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• Tri-step FT-IR fingerprints of Chuan-Mutong and Guan-Mutong are presented. • Machine learning classifiers were developed to distinguish between Chuan-Mutong and Guan-Mutong. • Comparison of machine learning classifier with PCA and PLS-DA was performed. • The proposed FT-IR with PLS-DA and machine learning classifier method was characterized by being simple, fast and reliable. Chuan-Mutong (Clemetis spp.) is a precious medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine that possesses various therapeutic effects especially well known for its diuretic effect and widely used in Malaysia. However, there were several reported Chinese herb nephropathy cases due to the adulteration of Aristolochia spp. found in combinational herbal regimen. Guan-Mutong (Aristolochia manshuriensis), which looks similar in appearance and has similar therapeutic effects as Chuan-Mutong, has the possibility to substitute the Chuan-Mutong. Therefore, there is a necessity to differentiate the types of Mutong using analytical authentication methods. In this paper, a rapid and accurate method is proposed to discriminate Chuan-Mutong from Guan-Mutong by using tri-step fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) identification approaches. The method involves the deployment of FT-IR, second derivative infrared spectra (SD-IR), and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectra (2D-IR). In our approach, FT-IR spectra of Chuan-Mutong and Guan-Mutong were subjected to discrimination using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and machine learning classifiers (ML). Chuan-Mutong and Guan-Mutong can be clearly classified or discriminated against each other by ML, PLS-DA and PCA. The sensitivity, accuracy and specificity of ML were >90%, while the sensitivity, accuracy and specificity of PLS-DA were 100%. It is hence demonstrated that the infrared spectroscopic identification approach using PCA, PLS-DA and ML can be effectively used to differentiate Chuan-Mutong and Guan-Mutong. PLS-DA and ML provide a simple, fast, and high accuracy prediction to differentiate Chuan-Mutong and Guan-Mutong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Academic/vocational training are crucial for child offenders. • MST approach links rehabilitation and educational/vocational training. • Child offenders should be granted the opportunity to pursue an academic/vocational training to better equip them for the future. • Interventions with a strong emphasis on educational/vocational training for children undergoing community-based rehabilitation is essential. Education and vocational training play a crucial element in the rehabilitation process of child offenders. They develop valuable characters of an individual, contributing to a long-term positive impact that includes a brighter future and life opportunities. This paper discusses the importance of the Multisystemic therapy (MST) approach, particularly its academic and vocational training input, as a rehabilitation component for child offenders. Based on a case study in Kuala Lumpur that examines the practice of restorative justice in Malaysia's juvenile justice system, the study emphasizes a community-based rehabilitation program that underlies the MST approach in promoting educational and vocational training for child offenders to show the significant link between social rehabilitation and academic and vocational training. The study confirms that all child offenders who participated in the study had dropped out of school. These individuals did not receive either academic education or vocational training throughout the rehabilitation process in the community. Therefore, this study suggests that the local community-based rehabilitation program for child offender genuinely follow the MST approach, mainly its academic and vocational training input. This suggestion is critical to ensure that the country's juvenile justice system grants all child offenders the opportunity to pursue an academic education or vocational training. It is vital for their future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International education is sought after by students primarily for career development. However, very little is known about other meaningful educational outcomes of students pursuing international education in a Malaysian university system. This paper investigates how international students perceive their meaningful contributions to society upon study completion in one research university in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the university with 33 international students, mainly from Nigeria, Pakistan and China. Findings show that postgraduate international students not only want to contribute to their home society through research and teaching at higher education institutions but also to their host-country and third-country communities. The analysis illustrates the interplay between macro internationalisation of higher education policies and factors shaping the micro-level experiences of international students. This study contributes new insights into vital nuances of the international educational outcomes relating to meaningful contribution to society and community development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the extant studies had examined the impact of green marketing, limited research has focused on green marketing as an attempt of cleaner production. This paper contributes to green marketing and cleaner production literature by introducing "clean service marketing" through adaptation of cleaner production onto the expanded green service marketing mix (people, physical evidence and process). The study further contributes to the literature by investigating the possible influence of clean service marketing in providing health value, enhancing social-quality performance and good differentiation advantage. The authors adopted a mixed-method study by systematic review and survey questionnaire to collect data. A systematic review was conducted to address the research question "Do firms' green approaches provide health value to its stakeholder? While 101 sets of questionnaire were distributed to the managers of the selected three-to-five stars hotel and resort in Malaysia to confirm the proposed hypotheses. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling was employed for quantitative data analysis, and SmartPLS 3.2.8 software was performed to analyze the data obtained. The results of the synthesis analysis addressed the research question that firms or any practitioners by going green could either improved human's health or perceived health. The result of the quantitative analysis revealed that only the green process is positively related to social-quality performance. In contrast, green people, green physical evidence and green process were found all positively related to differentiation advantage. With regards, the authors strongly recommend hotel and resort firms taking green as a "clean" approach for hotels' post-pandemic recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to lucrative economics and energy policies, cogeneration systems have blossomed in many existing industries and became their backbone technology for energy generation. With ever-increasing energy demands, the required capacity of cogeneration gradually grows yearly. This situation unveils a crawling problem in the background where many existing cogeneration systems require more energy output than their allocated design capacity. To debottleneck cogeneration systems, this work extends the bottleneck tree analysis (BOTA) towards multi-dimensional problems with novel consideration of data-driven uncertainty modelling and multi-criteria planning approaches. First, cogeneration systems were modelled using an ensemble neural network with mass and energy balance to quantify the system uncertainty while assessing energy, environment, and economic indicators in the system. These indicators are then evaluated using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method to perform bottleneck tree analysis (BOTA), which identifies optimal pathways to plan for debottlenecking projects in a multi-train cogeneration plant case study. With zero initial investment and only reinvestments with profits, the method achieved 54.2 % improvement in carbon emission per unit power production, 46.3 % improvement in operating expenditure, 59.0 % improvement in heat energy production, and 58.9 % improvement in power production with a shortest average payback period of 93.9 weeks. Image 1 • This paper extends bottleneck tree analysis for multi-dimensional problems. • An ensemble of neural networks was used for data-driven process modelling. • The technology was deployed in a multi-train cogeneration plant in Malaysia. • The method improved 54.2% in carbon emission, 46.3% in OpEx, and 59% in energy production. • The shortest average payback period was found to be 93.9 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to lucrative economics and energy policies, cogeneration systems have blossomed in many existing industries and became their backbone technology for energy generation. With ever-increasing energy demands, the required capacity of cogeneration gradually grows yearly. This situation unveils a crawling problem in the background where many existing cogeneration systems require more energy output than their allocated design capacity. To debottleneck cogeneration systems, this work extends the bottleneck tree analysis (BOTA) towards multi-dimensional problems with novel consideration of data-driven uncertainty modelling and multi-criteria planning approaches. First, cogeneration systems were modelled using an ensemble neural network with mass and energy balance to quantify the system uncertainty while assessing energy, environment, and economic indicators in the system. These indicators are then evaluated using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method to perform bottleneck tree analysis (BOTA), which identifies optimal pathways to plan for debottlenecking projects in a multi-train cogeneration plant case study. With zero initial investment and only reinvestments with profits, the method achieved 54.2 % improvement in carbon emission per unit power production, 46.3 % improvement in operating expenditure, 59.0 % improvement in heat energy production, and 58.9 % improvement in power production with a shortest average payback period of 93.9 weeks. Image 1 • This paper extends bottleneck tree analysis for multi-dimensional problems. • An ensemble of neural networks was used for data-driven process modelling. • The technology was deployed in a multi-train cogeneration plant in Malaysia. • The method improved 54.2% in carbon emission, 46.3% in OpEx, and 59% in energy production. • The shortest average payback period was found to be 93.9 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For people with chronic illnesses in low-and-middle-income countries, access to enabling resources that contribute to health, economic and social resilience such as continued employment, often fall outside the health sector's remit or delivery of national structural protection. In the absence of sufficient laws and policies that mitigate discrimination and enhance reasonable work modifications, private employers have a high degree of agency and discretion in how they hire, manage, or terminate employees with chronic illnesses (ECI). There is a scarcity of research on how employers make decisions under these conditions. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we interviewed and analysed data from 30 human resource (HR) professionals and decision-makers within private organisations in Klang Valley, Malaysia (June 2015–September 2016). In this paper, we use 'ethics of care' as an analytic, and moral lens to present HR's decision-making rationales in caring for and managing ECI. Respondents described the positive influence of international practices, including through parent company policies, as a reference for best practice. While overt bias and discriminatory perceptions were predictably described, participants also discussed care as relational organisational culture, and strategy, albeit selectively. Apart from illness factors such as duration and severity, descriptions of 'selective caregiving' included considerations of an employee's duration in organisations, the perceived value of the employee to employers, organisation size, ethos, resources and capabilities, and how organisations managed the uncertainty of illness futures as a potential risk to organisation outcomes. Selective caregiving can contribute to social, economic and health inequalities in populations with chronic illness. Nevertheless, global health actors can use the problems identified by participants, as entry points to engage more closely with employers and the broader private and commercial sectors in LMICs, to facilitate more inclusive care, and care-based intersectoral work to address the social and economic determinants of health. • Scarce research & policy on the employment of people with chronic illness in LMICs. • 'Care' as a lens to understand scope and gaps in the management of ECI. • Employers make hiring and managing decisions, and facilitate care. • Selective caregiving can contribute to health and economic inequalities. • Tensions as entry points to engage with employers as economic determinants of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews quantitative biostratigraphic data from 101 petroleum exploration wells from the Malay, Sarawak and Sabah basins, and places the stratigraphy of each area into a precise chronostratigraphic framework comprising 41 transgressive-regressive depositional packages which are fully defined here. Each package is 'fingerprinted' by foraminiferal, nannofossil and palynological index fossils, and then tied to the global pattern of glacio-eustatic sea level and climate changes based on the global δ18O and δ13C datasets used to calibrate the geological timescale. The result is a tightly constrained chronostratigraphic framework that is applicable from deep to shallow water and is of high accuracy. It is concluded that there is a sedimentation 'pulsebeat' across Southeast Asia, independent of local and regional tectonics, driven by patterns of global climate change. For the Oligocene and Miocene, Antarctic glaciation is the key driver, whereas the Pliocene cycles are mainly driven by the expansion and contraction of Northern Hemisphere glaciers. The new chronostratigraphic framework allows unconformities across Malaysia to be better characterised, and the different classification schemes of seismic "Groups" in Malay and Penyu basins, "Cycles" in offshore Sarawak and "Stages" in offshore western Sabah to be correlated. Also, with a clear understanding of the effect of fluctuating sea levels on the stratigraphy of the region, it is easier to make firm judgments regarding the effect of tectonics. The study also characterises systems tracts from shelf to basin floor using biostatigraphic assemblages, which should help in ground-truthing the architecture of depositional sequences in the region based on seismic. The new framework is proposed as an alternative to the outdated TB scheme of Haq et al. (1988) , widely used to interpret depositional cycles across Sarawak and Sabah. Image 1 • 101 Malaysian exploration wells were studied for Sequence Biostratigraphy. • 41 depositional cycles have been defined from the mid-Oligocene to Pliocene. • Ages are 'fingerprinted' using age-restricted foraminifera, nannofossils and pollen. • Cycles were driven by Antarctic, followed by Arctic ice volume changes. • The study identifies major issues with the 'Haq' and other sea level curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the relationship between child mortality and the use of health care. We develop a simultaneous model of fetal and postnatal mortality risks and input demand equations for prenatal medical care and institutional delivery. This model is applied to retrospective data from Peninsular Malaysia covering 1950-1988. The results show that prenatal medical care and institutional delivery have strong beneficial effects on child survival probabilities, and that these effects are substantially underestimated when adverse self-selection among users of health care is ignored. The effectiveness of prenatal health care in Malaysia improved until 1980, and then deteriorated. We find that the risk of infant and child mortality is not independent of fetal survival, but show that ignoring selective fetal survival introduces only mild biases in infant and child mortality estimation. Higher infant and child mortality rates among young mothers are partly explained by their lower likelihood of purchasing health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly demanding products containing palm oil produced without harm to the environment. The industry response to this demand has been the creation of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the development of a certification system to ensure sustainable palm oil production. However, currently there is no scientific evidence of the benefit gained through the RSPO certification schema. This paper quantifies the environmental impacts of RSPO certified and non-certified through a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of 1 kg of RBD palm oil to factory gate, produced in Indonesia and Malaysia in 2016, to identify potential benefits and trade-offs of RSPO certification. The ISO 14040/14044 compliant LCA is carried out following both a consequential and an attributional LCA approach. The inventory model presents a high level of detail. Primary inventory data describing the certified production system are obtained from RSPO assessment reports, covering 73% (634 estates) of the certified estate, including 111 smallholders, and 58% (165 oil mills) of the certified mills. Data for the total industrial production are drawn from national statistics and scientific literature. The non-certified flows are derived by subtracting the certified flows from the total industry flows. The consequential results show that RSPO certified oil reduces GHG emission by 35% compared to non-certified i.e. 3.41 (2.61–4.48) kg CO 2 eq./kg for certified vs 5.34 (3.34–8.16) kg CO 2 eq./kg for non-certified. Based on a thorough data quality assessment and uncertainty analysis, this result is deemed sufficiently robust and thus conclusive. Certified production achieves the largest GHG emissions reduction because of higher yields, i.e. less land use per unit of product, less oil palm cultivated on peat soil and higher share of palm oil mill effluents treated with biogas capture technologies. We also found that nature occupation is reduced by 20% in certified production while respiratory inorganic is slightly higher (3%) in certified production, due to the larger use of fertilisers. For other impact categories, results are associated with a larger uncertainty and therefore shall be considered as indicative. Similar results are found in attributional modelling. • RSPO certified palm oil emits less GHG emissions than non-certified palm oil. • RSPO certification increases nature conservation in palm oil production. • RSPO certified oil captures a higher share of biogas from palm oil mill effluents than non-certified. • Higher RSPO certified oil palm yields reduce land occupation and indirect land use changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remanufacturing is a life cycle renewal process that is recognized as one of the most effective green strategies to attain sustainable manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to address the current challenges confronting by Malaysian remanufacturing industries and to explore its future opportunities. The research technique of this study is based on extensive scholarly literature review and scenario analysis in the field of remanufacturing. The findings highlighted five main challenges and two main future opportunities in Malaysian remanufacturing industries. The results based on scenario analysis suggested that Malaysia possessed the potential to become the center hub of automotive components remanufacturing and novel entire vehicle remanufacturing (rebuilt vehicle) in the Southeast Asia region by overcoming its current challenges. This study has shown that the challenges and opportunities in Malaysia remanufacturing industries are significantly different from the developed countries due to its distinctive business environments. The outcome of this study is to ensure the smooth implementation of the National Remanufacturing Policy and facilitate the sustainable development of remanufacturing industries in Malaysia and other developing countries with a similar business environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID′19 pandemic has devastated several industries and solar energy is no exception. In its economic relief package, Malaysia has announced approximately US$ 2.9 billion in expenditure for the installation of new grids, LED street lights and rooftop solar panels. The Government will also open the tender for a 1400 MW solar power project in the year 2020, which is expected to generate 5 billion ringgit (US$1.1 billion) in investments. As these measures are intended to sustain the existing growth of solar energy potential in the country, it is vital to assess its status quo. Hence, this paper aims to review the current status of renewable energy in Malaysia as well as the initiatives taken before the pandemic to promote solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to meet the energy demands through the low-carbon pathway. • Solar technologies and factors affecting renewable energy in Malaysia. • Initiatives and different policies implemented by the Malaysian government. • Carbon-neutral Malaysia beyond Covid'19 pandemic. • Comparison between the ASEAN countries and their strategies to reach renewable energy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency and intensity of extreme climate events are increasing all around the world, due to climate change. Climate adaptation strategies are therefore needed, since mitigation strategies alone are not sufficient to avoid serious impacts of climate change. However, adaptation to climate change is not straightforward, as it is highly influenced by diverse and conflicting interests as well as epistemological (or scientific) uncertainties. Therefore, a minimum requirement for its success is the active participation of stakeholders and citizens in the adaptation policy cycle. This paper presents a case study on a participatory process involving civil servants from different municipalities in Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, with a view to considering the optimal level of engagement that is required for climate adaptation planning. The exercise consisted of a Focus Group session, where participants were asked to discuss the level of stakeholder and citizen participation that should be adopted within the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy initiative. Contrary to authors' expectations, the participants tended to suggest medium to high levels of participation in the planning process. During the dialogues, a walking activity through the city, aimed at identifying hotspots of climate risks and defined as "safety walks", was one of the ideas proposed as a high-potential participatory method, spreading in the adaptation framework. Safety walks could complement climate modelling and enhance the robustness of climate risk assessments. • A focus group session on stakeholders participation in adaptation planning • Medium-high levels of participation in the planning process were suggested. • Technical expertise from local community is needed • "Safety walks" suggested as a high-potential stakeholder-involving participatory technique • Site-specific challenging issues were addressed through active discussion and best practices [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor environmental management of construction projects contributes greatly to environmental degradation. While many changes have been introduced in the global industry, such as the development of green materials and green building certification, limited effort has been done by stakeholders to bring about any improvement in Malaysia. Green procurement was introduced to accelerate practitioners to procure green buildings. This paper examines the interaction between two main constructs – stakeholder values and green procurement – through a questionnaire survey of experienced Malaysian construction stakeholders, extracted from an extensive literature review and validated through expert interviews. The ensuing data is then used to build a structural equation model to measure the constructs through their constituent variables, to verify if stakeholder values have a significant impact on the adoption of green procurement by an organisation or for a project. The study reveals that stakeholder values have a positive influence on shaping the green orientation of a construction procurement. The identified key stakeholder values are stakeholder commitment, technical competencies, awareness and knowledge sharing. The results show the key values needed for their procurement delivery to be on a sustainable path. The study also provides the basis for further research into green procurement for construction projects in Malaysia and beyond. Image 1 • Green procurement was introduced to accelerate practitioners to procure green buildings. • The stakeholder values have a positive influence on shaping the green orientation of a construction procurement. • The key stakeholder values needed for their procurement delivery to be on a sustainable path. • The identified key stakeholder values are stakeholder commitment, technical competencies, awareness and knowledge sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposal of a new evaluation method to treat extremely dangerous substances safely. • Theoretical calculations of reaction pathways of VX synthesis. • Extremely dangerous reactions could be examined safely by theoretical calculations. • Binary synthesis at ambient temperature is not likely under the examined conditions. In 2017, an assassination using VX occurred in Malaysia, in which some experts believe that VX was synthesized onsite by mixing two starting materials (so-called binary synthesis). From a social security perspective, investigation of whether binary synthesis of VX is feasible under ambient conditions is urgently required. Considering the extreme toxicity of VX, we made use of DFT calculations. We chose four reaction conditions including the S N 2 reactions and the ring opening reaction and calculated the reaction pathways of VX synthesis and hydrolysis of starting materials. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of theoretical calculations in researching highly toxic substances safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its environmental and financial benefits for public and private sectors, adoption of the green roof (GR) system comprises barriers that have inhibited its application in Malaysia. Studies on the barriers to GR installation have been conducted worldwide; however, they are scarce in Malaysia. Moreover, in the literature, conventional methods are used for prioritizing the barriers, while the barriers to GR adoption are not differentiated among its types. In view of this argument, this paper identifies and prioritizes the barriers to GR installation using Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM), respectively. Of 20 identified barriers, six (for intensive GR) and nine (for extensive GR) were rejected using FDM, while the selected barriers were prioritized using FBWM. The findings reveal that "high initial cost" and "lack of awareness and knowledge" barriers to IGR and EGR installation are the most significant, respectively; while "challenges of installation" and "structural damage" are the least significant for both types of GRs. A comparative analysis was conducted to show the outperformance of used methods while the validity of the results was checked through case studies. The clear message of the results addresses the amalgamation of legislative enforcements with financial incentives and emphasis on the improvement of knowledge and awareness, which will ultimately lead to effective and widespread implementation of GR systems. The study provides practical guidelines for the stakeholders at the forefront by enabling them to grapple with the most significant barriers to GR installation. • Barriers inhibiting the adoption of IGR and EGR in Malaysia were identified using fuzzy Delphi method. • Fuzzy best-worst method was utilized, which provides a precise prioritization of barriers to GR installation. • Climatic barriers are observed as insignificant in tropical climate of Malaysia. • High initial construction cost of IGR installation is perceived to be the most significant barrier to its adoption. • Information and knowledge barriers are perceived to be the most important barriers for EGR installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Unregulated rapid expansion of artisanal gears together with overcapacity of trawl fleet have depleted inshore fisheries. • Suboptimal fishery management performance is attributed to limited knowledge of the distribution of fish assemblages. • Generalist role of maritime enforcement agency failed to reduce IUU activities and protect fragile ecosystem. Fisheries' legal framework plays an important role in regulating and managing the proper development of sustainable fisheries. By drawing on peer-reviewed articles and gray literature, this paper reviews and summarizes selected segments on fisheries management and regulatory enforcement for demersal fisheries in Malaysia's Straits of Malacca. Like other tropical fisheries, the small-scale commercial trawl fleets in this region are multispecies and multi-gear fisheries at secluded landing sites that are comprised of low-tech fishing vessels, and similarly, they display a heavy dependence on migrant workers. Some major problems facing these tropical fisheries include overcapacity, depleted fish stocks, conflicts between commercial and traditional fleets, dramatic changes in species composition, and the stress on marine ecosystems due to human activities. Popular management strategies focus on input controls (e.g., mesh size), gear selectivity, marine protected areas, zoning systems, and licensed moratoriums. Although a legal framework exists to regulate fisheries, the suboptimal management performance may be attributed to the maritime enforcement agency's generalist role, limited knowledge on the distribution patterns of fish assemblages, inconsistencies between federal and state laws on fisheries, and a top-down management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievement of low or zero greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions such as sulfur oxides, optimized water-energy nexus, and a well-protected environment are challenges that have become increasingly significant for the biomass industry. There is a need to conduct evaluation and analyses of the greenhouse gas and particulate emissions, water use and energy consumption of biomass process and delivery, from "cradle to gate". Therefore, to fill this noted gap in the literature, this study aims to develop a combined life cycle and dynamic simulation model to examine water-energy nexus in the biomass industry, particularly under uncertainties, as well as estimation of greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions of the biomass supply chain by 2050. The dynamic modelling of material, energy, and water flows was used to perform those tasks. An in-depth analysis of environmental issues during the production, processing, conversion and delivery of empty fruit bunches biomass supply and production system is conducted. The model was tested and implemented through a case study of three main biomass suppliers in Malaysia. Comparison of environmental performance of the production stages of 31 products through pre-processed, intermediate, and final productions in the biomass supply chain shows that bio-compost, activated-carbon, and cellulose are the highest water users and energy consumers as well as the highest emitters of greenhouse gas and sulfur oxides for all the three suppliers. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted for these critical products based on recent governmental land and demand policies. The main finding of this paper indicates a need for a well-planned management of water-energy nexus in pre-processed production compared to intermediate and final production of biomass supply chain. This finding provides valuable insights to the government agencies and stakeholders to pursue sustainable bioenergy development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A body of work has emerged that examines human capital from the perspective of skills to better understand the types of expertise that influence innovation. The relationship between skill and financial innovation, however, is poorly understood in the context of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs). IFIs are distinct from their conventional counterparts by their compliance with Shariah law. Based on a survey of IFIs in Bahrain and Malaysia, this paper examines the effect of different skills on IFI innovation. The findings indicate that while skill in Islamic finance positively influences innovation, skill in Shariah law does not. Cognitive-technical skill is also highly significant, but marketing skill has a negative effect. The results suggest that Islamic financial innovation relies on continuous improvement that sustains markets, product and service innovation. Sustaining innovation lends itself to abilities that are oriented towards problem solving and computation of Shariah and business risks. This favors skills of programming and expertise in Islamic finance over marketing and Shariah legal proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emission-free closed-field crop cultivation at a commercial scale necessitates microclimate evaluation for embracing the production uncertainties and maximizing the returns. This paper presents an application of the Internet-of-Things for model-based evaluation of microclimate parameters inside two greenhouse crop production systems. The objectives thus were to develop (i) a comfort ratio model, and (ii) a custom-built wireless sensor for data fusion in order to evaluate and compare microclimate parameters inside two different tropical greenhouses prior to the actual cultivation of tomato. The model was implemented in MATLAB Simulink with a flexible architecture and self-tuning reference inputs to work with different crops and cultural practices within which various growth stages can be modeled and analyzed. The accuracy and functional reliability of the sensor, as well as the performance of the model were validated by collecting and analyzing microclimate data from a naturally ventilated net-covered Screenhouse and a Polycarbonate Panel greenhouse under tropical lowland climate conditions of Malaysia. Raw data including air temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit and solar radiation were processed by the model for simulating comfort ratio values associated with different growth stages. Preliminary results showed that the mean and maximum vapor pressure deficit were respectively 1.19 and 5.1 kPa in the Polycarbonate Panel greenhouse and 0.97 and 3.81 kPa in the Screenhouse. Analyses based on comfort ratio values were validated with the results from raw data, showing that when temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit were in the range of 25 ± 5 °C, 80 ± 20%, and 1.1±1 kPa in the Screenhouse, the comfort ratio values associated with the optimum reference borders were higher than those in the Polycarbonate Panel greenhouse. This study thus suggests that comfort ratio index is a more revealing indicator for comparing two or more greenhouses based on the dynamic assessment of microclimate parameters. The proposed method takes into an account the variation in each parameter, not only with the respect to different reference borders, but also by considering different time frames, light conditions and growth stages. The presented IoT sensor node and the Simulink model provide growers with a better insight into interpreting crop growth environment. The results of this study can contribute to optimal control strategies for a more efficient greenhouse crop production. Image 1 • IoT sensor data fusion were used for model-based evaluation of greenhouse microclimate parameters. • A novel comfort ratio model was developed and implemented in Simulink. • The model was interfaced with the IoT sensors for dynamic assessment of two greenhouses prior to the actual cultivation. • An optimization algorithm was developed for set-point manipulation in microclimate control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-scale composting, which can be conducted by the local council or a waste management company, is an effective starting point to divert food waste from landfill, especially for developing countries. This paper successfully demonstrates the feasibility of a community-scale food waste composting system, using the University of Nottingham Malaysia as the case study. The method selected is open-air static pile, using food waste as the substrate and leaf-litter as the bulking agent. The composting model presented in this study is also applicable to other organic wastes. The two feedstocks are mixed at a food waste-to-leaves weight ratio of 4: 1 to result in an initial moisture level of 63% and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 27. The composting process can be completed in 7 months, yielding about 30 wt % (on dry basis) of compost from the total organic feedstock. The finished compost is shown to meet Malaysia's organic fertiliser standard, thus demonstrating the feasibility of this low-cost technology. Economic analysis showed that substituting chemical fertilisers with the organic compost produced in-house is a viable option, and that for Malaysia, the composting system would be able to self-sustain financially only when the landfilling cost is increased 2.3 times. The life-cycle assessment showed that using composting to replace landfill for food waste, as well as substituting chemical fertilisers with the organic compost produced, can greatly reduce the environmental impacts, especially on global warming, ecotoxicity, eutrophication and fossil fuel depletion. In order to promote the widespread application of composting for organic wastes, multi-actor partnerships are essential to link governments, organisations and households in working toward a circular economy. Image 1 • A community-scale organic waste composting system is presented. • It takes 7 months to produce compost from food waste, with leaves as bulking agent. • The compost yield is 30% and its quality meets the organic fertiliser standards. • Socio-cultural, economic, environmental and technical barriers were evaluated. • This system could be replicated and scaled up easily for widespread applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is one of the net oil-exporting countries that the government budget depends highly on oil revenues. The dependency on uncertain revenues faces the economic development of the country with significant challenges. Therefore, the monetary authorities need to be aware of the importance and the role of their policies on the economy in response to changes in global oil prices. For this purpose, this paper simulates the responses of monetary policies to changes in global oil prices in Malaysia using a financial computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. It considers both changes (a rise and a fall) in global oil prices. The simulation results indicated that the Malaysian economy, as a whole, and the majority of industries gain from oil price rise and lose from oil price fall. Both shocks lead to the reallocation of resources and influence the financial part of the economy. Results also showed that tightened monetary policies are not able to reduce the negative effects of both shocks on economic growth and industrial output while the expansionary policies, particularly the combination of interest rate and reserve ratio reductions, are effective and are beneficial for economic growth and industrial output of Malaysia. If the government target is minimizing the rate of inflation, the effective policy in response to both global oil price changes is the reduction in interest rate. However, when the government target is more investment and labor employment, the effective policy is the reduction in reserve ratio rate in response to both oil price changes. • It investigates the response of monetary policies to oil price fluctuations. • In an inflationary target the effective policy is reduction in interest rate. • Tightened monetary policies are not effective policies on economic growth and industrial output. • Economic growth and industrial output were gained from expansionary policies. • Combining monetary expansionary policies are more effective than single policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix acidizing in sandstone reservoirs require a series of chemicals to dissolve the plugging materials around the wellbore. The selection of suitable chemicals is important because it is one of the key factors to ensure success in acidizing due to the complex mineralogy of sandstone reservoirs. Furthermore, limited studies have been done to compare the chemical selections between industry guidelines and the success rate from historical field execution, worldwide. In view of the current low oil prices and increasing treatment costs, the selection of the chemicals is important to maximize oil gain. Hence, this project was embarked to develop a database of the historical acid matrix stimulation chemicals used in a Malaysian brown field. This paper also includes recommendations of the suitable acid chemicals for matrix stimulation for future applications. The selection of chemicals can be enhanced by using the combination of historical experience, recommendations from industry guidelines and simulation results to model the estimated potential economic oil gain of future matrix stimulation candidates. The comparison on skin reduction and oil gain between the three chemicals short-listed from historical analysis and industry guidelines has been conducted using nodal analysis and acid placement software namely; Prosper and Stimpro, which enabled the selection of the most suitable chemicals. Where the selection of chemicals (Main flush chemicals are; 10% HCl - 1.5% HF, 12% HCl - 2% HF and 12% HCl - 3% HF) can be enhanced by using the combination of historical experience, recommendations from industry guidelines and simulation results to provide potential estimation in achieving economic in achieving economic oil gain for future matrix stimulation candidates. From the project, a database has been established to review the chemicals that have been applied in the selected Malaysia brown field and the oil gain formula has been identified as the success rate indicator. The comparison on skin reduction and oil gain between the three chemicals shortlisted from historical analysis and industry guidelines has been conducted using nodal analysis and acid placement software, which enabled the selection of the most suitable chemicals. The most suitable chemicals were selected based on the highest average oil gain. • Matrix acidizing in sandstone reservoirs is investigated. • This case study uses data from a Malaysia brown field, which has about 40 years of experience in matrix stimulation. • A Database was established from the case study field that showed combination of acid retarder, foam diverter, nitrified treatment and bull-heading method are found to be effective in treating gravel packed wells with fines migration issues as seen in all the wells in the field. • The study also shortlisted three combination of chemicals from the database and industry guidelines which further evaluated using Prosper and Stimpro software, resulting in 15% HCl preflush, 12% HCl - 3% HF main flush acid, 15% HCl postflush, 3% NH4Cl overflush and improved additives scheme are recommended for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We examine two methods for mechanization index in energy consumption in sweet corn cultivation in Malaysia. • The highest level of mechanization was in tillage operation in both methods "the PHE Cartesian plot method, and energy expenditures method". • Use of the PHE Cartesian plot method, and energy expenditures method have been improved the validity of the results. Agricultural machinery utilization in Malaysia still very low, especially in sweet corn cultivation, compared with the other crop production systems. In this study was estimated two methods to evaluate the mechanization status of the respective field operations in sweet corn cultivation in Malaysia. The first method was used the PCL-HRL-EGL Cartesian plot based on Production capacity, Heartbeat rate, and Energy expenditures of human labor. The second method was used mechanization index based on energy expenditures of machinery and human labor. The study aim of was to assess the mechanization status in sweet corn cultivation in Malaysia. This paper described the overall mechanization status in the cultivation of sweet corn in Malaysia, and the machinery energy, worker's energy expenditure, and heart rate for various field operations that were involved in cultivation. The field operations include tillage, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, and cutting plants. Field capacity, and machinery energy for each of the operations were calculated. The calculated mechanization index was used in the study to describe the mechanization status in sweet corn cultivation. A mean overall mechanization index of 36.49% and aggregate machinery energy of 340.67 ± 41.99 MJ/ha were registered for the crop. Highest mechanization index, and machinery energy were acquired in the tillage operation of 94.09% and 105.35 ± 9.37 MJ/ha while the lowest mechanization index, and machinery energy were in the harvesting operation with bags of 0.83%, and 0.42 ± 0.09 MJ/ha. These calculated mechanization indexes, and PCL-HRL-EGL Cartesian Plot were used for ranking the field operations based on their priority for mechanization. The outcome of this research could be contributed to lightening human energy expenditures and improving the mechanization status ultimately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports of work change and transitions are common amongst individuals with chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is little research on the lived experience of these work transitions. The scarcity of this research is particularly evident within low-and-middle-income countries, where protection laws and resources such as anti-discrimination laws and reasonable work modifications may not exist or be well enforced. In this paper, we explore how and why individuals with MS seek and achieve work transitions in the structural context of Malaysia. We interviewed ten working individuals with MS (July–december 2015) using a joint hermeneutic phenomenology and constructivist grounded theory approach. Using a broad conceptual lens of 'sustainable careers', we examine their careers as a series of experiences, decisions, and events, paying attention to the influences of context, time, their personal levels of agency and sense of meaning. Participants described work transitions as early as within the first year of diagnosis, that were prompted by voluntary, involuntary and semi-voluntary reasons. Key aspects of the process of seeking new roles included an exploration of alternative roles and paths, and then acquiring, trialing/adapting and remaining engaged in their new roles. Participants identified the perception and experience of 'being unemployable', based on how their diagnosis and short-term symptoms were responded to by employers. Nevertheless, participants used various strategies and career resources to obtain and maintain meaningful work roles. However, success in obtaining or maintaining new roles were not equally achieved. This research draws attention to the cumulative economic disadvantage of a chronic illness diagnosis, even at milder and episodic stages. Furthermore, it reiterates the need for cohesive structural protection in low-and-middle-income countries to facilitate a more equal ability to remain economically resilient and capable of engaging in meaningful long-term careers when living with a chronic illness. • Chronic illness even in an episodic phase, disrupts careers and prompts transitions. • Offers careers scholarship as a way to study work course in illness populations. • Probes the sequence of post-diagnosis career transitions in a LMIC setting. • Sustainable careers are not equitably achieved by using career resources alone. • Structural change is needed to support career sustainability in illness populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An intertidal population of Halophila decipiens was discovered. • Intertidal exposure coincided with diel periods of low light irradiances. • This population formed a sub-clade with regional populations based on ITS data. • Macroalgae co-occurred with H. decipiens ; other seagrasses grew in shallower areas. • The occurrence on the mudflats shows site-specific and opportunistic colonisation. In this paper, we report the occurrence of Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld found growing in an intertidal environment. At the study site of Sungai Bahan estuary located along the Straits of Johor (Malaysia), the seagrass grew sparsely in the lower littoral zone of the mangrove coastline. Forming discontinuous patches, the seagrass was fully exposed on the mudflats during the lowest spring tides. Predictable times of exposure during low tides coincide with specific diel periods of lower light availability, which enabled avoidance of exposure to excessive irradiance. Hand-collected specimens of H. decipiens were initially defined through morphological and inflorescence characteristics. The identity of the species was confirmed based on analysis of the internal transcribed spacer sequence of its ribosomal DNA. Further analysis of this sequence demonstrated that among global populations, H. decipiens formed a sub-clade with populations from Malaysia and Australia. The colonisation by H. decipiens at the study site demonstrates its opportunistic acclimation to local environmental conditions. This discovery opens opportunities to further explore its ecology, as an instance of a less commonly studied seagrass within the region and to further investigate the unusual intertidal niche associated with the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-increasing need for clean and accessible energy sources, biomass has long been considered as a potential prospect. Malaysia is one of the leading suppliers and has the largest palm oil plantation in the world. Therefore, biomass from the palm oil industry appears to be a very promising alternative source of raw materials, including for renewable energy, in Malaysia. However, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the biomass supply chain (BSC) is one of the major challenges faced by the biomass industry. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the effect of changing the efficiency of transportation technology (TT) and production technology (PT) on the environmental sustainability of the palm oil BSC. We developed a dynamic simulation model to explore the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 50 years (2000–2050) for three palm biomass suppliers (Johor, Perak and Pahang) in Malaysia. Results show that supplier in Perak produced the highest rate of GHG emissions in the whole system. Also, suppliers in Johor and Perak had the highest GHG emissions with 180–240 million tonnes (mt) CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 e) and 375–400 mt CO 2 e, respectively, from transportation of empty fruit bunches (EFB) product. In terms of production, the supplier in Perak had the highest (and constant value) of GHG emissions (up to 160 mt CO 2 e). The analysis shows that the supplier in Pahang generated the lowest level of GHG emissions. Our findings suggest that improvement of the transportation and production efficiency of BSC should be the priority to work towards the sustainable development of the palm biomass industry. • Ensuring the environmental sustainability of biomass supply chain. • Dynamic simulation model for predicting GHG emissions from biomass supply chain. • Assessment of GHG emissions for palm biomass suppliers in Malaysia (2000–2050). • Effect of efficiency of transportation and production technology on GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Archie's Law to estimate formation factor in low porosity and high shaliness formation is associated with high uncertainties. The core analysis data in this type of formation is normally scattered and shows deviation from the Archie's straight line on the log-log plot of formation factor vs. porosity. The same deviation has also been observed in resistivity log data. Using Archie's Law for this type of formation generates inaccurate petrophysical constant i.e cementation factor, m that might consequently give inexact prediction of water saturation. Recently established mathematical equations modelled the deviation to geometric effect without considering the effect of clay conductivity. In this paper we established an improved mathematical equation to relate this phenomenon to both geometric and clay conductivity effect. This equation was derived from the original theory on excess clay conductivity and is easy to be applied using parameters from well log data. This equation had shown good match with our experimental work data as well as core analysis data from three (3) different regions. • we derived an improved mathematical equation to relate the formation factor to geometry and clay conductivity effects. • The equation allows cementation factor to vary with porosities and clay conductivities, and return to Archie's Law should Qv becomes zero. • The formation factor furnish a good match with laboratory data of three different regions in Malaysia and Waxman and Smits' data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mantle electrical conductivity-depth structure of Malaysia was determined for the first time using solar quiet day ionospheric current (Sq) variations. Spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) was employed to separate the external and internal field contribution to the Sq variations. A transfer function was applied in estimating the conductivity-depth profile for the paired of external and internal coefficients of the SHA. We observed a downward increase in electrical conductivity with initial magnitude of 0.0065 S/m at a depth of ∼ 56 km which gradually rose to 0.0106 and 0.0140 S/m at 118 and 180 km. Subsequently, the conductivity profile rose to about 0.0228 S/m at 380 km (near the base of the upper mantle) and reached 0.0260 S/m at 435 km, after which a sharp steep increase was observed at 450 km with conductivity profile of 0.0278 S/m. Consequently, the conductivity profile increases significantly to about 0.1367 S/m at a depth of 973 km and reached its peak value 0.1975 S/m at the depth of 1097 km in the lower mantle with no indication of leveling off. An evidence of discontinuity was observed near 390–460 km and 675–746 km. A slight increase in conductivity values at depth between 150 and 300 km corresponds to the region of unusual global low velocity zone with high electrical conductivity. The conductivity profile showed a less steep increase above 450 km below which a steep increase was observed. The present profile showed the deepest penetration depth which may be attributed to the influence of equatorial electrojet current (EEJ) that is actively supported by the conductive properties of the Earth's interior within the study region. • The paper gave evidence to the idea that the deepest depth of penetration depth may be attributed to the influence of equatorial electrojet current (EEJ). • The result from this study shows conductivity profile with less steep increase within the first few kilometers to a depth of about 400 km followed by a sharp steep increase to about 1100 km in the lower mantle. • High conductivity values were observed at depth below 400 km, and the profiles exhibit relatively large lateral differences which we assumed depict structural differences in the conductivity beneath the continental regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the effect of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) as a compatibilizer on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical performances of epoxy/VNR and epoxy/VNR/GNP systems. Fixed blend ratios at 95/5 and 80/20 vol% of epoxy/VNR were studied. Epoxy/VNR and epoxy/VNR/GNP systems were prepared using magnetic stirring method, with ENR-50 contents varied at 0, 5, and 10 vol%. Flexural strength and modulus of two systems have successfully improved with 5 vol% of ENR-50 content. With the incorporation of ENR-50, the distribution of VNR phases in epoxy matrix was more homogenous, thus improving the compatibility of the system. Nevertheless, the toughness properties of the compatibilized system were lower as compared to the non-compatibilized system, albeit higher than pure epoxy. Thermal stability (T max) of the compatibilized system was lower as compared to non-compatibilized system, which was attributed to the low thermal stability of oxygen-containing groups (epoxide groups) on ENR-50. The incorporation of ENR-50 decreased the electrical conductivity of compatibilized system. This was supported by the d-spacing values, as obtained from the XRD results. The compatibilized system also shows high cross-link density as compared to the non-compatibilized system, where ENR-50 inhibited the penetration of non-polar solvent molecules into the cross-linked network structure. • The novelty of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ENR-50 as a compatibilizer in epoxy/VNR and epoxy/VNR/GNP systems. • Vulcanized NR phase acted as effective toughening agent and elastomer spacers in epoxy resins as compared to un-vulcanized NR phase. • Commercial epoxy resins (with three-dimensional cross-linked structure) are classified as brittleness materials with poor resistance to crack propagation and low toughness. • Natural rubber (NR) was widely used to reduce the brittleness properties of epoxy resin due to itis a renewable biological resources and easily available in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass, which its conversion into greener bio-based products, is able to achieve a more balanced carbon cycle through circular utilisation. The development of biomass industry, therefore, appears to be one priority area and is an important step to motivate the global circular economy and sustainability. However, due to the existence of commercialisation barriers, the biomass industry in developing country, such as Malaysia, is not on par with the increment of the country's gross domestic product. This paper overviews the barriers of development and challenges encountered by the biomass industry in Malaysia. Challenges are classified into four barrier categories, i.e., (i) technical barrier, (ii) financial barrier, (iii) social awareness barrier and (iv) misunderstanding and gaps between stakeholders. Based on the barriers identified, recommendations which embrace the areas of technology innovation, logistics management, interaction between academia and industry, policy and enforcement, social impact and international benchmarking, are proposed. These recommendations can act as good references for the development of biomass industry in Malaysia and reflection for other developing countries with biomass resources in the promotion of sustainability and commercialisation of biomass products. The role of the five key stakeholders in commercialising the biomass technologies are highlighted in this review. Image 1 • Biomass industry in Malaysia is not well-developed due to several barriers. • Four key barriers categories are introduced and discussed. • Recommendations which address the identified barriers are proposed. • The stakeholders' role in the future deployment of biomass industry are highlighted. • Collaborative engagement of all stakeholders is the key success factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the monstrous fan has gained attention in this country for large space buildings and areas. The continuity of this product technology is important to allow it to be able to survive in the current and future market. However, there are limited studies on the present and future scenario of the monstrous fan, especially in Malaysia. Thus, the objective of this paper is to forecast its present technology, evaluating the market demand and future of the monstrous fan. For these reasons, an online survey was used to obtain feedback from suppliers and manufacturers to forecast the future of this product. In conclusion, the monstrous fan has been discussed and predicted, which can be beneficial for various parties including policy makers, government, business and technology players by representing a specific knowledge on the technical specificities of monstrous fans in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the 2019 findings of the acceptance testing and routine quality control (QC) for the general radiographic X-ray equipment such as film/screen fixed systems in Malaysia. Acceptance testing and routine QC of the diagnostic X-ray imaging equipment are the requirements for the standard radiation apparatus and should be compared to the requirements for European and RADIATION SAFETY STANDARD HR001:2010 legislation, which were considered the standard values of all general radiographic X-ray equipment since it identical to the manufacture's data. The general radiographic X-ray system test was conducted in the Biophysics lab, University Science Malaysia, and it has failed to meet the required QC guidelines, whereby one or more faults were identified. The major failures identified were minor, requiring attention by the suppliers at the next routine service. The suppliers were requested to investigate the issues and take the necessary corrective action. A review of the QC results highlights the need to perform comprehensive acceptance and routine testing of the systems. • The acceptance testing and routine quality control (QC) for the general radiographic X-ray. • Meet the required QC guidelines. • The suppliers should be requested to investigate the issues and take the corrective action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Asia’s largest biofuels producers are currently Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, China and India. This paper first examines the current status of biofuels in these countries, including the national development targets, strategies, incentives and policies. It then identifies the fundamental driving forces behind the development and promotion of these industries and considers their economic, social and environmental impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Detailed investigation on the physicochemical characterization of Malaysian crop and agro-industrial biomass residues has been carried out to identify promising feedstock for thermochemical and biochemical energy yield. This study covered a wide range of biomass residues including oil palm frond (OPF), oil palm trunk (OPT), empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm kernel shell (PKS), rice husk (RH), rice straw (RS) and kenaf biomass (K). From the detailed characterization studies based on proximate composition, CHNS/O analysis, calorific value and lignocellulosic content determination, physicochemical properties of biomass residues were correlated with their potential for bioenergy generation. In addition, various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used to study various microscopic properties of biomass residues such as functional groups, crystallographic structure, thermal degradation and mineralogical composition, respectively. Results showed that in terms of volatile matter, the order followed was; EFB (83.42%) ˃ K (82.70%) ˃ OPT (81.46%) ˃ OPF (76.98%) ˃ RS (76.42%) ˃ PKS (69.66%) ˃ RH (66.65%). Proximate analysis revealed that RH has the highest ash content (18.82%). Notably, minimum undesirable ash material was generated by K (5.73%), EFB (6.56%) and OPT (7.71%) containing high fractions of catalytic species. PKS presented maximum thermochemical potential with higher heating value of 17.32 MJ/kg followed by K (16.66 MJ/kg), OPT (16.34 MJ/kg), RS (16.15 MJ/kg), EFB (16.07 MJ/kg), OPF (14.49 MJ/kg) and RH (14.37 MJ/kg). Due to highest apparent density and maximum content of fixed carbon as well as lignin, PKS can be an interesting energy resource in thermochemical processes. Compositional analysis revealed that OPF, OPT and K were rich in polysaccharide content with much less quantity of lignin. Based on XRD measurements, it was found that EFB and K would be more susceptible to enzymatic digestion due to lower crystallinity index (CrI) compared to other residues. We believe that these investigations could decisively contribute to a better understanding of the influence of different factors related to lignocellulosic biomass feedstock on the efficiency of conversion and biofuel potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia mangium, a fast growing tree is widely planted in Malaysia. Converting Acacia wood into nanocellulose could create new value added products for forest-based industry. Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was prepared from Acacia mangium wood pulp via 64 wt% sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Prior to acid hydrolysis, Acacia mangium was subjected to pulping followed by bleaching in order to remove non-cellulosic fragments. Acid hydrolysis was carried out on bleached pulp to produce the needle-like NCC with 79% crystallinity and aspect ratio of 26. The resulting NCC was mixed with PVA as a reinforcement material. Incorporation of 2% NCC improved the tensile of the NCC-PVA film by 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]