Journal of Engineering Technology and Applied Physics

Smart Local Energy Exchange Systems Leveraging The Internet of Things for Decentralized Energy Management

2025-09-08T23:45:49+08:00

During the Industrial Revolution, human society depended on natural energy flows, animal power, and biomass for heat and mechanical energy, with limited energy consumption per capita. However, between 1850 and 2005, global energy production and consumption surged as industrialized societies shifted from traditional energy sources such as wood, crop waste, and biomass to commercial energy forms like natural gas, oil, and electricity. While biomass still accounts for about 10% of global energy use, its primary contribution remains in developing regions. Over the past 200 years, energy consumption patterns have evolved in four key stages: (1) the rise of coal-powered steam engines in the late 19th century, (2) the widespread adoption of internal combustion engines and electric power generation in the first half of the 20th century, (3) the shift towards cleaner energy sources, particularly for electricity generation, and (4) the growing emphasis on reducing pollution and enhancing energy efficiency, especially in smart homes and cities. Despite advancements, the large-scale implementation of energy-efficient technologies is limited by the need for low-cost, easily deployable solutions. Additionally, the vast amount of data generated by smart energy systems presents significant challenges in data storage, organization, and analysis. This paper examines the historical evolution of energy consumption, its impact on economic development, and the ongoing shift toward sustainable energy practices.

Optimization of Mechanical Properties in Nypa fruticans Composite Boards with Varying Additive Loadings

2025-04-08T09:40:53+08:00

The optimisation of mechanical properties in composite materials is essential for advancing sustainable material utilisation of non-wood fibres, which often exhibit inferior mechanical performance compared to conventional wood-based composite boards. This study investigates the influence of varying nano-titanium dioxide (TiO₂) loadings on the mechanical performance of Nypa fruticans-based composite boards. Epoxy resin was employed as the binding matrix, with nano-TiO₂ incorporated at loading levels of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% by weight. Key mechanical properties were evaluated through modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and tensile strength testing. The results revealed a pronounced effect of nano-TiO₂ incorporation on the composite’s mechanical performance, with improvements observed up to an optimal loading of 3 wt%. Beyond this critical threshold, the reinforcing efficiency of the nanoparticle declined, primarily due to agglomeration. This phenomenon was substantiated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the microstructural changes and non-uniform nanoparticle distribution at higher loadings. Overall, the optimised composite board containing 3 wt% nano-TiO₂ satisfied the ISO and ASTM standard requirements for both bending and tensile strength, demonstrating the viability of N. fruticans fibre as a sustainable alternative material for indoor application.

Comparison Study of Natural Dye Sensitisers in Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells

2025-04-09T23:33:21+08:00

This work explored the performance and characterisation of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) based on sustainable dyes, as compared to traditionally applied dyes consisting of metal compounds. Several natural sources were used to extract the dye, including mangosteen, thyme, coriander, spearmint, ginger, and papaya. The samples were investigated, and a comparison was made between the performance of each dye. The ruthenium sensitised control sample yielded a Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of 3.9642% with a Fill Factor (FF) of 69.434%. Among natural dye sensitisers anthocyanin pigment-rich dye from mangosteen performed the best with PCE and FF of 0.7677% and 68.55%, respectively. Other natural dye-sensitised samples all depicted PCE < 0.3% but relatively close FF, ranging from 50% to around 70%.

Rubberised Engineered Cementitious Composite (R-ECC) As Retrofitting Material for Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joint Subjected to Cyclic Loading

2025-03-20T21:30:43+08:00

Earthquakes present significant risks to infrastructure and human safety, highlighting the need for effective disaster mitigation strategies. This study explores the utilization of scrap rubber tires as a partial replacement for aggregate in concrete. The primary objective is to analyze the load-displacement behavior and structural performance of RC beams before and after retrofitting with Rubberized Engineered Cementitious Composite (R-ECC) under fatigue loading. The testing procedure included static and fatigue load assessments using a four-point bending test. The retrofitting process incorporated 5% R-ECC. Findings indicate that R-ECC retrofitting improves concrete's ductility, load-displacement response, and flexural fatigue strength, resulting in greater displacement capacity and increased deformation before failure.

Generative AI-based Healthcare Recommender System

2025-04-10T14:00:55+08:00

Personalized healthcare recommendations remain challenging due to diverse patient data, including medical history and lifestyle habits. Traditional systems struggle to provide real-time, personalized recommendations, leading to ineffective treatment. This research improves healthcare recommendation systems (HRS) using generative AI techniques, specifically Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), to enhance personalization, accuracy and adaptability. This study explores synthetic data generation to address data sparsity and cold-start problems while maintaining privacy. Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and preprocessing methods like feature engineering, identification of missing data, normalization and outlier detection are part of the research methodology. Interpretability is enhanced by data visualization using boxplots, histograms and heatmaps. Although complete GAN and VAE implementation was not possible due to computational limitations, baseline assessments created a fundamental framework. According to preliminary findings, generative models can fill in the gaps in customisation. Potential improvements in prediction performance are shown by evaluation criteria including Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), accuracy and precision. Despite its drawbacks, this research shows that integrating Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) into HRS is viable for improved scalability and flexibility.

Site Investigations on the Lateral Movement of Skewed Prestressed Concrete Sleepers (PCS) Subjected to Rail Dynamic Loading

2025-04-03T12:19:05+08:00

Prestressed concrete sleepers (PCS) are crucial for preserving track stability under dynamic train loads. This study compares the dynamic load behavior of a skewed PCS (placed at a minor angle with one rail seat spacing of 0.67 m instead of the conventional 0.70 m) to a non-skewed PCS. Vibration measurements were taken on an operational Malaysian railway line during commuter train passages (six-coach trains traveling at 30-40 km/h) at a curve track. The Integrated Electronic Piezo-Electric (IEPE) sensor installed on the edges of PCS recorded accelerations in three axes, which were then converted to movement (mm). The lateral movement derived from the skewed sleeper is compared against that from an adjacent normal sleeper. The results show that under identical strain, the skewed PCS has larger lateral movements than the non-skewed PCS. This larger movement indicates that lateral movement (skew) has a stronger influence on load distribution and track compliance. The findings shed light on how non-uniform sleeper placement influences dynamic track response, contributing essential data that is useful for railway maintenance and design in ensuring safety and performance on tracks with uneven sleeper alignment.

Analytical Investigation of Nonlinear Dynamics of Soliton Transmission in Discrete System under Self-Induced Regime

2025-04-09T22:16:10+08:00

This study investigates the soliton propagation in a one-dimensional discrete system characterized by the Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (DNLSE). The DNLSE is a fundamental model in wave phenomena, encompassing a broad spectrum of physical systems ranging from optics to fluid dynamics. The analytical study employs the variational approximation (VA) method to thoroughly examine the process and essential parameters governing soliton evolutions, such as width, center-of-mass position, and linear and quadratic phase-front corrections are determined and graphically interpreted. The results show that an increase in linear phase-front correction corresponds to an increase in both the soliton’s initial velocity and propagation distance.

Multiphase Flow Pattern Hydrodynamics of Carbon Dioxide and Water in Microchannel Reactor

2025-04-09T22:23:47+08:00

The utilization of CO₂ is crucial to convert waste into valuable products, such as fuels. Microchannel reactor technology has gained attention for CO₂ utilization due to their higher interfacial area compared to traditional reactors. Understanding flow regimes is critical for optimizing mass transfer efficiency. Hence, this project aims to create a new flow pattern map for CO₂ and water and investigate how gas bubble and liquid slug properties are affected by the change in superficial velocity. Thus, the interfacial area for each flow pattern can be observed which affects the mass transfer performance. The dimensions of flow pattern were measured, so the interfacial area could be calculated accordingly. The amount of CO₂ absorbed into water was determined using the titration method. Then the liquid side mass transfer coefficient for slug flow was determined from the models proposed by van Baten and Krishna (2004). In the end, the rate of mass transfer was determined for slug flow. The results show that slug flow is formed at high gas-to-liquid ratio. Longer slug flow has higher interfacial area and more CO₂ is absorbed through diffusion. A larger interfacial area contributes to higher mass transfer rate, so this proves that the microchannel is good for CO₂ utilization process.

Decarbonization of ASEAN: An Engineering Approach

2025-04-04T21:32:40+08:00

ASEAN is poised to ascend from being the world’s fifth largest economy to the fourth position by 2030. Rapid economic growth fuelled by accelerated industrialization and urbanization is taking place yet there is a growing sense of regional responsibility to address pressing environmental concerns which the former has brought upon. Globally, decarbonization has been actively pursued, especially among the developed nations. However, it is worthwhile to comprehend the progress that ASEAN has made in this regard. Hence, this paper shall bring forth the latest updates on the efforts of decarbonization undertaken by the ASEAN member states (AMS). The respective goals and targets for decarbonization being set by each AMS will be consolidated. Focus will be placed on relevant policies formulated by the respective government and major projects which are either completed or in the pipeline to accomplish the goal of decarbonization in ASEAN. Existing engineering solutions to catalyse decarbonization which have been deployed in the region will then be highlighted. Finally, the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead of ASEAN’s journey towards decarbonization will be identified.

Reducing Carbon Emission Towards Sustainable Aviation

2025-04-21T11:36:27+08:00

Aviation is a highly energy-intensive sector, making it the second-biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, with road transport leading the way. Emissions continue to rise despite advancements in aircraft efficiency over the past six decades due to the increasing demand for air travel. Reviewing the reduction of carbon emissions in aviation is essential to protect the environment, drive innovation and secure a sustainable future in aviation. Stakeholders responsible for reducing carbon emissions are primarily found in the industrial sector. The challenges and opportunities related to reducing carbon emissions in aviation are investigated with a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), advancements in fuel-efficient aircraft, and improvements in air traffic management. Studies have shown that using SAF, derived from renewable resources such as waste oils, algae, and municipal waste, can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. The use of SAF is limited due to cost and the difficulty in producing it. In addition, the use of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft is highlighted, as it can revolutionise the industry by offering zero-emission alternatives for both short- and long-haul flights. Recommendations are provided to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Challenges and Advances in Boundary Layer Control on Aerodynamic Flow

2025-04-15T22:44:34+08:00

Boundary layer control (BLC) is essential for enhancing an aircraft's overall performance, stability, and efficiency. It contributes to increased lift generation, decreased drag, and improved flying stability when controlled appropriately. The review outlines the challenges and recent advances in BLC techniques within the context of aerodynamic flow. This is to provide a clear understanding of advantages and limitations associated with different BLC strategies. The traditional BLC techniques, including suction, blowing, and vortex generators, have limitations and drawbacks that can cause major repercussions. The review compares the modern developments in BLC while high-lighted key challenges such as energy cost, durability and scalability. Suggestions for future improvement include hybrid control systems that combine passive and active elements, model predictive control (MPC), artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time monitoring via the Internet of Things (IoT) to overcome these constraints. From this comparative and forward-looking approach, a better airplane performance and sustainability flying can be resulted through increasingly intelligent and effective BLC systems.

Evaluating The Impacts of Speed Bumps on Pavement Condition

2025-03-05T22:21:55+08:00

Speed bumps are a common traffic calming measure used to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety. However, installing speed bumps without adherence to recommended standards can lead to additional problems, such as increased wear and tear on both vehicles and the road surface. This study investigates the impacts of speed bumps on Pavement Condition Index (PCI), focusing on surface roughness, cracking, and rutting. For this purpose, five asphalt-paved roads in Benue State were selected, including Makurdi–Aliede, Gboko-Ugbema, Makurdi-Gboko, Vandeikya-Tsar, and SRS–JOSTUM Southcore. Each site was divided into sections, and PCI values were calculated based on various distress types such as longitudinal cracking, block cracking, and rutting. The results indicated significant pavement deterioration near the speed bumps, with PCI values dropping to 18 on the Makurdi–Aliede road and to 10 on the Gboko-Ugbema road in sections directly after the bumps. Rutting was found to be the dominant distress type, particularly in the sections closest to the bumps. However, the effect of speed bumps on PCI values was minimal on the SRS–JOSTUM Southcore road, where traffic is lighter and dominated by smaller vehicles. These findings suggest that careful consideration should be given to the design and installation of speed bumps, especially on roads with high traffic volumes, to prevent accelerated pavement deterioration.

Adaptive Strategies to Mitigate DDoS Attacks in IoT-Devices Through A Moving Target Defense Approach in SDN

2025-09-09T00:03:46+08:00

The surge of IoT devices has revolutionized the world, but the inherent complexity and vulnerabilities of these devices pose significant security risks. Among security challenges, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks stands out as a major cybersecurity issue aimed at interfering with regular systems. This paper conducts a gap analysis of existing research on DDoS attacks in the context of SDN oriented IoT devices. The research focus is on comparing algorithms and mitigation strategies proposed in different research papers and evaluating their efficiency and cost-effectiveness as previous research efforts have taken a variety of approaches, some focused on inexpensive but ineffective procedures, while others focused on expensive but effective procedures. However, few studies have investigated both cost and performance effectiveness simultaneously. The main objective of this research paper is to evaluate and compare different strategies proposed in the literature to protect Software Defined Network oriented IoT devices from DDoS attacks through an active approach using MTD (Moving Target Defense) technique. The goal of this strategy is to protect the network from attacks while remaining cost-effective through gap analysis to suggest that the Moving Target Defense technique is less complex than previous approaches to provide better security measures and protection against DDoS attacks on networks.

Recent Study on Smale-Scale Free Energy Generator, Development and Future Growth in Malaysia

2025-09-09T00:13:28+08:00

This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing the development and future growth of small-scale free energy generators in Malaysia. It highlights the importance of considering renewable energy sources, economic analysis, infrastructure requirements, expertise, public perception, and industrial support factors. The paper also discusses the progress, challenges and potential for renewable energy development in Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of policy frameworks, technological advancements and the exploration of diverse renewable energy sources. The content suggests that Malaysia can achieve a greener and more sustainable energy future by embracing renewable energy technologies and transitioning towards a high renewable net-zero power generation system.

IoT-Enabled Temperature Controlled Room for Patients

2025-09-09T00:34:57+08:00

The physical environment in healthcare settings is considered important for patient comfort and recovery. Among other environmental factors, room temperature is recognized as a crucial environmental factor that can significantly affect the patient’s health. Changes in room temperature can cause discomfort, making it harder for patients to heal and reducing the patient’s satisfaction with the care provided. In Malaysian hospitals, discomfort may be experienced by patients with sensitive skin due to humidity and temperature fluctuations. A device capable of measuring room temperature for sick patients is available; however, its requirement for manual monitoring complicates the maintenance of an appropriate environment. Consequently, a simple yet effective project has been designed to continuously control room temperature according to individual comfort levels. This system is designed to assist nurses and caregivers by adjusting automatically the room temperature and enabling remote monitoring through mobile applications or a web interface, implemented via the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed system consists of a DS18B20 temperature sensor for temperature readings, along with an exhaust fan and ceiling fan or stand fan to decrease the temperature. This project uses Wemos D1 R1, a microcontroller that is based on the ESP8266, to enable IoT functionality. For the user interface, the Blynk application is utilized as the primary graphical interface for interaction with the IoT system.

Effect of Entrance Insulated Inner Absorber on EGATC Thermal Performance – Experimental Approach

2025-09-09T01:19:46+08:00

This study presented the experimental results of using insulated inner absorbers to enhance the thermal performance of the Evacuated Glass Thermal-Absorber Tube Collector (EGATC). The inner absorber of EGATC was insulated with exterior thermal insulation paint. The length of the insulation varied at 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm from the tip of the inner absorber. The thermal performance of the EGATC improved when the insulated inner absorber was utilized compared to instances without insulation. The optimal insulation length for enhancing EGATC’s thermal performance was found to be 35 cm from the projection. A follow-up experiment used the 35 cm insulation length to observe its thermal performance patterns. The 30 cm and 35 cm insulation lengths exhibited similar outlet temperatures during charging, confirming that 35 cm was the optimal length for insulating the inner absorber.

Achieving High Performance in Silicone Rubber Dielectric Elastomers via Synergistic Layer System

2025-09-09T01:38:54+08:00

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers are attractive for soft actuation but their intrinsically low permittivity demands high electric fields and promotes premature electrical failure. To address this limitation, this study implements a Synergistic Layer System (SLS) in which a hard filler (TiO₂) and soft fillers (high-permittivity silicone oil (HPSO) and glycerol (Gly)) are co-embedded in PDMS to raise dielectric response while moderating stiffness. A commercial PDMS A/B (1:1) pre-blend was formulated as single-filler films (TiO₂, HPSO, Gly; 15 wt%) and SLS hybrids (TiO₂ + Gly and TiO₂ + HPSO; 1:1, total 15 wt%), then degassed, cast in glass Petri dishes, and oven-cured at 80 °C (~ 40–80 µm). Mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break) were obtained by quasi-static uniaxial tensile testing on a universal testing machine. Breakdown strength followed IEC 60243-1/-2 using a step-up high-voltage setup with semi-spherical electrodes. Relative permittivity (E_r) was measured on an impedance analyzer (20 Hz – 30 MHz) using carbon-grease circular electrodes. Relative to pure PDMS, single-filler films improved either dielectric response or compliance but introduced clear trade-offs. In contrast, the SLS hybrids delivered balanced gains- TiO₂ + Gly increased E_r while tempering stiffness and TiO₂ + HPSO provided the most balanced combination of E_r, modulus, and breakdown strength. These results show that co-embedding a hard filler with a soft filler in a single layer complements interfacial polarization and plasticization, enabling higher-performance PDMS actuators without excessive stiffness.