bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History of “History of Psychology” in Japan
Authors: Sato Tatsuya , Mizoguchi Hazime , Arakawa Ayumu , Hidaka Souta , Takasuna Miki , Nishikawa Yasuo
Published: May 2016

Only a few Japanese psychologists have been interested in the history of psychology. The historiography—or the methodology of historical description—for the history of psychology has been ignored. Moreover, chairs for professors, academic journals, academic meetings, and an archive of the history of psychology remain to be established. In this paper, the history of the “history of psychology” in Japan is explored. This academic sub‐discipline has emerged only during the past few decades and a theory driven historiography covering the history of psychology was initiated in Japan only at the end of the 20th century. Activities on the history of Japanese psychology can be divided into three phases: (a) the traditional history (translations and introduction of foreign knowledge and celebration of history); (b) the transition phase (the movement towards social criticism and archival research from intra‐discipline); and (c) the history based on the historiography. Lastly, recent trends in the history of psychology in Japan are examined and discussed.
Researchers Apply Lesson Study: A Cycle of Lesson Planning, Implementation, and Revision
Authors: Regan Kelley S. , Evmenova Anya S. , Kurz Leigh Ann , Hughes Melissa D. , Sacco Donna , Ahn Soo Y. , MacVittie Nichole , Good Kevin , Boykin Andrea , Schwartzer Jessica , Chirinos David S.
Published: May 2016

Scripted lesson plans and/or professional development alone may not be sufficient to encourage teachers to reflect on the quality of their teaching and improve their teaching. One learning tool that teachers may use to improve their teaching is Lesson Study (LS). LS is a collaborative process involving educators, based on concepts of iteration and revision, to improve instruction. The initial use of an adapted version of LS referred to as a microteaching lesson study (MLS) is described in this article. Our purpose is to illustrate the process of MLS used by a group of researchers when developing lesson plans for teaching students with learning disabilities. We describe MLS, and then (1) share an application of MLS used by a research team in developing a writing intervention, and (2) discuss how the MLS format was mirrored with K‐12 teachers during professional development training.
Improving women's nutrition imperative for rapid reduction of childhood stunting in South Asia: coupling of nutrition specific interventions with nutrition sensitive measures essential
Authors: Vir Sheila C.
Published: May 2016

The implications of direct nutrition interventions on women's nutrition, birth outcome and stunting rates in children in South Asia are indisputable and well documented. In the last decade, a number of studies present evidence of the role of non‐nutritional factors impacting on women's nutrition, birth outcome, caring practices and nutritional status of children. The implications of various dimensions of women's empowerment and gender inequality on child stunting is being increasingly recognised. Evidence reveals the crucial role of early age of marriage and conception, poor secondary education, domestic violence, inadequate decision‐making power, poor control over resources, strenuous agriculture activities, and increasing employment of women and of interventions such as cash transfer scheme and microfinance programme on undernutrition in children. Analysis of the nutrition situation of women and children in South Asia and programme findings emphasise the significance of reaching women during adolescence, pre‐conception and pregnancy stage. Ensuring women enter pregnancy with adequate height and weight and free from being anemic is crucial. Combining nutrition‐specific interventions with measures for empowerment of women is essential. Improvement in dietary intake and health services of women, prevention of early age marriage and conception, completion of secondary education, enhancement in purchasing power of women, reduction of work drudgery and elimination of domestic violence deserve special attention. A range of programme platforms dealing with health, education and empowerment of women could be strategically used for effectively reaching women prior to and during pregnancy to accelerate reduction in stunting rates in children in South Asia.
Reverse engineering genius: historiometric studies of superlative talent
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith
Published: May 2016

Although genius has been defined in the dictionary as requiring an IQ above 140, this definition depends on an arbitrary methodological decision made by Lewis Terman for his longitudinal study of more than 1500 intellectually gifted children, a study that occupies four of the five volumes of Genetic Studies of Genius. Yet, only the second volume, by Catharine Cox, studied bona fide geniuses, by applying historiometric methods to 301 highly eminent creators and leaders. After defining historiometric research, I examine the difference between historical genius and intellectual giftedness with respect to heterogeneous intellects, personality differences, and early development and show that the actual relation between IQ and genius is small and heavily contingent on domain‐specific assessment, the operation of traits like persistence and openness to experience, and the impact of diversifying experiences, including both developmental adversity and subclinical psychopathology. Hence, the dictionary definition of “genius” has minimal, if any, justification. If, using historiometric methods, one works backward from recognized geniuses, such as those studied by Cox, one might not obtain the kind of sample that Terman obtained for his longitudinal study. The two methods produce two distinct subgroups of the larger population.
What's wrong with novel ecosystems, really?
Authors: Miller James R. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T.
Published: May 2016

The novel ecosystems concept has gained much traction in the restoration community. It has also drawn the ire of several prominent ecologists and is the focus of an ongoing debate. We consider three key aspects of this debate: irreversible thresholds, non‐native species, and the hybrid state. Irreversible thresholds have been acknowledged in restoration for years, but predicting when a threshold will be crossed and the degree of reversibility is problematic. Oftentimes reversibility is a function of multiple factors, such as cost and public support. In this sense, a novel ecosystem is not an alternate state but a decision. The need for pragmatism regarding control of non‐natives has also long been recognized in restoration circles. Proponents of the novel ecosystem idea adopt this pragmatism by recommending that management decisions be based on impacts conferred by species in altered ecosystems, regardless of their origin. The concept of a hybrid state has proven difficult to operationalize. We suggest that rather than trying to identify the boundary between hybrid and novel states, ecosystems exist on a gradient of alteration. We offer a decision tree for restoration action that integrates aspects of novel ecosystems with other perspectives in modern restoration ecology. We conclude that the idea of novel ecosystems, though not perfect, deserves a place under the “big tent” of restoration that includes efforts to return fully to a reference state, as well as strategies for reinstating lost ecological processes and enhancing ecosystem services in transformed landscapes where such a return is deemed infeasible.
Zakariyyā al‐Anṣārī and the Study of Muslim Commentaries from the Later Islamic Middle Period
Authors: Ingalls Matthew B.
Published: May 2016

The essay that follows examines the life and thought of one particular Egyptian scholar to illustrate recent trends in the study of Muslim commentary works. As they embody many of the social and intellectual trends of their time, the life, and works of Zakariyyā al‐Anṣārī (d. 1520), the subject of this study, function as a synecdoche for the intellectual history of the later Islamic Middle Period (roughly 1258 to 1500 ce), which intellectual historians are only beginning to unravel. Before addressing the state of the field including some of the challenges that define it, the essay provides a sketch of al‐Anṣārī's life, an assessment of his written corpus, and a sample passage from his scholarly writings to link him back to larger methodological themes in the study of commentary works from this period.
Validity and reliability of elastic resistance bands for measuring shoulder muscle strength
Authors: Andersen L. L. , Vinstrup J. , Jakobsen M. D. , Sundstrup E.
Published: May 2016

Valid and reliable measurements of muscle strength are important in sport medicine. This study assesses concurrent validity and intrarater reliability (test–retest reliability) of elastic resistance bands for measuring shoulder muscle strength. Altogether, 50 healthy adults [mean age 36.0 (SD: 11.6), 29 women and 21 men] participated in testing and retesting 1–2 weeks later. The maximal elastic resistance (TheraBand) that each participant could hold for 3 s during standing bilateral shoulder abduction to 90° was converted into torque and validated against gold standard maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) (Vishay force transducer) performed unilaterally while lying supine. The intrarater reliability of both tests were high; for the MVC and elastic band test, respectively, ICC(3,1) was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98–1.00), and measurement error was 4.8% (95% CI: 3.7–5.9) and 4.7% (95% CI: 3.1–6.2). For concurrent validity, ICC(3,1) was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98) and measurement error was 8.1% (95% CI: 6.6–9.6), and the elastic band test explained 93% of the variance in the MVC test. However, the elastic band test produced systematically lower torque values than the MVC [56.5 (SD: 26.8) vs 66.5 (SD: 25.5) Nm, P < 0.01]. In conclusion, the test for shoulder muscle strength using elastic resistance bands has excellent validity and reliability, but produces systematically lower torque values than MVC. The reason for the lower torque values may be that the elastic band test has an initial concentric phase and is performed bilaterally and standing upright.
Head impact in a snowboarding accident
Authors: Bailly N. , Llari M. , Donnadieu T. , Masson C. , Arnoux P. J.
Published: May 2016

To effectively prevent sport traumatic brain injury (TBI), means of protection need to be designed and tested in relation to the reality of head impact. This study quantifies head impacts during a typical snowboarding accident to evaluate helmet standards. A snowboarder numerical model was proposed, validated against experimental data, and used to quantify the influence of accident conditions (speed, snow stiffness, morphology, and position) on head impacts (locations, velocities, and accelerations) and injury risk during snowboarding backward falls. Three hundred twenty‐four scenarios were simulated: 70% presented a high risk of mild TBI (head peak acceleration >80 g) and 15% presented a high risk of severe TBI (head injury criterion >1000). Snow stiffness, speed, and snowboarder morphology were the main factors influencing head impact metrics. Mean normal head impact speed (28 ± 6 km/h) was higher than equivalent impact speed used in American standard helmet test (ASTM F2040), and mean tangential impact speed, not included in standard tests, was 13.8 (±7 km/h). In 97% of simulated impacts, the peak head acceleration was below 300 g, which is the pass/fail criteria used in standard tests. Results suggest that initial speed, impacted surface, and pass/fail criteria used in helmet standard performance tests do not fully reflect magnitude and variability of snowboarding backward‐fall impacts.
Redefining transfusion‐related acute lung injury: don't throw the baby out with the bathwater
Authors: Peters Anna L. , Vlaar Alexander P.J.
Published: May 2016

Recently two articles have been published in TRANSFUSION in which the authors propose to change the current definition on transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). It was proposed to view TRALI from the perspective of detectability versus nondetectability of leukoreactive alloantibodies (Transfusion 2015;55:1128‐34). The authors argue that only cases in which leukoreactive alloantibodies can be detected should be defined as “true” TRALI in analogy with the understanding of the pathophysiology of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. In the other article (Transfusion 2015;55:947‐52), the authors propose to redefine possible TRALI to transfused acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as their study in intensive care unit patients did not show a relation between the number of transfusions and possible TRALI.We discuss these two propositions in light of the current evidence on pathophysiology of TRALI and possible TRALI. We argue that it is too early to redefine TRALI, as 1) factors, such as storage time of platelets, which induce TRALI in preclinical studies, have not yet been properly investigated in humans. Further research is needed on these agents before it is concluded that antibody‐mediated TRALI is the only “true” TRALI. 2) In light of the current knowledge, it makes perfect sense that multiple transfusion is not related to possible TRALI: ARDS risk factors in these patients result in a very sensitive equilibrium in which even only one transfusion induces TRALI. Excluding possible TRALI from the TRALI definition would result in further underrecognition of TRALI induced by alloantibodies and interferes with exclusion of donors related to TRALI cases and thus TRALI prevention.
Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core–specific antibody suggests occult HCV infection among blood donors
Authors: Quiroga Juan A. , Avellón Ana , Bartolomé Javier , Andréu María , Flores Elena , González María I. , González Rocío , Pérez Sonia , Richart Luis A. , Castillo Inmaculada , Alcover Javier , Palacios Ricardo , Carreño Vicente , Echevarría José M.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion safety is based on reliable donor screening for transmissible infections such as the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A novel HCV core–specific antibody was assayed on random single donations from 2007 first‐time blood donors who tested negative for anti‐HCV and HCV RNA on routine screening. Sample collection broke the code between donations and donors for ethical reasons.

RESULTS

Forty‐two donations (2.1%) displayed reactivity in the novel test. The specificity of the reactivity was evaluated by a peptide inhibition assay, and testing against additional nonoverlapping HCV core peptide epitopes and other HCV antigens was performed on these samples. Six donations (14.3%; 0.30% from the total) were considered to contain anti‐HCV after such supplemental testing. HCV RNA detection was also performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and serum or plasma samples from reactive donors after virus concentration by ultracentrifugation. HCV RNA tested negative in all PBMNCs samples, and a very low amount of viral genome was detected in serum or plasma concentrates from three anti‐HCV core–reactive donors (7.1%) but not among concentrates from 100 randomly selected nonreactive donors. Sequencing of these polymerase chain reaction products revealed differences between the isolates that excluded partially sample contamination from a common source.

CONCLUSION

These findings argue in favor of an ongoing occult HCV infection among these blood donors and account for some rather low, but perhaps not negligible, infection risk for such donations. Future studies involving larger samples of donations from traceable donors would enlighten the significance of these findings for the viral safety of the blood supply.
Collection and immunoselection of CD34+ cells: the impact of age, sex, and diabetes in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Kresnik Petra Konecnik , Krasna Metka , Rozman Primoz , Vrtovec Bojan , Malicev Elvira
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Mobilized peripheral blood is the most common source of CD34+ cells intended for transplantations. The collection and enrichment of CD34+ cells could be affected by various factors and there are some controversies regarding the effects of patient‐related factors. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age, sex, and diabetes on the CD34+ cell grafts in patients with chronic heart failure.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cell grafts from 100 adult patients scheduled for autologous CD34+ cell transplantation were investigated. The CD34+ cells were collected using leukapheresis after granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor mobilization and further enriched using the immunomagnetic CD34+ selection. The number of CD34+ cells and their viability were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Older patients had significantly lower CD34+ cell counts than younger patients. The differences between men and women were not found. There was a trend toward an inverse relationship between diabetes and the CD34+ cell count, however, without any significance. No differences in the CD34+ cell viability (97.6% before and 97.9% after selection) were found. The mean CD34+ cell recovery was 59.7% and was not statistically different between age groups, sex, and diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Before the CD34+ cells are collected the patient's age should be considered. The study did not demonstrate a significant impact of sex and diabetes on the CD34+ cell count. While age and sex did not affect the immunoselection process, diabetes slightly reduced cell recovery. Cell viabilities before and after the cell enrichment were comparable between the tested samples.
LEGISLATIVE CHALLENGE TO SUSTAINABLE APPLICATION OF INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDING SYSTEM (IBS)
Authors: Yunus Riduan , Yang Jay
Published: May 2016

This paper focuses on the challenges and implications of legislation which has been identified as one of the critical factors in enhancing sustainable deliverables for Industrial Building System (IBS) applications. This study undertakes a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of Malaysian IBS stakeholders, using survey data collected among the industry players. In terms of legislation, this paper reveals that there is a lack of incentives and regulatory procedures in IBS implementation, a fragmentation of authority and little concern on sustainability issues. Early stage integration, mandatory orders, obligations and government support are the strengths of legislation. The external elements consist of opportunities and threats. For opportunities, five components have been identified, namely legal document integration, certification programmes, long-term benefits, global markets and good image. Threats consist of client-driven decisions, higher initial cost and limited understanding of IBS benefits by the stakeholders.
THEORETICAL MODEL CONTRIBUTION OF CFRP LAMINATES ON SHEAR STRENGTHENING AND REPAIR OF RC BEAMS
Authors: Abdul Samad Abdul Aziz , Ali Noorwirdawati , Mohamad Noridah , Hadipramana Josef , Mohd Bosro Mohamad Zulkhairi
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this case study is to review the effect and contribution of CFRP laminates on shear strengthening and repair of reinforced concrete beams. To date, the method is yet to become a mainstream application due to number of economical and design related issues. The current experimental work consists of one control beam and four beams wrapped with CFRP laminates [5]. The CFRP configuration are either fully wrapped or U shaped with orientation at 0°/90° and 45°/135°. This case study then identifies several theoretical model developed by Triantafillou [6]; Triantafillou and Antonopolous [7]; Khalifa and Nanni [8][9]; Adhikary et al. [10]; Carolin and Täljsten [11], and Täljsten [12] along with three design codes i.e. ACI 440 [2], BCS [3] and fib [4] towards predicing the shear contribution of CFRP laminate. The results for both experimental and theoretical value were then compared in term of mean percentage difference to select the best theoretical shear prediction value.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AE SIGNAL STRENGTH AND ABSOLUTE ENERGY IN DETERMINING DAMAGE CLASSIFICATION OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors: Shahidan Shahiron , Abdullah Siti Radziah , Ismail Isham
Published: May 2016

The most efficient tools in real monitoring system is acoustic emission (AE). This technique can be used to identify the damage classifications in RC structure. This research paper will mainly focus on the utilization of signal strength and Absolute energy (AE signal) in determining on the damage quantification for RC beam subjected to cyclic load test. The beam specimens size (150 X 250 X 1900) mm were prepared in the laboratory and tested with the four point bending test using cyclic loading together with acoustic emission monitoring system. The results showed that the analysis of AE data parameters is capable of determining the damage classification in concrete structures and the data corresponded to the visual observations during the increased loading cycle.
A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR NATURE-BASED TOURISM DESTINATIONS EVALUATION
Authors: Marzuki Azizan
Published: May 2016

To date, nature-based scholars have been employing a diverse range of attraction evaluation methods mainly derived from the perspective of public perception, policy instrument and resource inventory. Based on its distinctive quality and specific procedure, the physical resource inventory evaluation method is recognized by this paper as a proper means to evaluate attraction of nature-based tourism destinations (NBTD). With the intention of improving both the objectivity and the applicability of NBTD in order to facilitate the assessment method’s popularization, this paper proposes a universal evolution attraction framework for NBTD. For the purpose of research, this paper reviews the process of physical resources inventory, constructs general assessment structure and designs a scoring system in light of the attractions of NBTD. This paper also discusses the definition of NBTD, the ranking system of attraction assessment and other aspects recognized as necessary parts in the research.
PENETRATION DEPTH STUDY FROM PREVIOUS EMPIRICAL FORMULA OF MODIFIED FOAMED CONCRETE SLAB UNDER LOW IMPACT LOAD FROM A NON-DEFORMABLE IMPACTOR
Authors: Hadipramana Josef , Abdul Samad Abdul Aziz , Mohamad Noridah , Mokhatar Shahrul Niza , Venny Riza Fetra
Published: May 2016

The Modified Foamed Concrete (FC) was acheived by replacing sand with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and experimental result has shown an increased in the compressive strength compared to conventional FC. This increase in compressive strength is required by FC to withstand impact loading. The experimental parameters from the modified FC subjected to impact loading were incorporated into previous empirical formula's, such as National Defense Research Committee (NDRC) [8], [18]), Ammann & Whitney [8], and Hughes [9] formulas. The calculation showed differences in results due to its variation and multiple approaches of the empirical formula. However, it is noted that the modified FC did not produce much differences with the conventional FC when it is subjected to impact loading. The calculation of previous formulas have indicated and highlighted these findings.
ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL AND EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT IN MALACCA RIVERFRONT PROMENADE
Authors: Karsono Bambang , Deni Deni , Azmah Fithri Cut
Published: May 2016

Physical modifications in urban environment can change the meaning of place, whether positive or negatively. Relationship between physical features and activities in urban environment can create functional dependencies and emotional feeling to place. Functional and emotional pattern in a place will influence the level of place attachment. Considering this issue, the research focused to assess the pattern of functional and emotional attachment in Malacca Riverfront Promenade (MRP), a popular urban space corridor along theMalaccaRiverwell-known as the historic promenade corridor located inMalacca,Malaysia. Mixed method is used to identify the pattern of attachment. Questionnaires were directed to 165 respondents and in depth interview were done to 18 street vendors and shop owner. Observation through photographic and written documents of physical features and activities were executed. The findings indicate that the pattern of functional and emotional arises from several indicators which are important for maintain the place attachment.
ANALYZE THE URBAN ENERGY BALANCE OF DENSELY AREA JAKARTA USING SINGLE-LAYER URBAN CANOPY MODEL
Authors: Muslim M. , Koesmaryono Y.
Published: May 2016

Modification of surface and urban morphological changes, resulting in disruption of thermodynamic and dynamics properties in sub lowest layer of atmosphere, lead air temperature in downtown area higher than suburban. Study aims to analyze components of energy balance dense area of Jakarta using single-layer urban canopy model. H flux in solid area was dominant at noon. LE flux from dense area was very low Maximum intensity nocturnal heat island in dense areas was 2.5 °C. Higher value of h/w, S↓ received by wall and road decreases, causing H flux emitted by surface weakened. Instead L↑ emission trapped increases. The most dominant component that controls the balance of radiation and energy dense area are S↓ radiation, and H emission. Roof and road most active to respond heat during the day, and wall at night. Energy received or emitted by roof and road are greater than wall, due to shadowing effect. Surface temperature of urban areas is strongly influenced by local buildings configuration. Walls surfaces are less active emiting H at night for the h/w increasingly large. H emission from road surface decreases with increasing h/w. Increasing breadth of walls surfaces causing L↓ trapped in the canyon becomes higher, thus canyon temperatures remain high.
THE DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF SPECIES FAMILY OF POACEA IN THE FLOOD PLAIN OF GAJAHWONG RIVER, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Said Nahdi Maizer , Sasongko Hadi , Hirman Hirman
Published: May 2016

The Poaceae family is one of flowering plants with the most abundant groups of species, many species usefull for human life. The aim of this research was to study the diversity and species abundance of Poaceae Family in the banks ofGadjahwongRiverusing quadrate method that covering different altitudes as well as upstream, middle and downstream area. Samples were collected from the plots of 1 m x 1 m, that positioned through stratified random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). The results showed that 47 species were identified, with the highest number of species and diversity index were found in the midstream. The species abundance was varied in each location, and among them, a high abundance of Axonopus compressus was found in all locations. Based on the influence of physical-chemical factors, the presence of Poaceae species identified in this study could be categorized under the influence of (1) soil pH and potassium, (2) C-organic,(3) temperature, solid humidity, light intensity and nitrate,(4) the presence of phosphate and air temperature.
HAND TOOLS OPERATOR 'S HEALTH WORKSHOP ON MECHANICAL AND LEVEL OF RISK WHITE SYNDROME FINGERS
Authors: Dwi Putra Toni , Pitrandjalisari Vitri , Finahari Nurida
Published: May 2016

Workers in the metal industry are using the equipment (hand tool) that produces vibrations. These vibrations have a negative effect on the fingers, forearm, or shoulder joints. Disorders that often arises is often called the effects of hand arm vibration. These effects vary of workers, ranging from finger whitened condition to the inability to move the finger. Lack of security and safety equipment will further enlarge this negative effect, because the disturbance will result in declining labor productivity. This study aims to model safety equipment in the form of fluidic damper to reduce glove hand arm vibration. This objective will be carried out in stages: 1) obtain field data on working conditions, workload with a hand tool and type of equipment used, 2) determine the parameters of vibration hand tool that is widely used, 3) modeling and making fluidic damper glove, perform the test comparison of the use and without the use of glove, 4) glove on field trials that have been surveyed. In the period of the study for 2 years, each parameter vibration hand tools frequently used can be measured in the laboratory. Tests conducted to determine the vibration of the arms that operate hand tools. Fluidic damper glove designed to dampen vibrations in the arm so that its effect on health problems can be reduced.
NUMERICAL SOLUTION FOR IMMUNOLOGY TUBERCULOSIS MODEL USING RUNGE KUTTA FEHLBERG AND ADAMS BASHFORTH MOULTON METHOD
Authors: Pagalay Usman , Muhlish Muhlish
Published: May 2016

The Immunology tuberculosis model that has been formulated by (Ibarguen, E., Esteva, L., & Chavez, L, 2011) in the form of a system of nonlinear differential equations first order. In this study, we used to Runge Kutta Fehlberg method and Adams Bashforth Moulton method. This study has been obtained numerical solution of the model. The results showed that the relative error obtained from the Adams Bashforth Moulton method is smaller when compared with the Runge Kutta Fehlber method. There are two methods has a high accuracy in solving systems of nonlinear differential equations.
EVALUATION OF SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH IN PLAIN AND FIBRE-REINFORCED FOAMED MORTAR
Authors: Mydin M. A. Othuman
Published: May 2016

Splitting tensile strength of concrete is normally low compared to compressive and flexural strength. Tensile force was used in the design of structural foamed mortar and to evaluate the shear resistance provided by concrete. This research focuses on the splitting tensile strength of foamed mortar incorporated with 7 different types of fibres used such as wood ash, pulverized fuel ash, silica fume, palm oil fuel ash, polypropylene fibre, coconut fibre and steel fibre. The findings show that the amount of fibres influences the enhancement level of the tensile strength. A high percentage of fibre can create a strong bonding between the particles of the foamed mortar, thus it is able to absorb energy to resist crack formation.
CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDING DESIGN: THE DEVELOPMENT OF GIS DATABASE AND PRODUCT AS DESIGN AID
Authors: Samugavelu Devagaran , Abdul Ghani Abdul Naser
Published: May 2016

Civil infrastructure as well as building foundation design depends primarily on the availability and accuracy of soil investigation data. The data from site and laboratory are vital for a safe and economical design for any kind of infrastructure or buildings. This paper describes the use of GIS in processing and presenting factual data of site investigation reports in formats that are meaningful to users especially geotechnical designer. The initial effort is carried out for Perak Tengah District in the State of Perak, Malaysia. In this study the site investigation reports are archived in an appropriate manner so it can be quickly retrieved by user at any time. In the second part, the data are stored in GIS system that can be processed and presented into maps describing some basic important data for designer at various depths. Thus, the data are available at any time and the systems will be a meaningful tool for geotechnical designers.
BUILDING DEFECTS AND FAILURE OF MALAY TIMBER HOUSE: CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
Authors: Mydin Md Azree Othuman
Published: May 2016

Defect detection in Malay House can be demeanoured by using two types of methods which is through visual inspection and via Priority Ranking System. To judge the building condition, it is good to have a thorough evaluation, so that a reliable recommendation can be made within a short period of time. This evaluation being carried out using the visual inspection on site and Prioritize Ranking System. The simple methodology of the system is using the numerical coding for the survey checklist. For the data under the priority ranking system then can be used as to foresee the condition of the house; either dilapidated, fair, or good. Furthermore, the system enables the surveyor to identify the major types of defects and the location of defects occurred. Through this, the surveyor can list out the element to be repaired in order of priority. The system is tested to the small-scale timber traditional house namely Rumah Melayu near the School of Housing, Building, and Planning (HBP).
MODELLING OF MINING DRAGLINE JOINT: A SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS WITH SOBOL’S VARIANCE-BASED METHOD
Authors: Abu Bakar Ilyani Akmar , Jaafar Jurina , Awang Haryati , Shamsham Nahar Nurathirah Alyun
Published: May 2016

A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the key uncertain geometric parameters that influence the mechanical response of a mining dragline joint subjected to large dynamic loading. An alternative design is modeled where the welded of the lacing members are attached on the sleeve structure rather than welded to the main chord directly using ABAQUS. Based on the simulated values, the Sobol's variance-based method which consists of first-order and total-effect sensitivity indices is presented. The sensitivity of four uncertain geometric parameters on the mechanical responses are investigated; i.e. thickness of sleeve, thickness of bracing members, weld fillet and eccentricity. To conclude, it is observed that the thickness of sleeve is the most dominant uncertain geometric parameter with respect to the specified mechanical responses.
YOUNG’S MODULUS AND POISSON’S RATIO OF MERPAUH, KAPUR AND SESENDUK SPECIES
Authors: Hassan Rohana , Syed Mubarat Syed Syazaril Amri , Alisibramulisi Anizahyati
Published: May 2016

Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s ratio are the mechanical properties that need to be determined for the production of engineering design or information for the numerical analysis of timber. In this study, Merpauh, Kapur and Sesenduk species were selected. This experimental investigation focuses on the elastic properties of those timber species. The Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Poisson’s ratio were determined by means of tensile tests. In addition, Modulus of Rigidity (MOR), tensile strength capacity and its moisture contents were also determined. The deformation during testing was measured by means of mechanical extensometer. The MOE of the studied species range from 36.7 N/mm2 to 119.2 N/mm2, whereas Poisson’s ratio values show less variability. The result of the study also shows that the mechanical properties for the species are related. The larger the density value, the larger value of stress and strain will be. Thus, the value of Poisson ratio will also increase, respectively.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HORIZONTAL CURVES DESIGN AND ACCIDENT RATE
Authors: Radimsky Michal , Matuszkova Radka , Budik Ondrej
Published: May 2016

Horizontal curves are very problematic elements of the road alignment. The danger of these spots is confirmed by the analysis of accidents, which showed that while on the tangents (straight sections) is an accident resulting in injury or death one of every five, at intersections and curve segments it is one of every three. Share of fatal accidents in curve segments compared to the intersections or direct segments is then more than doubled. The research aims to find potential correlations between different accident’s characteristics and horizontal curves design, which could help predict dangerousness of horizontal elements. Strong correlation was proven between radius of horizontal curve and relative accidental rate. Lower correlation was found between traffic lanes width and relative accidental rate. From gathered data wasn’t proven relationship between relative accidental rate and deflection angle.
EFFECT OF WET-DRY CYCLING ON BOND BEHAVIOR OF GFRP STRENGTHENED HISTORIC MASONRY STRUCTURES
Authors: Jing Meng , Raongjant Werasak
Published: May 2016

The objective of this research work is to determine the effect of wet-dry cycling on bond behavior of historic masonry structures strengthened by Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP). Shear bond testing was carried out through total 36 specimens exposed to dry, full moisture or wet-dry cycling conditions.  The selected samples were then tested at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. Post-ageing test was also preceded on total sixty masonry prisms exposed to dry, full moisture or wet-dry cycling conditions. The compressive strengths of selected samples were then tested at 0, 40, 70 and 100 days. The test results showed an obvious decrease of the bond strength between GFRP sheets and bricks in the wet-dry cycling condition. For masonry prisms with or without GFRP strengthening, in the first 40 days, the compressive strength of GFRP bonded prism decreased quickly to the value near that of prism without GFRP. After 40 days the rate of decrease became slow, which means that, sheets retrofitted outside the masonry prisms helped to improve their durability by reducing water permeation.
SLOPE STABILITY AND DEFORMATION ANALYSIS UNDER DRAWDOWN CONDITIONS (CASE STUDY: RAMA 9 RESERVOIR)
Authors: Raongjant Werasak , Jing Meng
Published: May 2016

The Rapid drawdown condition is one of the most dangerous conditions for earth slopes. The change of water level in reservoir always causes a slope failure. This paper presents an investigation on the slope stability of the Rama 9 Reservoir under different drawdown conditions depending on the drawdown ratio, the drawdown rate and the loading conditions. Finite element analysis program PLAXIS 2D 2012 were applied to define the displacement and the factor of safety for slopes at selected positions. The results shown that, in the rapid drawdown condition for the drawdown ratio of 0.75, the factor of safety is 1.16.  In the slow drawdown condition for the drawdown ratio of 1.00, the factor of safety is 1.26. Both are less than the ratio of allowable security value of 1.3. For the Rama 9 Reservoir, the reduction of the water level should be controlled more carefully.
PERFORMANCE OF DIFFUSION DIALYSIS FOR PICKLING EFFLUENT OPERATING UNDER A HIGH FLOW RATE
Authors: S. Chantapala , W. Somattanai , P. Thanasupsin Sudtida
Published: May 2016

Diffusion dialysis (DD) is a membrane separation process. The major driving mechanism is an ionic concentration gradient. An anion-exchange membrane (AEM) equipped with DD is efficiently used for purifying waste acid and metal ion separation. The goal of this laboratory-scale study is to investigate the efficiency of a diffusion dialyser (model HKY-001), which was equipped with an AEM (model DF120), to purify waste acid solution (sulphuric acid). This study was conducted with actual waste acid from a pickling bath of an electroplating manufacturer in Samut Prakarn Province. In the experimental tests, the operating parameters, such as time to reach equilibrium, feed flowrate, water to feed (Qwater/Qfeed) and type of stripping water, were varied. To examine the performance of this treatment unit, the concentration of H+ (mol.L-1), acid recovery (% as H+) and metal ion rejection (%) were monitored regularly. In conclusion, increasing the feed flow rate will likely decrease the H+ recovery (%). The rejection (%) of Zn, Mn and Pb is likely to increase with increases in the feed flow rate. A higher metal ion rejection (%) can be achieved at a lower water-to-feed ratio.
SORPTION OF ZINC USING MICROWAVE INCINERATED SUGARCANE BAGASSE ASH (MISCBA) AND RAW BAGASSE
Authors: Umar Salihi Ibrahim , Mohamed Kutty Shamsul Rahman , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Malakahmad Amirhossein , Aminu Umar Usman
Published: May 2016

Release of contaminated wastewater containing toxic pollutants has adverse negative effects to the receiving water environment. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable, with longer half –life and overtime, and can accumulate in living organism. Therefore, it is important to remove heavy metals from wastewater for its safe disposal. In this study, activated carbon prepared from thermal incineration of sugarcane bagasse was used in removing zinc from synthetic solution.  The prepared carbon is termed as microwave incinerated sugarcane bagasse ash (MISCBA). Raw non-incinerated bagasse was also employed to compare the removal capacities of the two adsorbents (MISCBA and raw bagasse). Parameters including pH, contact time, initial metal concentrations and adsorbents dosages were examined. The results showed that pH of 6.0, contact time 3 hours and adsorbents dosage of 12 g/L were found to be optimum for zinc removal. Removal capacities of 21.05 mg/g and 13.4 mg/g were determined for MISCBA and raw bagasse, respectively. Freundlich correlation coefficients for MISCBA and raw bagasse were found to be 0.7508 and 0.9233, respectively. Langmuir correlation coefficients were 0.9231 and 0.6423, for MISCBA and bagasse respectively.
A THEORETICAL DISCUSSION AND CASE STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMART STORM DRAINAGE UNIT FOR COMPACT CITIES
Authors: Nadeesha Chandraseana Dedimuni Charmaine , Wan Yusof Khamaruzaman , Ul Mustafa Muhammad Raza , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Umar Salihi Ibrahim
Published: May 2016

A moderate rainfall event can lead to harsh flash floods in most of the compact cities. Present urbanization happening in these cities creates an imbalance between generated urban runoff volume and effective drainage capacity. For the survival of these, it is vital in enhancing the efficiency of an urban drainage system. However, it is a complicated task due to the accumulation of solid waste in drainage channels. These drainage systems are super sensitive to some external factors caused by their immediate surroundings. This study found out the impact of the urban form, population agglomeration, floating population, imminent prone areas of urban sprawl and waste disposing patterns of settlers can be highly influenced to the efficiency of a storm drainage system. Hence, Geographical Information System based computational techniques and weighted fussy sets are being used to track the attention need areas of the system. These particular zones to be treated through the design of "Smart Storm Drainage Unit". By this, it is expected to maintain a clear drainage channel for transportation of surface runoff all the time. Thus, by Smart Storm Drainage will be fixed into the breakdown areas or highly sensitive areas of a drainage system. This paper discusses the impact of surrounding urban area to the breakdown of drainage system and fixates the problem by bypassing “Smart Storm Drainage Unit”.
STRENGTHENING METHOD AND STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF COLD-FORMED CUT-CURVED STEEL UNDER COMPRESSION
Authors: Mohd Sani Mohd Syahrul Hisyam , Muftah Fadhluhartini , Siang Tan Cher , Md Tahir Mahmood
Published: May 2016

Cold-formed steel section (CFSS) is a popular material in the steel structure that has been recognised in construction work. CFSS with curved section is a new section that proposed in the CFSS and still being studied by researchers. Steel curved section, whether by using hot-rolled or cold-formed steel become essential and significant in the design that be suited by the architectural demand. For this reason, the CFSS is recommended to provide the curve in the structure and dispute the use of the hot-rolled steel. In the study, the CFSS is curved by using a clamp, small bender and welding machine. Through this process, CFSS with cut-curved (CFSS-C) is strengthened by welding in particular location at flange and web. The CFSS-C are established into five specimens with different of welding location and added with one normal specimen (CFSS-N) as a control specimen. The CFSS is tested for the structural performance of the column specimens with the height, 1000 mm under compression load and lastly the suitable strengthens method with highest of ultimate load is selected. From the testing, CFSS-C4 is reported to decrease about 32.26 % when compared with normal specimen.
THE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF SELECTED TROPICAL TIMBER SPECIES USING HOT BOX METHOD
Authors: Mohamad Hata Raihana , Hassan Rohana , Idayu Haslin , Arshad Fadzil
Published: May 2016

In this study, thermal conductivity of selected tropical timber species was determined using hot box method. The test was conducted up until the heat flux, air temperature and surface temperature value at hot and cold chamber of hot box become constant. Each of the selected timber species represent hardwood and softwood as classified in MS 544: Part 2:2011. For this purpose, Chengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii – Dipteracarpaceae), Perupok (Lophopetalum spp. Celastraceae) Nyatoh (Sapotaceae) and Pulai (Alstonia spp. Apocynaceae) were tested. The thermal conductivity test was carried out based on BS EN ISO 8990:1996 standard. The thermal conductivity for Chengal, Perupok, Nyatoh and Pulai under steady state condition are 5.71 x 10-4, 3.595 x 10-4, 2.973 x 10-4 and 3.469 x 10-4 W/m2K respectively. Higher thermal conductivity value is significant with high density of materials.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL ELASTOMER
Authors: Rajhan Nurul Husna , Ab. Hamid Hanizah , Ibrahim Azmi , Ismail Rozaina
Published: May 2016

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) have much interest in engineering applications. However, the mechanical properties of MREs are still under ongoing researches. This paper presents the results from tensile test, hardness and rebound test that were carried out in order to understand the mechanical properties of MRE with the influence of carbon black content. The addition of carbon black was varied with the amount of 20 pphr, 40 pphr and 60 pphr of carbon black. The development of the MRE composites was manufactured by following the conventional rubber compounding process. The optimum cure of each MRE composite was determined by using a Rheometer 100. The mechanical properties through tensile test were obtained by using an Instron Tensile Machine, meanwhile hardness and resilience were carried out by using Wallace Dead Load Hardness and Dunlop Tripsometer, respectively. The results of tensile strength were not consistent with the addition of carbon black. In meantime, hardness value increases as the carbon black increases. The decreasing pattern of MRE resilience could be observed when the carbon black content increases.
SOLIDIFICATION OF WATER TREATMENT SLUDGE (WTS) BY CALCIUM CARBONATE POWDER (CCP)
Authors: I. Nurliyana, , M. A. Fadzil, , H. M. Saman, , N. K. Hanim, , W. K. Choong,
Published: May 2016

Water treatment sludge (WTS) is a problematic waste produced from water treatment processes. WTS contains high in organic (e.g. nutrients) and inorganic (e.g. heavy metals) pollutants. There are many treatments of sludge. Current treatments of sludge are either by chemical, physical or biological treatments. However, the treatments require high energy level and expensive. Therefore, solidification method is introduced since the production of WTS is increasing. Solidification able to transform the physical forms of the sludge and depends on the type of binder used. In this study, calcium carbonate powder (CCP) was introduced as a binder to solidify WTS. The objectives of this study are to investigate the potential of CCP as binder in solidifying WTS and to obtain the optimum percentage of CCP as cement replacement material to solidify WTS. CCP was used to replace Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The solidified WTS was cured under water curing for 1, 3, 7 and 28 days. The effectiveness of using CCP as binder to solidify WTS was evaluated based on the compressive strength values.  Results showed that the compressive strength of solidified WTS increased with increasing curing days. However, the compressive strength of solidified WTS was reduced proportionally with the increasing percentage replacement of OPC with CCP. In conclusion, 40% CCP contains in C5 was the optimum CCP replacement percentage. The 28-day compressive strength value of C5 was 0.62 N/mm2 and the value was exceeded the minimum allowable landfill disposal limit which is 0.34 N/mm2.