Institut Teknologi Brunei

Purpose This research investigated the perceptions of Brunei construction industry stakeholders regarding end-of-life (EOL) waste management supported by circular economy principles and integration of building information modelling (BIM). Design/methodology/approach A survey collected 132 responses. Cronbach’s alpha examined the reliability of the data. Normality tests suggested parametric analysis. The one-sample t-test examined the consistency of sample means with population means, ANOVA tested agreement of various respondent groups on importance levels of individual factors. Factor analysis surfaced a few broad components. Findings The study identified 18 significant factors. While relatively high awareness of EOL waste management is observed, adoption remains low. The most agreed-upon factors were the lack of information/guidance and practicing 3R methods (i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle) and modern methods of construction (MMC). Clients predominantly acknowledged the benefits of the deconstruction process and its economic advantages, while consultants and contractors were more optimistic towards utilising MMC and BIM. Five interrelated broad components emerged from factor analysis exercise: cost reductions, technological influence, standardisation, impact of EOL wastes and conservation of resources, suggesting a consolidated approach of actions. Overall results indicate that existing regulations are ineffective, requiring devising and/or providing more training, awareness generation and practitioner supportive guidance and policy. Originality/value Studies on EOL waste management are limited, particularly in Brunei. Despite existing sustainability policies, specific guidelines for EOL waste management are lacking. This pioneering study triggers enhanced industry awareness, informs policymakers and lays the groundwork for further research, marking it as the first of its kind in Brunei.

Biochar/Layered double hydroxide composites are of priority when dealing with wastewater treatment since they are of low cost and have high effects. The incorporation of rare earth elements into Biochar/LDH further enhances its adsorption performance and magnetic ability toward pollutant removal. Such Lanthanide-based layered double hydroxide (LDH) biochar nanocomposites have gained considerable attention as sustainable materials for advanced wastewater treatment due to their exclusive physiochemical properties, extensive surface area, adsorption characteristics, and environmental compatibility. The review provides insight into current progressions in the formation, analysis, and application of LDH biochar nanocomposites in wastewater treatment. Key aspects such as the inclusion of lanthanide elements, optimization of synthesis methods, and enhancement of adsorption capacities are discussed. In addition, the mechanisms underlying pollutant removal, including adsorption, ion exchange, and photo-catalytic degradation, are elucidated. The review also highlights the challenges and future perspectives in the development and scale-up of LDH biochar nanocomposites for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. Overall, this review facilitates scientific discovery for researchers and practitioners in the field of ecological engineering seeking to use the potential of lanthanide-based LDH biochar nanocomposites for efficient wastewater remediation.

The effect of small additions of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) from 0 to 0.7 wt% on the zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramics sintered at 1600 °C was studied. Based on the results, the small addition of Nb2O5 was discovered to be able to significantly influence on phase, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ZTA ceramics. The presence of the secondary phase of Nb2Zr6O17 as a square-shaped particle is confirmed by SEM and FESEM-EDX up to 0.5 weight percent (wt.%) of Nb2O5 additions. The addition of 0.3 wt.% resulted in the highest Vickers hardness value of 1500 Vickers hardness (HV). However, it was found that adding Nb2O5 more than 0.3 wt% causes ZTA's hardness and indentation fracture resistance (KIFR) values to decline from 1500 HV to 1438 HV and 4.88 MPa.√m to 4.18 MPa.√m, respectively. Additionally, it was found that when the amount of Nb2O5 added increased, the value for bulk density climbed while porosity reduced.

Abstract This study explores the combination of reverse engineering (RE) and new product development (NPD) methodologies to enhance the manufacturing process of headlamp jigs. RE, utilised as a benchmarking technique, aids in regenerating parametric designs or innovating new product concepts. The distinctive appearance relies on headlamps with protective coatings cured at high temperatures in UV ovens, necessitating jigs capable of withstanding such conditions. Hence, employing RE becomes crucial to fortifying jig performance. While RE often signifies innovation or refinement, the current headlamp jig encounters deformation issues during manufacturing due to high curing oven temperatures and intense water jet cleaning pressures. The absence of an effective NPD approach exacerbates persistent jig deformation challenges. NPD, encompassing stages like idea generation, concept development, design, testing, and marketing, is crucial. The absence of NPD, along with the complexity of RE, could prolong timelines and escalate expenses in bringing marketable products to fruition. This study aims to propose an NPD model for headlamp jigs, leveraging RE methodologies to enhance composite jig fabrication processes. The integration of PDCA methodologies within NPD intends to rectify deformation issues while optimizing manufacturing processes for superior headlamp jigs.

Abstract Global food insecurity has already been rising, mainly due to climate change phenomena. This is aggravated by supply chain disruptions due to the war in Ukraine and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pushing food prices to an all time high. The great challenge is to adapt to climate change while trying to increase food production. Climate Smart Agriculture Technology (CSAT) is a set of agricultural practices and technologies that can boost productivity, enhance resilience and reduce GHG emissions. Central to the success of CSAT is the application of precision farming with the use of IOT sensors and aerial photography. This research examines the application of CSAT in a paddy field in Brunei Darussalam. Data from soil sensors and aerial drone imagery were used to influence better and more informed decision-making. Variable rate technology (VRT) was used to control the fertilizer application based on what was needed by the crop. Since a precise amount of fertiliser was applied, VRT can boost the efficiency of resource utilization, leading to increased crop yields and profitability. The application of CSAT in this case study saved the farmer around 60% by changing the type of fertilizer and reducing the amount used.

Commercial supercapacitors typically have low energy density, making them unsuitable for high energy demand applications. Then, the introduction and application of biomass-derived carbon materials have garnered attention in the industry due to its environmentally friendly nature and reliable performance. These carbon materials are favoured to be used as an electrode material due to their high specific surface area and specific capacitance. Bamboo biowaste, abundantly available in furniture and disposable utensils manufacturing industries, possesses favorable characteristics such as high nitrogen content, low oxygen content and a high graphitization degree. These properties make it a promising candidate for fabricating carbon materials suitable for supercapacitor applications. Recent studies indicated that bamboo-based supercapacitor has higher specific capacitance and higher performance than other carbon materials such as coconut shells. Therefore, numerous studies investigating this novel technology have been reported. Researchers have also made advancements in incorporating bamboo-based carbon materials in energy storage systems. The activation process is the key factor in enhancing the performance of the supercapacitors. However, findings from these studies, which are crucial for further development of this technology, have been scattered without a comprehensive compilation. Therefore, this review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various activation techniques and specific applications of bamboo-derived activated carbon in supercapacitors. Despite recent advancements, challenges such as energy density issues and optimization over operating parameters remain. Addressing these challenges is crucial to fully understanding and realizing the potential of bamboo-derived supercapacitor.