Liberica coffee is the most important coffee species grown in Malaysia. However, there is little or no research at all conducted on coffee berries and green coffee beans since the plant itself is a low income crop in Malaysia. Therefore, research on Malaysian Liberica coffee can help to increase the knowledge of coffee farmers and coffee manufacturers in the processing and handling of the coffee. Physical properties of Liberica coffee berries and beans were investigated the current study. The properties investigated include the size, mass, density, coefficient of friction, angle of repose, fracture force and colour. In comparison to Arabica and Robusta coffee, Liberica coffee has the biggest size, mass, true density and fracture force values but were lower in bulk density in both berries and beans. The Liberica berries and beans were found to be orange-ish and yellowish colour respectively. Angle of repose was low and approximately similar in berries and beans while jute fibre gave the highest friction to both Liberica berries and beans.
Complicated crown-root fractures are rare and often need complex treatment planning. This paper describes a simplified treatment option for a complicated crown root fracture that minimally encroached into the biologic region in a growing child without the need for surgery or orthodontic treatment.
Lead-free solder paste printing processes account for the majority of assembly defects in the electronic manufacturing industry. In the stencil printing process, the solder paste must be able to withstand low and high shear rates which result in continuous structural breakdown and build-up. This study investigated the effect of the addition of nickel and platinum powders to the thixotropic behaviour of lead-free Sn/Ag/Cu solder pastes using the structural kinetic model. A hysteresis loop test and constant shear test were utilized to investigate the thixotropic behaviour of the pastes using parallel plate rheometry at 25ºC. In this study, the shear rates were increased from 0.01 s–1 to 10 s–1 and the second curve was a result of decreasing the shear rate from 10 s–1 to 0.01 s–1. For the constant shear test, the samples were subjected to five different shear rates of 0.01s–1, 0.1s–1, 1s–1, 10s–1 and 100s–1. The constant shear rate test was designed to study the structural breakdown and build-up of the paste materials. From this investigation, the hysteresis loop test was shown to be an effective test method to differentiate the extent of structural recovery in the solder pastes. All the pastes showed a high degree of shear thinning behaviour with time. This might be due to the agglomeration of particles in the flux that prohibited paste flow under low shear rate. The action of high shear rate would break the agglomerates into smaller pieces which facilitated the flow of pastes, thus viscosity was reduced at high shear rate.
This case series reports four patients who used religion and spirituality to relieve symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following motor vehicle accidents. Their symptoms subsided after a few weeks and the recovery is sustained after one month. This demonstrates that in a country where psychological help is still scarce and religion is central to its culture, intervention based on spirituality and religion can be used as an alternative early intervention to relieve symptoms of PTSD and hence protects them from developing the condition.
Silicon nanowires were synthesized on Si substrates (111) via thermal evaporation using AuPd thin layer catalyst. Pre cleaned of Si wafer was used as a substrate to assemble the nanostructure products. In this work, the effect of growth temperature that ranging from 800 to 1000°C on the formation of silicon nanowires studied extensively. X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope were employed to characterize the structures and morphology of nanowires. Vertical aligned silicon nanowires have been successfully grown on Si substrates at 900 and 1000°C. At 1100°C, the high aspect ratio of silicon nanowires can be produced but the formation density is low. The presence of AuPd catalyst on the tip of nanowires, it is expected that VLS is the most suitable to explain the growth mechanism of obtained SiNWs. The crystalline structure of SiNWs was proved by XRD data.
The nuts consumption pattern of Malaysian adults were assessed by a set of food frequency questionnaire collected from June to December 2008 from 364 adults (129 men and 235 women) which were selected by stratified random sampling from five areas of Penang state. Average total nuts consumption of 0.77 g/day among Penang adults was found to be no gender-specific difference but was significantly different (P
The detection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) in dried salted yellow puffer fish (Xenopterus naritus) eggs bought from Satok Market, Kuching, Sarawak was carried out by mouse bioassay method. The amount of TTX and STX detected in the samples ranged from 95.6-195.5 Mouse Unit (MU)/g and 1.72-3.58 MU/g respectively. The results indicate that the dried salted eggs samples were found to contain TTX 9-20 times above the regulatory limit for human consumption (10 MU/g). Although detected, the amount of STX in salted eggs extract was slightly below the accepted threshold limit (4 MU/g). The local public in Sarawak should be educated on the potential danger of consuming dried salted puffer fish eggs in addition to the current warnings on puffer fish.
Bacillus cereus is a soil inhabitant gram positive bacterium, and is known to cause severe food poisoning. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the presence of Bacillus cereus s.l. from selected ready to eat cereals purchased randomly from local supermarkets in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. The result showed that four of the 30 food samples were detected to be contaminated by B. cereus s.l. . Our findings suggested that it is important for the public to be aware of the safety of RTE cereals consumption, as it is possible that B. cereus s.l. may be present in high count number and pose hazardous health effects to the consumers.
The microstructural evolution of Sn-40Pb/Cu joints has been investigated under 125 o C thermal exposure conditions using single shear lap joints. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of the phases and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) was used to estimate the elemental compositions of the phases. A double layer of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn were observed. The Cu6Sn5 developed with a scalloped morphology, while the Cu3Sn always grew as a somewhat undulated planar layer in phase with the Cu6Sn5. The Cu6Sn5 layer began to transform from scallop shape to planar type after aging for 375 hours due to reduction in the interfacial energy. The intermetallic layers showed a linear dependence on the square root of aging time. The growth rate constant of the intermetallic compounds are estimated as 15.2 x 10 - 14 and 0.152 x 10 -14 cm 2 /s for Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn intermetallic, respectively.
The process of etching is the most crucial part of the work of manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCB). In the etching process by nitric acid, a spent etching waste solution of composition 250 g/L HNO3, 30-40 g/L Cu, 30-40 g/L Sn, 30-40 g/L Pb and 20-25 g/L Fe is produced. High metal concentrations in the spent etching waste solution make it a viable candidate for the recovery of metals. Recovery of metals from spent etching waste solution is a significant concern as the recent growth in production of printed circuit boards has generated a drastic increase of spent etching waste solution each year. This study concerns itself with the recovery of metals from spent etching waste. In this study a dilution was made in order to increase the pH of the solution as spent etching waste solution has high acidity, and the electrowinning method was performed to recover metals from the spent etching waste solution. Glassy carbon and platinum were used as cathode and anode in order to investigate the electrodeposition of metals and cyclic voltammetry investigation suggests that the deposition of metals on glassy carbon electrodes occurs at four different overpotentials mainly at -0.15 V, -0.35 V, -0.45 V and -0.75 V. Microscopy observation demonstrates that there is a deposition of metals by applying the potentials in a set of current-time transient study for a duration of 60 seconds and the metals recovered formed as aggregates.
Chili shrimp paste (CSP) is a favorite condiment in Southeast Asia. Microbial spoilage makes CSP unsuitable for consumption within several days. Thermal treatment was applied to produce microbiologically safe CSP. The effect of heating process on physicochemical and sensorial properties of CSP was studied. Heating at the optimum condition (21.6 min, 80 ˚C) has been shown effective and reliable in controlling microorganisms in CSP. Complete inactivation of peroxidase activities could not be accomplished at the optimal point, and significant reduction of the total phenolic and capsaicinoids contents was observed. Sensorial evaluation indicated that thermally processed CSP was less preferred by panelists when compared to freshly prepared samples of dry weight respectively.
Not many attempts have been made in previous studies to understand consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics and their awareness towards organic rice. Knowledge towards organic rice among consumers is fundamental to induce demand and market for organic rice. This study seeks to understand consumers’ awareness towards organic rice in Malaysia. The survey is exploratory in nature and was conducted at major supermarkets in Klang Valley. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis and chi-square analysis using cross-classification techniques, and correlation to determine their relationship, strength and direction of their relationship. The findings showed majority of the respondents (85.6%) have some level of awareness towards organic rice, while only 64.7% planned to consume organic rice in the future. This indicates that awareness of consumers towards organic rice does not necessarily translate to their planning to consume organic rice. Thus, achieving awareness and understanding the linkage between awareness and consumption is fundamental to impacting demand and market for organic rice. The study also showed that the younger respondents have more concern towards organic rice. These findings if well responded to, would definitely have positive implications for the Malaysian organic rice industry.
The aim of this study was to assess the most probable number-polymerase chain reaction (MPNPCR) technique for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in salad vegetables in comparison with reference EN ISO 11290-2 and Food Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual method using artificial and naturally contaminated samples. Based on recovery of L. monocytogenes from artificially contaminated samples, MPN-PCR showed a moderate correlation (R=0.67) between spiking concentration and microbial levels which was better than the FDA-BAM method (R=0.642) and ISO 11290-2:1998 method (R=0.655). With naturally contaminated samples, it was found that L. monocytogenes was detected in 25% of the vegetable samples using MPN-PCR; 15% of the samples by the FDA-BAM method and 8% of samples using ISO 11290-2:1998 method. Overall, MPN-PCR was found to be a rapid and reliable method that could facilitate the enumeration of L. monocytogenes in vegetables.
Studies have been carried out to determine the chemical (soluble solid content) and physical (firmness) parameters of locally grown Cavendish banana by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. NIR spectra in the wavelength region of 680-2500 nm were obtained from a total of 408 Cavendish bananas of different ripeness indices. Chemometrics using multiple linear regression (MLR) was applied to develop calibration models for prediction of firmness and soluble solid content (SSC) of Cavendish banana. Results showed that NIR spectroscopy had the feasibility for non-destructive determination of the quality of Cavendish banana. The coefficient of determination (R2) for firmness and SSC calibration models at different ripeness indices ranged from 0.78 to 0.86 and 0.75 to 0.96, respectively. The calibration models were validated using independent sets of data and prediction models developed with the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) ranged from 0.01 to 0.26 kgf and 0.039 to 0.788 Brix for firmness and SSC, respectively. The multi-index models showed considerable robustness but higher prediction error with RMSEP of 0.336 kgf for firmness and 0.937% Brix for SSC compared to index specific model.
The most commonly used techniques of alpha and gamma spectrometry were performed to measure
210Pb activity in marine sediment core as a comparison. Alpha analytical technique measured the
activity of 210Pb from it’s in-grow grand-daughter 210Po after a chemical separation, assuming
radioactive equilibrium between the two radionuclides. Meanwhile, gamma analysis technique
allows direct measurement, non-destructive and no preliminary chemical separation. Through the
comparison, it is found that both alpha and gamma analysis techniques were slightly difference.
Overall, the results from alpha analytical technique were basically higher than those from the
gamma analytical techniques. Some logical argument had been discussed to explain this situation.
In routine analysis, the analytical technique used should be chosen carefully based on advantages
and disadvantages of the each technique and analysis requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to
determine exactly the needs and purpose of analysis and to know the sample history before decide
the appropriate analytical technique
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves a lot of emotional suffering which may be hidden behind the complex and controversial nature of the condition and treatment. The condition is still largely under-diagnosed, undertreated and stigmatized. This paper described the emotional battle faced by a patient living with the disorder and the application of psychosocial treatments in helping her to recover.
Nur Humaira’ Lau Abdullah, Zal U’yun Wan Mahmood, Norfaizal Mohamed @ Muhamad, Nazaratul Ashifa Abdullah Salim, Ahmad Nazrul Abd Wahid, Nor Dalila Desa, et al.
A glasshouse experiment was performed to evaluate the uptake of grasses viz. Napier and Vetiver
in radiophytoremediation of caesium-contaminated soil. The radiophytoremediation experiment
was designed according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The grasses were
grown in troughs filled with soil mixed with a known specific activity of 134Cs. Initial Cs activity and
activity after different cultivation time intervals of 1, 3, 6 and 9 months were analyzed using gamma
spectrometer direct measurement. The results showed the uptake of caesium by Napier and Vetiver
after 9 months with the transfer factors (TF) were 4.70 and 6.25, respectively. The remediation of
caesium from the contaminated soil during the study period was 98.08% for Napier and 98.21% for
Vetiver. Both grasses have been found to accumulate caesium, with Vetiver accumulating higher
than Napier. Thus, the present study suggests that Vetiver could be used as a potential plant for
radiophytoremediation of caesium.
The central coast of Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with other regions, was severely hit by the tsunami on 26 December 2004. A strange spawning behaviour of the Indian horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus gigas, Müller) was observed after the tsunami disturbance. Along the northeast coast of India, the horseshoe crabs normally migrate towards the shore in large numbers coinciding with the tidal height and grain size of the sediment and spawn in nests made in sand. The spawning behaviour was normal until November 2004 and throughout that period about 35 to 45 nests in 200 m2 of area of the breeding beach were examined. However, no nesting was observed from December 2004 to March 2005, i.e. after the occurrence of tsunami. The number of nests per 200 m2 of area (~82) and the number of eggs per nest (750-1000 eggs) were increased considerably when the normal conditions were restored in April 2005. The absence of spawning migration, from December 2004 to March 2005, is totally an unusual behaviour and this happened for the first time during the past several years of the study period.
Compartmented Fluidized Bed Gasifier (CFBG), consisting of two compartments - the combustorand gasifier, uses air blown instead of pure oxygen for syngas production in bubbling fluidization mode, eliminating the need of air separation unit, and reducing the capital cost, thus distinguishes it from other traditional ones. Fluidization quality is a determining factor in the CFBG to guarantee its well-lifted behaviour. Previous study, without solid circulation at ambient conditions, brought to the fore the necessity of considering the effect of the minimum allowable effective diameter. The study was then performed in the CFBG cold physical model of 0.66m overall diameter (effective diameter for combustor and gasifier is 0.413m and 0.257m) to investigate the fluidization quality and compare it with the results obtained from the previous cold model of about 1.36 times smaller, but with the same compartmented ratio of 65:35. Different inert particles (river sand, quartz sand and alumina) were used, over a range of aspect ratios, for the aforementioned objective. The results showed that the fluidization quality in the gasifier has not been achieved and the degradation of fluidization quality in the combustor is still observed, notwithstanding the fact that the condition of the minimum allowable effective diameter has been met. The reduction of distributor free area, to increase the distributor pressure drop, showed a marginal effect on the quality. The effect of the minimum allowable effective diameter on fluidization quality in CFBG as well as the interplay of geometric and operational parameters require further studies be carried out. The fluidization quality of the binary mixture is also currently under investigation.
A series of polycrystalline samples (La1-xSmx)0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (X=0.00, 0.05 and 0.10) were prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The XRD analysis indicated that all the samples were fully crystalline and in a single phase with a rhombohedral structure after a sintering at 1200ºC for 24 hours in air. Meanwhile, the Atomic Force Microscopy measurements showed that a small amount of Sm doping in La sites affected the grain growth and this might affect the grain boundary layer, thus resulting in the reduction of the Curie temperature, TC. Extrinsic magnetoresistance (MR) was observed for all the samples with a large negative MR at low field (0-0.1 or 0.2T) region, followed by a slower varying MR at high field (0.1 or 0.2-1T). The highest low-field MR value of -4.6% (at 0.1T) and -6.1% (at 0.2T) were observed for sample X=0.10 and X=0.05, respectively. Hence, these indicated that the extrinsic MR was grain size dependent and was therefore enhanced with a small amount of Sm substitution in La sites.