Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 119 in total

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  1. Rohaida Mat Akir, Kalaivani Chellappan, Mardina Abdullah
    MyJurnal
    Space weather forecasting and its importance for the power and communication industry have inspired research related to TEC forecasting lately. Research has attempted to establish an empirical model approach for TEC prediction. In this paper, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been applied in total electron content using GPS Ionospheric Scintillation and TEC Monitor (GISTM) data from UKM Station. The TEC prediction will be useful in improving the quality of current GNSS applications, such as in automobiles, road mapping, location-based advertising, personal navigation or logistics. Hence, a neural network model was designed with relevant features and customised parameters. Various types of input data and data representations from the ionospheric activity were used for the chosen network structure, which was a three-layer perceptron trained by feed forward back propagation method and tested on the chosen test data. We found that the optimum RMSE occurred with 10 nodes as the best NN for GISTM UKM station for the studied period with RMSE 1.3457 TECU. An analysis was made to compare the TEC from the measured TEC with neural network prediction and from IRI-corr model. The results showed that the NN model forecast the TEC values close to the measured TEC values with 9.96% of relative error. Thus, the forecasting of total electron content has the potential to be implemented successfully with larger data set from multi-centred environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  2. M.T. Amin, M.Y. Han, Tschung-il Kim, A.A. Alazba, M.N. Amin
    Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1273-1281.
    The application of solar disinfection for treating stored rainwater was investigated by the authors using indicator organisms. The multiple tube fermentation technique and pour plate method were used for the detection of microbial quality indicators like total and fecal coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophic plate count. These techniques have disadvantages mainly that these are laborious and time consuming. The correlation of total coliform with that of exposure time is proposed under different factors of weather, pH and turbidity. Statistical tools like root mean square error and coefficient of determination were used to validate these proposed equations. The correlation equations of fecal coliform, E. coli and heterotrophic plate count with total coliform are suggested by using four regression analysis including Reciprocal Quadratic, Polynomial Regression (2 degree), Gaussian Model and Linear Regression in order to reduce the tedious experimental work in similar types of experiments and treatment systems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  3. Haibo Jiang, Zuguo Mo, Xiongbin Hou, Haijuan Wang
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:2205-2213.
    The mechanical properties of fractured rock mass are largely dependent on the fracture structure under the coupling of freeze-thaw cycles and large temperature difference. Based on the traditional macroscopic continuum theory, the thermal and mechanical model and the corresponding theories ignore the material internal structure characteristics, which add difficulty in describing the mesoscopic thermal and mechanical behavior of the fractured rock mass among different phases. In order to uncover the inherent relationship and laws among the internal crack development, structural change and the physical and mechanical properties of rock under strong cold and frost weathering in cold area, typical granite and sandstone in cold region were analyzed in laboratory tests. The SEM scanning technology was introduced to record the microstructural change of rock samples subject to freeze-thaw cycles and large temperature difference. Association rules between the microstructure and the physical mechanical properties of rock mass were analyzed. The results indicated that, with the increase of the cyclic number, the macroscopic physical and mechanical indexes and the microscopic fracture index of granite and sandstone continuously and gradually deteriorate. The width of original micro crack continues to expand and extend and new local micro cracks are generated and continue to expand. The fracture area and width of the rock increase and the strength of the rock is continuously damaged. In particular, the strength and elastic modulus of granite decrease by 20.2% and 33.36%, respectively; the strength and elastic modulus of sandstone decrease by 33.4% and 36.43%, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  4. Zhao X, Lim SK, Tan CS, Li B, Ling TC, Huang R, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2015 Jan 30;8(2):462-473.
    PMID: 28787950 DOI: 10.3390/ma8020462
    Foamed mortar with a density of 1300 kg/m³ was prepared. In the initial laboratory trials, water-to-cement (w/c) ratios ranging from 0.54 to 0.64 were tested to determine the optimal value for foamed mortar corresponding to the highest compressive strength without compromising its fresh state properties. With the obtained optimal w/c ratio of 0.56, two types of foamed mortar were prepared, namely cement-foamed mortar (CFM) and slag-foamed mortar (SFM, 50% cement was replaced by slag weight). Four different curing conditions were adopted for both types of foamed mortar to assess their compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and thermal insulation performance. The test results indicated that utilizing 50% of slag as cement replacement in the production of foamed mortar improved the compressive strength, UPV and thermal insulation properties. Additionally, the initial water curing of seven days gained higher compressive strength and increased UPV values as compared to the air cured and natural weather curing samples. However, this positive effect was more pronounced in the case of compressive strength than in the UPV and thermal conductivity of foamed mortar.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  5. An D, Eggeling J, Zhang L, He H, Sapkota A, Wang YC, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Jul 08;13(1):11068.
    PMID: 37422491 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38317-0
    In the Asia-Pacific region (APR), extreme precipitation is one of the most critical climate stressors, affecting 60% of the population and adding pressure to governance, economic, environmental, and public health challenges. In this study, we analyzed extreme precipitation spatiotemporal trends in APR using 11 different indices and revealed the dominant factors governing precipitation amount by attributing its variability to precipitation frequency and intensity. We further investigated how these extreme precipitation indices are influenced by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) at a seasonal scale. The analysis covered 465 ERA5 (the fifth-generation atmospheric reanalysis of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) study locations over eight countries and regions during 1990-2019. Results revealed a general decrease indicated by the extreme precipitation indices (e.g., the annual total amount of wet-day precipitation, average intensity of wet-day precipitation), particularly in central-eastern China, Bangladesh, eastern India, Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia. We observed that the seasonal variability of the amount of wet-day precipitation in most locations in China and India are dominated by precipitation intensity in June-August (JJA), and by precipitation frequency in December-February (DJF). Locations in Malaysia and Indonesia are mostly dominated by precipitation intensity in March-May (MAM) and DJF. During ENSO positive phase, significant negative anomalies in seasonal precipitation indices (amount of wet-day precipitation, number of wet days and intensity of wet-day precipitation) were observed in Indonesia, while opposite results were observed for ENSO negative phase. These findings revealing patterns and drivers for extreme precipitation in APR may inform climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies in the study region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  6. Ahmad A, Ahmad AH, Dieng H, Satho T, Ahmad H, Aziz AT, et al.
    J Med Entomol, 2011 Nov;48(6):1236-46.
    PMID: 22238885
    There is accumulating evidence that criminals wrap dead bodies in an attempt to conceal evidence. To anticipate the forensic implications of this phenomenon, we examined whether flies that are naturally associated with cadavers exhibit a delay in attendance or differ in species composition and abundance patterns because of the presence of wrapping material. Wrapped and exposed carcasses of dead monkeys placed in an oil plantation in Kedah, Malaysia, were visited over 50 d. On daily visits to each of the six carcasses, visiting adult flies were sampled using hand nets. Flies of 12 families were encountered. Calliphoridae (Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart and C. megacephala (F.) was the most prevalent family, followed by Sphaeroceridae. Some families tended to be more abundant in WRCs (i.e., Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Phoridae), whereas others (i.e., Piophilidae, Sepsidae, and Psychodidae) were more prevalent in exposed carcasses. Wrapping delayed the arrival of all fly species encountered, with delays varying from 1 to 13 d depending on species. Wrapping did not affect species composition of flies, but prolong the occurrence of some species. The results of the current study emphasize the need to take into consideration the presence of a wrap when estimating postmortem interval.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  7. Dymond CC, Field RD, Roswintiarti O, Guswanto
    Environ Manage, 2005 Apr;35(4):426-40.
    PMID: 15902449
    Vegetation fires have become an increasing problem in tropical environments as a consequence of socioeconomic pressures and subsequent land-use change. In response, fire management systems are being developed. This study set out to determine the relationships between two aspects of the fire problems in western Indonesia and Malaysia, and two components of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System. The study resulted in a new method for calibrating components of fire danger rating systems based on satellite fire detection (hotspot) data. Once the climate was accounted for, a problematic number of fires were related to high levels of the Fine Fuel Moisture Code. The relationship between climate, Fine Fuel Moisture Code, and hotspot occurrence was used to calibrate Fire Occurrence Potential classes where low accounted for 3% of the fires from 1994 to 2000, moderate accounted for 25%, high 26%, and extreme 38%. Further problems arise when there are large clusters of fires burning that may consume valuable land or produce local smoke pollution. Once the climate was taken into account, the hotspot load (number and size of clusters of hotspots) was related to the Fire Weather Index. The relationship between climate, Fire Weather Index, and hotspot load was used to calibrate Fire Load Potential classes. Low Fire Load Potential conditions (75% of an average year) corresponded with 24% of the hotspot clusters, which had an average size of 30% of the largest cluster. In contrast, extreme Fire Load Potential conditions (1% of an average year) corresponded with 30% of the hotspot clusters, which had an average size of 58% of the maximum. Both Fire Occurrence Potential and Fire Load Potential calibrations were successfully validated with data from 2001. This study showed that when ground measurements are not available, fire statistics derived from satellite fire detection archives can be reliably used for calibration. More importantly, as a result of this work, Malaysia and Indonesia have two new sources of information to initiate fire prevention and suppression activities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  8. Mohammed Taher Alfates, Biak, Dayang Radiah Awang
    MyJurnal
    Transport of fuel is essential to ensure supplies are delivered as per requested by the industrial sites or other demands. Numerous accidents have been reported and recorded in which loss of containment of hazardous chemicals occurred and led to disastrous outcomes. This paper presents the analysis of Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) due to loss of containment for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) road tankers. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential consequences resulting from overpressure blast and thermal radiation of tankers carrying LPG to the people and the surrounding. The aim is also to compare the outcomes obtained from PHAST software simulator 8.11 with that of established mathematical model. Malaysia North-south Expressway (NSE) was selected as the location of the incident. The volume, weather parameters and properties of LPG were identified. It was found that the effect of BLEVE on people and structures was catastrophic. The results obtained from the mathematical model were similar with that modelled using PHAST software simulator.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  9. Rosli H, Mayfield DA, Batzer JC, Dixon PM, Zhang W, Gleason ML
    Plant Dis, 2017 Oct;101(10):1721-1728.
    PMID: 30676929 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-02-17-0294-RE
    A warning system for the sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) fungal disease complex of apple, developed originally for use in the southeastern United States, was modified to provide more reliable assessment of SBFS risk in Iowa. Modeling results based on previous research in Iowa and Wisconsin had suggested replacing leaf wetness duration with cumulative hours of relative humidity (RH) ≥97% as the weather input to the SBFS warning system. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a RH-based SBFS warning system, and to assess the potential economic benefits for its use in Iowa. The warning system was evaluated in two separate sets of trials-trial 1 during 2010 and 2011, and trial 2 during 2013-2015-using action thresholds based on cumulative hours of RH ≥97% and ≥90%, respectively, in conjunction with two different fungicide regimes. The warning system was compared with a traditional calendar-based system that specified spraying at predetermined intervals of 10 to 14 days. In trial 1, use of the RH ≥97% threshold caused substantial differences between two RH sensors in recording number of hours exceeding the threshold. When both RH thresholds were compared for 2013-2015, on average, RH ≥90% resulted in a 53% reduction in variation of cumulative hours between two identical RH sensors placed adjacent to each other in an apple tree canopy. Although both the SBFS warning system and the calendar-based system resulted in equivalent control of SBFS, the warning system required fewer fungicide sprays than the calendar-based system, with an average of 3.8 sprays per season (min = 2; max = 5) vs. 6.4 sprays per season (min = 5; max = 8), respectively. The two fungicide regimes provided equivalent SBFS control when used in conjunction with the warning system. A partial budget analysis showed that using the SBFS warning system with a threshold of RH ≥90% was cost effective for orchard sizes of >1 ha. The revised warning system has potential to become a valuable decision support tool for Midwest apple growers because it reduces fungicide costs while protecting apples as effectively as a calendar-based spray schedule. The next step toward implementation of the SBFS warning system in the North Central U.S. should be multiyear field testing in commercial orchards throughout the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  10. Rezvani SM, Abyaneh HZ, Shamshiri RR, Balasundram SK, Dworak V, Goodarzi M, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Nov 12;20(22).
    PMID: 33198414 DOI: 10.3390/s20226474
    Optimum microclimate parameters, including air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) that are uniformly distributed inside greenhouse crop production systems are essential to prevent yield loss and fruit quality. The objective of this research was to determine the spatial and temporal variations in the microclimate data of a commercial greenhouse with tomato plants located in the mid-west of Iran. For this purpose, wireless sensor data fusion was incorporated with a membership function model called Optimality Degree (OptDeg) for real-time monitoring and dynamic assessment of T, RH and VPD in different light conditions and growth stages of tomato. This approach allows growers to have a simultaneous projection of raw data into a normalized index between 0 and 1. Custom-built hardware and software based on the concept of the Internet-of-Things, including Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) transmitter nodes, a multi-channel LoRaWAN gateway and a web-based data monitoring dashboard were used for data collection, data processing and monitoring. The experimental approach consisted of the collection of meteorological data from the external environment by means of a weather station and via a grid of 20 wireless sensor nodes distributed in two horizontal planes at two different heights inside the greenhouse. Offline data processing for sensors calibration and model validation was carried in multiple MATLAB Simulink blocks. Preliminary results revealed a significant deviation of the microclimate parameters from optimal growth conditions for tomato cultivation due to the inaccurate timer-based heating and cooling control systems used in the greenhouse. The mean OptDeg of T, RH and VPD were 0.67, 0.94, 0.94 in January, 0.45, 0.36, 0.42 in June and 0.44, 0.0, 0.12 in July, respectively. An in-depth analysis of data revealed that averaged OptDeg values, as well as their spatial variations in the horizontal profile were closer to the plants' comfort zone in the cold season as compared with those in the warm season. This was attributed to the use of heating systems in the cold season and the lack of automated cooling devices in the warm season. This study confirmed the applicability of using IoT sensors for real-time model-based assessment of greenhouse microclimate on a commercial scale. The presented IoT sensor node and the Simulink model provide growers with a better insight into interpreting crop growth environment. The outcome of this research contributes to the improvement of closed-field cultivation of tomato by providing an integrated decision-making framework that explores microclimate variation at different growth stages in the production season.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  11. Noor Artika Hassan, Hashim JH, Wan Puteh SE, Wan Mahiyuddin WR, Faisal MS
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Altered weather patterns and changes in precipitation, temperature and humidity resulting
    from climate change could affect the distribution and incidence of cholera. This study is to quantify climateinduced increase in morbidity rates of cholera. Material and Methods: Monthly cholera cases and monthly
    temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity data from 2004 to 2014 were obtained from the Malaysian
    Ministry of Health and Malaysian Meteorological Department, respectively. Poisson generalized linear models
    were developed to quantify the relationship between meteorological parameters and the number of reported
    cholera cases. Results: The findings revealed that the total number of cholera cases in Malaysia during the 11
    year study period was 3841 cases with 32 deaths. Out of these, 45.1% of the cases were among children below
    12 years old and 75% of the cases were from Sabah. Temperature and precipitation gave significant impact on
    the cholera cases in Sabah, (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  12. Syahrul Affandi Saidi, Syarifah Idrus Sofia Syed Mohd Yamin, Mohd Sharizan Md Sarip, Wan Azani Mustafa
    MyJurnal
    In Malaysia, it is estimated that almost 80 percent of the world's population today used palm oil in their daily lives. Malaysia is the second country exporting palm oil, about 39 percent of world palm oil output. Besides that, Malaysia also recorded about 44 per cent of world exports, making the palm industry very important for countries other than rubber and cocoa. However, to keep the palm industry running smoothly and constantly, there are many challenges to face. One is to maintain soil fertility because the soil can affect the growth of oil palm trees. With the use of this system, it will show the condition of soil behaviour to the farmer about the treatment given. Arduino board is used in this project which it is programmed to calculate and display the level of soil condition by using temperature sensor and soil moisture sensors as an input. This sensor will detect the level of soil moisture and temperature and it is easier for farmers to monitor the soil conditions. Controlled soil conditions can improve the soil's ability to maintain the fertility of palm trees and help plant growth suit to the weather and local climate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  13. Ngah Nasaruddin A, Tee BT, Mohd Tahir M, Md Jasman MES
    Data Brief, 2021 Apr;35:106797.
    PMID: 33614870 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.106797
    Exposure to hot and humid weather conditions will often lead to consuming a vast amount of electricity for cooling. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are customarily known as the largest consumers of energy in institutions and other facilities which raises the question regarding the impact of the weather conditions to the amount energy consumed. The academic building is a perfect example where a constant fixed daily operating characteristic is measured by the hour, aside from the occasional semester break. Therefore, it can be assumed that the daily HVAC services on an academic facility will operate on a fixed schedule each day, having a similar pattern all year round. This article aims to present an analysis on the relationship between typical weather data by implying the test reference year (TRY) and academic building electricity consumption in an academic building located at Durian Tunggal, Melaka. Typical weather data were generated in representing the weather data between 2010 and 2018 using the Finkelstein-Schafer statistic (F-S statistic) in addition to a data set of electricity consumption. Descriptive analysis and correlation matrix analysis were conducted using JASP software for two sets of sample data; Set A and Set B, with data points of 12 and 108, respectively. The result showed an alternate result with a positive correlation between 1)mean temperature-electricity consumption, and 2)mean rainfall-electricity consumption for data Set A, and a negative correlation between 1)mean temperature-electricity consumption and 2)mean rainfall-electricity consumption for data Set B.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  14. SOBIRATUL NADIA ABDULLAH, NOOR ZAITUN YAHAYA, WAN RAFIZAH WAN WAN ABDULLAH
    MyJurnal
    The concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM) is often measured as a mass concentration. However, the other way to express particulate matter is by using the Particle Number Count ([PNC]) concentrations. This study aims to analyse the seasonal variation of airborne particulate matter in terms of [PNC] by using R packages and the Boosted Regression Trees (BRTs) technique. The study was conducted at IOES, Universiti of Malaya in Bachok, Kelantan. The monitoring was important to understand the variability of seasonal effects due to different seasons. In this work, only the datasets for three seasons (Inter Monsoon, North East Monsoon and South-West Monsoon) were analysed involving 25,958 data. The air quality monitoring equipment involved was the particle counter Environment Dust Monitor GRIMM Model 180 and a weather station for recording the meteorological parameters. The data analysis was completed by using R software and its package for evaluating seasonal variability and providing the statistical analysis. The relationship between variables was studied by using the Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) technique. The interaction between independent variables towards the [PNC] in different seasons was discussed. The best setting result of BRT model evaluation R² is 0.22 (North-East Monsoon), 0.87 (Intern monsoon 1), and 0.59 for South West Monsoon which indicated that the model developed is acceptable except for NEM and intern monsoon seasons. Temperature (57 %) and wind direction (67%) were found to be the highest factor influenced by the formation of [PNC] concentrations in this area. Finally, good results indicated that BRT technique is an acceptable way to analysed air pollution data.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  15. Miyazono K, Yamashita R, Miyamoto H, Ishak NHA, Tadokoro K, Shimizu Y, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2021 Sep;170:112631.
    PMID: 34175698 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112631
    Floating plastic debris was investigated in the transition region in the North Pacific between 141°E and 165°W to understand its transportation process from Asian coast to central subtropical Pacific. Distribution was influenced primarily by the current system and the generation process of the high concentration area differed between the western and eastern areas. West of 180°, debris largely accumulated around nearshore convergent area and was transported by eddies and quasi-stationary jet from south to the subarctic region. The average was 15% higher than that previously reported in 1989, suggesting an increase in plastic debris in 30 years. East of 180°, debris concentrated in the calm water downstream of the Kuroshio Extension Bifurcation with considerably high concentration (505,032 ± 991,989 pieces km-2), due to the accumulation of small transparent film caused by calm weather conditions, suggesting a further investigation on small plastic (<1 mm) in the subsurface depth in the subtropical North Pacific.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  16. Siti Khadijah Che Osm, Munikanan, Vikneswaran, Hapsa Husen, Zuliziana Suif, Maidiana Othman, Nordila Ahmad, et al.
    MyJurnal
    During a disaster, the rescuer must reach the disaster area within the fastest time with the help of navigation tools. However, there might be some obstacles during the night time that make the evacuation of the victims difficult especially due to the bad weather. Hence, an attempt to produce glow-in-the-dark emergency signage to ease the evacuation process and to enhance visibility during night time is necessary. In this present study, particular emphasis is given to investigate the characteristic of photo-luminescent (PL)powder applied with polyester resin as glow-in-the-dark emergency signage. Five samples of signage were fabricated with different percentage of PL powder, i.e. 20%, 40%. 60%, 80% and 100% and mixed with 150g polyester resin. Three types of luminance test were performed to check the workability of the samples. The tests are physical appearance, one-hours illuminance test and afterglow duration tests. The result showed that the maximum lux meter reading was recorded in Sample 5 with 6 lux luminosity and provided the longest glow duration of the sample before completely off after 12-hours. Results proved that the highest percentage of the PL powder content, the longer the afterglow duration will be achieved. It also noted that the polyester resin could be a good binder of PL powder for producing the glow-in-the-dark emergency signage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  17. Bui Thi Tuong Thu, Tran Van Minh, Boey, Peng Lim, Chan, Lai Keng
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2011;22(2):37-43.
    MyJurnal
    Seeds of two selected clones of Artemisia annua L., TC1 and TC2, were germinated in a greenhouse. Four-week-old seedlings from both clones were grown in the Thù Ðúc province of Ho Chi Minh City on 2nd January 2009 and Ðà Lat on 20 th January 2009. During this study period in Thù Ðúc province, which is situated 4–5 m above sea level, was experiencing a tropical, dry season with temperatures ranging from 26.2°C–32.8°C. Ðà Lat, situated at 1500–2000 m above sea level, was having temperate, dry season with lower temperatures, ranging from 10.5°C–18.0°C. The high temperatures and low elevation in Thù Ðúc Province led to slow vegetative growth for all of the plants from the two different clones and the artemisinin contents were significantly reduced. The temperate environment of Ðà Lat supported robustly growing plants, with plant heights and branch lengths 4–5 times taller and longer that those planted at Thù Ðúc Province. The artemisinin contents of A. annua planted at Ðà Lat were 3–4 times greater than those cultivated at Thù Ðúc Province. Hence, this study indicated that the variations observed in plant growth and artemisinin contents were due to temperature effects because the two selected clones were genetically homogenous. The cold weather of Ðà Lat was suitable for planting of A. annua as opposed to the tropical weather of Thù Ðúc Province.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  18. Fadzil, A., Nurzila, M.Z.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Parents play an important role in the management of their asthmatic children. Thus the ability of parents to recognise asthma trigger factors are very important.
    Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the trigger factors that were recognised by parents to cause acute exacerbation in their children and analyse the association of these factors with severity of asthma and parental asthma knowledge.
    Methods: Sixty-seven parents were interviewed to identify factors that can exacerbate acute asthmatic attack in their asthmatic children. The factors were then categorised as: infection, exercise, allergen, irritant, emotion and weather. The profiles of children were asthma severity status, duration of asthma, age, frequency of admission and steroid dosage. Parents' profiles were their age, number of asthmatic children and the level of asthma knowledge.
    Result: Fifty-six (83.5%) parents identified more than one trigger factor for their children's exacerbation. The commonest frequency was two trigger factors (31.3%). Upper respiratory tract infection (77.6%) was the commonest trigger factor. There was no association between the number of trigger factors with the severity of asthma and level of parental asthma knowledge. The number of trigger factors significantly correlated with asthma duration (r = 0.33, p = 0.006). The asthma severity was associated significantly with weather (p = 0.042) but not with other trigger factors.
    Conclusion: The majority of parents recognised more than one trigger factors to cause asthma exacerbation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
  19. Abu Bakar, M.A., Ahmad, S., Kuntjoro, W.
    MyJurnal
    Kenaf fibre that is known as Hibiscus cannabinus, L. family Malvaceae is an herbaceous plant that can be grown under a wide range of weather conditions. The uses of kenaf fibres as a reinforcement material in the polymeric matrix have been widely investigated. It is known that epoxy has a disadvantage of brittleness and exhibits low toughness. In this research, liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) was introduced to the epoxy to increase its toughness. Kenaf fibres, with five different fibre loadings of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by weight, were used to reinforce the epoxy resins (with and without addition of epoxidized natural rubber) as the matrices. The flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness of the rubber toughened epoxy reinforced kenaf fibre composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) had improved the flexural modulus, flexural strength and fracture toughness by 48%, 30%, and 1.15% respectively at 20% fibre loading. The fractured surfaces of these composites were investigated by using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) technique to determine the interfacial bonding between the matrix and the fibre reinforcement.
    Matched MeSH terms: Weather
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