Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences
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Overview of Health Impacts due to Haze Pollution in Johor, Malaysia
Get PDFHaze pollution is one of the major environmental issues caused by aerosols, having brought about a history of heavy smog pollution events like the London smog in 1952 and the Los Angeles smog in the 1960s. However, in Malaysia, haze events are attributed to forest and peat fires in Kalimantan and Southern Sumatra, Indonesia. The burned biomass basically contains concentrated particulate matters that are hazardous to health among susceptible population groups. Based on the extensive literature review conducted, the small number of available local studies on the health effects of air pollution in Malaysia conducted so far focused on air pollution sciences. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of studies done on the impacts of haze on health conditions among populations in Malaysia is presented. The result shows that the number of upper respiratory tract infection cases was directly proportional to the particulate matter concentration and Air Pollution Index value in Johor in the years 2014 and 2015. Particulate matteris the major contributor in the formation of heavy hazes and is more likely to initiate detrimental health effects compared to other inhalable particles due to their size, large area, and strong activity, making them more likely to carry harmful substances causing a higher number of infected patients with upper respiratory tract infections
Effect of Nutrient Inputs on Water Quality Change and Phytoplankton Growth in Atsumi Bay
Get PDFEutrophication in an estuary occurs as an effect of the enrichment of nutrient inputs from rivers. This condition has become one of the most common environmental issues experienced around the globe and especially in Japan. Atsumi Bay is a eutrophic coastal area in Japan. The objective of this research was to analyze the influences of nutrient inputs from the Umeda River into Atsumi Bay on pre- and post-rainfall water quality conditions. This study was conducted from July to October 2010. The results showed a decrease of surface salinity after rainfall indicating that huge freshwater inputs had overlaid the surface layer of Atsumi Bay rather than the bottom layer. Moreover, post-rainfall conditions showed an increase of chlorophyll a as an effect of phytoplankton growth, followed by an increase of particulate nutrients. On the other hand, dissolved nutrients decreased due to uptake by phytoplankton and dilution by freshwater
Development of Braking Force Distribution Strategy for Dual-Motor-Drive Electric Vehicle
Get PDFIn the development of the optimal braking force distribution strategy for a dual-motor-drive electric vehicle (DMDEV) with a series cooperative braking system, three key factors were taken into consideration, i.e. the regenerative force distribution coefficient between the front and the rear motor (β), the energy recovery coefficient at the wheels (α3), and the front-and-rear-axle braking force distribution coefficient (λ). First, the overall power loss model of the two surface-mounted permanent magnetic synchronous motors (SMPMSMs) was created based on the d-q axis equivalent circuit model. The optimal relationship of β and the overall efficiency of the dual-motor system were confirmed, where the latter was quite different from that obtained from the traditional look-up table method for the motors' efficiency. Then, four dimensionless evaluation coefficients were used to evaluate braking stability, regenerative energy transfer efficiency, and energy recovery at the wheels. Finally, based on several typical braking operations, the comprehensive effects of the four coefficients on braking stability and energy recovery were revealed. An optimal braking force distribution strategy balancing braking stability and energy recovery is suggested for a DMDEV with a series cooperative braking system
Calculation of Peak Particle Velocity Caused by Blasting Vibration in Step Topography
Get PDFHigh ground vibrations not only adversely affect the integrity of the structures in a mine area but also create inconvenience for the nearby population. In order to protect the Sanyou Mine slope in Tangshan, China from blasting vibration, the peak particle velocity in step topography must be accurately calculated. At present, the reflection coefficient of the stress wave at free interface is not considered in the equation for calculating the peak particle velocity in step topography. Therefore the accuracy of the peak particle velocity calculation is decreased in the side direction when the reflection coefficient changes. In this study, a 3D finite element analysis was employed for modeling of the blasting vibration. A series of field-testing experiments was conducted to measure the peak particle velocity. Then the reflection coefficient of the stress wave was calculated. Based on this, the principle of the peak particle velocity in step topography was explained. In addition, the application range of the equation in step topography was determined and a new equation for peak particle velocity calculation in step topography is proposed based on the numerical simulation analysis and field-testing experiment
The Effect of Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC) Filler on Polylactic Acid (PLA) Nanocomposite Properties
Get PDFThis paper discusses the effect of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) when used as filler on polylactic acid (PLA)-based nanocomposites and on its mechanical properties and permeability. NCC was produced from commercial cellulose and another cellulose source, i.e. oil palm empty fruit bunch, by hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose with sulphuric acid and by oxidation with ammonium persulfate. The nanocomposites were made by adding nanocrystalline cellulose with varying compositions into PLA. A solvent casting method was used to produce a nanocomposite film with 5% v/v triacetin as a coupling agent. Both methods produced crystalline celluloses within the micro and nano range with mean particle size at 99.5 nm and 157.9 nm for the sulphuric acid hydrolysis and the ammonium persulfate oxidation method, respectively. The utilization of NCC as PLA composite filler increased the percentage of elongation at break with a highest percentage 19.02% for addition of 1% NCC filler. However, higher compositions of cellulosic filler resulted in a decreasing trend of tensile strength and elongation at break. Higher content of NCC filler in the PLA matrix increased the nanocomposite's water vapor permeability
Parameter Estimation for Class A Modeled Ocean Ambient Noise
Get PDFA Gaussian distribution is used by all traditional underwater acoustic signal processors, thus neglecting the impulsive property of ocean ambient noise in shallow waters. Undoubtedly, signal processors designed with a Gaussian model are sub-optimal in the presence of non-Gaussian noise. To solve this problem, firstly a quantile-quantile (Q-Q) plot of real data was analyzed, which further showed the necessity of investigating a non-Gaussian noise model. A Middleton Class A noise model considering impulsive noise was used to model non-Gaussian noise in shallow waters. After that, parameter estimation for the Class A model was carried out with the characteristic function. Lastly, the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper was verified by using simulated data and real data
Advancement in the Analysis of Seepage through Cracked Soils
Get PDFSeepage is an important problem analyzed in geotechnical engineering. Conventionally, the analysis is performed in conditions where the soil is intact. The presence of desiccated cracks requires a seepage analysis that considers not only the soil matrix part of the cracked soil but also the crack network. Currently, there are three approaches in the analysis of seepage through cracked soils: (i) analysis by modeling the cracked soil as an intact material with cracks being represented as macropores; (ii) analysis by modeling the cracked soil as a material with a bimodal pore-size distribution; and (iii) analysis by modeling two components of the cracked soil separately: the soil matrix and the crack network. Each approach is reviewed and discussed in this paper. It was found that each approach is suitable for specific cases: (i) the first method is suitable for seepage analysis of cracked soil deep below the ground surface; (ii) the second method is suitable for seepage analysis of cracked soil at the ground surface under a drying process; (iii) the third method is suitable for seepage analysis of cracked soil at the ground surface experiencing rainwater infiltration. Choosing the appropriate method is essential in modeling the appropriate seepage mechanism