Abstract: Polysulfone (PSU) is a specialty engineering polymer
having various industrial applications. PSU is especially used in
waste water treatment membranes due to its good mechanical
properties, structural and chemical stability. But it is a hydrophobic
material and therefore its surface aim to pollute easily. In order to
resolve this problem and extend the properties of membrane, PSU
surface is rendered hydrophilic by addition of the sepiolite
nanofibers. Sepiolite is one of the natural clays, which is a hydrate
magnesium silicate fiber, also one of the well known layered clays of
the montmorillonites where has several unique channels and pores
within. It has also moisture durability, strength and low price.
Sepiolite channels give great capacity of absorption and good surface
properties. In this study, nanocomposites of commercial PSU and
Sepiolite were prepared by solvent mixing method. Different organic
solvents and their mixtures were used. Rheological characteristics of
PSU-Sepiolite solvent mixtures were analyzed, the solubility of
nanocomposite content in those mixtures were studied.
Abstract: The design and plantwide control of an integrated
plant where the endothermic 1,4-butanediol dehydrogenation and the
exothermic furfural hydrogenation is simultaneously performed in a
single reactor is studied. The reactions can be carried out in an
adiabatic reactor using small hydrogen excess and with reduced
parameter sensitivity. The plant is robust and flexible enough to
allow different production rates of γ-butyrolactone and 2-methyl
furan, keeping high product purities. Rigorous steady state and
dynamic simulations performed in AspenPlus and AspenDynamics to
support the conclusions.
Abstract: Malaysia is rich with historic buildings, particularly in
Penang and Malacca states. Restoration activities are increasingly
important as these states are recognized under UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. Restoration activities help to maintain the uniqueness
and value of a heritage building. However, increasing in restoration
activities has resulted in large quantities of waste. To cope with this
problem, the 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle) is introduced.
The 3R concept is one of the waste management hierarchies. This
concept is still yet to apply in the building restoration industry
compared to the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to
promote the 3R concept in the heritage building restoration industry.
This study aims to examine the importance of 3R concept and to
identify challenges in applying the 3R concept in the heritage
building restoration industry. This study focused on contractors and
consultants who are involved in heritage restoration projects in
Penang. Literature review and interviews helps to reach the research
objective. Data that obtained is analyzed by using content analysis.
For the research, application of 3R concept is important to conserve
natural resources and reduce pollution problems. However, limited
space to organise waste is the obstruction during the implementation
of this concept. In conclusion, the 3R concept plays an important role
in promoting environmental conservation and helping in reducing the
construction waste.
Abstract: The emerging Cognitive Radio is combo of both the
technologies i.e. Radio dynamics and software technology. It involve
wireless system with efficient coding, designing, and making them
artificial intelligent to take the decision according to the surrounding
environment and adopt themselves accordingly, so as to deliver the
best QoS. This is the breakthrough from fixed hardware and fixed
utilization of the spectrum. This software-defined approach of
research is centralized at user-definition and application driven
model, various software method are used for the optimization of the
wireless communication. This paper focused on the Spectrum
allocation technique using genetic algorithm GA to evolve radio,
represented by chromosomes. The chromosomes gene represents the
adjustable parameters in given radio and by using GA, evolving over
the generations, the optimized set of parameters are evolved, as per
the requirement of user and availability of the spectrum, in our
prototype the gene consist of 6 different parameters, and the best set
of parameters are evolved according to the application need and
availability of the spectrum holes and thus maintaining best QoS for
user, simultaneously maintaining licensed user rights. The analyzing
tool Matlab is used for the performance of the prototype.
Abstract: Different tools and technologies were implemented
for Crisis Response and Management (CRM) which is generally
using available network infrastructure for information exchange.
Depending on type of disaster or crisis, network infrastructure could
be affected and it could not be able to provide reliable connectivity.
Thus any tool or technology that depends on the connectivity could
not be able to fulfill its functionalities. As a solution, a new message
exchange framework has been developed. Framework provides
offline/online information exchange platform for CRM Information
Systems (CRMIS) and it uses XML compression and packet
prioritization algorithms and is based on open source web
technologies. By introducing offline capabilities to the web
technologies, framework will be able to perform message exchange
on unreliable networks. The experiments done on the simulation
environment provide promising results on low bandwidth networks
(56kbps and 28.8 kbps) with up to 50% packet loss and the solution is
to successfully transfer all the information on these low quality
networks where the traditional 2 and 3 tier applications failed.
Abstract: Bio-composites derived from plant fiber and/or bioderived
polymer, are likely more ecofriendly and demonstrate
competitive performance with petroleum based composites. In this
research, the bio phenol-formaldehyde (bio-PF) was used as a matrix
and oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB) as reinforcement. The
matrix was synthesized via liquefaction and condensation to enhance
the combination of phenol and formaldehyde, during the process.
Then, the bio-PF was mixed with different percentage of EFB (5%,
10%, 15% and 20%) and molded at 180oC. The samples that viewed
under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an excellent
wettability and interaction between EFB and matrix. Samples of 10%
EFB gave the optimum properties of impact and hardness meanwhile
sample 15% of EFB gave the highest reading of flexural modulus
(MOE) and flexural strength (MOR). For thermal stability analysis, it
was found that the weight loss and the activation energy (Ea) of the
bio-composites samples were decreased as the filler content
increased.
Abstract: Eucalyptus species are well reputed for their
traditional use in Asia as well as in other parts of the world; therefore,
the present study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial and
antioxidant activities associated with essential oils from different
Eucalyptus species. Essential oils from the leaves of six Eucalyptus
species, including: Eucalyptus woodwardi, Eucalyptus stricklandii,
Eucalyptus salubris, Eucalyptus sargentii, Eucalyptus torquata and
Eucalyptus wandoo were separated by hydrodistillation and dried
over anhydrous sodium sulphate. DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant
power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity assays were carried
out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the oils. The results
indicate that examined oils exhibit substantial antioxidant activities
relative to ascorbic acid. Previously, these oils were evaluated for
their antimicrobial activities, against wide range of bacterial and
fungal strains, and they were shown to possess significant
antimicrobial activities. In this study, further investigation into the
growth kinetics of oil-treated microbial cultures was conducted. The
results clearly demonstrate that the microbial growth was markedly
inhibited when treated with sub-MIC concentrations of the oils.
Taken together, the results obtained indicate a high potential of the
examined essential oils as bioactive oils, for nutraceutical and
medical applications, possessing significant antioxidant and anti
microbial activities.
Abstract: This paper presents modeling of an Alternating
Current (AC) Photovoltaic (PV) module using Matlab/Simulink. The
proposed AC-PV module model is simple, realistic, and application
oriented. The model is derived on module level as compared to cell
level directly from the information provided by the manufacturer data
sheet. DC-PV module, MPPT control, BC, VSI and LC filter, all
were treated as a single unit. The model accounts for changes in
variations of both irradiance and temperature. The AC-PV module
proposed model is simulated and the results are compared with the
datasheet projected numbers to validate model’s accuracy and
effectiveness. Implementation and results demonstrate simplicity and
accuracy, as well as reliability of the model.
Abstract: Exact solution of an unsteady flow of elastico-viscous
fluid through a porous media in a tube of spherical cross section
under the influence of constant pressure gradient has been obtained in
this paper. Initially, the flow is generated by a constant pressure
gradient. After attaining the steady state, the pressure gradient is
suddenly withdrawn and the resulting fluid motion in a tube of
spherical cross section by taking into account of the porosity factor of
the bounding surface is investigated. The problem is solved in twostages
the first stage is a steady motion in tube under the influence of
a constant pressure gradient, the second stage concern with an
unsteady motion. The problem is solved employing separation of
variables technique. The results are expressed in terms of a nondimensional
porosity parameter (K) and elastico-viscosity parameter
(β), which depends on the Non-Newtonian coefficient. The flow
parameters are found to be identical with that of Newtonian case as
elastic-viscosity parameter tends to zero and porosity tends to
infinity. It is seen that the effect of elastico-viscosity parameter,
porosity parameter of the bounding surface has significant effect on
the velocity parameter.
Abstract: Vegetation affects the mean and turbulent flow
structure. It may increase flood risks and sediment transport.
Therefore, it is important to develop analytical approaches for the bed
shear stress on vegetated bed, to predict resistance caused by
vegetation. In the recent years, experimental and numerical models
have both been developed to model the effects of submerged
vegetation on open-channel flow. In this paper, different analytic
models are compared and tested using the criteria of deviation, to
explore their capacity for predicting the mean velocity and select the
suitable one that will be applied in real case of rivers. The
comparison between the measured data in vegetated flume and
simulated mean velocities indicated, a good performance, in the case
of rigid vegetation, whereas, Huthoff model shows the best
agreement with a high coefficient of determination (R2=80%) and the
smallest error in the prediction of the average velocities.
Abstract: VACTERL association is a rare disorder with various
congenital malformations. The aetiology remains unknown.
Combination of at least three congenital anomalies of the following
criteria is required for diagnosis: vertebral defects, anal atresia,
cardiac anomalies, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and
limb defects. The first case was 1-day old male neonate with multiple
congenital anomalies was bore from 28 years old mother. The mother
had history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy. His anomalies
included: defects in thoracic and lumbar vertebral, anal atresia,
bilateral hydronephrosis, atrial septal defect, and lower limb
abnormality. Other anomalies were cryptorchidism and nasal canal
narrowing. The second case was born with 32 weeks gestational age
from mother with history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy. He
had thoracic vertebral defect, cardiac anomalies and renal defect.
diagnosis based on clinical finding is VACTERL association. Early
diagnosis is very important to investigation and treatment of other
coexistence anomalies. VACTERL association in mothers with
history of pregnancy with lymphocyte therapy has suggested possibly
of relationship between VACTERL association and this method of
pregnancy.
Abstract: In the present work, the alloy of Bismuth-lead is
prepared on the basis of percentage of molecular weight 9:1, 5:5 and
1:9 ratios and grown by Zone- Refining Technique under a vacuum
atmosphere. The EDAX of these samples are done and the results are
reported. Micro hardness test has been used as an alternative test for
measuring material’s tensile properties. The effect of temperature and
load on the hardness of the grown alloy has been studied. Further the
comparative studies of work hardening coefficients are reported.
Abstract: Construction cost estimation is one of the most
important aspects of construction project design. For generations, the
process of cost estimating has been manual, time-consuming and
error-prone. This has partly led to most cost estimates to be unclear
and riddled with inaccuracies that at times lead to over- or underestimation
of construction cost. The development of standard set of
measurement rules that are understandable by all those involved in a
construction project, have not totally solved the challenges. Emerging
Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies can exploit
standard measurement methods to automate cost estimation process
and improve accuracies. This requires standard measurement
methods to be structured in ontological and machine readable format;
so that BIM software packages can easily read them. Most standard
measurement methods are still text-based in textbooks and require
manual editing into tables or Spreadsheet during cost estimation. The
aim of this study is to explore the development of an ontology based
on New Rules of Measurement (NRM) commonly used in the UK for
cost estimation. The methodology adopted is Methontology, one of
the most widely used ontology engineering methodologies. The
challenges in this exploratory study are also reported and
recommendations for future studies proposed.
Abstract: The increasing demand of gallium, indium and
rare-earth elements for the production of electronics, e.g. solid
state-lighting, photovoltaics, integrated circuits, and liquid crystal
displays, will exceed the world-wide supply according to current
forecasts. Recycling systems to reclaim these materials are not yet in
place, which challenges the sustainability of these technologies. This
paper proposes a multispectral imaging system as a basis for a vision
based recognition system for valuable components of electronics
waste. Multispectral images intend to enhance the contrast of images
of printed circuit boards (single components, as well as labels) for
further analysis, such as optical character recognition and entire
printed circuit board recognition. The results show, that a higher
contrast is achieved in the near infrared compared to ultraviolett and
visible light.
Abstract: In this paper, a new trend for improvement in semianalytical
method based on scale boundaries in order to solve the 2D
elastodynamic problems is provided. In this regard, only the
boundaries of the problem domain discretization are by specific subparametric
elements. Mapping functions are uses as a class of higherorder
Lagrange polynomials, special shape functions, Gauss-Lobatto-
Legendre numerical integration, and the integral form of the weighted
residual method, the matrix is diagonal coefficients in the equations
of elastodynamic issues. Differences between study conducted and
prior research in this paper is in geometry production procedure of
the interpolation function and integration of the different is selected.
Validity and accuracy of the present method are fully demonstrated
through two benchmark problems which are successfully modeled
using a few numbers of DOFs. The numerical results agree very well
with the analytical solutions and the results from other numerical
methods.
Abstract: Water contamination by toxic compound is one of the serious environmental problems today. These toxic compounds mostly originated from industrial effluents, agriculture, natural sources and human waste. These studies focus on modification of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) with nanoparticle of calixarene and explore the possibility of using this modification for the remediation of cadmium in water. The nanocomposites were prepared by dissolving calixarene in chloroform solution as solvent, followed by additional multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) then sonication process for 3 hour and fabricated the nanocomposites on substrate by spin coating method. Finally, the nanocomposites were tested on cadmium ion (10 mg/ml). The morphology of nanocomposites was investigated by FESEM showing the formation of calixarene on the outer walls of carbon nanotube and cadmium ion also clearly seen from the micrograph. This formation was supported by using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The presence of cadmium ions in the films, leads to some changes in the surface potential and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The nanocomposites MWCNTs-calixarene have potential for development of sensor for pollutant monitoring and nanoelectronics devices applications.
Abstract: This paper presents the details of a numerical study of
buckling and post buckling behaviour of laminated carbon fiber
reinforced plastic (CFRP) thin-walled cylindrical shell under axial
compression using asymmetric meshing technique (AMT) by
ABAQUS. AMT is considered to be a new perturbation method to
introduce disturbance without changing geometry, boundary
conditions or loading conditions. Asymmetric meshing affects both
predicted buckling load and buckling mode shapes. Cylindrical shell
having lay-up orientation [0^o/+45^o/-45^o/0^o] with radius to thickness
ratio (R/t) equal to 265 and length to radius ratio (L/R) equal to 1.5 is
analysed numerically. A series of numerical simulations
(experiments) are carried out with symmetric and asymmetric
meshing to study the effect of asymmetric meshing on predicted
buckling behaviour. Asymmetric meshing technique is employed in
both axial direction and circumferential direction separately using
two different methods, first by changing the shell element size and
varying the total number elements, and second by varying the shell
element size and keeping total number of elements constant. The
results of linear analysis (Eigenvalue analysis) and non-linear
analysis (Riks analysis) using symmetric meshing agree well with
analytical results. The results of numerical analysis are presented in
form of non-dimensional load factor, which is the ratio of buckling
load using asymmetric meshing technique to buckling load using
symmetric meshing technique. Using AMT, load factor has about 2%
variation for linear eigenvalue analysis and about 2% variation for
non-linear Riks analysis. The behaviour of load end-shortening curve
for pre-buckling is same for both symmetric and asymmetric meshing
but for asymmetric meshing curve behaviour in post-buckling
becomes extraordinarily complex. The major conclusions are:
different methods of AMT have small influence on predicted
buckling load and significant influence on load displacement curve
behaviour in post buckling; AMT in axial direction and AMT in
circumferential direction have different influence on buckling load
and load displacement curve in post-buckling.
Abstract: The present work aims to throw light on the effects of
arcing in air on the surface state of contact pastilles made of silvernickel
Ag-Ni (60/40). Also, the photoelectric emission from these
electrical contacts has been investigated in the spectral range of 196-
256 nm. In order to study the effects of arcing on the EWF, the
metallic samples were subjected to electrical arcs in air, at
atmospheric pressure and room temperature, after that, they have
been introduced into the vacuum chamber of an experimental UHV
set-up for EWF measurements. Both Fowler method of isothermal
curves and linearized Fowler plots were used for the measurement of
the EWF by the photoelectric effect.
It has been found that the EWF varies with the number of applied
arcs. Thus, after 500 arcs in air, the observed EWF increasing is
probably due to progressive inclusion of oxide on alloy surface.
Microscopic examination is necessary to get better understandings on
EWF of silver alloys, for both virgin and arced electrical contacts.
Abstract: Image search engines rely on the surrounding textual
keywords for the retrieval of images. It is a tedious work for the
search engines like Google and Bing to interpret the user’s search
intention and to provide the desired results. The recent researches
also state that the Google image search engines do not work well on
all the images. Consequently, this leads to the emergence of efficient
image retrieval technique, which interprets the user’s search intention
and shows the desired results. In order to accomplish this task, an
efficient image re-ranking framework is required. Sequentially, to
provide best image retrieval, the new image re-ranking framework is
experimented in this paper. The implemented new image re-ranking
framework provides best image retrieval from the image dataset by
making use of re-ranking of retrieved images that is based on the
user’s desired images. This is experimented in two sections. One is
offline section and other is online section. In offline section, the reranking
framework studies differently (reference classes or Semantic
Spaces) for diverse user query keywords. The semantic signatures get
generated by combining the textual and visual features of the images.
In the online section, images are re-ranked by comparing the
semantic signatures that are obtained from the reference classes with
the user specified image query keywords. This re-ranking
methodology will increases the retrieval image efficiency and the
result will be effective to the user.
Abstract: This study is used as a definition method to the value
and function in manufacturing sector. In concurrence of discussion
about present condition of modeling method, until now definition of
1D-CAE is ambiguity and not conceptual. Across all the physic fields,
those methods are defined with the formulation of differential
algebraic equation which only applied time derivation and simulation.
At the same time, we propose semi-acausal modeling concept and
differential algebraic equation method as a newly modeling method
which the efficiency has been verified through the comparison of
numerical analysis result between the semi-acausal modeling
calculation and FEM theory calculation.