Hardware Approach To Mitigate The Effects Of Module Mismatch In A Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System: A Review

This study reviews the hardware approach to mitigate the effects of module mismatch in a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. Unlike software solutions, i.e. the maximum power tracking algorithm, hardware techniques are well suited to enhance energy yield because of their inherent ability to extract energy from the mismatched module. Despite the extra cost of the additional circuitry, hardware techniques have recently gained popularity because of their long-term financial benefits. Notwithstanding the growing interest in this topic, review papers that provide updates on the technological developments of the three main hardware solutions, namely micro inverter,DC power optimizer, and energy recovery circuits, are lacking. This is in contrast to software solutions, which have had a considerable number of reputable reviews. Thus, a comprehensive review paper is appropriate at this juncture to provide up-to-date information on the latest topologies, highlight their merits/drawbacks, and evaluate their comparative performance

Enhancing properties of fe-cr-alumina composites prepared by powder metallurgy / Saidatulakmar Shamsuddin ... [et al.]

Fe-based matrix composites have shown the potential for use as advanced materials for technological applications. In this study metal matrix composites (MMCs) of Fe-Cr –alumina were fabricated by powder metallurgy (PM). The effect of alumina content on the physical and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed a homogeneous distribution of alumina in the matrix. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) displayed the presence of Fe, Cr and alumina in the composites. Optimum condition of the composites was examined by evaluation of the parameters such as density, porosity, shrinkage, hardness, wear resistance and compressive strength. Results showed that addition of alumina greater than 5 wt. % decreased the density but increased porosity. Hardness and wear resistance of the composites increased with increasing alumina content to 20 wt. %. However, the compressive strength showed optimal value at 5 wt. % alumin

Bus Monitoring System Based on Internet of Things

Pagoh Campus Bus Monitoring System is a system that monitors bus movement and the distance along its route to reach allocated stop area. Tracking system includes installing a digital device in the bus, with Blynk application installed on a smartphone to allow the user to monitor the bus real-time location. The project is a GPS tracking implementation based on Internet of Things. The real-time data will be sent to server and it will update the bus location periodically. The Blynk application will indicate where the vehicles are on their smartphone by using the Blynk application which is to provide the updated data to student at anywhere as long as both users and the bus have an internet connection. The Blynk server will track the position and store its information in the database. It is a real-time system as this technique transfers the data on the tracking system to the smartphone automatically. Students can use the application to get flexible in scheduling travel and decide when to board the bus. NodeMCU with built in ESP8266 microcontroller and Arduino IDE is used for both hardware and software module programming.  Both of it is linked to the Blynk server and follows through the Blynk application that need to be installed in the smartphone. The user\u27s waiting period can be minimized. This application can be used for main monitoring program to maintain tracking of all Pagoh campus buses. The effective route management can be performed effectively through the Pagoh Campus Bus Monitoring System

Microextraction of Xenobiotics and Biomolecules from Different Matrices on Nano Structures

Sample preparation is the backbone of any analytical procedure; it involves extraction and pre-concentration of the desired analytes; often at trace levels. The present article describes the applications of nanomaterials (carbon based inorganic and polymeric materials) in miniaturized extraction such as solid phase micro-extraction, stir-bar sorptive extraction, liquid phase micro-extraction, and dispersive liquid phase micro-extraction in the analyses of aqueous samples. The nanoparticles used for micro-extractions are discussed on the basis of their chemical natures. The synthetic route and the preparation of nanomaterials are described along with the optimization strategies for micro-extraction. A comparison between the conventional materials and nanomaterials for micro-extraction is proposed. The key roles of the nanomaterials for the micro-extraction of different analytes such as drugs, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, proteins and peptides from aqueous samples are reported. The use of nanomaterials, combined with miniaturized micro-extraction techniques, proved to be highly promising for sample preparation of various matrices with analytes at trace levels

The Effectiveness Of Sodium Polyacrylate As Landscape Catalyst

Sodium Polyacrylate is a component of Super Absorber Polymer (SAP) found in disposable diapers and act as catalysts in soil which beneficial to serves as water retention for landscape. The study was to identify the growth parameters of Tecoma Stans and investigate the effectiveness of SAP as landscape catalyst. In 2012,  Malaysia  population is 28.3 Million and generated 33,000 ton/d solid waste. From the amount of waste generated, 12.14% (4006.2 ton/d) is comprised of disposable diapers dumped in landfill. By recycling these diapers will reduce the volume of waste into landfill and simultaneously reduces the impact of pollution to environment while saving economic factor.  The study involved 5 different samples with SAP mixture (NHRN 2,3,4,5,6) and control sample (NHRN 1) during 11 weeks of study. The plant growths measured in morphological parameters were number of leaves, number of flowers, and diameter of stem and height of plants. Finding shows the positive growth in all sample with  SAP compared to control sample. The increment of diameter stem for sample NHRN 1 (46.672%), NHRN 4 (138.89%), NHRN 5 (164.29%) while increment of height in NHRN 1 (39.56%), NHRN 4 (49.43%), NHRN 5 (88.86%),  increment number of flower in NHRN 1 (2100%), NHRN 4(4300%), NHRN 5 (9400%) and increment number of leaves in NHRN 1(154.17%), NHRN 4  (283.61%) and NHRN 5 (517.98%) simultaneously. Among all samples obtained, NHRN 5 demonstrates the best in all aspects of growth. In conclusion, these studies able to prove that SAP from disposable diapers can benefit planting Tecoma Stans as a landscape catalyst

Current trends of tropical fruit waste utilization

Recent rapid growth of the world's population has increased food demands. This phenomenon poses a great challenge for food manufacturers in maximizing the existing food or plant resources. Nowadays, the recovery of health benefit bioactive compounds from fruit wastes is a research trend not only to help minimize the waste burden, but also to meet the intensive demand from the public for phenolic compounds which are believed to have protective effects against chronic diseases. This review is focused on polyphenolic compounds recovery from tropical fruit wastes and its current trend of utilization. The tropical fruit wastes include in discussion are durian (Durio zibethinus), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), mango (Mangifera indica L.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), papaya (Carica papaya), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp), and pineapple (Ananas comosus). Highlights of bioactive compounds in different parts of a tropical fruit are targeted primarily for food industries as pragmatic references to create novel innovative health enhancement food products. This information is intended to inspire further research ideas in areas that are still under-explored and for food processing manufacturers who would like to minimize wastes as the norm of present day industry (design) objective

Deep learning based hybrid analysis of malware detection and classification: A recent review

Globally extensive digital revolutions involved with every process related to human progress can easily create the critical issues in security aspects. This is promoted due to the important factors like financial crises and geographical connectivity in worse condition of the nations. By this fact, the authors are well motivated to present a precise literature on malware detection with deep learning approach. In this literature, the basic overview includes the nature of nature of malware detection i.e., static, dynamic, and hybrid approach. Another major component of this articles is the investigation of the backgrounds from recently published and highly cited state-of-the-arts on malware detection, prevention and prediction with deep learning frameworks. The technologies engaged in providing solutions are utilized from AI based frameworks like machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid frameworks. The main motivations to produce this article is to portrait clear pictures of the option challenging issues and corresponding solution for developing robust malware-free devices. In the lack of a robust malware-free devices, highly growing geographical and financial disputes at wide globes can be extensively provoked by malicious groups. Therefore, exceptionally high demand of the malware detection devices requires a very strong recommendation to ensure the security of a nation. In terms preventing and recovery, Zero-day threats can be handled by recent methodology used in deep learning. In the conclusion, we also explored and investigated the future patterns of malware and how deals with in upcoming years. Such review may extend towards the development of IoT based applications used many fields such as medical devices, home appliances, academic systems

Intelligent Electronic Arbitration: A Blockchain-Based Model

Blockchain has been regarded as a cornerstone and linchpin of Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR.4.0). Numerous sectors, including healthcare, have examined the use of blockchain technology. In this article, intelligent electronic arbitration (IEA) is an innovative and revolutionary dispute resolution mechanism that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within electronic arbitration (e-arbitration). The shift towards using the IEA mechanism in resolving commercial disputes is being sparked by the need to ensure sustainability in the practice of arbitration in Malaysia and the pressing necessity to facilitate access to justice during the COVID-19 outbreak or any unstable circumstances. However, using the IEA mechanism is not totally immune to criticisms. Firstly, when a losing party fails to comply with the IEA award, the winning party must undertake the traditional enforcement procedures. This result in further judicial proceedings, unnecessary expenses, and undue time-consuming. Secondly, the parties to IEA are vulnerable to the risk that their sensitive data and information shared during the IEA proceedings are not secure against cyber-attacks. This article introduces the applicability of the blockchain-based model in enhancing and strengthening the implementation of IEA. Therefore, the qualitative research methodology is adopted. Both primary and secondary data are collected using a library-based approach and analysed using critical and analytical approaches. It has beendiscovered that using IEA in a Blockchain-Based Model promises to clinch the above issues. Particularly, blockchain would eliminate the need to go through a long process to enforce the IEA award since such award would be self-enforced and without the intervention of the Malaysian High Courts. Additionally, the secured nature of blockchain would dramatically minimise the risk of cyber-attacks deriving from conducting the IEA procedures on the cyber-space. Finally, future research might quantitatively analyse the impact of using the blockchain-based model in enhancing and strengthening the implementation of the IEA mechanis

The impact of state affiliated directed on the capital structure speed of adjustment in an emerging market

This study analyses a unique aspect of the speed of adjustment to optimal debt levels in an emerging market by accounting for the impact of State Affiliated Directors (SAD) on internal governance mechanisms. The paper is motivated based view where firms adjust to reach an optimal level of debt ratio as well as the agency problem arising from the separation of ownership and control leading to conflicting interests between managers and shareholders in order to maximize firm value, which could ultimately impede shareholders wealth maximization. Furthermore, the potential for conflict between controlling and minority shareholders are also captured in the appointment of directors linked to the state. The authors, therefore, evaluate the presence of state affiliated directors and their potential to compromise board independence, which may lead to sub-optimal financing decisions. Analyzing firms below target levels, the study finds that the presence of SAD allows firms below target levels to adjust at more rapid rates given the potential for favorable treatment while obtaining credit financing from financial institutions. Contrastingly, the findings, however, show that firms which exceed target leverage levels tend to adjust at more rapid rates in the absence of SAD on boards. The study results point towards the reluctance of these firms to raise financing in equity markets given the possible dilution of ownership of controlling shareholders as well as the reluctance to reduce debt levels. The findings are consistent regardless of measuring debt based on book or market values and across randomized measures of board composition implying that the presence of SAD alters the dynamics of the cost of capital and thus managerial financing decisions

Social role of microfinance institutions in poverty eradication: evidence from ASEAN-5 countries

Banking institutions have witnessed the failure of poverty reduction due to high risk service for poor people. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) were developed to provide financial services for low income households. In the drive to supply continuous financial services for the poor, performance of the MFIs has been one of the crucial aspects that needs consideration. The MFIs began with a social goal aim of poverty reduction. However, the commercialization of the MFIs has resulted in them becoming financially independent as they are funded by a previous government. Today the MFIs need to retain the social role, to eradicate poverty whilst at the same time they must strive to sustain long term operation. Are the MFIs still able to sustain their social goals when they also need to focus on financial sustainability? This study proposes to determine the level of social efficiency among MFIs in ASEAN 5 countries as the first objective. Secondly it will examine the impact firm characteristics that internally influence the social efficiency of the MFIs. The data consists of 168 MFIs from Southeast Asia that covers five countries from the year 2011 to 2017. The first stage of analysis to identify the level of social efficiency by using non parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. The second stage of analysis is to examine the impact of firm characteristics to influence the social efficiency by applying Multivariate Panel Regression Analysis (MPRA) as an estimation method. The findings reveal the MFIs in ASEAN 5 countries have a lower social efficiency. This indicates the MFIs in ASEAN 5 countries has traded their original mission of poverty reduction to focus more on achieving financial sustainability for long term viability