“Earth to Space” Institute of Climate Change (IPI) Bulletin Vol. 11

IPI e-Bulletin can be accessed at

https://www.ukm.my/ipi/penerbitan/

INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE e-BULLETIN

VOLUME 11 | eISSN (2948 - 457X) | JAN - JUNE 2022

EDITORIAL TEAM

Advisors ›› Chief Editor ››

Associate Prof. Dr. Zaini Sakawi Dr. Teh Wai Leong
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mardina Abdullah
Graphic Designer ››
Editor ››
Noor Shuhaira Rejab
Ts. Dr. Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd Jaafar
Published by ››
Editorial Support ››
Institute of Climate Change (IPI)
Content Coordinator: Level 3, Research Complex,
Nurul Hajijah Hair Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,
Syarina Md Sah 43600 UKM Bangi,
Nurul Ain Nordin Selangor Darul Ehsan, MALAYSIA.
Noridawaty Mat Daud Tel: 03-8911 8482
Email: [email protected]
Copyright ›› Website: http://www.ukm.my/ipi

Institute of Climate Change (IPI) retains the copyright over all materials
published in the bulletin. No part of this bulletin may be reproduced and
transmitted in any other forms without the prior written permission of the
institute.

CONTENTS

Page JOURNEY TO THE WORLD’S 7thCONTINENT- ANTARCTICA

1

4 PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
11 INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE SUPPORTS NATIONAL GREENING ASPIRATIONS
12 THE CONVERSATION AMONG BACTERIA
14 PUBLICATIONS - HIGH IMPACT JOURNALS
17 CONGRATULATIONS

JOURNEY TO THE WORLD’S 7th CONTINENT- ANTARCTICA

Sulaiman Ali Mohammad
Institute of Climate Change (IPI)

“It took about 58 hours to reach the Puerta de entrada Antarctica also known as Antarctica’s Gate. The
vastness of the icy land is really one of the wonders of the world”. Here is my experience that I would like to
share with you in this brief write-up.

Let’s start with some facts about Antarctica. It is described as the world’s driest, windiest, coldest, and
iciest southernmost continent. Within an area of about 14.2 million square kilometers, thick ice covers
about 98% of the land. The continent is divided into East Antarctica, which is mostly composed of a
high ice-covered plateau, and West Antarctica, which is mostly covered by an archipelago of
mountains and islands. On the other hand, the Antarctica Peninsula, being a part of the western
region, protrudes about 1,300 kilometers from the mainland.

In 1959, the Antarctica Treaty was written to preserve the continent’s untouched wild state for future
generations to experience and appreciate. Since the signing of the treaty, more than 50 permanent
research stations have been established by different countries across the continent, including 35
seasonal stations that operate during the summer period (October to March).

The establishment of Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation or the Yayasan Penyelidikan
Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) was approved and registered in 2012, making a step forward in the
polar research by Malaysia. The foundation aims to involve more Malaysian scientists in the Antarctic
research and to sustain Malaysia’s presence in Antarctica. The YPASM Fellowship Scheme is therefore
provided for young Malaysian scientists. I was awarded the YPASM Fellowship Scheme in 2021. It was
presented during the 9th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica (MISA 9) with the title
“Characteristic of Lightning Flashes over Antarctica and its Respond to the Upper Atmosphere”. Since
then, I was prepared for the journey to Antarctica.

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There are many entries points to Antarctica, depending on the desired destination. Since my host has
chosen to enter through Chile, the logistics were then coordinated by the Chilean logistic company
known as AGUNSA. Before my departure, some important documents were needed such as
insurance, vaccination certificate, and mobility pass requested by the Chilean Ministry of Health. It
took about 58 hours to reach Chile, known as the Puerta de entrada Antarctica or Antarctica’s Gate.
Some of the countries that I had to transit for my journey to Antarctica were Dubai (UAE), Sao Paulo
(Brazil), and Santiago (Chile). Due to the strict COVID-19 precaution, PCR tests were conducted five
times throughout my journey. Also, it was mandatory to conduct a 7-day quarantine before entering
Antarctica

Left photo: King George Airport, Antarctica. Right photo: King Sejong Station

Charted flight or ship can also be used to travel to Antarctica. From Punta Arenas Airport, Chile to the
King George Airport in Antarctica, it took about two hours of flight time. Depending on the weather,
the flight could be delayed for hours or days. Upon arriving at the King George Airport, we were then
transported to the port to get on the inflatable boats, known as Zodiac, to the King Sejong Station.
Depending on the roughness of the sea, it could take another 45 minutes or more to reach the
station. My visit to the King Sejong Station in the King George Island Antarctica was hosted by the
Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). The King Sejong Station was established in 1988 and is one of
the well-equipped permanent stations in Antarctica. There are two main buildings in the station. Both
are two-story buildings. The facilities include the radio room, kitchen, laundry room, mass hall,
entertainment room, gym, clinic, library, dormitories, and four main laboratories. These two buildings
were well insulated and heated throughout the day with a heating system powered by a well-
maintained power generator. So, you can roam freely in these two buildings in light clothes. When
conducting outdoor experiments, three layers of clothes are usually worn, innerwear, warm jackets,
and a windbreaker. Additionally, if you would like to travel around the station using the Zodiac,
another life jacket is needed (it was so suffocating!).

Researchers on board the Zodiac around the King Sejong Station

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In some places, special permission is required to conduct activities or experiments, especially the one
located in Antarctica Special Protected Area (ASPA). Any movements outside the station should be
done in pairs and equipped with GPS and radio for constant communication. An hourly interval check-
in report is required to alert the base station of your whereabouts. Throughout the day, we were
served three meals a day prepared by their professional chef. A free commissary station within the
buildings also offers convenient food such as instant noodles and many more. Due to my dietary
constraints (as a Muslim), they respectfully oblige by preparing seafood and a plant-based diet.
Missing local food is one of the dire challenges as a Malaysian, so I had packed some local instant
ready-meal kits for my sudden cravings.

Researchers from different countries in front of the main building

In the spirit of research, communication and sharing of knowledge are usually practiced on a daily
basis. The fields of research include botany (plants), ornithologist (penguins), marine, thermofrost,
seismic activities, and atmosphere with the addition of lightning studies conducted by our research
group. There were also fine art artists seeking inspiration in Antarctica. From what they have learned,
they brought awareness about the preservation of the Antarctic environment so that it can be
appreciated for years to come.

Penguin and plants found near the King Sejong Station

It was my most enjoyable traveling experience to conduct a study with various researchers from
different parts of the world. Reaching the “end of the world”, the vastness of the icy land is indeed the
wonder of the world. I wish one day you will experience it as well!

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PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Syarahan Perdana Profesor Ir. Dr. Mardina Abdullah

Date: 4 February 2022
Venue: Senate Room, Chancellery Building, UKM

Institute of Climate Change has collaborated with the Faculty of Engineering and Build Environment
(FKAB) to host Syarahan Perdana for Profesor Ir. Dr. Mardina Abdullah. The event was hosted hybrid
with 50 guests gathered in the Senate Room of Chancellery Building and attended by almost 400
online participants. Vice Chancellor of UKM, Profesor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd. Ekhwan Hj. Toriman has
attended the event and introduced the speaker. It was then preceeded with the talk by Profesor Ir. Dr.
Mardina Abdullah entitled “Cuaca Angkasa - Kesan Kepada Langit dan Bumi”. A book with the same
title and a virtual exhibition about the speaker were also displayed to guests and participants.

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Visit from Majlis Keselamatan Negara

Date: 11 February 2022
Venue: Meeting Room, EOC

The Earth Observation Center welcomed a technical working visit from a delegation of the Malaysian
National Security Council together with other agencies, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the
National Hydrographic Center and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM). The
purposes of this visit were to identify the environmental technical data that are available in the EOC
database system and to discuss additional data required for the national sovereignty because the
EOC is one of the government's reference experts in addressing cross -border pollution issues.

Bengkel Perancangan Strategi IPI 2022

Date: 15-16 February 2022
Venue: Hotel Seri Malaysia, Bagan Lalang

The IPI staff gathered at the Hotel Seri Malaysia, Bagan Lalang during 15-16 February 2022, for the
Bengkel Perancangan Strategi dan Majlis Meraikan Perkhidmatan Kakitangan IPI. It was for the first
time held outside the campus after two years of COVID-19 pandemic. . The program was started by
the launching of Kelab Kebajikan IPI where we discussed the benefits for the club members. Mr.
Mohd Sayuti Che Hamid was appointed as the chair of the club. During the event, some research
fellows were appointed as the coordinators for the graduates, programs, promotion, and publicity
and alumni. The next session was to discuss the KPI of the institute based on the MYRA criteria. This
session continued for the next day, focusing on the income generation for the institute.

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Bengkel Penambahbaikan Program Data Alam Sekitar di Sepanjang
Selat Johor, Sekitar Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan

Date: 9 March 2022
Medium: Online via Webex platform

This workshop was conducted online to discuss the direction of the Program that has been conducted
since 2004. It also to obtain input from relevant agencies to improve the program so that it can
comply with its obligations under the Settlement Agreement. The agencies involved in this workshop
are Department of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affair, Department of Fisheries, National
Hydrographic Centre, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Department of Drainage and
Irrigation, KD Sultan Ismail and Malaysian Space Agency. At the end of the workshop, a summary of
the contributions of the experts from different agencies will strengthen the program in the future.

R Programming (For Beginner) Course

Date: 28 – 29 March 2022
Venue: IPI Seminar Room, Research Complex

This introductory programming course was opened to teach the R language to students and
researchers. The program was a collaboration project by the Earth and Space Student Association
(ESSA) and Institute of Climate Change. Dr. Wee Hin Boo, a research fellow from IPI was the instructor
for this two-day course.

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MoA Signing Ceremony between UKM and PANTAS Software Sdn. Bhd.

Date: 11 April 2022
Venue: Bilik Majlis, Chancellery Building UKM

Institute of Climate Change (IPI) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with PANTAS
Software Sdn. Bhd. on 11 April 2022 at UKM. The MOA is a commitment between PANTAS and UKM to
develop a science-based data-driven approach for companies in this region to fight climate change.
PANTAS and UKM strongly believe that raising awareness and understanding of the effects of climate
change on businesses will facilitate both the behavioral change and management support for the
actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To develop software and to detect, calculate, monitor
and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are to be the PANTAS-UKM Green Solutions. This project
will be led by Associate Prof. Dr Marlia, the Head of the Center for Tropical Climate Change Systems,
IPI.

This MoA was signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Industry, Alumni & Community Network, Prof.
Dato ’Dr. Norazah Mohd Nordin, the Deputy Director of the Institute of Climate Change, Prof. Ir. Dr.
Mardina Abdullah, and the Chief Executive Officer of PANTAS Software Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Max Lee.

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Fieldwork for Project Fundamental Research Grant Scheme: Assessing Forest
Landscape Restoration and Aboveground Carbon Dynamics Using Light
Detection and Ranging

Date: 17- 25 April 2022
Venue: Danum Valley Conservation Area and Infapro, Lahad Datu, Sabah

This fieldwork campaign was led by Ts Dr Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd Jaafar in collaboration beween
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Newcastle University, Tropical
Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia. The objective of this fieldwork was to collect ground data and tree parameters from Danum
Valley Conservation Area and Infapro to assess forest restoration success across three different forest
treatments namely Old-growth forest, natural regenerating forest and restored forest, using field data
and remote sensing approaches. The outcome from this activity will also provide knowledge and
hands-on experiences to the students on the techniques and tools for field data collection as well as
equip them with knowledge on remote sensing forestry.

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Date: 30 May 2022
Medium: Online via Webex platform

Institute of Climate Change, UKM in collaboration with the Earth and Space Science Student's
Association (ESSA), has organized a webinar entitled “Post-Covid Recovery Phase for Postgraduate
Students in IPI”. The program was moderated by Dr. Wee Hin Boo and participated by students from
IPI and other universities. Ts. Dr. Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd Jaafar from IPI and Dr. Fazly Amri Mohd
from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Perlis were invited to give talks related on the issue.

IPI Public Forum: Bencana Banjir – Perspektif Pengurusan Sungai,
Alam Sekitar dan Perubahan Iklim di Malaysia

Date: 2 June 2022
Medium: Online via Zoom Platform

IPI hosted the IPI Public Forum entitled “Bencana Banjir – Perspektif Pengurusan Sungai, Alam Sekitar
Dan Perubahan Iklim Di Malaysia” virtually on 2 June 2022. This forum was the continuation of the
first forum held on 20 December 2021 as one of the initiatives to introduce the Environmental
Management Centre (EMC@UKM), the top-down initiatives from the Ministry of Environment and
Water. The forum was moderated by Prof. Dr. Zulkifli Yusop (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia) with three
panellists, YBhg. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang (Kementerian Alam Sekitar dan Air), YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Ts.
Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Hj Toriman (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Ir. Hajah Bibi Zarina binti Che
Omar (Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran). The forum has attracted 200 participants from UKM, external
organizations, private companies, and the community.

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Advance ArcGIS Platform & Open-Source Introduction Course

Date: 7-8 June 2022
Venue: ICT 1 Lab, Earth Observation Centre (EOC)

The Earth Observation Centre, Institute of Climate Change has held a Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) course entitled ‘Advanced ArcGIS Platform and Open-Source Introduction’, on 7-8 June
2022. This two-day paid course covered the use of ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Dashboard and Introduction
to Open Layer Web Mapping. This course was attended by 10 participants from UKM and private
company and each participant was given a certificate of participation at the end of the program.

The course was conducted face-to-face as it will provide participants with the most efficient way to
learn, communicate and familiarize themselves with the software. From this training, participants
were able to understand the planning process, collection and storage, managing and data analysis.
Apart from that, through this course, participants were also given exposure to the coordinate
projection system used in Malaysia which was the core importance of data used in GIS. This course
will be conducted as an annual EOC activity.

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Norzatul ‘Ezzah Hasan (UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability) &
Dr. Maggie Ooi Chel Gee (Institute of Climate Change)

On 16 March 2021, the Memorandum of Agreement for “CSR CoopCare Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok”
programme was signed between Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) and Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through the Institute of Climate Change (IPI). This initiative aims to increase
tree coverage in Malaysia by planting up to one million trees to help combat the implication of climate
change. The two-year programme is led by YBhg. Prof. Dr Mohd. Nizam Mohd. Said, the Associate Principal
Fellow of IPI and the leader of the Climate Change Mitigation Thrust under the UKM-YSD Chair for
Sustainability. Under the programme, UKM will develop a complement module entitled “Sejuta Pokok
Segunung Harapan” to provide training to trainers (ToT) to increase the awareness of the local community
on the importance of trees to help the natural ecosystem to fight against the climate change.

The soft launch of the programme was held on 20 March 2022 at the Sungai Lalang Forest Reserve,
Semenyih and was officiated by YBhg. Puan Sri Prof. Datuk Dr. Aishah Salleh, the Advisor of the PUSPANITA,
Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC). This degraded forest reserve spans one
hectare and is now planted with 312 forest trees from various selected species during the ground-breaking
event. The UKM team will continuously monitor the progress and growth of trees to assess the carbon
sequestrated in the soil. The programme has actively involved and engaged with the Forestry Department,
Yayasan Hijau and other stakeholders to ensure the programme runs smoothly. The involvement of YBhg.
Prof. Dr Nizam and experts from UKM have provided immense support on education and forestry aspects.
Through this programme, both Angkasa and UKM are highly committed to support the “Greening Malaysia”
aspiration under the “100 Million Tree-Planting Campaign (2021-2025)” by the Ministry of Energy and
Natural Resources (KASA).

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MoA Signing CTeHreEmCoOnNyVbEeRtSwAeTeInOUNKAMMaOnNdGPABNATCATSERSIoAftware Sdn. Bhd.

Noorashikin Md Noor
Institute of Climate Change (IPI)

Do you remember the last time you gathered around and chit-chatted among your friends? This is
happening to the bacteria that even live on your palm. The bacteria are gathered in a quorum, planning to
attack a host. In scientific terms, it is called quorum sensing. Quorum sensing is a way of communication in
bacteria same as humans, they have different languages depending on their species. These languages are
termed "autoinducers." For example, Gram-positive bacteria use autoinducing peptide/AIP (as their
language) while Gram-negative bacteria use acyl-homoserine lactone/AHL. Consider it as different races of
humans talking in their native language, it’s the same as bacteria, only that the language is called signaling
molecules. Due to the unique character of these autoinducers, only bacteria of the same species can
interact. This, however, is not always the case. Certain bacterial species are "bilingual," meaning they can
create autoinducers that are detectable by multiple other species. In simple words, these bacteria are
brilliant enough just like humans to learn other species' languages. Sounds fantastic, right? It is a way of
bacteria to adapt to a climatic changing environment.

The more the merrier! Picture showing purple zone on a petri dish, which indicates that the bacteria
are communicating or quorum sensing.

If we humans talk about our daily activities, then what about bacteria talk? Now comes the sinister part.
When bacteria gather in a quorum, they are bringing harm to the host. This is what I’m observing in my
grouper fish, as bacteria do the quorum sensing "magic," they are triggering my fish to lesion and overall
bringing mortality to the grouper. In this case, Vibrio bacteria produce their signaling molecules and attack
the grouper in high concentrations. This eventually causes mortality for the fish.

Picture of lesion on grouper’s body. 12
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So, can the bacteria shut up? Interestingly, we can mute the bacteria. It is possible to block their signaling
molecules, and finally, the host cannot be attacked even though the bacteria live inside the host’s body. It is
called a quorum sensing inhibitor and is receiving attention nowadays for combating bacteria, be it in fish
or humans. This is as an alternative to the antibiotic in which the bacteria has gained resistance against
antibiotic thus accelerating interest for the scientist to find the quorum sensing inhibitor. One unexpected
example is that cinnamon is a great quorum sensing inhibitor. Not only that, but compounds from the fruit
also showed high activity as quorum sensing inhibitors. Bacteria, on the other hand, are incredibly
resourceful, and it doesn't take long for them to acquire resistance to new medicines. In this case, quorum
sensing inhibitors could be crucial. In addition to making bacteria less hazardous and more curable, they
can do so in quantities that do not kill the bacteria. As a result, the bacteria have no motive to build
resistance. If this is true, molecules like these could be used with traditional antibiotics to treat diseases
that have been resistant in the past.

Picture showing quorum sensing inhibitor extracted from cinnamon as indicated by the white circle.

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PUBLICATIONS

HIGH IMPACT JOURNALS (Q1)

NO. PAPER TITLE & JOURNAL NAME AUTHORS

1 A filling-factor engineered, perfect metamaterial absorber for multiple Mandeep Singh Jit Singh
applications at frequencies set by IEEE in C and X bands Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
2 Journal of Materials Research & Technology Faruque
3 Norsuzlin Mohd Sahar
4
5 An angular stable triple-band anisotropic cross-polarization Norsuzlin Mohd Sahar
6 conversion metasurface Md Ismail Hossain
7 Results in Physics
8 Ooi Chel Gee
Analyses of a Lake Dust Source in the Middle East through models
9 performance
Remote Sensing
10
Combined RIS and EBG surfaces inspired meta-wearable textile MIMO Mandeep Singh Jit Singh
antenna using viscose-wool felt
Polymers

Design and analysis of multi-layer and cuboid coding metamaterials Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
for radar cross section reduction Faruque
Materials Tayaallen Ramachandran

Development and analysis of coding and tailored metamaterial for Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
terahertz frequency applications Faruque
Materials Tayaallen Ramachandran

Distinct transport mechanisms of East Asian dust and the impact on Ooi Chel Gee
downwind marine and atmospheric environments
Science of the Total Environment

Dual square split ring enclosed spiral shaped hybrid metamaterial Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
resonator with size miniaturisation for microwave wireless Faruque
applications Air Mohammad Siddiky
Scientific Reports Sabirin Abdullah

Effective adsorptive removal of dyes and heavy metal using graphene Marlia Mohd Hanafiah
oxide based Pre-treated with NaOH / H2SO4 rubber seed shells
synthetic graphite precursor: equilibrium isotherm, kinetics and
thermo
Separation and Purification Technology

Effects of pressure anisotropy on the geometry of magnetic flux rope Teh Wai Leong
The Astrophysical Journal

11 Gap coupled symmetric split ring resonator based near zero index Norsuzlin Mohd Sahar
ENG metamaterial for gain improvement of monopole antenna Samir Salem Omair Al-Bawri

Scientific Reports

12 Highly effective cow bone based biocomposite for the sequestration Marlia Mohd Hanafiah
of organic pollutant parameter from palm oil mill effluent in a fixed

bed column adsorption system
Polymers MDPI

13 Households perceptions and socio-economic determinants of climate Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud
change awareness: evidence from Selangor Coast Malaysia Sofia Ehsan

Journal of Environmental Management

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NO. PAPER TITLE & JOURNAL NAME AUTHORS

14 Integrated segmentation approach with machine learning classifier in Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd Jaafar

detecting and mapping post selective logging impacts using UAV Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud

imagery Aisyah Marliza Muhmad

Forests Kamarulzaman

Siti Nor Maziah Saad

15 Life cycle assessment of an integrated membrane treatment system Marlia Mohd Hanafiah
of anaerobic treated palm oil mill effluent (POME)
Membranes

16 Magnetic, dielectric and structural properties of Mandeep Singh Jit Singh
CoxZn(0.90x)Al0.10Fe2O4 synthesized by sol gel method with Md Ismail Hossain
application as flexible microwave substrates for microstrip patch
antenna
Journal of Materials Research and Technology

17 Metal-doped graphitic carbon nitride nanomaterials for photocatalytic Marlia Mohd Hanafiah
environmental applications-A review

Nanomaterials

18 Modeling the impacts of land use land cover change on meteorology Ooi Chel Gee
and air quality during 2000 to 2018 in the Yangtze River Delta region,

China
Science of The Total Environment

19 Modified coptic cross shaped split-ring resonator based negative Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
permittivity metamaterial for quad band satellite applications with Faruque
high effective medium ratio Md Bellal Hossain
Materials

20 Polarization and angular insensitive bendable metamaterial absorber Ahasanul Hoque
for UV to NIR range
Scientific Reports

21 Polarization independent metamaterial absorber with anti-reflection Touhidul Alam
coating nanoarchitectonics for visible and infrared window Hakim Mohammad Lutful

applications Ahmad Musa

Materials

22 Polarization insensitive split square ring resonator based epsilon- Norsuzlin Mohd Sahar
negative and near zero refractive index metamaterial for S, C, and X Md Ismail Hossain

frequency bands satellite and radar communications
Scientific Reports

23 Polarization insensitive symmetrical structured double negative Norsuzlin Mohd Sahar
(DNG) metamaterial absorber for Ku band sensing applications Touhidul Alam
Hakim Mohammad Lutful
Scientific Reports

24 Predicting sustainable arsenic mitigation using machine learning Biswajeet Pradhan
techniques

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

25 Quad-band polarization-insensitive square split-ring resonator (SSRR) Touhidul Alam

with an inner jerusalem cross metamaterial absorber for Ku- and K- Hakim Mohammad Lutful

band sensing applications

Sensors

26 Radio frequency energy harvesting technologies: A comprehensive Mandeep Singh Jit Singh
review on designing, methodologies, and potential applications Samir Salem Omair Al-Bawri

Sensors

27 Rotational symmetry engineered, polarization and incident angle- Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

insensitive, perfect metamaterial absorber for X and Ku band wireless Faruque

applications

Scientific Reports

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NO. PAPER TITLE & JOURNAL NAME AUTHORS

28 Same but different? Zoantharian assemblages (Anthozoa: Wee Hin Boo
Hexacorallia) in Bonaire and Curacao, southern Caribbean
Coral Reefs

29 Spatial prioritization for wildfire mitigation by integrating Biswajeet Pradhan
heterogeneous spatial data: a new multi-dimensional approach for

tropical rainforests
Remote Sensing

30 Specific absorption rate reduction for sub 6 frequency range using Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
polarization dependent metamaterial with high effective medium Faruque
ratio Tayaallen Ramachandran
Scientific Reports

31 Statistical Global Investigation of Pre-Earthquake Anomalous Mardina Abdullah
Geomagnetic Diurnal Variation Using Superposed Epoch Analysis Muhammad Khairul Adib
IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing Muhammad Yusof

32 Stem cell transplantation therapy and neurological disorders: current Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

status and future perspectives Faruque

Biology-Basel Sabirin Abdullah

33 Studies of the mechanical and neutron shielding features of concrete Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

by incorporation of green additive materials: Experimental and Faruque

numerical study Hassanpour Choubeh Sani

Radiation Physics and Chemistry Mehdi

34 The dilemma in energy transition in Malaysia: A comparative life cycle Marlia Mohd Hanafiah
assessment of large scale solar and biodiesel production from palm oil
Journal of Cleaner Production

35 The efficacy of thick gas electron multiplier detector in measuring 14C Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
Faruque
for dating purpose
Hassanpour Choubeh Sani
Radiation Physics & Chemistry

Mehdi

36 Triple band microwave metamaterial absorber based on double E- Mandeep Singh Jit Singh

shaped symmetric split ring resonators for EMI shielding and stealth Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

applications Faruque

Journal of Materials Research and Technology Md Bellal Hossain

37 Wide bandwidth enriched symmetric hexagonal split ring resonator Mohammad Rashed Iqbal

based triple band negative permittivity metamaterial for satellite and Faruque

Wi Fi applications Md Bellal Hossain

Results in Physics

38 Wide-oblique-incident-angle stable polarization-insensitive ultra- Touhidul Alam
wideband metamaterial perfect absorber for visible optical Hakim Mohammad Lutful
wavelength applications
Materials

Notes: Only authors affiliated to IPI are shown.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

MAJLIS ANUGERAH Congratulations to Institute of Climate
KECEMERLANGAN MYRA® Change for being awarded the “Anugerah
Institut Cemerlang” (Gifts and Professional
Services) for Science and Technology in the
Majlis Anugerah Kecemerlangan MyRA®
Prestasi 2022. Associate Prof. Dr. Marlia
Binti Mohd Hanafiah was also awarded the
Anugerah Individu Cemerlang (Penerbitan)
for Science and Technology in the
Associate Professor Category. The award
ceremony was hosted by CRIM UKM at
DECTAR on 18 May 2022.

RESEARCH GRANT AWARD Congratulations to Dr. Siti Norliyana Harun
CEREMONY: MASA POLICY for obtaining a research grant for research
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME project entitled “Ketahanan dan Kapasiti
Adaptasi Sektor Ekopelancongan Terhadap
Pandemik COVID-19: Kajian Kes Komuniti
Setempat di Pulau Tioman”. The grant was
granted by Institut Masa Depan Malaysia
(MASA) amounted RM10,000.00. The award
was presented by the Former Prime
Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato' Haji
Mahiaddin bin Md. Yasin on 7 February
2022 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
(KLGCC).

EARTH TO SPACE I Institute of Climate Change Bulletin 17

RESEARCH GRANTS

Dr. Sabirin Abdullah
Research Title: Left Handed Meta-Surface Absorber for Perfect Absorption
Granted by: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Amount: RM 100,000.00

Associate Prof. Sr. Dr. Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud
Research Title: Program Data Alam Sekitar Di Sepanjang Selat Johor, Sekitar
Batuan Tengah Dan Tubir Selatan Di Bawah Pematuhan Obligasi Settlement
Agreement
Granted by: Kementerian Alam Sekitar dan Air (KASA)
Amount: RM500,000.00

Associate Prof. Sr. Dr. Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud
Research Title: Pembangunan Sistem Pangkalan Data Kajian Analisis Beban
Pencemar Udara Di Kawasan Industri Berisiko Di Malaysia
Granted by: Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd.
Amount: RM70,000.00

Dr. Teh Wai Leong
Research Title: Understanding The Role Of Magnetic Island In Plasma
Acceleration And Energy Conversion During Magnetic Reconnection
Granted by: Institute for Space-earth Environmental Research (ISEE)
Amount: RM 13,0000

APPOINTMENT BY Congratulations to the Director of IPI,
DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS Associate Prof. Dr. Zaini Sakawi and
MALAYSIA Associate Prof. Sr. Dr. Khairul Nizam Abdul
Maulud being appointed by the Malaysia
Standard Department as Member for
Technical Committee for climate change.

EARTH TO SPACE I Institute of Climate Change Bulletin 18

COMPLETION OF ANTARTICA Congratulations to Sulaiman Ali Mohamad
RESEARCH EXPEDITION for completing his expedition to King
Sejong Station, Antarctica for the research
entitled “Understanding the Correlation
between Lightning Activities in Antarctica
Peninsula and Climate Change Effect”. The
expedition which has started on 24 January
and ended on 7 March 2022 was funded by
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan
Mizan in collaboration with Korean Polar
Research Institute (KOPRI). Sulaiman Ali
Mohamad is IPI student supervised by Prof.
Ir. Dr. Mardina Abdullah.

WELCOMING THE NEW HEAD OF Institute of Climate Change would like to
ENVIRONMENTAL congratulate and welcome Associate Prof.
MANAGEMENT CENTRE (EMC) Dr. Wan Hanna Melini Wan Mokhtar as the
new Head of Environmental Management
Centre (EMC) starting from 1 June 2022.

ANUGERAH PERKHIDMATAN
CEMERLANG (APC) 2021

(Assesment Year of 2021)

Ts. Dr. Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd Jaafar Nur Zaimah Abdul Wahid
EARTH TO SPACE I Institute of Climate Change Bulletin
19

Institute of Climate Change
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan,

Malaysia

Tel: 603-8911 8482/8033
E-mel: [email protected]