The Key Factors of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 in the Malaysian Smart Manufacturing Context

IR 4.0 is a new phase for the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing industry that focuses on cloud computing, interconnectivity, the Internet of Things, machine learning, cyber physical learning and creating smart factory. The purpose of this article was to unveil the key factors of the IR 4.0 in Malaysian smart manufacturing context. Two key data collection methods were used: (1) primary data from the face-to-face interview (2) secondary data from the previous study. Significantly, five key factors of IR 4.0 consider for this study. Autonomous production lines, smart manufacturing practices, data challenge, process flexibility, and security. As a result, IR 4.0 for quality management practices might get high impact for the best performance assessment, which addressed in various ways; there are few studies in this area have been conducted in Malaysian manufacturing sector, and to recommend the best practices implemented from the managers’ perspectives. For scholars, this enhances their understanding and highlight opportunities for further research.

Antioxidant and Sensory Assessment of Innovative Coffee Blends of Reduced Caffeine Content

Considering the current trend in the global coffee market, which involves an increased demand for decaffeinated coffee, the aim of the present study was to formulate coffee blends with reduced caffeine content, but with pronounced antioxidant and attractive sensory properties. For this purpose, green and roasted Arabica and Robusta coffee beans of different origins were subjected to the screening analysis of their chemical and bioactive composition using standard AOAC, spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. From roasted coffee beans, espresso, Turkish and filter coffees were prepared, and their sensory evaluation was performed using a 10-point hedonic scale. The results showed that Arabica coffee beans were richer in sucrose and oil, while Robusta beans were characterized by higher content of all determined bioactive parameters. Among all studied samples, the highest content of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (14.09 mg g−1 dmb), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (8.23 mg g−1 dmb) and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4.65 mg g−1 dmb), as well as caffeine (22.38 mg g−1 dmb), was detected in roasted Robusta beans from the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, which were therefore used to formulate coffee blends with reduced caffeine content. Robusta brews were found to be more astringent and recognized as more sensorily attractive, while Arabica decaffeinated brews were evaluated as more bitter. The obtained results point out that coffee brews may represent a significant source of phenolic compounds, mainly caffeoylquinic acids, with potent antioxidant properties, even if they have reduced caffeine content.

Biosensors for the Determination of SARS-CoV-2 Virus and Diagnosis of COVID-19 Infection

Monitoring and tracking infection is required in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To achieve this goal, the development and deployment of quick, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic methods are necessary. The determination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is performed by biosensing devices, which vary according to detection methods and the biomarkers which are inducing/providing an analytical signal. RNA hybridisation, antigen-antibody affinity interaction, and a variety of other biological reactions are commonly used to generate analytical signals that can be precisely detected using electrochemical, electrochemiluminescence, optical, and other methodologies and transducers. Electrochemical biosensors, in particular, correspond to the current trend of bioanalytical process acceleration and simplification. Immunosensors are based on the determination of antigen-antibody interaction, which on some occasions can be determined in a label-free mode with sufficient sensitivity.

Energy and Economic Balance between Manure Stored and Used as a Substrate for Biogas Production

The aim of the study is to draw attention to the fact that reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions as a result of traditional manure storage for several months in a pile is not only a non-ecological solution, but also unprofitable. A solution that combines both aspects—environmental and financial—is the use of manure as a substrate for a biogas plant, but immediately—directly after its removal from the dairy barn. As part of the case study, the energy and economic balance of a model farm with dairy farming for the scenario without biogas plant and with a biogas plant using manure as the main substrate in methane fermentation processes was also performed. Research data on the average emission of ammonia and nitrous oxide from 1 Mg of stored manure as well as the results of laboratory tests on the yield of biogas from dairy cows manure were obtained on the basis of samples taken from the farm being a case study. The use of a biogas installation would allow the emission of carbon dioxide equivalent to be reduced by up to 100 Mg per year. In addition, it has been shown that the estimated payback period for biogas installations is less than 5 years, and with the current trend of increasing energy prices, it may be even shorter—up to 4 years.

Current status of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in the Asian countries: a systematic review

Background: The application of insecticides for malaria vector control has led to a global problem, which is the current trend of increased resistance against these chemicals. This study aimed to review the insecticide resistance status was previously determined in Asia and how to implement the necessary interventions. Moreover, the implications of resistance in malaria vector control in this region were studied. Methods: This systematic review was conducted using a predefined protocol based on PRISMA-retrieved articles from four science databases, namely ProQuest, Science Direct, EBSCO, and PubMed in the last ten years (2009 to 2019). The searching process utilized four main combinations of the following keywords: malaria, vector control, insecticide, and Asia. In ProQuest, malaria control, as well as an insecticide, were used as keywords. The following criteria were included in the filter, namely full text, the source of each article, scholarly journal, Asia, and publication date as in the last ten years. Results: There were 1408 articles retrieved during the initial search (ProQuest=722, Science Direct=267, EBSCO=50, PubMed=285, and Scopus=84). During the screening, 27 articles were excluded because of duplication, 1361 based on title and abstract incompatibility with the inclusion criteria, and 20 due to content differences. In the final screening process, 15 articles were chosen to be analyzed. From the 15 articles, it is known that there was organochlorine (DDT), organophosphate (malathion), and pyrethroids resistance in several Anopheles species with a less than 80% mortality rate. Conclusion: This review found multiple resistance in several Anopheles includes resistance to pyrethroid. The reports of pyrethroid resistance were quite challenging because it is considered effective in the malaria vector control. Several countries in Asia are implementing an insecticide resistance management (IRM) strategy against malaria vectors following the Global Plan for IRM.

THE IMPACT OF EMERGING INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE PORT: INCREASING UTILITIES RENDERING TO SHARED VERDICTS

Today, transportation quantities on roadways have increased to the point where alternate forms of transportation are required. Sea Routes Transportation (SRT) is one option that has the potential to assist relieve traffic congestion on roadways. Most SRT systems employ vessels in which cargo is rolled on and off by a ramp with relatively limited capacity, often less than 500 TEU, however with increased cargo flow, it is unclear if such alternatives will be economical. The dilemma for ports participating in SRT to face this new massive change is to make suitable expenditures and analysis software. Transition is not just a current trend, as well as a structured process. That modification could not be avoided by excluding ports. A transformation project has begun in order to modify their operating structure as well as the services they provide. Artificial intelligence and data-driven services expand the landscape of services far beyond conventional models now in use. The purpose of this study is to examine and assess the new potential for Telecommunications/Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies at port facilities. These prospects are a first step in transforming ports for the long term. The research’s important component is the application of technology science approaches in the area of strategy and planning connected to the construction of components systems (e.g., interrelations among ships and materiel) with managing equipment selections. KEYWORDS: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Port, Sea Routes Transportation (SRT)

The Sustainable Finance Landscape in Germany

This chapter discusses the current trend of mainstreaming sustainable finance in Germany. It provides an overview of contributions of different stakeholders to this trend and sheds light on the evolution of the sustainable finance landscape in Germany, including banks, the insurance sector, rating agencies, nonprofits, and academia. EU regulations are currently driving change and promoting sustainable finance in Germany. New policy initiatives and regulations are closely monitored and discussed by diverse stakeholders, including organisations with a long-standing expertise in promoting responsible and ethical investments. Advocacy-oriented nonprofits critically address greenwashing and engage in debates on qualitative aspects. The sustainable finance trend is expected to gain further traction in Germany.

Effect of Digital Technology on Adolescents

Digital technology has become more advanced, and it is transforming human life rapidly. Not long ago, digital technology was only meant for adults in the working environment. Nowadays, the assimilation of technology has transformed our lives into a new digital culture across all ages. The adolescent has to keep up with the current trend in digital technology as they use it as a platform for education, entertainment, social, as well as sport. Technology use among adolescents has so many positive sides such as virtual classrooms, widening social circles, and increasing visual reasoning. Apart from that, it also increases creativity and improves technical skills and self-esteem.

Bioelastomers: current state of development

Considering the current trend of finding sustainable alternatives to the exisitng fossil-based plastics, in this review we describe what makes a bioelastomer to be considered “bio”, and what does this...