Journal of Advanced Industrial Technology and Application
The Journal of Advanced Industrial Technology and Application (JAITA) is a new international peer reviewed open-access multidisciplinary journal encompassing a broad spectrum of themes in industrial engineering technology and application. JAITA is aiming to revolutionize industry by promoting innovative and effective research. JAITA welcome original research articles/manuscripts as long as their research questions are important, new, and relevant to readers or their designs are appropriate and robust. Journal publication frequency is twice a year (June and December).
Carbonised Agro-Waste Adsorbents for Automotive Lubricating Oil Removal
The increasing generation of waste lubricating oil, driven by expanding industrial and automotive activity, poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems due to its persistence, hydrophobicity, and complex chemical composition. This study evaluates two abundant agro-waste residues: rice husk (RH) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) as potential adsorbents for lubricating oil removal. Both biomasses were pre-treated with 0.1 M NaOH to enhance surface porosity and hydrophobicity, followed by carbonisation at 550 °C. Three adsorbent formulations were prepared based on RH:SB weight ratios of 24:6, 15:15, and 6:24 g. Batch experiments were conducted at oil concentration of 25, 30, and 35 v/v% and contact times of 10, 20, and 30 min using a fixed 30g adsorbent dosage of RH and SB. The response behaviour was further examined using ANOVA and contour-plot analysis under Response Surface Methodology to interpret factor interactions and adsorption trends. All adsorbent mixtures demonstrated high removal efficiencies, achieving up to 100% oil removal, with the 15:15 g ratio showing the most consistent performance at 20 v/v% of oil concentration. FTIR analysis confirmed key lignocellulosic functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, methylene, aromatic structures which supporting the strong intermolecular interactions responsible for oil removal. Overall, the findings demonstrate that carbonised RH and SB are viable, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable adsorbents capable of efficiently removing used lubricating oil.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Advanced Industrial Technology and Application https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Evaluation of Thermal, Acoustic, and Physical Properties of Bamboo Ceiling Panels Made from Three Species
Bamboo has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional ceiling materials, which often suffer from issues such as poor moisture resistance and limited durability. This study evaluates the thermal, acoustic, and physical properties of ceiling panels produced from three bamboo species which are Gigantochloa scortechinii, Dendrocalamus asper, and Gigantochloa levis, bonded with phenol formaldehyde. The panels were fabricated in strip form and tested for density, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and sound absorption using standard laboratory methods. Results show that Dendrocalamus asper exhibited the best overall performance, achieving the lowest thermal conductivity (0.043 W/m·°C) and the highest sound absorption coefficient at high frequencies (1.311 at 4000 Hz). These findings demonstrate that bamboo-based ceiling panels, particularly those made from Dendrocalamus asper, offer strong potential as energy-efficient and acoustically effective alternatives to gypsum ceilings.
Development of IoT Monitoring with Solar Tracking System for Multi-Purpose Building
This paper discusses the development of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based solar tracking and monitoring system designed to enhance energy efficiency in multipurpose buildings. To optimize solar energy absorption throughout the day, a photovoltaic panel is integrated with a dual-axis solar tracking system. Real-time data, such as voltage, current, and light intensity, is collected and transmitted by an ESP32 microcontroller to a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring and analysis. When compared to a fixed solar panel, a prototype system created and tested under various conditions demonstrated improved energy output. The findings demonstrate that the system facilitates sustainable energy management in building applications, enhances solar efficiency, and reduces the need for human monitoring.
IoT, Solar tracking system, Dual-axis tracker, Renewable energy, ESP32, Energy monitoring, Sustainable buildings
Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour of Schizostachyum Grande Bamboo Fibre, Epoxy and Vinyl Resin Thermoset for Potential in Composite Application
This study was conducted to investigate bamboo fibre and thermoset resin’s thermophology and thermoset resin for composite applications and to delve into the morphology, behaviour, and mechanical properties of bamboo fibres from the species Schizostachyum grande, as well as thermoset resins such as vinyl and epoxy. Besides, fibre and thermoset resins were incorporated to achieve the desired mechanical properties, specifically for tensile strength and elongation characteristics. Additionally, this study was also conducted to determine physical and chemical composition properties, where Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) tests were executed on bamboo fibre and epoxy and vinyl resins. Furthermore, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were performed to determine the physical performance of the material in terms of mass loss over time. The data obtained for bamboo fibre, epoxy, and vinyl resin were then compared for the factors of maximum stress, stiffness, deflection, and maximum load. Hence, this research contributes to the understanding of bamboo fibres and thermoset suitability for sustainable engineering applications by providing comprehensive data on morphology, behavior, and tensile properties. The results of this research are useful in terms of design and materials selection processes, enabling the creation of more robust and ecologically friendly engineering solutions for the chosen fibre and thermoset resin towards sustainable structures, such as modular houses.
Egg Defects Detection Using Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network
Eggs are a vital nutritional resource globally, making their inspection crucial for maintaining quality and ensuring food safety. Motivated by this need, a machine vision system incorporating deep learning techniques was developed to detect egg defects. The machine vision system has a rotating mechanism that allows for comprehensive visualization of the egg surface from various angles, leading to a more accurate assessment. The proposed system leverages deep feature extraction using a pre-trained convolutional neural network and analyses these features with a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network. The types of egg defects that this study aimed to detect were bloodstained, cracked and dirty eggs. A total of 400 eggs sample were used with 6 images per egg resulting with a dataset of 2400 images for the proposed deep learning method. The performance evaluation of the model revealed an accuracy of 97.71% in detecting egg defects, with a recall score of 0.9788, a specificity score of 0.9926, a precision score of 0.9770, and a F1 score of 0.9770. Comparisons with other state-of-the-art deep learning and machine learning methods like (SVM, VGG16, YOLOv5) indicate that the proposed model has certain advantages and does not differ much in terms of accuracy for defect detection. The result from this study demonstrates the potential of sequential feature modelling for robust egg defect detection.
Eggs Defect, deep learning, Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM)
Comparative Study of Commercial and Plastic Waste Resins for Groundwater Treatment
Groundwater contamination by organic and inorganic pollutants poses serious health and environmental concerns. Conventional resins are effective but costly. There is a need for low-cost, eco-friendly alternatives, particularly through plastic waste valorization. This study compares the performance of commercial and plastic waste resins for groundwater treatment. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the commercial resin had a smooth, porous structure, while the plastic waste resin showed a rough, irregular surface. Energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed key ion exchange functional groups, including sulfonic acid, in the commercial resin. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the commercial resin was amorphous with low crystallinity. Results showed that the commercial resin outperformed the plastic waste resin by removing 98.6% biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 85% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 88.9% total suspended solids (TSS), 50% total dissolved solids (TDS), and 66% iron. The plastic waste resin achieved lower removal rates of 66.7% TSS, 25% TDS, and 19.2% COD. In column method, the commercial resin removed 91.65% total hardness within 4 hours at 2163 cm³ dosage, while the plastic waste resin achieved up to 52.12%. The superior performance is linked to the commercial resin’s favorable structure and functional groups for ion exchange. The use of plastic waste resin as a potential ion exchange material for water treatment supports waste valorization and aligns with circular economy principles. However, its performance requires further optimization, which can be pursued through strategic collaboration with water treatment industries.
Ion exchange resins, commercial, plastic waste, groundwater
Performance Metrics of Different Machine Learning Models for Windows Malware Detection
This study experimentally evaluates and analyzes the performance of various machine learning models for Windows malware detection. Their metrics are further analyzed to identify the most effective approach. For this purpose, the researchers employed a diverse dataset to train and assess the models. The used dataset contains known Windows malware samples and benign files. Besdies, the chosen machine learning algorithms, such as Logistic Regression (LR), AdaBoost, LightGBM (LGBM), XGBoost (XGB), Decision Trees (DT), Gradient Boosting, Bagging, Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), have various techniques. The study focuses on key performance metrics: Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1 Score, Specificity, False Positive Rate (FPR), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), False Negative Rate (FNR), and Error Rate. They are used to thoroughly assess the models' effectiveness in distinguishing between malware and benign samples. Additionally, the exploration of the impact of feature selection and extraction methods on model performance is carried out to gain better insights. The study results demonstrate variations in the models' effectiveness. It is noted that certain algorithms demonstrate superior performance in specific metrics. They also offer significant perspectives into the strengths and weaknesses of various machine learning models in the detection of Windows malware, contributing valuable knowledge to the development of more robust cybersecurity strategies. The study implications can hopefully be used to develop an effective and accurate malware detection model. It is expected the model may ultimately foster the security of Windows environments.
Design Enhancement of Hose Rolling Tool for Firefighters Using DFMA
Firefighting operations depend significantly on effective equipment, with hose rolling tools being crucial for the swift deployment and recovery of fire hoses. Existing hose roller designs frequently exhibit significant component counts, intricate assembly, and elevated manufacturing costs, which hinder operational efficiency and escalate manufacture expenses. This project seeks to improve the design of a hose rolling tool for firefighters by utilizing Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles to decrease part complexity and cost. The project entailed evaluating the current hose roller design, highlighting inefficiencies, and methodically improving the tool through SolidWorks modelling and manual Design for Assembly (DFA) analysis. Comparative evaluations were performed to analyze part quantity, material expenses, and assembly durations between the original and revised models. The findings indicated a substantial decrease in total components (from 40 to 25), an 11% reduction in production expenses, and a 48% enhancement in assembly efficiency. These findings underscore the efficacy of DFMA in enhancing product design for manufacturing and assembly, resulting in more economical and user-centric firefighting equipment. In summary, the implementation of DFMA principles significantly enhanced the manufacturability and operational efficacy of the hose rolling tool, offering a viable framework for future advancements in firefighting equipment.
Review Study of Non-Forced Convection Heat Transfer Inside Enclosures with Different Enhancement Techniques and Configurations
Many industrial engineering applications such as thermal storage plants, solar energy, cooling in reactors, microelectronic electrical systems, and gas-insulated electrical systems use natural convection heat transfer represented by the principle of heat transfer from the heating source to the cold ambient or cold cavity wall. The function of the outer surface of the cavity is to protect the body inside the cavity in the harsh external environment by also reducing the heat transfer process from the hot inner surface. On this topic, many researchers conducted their previous studies and literary investigations using various methods to enhance heat transfer by natural convection, such as mixing nanomaterials with water or inserting porous materials into various configurations to increase the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the main working fluid. Other methods have been applied, for example, vibration, Rayleigh numbers, boundary conditions, magnetic field, or changing the geometry of the cavity composition. The current research aims to study heat transfer by natural convection inside cavities of various configurations, including square, non-square, triangle, and rectangle, in addition to addressing ways to enhance heat transfer, the most important nanofluid and porous medium.
Assessment of a Safe Work-Impulse for Farmers: A Case Study of Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria
The study measured the heart rates of farmers in Ilara-mokin while they carried out a few regular farm tasks with a view to create a safe work-impulse chart for farmers in that locality. This is expected to provide the information required for the adequate use of muscular force and the prevention of fatigue or physical exertion, during farming. Farmers who were available and were willing to participate in the study were divided into five age groups, such as below 25, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and above 54 years, and their heart rates were monitored and recorded under three different categories of farm activities or load (light load, medium load, and heavy load) using a premium pressure monitor with comfit cuff. The time and the heart rate at which the farmers feel a sense of discomfort or tiredness were used to evaluate the safe work-impulse for each category of activities. The result shows that farmers below 45 years of age record a work-impulse of about 9.0M kNs and 7.2H kNs for medium and heavy loads respectively while older farmers manage to sustain medium and heavy loads at a work-impulse of 7.2M kNs, 5.4M kNs and 9.0M kNs, 5.4M kNs respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that while farmers of any age can handle a light activity for a longer period of time than 18 minutes, they may not be able to sustain heavier loads for a longer period.
Design and Fabrication of an Innovative Rattan Splitting Machine for Efficient and Sustainable Production of High-Quality Rattan Material
This research was conducted to address the limitations of the traditional rattan splitting process, which had been time-consuming, labour-intensive, and heavily reliant on manual labour to produce thin strips for furniture and handicrafts. To improve productivity and alleviate physical strain on workers, a fully mechanical rattan splitting machine was developed and tested, purposely designed without modern technology that could be unfamiliar to the labour force. The machine was built with a durable blade system that precisely split rattan into thin, uniform strips, ensuring consistent, and high-quality results. Its compact and adaptable design included adjustable settings to accommodate different rattan sizes and thicknesses, powered by electricity for straightforward operation and maintenance. Research involved meticulous engineering design, material selection, prototype construction, and performance testing to measure efficiency, precision, and consistency in output quality. Key findings revealed significant reductions in manual labour requirements, increased production speed, and uniform quality in processed rattan strips. These results indicated that the machine had greatly enhanced productivity within the rattan industry, enabling larger-scale production with consistent quality. In conclusion, the mechanical rattan splitting machine provided a practical and efficient solution for the industry, transforming a labour-intensive process into a streamlined operation that increased productivity, lowered labour costs, and maintained product standards. This development represents a significant advancement for the rattan industry, offering a sustainable solution that meets the current capabilities of the workforce while supporting industry growth and modernization.
Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Industrial Engineering
Utilizing Calcined Hard Clam Shells for Phosphate Removal Using an Up-flow Column Reactor Through Water Solution
Phosphate pollution in aquatic environments is a critical environmental issue that poses a significant threat to water quality and the ecosystem, primarily from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and domestic wastewater effluents. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of calcining hard clam shells in phosphate removal and to understand the mass transfer process within an up-flow column reactor. Experimental data was analyzed using an up-flow column reactor to study the adsorption of phosphate deposited on the surface of calcined hard clam shells. According to preliminary findings, calcined hard clam shells show great potential for use as phosphate adsorbents due to their promising capacity and efficiency. The primary materials responsible for phosphate removal are calcium oxide (CaO) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) generated through the calcination process, facilitating phosphate adsorption and precipitation. The analysis indicates that deeper adsorbent layers sustain better removal efficiencies throughout time. In contrast, shallower adsorbent layers approach solute saturation quickly through an up-flow column reactor. More extended periods of effective adsorption are provided by deeper adsorbent beds, according to the Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) model. These results are corroborated by the Thomas and Modified Mass Transfer Factor (MMTF) models, which demonstrate that while adsorption rates are higher in shallower beds, deeper beds have higher total capacities and longer service durations. This study contributes a thorough assessment of calcine hard clam shells as an affordable and environmentally friendly way to remove phosphate from wastewater, helping to reduce eutrophication in aquatic environments and improving tertiary wastewater treatment methods.
Ultrasonication-Assisted Preparation of Virgin Coconut Oil-Kelulut Honey-Vitamin E Emulsion and Its Bioactivity for Lip Balm Application
The growing demand for natural and eco-friendly skincare products has spurred innovation in cosmeceutical formulations, including lip balms. This study developed an emulsion-based lip balm incorporating Virgin Coconut Oil, Kelulut honey, and vitamin E, utilizing ultrasonication to enhance stability and bioactivity. The moisturizing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of these ingredients were combined with surfactants (Tween 20, soy lecithin, or a 50:50 blend) and processed through ultrasonication and/or homogenization. Bioactivity was assessed using pH, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Sample F (50:50 blend with ultrasonication) demonstrated the highest TPC (38.95 µg GAE/mL), TFC (5.59 µg QE/mL), DPPH inhibition (17.14%), and FRAP activity (2.68 µg GAE/mL), with a skin-compatible pH (4.80–5.50). The storage stability test conducted at 4°C for one week revealed visible phase separation in all samples, with samples B, D, and F (with ultrasonication) demonstrating comparatively less separation than their respective counterparts A, C, and E, (homogenization only) indicating enhanced emulsion stability under chilled conditions. Sensory evaluation identified Sample F as the most preferred, excelling in texture, spreadability, and absorption. This study underscores the significance of ultrasonication, surfactant synergy, and ingredient selection in developing sustainable, high-performance cosmeceutical formulations.
Assessing the Environmental Impact of Bubble Wrap: A Life Cycle Assessment using LCA FE Software
Packaging plays a key role in protecting goods, especially in e-commerce and logistics, where bubble wraps are valued for their lightweight and durable nature. However, its widespread use raises environmental concerns, including resource depletion and waste. This study explores the sustainability of remanufacturing secondary packaging, specifically bubble wrap, using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach via LCA for Experts (LCA FE) software. The assessment covers the full life cycle of single-layer LLDPE bubble wrap—from raw material extraction and manufacturing (extrusion, bubble formation, cooling, cutting) to end-of-life disposal. The LCA tracks energy use, materials, and environmental impacts to identify hotspots. Results show fossil resource depletion (ADP Fossil) is the dominant impact, accounting for 95.47%, mainly due to LLDPE production. Other notable impacts include global warming potential and freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, largely driven by manufacturing energy use, while transport and disposal have minor effects. The study highlights the need for more sustainable packaging through biodegradable materials, better recycling, and circular economy principles to reduce environmental impact.
Development of a Mobile Application for Building Maintenance by Implementing Augmented Reality Technology
Building maintenance procedures are currently inefficient, which emphasizes the need for more creative and efficient solutions. In order to improve maintenance operations, the present study aims to develop a functional testing of a mobile application that combines Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Augmented Reality (AR). The development process was tested using Autodesk Revit to produce 3D models that included comprehensive equipment and building material specifications. Subsequently, the AR component of the application was developed using Unity Hub in conjunction with the Vuforia Software Development Kit (SDK). Alpha and Beta testing were deployed and tested in Android devices comprising two key phases. The application showed 100% operational stability with all features functioning as intended throughout alpha testing, which comprised internal evaluations to confirm functionality, stability, and usability. The System Usability Scale (SUS), which consists of 10 Likert-scale questions assessing user confidence, ease of interaction, and perceived usefulness, was used in beta testing to gather end-user input. Beta testing confirmed the system’s effectiveness, with an average SUS score of 72.5 and 90% of users reporting that the application is easy to learn and use. The study demonstrates that integrating AR with BIM in a mobile application fundamentally enhances building maintenance by streamlining processes. This study offers a solid foundation for further research and development and shows how combining AR and BIM might enhance conventional building maintenance.
Characterization of Clays from Adamawa State, Nigeria, for 3D Printing Applications
The Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure availability and management of sustainable water and sanitation, and this is particularly poignant for rural communities that rely heavily on sources such as streams, rivers, hand dug wells and in rare cases boreholes. In Nigeria, only a fraction of the population use improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities. This makes access to safe and clean drinking-water in the rural areas of Nigeria practically impossible, leading to several health complications. This plays a significant role in diarrhoea related cases in Nigeria, in both adults and children. This research assessed the viability of locally sourced clay from Adamawa State as candidate material for 3D ceramic printed water filter. The assessment involves testing the physical, microstructural and mineralogical properties of the local materials obtained from different areas of the State. A prototype water filer was developed following geometric designs in Autodesk Fusion 360, and trial mix designs of composite materials using 3D printing extrusion process. The result indicates that the clays satisfied minimum plasticity requirements and exhibited satisfactory extrusion property. Heavy metals were not detected in all the clay materials, and composition displayed high amounts of silica and alumina content. The application of 3D printing technology will go a long way towards improving state-of-the-art and refinining the process as well as provide real time opportunity for correcting and editing flaws detected at each stage of prototype development as oppose to the traditional pottery process.
Rain Attenuation Characteristics for Earth-Space Communication in parts of Northeast and Southwest Nigeria
The characteristics of rain attenuation for earth-space communication in three Northeast States (Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba) and three Southwest States (Lagos, Oyo and Ogun) of Nigeria are presented in this paper. 33 years rainfall data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) was utilised. Chebil rain rate model was used to compute the point rainfall rate, while the ITU-R P.618-12 model was used to compute the rain attenuation for the six locations. The point rainfall rate computed in the Northeast ranged between 90.34 mm/h and 96.2 mm/h, while higher rainfall rates that ranged between 99.7 mm/h and 108.2 mm/h were recorded in the Southwest. Elevation angles of 23°, 42.5° and 55° were considered. The computed rain attenuation for the Northeast States ranged between 10.22 dB and 37.14 dB, while that of the Southwest States ranged between 10.60 dB and 41.00 dB for time percentage exceedance of 0.01 at Ku-band. From the values of the rain attenuation predicted, availability of signal is possible at 42.5° and 55° elevation angles but impossible at 23° elevation angle.
Replacement of Sisal Fiber with Jute Fiber in the Production of Plaster of Paris (POP) Ceiling Boards
Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling boards production is reported to be too expensive, this hinder affordability especially to low-income earners in Nigeria. It high cost is attributed to importation of its constituent materials (Gypsum cement and Sisal fiber). This study assessed the performance of jute fiber as compare to sisal fiber in POP ceiling production. Sisal fiber is imported and sold at exorbitant price within the country. The materials used in this study includes gypsum cement, sisal and jute fibers. The jute fiber was obtained from jute stalks bought from Girei market in Girei LGA Adamawa State, Nigeria. These stalks were retted using tank retting method, and fibers obtained were chemically modified. Specimens were prepared and tested using standard methods outlined in ASTM C 473 – 07 (2009). Flexural strength, nail pull resistance and water absorption of the specimens were determined. Use of jute fiber as reinforcement in POP ceiling boards was found to enhance flexural strength and nail-pull resistance by 4% and 3% respectively. The water absorption of sisal and jute fibers specimens are 6% and 7% which are all within ASTM C1396M-11 (2004) specified maximum limit. Hence jute fiber is considered a suitable alternative to sisal fiber in POP ceiling production Nigeria.
Head Anthropometric of Malaysian Male Adults Using 3D Scanning
Safety helmets are essential for protecting individuals in high-risk industries such as construction, sports, and manufacturing, where head injuries are common. Despite their importance, poor helmet fit is widespread, primarily due to a lack of consideration for anthropometric diversity, which reduces their effectiveness and compromises safety. Anthropometry, the study of human body measurements, played a critical role in this research. Current helmet designs are predominantly based on Western anthropometric data, which fail to accommodate the unique head shapes of Malaysians. To bridge this gap, the study involved 3D scans of 100 Malaysian male participants at UTHM, capturing key anthropometric dimensions such as head circumference, width, and length. These measurements were taken with and without helmets to thoroughly analyze fit discrepancies. The findings highlighted significant anthropometric variations within the population, revealing that many existing helmets did not provide a proper fit. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating localized anthropometric data in helmet design, offering a solution that improves comfort, enhances safety, and reduces the likelihood of head injuries.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Advanced Industrial Technology and Application https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
MXene-Based Photothermal Fabrics Via Dip-Coating for Solar-Driven Evaporation Of Seawater
Solar-driven interface evaporation (SDIE) is a promising and sustainable seawater desalination approach that can perform long-term application. Unlike conventional desalination method, which does not support in off grid area, SDIE offers a viable solution because of its reliance on solar energy and its simple setup. In this work, a MXene/Polypyrrole (PPy) cotton-based fabric was prepared via a dip-coating method to serve as the SDIE system's solar absorber. The MXene and PPy modification endows the fabric with excellent photothermal ability. The optimal MXene/PPy fabric was determined based on two factors (volume of MXene and PPy) and two responses (surface temperature and coating stability). The optimized MXene/PPY fabric, containing 3 ml of MXene and 100 µl of pyrrole, demonstrated minimal coating leaching of 0.026 grams with the ability to provide surface temperature of 64°C. Outdoor performance testing under sunny day showed an average evaporation rate of 0.041 L/m²·h with low conductivity of 0.347 µS/cm, indicating its effectiveness in desalination applications
Machine Learning Applications in Structural Engineering: Prediction Models for Moment-Rotation Characteristics in Boltless Steel Connections
This article presents a study on the application of machine learning for predicting the moment-rotation behavior of boltless steel connections commonly used in pallet rack structures. Through extensive experimental data collection, Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Deep Learning (DL) models were developed to serve as predictive tools for these connections. The analysis demonstrates that these models enable engineers to accurately forecast structural characteristics, optimize boltless connection designs, and enhance the stability and functionality of pallet rack systems. The generalized model framework established here offers a robust foundation for future studies and design improvements, with SVM achieving the highest predictive accuracy among the models tested.
Characterization Of Nano-Silica Material as An Insulating Brick for Enhancing Thermal Comfort in Buildings
The study investigates the application of nano-silica as a thermal insulating material in brick construction, aiming to improve building thermal comfort. Nano-silica, recognized for its thermal resistance and mechanical stability, was incorporated in varying proportions into cement bricks to evaluate its influence on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting bricks. A total of 60 samples were prepared and subjected to water absorption, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity tests. The results indicate a positive correlation between nano-silica content and improved thermal insulation, though excessive nano-silica led to a decrease in compressive strength due to particle agglomeration. The optimal nano-silica content, 5%, provided a balance, enhancing thermal insulation without compromising structural integrity. The findings suggest that nano-silica bricks offer potential as a sustainable construction material, aligning with energy efficiency goals in building design. Further research is recommended to optimize nano-silica content for practical applications in varied climatic conditions.
Taguchi-Grey Optimisation of TIG Welding Parameters and Its Impact on the Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Steel
Welding, albeit tungsten inert gas welding; is a unique and widely adopted joining process especially for austenitic stainless steel arising from its advantages over other welding process. However very often, mechanical properties and weld quality could be deteriorated if the weld parameters are not controlled during a welding operation. Selecting the appropriate process parameters for welding operations is crucial for forming weld microstructures with excellent mechanical properties, thereby enhancing weldment performance during service. Thus in this study, the integrated Taguchi-Grey optimisation technique has been adopted in the optimisation of welding parameters. The Taguchi L27 orthogonal array design of experiment consisting of three levels of four factors of current, voltage, speed and gas flowrate was deployed for the determination of multi performance index for the output parameters of tensile strength and microhardness. The results obtained, after a confirmatory test to validate the predictive model indicates that there was an improvement from 0.0409 to 0.495 in MRPI, for the optimal parameters setting of current at 95 A, speed at 0.7 mm/s, voltage at 25 V and gas flow rate at 20 L/min respectively. This study could influence industrial practices by improving weld quality, reducing material wastage, and enhancing process efficiency. For example, optimizing welding parameters can minimise defects in aerospace applications or lead to stronger, lighter components in automotive manufacturing, improving both safety and performance. Potential cost savings could also be achieved from optimised parameter selection and reduced trial and-error approaches in industrial applications. This methodology can also be adapted to other materials or welding techniques like friction stir welding or laser welding.
Using Ansys Fluent to Study Flow Characteristics and Heat Transfer Enhancement by Inserting Different Sizes of Dimple in Three-Dimensional Horizontal Single Pipe Heat Exchanger
In many engineering applications, the relevance of heat transfer improvement has grown, and a lot of work has gone into using various ways to enhance the hydraulic thermal performance of fluids running through pipes. This study uses numerical analysis to examine the thermal performance of turbulent flow properties and heat transfer under a uniform 30000 W/m2 heat flux in dimpled pipes. For several designs of dimpled pipes, the friction factor, heat transfer rate, and performance assessment criterion were calculated and compared with smooth pipes. The examples under consideration are within the range of 8000 to 14,000 Reynolds numbers. For this, the ANSYS Fluent 2023 R2 is employed. The governing flow equations are modeled using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS). To simulate turbulent flow next to the inner wall surface, the realizable k-ε turbulence model is applied with increased wall conditions. The results of the current study showed the presence of dimples on the surface of the pipe significantly enhances the rate of heat transfer represented by the Nusselt number compared to the normal smooth pipe. Also, the analyzed models indicated by the results of the numerical investigation have high average Nusselt counts, low pressure, overall performance criterion, and low average thermal resistance due to the increase in the Reynolds number. The dimpled pipe with different radii (2,3, and 4 mm) has an increased percentage of enhanced heat transfer (79.91, 86.77, and 94.47%) compared to the smooth pipe.
Cost Optimization of Formwork Using Value Engineering Techniques in Building Projects
Formwork is a temporary mold for concrete that shapes the concrete during the casting process until it reaches the desired strength according to standards. Besides considering the strength and ease of use, it is also important to consider the cost of formwork to be more economical. This study analyzes costs using value engineering techniques, where this analysis investigates project issues in a structured and systematic manner by eliminating unnecessary costs without compromising the project's performance, aesthetics, and reliability. The results of the structural analysis comparison between conventional formwork and the full system, initially using conventional formwork, are processed using the full system alternative. This alternative was tested on column, beam, and floor slab formwork. Therefore, it is recommended for this project to replace the column, beam, and floor slab formwork because the costs are quite high. In this analysis, savings were achieved by using the full system formwork, which saved 72% on beam formwork, 64% on column formwork, and 73% on floor slab formwork per square meter.
Design Alternatives Selection for Cost and Time Efficiency Using Value Engineering Method: Case Study of Ramp 5 Wringinanom Junction Krian – Gresik Toll Road
The Surabaya Raya toll network encompasses two critical sections connected by the Wringinanom Junction and links the Trans Java Toll Road Surabaya – Mojokerto at KM 723 with the Krian – Gresik Toll Road at KM 3+300 in Wringinanom District, Gresik Regency. This junction includes four ramps to facilitate connectivity, with Ramp 5 intersecting the Surabaya – Mojokerto Toll Road Rest Area at KM 725A and serves traffic from Gresik to Surabaya. This intersection necessitates a design adjustment to enhance traffic flow and safety. This study aims to analyse feasible design alternatives for Ramp 5 by comparing their time and cost efficiency, examining potential construction delays, and determining the most efficient option. The value engineering process comprised information gathering, creative ideation, analysis using the paired comparison method, and recommendation. In the creative phase, three design alternatives were proposed. The paired comparison analysis revealed that the third design alternative that features the tunnel construction under the rest area, is the most efficient, with an estimated cost of IDR 126,236,641,897.46, a duration of 98 days, and a more practical construction aspect. Consequently, the third design alternative was recommended for implementation in this study.
Enhanced Wireless Control of Anti-Theft Solar Photovoltaic Modules Using Tree Topology
The increase in the market value of photovoltaic modules resulted in a growing number of solar panel thefts, causing tremendous losses to the owner of the solar farm. As a result, huge investments are needed to secure these solar panels. The current solution of using CCTV cameras and sensors requires high computational power, is expensive, and requires personnel to monitor it. This paper proposes an energy-efficient and cost-effective wireless encryption anti-theft solar photovoltaic system utilizing a radio frequency transceiver and a tree topology. The tree topology overcomes the limitation of a radio frequency transceiver by allowing a higher number of transmissions to be done simultaneously. A gyroscope module is used to detect theft by reading the rotational speed of the solar panel. Using the tree topology, the child node can transmit an error signal to the master node before calling the owner. The master node of the solar farm is responsible for transmitting a password to every child node to decrypt the circuit. If one of the solar panels is stolen, the circuit of the stolen panel will be encrypted if the password is not received within three minutes. A lithium-ion battery and a battery charger module are installed for energy storage to allow the system to operate in the absence of sunlight. The proposed system yielded a 39.3% reduction in power consumption and is a promising method for large-scale implementation in solar farms.
Wireless, photovoltaic, anti-theft, solar farm, encryption system
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Development of Eggshell Powder Potential in Claypot for Water Filtration Process for Rural Dwellers in Nigeria
Access to safe and clean drinking-water in the rural areas of Nigeria is practically impossible, because they are limited to such sources as streams, rivers, hand dug wells and rare cases boreholes which are poorly managed, leading to several health complications. Contaminated water contributes largely to the number of reported health related issues in rural communities of developing countries. Consumption of water contaminated by disease-causing pathogens can cause health problems such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and skin diseases. This project attempts to provide a low-cost and environmentally friendly efficient method of water filtration process using clay minerals reinforced with a filter material - eggshell. This was achieved through the characterization of the clay and eggshell materials, the preparation of the clay – eggshell blend mix at 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 and the construction of prototype clay – eggshell blend pot. The use of clay and eggshell as the adsorption materials offer great advantages, because it is readily available, cheap and practicable.
Clay – eggshell blend, Clay pots, Safe drinking water, UN SDG Goals, Disease-causing pathogens, Water filtration process.
Design and Evaluation of a Simplified Rolling Mill with Simple Drive Mechanism
<a href="https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/jaita/Rolling milling have become a potential paradigm for changing the inherent workability and microstructural evolution of materials. A rolling mill design is a difficult undertaking that calls for both a solid process understanding and the capacity to make sound decisions in order to balance a number of competing objectives. A medium rolling mill in this research is built to satisfy particular metallurgical specifications for the goods being worked on. Consequently, the design takes into account the machine's rolling force, rolling speed, torque, and power needs. To evaluate the performance of the designed rolling mill, test evaluations were conducted using an Al-6061 alloy with width and thickness of 500 mm and 95 mm, respectively. It was found that the medium rolling mill torque and force were 1670.22 Nm and 422536.98 N. Furthermore, a rolling power of 7 hp and a solid roll shaft diameter of 80 mm were determined. After rolling, the final thickness was between 102.11 and 102.13 mm. Likewise, the actual draft varied from 7.11 to 7.13 mm. Also, 500 mm, 7.118 mm, 88.975%, 95 mm, and 102.118 mm, respectively, are the average width, average actual draft, average efficiency, average original thickness, and average final thickness of Al-6061 alloy. The Al-6061 alloy's final thickness of 102.118 mm and its obtained efficiency of 88.975% show how well the medium rolling mill performs.">Rolling milling have become a potential paradigm for changing the inherent workability and microstructural evolution of materials. A rolling mill design is a difficult undertaking that calls for both a solid process understanding and the capacity to make sound decisions in order to balance a number of competing objectives. A medium rolling mill in this research is built to satisfy particular metallurgical specifications for the goods being worked on. Consequently, the design takes into account the machine's rolling force, rolling speed, torque, and power needs. To evaluate the performance of the designed rolling mill, test evaluations were conducted using an Al-6061 alloy with width and thickness of 500 mm and 95 mm, respectively. It was found that the medium rolling mill torque and force were 1670.22 Nm and 422536.98 N. Furthermore, a rolling power of 7 hp and a solid roll shaft diameter of 80 mm were determined. After rolling, the final thickness was between 102.11 and 102.13 mm. Likewise, the actual draft varied from 7.11 to 7.13 mm. Also, 500 mm, 7.118 mm, 88.975%, 95 mm, and 102.118 mm, respectively, are the average width, average actual draft, average efficiency, average original thickness, and average final thickness of Al-6061 alloy. The Al-6061 alloy's final thickness of 102.118 mm and its obtained efficiency of 88.975% show how well the medium rolling mill performs.
Compressive Strength of Paver Block Using Rubber Tyre Waste and Bamboo Fibre Under Extreme Conditions
The utilisation of by-products in paver block production has gained significant attention due to its potential in environmental condition. This research investigates the effect of incorporating rubber tyre waste and bamboo fibre into the fabrication of paver block on compressive strength, water absorption, density and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests. This research comprises two batches of paver blocks fabrications following a 1:2:3 ratio (cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate). Batch 1 involves the fabrication of paver blocks by incorporating varying percentages of rubber tyre waste (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%), which replace a portion of the sand (referred to as rubber paver block). In Batch 2, various dosages of bamboo fibre, used as a reinforcement material were added to the paver block containing 40% rubber tyre waste, which are referred to as rubber-bamboo fibre paver blocks. Nevertheless, the compressive strength of the rubber-bamboo fibre paver blocks was further examined under two simulated environmental conditions: (1) air and dry cycle, and (2) wet and dry conditions. These conditions aim to assess the block’s resistance to temperature fluctuations, moisture effects, and their overall durability. The strength of the paver blocks decreases with the additional inclusion of rubber tyre waste. While the utilisation of 0.3% bamboo fibre has shown improvement in its strength performance compared to 0.2% and 0.4%. It suitable to used for non-loading structural applications that require strength below 25 kPa. This study was able to promote sustainable and green construction materials for paving applications through the efficient recycling of waste materials. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).