Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Design and Analysis of Nozzle Exit Area for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Based Solid Rocket Propellant
Get PDFThe performance of a solid rocket propulsion system depends strongly on the geometric characteristics of its convergent–divergent (C-D) nozzle, particularly the exit area that determines the expansion of exhaust gases and the resulting thrust. This study investigates three C-D nozzle configurations with identical inlet and throat diameters using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in ANSYS Fluent. Each nozzle was analyzed in terms of static pressure, temperature distribution, and velocity magnitude under the same operating conditions. The results indicate that all designs achieve choked flow at the throat, with peak velocities entering the supersonic regime. However, significant differences were observed downstream. Design B exhibits the most favorable flow characteristics, including a smooth pressure reduction of approximately 60–70% from inlet to throat, a uniform temperature decrease of about 25–30% across the divergent region, and the highest, most uniform exit velocity with minimal backflow. Designs A and C, in contrast, display irregular pressure recovery and non-uniform temperature and velocity gradients, indicating potential inefficiencies and localized separation. Overall, the findings confirm that nozzle contour geometry has a substantial effect on expansion efficiency, and the optimized configuration demonstrates strong potential for improving thrust and specific impulse in STEM solid rocket applications
Prediction of Damage Severity in Steel Bridges Using Natural Frequency Data and Artificial Neural Networks
Get PDFSteel bridges are essential to transportation systems and must be regularly inspected to guarantee their robustness and safety. Conventional methods of identifying damage are subjective and time-consuming, frequently depending on manual inspections. This study aims to overcome these limitations by using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), which are sensitive to changes in mass and stiffness caused by damage, to predict the severity of damage in steel bridges based on natural frequency data. This research proposes a new method for detecting damage in steel girder bridges by integrating natural frequency data with ANNs. This vibration-based fault detection method addresses the shortcomings of traditional approaches by employing natural frequency as a dependable indicator of structural irregularities. An ANN model was trained and validated using an extensive dataset that included natural frequency data from experimental modal analyses conducted under various damage conditions. To assess the model\u27s accuracy in predicting the severity of damage, its performance was studied on a different dataset. The findings indicate that ANNs can effectively analyze frequency data to accurately predict the severity of damage, reducing the reliance on manual inspections. In addition to improving the effectiveness of structural health monitoring systems, this strategy supports the robustness and safety of steel bridge infrastructure. Overall, the findings demonstrate that ANNs trained using modal curvature data provide a reliable and effective solution for early damage detection in steel girder bridges, substantially improving safety and operational performance. This novel approach advances the field of structural health monitoring and offers a valuable means of preserving the integrity of critical infrastructure, including steel girder bridge systems.
Imperium dan Buruh: Jejak Kolonial dalam Pembentukan Awal Kesatuan Sekerja di Asia Tenggara: Empire and Labor: Colonial Traces in the Early Formation of Trade Unions in Southeast Asia
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Artikel ini menganalisis kesan dan pengaruh struktur kolonial terhadap pembentukan awal Kesatuan Sekerja di rantau Asia Tenggara dengan tumpuan khusus kepada Malaysia. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan sejarah untuk meneroka bagaimana kuasa kolonial British, Belanda dan Amerika mengasaskan dasar-dasar yang membentuk landskap perhubungan perusahaan yang diwarisi oleh negara-negara pasca-kolonial. Melalui analisis dokumen dan sumber sejarah, artikel ini menunjukkan bahawa struktur, undang-undang dan amalan dari rejim kolonial terus mempengaruhi kesatuan sekerja melalui institutionalisasi, pengawalan dan pembendungan. Penemuan utama menunjukkan bahawa legasi kolonial masih ketara dalam tiga aspek: (1) pengawalan kesatuan melalui undang-undang yang mengehadkan aktivisme buruh, (2) fragmentasi buruh berdasarkan etnik yang merencatkan soladiriti kelas, dan (3) penggunaan model perhubungan perusahaan yang mengutamakan kepentingan modal dan negara. Kajian ini turut mengkaji perkembangan terkini dalam kerangka perundangan Malaysia, termasuklah Akta Kesatuan Sekerja 1959 (Pindaan 2024) dan Akta Perhubungan Perusahaan 1967 (Pindaan 2020), yang menunjukkan evolusi berterusan perhubungan perusahaan dengan mengekalkan aspek struktural tertentu sambil menyesuaikan diri dengan realiti ekonomi kontemporari.
English:
This article analyses the impact and influence of colonial structures on the early formation of trade unions in the Southeast Asian region with special focus on Malaysia. The study employs a historical approach to explore how British, Dutch, and American colonial powers established policies that shaped the industrial relations landscape subsequently inherited by post-colonial nations. Through analysis of documents and historical sources, this article demonstrates that structures, laws, and practices introduced by colonial regimes continue to influence trade unions through processes of institutionalisation, control, and containment. Key findings indicate that colonial legacy remains evident in three aspects: (1) control of unions through laws limiting labour activism, (2) ethnic-based labour fragmentation hampering class solidarity, and (3) utilisation of industrial relations models that prioritise capital and state interests. The study also examines recent developments in Malaysia\u27s legal framework, including the Trade Unions Act 1959 (Amendment 2024) and Industrial Relations Act 1967 (Amendment 2020), which demonstrate the continuing evolution in the management of industrial relations by maintaining certain structural aspects while adapting to contemporary economic realities
Mempertingkatkan Amalan Pengurusan dalam Pendidikan TVET untuk Peningkatan Prestasi Institusi: Improving Management Practices in TVET Education to Improve Institutional Performance
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Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti dan mensintesis amalan pengurusan utama yang menyumbang kepada peningkatan prestasi institusi dalam pendidikan Teknikal dan Vokasional (TVET). Menggunakan pendekatan Kajian Literatur Sistematik (SLR), sebanyak 20 artikel jurnal terpilih yang diterbitkan dalam tempoh lima tahun terkini dianalisis berdasarkan kriteria inklusi yang merangkumi keberkesanan pengurusan, pembangunan tenaga pengajar, kepimpinan institusi, pengurusan kualiti, serta penglibatan industri. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa amalan pengurusan berkesan seperti kepimpinan transformasi, pemerkasaan staf akademik, pengurusan kurikulum berasaskan industri, pelaksanaan penjaminan kualiti berterusan dan penggunaan teknologi digital yang memberi kesan signifikan terhadap peningkatan prestasi institusi TVET. Kajian turut mendapati bahawa kolaborasi strategik bersama industri memainkan peranan penting dalam menyesuaikan kompetensi graduan dengan keperluan pasaran semasa. Secara keseluruhannya, kajian ini menegaskan bahawa pengukuhan amalan pengurusan bukan sahaja mempertingkatkan kecekapan operasi institusi malah meningkatkan kualiti penyampaian pendidikan TVET. Implikasi kajian mencadangkan keperluan pembangunan polisi dan garis panduan pengurusan yang lebih sistematik bagi menyokong kecemerlangan institusi TVET.
English:
This study aims to identify and synthesise key management practices that contribute to improving institutional performance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, 20 selected journal articles published within the last five years were analysed based on inclusion criteria focusing on management effectiveness, staff development, institutional leadership, quality management, and industry engagement. The findings reveal that effective management practices such as transformational leadership, academic staff empowerment, industry-aligned curriculum management, continuous quality assurance, and the adoption of digital technologies significantly enhance the performance of TVET institutions. The study also indicates that strategic collaboration with industry partners plays a crucial role in aligning graduate competencies with current labour market needs. Overall, the study underscores that strengthening management practices not only improves institutional operational efficiency but also elevates the quality of TVET delivery. The implications highlight the need for more systematic policies and management guidelines to support excellence in TVET institutions
From Business Plan to Market Entry: A Case Study of Premium Bites Cookies in Malaysia’s F&B SME Sector
Get PDFThis paper explores the transformation of a home-based cookie initiative into a formal food startup, Premium Bites Cookies in Batu Pahat, Johor. The study examines key components of the startup’s business plan, including product–market fit, strategic positioning, and competitive advantage, while applying strategic frameworks such as SWOT, PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, and the Business Model Canvas. The findings reveal that structured business planning, niche market targeting, and the balanced integration of traditional and digital channels significantly enhance the scalability and resilience of early-stage SMEs in Malaysia’s competitive food and beverage (F&B) sector. The study contributes to SME and entrepreneurship literature by demonstrating how systematic planning and strategic alignment support sustainable market entry. Overall, this case offers practical insights for Malaysian SMEs by highlighting the importance of strategic clarity, digital capability development, and adaptive marketing approaches for achieving successful growth and long-term sustainability.
Perceived Level of Awareness of Green Residential Building Benefits among the Homebuyers in Sarawak
Get PDFGreen residential buildings (GRBs) have been widely introduced as one of the most effective methods to cope with the issue of global warming. However, the development of GRBs in Malaysia is in an imbalance state whereby none of it has been developed in Sarawak. This might be due to the low awareness level and many homebuyers are reluctant to pay the higher cost for GRBs. Thus, the objective of this paper is to examine the awareness level of Sarawak homebuyers towards the benefits of GRBs. Quantitative methodology via questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from 200 respondents and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The results indicated that the majority of Sarawak homebuyers are highly aware of the environmental benefits rather than the socioeconomic benefits of GRBs. Such findings can become a meaningful insight for the awareness and readiness of potential homebuyers in accepting the green concept for their future residential properties
Enhancing Concrete Performance with Fly Ash and Cellulose Nanocrystals: A Comprehensive Study
Get PDFThe production of concrete is heavily dependent on cement, which plays a major role in environmental challenges like high carbon emissions. This research examines how incorporating fly ash (FA) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) affects the characteristics of concrete. FA partially replaced cement at 0-50%, while CNC was added at 0-1% by cement mass. The optimal mix (FA20CNC0.2) with 20% FA and 0.2% CNC showed significant improvements in mechanical properties compared to conventional concrete: 36.54% higher compressive strength, 19.94% higher split tensile strength, 18.22% higher flexural strength, and 21.21% higher shear strength. Regression models with high accuracy (R² > 0.95) were developed to predict secondary mechanical properties from compressive strength, streamlining the mix design process. SEM analysis revealed a denser microstructure with fewer microcracks in FA20CNC0.2. EDS indicated higher amounts of strength-enhancing components like CaCO3 and SiO2. The synergistic effect of FA and CNC improved hydration, pore-filling, and C-S-H bond formation. This approach reduces cement use while enhancing performance, offering an eco-friendly solution for sustainable high-performance concrete production
Sustainable Stabilization of Peat Soil Using Hydrated and Expanded Perlite
Get PDFPeat soil, due to its weak engineering properties, poses significant challenges in geotechnical applications. This review critically examines the potential of using sustainable stabilizers, specifically hydrated lime (HL) and expanded perlite (EP), for peat soil stabilization. Studies published in 2020 - 2025, along with selected earlier works, were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness and performance in enhancing peat soil properties, particularly through Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests. Impressive UCS improvements were reported, such as a 13,553.2% increase with quarry dust (QD) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC). However, not all studies included microstructural analysis; those that did utilized Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) to observe bond formation and structural changes in stabilized peat. The review concludes that HL and EP show promise as sustainable alternatives for stabilizing peat, though challenges remain regarding their long-term performance and the potential benefits of combining both stabilizers. Further research is needed to optimize their dosage, durability, and environmental impact under field conditions
Hubungan antara Burnout Dan Komitmen Tugas dalam Kalangan Pensyarah: Relationship between Burnout and Job Commitment among Lecturers
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Komitmen merupakan tanggungjawab pensyarah di institusi pengajian tinggi terhadap tugas sehingga memerlukan kesungguhan dalam memastikan keberkesanan dan kualiti hasil kerja mereka. Namun begitu, beban tugas yang pelbagai berpotensi mempengaruhi kesejahteraan pensyarah dan seterusnya membawa kepada burnout. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengenal pasti hubungan antara tahap burnout dan tahap komitmen pensyarah di Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kuantitatif melalui soal selidik yang merangkumi Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) dan Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) menggunakan skala Likert lima mata. Sampel kajian melibatkan 200 orang pensyarah yang dipilih secara rawak. Data dianalisis menggunakan SPSS untuk analisis deskriptif dan korelasi Pearson. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap burnout pensyarah berada pada tahap sederhana rendah (min = 2.35) manakala komitmen berada pada tahap sederhana tinggi (min = 3.84). Dapatan juga menunjukkan hubungan negatif yang signifikan antara burnout dan komitmen (r = –0.472, p < .001). Diharapkan dapatan ini dapat membantu pihak UTHM merangka intervensi dan sokongan kerja yang bersesuaian untuk mengurangkan burnout dan meningkatkan komitmen pensyarah.
English:
Commitment is a fundamental responsibility of lecturers in higher education institutions, requiring strong dedication to ensure the effectiveness and quality of their work. However, multiple and extensive work demands may affect lecturers’ well-being and subsequently lead to burnout. This study was conducted to identify the relationship between burnout levels and commitment levels among lecturers at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey questionnaire comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ), both measured using a five-point Likert scale. The sample consisted of 200 lecturers selected through random sampling. Data was analyzed by using SPSS for descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation. The findings indicate that lecturers’ burnout level is at a moderate-low level (min = 2.35), whereas their commitment level is at a moderate-high level (min = 3.84). The results also reveal a significant negative relationship between burnout and commitment (r = –0.472, p < .001). These findings are expected to assist UTHM in developing relevant interventions and work support programs to reduce burnout and enhance lecturers’ commitment
Understanding the Human-AI Interaction: Psychological and Social Impacts of AI Integration in Daily Life
Get PDFThe rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how individuals think, feel and interact in daily life. AI technologies now play a central role in supporting decision-making, offering emotional assistance and shaping digital communication. However, the long-term psychological and ethical effects of AI use remain underexplored, particularly in non-technical contexts. This study aims to examine the psychological and social impacts of AI integration through a systematic literature review (SLR) of 68 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024. Articles were retrieved from key academic databases including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The review employed thematic analysis to identify patterns and gaps across studies related to human cognition, emotional behaviour and social dynamics. Findings reveal four major concerns. AI usage often leads to cognitive offloading, where users become less reliant on their own judgment. Emotionally, users may form attachments to AI systems despite their lack of true empathy. On a social level, AI algorithms can reinforce selective exposure, limit diverse viewpoints and contribute to echo chambers. Ethical issues also persist, especially involving bias and unequal access to AI resources. This review offers a novel, human-centred perspective by linking psychological theory with technological impacts which is an angle often overlooked in AI discourse. It calls for more inclusive and ethically guided AI development, as well as interdisciplinary and longitudinal research that can better inform policy and system design. Ultimately, the study contributes strategic insight for ensuring AI enhances human well-being without undermining autonomy, equity or social trust