in various human activities. One of the most recent developments in this area is Human Adaptive Mechatronics (HAM) approach for enhancing human skills. This approach therefore is different compared to an ordinary HMS, in terms of its ability to adapt to changes in its environment and in the human changing level of skills. The crucial issue in HAM is in evaluating the human skills level on machine operation. In this paper, a skill index to quantify the performance of human drivers is studied in expected and guided conditions. The experiments are carried out on human subjects in normal driving. From this experiment, a new skill index formula is proposed based on the logical conditions and the definition of skill in HAM.
Identification and Model Predictive Position Control of Two Wheeled Inverted Pendulum Mobile Robot
Authors: A. Bature Amir , Buyamin Salinda , N. Ahmad Mohamad , Muhammad Mustapha , A. Muhammad Auwalu
Published: September 2015

In order to predict and analyse the behaviour of a real system, a simulated model is needed. The more accurate the model the better the response is when dealing with the real plant. This paper presents a model predictive position control of a Two Wheeled Inverted Pendulum robot. The model was developed by system identification using a grey box technique. Simulation results show superior performance of the gains computed using the grey box model as compared to common linearized mathematical model.
Defining Generic Attributes for IDS Classification
Authors: H. Jebur Hamid , Maarof Mohd Aizaini , Zainal Anazida
Published: September 2015

Detection accuracy of Intrusion Detection System (IDS) depends on classifying network traffic based on data features. Using all features for classification consumes more computation time and computer resources. Some of these features may be redundant and irrelevant therefore, they affect the detection of traffic anomalies and the overall performance of the IDS. The literature proposed different algorithms and techniques to define the most relevant sets of features of KDD cup 1999 that can achieve high detection accuracy and maintain the same performance as the total data features. However, all these algorithms and techniques did not produce optimal solutions even when they utilized same datasets. In this paper, a new approach is proposed to analyze the researches that have been conducted on KDD cup 1999 for features selection to define the possibility of determining effective generic features of the common dataset KDD cup 1999 for constructing an efficient classification model. The approach does not rely on algorithms, which shortens the computational cost and reduces the computer resources. The essence of the approach is based on selecting the most frequent features of each class and all classes in all researches, then a threshold is used to define the most significant generic features. The results revealed two sets of features containing 7 and 8 features. The classification accuracy by using eight features is almost the same as using all dataset features.
Conditions on the Edges and Vertices of Non-commuting Graph
Authors: Jahandideh M. , Darafsheh M. R. , Sarmin N. H. , Omer S. M. S.
Published: September 2015

Abstract - Let G􀡳 be a non- abelian finite group. The non-commuting graph ,􀪡is defined as a graph with a vertex set􀡳 − G-Z(G)􀢆in which two vertices x􀢞 and y􀢟 are joined if and only if xy􀢞􀢟 ≠ yx􀢟􀢞.  In this paper, we invest some results on the number of edges set , the degree of avertex of non-commuting graph and the number of conjugacy classes of a finite group. In order that if 􀪡􀡳non-commuting graph of H ≅ non - commuting graph of G􀪡􀡴,H 􀡴 is afinite group, then |G􀡳| = |H􀡴| .
Immobilization of Candida Rugosa Lipase in PVA-Alginate-Sulfate Beads for Waste Cooking Oil Treatment
Authors: Hasan Nor Badzilah , Wei Yie Tan , Mohd Zain Nor Azimah , Suhaimi Mohd Suardi
Published: September 2015

Hydrolysis of waste cooking oil (WCO) using immobilized Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was studied. PVA-Alginate-Sulfate beads were used to immobilize CRL. During the transesterification process, three parameters were considered: pH, temperature and enzyme concentration. The degree of hydrolysis as well as the rate of the hydrolysis were also determined. The morphology of the beads was analyzed using Fourier Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). It was found that the operating conditions, pH = 7.00, temperature = 50°C, and bead loading of 8 g, were most favourable for the hydrolysis of WCO by immobilized CRL to yield maximum fatty acid production and hydrolysis conversion. It was also found that the rate of hydrolysis by immobilized CRL is higher than that of free enzyme which is 96.50% and 68.75%, respectively.
Detecting SIM Box Fraud by Using Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Sallehuddin Roselina , Ibrahim Subariah , Mohd Zain Azlan , Hussein Elmi Abdikarim
Published: September 2015

Fraud in communication has been increasing dramatically due to the new modern technologies and the global superhighways of communication, resulting in loss of revenues and quality of service in telecommunication providers especially in Africa and Asia.  One of the dominant types of fraud is SIM box bypass fraud whereby SIM cards are used to channel national and multinational calls away from mobile operators and deliver as local calls. Therefore it is important to find techniques that can detect this type of fraud efficiently. In this paper, two classification techniques, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were developed to detect this type of fraud.   The classification uses nine selected features of data extracted from Customer Database Record.  The performance of ANN is compared with SVM to find which model gives the best performance. From the experiments, it is found that SVM model gives higher accuracy compared to ANN by giving the classification accuracy of 99.06% compared with ANN model, 98.71% accuracy. Besides, better accuracy performance, SVM also requires less computational time compared to ANN since it takes lesser amount of time in model building and training.
Bachelor Program and University Selection for STPM Leavers using TOPSIS
Authors: Syed Yasin Sharifah Nurulhikmah , Wan Md. Adnan Wan Najmiyyah , Wan Md. Adnan Wan Najmiyyah
Published: September 2015

Choosing an appropriate bachelor program and university is a common scenario. In Malaysia, one major group of bachelor program prospect students is Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM, Malaysian High School Certificate) leavers. The prospect students made the selection based on several factors, including the requirement by the university, personal preferences, and influences by parents, teachers, and peers. The decision made is normally unstructured and bias due to the personal preferences and the influencers. This research aims to study “Technique for Order Preference for Similarity to an Ideal Solution” (TOPSIS) from the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) method family in assisting the STPM leavers in choosing the program and university. Decision criteria are obtained from a group of STPM students (domain experts). The actual requirement from twenty Malaysian public universities and STPM results are used to illustrate the application of the proposed method. The illustrative experiments and results of the study have successfully shown the ranked alternatives.
Smoothing Wind and Rainfall Data through Functional Data Analysis Technique
Authors: Wan Norliyana W. I. , Suhaila Jamaludin
Published: September 2015

The pattern of wind and rainfall throughout Peninsular Malaysia are varied from one region to another, because of strong influences from the monsoons. In order to capture the wind and rainfall variations, a functional data analysis is introduced. The purpose of this study is to convert the wind and rainfall data into a smooth curve by using functional data analysis method. Fourier basis is used in this study since the wind and rainfall data indicated periodic pattern. In order to avoid such overfitting data, roughness penalty is added to the least square when constructing functional data object from the observed data. Result indicated that if we use a small number of bases functions, the difference is very small between with and without roughness penalty, showing that it is safer to smooth only when required. However, when a large basis function is employed, the roughness penalty should be added in order to obtain optimal fit data. Based on the contour plot of correlation and cross-correlation functions of wind and rainfall data, the relationship between both climate functions could be determined.
Deformation Model of Deep Soil Mixing Using Finite Element Method
Authors: A Rashid Ahmad Safuan , Faizi Koohyar , Jahed Armaghani Danial , Nazir Ramli
Published: September 2015

Soil improvement is required to decrease the construction impact on the adjacent underground structures, when a deep excavation is carried out. Deep soil mixing (DSM) is a common method to control deformation caused by deep excavation. This method is an in situ soil mixing technology that mixes existing soil with cementitious materials. This paper presents a numerical modeling of DSM columns, which was conducted to compare the affected zone achieved by installing two different partially penetrated soil-cement columns using a small scale physical modelling. Test procedure and the finite element analysis that verify ground displacement patterns were described. The finite element method (FEM) was focused on the plane strain numerical modeling in ABAQUS. It was found that higher numbers of piles increase the effect of soil deformation where it will extend the soil in much deeper depth before it fails.
Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT): An Improved Sensitivity Distribution Using Two-Differential Excitation Technique
Authors: Mohamad Elmy Johana , Mohmad Ameran Hanis Liyana , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Marwah Omar Md. Faizan
Published: September 2015

In this study, we propose the use of the two-differential potential excitation technique in an Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) system to improve: (1) the non-uniform sensitivity distribution caused by the non-uniform potential distribution in the central area; and (2) the nonlinear relation between capacitance and material permittivity. A simulation of a 16-segmented ECT system is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics to observe the changes of the inter-electrodes capacitances and the permittivity of the dielectric material when two differential excitation potentials are injected. Generated phantoms and measured values are presented. An experiment using the real system is also carried out to verify the simulations results. By using this technique, it was shown that the relationship between the capacitances measured from inter-electrodes and the permittivity became more linear. In addition, potential distribution is increased in the central area indicating an increase in the sensitivity distribution in the central area. The use of this technique increases the level of detected signals and improves the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) as compared to those achieved using standard single-voltage source methods.
Development of Maintenance Cost Prediction Model for Heritage Buildings
Authors: Mahmoud Sodangi , Khamidi Mohd Faris , Idrus Arazi , Abdul-Lateef Ashola Olanrewaju
Published: September 2015

The lack of a simple and accurate method of estimating heritage buildings maintenance costs makes it difficult for custodians and owners of heritage building to make realistic maintenance budgets and to develop good financial plan for managing the maintenance works to heritage buildings. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for predicting the maintenance costs of heritage buildings. To achieve the aforementioned objective, the paper combined a literature review, cost modeling, survey and case studies. The survey and case studies were adopted in order to validate the maintenance cost prediction model. The model validation results show that the maintenance cost prediction model has about 93% accuracy in predicting annual maintenance cost for heritage buildings based on the building age, gross floor area and building performance index. The model could help custodians and owners of heritage building to forecast maintenance costs easily and accurately, make realistic maintenance budgets and to develop good financial plan for managing the maintenance works of the buildings in their care.
A Review on Critical Success Factors of Sustainable Retrofitting Implementation
Authors: Jagarajan Rehmaashini , Abdullah @ Mohd Asmoni Mat Naim , Lee Yim Mei Janice , Misnan Mohd Saidin , Jaafar Mohd Nadzri , Mohammed Abdul Hakim
Published: September 2015

Sustainable retrofitting has been one of the alternate solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. However, it is apparent that limited existing buildings are being sustainably retrofitted and the reason lies within the influential forces which contribute to the failure of the sustainable retrofitting project. Thus, this study aims investigates the current literature based on critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable retrofitting and to identify any gap that might exists. Journals were searched using the key words identified from the preliminary literature review. Successive round of article abstract reviews resulted in 59 articles being selected for compilation purpose. The CSF constructs were then identified using content analysis and inductive coding approach. Critical analysis of the literature revealed gaps in the literature. The most significant findings was the lack of research on CSFs for sustainable retrofitting from the stakeholders’ perspective. This research provides a comprehensive compilation of all previously identified CSFs for project purpose.
The Role of Cost Breakdown Structure in Life Cycle Cost Model
Authors: Chu Hui Ooi , Mohammed Abdul Hakim
Published: September 2015

This paper highlights the basic process of developing a life cycle cost model and the role of cost breakdown structure for water distribution pipeline networks. A life cycle cost is the total cost of owning an asset during its predicted useful life, while a cost breakdown structure illustrates all the costs emerged in each single phase of the asset’s life cycle cost. Its purpose is to identify, define and organize all cost elements to be taken into account in a life cycle cost. Each cost element included in developing a cost breakdown structure will also be discussed in this paper.
A Prototyping Model of Intelligent Hearing Protection Device
Authors: Ming Han Lim , Haron Zaiton , Jahya Zanariah , Darus Nadirah , Abdul Hamid Mohamad Fauzi
Published: September 2015

The occupational noise exposure problem is getting serious and the workers have low self-efficacy in using the hearing protectors during the working period. In this paper, it reveals a prototyping model, namely, Intelligent Hearing Protection Device (IHPD) as a new hearing technology to cope with current problems. This device could measure the noise level in the workplace, detect the regularity of worker in the usage of IHPD and indicate the high noise area. Meanwhile, the IHPD is required to connect with the Dosiwatch and the Integrated Noise Exposure Software (INES) to improve its functionalities. The Dosiwatch is an electronic device to display the noise level and indicate the risky area, where it helps the workers to perceive the risk of noise in a workplace. The INES receives the noise data wirelessly, plots the instantaneous noise charts and supervises the regularity of workers in using the IHPD. By the way, the technical procedure development and the typical function of electronic gadgets are significant in this invention. A prototyping model was developed to ensure the technical procedure development meets the conceptual design of IHPD, dosiwatch and INES.
Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Light For Mitigating Risk of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in Steel Pipeline
Authors: Ali M. K. F. M. , Md. Noor N. , Yahaya N. , Bakar A. A. , Ismail M.
Published: September 2015

Pipelines play an extremely important role in the transportation of gases and liquids over long distance throughout the world. Internal corrosion due to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is one of the major integrity problems in oil and gas industry and is responsible for most of the internal corrosion in transportation pipelines. The presence of microorganisms such as sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in pipeline system has raised deep concern within the oil and gas industry. Biocide treatment and cathodic protection are commonly used to control MIC. However, the solution is too expensive and may create environmental problems by being too corrosive. Recently, Ultraviolet (UV) as one of the benign techniques to enhance mitigation of MIC risk in pipeline system has gained interest among researchers. An amount of 100 ml of modified Baarâ€™s medium and 5 ml of Desulfovibrio vulgaris (strain 7577) seeds was grown in 125 ml anaerobic vials with carbon steel grade API 5L-X70 coupons at the optimum temperature of 37Â°C and pH 9.5 for fifteen days. This was then followed by exposing the medium to UV for one hour. Results from present study showed that UV radiation has the ability to disinfect bacteria, hence minimizing the risk of metal loss due to corrosion in steel pipeline.Â
Finite Element Modelling Of Compartment Fire Using ABAQUS
Authors: A. A. K. Mariyana , Abdul Awal A. S. M. , Md. Tahir Mahmood
Published: September 2015

This paper presents finite element modelling (FEM) of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame subjected to elevated temperature. The work presented is part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) project. In this project, an experimental test of sub-assemblage frame with elevated temperature has been performed at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, India. The finite element model using ABAQUS software has been used to validate the increased in temperature distribution on reinforced concrete frame exposed to fire. The idea of this study is to design a compartment fire, and determination of emissivity value at different height. And composition of hot gases was calculated. Gas temperatures used was based on the average temperature-curve obtained in the fire test. The validity of the finite element model was established by comparing the predicted values from the FEM with test data direct from fire test results. The results obtained indicate that suggested FEM analysis procedure is capable of modelling temperature in compartment fires.Â Â
Parametric Study of Compound Cold-Formed Steel Sections as Flexural Members
Authors: Shin Mu Ker , Ngian Shek Poi , Sulaiman Arizu , Cheik Tan Boon
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a parametric study on compound cold-formed steel sections as flexural members. The compound members are used to sustain higher load and solve the problems of local buckling and lateral torsional buckling. The aim of this study is to investigate the strength of compound cold-formed steel section subjected to pure bending. Moment capacity of the compound section is calculated in accordance to Eurocode 3. The compound cold-formed steel sections proposed in this study are made up of two cold-formed steel C-section and hot-rolled plates. Steel plates with thickness of 3 mm to 8 mm are added to the cold-formed double C-section with the purpose to increase the bending capacity. From the comparison, moment capacity of compound sections give higher value as compared to cold-formed steel C-section with the comparison ratios range between 1.15 and 3.30. Results from the study show that compound cold-formed steel sections able to enhance the strength in resisting pure bending by adding steel plate at the flanges and web of the section. On the other hand, finite element modeling using ANSYS is carried out on two of the selected compound cold-formed steel sections and the results show good agreement with analytical results.
Serviceability Assessment of Composite Footbridge Under Human Walking and Running Loads
Authors: Sadeghi Faraz , Hong Kueh Ahmad Beng
Published: September 2015

Footbridge responses under loads induced by human remain amongst the least explored matters, due to various uncertainties in determining the description of the imposed loadings. To address this gap, serviceability of an existing composite footbridge under human walking and running loadings is analyzed dynamically in this paper employing a finite element approach. The composite footbridge is made-up of a reinforced concrete slab simply supported at two ends on top of two T-section steel beams. To model the walking and running loads, a harmonic force function is applied as the vibration source at the center of the bridge. In the model verification, the computed natural frequency of footbridge exhibits a good agreement with that reported in literature. The vibration responses in terms of peak acceleration and displacement are computed, from which they are then compared with the current design standards for assessment. It is found that the maximum accelerations and displacements of composite footbridge in presence of excitations from one person walking and running satisfy the serviceability limitation recommended by the existing codes of practice. In conclusion, the studied footbridge offers sufficient human safety and comfort against vibration under investigated load prescription.
Environment Variables on IT Adoption: A Case of Nigerian Construction Organizations
Authors: Y. Waziri Abdullahi , N. Ali Kherun , U. Aliagha Ghali , Abd Majid Muhd Zaimi
Published: September 2015

Pirmâ€™s external environment combines many attributes and plays a vital role in IT adoption. Technological innovations are adopted as organizational reactions to change and for influencing the business environment. This study examined the effect of external environment on IT adoption in construction organizations. Specifically, the study empirically explores the external variables, assessed their effects and determined how they can optimally be combined to enable IT acceptance. The data collected was analysed using structural equation modelling analytical approach. Results of the analysis revealed that external environment strongly influence firmâ€™s IT adoption with a path coefficient of 0.70 and a z-value of 10.5. Furthermore, a confirmatory factor analysis conducted confirmed competitive pressure, government support and market uncertainty as the most significant variables of firmâ€™s external environment in relation to IT implementation with a standardized parameter estimates of 0.75, 0.51 and -0.41 respectively. Precisely, competitive pressure and government support were strongly and positively related to IT adoption while market uncertainty exhibited a strong but negative relationship. It was recommended that managers of construction organizations should, strategically, overcome the pressures they exert from their competitors for improved market share and general organizational performance. Furthermore, government should strive to provide adequate IT infrastructures and enablers within its responsibilities such as adequate electricity, incentives and clear IT policy.
Greenhouse Gas Emission of Organic Waste Composting: A Case Study of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Green Campus Flagship Project
Authors: Kamyab Hesam , Shiun Lim Jeng , Khademi Tayebeh , Shin Hod Wai , Ahmad Rahmalan , Hashim Haslenda , Chin Siong Ho , Keyvanfar Ali , Tin Lee Chew
Published: September 2015

Waste generation nowadays is rising in the world and it seems hard to prevent it. Solid Waste Management (SWM) has been a major problem worldwide in most of the fast growing towns and cities among the developing countries all around the world. Food waste and green waste constitute high volumes of municipal solid waste (MSW). The application of compost in the agricultural sector can contribute to sustainable soil health and other co-benefits. The compost produced from biological waste does not contain any chemicals unfavorable to living soil. The objective of this research was to calculate the greenhouse gas emission from the compost processed from the food and green wastes generated on-campus in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) as a pilot project. The result indicated that the composting process promotes the university as a green campus by converting organic wastes into valuable products such as organic fertilizer.
Pragmatic Probe: Preference and Satisfaction with Built Environment
Authors: Ferwati M. Salim , Shafaghat Arezou
Published: September 2015

Enhancing the quality of urban life is considered by social scientists. It has instigated a growing attention in findings from surveys aiming to measure the inhabitant image in particular places. This paper investigates preference and satisfaction that utilizes a model from both a conceptual and empirical perspective. It mainly explores the image of certain social-spatial factors enhanced in the degree of preference and satisfaction with neighborhood and housing types on both scales, as an overall and as details of urban elements and house features. It first presents a brief overview of literature and the methodology and then reviews findings covering 162 respondents living in two cities that represent four different neighborhood patterns, social-spatial characters, and housing types. The four neighborhoods are: traditional settlements, attached houses, tower apartments and single family houses. The major findings reveal that satisfaction within a given neighborhood does not necessarily associate with place attachment and similarly, despite realization of lacking certain social-spatial qualities in the neighborhood, people may feel attached to the place because of certain attributes. However, there is on one hand a positive relationship between satisfaction and feelings of a neighborhood as home, and on the other hand, differences in preference and satisfaction of house types, urban elements and house features.Â
The Status and Characteristics of University-Industry Collaboration in a Research University
Authors: Abu Mansor Nur Naha , Abdul Rahman Azlan , Khademi Tayebeh , Shafaghat Arezou
Published: September 2015

The increasing reliance on knowledge in industry and services is generating strong incentives to develop more efficient ways to transfer the discoveries made in academia to business.Â  This paper mainly focuses to identify the status and characteristics of university-industry (UI) collaborations at a research university. Moreover a quantitative research method was adopted in this study. The sample was selected from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). A total of 42 UTM centers participated in this survey. The findings demonstrate the type of existing UI collaborations and mobility at UTM. Furthermore, the result indicated the characteristics of university partners.
Enhancing Commercialization Level of Academic Research Outputs in Research University
Authors: Khademi Tayebeh , Ismail Kamariah , Tin Lee Chew , Shafaghat Arezou
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to improve the commercialization level in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). For achieving this goal various factors and issues were examined to identify how they affect the procedure of university commercialization. These factors include the role of technology transfer office /center, availability of finance, availability of potential licensee and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) among the university researchers. Among these four factors, this study focused more on EO among academic researchers and its effect on the commercialization rate. This study was based on a qualitative research method and was designed to use a case study approach. For investigating the factors and issues in this study, a total of ten face-to-face interviews were conducted. The respondents were chosen from inventors, researchers, academic entrepreneurs, and Technology Transfer Office staff in UTM. The researcher utilized the content-analysis approach to analyze the data obtained from the semi-structured interviews of the respondents. The results indicated that EO among the university researchers, the role of technology transfer office /center, the availability of potential licensee and availability of finance were significant to the research output commercialization at university. Overall, the most critical factor was availability of finance.
Structural Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Section in Composite Structures: A Review
Authors: Lawan M. M. , Tahir M. M. , Ngian S. P. , Sulaiman A.
Published: September 2015

Cold-formed steel (CFS) sections are lightweight materials where their high structural performance is very suitable for building construction. Conventionally, they are used as purlins and side rails in the building envelopes of the industrial buildings. Recent research development on cold-formed steel has shown that the usage is expanding in the present era of building constructions and infrastructural applications. However, the study on cold-formed steel as composite structures is yet to be explored in the literature. Therefore, this review paper has presented research works done which investigate the structural improvement of cold-formed steel as composite structures. The use of cold-formed steel with self- compacting concrete (CFS-SCC) which can be considered as a unique composite entity is also presented. The significance of using the CFS-SCC as composite is also highlighted. The results of various researchers indicated that the robustness of the product (cold-formed steel-concrete) was significantly improved for both the shear resistance and the flexural resistance. The investigation on the behaviour of CFS-SCC designed as composite is a key issue where the innovative construction method and significant advantages are highlighted in this paper. The review papers have proven that the use of cold-formed steel as composite has enhanced the application of the cold-formed steel as competitive material for construction.
Feasibility Assessment of the Implementation of Solar and Wind Energy Technologies in the Current Context of Iran-Case Study: Kerman
Authors: Monsefi Parapari Danial , Taslim Shima , Shafaghat Arezou
Published: September 2015

One of the most important issues in various energy issues is to decrease fossil fuel energy usage and promote renewable energies in developing countries. Iran as a developing country began exploiting renewable resources from the early 1990s. This paper investigates the financial viability of renewable energy technologies in Kerman, which is located in the hot and dry parts of Iran and has a high potential of solar and wind energy. First the potential for solar and wind energy sources are studied and afterwards through two quantitative methods, the cost of this implementation is compared to the benefits gained. The results prove that without a massive financial support by the government, renewable energies would not be economically feasible to be implemented into private households.
Electric Power Generation from Low Head Simple Turbine for Remote Area Power Supply
Authors: Erinofiardi Erinofiardi , Syaiful Muhammad , Prayitno Adhy
Published: September 2015

Over recent years, there has been an explosive growth of interest in the development of micro-hydropower generationturbine based on low head. Initial investment in building huge dams and large power stations is needed for high head turbine, beside these large dams are not environment friendly. Particularly in lower head, screw turbine is suitable for environment reason where this turbine has high efficiency, relatively lower cost and low environmental impact. Screw turbine can be applied in remote area which has water resource and no grid connection available. This paper reports experimental results examining the relationship between rotation speed and power. Laboratory scale of screw turbine is made by using locally available materials. Test results show that different speed of generator caused by different diameter of pulleys has great discrepency.