Widespread use of mobile devices has resulted in the creation of large amounts of data. An example of such data is the one obtained from the public (crowd) through open calls, known as crowdsourced data. More often than not, the collected data are later used for other purposes such as making predictions. Thus, it is important for crowdsourced data to be recent and accurate, and this means that frequent updating is necessary. One of the challenges in using crowdsourced data is the unpredictable incoming data rate. Therefore, manually updating the data at predetermined intervals is not practical. In this paper, the construction of an algorithm that automatically updates crowdsourced data based on the rate of incoming data is presented. The objective is to ensure that up-to-date and correct crowdsourced data are stored in the database at any point in time so that the information available is updated and accurate; hence, it is reliable. The algorithm was evaluated using a prototype development of a local price-watch information application, CrowdGrocr, in which the algorithm was embedded. The results showed that the algorithm was able to ensure up-to-date information with 94.9% accuracy.
Mobile devices have seemingly become a necessity in people’s daily life. They have significantly changed the way people communicate and perform their day-to-day activities. In line with this scenario, there is a practice nowadays that is gaining more and more attention from mobile application developers called crowdsourcing. The combination of the two innovations, i.e. mobile devices and crowdsourcing, promises great potential for the advancement of business and society. Despite the popularity of mobile crowdsourcing applications, special attention needs to be given to user participation, since user participation is one of the main factors that determine the success of a mobile crowdsourcing application. This study, therefore, aims at identifying the factors that influence user participation in mobile crowdsourcing application. The interview method involving 13 mobile crowdsourcing application users was used to collect the required information. The constant comparison method comprising open coding, axial coding and selective coding techniques was used to analyse the results. Findings from the analysis showed that user participation in mobile crowdsourcing applications is mainly influenced by the personal benefits that the applications can bring to the user rather than the benefit it can bring to others. These benefits cover five dimensions: financial impact, useful information provided, interaction with other users, rewards offered and features of the applications.
Crowdsourcing gathers the world’s software engineering experts on a specific subject matter, and allows organisations and individuals to employ the combined effort of these ‘experts’ to accomplish the software task at hand. However, leveraging the knowledge of experts will not be achieved without online crowdsourcing platforms, which makes communication possible. This study intends to evaluate the performance of four Crowdsourced Software Engineering(CSE) platforms (TopCoder, InnoCentive, AMT and Upwork) based on the criteria of the Web of System Performance (WOSP) model. The WOSP criteria include functionality, usability, security, extendibility, reliability, flexibility, connectivity and privacy. Findings from the analyses showed that the four CSE platforms vary in all of their features, and at the same time, they all lack the requirements of flexibility. The results provide insight into the current status of CSE platforms and highlight the gaps inherent in these platforms while offering a more complete picture. This study contributes to work on enhancing the design of current and future platforms.
The collaborative and competitive nature of multi-agent systems (MAS) is visible through the simple social mode of communication that emerges between human-agent interactions or agent-to-agent interactions. A simple mode of communication involves the fundamental actions carried out by individual agents in achieving their desired goal. The sum of these achievements contribute to the overall group goal. Comparatively, the collective intelligence (CI) of a MAS simply means that these agents should work together to produce better solutions than those made possible when using the traditional approach. In designing MAS with CI properties, formalisation of a higher level deliberation process is essential. A high level deliberation process refers to the judgement comprehension of tasks, reasoning and problem solving and planning. In this paper, we propose our Collective Intelligence Model, CIM, which has the potential to control and coordinate a high-level deliberation process of a MAS. CIM is inspired by the emerging processes of controlled discussion, argumentation and negotiation between two or more intelligent human agents. These processes screen and validate the deliberation process through a crossfertilisation approach. The emergent property of the cross-fertilised ideas results in an intelligent solution that solves optimisation-related tasks.
Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) are critical for the inflammatory response for endothelial dysfunction. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of various doses of HDL on: (a) LDL susceptibility to oxidation; (b) expression of eNOS; and (c) expression of NF-κB p50 and p65. Different concentrations of HDL were incubated in LDL. The reaction rates of LDL susceptibility to oxidation were obtained by kinetic modeling analysis. For determination of eNOS, NF-κB p50 and p65 expression, different HDL concentrations were incubated in lipo polysacharides (LPS)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cell line for 16 hours. Protein was extracted and analysed by western blot and nuclear transcription factor, for example, Co-incubation of LDL with increasing HDL concentrations showed longer lag time and lower reaction rate in a dose-dependent manner compared to controls (p
Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in atherogenesis. Antioxidants have a potential role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. The effects of palm oil-derived tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) supplementation on inflammation are not well established. This study aims to investigate the effects of TRF supplementation on the inflammatory biomarkers and adhesion molecules in severe atherosclerosis. A total of 28 New Zealand white rabbits were given 1% high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for five months and randomised from the second month onwards into one of five intervention groups: Placebo, TRF 15, 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg/day. Treatment was given for three months and the animals were fed HCD throughout the duration. At the end of the study, the aortas were obtained, stained with Sudan IV, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin and immunostained for tissue intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), E-selectin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The amount of atherosclerotic lesions was not significantly different between the groups and compared to placebo. Qualitative analysis showed lower trend of ICAM-1, IL-6, E-selectin and NF-κB but higher trend of SMA tissue expression in TRF-treated groups especially at low dose of TRF (TRF-15) compared to placebo. Quantitative analysis showed lower ICAM-1 and E-select in positivity in TRF-15 compared to placebo group (25.1 ± 7.4 % vs. 3.8 ± 2.0 %, 23.2 ±6.5 % vs. 4.2± 2.1 %, respectively, p
Tocotrienols have been reported to possess potent cholesterol lowering, anti-hypertensive, antiinflammatory and anti-oxidative properties which are superior to tocopherols. Emerging evidence suggests pure tocotrienols have anti-atherogenic properties. However, optimal doses of oftocotrienolrich fraction (TRF) in progressive atherogenesis remain unclear. This animal model experiment was designed to investigate the effects of a range concentration of TRF supplementation on the extent of atherosclerosis and soluble lipids, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in high-cholesterol diet (HCD) induced hypercholesterolaemic (HC) rabbits with atherosclerosis. A total of 28 New Zealand white rabbits were given 1% high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for two months and then randomised into five groups: Placebo (n=7), TRF 15 mg/kg (n=5), TRF 30 mg/kg (n=6), TRF 60 mg/kg (n=5) and TRF 90 mg/kg (n=5) daily. The treatment was given for three months and the animals were fed HCD throughout the duration. Aortic vessels were obtained to assess the extent of atherosclerotic lesions at the end of the study. Fasting serum lipids (FSL), C-reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane levels were measured at baseline, one and two months post-HCD, one, two, and three months postintervention. There were no differences in the extent of the atherosclerotic lesions, percentage changes of FSL, MDA, 8-isoprostane and CRP levels between the placebo and TRF groups. In conclusion, TRF across all doses studied have neutral effects on atherosclerotic lesions, soluble lipids, biomarkers of oxidative stress, coronary risk and inflammation in severely atherosclerotic rabbits with progressive and continuous insult by high cholesterol feeding.
Efforts to reduce manufacturing cost and negative environmental impacts have seen the mixture of natural fibre with synthetic fibre in composite structures. However, there are limited studies on the notch effect and fibre orientation on mechanical properties of hybrid fibre metal laminate (FML). In this study, tensile properties of FML with notch and different fibre orientation were investigated. The hybrid FML incorporated with kenaf fibre at the middle layer was compared with FML with three layers of E-glass fibre. Kenaf fibre and E-glass fibre used were in plain woven form. The FML in 2/1 configuration was manufactured through hot press manufacturing method to bond layers of annealed aluminium 5052 to the composite. Tensile test was conducted in a quasi-static manner according to ASTM E8. The results showed FML with three layers of glass fibre exhibited higher tensile strength compared with hybrid FML. However, the introduction of kenaf fibre in hybrid FML reduces the notch and fibre orientation sensitivity compared with glass fibre reinforced FML.
This paper is aimed at examining the use of blended learning and how it affects students’ score in examination. Basic Movement Therapy (BMT) Digital Learning was constructed and developed based on multimedia design guidelines. A quasi-experimental design using two groups with pre-test post-test approach was used. A total of 103 students from the Universiti Kuala Lumpur, RCMP (Royal College Medical, Perak) were divided in two groups. The Control group received standard teaching sessions (N=51). The Treatment group received the same standard sessions but additionally used BMT Digital Learning application (N=52). Written test on basic movement therapy was done by students before and after intervention. Statistically significant better scores for the treatment group were noted. The results suggest that the use of BMT Digital Learning application was suitable for practical procedure purposes.
Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) were subjected to microbial pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass bioconversion to fermentable sugar. Microbial pre-treatment was carried out by inoculating Ganoderma boninense spores through solid state fermentation. The samples were initially treated with Sulphuric acid method prior to reading with UV-Visible Spectrometer. The readings were taken before and after inoculation of EFB with G. boninense. Bioconversion of 20 g EFB via solid state fermentation was done in five different amounts of G. boninense spore namely 0.0 g (control), 0.5 g (T2), 0.7 g (T3), 0.9 g (T4) and 1.1 g (T5) in 7 days. The result shows the highest delignification in sample inoculated with 1.1g of G. boninense spores, in which the spores are successfully reduced by 61.97% of lignin from total EFB biomass in 7 days compared to 60.08% (T4), 58.65% (T3) and 54.85% (T2). Meanwhile, for control the lignin content was reduced by 5.07% in 7 days. The study shows that G. boninense has the ability to remove lignin from EFB whereby longer incubation period and higher number of spores contribute to higher delignification percentage.
The blended wing body (BWB) aircraft has a unique design. The main body and wing of BWB are
merged to increase the lift force on the aircraft. However, BWB has poor stability arising from the absence of the tail. Hence, a small horizontal stabilizer called as canard has been incorporated in front of the main wing to improve BWB’s stability. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations conductedm to obtain the aerodynamics parameters of the BWB i.e. lift, drag and moment coefficients, showed that overall, the canard is beneficial to the BWB aerodynamics performance.
This paper presents the outcome of a laboratory investigation on mix design, resilient modulus, moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Dense Graded Asphalt (AC) that is incorporated with Nanosilica (NS) modified binder. Penetration Grade 60-70 (PEN60-70) types of binder were mixed with nanoparticles (NS) using concentration of 0wt%, 2wt%, 4wt% and 6wt% by weight of asphalt binder. The mixtures were tested for resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength and rutting, in order to evaluate the performance of NS-SMA and NS-AC. The results show that the existence of NS is capable of enhancing the performance of both asphalt mixtures, and the addition of NS decreases the susceptibility of moisture damage and provides better resistance against permanent deformation. Furthermore, the addition of 4wt% NS appears to be the most effective amount for the performance enhancement in AC and SMA mixtures.
The objective of this research is to investigate the regulation of apoptotic associated-genes and proteins expression of aloe emodin on oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive (MCF-7). Oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive (MCF-7) cells were cultured in complete RPMI media. Cells were treated with aloe emodin at its IC50 of 80uM. Maximum treatment time was set for 72 hours in all assays. Both genes and proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis (Fas, FADD, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and Cytochrome c) in aloe emodin-treated MCF-7 were determined using Quantigene 2.0 Plex and protein ELISA assays respectively. Aloe emodin, previously reported as anti-cancer agent, was found to act as an apoptotic inducer on MCF-7 cells. In intrinsic apoptosis signalling, Bax, Cytochrome c and Caspase-9 proteins were upregulated (54.11% ± 4.51, 25.17% ± 4.13 and 36.05% ±11.75); while no change was observed in Bcl-2 protein. Except for Caspase-9, these results are in accordance with gene expression. In extrinsic apoptosis, Fas and Caspase-8 were upregulated (133.82% ± 2.85 and 26.44% ± 2.48), contrary to gene expression. These findings indicate that aloe emodin activates both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. The data suggests (i) aloe emodin has the potential to be a selective apoptotic inducer in ER+-breast cancer management; and (ii) the present study could be used as a basis for in vivo experiment.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Ficus deltoidea (F. deltoidea) as an antioral ulcer on animal models. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were sedated with Nembutal through intraperitoneal route; oral ulcer models were made by applying 99.5% of glacial acetic acid moistened paper disc on rat buccal mucosa. Four groups of these rats were treated respectively with: no treatment (group 1: negative control); Triamcinolone acetonide (group 2: positive control); 250 mg kg-1 F. deltoidea extract (group 3: experimental); 500 mg kg-1 F. deltoidea extract (group 4: experimental) for 10 consecutive days, respectively. On days 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, the ulcers size was assessed. Data was analysed statistically by using SPSS. The negative control rats exhibited buccal mucosa injury whereas treatment with F. deltoidea and Triamcinolone acetonide resulted in significantly reduced size of oral ulcer. The percentage of inhibitory area of oral ulcer was more prominent in 500 mg kg-1 F. deltoidea extract than 250 mg kg-1. Meanwhile, in vivo study showed that F. deltoidea extract not toxic up to 1000 mg kg-1. The present findings suggest that F. deltoidea extract effectively accelerates oral ulcer healing process, and could therefore be developed as a therapeutic agent for healing oral ulcer.
Many kinds of substrates have been used to investigate bioelectricity production with Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Dry algae biomass has the highest maximum power density compared to other substrates due to high carbon sources from its lipid. However, the bacterial digestion of algae biomass is not simple because of the complexity and strength of the algal cell wall structure. An algae biomass extraction is needed to break the cell wall structure and facilitate digestion. Spray drying method is commonly used in highvalue products but may degrade some algal components which are crucial for microbial degradation in MFC, while the freeze-drying method is able to preserve algal cell constituents. The MFC was fed with freeze dried and spray dried algae biomass to produce energy and determine the degradation efficiency. Results showed the average voltage generated was 739 mV and 740 mV from freeze dried and spray dried algae biomass, respectively. The maximum power density of freeze dried algae biomass is 159.9 mW/m2 and spray dried algae biomass is 152.3 mW/m2. Freeze dried algae biomass has 54.2% of COD removal and 28.4% of Coulombic Efficiency while spray dried algae biomass has 50.1% of COD removal and 24.9% of Coulombic Efficiency.
This aim of this study is to study the effects of various contents of Automotive Windscreen Glass Waste Powder (WGWP) as a cement replacement. Mortar incorporating several compositions of WGWP (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) by weight of cement was prepared. Three batching systems of cement to sand (C:S) ratios of 1:2.5 superplasticizers (SP), 1:3.0 SP and 1:3.5 SP was also employed. Fixed water to cement (w/c) ratio of 0.5 was used. The samples were water cured and the assessment of the strength performance of mortar cubes carried out at 7 and 28 days. Studies conducted have shown that WGWP has good pozzolanic properties. In term of compressive strength, it was observed that employing C:S ratio of 1:3.5 SP is better than 1:2.5 SP and 1:3.0 SP.
This paper examines the chemical elements used as colour additives in cosmetic coloured contact lenses (Cos-CCL) using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) analysis. The samples comprised two different Cos-CCL brands and colours (sample A1-black iris colour & B1-gray iris colour) with their respective clear contact lens counterparts as controls (sample A2 & B2). The parameters of Cos-CCL were observed carefully so that they resembled their respective controls. All the samples were analysed for chemical element characterisation by using EDX spectroscopy surface mapping analysis on both front and back surfaces. EDX spectroscopy point analysis was done on cross-section surface of Cos-CCL when colour additive pattern could not be detected by FESEM on either surface. FESEM-EDX spectroscopy analysis has revealed iron element in the colour additives of the A1 sample and aluminium elements in the B2 sample. These two elements were not present in the respective control samples. It can be concluded that iron and aluminium elements are exclusively attributed to the colour additive in Cos-CCL samples. It is important for manufacturers of Cos-CCL to disclose information of their products and create greater awareness on the risks facing users.
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of surface treatments involving shot blasting and paste boronizing on the microstructure, microhardness and density of 316L stainless steel. Shot blasting using glass beads was carried out prior to paste boronizing at fix boronizing temperature and soaking time of 850°C and 8 hours respectively. The results show paste boronizing produces boride layers that consist of FeB and Fe2B on the surface of 316L stainless steel with high hardness. Shot blasting on the other hand creates grain refinement on the metal’s surface which increases boron diffusion into the surface and improves the case depth of boride layers formed and also its hardness. Higher shot diameter used in shot blasting also influence in improving the case depth of boride layers produced and hardness of 316L stainless steel. The effect of shot blasting using a higher shot diameter and paste boronizing reduces the density of 316L stainless steel very slightly.
Powder carburising compound used for pack carburizing has limited potential in producing thicker case depth. Paste carburizing has proved to be an option to replace powder in conventional pack carburizing as it requires less time and temperature to diffuse carbon atoms, and thereby produce greater case depth. The correlation between case depth and mechanical properties using paste carburising is the objective of this paper where the relationship between case depth with mechanical and tribological properties using powder, paste 1:1 and paste 3:1 compounds at 1000°C for 9 hours are studied. Samples were subjected to microhardness tests, tensile tests and wear tests. Results showed paste 1:1 compound produced the highest case depth (>0.5 mm), allowing us to greater tensile strength, 6.61% and high wear resistance, 49%.
Austempering is one of the trendiest heat treatment processes to promote the strength and toughness of ductile iron. However, such practice is complex because it involves using aqueous solutions as quenchant (salt bath solution). This study was conducted to analyse the heat treatment of the combination processes of annealing-austenitising and evaluate the correlation between microstructure constituent and hardness of the ductile iron. Ductile iron samples in form of double cylinder was produced by conventional CO2 sand casting method. The new heat treatment process was started by annealed at 873 K for 1.8 ks before being oil quenched. Subsequently, the samples were austenitised at austenitising temperatures 1123 K, 1173 K and 1223 K for 3.6 ks respectively before being immediately oil quenched to room temperature. A series of microstructure analysis tests, including optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was applied. Vickers microhardness tester was used to measure the hardness for each microstructure constituent. The results showed that ductile iron matrix transforms to martensitic during heat treatment of annealing-austenitising combination processes, which in turn contributes to increasing microhardness of martensite and the bulk hardness of ductile iron.