UNIMAS Journal (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak)
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Evaluation of Generic Fertiliser as an Alternative Inorganic Nitrogen Source for Ethanolic Glucose Fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Glucose ethanolic fermentation using generic fertiliser
No full textIn the studies and production of bioethanol, the preferred fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is usually cultured in liquid broth that contains yeast extract and peptone. However, the use of these laboratory and scientific grade chemicals is costly, making them impractical for mass bioethanol production. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of glucose ethanolic fermentation by S. cerevisiae using generic fertiliser formulations to provide inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements (NPK-TE). Fermentation media of different generic fertiliser strength at 0.5X, 1.0X and 2.0X Fertiliser Nitrogen Equivalents (FNE), as compared to the conventional Yeast Extract-Peptone (YEP) medium as control, was used as fermentation broth during the ethanolic fermentation of glucose. Based on the results, S. cerevisiae cultured in YEP broth produced the highest cell concentration for both wet (21.93 g/L) and dry cells (3.87 g/L), with rapid increment observed in the first 72 h of fermentation. By the end of the fermentation period, lactic acid (3.14 g/L) and acetic acid (0.96 g/L) levels were recorded to be the lowest in YEP medium while their concentration (lactic acid, 8.08 g/L) and (acetic acid, 2.67 g/L) were highest in 2.0X FNE fertiliser medium. Results indicated that the best theoretical ethanol yield (TEY) among the fertiliser media was achieved when fermentation was performed in the 0.5X FNE fertiliser medium, with a TEY of 86.18%. TEY yields were 78.68% and 51.54% in broth with 1.0X and 2.0X FNE, respectively. In general, all three fertiliser media supported ethanolic fermentation of glucose, with the 0.5X FNE fertiliser broth showing a yield that is significantly close to the conventional YEP medium, as seen in the statistical analysis. Similarities in other fermentation profiles such as acetic acid, lactic acid, and biomass production, as well as glucose utilisation, between the results from the YEP samples and samples from the fertiliser broths (at 0.5X and 1.0X FNE) have also shown that generic fertiliser has the potential to be used as an alternative medium to replace the conventional YEP to produce ethanol at a lower cost
Characterisation of Chemical Compounds from the Root and Leaf Extract of Abrus precatorius: Characterisation of chemical compounds from the Abrus precatorius
No full textA total of five secondary metabolites were isolated and purified from dichloromethane root and leaf extracts of Abrus precatorius using different chromatographic methods. The structures were elucidated using different spectral data and were confirmed to be 5,7-Dimethoxyflavanone (1), Xanthoxylin (2), Hexadecanoic acid (3) successfully isolated from the root extract, and Beta-eudesmol (4) and Squalene (5) successfully isolated from the leaf extract. 5,7-Dimethoxyflavanone (1) and xanthoxylin (2) were reported for the first time from the root extract and this contributed to the pharmacological importance of A. precatorius.  
Synthesis, in vitro and in silico Studies of Alkylated Paracetamol Derivatives as Potential Antibacterial Agent: Alkylated paracetamol as potential antibacterial agent
No full textCASH CONVERSION CYCLE EFFECTS ON PROFITABILITY OF MALAYSIAN PLANTATION SECTOR
Get PDFThe cash conversion cycle (CCC) is a crucial indicator in determining how efficiently a firm can turn its inventory into sales and subsequently into cash. Data from 43 firms listed in Bursa Malaysia from 2016 to 2019 were used to study the relationship between the CCC and profitability. The determinants for CCC are the days sales outstanding (DSO), days payables outstanding (DPO), and days inventory outstanding (DIO) while profitability is represented by the return on assets (ROA) of the firms. The data were collected from the published annual reports and audited financial statements of the local plantation firms and analyzed using EViews version 10. The result reported that DSO positively influences profitability significantly. DIO also reported a positive influence on profitability but the relationship is insignificant. On the other hand, DPO has an adverse effect on profitability and the relationship is insignificant. The findings provide useful information for the Malaysian government, investors, and policymakers in developing effective policies, rules, or regulations to promote economic productivity, growth, and the best plantation financing decision
IMPACT OF COMPANY DIVIDEND POLICY ON STOCK PRICE VOLATILITY IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA
Get PDFInvestor expectations are greatly shaped by a company's dividend policy, which also has an impact on stock price volatility. This study attempts to investigate how corporate dividend policies affect stock price volatility in Malaysia's food and beverage sector. This research aims to provide light on the dynamics of dividend decisions and their impacts on market behavior by examining the relationship between dividend policy and stock price volatility. Utilizing secondary data gathered from publically accessible sources, including financial statements and stock market data, the study uses a quantitative research design. For the analysis, a sample of 30 food and beverage companies that are listed on the Bursa Malaysia stock exchange is chosen and 16 years period (2005-2020) been analyzed. To allow for a comparison examination, the sample contains both dividend-paying and non-dividend-paying enterprises. Regression analysis and descriptive analysis are two statistical methods that are used to analyze the link between dividend policy and stock price volatility. To verify the validity of the results, additional variables such as firm financial performance, market conditions, and industryspecific characteristics are taken into account.The results of this study will add to the body of knowledge by presenting empirical data on the effect of corporate dividend policies on stock price volatility in Malaysia's food and beverage sector. The findings will improve knowledge of the relevance of dividend policy choices and their possible impacts on stock market dynamics among investors, policymakers, and market players
SCOPE OF AUDIT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC SECTOR AUDIT IN MALAYSIA
Get PDFThe public sector audit is a cornerstone for an effective corporate governance. However, its effectiveness largely depends on the scope of audit conducted in public sector agencies. Therefore, this paper examines scope of audit and its effects on the effectiveness of public sector audit in Malaysia. The respondents include the public sector auditors. By employing non-probability purposive sampling using 203 respondents and analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), it was discovered that the scope of audit have a significant positive effect on the effectiveness of public sector audit. The finding reveals that performance and compliance auditing is crucial in public sector. A sound regulatory mechanism in terms of rewards and punishment should be fair and clear. This is important to ensure that the internal auditors strictly address the non-performance behaviours of the government. The research topic is relatively new in Malaysian public sector. This study is therefore likely to significantly contribute to the knowledge about how scope of audit operates in a public sector agencies context that differs significantly from the contexts of private sector agencies
Contamination of Bacillus cereus in Foods Sold at Ramadan Bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak: Bacillus cereus in foods at Ramadan bazaar
No full textEvery year there are reports of food poisoning involving food sold at the Ramadan bazaar and one of the causes of food poisoning is Bacillus cereus. This study aimed to determine the contamination level of B. cereus and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates in food sold at Ramadan bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of 155 samples from five food categories were collected from six Ramadan bazaars in three locations around Kuching. Overall, 32 (21%) food samples were found positive for B. cereus. Cooked rice showed the least satisfactory levels of B. cereus among the food categories and nasi lemak was the type of food that highly contaminated with B. cereus. Antibiotic susceptibility assessment showed that B. cereus isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic, penicillin and cefotaxime in this study. The findings of this study showed that B. cereus has the potential to cause food poisoning to Ramadan bazaar consumers due to the high mean count in some types of food. Therefore, this study can be used as basic data for B. cereus control measures in food sold at the Ramadan bazaar
Species Diversity and Assemblage of Mangroves at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu, Malaysia: Species diversity and assemblage of mangroves, Malaysia
No full textMangroves in wetland ecosystems are diverse and play significant role in the adjacent communities on which they are dependent for their livelihoods. It is also important for fishery resources and nutrient inputs in marine and brackish water ecosystems. However, little is known about the tropical wetland lagoon ecosystems, particularly mangrove diversity and assemblages. Therefore, this present study was initiated to observe the mangrove species diversity and assemblages together with the conservation status in an important tropical wetland ecosystem in Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia. In a variety of landward and small fringe island areas, three zones of square plots were selected (zones 1, 2 and 3) to address the objectives of this study. As a result, a total of 20 true mangrove species belonging to 11 genera from nine families were documented, of which, Avicennia rumphiana was listed as vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN. Twelve species of mangrove associates from 11 genera and nine families were also found in the investigated zones at Setiu. One of the mangrove associates, Intsia bijuga, was designated as vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN. The Shannon diversity index (H') of mangroves was found to be 1.08 at Setiu Wetland. Rhizophora mucronata was found to be well-expanded (H' = 1.05) followed by A. rumphiana, A. officinalis, Heritiera littoralis, A. corniculatum. Excoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera racemosa, and A. ebracteatus (H' = 0.0) as the lowest. The findings of the present study revealed that mangroves in the Setiu Wetland are diverse and healthy compared to other mangrove ecosystems in the region. To maintain the health and function of the mangrove ecosystem in Setiu Wetland, proper monitoring is required
Diversity and Distribution of Predatory Insects in Non-outbreak and Post-outbreak Estates of an Oil Palm Plantation in Beluran District, Sabah, Malaysia: Hemipteran diversity in Beluran Estate, Sabah
No full textHemipteran predator species from the families Reduviidae and Pentatomidae are a group of insects that play a crucial role as natural enemies of leaf-eating pests in oil palm plantations by maintaining the population of pests below the economic. The promotion of natural enemies can be an effective and sustainable approach to pest management. A census was conducted between June and August 2022 in nine plantations in Beluran district, Sabah to compare the species composition between recent leaf-eating pest in outbreaks and non-outbreak estates using sweep nets and active visual surveys. A total of 355 individuals from seven species of two different families were recorded, with Reduviidae being the most abundant family: Sycanus annulicornis, S. affinis, Cosmolestes picticeps, Velinus nigrigenu, Campsolomus nr. sp. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Platynopus melanoleucus and Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The diversity indices of the predatory insects were significantly higher (p<0.01) in non-outbreak estates (H’ = 1.682, 1-D = 0.763) compared to post-outbreak estates (H’ = 1.344, 1-D = 0.683), which recorded a higher dominance value (D = 0.32) of a single species, leading to a decrease in the diversity indices. The Pentatomidae family was only found at non-outbreak estates, while the other Reduviidae species were highly abundant and distributed throughout all study locations. The S. annulicornis and S. affinis were only found on beneficial plants, while E. furcellata and P. melanoleucus were highly abundant within the oil palm planting area. These findings provide insights into the importance of maintaining the beneficial plant and reducing the impact of pest outbreaks on the diversity and abundance of predatory insects in oil palm plantations.
 
Modelling Distribution of Onthophagus Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Sarawak: Modelling distribution of Onthophagus species in Sarawak
No full textDung beetles (Genus: Onthophagus) are members of the family Scarabaeidae and the subfamily Scarabaeinae. Despite their small size and unattractive appearance, dung beetles play an important role in the ecosystem, and they are widely recognised as one of the most effective bioindicators of ecosystem health. Although there has been an increase in dung beetle studies in Peninsular Malaysia, there are very few ecological studies of dung beetles conducted in Sarawak, despite being the largest state of Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide recent information on the distributions of dung beetles from the genus Onthophagus in Sarawak. A total of 32 occurrences data for eight selected Onthophagus species representing 11 localities were successfully recorded. All analyses were performed using the Maximum Entropy Modelling Version 3.4.4 (MaxEnt) and Quantum Geographic Information Systems 3.28.2 (QGIS) software. It is revealed that most dung beetles’ distributions are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation which suggests its capabilities as a bioindicator to identify high biodiversity areas. In conclusion, this study could be beneficial to identify the potential hotspot areas for biodiversity conservation and effective management practices in Sarawak