bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (Chinese Version)
Authors: Tieu Yvonne , Konnert Candace , Quigley Leanne
Published: March 2018

La recherche sur les profils de sous-utilisation des services de santé mentale chez les immigrants chinois plus âgés est en partie limitée par l’absence d’outils de mesures traduits et possédant une bonne fiabilité psychométrique pour évaluer les attitudes liées à la recherche d’aide. Dans cette étude, 200 immigrants sino-canadiens ont été interviewés avec une version traduite du IASMHS. Les mesures collectées comprennent l’utilisation de soins de santé mentale au cours des 12 derniers mois et décrivent les intentions de recherche d’aide. Des analyses factorielles confirmatoires n’ont pas répliqué la structure originale à trois facteurs, donc l’analyse factorielle exploratoire a été utilisée pour créer une version chinoise à 20 items, le C-IASMHS. Cette version a présenté une consistance interne acceptable et était positivement corrélée avec les intentions de recherche d’aide. La sous-échelle sur la propension à la recherche d’aide a présenté les plus fortes propriétés psychométriques, tandis que la sous-échelle sur l’ouverture psychologique a affiché de faibles résultats dans l’analyse factorielle et une consistance interne insatisfaisante. De plus amples recherches sur l’équivalence conceptuelle du construit de l’ouverture psychologique chez les adultes chinois plus âgés sont nécessaires.
Human Rights-Based Approaches to World Heritage Conservation in Bagan, Myanmar: Conceptual, Political, and Practical Considerations
Authors: Kraak Anne-Laura
Published: March 2018

This article considers the role of recently adopted human rights-based policies in the context of preparations for the world heritage nomination of Bagan in Myanmar. Several conceptual, political, and practical factors influence the way in which such policies can be implemented. Conceptually, conflicting interpretations of the meaning of certain categories of human rights—most notably, cultural, development, and land rights—create ambiguity about who has rights to what. Politically, multilateral and bilateral negotiations between states parties inform whether and how human rights-based policies are enforced. On a practical level, implementation of such policies may be challenged by the low legal and administrative capacity of the state of Myanmar. Taking account of these factors, it is argued that human rights-based approaches can provide certain valuable insights but remain subject to serious limitations.
Approaching Human Rights at the World Heritage Committee: Capturing Situated Conversations, Complexity, and Dynamism in Global Heritage Processes
Authors: Larsen Peter Bille , Buckley Kristal
Published: March 2018

Social scientists are increasingly approaching the World Heritage Committee itself as an entry-point to understanding global heritage processes and phenomena. This article explores the subject of human rights in the operations of the World Heritage Committee—the decision-making body established by the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. It seeks to address the epistemological and methodological implications of approaching the World Heritage Committee as a point of departure for understanding global heritage and rights dynamics. It builds on an “event ethnography” undertaken by the authors to understand how rights discourse appeared in multiple contexts during the Thirty-Ninth World Heritage Committee session held in Bonn, Germany, in June 2015.

In this article, we discuss the methodological and ontological implications of studying rights discourses in the context of World Heritage events and processes. We have a particular interest in the interplay of formal and informal dynamics, revealing the entangled and multi-sited processes that shape and are shaped by the annual event. While much of the debate and analysis in heritage studies is understandably concerned with formal decision-making processes and position-taking, this work demonstrates the significance of a range of informal dynamics in appreciating future possibilities.
Agricultural Protectionism on the Neoliberal Agenda? The Approach of the Director of the Swiss Business Federation to Agriculture
Authors: FRANC ANDREA
Published: March 2018

Neoliberals are known to oppose agricultural protectionism. In Switzerland, however, a member of the neoliberal Mont Pelerin Society was responsible for pushing forward the highly protectionist agricultural policy of the postwar years. Drawing on newly available archival sources, this article illustrates the endeavours of the director of the Swiss Business Federation Gerhard Winterberger (1922–93) in favour of agricultural protectionism. Winterberger, in his public talks or in his correspondence with Friedrich August von Hayek, selectively used neoliberal theory to justify his commitment to agriculture.
Wall Slogans: the Communication of China's Family Planning Policy in Rural Areas
Authors: WANG GUOYAN
Published: March 2018

The one-child era, which lasted thirty-five years (1980–2015), was a unique period in Chinese (and even world) history. With the introduction of the universal two-child policy in 2016, China put an end to the age of the one-child policy. Since the policy change has come into effect, China's rural areas, which contain approximately 800 million people, have experienced a very particular historical phenomenon. Due to the changes in China's family planning policy, slogans painted on walls have evolved in terms of the messages they carry to grassroots rural areas. Once conveying China's family planning policy propaganda with, at times, a shocking and controversial tone, the wall slogans in rural areas have evolved with the wider changes to the country's family planning policy. However, this dying, unique way of communication between the government and rural areas is being consigned to the memory of the times of rural policy advocacy in China.
Dysfunction by Disclosure? Stereotype Threat as a Source of Secondary Neurocognitive Malperformance in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Spirandelli Karla , Happach Insa , Lion Despina , Berna Fabrice
Published: March 2018

Objectives: There is mixed evidence regarding whether patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) display substantial neurocognitive deficits. Several studies implicate poor motivation, comorbid disorders, or distraction due to obsessive thoughts as potential causes of secondary malperformance. The present study examined the impact of stereotype threat (i.e., confrontation with a negative stereotype may impair performance) on neuropsychological functioning in individuals with OCD. We hypothesized that a stereotype threat cue emphasizing neurocognitive deficits in OCD (as is often conveyed in disclosure and consent documents that inform patients about the purpose of a study) would compromise patients’ test performance relative to a control group who did not receive such cue. Methods: Fifty participants with either a verified or a likely diagnosis of OCD were recruited online and randomly assigned to either an experimental condition aimed to elicit stereotype threat or a control condition. Both groups underwent (objective) memory and attention (Go/NoGo task) assessments and completed questionnaires capturing psychopathology, cognitive complaints, and self-stigma. Results: As hypothesized, patients in the stereotype threat condition performed worse on the Go/NoGo task. Groups did not differ on any other measures. Conclusions: Stereotype threat negatively impacted neuropsychological performance on an attention task. The threat cue was perhaps too weak or the stereotype threat was already internalized by the patients and “saturated” at baseline so that no effect emerged on the other measures. Implications for clinical trials are discussed. (JINS, 2018, 24, 584–592)
Meta-analytic Review of Memory Impairment in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Poos Jackie M. , Jiskoot Lize C. , Papma Janne M. , van Swieten John C. , van den Berg Esther
Published: March 2018

Objectives: A meta-analysis of the extent, nature and pattern of memory performance in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Multiple observational studies have challenged the relative sparing of memory in bvFTD as stated in the current diagnostic criteria. Methods: We performed a meta-analytic review covering the period 1967 to February 2017 of case-control studies on episodic memory in bvFTD versus control participants (16 studies, 383 patients, 603 control participants), and patients with bvFTD versus those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (20 studies, 452 bvFTD, 874 AD). Differences between both verbal and non-verbal working memory, episodic memory learning and recall, and recognition memory were examined. Data were extracted from the papers and combined into a common metric measure of effect, Hedges’ d. Results: Patients with bvFTD show large deficits in memory performance compared to controls (Hedges’ d –1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] [–1.23, –0.95]), but perform significantly better than patients with AD (Hedges’ d 0.85; 95% CI [0.69, 1.03]). Learning and recall tests differentiate best between patients with bvFTD and AD (p<.01). There is 37–62% overlap in test scores between the two groups. Conclusions: This study points to memory disorders in patients with bvFTD, with performance at an intermediate level between controls and patients with AD. This indicates that, instead of being an exclusion criterion for bvFTD diagnosis, memory deficits should be regarded as a potential integral part of the clinical spectrum. (JINS, 2018, 24, 593–605)
Evaluation of community pharmacists’ roles in screening and communication of risks about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Thailand
Authors: Phueanpinit Pacharaporn , Pongwecharak Juraporn , Krska Janet , Jarernsiripornkul Narumol
Published: March 2018

Aim

This study aimed to explore community pharmacists’ roles on screening for risk factors, providing safety information-related non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to patients.

Background

NSAIDs are widely dispensed without a prescription from pharmacies in Thailand, while they are frequently reported as causing adverse events.

Methods

Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all accredited pharmacies in Thailand, inviting the main pharmacist in each pharmacy to participate in this study.

Findings

Out of 406 questionnaires distributed, 159 were returned (39.2%). Almost all pharmacists claimed to engage in NSAID dispensing practice, but not all of them provided relevant good practice, such as, screening for risk factors (56.3–95.5%), communication on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (36.9–63.2%) and ADR management (58.9–79.7%), history of gastrointestinal (GI) problems was frequently mentioned for screening, but many pharmacists did not screen for history of NSAID use (24.7–35.5%), older age (45.2–48.9%), concomitant drug (63.7%), and problems of cardiovascular (24.1%), renal (34.9–43.3%), and liver systems (60.3–61.0%). Male pharmacists were significantly less likely to inform users of non-selective NSAIDs about ADRs [odds ratio (OR) 0.44], while provision of information about selective NSAID ADRs was higher among pharmacy owners (OR 2.28), pharmacies with more pharmacists (OR 3.18), and lower in pharmacies with assistants (OR 0.41). Screening for risk factors, and risk communication about NSAIDs were not generally conducted in Thai accredited community pharmacists, nor were NSAID complications fully communicated. Promoting of community pharmacists’ roles in NSAID dispensing should give priority to improving, especially in high-risk patients for taking NSAIDs.
IALS@70: the Growth of the IALS Library and its Development of Digital Initiatives for the UK Legal Community
Authors: Gee David
Published: March 2018

In this article, David Gee, Deputy Librarian & Academic Services Manager at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) in the University of London, writes about the launch of IALS Digital. As a way of placing the launch into context, he outlines the growth of the IALS Library over the past 70 years and describes the development of a wide range of digital initiatives over the past 30 years.
The European Court of Human Rights in National Struggles around Religion and Education
Authors: Anagnostou Dia , Andreescu Liviu
Published: March 2018

This paper analyzes comparatively the indirect effects of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments related to religion and education in four countries: Greece, Italy, Romania, and Turkey. It examines whether and how ECtHR jurisprudence on religion and education influences the views and the strategies deployed by various categories of actors. Do religious, secularist, minority, and other actors invoke these judgments and their normative principles in their discourse and mobilization strategies to promote religious pluralism or conversely religious values, in education? How are the norms that are enunciated in these judgments perceived by a diverse array of nationally situated actors who mobilize in this domain?
Undesirable Effects of Goal Setting on Perceived Fairness, Commitment, and Unethical Behavior
Authors: Keith Nina
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The positive effects of goal setting on motivation and performance are among the most established findings of industrial–organizational psychology. Accordingly, goal setting is a common management technique. Lately, however, potential negative effects of goal-setting, for example, on unethical behavior, are increasingly being discussed. This research replicates and extends a laboratory experiment conducted in the United States. In one of three goal conditions (do-your-best goals, consistently high goals, increasingly high goals), 101 participants worked on a search task in five rounds. Half of them (transparency yes/no) were informed at the outset about goal development. We did not find the expected effects on unethical behavior but medium-to-large effects on subjective variables: Perceived fairness of goals and goal commitment were least favorable in the increasing-goal condition, particularly in later goal rounds. Results indicate that when designing goal-setting interventions, organizations may consider potential undesirable long-term effects.
Attitudes Toward Immigrants Among the Youth
Authors: Jones Siân , Rutland Adam
Published: March 2018

Abstract. In recent years in our increasingly globalized world in many countries we have seen the rise of anti-immigrant feelings among the youth. This has resulted in both discrimination against immigrants and negative psychological outcomes which harm both the individual and hinder social integration within society. In this article, we highlight how psychological research can play an important role in informing the design and conduct of educational interventions based on intergroup contact theory that are aimed at reducing prejudice toward immigrants. We review recent research showing anti-immigrant attitudes among the youth across the globe, and how these attitudes are related to parental and peer relationships. Research indicates that a color-blind approach to prejudice reduction among youth is not helpful and, in contrast, it suggests a more effective approach could be a multicultural approach to diversity, which celebrates both group differences and similarities while promoting social integration through quality contact between different social groups. Recent psychological research shows that this contact can take many forms, ranging from direct contact (i.e., cross-ethnic friendships), to extended contact (i.e., reading a book in which someone from your group has a positive interaction with someone from another group) and even imagined contact (i.e., engaging in imagined play involving characters from different groups having positive relations). The findings of this research demonstrate that it is possible to challenge anti-immigrant attitudes when and where they develop in young people.
Religious Fundamentalism and Radicalization Among Muslim Minority	Youth in Europe
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel
Published: March 2018

Abstract. In Europe there are important concerns about fundamentalist religious beliefs among Muslim youth and “homegrown” radicalization that can lead to violent extremism. For these phenomena, different explanations are given, but there is very little systematic empirical research. Based on the existing conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literature and using a social psychological perspective, the current paper discusses religious fundamentalism and radicalization among Muslim minority youth in Europe. Specifically, feelings of uncertainty, perceived hostility, and perceived injustice are discussed as three important psychological factors involved in radicalization. Furthermore, the critical importance of intra- and intergroup processes and social networks is discussed. The review of the research is concluded by providing some directions and suggestions for future research and for prevention and intervention.
Tetraphenylpyrazine-based luminogens with full-colour emission
Authors: Pan Lingxiang , Cai Yuanjing , Wu Haozhong , Zhou Fan , Qin Anjun , Wang Zhiming , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2018

Full-colour emissive tetraphenylpyrazine-based luminogens are designed and prepared and their structure–photophysical property relationship is elaborated.
LAPONITE® nanorods regulating degradability, acidic-alkaline microenvironment, apatite mineralization and MC3T3-E1 cells responses to poly(butylene succinate) based bio-nanocomposite scaffolds
Authors: Tang Liangchen , Wei Wu , Wang Xuehong , Qian Jun , Li Jianyou , He Axiang , Yang Lili , Jiang Xuesheng , Li Xiongfeng , Wei Jie
Published: March 2018

PBSu/LAP bio-nanocomposite scaffolds were prepared, and the sPL30 scaffolds significantly stimulated cell adhesion and proliferation.
Stoichiometrically controlled chirality inversion in zinc bisporphyrinate–monoamine complexes
Authors: Hu Tingting , Hu Chuanjiang , Wang Yong , Young David James , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: March 2018

A novel bisporphyrin with a naphthalenecarboxamide substituent on the linker demonstrates tuning of chirality transfer from guest to host. Stoichiometrically controlled chirality inversion was observed with 1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine as the guest.
High switchable dielectric phase transition originating from distortion in inorganic–organic hybrid materials (H2dabco-C2H5) [MIICl4] (M = Co, Zn)
Authors: Ji Qin , Li Linhai , Deng Siyu , Cao Xingxing , Chen Lizhuang
Published: March 2018

Two phase transition materials (H2dabco-C2H5)[ZnCl4] and (H2dabco-C2H5)[CoCl4] were synthesized and characterized.
Emerging Investigators 2018
Authors: Barner–Kowollik Christopher
Published: March 2018

This themed issue of Polymer Chemistry highlights the work of emerging investigators in polymer chemistry. Editor-in-Chief Christopher Barner–Kowollik introduces the issue.
Highly efficient, catalyst-free, one-pot, pseudo-seven-component synthesis of novel poly-substituted pyrazolyl-1,2-diazepine derivatives
Authors: Mojikhalifeh Sanaz , Hasaninejad Alireza
Published: March 2018

A novel, green and high yielding preparation of poly-substituted pyrazolyl-1,2-diazepine derivatives is describedviaa one-pot pseudo-seven-component condensation reaction under catalyst-free conditions in EtOH at room temperature.
Knockdown of UCA1 inhibits viability and glycolysis by suppressing PKM2 expression through the mTOR pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Xuguang , Fa Xian-En
Published: March 2018

LncRNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) was reported to be upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and contributed to NSCLC progression.
Cross-dehydrogenative coupling of coumarins with Csp3–H bonds using an iron–organic framework as a productive heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Doan Son H. , Nguyen Vu H. H. , Nguyen Thuong H. , Pham Phuc H. , Nguyen Ngoc N. , Phan Anh N. Q. , Tu Thach N. , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: March 2018

The iron–organic framework VNU-20 was utilized as an active heterogeneous catalyst for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of coumarins with Csp3–H bonds in alkylbenzenes, cyclohexanes, ethers, and formamides.
Enhanced photoreduction degradation of polybromodiphenyl ethers with Fe3O4-g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation
Authors: Shao Ying-Ying , Ye Wei-Dong , Sun Chun-Yan , Liu Chun-Lin , Wang Qi , Chen Chun-cheng , Gu Jia-Yun , Chen Xiao-Qing
Published: March 2018

The enhanced photoreduction degradation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers with magnetic separable Fe3O4-g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation is reported.
Simulations of the synthesis of boron-nitride nanostructures in a hot, high pressure gas volume
Authors: Krstic Predrag S. , Han Longtao , Irle Stephan , Nakai Hiromi
Published: March 2018

Quantum-classical molecular dynamics reveals optimal molecular precursors and temperatures for synthesis of boron-nitride nanostructures.
Mesoporous La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 perovskites with large surface areas as stable air electrodes for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Ishihara T. , Guo L. M. , Miyano T. , Inoishi Y. , Kaneko K. , Ida S.
Published: March 2018

Extremely positive effects of a mesoporous structure in La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 on the cycle life of the Zn–air battery (>1000 cycles).
A supramolecular approach for versatile biofunctionalization of magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Changming , Wu Jingxian , Wei Ting , Zhan Wenjun , Qu Yangcui , Pan Yue , Yu Qian , Chen Hong
Published: March 2018

A convenient and versatile approach for biofunctionalization of magnetic nanoparticles was developed based on supramolecular host–guest interaction.
The Influence of Misarticulations on Children's Word Identification and Processing
Authors: Krueger Breanna I. , Storkel Holly L. , Minai Utako
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the present studies was to determine how children's identification and processing of misarticulated words was influenced by substitution commonness.

Method

Sixty-one typically developing preschoolers across 3 experiments heard accurate productions of words (e.g., “leaf”), words containing common substitutions (e.g., “weaf”), and words containing uncommon substitutions (e.g., “yeaf”). On each trial, preschoolers chose between a real object picture (e.g., a leaf) and a nonobject (e.g., an anomalous line drawing). Accuracy and processing were measured using MouseTracker and eye tracking.

Results

Overall, children chose real objects significantly more when presented with accurate productions (e.g., “leaf”) than misarticulated productions (e.g., “weaf” or “yeaf”). Within misarticulation conditions, children chose real objects significantly more when hearing common misarticulations (e.g., “weaf”) than uncommon misarticulations (e.g., “yeaf”). Preschoolers identified words significantly faster and with greater certainty in accurate conditions than misarticulated conditions.

Conclusions

The results of the present studies indicate that the commonness of substitutions influences children's identification of misarticulated words. Children hear common substitutions more frequently and therefore were supported in their identification of these words as real objects. The presence of substitutions, however, slowed reaction time when compared with accurate productions.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5965510
The Potential Effect of Forbrain as an Altered Auditory Feedback Device
Authors: Escera Carles , López-Caballero Fran , Gorina-Careta Natàlia
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to run a proof of concept on a new commercially available device, Forbrain® (Sound For Life Ltd/Soundev, Luxemburg, model UN38.3), to test whether it can modulate the speech of its users.

Method

Participants were instructed to read aloud a text of their choice during 3 experimental phases: baseline, test, and posttest, while wearing a Forbrain® headset. Critically, for half of the participants (Forbrain group), the device was turned on during the test phase, whereas for the other half (control group), the device was kept off. Voice recordings were analyzed to derive 6 quantitative measures of voice quality over each of the phases of the experiment.

Results

A significant Group × Phase interaction was obtained for the smoothed cepstral peak prominence, a measure of voice harmony, and for the trendline of the long-term average spectrum, a measure of voice robustness, this latter surviving Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate the effectiveness of Forbrain® in modifying the speech of its users. It is suggested that Forbrain® works as an altered auditory feedback device. It may hence be used as a clinical device in speech therapy clinics, yet further studies are warranted to test its usefulness in clinical groups.
Strength and Microstructure of Concrete with Iron Ore Tailings as Replacement for River Sand
Authors: Umara Shettima Ali , Ahmad Yusof , Warid Hussin Mohd , Zakari Muhammad Nasiru , Eziekel Babatude Ogunbode
Published: March 2018

River Sand is one of the basic ingredients used in the production of concrete. Consequently, continuous consumption of sand in construction industry contributes significantly to depletion of natural resources. To achieve more sustainable construction materials, this paper reports the use of iron ore tailings (IOT) as replacement for river sand in concrete production. IOT is a waste product generated from the production of iron ore and disposed to land fill without any economic value. Concrete mixtures containing different amount of IOT were designed for grade C30 with water to cement ratio of 0.60. The percentage ratios of the river sand replacements by IOT were 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Concrete microstructure test namely, XRD and Field Emission Scanned Electron Microscopic/Energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM/EDX) were conducted for control and IOT concretes in order to determine the interaction and performance of the concrete containing IOT. Test results indicated that the slump values of 130 mm and 80 to 110 mm were recorded for the control and IOT concretes respectively. The concrete sample of 50% IOT recorded the highest compressive strength of 37.7 MPa at 28 days, and the highest flexural strength of 5.5 MPa compared to 4.7 MPa for reference concrete. The texture of the IOT is rough and angular which was able to improve the strength of the concrete.
3D resistivity survey for shallow subsurface fault investigations
Authors: Petrit Kraipat , Klamthim Poonnapa , Duerrast Helmut
Published: March 2018

The shallow subsurface is subject to various human activities, and the place of occurrence of geohazards, e.g. shallow active faults. The identification of the location and orientation of such faults can be vital for infrastructure development. The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost 3D resistivity survey system, with reasonable survey time for shallow fault investigations. The study area in Songkhla Province, Thailand is located in an old quarry where faults could be identified in outcrops. The study area was designed to cover the expected fault with 100 electrodes arranged in a 10×10 square grid with an electrode spacing of 3 meters in x and y axis. Each electrode in turn was used as a current and potential electrode using a dipole-dipole array. Field data have been processed and interpreted using 3DResINV. Results, presented in horizontal depth slices and vertical xz- and yz-cross sections, revealed through differences in resistivity down to 8 m depths a complex structural setting with two shallow faults and dipping sedimentary rock layers. In conclusion, this study has shown that a 3D resistivity survey can imagine complex tectonic structures, thus providing a far more insight into the shallow subsurface.
Panel Board From Coconut Fibre And Pet Bottle
Authors: Ngadiman Norhayati , Kaamin Masiri , Abd. Kadir Aslila , Sahat Suhaila , Zaini Aziza , Nor Zentan Siti Raihana , Ahmad Nur Ain , Wan Amran Wan Haizatul Aisyhah
Published: March 2018

The rate of global deforestation and its impact on the environment has led particle board manufacture to search for alternative feedstock, especially in countries where wood is less available compared to other cellulosic natural product. Based on the properties of coconut fibre and PET bottle, these two materials can be recycle as raw material for manufacture of panel board. As for this study, the coconut fibre were used as the filler and PET bottle as outer lining of the panel board. Two types of coconut fibre were used which are grinding and un-grinding coconut fibre. At first, the coconut fibre are undergoes softening, grinding, drying and sieving process, while PET bottle was cleaning, shredding, sieving before compacted using hydraulic hot press machine. There are four types of testing that been carried out which are swelling, water absorption, Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR). The result show the conventional board has the highest value for MOE test, so it’s indicate that the conventional board is less strength from the coconut fibre board. As for water absorption test, the average water absorption of coconut fibre based panel board is less than conventional board. Overall, the coconut fibre board is better than conventional panel board because coconut fibre board are less swelling, has low water absorption, high modulus of rupture and low modulus of elasticity. Based on the finding, this coconut fibre panel board has potential as a stronger and long-lasting panel board than the conventional board in the market. Other than that, the panel also have their own aesthetic value since the recycled plastic bottle used as outer lining is colourful and giving aesthetic value.
Preliminary Investigation of Acoustical Properties of Concrete Containing Oil Palm Shell as an Aggregate Replacement
Authors: Zanariah J. , Zaiton H. , Musli Nizam Y. , Khairulzan Y. , Dianah M. , Nadirah D. , Mohd Hanifi O.
Published: March 2018

Research has been so far focused extensively on mechanical properties of oil palm shell (OPS) concrete but less on sound properties. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate whether concrete containing OPS can be applied in the field of road noise barrier. The acoustic properties of the samples were determined by using an impedance tube connected to a sound source. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) and weighted sound absorption coefficient (αw) which is more commonly use in the road traffic noise barrier field were calculated according to BS EN ISO 11654:1997. Compressive strengths of samples were also determined by using compressive test. The results presented that the compressive strength of the OPS composites decreased as increased in w/c wit minimum of 20.44 N/mm2 at 28 days for w/c = 0.6 but still satisfactory for structural use. The sound absorption coefficient demonstrated that they were decreased as the w/c are higher with typical curve of two peaks at 315Hz and 1000Hz. All samples were then can be classified as class E as 0.5< αw < 0.25 and should be classified as L due to favourable deviation higher than 0.25 for 250 Hz.
Submerged Glow-Discharge Plasma: An Economical Approach to Convert Construction Scrap Metal into Nanomaterials
Authors: Yek Peter Nai Yuh , Julaihi Muhammad Rafiq Mirza , Osman Mohammad Shahril , Tiong Tung Chuan , Lee Wak Ha , Lee Chern Leing
Published: March 2018

Submerged glow-discharge plasma (SGDP) is relatively new among the various methods available for nanomaterials synthesis (NMs) techniques. This method allows great control over the production cost of nanomaterials synthesis. A lab-scale batch type SDGP technology has been constructed to produce nanomaterials and investigate the inter-relationship between plasma excitation voltages, electrodes submerged areas and electrolyte concentration. Metal oxide nanospheres has been synthesised from different electrolyte concentrations (1M-0.001M) and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). As the major results showed that the nanospheres are uniformly spherical with diameter size distribution are between 100 nm - 2μm. EDS analysis shown the nano-Iron Oxide have been formed. Scrap metal initially showed around 6.45% and 93.55% of Carbon and Iron composition respectively. After SGDP process to the scrap metal, Carbon content has increased to 34-35% and Iron content has reduced to around 15-40%. EDS results also shown the higher percentage of Iron amount has remained with lower electrolyte concentration and Current is proportionally related to submersion area of cathode.
Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Concrete Using Recycled Cement-Sand Brick as Coarse Aggregates Replacement
Authors: Joohari Ilya , Ishak Nor Farhani , Amin Norliyati Mohd
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the result of replacing natural course aggregate with recycled cement-sand brick (CSB) towards the mechanical properties of concrete. Natural aggregates were used in this study as a control sample to compare with recycled coarse aggregates. This study was also carried to determine the optimum proportion of coarse aggregates replacement to produce lightweight concrete. Besides, this study was conducted to observe the crack and its behaviour development during the mechanical testing. Through this study, four types of concrete mixed were prepared, which were the control sample, 25%, 50% and 75% replacement of CSB. The test conducted to determine the effectiveness of recycled CSB as coarse aggregates replacement in this study were slump test, density measurement, compression test, and flexural test and. The strength of concrete was tested at 7 days and 28 days of curing. From the results obtained, the optimum proportion which produced the highest strength is 25% replacement of recycled CSB. The compressive and flexural strength has decreased by 10%-12% and 4%-34% respectively compared to the control sample. The presence of recycled coarse aggregates in sample has decreased the density of concrete by 0.8%-3% compared to the control sample.
Mechanical and Thermal Analysis of Classical Functionally Graded Coated Beam
Authors: Toudehdehghan Abdolreza , Mujibur Rahman Md. , Tarlochan Faris
Published: March 2018

The governing equation of a classical rectangular coated beam made of two layers subjected to thermal and uniformly distributed mechanical loads are derived by using the principle of virtual displacements and based on Euler-Bernoulli deformation beam theory (EBT). The aim of this paper was to analyze the static behavior of clamped-clamped thin coated beam under thermo-mechanical load using MATLAB. Two models were considered for composite coated. The first model was consisting of ceramic layer as a coated and substrate which was metal (HC model). The second model was consisting of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) as a coated layer and metal substrate (FGC model). From the result it was apparent that the superiority of the FGC composite against conventional coated composite has been demonstrated. From the analysis, the stress level throughout the thickness at the interface of the coated beam for the FGC was reduced. Yet, the deflection in return was observed to increase. Therefore, this could cater to various new engineering applications where warrant the utilization of material that has properties that are well-beyond the capabilities of the conventional or yesteryears materials.
Biodiesel Derive Bio-oil of Hermetia illucens Pre-pupae Catalysed by Sulphonated Biochar
Authors: Leong Siew Yoong , Chong Soo Shin , Chin Kah Seng
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the development of biochar catalyst from bamboo applied for biodiesel synthesis. A non-conventional biodiesel feedstock was used in the in-situ transesterification reaction. This non-conventional feedstock is obtained from an insect’s fly, the Hermetia illucens fly. Biochar derived from bamboo has been investigated as a promising catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. The biochar acid catalysts were prepared by sulphonation via impregnation with concentrated sulphuric acid. The prepared catalysts were investigated for their performance to catalyse in-situ transesterification via ultra-sonication of Hermetia illucens bio-oil. The effects of carbonisation time (1 hour and 2 hour) and temperature (400°C, 500°C and 600°C) as well as catalyst loading (5-20 wt% on oil basis) on the transesterification yield were studied. Result showed that the highest yield of FAME obtained was 95.6% with catalyst loading of 15 wt% carbonized at 500°C for 2 hours. Sharp band of methyl ester functional groups were observed in the FTIR spectra at 1735-1750cm-1. The composition of this methyl ester was further deduced using gas chromatography and the fatty acid was predominantly lauric acid.
Study on The Effectiveness of Egg Tray and Coir Fibre as A Sound Absorber
Authors: Kaamin Masiri , Ahmad Nor Farah Atiqah , Ngadiman Norhayati , Abdul Kadir Aslila , Mohd Razali Siti Nooraiin , Mokhtar Mardiha , Sahat Suhaila
Published: March 2018

Sound or noise pollution has become one major issues to the community especially those who lived in the urban areas. It does affect the activity of human life. This excessive noise is mainly caused by machines, traffic, motor vehicles and also any unwanted sounds that coming from outside and even from the inside of the building. Such as a loud music. Therefore, the installation of sound absorption panel is one way to reduce the noise pollution inside a building. The selected material must be a porous and hollow in order to absorb high frequency sound. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of egg tray and coir fibre as a sound absorption panel. The coir fibre has a good coefficient value which make it suitable as a sound absorption material and can replace the traditional material; syntactic and wooden material. The combination of pyramid shape of egg tray can provide a large surface for uniform sound reflection. This study was conducted by using a panel with size 1 m x 1 m with a thickness of 6 mm. This panel consist of egg tray layer, coir fibre layer and a fabric as a wrapping for the aesthetic value. Room reverberation test has been carried to find the loss of reverberation time (RT). Result shows that, a reverberation time reading is on low frequency, which is 125 Hz to 1600 Hz. Within these frequencies, this panel can shorten the reverberation time of 5.63s to 3.60s. Hence, from this study, it can be concluded that the selected materials have the potential as a good sound absorption panel. The comparison is made with the previous research that used egg tray and kapok as a sound absorption panel.
Heavy metal recovery from electric arc furnace steel slag by using hydrochloric acid leaching
Authors: Jin Wei Lim , Teng Haan Ong , Choong Shean Yaw Thomas , Chuah Abdullah Luqman , Abdul Razak Mus’ab , Cionita Tezara , Toudehdehghan Abdolreza
Published: March 2018

Electric Arc Furnace steel slag (EAFS) is the waste produced in steelmaking industry. Environmental problem such as pollution will occur when dumping the steel slag waste into the landfill. These steel slags have properties that are suitable for various applications such as water treatment and wastewater. The objective of this study is to develop efficient and economical chlorination route for EAFS extraction by using leaching process. Various parameters such as concentration of hydrochloric acid, particle size of steel slag, reaction time and reaction temperature are investigated to determine the optimum conditions. As a result, the dissolution rate can be determined by changing the parameters, such as concentration of hydrochloric acid, particle size of steel slag, reaction time and reaction temperature. The optimum conditions for dissolution rates for the leaching process is at 3.0 M hydrochloric acid, particle size of 1.18 mm, reaction time of 2.5 hour and the temperature of 90°C.
Generalization of Water Pricing Model in Agriculture and Domestic Groundwater for Water Sustainability and Conservation
Authors: Kim Hek Tan , Fadzli Ramli Mohammad , Iryanto  , Rohana Goh Siti , Faiz M. Zaki Mohd
Published: March 2018

The water requirement greatly increased due to population growth, increased agricultural areas and industrial development, thus causing high water demand. The complex problems facing by country is water pricing is not designed optimally as a staple of human needs and on the other hand also cannot guarantee the maintenance and distribution of water effectively. The cheap water pricing caused increase of water use and unmanageable water resource. Therefore, the more optimal water pricing as an effective control of water policy is needed for the sake of ensuring water resources conservation and sustainability. This paper presents the review on problems, issues and mathematical modelling of water pricing based on agriculture and domestic groundwater for water sustainability and conservation.
Acid Pretreatment of Sago Wastewater for Biohydrogen Production
Authors: Mohamad Puad Noor Illi , Abd Rahim Nurainin Farhan , Azmi Azlin Suhaida
Published: March 2018

Biohydrogen has been recognized to be one of the future renewable energy sources and has the potential in solving the greenhouse effects. In this study, Enterobacter aerogenes (E. aerogenes) was used as the biohydrogen producer via dark fermentation process using sago wastewater as the substrate. However, pretreatment of sago wastewater is required since it consists of complex sugars that cannot be utilized directly by the bacteria. This study aimed to use acid pretreatment method to produce high amount of glucose from sago wastewater. Three different types of acid: sulfuric acid (H2SO4); hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3) were screened for the best acid in producing a maximum amount of glucose. H2SO4 gave the highest amount of glucose which was 9.406 g/L. Design of experiment was done using Face-centred Central Composite Design (FCCCD) tool under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Design Expert 9 software. The maximum glucose (9.138 g/L) was recorded using 1 M H2SO4 at 100 °C for 60 min. A batch dark fermentation using E. aerogenes was carried out and it was found that pretreated sago wastewater gave a higher hydrogen concentration (1700 ppm) compared to the raw wastewater (410 ppm).
Adequacy of Flood Relief Shelters: A Case Study in Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Zahari Nur Zawani , Hashim Ahmad Mustafa
Published: March 2018

The recent flood event occurred in 2014 had caused disastrous effects in Peninsular Malaysia in states of Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Perak, Johor and Perlis. Perak state was reported with 12,115 victims from 2,896 families registered at 77 relief shelters. There are several issues encountered by the victims and related agencies which caused inconveniences and interruptions during the flooding period. Besides, the usage of public buildings as relief shelters contributes to deterioration of the infrastructures whereby their suitability, convenient, capacity and safety might not be optimum for longer period of time. This paper focuses on the assessment of relief shelters established in Perak Tengah district, Perak. Standards and guidelines for relief shelters were reviewed according to the most relevant agreed principles for humanitarian response. Data and information in this study were obtained from survey activities, interview sessions and observations. In Perak Tengah, more than 50% of the previous relief shelters were public buildings with low capacity areas. Strategic location of shelters with proper design standards should be established to ensure safe and healthy environment for the victims. Findings from this paper provide important outcomes to serve as better preparation in handling future disaster.
Dam pre-release as an important operation strategy in reducing flood impact in Malaysia
Authors: Hidayah Ishak Nurul , Mustafa Hashim Ahmad
Published: March 2018

The 2014 flood was reported to be one of the worst natural disaster has ever affected several states in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. Overwhelming rainfall was noted as one of the main factors causing such impact, which was claimed to be unprecedented to some extent. The state of Perak, which is blessed with four cascading dams had also experienced flood damage at a scale that was considered the worst in history. The rainfall received had caused the dam to reach danger level that necessitated additional discharge to be released. Safety of the dams was of great importance and such unavoidable additional discharge was allowed to avoid catastrophic failure of the dam structures. This paper discusses the dam pre-release as a significant dam management strategy in reducing flood impact. An important balance between required dam storage to be maintained and the risk element that can be afforded is the crucial factor in such enhanced operation strategy. While further possibility in developing a carefully engineered dam pre-release strategy can be explored for dam operation in Malaysia, this has already been introduced in some developed countries. Australia and South Africa are examples where pre-release has been practiced and proven to reduce flood risk. The concept involves controlling the dam lake level throughout the year, in reference to the rainfall data and the hydrological properties for the catchment area of the dams. Plentiful data analysis need to be done in contemplation of producing the optimal pre-release model. The amount of heavy rainfalls received is beyond human control but the distribution of the discharge from the dams can be further managed with the appropriate pre-release strategy.
Settling properties of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and aerobic granular sludge molasses (AGSM)
Authors: Mat Saad Azlina , Dahalan Farrah Aini , Ibrahim Naimah , Yusuf Sara Yasina , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Abdul Khalil Khalilah
Published: March 2018

Aerobic granulation technology is applied to treat domestic and industrial wastewater. The Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) cultivated has strong properties that appears to be denser and compact in physiological structure compared to the conventional activated sludge. It offers rapid settling for solid:liquid separation in wastewater treatment. Aerobic granules were developed using sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with intermittent aerobic – anaerobic mode with 8 cycles in 24 hr. This study examined the settling velocity performance of cultivated aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and aerobic granular sludge molasses (AGSM). The elemental composition in both AGS and AGSM were determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results showed that AGSM has higher settling velocity 30.5 m/h compared to AGS.