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Measuring the combat readiness in military forces involves the measures of tangible and intangible elements of combat power. Though these measures are applicable, the mathematical models and formulae used focus mainly on either the tangible or the intangible elements. In this paper, a review is done to highlight the research gap in the formulation of a mathematical model that incorporates tangible elements with intangible elements to measure the combat readiness of a military force. It highlights the missing link between the tangible and intangible elements of combat power. To bridge the gap and missing link, a mathematical model could be formulated that measures both the tangible and intangible aspects of combat readiness by establishing the relationship between the causal (tangible and intangible) elements and its effects on the measure of combat readiness. The model uses multiple regression analysis as well as mathematical modeling and simulation which digest the capability component reflecting its assets and resources, the morale component reflecting human needs, and the quality of life component reflecting soldiers' state of satisfaction in life. The results of the review provide a mean to bridge the research gap through the formulation of a mathematical model that shows the total measure of a military force's combat readiness. The results also significantly identify parameters for each of the variables and factors in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature proved that bamboo can be used as an alternative reinforcement because it has high tensile strength, which is almost similar to steel reinforcement. Besides, bamboo is lightweight and cheap that suitable for low-cost construction industry. Therefore, in this study, the mechanical properties of bamboo coated with different surface treatment is investigated under static loading. Bamboo type 'Gigantochloa Scortechinii' or also known as 'Buluh Semantan' in Malaysia is chosen as it is largely found in Peninsular Malaysia and has high tensile strength as reported by previous researchers. The bamboo samples were prepared into two different shapes, i.e. cylinder and dog-bone. Prior to laboratory testing, the bamboo samples were coated with solid epoxy and water-based epoxy. These epoxy coatings were chosen because it may provide the best surface treatment as reported by numerous researchers. A total of 18 samples were prepared and tested under static loading. The laboratory tests were performed using the Compression Testing Machine and Universal Testing Machine for compression and tensile tests respectively. Results denoted that the highest compressive strength of bamboo was observed when the bamboo is coated with solid epoxy. The compressive strength of bamboo coated solid epoxy is 6.2% and 23.77% higher than the bamboo coated with water-based epoxy and untreated surface bamboo respectively. Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength of bamboo improved up to 45% coated with solid epoxy compared to other samples of bamboo. The study concluded that the bamboo coated with solid epoxy is the best surface treatment for bamboo reinforcement compared to water-based epoxy and untreated bamboo. The outcome of this study provides essential information on the utilization or application of bamboo as an alternative reinforcement of construction material especially in low-cost construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo’s advantages such as fast growing, renewable and easily available raw material meets the demand of sustainable material in construction. Bamboo act as reinforcement to enhance strength in structural members. This paper investigated on the properties of Gigantochloa Scortechinii bamboo (moisture content, density, compression, shear and bending) by referring to ISO 22157. Moisture content for both untreated and treated bamboo high at the bottom section while density is high at the top section. Compression strength for untreated bamboo were between 19.96 to 23.80 MPa and treated bamboo were between 31.74 to 36.60 MPa. High compression was at the top section which have the greatest wall thickness. Shear strength recorded between 4.28 to 5.69 MPa for untreated bamboo with node and 3.67 to 5.21 MPa for treated bamboo with node. The shear strength of samples with node recorded high strength compared to internode. Untreated bamboo recorded the MOR between 53.64 to 73.66 MPa and 58.23 to 62.86 MPa for treated bamboo. MOE of untreated bamboo were between 26.70 GPa to 36.31 GPa while treated bamboo were between 28.83 to 33.41 GPa. By replacing bamboo to the conventional building material, cost of materials will be reduced and sustainability will be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia located in tropical climate which have a typical temperature range between 21 °C to 36 °C. Due to this, air-conditioning system for buildings become a necessity to provide comfort to occupants. In order to reduce the energy consumption of the air-conditioning system, the transmission of heat from outdoor to indoor space should be kept as minimum as possible. This article discuss about a technology to resist heat transfer through concrete wall panel using a hybrid method. In this research, PVC pipe was embedded at the center of concrete wall panel while the EPS foam beads were added about 1% of the cement content in the concrete mix forming the outer layer of the wall panel. Water is regulated in the PVC pipe from the rainwater harvesting system. The aim of this study is to minimize heat transfer from the external environment into the building. Internal building temperature which indicated in BS EN ISO 7730 or ASHRAE Standard 55 where the comfort indoor thermal is below 25°C during the daytime. Study observed that the internal surface temperature of heat resistance wall panel is up to 3°C lower than control wall panel. Therefore, we can conclude that application of heat resistance wall panel can lead to lower interior building temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]