Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

About: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a education organization based out in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Membrane & Adsorption. The organization has 21644 authors who have published 39500 publications receiving 520635 citations.

Fourth generation biofuel: a review on risks and mitigation strategies

Abstract: Fourth generation biofuel (FGB) uses genetically modified (GM) algae to enhance biofuel production. Although GM algae biofuel is a well-known alternative to fossil fuels, the potential environmental and health-related risks are still of great concern. An evaluation of these concerns and accordingly devising appropriate mitigation strategies to deal with them are important to a successful commercialized production of FGB. While extensive research has been carried out on genetic modification and other technologies that aim to increase the productivity of algae strains, only a handful of them deal with the legislative limitations imposed on exploiting and processing GM algae. This paper examines this legislation and the mitigation strategies to meet potential risks associated with the exploitation and processing of FGB. Open-pond system is an economic solution for large-scale cultivation of microalgae; however, the concern regarding the health and environmental risk of cultivating GM algae and the associated stringent regulations is considered as the main barrier of FGB production. Disposal of the residue is another important issue that should be considered in FGB production. The byproducts obtained from energy extraction step and residual water from the harvesting process may contain plasmid or chromosomal DNA that may cause the risk of lateral gene transfer. Hence an appropriate mitigation practices should be used for replacement of the hazardous water residue and by-products with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The results obtained from several field testing projects for open-environment exploitation of GM algae show that under the various conditions used, there was no apparent proof to support possible horizontal gene transfer in release of GM algae.

Landslide susceptibility mapping using GIS-based statistical models and Remote sensing data in tropical environment

Abstract: Landslide susceptibility mapping using GIS-based statistical models and Remote sensing data in tropical environment

Stagnation point flow of a micropolar fluid towards a stretching sheet

Abstract: The steady two-dimensional stagnation point flow of an incompressible micropolar fluid over a stretching sheet when the sheet is stretched in its own plane with a velocity proportional to the distance from the stagnation point, has been studied in this paper. The resulting equations of non-linear ordinary coupled differential equations are solved numerically using the Keller–box method. The results obtained for velocity, microrotation and skin friction are shown in tables and graphs. Comparison with the recent results of Mahapatra and Gupta {Heat Mass Transfer 38 (2002) 517} for the corresponding problem of a viscous fluid ( K =0) has been done and it has been shown that the results are in excellent agreement.

Recent Progress on Magnetorheological Solids: Materials, Fabrication, Testing, and Applications†

Abstract: Magnetorheological (MR) materials are classified as smart materials due to their responsiveness to external magnetic stimuli. Intensive research on MR materials has led to broad applications in several potential fields. A solid carrier matrix state called MR elastomer with its exceptional magnetic responsive feature is obtained by merging magnetizable particles within an elastomeric polymer. This integration results in outstanding characteristics on the rheological performances. Special prominence is given to the understanding of the base materials and fabrication as well as the functional behavior through various characterization methods. Broad applications of MREs are also explored to provide a profound market picture and to motivate researchers to develop novel technology. The functional behavior of MREs is briefly explained. The art of the materials provides the current position and mapping of the matrix and filler particles. Types of matrix and particles are mentioned together with the level of the research interest on MREs. Description of the fabrication is provided in simple diagrams as summarized from previous works to enhance the MREs performance. The possible tests to reveal the characteristics of the MREs are delivered with the global experimental setup. The review also explains the applications of MREs as well as discussion on the MREs future promising applications.

Fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles: A review on power conditioning units and topologies

Abstract: Fuel cell (FC) application in vehicular technology has gained much popularity since the past few years. Typically, fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FCHEV) consists of fuel cell, battery and/or ultracapacitor (UC) as the power sources. The power converter is integrated to the power sources to form the hybrid FC system. This helps to compensate the drawback of individual power sources. Apart from the technical efficiency of power sources itself, the performance of an FCHEV is governed by the efficiency of power electronics and associated controller. In this paper, a state-of-the-art of vehicle classification is reviewed, in which the focus is placed on the deployment of fuel cell, battery, ultracapacitor and flywheel. The configurations used in FCHEV, followed by the updated power converter topologies, are also discussed. The topologies are categorized and discussed according to the power stages and control techniques used in the configurations. Then, multiple stages conversion and single stage topologies are described chronologically. The advantages and disadvantages of each topology, safety standards, current situation and environmental impact of FCHEV are also discussed. In addition, the current development of FCHEV, challenges and future prospects are also elaborated. The rapid growth of FC based research and technology has paved great prospects for FCHEVs in the near future, with the prediction of the competitive cost of hydrogen as compared to gasoline.