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Appraising the potentials of reusing plastic bottles as building blocks for housing construction at Paipe village Abuja Nigeria
No full textPlastic bottles package a multitude of commodities consumed worldwide. Upon
consumption of the commodity, the disposed plastic bottles accumulate as waste, having impacts on both the aquatic and terrestrial environment. In a bid to convert such waste to wealth, plastic bottles are creatively reused for different applications, such as pedestrian bridge boats and street furniture, amongst others. Another application of reusing plastic bottles is their serving as building blocks for housing construction. Reports and research in Nigeria confirm the proliferation of plastic bottles littering the environment, which if reused in housing construction has the potential to contribute to achieving both UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 (making human settlements sustainable) and 12 (ensuring sustainable consumption and production). Although Nigeria is traced to being the first country in Africa to reuse plastic bottles in housing construction, not much research output exists from
practitioners’ experience on the potentials of reusing plastic bottles as a sustainable construction material as practiced in countries like Vietnam, India, and the Philippines, among others. As such, this study investigates the potential factors driving the practice of reusing plastic bottles in Nigeria with a view to ascertaining the satisfaction derived from the practice for sustainable housing construction. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 41 respondents identified as having experience in using plastic bottles in
construction (5 staffs of Awonto Konsult as well as 36 staffs of Brains and Hammers Construction). Data was analysed descriptively using both IBM SPSS Statistics 23 as well as MS Excel to compute the Mean Score as well as the Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI). Only 30 questionnaires were successfully retrieved and fully answered. Amongst the 10 potential factors studied driving reusing plastic bottles, results show that almost all respondents tend to be ‘satisfied’ with both ‘strength and stability’ (having a Mean Value of 4.70 and RSI of 0.94) as well as ‘durability’ (having a Mean Value of 4.50; RSI of 0.90) of buildings built with plastic bottles. These two factors recorded the highest ‘satisfaction’ ratings, leaning towards ‘very satisfied’. Regarding the factor ‘fire resistance’ of buildings built with plastic bottles (having a Mean Value of 3.40; RSI of 0.68), results reveal that 50 percent of the respondents are ‘unsure’
if it is a satisfactory factor driving reusing plastic bottles or not. The study found that the satisfaction ratings of technical and environmental factors have higher appeal to respondents compared to health and safety and also financial factors. It is recommended that Awonto Konsult and also Brains and Hammers Construction invest more in information related to the fire resistance of plastic bottles used in construction because fire outbreaks pose great threats
to buildings. Equally, wider empirical research on plastic bottle wastes, if undertaken, could support the development of policies for waste management, particularly in developing countries. This research has the potential to convert waste into wealth in a bid to minimising environmental impacts of disposed plastic bottles as well as contribute to sustainable materials, particularly for rural housing. Since this study was based on a survey, experimental studies of
potentials driving the reuse of plastic bottles in housing construction will reveal results that could enable more sustainable housing construction in Nigeria
Enhancing Economic Empowerment through Productive Zakat: A Case Study of Coastal Communities Cak Kaji Program by BAZNAS, Indonesia
Full text linkThis study explores the role of productive zakat in fostering sustainable economic empowerment among coastal communities, using the Cak Kaji Program implemented by the National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) in Gresik, Indonesia. The research examines how zakat, as a core instrument in Islamic economics, can transcend traditional charitable functions and contribute to long-term socioeconomic development. The result is the empowerment through
several programs, namely rolling livestock, micro finance and rombong assistance for small seller. This study it can be concluded that the community empowerment program through the distribution of productive zakat carried out by Baznas Gresik is already good, where Baznas Gresik has provided alternative livelihoods, capital access, technology access, markets access, and the collective action development. But there is something that needs to be improved in alternative livelihoods and access to markets. Baznas Gresik needs to add types of empowerment programs so that there are more choices for mustahiq businesses and create a market for the results of mustahiq businesses so that they can be well absorbed by consumers. The study contributes to the broader discourse on the operationalization of Islamic economic
principles in contemporary development frameworks, offering insights for policymakers, zakat institutions, and development practitioners worldwid
Investigations on segmentation-based fractal texture for texture classification in the presence of Gaussian noise
No full textTexture is a significant component used for several applications in content-based image retrieval. Any texture classification method aims to map an anonymously textured input image to one of the existing texture classes. Extensive ranges of methods for labeling image texture were proposed earlier. However, computing the performance of these methods in the presence of various degradations is always an open area of discussion. Image noise is
always a dominant factor among various image degradation factors, affecting the performance of these methods and making texture classification challenging. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the interpretation of these methods in the presence of prominent degradation factors such as noise. Applications for Segmentation-Based Fractal Texture Features (SFTF) include image classification, texture generation, and medical image analysis. They are beneficial for examining textures with intricate, erratic patterns that are difficult
to characterize using conventional statistical techniques accurately. This paper assesses two texture feature extraction methods based on SFTF and statistical moment-based texture features in the presence and absence of Gaussian noise. The SFTF and statistical moments-based handcrafted features are passed to a multilayer feed-forward neural network for classification. These models are evaluated on natural textures from Kylberg Texture Dataset 1.0. The results show the superiority of segmentation-based fractal analysis over other approaches. The average accuracy rates using the SFTF are 99% and 97% in the absence and presence of Gaussian noise, respectivel
Potential of Heritage Trails for Visitors Engagement: A Survey on Community Perceptions and Role of Technologies in the Case of Bandar Penggaram, Johor, Malaysia
No full textThis study, centred on community perceptions, seeks to assess the feasibility of implementing heritage trail mapping in Bandar Penggaram, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. Its objective is to construct a comprehensive profile and delineate the cultural heritage features of Bandar Penggaram, emphasizing its distinctiveness within historical, economic, socio-cultural and environmental frameworks. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research administers questionnaire surveys and facilitates focus group discussions and interviews involving diverse public and private stakeholders. Findings reveal a prevailing belief among respondents that Bandar Penggaram’s heritage zone holds considerable potential to allure tourists and scholars alike. Moreover, the study underscores the imperative of incorporating emerging technologies and fostering stakeholder collaboration to augment community awareness regarding
the historical significance of the port town’s heritage zone. Additionally, it delves into the historical importance of Bandar Penggaram, traces its economic ramifications in tourism, scrutinizes its sociocultural dynamics and addresses environmental sustainability concerns. Notably, the investigation
uncovers a lack of utilization of cutting-edge technology in preservation efforts for Bandar Penggaram, potentially exposing heritage sites to irreversible harm. This article strives to underscore the critical importance of integrating technology into heritage site preservation, advocating for adopting advanced
tools and methodologies. Furthermore, it proposes policy implications to nurture effective heritage conservation practices conducive to sustainable tourism development
Palm Claws Pro Machine
Full text linkThe palm oil industry has been vital to Malaysia's economy since 1848,
significantly impacting both local and international markets, especially
in the European Union. However, the industry struggles with the
mechanization of the harvesting process. Many Malaysian farmers still
rely on manual tools to lift palm fruit bunches (FFB), which can weigh
up to 20 kg. This manual labor often leads to musculoskeletal disorders
and injuries due to physical strain and poorly designed tools. This
report introduces the Palm Claws Pro (PCP), a machine designed to lift
and load fresh fruit bunches onto trucks, reducing the physical burden
on workers and improving workplace safety. The project aims to create
a user-friendly machine that requires minimal training, assess its safety
effectiveness, and compare its performance with traditional methods.
The PCP machine was meticulously designed and tested to meet
ergonomic needs. The grabber can lift FFB to a height of 1.79 m without
hydraulic assistance, allowing for easy transfer onto standard truck
platforms. The machine's robust design can handle the weight of a 20
kg bunch without damage, thus maintaining operational reliability.
Testing revealed that the PCP machine significantly reduces the time
and effort needed to load FFB compared to manual methods. This
efficiency improvement not only enhances productivity, lowers
transportation costs, and enhances logistics in palm oil distribution.
Moreover, using the PCP machine is expected to decrease absenteeism
and labor turnover by reducing work-related injuries, creating a safer
work environment. The Palm Claws Pro machine provides a practical
solution to challenges in the palm oil industry. By alleviating physical
strain on workers and increasing efficiency, the PCP machine supports
a healthier workforce. Future enhancements could include a hydraulic
jack for heavier loads, a handle for better mobility, and a more powerful
motor for improved gripping strength
Study on the Relationship between Urbanization and Housing Development Needs in Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Full text linkUrbanization is the process by which a growing fraction of a population moves into urban areas, resulting in the development and growth of cities. The shortcomings in the implementation of land use planning practices for housing development have arguably contributed to the impact of urbanization on housing development needs in Seremban 2, Malaysia. The objective of this research is to analyse the relationship between urbanization and housing development needs in Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan. This study employed quantitative methods, which required a sample size of 191 respondents in the residential area Section J @ Sri Carcosa Seremban 2 to obtain their perspective on the impact of urbanization on housing development needs. SPSS software has been utilized for the relationship between urbanization and housing development needs. From the analysis, the impact shows Seremban 2 is an easily accessible area and has become the focus for the suburbs that are significant with the authority and construction firm's practices for minimizing the impact of housing development needs. The findings from this study offer an effective land use planning system and produce more low-cost houses for the
community in Seremban 2. The study concludes with practical recommendations derived from the implementation of practices to minimize the impact of urbanization on housing development needs in Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan
Enhancing Entrepreneurship Education in TVET: A Validated Evaluation Scale for Higher Vocational Institution
No full textEntrepreneurship education curricula are extensively adopted in Chinese higher vocational schools; yet, there is a notable deficiency of dependable instruments to evaluate their quality. This study sought to create and test a comprehensive scale for assessing entrepreneurship educa2tion curricula in higher vocational schools, utilizing the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) paradigm. The research employed a multi-phase methodology, encompassing scale development, expert evaluation (N = 14), pilot testing (N = 135), and a formal study (N = 750), with individuals selected from two representative Chinese higher vocational institutions. Statistical investigations, including item analysis, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), were done to establish the scale’s robustness. The final scale
consists of four subscales: curriculum context (3 dimensions, 11 items), curriculum input (3 dimensions, 13 items), curriculum process (2 dimensions, 8 items), and curriculum product (2 dimensions, 9 items), amounting to a total of 41 items. The results indicate robust content validity and internal consistency,
validating the scale as a dependable and efficient tool for evaluating entrepreneurship education programs. This scale, designed for fundamental entrepreneurship courses, offers significant insights for curriculum enhancement and policy formulation, thereby advancing entrepreneurship education at higher vocational institutions
TiO2 nanotubes zeolite nanophotocatalyst performance efficacy toward the photocatalytic degradation of triclocarban in bathroom greywater
No full textTriclocarban (TCC) is persistent in aquatic environments, where it can remain stable for extended periods. It can cause long-term exposure, potentially affecting ecosystems and human health through contaminated fish or water. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the degradation of TCC in bathroom greywater by the application of TiO2 nanotubes coated with zeolite (TNZPC) in
photocatalytic degradation. Electrochemical anodization (ECA) and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) were applied to form TNZPC. Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) verified the characterization of TNZPC accordingly and the degradation kinetics of TCC followed the pseudo-first-order model of Hinshelwood. The highest degradation rate, reaching 95.2%, was observed at pH 11, while the lowest rate was at pH 3, with a degradation efficiency of only 72.6% after 60minutes of irradiation with utilization of 0.75cm2 of TNZPC. The mechanism study has verified eleven intermediate products were produced during TCC degradation by the process of
oxidation, ozonation, hydroxyl radical (*OH), and dichlorination. The study suggests that finding the optimum conditions such as photocatalyst modification, cationic material, light sources, TCC initial concentration, pH, and TNZPC size play crucial roles in significant TCC photocatalytic degradation
Addressing the Skills Gap in Technical and Vocational Training for Sustainable Socio-Economic Growth and Development
Full text linkTechnical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays an important role in socio-economic development of society by equipping individuals with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern workforce. This paper explores several transformative innovations in TVET, such as digitals and online learning platforms, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) technologies for knowledge transfer, competency-based education (CBE), green skills development, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and industry-based training internship in Malaysia & globally. The advancements in these areas should enhance skill acquisition, improve employability of fresh graduate and ensure training programs are aligned with current and future market demands, thereby reducing the skills gap and fostering sustainable economic growth. By making education more accessible and tailored towards the needs of various industries, these innovations support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive development and empower under-served populations. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these transformative TVET
initiatives, their socio-economic impacts and best practices for implementation. It also offers policy recommendations and strategies for stakeholders to invest in and support these initiatives, ensuring the continuous improvement and relevance of TVET in driving global economy
Thin film sputter-deposition of AlN crystals in oxygenated chamber: a pilot study
Full text linkAluminium nitride (AIN)is a promising thin film electrical insulation material layer in electronic devices. The magnetron sputtering method is usually employed to sputter-deposit AlN thin film on silicon (Si)substrate using a pure aluminium (Al) metallic target in a low base pressure vacuum condition. In many cases, the thin film deposition of high quality AlN crystals requires the application of heat and bias to the substrate, highly pure nitrogen reactant gas, argon sputtering gas and Al target, low sputtering pressure, high sputtering power, post-deposition AlN annealing, ultra-low base pressure of the sputtering chamber and a distinctive crystal orientation of the nucleation layer or substrate underneath. In our work, the utilisation of AlN ceramic target instead of pure Al metallic target has allegedly facilitated the growth of AlN crystals without the need to conform to these requirements. Non-amorphous AlN〈100〉 and AlN〈002〉thin film crystals have been successfully sputtered from AlN ceramic target on Si〈100〉substrate in a relatively high sputtering chamberbase pressure and at a moderate 200 W - 250 W of sputtering power. Additionally, 250 W of sputtering power has been observed to assist in the growth of AlN〈002〉 crystals. The presence of AlN〈002〉 may have reduced the leakage/tunnel current density in AlN thin film layer to 46.33 pA cm−2 and modified the small-scale surface height characteristics. A high degree of AlN〈002〉 crystallisation may suggest good electrical insulating properties in AlN thin film layer, which can be applied in electronic devices
that critically require a low leakage current specification