The design of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is at the core of modern ultra-high-speed transponders employing advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. This manuscript discusses the motivations for jointly utilizing transmission techniques such as probabilistic shaping and digital sub-carrier multiplexing in digital coherent optical transmissions systems. We firstly report the key-building blocks of high-speed modern DSP-based transponders working up to 800G per wave. Secondly, we show the benefits of these transmission methods in terms of system level performance. Finally, we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first long-haul experimental transmission -e.g., over 1000 km -with a real-time 7 nm DSP ASIC and digital coherent optics (DCO) capable of data rates up to 1.6 Tb/s using two waves (2×800G).

In long haul optical fiber communication networks, whichcan span thousands of kilometers, bandwidth is at a premium due to the relatively low availability of optical fibers when compared with network traffic demands. Therefore, these networks require the highest performance in the physical layer, with transceivers that are capable of extracting all the available capacity from each optical fiber. Digital coherent transmitters and receivers, which enhance optical transmission systems by using digital signal processing, are essential for achieving this goal. This tutorial discusses the digital signal processing techniques that are used in the design of high performance coherent modems to compensate for adverse channel effects such as fiber impairments and optoelectronic device nonidealities.

Malaysia is progressing into Industry Revolution (IR) 4.0 which emphasizes more onto digital, data and artificial intelligence where everything is expected to be automated. However, cost tends to be a major issue at the pioneer stage of embracing technology where Building Information Modelling (BIM) for example tends to be a cost tussle for the current construction industry. Yet, research has shown that BIM is arguably one of the technology platforms in combating the costing issue considering that BIM enables 3D model elements to link to cost and auto-generate quantities which potentially achieve cost-effective project. Due to the conflicting perspectives of how BIM affects project cost issues, it is imperative to investigate the cost-related issues in implementing BIM in the project and to determine how BIM in general positively influences the overall project cost. Qualitative research is adopted in this study. A semi-structured interview was conducted among four professionals who employs BIM in their project. They consist of the assistant manager, senior manager and chief executive officer. The data collected is analysed by utilising Matrix Table for better organisation. The scope of the study is in the Selangor state in which the local construction industry had applied BIM in their construction industry up to the 3D stage. The results showed that the BIM implementation cost is not too burdensome as it is only a one-time cost and does not vary throughout the project period. In addition, the BIM influence on the overall cost of the project is beneficial to the industry. It improves workflow and cost management. In conclusion, BIM is beneficial to the construction industry in the long term. It is important to resolve the cost-related issues for implement BIM and hence, encourage the usage of BIM, especially in the IR 4.0 ecosystem.

The implementation of sustainable construction and green building becomes the main attention of construction industries in Malaysia as it has been introduced by the government in the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (2016-2020). Therefore, this study focuses on the development of sustainable concrete bricks containing Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as sand and cement substitute materials. The percentage of replacement is 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% for EPS and 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% for POFA. There are 30 different mix designs of brick have been produced and their properties have been identified. Hardened brick density, compressive strength, water absorption and initial rate of absorption are the brick properties identified in this study. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the hardened brick density and compressive strength of the brick decreased as the replacement percentage increased. On the other hand, the water absorption and initial rate of absorption of the brick decreased as the percentage of EPS increased and increased as the percentage of POFA increased. Based on the findings, it shows that EPS and POFA has significantly contributes to the reduction of brick density. Next, for the compressive strength all the bricks have satisfied the minimum strength requirement of non-load bearing brick. Finally, for water absorption and initial rate of absorption, it has been found that majority of the bricks have an acceptable value based on standard requirements for brick. This can be concluded that EPS and POFA could be potential substitute materials for the manufacture of sustainable bricks.

This study presents the effect of curing conditions towards properties of lightweight concrete brick made up of cement, sand and some replacement materials. The replacement materials used in this study is Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) as sand replacement and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as cement replacement. The percentage of replacement for POFA is 0%, 10% and 20% whilst 0%, 30% and 50% for EPS. The brick samples have been exposed to different types of curing conditions that is air curing and water curing until the day of test. Among the tests that have been conducted are hardened brick density, compressive strength and water absorption. Based on the findings, it has been proved that the replacement percentage of EPS and POFA has significant impacts towards the brick properties. In addition, it is found that hardened brick density and compressive strength of air curing samples are lower as compared to water curing samples meanwhile the water absorption for air curing samples are higher that water curing samples.