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Evidence for the Higgs Boson Decay to a Z Boson and a Photon at the LHC

Aad G, Abbott B, Abeling K, Abicht NJ, Abidi SH, Aboulhorma A, et al.

Phys Rev Lett, 2024 Jan 12;132(2):021803.
PMID: 38277607 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.021803

The first evidence for the Higgs boson decay to a Z boson and a photon is presented, with a statistical significance of 3.4 standard deviations. The result is derived from a combined analysis of the searches performed by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations with proton-proton collision datasets collected at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) from 2015 to 2018. These correspond to integrated luminosities of around 140 fb^{-1} for each experiment, at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The measured signal yield is 2.2±0.7 times the standard model prediction, and agrees with the theoretical expectation within 1.9 standard deviations.
Regression equations for sex and population detection using the lip print pattern among Egyptian and Malaysian adult

Abdel Aziz MH, Badr El Dine FM, Saeed NM

J Forensic Leg Med, 2016 Nov;44:103-110.
PMID: 27743546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.10.003

INTRODUCTION: Identification of sex and ethnicity has always been a challenge in the fields of forensic medicine and criminal investigations. Fingerprinting and DNA comparisons are probably the most common techniques used in this context. However, since they cannot always be used, it is necessary to apply different and less known techniques such as lip prints.
AIM OF THE WORK: Is to study the pattern of lip print in Egyptian and Malaysian populations and its relation to sex and populations difference. Also, to develop equations for sex and populations detection using lip print pattern by different populations (Egyptian and Malaysian).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample comprised of 120 adults volunteers divided into two ethnic groups; sixty adult Egyptians (30 males and 30 females) and sixty adult Malaysians (30 males and 30 females). The lip prints were collected on a white paper. Each lip print was divided into four compartments and were classified and scored according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification. Data were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: The results showed that type III lip print pattern (intersected grooves) was the predominant type in both the Egyptian and Malaysian populations. Type II and III were the most frequent in Egyptian males (28.3% each), while in Egyptian females type III pattern was predominant (46.7%). As regards Malaysian males, type III lip print pattern was the predominant one (41.7%), while type II lip print pattern was predominant (30.8%) in Malaysian females. Statistical analysis of different quadrants showed significant differences between males and females in the Egyptian population in the third and fourth quadrants. On the other hand, significant differences were detected only in the second quadrant between Malaysian males and females. Also, a statistically significant difference was present in the second quadrant between Egyptian and Malaysian males. Using the regression analysis, four regression equations were obtained.
Identification and characterization of Leishmania amastigote and axenic form antigens

Abdelhaleem AA, Elamin EM, Bakheit SM, Mukhtar MM

Trop Biomed, 2019 Dec 01;36(4):866-873.
PMID: 33597459

This study was aimed to identify and characterize Leishmania amastigote, and axenic form antigens. Two in vitro techniques were used to change leishmania parasite isolates from promastigote form to amastigotes and amastigote like (axenic) forms. The main strategy relied upon in vitro infection of murine macrophages cell line J774 with leishmania promastigote, at 37°C with 5% CO2, while the second technique relied upon the culture of promastigote at 37°C with low pH (5.5), and 5-10% CO2. Proteins were extracted and fractionated utilizing 12% Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). Antigens were recognized using both immune dot blot and western blot procedures. PCR was performed for recognition of leishmania parasites in infected J774 macrophages. L. major was quicker in infectivity of macrophages cell line than L. donovani. Shared proteins ranging from 26-116 kDa were identified by SDS PAGE in all stages. Immune Dot-blot method showed positive outcomes, while western blot identified an exceptional antigen band of 16 kDa in amastigote, this unique band could be of value in diagnosis and vaccination of leishmaniasis. PCR results confirmed presence of both isolates demonstrating that coinfection is conceivable, and no indications of hereditary recombination at kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) were identified in macrophages simultaneously infected by L. major and L. donovani.
The dichotomy of the systemic and local cytokine responses of mucosal leishmaniasis patients in Sudan: A pilot study

Abdelhaleem AA, Elamin EM, Elhassan AM, Nail AM, Abdullah NE, Mukhtar MM

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):877-883.
PMID: 33612741 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.877

Sudanese mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) is a rare clinical form of leishmaniasis and characterized by persistent ulcer of the oral and/or the nasal mucous membranes caused by Leishmania donovani. No data is available about the systemic and local immune responses in mucosal leishmaniasis. This study aimed to measure the systemic and the local cytokines responses of Sudanese ML patients compared to cured cutaneous leishmaniasis patients (Leishmanin skin test positive, LST+ve) and unexposed healthy controls (Leishmanin skin test negative, LST-ve). Six parasitological confirmed ML patients, 7 LST+ve, and 6 LST-ve were enrolled. Systemic Th-1 (IFN-γ and TNF-α), Th-2 (IL-10 and IL-13), Treg (TGF-β1), and inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 concentration were measured in the supernatant of whole blood samples following stimulation with live L. donovani promastigotes using ELISA. Local intralesion IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-13 expression was measured using Real Time PCR. A significant high concentrations of IFN-γ, TNFα, IL-10, TGFβ, IL-6, and IL-8 were detected in the supernatant of stimulated whole blood samples of ML patients compared with the LST+ve and LST-ve controls. Using Real Time-PCR and primers for various cytokines, a significant high expression of TH2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 mRNA was detected in contrast to a low TH1 cytokine IFN-γ mRNA in the mucosal lesion. There is a clear dichotomy in the cytokine response during Mucosal leishmaniasis. A significantly high TH1, inflammatory and Treg cytokines response is produced systemically, in contrast to a significant high TH2 cytokines response in the mucosal lesion.
Effects of Momordica charantia on pancreatic histopathological changes associated with streptozotocin-induced diabetes in neonatal rats

Abdollahi M, Zuki AB, Goh YM, Rezaeizadeh A, Noordin MM

Histol Histopathol, 2011 01;26(1):13-21.
PMID: 21117023 DOI: 10.14670/HH-26.13

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of Momordica charantia (MC) fruit aqueous extract on pancreatic histopathological changes in neonatal STZ-induced type-II diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in one day Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats using a single intrapretoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (85 mg/kg body weight) and monitored for 12 weeks thereafter. The diabetic rats were separated into three groups, as follows: the diabetic control group (i.e. nSTZ), the diabetic group (i.e. nSTZ/M) - which was orally given 20 mg/kg of MC fruit extract, and the diabetic group (i.e. nSTZ/G) - that was treated with glibenclamide, 0.1 mg/kg for a period of four weeks. At the end of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein to measure the blood glucose and serum insulin level. The pancreatic specimens were removed and processed for light microscopy, electron microscopy examination and immunohistochemical study. The results of this study showed that MC fruit aqueous extract reduced the blood glucose level as well as glibenclamide and increased the serum insulin level in the treated diabetic rats (P<0.05). The fruit extract of MC alleviated pancreatic damage and increased the number of β-cells in the diabetic treated rats (P<0.05). Our results suggest that oral feeding of MC fruit extract may have a significant role in the renewal of pancreatic β-cells in the nSTZ rats.
Fulltext Drug Utilization in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in the Ministry of Health Facilities

Abdul Aziz AM, Manan MM, Bahri S, Md Yusof FA, Kamarruddin Z, Said S, et al.

ISBN: 978-967-5570-45-2

Citation: Abdul Aziz AM, et al. Drug Utilization in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in the Ministry of Health Facilities. Petaling Jaya: Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia; 2013

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a costly disease to manage because of its chronic nature and severity of complications. Treatment of DM incurred high healthcare cost in both developed and developing countries. In Malaysia, treatment of DM is provided by all Ministry of Health (MOH) healthcare facilities and treatment may vary according to types of facilities. These differences may be associated with the utilization pattern and patient’s adherence to therapy and it is important to link actual medication therapy and the direct medical cost in the management of Malaysian DM patients. Thus, this study is to describe the utilization of medications in the treatment of DM in the MOH healthcare facilities and DM patient’s adherence towards their medication. This is a cross-sectional study in 94 MOH health facilities from November 2010 to December 2011. The healthcare facilities were categorized as National Referral Hospital, State Hospitals, Hospitals with Specialist, Hospitals without Specialist and Health Clinics. Patients were selected by the method of systematic random sampling and screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Face-to-face interview and retrospective data retrieval of patients’ medical record were conducted. The questionnaire and Morisky’s four questions adherence scale were utilized during the interview. A total of 2,509 (88.2%) patients were included in the study. The findings showed that variables for age, gender, race, marital status, household income, and occupation were essential components in examining its impact towards DM care. Most of the patients were between 45 to 55 years old and were burdened with co-morbidities. The observed trend in disease status showed that DM is closely related to co-morbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and hyperlipidaemia; more commonly in patients with more than 5 disease years. A total of 14.6% of DM patients have yet to be initiated with insulin while 84% and 78.9% of patients had poor control of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. In terms of drug utilization and medication cost, there was no significant difference in the pattern of medication used for the first-line treatment of DM among type of facilities. Biguanides, sulphonamides, urea derivatives, and insulin are the top three DM medications. Insulin usage ranges from 25.6% at Hospitals without Specialist to 57.8% at State Hospitals and this corresponds to 2.5 to 7.0 times increment from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) III. Use of non-antidiabetic agents (ADA) corresponds with the top 10 co-morbidities. These include platelet aggregating inhibitors, ACE-inhibitors and statins. The pattern of treatment for co-morbidities showed significant differences among facilities and may be due to the degree of severity of DM patients. Also, the policies of categorizing A*/A/KK has led to these medications being less commonly prescribed in Hospitals without Specialist and Health Clinics. Adherence is an issue that DM patients need to improve. This study found that race, household income, and age were significant indicators for poor adherence. The odds ratio (OR) for age showed it contributed to almost one time lower in adherence. The OR for inter-racial differences found that both Chinese and Indian patients were about 0.7 times more likely to be non-adherence than Malays. Household income of less than RM1,000 per month similarly showed a 0.8 times less adherence compared to households earning between RM1,000 to RM3,000 per month. Pharmacists had been giving counselling to patients and the personalized approach by pharmacist had shown positive impact on Diabetic Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC) patients. The study findings, however, showed no improvement in adherence between those who attended DMTAC and those who have not. These findings might not be generalizable since most facilities had a very small percentage of DM patients and they are usually the problematic or difficult patients; this could have led to the rather uneventful findings. Finally, this study showed that there is no significant difference in the utilization of medication among health facilities in the treatment of DM. Adherence is still an area of concern and collaboration between healthcare professionals is vital for better treatment outcome.
Fulltext Case series of syphilis and HIV co-infections

Abdul Wahab A, Rahman MM, Mohammad M, Hussin S

Pak J Med Sci, 2013 May;29(3):856-8.
PMID: 24353643

Syphilis and HIV co-infection are indeed dangerous combinations. The present communication describes three different cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection in young men. The first case is a 25-year-old medical graduate with a primary and secondary syphilis lesions at time of presentation. The second case is a 24-year-old government officer with right eye posterior uveitis where the serology tests for syphilis were reactive. His HIV tests were also positive. The final case is a 25-year-old homosexual who was admitted to the medical ward because of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The HIV and syphilis serology tests were noted to be positive.
Fulltext Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody is a good indicator for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Abdul Wahab A, Mohammad M, Rahman MM, Mohamed Said MS

Pak J Med Sci, 2013 May;29(3):773-7.
PMID: 24353626

Objectives: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody has recently been used in the classification
of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This antibody is more specific than rheumatoid factor (RF) for the diagnosis of RA. The study objectives were to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of anti-CCP in RA diagnosis.
Methodology: Eighty RA patients and 80 non-RA individuals were included in the study. Blood was collected from both arms of study subjects and tested for anti-CCP and RF antibodies. Relevant clinical information and laboratory profiles of the RA patients were evaluated using patients’ medical records and Integrated Laboratory Management System (ILMS), respectively.
Results: The sensitivity and specificity of anti-CCP were 35% and 100% respectively. The positive and
negative predictive values were 100% and 61%, respectively. Positive anti-CCP was found significantly
associated with multiple joint pain (p < 0.001) and hand’s joints pain (p=0.01), symmetrical joints
involvement (p=0.015) and high CRP value (p < 0.001). Anti-CCP was also found to have positive association with RF (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Anti-CCP is highly specific for the diagnosis of RA. High positive predictive value should be taken into consideration for effective treatment.
KEY WORD: Rheumatoid arthritis, anti-CCP, Rheumatoid factor, Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value, Negative predictive value.
Study site: Rheumatology Unit, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Neurological disorders in sheep during signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) toxicity

Abdullah AS, Noordin MM, Rajion MA

Vet Hum Toxicol, 1989 Apr;31(2):128-9.
PMID: 2929118

Severe neurological dysfunction was observed in sheep 4 weeks after grazing on Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens). These neurological disorders included the stamping of forelegs, star-gazing, incoordination, head-pressing against the fence and circling movements. Histologically, numerous vacuolations of various sizes were observed in the white matter of the brain giving rise to a spongy appearance.
Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) toxicity in sheep: changes in motility and pH of reticulo-rumen

Abdullah AS, Nordin MM, Rajion MA

Vet Hum Toxicol, 1988 Jun;30(3):256-8.
PMID: 3388753

In addition to generalized icterus, enlargement of the liver and severe photosensitization, signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) toxicity also caused ruminal stasis and a decreased rumen pH in sheep. Ruminal stasis, which occurred within 3 weeks of grazing on this grass, may be the effect of the toxin produced in the rumen rather than a sequele of a decreased rumen pH. Animals were anorexic and the volume of their rumen content was very much reduced.
The effect of oleic acid stabilizer on the surface properties of bimetallic PtNi catalysts

Abu Bakar NH, Abu Bakar M, Bettahar MM, Ismail J, Monteverdi S

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2013 Jul;13(7):5034-43.
PMID: 23901527

A detailed study on the surface properties of oleic acid-stabilized PtNi nanoparticles supported on silica is reported. The oleic acid-stabilized PtNi nanoparticles were synthesized using NaBH4 as the reducing agent at various temperatures and oleic acid concentrations, prior to incorporation onto the silica support. X-ray diffraction studies of the unsupported oleic acid-stabilized PtNi particles revealed that the PtNi existed as alloys. Upon incorporation onto silica support, surface properties of the catalysts were investigated using H2-temperature reduction (H2-TPR), H2-temperature desorption (H2-TPD) and H2-chemisorption techniques. It was found that for the bimetallic catalysts, no oxides or very little oxidation occurred. Furthermore, these catalysts exhibited both Pt and Ni active sites on its surface though the availability of Ni active sites was dominant. A comparison of the surface properties of these materials with those prepared without oleic acid in our previous work [N. H. H. Abu Bakar et al., J. Catal. 265, 63 (2009)] and how they affect the hydrogenation of benzene is also discussed.
The use of rats and mice as animal models in ex vivo bone growth and development studies

Abubakar AA, Noordin MM, Azmi TI, Kaka U, Loqman MY

Bone Joint Res, 2016 Dec;5(12):610-618.
PMID: 27965220

In vivo animal experimentation has been one of the cornerstones of biological and biomedical research, particularly in the field of clinical medicine and pharmaceuticals. The conventional in vivo model system is invariably associated with high production costs and strict ethical considerations. These limitations led to the evolution of an ex vivo model system which partially or completely surmounted some of the constraints faced in an in vivo model system. The ex vivo rodent bone culture system has been used to elucidate the understanding of skeletal physiology and pathophysiology for more than 90 years. This review attempts to provide a brief summary of the historical evolution of the rodent bone culture system with emphasis on the strengths and limitations of the model. It encompasses the frequency of use of rats and mice for ex vivo bone studies, nutritional requirements in ex vivo bone growth and emerging developments and technologies. This compilation of information could assist researchers in the field of regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering towards a better understanding of skeletal growth and development for application in general clinical medicine.Cite this article: A. A. Abubakar, M. M. Noordin, T. I. Azmi, U. Kaka, M. Y. Loqman. The use of rats and mice as animal models in ex vivo bone growth and development studies. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:610-618. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.512.BJR-2016-0102.R2.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitute and practice of breastfeeding among mothers in the pre-baby friendly hospital initiative implementation at seven private hospitals in Malaysia

Adlina S, Narimah AHH, Hakimi ZA, Mazlin MM

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2006;6(1):58-63.
MyJurnal

The knowledge, attitude and practice of breastfeeding among young mothers during pre-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative implementation was conducted at seven private hospitals in Malaysia. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was given to all mothers (n=Z52) visiting the antenatal/postnatal clinic of the hospitals. The main respondents were Malays (57.5%) and Chinese (35%) . For most mothers, breastfeeding was combined with supplementary feeds of formula milk, with only 30% breastfed exclusively. The majority of mothers knew that breast-milk contained antibodies and can prevent illness, however many were unaware of breastfeeding's contraceptive effect if practised exclusively. Most mothers did not relate breastfeeding as being environmental friendly. Generally, there was no knowledge gained from the experience of having more children with reference to breastfeeding. Most mothers were influenced by their own beliefs regarding choice of feeding method. Therefore, a mother was empowered with the knowledge of all practical aspects of breastfeeding, it would encourage her to breastfeed her baby.
Study site: seven private hospitals in Malaysia
Fulltext Management of mango hopper, Idioscopus clypealis, using chemical insecticides and Neem oil

Adnan SM, Uddin MM, Alam MJ, Islam MS, Kashem MA, Rafii MY, et al.

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:709614.
PMID: 25140344 DOI: 10.1155/2014/709614

An experiment was conducted in Field Laboratory, Department of Entomology at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during 2013 to manage the mango hopper, Idioscopus clypealis L, using three chemical insecticides, Imidacloprid (0.3%), Endosulfan (0.5%), and Cypermethrin (0.4%), and natural Neem oil (3%) with three replications of each. All the treatments were significantly effective in managing mango hopper in comparison to the control. Imidacloprid showed the highest efficacy in percentage of reduction of hopper population (92.50 ± 9.02) at 72 hours after treatment in case of 2nd spray. It also showed the highest overall percentage of reduction (88.59 ± 8.64) of hopper population and less toxicity to natural enemies including green ant, spider, and lacewing of mango hopper. In case of biopesticide, azadirachtin based Neem oil was found effective against mango hopper as 48.35, 60.15, and 56.54% reduction after 24, 72, and 168 hours of spraying, respectively, which was comparable with Cypermethrin as there was no statistically significant difference after 168 hours of spray. Natural enemies were also higher after 1st and 2nd spray in case of Neem oil.
Histological study of the parotid and mandibular glands of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) with special reference to the distribution of carbohydrate content

Adnyane IK, Zuki AB, Noordin MM, Agungpriyono S

Anat Histol Embryol, 2010 Dec;39(6):516-20.
PMID: 20682009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01023.x

We investigated the histology and carbohydrate content of the parotid and mandibular glands of the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak). Three adult males were used. Paraffin wax sections of the glands were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), alcian blue (AB), pH 2.5 and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). The acinar cells of the parotid gland were serous, whereas those of the mandibular gland were of the mixed type. The acini of the mandibular gland comprised serous and mucous cells with the mucous type predominating. AB and PAS staining showed high concentrations of acidic and neutral carbohydrates in the mucous cells, but not in the serous cells of the mandibular gland. These carbohydrates were also found in moderate-to-high concentrations in the secreted material in the mandibular duct lumen. However, these carbohydrates were not found in acinar cells of the parotid gland or in the serous cells of the mandibular gland. Thus, carbohydrates in the saliva of the barking deer appear to be produced mainly by the mucous cells of the mandibular glands.
Morphological study of the lingual papillae in the barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak

Adnyane IK, Zuki AB, Noordin MM, Agungpriyono S

Anat Histol Embryol, 2011 Feb;40(1):73-7.
PMID: 21105898 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01041.x

The morphology of the tongue of the adult barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak, was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The result showed that the tongue of the barking deer was elongated with a rounded apex. Four types of lingual papillae were observed: filiform, fungiform, vallate and large conical papillae. The filiform papillae represented the most numerous types of lingual papillae. The fungiform papillae were distributed among the filiform papillae on the rostral and the body portions of the tongue. Ten to thirteen vallate papillae were distributed on both sides of the lingual prominence among the large conical papillae. Histologically, both the fungiform and vallate papillae contain taste buds in the epithelial layer. The distribution and types of lingual papillae found in the barking deer are similar to those in the other species that belong to the family Cervidae.
Fulltext Conductometric and volumetric studies of atorvastatin in aqueous solution of arginine from 298.15 to 313.15 K

Affandi MM, Tripathy M, Majeed AB

J Adv Pharm Technol Res, 2016 Jul-Sep;7(3):80-6.
PMID: 27429926 DOI: 10.4103/2231-4040.184589

Categorized as a Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class II drugs, atorvastatin (ATV) exhibits low aqueous solubility and bioavailability thus presenting an obstacle and great challenge to formulation researchers. Numerous studies are available in regard to the solubility enhancement of ATV, but very few actually describe this phenomenon in terms of thermodynamics and the solute-solvent interaction. Arginine (ARG) is an amino acid that has been reported to enhance the solubility of the highly insoluble wheat protein gluten through hydrogen bonding and π electron-cation interaction. To our knowledge, ARG has never been investigated as a solubility enhancement agent of aqueous insoluble drugs. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the solute-solvent and solute-cosolute interactions and derive thermodynamic parameters that bolstered the solubility of ATV in the presence of ARG. We examined the electrolytic conductance and densities of ATV-ARG binary system covering the temperature ranging from 298.15 K to 313.15 K. Conductometric and volumetric parameters such as limiting molar conductance, association constants, limiting partial molar volumes, and expansibility values were calculated. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters (ΔG(0), ΔH(0), ΔS(0), and Es) involved in the association process of the solute in the aqueous solution of ARG were also determined.
Fulltext Auto-Grasping algorithm of robot gripper based on pressure sensor measurement

Ahmed M. M. ALmassri, Chikamune Wada, Wan Hasan, W.Z., Ahmad, S.A.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(102):113-122.
MyJurnal

This paper presents an auto grasping algorithm of a proposed robotic gripper. The purpose is to enhance the grasping mechanism of the gripper. Earlier studies have introduced various methods to enhance the grasping mechanism, but most of the works have not looked at the weight measurement method. Thus, with this algorithm, the weight of the object is calculated based on modified Wheatstone Bridge Circuit (WBC) which is controlled by programmable interface controller (PIC) method. Having this approach introduces and improves the grasping mechanism through an auto grasping algorithm. Experimental results show that an auto grasping algorithm based on pressure sensor measurements leads to a more precise grasping measurement and consequently enhance the sensitivity measurement as well as accurate movement calibration. Furthermore, several different grasping objects based on the proposed method are examined to demonstrate the performance and robustness of our approach.
Towards sustainable use of potassium in pineapple waste

Ahmed OH, Husni MH, Anuar AR, Hanafi MM

ScientificWorldJournal, 2004 Nov 20;4:1007-13.
PMID: 15578124

Due to the 1997/98 haze problem in South-East Asia and the increasing need for sustainable food production and development, the usual management of crop residues (including pineapple wastes) through burning is prohibited. As a result, the need for alternative uses of pineapple wastes in pineapple production has been emphasized. This study investigated an environmentally friendly means of recycling pineapple leaves for agricultural use. Pineapple leaves were shredded and composted in a composting drum for 30 days. Part of the shredded leaves was ashed in a muffle furnace for 4 h. Humic acid (HA), K-fulvate, and K in HA and compost were analyzed using standard procedures. An ash to water ratio of 1:7 was used to extract 0.1 molar (M) KOH from the shredded leaves. The 0.1 M KOH contained 50% K and was able to extract 20% HA from the composted pineapple leaves. Percent K in the fulvate using 0.1 M KOH was 43. Besides serving as a foliar spray (supplement soil application K fertilizers), source of K for freshwater fish (e.g., tilapia), the HA produced can be used as a soil conditioner. Studies show that between 0.05-0.01 g of HA per kg soil retards runoff by 36% in sandy and sandy loam soils. The K-fulvate can be used as a fluid fertilizer. In addition, the pH of 2 of the K-fulvate suggests it could be used to dissolve phosphate rocks, particularly those in the arid regions where high soil pH does not facilitate the dissolution of these important rocks that serve as one of the sources of phosphorus fertilizer in agriculture.
Fabrication and Characterization of SnO-Cu₂O Mixed Metal Oxide Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Applications

Ahmed S, Shahid MM, Bakar SA, Arshed N, Basirun WJ, Fouad H

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2020 12 01;20(12):7705-7709.
PMID: 32711646 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2020.18570

Herein, we report the synthesis of SnO, Cu₂O and SnO-Cu₂O mixed oxide thin films on fluorinedoped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) process using [Cu (dmae)₂(H₂O)] and [Sn (dmae) (OAc)]₂ as molecular precursors for SnO and Cu₂O, respectively at 400 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern can be ascribed to the tetragonal phase of SnO crystals with space group P4 and cubic phase of Cu₂O crystals with space group Pn- 3m/nmm, respectively. The surface morphology characteristics of SnO, Cu₂O and SnO-Cu₂Omixed oxide have been investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) which revealed that the SnO was grown homogeneously in cubical shape while Cu₂O possess nano balls shaped morphologies. The UV band gap values of SnO-Cu₂O mixed oxide thin film was found to be 2.6 eV appropriate for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications. The synthesized material was proposed for PEC applications and has shown enhanced catalytic performance in the presence of light.

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