bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATING A SEGMENTATION-RESISTANT CAPTCHA INSPIRED BY THE HUMAN VISUAL SYSTEM MODEL
Authors: Khan Imran Moez
Published: October 2018

Visual CAPTCHAs are widely used these days on the Internet as a means of distinguishing between humans and computers. They help protect servers from being flooded by requests from malicious scripts. However, they are not very secure. Numerous image processing algorithms are able to discern the characters used in the CAPTCHAs. It has been suggested that CAPTCHAs can be made more secure if they are distorted in ways that makes segmentation difficult. However, out of all the reviewed distortions present in current CAPTCHAs there are none that allow for a high level of segmentation difficulty. Furthermore, CAPTCHAs also need to be used by humans who may not find certain distortions tolerable. Thus, the problem of selecting a good distortion becomes a tradeoff between user acceptability and computer solvability. It is hypothesized in this paper that rather than use low-level image distortions, optical distortions based on the Gestalt laws of perception that govern human visual system models should be applied. These distortions would ensure widespread user acceptability (as they are based on the internal workings of the HVS), and be very difficult for computers to solve (as HVS perception models have been difficult to implement in computers). This paper aims to explore the feasibility of employing Gestalt-inspired distortion in CAPTCHAs by first implementing a CAPTCHA cracker and then evaluating the performance of some manually generated Gestalt CAPTCHA’s against some existing CAPTCHAs.
FILTRATION OF NUCLEOCAPSID PROTEIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS FOR IMMUNODIAGNOSTIC KIT
Authors: Raus R. Ahmad , Awang R. A. , Mel M. , Yusoff K.
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study is to purify recombinant nucleocapsid (NP) protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) using microfitration fitration system and improve the processing conditions as well. A microporous membrane screening using two different sizes of membrane which are 0.1Âµm and 0.45Âµm was performed before further improvement on NP protein filtration was carried out. Several conditions of the independent variables that affect the microfiltration process such as the temperature, transmembrane pressure (TMP), and viscosity were observed. It turned out to be that 0.45Âµm membrane gave higher yield of NP protein than that of 0.1Âµm membrane. Thus, 0.45Âµm membrane was used to improve the filtration process for NP protein. Based on the Full Factorial Design (STATISTICA 8.0, Statsoft, Inc.), eight sets of experiment were designed to identify the best conditions for the NP protein filtration. From these experiments, the optimal conditions that gave the highest yield of NP protein are; TMP 4.5psi, viscosity 2.39cP at 4ÂºC. Based on ANOVA (analysis of variance), all the independent variables studied do not significantly affect the purification of NP protein. However, based on the lowest p value for each variable corresponding to the response, temperature has the largest effect for the NP protein yield.
APPLICATION OF SUBSYSTEMS CHANGE RANKING METHODOLOGY IN AIRCRAFT REDESIGN PROCESS
Authors: Romli Fairuz Izzuddin , Cheang Kian Hou , Chew Junxian
Published: October 2018

Redesigning an aircraft is hardly a straightforward task. Due to its high susceptibility to change effects propagation, it becomes very important to select the right initiating change components to minimize redesign development risks. With realization that there are often several different ways to redesign an existing aircraft for satisfying similar requirements, designers might require assistance in selecting suitable initiating change components in their redesign plan. A methodology that systematically ranks the subsystems of the chosen baseline design according to their estimated redesign risk is proposed here. It is strongly believed that making this information available to designers during the early redesign stages will help them to make a better redesign plan. KEY WORDS: subsystems ranking, aircraft redesign, redesign plan ABSTRAK: Reka semula sesebuah pesawat udara bukanlah satu tugas yang jelas dan mudah. Memandangkan ia mudah rentan terhadap perubahan rambatan, amatlah penting untuk memilih penukaran komponen yang sesuai pada peringkat awal untuk mengurangkan masalah pembangunan reka semula. Menyedari bahawa terdapat beberapa cara untuk mereka semula pesawat udara yang sedia ada, demi memperolehi keputusan keperluan yang serupa dan memberansangkan, pereka wajar mendapatkan bantuan dari segi penukaran komponen yang sesuai pada peringkat awal pembangunan reka semula yang menepati rangka pelan reka bentuk mereka. Metodologi yang sistematik meletakkan subsistem dasar reka bentuk yang dipilih, berdasarkan anggaran risiko reka bentuk semula dicadangkan di dalam kertas kerja ini. Adalah diyakini bahawa dengan memperolehi informasi ini di peringkat permulaan reka bentuk, ia dapat menolong pereka merangka pelan reka cipta yang lebih baik.
Bioethanol Production by Calcium Alginate-Immobilised St1 Yeast System: Effects of Size of Beads, Ratio and Concentration
Authors: Md Zain Masniroszaime , Kofli N. T. , Yahya And S. R. S.
Published: October 2018

Immobilized yeast-cell technology posses several advantages in bioethanol production due to its potential to increase the ethanol yield by eliminating unit process used. Thus, process expenses in cell recovery and reutilization can be minimised. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of three parameters (substrate concentrations, size of alginate beads and ratio of volume of beads to volume of medium) on local isolated yeast (ST1) which immobilized using calcium alginate fermentation system. The most affected ethanol production by calcium alginate-immobilised ST1 yeast system were ratio of volume of the beads to the volume of substrate and concentration of LBS. Highest theoretical yield, 78% was obtained in ST1-alginate beads with the size of beads 0.5cm, ratio volume of beads to the volume of LBS media 0.4 and 150g/l concentration of LBS.ABSTRAK: Teknologi sel yis pegun memiliki beberapa kelebihan dalam penghasilan bioetanol kerana ia berpotensi meningkatkan pengeluaran etanol dengan menyingkirkan unit proses yang digunakan. Maka, proses pembiayaan dalam perolehan sel dan penggunaan semula boleh dikurangkan. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengkaji pengaruh tiga parameter (kepekatan substrat, saiz manik alginat dan nisbah isipadu manik terhadap isipadu bahantara) ke atas sel tempatan terasing (local isolated yeast (ST1)) yang dipegun menggunakan sistem penapaian kalsium alginat. Penghasilan etanol yang paling berkesan dengan menggunakan sistem yis ST1 kalsium alginat-pegun adalah dengan kadar nisbah isipadu manik terhadap isipadu substrat dan kepekatan LBS. Kadar hasil teori tertinggi iaitu 78% didapati menerusi manik alginat-ST1 dengan saiz manik 0.5cm, nisbah isipadu 0.4 terhadap perantara LBS dan kepekatan LBS sebanyak 150g/l.
Utilizing of 1-Hexyl-1-Methyl-Pyrrolidinium Bis (Trifluoromethyl-Sulfonyl) Imide as Medium for Electrochemical Generation of Superoxide Ion-Radical
Authors: Hayyan Maan , Mjalli Farouq S. , Ali Hashim Mohd , AlNashef And Inas M.
Published: October 2018

The superoxide ion-radical was generated and analysed electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique from oxygen dissolved in a room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-Hexyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, at atmospheric pressure. It was found that the generated superoxide ion was stable which indicates its possible use for further useful applications.ABSTRAK: Ion radikal superoksida dihasil dan dianalisa secara elektrokimia menggunakan teknik voltammetri berkitar (cyclic voltammetry (CV)) daripada oksigen yang dilarutkan dalam larutan ionik pada suhu bilik, 1-Hexyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imida, pada tekanan atmosfera. Didapati bahawa ion superoksida yang terhasil adalah stabil. Ini menunjukkan ia berkemungkinan berguna dalam aplikasi lain.
Effect of Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation on Kenaf-Based Polylactic Acidâ€™s Monomer
Authors: Mohd Nasir Nur Aimi , Mustafa Kamalbahrin Mohd Adlan , Mohamad Nurhafizah , Anuar Hazleen , Mel Maizirwan , Othman And Rashidi
Published: October 2018

Kenaf biomass is the potential as raw materials used to produce polylactic acid's monomer which is lactic acid via fermentation by Rhizopus oryzae. Kenaf biomass' structure is complex due to its lignin and cellulose content. This matter had encouraged it to undergo pre- treatment process as the initial step before fermentation process can be done. In this paper, kenaf biomass was treated with dilute sulphuric acid (H2SO4) to hydrolyze the cellulose content in it as well as to convert the cellulose into glucose- a carbon source for Rhizopus to grow. Then, the fermentation process was carried out in shake flask for 3 days at pH 6. Several conditions for fermentation process had been chosen which were 25oC at 150 rpm, 25 oC at 200 rpm, 37 oC at 150 rpm and 37oC at 200 rpm. In this fermentation process, 0.471 g/L, 0.428 g/L, 0.444 g/L and 0.38 g/L of lactic acid was produced respectively. Sample at 25oC at 200 rpm produced maximum amount of lactic acid compared to others.ABSTRAK: Biojisim kenaf berpotensi sebagai bahan mentah dalam penghasilan monomer asid polylactic (poliester alifatik termoplastik diterbitkan daripada sumber boleh diperbaharu seperti kanji jagung) yang merupakan asid laktik menerusi penapaian oleh Rhizopus oryzae (sejenis fungus yang hidup dalam jirim organik yang telah mati). Struktur biojisim kenaf adalah kompleks disebabkan kandungan lignin dan selulosanya. Hal ini menyebabkan ia perlu melalui proses pra-rawatan sebagai langkah awal sebelum proses penapaian dijalankan. Dalam kertas ini, biojirim kenaf dirawat dengan asid sulfurik (H2SO4) yang dicairkan untuk menghidrolisis kandungan selulosa di dalamnya di samping menukar selulosa menjadi glukosa - sumber karbon bagi tumbesaran Rhizopus. Kemudian, proses penapaian dijalankan di dalam kelalang goncang selama 3 hari pada pH 6. Beberapa ciri proses penapaian telah dipilih iaitu 25 oC pada 150 rpm, 25 oC pada 200 rpm, 37 oC pada 150 rpm dan 37 oC pada 200 rpm. Dalam proses penapaian ini, 0.471 g/L, 0.428 g/L, 0.444 g/L dan 0.38 g/L asid laktik dihasilkan secara berturut. Sampel pada 25oC pada 200 rpm menghasilkan kadar asid laktik yang maksimum dibandingkan dengan yang lainnya.KEY WORDS :Kenaf biomass, pre-treatment, lactic acid, Rhizopus oryzae, fermentation
Preliminary Investigation of Myo-Inositol Phosphates Produced by ASUIA279 Phytase on MCF-7 Cancer Cells
Authors: Yusoff N. Mohd. , Nuge T. , Zainan N.H. , Hashim Y.Z.H-Y. , Jamal P. , Meor Hussin Anis Shobirin , Farouk Abd-Elaziem , Salleh And H.M.
Published: October 2018

Phytate or myo-inositol hexakisphosphates (IP6) is widely distributed in plants like rice brans. The production of myo-inositol phosphate intermediates has received much attention due to the remarkable potential health benefits offered by the compounds. In this study, the cytotoxicity of the partially purified myo-inositol phosphate fractions and commercial IP1 and IP6 were investigated against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The study showed that the commercial standard IP1 and IP6 showed good inhibition towards the MCF-7 cell line. The MCF-7 cells growth was inhibited in minimum concentration of myo-inositol phosphates (<1000 µg/ml). However, no inhibition observed on the MCF-7 cell line by the myo-inositol phosphates fractions partially purified from rice bran at concentration <1000 ?g/ml. The inhibition of MCF-7 was only observed at concentration more than 30 mg/ml with more than 40% cells were inhibited. This indicates that the partially purified rice bran myo-inositol phosphates degraded by ASUIA279 phytase on MCF-7 breast cancer cells exhibit positive results towards the inhibition of cancer cells growth at relatively high concentration..KEYWORDS: myo-inositol phosphates, phytase, MCF-7,  cancerABSTRAK: Fitat atau myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) dikenali umum teragih di dalam tumbuhan seperti dedak padi. Penghasilan perantaraan fosfat myo-inositol mendapat perhatian memandangkan ia berpotensi tinggi dalam kesihatan. Dalam kajian ini, kesitotoksikan sebahagian daripada fosfat myo-inositol separa tulen, IP1 komersil dan IP6 komersil dikaji terhadap produk yang berupa sel kekal (cell lines) kanser payu dara MCF-7. Tumbesaran sel MCF-7 direncatkan dalam pekatan minima fosfat myo-inositol (<1000 μg/ml). Tetapi, tidak ada perencatan dilihat terhadap sel kekal MCF-7 oleh sebahagian fosfat myo-inositol separa tulen daripada dedak padi pada kepekatan <1000 mg/ml. Perencatan MCF-7 hanya dilihat pada kepekatan lebih daripada 30 mg/ml dengan lebih daripada 40% sel terencat. Ini menunjukkan bahawa fosfat myo-inositol daripada dedak padi separa tulen terdegradasi oleh fitat ASUIA279 terhadap sel kanser MCF-7 dimana ia menunjukkan keputusan positif terhadap perencatan tumbesaran sel kanser pada kepekatan tinggi.
On The Settling And Response Times Of Underdamped Second-Order Systems
Authors: Ali Abdul-Fattah Mohamed
Published: October 2018

The normalized settling time (ts /?) values of oscillatory  2nd-order systems, when subjected to a step-change forcing function  (SCFF), depend on the sensitivity of the measuring instrument employed  to indicate the response (± x%). An attempt is made to mathematically  relate ts /? to ± x% utilizing the exact, and a simplified, expression  for the lower boundary of the decay envelope (LBDE). The two obtained relationships were tested against the actual ts /? values for a settling band range of   ±1% ? ±x% ? ±6%, covering a damping  coefficient range of 0.1 ? ? ? 0.65. Although the relationships are not  exact, their general trend is a marginal overestimation of ts /?. The  relationship based on the simplified LBDE was chosen for being simpler and slightly more accurate of the two. This led to a suggested distinction between ts /? and the normalized response time (tR /?) with the latter assigned the value 5/ ? . The ratio ts /tR can thus be readily established for any ± x% value.

ABSTRAK: Masa enapan ternormal (ts/?)  nilai ayunan system terbit kedua, apabila fungsi memaksa ubah berperingkat (step-change forcing function (SCFF)) dijalankan ke atasnya, bergantung kepada kepekaan alat pengukur yang digunakan untuk mengukur respons (± x%). Satu percubaan dijalankan secara matematik untuk mengaitkan ts/? to ± x% dengan mempergunakan ekspresi yang tepat dan mudah, pada sempadan bawah sampul reputan (lower boundary of the decay envelope (LBDE)). Dua hubungan yang diperolehi dikaji terhadap nilai ts/t sebenar untuk julat jalur enapan ±1% ? ±x% ? ±6%, melingkungi julat pekali redaman 0.1 ? ? ? 0.65. Walaupun hubungannya tidak tepat, trend umum merupakan penganggaran marginal ts/?. Hubungan berdasarkan LBDE adalah berdasarkan  LBDE yang telah dipermudahkan, ia dipilih kerana ianya senang dan agak tepat antara keduanya. Ini mendorong kepada perbezaan yang disarankan antara ts/? dan waktu respons ternormal (tR/?), dengan nilai 5/ ? yang ditetapkan kemudiannya.
Remarks On Deformation In Snow With Residual Stress And Gravitational Force By Detonation Impact
Authors: Ahmadi Siavosh
Published: October 2018

Estimation of strain (deformation) and strain energy at the time of an explosion has been undertaken in the present investigation. A basic concept of explosive pressure which is required for the estimation of strain and strain energy has been drawn from the underwater explosion with suitable modification to the present studies. One of the most significant aspects of the present investigation is to augment the model by accounting it for gravitational force and residual stresses which are of realistic in nature. Studies consist of computational aspect by observing the variation of strain and strain energy with respect to material parameters such as Elastic modulus (E), poisons ratio (?), density (?), and flow parameters such as peak pressure (Pm), sound velocity (Vs), and length of snow slab (L). One of the interesting observation found in the computational aspect is, the deformation is found to decrease as the velocity of sound (Vs) in snow increases which appears to be strange but found factual. The model has been compared with the other existing papers in the literature and found that, the present model yields to better results. ABSTRAK: Anggaran regangan (canggaan) dan tenaga regangan pada masa letupan diambil kira dalam kajian ini. Konsep asas tekanan letupan yang diperlukan untuk anggaran regangan dan tenaga regangan diperolehi daripada letupan bawah air dengan pengubahsuaian yang sesuai dalam kajian terkini. Antara aspek penting dalam kajian ini adalah penambahan model dengan mengambil kira daya graviti dan tegasan sisa yang sebenar. Kajian terdiri daripada aspek pengiraan, dengan memerhatikan variasi regangan dan tenaga regangan terhadap parameter bahan seperti modulus anjal (E), nisbah Poisson’s (?), ketumpatan (?), dan parameter aliran seperti tekanan puncak (Pm), halaju bunyi (Vs), dan panjang papak salji (L).  Antara pemerhatian menarik yang ditemui dalam aspek pengiraan ialah, canggaan didapati berkurangan ketika halaju bunyi (Vs) salji bertambah.  Walaupun ini nampak asing, tetapi ianya terbukti benar.  Model dibandingkan dengan kertas kerja lain dan didapati bahawa, model terkini memberikan keputusan yang lebih tepat.KEYWORDS: avalanche dynamics; fracture mechanics; detonation pressure
Understanding Engineering Ethics
Authors: Shuriye Abdi O.
Published: October 2018

Engineering ethics aims to enhance engineer’s ability to confront moral issues raised by engineering activities. It covers engineering as social experimentation, the engineer’s responsibility for safety, and the rights of engineers. What constitutes engineering ethics is the underlining question of this research. Hence, the objective of the research is to systematically provide answers to the aforementioned question. The research also studies the scope and the origin of the subject matter. At the same time, the research highlights the significance of the subject from diverse perspectives; including Western and Islamic perspectives. ABSTRAK: Etika kejuruteraan bertujuan meningkatkan keupayaan juruera menghadapi isu-isu moralyang timbul dari aktiviti-aktiviti kejuruteraan. Ia merangkumi kejuruteraan sebagai eksperimentasi sosial, tanggungjawab jurutera terhadap keselamatan dan hak-hak jurutera. Persoalan utama penyelidikan ini adalah apa yang merangkumi etika kejuruteraan. Penyelidikan ini juga mengkaji skop dan asal usul etika kejuruteraan. Kajian ini turut membincangkan subjek kajian dari pelbagai perspektif, Barat dan Islam.KEYWORDS: engineering ethics; engineer; akhlaq; values; confidentiality; corruption; conflict of interest; whistle-blowing
A PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ISLAMIC VALUES
Authors: Ziaee Ali Akbar
Published: October 2018

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to empower humans through enhanced learning and performance. But if this potential is to be realized and accepted, the ethical aspects as well as the technical must be addressed. Many engineers claim that AI will be smarter than human brains, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills, so we must consider it an important factor for making decisions in our social life and especially in our Islamic societies. The most important challenges will be the quality of representing the Islamic values like piety, obedience, Halal and Haram, and etc in the form of semantics. In this paper, I want to emphasize on the role of Divine Islamic values in the application of AI and discuss it according to philosophy of AI and Islamic perspective.Keywords- Value, expert, Community Development, Artificial Intelligence, Superintelligence, Friendly Artificial Intelligence
NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF FLOW BEHAVIOR IN DRIVEN CAVITY AT HIGH REYNOLDS NUMBERS
Authors: Abdul Munir Fudhail Bin
Published: October 2018

In recent years, due to rapidly increasing computational power, computational methods have become the essential tools to conduct researches in various engineering fields.  In parallel to the development of ultra high speed digital computers, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become the new third approach apart from theory and experiment in the philosophical study and development of fluid dynamics.  Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is an alternative method to conventional CFD.  LBM is relatively new approach that uses simple microscopic models to simulate complicated microscopic behavior of transport phenomena.  In this paper, fluid flow behaviors of steady incompressible flow inside lid driven square cavity are studied.  Numerical calculations are conducted for different Reynolds numbers by using Lattice Boltzmann scheme.  The objective of the paper is to demonstrate the capability of this lattice Boltzmann scheme for engineering applications particularly in fluid transport phenomena. Keywords-component; lattice Boltzmann method, lid driven cavity, computational fluid dynamics.
SURFACE EFFECT DUE TO INCIDENT PLANE SURFACE HORIZONTAL WAVES
Authors: Kusuma Jeffry
Published: October 2018

Surface effect due to incident plane surface horizontal waves through anisotropic elastic materials is studied. Mathematical formulation over the modeled earth's alluvial valley is transformed into integral equations. These integral equations altogether with the boundary condition and continuity equation are then solved numerically. The solution of these amplification effects over the half circular inhomogeneous alluvial valley are shown graphically.Keywords- surface effect; surface horizontal wave; inhomoge neous anisotropic materials
Solitary Wave-Series Solutions to Non-Linear Schrodinger Equations
Authors: Azram Muhammad , Zaman H.
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT: In this paper, higher-order dispersive non-linear Schrodinger equations are studied. Their solitary wave-series solutions with continuity of the derivatives and specific discontinuity of the derivatives at the crest are presented. Furthermore, convergence of the seriesâ€™ solutions is also validated and discussed with the help of graphs.Â ABSTRAK: Kertas ini mengkaji persamaan Schrodinger serakan taklinear turutan tinggi. Penyelesaian siri-gelombang tunggalnya dengan kamiran berterusan dan kamiran tak berterusan pada maksimum telah dibentangkan. Penumpuan penyelesaian siri juga telah diperiksa dan dibincangkan dengan bantuan graf-graf.KEYWORDS: Schrodinger equation; solitary wave-series solution; continuity and discontinuity of derivatives at crest
Comparison of Relativistic Perturbations on Spacecraft Earth Orbits
Authors: Mastricola Nicholas , Abdelkhalik Ossama
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the individual relativistic perturbations are simulated and compared, for two orbit cases: (1) a medium altitude eccentric earth orbit (MEO), and (2) a Molniya orbit. The results of the simulations are presented in graphical and statistical form. The simulation data reveals that the specific forces that arise from the relativistic perturbations do manifest as variations in the classical orbital elements. It is also apparent from the simulated data that the specific forces exhibit similar effects that materialize from commonly considered perturbations that are used in orbit design and maintenance. ABSTRAK: Dalam kertaskerja ini, pengusikan relativistik disimulasi dan dibandingkan secara individu bagi dua kes orbit: (1) orbit eksentrik bumi ketinggian sederhana (MEO), dan (2) orbit Molniya. Hasil simulasi ini dibentangkan dalam bentuk grafik dan statistik. Data simulasi menunjukkan daya spesifik pengusikan relativistik timbul sebagai variasi bagi elemen orbit klasik. Data simulasi menunjukkan daya spesifik memberi kesan yang sama dengan pengusikan biasa yang digunakan dalam rekabentuk dan penyelenggaraan orbit.KEYWORDS: relatistic perturbations; orbit perturbations
DISEASE DETECTION FROM FIELD SPECTROMETER DATA
Authors: Tawfik O. H. , Mohd Shafri H. Z. , Mohammed Ali A.
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT:Â Oil palm plants have been planted in large scale of areas. Ganoderma disease has been recognized and diagnosed in oil palm plants to infect almost half of the oil palm plants in Malaysia. To deal with this problem, the use of vegetation indices analysis on hyper spectral field data we will examine the ability of this data in discrimination between Ganoderma disease stages in oil palm plants which will be helpful in control the spread of the diseases. By using vegetation indices the oil palm plants could be classified into 1 (T1 healthy), 2 (T2 semi healthy) and 3 (T3 severe damage) plant classes accurately. The results showed that the best vegetation index is the Modified Red Edge Simple Ratio (MSR705) among the vegetation indices to discriminate between oil palm health stages. It was realized that the modification that was applied to the Modified Red Edge Simple Ratio (MSR705) index of Narrowband greenness VIs has been exhibited an acceptable results in differentiate between the oil palm plant stage 1 (T1 healthy) and stage 2 (T2 semi healthy).Â ABSTRAK: Tanaman kelapa sawit ditanam secara meluas.Â  Penyakit ganoderma dikenali dan didiagnosikan menjangkiti hampir separuh tanaman kelapa sawit di Malaysia. Untuk mengawal penyakit ini daripada merebak, analisis indeks tanaman dijalankan ke atas data kawasan spektrum melampau di mana keupayaan data ini diuji dalam membezakan peringkat-peringkat penyakit Ganoderma terhadap tanaman kelapa sawit. Dengan menggunakan indeks tanaman, kelapa sawit dapat diklasifikasikan kepada 1 (T1 sihat), 2 (T2 separa sihat) dan 3 (T3 rosak); kelas tanaman dengan tepat. Keputusan menunjukkan indeks tanaman terbaik sebagai Modified Red Edge Simple Ratio (MSR705) yang merupakan indeks tanaman dalam membezakan peringkat kesihatan kelapa sawit. Adalah didapati pengubahsuaian terhadap indeks Modified Red Edge Simple Ratio (MSR705) yang juga indeks Jalur Sempit Hijau VI telah memberikan keputusan yang munasabah dalam membezakan peringkat tanaman kelapa sawit peringkat 1 (T1 sihat) dan peringkat 2 (T2 separa sihat).
THE ECONOMICS OF BIOGAS PRODUCTION
Authors: Karimov Kh. S. , Abid M. , Islomov S. I. , Karimova N. H. , Al-Grafi M. W.
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT:Â In this paper life-cycle cost analysis of three biogas digesters is presented. Results show that the cost of biogas depends on the construction of digesters, sizes of methane tank and possibility of heating of the slurry. Biogas and natural gas costs calaculated are observed and found to be comparable. It is recommended that the biogas digesters can be constructed and installed, in principle, for every family and there is no need to built long gas pipe lines.Â ABSTRAK:Â Kertaskerja ini membentangkan analisis kos kitar hayat tiga pencerna biogas. Keputusan menunjukkan kos biogas bergantung kepada pembinaan pencerna, saiz tangki metana dan kemungkinan pemanasan buburan. Pengiraan kos biogas dan gas asli diambil kira dan ianya didapati setanding. Adalah disarankan pencerna biogas boleh dibina dan dipasang secara teorinya, bagi setiap keluarga tanpa memerlukan pembinaan paip gas yang panjang.
AEROSTATIC AND AERODYNAMIC MODULES OF A HYBRID BUOYANT AIRCRAFT: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH
Authors: Ul Haque Anwar , ASRAR WAQAR , OMAR ASHRAF A. , SULAEMAN ERWIN , ALI MOHAMED J.S.
Published: October 2018

An analytical approach is essential for the estimation of the requirements of aerodynamic and aerostatic lift for a hybrid buoyant aircraft. Such aircrafts have two different modules to balance the weight of aircraft; aerostatic module and aerodynamic module. Both these modules are to be treated separately for estimation of the mass budget of propulsion systems and required power. In the present work, existing relationships of aircraft and airship are reviewed for its further application for these modules. Limitations of such relationships are also disussed and it is precieved that it will provide a strating point for better understanding of design anatomy of such aircraft.
LARGE EDDY SIMULATION FOR TRANSESTERIFICATION OF WASTE VEGETABLE OIL
Authors: Mohiuddin A K M , ADEYEMI NABEEL A.
Published: October 2018

The paper provides detailed information involved in the numerical simulation of transesterification of waste vegetable oil (WVO).Â  The main objective of this work is to perform mixing study based on large eddy simulation particle image Velocimetry (LES-PIV) which resolved the turbulent scale. Reynolds stress model (RSM) was subsequently used to validate the result using a multiple reference frame (MRF) approach for the impeller-vessel geometry. Experimental FAME yield and liquid velocities were found to be dependent on stirrer speeds, impeller bottom distance and bulk flow pattern. Thermodynamic properties of the reaction components were incorporated as user defined function (UDF) for the mixing models. FAME yield were predicted in terms of species concentration and compared fairly well with experimental condition for 1 and 2-L STR, where yield from the numerical model varied by about 18 and 23 % for 1 and 2-L STR respectively. The characteristic time scales were used to show the relevant mixing scale to describe the process.
EXTRACTION AND QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF ASCORBIC ACID FROM BANANA PEEL MUSA ACUMINATA â€˜KEPOKâ€™
Authors: Said Khairul Anwar Mohamad , Radzi Zainab , Yakub Ibrahim , Mohamed Amin Mohamed Afizal
Published: October 2018

This paper discusses the extraction of an antioxidant compound, which is ascorbic acid or vitamin C, from a banana peel using an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method. The type of banana used was Musa acuminata also known as â€œPisangKepokâ€ in Malaysia. The investigation includes the effect of solvent/solid ratio (4.5, 5 g and 10 Â ml/g), sonication time (15, 30 and 45 mins) and temperature variation (30 , 45Â  and 60oC ) on the extraction of ascorbic acid compounds from the banana peel to determine the best or optimum condition of the operation. Out of all extract samples analyzed by redox titration method using iodine solution, it was found that the highest yield was 0.04939 Â± 0.00080 mg that resulted from an extraction at 30oC for 15 mins with 5 ml/g solvent-to-solute ratio.KEYWORDS:Â  Musa acuminata; ultrasound-assisted extraction; vitamin C; redox titration
NOVEL CONTROL STRATEGY FOR GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY
Authors: Noroozian Reza , Gharehpetian G. B.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the configuration of the PV generation system, the dynamic model for PV modules and its power electronic interfacing have been presented. A novel control strategy for the DC-DC converter has been developed in order to extract the maximum amount of power from the PV array. Also, a novel control strategy, which is based on d-q rotating reference frame, has been proposed for the DC-AC converter. The simulation results, based on PSCAD/EMTDC, show that the novel control scheme can transfer the DC energy from PV array, compensate the power factor of AC grid and improve the dynamic behavior of grid-connected PV system.
A NEW ALGORITHM IN NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Mansouri Iman , Shahri Ali , Zahedifar Hassan
Published: October 2018

Solving systems of nonlinear equations is a difficult problem in numerical computation. Probably the best known and most widely used algorithm to solve a system of nonlinear equations is Newton-Raphson method. A significant shortcoming of this method becomes apparent when attempting to solve problems with limit points. Once a fixed load is defined in the first step, there is no way to modify the load vector should a limit point occur within the increment. To overcome this defect, displacement control methods for passing limit points can be used. In displacement control method, the load ratio in the first step of an increment is defined so that a particular key displacement component will change only by a prescribed amount. In this paper the load ratio is obtained using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm so that the complex behavior of structures can be followed, automatically. Design variable is load ratio and its unbalanced force is also considered as objective function in optimization process. Numerical results are performed under geometrical nonlinear analysis, elastic post-buckling analysis and inelastic post-buckling analysis. The efficiency and accuracy of proposed method are demonstrated by solving these examples.Â  Â
CO-PRODUCTION OF LACTIC ACID AND ETHANOL USING RHIZOPUS SP. FROM HYDROLYZED INEDIBLE CASSAVA STARCH AND LEAVES
Authors: Azmi Azlin Suhaida , Yusuf Nurlisa , Jimat Dzun Noraini , Mohamad Puad Noor Illi
Published: October 2018

Production of lactic acid and ethanol from inedible cassava starch and leaves was investigated. Prior to fermentation, hydrolysis of the starch and leaves was conducted. Hydrolysis was optimized by manipulating at three levels each four particular factors, namely acid concentration, starch concentration, temperature, and reaction time. Maximum glucose yield of 0.96 g/g was obtained when 2.5% (w/v) of cassava leaves with 2.5% (w/v) of starch was hydrolyzed using 0.20 M of nitric acid at 160oC of temperature for 10 min. The potential of hydrolyzed cassava starch and leaves was then investigated for lactic acid production using fungal Rhizopus sp. The fermentation process was then conducted in shake flask by varying four factors at three levels each. Maximum lactic acid and ethanol yields of 0.95 g/g and 0.52 g/g, respectively, were achieved at different optimum conditions. Â Lactic acid production was found to be linked to a decrease in ethanol production. Design Expert v6.0.8 was used to aid in the design of the experiment using Taguchiâ€™s methodology.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SDN CONTROLLERS: FLOODLIGHT AND OPENDAYLIGHT
Authors: Rowshanrad Shiva , Abdi Vajihe , Keshtgari Manijeh
Published: October 2018

Software Defined Network is new network architecture. One of its components is the controller, which is the intelligent part of SDN. Many controllers such as Floodlight, Open Daylight, Maestro, NOX, POX and many others are released. The question is which controller can perform better in which situations. Many works were done to compare controllers regarding architecture, efficiency and controllersâ€™ features. In this paper, two of the most popular controllers, Floodlight and OpenDaylight are compared in terms of Network QoS parameters such as delay and loss in different topologies and network loads. This paper can help researchers to choose the best controller in different use cases such as clouds and multimedia. The results with 95% confidence interval show that OpenDaylight outperforms Floodlight in low loaded networks and also for tree topology in mid loaded networks in terms of latency. Floodlight can outperform OpenDaylight in heavy loaded networks for tree topology in terms of packet loss and in linear topology in terms of latency. There is no significant difference in performance of Floodlight and OpenDaylight controllers in other cases.
SYMBOL LEVEL DECODING FOR DUO-BINARY TURBO CODES
Authors: Beeharry Yogesh , Fowdur Tulsi Pawan , Soyjaudah Krishnaraj M. S.
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the performance of three different symbol level decoding algorithms for Duo-Binary Turbo codes. Explicit details of the computations involved in the three decoding techniques, and a computational complexity analysis are given. Simulation results with different couple lengths, code-rates, and QPSK modulation reveal that the symbol level decoding with bit-level information outperforms the symbol level decoding by 0.1 dB on average in the error floor region. Moreover, a complexity analysis reveals that symbol level decoding with bit-level information reduces the decoding complexity by 19.6 % in terms of the total number of computations required for each half-iteration as compared to symbol level decoding.
ENERGY EFFICENT AUCTION BASED DYNAMIC SPECTRUM ACCESS NETWORK
Authors: Oloyede Abdulkarim Ayopo
Published: October 2018

A framework is proposed which is aimed at increasing the much needed revenue of the wireless service providers. The model uses the price paid by the wireless users to control the amount of energy consumed and the admission process based on a dynamic spectrum access network. The scheme is based on using a first price auction process with a reserve price to allocate the radio spectrum. It allows an opportunistic access to the white space in a manner that would protect the primary users in the system. The concept of green payment is used to penalise users who require high transmit power and subsidies those who require low transmit power. This work shows that with the proposed green payment in combination with the knowledge of the reserve price, the energy consumed and the delay in an auction based dynamic spectrum access network can be reduced.
KINETIC, ISOTHERM AND EQUILIBRIUM STUDY OF ADSORPTION CAPACITY OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE-WASTEWATER SYSTEM USING MODIFIED EGGSHELLS
Authors: Habeeb O A , Ramesh K , Ali Gomaa A. M. , Yunus R M , Olalere O A
Published: October 2018

The studies of adsorption equilibrium isotherm and kinetics of hydrogen sulfide-water systems on calcite-based adsorbents prepared from eggshell are undertaken. The effects of operating variables such as contact time and initial concentration on the adsorption capacity of hydrogen sulfide are investigated. The modified eggshells are characterized by using different analytical approaches such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The batch mode adsorption process is performed at optimum removal conditions: dosage of 1 g/L, pH level of pH 6, agitation speed of 150 rpm and contact time of 14h for adsorbing hydrogen sulfide with an initial concentration of 100-500 mg/L. In the current study, the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin models are used to predict the adsorption isotherms. Our equilibrium data for hydrogen sulfide adsorption agrees well with those of the Langmuir equation. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity is 150.07 mg/g. Moreover, the kinetics of H2S adsorption by using the modified calcite of eggshell follows a pseudo-second-order model. From the current work, we have found that the calcite eggshell is a suitable adsorbent for H2S embeded inside the waste water. Most importantly, chicken eggshell is a waste and vastly available; hence, it could serve as a practical mean for H2S adsorption.
DEVELOPMENT OF LOW POWER WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM USING RESONANCE PRINCIPLE WITH SECURITY FEATURES
Authors: Nataraj Chandrasekharan , Khan Dr. Sheroz , Habaebi Dr. Mohamed Hadi , Muthalif Dr. Asan G.A , Lakshmanan Ravi
Published: October 2018

This research describes a resonance principle-based low power Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system. The reflective impedance model is derived to evaluate the resonance coupling between coils. Additionally, Cockroft Walton voltage boosting circuit is incorporated to boost up the received voltage to the appropriate level, instead of using traditional conditioning circuits. The prototype model, operating at 130 kHz, is demonstrated experimentally and analysed graphically to validate the performance of designed circuit. For an overall span of 100 mm coil separation distance, the maximum efficiency of 60% with no load and 36% loaded system, is observed at a distance of 55 mm with the approximate (e.g., manual) axial orientation of coils. It can be supported widely for the portable electronic products and biomedical devices. As an added contribution, the WPT circuit were enabled by a password security feature using an arduino nicrocontroller.Â
STUDY OF DIFFERENT TREATMENT METHODS ON CHICKEN FEATHER BIOMASS
Authors: Sharma Swati , Gupta Arun , Chik Syed Mohd Saufi Tuan , Kee Chua Yeo Gek , Podder Praddep Kumar , Subramaniam Malini , Thuraisingam Jayshree
Published: October 2018

The chicken feathers (CFs) Â consist of up to 10 % of total chicken dry mass and they have many potential industrial applications. CFs contains protein fibers named as keratin, which is an insoluble protein. Primary sanitization phases are complex because of the presence of lots of blood born microbes, pathogens and parasites in raw biomass. The extraction process of keratins from the unprocessed feathers is also a challenging task. Prior to the extraction cleaning/sanitization of feathers is a very necessary step. Thus, the present work was conducted to optimize Â an efficient surfactantÂ  for the cleaning process of the Â CFs by using ionic and non-ionic surfactants. The experiment was conducted by the washing of feathers with double distilled water (ddH2O), detergents, ether and lastly with boiling water. The washed feathers treated with surfactants and the effect of each surfactant was analyzed by a microbiological test which tells about the extent of Â the presence of different bacteria on the treated feathers. SEM, EDX, FTIR were used to study the morphology and composition of Â untreated and treated CFs. SEM showed there was no detectable fiber damage after treatment. Cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) (t3) was one of the best surfactant for the treatment of CFs among all the surfactant used. The present study described the best treatment method Â for the CFs.Â
RECOVERY OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF Musa Sp. THROUGH MICROWAVE ASSISTED EXTRACTION
Authors: M. Said Farhan
Published: October 2018

The objective of this research was to identify the recovery of the biological active compound of Musa sp. thru microwave assisted extraction (MAE) system. Antioxidant activity and phenolic compound were investigated on the effect of temperature, microwave power, irradiation time and solid to liquid ratio. The extraction process was carried out using only distilled water as an extracting agent. The result showed that, at 70oC fresh Musa sp. extracted 45% higher antioxidant compared to the dried Musa sp. 500 W was the best power of MAE to extract antioxidant and phenolic compound of ripe Musa sp., while for unripe Musa sp. 800 W was the best. The best irradiation time was 90 s, where it extracted almost 90% antioxidant activity of ripe and unripe Musa sp. Almost 480 mg GA/100 g FW of total phenolic content was extracted on the unripe peel. Solid to liquid ratio of 3 : 60 was the best parameter to extract antioxidant and phenolic content of ripe and unripe Musa sp. Overall, antioxidant and phenolic compound were significantly higher in the unripe peel, followed by ripe peel, unripe pulp and ripe pulp.
The Effects of Weathering on Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (Grp) Materials
Authors: Abdullah H. , R. A. Siddiqui S. Al Araimi and
Published: October 2018

Glass fiber reinforced plastics composite is extensively used as a structural material for pools, oil pipes and tanks because it has good corrosion resistance properties.  The effects of weathering on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) in the Sultanate of Oman have been studied.  The tensile and three point bend specimens were exposed to outdoor conditions (open atmosphere) in sunlight and tested for various intervals of time.  It was observed that as the exposure time to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation and dust increases the mechanical properties of GRP materials decrease.  The effects of relative humidity (%RH) on the mechanical properties were also studied. It was found that as the relative humidity increased in the atmosphere during the exposure time, the tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity are lowered. This work has revealed that the decrease in the mechanical properties of GRP under weathering conditions is subjected to atmospheric conditions such as humidity, temperature, ultraviolet radiation and pollutant.Key Words: Weathering, Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastics, Degradation
Developing an Intelligent Generator for Semi-Actual Test Data
Authors: A. M. A. Al-Abbasi S. A. Hameed,
Published: October 2018

The actual test data generation is one of the difficult and expensive parts of applying software-testing techniques. Many of the current test data generators suffer from the reduction of user’s confidence in generated test data and testing process. This is because of focusing on developer and database administrator viewpoints regardless of users concerns and focusing on data type and structure regardless of meaning. This paper proposes a model of an intelligent generator for semi-actual test data with the aim of increasing users confidence in software testing. The model uses samples of real data as a resource data and a set of efficient generation techniques based on statistical methods such as permutations, combination, sampling, and statistical distributions. The selection of the suitable structure and generation technique is based on one of the intelligent soft computing techniques such as fuzzy logic, neural network, heuristic, or genetic algorithm. The generated test data is validated according to the data specifications then tested by one of the normality testing techniques to be close to the real world or environment of the testing processes. This model offers the ability of simulating real environments.Key Words: Software Testing, Test Data Generation, Semi-Actual Data, Intelligent Generator, Simulation.
Separation of Aqueous Isopropanol Through Chitosan/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Blended Membranes by Pervaporation
Authors: A. L. Ahmad S. H. Tan, , H. Hassan M. G. Mohd. Nawawi and
Published: October 2018

Blend membranes consisting of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA) were prepared from a solution casting method and characterized via the pervaporation separation of isopropanol-water mixtures.  The solution of pure chitosan was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) at different compositions. The miscibility of the blended polymers was determined.  Criteria for miscibility was based on the clarity of the blend and the transparency of the membrane obtained.  The effects of feed concentration and chitosan content in membrane on the permeation flux and separation factor were also investigated. For the dehydration of 90 wt.% of isopropanol-water mixtures the performance of the blend ratio of 30:70 (CS:PVA) exhibited the highest separation factor. It was shown that under the same operating conditions, the pervaporation separation index (PSI) for homogeneous membranes were higher than that of blended membranes for the entire feed concentrations.Key Words: Blend, Chitosan, Poly (vinyl alcohol), Miscibility, Pervaporation.
Algorithm of Face Recognition by Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Jaiz A. Y. Johari Khalid A. S. Al-Khateeb and
Published: October 2018

A face recognition algorithm based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been developed and tested for computer vision applications. A database of about 400 facial images was used to test the algorithm. Each image is represented by a matrix (112 x 92), The data base is divided into subsets, where each subset represents one of 10 different individuals. A 96% rate of successful detection and a 90% rate of successful recognition were obtained. Several factors had to be standardized to provide a constrained environment in order to reduce error. The analysis is based on a set of eigenvectors that defines an Eigen Face (EF). The method proved to be simple and effective. The simplified algorithm and techniques expedited the process without seriously compromising the accuracy.