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ABOUT THE SILICON SENSITIVITY OF THE DEEP LEVEL WITH ALTERNATING PRESSURE
Get PDFABSTRACT: This paper discusses the strain sensitivity of silicon with deep levels under variable pressure. It is shown that in the pressure swing in silicon with deep levels, there is a redistribution of the primary spatial inhomogeneities in the distribution of impurities so that the electron-hole relaxation after stress relief will occur in the new potential relief.
ABSTRAK: Kajian ini membincangkan tentang sensitiviti kepekaan strain silikon pada pelbagai tahap dalam tekanan. Keputusan menunjukkan terdapat ketidakharmonian agihan pada spasial utama dalam agihan kotoran dengan ayunan tekanan dalam silikon pada tahap dalam, supaya relaksasi lubang-elektron setelah pelepasan tekanan akan berlaku dalam pelepasan potensi baru
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM ETHANOL DRY REFORMING OVER LANTHANIA-PROMOTED Co/Al2O3 CATALYST
Get PDFLa-promoted and unpromoted 10%Co/Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized using wet a impregnation method and evaluated in a quartz fixed-bed reactor at different CO2:C2H5OH ratios of 2.5:1-1:2.5 and a reaction temperature of 973 K under atmospheric pressure. X-ray diffraction measurements detected the presence of Co3O4 and CoAl2O4 phases on the surface of both promoted and unpromoted catalysts. BET surface area of promoted and unpromoted 10%Co/Al2O3 catalysts was about 143.09 and 136.04 m2.g-1, respectively. The La promoter facilitated Co3O4 reduction, improved the degree of reduction from 86 to 98% and increased metal dispersion from 9.11% to 16.64%. The La-promoted catalyst appeared to be a better catalyst in terms of catalytic activity and product yield regardless of reactant partial pressure. Both C2H5OH and CO2 conversions improved significantly with an increase in CO2 partial pressure from 20 to 50 kPa for both catalysts whilst a decline in catalytic performance was observed with rising C2H5OH partial pressure. La addition improved C2H5OH and CO2 conversions up to about 74.22% and 33.80%, respectively. ABSTRAK: Penggalak-La dan bukan penggalak-La mangkin 10%Co/Al2O3 dihasilkan menggunakan kaedah impregnasi basah dan dinilai dalam reaktor alas-tetap quarza pada pelbagai nisbah CO2:C2H5OH sebanyak 2.5:1-1:2.5 dan suhu tindak balas sebanyak 973 K di bawah tekanan atmosfera. Hasil daripada ukuran pembelauan X-ray, didapati terdapat kehadiran fasa Co3O4 dan CoAl2O4 pada permukaan kedua-dua mangkin penggalak dan bukan penggalak. Permukaan kawasan BET pada penggalak dan bukan penggalak mangkin 10%Co/Al2O3 adalah masing-masing sebanyak 143.09 dan 136.04 m2.g-1. Penggalak-La membantu dalam pengurangan Co3O4,membaiki peratus penurunan daripada 86 kepada 98% dan menambah penyebaran logam daripada 9.11% kepada 16.64%. Mangkin penggalak-La dilihat sebagai mangkin terbaik dari segi aktiviti pemangkinan dan hasil pengeluaran, biarpun pada tekanan separa reaktan. Kedua-dua penukaran C2H5OH dan CO2 meningkat dengan ketara dengan kenaikan separa tekanan CO2 daripada 20 kepada 50 kPa bagi kedua-dua pemangkin, sementara penurunan dalam aktiviti pemangkinan dilihat dengan kenaikan tekanan separa C2H5OH. Penambahan La meningkatkan penukaran C2H5OH dan CO2, masing-masing sebanyak 74.22% dan 33.80%
A DISTRIBUTED ENERGY EFFICIENT CLUSTERING ALGORITHM FOR DATA AGGREGATION IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS
Get PDFWireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a new generation of networks typically consisting of a large number of inexpensive nodes with wireless communications. The main purpose of these networks is to collect information from the environment for further processing. Nodes in the network have been equipped with limited battery lifetime, so energy saving is one of the major issues in WSNs. If we balance the load among cluster heads and prevent having an extra load on just a few nodes in the network, we can reach longer network lifetime. One solution to control energy consumption and balance the load among nodes is to use clustering techniques. In this paper, we propose a new distributed energy-efficient clustering algorithm for data aggregation in wireless sensor networks, called Distributed Clustering for Data Aggregation (DCDA). In our new approach, an optimal transmission tree is constructed among sensor nodes with a new greedy method. Base station (BS) is the root, cluster heads (CHs) and relay nodes are intermediate nodes, and other nodes (cluster member nodes) are the leaves of this transmission tree. DCDA balances load among CHs in intra-cluster and inter-cluster data communications using different cluster sizes. For efficient inter-cluster communications, some relay nodes will transfer data between CHs. Energy consumption, distance to the base station, and cluster heads’ centric metric are three main adjustment parameters for the cluster heads election. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol leads to the reduction of individual sensor nodes’ energy consumption and prolongs network lifetime, in comparison with other known methods. ABSTRAK: Rangkaian sensor wayarles (WSN) adalah rangkaian generasi baru yang terdiri daripada nod-nod murah komunikasi wayarles. Tujuan rangkaian-rangkaian ini adalah bagi mengumpul maklumat sekeliling untuk proses seterusnya. Nod dalam rangkaian ini dilengkapi bateri kurang jangka hayat, jadi simpanan tenaga adalah satu isu besar dalam WSN. Jika beban diimbang antara induk kelompok dan lebihan beban dihalang pada setiap rangkaian iaitu hanya sebilangan kecil nod pada tiap-tiap kelompok, jangka hayat dapat dipanjangkan pada sesebuah rangkaian. Satu penyelesaian adalah dengan mengawal penggunaan tenaga dan mengimbangi beban antara nod menggunakan teknik berkelompok. Kajian ini mencadangkan kaedah baru pembahagian tenaga berkesan secara algoritma berkelompok bagi pembahagian data dalam WSN, dikenali sebagai Pembahagian Kelompok Kumpulan Data (DCDA). Melalui pendekatan baru ini, pokok transmisi optimum dibina antara nod sensor melalui kaedah baru. Stesen utama (BS) ialah akar, induk kelompok-kelompok (CHs) dan nod penyiar ialah nod perantara, dan nod-nod lain (nod-nod ahli kelompok) ialah daun bagi pokok trasmisi. DCDA mengimbangi beban CHs antara-kelompok dan dalam-kelompok komunikasi data daripada kelompok berbeza saiz. Bagi komunikasi berkesan dalam-kelompok, sebahagian nod penyampai akan memindahkan data antara CHs. Penggunaan tenaga, jarak ke stesen utama dan induk kelompok metrik sentrik adalah tiga parameter pelaras bagi pemilihan induk kelompok. Keputusan simulasi protokol yang dicadang menunjukkan pengurangan penggunaan tenaga pada nod-nod sensor individu dan memanjangkan jangka hayat rangkaian, berbanding kaedah-kaedah lain yang diketahui
PRODUCTION AND STABILITY OF MYCO-FLOCCULANTS FROM LENTINUS SQUARROSULUS RWF5 AND SIMPLICILLIUM OBCLAVATUM RWF6 FOR REDUCTION OF WATER TURBIDITY
Get PDFThe production and stability of two novel myco-flocculants produced by river water fungus (RWF) were investigated. Screening tests were conducted to find suitable nutrients, pH, nutrient concentration, inoculum dose, and stability for two myco-flocculants L. squarrosulus (RWF5) and S. obclavatum (RWF6). The strains showed good flocculating activity in reducing turbidity of kaolin suspension while malt extract was used as nutrient source. Supernatants of RWF5 and RWF6 were able to reduce turbidity from 900±10 NTU to 46 NTU (95%) and 195 NTU (78%), respectively. In order to enhance the production, optimization of cultivation conditions were studied using a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method. L. squarrosulus (RWF5) reduced 96% of turbidity at optimum conditions, comprising of 0.1% (w/v) malt extract, 3% (v/v) inoculum dose, and initial pH 7.0 for 6 days. The results of the compatible mixed culture showed good flocculation activity at 88% compared to a single culture of S. obclavatum at 78%. On the other hand, L. squarrosulus showed better turbidity reduction in the single culture rather than the mixed culture. The stability of L. squarrosulus and S. obclavatum supernatants showed excellent turbidity reduction over a wide pH range of 4-8 with the maximal flocculation rate of 96% and 90%, respectively, at pH 7.0. They also exhibited high turbidity removal ability in a temperature range of 4 oC – 55 oC for 24h with a maximum turbidity removal rate of 96% (RW5) and 87% (RW6) at 25 oC. Time stability of the L. squarrosulus supernatant showed good turbidity removal potential at above 90% at room temperature (28± 2 oC) and 85% at low temperature (4 oC) for 12 days. The high flocculating rate of the myco-flocculants and their good stability under wide range of temperature indicated their potentiality as biodegradable flocculants for water and wastewater treatment industry. ABSTRAK: Keberhasilan dan kestabilan dua myco-gumpalan baharu oleh kulat air sungai (RWF) telah dikaji. Ujian penapisan telah dijalankan untuk mencari nutrien sesuai, pH, kepekatan nutrien, dos inokulum dan kestabilan dua myco-gumpalan L. squarrosulus (RWF5) dan S. obclavatum (RWF6). Rantaian menunjukkan aktiviti gumpalan yang baik dalam mengurangkan kekeruhan air sungai dengan penggantungan koalin di mana ekstrak malt telah digunakan sebagai sumber nutrien. Larutan supernatan RWF5 dan RWF6, masing-masing mampu mengurangkan kekeruhan dari 900±10 NTU kepada 46 NTU (95%) dan 195 NTU (78%). Bagi meningkatkan pengeluaran, keadaan optimum bagi menggalakkan hasil telah diselidiki menggunakan kaedah Satu Faktor pada Tiap Masa (OFAT). Pada takat optimum, L. squarrosulus (RWF5) mengurangkan 96% kekeruhan, ianya terdiri daripada ekstrak malt 0.1% (w/v), dos inokulum 3% (v/v) dan pH awal 7.0 selama 6 hari. Keputusan kultur campuran yang sesuai menunjukkan aktiviti penggumpalan yang baik pada 88% berbanding kultur sendirian S. obclavatum pada 78%. Pada waktu sama, L. squarrosulus menunjukkan pengurangan kekeruhan yang lebih baik dalam kultur sendirian berbanding kultur campuran. Kestabilan larutan supernatan L. squarrosulus dan S. obclavatum menunjukkan pengurangan kekeruhan yang sangat baik pada pH yang luas iaitu 4-8 dengan kadar maksimum kekeruhan pada 96% dan 90%, pada pH 7.0 masing-masing. Keduanya menunjukkan kebolehan penyingkiran kekeruhan yang tinggi pada skala suhu 4 oC – 55 oC selama 24 jam dengan kadar nyah kekeruhan maksimum pada 96% (RW5) dan 87% (RW6) pada suhu 25 oC. Kestabilan masa larutan supernatan L. Squarrosulus menunjukkan potensi penyingkiran kekeruhan terbaik atas 90% pada suhu bilik (28± 2 oC) dan 85% pada suhu rendah (4 oC) selama 12 hari. Kadar gumpalan yang tinggi oleh myro-gumpalan dan kestabilan yang baik pada julat suhu yang luas menunjukkan potensinya sebagai agen biodegradasi gumpalan kepada air dan industri rawatan loji air
THE HYDRODYNAMIC COEFFICIENTS FOR OSCILLATING 2D RECTANGULAR BOX USING WEAKLY COMPRESSIBLE SMOOTHED PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS (WCSPH) METHOD
Get PDFABSTRACT: An implementation of the weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (WCSPH) method is demonstrated to determine the hydrodynamics coefficients through radiation problem of an oscillating 2D rectangular box. Three possible modes of motion namely swaying, heaving, and rolling are carried out to establish the influence of oscillating motions in predicting the added mass and damping. Both solid boundary and fluid flow are modelled by WCSPH and validated by the potential flow and experimental results. Discrepancies observed at lower frequencies are further investigated using different particle resolutions, different time steps, and extending the domain with longer runtime to demonstrate the performance of WCSPH. Finally, flow separation and vortices are discussed and compared with experimental results.
ABSTRAK: Bagi fenomena yang melibatkan radiasi dalam air, segiempat kotak 2D diosilasikan dengan menggunakan simulasi WCSPH untuk memperoleh pekali hidrodinamik. Mod osilasi terbahagi kepada 3 iaitu sway, heave dan roll. Osilasi dengan mengguna pakai kotak akan mempengaruhi pergerakan air dalam menentukan nilai penambahan jisim dan rendaman. Keseluruhan domain air dan sempadan telah dimodelkan dengan menggunakan WCSPH. Semua model tersebut kemudiannya akan dibandingkan melalui keputusan eksperimen dan teori. Jika keputusan melalui kaedah WCSPH ini berbeza, terutama pada frekuensi rendah, penyelidikan lanjut akan dilakukan dengan menggunakan zarah resolusi yang berbeza, langkah masa yang berbeza dan menambah masa domain ujikaji bagi menilai keputusan WCSPH. Akhirnya, kriteria aliran dan kadar pusaran yang terhasil di sekeliling kotak akan dibincang dan dibandingkan bersama keputusan eksperimen
A Novel method to estimate Economic Replacing Time of Transformer Using Monte Carlo Algorithm and ANN
Get PDFA hybrid method for developing a more principled approach is presented to determine the life expectancy of transformers. The approach is constructed on an economic analysis of the transformers operational characteristics in combination  with the technical issues incorporated in the decision process. In this method, firstly life time of transformer is estimated using a hybrid method based on Monte Carlo algorithm and artificial neural network. Also Pareto distribution function is applied to consider health history of transformer and uncertainty in DP behavior of transformer. In the next step, a method is proposed in order to estimate economic replacement time of transformer. This method is based on the well-known bathtub failure model, containing repairs and scheduled maintenance, in order to achieve at a more economically aim  replacing decision. This aim is obtained in part by considering the uncertainty intrinsic in transformer failures and the corresponding discontinuations in power. In essence, this method organizes a decision support system for determination the life expectancy of a transformer. Simulation results show the high accuracy and functionality of the proposed approach in estimating economic replacing time of the Transformer
OPTIMIZATION OF RED PIGMENT PRODUCTION BY MONASCUS PURPUREUS FTC 5356 USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Get PDFFactors such as environmental conditions and nutrients are significant for successful growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Manipulations of the factors are the most effective way to stimulate the growth of the microorganism, which can be used to optimize the yield of a product. In this study, Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the production of red pigment by Monascus purpureus FTC 5356 using the petioles of oil palm fronds (OPF) as a substrate in solid state fermentation (SSF). The data was analyzed using Design Expert Software. The optimum combination predicted via RSM was confirmed through experimental work. The interactions between three variables such as initial moisture content (%), initial pH value (pH), and peptone concentration (%) were studied and modelled. The statistical analysis of the results showed that the optimal conditions for red pigment production 47 AU/g with the biomass of 425.1 mg/g was at 55% initial moisture content, 3% of peptone, and at pH 3. The RSM results showed that the initial pH value had a significant effect on red pigment production (P-value <0.05). The validation of these results was also conducted by fermentation with predicted conditions and it was found that there was a discrepancy of 0.39% between the values of the experimental result and those of the predicted values. ABSTRAK: Keadaan persekitaran dan nutrien merupakan faktor-faktor penting dalam pertumbuhan mikroorganisma. Manipulasi faktor-faktor tersebut adalah kaedah terbaik bagi meningkatkan pertumbuhan mikroorganisma dan mengoptimumkan penghasilan produk. Kajian ini mengguna pakai Rekaan Gabungan Pusat (CCD) melalui Kaedah Tindak balas Permukaan (RSM) bagi penghasilan pigmen merah optimum oleh Monascus purpureus FTC 5356 menggunakan batang pelepah kelapa sawit (OPF) sebagai perumah dalam proses penapaian pepejal (SSF). Data telah dianalisis menggunakan perisian Design Expert. Gabungan parameter optimum seperti cadangan RSM telah disahkan secara eksperimen. Interaksi antara tiga pemboleh ubah seperti kandungan lembapan awal (%), nilai pH awal (pH), dan kepekatan pepton (%) telah dikaji dan dimodelkan. Analisis statistik menunjukkan penghasilan optimal pigmen merah adalah pada 47 AU/g dengan biomas sebanyak 425.1 mg/g, pada 55% lembapan awal, 3% pepton dan pada pH 3. Hasil keputusan RSM menunjukkan pH awal memberikan kesan signifikan kepada penghasilan pigmen merah (nilai P <0.05). Pengesahan analisis juga telah dijalankan melalui proses penapaian dan hasil ujikaji mendapati 0.39% lebih tinggi daripada nilai jangkaan
NUMERICAL STUDY OF THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FUEL OIL-ALUMINA AND WATER-ALUMINA NANOFLUIDS FLOW IN A CHANNEL IN THE LAMINAR FLOW
Get PDFThe present study investigated the thermal effects of the use of nanoparticles in the fuel-oil and water-based fluids, as well as the numerical simulation of laminar flow of fuel-oil-alumina and the water-alumina nanofluids in a channel. A second order discretization method was used for solving equations and a SIMPLE algorithm was applied for pressure-velocity coupling using Fluent. Effect of nanoparticle volume fraction and particles size in different Reynolds numbers (900≤Re≤2100) on the convective heat transfer coefficient was studied. The simulation was conducted for three different volume fractions and particle sizes in the laminar flow under constant heat flux. The results showed that adding nanoparticles to the base fluid caused an increase in the thermal conductivity ratio of the fluid, which was observed to a greater degree in the fuel oil-alumina nanofluid than in the water-alumina nanofluid. The increase in nanoparticle volume fraction caused an increase in the convective heat transfer coefficient and the Nusselt number of the nanofluids. The significant point of this study was that in the same volume fraction, the effect of adding alumina nanoparticles to the fuel-oil-based fluid had more effect than adding these particles to water-based fluid, while the effect of increasing the Reynolds number in the water-alumina nanofluid on convective heat transfer coefficient was greater than the fuel-oil-alumina. Also, in the same Reynolds number and volume fraction with increasing size of nanoparticles, the value of the convective heat transfer coefficient was decreased. The results of this study can be used in refineries and petrochemical industries where the fuel-oil fluid flows in the channels. ABSTRAK: Kajian ini adalah bagi mengkaji kesan haba terhadap penggunaan bahan bakar-minyak dan cecair asas-air dalam nanopartikel, juga menjalankan simulasi pengiraan aliran laminar bahan bakar-minyak-alumina dan cecair-nano air-alumina dalam saluran. Kaedah berasingan kelas kedua telah digunakan bagi menyelesaikan persamaan dan algoritma SIMPLE telah diaplikasikan dalam gandingan kelajuan-tekanan menggunakan Fluent. Kesan jumlah pecahan nanopartikel dan pelbagai bilangan saiz zarah dalam bilangan Reynolds (900≤Re≤2100) pada pekali pemindahan haba perolakan telah dikaji. Simulasi telah dijalankan pada tiga pecahan isipadu berlainan dan pada zarah dalam aliran laminar dengan fluks haba tetap. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa dengan penambahan nanopartikel dalam cecair-asas menyebabkan peningkatan nisbah daya pengaliran haba cecair pada cecair-nano bahan bakar-minyak-alumina melebihi daripada cecair-nano air-alumina. Penambahan pada pecahan isipadu nanopartikel ini menyebabkan peningkatan pada nilai pekali pemindahan haba perolakan dan bilangan Nusselt dalam cecair-nano. Perkara penting dalam kajian ini adalah pada pecahan isipadu sama, kesan penambahan nanopartikel alumina kepada cecair berasaskan minyak mempunyai kesan yang lebih besar daripada penambahan zarah-zarah ini kepada cecair berasaskan air. Pada masa sama, kesan peningkatan bilangan Reynolds dalam cecair-nano air-alumina pada pekali pemindahan haba perolakan lebih besar daripada kesan peningkatan bahan bakar-minyak-alumina. Selain itu, pada bilangan Reynolds yang sama dan dengan peningkatan saiz nanopartikel pecahan isipadu, nilai pekali pemindahan haba perolakan turut menurun. Hasil kajian ini boleh digunakan dalam industri penapisan dan petrokimia di mana bahan bakar cecair minyak mengalir dalam saluran
ROLE OF SUBSTRATE BINDING ON THE PROTEIN DYNAMICS OF AN ENDOGLUCANASE FROM FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Get PDF: Thermostability is an important requirement for protein function, and one goal of protein engineering is improvement of activity of the enzymes at higher temperatures, particularly for industrial applications. Computational approaches to investigate factors influencing thermostability of proteins are becoming researchers’ choice. This study investigates the influence of substrate binding on the protein dynamics by comparing the molecular dynamics simulations of substrate-enzyme complex against un-bound enzyme, using endoglucanase I from Fusarium oxysporum. Endoglucanase-substrate complex was prepared by docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out at three different temperatures, 313 K, 333 K and 353 K. Our finding shows that the secondary structures for substrate-enzyme complex show more fluctuations relative to un-complexed structure. The same trend was observed for solvent accessible surface area and radius of gyration. At the highest temperature studied (353 K), the substrate-enzyme complex form showed the highest fluctuations. The fluctuations around the active site regions reach a minimum at the optimum temperature, compared to the other structural regions and other temperatures.
ABSTRAK: Kestabilan (ketahanan) terhadap haba merupakan keperluan yang penting untuk fungsi protin, salah satu matlamat kejuruteraan protin adalah penambahbaikan aktiviti enzim pada suhu yang tinggi khususnya untuk aplikasi industri. Kini para penyelidik memilih kaedah komputasi, bagi mengkaji faktor yang mempengaruhi kestabilan terhadap haba. Kajian ini menyelidik pengaruh ikatan substrat pada protin dengan membandingkan simulasi molekular dinamik diantara substrat-enzim kompleks dan enzim sahaja, menggunakan endoglucanase I dari Fusarium oxysporum. Kompleks endoglucanase-substrat disediakan melalui kaedah docking dan simulasi molekular dinamik dilakukan pada suhu 313 K, 333 K dan 353 K. Kajian kami menunjukkan struktur sekunder bagi substrat-enzim kompleks kurang stabil berbanding enzim sahaja. Pola yang sama bagi luas permukaan boleh dicapai pelarut (SASA) dan jejari gyrasi. Pada suhu tertinggi dikaji (353 K), substrat-enzim kompleks paling tidak stabil. Pada suhu optimum, kadar ubah-ubah sekitar amino asid aktif adalah minimum berbanding struktur dan suhu lain.
 
Editorial
Get PDFIIUM ENGINEERING JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA  CHIEF EDITORAhmad Faris Ismail, IIUM, Malaysia                                                                                                              TECHNICAL EDITORErry Yulian Triblas Adesta, IIUM, MalaysiaEXECUTIVE EDITORAHM Zahirul Alam, IIUM, MalaysiaASSOCIATE EDITORAnis Nurashikin Nordin, IIUM, MalaysiaLANGUAGE EDITOR Lynn Mason, MalaysiaCOPY EDITORHamzah Mohd. Salleh, IIUM, MalaysiaEDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERSAbdullah Al-Mamun, IIUM, MalaysiaAbdumalik Rakhimov, IIUM, MalaysiaAmir Akramin Shafie, IIUM, MalaysiaErwin Sulaeman, IIUM, Malaysia aHanafy Omar, Saudi ArabiaHazleen Anuar, IIUM, MalaysiaKonstantin Khanin, University of Toronto, CanadaMa'an Al-Khatib, IIUM, MalaysiaMd. Zahangir Alam, IIUM, MalaysiaMeftah Hrairi, IIUM, MalaysiaMohamed B. Trabia, United StatesMohammed Konneh, IIUM, MalaysiaMohammad S. Alam, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, United StatesMustafizur Rahman, National University Singapore, SingaporeNor Farahidah Za bah, IIUM, MalaysiaOssama Abdulkhalik, Michigan Technological University, United StatesTeddy Surya Gunawan, IIUM, MalaysiaWaqar Asrar, IIUM, Malaysia AIMS & SCOPE OF IIUMENGINEERING JOURNALThe IIUM Engineering Journal, published biannually, is a carefully refereed international publication of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Contributions of high technical merit within the span of engineering disciplines; covering the main areas of engineering: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; Automation and Mechatronics Engineering; Material and Chemical Engineering; Environmental and Civil Engineering; Biotechnology and Bioengineering; Engineering Mathematics and Physics; and Computer Science and Information Technology are considered for publication in this journal. Contributions from other areas of Engineering and Applied Science are also welcomed. The IIUM Engineering Journal publishes contributions under Regular papers, Invited review papers, Short communications, Technical notes, and Letters to the editor (no page charge). Book reviews, reports of and/or call for papers of conferences, symposia and meetings, and advances in research equipment could also be published in IIUM Engineering Journal with minimum charges.REFEREES’ NETWORKAll papers submitted to IIUM Engineering Journal will be subjected to a rigorous reviewing process through a worldwide network of specialized and competent referees. Each accepted paper should have at least two positive referees’ assessments.SUBMISSION OF A MANUSCRIPTA manuscript should be submitted online to the IIUM-Engineering Journal website:http://journals.iium.edu.my/ejournal. Further correspondence on the status of the paper could be done through the journal website and the e-mail addresses of the Executive Editor: [email protected] Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jan Gombak, 53100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phone: (603) 6196 4529, Fax:(603) 6196 4488. INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE A. Anwar, United StatesAbdul Latif Bin Ahmad, MalaysiaFarzad Ismail, USM, Pulau Pinang, MalaysiaHanafy Omar, Saudi ArabiaHany Ammar, United States  K.B. Ramachandran, IndiaKunzu Abdella, CanadaLuis Le Moyne, ISAT, University of Burgundy, FranceM Mujtaba, United KingdomMohamed AI-Rubei, IrelandMohamed B Trabia, United StatesMohammad S. Alam, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, United StatesNazmul KarimOssama Abdulkhalik, Michigan Technological University, United StatesRazi Nalim, IUPUI, Indianapolis, Indiana, United StatesSyed Kamrul Islam, United StatesTibor CziganyYiu-Wing Mai  Published by:IIUM Press, International Islamic University MalaysiaJalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phone (+603) 6196-5014, Fax: (+603) 6196-6298 Website: http://iiumpress.iium.edu.my/bookshop  Whilst every effort is made by the publisher and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appears in this Journal, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisement herein are the responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Accordingly, the publisher and the editorial committee accept no liability whatsoever for the consequence of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement. IIUM Engineering JournalISSN: 1511-788X  E-ISSN: 2289-786