Techno-economic assessment of an integrated algae-based biorefinery with palm oil mill

Palm oil production has become a major contributor to the economy of several tropical countries where palm oil trees can be grown commercially, particularly due to its high productivity and capability to yield more oil from less land area. Palm oil milling activities generate wastewater that is highly polluted and requires to be treated before it can be discharged into the environment. The wastewater generated from the milling activities is defined as palm oil mill effluent (POME). Studies have shown that algae can be grown using wastewater. The utilisation of algae for POME treatment coupled with biogas facilities in the palm oil mill can simultaneously remediate the wastewater and reduce the cost for nutrient and freshwater supplies required for algae growth. This paper investigates the techno-economic potentials of an integrated algae-based biorefinery with palm oil mill. The proposed superstructure for the integrated bio-refinery includes carbon sequestration, algae growth with wastewater integration from biogas effluent, algae harvesting and dewatering, algal oil extraction, algal oil upgrading, and residual algae processing. Based on the techno-economic analysis conducted, the results show that the processing pathway which consists of open pond, flocculation with alum and centrifugation, drying, solvent extraction with hexane/isopropanol, base catalysed transesterification of algal oil, and combustion of residual algae produces the highest profit of 7.73 x 105 USD/y

Construction waste management practices in Malaysia: an overview

The construction industry is one of the major wealth-generating industries and is seen as an elevated sector in the Malaysia economy. However, this activity has generated a significant amount of waste which is detrimental to the environment. The increasing amount of waste from construction projects has shown that construction waste management has not been practised effectively in Malaysia. Therefore, an overview of the composition of construction waste and existing waste management practices on construction sites in Malaysia are the highlights of this study. The findings can potentially be used to enhance the effectiveness of construction waste management in Malaysia and create awareness among contractors for a better alternative in managing the construction waste on-site. Current practices in the construction sector need to be analysed in order to enhance strategies so that improved and more sustainable design, development, operation and maintenance will be attained, leading to minimal waste

Multiwavelength fiber laser based on bidirectional lyot filter in conjunction with intensity dependent loss mechanism

We experimentally demonstrate a multiwavelength fiber laser (MWFL) based on bidirectional Lyot filter. A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is used as the gain medium, while its combination with polarization controllers (PCs) and polarization beam combiner (PBC) induces intensity dependent loss (IDL) mechanism. The IDL mechanism acts as an intensity equalizer to flatten the multiwavelength spectrum, which can be obtained at a certain polarization state. Using different ratio of optical splitter has affected to multiwavelength flatness degradation. Subsequently, when we removed a polarizer in the setup, the extinction ratio (ER) is decreased. Ultimately, with two segments of polarization maintaining fiber (PMF), two channel spacings can be achieved due to splicing shift of 0° and 90°

Physical-mechanical properties and thermogravimetric analysis of fired clay bricks incorporating palm kernel shell for alternative raw materials

This article explores the potential of incorporating palm kernel shells (PKS) from palm oil mill waste as a clay replacement for fired clay bricks. PKS, an abundant byproduct of palm oil extraction, have high cellulose content and high calorific value, making them an ideal option for clay replacement in brick making. For this purpose, clay soil was replaced with different percentages of PKS (0, 1, 5 and 10%) and subjected to a firing temperature of 1050 ◦C (heating rate of 1 ◦C/min). The physical–mechanical properties such as shape, size, colour, dry density, water absorption, thermal conductivity, porosity and compressive strength, as well as microstructural and morphological properties (XRD, SEM-EDX and digital image) and thermal analysis data (TGA-DTA) were evaluated to determine the effects of replacing PKS in fired clay bricks. The results showed that the incorporation of PKS increased firing shrinkage and porosity and decreased dry density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. However, incorporating more than 5% PKS resulted in lower mechanical properties (24.6 to 11.0 MPa) and higher water absorption (3 to 12%) due to increased firing shrinkage and porosity (0.3 to 0.9% and 13 to 20%, respectively). The bricks also exhibited lower density (1799 to 1645 kg/m3) and improved thermal properties (0.54 to 0.36 W/m.K) due to the development of porosity during the firing process. While the degradation of organic components was a concern, it was determined that all organic components were completely degraded below 650 ◦C and the bricks matured at 950 ◦C. The study concluded that the use of PKS as a partial replacement for clay in brick manufacture is a viable solution for waste management

Mobile Public Transportation Application: Factors Influencing Urban Rail Transit Passengers' Use

This paper thoroughly explored and discussed the factors that affect Mobile Public Transportation Applications usage among urban rail transit passengers. To do so, a model known as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was chosen to determine the significant factors influencing mobile application usage among passengers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. During its primary data collection, an online survey was deployed to 109 passengers using an online survey platform. According to the modal split analysis, most female students and private-sector employees aged 18-29 years use the Mobile Public Transportation Application with route projection during an emergency, depending on the mobile application facilitating conditions. Moreover, based on the factors analysis' result, facilitating conditions are an essential factor compared to the other constructs. However, the study's findings might be biased towards a certain age and gender group due to its respondent reach. Therefore, an equal number of respondents in various age and gender groups is highly recommended for future research to fully grasp the factors that may affect passengers using the Mobile Public Transportation Application in urban mobility

Exploring COVID-19 vaccines hesitancy among the Muslim community of the east coast region in Malaysia

Introduction: The development of vaccines against SARS-COV-2 infections has marked a significant milestone in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccines can provide a way to prevent the pandemic. Despite the high acceptance rate, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan (east coast region) remain the lowest vaccination rate in Malaysia. Most of Malaysia's population in the east coast region is Muslim, but there is no study exploring this phenomenon. Objective: This study aims to understand the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Malaysia's Muslim community of the east coast region. Methodology: This study used a qualitative research design study. Six participants from the east coast region of Malaysia were recruited from February until June 2022. The recruitment techniques used purposive sampling methods. In-depth interviews with participants were used on virtual platforms. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes were identified 1) source of information; they believe rumours spread by the anti-vaccine movement or their close family 2) safety issues concern; they are scared of potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, 3) self-belief; they believe self-isolation and proper diet better than vaccine intervention. Conclusion: Although 95.7 per cent of the population is wholly vaccinated, some still do not intend to take any COVID-19 vaccination in Malaysia. This study can provide data and crucial information that will help develop strategies to remove the related hesitancy and improve public uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination

The neurobiology of smartphone addiction in emerging adults evaluated using brain morphometry and resting-state functional MRI

The characteristics of smartphone addiction (SPA) can be evaluated by neuroimaging studies. Information on the brain structural alterations, and effects on psychosocial wellbeing, however, have not been concurrently evaluated. The aim of this study was to identify abnormalities in gray matter volume using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and neuronal functional alterations using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) in emerging adults with SPA. We correlated the neuroimaging parameters with indices for psychosocial wellbeing such as depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity. Forty participants (20 SPA and 20 age-matched healthy controls) were assessed using VBM and rs-fMRI. The smartphone addiction scale –Malay version (SAS-M) questionnaire scores were used to categorize the SPA and healthy control groups. DASS-21 and BIS-11 questionnaires were used to assess for psychosocial wellbeing and impulsivity, respectively. VBM identified the SPA group to have reduced gray matter volume in the insula and precentral gyrus; and increased grey matter volume in the precuneus relative to controls. A moderate correlation was observed between the precuneus volume and the SAS-M scores. Individuals with SPA showed significant rs-fMRI activations in the precuneus, and posterior cingulate cortex (FWE uncorrected, p<0.001). The severity of SPA was correlated with depression. Anxiety score was moderately correlated with reduced GMV at the precentral gyrus. Collectively, these results can be used to postulate that the structural and neuronal functional changes in the insula are linked to the neurobiology of SPA that shares similarities with other behavioural addictions

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Evaluation of processing route alternatives for accessing the integration of algae-based biorefinery with palm oil mill

Algae biomass has gained attention as a potential feedstock for renewable energy production in a biorefinery due to its capability to assist on carbon sequestration and wastewater remediation. Since algae can be grown using CO2 and wastewater, the integration the algae-based biorefinery with other industry that produced CO2 and discharge water as wastes may improve the economic and environmental aspects of the biorefinery. In this study, the economic potentials of five processing route alternatives for algae processing (1000 t/y of dry algae feed basis) in an integrated algae-based biorefinery with palm oil mill were assessed. The alternatives evaluated were: (A1) Combustion of residual algae, (A2) Production of biogas from the Palm Oil Mill Effluents (POME), (A3) Production of biochar and bio-oil, (A4) Production of biogas and bio-oil, (A5) Production of green diesel. The economic assessments of the processing route alternatives were compared with the baseline scenario, which was the processing of algae into biodiesel and glycerol without the palm oil mill integration. Depending on the alternatives, the algae could be processed to produce up to 20.6 GWh/y of electricity, 100 t/y of biodiesel, 139 t/y of bio-oil, and 13.9 t/y of green diesel. The capital costs (CAPEX), operating costs (OPEX), revenue (REV), and energy demand (ED) for the baseline scenario and alternatives were calculated. The CAPEX for the baseline scenario and all of the integrated biorefinery alternatives evaluated varied between 9.239 × 105 USD/y to 9.526 × 105 USD/y while the OPEX varies between 7.765 × 106 USD/y to 8.474 × 106 USD/y. Based on the specific case study, all alternatives were not economically feasible since evaluation on all alternatives resulted in loss. Palm oil mill integrated algae-based biorefinery for biogas production was the alternative with least loss of −6.240 × 106 USD/y