Advanced and Sustainable Technologies (ASET)

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14170/1841

ADVANCED AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES (ASET) is an engineering technology journal with scholarly open-access and published two issues per year (in June and December) by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Press. ASET is an international journal initiated by the Malaysian Technical University Network. This journal was launched by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, UniMAP, in September 2021. ASET focuses on articles that contribute new knowledge and application in Advanced and Sustainable Technology and publishing original research articles. ASET covers all areas of Advanced Applied Mechanics and Electronics (Mechanical and Manufacturing, Electrical and Electronics, Telecommunication and Computer Technologies), Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (Construction and Infrastructure, Chemical and Biotechnologies, Industrial Safety, and Sustainable Technologies). is an engineering technology journal with scholarly open-access and published two issues per year (in June and December) by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Press. ASET is an international journal initiated by the Malaysian Technical University Network. This journal was launched by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, UniMAP, in September 2021. ASET focuses on articles that contribute new knowledge and application in Advanced and Sustainable Technology and publishing original research articles. ASET covers all areas of Advanced Applied Mechanics and Electronics (Mechanical and Manufacturing, Electrical and Electronics, Telecommunication and Computer Technologies), Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (Construction and Infrastructure, Chemical and Biotechnologies, Industrial Safety, and Sustainable Technologies).

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Assessing changes in soil moisture distribution for before and after irrigation in a Harumanis Greenhouse

( 2024-03)
Arravinthen Nagarajah
;
Fathin Ayuni Azizan
;
Fatnin Nazifa Mohamad Zalani

Soil moisture is an essential factor in determining the quality of crop production in farming areas, particularly in a greenhouse. It is important to ensure that the irrigation in the greenhouse can provide ample water needed by trees. This study aims to assess the status of soil moisture and map its distribution in a greenhouse following the irrigation supply. Soil samples were collected at forty randomly chosen locations at two different intervals of before and after irrigation supply. The soil moisture content is determined by the gravimetric method in the laboratory. Two soil moisture distribution maps were developed using soil moisture data and the coordinates of the sample locations. Based on the maps, the soil moisture distribution of before irrigation was classified into two classes: low and moderate at about 50% coverage each, while 100% of the greenhouse area was within the high soil moisture class for after irrigation. The statistical results demonstrate that both soil moisture data before and after irrigation are different, with the mean soil moisture content increased by 8.73%, thus proving that irrigation systems installed in the greenhouse work effectively by providing ample water to the soil to achieve high soil moisture content in the greenhouse.

6 13
Automatic monitoring of class A pan evaporation using the Internet of Things (IoT)

( 2024-03)
Mohd Fauzie Jusoh
;
Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Muttalib
;
Nur Sakinah Saedin
;
Mohd Mahmud

This study aimed to assess suitable water level sensor types and implement the automated monitoring of water levels within a Class A pan evaporation system using the Internet of Things (IoT). Both analogue and ultrasonic water level sensors underwent testing in controlled laboratory conditions for performance analysis. The results showed that the analogue water level sensor exhibited suboptimal output sensor responses compared to the ultrasonic sensor, primarily due to its susceptibility to variations in solution types and immersion depths. In contrast, ultrasonic sensors demonstrated strong performance with acceptable error rates, as evidenced by the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1.03, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 1.42, and Coefficient of Determination (R²) of 0.94 during laboratory testing. However, the ultrasonic sensor's performance was somewhat reduced during field testing, exhibiting accuracy levels ranging from 6.7% to 51.2% within a greenhouse environment during rock melon cultivation. These discoveries highlight the feasibility of using ultrasonic sensors with environmental calibration to automate real-time evaporation measurements towards precision irrigation practices.

3 67
Bioconversion of agro-wastes by Black Soldier Fly larvae

( 2024-03)
Rashidah Ruslan
;
Hirun Azaman Ismail
;
Tay See Yee

The utilization of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) in agro-waste bioconversion is becoming popular due to its potential to reduce waste volume and produce protein and lipids from the larvae. This research was carried out to evaluate the capacity of BSFL to biologically convert different types of selected plant and animal-based agro-wastes. The assessment of the BSFL growth (diameter, length, and weight) was recorded. Results indicated that BSFL were capable of digesting goat manure, banana, and cabbage, though the respective digestion rates differed. The waste reduction capacity ranged from 21.82 % - 36.74 %, with the highest achieved with banana and the lowest was goat manure. The highest growth rates of BSFL in terms of weight, diameter, and length were achieved by digesting cabbage waste, followed by banana and goat manure. There is a high potential to utilize BSFL in agro-waste management due to its eco-friendly and sustainable method.

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Biogas production from the paddy straw pretreated with Sodium Hydroxide and co-digestion with cow manure

( 2024-03)
Tengku Roslina Tuan Yusof
;
Muizz Zahari
;
Mariam Majid
;
Abdul Syafiq Abdul Syukor
;
Mohd Riduan Jamalludin

Paddy straw waste (PS) is an organic waste that is disposed in open land after preparation of rice harvest that is generated in equal or greater quantities than the rice itself. Generally, it is disposed in open land, which increases anthropogenic gases. Converting it into useful energy or value-added products may reduce disposal problems and anthropogenic activity. In this study, PS with different treatments of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 2, 4, 6 , 8 and 10% was co-digested with cow dung (CD) for obtaining biogas by anaerobic digestion. For this purpose, PS was mixed with CD at different proportions, namely 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, and 0:100 percentages on a mass basis, the samples were used in five different anaerobic digesters. The samples were kept in different anaerobic digesters for the study. The effect of important input parameters like pH and Carbon to Nitrogen (C/N) ratio on the biogas production was studied. Maximum biogas production was obtained from the co-digestion of the substrate containing 30% ps and 70% Cd for a digestion time of 20 days, and d3 shows a max pH value of 7.16. Further, the biogas collected from the digesters was characterized to ensure suitability for use as a renewable fuel. Furthermore, the digested slurry was also analyzed for its use in agriculture. The results are presented in this paper.

4 24
Cracking the code: process parameter effects on Khaya senegalensis energy pellet moisture content

( 2023-12)
Ras Izzati Ismail
;
Khor Chu Yee
;
Alina Rahayu Mohamed

The production of energy pellets from biomass sources holds immense potential for sustainable renewable energy generation. This study investigates the influence of key process parameters on the moisture content of energy pellets derived from Khaya senegalensis, a promising biomass feedstock in Malaysia. With a focus on unlocking the relationship between process variables and pellet moisture, a systematic experimental approach was adopted. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of raw material moisture, feedstock particle size, compression pressure, and pelletization temperature on the manufactured biomass energy pellet's moisture content. By employing a comprehensive design of experiments and statistical analysis, the nuanced effects of these parameters are revealed on the moisture content of Khaya senegalensis energy pellets. The results illuminate the complex interplay between these process variables and the final moisture characteristics of the pellets. Understanding how these parameters impact moisture content is crucial for optimizing pellet quality, combustion efficiency, and storage stability. The study found a quadratic relationship between particle size, compression pressure, and pelletization temperature, indicating that larger particle sizes correlate with higher moisture content. Excessive pressure led to elevated levels while increasing temperature showed a decreasing trend. This research contributes valuable insights that advance the knowledge frontier of biomass pelletization, paving the way for enhanced utilization of Khaya senegalensis as a renewable energy resource.

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Demographic disparities in 5G technology adoption among paddy farmers in Kedah: a comprehensive study

( 2024-03)
Nurul Hazwani Abdul Hamid
;
Noormaizatul Akmar Ishak
;
Ahmad Tajudin Baharin
;
Evawaynie Valquis Md. Isa
;
Mohd Fisol Osman

This research aims to investigate the adoption of 5G technology within the agricultural sector, specifically among rice farmers in Kedah, Malaysia, and understand the demographic disparities in 5G adoption. It also addresses the challenge of equitable 5G technology adoption and explores how demographic factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, and income levels influence adoption patterns. A mixed-methods approach, comprising surveys, interviews, and field observations, is employed to collect data from a diverse sample of farmers. The study utilizes theoretical frameworks related to automation, productivity, and connectivity to analyze the impact of 5G technology on agricultural practices. Only descriptive analysis of demographic characteristics will be reported after the survey is conducted using a questionnaire through the What'sApp application. The research reveals significant gender imbalances in adoption rates, with implications for equitable access to technological advancements. It also highlights the influence of age and income on adoption patterns. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies to ensure the adoption of inclusive 5G technology in the agricultural sector.

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Demographic disparities in 5G technology adoption among paddy farmers in Kedah: a comprehensive study

(Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 2024-03)
Nurul Hazwani Abdul Hamid
;
Noormaizatul Akmar Ishak
;
Ahmad Tajudin Baharin
;
Evawaynie Valquis Md. Isa
;
Mohd Fisol Osman

This research aims to investigate the adoption of 5G technology within the agricultural sector, specifically among rice farmers in Kedah, Malaysia, and understand the demographic disparities in 5G adoption. It also addresses the challenge of equitable 5G technology adoption and explores how demographic factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, and income levels influence adoption patterns. A mixed-methods approach, comprising surveys, interviews, and field observations, is employed to collect data from a diverse sample of farmers. The study utilizes theoretical frameworks related to automation, productivity, and connectivity to analyze the impact of 5G technology on agricultural practices. Only descriptive analysis of demographic characteristics will be reported after the survey is conducted using a questionnaire through the What'sApp application. The research reveals significant gender imbalances in adoption rates, with implications for equitable access to technological advancements. It also highlights the influence of age and income on adoption patterns. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies to ensure the adoption of inclusive 5G technology in the agricultural sector

17 3
Design and fabrication of automatic temperature control for chicken shade

( 2024-03)
M.H.H. Asaad
;
Nur Lailina Makhtar
;
R. I. Ismail
;
Lee Yit Leng
;
Norawanis Abdul Razak
;
Wan Nur Atiqah Wan Draman

One of the most crucial sectors to explore in Malaysia are agriculture and poultry. Indeed, there is a strong correlation between agricultural growth and economic growth. The inconsistent weather in Malaysia will cause the temperature to increase and decrease, and this problem will affect the health of the chicken. Small-sector farmers cannot afford the high cost of installing and maintaining the temperature control system. Therefore, new effective technological approaches were required to continuously improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of major farming systems. An automatic temperature control system was designed to control the temperature in the chicken shade. This system was controlled by Arduino UNO, which was programmed using Arduino IDE software. The system started to operate when the sensor detected the temperature in the chicken shade above 28oC. The exhaust fan, pump, and water sprinkler are the main components in this system that control the temperature in the chicken shade. The system reduced the temperature in the chicken shade by 1oC to 3oC. The system also affects the rate of chicken growth. By lowering the temperature in the chicken shade, the rate of the chicken growth increases. The chicken starts to grow faster in week 3 at 5 weeks. Starting in week 3, the chicken in controlled room temperature was 46g heavier than the average chicken weight in a normal room. In week four, the average chicken weight in a controlled room was 116.25g heavier than in a normal room. In week six, the average weight of chicken in the controlled room was 884.5, while in normal room conditions, it was 732g. The initial bar graph and week six bar graph for both conditions show significant differences in the chicken's growth rate.

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Effects of blue and green Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on the vegetative and reproductive growth of Black Jelly Mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae)

( 2024-03)
Roshita Ibrahim
;
Lim Yi Mao

Light is an essential source during the cultivation of mushrooms, which significantly affects the productivity of black jelly mushrooms (Auricularia auricula-judae) in both vegetative and reproductive growth. The application of a light-emitting diode (LED) is proven to be beneficial in several plants and mushroom cultivation. This study focused on the effects of blue and green LED treatments on the vegetative and reproductive growth of black jelly mushroom. During vegetative and reproductive stages, mushroom bags were exposed to three conditions, Control (without LED treatment), blue LED and green LED. The LED treated mushroom bags showed a slower vegetative growth rate compared to the control. However, exposure to Blue LED during the reproductive stage tends to be the most effective treatment among all the LED treatments as it took the least time for pinhead emergence (26.2 to 32.6 days), and green LED shortened the time for fruiting bodies formation (17.0 to 19.4 days). Based on the yield of fruiting bodies, exposure to blue LED during the reproductive stage also resulted in a maximum yield (302.4 g) with a larger mushroom size (13.56 cm). In conclusion, the application of LED during the vegetative stage is unnecessary, but the application of blue and green LEDs during the reproductive stage could improve the growth and yield of black jelly mushrooms.

2 16
Hot air drying of Brazilian spinach leaves

( 2024-03)
Norawanis Abdul Razak
;
Lim Teik Wei
;
Lee Yit Leng
;
Sriyana Abdullah

Brazilian spinach is one of the best leafy vegetables with tons of nutrients and has a range of health benefits. Its quality also determines the acceptance of customers to buy and consume it. The common method to extend the shelf life of the spinach is through drying treatment and preserving the color and texture quality of the leaves. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the drying characteristics of Brazilian spinach and investigate the effect of drying temperature on the color and texture quality of Brazilian spinach. Brazilian spinach leaves were dried using a hot air dryer under different temperatures (30, 50, 70 and 90C). Results showed that the drying rate increased when temperature increased. It was found that the Midili model gave the best fitting to the experimental moisture ratio for a specific drying treatment. Drying the Brazilian spinach leaves at 50C was the best condition for preserving their color and texture properties.

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Insecticidal activity of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) against Rice Weevil (Sitophylus oryzae)

( 2024-03)
Adila Fazliyana Aili Hamzah
;
Nurhadijah Zainalabidin
;
Nor Hidawati Elias

The aim of this study is to analyze the potential use of kaffir lime leaves and peel extract as bioinsecticides against rice weevils. The assessment of bioinsecticidal activity was studied through contact activity, repellency, antifeedant, and progeny and growth development tests. Contact activity tests resulted in increased adult mortality with increased extract concentrations from 10 to 50 mg/L after 24 hours. The leaf extract (LC50=18 mg/L) showed a higher mortality rate compared to fruit peel extracts (LC50=54 mg/L), with 100 % and 60 % mortality, respectively. The leaf extracts with a mean repellency of 68 % significantly repelled rice weevils compared to the 42 % repellency of fruit peel extracts. The leaf extract was classified in repellency class IV, while the peel extract was in repellency class II. With the use of Kaffir lime leaf extracts, F1 adults were completely suppressed at 20 mg/L concentration of leaf extract with a 100 % inhibition rate.

2 25
Mechanical design and analysis of new staircase climbing hand truck

( 2023-06)
Muhammad Ikman Ishak
;
Dir Fazly Pailin

The transportation of goods on a staircase could give challenges to the users, especially those stay in a high-rise building particularly when the elevators are not in service. There is a variation of existing staircase climbing hand truck designs has been developed; however, some problems were identified. The existing designs have a limitation in terms of wheel system configuration to be used on different staircase sizes. Besides, the designs also possess limited supporting structure areas to accommodate the goods and are less ergonomic for handling and downsizing. The objective of the study was to design a new staircase climbing hand truck that was completed with new functional and ergonomic features to improve the climbing process. Primary and secondary data were collected via observation, interview, and journal articles, followed by design concept development, three-dimensional modelling and analysis, and usability testing. Our findings showed that the proposed design of the hand truck is satisfactory in terms of developed features such as an adjustable wheel frame, foldable nose plate, safety compartments and cables, and adjustable handle. Further improvements might be necessary to enhance the design functionality of the hand truck for the transportation of goods on a staircase

1 13
Optimization of fuel pellet parameter from oil palm fronds by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

( 2023-06)
Ras Izzati Ismail
;
Khor Chu Yee
;
Alina Rahayu Mohamed
;
Nadiah Farzana Jamaludin
;
Adli Azimi Abdul Rahman
;
Mohd Riduan Jamalludin

The oil palm tree, which had been producing a plentiful supply of oil palm fronds, had simply been left to rot on the ground. As biomass is a loose substance, pelletization was undertaken so that it could be transported and stored with ease. High-quality pellet production was studied to maximize oil palm frond use. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to determine the impact of particle size and moisture content on fuel pellet quality. The response surface approach was utilized in this study to optimize the oil palm fronds pellet particle size and the moisture content on the durability, unit density, and calorific value. The particle sizes analyzed were 0.15 mm, 0.500 mm, and 1.00 mm, while the moisture content was 5%, 10.50%, and 16%. The pellets were manufactured using a hydraulic single pellet press, and their calorific value, unit density, and durability were evaluated using a bomb calorimeter, a density formula, and a sieve shaker, respectively. The optimization yielded the maximum desirability (0.5026) for particles with a 16% moisture content and a 0.500 mm particle size. The condition is ideal when the value of desirability is closest to 1.00. It may be concluded that the particle size and moisture content of oil palm fronds affect the durability, unit density, and calorific value of oil palm fronds pellet.

4 44
Performance of Chlorella vulgarisin Phycoremediation of livestock effluent

( 2024-03)
Siti Kamariah Md Sa'at
;
Muhammad Danish Badrul Azmi

Livestock effluent is known to contain significantly higher concentrations of organic matter and challenging-to-degrade organic compounds compared to urban wastewater. This makes the effluent treatment challenging and adversely affects nearby aquatic environments if improperly treated. Phycoremediation uses microalgae in water and wastewater treatment. This research aim was to evaluate pollutant removal efficiencies, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate (NO₃-N), turbidity, and phosphate (P), using microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) cultivation systems for livestock effluent treatment. The biomass weight of C. vulgaris in the cultivation systems was also observed. In this study, C. vulgaris was cultivated in closed cultivation systems in 5 L water bottles with different dilutions (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%). The water effluent was compared to permissible values using the National Water Quality Standard (NWQS) class II for recreational water use. TSS was significantly removed by 61.97%, while COD and P were removed by 39.1% and 36.4%, respectively. The biomass growth was observed through the dry weight of the C.vulgaris. Therefore, the removal of nutrients from cattle farm effluent by phytoremediation using C. vulgaris demonstrates potential for treatment efficacy.

5 23
Physical characteristic and in-vitro bioactivity property of sintered glasses made via sol-gel and powder sintering process

( 2022-12)
Syed Nuzul Fadzli Syed Adam
;
Firuz Zainuddin
;
Azlin Fazlina Osman
;
Hasmaliza Mohamad

In this work, ternary system (SiO2-CaO-P2O5) biocompatible glass with different compositions (CaO/P2O5 ratio) were prepared by sol-gel method and sintering process. The physical characteristic and bioactive properties of each different sample composition were analyzed using XRF, particle sizer, N2 adsorption-desorption, FTIR, XRD, and FESEM-EDX. The sintered glass pellets were subjected to immersion studies in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 14 days. All compositions of gel-glass particulates showed mesoporous-type structures and consisted of very high porosities with nano-pores in size. Different Ca/P ratios in gel-glass composition are affected by different porous characteristics. All compositions of sintered glass showed very good bioactive behavior by significant deposition of the carbonate apatite layer. Sintered glass with the Ca/P ratio = 2.33 showed very significant bioactive properties as it also comprised the highest pore volume and size. However, sintered glass with the lowest Ca/P ratio (Ca:P=1.50) showed a quite significant reduction in the bioactive property as it also consisted of the lowest pore volume and pore sizes. Hence, the in-vitro bioactivity property of sintered glass is significantly influenced by the increase in its porous characteristics due to differences in the Ca/P ratio.

3 44
Precipitation and water table dynamics in peat swamp catchment in Sarawak, Malaysia

( 2023-12)
Edward Baran Aeries
;
Ayob Katimon
;
Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Muttalib
;
Wong Guan Xhuan
;
Lulie Melling

Globally, peatland covers 3% of the land area, with significant concentrations in tropical regions. In Malaysia, Sarawak alone accounts for 70% (1.6 Mha) of the country's peatland. Tropical peatland is characterized by waterlogged conditions that promote the accumulation of organic matter (peat) from decaying plant material. These conditions strongly influence vegetation, species composition, peat type, and carbon release, making them crucial for climate change mitigation. The hydrology of tropical peatland is primarily influenced by the fluctuation of the water table (WT) depth in its catchment. This study analyzes five years (2011-2015) of field measurements on WT and precipitation (PT) dynamics, observing their trends. PT was found to significantly regulate monthly WT at the study site (p < 0.01), showing a positive correlation. However, PT exhibited a downward trend over the study period, although not significantly for all sites. Similarly, WT at MA, MC, and MD did not show significant trends, likely due to ENSO events from 2011 to 2015. In contrast, MB experienced a significant decrease in WT, possibly caused by a nearby river acting as a drain and accelerating WT lowering.

13 16
Soil Macrofauna abundance in the intercropping of Mangifera Indica with aromatic plants

( 2023-12)
Iqbal Usamah
;
Lee Yit Leng
;
Noor Hasyierah Mohd Salleh
;
Norawanis Abdul Razak
;
Zarina Zakaria
;
Ras Izzati Ismail
;
Nur Lailina Makhtar

Soil macrofauna such as earthworms, beetles, ants, and centipedes are an important aspect of soil health as they help in the breakdown of plant residue to provide natural resources such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous into the soil. Monocropping practice uses heavy machinery, pesticides, and herbicides to maintain farm productivity, which negatively impacts soil macrofauna abundance. Thus, intercropping is a sustainable practice for farmers to maintain soil health with the minimal use of external input, which can do more harm to the soil ecosystem over a long period of time. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of intercropping mango with pandan and lemongrass on soil macrofauna density compared to mango monocrop. The field experiment consisted of mango, mango-pandan intercrops, and mango-lemongrass intercrops. Soil macrofauna was assessed using the tropical soil biology and fertility (TSBF) monolith method. The result showed that intercropping of mango-lemongrass and mango-pandan had higher soil macrofauna density compared with mango monocrop due to the presence of intercrops providing more natural resources and a better soil environment for soil macrofauna to grow and reproduce. However, further long-term research is needed to reinforce these findings.

10 12

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