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  1. Fulltext Antiradical and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity Evaluations of Averrhoa bilimbi L. Leaves and Tentative Identification of Bioactive Constituents through LC-QTOF-MS/MS and Molecular Docking Approach
    Ahmed QU, Alhassan AM, Khatib A, Shah SAA, Hasan MM, Sarian MN
    Antioxidants (Basel), 2018 Oct 08;7(10).
    PMID: 30297618 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7100137
    The objective of the present study was to investigate the antiradical and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects of Averrhoa bilimbi leaves. Hence, crude methanolic leaves extract and its resultant fractions, namely hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol were evaluated for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. The active constituents were tentatively identified through LC-QTOF-MS/MS and molecular docking approaches. The n-butanol fraction of A. bilimbi crude methanolic leaves extract displayed significant DPPH radical scavenging effect with IC50 (4.14 ± 0.21 μg/mL) (p < 0.05), as well as xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity with IC50 (64.84 ± 3.93 μg/mL) (p < 0.05). Afzelechin 3-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside and cucumerin A were tentatively identified as possible metabolites that contribute to the antioxidant activity of the n-butanol fraction.
  2. Fulltext Self-planning traveller system
    Khor, Chun Siang, Nasuha Lee Abdullah, Rosnah Idrus, Nura Muhammad Baba
    Scientific Research Journal, 2017;14(2):73-87.
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to understand the problems faced by self-planning
    travellers when they plan for a trip by searching travel information from
    the Internet and propose a system to facilitate the self-planning travellers
    to obtain useful travel information. An online survey was conducted via
    social media to understand the problems, the search criteria and types of
    content of travel itinerary needed in facilitating the planning. A total of
    65 responses were collected. The results showed that there were too many
    unrelated information on the Web and travellers were unsure of where to
    start the search. Also, the result revealed that the search criteria needed to
    generate travel itinerary were travel date, travel duration, travel country
    and travel budget. Finally, flight schedule, hotel accommodation, sightseeing
    places, travelling route and things to do were the information required by
    travellers for their travel itineraries. Based on the results, a travel itinerary
    recommendation system named eTravelPlanner is proposed.
  3. Fulltext Obstacle avoidance autonomous robot: an implementation of fuzzy inference system
    Talha Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Alam, Kushsairy Kadir, Mazliham, M.S., Zeeshan Shahid
    Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2018;11(1):55-63.
    MyJurnal
    Designing of autonomous navigation is very complex and challenging. The main motive
    of the proposed research was to construct an autonomous robot which has a
    proficiency to move in unpredictable and dynamic environments, and for that reason
    the robot has to sense the environment and lug out the required tasks irrespective of
    any hindrances in its working area. Applications of autonomous mobile robots can
    include espionage, underground mining, military operations, driverless transportation,
    identification of intrusion and protect missions, etc. Several various approaches have
    been critiqued to perform such operability of robot but results proved that the Fuzzy
    logic found to be the best for this kind of robotics operations because it has the
    capability to respond meritoriously to the complex inputs. To refrain and bypass the
    obstacles accurately and to attain the destination under various contour of obstruction
    in surroundings, a fuzzy logic approach has been studied and carried out to advance
    the motion of robot vigorously with less false alarm rate using ‘If-Then’ basic principle
    fuzzy inference norms and defuzzification procedure for the accurate and precise path
    planning and navigation of autonomous robot. The unmanned robot was furnished
    with sensors (ultrasonic HC-SR04) which has the aptitude to detect the scope of
    hindrances on the premise of how close or far the impediment is. To achieve this a
    solitary board PC was utilized, to be specific Raspberry-Pi 2 model b which takes the
    inputs from the sensors and maintain a strategic distance from the snags set in their
    way lastly proceeds onward. Results proved that our designed robot is a cost-effective
    solution performed better than the other techniques.
  4. Fulltext Introduction to customized occupational safety and health website and its effectiveness in improving Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) among police officers
    Irniza Rasdi, Nadia Farhana Ismail, Andy, Shin Shyen Kong, Suhainizam Muhammad Saliluddin
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(2):67-73.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The prevalence of stress among Malaysian police is high in which 38.8% polices have severe stress related to work resources and workplace environment. Psychosocial safety climate is one of the indicators that can be used to avoid psychosocial health problems. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of psychosocial safety climate and to measure the effectiveness of a customised safety website in improving the safety climate. Methodology: This study involved 105 police officers who were randomly selected from nine different departments in PDRM Bukit Aman. A survey adapted from previous study was used to determine the psychosocial safety climate levels among respondents. Then, occupational safety website was introduced to the respondents and being used for two weeks. Lastly, post survey was done to see the difference of psychosocial safety climate before and after the use of the website. Results and Discussion: Findings showed that team psychological safety (r=0.381, p= , p=
  5. Different pontic design for porcelain fused to metal fixed dental prosthesis: Contemporary guidelines and practice by general dental practitioners
    Raza Kazmi SM, Iqbal Z, Muneer MU, Riaz S, Zafar MS
    Eur J Dent, 2018 8 28;12(3):375-379.
    PMID: 30147402 DOI: 10.4103/ejd.ejd_232_18
    Objective: The current study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of pontic design selection by the general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the light of contemporary guidelines.

    Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the GDPs of Karachi. A questionnaire was designed to collect data from 100 GDPs. The questionnaire included general/demographic information (practitioner's education, experience, and place of practice) and an average number of fixed prosthesis constructed by the GDP. The questionnaire was further categorized to evaluate the knowledge/practice of pontic design selection and latest recommendations.

    Results: For the maxillary anterior segment, the ridge lap pontic was the most common (32%) followed by the modified ridge lap (28%). In the maxillary posterior segment, the ridge lap pontic was the most common (37%) followed by sanitary design (34%). For the mandibular anterior segment, the modified ridge lap (50%) was the most common followed by ridge lap pontic (17%). In case of the mandibular posterior segment, the sanitary design (34%) was the most common followed by ridge lap pontic (30%).

    Conclusions: The pontic design selection for the fixed prosthesis is a neglected domain. The contemporary guidelines are not followed with full spirit by the GDPs leading to wide variations in the pontic design selection.

  6. Fulltext The effects of a 90-minute simulated soccer match-play on knee and hip kinematics
    Muhammad Hamdan, Hosni Hasan, Shariman Ismadi Ismail, Hashbullah Ismail, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin
    Movement Health & Exercise, 2018;7(1):59-72.
    MyJurnal
    Knee and hip extension are two proposed mechanisms of non-traumatic
    anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aimed to investigate the
    changes of the hip extension angles following exertion induced by an
    overground simulated soccer match-play. Fifteen male recreational players
    consented to this study and were required to complete a 90 minutes of
    simulated soccer match-play. Knee and hip angles were measured at initial
    contact during 45° anticipated side-cutting tasks performed prior to the
    simulation (time 0 min), at the end of the first half (time 45 min) prior to the
    second half (time 60 min) and at the end of the soccer match simulation (time
    105 min). A two (group: dominant, nondominant) × four (time: 0 min, 45
    min, 60 min and 105 min) mixed between- and within- subjects ANOVA was
    utilized. Results revealed that both knee and hip extension angles were
    significantly altered over time (knee: F3,102 = 4.464, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.116;
    hip: F3,102 = 9.998, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.227), however no significant differences
    were observed between dominant and nondominant sides (knee: F1,34 =
    0.026, p = 0.872, η2 = 0.001; hip: F1,34 = 0.225, p = 0.638, η2 = 0.007).
    Pairwise comparisons indicated that the knee and hip is more during the
    second half of the simulation (time 60 min and time 105 min), compared to
    pre-exertion (time 0 min) (p < 0.05). The more erect knee and hip landing
    postures observed suggested a greater risk of ACL injury during the latter
    stage of each halves of match-play, supporting epidemiological observations.
    Further interrogations of the kinematic differences in the knees and hips
    across limb dominance are warranted for a more comprehensive
    understanding of the changes in a multiplanar perspective following soccer
    specific fatigue development.
  7. Fulltext Evaluation of real time motion tracking accuracy of customised IMU sensor for application in a mobile badminton virtual reality training system
    Zahari Taha, Wong, Yashim, Muhammad Amirul Abdullah, Yap, Hwa Jen, Wee, Kian Yeo
    Movement Health & Exercise, 2018;7(1):201-209.
    MyJurnal
    Immersion is one of the most important aspects in ensuring the applicability
    of Virtual Reality systems to training regimes aiming to improve
    performance. To ensure that this key aspect is met, the registration of motion
    between the real world and virtual environment must be made as accurate and
    as low latency as possible. Thus, an in-house developed Inertial Measurement
    Unit (IMU) system is developed for use in tracking the movement of the
    player’s racquet. This IMU tracks 6 DOF motion data and transmits it to the
    mobile training system for processing. Physically, the custom motion is built
    into the shape of a racquet grip to give a more natural sensation when
    swinging the racquet. In addition to that, an adaptive filter framework is also
    established to cope with different racquet movements automatically, enabling
    real-time 6 DOF tracking by balancing the jitter and latency. Experiments are
    performed to compare the efficacy of our approach with other conventional
    tracking methods such as the using Microsoft Kinect. The results obtained
    demonstrated noticeable accuracy and lower latency when compared with the
    aforementioned methods.
  8. Natural and synthetic estrogens in leafy vegetable and their risk associated to human health
    Adeel M, Zain M, Fahad S, Rizwan M, Ameen A, Yi H, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Dec;25(36):36712-36723.
    PMID: 30377972 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3588-4
    Since the inception of global industrialization, the growth of steroid estrogens becomes a matter of emerging serious concern for the rapid population. Steroidal estrogens are potent endocrine-upsetting chemicals that are excreted naturally by vertebrates (e.g., humans and fish) and can enter natural waters through the discharge of treated and raw sewage. Steroidal estrogens in plants may enter the food web and become a serious threat to human health. We evaluated the uptake and accumulation of ethinylestradiol (EE2) and 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) in lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) grown under controlled environmental condition over 21 days growth period. An effective analytical method based on ultrasonic liquid extraction (ULE) for solid samples and solid phase extraction (SPE) for liquid samples with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been developed to determine the steroid estrogens in lettuce plants. The extent of uptake and accumulation was observed in a dose-dependent manner and roots were major organs for estrogen deposition. Unlike the 17β-E2, EE2 was less accumulated and translocated from root to leaves. For 17β-E2, the distribution in lettuce was primarily to roots after the second week (13%), whereas in leaves it was (10%) over the entire study period. The distribution of EE2 at 2000 μg L-1 in roots and leaves was very low (3.07% and 0.54%) during the first week and then was highest (12% in roots and 8% in leaves) in last week. Bioaccumulation factor values of 17β-E2 and EE2 in roots were 0.33 and 0.29 at 50 μg L-1 concentration as maximum values were found at 50 μg L-1 rather than 500 and 2000 in all observed plant tissues. Similar trend was noticed in roots than leaves for bioconcentration factor as the highest bioconcentration values were observed at 50 μg L-1 concentration instead of 500 and 2000 μg L-1 spiked concentration. These findings mainly indicate the potential for uptake and bioaccumulation of estrogens in lettuce plants. Overall, the estrogen contents in lettuce were compared to the FAO/WHO recommended toxic level and were found to be higher than the toxic level which is of serious concern to the public health. This analytical procedure may aid in future studies on risks associated with uptake of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in lettuce plants.
  9. Fulltext Combining docking and molecular dynamic of protease from Bacillus lehensis G1
    Noorul Aini Sulaiman, Nur Zazarina Ramly, Shuhaila Mat-Sharani, Nor Muhammad Mahadi
    Journal of Engineering and Science Research, 2018;2(1):1-5.
    MyJurnal
    Protease is an enzyme that catalysed the hydrolysis of protein into peptide. Application of protease in industry has been linked with cost effective substrates and complex of enzyme-substrate stability. Molecular docking approach has identified casein as a preference substrates. However, lack of data on casein mode of binding to protease and enzyme stability represents a limitation for its production and structural optimization. In this study, we have used a molecular dynamic (MD) to examine the stability of complex enzyme-substrate of protease from Bacillus lehensis G1. The 3D structure of protease (BleG1_1979) was docked with substrate casein using AutoDock Vina. Structural analysis of the substrate-binding cleft revealed a binding site of casein was predominantly at the hydrophobic region of BleG1_1979. The MD of complex BleG1_1979-casein was tested with two temperatures; 298 K and 310 K using GROMACS v5.1.4. MD simulation showed a stable behaviour of BleG1_1979 over the 20 ns simulation period. The molecular docking and MD simulation suggested that the production of protease from B. lehensis G1 by utilization of casein and the stability of complex protease-casein could be a potential application to generate a cost effective enzyme to be develop for industrial use.
  10. Fulltext Development of Novel Protocol to Al3+ Stress Tolerance at Germination Stage in Indica Rice through Statistical Approaches
    Jahan N, Abd Manan F, Mansoor A, Zaidi MA, Shahwani MN, Javed MA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2018;2018:8180174.
    PMID: 30356418 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8180174
    Rice production is decreasing by abiotic stresses like heavy metals. In such circumstances, producing food for growing human population is a challenge for plant breeders. Excess of Al3+ in soil has become threat for high yield of rice. Improvement of crop is one of potential solution for high production. The aim of this study was to develop the new method for optimization of Al3+ toxicity tolerance in indica rice at germination stag using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple-range test (DMRT). Seeds of two indica rice cultivars (Pokkali and Pak Basmati) were exposed in different concentrations (control, 5 mM, 15 mM, and 20 mM) of Al3+ toxicity at pH 4 ±0.2 for two weeks. Germination traits such as final germination percentage (FG%), germination energy (GE), germination speed (GS), germination index (GI), mean time of germination (MGT), germination value (GV), germination velocity (GVe), peak value of germination (GPV), and germination capacity (GC) and growth traits such as root length (RL), shoot length (SL), total dry biomass (TDB), and germination vigour index (GVI) were measured. To obtain the maximum number of significance (≤ 0.01%) parameters in each concentration of Al3+ toxicity with control, two-way ANOVA was established and comparison of mean was done using DMRT. The results showed that 5 mM, 10 mM, and 15 mM have less significant effects on the above-mentioned parameters. However, 20 mM concentration of Al3+ produced significant effects (≤ 0.01%). Therefore, 20 mM of Al3+ is considered optimized limit for indica cultivars (Pokkali and Pak Basmati).
  11. Exploration of synthetic multifunctional amides as new therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease through enzyme inhibition, chemoinformatic properties, molecular docking and dynamic simulation insights
    Hassan M, Abbasi MA, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Siddiqui SZ, Hussain G, Shah SAA, et al.
    J Theor Biol, 2018 12 07;458:169-183.
    PMID: 30243565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.09.018
    A new series of multifunctional amides has been synthesized having moderate enzyme inhibitory potentials and mild cytotoxicity. 2-Furyl(1-piperazinyl)methanone (1) was coupled with 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) to form {4-[(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-1-piperazinyl}(2-furyl)methanone (3). Different elecrophiles were synthesized by the reaction of various un/substituted anilines (4a-o) with 2-bromoacetylbromide (5), 2‑bromo‑N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (6a-o). Further, equimolar ratios of 3 and 6a-o were allowed to react in the presence of K2CO3 in acetonitrile to form desired multifunctional amides (7a-o). The structural confirmation of all the synthesized compounds was carried out by their EI-MS, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral data. Enzyme inhibition activity was performed against acetyl and butyrylcholinestrase enzymes, whereby 7e showed very good activity having IC50 value of 5.54 ± 0.03 and 9.15 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, relative to eserine, a reference standard. Hemolytic activity of the molecules was checked to asertain their cytotoxicity towards red blood cell membrance and it was observed that most of the compounds were not toxic up to certain range. Moreover, chemoinformatic protepties and docking simulation results also showed the significance of 7e as compared to other compounds. Based on in vitro and in silico analysis 7e could be used as a template for the development of new drugs against Alzheimer's disease.
  12. Pyrazinium thioacetate capped gold nanoparticles as Fe(III) sensor and Fe(III) marked anti-proliferating agent in human neuroblastoma cells
    Anwar A, Minhaz A, Hussain SS, Anwar A, Simjee SU, Ishaq M, et al.
    Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2019 Jan 05;206:135-140.
    PMID: 30096697 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.07.099
    Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized by new cationic 1‑(3‑(acetylthio)propyl)pyrazin‑1‑ium ligand (PPTA) were synthesized. AuNPs stabilized by PPTA (PPTA-AuNPs) were found to be spherical and polydispersed with the average size of 60 nm. Human neuroblastoma (SHSY-5Y) cells permeability of PPTA-AuNPs was found to be a key feature to study the intracellular quenching of Fe(III) proliferative activity. In vitro MTT assay revealed non-cytotoxicity of PPTA and PPTA-AuNPs at 100 μM concentration, while treatment of 100 μM of Fe(III) with SHSY-5Y cells resulted into higher cells viability. Contrary, a mixture of 1:1 Fe(III) with PPTA-AuNPs showed no change in the viability of cells at same concentration which suggests the intracellular complexation and recognition of Fe(III) by PPTA-AuNPs. AFM morphological analysis of SHSY-5Y cells also supported the MTT assay results, and it is safe to conclude that PPTA-AuNPs can be used as Fe(III) probes in living cells. In addition, Fe(III) caused a significant decrease in the absorbance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of PPTA-AuNPs in a wide range of concentration and pH, with limit of detection 4.3 μM. Moreover, the specific response of PPTA-AuNPs towards Fe(III) was unaffected by the interference of other metals and components of real samples of tap water.
  13. Fabrication and characterization of matrix type transdermal patches loaded with tizanidine hydrochloride: potential sustained release delivery system
    Shahid N, Siddique MI, Razzaq Z, Katas H, Waqas MK, Rahman KU
    Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2018 Dec;44(12):2061-2070.
    PMID: 30081679 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2018.1509081
    OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to optimize and develop matrix type transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) containing tizanidine hydrochloride (TZH) using different polymers by solvent evaporation method.

    SIGNIFICANCE: A strong need exists for the development of transdermal patch having improved bioavailability at the site of action with fewer side effects at off-target organs.

    METHODS: The patches were physically characterized by texture analysis (color, flexibility, smoothness, transparency, and homogeneity), in vitro dissolution test and FTIR analysis. Furthermore, functional properties essential for TDDS, in vitro percentage of moisture content, percentage of water uptake, in vitro permeation by following different kinetic models, in vivo drug content estimation and skin irritation were determined using rabbit skin.

    RESULTS: The optimized patches were soft, of uniform texture and thickness as well as pliable in nature. Novel transdermal patch showed ideal characteristics in terms of moisture content and water uptake. FTIR analysis confirmed no interaction between TZH and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP). The patch showed sustained release of the drug which increased the availability of short acting TZH at the site of action. The patch also showed its biocompatibility to the in vivo model of rabbit skin.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that topically applied transdermal patch will be a potential medicated sustain release patch for muscle pain which will improve patient compliance.

  14. Fulltext Comparison between magnesium sulphate and esmolol in attenuating haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation
    Norhuzaimah, J., Liu, C. Y., Muhammad, M., Joanna Ooi ,S. M.
    Journal of Surgical Academia, 2018;8(1):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    During induction of general anaesthesia, the act of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation stimulates the sympathetic
    nervous system resulting in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate which may be harmful especially in elderly
    patients with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease. Several drugs have therefore been used to obtund this increase
    including esmolol, nicardipine, magnesium sulphate and lignocaine. This prospective, double blind randomised
    clinical trial compared the efficacy of magnesium sulphate and esmolol in attenuating haemodynamic responses to
    laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. One hundred and twenty six ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective surgery
    requiring general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation were enrolled and randomised into two groups: Group 1 (n =
    67) received MgSO4 40 mg/kg diluted in 100 ml normal saline administered over ten minutes, whereas Group 2 (n =
    59) received a bolus of esmolol 1.0 mg/kg diluted to 10 ml. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate were
    recorded every minute for subsequent 10 minutes following laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Attenuation of the
    mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures following laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was significantly larger
    in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Patients in Group 2 had significantly better suppression of heart rate response
    compared to Group 1 during the first four minutes after laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation (p
  15. Fulltext Coral reef fish population in the western extremity of the Coral Triangle
    B. Mabel Manjaji Matsumoto, Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein, Yee, Jean-Chai
    Borneo Journal of Marine Science and Aquaculture, 2018;2(1):1-8.
    MyJurnal
    The central and north west coast of Sabah lies along the western extremity of the Coral Triangle, within which are situated several marine protected areas (MPAs). In the present study we determined in situ coral reef fish populations in several localities along the west coast of Sabah, by exploring species abundance, richness and diversity of ten economically important fish species. The underwater surveys were conducted from May to December 2015. During this eight- month period, surveys at each site were undertaken once every two months. Dives were conducted during the daylight hours. A total of 171 individuals from the targeted fish species were enumerated from the 349 still images and 220 minutes of video footage. Abundance was observed mainly in the semi-protected MPA (n=110) with only one fish species recorded with more than 2 individuals at protected MPA and unprotected sites. We observed a correlation between fish species richness and coral topographic complexity, with study sites at the semi-protected MPA having the most complex topography landscape, and accordingly recording the highest Shannon-Wiener index (H= 2.85). Higher abundance recorded at study sites in the unprotected sites and semi-protected MPA indicate that such areas could potentially become de facto MPAs. A long-term monitoring, assessment and evaluation of the multiple degrees of variables involved such as length-weight relationship, type of habitat, variation in depth, and species behaviour are recommended in order to understand better the relationship and dynamics between these variables.
  16. Synthesis of some new N-(alkyl/aralkyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxan-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamides as possible therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease and Type-2 Diabetes
    Abbasi MA, Rehman A, Siddiqui SZ, Hadi N, Mumtaz A, Shah SAA, et al.
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2019 Jan;32(1):61-68.
    PMID: 30772791
    In the current research work, a series of new N-(alkyl/aralkyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxan-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamides has been synthesized by reacting 1,4-benzozzdioxan-6-amine (1) with 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) to yield N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxan-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (3) which was further reacted with different alkyl/aralkyl halides (4a-n) to afford the target compounds (5a-n). Structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, EI-MS spectral techniques and CHN analysis data. The results of enzyme inhibition showed that the molecules, N-2-phenethyl-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (5j) and N-(1-butyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (5d), exhibited moderate inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values 26.25±0.11 μM and 58.13±0.15 μM respectively, whereas, compounds N-benzyl-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (5i) and N-(pentane-2-yl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (5f) showed moderate inhibition against α-glucosidase enzyme as evident from IC50 values 74.52±0.07 and 83.52±0.08 μM respectively, relative to standards Eserine having IC50 value of 0.04±0.0001 μM for cholinesterases and Acarbose having IC50 value 38.25±0.12 μM for α-glucosidase, respectively.
  17. Fulltext Optimal sizing and energy scheduling of isolated microgrid considering the battery lifetime degradation
    Sufyan M, Abd Rahim N, Tan C, Muhammad MA, Sheikh Raihan SR
    PLoS One, 2019;14(2):e0211642.
    PMID: 30763331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211642
    The incessantly growing demand for electricity in today's world claims an efficient and reliable system of energy supply. Distributed energy resources such as diesel generators, wind energy and solar energy can be combined within a microgrid to provide energy to the consumers in a sustainable manner. In order to ensure more reliable and economical energy supply, battery storage system is integrated within the microgrid. In this article, operating cost of isolated microgrid is reduced by economic scheduling considering the optimal size of the battery. However, deep discharge shortens the lifetime of battery operation. Therefore, the real time battery operation cost is modeled considering the depth of discharge at each time interval. Moreover, the proposed economic scheduling with battery sizing is optimized using firefly algorithm (FA). The efficacy of FA is compared with other metaheuristic techniques in terms of performance measurement indices, which are cost of electricity and loss of power supply probability. The results show that the proposed technique reduces the cost of microgrid and attain optimal size of the battery.
  18. Fulltext Understanding teachers' job satisfaction through work-life balance policies
    Farah Shazlin Johari, Muhammad Ridzuan Ruslani, Nor Maslia Rasli Samudin, Nurhafizah Mohd Zolkapli, Siti Norashikin Basirun
    Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2018;6(1):112-119.
    MyJurnal
    Work-life balance play an important role in influencing employee’s quality of social and working life together with job satisfaction in the organization. Nowadays, teachers are also included in the context of work-life balance due to academic workload and career issues. In
    this study, researchers aim to explore work-life balance policies that influence teacher’s job satisfaction in selected Malaysia boarding school. Only 56 school teachers were selected to represent as respondents consist of teachers from language, mathematics, science, social science, counselling unit, and vice principals department. The questionnaires were distributed using convenience sampling. The elements of work-life balance policies such as flexibility policies, welfare policies, job design and leave provisions were included in this study to examine potential influence on teacher’s job satisfaction. Based on statistical analysis using SPSS, Pearson Correlation analysis four elements of work-life balance policies indicated positive and significant relationship with job satisfaction, with flexibility policies showed the strongest relationship toward teacher’s job satisfaction. Most of teachers in selected Malaysian boarding school also demonstrated high level of job satisfaction at the workplace.
  19. Fulltext Preliminary investigation on the flexural behaviour of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete ribbed slab
    Nur Aiman Suparlan, Muhammad Azrul Ku Ayob, Siti Hawa Hamzah, Hazrina Ahmad, Mohd Hisbany Mohd Hashim
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):31-45.
    MyJurnal
    A ribbed slab structure has the advantage in the reduction of concrete volume in between the ribs resulting in a lower structural self-weight. In order to overcome the drawbacks in the construction process, the application of steel fibre self-compacting concrete (SCFRC) is seen as an alternative material to be used in the slab. This preliminary investigation was carried out to investigate the flexural behaviour of steel fibre selfcompacting concrete (SCFRC) asthe main material in ribbed slab omitting the conventionalreinforcements. Two samples ofribbed slab were prepared for this preliminary study; 2-ribbed and 3-ribbed in 1 m width to identify the effect of the geometry to the slab’s flexural behaviour. The dimension of both samples is 2.5 m x 1 m with 150 mm thickness. The compressive strength of the mix is 48.6 MPa based on the cubes tested at 28 days. Load was applied to failure by using the four point bending test set-up with simple support condition. The result of the experiment recorded ultimate load carrying capacity at 30.68 kN for the 2-ribbed slab and 25.52 kN for 3-ribbed slab. From the results, the ultimate load of the 2-ribbed sample exceeds 3-ribbed by approximately 20%. This proved that even with lower concrete volume, the sample can still withstand an almost similar ultimate load. Cracks was also observed and recorded with the maximum crack width of 2 mm. It can be concluded that the steel fibres do have the potential to withstand flexural loadings. Steel fibre reduces macro-crack forming into micro-cracks and improves concrete ductility, as well as improvement in deflection. This shows that steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete is practical as it offers good concrete properties as well as it can be mixed, placed easier without compaction.
  20. Fulltext Theoretical study on hybrid amplification of 32-channels DWDM in optical parametric amplifiers
    Wan Maisarah Mukhtar, Alia Athira Tarmuji, Noor Syuhaida Mohamed, Muhammad Syahir Jafree
    Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2018;48(1):1-13.
    MyJurnal
    With the increasing demand for greater quality of transferred data, the optical cable
    lines are reaching their limits of transfer capacities. The alternative for more effective
    usage is by introducing the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
    integrated with optical amplifier to optimize the output signal. This study was
    performed theoretically with an assistance of OptiSystem 9.0 simulation software to
    develop higher transfer speed of 32 channels DWDM network system by employing
    hybrid optical amplifiers. Three types of optical amplifiers had been introduced such
    as Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA), Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) and
    Dynamic RAMAN amplifier. The optimum performance of DWDM system was obtained
    by employed hybrid EDFA-Raman amplifier which resulted the best transmission signal
    received with maximum Qfactor=43.0579 a.u. The hybrid EDFA-Raman produced
    better stability than EDFA-SOA where the received signals were only fluctuated within
    ±3.73 a.u. In comparison with other types of configuration, namely EDFA-SOA and
    RAMAN-SOA; the value of maximum Q-factor experienced about 50% of increment. In
    conclusion, the development of high performance and excellent stability of 32-
    channels DWDM optical network system can be achieved by introduced hybrid
    amplifier of EDFA-RAMAN.
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