Rapid detection of ethanol in beverages using IIUM-fabricated electronic nose

This study has been successfully conducted to develop a method for rapid detection of ethanol (EtOH) concentration in beverages using portable electronic nose (E-Nose) developed by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). E-Nose is widely used in food analysis. However, E-Noses used in food industry are big and not portable. The very recently-developed portable device used in this study is very handy and practical for use. Results from this study revealed that the device could be used for rapid detection of ethanol concentration in various beverages such as alcoholic beverages, isotonic drinks, soft drinks and fruit juices from different brands sold in Malaysia. From the result obtained, it was shown that the device has high accuracy and reliability where it could detect ethanol concentration as low as 0.1% (v/v). The analytical condition for the detection was achieved with the lowest voltage output of 0.43V. While for optimization analysis using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), optimum Headspace Generated Time (HGT) and bottle’s volume (mL) obtained are 0.66h and 100mL, respectively

Inhibitory Activity of Andrographolide and Andrograpanin on the Rate of PGH2 Formation

Cyclooxygenase (COX) or prostaglandin H2 synthase (PGHS) catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by inhibiting both COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms, thus disturbing this reaction. In Indonesia, Andrographis paniculata (local name: sambiloto), is empirically used to reduce inflammation by consuming the herb tea of this plant. This work studied the inhibitory activity of andrographolide and andrograpanin, diterpenoids of the plant, on the rate of prostaglandin formation. Previous works have proven that andrographolide inhibited PGE2 production in LPS-induced human fibroblast cells. This study was performed by measuring the absorbance of TMPD (tetramethyl-p-phenyldiamine) oxidized by andrographolide and andrograpanin. Acetosal was used as a control drug. The rate of PGH2 formations on either COX-1 or COX- 2 was affected by andrographolide and andrograpanin. Andrographolide and andrograpanin interact longer with COX-1 than COX-2. Andrographolide shows weak inhibition on the rate of PGH2 formation, whilst andrograpanin might be further developed for potential antiinflammatory drugs. Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, anti-inflammatory, COX, cyclooxygenase, prostaglandi

Novel low viscosity ammonium-based ionic liquids with carboxylate anions: Synthesis, characterization, and thermophysical properties

International audienc

Designing meaningful interaction in facebook

Interaction is an important key in any learning process. It's result in promoting students' achievement in learning and influence students, instructors and the learning experiences. Interaction is meaningful when interaction gives an impact on learners' intellectual development. The definition of meaningful interaction is related to the learning theories of all learning environments. The essential of interaction is also dependent upon the contexts in which interaction occurs, in a faceto- face situation or online environments and of course, every interaction in an online learning environment does not have an influence on increased learning. Therefore, the aim of this concept paper is to design meaningful interaction in Facebook based on the theory of learning and the strategies that could contribute to begin the understanding of the nature of interaction and learning processes it enables. Hence, the theory and principle selected to be applied in real study to investigate the effectiveness of the design. Based on the results, we will hopefully begin to understand clearly the nature of interaction and learning processes it enables. Based on this understanding, we can better manage and facilitate the interaction process as well as design meaningful interaction in online learning environments. It has several significant importance to certain entities including students, instructors, lecturers, and the Ministry of Education in Malaysia (MOE). This guideline might be useful for educators to generate meaningful learning interaction in social learning environment such as Facebook

Enhancement of π–π aromatic interactions between hydrophobic Ionic Liquids and Methylene Blue for an optimum removal efficiency and assessment of toxicity by microbiological method

International audienc

Extraction of Naphthenic Acid from Highly Acidic Oil Using Hydroxide-Based Ionic Liquids

The isolation and recovery of naphthenic acid from highly acidic model oil was performed using hydroxide-based ionic liquids. An extremely low ionic liquid/oil ratio was used to completely deacidify the model oil. Tetraalkylammonium and tetraalkylphosphonium hydroxide ionic liquids were employed in this study. Tetraalkylammonium-based ionic liquids are more efficient than tetraalkylphosphonium-based ionic liquids. The recyclability of the ionic liquids for the extraction of naphthenic acid was also studied. The regeneration of the extracted naphthenic acid was achieved

Extraction and characterization of lignin from oil palm biomass via ionic liquid dissolution and non-toxic aluminium potassium sulfate dodecahydrate precipitation processes

The objective of this study is to extract and characterize lignin from oil palm biomass (OPB) by dissolution in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([bmim][Cl]), followed by the lignin extraction through the CO2 gas purging prior to addition of aluminum potassium sulfate dodecahydrate (AlK(SO4)2·12H2O). The lignin yield, YL (%wt.) was found to be dependent of the types of OPB observed for all precipitation methods used. The lignin recovery, RL (%wt.) obtained from CO2-AlK(SO4)2·12H2O precipitation was, however dependent on the types of OPB, which contradicted to that of the acidified H2SO4 and HCl solutions of pH 0.7 and 2 precipitations. Only about 54% of lignin was recovered from the OPB. The FTIR results indicate that the monodispersed lignin was successfully extracted from the OPT, OPF and OPEFB having a molecular weight (MW) of 1331, 1263 and 1473g/mol, and degradation temperature of 215, 207.5 and 272°C, respectivel

Physicochemical Properties of New Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Containing Aromatic Group

International audienc