Replacing of glass fibres with seed oil palm fibres for tribopolymeric composites

In the current study, the possibility of replacing woven glass fibres (WGFs) with seed oil palm fibres (SOPFs) as reinforcements for tribopolymeric composites is investigated. Mainly, two different polyester composites based on woven glass reinforced polyester (WGRP) and seed oil palm reinforced polyester (SOPRP) are developed. Different volume fractions (25, 35, and 45 vol.- %) of SOPFs were considered. The experiments were performed using a block on disc (BOD) machine and the tests were conducted under dry contact condition against smooth stainless steel counterface at 2?8 m s21 sliding velocity, 20 N applied load for different sliding distances (up to 5 km). The wear mechanism was categorised using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results revealed that the steady state was reached after 4 km sliding distance for both WGRP and SOPRP composites. Seed oil palm reinforced polyester composites showed very high friction coefficient compared to WGRP. 35 vol.-% SOPRP composite exhibited a promising wear result, i.e. SOPFs are possible to replace WGFs in polymeric composites reinforcements whereas the wear resistance of the synthetic and natural composite were almost the same. The wear mechanisms for SOPRP composites were predominated by microcracks, deformation and pulled out of fibres while in the WGRP composite, abrasive nature was observed

Artificial Neural Network versus Linear Models Forecasting Doha Stock Market

The purpose of this study is to determine the instability of Doha stock market and develop forecasting models. Linear time series models are used and compared with a nonlinear Artificial Neural Network (ANN) namely Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) Technique. It aims to establish the best useful model based on daily and monthly data which are collected from Qatar exchange for the period starting from January 2007 to January 2015. Proposed models are for the general index of Qatar stock exchange and also for the usages in other several sectors. With the help of these models, Doha stock market index and other various sectors were predicted. The study was conducted by using various time series techniques to study and analyze data trend in producing appropriate results. After applying several models, such as: Quadratic trend model, double exponential smoothing model, and ARIMA, it was concluded that ARIMA (2,2) was the most suitable linear model for the daily general index. However, ANN model was found to be more accurate than time series models. Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.Scopu

The Effect of Coconut Powder on Asphalt Binder Performance under Laboratory Conditions

Bituminous concrete mixture is the most widely used structural layer in flexible pavements. The surface layer of the paving is exposed to repeated loads in addition to changes in temperature, especially during the summer, when the temperature approaches the softness point of the asphalt binder, and therefore, it is subject to multiple types of failure, especially rutting. The properties of asphalt binder and asphalt mixtures can be improved by using various additives. Coconut shell powder, made from the dried husk of coconut fruit, is a popular addition in many industries. As a result of its high strength and stability, this waste material can be recycled into functional structural components such as composite material reinforcement. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of coconut husk as very fine particles passing through sieve number 200 (0.075 mm) to modify the asphalt binder. The modifier was added at rates of (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) by the weight of asphalt binder. Two asphalt binder types, 80/100 and 40/50 penetration grade, were used in this study. All asphalt samples were tested for penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, and dynamic shear rheology. The results showed that the modified samples had better physical and rheological properties compared to the base asphalt binders. However, (7-8%) replacement of coconut husk powder, regardless of the base asphalt binder, yielded the best performance among the modified binders. In conclusion, coconut powder has significant potential as a road-building material due to its impact on the viability of the road construction secto

Religious freedom, minorities and Islam: an inquiry into the Malaysian experience, 2nd. ed.

The 2nd edition of Religious Freedom, Minorities, and Islam: An Inquiry into Malaysian Experience challenges the argument that religious freedom model can only be guaranteed by a separation between religion and state. Additionally, the book tries to show that while an increased religious consciousness and manifest adherence to one’s faith may lead to conflict in a multi-religious society, this hypothesis is not necessarily accurate. Malaysia has been selected as a case study due to its religious, racial, and linguistic pluralism, to analyse the extent to which its religious minorities have the freedom to profess and practice their faith. The degree to which Malaysia exemplifies the spirit of Islamic tolerance toward religious minority groups will also be appraised. Finally, the learned author examines the impact of the growing “Islamic revivalism” on the religious freedom of non-Muslim minorities in Malaysia. The Religious Freedom, Minorities, and Islam: An Inquiry into Malaysian Experience is well documented with scholarly sources, and cited from a lengthy list of bibliography. Some of the book’s findings were initially presented at international conferences and later published in respected academic journals, such as the American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (USA) and the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs (UK). Although the author is currently teaching in an Islamic institution, his objectivity and scientific approach to the subject are well maintained. Finally, I strongly recommend the book as a useful reference for researchers, in the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities, in and outside Malaysia