228 research outputs found
Handover Algorithm based VLP using Mobility Prediction Database for Vehicular Network
This paper proposes an improved handover algorithm method for vehicle location prediction (VLP-HA) using mobility prediction database. The main advantage of this method is the mobility prediction database is based on real traffic data traces. Furthermore, the proposed method has the ability to reduce handover decision time and solve resource allocation problem. The algorithm is simple and can be computed very rapidly; thus, its implementation for a high-speed vehicle is possible. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, QualNet simulation is carried out under different velocity scenarios. Its performance is compared with conventional handover method. The superiority of the proposed method over conventional handover method in deciding the best handover location and choosing candidate access points is highlighted by simulation. It was found that VLP-HA has clearly reduced handover delay by 45% compared to handover without VLP, give high accuracy, hence low complexity algorithm
Design and Shape Optimization of Strain Gauge Load Cell for Axial Force Measurement for Test Benches
The load cell is an indispensable component of many engineering machinery and industrial automation for measuring and sensing force and torque. This paper describes the design and analysis of the strain gauge load cell, from the conceptional design stage to shape optimization (based on the finite element method (FEM) technique) and calibration, providing ample load capacity with low-cost material (aluminum 6061) and highly accurate force measurement. The amplifier circuit of the half Wheatstone bridge configuration with two strain gauges was implemented experimentally with an actual load cell prototype. The calibration test was conducted to evaluate the load cell characteristics and derive the governing equation for sensing the unknown load depending on the measured output voltage. The measured sensitivity of the load cell is approximately 15 mV/N and 446.8 µV/V at a maximum applied load of 30 kg. The findings are supported by FEM results and experiments with an acceptable percentage of errors, which revealed an overall error of 6% in the worst situation. Therefore, the proposed load cell meets the design considerations for axial force measurement for the laboratory test bench, which has a light weight of 20 g and a maximum axial force capacity of 300 N with good sensor characteristic
Numerical modelling of coastal structure using SPH-based DualSPHysics model
Coastal structures are implemented along the coasts as measures to counter coastal erosion and the detrimental effects caused by sea waves. In order to maximize the efficiency of these structures, sea conditions during extreme events should be taken into consideration as to avoid the occurrence of wave overtopping, erosion and thus leading to structure failure. This study with the objective to identify the force exerted on several coastal structures and overtopping occurrence under a variety of wave conditions will be compared with the numerical results done by Dang et al., (2021). This study, however, focuses on three different structures; the vertical wall, the trapezoidal wall and the stepped wall, and is simulated using DesignSPHysics, a new addition to the open-source code named DualSPHysics. A simulation with no coastal structure is also presented in this study. The cases take damping systems into account, particularly active wave absorption system. Furthermore, overtopping simulations were conducted as to assess the various structures under the chosen wave conditions. Results signifies that, the stepped wall has the least overtopping occurrence in comparison to the other structures. The simulation presented in this study well replicates that of the study done by Dang et al., (2021)
Cellco: Portable Device for Automated Blood Cell Count and Abnormal Cell Detection
In medical diagnosis, cell counting and cell analysis are very important to determine our health condition. The aim of this project is to automate the counting of red blood cell, white blood cell and platelets, and detect cell anomalies such as malaria using an affordable and portable device. A device called Cellco was developed based on image analysis technique due to its simplicity and portability. With the Cellco mobile application and the hardware setup, Cellco will first capture the blood sample image under microscope or microscopic camera. With image processing algorithm, Cellco performs the counting process automatically and returns the result within several seconds to the user’s phone. Cellco is fast, portable and affordable, especially for hematologists and mobile doctors
Polymeric Branched Flocculant Effect on the Flocculation Process of Pulp Suspensions in the Papermaking Industry
This paper presents the effect of the structure of cationic polyacrylamides (CPAMs) on flocculation of pulp
suspensions and floc properties. A focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) probe was used to monitor
flocculation, deflocculation, and reflocculation processes in real time. To carry out the study, 1% elemental
chlorine free (ECF) eucalyptus kraft pulp containing 20% ground calcium carbonate (GCC) was used. Results
show that the effect of the CPAM structure depends on charge density and polymer dose. Floc size does not
always decrease with branching degree, whereas floc stability and reflocculation ability increased when highly
charged and branched CPAM was used. These findings indicate that the use of highly branched CPAMs with
very high molecular weight is very promising as a retention aid method to improve the papermaking process
Changes in diad sequence distribution by preferential chain scission during the thermal hydrolysis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are microbial polyesters produced by many types of bacteria as an intracellular energy reserve material under substrate limiting conditions and in the presence of excessive carbon sources.¹ Poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), the most commonly used microbial polyester, was the first member of the PHA family to be discovered, and more than 150 other monomer units have been reported to date.2, 3 Poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is a copolymer in the PHA family that consists of randomly distributed (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (HB) and (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate (HHx) units.⁴ This type of copolymer exhibits improved mechanical properties and processability compared with those of PHB and poly((R)-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV).⁵ PHBHHx copolymers are currently produced on a large scale and have proven to be biocompatible in clinical studies using mouse fibroblasts cells, and rabbit articular cartilage-derived chondrocytes.⁶ PHBHHx is a highly favorable copolymer of the PHB family due to its biodegradability, flexible mechanical properties and good melt processability
Diversity and ecology of araceae in the water catchment area of Ulu Sat, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia
Araceae or aroid is familiarly known as keladi to the locals. The purpose of this study is to assess the diversity and ecology of Araceae in the Water Catchment Area of Ulu Sat, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. The random sampling method was applied. A total of 26 species from 13 genera of Araceae were recorded from the water catchment area of Ulu Sat, Machang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. This represents about 18.6% out of an estimated 140 species and 46.2% of the 28 genera of Araceae reported for Peninsular Malaysia. The result also shows that 24 species or 92.3% of the collection are the common Araceae species found in lowland dipterocarp forest in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the collection include the species recently recorded, Aglaonema cochinchinense Engl. and the endemic species, Alocasia puber (Hassk.) Schott for Peninsular Malaysia. The paper will also discuss the distribution and ecology of some important Araceae collected from this area
Care of adolescents and young adults with cancer in Asia: results of an ESMO/SIOPE/SIOP Asia survey
Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer require dedicated management encompassing both adult and paediatric cancer services. Following a European survey, the European Society for Medical Oncology, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology and the Asian continental branch of International Society of Paediatric Oncology undertook a similar survey to assess AYA cancer care across Asia.
Methods A link to the online survey was sent to healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Asia interested in AYA cancer care. Questions covered the demographics and training of HCPs, their understanding of AYA definition, availability and access to specialised AYA services, the support and advice offered during and after treatment, and factors of treatment non-compliance.
Results We received 268 responses from 22 Asian countries. There was a striking variation in the definition of AYA (median lower age 15 years, median higher age 29 years). The majority of the respondents (78%) did not have access to specialised cancer services and 73% were not aware of any research initiatives for AYA. Over two-thirds (69%) had the option to refer their patients for psychological and/or nutritional support and most advised their patients on a healthy lifestyle. Even so, 46% did not ask about smokeless tobacco habits and only half referred smokers to a smoking cessation service. Furthermore, 29% did not promote human papillomavirus vaccination for girls and 17% did not promote hepatitis B virus vaccination for high-risk individuals. In terms of funding, 69% reported governmental insurance coverage, although 65% reported that patients self-paid, at least partially. Almost half (47%) reported treatment non-compliance or abandonment as an issue, attributed to financial and family problems (72%), loss of follow-up (74%) and seeking of alternative treatments (77%).
Conclusions Lack of access to and suboptimal delivery of AYA-specialised cancer care services across Asia pose major challenges and require specific interventions
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