Junior Science Communication (JSC) is a free, open-access publication dedicated to sharing current and original abstracts from undergraduate final-year research projects in the fields of science and technology. JSC operates similarly to a book of research conference abstracts, with its content not subject to formal review. Regular volumes of JSC are published biannually in March and October. However, special issues will be considered based on merit and circumstances. Calls for abstracts will be announced periodically. JSC is published by the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia, and has an E-ISSN number of 2637-0689.
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, MALAYSIA
In Silico Analysis of Uncharacterized Proteins Expressed in Mycoplasma pulmonis
Mycoplasma pulmonis is a pathogenic bacterium that causes respiratory disease in rodents and is characterized by its minimal genome and lack of a cell wall. Despite its significance as a model for human respiratory infections, many of its proteins remain uncharacterized. These proteins are of considerable interest for novel drug and vaccine development, as current treatment options are limited. This study aims to analyze the functions and physicochemical properties of uncharacterized proteins in M. pulmonis and evaluate their potential as drug or vaccine targets.
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Bicine As Alkylaminedicarboxylic Acid Analogues For REE Ion Capture Chelators
Rare Earth is used in numerous high-tech applications. REEs are usually found as a deposit of many lanthanides. Due to ‘Lanthanide Contractions’, the size differences among the Lanthanides are very small. The atoms have identical physicochemical properties. The current imperfect process of separating the REEs takes a huge toll on the environment. Bicine has several advantages over traditional ligands. It may be a greener alternative for REE processing.
Decoding KRAS Oncogene Activity in Various Cancers: Detection Techniques and Prognostic Significance
The KRAS gene is a prominent oncogene with a high mutation rate in various cancers. The KRAS gene in humans is a homolog of a retroviral oncogenes found in rodent sarcoma virus genes and is classified in the rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS) family. The KRAS gene encodes the KRAS protein that is critical in various intracellular signalling pathways that are responsible for cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. KRAS is a membrane-bound regulatory protein where it binds with guanine nucleotides from the family of guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases).
Indoor Air Quality And Health Risk Assessment Among Preschool Children In Denai Alam, Selangor
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the cleanliness and healthiness of the air within and around buildings, crucial for the well-being of occupants. Factors such as occupancy, complaints, and renovation activities increased the risks of the occupants exposed to poor IAQ. The preschool was found to have a high occupancy rate. The objectives of this research are to investigate the biological, chemical and physical IAQ parameters, examine health implications based on lung function tests, and evaluate health risk assessments.
Assessment of Air Pollutant in Kompleks PKNS Basement Parking
This study looks at the air pollution in the basement parking area of Kompleks PKNS, Shah Alam, focusing on particulate matter (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels. Vehicle emissions, a significant source of air pollution in urban areas, present serious health risks, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, like basement parking lots.
Solid-state fermentation of elaeis guineensis leaves using rhizopus oryzae and aspergillus niger
This study investigates the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to improve the nutritional quality of Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) leaves using Rhizopus oryzae and Aspergillus niger. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of SSF on crude fiber (CF) reduction and crude protein (CP) enhancement, addressing the limitations that restrict oil palm leaves as a livestock feed despite their abundance as agricultural waste. Specifically, the study aims to ferment oil palm leaves using A. niger and R. oryzae at different moisture levels (10 mL, 20 mL, and 30 mL), Secondly, to determine the CF and CP content after fermentation, and lastly to compare the CF and CP levels before and after SSF. The research addresses the challenges of high crude fiber (CF) and low crude protein (CP) content in oil palm leaves, which limit their use as livestock feed despite being an abundant agricultural waste.
Removal of Heavy Metal Utilising Lemna Minor
The toxicity, durability, and bioaccumulation potential of heavy metals make their presence in household wastewater a serious environmental and public health concern. Using aquatic plants to treat household wastewater is known as phytoremediation, and it may help reduce the amount of heavy metals present in the effluent. In this study, duckweed, often referred to as Lemna minor (L. minor), is applied to household garbage in order to phytoremediate heavy metals. This study's objective is to determine the uptake of heavy metals using L. minor, which is present in household garbage that is collected from residential locations.
Effect of TiO₂ on Viscoelastic Properties and Intermolecular Interaction of poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(n-butyl methacrylate)
The viscoelastic properties and intermolecular interactions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (Mw = 3.00 × 10⁵ g mol⁻¹) and poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PnBMA) (Mw = 3.37 × 10⁵ g mol⁻¹), with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles, were investigated. Thin films of the polymer blend nanocomposites were prepared using a solution casting technique with a different composition range (0/100 to 100/0). This study aimed to examine how different concentrations of TiO₂ influenced the viscoelastic properties and intermolecular interactions of PEO/PnBMA blends at different temperatures in a molten state.
Assessment on Traffic Noise Pollution near Residential Area Located in Section 9, Shah Alam
Traffic noise is an important problem in the city’s rural housing, causing stress, sleep disorder and various health problems to the residents. This problem is being contributed by vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, buses, and lorries whose noise rises during peak traffic hours. Noise levels are measured, traffic volume patterns are analyzed and their relationship studied in this study, investigating traffic noise pollution near a residential area. The findings are intended to help illuminate the effects of traffic noise on residents, and to provide a road map for mitigating them.Traffic noise is an important problem in the city’s rural housing, causing stress, sleep disorder and various health problems to the residents. This problem is being contributed by vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, buses, and lorries whose noise rises during peak traffic hours. Noise levels are measured, traffic volume patterns are analyzed and their relationship studied in this study, investigating traffic noise pollution near a residential area. The findings are intended to help illuminate the effects of traffic noise on residents, and to provide a road map for mitigating them.
Chemical Exposure Monitoring of Testing Personnel in The Fire Testing Section, Testing Services Department, SIRIM
The technicians who work in fire testing departments are exposed to health hazard from airborne contaminants such as CO along with lead and inhalable dust. Exposure to hazardous materials stems from material fire behaviour and handling operations during tests of fire-resistant materials and concrete frame crush procedures. The research evaluated exposure levels within SIRIM QAS and SIRIM RASA to identify the variables responsible for the changing risk zones. Testing activities required a dual approach that combined area sampling with personal sampling as the main method to monitor contaminant concentrations.
Lauric Acid Modification of Peanut Shell For Oil Removal
Oil pollution from oily water presents a significant environmental threat, harming marine life and ecosystems. Common clean up methods include physical, chemical, biological, and sorption techniques, with adsorption being the most efficient and eco-friendly. Peanut shells, a byproduct of agriculture, show potential as bio-sorbents but require modification to improve their hydrophobicity and adsorption capacity. Treatment with lauric acid enhances their oil adsorption and water-repellent properties, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic sorbents for oil-water separation.
Hydrophobicity, Lauric Acid Modification, Oil Sorption, Peanut Shell, Oil-Water Separation
Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry : Comparisons with Modern Medicine
Chinese culture is profoundly rooted in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been practiced for hundreds of years. Globally, TCMs, are gaining interest where they are extensively accessible, including online. Because of their popularity, a thorough evaluation of their safety is urgently required. Over the past 20 years, adulteration of the medicinal components of TCMs have been made in a number of developed nations. The most common adulterants reported are steroid, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. This study aims to detect and identify compounds in TCM using GC-MS and compare it with compounds in modern medicine.
Adsorptive Removal Of Oil By Using Parkia Speciosa Husk
Oil spills pose a significant environmental challenge that requires effective cleanup solutions. In this context, this study investigates the potential of Parkia Speciosa husk as a biosorbent for oil spill cleanup. The study aims to address the pressing need for sustainable and efficient methods to clean up oil spills and minimize their adverse environmental effects by chemically modifying Parkia Speciosa husk to improve its hydrophobicity and adsorptive properties.
Effect of Orange Pomace Addition on Physicochemical Properties of Yoghurt
Orange pomace, a by-product of orange juice production, is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and fibre but is often discarded, contributing to environmental waste. This study investigates the effect of hot air drying and freeze drying on the chemical composition of orange pomace and its application in yoghurt. The objective of this study is to determine the physicochemical properties of yoghurt over a 14-day storage period at chilled temperature.
Isolation and Antimicrobial Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Budu and Tapai Ubi
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive, non-spore-forming bacteria that appear as cocci or rod-shaped cells, catalase-negative, utilize carbohydrates, and produce lactic acid as a metabolic byproduct. LAB commonly found in both dairy and non-dairy fermented foods, act as probiotic that help enhancing digestive system and inhibiting enteric pathogens. Despite the common consumption of fermented foods in Malaysia, research on LAB from non-dairy Malaysian fermented foods remains limited. Variations in fermentation methods and recipes also influence the LAB composition. Thus, the study aims to isolate and characterize LAB from traditional fermented foods like budu (anchovy sauce) and tapai ubi (fermented tapioca), and evaluate their antimicrobial properties against pathogens such as, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.
Effects of N, N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and Glutaraldehyde (GA) Crosslinking Agents on the Physicochemical and Thermal Characteristics of Hemicellulose Hydrogel from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB)
This study explores the synthesis of hemicellulose-based hydrogels from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB), focusing on how variations in crosslinker concentrations—N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and Glutaraldehyde (GA)—affect their physicochemical and thermal properties.
Antibacterial Potential of Methanolic Extracts Obtained from Syzygium aromaticum Against Selected Bacteria
Syzygium aromaticum or commercially known as clove, is an aromatic dried flower bud from the Myrtaceae family that were used as traditional medicine for over 2000 years in Chine and Ayurveda. Clove can be found abundant in Northern Nigeria, known locally as Konafuru. Historically, clove have been utilised as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic agent. FDA have recognised clove essential oil as a safe food supplement. Cloves contains important phenolic compounds such as eugenol and acetyl eugenol which responsible for its antimicrobial activities. Clove also shows antiviral activity against hepatitis C, influenza, and herpes strains including antibacterial activity against various bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, clove also exhibit antifungal and antiprotozoal properties.
Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Plectranthus amboinicus
With antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rendering many conventional antimicrobials ineffective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, there is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial research. Compared to synthetic drugs, plant-derived compounds are often more biocompatible and environmentally sustainable, making them a valuable source. However, the yield of plant-based extract is relatively low. Endophytic fungi, are one of the potential sources of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical properties since they can be grown at a laboratory scale. Plectranthus amboinicus is a well-documented medicinal plant with notable antibacterial activity, yet research on its antimicrobial potential remains limited. This study aims to fill this research gap and evaluate the antimicrobial activity, properties and efficacy of endophytic fungus isolated from P.amboinicus as an antimicrobial agent against clinical pathogenic microorganisms.
In Silico Screening of Zingiber officinale Bioactive Compound For Their Inhibitory Potential Against H1N1 Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase
The H1N1 influenza A virus remains a significant global health threat, necessitating the search for effective antiviral agents. Current antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir face challenges due to the emergence of resistant strains. Natural products offer a promising alternative. Zingiber officinale (ginger) has been recognized for its medicinal properties, including its potential antiviral effects. This study aims to explore the bioactive compounds in ginger as potential inhibitors of the neuraminidase enzyme of the H1N1 influenza A virus, utilizing molecular docking techniques to predict their interactions.
Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Durian Flesh (Tempoyak) Against Pathogenic
One of the biggest problems with bacterial pathogens is their resistance to antibiotics, which raises the risk of disease and death. Options for treatment had become more complicated after the blooming of multidrug resistance in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which often makes traditional antibiotics ineffective or completely unusable. The proposed research aims to explore the antimicrobial activities of lactic acid bacteria that was isolated from the fermented durian flesh (tempoyak) against pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to determine the total number of lactic acid bacteria from a 1-week-old tempoyak and is to study the biochemical characteristics of selected lactic acid bacteria isolated from a 1-week-old tempoyak, lastly is to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of selected lactic acid bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the agar disk diffusion.
Effect of Different Irradiation Time Exposure of Cyanobacteria sp. To UV-B
Cyanobacteria are Gram-negative, photosynthetic prokaryotes that play a crucial role in carbon fixation and biomass production. They inhabit diverse environments and have applications in biotechnology, including biofuels and pharmaceuticals. However, ozone layer depletion caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, leading to harmful effects such as DNA and protein damage in cyanobacteria. To counteract this, cyanobacteria produce photoprotective secondary metabolites, typically during the stationary phase when exposed to UV stress. This study focuses on investigating the timing and conditions under which Cyanobacteria MA7 activates these photoprotective mechanisms. Understanding these responses can provide insights into their adaptive strategies and potential applications in biotechnology.
Computational Docking-Based Investigation of Garcinia mangostana Bioactive Compounds as H1N1 Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase
The H1N1 influenza virus, responsible for global pandemics, remains a significant public health challenge due to its high transmissibility and frequent mutations that render many antiviral drugs less effective. Current treatments, such as neuraminidase inhibitors, face limitations including drug resistance and adverse side effects. Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen), a tropical fruit traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, contains bioactive compounds with potential antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study explores the molecular docking of G. mangostana phytochemicals to identify potent inhibitors of the H1N1 neuraminidase enzyme, aiming to provide a foundation for the development of safer, plant-based antiviral therapies.
Transparent Wood in Sustainable Urban Architecture: Advancing Energy Efficiency and Smart City Integration
Transparent wood combines glass-like transparency with wood’s sustainability and strength, derived from fast-growing species like balsa or birch through delignification and polymer impregnation. This innovative material exhibits low thermal conductivity, high durability, and a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional glass and concrete, positioning it as a promising solution for energy-efficient urban architecture. Current small-scale applications include solar cells and prototype structures, while research explores flame-retardant coatings and enhanced properties. However, environmental impacts and scalability challenges remain understudied, necessitating a comprehensive assessment to unlock its potential as a sustainable material for climate-resilient architecture.
Advancements and Challenges in Microbial Fuel Cells for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Energy Generation
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent a promising bioelectrochemical technology that harnesses electroactive bacteria to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater while generating electricity. This dual functionality addresses global challenges of energy scarcity and water pollution. Despite their potential, MFCs face limitations such as low power output, high material costs, and operational instability due to factors like biofouling and variable wastewater composition. This critical review evaluates the current state of MFC technology, its efficiency in energy production, and its feasibility for large-scale wastewater treatment.
Dayangku Farkhanisa Aisyah Awangku Mohd Syahrhonie
Molecular Interaction Study of Punica granatum-Derived Phytochemicals Targeting H1N1 Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Using Docking Simulations
Influenza viruses often develop resistance to antiviral drugs, requiring constant discovery of new drug sources. By utilising natural resources as a component in the development of the drug to inhibit the virus function, it can provide researchers with more options. Antiviral drugs are created based on the principle of molecular docking which analyse orientation of a molecule that will bind to the specific target site designated. This study explores using Punica granatum extract as a natural bioactive component to inhibit viral neuraminidase through molecular docking analysis. The aim is to identify bioactive compounds from Punica granatum that can act as ligands and analyse their interactions with neuraminidase using computer software.
Computational Analysis of Curcuma aeruginosa Bioactive Compounds for Their Potential to Inhibit H1N1 Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase
The H1N1 virus presents a significant public health threat in Malaysia because of its high morbidity and mortality rates. High mutation rates of the virus have increased the drug-resistant strains, causing the existing medication to be ineffective. The influenza H1N1 virus possesses two glycoproteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which play crucial roles in viral replication, making them key targets for antiviral strategies. Additionally, Curcuma aeruginosa from a Zingiberaceae family is known to be rich in bioactive compounds, making it a suitable candidate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential bioactive compounds from C. aeruginosa that are able to act as H1N1 influenza A virus neuraminidase inhibitors using molecular docking.
Identification of Monascus sp. Isolates and Profiling of Various Fermentation Using Selected Isolated Strain
Dyes and colorants play an important role in a variety of industries, with synthetic dyes being particularly popular due to their low cost and large-scale manufacturing. However, worries about their environmental and health consequences have sparked renewed interest in natural alternatives. Monascus sp., a filamentous fungus known to produce natural pigments, offers a viable option. This study aims to discover Monascus isolates from commercial red yeast rice and assess their suitability for fermenting rice bran (RB) as an alternate substrate to increase pigment production and nutritional value.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Determination of Pathogenic Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria from Chicken Meat
Chicken meat is a crucial component of the human diet; however, it can also serve as a reservoir for harmful bacteria that have developed resistance towards antibiotics. Numerous scientific research supports the hypothesis of a relationship between the usage of antibiotics throughout agricultural production and human pathogens becoming antimicrobial resistant in which food is among the probable transfer routes. Humans may contract humans may contract strains of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) from both pork and poultry meat. This study aims to investigate the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria found in chicken meat and to identify them through utilizing 16S rDNA sequencing. This study contributions acts as a framework for future research on the antibiotic-resistant profiles on bacteria found in chicken meat which could provide insight on which antibiotics farmers should use for their chickens. These findings could also provide researchers on the bacteria community found in chicken meat which could led to methods to limit these bacteria to prevent future cases of bacterial infection from the consumption of chicken meat.
Effect of Different UV-B Irradiation Time Exposure on the Growth and Cell Viability of Cyanobacteria sp.
In many ecosystems, cyanobacteria are essential, and they may find use in biotechnology. It is crucial to comprehend their growth dynamics and survival under UV-B radiation in order to investigate their adaptability and resilience. The growth profile and cell viability of MA7 cyanobacteria are examined in this study using optical density and hemocytometer cell count. The survival of the bacteria following UV-B exposure is assessed using percentage survival analysis. By analysing these factors, this study sheds light on cyanobacteria's response to UV-B stress, contributing to larger studies on microbial photoprotection and adaptation.
Antibacterial Properties of Piper betle Ethanolic Extract against Common Pathogenic Microorganism
Piper betle is a known medicinal plant in Asia, found specifically in Southest Asian nations. Extract of P. betle leaves demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E, coli) and the fungus Candida albicans (C. albicans). However, there is limited research focusing on its potential against Salmonella Typhi (S. typhi) and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus). This study aims to explore P. betle ethanolic extract antibacterial activity against S. typhi and B. cereus using disc diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays.