Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Comparative Analysis of AlN Thin Film Uniformity on 2-Inch and 4-Inch Si Wafers Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering
Get PDFAluminium nitride (AlN) is one of most investigated III-V materials for advanced electronics application. This study is a comparative analysis on the AlN thin film deposited on 2-inch and 4-inch Si wafers using radiofrequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. This study investigates the uniformity of AlN thin films deposited on 2-inch and 4-inch Si wafers, analysing variations in crystal structure, surface morphology, and film thickness to assess the impact of wafer size on film consistency. The deposited AlN thin films were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), surface profiling and field emission – scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). It was found out that the films had a preferred orientation of (100) and had a very good match across the 2-inch wafers but were off slightly at the edges of the 4-inch wafers. Thickness measurements also showed good uniformity as evidenced by coefficient of variation (CV) values below the 10% industry standard and FE-SEM analysis of smooth, defect-free films with uniform morphology. In conclusion, these results confirm that the wafer size is very crucial to produce uniform ad high quality AlN thin films across the wafer
Wavelength Optimisation in a Spectroscopy System for Wide-Range Uric Acid Detection
Get PDFThis study demonstrates a wide linearity range for uric acid sensing in the visible and near-infrared spectrum using direct spectroscopy detection, eliminating the need for enzymes or reagents. The system was experimentally tested across a uric acid concentration range of 10 to 200 mg/dL, exhibiting excellent performance in linearity, sensitivity, and accuracy, with optimal results observed at a wavelength of 950 nm. At this wavelength, the sensor achieved a linearity of 0.9694, sensitivity of 0.0034 (mg/dL)⁻¹, and accuracy of 97.42%. Compared to the previous developments, this work validates the improved linearity range performance and offers rapid response times due to its reagent-free design. The proposed sensor shows strong potential for efficient real-time monitoring of uric acid over a wide concentration range
An Optimization Approach and Environmental Evaluation of Aluminium AA7075 Alloy in Metal Forming Process by Solid State Recycling Hot Press Forging
Get PDFThis study presents the optimization of Direct Recycling Hot Press Forging (DR-HPF) parameters for AA7075 aluminium alloy to enhance mechanical properties and minimize environmental impact. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to investigate the effects of forging temperature and soaking time on ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation to failure (ETF), and global warming potential (GWP). The optimized DR-HPF process, conducted at 480°C and 86 minutes soaking time, achieved a maximum UTS of approximately 251.33 MPa and an ETF of 6.9%, marking significant improvements over conventional recycling methods. Life Cycle Assessment showed a reduction of global warming potential by more than 85% and energy consumption by approximately 69% compared to remelting processes. This work uniquely integrates process optimization and detailed environmental evaluation, advancing sustainable recycling practices for high-performance aluminium alloys.
Analysis of Blood Flow and Urea Transport in Chitosan and Carbon Nanotube Dialyzer Membranes for Diabetic Haemodialysis
Get PDFHaemodialysis efficiency depends heavily on membrane characteristics, as material properties and thickness significantly influence blood flow behaviour and solute removal across the dialyzer. Despite advances in dialyzer design, there is limited comparative data on how membrane material and thickness affect blood flow dynamics and urea clearance, particularly under diabetic haemodialysis conditions. This gap hinders the selection of optimal membrane configurations for improved performance. This study investigates the performance of chitosan and carbon nanotube (CNT) dialyzer membranes through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. A single-fibre dialyzer (SFD) model was developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) under transient, laminar, counter-current flow conditions. Three membrane thicknesses (0.15 mm, 0.18 mm, and 0.20 mm) were analysed for two materials: chitosan and CNT composites. The dialyzer geometry consisted of concentric cylindrical domains representing blood, membrane, and dialysate regions. Simulations showed that CNT membranes achieved higher maximum blood velocity (4.12 m/s) and wall shear stress (2.75 Pa) compared to chitosan membranes (3.91 m/s and 2.53 Pa, respectively) at 0.15 mm thickness. Pressure drops increased with membrane thickness for both materials, reaching up to 275 Pa at 0.20 mm. CNT membranes consistently outperformed chitosan in urea removal, reducing blood-side urea mass fraction from 0.02 to 0.00077 across all thicknesses, compared to a reduction to 0.00767 for chitosan at 0.20 mm. Overall, CNT membranes demonstrated superior flow uniformity and up to 96% urea clearance, maintaining efficiency even as thickness increased, while chitosan membranes showed decreased performance beyond 0.15 mm. These findings suggest that CNT membranes offer a more effective solution for haemodialysis, especially under diabetic flow conditions.
Pengaruh Minat dan Sikap Terhadap Motivasi Pelajar di Kolej Vokasional Zon Selatan: The Influence of Interest and Attitude on Student Motivation in Southern Region Vocational Colleges
Get PDFMalay:
Kajian ini adalah mengkaji pengaruh minat dan sikap terhadap motivasi pelajar di kolej vokasional (KV). Bilangan pelajar yang memasuki kolej vokasional pada peringkat Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) adalah tinggi pada setiap tahun, namun semakin berkurangan apabila memasuki peringkat Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM). Terdapat beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi pelajar tidak menyambung pengajian ke peringkat DVM antaranya pelajar telah mendapat pekerjaan, berpindah ke pusat pengajian, hanya berminat mengambil Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) dan lain-lain sebab. Kajian berbentuk kuantitatif deskriptif ini dijalankan secara tinjauan menggunakan soal selidik dengan melibatkan 374 orang pelajar tahun akhir SVM KV Zon Selatan dari program teknologi elektronik. Hasil dapatan menunjukkan tahap minat, sikap dan motivasi pelajar adalah berada pada tahap yang tinggi. Berdasarkan sub elemen minat seperti pengaruh ibu bapa dan rakan sebaya serta sub elemen sikap seperti sikap tingkah laku dan sikap kognitif mempengaruhi motivasi pelajar. Selain itu juga, dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa jenis motivasi yang dominan dalam kalangan pelajar adalah motivasi intrinsik dan didominasi oleh pelajar perempuan. Tambahan itu juga, dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara minat dan sikap dengan motivasi pelajar. Oleh yang demikian, berdasarkan dapatan kajian yang diperolehi dapat memberi panduan kepada pendidik untuk menentukan kaedah yang bersesuaian dalam sesi pengajaran dan pembelajaran untuk menarik minat serta dapat meningkatkan motivasi pelajar terhadap bidang yang diceburi dan seterusnya menyumbang kepada pencapaian pelajar.
English:
This study examines the influence of interest and attitude on student motivation in vocational colleges (KV). The number of students enrolling in vocational colleges at the Malaysian Vocational Certificate (SVM) level is high each year, but it decreases significantly when progressing to the Malaysian Vocational Diploma (DVM) level. Several factors influence students\u27 decisions not to continue to the DVM level, including gaining employment, transferring to another institution, only being interested in obtaining the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), and other reasons. This descriptive quantitative study was conducted using a survey method involving 374 final-year SVM students from the Southern Zone KV in the electronic technology program. The findings show that the levels of interest, attitude, and motivation among students are high. Sub-elements of interest, such as parental and peer influence, and sub-elements of attitude, such as behavioural and cognitive attitudes, affect student motivation. Additionally, the study indicates that the dominant type of motivation among students is intrinsic motivation, which is predominantly observed in female students. Furthermore, the study reveals a significant relationship between interest and attitude with student motivation. Therefore, based on the findings, educators can use this information to determine appropriate teaching and learning methods to attract interest and enhance student motivation in their chosen fields, ultimately contributing to student achievement
Integrating Emerging Technologies in Construction: Exploring Industry Awareness and Adoption
Get PDFThe construction industry is undergoing significant transformation due to the integration of emerging technologies. However, awareness and adoption of these technologies may be limited, preventing broader application and full potential. A lack of adequate knowledge hinders the industry\u27s ability to harness these technologies for improving construction processes. This study aims to assess the awareness and adoption of emerging technologies among key players in the construction industry. By identifying which technologies are well-known and which remain unfamiliar, the research seeks to analyze the most prevalent and widely recognized emerging technologies in the construction industry. A quantitative research approach was employed, using a probability sampling technique. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to participants within the construction industry, with 75 responses returned and analyzed. The data were summarized using nominal and interval scales and analyzed through frequency and descriptive analysis. The findings reveal significant variation in the awareness of emerging technologies among respondents. Technologies such as Drones, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) are among the most recognized, reflecting higher levels of familiarity within the industry. Conversely, technologies like Blockchain and Digital Twin are less well-known, indicating a gap in awareness. Overall, the study finds that respondents\u27 knowledge of emerging technologies is predominantly at a basic to average level, with limited advanced understanding. By focusing on increasing awareness of lesser-known technologies and enhancing overall technological literacy, the construction industry can better leverage emerging technologies to improve practices and performances
Digital Competency Among Technical & Vocational Education Undergraduate Students
Get PDFThe rapid development of digital technology has driven the need for digitalization across various sectors, including education. In Malaysia, digital competence has become a vital attribute for graduates to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In response, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia has implemented initiatives to equip graduates with relevant digital skills. This study aims to assess the level of digital competence among undergraduate students at the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), and to examine differences based on gender and programme of study. A quantitative survey was conducted with 344 students, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics via SPSS. The findings indicate that most students demonstrate an advanced level of digital competence. The study provides insights that can help students and the faculty strengthen digital skills to enhance graduate employability
Mind the Risk: Exploring What Drives Cybersecurity Readiness Among Digital Consumers in Sarawak
Get PDFSarawak is undergoing a significant digital transition with the aim of becoming a fully integrated and digitally driven economy by 2030. However, as digital device usage increases, consumers are confronted with a variety of cybersecurity concerns. The main objective of this research is to assess the psychological factors influencing digital consumers\u27 readiness to engage with cybersecurity measures in Sarawak’s digital transformation. To accomplish this, the study expands the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to provide a comprehensive framework to measure cybersecurity readiness. A quantitative research approach was employed, with a sample size of 400 respondents. The study employed SmartPLS 4.0 to conduct data analysis, utilizing its capabilities for Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study finds that six out of ten hypotheses were supported, with performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, perceived risk, and cybersecurity awareness significantly influencing consumers\u27 behavioural intention to adopt cybersecurity measures. Additionally, behavioural intention and cybersecurity awareness were found to be significant factors in determining cybersecurity readiness. As Sarawak undergoes digital transformation, understanding the factors that affect cybersecurity readiness is crucial to ensure the population is prepared for the risks and challenges of new technologies. This study makes three key contributions: (1) It extends the UTAUT model by adding cybersecurity behaviours, offering a clearer understanding of digital consumers\u27 cybersecurity readiness. (2) It offers valuable insights for policymakers in Sarawak. (3) The findings also provide valuable guidance for businesses to tailor their digital products and cybersecurity-related services to better meet the readiness levels and needs of consumers in Sarawak\u27s evolving digital landscape
Performance Analysis of YOLOv8, YOLOv9, and YOLOv11 for Corn Leaf Disease Detection
Get PDFCorn is a crucial crop for agricultural yield and food security, yet it faces significant threats from various foliar diseases that can diminish both growth and quality. Conventional visual assessment techniques often require substantial labor and are susceptible to errors in diagnosis. This study introduces a Corn Leaf Disease Detection System that employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and evaluates the performance of three models: YOLOv8, YOLOv9, and YOLOv11. The methodology involves capturing high-resolution images of corn leaves afflicted by diseases such as Northern Leaf Blight and Common Rust. These images undergo a pre-processing phase to enhance clarity and are standardized for input into the detection framework. CNN is employed for intricate classification tasks, while YOLOv11 is utilised for real-time disease detection. The dataset comprises 3,000 images, which are augmented to expand the training set to 6,000 samples. Among the evaluated models, YOLOv11 demonstrated superior performance, achieving an F1-score of 0.93, with precision at 0.94 and recall at 0.92 by epoch 100. These findings highlight the system\u27s operational efficiency and robustness in effectively detecting corn leaf diseases
Isra’ and Mi‘raj from Modern Perspective: An Analytical Study of Fazlur Rahman\u27s views
Get PDFThis paper examines the concept of Isra’ and Mi‘raj from a modern perspective, giving special reference to Fazlur Rahman, a modernist and a controversial figure in Western academia. According to Islamic orthodoxy, Isra’ and Mi‘raj refer to two segments of the Prophet Muhammad\u27s miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his subsequent ascension to heaven. The historicity of the journey, as well as its authenticity, however, has continued to be debatable. While a majority of Muslim scholars consider the journey real and physical, Rahman argues that it is just a dream or vision, contending that a physical ascension to heaven is by no means possible. Furthermore, he denies the possibility of seeing angels physically condemning all traditions related to that as fictions. Indeed, this theory has generated criticism within academia and beyond. This paper critically analyses Rahman\u27s views in the light of the authentic traditions, demonstrating that the journey is real and physical. Similarly, it establishes that Prophet Muhammad\u27s Ascension is not a concocted narration as Rahman claims, but an authentic historical fact which constitutes an integral part of the Prophet’s message.