Skeletal Maturity Measurement and Height Prediction using Computerized Bone Age Assessment

Abstract
Bone age assessment (BAA) or bone maturity assessment is a clinical application used to evaluate the skeletal development especially in children and adolescents. Due to the inefficiency to describe maturation age using chronological age, the skeletal maturity or skeletal age is utilized as indicator for growth disorders as well as the predictor for final body height. This technique of measuring biological growth of human through evaluation of skeletal development is the only available indicator to date.The radiographs of left hand are often used as the skeletal to represent the biological maturity depending on features like development of ossification area and calcium position in the ossification area. We thus invent a computerized skeletal maturity measurement to measure the bone age and predict the height of children.

Current Problem/Background
Basically there are two major type of evaluation system are being used: the Greulich-Pyle  and Tanner-Whitehouse atlas (TW2). For the Greulich-Pyle method, the physicians compares the patient’s hand bone radiograph with the atlas and make the conclusion while the TW2 method is a point collection index system. However both conventional evaluation methods are carried out using visual inspection which is time-consuming and subjective depends on the physician knowledge background and perspective. Therefore, in recent years, numerous automated system of BAA has been developed especially for TW2 method which is more appropriate for computing purpose. However, the system still under the researching stage due to the insufficient stability of the system.

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Noninvansive Sugar Content Assessment of Pineapple via Arificial Neural Network

Abstract
A user-friendly platform is developed to help potential users (i.e. researchers, students, and industry players who do not have or have little programming knowledges and modelling skills) to analysis spectral data so that they can predict the soluble solids content (SSC) of pineapple based on a highly over-lapping and colinearity visible and shortwave near infrared spectral data. First, users need to upload spectral data and their respective SSC data of pineapples to the platform via GUI functions. Second, two pre-processing techniques are available for users to eliminate the effects from unwanted signals. Third, users can start training their predictive model after choosing their desired number of inputs and complexity of the predictive model. After complete the training process, predicted SSC can be generated in seconds based on new spectral data.

Current Problem/Background
Recently, Malaysia targets to move up beyond its 11th place ranking of the world¿s pineapple exporter by increasing its export value beyond the RM54mil mark this year via improved technologies and production. Due to the fact that a high nutrition and a good tasting are the crucial factors for the benefits of commercial, the pineapple internal quality assessment will be an area that both technology and market section concern about in this country. Among the internal quality attributes of pineapples, soluble solids content (SSC) is probably the most important factor to affect consumers¿ interest in pineapple purchasing. This is because there is a strong relationship between the eating quality of pineapple and SSC values. However, most of the available techniques for SSC measurements are time consuming, destructive, and difficult to be operated without a professional training and knowledge. A non-contact visible and shortwave near infrared spectroscopic techonology is widely used to acquire representative data that can be used to predict the SSC of pineapple. However, the information of these data are overlapping and highly correlated to each other. As a consequence, it is impossible to interprete them via direct inspection.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex 

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MODEL SAYANGKU: An Islamic Psychological Intervention Programme to Cultivate Self-Awareness, Meaning of Life and Personal Identity

Abstract

Model Sayangku is a model that was built as an effort to address the issue of youth involved in sexual activity before marriage. The model was developed based on the Islamic perspective by looking at the four main concepts of love which is Love God, Love Prophet, Love of One Self and Love the People. The four key concepts are blended by combining elements of akidah, ibadah, muamalah, muasyarah and akhlak to ensure that each participant has a desire to improve their faith and confidence in God and practice the Sunnah of the Prophet.

Current Problem/Background

Adolescence are assets of a country. On their shoulders lies the responsibility to lead the country. Adolescence involvement in anti-social activity including sexual deviance is a big problems to a country since this will hinder the development of the country’s future. Earlier research done by the researcher found the elements of nafs as a significant predictor of sexual misconduct. Therefore who were involved in such behaviors were mostly at the stage of nafs ammarah. This model was developed based on this finding, as such, emphasis is given to the development of the nafs based on the Islamic Perspectives.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex

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Innovative Partial Strength Connection on Cruciform Column Section

Abstract
The use of partial strength connections has been encouraged by codes and studies on the matter known as semi-continuous construction have proven substantial savings in steel weight of the overall construction. Cruciform column have been introduced to further improve the application of partial strength connection on both axes of the column. The objective in this study is to develop a series of standardized partial strength connections tables of flush end-plate and extended end-plate connections for cruciform column sections. The standardized connection tables were developed based on all possible failure modes that can possible occur in the beam to column connection on both major and minor axis of the column. The moment capacity and shear capacity developed depend on the geometrical aspects of the connections, the size of beams, and columns that are suitably connected together. A method proposed by Steel Construction Institute (SCI) which take into account the requirements in Eurocode 3 and BS 5950: 2000 Part 1 to predict the moment capacity and shear capacity in developing the tables. The moment capacity and shear capacity in the standard tables showed consistent results by comparing with some standardized tables that have been established for hot-rolled British section.

Current Problem/Background
Traditionally, steel frames are designed either as pinned jointed or rigidly jointed. The beams are assumed as simple supported with pin jointed connections and the columns are assumed to sustain axial and nominal moment only. The connection is simple but the sizes of the beams obtained from this approach result in heavy and deep beam. Rigidly jointed frame results in heavy columns due to the end moments transmitted through the connection. Hence, a more complicated fabrication of the connection could not be avoided. One approach, termed as partial strength connection is usually associated with a connection having a moment capacity less than the moment capacity of the connected beam. The use of partial strength connections has been encouraged by codes and studies on the matter known as semi-continuous construction have proven substantial savings in steel weight of the overall construction. Cruciform column have been introduced to further improve the application of partial strength connection on both axes of the column. This type of column with same moment of inertia on both axes able to increase the strength and stiffness of a column and allow beams connected to the column flange easily using end-plate connection. The standardized connection tables were developed based on all possible failure modes that can possible occur in the beam to column connection. The moment capacity and shear capacity developed depend on the geometrical aspects of the connections, the size of beams, and columns that are suitably connected together. The use of partial strength connection reduced the design moment of the beam due to the partial restraint effect of the connection. The partial restraint of the connection reduces deflection of the beam which will also result in shallower beams. Standardized connection enhances the design process, the preparation of detailing, the fabrication process, and the erection works, which able to reduce the overall construction cost.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex

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Assessment of Defect and Integrity of Deteriorating Assets (ADINDA 1.0-Promitius)

Abstract
ADINDA 1.0 (Assessment of Defect and Integrity of Deteriorating Assets) is a web-based software specially tailored to optimise the utilisation of in-line inspection data by predicting the failure probability of corroding oil and gas pipeline subject to internal and external defects. The current version of ADINDA 1.0 with code-name Promitius has been developed using a combination of DOT.NET Frame and C++ language as the main engine while the interface development is based on PHP and Visual Basic programming. The software is fully based on open source system and specially designed for web-based system. ADINDA 1.0-Promitius, a home-grown assessment tool, is equipped with powerful hybrid algorithm of deterministic-probabilistic based assessment techniques to evaluate the remaining life of corroding pipeline. The software capable of running seamlessly data sampling, feature-to-feature data matching, construction of histogram and probability distribution, goodness-of-fit test, integrity assessment based on ASME B31G and DNV RP-F101 code, and prediction of failure probability using Monte Carlo simulation. The unique features of ADINDA 1.0-Promitius are the inclusion of data correction techniques and the 1st ever soil-corrosion model, RESA model, of which locally designed and developed by this research project. The power law-based soil corrosion model enables the software to assess soil corrosivity according to soil content and soil engineering properties. The development of ADINDA 1.0-Promitius will give great benefit to pipeline operators in maintaining and improving the life of their pipeline assets.

Current Problem/Background
An initial review of structure integrity based on the operating history and the results of any past survey or inspections can potentially identify the likely problems and consequently the additional data that may needed to make a decision about the future of the structure. In order to achieve such optimization through full utilization of ILI data in structure maintenance scheme, the improvised of best practice assessment and prediction tools need to be developed. The availability of pigging data in vast amount is just the first piece of solution towards structure sustainable and effective inspection, repair and maintenance scheme (IRM). The challenge is how to build a system capable of collecting data and turn it into information in the context of managing structure integrity. Recognizing the value of numerous of pigging data in pipeline industry, an inherent understanding of how to fully utilize pigging data for the sake of structure integrity assessment has become a necessity. A systematic approach to automate the assessment process by the means of software specially tailored to assess corroding structure with great capability of data processing and sampling as well as deterministic and reliability assessment engine is hardly available in the industry since existing tools are rather not comprehensive . In general, a good number of the existing structure assessment methods are purely deterministic and lacking reliability element as well as data sampling tool, hence under utilises the inspection data for the estimation of the variation of corrosion growth rate. Moreover, the available assessment software for pipeline scarcely incorporates data analysis, structure integrity, risk-assessment and techno-economic evaluation under one comprehensive package.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex

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Ozone Treatment System for Spawn Treatment of Mushroom Cultivation

Abstract
One of the most important aspects on mushroom cultivation is represented by substrate disinfection. The yield can be compromised if the competitive microorganisms are not killed from the cellulosic materials. Ozone had been used as antimicrobial agent for the treatment, storage and processing of foods in gas and aqueous phases in direct contact with foods for years. Ozone sterilizing system is the efficient system for spawn treatment of mushroom cultivation. This project involves the ozone sterilizing system design, development, laboratory experiment and analysis of experiment data to validate the use of ozone in mushroom industry. The sterilizing chamber was specially designed in a fashion that mushroom substrate can be injected by ozone simultaneously. It is useful for commercial application for mushroom cultivation. It was evident that the ozone treatment technique provides less time consuming for the treatment process thus in long term is more cost effective. Thus, more mushroom substrate can be produced and at the same time the nutrient inside the substrate is increased due to the oxidation process with organic matter.

Current Problem/Background
Rapid rise in energy cost and long time consuming in sanitizing system are having a devastating effect on margins and operating rates of mushroom farms. This, in turn, is having dramatic impact on mushroom farms ability to fully service the needs of their customer. Energy produced from natural gas, diesel and electricity is essential to the mushroom production process. Every day, mushroom farms use large quantities of energy to sanitize the mushroom substrate and they need 6 to 10 hours to complete the sanitizing process and another 10 hours for cooling down before the mushroom¿s seeds can be planted in the plastic substrate. The conventional steam of sterilizing mushroom substrate can only produce about 800 substrates per day or 20,000 substrates per month (for oven steam size – 6¿x 4¿x 6¿). Mushroom growers are having devastating effects on margin, time consuming and operating costs. Steam disinfection is the most common technique to disinfect the mushroom substrate. However, the process will take longer time. The long time consuming in steam sterilizing system induced the idea to find another efficient sterilize agent for spawn treatment in term of time consuming.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex 

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Novel method for alloying Aluminum

Abstract
A new technique for surface modification was demonstrated using laser induced plasma (LIP) to enhance surface alloying process. This LIP treatment provides a very high heating and quenching rates that can be used to form alloyed layer on a material surface. LIP technique was used to alloy Fe-Cu mixture with pure Al substrate. The microstructure of the alloyed layers was analyzed by SEM which showed smooth, continues and good surface. The hardness of the alloyed material is measured and the results showed that the alloyed surface is 3 times as hard as the un-treated surface. The results showed also that a single Fe alloyed aluminum surface is harder than the one formed by the mixture of Fe and Cu. The maximum hardness of 93.0 HV is obtained with the use of single Fe after exposure to 4 pulses of the laser.

Current Problem/Background
Commonlly laser surface alloy using high power and continuous laser like CO2 and involve two processes . Alloying with lower power within 3-4 kW and remelting with even greater power 8-9 kW [12]. And the alloying occurs direct by laser exposure at a distance to enlarge the beam size in order to reduce the intensity. Other laser like cw of 2 kW Nd:YAG laser also used to irradiate on a mixture of the monometallic colloidal solution about 10 minutes to form Au/Ag alloy [13].

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex

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Magic Star Puzzle for Educational Mathematics

Abstract
One of the interesting fields in mathematics is the magic number arrangement. In particular, one of the arrays in magic number arrangement is called magic star. Hence, magic star is suitable to be introduced as educational mathematics to cultivate interest in different area of mathematics. Previously, the calculation for obtaining the solutions has been done manually which is time-consuming. Hence in this product, a magic star puzzle is created using Matlab software, which enables user to verify the entries for the cells of magic star of order six. Moreover, it is also user-friendly as it provides interactive commands on the inputs given by the user, which helps the user to detect the incorrect inputs. In addition, user can also choose to view all the fundamental solutions for magic star of order six as generated by the programming code.

Current Problem/Background
Previously, manual calculations are used to find the solution for magic star of order six. However, it is time consuming if the solution were to be found manually. Moreover, the detection on incorrect input on certain cells of a magic star may not be easy if done manually. Therefore, this magic star puzzle is created to obtain the solution for magic star of order six by allowing the user to verify the entries into the cell of magic star of order six. Besides, this product also provides interactive commands on the inputs given by user, which enables the user to detect the incorrect inputs. In addition, the product also enables users to view all the fundamental solutions for magic star of order six.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex 

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LIP MOIST with Omega-3

Abstract
Lipstick is one of the decorative cosmetic products that command a unique market. Many advanced technologies had been used to manufacture modern lipsticks with vast functionality. In the last quarter of twentieth century, cosmetic industries exist with technology of their own. Every year, users were introduced with various new cosmetics products of the latest trend. Furthermore, the ingredients and basic materials used in cosmetic formulation become the most important criteria for consumers in choosing the cosmetic product, as their interest in health and safety awareness grew. The quality of lipstick is directly linked to the basic materials used in the formulation. Therefore the introduction of natural colour on lipstick formulation with the addition of omega-3 as the functional value in the lipstick product could enhance the quality and benefits of the lipstick purpose rather than the other common cosmetics.

Current Problem/Background
Some of the most popular lipsticks sold worldwide contain excessive amounts of lead. However, health authorities claim there is no health risk for consumers. This is because lead accumulates in human body over years of exposure. However, lead is especially dangerous to babies and fetuses. Moreover, lead and lead compounds, proven neurotoxins, are prohibited ingredients in cosmetics in Canada, but lead can contaminate the raw materials during the manufacturing process. Besides these, colour additives to synthetic pigments also contain lead. The consumer will not find lead in the ingredients list because lead is considered to be a contaminant in lipstick, and therefore it is not listed on labels. Lipstick can become contaminated with lead in two ways which are raw materials used in the lipstick may be contaminated with lead, or the pigments (paints) used in the lipstick contain lead. Thus, natural colours from plant extract are used to incorporate natural pigment and edible based material to produce a good quality lipstick. In this invention, the natural colours to be used are obtained from plants which are butterfly pea and roselle. These natural colours are chosen because they contain natural vitamins and minerals which can give good nutrient to lip compared to synthetic color. In addition, the omega-3 is added to enhance the quality by giving moisture to lip. The biosurfactant also applied in this invention to prepare the emulsion of oil based colour before the incorporation to the lipstick formulation.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex

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High Voltage Ratio Interleaved Boost Converter for High Power Fuel Cell Application

Abstract
Fuel cells are a potential power source for electric vehicle or distributed power generation system. Fuel cells have several advantages such as low emission, direct energy conversion, quiet operation, and size flexibility. An electric vehicle powered by the fuel cells, FCEV, has higher efficiency and lower emissions compared with the internal combustion engine vehicles. In this application, the high power dc-dc converter is required to adjust the output voltage, current and power of fuel cell to supply the vehicle requirements. Due to the output voltage of fuel cell is rather low than the dc bus voltage, a high voltage ratio boost dc-dc converter is required as interface to convert the low dc voltage of fuel cell into a sufficiently high voltage dc-link bus voltage. At the same time for high power applications such as electric vehicle, the low input voltage causes the input currents that flow becomes very large. This research proposed a new topology of high voltage ratio boost dc-dc converter with interleave and cascade technology for fuel cell application. The proposed interleaved boost dc-dc converter have been designed and developed. An approach for interleaved boost converter controller'™s synthesis, based on dynamic evolution control theory is explored.

Current Problem/Background
Recently, the application of fuel cells as a clean renewable energy is increased. Fuel cells are a potential power source for electric vehicle or distributed power generation system. Fuel cells have several advantages such as low emission, direct energy conversion, quiet operation, and size flexibility. An electric vehicle powered by the fuel cells called Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) has higher efficiency and lower emissions compared with the internal combustion engine vehicles. In this application, the high power dc-dc converter is required to adjust the output voltage, current and power of fuel cell to supply the vehicle requirements. Generally, the output voltage of fuel cell is rather low, while the motors are driven at higher voltages. Hence, a high voltage ratio boost dc-dc converter is required as interface to convert the low dc voltage of fuel cell into a sufficiently high voltage dc-link bus voltage. At the same time for high power applications such as electric vehicle, the low input voltage causes the input currents that flow becomes very large. This research proposed a new topology of high voltage ratio boost dc-dc converter with interleave and cascade technology for fuel cell application. The proposed interleaved boost dc-dc converter has been designed and developed. An approach for interleaved boost converter controller'™s synthesis, based on dynamic evolution control theory was explored. As a result, a new high voltage ratio interleaved boost dc-dc converter for high power fuel cell application has been produced.

Source: rmc.utm.my/inatex

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