bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the protective coatings formation mechanism by micro-arc oxidation
Authors: Golubkov P E , Pecherskaya E A , Melnikov O A , Zinchenko T O , Kozlov G V , Antipenko V V
Published: December 2020

An electrophysical model of the micro-arc oxidation process, which allows, on the basis of the equivalent electrical circuit and fundamental laws of physics and chemistry, to describe the formation mechanism of protective coatings by the micro-arc oxidation method taking into account the large number of physical effects inherent in this process is proposed. The proposed model can be used to increase the controllability of micro-arc oxidation technology.
Solid-state phase transition of tetracosane C24H50
Authors: Gureva S A , Borisov A K , Marikhin V A , Egorov V M
Published: December 2020

The heterogeneous structural phase transition in the even n-alkane tetracosane C24H50 was studied by IR spectroscopy and DSC. It was found that the initial nanonuclei of the hexagonal phase are formed in the lamellas cores and their volume was calculated.
Study of long-term post-SHS phase kinetics in Ni/Al reactive multilayer nanofoils
Authors: Kvashenkina O E , Udovenko S A , Osipov V S , Gabdullin P G , Bisyaev I S , Babyuk V Ye , Burkovsky R G , Arkhipov A V
Published: December 2020

We present the results of the recent experiments with two species of Ni/Al reactive multilayer nanofoils (RNMFs) supporting the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction. SEM method was used to evaluate their general structure and quantitative chemical composition before and after reaction. Phase composition was determined from XRD spectra. Special attention was paid to the stability of phase composition over relatively long time intervals after SHS reaction – order of the hours and days. In some cases, XRD spectra showed notable evolution of crystalline structure, which can have significant impact on practical application of SHS, for instance, in soldering technologies. To our knowledge, similar effect has been previously observed only for SHS-reactive powder mixtures.
The effect of low-energy ion bombardment on residual stress in thin metal films due to the generation of surface defects and their migration to the grain boundary
Authors: Babushkin A S
Published: December 2020

A kinetic model that describes the evolution of residual stress in thin polycrystalline films during bombardment by ions with energies below the sputtering threshold is presented. The mechanisms responsible for the change in stress are the generation of point defects on the surface and their redistribution over the film thickness along grain boundaries. The presented model was used to explain the experimental data on the change in stress in thin Cr films after treatment in Ar plasma of low-pressure RF induction discharge with ion energy of 15-30 eV.
Application of the Atomic Layer Etching technique to remove broken layers after plasma-etched GaAs surface treatment
Authors: Klimin V S , Rezvan A A , Abramovich T S , Zubova T A , Tominov R V , Vakulov Z E , Kots I N , Ageev O A
Published: December 2020

The work considers the application of focused ion beam techniques for the formation of nanoscale structures, as well as the atomic layer etching method for removing layers with surface defects. Also in the work, modeling of the formation of structures by the FIB method on the GaAs surface was used to determine the depth of penetration of atoms into the structure under certain experimental conditions. This method of forming defect-free structures was developed for the formation of a nanoscale surface relief for the subsequent growth of quantum dots by the method of drop molecular beam epitaxial.
Method for analyzing the electrophysical properties of semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Mikhailov A I , Kabanov V F , Gavrikov M V
Published: December 2020

Some important properties of the InSb and CdSe quantum dots, such as size and energy spectrum, were studied by method of normalized differential tunneling current-voltage characteristics. The results of size evaluation are qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the results obtained by TEM and analysis of spectral dependence of absorption coefficient and luminescence with an error less than 15%. During the study it was also shown, that method of normalized differential tunneling current-voltage characteristics also allows us to analyze the energy spectrum of semiconductor quantum dots (position of the first three energy levels).
Multiply GaAs quantum dots in AlGaAs nanowires: MBE growth and properties
Authors: Reznik R R , Kotlyar K P , Khrebtov A I , Samsonenko Yu B , Shtrom I V , Cirlin G E
Published: December 2020

A possibility of the AlGaAs nanowires with multiply GaAs QDs MBE growth on silicon substrates has been demonstrated. The morphological on optical properties of grown structures were studied.
Influence of Vulcanization System on the Mechanical Properties of CCTO/ENR50 Composite
Authors: Sharifuddin Syifa’ Muhamad , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwadi , Mohamed Julie Juliewatty , Pabli Asila Fathin Mohd , Chueangchayaphan Wannarat
Published: December 2020

A study on vulcanization systems consist of conventional (CV), semi-efficient (SEV) and efficient (EV) was carried out by fabricating the CCTO/ENR50 composites. The rubber compound was mixed in internal mixer at 60°C and 60 rpm rotor speed for 13 min. Then, followed by hot pressing at 160°C. The effect of the vulcanization system of the composites was closely monitored on mechanical properties (stress versus strain, tensile strength, elongation at break and hardness. As a result, the CCTO/ENR50 composites with the SEV system exhibit higher modulus strength, which is related to the stiffness of the composite. Hence, it reduced the elongation at break (%) from 591 (CV system) to 495% (SEV system). It also gives high tensile strength, 5.47 MPa, and 47.74 Shore A in hardness compared to other vulcanization systems.
The Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid Reinforced with Kenaf Fiber Mat Biocomposite
Authors: Mohamad Mardawani , Ting Sau Wan , Bakar Mohamad Bashree Abu , Osman Wan Hasnidah Wan
Published: December 2020

Kenaf fiber mat (KFM) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite have been developed by using film stacking and compression molding. In order to achieve the composite with good mechanical properties, the effect of processing parameters such as processing temperature and heating time on mechanical properties of PLA was studied. The optimum values of processing temperature and heating time on mechanical properties of PLA that were obtained were then being used to produce PLA/KFM biocomposite. PLA and kenaf fiber has distinct properties as natural fiber is hydrophilic whereas the polymer matrix is hydrophobic. In order to improve the fiber matrix adhesion, the KFM was chemically treated at different concentrations of NaOH for 3 hours at room temperature. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength, tensile and flexural modulus and elongation at break of untreated and alkali-treated PLA/KFM biocomposite were studied and compared. The obtained results showed that the alkali treatment have impact on the mechanical properties of PLA/KFM biocomposite. The study has demonstrated that the optimum alkali concentration was 4% NaOH concentration.
Characterization of biosurfactant production by indigenous bacteria from Sungai Dungun estuary, Terengganu by surface activity and emulsification test
Authors: Khamis N , Rahim A Abdul , Ibrahim N A , Zaman K Abdul Kadir Pahirul
Published: December 2020

Natural surface-active agents or biosurfactants are derived particularly from bacteria and yeasts. These natural bio compounds have several advantages over synthetic surfactants such as more environmentally friendly, biodegradable, biocompatible, and low toxicity. Therefore, many efforts have focused on investigating biosurfactants including the isolation of new potent biosurfactant producers. In the present study, twelve potent biosurfactant producing bacteria were successfully isolated from oil-contaminated water and sediment samples from Sungai Dungun estuary by using Minimal Salt Media (MSM) with the addition of 1 % (v/v) engine oil. From characterization tests, one isolate named as DSB7 demonstrated the highest activity among others by semi-quantitative tests i.e., oil spreading technique and drop collapse test. Besides, it has the lowest value of 38.48 mN/m in water surface tension measurement and emulsification index of 53.57 % and 30.0 % for kerosene and used engine oil respectively. As for the molecular identification of the isolate, it showed the highest similarity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis.
Properties of unsaturated polyester-coconut shell composite with titanium oxide addition
Authors: Mohamad Zani Siti Noor Asma , Hasmizam Razali Mohd , Mar Iman Abdul Hamid , Nik Yusof Nik Alnur Auli , Razali Sofiyah Mohd , Yusoff Mahani
Published: December 2020

Unsaturated polyester based composite is a strong composite. Adding natural fiber and inorganic filler into polyester produce a hybrid composite. The fiber and filler are added approximately 5wt% to 40wt% and 5wt% to 20wt% of composite total weight, respectively. Utilization of different filler content facilitate for future application of the composite. This study investigates the properties of UPE-CS composite using titanium oxide (TiO2) as filler by compression molding. Different concentration of coconut shell (CS) and TiO2 were used. The composite mixture were mixed and cold compressed with 200, 300, 400 and 500 MPa. The result showed UPE-CS-TiO2 composite density increased with increasing amount of TiO2 as a result of TiO2 particles dispersion in the composite. The composite with 40 wt% of CS fiber and high concentration of TiO2 (20wt%) has higher flexural and strength properties compared to that of other composites The composite with 20 wt% CS and 20wt% TiO2 exhibit higher thickness swelling, water uptake and moisture content reduction. Modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity was increased with compaction pressure while thickness swelling, water absorption and moisture content was decreased.
Recycling of Wood Saw Dust Waste as Green Pore Forming Agent for Porous Ceramic
Authors: Zakaria Siti Koriah , Hakim Md Zulkifli Muhammad Luqman , Azhar Taib Mustaffa Ali , Budiman Faisal , Mohamed Mazlan , Ali Arlina , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Teo Pao Ter
Published: December 2020

Porous ceramic fabrication using natural pore forming agents have received more and more attention in the past few years. However, researchers have encountered an issue with an inconsistent particle size, which led to uneven pore distribution. Considering waste material as pore forming agent, this research seeks to explore the potential application of wood sawdust in porous ceramic production. Moreover, the effects of wood sawdust weight percentage (wt.%) and firing temperature towards the physical and mechanical properties of porous ceramic will also be investigated. Porous ceramic was fabricated by introducing two different proportions of wood sawdust (10 and 20 wt.%) into China clay, followed by drying at 110°C and firing at 900°C. The characterization analyses were performed by means of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, and X-Ray Diffraction. The results showed that the compressive strength appears to decrease as the composition of the waste wood sawdust increases. Relatively, the water absorption value increases as the wood sawdust incorporation increased. This is because more porosity formation is observed at a higher sawdust ratio, leading to a lower density of the ceramic.
Synthesis of Sodium Alginate Graphene Oxide Thin Film for Adsorption Application
Authors: Mohd Zin Farah Amanina , Mohamed Noor An’amt , Mohd Nasri Wan Nurshafeera Wan , Rosli Nurul Natasya , Buniamin Nur Aqilah , Abd Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar , Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Abdullah Nor Hakimin , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz
Published: December 2020

This paper essentially describes the synthesis of sodium alginate graphene oxide silver (SA-(GOAg)) composite thin film for adsorption of methylene blue. The composite thin film is synthesized using simple solvent casting method by varying the amount of GOAg (20 ml, 40 ml, 60ml, 80ml and 100 ml) into SA solution. The thin film then characterized by using UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The degradation of methylene blue was observed by using UV-Vis and recorded in every 5 minutes for one hour. The results reveal that the combination of SA and 100 ml GOAg shows the highest adsorption rate in one hour compared to other value of SA-GOAg thin films. The SA-GOAg thin film is believed to have a huge potential in adsorption application such as water treatment.
Physical properties and soil degradation of PLA/PBAT blends film reinforced with bamboo cellulose
Authors: Mhd Ramle Sitti Fatimah , Ahmad Nur Ayuni , Mohammad Rawi Nurul Fazita , Zahidan Nur Salsabilla , Geng Boon Jia
Published: December 2020

Cellulose is known as the most abundant organic molecule that is renewable and suitable to replace synthetic polymers in the production of plastics with a formula of (C6H1005)n. Cellulose from plants is the most excellent material for reinforcing fillers. The percentage of cellulose in bamboo is range 45-55%. In this research cellulose from bamboo were incorporated with PLA and PBAT to produce cellulose film. The cellulose film produced with different amount of cellulose which are 0%, 3%, 6% and 9%. The findings showed that PLA/cellulose with 9% content of cellulose showed a higher mass loss with 12.39%, followed by the PLA/PBAT/cellulose 9%, which was 9.69%. Meanwhile, the cellulose film with 0% cellulose content for both types of plastic showed the lower biodegradability of 0.57% (PLA/cellulose bioplastic) and 0.44% (PLA/PBAT/cellulose bioplastic). It shows that biodegradability in the natural environment is the benefits of the film with a high content of cellulose. This analysis revealed the degradation of cellulose film in the soil. Usually, conventional plastic cannot easily be biodegraded by the organisms. Based on this study, it is showed that the increase of the cellulose content also encourages the film to degrade quickly. It is thus revealed that the study on bamboo’s cellulose, provides the scientific information for the application and implementation of bamboo cellulose as an effective biodegradable plastics.
Performance of P. betle extraction as sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Jaafar H , Magesvaran L
Published: December 2020

Natural dyes extracted from Piper betle (P. betle) pigment, was utilized and researched as sensitizer in DSSCs application. The optical characteristics of the extracted dye and photovoltaic performance of the cells were studied. The extracts showed UV-vis absorptions in the range of 530–560 nm with broad maxima absorption at∼ 430 nm. For P. betle the photovoltaic performance of the sample with 3.16μm-thick ZnO produced the best results with open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and energy conversion efficiency (η) values of 0.33 V, 6.35 mA/cm2, 0.52, and 1.09%, respectively.
Optimization and characterization of chitosan extracted from Mucor rouxii
Authors: Azlan Nur Shahilla , Edinur Hisham Atan , Ghafar Noraini Abdul , Rasudin Nur Syahmina
Published: December 2020

Chitosan is a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer comprising of (1,4)-linked amino-deoxy-β-D-glucan. The unique characteristics of biodegradability and non-toxicity led to versatile application of this biopolymers in various fields. The aim of this study was to identify factors which could optimize the yields and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan extracted from Mucor rouxii using different incubation period and temperature. Three combinations of incubation temperatures (98°C, 110°C and 121°C) and three incubation periods (15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes) were used in the alkaline treatment and the extracted chitosan were analysed for the dry weight, molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Results shown that incubation temperature had a significant effect on the yield of chitosan (p<0.05). Kruskal-Wallis test shown that, different incubation temperatures and periods had no significant effects on the molecular weight and degree of deacetylation (p>0.05).
Ionizing Radiation as a Non-invasive Treatment for COVID-19 Patients-A Perspective Review
Authors: Abdul Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar , Aurifullah Mohamme , Atan Edinur Hisham
Published: December 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded positive RNA virus surrounded by four structural proteins which are envelope, membrane, spike and nuclear capsid. This virus was identified at the end of 2019 and caused respiratory illness (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019: COVID-19). There is no specific vaccine or medication for the COVID-19 and current treatment relies on existing drugs including anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents. Here, we describe the potential use electromagnetic radiation to treat COVID-19 infected individuals. The electromagnetic radiation, particularly UV-C has so far proved to be highly effective as coronavirus disinfectant method on medical instruments and material surfaces. Photochemical mechanisms of UV-C with human cell could alter the single strand RNA and effective to obtain photodimeric lesions in nucleic acid of the virus. Inactivation mechanisms by photodimers induced in genome commonly lead to mutagenesis, where base pairing during viral RNA replication will be interfere usually at pyrimidine dimers. Therefore, application of UV-C at moderate intensities within periodical irradiation on patient might be useful to inactivate RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and can be used as an alternative for non-invasive treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Effect Additions Zn on Sn-0.7Cu Lead-Free Solder: A Short Brief
Authors: Mohd Tarmizi Fatin Sufina , Masri Mohamad Najmi , Mohd Nazeri Muhammad Firdau , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin
Published: December 2020

Sn-0.7Cu lead-free solder is an alternative solder material that suitable to replace Sn-Pb solder in electronic manufacturing. However, it has a weakness of high melting temperature and lower mechanical strength. In this study, the change in microstructure, elements, the structural and melting point of Sn-0.7Cu after the addition of different compositions of Zn element was discussed. The result shows that after adding a small amount of Zn, a refinement microstructure of Sn-0.7Cu-xZn solder alloy was obtained, and the melting point of the solder decreased from 227.7 °C to 225.7 °C. Besides, the formation new phase of was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) followed by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Besides, the behaviour of Sn-0.7Cu-xZn solder alloy can be further studied via open circuit potential (OCP) to determine the corrosion potential.
Effect of Calcination Temperature to the Dielectric Properties of CaCu3Ti4Oi2 using Enhanced Microwave Processing
Authors: Mohd Pabl Fathin Asila , Na Teo Wei , Sharifuddin Syifa’ Muhamad , Mat Nor Mohd Shukri , Wan Ali Wan Fahmin Faiz , Ain Mohd Fadzil , Juliewatt Julie , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwad
Published: December 2020

CaCu3Ti4O12 or calcium copper titanite (CCTO) electroceramics is viably produced with an enhanced process in order to tackle the dielectric loss problem in microelectronic industry. In this study, the influence of microwave radiation temperature during calcination to the electrical properties was investigated. The CCTO samples undergo synthesis process using a solid-state reaction route. The calcination process was conducted for 1 hour at different calcination temperatures (500-800°C) using microwave furnace set at the frequency of 2.45GHz. An enhanced silicon carbide (SiC)-based susceptor was used as crucible to accelerate the process. The result of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the phase formation of cubic perovskite CCTO is partially formed after calcination at more than 500°C for 1 hour, but the single-phase CCTO does not form completely during this time duration. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that with the increasing of calcination temperature, there are patterns of reduction in porosity and grain growth of the sintered CCTO pellets. Dielectric properties also increase within the frequency range of 1 GHz to 10 GHz with the increasing calcination temperature.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Growth by the role of pH variation
Authors: Ali Arlina , Yusoff Mahani , Noor An’amt Mohamed , Teo Pao Ter , Mamat Sarizam , Mohamed Mazlan , Ramli N.H. , Akmal Syamsyir , Rahimie
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study on the morphology variation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures by varied the pH of precursor via hydrothermal method. The Zinc chloride and ammonium hydroxide were used as precursor, which was heated at 180°C for 24 hours. The pH of the precursor was varied from 7, 8, 9, 10 to 11 by the controlled amount of ammonium hydroxide. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. XRD pattern shows that the ZnO nanostructured exhibit the hexagonal wurtzite structure and average crystallite size is calculated. The morphology images revealed the rod and flower like structure for all samples. UV-Vis spectroscopy (UVs) shows the absorption or reflectance peaks of zinc oxide was around 350 to 450 nm. pH value was found key to the structure control of studied.
Investigation of Chemical Analysis and Physical Properties of Bio-polymer Waste Banana Peel Fibre Composite
Authors: Yusof NAA Nik , Yusoff M
Published: December 2020

The present work has investigate the conversion of waste banana peel fiber (WBP) a raw a material in the form of food industry wastes into value added bio-polymer which can be replaced synthetic plastics. WBP represent around 85% of the total by products generated from the brewing industry and is available in large quantities throughout the year; however its primary application has been limited to animal feed. Despite this, due to its chemical composition, it has value as lignocellulosic rich material. In this paper, raw WBP has undergone physical and chemical characterisation to determine the composition analysis of extractives, cellulose and lignocellulose of WBP. WBP fiber contains a high moisture content (approx. 75 wt. %). Then, it will be process into form of composite by added of variety glycerol content (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 grams) mixed on a dry weight basis of WBP. The solution was premixed and then heated from room temperature to 80°C, where it was maintained for 1 h while being constantly mixing. The solution was then allowed to cool at 40 °C, and then, the glycerol was added to the gelatinized suspension. The suspension was then vigorously mixing for 45 min. The mixed suspensions were immediately poured onto a aluminium-nylon mesh mold to form a composite thin film. The films were then pressed with heat press machine at 120°C for 5 minutes. The composites will dried for 24 h in an ambient room temperature in dessicator at about 37 °C until they reached a constant weight. The thickness of the films was controlled by the addition of the same weight of suspension into a dish of same size. The final thickness of the film was about 0.20 mm. This research were focus on the chemical analysis of WBP fiber where it can determine the extractives, halocellulose, lignin and α-cellulose. Then, the WBP fiber composite film were tested for physical properties analysis which were the thickness and density, moisture content, water solubility, water absorption and thickness swelling, porosity and contact angle (CA). This work shows that glycerol can strongly affect the functional properties of WBP fiber based composite
Humic Acid Degradation by the Ozonation Process: Parameters Effect and Comparison of Ozonation Method
Authors: Che Miur Amalin Sofia , Mahyun Zafirah , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Zuhairi Abdullah Ahmad
Published: December 2020

Humic acid is one of the constituents that are easily found in the water. Interest of humic acid degradation has been escalating as water is one of the most important source in this world. Though these recent years, extensive research in ozonation has been rising as it a feasible and dynamic process. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the efficiency of humic acid degradation by ozonation method under different operating conditions, such as initial concentration of humic acid, pH, temperature. Different ozonation method was also studied using catalyst Tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) and oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Different methods of ozonation were also applied in order to study the capability of each method for degradation of humic acid. The most efficient method for the degradation of humic acid was ozonation with H2O2, gave the higher degradation rates of 98.82 % in 120 min of reaction. The results lead to the conclusion that ozonation process is an efficient method for removing humic acid from aqueous solutions.
Preliminary Study on Mineral Identification in Sediment from Sungai Nal, Ulu Sat Forest, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Ter Teo Pao , Yusoff Abdul Hafid , Chang Chang Shen , Mohamed Khairul Nizam , Sulaiman Mohd Sofiyan , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Mohd Amin Mohd Faiz , Muhamad Nor Amal Najihah , Zakaria Khairul Anam , Hazwani Oslan Siti Nur
Published: December 2020

Ulu Sat Forest, Kelantan is rich with various biodiversity and been protected and reserved from any illegal logging activity. Previous studies mainly focus to explore biodiversity of the forest, without any in-depth investigation to explore mineral distribution in soil. This paper is baseline study which investigated mineral distribution in sediments from different sites of Sungai Nal (Nal River), as well as different core depth, which were situated at Ulu Sat Forest, Kelantan, Malaysia. Total of five surface sediment and one core were analyzed with x-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis, it was found that despite of sampling location and sampling core depth, the soil merely consisted of quartz (SiO2) mineral, without any traces mineral been detected. However, concentration of the quartz mineral did vary with the sampling locations as well as core depth of the sampling. Thus, mineral distribution in the soil was consistent as only quartz was detected by XRD analysis.
Challenges in Creating Ecotourism in Rural Area: A Case of RK Eco Farm Business Venturing
Authors: Rahman A Ab , Zainol N , Ramli A , Manzoor H
Published: December 2020

The objectives of this article is to reveal the findings on the challenges encountered by a small business venture in the process of developing ecotourism that preserve the natural environment in rural area. Study on the natural resources and ecotourism has been indicated through the symbiotic relationship discourses. However, less research has been done on the lenses of business venturing that promote ecotourism and natural environment. The effective development of small business venturing that preserve the environment is significant for sustainability development for environment. Qualitative research methodology was adopted to understand this phenomenon utilising interpretive paradigm. Hence, this study is not mean for statistical generalization as indicated for objectivism paradigm. Six participants that contain of the founder, the manager, the workers, and three other participants are involved in this study. Accordingly, in-depth interview techniques as main data sources had been adopted for data collection to understand the phenomenon. Six participants with three times attempt for in-depth interview has been executed. To ensure the robustness of the information, direct observation and photograph also been utilised. Thematic technique was used for data analysis. The findings indicate that waste management, farm safety, and society awareness are the challenges that encountered by the entrepreneur in small business venturing that relates to ecotourism and natural environment. Future research should research further on this issue within the different context.
Slope Failure Investigation in Weathered Granitic Rock Mass Using Electrical Resistivity Imaging: Case Study in Kg Bukit Selar, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Zainol Abidin Nur Azra , Nordin Nur Haika , Ali Khan Mohammad Muqtada , Sulaiman Mohd. Syakir , Hussin Hamzah , Abdullah Abdul Manan , Andriansyah Nazaruddin Dony
Published: December 2020

The slope failure phenomenon is a common natural hazard in Malaysia in which due to the change in slope angle, weathering, heavy rainfall, and overloading. This research is focusing on analyzing the subsurface condition of slope failure in Kg Bukit Selar, Jeli, Kelantan by the electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) method. Geologically, the study area mainly composed of granitic rocks (microgranite and porphyritic granite). A total of five resistivity survey lines using Schlumberger and Pole-Dipole array with a 200m spread was conducted at the failed slope. ABEM Terrameter LS was used to collect field data, and processed by using RES2DINV software. The results were presented in the form of two-dimensional (2D) resistivity profiles providing a view of the subsurface distribution of the granitic rock, geological structures, and water content. The results show that the slope failed due to the presence of groundwater. The findings in this study show that the resistivity survey is a reliable method for slope failure investigation. The slope failures due to seepage problems were successfully being investigated using the ERI method.
Trace Elements Concentration in Domestic Groundwater Wells in Northern Parts of Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Pillai Kishan Raj , Mansor Hafzan Eva , Shafiee Nor Shahida , Shah Zameer Ahmad , Ali Khan Mohammad Muqtada
Published: December 2020

Groundwater is one of the major alternatives of freshwater supply in rural as well as in urban areas in Kelantan. The need for groundwater has been rising day by day for irrigation purposes. The degree of trace elements pollution and the suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose were assessed through analysis of 32 groundwater samples of shallow aquifer. A total of 15 trace elements investigated includes As, Pb, Sr, Ba, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cr, B, Se, and Al. The study reveals that most of the samples analysed contain marginally low concentrations of trace elements. The majority of toxic elements (As and Pb) are found to be in minute quantities and thus assumed to be inattentive in the wells. The concentration of all the elements except Fe and Mn were found far well within the permissible limits of WHO, thus pointing to the unpolluted source of water supply in the area. The concentration of Fe is higher in eight samples whereas Mn is on the higher side in twelve samples during post-season. Overall, all the elements show higher concentrations during post season owing to the less intensity of rainfall. Overall, the water in the area is safe for various purposes, but the source and contamination levels of Fe and Mn needs to be evaluated in detail. Moreover, appropriate use of law and regulations and effective water management is required amid rising population to preserve the quality of this resource for future generations.
Assessment of Nighttime Ground Level Ozone Concentration in Klang During Wet and Dry Month
Authors: Mohamad Nazir Amni Umirah , Awang Norrimi Rosaida , Hamidi Siti Nurhaliza , Ramli Nor Azam , Ibrahim Nurazim
Published: December 2020

Ground level ozone (O3) is the most significant secondary air pollutants in Malaysia, and this air pollutant exhibited different variations during daytime and nighttime due to differences in photochemistry. This utilizing seven variables (O3, NO2, NO, SO2, PM10, temperature, and relative humidity) secondary data acquired from the Air Pollution Division, Department of Environment Malaysia. The nighttime data (7 p.m. – 6 p.m.) on March and December 2015 were used to represent the dry and wet months, respectively. Box and whisker plots were used to show the variation of nighttime O3, NO2, NO, SO2, PM10, temperature, and relative humidity during the dry and wet months. Results suggested that there are variations among the selected variables between dry and wet month with temperature, O3, NO2, and PM10 showed higher value during dry month compared to wet month. Meanwhile, relative humidity, NO, and SO2 showed the opposite result.
Survey of People Perception on the Resulting Noise from the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Aweng E.R. , Aisyah Sharifah S.O , Liyana A.A.
Published: December 2020

Around the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia there are housing areas, educational institutions, schools, hospitals and even houses of worship that are categorized as sensitive recipients. They’ve been receiving noise from the airport for decades and they are still there. They may feel uncomfortable but have no choice, or are they no longer aware of the disruption they receive on a daily basis or they can already accept the noise with an open heart. To answer this question an informal conversational interview was conducted. A total of 120 respondents were selected, 40 respondents per contour (500m, 1000m and 1500m). Results of the survey found that 50% (60 people) of respondents said the noise effect of the flight was strong, while another 25% said that the noise effect was moderate (30 people) and low (30 people). Most of the respondents who said the noise impact from the airport are strong came from respondents who sited within 500m from the airport. Meanwhile, for those who answered moderate and low was from 1000m and 1500m radius from the airport. As a conclusion, people who are leaving within 500m from the airport was badly affected by aircraft noise, So it needs to be rectified to avoid permanent hearing damage and stress problems for the residents.
Analysis of Oil Palm Tree Recognition using Drone-Based Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Hashim S A , Daliman S , Rodi I N Md , Aziz N Abd , Amaludin N A , Rak A Eh
Published: December 2020

The oil palm tree, or scientifically called as Elaeis guineensis is native to West Africa, where it grows in the wild, transformed into a crop that later was introduced to Malaysian industry. The cultivation of oil palm improved rapidly under the agricultural sector causes degradation, particularly when the oil palm plantation goes uncontrolled. Tree plantation identification is very important for plantation management, environmental management, biodiversity monitoring and many other applications. Accurate inventories and monitoring oil palm estates can be a challenge and critical towards the plantation management and plant area expansion. Managing oil palm estate manually can almost be impossible, so do the tree counting. Manual field-based tree counting is time-consuming and high cost. Conventional method for tree counting can be carried out by manually marked on images or carry out field surveying using GPS to collect the positions of oil palm trees and display their position on image. Developing easier, simpler and cheaper method for tree counting is needed. The aim of this study is to analyse oil palm trees using drone-based remote sensing images. The algorithms used in this research study including Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), wavelet transform and template matching. The database of oil palm tree been developed with a total of 131 oil palm trees and 161 of non-oil palm trees have been collected. The window size of oil palm tree been analysed where 250 x 250 pixels which GLCM showed the best overall accuracy of 73.10% for both oil palm and non-oil palm. In this specific window, the oil palm crown can be covered and the result given is more accurate compared to other window sizes. The resulting analysis shows that wavelet transform algorithm gives the highest overall accuracy value which is 82.07%. The other eight statistic parameters can also used to modify the GLCM in order to observe the accuracy and identify which give the best classification accuracy. The availability and ubiquity of drone technologies with high resolution images and regular basis monitoring, new techniques in image and pattern recognition using drone-based remote sensing images let the idea of high accuracy oil palm tree detection become a reality.
Removal of Cadmium, Copper and Nickel in Thynnichthys thynnoides using Chelation Technique
Authors: Wan Abdullah Wan Nazwanie , Hussin Raihan , Shukri Nurasmat Mohd , Mat Rosid Salmiah Jamal , Abdullah Nor Hakimin
Published: December 2020

Thynnichthys thynnoides is a freshwater fish that widely consumed by Malaysian society. Due to increasing in industrial activities, the presence of heavy metals in T. thynnoides has become a risk that can affect human health and environment. This research was studied on efficiency of chelation technique to remove heavy metals cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) from T. thynnoides. The treatment for chelation technique was observed under optimized conditions of trisodium citrate concentration of 400 ppm for five hours treatment at temperature of 29.50±0.50°C. Initially the concentration of Cd, Cu and Ni in T. thynnoides were 0.74 μg/g, 3.18 μg/g and 2.95 μg/g and successfully removed to 35.80%, 65.22% and 61.17% respectively.
On the Effects of Cold Temperatures and Solute Concentrations on the Solidification of Gelatine
Authors: Mohd Noor Nurul Hazwani , Ismail Lukman , Abdul Karim Muhammad Firdaus , Hambali Kamarul , Hassin Nor Hizami , Abas Muhamad Azahar , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah
Published: December 2020

The solidification phenomenon of gelatine is important in many applications especially as an ingredient in certain food products that requires particular textural characteristics. This work was aimed to study the effects of temperatures and solute concentrations on solidification kinetics of gelatine by using Avrami kinetic phase change model analyses. The extent of solidification/gelation was measured gravimetrically and the sigmoid solidification curves were able to be constructed. The Avrami plots were managed to be produced and the Avrami exponents, n, and the rate constant, K, were extracted from the linear equations obtained. It was found that, lowering the cooling temperatures lead to higher K and reduced n values depicting faster rate of solidification with smaller dimensions. It was also observed that increasing the solute concentration lead to larger K and lower n values portraying that solidification rates was increased, and higher dimensions of solids were achieved.
Modification of Common Starch into Resistant Starch in Cassava through Optimisation of Physical and Chemical Treatments
Authors: Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Qalbee , Al-Amsyar Syed Muhammad
Published: December 2020

This study found an optimised condition in modifying common starch into resistant starch content by conducting crystallinity index analysis using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The methodology involved the preparation of cassava sample, optimisation of parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and crystallinity index analysis using X-Ray Diffractometers. The results obtained from the analysis were recorded in RSM to observe the suggested and optimised parameters to modify the resistant starch content. RSM proved that the addition of oil had given the most significant effect to achieve the optimised crystallinity index, followed by the autoclave duration and the cooling duration, which gave the least significant effect towards the treatment.
Accelerated stability study of Orthosiphon stamineus standardised ethanolic extract and its solid dispersion
Authors: Saidan N H , Kaus NHM , Aisha A , Hamil MSR , Ismail Z
Published: December 2020

The objective of the present study is to develop accelerated stability of Orthosiphon stamineus standardised ethanolic extract (SEE) and its solid dispersion (ESD). The stability study of SEE and ESD has been performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses. The spectroscopic datasets of ESD were applied to the principal component analysis (PCA) to extract the maximum information of the ATR-FTIR spectra. SEE and ESD were stored at three different temperatures with two different humidity conditions (30 °C/75% RH, 40 °C/75% RH and 60 °C/85% RH) for six months. Overall, the degradation of marker compounds; rosmarinic acid (RA), 3’-hydroxy-5, 6, 7, 4’-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF), sinensetin (SIN) and eupatorin (EUP) at high temperature (60 °C/85% RH) was higher compared to low temperature (30 °C/75% RH) for both samples. Moreover, the degradation of RA, TMF, SIN and EUP in ESD was slower compared to SEE. The deterioration of marker compounds for both samples followed the first-order reaction kinetics. The shelf life of SEE and ESD is based on the estimated shelf life RA, TMF, SIN, and EUP present in the samples. The shelf life of RA, TMF, SIN, and EUP in ESD were significantly enhanced (p < 0.001) compared to the same markers in SEE with EUP was showing the highest shelf life (15 months), while RA showed the lowest shelf life (7 months) when stored at the temperature below 30 °C. The shelf life of all marker compounds in SEE was less than two months when stored at the same temperature (below 30 °C). Based on ATR-FTIR fingerprinting datasets analysed with PCA, ESD kept at 30 °C/75% RH were still preserved of its chemical properties, which indicates that low temperature is better to keep the formulation.
Characterization of Starch in Two Cultivars of Ubi Gadong (Dioscorea Hispida Dennst)
Authors: Abdul Hamid Zubaidah Aimi , Mustafa Muhammad Zulkarnain , Zainal Nurul Shuhada , Ramle Sitti Fatimah Mhd. , Che Zaudin Nurul Akmar , Binti Saidan Noor Hafizoh
Published: December 2020

The ubi gadong or Dioscorea Hispida Dennst (D. hispida) is a carbohydrate plant that contain about 75.2 % in the form of starch in its tuber. In this study, two cultivars of D. hispida namely yellow tuber or ‘gadong pulut’ and white tuber or ‘gadong beras’ were identified. The starch content in two cultivars of D. hispida was extracted and analyse their chemical and physical properties by comparing their thermal analysis, granule morphology and others physicochemical properties. Observation on the texture of starch extract from yellow tuber shows that starch in yellow tuber is stickier and requires a long time for the drying process compared to the white tuber. The colour parameter of tuber was measured the yellowness colour (b*) using choma meter showed the yellow tuber is 52.88 more yellowish than white tuber which is about 34.16. Results showed, for both starch samples solubility and swelling power gradually increased with the increasing of temperature ranging from 75°C to 95°C. SEM analysis of the starch granules indicate the polyhedral shapes with size between 1.3μm to 4.3μm. The results obtained from DSC showed the both starches transition temperature (To, Tp and Tc) were in range 74.53 – 74.58°C, 79.34 – 79.39°C and 83.35 – 83.40°C while, the enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) was in range 4.11 – 4.16 Jg−1.
Phytochemical Screening and Toxicity Activities of Eleiodoxa conferta Plant Extracts
Authors: Thivakar Nishalani A/P , Liew Jeng Young , Boon Jia Geng , Sim Kheng Yuen
Published: December 2020

Researchers are actively exploring the locally available fruits that may use for therapeutic remedies. Eleiodoxa conferta is an underutilized Malaysian fruit. This study was conducted to examine bioactive compounds and toxicity activities of different parts of E. conferta using 100% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water for extraction. Results showed that Ethanol (50% v/v) was the best extraction solvent. The highest and lowest yield shown in the flesh extract and seed extract at 39.247% and 4.89%, respectively. The peel of E. conferta always showed higher Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) as compared to other parts of the plant. Phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, phenol, tannin, to name a few, were abundantly present in most extractions. The toxicity screening revealed that the toxicity level was high in the seed part of E. conferta while low toxicity shown in the flesh of the fruit. Overall, this fruit is rich in bioactivities. Further studies can be done to uncover its true potential application, especially the application of those bioactive components as antimicrobial agents in preserving food.
Research on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Operation and Maintenance for Power Equipment
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Zhang Mingming , Hu Quanyi
Published: December 2020

With the continuous deepening of the construction of the State Grid, more and more power grid equipment such as substations need to be repaired and maintained in a timely manner, which makes the workload and difficulty of the power grid equipment operation and maintenance personnel more and more difficult. Electricity is a necessity for our daily life and enterprise production. In order to ensure the rapid and stable economic development, reliable power supply must be provided, and the normal operation of power equipment is the key to safe and stable power supply. Due to the rapid development of cities, various problems have begun to appear in some power grid plans, coupled with the upgrading of power grid equipment and the implementation of new power grid plans, making the operation and maintenance of power grid equipment more and more difficult, and more and more challenges high. Therefore, this article first analyzes the process of intelligent state maintenance of power grids, analyzes the key technologies of artificial intelligence in the operation and maintenance of power equipment, and analyzes the application of artificial intelligence technology in the operation and maintenance of power equipment.
Research on SECE interface circuit for micro wind harvesting system with piezoelectric structure
Authors: Chen Yuansheng , Zhao Pengcheng , Huang Qinbin , Gu Cong , Chen Wei
Published: December 2020

Micro wind harvesting system with piezoelectric structure is an attractive method to power micro electric devices in outdoor field work. Interface circuit is one of the keys to improve the efficiency of harvested energy. A SECE interface circuit is design with microcontroller, which monitors the voltage and generates pulse signal. A simulation is performed in Multisim software to validate the proposed circuit. Results show that the maximum output power of classic interface circuit is 128.118μW at 110KΩ, and it increases to 390μW with proposed SECE interface circuit. It indicates that the efficiency of harvested energy is improved by 200%.
Comparison of flexible bidding and hourly bidding in the electricity market
Authors: Wang Hechun , Chen Gang , Fan Kun , Wang Kai , Li Hua , Guo Zijun , Liu Dunnan
Published: December 2020

Flexible bidding is an emerging electricity trading product in the Nordic spot market, which is different from hourly bidding and block bidding. It provides electricity generation enterprises and users with flexible and changeable electricity generation and consumption options and can reflect the electricity generation and demand-side behavior and habits of electricity generation and consumption, providing reference value for Chinese market participants to participate in the electricity market and demand-side response. This paper firstly introduces the two bidding models of hourly bidding and flexible block bidding; secondly, it introduces the market clearance model of flexible bidding; finally, it compares the differences between these two bidding approach.