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Influence of drying methods on physicochemical, functional and sensory properties of flour made from coconut dregs
Full text linkCoconut dregs flour is widely used for bakery products. Various drying techniques have been introduced to the industry to preserve coconut-based products which may affecting the physicochemical, functional and sensory properties of coconut dregs flour. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the physicochemical, functional and sensory properties of coconut dregs flour using three different drying methods. The processing of coconut dregs flour was made using three drying methods consists of oven dried (5 hours), microwave dried (15 minutes) and food dehydrator (8 hours) before undergoing physicochemical and functional analysis. Statistical analysis was done to investigate the effects of different coconut dregs flour on the physicochemical, functional and consumer acceptance towards sensory properties such as texture, aroma, taste, aftertaste and overall acceptability by using a 9-point hedonic scale sensory test. Noteworthy variations were observed in colour, with oven-dried flour appearing notably darker (L* 27.82±0.10). Water activity revealed a 15% decrease in the food dehydrator sample (0.54±0.01), indicating enhanced storage stability. Texture assessments underscored the negative impact of oven drying, with a significant decrease in texture (2.37±0.38). Minimal pH variations were noted, while moisture content varied significantly, with higher levels in microwave-dried samples (6.85±0.14). Functional properties exhibited method-dependent differences, such as bulk density (oven-dried: 0.52±0.13). Sensory evaluations unveiled distinct characteristics in aroma, taste, aftertaste, and overall acceptability, particularly in oven-dried samples. These findings highlight the pivotal role of drying methods in shaping the quality of coconut dregs flour and its food products, offering valuable insights for targeted product development aligned with consumer preferences. Further research avenues could explore specific compounds contributing to sensory disparities, facilitating refined product optimizatio
Eco-Energetical analysis of circular economy and community-based virtual power plants (CE-cVPP): A systems engineering-engaged life cycle assessment (SE-LCA) method for sustainable renewable energy development
Full text linkAmidst the escalating complexity of energy demands and climate concerns, natural calamities, and the Black Swan phenomenon have all presented formidable obstacles to the advancement and implementation of Abbreviations: AI, Artificial intelligence; CBD, Central business district; CE, Circular economy; CE-cVPP, Circular economy and community-based virtual power plant; COP, Coefficient of performance; cVPP, Community-based virtual power plant; DER, Distributed energy resources; EC, Electric chiller; FLCA, Full lifecycle assessment; FLC-APERR, Full-lifecycle atmospheric pollutants emission reduction ratio; FLC-ATCSR, Full-lifecycle annual total cost saving ratio; FLC-PESR, Fulllifecycle primary energy saving ratio; GB, Gas boiler; GSHP, Geothermal source heat pump; HHV, Higher heating value; HX, Heat exchanger; ICE, Internal com bustion engine; IES, Integrated energy system; LCA, Life cycle assessment; LHV, Lower heating value; MG, Micro-grid; ORC, Organic Rankine cycle; PV, Photovoltaic; SDGs, Sustainable development goals; SE, Systems engineering; SE-LCA, Systems engineering-based life cycle assessment; TES, Thermal energy storage; VESS, Virtual energy storage system
Flood Level Detection System using Ultrasonic Sensor and ESP32 Camera: Preliminary Results
No full textAn efficient flood detection system needs to be developed immediately due to the frequency of floods in areas where visitors are concentrated in Malaysia, especially during the monsoon season or when there is heavy rain that makes it difficult for authority to pass on flood information to visitors. Among them is Taman Negara Endau Rompin (Selai) Johor which experiences flooding every monsoon season. However, the method of distributing flood information to visitors still need to be improved in terms of speed, accuracy and systematic. Apart from the factors of location and distance, the main challenge to detect floods is the lack of manpower and real time flood detection system. The conventional method is through patrols or the staff on duty at the counter
receiving phone calls from the surrounding residents informing them of flooding is less effective and needs to be improved. Initially, the work of identifying the actual flood area, selecting the installation location of the system and measuring the strength of the telco signal coverage was done with the help of the authority. This article proposes a prototype to detect river water level, temperature, humidity, flood images and send flood notifications to users via smartphones in real time. The device consists of an RTU unit, a sensor arm and IoT system. The work incorporates a Pi microcontroller, a WIFI network equipped with digital camera and industrial sensors. This prototype is able to provide consistent flood data readings to the users. In addition to data readings and
flood images displayed in the GUI (web monitoring), flood readings and images are also sent to the authorities via the Telegram channel. TNB electricity supply is used as the source while the authorities and visitors can access the data through their respective smartphones. A prototype has been developed and tested to see the stability, consistency and accuracy of its operation while the data received is stored in the database. This system is expected to help officers channel flood information to visitors at the visitor reception desk in a more organized and systematic manner
To-do-list reminder web tool
Full text linkMasih ramai yang sering lupa tentang senarai tugasan dan ada yang sudah membuat senarai tugasan tetapi terlupa apabila sibuk. Laman web To-Do-List Reminder telah dibangunkan untuk membantu pelajar mengatur tugas pengguna mengikut keutamaan, menghantar pemberitahuan dan mengurus kerja dan tugas peribadi. Teknik Model Air Terjun telah digunakan untuk mencipta laman web. Tindakan yang dijalankan untuk penciptaan laman webyang dicadangkan termasuk mengenal pasti pernyataan isu, objektif, keperluan sistem, pengguna bentuk antara muka laman web dan mencipta pangkalan data. Bahasa pengaturcaraan PHP dan Visual Studio Code digunakan untuk mencipta laman web ini. Pangkalan data dibina menggunakan MySQL. Diharapkan laman web ini dapat diwujudkan dengan berkesan dan dapat membantu pelajar-pelajar tersebut menguruskan susunan tugasan dan jadua
Safe avoidance region detection for unmanned aerial vehicle using cues from expansion of feature points
Full text linkDevelop an obstacle detection system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) especially for
small UAV is challenging. A robust system should be able to not only detect obstacles but the free
region for the avoidance path as well. Besides, the configuration of the obstacles in the operating
environment should never be disregard. In this paper, expansion cues from the detected feature points
with the help of convex hull will be used to categorize the regions in the image frame. A micro LIDAR
sensor is used as the initial detector of obstacle and queue for image capturing by the camera. Next,
ORB algorithm is applied to find the obstacle regions and free space regions. This is done through
the principal of object size changes and distance relationship in an image perspective. The proposed
system was evaluated through series of experiments in a real environment which consist of different
configuration of obstacles. The experiments show the proposed system was able to find the safe
avoidance region regardless of the configuration of the obstacles in the operating environment.
Recent Progress in Design and Performance Analysis of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines—A Comprehensive Review
No full textVertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are receiving more and more attention as they involve simple design, cope better with turbulence, and are insensitive to wind direction, which has a huge impact on their cost since a yaw mechanism is not needed. However, VAWTs still suffer from low conversion efficiency. As a result, tremendous efforts are being exerted to improve their efficiency, which mainly focus on two methods, regardless of whether the study is a CFD simulation, a field test, or a lab test experiment. An active approach involves modification of the rotor itself, such as
the blade design, the angle, the trailing and leading edges, the inner blades, the chord thickness, the contra-rotating rotor, etc., while the second approach involves passive techniques where the flow is directed to optimally face the downwind rotor by mounting guiding vanes such as a diffuser or other shapes at the upwind position of the rotor. Among all the techniques undertaken, the counter-rotating wind turbine (CRWT) rotor technique seems to be the most effective, with an output comparable to that of horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs), while the Savonius rotor has received more attention compared to other VAWT designs. Apart from technological issues, it has also been suggested that
geographical issues, such as proper site siting of a wind turbine rotor at a particular location where a uniform flow can be guaranteed, are of paramount importance to ensure an effective conversion capacity of wind turbines. Thus, this study has successfully highlighted the latest improvements in
augmentation methods and has established a solid foundation for future research aimed at improving the efficiency of VAWTs
Development of ultra-lightweight foamed concrete modified with silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles: Appraisal of transport, mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties
No full textOver the last few decades, researchers have devoted significant consideration to the use of nanoscale elements in concrete. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SDNs) have been a popular subject of study among the several types of
nanoparticles. This article describes the findings of a laboratory investigation that examined the properties of ultra-lightweight foamed concrete (ULFC) including different proportions of SDNs. Wide range of the properties was evaluated specifically the slump flow, density, consistency, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, split tensile strength, thermal properties, porosity, water absorption, sorptivity, intrinsic air permeability, and chloride diffusion. Additionally, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pore distributions analyses of different mixes were done. Results confirmed a noticeable increase in the mechanical properties of ULFC, with respective improvements in the 28-day compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths
of up to 70.49%, 76.19%, and 51.51%, respectively, at 1.5% of the SDNs inclusion. However, further increases in the SDNs percentage did not result in remarkable enhancements. As the SDN percentage increased from 1.5% to 2.5%, the ULFC’s sorptivity, porosity, water absorption, intrinsic air permeability, and chloride diffusion showed substantial improvements. When compared to the control sample, ULFC with SDNs demonstrated higher thermal conductivity values. The reason for this occurrence was determined to be the smaller pore size observed in the ULFC specimens containing SDNs. A great adjustment in the distribution of pore diameters was witnessed in the ULFC mixes when the percentages of SDNs were adjusted. The ULFC specimens, which included SDNs at the percentages of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, indicated a reduction in the total number of large voids measuring 500 nm or more, compared to the control ULFC specimen. The findings of this study highlight the potential benefits of incorporating SDNs into ULFC, which may improve its overall properties
Augmented reality navigation using android
Full text linkAugmented Reality (AR) navigation refers to the use of AR technology to track movement while moving in real-world environments. Traditional navigation methods often rely on maps or GPS-based instructions, which can be cumbersome and less intuitive. The AR navigation system aims to overcome these limitations by overlaying virtual directions and visual cues onto the real-world view captured by the device's camera. The development process involves designing user-friendly interfaces, integrating location services, implementing real-time object recognition algorithms, and utilizing Android's built-in mapping and navigation functionalities. The objectives of the work are to design mapping of QB block, to design AR real-time movement tracking, and to evaluate its accuracy, usability, and reliability by conducting user testing and collecting feedback. Unity was used to create 3D mapping of the QB block and scene setup to generate a minimap that does real-time tracking. It has a 70% accuracy rate after a few tests. In conclusion, the system is considered successful because it managed to accomplish all three objective
Modelling an assembly line using tecnomatix plant simulation software
Full text linkIndustries operate under unyielding pressure to meet the escalating demands of customer orders. However, various configurations of production lines often lead to inefficiencies in productivity. Addressing this challenge, simulation techniques offer preliminary insights, crucially aiding in the early detection of potential bottlenecks. This study focuses on employing Tecnomatix plant simulation software to identify bottlenecks within existing furniture assembly lines. The findings of this investigation highlight a bottleneck in the taping process, significantly impacting line balancing. Through simulation, the study observed a substantial increase in throughput, from 358 to 1027 units, after some changes were made to the identified bottleneck. Insights gained from Tecnomatix plant simulation facilitate evidence-based decision-making, empowering the company to optimize production capacity effectively. By addressing identified bottlenecks, the company can enhance its ability to meet customer demands efficiently. This underscores the critical role of simulation tools in streamlining production processes and maximizing operational effectiveness. Ultimately, the findings highlight the importance of continually refining and adapting manufacturing operations to remain competitive in today's demanding market landscap
Analysis of customer satisfaction towards customer loyalty of courier service industry among UTHM Students
Full text linkThe courier services business is growing quickly and is at the cutting edge of the transportation field. However, the courier service acknowledges the significance of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty when evaluating consumer buying patterns for long-term success. This study proposes to identify the level of customer satisfaction attribute in courier service among UTHM students and to identify the level of customer loyalty of courier service among UTHM students. Other than that, to identify the relationship between the customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in courier service one of the objectives that need to be revised. This study was conducted among University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia students. The survey method will be employed in a quantitative research approach. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and Microsoft Excel are utilized to analyse the data. Furthermore, the results confirmed a significant effect of the accuracy of delivery, price of delivery, information quality, ease of payment, security of payment and customer satisfaction towards courier service industry. According to the findings, the research highlights how crucial it is to the courier service providers to enhance their service to increase customer loyalty and customer satisfaction. Additionally, by engaging with and addressing feedback from customers is essential for establishing trust and confidence in the courier service company's dedication to customer satisfactio