Strength Investigation of Thick Welded T-Joint using Finite Element Modelling

The paper discusses the computation of finite element modelling (FEM) of a thick welded joint as a high load transfer joint. The FEM utilises MSC PATRAN/NASTRAN software programs to predict and simulate the critical area of a welded joint. The elasticity limit for the specimen was determined and stress distribution was achieved in the joint to indicate critical parts of a welded T-joint and predict the critical locations for crack initiation in this kind of joint. Simulation and experimental results show good in agreement and the sources of some differences in these results are discussed.Defence Science Journal, 2010, 60(1), pp.112-118, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.60.11

Liberalizing the Malaysian Stock Market

This paper tries to examine the effect of the volatility that might arises as a result of capital flows according to market opening prior to December 1985 Malaysia case. There-fore, many economists and policy makers concern about the risks associated with the open-ing and globalizing of the markets. Our findings show that stock return becomes less volatile, implying lower return offered to the investors. On the other hand, we proved that globaliza-tion do not reveal any risk to the inflation rate. In contrast, currency return becomes riskier after globalization. Ultimately, we conclude that integrated or liberalized capital flows will affect national policy in stabilizing the domestic economics.JEL Classifications: C22, G12, G18.Keywords: Liberalization, capital market, volatility, Univariate Grach-M

Tremor suppression for 4-DOFs biodynamic hand model using genetic algorithm

A person who has severe hand tremor will have difficulty in doing specific tasks such as eating, combing or holding any objects. Currently, there is no medication that can cure the tremor. Thus, this study proposes the active tremor control, in which an intelligent controller is applied to suppress the hand tremor. The main objective is to optimise the proportional-integral (PI) controller using genetic algorithm (GA). A linear voice coil actuator (LVCA) is applied onto a four degree of freedom (4-DOF) human hand model represented in state space. The findings of the study demonstrate that the PI controller optimised by GA gives excellent performance in reducing the tremor error. Based on the frequency evaluation, the PI controller performance was roughly around 84% in reducing the peak of simulated hand tremor. The outcomes provide an important contribution towards achieving novel methods in suppressing hand tremor model by means of intelligent control

EFFECT OF PANDANUS AMARYLLIFOLIUS FIBRE ON PHYSIO-MECHANICAL, THERMAL AND BIODEGRADABILITY OF THERMOPLASTIC CASSAVA STARCH/BEESWAX COMPOSITES

Pandanus amaryllifolius fbre (PAF) is an agricultural waste plant derived from the natural cellulosic source of fbre that can be used in various bio-material applications. In the present study, a novel biodegradable thermoplastic cassava starch/beeswax blends reinforced with Pandanus amaryllifolius fbre (TCPS/BW/PAF) bio-composites were successfully developed at varied Pandanus amaryllifolius fbre concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 wt% while beeswax loading was remained constant at 2.5 wt% concentration using hot moulding compression method. A comprehensive characterisation of TCPS/ BW/PAF bio-composites was examined in terms of their physical, mechanical, thermal and biodegradation properties. The addition of Pandanus amaryllifolius fbre has signifcantly improved tensile strength and tensile modulus at maximum value obtained 10.9 and 606.5 MPa, respectively as well as fexural strength and fexural modulus of bio-composite at maximum value obtained 21.37 and 523.76 MPa, respectively until 50 wt% Pandanus amaryllifolius fbre loading. Surface morphology of the fractured tensile samples PAF10 to PAF50 shows compacted structure and fbre breakage, indicating efective stress transfer from starch matrix to PAF during tensile force application. Furthermore, the addition of Pandanus amaryllifolius fbre improved thermal stability from TG, DTG and DSC results; improved crystallinity from XRD analysis; reduced water and moisture afnity from physical properties testing, and lowered the biodegradation rate. Overall, this study shows the potential of TCPS/BW/PAF bio-composites in biopolymer application and bio-packaging industries

Trust on awqaf institutions: evidence from Malaysia

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the relationship between integrity, reputation, trust on awqaf institution and intention to endow cash waqf. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative research using survey questionnaire was conducted. A total of 377 completed survey questionnaires were received and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings: Findings show that integrity and reputation of awqaf institutions have direct impact on endowers’ trust on awqaf institution, which consequently lead to endowers’ intention to endow cash waqf. Originality/value: This study provides practical information on how awqaf institutions could develop endowers’ trust on awqaf institutions, which will consequently increase the intention of endowers to endow cash waqf