bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Simulation of Terahertz Apodized Bragg Grating Using Coplanar Stripline Transmission Line a 1 µm-thin Membrane
Authors: Gomaa Walid , Darcie Thomas 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
A guided-wave THz System-on-Chip THz System-on-Chip (TSoC) is emerging as an attractive alternative to the routine free-space THz systems to reduce physical bulk, propagation loss, pulse dispersion and cost of free-space THz systems. Recently, our research group succeeded in demonstrating a novel waveguided TSoC based on the coplanar stripline Coplanar Stripline (CPS) transmission lines on a 1 µm-thin Silicon Nitride membrane. The novelty of this membrane-based platform was bonding the transmitter and receiver directly on the transmission line to eliminate the radiation loss by the routine THz optics. Besides, the delicate thin-membrane dramatically reduces the dielectric loss of the platform which results in low-loss and low-dispersion THz-bandwidth pulses.
In this paper, we introduce the design, theoretical model and the simulation results of a novel THz Apodized Bragg Grating (TABG) based on a periodic reflection of consecutive different impedance sections of CPS transmission lines on the membrane platform. This structure was introduced based on theoretical modelling and the simulation results. The CPS-TABG consists of 20 λ/2-length cascaded sections. The central frequency of the bandstop filter was selected around 0.8 THz to avoid signal distortion of the received terahertz pulse.
Preliminary Study on Biethanol Production from Starchy Foodwastes by Immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Abdulla R , Matam N A A , Derman E , Sani S A , Jawan R , Sabullah M K 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Dumping of food wastes into the landfill resulted in major environmental pollution. However, attempted had been made to develop these wastes into a new renewable and sustainable energy. Liquid biofuels, bioethanol can be produced from a variety of feedstock including biomass and food crops or wastes. Therefore, in this study, starchy food wastes of bread, rice and potatoes were utilized as a potential feedstock for the bioethanol production. Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was immobilized in 2% calcium alginate beads using entrapment technique. Then, the effect of temperature on bioethanol efficiency was investigated using the immobilized yeasts. From the result, highest fermentation efficiency of 1.24% was obtained at temperature 30°C, 48 h with agitation speed of 150 rpm. However, further research and studies are required in order to optimize the bioethanol production from fermentation process of starchy foodwastes.
Recompense the Color Loss for Underwater Image using Generalized Color Compensation (GCC) Technique
Authors: Yao D N L , Bade A , Waheed Z 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The light absorption of the water medium often caused the underwater image enhancement to become challenging due to the loss in color channels where the red color vanished faster than others. The color loss often affected the underwater image quality especially having the color cast like greenish, bluish, and yellowish. Therefore, this paper introduced a Generalized Color Compensation (GCC) technique which will recompense the color loss based on maximum channel and then remove the color cast using the mean adjustment. For the experiments conducted, the GCC technique improved the image contrast successfully. The experiments showed that the proposed technique was able to remove the color cast effectively regardless of greenish, bluish, and yellowish and improve the underwater image quality.
Geochemical Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Coastal Sediment Cores from Usukan Beach, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Ling S Y , Junaidi A , Mohd Harun A , Baba M 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This article discussed on the status of heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) pollution in coastal sediment cores and assess the sediment quality from Usukan Beach, Kota Belud. Several geochemical parameter analyses such as pH, moisture content (MC), organic matter (OM) and granulometric size were performed to identify the physico-chemical properties of sediments that affect the assessment of metal pollution. Heavy metals in the sediment samples were extracted using aqua regia methods and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) were employed for determination of heavy metals in extracted sediment solutions. The results show that the coastal sediment changes from acidic to alkaline when heading from inland to seaward direction, with an average pH of 5.6-8.5. The moisture content and organic matter fluctuate from low to moderately high, within the range of 4.9-21.9% and 0.30-6.73%, respectively. The coastal sediments are dominated by a sandy texture near the marine environment and change to sandy loam and sandy clay loam when heading toward the inland. The hierarchical average metal concentration shows Fe>Mn>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb>As. Sediment quality assessment is evaluated based on the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and from the pollution indices such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), modified degree of contamination (mCd) and pollution load index (PLI). The results indicated the sediment has only low degree of contamination by anthropogenic sources and the current status of the study area is safe from pollution.
Comparative study on the growth and yield of Sabah corn cultivars planted on 25% dairy farm effluent compost and 75% Silabukan soil
Authors: Calley D Y , Lum M S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Environmentally friendly soil amendments are becoming increasingly popular currently. This experiment was conducted in the insect-proof rain shelter from 15th August until 1st December 2020. This study compares the growth and yield of five local corn cultivars collected in Sabah; Jagung Kuning Ranau, Jagung Kampung Telupid, Jagung Pulut Telupid, Jagung Manis Telupid, and Jagung Manis Sandakan, planted on the same planting medium consisting of 25% dairy farm effluent (DFE) compost and 75% Silabukan soil. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Corn cultivars had a significant influence (p<0.05) on all growth and yield parameters except for flag leaf width and the number of cobs per plant. Jagung Manis Telupid (C4) outperformed other cultivars in plant height (296.5 cm) and the number of leaves per plant (13.75). The highest flag leaf length (67.67 cm) was recorded by Jagung Kampung Telupid (C2). In comparison, Jagung Manis Sandakan (C5) had the highest cob length (16.24 cm), cob diameter (38 mm) and cob weight (106.63 g). Therefore, planting Jagung Manis Telupid (C4) is highly recommended for silage purposes, while Jagung Manis Sandakan (C5) for its cob yields. Further study in the open field is suggested as the growth and yield performance might be different due to other variables.
Vegetative-phase Growth Performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivated Using Hydroponic System
Authors: Bidin K , Ahmad A H , Cleophas F , Kamu A , Lum M S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important staple food for many countries including Malaysia. But the country is still relying on the import to meet its domestic demand. Though significant public resources allocated for the rice industry, rice cultivation is still perceived to be uneconomical and associated with poverty. Therefore, a hydroponic system is seen as an alternative rice cultivation system that possibly be able to overcome common problems encountered in conventional and traditional paddy cultivation such as irrigation systems, limited cultivation area, control of nutrient inputs, control of pests, and loss of community interest particularly the new generation towards paddy cultivation. This net house study which one of the objectives was conducted to examine the vegetative growth of two local rice varieties under hydroponic condition. The experiment was a split plot design with nutrient solution concentration as the main plot, and the subplot is a local rice variety consisting of low land variety TQR-8 Sri Aman and upland rice variety called as ‘Tadong’. Each treatment was replicated in four plants or pots. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the effect of nutrient solution concentration and variety on rice growth cultivated using hydroponic system. The results revealed that the hydroponically grown rice of TQR-8 Sri Aman has greater tillering ability compared to Tadong for both NCSs. On the other hand, Tadong variety showed higher plant height than TQR-8 Sri Aman grown under hydroponic system. In addition, interaction of variety and nutrient solution concentration was significantly difference on tiller number and plant height. Further analysis should be conducted to evaluate the yield and feasible of the rice grown using hydroponic system.
How do El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Events Impact Fish Catch in Sarawak Water?
Authors: Kemarau Ricky Anak , Valentine Eboy Oliver 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The response of chlorophyll to climate variability plays an important role in regulating the regional marine ecological environment and carbon cycle. This study focuses on the impact of changes in chlorophyll on the catches of deep-water fish and offshore fish. The chlorophyll factors from satellite image MODIS were analysed during La Niña in 2008/2011 and El Niño in 2015/2016. Remote sensing reflectance’s 443 nanometres and 555 nanometres were utilized to examine the bias of the chlorophyll concentration, Thus the higher phytoplankton absorption coefficient at 443, and backscattering coefficient for dissolved and detrital material stated the more phytoplankton biomass and higher suspended sediment concentration. The results found that the fish catch during El Niño is higher at 295572 metric tons compared to during La Niña which is 255783 metric tons. The El Niño event was found to have experienced an increase in catch of 29789 metric tons. This is due to the influence of the change in the mean value of the concentration in the study area of 0.31 mg-3 during La Niña compared to during El Niño 0.4 m mg-3. A decrease in the average value concentration of -0.09 mg-3 resulted in a decrease in the number of catches. In addition, the maximum value of chlorophyll concentration was also found to be high during El Niño which is 22 m mg-3 compared to during La Niña which is 18 m mg-3. The high distribution of chlorophyll-a is in the coastal areas of Sarawak, which explains why the coastal fish catches are higher than in the deep sea. It is concluded that the distribution of chlorophyll concentration is different during the occurrence of ENSO. This may result in different fishing rates in the study area. Remote sensing technology successfully explains why fish catches during El Niño are higher than during La Niña based on different chlorophyll dispersions. The provision of information in this space is very important to fishermen to reduce operating costs.
The Effect of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Concentration on Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Cellulose Yield
Authors: Sayakulu N F , Soloi S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Cellulose is one of the renewable resources and has become a core target among researchers in recent times to make sustainable biopolymer-based materials. The extraction of cellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) by using 4%-13% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and undergoes bleaching process with 1.7% sodium chlorite solutions (NaOCl) has been done in this study. The maximum yield of cellulose (89.78%) was obtained with 4% NaOH. The effectiveness of NaOH treatment to obtain the cellulose was reflected in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis where the frequency of the C=C aromatic group of lignin resonated around 1600 cm−1 to 1590 cm−1 has been reduced in alkali treatment and disappeared after the bleaching treatment. Meanwhile, the peak for -OH group of cellulose and the -CH methylene group was observed at around 3330 cm−1 and 2900 cm−1 respectively. It was found that increasing the NaOH concentration increased the yield of cellulose to some extent.
Effect of soil physical properties on soil infiltration rates
Authors: Cleophas F , Isidore F , Musta B , Mohd Ali B N , Mahali M , Zahari N Z , Bidin K 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The physical properties of the soil are studied to understand the influence of soil properties on infiltration rate. The effect of soil physical properties on infiltration rates on logged-over forests was measured with a mini-disk infiltrometer across various levels of soil disturbances. Results of soil analysis suggest are mostly loamy texture and the bulk density has varied from 0.74 - 1.02 g cm−3, respectively. The basic infiltration rate has varied from a minimum of 0.61 mmhr−1 to a maximum of 45.22 mmhr−1 with an average of 3.81 mmhr−1. The results of simple regression analyses showed that there was little association between the physical properties of the soil and the infiltration rate. This study suggests that the high variation of infiltration rate in this study site is attributed to the high spatial variability of soil properties.
Enzyme inhibition-based biosensors using Acetylcholinesterase from Monopterus albus for detection of carbamates contamination
Authors: Khalidi S A M , Sabullah M K , Gansau J A , Faik A A M , Sani S A , Jawan R , Hamdan D D M , Shukor M Y 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Insecticides are an example of an environmental contaminant that can cause harmful effects on various types of organisms. Implementation of continuous monitoring program is needed to ensure the level of contamination can be controlled. In this present study, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the brain of Monopterus albus was elucidated to determine the potential alternative source of biosensor kit, which is sensitive towards various insecticides, especially carbamates. AChE from M. albus brain was extracted and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by procainamide-based affinity chromatography. Carbamate insecticides were used, such as bendiocarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, methomyl, and propoxur, to test their ability to inhibit AChE activity. Bendiocarb and methomyl show the capability to inhibit almost half of the enzyme activity at 51.05 and 51.20 %, respectively, while carbaryl, propoxur, and carbofuran inhibit 43.03, 42.80, and 15.06 %, respectively. Bendiocarb and methomyl were selected, and M. albus AChE was separately exposed with different concentrations of those carbamates and half maximal inhibitory concentration; IC50 was determined at 0.874 and 1.639 ppm, respectively. A field trial was conducted by testing the enzyme with various vegetable samples. All samples show no significant effect on AChE activity, meaning there was no existence of insecticides in each sample (p > 0.05). This study could be used as an alternative source for developing biosensor kits for the environmental monitoring program.
Characterization of biofilms developed from alginate extracted from Padina sp. incorporated with calcium chloride (CaCl2)
Authors: Hanry E L , Redzwan N F M , Badeges N F A K , Surugau N 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Seaweed has been used in many industries, whether directly or its extract. Padina sp. is one of the understudied species of brown seaweed. Brown seaweed have alginate embedded in their cell wall which is a type of hydrocolloids and can be used in many industries and applications including development of biofilms. The main objective of this current study is to develop biofilms using alginate extracted from Padina sp. and incorporated with calcium chloride at different concentrations. Prior to that, the functional groups of Padina sp. and alginate extract were determined. Then, functional groups, surface morphology, mechanical properties, swelling ability and biodegradability of the biofilms were studied using standard methods. The results showed that there were no significant changes in their FTIR spectra with increasing CaCl2 content. Surface morphology showed improvement in bonding while mechanical properties showed the best tensile strength of 9.43mm and 8.61mm elongation-at-break (EAB) after addition of 0.12g CaCl2. As for their swelling and biodegradability, the samples were completely dissolved after one hour and degraded after 24 hours. This shows that the biofilms with CaCl2 indeed improve the quality of alginate-based biofilms which can further be studied to improve other aspects such as water sorption kinetic and thermal stability.
Geochemical Distribution of Heavy Metals in Peat Soil Profile and Estimation of Water Table Patterns in Peatland at Klias Peninsular, Sabah.
Authors: Zamri S N M , Saleh H , Musta B 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The geochemical distribution of heavy metals in peat soil profile and estimation of water table patterns of peatland in oil palm plantation were carried out in the Klias Peninsular West Coast of Sabah. The geological setting of the Klias Peninsular mainly consists of the Crocker Formation and Quaternary Alluvium which in mainly composed of peat soil. The peat soil from 10 sites were collected for the geochemical analysis. The geophysical surveys were performed to measure the water table, which influenced the concentration of trace metals. The geochemical analysis of the peat soil at 0-6m depth shows an acidic pH value (3.0-4.0), moisture content (90%-1000%) and organic matter content (30-99) %. The texture of the peat soil profile varies from peat at the top of profile to silty clay at the bottom of the peat profile. The result of geochemical analysis shows that the element of Fe has the highest concentration (37.54-2049.18)mg/kg and followed by Zn(5.13-270.06)mg/kg, Mn(0.1-253.56)mg/kg, Pb(0.71-157.46)mg/kg, Cr(0.05-152.62)mg/kg, Ni(0.1-64.48) mg/kg and Cu(1.81-61.39)mg/kg. The water table ranging from (0.25m-0.3m) induced the oxidation of Fe. The concentration of Fe2+ tends to absorb other elements such as Zn and Mn. Whereas, the organic matter at pH value (5-5.5) enhanced the absorption of elements Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu in the peat soil profile.
Study of Composition and Surface Morphology of Seaweed as Biosorbent: A Review
Authors: Mingu N , Aziz S A , Stidi E Y , Majid M H A , Idris J , Sarjadi M S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is harmful to living creatures and deteriorate environment. Adsorption of heavy metal by biomass as adsorbent been the best alternative for heavy metal removal. Despite abundance of biomass as biosorbent, approach on adsorption by seaweed been studied because of its prominence benefits such as accessibility, minimal cost and ease of use. Some metal can be accumulated by seaweed without causing any hazardous by product. Thus, sorption of heavy metal by seaweed as biosorbent is studied. In this article, relationship between adsorption of heavy metal ions with composition and surface morphology of seaweeds are reviewed. Tables used to summarise the difference of composition and morphology of seaweed after treated with metal.
Climate impact emergence and flood peak synchronization projections in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna basins under CMIP5 and CMIP6 scenarios
Authors: Gädeke Anne , Wortmann Michel , Menz Christoph , Islam AKM Saiful , Masood Muhammad , Krysanova Valentina , Lange Stefan , Hattermann Fred Fokko 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The densely populated delta of the three river systems of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna is highly prone to floods. Potential climate change-related increases in flood intensity are therefore of major societal concern as more than 40 million people live in flood-prone areas in downstream Bangladesh. Here we report on new flood projections using a hydrological model forced by bias-adjusted ensembles of the latest-generation global climate models of CMIP6 (SSP5-8.5/SSP1-2.6) in comparison to CMIP5 (RCP8.5/RCP2.6). Results suggest increases in peak flow magnitude of 36% (16%) on average under SSP5-8.5 (SSP1-2.6), compared to 60% (17%) under RCP8.5 (RCP2.6) by 2070–2099 relative to 1971–2000. Under RCP8.5/SSP5-8.5 (2070–2099), the largest increase in flood risk is projected for the Ganges watershed, where higher flood peaks become the ‘new norm’ as early as mid-2030 implying a relatively short time window for adaptation. In the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, the climate impact signal on peak flow emerges after 2070 (CMIP5 and CMIP6 projections). Flood peak synchronization, when annual peak flow occurs simultaneously at (at least) two rivers leading to large flooding events within Bangladesh, show a consistent increase under both projections. While the variability across the ensemble remains high, the increases in flood magnitude are robust in the study basins. Our findings emphasize the need of stringent climate mitigation policies to reduce the climate change impact on peak flows (as presented using SSP1-2.6/RCP2.6) and to subsequently minimize adverse socioeconomic impacts and adaptation costs. Considering Bangladesh’s high overall vulnerability to climate change and its downstream location, synergies between climate change adaptation and mitigation and transboundary cooperation will need to be strengthened to improve overall climate resilience and achieve sustainable development.
Recognition of asphalt road hazards based on high-density gray point clouds
Authors: Tang Chao , Xia Mengxuan , Fan Tingli , Wang Li , Yu Haibin , Xu Yiqun , Hou Haiqian , Wang Xiaojing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Road hazards can lead to dangerous accidents and endanger the safety of pedestrians. Frequent and thorough road inspection is required to maintain road safety. This paper proposes an improved U-Net model that combines gray-scale images and depth images and uses a data statistics method based on a road depth map to eliminate hazard-free data automatically and reduce the computational complexity involved in hazard detection. Experiments showed that the proposed model, based on the improved U-Net-based pavement hazard recognition and extraction algorithm, could smoothly and efficiently extract pavement cracks and deformation hazards in complex scenes with noise interference and produce results with strong robustness. Comprehensive indicators such as global recognition accuracy rate A (Accuracy), precision rate P (Precision), recall rate R (Recall), evaluation index F1 (F -Measure), and Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) were used to assess the effectiveness of the proposed model in comparison with existing hazard detection models; the proposed model greatly outperformed the models in all the indicators. The proposed model can provide a significant reference for subsequent pavement repair work and be used to improve road safety.
The context of American elections and political parties
Authors: Maisel L. Sandy 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
“The Context of American Elections and Political Parties” explains the framework under which elections are run in the United States. This is laid out in the Constitution, which outlines the basic tenets of democracy in America. The most important aspects of that framework are the separation of powers, with a single executive separate from and elected separately from the legislature, and the federal system with residual powers left to the states. The Electoral College system, unique to the United States, is a result of the initial decisions made at the time of the framing of the Constitution.