Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Strategic Planning Behaviors and Their Effects on Public Construction Management Performance
Get PDFEffective planning behaviors are critical to the success of public construction investment, particularly within institutional environments marked by regulatory complexity and fiscal constraints, yet prior research has largely overlooked the specific functional behaviors involved in planning processes for public sector infrastructure development. This study conceptualizes planning behaviors as a multidimensional construct and empirically examines their impact on management performance, identifying eight behavioral dimensions—ranging from guideline dissemination to capital allocation and project selection—through a survey of 136 experienced public sector professionals analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that Capital Allocation Planning (PL5) and Project Selection (PL6) significantly and positively influence management performance, while Capacity of Investment Balance (PL7) has a significant but negative effect; other behaviors, such as Planning Guidelines (PL1), Plan Consistency (PL4), and Execution Descriptions (PL8), lack direct effects but play crucial mediating roles through PL5 and PL6. These results highlight the differentiated impact of planning actions, emphasizing the need for a multi-level behavioral framework to enhance planning effectiveness, improve managerial practices, reform policies, and advance theoretical understanding of infrastructure governance in public investment
An Evaluation of Vietnam’s Construction Investment Regulatory System Concerning Net-Zero Transition
Get PDFVietnam has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a target that necessitates transformative changes across all economic sectors, with the construction industry playing a pivotal role due to its significant carbon footprint. This study systematically evaluates Vietnam\u27s current construction investment regulatory system to assess its readiness and effectiveness in promoting the national net-zero transition. Utilizing desk research and content analysis of relevant laws, decrees, circulars, and technical standards, the research applies the CETEx and OECD frameworks to identify regulatory strengths, weaknesses, and gaps.
Findings reveal that while Vietnam has established a foundational legal framework and strategic policies (e.g., Decree 06/2022/ND-CP, Lotus Green Building Certification) for climate action, explicit and binding regulations for net-zero considerations, such as mandatory embodied carbon limits or project-level carbon budgets, are largely absent in investment and permitting processes. Enforcement remains fragmented, particularly at the subnational level, due to capacity deficits. A critical disconnect exists between regulatory mandates and financial incentives, with a notable absence of dedicated green finance instruments (e.g., green bonds, targeted subsidies) and integrated project pipelines to de-risk and scale low-carbon construction. Furthermore, stakeholder engagement lacks formalized, cross-sectoral coordination, and regulatory impact assessments do not consistently integrate climate-focused metrics.
The study concludes that despite strong strategic alignment with net-zero ambitions, Vietnam\u27s construction investment regulatory system faces significant operational hurdles. Recommendations include institutionalizing low-carbon mandates in investment approvals, establishing incentive-based green finance mechanisms, building local implementation capacity, creating an integrated green construction project pipeline and data platform, and strengthening adaptive governance with climate-sensitive regulatory impact assessments. These insights offer a roadmap for policymakers to transform Vietnam\u27s construction sector into a proactive driver of its net-zero future
Investigating the Role of Entrepreneurship Education on the Technopreneurship Intention of Generation Z Vocational Students: Why Do Digital Business Literacy and Digital Financial Literacy Matter?
Get PDFEntrepreneurship plays a central role in the economy as a driver of innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Therefore, entrepreneurship education at various levels, including in vocational schools and colleges, is very important to empower the younger generation, especially Generation Z, to have the competencies and entrepreneurial spirit that are relevant to the digital era. This study aims to explore the role of digital business literacy and digital financial literacy as moderating variables in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and technopreneurship intentions among Generation Z students at the vocational level. The approach used is quantitative with the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method on 657 respondents obtained through accidental sampling techniques. The test results show that all hypotheses proposed in the research model are significantly accepted (p < 0.05), including the direct effect of entrepreneurship education on technopreneurship intentions and the positive moderating role of digital business literacy and digital financial literacy. These findings provide theoretical contributions to the development of a digital entrepreneurial intention model, as well as practical contributions in designing entrepreneurship policy interventions and curricula that are more adaptive to the needs of Generation Z students at the vocational level in the digital era
Electric Field Characteristics of Various Percentages of LLDPE-Natural Rubber Composition Under Moisture Conditions
Get PDFEnhancing the insulation performance of high-voltage cables is critical for ensuring long-term reliability in modern power systems. One major concern is the degradation of insulation due to sustained exposure to high electric fields, which can lead to flashover events. This study focuses on the electric field behavior of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) blended with Natural Rubber (NR), examined under both dry and moisture-exposed conditions. Composite samples containing 0% to 30% NR were prepared through mechanical blending and submerged in water for 70 days to evaluate moisture absorption. To support simulation work, the relative permittivity of each sample in both conditions was measured using a Keysight 16514B dielectric test fixture.These permittivity values were incorporated into a COMSOL electrostatic model with cylindrical electrodes to simulate electric field distributions. Among all tested compositions, the sample with 30% natural rubber consistently demonstrated the lowest electric field intensity, even under moist conditions. This enhanced performance is attributed to the influence of natural rubber on the dielectric properties, promoting a more uniform electric field distribution despite higher water uptake. The findings suggest that LLDPE-NR composites with higher NR content hold significant potential for improving insulation in high-voltage cable applications
An Educational CT Scanner Prototype of a 3rd Generation CT Scanner
Get PDFThis project aims to develop an affordable educational prototype of a3rd generation CT scanner. The proposed prototype uses non-radiativelight sources and combines 3D printing, electronics components, andfiltered backprojection (FBP) algorithm to generate the cross-sectionimage of a transparent phantom. Key components include an LED light,an Arduino Nano controller, and a camera. The prototype can captureup to 200 images per scan cycle and successfully reconstruct theinternal structures of the phantom. However, there were somelimitations, including issues with the dataset, light source power, andtime efficiency. Results showed that the prototype could create a 3Dmodel of the lemon phantom, though it faced challenges due to the lightsource and data limitations. Educational workshops were conductedwith 38 students and the prototype was well received by the studentsas shown by the questionnaire results. Future improvements will focuson increasing dataset resolution, using more powerful light sources likelaser diodes, and upgrading the camera system for better image qualityand faster processing
Corrosion Analysis Tool Using Pencil Graphite Electrode Sensor with Machine Learning Algorithm
Get PDFCorrosion is an electrochemical reaction that leads to the deterioration of metallic materials, posing significant challenges across various industries. Traditional corrosion analysis methods require manual data collection using electrode sensors and laboratory-based analysis, limiting automation, mobility, and predictive capabilities. To address these issues, a Corrosion Analysis Tool was developed using a Pencil Graphite Electrode Sensor in combination with machine learning algorithms. The tool integrates regression analysis to enhance data integrity, automate predictions, and minimize human errors. Cloud computing is employed to replace traditional physical servers, facilitating remote access and real-time analysis. A mobile application is also developed to provide users with a convenient and efficient corrosion analysis platform. The system was evaluated by comparing its corrosion rate analysis results with traditional laboratory experiments conducted by chemical science students. Results demonstrated high accuracy, with minimal deviations between the corrosion rate values obtained from the Corrosion Analysis Tool and manually computed rates. The differences observed were 0.236 × 10⁻⁸ for a 7-day immersion, 0.049 × 10⁻⁸ for a 14-day immersion, 0.071 × 10⁻⁸ for a 21-day immersion, and 0.014 × 10⁻⁸ for a 28-day immersion, confirming the system\u27s reliability. The precision test further verified that the tool effectively reduces human errors and enhances data integrity. Furthermore, the tool streamlines project management by centralizing data storage and organization, preventing data redundancy and loss. In conclusion, the Corrosion Analysis Tool successfully automates corrosion analysis, improves mobility, and enhances data-driven decision-making for researchers. The system meets all user requirements, offering a robust solution to traditional corrosion analysis challenges. Its predictive capabilities, powered by machine learning, provide valuable insights for future corrosion prevention strategies. By incorporating cloud-based storage and mobile accessibility, the tool modernizes corrosion analysis and contributes to advancements in materials science and engineering
Quantifying Rock Slope Stability with Kinematic and Limit Equilibrium Methods for KM29 of Karak Highway, Malaysia
Get PDFThe stability of rock slopes has been of great interest to engineering geology studies in ensuring a safe and functional cut slope along highways. Kinematic analysis is widely used as an assessment tool for rock slope stability in Malaysia. This method uses a stereograph plot to identify potential failure modes based on geological discontinuities. However, it does not quantify any forces that could influence the potential failure. To address this limitation, the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) is employed to calculate the slope’s factor of safety, providing a more comprehensive stability assessment. In this study, both kinematic analysis and LEM were applied to evaluate the stability of a rock slope located at KM29 near the Gombak Toll Plaza, along the Karak Highway, Malaysia. Parameters such as discontinuities and mechanical properties were used to analyse the slope. The Schmidt rebound hammer was employed to evaluate the surface hardness of the rock. The average rebound values for slope sections G1, G2, and G3 were 62, 60, and 54, respectively. These values were then correlated with uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), yielding estimated strengths of 163.97 MPa for G1, 150.65 MPa for G2, and 113.98 MPa for G3. The shear strength test indicated an average cohesion value of 20.56 kPa and a friction angle of 56.79°, derived from four rock samples. Kinematic analysis, conducted using Rocscience Dips software, revealed that slope sections G1, G2, and G3 were susceptible to wedge and planar failures. In contrast, the factor of safety (FOS) determined by LEM, simulated using Slope/W, confirmed that all slope sections are stable, with FOS values exceeding 1.5. The integration of kinematic analysis and LEM should be considered essential for evaluating rock slope stability and reinforcing the final decision-making process
Utilising Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) to Enhance the Flexural Capacity of Concrete Structures After Earthquakes
Get PDFIncreasing the bending capacity of post-earthquake concrete structures is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of buildings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) materials as a reinforcement solution to enhance the bending capacity of concrete structures damaged by earthquakes. CFRP was selected due to its advantageous characteristics, including high strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of application in the field. The study employs an experimental approach, utilising concrete beams with varying reductions in strength to simulate damage levels of 65%, 50%, and 30%. The tests conducted include density, compressive strength, and flexural strength assessments. The results indicate that the application of CFRP significantly increases the flexural capacity of concrete beams, reduces crack formation, and extends the service life of the structures. Specifically, the flexural strength improves 3 to 4 times for unreinforced and reinforced concrete beams. These findings confirm that CFRP is an effective and efficient solution for the rehabilitation of post-earthquake concrete structures, contributing positively to infrastructure recovery in earthquake-prone areas
From Wetlands to Worries: A Study of the Constructed Wetlands Model in Antibiotic Resistance Alteration
Get PDFAntibiotic resistance in wastewater is an emerging health concern, as resistant coliform bacteria complicate treatment processes and pose significant risks to public health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer a promising and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, although their effectiveness in reducing coliforms and mitigating antibiotic resistance varies. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single CW system employing Typha sp. as the phytoremediation agent planted in Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) on antibiotic resistance alteration. Samples were collected from both the inlet and outlet of the system after a 48-hour treatment. Total coliform enumeration and single colony isolation were performed to assess the abundance of coliform bacteria and antibiotic resistance. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin-G was tested using the diffusion disk method. Results showed a significant reduction in total coliform abundance (0.52 log reduction, 69.53%, p-val = 0.001). However, antibiotic resistance was increased, with both inlet and outlet samples exhibiting a MIC of 800µg/ml and diameter inhibition zones of 7.8±1.8 mm and 2.7±0.9 mm at 33 units of Penicillin-G, respectively. These findings suggest that CWs may promote antibiotic resistance in certain circumstances, potentially due to treatment efficiency, microbial dynamics, and horizontal gene transfer following selective pressures
Tensile Strength of Warm Rubberised Asphalt Mixtures Produced Using Dry Method
Get PDFRecycling crumb rubber in the asphalt industry is an excellent way to reduce the wastage of this byproduct. It has been demonstrated that crumb rubber obtained from used tyres can be used as an addition or replacement material to enhance the characteristics of asphalt mixtures. Considering the importance of expanding a technology for a greener future, producing a crumb rubber warm asphalt mixture (CRWMA) is the aim of this study. This study focuses on investigating the resilient modulus and moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixtures. The AC14 samples were prepared by replacing 2% to 4% of the net weight of aggregate with crumb rubber, and 3% Sasobit from the total weight of the optimum binder content was used to modify the base binder. The JKR specification and Marshall mix design were used to obtain the optimum binder content of the samples. The effect of crumb rubber proportion in asphalt mixture was determined by observing the mixture\u27s volumetric properties, resilient modulus and moisture susceptibility. The results show that asphalt mixture incorporated with crumb rubber had a greater resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength, even though it was produced at 20°C lower than hot mix asphalt, compared to a conventional asphalt mixture. It indicates that crumb rubber has improved the elasticity of the samples. In conclusion, a combination of 3% crumb rubber and 3.0% Sasobit is the optimum composition for producing a better performance of warm rubberised asphalt mixture compared to a conventional asphalt mixture