Sagittal otolith morphometric measurements from Malaysian Mugilidae species were selected to investigate their possible
role in species identification, due to the Mugilidae species’ morphological similarities, and age determination. Fish
standard length (cm), otolith length (μm), width (μm) and mass (g) measurements were taken from eight species: Chelon
macrolepis, C. melinopterus, C. subviridis, Ellochelon vaigiensis, Moolgarda cunnesius, M. seheli, Mugil cephalus and
Valamugil engeli. Otolith aspect ratio, OAS (otolith length divided by width), was calculated and compared between
species. The four homogenous groups based on their OAS were C. melinopterus (mean=1.65) and V. engeli (1.66) and M.
cunnesius (1.89) and E. vaigiensis (1.89); M. seheli (2.08), C. macrolepis (2.14) and M. cephalus (2.17); and the latter
two with C. subviridis (2.43). The relationships between fish standard length and otolith length/mass showed positive
correlations for both, with otolith length providing the stronger correlation (rs
= 0.897, P < 0.001) than otolith mass (rs
= 0.795, P < 0.001). It is concluded that the more morphologically similar species have similar otolith aspect ratios,
related to head shape; however, otolith shape is also affected by a variety of other environmental factors that have to
be taken account of
In general, demand feeding devices are equipped with a mechanical trigger switch. Such a switch is not suitable for
juvenile fish with a small body size, because the body weight is insufficient to trigger the feeder. An infrared light
sensor that does not require the fish to push a feeder switch is more suitable for small fish. The brown-marbled grouper
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus is an important fish species in Southeast Asia. The purpose of this study was to compare the
growth rates (GRs) of brown-marbled grouper juveniles reared using customised demand feeding devices with an infrared
light sensor (the infrared light demand feeder (IRDF) group) and automatic feeding devices (the automatic feeder (AF)
group). The results indicated that GRs of standard lengths and body weights showed no significant differences using
one-way analysis of variance; however, the standard length of the IRDF group showed a tendency of a higher GR than
the AF group. Although the feed conversion ratio (FCR) also showed no significant difference, the FCR of the IRDF group
was more efficient, indicating that the IRDF group yielded a more desirable FCR. These results indicate that IRDF can be
used in the culture of brown-marbled grouper juveniles. In view of the working schedule of the fish farm staff, IRDF are
superior to other feeding devices, because they are less labour-intensive than usual tasks. We conclude that IRDF is a
useful feeding system for aquaculture.
MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Asia, Southeastern; Bass; Body Weight; Fisheries; Aquaculture; Body Size
The Hibiscus sabdariffa var. UMKL (Roselle) investigated here may potentially be used as an alternative fibre source. To
the best of our knowledge, there was no study focusing on the genetics underlying the cellulose biosynthesis machinery
in Roselle thus far. This paper presents the results of the first isolation of the cellulose synthase gene, HsCesA1 from this
plant, which is fundamental for working towards understanding the functions of CesA genes in the cellulose biosynthesis
of Roselle. A full-length HsCesA1 cDNA of 3528 bp in length (accession no: KJ608192) encoding a polypeptide of 974
amino acid was isolated. The full-length HsCesA1 gene of 5489 bp length (accession no: KJ661223) with 11-introns
and a promoter region of 737 bp was further isolated. Important and conserved characteristics of a CesA protein were
identified in the HsCesA1 deduced amino acid sequence, which strengthened the prediction that the isolated gene being
a cellulose synthase belonging to the processive class of the 2-glycosyltransferase family 2A. Relative gene expression
analysis by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on young leaf and stem tissues
found that HsCesA1 had similar levels of gene expression in both tissues. Phylogenetic and Blast analyses also supported
the prediction that the isolated HsCesA1 may play roles in the cell wall depositions in both leaf and stem tissues.
A field experiment was conducted from June to December, 2013 to study the genetic diversity of 15 modern T. Aman rice
varieties of Bangladesh (Oryza sativa L.) with a view to assess the superior genotype in future hybridization program
for developing new rice varieties that is suitable for the target environment. Analysis of variance for each trait showed
significant differences among the varieties. High heritability associated with high genetic advance in percent of mean
was observed for plant height and thousand seed weight which indicated that selection for these characters would be
effective. Hence, thrust has to be given for these characters in future breeding program to improve the yield trait in rice.
Multivariate analysis based on 10 agronomic characters indicated that the 15 varieties were grouped into four distant
clusters. The inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and cluster IV. The highest intra-cluster distance was
found in cluster IV. Based on positive value of vector 1 and vector 2, plant height and 1000-seed weight had maximum
contribution towards genetic divergence. From the results, it can be concluded that the varieties BRRI dhan40, BRRI
dhan44, BRRI dhan46, BRRI dhan49 and BINA dhan7 may be selected for future hybridization program.
The radon concentration, the exhalation rates and the radiation exposure from samples of soil collected from different
sites at Hebron province in Palestine were measured using the sealed-can technique based on the CR-39 detectors.
The total average values of radon concentrations for 0, 20, 40 and 60 cm depths were 294, 357, 433 and 512 Bqm−3,
respectively. As expected, our data showed an increase of radon concentration levels with depth. The average values of
surface exhalation rates, the effective dose equivalent (Ep
), the annual effective dose (HE), the dissolved in soft tissues
(Dsoft, tissue) and the dose rate due to alpha-radiation in lung (Dlung) were calculated. The values were found to be within
the safe limits as recommended by ICRP and WHO. The results showed that these areas are safe from the health hazard
site of view as far as the radon is concerned.
The soil temperature near four external walls with different orientations was investigated in spring and summer. In both
seasons, the soil temperature was higher in the positions closest to the buildings, suggesting that the buildings were a
heat source for the soil surrounding them. Therefore, it could be confirmed that there was lateral heat transfer between
the soil and the buildings. Based on this, a soil heat flux plate was set between the soil and the buildings to investigate the
horizontal heat flux. The data showed diurnal variations of the horizontal heat flux in both spring and summer. In order
to determine the factors that influenced the horizontal heat flux and to provide a basis to understand its mechanism, the
correlations between the data of several meteorological factors and the horizontal heat flux were analysed. The results
showed that solar radiation was significantly correlated with the horizontal heat flux (p<0.0001) in any single season and
in the two seasons that were studied. Additionally, other meteorological factors (net radiation, air temperature, relative
humidity and soil temperature and moisture) showed strong correlations with the horizontal heat flux on a diurnal scale
only. On a seasonal time scale, the correlation might be significant (p<0.0001) as well, but the correlation coefficients
decreased too significantly, such as those for soil temperature, air temperature and relative humidity. Alternatively, the
correlation might not be significant (p>0.05), such as that for soil moisture. The stepwise regression results indicated
that the relative importance of these meteorological factors was 48.63, 21.94, 14.44, 8.12 and 6.87% for solar radiation,
soil temperature, air temperature, relative humidity and soil moisture, respectively, on a diurnal scale.
MeSH terms: Circadian Rhythm; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Meteorological Concepts; Seasons; Soil; Solar Energy; Temperature
Potatoes are usually stored under low temperatures for sprout prevention and to ensure their continuous supply. Low
temperature sweetening in potato is the major temperature related disorder being faced by the growers and is also
known to be associated with variety specific storage temperature. The present study aimed at identifying the appropriate
storage temperature for the premium potato variety Lady Rosetta with special reference to the changes in its quality
attributes, that is weight loss, total sugars, starch, ascorbic acids, total phenolic contents, radical scavenging activity,
enzymatic activities and potato chip color. The selected potato variety was stored under different temperature (5, 15 and
25o
C) regimes to identify appropriate storage temperature. Our results showed significant variations in the tested quality
attributes in response to different storage temperatures. Storage at 5o
C maintained tuber dormancy up to 126 days,
however, found associated with increased sugar accumulation (2.32 g/100 g), rapid starch depletion (13.25 g/100 g) and
poor post processing performance (L-value, 52.00). In contrast, potato storage at 15o
C retained lower sugar contents
(1.33 g/100g) and superior chip color (L-value, 59.33) till the end of storage. However, they were found associated with
the increased polyphenol oxidase (38.47 U/g f.w) and peroxidase (15.25 U/100 g f.w) activities as compare to those
potatoes stored at 5o
C during the same storage period. Storage life of potato tubers at 25o
C was significantly reduced
due to dormancy break on 84th day and subsequent starch degradation (15.29 g/100 g) increased sugar accumulation
(1.32 g/100 g) and increased polyphenol oxidase (79.89 U/g f.w) and peroxidase activities (40.69 U/100 g f.w). Our
results showed that potato variety Lady
Band ratio combination has been proven to be one of the most useful image processing methods for lithological
discrimination, as discussed by many researchers in the past. In this study, bands from Landsat 5 TM were used to generate
different ratio combinations to discriminate the different lithologies of two islands located at the southern end of the
Langkawi archipelago, specifically the Dayang Bunting and Tuba Islands. Both islands comprise similar lithological
units – namely, limestone/marble (Permian & Silurian-Ordovician), granite and alluvium. There are two rock formations
that are limestone/marble dominated. The first is known as the Chuping Formation, which consists of limestone/marble
and the other is the Setul Formation, which consists of not only limestone/marble but also of two detrital intervals.
Different ratio combinations obtained from past researchers and that was produced from this study were tested on the
image of the Dayang Bunting and Tuba Islands to identify the best ratio combinations that were able to discriminate the
different lithologies for both islands. A total of 28 combinations were performed to examine which combinations are the
most effective. From the 28 combinations, three were identified as the most suitable; 4/3 5/2 3/1, 5/3 4/3 4/1 and 4/2 5/3
4/3 in the RGB sequence. These combinations enhanced the spectral differences of each lithology unit so that it can be
distinguished easily. Apart from the difference in the spectral response, the texture of the lithologies was also enhanced
to assist in discriminating the different units.
Metallic foams are a new class of materials that have a great potential to be used in various functional and structural applications. Due to their competitive price compared to aluminium, metallic foams are anticipated to become an alternative material for light-weight structures. In this study, stainless steel foams are fabricated using a powder space holder method. The materials used include stainless steel powder, a novel space holder glycine and binders consisting of palm stearin and of polyethylene (PE). The stainless steel foams are sintered at 1100o C, 1200o C and 1300o C with sintering times of 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively, to investigate the effects of the sintering parameters on the compressive yield strength of the stainless steel foams. The results showed that all of the stainless steel foams produced exhibit the general behaviours of metal foams. The sintering time is the most significant parameter that influences the compressive yield strength of stainless steel foams. Increasing the sintering temperature and sintering time will increase the compressive yield strength. The interaction between the sintering temperature and sintering time is found to be not statistically significant.
The effect of rare earth nanoparticles, M=Sm2 O3 , Nd2 O3 and Ho2 O3 added to (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2 Ca2 Cu3 O10+δ)1-x(M)x , where x = 0.00 - 0.05, superconductor were studied by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), resistivity (R), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The volume fraction of high-Tc phase, Bi-2223, decreased from 84% for pure sample to 48, 30 and 23% at x = 0.05 for Sm2 O3 , Ho2 O3 and Nd2 O3 additions, respectively. The critical temperature Tc(R=0) that is 102 K for the pure sample decreased to 78, 73 and 69 K at x = 0.05 for samples with Sm2 O3 , Nd2 O3 and Ho2 O3 nanoparticles additions, respectively. The additions of rare earth nanoparticles decreased the grain size and increased the random orientation of the grains. The results showed that the phases’ formations, variations of lattice parameters and electrical properties are sensitive to the size of nanoparticles and magnetic properties of its ions.
This paper reports the post-processing ageing phenomena of thermoplastic sago starch (TPS) and plasticised sago pith waste (SPW), which were processed using twin-screw extrusion and compression moulding techniques. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that after processing, starch molecules rearranged into VH-type (which was formed rapidly right post processing and concluded within 4 days) and B-type (which was formed slowly over a period of months) crystallites. Evidence from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses corroborated the 2-stage crystallisation process, which observed changes in peak styles and peak intensities (at 1043 and 1026 cm-1) and bandnarrowing. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies showed that the thermal stability of plasticised SPW declined continuously for 90 days before gradual increments ensued. For all formulations tested, post-processing ageing led to drastic changes in the tensile strength (increased) and elongation at break (decreased). Glycerol and fibres restrained the retrogradation of starch molecules in TPS and SPW.
This paper discussed methods for outlier detection in standard 2 × 2 crossover studies. Two outlier detection procedures were carried out based on residuals. Under a simplified model of 2 × 2 crossover design, we present the classical calculation of studentized residual (SR1) and propose a new studentized residual using median absolute deviation (SR2) to identify possible outlying subjects. The performances of both procedures in detecting subject outliers were compared. We show via simulation that a proposed procedure using SR2 is more powerful than that using SR1 for outlier detection. As an illustration, these procedures were applied to two real data sets from studies of bioavailability and kinesiology, respectively.
Cinnamomum species (Lauraceae) are well known for their fragrance and medicinal value. The essential oils of three Cinnamomum species (C. macrophyllum, C. crassinervium and C. griffithii) collected in Sarawak were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatograpy mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis of the oils showed that most of the essential oils were mainly phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes with a small amount of sesquiterpenes present. Both C. griffithii and C. crassinervium contained similar major chemical composition such as β-linalool, methyl cinnamate and eugenol methyl ether. No presence of methyl cinnamate and β-linalool were found in the oil of C. macrophyllum. m-Eugenol was prominent in the leaf oil of C. macrophyllum, while cinnamaldehyde was found mainly in the bark oil of C. macrophyllum. High percentage of camphor was identified in the bark and root oil of C. macrophyllum, compared to small amount of camphor found in the both root oil of C. griffithii and C. crassinervium.
Glycerol is a valuable co-product from oleochemical industry such as from fatty acid and biodiesel production. By having three hydroxyl groups in its molecule, glycerol can undergo chemical modifications that lead to many possible applications. This paper reports the tosylation process of glycerol with para-toluenesulfonyl chloride (p-TsCl). Reaction of glycerol with p-TsCl in the presence of a base produced mono-, di- and tri-tosylate of glycerol even though the reaction was carried out at the mole ratio of 1.2:1.0 of glycerol to p-TsCl. The compounds were successfully isolated and characterized. Mono-, di- and tri-tosylate of glycerol exhibited inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative bacteria).
The present study investigated the use of modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) based photocatalytic degradation (PCD) process for the removal of some critical charged aqueous phase pollutants. First of all, the use of Nafion TiO2 (Nf-TiO2) and silica TiO2 (Si-TiO2) for the removal of aqueous phase ammonia (NH4+/NH3) species employing near UV lamp as energy source was studied. The use of Nf-TiO2 enhanced NH4+/NH3 PCD with optimum removal noted for 1 mL of Nafion solution coating per g of TiO2 and respective overall NH4+/NH3 removal was about 1.7 times higher compared to plain TiO2 at 6 h reaction time. Similarly the 0.5 mL silica solution coating per g TiO2 sample, also enhanced NH4+/NH3 removal with optimum efficiency similar to Nf-TiO2. The results from effect of ammonia concentration on to its PCD using Nf-TiO2 indicated that overall mass based NH4+/NH3 removal was higher at greater NH4+/NH3 amounts indicating high efficiency of Nf-TiO2. Similar trends were noted for Si-TiO2 as well. Furthermore, the results from modified TiO2 and mixed NH4+/NH3 and cyanide (CN-) systems indicated successful removal of co-pollutant CN- along with simultaneous degradation of NH4+/NH3 species at rates that were still higher than plain TiO2. Nevertheless application of Nf-TiO2 for the treatment of cationic dye methylene blue (MB) indicated slower MB removal compared to plain TiO2 though significant MB degradation using Nf-TiO2 could still be achieved at pH3. Additionally the results from solar radiation energized PCD process indicated positive role of solar radiation for the removal of NH4+/NH3 species under a varying set of conditions.
Algae have recently received a lot of attention as a new biomass source for the production of renewable energy and an important bioremediation agent. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of green algae Scenedesmus obliquus grow in different concentrations of wastewater and the improvement of cultivation conditions to produce biomass rich in sugar to produce bioethanol by fermentation processes. The highest sugar content of S. obliquus biomass was recorded for algae cultivated with 40 and 85% wastewater after 9 days under aeration condition with dark and light duration (44.5%). It was found that the highest removal efficiency of BOD and COD were 18% for S. obliquus grown under aeration condition. The highest ethanol efficiency of S. obliquus biomass hydrolysate was 20.33% at 4th day. The best condition of S. obliquus to grow efficiently was under aeration with light and dark durations, where it has high efficiency to remove heavy metals from wastewater in this condition.
Kertas kajian ini membincangkan kesan suhu pensinteran ke atas prestasi elektrokimia katod komposit sel bahan api oksida pepejal LSCF-SDCC. Katod komposit LSCD-SDCC disediakan dengan nisbah berat 50:50 dan dihasilkan melalui kaedah pengedapan elektroforetik (EPD). Kaedah EPD dijalankan ke atas kedua belah sisi substrat SDCC untuk menghasilkan sel simetri. Sel simetri yang terhasil adalah menggunakan suhu sinter yang berbeza (550°C hingga 750°C) sebelum analisis ke atas mikrostruktur dan ujian prestasi elektrokimia dijalankan. Kesan suhu sinter ke atas keliangan permukaan dikaji menggunakan analisis spektrometer serakan tenaga sinar-X, mikroskop elektron imbasan pancaran medan dan J-image. Kemudian, hubungan antara rintangan pengutuban, Rp dengan suhu sinter diukur menggunakan spektroskop elektrokimia impedans. LSCF-SDCC yang telah disinter pada suhu 600°C memberikan nilai Rp terendah iaitu 0.68 Ω pada suhu operasi 650°C. Kajian ini mencadangkan bahawa suhu sinter antara julat 550-650°C sebagai suhu pensinteran terbaik untuk menghasilkan katod komposit LSCF-SDCC berprestasi tinggi.
In the past, many in vitro hepatocyte injury models developed for liver regeneration used carbon tetrachloride as irritant chemical. Recently, carbon tetrachloride usage was prohibited due to serious deleterious effects to human and environment. There is an urgent need to develop a new acute chemical-induced hepatocyte injury model using other chemical compound to replace carbon tetrachloride. In this study, we used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induced hepatocyte injury with HepG2 as the liver cell model. HepG2 injury was established by exposing the cells to CC50 of H2O2 at the concentration of 2.4 mM, predetermined via MTT assay for 2 h exposure. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was measured to determine the extent of cellular injury and quantitative PCR was carried out to determine the expression of inflammatory genes of the cells 24 h after H2O2 exposure. The results showed that AST activity increased with time and peak at 24 h after H2O2 exposure. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that expression of inflammatory genes (TGF-β1, MMP-3, NF-κβ, IL-8 and IL-6) increased significantly. In addition, the gene expression of GPX, an anti-oxidant enzyme was also increased significantly in response to oxidative stress. In summary, H2O2 demonstrated excellent capability in inducing oxidative injury to HepG2 and together they represent an ideal acute chemical-induced injury model that can be used for liver regeneration study. Our results also provide input for inflammatory gene expression in the hepatocyte injury model.
Growing needs, inadequate supply along with health and religious issues are reasons for the increase in the demand for an alternative source of gelatine in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study was conducted to optimize the process for producing halal-compliance gelatine from chicken waste; chicken shank and toes (CST). Double extraction process employed produced gelatine which was vitreous, lightweight and gossamer in appearance. Gelatine yield was 9.52%(w/w) with a pH of 3.85, moisture content of 7.17%, total protein content of 93.77%, total fat content of 0.93% and total ash of 1.57%. The Bloom strength of the CST gelatine (148.33 ± 5.51) was found to be slightly lower than the commercially available bovine gelatine (BS) (169.33 ± 58.53) (P > 0.05). Amino acid analysis showed that the CST gelatine (91.38 ± 1.01%) was comparable to BS gelatine (90.65 ± 1.56%)(P > 0.05). Double extraction has been shown to successfully increase the surface area to volume ratio of CST waste resulting in increased yield in gelatine and protein with lower total fat content obtained. The test results obtained showed that the CST gelatine produced through this method complies with pharmaceutical standards.
Tacca integrifolia Ker-Gawl (Taccaceae) is locally known as ‘Belimbing Tanah’. It has been traditionally used for the treatment of hypertension, hemorrhoids, heart failure and kidney disease. Analysis of leaf and rhizome extracts of T. integrifolia using LCMS/MS showed the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, quinic acid, gypenosides and 3-caffeolquinic acid. The total phenol contents are high in the leaves and rhizome water extracts at 792.75±0.21 and 350.83±0.15 mgGAE/g, respectively. Total flavonoid contents are also high in the leaf extract at 89.52±0.27 mgQE/g and rhizome extract at 30.22±0.37 mgQE/g. ACE inhibitory activity was highest in rhizome water extract. Sub-acute toxicity test showed that no mortality occurred in rats fed with these extracts under experimental conditions. Blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats was reduced significantly (p<0.05) at 50 and 100 mg/kg of leaves and rhizome water extract, respectively. Liver function test indicated no significant difference in total protein, ALT and AST between control group fed with 100 mg/kg of both extracts. Similarly, renal function test indicated no significant difference in sodium and potassium levels as well as creatinine between control group fed with 100 mg/kg leaves and rhizome water extract. Thus, these results supported and provide scientific evidence for the traditional use of T. integrifolia as treatment for hypertension.