bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic features of PMEL17 (Silver) mutant gene–associated multiple congenital ocular anomalies (MCOA) in Comtois and Rocky Mountain horses
Authors: Ségard Emilie M. , Depecker Marianne C. , Lang Johann , Gemperli Armin , Cadoré Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2013

Objective

(1) To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of multiple congenital ocular anomalies (MCOA) in the eyes of horses with the PMEL17 (Silver) mutant gene. (2) To compare the accuracy of B‐mode ocular ultrasound to conventional direct ophthalmoscopy.

Animals studied

Sixty‐seven Comtois and 18 Rocky Mountain horses were included in the study.

Procedures

Horses were classified as being carriers or noncarriers of the PMEL17 mutant allele based on coat color or genetic testing. Direct ophthalmoscopy followed by standardized ultrasonographic examination was performed in all horses.

Results

Seventy‐five of 85 horses (88.24%) carried at least one copy of the Silver mutant allele. Cornea globosa, severe iridal hypoplasia, uveal cysts, cataracts, and retinal detachment could be appreciated with ultrasound. Carrier horses had statistically significantly increased anterior chamber depth and decreased thickness of anterior uvea compared with noncarriers (P < 0.05). Uveal cysts had a wide range of location and ultrasonographic appearances. In 51/73 (69.86%) carrier horses, ultrasound detected ciliary cysts that were missed with direct ophthalmoscopy.

Conclusions

In this study, ultrasonography was useful to identify uveal cysts in PMEL17 mutant carriers and to assess anterior chamber depth.
Establishing hydroecological relationships to manage the impacts of groundwater abstraction
Authors: Bradley David C. , Streetly Mike , Farren Emma , Cadman Daniel , Banham Andrew
Published: January 2013

Despite the pressing environmental, economic and social issues surrounding water abstraction, scientific methods for managing its ecological impacts remain in their infancy. In this paper, we demonstrate statistically significant relationships between in‐stream ecological condition using macroinvertebrates and the hydrological effect of groundwater abstraction on surface water flows in streams originating from Permo‐Triassic sandstone aquifers in the English midlands. Ecological condition was most strongly correlated to the effect of abstraction on medium‐low flows (Q75) compared with effects at other flows, water quality, habitat or seasonal effects. Ecological impacts occurred when the effect of abstraction on Q75 flows exceeded 60%. The same relationships were shown among individual macroinvertebrate taxa, validating the biological responses. The hydroecological model has provided a scientific basis for making local decisions on investigation sites and has helped to focus resources to areas at risk of not meeting Good Ecological Status under the Water Framework Directive because of abstraction.
Hardware Design and Interfacing of a Robot Assisted Subtractive Prototyping System
Authors: Tang Sai Hong , Wong Su Luan , Young Paul , Sulaiman Shamsuddin , Hashmi M. S. J.
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membincangkan isu yang timbul dari segi reka bentuk perkakasan dan antara muka untuk sebuah sistem prototaip pengurangan yang dibangunkan oleh penyelidik. Suatu robot pengolah yang mempunyai empat darjah kebebasan digerakkan oleh empat motor servo arus ulang-alik yang tidak berberus. Motor tersebut dikawal oleh pemacu yang berasingan. Pemacu menerima isyarat arah dan jarak dari pengindeks. Pengindeks dikawal oleh perisian yang dibangunkan oleh penyelidik melalui sebuah komputer peribadi yang berspesifikasi tinggi. Pengolah digunakan untuk memegang dan mengolah suatu blok polistairin untuk proses pengisaran. Masalah di antara antara muka dengan komputer peribadi dapat diselesaikan dan semua paksi pengolah bergerak dan berhenti dalam masa yang sama. Sistem telah diuji untuk mengeluarkan model tiga dimensi yang berupa kompleks. Keputusan pengisaran adalah memuaskan. Secara umumnya, sistem itu adalah berkesan, menjimatkan masa dan tempat, dan dapat melaksanakan semua kerja reka bentuk dan pembuatan bantuan komputer.

Kata kunci: Pengolah, antara muka, prototaip, pembuatan

The paper discusses about the issues of hardware design and interfacing of a self-developed robot assisted subtractive prototyping system. A four degrees of freedom robotic manipulator was driven by four alternative current (a.c.) brushless servomotors, which were controlled by separate drives. The drives reveived direction and distance signals from an indexer, which in turn was controlled by a user-developed software through a high specification perconal computer (PC). The manipulator was used to hold and manipulate the model material (polystyrene) for ball nosed end milling process. The interfacing problem with a high-end PC has been rectified and all the manipulator axes moved synchronously. System has been tested for producing three-dimensional complex shaped model and the result was satisfactory. Generally, the system is effective, space and time saving, and can accomplish the entire computer aided design and manufacturing tasks.

Key words: Manipulator, interfacing, prototyping, manufacturing
Dry Mixing of Feedstock for injection Moulding of 316L Stainless Steel Powder
Authors: Omar Mohd. Afian
Published: January 2013

Bahan pengikat pengacuan yang terdiri daripada polietilina glikol (PEG) dan polimetil metakrilate (PMMA) telah dihasilkan untuk proses pengacuan suntikan logam. Penyediaan bahan suapan adalah secara kaedah basah di mana PMMA adalah dalam bentuk emulsi dengan saiz serbuk antara 0.1 µm hingga 0.2 µm. Oleh itu, untuk menghindarkan proses pengeringan, satu kaedah baru penyediaan bahan suapan dalam bentuk percampuran kering telah dilakukan. Untuk ini, PMMA yang digunakan adalah terdiri daripada serbuk PMMA komersial berjenama Elvacite yang mempunyai saiz serbuk 100 µm dan juga serbuk PMMA yang didapati daripada proses pengeringan emulsi yang dikisar dan diayak hingga ke saiz serbuk 53 µm. Bahan suapan tersebut telah dicampur ke dalam mesin pencampur bilah sigma selama dua jam pada suhu 120°C. Bahan suapan kemudian disemperit panas sebelum dilakukan proses pengacuan. Keputusan uji kaji menunjukkan dalam semua kes, didapati PMMA telah menyerak secara tidak sekata. Ini seterusnya meningkatkan lagi bahan teracu untuk mengampul semasa proses pengurasan dan menyebabkan bahan tersinter mempunyai banyak keliangan. Walau bagaimanapun, adalah dirumuskan bahawa dengan menggunakan serbuk PMMA yang bersaiz lebih kecil, produk yang lebih baik akan diperolehi.

Kata kunci: Percampuran kering, pengacuan suntikan logam, pengsinteran, bahan suapan, serbuk keluli tahan karat 316L

An injection moulding binder, which is composed of poly ethylene glycols (PEGs) of various molecular weights and poly methylmethacrylate (PMMA), has been developed for injection of metal powders. Feedstocks have been prepared using a wet process with PMMA introduced in the form of an emulsion with particles of 0.1 to 0.2 µm in size. To eliminate the drying process, an attempt has been made to prepare the feedstock using a dry mixing process using 316L stainless steel powder as a model material. For this, the PMMA used was either a commercial powder, Elvacite, with a particle size of up to 100 m or a powder obtained by drying the emulsion and grinding the resultant cake, followed by classification using 53 µm sieves. The feestock constituents were mixed into a sigma blade mixer for 2 hours at mixing temperature of 120°C. The feedstock was then hot extruded using piston injection moulding machine prior to being moulded. It was found in all cases that PMMA was poorly dispersed. This resulted in an increased tendency for the moulded bars to swell on being leached and the sintered bars to have a substantial residual porosity. This study suggests that by using small particles of PMMA powder, an acceptable product could be obtained.

Key words: Dry mixing, metal injection moulding, sintering, feedstock, 316L stainless steel powder
Water Table Management for Upland Crops: A Theoretical Modelling Investigation
Authors: Katimon Ayob
Published: January 2013

Kertas ini membincangkan beberapa aspek pengurusan paras air tanah untuk kegunaan tanaman ladang di kawasan sawah padi terbiar yang mempunyai paras tanah cetek. Oleh sebab tanaman ladang menjadi lebih penting kepada para petani sebagai sebahagian program mempelbagaikan tanaman, maka sokongan teknikal mengenai bagaimana sumber air ladang dapat dioptimumkan untuk tanaman amat diperlukan. Satu kajian teoriteknikal berdasarkan model imbangan air tanah pada ruang akar tanaman dan kesannya terhadap penyusutan paras air tanah telah dilakukan. Keputusan pemodelan digunakan untuk merancang kawalan paras air tanah yang sesuai kepada tanaman ladang. Aplikasi yang praktikal telah ditunjukkan dengan menggunakan beberapa data tempatan.

Kata kunci: Paras air tanah, pengairan, tanaman ladang, imbangan air

This study discusses some aspects of water table management for upland crops in the abandoned rice fields of shallow field water tables. As upland crops are gaining importance to rice farmers as part of the crop diversification programme, a technical support on how to manage the water resources optimally for plant growth would be extremely valuable. A theoretical investigation based on soil–water balance model in the root zone and water table draw–down is presented. The result is used to formulate the necessary water table control suitable for upland crops. A practical application is demonstrated by the translation of the concluding formula into a local data.

Key words: Water table, irrigation, field crop, water balance
Life Cycle Cost Analysis Case Study on Corrosion Remedial Measures for Concrete Structures
Authors: Ho Jin How , Abd. Rahman Azlan
Published: January 2013

Artikel ini membincangkan kajian ringkas berkaitan analisis kos kitaran hayat terhadap langkah-langkah pembaikan pengaratan bagi jambatan dan struktur marin konkrit yang terdedah kepada karbonasi atau serangan natrium klorida daripada air laut atau sumber-sumber lain. Perisian kos kitaran hayat, Bridge LCC 2.0 digunakan untuk menjalankan analisi kitaran hayat untuk tiga kes kajian melibatkan kaedah nilai bersih kini. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan analisis kos kitaran hayat berkeupayaan untuk membantu jurutera dan agensi pengangkutan dalam menilai keputusan penyelenggaraan yang efektif berkaitan dengan masalah pengaratan. Ia boleh digunakan sebagai alat analisis ekonomi kejuruteraan yang membantu mantaksir kos-kos perbezaan dan membuat pilihan terhadap langkah pembaikan pengaratan yang berkesan. Analisis kos kitaran hayat bagi langkah pembaikan dipengaruhi oleh banyak pemboleh ubah seperti kos permulaan, kos penyelenggaraan, tahun kekerapan, dan jangka masa analisis. Amalan terbaik untuk analisis kos kitaran hayat bukan sahaja mengambil kira perbelanjaan oleh agensi, tetapi perlu mempertimbangkan kos-kos oleh pengguna dan analisis sensitiviti di sepanjang jangka hayat sesuatu langkah pembaikan.

Kata kunci: Analisis kos kitaran hayat, jambatan konkrit, pengaratan, langkah, pembaikan, pemulihan struktur, keberkesanan kos, kaedah nilai bersih kini (NPV)

This paper discusses a short study on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) on corrosion remedial measures for concrete bridges and marine structures, which are subjected to carbonation or ingress of sodium chloride from sea water and other sources. Life cycle costing software, Bridge LCC 2.0, was used to perform life cycle cost analyses on three case studies, based on net present value method. The analysis of the results showed that LCCA is capable of assisting engineers or transportation agencies to evaluate optimum maintenance decisions in corrosion–related problems. It can be used as an engineering economic analysis tool that helps in qualifying the differential costs and choosing the most cost–effective corrosion remedial measures. Life cycle costs for the remedial measures are influenced by many costing variables such as initial costs, periodic maintenance costs, frequency years and analysis period. The best practice of LCCA should not only consider agency expenditures but also user costs and sensitivity analysis throughout the service life of a remedial measure.

Key words: Life cycle analysis, concrete bridges, corrosion, remedial measures, structural rehabilitation, cost-effective, net present value method (NPV)
Polymer Based Directional Coupler Thermooptic Optical Switch
Authors: Mohd. Supaat Abu Sahmah , Mohammad Abu Bakar , Mohd. Kassim Norazan
Published: January 2013

Pengoptimuman bagi satu suis optik termooptik polimer 2x2 berasaskan pengganding berarah menggunakan perisian Prometheus telah dilakukan. Perubahan panjang gandingan terhadap fungsi dimensi pandu gelombang, sela jarak pandu gelombang dan perbezaan index berkesan telah dikaji. Kedudukan elektrod pemanas, di mana pemaksimuman perbezaan indek berkesan di antara cabang telah dioptimumkan. Dengan indek beza jelas 0.005 di antara teras dan penyalutan, aras cakap silang –40 dB dan –37 dB bagi keadaan silang dan bar masing-masing telah dicapai.

Kata kunci: Suis optik termooptik, pengganding berarah, cakap silang, sela jarak pandu gelombang, panjang gandingan

The optimization of 2x2 polymer based directional coupler (DC) thermooptic (TO) optical switch (DCTOPS) using Prometheus software has been demonstrated. The coupling length variations as a function of waveguide dimension, waveguide gap, and effective index difference have been studied. The position of the electrode heater, which maximizes the effective index difference between branches have been optimized. With the index contrast of 0.005 between the core and the cladding, the crosstalk level of –40 dB and –37 dB for the cross state and the bar state of TO switch can be achieved respectively.

Keywords: Thermooptic optical switch, directional coupler, crosstalk, waveguide gap, coupling length
Pengoptimuman Penyelesaian Masalah Penjadualan Waktu Kuliah dengan Teknik Algoritma Genetik
Authors: Ayob Fahrul Hakim , Sulaiman M. Nasir , Othman Mohd.
Published: January 2013

Penjadualan waktu kuliah ialah suatu permasalahan penetapan masa dan tempat bagi sebilangan pengajaran kuliah. Penjadualan waktu perlu memastikan pematuhan beberapa kekangan yang disyaratkan seperti penghindaran pertindihan waktu mengajar, pertindihan subjek dan pertindihan bilik kuliah. Kertas kerja ini membincangkan tentang suatu simulasi penjadualan mudah yang telah dibina dan diskopkan untuk sesebuah fakulti kecil berteraskan konsep heuristik kepintaran buatan iaitu Algorikma Genetik dalam mencari penyelesaian optimumnya. Perwakilan penyelesaian masalah ini, maka kebarangkalian untuk penghasilan kromosom yang lebih cergas adalah sangat tinggi. Kecergasan Kromosom adalah adalah ukuran kualiti jadual waktu yang dihasilkan. Pada keseluruhannya, sistem ini berjaya memperlihatkan keberkesanan teknik Algoritma Genetik dalam pengoptimuman penyelesaian masalah penjadualan waktu tersebut.

Kata Kunci: Algoritma genetik, penjadualan waktu kuliah, kromosom, mutasi, silang

Lecture timetabling is the problem of assigning time and places for conducting lectures. Timetabling is required to satisfy a few constraints such as time of teaching, subjects, and places of conducting classes from clashes. This paper discusses the simulation of a simple lecture timetabling for a small faculty by using artificial intelligence’s heuristic method called Genetic Algoritms. The solution of the problem represented by the chromosomes would go through the processes of crossover and mutations at every generation.With the existence of a few functions which are called genetic repairs that support Genetic Algorithms in the problem optimization, the chances of getting healthy chromosomes is better. There functions enhance the chromosomes’ fitness function cost by reducing penalty cost from one generation to another. Fitness function of the chromosomes indicates the quality of timtable that is produced. As more fitness function is gained, a better quality timetable would be produced by this algorithm. Ultimately, this system has proved the effectiveness of Genetic Algorithms in optimising the timetabling problem.
Design of Educational Software for Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) Techniques
Authors: Hong Kai Sze , Shaikh Salleh Sheikh Hussain
Published: January 2013

Pengecaman suara merupakan satu subjek penting dalam penyelidikan, dan perkembangannya telah tiba di satu tahap di mana ia telah diaplikasikan di dalam banyak aplikasi industri dan pengguna di luar negeri. Walau bagaimanapun, penyelidikan pengecaman suara masih berada di tahap awalnya di Malaysia. Sebab utama adalah pengecaman suara sungguh kompleks dan pengajaran subjek ini terutamanya teknologi di sebaliknya merupakan satu tugas yang mencabar. Masa kini, sesetengah pengajar menggunakan persembahan tayangan slide dan papan putih dalam pemberian kursus begini. Di akhir kursus, pelajar tidak dapat meninjau output daripada algoritma yang diberi ataupun menguji sistem ini dalam masa nyata. Dalam kes ini, pelajar tidak dapat didedahkan kepada sistem teknikal yang sebenarnya dan mudah berasa bosan. Penyelidikan ini terutamanya memberi perhatian kepada kemajuan terhadap had dan masalah yang dihadapi oleh kaedah pengajaran tradisional di dalam pengecaman suara dengan membangunakan satu set perisian pendidikan yang interaksi dan praktikal untuk membimbing dan membantu pelajar dalam pembelajaran, menjalankan pengujian dan membangunkan aplikasi pengecaman suara.

Kata kunci: Pengecaman suara, pengecaman corak, pengaturcaraan berdasarkan objek, perantara muka pengguna bergrafik, interaksi manusia-komputer

Speech recognition has been an important subject for research, and it has come to a stage where it has been actively applied in a lot of industrial and consumer applications, overseas. However, speech recognition research is still in its infancy stage in Malaysia. The main reason is that speech recognition systems are highly complex and teaching students in this subject matter with the underlying technologies is a challenging task. Currently, some instructors use slide show presentations and white board in giving such courses. At the end of the course, students are not able to figure out the real output of the algorithms given. In this case, students are not exposed to the real technical systems and would easily get bored. This research is mainly on the improvement over the limitations and problems of the traditional teaching method in speech recognition by developing a set of interactive and practical education software to guide and assist students in studying, and performing experiments for speech recognition.

Keywords: Speech recognition, pattern recognition, object oriented programming, graphical user interface, human computer interaction
Penyediaan dan Pencirian Membran Pertukaran Kation dengan Resin untuk Proses Elektrodialisis
Authors: M. Mahadevan. , Lin Lay Pee , M. Y. Zainal Abidin , Sarmidi Mohamad Roji
Published: January 2013

Elektrodialisis merupakan suatu proses yang menggunakan perbezaan keupayaan elektrik sebagai daya penggerak yang menyebabkan pergerakan ion-ion dalam sesuatu elektronit. Membran yang digunakan dalam proses ini akan membenarkan sama ada cas-cas positif atau negatif sahaja melaluinya bergantung kepada kumpulan berfungsi yang terikat pada membran. Objektif projek penyelidikan ini adalah untuk menghasilkan membran pertukaran kation yang digunakan dalam proses elektrodialisis. Membran-membran pertukaran kation yang dihasilkan terbahagi kepada lima jenis, dan diberi nama sebagai BERL–30, 40, 50, 60, dan 70. Kelima-lima jenis membran ini berbeza dari segi kandungan resin yang berfungsi sebagai vektor pertukaran cas kation. Di samping penyediaan membran, penyelidikan ini juga meliputi aspek pencirian membran tersebut serta perbandingan dengan membran komersial. Kriteria yang dikaji adalah ketebalan membran, sifat kebolehtelapan membran, kapasiti pertukaran ion, kapasiti kepekatan ion kumpulan berfungsi, morfologi struktur membran, ujian kestabilan kimia dan kandungan air membran. Secara keseluruhannya, didapati peratus kandungan resin yang tinggi boleh meningkatkan kapasiti pertukaran ion, peratus kebolehtelapan membran serta kapasiti kepekatan ion kumpulan berfungsi. Antara membran yang dihasilkan, membran pertukaran kation jenis BERL–70 merupakan membran yang berpotensi dalam penggunaan proses elektrodialisis.

Kata kunci: Membran pertukaran kation, polisulfona, resin pertukaran ion, ciri-ciri membran, elekrodialisis

The objective of this work is to prepare an anion exchange membrane from polysulfone binder–ion exchange resin, which can be used in electrodialysis process. The cation exchange membranes were prepared by the solution casting method. The prepared anion exchange membranes are different from the conventional cation exchange membranes because its functional group is not derived from chlorosulfonic acid but from the absorption of anion exchange resins. The content of resins in each set of the prepared cation exchange membrane varied and were named as BERL–30, 40, 50, 60, and 70. In addition, the performance and behaviour of the prepared anion exchange membrane were evaluated and compared with the commercial cation exchange membranes. The physico-chemical properties of anion exchange membrane were determined by measuring the membrane thickness, permselectivity, and concentration of ion exchange capacity, chemical stability, water content, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the increase in the quantity of resin (%) would increase the capacity of ion exchange, percentage of permselectivity, and capacity concentration of ion exchange group. The experimental results showed that cation exchange membrane has the potential to be used in electrodialysis process.

Keywords: Cation exchange membrane, electrodialysis, polysulfone, ion exchange resin, membrane characterisation
Pemupukan Kemahiran Proses Sains di Kalangan Pelajar Tingkatan Dua di Sekolah Bestari
Authors: Abdul Rauf Rose Amnah , Johar Abd. Rashid , Halim Lilia , Ariffin Siti Rahayah
Published: January 2013

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meminjam persekitaran pengajaran-pembelajaran sains di Sekolah Bestari dalam menyediakan peluang pemupukan kemahiran proses sains (KPS) di kalangan pelajar. Kajian ini merupakan kajian kes jenis kualitatif. Seramai 24 pelajar dan 2 orang guru dipilih menjadi peserta kajian dari dua buah Sekolah Bestari. Hasil analisis dokumen menunjukkan bahawa kurikulum memainkan peranan penting dalam menentukan perancangan pemupukan kemahiran proses sains. Kajian ini mendapati peluang pemupukan kemahiran proses sains wujud dalam proses pengajaran-pembelajaran sains di Sekolah Bestari. Peluang pemupukan ini didapati daripada kaedah pengajaran dan bahan pengajaran-pembelajaran yang digunakan. Kaedah perbincangan memupuk banyak jenis kemahiran proses sains berbanding kaedah pengajaran yang lain. Kemahiran proses sains yang paling kerap dipupuk melalui kaedah perbincangan adalah kemahiran berkomunikasi. Bahan pengajaran-pembelajaran yang memupuk paling banyak jenis kemahiran proses sains ialah penggunaan pengurusan grafik. Kajian ini juga mencadangkan model pemupukan kemahiran proses sains.

Kata kunci: Kemahiran projek sains, Sekolah Bestari, pemupukan, pengajaran-pembelajaran

This study aims at exploring science teaching-learning environment of smart schools in providing opportunities to incalculate science process skills amongst students. This is a case study using a qualitative method. 24 students and 2 teachers from two smart schools were chosen as the participants. Document analysis indicates that the curriculum plays a major role in determining the planning of incalculating science process skills. This study shows that opportunities to incalculate science process skills exist in the teaching-learning process of science in smart schools, through the use of teaching methods and teaching aids. The discussion method incalculates more science process skills compared to other methods of teaching. This science process skills that is most incalculated through the discussions methods is the communication skill. Graphic organizer used as a teaching aid was found to incalculate and the most variety of science process skills. This study also suggests a model for the incalculation of science process skills.

Key words: Science process skills, smart schools, incalculate, teaching-learning
Gaya Pembelajaran Kolb dalam Mata Pelajaran Biologi
Authors: Othman Norasmah , Othman Siti Rashidah
Published: January 2013

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti gaya pembelajaran pelajar dalam mempelajari mata pelajaran Biologi dan menentukan sama ada terdapat perbezaan gaya pembelajaran antara pelajar lelaki dan pelajar perempuan, dan juga antara pelajar Bumiputera dengan pelajar bukan Bumiputera. Gaya pembelajaran Kolb telah digunakan untuk mengukur gaya pembelajaran pelajar. Kajian ini merupakan satu kajian tinjauan dengan menggunakan soal selidik sebagai instrumen. Seramai 60 orang pelajar jurusan Biologi telah digunakan sebagai sampel kajian. Dapatan kajian mendapati bahawa tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan secara statistik dalam penggunaan gaya pembelajaran antara pelajar lelaki dan perempuan, dan juga antara pelajar bumiputera dan bukan Bumiputera.

Kata kunci: Gaya Pembelajaran Kolb

The purpose of this research is to identify students’ learning styles in learning biologi and also to determine whether there is any difference in learning styles between gender and ethnic. Kolb’s Learning Style inventory was used to identify students’ learning styles. This study used survey methods as an instrument. The sample consisted of 60 biology students. Findings indicated that there is no difference in the learning styles between male and female students, and also between Bumiputera and non Bumiputera students.

Key words: Kolb's Learning Style
A Plastic Injection Molding Process Characterization Using Experimental Design Technique: A Case Study
Authors: Mohamed Yusoff Shaik Mohamed , Mohd. Rohani Jafri , Hamid Wan Harun Wan , Ramly Edly
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini mengillustrasikan applikasi reka bentuk eksperimen dalam industri pemprosesan suntikan plastik untuk salah satu komponen penyaman udara. Objektif utama reka bentuk eksperimen ini ialah untuk mengenal pasti parameter mesin suntikan plastik dan seterusnya menentukan paras optima mesin yang mempengaruhi karekteristik output, iaitu short–shot. Reka bentuk factorial penuh telah dipilih untuk kajian ini dengan mengenal pasti lima mesin parameter, iaitu backpressure, screw rotation speed, spear temperature, monifold temperature, dan holding pressure transfer. Keputusan kajian telah dapat mengenal pasti mesin parameter yang mempengaruhi karekteristik output dan mesin parameter signifikasi tersebut telah dianalisa melalui model regrasi.

Kata kunci: Reka bentuk eksperimen, mesin suntikan plastik, analisa varian, analisa regrasi

This paper illustrates an application of design of experimental (DOE) approach in an industrial setting for identifying the critical factors affecting a plastic injection molding process of a certain component for aircond assembly. A critical to quality (CTQ) of interest is reducing process defects, namely short–shot. A full factorial design was employed to study simultaneously the effect of five injection molding process parameters. The five process parameters are backpressure, screw rotation speed, spear temperature, manifold temperature, and holding pressure transfer. Finally, the significant process parameters influencing the short–shot defect have been found. Empirical relationship between CTQ and the significant process parameters were formulated using regression analysis.

Key words: Design of experiments, injection molding, analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis
The Use of Hybrid Technique: Thresholding and Edge Detection for Identifying River from Aerial Photo
Authors: Mohd. Rahim Mohd. Shafry , Nik Ismail Nik Isrozaidi , Idris Mohd. Azuan Shah
Published: January 2013

Bidang pemprosesan imej merupakan satu bidang yang luas dengan pelbagai aplikasi terutama dalam bidang sains dan industri. Pemprosesan imej digunakan dalam manipulasi dan penambahbaikan imej untuk memudahkan proses seterusnya. Penyelidikan ini melibatkan penggunaan teknik hybrid yang menggabungkan teknik threshold dan teknik pengesanan sisi Sobel, untuk mengenal pasti sungai daripada imej berskala kelabu. Teknik thresholding digunakan untuk mengurangkan piksel sisi yang tak maksima, piksel sisi yang lemah dan mengurangkan kesan hingar, manakala edge detection digunakan untuk mengesan kehadiran piksel sisi. Hasil yang diperolehi daripada penggunaan teknik hybrid dibandingkan dengan teknik–teknik yang sedia ada seperti Sobel, Prewitt, Laplacian dan Robert Cross.

Kata kunci: Pemprosesan imej, mengenal pasti ciri-ciri, pengesanan garis, foto udara

The field of image processing is a broad field with many applications in science and industry. Image processing is used to manipulate and enhance an image, which ease the next process. This research involves the use of a hybrid techniques, which is a combination of thresholding and Sobel edge detection technique, to recognize a river from a grey scale image. Thresholding technique is used to reduce non-maxima pixels, weak edges and noise, whilst the edge detection technique is used to detect location of the edges. The output from this hybrid technique is compared to the existing techniques such as Sobel, Prewitt, Laplacian, and Robert Cross technique.

Key words: Image processing, feature extraction, edge detection, aerial photo
Electrophoretic Migration of Organophosphorus Pesticides as a Function of Separation Potential in Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography: A Basis of Predicting the Retention Factors
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Monjurul Alam S. M. , Sulaiman A. B.
Published: January 2013

Dalam kromatografi elektrokinetik misel, faktor penahanan (k´) biasanya dikira menggunakan mobiliti misel penanda hidrofobik yang tertahan sepenuhnya dan penanda ini tidak banyak didapati untuk kegunaan universal. Satu pendekatan alternatif dicadangkan di sini untuk meramalkan nilai k´ berdasarkan fungsi hubungan antara masa penahanan zat terlarut dan keupayaan pemisahan menggunakan pestisid organofosforus sebagai sebatian rujukan hidrofobik. Penggunaan model linear yang ringkas ini dinilai untuk satu set pestisid organofosforus hidrofilik lain.

Kata kunci: Kromatografi elektrokinetik misel (MEKC), OPPs hidrofobik, OPPs hidrofilik

Retention factors (k´) in Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (MEKC) are very often calculated against the mobility of fully retained hydrophobic micelle markers, which are not abundant for universal use. An alternative approach was proposed to predict the k´ values on the basis of a functional relationship between the solutes retention times and separation potentials using organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) as reference hydrophobic compounds. The use of the proposed simple linear model was evaluated for another set of hydrophilic OPPs and its practicality was defined.

Key words: Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (MEKC), hydrophobic OPPs, hydrophilic OPPs
The Use of Downton’s Estimator in Dual Response Surface Optimization
Authors: Ch’ng Chuan Kim , Michael Khoo Boon Chong
Published: January 2013

Kaedah sambutan dual terdiri daripada dua sambutan bagi suatu cirian kualiti. Dua sambutan tersebut ialah sambutan min dan sambutan sisihan piawai (varians) yang dianggarkan daripada reka bentuk eksperimen selepas penyuaian model dijalankan. Sambutan sisihan piawai biasanya dianggar daripada sisihan piawai sampel. Kelemahan utama penganggar yang berdasarkan sisihan piawai sampel adalah ia mudah dipengaruhi oleh titik ekstrim. Bagi kes sedemikian, model yang tersuai berdasarkan sisihan piawai sampel adalah mungkin tidak jitu. Oleh itu, penggunaan pendekatan ini mungkin tidak dapat memberi titik kompromi yang betul. Dalam kertas kerja ini, suatu anggaran sisihan piawai berdasarkan penganggar Downton dicadangkan dalam pengoptimuman kaedah sambutan dual. Penganggar teguh kurang dipengaruhi oleh titik ekstrim berbanding dengan sisihan piawai sampel. Dalam hal ini, suatu model tersuai yang berdasarkan penganggar teguh akan memberikan keputusan yang lebih baik. Suatu contoh digunakan untuk mengilustrasikan kecekapan cadangan kami dalam pengoptimuman. Dalam contoh ini ralat kuasadua min (MSE) akan digunakan sebagai ciri pengoptimuman.

Kata kunci: Penganggar Downton, pengoptimuman sambutan dual, ralat min kuasa dua, pengoptimuman, titik kompromi

A dual response surface approach consists of two responses of a quality characteristic. These two responses are the mean response and the standard deviation (variance) response, which are estimated from an experimental design after performing a model fitting. The standard deviation response is usually estimated using the sample standard deviation. The main drawback of this estimator by means of sample standard deviation is that it is easily influenced by extreme points. For this case, the fitted model based on the sample standard deviation may not be accurate. Thus, the use of this approach may not produce the correct compromised setting. In this paper, an estimation of the standard deviation based on Downton’s estimator in a dual response surface optimization is proposed. A Downton estimator is a robust estimator of standard deviation. A robust estimator is less affected by extreme points compared to the sample standard deviation. Here, a model based on a robust estimator will give better results. An example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposal in optimization. In this example, mean squared error (MSE) will be used as the optimization criterion.

Key words: Downton’s estimator, dual response surface optimization, mean squared error, optimization, compromise setting
Preparation of Highly Reactive Electrogenerated Zinc
Authors: Abdul Jalil Aishah , Kurono Nobuhito , Takuda Masao
Published: January 2013

Logam zink berkereaktifan tinggi yang dihasilkan secara elektrolisis (EGZn/Naph) disediakan dengan mudah dalam larutan N,N–dimetilformamida (DMF) yang mengandungi naftalena dan elektrolit penyokong di dalam sebuah sel yang telah dipasang siap dengan katod platinum dan anod zink. EGZn/Naph ini adalah agregat zarah sangat halus yang lebih kecil berbanding logam zink komersial ataupun zink yang dihasilkan secara elektrolisis biasa (EGZn). Kereaktifan zink berkereaktifan tinggi ini dibuktikan dengan transformasi bromoalkana kepada organozink bromida yang berkesan, yang tidak boleh dicapai dengan menggunakan zink biasa mahupun logam EGZn. Reaksi ganding silang organozink bromida ini dengan iodobenzena mudah berlaku dalam kehadiran mangkin paladium untuk menghasilkan produk terganding silang, etil 4–fenilbutanoata sebanyak 96%.

Kata kunci: Elektrolisis, reaktif zink, naftalena, bromoalkana, organozink kompoun

Highly reactive electrogenerated zinc metal (EGZn/Naph) was readily prepared by the electrolysis of an N,N–dimethylformamide (DMF) solution containing naphthalene and a supporting electrolyte in a one–compartment cell fitted with a platinum cathode and a zinc anode. This EGZn/Naph is an aggregation of very fine particles which are much smaller in size than commercial zinc metal or the usual electrogenerated zinc (EGZn). The reactivity of this highly reactive zinc was elucidated by the efficient transformation of bromoalkane into the corresponding organozinc bromide, which cannot be achieved by the use of both usual zinc or EGZn metals. Subsequent cross–coupling reaction of the organozinc bromide with iodobenzene readily took place in the presence of a palladium catalyst to give the corresponding cross–coupled product, ethyl 4–phenylbutanoate in 96% yield.

Key words: Electrolysis, reactive zinc, naphthalene, bromoalkanes, organozinc compound.
Elasticity Measurement Using Holographic Interferometry Double Exposure Technique
Authors: Kua Hock Chuan , Bidin Noriah
Published: January 2013

Holographic measurement of modulus elasticity was performed on samples of aluminum can. It is based upon the measurement of the displacement as a function number of fringes appeared on the body of the loaded can. The value of the modulus elasticity for the aluminum can is obtained as (1.00 ± 0.03) « 108 Nm–2. This result is found in good agreement with a mechanical measurement by taking into account any experimental error.

Key words: Holographic interferometry, double exposure, displacement, modulus of elasticity, fringes, laser
Development of a Real–Time Embedded Remote Triggering and Monitoring System with SC12
Authors: Chui Yew Leong , Ramli Abdul Rahman
Published: January 2013

Kertas kerja ini membentangkan sistem kawalan dan pemantauan jarak jauh dengan menggunakan SC12. Satu penukar protokol dengan unit interpretasi data telah direka bentuk dan dilaksana. Untuk menambahkan saluran operasi unit interpretasi data, satu ciri auto–diagnostik pintar telah dilaksana untuk mengesan ralat.

Kata kunci: Sistem terbenam, sistem pemicuan dan pemantauan, auto-diagnostik

This paper presents a real–time embedded remote triggering and monitoring system using SC12. A protocol converter associated with data interpretation unit has been developed and implemented. In order to expand simultaneous operation channel with data interpretation unit, intelligent auto–diagnostic features has been implemented for run–time error detection purposes.

Key words: Embedded system, triggering and monitoring system, auto-diagnostic
An Optical Tomography System Based on the Universal Serial Bus
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Tee Zhen Cong , Chan Kok San
Published: January 2013

In the past, most of the researches in tomography system concentrated more on the design of the sensor, and made use of the data acquisition system as the interface to the personal computer. This will increase the cost of the system. In this project, Universal Serial Bus was successfully implemented in an optical tomography system, providing a low cost, high–speed data acquisition system. The system, however, is an offline system. The system had successfully processed all the data in the lower level, using the micro controller before sending the data into the PC through the USB.

Key words: Universal Serial Bus, optical tomography system, data acquisition system, tomogram
Microstrip Bandwidth Enhancement Using Log Periodic Technique with Inset Feed
Authors: A. Rahim Mohamad Kamal , Gardner Peter
Published: January 2013

Ketas kerja ini menerangkan berbagai teknik untuk memperbaiki lebar jalur antena mikrojalur. Salah satu teknik yang dibincangkan secara khusus adalah teknik log periodik. Reka bentuk, penyelakuan dan fabrikasi antena log periodik dengan cara suapan inset telah dibincangkan. Antena telah direka bentuk dengan tatasusunan sebelas unsur. Prestasi antena tersebut dikaji dari segi lebar jalur, gandaan relatif kepada antenna dwikutub, pemencilan kutub silang dan lebar alur.

Kata kunci: Antena mikrojalur, antena log periodik, antena jalur lebar, lebar jalur, gandaan

This paper describes the various techniques to improve the bandwidth of a microstrip antenna. One of the techniques that has been discussed in detail is the log periodic technique. The design, simulation, and fabrication of log periodic antenna (LPA) with inset feed method has been discussed. The antenna has been designed with eleven element array. The performance of the antenna has been investigated in terms of bandwidth, gain relative to a dipole antenna, cross–polar isolation, and beamwidth.

Key words: Microstrip antenna, log periodic antenna, wideband antenna, bandwidth, gain
Job Shop Scheduling with Alternative Machines using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Othman Zalinda , Subari Khairanum , Morad Norhashimah
Published: January 2013

Sejak kebelakangan ini integrasi fungsi–fungsi pembuatan telah menarik minat sejumlah penyelidik terutamanya dalam perancangan pengeluaran dan penjadualan. Kedua fungsi ini memainkan peranan penting di dalam proses pengeluaran, terutamanya bagi memastikan sumber–sumber pembuatan yang diperlukan untuk melaksanakan proses pengeluaran telah tersedia. Kajian ini telah melihat integrasi penjadualan pengeluaran dengan objektif utamanya ialah menilai keupayaan Algoritma Genetik (GA) dalam menyelesaikan masalah tersebut. Masalah integrasi ini menimbangkan penghalaan alternatif untuk operasi–operasi bagi setiap tugasan semasa pembentukan jadual–jadual. Dalam penghalaan alternatif terdapat pilihan ke atas mesin–mesin yang akan memproses suatu operasi. Mesin–mesin ini mungkin mengambil masa yang berbeza untuk memproses suatu operasi yang sama. Dengan mengambilkira penghalaan alternatif, penyelesaian yang mungkin untuk masalah penjadualan menjadi terlalu besar. Pendekatan GA digunakan bagi mencari penyelesaian terbaik. Pengoptimuman masalah ini melibatkan beberapa objektif, iaitu makespan, kos pemprosesan dan bilangan yang ditolak. Kami telah membandingkan pendekatan yang dicadangkan dengan beberapa pendekatan daripada penyelidik terdahulu dan hasil simulasi telah menunjukkan keputusan yang memuaskan.

Kata kunci: Algoritma genetik, penjadualan bengkel kerja, mesin alternatif

Recently, an integration of manufacturing functions has gained interest from a number of researchers, particularly in production planning and scheduling. These two functions play important roles in production, especially to ensure the availability of manufacturing resources needed to accomplish production tasks. This paper explores the use of Genetic Algorithms (GA) in solving the problem associated with the integrated production scheduling. The integrated problem considers the alternative routing for operations of each job during the creation of schedules. In alternative routing there is a choice of machines on which to perform the operations. These machines take different amount of time to process the same operation. By considering the alternative routing, the possible solutions for the scheduling problem become very vast. As a robust approach, GA is used to find the most promising solution. The optimization of this problem involves several objectives, namely minimizing makespan, minimizing processing cost, and minimizing number of rejects. It also takes into account the constraints on operations sequence. The proposed solution was compared with previous approaches, and the numerical simulations showed promising results.

Key words: Genetic algorithms, job shop scheduling, alternative machines
A Fuzzy Application On A Development Planning Model For A Container Terminal
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Zamani , Abdul Kader Abdul Saman , Ahmat Ahmat Narawi , Idris Jamaliah
Published: January 2013

Metodologi konvensional perancangan pembangunan terminal kontena kekurangan mod penghujahan manusia yang menggunakan anggaran, ketidakpastian, linguistik dan nilai–nilai subjektif. Kaedah fuzi boleh diaplikasikan ke atas kaedah sekarang untuk memperbaiki kelemahan tersebut. Kajian ini mengaplikasikan kaedah fuzi ke atas model perancangan pembangunan terminal kontena sekarang yang telah diperbaiki dengan memasukkan pemilihan sistem pengendalian kontena (chs) dan penentuan keluasan terminal yang lain (toa) ke keluasan tempat letak kontena (cpa), keluasan stesyen kontena (cfs), keperluan hari–himpitan (bdr) dan kos kapal di terminal (sct). Fungsi keanggotaan – fungsi keanggotaan telah diterbitkan untuk semua pemboleh ubah perancangan dan carta alir proses perancangan yang menunjukkan operasi fuzi dan tahap nyahfuzian telah dilakarkan. Simulasi latihan perancangan telah dilakukan ke atas chs dan cpa dan keputusan yang diperolehi menunjukkan bahawa pengaplikasian ini telah berjaya. Potensi menggandingkan kaedah ini dengan sistem pakar telah juga ditonjolkan.

Kata kunci: perancangan fuzi, perancangan terminal kontena, membuat keputusan berbilang kriteria

Conventional container terminal development planning methodology lacks the human modes of reasoning that uses approximate, imprecise, linguistic, and subjective values. Fuzzy methods could be applied to the current method to improve such shortcoming. This study applies fuzzy methods to a container terminal development planning model which has been improved by incorporating container handling system selection (chs) and determination of terminal other area (toa) to the current container park area (cpa), freight station area (cfs), berth–day requirement (bdr), and ship cost at terminal (sct). Membership functions have been derived for all the planning variables and planning process flowcharts showing fuzzy operations and defuzzification stages have been drawn. A simulated planning exercise has been performed on chs and cpa and the results obtained indicate that the application has been successful. The potential of coupling the method with an expert system has also been highlighted.

Key words: fuzzy planning, container terminal planning, multi-criteria decision making
Effect Of Fiber Surface Chemistry On The Mechanical Properties Of Glass Fiber Mat Reinforced Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR) Composites
Authors: Ahmad Ishak , Leong Sue Wei
Published: January 2013

Sifat mekanik termoplastik getah asli (TPNR) yang diperkuat gentian kaca tikar telah dikaji berfungsikan rawatan permukaan gentian kaca tikar menggunakan silana. TPNR yang digunakan adalah adunan polietilena berketumpatan tinggi (HDPE), getah asli (NR) dan cecair getah asli (LNR) pada nisbah HDPE/NR/LNR 50:40:10 yang telah diadun menggunakan mesin pengadun dalam. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa agen pengkupelan silana telah memperbaiki sifat mekanik komposit. Ujian koyak menunjukkan peningkatan nilai tork daripada 0 hingga 15% kepekatan silana. Keputusan juga menunjukkan bahawa sifat regangan dan tenaga penyerapan hentaman didapati telah meningkat dengan kepekatan silana di mana kepekatan yang optimum adalah 15%. Bagaimanapun, data kekerasan tidak menunjukkan sebarang perubahan yang ketara dengan peningkatan kepekatan silana. Pemeriksaan morfologi terhadap sampel menggunakan mikroskop imbasan elektron juga menunjukkan bahawa perlekatan antara gentian kaca tikar dan matriks NR/HDPE telah meningkat dengan peningkatan kepekatan silana.

Kata kunci: Gentian kaca tikar, getah asli, polietilena, agen pengkupelan

The mechanical properties of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) reinforced by glass fiber mat were examined as a function of the chemical functionality of the silane surface treatment applied to the glass fiber mat. The TPNR was a blend of high density polyethylene, natural rubber and liquid natural rubber at a HDPE/NR/LNR ratio of 50:40:10 which was compounded using an internal mixer. The results indicate that silane coupling agent improved the mechanical properties of the composite. The peel test showed an increment of torque values from 0 to 15% silane concentration. The results also showed that tensile properties and impact absorption energy increased with silane concentration with the optimum concentration were found to be at 15%. However, hardness data exhibited no significant difference with the increment of silane concentration. The investigation of the morphological for the sample through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed that the adhesion between the glass fiber mat and the NR/HDPE matrix improved with silane concentration.

Key words: glass fiber mat, natural rubber, polyethylene, coupling agent