Technical University of Malaysia Malacca

We demonstrate a low-cost, stable, and tunable laser system by phase-locking a commercial telecom-grade tunable laser (ITLA) to an Optical Frequency Comb (OFC) within the C-band. Using minimal optical hardware and sub-mW OFC power, we achieved short-term integrated phase noise of 10 mrad and long-term frequency stability of ±0.01 Hz over 10 h. This system enables scalable, OFC-locked tunable lasers and holds promise for applications like tunable THz wave generation and comb-locked transmitters in DWDM systems, supporting scalable phase-locking of multiple lasers with OFC power in the nW regime, making it highly adaptable for various OFC generators.

Biological matrix data are essential for computational analysis, providing a structured framework to identify patterns and relationships in biological systems. Many other biological data types, including sequences, networks, and images, can be transformed into matrix representations through feature extraction and encoding. However, their high dimensionality complicates analysis, leading to increased computational complexity and the risk of overfitting, known as the curse of dimensionality. To address these challenges, we developed SIBioX, a matrix-based bioinformatics tool powered by swarm intelligence algorithms. It integrates 54 swarm intelligence methods, 5 conventional feature selection techniques, and 17 machine learning models, enabling comprehensive analysis of biological matrix data. With a user-friendly graphical interface, it supports operations such as feature normalization, selection, classification, clustering, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Additionally, it converts nonmatrix biological data, like gene and protein sequences, into matrix formats for further study. Experimental results demonstrate that SIBioX not only attains high accuracy in feature selection but also effectively reduces dimensionality, thereby streamlining bioinformatics workflows and promoting greater efficiency in biomedical research.

The current research has proposed an innovative methodology to enhance PVA/CSP/AgNPs hybrid biocomposite films by integrating the CRITIC and CoCoSo multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) frameworks with machine learning techniques. Bio composite films can be used in medicine, packaging, and environmental applications. The biocomposite films were developed by mixing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), coconut shell powder (CSP), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to attain better mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. The experimental design comprises 25 distinct trials to assess the tensile strength (TS), Young’s Modulus (YM), percentage elongation (%E), and maximum degradation temperature (T) of the fabricated composite films. CRITIC method was adopted to evaluate the weights of the criteria in an unbiased way, and CoCoSo technique ranked the alternatives. The results were analyzed using supervised machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, Neural Network, Linear Regression, and AdaBoost. AdaBoost algorithm demonstrated superior performance with an R 2 value greater than 0.98 for all output responses. Decision tree analysis revealed that the composition of silver nitrate significantly influences tensile strength, while coconut shell powder affects Young’s modulus. The optimized film, composed of PVA/20%CSP/4 mM AgNPs, exhibited improved UV-shielding, reduced water absorption (26.2%), and decreased soil weight loss (41.4%). SEM images confirmed the uniform dispersion of AgNPs within the PVA matrix. The integration of CRITIC-CoCoSo with machine learning provides a scalable approach for designing multifunctional bio-composites with enhanced properties for sustainable applications.

In ADNOC’s high-hazard, asset-intensive operating environment, safety systems and operational continuity are closely connected because disruptions can translate into downtime, production delays, and increased costs. This study provides a descriptive assessment of employees’ perceptions of Safety Measures (SM) and Operational Efficiency (OE) within ADNOC (UAE). Data were collected from 30 safety-domain staff using a self-administered questionnaire distributed through approved organisational channels, with responses captured on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Safety Measures were assessed across four ADNOC-relevant dimensions, Advanced Safety Technology (AST), Compliance with Safety (CWS), Emergency Response (ER), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), while Operational Efficiency was measured as perceived outcomes through Perceived Downtime Reduction (PD) and Perceived Productivity Improvement/Stability (PI). Descriptive results indicated generally favourable perceptions of safety measures (overall SM Mean = 3.95) and operational efficiency outcomes (overall OE Mean = 3.90). Among safety dimensions, AST and PPE received the highest ratings, while within OE, PD was rated higher than PI, suggesting that respondents more strongly associated safety practices with operational continuity and reduced disruption than with longer-term productivity gains. The questionnaire demonstrated strong internal consistency across all constructs (Cronbach’s α range: 0.882–0.934), with excellent reliability for SM overall (α = 0.966) and OE overall (α = 0.932). The findings provide ADNOC with a baseline profile for internal benchmarking and for prioritising improvement attention across safety-measure domains and perceived operational efficiency outcomes.

This research examines how curing temperature and duration influence the electrical and mechanical behavior of hybrid graphene nanoplatelet and silver (GNP/Ag) conductive ink. The ink was formulated from GNPs, silver flakes and silver acetate printed on copper substrates, then cured 240 °C, 250 °C, and 260 °C for one to three hours. Electrical resistance was measured using a Two-Point probe, while natural frequency was obtained from experimental modal analysis (EMA) on stainless-steel (SUS304) cantilever beams laminated with printed ink. The results show that the higher curing temperature and longer curing time reduce resistivity and increase natural frequency, with the best performance observed at 260 °C for 3 hours (8.4×10⁻⁶ Ω.m and a 4.2 Hz increase). These findings confirm that a direct relationship between conductivity and stiffness, where conditions that promote stronger particle bonding also raise structural rigidity. The main contribution of this research is the joint evaluation of curing effects on both electrical and vibrational responses, offering a combined electro-mechanical perspective that is not often explored in GNP/Ag ink research. The results provide practical guidance for selecting curing conditions based on the required balance between conductivity and mechanical stability in flexible and stretchable electronic applications.

The use of advanced thermoplastics in aircraft applications is steadily increasing due to their excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability. This study investigates Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide (CF/PPS) composites utilising a 5-Harness Satin (HS) fabric. Quasi-isotropic laminates with two different thicknesses underwent a thermoforming process at varying tool temperatures. The objective is to evaluate the effect of the degree of crystallinity (DOC) on the mechanical properties, specifically Impact Strength and Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS), as well as on thermal properties through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The results show that the DOC of CF/PPS in both 6- and 8-ply samples led to an improvement of over 50% in impact strength. Furthermore, ILSS increased by 15.3% and 10.38% at tool temperatures of 170°C and 160°C for the 6 plies and 8 plies laminates, respectively. TGA analysis after stamping indicated improved thermal stability with higher residual content, suggesting enhanced char formation. Lastly, for DSC results, DOC demonstrated 22.8% crystallinity after the thermoforming process, further supporting the correlation between DOC and mechanical performance.

This study reports the successful development of solid polymer electrolytes based on Cocculus hirsutus(CH), polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) using the solution casting method. Cocculus hirsutus was added to improve sustainability and ion transport PVA acted as the host polymer & MgCl2 provided mobile charge carriers. XRD results showed reduced crystallinity after Cocculus hirsutus addition indicating increased amorphous content that supports improved ionic conduction. FTIR spectra confirmed strong molecular interactions among the polymer, salt & natural additive. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) demonstrated the ion transport with the highest ionic conductivity of 1.17 × 10–4 S cm−1 achieved for the CH/PVA film containing 0.4 g of MgCl2. Electrochemical studies confirmed stable capacitive behavior with a specific capacitance of 104.34 F g−1 and good electrochemical stability. DSC analysis of CHM4 polymer electrolyte shows moisture loss, improved polymer chain mobility & excellent thermal stability confirming its suitability for solid-state energy storage. CHM4 polymer electrolyte demonstrates excellent flexibility & flame resistance, ensuring safe, reliable use in solid-state energy devices. The polymer electrolyte ensures mechanical stability and controlled deformation, supporting reliable long-term supercapacitor and battery performance. Highlighting its potential for next-generation energy storage applications particularly flexible supercapacitor devices. • Magnesium ion conducting Cocculus hirsutus /PVA/MgCl2 polymer electrolytes are prepared using solution casting method. Cocculus hirsutus is a novel biopolymer. • Enhanced amorphous nature and complex formation are confirmed by XRD and FTIR studies. • The improved ionic conductivity of 1.17 × 10–4 S/cm is achieved for 0.4 g MgCl2 concentration. • Dielectric properties of the prepared electrolytes are also analyzed by EIS studies. • The higher conducting polymer electrolyte is used to fabricate EDLC and this fabricated device shows specific capacitance of 8.92 mF/g.