Sirim Berhad

Abstract This paper presents the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of a first-of-its-kind, fit-for-purpose reinforcement system to temporarily qualify a lightweight Wellhead Support Structure (WSS) for freestanding operation. The requirement arose when the supporting Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU) at the "B" field required to undergo mandatory drydocking, leaving the WSS, which has reached its 10-year design life, structurally unsupported. Under significant economic and schedule constraints, an innovative anchor-wire reinforcement solution was selected. The system employs a modular clamp system installed on the 36-inch conductors without hot work, an energy-dissipating catenary mooring configuration using slack chains and a load-redistribution framework to enhance overall integrity. Real-time displacement monitoring via a Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) confirmed that movements remained within allowable limits (up to 200 mm). The fast-tracked project was completed in three months with exemplary HSE performance (i.e., zero incidents and 27,852 safe person-hours). Supplemental solar-powered systems ensured ongoing safety and sustainability, offering a replicable blueprint for late-life asset challenges.

Abstract Nowadays, the increasing demand for compact, lightweight, and high-performance motors in electric vehicle systems positions the flux switching motor (FSM) as a strong candidate due to its robust rotor design. However, traditional FSMs often face limitations in magnetic flux control and torque production. Therefore, this paper presents a modular rotor hybrid excitation flux switching motor (HEFSM) designed specifically for electric vehicles. The motor is modelled using JMAG Designer v18.1, and its performance is evaluated through finite element analysis (FEA). The proposed motor is analysed in terms of flux lines, flux distribution, cogging torque, and back EMF. Simulation results reveal that the back EMF and cogging torque achieved are approximately 30 V and 20.3 Nm, respectively. The novel modular rotor configuration significantly shortens the magnetic flux path, which enhances torque density, improves magnetic flux control, and increases overall motor efficiency. This innovative HEFSM design not only bridges existing performance gaps but also offers a sustainable, manufacturable, and high-performance solution for modern electric mobility.

Grifola frondosa (Maitake) is traditionally valued for its health benefits, with polysaccharides being key bioactive components. This paper investigates a specific subfraction, Fraction D (GFP-D), evaluating its clinical effects and mechanisms in immune enhancement, adjunctive anti-tumor activity, and regulation of glucose/lipid metabolism. Three clinical trials were conducted. In an immune study, 120 healthy volunteers (CD4+ T cell count 500–1000 cells/μL) received 150 mg/day GFP-D for 8 weeks, resulting in significant increases in CD4+ T cells (from 632 ± 95 to 812 ± 108 cells/μL, 28.5% increase, within the physiological activation range), CD4+/CD8+ ratio, NK cell activity, IL-2, and IFN-γ (all P < 0.001 vs. placebo). An anti-tumor study with 80 advanced cancer patients (stratified by age, tumor stage, and histotype) showed that adding 1000 mg/day GFP-D to chemotherapy improved objective response rate (52.5% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.036, 95% CI: 1.02–3.87), one-year progression-free survival (55.8% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.022), and preserved immune parameters versus chemotherapy alone. A metabolic study in 90 type 2 diabetes patients found that 400 mg/day GFP-D for 12 weeks significantly lowered fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, while raising HDL-C (from 1.0 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L, 20% increase, supported by increased AMPK phosphorylation). Mechanistically, immune enhancement involves macrophage/dendritic cell activation via Dectin-1/TLR4 receptors (confirmed by increased receptor expression and downstream signaling molecules), promoting cytokine-driven T/NK cell responses. Anti-tumor effects stem from immunomodulation, direct induction of cancer cell apoptosis (via mitochondrial/caspase pathways, verified by increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activation), and angiogenesis inhibition by downregulating VEGF. Metabolic benefits are linked to AMPK pathway activation in liver/muscle (confirmed by increased p-AMPK/AMPK ratio), enhancing glucose uptake and inhibiting gluconeogenesis/lipogenesis, alongside modulation of gut microbiota (increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus abundance). All trials reported no severe adverse events related to GFP-D; liver/kidney function parameters (ALT, AST, creatinine, urea nitrogen) remained within normal ranges throughout the intervention. Collectively, GFP-D emerges as a multi-functional bioactive agent with substantial therapeutic potential.

Abstract Electrocoagulation (EC) has emerged as a viable alternative for oily wastewater treatment, offering distinct advantages over conventional treatment methods. In EC, an electric current dissolves sacrificial anode, releasing metal ions that help clump and remove a wide range of contaminants. This technology is applicable across diverse industries and effectively addresses complex water challenges, including oil-contaminated wastewater. The efficiency of EC is influenced by operational parameters such as current density, electrode material, pH, electrode spacing, and treatment time, all of which require careful optimization. Notwithstanding its benefits, such as ease of operation, minimal chemical usage, and small sludge production, EC faces challenges related to electrode passivation and energy consumption, necessitating enhancement strategies. Given the growing interest in EC and the diversity of treatment conditions, a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge is essential to guide both research and industrial applications. This review evaluates the principles and mechanisms of EC, the role of operational parameters, and strategies for process optimization. Recent innovations are highlighted, particularly hybrid systems that integrate EC with membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and renewable energy sources. Applications across various wastewater types are discussed, alongside economic feasibility and scalability considerations. By identifying key research gaps, particularly in system scale-up, cost reduction, and long-term performance, this review provides a comprehensive resource to inform the future development of sustainable oily wastewater treatment technologies. Graphical abstract

An abstract is often presented separate from the article, so it must be able to Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, social communication and social interaction deficits. Children with autism have restricted repetitive behaviours, activities, and narrow interests. ASD also makes it hard for them to imitate, pay attention to the same thing at the same time, understand goals, share feelings, and use language to communicate and play with other people. They are usually in their own world. To assist these children with autism, there are lots of tries to help them ease their daily activities and learning sessions. This paper discusses the implementation and impact of technology for autism in education. The paper review uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) method with a specific keyword, which is “autism robot special education technology”. Our results show that technology can create both enjoyable and challenging learning settings. Most of the technologies are used to assist the learning process. Hence, special education can use technology to help children with autism, such as robots, video, virtual reality, interactive environments, games, and others that impact autism education. The review found that a humanoid robot is the most suitable to assist these children. Some elements and learning styles also have been discovered in this study. These technologies will positively impact children with autism by increasing social communication, cognitive ability, emotional dimensions, and learning environment. This study is limited to three online databases: Scopus, WoS, and IEEE. Future research with a different online database might be advantageous.

Distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) with intentionally spaced mechanical fixity points was experimentally evaluated for the structural health monitoring (SHM) of reinforced concrete (RC) members. A full-scale four-point bending test was conducted on a 12 m RC beam (400 × 400 mm) instrumented with a single-mode DFOS cable incorporating internal anchors at 2 m intervals and bonded externally with structural epoxy. Brillouin time-domain analysis (BOTDA) provided distributed strain measurements at approximately 0.5 m spatial resolution, with all cables calibrated to ±15,000 µε. Under stepwise monotonic loading, the system captured smooth, repeatable strain baselines and clearly resolved localized tensile peaks associated with crack initiation and propagation. Long-gauge averages exhibited a near-linear load–strain response (R2 ≈ 0.99) consistent with discrete foil and vibrating-wire strain gauges. Even after cracking, the DFOS signal remained continuous, while some discrete sensors showed saturation or scatter. Temperature compensation via a parallel fiber ensured thermally stable interpretation during load holds. The fixed-point configuration mitigated local debonding effects and yielded unbiased long-gauge strain data suitable for assessing serviceability and differential settlement. Overall, the results confirm the suitability of fixed-point DFOS as a durable, SHM-ready sensing approach for RC foundation elements and as a dense data source for emerging digital-twin frameworks.

Abstract Rainfall-induced slope failures are a critical geotechnical issue in tropical hillside developments, where intense and prolonged rainfall rapidly alters hydraulic and mechanical conditions in weathered soils. This study evaluates the hydraulic response and stability performance of reinforced and unreinforced slopes at The Residence, Istana Syarqiyyah, Kuala Terengganu, using coupled numerical modeling with GeoStudio SEEP/W and SLOPE/W in accordance with Eurocode 7 Design Approach 1, Combination 2 (DA1-C2). Transient seepage analysis showed that rainfall infiltration caused a substantial increase in pore-water pressure, with peak values in unreinforced slopes reaching 31.0 kPa, leading to progressive saturation and reduced effective stress. Incorporating drainage measures reduced peak pore-water pressures by approximately 63%, improving hydraulic stability. Slope stability analysis revealed an Overdesign Factor (ODF) of 0.508 for the unreinforced slope, below the safety threshold of 1.0, indicating high failure potential. The installation of an anchor-reinforced concrete (RC) retaining wall, integrated with soil nails, micro piles, tiebacks, and drainage elements, increased the ODF to 1.758 (above the JKR requirement of 1.5). These findings highlight the effectiveness of combined reinforcement and drainage systems in enhancing slope resilience under tropical rainfall, while emphasizing the need for field validation to confirm numerical predictions.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite materials is critical for ensuring the reliability and longevity of high-performance engineering systems. This review comprehensively examines the advancements, challenges, and applications of flat optical fibre sensors (FOFS) for real-time strain monitoring in composite structures. Traditional electrical strain gauges and piezoelectric sensors face limitations in multiplexing, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and integration within composite layups. In contrast, FOFS offer unique advantages, including high spatial resolution, compatibility with composite manufacturing processes, and immunity to EMI. This paper analyses the working principles of FOFS, their fabrication techniques, integration methodologies, and signal interrogation systems. Case studies from aerospace, civil engineering, and renewable energy sectors underscore their practical efficacy. Challenges such as signal attenuation, temperature cross-sensitivity, and long-term durability are critically evaluated. The review concludes with future directions, including nanotechnology-enhanced sensors and machine learning-driven data analytics.