Journal of Academia

EFFECT OF IMPREGNATION OF OSMOTICALLY DEHYDRATED PINEAPPLE WITH CALCIUM SALTS BY BLANCHING AND FREEZING TREATMENTS

Shalini Raja, Saliza Asman — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study investigates the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and calcium lactate (CaL) impregnation on osmotically dehydrated (OD) pineapple. Pineapple samples treated with 2.5% w/v CaCl₂ and CaL, followed by blanching and freezing, showed consistent functional group and water holding capacity results without any significant differences. Color analysis revealed increased L* and h* values and decreased a* values in all treated-OD pineapple samples. The CaCl₂-treated-OD pineapple samples exhibited higher b* and C* values than the CaL-treated-OD pineapple samples, which declined post-blanching and freezing. Sensory analysis indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in overall acceptance influenced by appearance, texture, taste, and odor. Hardness varied significantly (P<0.05) among treated OD samples. However, the blanching and freezing had little adverse effect, indicating no significant difference in the OD pineapple samples. Overall, CaCl₂ proved more effective than CaL in preserving the physicochemical and sensory qualities of OD pineapple, suggesting its potential as a superior preservative.

THE COMPARISON OF DIVERSITY OF GRASS SPECIES AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE ON SELECTED SLOPE AND FLAT AREAS IN UiTM KUALA PILAH

Nurul Nasriah Mohd Sazli, Lili Syahani Rusli, Nor’aishah Abu Shah — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Landslides are natural disasters that cause a lot of damage towards both human and biodiversity on earth. The damage is significant enough to deplete nature’s resources and claim human lives. Vegetation on slope play a crucial role in stabilizing them by strengthening the roots and influencing the saturated soil water cycle. The study investigates the morphology and physiological performance of different grass species in direct sunlight on selected slope and flat areas. Additionally, it compares the biodiversity of grass species between these two areas, providing insights into their adaptation and ecological roles. A comprehensive analysis of grass diversity and its physiology has been conducted. The diversity index of the data was analyzed using SPSS output to determine the diversity and evenness of the grass species. The data were collected from selected slope and flat areas in UiTM Kuala Pilah. A total of nine grass species from the Poaceae family were recorded in three plots on the slope and three plots on the flat area. The mean values of Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’) indices for six plots were recorded at slope area as 0.67 (Plot 1), 0.68 (Plot 2), 0.68 (Plot 3) and 0.37 (Plot 1), 0.76 (Plot 2) and 0.69 (Plot 3) at flat area. Mean of Pielou’s Evenness (J’) reveal a higher value at slope (0.97 for Plot 1, 0.98 for Plot 2 and 0.98 for Plot 3) compared to plat areas where the values were 0.53 (Plot 1), 0.68 (Plot 2) and 0.99 (Plot 3). The value of the relative chlorophyll content on the slope was highest in Sporobolus vaginiflorus with a reading of 40.1 ± 2.4^a, and lowest in Heteropogon contortus with 23.2 ± 3.32^b. On the flat area, Pennisetum clandestinum with 37.8 ± 0.79^a as the highest and Paspalum vaginatum with 20.4 ± 6.26^b as the lowest reading. The pH of the soils ranged from 3.99 ± 0.08^b to 4.80a ± 0.04^a in the sloping area, and from 5.83 ± 0.23^a to 6.21 ± 0.30^a in the flat area. The soil pH was measured to determine the stability of the slope, as it plays an important role in ensuring stability at different elevation. The relative chlorophyll content between different species of grass proving the physiological performance also contributes to maintaining the slope stability. The abundance of species diversity determines the overall diversity and ensures a balanced ecosystem.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF COLIPHAGE FROM UNTREATED WASTEWATER IN KUALA PILAH NEGERI SEMBILAN

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Bacteriophages are viruses that can only infect bacterial cells and are perceptible in almost all places where living bacteria are found, as they are highly host specific. Wastewater comprises microorganisms that have become contaminated by the environment. These microorganisms, particularly bacteria, may develop antibiotic resistance and constitute a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the goal of this research is to isolate coliphage from untreated wastewater and to identify the susceptible coliform host. The method used for bacteriophage isolation is plaque formation assay and the selected plaque was further enriched and purified using the double-layer plaque technique to classify bacteriophages. Identification of susceptible coliform host using gram stain and biochemical analysis results were compared with other coliform bacteria (Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli, and Shigella sp.) to identify the susceptible coliphage host. The isolated coliphages appear late from 2 out of 3 samples collected around Kuala Pilah town. The plaque shows were small and turbid after 7 days of incubation in 37°C. It was suspected to be a temperate phage as the plaque developed was turbid. The susceptible host shows similar biochemical characteristics as Klebsiella sp. In conclusion, the bacteriophage obtained from this study is a temperate bacteriophage from environmental wastewater that could infect a coliphage like Klebsiella sp. Further identification of susceptible host was suggested including determination of its medical usage.

PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM CASSAVA PEEL FOR THE REMOVAL OF Pb (II) IN Pb SOLUTION

Nor Hafizah Che Ismail, Nur Azzatul Farisya Zurizam, Faiezah Hashim — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study aimed to investigate the potential of cassava peel-activated carbon for the removal of Pb (II) ions from a Pb synthetic solution. Cassava peels are rich in carbohydrates (cellulose and hemicellulose) and lignin, which work well to remove heavy metals. Cassava peel has a high carbon content and a low ash content, and activated carbon may be made from it. Dried cassava peels were carbonised in a muffle furnace at 350°C for one hour and treated with zinc chloride acid (ZnCl₂). Activated carbon produced and its physiochemical characteristics, including ash content, iodine number, volatile matter, methylene blue adsorption, moisture content, and pH, were assessed. Results showed that the proximate analysis for the determination of macronutrients of cassava peelings consisted of 77% moisture content, 1% ash content, 2.6 % volatile matter, and 850.43 mg/g iodine number. The result showed that the materials are good precursors for the production of activated carbon and suitable adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals such as Pb (II). The findings of this study will be useful in developing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to activated carbon.

ADSORPTION BEHAVIOUR OF THE ARECA CATECHU HUSK ULTRASONIC ASSISTED-PHOSPHORIC ACID ACTIVATED CARBON ON METHYLENE BLUE DYE

Mohd Fauzi Abdullah, Nurul Iffah Mohd Said, Siti Nur Najwa Arman — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The production of activated carbon from agricultural waste is one of the most environmental-friendly solutions by converting agricultural waste into valuable material. In this study, Areca catechu husk is converted into activated carbon to remove methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution. This Areca Catechu husk was impregnated with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes to activate a pore surface before undergo carbonization at temperature of 700 ℃ for 2 hours. The physicochemical properties of the Areca catechu husk activated carbon was characterized by ash content, moisture content, bulk density, and iodine number. The result thus far shows that this activated carbon has low bulk density, low ash content and high iodine number that is very suitable for adsorption applications. The batch adsorption studies of MB dye were affected by adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration. The optimum parameters for the methylene blue adsorption were at adsorbent dosage of 0.06 g, initial concentration of 200 mg/L, and contact time of 180 minutes. According to the results of pH_pzc and batch adsorption study, this Areca catechu husk activated carbon is suitable to remove cation dyes such as MB in neutral and alkaline solution. Therefore, activated carbon of Areca catechu husk can be produced inexpensively as the demand from commercial activated carbon market for adsorption of dye in water.

ANTIBACTERIAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PALM AND OLIVE-BASED WAX ESTERS

Salina Mat Radzi — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Palm-based and olive-based wax esters which are oleyl palmitate and oleyl oleate have been successfully synthesized using an esterification reaction. The products were verified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the presence of ester bond in their molecular structure. The synthesized wax esters were further analysed for their antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In screening of an antibacterial activity, the agar diffusion test was employed. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value was determined by microdilution method. The results showed that both Gram-positive bacteria, which are S. aureus and B. subtilis had high sensitivity toward oleyl oleate and oleyl palmitate. MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) was determined to evaluate the antibacterial properties of both synthesized wax esters towards Gram-positive bacteria. Two antibacterial activities including bactericidal effects (killed the bacteria), or bacteriostatic effect (inhibit the bacterial growth) were determined by MBC value. Both wax esters possess a bactericidal effect towards all the Gram-positive bacteria studied. Finally, the physicochemical properties such as SPF value, peroxide value, saponification value and iodine value of both wax esters have been successfully determined and the data obtained suggest that the synthesized wax esters can be used as main ingredients in cosmetics formulation.

SHAPING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES THROUGH ROBOT SERVICE QUALITY: EVIDENCE FROM THE KLANG VALLEY HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Customer satisfaction is one of the major concerns today. The COVID-19 epidemic has accelerated the use of robot servers in the hospitality sector in Malaysia grows increasingly as customers are more cautious about the dangers of direct physical contact. The study intends to identify the relationship between customer satisfaction and the implication of service quality on robots within the hospitality industry in Klang Valley. In addition, this study uses quantitative methods by distributing questionnaires to respondents. By using the SERVQUAL model, this study has outlined the five factors affecting the customer’s satisfaction which are tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Based on Krejcie & Morgan's sample size table, 384 respondents required for this study. Quantitative research methods were designed as the target respondents were customers from the Klang Valley area. The Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) software is being utilized in this study to analyze the data obtained. The analysis consists of Pearson Correlation and Spearmen analysis. In line with the study’s objective, five main research questions are formed. The distribution of surveys helped this study accomplish its goals. Based on the statistical analysis, all service quality dimensions which are tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy of service robots have a significant effect on customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry of Klang Valley. As of that, governments can take this study as a fundamental to encourage and implement more of the service robots in the hospitality industry throughout Malaysia.

EXPLORING THE USE OF MANDARIN PRONUNCIATION LEARNING STRATEGIES AMONG MFL LEARNERS IN MALAYSIA: ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES

Hie Ling Ting, Sing Ee Ooi — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Studies on mistakes in Mandarin pronunciation have proof that majority of Mandarin learners encountered problems in learning Mandarin pronunciation. Apart from that, there are limited studies concerning the Mandarin pronunciation learning strategies (MPLS) among non-native learners in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was carried out with the aim to identify the use of learning strategies of non-native Mandarin learners in terms of gender. This study also further examined whether there is any significant difference between the use of MPLS in terms of gender. A group of non-native Mandarin learners, approximately 151 non-native Mandarin learners from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Rembau campus were invited to participate in this study. A 44-item questionnaire, namely “Strategy Inventory for Mandarin Pronunciation Learning” was employed in this study. This strategy inventory was designed based on the taxonomies which were introduced by Oxford (1990) and Peterson (2000). The data collected through the questionnaire were then analyzed using SPSS to achieve the objective of this study. The study revealed that female learners are more likely to use MPLS as compared to male learners while learning Mandarin pronunciation. However, both male and female learners showed similarity in the use of MPLS as the findings demonstrated that both male and female learners tend to use social strategies while learning Mandarin pronunciation while the least used strategies are compensation strategies. T-test analysis employed in this study also portrayed that only cognitive learning strategies displayed a significant difference between male and female learners in Mandarin pronunciation learning. This study would serve as a basis for language educators and curriculum developers in knowing the learning strategies employed by non-native Mandarin learners while learning Mandarin pronunciation. It also suggests language educators and curriculum developers in conducting and planning effective teaching approaches to enhance the performance of Mandarin pronunciation among non-native Mandarin learners.

A RAPID ASSESSMENT ON VERTEBRATES IN UiTM KUALA PILAH CAMPUS AND ITS ADJACENT FOREST RESERVE, NEGERI SEMBILAN

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

During the Forest Biological Diversity Scientific Expedition Programme, a rapid assessment was carried out at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kuala Pilah Campus in Negeri Sembilan, which is built next to the Pelangai Forest Reserve (PFR). The rapid assessment was executed based on direct observation, animal calling, footprints and mark, and active search around the campus and its adjacent forest. In total, 45 species of vertebrates were recorded based on the two days survey, which includes five species of mammals, 32 species of birds, and eight species of herpetofauna. Out of 45 species, only White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) and Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) are categorised as threatened species under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In conclusion, this information presented herein should not be treated as exhaustive and more systematic surveys should be carried out to assist the university and forestry department in terms of vertebrates’ documentation within their management landscapes

SURVIVAL STUDY AND HAEMOLYSIN ACTIVITY OF Escherichia coli IN RAW AND PASTEURIZED MILK PRODUCED IN NEGERI SEMBILAN

Farra Amira Mohamed, Aimi Nadia Ramli, Noorlis Ahmad — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Demand for milk has increased in Malaysia due to the increased in awareness of healthy foods consumption. Hence, research of milk is crucial to ensure that it is not contaminated with Escherichia coli. This study evaluated the survival of Escherichia coli at different temperature and haemolysin activity of Escherichia coli on blood agar. A total of 8 samples of raw fresh and pasteurized milk were collected from nearby farm and market in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. After an overnight exposure to four different temperatures of 0⁰C, 28⁰C, 35⁰C and 45⁰C, the bacteriological test of milk was evaluated for the presence of Escherichia coli. Overall, all raw fresh milk sampled exceeded the acceptable limit of bacterial count of 1 x 10⁵ CFU/ml. Raw fresh milk recorded the highest count at 35^oC with 4.4 x 10⁷ CFU/ml and the lowest at 0^oC with 8.3 x 10⁴ CFU/ml. The presence of Escherichia coli was detected in 7/20(35%) of the total raw fresh milk samples. All pasteurized milk showed no presence of Escherichia coli due to the effectiveness of heat treatment. Haemolysin test showed no haemolytic activity. Milk contaminated with Escherichia coli can cause diarrheal, gastrointestinal diseases and urinary infection. Hence, it is important to study the survival rate of Escherichia coli and its pathogenicity in milk to ensure public safety.

Application of enzyme preparation in alcoholic industry

Sihan Wang, Li Jing, Song Leyi — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The use of enzymes in industrial production has increased greatly, especially in the alcoholic industry, namely beer, grape wine, Huang jiu, and liquors. Diacetyl produced in the fermentation process of beer affect the essence of beer in which α-acetyllactate decarboxylase plays a good inhibitory role. Glucosidase, pectinase, and lysozyme play their respective roles in the process of grape wine fermentation. Huang jiu is produced through traditional technology by taking glutinous rice and japonica rice as the main raw materials and employing wheat koji or a variety of microorganisms contained in rice koji. Wheat koji provides rich enzyme systems such as amylase and protease for the brewing process of rice wine. Enzymes are widely used in various stages of liquor production, such as making koji, fermentation of grains, distillation blending, and waste utilization of distillers' grains. This paper mainly describes the application of enzymes in the production of various wine industries, the improvement of enzyme stability through enzyme immobilization, the treatment of waste enzymes in the wine making process and the future challenges and development.