6 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH IN UNIVERSITY
University life can be overwhelming, but taking care of your mental health should always be a priority! Here are six tips to help you thrive.
Small changes make a big difference! Let’s prioritize mental wellness together.
What are your go-to methods for keeping a positive mindset?
#MentalHealth #UniversityLife #SelfCare #university #campus #StudentWellBeing #UTM
TEN (10) RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS IN DECEMBER – YEAR 2024 IT’S A WRAP!
This month, we managed to get 10 articles published. As the year comes to a close (aka holidays), I’ll take the time to share the key insights from each paper in the near future. For now, here’s a quick overview of the contributions:
STRENGTHENING RESEARCH SKILLS – SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (SLR) TRAINING DAY 2
Day 2 of our Systematic Literature Review (SLR) training, continuing the journey of building strong research skills within my lab. Led by Hafiz Usman Mehmood, this personal coaching session for lab members focused on advanced techniques and practical applications of SLR.
Key topics covered included:
1. The PRISMA Framework
2. Thematic Analysis & Qualitative Synthesis
3. Structuring Papers & Reporting Results
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
These sessions aim to prepare our research group to confidently undertake systematic reviews, ensuring their work is rigorous and impactful. It’s rewarding to see the enthusiasm and dedication from everyone involved.
#ResearchSkills #SystematicLiteratureReview #LabTraining #AcademicExcellence #PostgraduateResearch #Mentorship
GREEN BELTS IN 3D – A NATURAL SOLUTION FOR TRAFFIC NOISE MITIGATION
This is our latest publication titled “Traffic Noise Absorption and Propagation in a Three-Dimensional Spatial Environment” in Geoplanning: Journal of Geomatics and Planning.
This research explores the role of tree canopies as noise barriers using advanced LiDAR-based 3D models. By visualizing tree structures in 3D, we analyzed their noise absorption performance and identified how green belts can effectively reduce traffic noise propagation.
Okay the Key Findings:
-Tree leaves play a major role in absorbing noise.
-3D Convex Hull and Concave Hull methods improve canopy surface estimation.
-Voxel-based models provide better accuracy for leaf surface area and density analysis.
The study emphasizes the potential of green belts as cost-effective and sustainable noise mitigation solutions, particularly for developing countries.
Imagine quieter roads and healthier urban environments that is powered by nature and technology.
Read the full paper here: https://ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/geoplanning/article/download/60822/pdf
#NoisePollution #GreenInfrastructure #3DVisualization #TrafficNoise #Sustainability #UrbanPlanning #GeospatialTech #ResearchImpact
STRENGTHENING RESEARCH SKILLS: SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (SLR) TRAINING
On Sunday, we kicked off Day 1 of the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) training session, a personal coaching initiative for my research group. This effort is dedicated to enhancing the research capabilities of my postgraduate students and lab members.
The session, conducted by our very own Lab 3D PhD student, Hafiz Usman Mehmood. He has a vast experience writing this type of paper. Our day 1 training covered critical aspects of SLR, including:
1. Introduction to SLR
2. Importance in Academic Research
3. Developing Research Questions
4. Selecting Databases & Searching Articles
5. Screening & Applying Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
I believe that empowering young researchers with structured approaches like SLR is key to producing impactful, high-quality research.
These closed training sessions reflect our commitment to cultivating a strong research foundation within our lab. Tomorrow, we move to Day 2 with advanced topics, including the PRISMA framework and qualitative synthesis.
#ResearchSkills #SystematicLiteratureReview #LabTraining #AcademicExcellence #PostgraduateResearch #Mentorship
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ICWEES-2025
I have been invited to deliver the Keynote Lecture at the International Conference on Water, Environment, Energy, and Society (ICWEES-2025), which will take place on April 24-25, 2025. This invitation came from a research colleague which he is a Vice Chancellor of a university, making it hard to say no.
I am also honored to be invited as a member of the International Technical Advisory Committee for this conference.
This event is jointly organized by the National Institute of Technology Puducherry (NIT PY) and the International Association for Water, Environment, Energy, and Society (IAWEES), in collaboration with institutions like Rabindranath Tagore University, Texas A&M University (USA), and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands).
If anyone here is familiar with this conference or has attended previous editions, please share your insights and experiences. I would love to hear from you!
#KeynoteSpeaker #ICWEES2025 #Sustainability #WaterEnvironmentEnergy #GlobalCollaboration #AcademicImpact
CELEBRATING A NEW COPYRIGHT ACHIEVEMENT!
Today, we are excited to announce that our product entitled “Presentation Rubric for Geoinformatics (SBEG)” has been Copyrighted by the Innovation and Commercialization Center (ICC) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This achievement will further enable tools for education and research in geoinformatics. The copyright is registered under reference IP/CR/05605, dated 3 December 2024.
This rubric is designed to streamline and enhance the assessment process for geoinformatics presentations, providing a structured and comprehensive approach to evaluating quality and impact. It’s a step forward in promoting academic excellence and innovation.
At UTM, we are not only conducting groundbreaking research, but also pioneering research in education, bridging knowledge and practice to empower the next generation of scholars and innovators.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
Thank you to UTM ICC for their continued support and to everyone who contributed to the success of this product. Together, we are driving impactful advancements in education and research. Let’s continue to push boundaries, inspire minds, and shape the future.
3D CITY MODELLING FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDING MAINTENANCE!
Our latest research article, “Transforming High-Rise Residential Maintenance: A 3D Spatio-Temporal Model Utilizing Industry 4.0 and Lean Principles”, in the prestigious journal Facilities.
This study introduces a 3D spatio-temporal maintenance model that combines cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies (like IoT, AI, and big data) with lean maintenance principles to:
-Optimize maintenance schedules
-Enhance resource allocation
-Improve decision-making processes
-Reduce downtime and costs
-Increase tenant satisfaction through better building performance
The key highlights:
1) Integration of real-time data analytics for predictive maintenance.
2) Advanced 3D visualizations to identify maintenance trends and priorities.
3) A framework designed for sustainability and efficiency in high-rise residential buildings.
This model represents a game-changer in facility management by addressing the unique challenges of high-rise buildings and delivering proactive, data-driven maintenance strategies.
“From better planning to smarter solutions, this research paves the way for innovative and sustainable maintenance practices!”
Read the full article here: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/f-06-2024-0085/full/html
TRAFFIC NOISE PREDICTION USING MACHINE LEARNING!
Our new research paper titled “Traffic Noise Prediction Model Using GIS and Ensemble Machine Learning: A Case Study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Campus” has been published in the Q1-ranked journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Web of Science indexed)!
This study focuses on the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and ensemble machine learning models to predict traffic noise levels, an important environmental concern. Our research provides a detailed analysis of how these innovative methods can be used to accurately predict noise propagation and assist in urban planning for noise mitigation strategies.
The results highlight the effectiveness of ensemble learning methods, such as Random Forest and Gradient Boosting, in providing accurate predictions compared to traditional models. This approach could lead to more effective noise control measures and improved quality of life in urban environments.
Check out the full study here:
Title: Traffic Noise Prediction Model Using GIS and Ensemble Machine Learning: A Case Study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Campus
Link to the paper: https://rdcu.be/dWJaz
This study showcases the power of machine learning in tackling environmental challenges! Using advanced ensemble models like Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Extreme Gradient Boosting, the team has developed highly accurate predictions of traffic noise levels. This breakthrough combines GIS with cutting-edge machine learning techniques, making it a standout achievement in noise pollution research!
ANOTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) COPYRIGHT APPROVAL GRANTED!
Our product titled “Residential Integrated Building Maintenance Management Model (R-IB3M): A Unified GIS Framework Flowchart for Spatio-Temporal Data Synthesis” has officially been granted an Intellectual Property (IP) copyright by MyIPO via Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Innovation and Commercialization Center (ICC). The filing number is LY2024J06676, dated 15 October 2024.
This framework is a major step forward in improving building maintenance management through advanced GIS and spatio-temporal data analysis. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on future projects and applications in the field.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible, and a special thanks to UTM’s ICC for the support and recognition.
Let’s continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in building management!
“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat” – Steve Jobs
#CopyrightGranted #GIS #BuildingManagement #Innovation #ResearchImpact #SpatioTemporalData #UTM #RIB3M