Development of geological structure of Selangor basin using borehole lithology information

The water shortage in Selangor Northwest Project rice granary areas has been growing concern. The increase in plant capacity and the El Nino phenomenon that hit Malaysia (1998 & 2016) has cause the main source of irrigation; surface water and rainfall, could no longer meet the needs of paddy. As a consequence, paddy productivity has becoming serious concern and urge for alternative irrigation water supply. At the same time, the use of groundwater as a source of alternative supply of irrigation water has started to get attentions. However, to determine the potential groundwater aquifer, preliminary study should be made in advance. Thus, the focus of this paper is to investigate the geological structure of the Selangor Basin by means analysis of borehole information. A total of 56 tube wells data were used to obtain layers of subsurface in the study area. By using groundwater modelling software (Visual MODFLOW), a model that represents an actual geological conditions has been made. A total of 6 subsurface layers have been identified. The result of study showed that, the geological formations of the study area mainly consist of three types; alluvium, sedimentary and metamorphic rock

Mercury contamination in facial skin lightening creams and its health risks to user

This study aims to determine concentrations of mercury in facial skin lightening cream according to different price categories (category I: <RM29.99, category II: RM30.00-RM59.99, category III: RM60.00-RM99.99 and category IV: ≥RM100.00) and their potential health risks to users. Prices of skin lightening creams were determined during a preliminary market survey. Thereafter, twenty samples were purchased from various locations such as cosmetic stalls, beauty shops, pharmacies and street vendors based on their stratified price categories. Samples were extracted using microwave digester and analyzed using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). Non-carcinogenic chronic health risks for application of facial skin lightening cream were calculated using Dermal Absorption Dose (DAD) and Hazard Quotient (HQ). Concentrations of mercury in samples were less than the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) permitted trace levels (<1 ppm) except for one sample from category III which was manufactured in China. Concentrations of mercury in facial skin lightening creams ranged from not detected to 1.13 mg kg−1. There was no significant association between concentrations of mercury with price categories (p = 0.12). There was no significant non-carcinogenic health risk due to daily application of the facial skin lightening creams based on assumption of 30 years exposure period (HQ < 1)

Corporate governance and intellectual capital: evidence from public and private university / Akma Hidayu Dol @ Abdul Wahid, Nor 'Asyiqin Abu and Wannoraini Abdul Latif

This study was conducted to examine the perception of the academicians towards intellectual capital (IC) and governance practice at University A (Public University) and University B (Private University). It also examines the factors to retain the qualified academicians and the relationship between IC and corporate governance (CG) in universities. Analysis reveals that CG is the second factor influences the attraction and retention of the IC. While the foremost factor that attracts academicians to join the universities is the possibility of universities giving opportunity for their academic advancement. Furthermore, the analysis shows that both universities have implemented good governance. However, University A should put more effort in improving its transparency related to accessing the accurate and relevant information, evaluation system, financial allocation and provision for facilities. It also needs to provide more encouragement in academician involvement towards the decision making processes, and thus, giving an opportunity to the academicians to give feedback and suggestion on how to improve the operations within the University. On the other hand, the findings show that University B is lacking in the support of training for career development, rewarding new ideas and outstanding output, creativity and innovation. The academicians in University B also perceived that the University is lack of sufficient support to do a research work and necessary resources to achieve the research target. Finally, statistical result shows a positive relationship between IC and CG. It means, the higher the CG the higher the IC would be retained by the university. This result is further supported by 71.1 percent of the respondents who do not have any intention of leaving the university

An overview of mercury emission sources and application of activated carbon for mercury removal from flue gas / Hidayu Abdul Rani ... [et al.]

Mercury emission into the atmosphere is a global concern due to its detrimental effects on human health in general. The two main sources of mercury emission are natural sources and anthropogenic sources. Mercury emission from natural sources include volcanic activity, weathering of rocks, water movement and biological processes which are obviously inevitable. The anthropogenic sources of mercury emission are from coal combustion, cement production and waste incineration. Thus, in order to reduce mercury emission it is appropriate to investigate how mercury is released from the anthropogenic sources and consequently the mercury removal technology that can be implemented in order to reduce mercury emission into the atmosphere. Many alternatives have been developed to reduce mercury emission and the recent application of activated carbon showed high potential in the adsorption of elemental mercury. This paper discusses the ability of activated carbon and variable parameters that influence mercury removal efficiency in flue gas

Study on housing defect in Malaysia

The building defects are common issue associated with housing in Malaysia. Common type of building defect include structural defect such as crack or collapse, defective of electrical wiring or lighting, defective of plumbing, drainage system, cooling or heating system, sound proofing and also fire protection system. Damage caused by land movement or earth settlement are also can causes building defect. This research objective is to identify the common types of building defect, identify the causes of building defect and also analyse the building defect occur in housing. Based on a combination of literature review and questionnaire surveys, this paper explores the factors of the building defect occur and possible reducing method to minimize the problem, and also the relationship between measures identified with the factors. A quantitative research was conducted by sending 50 sets of questionnaire to the respondents. The results from 50 sets of completed questionnaire were used for the quantitative analysis. In this research shown that the highest ranked for the building defects was paint peeling. Then, poor functioning of system in housing, dampness on basements, beams, column and slab also always occur in housing. The most significant factor of building defect in housing is building not proper inspection maintenance. In conclusion, this problem would be important and should minimize the building defects by knowing the common solution when building defect occur immediately

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOL-GEL METHOD DERIVED ZINC DOPED HYDROXYAPATITE POWDER

Hydroxyapatite is highly biocompatible non degradable ceramic. Tricalcium phosphate is degradable which is faster for bone remodeling. Zinc as one mineral that presents in small amount in biological body has been successfully incorporated as dope via sol-gel method to produce hydroxyapatite with small amount trace of β-tricalcium phosphate. Increasing in the amount of Zn did not affect much to the amount of the trace but its oxide. 5% mol of Zn is optimal to produce biphasic calcium phosphate without the oxide appearance

Diversity of pteridophytes in Agro Techno Park Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, Kelantan

The main aim of this study was to find out the species diversity, composition and abundance of pteridophytes at different trails in Agro Techno Park Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, Kelantan. The diversity of pteridophytes was studied using random sampling method on four selected trails. There were 199 samples of pteridophytes collected that consists from 14 species,11 genera and 9 familes of terrestrial fern. The diversity index represented by Shannon Index, H’ where as Trail 3 contributed the highest diversity (H"= 2.00) followed by Trail 4 (H'=1.50) then Trail 2 (H'=1.25) and the lowest is at Trail 1.15). Trail 3 had the most species evenness index (EH= 0.96) indicating that the species composition is relatively high in that area and lowest at Trail 2 (EH= 0.70). Selaginellaceae contributed to the highest diversity while the lowest is Marattiaceae, Taenitidaceae and Thelypteridaceae. Selaginella wilidenowii contributed to the highest species composition with 33.67 % from all trails and also have the highest number of total individuals which is 67 which indicating the dominance of this species in the study site at UMK Jeli Agro Techno Park. Thus, by having this study, it can be an indicator to the environment and can be used as a reference for future diversity study at Agro Techno Park UMK Jell and also for Non-Governmental Organization having the campaigns to encourage the spread of knowledge on the importance of ferns to ecosystem and to various field such as medical and agriculture

Evaluation Of Activated Carbon Generated From Waste As A Low-Cost Adsorbent For The Removal Of Surfactants From Wastewater

Hen eggshell is the one of the major by product of the food industry. Due to its large production, the use of hen eggshell as low-cost activated carbon has slightly increased in recent years. Thus in this study, eggshell and its membrane particle was evaluate from the hen eggshell to be prepared as an activated carbon as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of surfactant, anionic, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In this work, a kinetic study was done with respect to different adsorbent dose against contact time in the adsorption process. The removal of surfactant was measure using UV Visible Spectrophotometer. The morphology was observed by SEM imaging. The Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectra proved the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, amine and carbonyl groups