bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Enzyme (ESBL) Production from Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates and their Attachment on Stainless-Steel Surface
Authors: S Isa , Syifaâ€™ J. Nur , R.N Fathurrahman , M.A.R Nor-Khaizura , N.A Mahyudin
Published: March 2021

Food contact surfaces may pose a threat of becoming vector for antimicrobial-resistant transmission of bacteria along the food chain. Twenty-four isolates of Escherichia coli were investigated to determine the antimicrobial resistance, production of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Enzyme and their attachment ability on stainless-steel surface. The antimicrobial resistance and enzyme production tests were carried out according to standard disc diffusion assay, while attachment was simulated on stainless steel discs. All 24 isolates were resistant to Amoxycillin and Penicillin, while 50% and 37.5% were resistant to Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime, respectively. Three of 24 isolates (12.5%) produced the enzyme against cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone. The enzyme production was further confirmed by the expansion of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime inhibition zone towards amoxicillin-clavulanate disc. All 3 enzyme-producing isolates (EC-6, EC-7 and EC-12) exhibited their ability to attach to stainless-steel disc. Attachment was significantly increased (p<0.05) with prolonged incubation times with the highest attachment (6.07Â±0.05 log10 cfu/ml) by isolate EC-6 at 72h. The attachment ability indicates that resistant E. coli can be potentially transmitted into the food chain via contaminated food contact surfaces. Our data could be used to develop research to link the spread of antimicrobial resistance towards effective intervention strategies.Â Â
Effects of Epoxidised Natural Rubber on the Oil Resistance Property of NBR/ENR Blends used for Safety Footwear Application
Authors: Mohd Hanif H. , C. Yong K.
Published: March 2021

Epoxidised natural rubber, ENR has emerged as a sustainable material for many applications due to its unique properties. This study sets out to investigate the effects of ENR on the oil resistance property of nitrile rubber, NBR composites used for safety footwear application. Blends of NBR/ENR i.e. 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 were prepared and tested for their oil resistance property and other physical properties such as hardness, tensile properties and abrasion loss. Results showed that varying the amount of ENR did not significantly affect the hardness and tensile properties of the composites. Nonetheless, it was found that ENR content highly influences the abrasion loss of the composites in which the abrasion resistance decreased with further addition of ENR contents. Despite the increase in oil swelling of the composites with increasing ENR content, the oil swelling values are considered low (< 5% volume change), indicating superior oil resistance property of the composites. These results confirm the possibility of ENR as a sustainable material for the production of eco-friendly composites with high oil resistance property for the footwear industry.Â Â
Non-Acidic Method for Isolation of Microcrystalline Cellulose From Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber
Authors: Samat N. , N. Ghazali N. , Ahmad Z. , Ali F.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted via a non-acidic method from the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) cellulose. The extraction was conducted through Ammonium Persulfate (APS) oxidation treatment, which was followed by the ball milling process. The effects of varied temperature levels from APS oxidation treatment (60, 80 and 90oC) and different milling time (1, 4 hours) were investigated. APS oxidation treatment at 90oC was found to produce the most optimum results. The size of the MCC was less than 20Î¼m and had demonstrated the highest degree of crystallinity index and thermal stability. The high crystallinity index is associated with the removal of non-cellulosic components as seen from FTIR analysis, where a decrease was observed in the characteristic peakÂ intensity of 1735 and 1510 cm-1. The milling time had also affected the formation of MCC. Although a relatively longer milling time had produced smaller MCC with narrow size distribution, it had, however, given rise to a slight adverse effect on the crystallinity index and thermal stability.Â Â  Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The Effect of MAPP Compatibilizing Agent on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene/PLA Blends
Authors: Z. Engku Zawawi E. , Z. Romli A. , F. Mat Suli S. , Amirrudin Isnin M.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the polymer blends were prepared in the ratios of Polypropylene (PP) to Polylactic acid (PLA) of 70:30 by weight. Maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a coupling agent to improve the compatibility between PP and PLA. The MAPP was added into the blend in the ratio of 0, 3, 6 and 9% wt. The polymer blends were prepared by extrusion process using twin screw extruder. The effects of MAPP content on the mechanical and thermal properties of PP/PLA blend were investigated. The result of tensile strength shows no significant increased with the addition of MAPP content. However, Young modulus and Izod impact strength shows significantly increased with the addition of MAPP content. Tensile modulus increased up to 43% with the addition of 6% wt. MAPP. TGA results show that blending PP with PLA cause increased the thermal stability of PLA. The incorporation of 6 % MAPP has shifted the initial weight loss of PP component towards lower temperature.Â Â
Evaluation of Kenaf/Polyester Fiber Blended Sliver Produced from Carding Machine
Authors: W. Mohd Rusli N. , H. Abdul Rashid A. , R. Ahmad M. , M.N. Roslan M. , Mohd Harun D. , Che Ismail S.
Published: March 2021

Controlling sliver evenness is very important since this parameter can affect the quality of the yarn produced. In kenaf sliver production, kenaf fibres alone could not form a good sliver. Thus, fibres such as polyester are needed to blend with kenaf to improve fibre cohesiveness and form a better sliver. The aim of this study is to identify the optimum ratio of kenaf that can be used for sliver production. The heart of the process for the production of kenaf/polyester slivers is carding. The weight percentage of kenaf used for the kenaf/polyester sliver production was 50%, 60% and 70%. After sliver formation, the waste percentage, diameter and size were determined. The sliver images were analysed under video analyser and captured by digital SLR camera to observe the fibre blending. The research showed that lower percentage of kenaf offered better waste percentage and sliver diameter. Whereas, sliver size showed some decrement with an increment of kenaf fibre percentage. The presence of polyester in the production of kenaf/polyester sliver seems to play an important role to bind the kenaf fibres together.Â Â
Characterization of in Situ Zirconium Diboride (Zrb2) Reinforced by Aluminium-Copper (Al-Cu) Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: H. Mustafa N. , N. A. Basir N. , E. Ibrahim R. , M. Mahat M. , N. Bonnia N. , M. Yahaya Sabrina , Rosmamuhamadani R.
Published: March 2021

Aluminium matrix composites by way of in-situ reaction has arisen as a preference conducive to knock out imperfections and defects exiting within ex situ MMC. In the present work, Al-Cu-ZrB2 have been develop through in situ reaction which boost mechanical properties over dispersion strengthening together with grain refinement obtained by the existence of each particulates inside the melt all along solidification. Al-Cu reinforced among different proportion of ZrB2 (0, 3 and 6 wt. %) synthesized using in situ fabrication at 800 Â°C of molten aluminum-copper alloys by inorganic salts K2ZrF6 together with KBF4. The amalgam were specified using XRD, FESEM together with mechanical test on appropriately sectioned and metallographically prepared surface to examine and inspect phase distribution, hardness together with tensile properties. From result acquired, raised ZrB2 amount will increase rate of tensile and hardness characteristics of Al-Cu alloy. XRD patterns exposed development of ZrB2 particulates without existence of unspecified other compounds. Most of ZrB2 granular were located near grain boundaries of Al dendrites. Microstructural analysis exposed the homogeneous and consistent allocation of second phase particles, clean interface and favorable bonding. It is support that ZrB2 molecules are predominantly in nano size among hexagonal either tetragonal shape, yet minor molecules in micron size are also noticed. For that reason, composite synthesized using in situ techniques exhibit homogeneous distribution of reinforcing tend to be superlative associated within clean interface along the metallic matrix. In order to accomplish better mechanical features, it is necessary to regulate and control phase arrangement all along fabrication of Al-Cu with higher contents of ZrB2.Â Â
Abrasion Resistance of Gabion Wires Against Simulated Weathering and Field Conditions
Authors: K.Tan K. , M. Chan C. , Liew A.
Published: March 2021

Gabions are steel wire mesh cages filled with stones of appropriate size and mechanical characteristics. It is widely applied in geotechnical and hydraulic engineering as retaining and erosion control structures. Therefore, it must be made of durable materials to withstand most of the site conditions and weathering. Various coating technologies has been applied to enhance the lifespan. This study was conducted to examine the effect of moisture, acid, alkaline and saltwater under ultraviolet radiation and heat on the durability of a plastic-based coating material used as protective coating of gabion wires. Exposure conditions were simulated via natural weathering method, where they were placed outdoors at a designated test station. The samples were soaked and covered in soil to represent applications in waterlogged as well as buried / semi-buried field conditions. The weathered samples were subjected to the abrasion test after different periods of exposure over 250, 500 and 750 hours. 3 samples each were tested to maintain consistency in the measurements taken. Degradation of the coating material due to the simulated weathering conditions varied in terms of rate and severity, though the overall results indicate alkalinity to be more detrimental than acidity and salinity. Variation among the samplesâ€™ degradation was observed to be more distinct in the terms of soaked and soil-covered conditions. In conclusion, samples buried in alkali-tainted soil are the least durable against abrasion as the recorded mass loss percentage was the highest, followed by acid-soaked samples. Some plausible explanations include the lack of heat built up on seawater-soaked samples leading to less degradation, and surfacial biofouling of soaked samples serving as a protection against UV light or chemical attack. Further work is in the pipeline to examine the effects of longer exposure period and wider range of exposure conditions to verify the coating materialâ€™s long-term performance.Â Â
The Influence of Water Content on the Settlement Behaviour of Polypropylene Fibre-Reinforced Dredged Marine Soil (DMS)
Authors: Z. Rosman M. , Chan C-M.
Published: March 2021

The use of fiber as soil reinforcement is not new in civil engineering field. In the earlier times, rice straw was mixed together with mud or clay to produce construction materials such as brick and concrete. Conventional concrete mix without fiber tends to exhibit brittleness behaviour. Hence, there is a growing attention on using current reinforcement materials such as steel, polypropylene and glass fibers. It is reported that fiber in concrete provide bridging effect, which transfer and distribute load evenly, thus increasing ductility. Now, similar concept of fiber inclusion in concrete can be applied to the case of problematic soil. The addition of chemical additives such as cement in soil resulted with stiffness and brittleness. As solution, numerous studies have shown that the fiber inclusion in soil have increased strength, permeability and ductility. Due to the many studies of fibre-reinforced soil related to its shear strength, the present study will investigate the compressibility behaviour of the fibre-reinforced soil through oedometer test. In this study, the dredged marine soil (DMS) was mixed together with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % of polypropylene (PP) fiber. Two conditions of soil, namely high water content (1.40LL) and low water content (0.90LL) were tested. Samples with 0.90LL water content show great reduction of settlement than samples with 1.40LL water content. The outcome of this study will suggest the beneficial reuse of DMS for engineering application such as backfill material, land reclamation or clay liner for landfills.Â Â
Modelling of Solar Spectral Radiation in Penang Island on a Digital Elevation Model
Authors: Choon Yeap Eng , San Lim Hwee , Mat Jafri Zubir
Published: March 2021

Interest has been increasingly focused on the studies of solar radiation across the globe ever since people are more concern about energy conservation. Due to the increment of terrestrial application of solar energy, the scientific interest on solar distribution has expanded from broadband solar energy to its spectral distribution. Measurement of solar radiation with its spectral profile provides knowledge for making important decisions involving resources and energy, agriculture and climate. In remote sensing, the measurement of spectral solar radiation is important for sensor calibration and image enhancement to extract the most information out of a satellite image. The spectral radiation can be measured using spectral radiometer specifically design for measuring solar radiation; however such instruments are expensive and only provide point data which is very limited in most studies. This study aims to provide a rigorous spectral radiation model that predict the spectral solar irradiance in temporal resolution of every minute with spectral range from 350nm to 2200nm under cloudless condition. The parameters used in this model include the distance between sun and earth, time, coordinate, atmospheric interference and terrain effect. Atmospheric sounding data was used in this study to provide the necessary atmospheric parameter in the simulation of solar propagation through the atmosphere. The atmospheric effects considered in this study include Rayleigh scattering, aerosol attenuation and the absorption of water vapor, ozone and uniformly mixed gas. The simulation results were projected onto a digital elevation model to further calculate the effect introduced by the topographic variation and to get a three dimensional solar spectral radiation. The result obtained from this study is compared with spectral solar irradiance data collected during the month of June and July, 2018 with root mean square deviation of 9 watt per meter square at the wavelength of 350nm to 2200nm.Â Â
Electrical Properties of Li-based NASICON Structured Ceramic Electrolytes Substituted With Chromium
Authors: A. Mustaffa N. , S. Mohamed N. , . .
Published: March 2021

Electrical properties of Li - ion conducting Li1+xCrxSn2-x(PO4)3 ceramic electrolytes with 0 < x < 1 were studied using electrical impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 10 MHz at room temperature. Impedance analysis showed an increase in bulk and grain boundary conductivity with the increment of x up to x = 0.7. The highest bulk and grain boundary conductivity were 6.52 Ã—10-6 S cm-1 and 1.62 Ã—10-6 S cm-1 in the system of Li1.7Cr0.7Sn1.3(PO4)3 at room temperature. The charge carrier concentration, Â Â mobile ion concentration, ionic hopping rate and ionic mobility were calculated by fitting the AC conductivity spectra. The ionic hopping rate and ionic mobility of the compound increased with the substitution of chromium due to the extra interstitial Li+ ions in the system.Â  Additionally, the highest conducting sample with x = 0.7 had a negligible electronic conductivity based on transference number measurements. These results imply that the Li1+xCrxSn2-x(PO4)3 electrolytes obtained in this work can be considered as future candidates for solid state electrolytes.Â Â
Photosensitization of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays with Nanocrystalline Pbs
Authors: Lim Ying-Chin , Munirah Hamdan Nurul , Farah Atikah Harun Nur , Ying Pei Lim
Published: March 2021

Narrow bandgap lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles, which may expand the light absorption range to visible region, have attracted tremendous interest serving as promising sensitizer in coupled semiconductor for photoelectrochemical cell. In this study, PbS were deposited onto titania nanotubes by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. During the SILAR deposition, the growth of PbS onto titania nanotubes (PbS/TNT) had been tuned by tailoring the concentration of the precursor solution. The sample microstructure was characterized using Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). By varying the concentration of precursor solution, size and distribution of PbS nanoparticles could be tuned. Upon growth of PbS onto TNT, all samples showed enhanced photocurrent response ascribed to the changes in microstructure and optical properties of the synthesized samples. At 100 mM solution concentration dipped for 5 SILAR cycles, the sample demonstrated the highest peak photocurrent density of 890 mA/cm2 and a corresponding photoconversion efficiency of 0.55% compared to the as-prepared TNT (36 mA/cm2). The PbS/TNT composite could be considered as an excellent photoelectrode material applied in the solar conversion devices due to its high visible light harvesting capability.Â Â Â Â
Optimizing the Shape Parameters of Beta-Spline Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Aniza Suliman Sharifatul , Abdul Hadi Normi
Published: March 2021

Beta-spline is an alternative curve for 2D font representation. It is preferred since it has G2 continuity and two shape parameters, that can be used to control the curve shape. These shape parameters can also be used to optimize the error between fitted curve and original data points. Commonly, most of the researcher use value of shape parameters of beta-spline as and  or some of the researcher choose any random value of these two shape parameters that suitable to be used in beta-spline curve fitting. The values of shape parameters are very important since the values affect the total error of the fitted curves. Thus, in this paper, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed to determine the optimum value of the two shape parameters that will optimize the approximation error of the fitted curve. The technique is applied on two fonts: ى and δ, and tested using various number of iterations and populations.
Performance Improvement of the Yellow Zone in Emergency Department using Discrete Event Simulation Approach
Authors: Munira Ibrahim Ireen , Liong Choong-Yeun , Abu Bakar Sakhinah , Farid Najmudd Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Overcrowding is a major concern for the Emergency Department (ED) management at the public hospital under study. Although the number of patients in the Yellow Zone (YZ) of the department represents only 30% of the total visiting patient per day, the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the zoneâ€™s patientsâ€™ LOS (LOS) as well as waiting time are not achievable due to the resources constraints. Therefore, this paper discusses the application of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) approach on modeling the YZâ€™s daily operations. The model was developed using Arena software to assist the ED management to better understand their system behavior and causes for the high patientsâ€™ LOS and waiting time. The simulation outputs show that the bottleneck of the system is waiting for an available resource. A few scenarios were designed based on the discussion made with the ED management for possible improvement. The results show a significant reduction of 25% and 35% in the total average of patientsâ€™ LOS for the patients of the observation unit and the intensive unit respectively. Meanwhile, for the total average patientsâ€™ waiting time, the results show a reduction of 34% for the observation unit and 29% reduction for the intensive unit.Â Â Â
Characteristics of Electricity Competency Test at Vocational High School
Authors: Made Mandalika I. , . Sukardi , Dahar Minghat Asnul
Published: March 2021

One of the requirements to be able to enter the business world and industry in the electricity sector is the existence of an electricity competence certificate. The electricity competency certificate is obtained after passing the electricity competency test. The electricity competency certificate is given by the Vocational High School in recognition of students who are declared competent to conduct electricity work through the electricity competency test process conducted by creditable education units and professional certification bodies. Expert competence test or often referred to as UKK is one part of the National Examination that aims to; (1) measure the achievement of students' competencies in accordance with the competencies taken; (2) facilitate students who will complete their education for graduation from education units; (3) optimizing the implementation of competency certification oriented to the achievement of vocational graduation in accordance with the Indonesian National Qualification Framework; (4) and facilitate business and industry cooperation so that the competence of graduates is in accordance with what is needed by the business world or the industrial world. The results of the competency test become indicators of the graduate competency standards contained in the Minister of National Education Regulation No. 28 of 2009, while for stakeholders will be used as information on the competencies of the workforce or vocational high school graduates. This study has following objective; (1) describe competencies in competency testing, (2) describe criteria for competency skills testing programs that are more effective, efficient, so that graduates in the Vocational High School receive full recognition from the business and industrial world.Â  Â
Tracer Study of Building Engineering Education Graduates for Academic Year 2012-2015
Authors: Ramadhanti Fitri , E. Nayono Satoto , Dahar Minghat Asnul , Rizal Fahmi
Published: March 2021

This study originated from the absence of career data from graduates of the Building Engineering Education Study Program at Padang State University.Â The purpose of thisÂ tracer studyÂ is to obtain data on graduate work, specifically the objectives to be achieved are knowing the career choices of graduates of Building Engineering Education study programs.Â Data collection techniques using a Guttman scale questionnaire and data analysis techniques using descriptive analysis.Â The population in this study were students graduating from the S-1 Building Engineering Education study program from graduates in 2012 to 2015. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with a sample of 88 respondents.Â Data found that 88 graduates who had worked were 96.59% with a description of 30.68% working in the education sector, 52.68% working in construction services and 13.64% working in other fields.Â The biggest factor influencing career choices in education is the internal factor with sub indicators of work characteristics 88.89%.Â Factors influencing career choices in construction services are external factors with 93.48% sub indicator of communication and financial awards (salary) 83.33%.Â Factors that influence career choices in other fields are external factors with sub indicators of the graduate process getting a job 12.50%.Â Â
Character of Industrial 4.0 Skilled Workers
Authors: A Ana , Meirawan Danny , Dwiyanti Vina , S Saripudin
Published: March 2021

Character of industrial 4.0 skilled worker is an important thing to prepare as soon to face industrial challenge in 4th revolution industry. Industrial 4.0 is an industry that combines automation technology with cyber technology. It will give more impact and change everything totally. Various forms of education must be introduced, but it still does not solve problems for older workers and do not want to change following the development of industrial progress. Because in industrial 4.0 of disruption era will be ordered robot as an effective and efficiency solution for industry and less cost also. So, as worker we must improve our skill to compete and win it. In this research contains three main topics are (a) knowing the industrial Era 4.0, (b) disruption in the industrial Era 4.0 (c) Skills to face industry 4.0. This research method use literature review as 1) searching and selection 2) describe, 3) analysis. The conclusions overall suggest that all workers must improve their skills to face industrial 4.0 era. In this research suggest 4 main skills are effective communication, learn and innovative, information-media-technology, skills full in life and career.Â  Â
The Mapping of Vocational Competencies Based on Regional Potential Using Geographic Information System
Authors: Meirawan Danny , A Ana , Eko Lusiana Awindha , Aryanti Tutin
Published: March 2021

Regional potential based approach is one of the strategies to create quality human resources that can develop regional potential. Vocational competence which is not in line with the local potential has become a problem in one of regencies in Indonesia namely Tangerang Regency. The purpose of this study was to map vocational competencies in Tangerang Regency based on the potential using the Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is used to help school mapping so that educational planning can be well realized. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive research methods. The data analysis uses LQ and PCA analysis. The results of the LQ analysis show that there are 10 districts that have industrial potential, 14 districts with livestock potential, 4 districts with fishery potential and 19 districts with agricultural potential. The results of the PCA analysis show that there are 14 districts which become priority locations for vocational school development. The mapping of vocational competencies which is based on regional potential in Tangerang Regency uses GIS in the form of maps of regional potential distribution and maps of priority locations for vocational school development.Â Â
Evaluation of Vocational School (SMK) Studentsâ€™ Environmental Literacy
Authors: Maknun Johar , S. Barliana M. , Cahyani Diah , Dalil H. Nanang , Dahar Minghat Asnul
Published: March 2021

This research evaluates the level of environmental literacy of vocational students. The research method used is evaluative descriptive research method. The instrument used is the Environmental Literacy Test. The component of environmental literacy consists of environmental knowledge, attitudes, and "actions" or responsible behavior for the environment. Mastery of the environmental concept of vocational students is based on the achievement of environmental literacy in terms of knowledge and environmental understanding which consists of 8 indicators, i.e.: energy, pollution and contamination, forests, atmosphere / climate, water, waste, and sustainable development. The average mastery of environmental concepts is 51, which included to the low category. The highest knowledge and understanding are population indicators that is an average value of 68 and the lowest value is an atmospheric / climate indicator with an average value of 32. Attitudes and participation in overcoming environmental problems are included in the good category. They have tried to use alternative transportation such as by using bicycle or walking, reducing the use of electricity for lighting and cooling the space, using water as needed, and disposing the garbage in the proper place. Vocational students are still lacking in action as an effort to overcome environmental problems.Â Â
A Comparative Study of the Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Tur-meric Plant in Inhibiting the Growth of Candida Albicans
Authors: M. sultan Safaa , M.Saady Ali , E Irzoqy Maha
Published: March 2021

Turmeric is one of the most widely used spices in nature. It contains many health benefits that are countless. Chinese medicine has been used in the preparation of various medicines because it contains curcumin. The inhibitory activity of the turmeric extract for the fungus of Candida bicans, which causes oral salivary disease, was compared with the inhibitory effect of some antibiotics against this fungus In this study, isolating and diagnosing this type of fungal disease was obtained by obtaining an oral smear from children with oral diarrhea. Two methods were used to detect the process of inhibition by the alcohol extract of turmeric I was by the method of propagation and the second was using the ts immersed in the extract of the turmeric plant turmeric for 48 hours. The results and the physiological and biochemical tests of the survey used in the study showed that the isolation is due to the yeast of Candida albicans. It was also found that the extract of alcohol for turmeric plant showed an inhibitory effect of the growth of this type of fungus by increasing concentration in both ways. The concentration of 16 mg / ml was found to inhibit the growth of Candida and then 8 mg / ml and finally 4 mg / m compared to the fungal antagonists Nystatin, fluoconazole and ketoconazole It has been shown that turmeric is very useful in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections and can be counted as an antibiotic because it contains curcumin.Â Â
A Hybrid (ACO-PSO) Algorithm Based on Maximum Power Point Tracking and its Performance Improvement within Shadow Conditions
Authors: M. Aaref Ashty , F. Mohammed S. , B. NOORI Abbas , M. Humada Ali
Published: March 2021

In this study, a hybrid Ant Colony Optimization-Particle Swarm Optimization (ACO-PSO) algorithm was proposed to optimally determine the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) parameters. The main goal of current study is to improve the overall performance of the MPPT system.The efforts of oscillation filtering and noise suppression were taken in this design, as well as the time response and the settling time. The proposed method is employed to track the global MPP under different shadow conditions, based on three different irradiation levels to test the ability and accuracy of the proposed method. The results of tracking MPP by the proposed MPPT technique showed that the improved method tracked the MPP for all the tested cases with a reasonable accuracy and in a very short convergence time as compared to the P&O method.Â Â
Microwave Pyrolysis of Water hyacinth for Biochar Production Using Taguchi Method
Authors: I. Abd Noor , Mohammed Al-Mayah Ameel , K. Muallah Shatha
Published: March 2021

The manuscript should contain an abstract. The abstract should be self-contained and citation-free and should not exceed 200 words. The abstract should state the purpose, approach, results and conclusions of the work.Â  The author should assume that the reader has some knowledge of the subject but has not read the paper. Thus, the abstract should be intelligible and complete in it-self (no numerical references); it should not cite figures, tables, or sections of the paper. The abstract should be written using third person instead of first perso The fast microwave assisted pyrolysis (FMWAP) of water hyacinth (WH) for biochar production is investigated. Taguchiâ€™s method was used to optimize FMWAP parameters. The effects of microwave power, temperature, microwave absorber (activated carbon) ratio, and biomass particle size on biochar yield as the response for the process, were studied. The maximum yield was achieved using the optimized conditions of microwave power-994 W; temperature-300Â°C; microwave absorber ratio-0.25; and biomass particle size-0.0315 mm. The reaction time was kept constant at 2 min. The analysis of Signal to Noise ratio (S/N) and variance (ANOVA) were used to identify the effect and the significance of the process parameters on biochar yield. The final results show the significance of all process parameters on biochar yield. The order of significance of these parameters are: microwave power > temperature > microwave absorber > biomass particle size. The produced biochar was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzer (EDX). The WH biochar has macroporous and microporous structure and amorphous in nature with some mineral oxides attached to the surface.Â Â
Synthesis of Nanocomposite Based on Poly Methylene-imidazole as Effective Catalyst in Oxidation of Some Hydrocarbones
Authors: Abdul-Redhah Aidan Muhanned , Mahdi Alkoofee Wafaa , A. Sultan Ala`a , M. Khamis Wessal , Medhat Sinan
Published: March 2021

The polymers derived from heterocyclic rings like imidazole was prepared and supported to produce catalytic active supported catalyst. This catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), H NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. The catalyst showed high catalytic activity in the oxidation of cyclohexene and cyclopentene under optimized conditions. In this work cyclohexene and cyclopentene were selected as model alkene for determination the capacity of the prepared imidazole polymer catalyst under optimized conditions of temperature and time of reaction. The catalyst could be readily separated from the catalytic system using uploading 3-5 milligrams of Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Cobalte(II) ions with the surface of polymer the conversion them to nano-particle which are identified by x-ray diffraction. For this research, a statistical method called Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been used to economize the number of experiments and their meaningful interpretation. The effect of metallated polymer with Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Cobalte(II) were taken to increase the efficiency of oxidation. Optimization results for 0.33 mmole cyclohexene and cyclopentene showed that maximum oxidation efficiency 90. % was achieved at the optimum conditions: catalyst amount 350 mg, temperature 70.0, time 3.30 h and oxidant= 5.25 m mole.Â Â Â
A Comparison Study of Performance Efficiency of Lead-Acid Batteries Available in the Iraqi Markets.
Authors: H. Hamed Hussein , H. Zainulabdeen Iman , Sh. Raheem Samko , E. Mohammed Awad
Published: March 2021

Batteries consider the major important devices for energy storage based on converting the chemical energy to electrical energy. Different types of batteries are available working in different efficiencies. In this work the performance efficiency of five types of batteries available in the Iraqi were assessed. Different operating variables such as Battery Type (Akko, Raggie, Aswar, Terminator, and Hongdeng), Temperature (20, 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65˚C), and Charging Time (24, 48, and 72 hr) were studied the impact of these on the performance efficiency of each battery type. According to the results obtained in this study, maximum performance efficiency achieved was 7.2 V at optimum operating variables are (temperature 20˚C), and (charging time 48 hr). Furthermore, a computer was used with Data Logger to be connected with batteries. Finally, the most stable type and resistance to operating conditions was Aswar type in the first rank and Hongdeng type in the last rank.
A Modern Technique to Solve the Problem of the Failure of Layers of Multilayer Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Emad Toma Karash Dr. , Abed Alsttar Sediqer Tymor , Taqi Elias Qasim Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Depending on the theory of the discrete-structure of the thin walls structures, an arithmetical model was proposed for elements of thin, multilayered walls for set layers anisotropic rigid. Assuming that the transverse shear stress is equal to the compression stress at the contact boundary. An elastic slip on the contact surface of adjacent layers is assumed. The problem was solved in a geometrically nonlinear formula with allowance for transverse deformations landslide and compression. The stressed-deformed state of two-layer transversally isotropic cylindrical shells with interphase defects of the structure of the material is studied. The numerical results were compared with the experimental results. The study proved numerically and experimentally data, the change in the kinetic and static conditions of contact on mating surfaces in the solid layers of the various elements of the fine wall structures greatly influences the distribution of compression stress and transverse shear stress deformations. Its ends are rigidly fixed, the work experience of the internal pressure of the uniform intensity of P = 1.11 MPa.
Structural Timber In Compartment Fires – The Timber Charring and Heat Storage Model
Authors: Schmid Joachim , Frangi Andrea
Published: March 2021

The influence of exposed timber surfaces on compartment fires has been well documented in various studies in recent decades. Yet available design concepts still typically neglect the influence of an additional fire load from linear structural timber elements such as beams and columns. As rules for large shares of exposed timber surfaces, e.g. by panels, are rare, authorities and fire safety engineers demand often mock-up compartment fire experiments to estimate the fire safety of a particular design. Such experiments, however, are costly, time consuming, and give limited insights into the potential fire scenarios and may fail to represent properly the fundamental effects arising from exposed structural timber elements in a fire. An approach to overcome these existing limitations is presented, which is able to estimate the contributions from structural timber to a fire from its fully developed- and decay phase until burnout. The model input is developed from an experimental campaign where the relevant effects of fire exposed structural timber could be isolated and measured. It was found that the energy stored in the char layer is a key characteristic for describing the fire dynamics of compartment fires with exposed structural timber. Consequently, the proposed approach describes a framework for the Timber Charring and Heat storage, the TiCHS-model. The validation of the model is shown in this paper by means of existing compartment experiments. A current limitation is the bond line integrity of the fire exposed components as the combustion characteristics of failed char pieces on the floor are currently unknown.
Laboratory studies of the influence of the working position of the passenger vehicle air suspension on the vibration comfort of children transported in the child restraint system
Authors: Frej Damian , Zuska Andrzej , Szumska Emilia M.
Published: March 2021

The article presents the results of laboratory tests on the influence of the choice of the vehicle suspension position and the method of mounting child seats on the vibration comfort of children transported in them. Two child seats were used in the work. The B seat was attached to the vehicle with the ISOfix system, while the A seat was attached in the classic way (with seat belts). During the tests, the values of vertical vibrations were recorded on the seats of child seats, the rear seat of the vehicle and on the basis of ISOfix. The analyzed systems, depending on the method of mounting a child seat, may be characterized by two different vibration transmission chains. They depend on the method of fixing the child seat (the classic way of fixing the seat and the ISOFIX system). The article presents the results of empirical tests carried out at the EUSAMA SA.640 stand, which in these tests acted as a vibration generator with a frequency of 0 to 25 Hz. The analysis of the obtained results confirmed the observations published in previous articles about the negative impact of the use of the ISOfix base on the vibrational comfort of children.
The effects of task types on L2 oral production and learner engagement
Authors: Qiu Xuyan , Cheng Hong
Published: March 2021

In task-based language teaching, various types of tasks are developed from different scenarios in daily communication. Different kinds of tasks encourage oral production of different generic features and can impose different degrees of information-processing pressure on second language (L2) learners. Therefore, the functions and nature of task types are worth considering when designing tasks. Although the effects of task types on L2 oral output have been explored in the current literature, L2 learners’ engagement in different types of tasks is relatively under-explored. Since engaging L2 learners in task performance can facilitate L2 learning, it is important for us to attend to learner engagement in task-based research. This study investigated the effects of two types of tasks, opinion-exchange tasks and storytelling tasks, on the oral performance of 20 English as a foreign language learners in terms of complexity, accuracy, and fluency and their engagement in L2 use. They performed two opinion-exchange tasks and two storytelling tasks. The analysis of their oral discourse revealed that the learners spent longer time, had more turn-taking, and more frequently negotiated language-related issues when co-constructing stories than in opinion-exchange tasks. The results reinforce the importance of considering task types in teaching L2 speaking.
Tracking who knows what: epistemic gaps and the prosodic realization of corrective focus
Authors: Ouyang Iris Chuoying , Kaiser Elsi
Published: March 2021

Corrective information is produced with higher prosodic prominence than non-corrective information. However, it remains unclear how corrective prosody is realized in different communicative settings. We conducted two production experiments to investigate whether interlocutors’ prosodic realization of corrective focus depends on each other’s knowledge state. Participants carried out a statement-response task in pairs (e.g., Speaker B:Tina had shrimp at a restaurant. Speaker A:No, she had beef at a restaurant.). Our focus is on the prosody of Speaker A’s utterance. We manipulated whether Speaker B’s statement was implausible in the context (e.g., a context where it is known that Tina actually hates seafood). Furthermore, the two experiments differed in whether Speaker B knew that their statement (e.g., about Tina eating shrimp at a restaurant) was (im)plausible. In Experiment 1, both speakers had access to the crucial context concerning the probability of Speaker A’s statement (Tina’s preferences about food). In Experiment 2, only Speaker A had access to this background information. We found that Speaker A’s prosody when responding to Speaker B was influenced by both (i) the contextual probability of Speaker B’s statements and (ii) Speaker B’s knowledge (or lack thereof) about the contextual probability. We present an analysis where the prosodic prominence associated with corrective information reflects the gap between expectation and reality – in this case, what Speaker A had expected Speaker B to say and what Speaker B actually says.
About the INTER and the INTRA in age-related research: Evidence from a longitudinal CLIL study with dense time serial measurements
Authors: Pfenninger Simone E.
Published: March 2021

This is the first longitudinal study to explore the best time and timing for regular versus bilingual language exposure in (pre)primary programs, using multiple measures over time so as to focus on fluctuations, trends and interactions in individual data as well as intra-individual variation over time. We studied children who had received 50/50 bilingual instruction in German and English (so-called ‘partial CLIL’ programs) as well as children in ‘minimal CLIL’ programs with almost uniquely monolingual German instruction (90% German, 10% English). Results show that, like other individual differences (ID) variables, the age factor behaves like a dynamic entity that changes over time and affects L2 literacy development differentially at different times. Furthermore, while an early age of first bilingual language exposure has no effect on the L2 development for the children in the minimal CLIL program, early-AO bilinguals in the partial CLIL program (age of first exposure 5) outperform the older-AO bilingual group (age of first exposure 7 and 9) in terms of accuracy and (syntactic and morphological) complexity but not in terms of lexical richness and fluency.
The random and the non-random in intra-individual L2 variation
Authors: Singleton David
Published: March 2021

When intra-individual variation in language use is discussed it tends to be seen as not having much significance. The recognizability of the relation of variants to each other is (usually tacitly) acknowledged; intra-individual variation is often attributed to influence across different varieties of the language in question (and, in L2 variation, also across languages); in addition such variation is frequently seen as a concomitant of the way in which the given linguistic feature develops. None of these commentaries actually has much to do withrandomness; all seem to relate to identifiable complexes of correlation. The present article begins by exploring how the concept of randomness is to be understood and defined. It proceeds to explore the relationship of intra-individual linguistic variation to the recognizability of the connections between variables, to cross-varietal influence and to acquisitional trajectories. It probes the question of whether, in the light of theputativelyexplanatory factors for intra-individual variation considered, much room remains for its treatment as straightforwardly random.
Politischer Reformprozess im Zuge der COVID-19-Pandemie: Der Pakt für den Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst
Authors: Arnold Laura , Teichert Ute
Published: March 2021

Im Zuge eines Konjunkturpaketes haben sich Bund und Länder auf einen 4 Milliarden Euro schweren Pakt für den Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD) verständigt, um den ÖGD personell wie infrastrukturell zu stärken. Eine zentrale Rolle spielt die nachhaltige Stärkung des ÖGD zur Sicherstellung gesundheitlicher Schutzaufgaben zur Krisenbewältigung. Damit der ÖGD die ihm obliegende komplexe Aufgabe der gesundheitlichen Daseinsfürsorge vor Ort langfristig und qualitativ hochwertig ausfüllen kann, wird es notwendig sein, bestehende Strukturen zu optimieren, so dass akute Bedrohungssituationen ebenso wie eher langfristig und strategisch ausgerichtete Planungsaufgaben souverän gemeistert werden können.
Modern Marketing Tools and Internet Technologies in Ukrainian Business in the Formation of Marketing Strategies
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture,, Alaverdian Liudmyla , Romanenko Olesia ,   Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture
Published: March 2021

Research of modern marketing strategies used by business in the Ukrainian market of goods and services, in the context of the process of digitalization is a topical issue. The article reveals and summarizes the components of successful marketing strategies and tools of modern marketing in Ukraine, which should be used by business in a changing environment and existing risks, taking into account the concept of social responsibility. A high-quality research method was applied on social Internet networks, an in-depth interview was conducted, including a survey of 30 key informants - representatives of small and medium enterprises. Key words: marketing strategy, marketing tools, Internet technologies, business entities, Internet marketing, marketing trends