UTAR Institutional Repository (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)
Not a member yet
6132 research outputs found
Sort by
Real-time document reader assistance app for the visually impaired
Get PDFDue to the fast-paced lifestyle today, blind people find it hard to access documents independently and efficiently. The growing demand for accessible technology has brought attention to the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when accessing and reading physical and digital documents. Furthermore, most assistive technology requires a subscription plan, therefore leading to financial difficulty for visually impaired individuals. To tackle these problems, a real-time document reader assistance application using Flutter is developed for free to use. It will be developed on both the iOS and Android platforms. It will also be focused more on the targeted audience, which is the visually impaired individuals. Hence, the proposed solution will integrate OCR text recognition techniques for text extraction using Google ML Kit. Additionally, a transfer learning on pre-trained model (YOLOv8n) will be used to detect documents in the camera preview. Moreover, Text-to-Speech (TTS) will be implemented for real-time audio feedback. Furthermore, an AI chatbot will be implemented to aid users in further clarification of the recognized text from the document. Speech-to-Text (STT) will also be implemented to convert audio from the user into text when questioning the AI chatbot assistance without typing. This project development process follows the Agile methodology, which involves several phases such as planning, analysis, design, implementation, and testing, with continuous iterations. The result of this project will serve as an innovative tool that improves the accessibility of information for visually impaired users and contributes to the MAHAL application. In conclusion, this project will provide a significant contribution to enhancing the independence and accessibility of visually impaired users
Towards patient-centered care: A mobile app for dynamic feedback and quality assessment in Hospital
Get PDFThis project presents the development of a new mobile application aimed at enhancing patient-centered care through dynamic feedback and quality assessment in hospital. The healthcare industry now emphasises Patient-Centered Care (PCC), focusing on integrating patient preferences into clinical decisions. This approach replaces traditional, provider-driven models with collaborative, patient-involved care. Traditional hospital feedback mechanisms often lack immediacy and fail to capture real patient needs and perceptions. To address these shortcomings, the proposed application provides a platform for users to provide feedback in real-time, allowing users to promptly communicate their concerns and experiences to hospital staff. The application offers a user-friendly interface and seamless communication to enhance user experience. By leveraging real-time feedback, the application aims to assess and improve the quality of care delivered, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and promoting patient-centered care practices in hospital environments. This mobile application enables patients to submit real-time feedback and assess the doctor’s quality, improving their engagement and allowing personalised care. The app also invites public feedback on healthcare facility functionality, cleanliness and services. Additionally, it provides a communication channel for employees to share insights and observations, fostering collaboration and improving patient outcomes. The application will be developed using Android Studio with Java as the programming language. All associated data will be stored in Firebase, enabling users to access and update information in real-time. Additionally, Firebase will be used for Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to push notifications to users. The application features multiple feedback channels, including phone calls, emails and text-based forms to accommodate different user’s preferences. It enables patients to rate doctors and view reviews for transparency. It also provides a channel for employee to give feedback on patient behaviour and care preferences, enhancing communication and service. The area of study for this project includes Mobile Application Development and Database Systems. Keywords associated with this work are Patient-Centered Care, Real-Time Feedback, Mobile Health, Firebase, Android Development, Quality Assessment, Healthcare Communication, User Engagement, Doctor Rating, and Patient Satisfaction
Visdom: Smart guide robot for visually impaired people
Get PDFThis report details the development of an autonomous guide robot system for visually impaired individuals using the ROS 2 framework and the Wheeltec R550 Robot platform. Key features include the SMAC Hybrid A* algorithm for global path planning, the Regulated Pure Pursuit Controller for local trajectory execution and dynamic obstacle avoidance, and gmapping for SLAM functionality. The system architecture integrates ROS 2 on a Raspberry Pi, with TCP/IP connectivity enabling remote operation. An Android mobile application, developed using Java and the java.net.Socket library, provides an intuitive and accessible user interface for seamless interaction with the robot. The app incorporates TalkBack accessibility support, enabling visually impaired users to navigate the interface using screen reader feedback. Once a destination is selected, the robot guides the user using a combination of voice prompts (e.g., "Heading to kitchen", "Be careful to your left") and physical feedback through a mounted guiding stick. The project has demonstrated successful results in mapping and navigation within static indoor environments. Core functionalities such as path planning, autonomous movement, voice feedback, and app-to-robot communication have been thoroughly tested and optimized. The integration of the mobile interface and real-time voice prompting significantly enhances user accessibility and confidence. This system represents a significant advancement in assistive technology, offering improved mobility and independence for visually impaired individuals. The project showcases the practical application of autonomous navigation technologies in real-world scenarios, highlighting the potential of robotics and AI in improving quality of life for people with visual impairments
Optimized design of the offshore monopile foundation under extreme condition
Get PDFThis thesis investigates advanced analysis and design methodologies for monopile foundations supporting offshore wind turbines, leveraging the PISA (Pile Soil Analysis) framework based on Timoshenko beam theory. The study emphasizes the role of monopile foundations in ensuring structural integrity and long-term operational performance in challenging offshore environments. The initial chapters establish the core design principles, including structural components, theoretical underpinnings, load transfer mechanisms, and methodological approaches. Critical factors influencing design such as site-specific geotechnical properties, hydrodynamic forces from wave action, and wind-induced loading are examined in detail. To identify the governing design condition, a comprehensive load combination analysis was conducted. The most severe case was found to be an extreme operating gust at rated wind speed combined with a 50-year return period wave height. Under these conditions, and for a water depth of 60 meters, a lateral eccentric load of 5,777 kN applied at 90 meters height results in an overturning moment of 709 MNm at the mudline. The study integrates both one-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element modelling techniques to capture the structural behaviour under extreme loads more accurately. A key component of the analysis involved the use of PLAXIS Monopile Designer software, which enabled a rigorous simulation of soil-structure interaction based on site-specific parameters. Through the integration of PISA-based soil response curves and finite element modelling, the tool was used to optimize the foundation design, ensuring reliability and material efficiency. The resulting optimized monopile foundation for a 6.0 MW offshore wind turbine features an outer diameter of 8 meters, a wall thickness of 0.06 meters, an embedment depth of 43 meters, and a total length of 103 meters. The proposed design demonstrates improved performance and cost-effectiveness while complying with modern offshore design standards. Keywords: Offshore, Wind Turbine, Monopile, Structural Modelling, Plaxis Monopile Designer
Subject Area: TC1501-1800 Ocean engineerin
The impact of simulation-based learning practice on student learning outcome in engineering education at higher education institutions in Malaysia
Get PDFThis study explores the impact of Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) on student learning outcomes in engineering education at Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs) aligning to Malaysia’s workforce demands of Industry 4.0. This research examines how SBL influences cognitive and practical skills across various engineering disciplines, in fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on experience. Utilizing Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), this study investigates the role of SBL tools in enhancing reflective observation, a key stage in Kolb's cycle, and its impact on student learning outcomes. The findings are based on a quantitative survey of engineering educators across multiple institutions, assessing the implementation and effectiveness of SBL in improving educational experiences. Despite challenges in inconsistent implementation and resource limitations, the study demonstrates that SBL, when paired with effective teaching practice, institution support and SBL tools capabilities, can significantly enhance students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world engineering scenarios. This research provides insights into how SBL can be optimized to bridge the skills gap in Malaysia’s engineering education system, supporting the development of a highly skilled, industry-ready workforc
Blockchain-based intrusion detection system with artificial intelligence
Get PDFThis project presents the development of a Blockchain-Based Intrusion Detection System with Artificial Intelligence, designed to address the limitations of traditional intrusion detection frameworks that lack contextual awareness, secure alert storage, and automated response. The system integrates a rule-based signature engine with a large language model to detect both known and previously unseen network threats through real-time traffic analysis. Signature-based detection matches flows against predefined patterns, while the LLM performs context-aware reasoning to identify complex or ambiguous behaviours, producing alerts with human-readable explanations and severity levels. To ensure alert integrity and traceability, all detection events are logged to a private Ethereum blockchain using smart contracts, providing a decentralised and tamper-resistant audit trail. Simultaneously, off-chain logging is enabled to ensure efficient notification of intrusion events. A web-based dashboard offers live monitoring of packet capture, active flows, alert statistics, and blockchain synchronisation. The system was designed for modularity, with configurable components for flow processing, AI analysis, and on-chain logging. It achieved a detection accuracy of 93.95% and a false positive rate of 5.00%, confirming the effectiveness of its hybrid detection approach. This prototype demonstrates the feasibility of combining AI and blockchain technologies to build an IDS that is not only accurate but also transparent, explainable, and resistant to tampering, thus making it a promising foundation for modern, resilient cybersecurity systems
Design and implementation of a centralised database system for doctor profiles with digital signage integration at UTAR Hospital
Get PDFThis project focuses on the area of Health Informatics, specifically addressing the inefficiencies in managing and presenting doctor profiles within UTAR Hospital. The traditional method of maintaining doctor information across multiple platforms often leads to data duplication, inconsistency, and inefficient dissemination to the public. To resolve this, the project proposes the design and implementation of a centralized database system integrated with a digital signage interface.
The system was developed using the Frappe Framework, which provides a robust backend for database management via user-friendly forms called Doctypes. This enabled hospital administrative staff to insert, update, or delete doctor profiles without needing technical knowledge. Each profile contains multilingual details including name, qualifications, specialization, and contact information.
The methodology involved three major stages: (1) designing the database and Doctype structures, (2) developing a responsive doctor profile web page for digital signage using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and (3) hosting the display system on a local network accessible via IP address.
System testing confirmed that the solution met all requirements, including real-time profile updates, slideshow presentation, and secure local access. The novelty of this project lies in its integration of a database-driven web interface directly into the hospital’s digital signage system, without third-party tools or APIs. This approach ensures data consistency, low maintenance, and real-time updates across all displays.
This project concludes with a fully functional and scalable system, improving both internal data management and external communication with patients and visitors
Investigation of the mechanism underlying the Vasoprotective effects of red yeast rice extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Get PDFHypertension is linked to endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an imbalance between relaxing and constricting factors in the vasculature. Increased activity
in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is implicated in hypertension as it leads to increased vasoconstriction and oxidative stress to cause endothelial dysfunction. Red yeast rice (RYR) is a traditional Chinese
medicine that contains monacolin K, similar to statins, which have been reported to inhibit RAAS activity. To add, RYR was reported to have anti-hypertensive effects as well. Hence, the present study aimed to elucidate the vasoprotective effects of RYR through RAAS suppression by oral administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR were randomly divided into 3 groups: SHR – Control; SHR – RYR (100 mg/kg/day); SHR – lovastatin (10
mg/kg/day). Wistar-Kyoto Rats (WKY) were used as normotensive controls. All animals were treated for 12 weeks by oral gavage. Systolic blood pressure was measured weekly by tail-cuff method. Vascular reactivity was determined using isolated aortic rings in an organ bath, Aortic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined by fluorescence assays in cryostat sections of aorta, while tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and cyclic guanosine
monophosphate (cGMP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of vascular angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 receptor (AT2) were evaluated by Western blot. It was observed that administration of RYR attenuated systolic blood pressure elevation and improved ACh-induced relaxation in aortic rings, thus suggesting the involvement of the eNOS-cGMP pathway. This suggestion is further supported by the observation whereby incubation of aortic rings from untreated SHR with a combination of RYR and N-Nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) resulted in a nearly complete inhibition of relaxation of the vascular tissue. In addition, RYR decreased ROS production and AT1 receptor expression and significantly improved the levels of vascular NO, BH4, cGMP and AT2 receptor expression. These findings show that treatment with RYR extract for 12 weeks reduced the expression of AT1 receptors, leading to attenuated oxidative stress that decreases eNOS uncoupling via improving the level of BH4 and thus enhanced NO-cGMP
signalling. These effects contribute to the improvement in vascular function and hence reduced systolic blood pressure observed in SHR. This study contributes new information regarding the blood pressure lowering mechanisms of RYR and
its potential use as a complementary treatment for hypertension.
Keywords: Red yeast rice, oxidative stress, nitric oxide, vascular function, hypertension, functional food
Subject Area: RC666-701 Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system
Subject Area: RM1-950 Pharmacology
Subject Area: RM300-666 Drugs and their action
Factors influencing purchase intentions in recommerce platforms among Malaysian consumers
Get PDFThe study integrates the Information System Success Model (ISSM) and perceived risk theory to examine Malaysian consumers’ purchase intention on Recommerce platforms. The variables proposed are system quality, information quality, and service quality from ISSM, while the product risk, financial risk, and social risk from perceived risk theory, and purchase intention as dependent variables. The target population consisted of mobile users and people who have used or purchased from Malaysian e-commerce platforms. Also, there are 462 respondents made up the final dataset. SPSS was used to analyse the data and predict the consumer purchase intention. The hypotheses results show that system quality, information quality, service quality, and financial risk have significant relationships towards purchase intention. Nevertheless, there was no discernible influence of product risk and social risk. Moreover, the study offers theoretical insights into how perceived risks and system-related benefits interact, as well as practical implications for improving platform efficiency, user trust, and sustainable consumption. Also, the findings provide useful information about Malaysian consumers' purchasing intents on these platforms for both academic researchers and recommerce businesses, including Carousell Malaysia, EasyStore, Mudah.my, Lelong.my, and Malaysiabased Shopify vendor.
Keywords: Refurbished Goods, Repurpose, Resale, Reuse, Sustainability.
Subject Area: HF5482-5482.4 Secondhand trad
论南宋与明对苏轼文章的接受——以吕祖谦《古文关键》与茅坤《唐宋八大家文钞》 为例 : The reception of Su Shi's writings in the Southern Song and Ming Dynasties -- A case study of Lv Zuqian's Gu Wen Guan Jian and Mao Kun's Tang Song Ba Da Jia Wen Chao case study of lv zuqian's gu wen guan jian and mao kun's tang song ba da jia wen
Get PDF本论文以《古文关键》与《唐宋八大家文钞》中苏轼文章的选录与评点为核心，探讨南宋与明代在科举制度与文学思想背景下对苏轼文章接受方式的异同。通过对比分析吕祖谦与茅坤两位选家的选文取向与评点语言，论文揭示出不同历史阶段对于苏轼文体、义理与风格的重构与阐释，进而反映出选家理念与历史背景的变迁。研究发现，《古文关键》强调结构严谨与义理规范，体现南宋程文的实用性取向；而《文钞》则在八股文体制下尝试调和典范与个性，显现明代士人对古文精神的再定位。论文亦尝试建构“制度—选本—接受”的互动框架，以期为古代文学接受史与文体演变研究提供具体案例与理论启示。 【关键词】《古文关键》、《唐宋八大家文钞》、吕祖谦、茅坤、苏轼、古文评点、南宋、明