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- PublicationEvaluating cu-to-cu direct bonding in ambient environment via surface treatment techniques(2025-09-01)In semiconductor industry, the packaging trend and technology advance rapidly to accommodate smaller and compact designs of electronic devices. Cu-to-Cu bonding emerges as future of interconnect joints with its faster signal transfer with lower joint resistance and better thermal dissipation, replacing conventional solder joints. This research studies the effect of dry and wet etching as well as combination of both in enhancing Cu-to-Cu direct bonding at ambient environment. Different temperatures of 260℃, 300℃ and 350℃ were being evaluated and compared, with low bonding temperature (<300℃) is desired. Surface treatments with argon plasma for surface activation and hydrochloric acid (HCl) for surface cleaning and smoothening were assessed on Cu surface. The combination of both methods in different sequences were also assessed and compared for their effects in bonding efficiency. Before bonding, several analyses were conducted on Cu surface such as FE-SEM morphology inspection, AFM surface roughness measurement, EDS elemental composition analysis and water contact angle measurement. Subsequently, the Cu samples were subjected to thermocompression bonding (TCB), with applied heat and pressure. After that, shear test and Cu bonding interface inspection at cross-sectional view were included as post bonding characterization. The correlation between Cu surface conditions towards bonding strength at different temperatures will be discussed. In summary, surface analyses showed that HCl acid is effective in smoothening and cleaning surface oxide, while plasma could increase surface energy and remove carbon contamination. In terms of bonding strength at 260℃, individual treatment of HCl acid gives best result up to 14.31MPa, showing the importance of clean and smooth Cu surface in TCB. On the other hand, combination of methods might pose disruptions to their treatment effects.
- PublicationOptimization of silicon-on-insulator (soi) wafer wet etching process by Using potassium hydroxide(koh) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)(2025-09-01)Wet chemical etching of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers in alkaline solutions such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is widely used in microfabrication. While etch rate has often been emphasized, the effect of etching parameters on surface roughness and wettability is equally important. This work systematically investigated the influence of concentration(KOH25to65wt%, TMAH5to25wt%),temperature(40to90℃),and time(5to25mim) on SOI wafers etched in KOH and TMAH.For KOH etching, the optimum condition was identified at 35 wt%, 60 °C, and 25 min, producing the smoothest surface with AFM Ra = 1.144 nm, the lowest contact angle (36.34 °), with a remaining top silicon thickness of 35.4389 nm. For TMAH etching, the best result was obtained at 15 wt%, 70 °C, and 10 min, yielding Atomic Force Microscope Ra = 1.060 nm, profilometer Ra = 1.930nm, and a favorable contact angle (28.28 ° ) while preserving 36.6643nm of top silicon.Characterization by AFM, SEM, EDX, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements confirmed that smoother surfaces consistently correlate with lower contact angles. A comparative evaluation showed that KOH induced stronger surface modifications, whereas TMAH offered smoother and more uniform surfaces within its optimal window, making it more compatible with Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor fabrication
- PublicationDevelopment of antimicrobial hydrogel constructs using natural for wound dressing applications(2025-09-01)In the context of combating microbial contamination, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess inherent antimicrobial advantages. Therefore, the incorporation of green-synthesized AgNPs into polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) hydrogels is expected to give the hydrogels with favourable antimicrobial properties. Guided by this research rationale, the present study has developed an antimicrobial hydrogel specifically tailored for wound dressing applications. AgNPs were biosynthesized using Centella asiatica extract. Twelve formulations of AgNPs were fabricated using Centella asiatica extract (10-90 mg/100 mL) and silver nitrate (1-10 mM). Under regulated conditions, 50 mg/100 mL extract and 1 mM silver nitrate yielded the best AgNPs, with an average size of 51.32 nm. Antibacterial testing showed effective inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus, with activity increasing with AgNPs suspension concentration and plateauing at concentrations above 0.1% AgNPs. Polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) hydrogels were made using freeze-thaw and ionic cross-linking, and optimisation of polymer concentration (15%) and ratios (10:0-10:4) revealed that the 10:2 PVA/SA formulation had the best mechanical properties and porous structure for wound dressing. Tests showed the 10:2 PVA/SA hydrogel with 0.1% AgNPs balanced antibacterial efficacy and mechanical performance, promising for wound dressings. Overall, the study successfully developed a green-synthesized AgNP-loaded hydrogel with properties suitable for wound dressing, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and effective antimicrobial material.
- PublicationBio-based tableware incorporating rice husk into modified epoxidized palm oil matrix(2025-09-01)The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven research into developing bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics, and in this context, bio-based tableware incorporating PEG-modified and unmodified rice husk into modified epoxidized oil offers a promising solution. The widespread use of synthetic-based tableware such as plastic plates and bowls poses significant environmental and health challenges due to their non biodegradability and potential leaching of harmful chemicals. Addressing this issue, the present study develops bio-based tableware as a sustainable alternative, emphasizing improved strength and moisture resistance through interface engineering. Rice husk (RH), an abundant agricultural by-product, was used as filler, while epoxidized palm oil (EPO) served as the bio-based polymeric matrix. Citric acid was incorporated as a crosslinker to enhance structural stability, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was introduced to improve filler wetting, dispersion, and adhesion. The tableware was fabricated using sigma mixing and hot press molding, followed by post-drying for moisture stabilization. Comprehensive characterization was conducted, including tensile, flexural, and impact tests to evaluate load-bearing capacity, water absorption and dry-back analysis for wash durability, FTIR spectroscopy to confirm hydroxyl suppression and ester/ether linkage formation, and FESEM imaging to assess interfacial morphology. Results revealed that PEG-modified tableware exhibited superior mechanical strength, improved stiffness, and lower reversible moisture uptake compared to unmodified samples. FTIR confirmed effective crosslinking and bonding, while FESEM showed a denser, less hydrophilic interphase. The best balance of mechanical and moisture
- PublicationElucidating the role of alpha-1-antitrypsin, IL-6, TNF-α, TAS and MDA in the pathogenesis of covid-19 positive cases(2025-01)The study aimed to investigate the disparities in immune and oxidative stress responses in COVID-19 patients by analysing the levels of Alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) and its phenotype variants, as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant status (TAS). This case-control study involved a total of 282 participants, including healthy controls, mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, and severe to critical COVID-19 patients, aged 18 to 80. COVID-19 blood samples were archived from the patients that hospitalized in Kelantan and Selangor between July 2021 and June 2023. During the same period, healthy control was recruited. The study found a significant difference in A1AT levels between control and severe COVID-19 patients (p<0.01), but not between control and mild to moderate patients (p=0.47) or between mild to moderate and severe to critical patients (p=0.33). IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in controls (p<0.001), with no significant difference across different stages of COVID-19 disease. Additionally, TAS levels were reduced in patients with COVID-19 compared to those in the control group (p<0.001). Meanwhile, MDA levels significantly increased in COVID-19 patients compared to control patients (p<0.001). Both TAS and MDA showed no significant difference across the COVID-19 group. The analysis indicated that the PiMM phenotype emerged as the predominant phenotype among participants, regardless of their COVID-19 status or being part of the healthy control group. Additionally, this study identified some infrequently observed normal phenotypes, such as PiBM, PiCM, PiEM, and PiMX. Furthermore, participants did not exhibit variants associated with A1AT deficiency, notably PiS and PiZ. This research lays a foundational step toward understanding the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of COVID-19, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches in managing and treating this disease. Further studies are necessary to build on these findings, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies and preventive strategies based on genetic predispositions and biochemical marker profiles.
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- PublicationImplementation Of Sustainable Urban Development Based On New Urban Agenda, A Case Of Penang, Malaysia(2021-11)This research investigates the inclusion of sustainable urban development pillars in Malaysian urban plans and policies; the implementation of SUD; and how the drivers and barriers affect achieving sustainable urban development in Malaysia.
- PublicationThe Effects Of Job Demands And Resources Variables On Health Status Of Medical Doctors From Public Hospitals In Malaysia: The Role Of Job Burnout As A Mediator(2022-12)A more holistic research framework was developed to examine the relationship between job demands variables (role conflict, role overload, role ambiguity, neuroticism, and emotional dissonance) and job resources variables (supervisory support, peer support, subordinate support, extraversion, and internal locus of control), and job burnout, as well as the indirect relationship between the two main variables and health status (mental health and physical health) via job burnout as the mediator.
- PublicationKaitan antara perundangan kuari dengan industri pengkuarian(2004-03-01)Laws, rules and procedures being practised in the quarrying industry in various forms where their enforcements on a whole are necessary for the efficient and safe operations of the quarrying industry. The aim of the project is to relate the quarry operation with the quarry rules such as Perak Quarry Rules 1992, Explosives Act 1957, Environmental Quality Act 1974 and various other related at acts. Among their aspects that were included are the effects before and after the quarry legislation being enforced. Other than that, problems arise from the quarry legislation are discussed and the recommendations made to solve the problem. It is being concluded that the quarry legislation give positive impact to the quarrying industry and it has to be enforced to guarantee efficient and safe quarrying operation.
- PublicationIntervensi “Cekap Menulis” Untuk Meningkatkan Kemahiran Tulisan Tangan Murid Autisme(2022-08)Ketiadaan maklumat dan kekurangan pengetahuan guru dan ibu bapa menyebabkan masalah tulisan tangan murid autisme yang berumur dua belas tahun ke atas belum diatasi. Justeru, kajian ini berfokus pada pelaksanaan intervensi tulisan tangan “Cekap Menulis” untuk meningkatkan kemahiran tulisan tangan mereka. "Cekap Menulis" ialah gabungan konsep Brain Gym dan The Size Matters Handwriting Program (SMHP) yang disokong oleh Teori Vygotsky. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti kesan intervensi “Cekap Menulis” terhadap peningkatan kemahiran tulisan tangan murid dalam tiga aspek iaitu kemahiran visual motor, bentuk tulisan tangan dan kekemasan tulisan tangan agar maklumat tentang cara mengekalkan kemahiran tulisan tangan murid autisme melalui intervensi “Cekap Menulis” dapat disebarkan. Setiap sesi pengajaran “Cekap Menulis” bermula dengan aktiviti PACE Brain Gym, latihan kemahiran visual motor diikuti dengan latihan membentuk abjad berbantukan alat bantu mengajar gabungan Brain Gym (Alphabet 8s) dan SMHP (kertas bergaris yang berwarna pada setiap garisannya) dan diakhiri dengan aktiviti membentuk abjad berdasarkan ingatan dan mengeja suku kata bergambar yang bermula dengan abjad yang dipelajari. Reka bentuk kajian kes ini bermula dengan ujian pra di fasa pertama, pelaksanaan intervensi “Cekap Menulis” di fasa kedua dan ujian pasca di fasa ketiga. Selain daripada data kuantitatif yang dikutip melalui penilaian secara tidak formal untuk kemahiran visual motor, bentuk tulisan tangan dan kekemasan tulisan tangan, data kualitatif seperti pemerhatian, temu bual dan analisis dokumentasi turut dikutip.
- PublicationIdentification of diatoms in water samples collected from six locations of kelantan river.(2017-06)Diatom is the most common phytoplankton found in the freshwater or marine water. This study attempts to identify the diatoms from water samples collected at six different locations at Kelantan River namely Penambang, Tesco Kota Bharu, Kok Majid, Kampung Laut, Pasir Pekan and Tambatan Diraja. Identification of diatoms was determined based on the frustule shape which achieved through light microscope after acid digestion. A total of 4662 diatoms were identified from six locations of Kelantan River. Most of the diatoms were naviculoid shape which classified under pennate diatoms. The result show the highest number of diatoms was seen at Kok Majid and the lowest number of diatoms was found at Tambatan Diraja. There several factors influence the diatoms a community such as human activities, sampling distances and pollution.