Abstract: A manufacturing industry contributes around 10% Malaysian economy. It provides economic opportunities for related industries and business. However, the number of accidents in manufacturing sector, including fatal accidents, has been increased from time to time.  To understand the real situation, in this paper, we used a correlation network analysis to analyze 43 characteristics of worker’s behaviour and their safety culture. The method developed in econophysics has been used to transform the correlation structure into distance structure. Its corresponding minimum spanning tree and the centrality measure such as degree centrality, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality and eigenvector centrality are performed to identify the most influential characteristics. A case study on Malaysian manufacturing industry has been presented to illustrate the advantage of the proposed approach. Some of important results and recommendations for the Government of Malaysia will be delivered.

Abstract: The aim of this work is to investigate radiation dose around some GSM base stations within Ota and Lagos metropolis in Nigeria. This was done using a radiation alert monitor (M4EC) manufactured by S.E. International, Inc., USA.  The measurements were carried out on ten different masts cited in some places in Ota Ogun State and Lagos. Measurements were carried out by positioning the radiation meter at five various distances to the masts and the mean value considered. The study showed that there is presence of radiation levels from masts beyond the background radiation levels but is within the permissible limit for public. The radiation dose measured where one mast was erected varied between 0.001 and 0.027 x 10-3 mSv/week. The radiation measured from location where two masts were erected varied between 0.001 and 0.039 x 10-3 mSv/week.  The radiation measured where three masts were erected vaied between 0.001 and 0.050 x 10-3 mSv/week. The highest equivalent dose was obtained at 1 m away from the masts where three masts are erected and the radiation went to minimum at 16 m away from the masts. Also, where one mast was erected the highest radiation was measured at 1 m and went to minimum at 6m away from the mast except for BS 3 with the shortest mast 84 ft where minimum radiation was obtained at 8 m from the mast. It can be concluded that radiation dose depends on the number of mast erected in a particular location which implies that the more the number of masts in a location the more the distance should be kept from them. The study showed that the height of the mast plays significant roles in the radiation incurred by people around, in other words, the higher the mast, the safer it is for those around it. Technicians should be advised to desist from crowding a location with too many masts since the higher the number of masts the higher the radiation incurred the mast should be of appropriate height.

Abstract: Graphite filler reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites and talc filler reinforced (PP) composites were prepared by compression molding at 160 ºC. Mechanical and electrical properties were studied. The tensile strength of the composites decreases with the increase of filler addition and also with the increase of wt.% of filler. But, a slight improvement of the Young's modulus of the filaments reinforced with different wt.% of filler is observed. It was found that the Bulk density of test materials increased with the fillers content. Capacitance decreases with the increase of both frequency and voltage which suggest good electrical properties of PP-graphite composites and PP-talc composites. All of these results indicated that PP-graphite composites are better than the PP-talc composites.

Abstract: This paper deals with social network approach to understand an organizational management problem in Malaysian public university. Four groups of factors, i.e., workplace spirituality, affective commitment, continuance commitment and normative commitment are used to quantify the level of organizational commitment. In total, there are 40 characteristics representing those factors. Based on the approach it is evidence that work are spirituality and effective commitment should be more attention by the university management. Each characteristic is considered as a member of social group and the relationship among them as social relationship.

Abstract: This study investigated the large (finite) deformation of transversely isotropic elastic thin circular disk under the influence of rotation. Pertinent energy function is highlighted and the resulting one –dimensional equation of elasticity has been solved. The obtained  result showed  a negation to the hypothesis of plane section  for plane stress problems of elasticity as recorded by linear (small/ infinitesimal deformation) theory of elasticity. The work showed the need to adopt  large deformation approach to problems of continuum mechanics.

Abstract: This research is focused on meditation and its impact on university students. Meditation is the concentration on one particular factor or issue. Meditation is not only restricted up to religion, but this can also be applicable in other dimension of life. For the purpose to find the impact of meditation on university students a sample of 100 students was selected randomly. After meditating them a likert scale questionnaire was distributed among them which ask questions about meditation, motivation, creativity, memory and concentration. After collecting data the results of the respondents were analyzed through SPSS. First of all the reliability of scale was calculated which show that scale was well established because the results of the study was reliable.  The regression and correlation analysis was conducted to find the relationship between meditation and concentration, memory, creativity and motivation. Findings of the study show that meditation has a significant relationship with concentration, memory, Creativity and motivation. But among all these factors, meditation has a greater impact on creativity. In other words meditation has more influence on creativity in comparison of other variables.

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition among preschoolers is a major public health problem in Nigeria; with resultant morbidity, poor psychological and intellectual development and mortality. Objective: To assess the anthropometric indices, iron and zinc status of preschoolers in Ozubulu, Anambra State. Methods: Two hundred and forty (240) preschoolers were randomly selected from eight nursery schools. Data were collected using questionnaire, anthropometry, biochemical analysis and a 3–day weighed food intake study. A sub set of 30 children were selected for biochemical analysis and a 3-day weighed food intake study. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity, percentage transferrin saturation and serum zinc were assessed using standard methods. Data from the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. The anthropometric data was compared with reference standards. The dietary data were analysed with Food Finder version 3. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 1.7%, 11.9%, and 0.8%, respectively. About 66% of the children had low transferrinemia level (percentage transferring saturation <15%). This was more (50%) in the 3 year olds. About 36% of the children had normal (>65μg/dl) zinc status while 63% were deficient (<65 μg/dl). More males (63.6%) had normal serum zinc status than the females (36.4%). The 3 and 5 year olds consumed ≥143.29% and ≥ 155.54% of their FAO/WHO iron and zinc requirements, respectively. Conclusion: Children’s dietary iron and zinc intake were high but probably not bio available. Nutrition education on improving food processing and handling techniques and diversification of diet would help improve zinc and iron status of the preschoolers.

Abstract: This research was carried out through field survey in surrounding forest localities of five villages named Killi Tor Shore (K.T.S.), Medadzai (M), Ghunda (G), Sarobai (S) and Killi Shaban (K.S.) in study area Zarghoon Juniper ecosystem. Different physical characteristics of Juniperus excels trees were recorded. Rate of deforestation was maximum at (K.S.) with 6.69, and minimum at (M) with 4.70, along with 5.95, 5.66 and 4.81 at (K.T.S.), (G) and (S.) respectively. Average Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) in inches measured at five locations were from highest to lowest as 37.13 at KS, 36.86 at S, 32.40 at KTS, 31.96 at G, and 29.40 at M respectively. Sheep made the dominant livestock population of 23%, donkey 2% and goat population was 75%. The community prefers to keep goats because the sheep feed on soft grasses which were not easily available in these areas. There was statistically insignificant variance in the average (DBH) in all five selected locations due to same atmospheric conditions. Old and New Regeneration ground cover percentage was less due to the high anthropogenic pressure on forest for different uses like lopping for Timber 28%, fuel wood 56%, debarking 11% and fencing 5% of juniper tree the situation was equally treacherous. Based on findings it was suggested that existing high anthropogenic pressure on ecosystem can be abridged by regulations implementations and financial assistance for sustainable recourse utilization to the unique juniper ecosystem of Zarghoon.

Abstract: Background: Some locally available plant foods in Nigeria have received attention as dietary agents that modulate gastrointestinal functions and carbohydrate metabolism. Objective: The effect of some of these plant foods like Detarium microcarpium (legume) and Vernonia amygdalina (vegetable) on postprandial glucose response of healthy non-diabetic adults was investigated. These two studies were conducted separately to collate data on foods in Nigeria that will improve glycemic control. Method: Detarium microcarpium bread and control bread from wheat flour were fed to ten non-diabetics. Vernonia amygdalina was processed and administered by squeeze-wash-drink (VASWD) and chew-raw (VACR) to eight non-diabetic subjects with 50g glucose tolerance test as the control. Postprandial glucose levels were determined at 30 min intervals over 2½ hours. Results: ANOVA showed a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) in the incremental blood glucose level of Detarium and post prandial glucose of Vernonia at most postprandial times. Area-under-curve of glucose was 62% for Detarium and 15% and 19% for Vernonia squeeze-wash-drink and chew-raw, respectively. Conclusion: Detarium microcarpium and Vernonia amygdalina maybe useful in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Abstract: The parent barbituric acid and 2-thiobarbituric acid are convenient starting compounds for the preparation of different fused heterocycles and 5-substituted derivatives which are pharmacologically one of the most important classes of barbituric acid based compounds. The  fused compounds of barbituric and thiobarbituric acid 7-(4-aminophenyl)-5-aryl-5H-pyrano [2, 3-d] pyrimidinone, 5a-f have been synthesized in single step by the condensation of barbituric acid/thiobarbituric acid with benzylidene/ substituted benzylidene acetophenone in glacial acetic acid in the presence of phosphorous pentoxide under microwave irradiation. The structures of the compounds were characterized by their UV, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral data.

Abstract: The dynamics of UV-induced luminescence in hydrogen loaded germanosilicate optical fibers gas been studied. The output beam from an argon laser was frequency doubled through BBO. The continuous UV radiation tuned at 244 nm was focused onto the core of the fiber with a lens. The fibers used in this experiment were standard telecommunication of germanosilicate optical fiber (SMF-28). For hydrogen loading, the fiber were placed in hydrogen chamber (180 atm., room temperature) for two weeks. we have used visible argon laser at 488 nm with lower power (~ 5 mW). coupling of the light into the fiber to study the luminescence. Defect responsibility between the non hydrogen loaded fiber and hydrogen loaded fiber are different. At least responsible for hydrogen loaded fiber is a modification of the defect of the non hyrogen loaded fiber. In hydrogen loaded fiber, two-step nature of the photosensitization process occurs, the first step involves formation of species that absorbs more UV light B where B is less stable than C. The formation of B is aided or catalyzed by hydrogen, whereas the formation of C appears to be independent of hydrogen.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the present status of vocational education and to find out the difficulty of implementing of vocational education in the Model Schools and Colleges of Bangladesh. Out of seven proposed vocational educational institutions three were considered as sample institutions from three different divisions of the country. Data was collected from the administrators and teachers through a comprehensive questionnaire, informal interview and a check list by visiting the sample institutions. Data were analyzed by non-parametric chi-square test and Weighted Average calculation was done manually and qualitative data were organized and summarized constructively. It was found that there is no vocational education in any Model Schools and Colleges though it was proposed in project profile. But all physical facilities are available for Vocational Education including raw materials and funds in every institution. Also, there was no recruitment of staffs and teachers in the vocational education sector; even the student enrolment was absent. The study revealed some difficulty for introducing the vocational education like, giving less importance to the vocational education by the administrator and higher authority, tuition fees, stipend issue, admission, site selection of the institution etc. The study also showed that Model Schools and Colleges are the better place to offer the quality vocational education. Finally, some recommendations were made for proper implementation of vocational education in model schools and colleges.

Title: Variation of Physical Properties of Egusi Melon (Citrullus Colocynthis Lanatus Var. Lanatus) Seeds and Kernel with Moisture

Abstract: Determination of physical properties of seed and kernel is aimed at developing mechanical devices for processing, storage or transportation. Egusi melon is grown only for its kernel more as a cash crop than food crop. The major bottle-neck is its mechanical dehulling. The development of this system will help small and middle scale farmers in farming and utilizing the cash crop. At moisture level 7.11 % dry basis, average length, thickness and width of Egusi melon seed were 13.199, 1.853 and 7.924 mm while the kernel was11.2, 1.378 and 6.424 mm respectively, measured with digital caliper. In moisture range of 7.11 to 38.70 % dry basis, studies revealed that 1000 seed mass increased from 94.9 to 129.9 g and surface area from 25.4 to 27.8 mm2, kernel mass increased from 87 to 108 g and surface area from 22.37 to 24.72 mm2. Geometric and arithmetic mean diameters rose from 2.83 to 2.98 and 7.66 to 8.79 respectively for seed and 2.67 to 2.81 and 6.33 to 7.35 respectively for the kernel. Sphericity and Porosity of seed decreased from 0.215 to 0.196 and 0.541 to 0.444 in the seed and 0.24 to 0.22 and 0.54 to 0.46 respectively for the kernel. Angle of repose increased in both, while true density decreased. Coefficient of friction on plywood, metal sheet, aluminium and plastic material (PVC) all increased in both seed and kernel with moisture increase.

Title: Consequences of nanofluid on Peristaltic flow in an asymmetric channel

Abstract: In the present analysis we have discussed the peristaltic flow of a nanofluid in an asymmetric channel. The governing equations of a nanofluid are first modeled and then simplified under the assumption of long wave length and low Reynolds number approximation. The governing equations of temperature and nano particle volume fraction are coupled and solved analytically using a Homotopy perturbation method. The exact solution have been calculated for the stream functions,, velocity profile and pressure gradient. In the end graphical results are discussed for five different wave forms to see the effects of various physical parameters of interest.

Title: A New Approach in Engineering Education: The Design-Centric Curriculum at the University of Brasília-Brazil

Abstract: The global market demands engineers that have strong engineering fundamentals, a multi-disciplinary system perspective, good communication skills, the ability to work in teams and the capability of handling the challenges imposed by design problems. Taking this into account, the Production Engineering Undergraduate Program at the University of Brasilia has introduced an alternative learning approach, the design-centric curriculum in March 2009. The design centric curriculum is an alternative learning approach that encompasses knowledge of various disciplines and focuses on development of design thinking and project based learning. This article aims to provide an overview of the curriculum implemented.

Title: Two-Dimensional  Fractional System of Nonlinear Difference Equations in The Modeling Competitive Populations

Abstract: In this paper we have already investigated the solutions of the two-dimensional fractional system of nonlinear difference equations in the modeling competitive populations in the form.......

 

Title: Attaining  Aplanatism in Two-Mirror Telescopes

Abstract: The aim of the present work is to derive equations that enable  optical designers to determine the profiles of two reflectors that form the principal optical elements of conventional two-mirror telescopes, namely the Gregorian and Cassegrainian. The mirrors have to work together as correctors to attain aplanatism. To achieve this, Wassermann and Wolf method has been developed and used in both,the Gregorian and Cassegrainian configurations of particular geometrical parameters. The Cassegrainian is taken as an example and its performance is examined.

Title: A Comparative Study of General Subjects Taught in Diploma Engineering Education in SAARC Countries

Abstract: The role of diploma engineers in the development of industries, infrastructures and to help growing the stable economy of the SAARC region is very much noteworthy. However, in facing the challenges of the future, the diploma engineers must possess the necessary non-technical competencies with a stronger emphasis in humanities, including ethics and professionalism. SAARC countries are already incorporated the general courses into the diploma engineering curriculum in this respect. But there are some variation observed in the diploma engineering curriculum. Countries of the SAARC region do not include the same proportion of general subjects into the curriculum. The aim of this research was to find out the exact percentage of the general subjects offered in different SAARC countrieswith some relative analysis. It was found that maximum weightage of general subjects is given in the diploma engineering curriculum of Bangladesh (20%) that met the standard set by European Engineering Education [1]. India provides 14%) of general subjects which meets the standard defined by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology [2]. Whereas Pakistan (12%) and Maldives (8%) are still below the criteria and they need to improve their diploma engineering curriculum by incorporating more general courses.