Conference Publications

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14170/193

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  • Publication
    Bioengineering technologies used for the development and equipment of complex installations to obtain energy from three renewable sources. Complex installations for coastal areas
    (IOP Publishing Ltd, 2020)
    George Poteras
    ;
    Gyorgy Deak
    ;
    Andreea-Georgiana Baraitaru
    ;
    Marius Viorel Olteanu
    ;
    Nata’lia Simona Raischi
    ;
    Dewi Suriyani Che Halin
    Considering that the production of energy from fossil sources causes environmental pollution, increasing health hazards or climate change, the research for new alternative energy sources and the development of high-performance renewable energy conversion systems are a basic concern nowadays. Thus, the development and the use of renewable energy sources can increase diversity in energy supply markets, help to ensure long-term sustainable energy resources, to reduce local and global air emissions, and provide commercial attractive options to meet the specific needs of energy services. This paper aims to improve the efficiency of a patented complex installation which was developed vertically to ensure high-energy efficiency in relation to the occupied area, that integrates three renewable energy sources (wind, solar and hydro), by applying bioengineering solutions. Improvements to the original installation consisted in modifying the initial characteristics of the off-shore system (number of slots, deflectors angle, width of slots and width of deflectors), modification of aerial module blades according to the bioengineering model of the thistle seed (Carduus nutans), and modification of the submerged module paddies according to the bioengineering model of a fish species swimmers. Following the tests performed on the modified complex installation, a major improvement of the energy efficiency compared to the (initial) control installation was observed.
  • Publication
    Botanical insecticide of chili and ginger extract on Nilaparvata lugens, brown planthopper
    (IOP Publishing Ltd., 2020)
    Noor Hasyierah Mohd Salleh
    ;
    Norhidayah Abd Aziz
    ;
    Alina Rahayu Mohamed
    ;
    Adilah Anuar
    ;
    I Nur Humaira
    Invasion of Nilaparvata lugens or brown planthopper (BPH) in paddy fields has led to the use of excessive chemical insecticides due to its effectiveness. However, excessive applications has contributed several negative effects on the environment, farmers as well as non-targeting organisms. As an alternative, a mixture of a botanical insecticide containing mixture of chili and ginger extracts have been studied. Three parameters were studied namely the extract concentration, time of exposure and temperature of exposure. The results showed that 90% of BPH mortality was found at 40% extract concentration with 72 hr duration time of exposure at optimal temperature 30 C. HPLC analysis proved the presence of capsaicin and gingerol at peaks of 4.502 min and 11.046 min respectively. From repellency analysis, the BPH showed selective repel action against the treated paddy. This is due to the pungent odor contributed from compound of gingerol, shogaol and capsaicin presented in the mixture. Meanwhile, contact toxicity studies have successfully give 100% of mortality of BPH. Microscopic analysis have shown BPH deformities was increased by the extract concentration.
  • Publication
    Chloroplast DNA sequence of trnR-N and trnL-F regions in Harumanis mango from different orchards in Perlis, Malaysia
    (IOP Publishing Ltd, 2020)
    Ahmad Mukhlis Abdul Rahman
    ;
    SFM Sabri
    ;
    Yusuf, Arbai
    ;
    Zarina Zakaria
    ;
    SV Kumar
    Harumanis is a premium mango cultivar widely known for its sweet taste, aroma and vibrant flesh colour. To date, the genetic identification of this mango based on multiple conserved DNA region using samples from different orchards has never been reported. The aim of this research is to identify the genetic signature of Harumanis mango at molecular level by analyzing chloroplast DNA sequences of the trnL-F and trnR-N regions. DNA samples were extracted from a total of 15 Harumanis samples collected from five selected orchards using Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) extraction procedure. The extracted DNA and the PCR-amplified products were analyzed through gel electrophoresis and were then subjected to DNA Sequencing and in silico analysis. The obtained sequences were compared with the sequences available in the GeneBank. BLAST search for both the trnR-N and trnL-F regions confirmed that all the 15 samples belong to Mangifera indica with a 99% sequence identity. In addition, the trnL-F sequences were 99% identical to a number of specific mango cultivars such as, Tommy and Arunika. However, the trnR-N sequences were less informative as it gave hits to only two mango accessions (e.g. Mangifera indica voucher PDBK 2014-0249). It is postulated that the plastid trnR-N may be a potential candidate region for the development of the Harumanis genetic signature. The results may be used to complement other molecular data for the development of a genetic barcode for Harumanis.
  • Publication
    Coagulation-flocculation process for turbidity removal using alum sludge from water treatment plant
    (AIP Publishing, 2023)
    J. H. Chan
    ;
    Nor Aida Yusoff
    ;
    Noor Ainee Zainol
    ;
    Nor Munirah Rohaizad
    ;
    Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi
    The aim of this research was to utilize alum sludge, also known as water treatment residual (WTR) from water treatment plant for preparing sludge reagent product (SRP) as coagulant in removing turbidity of kaolin suspension and river water. The WTR was characterized by examine the inorganic component (functional group, and surface morphology using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) respectively. WTR had an amorphous structure and contained high aluminum metal constituents with 35.4 %, which can be recovered as coagulant. Acidification was conducted to recover these aluminium in WTR by using sulphuric acid and produced SRP. The optimum condition of SRP prepared from WTR was evaluated through parameters such as sludge concentration, normality and dosage of acid. It has been observed that 1 % sludge concentration acidified with 0.08 ml/ml sludge and 2.0 N H2SO4 of SRP gave the maximum percentage turbidity removal of 99.46 %. The performance of SRP in coagulation-flocculation process by using a standard jar test was studied based on the effect of pH, kaolin concentration, and SRP dosage. The highest percentage turbidity removal (99.79 %) was obtained at pH 7, kaolin concentration of 800 mg/L, and SRP dosage of 80 mg/L. The SRP performance was also compared to alum coagulant. The percentage turbidity removal of river water for both coagulants were almost similar, with 90.60 % for SRP and 91.18 % for alum respectively. Thus, SRP has the potential to replace commercial coagulant in water treatment plant in terms of costing and sustainability.
  • Publication
    Coconut husk based Lignosulfonate as sacrificial agent in surfactant flooding
    (AIP Publishing, 2023)
    Nik Muhammad Azhar Nik Daud
    ;
    Wan Muhammad Kamal Wan Jaafar
    ;
    Norhisyam Ismail
    ;
    Muhamad A. Manan
    ;
    Ahmad Kamal Idris
    ;
    Radzuan Junin
    Surfactant flooding is one of the techniques in chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR). The purpose of this technique is to reduce the interfacial tension between brine and oil in the reservoir so that the oil can be mobilized to the production well. However, the surfactant tends to adsorb on the rock minerals making it less efficient. The adsorption can be minimized by using three methods: matching surfactant type to specific reservoir rock by surface charge, application of surfactant mixtures to enhance the surfactant capability and using a sacrificial adsorbate to block the adsorption site on the rocks. This study will focus on utilizing the lignosulfonate (LS) from coconut husk as a sacrificial agent to increase the efficiency of surfactant flooding. Lignin was extracted from coconut husk before sulfonated using sodium sulphite, Na2SO3 to form lignosulfonate. FTIR was used to characterize the lignin and lignosulfonate and compare them with the commercial product. The oil (paraffin) displacement experiment was then conducted using 5% illite and 95% sand to simulate Malaysia's sandstone reservoir mineral composition. Two types of surfactant were studied; anionic (Sodium Dodeclyl Sulfate-SDS) and nonionic (4-octylphenol polyethoxylate-TX100). The percentage of oil recovery was calculated based on the volume of oil recovered from the original oil in place (OOIP). The displacement tests show that oil recovery was increased from 2.52% to 3.10% for SDS after the preflush and from 1.36% to 2.00% for TX100 after preflush with LS. This increase corresponds to 23.6% and 47.1% increments in oil cerovery from the test without preflush, respectively. These results have shown that the LS has the potential to be used as a sacrificial agent to increase the efficiency of surfactant flooding.
  • Publication
    Comparative study on mechanisms of gases release from Ca-alginate beads
    ( 2024)
    Yee-Ming Peh
    ;
    Lee Boon Beng
    ;
    Farizul Hafiz Kasim
    ;
    Akmal Hadi Ma’Radzi
    ;
    Ahmad Radi Wan Yaakub
    ;
    Hafizah Mohd Johar
    ;
    D.F.A. Riza
    ;
    N. Izza
    ;
    K. Gustinasari
    ;
    I.K. Maharsih
    ;
    W.B. Sunarharum
    ;
    M. Nurcholis
    ;
    B.S.D. Dewanti
    ;
    V.T. Widayanti
    ;
    E. Mufidah
    ;
    I. Qisthiya
    ;
    D. Karadag
    ;
    S. Idrus
    ;
    H. Umakoshi
    ;
    Y.C. Lee
    ;
    D. Fatchurrahman
    ;
    M. Zhu
    ;
    K.A. Omwange
    ;
    T. Addini
    Calcium alginate (Ca-alginate) beads have attracted considerable attention as carriers for the controlled release of volatile compounds due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. This study aimed to compare the release of ethylene and carbon dioxide gas from Ca-alginate beads. Ca-alginate beads were prepared from a sodium alginate solution containing ethephon and calcium carbonate as the gas-forming agent. The resulting solution was then extruded into a calcium chloride solution. The gas release behavior was studied by monitoring the concentration of released gases over time using gas detectors. Extrusion tip diameter, alginate concentration and gas-releasing agent concentration were systematically varied to assess their effect on the gas release rate. The results indicated distinct release patterns for ethylene and carbon dioxide gas. Ethylene gas exhibited a relatively slower and sustained release, while carbon dioxide gas exhibited a more rapid release. Moreover, the bead size influenced the gas release, with larger beads displaying faster release rates for ethylene and carbon dioxide gas. The concentration of alginate also played a role in modulating the release kinetics, with higher alginate concentration resulting in slower gas release. The findings have implications for designing and optimizing Ca-alginate-based systems for agricultural applications, including plant hormone delivery and modified atmosphere packaging.
  • Publication
    Deep eutectic solvent for extraction of natural antioxidant from a medicinal plant, Coleus aromaticus
    (IOP Publishing, 2020)
    Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny
    ;
    Tay Wee Xiang
    ;
    Mohd Hishamuddin Che Mat
    Antioxidant is a basic requirement for maintaining good health. In this research, natural antioxidant was extracted from C. aromaticus by using different types of synthesized deep eutectic solvents (DES). The extracts were analysed using total phenolic content assay and DPPH radical scavenging assay. Finally, HPLC and FTIR methods were employed to check the present of target compounds. From the result obtained, the best DES was ChCl : glycerol with a ratio of 1:4 bearing 97.25 µg/ml of total phenolic content. The bioactive compounds that were successfully identified through HPLC and FTIR assays were Rosmarinic acid, Caffeic acid, Gallic acid and Quercetin. This shows DES is a potential green solvent to extract bioactive compounds present in medicinal plants.
  • Publication
    Design of load control system using DTMF
    (IOP Publishing, 2020)
    Mohd. Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah
    ;
    Mohd Zamri Hasan
    ;
    Ahmad Muhyiddin Yusof
    ;
    Ahmad Shukri Fazil Rahman
    In agricultural sectors, one of the problems faced by the farmer is the water usage for watering schedule sometimes was wasted. With inefficient irrigation system, the water wastage could occur and resulting the excessive moisture for the soil and damaging the crops. The load control system in agricultural sectors especially for irrigation system is very important since it can affect the efficiency and the productivity of the operationsThe agricultural sectors also have many latest technologies implemented to the system such as irrigation system, temperature and humidity detection system and many other systems in order to operate efficiently so it can give profitable outcome. So, a desired load control system using Dual-Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) will be design for irrigation system in order to overcome the inefficiency of manual irrigation system. By using DTMF to control the irrigation system, it will consume less time and it can be control in a wide range. Firstly, by using Arduino IDE software, the coding for this control system is written with C++ language. Then, it will be compiled to make sure the coding working without any errors before it is uploaded into the Arduino Uno board. The coding will then be uploaded by connecting the Arduino Uno board to the computer via USB. Next, the schematic layout design of this control system will be simulated using Proteus 8 and Fritzing software. After the simulation of the circuit is successful, the construction of the hardware will take place. The hardware of this load control system that be assembled first is connecting the cell phone to the DTMF decoder by using 3.5mm jack. Then, from the DTMF decoder it will be connected to the Arduino Uno board. The 4 channel 12V relay then connected to the output port of the Arduino Uno. In conclusion, this irrigation control system works when the user sent the signal using cell phone and it will be received by the other cell phone that attach to the DTMF decoder
  • Publication
    Durability properties of demineralized and torrefied Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) pellets
    (IOP Publishing, 2020)
    Alina Rahayu Mohamed
    ;
    Ras Izzati Ismail
    ;
    Rashid, Mohammad Abdur
    ;
    Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi
    ;
    N N Kasim
    ;
    R Badlishah Ahmad
    The pelletization of raw and demineralized and torrefied empty fruit bunch (TDEFB) were conducted upon mixing with bio-oil that was obtained from EFB pyrolysis. The ratio of bio-oil addition to raw and TDEFB was varied from 0-20 wt%. Then it was pressed using the single pellet press machine. The effects of the ratio of bio-oil addition to raw and TDEFB and the thickness of pellets were evaluated towards its durability. It was identified that the ratio of bio-oil addition to raw and TDEFB pellet of 5 wt% had produced the optimum durability which was 69.27 and 74.46 % respectively. In terms of the thickness of the raw and torrefied pellets, it was determined that at thickness of 3 cm, the durability was the highest which were 70.12 and 71.12 % for both raw and TDEFB pellets respectively. The raw and TDEFB pellets were analysed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy in order to evaluate the presence of functional groups within the materials. The presence of O-H hydroxyl group, C=O from carbonyl or ester and C-H alkane groups are detected in both raw and torrefied pellets.
  • Publication
    Dynamic vulcanization of Polypropylene / natural rubber blends filled with Cyperus Odoratus
    (IOP Publishing, 2020)
    Norfatulikmah Zainal Abidin
    ;
    Mohamad Kahar Ab Wahab
    A new thermoplastic blend was developed using polypropylene (PP) with natural rubber (NR) as the base material. The natural filler is added to enhance the properties of PP/NR blend. The first series was to compare the properties of PP/NR blend with different filler loading. Second series was to investigate the effect of dynamic vulcanization on the properties of PP/NR blend filled with Cyperus Odoratus with the intention of improving the blend properties. Process development, tensile properties, thermal analysis, FTIR analysis and morphological characterization of blends were investigated with the variation of the conditions of the blend. The increasing filler loading decrease the tensile properties of the PP/NR blend and it shows in the morphology study of the blend. Dynamic vulcanization of the blend resulted in improved tensile and thermal properties compared to unvulcanized counterpart. This result is confirmed by the SEM study that showed better dispersion of NR in the PP matrix and improved adhesion between the two phases.
  • Publication
    Effect of carbonized coconut shell as a filler on tensile properties and water absorptivity of HDPE composite
    (AIP Publishing, 2023)
    Loh Shao Tee
    ;
    Nor Munirah Rohaizad
    ;
    Nor Aida Yusoff
    ;
    Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi
    ;
    Noor Ainee Zainol
    Generation of agricultural wastes have detrimental effect to our surrounding especially visual impacts and inefficient land use. Some of these wastes are natural fibers which can be used as potential filler in composite materials. In this study, carbonized coconut shell (CCS) had been utilized as filler and it was incorporated in the high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix to develop carbonized coconut shell filled HDPE composites. Firstly, the coconut shell powder was treated by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with the concentration of 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt% for 2 hours. The 7 wt% treated coconut shell revealed better filler properties in the proximate analysis. Next, it was converted into carbonized coconut shell via carbonization process at 600 °C and used as filler in HDPE composites. The carbonized coconut shell filled HDPE composites with different filler loading of 5 to 20 wt% were prepared using extruder at operating conditions of 180 °C at 70 rpm of screw speed. The increase in the filler loading enhanced the tensile strength and the Young’s modulus of the filled HDPE composite. However, the elongation at break of the composite was observed to decrease with an increasing in the filler loading. There are some voids observed in the HDPE/CCS5 composites while good surface adhesion was presented in HDPE/CCS15 composites. The water uptake by the composites was observed to be increased with the filler loading. In conclusion, the optimum filler loading for carbonized coconut shell filled HDPE composites was determined as 15 wt% because it imparts high tensile strength with moderate water absorption properties.
  • Publication
    Effect of CO₂ concentration and liquid to gas ratio on CO₂ absorption from simulated biogas using Monoethanolamine solution
    (IOP Publishing Ltd, 2020)
    V Rajiman
    ;
    Hairul Nazirah Abdul Halim
    ;
    A M Shariff
    In industrial scale, removal of CO₂ by chemical absorption from raw biogas represents an imperative treatment and the cutting-edge technology towards improvement of its quality and heat value. In this work, CO₂ absorption studies were conducted in an absorption column packed with Sulzer metal gauze packing with simulated biogas absorbed using 30 wt. % of monoethanolamine (MEA) solution. Experimental works were conducted to determine the influence of different CO₂ concentrations in feed gas (30 % and 40 %) and L/G ratio (0.6 and 0.7) and subsequently assessed in terms of CO₂ absorption efficiency along the column. The results showed that 30 % CO₂ in feed gas has higher removal efficiency as compared to 40 % CO₂ with the ability to remove 94 % CO₂ during the process. In addition, the CO₂ absorption studied on the L/G ratio proved that CO₂ removal was improved at higher L/G ratio of 0.7.
  • Publication
    Effect of different substrates and white Oyster mushroom loading on production of fungal foam
    (AIP Publishing, 2023)
    Noorulnajwa Diyana Yaacob
    ;
    Hanafi Ismail
    ;
    Nor Munirah Rohaizad
    In this study, agricultural wastes including rice husks, banana leaves and teak leaves were used to produce fungal foam through the cultivation with Pleurotus ostreatus fungi. The fungi are inoculated using different substrates and inoculum loadings. The mechanical properties of the foam produced were analysed. The best substrate and inoculum loading were proposed. Among the three substrates used, banana leave produced the best fungal foam in term of mechanical properties at 10 % w/w inoculum loading. The fungal foam can withstand forces high up to 30458.52 gF and have the resilience and springiness of 0.381 and 0.771, respectively. In summary, banana leave fungal foam is suitable as an alternative to the commercial Styrofoam.
  • Publication
    Effect of epoxidized natural rubber-50 (ENR-50) as compatibilizer in composite
    (AIP Publishing, 2023)
    Azlinda Abdul Ghani
    ;
    Chew Cui Min
    ;
    Ragunathan Al Santiagoo
    ;
    Mustaffa Zainal
    In this study, the effect of epoxidized natural rubber-50 (ENR-50) as compatibilizer on polypropylene (PP)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (rNBR)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composite was analysed. The aim of this research is to study the effect of ENR-50 with manipulated rNBR loading. Tensile test showed by adding ENR-50, the tensile strength, Young’s Modulus and elongation at break of composite were increased by 9.034 - 2.09 %, 38.77 - 127.33 % and 24.98 - 59.99 % respectively.When rNBR loading were increased, the composite’s tensile strength decreases by average of 41.20 % and Young’s Modulus decreased by average of 59.29 % while elongation at break increased by average of 37.41 %. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphology showed that composite with ENR-50 and low rNBR loading showed a better interfacial adhesion. From Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, it was found that new bond was formed in the composite when ENR-50 were added. In the water absorption test, composite with ENR-50 and lower rNBR loading showed a less water absorption by 1 - 25 %. It can be concluded that ENR-50 can be used as compatibilizer in composite.
  • Publication
    Effect of fresh spices on the fermentation, colonization of Lactic acid bacteria and sensory acceptability of Fermented clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
    (IOP Publishing, 2020)
    Roshita Ibrahim
    ;
    Muhammad Shukri, Nur Shahirah
    ;
    Mazlin Nur Iman Hasnoel Mazidi
    Fermentation is one of the common methods used for food preservation in South-Eastern Asia. However, the fermented food products were not well accepted especially by young generations due to its unique taste and distinct aroma. In this study, clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) had been used to investigate the effect of different fresh spices on the fermentation process, colonization of microflora of lactic acid bacteria and sensory acceptability. The clams were fermented for 8 days with addition of different fresh spices such as garlic, ginger and lemongrass. Fermented clam without any addition of fresh spices was served as control The effects on fermentation were analysed in terms of physico-chemical changes such as pH, color and texture. The colonization of lactic acid bacteria were observed on the De Man, Ragosa and Sharpe (MRS), M17 and tomato juice agar. The sensory acceptability of fermented clams with addition of fresh spices were also carried out. The changes of physico-chemical of all parameters were decreased over fermentation period. The CFU of lactic acid bacteria by using MRS, M17 and tomato juice agar were increased for all different fresh spices over fermentation period. Sensory evaluation showed that fermented clam with the addition of lemongrass had the highest acceptability score in terms of aroma, color, taste, texture and overall acceptability.
  • Publication
    Effect of porosity and water absorption on compressive strength of fly ash based geopolymer and OPC paste
    (IOP Publishing, 2020)
    SitiAisyah Razak
    ;
    Farah Farhana Zainal
    ;
    Shaiful Rizam Shamsudin
    The fly ash based geopolymer is a promising binder by activation of fly ash with an alkaline activating solution. The fly ash based geopolymer prepared was characterized by several methods. The experimental result, studies effect of the porosity and water absorption on compressive strength of fly ash based geopolymer and Ordinary Portland Cement paste for comparison. The porosity studies were determined using the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method included nitrogen adsorption / desorption plots. Then followed by water absorption and compressive strength tested at 7 and 28 days curing time. The result shows that the porosity of fly ash based geopolymer paste was in the lower surface area, pore volume and pore size compared to Ordinary Portland Cement paste. The small pore size of the fly ash based geopolymer had a significant proportion of a micropores whilst Ordinary Portland Cement paste pores were mostly mesopores. The highest compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer can be achieved up to 76.723 MPa at 28 days when less of pore size and water absorption. Therefore, the paste based on geopolymeric materials is a better durability and high resistance to aggressive environment compared Ordinary Portland Cement paste.
  • Publication
    Effectiveness of banana pith as plant based coagulant for river water treatment
    (AIP Publishing, 2023)
    Noor Ainee Zainol
    ;
    Tan Li Ting
    ;
    Nor Aida Yusoff
    ;
    Nor Munirah Rohaizad
    ;
    Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi
    River water pollution is one of the remarkable global issues that cause water crisis worldwide. Coagulation-flocculation treatment is extensively applicable for treating river water. Nonetheless, many developing countries still paying high cost for importing chemical-based coagulant as water treatment agent which is non-environmentally friendly and possess potential hazard to human health. Thus, in this research, banana pith was selected as natural coagulant as alternative material for existing chemical coagulant in river water treatment. Optimum dosage and pH of banana pith in river water treatment was examined through a series of Jar Test experiment. A comparative study on river water treatment from two different sampling sites using banana pith was evaluated in term of the percentage of turbidity and COD removal. The results indicated that the banana pith was able to effectively remove 73.53% and 92.72% of COD and turbidity respectively for Station 2 (Esplanade Pengkalan Asam) at optimum pH of 4 with desired dosage of 6 mg/L. On the contrary, banana pith eliminated 56.03% of COD and 82.80% of turbidity for river water from Station 1(Bukit Lagi) at optimum pH of 4 and dosage of 10 mg/L. Obviously, banana pith can perform well in removing turbidity and COD river water (Station 2) as compared to Station 1 for both parameters. Overall, the finding indicated that the banana pith has a potential and promising alternative natural coagulant in future for replacing commercial coagulant used in river water treatment.