Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
Not a member yet
6081 research outputs found
Sort by
Fatigue Behaviour of Basalt and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Filled with Granite Fly Ash
Get PDFThe granite processing industry produces substantial amounts of residual granite waste daily. This waste is collected through a filtration process during the drying and heating stages of concrete mixture production. This study conducts an experimental investigation into the potential use of granite fly ash (GD) as a filler to enhance the fatigue properties of basalt/glass composites (BFRC/GFRC). The research focuses on evaluating the tensile and fatigue characteristics of the developed fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Composite samples were fabricated by incorporating granite fly ash (GD) in varying proportions, namely 1wt%, 3wt%, and 5wt%. The FRP laminates were produced using a hand lay-up technique with silicon mold and were cut using a cutting machine. The study\u27s findings indicate significant improvements in tensile and fatigue properties, especially for FRP with 3% weight loading, in both BFRC and GFRC. Notably, adding just 1wt% granite fly ash (GD) resulted in an 8.6% increase in tensile and a substantial 26.9% increase in modulus for the BFRC composite. Under fatigue loading, the fatigue properties of the BFRP specimens showed better fatigue properties compared to GFRC. Furthermore, enhanced fatigue life counts were noted for the composite labeled BG3, which includes 3.0 vol% granite fly ash. However, an increase to 5.0 vol% resulted in a reduction in fatigue life counts. In summary, the study highlights the beneficial impact of incorporating granite fly ash, particularly within the 1%, 3%, and 5% weight range, on the mechanical properties of both BFRC and GFRC composites
Aerodynamic Study of a Two Groove on the Upper Surface of an Airfoil at Low Angles of Attack
Get PDFThis study investigates the aerodynamic effects of introducing two semicircular grooves on the upper surface of a NACA 0012 airfoil at low angles of attack using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The purpose of this research is to evaluate how groove geometry, depth, and spacing influence the lift and drag characteristics and to determine the optimal groove configuration that enhances aerodynamic performance. ANSYS Fluent was utilized to simulate the airflow over a baseline smooth airfoil and modified versions featuring grooves of varying sizes and positions. A grid independence test was conducted to ensure the accuracy and numerical reliability of the simulation. The baseline airfoil simulation was validated against experimental data, showing good agreement with a maximum relative error of less than 10%. The results revealed that a single groove of 0.01c depth provided an increase in lift and a notable drag reduction, particularly at a 10° angle of attack. Further investigations with two grooves, where the first groove was fixed at 0.25c and the second varied between 0.239c and 0.45c, showed that the optimal configuration was with the second groove placed at 0.35c. The study concludes that proper groove positioning and sizing can effectively delay flow separation, enhance lift, and reduce drag in low-speed aerodynamic applications. These findings suggest potential benefits for UAVs, gliders, and other airfoil-based systems operating at low angles of attack
The Smart Aquaponic System Integrated with Internet of Things Technology
Get PDFAquaponics is a sustainable plant method that combines aquaculture (fish life) and hydroponics (soilless plants) in a closed cycle. To achieve optimal results, aquaponics requires a robust water cycle and meticulous maintenance, including monitoring temperature, environmental air humidity, and plant media humidity, among other factors. The current aquaponics system still relies on manual methods for monitoring, lacking an integrated system to handle this care function. Therefore, we developed this product to address these issues by concentrating on creating intelligent aquaponic systems that integrate the Internet of Things, enabling users to track necessary parameters. Additionally, the system automates tasks like irrigation and fish feeding schedules. In this development, the researcher employed the 7-phase Engineering Design Process (EDP) model, which includes the following stages: (1) defining the problem, (2) conducting research, (3) developing a solution concept, (4) constructing a prototype, (5) constructing a product, (6) conducting a product analysis, and (7) improving the product. he BBC micro:bit microcontroller as the main controller and the ESP01s WiFi module as the component that allows interaction with ThingSpeak. Next, the researcher used several types of sensors, such as DHT11, HC-SR04, capacitive soil moisture sensor v1.2, DS18B20, and actuators such as a DC water pump motor and a FS90 180-degree servo motor. As a result, the researcher successfully met the set objectives, including the design, development, and testing of the product\u27s functionality, and the product performed as expected. Finally, according to experts, this product\u27s weakness is that it requires the addition of a humidity sensor installed on each plant pot, which is recommended for further study due to limitations on the microcontroller\u27s I/O pins
Comparative Study Infused Mechanism Among Absorbance Materials to Improve Plant Growth
Get PDFAgriculture is the practice of cultivating land, growing crops, and raising livestock for human consumption. The purpose of this experiment is to assess how successful zeolite, charcoal, and kaolin are as slow-release fertilizers by investigating the adsorption performance of zeolite as a nutrient-uptake agent using various samples. This paper discussed the three absorbents when infused with the fertilizer towards plant growth potentially for soil quality, conservation of water, and nutrient consumption. Since the infused absorbent shows the best quality in the retention of water and nutrients, it enables it to collect hazardous substances quickly and efficiently from environmental pollution. The mixture of the sample contains 80 grams of soil and 5 grams of infused zeolite, charcoal, and kaolin for planting green beans. Absorption and fertilizer testing were performed to see the physical properties of infused absorbent samples. In conclusion, the ability of zeolite and kaolin to retain nutrients was performed the best while charcoal slightly displayed growth of the plants as shown by the result of the height, length of leaf, pH level, and humidity of the soil
Forecasting Malaysian Tourist Arrivals in Thailand from 2024 to 2027 using the Holt-Winters Method
Get PDFThis study employs the Holt-Winters method to forecast Malaysian tourist arrivals in Thailand from 2024 to 2027. Two approaches were compared: one utilizing monthly tourist data from 2013 to 2023 and the other excluding figures from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic\u27s impact on tourist numbers. Evaluation metrics include Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The findings reveal that the second approach, accounting for the pandemic\u27s effects, yields superior forecasting accuracy compared to the first. By excluding these abnormal years, the forecasting model can offer more accurate estimates by reducing the impact of temporary disturbances caused by the pandemic. This strategy improves the model\u27s capacity to forecast future tourist arrivals with increased accuracy and certainty, aiding in strategic decision-making and resource allocation within the tourism sector
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Bio-Based and Synthetic Petroleum Based Polymer Foams with Powder Type Organic Filler at Prolonged Ultra-Violet Exposure
Get PDFWood powder filler that have been added in the bio-based and epoxy polymer foams can be proved that it have ability to strengthen the structure of polymer foams. In this study, ‘Meranti’ type wood filler has been used as the filler. This study was developed to observe the pore size of each sample when expose to different hours of UV irradiation exposure using Optical Microscopy (OM). This study was also to compare the mechanical properties of every sample with different ratio filler of 0 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15wt% and 20 wt% at different hours of UV irradiation exposure which is 0 hour until 6,000 hours with increment of 2,000 hours. The testing was run by DMA Q800 TA machine. The samples that have 40 x 10 x 5 mm size were clamped in the machine to get the result of their mechanical properties. From the DMA testing, the results will show the value of tan delta, loss modulus and storage modulus. The value of tan delta shows that higher ratio filler will give the high value of tan delta. The epoxy polymer foams with powder filler have the highest value of tan delta compare to bio-based polymer foams. It proves that the higher filler ratio, the lower value of tan delta can be recorded. The result of storage and loss modulus was found to increase as the more filler ratio filler in the polymer foams. The higher the loss modulus and storage modulus, the lower the temperature. Bio-based polymer foams with high powder filler ratio can dissipate more energy as energy are lost as heat during UV irradiation exposure
Electrical Density Gauge, A Device for Quick Quality Control of Soil Compaction Case Study in Indonesia
Get PDFSoil compaction can be a main civil works such as road embankment, earth fill dam, airport, etc. During construction, soil is compacted layer by layer and the quality of each layer is controlled by a ratio between its dry density and the maximum dry density obtained from a Proctor test. In the field, the test is immediately conducted after compaction by measuring the moisture content and unit weight of soil. A very common conventional method of this measurement is sand cone or rubber balloon method, and of course it can be a constraint for a rapid project. Recently, a complex impedance measuring instrument (CIMI) method, commonly known as electrical density gauge (EDG) is introduced in Indonesia. It is a quick method to control the compaction quality simply by giving a DC electric current through a particular soil layer, and the result is obtained immediately within a few minutes. EDG must be calibrated by generating a soil model, simply by inputting a series of physical-electrical properties of a soil. Once calibration is completed, physical properties of soil in the field can be predicted simply by giving electric current on it. Although this method has been utilized in many countries, it has not been used in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of EDG and its possible widely use in Indonesia. Three different soils from different quarries were investigated. Soils with different moisture content were compacted with different energy into 40 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height of concrete molds as modification of Proctor mold. 15 tests have been conducted to compare the result from EDG and sand cone methods. The analysis was conducted statistically using main absolute error (MAE) and determination coefficient (R2). The result indicates that EDG shows a good performance for measuring soil moisture content and density
Pengaruh Komitmen Kesatuan Sekerja dan Gaya Kepimpinan Berorientasi Terhadap Keberkesanan Kesatuan Sekerja dalam Kalangan Ahli Kesatuan di Sektor Pengangkutan dan Telekomunikasi di Sabah: The Influence of Trade Union Commitment and Leadership Style Oriented Towards Trade Union Effectiveness Among Union Members in The Transportation and Telecommunication Sector in Sabah
Get PDFMalay:
Keberkesanan kesatuan sekerja mempunyai peranan yang penting untuk mendorong kesatuan sekerja meningkatkan prestasi kesatuan sekerja dalam memperjuangkan hak-hak pekerja melalui tindakan kolektif dan aktiviti-aktiviti kesatuan sekerja yang menjadikan kesatuan sekerja itu mencapai objektif penubuhannya dalam organisasi. Keberkesanan kesatuan sekerja adalah matlamat yang perlu dicapai oleh kesatuan sekerja melalui kerjasama yang baik di antara pihak kesatuab sekerja dan majikan. Oleh itu, tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti tahap keberkesanan kesatuan sekerja dan pengaruh komitmen kesatuan sekerja serta gaya kepimpinan berorientasi dalam sektor kesatuan sekerja pengangkutan dan telekomunikasi di Sabah. Kajian ini merupakan kajian rintis yang menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan melibatkan 30 orang ahli kesatuan sekerja. Analisis deskriptif serta analisis regresi mudah digunakan bagi mencapai objektif kajian. Hasil dapatan kajian menunjukkan tahap keberkesanan kesatuan sekerja berada pada tahap tinggi. Model kajian ini adalah signifikan di mana komitmen kesatuan sekerja serta gaya kepimpinan berorientasi kesatuan sekerja mempengaruhi keberkesanan kesatuan sekerja sebanyak 47 peratus. Ini menunjukkan teori keberkesanan kesatuan sekerja boleh diimplementasikan dalam kesatuan sekerja di sektor pengangkutan dan telekomunikasi di Sabah.
English:
The effectiveness of the trade union has an important role to encourage the trade union to improve the performance of the trade union in fighting for the rights of workers through collective action and trade union activities that make the trade union achieve the objectives of its establishment in the organization. The effectiveness of the trade union is a goal that must be achieved by the trade union through good cooperation between the trade union and the employer. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the level of effectiveness of trade unions and the influence of trade union commitment and oriented leadership style among union members in the transportation and telecommunication sector in Sabah. This study is a pilot study that uses a quantitative approach involving 30 trade union members. Descriptive analysis and linear regression analysis were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The results of the study show that the level of effectiveness of trade unions is at a high level. This research model is significant where trade union commitment as well as trade union-oriented leadership style influence the effectiveness of trade unions by 47 percent. This shows that the theory of the effectiveness of trade unions can be implemented among union members in the transportation and telecommunication sector in Sabah
The Influence of Psychological Well-being on Vocational Teacher Performance: The Mediating Role of Personality Traits and Work Commitment
Get PDFPsychological well-being, personality traits, and work commitment in vocational teacher education are often overlooked, leading to stagnant performance and limited self-actualization among educators. This neglect hinders the development of students\u27 vocational competencies. A survey of 1,297 vocational teachers from 52 schools across nine provinces in Indonesia was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The study used PLS-SEM analysis to validate a conceptual model of 34 constructs assessing Vocational Teacher Performance (VTP). Results show that while emotional intelligence does not significantly influence work commitment or career motivation concerning personality traits, personality traits and work commitment mediate the relationship between psychological well-being and VTP. These findings highlight the essential roles of psychological well-being, personality development, and work commitment in improving VTP. The study suggests prioritizing enhancements in teachers\u27 psychological well-being, fostering positive personality traits, and strengthening work commitment to improve vocational education quality. Additionally, efforts to boost career motivation should consider individual personality characteristics and offer tailored support for skill development. Enhancing emotional intelligence and creating a supportive work environment can further strengthen work commitment and overall educational quality
Assessing Community Involvement and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in APPGM-SDG Sarawak North Solution Projects
Get PDFSarawak North conducted impact assessments on 18 solution projects encompassing five parliamentary constituencies. The projects, implemented by the Solution Providers, involved eight Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) projects enhance development in specific areas. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the involvement of the community in the solution projects in Sarawak North, 2) to analyse the impact of solution projects on beneficiaries and stakeholders, and 3) to analyse the impact on SDGs in relations to targets and indicators in Sarawak North. This study utilised a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis comprised of (i) document analysis, (ii) focus group discussion (FGD), and (iii) site visits. This evaluation revealed that 500 participants, from teenagers to the elderly were involved in the solution projects. In terms of gender involvement, women were seen to be more active, indicated by a total of 80.4% participation in projects in North Sarawak and the score value of five contributed by Y22-SP090, Y22-SP023, Y22-SP062 and Y22-SP187. The average score of projects evaluated in this assignment is 3.5, categorised as high-level. This shows that the solution project significantly impacted the lives of the people involved, especially in improving the quality of education, with a mean score of 4.2 and a knowledge dimension of 3.8. In conclusion, development projects awarded to local communities that need economic improvement must be meticulously planned to help in the community\u27s way of life practices in the future