Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Performance Evaluation of RF Terminators in Butler Matrix System at 28 GHz
In wireless network systems, Radio Frequency (RF) terminators play a crucial part in preventing signal reflections and minimizing losses. In general, systems designed with 50 Ω or 75 Ω terminators experience lower signal losses and improved stability. As wireless technology advances, high-frequency systems and beamforming have become important. However, these systems are often susceptible to external interference from nearby devices, leading to unwanted signals that interrupt measurement precision and contribute to additional signal losses. Such interference is inevitable due to the sensitivity of the signals. To mitigate the effect, researchers have used metamaterial absorbers, beamforming enhancement, interference cancellation, and cognitive radio techniques. Despite advance technique presented, metamaterials suffer with resonance induced reflection. Additionally, problems arise when managing multiple signal path, matching technique and signal distortion often appear. Terminator passively absorb reflection signal, minimize crosstalk and ensuring stable system, which makes it the best choice to overcome the problem. This paper studies the effect of RF terminators on the performance of a beamforming Butler Matrix, focusing on key elements of current distribution, S-parameters, and output phase. The simulation and measurement results show stable and consistent outputs, with no ripple or distortion when the terminator is applied. The measurement of branch-line coupler indicates a return loss, S₁₁ of -17.9 dB, implying minimal signal reflection while the insertion loss, S₂₁ and coupling, S₃₁ of -3 ± 1 dB, indicates that half of the power is transmitted and equally coupled to the output and the isolation. In addition, S₄₁ is -18 dB, confirming good isolation between output ports. The measured return loss of the Butler Matrix is below -10 dB, showing minimal signal reflection, while the transmission amplitude is 6 ± 3.1 dB, reflecting stable signal transmission with small variation. Isolation between ports ranges from -14 dB to -32.2 dB, providing excellent isolation. The output phase has an average deviation of ±10°, ensuring consistent phase performance, highlighting the importance of RF terminators for future research in wireless communication
Numerical Validation of Flexitank Hydrodynamic Performance under Different Driving Conditions
Flexitanks have revolutionized bulk liquid logistics through their cost-effectiveness and adaptability, yet their inherent flexibility introduces complex hydrodynamic challenges, particularly due to liquid sloshing during dynamic vehicle motion. This study presents a numerical validation of flexitank hydrodynamic performance under realistic driving conditions, focusing on the pressure response and fluid motion within the flexible containment. A 1:8 scaled flexitank prototype was experimentally tested to measure transient wall pressures and deformation using force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors, while a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed in Ansys Fluent to simulate the internal flow behavior. Comparison between experimental and numerical results demonstrated strong correlation, achieving a percentage different error below 8.5% throughout the driving cycle. The analysis further revealed that deceleration events generated 14–18% higher wall pressures than acceleration phases due to inertial and pressure wave effects. The validated CFD framework provides a reliable predictive tool for understanding sloshing-induced behavior in flexible liquid containment systems and contributes to safer, more efficient bulk liquid transport design.
 
An Electronic Revenue Mobilization and Utilization System: Improving and Safeguarding the Tax for Development in the Builsa South District, Ghana
The study designs and implements an online electronic tax payment system, BSDARMS, for the Builsa South District of Ghana, enabling taxpayers to track revenue utilization. Using the iterative waterfall model, BSDARMS provides a user-friendly interface, secure taxpayer database, and facilitates online payments via SMS and USSD. The system addresses limited revenue collection personnel, motivating business registration and tax compliance to support budget targets and district development. Compared to KRA’s ICT deployment, BSDARMS enhances operational efficiency by reducing administrative costs and revenue leakage. It aligns with Tanzania’s LGRCIS system, ensuring reliable tax collection and notification mechanisms
Pengaruh Kemahiran Komunikasi dan Kemahiran Penyelesaian Masalah Terhadap Kesediaan Kerja Pelajar Tahun Akhir Kolej Vokasional Bidang Kulinari: The Influence of Communication Skills and Problem-Solving Skills on the Work Readiness among Final Year Students in Culinary at Vocational College
Malay:
Pendidikan dan Latihan Teknikal Vokasional (PLTV) memainkan peranan yang besar dalam melahirkan tenaga kerja mahir dan separa mahir bagi memenuhi keperluan industri. Bagi membangunkan negara dari aspek ekonomi dan pelancongan, tenaga kerja dalam bidang ini harus dilengkapi dengan kemahiran-kemahiran kebolehkerjaan. Kemahiran kebolehkerjaan meliputi aspek kemahiran kerja berpasukan, komunikasi, penyelesaian masalah, pemikiran kritis, kepimpinan dan lain-lain. PLTV telah menyediakan modul-modul bagi meningkatkan tahap kemahiran kebolehkerjaan pelajar seperti Modul Core Abilities. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti tahap kemahiran kerja berpasukan, komunikasi dan penyelesaian masalah yang terdapat dalam diri pelajar tahun akhir kolej vokasional bidang Seni Kulinari sebelum mereka memasuki industri dan mengenalpasti kemahiran yang boleh mempengaruhi kesediaan kerja pelajar tersebut. Reka bentuk kajian ini adalah kajian tinjauan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Seramai 240 responden yang terdiri daripada pelajar tahun akhir kohort 2021 kolej vokasional bidang Seni Kulinari menjawab soal selidik yang disebarkan melalui Google Form. Teknik persampelan yang digunakan bagi memilih sampel kajian adalah teknik rawak berstrata. Kajian telah dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis infrensi iaitu ujian regresi pelbagai. Analisis skor min dan sisihan piawai telah menunjukkan tahap kemahiran kerja berpasukan, komunikasi dan penyelesaian masalah berada pada tahap yang tinggi. Hasil ujian regresi pelbagai telah mendapati kemahiran komunikasi dan kemahiran penyelesaian masalah dapat mempengaruhi kesediaan kerja pelajar tahun akhir kolej vokasional bidang Seni Kulinari. Secara keseluruhan kesediaan kerja pelajar tahun akhir bidang Seni Kulinari berada pada tahap yang tinggi dari aspek kemahiran kerja berpasukan, komunikasi dan penyelesaian masalah.
English:
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays an important role in producing skilled and semi-skilled workforce to meet the needs of the industry. In order to develop the country from the economic and tourism aspects, the workforce in this field should be equipped with employability skills. Employability skills include aspects of teamwork, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership and others. TVET has provided modules to improve students\u27 employability skills such as the Core Abilities Module. Therefore, this study aims to identify the level of teamwork, communication and problem solving skills found in final year vocational college students in the field of Culinary Arts before they enter the industry and identify skills that can affect the student\u27s work readiness. The research design is a survey study using a quantitative approach. 240 respondents from final year students of the 2021 batch of vocational colleges in the Culinary Arts discipline answered the questionnaire distributed through Google Form. The sampling technique used to select the study sample is a stratified random technique. The study was analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis which is multiple regression tests. Analysis of the mean score and standard deviation has shown that the level of teamwork, communication and problem solving skills is at a high level. The results of multiple regression tests have found that communication skills and problem solving skills can influence the work readiness of final year vocational college students in the field of Culinary Arts. In conclusion, the work readiness of final year Culinary Arts students is at a high level in terms of teamwork, communication and problem solving skills
Readiness of Green Skill Implementation among Welding Program Students at Public Skill Training Center
In recent years, green skills have begun to receive significant attention and are increasingly taken seriously by the public, driven by the rapid advancement of green technologies globally, including in Malaysia. In response to this trend, the present study was conducted to assess the awareness and readiness to implement green skills among students enrolled in the Welding Technology Program at a Public Skills Training Center (ILKA) in Batu Pahat. A total of 101 Welding Technology Program students participated in the study. Descriptive analysis, including mean and standard deviation, was employed to analyze the data. The reliability coefficient for the research instrument was high, α = 0.94. Overall, the findings indicate a highly encouraging level of awareness of green skills among the students, with the majority demonstrating a strong personal awareness of green skill implementation at ILKA. In terms of knowledge, the level of implementation of green skills was also positive, as most respondents agreed with the items assessing their understanding of green concepts. Similarly, students showed favorable attitudes toward green skills, further reinforcing their readiness to adopt environmentally responsible practices. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that welding students at the ILKA exhibit a commendable level of readiness to implement green skills, both in knowledge and attitude, reflecting their potential to contribute effectively to the green industry
The Assessment of Behaviour Intention to Use High Speed Rail (HSR) Service in Johor Among Generations Z: The Integration of PLS Structural Modelling
The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) is a significant infrastructure project with the potential to transform regional connectivity. However, the current study of generation Z ridership in high-speed rail (HSR) services reveals a complex interplay of preferences, behaviours and socio-economic factors that influence their travel choices. While generation Z is generally characterized by a preference for sustainable and technology-integrated transport options, these trends very significantly across different countries. This nuanced understanding is essential for optimizing HSR services to cater to this demographic. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the influences of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, trust, and external influences towards behaviour intention to use high speed rail services among Generation Z in Johor. A total of 1845 respondents were collected using online survey. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to validate the hypotheses generated based on the fundamental theory of Technology Acceptance Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour. Key findings revealed that attitude, perceived behavioural control, and trust were the most significant predictors of behavioural intention. All constructs were significant and all the hypotheses were accepted. The findings suggest that the variables of attitude, subjective norms, price, and perceived behavioural control as the most necessary condition to be meet by the HSR operator in future prior the establishment of HSR services and building trust in the HSR project to ensure its successful implementation and long-term sustainability
IoT-Enabled Bus Tracking System for Real-Time Campus Transportation
Transportation is a utilitarian means by which individuals may move from one location to another. In the present epoch of globalisation, transport plays a vital role in the economic development of a country. The statutory basis for accountability of a public service corporation is now ensuring the delivery of excellent and high-quality service. Currently, students, particularly those who do not have their own means of mobility, rely on school transportation to navigate the campus. However, an issue emerged when students were unable to retrieve the position and location while the bus was in motion. Users have difficulty due to the uncertainty of the bus\u27s arrival schedule, which necessitates an indefinite waiting period. We developed an Internet of Things (IoT) based bus tracking system for Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) to resolve the problem. This system enables users to conveniently receive real-time information about the bus\u27s current position, location, and estimated arrival time at each stop. The researcher used the Design Thinking Process (DTP) paradigm in this study. The process consists of five steps: empathy, deciding, ideation, prototyping, and testing. The analysis\u27s results validate the successful development and planned operation of the system. Furthermore, the system has the capability to display the precise position and location of the bus, in addition to providing consumers with useful information. The accompanying questionnaire supports this claim, indicating that 32 students, which accounts for 95% of the target audience, have confidence in the product\u27s ability to work well. Ultimately, the IoT-enabled bus tracking system implemented at UTHM effectively accomplished all of its predetermined objectives
Development of a Driver Drowsiness Detection System Using Infrared, Tilt and Heart Rate Sensors
Driver drowsiness is a major contributor to road accidents, making early detection systems essential for enhancing vehicle safety. This paper presents the design and evaluation of a wearable drowsiness detection prototype integrating an infrared (IR) sensor for eye blink monitoring, an MPU6050 accelerometer for head tilt detection, and a MAX30100 sensor for heart rate and oxygen saturation measurement. Laboratory validation was first carried out using servo motors and oscilloscope readings to simulate eyelid movement and head tilts. The system was then tested in-vehicle under real driving conditions, where real-time monitoring of eye status, head posture, and heart rate was displayed on an LCD with buzzer and LED alerts. Results demonstrated reliable detection of prolonged eye closure, abnormal head tilts, and reduced heart rate, with an estimated overall accuracy of approximately 85%. These findings confirm that combining behavioral and physiological indicators enhances detection robustness compared to single-parameter systems. The prototype demonstrates a low-cost, portable, and non-intrusive solution for drowsiness detection, making it suitable for vehicles lacking advanced driver-assistance systems. Furthermore, the use of easily available components allows for wide applicability and integration into various vehicle types. Future research will focus on refining adaptive thresholds, conducting long-term driving trials, and applying machine learning techniques to further improve detection reliability
Development of a Smart Cooling and Fertigation System for Strawberry Cultivation in Tropical Lowland Greenhouses
Strawberry cultivation in tropical lowland regions faces major challenges due to excessive heat, high humidity, and poor root zone temperature regulation, often leading to low fruit quality and inconsistent yields. This project aims to address these limitations by integrating environmental optimization with smart agricultural technology tailored for tropical greenhouse applications. The main objective is to develop a sustainable, IoT-enabled fertigation and microclimate control system for strawberry cultivation in lowland Malaysia, focusing on improving yield, fruit sweetness, and plant resilience. A comprehensive review was conducted on critical environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, light intensity, CO₂ levels, and electrical conductivity combined with a study of recent innovations in precision agriculture. Based on this review, a prototype system is proposed featuring solar-powered chillers, automated misting, root zone cooling, and fertigation component controlled by ESP32 microcontrollers. The system includes real-time sensor feedback and wireless control to maintain optimal growing conditions. The proposed system will be developed at Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (POLISAS) and will be tested in a real-world setting at FELDA Bukit Sagu 2, a rural farming community in Kuantan. Preliminary simulations from review suggest a greenhouse temperature reduction of 4°C–6°C and improved root zone stability, aligning with recommended growth thresholds. These improvements are expected to enhance strawberry size, sweetness (Brix value), and shelf life. The novelty of this project lies in its context-specific combination of smart cooling and fertigation technologies in a modular, scalable design suitable for low-resource farming environments. It bridges academic innovation and practical agriculture, supported by sustainable energy integration and data-driven control. The project idea has gained early recognition in institutional R&D and is positioned for further collaboration with agricultural research bodies (e.g., MARDI), smart farming startups, and rural development agencies. With continued development, the system offers potential as a replicable model for tropical horticulture, supporting Malaysia’s goals for agrotechnology innovation and food security
Interpreting the Smart Healthcare Model Using Shapley Values
Data analysis and treatment specifications are important in healthcare, but there are many challenges, such as specifying metrics to measure and monitor patient health. Machine learning appears to improve the prediction of patients’ outcomes at the lowest cost in healthcare systems. The machine learning used real data collected by Internet of Things (IoT) devices and analyzed them to detect potential future risks. There are many techniques for detecting potential future risks, but the random forest model was the strongest. Unfortunately, its results were complex and difficult to interpret. Therefore, this study used Shapley values, a powerful analysis method that helps interpret the ambiguity in ML results, often referred to as a black box. This led to the development of the random forest model, which interprets its outcomes by assigning equal importance to features based on their contribution to the results. This study is divided into two steps. Firstly, the random forest model classifies the data based on relationships among feature attributes to predict the outcome. Secondly, interpreting the prediction results from the previous step using Shapley Tree Interpreter (SHAP) values to distribute importance across attributes based on their contributions to the prediction. The proposed method showed that the age, ID, and AP-LO are the most important attributes in predicting diastolic blood pressure. Where age had (-157), id (+17.53), and ap-lo (-213.03) effects. Gender, height, and glu were the most important predictors of systolic blood pressure. Where gender had (-4.41), height (+2.78), and glu (+2.48) effects