Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Unveiling Electrical Problems Encountered by Women in Household Settings: A Skill Assessment
Get PDFElectricity is essential in supporting household responsibilities, especially among women. This study assessed the home electrical problems encountered by women in Iligan City, Philippines, and evaluated their skill levels using the Conscious Competence Learning Model. A descriptive survey was conducted with 230 women from ten barangays. Most respondents were aged 29 and above (78.3%), married (77.0%), and belonged to low-income households (70.0% earning ₱5,000 or less monthly), with education clustered at the high school (27.0%) and elementary (19.6%) levels. Common issues included electric shocks (58.7%), power surges (53.5%), and unlicensed electrical work (46.1%), posing significant safety risks. Respondents identified themselves as "Consciously Unskilled" in addressing electrical concerns, signaling both awareness and willingness to learn. The study highlights the urgent need for TVET-aligned, gender-responsive training programs to build women\u27s technical competence, enhance home safety, and support inclusive participation in skilled trades
Transforming Vocational Education Pedagogy: Integrating Extended Reality and Problem-Immersive Experiences to Foster 21st-Century 6C Competencies
Get PDFAccording to the hotly debated issues in vocational education, it is challenged to develop the 21st century competencies especially the 6Cs namely critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, citizenship, and character in the face of the fast-changing technology. The classical pedagogic models are not usually able to help keep the learners interested in the real-life immersive situations that reflect industrial practice. This research will revolutionize the vocational education learning process by incorporating into it Extended Reality (XR) and problem-immersive learning project to enhance the ability of students to master the 6C competencies. The study used quasi-experimental design and control and experimental group in exploring vocational students. Pre-test and post-test data were obtained by way of observation checklists, competency-based performance tests. To determine the effectiveness of the intervention, statistical analysis, which was done through ANCOVA, t-tests and SEM, was done. The results show that students that underwent XR-facilitated problem-immersive learning showed much higher advancements in critical thinking, collaboration and creativity as opposed to those in conventional classrooms. Besides, interactive simulations and collaborative problem-solving scenarios, placed in XR environments, promoted communication, character building, and citizenship awareness. The article concludes that the combination of XR and problem-immersive teaching provides a revolutionary route to vocational education that fulfils the requirements between the theoretical training and the real-life industrial requirements. The implications will be in the fact that educators should be developed professionally, curriculum needs to be redesigned in accordance with new technologies, and the wider implementation of XR-enriched models is necessary to equip vocational learners with the skills to work in dynamic future environments
AI-Based Social Assistance for Children with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Enhancing Social Behavior and Interaction
Get PDFChildren diagnoses with conditions such as ADHD or autism have difficulty with social interaction and managing emotions. These difficulties make traditional therapy inefficient. In this study, we will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and see how it will support these children in developing better social skills. Hence, we present a tool called Spark Humanoid; an agent that uses AI to give kids feedback based on their facial expressions and how they respond during fun, and game session. The system uses convolutional neural network (CNNs) to understand the child’s emotions and applies the A* algorithm in puzzle games to offer helpful hints and adjust difficulty as needed. We tested the tool during therapy sessions with support from the Palestine Childhood Institute. The system shows promising results, since kids seemed more engaged and responded more positively when using the AI tool compared to traditional sessions. These results shows that AI could be a useful addition to therapy, giving us new ways to help children with neuropsychiatric challenges
Liquid Disintegration Regime of Plain Orifice, Swirl, and Effervescent Atomization: A Review
Get PDFLiquid atomization is a process in which bulk liquid disintegrates into sprays. Numerous liquid atomization mechanism theories have been developed to describe the disintegration process. The disintegration process of bulk liquid into sprays can be characterized using the liquid disintegration regime map. This map illustrates stages of liquid disintegration for a liquid atomization mechanism and is a helpful tool in understanding the underlying physics of a specific liquid atomization regime. However, a liquid disintegration regime map for a type of atomization, namely swirl effervescent atomization, is hardly available and is hypothesized in this paper. Swirl effervescent atomization has broad advantages within the hybrid category, and it is crucial to map the liquid disintegration regime for this type of liquid atomization. The first stage towards mapping the liquid disintegration regime is to review the liquid disintegration mechanisms. This article reviews the liquid disintegration regime of the plain orifice, swirl, and effervescent atomization considering their relation to swirl effervescent atomization
Effect of Specimen Shape on Bond Strength Between Deformed Steel Rebars and Normal Concrete
Get PDFThe study of the bond between deformed steel rebar and concrete is essential in reinforced concrete structures, considering the assumption that rebar and concrete function as composite materials. Over the years, researchers have carried out bond testing, typically using the most common types of specimens, which are cube and cylinder specimens. Despite these advancements, an observation reveals the absence of studies exploring the effect of specimen shape on bond strength. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the influence of specimen shape on the bond strength between rebar and normal concrete. The experimental work involves the preparation of cube pullout specimens measuring 200 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm, embedded with 16 mm and 20 mm rebars. The cube pullout specimens were then subjected to direct pullout testing using the RILEM pullout test standard. Subsequently, comparisons were made with previous experimental results employing cylindrical pullout specimens (100 mm diameter x 200 mm height), which were obtained by another researcher. The bond strength analysis uses normalised bond strength to minimise the effect of variations in concrete compressive strength. The results of the analysis indicate that bond strength is affected by the thickness of the concrete cover, which is influenced by the shape of the specimens
Synthesis and Characterization of Electrode with Pd-Ni/C Catalyst and Performance Test of MEA for Applications in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
Get PDFThe implementation of Pd-Ni/C catalysts in PEMFCs is still quite limited, even though Pd and Ni alloys hold considerable promise as an alternative to decrease reliance on Pt/C. The PdNi/C metal alloy functions as a catalyst on the anode side for the hydrogen oxidation process in PEMFCs. The catalyst was synthesized by incorporating NiCl₂·6H₂O into Pd/C with a catalyst loading of 0.5 mg/cm². Electrodes were prepared with varying Pd to Ni weight ratios in carbon (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3), and were compared against Pd/C and Ni/C electrodes, while a Pt/C catalyst was used on the cathode side. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) was constructed by combining the anode containing the Pd-Ni/C catalyst, and the cathode containing the Pt/C catalyst using a Nafion 212 membrane. XRD characterization showed a carbon peak at 2θ = 26.4° and a palladium peak at 2θ = 41°, both with low intensity. XRD spectrum of Pd-Ni/C electrode showing amorphous crystal peaks. The highest catalytic activity of the electrode was achieved by the electrode with Pd:Ni = 3:1 with an ECSA value of 1.539 m²/g and conductivity value of 3.98 × 10-2 S/cm. The highest OCV value was obtained with the MEA using a Pd/C catalyst at ambient temperature, reaching 0.88 V, which was not significantly different from the 0.8 V value of the Pd:Ni= 3:1 catalyst. The maximum power density of MEA with Pd:Ni= 3:1 catalyst at the anode was 4.88 mW/cm² at a current density of 10 mA/cm². This research indicates that the MEA with the Pd:Ni = 3:1 catalyst at anode achieves optimal performance at an operating temperature of 25°C, contributing to high efficiency in PEMFC applications
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in NDUM Campus, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Get PDFLandslides are among the most destructive natural disasters, frequently resulting in significant loss of life as well as property each year, particularly in regions with high elevations and steep slopes. With an advanced technological approach, the integration of geographic information system (GIS) as well as remote sensing has been extensively utilised to identify areas susceptible to landslides, providing crucial insights for disaster preparedness and mitigation. This study aims to create a landslide susceptibility map (LSM) for the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM) campus. This study adopted the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) modelled in ArcGIS 10.8 software to integrate five major landslide-induced parameters: slope angle, elevation, drainage density, soil type, and lithology. The slope angle and elevation thematic maps were obtained from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Lithology and drainage density data were sourced from Malaysia\u27s Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) as well as the Department of Survey and Mapping, Malaysia (JUPEM). The local soil type was obtained from the NDUM site investigation report. The resulting LSM was classified into five levels of risk zones, with 0.1%, 29.1%, 2.3%, 2.8%, and 65.7% falling under very low risk, low risk, moderate risk, high risk, as well as very high risk, respectively. The LSM was verified with a previously failed slope on the NDUM campus, showcasing good agreement for both methods. The accuracy of the landslide hazard zonation map may be enhanced by integrating additional factors, for instance, land cover, land use, rainfall, as well as other relevant elements
Development of Bread Leftovers-Derived Bioplastics and Its Characterisation
Get PDFBioplastics offer a sustainable solution to plastic pollution. This study investigated bioplastics derived from bread leftovers (BLB), characterising their mechanical and chemical properties to assess their potential as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. BLB samples, formulated with varying amounts of bread leftovers (5g, 10g, 15g), were tested for their moisture content, solubility, biodegradability, tensile strength, Young\u27s modulus, elongation at break, shape memory recovery, surface morphology, and elemental composition. Results showed insignificant variations in moisture content (25.3-28.9%) and water solubility (42.6-48.6%). However, increasing bread leftover content improved alcohol resistance, with the 15g BLB sample exhibiting the lowest alcohol solubility (10.6%). Notably, BLB samples demonstrated superior biodegradability, degrading within seven days, unlike conventional plastics. The 15g BLB formulation exhibited the most promising mechanical properties, including a Young\u27s modulus of 2.884 ± 0.127 MPa, a tensile strength of 1.46 ± 0.10 MPa, and an elongation at break of 53.75 ± 6.646%, suggesting its potential to replace low-density polyethene (LDPE). While the low melting point hindered shape memory recovery, elemental analysis revealed a composition of 63% carbon and 36% oxygen, contributing to its biodegradability. Overall, 15 g of BLB shows significant potential as a biodegradable material for plastic production, offering a viable path to reducing non-biodegradable waste
Effectiveness of Solar Distillation System in Treating Direct Discharge of Car Wash Wastewater
Get PDFCar wash facilities offer simple alternatives for automobile owners, but by discharging highly contaminated wastewater into rivers, they contribute to environmental degradation. For this study, three different solar still distillation models were developed to treat car wash wastewater, including a standard solar still (Model 1), a painted solar still (Model 2), and a painted solar still combined with sand (Model 3). The objectives of this study included designing and evaluating the effectiveness of these models in producing treated carwash wastewater, as well as assessing the quality of both treated and untreated water in terms of pH, turbidity, COD, BOD, nitrites, nitrates, and zinc. The volume of treated water collected was measured hourly from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the temperature of both the water and the surroundings was also recorded. The findings indicate that Model 3, which was painted with black paint and sand, performed better in terms of producing effectiveness and water purification. In addition, Model 3 outperformed the other models in terms of effectiveness by producing the highest volume of water and exhibiting the greatest % removal rates for a variety of pollutants, is turbidity (96.0 5%), COD (96.42%), BOD (97.65%), nitrate (60.75%), nitrite (83.33 %) and zinc (93.78 %). The improved thermal mass and heat absorption capabilities of Model 3 were responsible for its higher evaporation rates and overall effectiveness in eliminating contaminants. Car wash wastewater is effectively treated by solar still distillation systems, especially the more efficient ones, such as the painted still with sand. The processed water quality meets the accepted standard, demonstrating the effectiveness and ecological responsibility of solar distillation technology in wastewater treatment.
Evaluating the Potential of Green Roofs Incorporating Coconut Waste for Climate Change Adaptation
Get PDFClimate change is a pressing global issue demanding urgent attention due to its widespread impacts. Green roofs present a promising solution by improving stormwater management, enhancing thermal regulation, and promoting sustainability. Yet, their adoption in Malaysian buildings remains limited. The lack of recycled waste utilization also reflects a missed opportunity for sustainable innovation. Coconut waste, abundantly available in Malaysia, remains unexploited despite its potential as a green infrastructure component. Hence, experimental investigations were conducted using three roof models: a conventional roof, a green roof constructed with commercial materials, and a green roof incorporating recycled waste. In the recycled waste-based green roof, coconut shells were used as the drainage layer, while coconut fibers served as the filter layer. Results showed that the recycled waste green roof outperformed the commercial green roof, reducing peak flow by up to 46%, compared to 19–31% for the commercial green roof. It also enhanced stormwater quality, achieving a 45% reduction in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), while the commercial green roof achieved only 5%. Additionally, vegetated roofs helped lower temperatures, with reductions ranging from 6.45% to 11.48% for the commercial green roof and from 14.75% to 16.13% for the recycled waste green roof, compared to the conventional roof. These findings highlight the potential of green roofs, particularly those utilizing recycled waste materials, as a sustainable solution for urban climate adaptation. Increased adoption of such systems can help to address environmental challenges while promoting the circular use of waste materials