This study evaluated the effect of disinfectants on the tensile bond strength of Nickel-Chromium alloy bonded with resin
cement. 180 pairs of Nickel-Chromium dumbbells were prepared. The dumbbells were divided into 3 groups (n=60), which
received one of the following treatments: Sandblasted only (control), sandblasted and Perform®-ID or sandblasted and
sodium hypochlorite (SH) before bonding with resin cement. All bonded specimens were stored in distilled water for 24
h and half of the specimens were subsequently thermocycled (500 cycles) before debonding. Tensile bond strength was
recorded and each dumbbell was examined for failure mode. Two-way ANOVA analysis indicated that overall there was
a statistically significant difference between 24 h and thermocycling test, but no differences between sandblasted only,
sandblasted and Perform-ID or sandblasted and SH groups. Post-ANOVA contrasts indicated that only the sandblasted
and SH group showed a significant difference between the 24 h and thermocycling test. Disinfectants did not significantly
decrease tensile bond strength between Nickel-Chromium dumbbells bonded with resin cement.
Synthesis of new lubricants nowadays is increasing to improve the lubricity properties and the quality of lubricant. In
the current study, eight diesters with different chemical structures were tested in terms of their suitability as lubricants.
The esterification reaction was carried out using Dean-Stark distillation method with some modification. Fourier
transformation infra-red (FTIR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1
H-NMR and 13C-NMR), were used to
verify the chemical structure of the diesters. The results showed that the dioleyl pimelate (DOlP), dioleyl adipate (DOlA),
dioleyl glutarate (DOlG), and dioleyl succinate (DOlSuc) showed good low temperature properties with pour point values
at -10, -12, -16 and -20°C, respectively. The dioleyl dodecanedioate (DOlD) indicated remarkable flash point value at
305°C and had slightly high oxidative stability temperature (OT) at 183°C. The flash point increased with the number of
carbons for dicarboxylic acid used, while oxidative stability was affected by the unsaturated of oleyl alcohol. Tribological
study showed that the diesters were non-Newtonian except DOlD, which was Newtonian fluid. All the diesters were found
to be boundary lubricants with low coefficients of friction (COF). Overall, the results indicated that all the diesters studied
can be used as lubricating base oils.
During the last two decades, large-scale high biomass algal blooms of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium have occurred
frequently. Prior to 1990, blooms had been primarily reported in Southeast Asia. Since then, time blooms have expanded
across Asia, Europe and North American. A multi-spectral classification and quantification technique is developed for
estimating chlorophyll-α concentrations. In this study, we explored the use of Sea-viewing Wide Field of-view Sensor
(SeaWiFS) satellite data in studying the spatio-temporal changes in chlorophyll-α concentration in Persian Gulf. In
addition, the present study focuses on the temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH and nutrient concentrations during
the red tide phenomenon. The resultant chlorophyll-α concentration images derived from SeaWiFS satellite data give an
indication of the monthly spatial variation in chlorophyll-α concentration from 2008 to 2009. Variability of chlorophyll-α
plot from September 2008 to May 2009 in Persian Gulf showed that September 2008 had the lowest value (1.57±0.14
mg m-3) than other years except May 2009, then tended to increase up to January 2009 (Highest value: 7.47±1.67mg
m-3), then a slow decrease up to May 2009. The result showed all water physicochemical parameters measurement insitu
(DO and pH) and ex-situ (NO3
and PO4
), were varied among the different months. The highest and lowest values
of these parameters were recorded in September 2008 and May 2009, respectively. After occurrence of the red tide,
nutrient concentration (NO3
and PO4
), dissolved oxygen and pH were reduce compared to before this phenomenon.
Compare mean between various months’ showed significant differences for temperature records among the months of
study (p≤0.05). Lowest and highest temperature recorded were in February 2009 and September 2008, respectively, but
no significant differences were found in salinity (p≥0.05). This study showed that SeaWiFS satellite data provide useful
information on the spatio-temporal variations in Persian Gulf, which is useful in establishing general trends that are
more difficult to determine through routine ground measurements.
The present study describes the length-weight relationships (LWRs) of four Acetes species (Acetes indicus, A. serrulatus,
A. japonicus and A. sibogae) which were sampled from offshore trawling and inshore catches along the west coast of
Peninsular Malaysia. Morphometric measurements (total length, TL and wet weight, WW) were obtained from the samples
and LWRs were estimated. All LWRs were significant (p<0.05) for the four species, with the coefficient of determination, R2
>
0.659. The estimated b values for LWR were 2.432-3.403. The R2
value was >0.84 when the data was analysed according
to inshore and offshore samples. Male and female A. indicus and A. serrulatus demonstrated negative allometric growth
whilst male A. japonicus and A. sibogae showed isometric growth type. Positive allometric growth was depicted by a
combined group of male and female A. sibogae. This study has contributed to the knowledge of the offshore and inshore
distribution patterns of different populations of Acetes spp. in the Straits of Malacca. It also presents a comparison of
the LWRs between offshore and inshore catches of A. indicus and A. serrulatus, with the inshore catches of A. japonicus
and A. sibogae, which have not been previously reported. The findings of this study would contribute to the conservation
and management of this commercially important fisheries resource.
The use of antibiotics in poultry feed can cause antibiotic resistance in integrated poultry-fish farming pond environment.
Therefore, the goal of this study was to monitor the prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria in pond water associated with
poultry-fish farming in Bangladesh. The results showed that the prevalence rate of tetracycline (TC) and ampicillin (AMP)
resistant bacteria were 0.24 to 2.59% and 0.16 to 1.0%, respectively. The higher prevalence rate of TC and AMP-resistant
bacteria was found in site 3 followed by site 4 and 2 compared with control site 1. Site 2, 3 and 4 were adjacent to the
integrated poultry farm. On the other hand, higher TC and AMP-resistant bacteria were found in the rainy season than
in the winter. The minimum inhibitory concentration result showed quite high level of TC and AMP-resistant bacterial
distribution in the pond water. Seven genera of resistant bacteri¡a were identified in pond water samples by 16S rRNA
gene analysis. Among them Acinetobacter sp. was predominant followed by Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus,
Staphylococcus sp., Enterobacter sp. and Brevibacillus sp.
Phytochemical studies were conducted on the stem bark, stem, root and fruit of Goniothalamus ridleyi (Annonaceae)
collected at Post Brooke, Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Extraction using organic solvent followed by extensive
purification using standard procedure afforded an epoxystyryllactone, 5-acetoxyisogoniothalamin oxide (1) from the
stem bark and fruit; a styryllactone, 5-acetoxygoniothalamin (2) and a styrylpyrone, dehydrogoniothalamin (3) from
the stem and root; a styryllactone, 5-hydroxygoniothalamin (4) from the root and styrylpyrone as well as goniothalamin
(5) from the fruit. These compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques.
The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of 80%
methanol extracts of three selected fruits of Artocarpus species namely, Artocarpus odoratissimus (tarap), Artocarpus
kemando (pudu) and Artocarpus integer (cempedak). The total phenolic, total flavonoid and total carotenoid contents of
different parts of the fruits (peel, flesh and seed) were analyzed spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant properties were
assessed by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS method. The total phenolic content of all parts of the fruits ranging from 3.53 to 42.38
mg GAE/g of dry sample. The total flavonoid was in the range of 0.82 to 36.78 mg CE/g of dry sample whereas the total
carotenoid ranging from 0.67 to 3.30 mg ß-carotene/g of dry sample. The peel and seed displayed higher phytochemical
contents (as compared with the flesh) and were found to be efficient radical scavengers and reducing agents. Total
phenolic and total flavonoid contents were significantly correlated with the antioxidant activities. However, the total
carotenoid was weakly correlated with the antioxidant activities. Due to the findings of this research, it is observed that
the phytochemical compounds are the major contributor to the antioxidant activities. A. odoratissimus has the potential
to be used as antioxidant agents due to high phytochemical contents and high antioxidant activity for all tested methods
The effect of maternal mowing on seed traits of an invasive weed, Erigeron annuus, in farmland was discussed by
comparing mowing plants with intact (no-mowing) plants. The maternal mowing effect resulted in the decrease of seed
mass, achene size, pappus length and germination percentage and the increase of variation in achene size, pappus length,
dispersal distance and germination non-uniformity. To some extent, the individuals suffered mowing might accelerate
the environmental adaptation through the increase of these variations. Our study indicated the mean of mowing in
farmland will restrain the growth and reproduction of weed E. annuus. However, it also increases the diversity of seeds
through a more unequal provision to seeds that shares the risk and increases fitness to a wider range of heterogeneity
of farmland condition.
Using the Microtox bioassay toxicity was determined in 16 areas located in eight sites: In contaminated areas, in areas
with natural recovery, after bioremediation and phytoremediation projects and in control areas (uncontaminated). These
areas correspond to the following ecosystems: mangrove, fresh water swamp (Pachira aquatica), marsh and pasture (in
the coastal plain and Pliocene-Pleistocene terraces). A significant toxicity was detected in uncontaminated organic
soils (22.2-49.1 toxicity units (TU)) which were comparable to levels found in hydrocarbon contaminated areas (22.3-
42.0 TU). Generally, the toxicity in organic soils was much higher than that found in mineral soils (which was from
below quantification levels to 9.3 TU). In an area restored by phytoremediation, the simple method used by Petróleos
Mexicanos achieved recovery and superficial detoxification in the treated plot, exhibiting a toxicity reduction of 2.4 times
with respect to untreated soil and a toxicity even slightly lower than the uncontaminated control in the same ecosystem
(22.2 TU). Likewise, a bioremediation project in pasture resulted in a toxicity reduction down to levels comparable to
uncontaminated soil (from below quantification levels to 7.9 TU). A tendency to decrease toxicity in organic soils during
the rainy season was observed, toxicity drop in 80% of the areas sampled. Based on these findings, recommendations
are presented for use of this test method in regional diagnostic studies.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) is widely used to develop spatially explicit forest management plans through the
integration of spatial parameters. As a part of this study, a simulation-based spatial DSS, the ETÇAPSimülasyon program
was developed and tested in a case study area. The system has the capability to control the spatial structure of forests
based on a geodatabase. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was used to generate the database, using spatial
parameters including opening size, block size and green-up delay in addition to other attribute data such as the empirical
yield table and the product assortment table. Based on the simulation technique, a spatial forest management model
was developed to link strategic planning with tactical planning on a stand base and to present results with a number
of performance indicators. One important component of the model determined all spatial characteristics with spatial
parameters and patch descriptions. A stand growth and yield simulation model (BARSM) based on the relationship between
current and optimal basal area development was also generated to project future stand characteristics and analyze the
effects of various silvicultural treatments. A number of spatial forest management strategies were developed to generate
spatially implementable harvest schedules and perform spatial analyses. The forest management concept was enhanced
by employing a spatial simulation technique to help analyzing the ecosystem structure. Spatial characteristics for an
on-the-ground forest management plan were then developed. The model was tested in Altınoluk Planning Unit (APU)
using a spatial simulation technique based on various spatial parameters. The results indicated that the spatial model
was able to satisfy the spatial restriction requirements of the forest management plan.
The aerodynamic gradient method was applied to estimate dry deposition flux of SO2
over dry deciduous forest in Nakorn
Ratchasima province, Thailand. The meteorological parameters and concentrations of SO2
were measured in real time
for one year on the experimental tower at 36 and 27 m high. The flux observed in the wet season were found two times
higher than the value observed in the dry seasons, i.e. 20±7.58 and 10±11.05 ng m-2 s-1, respectively. The leaf area
index and the ambient humidity were believed to assert the rate of SO2
deposition. The average friction velocities were
estimated to be 0.26±0.02 and 0.48±0.06 m s–
¹, for the dry and the wet season, respectively. The friction velocity was
very much depended on the surface roughness of the forest canopy. The Vd
of SO2
evaluated by the aerodynamic gradient
was compared with Vd calculated by the resistance model. It was found that the observed Vd
was in close proximity with
the model prediction in daytime in all conditions, i.e. wet, dry and annual average. The annual average Vd
determined
by the Aerodynamic gradient was 0.43±0.06 cm s-1.
In most research including environmental research, missing recorded data often exists and has become a common problem for data quality. In this study, several imputation methods that have been designed based on the techniques for functional data analysis are introduced and the capability of the methods for estimating missing values is investigated. Single imputation methods and iterative imputation methods are conducted by means of curve estimation using regression and roughness penalty smoothing approaches. The performance of the methods is compared using a reference data set, the real PM10 data from an air quality monitoring station namely the Petaling Jaya station located at the western part of Peninsular Malaysia. A hundred of the missing data sets that have been generated from a reference data set with six different patterns of missing values are used to investigate the performance of the considered methods. The patterns are simulated according to three percentages (5, 10 and 15) of missing values with respect to two different sizes (3 and 7) of maximum gap lengths (consecutive missing points). By means of the mean absolute error, the index of agreement and the coefficient of determination as the performance indicators, the results have showed that the iterative imputation method using the roughness penalty approach is more flexible and superior to other methods.
MeSH terms: Behavior Rating Scale; Data Accuracy; Air Pollution; Environment; Malaysia; Research
The statistical characteristics of wind direction that was recorded at maximum wind speed in Peninsular Malaysia for two monsoons from 1999 to 2008 for seven stations were analyzed in this study. Modeled by von Mises distribution, the change in parameters values namely mean direction and concentration parameter was measured. Statistical summary, graphical representations, Watson-William Test and linear-circular correlation are used in the analysis. It is found that there is a significant change in the mean direction of wind over the period of ten years for most stations in Peninsular Malaysia. However, there is a weak relationship between wind direction and wind speed. This study suggested the presence of prominent direction of wind that blows in Peninsular Malaysia by monsoon. This finding may provide useful information on giving a better understanding of the behavior of the wind in Peninsular Malaysia and the potential use of wind as an alternative source of energy.
McKeague offered a new method for verification of off-line signature based on Bayesian Model and Markov ChainMonte Carlo (MCMC), in which smoothness of the signature curve seems a necessity (it should have no singular point), but when a signature is piecewise smooth, can we use this method for verification of this signature? If yes, how can we use that? And is this method appropriate for piecewise-smooth signatures too? In the current article, we give an idea for verification of a piecewise smooth signature based on McKeague’s method. We suggest to separate the smooth segments from singular points and then each segment is verified by McKeague’s method independently. Finally, according to the result from smooth segments, we determine the correctness of this signature. Then we will check the validity of this idea with computing errors via simulation.
Anacardium occidentale belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It had been scientifically proven to have antihypercholesterolemia effect in high cholesterol diet induced animal laboratory study. However there is no study regarding the mechanisms involves in cholesterol reducing effect by A. occidentale leaves extract. In this study, cytotoxic assessment and anti-cholesterol activity of A. occidentale leaves aqueous extract (AOE) were investigated. Cytotoxic study was performed by exposing hepatoma cell (Hep G2) towards AOE with concentration ranging from 0.002 to 20 mg/mL for 24 h. Anacardium occidentale extract was found to be not toxic to the cell. Then, the highest and not toxic AOE concentrations (20, 10, 5 and 2.5 mg/mL) were selected for anti-cholesterol study. The ability of AOE to reduce cholesterol in cell culture experiment was carried out by pretreating Hep G2 with selected concentrations of AOE in 6-well plate before the cell was exposed to low density lipoprotein (LDL). The concentration of farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase (FDFT1), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL R), scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1), ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA-1) and hepatic lipase (HL) were determined from the 6-well plate media. The results showed that AOE did not significantly increase the concentration of LDLR. However, AOE significantly increased the concentration of FDFT1, APO A1, LCAT, SRB-1, ABCA-1 and HL. The HMGR activity experiment showed that all selected AOE concentrations cannot significantly reduce the HMGR enzyme activity. These findings suggested that AOE may involve in reverse cholesterol transport process to reduce cholesterol metabolism in Hep G2 cell.
Gynura procumbens is a medicinal plant, traditionally used to treat inflammation and fever. A yeast-based assay detected GSK3β-inhibitory activity in the aqueous extract of G. procumbens. GSK3β is now known to have a central role in the modulation of host inflammatory response during bacterial infections. In this study, we investigated the involvement of GSK3β in the anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory effects of an aqueous extract of G. procumbens. Our results showed that G. procumbens inhibited growth of P. falciparum 3D7. Consecutive four-day administration of 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) G. procumbens resulted in strong chemosuppression and improved survivability in P. berghei-infected mice. B. pseudomallei-infected mice treated with G. procumbens (50 mg/kg b.w.) showed increased survivability. TNF-α and IFN-γ levels in liver and serum of B. pseudomallei-infected mice were lowered by G. procumbens treatment. IL-10 level was higher in serum of G. procumbens-administered infected mice. G. procumbens treatment of P. berghei- and B. pseudomallei-infected animals each resulted in increased hepatic GSK3β (Ser9) phosphorylation. It is noteworthy that kaempferol (one of the compounds in G. procumbens) also inhibited the growth of P. falciparum 3D7; showed strong chemosuppression and improved survivability in P. berghei-infected mice at 5 mg/kg b.w. B. pseudomallei-infected mice treated with kaempferol (10 mg/kg b.w.) showed improved survivability. Concomitantly, the described effects due to kaempferol also involved enhanced GSK3β (Ser9) phosphorylation as observed with G. procumbens. In summary, the observed anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory effects of G. procumbens involved inhibition of GSK3β and kaempferol may in part be responsible for the pharmacological effects.
As researchers seek to determine the cellular mechanisms underlying biological processes, they have turned to analyze the functional role of microRNAs to understand this process in details. Here, we investigated the expression pattern of two microRNAs, miR-124 and -134 in maturing neurons and found that the choice of endogenous controls influenced the observed expression levels of these microRNAs. We have cultured rat hippocampal neurons and performed quantitative PCR on the microRNAs using Taqman gene expression assays. The expression of miRNAs was normalised with selected endogenous controls. Using BestKeeper and NormFinder software, we found that 18S rRNA and 5S rRNA to be unsuitable as endogenous controls in this system, while normalising to U6 snRNA produced more consistent results. Our study would like to highlight the importance of empirically testing proposed endogenous controls in any model system before data interpretation is carried out.
This study assessed the effects of progressive resistance exercise programmes on self-reported health related quality of life, body composition and muscle strength among patients with HIV. Twenty-nine men with HIV were randomly assigned to progressive resistance exercise programme using elastic band (PRE group) (n=14) or resistance exercise programme without elastic band (comparative group) (n=15). Both groups underwent exercise programmes for 12 weeks. Selfreported health related quality of life, body compositions and isometric shoulder lift strength were assessed at baseline and at week 12. Ten and nine men in the intervention and comparative groups, respectively, completed the 12-week programme. Participants in the comparative group showed significant improvements in the domain of mental health (p<0.05). No significant changes in all body composition parameters were found in both groups with time. Both groups showed significant improvements in peak and average shoulder lift strength (intervention, p=0.001; p=0.001; control, p=0.008; p=0.016). Progressive resistance exercise programmes significantly improves shoulder lift strength, showed positive effects on self-reported health related quality of life scores among patients with HIV.
MeSH terms: Body Composition; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Quality of Life; Shoulder; Exercise; HIV Infections; Muscle Strength; Self Report
The study was a Quasi experimental two group pre-and post- experimental design. It involved 32 samples at both experimental and control groups. This research was conducted to examine the effect of Guided Imagery on depression among male inmates. Subjects in the experimental group were asked to practice Guided Imagery in group for 10 sessions three times a week over 4 weeks of treatment period. Subjects from the control group participated in daily activities. Due to ethical consideration, following the completion of this study, however, the subjects in the control group were given Guided Imagery exercises as to reduce their depression signs and symptoms. The data were collected from the prisoners at Correctional Institution Sukamiskin Bandung Indonesia, from August to September 2014. Guided Imagery demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in depression (p=0.041) on the experimental group compared with the control group. Guided Imagery is a powerful, simple and economic intervention to reduce depression symptoms. The study found that the experimental group experience less depression than the control group. This study can be applied to other correctional institutions to reduce depression among prison inmates. Further studies are recommended to explore the effectiveness of guided imagery on depression among male inmates.
MeSH terms: Depression; Depressive Disorder; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Indonesia; Male; Prisoners; Research Design; Exercise; Imagery (Psychotherapy); Control Groups
Fire fighting is one of the most strenuous activities in the hazardous fire service industry. Firefighters have to be physically fit in order to provide an effective and safe fire prevention to the afflicted community and as well as to themselves. The aimed of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters. The hand grip test to evaluate hand and muscular strength was measured using hand dynamometer and one-minute sit ups and one-minute push ups were conducted to measure abdominal muscle endurance. The sit and reach test was carried out to measure lower back and hamstring flexibility. VO2 max was assessed by a 20 meter shuttle run test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 385 subjects were participated and the results showed that 77.1% (n=297) and 84.8% (n=325) of them had very poor scores for hand grip strength and VO2 max, respectively. For one-minute sit ups, 40.8% (n=157) of subjects scored excellent. Meanwhile, 32.7% (n=126) subjects scored average for one-minute push ups. For flexibility test, 53.2% (n=205) subjects had poor flexibilty. The results showed there were significantly difference between one-minute sit ups (p<0.001), one-minute push ups (p<0.05), flexibility (p<0.05) and VO2 max (p<0.001) according to age. As a conclusion, this study provides representative data on physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters. These findings suggested the needs to explore the issues behind low physical fitness among Malaysian firefighters and to find ways to improve them.