INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (IJIREV)

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY IN JAPAN AND MALAYSIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF REGULATORY SYSTEMS AND ON-SITE IMPLEMENTATION

Zi Yi Tan — 2026-09-09

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors worldwide, with high rates of occupational accidents and fatalities in both developed and developing countries. Although construction safety in Japan and Malaysia has been examined separately, limited comparative research has systematically examined how differences in regulatory implementation, safety management systems, and on-site practices relate to safety outcomes. This study compares construction occupational safety governance and management practices in Japan and Malaysia, focusing on accident trends, fatality types, regulatory frameworks, contractor responsibilities, safety management systems, and worker training. A comparative documentary analysis was conducted using occupational safety statistics, legislation, regulatory guidelines, government reports, and peer-reviewed literature. Given differences in accident definitions, reporting systems, classification practices, and data completeness, the analysis emphasises relative trends and proportions rather than direct comparison of absolute accident numbers. The findings indicate that both countries have broadly similar regulatory principles and major categories of fatal construction accidents, with falls from height emerging as a prominent category. However, differences are more evident at the implementation level. From a macro perspective, both countries have established formal legal and institutional frameworks for construction occupational safety. At the micro level, Japan demonstrates a more systematic and proactive approach through detailed operational guidelines, structured safety training, continuous improvement mechanisms, and stronger integration of safety responsibilities into contractor management. In contrast, Malaysia remains comparatively compliance-oriented, with greater challenges in consistent implementation, structured training, and workforce competency, particularly among foreign workers. The findings suggest that Japan’s sustained improvement in construction safety performance is associated with the integration of regulatory requirements with practical code of conduct that guide on-site safety behaviour and decision-making. The study highlights the importance of strengthening implementation mechanisms, safety education, and industry-led initiatives to improve construction safety outcomes in Malaysia and other rapidly developing countries.

INTEGRATED ULTRASONIC ELASTICITY AND SUPERCONDUCTING FLUCTUATION ANALYSIS OF EUBA2CU3O7−Δ SYSTEMS: A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR CU-O CHAIN DYNAMICS

Mohd Muzammir Firdaus Abu Bakar — 2026-09-17

We present an integrated theoretical and experimental framework linking high-temperature lattice dynamics with low-temperature superconducting fluctuation paraconductivity in rare-earth barium copper oxide systems, with a focus on EuBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ(Eu-123). By combining acoustic wave velocity measurements with the Aslamazov-Larkin (AL) and Lawrence-Doniach (LD) models, we analyze the structural and electronic contributions of the basal plane Cu-O chains. At high temperatures, a prominent step-like elastic anomaly is observed at 260 K during cooling of pristine Eu-123, which is attributed to first-order oxygen ordering into superstructures within the Cu-O chains. Reducing the oxygen content to δ = 0.7 or substituting trivalent Al³⁺ directly into the Cu (1) chain site destroys this oxygen ordering, suppressing the step-like anomaly and restoring pure Lakkad-type anharmonic behavior. In contrast, adding submicron-sized Al₂O₃ nanoparticles as an intergranular phase preserves the step-like anomaly but shifts it to 200 K, while introducing a localized lattice instability at 240 K. To demonstrate the low-temperature electrical paraconductivity, we present a paraconductivity analysis based on the transition parameters of the studied Eu-123 phases. The paraconductivity fits reveal that disrupting oxygen ordering intrinsically via Al³⁺ substitution collapses the interlayer Josephson coupling parameter J from 0.055 to 0.012 and compresses the c-axis coherence length from 1.38 Å to 0.64 Å, trapping the Cooper-pair fluctuations in a quasi-two-dimensional (2D) regime. Conversely, intergranular Al₂O₃ addition maintains a three dimensional (3D) coupling profile (J∼0.040). This integrated characterization framework provides solid-state physicists with a non-destructive method to map the relationship between lattice strain and superconducting phase coherence.

AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF MILD STEEL CORROSION IN DIFFERENT WATER SOURCES

Salihah Tan Shilan — 2026-09-17

The corrosion behaviour of iron rods in tap water, RO water, Spritzer mineral water, Desa mineral water and sea water for seven weeks was studied. Mass, length, diameter and BOD were measured weekly. The corrosion rates were determined by weight loss using the ASTM G31 method. The results indicated the effect of water chemistry on dimensional changes and corrosion behaviour. RO water showed the lowest corrosion tendency. Seawater due to the dissolved salts were higher with the corrosion related changes. The result showed significant differences among the responses to water-media.

EFFECT OF MANGOSTEEN PERICARP DYE SENSITIZATION PERIOD ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF TIO2/P3HT HYBRID THIN FILMS FOR SOLID-STATE DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS

Nur Salihah Alias — 2026-09-17

The effect of the sensitization period of mangosteen pericarp (Garcinia mangostana L.) dye on the morphological and electrical properties of TiO₂/P3HT hybrid thin film for solid-state DSSC application is studied. The dye solution extracted is yellowish red in color, consisting of anthocyanin and α-mangostin as the photosensitizers, which can absorb visible light and be used as natural sensitizing compounds for DSSC applications. Electrodeposition of TiO₂ thin films was conducted on an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate by an electrochemical method with 3 scans. Afterwards, they were dipped in the natural dye for periods of 5, 10, 15, and 20 min to ascertain the optimum immersion time. The SEM examination of the morphology of the TiO₂ thin films at a 5000× magnification and 15 kV accelerating voltage showed clear differences revealing the changes in the structure and uniformity of the films at different immersion times. The obtained results highlighted that immersion time influenced the charge-transfer efficiency, with shorter times producing homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles, while longer times caused particle aggregation. Under light conditions, the highest electrical conductivity (0.044 S cm⁻¹) of mangosteen pericarp dye was obtained at a 10-min sensitization time. SEM analysis indicated that the 5-min and 10-min samples had relatively similar morphologies, which could be conducive to charge transport, while longer sensitization periods (15–20 min) led to increased porosity and particle aggregation. In general, the best immersion time for the surface morphology and electrical conductivity parameters relevant to DSSC properties is 10 min. In short, the morphology and electrical conductivity of the hybrid thin film were influenced by the immersion period.

THE EFFECT OF BLOOD-AND-BONE FERTILISER TOWARDS THE GROWTH OF WATER SPINACH (IPOMOEA AQUATICA)

Farah Najihah Razali — 2026-09-17

The increasing demand for sustainable vegetable production has encourage the utilisation of organic fertiliser. It can improve the total yield of plant by mitigating the environmental impact compared to synthetic nutrient. Blood-and-bone fertiliser are produced from the animal waste mainly from the slaughterhouse, have a great potential ahead as they are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium. It is rarely discussed in studies of plant growth especially the water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). This study highlights the impact of blood-and-bone fertiliser on the plant growth (plant height, root length, dry biomass, chlorophyll content and the fertiliser’s impact on soil pH). Five 5-cm water spinach seedlings were planted in each polybag with different concentration of blood-and-bone fertiliser: soil ration - (A) control, no fertiliser added, (B)1: 1000, (C)1:200, (D) 1:100 and (E) 3:200. Plant performance was evaluated over a five-week period. The results demonstrated that Treatment C show the best performance in plant growth, chlorophyll content, root growth. In addition, it does not affect the soil pH due to the slow-release nature of the fertiliser.

A NEW DUAL AND SYSTEM FOR INTERVAL TYPE-2 FUZZY PENTAGONAL POLYNOMIALS

Nurhakimah Ab Rahman — 2026-09-17

Duality plays an important role in representing incomplete information, uncertainty, and imprecision in complex event modelling. In addition, polynomial systems provide a useful mathematical framework for representing uncertainty in real-world problems. This paper proposes a new interval type-2 dual fuzzy pentagonal polynomial and a system of interval type-2 fuzzy pentagonal polynomials. The proposed formulations integrate the characteristics of interval type-2 fuzzy sets with pentagonal fuzzy numbers in dual polynomial equations and polynomial systems. An iterative Horner–Muller method is then applied to the proposed interval type-2 fuzzy pentagonal polynomial formulations to obtain approximate solutions. The computational procedures for both the dual polynomial equation and the polynomial system are demonstrated through numerical examples. The results illustrate the implementation of the proposed approach for solving interval type-2 dual fuzzy pentagonal polynomial equations and systems of interval type-2 fuzzy pentagonal polynomial equations.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WATER SPINACH GROWTH UNDER HYDROPONIC AND SOIL-BASED CULTIVATION

Nurulakidah Adnan — 2026-09-17

Water spinach is a highly popular vegetable in Malaysia and is widely used in culinary applications. Demand for this vegetable continues to rise. Home cultivation is also gaining public interest, allowing owners to harvest their own produce. Various cultivation methods are available today, including hydroponics and soil-based planting. This study compares these two methods to determine which yields faster results. Plant height serves as the key indicator to assess which method is easier and more efficient. However, success ultimately depends on the nutrients provided and the suitability of the soil conditions. The study was conducted over a four- week period. For the soil-based method, a mixture of organic soil and biochar soil was used, with seeds planted in five polybags. Water spinach was irrigated daily and supplemented with NPK fertilizer weekly and effective microorganism (EM) solution every two weeks. For the hydroponic method, a passive system consisting of plastic bottles, net pots, and rockwool cubes was used, with five net pots, each containing one seed planted in a rockwool cube. A nutrient solution containing NPK fertilizer and EM was manually stirred daily. The height of water spinach was recorded weekly, and final growth parameters were measured after four weeks. The results showed that hydroponic cultivate of water spinach show greater high of water spinach than soil grown. The average height of hydroponic grown of height water spinach increased from 5.70 cm in Week 1 to 16.05 cm in Week 4, representing an increase of 10.35 cm. The height of water spinach using soil based increased from 3.33 cm to 7.65 cm, representing an increase of 4.32 cm. By Week 4, the height of water spinach using hydroponic were 8.40 cm taller than the soil-grown cultivation. The hydroponic grown water spinach faster, with greater plant height than soil-grown plants. Soil-grown plants demonstrated steady growth, although one sample showed a slight decrease in plant height, possibly due to differences in nutrient availability and environmental conditions. Overall, the hydroponic method demonstrated greater efficiency in water spinach growth production.

ELECTRODEPOSITION OF ZN–NI ALLOY COATINGS ON ALUMINIUM SUBSTRATE: INFLUENCE OF DEPOSITION PARAMETERS ON ADHESION STRENGTH

Siti Zairyn Fakurol Rodzi — 2026-09-17

Aluminium is widely used in various industrial and engineering applications due to its lightweight nature, high electrical and thermal conductivity, good mechanical strength, and excellent corrosion resistance, making it a preferred material in the automotive, aerospace, marine, and electronic industries. However, the formation of a natural oxide layer on aluminium surfaces often results in poor coating adhesion and reduced surface durability, leading to coating peel and weak interfacial bonding between the deposited metal coating and the substrate. This study aims to deposit zinc-nickel (Zn–Ni) alloy coatings onto aluminium substrates using a three-electrode electrochemical system to investigate the effects of deposition parameters on adhesion strength. Prior to deposition, the substrates were treated under zincate treatment to improve adhesion. The electrodeposition process was conducted at different parameters deposition times (10−20 min), temperatures (25–60 °C), and applied potential (−1.1 to −1.5 V). Electrochemical behaviour was analysed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), while coating adhesion was evaluated using the tape test method. The results revealed that deposition parameters significantly affected the coating performance. Higher temperature enhanced coating adhesion, with the strongest adhesion obtained at 60 °C. Shorter deposition time produced better adhesion compared to longer deposition periods, while an applied voltage of −1.3 V yielded the optimum adhesion strength. These findings demonstrate that optimization of electrodeposition parameters is essential for producing strongly adhered Zn–Ni coatings on aluminium substrates, thereby improving coating reliability and extending the potential application of aluminium components in demanding industrial environments.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN (ESG) DISCLOSURE AND FIRM VALUE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF PROFITABILITY IN MALAYSIA’S ENERGY SECTOR

Muftiyah Aqilah Azwar — 2026-09-15

This study aims to analyze the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure and firm value with profitability (ROE) as the moderating variable. The sample of this study is 20 energy sector companies listed on Bursa Malaysia Main Market. This study adopts quantitative research design using panel data for the financial year of 2022-2024, resulting 60 firm-year observations. The data were analyzed using SPSS and EViews statistical software. The results of this study show that environmental, social, and governance disclosure has a positive but insignificant impact on firm value. Additionally, the Return on Equity (ROE) does not strengthen the relationship between ESG disclosure and firm value. These findings suggest that investors in Malaysia’s energy sector are not considering ESG practices as the basis of decision-making for investment, but rather as additional practices and reporting. Thus, the implication of this study indicates that regulators, such as Bursa Malaysia should strengthen the ESG-related regulations and educate investors on the importance of sustainability practices and investments. For companies, they are advised to enhance transparency of ESG practices, including informing the positive impact of it in their report. Moreover, the findings imply that the stakeholder and signalling theories may not fully explain the occurrence of observed in this study.

SMART PORT DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Ashvanie Menon — 2026-09-15

The development of smart ports has become increasingly important in improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the maritime industry in Malaysia. As global trade continues to expand and digital technologies evolve rapidly, Malaysian ports are encouraged to adopt smart technologies and digital systems to enhance operational performance and sustainability. This conceptual paper reviews the concept of smart port development in Malaysia and discusses the potential opportunities and challenges associated with its implementation. The study examines existing literature related to smart technologies in port operations, including automation, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain systems, and digital communication technologies. In addition, the paper highlights the potential benefits of smart port development, such as improved operational efficiency, enhanced cargo handling processes, better supply chain visibility, reduced operational costs, and environmental sustainability. However, several challenges remain, including high implementation costs, cybersecurity concerns, lack of technological readiness, and workforce adaptation issues. This paper provides a conceptual understanding of smart port development and its significance within the Malaysian maritime industry. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on maritime digitalization and offers insights for port operators, policymakers, and future researchers. Future studies are recommended to further examine the practical implementation and effectiveness of smart port technologies in Malaysia.

ESG PERFORMANCE AND CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIA’S NEW ENERGY VEHICLE INDUSTRY: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Razif Rosli — 2026-09-15

The escalating demand for sustainability and environmental accountability makes the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles essential to corporate strategy. In Malaysia, the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry is a pivotal sector for advancing green technology, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Despite its rapid expansion, empirical research on how ESG performance influences corporate financial performance within the Malaysian NEV context remains limited. This conceptual paper addresses this gap by examining the relationship between ESG dimensions and key financial metrics, including profitability, market value, return on assets (ROA), and return on equity (ROE). Grounded in stakeholder theories, the study develops a theoretical model illustrating how robust environmental initiatives, social responsibility, and effective governance drive financial success. It argues that strong ESG practices enhance investor trust, improve corporate reputation, and boost operational efficiency. Ultimately, this conceptual framework offers strategic insights into leveraging ESG practices for financial gains, providing valuable guidance for policymakers, investors, industry stakeholders, and future researchers dedicated to sustainable development in Malaysia's NEV sector.

THE GREEN ALGORITHM: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN LEAN OPERATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Hairin Nisa Meor Nordin — 2026-09-15

Currently, industries around the world are under growing pressure to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Creating a reliable way to measure the environmental benefits of digital transformation has become essential for industries everywhere. This study builds a framework based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and dynamic capabilities theory and aims to test the cause-and-effect link between AI-driven operational integration and environmental sustainability performance. Using a detailed study of leading companies—Unilever, Amazon, and Tesla—the research looks at how Resource Optimization plays a role in this connection. The results show that the independent factor has a strong effect on the dependent factor through several clear ways. For example, predictive load pooling helps cut logistics-related CO₂ emissions by 64%, supporting SDG 13. Also, custom hardware designs reduce computing energy use by 29%, matching SDG 9, while computer vision-assisted manufacturing recycling recovers 92% of metals, contributing to SDG 12. However, comparing cases reveals an important limit called the AI-Sustainability Paradox. This means the large energy needed to run the independent variable can cause a digital version of the Jevons Paradox, which might cancel out the environmental gains in the dependent variable. The study finds that while AI is essential to separate industrial growth from carbon emissions, its success relies on breaking down technology barriers between sectors and creating decentralized data systems to remove isolated Scope 3 reporting.

GLOBALIZATION AND LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY: OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND FOOD WASTE REDUCTION IN MALAYSIA’S QUICK SERVICE SECTOR

Wan Izzaty Farhana Wan Faizal — 2026-09-10

The problem of food waste is a major operational, environmental, and economic challenge for the foodservice industry, especially for Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), where speed, standardization, and high-volume production are key to daily operations. Previous studies, however, have mainly investigated operational practices and attitudes to food waste separately, and the mediating effect of employee attitude between operational practices and food waste behavior has been under-researched. In this study, the effect of food waste reduction strategies (conceptualized as a composite construct including staff training, portion control, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as key operational capabilities required for food waste reduction) on QSR food waste reduction behavior was examined, and attitude toward food waste was explored as a mediator. The study was based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to show how operational capabilities (RBV) and employee psychological readiness (TPB) are interrelated. The quantitative approach was used, and the data were obtained from the employees of selected outlets of McDonald's and Marrybrown in the Klang Valley based on a purposive sampling method with a total of 336 employees. The findings revealed that food waste reduction strategies directly predicted both QSR food waste reduction behavior (β = .875, R^2 = .766, p < .001$) and employee attitude toward food waste (β = .975, R^2 = .951, p < .001$), while attitude significantly predicted waste reduction behavior (β = .866, R^2 = .750, p < .001$). Mediation analysis confirmed that attitude toward food waste partially mediated this relationship, exhibiting a statistically significant indirect effect ($\text {Effect} = .2337, 95\%\text {Boot CI [.0184, .4646] $). Theoretically, the study demonstrates that internal operational capabilities (RBV) require psychological alignment through employee attitude (TPB) to achieve consistent food waste reduction behavior in QSR operations. Practically, QSR operators should strengthen staff training, portion control, SOP implementation, and employee attitude-building efforts to reduce avoidable food waste.

TRAINING FOR TOMORROW: HOW INDUSTRY 4.0 SHAPES GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY THROUGH INDUSTRIAL TRAINING

Noor Malinjasari Ali — 2026-09-10

The rapid development of Industry 4.0 has increased the need for graduates to acquire academic qualifications as well as relevant technical, interpersonal, and employability skills. Industrial training or internships provide an important link between higher education and the labour market by allowing students to gain practical work experience and enabling employers to identify potential talent. However, limited research has directly examined both the value and challenges of internship programmes from the perspectives of students and employers within the Malaysian context. Specifically, this study examines the value and challenges of internship programmes from the perspectives of student interns and employers. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with ten participants, comprising five employer representatives from the education, investment, services, manufacturing, and retail sectors and five business students who had completed their industrial training. The interview data were thematically analysed and organised according to employer and student perspectives. From the employers’ perspective, internships provided value through talent selection, generation of fresh ideas, and strengthening the leadership capacity of permanent employees. From the student perspective, internships contributed to a deeper understanding of real business operations, improved time management, and the development of professional networks. However, both groups identified three major challenges: adapting to workplace culture, unclear job scope, and ineffective communication between interns and permanent employees. The findings highlight the importance of well-structured internship programmes involving clear responsibilities, effective supervision, and communication between universities, students, and employers to strengthen graduate employability.

THE IMPACT OF AI-BASED PLATFORM MANAGEMENT ON E-HAILING WORKERS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Zakirah Jaafar — 2026-09-03

The rapid growth of e-hailing and platform-based gig work increased scholarly interest in the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of workers, services, risks and mobility systems. The existing literature is fragmented on the impact of AI-based management of platforms, which is widely deployed to support ride allocation, demand prediction, pricing, performance monitoring, safety control and decision-making, on e-hailing workers. This systematic literature review aims to investigate the impact of AI-enabled platform management on e-hailing workers through the identification of key research trends, issues, applications and challenges reported in recent research. The review was carried out according to the PRISMA framework for transparent and systematic identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion. An advanced search strategy was used with search keywords like “gig economy,” “p-hailing,” “safety,” and “AI” in the databases of Scopus and Web of Science. The search was limited to studies published between 2023 and 2026 to capture the latest developments in AI-enabled platform work and intelligent transportation systems. A total of 156 primary studies were selected for synthesis after screening and eligibility procedures.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE ON INDUSTRY 4.0 SAFETY CONTROLS IN MALAYSIAN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

Ameran Saiman — 2026-09-09

The increasing use of digital technologies in manufacturing is transforming occupational safety and health (OSH) practices. However, structured instruments for assessing how individual Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) technologies are applied as preventive safety controls remain limited. This study developed and conducted a preliminary assessment of a multi-section survey questionnaire for examining IR4.0-enabled safety controls in Malaysian manufacturing industries. A domain-driven approach was used to map nine IR4.0 technology domains to seven grouped occupational-risk areas: slips, trips and falls; machinery accidents, cuts and lacerations; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; heat-related illness; electrical shocks and fire accidents; noise exposure and eye injuries; and chemical or biological exposure. Expert content validity was assessed through an independent review by ten subject matter experts. The final questionnaire comprised organisational background questions, awareness and implementation questions, 64 dichotomously coded technology-specific application items, 18 technology-specific effectiveness and wider-application statements, and five general statements concerning implementation effects and challenges. Following ethical approval, a pilot study involving 30 respondents was conducted, and the 64 core application items were analysed using the dichotomous Rasch Measurement Model. Person reliability was 0.86, while item reliability was 0.75. Person measures averaged −1.70 logits and ranged from −3.50 to 0.45 logits, whereas item measures averaged 0.00 logits and ranged from −2.33 to 2.18 logits. These findings provide preliminary support for the wider administration of the instrument. The questionnaire offers a structured foundation for large-scale assessment of IR4.0-enabled OSH applications, although further analysis using the main-study dataset is required to examine dimensionality, item targeting, domain-specific functioning, differential item functioning, and measurement stability.

THE E-MODULE STEM ARGEO PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AS A SUPPORT TOOL FOR LEARNING GEOMETRY CONCEPTS AMONG FORM 2 STUDENTS

Raja Lailatul Zuraida Raja Maamor Shah — 2026-09-09

Geometry is a foundational strand of school mathematics, yet many lower secondary students struggle to visualise three-dimensional objects and to connect abstract geometric ideas to real situations. This article reports the analysis phase of a design and development project for the e-Module STEM ARGeo, an electronic learning module that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts, Augmented Reality (AR) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) as a support tool for learning geometry concepts among Form 2 students, the year in which the topic is taught. Adopting the Design and Development Research (DDR) approach guided by the ADDIE model, a needs-analysis questionnaire was completed by 414 students across Forms 1 to 3, Form 2 constituting the largest group at 40.09%; the phase was surveyed in full because the difficulties the module addresses develop across it rather than within a single year. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale and analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings indicate that students report considerable difficulty with geometry, particularly in visualising three-dimensional shapes and in relating geometric ideas to everyday situations; that 69.49% agreed an e-Module is needed to strengthen their understanding of geometry; that 71.25% agreed a module combining STEM and AR should be developed; and that 71.67% agreed project-based learning should be applied. Familiarity with AR was the lowest-rated area, prior use returning the only item mean below the scale midpoint (M = 2.98, SD = 1.11), yet interest in AR was high (M = 3.76, SD = 1.12). These results establish a learner-grounded need for the module and an empirical specification for its design. The study documents perceived needs rather than demonstrated effectiveness; the module’s impact on understanding, engagement and achievement remains to be established in the implementation and evaluation phases that follow.

EFFECT OF WASTE NAPHTHALENE SLUDGE ON WORKABILITY AND STRENGTH OF MORTAR AND CONCRETE

Syarman Khan Syed Mohamed — 2026-09-09

The increasing population and modern lifestyle demand have caused the increase in waste sludge production gradually at the same time causing environmental pollution. Thus, the idea of reusing this waste sludge emerges as an alternative way of reusing it to create a product instead of disposing it. The Naphthalene sludge, a by-product obtained from the production of superplasticizer, also known as concrete admixture, is used in this study as an additive in concrete. Concrete was produced with 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% additive of the naphthalene sludge and the workability and strength of mortar and concrete were studied to investigate the effect of the waste sludge on concrete. Samples for compressive strength test were prepared with fixed water-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.50 and cured for 7 and 28 days. The results showed an increase of concrete and mortar strength when the waste sludge addition is increased. 3% of Naphthalene sludge additive shows the highest concrete strength based on the 28 days strength and obtained the best workability among the control sample and the other 1% and 2% of additive. By adopting sustainable practices in waste management and innovation can mitigate adverse impacts while supporting global sustainability development goals (SDG) 2030.

INSTITUTIONALISING RURAL DIGITALISATION IN AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW OF POLICY, GOVERNANCE, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CHINA'S RURAL TRANSFORMATION

Jiangqin Peng — 2026-09-09

A large-scale, policy-driven reform in agricultural governance for developing countries is China's rural digitalisation plan. Integrate a review of previous studies and conduct a documentary case study of Beijing's rural and peri-urban areas to explore the institutionalisation path of rural digitalisation in agricultural management. Scopus, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were used to search for 36 peer-reviewed papers and policy documents published between 2019 and 2025, and then these were organised by theme. The three contents of this paper are: (1) The national policy system for digitalisation under the rural revitalisation plan; (2) Institutional barriers to implementation, including governance fragmentation, capacity deficits and digital exclusion; and (3) Technological and environmental results of digital transformation, such as enhanced productivity and green development. We find that China's Digital Rural Development Action Plan (2019–2025) and the 14th Five-Year Plan for Agricultural and Rural Modernisation have built a strong policy system, but successful institutionalisation requires closing multi-level coordination gaps, enhancing local administrative capacity, and ensuring inclusive digital access. The Beijing case shows that rural and semi-urban areas are under pressure to balance the speed of new- technology adoption with uneven institutional construction. Finally, we list the directions for future research: Longitudinal studies of institutional changes, cross-regional comparisons, and closer attention to the life experiences of rural stakeholders.

TECHNOLOGY CHARACTERISTICS AND INTEGRATION CAPABILITIES TOWARDS THE ADOPTION OF BLOCKCHAIN IN HALAL FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN: A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Adila Talip — 2026-09-03

The adoption of blockchain technology in halal food supply chains facilitates not only compliance with halal standards and improved operational efficiency, but also increased transparency, traceability, and heightened trust among supply chain stakeholders. However, the adoption of blockchain technology in halal food supply chains is still in its infancy. This paper aims to develop the theoretical framework for examining blockchain adoption factors, framed within the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and the Resource-based View theory, focusing on two primary constructs: technological characteristics and integration factors. This paper performs an extensive review and synthesis of prior literature on blockchain adoption, halal supply chains, and technology adoption theories. The proposed framework is expected to contribute to the advancement of research in halal logistics and the implementation strategies of blockchain. Future research is recommended to empirically test the proposed framework using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches across different halal supply chain sectors and geographical contexts.

ECONOMIC VALUE OF MINERAL EXTRACTION AND PRODUCTION: BENCHMARKING BEST MINING PRACTICES IN AUSTRALIA, CHINA, CANADA AND NORWAY

Siti Zaleha Daud — 2026-09-03

Despite the growing importance of sustainable mineral development, there is still limited integration of economic valuation, ESG considerations, governance quality and policy alignment within existing mineral valuation frameworks particularly in Malaysia. Key issues include inconsistent valuation approaches, weak integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and limited downstream industrial linkages, which constrain optimal resource monetization. This study benchmarks best mining practices in Australia, China, Canada and Norway to develop a comprehensive mineral economic valuation model applicable to Malaysia. The study employs a hybrid valuation framework that integrates resource, market, cost and policy perspectives, and is supported by a cross-country comparative analysis using PESTEL frameworks. The findings show that effective mineral value creation is dependent not only on the availability of resources but also on the quality of governance, downstream industrial development, technology capability, stakeholder engagement, environmental sustainability and supportive regulatory frameworks. The proposed Mineral Economic Valuation Model offers an integrated framework that supports evidence-based policy formulation, enhance regulatory effectiveness, optimize mineral revenue generation and promote sustainable mineral resource development in Malaysia.

TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN HOT ARID REGIONS: A SIMULATION-BASED CASE STUDY IN ASWAN, EGYPT

Mohammed Elsayed Samier Madboli Ibrahim — 2026-09-03

Agrivoltaic systems are increasingly recognized as a dual-use strategy for combining crop production and photovoltaic electricity generation on the same land. However, their integrated technical, agricultural, and economic performance under the hot-arid conditions of southern Egypt remains insufficiently investigated. This study evaluates the viability of a tomato-based agrivoltaic system in Aswan, Egypt, using a comparative simulation framework based on a fixed land area of 1 hectare. A 70% photovoltaic-coverage scenario was used as the PV-only reference, while a 50% coverage scenario represented the agrivoltaic system. Photovoltaic performance and financial outcomes were simulated using the System Advisor Model (SAM), whereas tomato productivity was estimated through a literature-based approach using yield-reduction factors derived from published agrivoltaic experiments. Land-use productivity was assessed using the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), while PV-system financial performance was evaluated using installed cost, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) over a 25-year analysis period. The agricultural revenue was estimated separately using projected tomato yield, market price, and farming costs. The 70% PV-only system generated 3,133.9 MWh annually, compared with 2,226.5 MWh for the 50% agrivoltaic system, representing an approximately 29.0% reduction in electricity generation resulting from the lower installed PV capacity. Under the literature-derived base-case assumption of a 29% shading-related yield reduction, tomato production was estimated at 28.4–29.8 t/ha. The agrivoltaic system achieved an LER of 1.39–1.42, indicating a 39–42% improvement in combined land productivity relative to separate crop and photovoltaic production. Both scenarios achieved an IRR of 11.8% and an LCOE of 3.8 cents/kWh, while the PV-only and agrivoltaic systems recorded positive NPVs of USD 129,800 and USD 91,800, respectively. These findings indicate that agrivoltaics can provide a technically feasible, economically viable, and land-efficient food–energy option for hot-arid regions.

USER-CONFIGURABLE VOLTAGE AND CONTROL OF IOT-BASED ELECTRICAL LOAD MONITORING SYSTEM (ELMS) FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Muhammad Nurakmal Asrul Nursyafig — 2026-09-03

The increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in smart residential environments has intensified the need for scalable and cost-effective electrical load monitoring systems. Most existing IoT-based Electrical Load Monitoring Systems (ELMS) rely on dedicated voltage and current sensing circuits, increasing hardware complexity, calibration requirements, and deployment cost. However, for residential environments with relatively stable supply voltages, continuous voltage sensing provides limited additional benefit while significantly increasing system complexity. This study proposes an IoT-enabled ELMS that replaces dedicated voltage sensing with a cloud-configurable voltage estimation mechanism, enabling real-time power monitoring using only non-invasive current measurements. The proposed system integrates a non-invasive current transformer, an ESP32 microcontroller, and a cloud-based IoT platform to estimate real-time power consumption through user-configurable voltage parameters while supporting wireless data synchronization and remote monitoring. Experimental evaluation under varying load conditions demonstrated accurate real-time power computation, reliable wireless communication, and correct transitions between standby, normal, and overload operating states. Compared with conventional ELMS, the proposed architecture reduces hardware complexity by eliminating dedicated voltage-sensing circuitry while maintaining sufficient accuracy for residential energy monitoring. These findings demonstrate that configurable voltage estimation provides a practical, low-cost, and scalable solution for IoT-based residential energy awareness applications by significantly reducing hardware complexity without compromising real-time monitoring capability.

AUTO MOTION SOLAR POWERED ROAD LIGHTING SYSTEM

Sufian Mohamad — 2026-09-03

The Auto Motion Solar Powered Road Lighting System is designed to enhance energy efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in urban roadways. This system integrates motion and light sensors to automatically adjust the brightness of LED lamps based on vehicle detection and ambient light levels. The lamps operate at 50% brightness under low ambient light conditions and increase to full brightness when vehicles are detected. Conventional solar-powered street lighting systems often operate at fixed illumination levels, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption during periods of low traffic. Although motion-activated lighting has been proposed, limited studies have evaluated integrated systems combining adaptive brightness control, environmental sensing, and real-time monitoring in a cost-effective solution. Powered by a solar energy system, this solution minimizes energy consumption and light pollution, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment. Additionally, an LCD display monitors and records motion counts and ambient light level, providing valuable data for further optimization. An audible alert is activated whenever motion is detected to verify sensor operation during testing. The project aims to create a cost-effective and eco-friendly lighting solution that improves road safety and reduces environmental impact.

DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW- COST EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNING AND POWER CUT-OFF SYSTEM USING AN EMBEDDED MICROCONTROLLER

Amirul Hakimi — 2026-09-03

Earthquakes pose significant threats to human safety and electrical systems, especially in small-scale buildings where conventional seismic monitoring systems are often economically impractical. Most current earthquake early warning systems only send out a few alerts and don't usually have built-in electrical power control. This raises the risk of secondary hazards like electrical fires, damage to equipment, and electric shock during seismic events. These gaps underscore the importance of an affordable, integrated solution that addresses both seismic detection and electrical safety simultaneously. In this research, an embedded microcontroller is used to construct a low-cost earthquake early warning and power cut-off system. The proposed system is designed to offer a single, compact, and cost-effective platform that can be used to provide real-time seismic detection, automatic electrical isolation, and occupant evacuation signals. The innovation of this work is the integration of multi-sensor seismic detection with embedded power management and human-presence-based alerting, which enables both immediate electrical protection and proactive warning at the device level. The system utilises an ESP32 microcontroller and incorporates a SW-420 vibration sensor for initial tremor detection, alongside an ADXL335 accelerometer to assess three-axis acceleration and determine total ground motion. A logic algorithm categorises occurrences into safe and hazardous conditions according to established thresholds. Overcurrent protection is executed by a relay-controlled power interruption system, confirmed through simulated current fluctuations. The presence of individuals is identified by an infrared sensor, which activates evacuation alarms through an Internet of Things (IoT) platform, supplemented by visual and auditory local notifications and a real-time status display. The findings showed that the proposed system achieved detection accuracy of 98.2 % and average relay activation time of 68 ms. The system provides a cost-effective solution for enhancing electrical safety and earthquake preparedness in seismic-prone and resource-constrained environments.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN IOT-DRIVEN REAL-TIME SOIL MONITORING AND AUTOMATED FERTILISER DISPENSING SYSTEM

Muhammad Aydil Mustaqim Abdullah Ismawi — 2026-09-03

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing technology that has been driving the development of smart agriculture systems, which seek to increase efficiency, sustainability, and resource management. However, conventional fertiliser tends to be based on manual checking or pre-set timings, therefore not based on the changing soil conditions and can lead to over or under fertilisation, delay corrective measures and poor utilisation of nutrients. This study demonstrates a real-time soil monitoring and automated fertiliser dispensing system for agriculture which is based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology achieved through the Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate engineering design process. The prototype comprises of a soil moisture sensor, a soil temperature sensor, a pH sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, and the required components for the pump and valve. The prototype includes soil moisture sensor, soil temperature sensor, pH sensor, ESP32 microcontroller and the necessary parts for pump and valve. If the monitored parameters fall outside specified ranges, fertiliser or water is released by a mechanical mechanism that is controlled by a servo. The sensor readings, actuator status and system notifications are wirelessly sent to a cloud based IoT platform to be remotely monitored, visualised and log stored. Experimental testing over one month showed that the data could be transmitted continuously every minute and that the automatic dispensing worked when the soil moisture dropped below 40% or the pH was above the set value. After the intervention, the pH of soil stabilised between 6.6 and 7.1 were by approximately Day 7. The closed loop control architecture can help to minimize the need for human oversight by integrating real-time sensing with a threshold-based decision-making process and automated dispensing. Throughout the monitoring period, the system also kept wireless communication stable and effective, while providing good real-time data visualisation. The proposed system plays a role in precision agriculture by offering an integrated solution that enables precise management of fertiliser applications and automated response to soil conditions responses, which is particularly valuable for smallholder and resource-limited farming practice environments.

ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZED SILICONE RUBBER (RTV-SIR) BASED NANO AND MICRO-FILLERS COATING FOR HIGH VOLTAGE APPLICATION: A MINI REVIEW

Muhammad Afif Abd Rani — 2026-09-03

Room temperature vulcanized silicon rubber (RTV-SiR) coatings have emerged as critical components for high-voltage insulator applications, offering superior hydrophobicity, dielectric strength, and environmental resilience compared to conventional ceramic insulators. However, under multi-stress environmental conditions, including UV radiation, thermal cycling, electrical stress, and pollution, these coatings experience progressive degradation characterized by hydrophobicity loss, increased leakage current, and reduced service life. To address these limitations, nano- and micro-fillers (SiO₂, ATH, TiO₂, ZnO) are commonly incorporated into silicone rubber formulations to enhance performance characteristics. While numerous studies have investigated filler effects on RTV-SiR, findings remain fragmented and sometimes contradictory regarding optimal filler types, concentrations, and synergistic combinations. This review paper systematically evaluates the influence of filler characteristics, type, size, concentration, and dispersion, on key performance parameters including surface hydrophobicity, electrical resistance, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and weatherability, with particular emphasis on pre- and post-ageing performance in accelerated test chambers. This synergistic effects arising from hybrid (nano + micro) filler systems are critically examined. Unlike previous descriptive summaries, this review critically analyses the underlying scientific mechanisms governing filler performance, identifies material design principles, compares existing evidence systematically, and outlines future research priorities. Challenges and opportunities in developing optimized RTV-SiR coatings tailored for high-voltage insulation are addressed, with emphasis on filler dispersion optimization, long-term field validation, and emerging 2D materials as synergistic additives. The insight presented established evidence-based design guidelines, identify critical knowledge gaps, and provide a practical resource for researchers and engineers developing next-generation RTV-SiR coatings with enhanced durability and performance for demanding high-voltage applications.

FEASIBILITY OF CO-ENCAPSULATING MOMORDICA CHARANTIA AND MORINGA OLEIFERA EXTRACTS VIA SPRAY DRYING: PRELIMINARY INSIGHTS INTO PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Shafifah Hanim Shawkany Hazim — 2026-09-03

The lack of stability and rapid degradation of bioactive components from plants is one of the problems encountered during the preparation of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. The plants Momordica charantia and Moringa oleifera demonstrate well-known antioxidative, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities; however, they are commonly characterized by a low level of stability and solubility. This research evaluates the possibility of co-encapsulation of extracts of M. charantia and M. oleifera via spray drying in order to increase stability, solubility, and controllable release of the bioactive compounds. The powders obtained were characterized by means of physicochemical characteristics and structural stability in order to evaluate the possibility of obtaining the stable product with a high content of bioactive compounds. In addition, this research evaluates the influence of various carrier materials on powder formation, encapsulation efficiency, and material properties. Preliminary results have shown that co-encapsulation was possible and resulted in the improvement of powder behavior, storability, and activity of bioactive compounds. The obtained data provide valuable information on the applicability of dual-extracts spray drying for co-encapsulation of extracts of plants and can serve as the basis for future research in order to optimize the process.