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Demand for quality vegetables in Malaysia

Tey, Y.S., Mad Nasir, S., Zainalabidin, M., Jinap, S., Abdul Gariff, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2009;16(3):313-327.
MyJurnal

The objective of this study is to investigate the demand for quality vegetables in Malaysia. This study estimates quality elasticities from the difference between expenditure and quantity elasticities in order to show the demand for quality vegetables in Malaysia. By using the Household Expenditure Survey 2004/2005, expenditure and quantity Engel equations are estimated via two stage least square. The positive estimated quality elasticities (except root and tuberous vegetable) show that Malaysian consumers tend to increase their demand for quality vegetables in response to their incomes rise. To be more specific, urban consumers are expected to demand more of higher quality vegetables (except root and tuberous vegetable) than rural consumers.
Fulltext Demand for beef in Malaysia: preference for quantity, quality or lean?

Tey, Y.S., Mad Nasir, S., Alias, R., Zainalabidin, M., Amin, M.A.

International Food Research Journal, 2008;15(3):347-353.
MyJurnal

Using the Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey 2004/2005 data, this study investigated Malaysian consumers’ preference for beef quantity, quality, and lean beef. Demand and price models that incorporated consumer socio-economic variables were estimated via two-stage least squares (2SLS). This study showed that Malaysian consumers tend to demand for more quantity rather than quality of beef products. Malaysian consumers are also more responsive to price changes rather than fat reduction in beef products. It is more profitable for beef market players to increase their production as Malaysian consumers are expected to consume increasing amounts of beef products.
Fulltext Consumer’s preferences for eggs attributes in Malaysia: Evidence from conjoint survey

Ahmad Hanis, I.A.H., Mad Nasir, S., Jinap, S., Alias, R., Ab Karim, M.S.

International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(5):2865-2872.
MyJurnal

As Malaysian economies grow, Malaysian per capita income is likely to increase. From economics point of view, it is expected that better-off consumers will move to better quality of food attributes such as freshness, food safety, quality and healthfulness in their food intake. This study aimed to investigate the demand for eggs attributes by Malaysian consumers. The study considers the conjoint analysis technique as a method for acquiring insights into preferences for eggs product. The technique was applied to establish the trade-offs that Malaysian consumers make between size, colour, size of packaging, functional attribute and price in the purchasing of eggs for 202 respondents. Least squares regression was utilized to estimate the relative importance of attributes for eggs. The results revealed that the ideal characteristic of egg was one with large size (grade A), omega eggs, brown, and ten per packs. We also found that consumers were also willing to pay more for their preferred attributes. The results found in the study provide valuable inputs to producers or marketers to improve their marketing efforts as well as market positioning, in line with the demanded eggs attributes.
Fulltext The empirical evaluation of productivity growth and efficiency of LSEs in the Malaysian food processing industry

Yodfiatfinda, Mad Nasir, S., Zainalabidin, M., Md Ariff, H., Zulkornain, Y., Alias, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(1):287-295.
MyJurnal

This study investigates productivity growth and efficiency of Large Scale Enterprises (LSEs) in the
Malaysian food processing industry. Malmquist productivity index of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed to five-digit panel data for the period of 2000-2006. The findings suggest that average Technical Efficiency (TE) of the LSEs was 0.683 during the period of observation, which indicates that the industries are able to expand their output as much as 31.7 percent by using the same level of inputs. Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth was positive at 7.3 percent, which is contributed by a Technical Efficiency Change (EFCH) of 4.3 percent and Technological Change (TECH) of 3.0 percent. Sub industries of manufacturing alcohol and wine as well as the processing and preserving of meat and meat products shows the highest productivity growth at 84.8 percent and 47.5 percent respectively. On the other hand, the sub industries of processing and preserving poultry and poultry products together with the manufacturing of chocolate are those which have the lowest TFP growth at -30.5percent and -14.8 percent respectively. The significant determinants of the productivity growth, with a positive relationship are public infrastructure, IT expenditure and foreign ownership, while energy price is the determinant with a negative relationship. The main contributor to the TFP growth of the LSEs in the Malaysian food processing industry is EFCH, however, the LSEs can also improve the TFP growth by moving forward the production frontier as well.
Fulltext Consumers’ demand and willingness to pay for rice attributes in Malaysia

Ahmad Hanis, I.A.H., Jinap, S, Mad Nasir, S., Alias, R., Muhammad Shahrim, A.K.

International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(1):363-369.
MyJurnal

The growth of the Malaysian’s per capita income has generally empowered consumers to have more choices for food, more purchasing power, health consciousness and demand for more nutritional values of their food intake. Motivated by the changes in Malaysian consumer’s food choice, a conjoint analysis was performed to investigate Malaysian consumers’ demand for rice attributes and how much consumers are willing to pay for the demanded attribute. A conjoint analysis is a method used in identifying and understanding the combined effects of product attributes on preferences for a product or service. In conjoint analysis, utility is the conceptual basis for assessing the value of a product or service, where individuals make decisions between bundles of products based on their budget constraints. The findings suggested that the most important attribute for rice was food safety, followed by taste and size of grain. Consumers were also willing to pay premium prices for the demanded attributes. The findings would have positive implications for the agrifood industry if it responds effectively to translate into business opportunities to these changes.
Fulltext Predictors of enophthalmos among adult patients with pure orbital blowout fractures

Ahmad Nasir S, Ramli R, Abd Jabar N

PLoS One, 2018;13(10):e0204946.
PMID: 30289909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204946

The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of post-traumatic enophthalmos (PE) in relation to the internal orbital changes following pure orbital blowout fractures. The design was a 10-year retrospective cross-sectional study analysing 629 medical records and computed tomography (CT) data of patients with orbital fractures from January 2008 to January 2017. Demographic, etiology, co-morbidity and clinical characteristics were obtained from the medical records. Assessment of the PE, fracture site and size, intraorbital structures and muscle change were performed using the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer software, OsiriX v5.8.2. Of the 629 patients with orbital fractures, 87 were pure orbital blowout fractures. Demographic pattern showed that males outnumbered females in the series, with male: female ratio of 5.7:1. The mean age was 37.2 ± 14.7 and the main etiology was motor vehicle accident. Orbital floor fracture was the most common fracture location (67.8%). The involvement of the posterior ledge and inferior orbital fissure showed statistical significant difference with PE (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.03). Binary logistic regression showed that after controlling for age, patients with fracture size of more than 150 mm2 had three times the odds of sustaining a PE, (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.01 (95% CI 1.17-7.92). Fracture size larger than 150 mm2 was a radiological predictor of PE. Additional research investigating further on the role of concurrent fracture of the posterior ledge and inferior orbital fissure is advocated.
Fulltext Oil Palm Waste-Based Precursors as a Renewable and Economical Carbon Sources for the Preparation of Reduced Graphene Oxide from Graphene Oxide

Nasir S, Hussein MZ, Yusof NA, Zainal Z

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2017 Jul 13;7(7).
PMID: 28703757 DOI: 10.3390/nano7070182

Herein, a new approach was proposed to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from graphene oxide (GO) using various oil palm wastes: oil palm leaves (OPL), palm kernel shells (PKS) and empty fruit bunches (EFB). The effect of heating temperature on the formation of graphitic carbon and the yield was examined prior to the GO and rGO synthesis. Carbonization of the starting materials was conducted in a furnace under nitrogen gas for 3 h at temperatures ranging from 400 to 900 °C and a constant heating rate of 10 °C/min. The GO was further synthesized from the as-carbonized materials using the 'improved synthesis of graphene oxide' method. Subsequently, the GO was reduced by low-temperature annealing reduction at 300 °C in a furnace under nitrogen gas for 1 h. The IG/ID ratio calculated from the Raman study increases with the increasing of the degree of the graphitization in the order of rGO from oil palm leaves (rGOOPL) < rGO palm kernel shells (rGOPKS) < rGO commercial graphite (rGOCG) < rGO empty fruit bunches (rGOEFB) with the IG/ID values of 1.06, 1.14, 1.16 and 1.20, respectively. The surface area and pore volume analyses of the as-prepared materials were performed using the Brunauer Emmett Teller-Nitrogen (BET-N₂) adsorption-desorption isotherms method. The lower BET surface area of 8 and 15 m2 g-1 observed for rGOCG and rGOOPL, respectively could be due to partial restacking of GO layers and locally-blocked pores. Relatively, this lower BET surface area is inconsequential when compared to rGOPKS and rGOEFB, which have a surface area of 114 and 117 m² g-1, respectively.
Fulltext Carbon-Based Nanomaterials/Allotropes: A Glimpse of Their Synthesis, Properties and Some Applications

Nasir S, Hussein MZ, Zainal Z, Yusof NA

Materials (Basel), 2018 Feb 13;11(2).
PMID: 29438327 DOI: 10.3390/ma11020295

Carbon in its single entity and various forms has been used in technology and human life for many centuries. Since prehistoric times, carbon-based materials such as graphite, charcoal and carbon black have been used as writing and drawing materials. In the past two and a half decades or so, conjugated carbon nanomaterials, especially carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, activated carbon and graphite have been used as energy materials due to their exclusive properties. Due to their outstanding chemical, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, carbon nanostructures have recently found application in many diverse areas; including drug delivery, electronics, composite materials, sensors, field emission devices, energy storage and conversion, etc. Following the global energy outlook, it is forecasted that the world energy demand will double by 2050. This calls for a new and efficient means to double the energy supply in order to meet the challenges that forge ahead. Carbon nanomaterials are believed to be appropriate and promising (when used as energy materials) to cushion the threat. Consequently, the amazing properties of these materials and greatest potentials towards greener and environment friendly synthesis methods and industrial scale production of carbon nanostructured materials is undoubtedly necessary and can therefore be glimpsed as the focal point of many researchers in science and technology in the 21st century. This is based on the incredible future that lies ahead with these smart carbon-based materials. This review is determined to give a synopsis of new advances towards their synthesis, properties, and some applications as reported in the existing literatures.
LOC285629 regulates cell proliferation and motility in colorectal cancer cells

Nasir SN, Abu N, Ab Mutalib NS, Ishak M, Sagap I, Mazlan L, et al.

Clin Transl Oncol, 2018 Jun;20(6):775-784.
PMID: 29098557 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-017-1788-x

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most widely diagnosed cancers in men and women worldwide. With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies, many studies have highlighted the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer development. Growing evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs play crucial roles in regulating gene and protein expression and are involved in various cancers, including CRC. The field of lncRNAs is still relatively new and a lot of novel lncRNAs have been discovered, but their functional roles are yet to be elucidated. This study aims to characterize the expression and functional roles of a novel lncRNA in CRC.
METHOD: Several methods were employed to assess the function of LOC285629 such as gene silencing, qPCR, proliferation assay, BrdU assay, transwell migration assay, ELISA and protein profiler.
RESULTS: Via in silico analyses, we identified significant downregulation of LOC285629, a novel lncRNA, across CRC stages. LOC285629 expression was significantly downregulated in advanced stages (Stage III and IV) compared to Stage I (Kruskal-Wallis Test; p = 0.0093). Further in-house validation showed that the expression of LOC285629 was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines compared to the normal counterparts, but was downregulated in advanced stages. By targeting LOC285629, the viability, proliferative abilities, invasiveness and resistance of colorectal cancer cells towards 5-fluorouracil were reduced. It was also discovered that LOC285629 may regulate cancer progression by targeting several different proteins, namely survivin, BCL-xL, progranulin, PDGF-AA, enolase 2 and p70S6 K.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that LOC285629 may be further developed as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
Fulltext Polymer Thermal Treatment Production of Cerium Doped Willemite Nanoparticles: An Analysis of Structure, Energy Band Gap and Luminescence Properties

Alibe IM, Matori KA, Zaid MHM, Nasir S, Alibe AM, Khiri MZA

Materials (Basel), 2021 Feb 27;14(5).
PMID: 33673655 DOI: 10.3390/ma14051118

The contemporary market needs for enhanced solid-state lighting devices has led to an increased demand for the production of willemite based phosphors using low-cost techniques. In this study, Ce3+ doped willemite nanoparticles were fabricated using polymer thermal treatment method. The special effects of the calcination temperatures and the dopant concentration on the structural and optical properties of the material were thoroughly studied. The XRD analysis of the samples treated at 900 °C revealed the development and or materialization of the willemite phase. The increase in the dopant concentration causes an expansion of the lattice owing to the replacement of larger Ce3+ ions for smaller Zn2+ ions. Based on the FESEM and TEM micrographs, the nanoparticles size increases with the increase in the cerium ions. The mean particles sizes were estimated to be 23.61 nm at 1 mol% to 34.02 nm at 5 mol% of the cerium dopant. The optical band gap energy of the doped samples formed at 900 °C decreased precisely by 0.21 eV (i.e., 5.21 to 5.00 eV). The PL analysis of the doped samples exhibits a strong emission at 400 nm which is ascribed to the transition of an electron from localized Ce2f state to the valence band of O2p. The energy level of the Ce3+ ions affects the willemite crystal lattice, thus causing a decrease in the intensity of the green emission at 530 nm and the blue emission at 485 nm. The wide optical band gap energy of the willemite produced is expected to pave the way for exciting innovations in solid-state lighting applications.
Hb lepore/β0-thalassaemia with α+-thalassaemia interactions, a potential diagnostic pitfall

Alauddin H, Mohamad Nasir S, Ahadon M, Raja Sabudin RZ, Ithnin A, Hussin NH, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2015 Dec;37(3):287-92.
PMID: 26712677

Haemoglobin (Hb) Lepore is a variant Hb consisting of two α-globin and two δβ-globin chains. In a heterozygote, it is associated with clinical findings of thalassaemia minor, but interactions with other haemoglobinopathies can lead to various clinical phenotypes and pose diagnostic challenges. We reported a pair of siblings from a Malay family, who presented with pallor and hepatosplenomegaly at the ages of 21 months and 14 months old. The red cell indices and peripheral blood smears of both patients showed features of thalassaemia intermedia. Other laboratory investigations of the patients showed conflicting results. However, laboratory investigation results of the parents had led to a presumptive diagnosis of compound heterozygote Hb Lepore/β-thalassaemia and co-inheritance α+-thalassaemia (-α3.7). Hb Lepore has rarely been detected in Southeast Asian countries, particularly in Malaysia. These two cases highlight the importance of family studies for accurate diagnosis, hence appropriate clinical management and genetic counseling.
Fulltext Hepatic and renal effects of oral stingless bee honey in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model

Mohd Nasir S, Ismail AF, Tuan Ismail TS, Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Wan Ahmad WAN, Tengku Din TADA, et al.

World J Exp Med, 2024 Mar 20;14(1):91271.
PMID: 38590306 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v14.i1.91271

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is known damage the liver and kidney, leading to hepatic dysfunction and kidney failure. Honey is believed to help in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients and reducing diabetic complications. However, the effect of stingless bee honey (SBH) administration in relieving liver and kidney damage in diabetes has not been well-studied.
AIM: To investigate the effect of SBH administration on the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced (STZ; 55 mg/kg) diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.
METHODS: The rats were grouped as follows (n = 6 per group): non-diabetic (ND), untreated diabetic (UNT), metformin-treated (MET), and SBH+metformin-treated (SBME) groups. After successful diabetic induction, ND and UNT rats were given normal saline, whereas the treatment groups received SBH (2.0 g/kg and/or metformin (250 mg/kg) for 12 d. Serum biochemical parameters and histological changes using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were evaluated.
RESULTS: On H&E and PAS staining, the ND group showed normal architecture and cellularity of Bowman's capsule and tubules, whereas the UNT and MET groups had an increased glomerular cellularity and thickened basement membrane. The SBH-treated group showed a decrease in hydropic changes and mild cellularity of the glomerulus vs the ND group based on H&E staining, but the two were similar on PAS staining. Likewise, the SBME-treated group had an increase in cellularity of the glomerulus on H&E staining, but it was comparable to the SBH and ND groups on PAS staining. UNT diabetic rats had tubular hydropic tubules, which were smaller than other groups. Reduced fatty vacuole formation and dilated blood sinusoids in liver tissue were seen in the SBH group. Conversely, the UNT group had high glucose levels, which subsequently increased MDA levels, ultimately leading to liver damage. SBH treatment reduced this damage, as evidenced by having the lowest fasting glucose, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to other groups, although the levels of liver enzymes were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: The cellularity of the Bowman's capsule, as well as histological alteration of kidney tubules, glomerular membranes, and liver tissues in diabetic rats after oral SBH resembled those of ND rats. Therefore, SBH exhibited a protective hepatorenal effect in a diabetic rat model.

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