International Journal of Integrated Engineering
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Hemp as A Sustainable Carbon Negative Plant: A Review of Its Properties, Applications, Challenges and Future Directions
Hemp is a versatile plant from the Cannabis sativa species, that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to contribute to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. Hemp has the remarkable ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide not just during its growth phase, but also during its application and thus has the potential to be carbon negative. With the alarming global increase in carbon emissions and its implications, the cultivation and application of hemp can be a valuable tool in mitigating climate change. Although hemp is a versatile plant with many countries like Canada and China leading the way in its cultivation, it still faces challenges in Australia in terms of its acceptance, cultivation and widespread application. Much more needs to be done in terms of gaining a better understanding of the potential of hemp, growth opportunities, future prospects and challenges in further developing the industry. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of hemp\u27s properties, applications, challenges, and future directions in the context of its role as a sustainable carbon-negative plant. The review begins by exploring the unique properties of hemp that make it an ideal candidate for carbon sequestration. The review also examines the diverse range of applications for hemp across multiple industries, ranging from construction materials, paper and packaging to biofuels and edible oil. The review has also identified several challenges and barriers to hemp\u27s widespread adoption as a sustainable carbon-negative plan
Review on Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Algorithm for Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) for Ground Disturbance Detection
Fiber break because of third-party intrusion has become one of the challenges in maintaining the fiber-based communication link, especially those buried underground. Hence, we investigate the feasibility of using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system to sense possible surrounding activities that might cause fiber break. This paper reviews the current digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm used in the DAS system designed to detect ground disturbance, highlighting the specific design parameters for each technique. These parameters include identification rate, classification accuracy, detection accuracy, training time, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The algorithms used are near-field beamforming, phased-array beamforming, image edge detection, gaussian mixture model (GMM), gaussian mixture model - hidden Markov model (GMM-HMM), faster region-based convolutional neural networks (R-CNN), transfer learning, dual-stage recognition network, group convolutional neural network (100G-CNN), and support vector machine (SVM). By reviewing the existing techniques used in the DAS system for ground disturbance detection, we can determine the best DSP algorithm that should be implemented for fiber break prevention, enabling us to design a DAS system specifically for it in the near future
Crashworthiness Performance of Circular Hybrid Crash Box with Friction Model Due to Axial Load
In the previous study, hybrid crash box combines low-density and high-strength of composite materials with aluminium materials had been developed. In this study, circular hybrid crash box with friction model is investigated. Crash box design is modelled by using computer simulation with ANSYS Workbench. Composite Carbon Toray T300 – Epoxy Resin (CCE) and metal Aluminium Alloy 6063 (AA6063) is used as hybrid crash box material. Axial loading with a speed of 10 m/s is applied to circular hybrid crash box model by using impactor with mass of 100 kg. The orientation angle of composite lay-up and hybrid material configuration with two models of friction was running as 16 models. Energy absorption and deformation pattern were observed to determine crashworthiness performance. Based on the results, it can be denoted that the Al-Ko45 with friction model of 0,68 shows largest energy absorption of 7,53 kJ with specific energy absorption of 32,552 kJ/kg. The deformation pattern produces mixed mode with progressive crushing folding that can enhance energy absorptio
Redesigning the Omnibus SPRT Control Chart for Simultaneous Monitoring of the Mean and Dispersion of Weibull Processes
Quality control charts play an important role in distinguishing between abnormal variations and normal variations of a manufacturing process. Generally, unusual variations in a process may arise due to a change in its mean or dispersion, or a simultaneous change in both parameters. In recent literature, the omnibus sequential probability ratio test (OSPRT) control chart has been proven effective for detecting joint shifts in both the process mean and variability. However, one limitation of the proposed scheme lies in its absolute dependence on the validity of the normality assumption, which may not apply to many quality data, such as machine failure times, the strength of plant fibres, etc. In this research, we critically analyze the performances of the OSPRT chart designed for the Normal distribution, in the case where quality data follow the well-known Weibull distribution. Our findings reveal that the in-control average run length and standard deviation of the run length of the OSPRT chart are significantly compromised due to the positive skewness of the Weibull distribution. As a means of tackling the problem, the skewness correction design has been proposed to correct the control limits of the OSPRT chart. The corrected OSPRT chart is found to produce a more satisfactory in-control performance, with an acceptable decline in its sensitivity towards small process shift sizes
A Study on Prerequisite Steps and Decision Making to Increase a Provability of Innovation in Mechanical Engineering SMEs
This study is a case study of two Japanese SMEs, Y and O, that have created core technologies through mechanical engineering, achieved sustainable growth through technological innovation, and achieved niche top company status. Companies need to generate innovation to achieve sustainable growth, and various studies have been conducted on innovation models. It has also been shown that innovation is not a one-off event but a process and that it is important to manage the process appropriately. In this context, we propose a four-stage process, beginning with the "Generating value" step as a framework for the innovation process of a company aiming for sustainable growth. To increase the certainty of innovation, management needs to understand the readiness of the innovation process to determine the decision to execute the process. Accordingly, this study proposed a method to check the readiness of the innovation process by creating a "state diagram of sub-elements for the prospect of generating innovations" to help management determine the decision to execute the process before the "Generating Value" step of the innovation process. In order to confirm the validity of the state diagram, we examined how the management of Company Y\u27s refrigerated vehicle business and Company O\u27s mower business have judged their decision-making to implement the innovation process, based on a review of company documents and interviews with the management. The results of the comparative verification between the state diagrams and actual results are reporte
Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Performance in a Building at Kemaman Terengganu
Violations of IAQ regulations can lead to sick building syndrome (SBS), which manifests as symptoms like respiratory difficulties, eye irritation, skin issues, and headaches. Monitoring IAQ is crucial for ensuring the well-being of occupants and preventing health issues and reduced productivity. Compliance with IAQ regulations is necessary to avoid legal concerns and penalties. The study aims to evaluates IAQ in accordance with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia\u27s Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP 2010), which provides guidelines and acceptable limits for physical and chemical contaminants on the impact on occupants\u27 health and comfort in Bangunan Persekutuan Kemaman, a government office building in Terengganu, Malaysia. Objective and subjective measurements were collected to assess physical parameters, chemical contaminants, and ventilation performance indicators. The data revealed that the airflow, relative humidity, and light intensity in the building did not meet the ICOP 2010 standards, indicating the need for repair and maintenance of the mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning (MVAC) system. The subjective survey completed by occupants indicated symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue, and headaches, which are associated with poor IAQ. The study concludes that improvements are necessary to ensure compliance with IAQ regulations and recommends further research on the relationship between air temperature, relative humidity, and older building designs
Experimental Studies on Fiber Reinforced Soil Stabilized with Lime and Fly Ash
This study investigates the enhancement in strength of fiber-reinforced soil stabilized with lime and fly ash, focusing on key parameters essential for highway design and construction i.e., California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and compaction characteristics. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the CBR values, Maximum Dry Density (MDD), and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soil stabilized with varying percentages of fly ash (FA) and lime, and reinforced with different types and percentages of fibers, specifically coir fibers (CF) and polypropylene fibers (PF). The addition of stabilizing agents (fly ash and lime) to the fiber-reinforced soil was found to increase the OMC and decrease the MDD. Notably, a significant increase in the CBR value was observed up to an optimum content of these admixtures. However, adding fibers beyond a certain percentage resulted in the sample breaking. This study is novel in its comprehensive evaluation of both natural (coir) and synthetic (polypropylene) fibers in combination with traditional stabilizers (fly ash and lime), offering insights into the optimal mix for enhancing soil strength. The findings contribute to more efficient and durable highway construction practices by identifying the balance between fiber reinforcement and chemical stabilization
The Effect of Vibration on Flow Inside a Standing Wave Thermoacoustic Condition
This paper explores the complex relationship between acoustic streaming and vibration in thermoacoustic systems, enhancing the comprehension of these interconnected phenomena in the realm of energy conversion and heat transfer. Thermoacoustic devices are becoming more important for sustainable energy uses. The dynamic interaction between acoustic streaming and vibration is a crucial yet unexplored aspect of the performance of thermoacoustic devices. This research is driven by the necessity of filling current knowledge deficiencies and acknowledging the importance of these factors in the performance of thermoacoustic systems. This study intends to enhance the understanding about acoustic streaming and vibration through the utilisation of numerical simulations and experimental studies. In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of standing wave thermoacoustic flow conditions was solved using the SST k-ꞷ turbulence model in ANSYS Fluent to simulate the streaming induced by the vibrational responses within a standing wave thermoacoustic test rig. This numerical prediction is then validated using experimental results from a similar operating condition with a single resonance frequency of 23.6 Hz. Three drive ratios were examined. Disparity between velocity amplitude from CFD simulation and experimental data was observed particularly at the highest drive ratio. As the drive ratio increases, so does the amplitude of the velocity. It was discovered that the model that includes vibration brings the difference in results between the model and the experiment to be smaller and it replicates the closest scenario to the actual condition.
Group Collision Tracking Tree for Passive Multi-Tags RFID Systems
The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system is gaining widespread adoption, gradually replacing the traditional barcode system. Multi-tag RFID systems are commonly used and rely on passive RFID tags, which are battery-free and powered by electromagnetic waves emitted by the reader. These passive tags are cost-effective compared to active tags with batteries. However, a significant challenge in multi-tag RFID systems is tag collisions, where multiple tags respond simultaneously when the reader queries them. This paper proposes a novel group collision resolution technique of tree-based algorithm. The algorithm categorizes tags into two groups based on the Most Significant Bit (MSB) of their identification (ID). The first group comprises tags with an ID starting with 0X, while the second group consists of tags with an ID starting with 1X. The algorithm utilizes Manchester coding to track the collision bit strategically. This method of grouping is effective, as it rapidly separates tags into segmented groups, reducing the likelihood of tag collisions. The proposed algorithm group-collision tracking tree (GCTT) outperforms existing collision-tracking (CT), and bi-response collision tree (BCT) tree-based algorithms in terms of response time in reading all tags. In summary, the grouping and collision tracking offers promising advancements in the field of tag sorting and enhancing the overall efficiency of multi-tag RFID systems
Block-Classification-Based AMBTC with Neural Networks for Image Compression
The world has recently witnessed a rapid revolution in multimedia signal processing. Images are one of the most widely used media that needs a large amount of data to be represented. Because of the restrictions of limited bandwidth and storage capacity, image compression is a necessity. AMBTC is a straightforward lossy image compression scheme, and studies are still being conducted to improve its performance. This paper incorporated AMBTC with block classification and artificial neural networks to lower the bitrate and preserve the image quality. The proposed scheme was benchmarked with the recent AMBTC techniques for greyscale images. According to the results, the proposed method significantly improved over conventional AMBTC by achieving 16% bitrate reduction while preserving 99.19% of AMBTC’s Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR)