bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of soft soil with rice husk and coconut fibre
Authors: Zulkafli M H , Noorasyikin M N , Roslan L F 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study focuses on the stabilization of soft soil, which has a low bearing capacity and is prone to significant deformations and high moisture content. Soft soil is one type of soil with a poor bearing capacity, and when loaded, it significantly reduces the likelihood of a nonuniform decline. The aim of this study is to determine the physical properties of soft soil and to determine the mechanical properties of soft soil mixture with rice husk and coconut fibre with curing days of 14, and 21 days. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to establish a strong foundation and stabilizing soil, which plays a crucial role in constructing solid and durable structures, ensuring their stability and longevity. By utilizing rice husk and coconut fiber as soil stabilizers, the study also addresses environmental concerns by substituting natural resources with unwanted or discarded materials. Furthermore, this approach offers an economically viable solution for soft soil stabilization. The study involved two types of soil samples. The first type served as a control sample without any rice husk or coconut fiber, while the second type included rice husk and coconut fiber. The second type of sample was further divided into two ratios, with curing durations of 14 days and 21 days. A soil sample was collected from a paddy field in Sg Balang, Muar, Johor. The rice husk was burned at temperatures below 800 °C, resulting in silica-rich ash. The physical and mechanical properties of the soft soil mixture with rice husk and coconut fiber were determined through various tests. The preliminary tests were conducted to assess the physical qualities of the soil, including the Atterberg Limit Method, Compaction Test, and Direct Shear Test. The results showed that the Liquid Limit (LL) was 20.1%, with moisture content ranging from 15.56% to 27.38%. The compaction test indicated that a ratio of 2 with a 21-day curing duration achieved a maximum dry density of 0.56 and an optimum moisture content of 47.8%. The Direct Shear Test demonstrated that a ratio of 1 with a 21-day curing period exhibited the highest shear strength and shear stress at 3.25 kg and 10.45 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the cohesive and friction angle increased with longer curing days, with the mixture of ratio 1 and 21 days showing the highest values at 4.7 kPa and 35.03°, respectively. In summary, the presence of rice hush and coconut fibre significantly improve the soft soil stabilization. The study suggests that further research should explore longer curing periods of 30 days and 60 days to enhance shear strength.
The implementation of AutoCAD® Civil 3D for highway geometric redesign: a case of Indonesian toll road
Authors: Rifai A I , Purviyanto E J , Prasetijo J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Transportation infrastructure is one of the primary needs in increasing a country’s economic growth. In the last decade, Indonesia has continued to build toll roads to accelerate the provision of these needs. In some toll road development projects, a redesign is required as a form of field adaptation. The redesign process requires accuracy, speed, and convenience, so the development process goes according to plan. This paper discusses the implementation of using AutoCAD® Civil 3D for toll road redesign in Indonesia. The data is taken from the construction of toll roads in the Greater Jakarta-Indonesia area in 2023. The research method was carried out by comparing manual calculations and AutoCAD® Civil 3D. The study results show that some adjustments to the toll road design must be implemented faster and more precisely according to field needs. The selection of these applications makes it easier for designers to determine various options for planning the toll road. The conclusion of this paper shows that the use of AutoCAD® Civil 3D increases the efficiency and effectiveness of toll road redesign.
Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Sustainable Transportation Modes on University Campuses
Authors: Khalifa N A , Termida N A , Al Bargi W A , Chien G C , Ahmad N 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The increased number of registered vehicles among students at the universities, such as cars and motorcycles, were causing some problems on the campus and around the hostels, such as traffic congestion, crowded parking, which also lead to disturbances in universities communities. The aims of this study were to identify the types of transportation preferred among Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) students, and to analyze the factors that influence mode choice among UTHM students. The study was carried out using a self-guided questionnaire with a determined sample of 120 respondents among undergraduate students that included those who lived on campus nor off-campus residences. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression, and the tools used were Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The Finding of this study showed that the preferred mode choice was bus. However, only a few independent variables were statistically significant for each transport mode, respectively, in multiple regression analyzes. Generally, the main factors that affected the mode choice among UTHM students were security and convenience. In utility functions, walking was predicted to have the highest preference among UTHM students.
Performance Analysis of Roundabouts using SIDRA: A Micro-Analytical Software
Authors: Khalifa N A , Ab Ghani A R , Vasudevan S N 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Intersections affect the safety and capacity of urban traffic. Therefore, the design and selection of the type of intersection need to be made very carefully. According to the demand level, a different intersection can be designed. Modern roundabouts are one of the types of circular intersections that provide advantages over other types of intersection in terms of smooth operation and safety. Modern roundabouts exist in several types today worldwide. In practice, the distinction about the kinds of roundabouts would not be fully clarified; as a result, queuing and delay can be seen as negative effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the operational performance of the roundabout at Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, during peak hours. The traffic volume was also measured for a 1-hour peak-hour period in the morning and evening. The geometric data and performance of roundabouts in the year 2020 were taken from Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB). and analyzed using the SIDRA version 9 software. As result the performance analysis indicated that the demand flow of vehicles at the south lanes, Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama (R3), and west lanes, Jalan Mutiara Emas Puteh, (R10), exceeded the capacity and resulted in LOS F. The roundabout’s performance in 2020 was compared to the current year, 2022, with both left-turn lanes achieving a free-flow speed resulting in Level of Service (LOS) B in 2020 and LOS A in 2022. Specifically, the north lane (R2) and east lane (R1) transitioned from LOS B to LOS A in 2020 and 2022, respectively. However, the south lane (R3) and west lane (R1) require capacity and LOS improvements to alleviate traffic conditions. Overall, the project’s success is expected to benefit MBJB by enhancing traffic management in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru.
Deformation of peat soil reinforcement settlement using single-layer bamboo dendrocalamus asper
Authors: Md Yusof Z , Khairul Anuar N A , Abu Talib M K , FMd Dan M , Mohammad Noh N 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
As a unique soil, peat soil has extreme characteristics such as very high compressibility when any load applies to it. It has the condition of partially decomposed plant and animal make it unsuitable used as a foundation for construction. Due to this, the reinforcement of peat must be improved or stable. The stability of peat was more stable when the reinforcement is held or tied with a strong material that can be used for the long term. Therefore, this study to identify the deformation settlement of single-layer bamboo Dendrocalamus asper that using as reinforcement for the peat. The testing at the laboratory and physical model were conducted to fulfill the objective of the study which is to identify the physical properties (water content, specific gravity, organic content, fiber content, degree of decomposition), mechanical properties (consolidation test), and displacement of settlement through physical modeling at the laboratory. The result shows that the soil collected at Kampung Parit Puteri Menangis, Benut, Johor has a moisture content of 672%, specific gravityof 1.23, organic content of 88.34 - 96.19%, fiber content of 38.1%, and categories H4 to H6 (Hemic). The compression index (Cc) was determined in the range of 0.13 to 1.54, the consolidation coefficient (Cv) was determined in the range of 0.62 to 4.925, while the coefficient of compression (Cα) was determined in the range of 0.02 to 0.048. For the displacement of the settlement of peat show the bamboo reinforcement reduce the settlement under different load. The settlement decreased by 59% of the final load 4 kg/m2 during 2 hours in the displacement 9.543 mm to 3.867 mm. It is shown that the properties of peat react with the soil and began to settle down slowly until the reading remained constant.
The effect of external load to slope stability using slope/w in ft 006, section 61.50, Pulau Pinang
Authors: Muhammad Akmal K A , Zaihasra AT 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Sustainability in slope protection is very important to reduce environmental impact and loss of property and life. Landslides and slope failure frequently occur due to a variety of factors. The factors that contribute to the slope failure are the external load such as heavy machinery and also rainfall. The study area for this study is slope are at FT006, Section 61.50, Pulau Pinang. The objective of this study is to identify the factor of safety (FOS) of original slope and also factor of safety after slope protection applied. The soil nailing and also sheet pile are choosing as a slope protection. The 2D modelling using Slope/W software was created and analysed. This slope consists of multi-layers soil properties with the steepest angle of 52°. This model is applying with external load to stimulate the real situation of existing slope. The result shows that the minimum FOS for slope without any external load is 0.58 and the FOS decrease to 0.28 when the external load was applied. When the soil nailing was applied to the slope, it is increase to 3.74 without external loading and 1.247 with external load. Meanwhile, when sheet pile was applied the FOS increase to 3.88 without external load but with external load it is drop to 0.39. Therefore, the soil nailing was proposed to this slope as effective slope protection.
Compressibility behavior of marine clay treated by combination of coal ash and cement
Authors: Pakir F , Ismail N A , Yunos N Z M , Jamaludin N , Talib M K A , Dan M F M , Madun A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In the geotechnical field, any soft ground area that has construction on it will face a major challenge. A lot of engineering problems could arise either during or after the construction phase due to low shear strength and high compressibility of this soil in the form of excessive settlement, slope instability or bearing capacity failure. The real challenge with marine clay is stability and settlement when construction takes place. To solve this problem, study of compressibility of stabilized marine clay will be performed. The soil stabilization study aims at improving the compressibility of marine clay by adding of coal ash and cement as the stabilizer. The aim of this study is to verify the physical properties of soft marine clay soil. Then, to determine the effect of compressibility of untreated and treated soft marine clay soil with addition of coal ash and cement (OPC) at different curing periods. The samples are classified as clayey silt with slightly plasticity since the value of plastic index (PI) is less than 7. The result of the maximum dry density is 1580 kg/m3 while for the optimum moisture content (OMC) is 20%. The void ratio of the sample decreases as the curing periods increases and the optimum ratio of fly ash to bottom ash is 50:50. Compression index and swelling index value signifies the compressibility of a soil and the value of compression index and swelling index decreases as the curing period increases. Thus, through this research the compressibility of marine clay can be improved to support load and decrease the problem of settlement on construction of soft soil.
Load Test Performance of Bored Pile with Distributed Fibre Optic Strain Sensing
Authors: Tee B P , Mohamad H , Beddelee A A A M 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA novel technique of instrumenting the performance of a bored pile during a maintained load test was performed using optical fibre sensing technology. The technology, namely Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA), allows strains to be measured continuously along the whole length of the pile, producing a complete load-transfer regime (t-z curve) and shaft friction profile along the pile. This paper describes a pile load test on a 1.2m diameter bored pile at Putrajaya founded on weathered granitic residual soils. Methods to convert the distributed strain measurements to the load transfer response, shaft resistances, and compression profile are described in the paper. Comparable results were obtained between the distributed fibre optic strain sensor and the conventional system (vibrating wire strain gauges) and theoretical calculation. However, the distributed fibre optic strain sensor has the added advantage of detecting localized defects such as pile necking, bending, and overall behaviour of bored piles effectively.
Strengthening RC beams with circular post-opening in shear zone by externally bonded CFRP
Authors: Hamid N A A , Salleh N , Ali N , Jamellodin Z , Adnan S H , Chai J Y , Ching V V S 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
An installation of post-drilled openings in existing reinforced concrete (RC) beams may result in an abrupt change in the beam’s cross-sectional dimensions, which could reduce the beam’s capacity and integrity of the beam. A variety of methods have been developed to adequately reinforce the area around the opening. This study investigates the efficacy of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets for strengthening RC beams with circular post-opening at shear zones. A total of five beams measuring 150 mm width, 300 mm depth and 1550 mm length were casted and tested under four-point load until failure. The beams were consisted of one solid beam used as a control beam, two beams having 100 mm diameter circular openings and another two beams were strengthened using externally bonded CFRP sheets around the openings. The ultimate load capacities, deflections, strain distributions, cracking propagation and failure modes of the tested beams were measured and compared. According to the test results, beams with openings had lower load capacity and less stiffness compared to solid beam. Increasing the number of openings significantly reduced the ultimate load of the beams up to 25%. There are also significant differences between beams without and with strengthening in terms of beam capacity, stiffness and strain distribution.
Instrumented Pile Load Test: Analysing Measurement Anomaly at the Pile Head
Authors: Beddelee A A A M , Mohamad H , Tee B P , Nasir M Y M 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLoading activity during Distributed Optical Fibre Strain Sensor (DOFS) instrumented pile load test prevails the strain disparity within the pile’s initial depth and converges at a certain depth. This work aims to determine the strain convergence (SC) depth: investigate the influence factor of the SC and propose a standard empirical model for SC depth determination. The strain profile variation at any point within the pile diameter is examined using PLAXIS 2D. A set of test cases are simulated starting with defining influence factors of SC depth and further analysis of the cogent factor. The proposed model is validated to a few real field projects. This work is significant to determine the real start (RS) depth of the plotted strain profile and will improve data processing for the pile load transfer analysis of the DOFS instrumented pile load test. The cogent factor that influences the SC depth is the jack area coverage to pile area and an empirical model is proposed to determine the SC depth. The model is validated to a few real field projects with nominal differences of SC by the model to the field measured at ±0.05 sensitivity, comply the model goodness of fit at 0.9492 (R-square).
The observation range adjusted method: a novel approach to accounting for observation uncertainty in model evaluation
Authors: Evans J P , Imran H M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Model evaluations are performed by comparing a modelled quantity with an observation of that quantity and any deviation from this observed quantity is considered an error. We know that all observing systems have uncertainties, and multiple observational products for the same quantity can provide equally plausible ‘truths’. Thus, model errors depend on the choice of observation used in the evaluation exercise. We propose a method that considers models to be indistinguishable from observations when they lie within the range of observations, and hence are not assigned any error. Errors are assigned when models are outside the observational range. Errors calculated in this way can be used within traditional statistics to calculate the Observation Range Adjusted (ORA) version of that statistic. The ORA statistics highlight the measurable errors of models, provide more robust model performance rankings, and identify areas of the model where further model development is likely to lead to consistent model improvements.
Qualifying uncertainty of precipitation projections over China: mitigating uncertainty with emergent constraints
Authors: Zhang Jinge , Li Chunxiang , Zhao Tianbao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Predicting future mean precipitation poses significant challenges due to uncertainties among climate models, complicating water resource management. In this study, we introduce a novel methodology to mitigate uncertainty in future mean precipitation projections over China on a grid-by-grid basis. By constraining precipitation parameters of the Gamma distribution, we establish emergent constraints on parameters, revealing significant correlations between historical and future simulations. Our analysis spans the periods 2040–2069 and 2070–2099 under low-to-moderate and high emission scenarios. We observe reductions in uncertainty across most regions of China, with constrained mean precipitation indicating increases in monsoon regions and decreases in non-monsoon zones relative to raw projections. Notably, the observed 30%–40% increase in mean precipitation for the whole of China underscores the efficacy of our methodology. These observationally constrained results provide valuable insights into current precipitation projections, offering actionable information for water resource planning and climate adaptation strategies amidst future uncertainties.
Local lattice distortions and electronic phases in perovskite manganite Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3
Authors: Zafar A , Petkov V , Abeykoon A M Milinda 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We use variable temperature and magnetic field total x-ray scattering to study the crystal structure of the strongly correlated Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 perovskite, which is a paramagnetic insulator at room temperature, becomes a ferromagnetic metal at 272 K and, upon further decreasing the temperature, turns into an antiferromagnetic insulator at 105 K. We find that a model featuring a monoclinic symmetry captures the structure and its temperature and field evolution well, eliminating the need to evoke a phase segregation scenario as done in prior studies. It appears that coupled variations in Mn–oxygen bonding distances and angles from their values in an undistorted perovskite lattice, i.e., coupled local lattice distortions, assist the phase transitions in Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3, contributing to its unique physical properties. Local structural distortions thus emerge as an important degree of freedom in strongly correlated systems, in particular perovskite manganates, and, therefore, they should be fully accounted for when their fascinating physics is considered.
Effect of preparation routes on the performance of a multi-component AB2-type hydrogen storage alloy
Authors: Davids Moegamat Wafeeq , Martin Tayla Chirie , Fursikov Pavel V , Zhidkov Mikhail V , Khodos Igor I , Fashu Simbarashe , Lototskyy Mykhaylo V 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article presents experimental results on the preparation and characterisation of a multi-component AB2–type intermetallic hydrogen storage alloy (A = Ti0.85Zr0.15, B = Mn1.22Ni0.22Cr0.2V0.3Fe0.06). The alloy samples were prepared by induction melting using Y2O3-lined alumo-silica and graphite crucibles. The characterisation results were compared with the ones for the reference sample of the same composition prepared by arc melting. It has been shown that the induction-melted samples exhibit reduced hydrogen sorption capacities and sloping plateaux on the pressure composition isotherms (PCI’s). The origin of the observed effects has been shown to be in the inhomogeneity of the induction-melted alloys and their contamination due to crucible—melt interaction, particularly pronounced for the alloy melted in the alumo-silica crucible; this alloy was additionally characterised by the decrease of Zr/Ti ratio and, in turn, higher plateau pressures of the PCI’s.
Fc engineering by monoclonal mammalian cell display for improved affinity and selectivity towards FcγRs
Authors: Wang Zening , Kang Minhyo , Ebrahimpour Afshin , Chen Chuan , Ge Xin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Fc optimization can significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy of monoclonal antibodies. However, existing Fc engineering approaches are sub-optimal with noted limitations, such as inappropriate glycosylation, polyclonal libraries, and utilizing fragment but not full-length IgG display. Applying cell cycle arrested recombinase-mediated cassette exchange, this study constructed high-quality monoclonal Fc libraries in CHO cells, displayed full-length IgG on cell surface, and preformed ratiometric fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) with the antigen and individual FcγRs. Identified Fc variants were quantitatively evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISA, kinetic and steady-state binding affinity measurements, and cytotoxicity assays. An error-prone Fc library focusing on the hinge-CH2 region was constructed in CHO cells with a functional diversity of 7.5 × 106. Panels of novel Fc variants with enhanced affinity and selectivity for FcγRs were isolated. Particularly, clone 2a-10 (G236E/K288R/K290W/K320M) showed increased binding strength towards FcγRIIa-131R and 131H allotypes with kinetic dissociation constants (KD-K) of 140 nM and 220 nM, respectively, while reduced binding strength towards FcγRIIb compared to WT Fc; clone 2b-1 (K222I/V302E/L328F/K334E) had KD-K of 180 nM towards FcγRIIb; clone 3a-2 (P247L/K248E/K334I) exhibited KD-K of 190 nM and 100 nM towards FcγRIIIa-176F and 176 V allotypes, respectively, and improved potency of 2.0 ng/ml in ADCC assays. Key mutation hotspots were identified, including P247 for FcγRIIIa, K290 for FcγRIIa, and K334 for FcγRIIb bindings. Discovery of Fc variants with enhanced affinity and selectivity towards individual FcγR and the identification of novel mutation hotspots provide valuable insights for further Fc optimization and serve as a foundation for advancing antibody therapeutics development.