Polyethersulfone (PES) based membranes are used for dialysis, but exposure to blood can result in numerous interactions between the blood elements and the membrane. Adsorption and transformation of plasma proteins, activation of blood cells, adherence of platelets and thrombosis reactions against PES membrane can invoke severe blood reactions causing the increase rate of mortality and morbidity of hemodialysis (HD) patients. In order to minimize blood immune response, different biomimetic, zwitterionic, non-ionic, anticoagulant molecules and hydrophilic brushes were immobilized or blended with PES polymers. These additives modified the nature of the membrane, enhanced their biocompatibility and also increased the uremic waste dialysis properties. In this review, current perspectives of the different additives which are used with PES are highlighted in relation with PES membrane-associated blood reactions. The additive's purpose, compatibility, preparation techniques, methods of addition to polymer and influence on the chemistry and performance of hemodialysis membranes are described.
Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) is a well-known technique for feature extraction and discriminant analysis in chemometrics. Despite its popularity, it has been observed that PLS-DA does not automatically lead to extraction of relevant features. Feature learning and extraction depends on how well the discriminant subspace is captured. In this paper, discriminant subspace learning of chemical data is discussed from the perspective of PLS-DA and a recent extension of PLS-DA, which is known as the locality preserving partial least squares discriminant analysis (LPPLS-DA). The objective is twofold: (a) to introduce the LPPLS-DA algorithm to the chemometrics community and (b) to demonstrate the superior discrimination capabilities of LPPLS-DA and how it can be a powerful alternative to PLS-DA. Four chemical data sets are used: three spectroscopic data sets and one that contains compositional data. Comparative performances are measured based on discrimination and classification of these data sets. To compare the classification performances, the data samples are projected onto the PLS-DA and LPPLS-DA subspaces, and classification of the projected samples into one of the different groups (classes) is done using the nearest-neighbor classifier. We also compare the two techniques in data visualization (discrimination) task. The ability of LPPLS-DA to group samples from the same class while at the same time maximizing the between-class separation is clearly shown in our results. In comparison with PLS-DA, separation of data in the projected LPPLS-DA subspace is more well defined.
The present study investigated the concentration of metals in commonly grown vegetables (Luffa acutangula L., Zea mays L., Solanum melongena L.) irrigated with waste water in District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The pH (5.80) and electrical conductivity (13 dS/m) of waste water indicated the acidic nature that is not suitable for irrigation purposes. Soil and vegetables samples were analyzed for metals concentration through flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Varian FAAS-240). The findings showed that waste water irrigated soil was highly contaminated with Cd (4.62 mg/kg) which was above permissible limits set by European Union Standard (EU 2006, 2002). The concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr and Cd in vegetables were higher than the permissible limits set by World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization U.S.A guidelines 2001. The health hazard quotient (HQ) of waste water irrigated vegetables was observed higher for Ni (0.699-0.1029 mg/kg), (0.0456-0.1040 mg/kg), (0.731-0.0994 mg/kg) in Luffa acutangula, Solanum melongena and Zea mays, respectively. The study concluded that the consumption of commonly grown vegetables in waste water zone of the study area may pose potential health threats in local population.
Drought is one of the commonly occurring environmental stresses, limiting crop production in many countries. Selection
of cultivar is the most effective and economical means for alleviating the adverse effects of drought stress on crops. The
present study aimed to investigate the growth, some physiological processes, yield and quality of some newly-developed
wheat cultivars (AARI-2011, AAS-2011, Faisalabad-2008, Millat-2011 and Punjab-2011) under field drought stress
conditions. The cultivars were sown in a field under normal irrigation and drought-induced conditions. Maximum net
photosynthetic rate was recorded in cv. AAS-2011 at growth stage of 67 days after wheat emergence under normal irrigation
and cv. Faisalabad-2008 at 67 days after wheat emergence under drought condition. Leaf stomatal conductance and
transpiration rate were maximum in cv. Faisalabad-2008 under drought conditions. The adverse effects of drought stress
were observed more on cv. Millat-2011 than Faisalabad-2008, with respect to net photosynthetic rate and transpiration.
Drought exerted a significant adverse effect on leaf stomatal conductance at 74 days after wheat emergence which was
recorded as 230 mmol m-2 s-1. Among the cultivars, AAS-2011 recorded maximum yield traits and grain yield under normal
irrigation condition and Faisalabad-2008 under drought condition. Cultivar Millat-2011 was the most susceptible to
drought and Faisalabad-2008 the most resistant to drought. Faisalabad-2008 maintained the quality at the most under
drought stress conditions. It is concluded that Fasialabad-2008 should be grown under field drought conditions to achieve
maximal yield and quality of wheat.
Treatment of chronic Rockwood's type V Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation remains controversial. We describe a surgical technique to reduce and maintain AC joint using a combination of gracilis autograft with GraftMax™ button (Conmed Inc, Utica, NY). Graft was prepared using running whip stitch technique with No. 5 Hi-Fi high strength suture (ConMed Linvatec, Largo, FL). Our technique reduces intraoperative clavicular and coracoid tunnel fracture and restores anatomical coracoclavicular ligament. At sixth week and third month postoperatively, the patient demonstrated good clinical and radiographic outcome.
Penggunaan instrumen pemantauan elektronik dalam peralatan latihan konvensional mempunyai pengaruh positif terhadap tahap minat pengguna, seterusnya meningkatkan pengalaman latihan dan prestasi keseluruhan. Oleh yang demikian, individu boleh mendapatkan manfaat optima dari sebarang latihan sekiranya individu diberi sasaran prestasi tertentu yang mudah difahami, dimaklumkan mengenai kemajuan latihan, diberi motivasi, bimbingan, dorongan dan arahan lisan. Walau bagaimanapun, instrumen pemantauan elektronik konvensional tidak berfungsi secara langsung untuk memotivasi atau melatih individu di dalam program latihan mereka. Malah, peralatan komersial ini terhad penggunaannya di dalam latihan bukan kardiovaskular (contohnya, angkatan bebanan dan latihan isometrik). Sistem prototaip jurulatih senaman maya berupaya menyelesaikan masalah ini dengan menyediakan sensorgerak pintar yang dapat diletakkan secara magnetik ke permukaan alatan senaman seperti dumbbell, atau sebahagian daripada peralatan senaman, seperti pemegang logam dari peralatan senaman. Sensor ini akan menghantar isyarat terus ke aplikasi di peranti mudah alih pengguna untuk diproses dan mengeluarkan outputpanduan senaman, maklum balas interaktif, outputvisual dan audio motivasi semasa latihan senaman. Penciptaan sistem senaman yang praktikal ini berpotensi membantu bukan sahaja individu yang aktif, malahan atlet, pesakit yang menjalani senaman rehabilitasi, warga emas dan individu kurang aktif untuk melaksanakan latihan senaman yang lebih berkesan, interaktif dan selamat.
Diazinon (O,O-diethyl-O-[2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl] phosphoro thioate), an organo-phosphate insecticide, has been used worldwide in agriculture and domestic for several years, which has led to a variety of negative effects in non target species including humans. However, its nephrotoxic effects and mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated so far. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the nephrotoxic effects of diazinon and its mechanism of action with special reference to its possible ROS generating potential in rats. Treatment of rats with diazinon significantly enhances renal lipid peroxidation which is accompanied by a decrease in the activities of renal antioxidant enzymes (e.g. catalase, glutathione peroxidise, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase) and depletion in the level of glutathione reduced. In contrast, the activities of renal γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and quinone reductase were increased. Parallel to these changes, diazinon treatment enhances renal damage as evidenced by sharp increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Additionally, the impairment of renal function corresponds histopathologically. In summary, our results indicate that diazinon treatment eventuates in decreased renal glutathione reduced, a fall in the activities of antioxidant enzymes including the enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism and excessive production of oxidants with concomitant renal damage, all of which are involved in the cascade of events leading to diazinon-mediated renal oxidative stress and toxicity. We concluded that in diazinon exposure, depletion of antioxidant enzymes is accompanied by induction of oxidative stress that might be beneficial in monitoring diazinon toxicity.
The conventional heart rate monitor is usually developed with a numeric digital display. This numerical view is obviously not practical to be used during exercise. In this study, the iOS-based mobile application, called Chromozone, was developed to monitor heart rate using the universal color-coding system. The heart rate monitor during the exercise is designed to notify the exercise intensity information to users using the three universal color-coded (i.e. green zone: optimal heart rate; yellow zone: heart rate lower than the optimal zone, and red zone: heart rate higher than the optimal zone). Chromozone is programmed to display uniform colors across the smart phone display, which allows users to easily be informed in regards to the state of exercise intensity. The transfer of heart rate data from the chest transmitter to Chromozone application is designed to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) system technology. The heart rate data is then processed by the application to determine the intensity range of exercise training heart rate based on the user’s personal input (i.e. age, gender, fitness levels and training objective). Preliminary analysis found that Chromozone application is effective in delivering real-time exercise intensity heart rate. Chromozone could potentially help athletes, active individuals and clinical populations to monitor and regulate their workout training regime in a more effective and safer manner.
Constructing efficient structured materials for artificial photosynthesis of CO2 is a promising strategy to produce renewable fuels in addition of mitigating greenhouse effect. In this work, 2D porous g-C3N4 (PCN) coupled exfoliated 3D Ti3C2TA MXene (TiC) nanosheets with TiO2 NPs in-situ growth was constructed in a single step through HF treatment approach. The different exfoliated TiC structures were successfully synthesized for adjusting HF etching time (24 h, 48 h and 96 h). With growing etchant time from 24 to 96 h, the amount of TiO2 produced was increased, but it has adverse effects on CO and CH4 production rate. The maximum production rates for CO and CH4 of 317.4 and 78.55 µmol g-1 h-1 were attained when the 10TiC-48/PCN was employed than using TiC-24/PCN, TiC-96/PCN and PCN composite samples, respectively. The performance of 10TiC-48/PCN composite for CO and CH4 evolution were 9.9 and 6.7 folds higher than using pristine PCN sample, respectively. The possible mechanism is assigned to porous structure with intimate contact enabling efficient charge carrier separation with the role of TiO2 NPs to work as a bridge to transport electrons towards MXene surface. Among the reducing agents, water was favorable for CO evolution, whereas, methanol-water system promoted CH4 production. All these findings confirm that heterojunction formation facilitates charges separation and can be further used in solar energy relating application.
Partial differential equations involve results of unknown functions when there are multiple independent variables. There is a need for analytical solutions to ensure partial differential equations could be solved accurately. Thus, these partial differential equations could be solved using the right initial and boundaries conditions. In this light, boundary conditions depend on the general solution; the partial differential equations should present particular solutions when paired with varied boundary conditions. This study analysed the use of variable separation to provide an analytical solution of the homogeneous, one-dimensional heat equation. This study is applied to varied boundary conditions to examine the flow attributes of the heat equation. The solution is verified through different boundary conditions: Dirichlet, Neumann, and mixed-insulated boundary conditions. the initial value was kept constant despite the varied boundary conditions. There are two significant findings in this study. First, the temperature profile changes are influenced by the boundary conditions, and that the boundary conditions are dependent on the heat equation’s flow attributes.
Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are a disabling injury as it often results in motor and sensory deficit with cognitive impairment. Flaxseed oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and it is believed to be able to protect the damaged nerve cell for successful nerve recovery. This study aimed to investigate a potential neuro-re- generation properties of flaxseed oil in treating the PNI. Methods: A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: Normal group (n=5), Group 2: Negative group (n=20), Group 3: Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4: Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walking track analysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes. Results: Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil. Conclusion: The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.
For centuries, people have been practising phytomedicine in treating ailments or reducing risk of suffering certain diseases. It is considered as a part of an ancient medicine with interest in it becomes rapidly escalating in this modern era. Expansive and prescribed medicine is not the only true path to treat various illnesses. Without disclaiming the modern medicine, herbs can be used as an alternative or a combined therapy with conventional medication. Phytomedicine or ethnomedicine is not a new
field in the world of research. It has been started long ago since the ancient times. As we realized the expensive modern medication is not the only mean to treat illness, interest in the discovery of remedy through natural or conventional products has become more escalating. (Copied from article)
Citrus is one of the major commodities in many countries including Malaysia.
However, production of citrus including Citrus suhuiensis (C. suhuiensis) is declining due to
diseases and inability to withstand low temperatures. Plant cultures such as cell suspension have the
potential in propagating disease-free and healthy Citrus fruits with value-added characteristics.
However, studies related to C. suhuiensis is still scarce. Therefore, the growth kinetics of C.
suhuiensis cell suspension culture was studied. Friable callus of C. suhuiensis which was induced
from seeds was inoculated into MS medium with 30 g/L sucrose, 0.5 g/L malt extract and 2.0 mg/L
2, 4-D for the cell suspension initiation. Several batch experiments using a few types of sugars
(sucrose, glucose and fructose) were carried out. The cell dry weight (CDW) of C. suhuiensis was
recorded for 30 days of culture period and residual sugars in the medium were analyzed using
HPLC. Cells grown in 30 g/L sucrose achieved the highest CDW (9.559 g/L) with µmax equals to
0.00512/h, compared to glucose and fructose. In addition, sucrose is the preferred carbon source
with the highest uptake rate (0.213 g/L·h). Cells completely hydrolyzed sucrose into glucose and
fructose after 5 days of inoculation. All sugars were completely utilized by C. suhuiensis cells after
25 days. The kinetic growth parameters determined from batch experiments were then used for
model simulation and verification in MATHCAD 15. After adjustments and refinement to the
selected kinetic parameters, the model has fairly described and predicted the growth and sugars
profile of C. suhuiensis cells. The proposed model can be used to predict sucrose hydrolysis, glucose
and fructose formation from sucrose and their consumption by plant cells and also for larger scale
of growth.
Depressive disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disorder, which affects 21% of the world population. Study revealed that by 2020, depressive disorder will be the top disability disease in the world. The treatment involving drugs can impose a various side effects including cardiac toxicity, hypopieasia, sexual dysfunstion, body weight gain, and sleep disorder. During the last decade, there is a growing interest on the use of natural products for mental disorders treatment. In this study, Pogostemon cablin benth was use to examine its antidepressant activity. Antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Pogostemon cablin benth (AEPCB) on rat n = 6 was investigated by using Forced swimming test, Tail suspension test and rotarod apparatus test models. Fluoxetine was used as reference standards. AEPCB at the dose of 2000 mg has no toxic to rat orally. It has been observed from the study that AEPCB at higher concentration from 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg showed significant (p
Previous research has emphasized the need to further investigate the impact of ISO 9001 on company performance in the manufacturing sector of developing countries. Indonesia is one of those developing countries where the implementation of ISO 9001 is yet to be adequately researched. The Indonesian automotive manufacturing industry is still unable to compete with Malaysia and Thailand even though many companies have implemented ISO 9001. This study aimed to examine the relationship between ISO 9001 and operational (productivity, customer satisfaction, and product quality) and business (sales growth, profit rate, and market share) performance of Indonesian automotive component manufacturing industries. It also aimed to identify major obstacles in the effective implementation of ISO 9001. Multiple linear regression analyses about operational and business performance were employed for this purpose. The sample size comprised 50 automotive component manufacturing industries located in the Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi region of Indonesia. The study demonstrates that the implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system has a significant positive impact on the operational performance as well as the business performance. Additionally, the operational performance has a significant positive impact on the business performance. This study also reveals the major obstacles in the effective implementation of ISO 9001 in the manufacturing industry, which include a lack of qualified personnel, inadequate training, employee resistance, and lack of commitment among top-level management executives. It offers clear implications for managers who focus on elements that will enhance the effectiveness of ISO 9001 implementation by choosing the correct strategies, allocating sufficient resources, and improving their firm's performance. The novelty of this study lies in filling the existing research gap, which involves a detailed examination of the relationship between the implementation of ISO 9001 and the company's performance, particularly in manufacturing industries of developing countries.
In the state effort reduce the number of maternal death, a free child and maternal healthcare programme were introduced called Successful delivery. This main aim of this research is to evaluate if women registered with the programme had a better chance of accessing the services in the state. A crosssectional quantitative study involving household interviews of all women of the reproductive age group (15–49 years) residing in Jigawa state from February to April 2019. Logistic regression analysis at 95% confidence interval was used to determine the independent associations between the scheme and use of antenatal care, hospital delivery and postnatal care services. Successful delivery program influenced the antenatal care visit as women registered with the schemes are more likely to have maximum of six visit 39.5 times than those who did not and also more likely to have four visit 2.6 times than those without scheme. Hospital delivery is also attached to the scheme as women registered with the scheme is 5.3 times likely to deliver at hospital when compared to those with not. Successful delivery program influence antenatal care visit and hospital base delivery. Nevertheless many of the pregnant women after delivery did not attend postnatal care.
Penginapan merupakan perkara yang perlu ada dalam aktivti pelancogan. Salah satu contohnya adalah ‘Homestay’. Program ‘homestay’ dikenali sebagai pelanconngan yang berasaskan komuniti dan berpotensi untuk berkembang dan membangunkan masyarakat desa selain pelancong dapat merasai pengalaman semuajadi dan cara hidup mereka. Oleh itu, kepada pengusaha ‘homestay’ mereka perlu memepertingkatkan lagi kualiti perkhidmatan untuk menarik minat pelancong dari dalam dan luar negera untuk datang semula. Melalui artikel ini akan membicangkan kajian terhadap faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kepuasan pelanggan terhadap kualti perkhidmatan ‘homestay’ di Melaka yang tertumpu kepada ‘Homestay Seri Tanjung’.
Electromagnetic (EM) waves transmitted by Horizontal Electric Dipole (HED) source to detect contrasts in subsurface resistivity termed Seabed Logging (SBL) is now an established method for hydrocarbon exploration. However, currently used EM wave detectors for SBL have several challenges including the sensitivity and its bulk size. This work exploits the benefit of superconductor technology in developing a magnetometer termed Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) which can potentially be used for SBL. A SQUID magnetometer was fabricated using hexagon shape-niobium wire with YBa2Cu37O, (YBCO) as a barrier. The YBa2Cu37O, samples were synthesized by sol-gel method and were sintered using a furnace and conventional microwave oven. The YBCO gel was dried at 120 degrees C in air for 72 hours. It was then ground and divided into 12 parts. Four samples were sintered at 750 degrees C, 850 degrees C, 900 degrees C, and 950 degrees C for 12 hours in a furnace to find the optimum temperature. The other eight samples were sintered in a microwave with 1100 Watt (W) with a different sintering time, 5, 15, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1 hour 15 minutes, 1 hour 30 minutes, 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours. A DEWAR container was designed and fabricated using fiberglass material. It was filled with liquid nitrogen (LN2) to ensure the superconducting state of the magnetometer. XRD results showed that the optimum sintering temperature for the formation of orthorhombic Y-123 phase was at 950 degrees C with the crystallite size of 67 nm. The morphology results from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) showed that the grains had formed a rod shape with an average diameter of 60 nm. The fabricated SQUID magnetometer was able to show an increment of approximately 249% in the intensity of the EM waves when the source receiver offset was one meter apart.