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Enhancing the photocatalytic activity of halide perovskite cesium bismuth bromide/hydrogen titanate heterostructures for benzyl alcohol oxidation
Get PDFHalide perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 (CBB) has excellent potential in photocatalysis due to its promising light-harvesting properties. However, its photocatalytic performance might be limited due to the unfavorable charge carrier migration and water-induced properties, which limit the stability and photocatalytic performance. Therefore, we address this constraint in this work by synthesizing a stable halide perovskite heterojunction by introducing hydrogen titanate nanosheets (H2Ti3O7 -NS, HTiO-NS). Optimizing the weight % (wt%) of CBB enables synthesizing the optimal CBB/HTiO-NS, CBHTNS heterostructure. The detailed morphology and structure characterization proved that the cubic shape of CBB is anchored on the HTiO-NS surface. The 30 wt% CBB/HTiO-NS-30 (CBHTNS30) heterojunction showed the highest BnOH photooxidation performance with 98% conversion and 75% benzoic acid (BzA) selectivity at 2 h under blue light irradiation. Detailed optical and photoelectrochemical characterization showed that the incorporating CBB and HTiO-NS widened the range of the visible-light response and improved the ability to separate the photo-induced charge carriers. The presence of HTiO-NS has increased the oxidative properties, possibly by charge separation in the heterojunction, which facilitated the generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. A possible reaction pathway for the photocatalytic oxidation of BnOH to BzH and BzA was also suggested. Furthermore, through scavenger experiments, we found that the photogenerated h+ , e− and •O2 − play an essential role in the BnOH photooxidation, while the •OH have a minor effect on the reaction. This work may provide a strategy for using HTiO-NS-based photocatalyst to enhance the charge carrier migration and photocatalytic performance of CBB
Hala tuju pendidikan tinggi islam dalam memacu transformasi Malaysia madani
Get PDFPendidikan tinggi Islam memainkan peranan penting dalam pembentukan Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara madani. Konsep Malaysia Madani menekankan pembangunan yang inklusif, berasaskan nilai-nilai moral dan etika yang tinggi serta menjadikan keadilan sosial dan integriti sebagai teras utama. Dalam konteks yang membincangkan tentang pendidikan, pendidikan tinggi Islam perlu dirangka dengan strategi yang bukan sahaja memperkukuhkan pengetahuan agama tetapi juga membekalkan kemahiran dan nilai yang relevan dengan keperluan semasa. Transformasi teknologi terkini iaitu Artificial Intelligence (kecerdasan buatan) AI yang semakin canggih telah diterapkan ke dalam semua aspek keperluan kehidupan termasuklah Pendidikan digunakan di saentero dunia. Bertunjangkan arus pembangunan, Pendidikan Tinggi Islam perlu melakukan penerapan tranformasi bagi melestarikan Pendidikan Negara terus relevan sesuai dengan arus kemajuan terkini bagi melahirkan masyarakat madani. Justeru itu, kajian ini dilaksanakan adalah untuk meninjau dan menganalisis hala tuju Pendidikan Tinggi Islam dalam memacu Transformasi Malaysia Madani dengan berpandukan perbincangan kajian lepas terhadap peranan dan kepentingan Pendidikan Tinggi Islam kepada pembangunan negara. Kajian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif iaitu menerusi pendekatan analisis dokumen dan kajian yang berkaitan dengan hala tuju Pendidikan Tinggi Islam dalam memacu Transformasi Malaysia Madani. Hasil kajian mendapati peranan Pendidikan Tinggi Islam sangat diperlukan dalam memacu Malaysia Madani masakini. Selain itu, kajian ini juga mendapati Pendidikan Tinggi Islam sangat berkait rapat dengan Teknologi AI serta membincangkan isu dan cabaran dihadapi oleh Pendidikan Tinggi Islam dalam merealisasikan Malaysia Madani. Kajian ini mengharapkan agar pembentukan Malaysia Madani perlu selaras dan sejajar dengan penerapan objektif Pendidikan Tinggi Islam
Polystyrene Waste-ZnO nanocomposite film for energy harvesting via hydrophobic triboelectric nanogenerator: Transforming waste into energy
Get PDFThis research aimed to generate electricity from polystyrene waste materials combined with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials. Developing alternative polystyrene waste materials for generating electricity in triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) could be beneficial in a circular economy and sustainable development. With the motivation to reduce environmental pollution by using polystyrene waste, a recycled polystyrene-ZnO nanocomposite film (rPS-ZnO NF) was synthesized and served as a triboelectric material for energy harvesting applications. ZnO nanopowder was produced by a low-temperature solution immersion method in conjunction with a simple film-casting method to prepare the rPS-ZnO NF. The effects of varying amounts of toluene as a solvent medium and the immersion time in stearic acid (SA) solution treatment on the structural properties, wettability behavior, surface morphology, chemical bonding properties, surface characteristics, and TENG performance were investigated. In this work, rPS film, rPS-ZnO NF, and SA-treated rPS-ZnO NF were paired with Kapton film as the opposite triboelectric material in constructing the vertical contact-separation mode TENG. Compared to rPS TENG, the rPS-ZnO TENG exhibited a two-fold enhancement in performance (8.2 V) in output voltage and ∼4.5 fold enhancement (28.1 μW/cm2) in power density. Furthermore, following SA treatment, the triboelectric performance further improved, reaching the highest open circuit voltage of ∼8.8 V and the highest power density of 32.0 μW/cm2 for repeated 2 N-solenoid tapping force. The hydrophobic behavior was also improved with the highest water contact angle of 134.7 (when the SA treatment immersion time was 1 h). These findings demonstrate that SA-treated rPS-ZnO NF could be a promising candidate for efficient mechanical energy harvesting with high electrical output and excellent surface wettability. This research not only exhibits an excellent output performance of SA-treated rPS-ZnO TENG, but it also sheds new light on the sustainable approach of converting polystyrene waste into energy-harvesting material
Investigating the grinding characteristics of vanadium-titanium iron ore tailings for sustainable utilization in cementitious material preparation
Get PDFThe study of the cementitious material activity of industrial solid wastes is a key issue in the comprehensive utilization of its green building materials. In this study, mechanical activation was used to prepare cementitious materials from vanadium-titanium iron ore tailings (VTIOT) as the main raw materials, and the effects of grinding time, the key parameter, on the grinding characteristics of VTIOT, the mechanical properties of the VTIOT cementitious material, and the hydration mechanism were investigated by means of surface area analysis, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), alkali leaching, mechanical testing, hydration heat analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that: the grinding time and specific surface area of VTIOT exhibit a linear correlation. Prolonging the grinding time, the fractal dimension of the particles gradually increases. The activity of Si4+ and Al3+ elements increases rapidly, reaching a Si4+ and Al3+ content of 96 mg⋅L− 1 at 90 min of grinding. With a VTIOT mixing amount of 30 %, a mortar paste ratio of 1:3, and a water cement ratio of 0.5, the 50 min ground VTIOT mortar demonstrates 7 d and 28 d compressive strengths of 29 MPa and 38.7 MPa, corresponding to the highest values of the activity index, measured at 71.4 % and 75.2 %, respectively. Under standard curing conditions, the hydration products of cementitious materials at 7 d are ettringite (AFt), calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), alumina, ferric oxide, mon sulfate (AFm), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and calcium silica (CS). In the hydration process of 7 d, the exothermic peak and exothermic amount of the 50 min VTIOT cementitious materials are greater than those observed for other grinding times, but lower than those of pure reference cement
Rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella in agro-Food and environmental samples: A review of advances in rapid tests and biosensors
Get PDFSalmonella is as an intracellular bacterium, causing many human fatalities when the host-specific serotypes reach the host gastrointestinal tract. Nontyphoidal Salmonella are responsible for numerous foodborne outbreaks and product recalls worldwide whereas typhoidal Salmonella are responsible for Typhoid fever cases in developing countries. Yet, Salmonella-related foodborne disease outbreaks through its food and water contaminations have urged the advancement of rapid and sensitive Salmonella-detecting methods for public health protection. While conventional detection methods are time-consuming and ineffective for monitoring foodstuffs with short shelf lives, advances in microbiology, molecular biology and biosensor methods have hastened the detection. Here, the review discusses Salmonella pathogenic mechanisms and its detection technology advancements (fundamental concepts, features, implementations, efficiency, benefits, limitations and prospects). The time-efficiency of each rapid test method is discussed in relation to their limit of detections (LODs) and time required from sample enrichment to final data analysis. Importantly, the matrix effects (LODs and sample enrichments) were compared within the methods to potentially speculate Salmonella detection from environmental, clinical or food matrices using certain techniques. Although biotechnological advancements have led to various time-efficient Salmonella-detecting techniques, one should consider the usage of sophisticated equipment to run the analysis by moderately to highly trained personnel. Ultimately, a fast, accurate Salmonella screening that is readily executed by untrained personnels from various matrices, is desired for public health procurement
Ecotourism and mangrove conservation in Southeast Asia: Current trends and perspectives
Get PDFMangroves in Southeast Asia provide numerous supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural services that are crucial to the environment and local livelihoods since they support biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience. However, Southeast Asia mangroves face deforestation threats from the expansion of commercial aquaculture, agriculture, and urban development, along with climate change-related natural processes. Ecotourism has gained prominence as a financial incentive tool to support mangrove conservation and restoration. Through a systematic literature review approach, we examined the relationships between ecotourism and mangrove conservation in Southeast Asia based on scientific papers published from 2010 to 2022. Most of the studies were reported in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, respectively, which were associated with the highest number of vibrant mangrove ecotourism sites and largest mangrove areas compared to the other countries of Southeast Asia. Mangrove-related ecotourism activities in the above countries mainly include boat tours, bird and wildlife watching, mangrove planting, kayaking, eating seafood, and snorkeling. The economic benefits, such as an increase in income associated with mangrove ecotourism, have stimulated infrastructural development in ecotourism destinations. Local communities benefited from increased access to social amenities such as clean water, electricity, transportation networks, schools, and health services that are intended to make destinations more attractive to tourists. Economic benefits from mangrove ecotourism motivated the implementation of several community-based mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives, which attracted international financial incentives and public-private partnerships. Since mangroves are mostly located on the land occupied by indigenous people and local communities, ensuring respect for their land rights and equity in economic benefit sharing may increase their intrinsic motivation and participation in mangrove restoration and conservation initiatives. Remote sensing tools for mangrove monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, and integrated education and awareness campaigns can ensure the long-term conservation of mangroves while sustaining ecotourism's economic infrastructure and social amenities benefits
Society's growing preference for cashless transactions over cash
Get PDFThe shift towards a cashless society is gaining momentum globally, driven by technological advancements, convenience, and the increasing preference for digital transactions over cash. This trend is fueled by factors such as the proliferation of smartphones, the rise of ecommerce, and the availability of various digital payment platforms like credit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payment systems. Cashless transactions offer enhanced convenience, speed, and security, reducing the risks associated with carrying cash, such as theft or loss. Moreover, cashless payments provide a transparent and traceable record, which helps in reducing tax evasion, fraud, and other illegal activities. Businesses also benefit from reduced cash handling costs and improved transaction efficiency. However, the move towards a cashless society is not without challenges, including concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity threats, and the digital divide that may exclude certain groups, such as the elderly or those without access to banking services. Despite these challenges, the benefits of a cashless society, including the potential for economic growth and the simplification of financial transactions, continue to drive its adoption. Governments and financial institutions are increasingly promoting cashless policies, seeing them as a means to modernize economies and enhance financial inclusion. As society increasingly prefers cashless options, the future is likely to see continued innovation and expansion in digital payment solutions, further diminishing the role of cash in everyday transactions
Species composition of anopheles mosquitoes in Danum Valley, Lahad Datu, Sabah.
Get PDFMalaria continues to be a public health concern globally, while in Malaysia, cases remain high among interior communities in Borneo, including in Sabah. We studied the Anopheles species in Danum Valley, Lahad Datu, by random sampling of mosquitoes in the virgin forest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area (VF), low-ground regenerated forest (100m above sea level) (LRF) and high-ground regenerated forest (400m above sea level) (HRF). Over 12 trap nights, a total of 839 individuals of Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to nine species were collected with mosquito magnet: Anopheles asiaticus (94), An. balabacensis (12), An. barbumbrosus (7), An. fragilis (640), An. interruptus (38), An. jamesii (9), An. latens (5), An. maculatus (17) and An. montanus (17). Among them, are vectors for zoonotic malaria in Malaysia namely Anopheles balabacensis (1.43%), An. maculatus (2.03%) and An. latens (0.60%), albeit relatively low in numbers. HRF had the highest number of Anopheles mosquitoes collected (670), followed by LRF (130) and VF (39). Both Simpson’s (D) and Shannon-Wiener (H) diversity indices were highest at LRF (D = 2.07; H = 1.2 with highest Species Evenness, E = 0.58), followed by HRF (D = 1.62; H = 0.8; E = 0.39) and VF (D = 1.31; H = 0.47; E = 0.43. Greater numbers of the malaria vectors were found in LRF and HRF, compared to VF suggesting that there may be greater exposure to vectors and vector-associated diseases when entering these regenerated forests. Significant differences (p < 0.05) for different forest types were detected for the total number of mosquitoes, total Anopheles and An. fragilis between different forest types
The homo sapiens seafarer diaspora in the Southeast Asian archipelago: Traversing transoceanic waters from the mesolithic to the neolithic era
Get PDFThis study delves into the profound impact of waters, seas, and oceans on the historical trajectory of Southeast Asia, challenging the prevailing narratives that have often overlooked the vital contributions of the region’s seafaring ancestors. Traditionally dismissed as mere sources of inspiration, these maritime expanses were instrumental in shaping the transition from traditional kingdoms to modern nationstates in Southeast Asia. While historical theories such as the Out of Yunan and Out of Taiwan paradigms proposed by Western scholars have dominated discussions on the development of traditional civilizations in the Southeast Asian Archipelago (Nusantara), this paper advocates for a Southeast Asia-centric perspective to rectify the marginalization of historical realities. The narrative encompasses the ancient epoch and prehistoric eras marked by the migrations of Homo erectus and Homo sapiens from mainland Asia, providing a comprehensive understanding of the early evolution of maritime civilizations in the region. This exploration highlights the risks and sacrifices made by seafaring communities from B.C. to A.D., as they navigated treacherous waters and stormy weathers to ensure the legacy and continuity of future generations. Far from being trivial, their millennia-long contributions have been likened to “shipwrecks laying at the bottom of the sea in their forgotten watery graves.” By elucidating how these communities utilized seas and oceans as sources of emancipation and development, this study aims to reposition Southeast Asia as an epicentre of civilization, rivalling any in the ancient world. Ultimately, this research provides a nuanced perspective on the region’s maritime history, challenging existing paradigms and contributing to the broader international discourse on the development of civilizations
Examining cash waqf from the perspectives of Malaysian actual donors
Get PDFThis study examined the cash waqf giving behaviour in Malaysia covering Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was employed as a point of departure to observe the factors influencing the cash waqf behaviours involving 777 respondents. SPSS 27 was then utilised to assess and consider the data to test hypotheses and draw statistical conclusions. The TPB’s factors were instrumental in shaping the expansion of cash waqf giving in Malaysia. The added variable, Islamic altruism was also statistically influential and played an important role in determining the behaviour formation. Besides, in the post hoc analyses, we discovered a mediating role of attitude for the tested and examined independent variables involved. The usefulness of the results obtained was confined to the theory used as well as the geographical areas chosen. The results obtained can be learned by Malaysian waqf institutions to further strengthen the waqf collections by optimising the significant variables found in this study. This study is the first to check the effects of the TPB's factors in the context of actual behaviour, which adds more knowledge to the existing waqf literature available in the world