Climate change is the most realistic theory of this era. Sudden and drastic changes are happening on the earth and the survival of mankind is becoming questionable in the future. The plants play the key role in controlling the climate change. The study emphasizes on role of trees in the cop up or damaging the climate of this earth, whether they are medicinal trees or economically important trees. Due to the overgrazing and intense deforestation the climate is being affected hazardously. The global warming phenomenon is occurring due to the less availability of trees and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In total 20 plants were collected from across the Pakistan on the basis of their abundance and their key roles. Out of which seeds of eight plants were scanned through scanning electron microscope for correct authentication and importance of these medicinally important trees in mitigating the climate change. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The role of forest sector in the climate's change mitigation. Medicinally and economically important tree species across Pakistan. By using SEM, Ultra seed sculpturing features as an authentication tool. To formulate some policies to stop or control deforestation.
We demonstrated a simple and scalable fabrication route of a nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) photodetector on an 8 in. wafer-scale. The N-rGO was prepared through in situ plasma treatment in an acetylene-ammonia atmosphere to achieve an n-type semiconductor with substantial formation of quaternary-N substituted into the graphene lattice. The morphology, structural, chemical composition, and electrical properties of the N-rGO were carefully characterized and used for the device fabrication. The N-rGO devices were fabricated in a simple metal-semiconductor-metal structure with unconventional metal-on-bottom configuration to promote high-performance photodetection. The N-rGO devices exhibited enhanced photoresponsivity as high as 0.68 A W-1 at 1.0 V, which is about 2 orders of magnitude higher compared to a pristine graphene and wide-band photoinduced response from the visible to the near-infrared region with increasing sensitivity in the order of 785, 632.8, and 473 nm excitation wavelengths. We also further demonstrated a symmetric characteristic of the photoinduced response to any position of local laser excitation with respect to the electrodes. The excellent features of wafer-scale N-rGO devices suggest a promising route to merge the current silicon technology and two-dimensional materials for future optoelectronic devices.
This study describes the review on maintenance related issues during design and construction stage
within construction industry. The paper highlights the causes and errors made during design and
construction stage and their impact during the operation/production/occupancy stage as well as the
maintenance costs associated with it. The study identifies the mistakes in the working processes within
design and construction stage leading to the errors that affect the durability, performance, reliability,
maintainability, availability and safety of the systems. The paper presents a comprehensive review of
the published literatures, journals, technical papers in the related areas in the construction field. The
review highlights the new approaches and decision framework which link the designers and
construction personnel that could reduce the errors and defects in construction which then lead to
maintenance issues and asset management. The factors of accessibility, materials, design and
documentation standardization have been discussed thoroughly for better understanding in improving
maintenance and physical asset management in project commissioning.
The selection criteria play an important role in the portfolio optimization
using any ratio model. In this paper, the authors have considered the mean return as
profit and variance of return as risk on the asset return as selection criteria, as the first
stage to optimize the selected portfolio. Furthermore, the sharp ratio (SR) has been
considered to be the optimization ratio model. In this regard, the historical data taken
from Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) has been considered. A metaheuristic technique
has been developed, with financial tool box available in MATLAB and the particle swarm
optimization (PSO) algorithm. Hence, called as the hybrid particle swarm optimization
(HPSO) or can also be called as financial tool box particle swarm optimization (FTBPSO).
In this model, the budgets as constraint, where as two different models i.e. with
and without short sale, have been considered. The obtained results have been compared
with the existing literature and the proposed technique is found to be optimum and better
in terms of profit.
Echinops echinatus is traditionally an important plant that finds its extensive use as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, nerve tonic, abortifacient, aphrodisiac, antiasthmatic, and antidiabetic agent. The current study investigates protection against the hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced (type I diabetes) and fructose-fed insulin resistance (type II diabetes) models of diabetes treated with aqueous methanolic root extract of E. echinatus (Ee.Cr). Albino rats were treated orally with Ee.Cr at doses 100, 300 and 500mg/kg. The fasting blood glucose was measured by glucometer, while standard kits were used to determine the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL. The administration of Ee.Cr significantly (P<0.001) reduced the FBG concentration in a dose-dependent pattern in alloxan-induced and fructose-fed diabetic rats. The Ee.Cr also corrected the dyslipidemia associated with fructose and alloxan-induced diabetes by significantly (P<0.001) decreasing the concentration of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL and by increasing HDL concentration. Ee.Cr also significantly (P<0.001) improved the glucose tolerance in fructose-fed rats. We conclude that Ee.Cr has antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic effects in both insulin-dependent alloxan-induced diabetes and fructose-induced insulin resistance diabetes rat models.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Attitudes toward Statistics (USM-AS) is a newly developed, selfadministered inventory for measuring attitudes toward statistics among postgraduate students. The
USM-AS consists of three factors (affect, cognition, and behavior) and 58 items. This study was
aimed to validate the USM-AS and provide evidence of its construct validity by investigating its
internal structure. This study consists of four validation studies, which were conducted consecutively
among postgraduate students (master’s degree and PhD students) in the medical and health sciences.
The revised USM-AS, consisting of three factors and 12 items, was found to have good construct
validity, which was demonstrated by good model fit, high factor loadings (0.62 to 0.92), high
construct reliability (0.84 to 0.89), good discrimination between factors and good test-retest reliability
(intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.63 to 0.82). However, validity was limited to postgraduate
students in the medical and health sciences in Malaysia. Further validation studies among
postgraduate students in other scientific fields are recommended to provide additional construct
validity evidence of the USM-AS.
Introduction: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is known for its health and therapeutic benefits. However, the immunomodulatory effects of VCO have not been extensively investigated. Objective: The present study was devoted to examining the effects of VCO on cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced toxicity of lymphoid tissues. Methods: Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were sorted into 5 groups of 6 animals. The first control (NC) group was given distilled water via gavage at 5 ml/kg once daily. The second (CY) group received CY orally at 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Rats in the other three groups (CV5, CV10, and CV15) were given 10 mg/kg/day CY for 4 weeks, 5 m/kg/day, 10 ml/kg/day and 15 ml/kg/day VCO for 6 weeks, respectively. Rats were sacrificed at the end of 6th week; blood sample from the animals was collected for full blood count and biochemical analysis. The thymus and spleen of each animal was processed for histological examination. Results: The thymus and spleen showed marked reduction in lymphoid cellularity following daily administration of CY. The thymus also showed a marked reduction in the size of the medulla, and the white pulp areas of spleen had reduction in the follicle number and size. Supplementation with 10 ml/kg and 15 ml/kg VCO showed evidence of restoration of both the thymus and splenic lymphoid architecture. The total white cell counts, absolute lymphocyte counts and plasma globulin levels of the VCO groups were significantly increased compared to CY group. Conclusion: VCO displayed potential protective effects on CYinduced histological changes in lymphoid tissues.
We report a 55-year old lady with the presentation of stridor and type II respiratory failure requiring tracheal intubation. She had right Horner’s syndrome associated with pleural effusion. Her chest radiograph revealed right upper zone lobulated opacities and therefore right Pancoast tumor was the initial diagnosis. However, her CECT thorax revealed a huge right subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm with severe tracheal compression. This rare condition imposed a significant diagnostic as well as therapeutic challenge. Vascular surgery is the definitive treatment but it is associated with high risks. The exact role of rigid bronchoscopy for airway stenting is unknown due to limited evidence available. Indeed, this form of central airway obstruction may benefit from temporary tracheal stenting whilst the surgical repair of the lesion is planned. It may facilitate early weaning and allows less complicated airway control.
Kidd blood group system is distributed differently within populations. In Malaysia, the prevalence of Kidd phenotypes have been reported but not in Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS).We characterised Kidd phenotypes among regular blood donors in HUS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from 1st September 2015 to 10th September 2015. Blood samples were collected from 250 regular blood donors of different ethnicities in HUS. Samples were then investigated for Kidd blood group phenotypes by utilising Seraclon anti-Jka and anti-Jkb reagents employing the Diamed-ID gel card system. Results: Phenotype Jk(a+b+) was found in 110 out of 250 (44.0%) and phenotype Jk (a-b-) phenotype in seven out of 250 (2.8%) blood donors. Jk(a+b-) was detected in 60 out of 250 (24.0%) and Jk(a-b+) in 73 out of 250 (29.2%) donors. Kidd phenotype was detected in four ethnics; Chinese 50.8%, Malays 38.4%, Bidayuh 10.0% and Iban 0.8%. Jk(a-b-) phenotype was present only in the Malays; seven out of 250 (2.8%) but not found in other ethnicities. Conclusion: Jk(a+b+) is the most common Kidd phenotype found in regular blood donors in HUS in the four ethnicities studied. Only Malays exhibit the Jk(a-b-) phenotype which is a rare phenotype. The results of this study may serve as a preliminary database for Kidd blood group profile of regular blood donors in HUS.
Effective and rapid methods for RNA extraction from conidia, germinating conidia and appressoria of the fungal plant pathogen, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is reported in this study. The procedure for the RNA extraction from conidia and germinating conidia was carried out using TRI REAGENT® solution (Molecular Research Center, USA) and can be completed in less than one and a half hours. The procedure for RNA extraction from appressoria was carried out using a modified protocol employing guanidine isothiocyanate and mechanical cell disruption by glass beads. The efficiency of the RNA extraction procedures was evaluated by several measures to determine RNA integrity, purity and applicability in RT-PCR. RNA integrity was assessed by observing the integrity of the major RNA species (18S and 28S rRNA) on denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis. The ethidium bromide-staining pattern of intact total RNA extracted from the three fungal morphogenetic cells showed clearly defined 28S and 18S rRNA bands and no genomic DNA contamination. Spectrophotometric assessment of RNA from each sample indicated relatively high purity and absence of carbohydrate contamination. Finally, we have demonstrated that the methods used for RNA extraction of conidia, germinating conidia and appressoria produced RNA of sufficient quality suitable for RT-PCR in detecting the expression of protein kinase A regulatory subunit gene in C. gloeosporioides.
Nitridation behaviour of Al-Mg-Si alloys was studied as a function of temperature by means of thermogravimetry method. A reactive gas, N2-4%H2 at a rate of 10 ml/min was purged into the thermogravimetry analyser chamber. The Al alloys were heated from 25oC to 625oC at the heating rate of 15oC/min and then reduced to 3oC/min until it reached 1500oC. It was found that by varying the amount of Mg and Si in Al-Mg-Si alloys significantly influenced the growth of the composites. A differential thermogravimetric curve shows the Mg containing alloys experienced many steps of chemical reactions. This indicates that besides AlN presence as a major phase, other compounds also exist in the final product. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed the existence of oxide phases such as a-Al2O3, MgAl2O4 and MgO in addition to residual Si and Al metal. The presence of oxide compounds is believed to be due to the reaction between the alloying elements and residual oxygen gas left in the reaction atmosphere. It was also found that Si could play a role in promoting the weight gain of the composite produced. The heating rate has also a profound effect on the weight gain, whereby higher heating rate resulted in low yielded of AlN during the nitridation reaction of the Al-Mg-Si alloys.
Water quality analysis of the seven feeder rivers in Tasik Chini was carried out from October 2004 to December 2005. A total of nine sampling sites were selected in this study, namely: Sungai Datang (St.1), Sungai Cenahan (St. 2), downstream of Sungai Gumum (St. 3), mid of Sungai Gumum (St. 4), Sungai Kura-kura (St. 5), Sungai Melai (St. 6), Sungai Jemberau (St. 7), upstream of Sungai Paya Merupuk (St. 8), and downstream of Sungai Paya Merupuk (St. 9). Eleven water quality parameters were selected and analyzed in-situ and ex-situ during two sampling seasons. Laboratory analyses were carried out according to the HACH and APHA. Results of the study indicated that the pH content ranged from 3.2 to 6.32, dissolved oxygen 0.27 to 6.4 mg/L, conductivity from 14.33 to 85.7 µS/cm and temperature from 24.1 to 32.1˚C. Total dissolved solids ranged from 22.67 to 184 mg/L, total suspended solids from 1.17 to 79.11 mg/L and turbidity from 4.67 to 28.67 NTU. Nutrients such as ammonical nitrogen (0.01 to 0.57 mg/L), nitrate (0.7 to 2.9 mg/L), phosphate (from not detectable to 0.50 mg/L) and sulphate (from not detectable to 2.0 mg/L) were also studied. This showed that most of the feeder rivers have contributed to high nutrients values in Tasik Chini. Statistically, the relationship between water quality parameters were correlated as very weak and moderately correlated (R2= 0.40). Phosphate and sulphate were significantly correlated as positive slope; turbidity and nitrate showed negative slope with discharge during both the seasons (R2=0.651; R2=0.624). Recent activities such as deforestation, mining, agriculture and tourism have taken place in the surrounding areas of the lake. These activities were expected to influence the stability of the water quality of the feeder river of Tasik Chini.
Public perceptions, understanding and acceptance of modern biotechnology can both promote and hamper their commercial introduction and adoption. Various studies have shown that consumer acceptance of modern biotechnology tend to be conditional and dependent on several factors. Public perceptions of biotechnology have received extensive attention in recent years in most Western countries such as Europe, USA and Canada but there have been limited similar surveys in developing countries. Most of the earlier studies used uni-dimensional or bi-dimensional instrument with multi-items or the most is four dimensions with single item. In this study, public attitude towards genetically modified (GM) soybean that is already available in the Malaysian market. A survey was carried out on 577 general public respondents in the Klang Valley region. In order to detect the structure of attitude amongst the expert group in the Klang Valley region, structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS version 5.1 was carried out. Result of the survey has confirmed that attitude towards complex issues such as biotechnology should be seen as multi-faceted/ multidimensional process. The most important factors predicting encouragement of GM soybean are the specific application-linked perceptions about the benefits and acceptance of risk while moral concern, risk and familiarity are significant predictors of intermediate factors. Researchers, policy makers and industries interested in developing and marketing GM products in Malaysia should consider the various factors mentioned in this in order to gain public approval.
The ability of a locally isolated clinical strain of C. albicans to adapt and response towards oxidative stress were investigated in this study. Treatment of C. albicans with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) will exert an oxidative stress to C. albicans cells and affect the growth rate of this opportunistic pathogen. Cells that were grown in Yeast Peptone Dextrose (YPD) medium with the presence of 4.0 mM H2O2 gave a doubling time of 51 min/generation compared to 44 min/generation for those grown in 0.4 mM H2O2 and without H2O2. In order to determine the resistance level of C. albicans towards oxidative stress, cells were exposed to different concentration of H2O2. Results showed that percentage of cells viability decreased with the increased concentration of H2O2. These data indicated that C. albicans could overcome oxidative stress to a certain level before they were killed. To determine whether this strain exhibited a stress induce protection, cells were treated with mild oxidative stress for one hour before exposed to a stronger oxidative stress. Data obtained shows that cells that were pre-treated with mild oxidative stress showed higher percentage of survival compared to non pre-treated cells. This strongly suggested that stress induce protection was present in this C. albicans. Finally, in order to determine whether oxidative stress can induce yeast to hyphal morphogenesis in C. albicans, cells were then exposed to 0.4 mM H2O2 at 37 ºC and the number of hyphal formed were compared to hyphal formation when the cells were grown at 37 ºC only. However the results showed that oxidative stress failed to induce yeast to hyphal morphogenesis in this clinically isolated C. albicans strain.
Keywords: Candida albicans; oxidative stress
Anthropogenically disturbed soils have unique properties. In most of the ecosystems, especially under disturbed soil conditions, the soil properties are controlled by the accumulated materials. However, the equilibrium between the already present soil mass and the accumulated soil mass is very fragile and is affected by many factors. There are diversity of views about their identification and interpretations. This paper reports on the physico-chemical properties of the investigated
sites under different texture soil accumulate. Three sites namely Chung-nam university field (Site-I), Chung-buk Geosan (Site-II) and Yong-in (Site-III) were investigated for diversity in physico-chemical properties. In situ and ex situ physical and chemical properties were determined and comparisons were made for soil profiles examined at three sites. The classification of disturbed soils largely depends upon the system followed for classification. The objectives of this paper
were to compare the properties of the disturbed soils and to classify for further research investigations of such soils. Abrupt change in electrical conductivity at Site-III was recorded ranged between 10.7 dS m–1 and 1.1 dS m–1 below 20 cm depth. Sudden and abrupt changes in infiltration rates at all sites were also calculated. The data suggested that the soil texture of the accumulated soil had also affected the properties of the underlying soil. Apparently, the difference in the properties seems to be the result of overlying soil accumulates with different texture. The disturbed soils need to be studied in detail and groupings be made on the basis of genesis and similarities.
Sistem pengering suria untuk pengeringan hasil pertanian dan laut telah direka bentuk, dibina dan diuji dalam suasana cuaca di Malaysia. Sistem pengeringan suria yang dibina, diuji untuk mengeringkan rumpai laut Gracilaria changii. Rumpai laut yang dikeringkan mempunyai kandungan air sekitar 95% asas berat basah untuk menghasilkan produk kering yang mempunyai kandungan air 10%. Proses pengeringannya mengambil masa selama kira-kira 7 jam, pada purata keamatan sinaran suria 593 W/m2 dan kadar aliran udara pengering 0.0613 kg/s. Pemadanan tiga model pengeringan telah dilakukan dengan data uji kaji pengeringan rumpai laut menggunakan sistem pengering suria pada suhu udara purata dalam kebuk 50oC dan purata kelembapan relatif udara 20%. Kejituan padanan model ditentukan berdasarkan nilai R2 yang paling tinggi, juga nilai MBE dan RMSE yang paling rendah. Kajian ini mendapati model pengeringan rumpai laut yang sesuai adalah model pengeringan Page dibandingkan dengan model pengeringan yang lain (model pengeringan Newton dan model Henderson dan Pabis).
Primary cells have a limited proliferative capacity with a finite number of times as compared with cell line which can grow indefinitely. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the proliferative capacity of primary mononucleated cells from mouse and human. The mononucleated cells were isolated from mouse and human peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation using Ficoll-Paque™ Plus. The two types of cells i.e. suspension and adherent forms were obtained after culturing the isolated mononucleated cells for 4 days in the complete medium consists of Alpha Minimal Essential Medium, 10% newborn calf serum and 2% penicillin/streptomycin. The cells were then cultured for another 10 days to observe cell viability using trypan blue exclusion assay (suspension form) and MTT assay (adherent form). NSO and MC3T3-E1 cell lines were selected as control cell for suspension and adherent cells, respectively. Our results showed that the proliferation rate of mouse suspension mononucleated cells increased from 1.31 ± 0.24 cells/day (day 5) to 2.69 ± 0.42 cells/day (day 10) whilst, for human suspension cells, the proliferation rate slightly increased
from 0.56 ± 0.20 cells/day (day 5) to 0.76 ± 0.29 cells/day (day 10). However, the proliferation rate of mouse adherent mononucleated cells decreased from 0.23 ± 0.02 cells/day (day 5) to 0.17 ± 0.01 cells/day (day 10). Meanwhile, human adherent cells maintained proliferation rate at approximately 0.67 ± 0.18 cells/day. In conclusion, adherent primary mononucleated cells from both mouse and human have limited capacity to generate more cells in vitro as compared with suspension mononucleated cells.
Sapium baccatum is usually used as a timber in Malaysia. Its medicinal values are not well known and very little research has been conducted concerning the plant. Consequently, this study was conducted to observe toxicity effects of hexane extract of stem bark of S. baccatum. The toxicity effects were assessed through observation of physiological changes of the rats as well as through gross and histological examinations of its livers. The doses for the treated groups were given intraperitoneally for T2, T3 and T4 group which were given 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, control group (T1) was administered with 80% PEG 200 only. The observation period was 14 days. If the rat died, it was dissected and the liver was removed and examined. Some physiological effects observed include ataxia and hind-legs paralysis. The gross observations of the livers, growth of abnormal spots and connective tissues attachment to lobes of the livers were observed. The experiment was followed byhistopathological observation, which indicated the presence of abnormal hepatocytes with a distorted shape and undefined cell linings for T2 group. Results also indicated an increase in the distortion of hepatocytes, presence of massive cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes for T3 and T4 groups. The results suggest that non polar extract of the stem bark of S. baccatum may promote toxic effects to the animals.
Occupation is the most important element in changing the quality-of-life continuity and the recovery of drug addicts. This study aimed to measure the level of employment sustainability among ex-clients from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. A total of 130 AADK ex-clients who were in employment were selected as respondents for this study. Our findings show that the majority of AADK ex-clients can survive relatively well enough for between 1 to 2 years depending on the factors of wages, work environment, interests and skills. The finding of this study implies that former clients tend to remain only 1 to 2 years in employment if their wages and jobs are not in line with their will. The findings also found that there was a significant relationship between the job-person fit and job satisfaction with motivation. Hence, this study is capable to modify the perceptions and views of employers towards clients' initiative for being persistent at the workplace as well as improving existing policies in providing incentives to clients for being consistent on the job.
Love is an important psychological entity in relation to marital satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to compare how married couples from three groups’ length of marriage (1-5 years, 6-18 years and 19 years) perceive love (intimacy, passion and commitment) and to compare marital satisfaction across three length of marriage. This study applied the survey research design using a combination of cluster and stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaires which were distributed consisted of questions related to personal background, marital background, love and marital satisfaction. Malay married individuals residing in Lembah Klang from eight different locations who volunteered to participate in this study were given questionnaires to complete. 310 participants (155 males and 155 females) completed the questionnaires which later were collected for data analysis. Results showed that there were significant differences on how three groups length of marriage (1-5 years, 6-18 years and 19 years above of marriage) perceive love (commitment and passion). However, there were no differences in marital satisfaction between the three groups length of marriage as suggested by previous research. Results indicated that love has an important psychological role at any stages of marriage. This research suggested that more research should explore the psychological aspects of love within marriage and its contribution to psychological wellbeing of married couples.