Fabrication of advanced ceramics and selective metallization of non-conductive substrates by inkjet printing

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University, 30/10/2002.Inkjet printing of ceramic components and gold conductive tracks was carried out in this study. A commercial inkjet printer, designed for printing one layer of 2D images on paper, was modified to give adequate resolution, to reverse the substrate for overprinting many layers and to accommodate the increase in thickness of 3D components during printing. Ceramic inks were prepared by wet ball milling and printed to form 3D structures. The powders used were alumina, zirconia, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and barium titanate. The substrate used for printing the ceramic parts was an overhead transparency. Methods to stop or reduce ink flow were devised and used during printing of the ceramic parts. The alumina and zirconia powders were used for the fabrication of multi-layered laminates. The lead zirconate titanate was used to fabricate components with pillars, walls, vertical channels and x-y-z channel network. During printing of the x-y-z channel network, carbon was used as a support structure and then removed during firing. Barium titanate and carbon powders were used to form the first storey of a capacitor with a multi-storey car park structure. The printed parts were pyrolysed and fired in an oxidising environment and then characterised with scanning electron microscopy. The causes of micro structural defects found were discussed and prevention methods suggested. Organic gold powder was dissolved in methanol and then printed on three different substrates to form conductive gold tracks. The substrates used included alumina, glazed tile and microscope glass slides. The printed tracks were fired in air. The decomposition characteristics of the organic gold compound were studied with TGA and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the fired gold film for defects and conductivity measurement of the tracks was carried out with a programmable multimeter

Board of Directors’ Effectiveness and Firm Performance: Evidence from Jordan

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the board of director’s effectiveness and firm performance in Jordanian listed firms. The study used panel data approach over a period of five years from 2009 to 2013, with a sample of 120 non-financial firms listed on Amman Stock Exchange, these firms represents around 56% of Jordanian listed firms. In terms of the effect of board of directors on firm performance, five characteristics of the board of directors are identified: board of directors’ independence, board size, board meetings, leadership structure and board of directors' ownership. The firm performance was assessed by (ROA) as an accounting-based performance measure and Tobin’s Q (TQ) as a market-based indicator. The findings indicate that the independence of board of directors and board of directors' ownership have a positive impact on firm performance. The results also find that the smaller board size enhances the firm performance. Further analysis shows that the findings fail to reveal any significant impact for the frequency of board meetings and leadership structure on firm performance. The study contributes to the literature on board of directors’ effectiveness and firm performance in developing countries especially in Jordan. This study provides useful information that is of great value to policy makers, academics and other stakeholders. Keywords: Corporate governance, board of directors’ effectiveness, firm performance, Jordan

An Insider Threat Categorization Framework for Automated Manufacturing Execution System

Insider threats become one of the most dangerous threats in the cyber world as compared to outsider as the insiders have knowledge of assets. In addition, the threats itself considered in-visible and no one can predict what, when and how exactly the threat launched. Based on conducting literature, threat in Automated Manufacturing Execution Systems (AMESs) can be divided into three principle factors. Moreover, there is no standard framework to be referring which exist nowadays to categorize such factors in order to identify insider threats possible features. Therefore, from the conducted literature a standard theoretical categorization of insider threats framework for AMESs has been proposed. Hence, three principle factors, i.e. Human, Systems and Machine have considered as major categorization of insider threats. Consequently, the possible features for each factor identified based on previous researcher recommendations. Therefore, via identifying possible features and categorize it into principle factors or groups, a standard framework could be derived. These frameworks will contribute more benefit specifically in the manufacturing field as a reference to mitigate an insider threat.   Keywords—automated manufacturing execution systems insider threats, factors and features, insider threat categorization framework

Operating speed of vehicles during rainfall at night: case study in Pontian, Johor

Speed is one of the important parameters of traffic flow that can be used to determine the performance of driver’s behaviour under various scenarios. Changes in weather conditions caused changes in drivers’ speed due to various reasons. In Malaysia, there is slightly high number of road accidents at night. Rainfall at night does not only cause poor visibility to drivers, but it also gives a sense of insecurity especially as there is a significant reduction in the visibility of the object in front. Improper road conditions can worsen the situation, for example, rainfall can cause water accumulation on road surfaces which can increase skidding problem, potholes and hydroplaning effect. In relation to these situations, hence it is crucial to understand how the abrupt situation affect response of driver’s in terms of the macroscopic behaviour. These unpredictable environmental changes seem like portraying a very unpleasant journey for drivers especially to travel under rainfall condition at night. Therefore, there is a need to observe how individual vehicles react in terms of speed adjustment and response to the different rainfall intensities downpour at night. Hence this study was conducted to determine the impact of different rainfall intensities at night on vehicles’ speed. Traffic data was obtained using automatic traffic counter at a cross section of a road at Pengkalan Raja, Pontian for about three months during monsoon season. Rainfall data report was obtained from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation, Pontian. From this study, it was found that there is a speed reduction from the dry condition regardless of rainfall intensities at night. As rainfall intensities at night higher, the speed reduction is higher as well except for heavy rainfall condition. The mean speed, 15th percentile and 85th percentile of vehicles decrease with the increase in rainfall intensity at night. It can be concluded that rainfall have impact on vehicle’s speed irrespective of their intensities. Findings from this study can be used to help local authorities and transport planners in planning an efficient traffic management system for a safer travel experience to road users in Malaysia

Operating speed of vehicles during rainfall at night: case study in Pontian, Johor

Speed is one of the important parameters of traffic flow that can be used to determine the performance of driver’s behaviour under various scenarios. Changes in weather conditions caused changes in drivers’ speed due to various reasons. In Malaysia, there is slightly high number of road accidents at night. Rainfall at night does not only cause poor visibility to drivers, but it also gives a sense of insecurity especially as there is a significant reduction in the visibility of the object in front. Improper road conditions can worsen the situation, for example, rainfall can cause water accumulation on road surfaces which can increase skidding problem, potholes and hydroplaning effect. In relation to these situations, hence it is crucial to understand how the abrupt situation affect response of driver’s in terms of the macroscopic behaviour. These unpredictable environmental changes seem like portraying a very unpleasant journey for drivers especially to travel under rainfall condition at night. Therefore, there is a need to observe how individual vehicles react in terms of speed adjustment and response to the different rainfall intensities downpour at night. Hence this study was conducted to determine the impact of different rainfall intensities at night on vehicles’ speed. Traffic data was obtained using automatic traffic counter at a cross section of a road at Pengkalan Raja, Pontian for about three months during monsoon season. Rainfall data report was obtained from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation, Pontian. From this study, it was found that there is a speed reduction from the dry condition regardless of rainfall intensities at night. As rainfall intensities at night higher, the speed reduction is higher as well except for heavy rainfall condition. The mean speed, 15th percentile and 85th percentile of vehicles decrease with the increase in rainfall intensity at night. It can be concluded that rainfall have impact on vehicle’s speed irrespective of their intensities. Findings from this study can be used to help local authorities and transport planners in planning an efficient traffic management system for a safer travel experience to road users in Malaysia

THE PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC DA’WAH AND IT’S ROLE IN ACHIEVING SECURITY(مقومات الدعوة الإسلامية ودورها في تحقيق الأمن المجتمعي)

Da’wah in Islam has distinguishing role in establishing values and principles in the society, and the most important of these values is security, which, in its comprehensive sense, is required for both the individual and the society. The contemporary human life suffers from various waves of turmoil and insecurity, be it material security, which is represented in the provision of food and medicine, or psychological and emotional security, through which peace of mind and self-happiness are realized. This article aims at examining the role of Islamic da’wah in achieving security, from Qur’anic and Sunnah perspective. It also serves a response on those who accuse Islam of violence and disorder. The article adopts descriptive analytic inductive method. The article concludes that Islamic da’wah is an effective and important means in highlighting the importance of security to both the individual and the society, and that it is a universal legitimate necessity for advocacy. The Islamic method of da’wah aims at building an individual and societal systems through which is actualized for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A Muslim should be a good representation of Islamic da’wah and a security measure to everyone around him. The comprehensive security can only be achieved when man cohabits harmoniously with himself and other creatures around him, and this is clearly indicated through following the Islamic da’wah guidance and fundamentals in the Qur’an and Sunnah.Keywords: Societal security, Fundamentals, Islamic da’wah, Societal security.ملخصالدعوة الإسلامية لها دور متميز في ترسيخ القيم والمباديء الحياتية في المجتمع، ومن أهم هذه القيم قيمة الأمن، حيث الحاجة الى الأمن بمفهومه الشامل للفرد والمجتمع،إن حياة الإنسان المعاصر تعاني من موجات متنوعة من الاضطراب وعدم الأمن؛ سواء الأمن المادي الذي يتمثل في توفير الغذاء والدواء، أو الأمن النفسي والقلبي الذي بسببه تتحقق راحة البال وسعادة النفس. تهدف هذه المقاله إلى كشف دور الدعوة الإسلامية في تحقيق الأمن  من خلال القرآن والسنة، والرد على المتهمين للإسلام بأنه دين عنف واضطراب، واعتمدت المقالة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي الاستقرائي. وقد خلص البحث إلى عدة نتائج منها: أن الدعوة الإسلامية أداة فاعلة ومهمة في إبراز أهمية الأمن على الفرد والمجتمع وأنه ضرورة كونية وفريضة دعوية شرعية. أن منهج الدعوة الإسلامية يهدف إلى بناء نسق فردي واجتماعي  يحقق الأمن للمسلم وغير المسلم.أن الفرد المسلم يجب أن يكون  صورة  طيبة للدعوة الإسلامية وأداة أمن وطمأنينة لكل من حوله.أن الأمن الشامل لا يتحقق إلا بانسجام الإنسان مع نفسه وسائر الأحياء، ويكون هذا بصورة أوضح من خلال اتباع توجيهات ومقومات الدعوة الإسلامية في القرآن والسنة.الكلمات المفتاحية: الأمن المجتمعي – مقومات- الدعوة الإسلامي

Enhancement of fenton process using high entropy alloy powder as catalyst

The Fenton process is one of the chemical oxidation degradation processes widely used in wastewater management due to being environmentally safe. The Fenton process is a reaction in which iron-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radical. Even though the Fenton process can degrade the azo dye solution, there are still substantial limitations, such as high sludge production and limited catalytic activity. This study focus on improving the azo dye degradation process in the Fenton process. Thus, a novel alloy material known as High Entropy Alloy (HEA) powder has been proposed for use as a catalytic material in the Fenton process. Mechanical alloying method was used to produce HEA powder, which is expected to considerably improve its efficiency in the degradation of azo dyes. The result shows the presence of HEA as catalyst improves the Fenton reaction by providing additional actives sites. This research contributed to the development of an appealing, low-cost, and efficient approach for HEA functional applications in wastewater management

High levels of antibiotic resistance in isolates from diseased livestock

Overuse of antimicrobials in livestock health and production beyond therapeutic needs has been highlighted in recent years as one of the major risk factors for the acceleration of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacteria in both humans and animals. While there is an abundance of reports on AMR in clinical isolates from humans, information regarding the patterns of resistance in clinical isolates from animals is scarce. Hence, a situational analysis of AMR based on clinical isolates from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory was performed to examine the extent and patterns of resistance demonstrated by isolates from diseased food animals. Between 2015 and 2017, 241 cases of diseased livestock were received. Clinical specimens from ruminants (cattle, goats and sheep), and non-ruminants (pigs and chicken) were received for culture and sensitivity testing. A total of 701 isolates were recovered from these specimens. From ruminants, Escherichia coli (n = 77, 19.3%) predominated, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 73, 18.3%). Antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) revealed that E. coli resistance was highest for penicillin, streptomycin, and neomycin (77–93%). In addition, S. aureus was highly resistant to neomycin, followed by streptomycin and ampicillin (68–82%). More than 67% of E. coli isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and only 2.6% were susceptible to all the tested antibiotics. Similarly, 65.6% of S. aureus isolates were MDR and only 5.5% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. From non-ruminants, a total of 301 isolates were recovered. Escherichia coli (n = 108, 35.9%) and Staphylococcus spp. (n = 27, 9%) were the most frequent isolates obtained. For E. coli, the highest resistance was against amoxicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and neomycin (95–100%). Staphylococcus spp. had a high level of resistance to streptomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and gentamicin (80–100%). The MDR levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. isolates from non-ruminants were 72.2 and 74.1%, respectively. Significantly higher resistance level were observed among isolates from non-ruminants compared to ruminants for tetracycline, amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical and flammability properties of halloysite nanotubes filled polyamide 11 nanocomposites

The effects of various filler contents on the thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical, as well as flammability properties of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) filler and polyamide 11 (PA 11) matrixes are investigated in this research. The nanocomposites were made out of 100 phr of PA 11 and three distinct HNTs loadings of 2, 4, and 6 phr each. PA 11 nanocomposites without HNTs filler was used as the reference sample. To melt-compound the nanocomposites, a twin-screw extruder was used, and the specimen for testing was then injected using an injection mold. SEM, TGA, DSC, FTIR, DMA, tensile, flexural, impact, and UL-94 flammability tests were conducted on the nanocomposites. Incorporation of 4 phr HNTs into the nanocomposites resulted in the highest tensile and flexural strength. Maximum improvement in the DMA, Young’s and flexural modulus was achieved at 6 phr HNTs content. The elongation at break and TGA resulted the highest increase at 2 phr HNTs content. However, the impact strength decreased with increasing HNTs content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the ductility of the nanocomposites with increased HNTs content up to 4 phr. The DSC showed a steady increase in melting temperature (Tm) as HNTs content increased up to 4 phr, while the crystallization temperature (Tc) remained unchanged. TGA of PA 11/HNTs nanocomposites showed high thermal stability at 2 phr HNTs content. However, on further addition of HNTs up to 6 phr, thermal stability of the nanocomposites decreased due to the excess amount of HNTs. All the nanocomposites passed the horizontal and vertical UL-94 test with HB and V-2 grade. PA 11/4HNTs nanocomposite has the highest tensile strength, flexural strength compared to other PA 11/HNTs nanocomposites. PA 11/4HNTs nanocomposite can be suggested as an optimum formulation with balanced mechanical properties in terms of toughness