bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Torréfaction of Mangrove Wood by Introducing Superheated Steam for Biochar Production
Authors: Mustaza M N F , Mizan M N , Yoshida H , Izhar S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Torréfaction by superheated steam was carried out over mangrove wood in a rotary kiln carbonizer. The mangrove wood was obtained from Kuala Sepetang, Malaysia. The current biochar production process still applies the traditional carbonization method, which requires 30 days in hot air. The torrefaction process using superheated steam was performed by manipulating the operating time at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min operating at 300°C. The high heating value (HHV) for raw mangrove wood to solid char product raised from 16.7 MJ/kg up to about 30 MJ/kg. The HHV was 29.7 MJ/kg after 60 min torrefaction. The carbon percent increases from 47.4% to above 70%. For bio-oil products, the superheated steam torrefaction produces various acids, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes range from 249 ml to 335 ml. In contrast, torrefaction products via hot air carried-out in Kuala Sepetang have a liquid that contains acetic acid, butanoic acid, and phenol. Torrefaction of mangrove wood by superheated steam significantly reduced the biochar production period from 30 days to one-hour operation.
Removal of Iron and Manganese from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) using Activated Clinoptilolite Zeolite
Authors: Aziz R A , Li C K , Salleh M N , Saleh M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The adsorption capacity of activated clinoptilolite zeolite for the removal of heavy metal ions; iron Fe(III) and manganese Mn(II) from palm oil mill effluent (POME) was investigated in this batch sorption study. The physicochemical properties of both raw clinoptilolite zeolite and POME effluent were first characterized before the modification of the zeolite is made, chemically and physically. The raw filtered POME has an initial pH of 4.56 which was acidic, whereas the natural zeolite has a slightly alkaline pH at 7.52. The effects of pH (5, 7 and 9), sorbent dosage (15, 20 and 25 g in 125 ml of effluent), contact time (15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 150, 180 and 200 minutes) and agitation speed (120, 150, 180 and 200 rpm) on the sorption of heavy metal ions were evaluated. The concentration of heavy metals was analyzed using AAS. The concentration of heavy metal ions for each parameter has decreased significantly after batch study. The adsorption of heavy metal ions increased with the increasing of pH and adsorbent dosages. Optimum percentage of metal removal and the amount of metal ions adsorbed by the zeolite were determined at 85% of Fe(III) and almost 92% of Mn(II) in the experiments.
Biosorption of CU(II) Ions by Leucaena Leucocephala Leave from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Azmi M A , Mokhtar N , Shoparwe N F , Shukor H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
As a preliminary study, this project aims to remove the copper (Cu II) from aqueous solutions using Leucaena leucocephala leaves. Effect of free cell and immobilized form of biosorbent on adsorption capacity were evaluated in this study. Kinetic models of pseudo-first order, second order and equilibrium isotherms of Langmuir and Freundlich were used to predict the efficiency of Cu 2+ absorption by Leucaena leucocephala leaves adsorption system. The functional groups involved during the adsorption were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) whereby the Leucaena leucocephala leaves has the large amount of hydroxyl functional groups at the wavelength of 3411.66 cm -1. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) were used to measure the metal concentration before and after the adsorption process. The maximum percentage removal of the Cu 2+ was achieved by immobilized form of Leucaena leucocephala leaves as biosorbent in aqueous solutions with a 72.3% of removal. Adsorption kinetics of pseudo-second order was well fitted with the adsorption data with the R 2 of 0.9622. In addition, the results reveal that Langmuir isotherm was the best model to explain the adsorption of Cu 2+ using immobilized Leucaena leucocephala leaves with the R 2 of 0.9974. This result showed that Leucaena leucocephala leaves as an effective and potential biosorbent for the adsorption of Cu 2+ from the wastewater.
Study on the opportunity of carbon footprint reduction through energy measurement by implementing good operating practices in PVC flooring mat manufacturing industry
Authors: Wahab F , Andrew A M , Azizan N Z N , Ragunathan S , Seman N A A , Tan W H , Munaaim M A C , Seah S Y 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper outlines the carbon emission reduction opportunities through energy measurement by implementing good operating practices and good house-keeping in PVC floorcovering mat industry in Perlis, Malaysia. The baseline data was obtained through the energy audit to identify the area to be improved. Cleaner Production (CP) options through good operating practices and good housekeeping were suggested to be implemented in the area of concern. The performance of the suggested CP was analyzed in terms of (1) energy efficiency, (2) carbon emission reduction and (3) cost-saving according to the payback period. The results show that the CP option of utilization of rest time of intensive mixer has contributed to the most energy saving of 8.18%, followed by steam pipe insulation, 2.9%; steam trap maintenance, 0.95% and steam pipe leakage maintenance, 0.15% with the total CO 2 emission saved of 185,573 tCO 2/year corresponds to the overall energy save of 5.2%. Through the comparison between the estimated values and the measured values based on energy baseline model, it was found that the CO 2 intensity had decreased by 21.8%. The finding shows that there exists a significant opportunity to reduce CO 2 emissions through energy measurement in PVC flooring mat manufacturing industry by the implementation of good operating practices and good housekeeping.
Hydrogel synthesis of PVA/O. sativa for antimicrobial activity using freeze thaw method
Authors: Mohamad C W S R , Abdulah A A , Kasim K F , Sukhri M A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This research project was aimed to develop antibacterial hydrogel from blends of PVA and Oryza sativa L by applying freeze-thaw method (later on will refer as PVA/OS hydrogel). Agar well diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of the hydrogel against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphy. aureus). The results indicate that PVA20/OS at pH 7 was effective as antimicrobial against both tested organisms while OS/PVA20 at pH 8 was effective for E. coli only. Based on the phytochemical test, the antimicrobial activity probably causes by the present of flavonoids content in the hydrogel. The higher PVA used in the blend’s hydrogel will increase the thickness of hydrogel. PVA40 at pH 7 and pH8 shows a good result in mechanical properties where the value of thickness is 0.750 and 0.770 mm respectively. PVA/OS blend hydrogel had good antimicrobial activity and good compatibility to form an antimicrobial hydrogel for medical purpose with the used of 20%.
Preparation of raw oyster shell for removal of coomassie brilliant blue R-250 dye from aqueous solution
Authors: Veni V K , Brenda T H 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe removal of dye from textile wastewater effluent has become an important process nowadays. In this study, raw oyster shell was used as adsorbent for removal of Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (CBB) dye by using the adsorption method in order to reduce the amount of waste oyster shells in waters and landfills which can cause pollution. Various parameters such as adsorbent size, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time and pH were investigated to study the potential of oyster shell as an adsorbent. The optimum adsorption was obtained at adsorbent size of 75 µm and 2.3 g of adsorbent dosage at 50 mg/L concentration of CBB dye. Optimum contact time of the dye adsorption was determined at 9 hours and the most effective condition for CBB dye removal was at pH 2. The removal efficiency was achieved at 99.64%. Thus, this study shows potential as an economical and environment friendly dye removal process for wastewater treatment.
Physicochemical analysis of natural herbal medicated ointment enriched with Cymbopogon nardus and virgin coconut oil
Authors: Azmin S N H Mohammad , Halim A S Abdul , Nor M S Mat 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNatural compounds from herbal plants have been extensively used for the application of various natural care products, including ointment. The essential oil ofCymbopogon nardushas been widely used in multiple applications such as mosquito repellent, perfumery and soap making. Besides, a small dose of this plant’s volatile oil could be applied to comfort the stomach and aid digestion. Therefore, this study aims to formulate herbal ointments with varyingCymbopogon nardusoil concentration and investigate different oil concentration effects on the ointment properties. In this study, five ointment formulations of ratio virgin coconut oil to herb, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10, were evaluated. At the same time, five infused oil ratios to beeswax (5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80 and 25:75) were used. Preparation ofCymbopogon nardusoil involved the soaking of the prepared plant in virgin coconut oil. The infused oil then was mixed with the beeswax before it was heated and left to be semi-solid (ointment). The ointment then was tested for physicochemical properties, including hardness, viscosity, pH, turbidity, and colour. The developed ointment showed a good result within pH 6-7.5. Ointment fromCymbopogon nardusshowed light green as visually observed. However, the colour became darker when the ratio ofCymbopogon nardusincreased. The developed ointments’ viscosity was almost the same as the commercial which the values were within 19.3-25 Pa.s. The comparison of the physicochemical properties of the developed and commercial ointments was almost similar. Thus, the developed ointment in this study can be considered safe and natural. However, the microbial and clinical tests must be conducted in further study to ensure the product’s safety.
Application of response surface methodology on sensory properties in the development of mushroom-based patties from grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius)
Authors: Yusof N N Mohd , Yee Y K , Zakaria Z 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Fast food especially meat patty has undeniably been a part of the culinary landscape across the globe. However, most of patties found in the market and fast food chains nowadays are made up with addition of fat and by-products which are considered unhealthy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop a healthy mushroom patty by optimizing the amount of mushroom and all-purpose flour in the formulation. Mushroom contains high protein and low fat content which can be an alternative for meat. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effects of different amount of mushroom and all-purpose flour on the consumer acceptance towards sensory properties such as appearance, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability by using a 7-point hedonic scale sensory test. The optimized conditions suggested by RSM were found to be 60% of mushroom with 17% of all-purpose flour. At the selected optimum conditions as given above, the highest preference of appearance (5.97), aroma (6.13), taste (6.07), texture (5.87) and overall acceptability (6.10) were obtained. The high sensory analysis scores for all sensory properties indicated the success of this study which will benefit the research on healthier meat alternative products and provide wide opportunities for new food developments in the future.
Volatile organic compound modification by lactic acid bacteria in fermented chilli mash using GC-MS headspace extraction
Authors: Nor S Md , Yusof N N Mohd , Ding P 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the volatile compound generated in fermented chili using the static headspace gas chromatography (GC-MS). Three types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant were used; Lactobacillus plantarum Alo1, Lactobaciluss pentosus Alo2 and Lactobacillus platarum Au2 for the lactic acid fermented chili mash. Raw chili and natural fermented chili mash were served as negative and positive control. The volatile compound was grouped into 7 main compounds consist of ester, alcohol, alkane, acid, hydrocarbon, ether and nitrogen-containing group. Study showed that LAB inoculated chili mash has lower amount of ethanol as compared to naturally fermented chili mash. Besides, volatile compound generated among each inoculant was different. A compound known as n-Hexadecanoic acid was the primary compound detected in all LAB-inoculated chili mash. Result proved that LAB can be used as the potential starter culture in modifying the aroma of fermented chili mash.
Quality preservation (total phenolic content and antioxidant properties) of mas cotek (Ficus deltoidea) leaves by postharvest technology using microwave drying
Authors: Johar H Mohd , Rukunudin I H 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Postharvest technology is one of the crucial aspects of quality control in herb processing. Herb such as Ficus deltoidea (also known as Mas Cotek) is one of the 10 prioritized herbs shortlisted by the government of Malaysia. In this study, the postharvest treatment of Ficus deltoidea by microwave drying is studied in order to determine the best microwave drying method to preserve the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of the dried leaves with respect to the fresh leaves. Three microwave power levels (300, 600 and 800 W) were used to examine the quality changes of dried Ficus deltoidea leaves in terms of total phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Microwave power levels were found to significantly (p < 0.05) affect the quality of the dehydrated Ficus deltoidea leaves. It was found that the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties were higher at the microwave power level of 600 and 800 W as compared to 300 W (p < 0.05).
Flexural and thermal properties of biocomposites from Cerbera manghas L. and polypropylene
Authors: Ong H L , Kam K W , Islam A M , Bautista-Patacsil L , Villagracia A R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Cerbera manghas L., sea mango (SM) was used as filler in polymer biocomposites. The hot melt internal mixing technology for blending SM as filler in polypropylene (PP) matrix is demonstrated. Different weight percentages (5 wt% - 25 wt%) of SM was added into the PP matrix. Results indicated that biocomposite with 10wt% of SM showed improvement in the flexural strength, and stiffness of the biocomposites was increased as the SM content increased. Further enhancement of biocomposites flexural properties, thermal stability and degree of crystallinity showed positive results when compatibilizer such as polypropylene-grafted-maleic anhydride copolymer (PP-g-MA) was incorporated in the biocomposite system. SM has played an important role in providing excellent thermal stability to the biocomposites, which increasing the thermal degradation temperature up to 25 °C at low filler content. The PP-g-MA compatibilizer improved the wettability between SM and PP with the presence of esterification bonding that bridged together both polymer matrix and natural filler.
Optimization of Upstream Processing for the Production of Bioethanol from Leucaena leucocephala Seeds using Kluyveromyces marxianus UniMAP 1-1
Authors: Ishak M Z , Kuan M L , Ismail K S K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Biofuel industry is gradually growing as the market starts to shift the demand from non-renewable energy sources to renewable energy sources The aim of this study is to produce bioethanol from biomass feedstock which is Leucaena leucocephala. It is a potential lignocellulosic energy source as it contains high composition of carbohydrates which can be broken down into fermentable sugar through pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis prior to the fermentation into bioethanol. Screening for both upstream processing were conducted by OFAT experiments to optimize several parameters tested such as pretreatment temperatures and NaOH concentrations. Fermentation process was conducted in Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) conditions aided by Kluyveromyces marxianus UniMAP 1-1 as the fermenting microbes. This yeast is capable in converting sugar to ethanol at high temperature. The optimization of pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis by using OFAT gave the optimum value for both process prior to fermentation. The ethanol obtained from this SSF Fermentation is 3.15 g/L of bioethanol from 25.0 g/L of total sugars in hydrolysate. This report provides further information in the interest of producing bioethanol from Leucaena leucocephala seeds using Kluyveromyces marxianus UniMAP 1-1.
Potential of 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol Solution as Absorbent for CO2 Absorption from Biogas
Authors: Rajiman V , Halim H N A , Shariff A M , Ali U F M , Dzahir M I H M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Biogas is a source of clean energy that mainly consists of methane (CH 4) and carbon dioxide (CO 2). However, the presence of CO 2 in biogas limits the heating value of the gas. Thus, biogas upgrading is a crucial process for reducing the CO 2 content in raw biogas for purified biomethane production. Chemical absorption is a matured technology for CO 2 removal process. The selection of chemical solvent with desirable characteristics is a substantial consideration for the effectiveness of the process. In this work, a potential solvent, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) was tested for the removal of CO 2 from simulated biogas. The absorption process was conducted at different gas flow rates (22.1 kmol/m 2.hr and 26.5 kmol/m 2.hr) in a packed column at an operating pressure of 2 bars. The performance was evaluated in terms of percentage of CO 2 removal along the column. It was found that the CO 2 removal performance decreased by about 15 % at higher gas flow rates. Besides, the absorption efficiency of AMP was also compared with a well-established solvent, monoethanolamine (MEA). The experiment substantiated that 30 wt.% MEA effectively captured CO 2 with 100 % removal as compared to 30 wt.% and 40 wt.% AMP with only 69 % and 87 % removal. In order to achieve high reaction rate for efficient CO 2 removal, the addition of activator to form a blended amine solution with AMP was suggested to accelerate the CO 2 absorption performance.
Microwave-assisted extraction of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) lipid
Authors: Hao M J , Elias N H , Aminuddin M H , Zainalabidin N 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) contain high lipids considered as a sustainable feedstock for lipid production to biofuels. In this study, microwave-assisted extraction of BSFL was prepared. The response surface methodology was employed to investigate the effects of parameters, namely, microwave power (230 - 290 W), solid-solvent ratio (1:10 - 1:20 g/ml), and extraction time (20 - 40 min) for maximum lipid extraction. The data were statistically analysed to predict the optimal combination of factors, and finally, experiments were conducted for verification. By comparing verification tests and predicted results, the optimised microwave-assisted extraction operating conditions were 260 W, 1:15 (w/v %), and 31 min with 30.53% (g/g) of extracted lipids were attained. Besides, compared with the Soxhlet method, the extracted yield from the microwave-assisted extraction technique was improved by 20% without significantly affecting lipid characteristics. Therefore, microwave-assisted extraction is an efficient lipid extraction technique from BSFL. This study also provides an insight into developing the microwave-assisted extraction techniques for producing high lipid yield and acceptable lipid stability to produce biofuels.
Ammonium adsorption - desorption using rice husk biochar
Authors: Sohaimi K S A , Iberahim N I , Ghani A A , Zamrud Z , Heng C W 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Rice husk was utilized into biochar by pyrolysis and used as adsorbent for ammonium removal. Rice husk biochar (RHB) was produced at temperature of 350°C, 400°C, 450°C, 500°C, and 550°C. Characteristics of biochar were analyzed by moisture content, ash content, pH Zero Charge and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. As the temperature for the pyrolysis increases, the moisture content of RHB decreases while the ash content of RHB increases. From the pH zero charge analysis, the value obtained from analysis is pH 7. The FTIR spectra showed the organic part of RHB with different functional groups such as alkene, alcohol, phenol, ether, ester etc. Based on the result of the characterization test, RHB500 was chosen as the best biochar for the adsorption of ammonium. The equilibrium contact time was 180 minutes and the optimum adsorbent dosage was 0.1g and the optimum concentration of ammonium was 1.2 ppm. For the adsorption-desorption of ammonium, RHB can run up to 5 cycles for biochar regeneration. Adsorption kinetic, pseudo-second-order model is more preferable than pseudo-first-order model because R2 value is 0.9995 which closer to 1.
Carbon footprint analysis for Sunway University campus
Authors: Devandran A , Dewika M , NorRuwaida J , Sara Y Y , Khairunnisa M P 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCarbon footprint can be quantified from the emission of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) through human activities, whereby it has impacted the environment. Burning of crude oil as a main source of fuel for combustion to provide energy for transportation and electricity production, releases various Greenhouse gas (GHG), mainly CO2gas. Hence, a study was conducted at Sunway University to calculate its carbon emission from electricity consumption and transportation usage by campus dwellers (Sunwayians) whereby CO2equivalent (CO2eq) computations were performed on monthly electricity consumption for the year 2018 till 2019 and the number of vehicles parked within the campus. Behavioural and awareness studies were performed based on survey questionnaires. Results indicated that the total Carbon Footprint from CO2emission for electricity consumption were 10,369 MTCO2eq and 10,005 MTCO2eq for year 2018 and 2019, respectively while emission from transportations scored 0.383 MTCO2eq per day. The survey showed that a significant correlation
Initial Study on the Growth of Haematococus pluvialis for Astaxanthin Production
Authors: Karim Fatin Fazira Abd , Mohamad Shaza Eva , Iwamoto Koji 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This research emphasizes the identification of best nutrients among the four medium that will be used for a better growth rate of Haematococcus pluvialis. The growth rate of H. pluvialis is controlled or regulated by the physical and chemical parameters. Each of the parameters gives different yield productions to H. pluvialis. Different types of medium composed of different nutrients composition resulted in various maturation and growth rate of H. pluvialis monitored by the change in the optical density at 750 nm over time. The best medium was Rudic’s medium which gave OD750nm at 0.757 after 20-day culture. Then, Bold Basal medium, Basal medium and BG11 medium were followed as 0.677 at day 20, 0.358 at day 12 and 0.162 at day 15, respectively. Besides, this research also focuses on identifying the most suitable carbon source. Sodium acetate was found to be the best in the cultivation of H. pluvialis with the maximum absorbance of 0.99 in Rudic’s medium. The higher cell density cultures was achieved with 4 g/L concentration of sodium acetate. Carbon source also promoted better maturation process of H. pluvialis which will enhance yield of astaxanthin production in a shorter period of time. The primary composition that contribute to the high growth of H. pluvialis can be determined by adding 50% of concentration CaCl 2 in the medium with control flask contain 0.0585 g/L concentration of CaCl 2. The growth of H. pluvialis at day 9 was shown to increase by 27%. with absorbance of 0.301 if compared to control which gave absorbance 0.236. High concentration of CaCl 2 contribute to high growth of H. pluvialis.