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- PublicationDesign and implementation of blast control measures for ground vibration and airblast in a quarry adjacent to residential areas(2025-08-08)Drill and blast remain as the continuous method for extracting materials and rock such as granite in quarries, especially with the growing demand for construction materials. But when blasting takes place near residential areas like the site in Bukit Mertajam it raises valid concerns about ground vibration and airblast. This study looked into those effects by combining field measurements with empirical modelling. Ground vibration and airblast were assessed based on scaled distance and charge per delay (Q). Using data from the site, a localized model for predicting Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) was determined, PPV = 220.24 × SD⁻¹.214. This model proved more accurate than standard ones like the USBM equation. The granite at the site showed strong mechanical properties, with UCS values between 64.83 and 84.65 MPa and point load strengths up to 7.13 MPa, suggesting it can transmit blast energy efficiently. Airblast results indicated that higher charge weights require greater setback distances, with safe ranges estimated between 121 m and 135 m to stay below the DOE’s 120 dB(L) limit. Even though some localized spikes in vibration and airblast were recorded, all values stayed within regulatory limits 5 mm/s for vibration and 120 dB(L) for airblast. This confirms that the proposed blast design is effective and safe. To further improve safety, especially near homes, optimizing charge placement and using real-time monitoring could make a meaningful difference.
- PublicationModelling and simulation on mineral processing system(2025-08-07)The optimisation of aggregate production in granite quarries requires precise control over comminution processes, particularly when vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers are employed. This study applies JKSimMet v6.3 software to simulate and calibrate the crushing circuit of a granite aggregate plant, focusing solely on model fitting to replicate actual plant performance. Data from two quarry sites which are one in Juru and another in Pasir Gudang were utilised to construct a representative flowsheet. The VSI crusher was the primary focus of the simulation, with emphasis placed on adjusting breakage parameters such as k1, k2, k3, and t10, which respectively influence particle selection, size dependency, breakage rate, and product fineness. These parameters were iteratively tuned to match the plant’s particle size distribution (PSD) output, using JKSimMet’s graphical output as a validation reference. While mass balancing was not a core component of this project, model fitting alone was sufficient to achieve a high correlation between simulated and actual PSD curves. The results underscore the potential of simulation as a non-intrusive tool for improving circuit understanding and evaluating design modifications before physical changes are implemented. This research demonstrates that by focusing on parameter refinement within the model fitting process, engineers can gain practical insight into VSI crusher performance and its impact on overall plant efficiency and product quality.
- PublicationEffect of fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing parameters on warpage and tensile properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends(2025-08-08)Fused Deposition Manufacturing (FDM) is a 3D printing method widely used for creating thermoplastic parts due to its cost-efficiency and versatility. However, the types of polymers available as filaments for FDM remains limited. This study aims to determine the best composition of polylactic Acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend that can be used to produce a filament for 3D printing. Five different compositions of PLA and TPU blending were mixed using an internal mixer, followed by tensile testing, thermal analysis and morphology analysis. The 50PLA/50TPU blends ratio was chosen to be extruded into filament based on its mechanical properties and thermal characteristics. Then, the selected composition was extruded into filament and the effects of FDM printing parameters which are nozzle temperature and bed temperature on the warpage of the part produced from PLA/TPU blends was investigated to determine the best printing conditions that minimize warpage. Result showed that the nozzle temperature of 210oC and bed temperature of 80oC obtain the minimum warpage. The selected parameters were used to produce tensile testing parts and comparison on the tensile properties of 3D printed and compression moulded samples showed that tensile properties of 3D printing samples have the highest tensile compared to compression moulding samples.
- PublicationDevelopment of smart technology for micro plastic capturing in water bodies using surface-active latex film(2025-08-01)Microplastics (MPs) are submillimeter-sized plastic fragments that negatively affect both the environment and human health. Current technologies mainly focus on removing MPs from water systems, but there is limited research on capturing specific types of MPs. Detecting MPs in the environment, especially in aquatic systems, remains challenging due to the limitations of current methods, instruments, and the small size of plastic particles. This project aims to investigate the relationship between Zinc Diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) concentration and the frequency of stretching on the surface charge properties of natural rubber latex (NRL) films, designed to selectively attract different types of MPs. The NRL films are formulated with ZDEC concentrations ranging from 10% to 30%. The NRL films were employed to capture PET, PE, and PS microplastics via a surface interaction mechanism, which was enhanced by a high ZDEC content and periodic stretching conducted for 4 and 8 hours, followed by a 4-hour relaxation phase. In situ evaluation methods included electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity measurements, and the AS7265X Triad spectroscopy sensor. The presence of MPs on the NRL films was confirmed by FTIR analysis and weight gain measurements. At a ZDEC loading of 20 parts per hundred rubber (phr), the NRL film showed the highest surface charge and the greatest MP capture efficiency, particularly for PET after 8 hours of stretching and for PE after both 4 and 8 hours of stretching. After treatment, the zeta potential, EC, and turbidity values of MP-contaminated seawater approached those of clean seawater. The NRL film with 20 percent ZDEC demonstrated the most effective performance in generating surface charge and capturing MPs of PET and PE, but less effective for MPs of PS.
- PublicationMicrowave-assisted pyrolysis of plastic waste(2025-08-08)Plastic waste has raised significant environmental concerns especially due to plastic pollution and its degradation into microplastics in the atmosphere. Pyrolysis process is a sustainable thermochemical recycling method that decomposes plastic waste in an oxygen-deficient environment to produce valuable and alternative energy sources products. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) is a promising alternative to conventional pyrolysis (CP), offering faster reaction times and improved heat transfer. However, MAP requires microwave absorbers as plastics are transparent to microwaves. Common absorbers like silicon carbide and activated carbon suffer from reduced efficiency with reuse, contamination of products, and recovery challenges. This study explores the use of spent carbon, a cost-effectiveness industrial waste as a reusable microwave absorber in MAP to provide thermal energy to the plastic samples. The effects of spent carbon ratios (1:1, 1:0.8, 1:0.6, 1:0.4) and microwave power levels (120W, 230W, 385W) were investigated. Results showed that the yield of residue increased when the ratio of spent carbon decreased as lower spent carbon ratios reduced microwave energy conversion and heating rate. At a fixed ratio but different microwave power level supplied, the sample at 385W produced better yields as higher microwave power enhanced the heating rate to the plastic sample. Pyrolysis products were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Residue contained elements such as Al, Si, Ti, and Fe from food packaging coatings, and P, K, and Ca from spent carbon impurities. The liquid oil mainly comprised hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, aromatics) which indicated the potential of MAP for waste-to-energy conversion.
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- PublicationRekabentuk pengelog data untuk solar panel(2005-03-01)This report discusses a data logger design using a microcontroller that had been tested for measurement, storage and data analysis purpose. PIC16C73 microcontroller is combined with other chips to show a typical format for interface. Data input included measurement and recorded voltage, current and solar module power. This report discusses about theory and real application of data logger. Voltage divider concept is used to measure the output of solar module. This report also discusses about basic of data logger and it architecture such as measuring circuit, logger circuit and reader circuit. Data logger operation and its programming are discussed in this report. Indirectly this project contains two main elements hardware and software development.
- PublicationPetrogeochemistry studies of potential ree weathered granitoids from Gua Musang, Kelantan(2024-08-01)This study investigates the petrogeochemistry of potential rare earth element (REE) weathered granitoids from Gua Musang, Kelantan, with a focus on understanding their soil profiling, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics. The research aims to evaluate the concentration and distribution of REEs within the weathered profiles of these granitoids, employing methods such as petrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results indicate a significant variation in the REE content across different weathering horizons. The parent rock predominantly comprises quartz, feldspar, and mica, with secondary minerals such as kaolinite and nacrite appearing in the weathered zones. Geochemical analysis reveals that the REEs are primarily concentrated in the clay fraction, with light rare earth elements (LREEs) being more abundant than heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The data suggest that the weathering process enhances the mobility and enrichment of REEs, particularly in the upper soil horizons. This study provides valuable insights into the mineralogical and geochemical behavior of REEs in tropical weathered granitoid environments, contributing to the understanding of REE exploration and extraction processes in similar geological settings. The findings also highlight the potential of Gua Musang as a significant source of REEs, which could support future resource development strategies in Malaysia.
- PublicationEffectiveness of using post operative drain support system post parotid and thyroid surgery in Hospital Sains Malaysia(2018)Background: Surgical drains can be very troublesome as they can pose problems in post-operative patients. This study was done to determine the effectiveness of Redivest to facilitate drain care in post-operative patients. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of using the Redivest in reducing the pain score at the drain site, increasing comfort level and reducing complication of having a drain post parotid and thyroid surgery Methods: This is an interventional study, conducted on 39 patients, who underwent parotid and thyroid surgery and had drains inserted in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from July 2016 to July 2017 involving 39 patients who were randomized into 2 groups with the post-operative drain support system termed as “Redivest”, and the other was the control group where drains were anchored via the conventional method. Patients were given a questionnaire, which comprises of a yes or no answer and Likert scale best suited to their impression to answer during the hospital stay. Results: 39 patients participated in this study aged from 18 to 80 from the Malaysian community comprising of the Malay and non-Malay ethnic group. Results showed difference in pain score observed between the two groups. The median pain score in in Redivest group was pain score of 1 while the median pain score on the control group was 2. Based on the Mann-Whitney U Test, the p-value is significant p-value < 0.001. The median comfort score in Redivest group was 19.00 while the median comfort score on the control group was 9.50. Based on the Mann- Whitney U Test, the p-value < 0.001 is significant. There were no complications seen in the Redivest group and the control group therefore could not be analyzed Conclusion: Usage of Redivest significantly improves the comfort and pain at the drain site, however the reduction in infections were insignificant.
- PublicationThe Effect Of Integrating Stempreneur 6E Project-Based Module In Enhancing Lower Secondary School Students’ Entrepreneurial Thinking(2022-09)The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of STEMPRENEUR MODULE on the entrepreneurial mind of lower secondary students. Five theories were involved in this study; Theory of Constructvisme, Theory of Resilience, Vgotsky’s Social Constructive Theory, Bruner’s Cognitive, and Kolb’s Theory. However, Theory of Constructivisme would be the umbrella for the others four theories. This research was conducted with a pre-experiment, where a one group pre-test, post-test, and post-test II design was applied. A total of 44 Form-One students from one of the secondary schools in Kota Bharu, Kelantan participated in the study, which involved outdoor activities and after-school programmes, conducted with their parents' permission. The data was collected three times, during the pre-test, post-test and post-test 2, from the distributed questionnaires; Entrepreneurial Mind. Besides, students' interviews, analysed photos and reflective journals were also used as supporting quantitative data. The findings of MANOVA revealed that, STEMPRENEUR Module brings a positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial minds. The study also found that, a student’s entrepreneurial mind can be developed, and its inculcation should start at a very early stage, namely from the primary school level.
- PublicationNegotiation Of Self And Identity: A Cixousian Study Of Gender And Sexuality In The Selected Works Of Indian Fiction In English By Indian Woman Writers(2024-04)Within the literary sphere of Indian Fiction in English, Indian woman writers of home country and diaspora have emerged to bring forth women’s narratives about gender and sexuality through the female characters in their writings. The portrayal within these works emphasizes conflicting circumstances faced by female characters as a result of clashing traditional and contemporary values about gender and sexuality affecting the (re)formation of self and identity. In this study, three novels of Indian Fiction in English have been selected: one written by Indian woman writers from home country The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy, and two written by Indian woman writers from diaspora Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave. This study intends to examine the strategies employed by the female characters in resisting heteropatriarchal normativities and the different ways the female characters redefine their self and identity in the selected novels. Using Hélène Cixous’s French feminist framework, the notions of “the feminine”, “the other”, other bisexuality and écriture feminine Cixous proposes are applied through Braun’s and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis. The findings of the study reveal that the female characters in the three selected novels have demonstrated covert manifestations of resisting heteropatriarchal normativities such as through silence and subversion of feminine activities. In addition, the female characters have reconstructed their sense of self and identity by reclaiming their gender and sexuality.