Digital Commons Network^™

Mhair: A Dataset Of Audio-Image Representations For Multimodal Human Actions, Muhammad Bilal Shaikh, Douglas Chai, Syed M. S. Islam, Naveed Akhtar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Audio-image representations for a multimodal human action (MHAiR) dataset contains six different image representations of the audio signals that capture the temporal dynamics of the actions in a very compact and informative way. The dataset was extracted from the audio recordings which were captured from an existing video dataset, i.e., UCF101. Each data sample captured a duration of approximately 10 s long, and the overall dataset was split into 4893 training samples and 1944 testing samples. The resulting feature sequences were then converted into images, which can be used for human action recognition and other related tasks. These images can …

Economic Material For Large-Scale H2 Storage And H2-Co2 Separation, Hussein R. Abid, Alireza Keshavarz, Header Jaffer, Basim K. Nile, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that can potentially completely decarbonize the energy supply chain and mitigate global warming. Hydrogen – a highly volatile gas – however, needs to be separated from CO2 during H2 production, and also from cushion gas in H2 geo-storage projects; in addition, large-scale H2 storage is a key obstacle. We thus tested and chemically upgraded common sub-bituminous coal as a material for H2-CO2 separation and H2 storage. The coal adsorbed significant amounts of H2 and CO2 and demonstrated an excellent H2-CO2 separation efficiency if chemically modified. The work presented here thus provides fundamental data required for …

Recent Advances In Surface Tailoring Of Thin Film Forward Osmosis Membranes: A Review, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mitra Golgoli, Mehdi Khiadani, Mohadeseh Najafi, Wafa Suwaileh, Amir Razmjou, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The recent advancements in fabricating forward osmosis (FO) membranes have shown promising results in desalination and water treatment. Different methods have been applied to improve FO performance, such as using mixed or new draw solutions, enhancing the recovery of draw solutions, membrane modification, and developing FO-hybrid systems. However, reliable methods to address the current issues, including reverse salt flux, fouling, and antibacterial activities, are still in progress. In recent decades, surface modification has been applied to different membrane processes, including FO membranes. Introducing nanochannels, bioparticles, new monomers, and hydrophilic-based materials to the surface layer of FO membranes has significantly impacted …

Advancing Natural Hydrogen Exploration: Headspace Gas Analysis In Water-Logged Environments, Krista Davies, Lionel Esteban, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Natural hydrogen has gained prominence as a potential contributor to the low-carbon energy landscape; however, exploration techniques are still evolving. Current methods primarily rely on dry soil gas studies or gas vent measurements. Because gas vents are scarce and groundwater inhibits hydrogen gas flux from the soil, other field detection techniques are necessary. This research paper presents a novel approach for advancing natural hydrogen exploration through the analysis of headspace gas of agitated groundwater extracted from dedicated shallow boreholes to better estimate the hydrogen gas flux and its variations with time. Several shallow boreholes were drilled in Western Australia on …

Green Synthesis Of Nanomaterials For Smart Biopolymer Packaging: Challenges And Outlooks, Shima Jafarzadeh, Majid Nooshkam, Masoumeh Zargar, Farhad Garavand, Sabyasachi Ghosh, Milad Hadidi, Mehrdad Forough

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

There are several physical and chemical methods for synthesizing nanomaterials, while the most appropriate techniques involve using green chemistry and eco-friendly material. Recently, green synthesized materials for different applications have gained attention as a result of their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Applying green synthesized nanoparticles (NPS) in food packaging has been extensively investigated. Biopolymers require filler to enhance the optical, barrier, thermal, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of packaging. Biopolymer packaging incorporated with green synthesized NPs is expected to simultaneously enhance performance while reducing environmental damage. The current review article focuses on biopolymer films with bio (green)-synthesized nanomaterials and their effectiveness …

The Stability Of The Deadlift Three Repetition Maximum, Stuart N. Guppy, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Wayne C. K. Poon, Kristina L. Kendall, Jason P. Lake, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated the stability of three repetition maximum (3RM) strength during the deadlift. Eleven participants performed four testing sessions comprising a one repetition maximum test and 3RM tests separated by 48 h. Preparedness was assessed before each testing session using countermovement jumps and by measuring barbell velocity during each set of deadlifts. Trivial statistically significant differences were determined for the 3RM between T1 and both T2 (p = 0.012; ES [95% CI] = −0.1 [−0.58, 0.41]) and T3 (p = 0.027; ES [95% CI] = −0.09 [−0.57, −0.43]). No significant differences were noted between T2 and T3 …

Changes In Deadlift Six Repetition Maximum, Countermovement Jump Performance, Barbell Velocity, And Perceived Exertion Over The Duration Of A Microcycle, Stuart N. Guppy, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Wayne C. K. Poon, Kristina L. Kendall, Jason P. Lake, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the stability of the six-repetition maximum (6RM) deadlift over the length of a five-day microcycle and whether the fatigue induced by maximal effort testing detrimentally impacted preparedness. Twelve participants performed four testing sessions, comprising a one-repetition maximum test and three 6RM tests separated by 48 hours. Countermovement jumps were performed before each testing session, and barbell velocity was measured during each warm-up set to assess changes in preparedness. The 6RM deadlift was not statistically different between any of the testing sessions (p  =  .056; η_p²  =  0.251). Similarly, …

Power And Waiting Time Efficiency At Automatic Toll Gates With The Contactless Card Payment Implementation, Ujang Wiharja, Sri Hartanto

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

One method of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) in Automatic Toll Gate (ATG) currently uses contactless transactions using Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology. Tracking and monitoring objects (the car) with RFID is carried out in real-time and is required to keep up with the speed of an object (the car). The On-Board Unit (OBU) transponder installed on the car's windshield and the Road Side Unit (RSU) installed on the ATG are the main components of the Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) system, which allows the car and ATG to communicate with each other and carry out transactions, including online toll payments, without …

Pelletizing Of Attapulgite/Carbon Nanocomposite From Used Bleaching Earth For Continuous Treatment Of Wastewater From A Natural Rubber Factory, Lilis Hermida, Joni Agustian, Yin Fong Yeong

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The increase in global natural rubber production has correspondingly elevated the generation of wastewater. To address this, various wastewater treatment methods are being implemented, with continuous adsorption emerging as a promising approach. In this recent study, pelletizing of attapulgite/carbon nanocomposite was conducted to obtain pellet adsorbent for continuous adsorption of wastewater from natural rubber industry. The study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and performance of the pellet adsorbent in wastewater treatment. In the preparation, spent bleaching earth (SBE) with a 200-mesh particle size was calcined to obtain attapulgite/carbon nanocomposite. This nanocomposite was mixed with bentonite clay at a 70:30 (w/w) …

Policy Strategies For Developing Superior Human Resources For The Sugar Cane Agro-Industry In The Industrial Era 4.0 In Indonesia, Mursiti Mursiti, Illah Sailah, Marimin Marimin, Muhammad Romli, Alex Denni

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The development of Industry 4.0 creates new challenges for human resources. Research in the field of human resources for the sugarcane agro-industry is still rare and is important because it is a strategic commodity in Indonesian for the sustainability of the sugarcane industry. The scope of the research ranges from the cut load transportation to sugar refining. The aim of the research is to conduct human resource scenario planning towards Human Resource 4.0 in sugarcane agroindustry. The research method used is scenario planning. The data were obtained from primary and secondary data. The variables used are human resource readiness and …

Developing Herbal-Based Beverage Fermentation Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae: The Physico-Chemical Properties, Siti Madihah Mohd Don, Mas Munira Rambli, Beston Faiek Nore

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Herbal-based fermented beverages are popular non-dairy products among consumers who seek healthy and immunity-supporting products. Amongst commonly used health supplements that are added to food and beverage would be probiotics, commonly Saccharomyces cerevisiae or yeast. This study aims to determine the physico-chemical properties of fermented beverages at different fermentation periods using lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus DC. Stapf), ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), mint (Mentha), and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.). This study revealed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in pH, total soluble solids, and density in most fermented beverages after 24, 36 and 48 hours of fermentation. Low …

Kinetic Modelling During Soaking Of Dried Long Grain Paddy Mr297, Jhauharotul Muchlisyiyah, Rosnah Shamsudin, Roseliza Kadir Basha, Radhiah Shukri, Syahmeer How, Masmunira Rambli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study aimed to assess the soaking behaviour of MR 297 dried paddy under two conditions: room temperature and hot water soaking at 60°C. The experiment involved soaking dried MR297 paddy samples in water for 0.5 to 8 hours at room temperature and 0.5 to 5 hours for soaking at 60°C. The water absorption of MR 297 behaved differently at two different soaking conditions. The kinetic behaviour of the soaking process was also simulated using established 25 predictive models and incorporating 5 novel models presented in this work. The comparison of all prediction models involved using three statistical measures: the …

Youth Resilience Toward Climate Smart Agriculture Technology Adoption In Brunei Darussalam, Rosita Hassan, Wida S. Suhaili, Beston F. Nore, Mohamad A. Basuni

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Climate change and food security are critical issues to be addressed, nationally and globally, to reach sustainable agricultural development goals to feed the growing human population. The great challenge is to adapt to the climate change and in the meantime increase food production with sustainable farming practices that require farmers to have a paradigm shift toward climate smart agricultural technology (CSAT). Encouraging farmers to adopt and implement CSAT have become a priority for governmental policy making programmes. The question is what are the measures that can be taken for Brunei to leapfrog into this technology bandwagon to revitalise farmers for …

Unveiling The Antioxidant Properties Of Stenochlaena Palustris And Diplazium Esculentum Through Time-Dependent Analysis, Nurnajiihah A. Samad, Hasna B. Mazalan, Hazimah Sharifulazar, Aida M. Basri, Masayoshi Arai

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Medicinal plants are generally known for its health benefits and there has been ongoing research to gather evidence on potential plants that could exhibit antioxidant activities. In this study, we explored underutilised local medicinal plants which are Stenochlaena palustris and Diplazium esculentum, locally known as ‘Lemiding’ and ‘Pakis’, respectively. The aim was to determine the effect of extraction time on phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities and total phenolic content (TPC) of the two plant species. Maceration method was used to extract the compounds from leaves of the plant in distilled water at different durations of extraction i.e. 2 hours, 4 hours, …

Innovative Approaches And Challenges In Brunei's Agricultural Management, Nuramalina Manshor, Ulaganathan Subramanian

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The management and development in agriculture attract agricultural economic science for the pricing, business, farm policy, and financial knowledge. It conjointly draws on plant and animal sciences for soil, seed and fertilizer information, weed control, insect management, and rationing and breeding; agricultural engineering knowledge for farmhouses, vehicles, irrigation, field drying, drainage, and management of erosions; and data on human behavior in Science and Social Science.

Smes’ Perspectives On The Benefits And Challenges Of Halal Certificate Application In Brunei Darussalam, Kamariah Ismail, Syahnur Farhana Haji Shahlehi, Vivi Nabilah Shaya

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The knowledge and research on SMEs and Halal-related studies in Brunei Darussalam are scant. Guided by the principles of Resource-Based View theory, this qualitative study aims to identify the benefits and challenges of Halal certificate application from the perspectives of Bruneian Halal food SMEs, as they obtain the Brunei’s Halal certificate and label. Based on the purposive and snowball sampling, four semi-structured interviews were conducted with business owners and managers in the Halal food industry. Government officials were also in-terviewed to enhance the findings. Thematic analysis, supplemented by secondary data, was employed for a comprehensive understanding. Four themes emerged, covering …

Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Information Technology In Medium And Small Enterprises: A Case Study In Mekong Delta, Vietnam, Thy-Lieu Nguyen-Thi, Duy-Dong Le, Kieu-Chinh Nguyen-Ly, Trung-Tien Nguyen, Mohamed Saleem Haja Nazmudeen

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This research endeavors to discern the determinants influencing the adoption of information technology in the management practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) situ-ated within the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Leveraging the Unified Theory of Ac-ceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), PLS-SEM, and ANN models, this study ranks the pivotal factors that impact the decision to integrate information technology into SME management. The identified factors, in order of significance, encompass (1) Support from State Agencies, (2) Managerial Qualifications, (3) Competitive Landscape, (4) Enterprise Scale, and (5) Employee Qualifications. The investigation encompasses 496 SMEs across the Mekong Delta and evaluates …

Word Prediction Using Dynamic Skip Connections Along With Arabert And Lstm In Arabic Language, Ahad Almalki, Faris Kateb, Rayan Mosli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Natural Language Generation (NLG) plays a crucial role in modern digital tools, including chatbots, virtual support, content suggestions, and tailored marketing, making bots more responsive and reducing the need for human staff. While there's much research on NLG for languages like English, languages like Arabic, Urdu, and Chinese still face challenges. This study examines Arabic NLG's unique aspects, dialects, and word variations. With around 420 million Arabic speakers globally, it's crucial to advance NLG for this language. We compared three models: Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), a mix of Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and LSTM, and a version that …

The Conceptual Review On The Effect Of Corporate Governance Monitoring Mechanisms On Tax Avoidance, Eveana Mosuin, Nor Balkish Zakaria, Yvonne Joseph Ason

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Taxes are the primary source of revenue for many nations in order to increase budget revenues and fund national development. Taxation serves multiple purposes because it can positively impact a nation's investment, education, social and economic development. However, tax authorities require assistance with the issue of tax non-compliance, which impedes tax administration and collection. One of the categories of tax non-compliance is tax avoidance, which is one of the company's strategies for legally reducing its tax burden by exploiting loopholes in tax regulations to minimise tax liability. Tax avoidance is when a company follows a particular tax strategy in the …

Social Media Marketing Audiences And Adaptive Behavior In Brunei: Sem Analysis Using Smartpls, Shahid Anjum, Asmah Ahmad, Jefri Basiuni, Najeeba Tazeen

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The social media and Internet technology penetrations and usage are quite high in Brunei Darussalam. The use of social media marketing among micro, small, and relatively medium businesses to promote their products has also grown as businesses desire to engage and build relationships with customers through social media. This has generated an interest in studying the adaption of social media marketing campaigns among customers, which indirectly determines the effectiveness of social media marketing itself, as well as in studying the facilitation factors for such an adaption. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been used extensively because of its simplicity and usefulness. …

The Interaction Of Maqasid Al-Shariah In The Relationship Between Esg And Firm Financial Performance, Dayang Nuradzlina Radin, Norhasimah Shaharuddin, Imbarine Bujang, Igo Febrianto Rijanto

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This paper aims to analyse the role of Maqasid Al-Shariah as a value-added factor in the implementation of ESG for firms' financial performance. Most publicly listed firms are encouraged to get involved in sustainability reporting; however, the adoption rate of ESG among non-financial firms seems unattractive. Therefore, this paper will evaluate the literature review using the systematic literature review approach to justify the role of Maqasid Al-Shariah in implementing ESG. The general conclusion suggested that ESG plays an essential role in financial performance despite the implementation focusing more on cost. The inclusion of Maqasid Al-Shariah in ESG believes that the …

Determination Of Yield Nutrient Contents And In Vitro Digestibility Of Some Triticale Varieties Harvested At Different Maturity Stages, Şevket Evci̇, Kami̇l Kara, Mehmet Demi̇rci̇

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of growth performance, nutrient content and digestibility of different triticale varieties to ruminant diets and to indirectly assist farmers in feed production. The experiment utilized 5 triticale varieties. The study was designed as a randomized complete block design with split plots and 3 replications. The digestibility values were determined in vitro after 48 hours of incubation using the Daisy Ankom® digester. Rumen liquid was obtained from dairy cows slaughtered at the 'Yeşil Vadi Et Entegre' facility. Nutrient values, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and yield traits of forages were determined. …

Enhancing Writing Quality And Self-Efficacy Beliefs Through Process-Oriented Task-Based Instruction And Multiple Feedback Forms, Samira Moussaoui

Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies

Abstract:This article presents the research findings of a quasi-experimental study seeking to enhance the writing quality and self-efficacy beliefs of Algerian undergraduate learners. The study employed task-based writing instruction within the process approach framework, and various forms of formative feedback (self-, peer-, and teacher feedback). The sample comprised 24 English as a foreign language (EFL) undergraduate learners with an intermediate level in academic writing. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention writing tests to assess the participants’ writing quality, as well as pre- and post-intervention surveys, along with post-hoc interviews, to measure their writing self-efficacy levels. The analysis of the …

Values Integration And The Professional Counselor, Rebecca Randall

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This qualitative study, informed by narrative inquiry, examined how counselors described the interplay of values in professional practice. Participant narratives highlighted the challenges they experience in the process of values integration, defined as counselors’ awareness and management of personal values in counseling processes. Participants often made value judgments that occurred rapidly and beneath awareness and only became aware as a result of discordance in the counseling relationship. They further struggled in skillfully working through values conflicts. These findings reveal that values integration is a developmental process that challenges counselors beyond the training years and thus requires an infrastructure that supports …

Dynamic Genomic Evolution Via Active Ltr Transposable Elements In Maize, Taylor Isles

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Long terminal repeats (LTR) retrotransposons, found across eukaryotes, are transposable elements which can copy and insert themselves into other loci within a genome. These transposable elements are similar to retroviruses in that they rely on reverse transcriptase to “copy and paste” themselves elsewhere in the genome. From the RNA transcript they are able to use reverse transcriptase to make another DNA copy of themselves. This initially gave them the moniker, selfish genes. However, in the decades after the discovery of reverse transcriptase and LTR retrotransposons, it became known that non-genic DNA could have other functions. LTR retrotransposons are sources of …

Using Modern Motivational Theories As A Design Framework For Vr Gamification, Christopher Thomas Boardman

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Virtual reality has shown promise as a tool for organizational training. Implementing gamification, the use of game elements, has been shown to further improve learning outcomes. However, gamification has shown inconsistent results when applied to VR. To investigate this, we used motivational theory as a framework to select, justify, and implement game elements based on each theory to create different versions of a virtual grocery store training. Our results did not indicate any differences on performance, persistence, or error rate between each training condition, and exploratory analyses investigated the link between perceived competence and VR program quality. We discuss potential …

Feature Matching Methods Comparison With Limited Computing Power, Xu Du

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This work presents a comparative analysis of feature-matching techniques implemented on low-end hardware, focusing on their efficiency and performance under various image transformations. The study evaluates several well-established feature matching algorithms, including ORB, AKAZE, BRISK, FAST combined with ORB, and SIFT, for their robustness against rotation, perspective, and scale changes in images. The base image used for experimentation features is the Montclair State University's Red Hawk mascot—a complex, textured subject that presents a substantial challenge for feature matching algorithms. The experiment simulates real-world conditions by applying a series of transformations to the base image and utilizes the default settings of …

Infusing Commonsense Via Knowledge Bases In Multipurpose Robotic Task Organization, Rafael Omar Hidalgo

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This research explores the innovative integration of commonsense knowledge (CSK) within AI systems, with a particular focus on domestic robotics. At the heart of this study is the Robo- CSK-Organizer, a groundbreaking system that utilizes a classical knowledge base, namely ConceptNet, to enhance robotic decision-making through sophisticated object organization and classification. This system is contrasted with a ChatGPT-based organizer, examining their performance in terms of ambiguity resolution, consistency in object placement, adaptability to task classifications, and crucially, in explainability, a key aspect of XAI (Explainable AI). Through a combination of controlled experiments, quantitative and qualitative analysis, the study demonstrates that …

One Year Post-Bruen: An Empirical Assessment, Eric Ruben, Rosanna Smart, Ali Rowhani-Rahbar

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

In the year after New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, a steady stream of highly publicized opinions struck down a wide range of previously upheld gun restrictions. Courts declared unconstitutional policies ranging from assault weapon bans to domestic abuser prohibitions to various limits on publicly carrying handguns. Those opinions can frequently be paired with others reaching the opposite conclusion. The extent to which Bruen shook up the Second Amendment landscape and has caused widespread confusion in the courts is starting to come into focus.

This Essay measures Bruen’s aftereffects by statistically analyzing a year’s worth …

Uncovering Elon's Data Empire, Carliss Chatman, Carla L. Reyes

Faculty Journal Articles and Book Chapters

In 2022, Elon Musk publicly announced that he would purchase Twitter after acquiring a five percent stake in the company. His failure to report this acquisition—and the company’s failure to notice—allowed Musk to continue purchasing stock at a deflated price, costing the company more than $156 million. After the signing of a merger agreement, the details of the transaction caused wild fluctuations in Tesla’s stock price. Musk’s complaints about the management of Twitter and the existence of bots on the platform led Twitter’s stock to also drop in value, as did Musk’s attempts to withdraw from the transaction. Even after …