bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of incorporation of essential oil into film for fruit packaging application
Authors: Hashim R H R , Gunny A A N , Sam S T , Kamaludin N H I , Shamsuddin M R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Biodegradable composite films with antimicrobial properties consists of three biopolymers (polysaccharides, proteins, fats), additives (plasticizers, emulsifiers), and synthetic or natural antimicrobial. Biodegradable packaging embedded in food products with antimicrobial agent such as essential oils (EOs) is an innovative green technology based on a novel approach to substitute conventional and synthetic petroleum packaging. Good packaging is necessary to prevent spoilage during postharvest stage. Introducing EOs onto the fruit packaging films strongly inhibiting bacterial and fungal activities on the fruit products and gives positive effect on the storage of the products. This review focuses on the contribution of the incorporation of EOs and biodegradable films to prolonging the shelf life of fruit products in addition to reduce the risk of growth of pathogenic bacteria on the surface of fruit products. Essential oils incorporated into film provides a new strategy and improves efficiency of fruit packaging film in enhancing quality and shelf life of post-harvest fruit products.
Removal of Copper and Magnesium Cations from Aqueous Solutions by Clinoptilolite Zeolite Adsorption
Authors: Aziz R A , Fauzi N F N , Salleh M N , Saleh M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the potentials of clinoptilolite zeolite in removing selected heavy metals, that are copper and magnesium in aqueous solutions. The removal of both metal cations has been studied by using the batch techniques. Three experimental variables were carried out under predetermined conditions of contact time (20 – 100 minutes), effect of dosage (0.20 – 1.00 gram), and effect of pH solution (pH 2 to 10). Adsorption capacity of zeolite towards heavy metal removal was then determined at various initial concentrations of metal ions between 20 to 100 ppm. Results obtained shows that adsorption of Cu 2+ and Mg 2+ on zeolite has been shown to depend significantly on the pH, adsorbent amount and contact time. The significant value of pH was reached at pH 6, followed by 1 hour of contact time for 1 gram of adsorbent; for both metal ions studied. Studies on the rate of uptake of heavy metal ions by the zeolite indicated that the process was quite rapid and maximum adsorption occurred within the first hour of contact. The results show that high silica zeolite such as clinoptilolite is a promising adsorbent as they combine high adsorption capacities and molecular sieve properties.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Activated Carbon Impregnated with Different Type of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles towards Hydrogen Sulfide Removal
Authors: Azamuddin M F A , Abdullah N , Mohamad Nor N 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
It is highly anticipated to understand the influence of physicochemical characteristics of different types metal oxide nanoparticles impregnated onto palm shell activated carbon (PSAC) adsorbent towards hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) removal. Alkaline precipitation method was used to synthesis metal oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2, NiO, CuO, and Fe 2O 3). The synthesised metal oxide nanoparticles were then impregnated in the pre-oxidized PSAC adsorbents (Ce/PSAC, Ni/PSAC, Cu/PSAC and Fe/PSAC). The prepared adsorbent was then analysed via Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and H 2S adsorption analysis. Based on H 2S adsorption study, different types of metal oxide nanoparticles impregnated on PSAC adsorbent showed different trend of breakthrough time and adsorption capacity. PSAC adsorbent that was modified with metals oxide nanoparticles shows efficient result compared to raw PSAC adsorbent. Among metal oxide nanoparticles, Cu/PSAC adsorbent gives the higher adsorption capacity (86.60 mg H 2S/g Cu/PSAC) and breakthrough time (80 minutes) compared to the rest of adsorbents.
Effect of banana peel waste concentration and mixing rate to the tensile strength of polyvinyl alcohol/banana peel waste composite film: optimization study via statistical tool
Authors: Ng Q H , Kalaiarasi V , Teoh Y P , Ooi Z X , Shuit S H , Low C Y 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Plastic bags are essential in human’s life on a daily basis. Most of the packaging materials used today are petroleum based manufactured polymers which are non-biodegradable. These polymers contribute to the landfill and take millions of years to decay. Decomposition of these plastics would also release harmful gases into the environment. On the other hand, readily available degradable plastics are expensive. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to produce a biodegradable film as a substitution for the commercial biodegradable plastics to overcome such problem. A series of biodegradable polymer films derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embedded with banana peel waste (BPW) was prepared by solution casting method. The BPW was introduced as a promoter of biodegradability of the PVA. It was found that as the amount of BPW increases, the colonies of the fungal growth on the film showed a corresponding increase, indicating higher biodegradability of the PVA composite film. The blended films with different compositions of BPW were evaluated for their tensile properties using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) technique and hence optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). The tensile strength of the PVA/BPW films (32.52–46.97 MPa) was found to be lower than those of unfilled PVA film (80.30 MPa). The best composition of BPW filler in this study was found to be 5.1% with respect to PVA and it is compatible to be used as a film in daily uses.
Biosorption of copper ions from aqueous solution using Kappaphycus striatum
Authors: Mun N K , Mokhtar  , Shoparwe N F , Shukor H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Biosorption is an eco-friendly alternative technology for the removal of heavy metals from industrial waste and effluents using low-cost and effective biosorbent. Abundant of natural materials like agricultural biomass, industrial waste, and microbial biomass can be used as a promising biosorbent. In the present study, red algae Kappaphycus striatum biomass will be used for the adsorption of copper ions in aqueous solution. The free (non-immobilized) and immobilized form of red algae Kappaphycus striatum biomass and biosorption rate were investigated for the adsorption process. The maximum biosorption of copper ions was achieved when immobilized form of algae biomass were used at the condition pH of 5, biomass dosage, 0.25 g/L, contact time of 90 minutes, and at the temperature of 50 °C with a 65.8% of removal. The experiment data for biosorption rate with time also was used to evaluated two kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) and two isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich). The results reveal that metallic ions biosorption on the immobilized Kappaphycus striatum followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with a R 2=0.9996 and Langmuir isotherm model with a R 2=0.9999. The present work shows that the red algae of Kappaphycus striatum as a potential biosorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.
The effect of stearic acid and different loading treated and untreated EFB fiber on the tensile, structural and chemical properties of polypropylene/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/empty fruit bunch composites
Authors: Santiagoo R , Hong T W , Azizan N Z N , Andrew A M , Wahab F , Seman N A A , Othman N S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A new developed of polymer materials made up of polypropylene (PP), recycled nitrile gloves (NBRr) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber was fabricated. Recycled nitrile glove was blended together with PP plastic to reduce the use of petroleum based and to solve the issue of waste discarded at the landfill. EFB fiber was incorporated to lower the production cost of composite. Due to incompatibility of different phases, stearic acid treatment was used to improve the EFB fiber polarity. Thus, the effect of different EFB loading for untreated and treated stearic acid of PP/NBRr/EFB composite was studied. In this work, all the materials were mixed well using a heated two roll mill with temperature 180 °C within 9 minutes. The EFB loading were varied from 0 to 30 phr. The analysis of tensile properties was tested followed the ASTM D638, Type IV, testing procedure, to analyze tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation at break. The structural properties of the fracture sample surfaces were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the chemical properties was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). Composites with stearic acid treatment have shown higher tensile strength compared to untreated EFB fiber. Besides, the micrograph structure surface from scanning electron microscopy analysis showed better fiber and matrix interaction, as the treated-EFB fiber is well encapsulated with the PP matrix. From the FTIR analysis, the intensity peak of OH for PP/NBRr/EFB/SA was reduced due to the removal O-H bond of cellulose from fibers during the surface modification of fibers.
Effect of inulin addition in cucumber drinks on urease inhibitory, antioxidant activity and its consumer acceptability
Authors: Kasim K F , Shaharuddin Z S , Amer N A Mohd , Bahari R , Abdullah A A , Mohamad C W S R , Sofian-Seng N S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) juice is the best rejuvenation tonic used in the folk medicine. However, during juicing, all the fibre content of the juice will be removed. Addition of inulin to the juice not only help to replace the fibre content but it also acts as prebiotic which may help to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in guts. Therefore, this study focused on the effect of inulin addition in the cucumber drink on urease inhibitory and antioxidant activities, as well as on consumer acceptability. Cucumber drink was prepared using a domestic juicer and the different amounts of inulin added to the drink were based on the nutritional conditions for dietary fibre claims of a food product as a ‘source of fibre’ and ‘high fibre’ (i.e. 3 g/100 mL and 6 g/100 mL, respectively). Urease inhibitory activity was determined using phenol-hypochlorite reaction and antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results show that non-fortified cucumber juice (100% without inulin) had the highest urease inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities (95.1% and 38.3%, respectively). The results show that the addition of inulin to the cucumber drink does not have any impact on the urease inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities. On the other hand, consumer acceptance test shows that cucumber drinks fortified with 6 g of inulin were more acceptable to the consumer based on consumers’ 9-point hedonic scale distribution.
Effect of Gravel-Sand Substrate on Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetland for Palm Oil Mill Effluent Treatment
Authors: Sa’at S K M , Yusoff M S , Zaman N Q , Ismail H A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Constructed wetland as one of technique in phytoremediation, combined and utilized green plants, soil and microorganism in reducing the pollutants in wastewater. Plant selection and types of a substrate are among the factors that contribute to the greater performance of pollutant removal. Gravel and sand are the commonly substrate used in sub-surface constructed wetland because they have acceptability with the hydraulic condition and capable to increase the removal of pollutants in wastewater treatment. In this study, the gravel and sand combination were used to increase pollutant removal. Three (3) sets of experiments were set up as treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) which is POME only (PO) as control and, POME with gravel (PG), and POME with gravel-sand (PGS) bed. The POME samples were recirculated through the sub-surface flow constructed wetland for 30 days of treatment. The PGS systems contributes higher performance rather than single gravel or sand with 66% COD, 97% suspended solid, 98% turbidity, 98% ammonia-nitrogen and 99% TN removal and 74% of TP removal. Therefore, the use of gravel-sand substrate is very promising for sub-surface flow constructed wetland treatment systems for POME.
Ethanol Production from Alkaline-treated Rice Straw via Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) using K. marxianus UniMAP 1-1
Authors: Rashid S E R A , Ishak M Z , Rahman K H A , Ismail K S K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The decreasing reserves of non-renewable energy especially fossil fuel has led to an urgent need to establish alternative fuels. Ethanol is one of the energies explored, which can be generated by fermentation method. The use of environmentally friendly material such as lignocellulosic biomass to develop a biofuel is significant. Ethanol production at high temperature was preferred as it will significantly reduce the cooling cost involved. Thus, the use of thermotolerant strain in the fermentation process was recommended. In this study, separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) was employed to produce ethanol from 2% sodium hydroxide-treated rice straw using cellulase enzyme, and fermented by a thermotolerant K. marxianus UniMAP 1-1 strain. The fermentation process was done at two different temperatures, 37°C and 50°C, at pH 4.8. The ethanol yield from both 37°C and 50°C was 0.36 g/g and 0.38 g/g, respectively. K. marxianus UniMAP 1-1 showed a good production of ethanol at elevated temperature. This is the first study reporting ethanol production from rice straw using K. marxianus UniMAP 1-1. Thus, this study can improve our understanding of the development of thermotolerant yeast accountable to the SHF process for ethanol production.
Co-anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure and Selected Additives for Biogas Production
Authors: Hakimi M , Shamsudin M R , Pendyala R , Aminah S , Gunny A A N 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Huge amount of chicken manure from poultry producers in Manjung, Perak has caused endemic flies problems across the region. The present study focused on co-anaerobic digestion of chicken manure (CM) with saw dust (SD) and local herbs such as serai wangi (SW), peppermint (PPM) and orange peel waste (OPW) as additives for potential biogas production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of additives towards the biogas production and methane yield of co-anaerobic digestion of chicken manure with saw dust. The C/N ratio of chicken manure and saw dust is 30 and the ratio between feedstock to inoculum is 70:30. The concentration of additives were 10,20 and 30 part per hundred of feedstock (pph f). The operating temperature was 35°C and the experiment was conducted for 50 days. The results show that the co-anaerobic digestion of chicken manure and saw dust with the addition of 10pphf SW has the highest methane yield (59.30%) while the control produced the highest biogas yield (9734 mL). The presence of 10pphf SW for the co-anaerobic digestion of chicken manure and saw dust produced a better quality of biogas.
Continuous Subcritical Water Hydrolysis for Pre-treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)
Authors: Noh SNS , Najwa H , Nawawi N , Yoshida H , Izhar S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The pre-treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) was carried out using subcritical water (Sub-CW). Sub-CW has the potential as a clean and green method to extract, hydrolyze, gasifier, and carbonize biomass to produce valuable materials. The experiment was conducted continuously for 1 hour at 190, 220, and 260°C between 40 and 140 bars. The hydrolysate obtained was separated into liquid and solid phases. The continuous mode stability was investigated at 3 and 7 mL/min, corresponding to the reactor residence time (RT) of 7 and 3 min, respectively. The flowrate gave a steady trendline with less variation at lower temperatures and slight fluctuation for higher temperatures. The highest solid yield was 0.085 wt.% obtained at 260°C and RT=3 min. The highest sugar yield was 4.44 wt.% at 230°C and RT=3 min. The lowest COD value was 5,504 mg/L achieved at 230°C and RT=3 min. The COD was reduced by 78.9 % of the raw POME. High sugar yield paired with reduced COD reached at 230°C in only 3 min, which is significantly low compared to the ponding system. In conclusion, integrating Sub-CW in a continuous mode as a pre-treatment method offers a promising alternative and sustainable solution for POME treatment.
Extraction of Andrographis paniculata as Material for Developing Soap and Sanitizer
Authors: Bahari R , Kasim K F , Nasaruddin N F Najwa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of this work to analyse quantitative study of chemical properties of differentA. paniculataextracts obtained from different extraction methods which are methanol and ethanol extracts by maceration and Soxhlet extraction. This consists of antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). This project also aims to study the chemical and physicochemical properties of the developed soap and sanitizer.in order to evaluate the quality of the products. The properties of original extracts were compared with the products in order to investigate the improvement of the antioxidant contents of the products upon addition of the A.paniculataextract to them. The antioxidant activity is evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl test. TPC is determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu calorimetric method where Folin-Ciocalteu reagent is used. TFC is quantified by following aluminium chloride calorimetric method. All the tests are quantified using spectrophotometric. Simple antimicrobial assay by hand printing method on agar plate media was also done to analyze the efficiency of the sanitizers against humans’ pathogens on hands. The results showed theA. paniculatamacerated methanol extract exhibited highest antioxidant activity with 76.027% as well as the highest TPC and TFC with 0.222 mg GAE/ml and 7.500 mg QE/ml. The results also showed both products were able to retain similar antioxidant content, higher TPC and lower TFC to that indicated by the original plant extract used to prepare the products. The result showed the improvement of antioxidant contents of soap and sanitizer upon the addition ofA. paniculataextracts. Therefore,A. paniculataextracts are potent natural ingredients for antioxidant properties purpose and can be used to replace the harmful synthetic ingredients on products formulations.
Investigation of Newly Isolated Methylobacterium sp. as Potential Biofertilizer
Authors: Rahim Ainihayati Abdul , Ibrahim Noor Azlina , Ishak Fatin Nabilah , Mean Lee Jia , Ayub Nur Amimi Muliana , Fazilah Nurul Najah 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Methylobacterium sp. are pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) that can promote plant’s growth due to several physiological characteristics such as the ability to produce phytohormone namely indole acetic acid (IAA) and effective roles in phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation process. Members of this genus are ubiquitous in the environment and characterized by its ability to utilize single C compound such as methanol as its energy source. These characteristics made Methylobacterium sp. as potential candidates for biofertilizer. In this study, Methylobacterium sp. were isolated from the leaves of paddy and palm oil tree using Ammonia Mineral Salt (AMS) agar supplemented with methanol. Nine isolates were selected based on the appearance of pink colonies on AMS agar. Several analyses were conducted to evaluate plant growth-promoting activities of the selected isolates. The production of IAA was quantified spectrophotometrically using Salkowski’s reagent, and solubilization of inorganic phosphate was determined using vanadate molybdate assay. The results showed that, all the isolates are capable to produce IAA and solubilize inorganic phosphate. As for nitrogen fixation, the lack/poor growth of the isolates on two nitrogen-free media, namely Burks’s and Jensen media manifested the absence or weak nitrogen fixing activity. Findings from these qualitative and quantitative analyses are vital and it will serve as preliminary data for the future exploration of Methylobacterium sp. as biofertilizer.
Small Scale Bubbling Fluidized Bed Gasifier for Syngas Extraction from Napier grass
Authors: Atienza A H , Aceituna A , Samar X E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
For some farmers, Napier grass is non-beneficial since it may compete for growth area and nutrients for common agricultural crops. However, this grass has the potential to become biomass energy source. It is known that Napier grass is a candidate source of syngas or synthetic gas which can be utilized in different applications. To extract synthetic gas, the Napier grass must undergo gasification process. This study focuses on the design and testing of a small-scale bubbling fluidized bed gasifier for Napier grass. The reactor chamber is made up of low carbon steel while the inert bed material used is silica. The materials for the gasifier were chosen by using the quantitative method of material selection. The temperatures at the inlet, sections of the reactor and exhaust of the reactor were monitored. The maximum furnace temperature of the gasifier was 473°C and observed after 170 minutes due to increased furnace and reactor heating surface area. The syngas extracted from the gasifier was tested and analyzed that there is 21.23 ppm of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content. The composition of syngas conformed with the standards and can be used for cooking applications
Preliminary analysis of Endophytic Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) Methylobacterium sp. Isolated from Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis) Leaves
Authors: Ishak Fatin Nabilah , Rahim Ainihayati Abdul , Mean Lee Jia , Ayub Nur Amimi Muliana , Fazilah Nurul Najah 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The genus Methylobacterium is known for its pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs). They are able to utilize methanol emitted from plants and in return produce plant growth promoting substances. The genus Methylobacterium can be found in diverse habitats and they are known particularly for their close association with plants. The aims of this study are to isolate and characterize endophythic Methylobacterium sp. from palm oil leaves. Isolation of Methylobacterium sp was conducted using Ammonia Mineral Salts (AMS) agar supplemented with methanol. Three isolates were selected namely ENPM1, ENPM2 and ENPM3. Production of IAA by the selected isolates was evaluated under different concentration of L-tryptophan as an inducer. It was observed that the amount of(IAA) produced increased when higher concentration of tryptophan was used and ENPM1 recorded the highest amount of IAA production (1.930 μg/mL) at the 1000 μg/mL concentration of L-tryptophan. The ability to solubilized inorganic phosphate was investigated using Solubilisation Index (SI) assay on phosphate solubilisation media (PSM). The largest clear zone formation on PSM agar was shown by ENPM3 with the SI 1.5. As for nitrogen fixation, the growth of the selected isolates on two nitrogen free media namely Burk’s and Jensen media indicates potential nitrogen fixing activity.