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Utilization of BLOSSOMS Thermodynamics Energy Conversion video to properly incorporate active learning techniques had been shown to increase the students' performance in learning introductory Thermodynamics topics. In this study, the effectiveness of using BLOSSOMS Thermodynamics Energy Conversion video towards students' learning in a classroom when adopted by lecturers who is not trained in active learning is investigated. Two groups of undergraduate engineering students from a control class and a treatment class were involved in this study. The students from the treatment class were taught by a lecturer using the BLOSSOMS Thermodynamics Energy Conversion video, while the students from control class underwent conventional lecture style. The students were given pre and post inventory tests and their results were analysed using SPSS. It was found that BLOSSOMS Thermodynamics Energy Conversion video without the proper implementation of active learning technique does not have a significant effect on the individual learning gain of the inventory test among students. The utilization of the video could be more effective if the instructor is well-trained in active learning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The longhouse is a well-known traditional dwelling of many natives in Sarawak. A longhouse is a terraced street of separate dwellings covered by one roof. Each family who stay in the longhouse has their separate room. These houses are still in use today and are able to provide the basic shelter needs of the occupants. The use of local materials and the setting that create harmonization with the local environment and climate contribute to the provision of comfort to the occupants. However, the traditional longhouse today is a threatened typology as some of them either have disappeared, are no longer constructed, are tourism attractions or are being maintained as cultural artifacts only. There is a concern that someday the distinct identity of the longhouse might be lost. Therefore, knowledge of construction techniques, assessment of the materials used and typological characteristics of the traditional architecture need to be gathered to preserve the built heritage. A comprehensive document is essential for the preservation and conservation of the traditional longhouse. This paper presents the methodology used and data collected on the typology of the traditional longhouse and its construction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioclimatic building design is essential for a building to adapt to local climates and to provide comfort for the inhabitants while encouraging energy saver features. Comfort inside the house can be achieved with less dependence on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation, and the application of eco-friendly materials. Wood and bamboo are examples of eco-friendly materials which are excellent in absorbing heat and allowing natural ventilation thus giving comfort to the occupants. These materials are widely used in the construction of Dayak traditional longhouses in Sarawak, Malaysia. Therefore, a study has been conducted to assess the presence of bioclimatic building design approach in the Dayak traditional longhouse. In the study, observation and photo analysis were carried out at selected traditional longhouses in Sarawak. This study found that traditional longhouses practice bioclimatic building design. The traditional longhouse with its passive design for lighting and ventilation and materials contribute to its natural adaptation to the hot and humid weather conditions in the tropical climate. The findings are expected to generate ideas for bioclimatic building design for other modern houses in a tropical climate. In conclusion, the Dayak traditional longhouse in Sarawak, Malaysia is a good example of bioclimatic building design of the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]