UMT Journal Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
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AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MULTILAYER PERCEPTRON ARCHITECTURE OF DEEP LEARNING IN FORECASTING STOCK PRICES
A wide range of studies have been conducted on deep learning to forecast time series data. However, very few researches have discussed the optimal number of hidden layers and nodes in each hidden layer of the architecture. It is crucial to study the number of hidden layers and nodes in each hidden layer as it controls the performance of the architecture. Apart from that, in the presence of the activation function, diverse computation between the hidden layers and output layer can take place. Therefore, in this study, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) architecture is developed using the Python software to forecast time series data. Then, the developed architecture is applied on the Apple Inc. stock price due to its volatile characteristic. Using historical prices, the accuracy of the forecast is measured by the different activation functions, number of hidden layers and size of data. The Keras deep learning library, which can be found in the Python software, is used to develop the MLP architecture to forecast the Apple Inc. stock price. The developed model is then applied on different cases, namely different sizes of data, different activation functions, different numbers of hidden layers of up to nine layers, and different numbers of nodes in each hidden layer. Then, the metrics mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) are employed to test the accuracy of the forecast. It is found that the architecture with rectified linear unit (ReLU) outperformed in every hidden layer and each case with the highest accuracy. To conclude, the optimal number of hidden layers differs in every case as there are other influencing factors
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF 1.8 KW GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM USING MATLAB
A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) DC/DC converter for a photovoltaic (PV) system is an important component in a PV system. The converter is used to convert the value of DC voltage produced by PV panels to a value accepted by the inverter for on-grid, or battery for off-grid system. In addition, the MPPT is used to extract and maintain the solar PV to its maximum power in all conditions. However, the values of components used in literature of MPPT DC/DC converter for a specific PV module cannot be applied for different capacity. Although sets of equations are given in literature to determine the values of inductor and capacitor used in the circuit, the calculated values do not produce the desired output in most cases because of unclear explanation. The validation of input parameters of the converter is also not properly presented for different solar irradiance and temperature. The efficiency of the converter is still low. Hence, this paper presents step-by-step process on how to design a MPPT DC/DC boost converter in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The incremental conductance method is used as MPPT algorithm to control the duty cycle of the converter. Then, a thorough analysis is done by simulating the developed model under different solar irradiance and temperature. Simulation results are then compared with the theoretical values from I-V and P-V curves of the selected PV modules. The results show that the proposed MPPT DC/DC converter is able to extract maximum power from PV modules and the output power produced by the converter also indicates that the converter has a high efficiency at 99.7% in all selected values of solar irradiance and temperature
INVESTIGATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND CHEMICAL FINGERPRINT OF MARINE POLYCHAETE BASED ON ATR-FTIR METABOLOMICS
Marine polychaete is an important component in marine benthic communities and can be widely found in Malaysia. To date, the information regarding its chemicals and biological activities of marine polychaete is still limited. This study aims to evaluate the chemical fingerprint of the marine polychaetes Marphysa moribidii and Diopatra claparedii using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR FTIR) metabolomics. The antioxidant activity including total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity was also evaluated. The results showed that D. claparedii has a higher amount of TPC (0.47±.0.03 mg GAE/g) compared to M. moribidii (0.30± 0.01 mg GAE/g). The DPPH activity tested at the concentration 5000 μg/ml showed percentage of inhibition expressed by D. claparedii and M. moribidii extracts were 38.80±11.70 and 25.54±7.35 respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot showed distinct clusters between M. moribidii and D. claparedii. Further investigation via PCA loading plot showed that the FTIR signals at 3340, 1090, 1047 and 880 cm-1 were contributed by D. claparedii. Meanwhile, the partial least square (PLS) analysis revealed several signals were correlated with the TPC including stretching vibration of C-H at 2854 cm−1, C=C bonds at 1640 cm-1 and C=C bending at 1726 cm-1 showing the presence of aromatic ring deformations. This study provides the key important chemical fingerprint of different marine polychaetes (D. claparedii and M. moribidii sp.) that might be useful for the discovery of bioactive compounds from natural resources
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOBASED EPOXIDIZED EDIBLE OILS
Nowadays, major pollutions present in the environment are produced by non-degradable substances. Eventually, the use of non-degradable products will increase carbon footprint in the atmosphere. In this study, modifications of five vegetable oils into biobased epoxides are reported. The oils used in this study were commercial palm oil, rice bran oil, canola oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil. The vegetable oils were refluxed using formic acid and hydrogen peroxide at temperature ranges of 45 to 50˚C and 60 to 65˚C for seven hours in order to change the chemical structure of carbon-carbon double bonds into oxirane rings. The mixture was then processed by liquid-liquid extraction to separate epoxide oil from liquid that was present during the reflux process. The obtained oils were then analyzed using ATR-FTIR and the presence of oxirane rings were observed at the wavelength ν=1080.79 cm-1 and 836.10 cm-1 for epoxidized palm oil, ν =1107.14 cm-1 and 841.11 cm-1 for epoxidized rice bran oil, ν =1050.13 cm-1 and 850.35 cm-1 for epoxidized canola oil, ν =1083.99 cm-1 and 825.03 cm-1 for epoxidized soybean oil and ν =1095.57 cm-1 and 820.16 cm-1 for epoxidized sunflower oil, respectively. Additionally, an absorption band at ν=1462 cm-1 was observed in all oil samples, indicating the presence of C-C oxirane. In future, these epoxidized oils can serve as a great potential as new starting materials for the synthesis of lipid biopolymers
KESEDARAN KEUSAHAWANAN DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR INSTITUT LATIHAN PERINDUSTRIAN (ILP) JABATAN TENAGA MANUSIA DI TERENGGANU
Keusahawanan sering dianggap sebagai subjek yang lebih cenderung kepada pelajar dalam bidang perniagaan tetapi tidak untuk pelajar yang mempunyai pelbagai kemahiran yang terlibat dalam bidang teknikal. Namun, ini adalah satu tanggapan yang tidak seharusnya wujud kerana Malaysia seharusnya perlu mengenal pasti kesedaran keusahawanan dalam bidang teknikal. Pada masa kini, kesedaran keusahawanan dalam bidang teknikal tertentu adalah kurang lantaran program keusahawanan lazimnya lebih tertumpu kepada pelajar InstitusiPengajian Tinggi (IPT). Misalnya, Pembangunan Keusahawanan Bumiputera adalah lebih tertumpu kepada golongan siswazah IPT, belia dan wanita. Dasar Pembangunan Keusahawanan IPT juga diperkenalkan agar modal insan dengan daya pemikiran, atribut dan nilai keusahawanan dalam kalangan IPT tempatan dapat dilahirkan. Tujuan kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk mengenal pasti tahap kesedaran keusahawanan dalam kalangan pelajar Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) di Terengganu berhubung dengan faktor keusahawanan dari aspek individu usahawan yang berbeza serta struktur dan persekitaran perniagaan. Seterusnya, mengkaji hubungan antara kesedaran keusahawanan dengan pembolehubah tidak bersandar lain yang berkait dengan kajian seperti ciri keusahawanan dan cabaran keusahawanan. Kaedah kuantitatif telah digunakan dan borang soal selidik diedarkan kepada 280 orang pelajar. Hasil analisis regresi berganda menunjukkan bahawa cabaran keusahawanan merangkumi sikap dan minat, kemahiran keusahawanan serta pendidikan dan pengetahuan keusahawanan merupakan elemen paling signifikan yang mempengaruhi kesedaran keusahawanan dalam kalangan pelajar berkemahiran di ILP untuk menjadi seorang usahawan. Oleh itu, adalah sangat penting bagi kerajaan Malaysia untuk memberi perhatian terhadap cabaran yang dihadapi oleh para pelajar ini dan mengambil tindakan terhadap segala kemungkinan yang boleh mempengaruhi atau memberi kesan kepada minat pelajar terhadap keusahawanan pada masa akan datang
NUMERICAL SIMULATION ON A DEEP-DRAFT SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE
A numerical study is conducted to determine the Vortex Induced Motion (VIM) effects on Deep-Draft Semi-Submersibles (DDSS). The VIM phenomena is a crucial problem that can cause severe impact on the fatigue life of mooring risers in DDSS. Therefore, a comprehensive numerical simulation is conducted using the Acusolve computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Five models of immersed columns with different aspect ratios (ie. 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4) are numerically investigated under two different incidence angles, which are 0° and 45°. The transverse and in-line vibration amplitude, amplitude of lift force coefficient and vortex shedding are analyzed. The numerical measurements are obtained to see the response of horizontal plane motions, which are transverse, in line and yaw motions. This study with detailed numerical results from parametric data will contribute future studies and the comparisons are made to demonstrate the capability of the present CFD approach
MALAYSIA'S FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT RELATIONS WITHIN THE ORGANISATION DEVELOPING EIGHT EONOMIC COOPERATION (D8) WITHIN COUNTERPARTS
Malaysia is a member of Developing-8 (D-8), which facilitated the formation of bilateral trade relations among member countries. This study focuses on Malaysia’s foreign direct investments (FDIs) within D-8. The purpose of this study is to strengthen the FDI ties with D-8 member states, where Malaysia must focus on cooperating for long-term investments and examining the existing FDI policies under Malaysia and its D-8 counterparts, as well as studying the opportunity of interdependence between Malaysia’s FDIs with D-8 member states. The main issue is the imbalance of Malaysia’s FDI preference with D-8 member states, which is followed by the weakness of Malaysia’s FDI outwards policy, specialised among the D-8 counterparts. Thus, Malaysia’s FFDI lacks penetration with D-8 member states. The qualitative research method, data collection, interviews, and content analysis method are used for this study. The respondents’ agencies for interviews are experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), The Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations Division of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI and the Foreign Investment Promotion Division of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Coding techniques are applied for the coding process of the content analysis. This study also uses the theories of interdependence and political economy with SWOT analysis to examine the implementation of Malaysia’s FDI with D-8 counterparts. The findings of the study show that Malaysia is looking for quality investments without choosing where the investments come from, and FDIs with D-8 counterparts in several sectors can still be implemented if the D-8 counterparts are offering quality investments for Malaysia
THE POTENTIAL ENERGY OF GEL POLYMER ELECTROLYTES FROM GUPPY (Poecilia reticulata) FISH WASTE FOR BATTERY APPLICATION
This study aims to determine the potential energy of gel polymer electrolytes from guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fish waste for battery applications through different parameters. The parameters include the number of fish, the number of days, and the battery’s longevity. This experiment is underpinned by the concept of an electrical energy storage system of gel polymer electrolytes and urea as an energy carrier. The ammonia secreted by fish contains NH4+ which has positive hydrogen ion. The hydrogen ion in this element has the ability to produce electricity. This experiment involved tests on different batches of fish, with 5,10 and 15 fish in each respective batch. The wastewater samples were taken every two days, made into gel polymer electrolytes using agar, and inserted into the battery. The output voltage was recorded using a voltmeter, and each battery showed an increasing pattern of voltmeter reading against the number of days. For example, the highest voltage output was produced by a battery that used the wastewater sample with 15 fish on the 10th day, resulting in 0.45V. This is due to an increase of the amount of ammonia accumulated from fish waste within that 10 days. Batteries with the highest outputs of voltage from respective of number of fish were then taken for longevity test. The two weeks tests showed gradual decrease in the result due to many factors, including the ionic transference number and the disassociation of ionic particles in the electrolytes. The estimation of the battery longevity from water samples with 5, 10, and 15 fish were 71.47 days, 27.82 days and 34.44 days, respectively. This study proves that the gel polymer electrolytes from guppy, Poecilia reticulata has the potential to be used in batteries as an energy source
FLORAL TRAITS AND POLLINATION OF SPANISH CHERRY (Mimusops elengi Linn.) IN UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU CAMPUS
Some plants are self-compatible thus do not require pollinating agents for fertilisation of the ovule. Pollinating agents however are essential to promote cross-fertilisation, thus beneficial for the long-term survival of the plant species. In this study, we investigate the flower characteristics (flower size, colour, breeding system and nectar reward) and flower visitors of the Spanish cherry, Mimusops elengi, one of the most commonly planted ornamental trees in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu campus. Observations of flowers and the flower visitors were conducted between October 2016 and February 2017. The small sized flower, 19.88 + 1.70 mm (mean + SD) in height and 11.38 + 0.87 mm (mean + SD) in width; low volume with 11.90 + 5.55 μl (mean + SD) but with high sugar concentration with 26.57 + 3.72 % (mean + SD) nectar reward indicated insect pollination syndrome in this species. Xenogamy breeding system was determined for this species from the pollen-to-ovule ratio observation, which showed pollinating agents are required for cross-pollination to occur. Notes on the flower visitors revealed that two hymenopteran bee species, Xylocopa confusa and Heterotrigona itama as the pollinating agents of M. elengi. Not only these two species showed high visitation to the flowers, but they also land on the flowers to feed on the flower nectar, which could then potentially transfer the conspecific pollen grains on their bodies to the stigma for fertilisation of the flowers they visited
EDUCATION MOBILE APPLICATION CHEMISTRY FORM 4
Nowadays, people around the world are learning chemistry through various means and every student has a mobile phone to help them to connect to the Internet which is a treasure trove of educational material. An app available for mobile phones known as Chemistry Form 4 focuses on developing a student’s knowledge of chemistry using smartphones as a platform has been developed for students in Malaysia. This mobile app was developed using Android Studio and Unity 2019.1 programs. The agile method was used to develop this project because of its flexibility with regards to its working process. Starting from planning of the problem statement, to the provision of solutions and objectives of this project, and the analysis of the requirements from client phase. To analyze this project, a few diagrams such as use case diagram, use-case description, activity diagram, sequence diagram, and class diagram were used. Thereafter, the designing phase kicked in that included the normalization of data, the development of entity relationship diagram, data dictionary and CRUD statement for the project. This project also focused on the students’ needs from a chemistry app, which included preparation, presentation, practice and performance. Those functions include preparing and reading notes that can be updated by teachers. Students can also answer questions provided by teachers and view their results at the end of the sessions. Last but not least the students can view the atomic structures and chemical nature using an augmented reality (AR) model after the scanning cards provided by developers. Students can use the app to enhance their creativeness in getting to know atomic structures in this manner. Providing updated notes and questions with the aid of instructors will allow the students to benefit from the advanced know-how and chemistry expertise of the instructors. The mobile apps help students to improve their basic understanding of chemical processes and recognise the value of learning chemistry