bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Wastewater Management Using Statistical Process Control
Authors: Ibrahim K.A. , Aziz R.A. , Aziz B.A. , Ong C.S.
Published: January 2013

This paper will present few results based on the implementation of statistical process control (SPC) in an effluent treatment plant. A fundamental tool of SPC i.e. Control Charts are plotted for several variable such as pH, BOD and suspended solids level versus time. From these control charts, the true capability of the operating process can be predicted and established. Furthermore, several trends found from the charts could serve as indicators for process stability and the extent of deterioration. From the results, it was found out that most of the monitored variables were under satistical process control since most of the charts showed that the random distribution over time was repeatable and predictable (normal distribution). Only in one of the charts i.e. the conrrol chart for the concentration of a contaminating material, shows that about 20% of the samples taken were outside the upper control limit (UCL). This phenomena was a result of the excessive dumping of the contaminating materials to the treatment plant on that particular days. In conclusion, the process could be improved by using SPC technique that lead to willing operating cost. The installation of an on-line SPC alarms is suggested so that early warning could he given for any disturbance to the treatment plant.

KEYWORDS: Statistical proce control; electronic waste effluent treatment; control chart; pollution; process monitoring and control.
Matrix Analytic Methods For Evaluating Loss Performance In An ATM Networks
Authors: Abbas Mazlan , Ahmad Zainal Abidin
Published: January 2013

This paper will describe an analytical approach to the solutions of queueing models with finites capacity. The methods is chosen because its abilitiy to model exactly complex non-Markovian model which have correlated, non-renewal input process which is nearly impossible to get exact expressions by using classical methods of generating functions. We applied this methodology to compute the loss performance a of a queueing item specifically in the scenario of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks.
Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Khalid Marzuki , Omatu Sigeru
Published: January 2013

Although fuzzy logic theory was proposed about three decades ago, it is only until recently that fuzzy control technology has been successfully applied to many industrial systems and domestic appliances. Much of these developments is mainly due to a better understanding of the concept of fuzzy logic, its simplicity of implementation, and its feasibility in hardware development. This article intends to provide a simple but clear understanding on the concept of fuzzy logic and its application to control systems (therefore not intended for those who have already understood the basic principles of fuzzy logic control). A simulation example is given on the development and operation of a fuzzy logic controller for a multi-variable water bath temperature control system. C-pseudocodes are given in the Appendices to clarify the water bath fuzzy control algorithms.
Audiographic System And Its Application
Authors: Kader Mastan Zoorina Bee , Ahmad Zainal Abidin
Published: January 2013

In enhancing the telephone service, audiographic system has been identified as the potential added value system. This paper describes the importance of audiographic system, system concept and feasible application areas.
Modeling The Tower Of Hanoi Using Neural Network
Authors: Othman Mohamed , Selamat Mohd. Hassan , Muda Zaiton , Abdullah Lili Norliya
Published: January 2013

This paper discusses the modeling of Tower of Hanoi using the concepts of neural network. The basis idea of backpropagation learning algorithm in Artificial Neural Systems is then described. While similar in some ways, Artificial Neural System learning deviates from tradition in its dependence on the modification of individual weights to bring about changes in a knowledge representation distributed across connection in a network. This unique form of learning is analyzed from two aspects: the selection of an appropriate network architecture for representing the problem, and the choice of a suitable learning rule capable qf reproducing the desired function within the given network.

Key words: Tower of Hanoi; Backpropagation Algorithm; Knowledge Representation;
Nilai Nisbah Klorida/ Bromin Dan Etil Dalam Minyak Petrol Tempatan
Authors: Rashid M. , Rahmalan A , Khalik A
Published: January 2013

Unsur Bromida (Br) dan Klorida (Cl) sering dikaitkan dengan logam Plumbum (Pb) sebagai bahan pencemaran dari ekzos automobil. Sehubungan dengan ini kajian telah dijalankan bagi menganalisis unsur Br dan Cl dalam sampel minyak petrol daripada enam buah syarikat minyak tempatan di negara ini. Nilai nisbah Cl/Br yang diperoleh keseluruhannya adalah di antara 0.017 - 0.514 manakala nisbah puratanya ialah 0.322±0.200. Anggaran nisbah etil purata Br/Pb dan Cl/Pb masing-masingnya ialah 0.862 dan 0.195. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan bahawa nilai nisbah antara unsur-unsur tersebut adalah berbeza-beza dengan yang terdapat di negara-negara lain. Suhu iklim ialah faktor utama yang diambil kira dalam menentukan tahap pencampuran sebatian unsur-unsur tersebut dalam penghasilan mutu minyak yang dikehendaki sesuai dengan keperluan tempatan.
On The Suitability Of Sequential Programming Languages
Authors: Abu Bakar Badri
Published: January 2013

In designing sequential control systems, the programming language plays an important role for the success of system implementation. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is normally equipped with several languages like Relay Ladder Logic, Statement List and others. Petri nets, Rule-based and State Transition methods are the language of future PLCs. The paper evaluates the performance of these languages especially for a system which exhibits a pattern in its operation. This is done on a case study based on a trainset problem with multiple-engine on the same track. It will demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each technique and it will serve as a basis of favouring one or the other for certain applications in a sequential control system. Through this paper, we can see various techniques on the problem to show that each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses. In a complex operation with a pattern, the rule-based technique is the well-suited technique. Similarly, if the system uses complementaries and needs exception handling rule-based is the best technique to be employed. Unlike Petri nets, State Transition Matrix (STM), ladder logic and others, the rule-based technique does not relate to dimensionality of the problem and therefore system growth and modification is easily coped with. The Petri net technique is very good at parallel subsequences but falls down when much branching and inverse places of action are needed in the system. STM on the other hand is good at much branching and giving system options clearly and unambiguously so long as the matrix is manageable. The STM technique becomes less helpful when the matrix grows. Although both Petri nets and STM are easily understood and readily communicable, their solutions are implementation specific; system changes and annexation would mean reprogramming almost from scratch. Various functions have certain peculiarities that make them unsuitable to be programmed in a particular method. Therefore, the choice of a technique suitable for a particular problem is still the best method of designing sequential control applications. Failure to program these operations with the most suitable technique will result in a difficult and awkward solution with the consequent penalty associated with undue complexity in terms of error-checking and implementation.
Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Between Natural Rubber And Polymethyl Methacrylate: Effect Of Crosslink Densities On Theirmechanical And Physical Properties
Authors: Mohd.Sanip Suhaila , Katun Md.Nasir
Published: January 2013

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were synthesized using natural rubber (NR) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) via the sequential mode of polymerization. Dicumyl peroxide and divinyl benzene were used as the crosslinker of NR and comonomer/crosslinker for methyl methacrylate monomer, with benzoyl peroxide as the initiator. IPNs were prepared and characterised by evaluating their mechanical properties, swelling behaviour, density and the effect of solvents, by varying the degree of crosslinking of the base matrix NR The results showed higher tensile strength,density and a lower percentage of swelling for IPNs. This is due to an increase in the number of cross links, calculated using Flory-Rehner equation for crosslinked polymers.The resultant IPNs was found to have a good resistance against most common solvents,thus showing great potential in the medical field as well as in the polymer industry, as films and coatings.
Kerosakan Yang Dijana Oleh Laser-Peronggaan Ke Atas Permukaan Logam Lembut
Authors: Bidin Noriah
Published: January 2013

Laser teknologi telah digunakan dalam mengkaji kesan kerosakan hasil dari hentaman peronggaan. Keputusan dibandingkan dengan teknik yang lain dan menunjukkan hasil yang setanding. Dalam hal ini peronggaan telah diwujudkan oleh denyutan laser yang berlaku dalam ruang dan masa yang setempat. Reproduksi peronggaan membolehkan pengamatan kerosakan dikaji dari peringkat awal hingga ke tahap perkembangannya berdasarkan pada satu kawasan kerosakan yang sama. Proses hakisan sentiasa diperhatikan melalui sistem penggambaran video dan hasil yang diperoleh dianalisis melalui fotomikroskopik.
Optimization And Reactivity Study Of Silica In The Synthesis Of Zeolites From Rice Husk
Authors: Ramli Zainab , Listiorini Endang , Hamdan Halimaton
Published: January 2013

Although the chemical extraction of silica from rice husk ash (RHA) is well established; its reactivity in the synthesis of zeolites have not been studied and optimized. Due to the complex nature of silica, the extraction procedure is important in ensuring production of highly reactive silica. This paper reports on the optimization of the extraction procedure and determination of the factors that influence impurities are the factors that influence the reactivity of silica. Pure amorphous silica was obtained with RHA:NaOH ratio of 1.5 and sodium silicate concentration (measured in specific gravity) of 1.2-1.5. Reactivity rests of the extracted silica via crystallization of zeolite Y in reaction mixtures of various basicity show that pure zeolite Y was formed from the sample containing 85% Si02 with neutral or slightly basic property. In contrast,crystallization in the presence of silica source that is acidic containing a low percentage of Si02 favours the formation of zeolite P.
Spreadsheet Solutions To Laplace's Equation: Seepage And Flow Net
Authors: Mahmud Mahadzer
Published: January 2013

There has been an increasing interest in applying the electronic spreadsheets, traditionally used for the financial and accounting purposes, to solve complex engineering problems. This paper aims to describe the application of spreadsheets to solve the finite difference to Laplace's equation. The simple form of finite difference method also known as the relaxation method will be used for seepage analysis.The spreadsheet program used for this study was chosen based on the power, flexibility and the versatility of this package in various computing environments. Nevertheless any other spreadsheet programs can also perform the same task with varying levels of user friendliness.

Keywords: Spreadsheet modelling, flow net, seepage, finite difference method
Task Allocation In A Multiprocessor System Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Salleh Shaharuddin
Published: January 2013

Task scheduling for multiprocessors is a job-sequencing problem generally classified as NP-complete or NP-hard. Optimal solutions to the problem using some well-known algorithms can only be obtained in some restricted cases. In most cases,however, this is not possible. Therefore, near-optimal solutions to the problem have been developed using heuristics. This paper proposes a new heuristic using fuzzy logic to achieve near optimum load balancing for the task allocation problem in a multiprocessor system. Task allocation is a restricted case of task scheduling where the tasks have no precedence relations with others and the priority order of execution is ignored. The tasks are assumed to be non-preemptable, have no execution deadlines and have no interprocessor communication. It is possible to·apply the fuzzy concepts since the problems involved are difficult to model mathematically. Much of its power of fuzzy logic is derived from its ability to draw conclusion and generate responses based on incomplete and imprecise informations.
Penentuan Taburan Titisan Cumene Dalam Turus Pengekstrakan Cakera Berputar Dengan Kaedah Simulasi Monte Carlo
Authors: Talib Jamalludin
Published: January 2013

Pengekstrakan cecair-cecair dengan menggunakan turus pengekstrakan cakera berputar melibatkan salah satu dari cecair diserakkan dalam bentuk titisan di dalam cecair yang satu lagi. Taburan yang terbentuk akibat dari putaran cakera yang terdapat dalam turus tersebut menghasilkan titisan anak yang berbagai-bagai saiz. Taburan saiz bagi titisan anak tersebut akan ditentukan dengan kaedah simulasi Monte Carlo.
Tomographic Imaging Using Optical Sensor Arrays
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Green R.G.
Published: January 2013

This paper describes an investigation into the use of an optical fibre sensor to measure the flow of pneumatically conveyed solid particles. The diameter of the fibre sensor is 1mm. A tomographic measuring system constructed from arrays of tran ducer pairs is described, which is capable or capturmg sufficient data and reconstruct an image flow. Two arrangement, orthogonal 8x8 and 16x16 will be discused later and comparisons of resolution made using phantoms in a pipe or 81mm diameter cross-section with a phantom.
Computer Modelling Of Multicomponent Gas Separation By Membranes
Authors: Choong Thomas S.Y , Abdul Aziz Ramlan , Saidi Hamdani
Published: January 2013

Gas separation using membrane is now an established unit operation in the chemical process industry. The performance of a single stage membrane permeator depends, among other things, on the feed and permeate flow pattern. In this paper, models for five different idealized flow patterns namely cocurrent flow, countercurrent flow, cross flow, perfect mixing and on-side mixing have been presented. A computer program written in Power Basic has also been developed. The models developed can be used for a binary mixture or multi-component gas feed system. A simple bisection method is used instead of the Newton iterative method originally suggested by Shindo et.al.[6] to solve the root finding-problem in order to ensure convergence. In this study countercurrent flow is found to be the most efficient flow pattern, giving the highest degree of separation and requiring the least membrane area.
Measurement Of Physical Work-loads A Suitable Field Technique
Authors: Cillngir F.C.
Published: January 2013

Ukuran tenaga yang digunakan oleh pekerja-pekerja telah menjadi suatu perkara yang diragukan oleh beberapa penyelidik-penyelidik. Sungguhpun ada cara-cara atau teknik amali untuk menyelidikinya tetapi didapati sukar hendak disesuaikan di tempat kerja mereka. Dalam kertas kerja ini, kesan dan keyakinan serta teknik mudah boleh dibuat di tempat kerja telah diselidiki. Teknik ini berasaskan kepada pengukuran detik jantung pekerja-pekerja di tepat kerja masing-masing dengan mengguna alat 'telemetric cardiogram'. Keputusan ini dibandingkan dengan nilai oksigen yang digunakan.

Measurement of physical energy expanded by the workers has been the concern of many researchers. Although there exists some laboratory techniques, their field applications are usually found difficult to execute. In this paper the effectiveness and reliability of a simple technique which could be used in field studies, is investigated. The technique is based on the measurement of the heart rate variation of
Subjects by a telemetric cradiogram and the result are compared with oxygen consumption values.
The Acid - Catalysed Hydrolysis Of Sulphinate Esters
Authors: Salleh Azhari
Published: January 2013

Hidrolisis berbagai ester sulfinat dalam larutan berair asid galian telah dikaji secara kinetik. Analisis data kinetik yang diperolehi mengikut kaedah Dunnett dan Bunnett-Olsen dan entropi keaktifan menunjukkan bahawa hidrolisis berlaku mengikut mekanisma A-2.

The hydrolysis of substituted sulphinate esters in aqueous mineral acids have been kinetically studied. Analysis of the kinetic data by Dunnett and Bunnett-Olsen criteria and by entropy of activation suggest that the hydrolysis proceed with an A-2 mechanism.
The Application Of Statistical Techniques To Insulation Aging Test
Authors: Ahmad Hussein
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja int membentangkan cara-eara untuk mendapatkan maklumat hayat dan daya ketahanan sesuatu penebat. Maklumat dan data-data yang diperolehi masih lagi dalam keraguan atau belum boleh dibuar ketetapan disebabkan oleh perselisihan perangkaan pada keputusan ujian, justeru itu keputusan daripada ujian-ujian dinilai dengan menggunakan kaedah-kaedah perangkaan. Kaedah-kaedah ini ialah grafik dan kebolehjadian maksima. Dibentangkan juga di sini perbandingan di antara kedua-dua kaedah tersebut. Bahan penebat padat yang digunakan untuk ujikaji ini adalah polychloroprene (P.V.C) dan polypropylene.

In this paper, methods for obtaining the information on the life and endurance of the insulating materials are presented. The information obtained is compounded by uncertainties due to statistical variance of the test results, hence the results of the tests are therefore evaluated by statistical techniques. These methods are known as graphical and Maximum Likelihood methods. Comparison between the two methods are presented here. The solid insulating materials subjected to test are polychloroprene (P.V.C.) and polypropylene.
Peningkatan Kualiti Produk (Billet) Melalui Teknik Asas Kawalan Kualiti
Authors: Che Mat Isa Mohamad Azman , Mohd. Rohani Jafri
Published: January 2013

Teknik asas kawalan kualiti merupakan satu kaedah untuk meningkatkan kualiti dan produktiviti pengeluaran dan memastikan keperluan atau spesifikasi pelanggan dipenuhi. Dalam kajian ini, beberapa daripada tujuh teknik asas kawalan kualiti telah dipraktikkan untuk menyelesaikan dua jenis kecacatan utama dalam proses pengeluaran produk billet dalam industri keluli. Dua jenis kecacatan utama tersebut berdasarkan gambar rajah Pareto ialah pin hole dan herotan. Dengan mengaplikasikan beberapa teknik asas kawalan kualiti seperti Gambar rajah Pareto, Carta Kawalan, Gambar rajah Sebab dan Akibat, Proses Keupayaan dan Rajah Serakan, beberapa pelan tindakan penyelesaian pembaikan telah digunakan untuk meningkatkan kualiti produk billet. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan kadar penurunan peratus dua jenis kecacatan utama tersebut, iaitu pin hole sebanyak 11% dari herotan sebanyak 2%.

Kata kunci: Industri keluli; Tujuh teknik asas kawalan kualiti; Carta Kawalan; Proses Keupayaan
Standardisation of Structural Design: A Shift from British Standards to Eurocodes
Authors: Safii Faridah , Omar Wahid , Mohammad Shahrin , Makhtar Ahmad Mahir
Published: January 2013

The background, objectives and mechanics of producing Eurocodes for structural design in concrete, steel and masonry are described. Comparisons are made between the approaches recommended by existing British Standards structural codes and corresponding Eurocodes. Eurocodes, together with some of the factors which influence its use, is discussed in the hope that it might be helpful to professionals in deciding its future applications in Malaysia. Existing knowledge based on British Standards is examined, as is the ability of Eurocodes to transfer technology in codes of practice and materials standards indirectly from one country to another.

Key words: Structural Design; British Standards; Eurocodes; Standardisation.
Literature Survey of Protein Secondary Structure Prediction
Authors: Vel Arjunan Satya Nanda , Deris Safaai , Md Illias Rosli
Published: January 2013

Dengan wujudnya projek jujukan DNA secara besar-besaran, teknik yang tepat untuk meramalkan struktur protein diperlukan. Masalah meramalkan struktur protein daripada jujukan DNA pada dasarnya masih belum dapat diselesaikan walaupun kajian intensif telah dilakukan selama lebih daripada tiga dekad. Dalam kertas kerja ini, teori asas struktur protein akan dibincangkan sebagai panduan umum bagi kajian peramalan struktur protein sekunder. Analisis jujukan terkini serta prinsi p yang digunakan dalam teknik-teknik tersebut akan diterangkan.

Kata kunci: peramalan stuktur sekunder protein; rangkaian neural.

In the wake of large-scale DNA sequencing projects, accurate tools are needed to predict protein structures. The problem of predicting protein structure from DNA sequence remains fundamentally unsolved even after more than three decades of intensive research. In this paper, fundamental theory of the protein structure of the protein structure will be presented as a general guide to protein secondary structure prediction research. An overview of the state-of-theart in sequence analysis and some princi ples of the methods invloved wil be described.

Key words: protein secondary structure prediction;neural networks.
Effect of Methanol Concentration on the Performance of Asymmetric Cellulose Acetate Reverse Osmosis Membranes Using Dry/Wet Phase Inversion Technique
Authors: Idris Ani , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Iswandi S. , J. Shilton Simon
Published: January 2013

Membran asimetrik telah dihasilkan daripada larutan polimer multikomponen yang terdiri daripada selulosa asetat, aseton formamid dan metanol. Dalam kajian ini, teknik fasa balikan kering/basah telah digunakan dan kehadiran metanol dikaji. Selain itu, kajian ini juga mengemukakan isu asas yang terlibat dalam pengubahsuaian larutan tuangan kepingan rata, bagi menghasilkan larutan yang berpotensi untuk digunakan bagi penyediaan membran gentian geronggang, yang mempunyai lapisan memilih yang bebas daripada kecacatan. Pengubahsuaian komposisi larutan multikomponen telah menghasilkan membran osmosis balikan yang berbeza prestasinya. Prestasi membran ditentukan secara uji kaji oleh pemboleh ubah asas seperti fluks air tulen (PWP), kadar kebolehtelapan air garam (PR) dan kadar buangan. Daripada data tersebut, parameter sekunder seperti pemalar kebolehtelapan air tulen (A), parameter pengangkutan bahan larut (DAM /Kδ) dan pekali pemindahan jisim (k) dapat ditentukan. Parameter tersebut adalah penting dalam meramal prestasi membran osmosis balikan dan pencirian morfologi membran. Keputusan uji kaji menunjukkan bahawa kehadiran metonal dalam formulasi larutan polimer telah meningkatkan kadar buangan dan aliran fluks. Nilai (DAM/Kδ) yang lebih rendah bagi larutan rujukan menunjukkan bahawa purata saiz liang pada permukaan membran secara bandingan adalah lebih kecil.

Kata kunci: Asimetrik membran; osmosis balikan; selulosa asetat; fasa balikan.

Asymmetric membranes were prepared from a multicomponent dope polymer solution consisting of cellulose acetate, acetone, formamide and methanol. In this work, the dry/wet phase inversion technique is used and the presence of methanol is studied. In addition, this work also presents the fundamental issues involved in altering flat sheet casting solutions to produce solutions, potentially useful for preparing hollow fibers within, defect free selective layers. Variations in the composition of multicomponent casting solution resulted in membranes with drastically different reverse osmosis performance. The membrane performance are determined experimentally by primary parameters such as the pure water permeation rate (PWP), salt permeation rate (PR) and rejection rates. From these data, the secondary parameter such as pure water permeability constant (A), solute transport parameter (DAM/Kδ) and mass transfer coefficient (k) are determined. These parameters are important in the prediction of reverse osmosis performance and also in characterising membrane morphology. The results revealed that the presence of methanol in the dope formulation increases the percentage of salt rejection and flux flow. The relatively lower value of (DAM /Kδ) for a reference solute indicates a relatively a relatively smaller average pore size on the membrane surface.

Key words: Asymmetric membrane; reverse osmosis; cellulose acetate; dry/wet phase inversion
Gangguan Seksual Di Tempat Kerja dan Hubungannya dengan Tekanan Kerja dan Kepuasan Kerja
Authors: Mad Shah Ishak , Lee Ching Lai
Published: January 2013

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk melihat bentuk–bentuk dan pelaku gangguan seksual dan sejauh mana hubungannya dengan tekanan kerja dan kepuasan kerja. Gangguan seksual diukur menggunakan soal selidik Sex And The Workplace, manakala tekanan kerja dan kepuasan kerja, masing–masing diukur dengan Job Related Tension Index dan Brayfield–Rothe Index. Seramai 100 orang operator pengeluaran wanita yang berpengalaman diganggu seksual dipilih sebagai subjek kajian menggunakan persampelan tujuan. Data dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif dan infrensi. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan bentuk gangguan yang kurang serius lebih kerap berlaku dan pelaku utamanya ialah rakan sekerja dan ketua atau penyelia. Keputusan juga menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan bersifat positif dengan tekanan kerja dan bersifat negatif dengan kepuasan kerja. Beberapa cadangan untuk kajian hadapan turut dinyatakan dalam kajian ini.
Improving Quality with Basic Statistical Process Control (SPC) Tools: A Case Study
Authors: Mohd. Rohani Jafri , Chan Kok Teng
Published: January 2013

Syarikat mesti berusaha untuk meningkatkan kualiti dan produktiviti produk atau proses untuk maju bersaing. Sebahagian daripada tujuh alatan asas kawalan kualiti merupakan suatu teknik yang sangat berkesan untuk mencapai objektif tersebut. Kajian kes yang telah dijalankan di syarikat "plastic injection moulding" tempatan telah mengaplikasikan sebahagian daripada tujuh alatan kawalan kualiti dan keputusan menunjukkan purata bulanan kualiti kecacatan produk menurun dari 13.49% ke 7.4%. Untuk mencapai kejayaan seterusnya dalam mempertingkatkan kualiti produk, sokongan daripada pihak atasan syarikat amatlah diperlukan.

Kata kekunci: Kawalan Kualiti Berstatistik; "Plastic Injection Moulding"; carta kawalan

In order to survive in a competitive market, improving quality and productivity of product or process is a must for any company. Some simple techniques like the "seven basic quality control (QC) tools" provide a very valuable and cost effective way to meet these objectives. This paper presents a case study in which a local plastic injection moulding company deployed some part of the "seven basic quality control (QC) tools" to significantly improved the monthly defect quality from 13.49% to 7.4%. However, to make them successful as cost effective and problem solving tools, strong commitment from top management is required.

Keywords: Statistical Process Control (SPC); Plastic Injection Moulding; Control Charts
Penggunaan Kaedah Ukur Rujuk dalam Pemprosesan Seramik bagi Meningkatkan Kualiti dan Produktiviti
Authors: Hassan Azmi , Saleh Chairul , Md. Deros Baba , Muniyandi Saravanan
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membentangkan penggunaan kaedah ukur rujuk secara amali di sebuah syarikat memproses seramik. Sesebuah organisasi yang menggunakan kaedah ukur rujuk perlu melakukannya dengan betul dan tepat agar ia dapat mencapai hasil yang diharapkan. Kertas kerja ini membincangkan dan menumpukan teknik ukur rujuk luaran dari aspek pemprosesan, produktiviti dan kualiti produk. Sebuah syarikat pemprosesan seramik telah melaksanakannya dengan kajian kes dan pembangunan model yang melibatkan empat fasa utama. Ia diikuti dengan usaha–usaha peningkatan prestasi. Keputusan ukur rujuk juga dipaparkan dalam kertas kerja ini.

Kata kunci: Ukur rujuk; peningkatan prestasi berterusan; faktor kritikal kejayaan

This paper presents the practical application of benchmarking method in a ceramic processing company. In order to get the expected outcome, the organisation that would implement the benchmarking method should do it correctly and accurately. This paper discussed and concentrates on external benchmarking from the aspects of processing, productivity and product quality. This ceramic processing company has conducted the benchmarking effort, which comprises of four phases via a case study and development of a model. It was followed by several efforts to improve the performance. This paper also presents the results of the benchmarking project.

Keyword: Benchmarking; continuous performance improvement; critical success factor
Pembangunan Pembakar Bahan Api Cecair Beremisi Rendah di UTM
Authors: Mat Alit Mohamad Isnizam , Mohd. Jaafar Mohammad Nazri
Published: January 2013

Sebuah unit pembakar bahan api cecair yang beremisi rendah telah dibangunkan. Pembakar ini terdiri daripada beberapa komponen utama seperti kebuk pembakar, pemusar udara, pemancit bahan api, sistem bekalan udara dan bahan api. Pembakar ini telah diuji dengan melakukan ujikaji ke atas dua jenis pemusar udara, iaitu pemusar udara aliran jejarian jenis ram rata dan ram lengkung. Hasil ujikaji menunjukkan bahawa pembakar yang dibangunkan berjaya dipraktikkan dan pemusar udara ram lengkung adalah lebih baik daripada ram rata dari segi emisinya.

A low emission liquid fuel combustor has been developed. The combustor consists of several main components such as combustion chamber, air swirler, fuel atomiser, air and fuel supply system. The combustor was tested using two different types of air swirler, ie. curved and straight blades radial flow air swirler. The experimental results have shown that the developed combustor can be used for combustion and that the curved blades air swirler showed lower emissions than the straight blades air swirler.
Intelligent Adaptive Active Force Control of a Robotic Arm with Embedded Iterative Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mailah Musa , Ong Miaw Yong
Published: January 2013

Kawalan jitu dan lasak bagi satu sistem lengan robot atau pengolah adalah amat penting terutama sekali jika sistem mengalami pelbagai bentuk bebanan dan keadaan pengendalian. Kertas kerja ini memaparkan satu kaedah baru dan lasak untuk mengawal lengan robot menggunakan teknik pembelajaran secara berlelaran yang dimuatkan dalam strategi kawalan daya aktif. Sebanyak dua algoritma pembelajaran utama digunakan dalam kajian – yang pertama digunakan untuk menala gandaan pengawal secara automatik manakala yang satu lagi pula untuk menganggarkan matriks inersia pengolah. Kedua-dua parameter ini dihasilkan secara adaptif dan dalam talian ketika robot sedang menjalankan tugas menjejak trajektori dalam persekitaran tindakan daya gangguan. Dalam kajian ini, pengetahuan awal tentang kedua–dua nilai gandaan pengawal dan anggaran matriks inersia tidak wujud. Dengan demikian, suatu skema kawalan yang jitu dan lasak terhasil. Keberkesanan kaedah yang dicadangkan dapat ditentusahkan melalui hasil kajian yang diperoleh dan dibentangkan dalam kertas kerja ini.

Kata kunci: Adaptif; kawalan daya aktif; pembelajaran berlelaran; matriks inersia; gandaan pengawal

The robust and accurate control of a robotic arm or manipulator are of prime importance especially if the system is subjected to varying forms of loading and operating conditions. The paper highlights a novel and robust method to control a robotic arm using an iterative learning technique embedded in an active force control strategy. Two main iterative learning algorithms are utilized in the study – the first is used to automatically tune the controller gains while the second to estimate the inertia matrix of the manipulator. These parameters are adaptively computed on-line while the robot is executing a trajectory tracking task and subject to some forms of external disturbances. No priori knowledge of both the controller gains and the estimated inertia matrix are ever assumed in the study. In this way, an adaptive and robust control scheme is derived. The effectiveness of the method is verified and can be seen from the results of the work presented in this paper.

Keywords: Adaptive; active force control; iterative learning; inertia matrix; controller gain
Phase Measurement of Acoustic Wave Propagation in Double Channel Video Based Interferometry
Authors: Munajat Yusof , Suaidi Mohamad Kadim
Published: January 2013

Sistem interferometer pengukuran fasa telah dibangunkan dengan mengubahsuai perbezaan fasa antara kedua–dua output interferometer Mach–Zehnder sebanyak 90°. Sistem dibangunkan bagi mengatasi masalah kesamaran anjakan fasa dalam kajian perambatan gelombang akustik dan profil tekanan seketika yang wujud bersama. Dua pasang imej dirakamkan dari kedua–dua output interferometer Mach–Zehnder semasa adanya dan ketiadaan gangguan gelombang akustik. Perubahan fasa keseluruhan interferograms dipetakan dan dianalisa secara berasingan dan serentak. Pemetaan fasa secara serentak memberikan keputusan yang lebih baik dan mengatasi masalah kesamaran.

Kata kunci: Interferometri pengukuran fasa; perambatan gelombang akustik

Phase measurement interferometer system was developed by modifying the phase difference between two outputs of Mach–Zehnder interferometer by approximately 90° out of phase. System is developed in order to overcome some ambiguity of fringe shift in studying acoustic wave propagation and associate transient pressure profile. Two set of images were captured from two outputs of Mach–Zehnder interferometer in the event of with and without acoustic wave disturbance. The phase change over the interferograms were mapped and analysed separately and simultaneously. Simultaneous phase mapping gives better result and overcome ambiguity problem.

Key words: Phase measurement interferometry; acoustic wave propagation
Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure
Authors: Vel Arjunan Satya Nanda , Deris Safaai , Md Illias Rosli
Published: January 2013

Dengan wujudnya projek jujukan DNA secara besar–besaran, teknik yang tepat untuk meramalkan struktur protein diperlukan. Masalah meramalkan struktur protein daripada jujukan DNA pada dasarnya masih belum dapat diselesaikan walaupun kajian intensif telah dilakukan selama lebih daripada tiga dekad. Dalam kertas kerja ini, teori asas struktur protein akan dibincangkan sebagai panduan umum bagi kajian peramalan struktur protein sekunder. Analisis jujukan terkini serta prinsip yang digunakan dalam teknik–teknik tersebut akan diterangkan.

Kata kunci: Peramalan struktur sekunder protein; Rangkaian Neural

In the wake of large-scale DNA sequencing projects, accurate tools are needed to predict protein structures. The problem of predicting protein structure from DNA sequence remains fundamentally unsolved even after more than three decades of intensive research. In this paper, fundamental theory of the protein structure will be presented as a general guide to protein secondary structure prediction research. An overview of the state–of–the–art in sequence analysis and some principles of the methods involved wil be described.

Key words: Protein secondary structure prediction; Neural networks
Critical Remarks on Some Applications of Digital Image Analysis with Emphasis on Statistical Methodology
Authors: Mohd. Rijal Omar , Mohd. Noor Norliza , Chang Yun Fah
Published: January 2013

Hasil penyelidikan dari Rijal dan Noor dan mengenai kegunaan kaedah statistik dan punca ketidakpastian yang berhubungkait dengan membuat pentadbiran ketika menggunakan imej digit memberi motivasi kepada kajian ini. Dalam kertas kerja ini tiga contoh lagi dikemukakan dengan tujuan memberi pandangan keseluruhan mengenai applikasi (termasuk secara statistik) analisis imej digit, dan isu–isu am diberi penekanan. Satu kesimpulan dari kajian ini adalah kaedah statistik/matematik harus diberi peranan penting dalam analisis imej digit.

Kata kunci: Analisis imej digit; kaedah statistik; perbandingan secara kritikal contoh-contoh terpilih

The results of Rijal and Noor and regarding the use of statistical methods and sources of uncertainty associated with making inferences when using digital images provide the motivation for this study. In this paper three other examples are presented with the purpose of providing an overview of applications (possibly statistical) of image analysis, and general issues highlighted. One conclusion from this study is that statistical/mathematical methodology should be emphasized in digital image analysis.

Key words: Digital image analysis
MmNi5 and MmNi4.85Fe0.15 as Hydrogen Storage Medium
Authors: Johari Anwar , Mohd. Yunus Rosli , Noordin Mohd. Suffian , Md. Ghazali Mohd. Nazlee Faisal , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran
Published: January 2013

Ciri–ciri MmNi5 dan MmNi4.85Fe0.15 sebagai medium gas hidrogen telah dilakukan di dalam penyelidikan ini. Keupayaan penyerapan logam tersebut adalah dipengaruhi oleh faktor suhu dan dan tekanan. Julat suhu yang dipilih adalah di antara 298K dan 323K manakala tekanan diubah–ubah dari 2 hingga 30 bar. Dalam penyelidikan ini didapati bahawa jumlah gas hidrogen yang diserap oleh MmNi5 adalah berkadar songsang dengan suhu. Jumlah penyerapan maksimum NmNi5 telah dicapai pada suhu 298K dan pada tekanan plateau 10 m bar. Nilai penyerapan hidrogen pada suhu dan tekanan tersebut adalah 1.20 peratus berat. Bagi penyerapan MmNi5 pada 313K dan 323K, keputusan menunjukkan nilai 0.9 dan 0.8 peratus berat. Masing–masing menunjukkan tekanan plateau didapati pada 20 dan 24 bar. Penyelidikan ke atas MmNi4.85 menunjukkan keputusan yang tidak menepati dengan teori. Hasil daripada rujukan dan penyelidikan yang menyeluruh, didapati bahawa proses pengaktifan sampel yang dilakukan adalah tidak mencukupi untuk mengaktifkan MmNi4.85Fe0.15.

Kata kunci: Logam hidrid; penyimpanan gas hidrogen; proses pengaktifan; tekanan plateau; jumlah penyerapan hidrogen

The characteristics of MmNi5 and MmNi4.85Fe0.15 in storing hydrogen gas were examined in this study. The absorption capacity of the metal was monitored under the influence of temperature and pressure. Due to the limitation on its operating conditions, the range of the temperature chosen was from 298K to 323K while pressure was varied from 2 to 30 bar. Study conducted on MmNi5, showed that the amount of hydrogen absorbed was inversely proportional to the operating temperature. In the study of MnNi5 the maximum absorption was achieved at 298K and exhibited the plateau pressure of 10 bar. The hydrogen content was expressed as weight and the value was calculated to be at 1.20 wt%. As for MmNi5 at 313K abd 323K, the results are pointed at 0.9 wt% and 0.8 wt% whilst the plateau was encountedered at 20 and 24 bar, respectively. Study conducted on MmNi4.85Fe0.15 showed inconsistent findings with theory. After thorough examination, it was realized that the misbehavior of the sample was due to the insufficient agrresiveness activations method employed.

Key words: Metal hydride; hydrogen storage; activation process; plateau pressure; hydrogen absorbed content
Achievement of Male and Female Students Using E-Dialogue Journal Writing
Authors: Stapa Siti Hamin , Mohd Ariff Al-Bakri Intan Safinas
Published: January 2013

Kajian dalam bidang penulisan menyokong aktiviti penulisan berbentuk bebas untuk membina kemahiran penulisan kepada pelajar bahasa pertama dan kedua. Penggunaan jurnal berbentuk dialog adalah salah satu aktiviti di dalam penulisan bebas yang memberi peluang pelajar meneroka dan mencuba bahasa itu sendiri. Kemunculan teknologi komputer telah memberikan kesan yang tiada tandingnya di dalam pengajaran bahasa. Kajian yang dilakukan oleh Lee (1998) dan Warschaeur (1995) menyatakan keberkesanan penggunaan mel elektronik dalam pengajaran bahasa Inggeris di mana pelajar dan pengajar boleh berkomunikasi secara formal dan tidak formal. Selain itu, mel–elektronik juga boleh digunakan untuk bertukar jurnal dialog. Tujuan kertas kerja ini ialah untuk melihat keberkesanan dari segi kuantiti dan kualiti mel–elektronik sebagai alat di dalam jurnal dialog kepada pelajar lelaki dan perempuan daripada Pusat Matrikulasi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa teknik pengajaran ini berkesan – kesemua subjek menunjukkan peningkatan dalam kemahiran menulis.

Kata kunci: Mel-elektronik; penulisan jurnal; komunikasi melalui komputer; kualiti penulisan; kuantiti penulisan

Studies done in the area of composition support the notion that free writing activities help to develop confidence and efficiency among first language (Ll) and second language (L2) students. Dialogue journal writing is one of the activities in free writing that can provide students with the opportunity to explore and experiment with language. The emergence of microcomputer technology has given endless and remarkable enhancement in language teaching instruction. Studies done by Lee (1998) and Warshauer (1995) indicate the usefulness of e–mail in teaching English where teachers and students can communicate with each other through formal and informal consultation. Apart from that, e–mail can be used in exchanging dialogue journals and writing conference. The aim of this paper is to look at the effectiveness in terms of quantity and quality of e–mail as a tool in dialogue journal writing among male and female students from the Matriculation Centre in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The result of this study revealed that this technique is effective – all subjects showed improvement in their writing skills.

Key words: e-mail; journal writing; computer-mediated communication; writing quality; writing quantity
Development of a Twoâ€“Stage Biomass Combustion System for Reducing The Emission Pollutant
Authors: Surjosatyo Adi , Nasir Ani Farid
Published: January 2013

One of the most popular technological processes of converting biomass to a more useful energy is through direct combustion of biomass or gasification in a two stage combustion system. This combustion system configuration comprises of gasifier, gas ejector, cyclonic chamber and swirl burner, which are enclosed by the circular chamber. A series of tests were carried out to investigate the effect of each device in contributing to the reduction of gas emission. The results show that the staged combustion method, including the installation of gas ejector, cyclone chamber and swirl burner in the current gasifier system has shown as significant device to reduce the CO concentration as well as NOx reduction.
Investigation on Optical Fibre Configurations for Process Tomography
Authors: Ibrahim Sallehuddin
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membentangkan satu kajian ke atas konfigurasi penderiaan gentian optik optimum yang digunakan dalam sebuah sistem tomografi proses. Sambutan penderia berdasarkan kepada dua model iaitu model pertama berkaitan dengan atenuasi optik disebabkan oleh bahan yang mempunyai ketumpatan optik yang berbeza manakala model yang kedua adalah berdasarkan panjang laluan optik yang digunakan untuk pepejal dalam udara atau cecair. Paip aliran bulat dipetakan ke atas array segi empat tepat lapan kali lapan piksel. Sebuah kajian dilakukan ke atas empat model aliran: aliran piksel tunggal, aliran dua piksel, aliran separuh dan aliran penuh. Berbagai susunan penderia optik dipertimbangkan untuk projeksi yang berlainan. Masalah hadapan diselesaikan untuk semua gabungan model aliran dan susunan penderia. Algoritma projeksi belakang lelurus (PBL) digunakan untuk membina semula imej. Sebuah algoritma pembina semula yang telah diubahsuai menggabungkan PBL dan pengetahuan terdahulu dihuraikan. Ujian berangka yang berdasarkan kepada pembinaan semula digunakan untuk mengenal pasti sistem terbaik untuk dilaksanakan dalam perkakasan.

Kata kunci: Gentain optik; Proses; Tomografi; Permodelan; Penderia

This paper describes an investigation on the optimum optical fibre sensing configurations to be utilised for a tomography process system. The response of the sensors was based on two models:â€“ (1) optical attenuation model due to material with differing optical densities, and (2) optical path length model which is used for opaque solids in air or liquid. The circular flow pipe is mapped onto an eight by eight rectangular array of pixels. An investigation is carried out on four flow models: a single pixel flow, two pixels flow, half flow and full flow models. Various arrangements of the fibre sensors are considered for different projections. The forward problem is solved for all combinations of flow model and sensor arrangement. Linear back projection (LBP) algorithm is used to reconstruct the image. A modified reconstruction algorithm combining LBP and a priori knowledge is outlined. Numerical tests, based on the reconstruction, are used to identify the best system to be implemented in hardware.

Key words: Optical Fibres; Process; Tomography; Modelling; Sensor
HSP16: A Hardware Simulator for Pesona 16
Authors: Samsudin Khairulmizam , Ramli Abdul Rahman , Mat Yusoff Ismail
Published: January 2013

Penyelaku Perkakasan Pesona 16 (HSP16) merupakan persekitaran pemproses Pesona 16 yang diselakukan untuk perlaksanaan kod perumah. Persekitaran ini membolehkan rekaan dan pengesahan sistem dilakukan secara selari. Teras penyelaku tersebut adalah model Set Arahan Penyelaku (Instruction Set Simulation) juga dikenali sebagai Pemindah Ingatan Daftar (Register Transfer Level). Penyelaku tersebut dibangunkan secara modular dengan C dan mampu menggantikan perkakasan sebenar. Penambahan senibina mikro pemproses serta peranti tambahan dapat dilakukan tanpa perlu melakukan penkodan semula.

Kata kunci: Pesona-16; penyelaku; mikroproses; RISC; pengecasan

Hardware Simulator for Pesona 16 (HSP16) is a simulated environment of the Pesonaâ€“16 microprocessor for execution of the hostâ€“code to enable parallel coâ€“design and coâ€“verification. The simulator core is a typical Instruction Set Simulation (ISS) model, also called Register Transfer Level (RTL) that incorporate an instruction simulation, debugging facility and devices interfacing. The simulator is developed with C and is capable of replacing the real hardware and are fully modularised. Additional microprocessor architecture and devices can be added without the need to rewrite the simulator.

Key words: Pesona-16; Simulator; Microprocessor; RISC; Co-verification
A New Near Optimal Harmonics Elimination PWM Algorithm for AC Traction Drives
Authors: Salam Zainal , Chew Tit Lynn
Published: January 2013

For AC traction system, it is necessary to develop voltage source inverters (VSI) which is compatible with existing types of signaling systems adopted by various railway operators. The varying harmonics incidents of conventional sinusoidalâ€“type PWM VSI is not particularly suitable as it produces unwanted harmonics within the signaling frequency band. One wellâ€“known solution to ensure that the unwanted harmonics do not appear on the spectra is by using the harmonics elimination PWM (HEPWM) switching method. However, the application of HEPWM has been somewhat limited by the fact that the switching angles cannot be calculated online by a microprocessorâ€“based waveform generator. This is due to the fact that the equations involved are nonâ€“linear and transcendental in nature. The paper presents an algorithm to calculate near optimal switching angles, which will permit a fast and efficient realization using a microprocessor. The method is based on quadratic approximation approach which is derived from the computed trajectories of angles.

Key words: power electronics; inverter; pulse-width modulation (PWM); railway signalling; harmonics