The high concentrations of plastic and plastic debris in the environment continue to rise each year as most plastics undergo minimal biological degradation. As plastics are exposed to sunlight, the atmosphere, and water, these polymers break into smaller pieces and become individual polymer molecules. In this study, the presence of microplastics (MPs) in mussels was investigated. Wild Asian green mussels (Perna viridis) samples were collected from the Pasir Putih estuary for 3 months and were categorised according to size. The density was separated using NaCl solution, and the removed soft tissues were digested with 10% KOH solution. By using FTIR spectrometry, of the particles identified in all samples collected, the majority were nylon (polyamides) in the form of fibres. The average number of fibres detected in small, medium, and large samples is 1.31, 1.05, and 0.79 items/g, respectively. Despite the widespread MPs in the environment, the actual number of MPs, particularly MP fibres, is unprecedented and expected to be higher. The abundance of MPs detected in mussels not only affects health, fecundity, and ecosystem services provided by bivalves but also presents a route for human exposure.
The Fluid Mechanics course has been identified as one of the highest failure rate courses in the Diploma in Civil Engineering among undergraduate students. This course deals with the behaviour of fluids under various forces as well as its application in the civil engineering field and is equally important compared to other fundamental courses. It appeared that students' achievements based on designated course outcomes, which are to explain basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and formulate engineering problems related to fluid mechanics, were mostly unsatisfactory. In an effort to foster the issue, an intervention programme was introduced, whereby it has been conducted for two semesters, physically and virtually. This programme maintains the conventional teacher-centred method while applying an active learning environment where lecturers guide students creatively in problem-solving exercises that focus on critical subtopics. During the face-to-face sessions, the programme was conducted for two hours in three sessions. The online programme session, on the other hand, was carried out due to COVID-19 restrictions, conducted in three live sessions led by different lecturers. The recorded videos were shared with the students for further use afterwards. The findings indicate that the Intervention Programme fulfilled physically (semester March 2019 -July 2019) has decreased the percentage of failure rate by 0.48% compared to the previous semester without the intervention (semester September 2018 -January 2019), while for online intervention, the failure rate has slightly increased by 0.35% (semester October 2020 -February 2021) when compared to no intervention held (semester March 2020 -July 2020). However, a comparison made between these two methods shows that an online intervention programme has significantly improved the percentage failure rate as compared to a face-toface intervention programme by a decrement of 12.77%. Such interventions, especially if conducted online, would have a significant impact on academic outcomes and help in eliminating the achievement gap among students.
The pozzolanic properties of the industrial by-product palm oil fuel ash (POFA) has given this material a unique characteristic that can be used as a cement substitute. Meanwhile, the abundance of waste seashells which contain an enormous amount of calcium oxide (CaO) available around the world has led this material to be another potential waste material as substitutes for conventional materials in concrete. The percentage amount of POFA used as a replacement was constant at 20% from the amount of cement. On the other hand, mussel shell powder (MSP) was replaced by 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% with the decrement of 2% of OPC used for each of the design. The physical and chemical properties of the materials and the mechanical properties of concrete brick were identified for 7, 14 dan 28 days. The inclusion of POFA and MSP in the concrete brick mix in this study reduced the compressive strength of the concrete in the early days and enhanced at the late stages. Apart from that, the compressive strength of the concrete brick mixtures decreased along with the increasing percentage of MSP as the increment content of CaO from MSP reduced the hydration process. The optimum percentage of MSP replacement in this study is 4% with 20% replacement of POFA and 76% OPC. The application of these materials as supplementary cementitious materials in the construction industry, particularly in producing non-load concrete brick will simultaneously encourage reducing potential pollutions and promote sustainability.
The change of learning approach due to Covid 19 from face to face to online distance or blended learning required knowing technology tools in the education. Distance learning is a technique of giving instruction using online tools and technology. Distance learning depends on information and communication technologies to distribute the course materials and engage with students. The main goal of remote delivery is to promote communication between students, allowing for interaction and knowledge sharing at any time. In that it can still support conventional learning tools, remote delivery is also compatible with other instructional strategies and technology of prior learning. However blended learning is the approach that combine face to face and online learning. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the effect of online distance learning or blended learning versus face-to-face learning for fluid mechanics' course. The study shows that ODL or blended learning can be a useful teaching strategy for the Fluid Mechanics course because the cognitive domain can still be reached. Additionally, when comparing ODL or blended learning to face-to-face learning, PO attainments are not affected much for both teaching approach. The percentage of failure rate also decrease during ODL, or blended learning semester compared to face-to-face semester.
This research explored the potential to use IPA as a binder for the treatment of industrial waste sludge. Within the study, Incinerated Paper Ash (IPA) was used together Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), a main material employed in solidification/stabilization (S/S) methodology to treated industrial ceramic sludge. The issues created by OPC in sustain the surroundings and cost force the new material must replace OPC as binder within the treatment methodology. The impact of the various IPA compositions within the system has been examined. The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) were used to assess the viability of IPA in sludge treatment once 28 days. The great result of compressive strength and decrease in heavy metals shows the potential of IPA in OPC replacement.
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