The preparation and characteristics of chicken feather / epoxy composites / Ahmad Zafir

The uses of the natural fibre in the fabrication of the composites are being studied all over the world. Most of the fibre used comes from trees. In this research, the fibre or filler used is obtained from chicken feather. The chicken feather was washed and pulverised to obtain a shorter and uniform fibre. Few tests were carried out as to ensure the processed chicken feather will not degrade due to the washing and drying

The effect of acetone dilution towards the surface topography and morphology of micro bearing concept for epoxy filled UHMWPE composite / Ahmad Aizuddin Ariffin ... [et al.]

Surface topography and morphological behaviours are the important aspects in the application of surface bearing as it deals with the contact area of objects upon motion. Improved surface bearing will be set as an indicator for tribology behaviour to reduce the possibility of wear rate and reduce the friction of objects, respectively. Thus, in this study, the fundamental of micro bearing concept was imparted as the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is a low density filler, will float onto the surface of the composite system to become a solid lubricant upon curing. UHMWPE filler, which is commonly known for its dominant properties of high tendency to resist wear and has low coefficient of friction were fabricated alongside epoxy resin in the composite system to achieve the desired strength and durability to perform over time. However, there are limitations of UHMWPE during processing upon the dispersion of the fillers with the matrix particles due to epoxy resin that has relatively high in viscosity. Therefore, acetone has been selected as a diluent with ratio of 1:1/4, 1:1/3, 1:1/2, 1:1 to dilute the high viscosity epoxy resin. The surface profile measurement were examined using Alicona Infinite Focus and Polarised Optical Microscope. Based on the results observed, EpUPE3 (epoxy and UHMWPE with acetone ratio of 1:1/2) showed better surface distribution and morphology with relatively low value of surface roughness (Ra) which is 1.41 μm and low pseuodocolour value of surface height which is around 6.76-6.77 cm compared to other formulation ratio. In near future, these surface topography and morphological analysis are important to relate with tribological, physical and mechanical properties of the micro bearing layers for bearing applications, specifically

Relationship Between Various Cement Mixture, Cement Fixation and Gait Study for Total Hip Replacement Via Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

To secure the total hip replacement (THR) components, introduced in the 1960s, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement was used as a fixation. The cement polymerizes and becomes firm to hold the implant in place. However, the failure of cement in total hip replacement may lead to hip fractures and dislocations which is detrimental to the patient’s well-being whether in the short-term or long-term. Hence, the aim of this study is to find suitable cement mixtures for total hip replacement compromising of Young Modulus of 2.24 GPa, 0.3129 GPa, 0.03394 GPa and 0.07961 GPa, as reported from prior research. Three separate sorts of proximal cemented techniques were used to deposit the PMMA cement: 40 mm cement reduction, 80 mm cement reduction and full cement (datum). The Titanium Ti-6A1-4V (Ti-41) Charnley hip implant stem model with a Young Modulus of 100 GPa and a Poisson’s ratio of 0.3 was applied in the ANSYS Workbench 2020 R2 software to be analyzed with the three different proximal cemented approaches for each cement mixtures. Subsequently, the total deformation and von Mises stress were simulated under various loading circumstances, including standing, walking, stair climbing and falling. Nevertheless, as shown in the results obtained, all the hip implants consider safe because their von Mises stress does not exceed the yield strength of Titanium Ti-6A1-4V, which is 0.88 GPa. Finally, it may be concluded that, in comparison to the full cement (datum) and 80 mm cement reduction with Young Modulus of 2.24 GPa, 0.3129 GPa, 0.03394 GPa and 0.07961 GPa, the most improvement in the context of total deformation and von Mises stress is the 40 mm cement reduction with Young Modulus of 2.24 GPa

The Relationship of Occupational Safety Management Practices with Employee Performance: The Mediating Role of Organisational Justice

Purpose: The high accident rate in the oil and gas business makes it risky. Workplace safety practices reduce accidents and boost employee performance (EP). Previous studies examined workplaces in developed countries' industrial, educational, and small and medium enterprises. Organizational justice (OJ) should also have been addressed in identifying its direct and mediating role in workplace safety management practices and EP. This study examines how OJ and occupational safety management practices (OSMP) related EP.   Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework is based on social exchange theory and OJ theory, this study proposes that OJ (OJ) mediates the relationship between OSMP and EP in the Iraqi oil and gas sector.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology of this study is quantitative. A purposive sampling was deployed to collect 409 responses from employees working in Oil and Gas industry in Iraq. Smart Partial Least Square (Smart PLS) version 4 was used for data analysis.   Findings: The findings showed that OSMP and OJ positively related EP. Safety investment, management commitment, and safety rewards positively related EP. OJ partially mediated the relationship between OSMP and EP.   Research, practical and social Implication: The practical implications for Iraqi oil and gas companies, findings of this study can improve EP by increasing OSMP. Management should encourage and reward safety behavior and increase the level of OJ.   Originality/Value: This study is original because it address the issue of occupational safety in a highly risk industry such as oil and gas in developing countries

Relationship Between Various Cement Mixture, Cement Fixation and Gait Study for Total Hip Replacement Via Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

To secure the total hip replacement (THR) components, introduced in the 1960s, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement was used as a fixation. The cement polymerizes and becomes firm to hold the implant in place. However, the failure of cement in total hip replacement may lead to hip fractures and dislocations which is detrimental to the patient’s well-being whether in the short-term or long-term. Hence, the aim of this study is to find suitable cement mixtures for total hip replacement compromising of Young Modulus of 2.24 GPa, 0.3129 GPa, 0.03394 GPa and 0.07961 GPa, as reported from prior research. Three separate sorts of proximal cemented techniques were used to deposit the PMMA cement: 40 mm cement reduction, 80 mm cement reduction and full cement (datum). The Titanium Ti-6A1-4V (Ti-41) Charnley hip implant stem model with a Young Modulus of 100 GPa and a Poisson’s ratio of 0.3 was applied in the ANSYS Workbench 2020 R2 software to be analyzed with the three different proximal cemented approaches for each cement mixtures. Subsequently, the total deformation and von Mises stress were simulated under various loading circumstances, including standing, walking, stair climbing and falling. Nevertheless, as shown in the results obtained, all the hip implants consider safe because their von Mises stress does not exceed the yield strength of Titanium Ti-6A1-4V, which is 0.88 GPa. Finally, it may be concluded that, in comparison to the full cement (datum) and 80 mm cement reduction with Young Modulus of 2.24 GPa, 0.3129 GPa, 0.03394 GPa and 0.07961 GPa, the most improvement in the context of total deformation and von Mises stress is the 40 mm cement reduction with Young Modulus of 2.24 GPa

The tensile evaluation of the Epoxy/Keratin short fibre as new composites / Ahmad Zafir Romli, Mohd Hanafiah Abidin and Hazizan Md Akil

Production of bio-composites using biodegradable filler/fibre or matrix has been increasing steadily for the past decade. In the case of fibre reinforced polymer composites, natural fibres such as jute, hemp and kenaf have been widely reported. Apart from cellulosic based natural fibre, there are other potential fillers from animal based by-products such as keratin from chicken feathers. In this study, an epoxy/keratin composite has been produced using a pressure assisted hand lay-up technique to form flat homogenized board. The percentage feather content by weight was varied accordingly (i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 %). The board underwent standard tensile strength testing at 5mm.min-1 and elucidated that the ultimate tensile strength and strain decreases as the feather composition percentage increases. The Young’s modulus indicated little effect with increasing feather composition percentage. A fractured piece of sample produced from the tensile testing was evaluated with respect to fracture behaviour using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile testing indicates that the composite with the maximum feather composition percentage (50 %) has the potential to be used in non-structural applications

Finite element study of acetabular cup contact region for Total Hip Replacement (THR) / Muhammad Faris Abd Manap ...[et al.]

Revisions of total hip replacement are caused by many factors. Dislocations, edge-loading and excessive contact pressure at the articulate surface of the acetabular component are among the factors of Total Hip Replacement (THR) failure which required revision. This study aims to simulate the acetabular components for THR with various parameters that may improve the implant lifespan in mechanical aspect. A 3D model of acetabular components is imported into ANSYS WORKBENCH V15 with a different acetabular cup orientation and different femoral head size. Meanwhile, other component parameters at acetabular region are maintained with respect to femoral head size for comparison failure analysis studies. The results showed an increasing of femoral head size diameter from 28mm to 36mm at all selected orientations; the Contact Pressure will reduce by 45% and will improve the Von Mises Stress of about 32%. The Total Deformation value has also improved by 48%. A new parametric study was done by considering an anteversion angle (β). This result indicates that bigger head and even anteversion angle (β) included may also improve the longevity of the prosthesis and boost the articulate motion between the head and acetabular cup. The pressure was distributed evenly at the inner side of the acetabular cup; thus, reduced the excessive contact pressure at the superior region

The new design of the mechanical individual labour kit' "Clover Set"

Induction of labour is common procedure in obstetrics occurring up to 30%of pregnancies. The procedure becomes necessary for conditions that pose a risk to mother or child. There are various pharmacological and mechanical methods for induction of labour. The evolution of these methods has improved the outcomes of labour induction and made it significantly safer than it was a hundred years ago. Mechanical method has comparable outcomes to the pharmaco- logical method and shown to be more effective in patient with previous caesarean section as less systemic side effects observed by using this method. Trans- cervical balloon catheters provide an alternative to prostaglandins (pharmacological) for labour induction and have been used for almost 50 years. Balloon catheters allow gentle ripening of the cervix without causing uterine overstimulation. Various technique observed for the placement of Foley catheter such as different volume for balloon inflation, tension or without tension applied to the catheter, and even traction with certain weight. This project concentrates on the new design kit for mechanical induction of labour by incorporating different techniques used during and after placement of catheter, and also simplifies the insertion technique making the procedure tolerable for both the doctor and patient. This project provides possible alternative for IOL in women who want a ‘home induction’. The kit has 3 major components (balloon tubing, disc and tubing locking mechanism) by taking into account the re-usability, safety fea- tures, ease of operations and lowest cost possible. This will be the most demanding system for mechanical induction labour since it will not intervene with the user movement and activities

Occupational safety practices and individual and organizational outcome: a systematic literature review

Occupational safety varies across countries and industries. This study therefore conducts a Systematic Literature Review to suggest the direction for future work and to identify the effect of safety on individual and organizational outcomes. Articles between 2010-2021 were extracted and screened and a total of 70 articles was reviewed. The findings indicated that safety is essential for individual and organizational outcomes. Safety practices can improve on employee performance, satisfaction, commitment and engagement. They also exert critical impact on organizational outcome such as organizational justice, HRM practice, organizational culture, and organizational identification. In the context of safety compliance and safety practice, and safety performance, the important variables are leadership style and total quality management (TQM). Together with occupational safety, these variables can predict individual and organisational outcomes. Safety at workplace should be a concern for all stakeholders, and this can be observed through implementing effective leadership and establishing safety culture

Service quality and internal customer satisfaction amidst the pandemic

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about substantial changes in service quality within Higher Education Institutions, particularly impacting Human Resource Management (HRM). Consequently, there is an urgent need to enact measures that enhance service quality, given the pivotal role of HRM services in shaping organisational performance. To achieve this, it is imperative to consistently monitor and augment HRM service quality in alignment with organisational objectives. This study sets out to gauge the levels of satisfaction among HRM customers concerning the quality of HRM services at a specific public university in Malaysia. To achieve this objective, a meticulously crafted questionnaire was developed, taking into account the fundamental determinants of service quality and the dimensions outlined in the SERVQUAL model. A pilot study was undertaken to ascertain the questionnaire’s reliability, revealing a commendably high Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient of 0.957. Subsequently, an online survey was conducted, reaching out to the entire population of 17,000 respondents. Employing purposive sampling, the study gathered 802 completed questionnaires. The research methodology hinged on correlation and regression analyses to scrutinise the intricate relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. The findings underscored the significant influence of all dimensions - Responsiveness, Assurance, Access, Empathy, and Reliability - on customer satisfaction, with the exception of Tangible. This study provides invaluable insights for managerial decision-making, presenting a strategic roadmap to pinpoint areas for enhancement and to develop forward-looking strategies that adapt to the ever changing landscape of HRM service quality amid uncertain conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic