bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of Pseudomonas putida for Biodiesel Blend (B5) in Soil Bioremediation
Authors: Sunar Norshuhaila Mohamed , Emparan Quin , Karim Ahmad Tarmizi Abdul , Noor S.F.M. , Maslan M.
Published: June 2014

The soil-contaminated areas can be cleaned-up by the emerging science and technology of bioremediation. This study aims to investigate the survival of Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) as biodegradable agent in soil contaminated with biodiesel/diesel blends (B5). The spillage simulation of B5 was conducted at laboratory scale for 24 days of treatment. The results show that contamination of biodiesel/diesel blends in soil induced a reduction growth of P. putida. The growth of P. putida was measured high in control compared to B5 sample proved the inhibitory effect has occurred. Nevertheless, the P. putida colonies counts for sample B5 were persisted high until the end of treatment period at 5.0 x106 CFU/ml. P. putida is very sensitive to any ecosystem perturbation therefore this study notably serves as necessary information and potentially exploits as a useful oil-soil biodegradable agent in soil bioremediation.
Courtyard as a Microclimatic Modifier Experimental Study on Actual Site
Authors: Abdulbasit Almhafdy , Norhati Ibrahim , Ahmad Sabarinah Sh. , Salleh Wan Mohd. Naim Wan
Published: June 2014

An experimental study of two different forms of courtyards has been conducted in an existing hospital building, in the tropics. The experiments involved three design variants, namely form, size, and orientation. Three weather stations were used in three different courtyards, O-and U-forms and the third one was located in the outdoor area as benchmark. The courtyard, as a microclimatic modifier, has the ability to improve the thermal and the visual condition within the semi-outdoor area. Therefore, four physical environments variables, namely air temperature, humidity, solar intensity and wind were investigated and analyzed as these variables have not previously been studied in a single experiment of courtyard. The aim of this paper is to measure and examine the differences of thermal and visual performance in the courtyards during daytime. The results showed that form, wind orientation and number of floors had a significant effect on the microclimate and visual performance of the courtyard. Forms, orientation and number of floors are the key design variants that show a significant effect in the U-form courtyard.
The Effects of Feedstock Sources and Pyrolytic Temperature on Biochars Sorptive Characteristics
Authors: Yavari Saba , Malakahmad Amirhossein , Sapari Nasiman
Published: June 2014

Biochar addition to soil and water environments has been shown to be effective in sequestering contaminants. This study evaluated the effects of biomass type and the preparation temperatures of biochars on their properties as a sorbent. Rice husk and empty fruit bunches of oil palm were used as the source of biomass for the production of biochars by heating at 300, 500 and 700°C. The biochars properties including functional sites, elemental components and BET surface area were determined to assess the biochars sorption mechanisms. The biochars produced in low temperature were found to have more polar functional groups effective in sorption of polar molecules while the highest temperature increased biochars surface area which is effective in non-selective sorption of contaminations.
Treatment of Wastewater Using an Integrated Submerged Attached Growth System
Authors: Ezechi Ezerie Henry , Kutty Shamsul Rahman  Mohamed , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Rahim Ahmad Fitri Abd
Published: June 2014

The performance of a single sludge integrated attached growth system comprising of an aerobic and anoxic tanks in biological nutrient removal was evaluated in treating synthetic wastewater simulating medium strength domestic wastewater. An aero-packer and bio-balls were installed in the aeration and anoxic tank occupying about 40% and 25% of both tanks respectively. The efficiency of the integrated attached growth system was evaluated on the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia removal (NH3), nitrate removal (NO3), total suspended solids removal (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand removal (BOD5). Effluent results show that the integrated attached growth system had a removal efficiency of 97.8% (COD), 97.5% (NH3), 87.5% (NO3), 97% (TSS) and 97.1% (BOD). These results support the viability of an integrated system in mitigating the enormous challenges of a conventional wastewater treatment.
Broadside Vessel Collision Forces for Conventional Riser-Guard
Authors: Palaniandy Dinesh Kumaran , Syed Zubair Imam , Liew Mohd Shahir , Karuppanan Saravanan
Published: June 2014

Oil and gas operators have taken considerable amount of measures to prevent offshore service vessel collision with risers, especially in the wake of the Mumbai High North disaster. One of the measures taken is the installation of steel riser-guards on fixed offshore jacket platforms. The conventional riser-guard however, has been associated with several design related issues, which provide room for further design optimisation, or even a potential replacement with other alternatives. Quantification and selection of appropriate design load for riser-guard system is highly desirable for design improvement and optimization. This study attempts to investigate and establish the impulse loads equivalent to the broadside collision of a 2500 tonne displacement vessel with the conventional riser-guard. Parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of varying width to the resulting impulse load equivalent to vessel collision forces. General purpose finite element modelling software was used to perform dynamic analysis and establish the equivalent impact loads.
Computational Aspects of Submarine Slide Generated Tsunami
Authors: Huan Vo Nguyen Phu , Harahap Indra Sati Hamonangan
Published: June 2014

Submarine landslide is the most serious threat on both local and regional scales. Tsunami phenomenon induced by submarine slide has put us on the challenge in understanding from generation mechanism to propagation and coastal inundation and mitigating the risk from submarine slide generated tsunami. This research presents the numerical simulation methodology by Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) to investigate the impact forces of tsunami waves with the aid of physical modeling. By using parallelSPHysics, it is a source code based on the SPH method to model nearly‐incompressible flows, including various physical processes. The conclusions may potentially be taken as guideline of mitigate the risk from tsunami wave.
Air Quality Profile in an Enclosed Car Park
Authors: Mohammed Nurul Izma , Othman Nurfadhilah , Baharuddin Khairul Bariyah
Published: June 2014

Complaints on poor air quality in an enclosed car park have been raised up among the public, which might cause serious health effects to the drivers, passengers, and labours who are working at the premises. Improper design of mechanical ventilation systems in a car park would result in a poor indoor environment. The exhaust emission of motor vehicle contains a variety of potentially harmful substances encompassing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and fine particulates. In Kuala Lumpur, there is a great demand but a short supply of lands and building spaces. Thus, a large multi-storey underground car parks is a common solution for both, the government and developers. Although the health effects of the motor vehicle emissions and ambient air pollution are already known, but due to the nature of enclosed multi-storey car parks, these health risks are predicted to be intensified. Thus, it is crucial to investigate and evaluate the status of the air pollution in the enclosed car parks with emphasis on sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxides (NO2). Samples were collected in one of the famous shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur using a GrayWolf Advanced Sense Direct Sense; Toxic Gas Test Meters from 8 am until 5 pm on weekdays and weekends. The results demonstrate that the concentrations of SO2 and NO2 on weekends is higher than weekdays. Besides, the concentrations for both weekdays and weekends have exceeded the standard limit set by the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guideline (MAAQG).
Effect of Rainfall and Groundwater Level on Sandy Beach Profile
Authors: Wahab Ahmad Khairi Abd. , Othman Norasman , Jamal Mohamad Hidayat , Samat Shairul Rohaziawati
Published: June 2014

In Malaysia, rainfall distribution patterns are normally influenced by seasonal wind flow patterns coupled with local topographic features. Heavy rain spells and storms during the Northeast Monsoon will affect groundwater table elevation and the beach profile. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between rainfall and groundwater elevation and their effect to beach profile change. This work was undertaken at the Desaru Beach, Johor. The rainfall, groundwater table, tides and beach profiles data were measured at the site. As a result, the findings revealed that the groundwater table is affected by rainfall intensity; higher during wet season and lower during dry season. Groundwater table near the coastline is also affected by the tides. However, the data showed that there is a lag time between rising and falling of groundwater table and tides. Finally, the beach profile was found to be eroded as the groundwater elevation increased on the beach.
Analytical Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of High Performance PVA Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Ayub Tehmina , Shafiq Nasir , Nuruddin Muhd Fadhil
Published: June 2014

In this paper, mechanical properties of three series of high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) containing 1, 2 and 3% of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fiber volume are presented. The first series of HPFRC was prepared by using 100% cement, whereas remaining two series were prepared by replacing 10% cement content with silica fume and locally produced metakaolin. All series were designed with water to binder ratio (w/b) of 0.4. The mechanical properties determined in this study include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength. Testing of the specimens was conducted at the 28 days of curing. Experimental results showed that the 3% PVA fiber is the optimum fiber volume to improve the mechanical properties of HPFRC. The variation in the mechanical properties due to the addition of PVA fibers was investigated and presented in the form of mathematical relationship. Further, interrelationship among the mechanical properties was also determined.
Durability of Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) Concrete towards Chloride Ion Penetration
Authors: Shafiq Nasir , Elhsameed Asma Abd , Nuruddin Muhd Fadhil
Published: June 2014

In this study, the effect of sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) on chloride penetration resistance of concrete was investigated. 100-mm side cubes were cast and cured in water for 28 days followed by six months curing in 4% NaCl solution. The resistance to chloride penetration was assessed by measuring the chloride penetration depth, weight loss, compressive strength loss and bond strength loss. Chloride penetration depth was measured using AgNO3–based method. It was obtained that inclusion of SCBA in concrete significantly reduced the chloride penetration depth, weight loss, compressive strength loss and bond loss that was attributed to the fine particles of SCBA that filled up the pores and prevented the chloride ingress in the concrete.
Prospect of Adopting Kapok Fibre as Roof Insulation
Authors: Nuruddin Muhd Fadhil , Puad Nadzhratul Husna Ahmad , Azizli Khairun Azizi , Farhan Syed Ahmad , Zainal Azirul
Published: June 2014

Interest on building insulation has started to develop among the research community in recent years. Kapok fibres have the potential to become a roof insulation material because of its low thermal conductivity. This paper reviews studies on kapok fibre as insulation material. It is revealed that there were no reported findings on the application of kapok fibre as roof insulation.Thorough study is highly recommended in this area since kapok fibre has good thermal and acoustic properties.
Unconfined Compressive Strength Performance of Cement Stabilized Peat with Rice Husk Ash as a Pozzolan
Authors: Wong Leong Sing
Published: June 2014

Peat is known to be highly compressible in nature due to its extremely high content of organic matter. As such, it is never a suitable foundation soil for construction purpose. Under such condition, it is compelling to investigate the underlying binding action of suitable materials that can be sustainably applied to stabilize the soil. The primary focus of this research article is to evaluate the effectiveness of rice husk ash as partial cement replacement in peat stabilization. Rice husk ash is basically a pozzolanic material which is produced by burning rice husk from the milling of paddy. Other than rice husk ash, Portland composite cement, calcium chloride, and silica sand were used as the materials for stabilizing the peat. An experimental based program was developed to gage the pertinent aspects that influenced the strength behavior of the stabilized peat. The strength behavior of the stabilized peat was evaluated on the basis of the results from unconfined compression tests. It was found from the test results that by partially replacing 10% of the cement with rice husk ash at an initial pressure of 50 kPa, binder dosage of 300 kg m-3, silica sand dosage of 596 kg m-3 and a curing time of 28 days, the required unconfined compressive strength of 345 kPa could be exceeded. The positive result confirmed the role of rice husk ash at imparting filler and pozzolanic effects that enhanced the strength of the stabilized peat.
Experimental Investigation on the Performance of Four Types of Solar Stills in Malaysia
Authors: Riahi Ali , Yusof Khamaruzaman Wan , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Singh Balbir Singh Mahinder , Malakahmad Amirhossein , Sapari Nasiman
Published: June 2014

This study aims at improving a solar distillation still by comparing the performance of four types of double slope single basin solar stills to produce adequate amount of potable water in the areas with confined fresh water. These solar stills fabricated with similar shapes. In each solar still a stainless steel basin with the length of 50 cm, width of 30 cm and depth of 8 cm was utilized. The still configurations differed based on inclusion of 2 cm depth of sea sand layer in the basin, a layer of black paint in the basin and use of a 50 W PV-DC heater. The study was conducted to increase the potable water production under Malaysia tropical condition. A comparative research of cumulative water production among these solar stills showed that solar still with black painted basin was the more efficient; producing 234 %, 190% and 148% the potable water produced by a conventional solar still, solar still with sand layer in basin and solar still connected to a PV-DC heater, respectively.
Resource Management in Construction Project
Authors: Othman Idris , Napiah Madzlan , Potty Narayanan Sambu
Published: June 2014

Construction projects experience various problems and complex factors such as cost, duration, quality and safety. Construction sector is diverse as it contains sub-contractors, contractors, consultants, architects, owners, and others. The aim of this paper is to identify and analyze resource management issues in construction project. Other than that is to ascertain the significance of the resource management as one of the key element in construction project success. A literature review and a questionnaire survey were done for data collection and analyzed using Relative Importance Index and Cronbach’s alpha. The questionnaires were distributed to the team members of KLIA 2 – New Low Cost Terminal Project: Client, Architects, Main Contractor, and Sub-Contractor. The findings revealed that dependent on foreign workers to respond to the high demand of skilled workers, weather condition affecting machineries/equipment-work-related performance and weaknesses in quality assurance for the supply of construction materials should be given serious attention in order to ensure the productivity and financial performance of the projects.
Keywords: Construction Project Management, Resource Management, Manpower, Machineries, Materials
Development Spectral Library of Vegetation Stress for Hydrocarbon Seepage
Authors: Jamaludin Muhammad Ikhwan , Matori Abdul Nasir , Kholik Mohammad Faize , Mokhtar Munirah Mohd
Published: June 2014

Spectral Library is data archive of spectral signatures of various natural and man-made materials. In oil and gas industry, spectral library might not be heard often, but these tools can pose a great help for future oil and gas exploration. A developing spectral library for hydrocarbon is basically a new advancement in this field, and this project may implement the spectral library on global hydrocarbon seeps in the future. In this paper, the procedure in the developing spectral library from vegetation stress was demonstrated. In order to obtain these spectral signatures of hydrocarbon, the usage of hyperspectral remote sensing analysis and spectroradiometer is required. But for the early stage of development, spectrophotometer with the range up to 740 ηm was used to extract the spectral signature of the plants in term of green percentage. Nine samples of palm oil trees represent the stressed vegetation was planted with 10% and 40% porosity of crude oil and control samples having three palm oil trees for each of those. The vegetation has been left in an open environment with enough sunlight and watered daily. The significance result of changes in green percentage in the spectral signature of the trees with different porosity level was compared to the control samples. It shows that the existence of crude oil influences the health of the vegetation which has been notified through the spectral signature of the plant. This paper signifies a first step towards the development of spectral signature of hydrocarbon for oil and gas exploration.
Flood Disaster Forecasting: A GIS-Based Group Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach
Authors: Matori Abdul Nasir , Lawal Dano Umar
Published: June 2014

Geographic Information System (GIS) was integrated with Group Analytic Hierarchy Process (GAHP) to facilitate the simulation of flood likely areas based on a total number of five set of criteria/factors believed to be triggering flood generation in the study area. Two categories of experts namely hydrologists and geologists were considered. Saaty’s 1-9 scale of preference was employed in rating each factor’s influence in flood generation and the ratings from the experts were aggregated using a Geometric Mean method. Having done with the aggregation, priory weights of the factors were calculated; weights were further normalized through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The result was further integrated into GIS system for spatial simulation of the likely flood areas. The result forecasted 39.1% of the total area to be very highly susceptible to flooding. Validation was carried out by superimposing the known flood extent map from radar satellite data over the flood forecasting model developed herein.
Time-Space Geography: A Creditable Transport Accessibility Measure for Rural Dwellers
Authors: Talpur Mir Aftab Hussain , Madzlan Napiah , Irfan Ahmed , Chandio Imtiaz Ahmed , Hussain Shabir
Published: June 2014

Time is considered as an important element for rural inhabitants to access different essential activities efficiently. A time-space prism is a tool through which inaccessibility problems of the rural population can be resolved. Hence, the motive of this research is to examine the travel patterns, and to develop a time-space prism for the local population of the study area. The time-space prism was developed from the data, which were collected from the sampled households with the help of a questionnaire survey. This research found that transportation facilities in rural sub-regions could reduce the travel time of people, which could enhance their capability of accessing routine activities within the available time. The accessibility standards can be improved in this way, which can put the positive impacts on the sub-regional economy.
Comparison of Soil Water Retention Functions for Humid Tropical Soils
Authors: Babangida Nuraddeen Muhammad , Askari Muhammad , Yusof Khamaruzaman Wan , Muhammad Raza Ul Mustafa
Published: June 2014

The determination of soil hydraulic properties is of paramount importance as they are needed in many models of water and solute transport in soils, however conventional methods are quite difficult, expensive and sometimes cumbersome to use. Most studies of soil water retention functions are for temperate soils and their soil water retention curve (SWRC) cannot be extrapolated to tropical region, as such this study focused solemnly on SWRC of soils of tropical region (Malaysia and Indonesia to be specific). The analytical models of Brooks & Corey, van Genuchten and Kosugi were applied to model the SWRC for humid tropical soils, parameters of the three models were optimised by fitting them to 191 soil samples, of 10 different classes (International society of soil science classification) using VBA & MS excel solver add in. A comparison of the fitting capabilities and model quality was made using the sum of square of errors (SSQE) between observed and modelled values and, Akaike information criterion (AIC) respectively. The Kosugi model was found to describe the SWRC of the tropical soil samples better than the other models, as it has the lowest SSQE and AIC values.
Structural and Optical Properties of Nebulized Nickel Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Gowthami V. , Meenakshi M. , Anandhan N. , Sanjeeviraja Chinnappanadar
Published: June 2014

Nickel oxide has been widely used as material for antiferromagnetic, electrochromic display and functional layer for chemical sensors. Nickel oxide thin films of various molarities were deposited using a simple nebulizer technique and the substrate temperature was fixed at 350C. The effect of the molarity of precursor solution on structural and optical properties was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer techniques respectively. The band gap of the material was confirmed by photoluminescence spectrometer. It is found that increase in the molarity of 10ml volume of the sprayed solution leads to the increasing in film thickness. X-ray diffraction studies indicated cubic structure and the crystallites are preferentially oriented along (1 1 1) plane. It is also found that as the concentration of the solution increases the transmittance decreases, consequently the band-gap energy wanes from 4.0 eV to 3.2 eV.
Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy: Single Channel Imaging of Selected Gold Nanoparticles through Two Photon Induced Photoluminescence
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Kamal , Kitajima Masahiro , Imura Kohei , Okamoto Hiromi
Published: June 2014

Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is known to be a technique of choice to investigate nanometric materials and their properties beyond far-field diffraction limit resulting high spatial, spectral and temporal resolution. Here in this report, a state of art facility, aperture-NSOM was used to probe single nanoparticle, dimer, trimer and small nanoaggregate of gold nanoparticles. Shear force topography and two photon induced photoluminescence (TPI-PL) images captured simultaneously by the system facilitated to clarify the correlation between the local geometry and the emitted photon of TPI-PL. Small gold aggregates including trimer showed strong optical confinement of TPI-PL with reference to that of single gold nanoparticles. It was also evident that the interparticle gap does have a great influence in localized electromagnetic (EM) field mediated optical confinement of TPI-PL. Such observations were also supported by finite different time domain (FDTD) analysis keeping the simulation parameter nearly identical to that of experiment. FDTD simulation demonstrated that incident excitation parallel to the interparticle axis induces strong near-field distribution at the interstitials whereas out of plane excitation modifies such confinement depending on the nanometric geometry of the nanoaggregates. Such an observation is indispensable to understand the localized EM field-mediated optical confinement in surface-enhanced spectroscopy.
Modified Sol-Gel Production of Nano SDC20 Materials
Authors: Ramesh S. , James Raju K.C. , Reddy C. Vishnuvardhan
Published: June 2014

The production of high purity samarium doped ceria (SDC20, Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-δ) nanopowders by modified sol-gel process using maltose and pectin as organic precursors. Around, 6 nm particle size can be obtained after calcination of the as synthesized (pre dried) gel at 500 °C for 2 h. Rietveld refinement of Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirms the cubic structure with single phase. Chemical composition of SDC20 is in good agreement with EDX measurements. TEM and XRD analysis indicate the influence of sintering temperature on particle size, which increases with increasing temperature. This modified sol-gel process is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly for large-scale production of high purity nanopowders.
Overlithiation of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 for Increased Performance in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Rusdi Hashlina , Kamarulzaman Norlida , Roshidah Rusdi , Elong Kelimah , Azilah Abd Rahman
Published: June 2014

Layered LiNi1-xCoxO2 is one of the promising cathode materials for Li-ion battery application. However, the Ni rich cathode materials exhibit low capacity and bad capacity retention. This is due to factors such as disorder and structural instability when Li is removed during charge-discharge. Overlithiation of cathode materials is expected to improve the cation ordering and structural stability. Good cation ordering will increase the battery capacity. During charge-discharge, the irreversible Li+ loss can be replaced to a certain extent by the interstitial Li+ ions in the lattice of the LixNi0.8Co0.2O2 material. This helps reduce capacity fading of the cathode materials. In this work the overlithiation of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 is done by interstitially doping Li+ in the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 materials producing Li1.05Ni0.8Co0.2O2 and Li1.1Ni0.8Co0.2O2. Results showthat the performance of the overlithiated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 materials is better than pure LiNi0.8Co0.2O2.
Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes - Poly(celestine blue) Nanohybrid Modified Electrode
Authors: Sangeetha N.S. , Sriman Narayanan S.
Published: June 2014

A hydrogen peroxide sensor was developed by constructing a conductive film of poly (celestine blue) (PCB) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified graphite electrode by electropolymerization. The presence of MWCNTs increased the surface coverage concentration of PCB and the rate of electron transfer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the surface morphology of the modified electrode. The electrochemical characteristics of PCB/MWCNTs modified electrode was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results revealed that the modified electrode exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in 0.1M of NH4NO3 (pH 7) at a reduced overpotential with increased peak currents. The modified electrode showed a wide concentration range from 6.66×10-6 M to 1.34×10-3M with a detection limit of 2.22×10-6 M (S/N = 3) and with a sensitivity of 12.592 μA/μM.
Microstructure and Adhesion Properties of a-CN and Ti/a-CN Nanocomposite Thin Films Prepared by Hybrid Ion Beam Deposition Technique
Authors: Vijai Bharathy P. , Yang Q. , Nataraj D.
Published: June 2014

Carbon based materials have attracted much for its unique surface microstructure and nanomechanical properties among researchers. In this study, the influence of microstructure on the nanomechanical properties of thin carbon based films was studied in detail. For which amorphous Carbon nitride (a-CN) and Titanium incorporated amorphous Carbon nitride (Ti/a-CN) thin films were prepared with a thickness of less than 100 nm using hybrid ion beam deposition technique. The incorporation of Ti into the a-CN matrix greatly modified the sp3/sp2 hybridized bonding ratio and it is reflected in the mechanical hardness of Ti/a-CN thin film. Most of the incorporated Ti reacts with carbon and nitrogen to form TiN and TiCN phases respectively. On the other hand, owing to the usage of energetic ion bombardment and the presence of TiN/TiCN phases in the carbon nitride matrix, the Ti/a-CN nanocomposite film shows improved adhesion strength compared to that of pure a-CN film. Overall the presence of hard metallic phase in the amorphous carbon network alters the microstructure and improves the adhesion strength of a-CN films suitable for protective coating applications.
Study on the Structure and Morphology of CexZr(1-x)O2 Mixed Oxides
Authors: Abu Shah M. Nazri , Md Nor S. Hanim , Ismail Kamariah Noor , Hadi Abdul
Published: June 2014

A series of CexZr(1-x)O2 mixed oxides with different ratio (0 x 1) have been synthesized using microemulsion method. The structure and morphology of the mixed oxides have been investigated via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that the synthesized mixed oxides were of nanoscale size and the cubic phase was obtained with the application of a ratio of x > 0.5. Additionally, it was found that the tetragonal phase existed with lower ceria content. The average crystallite size of the CexZr(1-x)O2 series were found to be in the 5 - 10 nm range. Moreover, the roughness of these mixed oxides had also decreased with increasing ceria content.
Morphological Studies of Electrodeposited Cobalt Based Coatings: Effect of Alloying Elements
Authors: Resali Nor Azrina , Hyie Koay Mei , Abdullah Wan Normimi Roslini , Saad Nor Hayati
Published: June 2014

Electrodeposition is known as a simple and low-cost method to synthesize good-quality coating with excellent hardness. In this work, the morphology changes on Cobalt coating with the addition of iron and nickel elements were investigated. Co (Cobalt) and Co-based alloy coatings were prepared by electrodeposition technique using sulfate-based electrolytes. The process was conducted at 50°C temperature in an acidic environment (pH 3). The pure Co coating shows the tendency to form snowflake-like morphology structure. The dendritic morphology appeared in the Co-Fe coatings. However, the dendritic morphology was totally disappeared in the Co-Ni-Fe morphology and replaced by spherical morphology. The crystal structure of Co-Ni-Fe coating changed from bcc into mixed bcc+fcc structure with the addition of Ni element in Co-Fe composition. The Ni element which had been introduced in the Co-Fe composition improved the surface morphology and reduced the average particle size. The surface morphologies in the coatings affect the particles size and hardness property. This may due to the formation of full, compact coatings morphology and introduction of particles boundaries interphase. The Co-Ni-Fe coating with smaller particle size, less void formation and mixed crystal structure of bcc+fcc was roughly two times harder than pure Co.
Synthesis of Silicon Nanostructures Using DC-Arc Thermal Plasma: Effect of Ambient Hydrogen on Morphology
Authors: Tank Chiti M. , Varma Vijaykumar B. , Bhoraskar Sudha V. , Mathe Vikas L.
Published: June 2014

Silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) were synthesized using thermal plasma assisted gas phase condensation at different compositions of argon and hydrogen. The content of hydrogen in argon was varied from 0 to 15 mole percent. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Noticeable change in the morphology of nanostructures was observed with changing hydrogen content. Si-NPs synthesized in the presence of argon consisted of flake like structures, mostly amorphous. With increase in hydrogen concentration, flake like structures disappeared and prominent spherical structures and nanowires were observed. On further increasing hydrogen content spherical crystalline nanostructures with a tail of nanowire were formed and then nanoplatelets of SiC along with silicon nanostructures were observed. Different parameters that changed owing to different hydrogen concentration, were calculated and it is attempted to predict the cause of changing morphology.
Effect of Cobalt Concentration on Bi0.95Ba0.05Fe1-xCoxO3
Authors: Vanga Pradeep Reddy , Leelashree S. , Ashok Mahalingam
Published: June 2014

In the present work, we have reported the effect of cobalt concentration on Bi0.95Ba0.05Fe1-xCoxO3 (where x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) synthesis by solvothermal method. The structural properties are studied using X-ray diffraction by performing Rietveld analysis. The change in magnetic properties is associated with bond angle. The leakage current density mechanism is studied by measuring I-V characteristics.
Hexamine Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Eu3+ Activated Na0.5La0.5MoO4 Microstructures: Synthesis, Structure and Morphological Investigations
Authors: Krishnan Rajagopalan , Thirumalai Jagannathan , Shanmuganathan Govindan , Shameem Banu Itreesh Basha , Chandramohan Rathinam
Published: June 2014

Highly uniform and self-assembled spheroid-like microstructures of Na0.5La0.5MoO4:Eu3+ were successfully synthesized by hexamine assisted hydrothermal route at 180 °C for 24 hours with neutral pH (7~8). Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction pattern and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were used to characterize the morphology, crystal structure, size, and elements of the particles. It is found that, the particle size was well-controlled by increasing the molar concentration of the chelating agent hexamine. While, irradiating at 395 nm UV light, the emission spectra of micro-spheres shows remarkable characteristic dominance of red emission which is attributed to the transition 5D07F2. Furthermore, the synthesized homogeneous and well-crystallized Na0.5La0.5MoO4:Eu3+ microstructures will serve as an excellent phosphor candidate to produce high-quality luminescence for display devices in future.Keywords: Hydrothermal route, hexamine, self-assembly, photoluminescence
Analysis of Key Odor Compounds in Steamed Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
Authors: Gu Sai Qi , Wu Na , Wang Xi Chang , Zhang Jing Jing , Ji Si Ru
Published: June 2014

Key odor compounds in different edible parts (abdomen, claw, leg meat and gonad) of steamed female Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) were extracted by a new type of adsorbent (MonoTrap), identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and determined by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). Ninteen key odor compounds (odor intensity value≥3) were obtained in Chinese mitten crab, among which trimethylamine (fishy), (Z)-4-heptenal (fishy) and 2-ethylpyridine (roasted potato) were found in all four edible parts of Eriocheir sinensis. In addition, 8 KOCs (2-ethylfuran, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, 6-methyl-2-heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one, nonanal and decanal) were also identified in the abdomen meat, 5 KOCs (toluene, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 1-octen-3-ol, (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one and 2-methylnaphthalene) in the claw meat, 3 KOCs (toluene, 2-nonanone and nonanal) in the leg meat, and 12 KOCs (1-penten-3-ol, toluene, hexanal, 1,3,5-octatriene, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, 6-methyl-2-heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one, nonanal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and decanal) in the gonad part.
Optimization of Microwave Pretreatment without a Reagent of Pineapple Peel
Authors: Pongsuwan Phubet , Chongkhong Sininart
Published: June 2014

The microwave pretreatment of pineapple peel for ethanol production was optimized by RSM (Response surface methodology). Three variables, which were studied, were peel to water ratio (100-160 g/L), microwave power (90-900 watt) and time (5-20 min). The optimal condition for reducing sugar production was 132 g/L peel to water ratio, 90 watt for 12 min that provide the 10.4 g/L of highest content. For total sugar production was 160 g/L ratio, 90 watt for 20 min that gave the optimum content of 579.9 g/L. This microwave pretreatment without a reagent could achieve the satisfied sugar content for ethanol fermentation that led to save time and energy consumption.
The Establish of Four Kinds of Chinese Primary Economic Crab Species Fatty Acid Fingerprints
Authors: Lu Xiao Yu , Qiu Qiang , Chen Shun Sheng
Published: June 2014

In order to establish our common economic crabs fatty acid fingerprints, the total lipid and phospholipid fatty acid composition of our common economic crabs were determined and analyzed by GC-MS. The results show that: the highest proportion of Eriocheir sinensis is monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), while the highest proportion of the other three crab is polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The percentage of EPA+DHA in Total fat of four kinds of crab is between 7.58%~36.82% .The ratio of EPA and DHA of three kinds of sea crab is higher than it in Eriocheir sinensis. Through the comparative analysis of the fatty acid composition of the total lipid and the phospholipids, we identified seven characteristic fat acids of the four species of crabs.They are C16:0, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3,and PUFA(PL). Chemical information of four kinds of crabs in lipid composition can be mastered through fatty acids fingerprints of four kinds of crabs which used seven kinds of characteristic fatty acid as index.
The Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality of Sturgeon Caviar at 0°C
Authors: He Dan , Li Lai Hao , Zhou Wan Jun , Wei Ya , Huang Hui , Lin Wan Ling , Hao Shu Xian
Published: June 2014

The article mainly investigated the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality characters of sturgeon caviar during storage at 0 °C . MAP tested included MAP1 (100%CO2), MAP2 (70%CO2+30%N2), MAP3 (50%CO2+50%N2), MAP4 (30%CO2+70%N2) and MAP5 (100%N2). In order to let gas mixture interact with caver samples, the caviar directly exposed to modified atmosphere in MAP groups, and the control group (AIR) is prepackaged in tins and maintained in the air. Color properties, biochemical analyses (the volatile basic nitrogen values (TVB-N), the thiobarbituric acid values (TBA )) of sturgeon caviar were recorded before packaging (day 0) and after 1, 3 and 5 months of storage. The results showed that the MAP treatments in the study may delay the protein deterioration to some extend and MAP4 group exposed a little advantage to L*. but MAP treatments didn’t show an positive effects on the a*, b*and TBA.
The Expression Analysis of WUSCHEL Gene under High and Low Temperature in Tomato Seedling
Authors: Zhang Qing Bo , Liu Ying , Li Hui , Li Tian Lai
Published: June 2014

fasciatedandlcloci controlled locule number of tomato fruit. The candidate gene offasciatedloci had been cloned thelcloci was also been fine mapping and two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located nearWUSCHELwere found to be responsible for locule number. But whetherWUSCHELwas the candidate gene oflcloci had not been known. In this study, we analyzed the expression ofWUSCHELin tomato with different locule number and under high and low temperature. The result showed thatWUSCHELexpressed higher in FL1 which fruit with 2-4 locules than in MLK1 with 15 locules. We identified theWUSCHELmight be candidate gene oflcloci.
Low Temperature Superplasticity of 5083 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Liu Shou Fa , Cai Yun , Wu Song Lin
Published: June 2014

5083 aluminum alloy was processed with combined process of warm rolling and annealing. Elongation and tensile strength of samples were measured to analyze the influences of annealing temperature and annealing time on its mechanical properties.Results show that low temperature superplasticity is very sensitive to temperature. The maximum elongation for 5083 aluminum alloy reaches 443% at 250°C and a strain rate of 1×10-3s-1, which means that 5083 aluminum alloy exhibits excellent low temperature superplasticity. Low temperature annealing before drawing could not effectively improve the elongation.
The Expression Analysis of the YABBY Transcript Factor-SlYABBY2a in the Tomato Seedling under Low Light
Authors: Zhang Qing Bo , Liu Ying , Li Hui , Li Tian Lai
Published: June 2014

YABBYfamily proteins are plant-specific transcriptional factors which have been identified to play roles in the growth and development of plants. The expression character ofYABBYgenes was important to gene functions. Members of theYABBYgene have been cloned in tomato. Our results showed thatSlYABBY2was expressed in stems, leaves and stem apexes, but barely in roots of MLK1(Lycopersicon esculentumMill) and FL1(Lycopersicon esculentumMill) tomato. Meanwhile, the effect of low light onSlYABBY2expression was analyzed in MLK1 and FL1. The results showed thatSlYABBY2expression decreased after low light in leaves and stem apex of MLK1 and FL1 tomato. All results suggested thatSlYABBY2might be transcribed in stems, leaves and stem apexes and low light might have an effect onSlYABBY2expression.
Vacuum Assisted Extraction of Indirubin from Radix isatidis through Orthogonal Test Method
Authors: Wang Ya Qi , Wu Zhen Feng , Lan Ji Ping , Yang Ming
Published: June 2014

A new vacuum assisted extraction (VAE) method was established and applied for the extraction of indirubin from Radix Isatidis. The major factors of VAE process such as boiling temperature, ethanol level, extraction time and extraction cycles, which have influence on the extraction yield of indirubin were tested by an orthogonal array L9 (34).The results show that the optimum extraction conditions are ethanol level 40% (v/v), boiling temperature 60 °C, extraction time 3 h and extraction 3 cycles. Under these conditions the extraction efficiency of indirubin reaches 1.091 mg/g, which is 30% higher than that by conventional heat reflux extraction at atmospheric pressure. The present results demonstrated that VAE is an efficient, simple and fast method for extracting indirubin from Radix Isatidis, which shows great potential for becoming an alternative technique for industrial scale-up applications.
Prediction of TCP Phases in Nickel-Base Superalloys
Authors: Zhao Kai
Published: June 2014

PHACOMP, Equilibrated alloying method and d-electrons alloy design theory have been employed for the prediction of TCP phases in nickel-base superalloys. The prediction of d-electrons alloy design theory was agreement with the samples aged at 900°C/1000h.
Influence of Solvent Content on Properties of UHMWPA6 Fibers Prepared by Gel-Spinning Method
Authors: Zhang Hui Min , Zhang Li , Jia Qing Xiu
Published: June 2014

Polyamide 6 (PA6) gels were prepared by dissolving PA6 powder with relative viscosity 25.85 in formic acid using CaCl2 as complex agent. Concentration of the polymer was 18 (w/v) %. And then, polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers were obtained through gel-spinning. In this study, the effects of solvent content on fiber structure and properties were investigated. The results showed that with the increasing of solvent content, significant changes occurred in the crystalline structure and thermal property of fibers. The optimum solvent content of fibers with the highest mechanical property in this study was 9.4%.
Influence of Sputtering Power on the Properties of CdS Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Liu Wan , Zeng Dong Mei , Gao Huan , Mu Yin Yin , Zeng Yun , Liu Wei Guang
Published: June 2014

CdS films were prepared with different sputtering power by radio frequency magnetron sputtering from CdS slices target. The structural and physical properties of CdS films were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet spectrophotometer and Hall effect measurements. The results of structural analysis showed that CdS films are polycrystalline with a cubic structure having (1 1 1) plane and a hexagonal structure having (0 0 2) plane. AFM micrographs show that the grain size increases with the sputtering power increasing. The optical transmission data indicate that all CdS films have high optical transmittance. In Hall Effect measurements, the electrical resistivity of the deposited films are 3.2x103Ω·cm, 1.5x104Ω and 2.2x104Ω·cm, respectively.
Recent Progress in Gasochromics of Nano-Structured WO3 Film and its Applications
Authors: Wang Mei Han , Lei Hao , Sawada Yutaka , Hoshi Yoichi , Uchida Takayuki , Hou Zhao Xia
Published: June 2014

The research progress in gasochromics of nano-structured WO3film is reviewed. Various fabrication methods of the nano-structured WO3film are summarized and compared. Recent gasochromic applications of the nano-structured WO3film is introduced. The gasochromic properties were significantly enhanced by applying nanostructures, resulting in faster responses, higher stability and higher optical modulation. A perspective on the development trends in fabrication of nano-structured WO3film and devices is also proposed.
Structural and Optical Properties of (Al, Co) Codoped-ZnO Thin Film
Authors: Cao Ping , Bai Yue , Qu Zhi
Published: June 2014

Zn0.99-xCo0.01AlxO (x=0, 0.01,) thin films have been prepared by a sol-gel method. The structural and optical properties of the samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction and EDX spectrum indicate that Al3+ and Co2+ substitute for Zn2+ without changing the wurtzite structure. With the Al doping,the intensity ratio of the visible to UV emission increases, which is attributed to the increase of O vacancies and Zn interstitials .
Eco-Friendly Dyeing of Silk Fabric with Sodium Copper Chlorophyll
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tao Ran
Published: June 2014

The eco-friendly dyeing of silk fabric with sodium copper chlorophyll was studied. Silk fabric was firstly dyed using a non-mordanting method, and two factors (dyeing temperature and pH) were optimized. Then silk fabric was dyed using different mordanting methods. The results showed that pre-mordanting was the best method which gave the highest color depth. In the pre-mordanting dyeing process, the effects of the category and dosage of mordants, and the temperature, pH and time of mordanting on the color depth of silk were discussed. The satisfactory color depth of silk fabric was found to be obtained at a lower mordant dosage and dyeing temperature, and a weakly acidic medium when ferrous sulfate was used as a mordant.
The Exploration of Nickel Iron Fiber Absorbing Fabric
Authors: Li Qian , Wei Sai Nan , Yao Ji Ming
Published: June 2014

In order to develop flexible absorbing fabric, three kinds of 58.3tex Ni-Fe fiber blended yarn which Ni-Fe fiber content was 8.34%, 11.11% and 13.89% were spun successfully and fabricated to different kinds of fabrics according to mental fiber property and electromagnetic spreading regulation. The reflectivity of fabrics were measured by the means of "arch testing method" in the range of 2-18 GHz with the change of fabric specifications. The results showed that the reflectivity of laminated fabrics were better than designed knitted fabrics and woven fabrics, revealed that the nickel iron fiber content and fabric specifications had significant effects on absorbing property.