Editorial

The IIUM Engineering Journal Vol. 26 No. 2 continues its mission of advancing scholarly excellence by featuring 22 high-quality papers that span a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines. This issue brings together cutting-edge research showcasing the dynamic and multidisciplinary nature of engineering in addressing real-world problems.Researchers explore sustainable and biologically driven innovations in the realm of Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering. Notably, identifying Rhizopus sp. fungi as an alternative lactic acid source and the ozonation of vegetable oils underscore efforts toward environmentally friendly biochemical processes. Civil and Environmental Engineering contributions highlight using natural materials for infrastructure, focusing on the feasibility of treated natural bitumen as a replacement for petroleum-based asphalt—an approach aligned with sustainable construction practices.The most significant representation comes from Electrical, Computer, and Communications Engineering, where numerous works delve into AI, signal processing, secure communications, and sensor networks. From deep learning-based anomaly detection and vision transformer analysis for driver fatigue, to latency evaluations of LEO and GEO networks under tropical conditions, these studies reflect the growing importance of digital intelligence and communication resilience. Contributions on flexible antenna designs, mobile applications for dyslexic learners, and modified grey relational analysis further showcase how electronics and AI are increasingly embedded in daily societal functions.In Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, the research on MSW-derived biochar for iron production and voltage-induced void formation in boiler tubes exemplifies innovation in resource utilization and reliability of industrial systems. Additionally, enhancing photocatalytic materials for water treatment presents promising strides in environmental engineering. Mechatronics and Automation Engineering advances are evident in developing regenerative braking systems for electric motorcycles and smart IoT-based solutions for e-bike sharing systems, both addressing urban mobility and energy efficiency. Finally, contributions in Engineering Mathematics and Applied Science provide theoretical underpinnings crucial for innovation, such as the study on the elliptic drum of vertical spindle cotton pickers, demonstrating the importance of mathematical modeling in optimizing mechanical design.This issue affirms the journal’s commitment to featuring impactful, interdisciplinary research that bridges theory and application. The editorial team extends sincere appreciation to all contributing authors, dedicated reviewers, and section editors whose efforts ensure the continued quality and relevance of the IIUM Engineering Journal.We hope this collection will inspire further research, inform policy and industrial practices, and foster collaborations across academia and industry to pursue sustainable and inclusive technological development..We extend our gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and editorial board for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Your contributions ensure this journal thrives as a beacon of scholarly inquiry and practical impact. Let us embrace these breakthroughs as stepping stones to a brighter, more sustainable future. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Teddy Surya GunawanExecutive EditorIIUM Engineering Journal ISSN: 1511-788X  E-ISSN: 2289-7860 Published by:IIUM Press,International Islamic University MalaysiaJalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaPhone (+603) 6421-5014, Fax: (+603) 6421-629

Editorial

  CHIEF EDITOR Ahmad Faris Ismail, IIUM, Malaysia TECHNICAL EDITOR Khairul Azami Sidek, IIUM, Malaysia EXECUTIVE EDITOR Teddy Surya Gunawan, IIUM, Malaysia ASSOCIATE EDITOR Nor Farahidah Za’bah, IIUM, Malaysia LANGUAGE EDITOR Lynn Mason, Malaysia COPY EDITOR Aliza ‘Aini Md Ralib, IIUM, MalaysiaSuriza Ahmad Zabidi, IIUM, Malaysia MALAY TRANSLATOR Nurul Arfah Che Mustapha, IIUM, Malaysia   EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Abdullah Al-Mamun, IIUM, MalaysiaAbdumalik Rakhimov, IIUM, MalaysiaAishah Najiah Dahnel, IIUM, MalaysiaAlya Naili Rozhan, IIUM, MalaysiaAni Liza Asnawi, IIUM, MalaysiaHanafi Ani, IIUM, MalaysiaHanafy Omar, Saudi ArabiaHuda Adibah Mohd. Ramli, IIUM, MalaysiaKonstantin Khanin, University of Toronto, CanadaMa'an Al-Khatib, IIUM, MalaysiaMeftah Hrairi, IIUM, MalaysiaMohamed B. Trabia, United StatesMohammad S. Alam, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, United StatesMohd Sultan Ibrahim Shaik Dawood, IIUM, MalaysiaMustafizur Rahman, National University Singapore, SingaporeNoorasikin Samat, IIUM, MalaysiaNor Fadhillah Mohamed Azmin, IIUM, MalaysiaNorsinnira Zainul Azlan, IIUM, MalaysiaOssama Abdulkhalik, Michigan Technological University, United StatesWaqar Asrar, IIUM, Malaysia INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Anwar, United StatesAbdul Latif Bin Ahmad, MalaysiaFarzad Ismail, USM, Pulau Pinang, MalaysiaHanafy Omar, Saudi ArabiaHany Ammar, United StatesIdris Mohammed Bugaje, NigeriaK.B. Ramachandran, India KunzuAbdella, CanadaLuis Le Moyne, ISAT, University of Burgundy, FranceM Mujtaba, United KingdomMohamed AI-Rubei, IrelandMohamed B Trabia, United StatesSyed Kamrul Islam, United StatesTibor Czigany, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, HungaryYiu-Wing Mai, The University of Sydney, Australia. AIMS & SCOPE OF IIUMENGINEERING JOURNAL The IIUM Engineering Journal, published biannually (January and July), is a carefully refereed international publication of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Contributions of high technical merit within the span of engineering disciplines covering the main areas of engineering: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; Automation and Mechatronics Engineering; Material and Chemical Engineering; Environmental and Civil Engineering; Biotechnology and Bioengineering; Engineering Mathematics and Physics; and Computer Science and Information Technology are considered for publication in this journal. Contributions from other areas of engineering and applied science are also welcome. The IIUM Engineering Journal publishes contributions under Regular papers and Invited review papers. It also welcomes contributions that address solutions to the specific challenges of the developing world, as well as science and technology issues, from an Islamic and multidisciplinary perspective.   REFEREES’ NETWORK All papers submitted to the IIUM Engineering Journal will be subjected to a rigorous reviewing process through a worldwide network of specialized and competent referees. Each accepted paper should have at least two positive referees’ assessments. SUBMISSION OF A MANUSCRIPT A manuscript should be submitted online to the IIUM-Engineering Journal website at https://journals.iium.edu.my/ejournal. The journal website can also be used for further correspondence on the paper's status.   Whilst every effort is made by the publisher and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appears in this Journal, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisement herein are the responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Accordingly, the publisher and the editorial committee accept no liability whatsoever for the consequence of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement. IIUM Engineering Journal ISSN: 1511-788X  E-ISSN: 2289-7860 Published by:IIUM Press,International Islamic University MalaysiaJalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaPhone (+603) 6421-5014, Fax: (+603) 6421-629

Protein coding identification using modified gabor wavelet transform on multicore system

The gene identification problem, which identifies the protein-coding regions (exons) in DNA sequences through computational means, is of great importance nowadays. A DNA sequence can be divided into genes and intergenic spaces. In eukaryotic genes, these regions can be divided into two sub-regions called coding regions (exons) and non-coding regions (introns). The intergenic and intronic regions make up most of the genome. For example, in the human genome, the exonic fraction is as low as 2%. It is well known that protein-coding regions of DNA sequences tend to exhibit a period-3 pattern because of the codon structure involved in the translation of base sequences into amino acids [1-4]. Many researchers have regarded the period-3 property to be a good indicator ofgene location

Editorial

The IIUM Engineering Journal, Vol. 25 No. 1, showcases a diverse array of pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of engineering and technology. This issue reflects a commitment to addressing critical challenges, exploring innovative solutions, and advancing sustainable practices across various disciplines. From air pollution modeling and flood mapping to groundbreaking healthcare and renewable energy applications, this edition captures the essence of interdisciplinary collaboration and ingenuity. Environmental sustainability is a recurring theme in this issue. Researchers have tackled pressing global issues such as air pollution, water purification, and waste management with novel solutions. Developing deep, sparse autoencoder models for predicting the Air Pollution Index in Malaysia exemplifies how artificial intelligence can guide impactful environmental decisions. Similarly, advancements in green cementless mortar and geopolymer technology utilizing waste paper sludge ash highlight engineering's role in reducing carbon footprints and repurposing industrial by-products.Solar-driven innovations also take center stage, with the introduction of PVA-Chitosan/PANi hydrogels demonstrating a leap forward in solar vapor generation efficiency. This research addresses freshwater scarcity and opens new avenues for sustainable material development. Healthcare and safety remain pivotal in this issue, with studies delving into early autism screening using federated learning and diabetic retinopathy detection leveraging deep convolutional neural networks. These works underscore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in improving diagnostic accuracy and protecting sensitive medical data. Another noteworthy contribution is a study on lightning protection systems for large-scale solar photovoltaic plants in Malaysia. This study provides critical insights into safeguarding renewable energy infrastructures in lightning-prone regions. Such research bridges the gap between technological advancement and safety, ensuring resilience in natural adversities. This issue also highlights the integration of AI and machine learning in optimizing engineering systems. From a fuzzy logic-based indoor navigation system to an energy management system for standalone microgrids, these innovations demonstrate AI's capability to enhance decision-making, reduce costs, and improve system reliability. For instance, using a Model Predictive Control-based EMS for microgrids presents a tangible solution to balancing renewable energy intermittency and load demands.Interdisciplinary efforts shine through research on 4D radar imaging and its fusion with deep learning for road-crossing classification, emphasizing the role of technology in creating safer urban environments. Similarly, the application of fuzzy logic for vehicle speed control and the development of SolatExo—a passive exoskeleton for individuals with physical disabilities—illustrate how engineering transcends traditional boundaries to address societal needs. This volume stands as a testament to the vital role of engineering research in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future. The diversity of topics and the depth of innovation presented in this issue underline the IIUM Engineering Journal's dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering impactful solutions to global challenges. We extend our gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and editorial board for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Your contributions ensure that this journal continues to thrive as a beacon of scholarly inquiry and practical impact. Let us embrace these breakthroughs as stepping stones to a brighter, more sustainable future.   Prof. Dr. Teddy Surya GunawanExecutive EditorIIUM Engineering Journal ISSN: 1511-788X  E-ISSN: 2289-7860 Published by:IIUM Press,International Islamic University MalaysiaJalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaPhone (+603) 6421-5014, Fax: (+603) 6421-629

Editorial

The IIUM Engineering Journal Vol. 26 No. 3 continues its commitment to advancing impactful research that addresses contemporary engineering challenges through innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary integration. This issue features 28 high-quality papers across a broad spectrum of disciplines: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical, Computer and Communications Engineering, Engineering Mathematics and Applied Science, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, and Mechatronics and Automation Engineering. The Civil and Environmental Engineering section reflects a growing focus on safety, durability, and sustainable infrastructure. Papers in this category explore accident probability among elderly motorcyclists in Indonesia, corrosion assessment in fly ash–silica fume concrete via non-destructive testing, eco-processed pozzolan characterization, strength forecasting using machine learning and response surface methodology, clayey sand improvement using brick dust, and sediment scour simulations in submerged weirs. Collectively, these works contribute to improved construction practices and enhanced environmental resilience. The Electrical, Computer, and Communications Engineering section comprises the largest set of contributions, showcasing cutting-edge AI and computational advancements across multiple domains. Topics include real-time deep learning for UAV object detection, electronic nose integration with LeNet and regularization, blockchain benchmarking on heterogeneous IoT hardware, and health monitoring of lead-acid batteries in off-grid solar systems. Other notable studies investigate fake news detection using multimodal embeddings, hybrid deep learning for data center temperature control, sensor-based fingerspelling recognition, and spatiotemporal models for earthquake prediction. Additionally, papers on chipless RFID resonators, LoRa-driven UAV return prediction, saliency-based segmentation of skin cancer, and sentiment analysis on TVET from social media highlight AI’s broad impact. Further innovations are presented in malware detection within IoMT environments, trade-space analysis of satellite anomalies, parametric cost modeling, and power generation optimization using bio-inspired algorithms. These papers demonstrate the transformative role of AI, IoT, and intelligent systems in reshaping engineering practice. In Engineering Mathematics and Applied Science, a significant theoretical contribution explores a novel seven-dimensional chaotic system, enriching our understanding of nonlinear dynamics and complex systems. The Materials and Manufacturing Engineering section highlights progress in safety engineering and the development of advanced composites. Featured studies include the enhanced design of portable oil spill skimmers using computational fluid dynamics, void formation analysis in BFS/CaCO? diffusion couples, and the evaluation of machining performance in hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites. These contributions reflect ongoing efforts to optimize material performance and environmental protection. In Mechatronics and Automation Engineering, contributions emphasize intelligent control and autonomous systems. Topics include the dynamic analysis of aerial work platforms using hybrid CAD for satellite testing, as well as autonomous navigation based on frontier-based detection integrated with social force modeling. These efforts highlight the integration of robotics, control systems, and intelligent automation to improve operational reliability and mobility in complex environments. This issue exemplifies the journal’s mission to bridge theory and real-world application across diverse engineering domains, promoting secure, sustainable, and intelligent systems. The editorial team expresses its sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, and section editors for their valuable contributions, commitment to excellence, and support in upholding the scholarly integrity of this publication. We hope these contributions inspire future innovations, foster stronger academia–industry collaboration, and accelerate global progress towards sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven development.   Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Teddy Surya GunawanExecutive EditorIIUM Engineering Journal ISSN: 1511-788X  E-ISSN: 2289-7860 Published by:IIUM Press,International Islamic University MalaysiaJalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaPhone (+603) 6421-5014, Fax: (+603) 6421-629

A development of self-tuning quantitative feedback theory

This paper presents a development of self-tuning Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) for a non linear system. QFT is one type of robust controller which deals with plant uncertainty. The performance of robust controller for any uncertain plant is guaranteed based on pre-defined specifications. Meanwhile, self-tuning controller is one type of adaptive controller which also meant to solve the same control problem, however for slower plant drift. By combining both adaptive and robust controllers, both robust and adaptive performance can be achieved. The proposed algorithm is tested on a chosen case study, grain dryer plant. Grain dryer is a non linear plant with uncertainty as the characteristics of the plant can be affected by environmental changes, manufacturing tolerance and input/output disturbance. Based on the results obtained from this case study, the superiority of the proposed self-tuning QFT has been proven. From the comparison test conducted between self-tuning and standard QFT-based controllers, the proposed method produced more desirable response in terms of faster settling time, less percentage of overshoot with reduced ringing, smaller control effort required and wider leverage of uncertainty range

PC sound card based instrumentation and control

The availability of inexpcnsivc PC sound cards that can simultaneously play and rcrord stereo digital audio files pennits a single PC OT laptop or netbook to function as both a signal generator and as a dual-channel recording digital oscilloscope. This paper presents how sound card with Matlab Data Acquisition Toolbox can be utili7.ed for inSlrumcntation and control. Th~ buff~r hardware circuit or signal conditiooillg circuit is developed and implemellted to enablc sound card to be functioned like oscilloscope. Preliminary results showed that sound card with the developed software has a good potential fOT instnllTlentation and contro

Development of Digital Signage for Primary School using Raspberry Pi

Nowadays, digital signage is a modern advertisement alternative that took over billboards and other traditional advertisements. In the context of education, digital signage provides students, teachers, and parents with an effective way of communication. This research proposed designing and developing low-cost digital signage using Raspberry Pi to be stationed at primary school. An LCD monitor and Raspberry Pi 4 single-board computer were utilized to display various informative content, such as examination date, daily schedule, and other announcements. Two methods were proposed, including Screenly and WordPress on a web server. The WordPress version needs to install PHP, MySQL, and Nginx web server, which can be accessed and updated remotely. Results showed that the free version of Screenly would be adequate for a simple announcement, but the developed WordPress version will be more appropriate and flexible for the primary school purpose

On the use of edge features and exponential decaying number of nodes in the hidden layers for handwritten signature recognition

Handwritten signatures are playing an important role in finance, banking and education and more because it is considered the “seal of approval” and remains the most preferred means of authentication. In this paper, an offline handwritten signature authentication algorithm is proposed using the edge features and deep feedforward neural network (DFNN). The number of hidden layers in DFNN is configured to be at least one layer and more. In this paper, an exponential decaying number of nodes in the hidden layers was proposed to achieve better recognition rate with reasonable training time. Of the six edge algorithms evaluated, Roberts operator and Canny edge detectors were found to produce better recognition rate. Results showed that the proposed exponential decaying number of nodes in the hidden layers outperform other structure. However, more training data was required so that the proposed DFNN structure could have more efficient learning

Recent advances in IoT, AI, and national technology resilience

Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the critical enablers of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. IoT can be used in many applications that require precision, such as agriculture, industrial automation, education, automotive, and smart cities, to name a few. In other words, IoT is a powerful technology that can solve various business problems. Nevertheless, its integration with AI can help to take automation to the next level. This talk aims to discuss the recent advances in IoT, edge computing, and its applications. First, the IoT and edge commercial adoption survey 2021 will be highlighted. Then, the IoT framework will be introduced to solve a complex problem, including Things, Connect, Collect, Learn, and Do. Especially, the Learn part is very much related to AI. Then, some applications using IoT and edge computing will be presented. Finally, national technology resilience is now a necessity rather than necessary due to the current world situation. Therefore, future directions to enhance national technology resilience will be elaborated