Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Development of Carbon Fiber Composite Material Blades for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines as an Alternative Energy Source for Street Lights for a Speed Range of 2-8 m/s
Full text linkGlobal warming causes weather anomalies in urban areas in Indonesia, causing wind speeds of 6-7 m/s, far above the normal average speed of 2-4 m/s, causing damage to the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) blades made from duralumin material, which is used to drive street lights in rural Bandung, West Java- Indonesia. So, it is necessary to use stronger blade material to anticipate the forces generated due to wind speed anomalies, besides that it must also be able to function at low wind speeds: and the composite material used in this research is carbon fiber material. This paper discusses the development of vertical axis wind turbine blades with blades made from carbon fiber composite materials and compares their durability duralumin blades. The research began with making carbon fiber composite material specimens to then be tested for impact strength and bending strength respectively according to ASTM D790-03 and ASTM D6110-08 standards. The VAWT models for both blade material variants were made at a scale of 1:3 and the durability performance was tested in the wind tunnel. The result is that the VAWT with carbon fiber blade material is able to withstand vibrations up to 50% compared to the duralumin blade VAWT at a wind speed of 8 m/s. The tensile strength of carbon fiber is 8.86% greater than the tensile strength of duralumin, and the impact strength of carbon fiber is 13.36% greater than duralumin, so that the use of carbon fiber composite material as a VAWT blade can be used for wind speed anomalies up to 8 m/s
Determinants of The Quality of Ongoing Professional Training in an Online Format from The User\u27s Perception: An Empirical Study in Chile
Full text linkContinuous training is essential for organizational sustainability, as competency development directly influences productivity and adaptability. This study evaluates the satisfaction perceptions of 999 participants in synchronous online courses, considering variables such as age, work experience, and prior knowledge. Using Stufflebeam’s CIPP model (Context, Input, Process, Product), the most valued aspects of the training program were systematically analyzed. Results indicate high overall satisfaction, particularly regarding technical support, instructor quality, and content relevance. Significant correlations were found between prior knowledge and satisfaction, but not with age or gender. Key areas for improvement include clarity of explanations and pedagogical interaction. It is recommended to adopt differentiated strategies based on participant profiles and to enhance real-time feedback mechanisms. This approach enables training programs to align more effectively with learners’ actual needs, promoting workplace knowledge transfer
Environmental Risk Assessment of Sarimukti Landfill Postfire in Indonesia
Full text linkIndonesia aims to ensure that 100% of urban waste is properly managed focusing 80% on waste collection and 20% on reduction, while transitioning toward a processing-based waste management system. Despite various solutions, achieving substantial progress remains difficult. Waste pollution, including unsightly waste, foul odors, and hazardous leachate, negatively impacts the environment. The fire at Sarimukti landfill was caused by careless disposal of cigarette butts during the dry season. Exacerbated the situation and affected more than 15 hectares. Therefore, an environmental quality evaluation using an Integrated Risk-Based Approach (IRBA) is required. According to Ministry of Public Works Regulation Number 03 of 2013, this evaluation is crucial before deciding whether to rehabilitate or close the landfill. This study characterizes waste during a fire disaster, assesses leachate quality in Sarimukti landfill treatment facility, and conducts a rapid environmental assessment using the IRBA method to determine landfill feasibility. The burned waste had an average moisture content of 10.41%, volatile matter of 49.04%, ash content of 50.95%, fixed carbon of 31.05%, and a calorific value of 3,391.19 cal/g. The leachate quality exceeded standards for BOD, COD, and total nitrogen, while pH, TSS, mercury, and cadmium remained within acceptable limits. The final Environmental Risk Index assessment yielded a very high hazard evaluation of 622.24, indicating that the landfill should be closed due to its significant environmental and social impacts
Co-Pyrolysis of EFB and UPCO over Nickel Oxide Loaded HZSM-5: A Comparative Co-Pyrolysis Study via Thermogravimetric Analyser and Fixed-Bed Reactor
Full text linkThe abundance of empty fruit bunches (EFB) in Malaysia, which were once discarded as waste, has recently been recognized as a potential source for biofuel production. The main objective of the present work is to evaluate the impact of nickel oxide-loaded HZSM-5 (NiO/HZSM-5) on the co-pyrolysis of EFB and Used Palm Cooking Oil (UPCO) via thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) and fixed-bed reactor separately. The NiO/HZSM-5 was prepared via incipient wetness impregnation method and characterized for physicochemical properties. First, for co-pyrolysis via TGA, the pyrolysis temperature for all samples was fixed from 30 to 700°C. The mass loading was fixed for EFB, EFB-UPCO, EFB-HZSM-5, EFB-UPCO-HZSM-5, EFB-UPCO-(1%)NiO/HZSM-5. Second, for co-pyrolysis via fixed-bed reactor, the temperature was fixed at 600°C. From TGA results, the usage of UPCO for pyrolysis with EFB has generated higher mass loss (99.73%) compared to pyrolysis of EFB and EFB over HZSM-5 at 90.54% and 73.33% respectively. From the fixed-bed reactor, pyrolysis of EFB has generated no hydrocarbons in biofuel. The loading of UPCO has increased the hydrocarbon yield by 64.90%. Catalytic co-pyrolysis over Ni/HZSM-5 had proved to increase oil yield and enhance hydrocarbons. The pyrolysis of EFB with UPCO provides an approach in which UPCO can serve as a hydrogen source to enhance the biofuel quality, and NiO enhances the cracking of the oxygenated vapours into hydrocarbons
Parametric Evaluation and Modeling of The Alignment Between TVET Matriculation Choices and University Program Enrollment
Full text linkTechnical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a crucial role in equipping students with the skills necessary for industry-specific careers, yet there remains a gap in the alignment between TVET matriculation choices and subsequent university program enrollment. This misalignment may lead to challenges in students\u27 academic progression and career outcomes. The aim of this study is to critically assess the factors influencing the alignment between TVET students\u27 matriculation choices and their enrollment in university programs, with a focus on understanding students\u27 perceptions and experiences. The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey method to collect data from a stratified random considering the population of 3500 population a sample of 347 polytechnic students from Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) institutions specifically UTHM, was dawn using krejcie and morgan table. The sample was divided into two batches to ensure representation across various stages of their academic programs. The primary data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire, which included Likert scale items to assess students\u27 views on assessment, curriculum implementation, and their alignment with industry requirements. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including t-tests and ANOVA. The findings reveal significant differences in student perceptions based on demographic and institutional factors, highlighting gaps in curriculum design and assessment practices. These findings suggest that misalignment between TVET programs and university curricula affects students\u27 academic and career outcomes. The study concludes that addressing these gaps through improved curriculum design, better assessment practices, and stronger industry linkages is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of TVET education and supporting sustainable student success in the workforce
Innovative Approaches to Water Quality Assessment: Integrating Physicochemical and Biological Indicators in Forest Eco-Park Upstream Rivers
Full text linkMeasuring the Water Quality Index (WQI) is essential for evaluating water conditions, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. However, assessing physicochemical indicators alone may not provide sufficient information about the overall health of river ecosystems. This study integrates macroinvertebrates as biological indicators to complement traditional WQI assessments, offering a more holistic and ecologically meaningful understanding of water quality. The research was conducted at upstream rivers in four forest eco-parks: Forest Eco-Park Soga Perdana Hill (FESP), Forest Eco-Park Mount Lambak (FEML), Forest Eco-Park Mount Pulai II (FEMP), and Forest Eco-Park Bantang River (FEBR), Johor, Malaysia. Conventional WQI parameters—including Ammonia Nitrogen (AN), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and pH—were compared with macroinvertebrate-based bioassessment using the Biological Monitoring Working Party–Average Score Per Taxon (BMWP-ASPT) index. Data analysis using Microsoft Excel showed a strong inverse correlation between BMWP-ASPT and WQI (R² = 0.9385; Pearson r = -0.93974). While WQI classified FEBR as slightly polluted (WQI = 73.77, Class III), BMWP-ASPT indicated cleaner conditions (8.04), suggesting that macroinvertebrate-based methods may reveal different ecological insights, particularly in areas with subtle anthropogenic pressures. These findings have practical implications for sustainable water management, especially in recreational eco-parks and data-limited settings, where the integration of biological and physicochemical indicators can support more comprehensive and adaptive monitoring practices.
Toward Net Zero Carbon Buildings Development in Vietnam: Fostering Sustainable Mindsets Among The Future Construction Workforce
No full textDeveloping a sustainability mindset among future construction professionals is critical for advancing Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCB) in Vietnam. This study analyses 613 student survey responses using one-way and two-way ANOVA to examine differences in Sustainability awareness and Benefits, Motivation & Opportunities, and Barriers related to Sustainable mindset across academic years and majors. The results reveal significant gaps: early-year students demonstrate notably lower awareness than final-year students and former students. Similarly, students in Construction Management show less awareness compared to those in Architecture and Civil Engineering. However, significant differences in perceived Benefits, Motivation & Opportunities, and Barriers were found only between early-year and more advanced students, rather than across majors. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainability education early in university curricula and tailoring it to specific professional tracks. The results provide a valuable evidence base for shaping policies and educational reforms to cultivate sustainability competencies among Vietnam’s future construction workforce, thereby supporting the national NZCB agenda
Assessment of Road Traffic Noise and Associated Health Complaints- Analysis Through Structural Equation Model
Full text linkNoise pollution due to the increasing number of vehicles is one of the foremost concerns in the modern era, which hampers the humans physical and mental well-being of people specially residing in developing countries. Various studies have reported associations between noise exposure and heart diseases, insomnia, stress, annoyance, and high blood pressure. These findings motivate us to assess the situation within our area. This paper aims to analyze the effects of traffic noise on dwellers living adjacent to the national highway (NH-44) stretch of 45 kilometers from Chatta to Township in Mathura. The Present study is based on the subjective analysis of the questionnaire on traffic-related noise pollution. The survey was conducted both online and offline mode. The data gathered from 740 respondents were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). Absolute fit, incremental fit, and parsimonious fit indices were used to evaluate the hypothesis and validate the developed model. The study revealed that the factor analysis has given the three components of with overall variance of 49.306. Furthermore, analysis with a fit indices like chi square (100.04), DF (1.640), RMR (0.043), RMSEA (0.029), NFI (0.946), RFI (0.931), IFI (0.978), TLI (0.972), CFI (0.978), PNFI (0.740), and PCFI (0.765), respectively. The established model identified associations among user characteristics, noise effect and diseases. This study aims to provide assistance to policymakers in addressing the aforementioned difficulties. Further research should be conducted to explore potential strategies or interventions for mitigating the impact of traffic noise. The implementation of noise barriers, enforcement of traffic regulations, and provision of informative instructional signage are measures aimed at raising public awareness regarding the effects of traffic noise.
Integrated Cuckoo-Evolutionary Programming-Based Technique Incorporating Distribution Generation for Economic Dispatch in Power System
Full text linkIn electricity generation, optimizing operational costs remains a primary concern for power systems. Economic Dispatch (ED) has been extensively explored in the power system domain; however, the impact of compensating devices, such as Distributed Generation (DG), has not been thoroughly investigated and requires further study to enhance system efficiency. This paper introduces an integrated cuckoo-evolutionary programming-based technique, referred to as CSA-EP, which incorporates DG into the ED problem. The CSA-EP technique combines the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) with Evolutionary Programming (EP) to optimize generation costs. The proposed method aims to identify the optimal power output for all generators in the system, minimizing overall generation costs. The proposed system was tested on the IEEE 30-Bus Reliability Test System (RTS) in solving the ED problem. In comparison to CSA and EP, the CSA-EP optimization technique demonstrated superior performance. Specifically, CSA-EP achieved a minimized cost of 5167.0848 per hour, and EP resulted in 2649.4932 per hour, in contrast to 4209.5214 per hour for EP. These results underscore the superior efficacy of the CSA-EP approach in minimizing generation costs
Evaluation of the Adhesion Performance on GNP/Ag/SA Conductive Ink Undergoing Different Curing Time and Temperature
Full text linkThis research evaluates the adhesion performance of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)/silver flake (AG)/silver acetate (SA) conductive ink undergoing different curing times and temperatures. The study evaluates how curing parameters, such as temperature and time, impact the resistivity and adhesion strength of the conductive ink. For the preparation of hybrid conductive ink, GNP powder was mixed with ethanol in a beaker. The GNP was sonicated in ethanol for 10 minutes. Then Ag was added to the GNP/ethanol mixture. It proceeded with the sonication for one (1) hour. At room temperature, the mixture powder was poured until it produced a fine powder. Before curing at 250oC for 1 hour, the powder was dripped with organic solvents, 1-butanol, and terpineol and mixed using a thinky mixer machine to form a paste. Next, SA was added to the mixture and sonicated for an additional hour. The solution was heated on a hotplate until the remaining ethanol evaporated. The mixed mixture was then heated in a furnace for one hour to set. The mixture was then pounded until it turned into a fine powder and dripped with 1-butanol and terpineol then mixed using a thinky mixer machine to form a paste. The hybrid conductive ink paste was then printed on copper substrates and was cured at 240°C, 250°C, and 260°C for 4, 5, and 6 hours respectively for each different curing temperature. A crosshatch adhesion test was done to assess the hybrid conductive ink\u27s adherence to the cooper substrates. In this test, the material\u27s adhesion was evaluated using the ASTM D6677 standard. This standard uses an adhesion scale which ranges from 0B to 5B, where 5B represents the best adhesion. The findings demonstrated that the increased curing temperatures have an adverse effect on the adhesive strength of the conductive ink, highlighting the correlation between curing conditions and adhesion qualities. Future research should focus on the effects of integrating additives or modifying ink composition to improve adhesion qualities during high-temperature curing