Comparison between Taguchi Method and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in modelling CO2 laser machining

The applications of Taguchi method and RSM to modelling the laser parameters when machining industrial PVC foams is presented. The influence of cutting speed, laser power, frequency, duty cycle, and gas pressure on kerf width has been considered in this investigation according to Taguchi method using a standard orthogonal array L27 and RSM using a central composite design. Taguchi technique as well as 3D surface plot of RSM revealed that the cutting speed is the most significant factor in minimizing kerf width followed by laser power and etc. A predictive mathematical model was then developed through a regression analysis in both analytical tools to study the response. Though both the techniques predicted near values of average error, the RSM technique seems to be more promising in predicting the response via mathematical modelling over the Taguchi technique

AHP based decision-making in concept selection of keyless grill locking system

Selection of appropriate unique keyless grill locking system concept which complies with customer and technical requirements is one of the complicated decision making problem. In order to solve this problem, an idea selection based on the application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is developed. This technique breaks down the multi-criteria into several levels and computes them using pairwise comparison matrices. The concepts of unique keyless grill locking system were evaluated using four main criteria: cost, quality, performance, and manufacturability. The results of the study indicate that the optimum concept is selected based on the highest score achieved from the overall ranking of each alternative concept

AHP based decision-making in concept selection of keyless grill locking system

Selection of appropriate unique keyless grill locking system concept which complies with customer and technical requirements is one of the complicated decision making problem. In order to solve this problem, an idea selection based on the application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is developed. This technique breaks down the multi-criteria into several levels and computes them using pairwise comparison matrices. The concepts of unique keyless grill locking system were evaluated using four main criteria: cost, quality, performance, and manufacturability. The results of the study indicate that the optimum concept is selected based on the highest score achieved from the overall ranking of each alternative concept

Undergraduates’ interest towards learning genetics concepts through integrated stemproblem based learning approach

Scientific and innovative society can be produced by giving priorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as emphasized by Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (2015-2025). STEM need to be implemented at higher education because universities need to produce competent graduates to support economy growth and sustainable development. Learning STEM through Problem Based Learning might allow the undergraduates to become more enthusiastic when problem-based instruction is incorporated with STEM by implementing teamwork and problem-solving techniques to engage the first-year undergraduates fully with the learning. This study was conducted to investigate whether Integrated STEM Problem Based Learning module could enhance and retain the interest towards genetics concepts among first-year undergraduates. Topics in genetics was considered difficult not only to teach but also to learn. In this research, to overcome the genetic concepts learning difficulties, genetic related topics were chosen to introduce STEM through problem-based learning approach, which might help first-year undergraduates to acquire deep genetic content knowledge. This is very vital for the first-year undergraduates, as the knowledge gained in their first semester will be applied in the upcoming courses in their entire undergraduates’ programs of study. A Pre-Experimental research design with one group-posttest design was applied. A total of 50 participants who are first-year undergraduates from Faculty of Biology from one of the public universities in Malaysia were involved. The Genetics Interest Questionnaire used to study if the STEM Problem Based Learning module could enhance and retain the interest towards genetics concepts. The research has proven that Integrated STEM through problem-based learning approach could enhance and retains the interest in learning genetics concepts among first-year undergraduates

Pencirian keberintangan geo-elektrik dan potensi aquifer Formasi Ganduman di Semenanjung Dent, Lahad Datu, Sabah

Kajian keberintangan geo-elektrik telah dijalankan di kawasan batuan Formasi Ganduman yang merupakan sebahagian daripada batuan sedimen Kumpulan Dent di kawasan Semenanjung Dent, Lahad Datu, Sabah. Sebanyak 27 stesen keberintangan duga dalam (Vertical Electrical Sounding, VES) dengan menggunakan tatarajah Sclumberger telah di ukur bagi menentukan perlapisan bahan bumi dan potensi akuifer formasi ini. Teknik duga dalam melibatkan dua elektrod bagi mengukur potensi (P1 dan P2) dan dua elektrod bagi mengukur arus (C1 dan C2) yang disusun secara linear dengan jarak maksimum elektrod arus adalah 500m dan anggaran kedalaman penembusan sekitar 100m. Hasil survei VES menunjukkan, Formasi Ganduman mempunyai dua corak lengkung keberintangan geo-elektrik yang dominan terdiri daripada lengkung keberintangan jenis HK dan jenis H. Kesemua data anggaran keberintangan ini kemudiannya diproses dengan menggunakan perisian PROGRESS 3.0 bagi menghasilkan log keberintangan menegak dengan ketebalan lapisan untuk setiap stesen survei. Hasil analisis menunjukkan lapisan dominasi dan lapisan dominasi lempung menjadi bahan asas pembentukan Formasi Ganduman. Formasi ini ditafsirkan sebagai selang lapis pasir dan lempung daripada bahagian atas sehingga bawah lapisan dengan pembentukan kekanta batu kapur pada kedalaman tertentu. Zon dominasi pasir dan lempung ini mampu membentuk akuifer terkekang atau semi terkekang dalam Formasi Ganduman

Preliminary study of CFRP manufacturing offcuts with secondary resin impregnation via hand lay up

Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have been extensively used because of their excellent performance and lightweight. Due to its widespread use, manufacturing scrap and end-of-life prepregs is constantly generated. Investigation into the potential of CFRP reclamation by second impregnation process via hand lay-up was performed. Focusing on the effects of number of layers (2, 4, 6 and 8 layers), to the physical and mechanical properties of laminated secondary impregnated Carbon Fibre Prepreg Epoxy (i-CFPE) composites. It was then compared with laminated Carbon Fibre Prepreg composites without second impregnation (w-CFP). Samples were tested under tension, flexural and impact. Mechanical properties of i-CFPE increased with the increase of laminates layer in the composites. Furthermore, i-CFPE laminated composites showed better performances if compared to the w-CFP

Viewing mathematics teachers’ professional identity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Lens of Social Theory of Learning and Gender Schema Theory

The purpose of the study is to explore the profile of the professional identity of Mathematics teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the influence of Social Theory of Learning and Gender Schema Theory. The descriptive approach is used in this study. The sample size of this study is 600 secondary Mathematics teachers. This study used an adapted version of the questionnaire designed by Albaqi'i (2014) to profile the Mathematics Teachers' Professional Identity (TPI) of the participants. The findings of the study showed that there is no significant difference of Mathematics TPI in gender wise, but there is significant differences of Mathematics TPI based on teaching experiences and qualifications among the Mathematics teachers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The finding of the profile analysis gives some implications to understand how TPI is evolved among Mathematics teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the influences of teaching experience and professional development, which represent by their qualifications. The findings also informed that male and female Mathematics teachers did not perceive their professional identity differently, which suggest that Saudi Arabia culture permit equal participation in building their professional identity

Promising Techniques of Automotive Engine Lubrication Oil Monitoring System – A Critical Review towards Enhancement

Engine lubricant plays a significant role in reducing internal friction between the piston and shear of moving mechanical parts to further improve the engine performance and efficiency. Rapid developments of engine oil monitoring systems has taken place to determine the engine lubricant degradation level in reducing unnecessary engine power loss and maintenance cost. This paper critically reviews the invention and an innovation pertaining to the subject before a smart innovation is developed in near future

Teachers’ professional identity measures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the perspective of Rasch Model Framework

This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the professional identity measure of the professional identity of Mathematics teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Professional identity topic has not been widely addressed in the Arab environment. Studying the Mathematics Teachers’ Professional Identity (TPI) is important because only few and inadequate body of research has been performed in the Arab environment. Establishing measuring tool on the TPI contributes on the evaluation of the teachers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their roles in the educational process in the country. This study applies descriptive approach. 600 secondary Mathematics teachers were involved. The adapted version of the questionnaire designed by Albaqi'i (2014) used to measure the Mathematics TPI. Delphi techniques in three rounds to gather experts’ opinion about the suitability of Mathematics TPI questionnaire used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia context. Rasch model as a framework applied to assess the psychometric properties of Mathematic TPI questionnaire. The results are valuable in terms of analyzing the psychometric properties for the first version of Mathematics TPI, to improve Differential Item Functioning (DIF) and the psychometric properties for the revised version of Mathematics TPI Questionnaire