Magnetic actuator driven switchgear is a new medium voltage switchgear technology. In this switchgear, the conventional spring mechanism which is used to operate the circuit breaker is replaced with a magnetic actuator mechanism. The suitability of this technology in the Malaysian utility network specifically in highly loaded areas with frequent switching was assessed via a field evaluation. Preliminary results indicated that magnetic actuator driven switchgear perform commendably on the safety aspect, on-site performance monitoring and online diagnostic test results. However, there are several concerns that need to be addressed such as the ease of installation, substation system requirements, high life cycle cost and reliability of components, before this technology can be used widely.
In the area of sustainable development, construction waste is an important issue that must be tackled responsibly. It is an assortment of waste, at the stage of construction. This paper assesses waste minimisation or reduction measures and such practices in the Kuala Lumpur construction industry. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain contractors’ views on 25 waste minimisation measures discussed in literature. Data was analysed using frequency analysis method and average index analysis method. The results showed that adoption of proper site management techniques is widely practised. The adoption of these waste minimisation measures could lead cost savings to the construction industry and prevent environmental degradation.
In this study, two nickel based electrodes were prepared; nickel foil and nickel-polyvinylchloride (Ni-PVC), in order to study their electrochemical behavior using cyclic voltammetry, CV and chronocoulometry, CC. Ni electrode was prepared from Ni metal foil while Ni-PVC electrode was prepared by mixing a weighed portion of Ni powder and PVC in THF solvent, swirled until the suspension was homogeneous and drying the suspension in an oven at 50oC for 3 h. The dry sample was then placed in a 1 cm diameter stainless steel mould and pressed at 10 ton/cm2. From CV data, Ni-PVC electrode showed a better electrochemical behavior compared to Ni metal foil electrode. The use of Ni-PVC electrode at higher concentration of supporting electrolyte (1.0 M KOH) was better than at lower concentration of the same supporting electrolyte in electroxidation of ethanol. In addition to acetic acid, the oxidation of ethanol also produced ethyl acetate and acetaldehyde.
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.
Introduction: Morinda citrifolia or also known as noni is commonly consumed raw or blanched as side dishes or ‘ulam’. As cancer is one of the most leading causes of death in the world, we aimed to evaluate the anti-prolifera- tive potential of noni shoot against various types of cancer cell lines. Methods: The breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), liver cancer (HepG2), and colorectal cancer (HT-29) cell lines were treated with 70% ethanol extract of noni shoot for cytotoxicity testing using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis induction effects were examined using AO/PI dual fluorescent assay and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) was also carried out to characterize the active compounds in noni shoot. Results: The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated noni shoot had IC50 of 49.72 µg/mL, 307.5 µg/mL and 65.43 µg/ mL against MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and HT-29 cell lines, respectively. The AO/PI staining showed apoptotic bodies such as cell blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation was markedly induced in the selected cancer cell lines-treated with noni shoot extract. Apoptosis induction by noni shoot was showed by a significant increase in sub G0/G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 cell lines of cell cycle analysis. It was found that noni shoot extract contained mostly acetic acid and ethriol that may contribute to its anti-cancer properties. Conclusion: These findings showed the potential anticancer properties of noni shoot extract thereby, further studies are needed to un- derstand the mechanism of noni as anti-cancer agent and possibility to be developed as a nutraceutical or functional food products.
The aim of this study was to propose local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for the most common computed tomography (CT) examinations (including contrast and non-contrast scan phase) performed at Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia. A retrospective CT dose survey of 1488 subjects from January 2015 until December 2018 was performed at AMDI USM, Malaysia. The proposed DRLs were established at 50th and 75th percentile of dose distribution for all dose metrics (CT dose index [CTDI]; CTDIvol, CTDIw and dose-length product). The proposed LDRLs were compared with national DRLs and other established DRLs. The 10 most common CT examinations at AMDI were thorax-abdomen-pelvis (TAP) CT (46%), followed by pelvis CT (17%), abdomen-pelvis CT (10%), brain/head CT (9%) and other CT protocols. The local DRLs were established using the third quartile values of dose distribution and were categorized based on CT region protocols. Most of the proposed DRLs were exceeded the national DRLs (63%) and other international DRLs (67%). From the dose auditing, almost half of the recent dose data (for year 2018) exceeded the proposed local DRLs and the unusual dose were observed in TAP, brain/head and pelvis CT examinations. The unusual higher dose could be due to higher mAs settings, higher number of scan phase for contrast study and higher pitch factor. The local DRLs should be established for dose optimization and reduction of the occurrence of excessive radiation exposure to the patients. The establishment of the Ads and LDRLs should also consider all the factors that affect the variation in DRLs such as CT technology, scanning protocols and population characteristics. The local dose distribution should always be revised for improvement of the current local practice.
Pyroligneous acid (PA) obtained from slow pyrolysis of palm kernel shell (PKS) has high total phenolic contents and exhibits various biological activities including antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal. In this study, PA obtained using slow pyrolysis method and fractionated using column chromatography was characterized (chemical and antioxidative properties) and investigated for its cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition activities using the in vitro and in silico approaches. The F9 PA fraction exhibited highest total phenolic content of 181.75 ± 17.0 μg/mL. Fraction F21-25 showed ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (331.80 ± 4.60 mg TE/g) and IC50 of 18.56 ± 0.01 μg/mL towards COX-2 and 5.25 ± 0.03 μg/mL towards the 5-LOX enzymes, respectively. Molecular docking analysis suggested favourable binding energy for all chemical compounds present in fraction F21-25, notably 1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-2-pentanone, towards both COX-2 (- 6.9 kcal/mol) and 5-LOX (- 6.4 kcal/mol) enzymes. As a conclusion, PA from PKS has the potential to be used as an alternative antioxidant and antiinflammatory agents which is biodegradable and a more sustainable supply of raw materials.
Ficus deltoidea was known for its potent antioxidant, anti-melanogenic and photoprotective skin barrier activities. These properties are contributed by its biomarkers which are vitexin and isovitexin. This study aims to optimize the yield of methanolic extraction of Ficus deltoidea leaves (EFD) and evaluate their effects on skin barrier function and hydration. For optimization, Box-Behnken design was utilized to investigate the effects of methanol concentration, sonication time, and solvent-to-sample ratio on the yields of vitexin and isovitexin in EFD. The optimal yields obtained were 32.29 mg/g for vitexin and 35.87 mg/g for isovitexin. The optimum extraction conditions were 77.66% methanol concentration, 20.03 min sonication time, and 19.88 mL/g solvent-to-sample ratio. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to measure variant marker genes of transglutaminase-1, caspase 14, ceramide synthase 3, involucrin, and filaggrin of EFD-induced keratinocyte differentiation by in vitro study. Exposure to EFD has elevated the mRNA levels of all tested marker genes by 0.7-9.2 folds. Then, in vivo efficacy study was conducted on 20 female subjects for 14 days to evaluate skin biophysical assessment of hydration. EFD topical formulation treatment successfully increased skin hydration on day 7 (43.74%) and day 14 (47.23%). In silico study by molecular docking was performed to identify intermolecular binding interactions of vitexin and isovitexin with the interested proteins of tested marker genes. The result of molecular docking to the interested proteins revealed a similar trend with real-time PCR data. In conclusion, EFD potentially enhanced the skin barrier function and hydration of human skin cells.
Bone remodelling is a complex and tightly regulated process. Disruption of bone remodelling skewing towards resorption will cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of fragility fracture. Honey is a natural product containing various bioactive ingredients with health benefits, especially polyphenols. Therefore, honey may be a novel dietary supplement to prevent osteoporosis. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the effects of honey on bone health. The evidence reported so far indicates a skeletal-beneficial effect of honey in animal models of osteoporosis. However, the number of studies on humans is limited. Honey can protect the bone via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through its polyphenol content that acts upon several signalling pathways, leading to bone anabolic and antiresorptive effects. In conclusion, honey is a potential functional food for bone health, but the dose and the bioactive contents of honey need to be verified prior to its application in humans.
Mangrove plants are endowed with various biologically active compounds which have potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In present study, a bioactivity-guided fractionation for antibacterial and antioxidant active metabolites from the twigs of Avicennia officinalis collected from Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor, Malaysia gave 13 major fractions. The antibacterial activity of A. officinalis fractions using well-diffusion showed strong selectivity on the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and Bacillus subtilis) with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values of 0.156-5.00 mg/mL. However, no antibacterial activities were observed on the Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio cholera, Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli). The active antibacterial fractions were further isolated using several chromatographic techniques to give two naphthofuranquinones, namely, avicenol C (1) and stenocarpoquinone B (2). Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity of A. officinalis fractions were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay exhibited low antioxidant activities. Molecular structure of the naphthofuranquinones was elucidated using 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopy.
Review of the haemodialysis experience revealed patient survival between 1976 and 1982 to be 90%, 77% and 44% at one, three and six years respectively. This was similar to other published reports. Patients under the age of 50 years did better than those above 50 years, and diabetics did worst of all. There was a high rate of rehabilitation and return to employment or household responsibilities. Our policy of self-care dialysis allowed more patients to be treated without increasing the number of staff Dialysis encephalopathy and sudden deaths were important causes of death.
In this study, we aimed to estimate the probability of cancer risk induced by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examinations concerning effective body diameter. One hundred patients who underwent CTPA examinations were recruited as subjects from a single institution in Kuala Lumpur. Subjects were categorized based on their effective diameter size, where 19-25, 25-28, and >28 cm categorized as Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean value of the body diameter of the subjects was 26.82 ± 3.12 cm, with no significant differences found between male and female subjects. The risk of cancer in breast, lung, and liver organs was 0.009%, 0.007%, and 0.005% respectively. The volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) was underestimated, whereas the size-specific dose estimates (SSDEs) provided a more accurate description of the radiation dose and the risk of cancer. CTPA examinations are considered safe but it is essential to implement a protocol optimized following the As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severely debilitating neurodegenerative disease, affecting the motor system, leading to resting tremor, cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia, walking and gait difficulties, and postural instability. The severe loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta causes striatal dopamine deficiency and the presence of Lewy bodies indicates a pathological hallmark of PD. Although the current treatment of PD aims to preserve dopaminergic neurons or to replace dopamine depletion in the brain, it is notable that complete recovery from the disease is yet to be achieved. Given the complexity and multisystem effects of PD, the underlying mechanisms of PD pathogenesis are yet to be elucidated. The advancement of medical technologies has given some insights in understanding the mechanism and potential treatment of PD with a special interest in the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) to unravel the pathophysiology of PD. In PD patients, it was found that striatal brain tissue and dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra demonstrated dysregulated miRNAs expression profiles. Hence, dysregulation of miRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD through modulation of PD-associated gene and protein expression. This review will discuss recent findings on PD-associated miRNAs dysregulation, from the regulation of PD-associated genes, dopaminergic neuron survival, α-synuclein-induced inflammation and circulating miRNAs. The next section of this review also provides an update on the potential uses of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools for PD.
Maternal obesity is an intergenerational vicious cycle and one of the primary causes of cognitive deficits and high anxiety levels in offspring, which often manifest independently of sex. It is proven that curbing the intergenerational inheritance of obesity through early intervention during the gestation period has a positive outcome on the body composition, cognitive function, and anxiety level of the offspring. A recent discovery shows that the consumption of Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) seed extract modulates body mass and ameliorates stress hormones in obese dams, while a probiotic bacterial strain can cross the placenta and boost a child's memory. Thus, we speculate that probiotics are the best medium to integrate plant extract (E. tapos extract) to access the effect on the child's cognition. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the early intervention of E. tapos yoghurt in obese dams in the cognition and anxiety levels of male offspring. In this study, 40 female rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before pregnancy, while another 8 rats were fed with standard rat pellets for 16 weeks. Upon successful copulation, treatment was initiated for the obese dams up to the postnatal day (PND) 21. The groups included normal chow and saline (NS), HFD and saline (HS), HFD and yoghurt (HY), HFD and 5 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT5), HFD and 50 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT50), and HFD and 500 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT500). All rats were euthanised on PND 21, and the body mass index (BMI), Lee index, and waist circumference were measured for the male offspring. Hippocampal-dependent memory tests and open field tests were conducted to access for cognition and anxiety status. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total fat (%), insulin, leptin, lipid profile, and antioxidant parameter on serum and hypothalamus (FRAP and GSH) were accessed on PND 21. The result shows male offspring of 50 mg/kg-supplemented obese dams have comparable total fat (%), lipid profile, insulin level, FBG level, plasma insulin level, recognition index, low anxiety level, and improved hypothalamic FRAP and GSH levels to the normal group. In conclusion, this study highlights that the effect of early intervention of our novel formulation of E. tapos yoghurt in obese dams alleviates cognitive deficits and anxiety in male offspring by modulating metabolic profiles at the dose of 50 mg/kg.
The miniaturization trend leads to the development of a graphene based nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switch to fulfill the high demand in low power device applications. In this article, we highlight the finite element (FEM) simulation of the graphene-based NEM switches of fixed-fixed ends design with beam structures which are perforated and intact. Pull-in and pull-out characteristics are analyzed by using the FEM approach provided by IntelliSuite software, version 8.8.5.1. The FEM results are consistent with the published experimental data. This analysis shows the possibility of achieving a low pull-in voltage that is below 2 V for a ratio below 15:0.03:0.7 value for the graphene beam length, thickness, and air gap thickness, respectively. The introduction of perforation in the graphene beam-based NEM switch further achieved the pull-in voltage as low as 1.5 V for a 250 nm hole length, 100 nm distance between each hole, and 12-number of hole column. Then, a von Mises stress analysis is conducted to investigate the mechanical stability of the intact and perforated graphene-based NEM switch. This analysis shows that a longer and thinner graphene beam reduced the von Mises stress. The introduction of perforation concept further reduced the von Mises stress at the graphene beam end and the beam center by approximately ~20⁻35% and ~10⁻20%, respectively. These theoretical results, performed by FEM simulation, are expected to expedite improvements in the working parameter and dimension for low voltage and better mechanical stability operation of graphene-based NEM switch device fabrication.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the simultaneous presence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and/or visceral obesity, which predisposes a person to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Evidence suggesting the presence of direct and indirect associations between MetS and osteoporosis is growing. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of polyphenols in alleviating MetS in in vivo and in vitro models through their antioxidant and anti-inflammation actions. This review aims to summarize the effects of honey (based on unifloral and multi-floral nectar sources) on bone metabolism and each component of MetS. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases using specific search strings. Original studies related to components of MetS and bone, and the effects of honey on components of MetS and bone were included. Honey polyphenols could act synergistically in alleviating MetS by preventing oxidative damage and inflammation. Honey intake is shown to reduce blood glucose levels and prevent excessive weight gain. It also improves lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, as well as increasing high-density lipoprotein. Honey can prevent bone loss by reducing the adverse effects of MetS on bone homeostasis, apart from its direct action on the skeletal system. In conclusion, honey supplementation could be integrated into the management of MetS and MetS-induced bone loss as a preventive and adjunct therapeutic agent.
Industrial and urban modernization processes generate significant amounts of heavy metal wastewater, which brings great harm to human production and health. The biotechnology developed in recent years has gained increasing attention in the field of wastewater treatment due to its repeatable regeneration and lack of secondary pollutants. Pseudomonas, being among the several bacterial biosorbents, possesses notable benefits in the removal of heavy metals. These advantages encompass its extensive adsorption capacity, broad adaptability, capacity for biotransformation, potential for genetic engineering transformation, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally sustainable nature. The process of bacterial adsorption is a complex phenomenon involving several physical and chemical processes, including adsorption, ion exchange, and surface and contact phenomena. A comprehensive investigation of parameters is necessary in order to develop a mathematical model that effectively measures metal ion recovery and process performance. The aim of this study was to explore the latest advancements in high-tolerance Pseudomonas isolated from natural environments and evaluate its potential as a biological adsorbent. The study investigated the adsorption process of this bacterium, examining key factors such as strain type, contact time, initial metal concentration, and pH that influenced its effectiveness. By utilizing dynamic mathematical models, the research summarized the biosorption process, including adsorption kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics. The findings indicated that Pseudomonas can effectively purify water contaminated with heavy metals and future research will aim to enhance its adsorption performance and expand its application scope for broader environmental purification purposes.
This study highlights the biosorption capacity for Cd (II), Cu (II) and Pb (II) by a locally isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa DR7. At initial concentrations of 150 mg L-1 and 240 min of contact time, P. aeruginosa DR7 showed a 62.56 mg/g removal capacity for Cd (II) at an optimum pH of 6.0, 72.49 mg/g for Cu (II) at an optimum pH of 6.0, and 94.2 mg/g for Pb (II) at an optimum pH of 7.0. The experimental data of Cd (II), Cu (II), and Pb (II) adsorbed by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model correlates well with P. aeruginosa DR7, with R2 all above 0.99, showing that the fitting effect was satisfactory. The isothermal adsorption processes of Cd (II) (0.980) and Cu (II) (0.986) were more consistent with the Freundlich model, whereas Pb (II) was more consistent with the Langmuir model (0.978). FTIR analysis suggested the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, and amine groups present in the inner regions of P. aeruginosa cells during the biosorption process. SEM-EDS analysis revealed that after contact with metals, there were slight changes in the surface appearance of the cells, which confirmed the deposition of metals on the bacterial surface. There was also the possibility of the metals being translocated into the bacterial inner regions by the appearance of electron-dense particles, as observed using TEM. As a conclusion, the removal of metals from solutions using P. aeruginosa DR7 was a plausible alternative as a safe, cheap, and easily used biosorbent.
Objective: Over the last decade, researchers have sought to develop novel medications against dementia. One potential agent under investigation is cannabinoids. This review systematically appraised and meta-analyzed published pre-clinical research on the mechanism of endocannabinoid system modulation in glial cells and their effects on cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: A systematic review complying with PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Six databases were searched: EBSCOHost, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science, using the keywords AD, cannabinoid, glial cells, and cognition. The methodological quality of each selected pre-clinical study was evaluated using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. A random-effects model was applied to analyze the data and calculate the effect size, while I2 and p-values were used to assess heterogeneity. Results: The analysis included 26 original articles describing (1050 rodents) with AD-like symptoms. Rodents treated with cannabinoid agonists showed significant reductions in escape latency (standard mean difference [SMD] = -1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.77 to -0.76, p < 0.00001) and ability to discriminate novel objects (SMD = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.76, p < 0.00001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in Aβ plaques (SMD = -0.91; 95% CI: -1.55 to -0.27, p = 0.006) was observed in the endocannabinoid-treated group compared to the control group. Trends were observed toward neuroprotection, as represented by decreased levels of glial cell markers including glial fibrillary acid protein (SMD = -1.47; 95% CI: -2.56 to -0.38, p = 0.008) and Iba1 (SMD = -1.67; 95% CI: -2.56 to -0.79, p = 0.0002). Studies on the wild-type mice demonstrated significantly decreased levels of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 (SMD = -2.28; 95% CI: -3.15 to -1.41, p = 0.00001). Despite the non-significant decrease in pro-inflammatory marker levels in transgenic mice (SMD = -0.47; 95% CI: -1.03 to 0.08, p = 0.09), the result favored the endocannabinoid-treated group over the control group. Conclusion: The revised data suggested that endocannabinoid stimulation promotes cognitive function via modulation of glial cells by decreasing pro-inflammatory markers in AD-like rodent models. Thus, cannabinoid agents may be required to modulate the downstream chain of effect to enhance cognitive stability against concurrent neuroinflammation in AD. Population-based studies and well-designed clinical trials are required to characterize the acceptability and real-world effectiveness of cannabinoid agents. Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-8-0094/], identifier [Inplasy Protocol 3770].