bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing hepcidin measurement with a proficiency test framework and standardization improvement
Authors: Aune Ellis T. , Diepeveen Laura E. , Laarakkers Coby M. , Klaver Siem , Armitage Andrew E. , Bansal Sukhvinder , Chen Michael , Fillet Marianne , Han Huiling , Herkert Matthias , Itkonen Outi , van de Kerkhof Daan , Krygier Aleksandra , Lefebvre Thibaud , Neyer Peter , Rieke Markus , Tomosugi Naohisa , Weykamp Cas W. , Swinkels Dorine W.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Hepcidin measurement advances insights in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of iron disorders, but requires analytically sound and standardized measurement procedures (MPs). Recent development of a two-level secondary reference material (sRM) for hepcidin assays allows worldwide standardization. However, no proficiency testing (PT) schemes to ensure external quality assurance (EQA) exist and the absence of a high calibrator in the sRM set precludes optimal standardization.

Methods

We developed a pilot PT together with the Dutch EQA organization Stichting Kwaliteitsbewaking Medische Laboratoriumdiagnostiek (SKML) that included 16 international hepcidin MPs. The design included 12 human serum samples that allowed us to evaluate accuracy, linearity, precision and standardization potential. We manufactured, value-assigned, and validated a high-level calibrator in a similar manner to the existing low- and middle-level sRM.

Results

The pilot PT confirmed logistical feasibility of an annual scheme. Most MPs demonstrated linearity (R2>0.99) and precision (duplicate CV>12.2%), although the need for EQA was shown by large variability in accuracy. The high-level calibrator proved effective, reducing the inter-assay CV from 42.0% (unstandardized) to 14.0%, compared to 17.6% with the two-leveled set. The calibrator passed international homogeneity criteria and was assigned a value of 9.07±0.24 nmol/L.

Conclusions

We established a framework for future PT to enable laboratory accreditation, which is essential to ensure quality of hepcidin measurement and its use in patient care. Additionally, we showed optimized standardization is possible by extending the current sRM with a third high calibrator, although international implementation of the sRM is a prerequisite for its success.
The Minamata Convention
Authors: Toda Eisaku , Have Claudia ten , Pacyna Jozef M.
Published: October 2020

Considerable scientific knowledge has been developed on sources and emissions of mercury, its pathways and cycling through the environment, human exposure and impacts on human health. Mercury has been recognized as a toxic, persistent, and mobile contaminant. This contaminant does not degrade in the environment, and it is mobile because of the volatility of the element and several of its compounds. Mercury has the ability to be transported within air masses over very long distances and deposited far away from emission sources.
A Path for Tracking Funded Research and Compliance
Authors: Ratner Howard , Spilka Susan
Published: October 2020

To better understand how CHORUS [1] is creating a future where the output flowing from funded research is easily and permanently discoverable, accessible, and verifiable, this article will share the story of its origins, present an overview of its services, and look at what’s in the pipeline. Working closely with organizations from all corners of the scholarly community, CHORUS is helping to establish new foundational standards, metrics, and metadata. This work is enabling CHORUS to introduce new and expanded capabilities—notably, tracking research datasets and integrating institutional identifiers—that support the continuing evolution of a sustainable and connected open-science infrastructure.
Optimization of diagrid geometry based on the desirability function approach
Authors: Lacidogna Giuseppe , Scaramozzino Domenico , Carpinteri Alberto
Published: October 2020

Diagrids represent one of the emerging structural systems employed worldwide for the construction of high-rise buildings. Their potential relies on the peculiar architectural effect and their great lateral stiffness. Because of the modular nature of the diagrid triangular element, optimization processes are usually carried out to assess the best arrangement of the external diagonals in order to enhance the structural performance while using the lowest amount of structural material. In this contribution, we make use for the first time of the desirability function approach to investigate the optimal geometry of the dia-grid system. A 168-meter tall building, with four different floor shapes, is analyzed, and the inclination of the external diagonals is varied between 35° and 84°. The desirability function approach is applied to find the most desirable geometry to limit both the lateral and torsional deformability, the amount of employed material as well as the construction complexity of the building. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out to investigate the influence of the individual desirability weight on the obtained optimal geometry. The effect of the building height is finally evaluated, through the investigation of sets of 124-, 210- and 252-meter tall diagrid structures.
Some topological indices of dendrimers determined by their Banhatti polynomials
Authors: Chu Zheng-Qing , Salman Muhammad , Munir Asia , Khalid Imran , Rehman Masood Ur , Liu Jia-Bao , Ali Faisal
Published: October 2020

Several properties of chemical compounds in a molecular structure can be determined with the aid of mathematical languages provided by various types of topological indices. In this paper, we consider eight dendrimer structures in the context of valency based topological indices. We define four Banhatti polynomials for general (molecular) graphs, and compute them for underline dendrimers. We use these polynomials to determine four Banhatti indices. We also determine Zagreb (first, second and hyper) and forgotten indices by developing their relationships with Banhatti indices.
Features of frequency dependence of electrical conductivity and dielectric properties in lignins from conifers and deciduous trees
Authors: Khviyuzov Sergey , Bogolitsyn Konstantin , Volkov Aleksandr , Koposov Gennadiy , Gusakova Maria
Published: October 2020

Lignins are among the most common plant polymers and demonstrate pronounced electrical conductivity properties due to their conjugated polymolecular aromatic structure and polyfunctional nature. Electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of lignins from conifers and deciduous trees in the range of electric field frequencies from 10−2 to 107 Hz were investigated by means of dielectric spectroscopy. Characteristic parameters of static and high frequency electrical conductivity were calculated. To study the influence of the lignins functional nature on their electrophysical properties, the study determined three types of relaxators (separate charges or charge systems in the structure of a substance changing their position in space when exposed to an external alternating electric field) in the structure of the lignin macromolecule. Low-frequency relaxators are associated with oscillations of methoxyl groups. Mid-frequency relaxators correspond predominantly to phenolic hydroxyl groups and to hydroxyl groups of adsorbed water. High-frequency relaxators correspond to the hopping of π-electrons along the chain of conjugated bonds of a benzene ring. Differences in the structure and functional nature of lignins from conifers and deciduous trees cause different contributions of low-frequency relaxators. As a result, these features form differences in the electrophysical properties of lignins from conifers and deciduous trees.
Internal quality evaluation of chestnut using nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Park Soo Hyun , Noh Sang Ha , McCarthy Michael J. , Kim Seong Min
Published: October 2020

This study was carried out to develop a prediction model for soluble solid content (SSC) of intact chestnut and to detect internal defects using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Inversion recovery and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) pulse sequences used to determine the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times, respectively. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was adopted to predict SSCs of chestnuts with NMR data and histograms from MR images. The coefficient of determination (R
2), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD), and the ratio of error range (RER) of the optimized model to predict SSC were 0.77, 1.41 °Brix, 1.86, and 11.31 with a validation set. Furthermore, an image-processing algorithm has been developed to detect internal defects such as decay, mold, and cavity using MR images. The classification applied with the developed image processing algorithm was over 94% accurate to classify. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that the NMR signal could be applied for grading several levels by SSC, and MRI could be used to evaluate the internal qualities of chestnuts.
Nitric oxide mediates the antidepressant-like effect of modafinil in mouse forced swimming and tail suspension tests
Authors: Omidi-Ardali Hossein , Badi Abolfazl Ghasemi , Saghaei Elham , Amini-Khoei Hossein
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Previous studies have suggested antidepressant properties for modafinil; however, the underlying mechanisms mediating the antidepressant effect of modafinil have not been well recognized in clinical and animal studies. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression. We attempted to investigate the possible role of NO in the antidepressant-like effect of modafinil in mouse forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST).

Methods

The antidepressant-like effect of modafinil (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg), alone and in combination with l-arginine, l-arg, (100 mg/kg) and NG-l-arginine methyl ester, l-NAME (5 mg/kg), was evaluated using FST and TST. Following behavioral tests, the hippocampi were dissected out to measure nitrite levels.

Results

Findings suggested that administration of modafinil at doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time in the FST and TST. Furthermore, administration of l-arg and l-NAME increased and decreased, respectively, the immobility time in the FST and TST. We showed that co-administration of a sub-effective dose of modafinil (25 mg/kg) plus l-NAME potentiated the antidepressant-like effect of the sub-effective dose of modafinil. In addition, co-treatment of an effective dose of modafinil (75 mg/kg) with l-arg attenuated the antidepressant-like effect of the effective dose of modafinil. We showed that the antidepressant-like effect of modafinil is associated with decreased nitrite levels in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Our findings for the first time support that the modulation of NO, partially at least, is involved in the antidepressant-like effect of modafinil in mouse FST and TST.
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of Adiantum lunulatum Burm. F. leaf in alcohol-induced rat model
Authors: Kakadia Nimisha Parshottambhai , Amin Monika A , Deshpande Shrikalp S
Published: October 2020

Background

Adiantum lunulatum Burm. F. leaf (AL) and its related species have been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases.

Objective

The present study evaluated the hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract of AL.

Methodology and Result

The hepatoprotective effect of AL was evaluated against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Administration of ethanol (2 g/kg) showed a significant biochemical and histological deterioration in the liver of experimental animals. Pretreatment with ethanolic extract of AL (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. p.o) significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum enzymes like serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, total bilirubin and reversed the hepatic damage in the liver which evidenced the hepatoprotective activity. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level notably increased due to doses of AL.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of AL possesses hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities.

Graphical Abstract
Glial cell induced neural differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Ma Qiang , Cai Ming , Shang Jing-Wei , Yang Jun , Gu Xin-Yi , Liu Wen-Bo , Yang Qing
Published: October 2020

Background

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have an important application prospect in the field of cell therapy for various neurodegenerative diseases, and inducing factors that regulate BMSC differentiation are proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we explored the effect of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on the course of BMSC differentiation.

Methods

BMSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow and induced by GDNF. The effects of GDNF on BMSC viability and proliferation were verified by cell counting kit-8, MTT, bromodeoxyuridine, and flow cytometry assays. Neuronal differentiation from BMSCs was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence via measuring the expression of several neural specific markers.

Results

Compared to untreated BMSCs, GDNF induced the differentiation of BMSCs into neuron-like cells and enhanced the expression levels of neuronal markers including nestin and NCAM. Moreover, the expression of SCF was suppressed by GDNF stimulation.

Conclusion

GDNF could elevate the differentiation of BMSCs into neuron-like cells and could be considered as an effective candidate cell for future neuroscience research.
Crystal structure of (tricyclohexylphosphane-κP)-[(Z)-N-(3-fluorophenyl)-O-methylthiocarbamato-k1
S]gold(I), C26H40AuFNOPS
Authors: Yeo Chien Ing , Tan Yee Seng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: October 2020

C26H40AuFNOPS, triclinic, P1 (no. 1), a = 9.62498(7) Å, b = 11.78239(10) Å, c = 12.74349(13) Å, α = 78.7411(8)°, β = 73.5635(8)°, γ = 76.6096(1)°, V = 1335.34(2) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0224, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0557, T = 100 K.
Crystal structure of N,N-diphenylformamide, C13H11NO
Authors: Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: October 2020

C13H11NO, orthorhombic, Pca21 (no. 29), a = 23.801(4) Å, b = 6.0510(13) Å, c = 7.2677(14) Å, V = 1046.7(3) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0335, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0896, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of DL-α-(methylaminomethyl)benzyl alcohol, C9H13NO
Authors: Manana Pholani , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: October 2020

C
9

H

13

NO

${\text{C}}_{9}{\text{H}}_{13}\text{NO}$

, orthorhombic, Pbcn (no. 60), a = 29.554(4) Å, b = 7.4930(11) Å, c = 8.2800(10) Å, V = 1833.6(4) Å3, Z = 8,

R

g
t

${R}_{gt}$

(F) = 0.0737,

w

R

r
e
f

$w{R}_{ref}$

(

F
2

${F}^{2}$

) = 0.1646, T = 200 K.
4-(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)-4-methylmorpholin-4-ium bromide, C18H20BrNO
Authors: Kailani Mohammed H. , Awwadi Firas F.
Published: October 2020

C18H20BrNO, orthorhombic, Pbca (No. 61), a = 8.4285(4) Å, b = 19.2055(9) Å, c = 19.7809(12) Å, Z = 8, V = 3202.0(3) Å3, R

gt
(F) = 0.0427, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1025, T = 293(2) K.
The role of the dentate gyrus in mnemonic functions
Authors: Sauer Jonas-Frederic , Bartos Marlene
Published: October 2020

The hippocampus is decisive for the storage of conscious memories. Current theories suggest that experience-dependent modifications in excitation–inhibition balance enable a select group of neurons to form a new cell association during learning which represents the new memory trace. It was further proposed that particularly GABAergic-inhibitory interneurons have a large impact on population activity in neuronal networks by means of their inhibitory output synapses. They synchronize active principal cells at high frequencies, thereby supporting their binding to cell assemblies to jointly encode information. However, how cell associations emerge in space and time and how interneurons may contribute to this process is still largely unknown. We started to address this fundamental question in the dentate gyrus (DG) as the input gate of the hippocampus, which has an indispensable role in conscious memory formation. We used a combination of in vivo chronic two-photon imaging of population activity in the DG and the hippocampal areas CA1–3 of mice exposed to a virtual reality, in which they perform a goal-oriented spatial memory tasks, with high-density in vivo recordings and multiple whole-cell recordings in acute slice preparations, to determine how memory engrams emerge during learning. We further examine how GABAergic interneurons may contribute to this process. We believe that these lines of research will add to a better understanding on the mechanisms of memory formation in cortical networks.
Mechanisms of synaptic vesicle recycling provide a platform to explore mechanisms of neurodegeneration
Authors: Milosevic Ira
Published: October 2020

The synaptic vesicle (SV) cycle, a trafficking pathway by which SV fuses with the plasma membrane to release neurotransmitters at the neuronal synapse, resides at the heart of neurotransmission. SV fusion consumes vesicle membrane and proteins, whose availability is limited, and these components must be recycled quickly to prevent synaptic fatigue. Biochemical, genetic and physiological approaches over the past five decades have led to a discovery of a large directory of proteins and lipids central to the SV cycle and several models on how these constituents account for the synapse function. The complexity of the SV cycle is starting to be comprehended, which opens new perspectives for our understanding of neuronal physiology and provides mechanistic explanations for several neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, selected classic and recent insights into the mechanisms of two key SV trafficking steps (exocytosis and endocytosis) are reviewed, as well as their links to selected brain pathologies.
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of Layered Chalcogenide Materials
Authors: Alsalama Manal M. , Hamoudi Hicham , Abdala Ahmed , Ghouri Zafar K. , Youssef Khaled M.
Published: October 2020

Thermoelectric materials have long been proven to be effective in converting heat energy into electricity and vice versa. Since semiconductors have been used in the thermoelectric field, much work has been done to improve their efficiency. The interrelation between their thermoelectric physical parameters (Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity) required special tailoring in order to get the maximum improvement in their performance. Various approaches have been reported in the research for developing thermoelectric performance, including doping and alloying, nanostructuring, and nanocompositing. Among different types of thermoelectric materials, layered chalcogenide materials are unique materials with distinctive properties. They have low self-thermal conductivity, and their layered structure allows them to be modified easily to improve their thermoelectric performance. In this review, basic knowledge of thermoelectric concepts and challenges for enhancing the figure of merit is provided. It discusses briefly different groups of layered chalcogenide thermoelectric materials with their structure and thermoelectric properties. It also reports different approaches in the literature for improving their performance and the recent progress done in this field. It highlights graphene as a promising nano additive to layered chalcogenide materials’ matrix and shows its effect on enhancing their figure of merit.
Modeling time-varying parameters using artificial neural networks: a GARCH illustration
Authors: Donfack Morvan Nongni , Dufays Arnaud
Published: October 2020

We propose a new volatility process in which parameters vary over time according to an artificial neural network (ANN). We prove the process’s stationarity as well as the global identification of the parameters. Since ANNs require economic series as input variables, we develop a shrinkage approach to select which explanatory variables are relevant to forecast volatility. Empirically, the proposed model favorably compares with other flexible processes in terms of in-sample fit on six financial returns. It also delivers accurate short-term volatility predictions in terms of root mean squared errors and the predictive likelihood criterion. For long-term forecasts, it can be competitive with the Markov-switching generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (MS-GARCH) model if appropriate exogenous variables are used. Since our new type of time-varying parameter (TVP) process is based on a universal approximator, the approach can readily revisit and potentially improve many standard TVP applications.
Referentiality and modifiability of incorporated nouns
Authors: Olthof Marieke
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the pragmatic referentiality and semantic modifiability of incorporated nouns. While some researchers argue that incorporated nouns have a referential function, others claim that they are not used to refer. Similarly, some hold that incorporated nouns are modifiable, whereas other researchers maintain that they cannot be modified. In order to tease apart these conflicting views, the present study systematically investigates the cross- and intra-linguistic variation regarding the referentiality and modifiability of incorporated nouns. A pre-defined set of criteria for the identification of referentially vs. non-referentially used nouns and modifiable vs. non-modifiable nouns, taken from Functional Discourse Grammar, is applied to incorporated nouns in a sample of 21 languages. The results show variation between referentially used modifiable nouns, non-referentially used modifiable nouns and non-referentially used non-modifiable nouns, both across and within languages. In addition, referentially used modifiable incorporated nouns and non-referentially used non-modifiable incorporated nouns appear to occur independently of each other, such that the conflicting perspectives on the referentiality and modifiability of incorporated nouns may be related to differences between studies and theoretical approaches in the languages they focus on. Moreover, incorporated non-referentially used modifiable nouns are only found in languages that also show incorporated referentially used modifiable nouns, which suggests that two independent incorporation processes should be distinguished: the incorporation of modifiable nouns and the incorporation of non-modifiable nouns.
FACTORIAL ANALYSIS ON BACILLUS SP. REMOVAL USING GARLIC SOLUTION
Authors: Zainol Norazwina , Rahim Siti Rahmah
Published: October 2020

Biofilm is a microbial derived sessile community characterized by cells that are

irreversibly attached to a substratum or interface to each other, embedded in a matrix of

extracellular polymeric substances that they have produced. Many different microbes

can be found in biofilm such as Bacillus sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus

sp., Escherichia coli and many more. Bacillus sp. was used as biofilm model in this

study. The purpose of this study is to determine the most affecting factors in Bacillus sp

removal. Garlic solution was used to remove Bacillus sp. In this study, garlic solution

was prepared by crushing the garlic and mixed it with water. Bacillus sp. was mixed

with nutrient broth before it was incubated. Then, the garlic solution was added into

Bacillus sp. mixture and mixed well. The mixture then was spread on nutrient agar. The

Bacillus sp. weight on agar plate was measured by using dry weight measurement

method. The selected factors were ratio of water to garlic (W/G) (1:1 and 1:5), ratio of

garlic solution to Bacillus sp. (GS/B) (1:1 and 1:3), agitation speed (50  – 100 rpm) and

reaction time between Bacillus sp. and garlic (12  – 24 hours). Design Expert software

(Version 7) was used to construct experimental table where all the factors were

randomized. The most contributing factor and interaction between the factors was

analyzed via two level factorial analysis by using the same software. The results showed

that the most significant factors were GS/B and agitation speed, while for the interaction

effect was between W/G and GS/B. The Bacillus sp. removal best condition was

determined at W/G at 1:1, GS/B at 1:3, agitation speed at 50 rpm and reaction time at 12

hours. The result of the best condition was 88.46% of Bacillus sp. removal.
COMPARISON STUDY OF ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTED FROM ETLINGERA ELATIOR (TORCH GINGER) BY USING SOXLET EXTRACTION
Authors: Amirah Shafie Nur Fathin , Yahya Asdarina , Hamzah Fazlena
Published: October 2020

Significance of essential oils from Etlingera elatior (E. elatior) are growing these days and have prospective to embrace great export in future, yet the quantity of the essential oil extracted does not extant in decent rate. Therefore the purpose of this research is to determine the optimum yield of the E. elatior essential oil. The E. elatior were prepared in two conditions which are normal (fresh) and dry grinded sample. The extraction of normal and dry grinded E. elatior was conducted using Soxhlet extraction with methanol as a solvent. The extraction process was conducted at different extraction time (2, 4, 6 hours). The study indicated that the dry grinded E. elatior produced a higher yield of essential oil as compared to normal grinded E. elatior. The yield of essential oil obtained from dry grinded E. elatior was 71.44% while with normal grinded E. elatior, the yield

was 56.42%. The effect of extraction time towards yield of essential oil shown that prolong extraction up to 6 hours gave a higher yield of E. elatior essential oil. The constituents in the E. elatior essential oil were determined and quantified using GC-MS analysis. The analysis indicated that the E. elatior essential consist of 2-Furaldehyde, 5- methyl, 3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, Maple lactone, Furan-2,5-dial, Pyranone and 5-Hydroxymethyl furaldehyde.
OPTIMIZATION OF GLYCEROL RECOVERY FROM PRETREATMENT PROCESS TO PRODUCE SUCCINIC ACID VIA ANAEROBIC FERMENTATION
Authors: Abdul Aziz Nik Nor Aziati , Abdul Munaim Mimi Sakinah
Published: October 2020

This study aims to produce succinic acid from glycerol residue through anaerobic fermentation process. The optimum condition of pH, mass substrate, and temperature was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). The concentration of glycerol and succinic acid were determined using HPLC analysis. The FTIR spectrometry was applied to examine the adsorption of organic element. Optimization of fermentation condition using RSM yielded glycerol of 159.312 g/L at pH 2, 35 °C, and 110.36 g of substrate. Succinic acid was the product of fermentation by Escherichia coli type k-12 under 19.67 g/L initial glycerol concentration, 200 rpm rotational speed, and 37 °C. The fermentation with treated glycerol generated 0.66983 g/L of succinic acid, compared to commercial glycerol which generated 0.73337 g/L of succinic acid. Overall, this research show that glycerol waste can be used as the carbon source to produce succinic acid by implementing fermentation of Escherichia coli type k-12. From the fermentation process, succinic acid was not the major product. Further study in genetic modification of Escherichia coli is highly suggested to produce succinic acid as the major product, as well as to improve the fermentation process.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND FORMIC ACID CONCENTRATION ON DELIGNIFICATION OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA
Authors: Alwi Nurul Athirah , Hamidi Nor Hanimah , Ahmad Noormazlinah , Noor Shaari Siti Hajar
Published: October 2020

Delignification is essential for wide range of technologies especially in paper industry and ethanol as transportation fuel. Researches have been made by thermal, mechanical, chemical and biology treatment. Recently, L. Leucocephala has been in centre of attraction for paper making industry while formic acid, a typical organosolv system has been given attention by the researchers due to effectiveness on the ability to break down and modify the lignin structure. Hence, delignification of L. Leucocephala was studied using chemical treatment with formic acid. The effect of reaction conditions including reaction temperature and formic acid concentration were investigated at atmospheric pressure for 6 hours of reaction time. Delignification percentage approximately 70 – 75 % (v/w) with a pulp yield of 40 – 62% (w/w) was obtained and the optimal reaction temperature is 90oC with 90% of formic acid concentration, respectively. Therefore, temperature and formic acid concentration affected significantly on the delignification process of L. Leucocephala.
INFLUENCED FACTORS IN THE DELIGNIFICATION PROCESS OF RED MERANTI WOOD SAWDUST
Authors: Abdul Rahman S.N. , Abdul Munaim Mimi Sakinah
Published: October 2020

Lignocellulosic biomass are plants that include forestry residue and agricultural residues that are mainly composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Red Meranti wood sawdust (RMWS) are one of lignocellulosic biomass that rich-cellulose content. To obtain cellulose, the pretreatments are needed to extract it from outer layer of lignin and hemicellulose by using the acid-chlorite delignification procedure aided with design of experimental from Design Expert 7.1 software. Four factors were selected in design of experiment using two level with half fraction factorial analysis were came out with total of 8 runs. The factors contributed were ratio acetic acid (AC) to RMWS (0.45 and 0.6), ratio sodium chlorite to RMWS (0.6 and 1.64), reaction time (4hr and 6hr) and temperature (55°C and 75°C). The results obtained were showed that the design model was substantial resulting with a coefficient of determination value of 0.9963. Two factors that generated the highest to the process were ratio SC to RMWS (B) and temperature (D). The percentage error between the actual and predicted value for lignin removal at 0.79% and 4.92%, which found to be less than 5%, and thus, the model was successfully validated.
THERMAL CHARACTERISTIC EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT ASCORBIC ACID CRYSTAL HABITS
Authors: Hassan S. , Adam F. , Abu Bakar M.R.
Published: October 2020

Melting temperature (Tmelt) and enthalpy of fussion (ΔHf ) are important parameters to determine the quality and the thermal stability of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) crystals. In this study, different habit of ascorbic acid was prepared by using different polar solvents namely water, methanol, ethanol and 2-propanol. Ascorbic acid crystal was then been physically and thermally characterised by using microscopic analysis, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calometry analysis (DSC). This provides an insight into the formation of crystal habit across four different polar protic solvents. The ascorbic acid is found to grow as a cubic or prism crystal when grown in water that provides high hydrogen bond between solvent and solute. As the polarity of the solvents decrease, the hydrogen bond weaken and the width of the crystal become narrower, forming almost a needle like crystal. The thermal stability of ascorbic acid crystal is found to be the most stable when ascorbic acid is crystallized from water (prism) and the weakest from 2-propanol (needle) due to the molecule arrangement in crystal lattice in which resulted from decreasing intermolecular forces in the liquid phase
INVESTIGATION ON PRE-TREATMENT PROCESS IN MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (MCC) FROM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH (EFB)
Authors: Supian Muhammad Arif Fahmi , Mohd Amin Khairatun Najwa , Jamari Saidatul Shima , Mohamad Shahril
Published: October 2020

In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted from empty fruit bunch (EFB) with alkaline treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis treatment and its properties were compared with commercial MCC. Two conditions were optimized in this study which are fiber consistency and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration in alkaline pretreatment. The obtained optimum consistency and alkaline concentration are 5% and 20%respectively. The physicochemical and morphological characteristics, elemental composition and size distribution of the obtained alpha cellulose and MCC were analyzed in this work. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis provided clear evidence that the characteristic peak of lignin and hemicellulose were absent in the spectrum of the alpha cellulose and MCC. The difference in surface morphology and aggregation between alpha cellulose, MCC and commercialized MCC were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean length of approximately 251.3 μm, 41.4 μm and 138.6 μm were measured for alpha cellulose, MCC and commercialized MCC respectively. Thus, the isolated MCC from EFB has a good potential to be utilized as reinforcing agent in green composites and may be a precursor for future roselle derived nanocellulose, and thus a promising subject in nanocomposite research.
SUPERCRITICAL WATER GASIFICATION AS A TREATMENT FOR LABORATORY ORGANIC WASTE
Authors: Aslam Asim , Twaiq Farouq
Published: October 2020

The thermodynamics of supercritical water gasification (SCWG) was studied in order to determine its potential for treatment of laboratory liquid organic waste. A thermodynamic model based on the minimization of Gibbs energy was developed in Aspen Plus software that simulated the SCWG of liquid lab organic wastes on an ash free basis. The feed stream contained a mixture of aliphatic (hexane), oxygenated (acetone, ethyl acetate,ethyl ether, isopropyl alcohol and methanol), aromatic (toluene and xylene) and chlorinated hydrocarbons (chloroform and dichloromethane). The showed that a pressure of 25 MPa, low organic material concentration of 5-10% in the feed and temperatures over 600oC, SCWG resulted in hydrogen rich syngas aith a trace amount of HCI in the liquid effluent. High conversion rates were obtained for oxygenated hydrocarbons having destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) greater than 99.99% with the rest of the compound having a 100% DRE. The composition of the gaseous stream was found to be such that the gas could be released safely to the atmosphere or be stored at high pressure. The study established a proof of concept that there is potential for laboratories to use this method to deal with organic lab wastes with the SCWG process effluent that is environmental friendly.
DESTABILIZATION OF CRUDE OIL EMULSION VIA ELECTROCOAGULATION METHOD
Authors: Abdulla Firdos. M. , Abdurahman Nour Hamid
Published: October 2020

Formation of emulsions during oil production and processing is a costly problem, both in terms of chemicals used and production losses. Conventional ways of breaking crude oil emulsion are disadvantageous from both economic and environmental perspectives. In this paper, the potentials of electrocoagulation technology in destabilization of crude oil emulsion were investigated. The crude oil was obtained from Petronas Refinery Melaka, Malaysia. For stability performance test, Span 80 was used as emulsifier, while for chemical destabilization performance test, Hexylamine was used. The electrocoagulation method was used for destabilization of W/O emulsion. For electrocoagulation destabilization, three factors namely; voltages 15-50 V, current density 1.04-3.94 mAcm- 2, and NaCl concentration 0.5-2.5 g/L. The electrocoagulation destabilization showed that the best water separation efficiency was achieved at voltage 50 V, current density 3.94 mAcm-2, and NaCl concentration 2.5 g/L, whereas the separation efficiency reached at 98%. In addition, electrocoagulation of W/O emulsion separation is advantageous as it was simple to be operated, low cost and more identical, and then successfully applied on destabilization of W/O crude oil emulsions on the industry.
GC-MS ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF JASMINE FLOWER
Authors: Rassem Hesham Hussein , Nour Abdurahman Hamid , Mohammed Yunus Rosli
Published: October 2020

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) the best technique to identified the compounds of essential oils by comparison of mass spectra data obtained from the sample with that taken from pure commercially available standards injected under the same conditions. To characterize the chemical constituents of Hibiscus Flower using GC-MS, the shade dried flower powder was extracted with methanol by using Microwave-assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD). The GC-MS analysis provided different peaks determining the presence of ten compounds. These compounds havebiological activity namely 2-Phenylthiolane (57.31%), Cyclohexene, 3-ethenyl- (25.91%), Acetaldehyde (12.70%), N-Methylallylamine (9.99%),  ropanamide (6.79%) and Phthalic acid, bis (7-methyloctyl) ester (5.21%). From the results, it can be concluded that Jasmine flower extract shows the presence of 10 phytocompounds. The presence of various bioactive compounds justifies the use of the jasmine flower for various ailments by traditional practitioners.
TWO LEVEL FACTORIAL SCREENING OF MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION PARAMETERS FOR THE RECOVERY OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM VERNONIA CINEREA LEAF
Authors: Alara Oluwaseun Ruth , Abdurahman Nour Hamid , Alara John Adewole
Published: October 2020

Vernonia cinerea is one of the medicinal plants with several potentials for treating different ailments. In the present study, Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was employed in extracting phenolics compounds from this plant. However, different factors that affect this extraction method in the recovery of phenolics compounds abound, these factors need to be screened to determine actual contributing factor in order to minimize cost. Irradiation time (1-5 min), ethanol concentration (20-60% v/v), microwave power (40-80 W), extraction temperature (40-80 oC), and feed/solvent (1:10 - 1:18 g/mL) have been screened using two-factorial design for the recoveries of phenolic compounds from V. cinerea leaves. The results obtained in this study indicated that only microwave power, ethanol concentration, irradiation time and feed/solvent contributed to recoveries of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) from V. cinerea leaves. Thus, these factors at these ranges can be further optimized to obtain optimal yields of phenolic compounds from V. cinerea leaves.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION ON THE EFFECT OF CONCENTRATION ON PREMIXED CH4/CO2/AIR EXPLOSION CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Muhammad Harinder Khan Nur Aqidah , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Izhab Izirwan , Abdul Mudalip Siti Kholijah , Che Man Rohaida , Md Shaarani Shalyda , Mohd Arshad Zatul Iffah , Md Kasmani Rafiziana , Sulaiman Sarina
Published: October 2020

In this study, a numerical simulation on the premixed CH4/CO2/Air (methane/carbon dioxide/air) mixture explosion characteristics was conducted by using the Flame Acceleration Simulator (FLACs) software. The domain used in the 20 L spherical vessel with 0.808 m diameter. The effect of various equivalence ratios on the explosion characteristics such as the explosion pressure, Pex, maximum explosion overpressure, Pmax, the maximum rate of the pressure rise, (dP/dt)max and gas deflagration index, KG, were studied. For this purpose, the mixture concentrations range from equivalence ratio (ER) 0.8 to 1.5 (9.6 to 18% vol/vol) were considered. From this study, the explosion pressure, Pex, maximum explosion overpressure, Pmax, and the maximum rate of pressure rise, (dP/dt)max, at various ER was the maximum at a slightly rich concentration (ER=1.2). At lean and rich mixtures, the Pex, Pmax, (dP/dt)max and KG decreases. It can be said that, at ER=1.2, the role of thermal-diffusive instability and its effect on the flame speed during the pressure development process had causes the diffused methane, CH4, to react further into the flame front, which significantly increases the mixture mass burning rate and flame was also found to propagates the fastest at ER=1.2 due to the incompletecombustion process caused by the insufficient and excess CH4 present in the lean and rich mixtures. The CH4/CO2/air mixtures studied in this study were also found to have the highest level of hazard potential when exploded.
KINETIC STUDY OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT (POME) TREATMENT BY ACTIVATED SLUDGE
Authors: Wun W.L. , Chua G.K. , Chin S.Y. , Zainol N.
Published: October 2020

Kinetic parameter is a basis for design and optimization of activated sludge POME treatment. In fact, most of the kinetic parameter value used in design and optimization are default values taken from municipal wastewater. The kinetic parameters for POME treatment have not been thoroughlystudied and most of the system is using the Activated Sludge Models (ASM), either in modelling or design. Thus, the kinetic study of POME treatment by activated sludge system were carried out to obtain the kinetic parameters  for  the  POME  treatment  plant  design calculation.In  this  study,  POME treatment was carriedout in batch studiesinto 14 L aeration tank with activated sludge for the biological oxidation process with optimum pH at 6.5 ± 0.1, MLVSS of 2000 ± 200 mg/Lfor HRT of 48 h and feeding with 650 ± 20 mg BOD3/L of anaerobic treated POME, while SRT was controlled at a range of 10 days to 20 days with interval of 2 days for the kinetic study experiment. From this kinetic study, the kinetic parameters for COD and BOD basis had been determined for maximum yields coefficient (Y), endogenous decay coefficient (kd), maximum specific substrate utilization rate (k) and half-velocity constant (Ks) at 0.2369 mg VSS/mg COD, 0.1060 day-1, 2.2717 day 1 and 758.7705 mg/L for COD basis whilst the kinetic parameters value for BOD basis were 0.6718 mg VSS/mg BOD3, 0.0658 day-1, 1.4136 day-1 and 556.1526 mg/L, respectively. Since the BOD is one of the discharge parameters in discharge regulatory, thus kinetic parameters for BOD basis will be used for the system design of POME treatment.
ELEMENTAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF Moringa oleifera HUSK EXTRACTS
Authors: Jami Mohammed Saedi , Ahmad Mani Malam , Abayomi Olalere Olusegun , Ngabura Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Moringa oleifera is a well-known tropical plant with myriads medicinal and nutritional benefits. Its nutraceutical functions are due to the presence of mineral element and phytochemical components which necessitate their profiling. In this study, the elemental and chemical profiles of husk wastes from Moringa oleifera plants were elucidated using Liquid Chromatography equipped with an electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LCMS-QToF) and X-ray Fluorescence analyser. The confirmation of 493 bioactive compounds and two higher concentrations of micronutrients (calcium and potassium) indicated the potential of the Moringa oleifera extracts for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Also, the minimal presence of trace elements such as Cu, Si, Mo and Sr showed that they are non-toxic and can therefore be used as food supplement for both human and in animal feed. The result of this researchcould therefore provide lead for future investigation.
Design an inexpensive augmented reality platform for the customized application
Authors: Quanjin Ma , Rejab M.R.M. , Idris M.S. , Abdullah M.H.
Published: October 2020

Augmented reality technique (AR) is an emerging method to advance real world (RW) environment or user experience, which is mixed virtual and real reality. It is generally used to support image formation concepts, which is enhanced using relevant equipment. However, the relevant equipment is high-cost, portable, and limited software or hardware equipment, which reduces its potential application areas. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to design an inexpensive platform to determine the customized application using augmented reality, which is based on open-source software and hardware equipment. It is used to advance the targeted platform with several render effects. In addition, three virtual models are selected and applied animation function on its platform, which is controlled using external device such as keyboard and mouse. It is successful, sufficient and inexpensive device to meet the demands in various applications with external control device.
DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND ANALYSIS OF A SMART MOWER
Authors: Foong Tan Qing , Ismail Siti Zubaidah
Published: October 2020

This paper focusses on optimisation of vibration and sound levels of a lawnmower from process cutting with the cutting blade. Technical requirements have been defined for the project including customer requirement, cost model of the product, the checklist of product design specification, concept generation, concept selection and prototyping. These are the fundamental technical requirement to build a safe and efficient of Smart Mower. The experiment was analysed using 200 to 900 wedge angles of cutting blade to cutting grass field simulation for the test of levels of vibration and sound. From the results, it is observed that the analysis of changing wedge angle will provide changes on levels of vibration and sound. The obtained results indicate that the smaller wedge angle gives smaller levels of vibration and sound. The results can also significantly meet all customer requirement according to product development. Therefore, the wedge angle is promising the reduction of vibration level and sound level. At last, this result can reduce the cost, time to market and improve product reliability and customer confidence.
PRODUCT – SERVICE SYSTEM INVENTORY CONTROL FOR MALAYSIAN PALM OIL AGRIBUSINESS
Authors: A Zailaini Nina Iwani , Ismail Siti Zubaidah
Published: October 2020

This research deals with the study of Product – Service System (PSS) and inventory control for Malaysian palm oil plantation company. PSS is a managing system that combining product and service in one system. PSS is essential to provide better environmental impart, improve competitiveness and to help the company satisfy the demand from customer. However, PSS could not be running smoothly when the inventory of product and service are managed in separate interface systems, which is by using manual inventory control like Microsoft Excel and handwriting documentation. In order to make PSS inventory control easier and systematic, an inventory application system is developed. This research is focusing on developing a PSS inventory control tool which could help in decision and calculation making for product and service of palm oil plantation.
ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR SURGICAL SITE INFECTION: A CASE RESEARCH IN AN ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL (HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY)
Authors: Bhalaji R.K.A. , Bathrinath S. , Ponnambalam S.G. , Saravanasankar S.
Published: October 2020

This study portrays a ranked structure on different risk factors including patient, surgery and hospital related risk factors and allied unfavorable outcomes concerning an orthopedic hospital. The paper suggests a methodical surgical site infection (SSI) risk assessment method for assessing level of risk factors using three vital quantifying elements; outcome, time and likelihood of exposure. To transform the linguistic data into numeric risk scores, an enhanced decision making technique using fuzzy set theory has been endeavored in this paper. The notion of ‘centre of area’ technique for widespread TFNs has been discovered to measure the ‘extent of risk’ with regard to crisp scores. Lastly, a reasonable structure for classifying risk factors into various risk levels has been built based on differentiated ranges of assessed crisp risk scores. Then, an activity necessity plan has been proposed, which could give direction to the officials for effectively controlling risk factors in the circumstance of orthopedic hospital.