16 Articles Published

1. EXPERIMENTS ON WEIGHTED CLASSIFIER FUSION FOR AUTISM DETECTION USING GENE TIC DATA

Authors: FUAD M. ALKOOT

Abstract: Research in the health related field involves the use of high dimensional data where microarray gene expression data are used for the classifier based detection of diseases and abnormalities. Many machine learning tools and methods have been presented and proposed to detect diseases from microarray gene expression datasets where the overwhelming majority of work is for the detection of cancer. However, less attention is made to the detection of autism using such data. We experiment with autism detection using five gene expression data sets from five chromosomes. This data includes a low number of samples and a high number of features that reach tens of thousands. The task is difficult due to the large dimension of the data set and the high overlap in the class distributions. Therefore, a feature selection stage is necessary before the classifier and combiner design stages. We experiment with four feature selection methods, five classifier types and two existing combiner methods. Additi

Keywords: Classifier combination; bagging, Autism, Gene expression data, big data

Pages: 1 - 5 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-01

2. DESALINATION OF SEAWATER VIA PROGRESSIVE FREEZE CONCENTRATION WITH ANTI - SUPERCOOLING ROTATING CRYSTALLIZER

Authors: FARAH HANIM AB. HAMID , MAZURA JUSOH , NORSHAFIKA YAHYA , ZAKI YAMANI ZAKARIA

Abstract: In this work, a rotating crystallizer with anti-supercooling holes was introduced as a new technology for water purification of seawater through progressive freeze concentration, where pure water is produced in the form of ice crystal block, which leaves behind a higher concentration solution. This paper presents the investigations of the effect of initial concentration and rotation time and the efficiency of the system was reviewed based on the effective partition constant (K), desalination rate (Rd) and efficiency of concentration (E%). The system has achieved its best performance at low initial concentration which is 25g/L and rotation time of four hours.

Keywords: freeze concentration, water purification, ice crystal, desalination

Pages: 6 - 9 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-02

3. EFFECT OF HYDROGEOCHEMICAL PROCESSES ON THE QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER AROUND COASTAL SHALLOW AQUIFER IN TG LABIAN , LAHAD DATU SABAH

Authors: BABA MUSTA

Abstract: This paper discussed the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater collected around coastal shallow aquifer in Kg Tanjung Labian FELDA Sahabat Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. In this study three boreholes were constructed namely BH-1, BH2 and BH3. The main objective of this study is to measure the concentration of major elements and selected trace elements in the groundwater samples; and to identify the minerals in soil samples. The groundwater samples were collected at the depth of 3 meter, 5 meter and 7 meter. Soil sample were collected for mineralogical identification using XRD method and indicates the appearance of quartz and calcite. The analysis of major elements and trace metals in water were carried out using ICP-OES instrument. The result of in-situ parameters analysis indicates that all groundwater samples collected from the Boreholes shows the very weak acidic to neutral pH values that ranged from 6.8 to 7.6. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were found to be relatively hig

Keywords: hydrogeochemistry, groundwater, water quality , mineralogy, carbonate rock

Pages: 10 - 10 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-03

4. THE ADSORPTIVE PROPERTIES OF FIRED CLAY PELLETS FOR THE REMOVAL OF PHOSPHATE IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Authors: ADRIAN WOOD , AUGUSTINE O. IFELEBUEGU , MARK J. BATEMAN

Abstract: Removal of phosphate in wastewater treatment is crucial to reducing nutrient enrichment and eutrophication of aquatic bodies. This study explored the potential of fired clay pellets for use in phosphate removal during wastewater treatment. The mechanism of removal was evaluated in a batch adsorption study under different experimental conditions. Fired clay pellets were found to be effective in the adsorptive removal of phosphate from aqueous solution with a maximum adsorption capacity of 144mg/g. The experimental data showed a good fit to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model indicating a physical nature of the sorption process and also followed Dubinin-Radushkeivich Isotherm model. Adsorption of phosphate favoured acidic pH with optimum removal at pH 3-4. The values of Gibbs free energy (-16.5 kJ/mol), enthalpy (-8.87 kJ/mol) indicated adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic. The mechanism was found to be predominantly physisorption supported by some diffusion.

Keywords: adsorption, kinetics, phosphate, clay, isotherm

Pages: 15 - 21 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-05

5. IMPROVED CASHEW PLANTING MATERIAL PRODUCTION IN BENIN, A CASE STUDY OF NEW GRAFTING PROCESS

Authors: K. , N'DJOLOSSE , M. A. , TANDJIEKPON , R. , MALIKI , S. , KODJO

Abstract: Cashew is an important cash crop in Benin. Currently the average production per hectare is 300- 500 kg i-e 3-5kg/tree, which is low compared to other countries like Tanzania with an average productivity of 15-20kg/tree. Low yield is mainly due to use of unimproved cashew planting materials. Benin government made efforts to ensure improved planting materials availability. However, improved cashew planting material production remains a big challenge because the use of seeds does not guarantee farmer getting true type cashew planting materials. Grafting technique has been adopted in cashew propagation but low success rates (50% - 70%) in grafting were a limiting factor. Softwood grafting technique has been developed and experimented for promoting cashew propagation materials. But due to low success rate obtained by grafters, many were forced to stop grafting. A new grafting process has been developed which enabled success rates to increase more than 51% (55.3% to 83.6%). This process incl

Keywords: Grafting, Planting material, rootstocks, scions.

Pages: 22 - 26 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-06

6. SCREENING OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) IN CAPTIVITY AT ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, PINNAWALA AND ETH, UDAWALAWE FOR MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS AND ELEPHANT ENDOTHELIOTROPIC HERPES VIRUS TYPE1 (EEHV 1) USING DIRECT AMPLIFICATION OF PATHOGEN DNA FROM TRUNK W

Authors: ABEYSINGHE , K. G. D. DE. A. , BAMUNUARACHCHIGE , T. C. , RANDIMA , G. D. D. , VANDERCONE , R. P. G.

Abstract: There are many case reports of elephant pathogenic bacteria and viruses that require quick and sensitive diagnostic techniques due to the impact they generate. Out of these the occurrence of TB in elephants, especially in captivity, leading to zoonotic risk for humans who live at the animal-human interface and the different strains of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV) that pose a threat to Asian elephants are of extreme importance. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the PCR based molecular techniques for the rapid and direct detection of TB in captive elephants by primers targeting gene hsp65 and EEHV 1 strain by primers targeting the terminase gene. Serologically positive captive Asian elephants at Elephant orphanage, Pinnawala were screened for TB by specific primer PCR assay for hsp65 gene of M.tuberculosis using direct DNA isolates from trunk wash samples. Among 21 trunk washes, only a single amplification was observed, with a size closer to 441bp. Sequencing of this re

Keywords: endotheliotropic herpes virus, hsp65, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Pages: 27 - 32 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-07

7. POLYINDOLE BASED NIO-MGO NANOCOMPOSITE PHOTOCATALYTIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES

Authors: DEDHILA DEVADATHAN , R. RAVEENDRAN

Abstract: The aim of the present work was to synthesize polyindole based NiO-MgO nanocomposite, to study the factors affecting photocatalytic process and also to find out the optimal conditions that could be used in this process. The synthesized material was characterized using SEM, EDAX and XRD. The study also investigates the applicability of the nanocomposite as an antimicrobial agent

Keywords: Nanocomposite, conducting polymer, photocatalyst, photocatalysis, antimicrobial agen

Pages: 33 - 36 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-08

8. THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF GLYCEROL DRY REFORMING TO HYDROGEN AT LOW PRESSURE

Authors: MAZURA JUSOH , NORSHAFIKA YAHYA , ZAKI YAMANI ZAKARIA

Abstract: Hydrogen can be produced using several reforming methods from the byproduct of biodiesel which is glycerol. In this investigation, thermodynamic study for glycerol dry reforming to hydrogen at low pressure and different CO2 to glycerol ratio (CGR) was carried out. Dry reforming of glycerol involves series of reactions and depends on several process variables such as pressure, temperature and ratio feed of the reactants. As for that, a thermodynamic equilibrium analysis has been performed by using direct minimization Gibbs energy method via the utilization of Matlab software. The process parameters considered in this study are temperature (573K-1273K), pressure (1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 atm) and CGR (1:1, 3:1, 6:1, 1:3 and 6:1). The result inferred that optimum conditions for hydrogen production can be attained when temperature = 1273K (higher), CGR = 1:6 (lower), pressure 0.01 atm (lower). CO showed almost similar trend to hydrogen formation, whereas CO2 and H2O showed different tren

Keywords: thermodynamic, dry formation, glycerol, hydrogen, low pressure

Pages: 37 - 41 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-09

9. THE USAGE OF COPPER MODIFIED NATURAL ZEOLITES IN TEXTILE FINISHING AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT

Authors: AYSEGUL KORLU , CANDAN AKCA , MUSTAFA ATES

Abstract: Natural zeolites are one of the most examined natural minerals. By means of new studies conducted on zeolites, new areas of use are being discovered day by day. It is possible to produce modified zeolites having many variable functions by using the ion exchange capability of zeolite. The characteristics of the cotton fabrics treated with copper-loaded antibacterial zeolite are analyzed in this article.

Keywords: zeolite, copper, antibacterial, textile, ICP-MS

Pages: 42 - 45 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-37

10. SCREENING OF DIFFERENT OKRA GENOTYPES AGAINST HEAT STRESS OKRA TO HEAT STRESS

Authors: SUMEERA ASGHAR

Abstract: Okra (Abelmoscus esculentum L.) is an important summer vegetable of family Malvaceae. As temperature of the world is rising day by day due to climate change, the physiological behavior of crops is also changing and tolerance against heat is getting minimize. For this purpose, a research trial was conducted to screen different okra genotypes against high temperature (45/35°C day/night).Plants were grown in growth room at (28/22 °C day/night) temperature for four weeks. After four week temperature was gradually increased by 2°C to avoid sudden osmotic shock until the desired high temperature (45/35°C day/night) was achieved and genotypes were kept at this temperature for one week. Finding of this research showed wilting of seedlings, reduced leaves size, induced senescence and change of colour from green to yellow black, drastic decrease in fresh and dry matter contents reason can be the high transpiration rate disturbance or injuries in the physiological processes occurring within cell

Keywords: heat stress, okra, tolerance, genotypes

Pages: 46 - 49 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-38

11. EXPLORING BEST PRACTICES FOR CLIENT SATISFACTION IN THE SAUDI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Authors: FAWAZ ALSHIHRE , EZELIEL CHINYIO

Abstract: Customer satisfaction is the goal as well as the essential tool for measuring the quality and effectiveness of the construction industry. This paper aims to explore best practices that can be used by the Saudi Construction industry. For this purpose, the prevailing practices for client satisfaction followed in Saudi construction industry have been examined and compared with the best practices in the UK to identify the shortcomings and explore effective methods that can be used by Saudi constructors to provide enhanced client satisfaction. The data for this study has been gathered with the help of qualitative gathered from authentic secondary sources like books; peer-reviewed journals, construction reports and academic publications on construction and client satisfaction. Qualitative research methods involving interpretive paradigm, descriptive design and inductive approach have been used. The analysis of the findings has been done with the help of thematic analysis. The findings of the

Keywords: Client satisfaction, Saudi Arabian construction industry, UK construction industry time and cost management

Pages: 50 - 55 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-60

12. THE FATE AND BEHAVIOUR OF STEROID HORMONES IN WASTEWATER SLUDGE ANAEROBIC DIGESTION AT MESOPHILIC AND THERMOPHILIC TEMPERATURES

Authors: AUGUSTINE O. IFELEBUEGU , STEPHEN C.THEOPHILUS

Abstract: The disposal of biosolids to agricultural land is a major route for recycling municipal wastewater biosolids. However, there are concerns over the long-term build-up of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), a major constituent of biosolids in agricultural soils and their potential environmental effects. Hence, there is need to investigate the fate and behavior of EDCs in wastewater and sludge treatment processes. Thisstudy investigated the fate and behaviour of estrone (E1), 17ß-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) during anaerobic digestion of surplus activated sludge in a batch reactor at mesophilic and thermophilictemperatures. The results showed removal rates of 35%, 61% and 52% at mesophilic temperatures (35oC) and 24%, 63% and 79% at thermophilic temperatures (55oC) for E1, E2 and EE2 respectively. It was observed that E1 had a lower removal due to biotransformation of E2. Anaerobic digestion contributes to the overall reduction of EDCs in municipal biosolids, but EDCs

Keywords: EDCs, Anaerobic Digestion, Mesophilic, Thermophilic

Pages: 56 - 58 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-61

13. APPLICATION OF ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS FOR ANALYSIS OF IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE IN EIA OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

Authors: STEPHEN C.THEOPHILUS , BABATUNDE ANIFOWOSE , TOMINAYINGIBO L. FUBARA-MANUE

Abstract: Impact significance determination is one key task required of all EIA undertakings. A major issue in EIA analysis is the subjectivity resulting in, inconsistencies in experts’ and stakeholders’ judgment. However, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) can serve as a check for inconsistencies and tool for aggregation of the different experts’ and stakeholders’ opinions on impact assessment. This study investigated the integration of AHP into EIA impact significance determination to assess the effect of consistency and inconsistency in stakeholder judgments. A case study to investigate an application of the proposed method in a major oil pipeline’s replacement project is presented. It was observed that the opinions of both experts and stakeholders were uniform on some impacts such as land use, water contamination and an increase in the cost of health services, representing 18.75% of all the identified impacts. Conversely, there were differences in opinions on other impacts revealing what could

Keywords: impact significance determination, environmental impact assessment, analytic hierarchy process, oil and industry, multiple-criteria decision analysis.

Pages: 59 - 63 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-62

14. ENERGY EFFICIENT MICROBUBBLE GENERATION MEDIATED BY OSCILLATORY FLOW FOR WATER TREATMENT

Authors: ANGGUN SISWANTO , DMITRIY KUVSHINOV , WILLIAM ZIMMERMAN

Abstract: Development of modern industrial process, especially gas – liquid, requires improvement of heat and mass transfer phenomena. One of the ways for such processes intensification is to increase the interfacial surface area and contact time by gas bubbling into liquid in form of micro-bubbles.Traditional bubble generation techniques rely on constant gas flow through a micro-porous bubble generating components which results in larger bubbles compare to a pore size. Modern micro-bubble generation techniques require high energy input for operation.Energy efficient bubble generation technique under oscillatory flow with use of the Tesař-Zimmerman fluidic oscillator has been investigated. Mesoporous diffuser has been tested in order to study single bubble and bubble cloud dynamics at different formation conditions. Bubble cloud dynamics have been observed using high speed photography to garner the bubble size distribution. The results of the study showed a significant drop in engendered bubble

Keywords: equipment design, flow oscillation, microbubbles, process intensification.

Pages: 64 - 67 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-63

15. EVALUATION OF NEW DRUG CANDIDATURE OF USNIC ACID DERIVATIVES AS SELECTIVE BCL-2 INHIBITORS: COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNING AND MOLECULAR DOCKING

Authors: AHMAD NAJIB , RESTUAN LUBIS RESTUAN LUBIS , ZAINAL ABIDIN

Abstract: Breast cancer is malignant tumor that begun in the cells of breast. Abnormal or failed apoptosis consequences a malignant tumor can grow up then attack tissues around or metathesis to other tissue in the body. Apoptosis controlled by the Bcl-2 as anti-apoptotic. This situation happens on breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Therefore, at this study needed, molecular modification as a strategy in the design and development of drug analogs with better bioavailability, higher intrinsic activity and less toxicity. To be used the molecular docking method with Molegro Virtual Docker software and ADME-T properties of these compounds are calculated using ACD/ILab, Molinspiration, and preADMET calculator. The preparation of ligand and protein, and then need validation of research method that uses DRO ligand with the result RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) 0.180, and Moldock score -98,696 Kcal/Mol, prepare of ligand test ligand consideration, furthermore docking to the ligands. This process refers about i

Keywords: Molecular docking, usnic acid, bcl-2, breast cancer

Pages: 68 - 72 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-64

16. MICROWAVE ENHANCED BIODEGRADABILITY OF FOOD INDUSTRY SLUDGE

Authors: CECILIA HODUR , GABOR KESZTHELYI-SZABO , SANDOR BESZEDES

Abstract: Compared to other industrial sectors, a great amount of wastewater occurs in the food technologies, because of the high water content of the raw materials processed, the commonly used dehydration operations and, additionally, the high water demand of flushing and cleaning procedures. Wastewater originated from food operations contains a great amount of organic matter, and due to frequently cleaning and disinfecting procedures effluents can be characterized by a high content of surfactants and disinfecting agents, respectively. Dosed cations in wastewater purification technology are also contributed to form more resistant sludge flocks via the stronger polymeric network. Therefore disruption of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and sludge condition for enhanced biodegradation has been an important factor in the efficiency and economy of sludge handling technology. Microwave irradiation has been successfully adopted as pre-treatment method via the high energy dissipation of polar

Keywords: sludge, biodegradability, solubility, anaerobic digestion

Pages: 73 - 73 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-091-0-80