International Journal of Integrated Engineering
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Calcined Waste Marsh Clam Shell in Various Combustion Temperatures as Phosphate Removal in Water
Phosphate is one of the major pollutants in water that might cause eutrophication in the receiving bodies of water. Excessive phosphate can stimulate algae blooms and deteriorate the water ecosystem\u27s quality. Many techniques focus on phosphate removal by using biological, physical, or chemical treatments. However, the application of the adsorption mechanism using calcined marsh clam shells (CMCs) has not yet been fully investigated in terms of various calcination temperatures. Hence, the ability of CMCs calcined at different temperatures were investigated to determine their potential to remove phosphate from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent materials were calcined at four different temperatures: 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C. In the batch experiment, 2 g of mass of absorbent in the size range of 1.18–2.36 mm mixed with 100 mL of solution. The physical and chemical properties of adsorbents were characterised to determine the surface morphology, functional groups, and elemental composition. The calcination temperature of 600 °C resulted the most effective adsorbent for phosphate removal (99.53%). Kinetic (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) and isotherm (Freundlich and Langmuir) models were applied to identify the adsorption mechanisms. The data fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that the process is a chemical sorption process. The Freundlich isotherm model described the phosphate adsorption onto CMCs well, which indicates multilayer adsorption of phosphate on the CMCs surface layer. Overall, applying the different types of CMCs can enhance phosphate removal due to the capability of adsorption on surface materials and advanced understanding of the data verified using kinetic and isotherm models
Optimization of Cone Lifter Components in C2L Machine for Highway Concession Operation Using TRIZ Method
This study aims to enhance cone laying and picking (C2L) machines used in highway concession operations through the application of TRIZ methodology. The study identified engineering contradictions within the C2L machine and proposed solutions to address them systematically. TRIZ tools were utilized to identify areas for improvement in the assembly and disassembly processes of cone lifters, leading to the redesign and fabrication of C2L machines. Testing of C2L machines demonstrated the effectiveness of the new design in handling cone lifters. Results showed that by increasing the weight capacity and gripping force of the cone lifter improved lifting efficiency and reduced cone slippage. However, it also introduced challenges such as stress on structural components and potential cone deformation. Through the TRIZ methodology, these contradictions were addressed, leading to a redesigned cone lifter with improved durability and performance. TRIZ tools, including the Function Analysis Model, were employed to attribute functions to each component of the C2L system. Additionally, a framework for assessing C2L machine effectiveness in highway concession operations was proposed. The redesign and fabrication of C2L machines, along with various tests demonstrated the success of the new design in handling cone lifters. The findings highlight the importance of TRIZ methodology as a valuable tool for resolving technical contradictions and optimizing C2L machine designs, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable future in transportation infrastructure management
Characterization of Weathered and Intact Limestone with FTIR Analysis in Batu Caves, Malaysia
This paper explores the complex geological processes involved in the weathering of limestone in Batu Cave, Malaysia. Batu Cave is well-known for its formations that hold cultural and geological importance. Limestone, consisting mostly of calcium carbonate, experiences weathering processes that are impacted by environmental conditions, necessitating a thorough investigation. The study used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to thoroughly analyse six limestone samples from Batu Cave. The FTIR analysis provides essential information on the mineral composition of limestone. Three key objectives guided our investigation: i) to discern the physical properties of both intact and weathered limestone, ii) to scrutinize the wave spectrum through FTIR analysis, and iii) to elucidate the intricate relationship between physical and chemical properties during the weathering process. The FTIR findings provide significant insights into the mineral compositions of weathered limestone in Batu Cave. Within the cave, feldspar, calcite, and dolomite were identified, while beyond the cave\u27s confines, distinct peaks indicated the presence of calcite, dolomite, clay minerals, and magnesium-rich chlorite. Noteworthy peaks at 3440.51 cm⁻¹ and 3746.26 cm⁻¹ confirmed the existence of clay minerals and chlorite, enriching our understanding of geological changes resulting from weathering. Overall, the FTIR analysis improves our understanding of Batu Cave\u27s geological past by revealing the intricate connections between limestone and environmental elements. The results highlight the susceptibility of limestone formations to weathering. The ramifications transcend mere scientific curiosity, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive conservation endeavours aimed at safeguarding this emblematic natural and cultural legacy for posterity
Noise Modeling and Removal from Electrocardiogram Signals: A Study Using Wavelet Transform with Graphical User Interface
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the recording of the electrical potential of the heart versus time. The analysis of ECG signals has been widely used in cardiac pathology to detect heart disease. The ECGs are non-stationary signals which are often contaminated by different types of noises from different sources. In this study, simulated noise models were proposed for the power-line interference (PLI), electromyogram (EMG) noise, base line wander (BW), white Gaussian noise (WGN) and composite noise. For suppressing noises and extracting the efficient morphology of an ECG signal, various processing techniques have been recently proposed. In this paper, wavelet transform (WT) is performed for noisy ECG signals. The graphical user interface (GUI) system is developed for visual representation and adaptive enhancement on noise modeling in ECG-based signal processing. Percentage root mean square difference () was measured between the modeled noisy signals and the samples of the original ECG. Moreover, cross correlation and root mean square error () were performed between the noisy EEG signals and the denoised ones which resulted from WT denoising technique initially to evaluate the effectiveness of the WT denoising technique. The results show that the WT was successfully removed different types of proposed models of noises. This study will help medical doctors, clinicians, physicians, and technicians to eliminate different types of noise. Moreover, the project could be crucial for the process of automatic diagnosis of different heart diseases
Power Harassment Judgement Method Based on Emotion Analysis Using Natural Language Processing
In recent years, the number of Power Harassment cases in Japan has been increasing. Power Harassment is defined as behavior that meets all three of the following criteria: first, it is behavior that is based on a superior relationship; second, it is behavior that is unnecessary and beyond the reasonable scope of work; and third, it is behavior that is detrimental to the work environment. The purpose of this study is to notify the perpetrator when the possibility of Power Harassment is judged to be high based on the conversational voice. As a preliminary step toward this goal, we experimented to determine whether the target text constitutes Power Harassment or not using emotion analysis by natural language processing. The system for sentiment analysis in Japanese was built based on Mecab and CaboCha. The polarity dictionary required for the sentiment analysis was created using the FastText natural language processing model based on text data from past cases of Power Harassment. As a result, a discrimination rate of about 84% was obtained. This is a better result than previous studies. If this system is put into practical use, it could reduce Power Harassment, which has become a social problem in Japa
AC Breakdown Performance of Organic Transformer Oil using Different Nano Oxide Fillers of ZnO, NiO and α-Fe2O3
The AC breakdown performance of traditional insulating oils in transformers is often inadequate, leading to operational inefficiencies and environmental concerns. There is a growing need for alternatives that enhance transformer performance while being environmentally sustainable. This paper investigates the AC breakdown performance of organic transformer oil, specifically using vegetable oil, mixed with Iron Oxide Hematite (α-Fe2O3), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), and Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs are incorporated into the organic transformer oil to form Nano Fluids (NFs). The study examines the effect of NPs with different concentrations on the AC breakdown voltage (AC-BDV) of organic transformer oil. The One Minute Power Frequency Test is employed to test the AC-BDV, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterizes the structural properties of the NPs. The results indicate that NFs containing 6g of (α-Fe2O3) NPs and 6g of (ZnO) NPs exhibit the most significant improvement in AC-BDV, showing enhancements of approximately 49.86% and 40.17%, respectively. Furthermore, NFs based on (α-Fe2O3) with a concentration of 0.01g/ml outperform other NPs, demonstrating an average breakdown voltage of 13.525 kV. Consequently, the experimental analysis concludes that (α-Fe2O3) based NFs offer effective electrical insulation, serving as a potential substitute for mineral oil in transformers. This innovation not only improves transformer performance but also aligns with environmental concerns, particularly the shift from mineral oil to biodegradable options like organic transformer oil. Different types of nanoparticles and their concentrations directly impact the AC breakdown voltage, underscoring the potential of nanoparticle-infused organic transformer oil in transforming traditional insulating systems
Numerical Optimization of Plasmonic CuO-Based Semi-Transparent Thin Film Solar Cell Device via L9 Taguchi Orthogonal Array Method and ANOVA
The future of smart cities and energy-efficient infrastructures are very much dependent on photovoltaic materials that are sustainable, functional and affordable. In this context, copper oxide (CuO)-based solar cells provide the advantages of energy harvesting coupled with semi-transparent light transmission. In this work, a p-CuO thin film layer was used together with n-doped zinc oxide (ZnO), Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) and indium tin oxide (ITO) to form a semi-transparent thin film solar cell (STFSC) model developed using SCAPS-1D and optimized using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Optimized parameters for the CuO absorber and ZnO window/buffer layers were obtained for the best values for doping variation level and layer thickness. With the optimized design parameters, the performance of the STFSC device was improved in terms of the open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Jsc), fill factor (FF) and efficiency (ƞ). Furthermore, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the STFSC device with and without CuO plasmonic nanoparticles correspond to 10.27 % and 15.57 % respectively. The increased light absorption was due to the effect of the larger surface area of the CuO plasmonic nanoparticles in the p-CuO absorber layer which increased light absorption and subsequently increasing the photocurrent
Performance Enhancement of Microgrid Using Fuzzy Controller Based Reconfigurable Inverter for Solar-wind Hybrid System
This paper mainly concentrates on the new converter topology used for a solar hybrid energy generation for the Micro-Grid system. The Z source inverter is implemented for low distortion and low conductive losses. The reduced number components and switches are one of the main features of this circuit configuration. MATLAB simulink Simulation is performed for the new converter topology with and without fuzzy controller. This paper details to maximize the energy storage capacity with improved power quality. A single-phase inverter which is reconfigurable for a hybrid AC / DC powered grid is considered and the newly introduced single stage inverter converts the power from DC to DC and DC to AC. This inverter circuit has an advantage of reduced costs, size and losses. Using fuzzy logic based controller, the proposed inverter circuit is controlled to obtain crisp output values, thus reducing the harmonic profile by producing constant grid voltage and grid current. The inverter circuit has an impedance circuit which is not available in conventional circuits. The entire system is modelled in the MATLAB/Simulink software and the effectiveness of the system are analysed through the simulation results. The output voltage is increased with minimum sophistication using a fuzzy controller
Mycelium Bio-composites for Civil Infrastructure in Indonesia
Bio-composite is a composite produced from plants containing lignocellulose whose formation is assisted by fungal mycelium. This study aims to determine the proper method and composition to produce bio-composite that has structural strength for civil engineering buildings. The type of fungus used to produce mycelium is a white oyster mushroom which will be mixed in growing medium (substrate) containing lignocellulose and is commonly found in Indonesia as waste, namely: 1) sawdust; 2) rice husk; and 3) bagasse. The results of this study showed that bio-composite sawdust with white oyster mushroom mycelium at a composition of 7:9 which was printed using plastic at room temperature for 30 days and air-dried for two weeks could produce bio-composite with a compressive strength of 31.91 MPa, which is close to the compressive strength of paving blocks in general. This shows that the bio-composite sawdust in Indonesia has the potential to have structural strength
Effect of Current Stressing on Mixed Solder Joint Resistance and Temperature
This paper aims to investigate the impact of current stress on the electrical performance of mixed solder joints made of SnPb with SnCu and SnPb with SAC305. This information is currently missing and requires further research. The resistance of current-stressed pin-through-hole (PTH) solder joints, namely SnPb, SnCu, SAC305, and mixed solder joints of SnPb/SnCu and SnPb/SAC305, was measured using a micro-Ohm meter based on the Kelvin method. Temperature measurements were conducted by attaching two thermocouple probes to the solder joints. A microstructure examination was performed on the cross-section sample of PTH solder joints and further analyzed using open-source image processing software, ImageJ. It is noteworthy that fully mixing leaded and lead-free solder can reduce the variation of resistance during the application of current. The resistances of SnCu solder joints vary more compared to those of SAC305 joints with increasing applied current. Resistance variation of the SnPb/SnCu mixed solder joint is more dominant towards the SnPb solder joint trend, whereas SnPb/ SAC305 mixed solder joint is more dominant towards the SAC305 solder joint trend. The findings obtained from the ImageJ software analysis can be utilized to examine the evolution of microstructure and its correlation with the electrical properties of mixed solder joints