eJournal Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti
Not a member yet
436 research outputs found
Sort by
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Levels on DASS-21 Scale of First Semester Students at Community College
Get PDFThe transition from high school to college is a challenging phase for students, often accompanied by academic, social, and personal stressors that can impact their mental health. First-semester students, in particular, face heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which can negatively affect their academic performance and well-being. This study aimed to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-semester students at Kolej Komuniti Ledang using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale). A sample of 97 students was selected through stratified random sampling, and data were collected via self-reported questionnaires. The analysis revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between depression, anxiety, and stress, with a significant portion of students experiencing mild to severe symptoms, particularly anxiety. The results indicate that as depression levels rise, anxiety and stress levels also tend to increase. The study concluded that these mental health issues are interrelated and must be addressed simultaneously to improve student well-being and academic success. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive mental health interventions, including early detection, counselling, and stress management programs tailored to the specific needs of students
Flexible Smartlight for Loading and Unloading Process: A Safety Features
Get PDFThe Flexible Smartlight is a vital tool designed to enhance safety during warehouse operations, especially for loading and unloading at docks. It addresses key safety concerns, improves operational efficiency, and reduces downtime, thus boosting overall productivity in warehouse logistics. The main aim of the Flexible Smartlight is to prevent product damage and minimize productivity losses due to accidents. Unlike traditional forklifts and inadequate warehouse lighting, it offers advanced, precisely positioned illumination options that align with modern technological trends. This innovation significantly improves warehouse safety technology, providing a comprehensive solution to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of both personnel and assets. Furthermore, the Flexible Smartlight aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Researchers predict widespread commercial adoption of the Flexible Smartlight, extending beyond PKT Logistics to other warehouse firms, further reinforcing its positive impact on sustainable development
Experiment of Turmeric Infusion in Neem Oil for Effective Pest Control
Get PDFNeem and turmeric insecticides are a cost effective alternative to conventional chemical pesticides due to their inexpensive and natural ingredients. These insecticides improve plant defense mechanisms and increase resistance to fungal diseases and pest infestations. Neem extract, obtained by method extraction, has synergistic benefits when combined with additives such garlic, turmeric, and chilli. These additives improve the adhesion of neem based insecticides to plant surfaces, enhance pest repellent properties, and increase insecticidal efficacy, with remarkable interactions between the curcumin in turmeric and the insecticidal components of neem. Neem and turmeric pesticides are crucial for sustainable agriculture. They offer pH neutrality, strong antifungal activity, skin-friendly formulations, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability while stimulating plant defenses. This research was conducted on maple trees in Bukit Pasir, Muar Johor, under consistent environmental conditions. As part of the study, a turmeric infused neem oil was developed that has a pH of 8 after 14 days, is skin-friendly, and has a pleasant odor. The application of 15 ml of this pesticide resulted in no insects being found on the plants for 14 days. The optimum concentration of neem and turmeric (0.05 mol L-1) showed the best effect on the plants after 14 days. These results indicate that the combination of turmeric with neem oil at a concentration of 0.05 mol L-1 is optimal for plant performance over 14 days. The use of these natural insecticides in agricultural practice ensures crop safety and promotes ecological balance
Industrial Visits as Experiential Pedagogy in Engineering Education
Get PDFIndustrial visits are a vital element of engineering education, directly contributing to the attainment of graduate outcomes as outlined in Outcome-Based Education (OBE) frameworks. However, without structured pedagogical planning, such visits often risk being more recreational than educational. This study applied the SEAR (Summarise, Elaborate, Apply, Reflect) method, originally developed in prior research, and adapted it to align with Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle to evaluate the impact of a short-term industrial visit in an Electrical Engineering course. Pre-visit and post-visit questionnaires were distributed to measure student’s perceptions, understanding, and engagement. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, with mean score comparison to identify improvement in learning outcomes. The results showed significant learning gains where 87% of students reported improved theoretical understanding, 81% enhanced practical understanding, 76% better ability to link theory with real-world applications, and 72% increased confidence in problem-solving. Assessment scores rose from 64% to 84%, indicating a 20% improvement in overall understanding. Qualitative feedback revealed that students valued seeing real operations, which strengthened their motivation and improved connections between classroom theory and practical application. These findings demonstrate that industrial visits, when guided by structured pedagogical models such as SEAR, can effectively enhance Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) related to engineering knowledge, practical application, and lifelong learning, transforming site visits into impactful experiential learning opportunities
Investigation of the Effects of Different Bending Degrees on the Performance of Microstrip Patch Textile-Based Antennas
Get PDFTextile-based antennas serve crucial functions in on-body antenna applications. However, their soft form makes them susceptible to bending from body movements and posture changes. This paper aims to investigate the effect of different bending simulation degrees with cylinder diameters of 200 mm, 150 mm, 100 mm and 50 mm using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software on the performance of microstrip patch textile-based antennas. Flannel serves as the substrate material, with copper as the conducting part. Results obtained indicate a slight increase in the operating frequency for all bending conditions compared to the initial 2.45 GHz frequency. Additionally, return loss values significantly decrease under bending conditions. Thus, the findings demonstrate that bending significantly affects the characteristics of microstrip patch textile-based antennas, leading to varied performance outcomes
Implementation of Entrepreneurship Education in Community Colleges: Effects on Students\u27 Entrepreneurial Aspirations
Get PDFThis study aims to find out the level of knowledge of Community College students in Malacca on the basic concept of entrepreneurship and their tendency to choose a career in the field of entrepreneurship after graduation. Data was obtained through a questionnaire distributed to a total of 145 semester 3 students who attended the MPU12012 Entrepreneurship course at Melaka State Community College from various study programs. This questionnaire has five (5) basic entrepreneurial knowledge constructs that include entrepreneur characteristics, creativity and innovation, marketing, financial management and business plans. Data collection was done using a spreadsheet linked to an online questionnaire and Microsoft Excel software. The analysis of the data obtained shows the level of students\u27 basic knowledge of entrepreneurship on five (5) research constructs with four (4) of them being Basic Knowledge of Entrepreneurship on the Basic Characteristics of Entrepreneurs, Basic Knowledge of Entrepreneurship on Creativity and Innovation, Basic Knowledge of Entrepreneurship on Marketing and Basic Knowledge Entrepreneurship towards Business Plan is at a high level while one (1) construct which is Basic Knowledge of Entrepreneurship towards Financial Management is at a moderately high level. The study also found that the level of desire to choose an entrepreneurial career is moderately high. This shows that the exposure of entrepreneurship knowledge to students whether in the form of curriculum or co-curriculum is welcomed by students. In general, the results of this study can help the management of Community Colleges to obtain information about the level of student knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship and then plan related activities to encourage student involvement in entrepreneurship-related activities. The implementation of entrepreneurship programs or activities has proven to be necessary as an early exposure to Community College students to choose entrepreneurship as their future career
A Dual-Layer Environmental Control Prototype Using ESP32 and SONOFF for Small-Scale Mushroom Farming
Get PDFThis study presents the design and preliminary evaluation of a hybrid IoT-based temperature control system that integrates ESP32 and SONOFF technologies for cloud-enabled environmental regulation in small-scale community mushroom farming. Maintaining stable temperature conditions during the incubation and fruiting phases is critical for optimal yield, yet many rural growers continue to rely on manual misting practices that are labour-intensive and prone to inconsistency. Guided by the Design Thinking framework, the system was developed through iterative, user-centered phases to address the practical challenges of low-connectivity cultivation environments. The ESP32 microcontroller enables real-time local temperature monitoring and manual pump control, while the SONOFF smart switch and THS01 sensor configured via the eWeLink cloud platform support automated misting based on adjustable temperature thresholds. Preliminary testing in a 3×3 m mushroom house under simulated conditions demonstrated that the system maintained target temperature ranges for over 85% of operational time, reducing daily fluctuations from above 6 °C to within ±2 °C. Farmers involved in system demonstrations reported improved environmental control, reduced manual workload, and increased confidence in the cultivation process. The dual-mode architecture, combining offline and cloud-based automation, offers a robust and scalable model suitable for resource-limited farming contexts. This integration of low-cost, accessible IoT components has the potential to digitally empower smallholder growers, promote sustainable smart agriculture, and support digital transformation in rural TVET ecosystems
TVET and the Economic Competitiveness of Sarawak: The Role of the Mechanical Engineering Certificate Program in Developing a Skilled Workforce
Get PDFMechanical engineering is crucial to today\u27s industrialisation, with mechanical systems\u27 design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance. As technology advances and hence generates more need for skilled workers, Malaysia has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to boost its human capital, particularly in Sarawak. The Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 emphasises the development of skilled labour to meet growing industrial needs. Despite Sarawak\u27s industrial economy development, spanning the oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, the demand for skilled mechanical experts remains low. Consequently, the industry is experiencing a worker shortage, paving the way for dependency on foreign workers. Existing TVET institutions do not adequately cater to industry demand, and no systematic training program is aligned with emerging technologies. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain the feasibility and impact of a CME in Sarawak to develop sustainable human resources. This study aims to determine the feasibility and demand for offering a CME at Politeknik Mukah and its impact on the local workforce, industry needs, and economic growth. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study interviewed 234 secondary school students, 33 polytechnic lecturers, and 49 industry representatives from various industries, gauging their perceptions of TVET education. Moreover, in-depth insights into industry expectations and workforce demands were gained through semi-structured interviews with six government stakeholders and industry experts. Results show strong industry support for the program, as evidenced by 96.7% of companies surveyed agreeing on the relevance of mechanical engineering training and more than 70% of high school students were interested in enrolling. Industry stakeholders recognised the need for skilled mechanical technicians in maintenance, automation, and renewable energy. Employers further asserted that a TVET certificate programme would address labour shortages, increase productivity, and align education with the needs of the labour market, making Sarawak more economically robust. The study testifies that a CME would significantly increase Sarawak\u27s skilled workforce and reduce dependence on foreign labour and industrial development. The suggestions are for harmonising TVET education to address the needs of industry for long-term economic sustainability and technological development in Sarawak. Hence, Politeknik Mukah can consider offering this programme in response to future labour demand and PCDS 2030 targets
Design and Development of an Intelligent Autonomous Robot for Elderly Nursing Care Applications
Get PDFIn recent years, Malaysia has experienced a steady increase in its elderly population, with adults aged 65 and above rising from 7.2% in 2022 to 7.4% in 2023, as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). By 2024, this number of senior citizens is projected to exceed six million, leading to a growing demand for elderly care services and applications. This demographic shift poses significant challenges, particularly due to a shortage of caregiving personnel and limited availability of family members to provide full-time support. To address this issue, an Intelligent Autonomous Robot (IAR) for elderly nursing care applications was designed and developed to assist with routine care tasks and reduce dependency on human resources. In this study, the IAR is equipped to autonomously deliver food, water, and medication to elderly individuals within care facilities. The system utilises an ESP32 microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote monitoring and control, supported by infrared sensors for line detection, ultrasonic sensors for obstacle and checkpoint identification, and direct current (DC) motors driven by motor drivers for navigation. Upon reaching each checkpoint, the robot halts for a predetermined duration before continuing its route and notifies nursing staff via Telegram upon successful medication delivery. Initial testing in a simulated care environment demonstrated the robot’s functionality and consistency in completing delivery cycles without human intervention. This innovation highlights the potential of autonomous robotic systems to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of elderly care applications, particularly in the context of limited manpower and increasing care demands
Multipurpose Versa Trolley for Optimising Material Handling at Construction Sites
Get PDFManual material handling is one of work activities that have an effect on the physical aspect of workers in the construction industry. This study concentrates on creating a versatile trolley to support construction activities. Different kinds of trolleys are available in the construction for various types of applications. Depending on the particular application, one will choose the trolley, but it is limited to do a specific task. This study aims to design the Versa Trolley which could be used for multi-purpose and to obtain the maximum loads can be carried by the Versa Trolley. The development of trolley, which includes design on the basis of creativity skills and fabrication process. A versa trolley designed is the integration of platform trolley and a ladder. By using stability testing, a functional trolley can support the weight of both construction materials and humans while serving two distinct function