Muhammad Adil Khattak, Muhammad Khairy Harmaini Shaharuddin, Muhammad Saiful Islam Haris, Muhammad Zuhaili Mohammad Aminuddin, Nik Mohamad Amirul Nik Azhar, Nik Muhammad Hakimi Nik Ahmad
It is essential to ensure the nuclear power plant system are not compromise and avoid
failure that can result in significant economic loss and physical damage to the public.
However, a very little attention was given to software and cybersecurity hazard. This
review paper discusses about the cybersecurity in nuclear power plant, history of
accident, implementation and future plan on cybersecurity deeply. About 51 published
studies (2006-2017) are reviewed in this paper. It is marked from the literature survey
articles that it is important for the cybersecurity of a nuclear power plant to be at par
with the evolution of hardware and software and to counter the increasing risk on
cyber vulnerabilities. Moreover, it should be addressed as a concern and major priority
for researches and policy-makers.
In accordance upon conservation efforts, this research emphasizes on prevention of
environmental pollution and considers the elements of sustainable of infrastructure
construction materials, which is interlocking pavement block. The development of this
innovative product apply the concept of 3Rs and waste to wealth by using the
agricultural waste product, coconut shell, where widely available with very minimum
cost worldwide especially in tropical country such as India, Indonesia, Philippines,
Thailand and Malaysia. The main objective of this research is to produce an
environmental friendly product with a good quality, low cost and lightweight known as
Green Interlocking Pavement (GIP Block). The chemical composition of coconut shell
ash and ordinary Portland cement being identified and compared to know whether it
is able to react as a good binder in the mixture or not. The quality of GIP Block
considered is compressive strength, water absorption and bulk density. All the blocks
were curing in seven and 28 days before implementing the entire test. The existing
interlocking pavement used as bench mark and GIP Block 0% of proportion of coconut
shell ash used as control variables. The specimen of the interlocking pavement
prepared in this research is 10%, 20% and 30% proportion of coconut shell ash to
partially replace the quantity of cement. The ratio of the interlocking pavement apply
in this research is 1:2 which stand for one part cement and two part of sand. The
findings withdrawn from this research are: first, the chemical characteristic of the
coconut shell ash and cement. Second, the value of bulk density slightly reduces as the
percentage of coconut shell ash increases. Third, the additional of coconut shell ash to
partially replace the quantity of cement in the product reduce the compressive
strength and increase the percentage of water absorption.
Scholars have opined that the courtyard is a passive architectural design element and
that it can act as a microclimate modifier provided that its design requirements are not
ignored. But despite the assertions, empirical studies on the microclimatic
performance of a fully enclosed courtyard house and the non-courtyard house seems
to be deficient, and the assumption that the Courtyard is a passive architectural design
element needs to be substantiated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to
investigate the microclimatic performance of a fully enclosed courtyard and noncourtyard
residential buildings. The main objective is to compare their microclimatic
performances in other to draw a conclusion on the best option. Three Hobo Weather
Data Loggers were used to collect climatic data in the buildings, and the third one was
situated in the outdoor area as a benchmark. The climatic variables investigated are;
air temperature and relative humidity. The fully enclosed courtyard residential building
is seen to have a better air temperature difference of 2 oC to 4 oC and the relative
humidity of 2 % to 6 %. In conclusion, the fully enclosed courtyard residential building
has confirmed a more favorable microclimatic performance, and future studies
towards its optimization are recommended.
This paper reports the effect of microbending losses in single mode optical fiber
for pressure sensing system application. Several types of periodical corrugated
plates were fabricated, namely cylindrical-structured surface (Plate A) and
rectangular-structured surface (Plate B) with thicknesses of corrugated parts
were varied at 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm and 0.3 cm. Laser sources with excitation
wavelengths of 1= 1310 nm and 2= 1550 nm were launched at the first end
of the fiber. The values of losses were recorded by using an optical power
meter. It was clearly seen that the microbending losses were polynomially
increased with the increment of applied pressure and the thicknesses of
corrugated parts of Plate A and Plate B. The maximum microbending losses of
1.5185 dBm/kPa was resulted as SMF was coupled with corrugated plates B
with thicknesses of 0.3cm by using excitation wavelength of 1550nm. These
values reduced to 0.7628 dBm/kPa and 0.4014 dBm/kPa as the thicknesses
were decreased to 0.2cm and 0.1cm respectively. In comparison with a plain
plate which acted as a reference indicator, the maximum percentage of
microbending losses was obtained as 74.29 % for Plate A and 95.02 % for Plate
B. In conclusions, we successfully proved the ability of SMF as a pressure sensor
by manipulating the microbending losses experienced by the fiber. The
employment of 1550nm of laser wavelength results better sensitivity sensor
where the system able to detect large losses as the pressure applied on the
corrugated surfaces.
Lightning is among the most deadly natural phenomena to mankind. This phenomenon
is seen to increase globally as well as in Malaysia. Lightning does strike open areas
such as playing fields and playgrounds and these areas are places people gather.
Sensors that can detect the early occurrence of lightning have been developed for
detecting approaching lightning activity in this project. The main objective is to provide
early lightning warning system to the public and hence to reduce the number of
fatalities due to lightning strike. The warning circuit was designed and simulated using
Multism11. Basic operational method of the circuit is based on the comparative
voltage method using LM339N integrated circuit comparator (IC). Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) were used as indicators to indicate if the incoming voltage level is higher or
lower than that of the safety level.
For the past few years, government-funded universities in Malaysia faced an uphill
battle to strategize their management budget due to significant budget cut by the
Malaysian Government. One portion of the budget will be spent towards achieving the
key performance indicators (KPIs) set by the universities to achieve their annual
targets. Unfortunately, some universities set up their specific strategies to achieve the
KPIs without ample consideration to the limited available resources where less
attention is channeled to the cost of achieving the KPIs. Setting priorities and making
decisions on allocation and reallocation of resources based on the direction of the
strategies must be executed with transparency and accountability and will be of great
importance. In this paper we illustrate how integer programming was applied to
allocate budget based on the KPIs set for one of the government-funded Malaysian
universities’ (U-XYZ’s) research and publication agenda. Two models were developed
and successfully solved. The first model was to determine the total budget needed if
all the KPIs were to be achieved while the second model was to distribute the allocated
budget set by U-XYZ, for all the activities planned for the agenda. The result showed
that in order to achieve the target, U-XYZ has to increase its budget allocation by
RM2.164 million. Otherwise, U-XYZ can only expect to obtain 1.578 out of 1.593 points
that is required to be achieved.
This article presents a Wall Climbing Robot (WCR) that able to move on ferromagnetic vertical surface to carry out visual inspection process. Visual inspection process is important in the industry to check the condition of storage tank, surface of building, piping or equipment thus can prevents structures collapsing or explosion which would bring a huge loss to the company. Moreover, most of the structures nowadays is expose under the sun and rain, corrosion and cracks could easily occur on the surface after exposing under sunlight and rain a long period of time. Therefore the periodic visual inspection process need to be carry out to detect the damaged occur on the surface of the structure and take action at the fastest time to ensure the safety of the structures and extend the lifespan of the structures. With the well maintenance to the structures, the condition of the structures is monitored and the lifespan is longer. The risk of collapse of the building is decrease by a large margin. Normally, the periodic visual inspection process is performed by operator. Sometime the temporary scaffolding is needed to reach the higher place to carry out the inspection. However, this method create a hazardous environment to the operator and cause the safety of the operator threatened. Therefore, the proposed WCR could help operator to work at the hazardous environment. The permanent magnet is used to provide adhesion for WCR, thus WCR able to move on vertical ferromagnetic surface. The WCR is controlled by operator via wireless remote to reach the higher place or the hazardous environment. The operator then can stream the on the real time images via web browser which connected to the same network with the WCR. Hence, the condition of the surface can be observed.
In Malaysia, it is estimated that almost 80 percent of the world's population today used palm oil in their daily lives. Malaysia is the second country exporting palm oil, about 39 percent of world palm oil output. Besides that, Malaysia also recorded about 44 per cent of world exports, making the palm industry very important for countries other than rubber and cocoa. However, to keep the palm industry running smoothly and constantly, there are many challenges to face. One is to maintain soil fertility because the soil can affect the growth of oil palm trees. With the use of this system, it will show the condition of soil behaviour to the farmer about the treatment given. Arduino board is used in this project which it is programmed to calculate and display the level of soil condition by using temperature sensor and soil moisture sensors as an input. This sensor will detect the level of soil moisture and temperature and it is easier for farmers to monitor the soil conditions. Controlled soil conditions can improve the soil's ability to maintain the fertility of palm trees and help plant growth suit to the weather and local climate.
This study presents an investigation about the effect of size variation on mechanical
performance of square core interlocking structures, by using finite element analysis
(FEA). The material used in this study is flax fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP)
composite. Abaqus software was used for modelling and visualizing number of six
interlocking honeycomb structures with different cell sizes and heights. In the first
analysis, Abaqus/standard was performed on the perfect models by applying quasistatic
loading to identify the imperfection shape and obtaining the buckling Eigenmodes
for the models, then the Eigen-modes from abaqus/standard were imported
to abaqus/explicit to run post-buckling analysis and simulate the overall imperfection
behaviour of models. The numerical results from the finite element analysis
simulation were used to plot load-displacement curve to each model. The area under
the load-displacement curve represents the total absorbed energy, energy absorption
per unit mass indicates the specific energy absorption, and the highest value of
specific energy absorption represents the optimum size. The findings demonstrated
that the square interlocking structure exhibits good energy absorption performance
in some geometrical cases, and also revealed that the natural fibre composites have
unique energy absorption capability under quasi-static loads.
This paper assessed the relationship between team competency and design risk
management among Kuantan construction industries. Similarly, a survey was
conducted among 10 local and national construction industries in Kuantan with a
stratified random sampling. The returned questionnaires yielded 10 responses which
was used for data analysis. Five point Likert scale categories of risk management from
the previous studies was used and statistical analysis affirmed that there is positive
relationship between team competency and design risk management among Kuantan
construction industries.
In this paper, the influence of effective communication in construction risk
management among Kuantan Malaysian construction industries was assessed. Then a
survey was conducted on pilot test among 10 local construction industries in Kuantan
Malaysian, using stratified random sampling, out of which 10 questionnaires were
collected for data analysis. Methodologically, this research is perhaps the first to
study the influence of effective communication on construction risk management
among Kuantan Malaysian construction industries. Using the five point Likert scale
categories of risk management from previous studies. Pearson Correlation anaylysis
output results affirmed that there is a strong positive relationship between effective
communication and construction risk management among Kuantan construction
industries.
Rock with moderate strengths (20 to 70 MPa) effectively excavated by ripping
method which is considered as shallow excavation or surface striping method.
Disputed between client and contractor often occur due to the lack of proper
assessment to determine the rippabality of hard material. Practically, rippability of in
situ rock is assessed based on field ripping test that being conducted using actual
ripper dozer which is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore the assessment of
rippability of rock based on specific laboratory tests able to resolve the conflict that
occurs on ripping method. The correlation between specific energy with surface
hardness and tensile strength is chose as the material properties to assess in order to
determine the rippability of rock in this study. Few samples of Sandstone undergone
several laboratory tests such as laboratory ripping test, Brazilian's test and Schmitt
hammer test in order to obtain the required parameters in this study. The average
tensile strength (σT) obtained was 4.62MPa with a range of value from 3.19 to 7.50
MPa whilst the average rebound number (R) obtained for Sandstone was 26.6 with a
range between 19.0 and 34.0. The specific energy (SE) obtained indicates an average
value of 3.95 MJ/m3
with a range value between 1.73MJ/m3
and 6.45 MJ/m3
. The
correlation of R and σT with SE shows a relatively good relationship. Parameters of R
and σT are acceptable and reliable for assessing rippability of Sandstone based on the
value of regression coefficient (R2) which is consistence above 0.8 for both
correlation between SE, R and σT.
This paper assessed the significant relationship between organizational culture and
material risk among Kuantan Malaysian construction industries. Survey was
conducted among 10 registered G7 contractors operating in Kuantan construction
industry. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used out of which 10
questionnaires were distributed for pilot study. Methodologically, this research is
perhaps the first to assess the relationship between organizational culture and
material risk among Malaysian construction industries with five point Likert scale
categories of material risk from previous studies. Statistical analysis affirmed a
significant positive relationship between organizational culture and material risk
among Malaysian construction industries through Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS).
This paper assessed the effect of time overruns on apartment building among
Kuantan Malaysian construction industries. A survey was conducted among 10
construction industries in Kuantan Pahang. Using proportionate stratified random
sampling, out of which 10 questionnaires were distributed for data analysis. Using
five point Likert scale categories from previous studies, statistical analysis affirmed a
significant positive relationship between time overruns and apartment building
among Kuantan Malaysian construction industries.
Housing is ranked second as a basic human need after food. Generally, there is
inadequate housing both in the rural and urban centres in most of the developing
countries. The issue of housing quality seems to be common in the rural areas
whereas the major housing problem in urban areas is more of insufficient supply
from which the people can make choices. In any preference and choice situation,
certain underlying motivational factors make it possible for an individual to evaluate
available alternatives. Preferences and choices are dynamic operational activities
individuals make based on changing circumstances and situations. The study
examines housing choices and preferences within the Nigerian housing delivery
systems. The study employed quantitative method of data collection. A total of 434
questionnaires were distributed to selected households in the South West,
geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The analysis was based on 359 retrieved questionnaires
that represented 82.7 percent response rate. Descriptive statistics, relative
importance index and regression analysis was used for the analysis. Using relative
importance index, the study found out that 41 percent of the respondents preferred
3 bedroom flat with a relative importance index of 0.74, followed by 2 bedrooms flat
with RII of 0.64, self-contain with RII of 0.61. The study also revealed that the state of
the national economy plays a prominent role in individual’s housing preferences and
choices and increasingly a large number of Nigerians find housing to be beyond the
family budget. The authors are also of the opinion that policy measures that
incorporate the design of low-cost social housing and the creation of conducive
environment for developers such as the granting of tax break and provision of
subsidy may promote a better housing delivery system. Consideration of user
preferences for housing is a requirement to meeting and satisfying housing needs.
Phytoremediation is considered as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly
technique for decontaminating environments that have been contaminated with
heavy metal ions. The technique describes the use of plants and their concomitant
microbes to mitigate environmental contaminations. However, conventional
remediation techniques like chemical, thermal and physical treatment methods are
too costly, and may end of causing more contamination to the environment.
Phytoremediation practice provides a major information on the utilization of plants
and their materials in decontaminating polluted environments. Heavy metals and
other organic contaminants are among the most precarious substances released into
the environment which have an eminent level of toxicity and sturdiness of both
aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The review aimed at providing a broad
understanding of utilizing various plants and their materials in decontaminating
polluted environments with heavy metals and other organic contaminants. It also
provided the general methods used in treating the aforementioned contaminants in
an environment. The review further discussed the classes of phytoremediation like
phytoextraction, phytovolatilisation, phytostabilization, phytotransformation,
phytodegradation and phytofiltration. The generalized advantages and disadvantages
of phytoremediation were ultimately highlighted.
This paper examined the significant relationship between government regulation and
construction waste management among Malaysian construction industries. Survey
was conducted among 10 contractors registered G7, using proportionate stratified
random sampling, out of which 10 questionnaire were collected for data analysis with
five point Likert scale categories of waste management from previous studies,
statistical analysis affirmed a significant positive relationship between government
regulation and construction waste management in Malaysian construction industries
through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
In this paper, an extensive work on the natural frequency of perforated plate has
been made by introducing micro-holes on the plate. The micro-holes, which is known
to have a remarkable performance in several applications, were arranged diagonally
among the perforated holes in order to make a new combination of micro-macro
perforated plate. A 3D geometrical model of the plate was made in the Autodesk
Inventor and the Finite Element (FE) simulation was employed to calculate the
natural frequency and visualize the mode shape. Four models were made with
various micro-holes diameter starting from 0,25, 0,5, 0,75 and 0,9 mm, respectively.
The macro holes diameter, however, was kept constant to be 1,5 mm purposely to
know the effect of micro holes in particular. The results from the models were then
compared to a single perforated plate (PP) for clarification. It is found that the micro
holes gives considerable effect to the perforated plate natural frequency. Similar to
the author previous findings, the diameter of the micro holes is proportional to the
natural frequency reduction.
Pork and bovine collagen incorporated into meat products showed promising
functional properties as food ingredients but has the halal issue. This study
investigated the effect of incorporating fish collagen hydrolysate (FCH) as a fat replacer
in buffalo patties in terms of proximate values, texture and colour properties. There
were five different formulations including a control (10% fat, 0% FCH), A (7.5% fat, 2.5%
FCH), B (5% fat, 5% FCH), C (2.5% fat, 7.5% FCH), and D (0% fat, 10% FCH). There were
no significant differences (p>0.05) between all formulations in terms of cooking yield,
shrinkage, water-holding capacity, and pH value. The sensory test showed no
significant difference (p>0.05) between all formulations in terms of colour,
appearance, juiciness, aroma, and overall acceptability, while sample D with 10% FCH
had significantly lower (p
Muhammad Adil Khattak, Nurul Syahrizzat Mohd Yasin, Hannah Natasha Andjani, Puteri Nurailah Husna Mohd Tajuddin, Sakeshraj Narajah, See, Zhi Fei, et al.
Geopolitical risks will less affect the oil supply in the United States due to its stability
and widespread oil sectors since 1970s. Nevertheless, energy prosperity in the United
States appears differently in relation to a fuller period for conventional energy export
states where geopolitical challenges have been intensified by monetary pressure and
escalating energy demand in residential areas. The relationship between the United
States and other energy export states will continue to change as the United States
becomes more independent and non-OPEC resources become worthwhile especially
in Western Hemisphere. With expansion of global economic growth, maintained
multilateral relationship among countries and technological development are two
prominent concerns to secure long-term energy supplies and to enable further
exploration of new energy sources.