bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Enforcement Officers’ Perception Towards Imposing Punitive Action Against Errand Employers in Manufacturing Sector in Kelantan
Authors: Hassan Ramli , Rasdan Ismail Ahmad , Kamilah Makhtar Nor , Jusoh Norfadzilah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Compliance to occupational safety and health (OSH) laws in Malaysia is enforced by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Ministry of Human Resource. The acts involved are Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) and Factory and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA). Actions taken against employers who breached the laws are either persuasive or punitive. Persuasive and punitive refer to the type of action taken by the enforcement officers against the errand employers. Making remarks in a log book, giving out directive letters and issuing notices (Notice of Prohibition, NOI and Notice of Improvement, NOP) are considered persuasive whilst opening an investigation paper (IP) for the purpose of offering compound and bringing the matter to court are considered punitive. From the statistics, it is clear that the OSH enforcement officers use more persuasive strategy compared to punitive strategy. The objective of the study is to study the perception of OSH enforcement officers towards imposing punitive action against errand employers. The study used questionnaires developed after a thorough literature review on enforcement factors. The questionnaires were distributed to selected population i.e. DOSH Kelantan’s officers. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25 software. The study shows that generally the respondents are in favour of imposing punitive actions against errand employers and the most paramount factors in doing so is the knowledge, understanding and expertise in conducting investigation and preparing investigation paper (IP).
Physial Properties of Nanocellulose Extracted from Empty Fruit Bunch
Authors: Ibrahim A , Abdullah M F , Sam S T 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The high content of cellulose in lignocellulosic waste can be further utilized to produce nanocellulose (NCC). Conventional method of dissolving lignocellulosic waste in acid solvent is detrimental to the environment. Thus, a new method for utililizing lignocellulosic waste using environmental friendly solvent should be developed. NCC can be produced by dissolution of palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) in green solvent, natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). In this study, palm oil EFB was used to produce NCC by dissolving in NADES and analysed for its characterization. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to evaluate the NCC’s morphology and dimension. Under AFM analysis, the average height of NCC produced was 15.574±3.658 nm while the obtained diameter is 53.179±24.237 nm. Using TEM analysis, the NCC produced was a needle-like particles with average diameter of 17.842 ± 2.859 nm, while the length is 185.486 ± 91.776 nm. Based on TGA results, NCC produced has a thermal stability at 224 °C. From the results obtained, the dissolution of cellulose in NADES is able to produce nanocellulose with similar properties as nanocellulose produced using conventional method.
Life Cycle Analysis of Plastic Packaging
Authors: Nuraiti Tengku Izhar Tengku , Voon May Yap 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Due to the increasing demand of plastic usage all around the world, the production and disposal of plastic packaging have a significant increase in amount. This study is aimed to analyze the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic packaging by using life cycle analysis (LCA) method which implemented as in ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The system is designed to study the cradle-to-grave process of LDPE plastic packaging which included the production of polymers, manufacture of packaging, distribution of packaging, overall transportation, and the end-of-life treatments, with the functional unit of 1000 kg, using GaBi LCA software and TRACI 2.1 method, to assess the significant environmental impacts throughout the processes which were the global warming (climate change), acidification, smog formation, eutrophication, and particulate matter emission. The findings show that climate change is the most significant impact (43% contribution) while the most relevant unit process is the manufacture of LDPE packaging (52% contribution). Landfill has found to be the best option within end-of-life treatments, with the least pollutant emissions. However, the design of landfill had to be enhanced to cope with the long-lasting effects of plastic in landfill.
Tensile Properties of Kenaf Core with Polypropylene and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites
Authors: Santiagoo Ragunathan , Nair Gomesh , Azan Tajarudin Husnul , Daud Zawawi , Zainal Mustaffa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The reaction of kenaf core powder (KCP)/polypropylene/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends with and without a coupling agent, benzoyl chloride is analyzed. The filler loading ranging from 0% to 30% were prepared by using grinding machine and blended with the PP/NBR composites. The increase in only KCP loading in PP/NBR/KCP composites reduced the tensile strength and the elongation at break but increases the tensile modulus. The addition of benzoyl chloride as a coupling agent increased the tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of the composites. This investigation proves the enhancement in the adhesion between the filler and polymer matrix. The incorporation of coupling agent also increases the tensile properties of treated composite.
Farmer’s Knowledge in Land Suitability Evaluation and Farmers’ Awareness in Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture: A Case Study in Perlis
Authors: Abdullah Norasmanizan , Zolkafli Amirulikhsan , Suhaili Mansor Nur , Abdullah Chik Norlaila 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sustainable agriculture is the heart of organic farming, and human resources are playing a vital role in directing the community toward sustainable development in agricultural practices. The research objective is to evaluate the Farmer’s Knowledge (FK) in land suitability variables for crop type’s suitability in Perlis. After that, the collected spatial information variables applied to allocate the spatial distribution for four main crop types in Perlis. Besides that, to investigate farmer’s awareness in organic farming in achieving sustainable agriculture and at the same time to identify young participants in the agriculture field. Participatory Geographical Information System (PGIS) practices and mixed-method approach has applied to collect spatial data information in the study area. Spatial data interpolated using the Kriging method in GIS software. It found that soil types and soil suitability are the most important variables that classed by farmers in land suitability evaluation. The spatial distribution map of crop suitability has the potential to indicate agreement or conflict with a land resource development for the study area. The results show the farmer’s awareness in applying organic farming still low, with the percentage of applying organic fertilizer is 18%. Besides, the results indicate that the young generation has a small contribution, with 30% involved in the agriculture sector. Nowadays, the participation of the young farmers is more realistic in applied new technology for instance Precision Agriculture (PA) practices.
Assessing the Recovery Opportunities of Different Types of Wastes by their Embedment in Inorganic Binders
Authors: Moncea Mihaela-Andreea , Dumitru Florina-Diana , Baraitaru Andreea-Georgiana , Georgiana Boboc Mădălina , Deák György , Abdul Razak Rafiza 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The use of wastes in the architecture of new binders for construction domain is the key for the success of the progress regarding environmental, technical and economical issues. For instance, bricks wastes have huge recycling value but are often discarded for worthless junk. The wastes glasses which are difficult to be recovered are regularly disposed in landfflls although they successfully could replace the fine and coarse aggregates in concrete. More than that the glass aggregates can be used for decoration of concrete structure floors, patio, entrances etc. Paper slag ash has a similar chemical composition to that of cement, but the mineral phase composition significantly differs and is no reactive with water. Therefore she can be used in the production of concrete, a beneficial idea regarding exhaustible resources and intelligent recycling within circular economy and durable development context. Although the large paper producers fight with this challenge, until now the construction industry didn’t find the courage to tackle these opportunities, continuing to adopt classical methods for designing construction materials. In this context the paper presents reuse potential of different types of wastes as supplementary addition for cement based materials obtaining. In order to demonstrate their functionality the new mortars specimens were mechanically tested. The obtained results highlighted of many times similar properties with that of the classical compositions, sustaining thus the idea of sustainable development within civil industry domain.
Recycling Fly Ash from MSWI for Artificial Aggregate Production for Concrete
Authors: Mohamad Ibrahim Norlia , Nizar Ismail Khairul , Che Amat Roshazita , Liza Rahim Nur , Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study focusses on the development of new lightweight aggregate (LWA) that eventually will have comparable properties with existing natural aggregate which is granite. The main objectives of this study is to examine potential use of recycled municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash as raw material in LWA production with a method of cold-bonded palletization process. The ashes are collected from Cameron Highland Incineration Plant, Malaysia that can be divided into bottom ash (BA) and fly ash (FA). This study uses FA as partial raw material to substitute the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The properties FA are studied by means of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The LWA is fly ash lightweight aggregate (FALA). The production of LWA is based on cold-bonded palletization technique. FALA have experienced two different curing process for 28 days namely room-room (RR) and room-water (RW) curing conditions. The percentage of FA used in this study is 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of cement replacement and the size is fixed between 10 mm to 20 mm with circular shape. The properties of FALA produced in this study is examined including loose bulk density, and aggregate impact value (AIV). Other physical properties including colour and texture are also being investigated. From the results of LWA it is clearly seen that 20% FA were the best percentage of ash used to produce good quality LWA. Loose bulk density of FALA selected is 716.72 kg/m3 and AIV 13.80%.
Overview on Use of Zeolites as Bulking Agent to Optimize Organic Waste Composting Process
Authors: Jannah Abdul Hamid Nur , Abdul Kadir Aeslina , Amira Sarani Noor , Ikhmal Haqeem Hassan Mohd , Nabila Huda Hashar Nurul , Amiza Hashim Azini , Fatin Nabila Hissham Nur , Qian Yi Lim , Nuraiti Tengku Izhar Tengku 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
There is about 2.01 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced annually and organic waste constitutes of a major portion from total waste generation worldwide. This current circumstance not only create extra burden on the landfill, but also causing some environmental issues such as greenhouse gases emission, odor emission and leachate production. Therefore, a sustainable and pro-environmental of organic waste disposal solution is acknowledged by composting practice. However, organic waste consists of some significant properties include high in salt, oil, nitrogen and moisture content. All of these properties contributing difficulties on the efficiency of organic waste composting process. In previous studies, researchers had studied various bulking agents such as biochar, sawdust, lime and others in order to optimize the efficacy of composting process. Nevertheless, utilization of zeolite as bulking agent in composting process is getting famous in the recent years due to its unique physiochemical characteristics. Hence, this article attempts to review the potential of zeolites in optimizing the composting process for better understanding of the mechanism as well provides valuable insights for sustainable organic waste management practice.
Materials of Characterization for Development and Fabrication of Ergonomics Sofa
Authors: Hafizi Abdul Nasir Ahmad , Rasdan Ismail Ahmad , Azhar Mat Daud Khairul , Husna Che Hassan Nurul , Jusoh Norfadzilah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The basic material in an ergonomic sofa is a design process that has a specification of the basic material that is adapted to the sofa design. This is because the human factor is very much related to the ergonomics of the design in which this specification will affect the physical human. To achieve this goal, a survey questionnaire involving 30 people among the sofa makers was distributed to get feedback on the type of material used in the ergonomic sofa reconstruction process. Survey questions focus on type of material used. Based on the data analysis, results show that the type of material used such as frame and sponge is very much influenced by the design of the sofa as it is related to ergonomic features. These surveys are important to look at the specification of the key ingredients in the design of ergonomic sofas through perceptions of the maker sofa.
Potential Small Scale Sea Water Reclamation from Plastic Waste Contamination
Authors: Baharudin Ridzuan Mohd , Daud Zawawi , Detho Amir , Awang Halizah , Arif Rosli Mohd , Zakariah Zulfairul 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPlastics have become a potential source of contaminants in addition to being a universal environmental eyesore due to its global occurrence in every waste stream. Copper (Cu) adsorbed at high concentrations can be damaging to health. The optimum parameter conditions for the minimization of Cu from contaminated water due to plastic using coconut shell activated carbon were investigated. The influence of two experimental variables (adsorbent dosage and pH) were analyzed by the application of response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD). Quadratic models were developed for efficiency improvement in treatment. The optimal removal settings attained were the adsorbent dosage of 26.58 g and 150rpm shaking speed, achieving 89.62% removal with a desirability value of 0.999. The predicted compared to the experimental data revealed that the experimental values are relatively in close agreement with the predicted results, which therefore define that the generated model has encapsulated the correlation between the adsorption variables and the response. The Langmuir model was best fitted to the experimental data.
Adsorption of Methylene Blue by Banana Stem Adsorbent in a Continuous Fixed Bed Column Study
Authors: Akbar N A , Rosman N D , Hambali S , Abu Bakar A A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Methylene Blue is a cationic dye that releases aromatic amines in many textile industries and can cause potential harm to human health. Agricultural waste has been explored for their adsorption abilities towards Methylene Blue dye from textile wastewater. This study described the performance of fixed-bed column using banana stem as filter media under the effect of various bed height (10, 30, 50 cm) and initial concentration of Methylene Blue ( 0.02 and 0.03 mg/L) to assess the breakthrough curve. From the fixed-bed column study, the column with initial Methylene Blue concentration of 0.02 mg/L and bed height of 50cm performed well in removing Methylene Blue from the synthetic Methylene Blue solution. The breakthrough time and exhaustion time were 953.57 minutes and 4560 minutes, respectively. As a conclusion, banana stem filter media is an effective alternative in removing Methylene Blue from textile wastewater.
Feasibility Study to Retrofit Existing Rotary Drum into A Chemical Sludge Thermal Dewatering System Through Lab-Scale Experimental Investigations
Authors: Zhi Yong Koh , Chien Hwa Chong , Chee Ming Choo , Vui Soon Chok , Fariz Bin Majid Mohd 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The adoption of the landfill method for chemical sludge management is an issue of concern as landfill leachates can cause negative impacts on the environment. Furthermore, the high moisture content in chemical sludge has resulted in higher disposal costs due to its heavyweight. This research study is conducted to determine the optimum thermal dewatering condition for chemical sludge through experimental testing and thereafter deduce a recommendation to retrofit an existing rotary drum for chemical sludge dewatering. The water removal rate from chemical sludge was evaluated through thermal dewatering experiments using a lab-scale furnace. Referring to results obtained, increased dewatering temperature and dewatering time, and decreased volume of chemical sludge has improved the water removal rate. The highest water removal rate is 82% when 1.0 cm³ chemical sludge sample is dewatered under a temperature of 250ºC for 90.0 min. Based on the economic evaluation between current chemical sludge handling and newly installed rotary drum dewatering methods, an estimate of one hundred and fifty-four thousand Malaysian Ringgit in annual net-saving is expected to be achieved through dewatering of chemical sludge in retrofitted equipment. The finding has justified the feasibility of retrofitting the current rotary drum for chemical sludge dewatering.
Hydrocarbon and Dye Degradation by Actinomycetes from Flooded Soils
Authors: Jheng Wai Chow , Ain Yusop Nurul , Pahirulzaman Khomaizon A.K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Hydrocarbon and dye pollutants could exert adverse effects to the polluted surroundings and their occurrences are often anthropogenic. The presence of both pollutants could endanger the environment if there are no preventive and corrective measures taken. Fifteen actinomycete strains were used for potential application on hydrocarbon degradation and 10 strains used for dye degradation study. Kerosene, petrol and diesel were introduced to the actinomycetes in separate media as source of carbon and energy. Seven actinomycete strains were able to grow well on hydrocarbon growth medium and they showed notable changes in terms of number and size of colonies formed, formation of mycelia and the colour of colonies formed. Four actinomycetes that grow well on hydrocarbon medium were further cultivated in MSM liquid media supplemented with hydrocarbon. Optical density (OD) of culture media was measured as an indicator of actinomycete growth. Strain D053 and D25.2 showed higher trend of overall OD measurement. Although OD measurement is lower, the growth of Strain KSJ12.7 and D13.5 were observed where tiny cell cluster or cellular flocs were formed. Kerosene and diesel were found to be good growth substrate for the actinomycetes. For dye degradation, the decrease in absorbance will determine the percentage of decolourization of Congo Red achieved by actinomycete strains. Highest decolorization of Congo Red recorded by Strain D4 in ISP-1 at 79.22%, whereas Strain D008 in MSM at 8.88%. These two different media indicated that actinomycete strains need additional sources of carbon and nitrogen and did not only depend on the dye as their sole carbon and nitrogen sources. This study showed that actinomyctes could potentially be used in hydrocarbon and dye degradation given their ability to grow in both.
Ecological Engineering Approach as a Sustainable Solution for Wastewater and Surface Water Issues in Rural Areas of Bario, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Syuhadaa Mohd Nuruol , Koting Suhana , Othman Faridah , Ismail Zubaidah , Painaidu Logeswary , Farahin Che Nordin Nur , Redzwan Ghufran , Ibrahim Shaliza , Hussein Elshafie Ahmed 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study is initiated with the aim of providing solutions for an effective wastewater management in Bario, a remote area situated in the middle of thick forest, close to Sarawak-Kalimantan border, with the only access is either by 55-minutes flying with 16-seat twin otter plane or 14-hour drive on 4WD vehicles using logging trail. Wastewater samples were collected at eight sites all over Bario and analyzed for pH, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, Ammonia NH3-N and E.Coli. The results have highlighted a crucial issue, that is, open ditch and rivers posed high COD and highly contaminated with NH3-N and E.Coli. The primary source of NH3-N and E.Coli were believed to be originating from human excretion due to the leaking septic tank. Therefore, we proposed solutions that will be targeting all three stages of wastewater management system of Bario. Firstly, the 200 L makeshift drum barrel that were being used as septic tank need to be replaced with a proper septic tank. Secondly, in order to make the open ditch becoming self-treating, it needs to be sparsely planted with vegetation (i.e. water lilies) that can absorb the nutrient from the wastewater as well as increasing the aesthetic of the ditch. Thirdly, we proposed a constructed wetland as a treatment system for the wastewater before being released into the river. Conclusively, as the sewage is treated in septic tanks, and the greywater is treated using wetland, Bario has huge potential to facilitate more sustainable, economical and effective decentralized wastewater management system.
Circular Economy-Waste Reuse into a Spongy Oxide Material with Photocatalytic Activity for a Sustainable Development
Authors: Florina Burlacu Iasmina- , Deák György , Marcu Ecaterina , Proriol Serre Ingrid , Balloy David , Suriyani Che Halin Dewi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The most recent studies in the field of heterogenous catalysis are directed towards the diffrent anchoring supports for immobilising commonly employed photocatalysts for the degradation of emergent organic compounds from wastewater. The technique of immobilisation of the catalytic semiconductors helps to avoid one of the main technical issue which concerns the post- recovery process of the classical particles in suspension after the water treatment. In the context of the transition towards a circular economy and sustainable development, this paper presents the results regarding a novel catalyst immobilized on fix support starting from some general waste and its photo catalytically functionalization through deposition of various concentrations of zinc oxide on its surface. The morphological and structural characterization of the synthetized oxide spongy materials was performed. This new oxide material presents a great potential as a low-cost, environmental friendly and sustainable water treatment technology.