Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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The Effect of Shear Connectors on Cold-Formed Steel as Hybrid Beam Reinforcement
Full text linkHybrid beams are critical components in structural engineering, often reinforced with high-tensile-strength materials that surpass conventional reinforcement bars. Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) is a commonly utilized material in this context, offering enhanced structural performance, durability, and load-bearing capacity. However, previous studies indicate that the incorporation of the CFS in hybrid beams often leads to a strength reduction of approximately 50% compared to theoretical expectations. This discrepancy is primarily attributed to slippage between the CFS and concrete, resulting from the smooth surface texture of the CFS, which limits effective bond formation. To address these challenges, shear connectors are proposed to enhance the CFS-concrete bond, aiming to boost load-carrying capacity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate hybrid beams reinforced with the CFS, focusing on ultimate load, deflection, ductility, and failure patterns. Six beams, varying in the CFS shape and shear connector type, underwent 3-point flexural testing. The results showed an impressive increase in ultimate load, of approximately 87.33%, and notable deflection reductions, ranging from 15.4% to 81.9%, compared to control beams. However, beam ductility decreased significantly, with the largest reduction observed at 78.83%, while flexural failure remained the predominant mode across all specimens
Integrating Forensic Analysis and Sustainable Design for Slope Stabilization: A Case Study Using Waste Tire-Filled Gabion Structure (WTFGS)
Full text linkThis study presents a forensic investigation and geotechnical modelling of a landslide disaster and associated slope failure that adversely affected nearby infrastructure. The investigation involved geological mapping and geotechnical investigation through borehole drilling, followed by laboratory testing to characterise the physical index and engineering properties of the soil. Slope stability analyses were performed using SLOPE/W to show the stability analysis (Factor of Safety - FOS) for both the current failed slope condition and a proposed remediation design that incorporates sustainable materials. The proposed solution utilised a waste tire-filled gabion structure (WTFGS) as a sustainable slope retaining technique. Results indicated that the FOS for the existing slope was 0.979, classifying it as unstable. However, with the implementation design of WTFGS, the FOS improved to 1.580, indicating a stable slope in accordance with standard guidelines. These findings demonstrate that using waste materials to replace conventional materials is a practical remediation technique and a sustainable solution for slope stabilisation in new construction and slope repair applications. The integrated methodology strengthens failure assessment and supports the development of effective, sustainable slope stabilization solutions
Monitoring Water Quality Parameters in Shrimp Aquaculture
Full text linkIn shrimp aquaculture, maintaining optimal water quality is essential for ensuring the health and growth of shrimp. This study focuses on the real-time monitoring of water quality parameters, using a multi-sensor system that measures temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and turbidity. With the use of a solar panel for electricity, the multi-sensor system is capable in monitoring the water quality of a shrimp pond over two consecutive days. Based on the measurement data, the measured range is 6.5 – 9.0 for pH, 19 – 31.5°C for temperature, 9.0 – 25.0 ppt for salinity and 2.0 – 12.0 NTU for turbidity. The range of these parameters is ideal for shrimp aquaculture. Nevertheless, the TDS and DO do not meet the ideal range. TDS should be less than 1500 ppm, with a measured range of 1800 to 3400 ppm. Feed inputs and the buildup of metabolic waste may be the cause of this high TDS value. In the meantime, DO measures in the range of 2.5 to 22.0 ppm, with the lowest DO occurring late at night and falling below the DO limit of 5 ppm. By using mechanical aeration late at night to raise the DO level, this DO shortage can be resolved. The findings demonstrate that in order to guarantee accurate control of crucial parameters, ongoing real-time monitoring of sensor technology is required. Shrimp aquaculture may become much more sustainable and efficient by implementing automated systems for water quality regulation, which also lowers the risks related to environmental variations
A Compact and Efficient U Slot Excited Substrate Integrated Waveguide Based Antenna for 5G-NR Millimeter Wave Band
Full text linkIn the article, a cubical dielectric resonator antenna is excited through a U-slot aperture utilizing a Substrate Integrated Waveguide feeding mechanism. This antenna works in three different frequency bands of the millimeter range, 25.8, 27.5, and 30.4 GHz, targeting the 5G-NR bands, N257, and N258. The simulated antenna produces a substantial bandwidth of 6.12 GHz (25-31.12 GHz), a peak elevated gain of 8.9 dBi with 98% efficiency. The radiation patterns indicate the absence of backside radiation, validating the broadside transmission of the proposed antenna. All simulations for antenna design were carried out using Ansys HFSS, confirming the antenna’s suitability for high-performance 5G wireless communication systems, including applications in indoor environments, IoT infrastructure, and smart mobility platforms
Enhanced Performance of Millimetre-Wave Dual-Polarized Antennas Through Reduced Element Spacing
Full text linkThe increasing demand for higher data rates and better signal quality in 5G wireless networks has driven the advancement of dual-polarized antennas, which offer improved channel capacity and enhanced MIMO capabilities. Nevertheless, challenges such as achieving sufficient isolation, compact form factors, and effective beamforming remain, especially in millimeter-wave (mmWave) applications. This study introduces an enhanced single-layer, dual-polarized patch antenna with slant ±45° polarization, operating at 28 GHz. Designed to optimize performance while maintaining a compact structure, the antenna significantly reduces inter-element spacing — from approximately 57 mm to 15 mm. It is built on a Rogers RT5880 substrate and incorporates a T-power divider for efficient signal distribution. Both simulation and experimental results confirm improvements in reflection coefficient, radiation patterns, and gain compared to earlier designs. The antenna achieves a reflection coefficient of less than -10 dB, indicating strong performance, with measured gains ranging from 3.7 to 7.8 dBi. The revised radiation patterns display reduced sidelobe levels and a more directional main beam in the co-elevation azimuth plane, highlighting the effectiveness of the reduced spacing. These enhancements make the proposed design well-suited for 5G mmWave applications, particularly for beam-steering systems. Future developments can build on this work to further optimize performance in high-frequency wireless networks
Design and Fabricate of 3D Printed X-Band Sample Size Based Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) Rectangular Waveguide
Full text linkThis work discusses the design and fabrication of 3D-printed dielectric materials for rectangular waveguides, with specific attention given to the effects of infill density and pattern changes on dielectric attributes. Microwave CST Studio is used to design the waveguide structures, which were produced through additive manufacturing and later tested with a two-port rectangular waveguide measurement system. The S-parameters were measured using a Keysight PNA-L Network Analyzer N5234B, whereby the reflection coefficient (S11) and the transmission coefficient (S21) were measured to determine how the material interacts with electromagnetic waves. It was found that greater infill densities correlated with increased values of real permittivity, whereas infill patterns have an essential influence on the material\u27s dielectric behavior. Several patterns were tested: concentric, cross, cubic, and zigzag; the zigzag pattern gave the best results concerning the effective permittivity, while the concentric pattern presented the least because of the greater air gaps. The strong dependence of permittivity on infill density illustrates the possibility of controlling dielectric properties through additive manufacturing using PETG material. It has been demonstrated that 3D printing methods can fabricate waveguides and RF circuits that enable control over dielectric properties
Flow Channeling And Restriction Zone Identification in Gas Mask Filter Cartridges using CFD
Full text linkGas mask filters are critical for protecting against hazardous gases and airborne pollutants, yet their performance is strongly influenced by internal airflow behavior. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed to investigate pressure drop, velocity distribution, and air age (residence time) within a gas mask cartridge. The simulations revealed a maximum pressure drop of 41.94 Pa, well within acceptable breathing resistance limits, but with non-uniform distribution across the absorbent bed. Velocity contours showed flow channeling forming near the inlet and outlet, leaving regions further from the outlet underutilized. Air age analysis confirmed these patterns, with some regions achieving the required 0.67–0.80 s contact time for effective adsorption, while others fell below this threshold. Under humid conditions, resistance increased, leading to longer residence times but reduced overall airflow renewal. These findings highlight that both cartridge can affect airflow uniformity, adsorption efficiency, and sorbent utilization. The findings can guide the optimization of filter design in achieve more balanced flow distribution and improved performance.
 
Emerging Technology Entrepreneurship Trends And Performance Multinational Organisations in Nigeria
Full text linkDespite the key role in driving economic development using investment by multinational organisations, such as the creation of jobs, and technology transfer, many multinational organisations in Nigeria face infrastructure shortfall, weak institutional setup, and socio-economic instability. This study aims to examine emerging technology entrepreneurship trends and the performance of multinational organisations in Nigeria by closing these gaps by exploring the link between entrepreneurial orientation, technology infrastructure, human capital and the performance of multinational organisations in Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive survey design to investigate the impact of emerging technology entrepreneurship trends on the performance of multinational organisations. The study targets operational and managerial employees of multinational companies in the telecommunication sector with subsidiaries in Osun State, Nigeria. The study employs a systematic random sampling technique. Given the infinite population approach, the sample size is predetermined as 385 respondents based on Cochran\u27s formula (1977). A structured questionnaire was designed to gather relevant information. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised in the study for the data techniques. The results reveal that entrepreneurial orientation significantly impacts the performance of multinational organisations. Technology infrastructure was not statistically significant and human capital emerged as a critical predictor of organisational performance. The research recommended that multinational organisations operating in emerging markets, such as Nigeria, should tailor their strategies to address local challenges.
Building Safety Regulations in The Construction of Housing Projects
Full text linkBuilding safety regulation was become the main issue in the construction industry because of the increased rate of death and injury among workers in the workplace. This research aims to identify effective safety compliance towards the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) by developers and consultants to minimise the risk in the construction of housing projects. The objective is to explore the importance of building safety regulations in the construction of housing projects. The interview session has been conducted among developers and consultants in the construction industry, which are currently involved in construction of housing projects. All the data collected were examined utilising theme analytic techniques. The study has identified that there were six (6) themes of impacts with non-compliance with safety regulations, (1) Financial penalties, (2) Loss of productivity, (3) Damage to the end loss of materials, plant, and equipment, (4) Time loss, (5) Endangering lives and (6) Industry disqualification. This findings will be able to determine the effects of non-compliance with safety regulation requirements in the construction of housing projects
Ethical Improprieties During the Procurement Stage in The Malaysian Construction Industry
Full text linkThis paper examines critical ethical challenges in procurement within Malaysia\u27s construction industry, focusing on issues like transparency lapses, bid rigging, bribery, and collusion. These unethical practices are attributed to weak systems, unclear ethical standards, and inadequate awareness of regulations, particularly in complex procurement processes. The study evaluates the determinants, consequences, and preventive measures for such violations, emphasizing the significant economic, reputational, and regulatory impacts. Data was collected from construction stakeholders, including developers, consultants, contractors, and government agencies, using a quantitative survey methodology. Results reveal that ineffective management, poor legislation, and weak governance are primary contributors to unethical behavior. Major consequences include a pervasive culture of bribery and corruption. Recommended preventive measures include strict penalties such as fines, suspensions, blacklisting, and enforcing severe legal actions like imprisonment to uphold integrity and transparency