Vermicomposting using Lumbricus rubellus was conducted in two different durations, 10 and 30 weeks in the same plots. Three different of treatments combination were prepared with eight replicates for each treatment namely cow dung : kitchen waste in 30:70 ratio (T1), cow dung : coffee grounds in 30:70 ratio (T2), and cow dung : kitchen waste : coffee grounds in 30:35:35 ratio (T3). Macronutrients elements in the vermicompost from each treatment were measured in the tenth and thirtieth week. Comparatively longer duration of vermicomposting by using Lumbricus rubellus enhanced the quality of vermicompost by the increase of the macronutrient elements while reducing the heavy metal concentration and C/N ratio.
In this paper, we extended a repairable system model under general repair that is based on repair history, to incorporate covariates. We calculated the bias, standard error and RMSE of the parameter estimates of this model at different sample sizes using simulated data. We applied the model to a real demonstration data and tested for existence of time trend, repair and covariate effects. Following that we also conducted a coverage probability study on the Wald confidence interval estimates. Finally we conducted hypothesis testing for the parameters of the model.The results indicated that the estimation procedure is working well for the proposed model but the Wald interval should be applied with much caution.
One of the most important lifetime distributions that is used for modelling and analysing data in clinical, life sciences and engineering is the Weibull distribution. The main objective of this paper was to determine the best estimator for the two-parameter Weibull distribution. The methods under consideration are the frequentist maximum likelihood estimator, least square regression estimator and the Bayesian estimator by using two loss functions, which are squared error and linear exponential. Lindley approximation is used to obtain the Bayes estimates. Comparisons are made through simulation study to determine the performance of these methods. Based on the results obtained from this simulation study the Bayesian approach used in estimating the Weibull parameters under linear exponential loss function is found to be superior as compared to the conventional maximum likelihood and least squared methods.
Dengue fever is a vector-borne viral disease which is now endemic in more than 100 countries affecting more than 2.5 billion people worldwide. In recent years, dengue fever has become a major threat to public health in Pakistan. In this paper, we derived an explicit formula for reproduction number R0 (the most important epidemiological parameter) and then used real data of dengue fever cases of different hospitals of Lahore (Pakistan) on R0. Conditions for local stability of equilibrium points are discussed. In the end, simulations are carried out for different situations.
The seeds of C. cleomifolia (locally known as kacang hantu) collected along Simpang Pulai - Berinchang Road, Cameron Highlands, was defatted with hexane and the resulting oil was analysed for their physico-chemical properties. The percentage yield of the oil was calculated as 5.3%. The acid value (1.2%), iodine value (85), peroxide value (0.6), saponification value (192.0) and unsaponifiable matter (2.3%) were determined to assess the quality of the oil. The physico-chemical characterisation showed that C. cleomifolia seeds oil is unsaturated semi-drying oil, with high saponifi cation and acidic values. The fatty acid composition of C. cleomifolia seed oil was determined by Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (ToF). The seed oil of C. cleomifolia contained linoleic acid (57.59%) and palmitic acid (5.07%), the most abundant unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, respectively. The polyunsaturated triacylglycerol (TAG) in C. cleomifolia seed oil determined by reverse phase High performance Liquid Chromatography; contained as PLL (18.04%) followed by POL + SLL (11.92%), OOL (7.04%) and PLLn (6.31%). The melting and cooling point of the oil were 16.22°C and -33.54°C, respectively
To see the trend in managing singleton breech pregnancy after the term breech trial. Secondly to compare the safety of different modes of delivery for term, singleton breeches by looking at the immediate neonatal outcome, based on our own experience. Breech infants were identified by examining computer-stored maternal discharge records of hospitalization for the years 1990 and 2000 respectively. Parameters studied included planned mode of delivery, actual mode of delivery, parity, previous vaginal delivery, Apgar score at five minute, birth weight, referral to special care nursery and neonatal morbidity. Of 6,496 deliveries in 1990 and 5,081 in 2000, there were 220 (3.4%) and 148 (2.9%) term breech infants respectively, of which 115 (for 1990) and 102 (for 2000) case records were available. In 1990, 62.6% of the women had trial of vaginal breech delivery but only 24.5% of the women in 2000 were allowed to do so (p < 0.05). Caesarean section rate for singleton breeches increased from 51.3% in 1990 to 84.3% in 2000 (p < 0.05). Mean Apgar score at five minutes was significantly lower after vaginal breech delivery (9.40 ± 1.36) compared to after Caesarean section (9.72 ± 0.712) but there was no clinical significance. There was a noticeable trend towards Caesarean section and less trial of vaginal delivery. Neonatal outcomes of babies born abdominally were statistically better than those born vaginally but there was little clinical impact. Perhaps in properly selected cases, a planned vaginal breech delivery still has a role to play.
To see the trend in managing singleton breech pregnancy after the term breech trial. Secondly to compare the safety of different modes of delivery for term, singleton breeches by looking at the immediate neonatal outcome, based on our own experience. Breech infants were identified by examining computer-stored maternal discharge records of hospitalization for the years 1990 and 2000 respectively. Parameters studied included planned mode of delivery, actual mode of delivery, parity, previous vaginal delivery, Apgar score at five minute, birth weight, referral to special care nursery and neonatal morbidity. Of 6,496 deliveries in 1990 and 5,081 in 2000, there were 220 (3.4%) and 148 (2.9%) term breech infants respectively, of which 115 (for 1990) and 102 (for 2000) case records were available. In 1990, 62.6% of the women had trial of vaginal breech delivery but only 24.5% of the women in 2000 were allowed to do so (p < 0.05). Caesarean section rate for singleton breeches increased from 51.3% in 1990 to 84.3% in 2000 (p < 0.05). Mean Apgar score at five minutes was significantly lower after vaginal breech delivery (9.40 ± 1.36) compared to after Caesarean section (9.72 ± 0.712) but there was no clinical significance. There was a noticeable trend towards Caesarean section and less trial of vaginal delivery. Neonatal outcomes of babies born abdominally were statistically better than those born vaginally but there was little clinical impact. Perhaps in properly selected cases, a planned vaginal breech delivery still has a role to play. KEYWORDS: Breech deliveries, Caesarean section, Apgar score
Gynura procumbens (GP) has been widely used in traditional medicine due to its ability in treating various types
of diseases. This study was carried out to determine the effects of GP on blood glucose level, fertility and libido of
streptozotocin-induced male rats. A total of 42 male rats were randomly sorted into six groups; normal, negative and
positive controls and three treated groups with different dosages of GP aqueous extract (GPAE); 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg.
Each group was treated via oral feeding for 14 consecutive days. The rats were sacrificed on day 15 for further analysis.
Administration of GPAE significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level and increased the plasma testosterone
level of diabetic-induced rats compared to the positive and negative control groups. There was also a significant increase
in the sperm quality as well as the fertility of GPAE treated groups compared to the negative and positive control groups.
Sexual behaviour analysis demonstrated that GPAE is able to facilitate the expression of sexual behaviour significantly;
increased mounting frequency and reduced mounting latency. These lines of evidence suggested that GPAE can act as
antihyperglycaemic, profertility and libido agents. However, its mechanism(s) remains unresolved.
This research was conducted to study the biodiversity status of marine macroalgae (seaweeds) in Blue Lagoon, Port
Dickson and assess the changes in species composition in the area. The sampling site is located in the west coast of
Peninsular Malaysia, which has been regarded as one of the Malaysia’s popular beach resort destinations. This tourist
spot has seen major physical changes over the last few decades. Despite habitat disturbance, our study recorded 44 species
of macroalgae with Sargassum asperifolium noted as a new record for this area. Brown seaweeds (Phaeophyta) and
green seaweeds (Chlorophyta) dominated the sampling areas with each division recorded 19 and 16 species, respectively.
Change to species composition was evident for the common genus Sargassum (Sargassaceae, Fucales). Chlorophyta
was mostly found in the upper intertidal to subtidal zones while Phaeophyta proliferated in the mid-tidal areas. The red
seaweeds (Rhodophyta) were distributed and grew better in lower light intensity in the subtidal zone. This study will
contribute to the seaweed database of Malaysia for future reference and this may help in the conservation of seaweeds.
This study assesses the influence of water quality on fish occurrences in Sungai Pahang, Maran District, Pahang, Malaysia. Water quality and fish samplings were conducted at seven sampling sites in the district for 13 consecutive months. We used canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) to determine the influence of water quality on monthly fish species occurrences. The ranges of water quality parameters were quite high considering the measurements were made during rainy and dry seasons throughout the year. A total of 2,075 individual fish was captured which comprised of 22 different families and 65 species. Family Cyprinidae recorded the highest number of fish species of the area (27 species; 41.5%), followed by Bagridae (five species; 7.69%) and Pangasiidae (five species; 7.69%). Three fish species categorized as endangered, including Balantiocheilos melanopterus, Probarbus jullieni and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus were also collected. The collected fish species were divided into three groups (A to C), which was clearly separated in the CCA ordination diagram. The most important water quality variables for the fish occurrences in this river were pH, followed by temperature, conductivity, alkalinity and phosphate. Data analysis indicates that the occurrence of fishes were influenced by a combination of water quality parameters, but not associated with sampling month. The results present a new data from a study of fish assemblage and their habitat condition which may be important in fisheries activity and fish conservation of the river in the future.
Health care has emerged as one of the fastest growing industry worldwide. This induced health care costto rise tramendously. However, it is important to preserve high quality health care services that are equitable and affordable. In many countries, people are expected to contribute to the cost of the health care. Are populations ready to accept the concept and willing to pay for health financing scheme? What possible factors that may associate with their decision? This is the objective of the study, to examine the relevance evidence for this through a systematic review of literatures.We systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE and Google Schoolar databases until April 2016. We assessed the study population willingness to pay for health financing scheme and determine the significant variables that associate with WTP. 19 full-text articles were included in the review. Factors that were found significantly associated with WTP for health financing scheme by many studies were age, education, income and residential locality. Other factors that also found associated with WTP were health care services utilization and expenditure. The review findings showed that WTP for health financing scheme is beyond the households’ financial capacity and has multifactorial influences.
Dough mixing and thermal properties including the pasting profiles of various commercial wheat flour (WF)-banana pseudostem flour (BP)-hydrocolloid blends were determined using a farinograph, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a rapid-visco analyser (RVA). The prepared blends were WF, WF substituted with 10% BP (10BP) and 10BP with added 0.8% w/w (flour weight basis) xanthan gum (XG) or sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (10BPX and 10BPC, respectively). The dough of 10BP and the doughs containing XG or CMC reduced stability and breakdown time compared with the WF dough. All dough containing BP demonstrated greater water absorption and mixing tolerance index values than the WF dough. The substitution of 10% BP into WF and the addition of hydrocolloids did not significantly affect the conclusion temperature (Tc) of the mixture, but did increased the onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp) and decreased the gelatinisation enthalpy change (ΔHg) of the blends. Samples of 10BP, 10BPX and 10BPC significantly decreased (p
This research attempts to enhance of the ability of Fuzzy Logic Controller in controlling wastewater
treatment system, highlighting the pH parameter in factory wastewater treatment plants. The research
not only covers methods to monitor and track the pH level in wastewater tank but more importantly,
the control of total wastewater volume by neutralising the pH. Fuzzy logic control has gained more
attention in the control of continuous processes. It utilised both, in the context of deciding and tracking
set-points, and to control the total unwanted water capacity. This paper also discusses suitable level of
pH required which will not damage the water ecosystem. The self-learning fuzzy logic control with
adaptive capabilities alert operator in charge of the pH level automatically. This research includes the
design and development a graphical user interface (GUI) to show the process of pH neutralisation in
wastewater treatment. A fast response system is achieved through GUI which could be monitored and
control remotely using laptop or smartphone, from anywhere. This proposed design will inform engineers
and technicians about the status of the current reading of parameters in the wastewater treatment system
without the hassle of going to the site or control room of the wastewater treatment plant.
Fungal infection of the nail is a common condition that causes much concern because of its disfiguring appearance. Although specific treatment is available for this condition, treatment outcome is variable and persistent nail dystrophy post-treatment may cause distress to both the patient and the physician. This article describes the current available treatment options for onychomycosis, management approach and the expected treatment outcome to enhance primary care physicians' confidence in managing this condition. Oral antifungal agents such as terbinafine and itraconazole are good treatment options for onychomycosis. Combination therapy using oral antifungal agents with topical lacquer preparations may provide added benefits. Evaluation of patient's expectations, providing information on treatment outcome, clinical cure and recurrence rates are essential in the management of onychomycosis. This article is intended to guide primary care physicians to achieve realistic treatment goals and for a satisfactory experience in the overall management of this challenging condition.
Maternal red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization may lead to production of harmful antibodies that result in hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN). There is insufficient data on the prevalence of HDFN due to RBC alloantibodies in the Malay neonatal population.
This study demonstrates the potential of Na-silica waste sponge as a source of low cost catalyst in the transesterification of waste cooking oil aided by ultrasound. In this work an environmentally friendly and efficient transesterification process using Na-loaded SiO2 from waste sponge skeletons as a solid catalyst is presented. The results showed that the methyl esters content of 98.4±0.4wt.% was obtainable in less than an hour (h) of reaction time at 55°C. Optimization of reaction parameters revealed that MeOH:oil, 9:1; catalyst, 3wt.% and reaction duration of 30min as optimum reaction conditions. The catalyst is able to tolerant free fatty acid and moisture content up to 6% and 8%, respectively. In addition, the catalyst can be reused for seven cycles while maintaining the methyl esters content at 86.3%. Ultrasound undoubtedly assisted in achieving this remarkable result in less than 1h reaction time. For the kinetics study at 50-60°C, a pseudo first order model was proposed, and the activation energy of the reaction is determined as 33.45kJ/mol using Arrhenius equation.
An efficient and computationally linear algorithm is derived for total least squares solution of adaptive filtering problem, when both input and output signals are contaminated by noise. The proposed total least mean squares (TLMS) algorithm is designed by recursively computing an optimal solution of adaptive TLS problem by minimizing instantaneous value of weighted cost function. Convergence analysis of the algorithm is given to show the global convergence of the proposed algorithm, provided that the stepsize parameter is appropriately chosen. The TLMS algorithm is computationally simpler than the other TLS algorithms and demonstrates a better performance as compared with the least mean square (LMS) and normalized least mean square (NLMS) algorithms. It provides minimum mean square deviation by exhibiting better convergence in misalignment for unknown system identification under noisy inputs.
Correlated ordinal data are common in many areas of research. The data may arise from longitudinal studies in biology, medical, or clinical fields. The prominent characteristic of these data is that the within-subject observations are correlated, whilst between-subject observations are independent. Many methods have been proposed to analyze correlated ordinal data. One way to evaluate the performance of a proposed model or the performance of small or moderate size data sets is through simulation studies. It is thus important to provide a tool for generating correlated ordinal data to be used in simulation studies. In this paper, we describe a macro program on how to generate correlated ordinal data based on R language and SAS IML.
Proper identification of environment's air quality based on limited observations is an essential task to meet the goals of environmental management. Various classification methods have been used to estimate the change of air quality status and health. However, discrepancies frequently arise from the lack of clear distinction between each air quality, the uncertainty in the quality criteria employed and the vagueness or fuzziness embedded in the decision-making output values. Owing to inherent imprecision, difficulties always exist in some conventional methodologies when describing integrated air quality conditions with respect to various pollutants. Therefore, this paper presents two fuzzy multiplication synthetic techniques to establish classification of air quality. The fuzzy multiplication technique empowers the max-min operations in "or" and "and" in executing the fuzzy arithmetic operations. Based on a set of air pollutants data carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter (PM(10)) collected from a network of 51 stations in Klang Valley, East Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak were utilized in this evaluation. The two fuzzy multiplication techniques consistently classified Malaysia's air quality as "good." The findings indicated that the techniques may have successfully harmonized inherent discrepancies and interpret complex conditions. It was demonstrated that fuzzy synthetic multiplication techniques are quite appropriate techniques for air quality management.
Antifertility agents with safety and effectiveness in terms of minimum side effects have always been a subject of debate. Many studies have been conducted on plants to observe the antifertility effect, but majority of them were toxic. Pegaga or Centella asiatica L. is one of the popular herb traditionally consumed raw amongst people in Malaysia. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Centella asiatica L. extract on rat testis.