bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive aptasensor based on ‘rose petal’ shaped iron nanoparticles decorated on 3D graphene for detection of zearalenone
Authors: Sangu S S , Abdul Karim N A M , Saheed M S M , Gopinath S C B 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin mainly synthesized by Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum is a widespread contaminant of several important crops such as wheat, maize, and paddy causing major plant diseases. Environmental factors such as rain and wind aids in the dispersal of ZEA in the soil and waters which affects aquatic lifes. ZEA causes detrimental health effects such as hyper-oestrogenism and premature abortions to human and animals when contaminated crops are ingested. Hence, it is vital to detect ZEA as early precautionary step in lowering the risks related with the health impairment to human and animals, as well as environmental contamination. Conventional methods are time-consuming and complex, thus, this study aimed on developing a highly sensitive biosensor using graphene-nickel decorated with ‘rose petal’ shaped iron nanoflowers (GNINF) as the transducer and aptamer as the bioreceptor. Low-pressure chemical vapour deposition is used to grown 3D-graphene followed by electrochemical deposition of iron (II) sulphate on its surface to form iron nanoflowers. Immobilisation of chemical and biomolecules were done using the layer-by-layer technique. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy showed prominent ‘rose petal’ shaped nanoflowers on the graphene surface. This unique assembly creates large surface area for immobilisation and better electric charge transfer on the material surface. The existence of hydroxyl group on the surface of GNINF also plays a role as linker to the surface. Besides, the sensitivity of the aptasensor was characterised using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The limit of detection achieved in this study is 1 fg ml−1 and the linear range is 1 fg ml−1 to 1 ng ml−1, which is highly sensitive than most reported biosensors. Overall, this highly sensitive aptasensor is a straightforward and cheap alternative for detecting ZEA in crops and the environment.
Determination of potential groundwater sources using electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) in Lojing, Gua Musang
Authors: Sulaiman N , Saliman N S M , Sulaiman N 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The study area is located at the sub-district of Lojing, Gua Musang, Kelantan. The dimension of the study area is approximately 25km2. This study aims to determine the possibility of groundwater existence using Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) method. The lithology of the study area is a metamorphic rock which is schist and the parent rock for schist is a sedimentary rock. Schist has a characteristic that not suitable for groundwater accumulation between grains, therefore the groundwater may exist within the fractured zones. In Kelantan, it used both groundwater and surface water treatment as their main resources for daily uses. However, continuous extraction of groundwater can cause depletion and continuous contamination of the river and reduces the quality of water treatment. Therefore, new sources of groundwater are needed to support the water storage. The study area has a high potential of groundwater located in the subsurface. ERI results show that the subsurface consists of low resistivity material such as sedimentary rocks that can store groundwater in a large volume. Therefore, the study area is highly potential as a zone for groundwater accumulation.
Ultrasound-assisted lactic acid based deep eutectic solvent extraction of phenolic antioxidants from Thymus broussonetii: A Box – Behnken design approach for optimization
Authors: Kaoui S , Chebli B , Ait Baddi G , Basaid K , Zaafrani M , Mir Y 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Developing of an eco-friendly, sustainable and efficient solvents with low toxicity and cost has always been a tremendously important goal for industries. In this context, green solvent, such as natural deep eutectic solvent, have been developed as a promising solvent capable of replacing organic ones. The combination of lactic acid: glucose (5:1) was investigated as an extraction medium for bioactive phenolic compounds from Thymus broussonetii. The ultrasonication method was established and optimized by a systematic investigation of the influencing factors: water content in solvent (0/35/70 %), extraction time (30/60/90 min), and temperature (30/50/80°C). A Box – Behnken design was adopted including 17 experiments with three center points. The results obtained presented an excellent efficacy of polyphenols extraction ranging from 25.53 ± 0,02 to 153.23 ± 0,03 mg GAE/g dm and a high scavenging activity attending 80.64 %, the optimized conditions selected for both responses were 66.47 min, at 80°C and a 40.72 % of water, with an extraction yields of 144.394 ±0,02 mg GAE/g dm and 75.9 % for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, respectively. Regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data which indicates the suitability of the model employed and the successful application of Box – Behnken design in optimizing the extraction conditions. Furthermore, the developed procedure represents an excellent alternative for the extraction of natural products from sample matrices.
Checklist of small vertebrates at Sime Darby Tangkah Estate, Tangkah, Johor
Authors: Appanan M , Shahfiz M A , Fauzi N F M , Ahmad Ruzman N H , Mahyudin N A A , Nafiz Z A , Yahya S N 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Oil palm plantations might possess lower species composition compared to forest or riparian areas. Therefore, this assessment is carried out at Sime Darby Tangkah Estate to assess small vertebrates’ composition adjacent to Gunung Ledang National Park. This survey was carried out at two sites: Plot 05A and Plot 18A, from 22nd to 25th October 2019. A transect line of 400 meters was set up at each plot for active trappings, with a total of 20 cage traps, 20 Sherman traps, five mist nets, and one harp trap were deployed. All trapped animals were identified, measured, photographed and released after being examined. Observations were also carried out using Binoculars. Based on this survey in plot 05A, eight species from five families of mammals and seven species from four families of birds were recorded. While in plot 18A, a total of 12 species from six families of mammals and seven species from seven families of birds were documented. Moreover, a total of 17 species of birds was observed during the survey. Oil palm may function as one of the forest buffers, requiring further monitoring and enforcement to prevent poaching and hunting of these resources.
Isotherms for adsorption of boron onto new fibrous adsorbent containing glycidol ligands: linear and nonlinear regression methods
Authors: Afolabi H K , Nordin N A H , Nasef M Ma , Harun N Y , Ting T M , Saeed A A H 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The most appropriate way to design and evaluate an adsorption system performance is by having an idea of the equilibrium relationship, which is also known as adsorption isotherms. The adsorption isotherms provide information on how pollutants such as boron are interacting with adsorbent materials. A novel glycidol-containing adsorbent for selective boron removal was synthesised by radiation-induced grafting of N-vinylformamide (NVF) onto non-woven polyethylene/polypropylene (PE/PP) fiber, followed by hydrolysis and chemical treatment. The adsorbent equilibrium behaviour was investigated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. Comparison of linear and non-linear regression methods was used to determine the most suitable isotherm that best describes the boron adsorption by the new adsorbent. The non-linear method is a better way of obtaining isotherm parameters. The best-fitting isotherm was found to be the Redlich-Peterson (R2 > 0.99) and Langmuir isotherms (R2 = 0.99).
Geoheritage assessment of Gua Sireh, Baling, Kedah
Authors: Sulaiman N , Sulaiman N , Roslan N F , Mohd Sabari N S , Abdullah N 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Gua Sireh is located in Baling, Kedah, Malaysia. Baling is a district that hold a variety of unique and beautiful geological features with geoheritage values and attractive geological landforms. The Gua Sireh is currently conserved by the Kampung Padang Che Mas’s committee members as a part of their tourism site. The aim of this paper is to formally evaluate the potential geoheritage values of Gua Sireh as a geoheritage resources using the classification, assessment and evaluation methods. Based on this study, five geoheritage values had been identified in Gua Sireh, which are scientific/educational, aesthetic, recreational, historical/cultural and economic values. The scale of this geosite is small to medium, and the level of significance is local to state. By this initiative, it is hope that Gua Sireh can be preserved from any threats and continues to develop in order to sustain and protect the geological features while supporting the geotourism development in the state of Kedah.
Correlation between physico-chemical water quality and river ecosystems in Malaysia rivers with different land uses
Authors: Aweng E R , Sharifah Aisyah S O , Salam M A , Mior I B 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
River water quality is one of the major issues in water supply in Malaysia. Most people understand that, water pollution caused by the discharge from the factories and municipal waste but is that the real case? So, in order to answer the above question, this study was done to determine the interaction or correlation between physico-chemical water quality and river ecosystems. Component of river ecosystems measured are river riparian composition, large woody debris (LWD), canopy cover and substrate composition (D50). This study was conducted in Sungai Mengkibol, Sungai Madek and Sungai Dengar in Johor. There were a total of five sampling sites, three for impact stations and two as reference stations, including one highland station. For water quality, six in-situ parameters were measured namely temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, turbidity and salinity using a multi parameter probe as well as a single parameter probe. Meanwhile, field survey form was used to assess river habitat namely river riparian compositions, canopy cover and LWD. In addition, Pebble Count Method was used to measure substrate compositions (D50). Results shows that, physico-chemical water quality was correlated (p < 0.05) with riparian cover, LWD and canopy cover but it was not correlated (p>0.05) with substrate composition (D50) of the river. Based on the results obtained from the study, it can be suggested that physico-chemical river water quality was not caused by pollution alone but river ecosystems were also played significance role in determining the quality of water. Hopefully, this finding can be used by the responsible authorities for effective river management in order to sustain our drinking water supply.
Local visitors’ willingness to pay of entrance fee at Taman Negeri Gunung Stong, Kelantan
Authors: Hassin N H , Abang Jais D A N , Abas M A , Hamzah Z , Muhammad Noor A N , Hussin H , Abdullah M , Koshy N , Alhaji Dauda S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The forest ecosystem offers plenty of benefits and provisions for the environment and human wellbeing. One of the forest ecosystem’s potential advantages is that it serves as a recreational forest area for tourists. However, most tourist destination faces minimal or raising public support for natural attraction maintenance and management. Hence, managing the recreational forest lacks financial resources to provide and restore adequate recreation facilities. This study aims to determine local visitors’ willingness to pay an entrance fee in Taman Negeri Gunung Strong, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 150 respondents who had visited Taman Negeri Gunung Stong has participated in this study. The sampling techniques employed in this study is a probability stratified sampling approach. A contingent valuation method dichotomous choice was performed in this study to elicit the mean value of willingness to pay. The study found that the mean willingness to pay for an additional entrance fee to enter Taman Negeri Gunong Stong is estimated at RM 5.03 per visit. The variable of socioeconomic which is the only income influences the mean value on acceptance of suggested price. The study is proposed that the entrance fee collections can provide support as supplementary funds for the allocations made of management and maintenance costs in Taman Negeri Gunung Stong.
The importance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic activity of local community
Authors: Abas M A , Lukman N L M M , Fitriani N , Hamzah Z , Wee S T 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Kelantan state has rich natural landscapes and interesting geological features, which has excellent potential to be developed. Ulu Sat Forest Reserve is one of the important forest reserves that available in Kelantan. It functions as a water catchment area make it very significant to the local community nearby. The study’s aim is to explore the significance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic of local community. The qualitative approach was executed via focus group discussion and in-depth interview technique with the leader and local communities. This study has found out that Ulu Sat Forest Reserve has played a significant role in the local community livelihood in the context of income resources, traditional medicine resources, water resources, and a preferable recreational place for family. Besides that, this article also discussed a brief background of the local community living near the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. Discussion on the local community’s demographic is essential to understand their socio-economic activities related to Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. This study indicates that the local community is still dependent on the forest reserve ecosystem and services in their livelihood. The disturbance of the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve ecosystem will cause an indirect negative impact on the tranquillity of the local community.
Social Return on Investment (SROI) for government flood recovery project in Kuala Krai, Kelantan
Authors: Teo W S , Seow T W , Radzuan I S M , Mohamed S , Abas M A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In Malaysia, almost everyone agrees that flood recovery projects are perceived to improve the lives of communities and generate social impacts. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the case and there hasn’t been any common agreement about what that return is, or how it might be measured. In this regard, Social Return on Investment (SROI) has the ability to present a clear and concise message about the government’s project impacts by assessing social, economic and environmental values. Using the analysis of a specific case study as a guiding thread, this paper shows how the application of SROI methodology allows one to know in depth the social added value that the project brings and the changes experienced by the key stakeholders that interact with it. The authors carried out a step-by-step guide to implementing SROI on the government flood recovery project named “New Permanent Housing” (Rumah Kekal Baharu) RKB project in Kg. Telekong, Kuala Krai, Kelantan. This analysis assesses the social value generated by the intervention by combining the use of qualitative and quantitative data gathered and analyzing it. The results show that the RKB project in Kg. Telekong created an SROI ratio of 1:1.27. This means that every RM 1 spent on the project yielded a social value of RM 1.27. Based on the results, this study suggests that investment in the RKB project generates a positive return. The current study also revealed that the SROI methodology is appropriate to be adopted in an attempt to offer a structured and systematic basis for revealing and quantifying the social value that are often excluded from the discussion. The SROI method has just recently been used in the area of disaster management filed, and thus, further study is needed to promote its potential for policy-making bodies in the field.
A preliminary study on current agricultural practices among small-scale rice farmers in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Wong H L , Omar S A S , Leong M C , Abdul Karim M F , Daliman S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the potential exposure parameters among small-scale rice farmers based on their current agricultural practices under submerged rice systems. Twenty-four rice farmers from the District of Tanah Merah in Kelantan, Malaysia were interviewed about various pesticide exposure parameters (November 2020), followed by the collection of pesticide application information using questionnaire surveys across the whole rice season (December 2020 – March 2021). Overall, the 15 selected rice farmers with small-scale farm sizes (≤ 2.0 hectares) applied maximum numbers of 4 pesticide products and 10 spray rounds during 3 – 13 spraying days across the whole rice season, using 12 – 18 L of motorised knapsack sprayers (median: 15 L). The 15 selected rice farmers removed pesticide leftovers in the sprayers using soap and/or water only at the end of a spraying day. Each individual applied one of three disposal methods of empty pesticide containers, comprising thrown in the field (7 individuals), collect and burn (6 individuals) and buried in the ground (2 individuals). During mixing/loading, spraying and sprayer washing activities, individuals applied some protective measures by wearing long sleeves and long pants and face masks (each 15 individuals) and (long/short) boots (11 individuals), and that of relatively fewer use of gloves (5 individuals). Study findings indicate potential pesticide exposure among small-scale rice farmers due to the use of pesticide mixtures, improper handling of pesticide wastes and improper use of protective measures.
Synergistic effect of Alocasia longiloba fruit’s extract with ampicilin and tetracycline against bacteria
Authors: Nur-Alya I S , Aurifullah M , Nazahatul A A , Srisawat T , Permpoonpattana P , Norhazlini M Z , Suhaimi O , Zulhazman H 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The inappropriate usage of antibiotic is one of the factors of the emergence of the antibiotic resistance bacteria that limit the effectiveness of the current antibiotic and lead to the treatment failure. The combination of plant extract with antibiotic approach may lead to the new ways in the treatment of the infectious diseases and this combination may reduce of bacterial resistance toward antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the synergistic effect of Alocasia longiloba fruit extract with Ampicillin and Tetracycline against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The synergistic effect of A. longiloba fruit extract and antibiotics was determined by using agar well diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) Resazurin 96-well micro-dilution methods. The results of this study showed the increasing in the inhibition zone when the plant extract was combined with Ampicillin against E. coli. The value of MIC only showed by Ampicillin on E. coli which was 12.5 μg/ml, and the combination of plant extract and Ampicillin (2000 + 12.5 μg/ml). These results indicated that the fruit extract of A. longiloba showed low antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and this plant extract may show the inhibition if the concentration is increase and test against the different microorganisms.
Optimisation of treated Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) using acidic salt to improve protein digestibility of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) larvae
Authors: Harun H C , Muhammad Amiruddin W , Leng O S , Abdul Malik S Z , Yee L S , Rusli N D , Mat K B , Mohd M , Sukri S A M , Al-Amsyar Syed M 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The high cost of Artemia sp. and the shorter shelf life of egg custard as the major aquaculture feed for Macrobrachium rosenbergii are giving burden to aquaculture farmers in financial support and labour force. In most studies, BSFL has proved to successfully replace commercial animal feed which BSFL has similar amino acid (AA) profile as fish meal (FM). Application of pre-treated BSFL introduced as an alternative feed for M. rosenbergii might be potential. Pre-treatment of BSFL was carried out by mixing 2 different types of acidic salt, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (MKP), KH2PO4 and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (MSP), NaH2PO4. Three different concentrations of each acidic salt were used to treat BSFL (5 %, 10 % and 15 %). Treated BSFL which has the highest percentage of protein decreases were selected and further identified biochemical composition through proximate analysis. Next, treated BSFL were used to partially replaced skimmed milk powder with 25% BSFL, 50% BSFL, 75% BSFL and 100% BSFL as protein source and formulated with grade A chicken egg, 1% moringa and 1% turmeric. Physical properties on treated diets and formulated egg custards are identity to determine the suitable feed for M. rosenbergii larvae. BSFL which treated with 15% KH2PO4 has highest protein decrease which is 17.39 % compared to BSFL that treated with 5% NaH2PO4, 10% NaHPO4, 15% NaHPO4, 5% KH2PO4 and 10% KH2PO4 (5.16 %, 12.98 %, 16.72 %, 10.38 % and 15.22 %). In addition, egg custard with 100% BSFL has higher protein content which is 33.88 % compared to egg custard, egg custard with 25% BSFL, egg custard with 50% BSFL and egg custard with 75% BSFL (23.36 %, 27.88 %, 30.21 % and 32.66 %). It shows that the potential application of treated BSFL provides optimum nutrients to M. rosenbergii to replace current commercial feed.
Active design: promoting physical activity through building layout
Authors: Khairuddin R , Ibrahim I L , Jain A , Amin ‘I , Maharimi F 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
History has shown that environmental design can play a vital role in improving public health. Today, architects, urban designers, and planners can collaborate to address one of the most urgent and widespread epidemics of our time which are obesity and its related diseases. Hence, just as design professionals are increasingly embracing green building as an objective for environmental sustainability, they should thoroughly consider the potential effects of their designs on public health and wellbeing. Active Design is one of the approaches that must been taken by the architecture field. It is an idea to design cities and buildings for eco-sustenance that in turn can encourage people to get more exercise. This is not about encouraging us to go to the gym and working out more, but instead, it’s about giving citizens more of a workout through how we interact with our environment daily. There are a few countries that have been publishing their own Active Design Guidelines in promoting the use of this approach on the building design. However, the active design guidelines are not yet publishing in Asia, but the active design approach has been implemented and adapted in the building design whether in a direct or indirect manner. The purpose of this study is to examine, evaluate and review the building layout design in Malaysian Architecture in relation with the active design sustainable approach based on the literature and guidelines which can influence physical activities and health among Malaysian. Three selected building from Malaysia have been selected and analysed through qualitative and quantitative method. The finding of the research would provide deeper understanding of the necessary parameters and factors that are needed to be considered in implementing the active sustainable design approach in Malaysia.