bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EDITING VIRTUAL HUMAN MOTION TECHNIQUES WITH DYNAMIC MOTION SIMULATOR AND CONTROLLER
Authors: Ismail Ismahafezi , Sunar Mohd Sharizal
Published: September 2015

Modifying realistic virtual human movement has become a challenging task to the researcher for computer games and animation development. To achieve realistic virtual human, the character movement must have same motion like real human. Virtual human movement can be created by blending different sources such as motion capture, dynamic and kinematics simulation. Editing dynamic movement requires a great skill from animator and takes a long time to setup. This paper presents a new technique for editing virtual human motion state using dynamic motion control in the real time animation. The system approach based on active dynamic control by normalizes the trajectory of vector space position. This technique explores the perfect balance in dynamic motion controls for virtual human motion initial and final states. For that purpose, an enhancement of proportional-derivative controller will be used. This paper focuses on three main parts; virtual human hierarchy, motion editing techniques and motion dynamic control.
INTEGRATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM: AN APPROACH FOR ENHANCING CONTEXT AND LOCATION-AWARE LEARNING
Authors: Musliman Ivin Amri , Abdul Rahman Alias , Rashidan Muhammad Hanis
Published: September 2015

Traditionally, environment orientations are given via signposts, tour guides, or through the web. However, these methods cannot construct a good personal context-aware knowledge environment. With the advancement of Augmented Reality (AR) and mobile devices, mobile learning or ubiquitous context-aware knowledge, becomes easy and boundary-free. AR technology creates a user-centered, visualized operation, and a real-time-feedback knowledge environment by visualizing virtual objects superimposed with the real world. Meanwhile, context and location aware applications are automatically adapt to the environment of a user, for instance location, time, behavior, or physical condition of a person. This paper focuses on the integration of Augmented Reality and Geographic Information System (GIS) to enhance context and location awarenesslearning in mobile environment. The developed application was able to show significant outcome in a way of which information can be disseminated and presented to the user. For example, nearby features can be easily identified, user can obtained contextual information in real-time, information obtained is more on location-oriented, increases user awareness about events in their locality. Subsequently, it increases the level of self-tour-guide experience and context-aware learning environment.
FEATURE SELECTION METHOD FOR OFFLINE SIGNATURE VERIFICATION
Authors: Zulkarnain Zuraidasahana , Mohd Rahim Mohd Shafry , Othman Nur Zuraifah Syazrah
Published: September 2015

Signature verification is defined as one of the biometric identification method using a person’s signature characteristics. The task of verifying the genuineness of a person signature is a complex problem due to the inconsistencies in the person signatures such as slant, strokes, alignment, etc. Too many features may decrease the False Rejection Rate (FRR) but also increases the False Acceptance Rate (FAR). A low value of FAR and FRR are required to obtain accurate verification result. There is a need to select the best features set of the signatures attributes among them. A combination of the current global features with four new features will be proposed such as horizontal distance, vertical distance, hypotenuse distance and angle. However, the value of FAR may increase if too many features are used which result a slow verification performance. In order to select the best features, the difference between the mean of the standard deviation ratio of each feature will be used. The main objective is to increase the accuracy of verification rate. This can be determined using best features set selected during the features selection process. A selection of signature set with strong feature sets will be used as a control parameter. The parameter is then used to validate the results.
ASEAN PERSPECTIVES ON THE INTERFACE DESIGN OF LOCATION OF WEB OBJECTS
Authors: Baharum Aslina , Jaafar Azizah
Published: September 2015

The majority of web users are constructed with a single standard in mind, or a limited number of user profiles, usually from one country or culture. In order to accommodate the international growth of the Internet, this mono-cultural bias website design must change. If these important steps of a user-centered user-interface (UI) Web Development omitted, the website will be less successful, or may even be dysfunctional. People from different countries and cultures have certain expectations of a particular site that may differ significantly from other countries/ cultures. This study involves the analysis of user perspectives where individuals from different countries and cultures expect a specific web-related object to be located on an interface design. Based on previous studies and is named after its location on the object analysis of user perspectives for the interface design with 94 individuals from 10 ASEAN countries, this paper aims to investigate location of web objects, “Internal links”, “External links”, “Search”, “Login” and “Advertisements”. This study will hope to be able to improve the accuracy of regional perspectives are now recorded. The method of adaptivity from previous studies was used, contains an overview of the browser window, six horizontal and seven vertical grid-based namely, Geometric 42 Grids, on the expected location of the web objects interface design. The goal of the user tests was to examine the perspective of users with different cultural backgrounds. When comparing the final results with previous studies, the following results became clear.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF STEEL CONNECTION IN LOW RISE BUILDINGS
Authors: Siuw H. F. , Taib M.
Published: September 2015

Steel construction allows fast and economical method of construction which also fulfills the requirement of clients. Especially low-rise building such as industrial building is the most common in steel frame. There are few common types of connection that are commonly being used in the industry such as flush end plate connection and extended end plate connection. This research is conducted to evaluate the performance of end plate connection as the common steel connection in low-rise buildings. Software ConSteel is used to evaluate the performance of identified connections by analysis. At the end of the research, an optimize design of end plate connection maybe recommended based on the performance and serve as a basic of improvement and guidance of safety.
GROWTH CHARACTERISTIC OF GZO FILM FABRICATED BY RF MAGNETRON SPUTTERING
Authors: Shain Farah Lyana , Manie @ Mani Azmizam , Mui Li Lam , Salleh Saafie , Alias Afishah , Abdul Amir Haider F.
Published: September 2015

This paper investigate the dependence of film thickness onto characteristic of Gallium doped Zinc Oxide (GZO). GZO films were deposited on a glass substrate by RF Magnetron Sputtering using GZO ceramic target with 99.99% purity. Thicknesses were altered by varying the deposition time from 10 min to 50 min meanwhile the sputtering power, argon flow and target distance were fixed in order to investigate the influence of film thickness to the growth characteristic, structural, optical properties and surface morphology of the films. Sputtering was performed with RF power of 100 watt and the argon flow was set at 10 sccm. GZO thin films on various thicknesses range from 130 nm to 460 nm were successfully deposited onto glass substrate with the crystallite grain size in range of 20.63 nm to 22.04 nm with the optical transmittance above 85 %.
CHARACTERISATION OF NANOCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COATING DEPOSITED VIA HOT FILAMENT CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION METHOD WITH VARIOUS SEEDING METHODS
Authors: Yong T. M. , Hamzah E. , Mat Yajid M. A.
Published: September 2015

A nanocrystalline diamond bilayer has been deposited via hot filament chemical vapour deposition method. The bilayer has been produced by two different deposition parameters. The first is by limiting microcrystalline diamond growth and the second layer by pulsing additional oxygen gas into the system. The two layers become indistinguishable after the deposition ends. The pretreatment of the substrate, tungsten carbide has been varied i.e. its various seeding sizes (<0.1 μm synthetic, <0.5 μm synthetic, <0.25 μm natural, <0.5 μm natural, and <1 μm natural); with and without hammering by silicon carbide. This set up is highly similar to that of previous work however the different deposition time has caused the microcrystalline diamond layer to be nanocrystalline diamond instead. Results presented are the optical and SEM (up to 100,000x magnification) images of both planar and cross-section of the diamond layer. AFM gave topographical analysis of the diamond layer. The results show that the thickness is about 1.7 μm, top layer diamond about 100 nm in size and are indeed diamonds by XRD and Raman.
EFFECT OF FILLER METALS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DISSIMILAR WELDING OF STAINLESS STEEL 316L AND CARBON STEEL A516 GR 70
Authors: Bahador Abdollah , Hamzah Esah , Mamat Mohd Fauzi
Published: September 2015

This paper describes an investigation on the effect of using three different filler metals to weld two dissimilar metals namely, stainless steel 316L and low alloy carbon steel A516 gr 70. Manual Gas Tungsten Arc welding (GTAW) with three filler metals including ER 80S-Ni1, ER309L, ER NiCrMo-3 were selected to weld the two metals. Radiography and penetrant tests were performed on the welded metals to ensure the surface and internal soundness of the welds based on the tensile tests results, all the specimens failed at the carbon steel A516 gr 70 base metals with fully ductile fracture mode (cup and cone). Welded samples using Inconel 615 filler metal has the highest strength of 512 MPa while other samples show almost similar strength of 481 and 487 MPa. The tensile strength of all the welded samples is found to be in between the tensile strength of the base metals. Micro-hardness test showed that ER80S-Ni1weld has the highest hardness, meanwhile hardness profile of ER309L presented a sharp drop in the stainless steel side and ER NiCrMo-3 weld metal illustrated hardness above the two base metals with fewer variations across the weld metal.
DETECTION OF CRACKED POSITION DUE TO CYCLIC LOADING FOR FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS BASED ON MAGNETIC MEMORY METHOD
Authors: Ariffin Azli , Meor Ahmad Meor Iqram , Abdullah Shahrum , Wan Jusoh Wan Zulhelmi
Published: September 2015

In this paper, metal magnetic memory (MMM) method is used to detect the micro-crack position on the ferromagnetic material due to the fatigue process by determining to the stress concentration zones in the metal surfaces. The MMM method was carried out on mild steel using Instron 8874 universal tensile testing machine with different values of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) varies from 75%, 80% and 85% until the specimens fails. An equipment of stress concentration indicator was used to measure the magnetic flux leakage, Hp patterns in the specimens. The results indicated that the position of a crack on the specimen that failed due to fatigue test was correlated with the scanning interval from the magnetic flux leakage signals. Therefore, the MMM method provides the potential possibility to detect the position of fatigue damage or defect in the metal components.
MOLD FILLING ABILITY AND HOT CRACKING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF AL-FE-NI ALLOYS FOR HIGH CONDUCTIVITY APPLICATIONS
Authors: Kim Jeong-Min , Yun Ho-Seob , Shin Je-Sik , Kim Ki-Tae , Ko Se-Hyun
Published: September 2015

Newly developed high conductivity Al-Fe-Ni alloys are expected to be used for various electronic and electrical applications instead of conventional low conductivity Al casting alloys. In this research, influence of Ni content on the mold filling ability and hot cracking susceptibility of Al-Fe-Ni alloys was investigated. The cast microstructure of Al-0.5Fe-xNi alloys mainly consists of primary aluminum and 2nd phases, and the kind of the 2nd phases is dependent on the Ni content. As the Ni content was increased, Al3Ni phase became dominant as the 2nd phase. Although the Ni additions reduced the conductivity a little, Al-0.5Fe-xNi alloys with nickel ranging from 0.5 to 2% showed significantly higher electrical conductivity than conventional Al-Si based alloys. The mold filling ability measured by fluidity serpentine test of Al-Fe-Ni alloys decreased significantly when more than 1%Ni was added. The mold filling ability measured by using a pressure die-casting method showed the similar results with respect to the Ni content. Meanwhile, hot cracking susceptibility was increased remarkably when more than 0.5%Ni was added.
THE BEHAVIOR OF INTERNAL HUMIDITY FROM FIBRE OPTIC DAYLIGHTING SYSTEM APPLICATION
Authors: Che Munaaim MA , M. AL-Obaidi Karam , Ismail M. R. , Abd Rahman A. M.
Published: September 2015

Electrical lighting consumed 13% to 43% from overall energy which considered as second major usage of electrical energy in a building. Fibre optic daylighting is a potential approach for the remote source daylighting which is able to minimize the usage of electrical light if the minimum recommended standard of human comfort is achieved. Since the internal humidity also plays an important role in human comfort, the objectives of this research are to investigate the effects of the application inside building for humidity. This research assessed the potential of fibre optic daylighting for interior illumination using 4 m x 5 m x 2.8 (H-Ceiling) spaces through empirical data collection in an actual environment. The data were collected for every 5 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the 17th May 2013 until the 2nd June 2013 using 4 computer-linked sensors to record humidity for both external and internal building. The comparison approach was selected in analyzing the data collected with the observation. . It is shown that the fibre optic daylighting system has no significant effect in relative humidity even possibly increases the internal room temperature by 2oC.
IN THE SEARCH OF GREEN SCHOOL DESIGN IN MALAYSIA: AN OUTDOOR LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF RAINBOW TROOP AND TOTO CHAN
Authors: Utaberta N. , Othuman Mydin M. A. , Ismail N. , Ismail S.
Published: September 2015

With current development in the pedagogy of teaching and learning approaches in the world, not many studies have been done on outdoor learning inMalaysia. This paper tries to reconstruct a new framework for elementary school design inMalaysiaby introducing a new typology called green school. By referring to the unique approaches of the Rainbow Troops inIndonesiaand the story of Toto Chan’s outdoor learning space. It will challenge our perception of Malaysian common school design by introducing more open and outdoor oriented learning approaches. The discussion itself will consist of four (4) main parts First part will discuss on the current problem and situation in teaching and learning inMalaysia, while the second part will try to explore and review on the definition of outdoor learning with its importance and character in learning environment. The third part will focused on the lesson fromGreenSchoolapproaches and philosophy of learning while the last part will do some analysis and on the 3rd year design studio in architecture department of Universiti Putra Malaysia.
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)-BASED BUILDING CONDITION ASSESSMENT: A SURVEY OF WATER PONDING DEFECT ON A FLAT ROOF
Authors: Che Ani Adi Irfan , Johar Suhana , Mohd Tawil Norngainy , Abd Razak Mohd Zulhanif , Hamzah Noraini
Published: September 2015

Building information modeling (BIM) is a technology that should be integrated in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry because of its positive effects. BIM-based building condition assessment (BCA) is an emerging method that should be explored and practiced to obtain the benefits of BIM in building management and maintenance process. The purpose of this paper is to explore the BIM-based condition assessment method by conducting a survey on the water ponding defect on a flat roof. The survey was conducted by a visual inspection and pictorial. A written report was produced after the survey. A 3D BIM model was generated by using Revit Architecture. This model was then integrated with Tekla BIMsight to produce a 4D model that consists of a 3D building view and building information. General building inspection was conducted to determine the existing condition of the flat roof and any possibility of the water ponding defect. Results show that water ponding occurs on flat roof areas during and after heavy rainfall because water does not efficiently flow through the rainwater downpipes (RWDPs). This obstruction in water flow is caused by the presence of dirt and the insufficient number of RWDPs in certain areas. Furthermore, BIM-based BCA shows a positive effect by providing a 4D model that is easy to understand, access, and store by the building management team.
A SURVEY ON THE PERFORMANCE-RISK RATING INDEX FOR BUILDING PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION BUILDINGS
Authors: Khalil Natasha , Kamaruzzaman Syahrul Nizam , Baharum Mohamad Rizal
Published: September 2015

Higher education institutions (HEI) buildings are considered as key functional, as it generates environment, human and economic resources. The growing population of students in HEI is increasing year byyear; therefore, it is important to optimize the building performance by conducting a properperformance assessment tool. Inevitably, growing students’ population with various learning activities has constituted risk emergence, green issues, inefficient of energy use and climate discomfort. However, concerns on the prevalence of risk towards occupants are still deficient in assessing buildingperformance. This paper presents the result of rating index for a construct of performance criteria, namely Building Performance-Risk Indicators (PRI). Questionnaire survey involving Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to generate the weightings for each indicator. There were 12 experts from the leading facilities management (FM) industry involved in the survey and rating process. The experts’ subjective weightings of the different attributes are extorted using the AHP computer software Expert Choice 11.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND HOUSE OWNERSHIP IN PENANG
Authors: Sani N. M.
Published: September 2015

There are many variables affected housing affordability. The variables are household income, household expenditure, monthly household payment, type of work, level of education, number of children, house price, housing location etc. These variables have been used as an indicator for future housing buyer before they make a decision to own a house. The objectives of this research are to determine the relationship between housing affordability and house ownership. The sample of this research comprises individuals who own a house at Flat Setia Vista, Relau, Pulau Pinang. The convenience sampling technique is used for this research with Binary Logistic Regression method as its analytical tool. The findings indicate that from six variables were tested in this research, namely household income, household expenditure, monthly household payment, type of work, level of education and number of children, only two variables have a relationship of housing affordability in housing ownership in Penang such as household income and number of children.
ESTABLISHING ELEMENTS OF A GOOD CITY PLANNING: AN ANALYSIS OF CITY PLANNING THEORIES
Authors: Safee Fatimatul Azadiah , M. Y. M. Yunos , Ismail Sumarni , Mohd Ariffin Noor Fazamimah , Mohd Isa Nor Kalsum
Published: September 2015

Urban theory is fragmented. The relation of human purposeful activity (interaction) and city form is a major feature. However, some attention given to commentator's theory such as Jane Jacobs, Kevin Lynch and Alan Jacobs and Donald Appleyard in their taught toward city planning, in which the theories that explain the city planning's idea are reviewed. This study investigates comparison of ideology and theory of city planning. In order to search for the city planning theory, a qualitative method research which involves content analysis is the most suitable approach to be employed in this study. By the end of the research, this study will reveal the component of good city planning. This research will develop theoretical of city planning framework basis for making recommendation towards enhancement of city planning form.  It is suggested a good city planning element by combining the theories to improve the quality of living in the city.
DECISION SUPPORT EVALUATION FOR BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING SOFTWARE SELECTION
Authors: Nursal Ahmad Taufik , Omar Mohd Faizal , Mohd Nawi Mohd Nasrun
Published: September 2015

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has shift the construction industry into a new approach in development of project. The effectiveness of BIM towards increasing productivity and quality of project has been reported not only in literature yet project report. Thus, there are numerous of BIM software available with different features and function. This trend has created decision problem among the companies to select the best software that fulfill company need and project needs. Hence, a web-based Decision Support System (DSS) application namely topsis4BIM has been developed. This paper presented the evaluation the proposed DSS though using the latest technology such as web 2.0 and cloud technology.
A PROPOSAL FOR A SINGLE TRIBUNAL OF ESTATES DISTRIBUTION IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Md. Azmi Fatin Afiqah , Haji Mohammad Mohammad Tahir Sabit
Published: September 2015

This research paper attempts to propose the replacement of the costly and time consuming process for the distribution of estates of Muslims in Malaysia in four agencies with a cost-effective process in a single tribunal that have full information about estates and has expertise in Islamic and Civil laws. For this, the existing framework and process of estates distribution is evaluated. The overall process is lengthy, costly, and in some cases, it is ineffective. Duality of legal systems and multiplicity of administrative and judicial agencies are thought to be the causes of the problem. To remedy this problem, a single tribunal with a new process therefore is proposed.
THE PRINCIPLE OF DEPTH FOR UNDERGROUND LAND DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW
Authors: Zaini Farah , Hussin Khadijah , Jamalludin Nor Aisyah , Zakaria Siti Radiaton Adawiyah
Published: September 2015

In this era, the developments are not taking place at the surface land, but also going downward by utilizing the underground land. The importance for developing underground land cannot be denied since worldwide has the good example of underground land development especially in the infrastructure development. In developing underground land, the depth is one of the considerations to determine how deep the construction can go underground. However, in relation with the ownership and restrictions in developing underground, the depth of the development in for underground land has become a major issue.By looking at the perspective of countries that tremendously developing underground as China, Finland and Japan; this article reviewed and discussed the three aspects related the principle of underground depth, which are the legal considerations, the depth of development also vertical planning (utilization), which have been practiced in those countries include Malaysia. As a result, the discussion shown Malaysia is ready to develop the underground land because there is a legislation that supports it. However, Malaysia must work towards the vertical planning of underground based on the depth of the utilization as the other countries do; for future development.
INVESTIGATION OF DATUM CONSTRAINTS EFFECT IN TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER SELF-CALIBRATION
Authors: Abbas Mohd Azwan , Setan Halim , Majid Zulkepli , K. Chong Albert , Chong Luh Lau , M. Idris Khairulnizam , Mohd Ariff Mohd Farid
Published: September 2015

The ability to provide rapid and dense three-dimensional (3D) data have made many 3D applications easier. However, similar to other optical and electronic instruments, data from TLS can also be impaired with errors. Self-calibration is a method available to investigate those errors in TLS observations which has been adopted from photogrammetry technique. Though, the network configuration applied by both TLS and photogrammetry techniques are quite different. Thus, further investigation is required to verify whether the photogrammetry principal regarding datum constraints selection is applicable to TLS self-calibration. To ensure that the assessment is thoroughly done, the datum constraints analyses were carried out using three variant network configurations: 1) minimum number of scan stations, 2) minimum number of surfaces for targets distribution, and 3) minimum number of point targets. Via graphical and statistical, the analyses of datum constraints selection have indicated that the parameter correlations obtained are significantly similar.
A STUDY OF VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (VGI) ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR FLOOD HAZARD MAPPING: A REVIEW
Authors: Fazeli Hamid Reza , Nor Said Mohamad , Amerudin Shahabuddin , Abd Rahman Muhammad Zulkarnain
Published: September 2015

Floods are known as frequent and destructive global events that are caused by natural and human factors. Beside traditional methods, flood hazard mapping has been empowered by spatially enabled cell phones and web mapping technology which are feed by user generated data. This user generated information or Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), becomes the first point of response during any natural disaster. Since this information is created by volunteers, its reliability and credibility issues bring restriction on use of them as main source of information. The available methods of VGI credibility assessment mainly focus on meta data analysis, VGI spatial pattern analysis and comparison of VGI data with reference data. This paper thoroughly discusses recent development in these three groups of VGI assessment methods. At the end we highlighted several research gaps and potentials of combining and improving these methods to support flood hazard mapping.
FLOODPLAINS MODELLING DUE TO DAM BREAK
Authors: Mohamed Yusof Zainab , Omar Nurul Atiqah , Amerudin Shahabuddin
Published: September 2015

The prediction of floodplains caused by dam break is very important to discuss for future planning and decision making for contingency evacuation planning and real time flood forecasting. The objectives of this study are (1) to determine the propagation of flood in the study area, in terms of water depth and velocity magnitude, and (2) to identify the potential area of high risk of flooding. The comparison of results using one point source input flood discharge (total discharge) and flood hydrograph have been carried out. The floodplain is simulated using software called CCHE2D_FLOOD model. A flood hydrograph due to dam break at Durian Tunggal Dam is used as a model parameters input. The simulation results showed that the higher flood depth for discharge hydrograph was 6.8 m, a bit lower than the sudden failure, which was 7.1 m. Meanwhile, the highest velocity predicted was 7.7 m/s. The total flooded area was approximately 48 km2 and the potential risk happened at the residential area.
POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT IN PUBLIC LOW-COST HOUSING
Authors: Khair Nurhayati , M. Ali Hishamuddin , Sipan Ibrahim , Juhari Nur Hafizah , Daud Siti Zaleha
Published: September 2015

Malaysian government has introduce public low-cost housing during Malaysian Plan as an initiative to help the low-income household owners and squatters. However, in developing the low-cost housing, the quality and environmental aspects should be emphasized. Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is an approach in assessing existing building performance and future development of buildings to ascertain feedback from occupants after the building has been occupied for some time. This paper determines the physical environment based on occupants preference by using the POE tools. Physical environment elements obtained through literature review consists of facilities, spaces and services offered in each housing unit. A sum of 13 physical environment elements were measured by 868 occupants in Johor’s Public Low-cost Housing. Convenience sampling technique was the method used to determine the adequacy of sample throughout data collection process, subsequently it has been analyzed using frequency and factor statistics. The study reveals that physical environment elements were playing the crucial role in every housing unit. However, dwelling unit features, housing conditions and location were mainly the highest preference amongst occupants. In fact, physical environment elements plays an entirely crucial role in developing occupant’s comfort and satisfaction. Nevertheless, a few physical elements that show the least preferable amongst occupant such as external utilities and services, management, lighting and ventilation need to be given more attention in order to create a better environment in the future.
SPACE UTILIZATION MODEL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mohd Shahril , Mohd Ali Hishamuddin , Sipan Ibrahim , Awang Mariah , Mohammed Abdul Hakim
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the development of a space utilization model to accommodate the increasing demand of academic spaces in higher education institutions (HEIs) as well as to overcome the lack of awareness, knowledge and skills towards space utilization. The model developed using interviews and focus group discussions. The system development life cycle (SDLC) model is adapted by applying data flow diagram (DFD) to establish the prototype of space utilization model. The model helps in providing better understanding and promoting space utilization in HEIs as well as further research for implementation purpose.
THE VALUATION APPROACH IN RELATION TO THE MODEL OF PRIVATISATION FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED
Authors: Raji Fauziah , Kamarudin Norhaya
Published: September 2015

Privatisation of property development has been practiced in Malaysia since the 1980s where it not only involved the Federal Government but also the State Governments and the Local Governments. The government undertakes privatisation of property development for various benefits such as to reduce expenditure, to improve the quality of development and to ensure faster delivery of product.  It was observed that valuation of lands involved in the privatisation is significant as the valuation determines the returns to the government and costs to the developer. Inevitably the valuation will determine whether the privatisation should proceed or not. This research investigates the relationship between the model of privatisation adopted (MOP) and the approach to valuation for privatisation of property development projects by a local authority in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The models of privatisation studied are the land swap, land lease, and the joint venture developments. Altogether fifteen privatisation projects were studied. Data gathered from interviews with key personnel from the identified projects were analysed qualitatively. The findings of the research positively report that the model of privatisation not only determines the type of valuation to be carried out whether capital or lease valuation but also influences the parameters for determining the value.
EFFECT OF VISCOELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF CELLULOSE OIL PALM FIBER (COPF) MODIFIED 60-70 ASPHALT BINDER FOR DETERIORATION FOR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Authors: A. Aziz Md. Maniruzzaman , Hamad Ahmed Wsoo , Maleka Abdulmalik Musa , Mohd Jakarni Fauzan
Published: September 2015

This paper dealt with the viscoelastic behavior of Cellulose Oil Palm Fiber (COPF) modified 60-70 penetration grade asphalt binder for the deterioration of roads. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various COPF contents on the physical and the rheological properties of penetration grade 60-70 asphalt binder. Laboratory tests performed comprised of viscosity, penetration, softening point, short & long term ageing, as well as complex shear modulus (G*).  The COPF was blended in 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% by weight of asphalt binder, including 0% as control. The COPF modified asphalt binder showed an increasing viscosity and softening point with the increase of COPF content, whereas the penetration decreased as the COPF was increased for the binder. The complex shear modulus (G*), rutting factor (G*/sin δ), and fatigue factor (G*sin δ) showed significant improvement for the modified samples compared to the unmodified samples. The results indicated that the COPF modified asphalt binder had high potential to resist permanent (rutting) deformation and fatigue cracking than the unmodified sample.
THE PERFORMANCES OF A MODIFIED EJECTOR AIR CONDITIONING CYCLE
Authors: Ani Farid Nasir , Kooi Kok Chai
Published: September 2015

Residential and commercial air conditioning systems have contributed to high electricity usage and cost in daily living. People nowadays look forward to environmental friendly products, as well as saving operating cost. Air conditioning system using ejector as two phase expansion valve was studied earlier to obtain better performance in terms of energy saving. The purpose of this study was to prove that ejector air conditioning system has better coefficient of performance (COP) than conventional air conditioning system. Two refrigerant cycles, including standard cycle and modified ejector cycle had been studied and their characteristics were investigated. Electrically heated ambient air was used to obtain higher ambient air temperatures. The experiments were run by using R22 and R290. The experiments were carried out by using standard cycle and modified ejector cycle system. On top of that, analyses were conducted on the results obtained from the experiments. Moreover, it had been proved that modified ejector cycle had higher COP than standard refrigeration cycle.
DIGITAL INFORMATION EVALUATION SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Parsazadeh Nadia , Ali Rosmah , Ridwan Saeed Intisar Ibrahim
Published: September 2015

Despite the advancement of technology in the internet age, many college students lack the information and communication technology (ICT) literacy skills like evaluating which is necessary to navigate and using information available at present. Evaluating the quality of information sources encompasses students’ ability to determine relevance, accuracy, and overall credibility of sources and information. The quality of information found online is extremely variable because anyone can post data on the internet, and not all online sources are equally reliable, valuable, or accurate. From a study conducted on diploma students’ assignments using rubric at an international university in Kuala Lumpur, a problem in digital information evaluation skills and lack of ability in using evaluation criteria, including authority, accuracy, currency, objectivity, and coverage on digital information and sources among diploma students had been discovered. The future work of this study will be the use of mobile devices in collaborative and interactive learning to improve digital information evaluation skills among diploma students. This approach does not only improve the students’ learning attitude, but also enhances the effectiveness of learning.
THERMAL AND FLEXURAL PROPERTIES OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE(RC)/POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE)(PHB)BIOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Yeng Lee Chiau , Wahit Mat Uzir , Othman Norhayani
Published: September 2015

Regenerated cellulose (RC)/ poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composite was prepared via melt compounding with different RC contents from 1 to 7 wt.%. Regenerated cellulose fiber was prepared in NaOH/urea aqueous solution. The properties of the cellulose and the regenerated cellulose were compared using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results of TGA and DSC revealed that the regenerated cellulose had lower thermal properties than cellulose. Meanwhile, the FTIR of regenerated cellulose showed that the intensity portrayed by a few peaks had reduced or disappeared as compared to cellulose. Besides, PHB composites were characterized using TGA and flexural testing. Moreover, thermal stability of the composites insignificantly changed with the incorporation of RC.  Improvement in flexural strength and modulus were observed, whereas 3 wt.% was found to be the optimum RC content.
QUANTIFICATION OF OIL PALM TREE LEAF PIGMENT (CHLOROPHYLL A) CONCENTRATION BASED ON THEIR AGE
Authors: Mustafa Norfazira , Ya’acob Norsuzila , Abd Latif Zulkiflee , Yusof Azita Laily
Published: September 2015

The main pigments found in oil palm tree leaf are chlorophylls a, b, and c. Chlorophyll a converts light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis process. The content of chlorophyll pigments varies by their ages. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration in chlorophyll a in different ages. This study is significant in oil palm fertilization for monitoring oil palm nutrient content (NPK). Chlorophyll measurement was done by extracting using methanol solvent and concentration measurement using spectrophotometric method in order to quantify chlorophyll a concentration based on their ages. 6 samples of oil palm tree leaves, collected from 2 different ages, were analyzed. The observed values were determined based on the absorbance at wavelength (670nm) and were calculated for concentrations value based on to the Lambert-Beer law Equation. It showed that the chlorophyll a concentrations at the age of mature stage had been higher than those at the old stage. The results depicted that the chlorophyll a concentration values at the mature stage were 0.33mg/ml, 0.32mg/ml, and 0.18mg/ml, while at the old stage were 0.22 mg/ml, 0.18mg/ml, and 0.06mg/ml.
OPTIMAL TUNING OF A PID CONTROLLER FOR EMDAP-CVT USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Mat Dzahir M. Azwarie , Hussein Mohamed , Supriyo Bambang , Tawi Kamarul Baharin , Yaakob Mohd Shafiek , Mat Dzahir M. Azuwan , Mohamad Maziah
Published: September 2015

This paper looked into optimal tuning of a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller used in Electro-mechanical Dual Acting Pulley Continuously Variable Transmission (EMDAP-CVT) system for controlling the output obtained, and hence, to minimize the integral of absolute errors (IAE). The main objective was to obtain a stable, robust, and controlled system by tuning the PID controller by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The incurred value was compared with the traditional tuning techniques like Ziegler-Nichols and it had been proven better. Hence, the results established that tuning the PID controller using PSO technique offered less overshoot, a less sluggish system, and reduced IAE.
THEORETICAL OF DYNAMIC LOADING AGAINST WATER-FILLED SIMPLY SUPPORTED PIPES
Authors: Mohammad Roslina , Amrin Astuty , Muhamad Sallehuddin
Published: September 2015

The primary aim of this study had been to investigate the effects of water-filled flow on the transient response of a simply supported pipe subjected to dynamically applied loading. The importance of this study is manifested in numerous applications, such as oil and gas transportations, where dynamic loading can be the result of an accident. The classical Bernoulli-Euler beam theory was adopted to describe the dynamic behavior of an elastic pipe and a new governing equation of a long pipe transporting gas or liquid was derived. This governing equation incorporated the effects of inertia, centrifugal, and Coriolis forces due to the flowing water. This equation can be normalized to demonstrate that only two non-dimensional parameters governed the static and the dynamic responses of the system incorporating a pipe and flowing water. The transient response of this system was investigated based on a standard perturbation approach. Moreover, it had been demonstrated that the previous dynamic models, which largely ignored the internal flow effects and interactions between the flow and the structure, normally produced a large error and are inapplicable to the analysis of many practical situations. One interesting effect identified was that at certain flow ratio, the system became dynamically unstable and any, even very small, external perturbation led to a growing unstable dynamic behavior. Such behavior, which is called pipe whip, is well-known to everyone who waters a garden using a flexible long hose.
INTEGRATED HIGH MAGNETIC GRADIENT SYSTEM FOR TRAPPING NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Abidin Ummikalsom , Majlis Burhanuddin Yeop , Yunas Jumril
Published: September 2015

Lab-on-chip (LoC) magnetic separator is important in clinical diagnostics and biological studies where different types of biological cells need to be isolated from its heterogeneous population. In this work, a novel design of on-chip V-shaped magnetic core generating high magnetic gradient and force for trapping magnetically labelled bioparticles is presented. The integrated magnetic system consisted of a spiral-shaped planar microcoils and a V-shaped permalloy (Ni80Fe20) magnetic core structure, which was designed to be part of LoC separator system. The effects of V-shaped magnetic core tip area, the current injection to the microcoils on the magnetic field, as well as its gradient and force on magnetic nanoparticles were simulated and analyzed. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation using two dimensional (2D) axial symmetry model and steady state analysis of the DC magnetostatics module confirmed the effect of V-shaped magnetic core tip on the high magnetic field generation. The smallest V-shaped magnetic core tip area and the highest current injected to the magnetic coils had significantly amplified the magnetic flux density, its gradient, and the magnetic force generated on a magnetic nanoparticles. Functional test results justified the proportional relationship between DC applied and the trapping area of the magnetic nanoparticles. Effective separation of biological cells tagged with magnetic nanoparticles in LoC system was expected with integration of this high gradient on-chip magnetic system.
FLOOD ESTIMATION AT UNGAUGED SITES USING GROUP METHOD OF DATA HANDLING IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Badyalina Basri , Shabri Ani
Published: September 2015

Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) have been successful in many fields such as economy, ecology, medical diagnostics, signal processing, and control systems but given a little attention in hydrology field especially for flood estimation at ungauged sites.  Ungauged site basically mean the site of interest is no flood peak data available. This paper presented application of GMDH model at ungauged site to predict flood quantile for T=10 year and T=100 year. There five catchment characteristics implement in this study that are catchment area, elevation, longest drainage path, slope of the catchment and mean maximum annual rainfall. The total number of catchment used for this study is 70 catchments in Peninsular Malaysia. Four quantitative standard statistical indices such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (CE) are employed. Based on these results, it was found that the GMDH model outperforms the prediction ability of the traditional LR model.
LIGHT AND SECURE COMMUNICATION ALGORITHM FOR COGNITIVE RADIO NETWORK BY USING LABYRINTHINE AUTHENTICATION FORMULA
Authors: Khan Fawad Salam , Naqash Talha , Khatak Muhammad Ibrar , Larik Raja Masood
Published: September 2015

Facilities for different sight and sound provisions in remote systems requests extra transmission capacity in the radio frequency range. Effective range administration calculations are important to accomplish massive accomplishment in remote correspondences. Usage of licensed spectrum is increasing day by day so Cognitive Radio is proposed as a solution to meet the demands. CR is a symbolization procedure that distributes the authorized range (the licensed spectrum) despite the fact that facing least obstruction to the authorized clients. In this paper, we investigate the versatile qualities of cognitive radio in secure and dependable correspondence. Anyway the inquiry is the way to make the correspondence dependable such that there happens no spying and data spillage. The conceivable results incorporate coordinating the benefits of spread range balance, utilizing encryption calculations (Encryption keys), and its possibility to switch over different recurrence groups. We concentrate on the different requisitions of CR and the various philosophies which empower a safe Communication system.
ELASTOMERIC POLYMERS FOR BLAST AND BALLISTIC RETROFITTING OF STRUCTURES
Authors: Somarathna H. M. C. C. , Raman S. N. , Mutalib A. A. , Badri K. H.
Published: September 2015

In many parts of the world, terrorism has become a major threat to nations, and terrorist activities and accidental explosions have been directed towards the destruction of buildings and critical infrastructures. As a result, almost every new development requires the consideration of safety and security aspects such that even a new building incorporates protective engineering features in its design. In this aspect, researchers have been investigating the use of elastomeric polymers (such as polyurethane and polyurea) for structural retrofitting applications due to attractive characteristics and morphology exhibited by these materials. This paper provides a review on this novel approach of strengthening structural elements and systems to enhance their capacity against blast and ballistic threats. The discussions in this review have been focussed on the application of this technique on the most widely used structural systems of masonry, concrete, metallic and composite structural systems. This technique offers an alternative to existing strengthening techniques in protecting structures against the risks of blast, ballistic and impact loads.
PATTERN AND FREQUENCY RECONFIGURABLE ANTENNA FOR BODY AREA NETWORK (BAN)
Authors: Abijuru Delphine , Hamid M. R.
Published: September 2015

A new concept of antenna which quantifies the potential gain of pattern and frequency control in order to suit the requirements of wireless applications such as body area network is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna ranges from 3 GHz to 6 GHz for a wideband operation and operates at 3.5 GHz for a narrowband operation. It uses two types of feedings (CPW and Slotlines) for pattern control with integrated ring resonators for the switching of wideband operation to narrowband operation while maintaining the polarization. The upright return loss characteristics, the controlled radiation pattern and great bandwidth demonstrated at the resonant frequencies make this antenna suitable for applications in these fields.