EFP-M2 : efficient model for mining frequent patterns in transactional database

Discovering frequent patterns plays an essential role in many data mining applications. The aim of frequent patterns is to obtain the information about the most common patterns that appeared together. However, designing an efficient model to mine these patterns is still demanding due to the capacity of current database size. Therefore, we propose an Efficient Frequent Pattern Mining Model (EFP-M2) to mine the frequent patterns in timely manner. The result shows that the algorithm in EFP-M2l is outperformed at least at 2 orders of magnitudes against the benchmarked FP-Growth.

Overcoming interfacial affinity issues in natural fiber reinforced polylactide biocomposites by surface adsorption of amphiphilic block copolymers

This work demonstrates that the interfacial properties in a natural fiber reinforced polylactide biocomposite can be tailored through surface adsorption of amphiphilic and biodegradable poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly-(L-lactide) (PEG-PLLA) block copolymers. The deposition from solvent solution of PEG-PLLA copolymers onto the fibrous substrate induced distinct mechanisms of molecular organization at the cellulosic interface, which are correlated to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratios and the type of solvent used. The findings of the study evidenced that the performance of the corresponding biocomposites with polylactide were effectively enhanced by using these copolymers as interfacial coupling agents. During the fabrication stage, diffusion of the polylactide in the melt induced a change in the environment surrounding block copolymers which became hydrophobic. It is proposed that molecular reorganization of the block copolymers at the interface occurred, which favored the interactions with both the hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic polylactide matrix. The strong interactions such as intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed across the fiber−matrix interface can be accounted for the enhancement in properties displayed by the biocomposites. Although the results reported here are confined, this concept is unique as it shows that by tuning the amphiphilicity and the type of building blocks, it is possible to control the surface properties of the substrate by self-assembly and disassembly of the amphiphiles for functional materials.

IPMA : Indirect patterns mining algorithm

Indirect pattern is considered as valuable and hidden information in transactional database. It represents the property of high dependencies between two items that are rarely occurred together but indirectly appeared via another items. Indirect pattern mining is very important because it can reveal a new knowledge in certain domain applications. Therefore, we propose an Indirect Pattern Mining Algorithm (IPMA) in an attempt to mine the indirect patterns from data repository. IPMA embeds with a measure called Critical Relative Support (CRS) measure rather than the common interesting measures. The result shows that IPMA is successful in generating the indirect patterns with the various threshold values.

Inequality, education and growth in Malaysia

This thesis explores some of the associations between income inequality, education and economic growth. In addition, the thesis also explores the effects of democracy and regime duration on growth. The analysis is conducted at three levels: for Malaysia as a nation using time series data, for a panel of Malaysian states and for a panel of Southeast Asian countries. The main empirical tools applied are metaregression analysis and panel data econometrics. Specifically, the thesis explores the following associations: (i) the effect of education on inequality; (ii) the effect of economic development and economic growth on inequality; (iii) the effect of education on growth; (iv) the effect of inequality on growth; (v) the effect of democracy on growth; and (vi) the effect of regime duration on growth.

The challenges of cloud computing technology adoption in e-government

 The endless transformation of technological innovation requires greater collaboration of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in various areas especially in public sectors. Many attempts have been made in improving the quality of E-Government services; one of it is adopting the cloud computing technology. Successful implementation of cloud computing technology can benefit the public sector in many ways one of it is cost reduction. Most government organizations especially in the developing countries are committed in adopting the cloud technology based on the increased demands in cloud adoption in E Government services. Unfortunately, despite all the benefits, the cloud computing technology raises some major risks. The success of implementation of cloud computing technology is determined by how well the government tackles the challenges. Therefore, this paper specifically surveyed the associated challenges of adopting Cloud Technology for E-Government by choosing Malaysia as the case study.

Quality of service-based service level agreement management framework for hydrocarbon exploration and discovery operation

 The major contributions presented in this thesis are twofold. Firstly, it presents the research towards a unique services-based Hydrocarbon Exploration and Discovery Model that demonstrates the feasibility of using advanced ICT technologies in the reproduction of stages involved in an oil and gas discovery, processing and analysis process. Secondly, the research demonstrated a solution of the problems in providing agreed level of quality of service (QoS) and formalizing of appropriate Service Level Agreements (SLA) within such complex environment where different services within the model can be delivered by a variety of service providers

Relationship between processing, surface energy and bulk properties of ultrafine silk particles

Silk particles of different sizes and shapes were produced by milling and interactions with a series of polar and non-polar gaseous probes were investigated using an inverse gas chromatography technique. The surface energy of all silk materials is mostly determined by long range dispersive interactions such as van der Waals forces. The surface energy increases and surface energy heterogeneity widens after milling. All samples have amphoteric surfaces and the concentration of acidic groups increases after milling while the surfaces remain predominantly basic. We also examined powder compression and flow behaviours using a rheometer. Increase in surface energy, surface area, and static charges in sub-micron air jet milled particles contributed to their aggregation and therefore improved flowability. However they collapse under large pressures and form highly cohesive powder. Alkaline hydrolysis resulted in more crystalline fibres which on milling produced particles with higher density, lower surface energy and improved flowability. The compressibility, bulk density and cohesion of the powders depend on the surface energy as well as on particle size, surface area, aggregation state and the testing conditions, notably the consolidated and unconsolidated states. The study has helped in understanding how surface energy and flowability of particles can be changed via different fabrication approaches.

The role of obesity duration on the association between obesity and risk of physical disability

Objective To relate measured obesity duration in mid-life with subsequent incidence of physical disability over and above body mass index (BMI) attained. Methods Framingham Offspring Study is a longitudinal study that began in 1971. Examination 5 (1991-1995; "baseline") and disability onset ascertained from examinations 6-8 (2008) were used. About 2,095 disability-free participants aged 45-65 years at baseline were included. Obesity (BMI- ≥- 30 kg/m2) duration was calculated between examination 1 and examination 5. Cox regression was used to analyze time to disability. Results 204 participants developed disability (incidence rate = 7.9 per 1,000 person-years). Obesity duration ranged from 0 to 22 years (mean of 2.0 years overall, 8.3 years for those with baseline obesity). Obesity duration increased risk of new disability (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07 per year of obesity; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.09). This association was attenuated on further adjustment for baseline BMI (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.06). Conclusions Being obese for longer during mid-life increases the risk of later-life disability over and above attained BMI. These results support the need for prevention of weight gain in young adults to avoid an increasing burden of physical disability in later life.

Are regional incomes in Malaysia converging?

This paper analyses patterns in regional inequality within and between Malaysia's 14 states, drawing upon estimates of Kuznets/Williamson curves, σ- and β-convergence and spatial spillovers. The path of regional inequality contradicts Kuznets predictions. Regional inequality initially fell but has subsequently risen with further economic development. While Malaysian governments have been successful at reducing poverty, they have been unable to curtail regional inequality in the long run. © 2014 The Author(s).

An improved understanding of the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in non-aqueous solvents

The homogeneous and stable dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solvents is often a prerequisite for their use in advanced materials. Dispersion procedures, reagent concentration as well as the interactions among reagent, defective CNTs and near-perfect CNTs will affect the resulting CNT dispersion properties. This study, for the first time, presents a detailed comparison between two different approaches for dispersing CNTs. The results enhance our understanding of the interactions between surfactant, defective CNTs and near-perfect CNTs and thus provide insight into the mechanism of CNT dispersion. Dispersions of "as-produced" short multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in N,N-dimethylformamide were prepared by two different surfactant (Triton X-100) assisted methods: ultrasonication and ultrasonication followed by centrifugation, decanting the supernatant and redispersing the precipitate. Visual observation and UV-visible spectroscopy results showed that the latter method produce a more stable dispersion with higher MWCNT content compared to dispersions produced by ultrasonication alone. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopic investigations revealed that the centrifugation/ decanting step removed highly defective nanotubes, amorphous carbon and excess surfactant from the readily re-dispersible near-perfect CNT precipitate. This is contrary to other published findings where the dispersed MWCNTs were found in the supernatant. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that 95 % of Triton X-100 was removed by centrifugation/decanting step, and the remainder of the Triton X-100 molecules is likely randomly adsorbed onto the MWCNT surface. Infrared spectral analysis suggests that the methylene groups of the polyoxyethylene (aliphatic ether) chains of the residual Triton X-100 molecules are interacting with the MWCNTs. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media.

Does education reduce income inequality? A meta-regression analysis

This paper reexamines the effects of education on inequality through a comprehensive meta-regression analysis of the extant empirical literature. We find that education affects the two tails of the distribution of income: Education reduces the income share of top earners and increases the share of the bottom earners. Education has been particularly effective in reducing inequality in Africa. Some of the results suggest that secondary schooling appears to have a stronger effect than primary schooling, though this finding is not always robust. The heterogeneity in reported estimates can be largely explained by differences in the specification of the econometric model and measure of inequality and education. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Teaching arabic online at Deakin University: experiences and challenges

This chapter presents detailed discussion of Deakin's Arabic experience in teaching Arabic online.

Is there a Kuznets' process in Southeast Asia?

Relatively little is known about the determinants of inequality in Southeast Asia. This paper fills this void by comprehensively testing Kuznets’ hypothesis for Southeast Asia. We estimate both unconditional and conditional Kuznets’ curves using panel data for 8 countries. The analysis suggests the existence of a Kuznets’ curve with respect to per capita income; the path of inequality is nonlinear with respect to economic development. There is no evidence of a Kuznets curve with respect to non-agricultural employment. There is some evidence in terms of urbanization, though this is not robust. There is robust evidence on the role of national governments and education in shaping the path of inequality in the region. Government involvement reduces inequality. Education appears to have a non-linear effect on inequality.