bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representing 3D Model of Building From TLS Data Scanning in CityGML
Authors: Akmaliaa R. , Setan H. , Majid Z. , Suwardhi D.
Published: January 2015

Nowadays, 3D city models are used by the increasing number of applications. Most applications require not only geometric information but also semantic information. As a standard and tool for 3D city model, CityGML, provides a method for storing and managing both geometric and semantic information. Moreover, it also provides the multi-scale representation of 3D building model for efficient visualization. In CityGML, building models are represented in five LODs (Level of Detail), start from LOD0, LOD1, LOD2, LOD3, and LOD4. Each level has different accuracy and detail requirement for visualization. Usually, for obtaining multi-LOD of 3D building model, several data sources are integrated. For example, LiDAR data is used for generating LOD0, LOD1, and LOD2 as close-range photogrammetry data is used for generating more detailed model in LOD3 and LOD4. However, using additional data sources is increasing cost and time consuming. Since the development of TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanner), data collection for detailed model can be conducted in a relative short time compared to photogrammetry. Point cloud generated from TLS can be used for generating the multi-LOD of building model. This paper gives an overview about the representation of 3D building model in CityGML and also method for generating multi-LOD of building from TLS data. An experiment was conducted using TLS. Following the standard in CityGML, point clouds from TLS were processed resulting 3D model of building in different level of details. Afterward, models in different LOD were converted into XML schema to be used in CityGML. From the experiment, final result shows that TLS can be used for generating 3D models of building in LOD1, LOD2, and LOD3.
Evaluation of N-RTK Interpolation with Location-Based Dependency
Authors: N. S. Shariff , T. A. Musa , R Othman , H. K Lee
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an evaluation of interpolation methods, that commonly being used in Network-based Real-Time Kinematic (N-RTK) positioning. The interpolation methods attempt to estimate the network residuals of atmospheric and orbital errors for an N-RTK user, by calculating the so-called network coefficient. In this study, a network of GPS stations, known as ISKANDARnet was utilised to calculate the network coefficients at various locations of N-RTK users include inside and outside of the ISKANDARnet area. It was found that all the interpolation methods performed similarly when the user location is nearby to master station. However, the noise of correction terms for each interpolation method was different as the user is situated at various locations especially outside of the network. In addition, the coefficient value indicates more than one (>1) as the user is located outside of the network area, except for the DIM interpolation method.
Derivation of Sea Level Anomaly Based on the Best Range and Geophysical Corrections for Malaysian Seas using Radar Altimeter Database System (RADS)
Authors: Md Din Ami Hassan , Ses Sahrum , Mohd Omar Kamaludin , Naeije Marc , Yaakob Omar , Pa’suya Muhammad Faiz
Published: January 2015

The utilization of satellite altimeter data sets from previous and present satellite altimeter missions is imperative to both oceanographic and geodetic applications. The important parameter that can be derived from satellite altimeter is sea level anomaly, while it is also fundamental for sea level monitoring, geoid determination and current circulations study. This paper presents an effort to determine sea level anomaly for Malaysian seas from six satellite altimeter missions; TOPEX, JASON1, JASON2, ERS1, ERS2 and ENVISAT. The best range and geophysical corrections for Malaysian seas were also investigated in this study by evaluating two state of the art corrections available for 9 years of TOPEX satellite altimeter (from January 1993 to December 2001). Sea level data retrieval and reduction were carried out using the Radar Altimeter Database System (RADS). The comparison of near-simultaneous altimeter and tide gauges observations showed good agreement with the correlations are higher than 0.87 at Tioman Island, Langkawi Island and Kota Kinabalu. This paper introduces RADS and deals with determination of sea level anomaly using the best range and geophysical corrections in Malaysian seas.
New D16 Algorithm for Surface Water Flow Direction
Authors: Wan Ab Karim Wan Muhd Hairi , Hashim Mohamad Ghazali
Published: January 2015

D8 algorithm is a widely used on raster-based dataset to illustrate the correlation and relationship of any particular pixel with its neighbouring pixels in water flow direction model. Unfortunately, several limitations of D8 algorithm are detected: flow divergence in ridge area cannot be modelled, not suitable for sub-catchment identification and others. While, there is a high demands to provide accurate flow direction information is encouraged by the several applications on drainage network planning, agricultural sector and some related construction planning. Thus, the aim of the study is to develop a new algorithm that will improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of current D8 algorithm on surface Single Flow Direction (SFD) modelling. D16 algorithm is not only introduced by adding eight new additional flow direction options, but also provide some additional rules and equations to overcome the weaknesses of D8. This study involved the process of deriving D16 model, logical structures and constructing the best equations into a small executable program. Lastly, the comparison results between D8 and D16 algorithm on local topographic map, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data is discussed in details to evaluate the accuracy of D16 algorithm.
Terrestrial Laser Scanners Pre-Processing: Registration and Georeferencing
Authors: Abbas Mohd Azwan , Chong Luh Lau , Setan Halim , Majid Zulkepli , K. Chong Albert , Aspuri Anuar , M. Idris Khairulnizam , Mohd Ariff Mohd Farid
Published: January 2015

Terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) is a non-contact sensor, optics-based instrument that collects three dimensional (3D) data of a defined region of an object surface automatically and in a systematic pattern with a high data collecting rate. This capability has made TLS widely applied for numerous 3D applications. With the ability to provide dense 3D data, TLS has improved the processing phase in constructing complete 3D model, which is much simpler and faster. Pre-processing is one of the phases involved, which consisted of registration and georeferencing procedures. Due to the many error sources occur in TLS measurement, thus, pre-processing can be considered as very crucial phase to identify any existence of errors and outliers. Any presence of errors in this phase can decrease the quality of TLS final product. With intention to discuss about this issue, this study has performed two experiments, which involved with data collection for land slide monitoring and 3D topography. By implementing both direct and indirect pre-processing method, the outcomes have indicated that TLS is suitable for applications which require centimetre level of accuracy.
Measurement of Facility Management Competencies in Higher Education Institution
Authors: Awang Mariah , Mohammad Abdul Hakim , Sapri Maimunah , Abdul Rahman Mohd Shahril , Nik Lah Nik Mohd Iezuan
Published: January 2015

Facility management competency plays an important role in providing conducive facilities for higher education institutions. This study will examine the selection of measurement items for facility management competencies in higher education institution. Variables examined in this study are leadership and management, managing people, understanding business organization, operation and maintenance, managing premises, managing services, managing resources, and managing the working environment. Respondents consisted of 646 individuals who manage the facilities of higher education institutions. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 20 software. Results showed that the stated variables were categorized into five areas of facility management competencies with Eigenvalues above 1.0. The value of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy 0.966 > 0.6 was adequate for inter-correlation, while Bartlett’s Test was significant (Chi Square = 23069.264, p <0.05). Hence, factor analysis was carried out and the results formed five constructs that were able to explain 71.78% of the polytechnic facility management competencies. In terms of reliability, the Cronbach’s Alpha value classification was very high, exceeding 0.7. Accordingly, the findings obtained reveal that the instrument can identify facility management competencies required to manage facilities in the polytechnics.
Critical Success Factors for Post Occupancy Evaluation of Hospital Building Performance
Authors: Mohammad Izran Sarrazin , Bee Woon Neo , Baba Maizan , Lee Yim Mei Janice , Zainol Nurul Nadiah , Nazri Abdul Qayyum
Published: January 2015

This paper discusses the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) for post occupancy evaluation (POE) of hospital building performance. Recent failures of hospital buildings in delivering the expected service have raised the need for POE of their actual performance. However, POE of hospital building performance is a difficult undertaking and requires a vast amount of resources. Management, competencies, culture and awareness have been recognised as the factors that impede the success of POE projects. This demands the identification of the critical success factors (CSFs) that will enable POE projects to be undertaken without the success-impeding factors aforementioned, hence leading to successful POE projects. Despite the numerous studies on POE, the CSFs for POE have not been investigated. This leads to a knowledge gap of what are the actual CSFs that need to be considered in ensuring the success rate of hospital POE projects. By reviewing various related literatures, this paper attempts to generally look at the possibility of conducting a study on CSFs to ensure the success of hospital POE projects. This paper will eventually review the need for CSFs for POE of hospital building performance.
Image Quality Assessment for Fused Remote Sensing Imageries
Authors: Md Reba Mohd Nadzri , Juey C’uang Ong
Published: January 2015

Image fusion provides precise information in both spatial and spectral resolutions that benefit significantly in high accuracy mapping. Yet, there is less intention withdrawn in justifying the performance of the fused image. In this study, qualitative and quantitative assessments were carried out to test the quality of fusion image. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Gram-Schmidt and Ehlers were applied to fuse the hyperspectral and Lidar image. Ehlers fusion showed good in preserving the color of image and contained the most information. Besides, the classification of Ehlers fused image showed the highest accuracy.
Modelling and Simulation of Boost Converter with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Mat Su, Ahmad Shaharuddin , Abd Ghani Rasli , Slamet Slamet
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the proposed model and simulation of a DC to DC converter with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) using fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for a standalone Photovoltaic (PV) System. This research will focus on the developing high performance DC to DC converter with fuzzy logic controller based to extract the maximum power that generated by the PV panel. The system composed of the PV array and DC-DC boost converter with MPPT system. The maximum power point tracking control is based on adaptive fuzzy logic to control ON/OFF time of IGBT switch of DC-DC boost converter. The proposed DC to DC converter is designed by using the Multisim software while the controller programme will be carried out by using the Matlab Simulink software. Pulse width modulation will be generated by the controller to trigger the IGBT gate. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated by the simulation and the result show that our proposed converter can convert more power from generated voltage. By using the fuzzy logic method to track the maximum power of the PV array, it is faster and the voltage is stable.
A Homological Invariant of a Bieberbach Group with Dihedral Extension
Authors: Mohammad Siti Afiqah , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Mohd Ali, Nor Muhainiah , Mat Hassim Hazzirah Izzati
Published: January 2015

A Bieberbach group is a crystallographic group which is an extension of a free abelian group of finite rank by a finite extension. Meanwhile, research on homological invariants has been on interest of many authors since it is related to the study of the properties of the crystal using mathematical approach. One of the homological invariants is the exterior square. In this paper, the exterior square of a Bieberbach group of dimension four with dihedral extension is computed theoretically.
A New Relation of Second Order Limit Language in Simple and Semi-Simple Splicing System
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Azrin , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Heng Fong Wan , Yusof Yuhani
Published: January 2015

Splicing system, which is an abstraction of operations on DNA molecules, can be modelled mathematically under the framework of formal language theory and informational macromolecules. The recombinant behavior of the set of double-stranded DNA molecules under the influence of restriction enzyme and ligase further lead to the cut and paste phenomenon in splicing system. The theoretical study of splicing language has contributed to a new type of splicing language known as a second order limit language, which is an extension of limit language. Some types of splicing system can produce second order limit language. Y-G splicing system is chosen among other models to model the DNA splicing process as this model preserves the biological traits and presents the transparent behavior of the DNA splicing process. In this paper, the relation between second order limit language with simple splicing and semi-simple splicing system are presented.
Implementation of IncCond Algorithm to Optimize PI Boost Converter for Maximum Power Point Tracking in Photovoltaic Arrays
Authors: Slamet Slamet , Abd Ghani Rasli , Kobayashi Fuminori
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an incremental conductance (IncCond) algorithm optimized Proportional Integral (PI) controller for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic (PV) arrays. In the proposed method, Modified IncCond algorithm is used for optimizing the maximum available power in uncertainty occurs of the temperature and solar radiation. Furthermore, PI in boost converter is used to ensure the steady state conditions more quickly and eliminate the power losses in switching. Tuning method is applied for determining control parameters by using zigler-nichols and trial – error procedures. The simulation results demonstrate the excellent performance which can effectively improve in tracking speed and accuracy of maximum power. The controller response is able to achieve stable conditions around 0.01 seconds, which is three times faster to equal with the input voltage. Simulation results showed that the PV system becomes more efficient as proven by the changes in irradiance conditions by having average power efficiency is 99.35%, error is 0.65%, which is half the existing one.
Assessment of Photogrammetric Micro Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System For Image Acquisition of Coastal Area
Authors: Darwin Norhadija , Ahmad Anuar , Mat Amin Zulkarnaini , Zainon Othman
Published: January 2015

Fast image acquisition is the most important part for societal impact of a developing country. This paper aims to demonstrate the potential use of micro fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system attached with high resolution digital camera for coastal mapping. In this study, six strips of aerial images of coastal area was captured using a high resolution compact digital camera known as Canon Power Shot SX230 HS and it has 12 megapixel image resolution. From the aerial images, photogrammetric image processing method is completed to produce mapping outputs such a digital elevation model (DEM) and orthophoto. For accuracy assessment, the coordinates of the selected points in the 3D of stereomodel were compared to the conjugate points observed using GPS and the root mean square error (RMSE) is computed. From this study, the results showed that the achievable RMSE are ± 0.018m, ± 0.013m and ± 0.034m for coordinates X, Y and Z respectively. It will anticipate that the UAV will be used for coastal survey and improve current method of producing with low cost, fast and good accuracy. Finally, the UAV has shown great potential to be used for coastal mapping that require accurate results or products using high resolution camera.
The Influence of Organizational Structure and Readiness to Adopt a Public Private Partnership in Yemen
Authors: Mohammed Al shareem,* Khaled , Yusof Nor'Aini , Mustafa kamal Ernawati
Published: January 2015

PPPs are widely implemented  worldwide and it has become vital issues in several studies. This study investigates the relationship between organizational structure and readiness to implement PPPs. The aim  of this research is to provide a theoretical framework for the impact of organizational structure on readiness to adopt PPPs and test whether the organizational structure dimensions have significant impact on the PPPs readiness index. The research model and hypotheses were formed and tested using correlation and regression analysis. The results show that formalization as one of the attributes in organizational structure is the main predictor to PPPs readiness index. This finding  also shows that the organizational structure has a significant and positive relationship with readiness to implement PPPs. Based on the findings, it is recommended that in order to enhance the implementation of the PPPs, there is a strong  need to consider organizational structure attributes such as centralization and formalization.
The Thermoluminescence Performance of Ge- Doped Optical Fibres To 6 Mv Photon Irradiations
Authors: Ariffin E.I.M.K. , Sallih F. , Hashim S. , Zakariah S. , Pi M.I.C
Published: January 2015

The study focus on thermoluminescence (TL) response of five different diameters ~120, 241, 362, 483 and 604 μm of 8 mol% Ge-doped optical fibres. The irradiation was performed using Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Model Primus MLC Siemens provided by the Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru at 6 MV photon irradiation with delivered doses ranging from 0.5 – 4.0 Gy. The results show the linear dose response against TL signals up to 4 Gy. The diameter of 483 μm optical fibre shows the highest in TL dose response and sensitivity compared to other fibres. The sensitivity of 483 µm optical fibre are almost 1.6 times  more than 604 µm. The linear dose response at low dose makes this optical fibre suitable to be used in radiation dosimetry application.
Analyzing The Violent Crime Patterns In Peninsular Malaysia : Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) Approach
Authors: Zakaria Syerrina , Abd. Rahman Nuzlinda
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study is to analyze the spatial cluster of crime cases in Peninsular Malaysia by using the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA). In order to identify and measure the spatial autocorrelation (cluster), Moran’s I index were measured. Based on the cluster analyses, the hot spot of the violent crime occurrence was mapped. Maps were constructed by overlaying hot spot of violent crime rate for the year 2001, 2005 and 2009. As a result, the hypothesis of spatial randomness was rejected indicating cluster effect existed in the study area. The findings reveal that crime was distributed nonrandomly, suggestive of positive spatial autocorrelation. The findings of this study can be used by the goverment, policy makers or responsible agencies to take any related action in term of crime prevention, human resource allocation and law enforcemant in order to overcome this important issue in the future.
Road Vehicle Following Control Strategy Using Model Reference Adaptive Control Method Stability Approach
Authors: Hassan Aveen U. , Sudin Shahdan
Published: January 2015

In convoy system, the control system on each vehicle requires information about proceeding vehicle motion, in order to maintain stability and satisfy operating constraints. A two-vehicle look-ahead control strategy is proposed and investigated for the operation of a convoy. The mathematical modeling for this control strategy has been formulated and simulated in this paper. This paper demonstrates the design process of an adaptive controller gain for a road vehicle following system. This process is done by simulation. The appropriate constants are used as the reference model for the adaptive controller implementation to find the effectiveness of the control. As a result, a road vehicle following system with an adaptive gain controller is produced.
Undang-Undang Siber Dari Perspektif Islam
Authors: Amboala Tamrin , Anuar Mokhtar Ainnur Hafizah , Muhammad Mohd Zulkifli , Nor Muhamad Nasrul Hisyam
Published: January 2015

The paper presents a comparative study between the existing cyber laws in Malaysia and the Islamic perspective concerning four major issues in cyber space particularly concerning i) privacy, ii) trust, iii) theft and iv) contract. The study uses comparative approach from the main source of Islamic Syariah - Quran and Sunnah (tradition of the prophet s.aw.) and a thorough study of the existing law pertaining to cyber crime such as Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 and Computer Crime Act 1997. The study prevails that the above concerns principally seems to be consistent with Islamic view.  However, more extensive study must be carried out when it comes to implementation of these issues in e-commerce. With more than one billion Muslim population, the research will serve as a baseline for establishing an alternative view from Islamic perspective and cyber laws that taken into account approach based on Syariah to meet new challenges for Muslim Ummah in cyberspace.
Source Apportionment of Air Pollution: A Case Study In Malaysia
Authors: Azid Azman , Juahir Hafizan , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Endut Azizah , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin , Che Hasnam Che Noraini , Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir , Yunus Kamaruzzaman
Published: January 2015

Air pollution is becoming a major environmental issue in Malaysia. This study focused on the identification of potential sources of variations in air quality around the study area based on the data obtained from the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE).  Eight air quality parameters in ten monitoring stations for seven years (2006 – 2012) were gathered.  The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method from chemometric technique was applied to identify the source identification of pollution around the study area. The PCA method has identified methane (CH4), non-methane hydrocarbon (NmHC), total hydrocarbon (THC), ozone (O3) and particulate matter under 10 microns (PM10) are the most significant parameters around the study area.  From the study, it can be concluded that the application of the PCA method in chemometric techniques can be applied for the source apportionment purpose. Hence, this study indicated that for the future and effective management of the Malaysian air quality, an effort should be placed as a priority in controlling point and non-point pollution sources.
Flood Risk Pattern Recognition Using Chemometric Technique: A Case Study In Kuantan River Basin
Authors: Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir , Juahir Hafizan , Azid Azman , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri , Kasim Mohd Fadhil , Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Abdul Aziz Nor Azlina , Che Hasnam Che Noraini , Samsudin Mohd Saiful
Published: January 2015

Integrated Chemometric and Artificial Neural Network were being applied in this study to identify the main contributor for flood, predicting hydrological modelling and risk of flood occurrence at the Kuantan river basin. Based on the Correlation Test analysis, the relationship for Suspended Solid and Stream Flow with Water Level were very high with Pearson correlation of coefficient value more than 0.5. Factor Analysis had been carried out and based on the result, variables such as Stream Flow, Suspended Solid and Water Level turned out to be the major factors and had a strong factor pattern with the results of factor score with >0.7 respectively. Time series analysis was being employed and the limitation had been set up where the Upper Control Limit for Stream Flow, Suspended Solid and Water Level where at this level, it was predicted by using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to be High Risk Class. The accuracy of prediction from this method stood at 97.8%.
A Comparison of Second Order and Non-Second Order Limit Language Generated by Yusof-Goode Splicing System
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Azrin , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Heng Fong Wan , Yusof Yuhani
Published: January 2015

DNA splicing process is a study on the recombinant behavior of double-stranded DNA molecules with the existence of restriction enzyme and ligase. Head introduced the first mathematical model of splicing systems by using the relation of informational macromolecules and formal language theory. In addition, a few laboratory experiments have been conducted in order to verify certain types of splicing language called inert/adult, transient and limit language. Previously, researchers have focused on those types of splicing languages.   Recently, an extension of limit languages namely second order limit language has been introduced. In this paper, the difference between second order limit languages and non-second order limit languages is depicted in some examples. Then, the formations of second order limit language in Yusof-Goode splicing system are investigated.
Potential Of Using Rainwater for Potable Purpose in Malaysia with Varying Antecedent Dry Intervals
Authors: Shaheed Riffat , Wan Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini
Published: January 2015

Water rationing and abrupt disruption of water supply which directly affects the consumer daily activities were caused by the shortage of raw water to the treatment plant. Rainwater where Malaysia received more than 3000 mm per year is an attractive alternative water resource for clean treated water. Furthermore, it is always considered that rainwater is of high quality and with minimum treatment can be served for potable uses. This study investigates the quality of harvested rainwater over varying Antecedent Dry Intervals (ADI) from one, two, three and more than nine days. Samples were analysed for parameters of pH, DO, BOD5, COD, TSS, NH3-N and E. Coli. Analysis was made to compare with the drinking standards set by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia (MOH), the Department of Environment, Malaysia (DOE) and World Health Organisation (WHO).  Measured pH and DO did not vary with ADI days and gave relatively consistent values within the standards. The concentrations of BOD5, COD, TSS, NH3-N and E. Coli were insignificantly changed for samples with ADI less than three days, but were increased for the rainwater samples collected after more than nine days. Even so, all samples were reasonably below the acceptable limit set by the Malaysian authorities, except for E. Coli. The three millimetres first flush for the rainwater is sufficient and with minimum treatment, the use of rainwater can be extended to potable uses
A Comparative Analysis on Reversible Watermarking Techniques in Medical Images
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mojtaba , Naghsh Alireza , Hejazi Sayed Amir , Abu-Bakar S.A.R
Published: January 2015

Digital Image watermarking is usually used for identifying the owner, provider or recipient of an image. Watermarking also can be used for other applications such as copyright protection, fingerprinting, authentication, integrity verification, broadcast monitoring and content description. Reversibility is one of the important aspects in digital image watermarking. It is also known as lossless or invertible watermarking. Compared to conventional watermarking scheme, reversible data hiding restores not only the watermark, but also the original multimedia perfectly, which is a critical requirement for medical and military applications. In this work, after presenting different classifications of reversible methods, two commonly used reversible techniques are explained and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
Persepsi Pelajar Perempuan Terhadap Program Dan Profesion Dalam Bidang Kejuruteraan: Kajian Kes Di Malaysia Dan Jepun
Authors: Balakrishnan Balamuralithara , Siang Low Foon , Azman Mohamed Nor Azhari
Published: January 2015

This study examines the perceptions of female engineering students in Malaysia and Japan on the program and the engineering profession. Studied in the context of their perception of learning experiences and socio-cultural aspects. This study used quantitative where a total of 30 female engineering students in a questionnaire about their perception of the program and the engineering profession. The results showed that female students Malaysia and Japan in the field of engineering has a different degree of consensus in many of the key elements of learning experiences in their engineering degree courses as well as socio-cultural influence on their perception of the program and the engineering profession.
Composite Nonlinear Feedback Control with Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization for Active Front Steering System
Authors: Ramli Liyana , Md. Sam Yahaya , Mohamed Zaharuddin , Aripin M. Khairi , Ismail M. Fahezal
Published: January 2015

The purpose of controlling the vehicle handling is to ensure that the vehicle is in a safe condition and following its desire path. Vehicle yaw rate is controlled in order to achieve a good vehicle handling. In this paper, the optimal Composite Nonlinear Feedback (CNF) control technique is proposed for an Active Front Steering (AFS) system for improving the vehicle yaw rate response. The model used in order to validate the performance of controller is nonlinear vehicle model with 7 degree-of-freedom (DOF) and a bicycle model is implemented for the purpose of designing the controller. In designing an optimal CNF controller, the parameter estimation of linear and nonlinear gain becomes very important to produce the best output response. An intelligent algorithm is designed to minimize the time consumed to get the best parameter. To design an optimal method, Multi Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) is utilized to optimize the CNF controller performance. As a result, transient performance of the yaw rate has improved with the increased speed of in tracking and searching of the best optimized parameter estimation for the linear and the nonlinear gain of CNF controller.
Brain Tissue Classification in Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Yazdani Sapideh , Yusof Rubiyah , Karimian Alireza , Riazi Amir Hossein
Published: January 2015

Automatic segmentation of brain images is a challenging problem due to the complex structure of brain images, as well as to the absence of anatomy models. Brain segmentation into white matter, gray matter, and cerebral spinal fluid, is an important stage for many problems, including the studies in 3-D visualizations for disease detection and surgical planning. In this paper we present a novel fully automated framework for tissue classification of brain in MR Images that is a combination of two techniques: GLCM and SVM, each of which has been customized for the problem of brain tissue segmentation such that the results are more robust than its individual components that is demonstrated through experiments.  The proposed framework has been validated on brainweb dataset of different modalities, with desirable performance in the presence of noise and bias field. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method the Kappa similarity index is computed. Our method achieves higher kappa index (91.5) compared with other methods currently in use. As an application, our method has been used for segmentation of MR images with promising results.
Development of Color Vision Deficiency Assistive System
Authors: Kah Meng Chong , Ismail Fatimah Sham , Ya’akup Afiqamirul
Published: January 2015

Color vision deficiency is commonly known as color blind, is a type of vision defect in our eyeball. The inability to recognize color has caused several problems to the patient daily life and in conducting certain color oriented activities. To help the patient cope with the problem of recognizing colors, a color vision deficiency aided device is designed. This paper focuses on developing a user interface that can detect colors and show it as text on the screen of the device using the concept of augmented reality. The system basically consists of a mini computer, Raspberry PI and its own camera module as well as a LCD screen for display purposes. Raspberry PI is used due to its small and compact size and capability to carry out image processing. With the help of OpenCV library, color detection, filtering and processing can be carried out easily. Benchmark shape and color of has been designed for experimental purposes to test for the performance and functionality of the system. The result of the distance test shows that the hue (H) element is almost consistent whereas the saturation (S) varies by roughly 49.3% and value (V) by 30.5%. As for the range of detection, the minimum range is 12 cm where the maximum range is up to 15 meter. The accuracy of the 4 base colors detection is about 80%.
Power Consumption Optimization of a Building Using Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Ab Rahman Ahmad Faiz , Selamat Hazlina , Ismail Fatimah Sham , Khamis Nurulaqilla
Published: January 2015

This paper discusses the development of a building energy optimization algorithm by using multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization for a building. Particle Swarm Optimization is a well known algorithm that is proven to be effective in many complex optimization problems. Multiobjective PSO is developed by utilizing non-dominated sorting algorithm in tandem with majority-based selection algorithm. The optimizer is written by using MATLAB alongside its GUI interface. Results are then analyzed by using the Binh and Korn benchmark test and natural distance performance metrics. From the results, the optimizer is capable to minimize up to 42 percent of energy consumption and lowering the electricity bills up to 43 percent, while still maintaining comfort at more than 95 percent as well. With this, building owner can save energy with a low-cost and simple solution.
Antilock Braking System Using Dynamic Speed Estimation
Authors: Sandhu Fargham , Selamat Hazlina , Md Sam Yahaya
Published: January 2015

Antilock braking systems use slip to control braking, for which the velocity of the car and wheel speeds of the wheels are required. The wheel speeds can be measured directly but the velocity of the vehicle is difficult to measure. Although the wheel speed can be used to calculate the linear velocity of the vehicle using the tire characteristic function, it depends upon various environmental and time varying parameters. The dominant factor in the characteristic function is the road friction coefficient. Due to the difficulties in proper estimation of the road friction, most systems calculate the optimal values offline and apply them at different speeds using switching functions. By using the tire model and the optimal friction coefficients, the velocity of the vehicle is estimated and used for calculating the optimal braking force, resulting in inappropriate control of braking creating longer braking distances. In the method proposed in this paper, an estimator will be used to estimate the velocity, which is proved to be more accurate than calculated from the wheel speeds. The estimated velocity and the pitch angle will be used to schedule the braking forces in order to reduce the braking time. The braking time of the proposed system lies between the ideal braking time and the conventional reference wheel speed related braking time, indicating an improvement in reducing the braking distance.
Comparison of Face Recognition Algorithms for Human-Robot Interactions
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Tahir , H. M. Amin Shamsudin
Published: January 2015

Face recognition is a cornerstone of many robotic systems in which a robot has to identify and interact with a human being. Choosing a face recognition algorithm arbitrarily may not yield the best results for a researcher and may produce undermined results. In this paper we compare three widely used algorithms in terms of speed and accuracy. Such data can be very useful in choosing an algorithm for a particular task. The algorithms were applied to 36 different situations, and the results indicate the strengths, advantage and limitations of each of the three recognition methods in a certain setting.
Development of Reconfigurable Rehabilitation Robot for Post-stroke Forearm and Wrist Training
Authors: Kang Xiang Khor , Chin Jun Hua Patrick , Abdul Rahman Hisyam , Che Fai Yeong , T. Narayanan Aqilah Leela , Su Lee Ming Eileen
Published: January 2015

Rehabilitation robots are gradually becoming popular for stroke rehabilitation to improve motor recovery, as robotic technology can assist, enhance, and further quantify rehabilitation training for stroke patients.  However, most of the available rehabilitation robots are complex and involve multiple Degrees-Of-Freedoms (DOFs) causing it to be very expensive and huge in size. Rehabilitation robot needed to be useful but also should be cost-effective to be able to use in current rehabilitation process. This paper present the design of reconfigurable rehabilitation robot that able to adopt different training movement by changing the configuration of the device. The developed robotic system able to perform training for wrist, forearm and other functional rehabilitation training by using suitable modular units. Preliminary study with three stroke subject were presented to evaluate the functionality in different training modes for forearm and wrist rehabilitation training.
Structural Analysis of Portable Repositioning Equipment for Bedridden Patients
Authors: Mohd Faudzi Ahmad 'Athif , Md Nasir Harith , Mohd Fadzil Muhaimin , Mukri Mohd ‘Azizir-Rahim , Abdul Satar Abdul Aziz
Published: January 2015

A new approach of preventing bedsore risk for bedridden patients is presented. The design is proposed by transferring the conventional method into a portable mechanism that was derived from popular nurses’ practice using bed sheet to relieve patient skin pressure by repositioning or rolling them every 2 hours. The portable equipment is installed in between the bed to reposition the patient. In this paper, the development of prototype design is addressed, followed by the simulation of structure stress analysis and software development. This study will match the proposed design with the behavior of its user.
Investigation of Sensor-based Quantitative Model for Badminton Skill Analysis and Assessment
Authors: Shan Chew Zhen , Sen Sim Lee , Che Fai Yeong , Su Lee Ming Eileen
Published: January 2015

Badminton is one of the most popular sports in Malaysia. The main aim of this project is to investigate sets  of movements in badminton training using sensors, to identify the good movement that enhance badminton performance. In addition, this project also aims to identify measurable parameters to quantify badminton  skill levels. The performance of elite players will be studied to identify benchmark values for these measurable parameters. A quantitative model will be proposed using these measurable parameters to help in the objective assessment of skill levels. Findings of this project will help badminton players to improve  their techniques, as well as providing an objective measurement to assess badminton skills.
Development of ROV based Water Tank Cleaning Robot
Authors: Mohd Faudzi Ahmad 'Athif , Tian-Qiong Ong , Liang Xuan Wong , Weng Kit Tham
Published: January 2015

Clean water supply is important in ensuring good health of people. Water supply is distributed from water storage tanks. Sediment that accumulates over time in water storage tanks will deteriorate the water quality used by consumers. Therefore, water storage tanks are required to be cleaned once in every three years by water utility operators or tank cleaning service providers. Manual cleaning method is done by draining off and resupply water into the tank after workers have cleaned the tank using water jet and brushes. In this paper, an alternative cleaning method using a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) is proposed.  Using ROV, water supply disruption can be prevented and cleaning process will be more efficient and cost effective. An ROV is built to operate underwater and vacuum out sediments from water tank. Operator on screen can see live-streaming video. Raspberry Pi is used as the main communication board to interface with MATLAB. Operator will operates the ROV remotely to carry out the cleaning process. IMU sensor was also used for simulation study in MATLAB for orientation movements testing.
Activation of cellular apoptosis in the caecal epithelium is associated with increased oxidative reactions in lactating goats after feeding a high‐concentrate diet
Authors: Tao Shiyu , Tian Jing , Cong Rihua , Sun Lili , Duanmu Yongqian , Dong Haibo , Ni Yingdong , Zhao Ruqian
Published: January 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the ultrastructural changes of the caecal mucosa and the status of epithelial cellular apoptosis and oxidative reactions in lactating goats after prolonged feeding with a high‐concentrate diet?

What is the main finding and its importance?

High‐concentrate diet results in ultrastructural damage to the caprine caecal epithelium. Increased oxidative and decreased antioxidative reactions are involved in the process of activating epithelial apoptosis in the caecal epithelium of goats fed a high‐concentrate diet. Our results provide new insight into the relationship between abnormal fermentation in the hindgut and damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier.

The effect of feeding a high‐concentrate diet (HC) to lactating ruminants on their hindgut epithelial structure remains unknown. In this study, 12 lactating goats were randomly assigned to either HC (65% of dry matter as concentrate;n = 6) or a low‐concentrate diet (LC; 35% of dry matter as concentrate;n = 6). After 10 weeks, the epithelial ultrastructure and cell apoptotic status in the caecal mucosa were determined by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL, respectively. The results showed that the level of free lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05), total volatile fatty acid concentrations (P < 0.1) and starch content (P < 0.05) in the caecal digesta were significantly increased in HC‐ compared with LC‐fed goats. The HC‐fed goats exhibited obvious epithelial cellular damage, with widened tight junction spaces, nuclear breakdown and mitochondrial swelling. Compared with their LC‐fed counterparts, HC‐fed goats showed greater apoptosis in the caecal epithelium, as evidenced by more TUNEL‐positive apoptotic cells. Western blot analysis showed that there was no significant difference in activated caspase‐3, Bax protein expression in caecal epithelial mucosa between HC‐ and LC‐fed goats (P > 0.05). However, the level of malondialdehyde content in the caecal epithelium from HC‐fed goats was markedly higher than that in LC‐fed goats (P < 0.05), whereas the level of glutathione peroxidase and the superoxide dismutase activity were significantly decreased. Gene expressions of cytokines, including interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ, as well as myeloperoxidase activity in the caecal mucosa did not show any significant difference between HC‐ and LC‐fed goats. These results indicate that feeding a high‐concentrate diet to lactating goats for a prolonged period results in abnormal fermentation and structural disruption in the hindgut, which is accompanied by greater cellular apoptosis and an enhanced oxidative stress response.
Effects of refractive index mismatch in optical CT imaging of polymer gel dosimeters
Authors: Manjappa Rakesh , Makki S Sharath , Kumar Rajesh , Kanhirodan Rajan
Published: January 2015

Purpose:

Proposing an image reconstruction technique, algebraic reconstruction technique‐refraction correction (ART‐rc). The proposed method takes care of refractive index mismatches present in gel dosimeter scanner at the boundary, and also corrects for the interior ray refraction. Polymer gel dosimeters with high dose regions have higher refractive index and optical density compared to the background medium, these changes in refractive index at high dose results in interior ray bending.

Methods:

The inclusion of the effects of refraction is an important step in reconstruction of optical density in gel dosimeters. The proposed ray tracing algorithm models the interior multiple refraction at the inhomogeneities. Jacob's ray tracing algorithm has been modified to calculate the pathlengths of the ray that traverses through the higher dose regions. The algorithm computes the length of the ray in each pixel along its path and is used as the weight matrix. Algebraic reconstruction technique and pixel based reconstruction algorithms are used for solving the reconstruction problem. The proposed method is tested with numerical phantoms for various noise levels. The experimental dosimetric results are also presented.

Results:

The results show that the proposed scheme ART‐rc is able to reconstruct optical density inside the dosimeter better than the results obtained using filtered backprojection and conventional algebraic reconstruction approaches. The quantitative improvement using ART‐rc is evaluated using gamma‐index. The refraction errors due to regions of different refractive indices are discussed. The effects of modeling of interior refraction in the dose region are presented.

Conclusions:

The errors propagated due to multiple refraction effects have been modeled and the improvements in reconstruction using proposed model is presented. The refractive index of the dosimeter has a mismatch with the surrounding medium (for dry air or water scanning). The algorithm reconstructs the dose profiles by estimating refractive indices of multiple inhomogeneities having different refractive indices and optical densities embedded in the dosimeter. This is achieved by tracking the path of the ray that traverses through the dosimeter. Extensive simulation studies have been carried out and results are found to be matching that of experimental results.
The Coach-Educator: NCAA Division I Coach Perspectives About an Integrated University Organizational Structure
Authors: Weight Erianne A. , Cooper Coyte , Popp Nels K.
Published: January 2015

Philosophical debate about the proper role of athletics within the academy has reverberated through each era of collegiate sport, and a growing body of literature points toward an impending tipping point unless radical reform ensues. This study contributes perspective to a proposed reform model through investigating perceptions of National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I coaches (N = 661) about their roles as educators and how this role could be altered through structural and philosophical changes within the academy. Quantitative and qualitative data provided mixed findings related to coach support for an integrated organizational structure with high variance in all structural facets explored except for compensation, where coaches believed structures should not be uniform between athletic and academic units because of the perceived greater workload, hours, media attention, and pressure in athletics.