UTAR Institutional Repository (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)
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Student ride-sharing mobile application for UTAR Sungai Long
Get PDFThis project develops a university-exclusive ride-sharing mobile application for UTAR Sungai Long to address rising commuting costs, limited shuttle coverage, and safety concerns among students and staff. The system serves a 10–15 km radius around campus (e.g., Bandar Sungai Long, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Balakong, Taman Connaught, Kajang) and requires UTAR-email verification to operate within a trusted community. Core features include real-time matching
between drivers and riders, GPS-based trip tracking, in-app messaging, and bidirectional ratings to strengthen accountability.
Technically, the application is implemented with Flutter and Firebase, and integrates Google Maps services for routing and live ETAs. Matching goes beyond simple proximity by validating drivable routes with Google Directions API, caching frequent segments to reduce API usage, and ranking candidates with a weighted scoring model. For routing under real-world congestion, the design combines Google Directions outputs with a Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) congestion function. Pricing follows a transparent, zero-commission
model (RM 0.50/km plus RM 0.10/min traffic delay), with fair cost-splitting that charges detours to the passenger who causes them and shares common segments proportionally.
Evaluation demonstrates strong reliability and usability: the comprehensive test suite achieved over 96% pass rate across 43 cases; UAT feedback highlighted easy navigation, responsive performance, clear pricing, and perceived safety.
The app therefore offers an affordable, secure, and practical mobility option tailored to UTAR, with potential to reduce individual costs and congestion while strengthening campus community ties
Developing an app for streamlined inventory tracking with barcode scanning and load planning optimization
No full textInventory management and load planning are important processes for organizations that handle large volumes of goods. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still rely on manual record-keeping and random cargo loading practices due to the high cost and complexity of existing systems. These outdated practices often result in inaccurate stock records, inefficient use of vehicle space, and delays in distribution caused by time-consuming and unstructured load adjustments. To address these challenges, this project developed a Streamlined Inventory Tracking Application that integrates barcode scanning for fast and accurate stock management with an optimized load planning module. The application was implemented using React Native for mobile development and Firebase Firestore as the backend database to enable real-time data synchronization, while a binary tree bin packing algorithm was applied to generate efficient cargo loading arrangements. The methodology combined throwaway prototyping and incremental development, ensuring continuous refinement based on feedback and iterative improvements. The system was tested for functionality, usability, and performance, demonstrating improved stock accuracy, reduced manual workload, and improved space utilization compared to traditional manual methods. The results indicate that the proposed system is both affordable and practical for SMEs, offering a user-friendly solution that enhances operational efficiency. It is recommended that future improvements include focus on role-based access control, advanced reporting, and support for irregular cargo shapes to further increase usability and applicability.
Keywords: Inventory Management, Barcode Scanning, Load Planning, Binary Tree Bin Packing Algorithm, Mobile Application Development.
Subject Area: T58.5–58.64 Information Technolog
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance on construction projects
No full textIn Malaysia, the construction industry is a key driver of economic growth but also contributes significantly to environmental degradation, social inequalities, and
governance-related challenges. Although Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are gaining attention globally, the Malaysian construction sector
still faces inconsistencies in ESG compliance due to varying levels of regulatory enforcement, limited stakeholder awareness, and the absence of a structured framework for implementation and reporting. This gap underscores the need for a systematic investigation into ESG practices within local construction projects. This study aims to examine the ESG criteria relevant to Malaysian construction projects,
evaluate the extent of compliance, and propose practical strategies to improve ESG integration in future developments. A quantitative research approach was employed
through the use of a structured questionnaire survey distributed to professionals across the construction industry. A total of 101 valid responses were collected from
respondents comprising project managers, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors, and consultants, predominantly based in the Klang Valley region. The diversity in professional roles allowed for a comprehensive assessment of stakeholder perceptions and ESG awareness levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test, Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, arithmetic mean ranking, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test to identify key compliance levels and inter-group differences. The findings
reveal that Occupational Health and Safety, Standards and Regulations, Socio-Economic Development, Board Composition, and Workplace Well-Being are among the most prioritised ESG compliance criteria. The study also identifies actionable strategies for improving ESG compliance, such as the popularisation of Building Information Modelling, enhancement of ethical leadership, and adoption of
advanced technologies. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of ESG implementation in Malaysian construction projects and provide valuable recommendations for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry practitioners. Ultimately, this study supports national sustainability objectives and serves as a foundation for further studies on ESG integration in the built environment
The impact of digital financial services on financial inclusion among young entrepreneurs in Malaysia.
Get PDFFinancial inclusion refers to enabling people of all income levels to access financial products and services that meet their needs and are affordable. Against the backdrop of Malaysia's growing economy, a significant portion of young entrepreneurs, still face challenges in accessing traditional financial services. Digital financial services offer a potential solution by utilising technology to provide financial products and services that are more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of these entrepreneurs. This study focuses on examining the role of digital financial services, financial literacy, financial attitudes, regulatory environment, and technological infrastructure in enhancing financial inclusion among young Malaysian entrepreneurs. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to a sample of young entrepreneurs across Malaysia and a total of 384 valid responses were received. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. The research project result concluded the independent variables towards the financial inclusion among young entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The study provides valuable insights for policy makers, financial institutions and academics, highlighting the need for customised financial products and the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure and financial education. By addressing these challenges, the study aims to support the broader goal of achieving sustainable economic development by increasing the financial inclusion of young entrepreneurs in Malaysia
Drowz guardian
Get PDFStatistics in Malaysia indicate that driver carelessness is a significant contributing factor to road accidents, often resulting from occurrences of microsleep. Over 20% of road accidents in the country are attributed to drivers falling asleep of feeling drowsy. The availability of microsleep prevention products in the Malaysian market is limited. The ADAS system is currently limited to expensive or high-spec cars, which creates an excellent opportunity for us to focus on a niche market segment and promote our product. Road Guard Technologies offers a microsleep preventor named “Drowz Guardian” by developing an eye detection technology to identify the presence or absence of driver drowsiness. This product aims to reduce accidents caused by microsleep, a common hazard among drivers. The driver will be alerted via alarm buzzer if they are in a drowsy state. Upon the driver's awakening, the alarm buzzer will stop sounding. Our product, Drowz Guardian, is unique and different from the other products in the market. The current microsleep prevention product available in Malaysia's market is a behind-the-ear wearable device, but it may cause discomfort for individuals who drive long distances or for drivers who wear glasses. As first movers, we employ eye detection technology to detect whether the driver is in a microsleep situation. Our customer segments are budget-conscious consumers, entry-level car buyers, and e-hailing or taxi drivers. They usually buy or use cars without ADAS and specifically lack a microsleep prevention feature. This product will be necessary for taxi or e-hailing drivers, as fatigue and extended hours of driving increase the risk to microsleep
The impact of Fintech penetration and governance quality on financial development
Get PDFThe importance of digital financial technology (FinTech) as a fundamental driver of advancing economic development is widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, salient questions on the roles of governance quality and fintech penetration in financial development remain unexplored. Through an investigation encompassing 64 lowincome and lower-middle-income countries spanning the period of 2011-2021, the findings reveal that: (1) fintech penetration fosters financial sector development, and (2) a politically stable environment creates a secure financial system that ultimately promotes financial growth. The positive impact is pronounced in countries with higher financial exclusion and higher financial institutions' efficiency. The measures of financial development, fintech penetration, and governance quality employed are private credit, ATM penetration, and political stability, respectively, obtained from the World Bank. Employing the two-step system GMM estimation method, the findings are robust to alternative proxies of fintech, accounting for the country heterogeneity and autocorrelation problems. These results have several policy implications: (1) the policymakers should prioritize reformations to create a stable political environment, and (2) the countries should expand their efforts in promoting fintech to drive financial development. Keywords: Financial Development, FinTech Penetration, Governance Qualit
Raspberry Pi–based cyber-physical system for driver monitoring
Get PDFThe revolution of Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the way humans interacts with technology. This concept involves connecting devices via the internet, which allow for more efficient real-time communication and interaction regardless of distance. In the automotive field, the integration of IoT devices plays an important role in improving driver experience and safety. Nowadays, driver drowsiness and drunkenness are the two main causes of accidents worldwide. However, many existing solutions address these problems separately and leave gaps in protection. In address of this problem, a more comprehensive IoT-based driver monitoring system by using Raspberry Pi will be presented through this report. The proposed system combines several safety features into a single platform. For driver authentication, face embedding techniques is applied to verify the vehicle owner. Drowsiness detection is analysed through four criteria including eye landmarks, mouth aspect ratio, nose length ratio, and supported by a pretrained model to improve accuracy. Lastly, alcohol impairment is monitored through a gas sensor that measures the alcohol concentration in the air. The proposed system is also integrated with a buzzer, where it is activated upon the detection of any signs of fatigue or drunkenness to alert the driver immediately. To make the system more practical, a mobile application is developed to provide a simple and user-friendly interface. This application serve as a medium to display the output of the system where users are able to monitor the driver status, authentication results, and alerts in real time. This system aims to showcase how IoT hardware and mobile technology can be integrated to address multiple road safety issues at once and enhance driver safety
Numerical investigation on shear behaviour of old-to-new concrete interface with rectangular roughness tooth
No full textThe interface between old and new concrete in structural extension and repair is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. Previous studies have focused on the impact of surface roughness texture on the behaviour of the concrete-to-concrete interface, but there is limited research on the effect of manipulating the roughness tooth parameter on the shear behaviour. To address this research gap, this study conducts a numerical investigation to examine the effectiveness of rectangular roughness tooth on the shear behaviour of the old-to-new concrete interface. This study used a double shear test setup and the finite element method to conduct a parametric study, exploring the relationship between tooth thickness and shear capacity, as well as the effect of confining pressure on the effectiveness of the rectangular tooth. The concrete interface parameter is calibrated using two reference specimens, followed by 18 test specimens with varying roughness tooth thickness (ranging from 30 mm to 70 mm) to conduct the parametric study. The findings indicate that increasing the tooth thickness positively impacts the ultimate shear capacity of the concrete interface. Specifically, there is a significant increase of 15.81% for the specimen batch without confining pressure and 14.87% for the specimen batch with confining pressure as tooth thickness increased from 30 mm to 70 mm. These results are supported by high coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9206 and 0.9976, respectively. Additionally, the presence of confining pressure leads to an average increase of 19% in shear capacity. Interestingly, the results demonstrate that the existence of confining pressure does not affect the degree of influence of tooth thickness on shear strength, as the increase in ultimate shear capacity in both batches is not significantly different. Hence, it underscores the importance of considering the tooth thickness, when designing the surface roughness texture of concrete in structural extension and repair projects to achieve optimal structural performance
Experimental study on grade 30 concrete slump behaviour and compressive strength after re-dosing with medium-range superplasticizer subjected to delayed casting
No full textWith concrete usage being common in the construction industry, there are more issues encountered on-site such as slump loss due to delayed casting. This research investigates the impact of medium-range superplasticizer dosage on the workability and strength properties of concrete. The study aims to identify the optimal dosage of medium-range superplasticizer that enhances concrete performance without compromising its strength quality. A series of tests, including slump, Vebe time, compacting factor, density, and compressive strength measurements, were conducted on Grade 30 concrete mixes with varying dosages of medium-range superplasticizer. The trial mix stage of this study was performed by testing the performance of various mixes to produce a control mix proportion that satisfies the workability and strength requirements of Grade 30 concrete. Desired slump value and the cube compressive strength at 28-day were set at 100 mm and 30 MPa respectively. In the actual mix stage, the results indicate that an increase in medium-range superplasticizer dosage generally improves workability. However, beyond a certain threshold (0.40% medium-range superplasticizer), excessive fluidity leads to segregation, negatively affecting the concrete's overall quality. The study identifies 0.20% as the optimal dosage, offering a balanced combination of workability, strength, and stability. This dosage provides a 28-day compressive strength of 31.76 MPa (35.03% higher than mix C2) and slump of 160 mm, making it ideal for practical applications in the construction industry. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how medium-range superplasticizers improve concrete performance, particularly in scenarios where re-dosing is necessary due to on-site delays
Vibration analysis for early detection of bearing failures
No full textBearing failures are a leading cause of rotating machinery failures in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation. Early detection of bearing failures using Predictive Maintenance (PdM) is critical for minimizing downtime and optimizing maintenance strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate the vibration characteristics of defective bearings by developing a reliable vibration monitoring system. The vibration monitoring algorithm utilizes time-domain parameters, frequency domain analysis, and envelope analysis to assess bearing conditions. The vibration indicators utilized in this study include K-factor, root mean square (RMS) acceleration, peak acceleration, crest factor, kurtosis, RMS velocity, RMS displacement, and peak-to-peak displacement. This research specifically focuses on types of bearing damage, including lubricant contamination, chemical corrosion, and mechanical damage. The key findings of this study highlight several important observations in bearing fault detection. First, the use of the envelope spectrum has proven to be highly valuable in visualizing specific bearing fault frequencies, which makes it a powerful tool for fault detection. The successful detection of the Ball Pass Frequency Outer (BPFO) was achieved with an error margin ranging from 0.31% to 1.24%. It was also observed that the K-factor, RMS acceleration, and peak acceleration are sensitive to operating speed, which may pose challenges in variable-speed applications. For indicators without speed dependency, thresholds are established based on the two-sigma criteria. The crest factor threshold is set at 7.49, while the kurtosis threshold is established at 4.11. The algorithm's analysis results were consistent with the physical inspection of disassembled bearings. In comparison to a commercial monitoring system, the crest factor was identified as the most consistent indicator for evaluating bearing condition, demonstrating a percentage difference ranging from 2.63% to 65.19%. In summary, the combination of RMS acceleration and kurtosis is proposed as a reliable method for identifying bearing faults