The purpose of this study was to develop a food product from the peel of an under utilised native fruit, Baccaurea angulata, known locally as Belimbing Hutan. The peel of Baccaurea angulata fruit makes up more than 60 % of the fruit and is a significant source of food waste having potential to be explored. As such, the present study was the first to explore the feasibility of producing a food product from the peel. Using conventional jam making technology, the peel of Baccaurea angulata was used as the principal ingredient besides sugar and pectin to develop a jam product. The physicochemical properties and nutritional composition of the jam were determined by the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) official methods of analyses with slight modifications as written in methods section. The nutrition composition included moisture content, protein, fat and ash. Carbohydrate was calculated by subtracting the sum of protein, fat, moisture, ash and crude fibre from 100%. Vitamin C was determined by Iodometric titration. Physicochemical properties such as pH, total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) were also determined. The jam product has an acidic pH which is 2.82. The other results of the study indicated that jam produced from Baccaurea angulata had similar properties as other well-known fruit jams. The results showed that Baccaurea angulata jam was rich in carbohydrate (69.85 %) and supplied 279.84 kcal of energy.
Dabai is one of the indigenous seasonal fruits that can be found in Sarawak. The nutrient-rich dabai has tremendous application in food product development including formulating dabai into cake mixture as its nutrients affect the quality of the cake produced. The aim of this study is to determine the physicochemical properties, microbiological and sensory characteristics of dabai cake. Physicochemical properties including proximate analyses as well as macro mineral analyses were conducted according to the standard methods. From the analyses, the moisture content ranges from 29.94±0.40% to 33.49±0.50%, ash content 1.44±0.12% to 1.49±0.02%, protein content 7.15±0.38% to 9.28±0.29%, and fat content 14.67±0.76% to 18.83±1.04%. In addition, it is also found that the amount of mineral including Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn increased proportionally with dabai content in the formulation. Furthermore, the microbial loads of dabai cake were either none or too few to count throughout the duration of 35 days stored in chiller within 4°C to 9°C. In terms of general acceptability, the cake was that incorporated with 10 g of dabai is the most preferred with the mean score of 6.90. From this study, it is found that the production of dabai cake contains acceptable amount of nutrients with no significant differences of sensory attributes and can be stored up to 35 days in chiller.
Four endophytic fungi have been tested for antioxidant properties using different assays; DPPH radicalscavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ferrous ion chelating activity (FCA). The test of polyphenolic content also has been done for both total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). There was no result on the half maximal concentration (IC50) for both DPPH and FCA assays for all fungi. However, through FRAP assays the results were ranged from 0.336±0.01 to 0.477±0.11 mmol Fe2+/g extract where N. sphaerica had the highest result. This fungus also showed the highest results on TPC and TFC, which were 0.030±0.000 (mg GAE/g) and 0.038±0.001 (mg QE/g) respectively.
This study aims to report a study on organization practices related to the process of existing evaluation and selection of e-Learning software. Initially, questionnaires were distributed to 250 experts who had been contacted via email or through walk-ins. However, only fifty experts which were categorized into decision makers, academicians/researchers and technical experts participated to fill the questionnaire. The results obtained from this study showed that the e-Learning software evaluation is a complex task as it requires many processes, evaluation criteria, and suitable evaluation techniques. The existing software evaluation criteria are insufficient to evaluate various e-Learning software products. This is due to the general characteristic of the criteria that can be used to evaluate any software. The outcome of this study provides organizations and e-Learning practitioners with information on existing practices when organization evaluates and select e-Learning software in their organizations. It can be used as a guideline for their e-Learning planning and implementation by organization Not least, it also gives the opportunity for the academicians/researchers to undertake a future study based on the existing e-Learning software evaluation and selection problems obtained.
Macaranga tanarius distribution has been identified in a study conducted by almost all states in Peninsular Malaysia. Assessment on the distribution of M. tanarius was based on the records available and type specimens housed in three different herbarium namely the Kepong Herbarium (KEP) in Forest Research Institute Malaysia, the herbarium in the Faculty of Forestry in Universiti Putra Malaysia and the Herbarium Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. While field surveys were carried out from July 2012 until October 2013. There are 128 specimens were assessed from the three herbaria which made in the year of 1925 to 2005. Field surveys showed that M. tanarius can be found from the state of Perlis in the north, to the state of Johor in the south. From the observation, M. tanarius is a commonly found species along the highways and the road sides, whether as single individuals or as mono-stands. It can be seen growing together with other pioneer species of shrubs or trees. The study also shows the growing pioneer species in disturbed habitats and the creation of new space to meet before the displacement process other quality species grows in the forest opening. This study is first surveys involving M.tanarius species including the entire state in peninsular Malaysia. It is intended for the collection and distribution -related service information management for the study of phenology of collecting seeds to be planting material.
This paper presents an experimental study to investigate the effects of circular transverse opening in the reinforced concrete beam. Understanding its behaviour would allow such beams to be safely used, particularly for the passage of pipes and ducting. A total of eleven beams with a cross-sectional area of 150 mm x 300 mm and a clear span of 1500 mm were tested under four-point load setup until failure. This comprised two beams without opening as the control beams, six beams with an opening (50 mm, 75 mm and 100 mm in diameter) positioned at the mid-span and near to the support, and three beams with the reinforcement at the opening. The effects of the opening size, the position of the opening and different reinforcing methods on beam performance were studied. The beam failed with severe cracking surrounding the opening. The test results showed that the opening affected the ultimate strength and ductility of the beam. For the beam without reinforcement at the opening to maintain 80% strength, the opening size should not exceed 0.25 times the beam’s height. The diagonal bar reinforcing method was found effective in reinforcing the opening not exceeding 1/3 of beam height.
Image processing techniques have been widely used as a non-destructive method to determine the maturity of agriculture products. In the past few decades, numerous fruit maturity grading systems have been proposed and developed. However, there is no system or technique is reported to determine the maturity for Sarawak’s brinjal. Therefore, in this research, a colour image processing-based method is proposed in order to determine the maturity of Sarawak’s brinjal based on the skin colour. Ripe Sarawak’s brinjal has yellow or orange colour skin while unripe Sarawak’s brinjal has green colour skin. The proposed method consists of four main phases which are image acquisition, image pre-processing, features extraction, and classification. CIELAB colour model is used in this proposed method. The RGB value extracted from the image is converted into CIELAB colour space in order to obtain the CIELAB value. The maturity of the Sarawak’s brinjal is determined based on the colour difference between the fruit and the reference colour. In the experiment, a total of 48 Sarawak’s brinjal sample with 24 sample for each grade (ripe and unripe) were prepared. 12 out of 24 samples from each grade were used for thresholding. From the experimental results, a total of 23 Sarawak’s brinjals were correctly classified out of 24 Sarawak’s brinjal sample, accounts for nearly 96% of accuracy.
In this article, we evaluate the effectiveness of Cone Beam Computed Tomography, through a case study, in assessing the complication of intracranial bleeding during an endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformation when compared to Multislice-Detector Computed Tomography performed immediately after the procedure. The image quality of Cone Beam Computed Tomography has enough diagnostic value in differentiating between haemorrhage, embolic materials and the arteriovenous malformation nidus to facilitate physicians to decide for further management of the patient.
Background : The clot burden score (CBS) is a scoring system used in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to predict patient outcome and guide treatment decision. However, CBS is not routinely practiced in many institutions. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of CBS as a relevant predictor of good clinical outcome in AIS cases.Methods: A retrospective data collection and review of AIS patients in a teaching hospital was done from June 2010 until June 2015. Patients were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients were followed up after 90 days of discharge. The Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess their outcome (functional status). Linear regression Spearman Rank correlation was performed between the CBS and mRS. The quality performance of the correlations was evaluated using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: A total of 89 patients with AIS were analysed, 67.4% (n=60) male and 32.6% (n=29) female. Twenty-nine (29) patients (33.7%) had a CBS ≥6, 6 patients (6.7%) had CBS
Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are abnormal connections between branches of the intracranial arteries and dural veins or sinuses. Advancements in the technique of endovascular embolization has made it the treatment of choice for DAVFs. The goal of treatment is to completely occlude the fistula orifice while maintaining the normal cerebral venous drainage. Depending on the site of the DAVF, endovascular treatment has its own challenges to the performing physician. In this case report, we will discuss complex anterior cranial fossa DAVFs, treatment approaches, and complications of the treatment.
Objective: Clinically assessing the status of cerebral collaterals is thought to provide invaluable diagnostic and prognostic data in managing acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. In this study we present a report, based on commonly used collateral grading system, assessing the correlation between the collateral status seen on CT angiography and patients’ functional outcome at Day 90 in our institution.Method: Patients presenting to the Emergency Department within 6 hours of onset of stroke from January 2010 until December 2014 were chosen for the study. CT angiography source images were retrospectively reviewed and given a “collateral score” (CS) by a radiologist who was blinded to the patient’s clinical information on presentation, as well as theclinical outcomes at 90 days. Patients’ mRS score at 90 days was obtained retrospectively and compared against the “collateral score”. Results: 87 patients were enrolled into this study, of which 60 (69%) were male and 27 (31%) were female with a mean age of 60.3 years. In this study, 56 (64.4%) patients had a collateral score (CS) ≥ 2 and 31 (35.6%) patients had a CS < 2. Out of 56 patientswho had a CS ≥ 2, 51 of them (91%) had good clinical outcome with a mRS ≤ 2. All the patients who had CS < 2 showed poor clinical outcome with a mRS > 2. The collateral score predicts accurately the clinical outcome with an area under the curve (ROC) of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.675-0.871, P=0.001). There is significant Spearman correlation between CS and the clinical outcome at Day 90, in patients with AIS during CTA analysis.Conclusion: Our data supports the potential use of CS analysis in predicting clinical outcome of patients with AIS. Nevertheless, further study on a larger scale is strongly suggested to verify the reliability and reproducibility of CS assessment in CTA analysis prior to reperfusion in AIS patients.
A modified controlled chemical co-precipitation of alkaline aqueous ferrous and ferric salt solution at pH 8 with continuous addition of ammonia solution 25% under a degassed atmosphere was performed to synthesis magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. Formation of magnetite nanoparticles was conducted by adjusting the ferric to ferrous ions in the ratio of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. Further investigation on the surfactant-coated magnetite nanoparticles by using 8% surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was also studied. The synthesized magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). TEM results shows that magnetite nanoparticles which were synthesized with ferric/ferrous ratio 2:1 are in sphere shape and have the smallest particle size distribution range which is about 12-17 nm. The particles size distribution range of coated magnetite was decreased to 11-15 nm after coated with 8% surfactant SDS. XPS results indicated that the produced magnetite nanoparticles consisted of elemental iron and oxygen at 72.76% and 22.27% respectively. The phase and face-centered cubic structure of magnetite nanoparticle was also confirmed by XRD. Magnetite nanoparticle synthesized with ferric to ferrous ratio of 2:1 and coated with 8% surfactant SDS shows the best crystallinity among all samples with particle distribution size range from 11-15 nm.
This paper reviews the structural performances of reinforced concrete beams and slabs filled with lightweight materials to identify the research gaps in the area for future research development. Data is extracted from the research works done by different researchers. It was then recomputed to analyze the effects of concrete replacement regions, geometrical properties and spacing of lightweight materials on the ultimate strength of the structural elements. The lightweight materials were found to be more effective in reducing the weight of the slab without significantly affecting its strength as compared with the beam. The lightweight materials are recommended to have round corners, spaced out and positioned at the neutral axis or the compressive region for better strength performance so that the effective strength to weight ratio exceeds 1.0.
In this study, the effect of soaking condition towards Mung bean Vigna radiata water absorption and Mung bean extracted crude protein were investigated. This research was conducted to fulfill the fundamental study on the development of Mung bean beverage. The factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of soaking condition by 3 factors, namely concentration of NaHCO3 (0.0%, 0.5% and 1.0%), temperature (30oC, 60oC and 90oC) and time (30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes), under 19 runs and 2 responses: water absorption (%) and crude protein (%). The data were then statistically analysed using Design Expert 7.0 software and results were generated under Anova table (p < 0.05), interaction model graph and cube view, to predict the optimum soaking condition which best suits the required responses. It was found that the combination of 90 minutes soaking time, 30oC of soaking temperature and 1.0% NaHCO3 concentration yielded the highest percentage of water absorption and crude protein.
Organophosphates (OPs) are insecticide used to replace the persistence organochlorines (OCs). OPs are the effective insecticide used to control pests to enhance crops productions. Due to the strong recalcitrant properties, OPs cannot totally be degraded by conventional wastewater treatment process and the effluent causes negative impacts to the environment. The effectiveness of the AOPs is relied on the strong radical namely hydroxyl radicals (•OH) which can convert the pollutants into less harmful products. Photocatalysis is one of the AOPs widely practiced in water treatment process. A good photocatalyst must able to promote the electron from its valance band to the conduction band and the prevent the photogenerated electrons from returning to its valance band. The electron generated was further reacted with oxygen to form peroxyl radicals, •O2-. The hole (h+) formed was then react with water molecule to form •OH. Titanium dioxide, TiO2 is well known photocatalyst which only can be activated under ultra-violet light. Visible light photocatalysts are in the current research trend as they are found to be an effective method to degrade contaminants in wastewater. Various type of dopants has been doped on the TiO2 with different method purposely to shift the absorption of light from the UV light region to visible light region. The purpose of this review is to present the studies on different preparation method of the modified TiO2 and application of the modified TiO2 in degrading different types of OP pesticides. Finally, the need for present and further research on OPs wastewater also briefly discussed.
Anatomical of cell wall structure on Schizostachyum brachycladum examined. The harvested two-year-old and four-year-old bamboo culms segregated into the bottom, middle and top portions. The samples then undergo the Light Microscopy (LM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to determine their structure such as a vascular bundle, parenchyma, and sclerenchyma. Results show the surface of bamboo was visualized by LM to decide on their structural figure. In this part, 2-year age indicated that higher numbers of vascular bundle and average of mean compared to the 4-year S. brachycladum. Followed by a specific study of cell wall structure using SEM with highlighted 4-year S. brachycladum had more complex of morphology structure compared to the 2-year-old. Later on, TEM illustrated to shows most depth anatomically structure of bamboo such as middle lamella, primary and secondary walls.
This study focussed on composite boards made from Elaeis guineesis empty fruit bunches (EFB). The EFB supplied by a smallholder oil palm planter in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. The fibre cutter and crusher were used in turning the EFB into smaller size particles. They were screened with four-tier sieve shaker used to remove the oversize particles and impurities present. Hardeners and wax added during the mixing process at 1% and 3%. Boards of three (3) different densities were produced using urea-formaldehyde as the bonding agent. The boards produced later conditioned in a chamber set at 20±2°C and 65% relative humidity. The testing procedure set by EN Standards and specifications were followed. The tests results showed the EFB composite boards possessed excellent physical and mechanical properties. The MOR, MOE and internal bonding of the boards were 22.91 N/mm2, 2059.56 N/mm2, and 0.98 N/mm2. The internal bonding for both edge and face screw withdrawal were 467.47 N/mm2, and 512.37 N/mm2 respectively. Boards with 700 g/cm3 density and 14% resin content met all the requirement needed according to standard exercised. Scanning electron microscope images of low-performance boards showed the resin and fibre in the board interacted closely, but voids appeared at the cross-section suggesting moisture penetrated the board via the open spaces and attacked the linkages existed, thus cause the board to have a low property. The thermal stability of the boards manufactured studied using the Thermogravimetric Analysis.
Soil is the unconsolidated material in which plants are rooted. Soil texture is determined by the amount of sand, silt and clay in the soil. Understanding soil properties can help to better management and minimize soil disturbance. These soils were collected for soil properties and bulk density along the 55.2km of Sg. Lebir. Soil on Earth commonly contains of various particles such as sand, silt and clay. These particles commonly classes by refer to soil textural triangle. 40g of air-dried sample diluted into 1000ml of deionised water were left until the percentage of sand, silt and clay observed then calculated as percentage. As calculated, the mean percentage of sand contained is 66%, clay 17% and silt 17%. Besides that, it was concluded that most of the soils texture along 55.2km of Sg. Lebir had a sandy loam soil with pH slightly acidic (6.08) with densities the mean is 0.24 gcm-3.
In Malaysia, there is an abundance of tropical heritage trees throughout the country. Heritage trees are natural large trees with exceptional value due to association with age or special event or distinguished people. For sustainable heritage trees conservation, it is essential to set up a repository of such trees to prevent the trees from being destroyed unwittingly. In this regard, a general, yet localised framework for assessment and classification of the trees is essential. In this study, ten assessment and classification criteria with a total of forty-one sub-indicators were formulated. The framework supplements the general, easy-to-understand Tree Assessment for Heritage (TreeAH) model with localised Malaysian arborists’ expert opinions elicited via rigorous Delphi and focus group techniques. The framework facilitates tree care experts the election of nominated trees as heritage trees. Efforts are currently underway by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) to refine and customise the framework with more specific assessment scales and questionnaire for the purpose of quantifying values of trees in the FRIM campus in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur for UNESCO world heritage site application. Preliminary result shows promising prospect of the framework being used not only for the FRIM’s use case but also at a larger scale nationwide for heritage tree assessment and classification.