A Case Study: Innovation of Technology for Prototyping an Aquaponic Mobile Starter Pack in The TVET Syllabus Use Design Development & Research (DDR)

This study aims to develop a mobile Aquaponics Teaching Aid prototype starter pack for teaching purposes in the Design and Technology course, focusing on rural schools in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perak, and Pahang using the Design & Development Research (DDR) model. The implementation involved various measurement techniques, including observations, interviews, and surveys in the first phase. Fuzzy Delphi and Delphi techniques were also used in the second and third phases. A total of 18 experts were involved in the development of this product, including teachers who have served in several schools and university lecturers. The structured research results indicate that the product improvement is highly necessary for the purpose of student development in schools, as well as keeping up with the technological advancements of the present time. This will enable students in rural areas to compete in the exploration of knowledge, especially in the field of aquaponics systems and agriculture

Zinc Oxide as an Active Ingredient in Sensitive Skin Deodorant

This study investigates the benefits of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as an active ingredient in deodorant, replacing aluminium (Al) compounds that usually present in conventional deodorant that caused harmful effects to human skin. The goals of this study are to produce a sensitive skin friendly deodorant using ZnO powder as the main ingredient. Besides, sweet almond oil (SAO), tea tree oil (TTO) and essential oil (EO) were added as an alternative ingredient to help in neutralize body odor and absorbance of sweat. The deodorant was made using heating process and was analysed qualitative and quantitatively. The chemical properties were analysed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pH meter. In addition, yellow stain testing was also performed to analyse the quality of the deodorant. At the end of this project, a survey was conducted among Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia (UTHM) students to collect their opinion on the deodorant. From the analysis, it is found that the ether compounds are the main compound lies within 3020 cm-1 to 2870 cm-1 wavelengths based on FTIR analysis. The pH value of ZnO deodorant was measured at pH 7 make it safe to be used on direct skin without any skin irritation. ZnO deodorant was also tested on white cloth within 7 days observation and leaved partially visible white stain on the cloth that is easily removed using cold water. This study concluded that ZnO is a beneficial alternative in deodorant and consumer’s feedback shows a positive reception to the new formulation of the deodorant

A Self-Adaptive Enhanced Vibrating Particle System Algorithm For Structural Optimization: Application To Iscso Benchmark Problems

Structural optimization plays a crucial role in engineering design, aiming to minimize weight and cost while satisfying performance constraints. This research presents a novel SelfAdaptive Enhanced Vibrating Particle System (SA-EVPS) algorithm that automatically adjusts algorithm parameters to improve optimization performance. The algorithm is applied to two challenging examples from the International Student Competition in Structural Optimization (ISCSO) benchmark suite: the 314-member truss structure (ISCSO_2018) and the 345-member truss structure (ISCSO_2021). Results demonstrate that SA-EVPS achieves significantly better solutions compared to previous studies using the Exponential Big BangBig Crunch (EBB-BC) algorithm. For ISCSO_2018, SA-EVPS achieved a minimum weight of 16543.57 kg compared to 17934.3 kg for the best EBB-BC variant—a 7.75% improvement. Similarly, for ISCSO_2021, SA-EVPS achieved 4292.71 kg versus 4399.0 kg for the best EBB-BC variant—a 2.42% improvement. The proposed algorithm also demonstrates superior convergence behavior and solution consistency, with coefficients of variation of 3.13% and 1.21% for the two benchmark problems, compared to 12.5% and 2.4% for the best EBB-BC variant. These results highlight the effectiveness of the SA-EVPS algorithm for solving complex structural optimization problems and demonstrate its potential for engineering applications

A sweet-tangy solution to obesity: Evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of stingless bee honey and its potential clinical applications

Background: Obesity is a growing global health concern, posing significant challenges to individual well-being and healthcare systems. Conventional interventions are commonly limited and exhibit adverse effects, thus driving the exploration of alternative natural remedies. Scope and approach: This comprehensive review focuses on the potential of stingless bee honey as an anti-obesity agent. The type of honey is a less explored variant and has a less viscous-sweet and tangy taste. Stingless bees are from the Meliponini tribe and produce honey with superior diverse bioactive compound, including flavonoids, phenolic and organic acids, and unique sugars, compared to the traditional Apis species honey. The compounds demonstrated remarkable potential in combating obesity through numerous mechanisms. Key findings and conclusions: The present study summarises available data on the effects of stingless bee honey on obesity-related parameters, such as body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome markers, and gut microbiome management. Preliminary results indicated that stingless bee honey could reduce weight gain, modulate cardiometabolic variables, and regulate gut microbiota effectively, suggesting its potential in obesity prevention and management. The anti-obesity effects of stingless bee honey might be attributable to its bioactive components, such as phenolic and flavonoid phytochemicals and lowglycaemic index trehalulose. The current review also highlights the safety implications of consuming honey produced by stingless bees. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to elucidate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of honey from stingless bees, especially in the context of clinical trials for anti-obesity therapies

The compressive strength & water absorption of chicken egg shell concrete

Concrete products are widely utilised in the building and construction. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), one of the basic materials, is often costly and emits carbon dioxide during manufacture. As a consequence of the social and environmental challenges of sustainability and energy conservation, the cement industry is urging it to reduce and partially replace cement production with supplemental cementing ingredients. Hence, this research aimed to determine the strength and the water absorption of the concrete with chicken eggshell powder. Eggshells are rich in nutrients and can be used as a substitute for cement that contains the main cementing element, calcium aluminate (CaAl2O4). The eggshell will outperforms cement due to its high concentration of multifunctional nutrients. The degree of workability was measured through the use of a slump test, and the percentage of water absorption, compressive strength, and ideal ratio of chicken eggshell powder included in the concrete mix design were determined by testing the concrete cubes after 7 and 28 days of age. In this study, powdered chicken egg shell was utilized in place of cement, substituting 10%, 20%, and 25% of the original cement. A total of 36 concrete cubes conducted tests for water absorption and compressive strength. As a result, the slump test outcomes for a 10% cement replacement in the concrete mix was within the range of the concrete slump design in between 50 mm to 100 mm slump for medium workability, showing a true slump with a collapse height of 70 mm. This percentage also shows the lowest water absorption rate compared to other percentages which is 2.31%. For compressive strength test, the ideal percentage for cement replacement is 20% as this percentage shows the exact characteristic strength with the concrete M30 grade compared to other percentage that does not achieve the desired strength. This shown that the optimum amount for concrete mix design is 10% and 20% cement replacement with powdered chicken eggshell. If the replacement rate is larger than 20%, additional additives must be added to the concrete mix to achieve a better resul

Undrained Shear Strength from Field Vane Shear Test (VST) of Soil at Shoreline Area

The effect of soil shear strength at the shoreline area is the focus of this study. Pantai Punggur, Batu Pahat, Johor, has been chosen as the subject location for the soil shear strength investigation. It is located on the west coast of Johor, with latitudes ranging from 1.62° to 1.87° N and longitudes ranging from 102.78° to 103.19° E. The purpose of this study is to use a field vane shear test (VST) to determine the undrained shear strength of shoreline areas. Soil samples were collected at specific locations known as Zones A, B, C, D, and E, and data for sediment shear strength was obtained from field vane shear test (VST) methods. From the undrained shear strength test at 0.5 m depth at high tide (HT) and medium tide (MT) data for December 2021, Zone A had a Cu reading of more than 4.5 kPa, followed by Zones B, C, and D, and lowest at Zone E. Next, in the December 2021 data at the HT level, Zone A has a Cu reading greater than 4.5 kPa at 0.5 m and 1.0 m, while other Zones have readings less than 3.0 kPa. It can be concluded that the depth of a part also influences the data in this study. When the depth increases, the shear strength of the data also increases. This study will serve as a benchmark for future conservation efforts. Based on the findings, more effective control measures for preserving and conserving coastal areas may be developed

Lean Design of Alternative Packaging Cushion Material for Glass Bottles using Rice Husk and Coconut Fibre

In recent years, rice husk and coconut fibre started to have substantial commercial value in the industry due to the research being conducted on these agricultural wastes as a new raw material consisting of high fibres and abundant resources_ Therefore, this investigation determines the suitability of producing cushion packaging from rice husk and coconut fibre while reducing the amount of pulping material required from virgin wood and the usage of petroleum for making Polystyrene. This study aims to design cushion packaging from rice husk and coconut fibre using the lean concept while studying the compatibility of these cushions as primary packaging. The cushion is designed using AutoCAD software_ Three types of cushion packaging models are created using different compositions of rice husk (RH) and coconut fibre (CF): Model 1 (100% RH 0% CF), Model 2 (50% RH 50% CF), and Model 3 (0% RH 100% CF). Each composition is combined with 450g of latex adhesive and 50g of water. The impact performances of cushions from different compositions are conducted using the Drop Tester Model AD-100 Design Series 4410 based on the Standard ASTM D 5276 (Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall 1998). Model 2 (50% RH 50% CF) gave the best performance in the capability to withstand the impact at a fixed height of 92 cm in the drop test compared to Model 1 (100% RH 0% CF) and Model 3 (0% RH 100% CF). Thus, the composition of rice husk and coconut fibre is the most suitable as packaging cushioning compared to the cushion with a single composition of rice husk or coconut fibre

A scoping review: developing a collaborative learning culture for ESL learners

This review investigates recent studies from the years 2005-2020 with empirical data on how online communication tools have been used to develop a collaborative learning culture for English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in various countries. Some online communication tools that fall under the categories of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Ning, blogging sites such as Blogger and WordPress and, instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Skype and Yahoo! Messenger have been identified as the most commonly used tools in promoting collaborative e-learning among language learners. Based on the thematic analysis conducted on the articles, collaborative e-learning activities that are properly planned and executed are found to be able to increase learner autonomy, improve student engagement among one another, boost confidence and lower anxiety among students and promote optimization of synchronous and asynchronous combination tools in learning. Directions for further inquiry have been outlined in terms of teacher readiness to shift role into a facilitator or moderator and, proper planning of online assessment and evaluation method

Leaky-wave wires antenna for future D- band 6G Communication Systems

Future communication generation such as 6G and beyond will be utilizing the terahertz band, as this range promises potential benefits such as a high data rate. However, designing different electronic components for 6G is complicated and has low fabrication precision due to its small wavelength. Additionally, the cost is also very high as compared to 5G components. These antennas feature high data rates, small size, and high bandwidth and are a critical component for the communication system. Therefore, in this study, an antenna design is proposed for the future sub-THz communication system that operates at D- band which is proposed for the 6G communication system. The simulation analysis shows that the proposed antenna has a high gain of 9.9 dBi at 120 GHz operating frequency and good performance characteristics for the complete D-band. The design of the proposed antenna is simple, low-cost, and does not require any complex fabrication, and can be the potential leaky-wave antenna for future 6G if properly excite

Dry powder extinguisher dropper drone

Life, property, and the environment are exposed to the risk from fire incidents. To enhance firefighting capabilities, explorations has been done which leads to an innovative solution that have resulted in the creation of dry powder extinguisher dropper drone. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are made with the purpose of transporting and deploying fire extinguisher balls, which are self-activating devices filled with fire suppression ingredients. This dry powder extinguisher dropper drone is fitted with sophisticated sensors that let them locate fires quickly. As soon as a fire is spotted, the drone will automatically drop the ball containing the dry powder fire extinguisher. This drone may also enter difficult or risky environments, including high -rise structures, industrial complexes, or remote locations. The main task of this drone is to drop a fire extinguisher ball into the burning area. Spherical objects called "fire extinguisher balls" are used to putout fires and are packed with foam, powder, or other extinguishing ingredients. The balls are released by the drones, which activate when they encounter heat or fire, scattering the suppressant substance and dousing the flames. This device offers a quick and efficient way to put out fires at initial stage. This drone has various benefits for responding to fire emergencies. They enter to the fire site quickly, cutting down on response time and lowering danger to firefighters. Drones' aerial vantage point improves situational awareness, facilitating decisionmaking and resource allocation. Additionally, even in the absence of urgent human involvement, the self-activating nature of the fire extinguisher balls guarantees effective fire suppressio