Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Understanding Consumer Preferences in the Funeral Service Industry: Insights from the Johor Bahru Market
Get PDFFuneral service organisations preserve the memory of the departed as they assist families in mourning. Research examining consumer choices in this market sector is currently relatively sparse. A research investigation explores how ethnic Chinese people in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, prefer their funeral services. A total of 50 respondents participated in this study using Microsoft Forms and quantitative research methods. The convenience sampling method produced data analysed through descriptive techniques in Excel software. All participants belonged to a group that experienced death, yet 70% of this group was directly responsible for organising funerals. A significant 48% of the participants estimated their funeral expenses would fall from RM30,000 to RM34,999. Funeral services were the most popular choice among respondents who wanted services in public funeral facilities (84%) and followed the Buddhist/Taoist religious customs (70%). Research results demonstrate that people need accessible funeral services which also offer transparent pricing and maintain respect for local customs. The providers of funeral services should create inexpensive package solutions which permit flexible payment options. Providing more religious services and better professional support would offer improved solutions for this multicultural community. The support system provided by Johor Bahru funeral providers needs to tackle financial, logistical and cultural considerations to benefit bereaved families effectively
A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach for Managing End-of-Life Options of 3D Printing Thermoplastic
Get PDFThe increasing use of 3D printing technology, particularly with thermoplastic materials, emphasizes the imperative for a meticulously devised strategy to address sustainability concerns at the end of the product\u27s life cycle. This study presents a customized Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach designed to navigate the intricate factors that affect the sustainable management of thermoplastic waste generated by 3D printing techniques. This framework provides decision-makers with a methodical paradigm to evaluate and prioritize end-of-life (EOL) modalities. It incorporates a wide range of variables, including resource consumption, environmental impact, economic implications, and statutory requirements. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the results of the algorithm clearly indicate that recycling is the best EOL option for the thermoplastic category studied in this analysis compared to other techniques. The utilization of MCDA enables stakeholders to make decisions that not only improve sustainability results but also drive innovation and efficiency within the 3D printing ecosystem
IoT-Based Automated Cabinet System for Drugs Storage and Accurate Retrieval for Operation Theater Application
Get PDFModern healthcare facilities, especially operation theaters, rely on a multitude of medications to ensure the well-being of patients during surgical procedures. In traditional operation theater environments, medications are typically stored in locked cabinets or storage units, with healthcare professionals manually retrieving and dispensing them as needed. This manual approach can be time-consuming, error-prone, and may lead to delays in urgent medical procedures. Thus, the development and implementation of an "IoT-Based Automated Cabinet System for Drugs Storage and Accurate Retrieval for Operation Theater Application” tailored for drug storage and retrieval in operation theaters becomes imperative and is proposed in this work. The system comprises three main components: a storage compartment system, a storage locking system, and a drugs retrieval system. These components are seamlessly integrated with an ESP32 Wi-Fi module and two Arduino Uno microcontrollers. In order, to enhance security, the automated cabinet system incorporates a three-level security feature. This includes AS608 fingerprint sensors and an S-60 electromagnetic lock, ensuring that only registered users can access the cabinet. The system leverages the Kodular application, which integrates with a Google Sheet Database for user authentication and administration. Experimental results demonstrate that it efficiently retrieves correct and substitute drugs, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor drug availability. In addition, it is shown that the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor system is efficient in tracking intended drugs within the storage compartment. The system also updates the remaining drug balance using Firebase Database, providing a reliable and efficient solution for operation theater applications. In a nutshell, by integrating various sensors and IoT technologies, this automated cabinet system significantly improves drug retrieval accuracy and efficiency, thereby enhancing patient safety and minimizing the risk of medication errors
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Synthetic epoxy (E) and Bio-epoxy Polymer Foam Integrated with Wood Filler Under 8000 hours Exposure to UV Irradiation
Get PDFThe most common sustainable solution for polyurethane (PU) materials is their production using renewable resources reducing the dependency on the consumption of petroleum-based oil products. This research presents results from an experimental study on the dynamic mechanical and viscoelastic properties such as storage modulus, E\u27, loss modulus, E\u27\u27 and damping coefficient, tan δ of syntactic epoxy (E) and bio-epoxy polymer foam loading with different ratio of flakes and powder filler 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 %wt after exposed to UV irradiation for 8000 h. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the blended were performed over a temperature range of 25–180°C for (E) and (B) polymer foam under frequency of 1 Hz. The results demonstrated that the E20L specimen with the highest filler ratio gives the maximum storage modulus and loss modulus value (0.3125 MPa), (0.0625 MPa) respectively among other filler ratio due to bonding between foam and filler resulting in increased viscosity of the synthetic-epoxy PUs foam. Among others, the bio-epoxy PUs foam (B5P) has the highest storage value (3.956 MPa) and loss modulus (17.213 MPa) indicating that bio-epoxy PU foams can dissipate energy faster than synthetic-epoxy polymer foams. TG analysis showed that the synthetic epoxy (E) polymer foam had higher Tg value and E5L (1.2) archived the highest value compared to the bio-epoxy foams which had much less repeatable results due to the less homogeneous structure of polyols.compulsory
An Investigative Study on Impact of Frequency Dynamics in Load Modeling
Get PDFLoad modeling plays a significant impact in assessing power system stability margin, control, and protection. Frequency in the power system is desired to be kept constant, but in a real sense, it is not constant as loads continually change with time. In much literature, frequency dynamics are ignored in the formulation of load models for the basic assumption that it does not affect the models. In this paper, the composite load model was formulated with Voltage-Frequency Dependency (V-FD) on real and reactive powers and applied to estimate the load model. 2- Area network 4- machines Kundur test network was used for testing the developed model. The model was trained with measurements from a low voltage distribution network supplying the Electrical Engineering department at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Both training and testing data were captured under normal system operation (dynamics). To evaluate the V-FD model performance, Voltage-Dependent (VD) model was examined on the same measured data. The work makes use of the Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN) as a nonlinear estimator. Results obtained indicate that including frequency dynamics in modeling active power reduces the accuracy of the model. While in modeling reactive power the model performance improves. Hence, it can be said that including frequency dynamics in load modeling depends on the intended application of the model
Sustainable Development of Tay Ethnic Village Spaces in Tuyen Quang Province Through The Preservation and Utilization of Traditional Architectural Values
Get PDFThis study investigates the sustainable development of Tay ethnic village spaces in Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam, through the preservation and use of traditional architectural values. Indigenous architectural techniques - formed over many generations to adapt to natural, cultural and social conditions - are rapidly being lost due to urbanization, livelihood transformation and changing development pressures. The study used a multi-method approach, including literature review, field survey, expert consultation and community interviews, with a methodology emphasizing “community-based planning” to assess the current status of traditional architecture and community needs. Focusing on Tan Lap village in Tan Trao commune, the study identified the main architectural features, spatial configurations and socio-cultural functions of Tay stilt houses. Based on these findings, the study proposes sustainable spatial planning strategies that integrate traditional values with contemporary needs to support cultural preservation, community-based tourism and sustainable rural development. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to protect ethnic heritage while promoting inclusive and adaptive rural planning
Bridging The Digital Divide: A Comparative Study of Digital Competencies among TVET Teachers in TVET Institutions in Asian Countries
Get PDFDigital competencies are very crucial in ensuring the successful of digital economy transformation and sustainability of the nation. To educate the new generation to become IT savvy, the teachers and instructors should have adequate knowledge and skills related to digital competencies. The study examines the digital competencies among teachers and instructors in selected TVET institutions in five countries namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, and Iran. The research utilised descriptive statistics and ANOVA test to evaluate five important domains specified in the DigComp 2.0 framework. The five domains are Information and data literacy, Communication and collaboration, Digital content creation, Safety and Problem solving. The results indicate that there are generally high levels of competence with minor differences among institutes. There are no significant differences across institutes according to the ANOVA test with p=0.31. TVET institution in Indonesia consistently had the greatest scores, whereas TVET institutes in Thailand and Maldives consistently achieved lower scores across all components. Disparities may be ascribed to variables such as educational policy and infrastructure. The research highlights the need of customised digital literacy programmes, enhanced infrastructure, and cooperation among stakeholders to narrow the digital gap and provide graduates with the essential skills for the digital workplace
A Study on the Development of Soft Skills Among Hospitality Students at Vocational High School
Get PDFMany Vocational High School graduates have difficulty getting jobs or developing their careers due to the lack of soft skills needed in the tourism industry. Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking in solving problems, and teamwork are essential in the current job market in Indonesia. This study aims to measure the level of soft skills among hospitality students at Vocational High Schools in Lombok Tengah, Indonesia. This study uses a quantitative approach, with a survey design using a questionnaire that was distributed to 265 hospitality students from seven Vocational High Schools in Lombok Tengah. The questionnaire will assess the level of student soft skills based on student perceptions. The findings found that the level of communication skills, critical thinking in problem-solving skills, and teamwork skills of students is at moderate level (3.62-3.65). In addition, there is no significant difference in soft skills between courses offered among hospitality students which p-value of 0.34. This research is expected to provide knowledge about the importance of mastering soft skills among hospitality students at vocational high schools in Lombok Tengah and assist schools in better preparing graduates to enter the tourism workplace, increasing their chances of getting a job relevant to their field of study
Improving the Manufacturing of Square Flange Gasket Through Lean Practices
Get PDFThis paper reports a case study on production line of square flange gasket at a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) company. The square flange gasket, a high-demand product used as a seal between two flange faces, is currently produced below satisfactory levels due to delays, causing client dissatisfaction. This study aims to identify the root causes of waste in the production line and propose solutions to improve productivity and speed up production. The methodology used in this study is based on PDCA Cycle, starting with the ‘Plan’ approach that focuses on finding the root problems through Lean Practices such as Ishikawa, Yamazumi Chart, 5 Whys Analysis and Pareto Chart using the information gained from the Gemba visit at the company. Lean Practices revealed that the longest cycle time occurs during the quality check process due to inefficient movement between the machine room and quality check room, and the lack of quick measurement tools. ‘Do’ phase is done by developing a Go/No Go Gauge as the solution for the problems that have been identified and the ‘Check’ phase will involve the implementation of the designed gauge and monitoring the results with its function and suitability. The case study will end in the ‘Act’ phase where we make improvements based on the results during ‘Check’ phases and standardise the right practices. The proposed solution led to significant improvements: a 72.73% reduction in movement distance, a 26.29% reduction in cycle time, and a 26.47% increase in weekly production. The gauge eliminated waste like waiting time and unnecessary motion, speeding up measurements. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of Lean practice in reducing waste and boosting overall productivity
The Effect of Mass Fraction of Rice Straw Fiber on The Mechanical Properties and Water Absorption of Cassava Starch Biocomposite
Get PDFThe massive use of plastic packaging has a detrimental impact on theenvironment. Alternative solutions are needed, such as replacing plasticwith biocomposites. In this study, biocomposites were made from ricestraw fiber and cassava starch using the solution casting method. Themass fraction of rice straw fiber was varied at 74%, 78%, 82%, 86%, and90%. To determine the characteristics of the biocomposites, tensiletesting, bending testing, water absorption testing, macro observation, andScanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation were conducted. Theresults showed that as the mass fraction of rice straw fiber increased, themechanical properties of the biocomposites decreased and waterabsorption increased. The ultimate tensile strength, tensile modulus, andelongation at break in the tensile test decreased by 79.95%, 66.65%, and40.45%, respectively. The bending test results showed a decrease inflexural strength and flexural modulus by 78.53% and 70.37%,respectively. The water absorption test results showed an increase inwater absorption by 49.1%. Macro and SEM fracture morphologyobservations revealed the presence of voids, agglomeration, and fiberspulled out of the matrix due to weak interfacial bonding, which caused thelow mechanical properties and high water absorption. This study alsocompared rice straw fiber/cassava starch biocomposites with commercialegg tray samples. The results indicated that rice straw fiber/cassavastarch biocomposites have superior mechanical properties and lowerwater absorption, suggesting their potential use as biocompositepackaging products