Dust impact on solar PV performance: A critical review of optimal cleaning techniques for yield enhancement across varied environmental conditions

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems’ installations are growing from pico-solar to large grid-connected systems continuously all over the world. The growth is aided by increasing environmental concerns and favorable governments’ policies. However, the power loss from these systems is threatened by several environmental factors, with dust effect being the most significant. Solar PV cleaning technique aims to boost the energy yield of the system and its performance. In this article, promising dust cleaning techniques based on performance parameters across varied climatic conditions and environmental factors are investigated. Particular emphasis was placed on mathematical model correlations to evaluate dust deposition and their effects. It turns out that the energy losses per day due to this impact are up to 2.8–50 % depending to soiling density by applying the methodology of mathematical correlations in the weather conditions of Middle East, Asia and Australia. It noted that the estimated economic losses per PV cleaning system in these regions have costed from 0.0011 to 22.43 US $/m2. This review considered all these performance indicators to propose optimal PV cleaning techniques based on mathematical models to find the best cleaning frequency. The optimization would definitely decrease the operation and maintenance (O&M) cost in relation to the life cycle of the PV system installation. The major challenges, limitations and strengths of each PV cleaning approaches are discussed, with the review establishing that dust accumulation significantly influences the PV power loss, efficiency and lifespan of the PV system. Before implementing any possible cleaning system, it is advisable to know the dust properties and their characteristic parameters of the localized study area. Further, PV panels cleaning system based on water is inappropriate where water is scarce or even unavailable, while robotic based cleaning presents difficulties in terms of handling and control. In this regard, electrostatic dust removal technique and self-cleaning system are recommended. It is hoped that this work will help researchers and experts to spot future directions in decision support

A foresight study of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for logistics sector in Malaysia

In recent years, the logistics industry has seen a rise in the incorporation of AMRs to optimize operations. It has become increasingly helpful and promising because of its capacity to travel in an environment without the assistance of mechanical or electrical guiding devices. The purpose of this research study is to investigate how AMRs are being used in Malaysia's logistics industry. The objective is to identify the drivers, problems, and future trends of AMRs in this Sector. The study collectsand analyzes data using a mixed-methods approach, including STEEPV analysis and questionnaires. This research aims to help AMRs gain acceptance and be successfully implemented in Malaysia's logistics sector by achieving its objectives. This research entails a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing the adoption of AMRs in the logistics sector, employing the STEEPV analysis framework. Subsequently, this research used SPSS analysis to present the outcomes of AMRs issues and drivers within the logistics sector. The target respondents were selected are the managers of freight forwarders logistics company in Johor. 170 questionnaires were distributed via Gmail, yielding a 45.88% survey return rate, and identified 'Risk and safety' and 'Labour Cost' as the top two drivers. Furthermore, scenario analysis was conducted based on these drivers, yielding four potential future outcomes from 2023 to 2033. This study aims to enhance awareness among future researchers and stakeholders regarding AMR adoption inthe logistics industry, with in-depth findings discussed in subsequent section

Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi penggunaan e-wallet di Batu Pahat

E-wallet ialah dompet digital yang membolehkan pengguna membuat pembelian dalam talian hanya dengan menggunakan peranti mudah alih. Ini membolehkan pengguna membuat pelbagai transaksi secara atas talian di mana-mana dan bila-bila masa selagi mana mereka mempunyai akses masuk dalam akaun e-wallet mereka. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi penggunaan E-wallet dalam kalangan masyarakat di Batu Pahat. Kajian ini juga bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti hubungan antara kebergunaan, kemudahgunaan, kebolehpercayaan dan penggunaan E-wallet dan tahap penggunaan E-wallet dalam kalangan masyarakat di Batu Pahat. Kaedah kuantitatif digunakan dalam kajian ini dengan mengedarkan borang soal selidik. Borang soal selidik akan diedarkan kepada 382 responden di Batu Pahat berdasarkan saiz sampel yang telah dikenalpasti. Seterusnya, data-data yang telah diperoleh akan dianalisis secara kuantitatif dengan menggunakan perisian SPSS. Dalam hasil dapatan kajian ini, penyelidik mendapati tahap pengaruh penggunaan E-wallet adalah tinggi dalam kalangan masyarakat di Batu Pahat. Selain itu, penyelidik juga mendapati bahawa faktor-faktor yang mendorong penggunaan E-wallet dalam kalangan masyarakat ialah kebergunaan, kemudahgunaan, dan juga kebolehpercayaan. Dalam dapatan kajian ini, penyelidik juga mendapati bahawa faktor kebergunaan, kemudahgunaa dan kebolehpercayaan mempunyai hubungan yang positif dan signifikan terdapat penggunaan E-wallet dalam kalangan masyarakat di Batu Pahat. Kajian ini juga akan membantu beberapa pihak tertentu seperi pihak syarikat penyedia E-wallet dan pihak kerajaan untuk lebih memahami tahap penggunaan E-wallet dalam kalangan masyaraka

Combined Effects of Banana Peels and Pith as Dual Natural Plant-Based Coagulants for Turbidity Removal

Plant-based coagulants are foreseen for their coagulation ability in par with chemical coagulants owing to their biodegradability, availability, and effectiveness, while chemical coagulants are known to pose a threat to the environment due to generation of toxic sludge. This study investigates the performance of combined banana peels and banana pith as dual natural plant-based coagulants for turbidity removal. Banana peel powder solution (BPPS), banana pith juice (BPJ), and the combination of BPPS and BPJ were prepared via several steps, including drying, grinding, sieving, mixing, and crushing. The three types of coagulant produced were tested in a series of jar test experiments under the effects of different dosages, pH, and mixing speeds. The scanning electron microscopy images of banana pith show the formation of multicellular fibers, while irregular shapes and micro-rough crate-like pores are formed in banana peels, which contribute to the adherence of contaminants. Jar test results revealed the highest turbidity removal of 97.3, 98.0, and 99.1% was attained by using 60, 80, and 20:20 mg/L of banana peel powder solution, banana pith juice, and a combination of banana peel powder solution and banana pith juice coagulant dosage, respectively, with an optimum pH of 2, at a rapid mixing rate of 180 rpm (5 minutes) and a slow mixing of 60 rpm (20 minutes). Significantly, this removal was attributed to the presence of proteins and polysaccharides in both banana peels and pith. The findings suggested that banana peels and pith are applicable as natural plant-based coagulants for turbidity removal in the water treatment process and a potential substitute for conventional coagulants. In addition, the combined banana peels and banana pith coagulant prove to be more efficient than the existing banana peels and banana pith coagulant

Effect of Welding Heat Input on the Mechanical Properties of Mild Steel at Coarse Grain Heat Affected Zone (CGHAZ)

Welding is a joining method often used in industry, especially involving mild steel. Welded areas have a high probability of failure, especially if there are defects because of the welding process. Therefore, the welding area known as the Coarse Grain Heat Affected Zone (CGHAZ) needs to be given high attention. The heat input value is the main factor that shapes the microstructure changes in the CGHAZ area. This change in microstructure results in a change in the mechanical properties of the material. In this study, the effect of heat input using the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) method on the microstructure and mechanical properties of mild steel is studied. Nine different heat input values are used by setting a combination of current (50 A, 100 A and 150 A) and voltage (15 V, 20 V and 25 V). Observations in the CGHAZ area were carried out using an optical microscope (OM). The presence of Austenite, Grain Boundary Ferrite (GBF), Widmannstetter Ferrite (WF), Acicular Ferrite, Pearlite (P), Ferrite, Cementite, Upper Bainite, Lower Bainite and Martensite phases are observed in CGHAZ. Vickers hardness test and Charpy impact test were also performed to see the change in the mechanical properties of the material. It was found that the hardness and toughness values decrease with increasing heat input values. It can be concluded that a higher heat input causes a larger grain size of the microstructure in the CGHAZ part, which causes a reduction in the hardness and toughness values of the material. In addition, it also increases the probability of cracking and reduces the integrity of the overall structure

Isu kekurangan tenaga buruh yang mempengaruhi kelewatan Projek Pembinaan Lebuh Raya Pan Borneo Sarawak

Untuk meningkatkan sistem pengangkutan di dalam negara, terutamanya di kawasan pedalaman, beberapa projek pembangunan lebuh raya telah dijalankan seperti Lebuhraya Pan Borneo yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualiti jalan raya yang sedia ada dan menjadikannya sebuah lebuh raya. Namun begitu, projek pembinaan Lebuhraya Pan Borneo menghadapi masalah kelewatan disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor termasuk kekurangan tenaga kerja bagi menampung keperluan peyiapan lebuhraya ini. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan bagi mencapai tiga objektif iaitu, mengenalpasti faktor kekurangan tenaga buruh yang melewatkan dalam projek pembinaan Lebuhraya Pan Borneo Sarawak, mengenalpasti kesan kekurangan tenaga buruh dalam projek pembinaan Lebuhraya Pan Borneo Sarawak dan mengkaji langkah untuk menyelesaikan isu kekurangan tenaga buruh dalam projek pembinaan Lebuhraya Pan Borneo Sarawak. Kajian ini dijalankan menggunakan kaedah kualitatif di mana instrumen pengumpulan data yang digunakan ialah temubual bersama 4 responden iaitu terdiri daripada kontraktor dan jurutera yang terlibat dalam projek lebuhraya Pan Borneo. Kaedah analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis tematik. Dapatan kajian mendapati faktor kekurangan tenaga buruh yang menyebabkan kekurangan tenaga buruh adalah faktor pandemik covid-19, faktor kekurangan buruh mahir, faktor pemilihan pekerja dalam kalangan buruh tempatan dan faktor komunikasi. Beberapa kesan kekurangan tenaga buruh telah mempengaruhi kelewatan projek ini iaitu penurunan produktiviti, peningkatan kos keseluruhan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi terganggu. Manakala, terdapat beberapa langkah untuk menyelesaikan isu kekurangan tenaga buruh yang mempengaruhi kelewatan projek ini iaitu menewarkan lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan kepda orang tempatan dan orang asing, meningkatkan kemahiran pekerja, mendapatkan peruntukan dari kerajaan dan mengadakan program pembangunan buruh tempatan. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan bagi membantu untuk mengetahui salah satu punca yang menyebabkn kelewatan projek Lebuhraya Pan Borneo Sarawak iaitu kekurangan tenaga buruh serta mengkaji kesan daripada kekurangan tenaga buruh dalam projek in

The Role of Emotional Intelligence Domains on Working Remotely Norm During Post-Pandemic Era

This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and working remotely. Additionally, this study looks at how emotions in each of the four categories of emotional intelligence domain play a role in influencing Malaysian civil servants' norm of working remotely. The study sample consists of respondents from both academic and non-academic service categories. To assess the first variable, researchers who underwent instrument, face , and construct validation created the questionnaire known as the Emotional Intelligence Domain Inventory (EIDInv; Siti Sarawati Johar, 2021). The questionnaire used to measure the second variable is called the Work from Home Norm Instrument. It was adopted from the Work from Home Challenge COVID-19 Instrument (WFHI-CvdC; Siti Sarawati Johar, 2021). To determine how the four domains of emotional intelligence impact the emotional well-being of a typical homeworker, this study used regression analysis. The study's conclusions show how each variable's relationships and effects have a significant influence. This study expands our understanding of emotional and behavioral well-being in general. It provides valuable information for future researchers examining the topic from the organizational psychology perspective and its connections to the social and economic domains of the community

A review on biosynthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles by using leaves extract

A nanoparticle is a branch of nanotechnology that deals with nano-scale materials with very small particle sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm. Metal oxide nanoparticles are more promising than the many other nanoparticles available because they have unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Zinc oxide is one of the abundantly produced metal oxides after silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. However, these methods of production are typically costly, labourintensive, and can harm the environment and living organisms. Therefore, green synthesis (biosynthesis) is a good alternative where plants are used to assist nanoparticles synthesis which has eco- friendly benefits compared to chemical and physical methods. This biosynthesis method uses simple procedures, easily accessible raw materials, and a conducive environment for the synthesis process, where the precursors are safe and reduce the possibilities of harmful by-products being produced. Therefore, this review paper is focused on summaries of the biosynthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles from leaf extract such as Mangifera Indica (Mango), Ixora Cocconea (Jungle Geranium), Corymbia Citridora (Lemon-scented Gum) as a new development of green technology beneficial to the environment and to the plant itself. It also describes the progress made in the understanding of the mechanism routes reported in this revie

Software Agent Simulation Design on the Efficiency of Food Delivery

Food delivery services have gained popularity since the emergence of online food delivery. Since the recent pandemic, the demand for service has increased tremendously. Due to several factors that affect how much time additional riders spend on the road; food delivery companies have no control over the location or timing of the delivery riders. There is a need to study and understand the food delivery riders' efficiency to estimate the service system's capacity. The study can ensure that the capacity is sufficient based on the number of orders, which usually depends on the number of potential customers within a territory and the time each rider takes to deliver the orders successfully. This study is an opportunity to focus on the efficiency of the riders since there is not much work at the operational level of the food delivery structure. This study takes up the opportunity to design a software agent simulation on the efficiency of riders' operations in food service due to the lack of simulation to predict this perspective, which could be extended to efficiency prediction. The results presented in this paper are based on the system design phase using the Tropos methodology. At movement in the simulation, the graph of the efficiency is calculated. Upon crossing the threshold, it is considered that the rider agents have achieved the efficiency rate required for decision-making. The simulation's primary operations depend on frontline remotely mobile workers like food delivery riders. It can benefit relevant organizations in decision-making during strategic capacity planning

Kesan perubahan iklim terhadap ekonomi Malaysia

Isu perubahan iklim bukanlah perkara baru. Perubahan iklim kekal menjadi isu utama di negara maju mahupun berkembang. Perubahan iklim memberikan impak kepada sektor kehidupan manusia termasuk ekonomi. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti faktor perubahan iklim di Malaysia, serta mengenalpasti kesan perubahan iklim terhadap ekonomi Malaysia. Kajian juga mencadangkan langkah bagi menangani masalah ekonomi yang diakibatkan perubahan iklim di Malaysia. Kajian ini menggunakan metod kualitatif dengan pendekatan kaedah kepustakaan. Selain itu, soal selidik turut digunakan bagi mendapatkan respon dari pelajar UTHM cawangan Pagoh. Seramai 70 orang mahasiswa telah dipilih secara rawak bagi menjawan soal selidik. Semua data dianalisis secara kualitatif deskriptif. Kajian ini mendapati faktor perubahan iklim adalah pembalakan haram yang menyumbang kepada peningkatan kandungan karbon dioksida di atmosfera bumi. Peningkatkan gas karbon dioksida di sekeliling dan menyebabkan suhu meningkat. Kajian ini juga mendapati bahawa kesan utama perubahan iklim terhadap ekonomi ialah menjejaskan industri pertanian melalui rosaknya hasil tanaman. Begitu juga Suhu yang terlalu tinggi menyebabkan kemarau serta mengakibatkan tanah sangat kering dan kurang lembap sehingga petani tidak dapat menjalankan aktiviti pertanian. Kajian ini mencadangkan langkah utama bagi menangani isu ekonomi yang diakibatkan oleh perubahan iklim di Malaysia ialah mengamalkan teknologi hijau dalam sektor perindustrian. Teknologi yang menjimatkan sumber asli dan mesra alam dapat menyumbang kepada perlindungan alam sekita