Maize is an imperative grain crop used as a staple food in several countries around the world. Water deficiency is a serious
problem limiting its growing area and production. Identification of drought tolerant maize germplasm is comparatively
easy and sustainable approach to combat this issue. Present research was conducted to evaluate 50 maize genotypes
for drought tolerance at early growth stage. Drought tolerance was assessed on the basis of several morphological
and physiological parameters. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the tested maize genotypes for
recorded parameters. Principal component analysis revealed important morpho-physiological traits that were playing
key role in drought tolerance. Correlation studies depicted significant positive correlation among the attributes such as
fresh shoot length (FSL), fresh root length (FRL), dry shoot weight (DSW), dry root weight (DRW), relative water contents
(RWC) and total dry matter (TDM) while a strongly negative correlation was observed among RWC and excised leaf
water loss. Results concluded that the parameters fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, FRL, DRW, TDM, cell membrane
thermo stability (CMT) and RWC can be useful for rapid screening of maize germplasm for drought tolerance at early
growth stages. Furthermore, the genotypes 6, 16, 18, 40, 45 and 50 can be used as a drought tolerant check in breeding
programs. Moreover, biplot analysis along with other indices was proved to be a useful approach for rapid and cost
efficient screening of large number of genotypes against drought stress condition.
In this paper, a support vector regression (SVR) using radial basis function (RBF) kernel is proposed using an integrated
parallel linear-and-nonlinear model framework for empirical modeling of nonlinear chemical process systems. Utilizing
linear orthonormal basis filters (OBF) model to represent the linear structure, the developed empirical parallel model
is tested for its performance under open-loop conditions in a nonlinear continuous stirred-tank reactor simulation case
study as well as a highly nonlinear cascaded tank benchmark system. A comparative study between SVR and the parallel
OBF-SVR models is then investigated. The results showed that the proposed parallel OBF-SVR model retained the same
modelling efficiency as that of the SVR, whilst enhancing the generalization properties to out-of-sample data.
MeSH terms: Algorithms; Animals; Disease Vectors; Paper; Nonlinear Dynamics; Benchmarking; Chemical Phenomena; Support Vector Machine
Japanese cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) could easily develop chilling injury when held at 7°C or below, thus limiting
its storability and reduces consumer preference. Chitosan coating is known to be one of the methods used for preserving
perishable fresh produce. This work was extended out to look into the efficacy of low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan
coatings on chilling injury (CI), antioxidant levels and shelf life quality of Japanese cucumber. Fruit were coated with
0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% chitosan prior to cold storage at 7°C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH) for 12 days. The result
showed that fruit coated with lowest concentration of chitosan (0.5%) was the most effective in alleviating chilling injury
symptoms and reduced the increase of lipid peroxidation (MDA content) compared to higher concentrations (1.0 and
1.5%). Furthermore, when Japanese cucumbers were coated with 0.5% chitosan, it was able to maintain the postharvest
quality and storability with higher firmness and delayed increase of weight loss. On the other hand, cucumber coated
with 1.5% chitosan demonstrated high level of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activities than in 0.5 and
1.0% chitosan. This finding suggests a role for chitosan coating in alleviating oxidative stress that would lead to CI
problems during cold storage.
Suis nanoelektromekanikal (NEM) mempunyai persamaan dengan suis konvensional semikonduktor apabila digunakan
sebagai transistor dan penderia walaupun prinsip operasinya berbeza. Perbezaan prinsip operasi suis ini memberikan
kelebihan kepada suis NEM untuk beroperasi dalam persekitaran yang melampau manakala suis konvensional
semikonduktor mempunyai kelebihan daripada segi infrastruktur fabrikasi yang canggih. Dalam kertas ini, kami
mengulas kemajuan terbaru dan potensi teknologi NEM dalam aplikasi pensuisan berdasarkan bahan berasaskan karbon
seperti CNT dan grafin. Kemajuan reka bentuk geometri suis NEM seperti struktur rusuk berlubang, mempunyai kelebihan
daripada segi voltan operasi peranti yang rendah, turut dibincangkan dalam kertas ini. Berdasarkan Kitaran Gemburan
Gartner, teknologi, proses dan produk untuk suis NEM atau hibrid NEM-CMOS berada di takuk berbeza iaitu di jurang
ilusi, cerun pencerahan dan dataran tinggi produktiviti. Kemudian, reka bentuk geometri suis NEM berasaskan bahanbahan
ini diulas dengan lengkap berdasarkan kajian kepustakaan terbaru. Kami mengenal pasti cabaran yang terlibat
dalam proses fabrikasi suis NEM berasaskan CNT dan grafin seperti kebocoran get dan proses litografi yang mencabar.
Kesimpulannya, kami meringkaskan kertas kajian ini kepada beberapa sudut perspektif, pandangan dan peluang pada
masa depan dalam teknologi suis NEM.
Phytase activity and growth of anaerobic rumen bacterium, Mitsuokella jalaludinii were investigated by semi-solid
state fermentation. Carbon source (rice bran, yam and cassava), nitrogen sources (soya bean, offal meal, fish meal and
feather meal) and growth factors (hemin, L-cysteine hydrochloride and minerals) were evaluated in a one-factor-at-atime
approach. Rice bran and fish meal produced better growth and phytase enzyme activity. The removal of L-cysteine
hydrochloride and minerals significantly decreased (p<0.05) phytase activity from 1178.72 U to 446.99 U and 902.54
U, respectively. The response surface methods (RSM) was conducted to optimize the phytase production and the results
showed the combination of 7.7% of rice bran and 3.7% of fish meal in semi-solid state fermentation gave the highest
phytase activity. Maximum phytase production and optimum growth of bacteria were detected at 12 h incubation in both
MF medium (control) and agro-medium. In this agro-medium, M. jalaludinii produced 2.5 fold higher phytase activity
compared to MF medium.
In this study, coconut leaves were used as a starting material for the production of activated carbon by thermal
carbonization using FeCl3
-activation method. The characterization of coconut leaves-FeCl3
activated carbon (FAC) were
evaluated by bulk density, ash content, moisture content, point-of-zero charge (pHpzc) analysis, iodine test, scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and elemental (CHNS-O) analysis. The effect of the adsorbent
dosage (0.02-0.25 g), initial pH (3-11), initial dye concentrations (30-350 mg/L) and contact time (1-180 min) on the
adsorption of the methylene blue (MB) at 303 K was performed via batch experiments. The Pseudo-Second Order (PSO)
describes the kinetic model well whereas the Langmuir isotherm proved that adsorption behavior at equilibrium with
maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 66.00 mg/g.
Understanding the interactions of plant soil environment and rhizosphere microbial changes are necessary to develop
new strategies for the sustainable agriculture. A field experiment with combination of three water levels and three
nitrogen rates was conducted to investigate the effect of water and nitrogen management on the changes of soil
microbial properties in non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soils of spinach. Non-Rhizosphere and rhizosphere microbial
diversities were affected by water and nitrogen applications. Evenness index in the no-nitrogen treatment was more
than that of 85 and 170 kg ha–1 nitrogen treatments in the non-rhizosphere or rhizosphere soil. Microbial biomass
carbon in non-rhizosphere soil or rhizosphere soil decreased with the increase of nitrogen application, but showed
the highest value in 16.5% of soil water content, followed by 12.5% and 20.5% of soil water content. Soil microbial
biomass phosphorus content of 85 kg ha–1 nitrogen treatment in the non-rhizosphere soil or rhizosphere soil was
significantly different for 0 and 170 kg ha–1 nitrogen treatments. Nitrification rate increased with the increase of soil
water content in 0 and 170 kg ha–1 treatments. Our results demonstrated that water and nitrogen could impact the
soil fertility and microbial activity of spinach.
A nitrate-based nickel salt was used to prepare NiO-BaCe0.54Zr0.36Y0.1O2.95 (NiO-BCZY) composite powders by an evaporation
and decomposition of solution and suspension (EDSS) method. The prepared powders with different weight ratios of NiO to
BCZY (NiO:BCZY) were denoted as S1 (50:50) and S2 (60:40). The powders were characterized using Thermogravimertic
analyzer (TGA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive
X-ray (EDX) spectrometer. TGA results showed that the thermal decomposition of intermediate compounds in the dried
powder (T = 150°C) completed at ~700°C. XRD analysis confirmed that the calcined powder (T = 1100°C) of S1 and
S2 did not show any crystalline peaks related to BCZY compound as the peaks associated to impurity phases of BaCeO3
and BaZrO3
were appeared in their XRD patterns. The impurity phases along with NiO still remained in the S1 sample
after it was calcined at 1400°C. As the calcination temperature increased, the particles size of S1 also increased and Zr
elemental composition deviates from the nominal stoichiometric of the NiO-BCZY as proven by SEM/EDX analysis. The
results indicate that the formation of homogenize NiO-BCZY composite prepared using EDSS method was not favored even
after calcined at high temperature (T = 1400°C).
2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) has herbicidal properties that cause lipid peroxidation on plant tissues. The
present study aimed at examining the phytotoxic effects of 2,4-DTBP compared to that of selected herbicides which
induced lipid peroxidation based on quantum yield (Φ) and membrane integrity of two bioassay weed species namely
Oldenlandia verticillata and Leptochloa chinensis under light and dark conditions. Laboratory assays showed reduced
Φ of 2,4-DTBP- and dinoterb-treated leaf discs within the first 3 h of the dark incubation period, with further decrease
during the subsequent 15 h dark period and 6 h light period. Diuron drastically reduced the Φ of the bioassay species
throughout the incubation period. The Φ of glufosinate-treated O. verticillata leaf discs was marginally reduced and
decreased further upon light exposure; it had no effect on the Φ of L. chinensis. Fluridone, isoxaflutole, clomazone and
oxyfluorfen also had negligible effect on Φ, whereas paraquat caused a rapid reduction in Φ upon light exposure for both
bioassay species. 2,4-DTBP, paraquat and dinoterb induced electrolyte leakage during the dark incubation period; this
was further increased in the presence of light for O. verticillata and L. chinensis. For both bioassay species, glufosinate
caused a marked amount of electrolyte leakage, whereas diuron, fluridone, isoxaflutole, clomazone and oxyfluorfen had
negligible effect on ion leakage. These results suggested that 2,4-DTBP has herbicidal activity comparable to that of
dinoterb without dependence on light.
Ceramic colour pigments based on the malayaite structure was synthesized by sol-gel with an aim to obtain homogeneous
powder systems. The formulation was Ca(Sn1-xCrx
)SiO5
where x = 0, 0.02 and 0.05. Thermogravimetric analysis and
infrared spectroscopy suggested suitable calcination temperatures to be > 1000°C. Formation of malayaite phase was
found to be very difficult; high calcination temperatures up to 1400°C was required which was typical for this particular
phase. Nevertheless, small amounts of impurities were still present and were found to be both wollastonite (CaSiO3
) and
cassiterite (SnO2
). The oxidation state of chromium was found to be mainly 4+. The obtained pigment particles were
in the range of 1-5 micron with a high degree of agglomeration due to sintering. UV-vis spectra demonstrated broad
absorbance peak in the 550-600 nm range which could be attributed to both Cr(III) and Cr(IV). The colour parameters in
the CIELab system showed a red tone (more positive a* values whereas b* remained relatively constant) when chromium
was doped into the malayaite host. Preliminary interaction testing with a low-fire glaze displayed an even improvement
in the a* parameter (getting more red tone). Microscopic studies showed a certain degree of chromium diffusion out
of the pigment powders toward the glaze matrix. These results have demonstrated a great potential for this refractory
colour pigments to be possibly utilized in other kinds of glazes as well.
With the rapid civilization and industrialization, water pollution is becoming more and more intricate. Heterogeneous photocatalysis using metal oxide loaded ZnO nanorods is a well-known environmental technology to degrade toxic organic pollutants. In this study, Cr2O3 particles anchored on the ZnO nanorods (Cr2O3/ZnO) were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal-deposition technique. Microscopic and crystallographic analyses indicated that the synthesized samples consisted of two-phase heterostructure of Cr2O3 and ZnO. The photocatalytic results showed that the phenol degradation by Cr2O3 /ZnO heterostructures was higher than those of pure ZnO and commercial TiO2. The synergetic effect between Cr2O3 and ZnO was the pivotal reason for the improvement of photoactivity as proven by the photoluminescence and terephthalic acid–photoluminescence analyses.
Nutritive value and persistence of different alfalfa cultivars, but very little information is available in the literature on
mineral concentrations, especially on microelements. This study was carried out to determine crude protein and mineral
contents in alfalfa cultivars from two different locations, Ankara and Konya provinces, in Central Anatolia during 2005
and 2007. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant
differences in many investigated traits were found between cultivars, years, locations and location x year, location x
cultivar, year x cultivar, and location x year x cultivar interactions. A crude protein ratio and micro and macro element
contents (K, P, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, B, Mo, Cu, Cr, Se and Al) were analyzed in alfalfa on a dry weight basis. The results
showed that the protein content ranged 17.23 to 20.71%. The macro element contents ranged 2.06 to 3.95 g kg–1 for
K, 13.65 to 23.25 g kg–1 for P, 1.31 to 2.53 g kg–1 for Mg, 6.71 to 22.81 g kg–1 for Ca, and 44.3 to 92.7 mg kg–1 for Fe,
whereas the microelement contents ranged 15.4 to 54.3 mg kg–1 for Mn, 24.6 to 121.9 mg kg–1 for Zn, 46.4 to 85.4 mg
kg–1 for B, 0.50 to 6.13 mg kg–1 for Mo, 3.13 to 4.17 mg kg–1 for Cu, 0.93 to 2.40 mg kg–1 for Cr, 0.77 to 1.03 mg kg–1
for Se and 31.2 to 57.8 mg kg–1 for Al. Significant differences at the p<0.01 or p<0.05 level in many investigated traits
were found between cultivars, years, locations and location × year, location × cultivar, year × cultivar, and location
× year × cultivar interactions. In conclusion, due to the fact that the location × year × cultivar interaction was found
statistically significant, we suggest that appropriate cultivars are selected for each region.
Bacteria play an important roles in the soil ecosystem and in the rhizosphere, they are intricately linked to nutrient content
and its accessibility to plants, plant protection and sometimes pathogenicity. Banana grows well in the tropics and it is
popularly grown in Orang Asli (OA) (indigenous people) settlements. Banana is also grown in commercial plantations.
In traditional planting practices, the OA do not add pesticide nor fertilizer to their crops which are planted for selfsustenance
mainly. On the other hand, fertilizer and pesticide are added to commercial banana plantations to maximise
yield. Rhizosphere bacteria from the banana plant, Pisang Nipah, grown in OA fields and commercial plantations were
identified by clone library construction of the 16S rRNA gene. This was to determine whether farming practices influenced
the bacterial community in the banana plant rhizosphere. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were found in
all the soil. Other common phyla found in some soil (but not all) were Nitrospirae, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi,
Verrumicrobia, Gemmatimonadetes and Cyanobacteria. The bacterial diversity was a little more diverse in the OA fields
than the commercial plantations. The latter had higher contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These could
have exerted selective pressure to reduce the bacterial diversity in the commercial plantations.
Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone that has functional effects in plant. This study was conducted to find out the effects
of salicylic acid (SA) on cherry tomato fruit quality and shelf life. Different concentrations (0.13, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00
mM) SA were added in nutrient solution of hydroponic system in plants vegetation and fruits development stage. Lightred
maturity stage of cherry tomato fruits was harvested to measure the harvest time fruit quality and stored at 5℃ to
measure the postharvest quality and shelf life. Ethylene production and respiration rate of tomato fruit at the harvest
time and after storage was effectively reduced by the 0.50 mM SA treatment. Increased acetaldehyde (p≤0.05) as well
as ethanol (p≤0.001) was performed in the 0.50 mM SA treatment at after storage. The 0.50 mM SA treatment showed
the lowest fresh weight loss 3.08% and the longest shelf life 25 days by reducing decay, fruits softening and fungal
infection. Significantly lower fungal incidence (p≤0.001) was observed in the 0.50 mM SA treatment. Final storage day
color development and lycopene content was lower in the 0.50 mM SA treatment compare with other treatments. The 0.50
mM SA treatment obtained the highest firmness at harvest time and it retain after storage. Comparatively higher vitamin
C and lower soluble solids was showed at the harvest time and after storage. Therefore, the 0.50 mM SA treatment is
effective in increasing the quality and shelf life of cherry tomato fruit.
The potential of using saliva as a diagnostic fluid is well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and
quantity of saliva DNA of alcoholic and non-alcoholic participants using three saliva collection methods; DNA-SalTM (Oasis
Diagnostics, USA), Oragene-DNA (DNA Genotek Inc, Ontario, Canada) and whole saliva collection method. Saliva DNA
of non-alcoholic (n=30) and alcoholic participants (n=10) age between 25 and 35 years was assessed qualitatively and
quantitatively using spectrophotometry. Saliva DNA quantity was the highest for all participants when using the DNA-Sal TM
saliva collection kit (p<0.05). The use of a mechanical scraper provided only in the DNA-Sal TM kit may have contributed
to the highest DNA yield for all participants. The quantity of saliva DNA when assessed using spectrophotometer was found
to be significantly lower (p<0.05) for the alcoholic (16±3.57 ng/μL) than non-alcoholic participants (19.92±6.18 ng/
μL). To determine the integrity of the DNA samples, PCR amplification of the Alcohol Dehydrogenase gene, ADH1B was
carried out and the PCR was found to be successful. For all participants, the DNA quality of the saliva collected using the
three saliva collection methods was found to be in the acceptable range considered as pure DNA. The DNA quality and
quantity of saliva collected from the three saliva collection methods were considered suitable for research purposes.
The activities of key C4 photosynthetic enzymes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPcase), NADP-malic
enzyme (NADP-ME), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) were assayed in flag leaves
at three major growth stages (heading, anthesis and grain filling) among 59 winter wheat genotypes grown in field
conditions. All C4 enzymes expressed in the flag leaves and their activation showed a wide range of variation in relation
to different growth stages in all the genotypes. PEPcase, NADP-ME and MDH displayed the highest mean activities of
1.018, 0.758 and 0.731 µmol. min–1.mg–1 protein at heading stage, respectively; while PPDK showed the highest mean
activity (0.888 µmol. min–1.mg–1 protein) at grain filling stage. The activities of PEPcase and PPDK were higher at
heading stage, decreased at anthesis and again increased at grain filling stage, while NADP-ME and MDH exhibited a
decreasing trend at the three stages. The results of the current study could be valuable and useful for wheat researchers
in improving photosynthetic capacity of wheat.
Technical benefit of incorporation of Palm Oil Clinker (POC) in cement-based applications has been proven in recent
studies. The aim of this work was to assess the heavy metal leaching behavior to ensure environmental safety of using
POC in cement-based applications. The chemical composition, morphology, total organic carbon (TOC) and mineralogy
were determined using XRF, FESEM, TOC analyzers and XRD to select appropriate chemical reagents for complete digestion.
HNO3
, HF and HClO4
were used for digestion of POC to measure heavy metal content using ICP-MS. The chemical reagents
CH3
COOH, NH2
OH-HCl, H2
O2
+CH3
COONH4
and HF+HNO3
+HCl were used for extraction of acid soluble, reducible,
oxidizable and residual fractions of heavy metals in POC, respectively. The leaching toxicity of the POC was investigated
by the USEPA 1311 TCLP method. The result showed the presence of Be, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba and Pb with
levels of 5.13, 11.02, 2.65, 1.93, 45.43, 11.84, 15.07, 0, 0, 81.97 and 1.76 mg/kg, respectively, in POC. The leaching value
in mg/L of As (4.56), Cu(1.05), Be (0.89), Zn(0.51), Ba(0.26), Ni (0.17), V(0.15), Cr(0.001) and Se (0.001) is found well
below the standard limit of risk. Risk assessment code (RAC) analysis confirms the safe incorporation of POC in cementbased
applications.
MeSH terms: Carbon; Dental Cements; Glass Ionomer Cements; Lead; United States; United States Environmental Protection Agency; Zinc; Risk Assessment; Metals, Heavy
A study was conducted to investigate the duration of growth stages and flowering behaviour of a landscape tree,
Xanthostemon chrysanthus (F. Muell.) Benth. This species is known as golden penda and locally known as jambu kuning.
It is widely planted for urban beautification due to its distinctive coloured flowers. Under local climate condition, this
species flowers throughout the year. However, the flowering of this species has not been studied extensively. In the present
study, the growth of selected trees aged approximately six years after planting was monitored for a year. The growth
duration was determined using the extended Biologishe Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry (BBCH)
scale. Percentages of flower and fruit and new leaf abundances were expressed as estimated percentage of each stage as
compared to total surface area of the tree crown. The vegetative and reproductive stages of the species required 198 and
176 days, respectively. The flowering period took about 40 days from inflorescence bud swelling to drying and senescence
of stamens and petals. Unsynchronized flowering was observed among the trees. The occurrence of flowers was also
influenced by the development of new leaves or fruits. The information on the duration of each growth stage and the
flowering behaviour of the species may enhance a more detailed study related to flowering of urban trees in Malaysia.
Enzim RNA-bergantung RNA polimerase adalah sasaran dadah yang menarik untuk mengubati jangkitan denggi. Analog
nukleosida menyerupai substrat asal enzim polimerase. Ia bertindak sebagai perencat atau substrat kepada enzim ini lalu
menyebabkan penamatan pramatang bebenang DNA/RNA atau penghasilan DNA/RNA yang rosak. Ini akan menghentikan
proses replikasi virus. Kajian dok molekul untuk mengenal pasti interaksi molekular antara enzim dan ligannya telah
dilakukan berdasarkan maklumat yang diperoleh berkenaan struktur kristal domain RdRp. Tapak pengikat-ligan domain
RdRp yang terdiri daripada sisa asid amino Asn492, Asn405, Lys401, Thr605 dan Gly601 telah dikenal pasti setelah
pengedokan analog nukleosida yang boleh didapati secara komersial dijalankan. Pengedokan analog nukleosida yang
menyerupai substrat asal RdRp ke dalam tapak pengikat menunjukkan mod pengikat-ligan dengan ikatan hidrogen,
aromatik-π dan interaksi cas adalah interaksi utama yang terlibat. Kajian ini juga memberi maklumat berkenaan
farmakofor analog nukleosida yang boleh digunakan dalam reka-bentuk dadah berasaskan struktur terhadap sasaran
penting ini.
This study was conducted during two different seasons to determine the best concentration of gibberellic acid (GA3) that
could result in better growth and higher yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Experiments were conducted during
the 2015 dry season and 2016 wet season at the field of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor,
Malaysia. The purpose of the experiments was to investigate the response of the groundnut plants to four levels of GA3
(0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L−1) as foliar spray at 21 and 42 days after sowing. The treatments were laid out in a randomized
complete block design and replicated thrice. The results showed that the treatment of 150 mg L−1 GA3 significantly
(p<0.05) increased plant height, number of branches per plant, total dry weight, number of pods per plant, pod yield,
100 seed weight, % shelling, oil content, protein content, seed moisture and germination percentage during the wet and
dry seasons. In conclusion, the 150 mg L−1 GA3 concentration is the optimum level required to enhance the growth and
yield in groundnuts during the wet and dry seasons.