Universiti Malaysia Pahang

About: Universiti Malaysia Pahang is a education organization based out in Pekan, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Nanofluid. The organization has 5628 authors who have published 9537 publications receiving 104469 citations. The organization is also known as: Kolej Universiti Kejuruteraan dan Teknologi Malaysia & University of Malaysia.

Polyurethane types, synthesis and applications – a review

Abstract: Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of versatile materials with great potential for use in different applications, especially based on their structure–property relationships. Their specific mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical properties are attracting significant research attention to tailoring PUs for use in different applications. Enhancement of the properties and performance of PU-based materials may be achieved through changes to the production process or the raw materials used in their fabrication or via the use of advanced characterization techniques. Clearly, modification of the raw materials and production process through proper methods can produce PUs that are suitable for varied specific applications. The present study aims to shed light on the chemistry, types, and synthesis of different kinds of PUs. Some of the important research studies relating to PUs, including their synthesis method, characterization techniques, and research findings, are comprehensively discussed. Herein, recent advances in new types of PUs and their synthesis for various applications are also presented. Furthermore, information is provided on the environmental friendliness of the PUs, with a specific emphasis on their recyclability and recoverability.

Biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant derivatives and their new avenues in pharmacological applications – An updated report

Abstract: The field of nanotechnology mainly encompasses with biology, physics, chemistry and material sciences and it develops novel therapeutic nanosized materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The biological syntheses of nanoparticles are being carried out by different macro-microscopic organisms such as plant, bacteria, fungi, seaweeds and microalgae. The biosynthesized nanomaterials have been effectively controlling the various endemic diseases with less adverse effect. Plant contains abundant natural compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and other nutritional compounds. These natural products are derived from various parts of plant such as leaves, stems, roots shoots, flowers, barks, and seeds. Recently, many studies have proved that the plant extracts act as a potential precursor for the synthesis of nanomaterial in non-hazardous ways. Since the plant extract contains various secondary metabolites, it acts as reducing and stabilizing agents for the bioreduction reaction to synthesized novel metallic nanoparticles. The non-biological methods (chemical and physical) are used in the synthesis of nanoparticles, which has a serious hazardous and high toxicity for living organisms. In addition, the biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is inexpensive, single step and eco-friendly methods. The plants are used successfully in the synthesis of various greener nanoparticles such as cobalt, copper, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, zinc oxide and magnetite. Also, the plant mediated nanoparticles are potential remedy for various diseases such as malaria, cancer, HIV, hepatitis and other acute diseases.

High-Value Components and Bioactives from Sea Cucumbers for Functional Foods—A Review

Abstract: Sea cucumbers, belonging to the class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates, habitually found in the benthic areas and deep seas across the world. They have high commercial value coupled with increasing global production and trade. Sea cucumbers, informally named as beche-de-mer, or gamat, have long been used for food and folk medicine in the communities of Asia and Middle East. Nutritionally, sea cucumbers have an impressive profile of valuable nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), and minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. A number of unique biological and pharmacological activities including anti-angiogenic, anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-hypertension, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antitumor and wound healing have been ascribed to various species of sea cucumbers. Therapeutic properties and medicinal benefits of sea cucumbers can be linked to the presence of a wide array of bioactives especially triterpene glycosides (saponins), chondroitin sulfates, glycosaminoglycan (GAGs), sulfated polysaccharides, sterols (glycosides and sulfates), phenolics, cerberosides, lectins, peptides, glycoprotein, glycosphingolipids and essential fatty acids. This review is mainly designed to cover the high-value components and bioactives as well as the multiple biological and therapeutic properties of sea cucumbers with regard to exploring their potential uses for functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Discriminant Validity Assessment: Use of Fornell & Larcker criterion versus HTMT Criterion

Abstract: Assessment of discriminant validity is a must in any research that involves latent variables for the prevention of multicollinearity issues Fornell and Larcker criterion is the most widely used method for this purpose However, a new method has emerged for establishing the discriminant validity assessment through heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratio of correlations method Therefore, this article presents the results of discriminant validity assessment using these methods Data from previous study was used that involved 429 respondents for empirical validation of value-based excellence model in higher education institutions (HEI) in Malaysia From the analysis, the convergent, divergent and discriminant validity were established and admissible using Fornell and Larcker criterion However, the discriminant validity is an issue when employing the HTMT criterion This shows that the latent variables under study faced the issue of multicollinearity and should be looked into for further details This also implied that the HTMT criterion is a stringent measure that could detect the possible indiscriminant among the latent variables In conclusion, the instrument which consisted of six latent variables was still lacking in terms of discriminant validity and should be explored further

Electrolyte selection for supercapacitive devices: a critical review

Abstract: Electrolytes are one of the vital constituents of electrochemical energy storage devices and their physical and chemical properties play an important role in these devices' performance, including capacity, power density, rate performance, cyclability and safety. This article reviews the current state of understanding of the electrode–electrolyte interaction in supercapacitors and battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices. The article discusses factors that affect the overall performance of the devices such as the ionic conductivity, mobility, diffusion coefficient, radius of bare and hydrated spheres, ion solvation, viscosity, dielectric constant, electrochemical stability, thermal stability and dispersion interaction. The requirements needed to design better electrolytes and the challenges that still need to be addressed for building better supercapacitive devices for the competitive energy storage market have also been highlighted.