Abstract: This paper presents a rule-based text- to- speech
(TTS) Synthesis System for Standard Malay, namely SMaTTS. The
proposed system using sinusoidal method and some pre- recorded
wave files in generating speech for the system. The use of phone
database significantly decreases the amount of computer memory
space used, thus making the system very light and embeddable. The
overall system was comprised of two phases the Natural Language
Processing (NLP) that consisted of the high-level processing of text
analysis, phonetic analysis, text normalization and morphophonemic
module. The module was designed specially for SM to overcome
few problems in defining the rules for SM orthography system before
it can be passed to the DSP module. The second phase is the Digital
Signal Processing (DSP) which operated on the low-level process of
the speech waveform generation. A developed an intelligible and
adequately natural sounding formant-based speech synthesis system
with a light and user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) is
introduced. A Standard Malay Language (SM) phoneme set and an
inclusive set of phone database have been constructed carefully for
this phone-based speech synthesizer. By applying the generative
phonology, a comprehensive letter-to-sound (LTS) rules and a
pronunciation lexicon have been invented for SMaTTS. As for the
evaluation tests, a set of Diagnostic Rhyme Test (DRT) word list was
compiled and several experiments have been performed to evaluate
the quality of the synthesized speech by analyzing the Mean Opinion
Score (MOS) obtained. The overall performance of the system as
well as the room for improvements was thoroughly discussed.
Abstract: Lightweight ceramic materials in the form of bricks
and blocks are widely used in modern construction. They may be
obtained by adding of rice husk, rye straw, etc, as porous forming
materials. Rice husk is a major by-product of the rice milling
industry. Its utilization as a valuable product has always been a
problem. Various technologies for utilization of rice husk through
biological and thermochemical conversion are being developed.
The purpose of this work is to develop lightweight ceramic
materials with clay matrix and filler of rice husk and examine their
main physicomechanical properties. The results obtained allow to
suppose that the materials synthesized on the basis of waste materials
can be used as lightweight materials for construction purpose.
Abstract: This paper describes a combined mathematicalgraphical
approach for optimum tool path planning in order to
improve machining efficiency. A methodology has been used that
stabilizes machining operations by adjusting material removal rate in
pocket milling operations while keeping cutting forces within limits.
This increases the life of cutting tool and reduces the risk of tool
breakage, machining vibration, and chatter. Case studies reveal the
fact that application of this approach could result in a slight increase
of machining time, however, a considerable reduction of tooling cost,
machining vibration, noise and chatter can be achieved in addition to
producing a better surface finish.
Abstract: Lighting is not only important for the safety of traffic,
but also it is very important for the protection of pedestrians.
Improvement on visibility in a long distance, lighting, signing,
reduces considerably the risk of accidents in crosswalks. This paper
evaluates different aspects of crosswalks including signing and
lighting to improve road safety.
Abstract: The InAlGaN alloy has only recently began receiving
serious attention into its growth and application. High quality InGaN
films have led to the development of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and
blue laser diodes (LDs). The quaternary InAlGaN however, represents
a more versatile material since the bandgap and lattice constant can be
independently varied. We report an ultraviolet (UV) quaternary
InAlGaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) LD study by using the
simulation program of Integrated System Engineering (ISE TCAD).
Advanced physical models of semiconductor properties were used in
order to obtain an optimized structure. The device performance which
is affected by piezoelectric and thermal effects was studied via
drift-diffusion model for carrier transport, optical gain and loss. The
optical performance of the UV LD with different numbers of quantum
wells was numerically investigated. The main peak of the emission
wavelength for double quantum wells (DQWs) was shifted from 358
to 355.8 nm when the forward current was increased. Preliminary
simulated results indicated that better output performance and lower
threshold current could be obtained when the quantum number is four,
with output power of 130 mW and threshold current of 140 mA.
Abstract: This survey highlights a number of important issues
which relate to the needs to counseling for distance learners studying
at the School of Distance Education in University science Malaysia
(DEUSM) according to their gender. Data were obtained by selfreport
questionnaire that had been developed by the researchers in
counseling and educational psychology and interviews were take
place. 116 voluntary respondents complete the Questionnaire and
returned it back during new student-s registration week.64% of the
respondents were female and 52% were males that means
55%ofthem were females and 45% were males. The data was
analyzed to find out the frequencies of respondents agreements of the
items. The average of the female was 18 and the average of the male
was 19.6 by using t- test there is no significant values between the
genders. The findings show that respondents have needs for
counseling. (22) Significant needs for mails (DEUSM) the highest
was their families complain about the amount of time they spend at
work. (11) Significant needs for females the highest was they
convinced themselves that they only need 4 to 5 hours of sleep per
night.
Abstract: The microbial production of ethanol from biodiesel¬derived crude glycerol by Enterobacter aerogenes TISTR1468, under micro-aerobic and anaerobic conditions, was investigated. The experimental results showed that micro-aerobic conditions were more favorable for cellular growth (4.0 g/L DCW), ethanol production (20.7 g/L) as well as the ethanol yield (0.47 g/g glycerol) than anaerobic conditions (1.2 g/L DCW, 6.3 g/L ethanol and 0.72 g/g glycerol, respectively). Crude glycerol (100 g/L) was consumed completely with the rate of 1.80 g/L/h. Two-stage fermentation (combination of micro-aerobic and anaerobic condition) exhibited higher ethanol production (24.5 g/L) than using one-stage fermentation (either micro-aerobic or anaerobic condition. The two- stage configuration, exhibited slightly higher crude glycerol consumption rate (1.81 g/L/h), as well as ethanol yield (0.56 g/g) than the one-stage configuration. Therefore, two-stage process was selected for ethanol production from E. aerogenes TISTR1468 in scale-up studies.
Abstract: Recent developments in automotive technology are focused on economy, comfort and safety. Vehicle tracking and collision detection systems are attracting attention of many investigators focused on safety of driving in the field of automotive mechatronics. In this paper, a vision-based vehicle detection system is presented. Developed system is intended to be used in collision detection and driver alert. The system uses RGB images captured by a camera in a car driven in the highway. Images captured by the moving camera are used to detect the moving vehicles in the image. A vehicle ahead of the camera is detected in daylight conditions. The proposed method detects moving vehicles by subtracting successive images. Plate height of the vehicle is determined by using a plate recognition algorithm. Distance of the moving object is calculated by using the plate height. After determination of the distance of the moving vehicle relative speed of the vehicle and Time-to-Collision are calculated by using distances measured in successive images. Results obtained in road tests are discussed in order to validate the use of the proposed method.
Abstract: This paper focuses on a critical component of the situational awareness (SA), the neural control of autonomous constant depth flight of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Autonomous constant depth flight is a challenging but important task for AUVs to achieve high level of autonomy under adverse conditions. The fundamental requirement for constant depth flight is the knowledge of the depth, and a properly designed controller to govern the process. The AUV, named VORAM, is used as a model for the verification of the proposed hybrid control algorithm. Three neural network controllers, named NARMA-L2 controllers, are designed for fast and stable diving maneuvers of chosen AUV model. This hybrid control strategy for chosen AUV model has been verified by simulation of diving maneuvers using software package Simulink and demonstrated good performance for fast SA in real-time searchand- rescue operations.
Abstract: The main aims in this research are to study the solid
waste generation in the Faculty of Engineering and Built
Environment in the UKM and at the same time to determine
composition and some of the waste characteristics likewise: moisture
content, density, pH and C/N ratio. For this purpose multiple
campaigns were conducted to collect the wastes produced in all
hostels, faculties, offices and so on, during 24th of February till 2nd
of March 2009, measure and investigate them with regard to both
physical and chemical characteristics leading to highlight the
necessary management policies. Research locations are Faculty of
Engineering and the Canteen nearby that. From the result gained, the
most suitable solid waste management solution will be proposed to
UKM. The average solid waste generation rate in UKM is 203.38
kg/day. The composition of solid waste generated are glass, plastic,
metal, aluminum, organic and inorganic waste and others waste.
From the laboratory result, the average moisture content, density, pH
and C/N ratio values from the solid waste generated are 49.74%,
165.1 kg/m3, 5.3, and 7:1 respectively. Since, the food waste (organic
waste) were the most dominant component, around 62% from the
total waste generated hence, the most suitable solid waste
management solution is composting.
Abstract: A lightpipe is an about 99 percent specular reflective
mirror pipe or duct that is used for the transmission of the daylight
from the outside into a building. The lightpipes are usually used in
the daylighting buildings, in the residential, industrial and
commercial sectors. This paper is about the performances of a
lightpipe installed in a laboratory (3 m x 2.6 m x 3 m) without
windows. The aim is to analyse the luminous intensity distribution
for several sky/sun conditions. The lightpipe was monitored during
the year 2006. The lightpipe is 1 m long and the diameter of the top
collector and of the internal diffuser device is 0.25 m. In the
laboratory there are seven illuminance sensors: one external is
located on the roof of the laboratory and six internal sensors are
connected to a data acquisition system. The internal sensors are
positioned under the internal diffusive device at an height of 0.85 m
from the floor to simulate a working plane. The numerical data are
obtained through a simulation software. This paper shows the
comparison between the experimental and numerical results
concerning the behavior of the lightpipe.
Abstract: This paper presents a robust proportionalderivative
(PD) based cerebellar model articulation
controller (CMAC) for vertical take-off and landing flight
control systems. Successful on-line training and recalling
process of CMAC accompanying the PD controller is
developed. The advantage of the proposed method is mainly
the robust tracking performance against aerodynamic
parametric variation and external wind gust. The
effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated through
the application of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
control system.
Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter for applications involving a
source with widely varying voltage conditions with loads requiring
constant voltage from full load down to no load is presented.
The switching regulator considered is a Buck converter with Pulse
Skipping Modulation control whereby pulses applied to the switch
are blocked or released on output voltage crossing a predetermined
value. Results of the study on the performance of regulator circuit
are presented. The regulator regulates over a wide input voltage range
with slightly higher ripple content and good transient response. Input
current spectrum indicates a good EMI performance with crowding
of components at low frequency range.
Abstract: This study investigated the presence of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments of the Musa Bay
(around the PETZONE coastal area) from Feb 2010 to Jun 2010.
Concentrations of PAHs recorded in the Musa Bay sediments ranged
from 537.89 to 26,659.06 ng/g dry weight with a mean value of
3990.74 ng/g. the highest concentration of PAHs was observed at
station 4, which is located near the aromatic outlet of Imam
Khomeini petrochemical company (station 4: BI-PC Aromatic
effluent outlet) in which its concentration level was more than the
NOAA sediment quality guideline value (ERL= 4022 ng/g dry
weight). Owing to the concentration of PAHs in the study area, its
concentration level was still meet the NOAA sediment quality
guideline value (ERL: 4022 ng/g dry weight); however, according to
the PELq factor, slightly adverse biological effects are associated
with the exposure to PAHs levels in the study area (0.1< PELq= 0.24
> 0.5).
Abstract: Permeability reduction induced by asphaltene
precipitation during gas injection is one of the serious problems in
the oil industry. This problem can lead to formation damage and
decrease the oil production rate. In this work, Malaysian light oil
sample has been used to investigate the effect CO2 injection and
Water Alternating Gas (WAG) injection on permeability reduction.
In this work, dynamic core flooding experiments were conducted to
study the effect of CO2 and WAG injection on the amount of
asphaltene precipitated. Core properties after displacement were
inspected for any permeability reduction to study the effect of
asphaltene precipitation on rock properties.
The results showed that WAG injection gave less asphaltene
precipitation and formation damage compared to CO2 injection. The
study suggested that WAG injection can be one of the important
factors of managing asphaltene precipitation.
Abstract: This paper reports on the enhanced photoluminescence
(PL) of nanocomposites through the layered structuring of phosphor
and quantum dot (QD). Green phosphor of Sr2SiO4:Eu, red QDs of
CdSe/CdS/CdZnS/ZnS core-multishell, and thermo-curable resin
were used for this study. Two kinds of composite (layered and mixed)
were prepared, and the schemes for optical energy transfer between
QD and phosphor were suggested and investigated based on PL decay
characteristics. It was found that the layered structure is more effective
than the mixed one in the respects of PL intensity, PL decay and
thermal loss. When this layered nanocomposite (QDs on phosphor) is
used to make white light emitting diode (LED), the brightness is
increased by 37 %, and the color rendering index (CRI) value is raised
to 88.4 compared to the mixed case of 80.4.
Abstract: Previous studies on political budget cycles (PBCs)
implicitly assume the executive has full discretion power over fiscal
policy, neglecting the role of checks and balances of the legislature.
This paper goes beyond traditional PBCs models and sheds light on
the case study of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan over the 1988-2007
periods. Based on the results, we find no evidence of electoral impacts
on the public expenditures in South Korean and Taiwan's
congressional elections. We also noted that PBCs are found on
Taiwan-s government expenditures during our sample periods.
Furthermore, the results also show that Japan-s legislature has a
significant checks and balances on government-s expenditures.
However, empirical results show that the legislature veto player in
Taiwan neither has effect on the reduction of public expenditures, nor
has the moderating effect over Taiwan-s political budget cycles, albeit
that they are statistically insignificant.We suggest that the existence of
PBCs in Taiwan is due to a weaker systemof checks and balances. Our
conjecture is that Taiwan either has no legislative veto player or has
observed low compliance to the law during the time period examined
in our study.
Abstract: In this paper we discuss a set of guidelines which
could be adapted when designing an audio user interface for the
visually impaired. It is based on an audio environment that is
focused on audio positioning. Unlike current applications which only
interpret Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the visually impaired,
this particular audio environment bypasses GUI to provide a direct
auditory output. It presents the capability of two dimensional (2D)
navigation on audio interfaces. This paper highlights the significance
of a 2D audio environment with spatial information in the context
of the visually impaired. A thorough usability study has been conducted
to prove the applicability of proposed design guidelines for
these auditory interfaces. While proving these guidelines, previously
unearthed design aspects have been revealed in this study.
Abstract: This study was aimed for investigating of
manufacturing high aluminum content Mg alloys using a horizontal
twin roll caster. Recently, weight saving has been key issues for lighter
transport equipments as well as electronic component parts. As
alternative materials to aluminum alloys, developing magnesium alloy
with higher strength has been expected. Normally high Aluminum
content Mg alloy has poor ductility and is difficult to be rolled because
of its high strength. However, twin roll casting process is suitable for
manufacturing wrought Mg alloys because materials can be cast
directly from molten metal. In this study, manufacturing of high
aluminum content magnesium alloy sheet using the roll casting
process has been carried out. Effects of manufacturing parameter, such
as roll velocity, pouring temperature and roll gap, on casting was
investigated. A microscopic observation of the crystals of cross section
of as cast strip as well as rolled strip was conducted.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present current and future
procedures in castings procurement. Differences in procurement are
highlighted. The supplier selection criteria used in practice is
compared to literature findings. Different trends related to supply
chains are presented and it is described how they are reflected in
reality to castings procurement. To fulfil the aim, interviews were
conducted in nine companies using castings. It was found that largest
casting users have the most subcontractor foundries and it is more
typical that they have multiple suppliers for the same parts. Currently
only two companies out of nine purchase castings outside Europe,
but the others are also progressing in the same direction. The main
reason is the need to lower purchasing costs. Another trend is that all
companies want to buy cast components or sub-assemblies instead of
raw castings from foundries. It was found that price is a main
supplier selection criterion. All companies use competitive bidding in
supplier selection.