bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Application of ENR/EPDM Blends
Authors: Chan B.L. 
Published: November 2017

Since the process and conversion of natural rubber into epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was discovered and patented by I. R. Gelling of the Malaysian Rubber Product Research Association (or now known as the Tun Razak laboratory), Brickendonbury, Hertford, in the United Kingdom, there are more than 10 000 technical and technological papers cited in the internet. Information on ENR is available, not only in the the English language but also other languages like Chinese, Malay, French, Thai and even German languages are used.NR is the most versatile and reactive rubber/elastomer. It is an advanced natural rubber which could be potentially used as a starting material for the development of other rubbers, modifie elastomers, for grafting, plastic-based materials and also thermoplastic rubbers. Its reactivity is dependent on its epoxy groups, the opening of its ring structure, and also the subsequent structures of carboxylic groups and the in-situ side-chains “carbon – carbon” double bonds (> C = C <). In some instances, up to 65% epoxidation of NR is possible and achieved for more oil resistance. For these reasons, there are many new and advanced materials which have been formed and developed in the last two decades.Among them, some of the recent research work is listed here. Apart from studies of compounding the ENR itself and its potential uses, there are many rubber-rubber blends and ENR rubber-plastics blends, some of the studies cited are “uses of new and advanced chemicals” and synthetic rubbers: ENR/NBR, ENR/PVC, ENR/polylactic acid blends, ENR/copolyester blends, ENR/Copolyamide Blends, ENR/poly (vinylidene fluoride)blends, ENR/Carbon Nanotubes with co-agent Trimethylol Propane Triacrylate, ENR /recycled silicon materials, and ENR/copolymer of n-butyl acrylate/butyl methacrylate “grafted”. Each of these blends has its own characteristics in terms of processing, enhancement of processing like safety, scorch, oil and water resistance properties, or some in the development of potential thermoplastic rubber and its thermoplastic vulcanizates.In this paper, the author would like to share some findingsof the ENR/EPDM blends that have good flexand dynamic properties, relatively low compression set, and tolerant tensile properties that satisfy most rubber products that are required for and used in the industrial, mechanical, and even automotive parts. More importantly, the sliding skid resistance/frictional property and wear resistance of the blends are also examined. In some blends, the thermal dynamic behaviour is also measured over a temperature range depicting the low-temperature stability, its temperature of transition and the dynamic factor like tangent delta (σ). These are the potential factors that could enhance the blend properties that give possible, good high speed and traction, applicable in tyres.
Performance of Jatropha Oil-based Biodiesel Fuel in a Single-cylinder Four-Stroke Diesel Engine
Authors: Win H.H 
Published: November 2017

Studies on alternative fuels have been active in Myanmar because the rapid mechanization of the agricultural sector demands higher diesel consumption. Jatropha oil-based biodiesel is one of the potential alternatives because of the relative ease of growing and producing this plant. In this study, both the experimental and theoretical analyses of Jatropha oil-based B20 biodiesel wereperformed and compared with conventional diesel. First, B20 was prepared by the base-catalyzed transesterification of the oil and its properties were measured. Second, separate performance tests were conducted on diesel and the biodiesel fuel using a LEYER-16 diesel engine. The speed range of interest was between 1000 r.p.m and 2000 r.p.m. Third, performance simulations were done in MATLAB using an algorithm written based on the theory of the engine operating cycle and air/ fuel compositions. Both experimental and simulation results show that there were no significant differences in the brake power and thermal efficiency of the engine between using diesel and the B20 diesel. However, fuel consumption when using B20 was slightly higher than that of diesel. This difference was marginal and it can be concluded that engine performance characteristics are the same for both diesel and B20 suggesting that B20 has great potential to be used as a substitute for diesel.
Ethanol Production in Yeasts Isolated from Fermented Kitchen Waste
Authors: Wong S , Wong S.K , Bujang J.S 
Published: November 2017

Microbial ethanol is a potential substitute for the non-renewable fossil fuel which is depleting. Yeasts have been long and extensively studied for ethanol production. The objectives of this study were to isolate yeasts from fermented kitchen waste and to determine their ethanol production performances. A number of fifteen yeasts were isolated from fermented kitchen waste. The yeastswere then grouped based on their ability to ferment different types of sugars. Three yeast isolates were selected for the analysis of ethanol production. Fermentation was carried out for 72 h in yeast extract peptone dextrose broth containing 18% glucose. Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy was used to monitor the ethanol production and glucose utilization. Isolate Y4 achieved the highest ethanol production at the level of 16%, while Y6 and Y8 demonstrated 12% and 11% ethanol yields, respectively. The isolates Y4, Y6 and Y8 were identified using universal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS4. The yeast isolates were closest to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (76%), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (56%) and Saccharomyces boulardii (64%), respectively. This studyshowed that fermented kitchen waste could serve as a good source of yeasts for ethanol production.
Utilization of Agricultural Wastes in the Manufacture of Composite Boards
Authors: Macatangay P.M , Mangundayao E.C , Rosales C.A.M 
Published: November 2017

Development of useful composite materials out of agricultural waste has become a desirable option in recycling. This led to the production of composite boards being used in the construction industry. In this paper, three types of available agricultural wastes in the province of Batangas — peanut shells, corn husks and banana sheath — were independently utilized in the production of composite boards. The raw materials were either air or sun dried, then crushed (for peanut shells) and extracted (for banana sheath and corn husks) before mixing with the binder. Urea formaldehyde (UF) was used as binder for peanut shells and banana sheaths while cleaned used plastic bags were chopped and mixed with corn husks before subjecting to hot compress machine. For each mat, the followingproportions were used:1000 gm banana fibres, 500 gm of UF mixed with 250 gm of water; 720 gm of crushed peanut shells, 133 gm UF with 12% resin content; 40% corn husks, 60% plastic strips by weight. The physical and mechanical characteristics like modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond, face screw head test (FSHT) or Nail Head Pull through (NHPT), water absorption and thicknessswelling were determined for each board and the results were compared to the values set by the Philippine National Standards (PNS). Based on statistical results, the corn husk-plastic composite boards conformed to all parameters in the PNS; the density, thickness swelling, IBS, and NHPT/ FSHT of peanut shell-resin composite boards conformed to the PNS; and the thickness swelling,density, MOR and NHPT/FSHT of the banana sheath-UF composite boards conformed to the PNS.
A Phenomenological Study on the Quality of Life Among Patients with Osteoarthritis Admitted for Rehabilitative Physiotherapy in a Private Hospital in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: DIOSO R. (III) P. , TANGGAYA R. 
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to explore patients’ experiences and how their rehabilitation and physiotherapy at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has affected their quality of life (QOL) due to osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, this study also aims to explore patients’ perspectives of the rehabilitation and physiotherapy for their OA before and after which affects moreover their QOL. The seven domains of the QOL were the physiological, social, financial,environmental, psychological, level of independence and spiritual – aimed to guide the theme of the interview sessions. A qualitative design was used. Of the 50 patients purposively enrolled only six were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic analysis addressed the seven domains of the QOL for data analysis. A 60-minutes interview session was audio-recorded. The rehabilitation therapy was explored on all seven domains of the QOL. Of the six respondents four explored their lived experiences on the social and environmental domain, while fiveon the physiologic domain. The spiritual, psychological, level of independence and financialdomains were mostly explored by the six respondents that have affected their QOL.
Decision Making Processes for a Pregnant Woman Admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department Requiring Emergency Diagnostic X-ray – A Case Study
Authors: Ismanto S. 
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study is to apply the decision-making processes for a pregnant woman who was involved in a motor vehicle accident and admitted to a private middle-class hospital in the capital of Indonesia requiring radiologic X-ray examination. It also aims to examine and evaluate the patient who was in her 20th week of gestation in order to provide her with the best emergency care, diagnostic investigations and treatments.The descriptive, normative and prescriptive models of decision-making are demonstrated. The descriptive model used intuition, while the normative model used decision trees as decision options and lastly the prescriptive decision used the information processing theory (IPT) to decide on the best emergency care, diagnostic investigations and treatments for the patient. The IPT dominated the decision-making process; hence an X-ray examination was done that was safe for the fetus and the childbearing mother. Decision option was not used since the patient was in pain and could not understand much of the procedure that was explained. Intuition helped in the decision-making in order to ensure safe and effective practice.
Increasing Serum Cholesterol Level among Sri Lankan Adult Obese Patients Admitted to Medical Wards: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: DIOSO R. (II) P. , SHALINA K. , JUDENIMAL K. 
Published: November 2017

This research identifid the factors affcting the widespread of the level of serum cholestrol among adult obese patients admitted to government hospitals in the easternpart of Sri Lanka, and identifie the number of adults obese patients with increasing serum cholesterollevel. A descriptive cross-sectional studydesign was used. Convenience sampling technique helped select 150 patients in medical wards and clinics of two government hospitals in the easternprovince of Sri Lanka, and Questionnaireswere distributedfor data analysis. Overall findingsof 150 obese patients regarding increasing serum cholestrol level admitted in the medical wards and follow-up at medical clinics had 59% in moderate risk, 36% with high risk, and 2% with a minimal risk of increasing serum cholestero level. Gender was a factor, which brings about 49.3% (n = 74) of the respondents were female and 50.7% (n = 76) were male. About 59% of participants had 130–159 mg/dl of total cholesterollevel while 36% had 160–189 mg/dl and 1% had lower than 100 mg/dl. It was also identifiedthat age and co-morbidities of obesity are factors that affect an increasing serum cholesterol level
Correlation Between Thermal Diffusivity Variation and Quality of Cold Preserved Fish
Authors: Ansari F.A , Abbas K.A , Megat Ahmad M.M.H 
Published: November 2017

The present paper deals with establishment of correlation between thermal behaviour and quality of cold preserved fish. Experiments were designed and transient temperature-time variations were recorded at the center and other three equidistant locations during air blast cooling of slab shaped pieces of fresh water fish. A number of pieces from the same lot were cold preserved at 3°C for a period of 28 days and experiments were repeated daily. Time-temperature records were used to determine thermal diffusivity of each sample using the empirical approach of the first author, reported elsewhere. It was observed that the measured thermal diffusivity increased up to 14 days and then stayed approximately constant up to the end of the preservation period (28 days). According to the reported literature, it was found that the shelf life of fish preserved at 3°C is 14 days. Regression analysis was made to develop an empirical correlation between thermal diffusivity and preservation time of the fish under investigation.
Numerical investigation of turbulent swirling flows through an abrupt expansion tube
Authors: Eiamsa-ard S. , Promvonge P. 
Published: November 2017

A numerical investigation of turbulent swirling flows through an abrupt expansion tube is reported. The TEFESS code, based on a staggered Finite Volume approach with the standard k-ε model and first-order numerical schemes built-in, was used to carry out all the computations. The code has been modified in the present work to incorporate the ASM and two second-order numerical schemes. The ASM, which includes the non-gradient convection terms arising from the transformation from Cartesian to cylindrical coordinates, was investigated for isothermal flows by applying it to the flow through an abrupt expansion tube with or without swirl flows. In addition, to investigate the effects of numerical diffusion on the predicted results, two second-order differencing schemes, namely, second-order upwind and the quadratic upstream interpolation, were used to compare with the first-order hybrid scheme. An abrupt expansion tube with non-swirling flow, predicted results using both the k-ε model and the ASM were in good agreement with measurements. For swirling flows, the calculated results suggested that the use of the ASM with a second-order numerical scheme leads to better agreement between the numerical results and experimental data, while the k-ε model is incapable of capturing the stabilizing effect of the swirl.
Optical Response of Poly (1,4-Phenylene-1,2-Di (P-Phenoxyphenyl) Vinylene) Towards Oxygen Gas
Authors: Mehamod F.S , Daik R , Ahmad M 
Published: November 2017

This research involved the synthesis of poly (1,4-phenylene-1,2-di (p-phenoxyphenyl) vinylene), dpop-PDV from di (p-phenoxybenzoyl) benzene compound as the monomer. The potential of the produced polymer as sensing reagent for O2 detection based on fluorescence quenching was studied. Di (p-phenoxybenzoyl) benzene was synthesised via the Friedel-Crafts benzoylationwith terephthaloydichloride and biphenylether as starting materials and anhydrous AlCl3 as the catalyst, while the dpop-PDV was synthesized via the McMurry coupling reaction. The polymerization was carried out in THF with TiCl4 and Zn as the catalyst and reducing agent respectively. Characterization on monomer and polymer had been carried out by using FTIR, GCMS, DSC, TGA, GPC and melting point measurement. Response of the polymer towards oxygen gas was described in terms of fluorescence spectra, repeatability, reproducibility and the response curve. Results obtained showed that the fluorescence intensity decreased upon exposure to O2 gas, indicating that the polymer was responsive to the presence of the O2 gas and the sample was found regenerable by flushing the polymer solution with N2 gas.
Methanolysis of Crude Jatropha Oil using Heterogeneous Catalyst from the Seashells and Eggshells as Green Biodiesel
Authors: REDDY A. N. R. , AHMED A. S. , ISLAM M. D. , HAMDAN S. 
Published: November 2017

In this work, heterogeneous calcium oxide catalysts gleaned from Polymedosa expansa and eggshell were investigated for the transesterification of crude jatropha oil with methanol, to access their prospective performance in biodiesel production as an alternative green energy resource. The best yield of biodiesel achieved was 96% in 1 h for Step 1 using 0.01:1 ratio of acid catalyst to oil and 0.6:1 ratio of alcohol to oil ratio, together with 2 h of Step 2 using 0.02:1 ratio with base catalyst CaO, derived from P. expansa, to oil ratio and 5:1 ratio of alcohol to oil. The properties of jatropha biodiesel were analyzed and found to have calorific value of 35.43 MJ/kg, density value of 895 kg/m3 and flash point of 167. The biodiesel was blended with mineral diesel from B0 to B50 for a diesel engine performance test. B20 indicated comparable characteristics with pure mineral diesel, like lowest fuel consumption rate, specific fuel consumption rate, highest brake horsepower and mechanical efficiency.
Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR) Barium Ferrite (bafe12o19) Composites
Authors: Hamdan S , Hasihim D.M.A , Yusop M 
Published: November 2017

filled with 0-6 volume percentage of barium ferrite was performed using a Polymer Laboratory- Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyser (PL-DMTA) over a range of temperature from -100 to 100°C at 10hz. The results showed that the storage modulus (E') of the composites below the transition temperature increase with filler content up to ~3-4 volume percentage. Incorporation of the filler does not change the matrix glass transition that occurs around -40°C but the damping curve becomes broader with increasing filler content. The addition of filler in the compositedoes not affect the glass transition and melting temperature. The blend of TPNR and barium ferrite powder is only a physical mixture that does not act chemically.
Effect of the reciprocating mass of slider-crank mechanism on torsional vibrations of diesel engine systems
Authors: Pasricha M.S. Pasricha , Hashim F.M. 
Published: November 2017

The torsional vibration phenomenon in the running gear of reciprocating engine systems isusually dealt with by considering a series of constant inertias connected by sections of massless shafting. However in reality, a slider crank mechanism is a vibrating system with varying inertia because the effective inertia of the total oscillating mass of each crank assembly varies twice per revolution of the crankshaft. Large variations in inertia torques can give rise to the phenomenonof secondary resonance in torsional vibration of modern marine diesel engines which can not be explained by conventional theory incorporating only the mean values of the varying inertias. In the past associated secondary resonances and regions of instability tended to be dismissed by most engineers as interesting but of no importance. The situation changed in recent years since there is evidence of the existence of thesecondary resonance effects which could have contributed to a number of otherwise inexplicable crankshaft failures in large slow speed marine engines. The cyclic variation of the polar moment of inertia of the reciprocating parts during each revolution causes a periodic variation of frequency and corres ponding amplitude of vibration of reciprocating engine systems. It also causes an increase in the speed range over which resonance effects are experienced and only a partial explanation of the behaviour of the systems has been worked out. It is impossible to avoid these instabilities by changes in thedesign , unless of course the variations in mass and spring constant can be made zero. In the present paper a critical appraisal of the regions of instability as determined from the equation of motion which takes into account variation of inertia is given. The motion in the form of complex waveforms is studied at different speeds of engine rotation. A comparison of theoretical results with Goldsbrough’s experimental resultsand Gregory’s analysis is included.
Pointers to earlier diagnosis of endometriosis: a nested case-control study using primary care electronic health records
Authors: Burton Christopher , Iversen Lisa , Bhattacharya Sohinee , Ayansina Dolapo , Saraswat Lucky , Sleeman Derek 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundEndometriosis is a condition with relatively non-specific symptoms, and in some cases a long time elapses from first-symptom presentation to diagnosis.AimTo develop and test new composite pointers to a diagnosis of endometriosis in primary care electronic records.Design and settingThis is a nested case-control study of 366 cases using the Practice Team Information database of anonymised primary care electronic health records from Scotland. Data were analysed from 366 cases of endometriosis between 1994 and 2010, and two sets of age and GP practice matched controls: (a) 1453 randomly selected females and (b) 610 females whose records contained codes indicating consultation for gynaecological symptoms.MethodComposite pointers comprised patterns of symptoms, prescribing, or investigations, in combination or over time. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the presence of both new and established pointers during the 3 years before diagnosis of endometriosis and to identify time of appearance.ResultsA number of composite pointers that were strongly predictive of endometriosis were observed. These included pain and menstrual symptoms occurring within the same year (odds ratio [OR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9 to 10.6), and lower gastrointestinal symptoms occurring within 90 days of gynaecological pain (OR 6.1, 95% CI = 3.6 to 10.6). Although the association of infertility with endometriosis was only detectable in the year before diagnosis, several pain-related features were associated with endometriosis several years earlier.ConclusionUseful composite pointers to a diagnosis of endometriosis in GP records were identified. Some of these were present several years before the diagnosis and may be valuable targets for diagnostic support systems.
Use of an electronic consultation system in primary care: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Banks Jon , Farr Michelle , Salisbury Chris , Bernard Elly , Northstone Kate , Edwards Hannah , Horwood Jeremy 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThe level of demand on primary care continues to increase. Electronic or e-consultations enable patients to consult their GP online and have been promoted as having potential to improve access and efficiency.AimTo evaluate whether an e-consultation system improves the ability of practice staff to manage workload and access.Design and settingA qualitative interview study in general practices in the West of England that piloted an e-consultation system for 15 months during 2015 and 2016.MethodPractices were purposefully sampled by location and level of e-consultation use. Clinical, administrative, and management staff were recruited at each practice. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsTwenty-three interviews were carried out across six general practices. Routine e-consultations offered benefits for the practice because they could be completed without direct contact between GP and patient. However, most e-consultations resulted in GPs needing to follow up with a telephone or face-to-face appointment because the e-consultation did not contain sufficient information to inform clinical decision making. This was perceived as adding to the workload and providing some patients with an alternative route into the appointment system. Although this was seen as offering some patient benefit, there appeared to be fewer benefits for the practices.ConclusionThe experiences of the practices in this study demonstrate that the technology, in its current form, fell short of providing an effective platform for clinicians to consult with patients and did not justify their financial investment in the system. The study also highlights the challenges of remote consultations, which lack the facility for real time interactions.