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Fulltext Detection and Characterisation of Endosymbiont Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), Pollinating Agent of Oil Palm, and Its Relationships between Populations

Rushidi MNA, Azhari MLH, Yaakop S, Hazmi IR

Trop Life Sci Res, 2023 Sep;34(3):95-111.
PMID: 37860089 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.3.5

Elaeidobius kamerunicus is the most efficient pollinator of oil palm. Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacteria associated with E. kamerunicus that has a potential to affect the fecundity and fitness of the E. kamerunicus. Despite their importance, no studies have been conducted to investigate its prevalence in E. kamerunicus. The objectives of this study were to detect and characterise Wolbachia in E. kamerunicus and determine the phylogenetic relationship of Wolbachia strains that infect E. kamerunicus by using three genetic markers namely Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (ftsZ), Chaperonin folding protein (groEL), and Citrate Synthase Coding Gene (gltA). DNA was extracted from 210 individuals of E. kamerunicus and the Wolbachia infections were detected using the wsp marker. The infected samples (n = 25, 11.9%) were then sequenced using ftsZ, gltA and groEL markers for strain characterization. In this study, a combination of four markers was used to construct the phylogeny of Wolbachia. Similar topologies were shown in all trees; Neighbour-Joining (NJ), Maximum Parsimony (MP), and Bayesian Inference (BI), which showed the mixing of individuals that harbor Wolbachia between populations. Interestingly, Wolbachia on E. kamerunicus was claded together with the species Drosophila simulans under supergroup B. This is the first report of Wolbachia infecting E. kamerunicus which is very valuable and significant as one of the parameters to evaluate the quality of the E. kamerunicus population for sustaining its function as a great pollinator for oil palm.
Fulltext Effectiveness of silica based sol-gel microencapsulation method for odorants and flavors leading to sustainable environment

Ashraf MA, Khan AM, Ahmad M, Sarfraz M

Front Chem, 2015;3:42.
PMID: 26322304 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2015.00042

Microencapsulation has become a hot topic in chemical research. Technology mainly used for control release and protection purposes. The sol-gel micro encapsulation approach for fragrance and aroma in porous silica-based materials leads to sustainable odorant and flavored materials with novel and unique beneficial properties. Sol-gel encapsulation of silica based micro particles considered economically cheap as capital investment in manufacturing is very low and environmentally friendly. Amorphous sol-gel SiO2 is non-toxic and safe, whereas the sol-gel entrapment of delicate chemicals in its inner pores results in pronounced chemical and physical stabilization of the entrapped active agents, thereby broadening the practical utilization of chemically unstable essential oils (EOs). Reviewing progress in the fabrication of diverse odorant and flavored sol-gels, shows us how different synthetic strategies are appropriate for practical application with important health and environmental benefits.
Towards online surface water quality monitoring technology: A review

Zaidi Farouk MIH, Jamil Z, Abdul Latip MF

Environ Res, 2023 Dec 01;238(Pt 1):117147.
PMID: 37716398 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117147

The exponential growth of human population and anthropogenic activities have led to the increase of global surface water contamination especially in river, lakes and ocean. Safe and clean surface water sources are crucial to human health and well-being, aquatic ecosystem, environment and economy. Thus, water monitoring is vital to ensure minimal and controllable contamination in the water sources. The conventional surface water monitoring method involves collecting samples on site and then testing them in the laboratory, which is time-consuming and not able to provide real-time water quality data. In addition, it involves many manpower and resources, costly and lack of integration. These make surface water quality monitoring more challenging. The incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology has contributed to the improvement of monitoring system. There are different approaches in the development and implementation of online surface water quality monitoring system to provide real-time data collection with lower operating cost. This paper reviews the sensors and system developed for the online surface water quality monitoring system in the previous studies. The calibration and validation of the sensors, and challenges in the design and development of online surface water quality monitoring system are also discussed.
Gold, Silver, and Palladium Nanoparticles: A Chemical Tool for Biomedical Applications

Yaqoob SB, Adnan R, Rameez Khan RM, Rashid M

Front Chem, 2020;8:376.
PMID: 32582621 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00376

Herein, the role of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical analysis and the treatment of critical deceases been highlighted. In the world of nanotechnology, noble elements such as the gold/silver/palladium (Au/Ag/Pd) NPs are the most promising emerging trend to design bioengineering materials that could to be employed as modern diagnostic tools and devices to combat serious diseases. NPs are considered a powerful and advanced chemical tool to diagnose and to cure critical ailments such as HIV, cancer, and other types of infectious illnesses. The treatment of cancer is the most significant application of nanotechnology which is based on premature tumor detection and analysis of cancer cells through Nano-devices. The fascinating characteristic properties of NPs-such as high surface area, high surface Plasmon resonance, multi-functionalization, highly stable nature, and easy processing-make them more prolific for nanotechnology. In this review article, the multifunctional roles of Au/Ag/Pd NPs in the field of medical science, the physicochemical toxicity dependent properties, and the interaction mechanism is highlighted. Due to the cytotoxicity of Ag/Au/Pd NPs, the conclusion and future remarks emphasize the need for further research to minimize the toxicity of NPs in the bio-medicinal field.
Fulltext Co-creation on Redefining Consumer Well-Being Needs Among Youth Through Self-Potential Development Model

Zulkefli AU, Abdullah MRTL, Endut MNA

Front Psychol, 2022;13:814757.
PMID: 35360555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814757

A co-creation values consumers' input as its primary crust in informing businesses on current consumer needs. More importantly, it would be the next shape in future demands of consumers in business sustainability. This paper addressed this context, narrowing its scope in investigating the voices of stakeholders on what would be the essential aspects of the present and future youth qualities in achieving sustainable well-being in the present trend. The findings would be essentially helpful for the youth and the business world to understand the aspects of good youth development, which would shape the next fabric of consumerism. Self-potential development of the youth is vital in achieving excellent life quality and the youth's well-being in Malaysia. However, the increase in challenges faced by today's youth is inconsistent with a decline of the group's well-being. There are various studies and interventions implemented to overcome the youth situation. However, there is still in need for a model that can guide the holistic development of youth self-potential. The purpose of this study is to build a sustainable and comprehensive model of the self-potential development of the youth, which can be integrated with all of the self-potential indicators of the youth via a co-creation process. This study used the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) on the proposed elements in the development model and systematically analyzed them using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to create the development model. The method capitalized 10 stakeholders from various youth development backgrounds in developing the model. The model consists of 25 sub-indicators (SIs, elements) that are divided into five indicators. The model findings show that one of the most driving indicators is an entrepreneurial mindset among youth, followed by the other indicators of youth self-potential development. The model also shows that the civic-mindedness indicator is the output of youth self-potential that will surface at an end of the development. The model will guide the authorized body on the priority elements that can systematically and strategically improve youth self-potential to meet future challenges with youth aspirations.
Fulltext I Have Had Enough: When and How Customer Mistreatment Leads to Coworker Undermining

Huilian Z, Waqas M, Yahya F, Ahmad Qadri U, Zahid F

Front Psychol, 2022;13:629901.
PMID: 35615183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.629901

Service workers are more prone to experience customer mistreatment because of their frequent interactions with them. Hence, it compels them to the level where their performance is compromised. Employees who face customer mistreatment feel ill-treated and develop the desire for revenge. Based on the social exchange and displaced revenge perspective, this study examined the relationship between customer mistreatment and coworker undermining, and individual-level resource-based moderator service rule commitment (SRC) for this relationship. An analysis of time-lagged, dyadic data (81 supervisors and 410 subordinates) from the Chinese service industry confirmed that customer mistreatment significantly predicted coworker undermining. In addition, in support of the resource perspective, employees' SRC effectively restricts an effect of customer mistreatment on coworker undermining. Finally, this study contributes to the customer mistreatment and coworker undermining literature by highlighting their relationship. This study also shows the importance of SRC in restraining the adverse effects of customer mistreatment.
Fulltext Factors associated with COVID-19 brought-in deaths: A data-linkage comparative cross-sectional study

Shakor ASA, Samsudin EZ, Chen XW, Ghazali MH

J Infect Public Health, 2023 Dec;16(12):2068-2078.
PMID: 37950972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.016

BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought-in-dead (BID), i.e., COVID-19 deaths occurring outside hospital settings, suggests missed opportunities for life-saving care. However, much is still unknown with regards to its potential determinants. The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with COVID-19 BID by integrating new variables from multiple databases.
METHODS: This multi-database comparative cross-sectional study examined COVID-19 in-patient deaths (IPD) and COVID-19 BID (n = 244 in each group) in Selangor, Malaysia. BID cases, IPD cases, and their sociodemographic, clinical, and health behaviour factors were identified from the COVID-19 mortality investigation reports submitted to the Selangor State Health Department between 14 February 2022 and 31 March 2023. Data linkage was used to connect three open-source databases-GitHub-MOH, Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center, and OpenStreetMap-and identify health infrastructure and geospatial factors. The groups were compared using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with COVID-19 BID.
RESULTS: The COVID-19 IPD and BID cases were comparable. After adjusting for confounders, non-Malaysian nationality (AOR: 3.765, 95% CI: 1.163, 12.190), obesity (AOR: 5.272, 95% CI: 1.131, 24.567), not seeking treatment while unwell (AOR: 5.385, 95% CI: 3.157, 9.186), and a higher percentage of COVID-19-dedicated beds occupied on the date of death (AOR: 1.165, 95% CI: 1.078, 1.259) were associated with increased odds of COVID-19 BID. On the other hand, being married (AOR: 0.396, 95% CI: 0.158, 0.997) and the interaction between the percentage of COVID-19-dedicated beds occupied and the percentage of ventilators in use (AOR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.994, 0.999) emerged as protective factors.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that certain groups have higher odds of COVID-19 BID and thus, require closer monitoring. Considering that COVID-19 BID is influenced by various elements beyond clinical factors, intensifying public health initiatives and multi-organisational collaboration is necessary to address this issue.
Fulltext Building Resilient communities: Techno-economic assessment of standalone off-grid PV powered net zero energy (NZE) villages

Arif S, Taweekun J, Ali HM, Ahmed A, Bhutto AA

Heliyon, 2023 Nov;9(11):e21426.
PMID: 38027710 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21426

The use of renewable energy resources for off-grid electricity production has gained more importance in recent decades for meeting the energy needs of remote areas, even with limited resources. This research aims to provide an optimized and cost-effective approach for generating electricity in rural areas. By using current methodology, a stand alone energy source of PV is designed for development of NZE village. Solar irradiance of the selected location is 6.16 kWh/m2/day while the estimated electric load data for whole village is 64.259 kWh. Electric load and solar irradiance of the loaction is used in the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) to design and analyze the techno-economic feasibility of the stand alone PV system to meet the load requirements. The study obtained the total Net Present Cost (NPC) of $0.511 M and the Cost Of Electricity (COE) is 2.26$/unit through the HOMER analysis, which is further refined by performing sensitivity analysis using parameters such as PV panel price, battery price, solar irradiance, variations in electric load and discount rates. According to the results, system is feasibile by annual electricity production of 30,078 kWh with initial capital investment of $0.434 M. This analysis compared the system performance and showed that it is economically and technically viable to meet the complete electricity needs of the village with a payback period of 7.2 years. Research can be utilized for policy making and implementation of NZE approach in remote areas by the government.
Stress Among the Adult Population During COVID-19 Pandemic in Kedah, Malaysia: Association Between Sociodemographics and the Movement Control Order Period

Ismail A, Tengku Ismail TA, Mohamad Marzuki MF

Cureus, 2023 Oct;15(10):e47619.
PMID: 38022193 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47619

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the prevalence of stress worldwide. However, the extent and factors associated with psychological distress during COVID-19 among the local population in Kedah, Malaysia, have not been adequately explored. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with stress among the adult population in Kedah, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a retrospective record review. A simple random sampling was applied among the adult population of Kedah who were screened for mental health well-being from January 2021 until March 2022. A proforma checklist that consists of sociodemographic and clinical factors and the date of screening was used to collect the data. A descriptive and multiple logistic regression was conducted, and analysis was done by SPSS version 26 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). The dependent variables were the presence of stress incorporated self-reported symptoms ranging from mild to very severe. The independent variables were sociodemographic, clinical factors, and movement control order period, which refers to the period when the state of Kedah experienced all the different phases of movement control order (MCO), which were from 1 January 2021 until 28 June 2021. Results In total, 562 adults were included. The mean age was 31.75 years, and the majority were female (69.6%). The prevalence of stress was 45.7% (95% CI 41.6%, 49.8%), with a total of 257 people. The majority of them did not have stress, consisting of 305 people (54.3%), followed by 69 people (12.3%) who reported severe stress, 67 people (11.9%) who reported moderate, 66 people (11.7%) who reported mild, and 55 people (9.8%) who reported very severe stress. The significant factor associated with stress among the adult population in Kedah, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic was the female gender (Adj OR 3.035 95% CI: 2.007 to 4.591, p-value <0.001). Being unemployed (Adj OR 2.171 95% CI: 1.480 to 3.185, p-value <0.001) and being under movement control order period was also associated with stress (Adj OR 0.383 95% CI: 0.264 to 0.555, p-value <0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of stress among the adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kedah was 45.7%, with a total of 257 people, higher than other studies. Being female and unemployed was associated with stress, while the movement control order period was a protective factor against stress. Preventive strategies should be tailored based on the vulnerabilities of these groups, such as the development of more effective community-based interventions for safeguarding the mental health of the general public during future pandemics.
Exploratory factor analysis of items for evaluating healthy lifestyles related to mental health among undergraduate students

Ab Rahman Z, Isa B, Shahibi MS, Mansor MI

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:62.
PMID: 38026576 DOI: 10.51866/oa.448

INTRODUCTION: A healthy lifestyle is pivotal for improving mental health. As the concept of a healthy lifestyle is comprehensive, there is a need to prioritise components related to mental health in planning proper mental health interventions. In this regard, physical activity, diet, sleep quality, substance abuse and social support have been identified to enhance mental health. It is necessary to develop a valid scale for assessing healthy lifestyles related to mental health. Thus, this study aimed to adapt and validate an existing scale to evaluate healthy lifestyles related to mental health.
METHOD: This study included 177 (men: n=73, women: n=104) participants from University Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor. The data were presented using descriptive statistics and subjected to an exploratory factor analysis.
RESULTS: The 22 scale items evaluated were valid and reliable in assessing the five components of healthy lifestyles related to mental health. The total variance explained for measuring the construct was 68.610%. The Cronbachs alpha value for the five components ranged from 0.784 to 0.903.
CONCLUSION: The adapted scale is acceptable and reliable in evaluating healthy lifestyles related to mental health within the target population. Thus, it can be used to assess significant components of healthy lifestyles to promote mental health. Accordingly, relevant authorities can formulate the best strategies to enhance mental health.
A bibliometric review analysis into environmental kuznets curve phenomenon: A retrospect and future direction

Ajmi AN, Bekun FV, Gyamfi BA, Meo MS

Heliyon, 2023 Nov;9(11):e21552.
PMID: 38034735 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21552

The present study presents a retrospect into environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis (EKC). The EKC debate is dated over four decade long and worthy of empirical scrutiny. To this end, the present study leverages on over 200 previous studies curated from SCOPUS and Web of science (WOS) core collection database respectively. The present study also presented both literature schematic on the evolution, trends, gaps, and future directions on the EKC debate. This paper endeavors to enhance our comprehension of the inherent paradoxes present in sustainability discourses by delving into the fundamental assumptions underlying the Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). By conducting a bibliometric analysis, we aim to shed light on the factors contributing to the prominence of thematic keywords within sustainability discourses. This study seeks to provide valuable insights into these dynamics and implications on sustainability debates. Key empirical findings outlines predominant and influential studies and journal outlets on the theme under consideration. The present study bibliometric analysis displays that Ozturk i. with 13 published papers 3153 citations and a link strength of 2, Dogan e. Had 7 papers with 2190 citations with no link strength, Shahbaz. B 7 papers 1347 citations and 1 link strength, Saboori b.7 papers 677 citations 1 strength link and Liu y. 6 papers 582 citations with no link strength. From a policy dimension, the present bibliometric study presents valuable depth on the evolution and development of the EKC phenomenon by identifying's the extant literature leaders, action-step for future studies on environmental sustainability without compromise on economic growth as the EKC theme express the tradeoff between economic growth and environmental degradation. Further insights are rendered in the concluding section.
Nutritional value and therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera: a short overview of current research

Bibi N, Rahman N, Ali MQ, Ahmad N, Sarwar F

Nat Prod Res, 2023 Dec 03.
PMID: 38043118 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2284862

A member of the Moringaceae family, Moringa Oleifera Lam is a perennial deciduous tropical tree known as the 'Miracle Tree' for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. Food and nutrition are crucial aspects of the development and maintenance of healthy health. Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose herbal bush that is used as both human food and a medical alternative all over the world. Various parts of the tree are used to treat chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and cancer. Moringa is an excellent source of essential nutrients and has been found to have a significant impact on improving nutritional deficiencies in populations with limited access to food. Moringa oleifera contains essential amino acids, carotenoids, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, phytochemicals, vitamins, and fibre. Moringa offers nutritional and economic advantages, medicinal and therapeutic uses, and future biological potential for human well-being.
Analysis of Nutritional Traits and Aflatoxin Contamination in Selected Maize Varieties from Pakistan

Majeed S, Iqbal M, Asi MR, Iqbal SZ, Selamat J

J Food Prot, 2017 Dec;80(12):1993-1998.
PMID: 29131682 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-17-117

Recently, cultivation of high-yielding hybrid maize varieties has revolutionized maize production in Pakistan. Analyses of nutritional traits and aflatoxin (AF) contamination in these varieties can aid in the identification of susceptible and resistant varieties, particularly for cultivation in the Pakistani agro-climatic environment. Five spring maize varieties-Pioneer, Neelam, DK-919, Desi, and Hi-maize-were selected for analyses of their nutritional, tocopherol, and AF contents. Protein, carbohydrate, oil, ash, fiber, and moisture contents ranged between 8.7 and 10.8%, 68 and 71%, 3.72 and 5.56%, 1.09 and 1.81%, 1.1 and 3.1%, and 11.7 and 14.2%, respectively. Tocopherol levels in selected varieties were in the range of 461 to 1,430 μg/g. Hi-maize exhibited significantly higher protein and tocopherol contents than the other varieties, indicating its better suitability for feed and silage applications. The highest mean level of total AFs, 14.5 ± 0.12 μg/kg, was found in Desi, and results showed that the most dominant AF found in the maize varieties was AFB1. Furthermore, the results showed that the higher the level of tocopherol, the lower the concentration of total AFs and vice versa in maize varieties. The results can be used to investigate additional susceptible maize varieties that are resistant to fungal attack.
Fulltext Functional and radiological outcome of non-operative treated clavicle fractures and its association with acromioclavicular joint arthrosis

Ajit Singh V, Ho SC, Abdul Rashid ML, Santharalinggam RD

J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2023;31(3):10225536231208242.
PMID: 37824849 DOI: 10.1177/10225536231208242

BACKGROUND: Clavicle fractures are traditionally treated non-operatively. This study determines the functional outcome of midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively, the factors influencing it, and the incidence of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) arthrosis.
METHODS: Patients with midshaft clavicular fractures treated non-operatively between 16 and 50 years old with no prior AC joint problems were assessed. Demographics, hand dominance, type of occupation, and smoking status were documented. Functional scoring using DASH score, CM score, and radiological evaluation was done with special tests to diagnose AC joint arthrosis. Two or more positive special tests were considered significant for this study.
RESULTS: 101 patients were recruited, 83 male and 18 female patients. The average age of 34.7 ± 13.93 years. The average follow-up was 32.7 months (range: 24-75; SD ± 9.9 months). 48.5% were blue-collar workers, and 60.4% involved the dominant upper limb. 44.6% were cigarette smokers. There was 20 mm and more shortening in 21.8% of subjects. 40.6% had a significant special test, and 36.6% had radiological changes of AC joint osteoarthritis. Positive two or more special tests were significantly associated with radiological evidence of arthrosis (p = .00). The mean DASH score was 28.28 ± 17.4, and the mean CM score was 27.58 ± 14.34. Most have satisfactory to excellent scores. Hand dominance, smoking, and blue-collar work were significantly associated with poorer CM scores, and hand dominance was significant for Dash scores.
CONCLUSION: There is an equal distribution poor, satisfactory and excellent functional outcomes in patients with midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively. The poor outcomes may be attributed to ACJ arthrosis. Hand dominance, smoking and blue-collar work affected the functional outcome. Shortening of the clavicle had no bearing on the clinical and radiological findings of osteoarthritis and functional scores. The presence of two or more positive special tests is an accurate predictor of AC joint arthritis.
Fulltext Chemical elements in Elaeis guineensis materials and derived oil

Thompson-Morrison H, Ariantiningsih F, Arief SM, Gaw S, Robinson B

Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 22;14(1):1836.
PMID: 38246913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50492-8

The production of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Southeast Asia is vital to the economies of Indonesia and Malaysia. Both fertilisers and pesticides used in palm production can contain elevated concentrations of Trace Elements (TEs) which may accumulate in soils and leaf tissues of plants. We hypothesised that leaves from oil palms may be deficient in essential elements, while containing elevated concentrations of non-essential TEs commonly found in agrichemicals. Samples of plant materials (leaves and fruitlets) were collected from active and former plantations in Sumatra, Indonesia, and analysed for essential and non-essential elements. Indonesian palm oil samples were sourced in New Zealand and their elemental concentrations determined. Leaf materials from both active and abandoned production sites were deficient in N, K, S and Mo, while leaf materials from abandoned sites were deficient in P. These deficiencies may have been a contributing factor to the abandonment of production at these sites. Concentrations of non-essential elements were below or comparable to average plant concentrations and no evidence of contamination was found in plant tissues. Palm oil contained low concentrations of TEs, which did not pose any toxicity risks. However, Na and Al were present in concentrations of 1198 and 159 mg kg-1 respectively, which were higher than have been previously reported. Tropical oil palm production could benefit from the determination of bioaccumulation factors for fertiliser contaminants in E. guineensis, to limit the transfer of contaminants to plants and products if increased fertiliser applications were used to correct nutrient deficiencies.
Fulltext Risk and causality Co-movement of Malaysia's stock market with its emerging and OECD trading partners. Evidence from the wavelet approach

Wang X, Guo H, Waris M, Din BH

PLoS One, 2024;19(1):e0296712.
PMID: 38271459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296712

The growing trend of interdependence between the international stock markets indicated the amalgamation of risk across borders that plays a significant role in portfolio diversification by selecting different assets from the financial markets and is also helpful for making extensive economic policy for the economies. By applying different methodologies, this study undertakes the volatility analysis of the emerging and OECD economies and analyzes the co-movement pattern between them. Moreover, with that motive, using the wavelet approach, we provide strong evidence of the short and long-run risk transfer over different time domains from Malaysia to its trading partners. Our findings show that during the Asian financial crisis (1997-98), Malaysia had short- and long-term relationships with China, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and Indonesia due to both high and low-frequency domains. Meanwhile, after the Global financial crisis (2008-09), it is being observed that Malaysia has long-term and short-term synchronization with emerging (China, India, Indonesia), OECD (Germany, France, USA, UK, Japan, Singapore) stock markets but Pakistan has the low level of co-movement with Malaysian stock market during the global financial crisis (2008-09). Moreover, it is being seen that Malaysia has short-term at both high and low-frequency co-movement with all the emerging and OECD economies except Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia during the COVID-19 period (2020-21). Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia have long-term synchronization relationships with the Malaysian stock market at high and low frequencies during COVID-19. While in a leading-lagging relationship, Malaysia's stock market risk has both leading and lagging behavior with its trading partners' stock market risk in the selected period; this behavior changes based on the different trade and investment flow factors. Moreover, DCC-GARCH findings shows that Malaysian market has both short term and long-term synchronization with trading partners except USA. Conspicuously, the integration pattern seems that the cooperation development between stock markets matters rather than the regional proximity in driving the cointegration. The study findings have significant implications for investors, governments, and policymakers around the globe.
Recent Progress on Nickel- and Iron-Based Metallic Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Review

Lakhan MN, Hanan A, Wang Y, Liu S, Arandiyan H

Langmuir, 2024 Feb 06;40(5):2465-2486.
PMID: 38265034 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03558

Developing sustainable energy solutions to safeguard the environment is a critical ongoing demand. Electrochemical water splitting (EWS) is a green approach to create effective and long-lasting electrocatalysts for the water oxidation process. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have become commonly utilized materials in recent years because of their distinguishing pore architectures, metal nodes easy accessibility, large specific surface areas, shape, and adaptable function. This review outlines the most significant developments in current work on developing improved MOFs for enhancing EWS. The benefits and drawbacks of MOFs are first discussed in this review. Then, some cutting-edge methods for successfully modifying MOFs are also highlighted. Recent progress on nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) based MOFs have been critically discussed. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of the existing challenges and prospects for Ni- and Fe-based MOFs are summarized.
Changes of headspace volatile constituents of palm olein and selected oils after frying French fries

Omar MN, Nor NN, Idris NA

Pak J Biol Sci, 2007 Apr 01;10(7):1044-9.
PMID: 19070048

Changes of aroma constituents of palm olein and selected oils after frying French fries have been studied. The aroma constituents of used oils were collected using a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) headspace technique with an absorbent of a divinylbenzene/carboxen (DVB/CAR) (50/30 microm) on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibre. The extracted volatiles were desorbed from the fibre in the injection port of the gas chromatograph at 250 degrees C and the aroma constituents were identified by GC-MS. Analytical data showed that volatile constituents of palm olein, soybean oil, corn oil and sunflower oil changed while frying continued from 2 to 40 h, respectively. In palm olein, the 2t,4t-decadienal content decreased from 14.7 to 5.5 microg g(-1) (40 h) whilst hexanal increased from 7.9 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 29.2 microg g(-1) (40 h), respectively. Similar result was also obtained from soybean oil after frying French fries. The 2t,4t-decadienal content decreased from 15.9 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 3.2 microg g(-1) after 40 h frying whilst hexanal increased from 10.2 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 34.2 microg g(-1) (40 h). Meanwhile, in corn oil, it was found that 2t,4t-decadienal decreased from 15.6 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 3.2 microg g(-1) (40 h) whilst hexanal increased from 11.3 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 33.8 microg g(-1) when frying time reached 40 h. In sunflower oil, it was found that 2t,4t-decadienal, decreased from 16.8 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 1.2 microg g(-1) (40 h) while hexanal increased from 9.5 microg g(-1) (2 h) to 32.4 microg g(-1) when frying time reached 40 h. It also showed that used oils exhibited off-odour characteristics due to the increasing amount ofhexanal while their freshness characteristics diminished due to the decreasing amount of 2t, 4t-decadienal.
Technology transfer for green investments: exploring how technology transfer through foreign direct investments can contribute to sustainable practices and reduced environmental impact in OIC economies

Song M, Anees A, Rahman SU, Ali MSE

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Feb;31(6):8812-8827.
PMID: 38180671 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31553-x

Estimating the asymmetrical influence of foreign direct investment is the primary goal of the current study. In addition, further controlled variables affect environmental degradation in OIC nations. Due to this, current research employs the asymmetric (NPARDL) approach and the data period from 1980 to 2021 to estimate about viability of the EKC (environmental Kuznets curve) theory. The study utilized greenhouse gas (GHG) including emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and ecological footprint as substantial parameters of environmental quality. A nonlinear link between foreign direct investments, trade openness, economic growth, urbanization, energy consumption, and environmental pollution with CO2, N2O, CH4, and ecological footprint in the OIC nations is confirmed by the study's outcomes, which however reveals inconsistent results. Furthermore, the results also show that wrong conclusions might result from disregarding intrinsic nonlinearities. The study's conclusions provide the most important recommendations for decision-makers.
Fulltext Isolation of active compounds from Streptomyces sennicomposti GMY01 and cytotoxic activity on breast cancer cells line

Febriansah R, Hertiani T, Widada J, Taher M, Damayanti E, Mustofa M

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 30;10(2):e24195.
PMID: 38293453 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24195

The occurrence of resistance to anticancer and the emergence of serious side effects due to chemotherapy is one of the main problems in cancer treatment, including breast cancer. The need for effective anticancer with a specific target is urgently required. Streptomyces are widely known as the potential producers of new anticancer molecules. Previously reported that the methanol extract of Streptomyces sennicomposti GMY01 isolated from Krakal Coast, Gunungkidul had very strong cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.6 and 1.3 μg/mL, respectively. The following study aimed to isolate and identify active compounds of the S. sennicomposti GMY01 and evaluate its cytotoxic activity. The study was started by re-culturing and re-fermented optimization of S. sennicomposti GMY01 in a larger volume, then the bacteria were extracted using methanol following the bioassay-guided isolation of the extract obtained. The active compounds obtained were then structurally determined using UV/Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS), 1H NMR, and 13C NMR and analyzed for their cytotoxic activity using MTT assay on MCF-7 and normal Vero cells line. The results showed that the culture of the S. sennicomposti GMY01 using Starch Nitrate Broth (SNB) media yields the best results compared to other culture media. An active anticancer compound namely mannotriose was successfully isolated from the methanol extract with an IC50 value of 5.6 μg/mL and 687 μg/mL against the MCF-7 and Vero cells lines, respectively, indicating that this compound showed strong cytotoxic activity with high selectivity.

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