Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Unimas Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
    39506 research outputs found

    Green Technological Attributes of Clean Water and Green Energy : Fostering the Public Health, Economic and Environmental Sustainability

    Get PDF
    This book explores the technological attributes of green energy for clean water. Titled “Green Technological Attributes of Clean Water and Green Energy,” it aims to present a roadmap for optimizing green energy for sustainable clean water production and supply, achieving zero carbon emissions to safeguard public health and the environment. The energy demand in the water sector is increasing due to the growing need for surface water and wastewater treatment to meet rising water demands. Simultaneously, water demand itself is increasing due to global warming and population growth. This highlights the complex relationship between energy and water, a relationship that must be addressed to tackle clean water scarcity and mitigate the effects of climate change. In this context. This book is published to provide information related to green energy and clean water. This book aims to disseminate research outcomes related to green technologies for clean water and green energy, contributing to the replacement of traditional water treatment systems powered by fossil fuels and chemical dosing This book showcases experimental results on the energy requirements for clean water production and delivery to end-users in rural villages in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is part of a broader study exploring the energy-water nexus within the context of zero-carbon emission and chemical-free water services. Focusing on the water industry, this book explains the need for green energy in clean water production. A multi-dimensional scientific approach has been employed to minimize carbon emissions. Marginalized communities living in off-grid areas can benefit from this book by learning how to harvest green energy from nature to produce clean water. This book also benefits society by providing information on green technologies for harvesting natural resources. A key global challenge is overcoming the lack of green energy for clean water production, and this book will contribute to addressing this challenge. Communities working on clean water production using green energy will find the information they need in this book. The information published in this book can serve as a reference for further research on green technology for clean water production. Researchers, water professionals, and environmental scientists can find guidelines for the green technological attributes of designing and developing water filtration plants. This book can also inform policymakers developing strategies for clean water production with optimal energy consumption, zero carbon emissions, and no chemical dosing in water filtration

    Techno-economic analysis and dynamic operation of green hydrogen-integrated microgrid: An application study

    Get PDF
    The shift to renewable energy sources requires systems that are not only environmentally sustainable but also cost-effective and reliable. Mitigating the inherent intermittency of renewable energy, optimally managing the hybrid energy storage, efficiently integrating the microgrid with the power grid, and maximizing the lifespan of system components are the significant challenges that need to be addressed. With this aim, the paper proposes an economic viability assessment framework with an optimized dynamic operation approach to determine the most stable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound system for a specific location and demand. The green integrated hybrid microgrid combines photovoltaic (PV) generation, battery storage, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel cell, tailored for deployment in remote areas with limited access to conventional infrastructure. The study’s control strategy focuses on managing energy flows between the renewable energy resources, battery, and hydrogen storage systems to maximize autonomy, considering real-time changes in weather conditions, load variations, and the state of charge of both the battery and hydrogen storage units. The core system’s components include the interlinking converter, which transfers power between AC and DC grids, and the decentralized droop control approach, which adjusts the converter’s output to ensure balanced and efficient power sharing, particularly during overload conditions. A cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform has been employed, allowing continuous monitoring and data analysis of the green integrated microgrid to provide insights into the system's health and performance during the dynamic operation. The results presented in this paper confirmed that the proposed framework enabled the strategic use of energy storage, particularly hydrogen systems. The optimal operational control of green hydrogen-integrated microgrid can indeed mitigate voltage and frequency fluctuations caused by variable solar input, ensuring stable power delivery without reliance on the main grid or fossil fuel backups

    Responsible and sustainable consumption : Understanding drivers to circular economy practices among youth

    No full text
    Waste generation is among Malaysia’s most persistent environmental concerns, with both urban and rural regions trying to cope with the rising volume of waste. Circular economy is an economic model that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value, and regenerate natural systems. It is a shift from the traditional linear “take-make-waste” model to a more sustainable system where resources are used for as long as possible. The concept also reduces material use, redesigns materials and products to be less resource-intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products. This helps address climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. One of the aims of the 12th Malaysia Plan is to promote sustainability and minimize waste in society. However, limited knowledge on circular economics is found in the literature in the context of youth in developing Asian countries. Youth are the target audience for this study, since they have a significant influence on future consumer attitudes and behaviors related to sustainability. Their perspectives are vital in advancing the circular economy and creating a more environmentally conscious society. This study aims to identify factors that influence youths’ circular economy products adoption in the context of developing Asian countries. This study applied PLS-SEM using data from 154 respondents, consisting of youth in Sarawak, Malaysia. The results demonstrate that attitude, environmental concern, moral norm, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm significantly influence circular economy products adoption. However, perceived sacrifice has an insignificant impact on the circular economy products adoption. This suggests that younger people value sustainable practices in their daily lives. This shows the adaptability of youth to future possibilities. This study also suggests that the transition to a circular economy is imperative for a country’s economic progress and sustainable development

    The non-linear relationship between green technology and life expectancy.

    Get PDF
    Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and public health remains a pressing challenge for Malaysia. Despite global recognition of renewable energy benefits, limited access and high costs have prolonged dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental pollution and lower life expectancy. This study offers novelty by extending the Preston Curve framework, examining how renewable energy consumption in�fluences life expectancy. Using annual data from 1980 to 2020, the study employs a non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model to capture asymmetric effects and investigate whether increases and decreases in renewable energy, economic growth, health expenditure, and financial development have distinct impacts on life expectancy. Malaysia is an appropriate case study due to its long-standing reliance on fossil fuels and its gradual transition towards renewable energy. The results reveal apparent asymmetries: higher renewable energy use and health spending significantly increase life expectancy. Meanwhile, the impact of economic growth varies in both the short and long run, reflecting the non-linear trade-offs between industrial growth and environmental health. These findings indicate that conventional linear models may overlook key patterns. They emphasize the need for integrated policies that support renewable energy and increase healthcare investment to improve life expectancy in a lower-carbon economy

    Development of a sustainable g-C₃N₄/CNT composite sensor for nicotine analysis in e-cigarette liquids

    No full text
    The accurate quantification of nicotine in e-cigarette liquids is critical due to its potent physiological effects and potential for misuse. In this study, we report the development of a sustainable electrochemical sensor based on a composite of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the sensitive detection of nicotine. The g-C₃N₄/CNT nanocomposite was immobilised onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using chitosan as a biocompatible and adhesive matrix. CNTs were employed to overcome the inherent low conductivity of g-C₃N₄, while chitosan ensured mechanical stability of the modified electrode. SEM-EDX analysis reveals g-C3N4 nanosheets interwoven with tube-like CNTs networks, with no foreign elements detected, suggesting the formation of a highly pure nanocomposite. Electrochemical characterisation revealed high selectivity and sensitivity toward nicotine under neutral pH conditions, achieving a detection limit of 0.0773 mM and a limit of quantification of 0.2343 mM. The sensor also exhibited excellent repeatability and operational stability at room temperature. The carbon based printed modified sensor also displayed similar results. Application to commercial vape samples demonstrated the practical utility of the method, with results showing strong agreement with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. This work highlights the promise of g-C₃N₄/CNT composites as green and effective sensing materials for nicotine monitoring in consumer products

    Synthesis and Evaluation of the Cellulose-Based Hydrogels for Plant Growth

    No full text
    Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymeric materials characterised by three-dimensional crosslinked networks capable of absorbing and retaining substantial amounts of water. In recent years, research has predominantly focused on synthesising cellulose-based hydrogels using specific gelling agents, such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in conjunction with epichlorohydrin (ECH), particularly for agricultural applications. However, comparative studies evaluating the influence of various gelling agents on the physicochemical and functional properties of cellulose-based hydrogels remain limited. In this study, cellulose extracted from paper waste was utilised to synthesise hydrogels incorporating different gelling agents—alginic acid (AA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), glycerol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)—crosslinked with ECH. The morphological characteristics and functional groups of the hydrogels were investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Among the formulations tested, the hydrogel containing 1.0 g of glycerol exhibited the highest swelling ratio, reaching 3562.97%, while the hydrogel formulated with 0.5 g of PEG demonstrated superior water retention capacity at 33.47%. Furthermore, hydrogels prepared with 1.75 g of CMC, 1.0 g of glycerol, and 0.5 g of PEG significantly enhanced soil moisture content, pH, and electrical conductivity across various soil types, including sandy, topsoil, gley, and clayey soils. The cellulose-1.0 g glycerol-based hydrogel also resulted in the highest seed germination with 65% of Choy Sum seeds (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis). All hydrogel samples exhibited notable biodegradability, with approximately 87% degradation observed by day 60. These findings underscore the potential of tailoring gelling agents in cellulose-based hydrogel synthesis to optimize their performance for sustainable agricultural applications

    Formulation and Optimization of Hybrid Organic Additive Technology Coolant; Performance Testing on Corrosion Inhibition and Anti-microbial Property of Coolant

    Get PDF
    Hybrid Organic Additive Technology engine coolant is the latest technology of coolant which provides the long service life and good corrosion inhibition towards the metal parts in engine cooling system. Although there are many coolants available at present, the corrosion of engine cooling system still is an issues within users. Thus, it highlights the importance of formulating a coolant which excels in both service life and corrosion mitigation. The coolant was formulated and optimized through changing the dosage of additive based on the coolant performance in ASTM D1384 glassware corrosion test. The additives of coolant were tested individually with ASTM D1384 showing that all corrosion inhibitor is selectively protecting different metal. Organic inhibitor showing selectivity and corrosive towards other unprotected metal, while inorganic inhibitor performs protection towards all 6 types of metal at different extent. The antimicrobial test showing that sodium benzoate exhibit antimicrobial character at minimum dosage of 1% wt in coolant. In addition, the presence of ethylene glycol at 50% volume in coolant showing outstanding antimicrobial growth, ensure long lifespan of engine coolant

    Begonia sakaiana Begoniaceae (sect. Petermannia) a new species from Sarawak, Borneo

    Get PDF
    Begonia sakaiana Meekiong & S.P.Teo, a new Begonia species from Gunung Sejanjang, Kuching, Sarawak is described and illustrated herein. The new species is a cane-liked Begonia from section Petermannia, similar to B. sarangica Kiew & S.Julia, but differs by morphologies

    Indigenous Symbolic Visual Communication Design (ISVCD) Framework: Sustaining Indigenous Knowledge Through A Systematic Innovation Approach.

    Get PDF
    This research addresses the critical need to preserve and transmit Indigenous symbolic communication in the digital age by formalising a culturally grounded visual communication framework that employs a multidisciplinary approach and hybrid model. Rooted in the Indigenous Research Paradigm, the study aims to: (1) formulate a design framework for Indigenous symbolic visual communication, (2) implement the framework through a case study involving the Tatandu visual language, and (3) develop and apply validation strategies to assess the framework’s effectiveness in symbol representation and Indigenous value preservation. The research presents the Indigenous Symbolic Visual Communication Design (ISVCD) Framework, a multilayered model combining a hybrid visual communication and semiotic framework, the TRIZ Law of System Completeness, and Indigenous epistemologies. An Indigenous Symbolic Design Mapping (ISDM) Instrument was developed to operationalise the framework and guide symbol analysis and co-design. A case study involving local Indigenous experts and youth participants from the Murut Tahol community in Sabah. Facilitated the extraction, interpretation, and digital redesign of 14 Indigenous symbols called Tatandu, each associated with their Indigenous core values. Validation was conducted using a triangulation strategy: (1) expert review of symbol accuracy and inventory integrity, (2) empirical testing of the ISDM Instrument using confusion matrix analysis, and (3) thematic comparison of core values between traditional and digital symbols. The results confirm that the ISVCD Framework maintains both symbolic meaning and cultural authenticity across digital transformation processes. The findings affirm the central hypothesis that “visual communication can be formalised in a design framework and successfully applied to Indigenous symbolic communication language”. This research contributes a scalable, epistemologically aligned model for Indigenous digital expression, an innovative approach using TRIZ methodology as a social-technical system with implications for Indigenous symbol preservation, design principles, and inclusive visual media development

    Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Nanocellulose-Based Adsorbent for Removal of Cu2+ Ion Metal in Wastewater

    Get PDF
    The continuous release of heavy metal from various industrial activities has been recognized as one of the major causes contributing to water pollutant. Herein, a novel magnetite adsorbent consisting of nanocellulose (NC), magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been prepared using hydrothermal method. The adsorbent material with adsorption, magnetic and photocatalytic properties has been successfully synthesized and used for Cu2+ removal from industrial wastewater. The magnetite adsorbent made up of nanocellulose from sago was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) for physicochemical study. XRD demonstrating high crystallinity of nanocellulose and displays well crystallized anatase TiO2. TiO2 embedded on the surface on NC/MNP were clearly observed through FESEM. The photocatalytic efficiency of the adsorbent degradation of Cu was evaluated using atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS). The NC/MNP showed removal of 54.1% of Cu2+ metal. Increase of TiO2 loading (800µl) facilitate Cu removal up to 96% after 120 minutes exposure under ultraviolet irradiation. Kinetic analysis using the PSO model at 100mg/L of Cu2+ gave a value of equilibrium adsorption capacity, qe of 4.29 mg/g and a value of the pseudo-second-order rate constant, K2 of 0.004 (95% C.I., 0.0037 to 0.012). The result from these studies showed that the combination of nanocellulose, magnetite and TiO2 has potential heavy metal removals

    32,439

    full texts

    39,506

    metadata records
    Updated in last 30 days.
    Unimas Institutional Repository
    Access Repository Dashboard
    Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇