bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Rigid Bio-Nanocomposite Polyurethane Foam for Load Bearing Application: Effect of Surfactant Composition
Authors: Dzulkifli Mohd Haziq , Yahya Mohd Yazid , A. Majid Rohah 
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the preliminary work on rigid palm oil-based polyurethane foam reinforced with nanoclay for load bearing purposes. In this work, palm oil-based polyol (POP) was reacted with polymeric 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (p-MDI) along with distilled water as the blowing agent, silicone surfactant, and montmorillonite (MMT) clay as filler to produce rigid bio-nanocomposite PU foam. The produced foams are varied by the amount of surfactant used in every foam formulation. The foams are characterized for their morphology and compression strength. The cells inside the bio-nanocomposite foams are indicated to be closed cells. No apparent changes in cell size at higher surfactant content. The compression strengths shows gradual decrease as the surfactant composition increases, while gradual increase in density is observed when nanoclay content is increased, but up to 6 wt. % only. All in all, as indicated by this preliminary finding, rigid palm oil-based nanocomposite PU foam is a promising alternative for its conventional petroleum-based counterpart.
A Review of Palm Oil Biomass as a Feedstock for Syngas Fuel Technology
Authors: Samiran Nor Afzanizam , Mohd Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Tung Chong Cheng , Jo-Han Ng 
Published: April 2015

Fossil fuel as the world dominated energy source is depleting and posing environmental issue. Therefore, Synthesis gas (or syngas) which serve environmental clean fuel characteristic is expected to play a major role as one of the potential renewable energy in the future. Syngas, produced from solid feedstock (such as biomass, coal, refinery residual, organic waste and municipal waste) via gasification process can be used directly as fuel for power generation. Besides, syngas also acts as key intermediary to produce transport fuel depending on their quality. The chosen feedstock for syngas production determines the composition and heating value of the syngas produced and hence will be reviewed in general. This paper then review critically palms biomass as the potential source of feedstock for syngas production, as it is widely accessible in the context Malaysia. Palm biomass presents a solution that is sustainable and eco-friendly that is yet to be fully capitalized in the palm oil industry. Some of the palm biomass including oil palm frond (OPF), empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm kernel shell (PKS) are identified to contain high heating value which indicate their potential use as solid biomass feedstock for syngas production.
A Cost Of Test Case Study For Wafer-Ring Multi-Sites Test Handler In Semiconductor’s Industry Through Theory Of The Firm
Authors: Khoo Voon Ching 
Published: April 2015

In this research, the author conducted the cost of test study for the wafer-ring test handler in semiconductor’s industry with theory of the firm model. A cost of test model have been developed through the theory of the firm average cost theory by integrated the technology aspect into it so that the cost study can be conduct. The aim of this research is to find out the effectiveness of the wafer-ring test handler in order to reduce the cost of testing. Wafer-ring test handler is the invented technology which have been developed for Wafer-level Packaging (WLP), Chip-Scale Package (CSP) and QFN testing whereby those semiconductor’s devices are the next generation device for the purpose of to simplified the manufacturing process ultimately to reduce the manufacturing cost in total. The manufacturing cost in the semiconductor’s industry included of assembly cost and testing cost hence the said devices managed to simplified the assembly process and reduce the cost of assembly but if the testing-cost is not reduce in parallel, it will affected the profit margin. This study is important as a guideline for the semiconductor industry in terms of cost control to maintain the profit margin due to the depreciation of the average selling price (ASP) for past 20 years.
A Study Of Ionospheric GPS Scintillation During Solar Maximum at UTeM Station
Authors: Aon Emad F. , Othman A. R. , Ho Y. H. , Shaddad R. Q. 
Published: April 2015

Wireless signals propagated along global positioning system (GPS) channel are affected by ionospheric electron density irregularities such that GPS signals may experience amplitude and phase fluctuations. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS), ionospheric scintillation, and total electron content (TEC) monitor (GISTM) receiver has been installed at UTeM, Malaysia (2.3139°N, 102.3183°E) for monitoring ionospheric scintillation at several frequencies. In this paper, the GPS ionospheric scintillations are concerned for the dual frequency L1 (fL1 = 1.57542 GHz) and L2C (fL2= 1.2276 GHz). Ionospheric scintillation data has been collected during solar maximum cycle 2013-2014 for six months October 2013–March 2014. Solar activities significantly impact the ionospheric GPS scintillation, especially in the equatorial region where Malaysia is located. The GPS link is analyzed to investigate how the scintillation increases during the solar maximum cycle. When the sun flux is maximum, the total of electrons is increased in the ionospheric layer and the scintillation values gradually become high. The ionospheric amplitude/phase scintillation, carrier-to-noise (C/No) ratio, and availability of GPS satellites are reported in the proposed experimental GPS model. Consequently, for Malaysia, typical threshold received C/No ratio is 43 dB-Hz, implying that C/No ratio should be greater than 43 dB-Hz to receive good signals at the GPS receiver.
Mobile Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) Development for Liquid-Gas Flow Measurement
Authors: Kok Seong Chan , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Shaan-Li Susiapan Yvette , Aliah Phang Fatin , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul , Awang Zubaidah , Ahmad Anita , Abdul Wahid Herman , Mohamad Elmy Johana , Ridzuan Aw Suzanna 
Published: April 2015

Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) system is useful to obtain information on spatial distribution of dielectric material mixture inside a vessel. This paper discusses a sixteen-electrode mobile ECT sensing system which is developed non-invasively and non-intrusively. Emphases on the software development aspects are presented in several sections; initialization part, normalization part, calibration part, hardware communication part and the image reconstruction part. Thus, the liquid-gas concentration profile of the ECT system is successfully acquired using the software developed.
Permeate Flux Measurement and Prediction of Submerged Membrane Bioreactor Filtration Process Using Intelligent Techniques
Authors: Yusuf Zakariah , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , Sahlan Shafishuhaza , Abdul Raof Abdul Halim 
Published: April 2015

Recently, membrane technology has become more attractive particularly in solid-liquid separation process. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) has found to be a reliable technology to replace the conventional activated sludge (CAS) process for water and wastewater treatment by adopting membrane filtration technology and bioreactor. However, numerous drawbacks arise when using membrane which includes high maintenance cost and fouling problem. An optimal MBR plant operation is needed to be determined in order to reduce fouling and at the same time reduce the cost of running the MBR. It is crucial to have a reliable MBR filtration prediction that can measure and predict the filtration dynamic performance especially the effect of fouling to the filtration and cleaning operations. With this prediction tool, suitable action can be taken to improve the operation in order to find the optimum setting of the filtration process. This paper presents the permeate flux measurement and prediction development for submerged membrane filtration process. Three input filtration parameters were used to predict the permeate flux in the filtration process. This work employed feed forward artificial neural network (FFNN) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for the prediction purpose. The permeate flux prediction method was developed using operation settings such as aeration airflow, suction pump voltage and transmembrane pressure (TMP) under schedule relaxation condition. The result shows that FFNN method gives better performance compared with RBFNN method in terms of accuracy and reliability.
Comparison of Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) Performance Parameter Between Modelling and Simulation Results and Manufacturer Datasheet For HZ-20 & HZ-14
Authors: Abd Hamid Zamir Noor , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , M Ali M. Sultan , Rahim R. A. , Yunos M. Amri 
Published: April 2015

Currently, bio-medical and automotive industries use thermoelectric module to reproduce electrical energy from wasted heat energy. Thermoelectric generator (TEG) modeling and simulation will be hashed out further in this paper to achieve improvement. Finite element method (FEM) model, circuit equivalent model and mathematical/computer model are various methods employed to model the thermo-electric generator. Analysis of FEM modeling requires a high tier of knowledge of an engineer in material engineering. The circuit equivalent model uses the electrical circuit analogy to describe heat transfer and electrical behavior in TEG. In this work, the mathematical derivation of circuit equivalent model is used in computer models by using Simulink (Matlab). The result of the computer model can be an alternative model for electrical or electronics engineers to improve TEG performance in the future.
Steel Slag as A Road Construction Material
Authors: Hainin Mohd. Rosli , A. Aziz Md. Maniruzzaman , Ali Zulfiqar , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah , El-Sergany Moetaz M. , Yaacob Haryati 
Published: April 2015

Steel slag is a byproduct obtained from steel industry. It is generated as a residue during the production of steel. Because of the high disposal cost as a waste material and the overall positive features of steel slag, it has been declared a useful construction material, not an industrial waste by most of the developed countries. Successively, it is recycled as an aggregate for the construction of roads, soil stabilization, and base and for the surfacing of flexible pavement. Despite this, a large amount of steel slag generated from steel industries is disposed of in stockpiles to date. As a result, a large area of land is being sacrificed for the disposal of this useful resource. Many researchers have investigated the use of steel slag as an aggregate in the design of asphalt concrete for the road construction. The best management option for this by product is its recycling. This leads to reduction of landfills reserved for its disposal, saving the natural resources and attaining a potential environment. The purpose of this paper is to review the engineering properties of steel slag and its utilization for road construction in different ways.
Evaluation Of Major Causes Of Road Accidents Along North–East Highway, Nigeria
Authors: Yero Arafat Suleiman , Y Ahmed Tijanni , Hainin Mohd Rosli 
Published: April 2015

A major road link in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria is the Bauchi – Maiduguri highway that is a 425 km road that links a section of the north east region to other regions of Nigeria. The goods and services to the region are basically transported by road. This has increased vehicular traffic that resulted in increased road accident rates over the years. It is paramount to investigate the major causes of vehicle accidents on this highway as much has not been done to investigate accident cases on the route. The five year accident record on that route was obtained from the Federal Road Safety Corp of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police traffic unit, and the Nigeria union of road traffic workers. The study indicated that speed violation by drivers and bad road conditions contributes greatly in the rate of accidents along the route. Hence the study recommends better road maintenance culture and more sensitization of the road users and enforcement of speed limits.
Improvement in Properties of Expansive Clay by Stabilizing with Buton Rock Asphalt
Authors: Rusbintardjo Gatot , Hainin Mohd. Rosli , Md. Yusoff Nur Izzi 
Published: April 2015

Subgrade is a soil layer underneath a constructed road pavement, airport runway or railway track. It is essential to make the layer stable and has sufficient shearing strength to withstand the traffic induced stresses without excessive deformation. If the subgrade soil is weak, it may need to be stabilized to improve its properties. This paper investigates the suitability of Buton Rock Asphalt (BRA) and natural sand in stabilizing expansive clay in order to be used as subgrade soil. Amount of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of BRA by weight of soil were added while 5 to 25% of natural sand in increments of 5% by weight of soil was added to compare the effects of using natural sand and BRA in stabilizing expansive clay. Tests such as Atteberg Limit, California Bearing Ratio, and direct shear were conducted on both natural clay soil and clay stabilized BRA. From the study, it was found that BRA can improve bearing capacity of expansive clay soil better than the natural sand.
Comparing Shoppers’ Perception in Image Dimensions: A Retail Case Study
Authors: YM Lee Janice , Zhao Yuan Wee , Abdullah @ Mohd Asmoni Mat Naim , Abdul Jalil Rohaya , Baba Maizan 
Published: April 2015

In the highly competitive retail industry, an understanding on the perceptions of shoppers is important in attracting and retaining loyal customers. This study compares the shoppers’ perceptions on various image dimensions using KSL City and Plaza Pelangi in Johor Bahru, Malaysia as case studies. Plaza Pelangi is more established but faces high vacancy rate and competition from KSL City. The latter is relatively new and needs to capture the shoppers market from Plaza Pelangi. A total 200 questionnaires were distributed using random sampling. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Paired-Samples T Test, Chi Square Test, One Way ANOVA were used. There was no significant difference between the overall preferences towards both shopping centers. However, there were significant differences according to demographic groups (race, age and marital status). Majority of the image dimension attributes were rated higher in KSL City compared to Plaza Pelangi. KSL City needs to improve the ease in locating merchandise and appoint higher quality tenants. KSL should strive for more inclusive shopper demographic groups. Plaza Pelangi needs to improve its physical dimension in terms of layout and facility dimension by undergoing upgrading works. Plaza Pelangi also needs to recruit more food and beverage outlets as well as entertainment outlets.
Performance Determinants of Malaysian Real Estate Investment Trusts
Authors: Abdul Jalil Rohaya , Mohd Ali Hishamuddin 
Published: April 2015

The aim of this paper is to identify determinants of Malaysian real estate investment trust (REITs). By identifying the correct combination of these determinants, it able to assist the REITs companies to construct their property allocation strategy (PAS). However, studies on REITs’ performance in Malaysia showed few arguments on Malaysian REITs. Despite the evidence on potential for diversification, Malaysian REITs received inadequate response from institutional investors. Meanwhile the development of REITs in United States (US) started in early 1960s and it underwent significant cyclical performance and structure changes. Therefore, understanding of the literature review on the weaknesses and strengths of US REITs industry is essential. Furthermore, the lack of local study on these determinants, it is a research gap which can be explored in Malaysian REITs. The correct combination of determinants component contribute toward superior performance on REITs. Based on these reasons, REITs determinants that trigger the performance of Malaysian REITs warrant special attention and investigation. Through the literature review done on REITs determinants, this study manage to design the property allocation strategy for Malaysian. This beneficial for both REITs firm to construct their own PAS to maximize distribution as well as institutional investor to evaluate REITs investment. All in all, ramification of Malaysian REITs determinants helps to improve Malaysian REITs industry.
Automated Diagnostic System for Engine Maintenance
Authors: Fanuele Frank , Rio Richard A. 
Published: April 2015

The rapidly increasing costs of maintenance, the demand for increased equipment utilization, fuel costs and the difficulty of correctly diagnosing internal mechanical problems in operating gas turbine engines has stressed the requirement for more effective monitoring and diagnostic equipment. Such equipment must be capable of performing three functions:
1. Acquiring condition data from operating gas turbines,
2. Analyzing the acquired data, and
3. Associating the cause and effect relationship to an incipient malfunction.
This paper describes the MTI Automated Vibration Diagnostic System (AVID) developed for the U. S. Air Force jet engine overhaul centers. The AVID concept is to automate troubleshooting procedures for fully assembled gas turbine engines. The System extracts high-frequency vibration data from existing, standard instrumentation to provide input to a specialized Symptom/Fault Matrix. This Symptom/Fault Matrix is configured to analyze the incoming data and assign a particular malfunction (or malfunctions) to a specified data set. This diagnosis is then printed out to provide maintenance personnel with exact knowledge of what the problem is and how to correct it.
This System, plus the growing awareness on the part of personnel of the capabilities of such automated equipment, will enable the Air Force to significantly reduce expenses at their jet engine overhaul facilities.
Spray Characteristics of Plain-Jet Airblast Atomizers
Authors: Rizk N. K. , Lefebvre A. H. 
Published: April 2015

The effects of air and liquid properties, and atomizer dimensions, on the spray characteristics of plain-jet airblast atomizers are examined. Mean drop size and drop-size distribution are measured using an improved form of light scattering technique. The test range includes wide variations in air velocity, air pressure, air/liquid ratio, and liquid viscosity.
The experimental data generally confirm the results of previous studies on prefilming types of airblast atomizers. They show that increases in air velocity, air pressure and air/liquid ratio all tend to produce a more uniform spray and a lower mean drop size. It is also observed that any change in air properties, liquid properties and atomizer geometry that lowers the mean drop size also produces a more uniform distribution of drop sizes in the spray.
A Coal Fired Gas Turbine Using an Air Cooled Fluidized Bed Combustor
Authors: Moskowitz S. , Mullen J. , Vanderlinden S. 
Published: April 2015

A gas turbine cogeneration system using a coal fired atmospheric fluid bed (AFB) combustor represents an environmentally clean and less costly alternative to the oil or gas fired electric power generators, process steam boilers and process heaters that are necessary for the operations of both small and large industrial energy users.
This paper describes a cogeneration system which uses an air-to-gas heat exchanger tube assembly immersed in an AFB combustor to indirectly heat the compressor airflow from a gas turbine. This AFB combustor replaces the conventional direct fired oil or gas combustor. The flue gas from the AFB is used to produce steam and the waste energy from the gas turbine exhaust is used to provide additional steam or clean hot process air. By appropriate selection of components, AFB cogeneration systems can provide electrical-to-thermal ratios of 30 to 150 kilowatts per 1000 pounds of steam for a range of applications.
The paper presents the key design features of this type of system. The selection of materials and mechanical configurations are presented. The status of the technology and the R&D supporting test results are discussed. Cogeneration applications are discussed.
High Efficiency Pressurized Fluid Bed Systems
Authors: Berman Paul A. , Dille Joseph C. 
Published: April 2015

The development of pressurized fluidized bed combustors (PFB) as an efficient, economical, and enviromentally acceptable means of utilizing the nation’s coal reserves has been underway for a short time. Although at least a dozen PFB facilities are in existence or under construction, and other PFB plants (1) are being designed, the technology is not fully developed.
This paper presents the results of an investigation into achieving high efficiency with a PFB system. The base case was a novel cycle, with the PFB combustor is located at an intermediate pressure between the maximum cycle pressure and atmospheric pressure. This configuration eliminates many of the technical problems associated with conventional PFB systems, and has a higher heating value net efficiency of 38 percent. Gas reheat, topping combustion, carbonizer systems, and compressor intercooling are added to the base system to yield a cycle efficiency of 45 percent.
An Investigation Into the Effect of Side-Plate Clearance in an Uncentralized Squeeze-Film Damper
Authors: Cookson R. A. , Dainton L. J. 
Published: April 2015

An experimental investigation has been carried out into the influence of side-plate flow restrictors on the performance of a squeeze-film damper bearing. The experimental rig used was a flexible rotor with a disc positioned mid-way between two squeeze-film damper bearings. One of the squeeze-film dampers was fitted with side-plates which could be adjusted and accurately located with respect to the squeeze-film damper journal.
It has been found that the influence of the side-plate clearance on the ability of the squeeze-film damper to reduce the amplitude of the central disc can be considerable if the side-plate clearance is less than the radial clearance. As the side-plate clearance reduces towards zero, the effectiveness of the squeeze-film damper diminishes until the amplitudes obtained are the same as those measured when the rolling-contact bearing is rigidly supported.
An interesting type of precessing elliptical orbit was discovered for conditions where the ‘jump’ phenomenon was operating.
Ceramic Components for High-Temperature Vehicular Gas Turbines: State of the Art of the German Ceramic Program
Authors: Hagemeister K. , Tiefenbacher E. , Walzer P. 
Published: April 2015

In 1974 in Germany a research program was initiated under sponsorship of the Ministry of Research and Technology for developing ceramic components for vehicular gas turbines. Participants were Daimler-Benz, Motoren- and Turbinen-Union and Volkswagen and a number of ceramic companies and research institutes.
The paper gives the achieved development-status of the following components: combustion-chamber, nozzles and two types of rotors. Furtheron some results of investigations in regard of durability of silicon nitride and silicon carbide are presented.
New Radial Engine Technology From Kongsburg
Authors: Mowill R. J. , Strom S. 
Published: April 2015

The first engine of a new family of high performance, rugged radial turbines is presented.
The new single shaft 1500 kW site rated KG3 is built upon extensive experience from the field proven KG2 of the same nominal power.
The KG3 is being developed both as a simple cycle and recuperated engine providing specific fuel consumptions in the range of 0.29 to 0.19 kg/kW·hr (0.47 to 0.32 lbs/hp·hr).
The new Kongsberg engine makes use of a high specific speed high pressure ratio centrifugal compressor combined with a very high tip speed uncooled radial turbine to obtain optimized aerodynamic matching.
Several novel design features are described.