Multi-criteria decision analysis integrated with GIS for radio astronomical observatory site selection in peninsular of Malaysia

No AbstractKeywords: site selection; radio astronomical observatory; multi-criteria decision  analysis; geographical information system; Peninsular of Malaysi

Analysis of Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for chlorophyll prediction in oil palm leaves

Oil palm nutrient content is investigated with using chlorophyll as a representative factor correlated with NIR spectroscopy spectral absorbance. NIR spectroscopy method of sampling have been tested to overcome time consuming, complex chemical analysis procedure and invasive sampling method in order to identify chlorophyll content in an oil palm tree. Spectral absorbance data from range 900 nm to 1700 nm and chlorophyll data, then tested through five pre-processing methods which is Savitzky-Golay Smoothing (SGS), Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC), Single Normal Variation (SNV), First Derivative (1D) and also Second Derivative (2D) using Partial Least Square (PLS) regression prediction model to evaluate the correlation between both data. The overall results show, SGS has the best performance for preprocessing method with the results, the coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.9998 and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.0639. In summary, correlation of NIR spectral absorbance data and chlorophyll can be achieved using a PLS regression model with SGS pre-processing technique. Thus, we can conclude that NIR spectroscopy method can be used to identify chlorophyll content in oil palm with using time saving, simple sampling and non-invasive method

Hybrid Dy-NFIS & RLS equalization for ZCC code in optical-CDMA over multi-mode optical fiber

For long haul coherent optical fiber communication systems, it is significant to precisely monitor the quality of transmission links and optical signals. The channel capacity beyond Shannon limit of Single-mode optical fiber (SMOF) is achieved with the help of Multi-mode optical fiber (MMOF), where the signal is multiplexed in different spatial modes. To increase single-mode transmission capacity and to avoid a foreseen “capacity crunch”, researchers have been motivated to employ MMOF as an alternative. Furthermore, different multiplexing techniques could be applied in MMOF to improve the communication system. One of these techniques is the Optical Code Division Multiple Access (Optical-CDMA), which simplifies and decentralizes network controls to improve spectral efficiency and information security increasing flexibility in bandwidth granularity. This technique also allows synchronous and simultaneous transmission medium to be shared by many users. However, during the propagation of the data over the MMOF based on Optical-CDMA, an inevitable encountered issue is pulse dispersion, nonlinearity and MAI due to mode coupling. Moreover, pulse dispersion, nonlinearity and MAI are significant aspects for the evaluation of the performance of high-speed MMOF communication systems based on Optical-CDMA. This work suggests a hybrid algorithm based on nonlinear algorithm (Dynamic evolving neural fuzzy inference (Dy-NFIS)) and linear algorithm (Recursive least squares (RLS)) equalization for ZCC code in Optical-CDMA over MMOF. Root mean squared error (RMSE), mean squared error (MSE) and Structural Similarity index (SSIM) are used to measure performance results

Waveguide for vortex mode generation in HVAC cloud management communication

Optical modes allow for the transmission of data by propagating light in a singular coherent form along the channel. By constructing a special waveguide structure, a unique mode may be formed in a plane perpendicular to the transmission axis. This paper elucidates on the design of a waveguide to generate unique vortex modes and analyses the properties of the generated modes

Preparation of quantum state (

We reviewed experimental results and publications prepared by the Quantum Laboratory, Mimos Berhad. The complexity of the setups lies mainly in preparing the quantum states. Optics is chosen as the medium of this quantum system. The two methods - fiber based and free space systems are different from each other in terms of experimental setups, components configuration, and selections

Preparation of quantum state (review)

We reviewed experimental results and publications prepared by the Quantum Laboratory, Mimos Berhad. The complexity of the setups lies mainly in preparing the quantum states. Optics is chosen as the medium of this quantum system. The two methods - fiber based and free space systems are different from each other in terms of experimental setups, components configuration, and selections

Analysis of Characteristics Affecting Completion Time for Malaysian Construction Projects

Purpose – Construction projects within Malaysia are plagued by time overruns that can transform what should have been successful projects, into those incurring additional costs, disagreements, litigation and in some cases abandonment. To help better understand this problem, the purpose of this paper is to investigate Malaysian project characteristics in relation to time overruns. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 150 Malaysian quantity-surveying organisations provided data relating to recent projects they have worked on. Project characteristics considered in analysis are new build and refurbishment, public and private sectors, procurement methods used, nature of projects and tendering methods. Findings – Public sector projects were found more prone to overruns than those in the private sector; refurbishment projects experienced better time performance than new build; construction management demonstrated better time performance than design-build or traditional procurement; and infrastructure projects/negotiated tendering, performed better than selective/open tendering, respectively. The study also developed a linear model to predict project duration, based on contract period. Research limitations/implications – The study adds a geographically specific detailed analysis to the extant literature of project performance generally and to that of time overruns more specifically. Practical implications – Findings provide stakeholders with information that may help mitigate the frequency of project delays among construction projects, especially in Malaysia. Originality/value – The analysis and modelling of time overrun in relation to Malaysian project characteristics in this way is novel. Keywords Procurement, Time, Costs, Costing, Cost/benefit analysis, Cost reduction, Private sector, Tendering, Time driver

Factors Influencing Road Infrastructure Damage in Malaysia

Damage to public road transport infrastructure can inhibit its optimal function and contribute to traffic accidents. Damage, therefore, is of concern to both road infrastructure users and owners. This study improves the understanding of damage-contributing factors to Malaysian road infrastructure, to inform optimum maintenance regimes and damage remedial measures. Data from a major survey of public road users are analysed using structural equation modelling. Causal relationships between factors are identified and tested as 12 hypotheses, of which 7 are found to be positive. Vehicle overloading and climatic effects are the major factors, whereas increased traffic volumes contribute to surface wear, other types of physical damage and ultimately accidents. We proffer that stakeholders need to better appreciate the significant contribution played by overloading and climatic effects and (ideally with governmental financial support) derive passive solutions to mitigate them. Alternatively, continued road infrastructure degradation will yield negative socioeconomic effects, in addition to the more direct problems of maintenance, repair and associated costs