bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of thermonuclear fusion platforms as the foundation of energy efficiency for the global social and economic sustainable development
Authors: Altoukhov A V , Tishchenko S A
Published: September 2020

This article gives an overview of the state and private projects in such domains as promising technologies of the controlled thermonuclear fusion. Topical energy and economic issues (uncertainties) and threats have been studied, including the requirements applied to existing and future energy economics in order to achieve energy efficiency and sustainable global development. Results of the research of multiple international and private projects dedicated to nuclear power show their inner correlations and scopes of application. The article also aims to confirm the idea that state and corporate support of innovative energy startups is much more efficient than the monopolization and direct administration of the energy domain. Additionally, it shows that trending information technologies have laid the foundation for the development and implementation of controlled thermonuclear fusion, which in future will become a source of energy compatible with all requirements of global development. And those innovative technologies will support a long-term sustainable development of international innovative network economies.
Energy systems modeling and assessment of the efficiency of quality management systems in high-rise construction
Authors: Kazaryan R , Pogodin D , Galaeva N , Mirzakhanova A
Published: September 2020

Construction reorganization, as a type of construction of high-rise buildings, is a part of a basic reorganization cycle. Features of renovation of built-up areas and issues of energy modeling are considered. The experience of assessing the efficiency of quality management systems for the organizational structures of construction management and common approaches to solving this issue are currently insufficient. Loft style methodology is used: the integrated performance indicator of organizational and technological operational reliability (OTOR) in high-rise construction. The possibilities of the construction method using 3D printing technology are considered. Comparative analysis of cost indicators for the construction of walls made of concrete blocks with plaster, brick cladding and ApisCor technology is made. These circumstances allow formulating the scientific task of the study. On the basis of the well-known BIM technology for information modeling of objects, a bank (information base) of standard implementation plans (IP) is created, from which the most rational IP for this type of work is selected using the criteria research method based on modified genetic algorithms (GA). The issues of choosing a method of construction work by the totality of implementation plans of construction and installation works are considered.
Electrohydraulic pretreatment method for the purpose of complex enrichment of fine clay ores of weathering crust
Authors: Martynov N , Dobromirov V , Avramov D , Miroshkin V
Published: September 2020

The paper substantiates the possibility of applying the technology based on the use of electrohydraulic effect for the preliminary preparation of clay ores with fine mineral phases. The technology was developed in the laboratory by conducting experimental studies on samples of several types of clay rocks and ores that differ in the composition of inclusions of solid fractions in them. Experiments have confirmed that with the optimal selection of operating modes of a specially created electrohydraulic unit, high selectivity is achieved for crushing and dispersing different strength minerals and mineral phases of sample materials, which ensures the destruction of the clay component while maintaining the integrity of solid fractions. Removal of water-soluble clay fraction with the pulp and washing of the resulting intermediate product provides a high degree of cleaning of solid inclusions from clay. This makes it possible to recommend the use of electrohydraulic technology for cleaning solid fractions of fine clay ores from clay at the initial stage of ore preparation, followed by the extraction of valuable minerals from the resulting intermediate product of enrichment by traditional methods.
Oil tank operation efficiency
Authors: Shaikhutdinova M , Gots S , Yamaletdinova K , Yamaletdinova A
Published: September 2020

Oil tank operation efficiency highly depends on the bottom sediments clean out technologies. In order to monitor oil tank efficiency and provide design improvements certain electro-physical studies were performed. These studies allowed to find the homogeneity conditions; oil-water phase boundary; monitor and identify the state of matter and lead to significant design improvements. It was proposed to update design and arrangement of the inlet and outlet nozzles of oil tank and place them in opposite sides of tank. Along with continuous electro-physical monitoring of the phase boundaries new design allows to increase overall efficiency of oil tank.
The study of heart transfer during boiling process of organic fluid
Authors: Peretyatko M A , Yakovlev P V , Peretyatko S A , Deev A S , Dyachenok G
Published: September 2020

The paper considers the problem of studying heat transfer inside the pipes of an evaporator of an organic Rankine cycle unit during boiling of an organic heat transfer fluid. Recently, the organic Rankine cycle units are increasingly used in various industries for the utilization of low-grade heat of various processing units. One of the main elements of these units is the evaporator in which vaporization takes place. The evaporator is a concurrent boiler. One of the problems in the design of concurrent boilers is the lack of knowledge of heat transfer during the process of boiling fluid. This paper presents a study of the heat transfer process inside a concurrent boiler. This study is carried out by creating a model of boiling organic fluid in the pipes of a concurrent boiler. The boiling model was implemented in the Ansys fluent software package. Using this model, the values of the heat transfer coefficient were obtained at each point of the evaporator pipe under consideration. After obtaining the values, the dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the length of the pipe was analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that starting from the point of 0.6 m, the heat transfer coefficient sharply decreases by 3.5 times. The value of the heat transfer coefficient after the decrease section is at the level of 125 W/m2K over the entire length of the pipe. Thus, it was determined that under given initial conditions, with a pipe length of more than 1 m, heat transfer ceases to be effective.
Study of thermal resistance of non-woven heat-insulating building materials
Authors: Lisienkova L , Komarova L , Nosova L
Published: September 2020

The article presents the results of experimental studies of thermal resistance of non-woven heat-insulating materials under cyclic compression. It has been experimentally established that a change in the thickness of materials during cyclic compression leads to a change in the thermal resistance of studied objects. The dynamics and magnitude of the change in thermal resistance primarily depend on the structure, fibre composition and method of producing the material, to a lesser extent they depend on the initial thickness of the material before compression. As a result, a methodology for evaluation the thermal resistance of heat-insulating materials has been developed. The application of developed methodology allows objective selection of non-woven heat-insulating materials at the design stages of building construction.
Physical characteristics of the thermal impact of an emergency fire
Authors: Tumanov V , Chibidin A , Tumanov A
Published: September 2020

The article is devoted to the identification and analysis of the physical characteristics and thermal effects of a fire in an emergency situation. The main purpose of the work is to study the influence of physical damaging factors on the degree of danger of a potentially hazardous object. The article considers a deterministic method for assessing the effects of the action of a physical damaging factor (intensity of thermal radiation). The study is an effort to analyze the physical damaging factors of the fire, because it is the physical basis for an objective assessment of the danger and risk of an accident at the researched object.
Air-jet cover for heat treatment chamber
Authors: Pukhkal V , Pankov V , Spitsov D
Published: September 2020

To increase the efficiency of local exhaust hoods for removing harmful substances emitted during technological processes, air is supplied by jets to create an air curtain (air-jet covers). The air curtain prevents the spread of harmful substances, does not interfere with the technological process, and leaves the equipment open for control and monitoring. The device of local supply and exhaust ventilation of the open doorway of the UKM Classic M 2005 chamber made by Mauting is considered. The chamber is designed for heat treatment of meat products in the food industry. Geometric models have been developed, including a heat treatment chamber, a room from which the chamber is loaded, a supply and exhaust hood above the door from the chamber to the room, and a supply air duct with air distribution devices. For comparison, an option of using an exhaust hood without supply air was also studied. The STAR-CCM+ software package was used as a calculation program. The results of computational experiments on modeling the operation of the local ventilation system of the heat treatment chamber are presented. The analysis of the calculation results and comparison of the efficiency of local ventilation devices are carried out. The studied design of the supply and exhaust hood ensures that heat and gases coming out of the heat treatment chamber are captured at a 17% lower supply and exhaust air flow rate compared to the exhaust hood.
The influence of external pulse-vibrational loadings on the atomic-molecular motion in real soils
Authors: Magkoev T , Zaalishvili V , Tuaev G
Published: September 2020

The connection between the effect of atomic-molecular vibrations on macroscopic phenomena in real soils is investigated. Granite and clay samples were used as an object of study. The experiment was carried out by IR spectroscopy method. Spectra from the samples were taken under various external loadings. The clearly nonlinear nature of the phenomena occurring in real soils was established. The results of the experiment were compared with the data for real soils obtained in field surveys using the GSK-6M explosive source. This procedure confirmed the relationship of atomic-molecular vibrations with manifestations on macroscopic objects.
Peculiarities of weather and ground freezing conditions in Siberia and Russian Arctic in winter and spring period of 2019/2020
Authors: Frolov D
Published: September 2020

As a reason of anomalous warm winter 2019/2020 in Russia, as well as in Europe and USA along with the global warming is considered a non-typical situation in Arctic, where the extremely stable area of low pressure in the vicinity of North Pole was present during long time period and which does not let the cold air masses to move away from its borders. Such situation lead to the consequence, that on the most of the territory of Russia, USA, Northern Europe and Eastern Canada the temperature of winter months was on a few degrees more than usual. Due to these warm winter months 2019/2020, largely increasing in recent decade’s amount of snow and snow cover thickness and hot spring months 2020 in Siberia and Russian Arctic the winter ground freezing was not very intensive and active layer thickness at the beginning of the summer was rather high. This led to the oil tank construction damage in Norilsk on 29 May 2020 due to the instability of the basement and catastrophic oil spill into the river happened.
Comparison of three systems of soil hydrophysical functions on example of silt loam
Authors: Ginevsky R S , Lazarev V A , Topaj A G , Nikonorov A O , Dunaieva I A , Terleeva A V
Published: September 2020

Three systems of functions are used to describe the water-retention capacity and the ratio of the hydraulic conductivity of the soil to the moisture filtration coefficient (relative hydraulic conductivity of the soil). Each of the three systems uses an appropriate set of parameters. These parameters are common to each pair of functions that make up the corresponding system. The parameters of the first system of functions are formal in nature and are used in the Mualem-Van Genuchten method. The parameters of the second and third systems have a physics-statistical interpretation. The main purpose of the considered systems is to predictively evaluate the values of the relative hydraulic conductivity function using parameters identified by the point approximation of data on the water-retention capacity of the soil. Using the soil example «3304 Touchet silt loam» from the Mualem catalog, three systems of functions are compared. In order to identify significant differences between the errors of the compared function systems with respect to the point approximation of data on water-retention capacity, as well as for predictive estimates of the values of the function of the relative hydraulic conductivity of the soil, the Williams-Kloot test is used. The influence of the additive parameter describing the capillary pressure of the «air inlet» on the errors of the second and third systems is estimated. The results of the study indicate the advantages of the second and third systems over the first system, the functions of which are used in the Mualem-Van Genuchten method. The third system is formulated in the form of fairly simple relationships using elementary mathematical functions and is recommended for modeling the hydrophysical properties of the soil and solving problems of ameliorative farming.
The use of the Monte Carlo method for predicting environmental risk in construction zones
Authors: Smirnova E
Published: September 2020

The article analyzes the problem of determining environmental risk. The author took into account the features of natural landscapes when choosing a model of environmental risk in order to predict the level of interaction of the construction project with the environment. The matrix of construction zones distributions and the risk of environmental vulnerability are compiled on the bases of the study of the anthropogenic impact parameters on natural landscapes. Monte Carlo simulation method allows predicting the process of techno genesis relative to the natural environment within the limits of confidence interval. The industrial territories of the Far North and the regions equated to them are characterized by the highest probability and level of risk, as well as vulnerability. The impact of techno genesis on all four components of the environment (atmospheric air, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere) in all areas of construction work normalization will continue to increase. This is indicated by trend graphs of the predicted values of anthropogenic impact within the industrial and residential zones. The quantitative characteristic of possible ecosystem “failures” as a result of anthropogenic interference is analyzed using a point scale. The worst-case scenario can be defined as post-catastrophic (ultra-high risk, emergency measures in emergency situations, score 26-30). The reliability of the simulated forecast is confirmed by the anthropogenic accident in Norilsk in June 2020, the largest and most unprecedented in the history of the Arctic.
Invariant measures for contact Hamiltonian systems: symplectic sandwiches with contact bread
Authors: Bravetti A , de León M , Marrero J C , Padrón E
Published: September 2020

We prove that, under some natural conditions, Hamiltonian systems on a contact manifold C can be split into a Reeb dynamics on an open subset of C and a Liouville dynamics on a submanifold of C of codimension 1. For the Reeb dynamics we find an invariant measure. Moreover, we show that, under certain completeness conditions, the existence of an invariant measure for the Liouville dynamics can be characterized using the notion of a symplectic sandwich with contact bread.
Distribution of Mangroves in Kedah, Malaysia: A Remote Sensing and Ground-Truth Based Assessment
Authors: Kamil Ernie Amira , Takaijudin Husna , Hashim Ahmad Mustafa
Published: September 2020

Mangroves are acknowledged for its ability in attenuating waves. The 2004 tsunami evidenced that mangroves shielded area encountered minimal damages compared to the unprotected coastlines. However, the status of mangroves nowadays is declining at an alarming rate due to natural disaster threats and anthropogenic factors. This study hereby aims to assess the distribution and species of mangroves in Kedah. Landsat-8 OLI images were utilized for mangroves distribution and species mapping by using GIS software. A number of 43 points were surveyed during ground-truthing in order to verify the mapping produced. The maps revealed that mangroves are abundantly grow in estuaries of Merbok - Kuala Kedah, and Langkawi. Five species from two families of mangroves were found which are including Rhizophora Apiculata, Avicennia Marina, Rhizophora Mucronata, Avicennia Officianalis, and Avicennia Alba, in order of dominance. Current mangroves coverage should be conserved and protected from any threats and human activities since a loss of approximately 2308 hectares of mangroves were observed compared to the status in 2012.
Characteristics of Pergau Reservoir Water Quality Profile
Authors: Effendi Alyaa Filza , Bahri Ayuni Samsul , Nadira Roslan Aiena Nur , Rosli Muhammad Zulsyahmi , Shahbodin Noorshariza Azura , Faiz Mohammad , Amin Mohd , Ruddin Md Sah Amir Shah , Husin Shahril Mod
Published: September 2020

Water quality profile of Pergau Reservoir or also known as Sultan Ismail Petra Hydroelectric Reservoir has been conducted from 28th October to 3rd November 2019 during Pergau scientific expedation 2019. Three (3) lentic sampling stations (P1, P2 and P3) were selected with eleven (11) water parameters such as water temperature, pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS), total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, ammonical-nitrogen, oil and grease (O&G), and total coliform were analyzed for water quality status of Pergau Lake. Stratification profile of DO, pH and water temperature were recorded by 10m depth at all lentic stations. Generally DO, temperature and pH reading at the surface lentic sampling stations ranging between 7.11 to 9.21 mg/L, 27 to 27.5 °C and 7.50 to 8.72, respectively. Anoxic layer was detected at depth of 9 m at P1 whereas 3 m at P2 and P3. Profiling of DO, pH and water temperature shown decreased pattern when the water depth increased. Others parameters such as COD at the subsurface were ranged from 1.3 to 1.4 mg/L, TSS reading recorded ranged from 4.00 to 6.80 mg/L, ammoniacal-nitrogen ranged from 0.05 to 0.07 mg/L whereas BOD5 were ranged from 1.3 to 1.4 mg/L. The Department of Environment – Water Quality Index (DOE-WQI) classification was used to assess the water quality status of the selected sampling locations. The results showed that all locations fall under Class I ranged between 92.66 to 94.55% and in summary the area can be classified as clean and suitable for sensitive aquatic organisms.
The Spatial Influence of Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors on The Pattern of Air Pollution in Malaysia
Authors: Ya’acob Siti Hajar , Mar Iman Abdul Hamid
Published: September 2020

Air contaminant levels experience a large degree of spatial dimension. This study is an attempt to address the issue of spatially related human-made activities that cause distribution air pollutants over the geographic area. PM10 variable within 16-year annual observations (2000-2015) from 37 fixed monitoring stations across Peninsular Malaysia was analysed. Spatial analysis was performed using Exploratory Regression, Ordinary Least Square Regression, spatial autocorrelation, and kriging interpolation in ArcGIS software version 10.5. Generally, the variance inflation factor for all the exploratory variables was below 7.5, indicating the absence of multicollinearity among them. The adjusted R2 was in the range of 0.3–0.4 for the selected sub-model. Only industrial land use and RH were significant predictors in the selected sub-model. The initial profiling of PM10 using geographic information system (GIS) was able to identify the relevant spatial relationship leading to the identification of monitoring stations area either belongs to a hotspot or cold spots.
Analysis of Water Stress Index (WSI) for District Surrounding Ulu Sat Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Samsudin Mohamad Fikri , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Syed Omar Sharifah Aisyah , Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Salam Mohammed Abdus
Published: September 2020

In the present study, the Water Stress Index for the selected area surrounding the Ulu-Sat forest reserve, Kelantan, Malaysia, was calculated. Water Stress Index was derived based on the ratio of water withdrawal to availability serves as an indicator to assess the status of water scarcity in the area. Water consumption for domestic purposes includes the daily water used for drinking and cleaning for households, while the non-domestic water used includes sectors such as agriculture (paddy and non-paddy), industry, and livestock. Estimation of water availability obtained from 3 stations located around Ulu-Sat forest reserve and the climate data obtained from the year 2008 to 2018. The water stress index presented in a range of 0.0 – 1.0. The result shows that the Water Stress Index value for Ulu-Sat forest reserve surrounding area obtained at an average of 0.32 for Machang, Pasir Puteh, and Kuala Krai. The result was implying a current low level of stress in Machang and Kuala Krai but the high-stress level in the Pasir Puteh area. The study also found that moderate to high-stress level occurs during the driest period of the year while low to medium stress level during the monsoon season. However, this ratio expected to further increase soon due to increase in water consumption and application. Hence, the importance of Ulu-Sat forest reserve in maintaining the stress level ratio low viewed as the utmost concern, especially in the dry season.
Investigation of Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers of Kelantan, Malaysia using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Techniques
Authors: Kamal Zakiyah Ainul , Sulaiman Mohd Syakir , Hakim Muhammad Khairul , Thilageswaran  , Syahira Anis , Hamzah Zahidi , Ali Khan Mohammad Muqtada
Published: September 2020

Seawater intrusion is known to be a major source of groundwater quality deterioration in coastal regions globally. The high population and the modern living standards demand more water, which has put the coastal aquifers under huge stress. Approximately 60% of water production in Kelantan is sourced from groundwater where groundwater abstraction for potable water supply is at its forefront. It is shown that the high rate of water abstraction from shallow and deep wells has put the coastal aquifer under stress to meet the increasing demand, as a result the movement of seawater accelerates fast towards the land which will cause mixing of groundwater with seawater. With this background, an integrated approaches using ERI and in-situ physical and hydrogeochemical technique is used to evaluate the nature and extend of seawater intrusion of shallow aquifers in coastal parts of Kelantan. A total of eight resistivity profile with a line spread of 200 meter each has been established to provide the subsurface resistivity values. The resistivity results showed low resistivity values ranging from 0.1 – 10.0 Ω m indicating that the groundwater is considered brackish or saline. Salinity results of the water analysis showed the value of 0.1, 4.1 and 6.0 parts per thousand (ppt) which considered as saline water zones. The electrical conductivity analysis values also reveal a value ranging from 200 – 2000 µs/cm suggest that aquifer is slightly brackish. Based on the result obtained, it is clear that saline water was detected in the shallow aquifer of the study area.
Seismic Facies and Geological Structure Interpretation of the A- Field, Malay Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Sulaiman Noorzamzarina , Abd. Samad Muhammad Amiruddin Safwan , Sulaiman Nursufiah , Ali Khan Mohammad Muqtada , Rosmadi Nur Syahirah
Published: September 2020

This study aims to interpret the seismic facies and geological structures of the Miocene-Pleistocene succession based on the 3-D seismic dataset. The seismic data was interpreted by using Kingdom 8.8 version software. The dimension of study area is approximately 187 km2 (14.8 km long by 12.6 km wide). The variable types of seismic facies and geological structures were determined from the horizontal (inline) and vertical (crossline) lines in 2D seismic section of study area. The seismic facies can be classified into for major seismic facies such as parallel and sub-parallel, wavy, facies that reach out to south-east and chaotic reflector. Parallel and semi- parallel facies consist from high amplitude to low amplitude and moderate to high continuity. The mounded discontinuous seismic facies also can be seen in the seismic section and can be interpreted as turbidities depositional environment at the two-way time (TWT) ranges from 1.4 to 1.5 ms. The chaotic facies contain natural gas as it display due to an error to a wave at the two-way time ranges from 1.0 to 1.1 ms. The geological structures were determined at the study area consists of anticlines, syncline and faults that can be interpreted as structural and stratigraphic trap for potential hydrocarbon.
Assessment of Limestone Caves in Dabong, Kelantan using Systematic Studies for Potential Geoheritage Sites
Authors: Sulaiman Nursufiah , Sulaiman Noorzamzarina , Mohd Shariffuddin Saidah Izzati , Mohd Raflis Siti Balqis , Hassim Ramadhan Ibnu
Published: September 2020

The systematic studies for potential geoheritage sites have been conducted in Dabong area which focus at Pagar Cave, Gelap Cave and Keris Cave. Five approaches of systematic studies phases which are inventory, characterisation, classification, assessment and evaluation had been implemented to evaluate these three caves for potential geoheritage site. Based on overall systematic studies, there are five values of geoheritage observed in these three caves, which are scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational and economic values. The level of significance is only local where these natural features are only important for the local community only. The quantitative assessment shows that the rank is about right to be as potential area for geoheritage sites.
Mineral Identification on Sediments of Pergau Dam Intakes
Authors: Chang Chang Shen , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Abas Muhamad Azahar , Muhamad Nor Amal Najihah , Sulaiman Ahmad Ziad , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Samsudin Mohd Fikri , Sulaiman Mohd Sofiyan , Mahmood Abdul Aziz
Published: September 2020

Pergau Dam as the largest hydroelectrical generation station in Peninsular Malaysia within a mountainous region; is supplied by many flowing river as its intakes. Previous researches within Pergau area mostly focused on biodiversity while this research was to carry out baseline investigation on the minerals present in the intakes sediment of Pergau Dam through surface sampling. Through stereoscopic observation, assemblages of quartz, plagioclase, feldspar, muscovite, and biotite minerals in sediments implies a granitoid source rock. By computing X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) chemical compositional data of sediments into chemical weathering indices, overall weathering condition of Pergau Dam intakes area are unweathered to low chemical weathering intensity. Through Combination of XRF data and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of mineral phases, detailed mineralogy of plagioclases, K-feldspars, sericites, chlorites and accessory minerals such as epidotes, zircon and monazite were identified. Mineral assemblage and Streckeisen Diagram plots indicate the granitoid source rocks of the sediments are quartz monzorite and quartz monzodiorite.
Notes on the Hoya (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from Pergau Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Zakaria Rahmad , Rabbani Azim , Syed Hamzah Syed Mohd Edhzam , Hamzah Zulhazman , Faizal Muhammad
Published: September 2020

A total of 18 species of Hoya (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) with two variants were recorded from Pergau Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. This represents more than half of species of Hoya reported for Peninsular Malaysia. Three species; Hoya coriacea, H. coronaria and H. erythrostemma are common and widely distributed. Two species are considered rare namely H. ignorata and H. forbesii based on lowest count. Suda and Renyuk River recorded the highest species number with ten species each. Suda and Long River is the most similar with 60% species similarity. Ability to produce flower and fruits by nine species were observed here indicating a healthy population.
Preliminary Study on Tree Species Composition, Diversity and Biomass of Dipterocarpus and Hopea genera of Bukit Bakar Forest Eco Park, Machang, Kelantan
Authors: Zafriakma Nurafiqah , Masran Noor Shuhada , Ahmad Dini Dayana , Nazli Muhammad Ikram , Zakaria Radhiah , Abdul Karim Muhammad Firdaus , Amaludin Nazahatul Anis
Published: September 2020

A study on species composition, diversity and biomass of genera Dipterocarpus and Hopea at Bukit Bakar Forest Eco Park, Machang, Kelantan was conducted. A total of 5 ecological plots with measurement of 20 m x 20 m were established. All trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) less than 5.0 cm were tagged, measured and collected for specimen identifications and voucher specimen’s preparations. The floristic composition of Bukit Bakar Eco Park consists of 135 individuals represented by 1 family, 2 genera and 17 species. The most abundance species recorded was Dipterocarpus crinitus Dyer with 23 individuals were recorded. Dipterocarpus crinitus (Dipterocarpaceae) was the most important species according to Important Value index (IVi) calculated at IVi = 17.73%. Dipterocarpaceae was the most high species diversity according to Shannon Wiener Index, H’=2.02 (H’
max
=2.30) for Dipterocarpus spp. and H’=1.90 (H’
max
=1.94) for Hopea spp. and Simpson’s Index of Diversity for Dipterocarpus spp. is 0.85 and 0.86 for Hopea spp.. Whilst Hopea had a slightly higher Species Evenness Index (EH=0.98) compared to Dipterocarpus (EH=0.87). Total tree biomass estimation in the study area was at 145.18 t/ha.
Temporal Assemblage and Distribution of Ephemeroptera in Lata Janggut, Jeli, Kelantan.
Authors: Mat Nazari Nurul Natasha Izzati , Rak Aweng Eh , Syed Omar Sharifah Aisyah , Hajisamae Sukree , Ahmad Azlan , Ibrahim Mohamad Zamzani
Published: September 2020

Lata Janggut is one of the popular recreational rivers with waterfall in Jeli, Kelantan. The lotic river characteristic at Lata Janggut create a suitable habitat for aquatic insect especially Ephemeroptera. Recreational activities may disturb the river ecosystem especially aquatic insects, Ephermeroptera in particular. Therefore, this study targets to determine the temporal assemblage and distribution of Ephemroptera at Lata Janggut, Jeli from March till August 2019. Ephemeroptera collection was conducted monthly from March to August 2019 using Surber net for three replicates at three stations. In total, 1260 individuals with five (5) families (Ephemerellidae, Baetidae, Heptageniidae, Neophemeridae, and Leptobiilidae) and nine (9) genera were collected and recorded. The most abundant Ephemeroptera found is Baetidae and Emphemerellidae. However, the result shows the different composition for monthly abundance for those families. Meanwhile, the distribution of those families at all station also shows a different composition. This indicates there are microhabitat exists between the stations and the physical characteristic of the river has change monthly.
Sustainable Termite Management Using Innovative and Selective Termite Baiting Method
Authors: Wan Umar Wan Ahmad Syahir , Ab Majid Abdul Hafiz
Published: September 2020

In a natural ecosystem, termites play an important role as a decomposer since termite can digest cellulose. Termites can be considered as pests once they had exerted substancial economical damages, such as Coptotermes spp known to be a major termite pests. Termites will cause a serious problem when the infestation occurred in urban areas as they give negative economic effects, reducing the value aesthetic of the buildings which lead to expensive building maintenance and repair. Chemical controls are the most common method used against pests of urban forests in Malaysia. The objectives of this studies are to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment by treating one active station out of all active termite stations (selective baiting) by using chlorfluazuron termite baits. Form the result, a termite colony population can be eliminated in selective termite baiting treatment. Elimination of termite population by selective termite baiting treatment was successful with the aid of termite behavior of trophallaxis which is the sharing of the bait toxicants among the termite nest mates. This sharing of toxicant among the nest mates circulates the active ingredients throughout the colony thus eradicate the colony along the process. Regardless of how many in ground station and above ground stations, baits placement in one out of all active stations was more than enough to kill the colony as all interceptor’s station shares the same tunnelling pathways which lead to the same colony. Chlorfluazuron baits need an average 4-8.6 weeks to eliminate termite infestation at the study sites. Furthermore, this method can cut the cost on total termiticide (bait) used. Thus, time can be save the during the baiting inspections due only single station to be monitored as reduction of termite activities in one station represent the reduction of activity in other stations only if the termite are originated from the same colony
Aquatic Insect (Larvae) Distribution and Assemblages at River Intakes in Pergau Lakes
Authors: Syed Omar Sharifah Aisyah , Rak Aweng Eh , Hassan Hasimah , Yusoff Akrimah , Hajisamae Sukree , Shukor Aisah Md
Published: September 2020

Aquatic insect larvae is one of the biotic component in aquatic ecosystem that helps in balancing aquatic ecosystems.Therefore, a survey conducted to determine the distribution and assembalges on aquatic insect larvae in Pergau Lake River Intakes. Samples were collected using Surber Net at seven river intakes in Pergau lakes namely Sungai Long (Intakes 1 and 2), Sungai Renyuk (Intakes 1, 2 and 3), Sungai Terang, and Sungai Suda. A total of 733 individuals were collected comprising seven orders (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Odonata and Lepidoptera) with 43 families and 70 genus. Sungai Renyuk recorded highest abundance of aquatic insects followed by Sungai Long with 602 individuals and 110 individuals respectively. The lowest abundance of aquatic insect was at Sungai Suda which only two insecta orders found namely Diptera(Chironomidae) and Coleoptera (Elmidae). Ephemeroptera (22%), Chironomidae (38%) and Elmidae (22%) were the common family found at all station excepts Sungai Suda intakes that only found Chironomidae and Elmidae. The resutls shows how aquatic insects larvae assamblage and distribute differently at seven intakes.
Relationship Management and Fireflies Conservation in Klias and Weston, Beaufort, Sabah
Authors: binti Jeperi Siti Rozziana , Dawood Mahadimenakbar M. , Saikim Fiffy Hanisdah
Published: September 2020

Fireflies from the genus Pteroptyx have drawn a lot of attention from humans due to their congregating behaviour and provided local communities with lucrative business opportunity. However, it is believed that the adjacent communities pose a threat of encroachment to the Klias and Weston – the hotspots for fireflies’ population mangrove ecosystem. Relationship Management has strategies and tactics to engage in sentiments, emotions, and then provide the best remedies. It has strategic power to connect hosts and guests as it emphasizes on “give back and take away tourism” through incorporating guest-hosts both in the process of conservation and utilization of various resources and skills available to them. Our study has tried to find out the economic importance (use value) of the fireflies and culture for the benefits of fireflies, nature, environment, and local communities of the area where they exist in the real habitat situation. The study attempts to provide solution of the critical problems and situations that have been created by human beings for a long time for the sake of feeding our ego and gaining dominancy (temporary value) in their areas because of unethical education and lack of awareness about socio-economic benefits through current ecotourism developments. The highlighted significance of Relationship Management in fireflies’ conservation and ecotourism development may help in tackling the conflicts between human and fireflies, human and human, as well as in fireflies watching activities. About 423 respondents were involved and the data was then processed with content analysis in which 84.4% of them are willing to protect the fireflies, 66.2% volunteered in firefly conservation program, while 40.7% of them are aware that both village development and firefly conservation are important and only 32.4% agree to pay for firefly conservation which is between USD0.23-USD6.92. Meanwhile, spider web analysis shows that locals are lacking knowledge of firefly’s ecology. Lastly, a blueprint for firefly conservation should be developed to help focus preservation in the places with the highest need to slow the rate of firefly habitat loss due to development.
Surveys of Bird Species in the Gunung Basor, Kelantan
Authors: Amir Aainaa , Hambali Kamarul , Bahar Adib , Abdullah Huda , Wahab Fahmi
Published: September 2020

This document reports the avian survey results in Gunung Basor, in the state of Kelantan (5°29’N, 101°50’E).The survey is part of the Pergau Expedition 2019 conducted by TNBR-UMK (Tenaga Nasional Berhad Research-Universiti Malaysia Kelantan). In this study, a total of 32 point stations at 200 meters interval were established. Point stations were approached stealthily and any birds setected had been recorded. The two-day survey 23 species of birds had been recorded. The results show the recorded birds were mostly very high altitude of species-packing (from low elevations up to 60m to 2000m), except for four species that are common residents at low elevations. Of the 23 species, eight species were noteworthy records. Two species were not previously reported in Kelantan, three species are winter visitors and two species are classified as Near Threatened according to the IUCN Red List.
Removal of Cu from Printed Circuit Board (PCBs) Leachates using Activated Carbon Derived from Foxtail Palm Fruit
Authors: Maizatul Nisrina Nadia , Ghazli@Ghazali Mohd Fathullah , Nik Yusoff Nik Raihan
Published: September 2020

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the e-waste generated from the end-of-life electronic equipment such as laptops and mobile phone. PCBs contain relatively abundant of valuable metals such as gold and platinum. However, e-waste is considered as an environmental contaminant as it consists plenty of hazardous materials such as cadmium and copper which can pose health threat to human and also environment. It has been reported that PCBs contain a large amount of copper (Cu) in the circuit boards as it is used as a base metal. Moreover, exposure to Cu will lead to adverse impact of human health. Therefore, the objective of the study is to determine the Cu concentration using FAAS and also to remove the Cu from PCBs leachate using activated carbon derived from foxtail palm fruits. In order to remove the Cu, hydrometallurgical process on PCBs will be conducted to leach the metal into solution. Once the metal has been leached to the solution, the metal removal process using activated carbon through adsorption process was conducted. In this study, foxtail palm fruit was tested as an effective low-cost adsorbent for Cu removal. The effect of adsorbent dosage (1 g and 5 g) with fix contact time (40 min) of the prepared activated carbon in selected metal removal were investigated. The Cu in PCBs leachate solution before and after metal removal process were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). Result obtained showed that, the percentage removal of Cu was recorded to be higher at high adsorbent dosage which was 14.417% in 5 g dose and 11.219% in 1 g dose. Thus, it can be concluded that the higher the adsorbent dosage used, the greater the percentage removal of Cu metal.
Solidification and Stabilization (S/S) of Toxic Waste: Potential Binder for Partial Cement Replacement Materials (PCRM)
Authors: Ishak Effa Affiana , Baloo Lavania , Kankia Mubarak Usman
Published: September 2020

Solidification and stabilization (S/S) in toxic waste treatment has been used widely in transform waste into sustainable construction materials. However, some parties is just using this treatment method in modify the toxic waste into a non-toxic form for its suitability in landfill. This action should not occur as proper waste management, should include both ‘treat’; reduce toxicity (e.g: immobilize contaminants) and ‘control’; reduce amount of waste generation (e.g: recycle). The perspective of ‘dump is cheaper than recycle’ has closed the eyes of the parties on the mesmerizing effect of S/S method in develop a sustainable construction masterials. Based on the past research, this happened due to the inability of the solidified waste to meet the construction materials requirements. Strength reduction and existence of toxic elements in leachate have been identified as the main factors that limit the application of solidified waste in construction industry. Nevertheless, the issue can be mitigate by using a proper binder to immobilize and encapsulate the toxic waste. Thus, this study aims to mitigate the issue by proposing a few binders that promotes high quality and sustainability to improve the S/S product. From the analysis, selection of binder relies on the chemical (e.g; high silica content) and physical (e.g; size) composition of the materials. Hence, pozzolanic materials have been chosen as usage of additional pozzolanic materials as partial cement replacement materials is promising in increase the strength of solidified waste and reduce its porosity. The pozzolanic materials mentioned in this study are industrial waste in approach to promote sustainability. Consequently, this study recommended the combination of pre-treatment such as thermal treatment, in reduce toxicity of toxic waste before S/S process to tackle the leachant or leachate issue and further adding pozzolanic materials for further strength development.
Torrefaction’s Optimization of Multiple Responses Analysis on Torrefied Biochar from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch
Authors: Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Ab Karim Siti Saniah , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Jamaludin Mohd Hafiz , Abdullah Nor Hakimin , Noor An’amt Mohamed , Ahmad Muhammad Iqbal , Elham Puad , Abdul Razab Mohd Khairul Azhar , Mohd Amin Mohamad Asyraf , Syed Omar Sharifah Aisyah
Published: September 2020

In this study, biomass resource is chosen as a renewable energy source based on the abundance of oil palm waste generated monthly. The aim of this study is to find an optimal value of torrefection process on the torrefied biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) in order to produce biomass energy source by using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM). The OPEFB has been torrefied based on the three independent variables which are particle size (250, 500 and 750µm), holding temperature (200, 250 and 300°C) and residence time (30, 60 and 90 minutes). Torrefied biochar are being optimized in regards of six dependent variables which are mass yield, moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon and calorific value. The optimization process from the RSM shows that the most optimal value for OPEFB torrefied biochar is at 750µm (particle size), 274°C (holding temperature) and 90 minutes (residence time) of torrefaction process in order to produce a high energy content of biomass.
Assessing the Floral Volatile Constituents of Male and Female Rafflesia Kerri Meijer from Lojing Highlands, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Zain Norhazlini Mat , Jamil Mailina , Markandan Shalini , Mohamad Ali Nor Azah , Hamzah Zulhazman
Published: September 2020

Rafflesia kerriMeijer is a gigantic parasitic flowering species, endemic in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. The flower reported to emit a foul smell, mimicking rotten meat to attract pollinators from the Calliphoridae to visit the male and female flower. Beside the olfactory factor, the visual display with red brownish tinge colour and the enormous size believed to act as secondary attractant in luring the pollinators. However, the study of pollination biology on this species remain limited and information obtained scanty. Herein, this study was aimed to evaluate the presence of chemical compounds by qualitative phytochemical analysis and screen the floral volatile constituents (FVCs) emitted through Head Space – Solid Phase Microextraction – Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids/steroids, flavonoids and tannins, whereas the tentative floral volatile constituents (FVCs) identified were from various chemical classes such as long chain hydrocarbon, organosilicon compound, primary alcohol, aromatic acid as well as miscellaneous compound. The finding suggests that the presence of phytochemical compounds and combination of vast floral volatile constituents identified are believed to contribute in scent emission and attract the pollinators to visit the flower.
Characterization of Aquilaria malaccensis Callus Cells using SEM and Somatic Embryogenesis Associated Genes Identification
Authors: Mohamad Hamdan Mohd Syafik , Aminan Aimi Wahidah , Noor Shaarani Siti Hajar , Tajuddin Saiful Nizam
Published: September 2020

Aquilaria malaccensis or gaharu is one of Malaysia’s top tropical resources that is being protected and conserved. Somatic embryogenesis is a plant tissue culture method used most extensively in commercial micropropagation systems and conservation purposes. This study aims to optimize callus induction techniques for somatic embryogenesis study using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis. In this study, callus was induced on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with a combination of plant growth regulators and optimized parameters (explant used, sterilization techniques, media content, pH media, plant growth regulators, incubation condition, and incubation temperature). The cells were subcultured for long-term callus maintenance and subjected to SEM analysis for somatic embryogenesis confirmation. Four set of genes associated to somatic embryogenesis (SERK, BBM, LEC1, and WOX) were studied based on National Centre for Biotechnology Information database and literatures. The data obtained were used for primer design and gene amplification using 3 different tissues (leaf, stem, callus).The highest frequencies of callus induction were observed on Murashikage and Skoog medium supplemented with 6-Benzylaminopurine and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid together with optimized growth parameters. SEM analysis showed embryogenic characteristics in cells of the yellow compact calli evidenced by the presence of small and isodiametric cells. Only SERK gene was successfully amplified and enable to proceed with in silico analysis. This study provides fundamental results for genetic conservation effort of A. malaccensis related to somatic embryogenesis study.