bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of local silica sand deposits for producing leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications
Authors: Saiyed Mohd Nurddin Siti Mazatul Azwa , Selamat Malek 
Published: October 2017

The objective of this research work was to examine the potential of using local silica sand from Terengganu, as a raw material in producing leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications. The characterization of the silica sand was carried out using chemical analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The study also focused on the effect of temperature and soaking time of sintering on the formation and properties of leucite glass-ceramics for dental applications. A starting glass composition of weight %; 64.2% SiO2, 16.1% Al2O3, 13.6% K2O, 5.10% Na2O, 0.5% TiO2 and 0.5% LiO2 was melted in an electric furnace, and then quenched in cool water to produce glass frit. The glass powders were ball milled and compressed to form 13mm diameter discs. The discs were sintered at 700°C,750°C, 800°C and 850°C for 1.0, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0 hours. The XRD analysis results show that the glass powders produced leucite phase as the major phase at certain temperature and soaking time of sintering. The sanidine (KAlSi3O8) phase was also formed as the minor phase. The properties of sintered discs were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Vickers micro hardness and universal testing machine (UTM). Based on the microhardness and three point bending test results, the strength of the samples increased as the soaking time of sintering increased.________________________________________GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Representation of flat EEG images via fuzzy limit
Authors: Zenian S. , Ahmad Tahir , Idris A. 
Published: October 2017

Sugeno type intuitionistic fuzzy generator is one of the way to compute the non-membership value in the theory of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS). It can be extended to the concept of fuzzy limit in order to determine the hesitation value. The value of parameter, namely , in the non-membership function will influence the hesitation value and the results will be demonstrated in the form of images. Hence, by implementing the definition of fuzzy limit, different value of will be tested in obtaining the values of parameter that will determine the value of . Moreover, the relationship between hesitation and membership value will be demonstrated graphically.
New Face of MJFAS
Authors: Nur Hadi 
Published: October 2017

The Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences (MJFAS), has come a long way since its beginnings in 2005 when six papers appeared in the first issue. As the Editor-in-Chief of the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, I am writing to invite you to submit your most important research to the Journal. We envision the Journal as the best place to publish all of the levels of research in fundamental and applied sciences from all over the world, especially from researchers in Malaysia dan Indonesia. Working with our knowledgeable and international Editorial Board members and I can assure you of a rapid, robust and fair peer-review process.As the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences is now indexed by Thomson Reuters Web of Science, we are especially aiming to reduce time to decision. We also have begun to work towards raising the Journal’s impact factor. For the coming submissions, the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences will start implementing the "Your Paper, Your Way" initiative. In this way, authors can focus on the scientific quality of the paper. Journal-specific formatting such as reference style is no longer needed. The Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences is now entering its twelfth year and it is now the official journal of the Indonesia-Malaysia Research Consortium (I'M Research Consortium). The consortium's aims are to foster the development of the field through a crossdisciplinary approach and to reach consensus in areas of common interest in fundamental and applied sciences field. By making the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences the official journal of the I'M Research Consortium, we hope to provide a forum to bring together society members and to publish peer-reviewed consensus documents that emerge from the activities of the consortium. The year of 2016 marks the next in a series of regular changes to the Editorial Board. Several of the Editorial Board members have been with the journal for a large part of its development and have been responsible for its success through their contributions both as authors as well as reviewers and advisors. In the course of 2016, the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences launched its Facebook page (see www.facebook.com/mjfas2016), providing its readers with information about events of general interest to researchers and scientists as well as details and links to papers and research featured in the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences. Thank you in advance for your valuable contributions to the Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences.
Seed germination analysis in germplasm of capsicum annum
Authors: Rayiappan Alexander Ray , Sarobo Zulaikha , Javed Muhammad Arshad 
Published: October 2017

Capsicum annum is commercially cultivated due to its nutritional and pharmaceutical values. It is particularly important in Malaysia due to its abundant use in daily life food. Although it is warm seasonal plant, its productivity is not high in tropical environment. High seed germination is the prerequisite for good seedling establishment. Present study is conducted to study the varietal response for germination traits in diverse capsicum germplasm. Five germination traits were focused e.g. Final germination percentage (FGP), speed of germination (SG), initiation of germination (IG), days to 50% germination (R50) and peak period of germination (GP). Seeds of each variety were kept in triplicate at room temperature using Yoshida medium coupled with photoperiod of 14 hours for two weeks. Mean values for FGP (81%), SG (rate=2), IG (9th day) and R50 (10th day) and GP (12th day) were observed in 93 varieties. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference for all germination traits, reflecting that present germplasm is diverse for germination traits. These findings would be useful to improve the germination traits in capsicum hybridization programs.
The application of fuzzy logistic equations in population growth with parameter estimation via minimization
Authors: Zulkefli Nor Atirah Izzah , Yeak Su Hoe , Maan Normah 
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a numerical solution for the first order fuzzy logistic equations by extended Runge-Kutta fourth order method with estimated parameters. The parameters are estimated by minimization technique using conjugate gradient approach. Then, the fuzzy logistic model with the estimated parameters is used to fit the population growth in Malaysia. Numerical example is given to show the efficiency of the proposed model. Keywords: Fuzzy logistic equations, Population growth, Parameter estimation, Minimization technique
Bidirectional-pumped tunable fiber laser using a voltage-controlled Fabry-Perot Etalon filter
Authors: Sharbirin Anir Syazwan , Samion Muhamad Zharif , Muhamad Aisah , Ismail Mohammad Faizal , Ahmad Harith 
Published: October 2017

Fabry-Perot based filters have long been an attractive interferometric device due to its simple construction and versatility for various applications. In this paper, we demonstrate a bidirectional-pumped tunable Thulium-doped Fiber Laser (TDFL) using a voltage-controlled Fabry-Perot Etalon (FPE) filter. The filter allows a maximum tuning range of ~42.0 nm, from 1965.40 nm, up to 2007.35 nm. The generated laser also exhibits a relatively low threshold power of ~62.57 mW and narrow bandwidth of ~0.16 nm. The tuning capability exhibits an exponential growth relationship which can be exploited for precise automatic electronic control.
Recognition of Simple Splicing Systems using SHAutomaton
Authors: Wan Heng Fong , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Ibrahim Zuwairie 
Published: October 2017

Splicing language is the language which results from a splicing system. Splicing system was first introduced by Tom Head in 1987 as the mathematical model of systems of restriction enzymes acting on initial DNA molecules. Splicing languages are closely related to automata theory. Simple splicing systems can be recognized by SH-automata diagrams due to the regularity of splicing languages. SH-automaton defines exactly one language which is the language generated by the simple splicing system. In this paper, the concept of firm and maximal firm subwords are introduced. Some examples are then given to illustrate the maximal firm subwords of a word in a simple splicing system. Taking the SH-automata concept, which is a short compact way of encoding normal non-deterministicautomata in the special case of SH systems, the maximal firm subwords of the initial words of an SH systems serve as the labels for the associated SH-automaton. Some examples which will show the maximal firm subwords of the words in the initial set I, the regular expression for the language generated by the given splicing system and the simplest non-deterministic automaton that recognizes the corresponding splicing system are also given
Comparison of Adaptive Behaviour among Children with Learning Difficulties
Authors: Peter Cassandra Rani , Chan Samuel 
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study is to explore the nature of adaptive behaviour in terms of fine and gross motor skills in children with learning difficulties. This research aims to find whether there are any differences between the fine and gross motor skills among the children from the age of four to fourteen with learning difficulties. This study used Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales Classroom Edition survey questionnaire to explore the differences in the adaptive behaviour of children with learning difficulties in the motor skills domain. A quantitative within-participants experimental design was employed to assess the adaptive behaviour among children with learning difficulties in motor skill domain. The independent variable was the motor skills consisting of two levels which are the fine motor skills and gross motor skills. The dependent variable was the difference in adaptive behaviour of the children with learning difficulties. Paired-samples t-test was used to study the differences between the variables. It was evident that the paired sample t-test conducted implied that there was no significant difference between the variables which are the fine and gross motor skills. Future researchers could also compare other demographic factors such as age, gender or cultural background that influences the adaptive behaviour of children with learning difficulties in various domains besides motor skills such as socialisation and communication domains.
Pengkonsepsian dan Pembinaan Instrumen Kualiti Kehidupan Kerja Guru
Authors: Abd Razak Nordin , Thien Lei Mee 
Published: October 2017

This study aims to conceptualise and develop an instrument measures teacher quality of work life based on four main theories, namely (1) socio-technical systems theory, (2) two factor Herzberg theory, (3) organisation management theory, including structure and human relationship theories, and (4) psychological interactive theory. Based on these theories, the construct of teacher quality of work life has been conceptualised to have four main dimensions, namely (1) psychological need, (2) social need, (3) political need, and (4) economical need. A total of 1,080 school teachers were selected from 30 primary schools in Penang and Kedah and measured with more 44 items. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to examine the reliability and validity of the instrument measures teacher quality of work life using IBM SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0 computer software. Findings revealed that 12 out of 32 items need to be excluded because of its poor psychometric properties. The remaining 20 items that measure these four main dimensions of teacher quality of work life have shown satisfactory construct validity with the values of goodness-of-fit indices lie within the proposed acceptable range. Political need contributed the highest variance to explain teachers’ quality of work life compared to other dimensions. Implications and suggestions for future studies were presented.
ASETS-II Oscillating Heat Pipe Space Flight Experiment: Ground Truth Results
Authors: Taft Brent S. , Smith Sally M. 
Published: October 2017

The ASETS-II experiment consists of three oscillating heat pipes (OHPs), an electronics box, and mounting structures that control boundary conditions. Each OHP consists of 34 channels in a typical single-layer closed loop design. Butane was selected as the working fluid for OHP #1 and #2 for its performance stability. R-134a was selected for OHP #3 in order to explore the Bond number limit’s influence on OHP operation in microgravity.
The ASETS-II Flight and Flight Spare hardware were subjected to a comprehensive set of ground testing to baseline performance prior to flight testing. For most test conditions, the Flight and Flight Spare test results for OHP #1 and OHP #2 are within the margin of uncertainty in the measurements. OHP #3 on the Flight hardware performs similarly to OHP #3 on the Flight Spare hardware; however, the difference in performance is outside the margin of uncertainty in the measurements. This variation in performance may be attributable to the fact that OHP #3 is being pushed to operate near its Bond number limit.
A Novel Modeling Approach to Estimate Segmental and Intersegmental Ventilation and Heat Transport From a Walking Clothed Human Using Electric Circuit Analogy
Authors: Ismail Nagham , Ghaddar Nesreen , Ghali Kamel 
Published: October 2017

When the clothed human body experiences relative wind due to walking and external wind, heat and vapor transfers from the body to the environment are enhanced by ventilation through clothing. The clothing ventilation is related to the clothing permeability, open and close apertures, relative wind, clothed limbs swinging motion as well as the inter-segmental ventilation that occurs at the interconnection between the clothed human trunk and arms.
In this study, a computationally effective model is developed to estimate clothing ventilation based on the analogy between the air flow in the microclimate air layer and an electric circuit composed of resistance and inductance elements. The model takes into account the inter-connection between the segments for the clothed human upper part driven by difference of pressure in the microclimate air of the trunk and the upper arms. The estimation of the segmental ventilation, taking into account the inter-connection, allows the correction of the clothing dry resistances in a bio-heat model that will be used to predict the sensible heat losses of the clothed human.
Experimental Study on Effective Placement of PCM Packets in Cooling Vest to Improve Performance in Warm Environment
Authors: Itani Mariam , Ghaddar Nesreen , Ghali Kamel , Khater Beatrice , Ouahrani Djamel , Chakroun Walid 
Published: October 2017

Global warming has increased the risk of heat stress of outdoor workers and one measure against heat stress is wearing passive personal cooling clothing. Passive body cooling systems, including phase change material (PCM) cooling vests, are considered as an effective solution to improve the working endurance of outdoor active workers.
The objective of this study is to assess the effective placement of PCM packets in the cooling vest by examining the local and overall sensation and comfort when: (i) only the frontal segment of the human torso is covered (ii) only the back segment of the human torso is covered and (iii) both segments are covered. The PCM cooling vest is worn by human subjects performing cycling at about 3 Mets and for 30 minutes in a climatic chamber maintained at 28 °C and 60 % relative humidity. The used PCM melting temperature is 28 °C with a coverage area of 642 cm2 and total weight of the vest of 1.19 kg including 8 PCM packets (87.5 grams each). The physiological/thermal responses such as body core and mean skin temperatures, heart rate, and skin wittedness are monitored during the experiments while exercising and wearing the vest. In particular, the frontal and back torso skin temperatures are examined after being subjected to local cooling compared to the case when no PCM packets cover the torso segment. Moreover, subjective votes of thermal comfort, whole body and torso thermal sensations, skin and clothing wetness sensation and perceived exertion are recorded throughout the experiment. The experiment was repeated on five male subjects to ensure robustness of the obtained results. It was found that the core temperature changed slightly when wearing the vest, however the local skin temperature of the back and front torso segments decreased by about 5 °C and 3 °C at the end of the exercise, respectively. Gradual improvement in comfort that reaches a stable level when the PCM starts melting till the end of the exercise was also noticed.
Vapor Bubble Interaction With a Superheated Wall
Authors: Akhtar M. Wasy 
Published: October 2017

Sliding bubbles are known to augment heat transfer rates on the surface on which they slide. The pre-cursor problem — the bubble approaching an inclined superheated wall provides the initial flow and thermal field for the sliding bubble problem. An FC-87 vapor bubble rising in a thermally stratified flow field is simulated along with the bubble wall interaction effects. The simulation is conducted on a dynamic octree grid for improved accuracy and efficiency. The evolution of the bubble shape and the wake behind the rising bubble is captured in a three-dimensional model, which takes into account bubble growth due to superheat at the liquid-vapor interface and the effect of interface heat flux on the local saturation temperature. After the first bubble-wall interaction, a microlayer tens of microns thick forms between the bubble and the wall; a thermal wake develops behind the bubble as it begins to slide against the wall.
The predicted shapes, Re and Weber numbers and microlayer thicknesses show excellent agreement in comparison to experimental data from other researchers. Evolution of the flow and temperature fields were examined with the aid of contours of vapor volume fraction and iso-lines of mixture temperature superimposed on three-dimensional shapes of the bubble. Overall bubble dynamics and microlayer dynamics, including microlayer thickness and microlayer heat flux, are presented as functions of time. Using the wall, microlayer and wake heat transfer rates, an enhancement of the total wall heat flux was found to be on the order of 6 times the background heat flux.
This work describes the bubble evolution through the first rebounding in detail, but the dynamic octree adaption algorithm lends itself to study of the long-term dynamics well into the sliding regime. The technique can also be used to investigate other multiphase flow phenomena — especially bubble coalescence and breakup.
Surface Geometry Optimization for Convection Flow Over Super Hydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Bhusal Sadhana , Phan Long , Lin Cheng-Xian 
Published: October 2017

Drag reduction in fluid flows using the concept of a super hydrophobic surface has recently gained attentions from several researchers. The hydrophobic surfaces developed are inspired by the non-wetting properties of a lotus leaf. They find several applications in areas like, self-cleaning surfaces, mixing in laminar flows and others.
In this paper, computational studies were done for isothermal pure water along with the focus in the surface optimization. Different possible geometries are investigated with the use of commercial computational fluid dynamics code. Parametric study on the geometrical variations of the surface is the main discussion of the current paper, as well as their effects on the wetting. Some of the geometrical variations are the square, rectangular, and isosceles triangular groove surfaces. The drag reduction was found to increase by increasing the roughness spacing and decreasing the roughness height irrespective of the type of the surface geometry.
Recommendations for Conducting Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Spent Fuel Storage Facilities
Authors: Zhang Sai , Zhao Jun , Tong Jiejuan , Xu Zhixin 
Published: October 2017

Currently, the probabilistic risk assessments (PRA) for the nuclear power plant (NPP) sites are primarily focused on the reactor counterpart. However, evoked by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident, it has been widely recognized that a complete site risk profile should not be confined to the reactor units, but should cover all the radiological sources in a site, e.g. spent fuel storage facilities. During the operation of the reactor units, the used fuel assemblies will be unloaded from the reactor core to the storage facilities in a continuous or periodical manner. Accident scenarios involving such facilities can occur with non-negligible frequencies and significant consequences, posing threat to public safety. Hence, the risk contributions from such scenarios should be carefully estimated and integrated into the safety goal evaluations.
The spent fuel storage facilities can be categorized as two types: pool storage units and dry cask storage facilities. In the former type, spent fuel assemblies are stored in large pools inside or outside the reactor building, with the residual heat removed by natural or forced water circulation. The latter type, where air or inert gas circulation plays an important role, appear mostly as a complementary method, along with the pool storage units, to expand the plant’s storage capacity. For instance, at the Daiichi plant, there are several fuel pool units holding some fresh fuel and some used fuel, the latter awaiting for its transfer to the dry cask storage facilities on site. Note that, as well as in a joint manner, both storage facilities can be designed to serve the NPPs independently.
As a fully developed method to identify potential risk in a logical and quantitative way, the framework of PRA can be generally applied to the spent fuel storage facilities with some special considerations. This paper is aimed at giving recommendations for the spent fuel storage facility PRAs, including (1) clarifying the analysis scope of risk from spent fuel storage facilities; (2) illustrating four key issues that determines such risk; (3) presenting three essential considerations when conducting PRAs to evaluate such risk. Also, this paper integrates the insights obtained from two representative case studies involving two NPP sites with different types of both fuel elements and storage facilities.
Proven Technologies for the Solidification of Complex Liquid Radioactive Waste (LRW): Global Case Studies of Applications and Disposal Options
Authors: Kelley Dennis 
Published: October 2017

Legacy radioactive waste streams from the Cold War still exist and newly generated waste streams from nuclear power plants and research institutes go untreated and expose environmental hazards at many nuclear sites. The nature of the waste is extremely diverse, depending upon the source or the process from which it originated. The most problematic waste streams include complex liquids such as organic (tri-butyl-phosphate TBP) solutions contaminated with Pu and U isotopes, mixed sludge types, high acid radioactive waste, H-3 tritium contaminated organic and aqueous streams, etc. Environmental and economic challenges exist for the treatment and disposal of such waste streams.
A proven technology that has been applied to LRW on a global basis provides a low-cost solution to legacy streams and small volume, highly complex LRW frequently generated from routine NPP operations, in nuclear laboratories and during decommissioning. The engineered polymer technology from Nochar, USA, is capable of solidifying standard and highly complex LLW and ILW waste streams for interim or final storage, or for incineration.