bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sistem Mekanisasi Padi Aerob
Authors: Khadzir Mohd Khusairy , Abdul Hamid Ayob , Daud Abu Hassan , Chee Seng Chan , Md Isa Mohamed Fauzi , Othman Mohd Fakhrul Zaman
Published: January 2015

For the success of aerobic rice cultivation technology in the country, mechanization is one of the important aspects needs to be considered. Mechanization system for aerobic rice technology use to help increasing the revenue and workmanship of the operators for aerobic rice farming. Reduce labor costs, improve quality and save quality working hour is an important part of the work generated by the mechanized system. Through a system of aerobic rice mechanization, farm work such as land preparation, sowing, crop management and harvesting can be done easily and efficiently. In addition, mechanization system can also increase the pace of work and move the farmers of the aerobic rice paddy farming methods towards the modernization agriculture practice.
Kepelbagaian Artropod dalam Tanaman Padi Tradisional di Batang Lupar, Sarawak
Authors: Masarudin Mohd Fitri , Mohamad Saad Maisarah
Published: January 2015

The diversity of arthropod consists of pests and predators in rice fields were contribute to the biological control of crop pests at different stages of growth. The rice fields in Batang Lupar, Sarawak has diverse ecological conditions as well as presence of arthropod too. The study in MARDI research plot Batang Lupar in Sri Aman, Sarawak had been done on traditional rice varieties, Bubuk, Bali and Mamut by using sweeping net. The entire specimens were sorted out and classified into the smallest possible taxa. Statistical analysis were analysed by using Shanon-wiener Diversity Index, Evenness Shannon Index and Margalef Richness Index. A total of 272 individual arthropods had been collected and it consists of 7 order, 18 families and 23 species. Among of that 3 species are spiders, 9 species are insect pests and 11 species are insect predators. Analysis data for the diversity of arthropod has shown that there were no significantly different between three varieties, Bubuk, Bali and Mamut (P > 0.05). Besides that, diversity of the arthropod in Bali is higher than Bubuk and Mamut.
Penilaian Potensi Baja Organik yang Diperkaya Terhadap Hasil Varieti Padi Wangi MRQ74
Authors: Mohd Yusof Mohamad Najib , Zawawi Norziana Zin , Mansor Haryati , Mohamad Saad Maisarah , Ramli Asfaliza , Ibrahim Illani Zuraihah , Malik Zulkefli , Abu Bakar Mohd
Published: January 2015

Green technology approach by using organic fertilizer is an alternative to the intensive rice farming in reducing the use of chemical inputs that has changed the soil fertility and organisms surround it. Six treatments using enriched organic fertilizer were evaluated their performance towards fragrant rice yield and soil fertility. Research has found that DOBE and compost fertilizer could increased the soil conductivity, number of plant per meter square and number of panicle per meter square and indirectly would increase the yield of MRQ 74.
Pengaruh Jarak Tanaman dan Umur Semaian ke atas Prestasi Padi Wangi Tempatan
Authors: Abu Bakar Nur Khairani , Hashim Shahida
Published: January 2015

Studies on effect of planting distance and seedling age on performance of local fragrant rice varieties, MRQ74 and MRQ76 were conducted in Ladang Merdeka Mulong, KADA during off season 2011 (OS 2011) and main season 2011/12 (MS 2011/12). Result shows that planting distance and seedling age influenced the yield and selected yield components. Recommended planting distance within row for both varieties regardless of cropping season was 18 cm while suitable seedling age for both varieties during OS 2011 and MS 2011/12 was 30 and 15 days, respectively.
Gerak Balas MR 269 dan MR 278 terhadap Baja N dan K pada Tanah Lanar Laut
Authors: Mohd Yusob Shajarutulwardah , Che Haron Ismail , Esa Nurul Nahar
Published: January 2015

Effect of different rates of N and K on yield and yield components for MR 269 and MR 278 was conducted in Sungai Limau, Yan, Kedah during off season 2012 and main season 2012/2013. The treatment consisted of factorial combination of two rice varieties (MR269 and MR278) with 3 different rates of N and K2O (0, 100, 200 kg/ha) laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. In off-season of 2012, MR 269 and MR 278 responded positively to yield performance (t/ha) when N rate was 100 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha respectively in line with the rate of K2O from 0 kg/ha to 200 kg/ha. However respond MR 269 is better than MR 278. During the main season 2012/2013, MR 269 and MR 278 showed a positive response when N rate was 200 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha but differ in the rate of K. However the main season MR 269 shows a lower yield performance compared to MR 278. These findings suggest that, MR 269 can achieve optimum yield potential at the rate of 100 kg N/ha but different of K at the rate of 200 kg K2O/ha and 100 kg K2O/ha respectively in the off-season and main season. While the MR 278, N and K2O at the rate of 200 kg/ha showed optimum yield in the off-season. Meanwhile, at the rate of 100 kg N/ha and 200kg K2O/ha in the main season can provide optimum yield.
Penilaian Prestasi Hasil dan Komponen Hasil Varieti Padi Terpilih di Seberang Perai
Authors: Saidon Shamsul Amri , Mohd. Yusob Shajarutulwardah , Jack Allicia , Masarrudin Mohd. Fitri , Hussain Zainudin P. M. D. , Che Haron Ismail , Omar Othman , Shamsudin Norlee
Published: January 2015

The research was conducted at MARDI Seberang Perai research plot during main-season 2011/2012 and off-season 2012. Varieties such as MR 272, MR 278, MR 283 and MR 284 showed high yield potential as compared to the control varieties namely MR 211, MR 219, MR 253 and MR 263. According to correlation analysis, traits such as flag leaf width (r = 0.36, p = 0.01), percentage filled grain (r = 0.43, p = 0.002) and spikelets number/panicle (r = -0.43, p = 0.002) showed association toward yield potential. As a result, high rate of photosynthesis is depend to high leaf surface area. In addition, low number of spikelets /panicle can enhance the grain filling.
Potensi Padi Bukit sebagai Alternatif kepada Padi Sawah
Authors: Rahmat Zaidah , Wagiran Alina , Mohd Nazir Nurain , Mohd Arif Shahkila , Zulkifli Siti Nur Ain , Abd Samad Azman , Shamsir Mohd Shahir , Mohd Salleh Faezah , Sarmidi Mohamad Roji
Published: January 2015

Our country imported rice to sustain demand from the public. In Malaysia 2 types of rice are grown; wetland rice which is widely cultivated while upland rice is cultivated on a smaller scale mostly by farmers in Sabah and Sarawak. Through plant biotechnology, micropropagation method via tissue culture and quantitative breeding traits are able to contribute to research on upland rice in Malaysia. Prior to the establishment of efficient in vitro propagation of upland rice, study on embryogenic callus induction is crucial. Our findings showed that NAA was not suitable for callus induction. Nevertheless, the highest callus induction was observed when cultivars Wai (75%) and Panderas (90%) were cultured on MSB5 media supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D. Furthermore, addition of 20 g/L sorbitol had increased callus induction of 70% and 80% for Wai and Panderas, respectively. In other assessment, comparative study on ex vitro quantitative breeding trait showed that the height of plants without any fertilizer treatment were higher than commercial EM-treated plant. Rice plant treated with EM commercial soil had the shortest height and eventually died. However, rice planted with commercial EM produced the highest number of grains per panicle, shorter maturity period as compared to control.
Cloud Computing as a Construction Collaboration Tool for Precast Supply Chain Management
Authors: Abedi Mohammad , Muhamad Rawai Norshakila , Fathi Mohamad Syazli , Mirasa Abdul Karim
Published: January 2015

Precast construction projects are characterized by many activities, the involvement of numerous parties, a lot of effort and enormous processes. Precast supply chain phases are classified as: planning, design, manufacturing, transportation, installation and construction. Achieving integrated construction requires the parties within the precast supply chain phases to have efficient communication and effective collaboration to deliver proper and up-to-date information. The aim of this research is to explore cloud computing technology as the construction collaboration tool and to propose the cloud system architecture for precast supply chain management. The findings in this research are based on a comprehensive review of supply chain management, cloud computing and the precast industry. Findings illustrate that the major obstacles to precast construction are: poor planning and scheduling, less flexibility in design, production lead time, heavy precast components and poor on-site coordination. These obstacles could contribute to the negative consequences for the efficiency and effectiveness of precast project delivery. Therefore, cloud computing technology has valuable potential to mitigate these obstacles and deliver an effective collaboration system within the precast construction industry.
Elements of Green Highway Assessment: Social and Safety
Authors: Mazlan A. N. , Zin R. M. , Zakaria R. , Majid M. Z. , Hainin R. , Yazid Y. S. , Ismail M. A. , Ismail H. H.
Published: January 2015

A green highway is fundamental for the infrastructure to be environmentally responsible and sustainable in all aspects. The need for promoting sustainability and green highway construction requires an assessment system. The Green Highway Assessment provides a management and technical approach for highway life-cycle from construction to its maintenance processes. It should also cover the relationship between environment and social responsibility with highway development. Nevertheless, safety and social element of highway development are often not addressed in majority of green highway assessments. The aim of this study is to identify and choose which social and safety elements are to be included in green highway criteria and therefore utilised in Malaysian Green Highway Index and its assessment. Data was obtained through comprehensive literature reviews, expert interviews and distribution of questionnaires. Respondents included experts and stakeholders from highway development field. The Average Index Value analysis was also utilised for the result of the questionnaire. The study resulted in 7 main criteria and 12 sub-criteria that were accepted to be used for green highway index assessment. The full list of main criteria and sub-criteria will be explained further in the text.
Building Energy Consumption in Malaysia: An Overview
Authors: Hassan J. S. , Zin R. M. , Abd Majid M. Z. , Balubaid S. , Hainin M. R.
Published: January 2015

Buildings consume up to 40% of the total global energy. By the year 2030, the consumption is expected to increase to 50%. In Malaysia, buildings consume a total of 48% of the electricity generated in the country. Commercial buildings consume up to 38,645 Giga watts (GWh) while Residential buildings consume 24,709 Gwh. Demand for electricity in the country is expected to rise from 91,539 GWh in the year 2007 to 108,732 GWh in 2011. By the year 2020, the energy demand in Malaysia is expected to reach 116 Million tons of oil equivalents (Mtoe). Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission in the country has increased by 221% ,which lists the nation at 26th among the top 30 greenhouse gas emitters in the world.  Literature studies indicate more than 50% of this energy is used in buildings for occupants comfort (air conditioning and refrigeration). Energy consumptions by residential occupants can be minimized if energy usage is considered. This paper aimed at reviewing some literatures on energy consumption in the residential buildings in Malaysia and suggests ways of improving the energy usage by the occupants.
Correlation Study on User Satisfaction from Adaptive Behavior and Energy Consumption in Office Buildings
Authors: Keyvanfar Ali , Shafaghat Arezou , Abd Majid Mohd Zaimi , Lamit Hasanuddin , Ali Kherun Nita
Published: January 2015

Sustainable Building Assessment Tools have not yet measured the association between user satisfaction with adaptive behavior and energy efficiency. The current research aims to rectify this problem by testing the hypothesis that user satisfaction with adaptive behavior affects building energy consumption. To test the hypothesis, the staff’s overall satisfaction with adaptive behavior in response to tenant energy-efficiency features was used as the independent variable, while office unit energy consumption was used as the dependent variable. A set of conceptual variables and measured variables were identified for both the dependent and independent variables. A total of nine possible combinations of measured variables were investigated through a survey fielded in ten office units. The survey analysis determined that the building users are not satisfied with the tenant energy efficiency features and that they may adapt the indoor environment cooling and lighting qualities. An expert input study was conducted to validate the results with respect to the hypothesis. Seven experts who had experience in building assessments were invited to participate in the input study. Grounded group decision making analysis method confirmed the hypothesis testing results. The research results indicated that user adaptive behaviors directly affect building energy performance. Sustainable Building Assessment Tool developers along with energy efficient building design consultants and contractors could make use of these research findings.
Passive Cooling Performance of a Solar Chimney and Vertical Landscape Applications in Indonesian Terraced House
Authors: Nugroho Agung Murti , Ahmad Mohd Hamdan
Published: January 2015

Natural ventilation has been promoted as passive indoor cooling technique in hot humid tropical region. However for a single sided window in a typical deep plan terrace house, the effect of natural ventilation is questionable. It is worst when coupled with the fact that available wind in Malang is almost static and unreliable. This paper presents alternative passive technologies integrated to existing terrace house in the city of Malang to achieve indoor cooling assisted by solar chimney and green vertical landscape. A field measurement was conducted using Onset Hobo Data Logger for a specific duration. The solar chimney is installed inside the house harnessing the thermal stack effect of hot air buoyancy that naturally forced the cyclic air movement letting hot air out and bringing in cooler air. The vertical green landscape installed just outside the front window provide shade and filter the incoming air providing cooler and cleaner air. The result showed that the average indoor temperature is within the acceptable comfort range for the whole day. This is considered a significant achievement where the use of solar chimney and green vertical landscape can improve indoor thermal condition thus provide alternative for natural cooling, reduce energy use and healthy environment.
Characteristics and Utilization of Steel Slag in Road Construction
Authors: Oluwasola Ebenezer Akin , Hainin Mohd Rosli , A. Aziz Md. Maniruzzaman
Published: January 2015

Presently, the rate of utilization of steel slag in Malaysia is rather too low compared to some advanced countries. Many studies focused on the better way to increase the usage of industrial by-products in order to ease disposal problems. Enormous quantities of steel slag were deposited in yards, causing environmental pollution. Like other metallurgical slags, steel slags exhibit a great potential to be used as aggregate in highway construction. The assessment and evaluation of this material should be based on environmental, economic and technical factors before it can be used in road construction. In terms of technical perspective, steel slags must met the required test requirements that are needed for natural aggregates used for similar purposes. The degree of slag utilization needs to be improved as an important measure to these problems. The physical and chemical properties of slag were reviewed and the various areas of its applications are highlighted. The principal setback of its use; volumetric instability which results from hydratable oxides can be checkmated through appropriate methods like aging and steam test. In order to sustain its uses, microstructure analysis that can identify any harmful materials present in it is suggested. There is also an urgent need of standard methods to assess its suitability as highway construction material.
Performance of Micro Surfacing on Expressway
Authors: Jamion Nazaruddin , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Yaacob Haryati
Published: January 2015

Micro surfacing is developed from a slurry seal technique. It is a mixture of polymer modified bitumen emulsion with 9.5 mm chipping, quarry dust, cement, additive and water. The emulsion used in micro surfacing is CQS-1h and added with natural latex as its polymer modifier. This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of micro surfacing applied on the expressway. In 2008, a number of preventive maintenance projects in North South Expressway used micro surfacing especially in the northern region. This study involved particular sections of expressways located at km 58.60 to km 59.60 south bound and km 84.60 to km 85.60 southbound from Bukit Kayu Hitam. The Portable Pendulum Tester was used to evaluate skid resistance performance while the texture depth of micro surfacing was measured using Sand Patch Test. The surface irregularities data was collected using a 3 m rolling straight edge while the rutting measurement was based on 3 m static straight edge. The measurements were carried for every 3 months starting from April 2009 to 1 year of the operation period. The result shows that the skid resistance, texture depth, surface irregularities and rut depth for micro surfacing comply with the specification requirements after one year of operation. The pendulum test value obtained is greater than 46 with a texture depth of 0.50 mm. The average number of surface irregularities is below 4.0 mm while the rut depth average value is less than 5.0 mm. This study shows that the micro surfacing was performing well on the expressway. It has proven effective in restoring friction characteristic, filling ruts and re-establishing the transverse profile of road surface.
The Association Between Riverscape and Place Attachment in Historical Cities in Malaysia
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad Mir , Lamit Hasanuddin , Shafaghat Arezou
Published: January 2015

The landscape architecture covers aesthetic aspects, as well as, individual’s activities, and their sense of attachment to urban elements. The river as a natural landscape can play a significant role in urban rehabilitation and residents’ well-being and welfare. The rapid urban development and urban regeneration has inadvertently resulted in a limited attachment to urban ecosystem and landscape designs that make to loos urban river identity and river place meaning. In addition, the riverscape design was not sufficiently studied in historical city rehabilitation. In addition, urban riverscape design focuses on physical aspects while understanding the meaning, social value, social bonding, and psychological sense to riverscape as a place in historical city development still remains a challenging proposition to be undertaken. Hence, this study is motivated to address the need to investigate the association between riverscape and place attachment in historical citied. The study conducted a comprehensive literature review on place attachment dimensions identified by previous research. The study determined twenty three dimensions within three clusters, physical/environmental, personal, and psychological. The dimensions are, pro-environmental behavior, connectedness to the nature, emotional association, person dimension, psychological dimension, place meaning, place identity, recreation experience, destination loyalty, leisure involvement, willingness, sense of place, place satisfaction, length of residence, scale of place, emotional connection, moral factors, place continuous, social bonding, social well-being, and civic and natural dimensions. In conclusion, these dimensions need to be considered in riverscape design and development in heritage cities, such as Malacca in Malaysia, to enhance quality of life and livability, simultaneously. As a future study, formulating the association between riverscape design and place attachment is proposed.
Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoids from Artocarpus Lowii King
Authors: Jamil Shajarahtunnur , Abdullah Siti Awanis , Abdul Lathiff Siti Mariam , Mohd Sirat Hasnah
Published: January 2015

Tyrosinase inhibitory activity was studied on the crude extracts and flavonoids successfully isolated from the leaves and heartwoods of Artocarpus lowii King. The flavonoids were fully characterized spectroscopically as isobavachalcone (1), 4-hydroxyonchocarpin (2), 2',4'-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-3'-prenyldihydrochalcone (3), 2',4'-dihydroxy-3,4-(2",2"-dimethylchromeno)-3'-prenyldihydrochalcone (4), artocarpin (5), cycloheterophyllin (6) and 4',5-dihydroxy-6,7-(2,2-dimethylpyrano)-2'-methoxy-8-γ,γ-dimethyl allylflavone (7). Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the samples was determined against mushroom tyrosinase using ELISA microplate reader. Cycloheterophyllin (6) exhibited an excellent inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase comparable to the standard kojic acid with the IC50 value of 52.5 µg/mL (88.3%).
The Impact of Spatial Organization on Locating the Friday Mosques in the Traditional Islamic City-The Old Mosul City as a Case Study
Authors: Matloob Faris A. , Sulaiman Ahmad B.
Published: January 2015

Islamic city has its own character that distinguishes it from other urban environments. This is because it followed the Islamic ideology related to building the land. This led to that all cities built during early Islamic ages had followed the same principles in any part of the Islamic world. It is argued that the characteristics of the urban space configuration have a big role in making these cities successful environments. The key aspect in this matter is the distribution of land uses within the urban structure as it is directly associated with people movement and the distribution of their activities. The Friday mosques as the most important components of the Islamic city was located in a way that gave the city its own character. This study supposes that the distribution of the Friday mosques was affected by the way in which the urban space was configured. It aimed to find out to what extent this configuration influenced locating the Friday mosques in the urban fabric. Using space syntax as an analytical technique and the Old Mosul city as a case study, this research analyzed the spatial structure against several spatial characteristics with mosques locations to meet its goal.
Robust Weighted Least Squares Estimation of Regression Parameter in the Presence of Outliers and Heteroscedastic Errors
Authors: Rasheed Bello Abdulkadir , Adnan Robiah , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Dano Pati Kafi
Published: January 2015

In a linear regression model, the ordinary least squares (OLS) method is considered the best method to estimate the regression parameters if the assumptions are met. However, if the data does not satisfy the underlying assumptions, the results will be misleading. The violation for the assumption of constant variance in the least squares regression is caused by the presence of outliers and heteroscedasticity in the data. This assumption of constant variance (homoscedasticity) is very important in linear regression in which the least squares estimators enjoy the property of minimum variance. Therefor e robust regression method is required to handle the problem of outlier in the data. However, this research will use the weighted least square techniques to estimate the parameter of regression coefficients when the assumption of error variance is violated in the data. Estimation of WLS is the same as carrying out the OLS in a transformed variables procedure. The WLS can easily be affected by outliers. To remedy this, We have suggested a strong technique for the estimation of regression parameters in the existence of heteroscedasticity and outliers. Here we apply the robust regression of M-estimation using iterative reweighted least squares (IRWLS) of Huber and Tukey Bisquare function and resistance regression estimator of least trimmed squares to estimating the model parameters of state-wide crime of united states in 1993. The outcomes from the study indicate the estimators obtained from the M-estimation techniques and the least trimmed method are more effective compared with those obtained from the OLS.
g-Jitter Induced Mixed Convection Flow of Heat and Mass Transfer Past an Inclined Stretching Sheet
Authors: Rawi Noraihan Afiqah , Mohd Kasim Abdul Rahman , Isa Mukheta , Shafie Sharidan
Published: January 2015

This paper studies unsteady mixed convection boundary layer flow of heat and mass transfer past an inclined stretching sheet associated with the effect of periodical gravity modulation or g-jitter. The temperature and concentration are assumed to vary linearly with x, where x is the distance along the plate. The governing partial differential equations are transformed to a set of coupled ordinary differential equations using non-similarity transformation and solved numerically by Keller-box method. Numerical results for velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are presented and analyzed for different values of inclination angle parameter.
Flow Visualization and Measurement of a Synthetic Jet Actuator Performance Using PIV System
Authors: Mansor S. , Dahalan M. N. , Z. K. Lee , Ali A.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the performance of a piezoelectric Synthetic Jet Actuator (SJA) in quiescent flow. Pulse jet velocity and vorticity were taken as the parameter to evaluate the performance of SJA. PIV measurements on the jet flow at the orifice exit of a round SJA were conducted by varying the oscillating in frequency and voltage. The location of 5mm above orifice was identified as the optimum location for maximum pulse jet measurements. The maximum pulse jet velocity and vorticity obtained were 18.77 m/s and 242.5s-1. The PIV experiment showed that by varying oscillating frequency at fixed input voltage, the performance of  SJA was greatly affected by Helmholtz resonance. While in the investigation of varying input voltage at fixed oscillating frequency, diaphragm defection was the parameter that affects the performance of the SJA. Besides, PIV measurement showed that the flow patterns of vortex structure formation were affected by the oscillating frequency and pulse jet velocity.
Effect of Velocity Variation at High Swirl on Axial Flow Development inside a Can Combustor
Authors: Ishak Mohamad Shaiful Ashrul , Mohd. Jaafar Mohammad Nazri
Published: January 2015

The main purpose of this paper is to study the internal flow effect of varying the inlet velocities inside a combustor. The flow field inside the combustor is controlled by the liner shape and size, wall side holes shape, size and arrangement (primary, secondary and dilution holes), and primary air swirler configuration. Air swirler adds sufficient swirling to the inlet flow to generate central recirculation region (CRZ) which is necessary for flame stability and fuel air mixing enhancement. Therefore, designing an appropriate air swirler is a challenge to produce stable, efficient and low emission combustion with low pressure losses. Four various injection velocities from 30m/s to 60m/s with radial vanes angle of 50 degree were used in this analysis to show velocity effect on the internal flow field. The flow behavior was investigated numerically using CFD solver Ansys 14.0. This study has provided the characteristic insight into the flow pattern inside the combustion chamber. Results show that the swirling action is augmented with the increase in the injection velocity, which leads to increase in core reverse flow, thus enhancing mixing of fuel and air in the combustion chamber.
Film Cooling Effectiveness in a Gas Turbine Engine: A Review
Authors: Kianpour Ehsan , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi , Golshokouh Iman
Published: January 2015

This study was carried out to extend database knowledge about the function of film cooling holes at the end of combustor and the inlet of turbine. Using the well-known Brayton cycle, raising the turbine inlet temperature is the key to obtain higher engine efficiency in gas turbine engines. However, high temperature of the combustor exit flow causes non-uniformities. These non-uniformities lead to the reduction of expected life of critical components. Therefore, an appropriate cooling technique should be designed to protect these parts. Film cooling is one of the most effective external cooling methods. Various film cooling techniques presented in the literature have been investigated. Moreover, challenges and future directions of film cooling techniques have been reviewed and presented in this paper. The aim of this review is to summarize recent development in research on film cooling techniques and attempt to identify some challenging issues that need to be solved for future research.
Structural Analysis of UTM Single-Seat Helicopter Chassis
Authors: Ammoo Mohd Shariff , Abdul Awal Ziad , Khairudin Khairul Shamil
Published: January 2015

Structural strength is just as important as any other measures for a performance vehicle - let it be in air, land or water. Chassis is the most critical constituent in keeping the integrity of a vehicular structure. Likewise, helicopter chassis is like its skeleton. Devoid of it, the helicopter will neither take shape nor conserve the structural strength necessary. This research took the liberty of appraising the structural stiffness of the chassis for UTM Single-Seat Helicopter which is being developed at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This helicopter uses space frames as the main chassis structure. The material used for this chassis is AISI 4130 steel. Static analysis of the chassis was conducted specifically during hovering condition. The analysis started with modelling and simulating the chassis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. Data obtained through FEA simulation were then tested and verified using the experimental data. The results obtained were intriguing and in line with the FAA standard Regulation.
Comparative Results of a Developed Vehicle Dynamic Model for a Sedan Electric Vehicle
Authors: Othman Md Nazri , Mohd Sobran Nur Maisarah , Abdul Karim Kasrul , Bugis Ismadi , Jidin Auzani
Published: January 2015

The interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is significantly increased due to the awareness of internal combustion engine (ICE) effects towards the environmental and sustainability issue. In developing EVs projects, computer modelling of the vehicle dynamic and simulation can be utilized to estimate the battery power requirement and predict the optimum cruising strategies which in return will shorten the design development process and reduce the cost of prototyping. This paper presents the effectiveness of the vehicle dynamic simulation model  of a converted internal combustion engine vehicle PROTON SAGA sedan into a fully EV called EVerGREEN. The simulation model is set to analyse the effect of the vehicle dynamic parameters such as vehicle resistance and the motor characteristics in predicting the optimum driving profile. The development of the electric vehicle EVerGREEN is shortly presented together with the vehicle dynamic model. The driving performance is measured based on a real road test at F1 Sepang International Circuit and the results are validated by comparing between the simulation model and the actual drive test. Simulation and experimental results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model which shows a good agreement between them. Further works in enhancing the model effectiveness could be implemented by incorporating the battery characteristics and hence would provide better energy management for the vehicle.
Optimization Control System using the Quantum Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization on Vehicle Steering Control System with Steer-by-Wire System
Authors: Hunaini Fachrudin , Robandi Imam , Sutantra Nyoman
Published: January 2015

Fuzzy Logic includes a technique are widely applied to the vehicle steering control system, however, to get the parameters required by a reliable Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), needed training and learning process. Quantum behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) is a simple optimization method that guarantees the achievement of global convergence quickly. This paper aimed to optimize of the steering control system on vehicle with steer-by-wire system using QPSO. The vehicle steering control system consists of Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) and the Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) control are built in cascade, in which FLC is used to minimize the lateral motion error and PID control is used to suppress yaw motion error of the vehicle. The parameters of the control system are optimized by QPSO consists of three parameters to determine the position of the centre and the width of the triangle membership function of FLC and three constant gain of PID control. The optimization is done through the software in the loop simulation of vehicle models represented by 10 Degree of Freedom (DOF) of the vehicle dynamics. Simulation results showed that optimization using QPSO on the parameters of the control system can guarantee the movement of the vehicle is constantly maintained at the desired trajectory with a smaller error and higher vehicle speeds compared to the control system without tuned. The results obtained will be used as the basis for testing of the hardware in the loop simulation (HILS) so it can further improve the performance of steer-by-wire system.
Ride Comfort Performance Improvement of Electric Vehicle (EV) Conversion Using SAS-Controlled Active Suspension System
Authors: Abu Bakar Saiful Anuar , Masuda Ryosuke , Hashimoto Hiromu , Inaba Takeshi , Jamaluddin Hishamuddin , Abdul Rahman Roslan
Published: January 2015

This paper presents vehicle’s ride comfort performance evaluation after the conversion into an electric vehicle (EV) and the possible ride comfort improvement by an active suspension system have been investigated. The evaluations were done using a validated 7 degrees of freedom of vehicle’s ride model. The mathematical modelling of the vehicle’s ride as well as its validations was developed in order to predict the vehicle’s ride behaviours. The model was then integrated with the active suspension system in order to improve the EV conversion’s ride comfort performance. It was found that the modifications towards an EV conversion do not affect vehicle’s ride comfort performance significantly, except it changes only the vehicle’s vertical displacement, pitch rate and pitch angle responses. However, further application of an active suspension system in EV conversion was found to be able to improve all of the observed responses for ride comfort performance of an EV conversion by overall improvement of 71.1 percent.
Experimental Study of Electro-Mechanical Dual Acting Pulley Continuously Variable Transmission Ratio Calibration
Authors: Supriyo Bambang , Tawi Kamarul Baharin , Jamaluddin Hishamuddin , Hussein Mohamed
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an experimental study of Electro-mechanical Dual Acting Pulley (EMDAP) Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ratio calibration. When there is no slip between belt and pulley sheaves, the CVT ratio will be the same as the geometrical ratio of secondary to primary pulley radii as well as the primary to secondary speed ratio.  In EMDAP CVT system, both primary and secondary DC motors are used to control the primary and secondary axial pulley positions to vary the primary and secondary pulley radii. In this case, the pulley radii can be measured indirectly using axial pulley position sensors. Calibration process is carried out by manually adjusting the geometrical ratio of secondary to primary radii based on measurements of primary and secondary pulley positions and validated with the primary to secondary speed ratio determined from primary (input) and secondary (output) shaft speed measurements for the CVT ratio range of 0.7 to 2.0. The calibration results are recorded and used as reference data for future EMDAP CVT calibration and ratio control developments.
Influence of Normal Load and Temperature on Tribological Properties of Jatropha Oil
Authors: Golshokouh I. , S. Syahrullail , Ani F.N.
Published: January 2015

This research investigated tribological properties of Jatropha oil (vegetable oil)to find clean, new, and renewable lubricant source of industrial applications. The study was performed utilizing a fourball tribotester, CCD camera, scanning electron microscope (SEM)and viscometer. The experiment was conducted using different normal loads (300, 400, and 500 N) and temperatures (75, 95 and 105°C). The test was followed ASTM D4172 standard. The evaluation was focused on the viscosity, flash temperature parameter, coefficient of friction, wear scar diameter and worn surface observation. All results of Jatropha oil were compared with mineral hydraulic oil to evaluate the lubricity performance of Jatropha oil. The results indicated that the Jatropha had better anti-friction and anti-wear ability than hydraulic mineral oil under various temperature and loads. In conclusion, Jatropha oil has bright possibility to be produced as commercial industrial lubricant.
The Effects of Voids on the Flexural Properties and Failure Mechanisms of Carbon/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Suhot M. A. , A. R. Chambers
Published: January 2015

Although the effect of voids on the mechanical properties of composite failures has been well researched, their effect on the failure mechanisms has not been well characterised. This study investigated the effect of the void content on the flexural strength of carbon/epoxy composites and to explain in terms of the failure mechanisms. The results showed that a 2% increase in void content reduced the flexural strength by 12.7%. Using optical microscopy, X-ray tomography and acoustic emission it was found that voids had no effect upon compression crack initiation but were found to influence the initiation and propagation of delaminations. A combination of in-situ acoustic emission and X-ray tomography proved to be a powerful tool in providing evidence of the failure mechanisms.
Loading Rate Effect on Flexural and Indentation Behaviour of Foam Core Composite Sandwich Panel
Authors: S. Azwan , Yahya Yazid , Abdi B. , Ayob Amran
Published: January 2015

The present study focuses on the flexural and the indentation behaviour of foam core sandwich panel subject to three point bending and indentation loading at different loading rates. The load-deflection, stress-deflection responses and energy absorption properties of foam core sandwich panel are determined experimentally. The foam core sandwich panel was fabricated using vacuum infusion process. The sandwich structure consists of chopped strand mat fibreglass skins and polyurethane foam core. The flexural and the indentation tests were conducted using Instron Universal Testing machine. It was found that loading rate influences the flexural and the indentation behaviours of foam core sandwich panel. By increasing the loading rate, the stiffness, strength and energy absorption of flexural and indentation of these structures were increased.
Trip Generation Characteristics of Kindergartens in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaque , Hasan Tanweer , Ramli Izzul , Che Puan Othman
Published: January 2015

Transportation planners need prior data on "Trip Generation" for new developments and for predicting changes in the trip generation due to modifications in the existing land use types. Trip Generation depends on various factors, especially the socioeconomic characteristics. Currently, transportation planners in Malaysia have to depend on the trip generation data of foreign countries because the data in the Trip Generation Manual of Malaysia provides inadequate information on many land use types including the Educational Institute type- “Kindergarten”. The major objective of the study was to study the "Trip Generation” characteristics for the "Kindergartens” in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The study included identification of the statistically significant parameters that are related to the trip generation rates. Data were collected from selected nine (09) kindergarten locations in Johor Bahru area. The data collection also included survey of stakeholders including information on the number of students, the number of staff, availability of the day-care facilities, school timings and number of shifts at the facility. The collected data provided information on the "Trip Generation" in local context and environment. Statistical analyses were carried out to establish relationships between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Linear regression models were developed which were found to be capable of predicting trip generations by the “Kindergarten” land use type. The models could be used by the professionals for the Johor Bahru, Malaysia local environment.
Warm Mix Asphalt Technology: A Review
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Ezree , Ahmad Zamhari Kemas , Buhari Rosnawati , Abu Bakar Siti Khatijah , Mohd Kamaruddin Nurul Hidayah , Nayan Nafarizal , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Hassan Sitti Asmah , Md. Yusoff Nur Izzi
Published: January 2015

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) represents the technologies that allow the reducing of asphalt binders’ mixing and compaction temperatures by reducing its binders’ viscosity. This paper gives a comprehensive chronological review from prior researches and practical experienced among researchers and industrial practitioners while implementing WMA technology including constituent materials, mix design and mechanical performance issues. Within this, the problems and benefits as well as different types of WMA additives were clearly identified as essential for a better understanding of the application of WMA technology in pavement constructions.
Evaluation of Binder Absorption in Asphalt Mixture with Various Aging Conditions Using Rice Method
Authors: Nashruddin ThanwaFilza , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Md Nor Hasanan , A. Aziz Md. Maniruzzaman , Che Wan Che Norazman
Published: January 2015

This study evaluated the effect of time dependent on the binder absorption of asphaltic concrete by comparing between Asphaltic Concrete 14 (AC14) and Polymer Modified Asphaltic Concrete14 (PMAC14) through rice method and subjected to aging. The stability of the samples was also examined. Two asphalt cements (60/70 and PG76) were used in this study. The result shows that the stability and binder absorption under long term aging is highest than that of short term and un-aged. In addition, the binder absorption has been found to follow a polynomial relationship with time-dependent.
Dynamic Modulus of Western Australia Asphalt Wearing Course
Authors: Wibisono Gunawan , Nikraz Hamid
Published: January 2015

In the new AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), the dynamic modulus |E*| test has been selected to assess the performance of asphalt concretes. The type of test, which relates asphalt mixtures modulus to temperature and time rate of loading, is never used in Western Australia. This paper presents a study on the dynamic modulus of typical Western Australia asphalt mixtures. Five mixtures with 10mm nominal sizes and two types of bitumen classes, i.e. C170 (Pen 60/80) and C320 (Pen 40/60) comply with Main Road Western Australia (MRWA) Specification were used in the research. Mixing and compacting process were carried out according to Austroads methods. The specimens were compacted using a gyratory compactor to achieve 5±0.5% target air void. Testing was performed at four temperatures (4, 20, 40 and 55OC) and six frequencies (25, 10, 5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 and 0.05 Hz). Dynamic modulus and phase angle master curves were generated from the results. The master curves were compared to the curves from Witczak’s predictive equation. From this preliminary study, it was found that the measured values correlated well with the predictive equation except at high temperatures or low frequencies.
TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTINUOUS COASTAL VULNERABILITY INDEX IN MALAYSIA: A REVIEW
Authors: J. Ainee Gill , Anwar A.M. , Omar K S.
Published: January 2015

Climate change has brought about many threats to the ecosystem by inducing natural hazards, particularly sea level rise. Coastal areas then are subjected to many adverse effects of sea level rise, hence posing a risk to the safety of the coastal population, resources and assets. As part of the mitigation and adaptation measures against these effects, the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) was implemented by many coastal regions. The CVI is an index-based tool to map the risks related to coastal changes. In Malaysia, the practice of CVI is still in its initial stages. Whereby, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia had earlier carried out two pilot projects on CVI. The first is located at Tanjung Piai and the second at the west coast of Pulau Langkawi. This paper reviews the definition and concept of CVI. An alternative implementation approach of CVI in Malaysia is also discussed.
ISKANDARnet CORS Network Integrity Monitoring
Authors: A. Yusup, , R. Othman, , I. A. Musliman, , W. O. Han,
Published: January 2015

The increasing use of real-time high precision Global Positioning System (GPS) methods has leads in raising number of Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) establishment. However, it is complicated to expect the disparity in the performance and status of the reference stations. Thus, a system for dealing with data quality control in order to supervise data streams in real-time has been proposed. This paper focuses on the number of existing approaches to review the quality of raw GPS observations and presents architecture for the development of a real time quality control system in Peninsular Malaysia.
Seasonal Variation of Surface Circulation Along Peninsular Malaysia' East Coast
Authors: Pa'suya Muhammad Faiz , Mohd Omar Kamaludin , N. Peter Benny , Md Din Ami Hassan , Mohd Akhir Mohd Fadzil
Published: January 2015

The sea surface circulation pattern over the coast of Peninsula Malaysia's East Coast during Northeast Monsoon (NE) and Southwest Monsoon (SW) are derived using the seasonally averaged sea level anomaly (SLA) data from altimetric data and 1992-2002 Mean Dynamic Ocean Topography. This altimetric data has been derived from multi-mission satellite altimeter TOPEX, ERS-1, ERS-2, JASON-1, and ENVISAT for the period of nineteen years (1993 to 2011) using the Radar Altimeter Database System (RADS). The estimated sea level anomaly (SLA) have shown similarity in the pattern of sea level variations observed by four tide gauges. Overall, the sea surface circulations during the NE and SW monsoons shows opposite patterns, northward and southward respectively. During the SW monsoon, an anti-cyclonic circulation has been detected around the Terengganu coastal area centred at (about 5.5° N 103.5° E) and nearly consistent with previous study using numerical modelling. The estimated geostrophic current field from the altimeter is consistent with the trajectories of Argos-tracked Drifting Buoys provided by the Marine Environmental Data Services (MEDS) in Canada.