National University of Malaysia

About: National University of Malaysia is a education organization based out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Heat transfer. The organization has 26593 authors who have published 41270 publications receiving 552683 citations. The organization is also known as: NUM & Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Sea level rise and tigers: predicted impacts to Bangladesh’s Sundarbans mangroves

Abstract: The Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, shared by India and Bangladesh, is recognized as a global priority for biodiversity conservation. Sea level rise, due to climate change, threatens the long term persistence of the Sundarbans forests and its biodiversity. Among the forests’ biota is the only tiger (Panthera tigris) population in the world adapted for life in mangrove forests. Prior predictions on the impacts of sea level rise on the Sundarbans have been hampered by coarse elevation data in this low-lying region, where every centimeter counts. Using high resolution elevation data, we estimate that with a 28 cm rise above 2000 sea levels, remaining tiger habitat in Bangladesh’s Sundarbans would decline by 96% and the number of breeding individuals would be reduced to less than 20. Assuming current sea level rise predictions and local conditions do not change, a 28 cm sea level rise is likely to occur in the next 50–90 years. If actions to both limit green house gas emissions and increase resilience of the Sundarbans are not initiated soon, the tigers of the Sundarbans may join the Arctic’s polar bears (Ursus maritimus) as early victims of climate change-induced habitat loss.

Flavonoids as Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents Targeting Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NFκB) Signaling in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Mini Review.

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as angina, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and heart failure are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One of the major transcription factors widely associated with CVDs is nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB). NFκB activation initiates the canonical and non-conical pathways that promotes activation of transcription factors leading to inflammation, such as leukocyte adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. Flavonoids are bioactive polyphenolic compounds found abundantly in various fruits, vegetables, beverages (tea, coffee), nuts, and cereal products with cardiovascular protective properties. Flavonoids can be classified into six subgroups based on their chemical structures: flavanones, flavones, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, and anthocyanidins. As NFκB inhibitors, these flavonoids may modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory genes leading to the attenuation of the inflammatory responses underlying various cardiovascular pathology. This review presents an update on the anti-inflammatory actions of flavonoids via inhibition of NFκB mechanism supporting the therapeutic potential of these natural compounds in various CVDs.

A review of solar air flat plate collector for drying application

Abstract: In this review, we present the fundamental mechanisms and descriptions of solar collectors, which are indispensable components of solar dryers. Then, analysis methods typically used for the evaluation of solar collector performance, particularly energy analysis and exergy analysis, are reported. Experimental and theoretical results from studies on the performance levels of solar air flat plate collectors are summarised as well. During indoor testing, the energy and exergy efficiencies of solar air flat plate collectors range from 30% to 79% and from 8% to 61%, respectively. Various solar collectors are described and classified, and the designs and performance levels of solar collectors with fins integrated to a fluidized bed combination of heat pump and biomass furnace are also reported. Moreover, solar air flat plate collector performances in the drying application of marine and agricultural products are presented. The energy and exergy efficiencies of the solar air flat plate collector in the drying application (outdoor testing) range from 28% to 62% and from 30% to 57%, respectively.

Challenges in fabricating planar solid oxide fuel cells: A review

Abstract: Most technologies for fabricating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are adopted from ceramic-fabrication methods. Selecting an appropriate method of preparing SOFC components is a main concern for many researchers because the method can strongly affect SOFC properties and performance. The method must be reproducible and highly controllable to improve SOFC performance and durability. SOFC fabrication methods have been customized to achieve high power outputs at low operation temperatures and thus broaden the choice of material and reduce fabrication cost. This article provides an overview of planar SOFC fabrication methods. Planar SOFC fabrication methods such as uniaxial pressing, tape casting, screen printing, dip coating, and slurry spin coating are discussed because these methods are cost effective. This article also discusses the technical parameters that can influence the processes of these methods and SOFC performance. The methods of preparing the materials of SOFC components are discussed because these methods directly affect the fabrication process.