White rot fungi are good lignin degraders and have the potential to be used in industry. In the present work, Phellinus sp., Daedalea sp., Trametes versicolor and Pycnoporus coccineus were selected due to their relatively high ligninolytic enzyme activity, and grown on Acacia mangium wood chips under solid state fermentation. Results obtained showed that manganese peroxidase produced is far more compared to lignin peroxidase, suggesting that MnP might be the predominating enzymes causing lignin degradation in Acacia mangium wood chips. Cellulase enzyme assays showed that no significant cellulase activity was detected in the enzyme preparation of T. versicolor and Phellinus sp. This low cellulolytic activity further suggests that these two white rot strains are of more interest in lignin degradation. The results on lignin losses showed 20-30% of lignin breakdown at 60 days of biodegradation. The highest lignin loss was found in Acacia mangium biotreated with T. versicolor after 60 days and recorded 26.9%, corresponding to the percentage of their wood weight loss recorded followed by P. coccineus. In general, lignin degradation was only significant from 20 days onwards. The overall percentage of lignin weight loss was within the range of 1.02-26.90% over the biodegradation periods. Microscopic observations conducted using scanning electron microscope showed that T. versicolor, P. coccineus, Daedalea sp. and Phellinus sp. had caused lignin degradation in Acacia mangium wood chips.
This paper deals with a review of the inhibition activity of a Schiff bases on the deterioration of mild steel in hydrochloric acid media. Two Schiff base ligands namely N,N’- Bis(salicylidene) ethylenediamine (Sadimine) and N,N’-Bis(bromosalicylidene)- ethylenediamine (Brosadimine) were synthesized from the condensation reactions of salicylaldehyde or 5-bromosalicylaldehyde with ethylenediamine respectively and evaluated as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution using weight loss method. The use of inhibitors is one of the most practical methods for protection of mild steel against corrosion in acidic media. Schiff bases are widely being employed in such applications. This paper highlights the influence of structure–inhibition activity relationship of Schiff base compounds
on their performance as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in acid media. Sadimine and
Brosadimine show appreciable corrosion inhibition efficiency against the corrosion of mild
steel in 1 M HCl solution at room temperature. It has been found that Brosadimine shows
greater corrosion inhibition efficiency than Sadimine due to extra halogen group presence in
the structure. As the concentration of studied inhibitors increases, the corrosion inhibition
efficiency of the prepared compounds also increases. This study demonstrated that corrosion
inhibitors for metals and alloys can preserve the quality and life of metals from corrosion.
A sustainable and stable supported liquid membrane (SLM) extraction of nickel was developed via impregnation of sustainable liquid membrane in the composite membrane support consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). Bis-2-ethylhexyl phosphate (D2EHPA), 1-octanol, refined palm oil and sulfuric acid were employed as extractant, synergist extractant, diluent and strippant, respectively. Variables studied including effect of refined palm oil compositions as well as the configurations and thicknesses of SPEEK. Lifespan of SLM was evaluated by recycling the composite membrane support. Results revealed that upon using 100% refined palm oil, about 100% of nickel was extracted and recovered in 10 and 14 h, respectively. Composite SPEEK/PVDF stabilized SLM by reducing liquid membrane loss from 47 to 23% upon applying SPEEK at the feed side of PVDF support. High permeability and flux values were obtained at 9.26 x 10-4 cms-1 and 6.48 x 10-7 molcm-2s-1 when increasing SPEEK thickness from 0.025 to 0.055 mm, respectively. The lifespan of SLM was extended up to ninth cycles with low weight loss percentage of the impregnated composite membrane (8%). In conclusion, the SPEEK/PVDF impregnated with refined palm oil has improved the stability of SLM extraction of nickel ions from industrial wastewater.
Recycling of the waste rubber tire crumbs (WRTCs) for the concretes production generated renewed interest worldwide. The insertion of such waste as a substitute for the natural aggregates in the concretes is an emergent trend for sustainable development towards building materials. Meanwhile, the enhanced resistance of the concrete structures against aggressive environments is important for durability, cost-saving, and sustainability. In this view, this research evaluated the performance of several modified rubberized concretes by exposing them to aggressive environments i.e., acid, and sulphate attacks, elevated temperatures. These concrete (12 batches) were made by replacing the cement and natural aggregate with an appropriate amount of the granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and WRTCs, respectively. The proposed mix designs' performance was evaluated by several measures, including the residual compressive strength (CS), weight loss, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), microstructures, etc. Besides, by using the available experimental test database, an optimized artificial neural network (ANN) combined with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) was developed to estimate the residual CS of modified rubberized concrete after immersion one year in MgSO4 and H2SO4 solutions. The results indicated that modified rubberized concrete prepared by 5 to 20% WRTCs as a substitute to natural aggregate, provided lower CS and weight lose expose to sulphate and acid attacks compared to control specimen prepared by ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Although the CS were slightly declined at the elevated temperature, these proposed mix designs have a high potential for a wide variety of concrete industrial applications, especially in acid and sulphate risk.
Soft fleshed tomatoes are easily damaged due to mechanical injuries. Later, the wounded tissue will be exposed to fungal infection thus fasten the deterioration rate and reduce the quality of tomato. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential aqueous ginger extract to inhibit fungal pathogen that causes tomato wilt and its potential in delaying the weight loss of tomato fruits. For this purpose, in vitro antifungal assay using poison plate technique was used to observe the inhibition of fungal pathogen. Then, healthy tomato fruits were dipped in aqueous ginger extract before evaluated for the post-harvest quality such as weight loss and firmness. The results of this study show that 10% aqueous ginger extract can inhibit the fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum) that causes tomato wilt with 13.57% inhibition. Through in vivo antifungal assay, tomato fruits dipped in this plant extract showed lower weight loss (14.44%) and higher firmness (1.7 N) as compared to untreated fruit, but the data were not significantly different. Therefore, manipulation of this extract was suggested to increase its antifungal properties or as eco-friendly coating to lengthen the shelf life of agricultural produces.
Guava is a climacteric fruit which has high nutritional content. It is a highly perishable fruit, undergoes rapid postharvest ripening in a few days under ambient condition. This paper aims to determine the effect of palm stearin and palm kernel olein blends on maintaining the quality of guava during storage. Two different coating formulations of palm stearin (PS) and palm kernel olein (PKOo) blends (1:1 and 3:2) were analysed for their slip melting point (SMP), cohesiveness, viscosity and density. Beeswax was used as a commercial coating for comparison whiles the uncoated guava was used as control. These coatings were applied onto guavas by hand-wipe technique using a sponge. Guavas were dried in corrugated fibre board boxes and stored in an air-conditioned room maintained at 20°C while a chiller maintained at 10°C was used for chilled temperature. Coating pick up, thickness and surface area were measured while guava properties were analysed for coating effect on weight loss, O2 and CO2 gases, firmness and glossiness during storage at ambient temperature (20°C) for 21 days and chilled temperature (10ºC) for 30 days. Microstructure analysis was conducted within 2 days of coating at ambient temperature (20ºC). The results obtained indicated that 1:1 PSPKOo blends had higher cohesiveness compared to beeswax. Both PSPKOo blends significantly (p
Dabai or Canarium odontophyllum Miq., from the family Burseraceae, is an important indigenous fruit to Borneo Island. However, it is a highly perishable fruit with short shelf life. Postharvest technology such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can be used to maintain highly perishable fresh fruit quality and increase its shelf life. There is not much work has been carried out to study effect of MAP on dabai fruit. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of four different types packaging methods on the postharvest quality of dabai fruits. Total of 240 fruit were used for each replication and the experiment was repeated thrice. Fruit were divided equally into four groups with each group packed in low-density polyethylene plastic bag, low-density polyethylene plastic bags lined with tissue paper, low-density polyethylene plastic bag with vacuumed and control (unwrapped). The fruit were then stored in a cold room of 10°C for 8 days. The fruits were analyzed for peel and flesh colour (L*, C* and hue angle), CO2 and C2H4 production, weight loss, firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and pH at every two days interval. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and means was separated using Duncan’s multiple range tests. The use of MAP retained peel colour (L*, C* and hue angle values), flesh colour (L*values), SSC and TA of dabai fruit. The CO2 production in MAP fruit was significant lower than control. Although vacuum packed showed lowest weight loss, flesh discolouration, soggy texture and foul sour odour developed during 8 days of storage. Neither packing dabai fruit in low-density polyethylene plastic bag nor bag lined with tissue paper retained better fruit quality. Thus, it is recommended packing dabai fruit in low-density polyethylene plastic bag is sufficient to retain fruit quality during 8 days of storage at 10oC.
This study attempted to investigate the effect of kiln drying on the rate of formation of ball copra. Three samples containing fifty partially dried-coconuts were placed as a single layer in three compartmentalized blocks namely, Front: Blok-1, Middle: Block-2, and Rear: Block-3 in the copra bed of the modified-Ceylon copra kiln. From each of the three blocks, thirty coconuts were selected randomly for labeling and their fresh weights were recorded. The samples were subjected to intermittent drying in the kiln by thirty five firing cycles using charcoal dust as the fuel source. The temperature distribution pattern of the three blocks during the first six firing was monitored at three hourly intervals. The weight losses of individual coconuts in each block were measured after the completion of each firing. The results showed that, there was a significant (p
‘Kampuchea’ guavas were treated with 300, 600 and 900 nL L‾¹ 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 0,
3 and 6 h, and stored at 27˚C with 70% relative humidity. The C* values, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity and pH of these fruits were not affected by both the 1-MCP concentrations and exposure duration while h˚ values and flesh firmness were affected by these treatments. The L* values, vitamin C content and weight loss were affected by the concentrations of 1-MCP, but not by the exposure duration. Less weight loss and disease incidence in fruit treated with 600 and 900 nL L-1 1-MCP. Fruit exposed to 6 h 1-MCP showed lowest disease incidence compared to other exposure duration in 5 days of storage. Treating Kampuchea guava fruit with 600 nL L‾¹ 1-MCP and exposure duration of 6 h was able to retain fruit colour, flesh firmness and delayed disease development for 5 days.
In the current research, osmotic dehydration of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizusis) cubes using sucrose solution at mild temperature (35ºC) was investigated. Sucrose solution (40, 50 and 60% w/w) was employed for osmotic dehydration process. Responses of weight reduction (WR), solid gain (SG), water loss (WL), color (L*, a* and b*) and texture (hardness) were evaluated. It was found that sucrose concentration significantly (p < 0.05) affected the mass transfer terms during osmosis process. The results obtained revealed an increase in yellowness (b*), decrease in lightness (L*) and redness (a*) as the sucrose concentration increased. Furthermore, osmotically dehydrated samples were considerably softer than untreated samples. Increasing of sucrose concentration and dehydration time caused softer tissue of dehydrated product compared with the fresh red pitaya.
Changes in physical properties (weight, size, colour and weight loss) and chemical properties (proximate analysis, TSS, pH, freezing point, total acidity and sugar content) of two water apple (Syzgium samaragense) cultivars, Semarang Rose and Kristal Taiwan were evaluated during ripening at 10°C and 50% RH. The results showed that the Kristal Taiwan cultivar was larger in size and weight but smaller in length compared to Semarang Rose. The Semarang Rose cultivar was sweeter than Kristal Taiwan. In this study, data obtained suggests that the water apple fruit can be stored at cold storage until 19 days.
Objective: To describe the setting up of a pilot project on weight management programme for patients with severe mental illness (SMI) in a general hospital setting, the effectiveness of the programme on 5 patients and the feasibility of such programme to be developed in our local setting. Methods: Key staff members from relevant disciplines were involved through out the programme, which was based on dietary education, exercise and behavioural techniques. It was conducted weekly for physical exercise and biweekly for topic discussion with a total duration of 16 weeks. Results: Patients achieved means (SDs) weight loss of 1.78 (2.83) kg; BMI reduction of 0.92 (1.41) kg/m2; and reduction of waist circumference of 6.8 (4.97) cm. Factors associated with positive health outcome were high baseline BMI, high educational level and committed family members. Conclusion: The programme appears to be effective for patients and is feasible to be developed in Malaysian hospitals.
Bismuth chromium solid solutions, with a general formula Bi6-xCr2Oδ, where -1 ≤ x ≤ 2, were successfully synthesized via the conventional solid state method. The phases of the synthesized samples were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The properties of single-phase compounds were characterized by using differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), AC impedance spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The occurrence of phase transitions was confirmed by DTA and TGA, where a thermal event was observed by DTA at around 800oC. In addition, TGA studies also showed that there was a weight loss at around 800oC. Elemental analysis of Bi6Cr2O15 and its solid solutions by ICP-AES showed a good agreement between the expected value and the experimental value on the compositions, with no evidence of any systematic deviation from stoichiometric. Electrical properties of Bi6Cr2O15 and its solid solutions were investigated by using AC impedance spectroscopy from 300oC to 650oC. Ionic conductivity increased with the increasing temperature and bismuth content, and the best ionic conductivity was observed for Bi7Cr2O16.5. The activation energy (Ea) of Bi6Cr2O15 and its solid solutions were in the range of 1.22-1.32 eV.
The functionalization of pristine CNTs is necessary for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to be fully utilized, with the aim of increasing the nanotube reactivity and solubility in aqueous solutions. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with a carboxylic group as this was an important step prior to application. The carboxylic group-functionalization was conducted through acid treatment, using sulphuric and nitric acids mixed at a ratio of 3:1 (v/v) and sonication for 30 min under different temperatures and time durations. The functionalization conditions of 50ºC x 5 h and 60ºC x 3 h were identified to be most suitable for introducing a carboxylic group onto the nanotube surfaces. The percentage of total weight loss due to the carboxylic group on the MWCNTs treated at 50ºC x 5 h and 60ºC x 3 h obtained from the thermogravimetric analysis was 13.26% and 13.76%, respectively. For both samples, peaks corresponding to the carboxylic group were identified in the FT-IR spectra. The changes in the morphology of the treated MWCNTs were also observed under SEM analysis.
Benign gastrojejunocolic fistula is mostly due to Bilroth II operations. It typically presents with a triad of feculent vomiting, weight loss and chronic diarrhoea but sometimes the diagnosis is not straight forward. We discuss a case that presented and was investigated as intestinal obstruction however diagnosed with gastrojejunocolic fistula during surgery.
Profound weight loss with painful symmetrical peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients was first described as diabetic neuropathic cachexia more than 4 decades ago. It is a distinct type of diabetic peripheral neuropathy that occurs in the absence of other microvascular and autonomic complications of diabetes. The mechanism and precipitating cause are unknown. It was reported to have good prognosis with spontaneous recovery within months to 2 years. However, it was frequently missed by clinicians because the profound weight loss is the most outstanding complaint, rather than the pain, numbness, or weakness. This often leads to extensive investigation to exclude more sinister causes of weight loss, particularly malignancy. We report a case of a young woman with well-controlled diabetes who presented with profound unintentional weight loss (26 kg), symmetrical debilitating thigh pain, and clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy. As the disease entity may mimic an inflammatory demyelinating cause of neuropathy, she was treated with a trial of intravenous immunoglobulin, which failed to give any significant benefit. However, she recovered after 6 months without any specific treatment, other than an antidepressant for the neuropathic pain and ongoing rehabilitation.
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the general population. The relationship between dyspepsia and particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety is poorly defined. However, GERD was noted to be strongly associated and often coincident in onset with generalized anxiety disorder in the community. In this paper, we report the case of an adult man who presented with severe weight loss and underlying GERD, and was later found to have an anxiety disorder as the cause of both.
A study to evaluate the effect of four selected plant powder as rice grain protectant against Sitophilus zeamais adult mortality, F1 progeny production, weight loss and rice grain damaged was conducted. The plant powders used were made from seed of Annona muricata, Jatropha curcas, Azadirachta indica and from leaf of J. curcas at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5% (w/w) concentrations. Probit analysis showed that J. curcas seed powder was highly toxic (LC50 = 0.28%) to S. zeamais adult followed by A. muricata seed (LC50 = 0.33%), J. curcas leaf (LC50 = 1.15%) and A. indica seed (LC50= 3.63%). The Annona muricata and J. curcas seed had caused the highest mean mortality (100 and 98.85%) at 2% concentration, while the A. indica seed and J. curcas leaf powder had only caused 32.32 and 77.84%, respectively at 2.5% concentration. There was no progeny produced, no weight loss recorded and no rice grain damaged on treated rice grain with A. muricata and J. curcas seed at 1% concentration. In contrast, J. curcas leaf and A. indica seed powder had the least toxicity effect on the weevil as shown by number of progeny produced (167 and 228), total of weight loss (10.04 and 10.49%) and rice grain damaged (19.35 and 21.14%) even at the highest powder concentration (2.5%)
tested. Results of this study revealed the potential of J. curcas and A. muricata seed powder to be used in controlling S. zeamais on stored rice grain.
The efficiency of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to reduce the activity of consortium bacteria consisting of
sulphate-reducing bacteria (C-SRB) has been investigated on variable concentration by weight loss test, potentiodynamic
polarization and diffusion disk methods. C-SRB was isolated from tropical crude oil of Malaysian offshore. Biofilm analysis
was also evaluated by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM). Weight loss and potentiodynamic
polarization analyses showed that CTAB is able to inhibit the biocorrosion process and their inhibition efficiency had
reached to 85 and 65% at 300 ppm CTAB, respectively. Increasing of CTAB efficiency as a function of concentration was
also supported by diffusion disk analysis. Biofilm analysis showed that less of C-SRB and their metabolic by-product had
been observed. It was concluded that CTAB was able to reduce the C-SRB activity and prevent biocorrosion process on
carbon steel surface.
The purpose of rehydration is to replace fluid and electrolyte losses. Carbohydrates and sodium are the main nutrient sources for rehydration. The presence of protein aids the rehydration process and thereby promoting muscle synthesis. Zea mays had been identified as one of the potential food sources that could be an alternative recovery beverage. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of Zea mays (ZM) juice as an alternative rehydration beverage. A total of 15 male participants were involved in this study. They were required to cycle to 70-80% of their age predicted maximum heart rate until they were dehydrated (1.8-2% body weight loss). Then they were given either ZM juice or CE drink in an amount representing 150% of their initial body weight loss. After 4-hours of rest with no other food allowed, their USG and percentage of fluid retention were calculated. Results showed that ZM juice had better retention and demonstrated well hydrated USG readings compared to CE drink. Therefore, ZM juice has the potential to be an alternative rehydration beverage.