This paper studies the effects of plate stiffeners on the ultimate load of square concrete-filled double-skin tubular (CFDST) short columns under axial compression. The study determines and compares the load-bearing capacity of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) short column, CFDST short column and CFDST short columns with plate stiffeners. To achieve these objectives, the researchers performed experimental tests on six composite column specimens: one CFST short column, one CFDST short column and four CFDST short columns with plate stiffeners. The stiffeners are welded to the inner surface of the external tube through pre-drilled holes systematically spaced at four spacings of 10t, 20t, 30t, and 40t, with t represents the external tube thickness. The test results show that the internal steel tubes increased the ultimate strength of the CFDST short columns by approximately 11% compared with the CFST short columns. The CFDST short column with plate stiffeners showed a significant strength improvement of 33% – 42% relative to the CFDST short column. The ultimate strength of CFDST short columns with plate stiffeners increased with smaller intermittent weld spacing of plate stiffeners. Finally, this study proposes a design model that can accurately predict the ultimate strength of CFDST short columns with plate stiffeners with a predicted to experimental strength ratio of 1.02.

Keywords : Concrete-filled double-skin tubular column; internal stiffener; intermittent welding spacing; axial compression; deformation.

Catchment area delineation is fundamental for hydrological modeling and research pursuits. Traditionally, delineating catchment areas entailed manual demarcation on topographical maps, a laborious task requiring skilled personnel. However, with the advent of Geographical Information System (GIS)-based software, this process has evolved, leveraging Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data for enhanced efficiency. Despite this advancement, selecting an optimal DEM remains pivotal, balancing quality with cost, given the substantial resources and approvals often necessary for high-quality DEM acquisition. This study, utilizing ArcGIS software, aimed to compare catchment area delineations derived from three distinct DEMs: Contour-based DEM, SRTM DEM, and IFSAR DEM across multiple locations. Using IFSAR DEM as the benchmark, this study demonstrate that both Contour-based DEM and SRTM DEM offer viable alternatives, exhibiting less than a 3.5% variance in delineated catchment area across all locations. Notably, SRTM DEM outperformed Contour-based DEM, boasting higher accuracy as evidenced by lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values. Furthermore, this study elucidated the influence of geological and topographical factors on DEM accuracy in catchment area determination. This comprehensive understanding underscores the significance of selecting the most suitable DEM, considering factors such as cost, accuracy, and availability for future research. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers, aiding in the judicious selection of DEMs tailored to specific research requirements, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of hydrological investigations.

Keywords: DEM; GIS; Watershed delineation; Automatic delineation

Recycled fibers often demonstrate diminished conformability and inter-fiber bonding capabilities in comparison to virgin fibers due to hornification. However, the untapped potential of recycled pulp can be restored through various techniques, such as mechanical beating, additive utilization, physical fractionation, and blending. This research focuses specifically on the blending method, which utilizes oil palm frond fibers to augment the strength of paper produced from recycled pulp. Despite the extensive cultivation of oil palm trees in Malaysia, the utilization of oil palm fiber remains limited and is frequently considered waste material. Two distinct chemical pulping methods, namely sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite, were employed to generate pulp from oil palm frond fibers, incorporating anthraquinone as an additive to enhance pulping efficiency. Three different weight percentages of fiber loading (25%, 45%, or 65%) were utilized, with the remaining content supplemented with newspaper pulp. The resultant paper was assessed for tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and its morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The findings indicate that the sulphite-soda anthraquinone treatment resulted in superior pulp for paper production, and a weight percentage of 45% fiber loading exhibited the highest tensile strength, thus yielding the highest quality paper. Overall, this study underscores the potential of integrating oil palm frond fibers into the pulp and papermaking process, thereby contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Recycled fibres; Oil palm frond fibre; Economic sustainability; Environmental sustainability; Pulp and papermaking

The onset of the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) in Malaysia, as defined by The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), relies on the sustained easterly wind component for at least seven days, with at least one day featuring a speed greater than 5 knots (2.5m/s). While meteorological parameters have historically been crucial in predicting these kinds of events, new research, like that carried out in Kerala, India, has demonstrated the potential to use nontraditional indicators, such as the concentration of the cosmogenic radionuclide Beryllium-7 (7Be) in the north and south hemispheres for monsoon prediction. This article zooms in on a fundamental aspect of monsoon forecasting: raw data preprocessing. It looks into using R statistical tools to refine and recalibrate datasets using this recently introduced parameter, 7Be, for NEM forecasting focusing on Malaysia. By meticulously adjusting and cleansing raw data, this preprocessing stage aims to align the data with the specific requirements of NEM prediction models, thus enhancing their accuracy and reliability. The significance of robust data preprocessing cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of NEM forecasting, where the accuracy of predictions holds profound implications for various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure planning. Potential biases, anomalies, and inconsistencies in the data can be eliminated with careful preparation, resulting in more reliable projections and well-informed decision-making. As such, this article underscores the critical role of data preprocessing in laying the groundwork for reliable and actionable NEM forecasts, ultimately contributing to the resilience and adaptability of Malaysia’s socio-economic landscape.

Keywords: Data preprocessing; R statistical software; Beryllium-7

Vehicles with a lifespan exceeding 10-15 years are classified as End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV). Since widespread use of ELV could potentially pollute the environment, it is essential to formulate an ELV management framework to deal with this issue. This study aims to understand the laws related to ELV, study its implementation in other countries and measure public opinion concerning implementing ELV recycling in Malaysia. Therefore, the study surveyed 200 respondents and analysed the data using the Statistical Package Software for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results showed that the employment sector and estimated income significantly influenced knowledge of solid waste management and end-of-life vehicles, community readiness and community attitude, with a value of 0.001 (less than 0.005). The results revealed that most respondents (68.5%) agreed with the ideas concerning ELV, while 31.5% disagreed. The researcher concludes the study with recommendations to the relevant parties, including the government, to improve the final vehicle policy life before its full implementation.

Keywords: Vehicle recycling; vehicle recovery; end-life-vehicle

Efficient management of food stored in conventional refrigerators poses notable challenges, primarily due to the lack of advanced features required for inventory tracking. The absence of timely alerts further complicates users’ efforts to monitor their food supplies, resulting in understocking, overbuying, spoilage, and wastage. To tackle these challenges, this work proposes a computer vision-based approach to track food items, implementing an intelligent inventory management system for IoT refrigerators. The goal is to reduce food wastage and enhance foodstocking efficiency. A YOLOv4 object detection model was trained on a custom dataset featuring common food items in Malaysian households. The model achieved a 0.8041 average loss, 100% mAP, and 86% average IoU during training. The trained model was subsequently deployed on a low-power single-board computer, implementing an autonomous and real-time inventory tracking system for IoT refrigerators. The system exhibited 93% accuracy, and macroaverage scores of 0.94 for precision, 0.93 for true positive rate (TPR), 0.01 for false positive rate (FPR), 0.93 for F1 score, and 0.99 for true negative rate (TNR). Crucially, the system recognized low-stock events and sent alerts to users through the Telegram instant messaging platform, facilitating just-in-time restocking. This intelligent inventory management system offers a practical solution to address the limitations of conventional refrigeration systems and represents a transformative step towards sustainable food consumption.

Keywords: Deep learning; embedded systems; Internet-of-Things; inventory management; object detection.

This paper presents the development of a plasma probe platform designed for in-situ measurements, complemented by a real-time communication system. The primary objective is to establish an integrated system that seamlessly merges a plasma probe platform with a dependable and efficient real-time communication infrastructure. The platform is equipped with a diverse array of sensors, including those for temperature, magnetic field, acceleration, camera imaging, pressure, and GPS positioning. This comprehensive sensor suite enhances our comprehension of the intricate relationship between in-situ plasma probe measurements and various environmental parameters. The real-time communication system plays a pivotal role in ensuring continuous and uninterrupted data transmission between the platform and the ground station operator throughout the data collection process. This enables valuable real-time access to the gathered data, facilitating immediate analysis and decision-making. Moreover, the real-time communication system serves as a fail-safe mechanism in case of recovery failure, guaranteeing that data can still be transmitted and monitored even if the platform encounters difficulties during retrieval. By adopting this integrated approach, researchers gain the capability to monitor, analyze, and derive insights from the collected data in real-time, even under challenging recovery scenarios. The development of this advanced plasma probe platform, coupled with the effective real-time communication system, significantly enhances our capacity to investigate plasma phenomena. These advancements hold substantial implications for space exploration, atmospheric research, and a wide range of scientific endeavors, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in our understanding of complex physical phenomena.

Keywords: Mesosphere; ionosphere; plasma; in-situ measurement; plasma probe

Paper pressboard is one of the main insulating elements that need to be investigated in order to identify the life span of high voltage transformer. In actual condition, the pressboard insulation is sealed in an enclosed metal container and immersed in transformer oil. Over the time, the pressboard insulation will degrade its performance and some part of pressboard polymeric compounds disbursed into its surrounding oil and some parts of oil compounds absorbed into the pressboard. This phenomenon can be analyzed and measured with its degree of polymerization (DP). Where DP is a measure of the chain length of the cellulose macromolecules, and is correlated to the mechanical strength of the paper and also can be correlated to transformer aging assessment. Based on reviews and reports, heat was believed to be the main cause of pressboard degradation in high voltage transformer. The correlation of heat and DP is difficult to obtain while a transformer is under commissioning, as this would need for the transformer to fully dismantle and extract the pressboard at the point of interest; as this is impossible at any circumstances, unless the transformer has undergone forensic investigation if total failure occurred. Therefore, this paper is presenting a technique under accelerated heating process in order to investigate the correlation of degraded paper pressboard and heated transformer oil under an influenced of controlled heat. A newly pressboard paper insulation was cut into pieces and undergone heating process immersed in transformer oil with predetermined heating hours. The pressboard and oil specimens were then put under difference tests, namely DP, furan compound, oil colour, neutralization value and water saturation. The results show good flag above the average until 288 hours heating process with reducing DP value. This give an indication that the heating element was certainly the main parameter of aging process based on the correlation of test parameter versus aging time.

Keywords : Accelerated aging process; pressboard insulation; high voltage transformer

When subjected to solar irradiance, the upsurge in photovoltaic (PV) module temperature has constrained the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) technology’s ability to generate electrical power, thereby affecting its overall PVT efficiency. Jet impingement has proven to be a viable method in improving a PVT collector’s efficiency. This research functions as an extension to the existing established reversed circular flow jet impingement (RCFJI) PVT collector. The present study performed an in-house study to investigate the energy and exergy characteristics of the RCFJI PVT collector outlet configuration. The RCFJI outlet hole was configured into five distinct design settings: one hole (1h), two holes (2h), three holes (3h), four holes (4h), and five holes (5h). The experiment was executed with a uniform irradiance level of 900 W/m2 and flow rate varying from 0.01-0.14 kg/s. As a result, the peak photovoltaic and thermal efficiency achieved using the 1h configuration was 11.09% and 63.2% at 0.14 kg/s. Particularly, the 1h configuration yielded an overall PVT efficiency of 72.35%. The study noted that the optimal flow rate was 0.06 kg/s, leading to the highest exergy of 12.32%. In a nutshell, increasing the RCFJI outlet numbers does not favourably impact the energy efficiency of the RCFJI PVT collector. The significance of this study contributes to the understanding of outlet configuration effects on the RCFJI performance.

Keywords: Jet impingement; photovoltaic thermal; energy analysis; exergy analysis; solar collector

Aerosols are small particles suspended in the air that can facilitate the spread of viruses, particularly during dental procedures that produce aerosols. Despite the implementation of protective equipment, the possibility of infection remains. Hence, this study emphasizes the importance of characterizing the design of equipment that can contain the spread of aerosols during treatment. This study comprised of interviews to gather feedback from the dental team regarding the appropriateness of aerosol shields. The effectiveness of three aerosol protective device designs, Protectors A, B, and C, in preventing the spread of aerosols was evaluated through simulation using Autodesk Inventor and ANSYS Workbench software. The study›s findings indicate that all three aerosol designs exhibit a high level of efficacy in preventing the dispersion of aerosols. The difference of the random value of liquid dispersion velocity is around 0.27% to 0.54% based on the simulation results. This study also highlights the importance of ergonomic considerations, with the designs of Protector C devices demonstrating effective implementation of features in this aspect. Overall, aerosol protective devices effectively reduce the transmission of aerosols to dental team members and can also be utilized in many medical disciplines to restrict the dispersion of aerosols during treatment.

Keywords: Protective device; aerosol; simulation; dentistry; virus

In the evolving landscape of 5G networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) communication has emerged as a significant technology to offload traffic, enhance user experience, and expand network coverage. While D2D promises seamless connectivity, efficient relay selection remains a challenge, particularly in dynamic communication environments. This paper introduces an intelligent relay selection mechanism that leverages machine learning, specifically Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) with Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) approach, to optimize D2D communication in 5G networks. By integrating a threshold-based relay selection and combining with the predictive capabilities of ANN, we aim to improve overall network coverage. Our method dynamically adjusts selection criteria based on real-time network conditions, ensuring optimal relay selection and minimizing communication breakdowns. Initial simulation results reveal that our approach exceeds traditional techniques, showcasing significant improvements in the coverage area, data output, and reduced inactivity. This research shows the way for a more adaptive, intelligent and efficient D2D communication framework in 5G systems.

Keywords: 5G Communication Network; Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication; Intelligent Relay; Cooperative Communication, Relay Selection; Coverage Expansion; Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)

Stuttering (or stammering) is a common speech disorder that may continue until adulthood, if not treated in its early stages. In this study, we suggested an efficient algorithm to perform stammering corrections (anti-stammering). This algorithm includes an effective feature extraction approach and an adapted classifier. We introduced Enhanced 1D Local Binary Patterns (EOLBP) for the extraction of features and adapted a classifier of Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network for regression. This paper uses a database that involves speech signals with stammering, it can be called the Fluency Bank (FB). The result reveals that the proposed anti-stammering algorithm obtains promising achievement, where a high accuracy of 97.22% is attained.

Keywords: Feature Extraction; Machine Learning; Regression Neural Network; Stammering; Stuttering

Rating consumer credit risk involves assessing credit application risks. Thus, every business must appropriately identify debtors and non-debtors. This study uses machine learning approaches to simulate consumer credit risk and compares the results to the logistic model, determining if machine learning improves client default ratings. The study examines how customer attributes affect virtual experiences. Despite advances in machine learning models for credit assessment, unbalanced datasets and some algorithms’ failure to explain forecasts remain major issues. This study used 2005 Taiwanese credit card consumers’ education, age, marital status, payment history, and sex. The default experience is modeled using Logistic Regression, K neighbors, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Ada Boost Classifier, and Gradient Boosting. The models’ Accuracy, precision, recall, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and precision-recall curve were evaluated. Random Forest’s 97% ROC metric rating outperformed all other accuracy metrics. The logistic model underperformed, while machine learning improved the default categorization.

Keywords: Concrete; high quality; styrofoam

The compact Multi-Port Power Divider is presented based on the microstrip patch resonator. To explicate its mode of operation, the resonant property of the circular microstrip antenna is illustrated for multi-port power divider operation. This MPPD is constructed with two aligned patch resonators with a meta surface to control the radiation parameters. In this paper, the functional description of the power divider along with the meta surface can be exemplified by the field distributions of the resonating ports. The FR4 epoxy substrate material, with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and a thickness of 1.6, is used for the antenna to operate at a 2.4 GHz resonating frequency, with an antenna size of 0.4 λ0 ×0.48 λ0 ×0.128 λ0 , also having a bandwidth of 2.2GHz to 2.6GHz with a gain of 5dBi, along with an axial ratio below 3dB at the reflection coefficient of -40dB. The presence of meta surface in microstrip antenna increases the bandwidth and valued gain at certain extent, it further improves the functionality of the overall system. The performance of the proposed antenna was analyzed with the E and H planes of the radiation pattern, with improved gain obtained in the presence of a meta surface-based microstrip antenna. The meta surface appeared in the form of a mesh type of structure, fed by a microstrip antenna revealing a good agreement with the simulated one. The measured result shows that the proposed antenna has the perfect axial ratio along with a 10dB impedance bandwidth achieved with a valued gain of 5to 11dBi.

Keywords: MPPD; MSA; resonance; power distribution; wideband

This paper designs a framework for an iris recognition system to obtain significant information by encryption and decryption using iris recognition system to improve the security level of stored extended data. Iris feature to confirm the character of an individual person to grant access to the information document. The strategy is extracted using 1D filter Log-Gabor which has high decidability and minimum variance between (inter & intra) class. In this paper, the 1D filter Log-Gabor was applied, the results are based on FAR and FRR, as feature selection models with SVM type nonlinear quadratic as classifiers CASIA datasets were used. The iris image captured by a high-resolution webcam is used to enter a record that identifies the eligible individual as the beneficiary. The prepared image is matched with the registered iris in the dataset and only if a match is found, it is included in the file. It adds to the assortment of information by providing evidence of the usefulness of the iris in verifying the person, it shows that the iris is very reliable. Segmentation specific area only clarifies the exhibit of this exploration work novel strategy among iris segmentation procedures, all together in restricting the pupil before limiting the iris.

Keywords: Iris recognition; SVM; 1D filter Log-Gabor; FAR and FRR

Chest X-rays are widely used as a diagnostic tool to detect respiratory diseases. The complexity of the texture and structures shown in the resulting images can make their interpretation difficult. A more accurate interpretation would help diagnose respiratory diseases earlier, resulting in more effective and timely treatment. In this research, the author proposes a new method for detecting abnormalities in chest X-ray images using Gabor filters and artificial intelligence (AI). Gabor filters are a type of filter that can be used to extract texture features from images. These features can then be used to train a deep neural network (DNN) to detect abnormalities in chest X-rays. The method demonstrates the effectiveness of its approach on a dataset of chest X-rays from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chest X-ray Dataset. The method achieved an accuracy of 79% in detecting abnormalities, suggesting that this novel method has the potential to help detect respiratory diseases early and, ultimately, improve the lives of the millions afflicted by such diseases.

Keywords: Chest x-ray; deep learning; Gabor filters; image processing; machine learning

In this paper, a novel approach called ripple hysteresis controller (RHC) is proposed. Previously current signal and hysteresis band are controlled independently in the hysteresis conventional controller (HCC). However, the HCC are unable to achieve a stable current frequency due to the current signal inside the hysteresis band is less immune to disturbance and fluctuates when external signals interfere with it. To solve the problem of HCC inability to effectively control the frequency and phase of the current signal, the RHC is introduced. It is based on a novel double closed-loop control model. Firstly, a closed-loop control is carried out to compare and evaluate the frequency variation and phase synchronization of the magnetizing current. Secondly, the closed-loop control is utilised to control the hysteresis controller band. The new RHC approach is demonstrated using the MATLAB Simulink tool to substantially reduce the output ripple error of current and voltage as well as to enhance the transition accuracy at zero crossing in comparison to the HCC. This study focuses on the mathematical foundations of RHC, simulation design and result analysis. The results of the simulation illustrate the effectiveness of this innovative RHC in overcoming varying frequency and phase. In conclusion, this novel method has successfully validated the proposed RHC performance for flyback inverter application and demonstrated its superiority over HCC in several aspects.

Keywords: Hysteresis controller; ripple; flyback circuit; phase synchronization; magnetizing current

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a popular 3D printing technique that uses thermoplastic polymer materials to produce various objects with high efficiency. The quality of 3D printing in additive manufacturing is affected by several parameters that require adjustment to achieve optimal results, including printing temperature and print height. However, polyamide materials printed using the FDM method often have defects that affect the printing accuracy and mechanical properties of the printed product. The influence of print orientation (0°, 45°, 90°) polyamide printed using FDM technique is seen to be able to overcome this problem. Therefore, the bending test at 0° orientation recorded the highest values compared to orientations at 45° (9 %) and 90° (211 %). In addition, the shear test for the 0° orientation showed the highest shear strength of 17.57 MPa over the 45° and 90° orientation by 1.2 and 2.5 times. The same situation was shown by the tensile test, when the ultimate tensile strength was higher (24.53 MPa) and the strain increased significantly at break (319 %) for the 0° orientation seam while, the compression test recorded a value of 29 MPa. It can be concluded that at the orientation of 0° the performance of the mechanical properties is excellent compared to the orientation at 45° and 90°.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM); polyamide (PA); orientation; mechanical properties

The remanufacturing process for used automotive components faces challenges in gaining consumer confidence in using remanufactured components. Performance upgrade of end-of-life components is a strategy for extending the life cycle to enhance the remanufacturability value of components to be reused in subsequent life cycles. However, detailed consideration and assessment are required to ensure that the performance upgrade can be implemented according to the requirements and safety limits of the vehicle operating system. The main objective of this study is to develop a decision-making model for selecting alternative brake caliper upgrading considering several criteria, namely the difficulty level of upgrading, cost, upgraded performance level, and post-upgrade durability level. Fuzzy logic model is used to fulfill this objective, where criteria evaluation and alternative selection can be accomplished with more accurate and subsequently, the weighted average method was used to identify the ranking of the alternatives involved. The study results indicate the priority of the selected alternative with the ranking of alternative attained based on the fuzzy logic model which are the first rank is Alternative 3 (0.86), second is Alternative 2 (0.63) and lastly, Alternative 1 (0.30). Overall, this study can support qualitative multi-criteria assessment for decision-making process through the development of the fuzzy logic model.

Keywords: Performance upgrade; fuzzy logic; remanufacturing; brake caliper

Sustainable development in the construction sector should be a participant in utilising the waste materials for the betterment of the industry. Turning waste materials into some application can contribute to the attainment and greening of the planet. In addition, research needs to be carried out to encourage the waste materials into useful building materials and economic. An idea of practicing environmental awareness should be adopted as opposed to simply considering the rapid development as the whole project objective. Inclusion of natural fibres in bricks has been proved to enhance strength development. This study investigates the pineapple fibres inclusion on the mechanical properties of masonry bricks. Experiments were conducted on masonry bricks with pineapple fibre percentage of 0, 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% to determine the compressive strength and water absorption of the bricks according to ASTM C67-17 Standard (2017). It was found that by incorporating an 0.5% of pineapple fibres into masonry bricks, the strength properties of the bricks were significantly improved. As a result, this research paper recommends using 0.5% of pineapple f ibre as an optimal fibre content in masonry bricks reinforced with pineapple leaf fibre in the application in construction industry.

Keywords: Pineapple fibre; compressive strength; water absorption; masonry bricks

This paper systematically reviews the relationship between sediment transport capacity and factors such as flow velocity, slope gradient, hydraulic parameters, soil properties, and root parameters in overland flow. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the sediment transport capacity on flow velocity, slope gradient, hydraulic parameters, soil properties, and root parameters on sediment transport capacity by overland flow and to evaluate the research findings for improving the accuracy of sediment transport predictions. A total of 36 journal articles from 2019 to 2024 were eligible through conducted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method protocol. The review identifies that each factor significantly influences sediment transport capacity. Increased f low velocities and steeper slopes generally enhance sediment transport by providing more energy and higher runoff velocity. Hydraulic parameters, including flow depth and discharge rate, are critical, with greater depths and faster f lows increasing transport potential. Soil properties, like texture and cohesion, affect sediment detachment and transport, with sandy soils typically showing lower transport rates than clayey soils under similar hydraulic conditions. Root parameters, such as root density, diameter, depth, and biomass, contribute to soil stabilization and reduce sediment transport by improving soil structure and increasing resistance to erosion. The review underscores the importance of considering the combined effects of these factors, which often result in complex interactions impacting sediment transport. Identified research gaps suggest the need for models integrating these interactions to improve predictive accuracy. Addressing these gaps can enhance sediment transport models, informing better soil conservation strategies and erosion control measures.

Keywords: Soil erosion; sediment transport capacity; overland flow; systematic literature review

The local scour at the triangular nose pier of the Al Kufa bridge, Kufa, Iraq was experimentally investigated using a pier model with a scale of 1:155. Special arrangements were followed to fix the pier model in the middle of the mobile bed with nonuniform sediments of median diameter, d₅₀ =0.30 mm and geometric standard deviation, σ_g =2.78. The mobile bed had a depth of 100 mm and a length of 2m and was located 6 m from the inlet of a glass-sided titling flume. For five different discharges, the effect of flow parameters (velocity, u, water depth, y and Froude number, Fr), pier dimensions (pier width, b and pier length, l), bed sediment characteristics (d₅₀, σ_g and threshold velocity for sediments, u_t ) and time, t on local scour depth were studied. Throughout the experiments, clear water scour and lived bed scour were achieved. For clear water conditions, the relationship between normalized scour depth (d_s /b) and velocity ratio was found almost linear up to u_a /u_t =1 while for live bed scour conditions, a nonlinear relationship with a decreasing trend was found. For the thin pier, the laboratory data obtained from the present study demonstrated that the depth of the local scour (d_s) was independent of the water depth. When Fr=0.061 in both model and prototype, the measured scour depth at the pier model was overestimated by 0.4 m at the pier of Al Kufa Bridge. In addition, a relationship between scour depth ratio (d_s /d_seq ) and time ratio (t/t_seq ) was prepared from laboratory data. The relationship is useful in determining the equilibrium scour depth at the Al Kufa Bridge. Furthermore, the angle of the scour holes (θ) resulted from the equilibrium scour depth was measured and found to be ranges between 14^o and 18.4^o.

Keywords: Local scour; pier model; Al Kufa bridge; nonuniform sediments; governing parameters

This study investigated a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) device known as the Backward Bent Duct Buoy (BBDB) by looking at the correlation between the number of orifices toward the power generation efficiency. The BBDB type of WEC has a major potential due to its design simplicity and relatively good performance. However, limited studies have been done regarding the BBDB device compared with other types of WEC, especially on the design of orifices. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the effect of having a multiple number of orifices on the top panel of the BBDB device toward its power efficiency. It was achieved by designing and fabricating four BBDB top panels with varying number of orifices followed by experimental wave tank tests. The results showed that the top panel with 2 orifices produced the highest efficiency of 39% followed by the top panels with 4 orifices (27%), 1 orifice (23%) and 3 orifices (22%). This leads to the conclusion that top panels with multiple orifices promote better efficiency than single orifice.

Keywords: Ocean energy; renewable energy; Wave Energy Converter (WEC); Oscillating Water Column (OWC); Backward Bent Duct Buoy (BBDB); orifice

This paper addresses dynamic modelling and validation of a tracked vehicle, as well as provides an in-depth examination of an in-track DC motor system. The characteristics of the DC motor will be rigorously assessed, providing a foundational understanding to enhance vehicle control and mobility. Furthermore, an independent DC motor controller will be developed through an inverse model database of its characteristics. The model validation process will involve various trajectory types, including right and left turns. The real vehicle was equipped with an Arduino Mega and MPU6050 accelerometer sensor, along with the DC motor controller unit. Data acquisition was developed by integrating Arduino and the MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment. The proposed model was validated by evaluating the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the percentage error between the values of the experiment and the model prediction. It was found that, for right and left turns of the vehicle, the percentage error produced is below 12.7% which shows the model is able to follow the path in real conditions, providing a foundation for future advancements in transportation and autonomous technology.

Keywords: Tracked vehicle; dynamic modelling; independent DC motor controller; vehicle model validation

The advancement of thermoplastic composites reinforced with hybrid kenaf/glass fibres has rapidly progressed, positioning them as viable structural materials for diverse industries. The incorporation of hybrid kenaf/ glass fibres in these composites aims to introduce new dimensions of sustainability. This is driven by the superior strength, stiffness, and lightweight properties exhibited by the hybrid composites, making them well-suited for high-end structural applications. Furthermore, the hybrid kenaf/glass fibres composites offer economic advantages and various benefits, including recyclability, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and wide availability. Currently, these emerging composites are gaining attention in industries such as automotive, defence, aerospace, marine, construction, and naval sectors. Despite their increasing popularity, there is a notable gap in the literature, as comprehensive focus on the recent progress of hybrid kenaf/glass fibres reinforced ABS composites for structural applications is lacking. Therefore, this review paper critically discusses recent findings related to the physical, mechanical, and energy absorption properties, as well as processing techniques, of kenaf fibres and their hybrids with ABS matrix materials for aircraft radome. The article also aims to underscore the significance of hybrid kenaf/glass reinforced ABS composites in enhancing mechanical performance for applications requiring radome structures. This review also found out that the composites with quasi-isotropic sequence which combine with ±45-degree fibre orientation provide superior mechanical properties. The ±45-degree stacking is expected to enhance the mechanical properties because it offers balanced in-plane stiffness and strength as well as, improved shear properties. This orientation distributes the stresses more evenly throughout the composite material, leading to improved damage tolerance and impact resistance, which are critical for the structural integrity and durability of aircraft radomes.

Keywords: Kenaf fibres; Glass fibre; Hybrid Composites; Mechanical Properties; Structural Applications

The 3D printing has fundamentally transformed the approach to object design and manufacturing, enabling the costeffective production of intricate and customized components. This study aims to investigate the rheological and mechanical properties of Poly-lactic Acid (PLA)/Wollastonite (WA) composite filaments for 3D printing, particularly for bone implant applications. The powder composition used is 90 wt.% PLA and 10 wt.% WA. The blending process was conducted at a temperature of 190°C and a torque value of 30 rpm. Capillary rheometer testing was carried out at temperatures of 160 °C, 170 °C, and 180 °C on the feedstock. The rheological results of the feedstock show pseudoplastic f low behavior, where viscosity decreases with an increase in shear rate. The flow behavior indices obtained at all temperatures are 0.87, 0.79, and 0.49 respectively. At these temperatures, the flow behaviour index is below 1 (n<1), indicating pseudoplastic flow and compatible for the FDM process. The optimal filament extrusion parameters were determined to be 170°C, 190°C, 180°C, and 140°C for the four temperature zones, respectively, with a screw speed of 4.0 rpm and a spool speed of 40 mm/s. The Taguchi Method was employed to evaluate the filament’s quality and strength using three different printing settings. The density of the PLA-WA composite filament was 1.32 g/cm³. These results suggest that the PLA-WA composite has promising candidate use in 3D printing applications.

Keywords: Composite filaments, Poly-lactic Acid; Wollastonite; Extrusion; Additive Manufacturing; Rheological properties.

The micro-powder injection moulding process is a favourable process to produce micro-sized components of zirconia. The aim of this study is to study the flowability of zirconia feedstock and to ensure the moldability of micro-sized zirconia parts without any defects. To obtain the critical powder volume percentage (CPVP), zirconia was deposited inside a Brabender mixer while oil was added gradually with an interval of three minutes. The value of 2,3 and 4 vol.% less than CPVP was mixed with palm stearin and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) binders to produce three feedstocks and run through a rheometer to test the flowability of each feedstock. The feedstock with the best flowability characteristic was then subjected to micro-powder injection moulding process through trial and error to achieve the optimum parameters for micro-sized zirconia part without any defects. The CPVP of zirconia achieved for this study was 49.92 vol.% in which the optimal loadings of 46 vol.%, 47 vol.% and 48 vol.% feedstocks were analysed using the rheometer. The results show that 46 vol.% feedstock was most suitable for producing zirconia micro-part without any defects compared to other powder loadings due to its low viscosity, high shear thinning, flow behaviour index less than 1 and low activation energy. Injection moulded zirconia micro-sized green parts without any defects were produced using the following parameters: 10 bar of injection pressure, 70 °C of mould temperature, 190 °C of melt temperature and 7 seconds of injection time, respectively. Zirconia micro-sized green parts regularly exhibited short-shot defects when mould temperatures less than 70 °C were applied. The results showed that by employing feedstocks containing 46 vol.% of zirconia, micro-sized zirconia parts without any defects can be produced successfully through the micro-powder injection moulding process.

Keywords: Zirconia, Binder System, Optimal Loading, Rheology, Micro-Powder Injection Moulding

The selective laser melting (SLM) manufacturing process is currently gaining interest from various industries due to its ability to produce complex and hollow shapes. Processing parameters have been manipulated to obtain the best mechanical performance. However, the long production time remains the only major disadvantage compared to injection moulding. Production time can be decreased by increasing the scanning speed. This paper intends to investigate the effects of increasing scanning speed on the microstructural properties of SLM-produced stainless steel 316. Alteration of scanning speed directly affects the energy density and the thermal history of the parts. Two scanning speeds are used in the experiment with speed 750 mms-1 (V750) as the current default speed and 1400 mms-1 (V1400) for faster production time. The phases generated from each process were identified using the XRD test. The difference between austenite and ferrite in both samples is not distinct. High scanning speed results in slightly higher ferrite at 8.57% as compared to 6.03% for low scanning speed. It also yields lower austenite at 91.43% as compared to 93.97% at 750 mms-1. The microstructure observation reveals V750 has deeper penetration and thinner melt pools. The higher energy density is related to the keyhole porosities found in the optical microscopy of V750 and thinner melt pools have enabled non-diffusion porosities at the side of melt pools. These findings will ultimately help the learning community to optimize the SLM processing parameters to achieve desired microstructural properties of 316L.

Keywords: Selective Laser Melting; Scanning Speed; Stainless Steel 316

This paper contributes to an ongoing development of a micro hydropower network system tailored for implementation along river networks in Malaysia. The concept involves deploying multiple micro hydropower generators to charge a battery positioned on the riverbank. This interconnected hydropower network work alongside similar network systems to either charge larger batteries or serve multiple communities, enhancing its scalability and utility. The primary aim of this study is to determine a better generator blade type, and explore the relationship between the arrangement of generator blades in the river and the resulting torque generated. An experiment is conducted to determine the superior turbine type. The simulation process integrates engineering simulation software (ANSYS) and 3D modeling software (CATIA). ANSYS is employed to simulate river conditions with specific flow rates, while CATIA facilitates the design of generator blades, subsequently imported into ANSYS for simulation. The objective of the simulation is to identify the blade arrangement yielding the highest maximum generated torque. Subsequently, an experiment involving 3D printing the selected turbine types and measuring their rotational speed under consistent water flow conditions using a digital tachometer is conducted. From the experiment, it is found that curved blade types outperform straight blade types, while from the ANSYS simulation it is found that a distance between generator blades ranging from 300mm to 400mm offers optimal performance. This comprehensive approach enables a thorough evaluation of turbine configurations and their real-world performance, advancing micro hydropower technology for sustainable energy generation along river networks.

Keywords: hydropower, turbine, renewable energy, 3D printing, CATIA

Ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LED) have gained attention for substituting conventional disinfection methods due to efficiency, environmental benefits, and safety since the early 2000s. Earlier research has investigated highpower UV-disinfection systems employing UV tubes for effectively disinfecting surfaces. However, such systems come with several limitations, including the delicacy of UV tubes, the mercury component, and the larger size of the equipment, requiring trained professionals for handling. Additionally, owing to their larger size, these systems are unable to adequately treat shaded spaces, resulting in insufficient disinfection. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy of surface mount device (SMD)-beaded UV-C LEDs against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacterium to elucidate the self-reliant disinfection capacity, focusing on achieving peak disinfection efficiency up to 15 cm for treating high-touch regions. Under maximum exposure settings (15 cm, 60 s), a considerable reduction of 1.7-log10 inactivation was achieved with KW6565 upon exposure to 0.054 mJ-cm-², corresponding to an efficiency of 98%. This swift decline led to a reduction in bacterial concentration from the initial level to 1.00×108 CFU/mL. However, the RZX variant necessitated the dose of 0.018 mJ-cm-² to achieve a 1.6-log10 inactivation or 97.6% percent reduction under similar exposure settings. The efficacy of both the 4W variants were notably impacted by the UV dose (p<0.05) at different distances, compared to the control group, revealing a positive correlation with the bactericidal rate. To conclude, this research substantiated the potential of a 4W UV-LED to establish an enhanced disinfection strategy, particularly for treating shady spaces.

Keywords: Disinfection, UV, LED, Inactivation, Pathogens, Microbes

The presence of copper in water sources poses significant environmental and health risks, requiring effective removal strategies. Adsorption is one of the most efficient processes to treat contaminated water due to its advantages such as availability, low cost, and eco-friendly nature. This study explores the potential of utilizing concrete wastes as a lowcost adsorbent for the copper ions removal from aqueous solutions. Two types of concrete wastes have been used as low-cost adsorbents in this study: i) normal concrete waste (NCW) with mix proportion of Cement, water, aggregates 20, aggregates 10, sand and ii) modified concrete waste (MCW) with Cement, water, aggregate 10, sand, superplasticizer (2% cement), silica fume (10% cement). The uptakes of copper ions on NCW and MCW were studied at different initial metal Cu2+ ion concentrations, pH, adsorbent dosages and contact time. The maximum removal efficiency of copper removal for both types of concrete wastes achieved 99.99% at pH 5.0 for both NCW and MCW at equilibrium conditions. The maximum metal uptakes capacity achieved at 0.6 mg/g for both NCW and MCW exhibits good adsorption characteristics. The NCW adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm (R2= 1), whilst the MCW data obeyed Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9889).

Keywords: Normal Concrete Waste (CW), Modified Concrete Waste (MCW), adsorption isotherms, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Estuaries, where freshwater rivers converge with saline ocean water, play vital roles in supporting marine life and human civilization. This study examines salinity dynamics in estuarine systems, focusing on the impact of upstream water level changes on saltwater intrusion. Through experimental manipulation in an idealised channel, varying water depths upstream were simulated. With a 15cm and 30cm differential in the water level upstream, freshwater flows from one end of the flume overflowing a moveable weir at the other end. The saline water combined with a red-coloured tracer to differentiate saltwater from freshwater, where the movement and distribution of saltwater may be roughly observed throughout the experiment and pulled upstream by the force of gravity. The analysis of the investigation was done spatially and temporally in order to determine the salinity mixing in the longitudinal, horizontal, and vertical at different heights of upstream water level. Analysis revealed that higher upstream water levels led to decreased salinity levels due to increased freshwater flow. The water level was influenced and affected the time taken for salinity to reach an equilibrium state. Hence, the higher the water level of upstream, the lower the salinity level. Findings underscore the importance of understanding how estuarine salinity is influenced by upstream conditions for effective management and conservation efforts.

Keywords: Estuarine system; Salinity dynamics; Upstream water levels; Saltwater intrusion; Experimental manipulation; Idealised channel

Noise pollution is a prevalent issue in Malaysia, and this investigation focuses on Subang Airport to assess its impact on nearby communities and explore potential mitigation strategies. Given its proximity to densely populated areas, residents express significant apprehension about the noise generated by the airport. The research methodology involves an in-depth examination of aviation noise literatures, the utilization of noise monitoring equipment (sound level meter) for data collection and an analysis of community questionnaires to gauge public perceptions of noise effects. On-site measurements were conducted at seven locations (P1-P7) around the airport, representing varying distances from the noise source over a two-week period. The daily average noise levels range from 40-65 dB(A), which exceed the WHO’s recommended maximum indoor noise level of 35 dB(A) and the suggested maximum noise level for outdoor environments of 55 dB(A). Nevertheless, these averages remain below the permissible exposure limit of 90 dB(A). The study’s significance is further assessed through questionnaire analysis, utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Of the 193 respondents (71.7%), the majority identify aircraft noise as a significant source of disruption, with 36.4% attributing major annoyance to traffic noise, 25.7% to industrial noise, and 9.7% to construction-related noise. Respondents collectively emphasize the importance of raising awareness about noise pollution dangers within society and underscore the government’s role in mitigating noise pollution.

Keywords: Airport area, aircraft noise, noise pollution, sound level meter, SPSS analysis

The current study explored the fresh and hardened properties of sustainable self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporating calcined eggshell powder (CaESP) and silica fume (SF) as a partial replacement of cement. Waste materials such eggshells, with their high calcium content, have the potential to be used as a cement substitute for SCC. This effort is primarily driven by the restriction of the area of landfills and the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study assesses the SCC mixture’s fresh properties, such as workability, passing ability, and segregation resistance, using a multitude of experimental techniques. In addition, the current study also includes an investigation on the hardened properties of the concrete such as compressive and split tensile strengths. SCC cubic specimens with the crosssectional size of 100 x 100 x 100 mm were tested under compression, and cylindrical specimens with dimensions of 50 mm diameter x 100 mm height were tested under split-tensile test for 7 and 28 days of water curing. The test specimens’ failure behaviour was then examined. The experimental results revealed that the compressive strength of SCC with combined ESP and SF attained its maximum strength at volume fractions of 10% ESP and 0% SF. Considering splittensile strength has a direct proportional relationship with compressive strength, the split-tensile strength observation was identical to compressive strength, with 10% ESP and 0% SF reaching the maximum strength under split-tensile strength test. The experimental results into the failure mode of SCC specimens showed that higher percentages of CaESP and SF enhance the susceptibility to cracking in SCC specimens, whereas lower percentages of ESP and SF improve crack resistance. The study’s findings have the potential to elevate the use of waste materials in concrete manufacturing, hence reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable practices in the construction industry.

Keywords: Self-compacting concrete; Calcined eggshell; Silica fume; Fresh properties; Hardened properties

Tensegrity structures are a type of structural system that consists of a specific set of cables connected to a rigid body configuration and stabilised by internal cable forces in the absence of external forces. Since tensegrity structures appear in lightweight features, wind-induced vibrations in roof structures increase the importance of structural design. Thus, this study analysed the effect of heights and spans towards half-cuboctahedron tensegrity roof model subjected to wind loading. The proposed grid’s heights are 0.5m, 1,0m and 1,5m. To conduct this study, the basic component of half-cuboctahedron consists of 12 cables and 4 struts were modelled first by using SAP2000 software. The basic model has been extended into another 4 units for the short span (2×2) model and another 16 units (4×4) for a long span model. The design parameters such as material and section properties, supports and loads subjected to the structure have been proposed as the provision laid down in Eurocode Standard. This study found that the deflection decreased apparently from a height of 0.5 m to 1.0 m up to about 40%. Analysis reveals that the span length is a more critical factor in determining deflection compared to the model’s height. An analysis of varying strut diameters was conducted to assess their impact on the demand capacity ratio. The findings demonstrated a decrease in diameter led to a higher demand capacity ratio. From the evaluation, struts with diameter 48.3 mm is the optimum size to be used for tensegrity roof model. The study provides understanding of the behaviour of tensegrity roof grid model subjected to wind loading.

Keywords: Demand-Capacity Ratio, Half-Cuboctahedron, SAP2000, Tensegrity, Wind.

Studies on utilizing bamboo as structural and strengthening components still need to be completed. This paper presents a case study on effective and practical approaches for bamboo sandwich panels (BSP) designed as load-bearing walls with and without openings that can withstand heavy weights. Three specimens for each type of wall, all with a height of 1200mm and a width of 600mm, were tested. The BSP walls without openings were tested and considered as control specimens. The BSP walls were constructed with a square opening of 150 x 150 mm at the centre of the panel. The compression and moisture content properties of small clear bamboo materials made of Bambusa Vulgaris species were also measured. The test results show the effectiveness of BSP as a strengthening material to reinforce load-bearing walls with significant stiffness and ultimate bearing load. The BSP with an opening has reduced 31.76% of the wall loadcarrying capacity compared to the wall without an opening. The study’s findings on BSP offer promising applications in various construction and architectural contexts. The significant stiffness and ultimate bearing load demonstrated by BSPs suggest their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional load-bearing materials.

Keywords: Bamboo, Bambusa Vulgaris, stiffness, load-bearing wall, construction material

Corrosion of steel pipes significantly challenges industries such as oil and gas, water transport, and chemicals, where pipeline integrity is paramount. Degradation due to corrosion leads to reduced efficiency, heightened risk of catastrophic failure, and substantial economic and safety concerns. This study investigates the effectiveness of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) wrap in restoring and enhancing the performance of corroded API 5L X42 steel pipes. Through controlled corrosion induction, application of GFRP wrapping, and cyclic loading tests, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the initial response and performance under dynamic condition. For unrepaired pipes, maximum force applied ranged from 67.84 kN to 404.8 kN as stroke increased from 1mm to 12mm, with corresponding maximum deformation from 0.8mm to 9.01mm. In contrast, GFRP-rehabilitated pipes demonstrated applied force ranging from 28.98 kN to 452.87 kN, with maximum deformation from 0.65mm to 14.41mm. These findings underscore the efficacy of GFRP patches in mitigating corrosion effects, extending pipeline service life, and reducing failure risk. This study validates theoretical models and offers practical guidance for adopting resilient materials in engineering, enhancing pipeline integrity in critical industrial applications.

Keywords: Corroded; GFRP; Cyclic Loading; Pipeline Integrity; Rehabilitation

Flexible asphalt pavement relies on a strong road base layer for structural support throughout its service life. Deteriorated pavement conditions require continuous maintenance and rehabilitation, resulting in maintenance costs. Cold In-Place Recycling (CIPR) offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution compared to the conventional method of ‘remove and replace.’ CIPR involves recycling degraded existing pavement materials with a certain depth of aggregate base to form a new base layer, with the addition of stabilizing agents. Proper compaction before curing is crucial since inadequate compaction reduces base density, risking stability and causing rutting and deformation under traffic. This study investigated the compaction properties in CIPR-based pavement construction, integrating stabilizing agent comprising ordinary Portland cement (OPC), ground coal bottom ash (GCBA), and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) to achieve optimal moisture content (OMC), maximum dry density (MDD), and bulk density. Three different ratios of crushed aggregate (CA) and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) were used, ranging from 25% to 75%, alongside 1% – 4% OPC, 0% – 3% GCBA, and 0% – 3% CaCl₂. It was discovered that the OMC and MDD values were 5.22% and 1.86 Mg/m³ for CA25RAP75, 5.60% and 1.93 Mg/m³ for CA50RAP50, and 5.87% and 1.94 Mg/m³ for CA75RAP25 using the modified Proctor test. Results also found that stabilizing agents minimally affect bulk density, but the percentages of CA and RAP significantly influence it, with design mixes with higher CA content providing higher bulk density. The findings from this study provide initial results on the OMC, MDD, and bulk density values but do not reliably indicate the strength acquired by the proposed design mix. Further strength tests should be considered.

Keywords: Cold in-place recycling (CIPR), stabilizing agent, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), ground coal bottom ash (GCBA), calcium chloride (CaCl2 ), compaction properties

In SME construction company, knowledge creation is important for organizational competitiveness and survival. Ability to create new knowledge is one of the vital assets for an organization to keep being competitive. In previous research, studies have been widely conducted in knowledge management and focus on large organizations in high technology sectors. This paper seeks to explore the current implementation of knowledge creation capabilities in SMEs construction company in Sabah. The attributes and barriers of knowledge creation in SMEs organization that can affect the organizational performance were investigated. This study also proposed the mitigation measures to the barriers of knowledge creation in the SMEs organization. Critical literature review and quantitative method were used to achieve the objectives of this study. An online questionnaire will be distributed to identify the attributes and barriers of knowledge creation and its mitigation measures in SME construction companies in Sabah. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analysed using Statistic Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) by descriptive analysis. The attributes of knowledge creation in SMEs organization have been identified: learning/education, IT adjustment, and collaboration, while the critical barriers: poor training, practice, poor T-shaped skills, and ineffective knowledge & information communication. The most critical mitigation measures that should be taken to remove the barriers: develop an effective knowledge management system, provide education, training, and development practice, and build ethical organization culture. The paper also provide recommendation for future research.

Keywords: Human Capacity Development; Knowledge Creation; Capacity Development Attributes

Disparities between rural and urban areas continue to face the dilemma of spatial inequality in social and economic development. Sustainable development plays a major role in rural areas since it can improve their quality of life through socio-economic development whilst preserving the environment. This study is conducted to explore the knowledge and attitudes of rural communities towards sustainable development and to determine the challenges and strategies of rural communities on sustainable development. A mixed-method research approach was adopted from 131 respondents from the rural communities supported by interviews with three (3) experts in environmental and sustainability in Malaysia. The data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis. The respondents perceived themselves as having a good level of knowledge and attitudes towards sustainable development, however the experts opined the opposite views. Lack of infrastructure becomes the main challenges for the rural communities in achieving sustainable development and by improving basic utilities and communication services can help the rural communities to have a better lifestyle and sustainable life which are echoed by the experts. This study is significant to improve lifestyle of the rural communities and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.

Keywords: Rural community; Sustainable development; Sustainability; Environment