The excessive excretion of antibiotics in wastewater poses significant environmental risks. Adsorption is expected as highly efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable methods for treating these contaminants. This study investigated the adsorption of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) on palm shell derived activated carbon (PSAC) using the advanced pore volume and surface diffusion model (PVSDM). Scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption isotherm revealed a highly microporous PSAC with a specific surface area of 852.85 m2 g-1, an average pore diameter of 2.068 nm and a micropore proportion of 0.72. In the developing PVSDM, conventional isotherms (e.g. Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson) and global kinetics models (e.g. pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Elovich) were comprehensively analyzed and the most suitable isotherm and global kinetics models were incorporated into the PVSDM. External film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion (IPD) investigation, according to Weber-Morris and Boyd, consistently confirmed strong IPD control. The PVSDM effectively reproduced time-dependent adsorption capacity in batch experiment and was verified by reasonable prediction of the dynamic change of adsorption capacity within the PSAC particle. The determined mass transfer parameters indicated that pore volume diffusion was the dominant mechanism, while surface diffusion was insignificant. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of PVSDM for quantifying mass transfer resistances in adsorption of TC on PSAC, providing valuable insights for the design and optimization of large-scale adsorption equipment for treatment of antibiotics in wastewater.
Acetone is categorized as a volatile organic compound (VOC) gas. Exposure to it for a long period harms human health and the environment. Commonly, a single sensor is used to sense the target gas. However, it always suffered from low selectivity, making it difficult to analyze and differentiate various gases. To overcome this problem, a gas sensor array is proposed in this work to investigate the response value for each array to the acetone vapor. Six sensor arrays based on various ratios of TiO2 doped with graphene were deposited using the screen-printing technique on an FR3-printed circuit board (PCB). The gas sensor arrays were exposed to two different concentrations of acetone vapor at room temperature. Next, the response values were classified using a deep neural network (DNN). The results revealed that the T95_G5 gas sensor responds more to 25 mL and 35 mL of acetone gas, with 1.0966 and 1.2074, respectively. The overall DNN accuracy for acetone vapor was 82.70%.
Using a traditional solid-state mixed oxide method, pelletized polycrystalline zinc oxide-based varistor ceramics were prepared with calcium titanate (CaTiO3) doping. This study examined how varying sintering temperatures affect the microstructural and electrical characteristics of the composite varistors. The samples were subjected to sintering temperatures between 1100 and 1300 °C for 90 minutes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) assessment confirmed the presence of two primary phases in the synthesized compound. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that higher sintering temperatures promoted ZnO grain growth, increasing the average grain size from 4.66 to 10.42 µm. The average relative density of the synthesized samples exceeded 94% of the theoretical density. These results were determined to correspond with the modification in electrical properties, as the specimen sintered at 1250 °C demonstrated the most favorable electrical response, of which the nonlinear coefficient, breakdown voltage, and barrier height were 3.85, 0.99 V/mm, and 0.66 eV, respectively. The study presented in this paper can be used to discover and develop new and more efficient ZnO suppressors.
Rammed earth blocks (REBs) are attracting renewed attention as sustainable building materials due to their low embodied energy and use of locally sourced soil, yet their limited tensile strength and moisture sensitivity restrict wider structural applications. This study investigates a dual enhancement approach, combining natural jute fiber reinforcement (0.25–1.25% by weight) with 10% Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) stabilization. To evaluate performance, mechanical tests—including compaction, compressive strength (dry and wet), flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and water absorption—were performed. Microstructural evolution was examined through binocular microscopy, FESEM-EDS, XRD, and TGA analyses. Results indicated that 1% jute fiber provided the best balance of strength and ductility, while LC3 contributed to matrix densification and improved durability. The combined system achieved a compressive strength of 4.32 MPa, a flexural strength of 1.17 MPa, and reduced water absorption to 13.18%. Microstructural observations confirmed the formation of pozzolanic products and a refined pore network, highlighting the potential of this composite for durable, low-carbon, and cost-effective construction.
Edible oil adulteration significantly challenges food safety, nutritional quality, and consumer trust. This review explores the advancements in detection technologies, focusing on highly sensitive methods such as spectroscopy-based methods (UV-VIS, NIR, Raman, SERS), fluorescence-based methods, optical fiber sensors, and colorimetric approaches. These innovations leverage nanotechnology in optical sensing to improve the accuracy, sensitivity, and real-time applicability of adulteration detection. Spectroscopy methods like Raman and NIR offer molecular fingerprinting, while portable fluorescence and colorimetric systems provide cost-effective, on-site solutions. Despite these advances, challenges such as method standardization, affordability, and compatibility with diverse adulterants remain. The review underscores the critical role of integrating advanced sensing technologies to ensure food authenticity, enhance consumer protection, and uphold industry standards.
Borate-based bioactive glass systems became interesting due to their faster degradation rate and better conversion into hydroxyapatite-like complex structures than silicate glasses. Unravelling the mechanism of structural modification and biomineralization in borate bioactive glass remains challenging. Thus, a computational model study was conducted to predict the dissolution-assisted structural changes in the lithium aluminate borate glass (LABG). The model simulation results were validated by the Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis of LABG (of the form 0.48Li2O-0.48B2O3-0.4Al2O3) referred in [1]. Deionised water (DIW) dissolution-mediated changes in the molecular networks of the glasses were ascertained from the experimental FTIR band characteristics. The interaction of the glass network structures with DIW were determined by modelling five molecular clusters (in microcrystalline phase) matched to the experimental configuration. The selected clusters were based on the Li3Al(BO3)2 crystal structure comparable to the experimental glass. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation on these optimized clusters was performed using Gaussian 09. The geometrical analyses were carried out at various dissolution periods (0, 3, 7 and 14 days) to compare with the experimental FTIR spectra. The glass after 3 days of dissolution showed the existence of two clusters accompanied by an ambiguous IR peak corresponding to the stretching vibration of [BO3]-2 together with two non-bridging oxygen. It was asserted that the proposed computational approach for the dissolution-enabled network structural modifications in LABG can be useful to predict various mechanisms in bioactive glass evolution.
This paper provides a critical review of earthquake mitigation strategies in Malaysia. It aims to synthesize global best practices and evaluate their local application, feasibility, and the systemic challenges that hinder effective implementation. A narrative review of academic literature, government policy documents, and technical reports was conducted. The collected sources were analyzed using a thematic synthesis framework to structure the review around global advancements, Malaysia's specific seismic context, and the critical gaps between policy and on-the-ground practice. The review finds that while Malaysia has developed a progressive policy framework, its effectiveness is challenged by several key issues. A significant "knowing-doing gap" exists, where the adoption of advanced standards like Eurocode 8 is undermined by inconsistent enforcement and a shortage of specialized expertise. The practical feasibility of adopting global technologies is often limited by local factors, including high costs and infrastructural prerequisites. Furthermore, governance is characterized by a reactive "policy-disaster cycle," and community-based programs face challenges in achieving long-term sustainability. The novelty of this review lies in its critical synthesis that moves beyond a descriptive compilation of strategies. By identifying and analyzing the systemic barriers to resilience—from governance gaps to the vast, unaddressed risk of pre-code buildings—this paper provides actionable insights for policymakers, engineers, and disaster managers. It offers a clear-eyed assessment of the steps required to bridge the persistent gap between policy ambition and practical reality in Malaysia's journey towards seismic resilience.
Several countries are currently developing hydrogen-powered vehicle technology. However, this technological innovation has to be improved further. This is due to existing technology's limitations in terms of efficiency, cost, and infrastructure for hydrogen refueling systems. Therefore, this systematic review explores the current state of research on hydrogen-powered cars, focusing on technological advancements, environmental impacts, and future prospects. A comprehensive search of scholarly databases yielded a diverse range of studies published between 2019 and 2025. The analysis reveals a growing body of literature addressing key aspects of hydrogen car strengths and challenges. This study follows the PRISMA methodology, with literature collected from two databases, Scopus and ProQuest. After screening and eligibility assessment, 19 papers were included in the final analysis. The review synthesizes findings related to hydrogen fuel cell technology, addressing efficiency improvements, cost reductions, refueling time, traveling range, and the source of hydrogen. This assessment emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and cooperation to address current obstacles and maximize the capabilities of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles as the world moves towards sustainable transportation options. The synthesis of diverse perspectives presented in this systematic review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders interested in the ongoing evolution of hydrogen as a viable alternative in the automotive sector.
Renewable energy, such as a hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PVTE) power generation, reduces dependence on conventional energy sources and gas emissions. This generation is installed outdoors, so various environmental factors continuously and simultaneously influence its performance. Therefore, these continuous and simultaneous effects on PVTE power generation should be accurately investigated through data acquisition employing the Internet of Things (IoT) and corresponding sensors. The electrical parameters employed PZEM-016 and PZEM-017 sensors, whereas the environmental parameters employed SHT30-FS200, I2C-IP68, Guva-S12SD, I2C air quality PM, and I2C-UART tipping bucket sensors for temperature and humidity, illuminance, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and rainfall sensing, respectively. Meanwhile, AM2301 devices sensed photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) module temperatures. Principal component analysis (PCA), box plot, and correlation coefficient were employed for data analysis. The two highest environmental parameters that influence the PV, hybrid, and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) powers were UV radiation and illuminance, with a high correlation range between 0.820 and 0.863. While the TE power was moderately influenced by the temperature difference, with a correlation coefficient range of 0.511 - 0.542. The power-increasing rates due to illuminance were 2.61 watts/klux and 0.01 watts/klux for the PV and TE modules, respectively. The power ratios were 99.40% and 78.04%, and the energy ratios were 99.52% and 83.29% for the hybrid point and MPPT, respectively.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in packaging applications due to its excellent mechanical and thermal properties. However, its intrinsic gas permeability limits its performance in high-barrier applications. The incorporation of graphene-based nanofillers into the PET matrix has emerged as a promising strategy to significantly enhance gas barrier properties. In this study, the gas permeability behavior of PET/graphene nanocomposites was investigated using a 3D-structured graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) network designed to maximize tortuosity within the polymer matrix. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets introduces a highly tortuous three-dimensional diffusion pathway that impedes the transport of gas molecules, thereby markedly containing 0.3 wt% graphene nanoplatelets. This improvement correlates with microstructural changes evidenced by BET analysis, where the specific surface area increased from 0.53 m²/g for neat PET to 1.18 m²/g for the 0.3 wt% GNP composite, and the total pore volume increased from 4.33 × 10⁻⁴ cm³/g to 1.07 × 10⁻³ cm³/g, reflecting the development of a more complex 3D internal pathway. The degree of barrier enhancement was strongly dependent on dispersion quality, graphene loading, aspect ratio, and interfacial interaction between the filler and polymer matrix. This combination of low graphene content, quantified barrier improvement, and a tailored 3D tortuous network showed the novelty of this work and highlights the potential of PET/graphene nanocomposites for advanced packaging, electronics encapsulation, and functional barrier applications.
Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs) are vital components in modern electronics, where reliability under harsh environmental and thermal conditions is essential. This study evaluates the role of conductive epoxy composite (Cu-Epoxy) layer in the MLCC during simulated reflow thermal cycling. Structural analysis revealed that the Cu-epoxy layer mitigates mechanical and thermal stresses in standard conditions, maintaining an intact interface. However, prolonged humidity exposure and thermal cycling led to delamination at the Cu-epoxy/Cu interface, compromising mechanical integrity and electrical performance. Elemental mapping confirmed alumina infiltration in delaminated area, providing evidence of structural degradation. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing reflow profiles and Cu-epoxy formulations to improve adhesion strength, moisture resistance, and thermal stability. This study offers actionable recommendations for enhancing MLCC reliability in surface mount assembly processes and demanding operating environments.
Infill patterns significantly affect the mechanical properties, printing time and material consumption of 3-Dimensional (3D) printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) parts. Despite the wide variety of available infill patterns, the effect of combining and arranging multiple infill patterns on strength-to-weight ratio within a single print remains underexplored. This study investigates the effect of infill pattern arrangements on enhancing the strength-to-weight performance for applications requiring strong yet lightweight components. Three infill patterns (Lines, Triangles and Gyroid) were selected and arranged in three different configurations: by-layer, by-horizontal area and by-vertical area. By-layer arrangement exhibited improved tensile strength, Young’s Modulus and strength-to-weight ratio. BL5 with 50% infill density and arranged by-layer, demonstrated the best performance, with a tensile strength of 17.77 MPa and strength-to-weight ratios of 2.85 MPa/g. The infill patterns in this arrangement, delays crack propagation, as the non-continuous geometry created by the varied patterns disrupts the crack path. In contrast, the lowest tensile strength was observed for by-vertical area arrangement, where the tension load was applied perpendicular to the interface between different infill patterns, increasing the likelihood for crack initiation and propagation. Although the by-layer arrangement required a longer printing time, it produced part with a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to the other arrangements, making it an effective strategy for balancing mechanical strength and material efficiency.
Common bacteria associated with skin infections include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Antibacterial body washes containing natural products are preferred for preventing skin infections without adverse effects, and Raed Sabun Mandian Semambu® is formulated with such natural ingredients. The aim of this study was to determine antibacterial activity of Raed Sabun Mandian Semambu® against bacteria that cause skin infection. Antibacterial activity was determined using diameter of zone of inhibition, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The time-kill assay was conducted at 0.5x MIC and 1x MIC for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, and at 0.5x MIC, 1x MIC, and 2x MIC for S. pyogenes, with incubation at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours. Results show inhibition zone diameters at product concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The MIC values indicate that the product inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria. The MBC/MIC ratio demonstrates bactericidal effect on all bacterial strains. The time-kill assay revealed bactericidal effect at 1x MIC for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, and at 2x MIC for S. pyogenes. In conclusion, Raed Sabun Mandian Semambu® exhibits a bactericidal effect on all tested bacteria.
Integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) remain challenging due to differences in data schemas, coordinate systems and semantic representation. This paper proposes and validates a VN-tailored BIM–GIS workflow for as-built infrastructure modeling that (i) standardizes data exchange using IFC and CityGML, (ii) harmonizes spatial data to the VN-2000 coordinate system, and (iii) automates semantic mapping via FME middleware. The workflow fuses multi-sensor acquisitions (UAV–LiDAR, terrestrial laser scanning — TLS, handheld SLAM, GNSS-RTK and GPR) to produce a high-fidelity digital twin of the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) campus (Hanoi). Geometric validation comprised two stages: point-cloud vs CAD (64.3% of points within ±0.10 m; 86.5% within ±0.30 m) and BIM vs point-cloud (91.4% of points within ±0.05 m), confirming centimeter-level alignment for most elements. The integrated model, deployed in ArcGIS Pro, enables asset tracking, space-use queries and risk analyses (e.g., flood susceptibility), demonstrating operational utility for facility and infrastructure management. The study contributes a practical, policy-relevant pipeline that preserves semantic and geometric fidelity for national-scale applications and outlines directions for automation, semantic interoperability and IoT-enabled digital twins.
Soft soils have emerged as a critical constraint in paddy cultivation within the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) region, affecting over 8,000 hectares and continuing to expand. Despite recognition of their low strength and high compressibility, limited studies have systematically examined their geotechnical parameters in active paddy fields of Malaysia. This study addresses this gap by assessing moisture content (MC), organic content (OC), maximum dry density (MDD), and optimum moisture content (OMC) of soft soils compared to normal paddy soils. Soil samples were collected from Kampung Tajar, Pendang, Kedah, at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) and analyzed in accordance with BS 1377 standards. Results showed that soft soils exhibited consistently higher MC and OC but lower MDD than normal soils, leading to weaker compaction behaviour. Elevated OC was positively associated with MC, while MC showed an inverse relationship with MDD, confirming their causal role in reducing soil strength. These findings highlight the limitations of conventional land preparation and mechanization practices in soft soils. The study provides practical insights for farmers, engineers, and policymakers in designing adaptive soil management and stabilization strategies, and mechanization usage to enhance paddy productivity and ensure long-term soil sustainability.
The potato variety Bio Granola is resistant to late blight disease, however it can only adapt to highland areas. Sexual hybridization in potatoes is constrained by biological barriers which make mutagenesis is considered to be applied. This study aimed to determine the radiosensitivity response of in vitro shoots to gamma ray irradiation and to analyze the morphological and anatomical characteristics after in vitro selection under high temperature pressures. This study consisted of two experiments: (1) Induced mutation by gamma ray irradiation (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy) using explant types of terminal and axillary shoots from less and more than 1 year period of motherstock, and (2) In vitro selection with temperature pressure (25, 30, and 33 °C). Observations were conducted on growth responses, morphological, and anatomical characters. The results showed variations in growth response and morphological characters of plantlets after gamma ray irradiation. Anatomical analysis showed changes in stomatal density and size, and number of chloroplasts. Gamma ray irradiation combined with in vitro selection under temperature pressure successfully generated putative mutants derived from potato cultivar Bio Granola with enhanced tolerance to high temperatures. The most effective method utilized terminal shoot explants from young motherstock (
In computational geometry, numerical integration is a widely used approach to estimate the surface area of geometric shapes by subdividing complex curves and surfaces into manageable elements known as meshes. Estimating surface area is a fundamental problem in geometry with important implications in scientific and engineering applications. This paper presents a numerical framework for surface area approximation using discrete linear and quadratic elements applied to several geometric models. Meshes for each geometry are generated using the NETGEN mesh generator, and surface areas are computed through numerical integration. The results are compared with analytical solutions to evaluate accuracy and convergence behavior. To enhance user interaction and improve accessibility, an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) is developed using MATLAB. The GUI allows users to input geometry parameters, visualize the mesh, and perform surface area calculations automatically. Findings show that higher-order (quadratic) elements provide better accuracy than linear elements, especially for curved surfaces. This study contributes to the development of efficient and user-friendly computational tools for surface area approximation, particularly in educational and engineering contexts
Sintered Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs) are widely used in electromechanical industries due to their favorable magnetic properties, such as high permeability and low hysteresis loss. However, their inherently brittle mechanical characteristics pose significant challenges during machining processes, particularly milling. This study aims to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of material removal during the milling process and to optimize machining parameters in enhancing surface quality under controlled and specified machining conditions. Milling experiments were conducted by cutting groove profiles in the workpiece for every set of varying parameters, which consisted of spindle speed, axial depth of cut, feed rate, and coolant usage as varying parameters, while radial depth of cut and tool path remained fixed. Surface roughness was analyzed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The surface morphology of machined surface is observed by using optical microscope. The results indicate that cooling conditions, spindle speed, and axial depth of cut affects significantly the machined surface quality, where the combination of spindle speed and axial depth of cut has a more significant effect than when considered individually. The smoothest surface roughness obtained from the experiment has surface roughness with Ra value of 1.42 µm. The surface morphology of the machined surface indicates that during milling, the surface material grains are deformed, leading to deformation-induced phase transformation, and it founds out that deeper axial depth of cut could result to smoother surface finish and coolant usage not always give smoother surface.
The demand for multifunctional and sustainable textiles is growing in response to global concerns about comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility. Although bamboo charcoal is widely acknowledged for its adsorption capacity, antimicrobial activity, and eco-friendly nature, its properties after being coated onto fabric, especially the breathability, moisture regulation, and long-term durability, remain insufficiently explored. This study addresses this gap by coating bamboo charcoal microparticles onto polyester–cotton blended fabrics using the pad-dry-cure method and evaluating their structural, chemical, and functional performance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed strong particle adhesion on fiber surfaces, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the persistence of key functional groups after multiple washing and abrasion cycles. Functionality tests demonstrated an improved Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) of 2.2%, indicating enhanced breathability. Durability analysis revealed that the bamboo charcoal coating retained approximately 62.5% of its coating after washing and 5,000 of abrasion cycles. These findings revealed the potential of bamboo charcoal as a sustainable, low-cost, and effective coating for imparting multifunctional properties to fabrics. The work contributes to advancing functional textile engineering, offering applications in sportswear, healthcare, protective clothing, and eco-friendly apparel aligned with circular innovation goals.
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a major source of biomass for biofuel production, in addition to yielding edible oil. However, its high lignin content limits biofuel production efficiency, presenting challenges for industrial applications. The oil palm Eg4CL1 gene has been suggested to play a key role in lignin biosynthesis, but its function remains unverified. Developing transgenic plants that express Eg4CL1 could aid in understanding its potential role. This study aims to generate transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing the oil palm Eg4CL1 gene, which will serve as a tool for functional studies. The 1,623-bp Eg4CL1 gene was PCR amplified, cloned into the pMDC32 vector, and introduced into Arabidopsis using Agrobacterium tumefaciens through the floral dip method. Putative transgenic seedlings were selected on hygromycin-containing MS media and cultivated on substrate for molecular analysis. Ten putative transgenic lines were randomly selected and verified for transgene integration using PCR. Out of 3,000 seeds screened, 70 hygromycin-resistant seedlings were identified. PCR analysis produced a product of target size (≈1786 bp) from all lines analyzed, reflecting stable integration of the Eg4CL1 gene. These results indicate the genetic transformation of Arabidopsis was successfully accomplished. The establishment of transgenic Arabidopsis expressing Eg4CL1 will support future functional analysis.
