A complete diallel cross of four broiler breeds was made to investigate whether there are breed differences in the combining abilities for the traits, body weight, weight gain and feed efficiency, measured during the growing period from 4 to 12 weeks of age. Data collected from male and female birds were analysed separately. General combining ability (GCA) was found to be the largest and most significant source of variation contributing to differences between crosses for all the traits, in both male and female birds. Specific combining ability (SCA) was important for body weight in both sexes and for weight gain in females. Feed efficiency in both sexes did not appear to be influenced by SCA effects. Reciprocal effects (RE) were generally absent in both sexes for all the traits, except possibly for feed efficiency.
Grafting is regarded as an integral component of sustainable vegetable production. It is important in the management of soil-borne diseases, and reports suggest that grafting with viable rootstocks can enhance crop growth and yield. This research was conducted using splices and cleft grafting techniques to investigate graft compatibility among varieties of high yielding eggplant scion (MCV1, MCV2, CCV1, CCV2, CCV3, NCV, and TCV) grafted onto wild rootstocks (MWR, BWR, and TWR) to study their morphophysiological and yield characteristics. High yielding scions grafted onto wild relative rootstocks were compared with two controls including self-grafted and non-grafted. All the scion had a high rate of germination (≥95%) and remarkable graft success (100%) was recorded in MCV1, MCV2, and TCV using the cleft techniques. Generally, the use of rootstocks resulted in higher total and marketable fruit yield compared to the non-grafted and self-grafted scion plants, respectively. In particular, MWR and TWR rootstock conferred the highest vigour to the scion, resulting in the highest values recorded for total and marketable fruit yield, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight. A similar result was obtained in fruit length and diameter, where long and wide fruits were observed in scions grafted onto MWR and TWR rootstocks, respectively. Grafting of high yielding eggplant scion onto resistant MWR, BWR and TWR eggplant rootstock was found to be beneficial for eggplant cultivation. The remarkable compatibility and vigour of the rootstock with scion led to the improvement in total and marketable yield of the fruits. As such, it can be concluded that the use of wild relative rootstocks of eggplant species can be a valuable method of improving eggplant production.
Lower Perak, an alluvial plain, much of it below spring tide levels, lies between tidal reaches of the large Perak and Bernam rivers. It has a mixed rural population, about 40 per cent. being Malaysians. Inspection, with individual card records, was made of 2, 388 boys in vernacular schools aged 6 to 16 years, local prejudice exempting girls. The diet, largely rice, of these children appears deficient in animal protein, and probably in calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B. They show few signs of deficiency diseases, have a dental caries rate of about 70 per cent., and one-third had poor muscular development. They suffer mainly from fever, anaemia and skin infections. * An asterisk denotes that the paper dealt with is thought to be of more than ordinary interest to tropical readers. As ages were quite unreliable, only the 513 presenting birth certificates were grouped to the nearest birthday. [img 1T161260A.tif] Comparisons are made with the Baldwin-Wood scale for American medium type boys, who at every age are of superior weight. Full correlation tables are given for the 513 and 2, 388 boys. To eliminate doubtful ages the, Baldwin-Wood tables were used to calculate the mean weights of Americans at the height of the Perak boys, and now the Americans only [img 1T161260B.tif] come out slightly higher than these. The essential difference therefore seems to be more a matter of size and physical development in relation to age, than any significant change in-ratios at different ages. Comparison was made with Kedah measurements. This is a similar district 120 miles north of Lower Perak. Curves are used which are not strictly comparable, as some girls were included, but Dr. J. H. STRACHAN took out the figures of 1, 018 Kedah boys. These are compared with the 2, 388 Perak boys, in weight for inches in height. Although the conditions and districts seem in all respects similar the Kedah boys are significantly lighter for all heights. No explanation has been found for this. The authors insist on the usefulness of correlation tables. " It is obvious that the medium American boys are much heavier than the Malaysian children. But the second American weight/height curve seems to show that if one selects for comparison boys of the same stature at each age, the American boys would be on the whole only slightly heavier than the Lower Perak boys." This investigation has got the utmost value from rather unpromising materials. Any school worker will gain some new viewpoints from its careful perusal. James Kerr.
Scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular volume (TV) were measured in 65 swamp buffalo bulls ranging in age from 7 to 60 months and weighing 130 kg to 560 kg. Ages and body weight (BW) were recorded for each male at the time of measurement to find out if they correlated with SC and TV. SC and TV increased linearly and correlated significantly with age and BW (SC vs age: r=0.74, p<0.01; SC vs BW: r=0.88, p<0.01; TV vs BW: r=0.82, p<0.01). SC measurements ranged from 15.1+/-1.1 cm to 24.0+/-0.4 cm for ages ranging from 10.0+/-0.6 to 48.5+/-6.3 months, revealing that testicular size in swamp buffaloes was very much smaller than domestic cattle. The SC norms distributed with age would be useful in the evaluation of swamp buffalo males for breeding soundness.
Proximal stability consists of core and hip stability play a significant role in supporting the body weight in stationary and in motion. Thus, proximal stability could contribute to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the core stability and hip stability of knee OA patients. A total of thirty-two women aged between 45 to 60 years had volunteered to participate in this study, comprised of 16 knee OA patients and 16 normal. Hip stability was assessed using hip crossover test and core stability was assessed using core muscle endurance, core muscle strength and core muscle flexibility. Data of hip stability, core muscle strength and flexibility were analyzed using chi-square; and core muscle endurance data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. Compared to normal subjects, knee OA patients have poor hip stability [Hip Crossover Test (λ=0.500, p=0.033)] and core stability. Core stability was assessed based on core muscle strength [abdominal muscles (χ=12.157, p
This study was conducted to inactivate Salmonella enteriditis phage types (SE pt) and to determine the safety and efficacy of inactivated SE pt in chickens. SE pt 1, 3A, 6A, 7, and 35 were inactivated and inoculated (0.20 mL) in 124 chickens divided into 6 groups (CV1, CV3A, CV6A, CV7, CV35, and CV0 as a control). Sampling was conducted on day 14 after inoculation (pi). Eight chickens from each group were separated on day 14 pi for oral challenge with 0.20 mL/chicken (1010 cfu/mL) SE pt 6A and designated CV1C, CV3AC, CV6AC, CV7C, CV35C, and CV0C as control chickens. On days 7 and 14 postchallenge (pc), 4 chickens from every group were sacrificed for sampling. There was no significant difference in the body weight between different groups. In challenged groups, there was no significant association between different tissues and isolation of Salmonella on days 7 and 14 pc. There was significance (p
This comparative study was conducted to determine the anthropometric measurements and body composition of football teams in the UK and Malaysia. A total of 32 footballers from two teams were studied. The teams were the St Mary’s University team (UK) and the Selangor Reserved League team. The height and body weight of the subjects were measured using SECA digital balance with height attachment. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken using Harpenden skinfold callipers at four sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) and the VO2 max of the subjects was estimated by participation in a multi-stage 20m shuttle-run test. The UK team were significantly heavier (p
The mass mortality of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) within 2-3 days was reported by 3 private farms in Bukit Tambun, Pulau Pinang, in February and March 2007. Only cobia with body weights of 3-4 kg were affected. Most diseased cobia swam on the surface and displayed flashing behaviour. All samples were positive for viral nervous necrosis (VNN) with low to medium levels of infection. Infestations by leeches (Zeylanicobdella arugamensis), body monogeneans (Benedenia sp.) and copepods (Caligus sp.) were also found, but no pathogenic bacteria were isolated. All water quality parameters monitored were within optimal ranges for culturing cobia. The main causes of high mortality in cobia remain unclear during the study. However, we believe that the mass mortality of cobia could be probably due to VNN infection and that the rate of mortality will increase further when cobia are subjected to aquaculture-related stresses (e.g., limited space). Traditional cages with a size of 2 (length) × 2 (width) × 1 m (depth) should only be used for rearing cobia below 1 kg in weight given the species' natural behaviours. In addition, cobia fingerlings should be screened for VNN prior to stocking them in cages.
Obesity prevalence and body image consciousness are on the rise, and women often try to lose weight using a variety of methods. This paper reports the knowledge on body weight management amongst working women aged 30 – 45 years in Kuala Lumpur. Respondents comprised 131 school teachers and 122 civil servants. Anthropometric measurements included body weight and height; while knowledge on weight management was assessed using a questionnaire. The respondents were Malay (64%), Chinese (26%) and Indian women (10%) with mean age of 38.3 ± 4.6 years old. The respondents were grouped into two weight categories based on body mass index (BMI): normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). Mean body weight and BMI were significantly different (p < 0.001) between the two weight categories. Overweight and normal weight groups had mean body weight of 69.0 ± 9.5 kg and 53.5 ± 5.3 kg; while mean BMI were 29.2 ± 3.6 kg/ m2 dan 21.9 ± 1.7 kg/m2; respectively. Mean scores for knowledge on weight management were similar for both weight categories, 62.4 ± 13.7 and 61.8 ± 13.4 for overweight and normal weight, respectively. A majority of overweight (71%) and normal weight (73%) women had moderate level (scores 50–74%) of weight management knowledge. However, it was interesting to note that there were more overweight women (20%) who had high knowledge level (scores ≥ 75%) as compared to normal weight women (15%). Only 9% of overweight and 12% of normal weight women demonstrated low knowledge level (scores <50%). School teachers were significantly (p < 0.001) more knowledgeable than civil servants in weight management matters with mean knowledge scores of 65.5 ± 12.3 and 58.4 ± 13.9, respectively. On the whole, the results indicated that women were fairly knowledgeable in healthy body weight management. Knowledge on body weight management is essential for preventing comorbidity risks related to overweight problem. The study also revealed that there was a need for nutrition education related to body image and effective weight management. Key words: Body weight management, working women, overweight, obesity
Fibre reinforced composites have gained use in a variety of applications. The performances of these composites may suffer when the material is exposed to adverse environments for a long period of time. Kenaf fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites were subjected to water immersion tests in order to study the effects of water absorption on the mechanical properties. Composites specimens containing (10%, 20%, and 30%) weight percentages of fibre were prepared. Water absorption tests were conducted by immersing these specimens in a distilled water bath at 25oC for four months. The tensile properties of the specimens immersed in water were evaluated and compared with the dry composite specimens. A decrease in the tensile properties of the composites was demonstrated, indicating a great loss in the mechanical properties of the water-saturated samples compared to the dry samples. The percentage of moisture uptake was also increased as the percentage of the fibre weight increased due to the high cellulose content. The water absorption pattern of these composites was found to follow the Fickian behaviour.
In the present study, six different rice varieties marketed in Penang, Malaysia (locally grown and imported) were evaluated for proximate composition, physiochemical properties and cooking qualities. Overall, 'Black rice' variety had the highest protein content (8.16%) with lowest fat content (0.07%). Between the various rice varieties investigated, thousand kernel weight varied between 16.97-19.43 g, length/breadth (l/b) ratio was between 2.09-3.75, while bulk density varied between 0.81-0.86 g/ml. Amylose content was highest (27.71%) in white rice (local, medium grain type) with lowest recorded for brown rice variety (3.36%). Results on minimum cooking time showed it to range between 10 to 31.67 minutes with the brown rice cooking the slowest. The water uptake ratio ranged between 2.33 to 3.95 and was low in glutinous rice (2.33), while gruel solid loss (range from 3.17 to 6.43) was lowest in Basmati rice variety (3.17%). The minimum cooking time was found to be negatively correlated with amylose content (r = -0.97). A positive correlation was recorded for both amylose content and l/b ratio in relation to elongation of cooked rice. These results highlight cooking and physiochemical properties of rice to be strongly dependent on their amylose content. Results generated in this study might be able to provide vital information's on identifying 'superior quality of rice' marketed in Penang, based on their proximate composition as well as on their physiochemical and cooking properties.
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between supporting leg strength and supporting leg balance; and their correlation with kicking performance. Thirty four recreational male futsal players with a mean age 23.2±1.5 years old voluntarily participated in this study. Physical characteristics of participants (age, weight, height and body mass index) were recorded prior to test. Force platform was used to record kinetics variables during maximal instep kick (with and without target) and during the Balance Stork Test. Ball flight after impact with the kicking foot was recorded using high speed video camera set at 120 frame per second, with 500 hertz shutter speed. Ball velocity was then calculated using motion analysis software. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables. Results indicated no significant correlation between maximal vertical force (max-vGRF) with the ball velocity for both condition of kicks; between strength (max-vGRF) and balance (at 95% ellipse area) of supporting leg; between supporting leg balance and ball velocity; between supporting leg balance and ball accuracy. However, negative significant correlations exist between max-vGRF and ball accuracy. Max-vGRF and ball velocity for both kicking without target and kicking with target was found highly correlated. As a conclusion, kicking performance was not primarily influenced by either the supporting leg strength (MVF) or supporting leg balance (95% ellipse area).
This quasi experimental study is aimed to determine the effect of 8 weeks physical exercise training program among 219 obese an overweight National Service Training Program (NSTP). It is a purposive sampling and divide to experimental group (n = 110) and control group (n = 109). Body fat (BFP) measured using Omron Karada Scan HBF 375 with Height Scale. The experimental group underwent 8 weeks physical exercise program using the NSTP wellness module. The module contains 18 low intensity training, 40 moderate intensity training and 14 high intensity training with 8 psychological sessions. Analysis showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test after 8 weeks in experimental group. There was a greater decrease BFP (-1.44%) and weight (-2.03%). The control group showed slightly increase in BFP (+2.97%) but decrease weight (-0.28%). This means the intervention program very effective and manage to reduce the BFP and weight among 18 years old obese and overweight NSTP in Malaysia.
Biocellulose (BC), produced by Acetobacter xylinum (0416), was carried out using three types of medium
composition under static surface culture. The media used in this experiment included CWHSM (Coconut
water in Hestrin-Schramm medium), CM (Complex medium) and HSM (Hestrin-Schramm medium).
CWHSM and CM used coconut water from agro-waste as the main source of sugar. The fermentation
was conducted for 12 days and the results of BC dry weight, cell entrapped, pH medium and productivity
were evaluated and compared. The results show that CWHSM is the most suitable medium for BC
production with a productivity of up to 0.044 g l
-1
day
-1
.
Sibutramine is a prohibited weight-reducing agent used in many weight-loss
products, which has been banned in many countries since 2010 including
Malaysia due to it toxicities and mortality effect. The widespread use of these
sibutramine-containing products has raised concerns regarding their side
effects, which include psychological symptoms. In this case report, we
highlight a case of psychosis induced by the use of this product. We present a
case of 36-year-old Burmese lady who has three admissions to psychiatry
ward with psychotic presentation after on-going consumption of weight-loss
product containing sibutramine.
An experiment was carried out in 6 earthen ponds to investigate the effects of stocking density on growth, survival and production of Thai climbing perch (Anabas testudineus). Three stocking densities (treatments) were compared: ponds with 350, 400 and 550 individuals per decimal (0.01 acre). All treatments were randomly assigned and in duplicate. Artificial feed containing 34% crude protein was applied initially 20% of total fish weight per day. Gradually the feeding rate was reduced to 15, 12, 10, 8 and 5% of total fish weight per day. Feeding rates per pond were adjusted fortnightly after weighing minimum 20% of the fish stocked. The duration of the experiment was 90 days. Results showed that all growth parameters were higher in ponds with lower stocking density than the ponds with higher stocking density, while total fish yield was higher in ponds with higher stocking density than in the ponds with lower stocking density. Cost-benefit analysis revealed that all three systems were economically profitable. However, the ponds with a stocking density of 550 individuals per decimal were the most profitable system. More research is still needed to further optimize stocking density of Thai climbing perch in aquaculture ponds. Until then, stocking 550 individuals of Thai climbing perch per decimal will yield a good production to fish farmers in the South and South-East Asian regions.
On 3 January 2008, one specimen of Goonch Bagarius yarrelli (Sykes 1839) (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) was caught by a conventional beach seine in the lower part of the Ganges River, NW Bangladesh. The specimen constitutes a new record of maximum length and weight for the Ganges River and the South Asia.