bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STUDY ON HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM: RECENT ADVANCEMENTS
Authors: Arshad Atika , Khan Sheroz , Alam AHM Zahirul , Ahmad Fadzil Ismail , Tasnim Rumana
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: A proliferating interest has been observed over the past years in the development of an accurate system for monitoring continuous human activities in the health care sectors, especially for the elderly. This paper conducts a survey of the various techniques and methods that are proposed to monitor the movements and activities of the elderly people. These techniques promise a useful and dependable detection system to give support and lessen the medical expenses of health care for the elderly. The detection approaches are divided into five main categories: wearable device based, wireless based, ambience device based, vision based and floor sensor / electric field sensors based. These techniques have focused on the pros and cons of the existing methods for recognizing the prospective scope of research in the domain of health monitoring systems. Apart from highlighting and analyzing the features of the existing techniques, perspectives on probable future studies have been detailed. ABSTRAK: Dewasa ini, pembangunan sistem yang tepat untuk memantau aktiviti berterusan terutamanya dalam sektor kesihatan warga tua mula mendapat tempat. Kaji selidik telah dijalankan dengan pelbagai teknik dan kaedah untuk meninjau pergerakan dan aktiviti golongan warga tua. Kaedah-kaedah ini memberikan sistem pengesanan yang berguna dan dipercayai untuk memberikan sokongan serta mengurangkan kos perubatan kesihatan bagi golongan tua. Pendekatan pengesanan dibahagikan kepada lima kategori utama; alatan yang dapat dipakai, alatan tanpa wayar, alatan berdasarkan persekitaran, alatan berasaskan penglihatan dan alatan berdasarkan pengesan pada lantai / medan elektrik.Â  Teknik-teknik ini memfokuskan kepada pro dan kontra kaedah yang sedia ada untuk mengenalpasti skop prospektif penyelidikan dalam domain sistem pengawasan kesihatan.Â  Selain daripada mengetengah dan menganalisa ciri-ciri teknik yang sedia ada, perspektif kajian akan datang juga diperincikan.KEYWORDS:Â health monitoring; elderly; wearable device; wireless device; ambience device, vision analysis; floor sensors
OBTAINING HYSTERESIS LOOPS AT LOW FREQUENCY FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF MATERIALS TO BE USED IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Arshad Atika , Tasnim Rumana , Khan Sheroz , Alam A.H.M Zahirul
Published: October 2018

The promising development of magnetic sensors in biomedical field demands an appropriate level of understanding of the magnetic properties of the materials used in their fabrication. To date only few of the types of magnetic materials are encountered where their magnetic properties, characterization techniques and magnetization behavior are yet to be explored more suitably in the light of their applications. This research work studies the characterization of materials by using a cost effective and simple circuit consisting of inductive transducer and an OP-AMP as a voltage integrator. In this approach the circuit was simulated using PSPICE and experiments have been conducted to achieve the desired results. The simulation and experimental results are obtained for three test materials namely iron, steel and plastic. The novelty lies in applying the simple circuit for material testing and characterization via obtaining simulation results and validating these results through experiment. The magnetic properties in low external magnetic field are studied with materials under test. The magnetization effect of a magneto-inductive sensor is detected in low frequency range for different magnetic core materials. The results have shown magnetization behaviour of magnetic materials due to the variation of permeability and magnetism. The resulted hysteresis loops appeared to have different shapes for different materials. The magnetic hysteresis loop found for iron core demonstrated a bigger coercive force and larger reversals of magnetism than these of steel core, thus obtaining its magnetic saturation at a larger magnetic field strength. The shape of the hysteresis loop itself is found to be varying upon the nature of the material in use. The resulted magnetization behaviors of the materials proved their possible applicability for use in sensing devices. The key concern of this work is found upon selecting the appropriate magnetic materials at the desired frequency of operation for magneto resistive applications, magneto-resistive sensors and for an extensive range of biomedical sensor application.Â
ON THE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF COMPOSITE DESSICANTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT AIR DEHUMIDIFICATION
Authors: Chua K. J. , Islam M.R.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the development and performance characterization of new composite desiccants. The main compositions for the composite desiccants include silica gel, lithium chloride, calcium chloride and bentonite. Different percentage compositions of these four components were tested to determine the optimal material composition for improving moisture removal capacity under varying inlet air temperature and humidity, and amount of moisture released under different regenerative temperature. For the first time, four-layered composite desiccants were developed and tested experimentally to determine their moisture removal capacity and moisture regeneration capacity at temperature of about 60oC under inlet air conditions similar to Singaporeâ€™s tropical climate. The performances of these composite desiccants were benchmarked with the performance of pure silica gel - the most commonly used desiccant in the market today. It was observed experimentally, that employing a four-layered composite desiccant, comprising silica-gel (SiO2), Bentonite, Lithium Chloride (LiCl), and Calcium Chloride (CaCl2), has enabled greater moisture removal capacity for varying inlet air temperature and humidity ranging from 25 to 35oC and 55 to 95% relative humidity (RH). The percentage improvements, in contrast to pure silica gel, are 14 to 22.5%, and 10 to 26.3% for varying inlet air temperature and varying inlet RH, respectively.Â KEYWORDS: experiments; composite desiccant; dehumidification; energy efficiency
ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF SOLAR EVAPORATOR-COLLECTOR
Authors: Amin Zakaria Mohd. , Hawlader M. N. A. , Shaochun YE
Published: October 2018

Solar energy is considered a sustainable resource that poses little to no harmful effects on the environment. The performance of a solar system depends to a great extent on the collector used for the conversion of solar radiant energy to thermal energy. A solar evaporator-collector (SEC) is basically an unglazed flat plate collector where refrigerants, such as R134a is used as the working fluid. As the operating temperature of the SEC is very low, it utilizes both solar irradiation and ambient energy leading to a much higher efficiency than the conventional collectors. This capability of SECs to utilize ambient energy also enables the system to operate at night. This type of collector can be locally made and is relatively much cheaper than the conventional collector.Â Â  At the National University of Singapore, the evaporator-collector was integrated to a heat pump and the performance was investigated for several thermal applications: (i) water heating, (ii) drying and (iii) desalination. A 2-dimensional transient mathematical model of this system was developed and validated by experimental data. The present study provides a comprehensive study of performance.Â KEYWORDS: heat pump; evaporator-collector.
ENERGY AUDIT OF A TEXTILE MILL â€“ A CASE STUDY
Authors: Abid Muhammad
Published: October 2018

The textile industry plays a pivotal role in Pakistanâ€™s economy. The industryâ€˜s share for overall manufacturing activity is 46%; in the export sector it is 68%; in value addition it is 9% of GDP and in providing employment it is 38%, in addition to the foreign exchange earnings, investment and contribution to the value added industry. In spite of this major contribution, the textile industry is at a severe risk due to hefty increases in energy costs. Keeping in view of these challenges in order to technically support the textile industry, energy audit of a textile mill ihas been carried out and areas of energy wastage are identified with an estimated cost saving of almost Rs. 6.8 million. Finally recommendations are given for cost effective measures for efficient energy usage, estimation of implementation costs and payback periods.KEYWORDS: Â  energy; audit; loss; consumption; economy
STAMINA OF A GASKETED BOLTED FLANGED PIPE JOINT UNDER DYNAMIC LOADING
Authors: Abid Muhammad
Published: October 2018

Gasketed bolted flange joints are the most critical components in pipelines for their sealing and strength under operating conditions. Most of the work available in literature is under static loading, whereas in industry, cyclic loads are applied due to the vibrating machinery such as motors, pumps, sloshing in offshore applications and in the ships etc. In this study a three dimensional finite element analysis of a gasketed joint is carried out using a spiral wound gasket under bolt up and dynamic operating conditions (internal pressure, axial and bending) singly and in combination. The cyclic axial loads are concluded relatively more challenging for both the sealing and strength of the joint. Higher magnitudes of loads and frequencies are also observed more challenging to the joints performance.
AN INTELLIGENT NEURO-FUZZY TERMINAL SLIDING MODE CONTROL METHOD WITH APPLICATION TO ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE
Authors: Nikoo Seied Yasser , Rezaie Behrooz , Rahmani Zahra , Sadati Seied Jalil
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a neuro-fuzzy fast terminal sliding mode control method is proposed for controlling a class of nonlinear systems with bounded uncertainties and disturbances. In this method, a nonlinear terminal sliding surface is firstly designed. Then, this sliding surface is considered as input for an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system which is the main controller. A proportinal-integral-derivative controller is also used to asist the neuro-fuzzy controller in order to improve the performance of the system at the begining stage of control operation. In addition, bee algorithm is used in this paper to update the weights of neuro-fuzzy system as well as the parameters of the proportinal-integral-derivative controller. The proposed control scheme is simulated for vibration control in a model of atomic force microscope system and the results are compared with conventional sliding mode controllers. The simulation results show that the chattering effect in the proposed controller is decreased in comparison with the sliding mode and the terminal sliding mode controllers. Also, the method provides the advantages of fast convergence and low model dependency compared to the conventional methods.
STUDIES ON TENSILE PROPERTIES AT VARIOUS STRAIN RATES AND CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF PEAKAGED AL-6SI-0.5MG (-0.5CU) ALLOYS
Authors: Hossain Abul , Gulshan Fahmida , Kurny A. S. W.
Published: October 2018

This paper focuses the effect of Cu additions on tensile properties of Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy at various strain rates and electrochemical corrosion behavior. The additions of Cu resulted in an increase in tensile strength and showed higher strength all over the experimental strain rates. Evaluations of tensile properties at the three different strain rates (10-4, 10-3 & 10-2s-1) showed that they affected the tensile properties significantly. The strength was better at higher strain rate but ductility was poor. Eelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarisation have been used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of Cu free and 0.5wt% Cu content Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy in 0.1M NaCl solution. The 0.5wt% Cu addition to the Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy showed that Cu decreased susceptibility to corrosion compared to the Cu free Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy. The magnitude of open circuit potential (OCP), corrosion potential (Ecorr) and pitting corrosion potential (Epit) of Al-6Si-0.5Mg alloy were shifted to the more noble direction due to 0.5wt% Cu addition and thermal modification.
EFFICIENT CAPACITANCE SENSING FOR WIRELESS HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM
Authors: Che Mustapha Nurul Arfah , Zahirul Alam A.H.M. , Khan Sheroz , Wong Azman Amelia
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a low power capacitance to voltage converter (CVC) circuit using two differential amplifier circuits, two Schottky rectifier diodes constructed in symmetrical manner and combined with instrumentation amplifier circuits. The differential capacitance to voltage simulation work has been realized with cheap discrete components. Combination energy from solar, vibration and heat is expected to be used to source the capacitance circuit. Constant dc voltage of 3 V has been used to source the CVC circuit in this work. It is found by the simulation, the converter circuit consumes 3.9 mW of total power, operates at 40 kHz using 400 mV excitation signal. The circuit is able to detect changes of capacitance from 4 â€“ 12.5 pF using reference capacitance of 5 pF. Sensitivity of 0.132 mV for 1 fF capacitance change has been observed in the circuit. This circuit is suitable for wireless health monitoring system.
INNOVATIONS IN MICRO/NANO PATTERNING USING TOOL-BASED METHODS
Authors: Rahman Mustafizur
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the trend in miniaturization of products has been pervasive in areas such as information technology, biotechnology, and the environmental and medical industries. Micro/Nano patterning is the key supporting technology that has to be developed to meet the challenges posed by the requirements of product miniaturization and the industrial realization of nanotechnology. Micro/Nano patterning techniques can be carried out by techniquesbased on energy beams or solid cuttingtools (tool-based micro-machining). Tool-based micro/nano patterning is a relatively new area; however, over the lasttwo decades, owing to the predominant trend in miniaturization of products, Micro/Nano patterning using tool-based techniques has become a key supportive technology. The energybeam-based patterning process (electron-beam lithography) hassome limitations due to poor control of 3D structures, low material removal rate and low aspect ratio. Moreover, these processes requirespecial facilities, and the maximum achievable thickness is relatively small. Some of theselimitations can be overcome by a tool-based approach using ultra-precision machine tools and solid tools as cutting elements to produce the micro-features with well-controlled shape and tolerances. These Micro/Nano machining-based patterning techniques have been achieved through a paradigm shift in the ideas and processes of conventional machining. In this paper, an attempt has beenmade to present the recent innovations in tool-based micro/nano patterning processes.
AIR POLLUITON INDEX PREDICTION USING MULTIPLE NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Ahmad Zainal , Rahim Nazira Anisa , Bahadori Alireza , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2018

Air quality monitoring and forecasting tools are necessary for the purpose of taking precautionary measures against air pollution, such as reducing the effect of a predicted air pollution peak on the surrounding population and ecosystem. In this study a single Feed-forward Artificial Neural Network (FANN) is shown to be able to predict the Air Pollution Index (API) with a Mean Squared Error (MSE) and coefficient determination, R2, of 0.1856 and 0.7950 respectively. However, due to the non-robust nature of single FANN, a selective combination of Multiple Neural Networks (MNN) is introduced using backward elimination and a forward selection method. The results show that both selective combination methods can improve the robustness and performance of the API prediction with the MSE and R2 of 0.1614 and 0.8210 respectively. This clearly shows that it is possible to reduce the number of networks combined in MNN for API prediction, without losses of any information in terms of the performance of the final API prediction model.
PEDOT:PSSâ€“MODIFIED PLATINUM MICROELECTRODES FOR MEASUREMENTS IN AQUEOUS MEDIA: EFFECT OF POLYMER SURFACE AREA ON LONG-TERM ANODIC PEAK CURRENT STABILITY
Authors: Wan Salim Wan Wardatul Amani , Benoudjit Abdelmohsen , Abdul Guthoos Habibah Farhana , Arris Farrah Aida
Published: October 2018

Contamination of drinking water by hazardous agents is becoming a serious global threat, so it is necessary to develop more efficient sensing technologies for applications in liquid media. The limited working lifetime of electrochemical biosensors, especially when measurements are made continuously in liquid media, remains an unsolved challenge. We studied the effect of PEDOT:PSS surface area on platinum microelectrodes with respect to electrode ability to conduct reversible ion-to-electron transduction in liquid media. Electropolymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(styrene sulfonate) EDOT:PSS to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was conducted on microplatinum electrodes 5 and 10 mm long using a galvanostatic mode. Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine capacitive peak current; higher peak current indicates higher redox capacitance. Field-emisison scanning-electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphology of the PEDOT:PSS transucer layer after measurement in liquid media. The anodic capacitive peak currents did not differ significantly between the two electrodes at day one (~0.20 mA); however, peak current decreased by ~ 20% and ~ 80% at day six for 10- and-5 mm electrode lengths, respectively. The results imply that PEDOT:PSS surface area plays a role in transduction of PEDOT:PSS in aqueous media.
ELECTROCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYLACTIC ACID-BLOCK-POLY(2-VINYLPYRIDINE)/GOLD NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITES FOR GLUCOSE BIOSENSOR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ali Fathilah binti , Jiajia Long , Wan Salim Wan Wardatul Amani binti
Published: October 2018

Nanocomposites that consist of diblock copolymer (BCP) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be applied as a matrix to immobilize enzymes or other molecules based on the well-defined core/shell nanostructures of these composites. In this research, polylactic acid-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PLA-b-P2VP)/hydrogen tetrachloroaurate(III) hydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) composites were hybridized and then reduced in dichloromethane (DCM) solution. The hybridizations between gold precursors and the P2VP domain were prepared with different ratios of gold to P2VP block (1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 5:1, 10:1) by taking advantage of the association between the long-pair nitrogen of the pyridine group of P2VP. The reduction of the Au3+/PLA-b-P2VP composite was accomplished by hydrazine solution in order to get gold nanoparticle/PLA-b-P2VP composites, which was visually confirmed by a direct color change from bright yellow to purple. In this work, ultravioletâ€“visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to confirm the association between gold precursors and pyridine groups as well as the synthesis of gold nanoparticles.The composite which labeled as R3 (Au3+: P2VP = 10:1) showed the highest peak current based on the cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurment. Furthermore, graphene oxide (GO) was added into R3 to prepare BCP/AuNPs/GO composite and reduced to BCP/AuNPs/rGO through electrochemical reduction. The resulting BCP/AuNPs/rGO showed high potential to be used in amperometric biosensor.
THE ISLAMIC ETHICS OF MITOCHONDRIA TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Bouzenita Anke Iman
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: Biotechnology has opened a new chapter with the advent of mitochondria transplantation for cell-based therapy. Mitochondrial transplantation was successfully led to birth; however, cytoplasmic transplantation has caused apprehension, since the mixing of human ooplasm from two different maternal sources may generate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy in the offspring. Islamic legal verdicts on human cloning and somatic cell transfer have been overweighing explicit as to its prohibition, due to the change of creation, mixing of lineage and other evaluations. Is mitochondria transplantation equivalent to human cloning in that genetic information is proliferated and does it, therefore, take the same legal rule? Are there possible benefits (masalih) for medical treatment that may render mitochondria transplantation permissible, or are possible harms (mafasid) overweighing? Or is it a completely different procedure, taking a different rule? The paper will investigate into these questions and discuss the dimensions of Islamic ethics on the issue.Â
OPTIMIZATION OF FLOCCULATION PROCESS BY MICROBIAL COAGULANT IN RIVER WATER
Authors: Murad Fatin Nabilah
Published: October 2018

The existing process of coagulation and flocculation are using chemicals that known as cationic coagulant such as alum, ferric sulfate, calcium oxide, and organic polymers.Â  Thus, this study concentrates on optimizing of flocculation process by microbial coagulant in river water. Turbidity and suspended solids are the main constraints of river water quality in Malaysia. Hence, a study is proposed to produce microbial coagulants isolated locally for river water treatment. The chosen microbe used as the bioflocculant producer is Aspergillus niger. The parameters to optimization in the flocculation process were pH, bioflocculant dosage and effluent concentration. The research was done in the jar test process and the process parameters for maximum turbidity removal was validated. The highest flocculating activity was obtained on day seven of cultivation in the supernatant. The optimum pH and bioflocculant dosage for an optimize sedimentation process were between 4-5 and 2-3 mL for 0.3 g/L of effluent concentration respectively. The model was validated by using a river water sample from Sg. Pusu and the result showed that the model was acceptable to evaluate the bioflocculation process.
A STUDY ON CAPABILITIES OF DIFFERENT ELECTRODE MATERIALS DURING ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING (EDM)
Authors: Al Hazza Muataz Hazza Faizi
Published: October 2018

Electrode material inelectro discharge machining EDM process plays an important role in terms of material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface roughness (Ra). The purpose of this research is to investigate the capability of different electrode materials: copper, aluminum and graphite in EDM of AISI 304 stainless steel as a work piece. The research focuses on three current settings: 2.5A, 4.5A and 6.5A using kerosene as dielectric fluid. The experiment is planned and analyzed using full factorial of the experimental design using response surface methodology (RSM). two outputs have been investigated: MRR and EWR. The results indicated that the responses increased with the increase in current. Finally the desirability function method have been used to determine the optimum values. The resulat show that the maximum MRR and Â the minimum EWR were achieved by using graphite electrode at current 6.5A.
Numerical Investigation of Parameters Affecting the Thermal and Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Impinging Jets in Cross Flow
Authors: Suloiman B. M. , A. Jubran B.
Published: October 2018

In this investigation the hydrodynamic and the thermal fields due to a single impinging jet in cross-flow have been investigated numerically, using a 2-D axisymmetric model in order to predict the ground vortex characteristics. The parameters investigated include the effective velocity ratio, the nozzle height, the nozzle pressure ratio, the intake location, the intake mass flow rate and the jet temperature ratio. It is interesting to note that even with the 2-D modeling limitations it was possible to capture most of the thermal and fluid field characteristics of the ground vortex. It was found that the temperature distribution in the flow field is greatly affected by the effective velocity, and the maximum penetration point of the ground vortex is equal to the hot gas penetration. The ground vortex strength increases slightly with increasing the intake mass flow rate but has a minor effect on the ground vortex geometry and on the penetration of the hot gases. The intake location has a significant effect on the ground vortex strength when it is located upstream of the ground vortex core. Key Words: Numerical investigation, Turbulence Models, Impinging jets, Cross-flow.
Design And Implementation of Dsp-Based Intelligent Controller For Automobile Braking System
Authors: M.J.E. Salami S.N. Sidek and
Published: October 2018

An intelligent braking system has great potential applications especially, in developed countries where research on smart vehicle and intelligent highways are receiving ample attention. The system when integrated with other subsystems like automatic traction control, intelligent throttle, and auto cruise systems, etc will result in smart vehicle maneuver. The driver at the end of the day will become the passenger, safety accorded the highest priority and the journey optimized in term of time duration, cost, efficiency and comfortability. The impact of such design and development will cater for the need of contemporary society that aspires to a quality drive as well as to accommodate the advancement of technology especially in the area of smart sensors and actuators.  The emergence of digital signal processor enhances the capacity and features of universal microcontroller.  This paper introduces the use of TI DSP, TMS320LF2407 as an engine of the system. The overall system is designed so that the value of inter-vehicle distance from infrared laser sensor and speed of follower car from speedometer are fed into the DSP for processing, resulting in the DSP issuing commands to the actuator to function appropriately.Key words:  Smart Vehicle, Digital Signal Processor, Fuzzy Controller, and Infra Red Laser Sensor
Influence of Chatter of VMC Arising During End Milling Operation and Cutting Conditions on Quality of Machined Surface
Authors: M. Razman A.K.M.N. Amin, M.A. Rizal, and
Published: October 2018

Machine tool chatter is a dynamic instability of the cutting process. Chatter results in poor part surface finish, damaged cutting tool, and an irritating and unacceptable noise. Exten¬sive research has been undertaken to study the mechanisms of chatter formation. Efforts have been also made to prevent the occurrence of chatter vibration. Even though some progress have been made, fundamental studies on the mechanics of metal cutting are necessary to achieve chatter free operation of CNC machine tools to maintain their smooth operating cycle. The same is also true for Vertical Machining Centres (VMC), which operate at high cutting speeds and are capable of offering high metal removal rates. The present work deals with the effect of work materials, cutting conditions and diameter of end mill cutters on the frequency-amplitude characteristics of chatter and on machined surface roughness. Vibration data were recorded using an experimental rig consisting of KISTLER 3-component dynamometer model 9257B, amplifier, scope meters and a PC.  Three different types of vibrations were observed. The first type was a low frequency vibration, associated with the interrupted nature of end mill operation. The second type of vibration was associated with the instability of the chip formation process and the third type was due to chatter. The frequency of the last type remained practically unchanged over a wide range of cutting speed.  It was further observed that chip-tool contact processes had considerable effect on the roughness of the machined surface.Key Words: Chatter, Cutting Conditions, Stable Cutting, Surface Roughness.
Continuously Tunable Erbium-Doped Fiber Ring Laser Using Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: P. Poopalan S. W. Harun H. Ahmad  and
Published: October 2018

An efficient tunable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser utilizing a single fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and an optical circulator is investigated. The laser demonstrates a threshold of 3.43 mW and a slope efficiency of 12.5%. Tunability of the fiber laser is obtained by thermal tuning of the FBG. Simultaneous temperature tuning demonstrates a 0.01 nm/oC variation in laser wavelength.Key Words:  Fiber Bragg grating, fiber laser, tunable laser, ring laser, thermal tuning
Application of Ion Beam Processing Technology in Production of Catalysts
Authors: Javed A. Chattha Mykola G. Bannikov, , Piotr N. Gawrilenko Vladimir N. Zlobin, Igor P. Vasilev, Jury A. Cherkasov and
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the applicability of Ion Beam Processing Technology for making catalysts has been inves-tigated. Ceramic substrates of different shapes and metal fibre tablets were implanted by platinum ions and tested in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) conversion reactions. Effectiveness of the implanted catalysts was compared to that of the commercially produced platinum catalysts made by impregnation. Platinum-implanted catalyst having fifteen times less platinum content showed the same CO conversion efficiency as the commercially pro-duced catalyst. It was revealed that the effectiveness of the platinum-implanted catalyst has complex dependence on the process parameters and the optimum can be achieved by varying the ions energy and the duration of implantation. Investigation of the pore structure showed that ion implantation did not decrease the specific surface area of the catalyst.Key Words: Catalyst, Ion Implantation, Noble metals.
Application of Digital Cellular Radio for Mobile Location Estimation
Authors: Anwar Farhat
Published: October 2018

The capability to locate the position of mobiles is a prerequisite to implement a wide range of evolving ITS services. Radiolocation has the potential to serve a wide geographical area. This paper reports an investigation regarding the feasibility of utilizing cellular radio for the purpose of mobile location estimation. Basic strategies to be utilized for location estimation are elaborated. Two possible approaches for cellular based location estimation are investigated with the help of computer simulation. Their effectiveness and relative merits and demerits are identified. An algorithm specifically adapted for cellular environment is reported with specific features where mobiles, irrespective of their numbers, can locate their position without adversely loading the cellular system.Key Words: ITS, GSM, Cellular Radio, DRGS, GPS.
Knowledge-Based Trajectory Error Pattern Method Applied to an Active Force Control Scheme
Authors: Hishamuddin Jamaluddin Endra Pitowarno, Musa Mailah,
Published: October 2018

The active force control (AFC) method is known as a robust control scheme that dramatically enhances the performance of a robot arm particularly in compensating the disturbance effects. The main task of the AFC method is to estimate the inertia matrix in the feedback loop to provide the correct (motor) torque required to cancel out these disturbances. Several intelligent control schemes have already been introduced to enhance the estimation methods of acquiring the inertia matrix such as those using neural network, iterative learning and fuzzy logic. In this paper, we propose an alternative scheme called Knowledge-Based Trajectory Error Pattern Method (KBTEPM) to suppress the trajectory track error of the AFC scheme. The knowledge is developed from the trajectory track error characteristic based on the previous experimental results of the crude approximation method. It produces a unique, new and desirable error pattern when a trajectory command is forced. An experimental study was performed using simulation work on the AFC scheme with KBTEPM applied to a two-planar manipulator in which a set of rule-based algorithm is derived. A number of previous AFC schemes are also reviewed as benchmark. The simulation results show that the AFC-KBTEPM scheme successfully reduces the trajectory track error significantly even in the presence of the introduced disturbances.Key Words:  Active force control, estimated inertia matrix, robot arm, trajectory error pattern, knowledge-based.
Coagulation-Sedimentation-Extraction Pretreatment Methods for The Removal of Suspended Solids and Residual Oil From Palm Oil Mill Effluent (Pome)
Authors: Subhash Bhatia Abdul Latif Ahmad, Norliza Ibrahim , Suzylawati Ismail and
Published: October 2018

Suspended solids and residual oil removal in a liquid are relevant to numerous research areas and industry. The suspended solid cannot be removed completely by plain settling. Large and heavy particles can settle out readily, but smaller and lighter particles settle very slowly or in some cases do not settle at all. Because of this, it requires efficient physical-chemical pretreatment methods.   Our current research is to study the pretreatment methods in the removal of suspended solids and residual oil content in POME. Preliminary analysis shows that POME contains 40,000 mg/L suspended solid and 4,000 mg/L oil and grease content that relatively very high compared to the maximum allowable limit by the Malaysian Department of Environment which are only 400 mg/L and 50 mg/L respectively. The methods chosen were coagulation-sedimentation method for suspended solids removal and solvent extraction for residual oil removal.  Jar test apparatus was used as the standard procedure for bench-scale testing and alum was used as the coagulant. Parameters studied were alum dosage, mixing time, mixing speed, sedimentation time and pH. For removal of residual oil, six different organic solvents; n-hexane, n-heptane, benzene, petroleum ether, pentane and petroleum benzene were used. For every solvent the effect of solvent ratio, mixing time, mixing speed and pH were analyzed. The results show that the optimum conditions in removal of suspended solid from POME were at pH 4.11, sedimentation time of 100 minutes and 150 rpm mixing speed with 1.5 hr mixing time. N-hexane give the best performance in extracting residual oil from POME with solvent to POME ratio of 6:10. It was estimated about 0.54 grams of oil and grease can be extracted with optimum variables at pH 4, mixing speed of 200 rpm, and 20 minutes mixing time.  Key Words: palm oil mill effluent, coagulation, suspended solid, residual oil, solvent extraction.
Influence of Cutting Parameters on Chatter and Tool Wear During End Milling of Stainless Steel Conducted on VMC
Authors: M.  ARIF A.K.M.N. AMIN, M.  IMRAN AND
Published: October 2018

Stainless steels are a group of difficult to machine work materials. The difficulty in machining stainless steels is manifested in high contact length and stresses, formation of serrated chips and development of chatter resulting in high tool wear rates and poor machined surface finish. The paper focuses on the performance of TiN coated-carbide inserts in machining stainless steel specimens in end milling operation performed on vertical machining centre (VMC). The performance of the tool is evaluated from the point of view of its wear intensity, mechanism of failure and generation and effect of chatter on tool wear and vice versa. The investigations were aimed at determining the effect of cutting parameters, specifically cutting speed, feed and depth of cut, on chatter amplitude, tool wear rate, mechanism of tool wear and using these data and machined surface roughness values from previous work to come up with recommended values of cutting parameters for semi-finish and finish end milling operation of stainless steel work materials. For recording vibration signals a dual channel portable signal analyzers was used and the signals were analyzed using Pulse Multi-analyzer version 4.2 software. Tool wear was measured using an optical microscope with digital readout capabilities along 3 axes. The tool wear mechanisms were studied under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results of the investigation show that acceleration amplitudes generally increase with cutting speed and the magnitude of tool flank wears. It has been also found that an increase in feed and depth of cut leads to higher acceleration amplitudes. The most common wear mechanisms observed during machining of stainless steel are attrition, micro and macro chipping of the tool at lower cutting speeds, and diffusion and mechanical failures due to intensive chatter at higher speeds. It has been also established that stable cutting speeds with relatively low tool wear intensity and satisfactory machined surface finish can be achieved through proper selection of cutting parameters. A table of recommended cutting conditions has been developed for almost chatter free machining with low tool wear intensity and satisfactory surface finish.

Key Words: Vertical Machining Centre, Machinability, Chatter, Cutting, Tool life.
Growth Characteristics of Fiber Bragg Gratings Fabricated in High Germania Boron Co-Doped Fiber
Authors: H. Ahmad S. W. Harun , P. Poopalan and
Published: October 2018

This paper reports and provides an explanation for the growth characteristics of fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) fabricated  in high germania boron co-doped optical fiber by using a continuous wave (CW) doubled frequency Argon ion laser as an UV light source. The grating reflectivity and Bragg wavelength shift as a function of exposure time are measured. The index modulation time is observed to have a good fit to a power law of the form ï„n = Ctb (t is the time, C and b are constants), whereas the exponent b of 0.3 is obtained for the FBGs. The UV laser light also causes a shift of the resonant wavelength with fabrication time. The fastest wavelength shift is shown to be 0.53 nm after 524 seconds exposure.Keywords: Fiber Bragg grating, Argon ion laser, Phase mask method, Growth characteristics.
Kinetics of Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitric Oxide over Pt-Cu-Zsm5 Catalyst
Authors: Mohd Saaid Ismail , Subhash Bhatia Abdul Rahman Mohamed and
Published: October 2018

Kinetics for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide (NO) using i-C4H10 as the reducing agent over Pt-Cu-ZSM5 has been investigated in the temperature range of 200 ?C – 450 oC. Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson model was proposed for kinetics of the reaction and reaction parameters were evaluated.  The heat of adsorption of NO was found to be considerably high, attributed to strong covalent bond between NO gas molecules and metal active sites.  Using reaction parameters obtained from the experiment, the heterogeneous model could form a good correlation between experimental and simulated values of NO reduction. Key Words: Reaction kinetics, Selective catalytic reduction, NO reduction, Bimetallic catalyst, H-ZSM-5 zeolite.
Modeling Of A Reactive Distillation Column: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (Mtbe) Simulation Studies
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mohamed and Subhash Bhatia Ismail Mohd Saaid
Published: October 2018

A process simulation stage-wise reactive distillation column model formulated from equilibrium stage theory was developed. The algorithm for solving mathematical model represented by sets of differential-algebraic equations was based on relaxation method. Numerical integration scheme based on backward differentiation formula was selected for solving the stiffness of differential-algebraic equations. Simulations were performed on a personal computer (PC Pentium processor) through a developed computer program using FORTRAN90 programming language. The proposed model was validated by comparing the simulated results with the published simulation results and with the pilot plant data from the literature. The model was capable of predicting high isobutene conversion for heterogeneous system, as desirable in industrial MTBE production process. The comparisons on temperature profiles, liquid composition profile and operating conditions of reactive distillation column also showed promising results. Therefore the proposed model can be used as a tool for the development and simulation of reactive distillation column.Keywords: Modeling, simulation, reactive distillation, relaxation method, equilibrium stage, heterogeneous, MTBE
Gas Permeation Characteristics across Nano-Porous Inorganic Membranes
Authors: H. Mukhtar M.R Othman, , Ahmad A.L.
Published: October 2018

An overview of parameters affecting gas permeation in inorganic membranes is presented. These factors include membrane physical characteristics, operational parameters and gas molecular characteristics. The membrane physical characteristics include membrane materials and surface area, porosity, pore size and pore size distribution and membrane morphology. The operational parameters include feed flow rate and concentration, stage cut, temperature and pressure. The gas molecular characteristics include gas molecular weight, diameter, critical temperature, critical pressure, Lennard-Jones parameters and diffusion volumes. The current techniques of material characterization may require complementary method in describing microscopic heterogeneity of the porous ceramic media. The method to be incorporated in the future will be to apply a stochastic model and/or fractal dimension. Keywords: Inorganic membrane, surface adsorption, Knudsen diffusion, Micro-porous membrane, permeation, gas separation.
Characterization of Fairness of Information Distribution in a Mobile Agent Based Adaptive Information System
Authors: Jafar Sadiq Iftikhar Ahmed and
Published: October 2018

The information age is now passing through an evolutionary phase. As the capacity of networks is increasing to handle and process huge volume of information traffic, the management of such information systems is becoming a trivial issue. The Internet being the largest source of information provision is heterogeneous in nature with constantly evolving environment. New information services are added whereas some are modified or removed. User’s demands and interests also change constantly. In such a dynamic environment it is very difficult to maintain a coherent picture of the information services. A novel technique proposed recently employs autonomous mobile agents in faded information field architecture to facilitate information provision and servicing in this new era of information age. The architecture is decentralized in nature whereby both the service provider and information seeker communicate through mobile agents. However, the degree of fairness of information distribution and access is still a problem to be addressed. This paper investigates the issue of fairness among information users for access to information in a networked environment that uses mobile agent technology and faded information field architecture to service the system. A number of algorithms were simulated and their effectiveness is discussed in the paper. Simulation results are presented that show a lot of potential to address the issue of fairness in information systems.   Keywords: Mobile agents, information systems, intelligent systems.
A Comprehensive Mathematical Model for Simulation of Latent and Sensible Heat Losses from Wet-Skin Surface and Fur Layer of a Cow
Authors: Khan Z.A. , Badruddin I.A. , Mokhtar M. , Muahamad W.M.W.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a comprehensive mathematical model that calculates heat and mass transfer from the skin surface and fur layer of a cow. The model predicts evaporative, respiratory, convective, radiant and urine heat losses for different levels of skin and fur wetness, air velocity, ambient temperature, relative humidity, breathing rate and volume of urine discharged per unit time. Effect of various environmental conditions on skin temperature and consequently heat loss from cow’s body is discussed. It is found that the heat loss through respiration is significant and can not be ignored. Evaporative cooling and respiratory heat losses are, decreased due to increased relative humidity because of increased saturation of ambient air with water particles. It is also found that very small proportion of total body heat is lost through urine in stressful hot environment.
CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING OF SOLITON TRANSMISSION AT 2.5 GB/S OVER 200 KM
Authors: AL-KHATEEB KHALID A. S. , ARMI MOHD ARMI , SHAWAL MOHAMAD
Published: October 2018

Soliton characteristics and soliton transmission have been simulated using a VPI simulator. Simulation was also used to construct and study a soliton communication system. Near soliton pulses emitted by an actively mode-locked laser is then compressed in a dispersion-compensating fiber (DCF) to produce solitons. The effects of non-linearity and active pre-chirping of mode-locked laser diode sources were also investigated. Assessment on a modeled system using real data shows that propagation over 250 km at 2.5 Gb/s in standard fibers with 20 ps pulse widths is possible in the 1550 nm wavelength range.
A simplified thermal model for a clothed human operator with thermoregulation
Authors: Khan Zahid Akhtar , Badruddin magami Irfan Anjum , Maniyan Suresh , Quadir Gulam Abdul
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a simplified yet comprehensive mathematical model to predict steady state temperature distribution for various regions of male clothed human operators who are healthy, passive/active and lean/obese under the influence of different environmental conditions using thermoregulatory control concept. The present model is able to predict the core temperature, close to 37oC for a healthy, passive/active and lean/obese operator at normal ambient temperatures. It is observed that due to increase in body fat, BF the skin temperature, of the operator decreases by a small amount. However, effect of age of the operator on is found to be insignificant. The present model has been validated against the experimental data available in the literature.
TREATMENT OF POME BY PILOT PLANT ANAEROBIC FLUIDISED BED REACTOR
Authors: Al-Mamun Abdullah , Idris Azni
Published: October 2018

A pilot scale anaerobic fluidised bed reactor (AnFBR) of 2000 L capacity was studied to determine its performance to treat palm oil mill effluent (POME). The pilot plant was operated at ambient temperature with diluted POME as substrate. It took 17 days for the start-up of the reactor with pre-seeded sand media. The AnFBR was capable to remove a large portion of organics at relatively shorter retention time. Maximum and minimum COD removal efficiency of 85% and 65% were attained at a loading rate of 4.0 and 13.8 kgCOD/m3.d. BOD and TSS removal rates varied within the range of 64% - 91% and 68% - 89%, respectively. The AnFBR exhibited low sludge production with lower sludge volume indices (SVI). Maximum and minimum effluent indices for the effluent were 35 mL/g and 11 mL/g, respectively. Low SVI values indicated that, anaerobic fluidised bed reactors generate less sludge with fast settling properties. Promising performance at ambient temperature and for detention time shorter than the present practices supported the possibility of AnFBR to treat POME to meet the new requirement set by the DOE Malaysia.
Polyhydroyalkanoates: from Basic Research and Molecular Biology to Application
Authors: Abd alFattah Amara Amro
Published: October 2018

This review describes the Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), an intracellular biodegradable microbial polymer. PHAs is formed from different types of three hydroxyalkanoic acids monomers, each unit forms an ester bond with the hydroxyl group of the other one and the hydroxyl substituted carbon has R configuration. The C-3 atom in β position is branched with at least one carbon atom in the form of methyl group (C1) to thirteen carbons in the form of tridecyl (C13). This alkyl side chain is not necessarily saturated. PHAs are biosynthesized through regulated pathways by specific enzymes. PHAs are accumulated in bacterial cells from soluble to insoluble form as storage materials inside the inclusion bodies during unbalanced nutrition or to save organisms from reducing equivalents. PHAs are converted again to soluble components by PHAs depolymerases and the degraded materials enter various metabolic pathways. Until now, four classes of enzymes responsible for PHAs polymerization are known. PHAs were well studied regarding their promising applications, physical, chemical and biological properties. PHAs are biodegradable, biocompatible, have good material properties, renewable and can be used in many applications. The most limiting factor in PHAs commercialization is their high cost compared to the petroleum plastics. This review highlights the new knowledge and that established by the pioneers in this field as well as the factors, which affect PHAs commercialization.