Development of smart chicken poultry farm

In Malaysia, most agriculture industries are still using conventional method to operate. All routines in monitoring and control of chicken poultry farm, for example, utilise man power where the source and energy are very limited. However, the demand from consumers towards the agricultural output is increasing day by day and requires more advanced farming technology in order to obtain maximum efficiency. This paper is focused on the development of smart chicken poultry farm to provide monitoring and control of the farm condition. The electronics, embedded systems and wireless technology are integrated with farm monitoring. Using Master-Slave concept, sensors are used to measure the ambient temperature, ammonia and humidity of the hall of chicken poultry for each slave. The sensors’ readings are then transmitted wirelessly over radio frequency by serial communication using HC-12 RF module to master for further data processing. The design process of both master and slave involved the interfacing of microprocessor, ATMEL ATMega328 with several analogue sensors, LCD, buzzer, relay output, monetary push button and light indicator. Based on the readings from the sensors, the microcontroller produced the output which is connected to the fan for better air ventilation in the chicken poultry farm. Furthermore, PID controller has been integrated to optimize the output control method, hence optimizing hall condition which results to better output for the farm. The system has been successfully implemented and tested at Myra Farm & Services, located at Kalumpang, Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia

A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) of energy management critical success factors to sustainable university in Malaysia

This paper analyzes the critical success factors (CSFs) in energy management (EM) for the implementation of Sustainable University (SU) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at Malaysian research universities. Through a thorough review of the literature, CSFs related to EM were established, which were then contextually tailored through a pilot study and presented as a hypothesized template. Primary data was collected to 300 academic and non-academic staff of five research universities in Malaysia through questionnaire surveys. Modeling of the structural formula of partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was used to statistically verify the final version of the EM CSFs to achieve SU. This paper fills the knowledge gap by concentrating on the quantified contribution to the adoption of SU in Malaysia by the most significant EM CSFs. Findings from this paper have confirmed the hypotheses that four EM CSFs have a significant relationship to KPIs namely, top management support, understanding, strong stakeholder relationships, and risk management which ultimately lead to successful adoption of EM in achieving SU. It is hoped that the findings will provide guidelines for the Malaysian Higher Education Ministry to be more effective in achieving sustainability for all universities

Burying the news for the public: agenda cutting of the Tamil newspapers and MIC candidate facebook during the 13th General Election

Guided by Agenda Cutting theory, this study examines the pattern of media coverage on issues portrayed in Tamil newspapers and Facebook during Malaysian General Election 13. A total of 1309 news articles from Tamil Nesan and Malaysia Nanban and 111 postings on MIC’s Facebook were identified and examined during the election campaign period from April 20 – May 6, 2013, specifically just before and soon after the election. A total of 127 Facebook accounts of MIC’s candidates for state and parliamentary constituencies were examined during the same period. Findings show that out of the 17 examined issues eight issues (i.e., crime, social, environment, national unity, nationalism, health issues, international relations and immigrants) were not reported by these Indian dailies. A similar result can also be found on MIC’s parliamentary and state seat candidates’ Facebook. Findings from this study draw a conclusion that without a flawed agenda cutting strategy, the MIC could have garnered valuable electoral votes during its GE13 campaign

The Effect of Unground Palm Oil Fuel Ash Content as a Partial Sand Replacement on Compressive Strength of Oil Palm Shell Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

Concern towards negative impact towards the environment due to increasing use of natural sand in construction industry and dumping of soild wastes, palm oil fuel ash and oil palm shell by palm oil industry has lead towards the development of environmental friendly lightweight concrete.The present study investigates the effect of unground palm oil fuel ash as partial sand replacement towards workability and compressive strength of oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete.Two types of mixes were used. Control specimen were prepared using 100% natural sand. Another type of mixwere prepared by integrating various percentages of unground palm oil fuel ash as partial sand replacement. The concrete workability were investigated by conducting slump test in accordance to BSEN 12350 : 2. All specimens were cast in form of cubes and water cured until the testing age. The compressive strength test were carried out in accordance to BSEN12390: 3 at 1,3, 7 and 28 days. The finding shows that integration of 10% unground palm oil fuel ash as partial sand replacement contributes to the enhancement of oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete strength

Development of modular smart farm system

Humans tend to rely on technology in almost everything they do in everyday life. To meet the demand of consumers, the agriculture industry has been improving their farming methods and techniques for maximum efficiency. This paper is focused on electronics, embedded systems and wireless technology to be integrated with farm monitoring, particularly in poultries. The system consists of two; master and slave. An array of sensors is used to measure the ambient temperature, ammonia at ppm level and humidity of the hall for each slave. The readings are then transmitted wirelessly over radio frequency by serial communication using HC-12 RF module to master for further data processing. The design process of both master and slave involved the interfacing of ATMEL ATMega328 with several analog sensors, passive and active components, LCD, buzzer, relay output, monetary push button and light indicator. The fan output parameter is controlled based on the set point defined from sensor readings. Furthermore, PID controller was integrated to optimize the output control method, hence optimizing hall condition which results to better output for the farm. The system has been successfully implemented and tested at Myra Farm & Services, located at Kalumpang, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Utilization of fly ash as partial sand replacement in oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete

Realization on the increasing demand for river sand supply in construction sector has inspired the current research to find alternative material to reduce the use of natural sand in oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete (OPS LWAC) production. The existence of fly ash, a by-product generated from coal power plant, which pose negative impact to the environment when it is disposed as waste, were used in this research. The effect of fly ash content as partial sand replacement towards workability and compressive strength of OPS lightweight aggregate concrete were investigated. Four concrete mixes containing various percentage of fly ash that are 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% by weight of sand were used in the experimental work. All mixes were cast in form of cubes before subjected to water curing until the testing age. Compressive strength test were conducted at 1, 3, 7 and 28 days. The finding shows that the workability of the OPS LWAC decreases when more fly ash are used as sand replacement. It was found that adding of 10% fly ash as sand replacement content resulted in better compressive strength of OPS LWAC, which is higher than the control mix

Effect of fly ash content towards Sulphate resistance of oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete

Both oil palm shell (OPS) and fly ash are by-product generated from the industries. Disposal of these by-product as wastes cause negative impact to the environment. The use of both oil palm shell and fly ash in concrete is seen as an economical solution for making green and denser concrete. The primary aim of this research is to determine the effects of FA utilization as sand replacement in oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete (OPS LWAC) towards sulphate resistance. Five concrete mixes containing fly ash as sand replacement namely 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% were prepared in these experimental work. All mixes were cast in form of cubes before subjected to sulphate solution for the period of 5 months. It was found that addition of 10% fly ash as sand replacement content resulted in better sulphate resistance of OPS LWAC. The occurrence of pozzolanic reaction due to the presence of FA in concrete has consumed the vulnerable Calcium hydroxide to be secondary C-S-H gel making the concrete denser and more durable

Burying the news for the public: Agenda cutting of the Tamil newspapers and MIC candidate Facebook during the 13th general election

Guided by Agenda Cutting theory, this study examines the pattern of media coverage on issues portrayed in Tamil newspapers and Facebook during Malaysian General Election 13. A total of 1309 news articles from Tamil Nesan and Malaysia Nanban and 111 postings on MIC’s Facebook were identified and examined during the election campaign period from April 20 – May 6, 2013, specifically just before and soon after the election. A total of 127 Facebook accounts of MIC’s candidates for state and parliamentary constituencies were examined during the same period. Findings show that out of the 17 examined issues eight issues (i.e., crime, social, environment, national unity, nationalism, health issues, international relations and immigrants) were not reported by these Indian dailies. A similar result can also be found on MIC’s parliamentary and state seat candidates’ Facebook. Findings from this study draw a conclusion that without a flawed agenda cutting strategy, the MIC could have garnered valuable electoral votes during its GE13 campaign

Resident’s Perception Towards Environmental Impact on Human Wellbeing Near the Quarry Mining Vicinity

This study investigates the life quality of residents near the quarry mining vicinity. There are still large population found stayed within this area. The negative impact of quarry mining activities such as health problem and air pollution are among the variables that influence the human well being. The objective of this study is to investigate the experience from the residents towards the quality of air near their residential and to provide a suitable preventive measure in order to reduce this air pollutant issue. A set of questionnaire was distributed to the community at Bandar Saujana Putra and Taman Kajang Perdana, in Selangor. Residents were randomly selected to participate in this study. The study reveals the community’s problem related to health condition and safety. It is anticipated that this study could assist the residence and authorities in improving the quality of air in this area by providing the suitable preventive measure

Environmental impact on residents’ well-being in the vicinity of quarrying

This study investigates the quality of life of the large population living in the vicinity of quarrying. The negative impact of quarrying activities, such as health problems and air pollution is among the variables that influence human well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the residents’ experience of air quality in their area and to provide suitable preventive measures to reduce air pollution. A set of questionnaires was distributed to the community at Bandar Saujana Putra and Taman Kajang Perdana, in Selangor. Residents were randomly selected to participate in this study. The study reveals that the community was concerned about health conditions and safety. It is anticipated that this study could assist both residents and authorities in improving the quality of air in this area by providing suitable preventive measures to reduce the environmental impact