FELSUS 3.0 PROGRAM & ABSTRACT BOOK

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





ESTABLISHMENT OF POWER-LAW APPROXIMATIONS OF
COLEBROOK'S EQUATION WITH HIGH ACCURACY



Ahmad Ibnu Kasir Ahmad Nadzri and Nurudin Habeed Mohd Abdul Settar

Department of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

Determining Darcy's friction factor is important in pipe flow for a variety of applications involving fluids in
a system. The Colebrook equation is the earliest equation used to calculate friction factors for the turbulent
regime. Due to Colebrook's explicit equation, several researchers came out with their approximation
equation to overcome the problem. This thesis has come out with a new Power-Law approximation equation
with better accuracy than the previous Power-Law approximation equation. Microsoft Excel was used to
compute the friction factors and statical errors. Five approximation equations in power-law form have been
used as a comparison to the new power-law approximation equation. The Absolute Error (0.0443), Relative
Error, Max Relative Error (1.423), Min Relative Error (0.01), Percentage Relative Error (1%), Mean
Absolute Error (MAE) (0.0405), and Mean Relative Error (MRE) (1.24) was used as the statistical tools to
compare the errors. The result shows that the new model Power-Law Approximation equation is better than
the previous Power-Law Approximation Equation in terms of errors and complexity.
Keywords: Darcy's friction factor; Colebrook's equation; Power-Law approximation equation






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FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





IN-SILICO ANALYSIS OF ALPHA-HUMULENE SYNTHASE FROM
AGARWOOD (AQUILARIA MALACCENSIS)



Aina Yusrina Ali Musa and Yasotha Sundaraj
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.

E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

Aquilaria malaccensis, locally known as karas, is a woody tree valued for producing high-value resinous
heartwood called agarwood or known as gaharu. For the tree to produce agarwood naturally, it must be first
infected with mould such as Phialophora parasitic. The presence of secondary metabolites such as
sesquiterpenes gives agarwood its distinctive aroma. The abundance of sesquiterpenes in agarwood and the
powerful aroma emitted, reflect the agarwood's high grade. There is not much research on the
characterisation of α-humulene synthase, a type of sesquiterpene synthase, particularly from A. malaccensis.
This research aims to compare the homology between the α-humulene synthase from Aquilaria malaccensis
with other terpene synthases from different plant species and to study their evolutionary relationship. This
study was carried out using BLASTn of GenBank, CLUSTALW and phylogenetic tree analysis of MEGAX
software. Blastn analysis showed that the α-humulene synthase gene shows a high similarity of 90.07%
with Aquilaria sinensis putative -guaiene synthase gene (GenBank accession number: KM881472.1).
Next, the gene shows 89.95% similarity with both Aquilaria sinesis sesquiterpene synthase (GenBank
accession number: KM881473.1) and Aquilaria sinesis terpene synthase 10 (GenBank accession number
MW533224.1). Upon sequence alignment, conserved regions and motifs were detected to be located at their
respective places in the sesquiterpene synthase gene. Moreover, phylogenetic grouping data with a bootstrap
score of 100 %, indicates that the desired gene belongs to the same clade as the Aquilaria sinensis putative
-guaiene synthase gene.

Keywords: Aquilaria malaccensis; agarwood; α-humulene synthase

50

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022







FORECASTING WATER QUALITY INDEX USING ARIMA MODEL:
A CASE STUDY OF LANGAT RIVER, MALAYSIA



Mira Natasha Norazmi and Naeimah Mamat
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor

E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

Langat River is one of the main water supply sources for Selangor State, Malaysia. It is highly used for
drinking, recreation, industry, fishery and agriculture. Regardless of all the benefits of the river to
humankind, the quality of river water in Malaysia has been increasingly threatened by various forms of
pollution. It is important to ensure the water quality of river water is in a safe range to be used. Therefore,
this study is to forecast the water quality index (WQI) of three stations located at Langat River, namely
1L15, 1L05 and 1L04. This research aims to develop ARIMA models for WQI using Box-Jenkins's
approach and next to forecast monthly WQI using the best fitted ARIMA model. This research uses
secondary data that is collected from the Department of Environment (DOE). The data is being evaluated by
using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Minitab and Microsoft Excel. From the findings,
the researcher has obtained the estimated values of WQI are quite close to the actual values based on the
best fitted ARIMA model. It is hoped that the developed ARIMA model can be used to forecast future WQI.
It is to ensure the river water quality is always at a safe standard.

Keywords: Water quality; forecast; ARIMA






51

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022



LEARNING BEHAVIOUR, MENTAL WORKLOAD AND
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

DURING PANDEMIC SITUATION



Mohammad Erfan bin Mansor1, Nazlin Hanie binti Abdullah1, and Nurul Izzah binti Abdul Rahman2

1 Department of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor

2Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]





Abstract

Determining learning behaviours, mental workload, and musculoskeletal disorders are important in finding
the effects of changes in learning method when a Covid-19 outbreak strikes. Given that the education sector
is among the most affected factors after the advent of Covid-19 virus all over the world. Learning
behaviour, mental workload and musculoskeletal disorders were in the research scope of this paper.
Cognitive, temporal, emotional, performance and musculoskeletal disorders factors were in this research
with identifying the learning behaviour among the university students in Malaysia, investigating the mental
workload of university students while attending online learning, determining the prevalence and associated
factors of musculoskeletal disorders among university students throughout the online learning process, and
analysing the association between learning behaviour, mental workload and musculoskeletal disorders
among university students in Malaysia during pandemic situation. Questionnaires were conducted as the
research tool, with a total of 170 university students participating in this study. All data obtained were
evaluated and analysed using SPSS statistical software by identifying the mean, standard deviation and
percentage for each factor searched. Measurements for musculoskeletal disorders were also recorded. From
the finding, students can adapt to the learning method changes. Through the adaption, the students can
accept learning behaviours and mental workload. However, through the acceptance, musculoskeletal
disorders cannot be avoided, especially at feeling pain at their upper body part. To countermeasure the
problem, a workstation can be proposed for future work.

Keywords: Ergonomics; learning behaviours; mental workload; musculoskeletal disorders; Covid-19
pandemic

52

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





ENZYMATIC EXTRACTION AND CLARIFICATION PROCESS OF
BANANA JUICE: A REVIEW



Mohd Muaz Izzuddin Mohd Ariffin and Nurhafizah Ibrahim
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.
E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

The clarified banana juice is a versatile beverage that can be used in a ready-to-drink beverage or as an
ingredient in other products. This article provides an overview of recent developments and published
literature in enzymatic extraction and clarification process of banana juice, focusing on identifying the
enzymes used in extraction and clarification process of clarified banana juice. The processing parameters
such as types and concentration of enzymes, time and temperature of incubation involved during both
extraction and clarification processes are also compared. Additionally, the nutritional value of the clarified
banana juice is also reviewed. Enzymes are an important component of modern banana juice manufacturing
processes. Their primary purposes are to improve juice extraction processing efficiency and generate a
clarified final product that is visually appealing. Hydrolase enzymes such as pectinase, cellulase and
amylase in combination and mechanical treatment have been used to increase yield and minimise the
turbidity in clarified banana juice during processing. Additionally, these enzymes offer several more
advantages in clarified banana juice, such as improving aroma, flavour, viscosity, and quality.

Keywords: Banana juice; clarified banana juice; pectinase; amylase









53

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





GENETIC DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF DENGUE
VIRUS SEROTYPES FROM MALAYSIA AND NEIGHBOURING
COUNTRIES



Muhammad Aqil Amzar Roslin and Siti Hasmah Mohtar
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.
E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

Transmission of dengue virus (DENV), migration, genotype transfer, and the development of viruses in
previously uninfected areas have resulted in new DENV and genetic diversity variations. As a consequence
of the inconsistency in genetic diversity, there is a difficulty in understanding the DENV variety and virus
composition. The objective of the present study was to determine the evolutionary relatedness among the
serotypes of the Dengue virus from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. A total of
59 DENV sequences from the selected countries were analysed from a GenBank database with Hepacivirus
C as an outgroup for the tree. Our data sets included 15 DENV 1, 15 DENV 2, 15 DENV 3 and 15 DENV 4.
Phylogenetic analysis with 100 bootstrap and protein modeling structures was performed on viral NS4B
sequences. Serotypes from DENV 3 and DENV 4 revealed multiple variations in their sequences.
Phylogenetic analysis revealed that serotype from DENV 1 and DENV 4 has a relationship between the
selected countries except for the Philippines, where many DENV strains from the Philippines are circulating
inside the country. Most of the DENV strains are derived from the common ancestor. The protein model
also reveals that they have different structures if they are unrelated or have a common ancestor. Dengue
transmission, geography structure and global trading are the factors that influence dengue distribution.

Keywords: Dengue virus; genetic diversity; NS4B; phylogenetic analysis



54

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





PRODUCTION OF BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC FROM RENEWABLE
BIOMASS: A REVIEW



Muhammad Khaidir Suhaimi and Nurhafizah Ibrahim
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.
E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

This article reviews the types, processing, and applications of bio-based biodegradable plastic produced
from renewable biomass, specifically agricultural and industrial residues. Bio-based biodegradable plastics
are becoming more attractive due to their role in protecting the environment and realising that the world's
petroleum reserves are depleting. Bio-based biodegradable plastic potentially replaces conventional plastics
in several applications and provides new properties for current and new applications. A range of bio-based
biodegradable, namely starch-based plastic, polylactic acid/ polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates
(PHA), cellulose-based plastics and protein-based plastics, are presented in this review. This review focuses
on identifying and comparing the direct extraction process as well as chemical and fermentation processing
methods in producing bio-based biodegradable plastics from biomass. Additionally, the properties and
applications of these bio-based biodegradable plastics from biomass were also reviewed. This review also
examines the processing challenges in bringing these bio-based biodegradable plastics to a wide range of
applications, together with the current biotechnological approach.

Keywords: Bioplastics; biodegradable plastics; biobased plastics





55

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





A REVIEW ON MICROPROPAGATION OF NEPENTHES AMPULLARIA
BY USING VARIOUS TYPES OF EXPLANTS



Nazuha Farhanis Kamaruzaman and Farrah Nazuha Mansor
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.
E-mail: [email protected]







Abstract

The carnivorous plant Nephentes ampullaria may be found in Malaysia, Borneo, the Maluku Islands, New
Guinea, Sumatra, and Thailand. The native habitat of these rare plants has been impacted by urbanisation
and human activities. Pitchers of N. ampullaria are extensively used in Malaysia for "Lemang periuk kera."
Despite the fact that N. ampullaria is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the Red List, the plant is
becoming increasingly difficult to locate. This review is conducted to investigate the effect of media
formulations supplemented with growth regulator on the growth of N. ampullaria explants. The
micropropagation of N. ampullaria using different types of explants also reported. Shoot bud development
and multiplication can be induced by MS media with a high concentration of BAP. The higher the BAP
concentration, the length of the leaf, bud and roots will increase when compared with the control, then at a
certain concentration, it will decrease. Overall, this approach of in vitro propagation technique using BAP
offers the benefits and good results on growth of N. ampullaria.

Keywords: In vitro propagation; Nepenthes ampullaria; BAP (6-benzylaminopurine); LC (least concern)





56

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022





THERMAL RESISTANCE OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA AND
ESCHERICHIA COLI IN LOW MOISTURE FOOD: A REVIEW



Saranya Arumugam and Norakma Mohd Nor
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.
E-mail: [email protected]








Abstract

Low-moisture foods (LMFs) are food items with a water activity (aw) of less than 0.85 that are less
vulnerable to microbial deterioration and the proliferation of food borne pathogens. However, outbreaks
associated with LMFs have grown in recent years, with Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli being the
main pathogens involved. Salmonella enterica have a longer survival time and a high heat tolerance in low-
moisture meals. Because of several unknown reasons, the reported heat resistance characteristics of
Salmonella enterica in low-moisture diets tend to be unreliable. This review laid the framework for
validating cleaning and sterilisation criteria in low-moisture foods and processing settings to reduce the
possibility of thermally resistant microorganisms. The thermal resistance of Salmonella enterica and
Escherichia coli in low-moisture foods will give the food industry much needed basic inactivation statistics
to verify thermal methods to "kill stages" in low-moisture food processing.
Keywords: Low-moisture foods (LMFs); thermal resistance; water activity

57

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
MEMBERS

PROGRAM BOOKLET

Ts. Dr. Hasdianty Abdullah
Siti Marhamah Rosman

Juwairiyyah Abd Rahman
Mohd Fairuz Ahmad

ABSTRACT

Ts. Dr. Norazean Shaari
Dr. Mokhtazul Haizad Mokhtaram

Dr. Norazlina Idris
Ts. Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohtar

Ts. Norakma Mohd Nor
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salina Mohamed

Ts. Noor Halini Baharim
Siti Hawa Mohd Yusof
Mohd Arif Mat Norman

Yasotha Sundaraj

58

FELS-US 3.0 | 2022

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Sincere appreciation to the followings for the contributions
and participation in making FELS-US 3.0 (2022) a
successful event

YB Puan Rozana Binti Zainal Abidin
ADUN Permatang



Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohammad Redzuan bin Othman
President and Vice Chancellor
Universiti Selangor, Malaysia



Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dzulkarnain bin Ahmad
Dean

Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences
Universiti Selangor, Malaysia


Ts. Hazmin binti Mansor
Director of FELS-US 3.0 (2022)


FELS-US 3.0 (2022) Committee



Keynote Speakers, Guest Speaker



Academic and Industrial Panels



FELS-US 3.0 Presenters

59

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