Journal of Academia

DEGRADATION OF CONGO RED DYE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY USING ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESSES

Alya Nadhira Nasron — 2018-12-31

Degradation of azo dyes by using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) was conducted. In this
approach, different AOPs, which are Fenton process and titanium dioxide (TiO2) catalyst, were
examined and compared for the degradation of an azo dye (i.e., Congo red dye). The sample was tested
under UV light and the experiment was conducted for 90 min with 15 min interval. The degradation
rate of dye was determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The effect of several parameters on the
degradation process such as the concentration of metal ions (Fe2+, Cu2+, and Mn2+) as the catalyst in
Fenton process, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the mass of TiO2, and pH value of the
dye solution were investigated. The initial Congo red concentration used for both techniques was 5
ppm. The results showed that the percentage degradation followed the sequence of H2O2/Fe2+/UV,
H2O2/Cu2+/UV, H2O2/Mn2+/UV, and TiO2/UV. The best operating conditions for H2O2/Fe2+/UV were pH
3, 0.2 M concentration of H2O2, and 0.02 M concentration of metal ion in 15 min, which achieved
99.92% degradation of dye. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum showed the absence of azo
bond (N=N) peak after degradation process, which indicates the successful cleavage of azo bond in the
chemical structure of Congo red.

[Zn(TAC)]Cl COMPLEX POTENTIAL AS CORROSION INHIBITORS: SYNTHESIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION

Siti Aisyah Musa — 2018-12-31

Corrosion of metal is a severe issue in any industry which is considered to involve many costs. The use of acid solution during cleaning to get rid of rust in industries may contribute to metal corrosion. Since corrosion impact is causing worries, especially in many industries, the application of a corrosion inhibitor is required to reduce the rapid deterioration reaction of a metal surface that is exposed to corrosion ‘boosters’ like oxygen gas and water. A corrosion inhibitor, which is [Zn(TAC)]Cl, was produced from the reaction between thiacetazone (TAC) with ZnCl₂in an acetonitrile solvent with ratio 1:1 (ligand:metal). The elemental analysis (C, H, N, and S), FT-IR, UV-Visible, melting point, gravimetric analysis, and molar conductivity were used to characterize the synthesized complex. Based on infrared spectra and electronic transitions, the shifting of a complex from the ligand indicates that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ion through carbonyl O, azomethine N, and thiolate S; thus, producing a tridentate complex. Melting point for the complex was higher than ligand. [Zn(TAC)]Cl was gained after being confirmed by 1:1 electrolyte behavior and elemental analysis calculations. A metal oxide, ZnO, was formed with the calculated percentage of Zn(II) ion, 13.66 % after combustion through the gravimetric analysis. [Zn(TAC)]Cl portrayed better inhibitory action against corrosion of mild steel as compared to the ligand in both acidic media, H₂SO₄ and HCl. A higher concentration of inhibitor gave a higher percentage of corrosion inhibition efficiency.

SPECIES COMPOSITION AND BIODIVERSITY OF ORGANISMS IN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MARA (UiTM) KUALA PILAH, NEGERI SEMBILAN, MALAYSIA

Rosli Noormi — 2018-12-31

The knowledge of biological diversity serves new insights and opportunities for sustainable
environment. However, information pertaining to the species composition and biodiversity of
University of Technology Mara (UiTM) Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan is scanty. Hence, this study was
conducted to assess the species and diversity of organisms at UiTM Kuala Pilah. Using the quadrat
sampling technique, 4 plots (labelled as A, B, C and D) with a size of 50 m2 were established to obtain
the organisms present in the study area. Twelve different plant species (Sensitive plant, White Spider
Lily, Golden Trumpet, Weeds, Dandotapala, Camphor Grass, Love Grass, Evergreen Rose, Dandelion,
Closed Gentian, Flatweed and Chinese Violet) were observed. Meanwhile, a total of ten species were
identified as animals (toad, snail, earthworm, grasshopper, millipede, carpenter bee, moth, rhinoceros
beetle, bird and gray’s leaf). However, only four species were obtained as fungi (mushroom, orange sea
lichen, tree-dwelling lichen and button jelly lichen) in the entire plots. The findings of this study suggest
that UiTM Kuala Pilah environments can provide baseline information as well as offers the
contemporary strategies for preserving cultural and ecological diversity.

SALIENT FEATURES OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT, VISUAL PRESENTATION AND COPYWRITING FOR EFFECTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING: AN EXPLORATORY PERSPECTIVE

Nooraini Mohamad Sheriff — 2018-12-31

As internet-based marketing utilizes channels of social media to interact and attract prospective
customers to make online purchase for apparels there is a need to ascertain the extent to which salient
features of social media such as customer engagement, attractive visual presentation and copywriting
that are capable of driving such purchase. A total of 128 usable questionnaires were included in this
study. Distribution of online questionnaires was assisted where the online questionnaire link in
Google document was emailed to the company’s sales team who in turn blasted the online
questionnaire via email to all of their online customers in their data base. A positive significant (0.01)
high correlation of .709 for customer engagement and .711 were obtained for visual presentation with
online purchase for apparels. In addition, a positive significant (0.01) modest correlation of .653was
secured for copywriting and online purchase of apparels. The study affirms that online firms using
social media marketing must ensure they engage their online customers through discussions, reviews,
contest and comments to understand them better and to build relationship between their brand and
customer’s which has a positive impact on sales. Social media marketing too needs an exemplary
visual presentation to explain abstract concepts and facilitates retention of information and maintain
audience interest which ultimately has a positive impact on sale. Consequently, copywriting too
performs an important role of convincing people about a product by transforming product features
into benefits to convince readers into making a purchase.

EFFECT OF LAUNDERINGS ON THE PILLING PROPERTIES OF COTTON AND POLYESTER WEFT KNITTED FABRICS

Noraqilah Mohd Azis — 2018-12-31

Pilling is one of the fabric faults that originally found in knitted woolen goods especially made from
soft twisted yarns. The rubbing action on loose fibres that is present on the fabric surface gives a high
tendency to form pills which gives poor appearance to the fabric. This study was carried out to
investigate the effect of repeated launderings on the propensity of pilling formation by using pill grade
machine. The primary objective of this study was to determine the pilling behaviour of different types
of weft knitted fabrics after a repeated number of laundering cycles. The study was conducted using
two types of knitted fabrics; cotton and polyester with three types of knitted structures; interlock, 1x1
rib and plain jersey. The various number of laundering cycles were given on the fabrics and followed
by 15,000 revolutions of ICI pilling box. The results showed that polyester fibre has better pilling
resistance due to its exceptional strength, whilst in terms of fabric structure, plain jersey showed an
excellent resistance. This is due to the higher density and compact structure that it possessed.

TEACHING METHODS OF INTEGRATED NAQLI AND AQLI KNOWLEDGE FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED MUSLIM STUDENTS

Nur Fazidah Asmuje — 2018-12-31

Malaysia Education Curriculum mostly adapted from the colonization country since pre
independence. It makes Muslim youngers forget on magnificent of Islam Civilization especially
Abbasid Dynasty. By this, the needs of integrating naqli and aqli knowledge in syllabus should
be implemented especially among gifted and talented Muslim students. Therefore, this paper
focusing on the implementation of integrated naqli and aqli knowledge for Biology’s topic as
enhancement programmes in gifted and talented curriculum. 56 students from PERMATA Insan
who are recognized as gifted and talented students have been participated in this study. The
integrated knowledge was conducted through two different approaches including conventional
(Method A) and co-teaching (Method B) to identify the suitable teaching method. As result, 47
out of 56 students who were exposed with co-teaching method obtained moderate and high
achievement. The students’ mark was continuously analysed through t-test to identify the
significance difference between two methods. Admittedly, the co-teaching method contributed
higher mark during the post-test compared to without co-teaching method. Therefore, co
teaching method is the effective teaching method for integrated naqli and aqli knowledge
especially in inheritance topic.

PERCEIVING STATISTICAL KNOWLEDGE THROUGH DIGITAL APPS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Az’lina Abdul Hadi — 2018-12-31

Statistics plays a vital role in various spheres of life. Choosing the right statistical analysis is one of
the most crucial aspects in statistics. Some researchers especially those who have minimal statistical
background, are often having difficulties in choosing the right statistical analysis for their study.
Inappropriate analysis may produce misleading results at the end of the study. Hence, mySTATS
Tracker was created as an alternative tool to assist the researcher in determining the right statistical
analysis. The aim of this study was to gauge the effectiveness of using mySTATS Tracker in
identifying the most appropriate statistical analysis based on the supplied input. In addition, this study
intended to determine whether there was significant difference in score based on gender and faculties.
The difference in the perception towards the usefulness and effectiveness of this application based on
faculties was also investigated. A sample of 55 undergraduate students with various background have
participated in this study. The sample of students were asked to answer a set of questions with (post
test) and without (pre-test) using mySTATS Tracker. Then, the score obtained was recorded and
analysed. Gap analysis and Independent t-test were applied in achieving the objectives of the study.
The results showed that there was a significant difference in scores between pre-test and post-test, p <
0.05. It could be concluded that the users scored significantly higher and answered the questions in a
significantly shorter time using mySTATS Tracker compared to without using it. The study also found
that there was a significant difference in score based on gender and faculties, p < 0.05. Furthermore,
there was a significant difference in the perception of the usefulness and effectiveness of this
application based on respective faculties. In overall, mySTATS Tracker has received a positive
feedback from the potential users. This study has proven that mySTATS Tracker is a good alternative
solution in suggesting the right statistical analysis to the users.