Journal of Engineering & Technological Advances

A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON AI AND ANALYTICS TOOLS FOR PREDICTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP ATTRIBUTES IN MALAYSIA'S HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: DEVELOPING A CONTEXTUAL TAXONOMY

2025-09-01T22:28:44+08:00

Entrepreneurship drives economic and social progress, yet predicting key attributes such as cognitive (e.g., creativity, opportunity recognition), emotional (e.g., resilience, emotional intelligence), and social (e.g., leadership, communication) traits remains challenging due to the limitations of traditional methods. Traditional methods lack precision, driving the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-based data analytics tools to analyse complex datasets. This paper employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to synthesise 50 peer-reviewed studies from 2018-2024, using thematic analysis to categorise AI-based data analytics tools into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning, mapping their applications to entrepreneurship attributes. Findings highlight the dominance of models like Random Forests and Transformers in predicting entrepreneurship attributes, with gaps in exploring non-financial attributes such as creativity and resilience, and ethical considerations, including data bias and privacy concerns. This study investigates opportunities and challenges for Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), emphasising personalised education and research advancements against barriers such as bias and resource constraints. Contributions include a novel taxonomy that maps AI-based data analytics tools to entrepreneurship attributes and incorporates an ethical evaluation dimension, alongside practical insights for stakeholders and a research agenda for ethical, inclusive AI adoption in entrepreneurship globally and in Malaysia.

INITIAL INVESTIGATION ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND TOXICITY OF TRADITIONALLY FERMENTED RICE AND MOISTURIZER FORMULATIONS FOR COSMETIC APPLICATION

2025-12-05T15:45:12+08:00

"Rice powder," is a Malaysia traditional green skincare remedy historically used for facial care. It's environmentally friendly due to its reliance on rice and water for fermentation, eliminating the need for additional chemicals. The fermentation begins by soaking the rice in water at a 1:1 ratio, with the water refreshed every 14 days over an 84-day period, involving 6 cycles of water changes. The fermented rice powder and soaking water were filtered using a 3-stage filtration steps (muslin cloth, 0.45 and 0.2 µm filter paper) and consequently tested for antioxidants (FRAP, DPPH and TPC) tests. Samples were also tested for toxicity (MTT test) on V79-4 cells. Antioxidant values for rice water were found to be below the standard for cosmetic application, ranging from 1.22, 24.45 and 12.65 for FRAP, DPPH and TPC respectively at concentration 100% (v/v). For fermented rice powder the values are 0.997, 14.6 and 520.15 at 2mg/ml concentration. For 3 moisturizer formulations tested, antioxidant values found to be similar at 0.94, 23.65 and 514.76. Both rice powder and formulations used showed high TPC values. The MTT assay showed that rice water had toxic effects, reducing cell viability from 100% to 4% at concentrations from 1.564 v/v to 50% v/v. In contrast, fermented rice powder showed no toxic effects and even increased cell viability slightly from 100 to 110% as its concentration increased from 0.063 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml. Similar pattern of toxicity were observed by 3 formulations tested indicating its potential for modern cosmetic application.

NANOEMULSION BASED ON PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL AS A CARRIER FOR ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES: SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION

2025-10-27T14:01:21+08:00

This study investigated the synthesis and characterization of peppermint essential oil-based nanoemulsions (PO-NE) incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for improving the antibacterial applications, in a way to address the global challenges of antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoemulsions (NE) offered a promising strategy to enhance ZnO NP stability and targeted delivery. In this study, the synthesis parameters of PO-NE incorporated ZnO NO were optimized, by manipulating the surfactant and water ratios using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) approaches. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to validate the functional groups in the molecular structure, while particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were determined by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The thermal property of the optimized ZnO/PO-NE was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), alongside the stability and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). It was found that the optimized ZnO/PO-NE exhibited small particle sizes (280.633 ± 14.791 nm), a moderate PDI (0.537 ± 0.102), a high zeta potential (-17.100 ± 0.700 mV), and possessed an enhanced thermal stability. The antibacterial activity (6.3 ± 0.0 mm against E. coli, 6.0 ± 0.0 mm against S. aureus) suggested a controlled release behaviour, which has a high potential for further development. This work significantly contributes to SDG 3, promoting Good Health and Well-being.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TWO-WHEEL MANUAL SEED PLANTING MACHINE

2025-10-29T13:53:09+08:00

This study evaluated the design, construction, and performance of a two-wheel manual seed planting machine for rice, millet, maize, and corn. The objective was to improve planting accuracy, reduce labor drudgery, and provide a low-cost alternative for smallholder farmers with limited access to mechanized equipment. Field experiments were conducted under uniform conditions to assess planting depth consistency, seed spacing accuracy, seed damage, planting rate, and field efficiency. Planting depth ranged from 2.9 cm for millet to 5.3 cm for corn, meeting agronomic requirements for effective seed–soil contact. Seed spacing accuracy varied between 89.7% and 93.8%, reflecting good metering performance across different seed sizes. Seed damage remained low, ranging from 1.9% for maize to 3.1% for millet, indicating gentle seed handling. Planting rates ranged from 33 seeds per minute for corn to 48 seeds per minute for millet, demonstrating adaptability to crop characteristics. Field efficiency varied from 0.38 ha hr?¹ for corn to 0.44 ha hr?¹ for millet, confirming suitability for small-scale farming. The machine’s production cost was approximately USD 68, making it affordable, locally manufacturable, and user-friendly. Overall, the machine showed reliable performance, acceptable precision, and strong economic viability, with potential for further improvement through enhanced ergonomics and adjustable metering mechanisms.

A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF DISSOLVED GASES IN OIL TO MONITOR SUSPICIOUS FAULTS OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS IN SOLAR FARM

2025-12-30T16:33:29+08:00

Distribution transformer is a unique asset in a solar farm. While solar panels capture sunlight, the inverter converts it into usable electricity, and the distribution transformer is the key component that enables the seamless delivery of this energy. Fault-free operation of this transformer ensures a proper power supply to the grid. Condition monitoring of transformers is critical for ensuring reliability and extending the operational lifespan at solar farms. Data-driven condition monitoring is one of the most effective approaches for enhancing the operational lifetime of this transformer. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) data to predict potential faults in distribution transformers. Utilizing IEEE standards as a validation framework, the Key gas ratio method, Total Dissolved Combustible Gas (TDCG), and Principal gas concentration approaches were employed to identify faults and assess transformers health. The results were analysed using MATLAB software with an M-code algorithm. In this paper, the exceedance level of TDCG (2324 ppm) in transformer 2 is highlighted. Additionally, the CO?/CO ratios for station transformers 1 to 6 were 7.5, 5.5, 7.6, 7.3, 7.5, and 7.9, respectively. However, in transformer 4, the CH?/H? ratio was also noted to be 0.09. This concentration exceeded the IEEE standard thresholds and was indicative of overheated cellulose and partial discharge faults respectively. The proposed scheme is designed to assist in reducing suspected faults in transformers by enabling timely action based on validated data. This monitoring process can make a significant contribution to reducing the maintenance cost of a solar farm.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF RECENT ADVANCES, PERSISTENT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS (2020-2025)

2025-12-08T15:03:27+08:00

An electronic voting (e-voting) literature review focusing of articles published between 2020 and 2025 is conducted as a primary to understand the current changes and the problem of e-voting in a different view-point. The research design used to analyse the practicality of e-voting system employed three main themes, namely security enhancement; accessibility and inclusivity; and trust, verifiability and governance. This review also addresses current persisting challenges including the scaling constraints, quantum risks, unequal socio-technical adoption and split regulatory frameworks. Results have shown significant advances mostly to blockchain systems, post quantum cryptography, end to end verifiability and participatory design. Moreover, the analysed literature shows that, currently, the practical implementation of e-voting technologies has a number of limitations. The review recommends that safe and inclusive e-voting involves the overall strategies that are inclusive of technological leadership, human-computer interaction, policy and social science. The review concludes with the suggestion of hybrid cryptography models, international standards and additional longitudinal studies about the ultimate foundation of trust of digital voters.

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF LAYERED PLA–TPU COMPOSITES USING MULTI-MATERIAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

2025-11-24T12:26:16+08:00

This study investigates the tensile performance of layered PLA–TPU composites produced by multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) via fused deposition modelling (FDM). Although PLA–TPU is a widely used rigid–flexible polymer pair, tensile performance is often limited by weak interfacial bonding and limited evidence on how layer thickness, material ratio, and stacking sequence influence load transfer and fracture. A screening study of 30 layered specimens quantified the effects of layer thickness (0.1 and 0.2 mm), material ratio (33:67, 50:50, and 67:33 PLA:TPU), and stack order on apparent stiffness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation, and post-fracture failure features. PLA-rich configurations achieved high strength (up to 33.5 MPa) with semi-ductile failure behaviour, whereas TPU-rich configurations showed large elongations (up to 298%) but lower strength (12–14 MPa). Across the configurations tested, a 67/33 PLA/TPU laminate provided the best balance of strength and ductility, reaching an average UTS of 33.5 MPa with 7.7% elongation, consistent with improved interlayer load transfer despite the intrinsic surface-energy disparity between PLA and TPU. Overall, the results demonstrate that MMAM by FDM can combine dissimilar thermoplastics within a single build to achieve an adaptive mechanical response, while interfacial optimisation remains the primary constraint for further performance gains.

USE OF ZNO AS FILLER FOR PROPERTIES OF ARROWROOT (MARANTA ARUNDINACEA LINN) STARCH-BASED DEGRADABLE PLASTIC

2025-11-06T11:01:24+08:00

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of arrowroot starch-based degradable plastics reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO). The experimental design incorporated the use of arrowroot tuber starch in varying concentrations of 10, 15, 20, and 25 g, in conjunction with ZnO from 10, 20, 30, and 40%. The highest tensile strength is observed in the presence of 15 g of starch and 30% ZnO, exhibiting a value of 4.7770 MPa. The addition of ZnO fillers to degradable plastics results in enhanced mechanical strength, with increased ZnO content leading to greater strength. The mixing process exerts a significant influence on the resulting mechanical properties. Optimal mixing conditions, including appropriate speeds and times, result in a uniform distribution of particles, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength of the material. The specify which organic group present in the compound analysis of degradable plastics are characterised by a high degree of hydrophilicity, which enables them to bind to water. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that the plastic is capable of withstanding elevated temperatures. A loss of weight is observed between 312.72°C to 344.31°C. It was observed that an improve in the percentage of ZnO used determined in a corresponding increase of water absorption value from degradable plastic. The lowest water absorption value, at 17.59%, was observed when 25 g of starch mass and 10% ZnO were used. The plastic was completely degraded on the19th day, which is substantially shorter than the 180-day biodegradation period specified in ASTM D5338.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN OF BIODEGRADABLE STENTS: ENHANCING DURABILITY AND COMPATIBILITY TO MITIGATE RESTENOSIS AND THROMBOSIS IN VASCULAR TREATMENTS

2025-12-04T18:19:24+08:00

Heart diseases are the leading global causes of mortality and morbidity due to obstructed blood vessels. Current clinical practice primarily utilizes stents, but standard models encounter significant limitations, including restenosis, thrombosis, mechanical failure, and issues pertaining to performance and biometric longevity. This research aims to create a novel arterial stent that effectively minimizes vein blockages while enhancing durability and compatibility. with biological environments. The study employs advanced methodologies such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to rigorously assess and optimize stent geometry and material characteristics. Key considerations include mechanical stability, decreased restenosis rates, and the potential for controlled degradation using biodegradable materials like magnesium alloys and polymer-metal composites. A magnesium alloy stent model was designed using SolidWorks, followed by three tiers of simulations. After simulating one million cardiac cycles, the stent exhibited fatigue-resilient behaviour in both dynamic linear and nonlinear analyses. The collective results of the simulations affirm that the device achieves high radial strength (~550 N mm?¹), while also offering compliant expansion and effective addressing of the issues surrounding restenosis, thrombosis, and mechanical durability. This innovative approach has the potential to reshape clinical practices, enhance patient outcomes, and establish a benchmark for future stent design research. Future work is suggested to diffuse local stress peaks, alongside outlining a roadmap for transitioning from in vitro and in vivo studies to regulatory approval and subsequent clinical application.