Energy conservation strategies on academic buildings using interpretive structural modeling to develop energy sustainability

Effective energy conservation strategies are required to be implemented in academic buildings as they consume significant energy while considering the convenience and function of the buildings. However, the influencing factors are interrelated and complex, requiring an appropriate approach to unravel the complexity. Therefore, this study aims to identify, analyse, and map the interaction relationship between factors affecting energy conservation in academic buildings. This study used Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) procedure starting from developing the Structural Self Interaction Matrix (SSIM), converting SSIM into a Reachability Matrix, revising the matrix, and categorizing the factors by using MICMAC analysis. This study involved 9 factors, including architectural design, illumination technology, education and awareness, energy monitoring and management, renewable energy use, efficient HVAC system, energy-saving equipment, institutional policies, and campus community participation. The study found that renewable energy use at level 3 was the factor that was not influenced by and did not interact with any other factors. Meanwhile, the illumination technology was a factor that interacted with the efficient HVAC System factor which was at level 1 where these two factors were influenced by other seven factors. This study aligns with current developments in energy conservation, including an increased focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency in academic buildings, supported by global and national policies aimed at achieving sustainability goals. It provides a comprehensive understanding on developing sustainable energy conservation strategies in academic buildings

Modern learning paradigms: A bibliometric analysis of augmented reality and virtual reality in vocational education

This bibliometric analysis aimed to explore the publication trends of the last decade, especially on modern learning paradigms, focusing on implementing Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in vocational education. This research specifically addressed the analysis of current technology trends, gaps, challenges, strengths, and opportunities of AR and VR during 2015-2024. This research method used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedures to collect data from publications focusing on high-quality research results. The data were analyzed and identified using MS Excel software and VOSviewer to visualize various critical metadata obtained in the Scopus database. Notably, publication trends and distribution patterns, the contributions of authors, the geographical spread of publications, and the identification of significant publication sources were all essentials for analyzing the opportunities and challenges within the context of vocational education. The results of this study identified an augmenting growth of publication trends from 2015-2023, including the country of origin of prominent authors such as Bacca et al. (Spain), Babu et al. (India), and Lerner et al. (Germany), whose research results have been proven to impact the primary reference in the field of vocational education in the utilization of AR and VR. They are widely cited and have become the primary references for other authors. Consequently, this bibliometric-based research underscores the potential of AR and VR technologies to improve vocational education by enhancing motivation, educational access, personalized learning, collaboration, and reducing operational costs

Enhancing supervision efficiency and satisfaction: Evaluating the impact of the e-monprakerin model on vocational high school apprenticeship monitoring

This study presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges brought about by Industry 4.0 in vocational education, particularly within the context of Indonesia\u27s evolving industrial landscape. With industries increasingly embracing digitalization and automation, traditional apprenticeship supervision methods have struggled to keep pace. In response, this research introduces the e-monPrakerin model, an electronic-based supervision system tailored for vocational high schools (Bahasa: Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan/SMK). Through rigorous evaluation employing a randomized control group pretest-posttest design, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of the e-monPrakerin model compared to conventional methods. Results reveal significant improvements in practicality and user satisfaction, with practicability scores soaring from 41.1% to 81.3% and user satisfaction scores escalating from 31.6% to 84.4% post-implementation. These outcomes underscore the e-monPrakerin model\u27s ability to optimize apprenticeship monitoring, offering a cost-effective, user-friendly, and efficient solution for navigating the complexities of Industry 4.0. By leveraging information technology to bridge the gap between vocational education and industry demands, this research sheds light on the practical implications of digital monitoring solutions. Ultimately, the e-monPrakerin model represents a substantial advancement in vocational education, showcasing the efficacy of technology-driven approaches in enhancing monitoring efficiency and user satisfaction. This contribution adds valuable insights to the field, benefiting educators, policymakers, and stakeholders alike in their efforts to equip the workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in the era of Industry 4.0

Innovative non-contact r-r intervals estimation using viterbi algorithm with Squared Branch Metric (VSBM)

Non-contact heartbeat detection with Doppler sensor is a critical component of remote health monitoring systems, enabling continuous and unobtrusive monitoring of an individual’s cardiovascular health. This paper reported an innovative approach for non-contact heartbeat detection using the Viterbi algorithm, leveraging the distribution of the difference of two adjacent R-R Intervals (RRIs). RRIs represented the time between successive peaks in the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and are fundamental in analyzing heart rate variability, mental stress conditions and heart diseases. Numerous non-contact Doppler sensor-based methods have been proposed for heartbeat detection, leveraging the evaluation of RRIs without physical device attachment. However, challenges arise from unwanted peaks caused by respiration and slight body movements, even when the subject remains motionless with normal breathing. This study presented an innovative approach for selecting heartbeat peaks utilizing the Viterbi algorithm with the squared difference of two adjacent RRIs as the Branch Metric (BM). The preliminary experiments revealed that the difference between two adjacent RRIs closely follows a Gaussian distribution. Building upon this observation, this paper considered the Viterbi algorithm with Squared Branch Metric (VSBM) to estimate the heartbeat accurately. To assess the accuracy of peak selection method, an experiment was conducted by comparing it with two existing peak detection methods: (i) Doppler output after Low-Pass Filter (LPF)-based method and (ii) Spectrogram-based method. Results demonstrate that the proposed VSBM method is effective to detect the heartbeat accurately for each peak detection method. Furthermore, a comparison of the performance of “Spectrogram + VSBM” outperforms the “Doppler output after LPF + VSBM” method by the Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of RRIs

Employability challenges of vocational college graduates in the state of Johor

The purpose of this research is to determine the difficulties experienced by Vocational College (VC) graduates in selecting a job, aligning their study program with the career, and figuring out the abilities that employers want depending on factors such as gender, study program, and VC after graduation. 234 graduates of Electrical Technology, Electronic Technology, Welding Technology, Construction Technology, and Automotive Technology programs from 2020 to 2022 VC in Johor participated in the study. This study used a quantitative survey research approach, utilizing a questionnaire and simple random sampling to analyze data both descriptively and inferentially against a sample representative of the total population. The findings demonstrated that graduates have significant difficulties selecting a vocation, determining if their study program is suitable, and determining what qualities companies are looking for. The results of the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests showed that there is gender-based variations in the abilities and problems associated with choosing a vocation. The degree of difficulty in matching studies with jobs, compatibility of studies with careers, and the abilities employers want depending on the study program did not change based on a person\u27s gender. Finally, depending on VC, notable variations were discovered in the degree of career choices, program fit, and skills needed by employers

Development of an e-module for sensors and transducers using Kvisoft Flipbook to enhance 4Cs skills in vocational education students

This research aims to develop sensor and transducer e-modules based on 4Cs skills using the Kvisoft Flipbook application to improve the quality of learning in automotive engineering. The main focus of the research is to assess the validity, practicality, and student response to the e-module design developed. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D) with the ADDIE model. Data collection techniques included validation questionnaires, user practicality questionnaires, and student response questionnaires to the e-modules. The e-module was rated highly valid by 89% of e-module experts and 88% of material experts and highly practical according to the assessment of lecturers (89.09%) and students (81.81%). The evaluation showed that students who used the e-module achieved a higher average score than the control group, signalling the effectiveness of the e-module in improving critical thinking skills, communication, collaboration, creativity (4Cs), and material understanding. These findings emphasize the importance of technology integration in vocational education to prepare students for the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and encourage innovation in teaching methodologies

The implementation of augmented reality-based flipbook learning media in improving vocational school students\u27 critical thinking skills in the era of society 5.0

In the era of Society 5.0, digitalization has changed the world of education and requires schools to develop creative, critical thinking skills. Vocational schools such as Vocational High Schools (SMK) play an important role in creating students who are ready to face the demands of this era. The use of learning technology, including media such as PowerPoint and modules, has become common but still needs innovation to reach the optimal level. Therefore, the implementation of virtual-based learning media is important. One of the innovations in learning media is the use of flipbooks with Augmented Reality (AR) in vocational schools. The main objective of this research is to measure the level of critical thinking skills of vocational school students. The results showed that the experimental class using Flipbook with AR achieved a significant increase in N-gain value (0.6), indicating the effectiveness of Flipbook with AR in improving students’ understanding. It can be seen from the average results of critical thinking aspects in the experimental class which has a percentage of 85%, while in the control class, it is 55%. Thus, this Flipbook with AR successfully improves students\u27 ability in critical thinking aspects in SMK and shows great potential in the development of interactive learning technology for education

Revolutionizing polymethyl methacrylate toughness: Achieving 190% improvement with nanocellulose reinforcement while maintaining optical clarity

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in applications requiring high transparency and durability, such as optical lenses and protective coatings. However, its inherent brittleness limits its application in high-impact environments. This study investigates the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into PMMA to significantly enhance its toughness without compromising its optical clarity. By reinforcing PMMA with CNCs, the nanocomposites exhibited a remarkable 190% increase in toughness while maintaining 90% optical transparency. The innovation lies in achieving a balance between toughness and transparency through controlled CNC dispersion within the PMMA matrix, which minimizes excessive bonding that could lead to brittleness. Proper CNC dispersion was achieved through in-situ polymerization, allowing the nanocrystals to interact with the polymer matrix through van der Waals forces rather than covalent bonds. This approach reduces stress concentration and mitigates the formation of defects in the polymer matrix, ultimately leading to a tougher, more flexible material. In addition to enhancing mechanical properties, this study underscores the importance of controlling CNC content to preserve the intrinsic optical transparency of PMMA. These findings open new possibilities for CNC-reinforced PMMA in advanced applications that demand high mechanical performance coupled with excellent optical properties, extending its use in fields such as medical devices, protective coatings, and transparent structural materials

Integrating e-module craft and wedding gifts course; the effect on creative thinking and attitudes student in vocational education students

Society 5.0 envisions a future that emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies with human life to foster a more human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive community. A key skill in this context is found in the craft and wedding gift course. This course not only equips students with comprehensive knowledge of crafting techniques for wedding gifts but also prepares them to engage in the rapidly expanding field of entrepreneurship. The objective of this study is to develop an e-module focused on teaching wedding gift-making skills for vocational students. This e-module will be tailored to fulfill students\u27 needs for an interactive, engaging, and flexible learning experience. The research employs a development research (R&D) approach, aiming to enhance the quality of education by implementing the ADDIE model. The developed e-module received a very valid assessment, with 90.67% from the media validator and 90.25% from the material validator In addition, this e-module was also considered very practical by lecturers with a score of 85% and by students with a score of 92%. The decision-making criteria were if the sig value (2-tailed) <0.05, then the proposed hypothesis was accepted

Modified sorbents based on natural mineral and its mechanical properties

The use of modified sorbents based on natural minerals, widely distributed in Kazakhstan, is a promising direction. This direction is related to the development of domestic ion-exchange materials. The republic lacks its own production of synthetic sorbents. The environmental situation in the regions of uranium ore mining and processing is also important. Moreover, the application of synthetic sorbents is not always justified due to their high cost, while the use of natural sorbents is limited by their low sorption capacity. The development of modified ion-exchange materials based on a combination of these is a pressing issue for various industries. Research has been conducted on the choice of modification methods for natural sorbents and the evaluation of their sorption capacity after modification. The modification of natural minerals zeolite and shungite using the "solid-phase extractants" method was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the modification was performed with organic extractants and compositions based on them, and at the second stage with phosphoric acid in combination with polyacrylamide. The natural sorbents used were zeolite from the Kusmuryn deposit and shungite from the Koksu deposit, following preliminary flotation. The mechanical strength of sorbents modified by different methods was compared with the original ion-exchange materials. Studies of the sorption process have shown that the best results for uranium sorption were obtained with modified sorbents: zeolite modified with a mixture of extractants Di-2-Ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (Di-2-EHPA), Tributyl phosphate (TBP), kerosene, and shungite modified with phosphoric acid in the presence of Polyacrylamide (PAA)