Modified fractional order sliding mode control for speed control of permanent magnet synchronous motor / Fardila Mohd Zaihidee

In recent years, energy saving research activities have focused on electric motors and their systems since they are the main consumer of electricity in the industrial sector. Permanent magnet synchronous motor is known as a high-efficiency motor and slowly replacing induction motors in the industries. For speed control of PMSM, the sliding mode controller (SMC) has been widely used due to its robustness, high accuracy, and simplicity. The main disadvantage of the SMC method is the chattering phenomenon, which should be reduced or eliminated without compromising the controller’s robustness. Fractional order sliding mode speed control (FOSMC) of PMSM is proposed in this research to overcome the above-stated problem. This controller incorporates fractional calculus which theoretically has a slower energy transfer compared to integer order calculus in order to suppress the chattering phenomenon. The stability of this controller is analysed using Lyapunov stability theorem. Firstly, the evaluation of the proposed controller is executed by simulation in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Then, a closed-loop PMSM drive prototype is developed to run experimental verification of the control system. The designed FOSMC provides a reference value for the current controller in the inner loop, which will then provide the required reference voltage for the PWM to generate switching signals for the inverter. With speed reference of 500 rpm, transient overshoot of only 8.18% is recorded in the experiment. When a load torque of 0.5 Nm is applied, the PMSM experiences only 9.36% of speed drop and then recovered back to the reference speed after 3.36 seconds. At a steady state, the speed command is tracked with only 1.14% error and low torque ripple of only 3.88%. Performance comparison with IOSMC shows that the proposed FOSMC system experiences up to 5 times less overshoot and up to 60% less speed drop. In addition, FOSMC with PID sliding surface as proposed resulted in less overshoot of up to 14% and less speed drop of up to 20% compared to FOSMC-PI and FOSMC-PD. In terms of torque ripple, the designed controller outperforms IOSMC and other FOSMCs with up to 7% and 23% less ripple respectively. Similarly, the current ripple of IOSMC is almost double the current ripple of FOSMC. On the other hand, when compared with FOSMC-PD, the proposed system experiences a 10% less current ripple. Simulation and experimental results prove that the proposed FOSMC speed controller performs as a robust and fast anti-disturbance controller to regulate the speed of a PMSM. In addition, it also has shown remarkable performance in terms of transient response and anti-disturbance properties compared to conventional integer order SMC. In its own fractional-order SMC group, the proposed controller has shown its advantages in balancing the individual strength and weaknesses of FOSMC-PI and FOSMC-PD. Small torque and current ripple prove that the chattering phenomenon has been successfully suppressed by this controller design. Hence, the proposed FOSMC is suitable to be used in a high-performance application of PMSM

Development of an electrochemical immunosensor for direct detection of acrylamide in food samples / Lau Pei Ying

Acrylamide, a potential carcinogen which is mainly found in plant-based food such as potato chips, French fries, bread, biscuit, coffee and coco, after undergoing heating process at temperature above 120°C. The permissible maximum intake of acrylamide is 2.6 μg kg−1 of body weight per day to prevent cancer risk. Due to its neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity, a rapid detection method for acrylamide is strongly needed in food safety concern. Herein, a sample pre-treatment free electrochemical immunosensor was developed based on a displacement assay. In a displacement assay format, an antibody is initially bound to the surface immobilized hapten (analyte analogue) and upon adding of analyte (which is acrylamide in this study), antibody would exhibit a higher affinity towards its target analyte compared to hapten. This phenomenon leads to the dissociation of antibody from hapten where a displacement assay occurs. The dissociation of anti-acrylamide antibody from the electrode surface bound hapten is the predominant factor for an effective displacement assay to take place. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of introducing electro-pulsion to enhance the dissociation of antibody from the surface bound hapten. The displacement assay was then being analysed in a series of electro-pulsion with positive and negative charge. Other than that, pulsing potential and pulsion duration are also factors that affecting the displacement of antibody. Consequently, the optimal conditions for a displacement assay were identified via actual experimental set-up. The findings showed the dissociation rate of antibody from the surface bound hapten could be enhanced by applying a negative electro-pulsion to the working electrode surface. In addition, a three-level three-factorial Box-Behnken experimental design was employed as theoretical statistical method to confirm the optimal displacement conditions required based on a minimal experiment number (17 trials) without involving all possible experimental combinations. By pulsing the electrode with -800 mV for 10 minutes (the optimal displacement conditions), a linear dynamic range from 0.01 μg mL−1 to 35.00 μg mL−1 was obtained, with limit of detection (LOD) of 3.84 ng mL−1. The evidences of high reproducibility and repeatability of developed immunosensor by performing a satisfied relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.13% in reproducibility test and RSD of 5.49% to 8.22% for repeatability (intra-day and inter-day) assessments. The immunosensor could retain its detection ability for 90.69% even after 28 days storage and showed high specificity toward acrylamide. The accuracy of developed immunosensor was validated by using standard method, GC−MS. Moreover, the recoveries obtained of spiked sample were ranged between 90.33% to 99.23%. As a conclusion, the developed immunosensor showed a high reproducibility, repeatability, selectivity, sensitivity, and stability for the determination of acrylamide typically in liquid food samples (coffee, coco, and prune juice). Due to its simplicity of use which exclude sample pre-treatment steps, this developed immunosensor is believed to have potential to provide a direct and quantitative approach for the detection of acrylamide

Quality management in oil and gas turnaround/shutdown projects / Ghadaffi Rosli

This study discusses the problem of defining quality in the oil and gas industry, to determine possible benefits of implementing quality, and to identify barriers of quality implementation in the oil and gas industry. Quality management is the process for ensuring that all project activities necessary to design, plan and implement a project are effective and efficient with respect to the purpose of the objective and its performance. Specifically in the oil and gas Turnaround Maintenance / Shut down Maintenance project, a comprehensive understanding of issues related to project quality is required. This research aims to investigate the benefit and barrier of quality management in the oil and gas industry. The main objective of this research is to determine the importance of quality management implementation in oil and gas TAM/SM projects. This research also aims to highlight the benefits of implementing the quality management to the overall project delivery. In addition, recommendations to improve the quality management implementation in Malaysia�s oil and gas industry will be made. Data for this research was conducted by sending questionnaire survey to the oil and gas industry players. From the data collected, it has been found that the client satisfaction, education, and training are the most important measure to improve quality performance. The findings show that certified quality programmes such as the ISO 9000 series are important. Keywords: quality management; oil and gas; industry

Hand posture for beginner piano playing using plush toy assisted learning / Shugeshini Kumanan

This research paper explored the possibilities of using an animal plush toy as a tool to teach piano playing hand posture among participants formed by children age four up to six years old. The idea of Plush Toy Assisted Learning (PTAL) originates from AAL or animal assisted learning. Adopting a case study that involved a quantitative and a qualitative research framework, this research reveals an in-depth observation of a proposed new pedagogical idea in developing a proper hand posture using an animal soft toy as a tool towards children. Methodology includes a self-reflexive account of the researcher as a teacher via participant-observation, audit trail, log book, video recording, interaction between the child and the plush toy, comparison by interest and also the effectiveness of teaching approaches with or without the animal plush toy. The outcome shows that PTAL would be effective for younger children who are beginner piano player to learn their piano playing hand postures. This includes the duration of the process of learning and the effectiveness in applying the animal plush toy in replacing real-animal assisted learning to play the piano using a proper hand posture. Traits of pattern of \learning and also behavioural response in children towards the plush toy were discussed

Preventing delayed cracks in SUS304 deep drawn cups using extreme blank holding forces aided by nanolubrication / Muhammad Shafiq Ibrahim

This study was to investigate the formation and reformation of delayed cracks of SUS304 cylindrical drawn cups under elevated blank holding force (BHF) from 8~32 kN with 1~3 wt% SiO2 nanolubricants concentrations. The widest crack-free BHF range i.e. from 29 ~ 31 kN was determined for 2 wt% of SiO2 in the experiment. Delayed cracks were also observed below and beyond this BHF range. There was an increment of frictional force at the cup flange region when entering the crack-free BHF range, as proven by the rebound in sidewall thickness, relative intensity of α′-martensite, elongated height and drawing force beyond 28 kN. The crack reformation after exiting crack-free BHF range was due to the worsened nanolubricant tribological performance when undergoing excessive pressure, hence, allowing high friction induction. The α’–martensite had the highest relative intensity (%) at 93.7 % for BHF = 28 kN, leading to the delayed cracks. The relative intensity slightly decreased after the peak within the crack-free range with intensities ranging from 83.8 ~ 89.9 % before experiencing a sharp decrease to 50.7 % for 32 kN leading to the reformation of the cracks again. Residual stresses were developed along the outer surface of the cup due to the unbending of the material when the material left the draw die profile, hence, the increase in frictional force in the radial direction along the flange surfaces reduced the circumferential tensile residual stress of the cup, particularly at 80 % cup height. The elimination of the cracks was attributed to the decrease in intensity of the α’-martensite and the lower tensile stress gradient. The minimum BHF required for eliminating the cracks was hardly altered by the increase in concentration of SiO2

Knowledge creation enhancement in the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) FLeet / Shaftdean Lufty Rusland

This study aims to gauge the extent of knowledge creation processes in the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) fleet with the use of the SECI (socialization, externalization, combination, internalization) knowledge creation process model proposed by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995). This is in order for the researcher to propose a knowledge creation enhancement framework to the organization. Case study method was utilized in this study and both descriptive and interpretive analyses were employed to achieve the research aims. The descriptive data were used to triangulate the interpretive data and documentation reviewed by dividing the findings in accordance to the SECI conversion process. 234 self-administered questionnaires were used to investigate to what extent the RMN fleet performs the SECI and 15 semi-structured face-to-face interviews provided insights about how the RMN fleet perform these activities. The survey data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24 software to get descriptive statistics and transcriptions from the interviews were analyzed manually by content analysis method for interpretive data, to get the themes and sub-themes of the study. NVivo 12 software were also used to managed all the data from the interviews by identifying at the noticeable patterns to be connected to the study. The findings indicate that the SECI processes were used for knowledge creation in the RMN fleet. However, some limitations minimized the benefits in all creation of knowledge modes in SECI processes within the RMN. The externalization and internalization processes in creating knowledge were seen to be slightly prominent when compared to socialization and combination, revealing that in the RMN fleet all four modes of knowledge creation have almost equal importance. However, the use of each process is mostly subjected to the higher management support and some cultural contexts. The findings also suggest that the SECI processes, regardless it is a single or as a whole process, influence the creation of knowledge by increasing the generation of ideas, documentation of knowledge, updating the knowledge and sharing of knowledge for the benefit of the organization

Income inequality and crime: Consumption channel / Nur Annizah Ishak

The general objective of this study is to examine the relationship between income inequality and crime. Many studies have discussed the relationship between inequality and crime. However, all the literature focused on ‘absolute’ measurements, such as income, poverty, Gini index, education, and employment. They neglected the importance of ‘relative concept’ - a missing element of the way economists analyze inequality. This study argues income inequality is visible through conspicuous consumption. Hence this study proposes conspicuous consumption as another possible channel that could explain the relationship between inequality and crime. Specifically, this study comprises of four specific research objectives. The first goal is to examine the relationship between conspicuous consumption and crime among Malaysians. Second, is to measure the relationship between the love of money and crime among Malaysians. Third, is to analyze the role of love of money in mediating conspicuous consumption and crime. The final objective is to propose recommendations for consumption reform of individuals and government to mitigate inequality and crime behavior. A conceptual framework was developed for this study to explain the relationship of three constructs; conspicuous consumption, love of money, and crime. This study adopts Structural Equation Model-Amos (SEM) in investigating the relationship between the three variables. A survey was conducted on public employees in Malaysia to gather the necessary data. The findings suggest three important outcomes. First, a positive relationship between conspicuous consumption and crime where respondents that have higher conspicuous consumption attitude also have higher propensity to commit a crime, particularly through social comparison. Second, there is a positive relationship between the love of money and crime. The survey found they agreed to commit unethical behavior to maximize their profits or utility. Finally, the finding reveals that the love of money significantly mediates the relationship between conspicuous consumption and propensity to crime. All of these findings suggest that conspicuous consumption leads to crime. Consumption is not only important for economic utilization but also to determine one’s status in society. As ‘seeking status’ is universal for society, hence it produces a social comparison. The desire for social conformity, particularly to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ combined with the love of money could induce crime. In summary, this study expands the previous literature by providing a possible explanation of the relationship between income inequality and crime. It contributes to the existing academic research by introducing conspicuous consumption as a result of income inequality. This new variable fills in the research gap by providing additional evidence to the inconclusive relationship between inequality and crime. Some implications and recommendations could be taken into consideration in order to mitigate luxury spending or conspicuous consumption behavior. Among them are to regulate consumption, to impose a tax on luxury goods and prudent spending

A comparative study on musicians and non-musicians’ affective response in music listening / Loh Wai Neng

This study examined the affective responses in the music listening among undergraduates’ student using Circumplex Model of Emotion (Russell, 1980). The purpose of this study was to investigate the affective responses of undergraduate music major and non-music major students in music listening to four different music genres, which were classical music, romantic music, atonal music and experimental music. A study involving of 123 participants from undergraduate music major and non-music major students in Klang Valley area was conducted using google form. By using SPSS to tabulate the data, the result showed that there were no major differences between both musicians and non-musicians when they listen to four different types of music genres. For classical music and romantic music, emotion responses for both musicians and non-musicians are towards to high valence, whereas for atonal music and experimental music, the emotion responses for both musicians and non-musicians are towards to low valence

Evaluation and inter-comparison of satellite precipitation estimations for extreme flood events in Peninsular Malaysia / Eugene Soo Zhen Xiang

Satellite precipitation products (SPP) have been useful in any hydrological applications as their extensive spatial coverage and finer space and time resolutions. However, these satellite estimations exhibit large systematic and random errors which may cause large uncertainties in any hydrological applications. In this study, three advanced satellite precipitation products, i.e. CMORPH, TRMM 3B42V7, and PERSIANN are utilized in conjunction with the ground observation to investigate their performance in detecting rain, capturing storms and rainfall pattern during extreme flood events. This study evaluates and compares the capability of the SPP by focusing on the 2014-2015 northeast monsoon extreme flood events. Three affected river basins, i.e. Kelantan (13,100 km2), Johor (1,652 km2) and Langat river basin (2,350 km2) are chosen as study areas. Firstly, to compare with the grid-based satellite estimations, a validation between five spatial interpolation methods (Arithmetic Mean (AM), Thiessen Polygon (TP), Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Ordinary Kriging (OK), and Spline (SP)) with ground observations is done whereby the result shows that none of the spatial interpolation methods is superior to the others. Furthermore, the result shows that all three SPP have performed reasonably well for the Kelantan river basin whereas for the other two river basins, only TRMM and CMORPH perform better. As these SPP exhibit biases, the three widely used approaches of bias correction, namely Linear Scaling (LS), Local Intensity Scaling (LOCI) and Power Transformation (PT) are applied on the daily SPP to improve the estimations. Bias correction analysis is performed using the aforementioned methods to the Langat river basin only. Findings indicate that the LS scheme is able to match the mean precipitation of every SPP but does not correct the standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the estimations regardless of extreme floods selected. For the LOCI scheme, TRMM and CMORPH estimations in certain floods show a significant improvement in the result but not for PERSIANN. PT scheme is found to be the best method as it improves most of the statistical performances as well as the rainfall distribution of the floods. In addition, this study also evaluates the sensitivity of the parameters used in the BC process where the result indicates that the PT scheme is found to be the least sensitive in correcting the daily SPP compared to the other two schemes. Finally, this study performs rainfallrunoff simulation by employing the Hydrological Modelling System (HEC-HMS) to validate the performance of the raw and bias-adjusted SPP for the 2014-2015 flood events in the Langat river basin. Generally, corrected precipitations exhibit a significant improvement during the high rainfall event especially LOCI-adjusted TRMM and CMORPH. For PERSIANN-simulated flow, the BC schemes are able to improve the discharge simulation. However, further calibration is suggested in order to enhance its accuracy

Golf director competencies, human resource management practices and customer retention within the Malaysian golf clubs / Samira Partanian

Golf is a popular sport worldwide. Many studies have described management competencies in several sport contexts and have revealed that human resource is the most common denominator for successful sports club practice. However, little work has been done to identify and explain contemporary Human Resource Management (HRM) practices of staff, including directors of golf clubs related to member retention. The purpose of this study was to examine the current level and the participants' quality perceptions in the relationship among competencies of directors, HRM practices of staff, and member retention within the Malaysian Golf Clubs to advance the causal relationships among them. It was also aimed to develop a conceptual framework and a measurement model. A survey was conducted in the Malaysian Golf Clubs using the Competencies of Golf Course Directors, Employee’s HRM Practices and Member Retention Behavior questionnaires. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed among both staff and members who were selected randomly from 34 golf clubs. Based on the data collected and theory of Total Quality Management, a research model was developed consisting of director competencies (golf operation and client care development), member retention behavior, and HRM practices of staff. Client Care Development had a positive and significant effect (β= 0.49, p < 0.05). Golf operation competencies showed a positive effect on customer’s retention behavior (β= 0.37, P < 0.05). R2 of the current model for member retention was 0.65, which accounts for 65.4% of the reachable fitness. Higher level of both director’s competencies (Golf operation and Client Care Development) resulted in a better retention behavior of customers and a better HRM practices of staff (R2 = 0.59). The HRM mediation increased the effect of director’s competencies on the member retention. The R2 for member retention behaviors was 0.68, implying that 68% of member retention behaviors can be explained by client care development, golf operation and HRM practices. The effects of both client care development (β=0.35, p<0.05) and Golf operation competencies (β=0.474, P<0.05) on HRM practices of staff were positive and significant. This means that higher level of both director’s competencies (Client Care Development and Golf operation) will tend to achieve a better HRM practices of staff. The boot strapping results showed positive and significant effects of golf operation, (β= 0. 0.32, p < 0.05) and client care development (β= 0. 31, p < 0.05) on member retention behaviors. This indicates that the direct effects of golf operation and client care development on member retention behaviors were significant after mediation of HRM practices. The structural equation modeling was done to test the model. The model showed a desirable goodness of fit, meaning that impact of directors’ competencies, staff HRM services and customer return to the Malaysian Golf Clubs was positive and meaningful. In conclusion, directors of Golf Club in Malaysia should evolve continually to manage changes and hold several skills in Golf, technical aspects, HR, and business operations. The findings of this thesis provide golf course directors in Malaysia with important information for adequate preparation in golf management