bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manifestations of Twinship in Toddler Language
Authors: Malmstrom Patricia M.
Published: July 2015

Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1980), pp. 361-371
Murray B. Emeneau: Descriptive Linguist and Scholar
Authors: Caron Bruce R.
Published: July 2015

Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1980), pp. 1-19
Sustainable Value Added as We Do Not Know It
Authors: Straková Juliana
Published: July 2015

Entrepreneurial activities play an important role in a mixed economy. Incorporating the nowadays call for sustainable practices, enterprises cope with the evaluation of their efforts in the economic area as well as in the environmental area on their own. The method called Sustainable Value Added might very well solve this problem. It is based on the idea that enterprises actually create value when using environmental resources. However, opposite to the original idea, we do not think that environmental resources create the same value, never mind what resource we take. In this article, we propose the improvement of the original Sustainable Value Added arguing that the best for distinguishing various value creations is to weight the environmental resources according to their impact on environment. Based on an integrated analysis of the financial as well as environmental reports of selected German enterprises, we can conclude that when weighting environmental resources, enterprises performed worse than when simple averaged. However, the weighing reduces the risk of considering all resources to have the same impact on environment and on Sustainable Value Added results, as well.
Searching for the Best Financial Ratios Evaluating Companies Operating in Different Lithuanian Sectors
Authors: Dzikevičius Audrius , Jonaitienė Brigita
Published: July 2015

Because of the significant growth in the amount of companies going bankrupt, there is a rising need in the methods that could assess the position of a company more accurately. The purpose of this article is to identify a set of financial indicators that would help to assess company operating in any of the sectors more adequately. In order to achieve this objective, there was a study of financial ratios of 137 Lithuanian sectors carried out. Sectors were chosen according to Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community, Rev. 2 (hereinafter – EVRK Rev. 2), 3-digit precision. The study revealed that there is no one specific combination of indicators which would suit to evaluate companies operating in different sectors. In order to reduce the time input into the evaluation of financial position of the company operating in a particular sector, analysis should include different sets of financial indicators.
Numerical Investigation and Empirical Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Timber-Framed Masonry Buildings
Authors: Kouris Leonidas Alexandros S. , Kappos Andreas J.
Published: July 2015

This chapter describes the development of traditional timber-framed masonry techniques as an anti-seismic measure in the course of time and their corresponding seismic effectiveness. Firstly, the evolution of timber framed structures from the Bronze Age to date is presented and the effects on their seismic resistance of the structural changes to which these structures have been subjected since the most ancient construction. It is noted that the appearance of timber in the body of masonry walls in prehistoric Greece after strong seismic events is the first time in the history of mankind that an effort is made to provide a rational method for seismic resistance to buildings. The seismic performance of traditional structures during recent earthquakes is also discussed. A variety of advanced analytical modelling strategies for these buildings is presented, from a detailed micro-model to macro-model procedures. The potential seismic vulnerability of these buildings is investigated using statistical data from recent earthquakes. Empirical fragility curves in terms of PGA, PGV and macroseismic intensity from the 2003 Lefkas earthquake damage data are presented.
Numerical Modeling of Historic Masonry Structures
Authors: Asteris Panagiotis G. , Sarhosis Vasilis , Mohebkhah Amin , Plevris Vagelis , Papaloizou L. , Komodromos Petros , Lemos José V.
Published: July 2015

The majority of historical and heritage structures around the world consist of unreinforced masonry walls. A masonry structure is composed of masonry units, such as brick or marble blocks, with or without a joint filling material, such as mortar. A masonry with a joint material is usually made of two different materials (i.e. masonry units and mortar), representing a non-homogeneous and anisotropic structural component. In other words, masonry is a discontinuous structural component whose deformations and failure mechanism are governed by its blocky behavior. Some ancient masonry structures, such as ancient columns and colonnades, are constructed without any form of joint material between the individual blocks. Therefore, the isotropic elastic continuum-based models are not suitable for the simulation of the real nonlinear behavior of masonry walls under applied load.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Slender Masonry Structures
Authors: Shakya Manjip , Varum Humberto , Vicente Romeu , Costa Aníbal
Published: July 2015

Existing slender masonry structures, such as Pagoda temples, towers, minarets and chimneys, exist all over the world and constitute a relevant part of the architectural and cultural heritage of humanity. Their protection against earthquakes is a topic of great concern among the earthquake engineering research community. This concern mainly arises from the strong damage or complete loss suffered by these types of structures when subjected to earthquake and also from the need and interest to preserve them. This chapter firstly presents a methodology for assessing the seismic vulnerability of slender masonry structures based on vulnerability index evaluation method. Secondly, presents the correlation between vulnerability index and Macroseismic method to estimate the physical damage in relationship with seismic intensity. Finally, presents implementation of the methodology to construct vulnerability curves, fragility curves and estimate losses.
Selected Assessment and Retrofitting Application Techniques for Historical Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Authors: Yardım Yavuz , Mustafaraj Enea
Published: July 2015

This chapter includes application of recent research on the repair and strengthening of historical structures and provides a structural assessment of five historical mosques in Albania. Apart from visual inspection, terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) data are used to analyze the historical structures. The FEM analysis conducted in SAP2000 aims to investigate the structural behavior of the undamaged model under static and dynamic loads. Stress concentration and mode period results have a considerable difference, which highlights earthquake vulnerability and changes the strategy of possible retrofitting. As a result, possible practical solutions for the structural problems based on previous research and enhancement of the existing structural resistance are suggested.
Seismic Assessment via EC8 of Modern Heritage Structures
Authors: Verderame Gerardo M. , De Luca Flavia , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: July 2015

Given the interest earned recently by modern heritage structures, seismic assessment criteria of Eurocode 8, for ordinary reinforced concrete structures, are applied to a modern heritage RC building. The case study, the Tower of the Nations in Naples, allows a discussion on knowledge approaches, analysis methodologies and modeling choices that can be considered. Modal dynamic identification, in situ inspections, and testing provided the necessary knowledge of the structure. Linear and nonlinear models of the structure are built up accounting for tuff infills' stiffness and strength contribution. Numerical modal properties are compared with those obtained through dynamic identification. Lumped plasticity model for reinforced concrete elements and equivalent strut macro models for tuff and concrete infills are employed for the nonlinear model of the structure. Seismic assessment through nonlinear dynamic analyses is carried out for two Limit States. Finally, fragility curves through cloud analysis are obtained for the different limit states considered.
Ancient Materials and Singular Constructions
Authors: Pineda Paloma
Published: July 2015

Analysis and evaluation of seismic reliability of masonry cultural heritage buildings by means of numerical models is a difficult task, owing to uncertainties that mainly affect structural behaviour and mechanical material properties. The former includes lack of information on model definition -geometry, constraints, materials, constructive details...-, and the latter is focused on non-linear masonry behaviour and low tensile strength. Furthermore, if a comprehensive study of structural behaviour is going to be performed, accuracy and suitability of the analytical or numerical method selected are essential issues. For those reasons, multidisciplinary analyses combining numerical, experimental and heritage tools may be very useful to face the challenge of effective preservation. This chapter focuses on the role of the building materials as controllers of collapse phenomena under seismic loading. The first section is devoted to some heritage strategies that may be learnt from the wisdom of ancient builders. The second section focuses on numerical strategies, reviewing different constitutive models via FEM under seismic loading and analysing the role of the control parameters. That section provides a brief reflexion on different analytical strategies. Finally, as a way of conclusion, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of historic building materials and associated techniques within a dynamic framework, by means of multidisciplinary tools is provided.
Agrigento Cathedral
Authors: Cavaleri Liborio , Saccone Maria Giovanna , Costa Maurizio , Foti Calogero , Basile Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

At present Agrigento Cathedral is affected by extensive damage that seems to be mainly due to partial slumping of the foundation soil. The chapter deals with the state of damage that affects the cathedral and the investigation carried out for the mechanical characterization of the construction, the formulation of an FE model and the assessment of the safety level with respect to the service loads and with respect to exceptional loads like seismic ones. In the chapter the details of the above investigation are discussed, consideration also being given to the monitoring carried out in order to understand whether the phenomenon affecting the cathedral is ongoing. The results of the monitoring and the experimental campaign on the structural members are described, revealing an unexpectedly low capacity with respect to service loads. Then a comparison is carried out between the response of the FE model and the experimental observations for the identification of the causes of distress. Finally possible action is discussed.
Comparative Study of Graphic Representation Methods on Architectural Heritage
Authors: Garfella José Teodoro , Máñez María Jesús , Martínez Joaquín Ángel
Published: July 2015

Today there are many publications or papers related with several graphic surveys of architectural heritage carried out using a variety of both traditional and cutting edge methods. Yet, the implementation of new graphical documentation systems, such as Automated Digital Photogrammetry, has introduced a fresh approach to dealing with architectural surveys by making them more accessible to the general public and, to a certain extent, increasing their usability (Garfella, Máñez, Cabeza, & Soler, 2014). The present study aims, on the one hand, to offer an overview of architectural survey systems and, on the other hand, to evaluate the differences in the degree of precision or accuracy between the latest state-of-the-art methods and the already well-established ones. This will enable us to examine the results obtained in this experiment to look for concordances and discrepancies between them that can be helpful when using such systems to deal with tasks in the future.
The SIArch-Univaq
Authors: Continenza Romolo , Trizio Ilaria
Published: July 2015

SIArch-Univaq is a knowledge-based instrument for the cataloging of historical architectural heritage, created to provide a powerful cognitive tool to all operators interested in studies and conservation. The principle characteristic of this architectural Information System is its notable capacity of in-depth analysis, going down to the identification of all the constructive components with simplicity of consultation, activated by one or more three-dimensional models deliberately created. Conceived at the University of L'Aquila (Italy) it was developed in the framework of research financed with funds from the Ministry for University and Scientific Research made available for projects of relevant national interest (PRIN). This article describes its structure, characteristics and functionalities.
Integrated Multi-Scalar Approach for 3D Cultural Heritage Acquisitions
Authors: Russo Michele , Manferdini Anna Maria
Published: July 2015

This contribution presents the results of investigations on the reliability of techniques based on the Structure from Motion approach used for 3D digitizations of build heritage. In particular, we tested the performances of different SfM technologies within an architectural survey context and we developed a procedure with the purpose of easing the work of surveyors called to restore digital representations of artifacts at different scales of complexity. The restored 3D models were compared among each other and with a gold standard acquisition. These analysis led to qualitative and quantitative evaluations and to considerations on times and skills required by all tested technologies. In this work strengths and weaknesses are highlighted and the integration of different technologies is presented, as it represents the best solution in many and recurrent multi-scalar contexts.
Cities over Space and Time
Authors: Ferrighi Alessandra
Published: July 2015

This chapter will focus on the study of urban history, increasingly dependent on new communication and representation techniques, such as GIS, which makes it possible to represent change over space and time. This is a critical step forward in urban history, allowing for further developments in research. Scholars can compare historical maps and sequential phases of transformation and adaptation through relational databases of both spatial and non-spatial data, which can then be visualized in thematic maps. Every aspect of a city's buildings, roads, and rivers can therefore be rendered in 3D and localized with extreme precision. By adding chronological data to engage with the issue of change over time, historical GIS allows scholars to trace and visualize a city's development as a process stimulated by social and economic events, showing the dynamics of spatial objects that cannot be represented by other means.\
The Image of Historic Urban Landscapes
Authors: Amoruso Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

According to the UNESCO 2011 - Recommendations on the Historic Urban Landscapes, the historic urban landscape (HUL) is the urban area understood as the result of a historic layering of cultural and natural values and attributes, extending the “historic center” concept to include the broader urban context and its geographical setting. Representation of historical environments, documenting their typological components as a pattern book (landscape, architecture, textures, materials, and color), is devised to encourage a strategy of valorization. Explanation of landscapes' values through its benchmarking, consists of several mapping actions and adoption of tools: 3D modelling, environmental mapping, places representation. The chapter presents a strategic process based on local character assessment through a place-visualizing toolkit from documentation and color representation to design coding: visualization of landscape' values and multimedia survey pipelines implementing processes, methods and tools for the narration of tangible values and intangible assets.
Integrated Methodologies for the Study and Documentation of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage
Authors: Chiavoni Emanuela
Published: July 2015

The objective of the study was to integrate the analytical data coming from the laser scanner survey of a complex monument like the Treasury of Petra (Jordan) with a more traditional and direct analysis performed through watercolor drawings from life by superimposing them on the results of the laser scanner survey. This integration resulted in a more useful and complete scientific representation enabling us to identify and communicate the essence of the monument itself since the information about its form, geometry and proportions were thus combined with immaterial aspects such as the color and the effect produced by the light on the materials.
Students' Kinaesthetic Interactions with a Touch-Enabled Virtual Mapping Tool
Authors: Prodromou Theodosia , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Kyriakides Andreas O.
Published: July 2015

Recent technology advances have substantially changed the way we teach and learn mathematics providing educators with opportunities for creating novel inquiry-based learning environments by increasing the range and sophistication of possible classroom activities. The affordances provided by mobile technologies can motivate students to engage in authentic problem solving activities that can promote their mathematical learning, and the attainment of important competencies essential in modern society. This chapter reports on the main experiences gained from a study that exploited affordances of tablet devices used by young students (11-year old). Findings from the study indicate that general purpose apps such as Recce that was employed in the current study can scaffold learning of the mathematics curriculum in educationally powerful ways that engage students and promote their mathematical growth.
Whatever Be Their Number
Authors: Sinclair Nathalie , Pimm David
Published: July 2015

TouchCounts is a novel iPad application, one which makes full use of its multi-touch affordance to engage young children in aspects of the cultures of counting and adding/subtracting, by means of engagement with the combined sensory modalities of the visible, the audible and the tangible. Drawing on various excerpts with children aged three to six working with this App in educational settings (both day-care and kindergarten), we investigate how this trio of senses is utilised in children's activity with TouchCounts. Our work focuses in considerable part on issues of ordinality, as well as highlighting the particular significance of tangibility in the context of young children coming to terms with counting and early arithmetic.
Channel Identification and Equalization based on Kernel Methods for Downlink Multicarrier-CDMA Systems
Authors: Boutalline Mohammed , Bouikhalene Belaid , Safi Said
Published: July 2015

In this paper the authors are focused on channel identification and equalization for Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) system. For this, they identify the impulse response of two practical selective frequency fading channels called Broadband Radio Access Network (BRAN A and BRAN B) normalized by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). To identify the channel parameters, they have the positive definite kernels to build on algorithm. The simulations show that the presented method confirms the good performance for different SNR values. In part of equalization, the authors use the Zero Forcing (ZF) and Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) equalizers.
Application of Haar Wavelets on Medical Images
Authors: El Ayachi R. , Gouskir M. , Baslam M.
Published: July 2015

Recently, the information processing approaches are increased. These methods can be used for several purposes: compressing, restoring, and information encoding. The raw data are less presented and are gradually replaced by others formats in terms of space or speed of access. This paper is interested in compression, precisely, the image compression using the Haar wavelets. The latter allows the application of compression at several levels. The subject is to analyze the compression levels to find the optimal level. This study is conducted on medical images.
Recognition of 3D Objects from 2D Views Features
Authors: Khadim R. , El Ayachi R. , Fakir Mohamed
Published: July 2015

This paper focuses on the recognition of 3D objects using 2D attributes. In order to increase the recognition rate, the present an hybridization of three approaches to calculate the attributes of color image, this hybridization based on the combination of Zernike moments, Gist descriptors and color descriptor (statistical moments). In the classification phase, three methods are adopted: Neural Network (NN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). The database COIL-100 is used in the experimental results.
Processing of Porous Copper by Powder Metallurgy Route with Different Types of Space Holder Materials (SHMs)
Authors: Siti Athirah Rasid , Mazlan Mohamad , Amalina Nordin , Jumahat Aidah , Ismail Muhammad Hussain
Published: July 2015

Different types of space holder material (SHM) could be used to produce porous copper by powder metallurgy (PM) route. In this present work, three types of selected SHMs, namely polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), natrium chloride (NaCl) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) were used in the processing of porous copper. Prior mixing with copper powder, the SHM was characterized by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) in order to investigate the decomposition temperature. After the mixture of SHM and copper powder was manually pressed to form a cylindrical shape, sintering process was carried out in a high vacuum furnace, followed by dissolution process. Phase analysis and morphological analyses were carried out by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. Results showed that owing to greater decomposition temperature for K2CO3 than that of PMMA and NaCl, the porous structure developed exhibited a promising morphology, replicating the shape of the K2CO3 particles employed, thus promoting better engineered porous structure to suit the desired applications in thermal management applications (TMAs). Besides, the samples also showed better shape rigidity throughout the processing stage.
Properties of Ni-Rich NiTi Alloys Produced by Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Razali Rosliza , Abdullah Zulaila , Subuki Istikamah , Ismail Muhammad Hussain , Muhamad Norhamidi
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the processing of Nickel Titanium (NiTi) alloy from elemental powders of Nickel and Titanium by conventional powder metallurgy process. Two batches of feedstock containing 2 different formulations (1) Ti-50.4at% Ni and (2) Ti-50.8at% Ni were prepared. The feedstocks for each composition were warm-pressed and subsequently sintered in vacuum at 1150°C. Based on the XRD result, it clearly showed that the conventional sintering following warm-press method is promising in producing greater amount of the predominant NiTi (B2) phase and a minor fraction of martensitic NiTi (B19’) phase. The reversible phase transformation and the microstructure of the sintered samples have also been observed and discussed.
Tensile Properties and Degradability of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Starch Succinate Blend
Authors: bin Mohamed Mohd Muizz Fahimi , Mohamed Rahmah
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the tensile properties of biodegradable Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) impregnated with commercial grade starch succinate (SS). PVA is a hydrophilic and hygroscopic polymer, and inclusion of SS reduces PVA's hygroscopicity and hydrophilicity. The compounding of PVA with SS was prepared by using a twin screw extruder with fixed flow modifier. The ratios of SS were varied between 5% to 20%. Melt flow index, tensile properties, soil burial and sun exposure degradability were investigated in this study. Tensile strength was observed to increase proportionate to the amount of SS incorporated while the blends were found to have greater flexibility as their elongation increases as their modulus dropped. SS was found to have greater flexibility chain which imparted greater elongation during stretching test. Higher content of SS was found to impart better degradation rate as derived from visual observation of the samples exposed to sunlight and soil burial.
The Effect of Natural Rubber and Plasticizer Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Tacca leontopetaloides Starch Based Polymer
Authors: Abdul Ghafar Nur Farzana , Ab Aziz Nur Shahidah , Mohd Makhtar Nurul Shuhada , Mohd Rodhi Miradatul Najwa
Published: July 2015

The effect of natural rubber and glycerol addition on the mechanical performance of Tacca leontopetaloides biopolymer was investigated in this paper. The samples were formulated by varying blend ratios of latex natural rubber to glycerol; 40/30 (GM1), 50/5.85 (GM2), 60/30 (GM3), 40/10 (GM4) and 50/20 (GM5). The samples (GMs) were compounded by using two roll mill machine followed by vulcanization process with the presence of stearic acid and sulphur that act as curing agent. The sheet formed was cut into desired sizes, based on the analysis conducted. The mechanical performance of GMs was investigated by conducting tensile test, morphological structural analysis and water absorption test. The mechanical properties of GM2 showed a high tensile strength with low Young’s modulus compared to other GMs, thus indicating that GM2 was the superior combination of natural rubber to glycerol blend ratio. This, therefore, may be applied for the development of biopolymer with the properties of thermoplastic elastomer.
Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Epoxidized Palm Oil/Epoxy Resin Blend
Authors: Alsagayar Zyad Salem , Rahmat Abdul Razak , Arsad Agus , Fakhari Alireza , Khalili Amirali
Published: July 2015

Epoxidized vegetable oils based thermoset materials are widely used to develop biopolymers and to replace the fossil-fuel based polymers. In this paper, a blend of epoxy resin and epoxidized palm oil (EPO) were prepared and characterized by direct and pre-mixed methods to investigate its mechanical properties. For direct method, epoxy and EPO were mixed for 20 minutes at room temperature followed by curing for 2 hours at 100 °C. On other hand, for pre-mixed method, the EPO was reacted with hardener at 120 °C for 1 and 2 hours. Then it was mixed with epoxy resin at room temperature for 20 minutes followed by curing for 2 hours at 100 °C. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy [FTIR] and mechanical properties tests were used to characterize the blend. FTIR showed that, a reaction of epoxide group in EPO with active hydrogen atom from hardener and produced a hydroxyl group at 3300 cm-1. In general, the mechanical properties of epoxy resin/EPO were decreased when the amount of EPO was increased. However, at constant amount of EPO Young’s modulus, toughness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were slightly increased when the time of EPO/hardener was increased. The mechanical properties were reduced due to the reduction of the cross linking density and effect of plasticizer.
Mesoporous SnO2 by Nanocasting Route Using Various Silica Templates for Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Juhari Jusliha , Abu Bakar Mohamad Zailani , Abdullah Ahmad Zuhairi
Published: July 2015

Mesoporous SnO2 was successfully synthesized via nanocasting route using various silica matrices likely KIT-6, SBA-15 and SBA-16 as hard templates. The chemical and structural properties of these materials were characterized by means of XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption and TEM analyses. All replica products exhibited well-defined mesoporous structures and large surface areas as well as highly crystalline frameworks. Sensors were fabricated from the as-prepared mesoporous SnO2 replicas and used to test the response to 1000 ppm of ethanol vapour at different operating temperatures. The results showed that the mesoporous SnO2 sensors nanocasted from KIT-6, SBA-15 and SBA-16 silica templates exhibits excellent gas response as compared to a bulk SnO2 material, suggesting the potential application of the sensor for detecting ethanol vapour. Maximum sensitivity (~ 18.7) was reached at 300 °C using mesoporous SnO2 sensor nanocasted from KIT-6 silica. It can be explained by the large surface area and well-defined mesostructure of SnO2(KIT-6), which lead to highly effective surface interaction between the ethanol molecules and the surface active sites.
An Overview on Degree of Dispersion: Conformational Molecular Structure-Interaction Force Relationship of Adsorbed Additive
Authors: Husin Hazlina , Hassan Zulkafli , Mohd Taib Norrulhuda , Ku Hamid Ku Halim , Yusuf Suriatie Mat
Published: July 2015

An overview on molecular structure of adsorbed additive orientates at particle interface in order to understand the ability of dispersants to affect dispersion behaviour is presented. With a wide range of molecular structures, adsorbed additive molecule generates different conformational molecular structure (CMS) combined with interaction of a range of forces occurring with the adsorbed additive molecules and between the adsorbed additive molecules; hence change the surface chemistry of particles in the dispersion.
A Review: Extraction of Platinum Spent Catalyst Using Palm Oil Leaf as Reducing Agent
Authors: Khairol Anwar Mohd Rashwan Taufiq , Zamanhuri Norashikin Ahmad , Jai Junaidah , Yusof Noorsuhana Mohd
Published: July 2015

Platinum is commercially used in the catalytic industry for ages. The use of platinum has been significantly practiced because of its enhancing properties. There are a few advantages of using platinum such as high selectivity, high yield, high stability and able to undergo improvisation. However, when platinum lifetime is out, it is treated mainly as waste. Low recovery of platinum spent catalyst brought to the existence of recovery method using acidic and alkaline method. Proved to be harmful, green subtances were used as substitute for the chemical in recovering platinum. Therefore, a cheaper, safer and more environmentally method of recovery. Thus,this paper review about recovering platinum using palm oil leaf and how it is better than the existed chemical based method.
Effect of Blend Compositions on Mechanical Properties of Irradiated Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)/Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)/Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR) Nanocomposites
Authors: Ramlee Nur Azrini , Mohammad Hanapiah Siti Syuhadah , Suhaimi Fatin Nabilah , Ratnam Chantara Thevy , Appadu Sivanesan
Published: July 2015

In this study, effect of blend compositions of irradiated polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blends was carried out. In previous work, it was reported that the mechanical properties of 50/50 composition irradiated blend had performed the highest strength with addition of 6 wt% of titanium dioxide (TiO2). However, the combination of PVC/ENR in a certain ratio might results in optimal mechanical properties and other specific properties for the new blends formed. Thus, addition of 6 wt% TiO2 and varies compositional range of PVC/ENR ranging from 30, 50 and 70 wt% were prepared by melt-blending technique and the effects on the mechanical properties were investigated. The blends were exposed to 0-150 kGy of electron beam irradiation before being characterized. With addition of 6 wt% TiO2, the characterization of mechanical properties including tensile strength, impact and hardness shows increment in values for all compositions. The increments of tensile strength were fall within 6-18% and as expected 70/30 PVC/ENR blends have shown the highest value. Based on the result, it revealed tensile and impact strengths achieved the optimum value at 100 kGy, while hardness increased as the radiation dose increased. From scanning microscope electron (SEM), micrographs have illustrated the blends with addition of 6 wt% TiO2 are smooth, continuous phase and less void appearance were seen. At higher dose rate, fracture paths were found to be continuous and penetrate deep into the material and this indicates that the failure is essentially brittle and it supports the above findings.
Synthesis of Cocoa Butter Equivalent from Formulated Hard Palm Oil Mid-Fraction and Canola Oil Blends
Authors: Mutia Reiza , Abang Zaidel Dayang Norulfairuz , Muhamad Ida Idayu
Published: July 2015

Cocoa butter (CB) is an important major constituent of chocolate and other confectionary products. Several factors such as premium price, uncertainty in supply and variability in quality, have led the search for an alternative such as cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) from available and cheap commercial oils or fats. The aim of this research was to produce CBEs which contain omega-3 and omega-6 by blending hard palm oil mid-fraction (PMF) with canola oil. The reaction was performed by using Lipozyme RM IM as the biocatalyst. It aims to retain omega-3 and omega-6 content in CBE after interesterification. The effect of lipase load (LL), time reaction (TR) and stearic acid (ST) on CBE properties were studied to produce nearly similar CBE properties to CB. The best reaction conditions for maximizing POS (palmitic-oleic-stearic), SOS (stearic-oleic-stearic), and SMP (slip melting point) value while minimizing POP (palmitic-oleic-palmitic) and the levels of diacylglycerol (DAG) formation were; LL, 7.5% (w/w); TR, 8 hours; ST, with 44% stearic acid addition. Omega-3 (5.35%) and omega-6 (1.97%) content in CBE (after interesterification) were not significantly different (p > 0.05) to omega-3 (5.71%) and omega-6 (2.16%) content in initial mixture (before interesterification). The properties of CBE which include POP, POS, SOS, DAG and SMP values were 30.33%, 17.53%, 3.26%, 6.75%, and 46.45°C, respectively under these conditions.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Natural Dye from Exocarp and Mesocarp of Cocos nucifera
Authors: Asma F.Z. , Rodiah M.H. , Aziah M.Y. , Norakma M.N. , Nurhafizah I.
Published: July 2015

There is an abundance of waste contributed by most agricultural industries. Coconut industry wastes such as the (exocarp) outer layer and (mesocarp) husk can be exploited and turned into useful products such as natural dyes. In the present work, solvent extraction of natural dye from exocarp and mesocarp of Cocos nucifera using ultrasound has been studied. Methanol, ethanol and acetone with varying concentration (20%-70%) were used in the extraction process which was carried out at 30°C for 1 hour. Aqueous extraction was also performed with the same condition and acts as a control sample. The extraction of pigment from exocarp using 50% acetone produced the highest percentage of the yield of colorant (11.6%), while for mesocarp extraction, both 50% and 60% acetone yielded the highest percentage of colorant which was 9.2%. In addition, control sample (aqueous extraction of mesocarp and exocarp) showed lower percentages of the yield of colorant which was 6.4% and 6.8%, respectively. The results indicate that there was a significant improvement in the percentage of yield of natural colorant obtained due to the use of ultrasound.
Flooding with Biopolymer from Microbes Derived from Mushroom and Cabbage to Enhance Sweep Efficiency in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Yahya Effah , Alias Nur Hashimah , Tengku Mohd Tengku Amran , Ghazali Nurul Aimi , binti Taju Ariffin Tajnor Suriya
Published: July 2015

In this study, local isolated Xanthomonas campestries has been used from local cabbage for xanthan gum production via fermentation in shake flask. The product was then recovered with isopropanol and dried. Meanwhile, for extraction and purification of mushroom polysaccharide, we use dead edible mushroom has been used. Polysaccharide mushroom was extracted with NaOH solutions at 100 ͦ C for 24 hrs. Next, polysaccharide was precipitated separately by the addition of ethanol and the resulting polysaccharide extract were dissolved in distilled water. In the present study, different type of biopolymers was used in order to determine the oil recovery with different concentrations. Biopolymers used in this experiment are xanthan gum and mushroom polysaccharide. The properties of both biopolymers were tested for 3000 ppm and 10000 ppm of concentration. The results shown higher oil recovery factor obtained from the mushroom polysaccharide, which is 84.14%. Meanwhile, the highest recovery obtained by xanthan is about 67.44% only. As a conclusion, increasing polymer concentration will increase the oil recovery factor.
Effect of Calcinations Temperature on Physical Properties of Zeolite ZSM-5 Produced from Natural Granite
Authors: Ku Hamid Ku Halim , Ismail Kamariah Noor , Jamaludin Adilah , Zainudin Muhammad Aslam , Md Nasruddin Muhammad Syafiq , Musa Mohibah
Published: July 2015

The effects of calcinations temperature toward physical properties of ZSM-5 were determined by treatment with different temperature for 24 hour. The main properties of these samples were characterized by means of XRD, FTIR, BET surface area measurement and TGA. The hydrothermal treatments were carried out at various temperature of 200°C-500°C. The content in the natural granite sample were also performed .Throughtout this experiment, from the XRD and FTIR analysis the natural granite samples shows the existing of zeolite component which is SiO2 and aluminium oxide.
Role of Temperature and pH on the Dye Degradation Using Magnetic Nanoparticles Augmented Polymeric Microcapsule
Authors: Osman Mohamed Syazwan , Kong Li Peng , Zamanhuri Norashikin Ahmad , Lim Jit Kang
Published: July 2015

Textile industry is one of the most significant worldwide water pollution sources. With the increased demand for textile products, the textile industry and its wastewater have been increasing proportionally. Microcapsule has remarkable advantages in engineering application for pollutants removal as encapsulation agent of nanoparticles (NPs) to drastically reduce the risk associated to nanotoxicity when it is in direct contact with surroundings. This work primarily focuses on the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles augmented microcapsule in which role of temperature and initial pH was studied in relation to Fenton reaction of Methylene Blue dye. It is observed that high removal efficiency of the dye could be achieved with high temperature whereas highly acidic and alkaline condition could enhance degradation rate. The inherent catalytic and magnetic properties exhibited by Fe0/iron oxides NPs-PVDF microcapsules, compared to conventional activated carbon based absorbent, make them an attractive candidate to remove cationic dye from aqueous environment.
Synthesis of Silver-Copper Nanoparticles via Polyol Method: Effect of Reaction Time and Temperature
Authors: Hikmah Nurul , Faeqah Nor , Hadi Abdul
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses the effect of reaction time and temperature of silver-copper nanoparticles prepared by a polyol method. In this study, silver-copper nanoparticles were synthesized through the green approach of polyol method using ethylene glycol (EG) as green solvent and reductant, and polyoxyethylene-(80)-sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) as a nontoxic stabilizer. The phase and morphology of silver-copper nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results XRD confirmed silver and copper nanoparticles to be phase-pure crystalline silver and copper with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure on the basis of XRD analyses. FESEM analysis confirmed the existence of Ag and Cu nanoparticles.
Engine Performance Investigations of Palm Oil, Jatropha Oil and Waste Cooking Oil as Alternative Fuel
Authors: Yunus Syarifah , Yusoff Noriah , Khaidzir Muhammad Faiz Fikri Ahmad , Alias Siti Khadijah , Wong Freddawati Rashiddy , Latip Syazuan Abdul , Rashid Amirul Abd
Published: July 2015

The continued using of petroleum energy as a sourced for fuel is widely recognized as unsustainable because of the decreasing of supplies while increasing of the demand. Therefore, it becomes a global agenda to develop a renewable, sustainable and alternative fuel to meets with all the demand. Thus, biodiesel seems to be one of the best choices. In Malaysia, the biodiesel used is from edible vegetable oil sources; palm oil. The uses of palm oil as biodiesel production source have been concern because of the competition with food materials. In this study, various types of biodiesel feedstock are being studied and compared with diesel. The purpose of this comparison is to obtain the optimum engine performance of these different types of biodiesel (edible, non-edible, waste cooking oil) on which are more suitable to be used as alternative fuel. The optimum engine performance effect can be obtains by considering the Brake Power (BP), Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE).
Application of Taguchi Optimization Method in Improving the Selectivity of Dihydroxystearic Acid
Authors: Jamaludin Siti Khatijah , Ku Hamid Ku Halim , Abu Hassan Hazimah , Som Ayub Md , Maurad Zulina , Azizi Azlinda
Published: July 2015

Dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA) is perceived to be of significant value to various types of industries, especially the oleochemical industry. It is produced by reacting palm-based crude oleic acid (OA) with formic acid and hydrogen peroxide through the in situ epoxidation-dihydroxylation, a multistep reaction process. Optimization of the reaction’s operating conditions with respect to the selectivity of DHSA was conducted via the Taguchi method of optimization. The selectivity of DHSA was determined based on gas chromatography (GC) analysis. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio analysis procedure in Taguchi method revealed that the optimum operating conditions for the production of crude DHSA with respect to its selectivity were found to be: catalyst (sulphuric acid) loading at 0.5 gm, formic acid-to-oleic acid unsaturation mole ratio of 1:1, hydrogen peroxide-to-oleic acid unsaturation mole ratio of 0.75:1 and reaction temperature: 85°C. ANOVA tested at 90% confidence level revealed that reaction temperature and catalyst loading highly affect the selectivity of DHSA. The selectivity of DHSA was improved to 97.2% by applying the optimum operating conditions as obtained by Taguchi method.
A Review on the Advancement of Online Monitoring System for Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Authors: Abu Darim Rosmaria , Azizan Amizon , Salihon Jailani
Published: July 2015

Bioethanol is mainly produced by sugar fermentation process. Due to global demand on energy for transportation and environmental concern, biofuels as renewable energy in replacing petrol, the non-renewable energy source, has come into picture. Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass such as woody biomass (trees), herbaceous biomass (grasses) and waste cellulosic materials (solid waste) could be used in replacing starch (such as corn and potato) as source of sugar in producing bioethanol. Recently, study on cellulosic ethanol was focussing on fermentation process using ethanologenic strain such as engineered Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Invasive method in the study during fermentation may lead to uncertain or unwanted screening strategies or metabolic pathways. This paper reviews about the online monitoring system used by researchers in order to study the growth kinetics of ethanologenic strain. Online monitoring system for the Oxygen Transfer Rate (OTR) and Carbon dioxide Transfer Rate (CTR) is found to be the important method to study kinetic model of ethanologenic strain, thus increasing metabolic yields with optimum design condition.
Behaviour of Waterworks Alum Sludge for Phosphate Removal
Authors: Zahari Nazirul Mubin , Hua Chua Kok , Mohd Sidek Lariyah
Published: July 2015

In the agricultural sector, fertilizer and animal waste are main pollutants to water course. Excessive phosphorus in water bodies may increase the growth of algae and aquatic plant in a pond which leads to eutrophication phenomena. Disposal of alum sludge in landfills can lead to contaminant issues thus, researchers are searching for ways to reduce excessive disposal of waste including alum sludge in landfills. This study provides available options in disposing alum sludge. In this study, continuous column tests were conducted with different initial pH and contact initial phosphate concentrations. The Scanning Electron Microscope indicates that rough alum sludge surface will accelerate the phosphate adsorption rate. This result shows that phosphate removal rate is higher in acidic condition but lower in alkaline condition. In wastewater treatment industries, changing wastewater to pH 4 needs a large amount of chemical additive and suggests that the pH 7 ±0.5 is more suitable in wastewater applications.
Combustion Behaviour of the Mixture of Coal and Bio-Oil
Authors: Hamdan Hazlin , Shahruddin Munawar Zaman , Mohamad Daud Ahmad Rafizan , Syed-Hassan Syed Shatir A.
Published: July 2015

Combustion behaviour study of coal-biooil slurry (CBS) fuel prepared at different ratios was conducted using Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The materials comprised of Clermont bituminous coal (Australia) and bio-oil, derived from Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) by means of fast pyrolysis. The samples were heated from room temperature to 110°C and held for 10 minutes before the temperature was ramped to 1100°C and held for another 10 minutes at constant heating rate of 10°C/min under air atmosphere at constant flow rate of 50 mL/min. The proportions of CBS fuel at 50:50 blends were observed to have significant influence on the combustibility of the slurry blends. The addition of bio-oil will shifted the ignition temperature towards early devolatilization. Meanwhile, the DTG profiles of the blends, showed decomposition of VM and char indicating bio-oil to be more reactive than coal with highest degradation rate appears at the blend ratio of 50:50 biooil/coal. These findings could be useful to introduce a new application of bio-oil in energy mix generation into coal mixture to cater for coal consumption reduction strategy for future application in vast existing conventional power plants.
Innovation on Environmental Management Systems towards Firms’ Eco-Efficiency for Malaysia Polypropylene Industries
Authors: Mohd Shariff Sariwati , Wan Musa Wan Khamaruddin , Ahmad Ismail B.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the findings of a research that examined eco-efficiency on ISO14000 certified polypropylene firms. Polypropylene poses pollution threat to air, water and landfill due to its non-biodegradable products. Polypropylene firms are expected to demonstrate continual improvements in their environmental performances, objectives and targets, controls on environmental impacts and promote best practices. Environmental programs and innovations are needed not only for eco-efficiency and environmental performances, but also to comply with the global and market pressures towards sustainable green technology and businesses. Findings of the research revealed that employees’ involvements, innovations integration in the production systems towards eco-efficient production processes, producing substituted environmentally-friendly products, minimization of wastes and reducing environmental impacts are crucial for polypropylene industries in Malaysia. Additionally, organizational compliances towards government regulations and corporate social responsibility have implications on EMS and organizational performances towards green technology and business sustainability. In conclusion, innovations in EMS support eco-efficiencies in polypropylene industries and simultaneously protect the environment for future generation