bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERACTION EXPERIENCES IN MOBILE AUGMENTED REALITY
Authors: M. Nazri Nur Intan Adhani , Awang Rambli Dayang Rohaya , C. Doolan Daniel
Published: October 2019

The world of mobile computing has been advancing at a tremendous rate over the past numbers of years and is set to continue well in the future. The vast majority of interaction between the user and mobile of today makes use of touch screen displays that have now become the de-facto standard in all smart phones. This paper presents a mobile Augmented Reality (AR) application making use of different kinds of interaction techniques to investigate user experience and the usefulness of the AR technology. Comparisons are drawn with a ported version of the application that makes use of the more traditional touch screen interaction paradigm (2D), thus allowing users to accurately gauge their interaction style preference. The application also makes use of finger-based gesture, auditory (3D sound) and haptic based feedback to ground the user and create a richer experience. Our results shows that though the user feels that 2D interaction is easy to use, they find that using gesture based AR interaction is more fun and enjoyable in this mobile AR application.
INTERFACE DESIGN FOR YOUNG DYSLEXICS: A SURVEY ON VISUAL REPRESENTATION
Authors: Ismail Rozita , Jaafar Azizah
Published: October 2019

The use of information and communication technology in learning is an essential part of the National Curriculum in Malaysia. Dyslexic children exhibit different skills and motivations. They dislike reading and find reading to be a painful activity. This paper presents an exploration of the visual representation used by dyslexic children in learning Bahasa Melayu. Visual representations, such as the use of icons and images, in interface design are remembered easily and enhance the level of concentration and experience in learning. The experiment used an educational multimedia courseware to investigate how dyslexic children react towards the use of icons and images. This study involved 12 dyslexic children in a primary school in Malaysia. Findings from the experiment were examined to understand how children with dyslexia perceive visual representations. The findings will help designers to carefully design and choose icons and images that can easily be interpreted by these children. Well designed icons and images allow dyslexic children to recognise the meaning of those visual representations without the need of additional support.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN SCHOOL LABS
Authors: Abdul Aziz Siti Rahayu , Ibrahim Mohamad , Sauti Mohd Suhaimi
Published: October 2019

This preliminary study is intended to identify the significance of network management system (NMS) in the school computer lab. It was found that most of ICT teachers are not familiar with network management system; majority has yet to attend course pertaining to network management system. In this study, 15 ICT teachers from 15 different schools in Selangor were given a questionnaire that focuses on Demographic Data and the School Computer Lab information. This study discovered that there is no standard Network Management System placed in school computer lab in Selangor. Issues such as server failure, malfunction internetworking devices and slow network access prompts the new user friendly NMS, intended specifically for school ICT teachers.
INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR CREATIVITY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Authors: Wei Whei-Jane , Lee Lai-Chung
Published: October 2019

Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is dramatically expanding in Taiwan, its educational implications are lacking in early childhood education. The purpose of this study is to apply ICT in developing digital learning materials to enhance young children’s creativity. To achieve this goal, the study incorporated a focus group, observations and experimental research. The researchers designed nine sets of interactive devices using an interactive desktop, Kinect and iPad. Through an intentional sampling method, four kindergarten classes, consisting of 149 children aged 4-6, were involved in the study, with gender, public/private and city/suburban factors taken into consideration. Findings showed that the experimental group’s flexibility and originality was significantly better than those in the control group. These findings demonstrated that the interactive devices designed by the study were effective in enhancing the children’s creativity. The findings also revealed that: suburban children are significantly more fluent than city children, boys possessed significantly more originality than girls, and private kindergarten children were significantly more fluent and flexible than those from the public schools.
NATIONAL E-STRATEGIES FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Jano Zanariah , Md Saad Mohd Shamsuri , Yahya Aziz , Khamis Noorli , Ahmad Rabiah
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates empirically different ways to organize e-strategies of Research and Development (R&D) among Malaysian ministries. This study examines the dynamic cycle of e-strategies namely Web resources, Web tools, Assessment and Continual Quality Assessments through the content analyses of the Ministries’ websites. All the strategies support the mission and objectives of the organizations. As universities are seen as the catalysts for the development of R &D, the national policies support them by a means of investment of grants and other strategies which assist the growth of the economy. The Ministries are yet to adequately reflect truly comprehensive and integrated strategies for harnessing and exploiting these potentials in order to gear for internationalization and collaboration across countries. The flaws in the assessment and CQI should be heeded to provide a better system of monitoring. This paper provides interesting insights into the trend of e-strategies of R&D employed by Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Malaysia. The model of e-strategies utilized in the study will provide guidelines for policy makers within the Ministries in improving their e-strategies to realize their visions and missions. Further research should focus on the e-strategies of universities in Malaysia to ascertain the trends adopted in realizing the vision and mission of Ministries in R&D agenda.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM PROCESS EQUIPMENT FAILURES IN THE CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRY
Authors: Hussin Nor Afina Eidura , Kidam Kamarizan , Shahlan Siti Suhaili , Johari Anwar , Hashim Haslenda
Published: October 2019

Process equipment failures play significant roles in most accidents that occur and recur in the chemical process industry (CPI). In this study, 50 equipment comprehensive accident investigation reports, extracted from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were analyzed to generate lessons learned. Based on the analysis, the synergy between major hazards i.e. fire, explosion, and toxic release has resulted in catastrophic accidents in the CPI. The emphasis on procedural equipment failure prevention does not provide sufficient hierarchy of controls in the CPI. Balance and integrated accident prevention is required to solve human unreliability that often leads to improper problem-solving, inappropriate actions, and ill-timed responses. To minimize losses, facilities and equipment should be designed and prepared for the worst-case scenario. Moreover, occurrence and recurrence of the accidents could be prevented using inclusive and updated communication systems through cooperation between various governmental agencies, industry players, and the public to disseminate lessons learned and promote safety in the industry.
AN ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ACCIDENT IN THE US CHEMICAL SAFETY BOARD (CSB) DATABASE
Authors: A. Jalani Jihan , Kidam Kamarizan , Shahlan Siti Suhaili , Kamarden Hamidah , Hassan Onn , Hashim Haslenda
Published: October 2019

Accident rate in the chemical process industry (CPI) is high and causing loss of lives, massive property and environmental damage. Continuous improvement on accident knowledge and understanding is vital for process safety. Thus, an initiative to study the latest trends of accident was taken by analyzing 75 completed investigation reports of US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) accident cases occurred in CPI from 1995 to 2011. The result of the analysis shows that the CPI accepted the concept of Prevention trough Design (PtD). However, 71% of accident cases are similar due to incorrect corrective action taken.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(1-VINYL IMIDAZOLE)-GRAFT-ETFE/PHOSPHORIC ACID PROTON CONDUCTING MEMBRANES
Authors: Ahmad Ali Amgad , Mahmoud Nasef Mohamed , Saidi Hamdani , Ahmad Arshad
Published: October 2019

Proton conducting membranes obtained by radiation-induced grafting (RIG) of 1-vinylimidazole (1-VIm) onto poly(ethylene-co-tetraflouroethene) (ETFE) films followed by phosphoric acid (PA) doping was prepared. The effect of grafting parameters on the grafted basic moiety was studied. The level of PA doping was controlled by manipulation of reaction parameters. The obtained membranes were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and DC impedance spectroscopy. The obtained membranes proved to have less-water dependent proton conductivity with a value of 140 mS/cm at 120oC and 17 % RH% at acid doping level of of 6.54 mmol/repeat unit. The membranes have potential for application in high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).
THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES ANALYSIS FOR AMMONIA-WATER MIXTURE OF AN ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE
Authors: Mohd Razif N.H. , Mamat A.M.I , Lias I. , Mohamed W.A.N.W
Published: October 2019

In an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), the thermofluid properties of the organic fluid are key parameters to achieve an optimum energy recovery. Non-azeotrapic fluid, such as ammonia-water mixture is suitable for applications in low grade heat source because of the thermodynamic characteristics of this fluid. This paper reports experimental data of thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of ammonia-water mixtures that will be used for ORC application. Five ratios of ammonia to water concentration were tested which are; (1) 25:75, (2) 20:80, (3) 15:85, (4) 10:90 and (5) 5:95. These five mixtures are characterized at a temperature range from 25ºC to 40ºC. The result shows that the thermal conductivity increases as the concentration of the ammonia reduces. The thermal conductivity also increases as the mixture temperature increases. The ammonia-water mixture at the ratio of 5:95 gives the highest thermal conductivity at 40ºC which is 30% better than the other concentrations at similar temperature. The dynamic viscosity,   and heat capacity,   of these mixtures shows a linear relationship to ammonia molar concentration.
INVESTIGATION ON ENERGY ABSORPTION OF ALUMINIUM FOAM-CFRP SANDWICH PANEL SUBJECTED TO IMPACT LOADING
Authors: Ismail Mohd Fadzli , Jumahat Aidah , Abdullah Bulan , Hashim Ummu Raihanah , Ahmad Aseri Shafika Elia
Published: October 2019

Sandwich panels are widely used in the fabrication of high strength low-weight structure that can withstand impact and blast loading especially for aerospace and automotive structures. Currently, aluminium foam is one of the lightweight materials used as a core in sandwich panels. The combination properties of core and face-sheet material are important to produce high strength and lightweight sandwich panel. This research is aimed to develop a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite sandwich panel with aluminium foam as a core and study the impact properties of the structure. The preparations of the sandwich panel involved closed-cell aluminum foam as a core material and CFRP composite as the face-sheets. The impact tests were conducted using an Instron Dynatup 9250HV impact tester machine according to ASTM standard D3763 under constant impact velocity of 6.7m/s. The results of the impact tests showed that CFRP composite sandwich panel has better impact properties when compared to the other systems where it has higher specific energy absorption and longer impact time.
FRICTIONAL PROPERTIES OF PALM KERNEL ACTIVATED CARBON-EPOXY COMPOSITE UNDER VARIOUS NORMAL LOADS
Authors: Wei Chua Khai , Bin Abdollah Mohd Fadzli , Mat Tahir Noor Ayuma , Amiruddin Hilmi
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the effect of normal load on the frictional properties of palm kernel activated carbon-epoxy (PKAC-E) composite. The PKAC-E composite specimen was fabricated by hot compression molding method. The dry sliding test was performed by using a pin-on-disc tribometer at various normal loads, range from 5 – 100N. The sliding speed and distance were constant. All tests were performed at room temperature. It was found that the coefficient of friction decreases with normal load, though at 60N, friction coefficient increases slightly and remains almost invariant at about 0.04 with normal load. The main conclusion of this study is that PKAC-E composite has a potential for tribological material application but only limited at low normal load under unlubricated conditions.
MICROWAVE PYROLYSIS ASSISTED WITH CARBON BASED ABSORBENT: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Syed Abdul Rahman Syarifah Nor Faizah , Abd Rahman Norazah , Idris Siti Shawalliah , Abu Bakar Noor Fitrah , Mokhtar Roslan
Published: October 2019

Over recent years, there has been an explosive growth of interest in the development of novel gel-phase materials based on small molecules. It has been recognised that an effective gelator should possess functional groups that interact with each other via temporal associative forces. This process leads to the formation of supramolecular polymer-like structures, which then aggregated further hence, gelating the solvent. Supramolecular interactions between building blocks that enable gel formation include hydrogen bonds, interactions, solvatophobic effects and van der Waals forces.
THE INFLUENCE OF NI-TI RATIO ON THE REVERSIBLE AUSTENITE-MARTENSITE TRANSFORMATION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES PRODUCED BY METAL INJECTION MOULDING
Authors: Razali Rosliza , Abdullah Zulaila , Subuki Istikamah , Muhamad Norhamidi , Ismail Muhammad Hussain
Published: October 2019

This paper highlights the influence of Ni-Ti ratio on the phase constituents, the reversible austenite-martensite transformation and mechanical properties produced by metal injection molding (MIM). The binder system used was mainly palm stearin with minor fraction of polyethylene. Injection moulding was done successfully at 130˚C to form tensile shape samples. It was followed by solvent extraction,  thermal debinding at 500oC and subsequently sintered in high vacuum at 1100˚C. The result showed that as the Ni content increased, the fraction of austenite phase also increased owing to greater fraction of transient liquid phase formation during the sintering, thus improved the mechanical tensile properties. However, the reversible austenite to martensite phase transformation temperatures (PTTs) seemed to be broadened with increased Ni content due to formation of metastable R-phase.
THE PERFORMANCE OF LEVERAGE BASED NEAR NEIGHBOUR-ROBUST WEIGHT LEAST SQUARES IN MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION IN THE PRESENCE OF HETEROSCEDASTIC ERRORS AND OUTLIER
Authors: Li Peng Khoo , Adnan Robiah , Ahmad Maizah Hura
Published: October 2019

In this study, Leverage Based Near Neighbour–Robust Weighted Least Squares (LBNN-RWLS) method is proposed in order to estimate the standard error accurately in the presence of heteroscedastic errors and outliers in multiple linear regression. The data sets used in this study are simulated through monte carlo simulation. The data sets contain heteroscedastic errors and different percentages of outliers with different sample sizes.  The study discovered that LBNN-RWLS is able to produce smaller standard errors compared to Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Least Trimmed of Squares (LTS) and Weighted Least Squares (WLS). This shows that LBNN-RWLS can estimate the standard error accurately even when heteroscedastic errors and outliers are present in the data sets.
SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE SENSOR OF SILVER FILM BASED ON KRETCHMANN CONFIGURATION
Authors: Ley Hood-Hong , Yahaya Asiah , Munajat Yusof
Published: October 2019

Performance of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on Kretchmann configuration for silver (Ag) film is evaluated via theoretical simulation. The film thickness and incident angle are varied to obtain the SPR wavelength in the range of 500-550 nm. Shift of SPR wavelength with refractive index of the dielectric defines the sensitivity whereas the resolution is obtained from the ratio of the instrumental resolution to the sensitivity. The SPR sensor shows increasing sensitivity for thicker film however the absorption magnitudes of such films are high and unfavourable for data acquisition. Film thickness of 45 nm and 50 nm which has good sensitivity and resolution with high absorbance magnitude of the SPR wavelength is the best thickness to be employed for sensing purpose.
OPTICAL BISTABILITY IN ALL-PASS MOBIUS CONFIGURATION MICRORING RESONATOR
Authors: Ahmad Noorden Ahmad Fakhrurrazi , Bahadoran Mahdi , Chaudhary Kashif , Aziz Muhammad Safwan , Jalil Muhammad Arif , Ali Jalil , Yupapin Preecha
Published: October 2019

A novel design of microring resonator called all-pass Mobius ring resonator is used to study optical bistability effect and spectral transmission for all-optical switching application with clockwise hysteresis loop operation. The bright soliton pulse is applied as the input source of the system. The propagation of the pulses within the system is simulated using the transfer matrix analysis. The all-pass Mobius ring resonator is able to operate under high nonlinearity as it has longer propagation length per roundtrip. The all-pass Mobius provides low transmission peak power of 3.65 mW as compared to the conventional all-pass configuration. The output-to-input relation of both design shows that the Mobius configuration is able to generate a higher hysteresis loop width of the bistable signal from 15.79 mW to 18.10 mW input power. The switching power of the optical bistability in Mobius configuration is 3.67 mW for threshold power of 16.95mW. This work shows the Mobius configuration is more suitable to be used for all-optical switching application as compared to the conventional all-pass ring resonator configuration.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON CSFs FOR PRE-DEVELOPMENT PROCESSESS IMPLEMENTATION AT SMEs IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Abu N.H. , Deros B.M. , Mansor M.F.
Published: October 2019

New product development processes and product innovation in manufacturing organization is promoting an environment of competitive advantage for organization that can make adequate use of the processes. However, Malaysian SMEs is facing with  huge obstacles in implementing various product innovation activities particularly the pre-development processes due to scarce financial resources, manpower, knowledge, and expertise. In fact, the previous research result shows that more focus were given to the discussing about critical success factor for pre-development process implementation in large organizations compared with  SMEs. In reality, SMEs having different characteristics compared with  large organizations. Primarily, this study is performed, to identify the critical factors which are able to increase the successful implementation of pre-development in SMEs.  In achieving the research objective, Delphi techniques have been used for confirmation to identify critical factors based on previous literatures, whether those factors are suitable with the characteristics and surrounding nature of SMEs.  The survey form   were  sent to 35 respondents whose expertise are in the field of pre-development process.  However, the researcher managed to interview 20 expert panels.  The result of the research showed that ttop management factor, team leaders and members of the team were the main contributors leading the successfulness of the pre-development process in the SMEs organization worthwhile training program factor’s effect is low.
SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES IMPLEMENTATION IN MALAYSIA INDUSTRIES
Authors: Hassan Mohamad Ghozali , Nordin Norani , Ashari Hasbullah
Published: October 2019

Implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices brings lot of gains and benefits not alone to the manufacturing industries but also to their immediate environment. Such benefits includes increase the manufacturing capacity, good industry image, environmental friendly product, enhance business profile, consumer perceptions and corporate reputation. Nevertheless, many manufacturing industries are still unable to properly implements sustainable manufacturing practices. Hence, this paper identifies the sustainable manufacturing practices among manufacturing industries. Data were collected based on quantitative research method using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 104 manufacturing industries were selected based on stratified random sampling technique and SPSS was used to analyze the data. The result identified some applicable and non-applicable factors that affect proper implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices among manufacturing industries. Thus, the study will assist manufacturing industries to strengthen their implementation strategies on sustainable practices.
GREEN ENERGY: AN ANALYTICAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Baluch N. , Mohtar S. , Ariffin A. S.
Published: October 2019

The climate change, the global warming, the population growth and the continuous demand on energy and electricity in specific made renewable energy one of the most appropriate and fitting to answer all these changes of our environment. However, the vested interested groups belonging to the fossil fuel cartel continue working tirelessly to discourage the use of renewable energy and renewable energy solutions in the world. Despite the recusant efforts of the Oil Cartel, renewable energy use has grown much faster than anyone anticipated. This paper: defines green and renewable energy; highlights its benefits; and illustrates that clean energy technologies are prepared for accelerated and widespread expansion in the global power sector. The paper critically examines the recusant efforts of the Oil Cartel undermining green renewable energy sector by bankrolling the production of unconventional oil and gas; and demonstrates that over-reliance on fossil fuels for power generation has significant health, environmental, and economic risks and is not a long-term solution to our energy needs. The paper concludes that a global transition to renewable energy is already underway. Renewable Energy offers an alternative to conventional sources and grants us greater control over future energy prices and supply. The energy choices we make during this pivotal moment will have huge consequences for our health, our climate, and our economy for decades to come.
KAJIAN TERHADAP KEPENTINGAN KOMPONEN TEKNOLOGI (TECHNOWARE) DI KALANGAN PKS BUMIPUTERA DI NEGERI KEDAH MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN PROSES ANALISIS HIERARKI (AHP)
Authors: Yaakob M. , Radzuan K. , Osman N.H. , Rahim M.K.I.A.
Published: October 2019

This study is discussing about the usage and ownership of technology by SMEs. Technoware is one of the four components of technology that has been highlighted by the researchers. The other components are Humanware, Infoware and Orgaware. Technoware has its elements of its own. A total of 51 Bumiputera SMEs in manufacturing industry in the state of Kedah were selected to be the respondent and the data they obtained through directory PKNK, FMM and SME Corp Malaysia. Data analysis was made using the approach Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results show Technoware contributes and be a greater emphasis on SMEs.
A DUAL-PORT ANTENNA FOR WIDE AND NARROWBAND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Chagharvand Sahar , Hamid M. R. , Kamarudin M. R.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a study on a dual port antenna with wide and narrowband functionality. The proposed structure incorporates two antennas into a single substrate by sharing same ground plane. In this structure, two ports are used. One port is used for wideband function that works from 1 to 3.7 GHz. The other one is used for reconfigurable narrowband operation, which supports single, dual and triple-band modes. Reconfiguration of the narrowband antenna is achieved by means of PIN diode switches. The single-band operates at 2 GHz. The dual-band provides two center frequencies at 1.8 GHz and 2.4 GHz, while the triple-band operates at 1.4, 1.8, and 2.6 GHz. The coupling between the two ports is signified by the S12 and S21 parameters. The coupling is below -10dB across the full operating range of the antenna measured in S12 and S21 parameter. These features are potentially useful for Cognitive Radio systems.
BENDING AND CRUMPLING DEFORMATION STUDY OF THE RESONANT CHARACTERISTIC AND SAR FOR A 2.4 GHZ TEXTILE ANTENNA
Authors: Elias Norfatin Akma , Samsuri Noor Asmawati , A Rahim Mohamad Kamal , Panagamuwa Chinthana , Whittow Will
Published: October 2019

Over recent years, there has been an explosive growth of interest in the development of flexible wearable antennas due to rapid growth in Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications. However, the antenna is subjected to deformation when being worn by users. Therefore, it is compulsory to analyze the absorption of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and the antenna performances as a function of the deformation conditions since the antenna is not in its normal flat conditions anymore. In this paper, two types of deformations; bending and crumpling are analyzed by means of CST Microwave Studio. The peak SAR10g demonstrates increment up to 65.7 % and 48.7 % under bending and crumpling deformation respectively. Moreover, the crumpling is more sensitive to the geometrical shape and composition of the exposed body area if compared to bending. Moreover, the detuning effects of the resonant frequency are more significant for crumpling cases.
CLEAR SKY DIURNAL BEHAVIOR OF TROPOSPHERIC SCINTILLATION AT KU-BAND SATELLITE COMMUNICATION IN EQUATORIAL MALAYSIA
Authors: El-Shami Ibtihal F. , Yin Lam Hong , Din Jafri , Jong Siat Ling
Published: October 2019

Tropospheric scintillation is referred to rapid fluctuation of received signal amplitude. It can cause propagation impairments that affect satellite communication systems operating at above 10 GHz of frequency. In this work, we have exploited 1 year of measured broadcasting signal data collected in Johor, Malaysia to investigate the effects of scintillation intensity on a SatCom system operating at 11.075 GHz with its links pointed towards the MEASAT-1 satellite (an elevation angle of 75.61°). We have investigated the behavior of this scintillation amplitude through the classification and analysis of a time-series satellite broadcasting signal and have then compared the statistical results with existing scintillation prediction models. The comparison results indicate that there is a significant discrepancy between measured data and those models and that the performance of these prediction models does not appear to be satisfactory, with the exception of the ITU-R and the Ortgies Refractivity model. In addition, we have investigated the diurnal behavior of the scintillation intensity at four different periods of the day and proposed a modified Marzano model to accommodate local meteorological input parameters. The models performances are assessed against the available measurement dataset. The proposed models provide system operators and radio communication engineers with critical information on the fluctuations of tropospheric scintillation variance on the satellite signal during a typical day taken into the account of local meteorological peculiarities.
DESIGN OF A COMPLEX RATIO MEASURING UNIT USING ENHANCED BRANCH-LINE COUPLER FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPLICATIONS
Authors: Mohd Shukor Nor Azimah , Seman Norhudah
Published: October 2019

This article presents the complex ratio measurement unit (CRMU) design formed by enhanced 3-dB branch-line couplers (BLCs), which are placed symmetrically. The first CRMU is formed by four wideband 3-dB BLCs implementing Defect Ground Structure (DGS) and stub impedance techniques that operate over the frequency of 2.5 to 4 GHz. Meanwhile, the other CRMU is formed by four reduced size of enhanced two-section microstrip-slot BLCs with tight coupling of 3-dB over frequency of 2 to 5 GHz. The performances of the CRMU designs are observed and analyzed. The BLCs and CRMUs are designed using CST Microwave Studio. While, the S-parameter performances of the CRMUs are analyzed using Keysight’s Advanced System (ADS) software.
PREDICTING ANIMATED FILM OF BOX-OFFICE SUCCESS WITH NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: M.T. Riwinoto, , Zega Selly Artaty , Irlanda Gia
Published: October 2019

Animation industry involves huge funds in production process and its success will give  great income. Predicting the box-office of animated film has become an interesting topic to be discussed, because past studies are shown to be contradictory. Sharda and Delen conducted a similar study that used seven parameters, i.e. MPAA rating, competition, star value, genre, special effects, sequel and number of screens; and generated pinpoint accuracy (i.e. Bingo) with 36.9% and within one category (1-Away) with 75.2%. The authors proposed new and simple parameters that can be used to predict the success of animated films, i.e. the actors/actress, animation studio, genre, MPAA rating and the sequel of the film. These five parameters are relatively simple because it can be easily collected. In this study, the use of neural networks in predicting the financial performance of 120 animated films from 1995 until 2013 was explored. There are three categories of financial performance that become the class label of this study, they are: low, medium and high. Our prediction result in bingo is 58% and 1-away is 89,7%. By using the simple parameters, this study can reach a better accuracy. It is expected that this prediction can help animation film industry to predict the expected revenue range before its theatrical release.
METRIC BASED SOFTWARE PROJECT PERFORMANCE MONITORING MODEL
Authors: Doraisamy Mariayee , Ibrahim Suhaimi , Mahrin Mohd Naz’ri
Published: October 2019

Successful implementation of software projects development is entirely depending upon successful monitoring and control mechanism. Software metrics can deliver the necessary information for monitoring and control the software projects development for its enhancement. However, the current software metrics does not widely address the performance criteria and related metrics for software project management. Largely, metrics are identified in the perspectives of software development only. Hence, the aim of this study is to formulate a Metric based Software Project Performance Monitoring Model which consists of performance criteria and metrics that involves in a software projects development. This model formulation is consists of five processes: metrics integration, metrics validation, metrics description, metrics categorization and metrics threshold.  The proposed model is a novel approach and adds significant of knowledge to the software engineering domain especially on software project monitoring and software measurement domain. Generally, this model will be a guideline for software project managers to monitor and control software projects particularly in public sector software projects. In order to demonstrate the applicability of this model, case study was conducted at various departments at Malaysian Public Sector. The results show that the proposed model is very useful for the project managers in monitoring and control software projects.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IMAGE POSITIONING USING MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING AND CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS
Authors: Mahmud Zamalia , Hassim Nor Hidayah
Published: October 2019

There is still a great demand for public transportation in Malaysia and express buses are no exception. In order to stay competitive, bus companies must position their image and provide a better service for their customers. This study is intended to identify the position of express buses based on customers’ satisfaction towards the service quality by using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Correspondence Analysis (CA). It is also intended to identify the presence or availability of the services/features/appearances provided by the bus company. Data were collected from 142 passengers using convenience sampling at an undisclosed Express Bus Terminal in Klang Valley. The bus companies included in this study were SExpress, KTB, MExpress, MahExpress, DExpress and CExpress. Multidimensional scaling was used to compare the position of the express buses based on the customers’ satisfaction towards the service quality while correspondence analysis was used to investigate the presence or availability of the services/features/appearances provided by the bus company. Results of the analysis show that KTB has the best performance in terms of its responsiveness and assurance in the service quality whereas SExpress has strong association with empathy service quality. MahExpress performed comparatively well on the tangible service quality. MahExpress is associated with “on board entertainment” and “comfortable ride” whereas MExpress is associated with “more leg space in the bus”. SExpress and KTB are highly competitive because passengers in the cluster perceived similar services/features regarding “driver informs passengers when the bus arrives at respective bus stations” and “bus has comfortable seats”. In conclusion, both methods have created perceptual maps that illustrate the product positions and their attributes which is important to facilitate marketing of the products and services.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROTOTYPE FOR INTELLIGENT MOBILE CLOUD COMPUTING FOR BIG DATA
Authors: Hussien Nur Syahela , Sulaiman Sarina , Shamsuddin Siti Mariyam
Published: October 2019

The current challenge of mobile devices is the storage capacity that has led service providers to develop new value-added mobile services. To address these limitations, mobile cloud computing, which offers on-demand is developed. Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) is developed to augment device capabilities, facilitating to mobile users store, access to a big dataset on the cloud. Even so, given the limitations of bandwidth, latencies, and device battery life, new responses are required to extend the use of mobile devices. This paper presents a novel design and implementation of developing process on intelligent mobile cloud storage management system, also called as Intelligent Mobile Cloud Computing (IMCC) for android based users. IMCC is important for cloud storage user to make their data effectively and efficiently for saving the user time. IMCC provided convenience for user to use multiple cloud storage using one application and easy for users to store their data to any cloud storage. The result shows using IMCC it only took 8 seconds to access the data, which is faster compared with traditional MCC, it took 23.33 seconds. IMCC reduce 65.71% of latency occur using the MCC in managing a user data. The developed IMCC prototype is accessible through the Google Play Store.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE FOR PREDICTIVE MODELLING IN MOTOR INSURANCE CLAIMS
Authors: Mohd Yunos Zuriahati , Shamsuddin Siti Mariyam , Alwee Razana , Ismail Noriszura , Salleh@Sallehuddin Roselina
Published: October 2019

The expected claim frequency and the expected claim severity are used in predictive modelling motor insurance claims. There are two categories of claims were considered, namely, third party property damage and own damage. Datasets from the year 2001 to 2003 are used to develop the predictive model. This paper proposes three different methods, namely, regression analysis, back propagation neural network and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system to model claim frequency and claim severity as the two important elements in modelling the motor insurance claims. The experimental results showed that the back propagation neural network model produces more accurate as compared to regression analysis and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system in predicting the claim frequency and claim severity. For both OD and TPPD claim, the results have shown the lowest MAPE with 0.2191 and 0.6515, and 0.2169 and 0.326, respectively.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING FOR CONTOUR IDENTIFICATION BASED ON MEDICINAL LEAVES AND GIS IMAGES
Authors: Lee Suan Chua , Alias Norma , Januari Ristian , Mustaffa Maizatul Nadirah , Ali Akhtar , Ahmad Kamal Mohamad Hidayad , Hayat Imran
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the identification of contour medicinal leaves and GIS images has been determined. The purposes of the Geodesic Active Contour-Additive Operating Splitting (GAC-AOS) modelling are to identify an unknown type of medicinal leaves and edge detection of our images. Besides, three iterative methods such as SOR, RBGS and Jacobi method are used to solve the linear system of equations. In the implementation of the GAC-the AOS model, the experimental result demonstrates that the SOR method gives the best performance compared to the other two methods. The computation platform is based on Intel® CoreTM Duo Processor Architecture with MATLAB version R2011a. The performance analysis is based on the iteration numbers, execution time, accuracy and RMSE.
SAXS, FESEM AND BET STUDIES OF MESOPOROUS CATALYST SBA-15CONTAINING ZINC PORPHYRIN FOR EPOXIDATION OF LIMONENE
Authors: Saadon Nurafiqah , Endud Salasiah , Bakar Mohd Bakri , Lintang Hendrik O. , Roslan Nurliana
Published: October 2019

SBA-15 nanoporous silica was prepared by cooperative self-assembly of tetraethylorthosilicate precursor in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol)–block–poly(propylene glycol)–block–poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer surfactant and functionalized with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) via sol-gel reaction to obtain NH2-SBA-15. The metalloporphyrin, [meso-tetrakis-(p-chlorophenyl)porphyrinato]Zn(II) (ZnTClPP) was synthesized from the reaction of meso-tetrakis-(p-chlorophenyl) porphyrin (H2TClPP) using zinc acetate dihydrate as a metal source and then immobilized on SBA-15 surface. The material, NH2-SBA-15-ZnP was characterized by SAXS, FESEM and BET studies and showed a similar pattern as SBA-15 indicating that the mesoporous hexagonal structure of SBA-15 was still retained. Then, the material was applied to catalyze the epoxidation of limonene, using H2O2 / ammonium acetate at various temperatures and conditions. All the products formed from the epoxidation reaction were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS.
EFFECTS OF NEWTONIAN HEATING AND MASS DIFFUSION ON MHD FREE CONVECTION FLOW OVER VERTICAL PLATE WITH SHEAR STRESS AT THE WALL
Authors: Khan Arshad , Khan Ilyas , Shafie Sharidan
Published: October 2019

Effects of Newtonian heating and mass diffusion on magnetohydrodynamic free convection flow over a vertical plate that applies arbitrary shear stress to the fluid is studied. The fluid is considered electrically conducting and passing through a porous medium. The influence of thermal radiation in the energy equations is also considered. General solutions of the problem are obtained in closed form using the Laplace transform technique. They satisfy the governing equations, initial and boundary conditions and can set up a huge number of exact solutions correlatives to various fluid motions. The effects of various parameters on velocity profiles are shown graphically and discussed in details
MULTISCALE BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHOD FOR LAPLACE EQUATION
Authors: Zulkefli Nor Afifah Hanim , Ismail Munira , Zulkefli Nor Atirah Izzah , Su Hoe Yeak
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the multiscale boundary element method is applied to solve the Laplace equation numerically. The new technique is the coupling of the multiscale technique and the boundary element method in order to speed up the computation. A numerical example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. The computed numerical solutions by the proposed method will be compared with the solutions obtained by the conventional boundary element method with the help of Fortran compiler. By comparison, results show that the new technique use less iterations to arrive at the solutions.
ENERGY EFFICIENT DISTILLATION COLUMNS ANALYSIS FOR AN AROMATIC SEPARATION PROCESS
Authors: Zaine Muhammad Zakwan , Mustafa Mohd. Faris , Hassan Onn , Ibrahim Kamarul Asri , Ibrahim Norazana , Abd. Hamid Mohd. Kamaruddin
Published: October 2019

Energy savings is a major challenge in distillation operations. However, there is still one problem, which is how do we improve the energy efficiency of the existing distillation column systems without major modifications. Recently, a new energy efficient distillation columns methodology that will be able to improve energy efficiency of the existing separation systems without having major modifications has been developed. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present a new improvement of the existing methodology by designing an optimal sequence of energy efficient distillation columns using a driving force method. Accordingly, the methodology is divided into four hierarchical sequential stages: i) existing sequence energy analysis, ii) optimal sequence determination, iii) optimal sequence energy analysis, and iv) energy comparison and economic analysis. The capability of this methodology is tested in designing an optimal synthesis of energy efficient distillation columns sequence of an aromatics separation unit. The existing aromatics separation unit consists of six compounds (Methylcyclopentane (MCP), Benzene, Methylcyclohexane (MCH), Toluene, m-Xylene and o-Xylene) with five direct sequence distillation columns being simulated using a simple and reliable short-cut method and rigorously tested within an Aspen HYSYS® simulation environment. The energy and economic analyses show that the optimal sequence determined by the driving force method has a better energy reduction with a total of 6.78% energy savings and a return of investment of 3.10 with a payback period of 4 months. It can be concluded that, the sequence determined by the driving force method is not only capable in reducing energy consumption, but also has a better economic cost for an aromatic separation unit
TAILORING SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF ER3+ DOPED ZINC SODIUM TELLURITE GLASS VIA GOLD NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Awang Asmahani , Ghoshal S.K. , Sahar M.R. , Arifin R.
Published: October 2019

Tailoring the spectroscopic properties of rare earth (RE) doped inorganic glasses mediated via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) by embedding metallic nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled concentration is prerequisite for photonic applications. Erbium (Er3+) doped tellurite glasses containing gold (Au) NPs are prepared and systematic characterizations are made to inspect the impacts of Au NPs of spectral features for desired tailoring. X-ray diffraction pattern confirm the amorphous nature of the glass samples and EDX analysis detects elemental traces. The UV-Vis spectra exhibit six absorption bands centered at 488, 523, 655, 800, 973 and 1533 nm corresponding to 4f-4f transitions of Er3+ ions. Glass sample containing 0.4 mol% Au (without Er2O3) reveals Au plasmon band at around 629 nm. The EDX spectra display elemental traces of Te, Er, Zn, Na and Au. Glass sample containing 0.2 mol% Au demonstrates maximum enhancement in the emission band intensity by a factor of 20.23 (orange), 18.35 (strong green), 16.80 (moderate green) and 15.46 (blue). The enhancement is attributed to the Au NPs assisted SPR effect. The beneficial features of proposed glasses nominate them as potential candidate for photonic devices and solid state lasers.
COMPARISON OF STRATIFIED WEIBULL MODEL AND WEIBULL ACCELERATED FAILURE TIME (AFT) MODEL IN THE ANALYSIS OF CERVICAL CANCER SURVIVAL
Authors: Juhan Nurliyana , Abd Razak Nuradhiathy , Zubairi Yong Zulina , Naing Nyi Nyi , Che Hussin Che Haziqah , Daud Muhamad Azlan
Published: October 2019

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide, after breast, colorectal, and lung cancers with 528 000 new cases every year. It is also the fourth most common cause of cancer death with 266 000 deaths in 2012 among women worldwide. In Malaysia it remains to be a great concern among clinicians; yet published works on survival of cervical cancer patients are somewhat limited. In this study, two survival regression models which are parametric Stratified Weibull model and Weibull Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) model are considered as the alternative and improvement of the well-known Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the prognostic factor that effect on survival of patients with cervical cancer. Comparisons were made to find the best model. Data were taken from Hospital University Science Malaysia (HUSM) over a period of 12 years. From the analyses it was found that the AFT model was the most appropriate. The AFT model has shown that the median survival time for patient at stage III & IV (14 months) is about one third that of those at stages I & II (40 months) for the same distant metastasis group. While, the median survival time for patient with distant metastasis (17 months) is half that of those without distant metastasis (34 months) for the same stage group.
USE OF NEW EFFICIENT LOSSLESS DATA COMPRESSION METHOD IN TRANSMITTING ENCRYPTED BAPTISTA SYMMETRIC CHAOTIC CRYPTOSYSTEM DATA
Authors: Daud Muhamad Azlan , Kamel Ariffin Muhammad Rezal , Kularajasingam S. , Che Hussin Che Haziqah , Juhan Nurliyana , Hasni Mohd Mughti
Published: October 2019

A new compression algorithm used to ensure a modified Baptista symmetric cryptosystem which is based on a chaotic dynamical system to be applicable is proposed. The Baptista symmetric cryptosystem able to produce various ciphers responding to the same message input. This modified Baptista type cryptosystem suffers from message expansion that goes against the conventional methodology of a symmetric cryptosystem. A new lossless data compression algorithm based on theideas from the Huffman coding for data transmission is proposed.This new compression mechanism does not face the problem of mapping elements from a domain which is much larger than its range.Our new algorithm circumvent this problem via a pre-defined codeword list.  The purposed algorithm has fast encoding and decoding mechanism and proven analytically to be a lossless data compression technique.
AUTOMATED WHITE BLOOD CELLS COUNTING SYSTEM FOR ACUTE LEUKEMIA BASED ON BLOOD IMAGES
Authors: Harun N. H. , Mashor M. Y. , Lim H. N. , Hassan R.
Published: October 2019

Leukemia is a blood cancer disease that contributes to the increment of mortality rate in Malaysia each year. Acute leukemia can be divided into two types which are acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The production and development of acute leukemia cells happen rapidly and uncontrollable. Identification of technique for acute leukemia could be done fast and effective in the early stage, the proper treatment could be delivered. Hematologists or technologists will screen for leukemia using microscopic blood image. Screening and diagnosis with computer aided system becomes more popular choice amongst medical image processing researchers as the existing equipments which use other method than blood image analysis are too expensive to own. This paper presents automated counting procedures, including a series of image processing techniques such as segmentation, noise elimination and extraction to count the region of interest, in this case the white blood cells (WBC). The performance of the system is tested by comparing the results between manual counting and the total cells that the system detects. The proposed system is able to yield an average of 99.09% based on sensitivity.