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The effect of fibre loadings on the mechanical and thermal properties of sugar palm/waste tyre rubber reinforced polylactic acid hybrid composites via fused deposition modelling
Full text linkSugar palm fiber (SPF) is a renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly resource, while waste tire rubber (WTR) enhances the properties of these composites. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) serves as a promising biobased and biodegradable matrix material for these green composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composite are crucial characteristics in the development of a hybrid composite Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) filament since the printing mechanism of FDM strongly depends on the heating and extrusion process. To enhance interfacial adhesion, WTR and SPF were treated with 6% NaOH and 3% silane, resulting in a composite formulation of 97.5% PLA and 2.5% SPF/WTR. Three different fiber loadings were assessed: 75% SPF:25% WTR, 50% SPF:50% WTR, and 25% SPF:75% WTR. The filaments produced using a twin-screw extruder were utilized to 3D print tensile specimens according to ASTM D638, impact specimens according to ASTM D256 and the test of Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The results indicated that the 75% SPF:25% WTR fiber loading achieved the highest mechanical properties for tensile strength of 37.89 MPa and appropriate that 25%SPF:75%WTR fiber loading achieved the highest mechanical properties for impact strength of 4.3 KJ/m2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis also has been studied. The TGA test displayed similar thermal degradation patterns, suggesting that the ratio of components does not significantly alter the overall thermal stability of the composites. This enhanced performance is attributed to improved interfacial adhesion between the treated fibers and the PLA matrix, along with a uniform distribution of fibers throughout the composite. These findings suggest that sugar palm and waste tire rubber hybrid composites are viable, high-performance alternatives for the filament extrusion and printability of hybrid composite filaments
Accurate skin lesion segmentation through feature fusion in dermoscopy images
Full text linkIn the diagnosis of skin cancer, dermoscopy images have to be evaluated for feature extraction. In this paper, the authors design a new method to enhance the skin dermoscopy image segmentation accuracy by eliminating artifacts and hair using photometric quasi-invariants, followed by a unique approach for skin lesion segmentation using histogram-based feature fusion. Histogram features are used to extract data range and mean images from the histogram, and these are fused with the free artifacts and hair image to generate the final image. the authors used the PH2 dataset for the proposed segmentation method because it contains the ground truth for each image. In contrast, tray to use the Skin_Hair dataset, which includes artificial hair generated with its corresponding ground truth. On the other hand, some PH2 dataset images have hair artifacts that the proposed pre-processing method can remove. According to the experimental results, our method outperforms existing methods in three aspects: accuracy, efficiency, and robustness, measured by Accuracy (Acc), Precision (Pre), Sensitivity (Sen), Specificity (Spe), Jaccard Index (JI), and Dice (D). Our proposed method achieved an average Acc 96.14, Pre 93.87, Sen 94.49, Spe 95.99, JI 88.19, and D 94.21. Furthermore, the Spe increases to 95.99%, up by about +3.2% over top performing methods. In the meanwhile, JI is brought to 88.19%, which increases by about 1.5%; D takes over and goes up to value of 94.21%. These findings suggest that our methodology can provide a more effective and accurate way of detecting skin cancer
Enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency through advanced model identification using differential evolutionary mutation fennec fox algorithm
Full text linkFuel cells (FCs) are increasingly attracting attention for their efficient conversion of chemical energy into electricity without the need for combustion. Their high efficiency and versatility make them a promising technology across various applications. Researchers are actively exploring ways to optimize FC systems to meet specific energy needs. Among the different types of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) stand out as a promising clean energy technology that generates electricity through electrochemical reactions. However, accurately modeling SOFCs, which is essential for reducing design costs, presents a challenge due to their complex and nonlinear characteristics. An ideal model should be adaptable to varying operating pressures and temperatures. This research introduces a novel approach for optimal SOFC model identification using a differential evolutionary mutation Fennec fox algorithm (DEMFFA). A real-world case study demonstrates the superior effectiveness of DEMFFA compared to existing methods. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis evaluates the influence of temperature and pressure on the model, with results indicating that the proposed method achieves higher efficiency than other approaches. The sum of the square error of the proposed algorithm is 1.18E-11 followed by the parent algorithm, Fennec fox algorithm (FFA) (1.24E-09), and some of the compared algorithms. The computational time of the proposed algorithm is 1.001 s, followed by the parent algorithm FFA (1.199 s) and some of the compared algorithms. DEMFFA offers significant potential, enhancing renewable energy, minimizing SOFC's environmental impact, and improving real-world applications like distributed power generation and hydrogen integration
A comparative analysis of drilling process parameters for small and large holes in jute reinforced polyester composites using Box-Behnken design
Full text linkThe present work evaluates how selected levels of the drilling parameters contribute to the delamination in drilling natural fibre-reinforced composites, specifically small and large holes. The jute/ unsaturated polyester composites were fabricated through a combination of vacuum bagging and hot compression moulding using 40 vol. % woven jute fabric. The primary effects and interactions on delamination due to feed rate (20 – 100 mm/min), spindle speed (500 – 1500rpm) and drill tool diameter (small bits of 4 – 8 mm and large bits of 20 – 30 mm) were organized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box Behnken design. The optimal drilling parameters for the smallest delamination factor at feed rate of 60.00 mm/min, spindle speed (1000.00 rpm) and drill diameter (6.00 mm). For the larger hole, the delamination factor is at the lowest when using a feed rate of 30.00 mm/min, spindle speed of 700.00rpm and drill diameter of 20.00 mm. The outcomes revealed that the feed rate and spindle speed are the most critical factors in the delamination of jute/ unsaturated polyester composite during the drilling process
Integrating GIS into traffic incident management: A web-based system
Full text linkThe increasing frequency and severity of road accidents in Malaysia, driven by a significant disparity between vehicle growth and infrastructure capacity, present a pressing need for advanced traffic management solutions. This study details the design, development, and evaluation of a Web-GIS Traffic Incident Management System (WGTIMS), an integrated platform designed to enhance incident reporting, spatial visualization, and multi-stakeholder coordination. The system was constructed using a structured methodology of planning, design, development, and implementation, with deliberate integrations for performance and security. Built on an open-source stack (PHP, MySQL, Leaflet.js), WGTIMS employs a role-based architecture to serve administrators, police officers, and public users. A rigorous evaluation strategy was employed, combining black-box testing with preliminary user feedback. The technical testing demonstrated that the system successfully met all specified functional requirements, with test cases for critical workflows—including user authentication, incident reporting, and spatial data visualization, yielding the expected outcomes and robust error handling. User sessions indicated that the interface was intuitive and the GIS visualization was particularly effective for situational awareness. These findings confirm that WGTIMS is a viable and robust platform for improving response times and analytical decision-making in traffic incident management. Future work will focus on large-scale field deployment, cloud integration, and incorporating AI models for predictive analytics to further elevate its operational impact
Low-cost satellite receiver system using RTL-SDR technology for weather monitoring
Full text linkThis paper presents the development of a low-cost satellite receiver system using RTL-SDR technology for capturing NOAA weather satellite signals. The system integrates a cross-dipole antenna and a Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) to enhance signal reception in the 137-138 MHz frequency range. Software components include SDR# for signal processing and WXtoImg for image generation from Automatic Picture Transmission (APT) signals. Results demonstrate effective signal reception with high Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR) and wide antenna coverage, enabling real-time imaging of weather phenomena. The system demonstrates potential applications in meteorology, disaster management, and climate research, offering accessible tools for real-time weather monitoring and analysis. By addressing the barriers of cost and accessibility, it serves as a model for
expanding weather-monitoring capabilities, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure. Future improvements aim to optimize antenna design and software capabilities for broader deployment in remote and underserved areas
Micro-entrepreneurs strategies to revitalise firm performance amid economic uncertainty
Full text linkMicro and small enterprises in the entrepreneurial sector are essential to the process of economic growth in both developed and developing nations. However, microenterprise is more vulnerable to the current economic climate and uncertainties because they are young and have fewer liabilities. From 2017 to 2021, micro entrepreneurs in Malaysia faced various challenges due to economic uncertainty which were political uncertainty, trade policy uncertainty, exchange rate uncertainty, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They should be
able to adapt and implement effective strategies to be better positioned to succeed and grow their businesses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the micro entrepreneur strategies to revitalise business performance in the face of economic uncertainty. The key micro entrepreneur strategies chosen for this study include supply chain management, cash flow management, digital marketing, diversification, and risk management. 5 micro entrepreneurs have been interviewed to get the results. By using MAXQDA software, the researcher can identify the relationship between micro entrepreneur strategies and business performance. In this study, will use a descriptive research design and a qualitative methodology. The research strategy for the study is through the interview. Based on the MAXQDA result, Respondent A, B, D, and E has utilised all five key micro entrepreneur strategies which are supply chain management, cash flow management, digital marketing, diversification, and risk management to revitalise their business performance in the face of economic uncertainty. According to the data analysis, all the variables are significant towards business performance, and the result is that supply chain management, cash flow management, and diversification are the most influencing strategies that influence business performance. However, Respondent C has utilised three key micro entrepreneur strategies which are supply chain management, cash flow management, and diversification to revitalise their business performance in the face of economic uncertainty. Given this, government and micro entrepreneurs recommend considering all five key micro entrepreneur strategies for promoting a culture of
innovation and resilience within the small business community and for nurturing a culture of continuous
improvement and adaptation for their business
Design and optimization of a linear fiber-reinforced soft actuator for improved linear motion performance
Full text linkThe demand for safe and flexible actuators has increased as traditional actuators pose safety risks due to their rigid materials, especially in applications requiring human-machine interaction. This study focuses on designing and optimizing a linear fiber-reinforced soft actuator to enhance linear motion performance while maintaining safety and flexibility. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was used to evaluate the effects of varying key design parameters, including core radius, actuator length, and core wall thickness. The analysis revealed that increasing the core radius leads to greater linear extension, while increasing the actuator’s length and wall thickness reduces extension. Among the tested designs, the R10 design exhibited the highest linear extension, with a 44.41% increase in length compared to the original design. However, the R10 design also showed undesirable bulging at the free end under pressure, which necessitated further optimization. By increasing the thickness of the sheath wall, the bulging was reduced, and the optimized design achieved a 34.53% increase in extension. This study highlights the significance of parameter optimization in fiber-reinforced soft actuators to achieve superior linear motion performance. Future work will explore further improvements in structural stability, sensor integration for precise control, and advanced fabrication techniques for better customization and durability
Q-switched erbium-doped fibre laser via sub-micron nickel particles saturable absorber
No full textWe demonstrate a sandwich-type saturable absorber (SA) configuration of sub-micron nickel (Ni) particles aimed at generating Q-switched pulses in an erbium-doped fibre laser. The Ni-SA was fabricated by depositing the Ni materials in between two fibre ferrules with 2.38% modulation depth and 225 MW/cm2 saturation intensity. The integration of the Ni-SA in a ring cavity laser generated Q-switched pulses at around 1559 nm lasing wavelength. The pulse operation regime was obtained within 70–250 mW pump power, in which the pulse width and repetition rate were tuneable from 13.98 to 5.12 µs and 25.74 to 55.72 kHz, respectively. Meanwhile, the maximum achievable output power and pulse energy at 250 mW were up to 5.55 mW and 99.71 nJ, respectively. This work unlocks new possibilities of generating high energy microsecond pulses for valuable applications in the near future
Enhancing manufacturing efficiency: A case study on automotive assembly line balancing techniques for improving production capacity
Full text linkThe automotive Assembly Line Balancing Problem (ALBP) is a classic NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem. The ALBP is the process of maximizing the distribution of jobs or workstations in an automotive Assembly Line (AL) in the automotive industry to reduce idle time for employees and equipment and guarantee that the output of production meets demand while keeping the required quality level. The objective of this study is to identify the cause of the unbalanced AL, apply the ALB technique to increase the capacity of the current AL, and eventually propose improvements that should be made to the current assembly by allocating the necessary number of workers in the AL and figuring out the appropriate processing time for the various processes. This study categorizes objectives into identification, data collection and analysis, and method of improvement. A literature review serves as a reference for the study, drawing on validated sources in the field. The collected data were then analysed to propose an improvement method by conducting a time study methodology in ALB and determining the optimum number of workstations in the AL. A significant finding from this research is the effect of implementing ALB in AL, such as standard time, process flow, and optimum number of workstations in the assembly process. The outcome of this study will be presented to automotive manufacturing companies. This study improves the productivity of AL and improves the working conditions by assigning optimal task distribution in the workstation. The outcomes provide practical insights for professionals to optimize production capacity, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge