PERBANDINGAN AKTIVATOR ASAM FOSFAT, ASAM ASETAT, DAN ASAM FORMIAT PADA PRODUKSI KARBON AKTIF BERBASIS TEMPURUNG KELAPA

ABSTRAKTempurung kelapa merupakan limbah padat di pasar rakyat/tradisional yang sangat potensial untuk beragam kegunaan, diantaranya adalah untuk bahan baku pembuatan arang/karbon aktif. Dalam penelitian ini, limbah tempurung tersebut diolah menjadi arang aktif. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh suhu karbonisasi, jenis dan konsentrasi aktivator terhadap karakteristik, serta kualitas karbon aktif. Arang tempurung kelapa dibuat dengan menggunakan Tube Furnace pada suhu 300oC dan 400oC. Arang yang dihasilkan selanjutnya diaktivasi dengan larutan asam fosfat (H3PO4), asam asetat (CH3COOH), atau asam formiat (HCOOH) dengan konsentrasi masing-masing 40%, 60% dan 80% selama 4 jam. Setelah proses perendaman dengan asam tersebut, arang dikeringkan dalam Tube Furnace pada suhu 200oC selama 2 jam. Dari hasil penelitian kondisi optimum pembuatan karbon aktif diperoleh pada suhu karbonisasi 400oC dengan aktivator H3PO4 pada konsentrasi 60%. Bilangan iodin karbon aktif yang dihasilkan pada kondisi tersebut sebesar 306,03 mg/gr. Nilai ini berada di atas SNI dengan kadar karbon terikat 65%. Analisis SEM menunjukkan distribusi pori karbon aktif yang diaktivasi dengan H3PO4 lebih beraturan dibandingkan dengan karbon aktif hasil aktivasi menggunakan dua aktivator lainnya.Kata kunci: tempurung kelapa, karbonisasi, karbon aktif, Bilangan Iodi

Mediation and moderation analysis from the perspective of behavioral science / Sharifah Khairol Musairah

Mediation and moderation are theories for understanding causal relationships. The purpose of this article is to make researchers aware the difference between mediator and moderator. Research that combines mediation and moderation are common in either basic or applied behavioral research. Usually, this kind of research is structured in terms of mediated moderation or moderated mediation. Unfortunately, many researchers use the terms mediator and moderator interchangeably; not realizing the difference between the two. Therefore, in this article, the differences between a mediator and a moderator are outlined. This article described conceptual basis, research model, data analysis and construct validity issues that are necessary for making inferences in mediation and/or moderation analysis. Then, this article defines the mediating variable and how it differs from moderating variable. Next, longitudinal mediation model, model with moderators as well as mediators, and causal inference for mediation models are described. An empirical illustration is provided using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. Statistical methods to analyze mediation and moderation as well as newer techniques are described. Future directions using mediators and moderators with more elaborate models such as moderated mediation and mediation moderation are discussed conceptually

Pre-emptive resource-constrained multimode project scheduling using genetic algorithm: a dynamic forward approach

Purpose: The issue resource over-allocating is a big concern for project engineers in the process of scheduling project activities. Resource over-allocating drawback is frequently seen after scheduling of a project in practice which causes a schedule to be useless. Modifying an over-allocated schedule is very complicated and needs a lot of efforts and time. In this paper, a new and fast tracking method is proposed to schedule large scale projects which can help project engineers to schedule the project rapidly and with more confidence. Design/methodology/approach: In this article, a forward approach for maximizing net present value (NPV) in multi-mode resource constrained project scheduling problem while assuming discounted positive cash flows (MRCPSP-DCF) is proposed. The progress payment method is used and all resources are considered as pre-emptible. The proposed approach maximizes NPV using unscheduled resources through resource calendar in forward mode. For this purpose, a Genetic Algorithm is applied to solve. Findings: The findings show that the proposed method is an effective way to maximize NPV in MRCPSP-DCF problems while activity splitting is allowed. The proposed algorithm is very fast and can schedule experimental cases with 1000 variables and 100 resources in few seconds. The results are then compared with branch and bound method and simulated annealing algorithm and it is found the proposed genetic algorithm can provide results with better quality. Then algorithm is then applied for scheduling a hospital in practice. Originality/value: The method can be used alone or as a macro in Microsoft Office Project® Software to schedule MRCPSP-DCF problems or to modify resource over-allocated activities after scheduling a project. This can help project engineers to schedule project activities rapidly with more accuracy in practice.Peer Reviewe

The franchising relationship quality: Is it important?

The concept of relationship quality (RQ) evolved from relational marketing theory, and it provided the impetus for a paradigm shift from transactional relationships to more cooperative and service-centered relationships in business-to-business (B2B) processes. While RQ is a major trend in business management, considerable confusion and disagreement persist regarding what constitute the dimensions, outcomes and impacts of RQ. This paper looks at RQ from the perspectives of B2B, particularly in franchising. A meta-analysis of the literature on the subject is undertaken to ascertain how RQ has been conceptualized, in terms of its dimensions, and impact on business performance

Design, Analysis and Fabrication of Plastic Injection Mould for Tensile Test Specimen

The a i m of this project is to design, analyse and produce the plastic injection mould for tensile test specimen. It is also concerned with presenting the technique, method, and theory for producing the plastic injection mould. This project is divided into three sections, namely design, analysis and fabrication. Each of the previous mentioned section is illustrated in proper order to ensure that the readers have a good understanding on how the process is done. The design of the mould is governed first by its intended function and is restricted by the specification limitation of the injection moulding process. Two other factors have to be considered such as material specification and mould condition. The total design method was used in this project to design, analyse and fabricate the mould. This concept allows us to produce the best conceptual design. The techniques in Total Design Method used were Product Design Specification, Quality Function Deployment and Matrix Evaluation System. In the design section, Unigraphics CAD/CAM system is used to produce the detail design and the numerical control codes that are needed to assist machining mould components. Careful consideration has to be taken during selection of various machines that can be used to manufacture the mould. In this project a Computer Numerical Control (CNC), milling, drilling, grinding and Electrode Discharge Machining (EDM) machines were used to machine the mould components. The rework cost is a major problem to the mould making industries, therefore by integrating the Moldflow analysis software (part advisor version 4) into the mould fabrication process this problem can be avoided. This software simulates how the molten plastic enters the mould during the injection process and also the possible defects that might occur. This step will eliminate the rework cost and time as all the possible errors are eliminated before it actually occur in the actual production process. The quality of the mould and injected product depend on the processing conditions such as melt temperature, mould temperature and injection pressure as we" as the machines used to fabricate the mould. As a conclusion the aim of the project to create a mould for tensile test specimen has been achieved

The relationship quality in franchise networks: Is it important to performance?

The concept of relationship quality evolved from relational marketing theory, and provided the impetus for a paradigm shift from transactional relationships to more cooperative and service-centred relationships in business-to-business processes. In the marketing literature, relationship quality has been considered a key component in relationship marketing and business-to-business relationship exchange such as buyer-seller, exporter-importer and franchisor-franchisee. In franchising, the key to a successful franchise system is dependent on the effectiveness of franchise relationship management where both parties are characterized by mutual interdependence and cooperation. Despite the importance of this topic in franchising, very little is known about how to develop effective franchisor-franchisee RQ and how it impact performance/loyalty. Therefore, this paper investigates relationship quality in franchise networks towards the firms’ performance and loyalty from a franchisee‘s perceptive. It also discusses three elements of the franchisor-franchisee relationship quality namely: trust, commitment and satisfaction. The paper examines the interactions of relationship quality towards a firm’s performance and loyalty in the franchise network

Pembangunan E-Modul Pembelajaran Enjin Diesel Untuk Kursus Teknologi Automotif

Penyelidikan ini adalah untuk membangunkan satu reka bentuk e-modul pembelajaran pelajar kursus Teknologi Automotif di kolej vokasional. Tujuan penyelidikan ini adalah bagi mengenalpasti kesesuaian elemen yang digunakan dalam modul dan reka letak papan cerita yang dibangunkan. Penggunaan e-modul dalam modul vokasional ini dapat memudahkan pemahaman pelajar dan cemerlang di dalam pentaksiran kompetensi. Modul menggunakan Model ADDIE sebagai model dan prinsip pembangunan bahan multimedia serta prinsip hueristik kebolehgunaan bagi pembangunan modul interaktif ini. Proses pembangunan modul menggunakan perisian CourseLab, Audacity, Freemake Video Converter, GIMP yang merupakan antara perisian percuma dan perisian sumber terbuka. Hasil pembangunan modul diuji sebanyak dua kali ke atas seramai 30 orang pelajar Kursus Teknologi Automotif yang terlibat di dalam penyelidikan ini dan 7 orang pensyarah dari kolej vokasional dipilih sebagai responden kajian. Soal selidik digunakan sebagai instrumen oleh pengkaji dalam kajian ini. Set soal selidik ini terdiri dari tiga set iaitu untuk kesesuaian elemen modul, kesesuaian papan cerita dan pembangunan e-modul pembelajaran. Soalan-soalan yang dikemukakan pada ketiga-tiga set akan dijawab berdasarkan skala likert. Maklumat dan data yang diperoleh akan dianalisis dengan menggunakan Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Kesimpulan daripada data dan maklumat yang diperolehi menunjukkan satu e-modul pembelajaran dapat dibangunkan dengan mempunyai aspek rekabentuk (skor min = 4.74), aspek persembahan (skor min = 4.67) dan aspek mesra pengguna (skor min = 4.69) yang dapat menarik minat belajar berdasarkan pada purata keseluruhan skor min

Relationship value, relationship quality and loyalty among Malaysian franchises

Franchising is an increasingly popular way of conducting and expanding business in the global environment. In a franchising business, the franchising relationship quality is considered important in ensuring success, since franchisors-franchisees are considered as business partner. Studies on franchisee-franchisor relationships from the franchise perspectives are very important and there has been a lack of research on the franchisee motivations for entering into the relationship mainly from Malaysia context. Therefore, this study will attempt to examine the relationship between relationship value, relationship quality and loyalty among Malaysian franchisees. A total of 400 questionnaires were mailed by using random sample to a local-home grown franchisee. The result of this study expects to develop an understanding of relationship quality among Malaysian local home grown franchisees. This study also contributes to the field of relationship marketing especially in managing business-to-business relationship

Characterization of marine penicillium isolates and their antibiotics

brought to human and animal health. Penicillium sp. have been known as their potential of producing antimicrobial compounds. Recently, this species were discovered to produce more than one type of antimicrobial compounds. This discovery has been promising to encounter the ongoing emergence of antibiotic resistant microorganisms. In this study, a total of five pure fungal isolates were cultivated from marine environment. Out of five, two of them were putatively identified as P. oxalicum and Ampelomyces sp. From the preliminary test of fungi isolates, a'imost all the isolates were shown to have strong antibacterial activity against test bacteria, which were S. aureus, a Gram-positive bacteria as well as S. typhi, E. coli and E. aerogenes, Gramnegative bacteria. Contrary to this, only dichloromethane extracts of isolates SVM3 and SVP4 (PDA) were active against S. aureus observed in disc diffusion assay. The results were also inconsistent with the bioautography assay of the extracts, which showed only dichloromethane extracts of SVP4 (CDA) and SVM3 were active against S. aureus and E. aerogenes, respectively. The active compound in bioautography assay might be penicillin, as compared to penicillin-streptomycin as reference