bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holocaust Abuse
Authors: Sells Michael A.
Published: October 2015

This essay reconsiders the category of “Holocaust denial” as the marked indicator of ethical transgression inHolocaust historiography withinAmerican civil religion. It maintains that the present category excludes and thereby enables other violations of responsible Holocaust historiography. To demonstrate the nature and gravity of such violations, the essay engages the widespread claim thatHajjMuhammadAmin al‐Husayni, the former mufti ofJerusalem, was an instigator, promoter, or “driving spirit” of theNazi genocide againstJews, and the associated suggestions of widerArab andMuslim complicity. The essay uncovers the history of theHusayni narrative in question, the dramatic circumstances in which it emerged, its role in the 1961 trial ofAdolfEichmann, and its rediscovery and misuse withinAmerican popular and political circles over the past two decades. Such misuse, it concludes, corrodesHolocaust recognition withinAmerican civil religion and demonstrates the need for a revision of the socially accepted ethical boundary for responsibleHolocaust historiography.
Single‐ and Cross‐Generation Natural Hedging of Longevity and Financial Risk
Authors: Luciano Elisa , Regis Luca , Vigna Elena
Published: October 2015

This article provides natural hedging strategies for life insurance and annuity businesses written on a single generation or on different generations in the presence of both longevity and interest‐rate risks. We obtain closed‐form solutions for delta and gamma hedges against cohort‐based longevity risk. We exploit the correlation between the mortality intensities of different generations and hedge the longevity risk of one cohort with products on other cohorts. An application with UK data on survivorship and bond dynamics shows that hedging is effective, even when rebalancing is infrequent.
Identification and regulation of host genes related to Rice stripe virus symptom production
Authors: Shi Bingbin , Lin Lin , Wang Shihui , Guo Qin , Zhou Hong , Rong Lingling , Li Junmin , Peng Jiejun , Lu Yuwen , Zheng Hongying , Yang Yong , Chen Zhuo , Zhao Jinping , Jiang Tong , Song Baoan , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei
Published: October 2015

Viral infections cause plant chlorosis, stunting, necrosis or other symptoms. The down‐regulation of chloroplast‐related genes (ChRGs) is assumed to be responsible for chlorosis.

We identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Rice stripe virus (RSV)‐infected Nicotiana benthamiana, and examined the contribution of 75 down‐regulated DEGs to RSV symptoms by silencing them one by one using Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)‐induced gene silencing.

Silencing of 11 of the 75 down‐regulated DEGs caused plant chlorosis, and nine of the 11 were ChRGs. Silencing of a down‐regulated DEG encoding the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) caused leaf‐twisting and stunting that were visible on RSV‐infected N. benthamiana. A region of RSV RNA4 was complementary to part of eIF4A mRNA and virus‐derived small interfering (vsiRNAs) from that region were present in infected N. benthamiana. When expressed as artificial microRNAs, those vsiRNAs could target NbeIF4A mRNA for regulation.

We provide experimental evidence supporting the association of ChRGs with chlorosis and show that eIF4A is involved in RSV symptom development. This is also the first report demonstrating that siRNA derived directly from a plant virus can target a host gene for regulation.
Evaluation of an Immunochromatographic Test to the Diagnosis of Canine Brucellosis Caused by Brucella canis
Authors: Keid LB , Diniz JA , Oliveira TMFS , Ferreira HL , Soares RM
Published: October 2015

Contents

This study evaluated the performance of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis, comparing its results with that of the rapid slide agglutination test with and without the use of 2‐mercaptoethanol and the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID). The microbiological culture, PCR and clinical examination were used as reference. According to the results obtained in clinical examination, blood culture, culture of semen and vaginal swab and PCR in blood, semen and vaginal swab, a total of 102 dogs were divided into three groups: B. canis‐infected dogs (Group 1), B. canis‐non‐infected dogs (Group 2) and dogs with suspected brucellosis (Group 3). The diagnostic sensitivity of RSAT, 2ME‐RSAT, AGID and ICT in Group 1 was, respectively, 75%, 37.5%, 27.8% and 89.58%. The diagnostic specificity of RSAT, 2ME‐RSAT, AGID and ICT in Group 2 was, respectively, 91%, 100%, 100%, and 100%. In dogs with suspected brucellosis, 9.67% were RSAT positive, none was positive by 2ME‐RSAT, 3.22% were AGID positive and 6.45% were ICT positive. The main drawback concerning canine brucellosis diagnosis is the lack of a highly sensitive serological assay to be used as a screening test to the rapid identification of infected animals. The ICT showed a high diagnostic specificity and a diagnostic sensitivity value greater than that observed in the RSAT, 2ME‐RSAT and AGID. However, 10.41% of infected dogs had negative results by ICT. These dogs were positive by microbiological culture and/or PCR, indicating active infection and consequently a higher potential of spreading Brucella. Although rapid and simple to perform, the ICT lacked sensitivity to be used as a screening test.
Beauty before age: landscape factors influence bird functional diversity in naturally regenerating fragments, but regeneration age does not
Authors: Dias Davi F. C. , Ribeiro Milton C. , Felber Yan T. , Cintra Ana L. P. , de Souza Natália S. , Hasui Érica
Published: October 2015

Effective ecological restoration actions should be able to recover ecosystem processes that influence community development in the long term. However, there is scarce information on how landscape factors promote or accelerate fauna recovery. We used a landscape framework to evaluate how functional groups respond to natural regeneration in a highly fragmented region of Atlantic Forest. Using bird functional groups sampled in 15 regenerating forest fragments, we built and ranked models using a model selection approach to test the relative effect of landscape variables on each group. Our results showed that bird community recovery is not determined by the duration of the regeneration process (i.e. forest age), but by how the species responds to the landscape context. Functional diversity and the abundance of the functional groups were mainly related to composition metrics, whereas the functional metric affected only specific groups. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the landscape level to ensure both the colonization of fauna and the restoration of ecological functions.
ThoracicSociety ofAustralia andNewZealand oxygen guidelines for acute oxygen use in adults: ‘Swimming between the flags’
Authors: Beasley Richard , Chien Jimmy , Douglas James , Eastlake Leonie , Farah Claude , King Gregory , Moore Rosemary , Pilcher Janine , Richards Michael , Smith Sheree , Walters Haydn
Published: October 2015

The purpose of theThoracicSociety ofAustralia andNewZealand guidelines is to provide simple, practical evidence‐based recommendations for the acute use of oxygen in adults in clinical practice. The intended users are all health professionals responsible for the administration and/or monitoring of oxygen therapy in the management of acute medical patients in the community and hospital settings (excluding perioperative and intensive care patients), those responsible for the training of such health professionals, and both public and private health care organizations that deliver oxygen therapy.
Progradational and backstepping shoreface deposits in the Ladinian to Early Norian Snadd Formation of the Barents Sea
Authors: Klausen Tore G. , Ryseth Alf , Helland‐Hansen William , Gjelberg Helge K.
Published: October 2015

Shoreface sandstone deposits within the Early Carnian part of the Snadd Formation of the Norwegian Barents Sea can be traced for hundreds of kilometres in the depositional strike direction and for tens of kilometres in the depositional‐dip direction. This study uses three‐dimensional seismic attribute mapping and two‐dimensional regional seismic profiles to visualize the seismic facies of these shoreface deposits and to map their internal stratigraphic architecture at a regional scale. The shoreface deposits are generally elongate but show variable width from north‐east to south‐west, which corresponds to a sediment source in the northern part of the basin and a southward decrease in longshore sediment transport. The Snadd Formation presents an example of how large‐scale progradational shoreface deposits develop. The linear nature of its shoreface deposits contrasts with more irregular, cuspate wave‐dominated deltaic shorelines that contain river outlets, and instead implies longshore drift as the main sediment source. In map view, discrete sets of linear features bounded by truncation surfaces scale directly to beach ridge sets in modern counterparts. The shoreface deposits studied here are characteristic in terms of scale and basin‐wide continuity, and offer insight into the contrast between shallow marine deposition under stable Triassic Greenhouse and fluctuating Holocene Icehouse climates. Findings presented herein are also important for hydrocarbon exploration in the Barents Sea, because they describe a hitherto poorly understood reservoir play in the Triassic interval, wherein the most prominent reservoir plays have so far been considered to be found in channelized deposits in net‐progradational delta‐plain strata that form the topsets to shelf‐edge clinoforms. The documented presence of widespread wave‐dominated shoreface deposits also has implications for how the relative importance of different sedimentary processes is considered within the basin during this period.
The use and abuse of oxytocin
Authors: Oláh Karl SJ , Steer Philip J
Published: October 2015

Key content

Oxytocin is a well‐established drug with a long history of use.

The generation of intrauterine pressure is a result of myometrial activity, but is attenuated by a softening cervix.

The introduction of active management regimens have not changed the outcome of labour as we envisaged.

Too many babies suffer asphyxia as a result of misuse of oxytocin.

Some form of education programme must be developed to warn of the dangers of this very useful drug.

Better training and education programmes must be in place for midwives and obstetricians for labour management and cardiotography interpretation.

Learning objectives

To outline the history of the development of oxytocin.

To understand the mechanism of intrauterine pressure development.

To understand the methods of intrauterine pressure measurement and assessment.

To understand the development of principles of active management with a discussion of the subsequent studies analysing the results of such labour management.

To outline the medicolegal aspects of labour augmentation, with particular reference to oxytocin use.

To discuss possible implications for the future.

Ethical issues

Should all women be given the information that oxytocin augmentation of slow labour may reduce the duration of labour by several hours but does not change the mode of delivery, whilst carrying a risk of causing fetal asphyxia?

Should women sign informed consent before their labours are augmented?

Should augmentation of labour only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a senior clinician?
The obstetric care of asylum seekers and refugee women in the UK
Authors: Asif Sonia , Baugh Amy , Jones Nia Wyn
Published: October 2015

Key content

Asylum seekers and refugees are a vulnerable group with regards to pregnancy outcomes and accessing maternity care.

Asylum seekers and refugees who are pregnant and living in the UK face medical, sexual and psychosocial challenges, including dispersal late in pregnancy.

The health needs of asylum seekers and refugees are complex but similar to other deprived and ethnic minority communities in the UK.

Asylum‐seeking women are three times more likely to die in childbirth and up to four times more likely to experience postnatal depression than the general population because of a complex combination of physical, psychological, educational, monetary and language problems.

Healthcare professionals may not be aware of the legal issues surrounding asylum seekers, and therefore may not provide adequate help and support.

Learning objectives

To gain knowledge of how to provide good antenatal care for this group of vulnerable women.

To be able to describe the medical, sexual and psychosocial issues that face pregnant asylum seekers and refugee women in the UK.

To gain awareness of the legal aspects of seeking asylum in the UK and its impact on accessing health care, especially in pregnancy.

Ethical issues

Should the NHS provide free health care to failed asylum seekers?

Is it justified to disperse pregnant women late in the third trimester (up to 36 weeks of gestation) to prevent destitution with consequent fragmentation of care and isolation of the women?
FDI Spatial Spillovers in China
Authors: Lin Mi , Kwan Yum K.
Published: October 2015

This paper studies FDI spatial spillovers in China. Empirical investigation reveals that, along the spatial dimension, FDI presence tends to generate negative intraregional spillovers that dominate other potential positive externalities. The direction, magnitude and scope of inter‐regional spillovers vary, depending on the spillover channels. Our empirical findings call for a rethinking of policy‐driven agglomeration among indigenous firms and MNEs in developing countries.
EFFECT OF WEATHERED SURFACE CRUST LAYER ON STABILITY OF MUAR TRIAL EMBANKMENT
Authors: Sobhanmanesh Ali , Nazir Ramli , SaadatkhaH Nader
Published: October 2015

his paper attempts to evaluate the effect of surface crust layer on the stability and deformation behavior of embankment. A full-scale case history trial embankment constructed on Muar flat in the valley of the Muar River in Malaysia was modeled and analyzed. The Muar trial embankment was simulated in two- and three-dimension (2-D and 3-D) utilizing finite element programs PLAXIS 2-D AND PLAXIS 3-D FOUNDATION, using staged-construction procedure. Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying the thickness of weathered crust layer beneath the embankment fill, i.e., three models of embankment with no surface crust, 1 m surface crust and 2 m surface crust layer. Predictions were made for the vertical and the horizontal displacements of the embankment. Factor of safety for each meter increase in the embankment height was defined until the failure is reached. It is concluded that the bearing capacity of the ground and the deformation behavior of the embankment were sensitive to the thickness of the weathered crust layer. The surface crust layer has a positive effect on the stability of the embankment and consequently reduces the settlement and increases the failure height of the embankment fill up to 37%.
SOIL WATER CHARACTERISTIC CURVES OF COMPACTED KAOLIN FOR VARIOUS INITIAL MOISTURE CONTENT
Authors: Hezmi Muhammad Azril , Saari Radzuan , Zahari Mohd Zakri , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty , A Rashid Ahmad Safuan
Published: October 2015

The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), also known as soil water retention curve (SWRC), describes the relationship between water content and soil suction in unsaturated soils. The importance of SWCC can be seen, as the relationship affects geotechnical properties such as shear strength, volume change, permeability and deformability of unsaturated soils. This paper presented a preliminary study on the effect of initial water content and the density on SWCC on unsaturated compacted kaolin. Filter paper technique was used for suction measurement on the unsaturated compacted kaolin soil. Filter paper was used to determine total suction and matric suction through contact and noncontact technique. The calibration curve was used to relate with the gravimetric water content obtained in filter paper with corresponding suction. A comparison on SWCC established through filter paper was also compared with that of the axis translation technique (pressure plate extractor). The study found that the initial water content and the density respectively, have great influence on the SWCC of compacted kaolin. However, the combined effect could be seen significantly at lower suction
EFFECT OF ALIGNMENT ON THE QUALITY OF BENDER ELEMENT PROCEDURE
Authors: Alshameri Badee , Bakar Ismail , Madun Aziman , Mohamad Edy Tonnizam
Published: October 2015

One of the main geophysical tools (seismic tools) in the laboratory is the bender element. This tool can be used to measure some dynamic soil properties (e.g. shear and Young’s modulus). However, even if it relatively simple to use the bender element, inconsistent testing procedures can cause poor quality in the bender element data. One of the bender element procedure that always neglected is the alignment (different positions of bender element receiver to the transmitter in the vertical axis). The alignment effect was evaluated via changing the horizontal distance between transmitter and receiver starting from 0 to 110 mm for two sizes of the sample's thickness (i.e. 63.17 mm and 91.51 mm). Five methods were applied to calculate the travel times. Those methods were as the following: visually, first-peak, maximum-peak, CCexcel and CCGDS. In general, the experiments indicated uncertain results for both of the P-wave (primary wave) and S-wave (secondary wave) velocities at zone of Dr:D above 0.5:1 (where Dr is the horizontal distance of the receiver from the vertical axis and D is the thickness of the sample). On the other hand, both the visual and first-peak methods show the wave velocities results are higher than obtained from other methods. However, the ratio between the amplitude of transmitter signals to receiver amplitude signal was taken to calculate the damping-slope of the P-wave and S-wave. Thus the results from damping slope show steeply slope when the ratio of  Dr:D is above 0.5:1 compare with gentle slope below ratio 0.5:1 at the sample with thickness equal to 91.51 mm, while there is no variation at a slope in sample with thickness equal to 63.17 mm.
EXCAVATION ASSESSMENT IN WET TROPICALLY SEDIMENTARY ROCK
Authors: Liang Maybelle , Mohamad Edy Tonnizam , Komoo Ibrahim , Chau-Khun Ma
Published: October 2015

The selection of suitable methods to be employed for surface excavation works is particularly important in geotechnical engineering projects. Factors such as environmental constrains, rock properties and size of site may affect the selection of machine required for surface excavation. Wrong selection of equipment and technique can result in unrecoverable expenses and thus, should be avoided. Great challenges in excavation works are expected in sedimentary rock where the occurrence of discontinuity such as bedding thickness, foliation and the inhomogeneity of rock as well as effect of moisture can greatly affect its excavatability. This paper aims to identify and highlight the factors affecting the excavation works in wet tropically weathered sedimentary area as what have been experienced in Malaysia. Some of these factors, however, are not specified in the existing general excavatability assessments. Assessment by practical excavation was carried out at three sedimentary rock sites in Nusajaya, Malaysia, taking into account the related parameters. Statistical analysis by using SPSS was then being conducted in order to determine the correlation of each parameter with productivity of excavation and their significance in affecting the excavatability.Based on the results obtained, it was found that the parameters such as Is50, R, UCS, density, ITS, Js, JL, Jd, IP and moisture content play significant roles in affecting the excavatability of sedimentary rocks. Meanwhile, the existence of bedding, Id2 and Jn are deemed to be neglected. It is believed that this study can help to enhance the knowledge on factors that complicate the excavation works in sedimentary areas.
EFFECT OF WET TROPICAL WEATHERING ON THE STRENGTH OF SANDSTONE
Authors: Mohamad Edy Tonnizam , Liang Maybelle , Mohd Akhair Nurmunirah
Published: October 2015

The influence of moisture content to the strength of wet tropically weathered sandstone of Jurong Formation found in Nusajaya, Johor was studied. The rock materials have been affected by weathering action; hence the alteration of its engineering properties is incontestable due to these effects. A total of 36 samples representing various weathering grades were collected from the field and tested at various moisture content by immersing them in water at different duration of time, ranging from 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Point load tests for the determination of the strength index Is(50) of the rock were then carried out. For weathered sandstone (Grade II to IV), the mean initial moisture content ranges from 0.15% to 11.00% respectively, while the initial mean strength index has maximum and minimum values of 7.76 MPa and 0.38 MPa. The results reveal that there is a significant relationship between the weathering grades, moisture absorption and strength. The moisture absorption is dependent on the amount of clay minerals present in the rock material, which indirectly affects the strength, as observed with the increment of weathering state. In conclusion, this study indicates that sandstone with higher moisture content and increase in weathering grade exhibits lower strength values.
CHALLENGES IN REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING FOR MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS–PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND FIRST APPROACH
Authors: Lankeit Christopher , Lochbichler Matthias , Trächtler Ansgar
Published: October 2015

In the development of intelligent mechatronic systems, a gap of tools and methodologies appears to exist, when technical requirements meet physical behavior modeling. Consistency between requirements, development and modeling is not fully achieved and more sophisticated methods seem to be needed. The meaning of requirements in terms of intelligent mechatronic systems is pointed out. Challenges in obtaining technical requirements are worked out by literature review. The influence, identified as most crucial, is domain knowledge. This challenge of the right assumptions considering domain knowledge is reinforced by the, in literature, predominantly applied discrete models. An approach for a solution of these challenges is presented at the end of this paper.
APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS WORTHY OF PROTECTION OF CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS (CPS) BASED ON A SYSTEM MODEL
Authors: Kliewe Daniel , Kaiser Lydia , Dumitrescu Roman , Gausemeier Jürgen
Published: October 2015

This paper will improve the system protection for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) by the use of the specification technique CONSENS. Therefore an approach is demonstrated and validated. The possibilities how the system protection can be integrated in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and especially in CONSENS are shown and discussed. First results how the different views on the system can be used to identify components worth protecting of CPS are presented. The identified components are of crucial importance in order to ensure the protection of CPS.
FINGERTIP STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS–A SIMULATED DESIGN EVALUATION
Authors: J. Jaafar, , R. L. A. Shauri,
Published: October 2015

This paper discusses the result on structural analysis of a recently designed fingertip for a three-fingered robot hand. This analysis is necessary to understand the structural changes occur under certain range of external force acting on the fingertip. The key parameters to be observed are deformation and equivalent (von-misses) stress. These simulated tests had given good results since there was no permanent deformation occurred and no yielding happened even in the area that had been considered critical. The fingertip will be produced as a prototype and equipped with the miniature load cells for force control of the three-fingered robot hand in the future.
POTENTIAL OF USING MODEL-BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TO IMPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF ENGINEERING-TO-ORDER PRODUCTS IN THE FIELD OF MACHINERY AND PLANT ENGINEERING
Authors: Rabe Martin , Anacker Harald , Westermann Thorsten , Dumitrescu Roman
Published: October 2015

The machinery and plant engineering sector is faced with new challenges due to the shift to intelligent technical systems and the need to integrate intelligence into machines. In addition, machinery and plant engineering means customized orders which result in engineering-to-order products and a different development process comparing to serial production. The present contribution shows the potential of model-based systems engineering during the whole developments process from the acquisition to distribution and start-up.
MEASUREMENT OF QUANTUM TUNNELING COMPOSITE RESISTIVITY CHARACTERISTICS FOR TACTILE SENSING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Ahmad Ahsana Aqilah , Yee Low Cheng , Muthmainnah Nurul , Jaffar Ahmed
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the work of investigating the used of Quantum Tunneling Composites (QTC) Pills as a tactile sensor material. The QTC Pills was tested for their resistivity characteristics to determine the sensor sensitivity, time of response and its allowable working range. The experiments were conducted base on the two parameters; the voltage, and the separation gap against the force/ load that exerted onto the QTC Pills. The results show that with a 5 V supply voltage and 0.5 mm separation gap of a side-by-side sensor construction, the usage of the QTC Pills as a tactile sensor can be optimized. Besides that the resistivity values established from the repeated experiment using QTC Pills produce the similar value and result. This makes the material suitable to be used as a tactile sensor material for the robotic hand.
3RD PASSIVE JOINT POSITION ANGLE VALIDATIONON 3R UNDER-ACTUATED ROBOT ARM
Authors: Abdullah S. C. , Fikri M. A. , Low C. Y.
Published: October 2015

Position angle analysis by learning algorithm on robotics is extremely important as a tool for predictive maintenance to detect faults and mechanical problems. This paper presents position angle analysis on passive joint using three rotations (3R) under-actuated robot manipulator. Experiment was conducted to predict the position angle which were applied to three joint; Active 1, Active 2 and Passive respectively. Experiment by SIMULINK software was carried out to validate the value of position angle obtained during real-time experiment. As a conclusion, the 3rd position angle of passive joint followed the position angle for Active 1 and Active 2.
EFFECT OF MnO2 FILLER ON THE ELECTRICAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF BINARY Li2CO3/LiI ELECTROLYTE
Authors: Omar Mohd Khari , Ahmad Azizah Hanom
Published: October 2015

Inorganic electrolyte consisting of Li2CO3 and LiI with the incorporation of MnO2 as fillers was prepared by a mechanical milling technique. The effects of ceramic filler concentration on the electrolyte host system were investigated by deploying electrical impedance spectroscopy, EIS measurement at a temperature range of 298-373K. It was revealed that incorporating 9 wt. % MnO2 filler in Li2CO3/LiI electrolyte significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity from 4x10-3 S/cm up to 8x10-3 S/cm. Nano-particle inorganic oxides have been found to act as ions dissociation enhancer in solid electrolytes. Dielectric analysis was performed to investigate the ions migration process in solid electrolyte. The dielectric study showed that the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte was observed to increase as a function of temperature, suggesting that the system is thermally assisted. The plots of electrical conductivity, as a function of temperature have been varied from 298 – 373K and were found to obey the Arrhenius law.
INVESTIGATION ON TEMPERATURE EFFECT OF CARBURIZED STEEL USING POWDER AND PASTE COMPOUND
Authors: Jumadin Muhammad Hafizuddin , Abdullah Bulan , Ismail Muhammad Hussain , Alias Siti Khadijah , Ahmad Samsiah
Published: October 2015

Carburizing temperature plays an important role for carbon to disperse deep inside the steel surface. Pack carburizing requires higher temperatures to disperse the carbon compared to gas carburizing and bed carburizing. Introduction of different carburizing media (powder and paste compound) might contribute toward the effectiveness of this process. This paper investigates on the effect of different temperature (700oC-1000oC) using powder and paste compound towards the carbon dispersion in carburized steel. Mild steel was used as the substrate material which has been carburized using the powder and paste compound with a ratio of 1:1 and 3:1,respectively. The temperatures has been set at 700oC, 800oC, 900oC and 1000oC for 8 hours. The effects of carbon dispersion layers were observed by the increasing depth of case hardness. The chemical composition analysis was done by using a spectrometer to see the increment of carbon content of the carburized steel. Results showed that the paste compound at a temperature of 1000oC significantly influenced the hardness properties and carbon composition as compared to the carburized steel obtained from the powder compound.
TENSILE STRENGTH OF SINGLE CONTINUOUS FIBER EXTRACTED FROM MENGKUANG LEAVES
Authors: Hamizol Muhammad Syahmi , Megat-Yusoff* Puteri Sri Melor
Published: October 2015

The focus of this paper is to obtain a continuous cellulose fiber (CCF) from mengkuang leaves of the pandanus genus using chemical extraction process and to measure its tensile properties. The higher the concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the longer soaking times employed during the alkaline treatment of the mengkuang leaves, the higher the cellulose content extracted. The highest tensile strength of 520 MPa was measured for single CCF treated with optimum extraction parameters of 2% NaOH for 60 minutes. Amount of cellulose content of the extracted fiber showed an inverse relationship with the fiber’s tensile strength. The removal of lignin and hemicellulose content during extraction process may have caused the reduction in the fiber’s tensile strength.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID IMPREGNATED ACTIVATED CARBON PRODUCED FROM HONEYDEW PEEL
Authors: Yunus Zalilah Murni , Othman Norzila , Hamdan R. , Ruslan N. N.
Published: October 2015

The role of waste materials in producing activated carbon (AC) used in adsorption has been identified as an alternative to substitute commercial expensive wooden starting materials. The present study has chosen honeydew peel as an alternative starting material in activated carbon production because of it’s low cost, availabality and incurs minimal cost for waste management. The production involved chemical impregnation using 20% diluted phosphoric acid (H3PO4) prior to activation. To optimize the activation method, the effect of different activation temperatures (470°C - 550°C) on the physicochemical properties of the AC was studied. The results showed that the AC carbonized at 490°C possessed 942 mg/g iodine number, 997 m2/g surface area SBET and 0.56 ml/g total pore volume. FESEM images showed a high pore development as the activation temperature increased. FTIR indicated the presence of –OH, C=O bond in carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, lactones and ester functional groups on the AC. The experimental results presented the potential use of honeydew peel as a precursor material in the preparation of inexpensive adsorbent for wastewater remediation.
ANALYSIS OF THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT AT PUTRAJAYA (MALAYSIA)
Authors: Salami Tijani Alhassan , Halim Mohd Rashid
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of an existing open cycle gas turbine power plant at Putrajaya power station. At compressor inlet temperature of 298.90K, thermal efficiency of 31 % was observed for the existing or current cycle whiles the modified configuration yielded thermal efficiency of 45 %, this result in 14 % increase in thermal efficiency. At pressure ratio of 3.67, thermal efficiency of about 31.06% and 44% was recorded for the current cycle and regenerative cycle respectively. The efficiency of both cycles increase considerably with increase in pressure ratio, but at pressure ratio of about 7, only a small increase in efficiency for both cycles was observed. The optimum value of the efficiencies for both cycles that correspond to pressure ratio of 7 is 43.06 and 56% for the current cycle and the regenerative cycle respectively.
PREDICTION ON CO2 AND NOX REDUCTION ON MICRO GAS TURBINE FED BY DIFFERENT SYNGAS QUALITY
Authors: Fadhil Siti Sarah Ain , Hasini Hasril , Mohd Jaafar Mohd Nasharuddin , Othman Nor Fadzilah
Published: October 2015

The stringent requirement of power plant environmental emissions and the need to improve efficiency have led to significant rise of research in clean energy in this decade. Gas turbines are favourable in the power generating industries since it has environmental advantages besides capable to utilize variety of fuels like natural gas, fuel oils and synthetic gas. In recent years, the use of synthetic gas or syngas has been increasing due to its advantages such as CO2 and NOx emission reduction. Although many studies have been carried out in the area of syngas combustion, the study on the combustion characteristics and pollutant emission remains a challenge due to its complexity and limitless variety of fuel compositions involved. This paper presents the investigation of CO2 and NOx reduction on micro gas turbine combusting syngas with different methane compositions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The combustion trend of syngas is found to be similar to combustion with natural gas in general. However, the average temperature distribution is found to be very much dependent on the methane composition of the mixture. Higher methane composition is fuel results in higher average temperature distribution. The reduction of CO2 and NOx is predicted to be significant in combustion with syngas compared to conventional natural gas.
THERMAL AND RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF RECYCLED RUBBER/NATURAL RUBBER BLENDS IN RECYCLE TIRE PROCESS
Authors: Amir Amalina , Saad Nor Hayati , Ramli Azri Shahmi , Abd Rashid Amirul , Yusoff Noriah , Abdullah Nik Rosli , Kasolang Salmiah , Jaffar Ahmed
Published: October 2015

The usage of recycled rubber in tire production is not common. This paper mainly focuses on feasibility of recycled tire to be used in production, particularly on thermal and rheological behavior of the blended recycled rubber and natural rubber.  The investigation has been conducted on the blend of recycled rubber (RR) and natural rubber to determine the suitable composition of RR and SMR (Standard Malaysian Rubber) for the manufacturing of tire thread. RR which was taken from the thread of lorry tires was blended with two natural rubber types; SMR-L and SMR-10 at different mass ratio. The thermal characteristic was studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) while Capillary rheometer and Mooney viscometer was used to study the rheology behavior of the blends. It was found that SMR-10 has increased the thermal stability of the blend as opposed to SMR-L. Both natural rubber blends show  similar relationship between shear viscosity and shear rates but SMR-10/RR blends exhibit higher viscosity than SMR-L/RR blends based on Mooney viscosity analysis.
AN OVERVIEW OF SPARK IGNITION ENGINE OPERATING ON LOWER-HIGHER MOLECULAR MASS ALCOHOL BLENDED GASOLINE FUELS
Authors: Sharudin Hazim , Abdullah Nik Rosli , Mamat A. M. I. , M. Ali Obed , Mamat Rizalman
Published: October 2015

This paper reviews the utilization of lower and higher molecular weight alcohols as fuel for spark ignition engine. As an alternative fuel for spark ignition engine, alcohol is widely accepted as comparable to gasolin. It is due to its ability that can be produced from biological matter through the current available and new processes. Moreover, alcohol is also considered as fuel additive due to its physical and chemical properties compatible with the requirements of modern engines. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of these fuels by highlighting on the fuel properties and spark ignition engine responses. The first part of this review explains the important of alcohol fuel properties related to the engine performance and emissions, and the difference of these properties for each type of alcohol. The second part discusses recent advancements in research involving lower and higher molecular weight alcohols mainly responses from spark ignition engine.
EFFECTIVENESS OF OPERATIONAL MODAL ANALYSIS (OMA) FOR DAMAGE DETECTION IN FIBERGLASS REINFORCED EPOXY
Authors: Abd Rahman Haizuan , Mat Isa Ahmad Azlan , Bahari Abdul Rahim
Published: October 2015

This study attempts to apply vibration-based damage detection method specifically Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) on fiberglass reinforced epoxy plate. OMA is used on healthy fiber glass reinforced epoxy plate to extract the modal parameters and the procedure is extended to damaged fiberglass reinforced epoxy plate. Both healthy and damaged composite material are tested under different boundary conditions i.e. free-free on 4 edges, 1 edge clamped, 2 edges clamped, 3 edges clamped and 4 edges of free-free boundary condition. The result of frequency from OMA was compared analytically with Finite Element Method (FEM). Nastran software is employed in this study. The FEM using Nastran shows that the result obtained is not accurate enough compared to OMA. Therefore, another method was applied to look at the effectiveness of OMA method using Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA). It was observed that both EMA and OMA methods gave small deviation and good correlation.
SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF PEAK TEMPERATURE IN WELD ZONES DURING FRICTION STIR PROCESS
Authors: Jaffarullah M. Shamil , Busu Nur’Amirah , Yee Low Cheng , Saedon J. B. , Armansyah Armansyah , Shaari Mohd Saiful Bahari , Jaffar Ahmed
Published: October 2015

A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model was created to simulate the friction stir welding process of 6063-T5 aluminum alloy. The analysis studies the fundamental knowledge of FSW process with respect to temperature difference in material to be joined and to simulate the temperature distribution in the workpiece as a result of a Friction Stir Welding. The simulation uses HyperMesh and HyperView solver from Altair Hyperworks.  The simulation provides better understanding for the peak temperature distribution in the friction stir process. Two cases have (i) constant traverse speed, but varying been simulated rotational speed, and (ii) constant rotational speed, but varying traverse speeds. Simulation results show the peak temperatures increased when the traverse and rotational speeds were increased.
EFFECTS OF AIR INTAKE TEMPERATURE ON THE FUEL CONSUMPTION AND EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF NATURAL ASPIRATED GASOLINE ENGINE
Authors: Abdullah Nik Rosli , Ismail Hazimi , Michael Zeno , Ab. Rahim Asiah , Sharudin Hazim
Published: October 2015

Improving fuel consumption with lower exhaust emissions give more focused to all car manufactures. A higher engine performance with lower exhaust emissions requires a complete mixing process resulted in ultra-lean high combustion efficiency. Air intake temperature is one of the alternative strategies to improve fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions. This is due to the cold air is denser and contain higher oxygen availability. Air intake temperature will affect to the oxygen concentration in the charged air that influence the combustion process through ignition delay and fuel burning rate. The objective of this experiment is to investigate the effects of air intake temperature to the fuel consumption and exhaust emission at variation of engine speeds and constant load by using 1.6L gasoline engine. Air intake temperature was changed from 20 °C to 30 °C. The DaTAQ Pro V2 software was used to measure the engine fuel consumption while gas analyzer (MRU Gas Analyzer) was used to measure the exhaust emission such as Unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs) and carbon monoxide (CO). The results showed that fuel consumption, UHCs and CO emissions increased with the increase of air intake temperature. The increase of air intake temperature resulted in advanced and shorter combustion duration. Higher oxygen concentration at lower air intake temperature leads to the complete mixing process and complete combustion.  Therefore, the experimental results can be concluded that the lower air intake temperature resulted in improved fuel consumption and reduced UHCs and CO emissions.
GAS CORE CHARACTERISTICS OF SWIRL EFFERVESCENT ATOMIZER
Authors: Abdul Ghaffar Zulkifli , Kasolang Salmiah , Abdul Hamid Ahmad Hussein , Ahmed Diyar I. , Sainan Khairul Imran , Nik Roseley Nik Roselina
Published: October 2015

Swirl effervescent atomizer consists of two atomization mechanisms, effervescent and swirl. For a swirl-related atomizer, the air/gas core diameter was reported to be one of the factors affecting the widening of spray angle. A wider spray angle is important to provide a better spray distribution. The characteristic of gas core in an inside-out swirl effervescent atomizer was investigated as part of the study in understanding the mechanism of this type of atomization. The interaction effects between three independent parameters (i.e. swirl-generating vane angle, gas flowrate and discharge orifice diameter) on the size and characteristics of the gas core were investigated. Water and nitrogen gas were used respectively as the working fluid and atomization gas. The high-speed shadowgraph technique was utilized to record the videos of the gas core structures. The video recordings were converted to image sequences and analyzed using an image processing software. It was concluded that a larger gas core was produced with an increasing vane angle or gas flowrate. The increasing gas flowrate tends to increase the gas core size for all cases of the vane angle. Increasing the orifice diameter tends to increase the gas core size for all cases of the gas flowrate. The interaction between the orifice diameter and swirl-generating vane angle on the size of the gas core was inconclusive.
EFFECT OF HYBRIDIZATION ON COMPRESSIVE PROPERTIES OF WOVEN CARBON, GLASS AND KEVLAR HYBRID COMPOSITES
Authors: Muhammad Norhafiza , Jumahat Aidah , Ali Nor Merlisa
Published: October 2015

The growing use of high-performance materials, which are made of hybrid composite systems, has increased rapidly in engineering applications. Hybridization of woven carbon, glass and Kevlar fibre offers better mechanical properties of composite materials. This is also an effective way to reduce the cost of advanced composites. At the moment information on compressive properties of hybrid composites is very limited. It is well known that the compressive strength of composite materials is lower than the tensile strength. Therefore, compressive strength becomes one of the most important criteria in designing composite structures. Therefore, this research is aimed to evaluate the compressive properties of hybrid composites and compare to the properties of neat systems. Hybrid composite samples were fabricated using a vacuum bagging system. The compressive properties of Kevlar hybrid with carbon and glass composites were studied using an INSTRON 3382 universal machine with a constant crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The compressive properties were determined based on the stress-strain diagram. It was observed that for hybrid composites, placing carbon woven cloth layers in the exterior and Kevlar woven cloth in the interior showed higher compressive strength than placing glass woven cloth layers in the exterior and Kevlar woven cloth in the interior. The modes of failure of the hybrid composite laminates were observed and evaluated using optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
MANAGEMENT OF SEVEN WASTES: A CASE STUDY IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VENDOR
Authors: Jaffar Ahmed , Kasolang Salmiah , Abdul Ghaffar Zulkifli , Mohamad Nor Syahirah , Mohamad Mohd Khairul Fadhzrullah
Published: October 2015

Lean Manufacturing System (LMS) is an important approach that could maximize customer value and reduce the amount of waste. The use of LMS in Malaysia is still lacking especially among Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in rural areas. The introduction of Islamic values to the existing LMS is expected to improve the awareness and acceptance of LMS especially among SME in rural areas. The merging of the Islamic values to the lean manufacturing tools is to leverage on the Islamic culture of the locals. The objective of this study is to assess the level of use and practice of lean manufacturing systems on management of seven wastes. This is a case study of an automotive vendor. A field observation was deployed and standard data was obtained for analysis. Field observation was performed by identifying critical areas with a high probability of waste production. The findings from this preliminary study suggest that three most critical causes of wastes are waiting, transportation, and movement. Results from this study is to be used in future to establish the equivalent Islamic LMS (ILMS) for targeted SMEs.
FATIGUE LIFE OF KENAF WOVEN HYBRID COMPOSITE
Authors: Berhan Mohamad Nor , Yunus Syarifah , Salleh Zuraidah , Nik Masdek Nik Rozlin , Md Taib Yakub , Ghazali Farizah Adliza
Published: October 2015

Among natural fibers used to make composite structure, kenaf has been selected in this study due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties. The use of kenaf reinforced composites is not only limited to the lightweight applications such as laptop and mobile phone casing but also in heavy duty applications such as truck bodies and marine structures. Hence, this study investigates on the woven kenaf hybrid composites through fatigue test in order to understand their mechanical properties. The results revealed that the composite material had a significant degradation of fatigue life when increasing the stress percentage.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF TIBIOFEMORAL CONTACT AREA ASSISTED BY MATLAB SOFTWARE
Authors: Arsat Zainal Abidin , Kadarman A. Halim , Shokri Amran Ahmed , Aziz Mohd Ezane , Shuib Solehuddin
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study is to find the suitable MRI sequence for a tibiofemoral contact area study assisted by MATLAB software. An MRI imageâ€™s color contrast quality and optimal scanning time are the optimized parameters. The hypothesis of this study is that the protocol sequence bonding with the fastest scanning time should have greatest efficiency error. Three healthy subjectsâ€™ knees were scanned in the prone position under Turbo Spin Echo (TSE), Fast Field Echo (FFE) and Steady State Free Precision (SSFP) sequences. A total 34 slices was acquired for each sequence, each slices being 2-mm thick and a 0.2-mm gap between slices. The results of the analysis revealed that the FFE and the SSFP sequences resulted in additional 8.17% and 14.26% efficiency error of contact area between the femoral cartilage and the meniscus, respectively. Those errors were even greater in the contact area between the femoral and the tibial cartilages, where the FFE sequence estimated the error at about 19.82%, whereas for the SSFP sequence, the extra contact area measured about 22.89%. All calculation percentages were relative to the TSE sequence. It is suggested that the TSE sequence is a suitable MRI sequence for this study, due to its excellent image color contrast intensity and clocked optimal scanning time.