UTAR Institutional Repository (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)
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Exploring green procurement to drive sustainable performance for Malaysia construction industry
Get PDFAchieving sustainable excellence in the Malaysian construction industry requires shifting from conventional procurement practices that contribute to environmental degradation. Despite growing sustainability awareness, green
procurement adoption remains constrained by industry challenges. This study aims to investigate green procurement in Malaysian construction projects by identifying prevalent practices and examining key drivers influencing adoption.
A quantitative approach is employed using a structured questionnaire, with 140 responses gathered from developers, consultants and contractors in the Klang Valley. The findings demonstrate that primary green procurement practices
currently adopted are e-procurement, procuring non-toxic and low-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) materials, waste management and recycling, purchasing green products and services and giving preference to certified products. Key drivers include environmental sustainability, implementation of incentive policies, regulations and standards of green procurement, availability of green suppliers and innovation and technology. Spearman Correlation Test revealed a significant relationship between “Qualification of stakeholders based on knowledge and experience” and “Improving community health and quality of life” while factor analysis uncovered 4 underlying factors, namely
institutional and strategic support, market and business competitiveness, availability of green resources and infrastructure and stakeholder engagement and social responsibility. These findings support the development of strategic policies and best practices to enhance green procurement. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders
to integrate green procurement into standard construction practices. The originality of this study lies in quantifying key determinants of green procurement adoption in Malaysia, bridging the gap between theoretical discussions and practical applications in sustainable construction.
Keywords: green procurement; sustainable excellence; environmental sustainability; construction industry; procurement strategies
Subject Area: TA190-194 Management of engineering work
Smart home automation with wakeup word detection using ESP32
Get PDFThe limitations of traditional smart home automation systems that rely on costly, commercial voice assistants, which often lack customization and raise privacy concerns. The project aims to develop a low-cost, user-friendly smart home automation system that enhances privacy and flexibility to control the lights. The method involved in this project is related to the continuous audio sampling via a microphone connected to the ESP32 microcontroller, with on-device wake word detection using TensorFlow Lite to recognize the trigger word "Marvin" locally, which reduces the reliance on cloud services. After wake word detection, voice commands are transmitted to the Wit.ai cloud service for natural language understanding that enables the system to interpret user intents and control commands. ESP32 then executes the user’s commands by managing the connected LED through the GPIO pins. Experiments evaluation showed that the wake word model had a high success rate in intent identification using the NLP service, minimal latency, and over 90% accuracy in controlled environments. This technique effectively protects users’ privacy by reducing the reliance on cloud services and cutting the expenses by utilizing affordable hardware. In comparison to traditional voice assistance, the project shows significant enhancements in system responsiveness and user convenience. At the end of this research, a flexible yet affordable and privacyconscious voice assistance solution is designed and built. This system offers consumer more control over their smart environment. Future work may explore expanding device compatibility and refining natural language processing to enhance system robustness furthe
Ai-driven pet care app for virtual assistance and symptom diagnosis
Get PDFPet ownership brings joy but also significant responsibilities in health management and care. Existing applications often offer fragmented features, lack reliable information, and fail to assist owners in assessing urgent medical concerns. To address these challenges, this project presents PawHub, a mobile application that integrates artificial intelligence with comprehensive pet care tools to deliver a unified, user-friendly experience. The system was developed using the Agile methodology, leveraging React Native for cross-platform frontend development, Node.js with Express for the backend, and Supabase as the centralized database and authentication provider. Key functionalities include an AI-powered chatbot utilizing multiple models via OpenRouter AI, an AI symptom diagnosis tool that generates severity-based assessments, digital health record tracking, automated email reminders through Resend, and a curated educational content module powered by web scraping from trusted sources such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). The application underwent rigorous testing and the results demonstrated high functionality and usability. PawHub successfully bridges the gap between pet owners and virtual veterinary support by providing timely, context-aware guidance, structured health tracking, and expert-backed knowledge. In conclusion, the app proves that AI-enhanced mobile solutions can significantly improve pet care decision-making and owner confidence.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Pet Health Management; Symptom Diagnosis; Web Scraping; Pet Care; Mobile Application
Subject Area: QA76.75-76.765 Computer softwar
Cryptanalysis and design of chaos based image encryption schemes
No full textChaos theory has been widely applied in designing image encryptionschemes due to its deep connection with cryptographic properties, such assensitivity to initial conditions and unpredictability. However, many existing
image encryption schemes have been shown to be insecure against cryptanalysis. Cryptanalysis is essential for uncovering potential vulnerabilities, as it evaluates the security of encryption schemes, identifies weaknesses, and
guides the development of more secure frameworks. Our research reveals that the scheme proposed by Biswas et al. is vulnerable to known plaintext attacks, requiring a time complexity of 2264.28 encryptions. This is 2183.72 times faster than brute-force attacks. Similarly, a chosen plaintext attack on Ping et al.’s scheme reveals a reduced key space of 2216.51, down from the claimed 2356, and
identifies inefficiencies in its Henon map-based sequential encryption method. These findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive analysis of encryption schemes that utilize genetic algorithm and sequential encryption
techniques.
To address these challenges, we propose secure image encryption schemes that are based on enhanced chaotic maps. Specifically, we enhance the chaotic behavior of one-dimensional and two-dimensional chaotic maps using
cascading techniques. This results in the development of the Logistic-Beta map, the 2D-Henonlog map, and the 2D-Sine-Henon Chaotic Map (2D-SHCM). Furthermore, we present a grayscale image encryption scheme utilizing a permutation-diffusion architecture, as well as a color image encryption scheme based on a genetic algorithm and the 2D-SHCM. Both schemes are designed to ensure high levels of confusion and diffusion in the encrypted images.
Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed schemes effectively resist both statistical and differential attacks. These results highlight the importance of cryptanalysis of existing schemes to identify weaknesses and
develop secure encryption methods. The proposed work underscores the need for robust chaotic maps, strong confusion and diffusion mechanisms, and thorough security evaluations as fundamental principles for designing reliable
image encryption schemes
Factors influencing house buying intention in China
No full textThis chapter introduces the background of the real estate market in China and discusses
the current challenges faced in purchasing homes. It explains the purpose, background, and
significance of this article, focusing on young individuals in first-tier cities as the research
subjects
Investigating the managerial competencies for construction project managers in Nigeria towards project performance
No full textConstruction project management is a complex and multifaceted discipline that requires a blend of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. In Nigeria,
construction is one of the contributing factors in creating jobs and building infrastructures that improve the country's economy. Currently, the construction sector in Nigeria is struggling to meet both local and global quality standards,
largely due to several projects facing delays and cost overruns. One of the contributing factors is the incompetence of project managers to finish projects
within the allocated budget and time. This research aims to investigate the key managerial competencies required by construction project managers in Nigeria and the relationship between does competencies and project performance. To check the extent of compliance by Project Managers with the Nigerian construction regulatory bodies towards project performance. The data was gathered using a questionnaire survey given out to project managers. The data
was analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The research findings show that among the fifteen (15) competencies, communication is the most important competency to project managers in Nigeria, and professionalism,
scope management, team Management, and leadership are also key competencies a project manager should have. The correlation and regression results indicate that problem-solving and resource management are more critical in ensuring construction projects are completed within budget than quality management. Further results concluded that leadership and professionalism are influential in ensuring construction projects are completed in time. Lastly, Construction project managers in Nigeria adhere to certain
regulatory requirements that are enforced by the regulatory bodies while neglecting others. The findings highlight the importance of integrating communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills into professional development pathways. These implications can inform policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions in shaping competency standards, certification requirements, and curriculum development aimed at enhancing project delivery
in Nigeria’s construction industry
许友彬《大风吹过少年时》三部曲的主题与叙事艺术--新历史小说的书写探析 : Themes and narrative art in khor ewe pin’s trilogy -- A study in new historical fiction.
Get PDF中国新历史小说兴起于 1980 年代，以独特的历史观与话语方式重新改写历 史叙事与事件，旨在挑战既有历史叙事的固定价值和意义。以此为观照，马华 新生代历史书写亦呈现与官方叙事对话、重构个体经验的倾向。新一代马华作 家许友彬于 2012 至 2013 年间推出《大风吹过少年时》三部曲，以民间与边缘 人物为中心，描绘日据时期个体的生存状态与历史处境，展现出区别于传统历 史叙事的新历史观和叙事策略。本文以该系列为研究对象，借助新历史小说作 观照，探讨其历史书写特征。全文分为五部分：第一章梳理新历史小说及许友 彬相关研究的学术脉络，明确研究目的与方法；第二章聚焦小说主题，分析主 调与复调，即对战乱生存困境的呈现与对传统伦理的反思；第三章探讨主题下 的人物塑造，包括非英雄化倾向、女性角色中心化及反面人物复杂化；第四章 分析叙事技巧，从叙述视角、时序安排、偶然性与戏剧性、话语形式等方面， 考察其如何通过叙事策略强化主题表达与展现历史观；第五章总结三部曲在历 史书写中的创新与局限。三部曲一定程度上突破了传统历史叙事的模式，但因 面向特定读者群，叙事略显保守；而时代距离使其不必执着客观再现，得以以 虚构手法和现代意识介入历史讲述。 【关键词】许友彬、《大风吹过少年时》三部曲、新历史小说、日据时期、历史
Analysing the effectiveness of real time inventory technology in optimising central kitchen operations
Get PDFThis study investigates the role of real time inventory technology in optimizing central kitchen operations within the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Central kitchen, designed to centralize food preparation and distribution, are pivotal in improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and maintaining consistent quality. However, challenges such as inefficient resource utilization, excessive food waste, and lapses in inventory control continue to hinder their performance. Real time inventory technology, which incorporates advanced systems like cloud based platform offers a solution by providing continuous monitoring of inventory levels. This ensure timely replenishment, reduces spoilage, and enhances food safety. The research employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to examine the factors influencing the adoption of this technology. The study evaluates key variables such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating condition to understand their impact on user intention to adopt real time inventory systems. The research employs a quantitative methodology utilizing structured questionnaires distributed among central kitchen stockholders in Malaysia. Data is analysed using descriptive and Partial Least Squares (PLS) tools to evaluate relationships between variables and their impact on intention to use. The findings of this research aim provide actionable insights into how central kitchen can leverage real time inventory technology to improve inventory management, reduce food waste, enhance food safety, and achieve higher operational efficiency. The study contributes to be growing body of knowledge on digital tools in F&B operations, offering practical recommendations for industry stakeholders to implement sustainable and efficient inventory practices.
Keyword: Real time inventory, central kitchen, UTAUT, Operational efficiency, Food wast
Ageing population research: a bibliometric analysis
Get PDFThe ageing population is a significant global issue driven by substantial demographic shifts, raising concerns about healthcare, socio-economic impacts, and the need for supportive technologies for older adults.
This study provides a bibliometric overview of research on population ageing which stands as a vital worldwide subject throughout the twenty-first century. It analyses publications from 1940 to 2025, focusing on publication trends, influential contributors, highly cited documents, key themes, and keyword evolution.
The bibliometric analysis covers 2,568 publications across 85 years throughbiblioMagika®, VOSviewer and Biblioshiny tools which create visual representations of co-occurrences and thematic maps and word clouds. The findings indicate an interdisciplinary approach, primarily driven by medicine, social sciences, and technology sectors. The number of published works about ageing population has shown continuous growth until it reached its peak in 2024 which demonstrates
worldwide interest in this demographic trend.
The key themes include health and chronic diseases, cognitive health and technology integration, and socio-economic aspects. The analysis of co-occurrence and thematic mapping reveals that artificial intelligence and smart technology have become significant areas for elderly care development. However, gaps persist in research areas like artificial intelligence, health policy, pension systems, and
palliative care.
This paper provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders by demonstrating the need for further interdisciplinary research and cross-national comparisons to effectively address global ageing challenges.
Keywords: ageing; ageing population; bibliometric analysis; elderly; older peopl
Evaluating the influence of monetary and non-monetary rewards in enhancing employee performance
Get PDFThis research studies the influence of both monetary and non-monetary rewards on employee performance in Malaysia. Even though, monetary and non-monetary rewards like salaries, and bonuses has a vital role in satisfying extrinsic needs, they may not necessarily provide long-term
employee motivation which leads to favourable performance. In contrast, non-monetary incentives, which encompass recognition and flexible working hours, satisfy intrinsic needs and enhance job satisfaction, employee retention, and productivity. Employing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory as a conceptual framework, this study highlights deficiencies
within current reward systems, especially concerning the application of flexible working hours. The method of research adopted was quantitative by collecting data with the use of strategically developed questionnaires which was later on circulated across carious sectors in Malaysia. This
research also employs descriptive statistical methods, along regression analyses, to investigate the relationship between the independent variables that are salaries, bonuses, recognition, and flexible working hours and dependent variable which is employee performance. Furthermore, this
research intends to raise the issue of deficiency in current literature by highlighting a gap that is the significance of flexible working hours as a unique form of reward. Upon the adoption of these findings with the application of Herzberg’s theoretical framework, this study can contribute
significantly by providing insights for employers today to come up with a comprehensive reward system that harmonize employee satisfaction with organizational objectives.
Key Words; Employee, Performance, Salaries, Bonuses, Recognitio