Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 173 in total

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  1. Kumar Das, V.G.
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):173-220.
    MyJurnal
    Malaysia is currently poised to introduce its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy and Act to bolster the nation's efforts at economic and social transformation. In championing this initiative, the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, while continuing to advise the Government on STI issues of the day, has made major strides in taking stock of the country's STI strengths in the various sectors of the economy as well as weaknesses that need to be addressed in terms of human capital development. In this article, the author examines the level of research expertise presently in the country in the field of chemistry, and elaborates on the four key areas of energy, catalysis and chemical synthesis, materials science and biological chemistry which will be researched globally in the next few decades that we would also need to be engaged upon to remain competitive. Intended for a wider audience than chemists alone, the descriptive sections in the article by and large belie an interdisciplinary flavour. The article also advocates the need for a more thorough road mapping exercise of the STI efforts in chemistry across the spectrum of academia and industry and makes some recommendations towards forging strong collaborations in research between the universities, public research institutes and the industry which are seen as vital in providing cross-cutting chemical solutions throughout the value chains and to the success of technologies identified as critical to the nation.
  2. Pereira, J.J., Hunt, J.C.R., Chan, J.C.L.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):1-10.
    MyJurnal
    The role of science and technology (S&T) in preventing disasters and building resilience to climate change is featured in this paper, drawing primarily on the presentations and discussion of researchers, practitioners and policy makers from 31 institutions in 17 countries during the Workshop on Natural Disasters and Climate Change in Asia, held on 5–7 November 2012 in Bangi, Malaysia. Issues highlighted include advances in climate modelling and weather forecasts, with emphasis on information gaps; hazards and its cascading effects, focusing on current research and approaches; and the potential for land-based mitigation-adaptation strategies. Progress in mobilizing S&T to support disaster prevention and climate resilience is hindered by factors such as absence or lack of research, incomplete and non-existent scientific records, restricted access to data and capacity to innovate and transmit S&T, among others. The establishment of an Asian Network for Climate Science and Technology is proposed to provide and facilitate exchange of information and aid development of research co-ordination projects led by Asian researchers and possibly to act as a one-stop repository of global climate change related research too. The scope of the network would cover climate research with particular relevance to disaster resilience, including scientific capacity, which is all very distinct in Asia.
  3. M.N.M. Nawi, A.A. Manaf, M.R. Arshad
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):144-151.
    MyJurnal
    This article uses finite volume and finite element methods for optimization of the artificial hair cell sensor. The performance of the sensor was investigated for different materials such as sicon and polysilicon and by varying hair cell dimensions including width and length. The silicon material which has low young modulus was proposed based on the simulation performance. The performance of the hair cell sensor was achieved by increasing the hair cell length while increasing the width did not significantly influence the performance. The
    performance of the sensor was studied for its viscous force, deflection, von mises stress and sensitivity. From the simulation, the hair cell with a length of 1600 µm and 80 µm width was suggested for the subsequent analysis. Another way to improve the performance was by modifying the hair cell geometry and it was proved that the modified hair cell was more sensitive, based on the deflection. The angle of flow that hit the hair cell also affected the deflection of the sensor where the zero angle flow which was parallel to the substrate was the most effective angle. The limitations of the performance of hair cell for various fluid velocity were also discussed in this paper.
  4. C. Devendra
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):152-165.
    MyJurnal
    Systems perspectives are fundamental in driving technological improvements and yield-enhancing strategies that improve agricultural productivity. These can resolve farmerʼs problems and are important pathways for sustaining food and nutritional security for human welfare in Asia. The essential determinants of this objective are the capacity to efficiently manage the natural resource base (land, crops, animals, and water) to resolve constraints to farming systems, and notably the integration of multiple research and development (R&D) issues through all levels of formal and non-formal learning systems. Both formal and informal education systems are important, with the former relating more to universities and colleges, and the latter to the intermediate level. Graduates from this level have the primary responsibility of introducing improved technologies and change to farmers, mainly along production and disciplinary pathways.The traditional research–extension–farmer model for technology delivery is no longer acceptable, due to “top down” extension functions and prescriptions, ineffectiveness to cope with the dynamics of production systems, complex interactions within the natural resources, effects of climate change and globalisation. There are also reservations on the technical capacity and skills of extension agents, constraints identification, methods for technology diffusion and dissemination, and innovative use of beneficial technological improvements that can directly respond to the needs of small farmers, and impact on subsistence agriculture. Agricultural education and systems perspectives are therefore an overriding compelling necessity which transcends prevailing limitations to waning agriculture and rural growth. Their wider recognition and applications provides an important means to maximise efficiency in the potential use; of the natural resources, increase engagement and investments in agriculture, promote ways to become more self-reliant in the development of crucial new technologies and intensification. These together can meet the challenges of the future and overcome the legacy of continuing poverty, food and nutritional insecurity. Asian farming systems, with their diversity of crops and animals, traditional methods, multiple crop-animal interactions, numerous problems of farmers present increasingly complex issues of natural resource management (NRM) and the environment. Many if not all of these can only be resolved by interdisciplinary R&D, which overcomes a major weakness of many R&D programmes presently and in the past. Improved education and training is a powerful and important driver of community-based participation aimed at enhancing sustainable food security, poverty reduction and social equity in which the empowerment of women in activities that support organising themselves is also an important pathway to enhance self-reliance and their contribution to agriculture. A vision for the future in which improved agricultural education in a systems context can provide the pathway to directly benefit the revitalisation of agriculture and agricultural development is proposed with a three-pronged strategy as follows:
    Define policy for the development of appropriate curricular for formal agricultural education that provides strong multi-disciplinary orientation and improved understanding of the natural resources (land, crops, animals and water) and their interactions
    Organise formal degree education and specialisation at the university level that reflects strong training in understanding of agricultural systems; systems perspectives, methodologies and their application, and
    Define non-formal education and training needs that can be intensified at different levels, including the trainin of trainers as agents of change.
  5. R. (III) P. Dioso
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(2):134-142.
    MyJurnal
    Aim: This study analyses factors affecting SP compliance among doctors and nurses in all areas of hospital settings worldwide.

    Methods: The PICO guide helped put focus on this meta-analysis. Of the 100 studies published from search engines and/or databases from 2009 to 2014, only four were selected. A PRISMA guideline was also used to eliminate other studies. Critique framework helped in analysing the studies selected.

    Outcomes: Four significant factors affected doctors’ and nurses’ compliance with the practice of SPs - health threats, behaviour modifications, systems controls and educations, and health promotions. Of the 33 doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynaecologic department, 30% complied; of the 120 doctors - 60% interns, 34.2% residents and 5.8% consultants - complied by proper hand gloving (56.7%), hand hygiene (39.3%) and wearing aprons (58.3%); of the 32 hospital nurses, 100% complied; and of the 1,444 clinical nurses in the hospital, there is a p
  6. Jaaman, S.A., Mohamed, C.A.R.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(2):143-149.
    MyJurnal
    Marine mammal searches were opportunistically conducted during the East Coast Johor Scientific Expedition (ECJSE) on 21-30 May 2012, on a live-on-board (LOB) diving vessel, MV BLACK PEARL. The expedition was designed mainly to survey coral reef ecosystems and water quality. Daylight visual observations of the sea were undertaken during sailing and stopping/anchored from the most upper open-deck of the vessel. The survey resulted in two sightings of long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis), each at Pulau Aur and Pulau Tinggi. Both observations were brief (< 5 minutes) and were made when the vessel was anchored. Based on anecdotal evidences, skeletal remains and previous surveys, the vulnerable dugong, Indo-Pacific bottlenose, Indo-Pacific humpback, Irrawaddy and long-beaked common dolphins, the false killer and pygmy killer whales, and the baleen whales are known to occur in the East Coast Johor waters, at least occasionally. The low sighting rate with marine mammals during this survey is highly likely caused by the survey design and also may be due to the environmental conditions and ecological factors. Dedicated and periodical boat and aerial surveys for marine mammals need to be conducted to determine species diversity and to understand the seasonality, habitat use, and social interactions of the marine mammal populations in the area. The findings will be most useful for marine park and fisheries authorities to plan conservation management strategies for marine mammals and promote their conservation through eco-tourism activities.
  7. Abd-Aziz, N.A.A., Chatterjee, A., Chatterjee, R., Durairajanayagam, D.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(2):117-124.
    MyJurnal
    Elevated glucocorticoid levels during stressed conditions have been demonstrated to impair reproductive function in rats. In our previous study investigating the dose-related effects of corticosterone (CORT) on the fertilising capacity of epididymal sperm in surgically-manipulated rats, we found that 25 mg/kg/day of CORT given subcutaneously for seven consecutive days significantly decreased the number of implantation sites and increased intrauterine embryonic loss compared to controls. Based on these findings, the current study aims to elucidate the possible mechanisms of action of CORT-induced stress on impaired sperm fertility in rats. Results of the present study showed that compared to controls, 25 mg/kg/day of CORT given subcutaneously for 7 consecutive days significantly increased the level of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) with corresponding attenuated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities. Plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and testosterone levels were also found to be decreased in CORTtreated rats. These findings suggest that CORT-induced oxidative stress and exert an inhibitory effect at the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation, reduced enzymatic antioxidant activities, and decreased testosterone production. These subsequently result in decreased fertilising capacity of epididymal sperm leading to poor pregnancy outcomes.
  8. Goh, P.S., Ismail, A.F., Ng, B.C., Sumner, T.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(2):125-133.
    MyJurnal
    This study was conducted to prepare a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) and to test the performance of the prepared MMM for CO2 and CH4 gas separation. MMM containing polyethersulfone (PES) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by a dry-wet phase inversion technique using a pneumatically-controlled membrane casting machine. The surface modification was performed on MWCNTs in order to enhance the selectivity of CO2/CH4. The surface modification of MWCNTs using chemical and physical approaches has been adopted. Mixed acid (HNO3/H2SO4) and β-CD were used for chemical and physical approaches, respectively. Effects of surface modification on MWCNTs/PES MMM were investigated. MWCNTs/PES MMMs were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and pure gas permeation test. The permeability and selectivity, which are the parameters describing membrane performance were calculated via the data obtained from pure gas permeation test with the feed pressure difference from 3 to 7 bars. In this study, surface modified MWCNTs/PES MMM using mixed acid and β-CD has successfully enhanced the CO2/CH4 selectivity by 40.6% compared to that of neat PES.
  9. M.N.N. Husna, R.M.R. Ahmad, R.E. Intan, C.H. Asmawati
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(1):59-66.
    MyJurnal
    Throughout the years, the construction industry has made an important contribution to the Malaysian economy. Moreover, the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006–2010) has also played a significant role in the demands of executing major residential housing project developments where it has been observed that construction waste was one of the priority waste streams. Due to the increasing number in the population that is actively involved in economic activities, and the modernization of the country, the types of construction waste that are being produced, and identifying the source such as waste are becoming more complex. Therefore, appropriate actions and approaches are needed to be taken with respect to its effective management in handling the solid waste from construction sites. This paper is intended to review the issues and the challenges enclosed within the supply chain management mechanisms in order for improving construction waste management. Throughout this review, useful information and better understanding concerning the current issues, challenges and the supply chain management mechanisms would be made inclusive in the field to be explored. The findings would also assist in improving the quality and awareness on the construction waste management that is being practiced.
  10. W. Wilonita, R. Nurliyana, D.D. Asma, M. Noorazizah, M.Y. Hirzun
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):105-112.
    MyJurnal
    Molecular markers have been intensively used in assisting breeding to reduce the time taken by conventional breeding as well as helping introgression of specific traits. Baseline analysis of known markers is crucial in developing a genetic database on disease and pest resistance for local rice germplasm which does not yet
    exist. In this study seven local rice varieties, including the popular MR219 and MRQ 74 and MRQ 76 (newly developed aromatic rice varieties), together with a foreign variety, Intani-2, were screened for genetic markers related to pest and disease resistance. One hundred and twenty-two type-related markers (SSR, STS, InDel and Allele-specific) for genes resistant to bacterial leaf blight, blast and brown planthopper were screened using PCR amplification and validated by sequencing. It was found that each variety had its own pattern of resistance. Using allele-specific markers namely pBPH9, pTA248 and Pisbdom were found to be the most efficient way to screen for the targeted genes. Of the seven varieties, MR219 and MR232 were found to have the highest distribution of markers for resistance genes against pest and diseases studied.
  11. Dinesh, S., Faudzi, M.M., Rafidah, M., Shakhira, B.N.I., Robiah, A.S., Shalini, S.S., et al.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):11-20.
    MyJurnal
    In this study, Global Positioning System (GPS) simulation was employed to study the effect of radio frequency interference (RFI) on two hand-held GPS receivers; Garmin GPSmap 60CSx (evaluated GPS receiver) and Garmin GPSmap 60CS (reference GPS receiver). Both GPS receivers employed the GPS L1 coarse acquisition (C/A) signal. It was observed that the interference signal power levels required to affect the location fixes of the GPS receivers were significantly high compared to the corresponding GPS signal power levels. The noiselike C/A code structure, which modulated the L1 signal over a 2 MHz bandwidth, allowed for the signal to be received at low levels of interferences. The evaluated GPS receiver had better RFI operability as compared to the reference GPS receiver. This is because the evaluated GPS receiver had higher receiver sensitivity, allowing it to have increased carrier-to-noise density (C/N0) levels for GPS satellites tracked by the receiver. The absence of other error parameters, including ionospheric and tropospheric delays, satellite clock, ephemeris and multipath errors, and unintentional signal interferences and obstructions, resulted in the required minimum jamming power levels in this study to be significantly higher as compared to field evaluations. These minimum jamming power levels vary with location and time. This was due to the GPS satellite constellation being dynamic, causing varying GPS satellite geometry over location and time, resulting in the minimum required GPS jamming power levels being location / time dependent. In general, the lowest minimum jamming power levels were observed for readings with the highest position dilution of precision (PDOP) values, and vice versa.
  12. Teh, G.B., Wong, Y.C., Tilley, R.D.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):21-28.
    MyJurnal
    Co(II)-Ti(IV)-substituted magnetoplumbite-type (M-type) barium ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol-gel technique employing ethylene glycol as the gel precursor. Structural and magnetic properties were characterised via X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The particle sizes of the M-type BaCoXTiXFe12-2XO19 (0.2 ≤  ≤ 1.0) were found to be 900 Å – 1500 Å. The XRD results confirmed that the Co(II)-Ti(IV) substituted ferrites in the range of 0.2 ≤  ≤ 1.0 substitution had the M-type ferrite as the dominant phase. The hysteresis loss per-cycle decreased with increasing Co(II)-Ti(IV) substitution in M-type ferrites which showed reduced values in coercivity and remnant magnetisation with moderate effect on the saturation magnetisation.
  13. Abdullah, A.L., Lim, H.S., Yasin, Z., Razalli, N.M.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):44-53.
    MyJurnal
    Chlorophyll-a concentrations (mg/l) in surface waters of Songsong Islands were mapped using an optically derived remote sensing model. Landsat TM imagery dated 8 October 2008 was used in the classification process and in situ measurements made on 19 May 2012 during spring tidal condition (HW: 2.6 m, LW: 0.9 m) served as ground truthing data. The temporal difference between data used will be useful to review the robustness of the model. Three classes of chlorophyll-a concentrations were mapped: Class 1: 10 mg/l. Considering the dynamic nature of coastal and marine waters particularly the shallow region, and the temporal difference between the Landsat TM imagery used in classification and the field data, results of chlorophyll-a mapping using the developed remote sensing model was high at 83.3%, with producer’s accuracy of 50%–100% and user’s accuracy of 80%–100%. Kappa coefficient of agreement, Kˆ , calculated was 57.1%.
  14. R.(III) P. Dioso
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):55-66.
    MyJurnal
    Through the six domains of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) - physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationship, environment and spirituality or religion - ten out of one hundred randomly selected studies were analysed and evaluated as a theoretical outcome of self care using health products such as food supplements, multivitamins and minerals. A reconstructed HRQOL tool was used in the qualitative and the quantitative analysis and evaluation of the ten selected studies. A Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was also used in making sense of the evidences of the study trials. The Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome guide focused the protocol for the selection of the studies used in this meta-analysis. A probability sampling generated a uniform distribution of the populations. The manner of consuming or the route of administration, the volume and the preparation of commercially prepared health products were neither analysed nor evaluated as the exclusion criteria. Of the ten studies, nine gave a high significance to the six domains of the (O.R. = 90% / p =
  15. Yunus, N.A.M., Jaafar, H., Halin, I.A., Green, N.G.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):29-35.
    MyJurnal
    This paper presents a suitable and unique system for observing dielectrophoretic particle separation in a microfluidic device. Details presented on the experimental setup used will enable real time examination, monitoring and analysis of carboxylate-modified latex sphere particles in a colloidal mixture. Observations of the particles were made possible through an optical setup that illuminates the particles that went through the microelectrode array in the microchannel that was controlled by two analog signal generators. Through the setup, it was easily observed that the latex sphere particles move at a flow rate of 0.2 μl/s without colliding or overlapping on each other and successfully separated in two bands left and right. The new separation of one finest particles size for finest purification with respect to frequency was also observed, obtained and analysed.
  16. Naji, H.R., Sahri, M.H., Bakar, E.S., Soltani, M., Hamid, H.A.
    ASM Science Journal, 2014;8(1):36-43.
    MyJurnal
    Wood density and types of shrinkage were examined in two rubberwood latex timber clones of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) namely RRIM 2020 and RRIM 2025, planted at densities of 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 trees/ha, within a trial plot. The mean wood density showed a low descending trend towards high planting densities in both clones. Wood density was significantly and negatively correlated with planting density. The strength of correlation was moderate. The mean longitudinal shrinkage in both clones and tangential shrinkages in clone RRIM 2020 showed no significant difference among planting densities. The tangential (in RRIM 2025), radial and volumetric shrinkages in both clones decreased from low to high planting densities and the differences were more pronounced between densities of 500 trees/ha and 2000 trees/ha. The magnitudes of correlation between these shrinkages and planting density were low. The regression models indicated that wood density could be more ascribed by planting density followed by volumetric shrinkage. This study exhibited low variations in wood density and shrinkages among clones and the respective planting densities; however, RRIM 2025 was more stable than RRIM 2020.
  17. C.H. Asmawati, M.R. Ahmad Ruslan, Y. Zulkiflee, M.N.N. Husna
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):113-117.
    MyJurnal
    Nowadays, construction and demolition waste has become a major issue to environmental problems faced by many countries. This concern comes from the inefficiencies of waste management which includes the waste generated from construction and demolition activities. In Malaysia, there is a lack of database records on construction waste and this has affected proper management planning of the waste. As there is a lack of policy on construction waste management, control on construction waste disposal is very hazy and this has aggravated environmental problems and exhausted landfill usage and increased illegal dumping. This paper reviews the critical issues on construction waste management and also discusses several estimation models on construction waste generation from several countries. Based on the review, most of the countries faced problems regarding construction waste management and the models developed were considered as one of the methods which could be adopted for better management of construction wastes.
  18. S.L. Tan
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):129-138.
    MyJurnal
    The paper seeks to assuage the fears and worries over living modified organisms (LMOs). It describes how any research carried out on LMOs as well as any release activity on LMOs for public use in Malaysia is controlled by the Biosafety Act 2007. Stringent risk assessment of the LMO and its product/s is carried out to eradicate or minimize the negative effects of these on animal and human health, and to biological diversity and the environment. In contrast, no such risk assessment is carried out on introduced exotic species, or on the products of other types of technology, with the exception of pharmaceuticals. Examples are given comparing risk assessment on LMOs and exotic species.
  19. Fazliah, S.N., Jaafar, S., Shamsuddin, S., Zainudin, Z., Hilmi, A.B., Razila, A.R., et al.
    ASM Science Journal, 2010;4(1):1-14.
    MyJurnal
    Stem cells from human extracted deciduous teeth (SHED) have the ability to multiply much faster and double their population in culture at a greater rate, indicating that it may be in a more immature state than other type of adult stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from human primary molars were isolated and cultured in media supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum. The MSCs were confirmed using CD 105 and CD 166 and the identification of the osteoblast cells were done using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Differentiated osteoblast cells (DOC) were characterized by alkaline phosphotase and von Kossa staining followed by immunocytochemistry staining using osteocalcin and osteonectin antibodies. Further validation of SHED was done by RT-PCR to detect the presence of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) and discoidin domain tyrosine kinase-2 (DDTK-2) transcripts, while the presence of Runx-2 mRNA was used to characterize DOC. The results showed that SHED was found positive for CD 105 and CD 166 and could differentiate into osteoblast, bone forming cells. The findings revealed the presence of distinct MSC population which had the capability to generate living human cells that could be a possible source for tissue engineering in the future.
  20. Jamuna, K., Noorsal, K., Zakaria, F.A., Hussin, Z.H.
    ASM Science Journal, 2010;4(1):41-47.
    MyJurnal
    Introducing CO2 flux as the carbonate source had an effect on the carbonate content of carbonate apatite (CAp) synthesized by solid state reaction. The reactants were CaCO3 and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and the heat treatment in air was performed at 1250ºC followed by instant cooling in CO2 flux for temperatures ranging from 800ºC room temperature (RT) . The influence of CO2 flux at various temperature drop differences in the cooling process (1250ºC RT, 1250ºC–500ºC, 1250ºC–600ºC, 1250ºC–700ºC, and 1250ºC–800ºC) was tested to optimize the carbonation degree and subsequent effects on the physical and mechanical properties of CAp. Thermally treated samples revealed an increasing degree of carbonation, achieving a maximum of 5.2 wt% at the highest (1250ºC RT) and a minimum of 2.7 wt% at the lowest (1250ºC–800ºC) temperature drop differences, respectively. This showed that the carbonate content was correlated with the increase in exposure to CO2 flux. However, consistent compressive strength, tensile strength, density and porosity were observed against increasing temperature drop differences which indicated that the degree of carbonation exerted no influence on the physical and mechanical properties of CAp. This method enabled the synthesis of solid state CAp simply by exposing calcium phosphate mixtures to CO2 flux. It also allowed the control of carbonate content for desired medical applications.
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