University of Malaya

About: University of Malaya is a education organization based out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Fiber laser. The organization has 25087 authors who have published 51491 publications receiving 1036791 citations. The organization is also known as: UM & Universiti Malaya.

A Unified Analysis of the Fault Tolerance Capability in Six-Phase Induction Motor Drives

Abstract: The fault tolerance of electric drives is highly appreciated at industry for security and economic reasons, and the inherent redundancy of six-phase machines provides the desired fault-tolerant capability with no extra hardware. For this reason some recent research efforts have been focused on the fault-tolerant design, modeling, and control of six-phase machines. Nevertheless, a unified and conclusive analysis of the postfault capability of six-phase machine is still missing. This paper provides a full picture of the postfault derating in generic six-phase machines and a specific analysis of the fault-tolerant capability of the three mainstream six-phase induction machines (asymmetrical, symmetrical, and dual three phase). Experimental results confirm the theoretical post fault current limits and allow concluding, which is the best six-phase machine for each fault scenario and neutral arrangement.

Establishing the effectiveness of patient decision aids: key constructs and measurement instruments

Abstract: Establishing the effectiveness of patient decision aids (PtDA) requires evidence that PtDAs improve the quality of the decision-making process and the quality of the choice made, or decision quality. The aim of this paper is to review the theoretical and empirical evidence for PtDA effectiveness and discuss emerging practical and research issues in the measurement of effectiveness. This updated overview incorporates: a) an examination of the instruments used to measure five key decision-making process constructs (i.e., recognize decision, feel informed about options and outcomes, feel clear about goals and preferences, discuss goals and preferences with health care provider, and be involved in decisions) and decision quality constructs (i.e., knowledge, realistic expectations, values-choice agreement) within the 86 trials in the Cochrane review; and b) a summary of the 2011 Cochrane Collaboration’s review of PtDAs for these key constructs. Data on the constructs and instruments used were extracted independently by two authors from the 86 trials and any disagreements were resolved by discussion, with adjudication by a third party where required. The 86 studies provide considerable evidence that PtDAs improve the decision-making process and decision quality. A majority of the studies (76/86; 88%) measured at least one of the key decision-making process or decision quality constructs. Seventeen different measurement instruments were used to measure decision-making process constructs, but no single instrument covered all five constructs. The Decisional Conflict Scale was most commonly used (n = 47), followed by the Control Preference Scale (n = 9). Many studies reported one or more constructs of decision quality, including knowledge (n = 59), realistic expectation of risks and benefits (n = 21), and values-choice agreement (n = 13). There was considerable variability in how values-choice agreement was defined and determined. No study reported on all key decision-making process and decision quality constructs. Evidence of PtDA effectiveness in improving the quality of the decision-making process and decision quality is strong and growing. There is not, however, consensus or standardization of measurement for either the decision-making process or decision quality. Additional work is needed to develop and evaluate measurement instruments and further explore theoretical issues to advance future research on PtDA effectiveness.

Long-Term Wind Speed Forecasting and General Pattern Recognition Using Neural Networks

Abstract: Long-term forecasting of wind speed has become a research hot spot in many different areas such as restructured electricity markets, energy management, and wind farm optimal design. However, wind energy with unstable and intermittent characteristics entails establishing accurate predicted data to avoid inefficient and less reliable results. The proposed study in this paper may provide a solution regarding the long-term wind speed forecast in order to solve the earlier-mentioned problems. For this purpose, two fundamentally different approaches, the statistical and the neural network-based approaches, have been developed to predict hourly wind speed data of the subsequent year. The novelty of this study is to forecast the general trend of the incoming year by designing a data fusion algorithm through several neural networks. A set of recent wind speed measurement samples from two meteorological stations in Malaysia, namely Kuala Terengganu and Mersing, are used to train and test the data set. The result obtained by the proposed method has given rather promising results in view of the very small mean absolute error (MAE).

Recent progress and development on power DC-DC converter topology, control, design and applications: A review

Abstract: Over the last few decennia, power DC/DC converters have been the subject of great interest due to its extensive increment of utilization in different applications. A thorough review on recent developed power DC/DC converters is presented in this paper. The study is focused on the topologies in different applications such as renewable energy, automobile, high-voltage and medium-voltage DC power systems, telecommunication, etc. In addition, an overview of the modulation techniques, the state-of-the-art of control strategies of well-established converters are discussed. Photovoltaic (PV) systems as the noticeable renewable energy resources generally suffer from poor conversion efficiency with instability and intermittent characteristics. Therefore, DC/DC converter with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm is essential to ensure maximum available power harnessed from the PV. Important features of DC/DC converters with MPPT are also figured with various performances. Furthermore, the design and optimization of different parameters are addressed systematically. Finally, the researcher’s future challenges and focusing trends are briefly described. For the next-generation converters design and applications, these are considered in details, and will provide useful framework and point of references.

Usefulness and applicability of the revised dengue case classification by disease: multi-centre study in 18 countries

Abstract: Background: In view of the long term discussion on the appropriateness of the dengue classification into dengue fever (DF), dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined in its new global dengue guidelines a revised classification into levels of severity: dengue fever with an intermediary group of “dengue fever with warning sings”, and severe dengue. The objective of this paper was to compare the two classification systems regarding applicability in clinical practice and surveillance, as well as user-friendliness and acceptance by health staff. Methods: A mix of quantitative (prospective and retrospective review of medical charts by expert reviewers, formal staff interviews), semi-quantitative (open questions in staff interviews) and qualitative methods (focus group discussions) were used in 18 countries. Quality control of data collected was undertaken by external monitors. Results: The applicability of the DF/DHF/DSS classification was limited, even when strict DHF criteria were not applied (13.7% of dengue cases could not be classified using the DF/DHF/DSS classification by experienced reviewers, compared to only 1.6% with the revised classification). The fact that some severe dengue cases could not be classified in the DF/DHF/DSS system was of particular concern. Both acceptance and perceived user-friendliness of the revised system were high, particularly in relation to triage and case management. The applicability of the revised classification to retrospective data sets (of importance for dengue surveillance) was also favourable. However, the need for training, dissemination and further research on the warning signs was highlighted. Conclusions: The revised dengue classification has a high potential for facilitating dengue case management and surveillance.