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.
Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a device that generates electricity from the metabolism of
bacteria simultaneously treats wastewater by decolourizing the azo dye in wastewater.
In this work, the effect of different external loads and bacterial loads were examined.
The maximum open circuit voltage generated was 390 mV by using 7 consortia of
bacteria while the maximum current generated was 50 µA using 10 Ω resistor. 97%
decolourization efficiency of 0.1 g/L of azo dye was achieved after 5 days of operation.
Besides, the maximum current density and power density achieved were 17.9 µA/cm2
and 460 µW/cm2
respectively. Polarization curve was plotted and Scanning Electron
Microscope was applied to visualize the bacterial community attachment onto the
graphite felt electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was applied to study the redox properties
of the Azo dye using microorganisms in MFC. Overall, these 7 bacterial strains used in
this work showed the capability in decolourizing the Azo dye simultaneously producing
electricity in MFC.
The probability of the construction accident to happen is high due the nature of
Construction work that involves complex activities, methods, machineries, materials
and hazards. The occupational safety and health (OSH) law and regulations are
mandatory for every construction project to uphold. Responsibilities to ensure the
safety and health at the workplace lies with those who create the risk and with those
who work with the risk. The owner or client of the construction project has the upper
hand in determining the standard of OSH implementation in their project through
contract documents. If the contract documents comprehensively spell out OSH
requirements and cover all OSH cost, then the issues of contractor not implementing
OSH measures could be minimized. The objective of this study is to identify
Occupational Safety and Health requirements (OSH) in the contract document of
selected construction projects. To achieve this objective, a total of seven contract
document was collected from several construction companies. The qualitative analysis
was performed to identify the extent of OSH requirements and costs are being
mentioned in the contract documents. The finding shows that most of the contract
document contains very little emphasis on OSH requirements and budgeting. Only one
contract contains, an appendix that spell out about the safe work practices for
construction works. The visible allocated budget for OSH requirements for all seven
contracts is very minute range from 0.21% to 1.99% of contract value. In order to
ensure that occupational safety and health is properly implemented, safety needs must
be included in the budget because implementation it is not free, this can be achieved
by making it a permanent feature in all bills of quantity of the project.
Due to high energy demand worldwide, finding an alternative renewable and
sustainable energy source is of great interest. Plant microbial fuel cell (P-MFC) is one
of the most promising methods to generate green energy. In P-MFC, a plant is placed
into the anode compartment. Mutual interaction between plant root rhizodeposits
and bacterial community results in the biofilm formation at the vicinity of the
rhizosphere area in plant root could be utilized to generate electricity. Indeed, in PMFC,
bacteria metabolize rhizodeposits into electrons and protons. These electrons
could be then converted into green electricity. The objectives of this research are to
utilize Epipremnum aureum plant collected from Kota Tinggi’s lake to generate
electricity and observe current generation by different resistors, to characterize
immobilized bacteria attached on the anode surface then identify the optimum growth
temperature for isolated bacteria. Five plant microbial fuel cells were constructed in a
H-shape (dual- chambers) configuration in the plastic container. Maximum current
density for 20 days for P-MFC by external resistance of 100k Ω was 0.1 µA/cm2
with
maximum power density of 0.85 µW/cm2 and the open circuit voltage (OCV) was
measured at 195 mV. Besides, fresh biomass averages increased 5g after 20 days of
experiments below and above ground as compared to the initial fresh biomass. Five
isolated bacterial strains from the graphite felt surface found on the anode were
screened by nine biochemical tests such as catalase, TSI (triple sugar iron agar), gelatin
and etc. The immobilized bacteria attached to anode electrode in P-MFC were further
examined with Fast Electron Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The isolated
bacterial growth curves were determined at two different temperatures of 25 °C and
37 °C. The optimum growth temperature predominantly for them was 37 °C.
In this study, we investigate the ability of the bacterial isolates from an Iraqi oil
reservoir, namely POS and PCO Oil to decolorize commercially used model azo dye Acid
Red-27(AR-27). The effects of inoculation volume and glycerol concentrations were
optimized to develop an economically feasible decolourization process. The isolates
were able to decolourize azo dye (AR27) at the highest decolorization efficiency of 98%
in 10 mL bacterial solution consisted of POS and PCO Oil and in the presence of 6.34
g/L glycerol. An optimized MFC using this bacterial consortium (POS + PCO Oil) and
graphite rod electrodes produced a maximum open circuit voltage (OCV) of 175 mV, in
the presence of potassium ferricyanide as the electron acceptor at the cathode. The
maximum current density of 1.7 μA/cm² and power density of 59.3 μW/cm² were
achieved when an external load of 5 kΩ was applied. Morphological analysis was
performed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to prove the bacterial
attachment onto the anode surface (graphite rod) in the MFC operation. This work
proposed that the bacterial strains POS and PCO Oil possess the ability to decolorize
Azo dye AR27 and generate electricity in the absence of nitrogen source.
Many nonlinear problems that arise in various science and engineering fields can be
modelled by the Goursat partial differential equations. Modelling these non-linear
problems using the Goursat partial differential equations has not received much
attention especially the theoretical aspect . The proposed scheme of solution is
supported by examining a nonlinear Goursat problem. The verification of the
theoretical results from several series of numerical experiments are discussed. Results
obtained from Taylor series expansion show that the proposed new scheme is
consistent. By using the von Neumann analysis and essence of stability, the proposed
new scheme is found to be unconditionally stable. In addition, the trend of the
numerical results shows that the new scheme is also convergent.
Aggregate planning acts as a blueprint for all operational planning activities. Despite
the substantial amount of research that has been done in determining methods to
improve aggregate planning approaches, the industry is still at a loss when it comes
to working on the tactical planning aspect, especially in aggregate production.
Therefore, this research work aims to present a comprehensive and generalised
framework that will formulate a realistic batch production environment using an
interactive Production Decision Support System. This system consists of an aggregate
planning framework that combines a simulation model and a Pinch Analysis graphical
approach to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the decision-making process.
The target is to allow operational opportunities to be captured at first sight and thus,
maximise organisational profit. The simplicity and practicality of this new Production
Decision Support System is demonstrated through two illustrative examples where a
total of four heuristics were identified and turned into the new strategies to avoid the
stock-out scenarios.
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.
Purpose of this study to be conducted is to identify the risk factor of low back pain amongst port crane operator and to improve the health management program in the company. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the major group of port crane operator that having low back pain problem, to analyse the risk factors that associated to low back pain problem (WBV, Awkward prolonged sitting and shift work-psychological) , individual characteristics (sport activity or hobby), to analyse the associated rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) and low back pain problem and to propose the basic ergonomic assessment checklist for management to investigate health incident cases and fit-to-work (ergonomics) screening checklist for new recruitment. A survey research design through the distribution of the questionnaire and interview & field observation will
be used for research methodology. The population of this study consists of port crane operatorsRubber Tyred Gantry Operator (RTG). Questionnaire method used to collect all relevant information from correspondence. Interview also will be conducted to gain further details information. Data were analyzed with the usage of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to make the process of analysis easier. As result, firstly, the study shown that there are association of risk factor for working posture and years of exposure with Low back Pain. The null hypothesis was rejected and there is probability that these risk factors have influence the low back pain. It was also concluded that the null hypothesis was accepted which means there are no correlation of risk factors for heavy physical works, previous job experience, previous accident with low back pain problem. Thirdly, the study
shown there are no correlation of rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) with low back pain problem as the null hypothesis was accepted with p value <0.05
Keywords: Port, Low Back Pain, Ergonomics, Occupational Safety & Health, Rubber tyre gantry, Back Pain