Development of animal feed from waste to wealth using Napier Grass and Palm Acid Oil (PAO) from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)

This study is to investigate the effectiveness of feeding cattle with a mixture of palm acid oil (PAO) from palm oil mill effluent (POME), water lettuce, coconut waste and Napier grass. These materials will be mixed and form a feed formulation. This study also wants to develop a cattle feed that will help to reduce the water lettuce and coconut waste negative impact to the environment. Besides that, the best formulation of the cattle feed will be determined. The amount of each material will be different for each formula. This cattle feed will use the waste to follow the Green Technology. The formulation of the feed is based from Department of Veterinary Services Feeding Guide book. This study is focus on reducing the negative impact to the environment by utilizing the waste of POME, coconut waste and water lettuce. There are three formulation that was tested on cattle to determine the most suitable formulation. The formulation has different amount of each material. The nutrient in each formulation was calculated based on feeding guides by Department of Veterinary entitled nutrient composition of Malaysian feed materials and guides to feeding of cattle and goats. There are four cattle that was involved in this study. Three cattle were fed with the formulation. Meanwhile, the other one was fed with its regular feeds which is Napier Grass only and act as the control. The result obtained will be compared with the control cattle. The feed intake of each cattle was recorded. The result shows that the formulation is good for high growth performance of the cattle compare to the regular feeds. This is because the formulation has more nutrients in it. In fact, it has more nutrient than the cattle need to grow. The control cattle did not gain as much as formulation A. Thus, this prove that the formulation is effective compare to the regular feeds and it is cheaper. Apart from that, the high growth performance can help to cater the high demand of meats consumption

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF COMPUTER-BASED LANGUAGE TEST (CBLT) AND VALIDATION OF CBLT-LISTENING QUESTIONNAIRE USING EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS

Background and Purpose: One of the difficulties that emerged during online learning was the teaching and learning of listening skills which prompted the development of an online platform, Computer-based Language Test (CBLT), to assist educators conduct listening practices and assessment with students without experiencing geographical limitations. As this is a novel platform, this paper intends to examine students’ perceptions of listening skills and online learning after utilising this platform using the developed CBLT-Listening Questionnaire.   Methodology: This cross-sectional quantitative study employed questionnaires to collect data from diploma students. Two-stage sampling was utilised whereby the first stage used stratified random sampling in selecting classes from twenty-three (23) branches of the university. Simple random sampling was practised in the second stage which yielded 410 responses. The data were subjected to descriptive and exploratory factor analyses (EFA) in SPSS.   Findings: Descriptive analysis revealed that the respondents find listening a difficult skill to acquire yet view CBLT an excellent initiative for online distance learning. EFA revealed that the items in the Listening construct were significant and to be retained. However, the EFA results reported that one item from the Online Distance Learning construct needs to be deleted from the questionnaire.   Contributions: The validated CBLT-S Listening Questionnaire serves as an instrument to investigate the impact of a novel online platform (CBLT) on students' perceptions on listening and online learning. The results from this study evidenced that online platforms that incorporate practices and assessment are viewed positively by students for pedagogy in language teaching.   Keywords: Computer-based language test, exploratory factor analysis, listening skill, online listening test, CBLT-listening questionnaire.   Cite as: Khairuddin, Z., Anuar, N., Azhari, M. A., Serip Mohamad, N. H., Mohd Daud, K., Ahmad, A. R., & Abd Rashid, M. H. (2023). Students’ perceptions of Computer-Based Language Test (CBLT) and validation of CBLT-listening questionnaire using exploratory factor analysis.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(2), 222-241. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8iss2pp222-24

RCS analysis on different targets and bistatic angles using LTE frequency

Moving target detection and location are a function of dependent bistatic Radar Cross Section (RCS) and radar design parameters which in our experimental study used long-term evolution (LTE) signal as a source for passive bistatic radar (PBR). Moving target also can be classified in positions of different bistatic radar angles using conventional processing approaches which we performed a simulation using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave studio. The target bistatic radar cross-section, sb will give a realistic calculation on PBR performance with the requirement of complete treatment. The targets used are Toyota Rush (SUV) and Proton Exora (compact MPV) as a moving target had been designed based on the actual size to observe the performance of RCS due to the changing of bistatic angle between transmitter and receiver. The frequency transmit signal from LTE based station is 2.6 GHz, far-field conditions and the material used for the moving target is perfect electrical conductor. Simulation used different bistatic angles which are 59° and 90° of plane wave propagation. The simulation results show that largest area of moving target had better outcome that reliable with Babinet's principle, which declares a target of physical cross-sectional area is proportionate to RCS. The variation of RCS also depends on the shape of moving target, size of moving target and angles of plane wave. This might improve the sensitivity elevation targets with an adjustment of receiver angle to the target and transmitter for a better RCS performance

Study of palm acid oil (PAO) from sludge palm oil mill effluent (POME) as goat’s feed

This study was conducted to determine the base dietary of animal feed for goat by utilizing solid waste and to investigate the effectiveness of different dietary of solid waste effect on growth performance of goats. Palm Acid Oil (PAO), Napier grass, coconut waste and water lettuce were used as the sample to produce animal feed for goats. POME is produced during palm oil mill process [1]. PAO is produced during the extracted process of POME. The solid waste produced has caused the pollution problem to the environment. The solid waste undergoes composting method to produce animal feed which is useful to the growth of goat. All these samples were collected and mixed by following the guideline book of title Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Feed Materials and Guides to Feeding of Cattle and Goats by Department of Veterinary Services Ministry of Agriculture and Argo-based Industry Malaysia [2]. Four adult does with an age of 6 months and weighting 23.30 ± 2.47 kg were used then fed with the dietary treatments for 14 days for adaptation and continued until the end of the study, which lasted for 120 days. The 3 indicators to be analysed were the growth performance and body weight gain (BWG) of goats, also the nutrient requirement by goats. In this study, 3 dietary treatments were used (D1, D2, D3) to be compared with control diet (CD). Each diet contains different nutrient and composition. All these samples have nutrient needed by the goat and have a big potential to produce an animal feed. Results showed that goat that takes D1 has the highest growth performance and body weight gain (BW)

Treatment of Eutrophic KotaSAS Lake by Phytoremediation using Macrophytes Species; Eichhornia Crassipes and Pistia Stratiotes

The wastewater treatment is known as a necessary attention for the process of retreatment towards the removal of suspended solids. Phytoremediation is a plant-based system which directly used of green plant in-situ to reduce pollutants in the lakes. This method is ecologically friendly and solar dependent clean-up technology. This study was undertaken ex situ where the aim of this study is to treat the eutrophic man-made lake at KotaSAS lakeside through following objectives; to identify the variation of physicochemical attributes of KotaSAS lake water through phytoremediation, to evaluate the potential of selected heavy metals and nutrients removal (nitrate and phosphorus) using Eichornia crassipes (water hyacinth) and Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce) and to determine the correlations between sampling points and physicochemical attributes using statistical analysis.. The method of analysis of lake water was referred by Standard Method for Examination of Water and Wastewater by APHA. Then, statistical notation was conducted on the results obtained to identify the accuracy and validity of data, which in this case, correlations and t-test statistical method was used. Referring to the statistical notation of (p<0.05), conclusion on the significance of the result and variables were made. It is justified statistically that the data obtained for each treatment using different types of plants are valid and concise. As a result, it is found that water lettuce and water hyacinth have different nutrients removal and heavy metals removal efficiency but, in all cases,, these phytoremediation agents exhibited nutrients removal efficiency from the range of 27% up to 58% followed by heavy metals removal efficiency from the range of 23% up to 60%. Water hyacinth exhibited great nitrate and phosphorus removal efficiency, 51.51% and 58.81% whereby as for water lettuce exhibited great heavy metals removal efficiency for manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), 60.68%, 58.2% and 26.4% respectively. With this achievement acquired in phytoremediation technology employing water hyacinth, it is of utmost important for this technology to be implemented in larger scales thereafter. Hence, this plant is suitable to be used in controlling eutrophic lake due to its hyper-accumulating ability

Formulation of Capra Hircus feed to utilize Artocarpus Heterophyllus Leaves and Palm Acid Oil (PAO)

Palm Acid Oil (PAO) is the by-product from physical refining product of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). PAO is the product from the last portion of converted Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in the end of that consist free fatty acid (FFA) >50%. The chemical properties in the PAO can make it be a part of animal feed as it is low in free fatty acid (FFA) and cheaper than CPO [1]. This study is focus on reducing the negative impact to the environment by utilizing the waste of POME, jackfruit leaves and soybean waste. Three formulations were tested on goats to determine the most suitable formulation. The formulations have different amount of each material. The nutrient in each formulation was calculated based on feeding guides by Department of Veterinary entitled nutrient composition of Malaysian feed materials and guides to feeding of cattle and goats [3]. Three goats were involved in this study. Two goats were fed with the formulations. Meanwhile, the other one was fed with its regular feeds which is Napier grass Taiwan and commercial pellet that act as a control. The result obtained will be compared with the control goat. The feed intake of each goat was recorded. As results, the suitable formulation of the composition of waste material had been choose as they can increase the weight and performance of Asian domestic goats. The uses of waste proved which is development of waste to be animal feed to meet the green technology and Malaysia Industrial revolution in livestock industries [2]

Study of Palm Acid Oil (PAO) from Sludge Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) as Goat’s Feed

This study was conducted to determine the base dietary of animal feed for goat by utilizing solid waste and to investigate the effectiveness of different dietary of solid waste effect on growth performance of goats. Palm Acid Oil (PAO), Napier grass, coconut waste and water lettuce were used as the sample to produce animal feed for goats. POME is produced during palm oil mill process [1]. PAO is produced during the extracted process of POME. The solid waste produced has caused the pollution problem to the environment. The solid waste undergoes composting method to produce animal feed which is useful to the growth of goat. All these samples were collected and mixed by following the guideline book of title Nutrient Composition of Malaysian Feed Materials and Guides to Feeding of Cattle and Goats by Department of Veterinary Services Ministry of Agriculture and Argo-based Industry Malaysia [2]. Four adult does with an age of 6 months and weighting 23.30 ± 2.47 kg were used then fed with the dietary treatments for 14 days for adaptation and continued until the end of the study, which lasted for 120 days. The 3 indicators to be analysed were the growth performance and body weight gain (BWG) of goats, also the nutrient requirement by goats. In this study, 3 dietary treatments were used (D1, D2, D3) to be compared with control diet (CD). Each diet contains different nutrient and composition. All these samples have nutrient needed by the goat and have a big potential to produce an animal feed. Results showed that goat that takes D1 has the highest growth performance and body weight gain (BW)

Development of Capra Hircus Feed from Waste to Wealth by Utilize Artocarpus Heterophyllus Leaves and Palm Acid Oil (PAO) from Palm Oil Mill Effluence (POME)

Palm acid oil (PAO) is product from last portion of converted crude palm oil (CPO) in the end of that consist free fatty acid (FFA) over 50%. The chemical properties in PAO make it be a part of animal feed as it is low in FFA and cheaper than CPO [1]. To reduce the environmental pollution from palm oil mill, PAO can be used for producing laundry soap. However, it also can be served as an important ingredient in making goat feed formulations. This study is to develop goat feed from nutritious waste to reduce the increasing cost in feeding production in order meet the policies of green technologies. The wastes used are PAO from POME, jackfruit leaves and soybean waste. The nutrient of all material is identified to fulfil the need by animal for growth performance. In addition, development of goats feed by utilize PAO from POME can reduce the environmental caused by effluents coming from palm oil mill. It is following the policies of green technology that conserve environment by developing evolution and application of product and system [2]. The feed formulations are based on Department of Veterinary Services Feeding Guide book. This study is focus on reducing the negative impact to the environment by utilizing the waste to wealth. Three formulations were tested on goats to determine the most suitable formulation. The formulations have different amount of each material. The nutrient in each formulation was calculated based on feeding guides by Department of Veterinary entitled nutrient composition of Malaysian feed materials and guides to feeding of cattle and goats [3]. Three goats involved in this study. Two goats were fed with new formulations, meanwhile the other one was fed with its regular feeds which is Napier grass Taiwan and commercial pellet that act as control. The results obtained were compared with control goat. The feed intake of each goat was recorded. As results, the suitable formulation of the composition of waste material had been choose as it can increase the weight and performance of Asian domestic goats. The uses of waste proved that development of waste to wealth in animal feed meet the green technology and Malaysia Industrial revolution in livestock industries

Effect of Cinnamon Extraction Oil (CEO) for Algae Biofilm Shelf-Life Prolongation

This study was conducted to improve the life-span of the biofilm produced from algae by evaluating the decomposition rate with the effect of cinnamon extraction oil (CEO). The biofilm was fabricated using the solution casting technique. The soil burying analysis demonstrated low moisture absorption of the biofilm, thus decelerating the degradation due to low swelling rate and micro-organism activity, prolonging the shelf-life of the biofilm. Hence, the addition of CEO also affects the strength properties of the biofilm. The maximum tensile strength was achieved with the addition of 5% CEO, which indicated a good intermolecular interaction between the biopolymer (algae) and cinnamon molecules. The tensile strength, which was measured at 4.80 MPa, correlated with the morphological structure. The latter was performed using SEM, where the surface showed the absence of a separating phase between the biofilm and cinnamon blend. This was evidenced by FTIR analysis, which confirmed the occurrence of no chemical reaction between the biofilm and CEO during processing. The prolongation shelf-life rate of biofilm with good tensile properties are achievable with the addition of 5% of CEO

Degradable slow-release fertilizer composite prepared by ex situ mixing of inverse vulcanized copolymer with urea

To improve the crop yield and nitrogen uptake efficacy, a novel slow-release urea composite fertilizer (SUCF) was developed using inverse vulcanized copolymer with better biodegradation and nutrient release longevity. Copolymers were synthesized via inverse vulcanization of jatropha oil, and their properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powdered-X-ray diffractometry (p-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SUCFs were developed by ex situ mixing of inverse vulcanized copolymer with urea powder using mechanical mixer, and their properties were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra of developed fertilizer possesses the urea characteristics peaks along with the undisturbed peaks representing copolymer, confirming the mechanical mixing and that no reaction took place. SEM images of the SUCFs compared with images of copolymer revealed the appearance of new isolated particles with different morphology, EDX mapping showed that these particles represent the urea added to the copolymer. Nitrogen release longevity of developed fertilizers was evaluated in both soil and distilled water. The leaching test revealed that only 70% of the total nitrogen of SUCF prepared from 50 wt% sulfur copolymer was released after 16 days of incubation in distilled water, whereas it released only 35% nitrogen after 20 days in soil. The biodegradability of all copolymers developed was investigated by burying in soil and it revealed their biodegradable nature as weight loss was observed, which increased with the increase of incubation period