Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

About: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a(n) education organization based out in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topic(s): Membrane & Control theory. The organization has 21644 authors who have published 39500 publication(s) receiving 520635 citation(s).

Case Study As a Research Method

Abstract: Although case study methods remain a controversial approach to data collection, they are widely recognised in many social science studies especially when in-depth explanations of a social behaviour are sought after. This article, therefore, discusses several aspects of case studies as a research method. These include the design and categories of case studies and how their robustness can be achieved. It also explores on the advantages and disadvantages of case study as a research method.

A review of heat treatment on polyacrylonitrile fiber

Abstract: Developing carbon fiber from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based fiber is generally subjected to three processes namely stabilization, carbonization, and graphitization under controlled conditions. The PAN fiber is first stretched and simultaneously oxidized in a temperature range of 200–300 °C. This treatment converts thermoplastic PAN to a non-plastic cyclic or a ladder compound. After oxidation, the fibers are carbonized at about 1000 °C in inert atmosphere which is usually nitrogen. Then, in order to improve the ordering and orientation of the crystallites in the direction of the fiber axis, the fiber must be heated at about 1500–3000 °C until the polymer contains 92–100%. High temperature process generally leads to higher modulus fibers which expel impurities in the chain as volatile by-products. During heating treatment, the fiber shrinks in diameter, builds the structure into a large structure and upgrades the strength by removing the initial nitrogen content of PAN precursor and the timing of nitrogen. With better-controlled condition, the strength of the fiber can achieve up to 400 GPa after this pyrolysis process.

Critical success factors for implementing knowledge management in small and medium enterprises

Abstract: Purpose – To date, critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing knowledge management (KM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have not been systematically investigated. Existing studies have derived their CSFs from large companies' perspectives and have not considered the needs of smaller businesses. This paper is aimed to bridge this gap.Design/methodology/approach – Existing studies on CSFs were reviewed and their limitations were identified. By integrating insights drawn from these studies as well as adding some new factors, the author proposed a set of 11 CSFs which is believed to be more suitable for SMEs. The importance of the proposed CSFs was theoretically discussed and justified. In addition, an empirical assessment was conducted to evaluate the extent of success of this proposition.Findings – The overall results from the empirical assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed CSFs.Practical implications – The set of CSFs can act as a list of items for SMEs ...

Hydrogen production from renewable and sustainable energy resources: Promising green energy carrier for clean development

Abstract: Fossil fuel consumption in transportation system and energy-intensive sectors as the principal pillar of civilization is associated with progressive release of greenhouse gases. Hydrogen as a promising energy carrier is a perfect candidate to supply the energy demand of the world and concomitantly reduce toxic emissions. This article gives an overview of the state-of-the-art hydrogen production technologies using renewable and sustainable energy resources. Hydrogen from supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of biomass is the most cost effective thermochemical process. Highly moisturized biomass is utilized directly in SCWG without any high cost drying process. In SCWG, hydrogen is produced at high pressure and small amount of energy is required to pressurize hydrogen in the storage tank. Tar and char formation decreases drastically in biomass SCWG. The low efficiency of solar to hydrogen system as well as expensive photovoltaic cell are the most important barriers for the widespread commercial development of solar-based hydrogen production. Since electricity costs play a crucial role on the final hydrogen price, to generate carbon free hydrogen from solar and wind energy at a competitive price with fossil fuels, the electrical energy cost should be four times less than commercial electricity prices.

A review of the effects of emerging contaminants in wastewater and options for their removal

Abstract: The occurrence of emerging or newly identified contaminants in our water resources is of continued concern for the health and safety of consuming public. The existing conventional water treatment plants were not designed for these unidentified contaminants. The endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) comprise pharmaceuticals, personal care products, surfactants, various industrial additives and numerous chemicals purported to be endocrine disrupter. These have become a threat to our water supply network. The current wastewater treatment system is not effective in elimination of these different classes of emerging contaminants as these have not been monitored due to the absence of stringent regulation specific to these contaminants. These undesirable compounds are being released, knowingly or unknowingly, into the aquatic environment that affect the whole living organism. The paper discusses adverse effects of these emerging contaminants to water consumers and discusses the potential removal processes. The use of activated carbon, oxidation, activated sludge, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, and their efficiencies in removal of these pollutants, are reviewed. In particular, the nanofiltration removal mechanism is emphasized because of its utmost importance in eliminating micropollutants.