40 research outputs found
Performance evaluation of VLC system using new modulation approach
We propose a modified OFDM modulation based on multiband scheme for visible light communications (VLC) system. The method called catenated-OFDM VLC system can efficiently boost the propagation distance and combat multipath induced the inter symbol interference and inter carrier interference. Design parameters such as number of optical bands, input power, distance and data rate are varied to see their effect on the system performances. Simulation analysis is done using Optisys software Ver. 11.0. The results show that the proposed system offers a good performance at longer transmission distance of 12 m for input power of 2 dBm in case of Band=3 with 10 Gbps data rate. BER curves also indicates that the proposed system can be operated at very high data rate of 15 Gbps. This exhibits the ability of the proposed system to be one of the candidate for future optical wireless communication system
Some Practical Guidelines for Effective Sample-Size Determination in Observational Studies
- The purpose of this present study was to determine the right sample size in observational study which is focusing on medical or health sciences field. Sample size calculation is actually depends on the type of how the study is designed. For example different formulas are used to calculate the sample size in different type of the study. In this article, the formula of single proportion and two proportions is discussed and an example from medical research, which may contribute to the understanding of this problem, is presented
Effect of fiber content and their hybridization on bending and torsional strength of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with carbon and sugar palm fibers
This study aims to investigate the effect of fiber hybridization of sugar palm yarn fiber with carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. In this work, sugar palm yarn composites were reinforced with epoxy at varying fiber loads of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % using the hand lay-up process. The hybrid composites were fabricated from two types of fabric: sugar palm yarn of 250 tex and carbon fiber as the reinforcements, and epoxy resin as the matrix. The ratios of 85: 15 and 80: 20 were selected for the ratio between the matrix and reinforcement in the hybrid composite. The ratios of 50: 50 and 60: 40 were selected for the ratio between sugar palm yarn and carbon fiber. The mechanical properties of the composites were characterized according to the flexural test (ASTM D790) and torsion test (ASTM D5279). It was found that the increasing flexural and torsion properties of the non-hybrid composite at fiber loading of 15 wt % were 7.40% and 75.61%, respectively, compared to other fiber loading composites. For hybrid composites, the experimental results reveal that the highest flexural and torsion properties were achieved at the ratio of 85/15 reinforcement and 60/40 for the fiber ratio of hybrid sugar palm yarn/carbon fiber-reinforced composites. The results from this study suggest that the hybrid composite has a better performance regarding both flexural and torsion properties. The different ratio between matrix and reinforcement has a significant effect on the performance of sugar palm composites. It can be concluded that this type of composite can be utilized for beam, construction applications, and automotive components that demand high flexural strength and high torsional forces
Life cycle assessment (LCA) of particleboard: investigation of the environmental parameters
Particleboard is not entirely a wood replacement but a particular material with its properties, making it more effective at different times than heavy or solid wood. The world's biggest concern is environmental problems with formaldehyde as a particulate board binder that can lead to human carcinogenic agents. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of particleboard production was performed using openLCA software. The impact assessment was carried out according to the software's features. This preliminary investigation aims to analyze the chemical composition of particleboard and identify its environmental impact. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) system was used to track the functional group of aliphatic hydrocarbons, inorganic phosphates, and main aliphatic alcohols found in particleboards made in Malaysia. Based on the FTIR results, aliphatic groups were found in numerous aggravates that the spectroscopic infrared was likely to experience. The most important vibrational modes were C-H, at approximately 3000 cm(-1), and -CH deformations around 1460 cm(-1) and 1380 cm(-1). Eight effect groups demonstrated that 100% of the input and all analyses produced the same relative outcome. The life cycle of a product is determined by pollution of the air, water, and soil. Thus, particleboard has a minimal impact on the environment, except for global warming
Thermogravimetric analysis properties of cellulosic natural fiber polymer composites: a review on influence of chemical treatments
Natural fiber such as bamboo fiber, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber, kenaf fiber, and sugar palm fiber-reinforced polymer composites are being increasingly developed for lightweight structures with high specific strength in the automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction industries with significant economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental benefits. The plant-based natural fibers are hydrophilic, which is incompatible with hydrophobic polymer matrices. This leads to a reduction of their interfacial bonding and to the poor thermal stability performance of the resulting fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Based on the literature, the effect of chemical treatment of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites had significantly influenced the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) together with the thermal stability performance of the composite structure. In this review, the effect of chemical treatments used on cellulose natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer composites has been reviewed. From the present review, the TGA data are useful as guidance in determining the purity and composition of the composites’ structures, drying, and the ignition temperatures of materials. Knowing the stability temperatures of compounds based on their weight, changes in the temperature dependence is another factor to consider regarding the effectiveness of chemical treatments for the purpose of synergizing the chemical bonding between the natural fiber with polymer matrix or with the synthetic fibers
Anti-quorum sensing activity of phenolic extract from Eugenia brasiliensis (Brazilian cherry)
Integration of Mahalanobis-Taguchi system and traditional cost accounting for remanufacturing crankshaft
Remanufacturing is a sustainability strategic planning which transforming the end of life product to as new performance with their warranty is same or better than the original product. In order to quantify the advantages of this strategy, all the processes must implement the optimization to reach the ultimate goal and reduce the waste generated. The aim of this work is to evaluate the criticality of parameters on the end of life crankshaft based on Taguchi’s orthogonal array. Then, estimate the cost using traditional cost accounting by considering the critical parameters. By implementing the optimization, the remanufacturer obviously produced lower cost and waste during production with higher potential to gain the profit. Mahalanobis- Taguchi System was proven as a powerful method of optimization that revealed the criticality of parameters. When subjected the method to the MAN engine model, there was 5 out of 6 crankpins were critical which need for grinding process while no changes happened to the Caterpillar engine model. Meanwhile, the cost per unit for MAN engine model was changed from MYR1401.29 to RM1251.29 while for Caterpillar engine model have no changes due to the no changes on criticality of parameters consideration. Therefore, by integrating the optimization and costing through remanufacturing process, a better decision can be achieved after observing the potential profit will be gained. The significant of output demonstrated through promoting sustainability by reducing re-melting process of damaged parts to ensure consistent benefit of return cores
Accuracy of Oral Liquid Measuring Devices Used Among Caregivers at Hospital Dungun
Oral liquid medications are common type of dosage form prescribed to children. Caregiver responsible to choose appropriate measuring device to measure intended dose and minimize dosing error. Objectives of this study were 1) To identify types of measuring devices used at home; 2) To determine dose error deviation across all the measuring devices. This cross-sectional study involved caregivers visiting outpatient pharmacy with oral liquid prescription that fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. The caregivers were instructed to measure 4.8ml and 15.0ml liquid by using suitable devices provided, which were 4 types of syringes and 2 types of dosing cups. The measured liquid was read by investigator and any dose error deviation was calculated and reported as percentages. Data was analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 21. Out of 120 caregivers involved, 60% were female (n=72), aged between 31-40 years old (49.1%, n=59), and employed (62.5%, n=75). 82 caregivers (68.3%) received secondary education level. Most caregivers use standardized measuring devices at home, particularly syringes and dosing cups. For smaller dose, less dose error was detected if using syringe (13.3%) as compared to dosing cup (39.3%); while for larger dose, both syringe and dosing cups are acceptable (11.7% and 7.4% respectively). Syringe shows less dose error as compared to dosing cup for smaller dose. Pharmacist should participate in decision making of choosing right measuring device to improve accuracy of medication administration