Abstract: Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the process optimization of CO2/CH4 permselectivity through polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) derived carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membrane. Based on central composite design (CCD), two quadratic models were developed to correlate the preparation variables; carbonization temperature (x1), thermal soak time (x2) and polymerization time (x3), to the responses; CO2 permeance (y1) and CO2/CH4 permselectivity (y2). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that carbonization temperature was the most significant variables for both responses. The optimum preparation conditions for CMS membrane were obtained by using carbonization temperature of 620oC, thermal soak time of 4 h and polymerization time of 11.4 h, which resulted in CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 permselectivity of 3.09x10-10 mol/m2.s.Pa and 3.86, respectively.

Abstract: The outstanding mechanical properties of silicon on insulator (SOI) wafers make it popular for high-performance MEMS sensors such as accelerometers. Other advantages include the fabrication of structures at a very high aspect ratio using deep reactive ion etching, facilitation of the integration of MEMS and integrated circuit on the same wafer, exhibition of superior electrical performances by effective electrical isolation between two silicon layers, and reduction of process complexity and costs using SiO2 as an etch stop. The current work demonstrates the design and simulation of a capacitive Z-axis accelerometer based on the SOI-MEMS technology.

Abstract: Ultra-violet (UV) curing process is introduced in the curing of polymer matrix composites (PMC) for the application in producing bullet proof vest. Two types of adhesives or matrix materials were used: epoxy and vinyl ester. Each of them were mixed together with different types of photoinitiator; Bisacyl Phosphine Oxide (BaPO) and Alpha Hydroxyl Ketone Peroxide (AHK) at 1.0 and 10.0 per hundred of resin (phr) from the total proportion of the mixture. Sandwich construction of the PMC was done by hand lay-up process where the mixture was wiped on the fiber layers. Samples were then cured under various duration times which are 3, 6, 9 and 12 minutes to compare the quality of composites under the exposure of the UV light. The laminate was then tested to determine its characteristics of physical properties and its behavior to applied loads. Morphological observation through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was performed in order to evaluate the quality of adhesion between each fiber layer and matrix wetting behavior. Vinyl ester is not recommended to be used as the matrix since two days is required to make it fully cured unlike epoxy which was cured rapidly once exposed under UV light. The physical testing shows that optimum density for the effect of photoinitiator obtained at 1.0phr for epoxy and 10.0phr for vinyl ester. This could give benefit to the manufacturer since it gives lower weight compared to virgin matrix materials. On the other hands, the effect of curing time shows the optimum result for density was obtained at 12 minutes of curing time. The effect of photoinitiator to the tensile strength shows optimum results at 1.0 phr for both epoxy and vinyl ester while curing time between 6 to 9 minutes is proposed to be optimum for the exposure of composites under UV light. Effect of photoinitiator to the hardness of the PMC is found optimum at the present of 1.0 phr for both matrix materials and optimum at 3 minutes to be exposed under UV light for the effect of curing time.

Abstract: Silk has always been the symbol of royalty due to its lustrous appearance and peach like softness. The coloration of this royal fiber is also an art form. The process varies largely in the form of hanks and woven pieces. There are numerous ranges of dyestuff available for use of silk dyeing. Almost every class of dyestuff used for cotton or wool can be used for dyeing silk. In general the dyestuffs are applied by techniques similar to those of wool or cotton. This research paper shows a comparative analysis of silk dyeing with acid dye, which is commonly used and reactive dye, which is more commonly applied on cotton. The study focuses on the dye uptake, different types of fastness properties and the strength of the dyed samples. It was found that reactive dyes showed better dye uptake and color fastness on silk than acid dyes but comparatively the strength of the fibre was decreased.

Abstract: Rice husk based activated carbon (RHAC) were prepared using chemical activation method which consisted of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) treatment. The effects of activation temperature, activation time and ZnCl2:char impregnation ratio (IR) on RHAC yield and Cu (II) removal from aqueous solution were investigated. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two quadratic models were respectively developed to correlate the preparation variables to the both responses. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the significant factors on each experimental design response were identified. The optimum RHAC was obtained by using activation temperature of 500oC, activation time of 1.71 h and IR of 1.04, which resulted RHAC yield of 34.21% and Cu (II) removal of 33.92%.

Abstract: The evaluation of a hazardous waste disposal site is a complicated process because it requires data from diverse social and environmental fields. These data often involve processing of a significant amount of spatial information which can be used by GIS as an important tool for land use suitability analysis. In this study, the most suitable candidate sites for locating landfill in Mansoura city, Egypt. As a case study area are determined by using an integration of the Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method. For this purpose, eight input map layers are prepared and two different MCDM methods which are Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) are implemented to GIS. The first stage of procedure is initial screening process to eliminate unsuitable land where only 2.93% of the total study area is suitable for landfill sitting. These suitable areas are further examined by deploying the AHP method in order to obtain relative importance weights followed by the application of WLC method for a calculation of suitability index. The resulting land suitability is reported on a grading scale of 1–5, which is the least to the most suitable areas respectively. Research findings show that only five areas are identified as the most suitable location for landfill with the grading values greater than 2.67.

Abstract: This paper proposes and describes a design of an integrated refractive index sensor for (bio-) chemical sensing applications based on a U-shape bend waveguide structure. The proposed structure is formed by connecting four-bend waveguides and optimized using beam propagation method so that the output power has a function of refractive index of measurand liquid. The results show that the designed structure is suitable for any measurand refractive index within the range of 1.47 < n < 1.49 with a potential high resolution of ?n = 6x10-6 at n = 1.485. This suggests that the proposed structure is suitable for (bio-) chemical application.

Abstract: The optimal conditions for preparation of rice husk-based activated carbon (RHAC) for the removal of Cu (II) from aqueous solutions were investigated using central composite design (CCD). Based on the CCD, a two-factor-interaction (2FI) and a quadratic models were respectively developed for RHAC yield and percentage of Cu (II) removal. The significant factors on each experimental design response were identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions obtained for preparing RHAC were obtained by using 737oC and 1.82 h for activation temperature and activation time respectively which resulted in 30.22 % of RHAC yield and 11.70 % of Cu (II) removal.

Abstract: Data driven prognostics employs many types of algorithms some are statics and other are dynamics. Dynamic complex engineering systems such as automobiles, aircraft, and spacecraft require dynamic data modeling which is very efficient to represent time series data. Dynamic models are complex and increase computational demands. In previous work performed by the author, linear regression model is provided to estimate the remaining useful life left of an aircraft turbofan engines and overcome the complexity of using dynamic models. It was simple and efficient but it had some drawbacks and limitations. The same task is resolved again here using multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP NN). Results show that MLP NN as a static network is extensively superior to linear regression model and does not involve the complexity of dynamic models. Phm08 challenge data are used for algorithms training and testing. The final score obtained from MLP NN can be placed in the fifteenth position of the top 20 scores as published on the official site of the Phm08.

Abstract: This paper provides an alternative and highly accurate method in predicting Small Signal Performance of Microwave Amplifier. An Electromagnetic (EM) simulator that based on Finite Element Method (FEM) was used in combination with the conventional SPICE-based microwave circuit simulator in order to demonstrate the superiority in performance outcome such as Rollet Stability Factor (K), Return Loss and Small Signal Gain. The method known as EM/Circuit Co-Simulation assures a microwave amplifier that functions with the first PCB tape-out, therefore multiple PCB layouts can be avoided, which not only reduce development time but also design and manufacturing cost respectively. The method and performance comparisons with the conventional simulator are systematically demonstrated through the design and EM analysis of IEEE 802.16e Mobile WiMAX Power Amplifier (PA).

Abstract: Smart card applications are not widely implemented for auto identification of customers in leisure and entertainment industry in Malaysia. Lack of technological knowledge on the capability of the smart card utility for managing identification system and unclear of the right architecture used to support the applications can be the factors for this. This study has examined the disciplinary approaches and the characterization of devices on the smart card implementations, to develop a rubric for risks and benefits of the full deployment of smart card to humans and the organizations. This study designs a feasible process model for smart card applications deployment for Malaysia National Park or the official name is ‘Taman Negara’. The dynamic innovation process using the contactless smart card has been examined on the smart card applications focusing more on the pervasiveness of smart card implementation supporting tour environment. The findings of this study are crystallized into frameworks for the full deployment guidelines of smart card utilization for individuals and organizations. The framework can help illuminate the current underutilization of the smart card usage for identification and tracking of customers in one of the biggest open park operations in Malaysia that is Taman Negara.

Abstract: This paper presents the uses and effect of mobile application in individuals, business and social area. In modern information and communication age mobile application is one of the most concerned and rapidly developing areas. This paper demonstrates that how individual mobile user facilitate using mobile application and the popularity of the mobile application. Here we are presenting the consequence of mobile application in business sector. Different statistical data of the past and present situation of mobile application from different parts of the world has been presented here to express the impact. This paper also presents some effect of mobile application on society from the ethical perspective.

Abstract: In this study, we randomly generate several well properties and perform reservoir simulations via the Eclipse software in order to obtain the oil recovery factor. Several simu- lations lead to the formation of a dataset which will be analyzed via a well known data mining method, the Association Rules (ARULES). ARULES yields several rules that reveals how these parameters interact and contribute to either increase/decrease the oil recovery. Arti?cial Neural Networks (ANN) is also used in order to determine the rank of importance (by analysis of its weights) of these parameters, which is useful in detecting the highly reliable rules. The results from both methods were found to be consistent with one another.

Abstract: The objective of the research was to analyse the amount of machine vibration and to approximate an optimum operational engine speed. The research was conducted on March 2009 until July 2009 in a dry field laboratory, Department of Biosystem and Mechanical Engineering, IPB, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Four operational engine speeds were applied to the five horsepower gasoline engine walking type cultivator and the amount of vibration on operator’s hand was measured. When cultivator is operated on engine speeds of 1000 rpm, 1250 rpm, 1500 rpm, and 2000 rpm showed in variation of vibration on operator’s hand. The vibration increases from 1000 rpm to 1250 rpm and then it decreases when the engine speed is increased after 1250 rpm up to 2000 rpm. The curve of the engine speed and the vibration relationship shows a polynomial equation. The equation is Y = - 8.464 + 0.03196 X - 0.000012 X2, where Y is vibration (m/s2) and X is engine speed (rpm). Based on the equation, it can be calculated that the highest vibration (12.816 m/s2) is on 1330 rpm. Engine power is multiplication of torque and engine speed. Generally, a machine is operated on maximum torque for the best performance. When it is on that maximum torque, the machine vibration will be in maximum too. Based on the equation and the calculation, it can be approximated that optimum operational engine speed for soil cultivating is 1330 rpm. On that engine speed range, theoretically engine torque is in maximum range too. So, it can be recommended that the machine (i.e. the walking type cultivator) must be operated on engine speed range of 1330 rpm.

Abstract: The Manufacturing Planning and Control (MPC) tools (such as MRP, MRP II, ERP, CIM, JIT, and TQM) have had always gained an important edge in the operations, and productions management of any industrial sector of the world whether dealing with the assembling operations or the manufacturing operations. The MPCs techniques are used essentially to achieve the lowest possible production cost with the eminent quality of products. For any Asian country such as Pakistan whose economy is mostly dependent upon the industry, requires lucrative success and a strong position across the globe by adopting and implementing the nouveau MPC tools. This paper investigates the MPC systems implementation achieved so far within the SMEs of Pakistan and also forecasts the MPC tools future in Pakistan’s industry by using the questionnaire methodology (i.e. survey approach).

Abstract: The effect of pyrolysis temperature onto gas peametion performance of carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes derived from phenolic resin were presented. The membrane support was prepared first by blending fine particles of graphite with phenolic resin. The solution of phenolic resin diluted in N-methylpyrolidone (NMP) was coated over the support using dip coating method. The resulting disk was pyrolyzed at temperature of 500-700°C. The performance of CMS membrane prepared was measured by CO2, N2 and CH4 gases permeation as well as permselectivity of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4. All samples prepared show molecular sieving behavior with high permselectivity. The average pore size and surface area of CMS membrane prepared at 700°C were found to be 0.35 nm and 623.1 m2/g, respectively. This sample exhibits the highest CO2 permeance of 10.94x10-10 mol/m2.s.Pa with CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 permselectivity of 4.65 and 7.44, respectively.

Abstract: Catheter is a medical device used to drain fluids from human body. It is commonly made from natural rubber. A study has been undergone in a catheter manufacturer located in the northern of Malaysia which aims to reduce the cost of manufacturing this commodity device. In a catheter manufacturing process, operators are required to insert a rubber strings into side arms manually. There is a problem where the rubber string can easily break and part of it is trapped inside which needs to be reworked by undergoing a burning process at high temperature. As a result, side arms undergo changes in material structure that leads to shrinkages and working failures. A catheter manufacturer is identified to spend high cost yearly to replace more than 1,000 units of new side arms due to this issue. The new material proposed is nylon PA66 which has been successfully identified to solve the issue. This product has been invented with an extensive research and numerous tests to comply with industrial requirements and also adaptable in their process. The quality and safety issue have been seriously taken into consideration in order to complete this invention. The cost has greatly been reduced whilst the product preserves the same quality of producing catheters.

Abstract: The complete elimination waste is the target of any qualified system. This concept is vitally important today since in today’s highly competitive world there is nothing we can waste. This paper attempts to apply the principles of lean manufacturing in the service sector in Libya with the purpose of eliminating wastes and increasing capacity. Value Stream Mapping tool was used to expose the waste and identify a proposed plan for improvement. The results achieved in the proposed plan showed significant improvements in the overall performance of the system, which allowed to be more productive, flexible, smooth and with high quality service.

Abstract: The influence of water to cement ratio and degree of hydration to the dispersion characteristic of oilwell cement slurries during 24 hrs of hydration is evaluated and expressed in the form of magnitude and frequency effect at above cutoff frequency. It is observed that the magnitude of conductivity dispersion increases with the reduction in water content and pore volume. At initial hydration, the dispersion characteristic appears in the minimum value and raises as hydration continue. The frequency effect is growth as the hydration and saline concentration increases. It is shown that the single frequency measurement for evaluating the cement slurries properties may not be reliable. An implicit correlation to the interface conductivity is indicated from dispersion respond throughout hydration process.

Abstract: Warpage is a common issue related with injection moulding process and frequently be the main target by mould designers to eliminate. The existence of warpage is considered a defect and shall be minimized. Therefore many researches and publications were made on this topic, to study the behavior of warpage occurred at moulded parts particularly on plastic parts. In this study, two parts of plastic products was decided as a model. One is a thin plate and another one is a thin shell. Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) thermoplastic is used as a plastic material. Taguchi Method is applied to determine the optimum value of injection molding parameters and Moldflow Plastic Insight software is used to simulate the injection molding process. The temperature differences on core and cavity plates are considered in simulation and the experimental shows that the differences mould temperature helps to minimize the warpage value. This finding is definitely a good way to prevent stress on a critical point of warped parts after assembly process.

Abstract: Capacitive cantilever-mass micro-machined accelerometers have attracted much interest for properties such as a simple structure and potentially high sensitivity. This paper presents the simulation of a low-g capacitive cantilever-mass micro-machined accelerometer model to gain the desirable magnitude of displacement and capacitance by the CoventorWare software. The device fabricating procedure is also described. The cantilever uses proof mass suspended between fixed rigid electrodes to produce differential capacitance. The model takes into account the effect of device geometry and agrees well with results obtained by analysis.

Abstract: The main goals of wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) manufacturers and users are to achieve a better stability and high productivity of the manufacturing process. The investigation on machinability of Aluminium Matrix Composite (AMC) using Wire-cut Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) machine is constructed. The aim of this project to determine the most optimum machining parameter that will be increased the machinability of AMC based on material removal rate (MRR). A series of experiments have been performed on AMC reinforced 5 % alumina (Al2O3) with dimension 100mm x 3 mm x 4 mm. The test specimens have been cut by using different machining parameter combinations on the Sodick AQ327L WEDM machine in the Teaching Factory of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).The Full Factorial Design of Experiment approach with two levels was used to determine the combination of machining parameter based on Pulse-off time (µs), Servo Voltage (V), and Wire Tension (gf/mm). The result of calculated MRR was analyzed using Regression Analysis Method to determine the mathematical model between machining parameter and machining characteristics.