In this paper, we demonstrate a modified scheme for solving the nonlinear KleinGordon
equation of PDE hyperbolic types. The Klein-Gordon equation is a relativistic
wave equation version of the Schrodinger equation, which is widely used in quantum
mechanics. Additionally, the nonstandard finite difference scheme has been used
extensively to solve differential equations and we have constructed a modified scheme
based on the nonstandard finite difference scheme associated with harmonic mean
averaging for solving the nonlinear inhomogeneous Klein-Gordon equation where the
denominator is replaced by an unusual function. The numerical results obtained have
been compared and showed to have a good agreement with results attained using the
standard finite difference (CTCS) procedure, which provided that the proposed scheme
is reliable. Numerical experiments are tested to validate the accuracy level of the
scheme with the analytical results.
Designing of autonomous navigation is very complex and challenging. The main motive
of the proposed research was to construct an autonomous robot which has a
proficiency to move in unpredictable and dynamic environments, and for that reason
the robot has to sense the environment and lug out the required tasks irrespective of
any hindrances in its working area. Applications of autonomous mobile robots can
include espionage, underground mining, military operations, driverless transportation,
identification of intrusion and protect missions, etc. Several various approaches have
been critiqued to perform such operability of robot but results proved that the Fuzzy
logic found to be the best for this kind of robotics operations because it has the
capability to respond meritoriously to the complex inputs. To refrain and bypass the
obstacles accurately and to attain the destination under various contour of obstruction
in surroundings, a fuzzy logic approach has been studied and carried out to advance
the motion of robot vigorously with less false alarm rate using ‘If-Then’ basic principle
fuzzy inference norms and defuzzification procedure for the accurate and precise path
planning and navigation of autonomous robot. The unmanned robot was furnished
with sensors (ultrasonic HC-SR04) which has the aptitude to detect the scope of
hindrances on the premise of how close or far the impediment is. To achieve this a
solitary board PC was utilized, to be specific Raspberry-Pi 2 model b which takes the
inputs from the sensors and maintain a strategic distance from the snags set in their
way lastly proceeds onward. Results proved that our designed robot is a cost-effective
solution performed better than the other techniques.
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 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 aim is to design an education kit for wastewater system that can maintain
the standard parameters of neutralized wastewater by maintaining the suitable pH
(Potential Hydronium) level and temperature of the wastewater from industry by using
fuzzy controller. This study is capable to control the unwanted bacteria by automatic
regulatory and monitoring the temperature, pH and water level. Fuzzy logic method is
use to control and monitor pH level as well as the temperature during clarifying process
because pH control process is a complex physical-chemistry process of strong
individuality of time-varying and non-linearity properties. Pumps used in the prototype
need to be controlled precisely to enable either acid or base to be pumped into mix
tank of the wastewater treatment. The control and monitoring system, which has been
designed through LabVIEW front panel will ease end user in inspection of the
parameters involve in wastewater treatment. The entire system output could be
observed remotely in Data Dashboard application in smartphone or tablet. The GUI
was designed and interfaced with the prototype constructed to carry out the process
of controlling and monitoring the required parameters. Few tests were conducted
repetitively to analyse the performance of the system parameters. It was found that
the controlled set point fixed within the range of pH 7.6-8.4, temperature 25-29.44
Celsius and water level of 20cm in this research that was effectively achieved in the
entire test conducted. In addition, the wastewater system accuracy and performance
is 96.72% and 90.22% respectively.
The utilization of parallelogram structure in a small-sized humanoid robot consists of two parallel platforms that are linked serially in each leg. The thigh and shank of each leg consists of two servomotors as actuator and linked in parallel platform. By using parallel mechanism in leg structure, foot sole surface is always parallel to the walking surface at any point. Even it looks unnatural to human-like walking motion, the expected result is the robot can maintain it posture while walking and at the point foot sole touch the walking surface, unnecessary vibrates can be modulated at the certain level to remain its balance. The effectiveness and the performance of the proposed parallel platforms are experimented by using zero moment point (ZMP) method by taking various scenario data from pressure sensors attached at the footsole. Planned walking gait is introduced to be identical in terms of foot steps length and width of each leg swing. As the results, in terms of load in each actuator, required torque at servomotors can be reduced because two servomotors are used simultaneously in one parallel system. Stable walking gait can be predicted as the quantity of error falls within the error ranges from the published walking gait patterns.
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.
Recently natural polyphenol compounds (PCs) of plants, gained wide consideration of
scientists, companies and public people because of its unique pharmaceutical and
preservative benefits in the physiological system. They can prevent mortal and serious
diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and Alzheimer. However, defining a suitable
source of PCs and their proper, economic and efficient extraction method are still a
challenge. The aim of this study was to review PCs as an important antioxidant, the
significance of pomegranate as a source of natural PCs and its application in meat and
meat product. This study also covers different types of PCs extraction methods such as
solid-liquid extraction (SLE) method as a conventional extraction which using Soxhlet
apparatus and several solvents and advanced methods such as microwave-assisted
extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), accelerated solvent extraction
(ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and high hydrostatic pressure extraction
(HHPE). Simple and developed analytical method of PCs is also reviewed in the study.
SLE method is an easy and simple method but, it uses lots of chemicals and is not
suitable for all kinds of PCs extraction. UAE is using for quick extraction PCs, SFE is green
extraction method uses less solvent and have a good result but it needs high
technology. ASE method is a proper alternative for Soxhlet extraction method for its
quick result. MAE method has high extraction result but is not suitable for some
thermolabile PCs. Several parts of pomegranate showed antioxidant and antimicrobial
traits for shelf life extension of meat and meat product. Pomegranate peel is the
strongest antioxidant followed by pomegranate juice and seed. Pomegranate peel
prolonged chilled chicken meat shelf live up to three weeks.
Flipped Classroom enables instructors to spend more time for hands-on problem-solving instruction compared to the traditional pedagogical model which involves lectures. The purpose of this study is to determine the need for a problem-solving flipped classroom module to be designed for the STM3023: Internet of Things (IoT) subject offered at the Certificate level at Malaysian Community Colleges. A structured interview was conducted with 16 lecturers from 14 Community Colleges offering the subject to obtain their views on current teaching practices along with the challenges faced in the teaching and learning of IoT to entry level students. Participants were also asked about their readiness towards the flipped classroom following an orientation session on Flipped Classroom approach. The findings showed that lecturers mostly used traditional pedagogical models in the TVET settings such as lectures. Students usually followed instructions and merely replicate the hands-on tasks as demonstrated by their lecturers in class. It was also found that students were struggling with the subject due to their lack of competency in programming and grasping electrical and electronics concepts. Students were also found to be weak in mathematics and reasoning skills, thus making it a challenge to teach IoT to them. Therefore, a myriad of media, materials and application of real-world concepts may be required to aid lecturers to improve students’ achievement in the subject. The flipped classroom approach for teaching which gives more time for hands-on problem-solving instruction may be appropriate to support lecturers to overcome the challenges in teaching IoT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Computer vision is applied in many software and devices. The detection and
reconstruction of the human skeletal structure is one of area of interest, where the
camera will identify the human parts and construct the joints of the person standing in
front. Three-dimensional pose estimation is solved using various learning approaches,
such as Support Vector Machines and Gaussian processes. However, difficulties in
cluttered scenarios are encountered, and require additional input data, such as
silhouettes, or controlled camera settings. The paper focused on estimating the threedimensional
pose of a person without requiring background information, which is
robust to camera variations. Each of the joint has three-dimensional space position and
matrix orientation with respect to the sensor. Matlab Simulink was utilized to provide
communication tools with depth camera using Kinect device for skeletal detection.
Results on the skeletal detection using Kinect sensor is analysed in measuring the
abilities to detect skeletal structure accurately, and it is shown that the system is able
to detect human skeletal performing non-complex basic motions in daily life.
The use of concrete for construction had become very common in developing countries. But concrete is not friendly environment because of it consumes huge quantities of natural materials and production of the cement, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. The aim of this study is to investigate the Sustainable Green Concrete (SGC) which containing biomass aggregate; fly ash and Superplasticizer. Biomass aggregate and fly ash are waste industry products which are environmentally friendly. The study was carried out to identify the chemical properties of biomass aggregate, and to determine the chemical properties and optimum mix design of the Sustainable Green Concrete (SGC). A total of 90 cube samples were casted and compressive strength were tested at the age of 7, 14 and 28 days. The overall results showed that the workability and compressive strength were decreased with the increase of the replacement of natural aggregate with biomass aggregate. Besides that, the workability and compressive strength was increased with the incorporation with the replacement cement by fly ash. The SGC gained highest compressive strength for the concrete mixes of 39.3 N/mm2 with the optimum percentage used of SGC in producing concrete not exceeding 30% biomass aggregate and 6% of fly ash as a partial replacement with natural aggregate and cement respectively. The results obtained and observation made in this study suggested that biomass aggregate and fly ash are successfully used as partial replacement in producing SGC and can perform better strength development.
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.
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).
A comfortable work space is important to produce productive work performance among workers. In Malaysia, the condition of office environment and its related issues on thermal comfort are fairly new. Past studies shown that the increment of energy consumption in high rise offices tend to increase dramatically. This is because the consumption of air condition for cooling accounts in office buildings had increased from 40% to 60% in recent years and the total electricity usage for office units also rises intensely due to urban heat island (UHI) resulted from modification of land surfaces. The objective of this paper therefore is to investigate the conditions and problems of existing prominent high rise office in Kuala Lumpur which is IBM Plaza and Menara Mesin Niaga in the scope of thermal comfort as well as describes an integrated passive design approach to reduce the cooling requirement for high-rise office building through an improved building envelope design using green technologies like external wall cladding following the GBI standard. This paper also attempts to get the user perception towards their existing workspace. For this purpose, case study as research strategy is adopted using mixed methodology combining qualitative and quantitative method under the framework of interpretivism and positivism research paradigm. Findings indicate that external wall cladding made of composite aluminium provides much advantages to the user. This study is important because appropriate design principles by adopting appropriate building envelope made of suitable material addressing ecology issues will not only provide a comfortable living environment to the users but also established referential guideline for future designers and scholars whom interested in office design.