bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water control for a rock-soil interface - infrastructure at a contaminated site
Authors: Fransson Â , Surendran P , Berg A , Lindqvist E , Risby L , Schleeh A , Tennby G , Wiklund H
Published: September 2021

The conceptual model of the rock-soil f(and future shaft) interface was confirmed (so far not rejected) using data from investigation boreholes. The location of a depression in rock (a likely deformation zone) was indicated and confirmed using borehole data. Wave-washed deposits (upper part of the stratigraphy) and a lower water-bearing strata (soil) coinciding with the depression are key water-bearing features in soil. The likely deformation zone is expected to be a key water-bearing feature in rock. Grouting design (curtain-and blanket grouting) and sealing of soil (jet-grouting and sheet-pile walls) focus on sealing these features. The wells (infiltration) that are planned between the shaft and a contaminated site may, if needed, further reduce the effect of the construction on hydraulic head and flow. Changes that are of interest since they may also influence the mobility of a contamination. A low grouting pressure is used in rock adapting to a shallow depth (curtain grouting) and a possible horizontal connectivity. The steps of the observational method, as described by Peck (1969), were found very useful. Its focus on “the general nature, pattern and properties” and “a working hypothesis of behaviour” is of particular interest, highlighting the understanding of the system at hand.
Analysis of failure behaviour of the anisotropic rocks in the point load index test
Authors: Acharya D , Panthee S , Raina A K , Dhakal S
Published: September 2021

The strength and deformational behaviour of rocks under loading conditions are important in underground excavations, mining and every civil engineering constructions as it determines the stability of such structures. This study aims to augment the existing know-how on such behaviour through analysis of point load tests conducted on anisotropic rocks of metamorphic nature. Three types of anisotropic rocks named augen gneiss, granitic gneiss, psammitic schist, and greenschist from different formations of the Lesser and Higher Himalaya of Central Nepal have been investigated. It is observed that the point load index strength of the anisotropic rocks is related to their grain size and the loading angle with respect to the planes of anisotropy. The anisotropic index shows pronounced effects on the surface energy distribution of the samples on the application of stress.
Evaluation of Weathered Rock Mass Strength and Deformation Using Weathering Indices
Authors: Chala Endalu T , Rao KS
Published: September 2021

Rock weathering and the resulting effects on geotechnical properties of weathered rock mass has long been a concern for geotechnical engineering practicing since the strength and deformational properties of weathered rock masses is needed for analysis and design of underground openings, opens pits and excavations for foundations of dams, bridges and high-rise buildings in and on weathered rock mass. It is a very challenging task to obtain required core samples to determine the strength and deformation behavior for the assessment of weathered rock mass performance. This is because of weathering which causes change in fabric of rock by creating voids and micro cracks after dissolving grain boundaries particularly, at higher stage of weathering. This paper attempt to present a method of sampling and testing of weathered rocks and proposed a weathered rock mass indices chart for estimating rock mass strength and deformation properties. To investigate the applicability of the proposed weathered rock mass indices chart for other regions, available data from literature for same rock has been used along with the extensive testing data generated in the present investigation Deccan plateau basaltic rocks.
Study of blasting effect on bench stability
Authors: Djoudi M , Bensehamdi S , Fredj M
Published: September 2021

The study of blast effect on bench stability is indispensable, because the overall stability of the quarry’s slope is directly linked to it. For this purpose, a study is conducted in a limestone quarry. Before the stability analysis, a fragmentation evaluation is carried out by two methods, by the Kuz-Ram model and the Digital Image analysis method using the WipFrag program, this part of the work aims to establish a more efficient blast design that assures a better fragmentation and a higher stability for the quarry’s structure. Afterwards, a numerical stability analysis approach is adopted, by employing the Finite Element Method (FEM) through the Phase2 software. A 2D numerical model of the quarry’s profile is constructed, on which simulations are carried out for two cases: 1-static conditions; 2-Dynamic conditions using the proposed blast design. This analysis goals are to define the possible deformation that the blasting process could engender to the benches and its effect on bench’s stability as an individual case and on the overall stability of the slope in general.
Pre-failure deformation monitoring as rockfall prediction tool
Authors: Marjanović Miloš , Abolmasov Biljana , Berisavljević Zoran , Pejić Marko , Vranić Petko
Published: September 2021

In this article, we are elaborating an example of predictive rockfall assessment by using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in monitoring a road cut, hosted in flysch rock formation, near Ljig in Serbia. A sequence of rockfall events from 2013-2019 is presented, while the cut has been more broadly investigated in our earlier work. Beside occasional rockfalls which are routinely detected by annual TLS monitoring, it was possible to track the pre-failure deformations preceding a series of rockfalls, reaching 0.3 m3 in volume with 0.5 annual reoccurrence probability. Monitoring enabled identification of subtle displacements of about 1 cm after the first event in 2014 and keeping track of its progression. After a series of events in the following years, we were able to define the pre-failure threshold which can be applied to the adjacent rock blocks, assuming a similar block volume. It also enabled us to anticipate and simulate the event before it happens. This approach allows planning, prevention and protection, and there is a great deal of interest to standardize it for high-risk slopes and cuts in rock masses.
High-quality timber species production under multi-storey forest management approach in Malaysia
Authors: Jemali N J N , Yahya J , Bam H N R , Majid S , Muhammad M
Published: September 2021

The multi-storey forest management project (MFMP) intended to identify the best silvicultural practices for tropical forest tree species as well as producing high-quality timber and seeds in a multi-storey forest. Plots were established to examine the transition of existing forest plantations and secondary forest to multi-storey forest type. The study aims to evaluate the current performance of the growth rate and productivity of selected local species through a multi-storey forest management approach. Based on the growth performance and productivity obtained, it was found that the method of planting under shading is a practical approach compared to the open planting method. Acacia mangium is planted 3-4 years earlier which acts as shade trees. Five study designs implemented using crop strip at a distance of 3.0 x 3.7m alternating between three different local species and shade trees with a ratio of A (1: 1), B (2: 2), C (4: 4), D (8: 8) and E (16:16). From this study, we found that Malaysia’s local timber species can grow under the shade at the beginning of establishment and it can grow well on narrow crop lines such as crop design A and B. On the other hand, these local species need sufficient levels of sunlight as well as other environmental requirements such as humidity, soil and weather changes over time as they grow. For that reason, these three local species namely Shorea leprosula, Shorea parvifolia and Neobalanocarpus heimii showed good performance in crop design C, D and E. This multi-storey forest management concept can be practised for the establishment of forest plantations and silvicultural treatment in degraded areas with high-quality local timber species.
Species diversity and enumeration of shrub species in Pantai Sabak, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Zamri N A Z , Majid N A Ab , Mohd Zulkafli N N , Ahmad Zu S A , Hamzah Z , Zakaria R , Amaludin N A
Published: September 2021

Coastal forest plays a vital role in our ecosystem because of its numerous and varied human use. In Malaysia especially Kelantan, there is a lot of coastal forests that are not recognised or has been introduced as the forest that consists of much biological diversity that can be important and useful for the development and management of the forest. This study documented shrubs species that were found in Pantai Sabak, Kelantan where all shrubs species were identified and enumerated by using a systematic plot sampling method while relating it with soil composition and their characteristic. A total of 3752 shrubs plants representing 28 species belong to 24 genera from 17 families were identified within 0.05 hectare plots. Species diversity with Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’) with a value of 1.67, while H
max
was 3.34 and Evenness Index (EH) value was 0.50 for the entire study area. Family Capparaceae (1425) and Euphorbiaceae (1260) were dominant families grown in loam and silt soil and the least dominant represented by Vitex rotundifolia and Ipomoea pes-caprae species which grown in sandy soil. Only certain species can grow and be able to survive in different habitats where types of soil play an important role in the factors of the tree species that grow around Pantai Sabak which can be observed that during the study was conducted.
Potential of a combination of Heliconia psittacorum and its associated bacteria for phytoremediation
Authors: Baharuddin M I , Aweng E R , Kutty S R M , Mohd Roslan S N , Hanaphi R M
Published: September 2021

Remediation has recently received a lot of attention to combat or deal with contaminated soil, water, or air. There are a few types of remediation technologies, such as microbiological remediation and phytoremediation, in which microbial remediation uses microorganisms as the agent, while phytoremediation uses flowers as the agent. H.psittacorum is a flower with phytoremediation and ecologically favorable potential. The study is aimed at learning more about the microorganisms that could help improve soil and water quality. Microbiological remediation uses microorganisms as the agent, while phytoremediation uses flowers as the agent to overcome contamination problems. H.psitacorum was found to be able to remove copper, zinc, and phosphorus from soil and groundwater. As a result, H.psittacorum’s phytoremediation capacity was measured in soil and root samples. Microorganism awareness within the root pattern increased to 4.4 × 109 cfu/ml, whereas the soil pattern increased to 1.5 × 109 cm/ml. The concentration and identity of bacteria in roots and soil revealed information about these bacteria’s ability to remove pollutants, while the water quality assessment demonstrated H.psitacorum’s potential. These seven bacteria have been identified as having a historical mechanism that has proven to be effective in removing, transferring, and stabilizing pollutants. In addition, a water quality assessment demonstrated H.psitacorum’s phytoremediation potential reduced copper, zinc, and phosphate concentrations in the water from 0.64 to 0.068 mg/l, and 0.513mg/l to 0. The concentration and identity of bacteria in roots and soil revealed information about these bacteria’s ability to remove pollutants.
Potential of oil palm trunk starch as flocculant for contaminant of emerging compound removal
Authors: Mohd Amin M F , Mat Rasat M S , Ahmad M I , Aftar Ali N S , Muda K , Zaidi N S , Ismail S , Mohamad Shahimin M F , Mohd Amin M A , Salam M A
Published: September 2021

In this preliminary study, a natural flocculant is developed from an oil palm trunk. The flocculant further tested for its ability in turbidity and COD removal with additional of atrazine in wastewater and demineralised water matrix. At the optimum dosage of 20mg/L, the developed cationic OPT starch able to remove around 95% turbidity and 85% COD. In addition, the cationic OPT starch also show the ability to remove spiked atrazine from both water matrixes to the maximum range of 55-85%. In conclusion, the developed oil-palm based flocculant show great potential for real-world application with added cost-effective benefits.
Highly sensitive aptasensor based on ‘rose petal’ shaped iron nanoparticles decorated on 3D graphene for detection of zearalenone
Authors: Sangu S S , Abdul Karim N A M , Saheed M S M , Gopinath S C B
Published: September 2021

Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin mainly synthesized by Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum is a widespread contaminant of several important crops such as wheat, maize, and paddy causing major plant diseases. Environmental factors such as rain and wind aids in the dispersal of ZEA in the soil and waters which affects aquatic lifes. ZEA causes detrimental health effects such as hyper-oestrogenism and premature abortions to human and animals when contaminated crops are ingested. Hence, it is vital to detect ZEA as early precautionary step in lowering the risks related with the health impairment to human and animals, as well as environmental contamination. Conventional methods are time-consuming and complex, thus, this study aimed on developing a highly sensitive biosensor using graphene-nickel decorated with ‘rose petal’ shaped iron nanoflowers (GNINF) as the transducer and aptamer as the bioreceptor. Low-pressure chemical vapour deposition is used to grown 3D-graphene followed by electrochemical deposition of iron (II) sulphate on its surface to form iron nanoflowers. Immobilisation of chemical and biomolecules were done using the layer-by-layer technique. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy showed prominent ‘rose petal’ shaped nanoflowers on the graphene surface. This unique assembly creates large surface area for immobilisation and better electric charge transfer on the material surface. The existence of hydroxyl group on the surface of GNINF also plays a role as linker to the surface. Besides, the sensitivity of the aptasensor was characterised using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The limit of detection achieved in this study is 1 fg ml−1 and the linear range is 1 fg ml−1 to 1 ng ml−1, which is highly sensitive than most reported biosensors. Overall, this highly sensitive aptasensor is a straightforward and cheap alternative for detecting ZEA in crops and the environment.
Determination of potential groundwater sources using electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) in Lojing, Gua Musang
Authors: Sulaiman N , Saliman N S M , Sulaiman N
Published: September 2021

The study area is located at the sub-district of Lojing, Gua Musang, Kelantan. The dimension of the study area is approximately 25km2. This study aims to determine the possibility of groundwater existence using Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) method. The lithology of the study area is a metamorphic rock which is schist and the parent rock for schist is a sedimentary rock. Schist has a characteristic that not suitable for groundwater accumulation between grains, therefore the groundwater may exist within the fractured zones. In Kelantan, it used both groundwater and surface water treatment as their main resources for daily uses. However, continuous extraction of groundwater can cause depletion and continuous contamination of the river and reduces the quality of water treatment. Therefore, new sources of groundwater are needed to support the water storage. The study area has a high potential of groundwater located in the subsurface. ERI results show that the subsurface consists of low resistivity material such as sedimentary rocks that can store groundwater in a large volume. Therefore, the study area is highly potential as a zone for groundwater accumulation.
Ultrasound-assisted lactic acid based deep eutectic solvent extraction of phenolic antioxidants from Thymus broussonetii: A Box – Behnken design approach for optimization
Authors: Kaoui S , Chebli B , Ait Baddi G , Basaid K , Zaafrani M , Mir Y
Published: September 2021

Developing of an eco-friendly, sustainable and efficient solvents with low toxicity and cost has always been a tremendously important goal for industries. In this context, green solvent, such as natural deep eutectic solvent, have been developed as a promising solvent capable of replacing organic ones. The combination of lactic acid: glucose (5:1) was investigated as an extraction medium for bioactive phenolic compounds from Thymus broussonetii. The ultrasonication method was established and optimized by a systematic investigation of the influencing factors: water content in solvent (0/35/70 %), extraction time (30/60/90 min), and temperature (30/50/80°C). A Box – Behnken design was adopted including 17 experiments with three center points. The results obtained presented an excellent efficacy of polyphenols extraction ranging from 25.53 ± 0,02 to 153.23 ± 0,03 mg GAE/g dm and a high scavenging activity attending 80.64 %, the optimized conditions selected for both responses were 66.47 min, at 80°C and a 40.72 % of water, with an extraction yields of 144.394 ±0,02 mg GAE/g dm and 75.9 % for phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, respectively. Regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data which indicates the suitability of the model employed and the successful application of Box – Behnken design in optimizing the extraction conditions. Furthermore, the developed procedure represents an excellent alternative for the extraction of natural products from sample matrices.
Checklist of small vertebrates at Sime Darby Tangkah Estate, Tangkah, Johor
Authors: Appanan M , Shahfiz M A , Fauzi N F M , Ahmad Ruzman N H , Mahyudin N A A , Nafiz Z A , Yahya S N
Published: September 2021

Oil palm plantations might possess lower species composition compared to forest or riparian areas. Therefore, this assessment is carried out at Sime Darby Tangkah Estate to assess small vertebrates’ composition adjacent to Gunung Ledang National Park. This survey was carried out at two sites: Plot 05A and Plot 18A, from 22nd to 25th October 2019. A transect line of 400 meters was set up at each plot for active trappings, with a total of 20 cage traps, 20 Sherman traps, five mist nets, and one harp trap were deployed. All trapped animals were identified, measured, photographed and released after being examined. Observations were also carried out using Binoculars. Based on this survey in plot 05A, eight species from five families of mammals and seven species from four families of birds were recorded. While in plot 18A, a total of 12 species from six families of mammals and seven species from seven families of birds were documented. Moreover, a total of 17 species of birds was observed during the survey. Oil palm may function as one of the forest buffers, requiring further monitoring and enforcement to prevent poaching and hunting of these resources.
Isotherms for adsorption of boron onto new fibrous adsorbent containing glycidol ligands: linear and nonlinear regression methods
Authors: Afolabi H K , Nordin N A H , Nasef M Ma , Harun N Y , Ting T M , Saeed A A H
Published: September 2021

The most appropriate way to design and evaluate an adsorption system performance is by having an idea of the equilibrium relationship, which is also known as adsorption isotherms. The adsorption isotherms provide information on how pollutants such as boron are interacting with adsorbent materials. A novel glycidol-containing adsorbent for selective boron removal was synthesised by radiation-induced grafting of N-vinylformamide (NVF) onto non-woven polyethylene/polypropylene (PE/PP) fiber, followed by hydrolysis and chemical treatment. The adsorbent equilibrium behaviour was investigated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. Comparison of linear and non-linear regression methods was used to determine the most suitable isotherm that best describes the boron adsorption by the new adsorbent. The non-linear method is a better way of obtaining isotherm parameters. The best-fitting isotherm was found to be the Redlich-Peterson (R2 > 0.99) and Langmuir isotherms (R2 = 0.99).
Geoheritage assessment of Gua Sireh, Baling, Kedah
Authors: Sulaiman N , Sulaiman N , Roslan N F , Mohd Sabari N S , Abdullah N
Published: September 2021

Gua Sireh is located in Baling, Kedah, Malaysia. Baling is a district that hold a variety of unique and beautiful geological features with geoheritage values and attractive geological landforms. The Gua Sireh is currently conserved by the Kampung Padang Che Mas’s committee members as a part of their tourism site. The aim of this paper is to formally evaluate the potential geoheritage values of Gua Sireh as a geoheritage resources using the classification, assessment and evaluation methods. Based on this study, five geoheritage values had been identified in Gua Sireh, which are scientific/educational, aesthetic, recreational, historical/cultural and economic values. The scale of this geosite is small to medium, and the level of significance is local to state. By this initiative, it is hope that Gua Sireh can be preserved from any threats and continues to develop in order to sustain and protect the geological features while supporting the geotourism development in the state of Kedah.
Correlation between physico-chemical water quality and river ecosystems in Malaysia rivers with different land uses
Authors: Aweng E R , Sharifah Aisyah S O , Salam M A , Mior I B
Published: September 2021

River water quality is one of the major issues in water supply in Malaysia. Most people understand that, water pollution caused by the discharge from the factories and municipal waste but is that the real case? So, in order to answer the above question, this study was done to determine the interaction or correlation between physico-chemical water quality and river ecosystems. Component of river ecosystems measured are river riparian composition, large woody debris (LWD), canopy cover and substrate composition (D50). This study was conducted in Sungai Mengkibol, Sungai Madek and Sungai Dengar in Johor. There were a total of five sampling sites, three for impact stations and two as reference stations, including one highland station. For water quality, six in-situ parameters were measured namely temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, turbidity and salinity using a multi parameter probe as well as a single parameter probe. Meanwhile, field survey form was used to assess river habitat namely river riparian compositions, canopy cover and LWD. In addition, Pebble Count Method was used to measure substrate compositions (D50). Results shows that, physico-chemical water quality was correlated (p < 0.05) with riparian cover, LWD and canopy cover but it was not correlated (p>0.05) with substrate composition (D50) of the river. Based on the results obtained from the study, it can be suggested that physico-chemical river water quality was not caused by pollution alone but river ecosystems were also played significance role in determining the quality of water. Hopefully, this finding can be used by the responsible authorities for effective river management in order to sustain our drinking water supply.
Local visitors’ willingness to pay of entrance fee at Taman Negeri Gunung Stong, Kelantan
Authors: Hassin N H , Abang Jais D A N , Abas M A , Hamzah Z , Muhammad Noor A N , Hussin H , Abdullah M , Koshy N , Alhaji Dauda S
Published: September 2021

The forest ecosystem offers plenty of benefits and provisions for the environment and human wellbeing. One of the forest ecosystem’s potential advantages is that it serves as a recreational forest area for tourists. However, most tourist destination faces minimal or raising public support for natural attraction maintenance and management. Hence, managing the recreational forest lacks financial resources to provide and restore adequate recreation facilities. This study aims to determine local visitors’ willingness to pay an entrance fee in Taman Negeri Gunung Strong, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 150 respondents who had visited Taman Negeri Gunung Stong has participated in this study. The sampling techniques employed in this study is a probability stratified sampling approach. A contingent valuation method dichotomous choice was performed in this study to elicit the mean value of willingness to pay. The study found that the mean willingness to pay for an additional entrance fee to enter Taman Negeri Gunong Stong is estimated at RM 5.03 per visit. The variable of socioeconomic which is the only income influences the mean value on acceptance of suggested price. The study is proposed that the entrance fee collections can provide support as supplementary funds for the allocations made of management and maintenance costs in Taman Negeri Gunung Stong.
The importance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic activity of local community
Authors: Abas M A , Lukman N L M M , Fitriani N , Hamzah Z , Wee S T
Published: September 2021

Kelantan state has rich natural landscapes and interesting geological features, which has excellent potential to be developed. Ulu Sat Forest Reserve is one of the important forest reserves that available in Kelantan. It functions as a water catchment area make it very significant to the local community nearby. The study’s aim is to explore the significance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic of local community. The qualitative approach was executed via focus group discussion and in-depth interview technique with the leader and local communities. This study has found out that Ulu Sat Forest Reserve has played a significant role in the local community livelihood in the context of income resources, traditional medicine resources, water resources, and a preferable recreational place for family. Besides that, this article also discussed a brief background of the local community living near the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. Discussion on the local community’s demographic is essential to understand their socio-economic activities related to Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. This study indicates that the local community is still dependent on the forest reserve ecosystem and services in their livelihood. The disturbance of the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve ecosystem will cause an indirect negative impact on the tranquillity of the local community.
Social Return on Investment (SROI) for government flood recovery project in Kuala Krai, Kelantan
Authors: Teo W S , Seow T W , Radzuan I S M , Mohamed S , Abas M A
Published: September 2021

In Malaysia, almost everyone agrees that flood recovery projects are perceived to improve the lives of communities and generate social impacts. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the case and there hasn’t been any common agreement about what that return is, or how it might be measured. In this regard, Social Return on Investment (SROI) has the ability to present a clear and concise message about the government’s project impacts by assessing social, economic and environmental values. Using the analysis of a specific case study as a guiding thread, this paper shows how the application of SROI methodology allows one to know in depth the social added value that the project brings and the changes experienced by the key stakeholders that interact with it. The authors carried out a step-by-step guide to implementing SROI on the government flood recovery project named “New Permanent Housing” (Rumah Kekal Baharu) RKB project in Kg. Telekong, Kuala Krai, Kelantan. This analysis assesses the social value generated by the intervention by combining the use of qualitative and quantitative data gathered and analyzing it. The results show that the RKB project in Kg. Telekong created an SROI ratio of 1:1.27. This means that every RM 1 spent on the project yielded a social value of RM 1.27. Based on the results, this study suggests that investment in the RKB project generates a positive return. The current study also revealed that the SROI methodology is appropriate to be adopted in an attempt to offer a structured and systematic basis for revealing and quantifying the social value that are often excluded from the discussion. The SROI method has just recently been used in the area of disaster management filed, and thus, further study is needed to promote its potential for policy-making bodies in the field.
A preliminary study on current agricultural practices among small-scale rice farmers in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Wong H L , Omar S A S , Leong M C , Abdul Karim M F , Daliman S
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the potential exposure parameters among small-scale rice farmers based on their current agricultural practices under submerged rice systems. Twenty-four rice farmers from the District of Tanah Merah in Kelantan, Malaysia were interviewed about various pesticide exposure parameters (November 2020), followed by the collection of pesticide application information using questionnaire surveys across the whole rice season (December 2020 – March 2021). Overall, the 15 selected rice farmers with small-scale farm sizes (≤ 2.0 hectares) applied maximum numbers of 4 pesticide products and 10 spray rounds during 3 – 13 spraying days across the whole rice season, using 12 – 18 L of motorised knapsack sprayers (median: 15 L). The 15 selected rice farmers removed pesticide leftovers in the sprayers using soap and/or water only at the end of a spraying day. Each individual applied one of three disposal methods of empty pesticide containers, comprising thrown in the field (7 individuals), collect and burn (6 individuals) and buried in the ground (2 individuals). During mixing/loading, spraying and sprayer washing activities, individuals applied some protective measures by wearing long sleeves and long pants and face masks (each 15 individuals) and (long/short) boots (11 individuals), and that of relatively fewer use of gloves (5 individuals). Study findings indicate potential pesticide exposure among small-scale rice farmers due to the use of pesticide mixtures, improper handling of pesticide wastes and improper use of protective measures.
Synergistic effect of Alocasia longiloba fruit’s extract with ampicilin and tetracycline against bacteria
Authors: Nur-Alya I S , Aurifullah M , Nazahatul A A , Srisawat T , Permpoonpattana P , Norhazlini M Z , Suhaimi O , Zulhazman H
Published: September 2021

The inappropriate usage of antibiotic is one of the factors of the emergence of the antibiotic resistance bacteria that limit the effectiveness of the current antibiotic and lead to the treatment failure. The combination of plant extract with antibiotic approach may lead to the new ways in the treatment of the infectious diseases and this combination may reduce of bacterial resistance toward antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the synergistic effect of Alocasia longiloba fruit extract with Ampicillin and Tetracycline against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The synergistic effect of A. longiloba fruit extract and antibiotics was determined by using agar well diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) Resazurin 96-well micro-dilution methods. The results of this study showed the increasing in the inhibition zone when the plant extract was combined with Ampicillin against E. coli. The value of MIC only showed by Ampicillin on E. coli which was 12.5 μg/ml, and the combination of plant extract and Ampicillin (2000 + 12.5 μg/ml). These results indicated that the fruit extract of A. longiloba showed low antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and this plant extract may show the inhibition if the concentration is increase and test against the different microorganisms.
Optimisation of treated Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) using acidic salt to improve protein digestibility of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) larvae
Authors: Harun H C , Muhammad Amiruddin W , Leng O S , Abdul Malik S Z , Yee L S , Rusli N D , Mat K B , Mohd M , Sukri S A M , Al-Amsyar Syed M
Published: September 2021

The high cost of Artemia sp. and the shorter shelf life of egg custard as the major aquaculture feed for Macrobrachium rosenbergii are giving burden to aquaculture farmers in financial support and labour force. In most studies, BSFL has proved to successfully replace commercial animal feed which BSFL has similar amino acid (AA) profile as fish meal (FM). Application of pre-treated BSFL introduced as an alternative feed for M. rosenbergii might be potential. Pre-treatment of BSFL was carried out by mixing 2 different types of acidic salt, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (MKP), KH2PO4 and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (MSP), NaH2PO4. Three different concentrations of each acidic salt were used to treat BSFL (5 %, 10 % and 15 %). Treated BSFL which has the highest percentage of protein decreases were selected and further identified biochemical composition through proximate analysis. Next, treated BSFL were used to partially replaced skimmed milk powder with 25% BSFL, 50% BSFL, 75% BSFL and 100% BSFL as protein source and formulated with grade A chicken egg, 1% moringa and 1% turmeric. Physical properties on treated diets and formulated egg custards are identity to determine the suitable feed for M. rosenbergii larvae. BSFL which treated with 15% KH2PO4 has highest protein decrease which is 17.39 % compared to BSFL that treated with 5% NaH2PO4, 10% NaHPO4, 15% NaHPO4, 5% KH2PO4 and 10% KH2PO4 (5.16 %, 12.98 %, 16.72 %, 10.38 % and 15.22 %). In addition, egg custard with 100% BSFL has higher protein content which is 33.88 % compared to egg custard, egg custard with 25% BSFL, egg custard with 50% BSFL and egg custard with 75% BSFL (23.36 %, 27.88 %, 30.21 % and 32.66 %). It shows that the potential application of treated BSFL provides optimum nutrients to M. rosenbergii to replace current commercial feed.
Active design: promoting physical activity through building layout
Authors: Khairuddin R , Ibrahim I L , Jain A , Amin ‘I , Maharimi F
Published: September 2021

History has shown that environmental design can play a vital role in improving public health. Today, architects, urban designers, and planners can collaborate to address one of the most urgent and widespread epidemics of our time which are obesity and its related diseases. Hence, just as design professionals are increasingly embracing green building as an objective for environmental sustainability, they should thoroughly consider the potential effects of their designs on public health and wellbeing. Active Design is one of the approaches that must been taken by the architecture field. It is an idea to design cities and buildings for eco-sustenance that in turn can encourage people to get more exercise. This is not about encouraging us to go to the gym and working out more, but instead, it’s about giving citizens more of a workout through how we interact with our environment daily. There are a few countries that have been publishing their own Active Design Guidelines in promoting the use of this approach on the building design. However, the active design guidelines are not yet publishing in Asia, but the active design approach has been implemented and adapted in the building design whether in a direct or indirect manner. The purpose of this study is to examine, evaluate and review the building layout design in Malaysian Architecture in relation with the active design sustainable approach based on the literature and guidelines which can influence physical activities and health among Malaysian. Three selected building from Malaysia have been selected and analysed through qualitative and quantitative method. The finding of the research would provide deeper understanding of the necessary parameters and factors that are needed to be considered in implementing the active sustainable design approach in Malaysia.
Classification of Artocarpus species based on leaf recognition using multiclass support vector machine
Authors: Daliman S , Abdul Ghapar N
Published: September 2021

The demand of automated tools has been increasing regarding to the lack of people that expert in taxonomist. The aim of this research is to identify the classification of Artocarpus species based on leaf recognition using multiclass Support Vector Machine. This study focusses on identification and classification of selected Artocarpus species which are A. heterophyllus, A. altilis, A. integer and A. odoratissimus that belong to genus Artocarpus and family Moraceae through their morphological and features extraction by using image processing method. Multiclass Support Vector Machine (SVM) will be used to get the highest accuracy for the classification of Artocarpus species. The combination of Prewitt algorithm, Canny algorithm and gray level co-occurrence matrix will be used in SVM. This study capable to provide the results for current accuracy data representation of the selected Artocarpus species. The development of Graphical User Interface (GUI) for classification of Artocarpus species help user to identify and differentiate the species in faster and easier way especially botanist, taxonomist, and researcher. This system can increase the accuracy and speed of the processing and extraction of features from digital images of leaves samples. A Graphical User Interface utilizes a combination of devices and technologies to give a platform where users can interact with and producing information.
Descriptive Norms and Prototypes Predict COVID-19 Prevention Cognitions and Behaviors in the United States: Applying the Prototype Willingness Model to Pandemic Mitigation
Authors: Peterson Laurel M , Helweg-Larsen Marie , DiMuccio Sarah
Published: September 2021

Background

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention behavior adoption occurred in a rapidly changing context. In contrast to expectancy-value theories, the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) is well-suited for investigating novel and socially informed behaviors.

Purpose

We explored whether PWM social cognitions predicted coronavirus prevention behaviors.

Method

A representative sample of United States adults (N = 738; Mage = 46.8; 51.8% women; 78% white; April 2020) who had not had COVID-19 reported PWM predictor variables (perceived vulnerability, prevention descriptive norms, prototypes engaging in prevention behavior, and prevention behavioral intentions). Two weeks later, participants reported their prevention behaviors (handwashing, mask-wearing, social distancing, etc.) and future public health behavioral willingness (contact tracing, temperature checks, etc.).

Results

Controlling for putative demographic, past behavior, and coronavirus-contextual (e.g., local infection rates) covariates, mediation models indicated that higher norms and favorable prototypes were associated with greater prevention behavioral intentions, which in turn predicted increased prevention behavior, F(18, 705) = 92.20, p < .001, R2 = .70. Higher norms and favorable prototypes associated both directly and indirectly (through greater prevention behavioral intention) with greater willingness to engage in emerging public health behaviors, F(15, 715) = 21.49, p < .001, R2 = .31.

Conclusions

Greater descriptive norms and favorable prototypes for prevention behavior predicted: (a) future prevention behaviors through increases in behavioral intentions and (b) willingness to participate in emerging public health behaviors. These results held across demographic groups, political affiliation, and severity of regional outbreaks. Public health efforts to curb pandemics should highlight normative prevention participation and enhance positive prototypes.
Terrestrial laser scanning: a new standard of forest measuring and modelling?
Authors: Åkerblom Markku , Kaitaniemi Pekka
Published: September 2021

Background

Laser scanning technology has opened new horizons for the research of forest dynamics, because it provides a largely automated and non-destructive method to rapidly capture the structure of individual trees and entire forest stands at multiple spatial scales. The structural data themselves or in combination with additional remotely sensed data also provide information on the local physiological state of structures within trees. The capacity of new methods is facilitated by the ongoing development of automated processing tools that are designed to capture information from the point cloud data provided by the remote measurements.

Scope

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), performed from the ground or from unmanned aerial vehicles, in particular, has potential to become a unifying measurement standard for forest research questions, because the equipment is flexible to use in the field and has the capacity to capture branch-level structural information at the forestplot or even forest scale. This issue of Annals of Botany includes selected papers that exemplify the current and potential uses of TLS, such as for examination of crown interactions between trees, growth dynamics of mixed stands, non-destructive characterization of urban trees, and enhancement of ecological and evolutionary models. The papers also present current challenges in the applicability of TLS methods and report recent developments in methods facilitating the use of TLS data for research purposes, including automatic processing chains and quantifying branch and above-ground biomass. In this article, we provide an overview of the current and anticipated future capacity of TLS and related methods in solving questions that utilize measurements and models of forests.

Conclusions

Due to its measurement speed, TLS provides a method to effortlessly capture large amounts of detailed structural forest information, and consequent proxy data for tree and forest processes, at a far wider spatial scale than is feasible with manual measurements. Issues with measurement precision and occlusion of laser beams before they reach their target structures continue to reduce the accuracy of TLS data, but the limitations are counterweighted by the measurement speed that enables large sample sizes. The currently high time-cost of analysing TLS data, in turn, is likely to decrease through progress in automated processing methods. The developments point towards TLS becoming a new and widely accessible standard tool in forest measurement and modelling.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Impact of Tranexamic Acid Administration in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Authors: Laikhter Elizabeth , Comer Carly D , Shiah Eric , Manstein Samuel M , Bain Paul A , Lin Samuel J
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent evidence suggests tranexamic acid (TXA) may improve outcomes in aesthetic surgery patients.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of TXA use in aesthetic plastic surgery on bleeding and aesthetic outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating TXA use in aesthetic plastic surgery. The primary outcome of interest was perioperative bleeding, reported as total blood loss (TBL), ecchymosis, and hematoma formation. Meta-analyses analyzing TBL and postoperative hematoma were performed.

Results

Of 287 identified articles, 14 studies evaluating TXA use in rhinoplasty (6), rhytidectomy (3), liposuction (3), reduction mammaplasty (1), and blepharoplasty (1) were included for analysis. Of 820 total patients, 446 (54.4%) received TXA. Meta-analysis demonstrated TXA is associated with 26.3 mL average blood loss reduction (95% CI, –40.0 to –12.7 mL; P < 0.001) and suggested a trend toward decreased odds of postoperative hematoma with TXA use (odds ratio, 0.280; 95% CI, 0.076-1.029; P = 0.055). Heterogeneity among reporting of other outcomes precluded meta-analysis; however, 5 of 7 studies found significantly decreased postoperative ecchymosis levels within 7 days of surgery, 3 studies found statistically significant reductions in postoperative drain output, and 1 study reported significantly improved surgical site quality for patients who received TXA (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

TXA is associated with decreased blood loss and a trend toward decreased hematoma formation in aesthetic plastic surgery. Its use has the potential to increase patient satisfaction with postoperative recovery and decrease costs associated with complications, including hematoma evacuation.

Level of Evidence: 4
RibDif: can individual species be differentiated by 16S sequencing?
Authors: Strube Mikael Lenz
Published: September 2021

Motivation

Metataxonomic analysis is now routinely used to profile the microbiome of virtually every ecological niche on planet Earth. The use of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), proposing to be the exact biological 16S rRNA amplicon sequences of a given biological system, is now considered the gold standard. However, the 16S rRNA genes, and in particular the amplicons derived from it, are not unique for most species nor are they necessarily unique within individual genomes. Despite these restrictions, individual ASVs are often used to make inferences on the state of a given ecosystem, which may cause erroneous conclusions on the effects of a given species on a specific host phenotype or ecosystem.

Results: To support researchers working with metataxonomics, we have developed RibDif, which easily and rapidly evaluates the feasibility of using metataxonomics to profile individual species. We use RibDif to demonstrate that the genus Pseudoalteromonas contains species that are impossible to distinguish with 16S amplicons and that this is a common motif in bacterial genera. We propose that researchers consult RibDif when making conclusions on individual species from metataxonomic data.

Availability and implementation

RibDif is freely available along with source code and detailed documentation at https://github.com/mikaells/RibDif.
Detecting common breaks in the means of high dimensional cross-dependent panels
Authors: Horváth Lajos , Liu Zhenya , Rice Gregory , Zhao Yuqian
Published: September 2021

The problem of detecting change points in the mean of high dimensional panel data with potentially strong cross-sectional dependence is considered. Under the assumption that the cross-sectional dependence is captured by an unknown number of common factors, a new CUSUM-type statistic is proposed. We derive its asymptotic properties under three scenarios depending on to what extent the common factors are asymptotically dominant. With panel data consisting of N cross sectional time series of length T, the asymptotic results hold under the mild assumption that $\min \lbrace N,T\rbrace \rightarrow \infty$, with an otherwise arbitrary relationship between N and T, allowing the results to apply to most panel data examples. Bootstrap procedures are proposed to approximate the sampling distribution of the test statistics. A Monte Carlo simulation study showed that our test outperforms several other existing tests in finite samples in a number of cases, particularly when N is much larger than T. The practical application of the proposed results are demonstrated with real data applications to detecting and estimating change points in the high dimensional FRED-MD macroeconomic data set.