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.

Overview on the production of paraffin based-biofuels via catalytic hydrodeoxygenation

Abstract: One of the challenging issues faced by the modern world is the scarcity of fossil fuels, a result of the increasing use of fuel for transportation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an alternative fuel source that can replace non-renewable fossil fuels. The use of biomass-derived fuels in place of conventional fuels is an emerging field of interest, and studies are on-going to find a solution to avoid a future energy crisis. Hydrodeoxygenation, which converts biofeed to hydrocarbon fuels that have all the qualities of conventional fossil fuels, is one of the most interesting and promising techniques in this field. The hydrodeoxygenation of vegetable oils to biofuel is an area in development. In the present paper, an overview of the catalysts used for hydrodeoxygenation of various vegetable oils is presented. In addition, the nature of the catalysts and reaction conditions necessary for the desired activity and selectivity of the catalysts are included. The current state of the field, trends in production processes and a brief description of commonly used feedstocks are presented as well.

Pteropus vampyrus, a hunted migratory species with a multinational home‐range and a need for regional management

Abstract: Summary 1. The management of migratory species is challenging because of insufficient data on long-range movement patterns, habitat use, and the impact of anthropogenic pressures (e.g. hunting) throughout their home ranges. 2. We evaluate the current abundance and mobility of the Malayan flying fox Pteropus vampyrus, a threatened fruit bat species of ecological and economic significance across Southeast Asia, using roost site surveys and satellite telemetry. We combined this with data from hunter license sales and population projection models to assess the impact and sustainability of current hunting practices in Peninsular Malaysia. 3. We monitored 33 active Pteropus vampyrus roost sites in Peninsular Malaysia, including eight seasonal roost sites. Roost site occupancy showed considerable temporal variation over the 3-year study period. 4. Hunting activity has more than doubled since 1996, and based on license sales, we estimate that a minimum legal harvest of 87 800 bats occurred between 2002 and 2005. Population models suggest that this level of hunting is likely to be unsustainable given our baseline abundance scenarios of 100 000, 250 000 or 500 000 bats, especially considering that these models do not include culling of Malayan flying foxes as agricultural pests or illegal hunting activities, for which there are no available data. 5. Satellite telemetry of seven adult male bats show that Malayan flying foxes are highly mobile, travelling hundreds of kilometres between roosting sites within a year and occupying home ranges that extend beyond Malaysia to include Indonesia and Thailand. We conclude that focal hunting pressure in Malaysia threatens a regional population of this migratory mammal. 6.Synthesis and applications. This is the first study of its kind on flying foxes in Asia, and illustrates that bats, like other migratory species, urgently require comprehensive protection by regional management plans across their range. P. vampyrus moves across international borders in Southeast Asia. Current hunting practices within Malaysia together with limited protection in other countries may threaten its long-term survival.

Elicitor and Receptor Molecules: Orchestrators of Plant Defense and Immunity.

Abstract: Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs), and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are molecules produced by microorganisms and insects in the event of infection, microbial priming, and insect predation. These molecules are then recognized by receptor molecules on or within the plant, which activates the defense signaling pathways, resulting in plant’s ability to overcome pathogenic invasion, induce systemic resistance, and protect against insect predation and damage. These small molecular motifs are conserved in all organisms. Fungi, bacteria, and insects have their own specific molecular patterns that induce defenses in plants. Most of the molecular patterns are either present as part of the pathogen’s structure or exudates (in bacteria and fungi), or insect saliva and honeydew. Since biotic stresses such as pathogens and insects can impair crop yield and production, understanding the interaction between these organisms and the host via the elicitor–receptor interaction is essential to equip us with the knowledge necessary to design durable resistance in plants. In addition, it is also important to look into the role played by beneficial microbes and synthetic elicitors in activating plants’ defense and protection against disease and predation. This review addresses receptors, elicitors, and the receptor–elicitor interactions where these components in fungi, bacteria, and insects will be elaborated, giving special emphasis to the molecules, responses, and mechanisms at play, variations between organisms where applicable, and applications and prospects.

An Empirical Study of Success Factors of Women Entrepreneurs in Southern Region in Malaysia

Abstract: This study investigates the key factors affecting success of women entrepreneurs in Southern region in Malaysia. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire that was distributed through mail survey. Multiple regression analysis was used as a more suitable methodology to identify the important determinants of success of women entrepreneurs. The results suggest that family support, social ties and internal motivation affect positively and significantly to the success of women entrepreneurs in the small business. The survey result also shows that women entrepreneurs having problem when they enter into the business. The implications of this study are discussed along with some recommendations.

Battery charge equalization controller in electric vehicle applications: A review

Abstract: The development of electric vehicle (EV) technologies, its applications, energy managements and storage systems are the most important sectors to the automotive industries on their environmental and global economic issues. The electrochemical batteries have a great market in EVs for their long-run and short-run energy storage profiles. Thus, to enhance the battery lifecycle and its performance over the charge and discharge periods, the perfect charge equalization of the long string battery pack is compulsory. The development of new charge equalization controller (CEC) and intensifying the features of existing CECs are now great deal in the field of high-tech storage systems towards the advancement of the sustainable EV technologies. This paper presents the EV technologies with their drive train architectures in different configurations and designs. A study on batteries regarding their formation, properties, energy management systems, advantages and disadvantages are also conducted in the review. A comprehensive review of the different type of CECs for EV applications is highlighted. From the rigorous review, it is concluded that a good equalization controller should have high equalization speed, high efficiency, small volume, simple wiring and execution, low cost and good extensibility. It is observed that the existing CECs have a good contribution to run the EV systems safely and efficiently with their balancing capabilities. However, they still have some problems to achieve all properties for efficient equalization towards the enhancement of battery performance and life. Consequently, a comparison on the salient feature characteristics among the CECs are explained on their topologies, types and execution times, difficulties in control, efficiencies, cost, components, merits and demerits to develop sustainable battery energy storage systems. All the highlighted insights of this review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of the advanced CEC for the future high-tech battery energy storage systems in the vehicle applications.