The Diversity of Freshwater Fish at Three Selected Lakes in Jengka, Pahang

Freshwater fishes in Malaysia are relatively diverse with species of primary freshwater fishes. The total species richness of freshwater fishes of Malaysia remains unknown, this is due to many inland water bodies that have not been sampled. This study was conducted to ascertain the abundance of the freshwater fish at selected lakes in Maran, Pahang. The aim of this study to determine freshwater fish diversity and the relationship with water characteristics. All captured fish were measured, weighed and identified. Sample of water were collected from each lake. Water was analysed for pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand. A total of 107 individuals of fish compromising 8 species and 7 families were recorded. Trichopodus trichopterus was the most abundant species with total of 44 individuals which belonging to Order Anabantiformes and the least species with total of one individual captured which belonging to Order Cypriniformes, which is Puntigrus partipentazona. The highest diversity of fish was recorded at Lake 3 with Shannon Wiener Diversity Index H’= 1.428 and the lowest was at Lake 1 with H’= 0.968. The highest evenness index of fish species was detected at Lake 3 with Pielou’s Evenness J’= 0.797 and the lowest was at Lake 1 with J’= 0.698. Meanwhile, the most diverse species was found at Lake 3. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) ordination diagram of fish communities and selected water properties showed that Notopterus notopterus, Pristolepis fasciata and Puntigrus partipentazona were associated with the environment variables such as total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity while Oreochromis mossambicus and Oxyeleotris marmorata were not associated with any of the variables.and water salinity. &nbsp

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Properties of Ficus Carica L. Leaves

Ficus carica L. are well known to possess a number of bioactive substances such as flavonoids and phenolic acids which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This study aimed to screen phytochemicals in the leaf and evaluate the antioxidant activities with different polarity extracts. The leaves of Ficus carica L. were obtained from Taman Herba in UniSZA Besut Campus, Terengganu.  The leaves collected were dried under room temperature before grinded into powder. The leaf powder was then soaked in methanol at a ratio of 1:10 to obtain the crude extract and further extracted with solvent partitioning method to get hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol fractions. Total amount of phenolic and flavonoid were determined by total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) test. Antioxidant activities of the leaves extract from different fractions were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) assay. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed to screen the chemical profile of fig leaves using mobile phase of hexane: ethyl acetate: acetic acid at ratio 7.8: 1.8: 0.4. In determination of TPC, the highest value of phenolic content obtained from MeOH crude (79.72 mg GAE/g) followed by DCM fraction (67.06 mg GAE/g), MeOH fraction (51.67 mg GAE/g) and Hexane fraction (48.27 mg GAE/g). For determination of flavonoid content, MeOH crude also possesses the highest value (77.13 mg QE/g) followed by Hexane fraction (70.33 mg QE/g), DCM fraction (52.13 mg QE/g) and MeOH fraction (31.81 mg QE/g). For all antioxidant test, MeOH fraction followed by MeOH crude obtained the highest percentage of inhibition (antioxidant activity) and possess lowest IC50 value as the percentage of inhibition exceed 50%. The evaluation of antioxidant properties using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and ferric ion-reducing assays indicates that Ficus carica Linn. leaves methanol crude and fraction extract possess significant antioxidant properties due to its ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce ferric ions. Screening of bioactive compounds in TLC profiling indicated presence of coumarin, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and phenols in the Ficus carica Linn. leaves extract in which methanol crude and methanol fraction reveal a diverse array of compounds. Screening of bioactive compounds and the assessment of antioxidant activities determined the polarity strength of solvent for extraction as well as enhancing the understanding of the therapeutic potential of Ficus carica leaves

Characteristics Analysis of Type II Solar Radio Bursts Detected by CALLISTO Spectrometer at The Space Technology Complex (STC), Banting, Malaysia During Ascending Phase of Solar Cycle 25

Within the meter wavelength region, Type II Solar Radio Bursts (SRBs) have been determined to be some of the most significant solar radio emission events.  They are produced by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shocks generated by solar flares or Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). This paper presents an analysis of the characteristics of Type II SRBs detected by the CALLISTO (Compound Astronomical Low-cost Low-frequency Instrument for Spectroscopy and Transportable Observatory) station at the Space Technology Complex (STC), Banting, managed by the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA).  In this paper, a total of 21 type II SRBs were observed at the station, during the period of 1 October 2021 to 29 February 2024, based on data from the e-CALLISTO website. The characteristics of these SRBs were thoroughly analysed to gain insights into their properties. The analysis focused on their association with flare event classes and CME parameters categorized by linear speed and angular width. Additionally, the study examined the occurrence of Herringbone or harmonic structures and drift rates during the solar cycle 25’s ascending phase. Data on solar flares were obtained from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES), while CMEs were obtained from the Large Angle Spectroscopy Coronagraph Observatory (LASCO). Based on the present study, it is found that 20 out of 21 type II SRBs are connected with both solar flares and CMEs. Among these, 18 out of 21 type II SRBs were connected with intense GOES X-rays flares.  Furthermore, 45% of the type II SRBs were related to fast and wide CMEs, whereas only 20% of the type II SRBs were linked with slow and narrow CMEs.  Additionally, partial and full halo CMEs were observed in conjunction with half of the detected type II SRBs.  The study also identified the drift rate and duration of type II SRBs, varying between 0.08 to 1.56 MHzs−1 and ~ 1 to 5 minutes, respectively.  Among them, 62% exhibited harmonic structures, and the rest, 38% showed herringbone structures

A Comprehensive Review of Peperomia pellucida: Chemical Composition, Traditional and Pharmacological Uses, and Potential in Dermatitis Management

Peperomia pellucida has been used widely in ethnomedicine and many studies have been conducted on this plant. Locals have been using this plant in traditional medicine and consumed as food. This review summarized previous studies conducted on this plant, focusing on plant’s chemical composition, pharmaceutical and traditional uses, pharmacological activities and dermatitis management. P. pellucida contains phytochemical groups, namely alkaloids, tannins, resins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols and carbohydrates, while the nutritional and mineral profile revealed that the plant is rich in crude protein, carbohydrate and total ash content. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat different medicinal conditions such as conjunctivitis, convulsions, fatigue, fever, headache, gout, rheumatic pains, skin diseases that include dermatitis, acnes and eczema, breast cancer and diabetic. Studies reported that the plant possesses  antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. The natural pharmacological activities and active compounds in P. pellucida, namely tannins, saponins and flavonoids have been shown to help in managing dermatitis. This review concludes that P. pellucida can be utilized as a promising candidate for developing new therapeutic drug for the treatment of various diseases including dermatitis

Laboratory Assessment of Cadmium, Copper, and Zinc Phytoaccumulation by Ipomoea aquatica, Peltandra virginica, and Salvinia molesta for Phytoremediation Potential

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant risks to biodiversity and human health. Conventional remediation methods, while effective, are often expensive and inefficient. This study explores phytoremediation—a sustainable and cost-effective alternative that uses plants to remove pollutants—as a potential solution. We assessed the accumulation capacities of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by three aquatic plant species: Ipomoea aquatica (water spinach), Peltandra virginica (arrow arum), and Salvinia molesta (giant salvinia). Plants were acclimatized for seven days before exposure to metal solutions at concentrations of 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 15 mg/L over a 20-day period under controlled laboratory conditions. Sampling was performed every four days, and metal accumulation was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine statistically significant differences in uptake among species. I. aquatica exhibited the highest Cd accumulation (13.77 mg/L) at 15 mg/L concentration, with a removal efficiency of 89.7%. S. molesta showed the greatest Cu (57.3%) and Zn (92.6%) removal efficiencies at 15 mg/L and 10 mg/L, respectively. Statistically significant differences in metal uptake were observed at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that I. aquatica and S. molesta are potential plant for phytoremediation applications in contaminated aquatic environments. Further research is recommended to enhance their uptake mechanisms and evaluate scalability under field conditions

Feature Reduction on Sym-H Index Image Using Principal Component Analysis Approach

Geomagnetic storms pose significant risks to technological systems on Earth. One of the ways to identify the level of a storm is from the Sym-H plot images. The fewer features used for image interpretation, the simpler and more efficient the analysis becomes. In this study, we applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to the Sym-H index images, initially consisting of seven statistical features. Through PCA, this study managed to reduce these features to just two principal components, capturing over 98% of the total variance in the first two components, thereby retaining essential information while simplifying the dataset. This reduction not only simplifies the visualization and interpretation of the Sym-H plot images but also retains the critical information necessary for understanding geomagnetic storm dynamics. By focusing on these two principal components, we can effectively present and analyse the essential patterns and behaviours of geomagnetic activity during storm events. The findings highlight the potential of PCA to enhance space weather forecasting and improve the resilience of technological infrastructure against solar storm impacts

Valorizing Durian Fruit Waste: A Path Towards Functional Materials

Durian (Durio zibethinus), known as the "King of Fruits," is widely consumed in Southeast Asia. Durian exports and imports become a high-value industry. However, durian production generates a significant amount of waste, including husks, seeds, and unconsumed pulp, which poses environmental and economic challenges. This review highlights recent advancements in utilizing durian waste as functional materials in various industries, including biopolymers, biosorbent, biochar, activated carbon production, and as a catalyst in biodiesel production. It highlights the extraction processes, material synthesis techniques, and multifunctional properties of durian-derived materials, emphasizing their environmental and economic benefits. The valorization of durian waste not only addresses waste management concerns but also adds value through sustainable material development. By addressing the challenges of large-scale implementation and exploring innovative valorization strategies, durian fruit waste has the potential to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and promoting a circular bioeconomy

Identification of Electrical Conductivity of The Volcanic Soil on Fertilizer-Exposed Agricultural Field (Case Study on Agricultural Field Parompong, West Java)

Parongpong volcanic soil is a type of Andosols soil used for short-lived crop farming. Increased agricultural production is usually by giving excessive fertilizer that causes contamination of farmland and leaves residue residues that contaminate the soil. The research has been done using geophysical methods to determine the soil electrical properties of the Huma EC technology, which results in resistivity value and converts it into conductivity. Data collection on agricultural and non-agricultural land was measured as a comparison. The result shows that agricultural land’s conductivity value is higher than non-agricultural land. The range of conductivity values in non agricultural land is 1.44 - 15.11 mmhos/cm. The content of conductivity values in non-non-agricultural land is 0.72 - 2.7 mmhos/cm. The value can be used as a Parongpong volcanic agricultural area conductivity database.   Keywords: agricultural, electrical conductivity, cation transfer capacity, contamination, HUMA-EC&nbsp

The Environmental Impacts of E-Hailing Services in Southeast Asia: A Literature Review.

The proliferation of e-hailing services has raised concerns about their role in cities. The environmental impacts of e-hailing services are complex and multi-faceted. This paper provides a review of the literature on e-hailing services in Southeast Asia (SEA) to enhance the understanding of e-hailing services environmental impacts on the urban transportation sector. Through reviewing the literature, this study aims to identify the environmental impacts of these services and to inform related planning and regulatory efforts in the context of emerging economic countries in resolving issues related to urban transportation. A comprehensive and systematic search was performed using Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, Sage Publications, and Emerald Publishing. Each database was searched for literature published between 1st January 2008 and 31st July 2024. Owing to the lack of research on the e-hailing service, there is little evidence in the existing literature on environmental dimension of transportation sustainability. This indicates a need for further research in this area. The results of the review illustrate certain similarities between e-hailing services in SEA countries. Finally, there is also evidence showing that these services provide other opportunities to extend or complement public transit, reduce congestion and car ownership. Keywords: e-hailing services, environmental impacts, vehicles attributes, environmental emission, sustainabilit

Eco-Friendly Neem Infusion: The Mosquito-Beater Candle

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) is one of India's most valued traditional medicinal herbs, with each part of the tree holding distinct medicinal properties. Mosquito-borne diseases, which pose a significant global health threat, require developing alternative mosquito-repellent solutions. This research explores the potential of neem-scented candles as a natural repellent due to neem's insect-repelling compounds, such as azadirachtin. Various analyses, including percentage yield, moisture content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, are conducted to evaluate the neem oil and the candles' properties. Additionally, tests on the candles' melting point, burning rate, scent stability, and candle compression are performed, along with a structured survey to assess consumer perception. FTIR and UV-Vis analyses confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in the neem oil. The formulated neem-scented candles exhibited moderate effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes, offering a potential alternative to chemical-based repellents. The consumer survey indicated a positive reception towards the neem-infused candles, appreciating their dual functionality as decorative items and mosquito repellents. Neem-scented candles demonstrate potential as an eco-friendly mosquito-repellent solution. The research supports using neem oil as a natural repellent, highlighting its biodegradability and minimal impact on beneficial insects. Future work could focus on optimizing the formulation for enhanced efficacy and exploring other natural additives to improve the candles' performance