bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land preparation.
Authors: Sitepu B. , Laksono N. D. , Setiawati U. , Nur F. , Rahmaningsih M. , Anwar Y. , Widodo P. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R.
Published: November 2019

Previous land use determines the operations needed in preparing land for trialling. Trialling in primary and secondary forest is not a sustainable nor an environmentally friendly practice and should not be carried out. In sustainable oil palm production, previous land should normally be a previous plantation crop (e.g. rubber, coconut or oil palm). The procedures for the felling of two of these plantation crops, clearing the land and preparing the trial site ready for planting, are given as examples here. These procedures need to be carefully timed and coordinated with nursery plant production and season (oil palm is normally planted in the rainy season). They are also regulated by the need for and involvement of eco-friendly practices - for example, 'zero burning, zero smoke', in clearing the land area. Heavy specialised equipment is used throughout and operators and field work must observe standard operating procedures.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib augments tumor immunity by depleting effector regulatory T cells
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Noguchi Shinsuke , Sugiyama Daisuke , Morikawa Hiromasa , Takeuchi Yoshiko , Ha Danbee , Shigeta Naoya , Kitawaki Toshio , Maeda Yuka , Saito Takuro , Shinohara Yoshinori , Kameoka Yoshihiro , Iwaisako Keiko , Monma Fumihiko , Ohishi Kohshi , Karbach Julia , Jäger Elke , Sawada Kenichi , Katayama Naoyuki , Takahashi Naoto , Sakaguchi Shimon
Published: November 2019

This report addresses whether small molecules can deplete FoxP3-expressing regulatory T (T reg) cells, thereby augmenting antitumor immunity. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of oncogenic BCR-ABL protein expressed by chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells, possesses off-targets including LCK expressed in T cells. We showed that imatinib-treated CML patients in complete molecular remission (CMR) exhibited selective depletion of effector T reg (eT reg) cells and significant increase in effector/memory CD8+ T cells while non-CMR patients did not. Imatinib at CML-therapeutic concentrations indeed induced apoptosis specifically in eT reg cells and expanded tumor antigen–specific CD8+ T cells in vitro in healthy individuals and melanoma patients, and suppressed colon tumor growth in vivo in mice. Mechanistically, because of FoxP3-dependent much lower expression of LCK and ZAP-70 in T reg cells compared with other T cells, imatinib inhibition of LCK further reduced their TCR signal intensity, rendering them selectively susceptible to signal-deprived apoptotis. Taken together, eT reg cell depletion by imatinib is instrumental in evoking effective immune responses to various cancers.
Construction of Multi-soliton Solutions of the N-Coupled Hirota Equations in an Optical Fiber*
Authors: Kang Zhou-Zheng , Xia Tie-Cheng
Published: November 2019

This work aims to study the N-coupled Hirota equations in an optical fiber under the zero boundary condition at infinity. By analyzing the spectral problem, a matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem on the real axis is strictly established. Then, by solving the presented matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem under the constraint of no reflection, the bright multi-soliton solutions to the N-coupled Hirota equations are explicitly gained.
Mid-IR Laser Generating Ultrasound in a Polyetheretherketone Polymer
Authors: Zhang Ye , Liu Gao-You , Chen Yi , Qian Chuan-Peng , Zhao Ben-Rui , Yao Bao-Quan , Dai Tong-Yu , Duan Xiao-Ming
Published: November 2019

We demonstrate laser ultrasonic generation in polyetheretherketone (PEEK). A middle infrared ZnGeP2 optical parametric oscillator (ZGP-OPO) pumped by a Q-switched Ho:YAG laser is employed as the ultrasonic excitation source. The ZGP-OPO has a spectral range of 3.2–3.4 μm. At an output wavelength of 3.4 μm, the maximum average output power of ZGP-OPO is 3.05 W with a pulse width of 24.3 ns, corresponding to a peak power of approximately 127.5 kW. The ultrasound is generated by the laser converted from 3.2 to 3.4 μm in the PEEK composite. The maximum ultrasonic signal amplitude in PEEK is 33 mV under the condition of thermoelastic excitation at 3.4 μm. Ablation occurs in the CPRF sample when the energy fluence is over 122.45 mJ/cm2. PEEK has a stronger absorption at 3.4 μm and laser-ultrasound generation is influenced by the wavelength of the laser.
Comparative Study of Substitutional N and Substitutional P in Diamond*
Authors: Yu Hong-Yu , Gao Nan , Li Hong-Dong , Huang Xu-Ri , Cui Tian
Published: November 2019

Based on density functional theory calculations, it is found that for substitutional N in diamond the C
3v
symmetry structure is more stable, while C
3v
and D
2d
symmetry patterns for the substitutional P in diamond have comparable energies. Moreover, the substitutional N is a deep donor for diamond, while P is a shallow substitutional n-type dopant. This is attributed to the different doping positions of dopant (the N atom is seriously deviated from the substitutional position, while the P atom nearly locates in the substitutional site), which are determined by the atomic radius.
Experimental Evidence of Topological Surface States in Mg3Bi2 Films Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy*
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhu Xie-Gang , Tong Mingyu , Zhang Yun , Luo Xue-Bing , Xie Xiangnan , Feng Wei , Chen Qiuyun , Tan Shiyong , Wang Zhen-Yu , Jiang Tian , Tang Yuhua , Lai Xin-Chun , Yang Xuejun
Published: November 2019

Nodal line semimetal (NLS) is a new quantum state hosting one-dimensional closed loops formed by the crossing of two bands. The so-called type-II NLS means that these two crossing bands have the same sign in their slopes along the radial direction of the loop, which requires that the crossing bands are either right-tilted or left-tilted at the same time. According to the theoretical prediction, Mg3Bi2 is an ideal candidate for studying the type-II NLS by tuning its spin-orbit coupling (SOC). High-quality Mg3Bi2 films are grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). By in-situ angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), a pair of surface resonance bands around the

Γ
¯

point are clearly seen. This shows that Mg3Bi2 films grown by MBE are Mg(1)-terminated by comparing the ARPES spectra with the first principles calculations results. Moreover, the temperature dependent weak anti-localization effect in Mg3Bi2 films is observed under magneto-transport measurements, which shows clear two-dimensional (2D) e–e scattering characteristics by fitting with the Hikami–Larkin–Nagaoka model. Therefore, by combining with ARPES, magneto-transport measurements and the first principles calculations, this work proves that Mg3Bi2 is a semimetal with topological surface states. This paves the way for Mg3Bi2 to be used as an ideal material platform to study the exotic features of type-II nodal line semimetals and the topological phase transition by tuning its SOC.
Preparation, characterization and release profile of chitosan alginate freeze dried matrices loaded with mangostins
Authors: Mulia Kamarza , Rachman Dicki , Krisanti Elsa Anisa
Published: November 2019

Freeze drying or lyophilisation method was selected for preparing chitosan-alginate matrices loaded with the extract of mangosteen pericarp for oral administration. The objective of this research was to obtain chitosan-alginate matrices for colon targeted drug delivery system that had a high content of mangostins by using a freeze drying method. Various compositions of matrices consisting of chitosan, alginate and mangostins have been used to study the effect of alginate and mangostin content on the release property of freeze dried matrices. Sharp X-ray diffraction peaks of the crystalline phase in pure chitosan and pure alginate, vanished in the chitosan-alginate matrices. The infrared spectroscopy spectra of matrices showed that mangostins were entrapped in the matrices. Release of mangostin from the chitosan-alginate freeze dried matrices was affected by the proportions of alginate and mangostins in the formulations. The in-vitro release assays in simulated gastrointestinal fluids showed the mangostin was burst released from the chitosan-alginate matrices prepared by freeze drying method. The chitosan extract-alginate matrix with mass ratios of 1:0.1:0.5 showed low release of mangostin in simulated gastric fluid, but high release in simulated intestinal and simulated colonic fluids. The freeze drying method facilitates high bioactive loading, and with a proper proportion of chitosan and alginate, it should be possible to obtain matrices that can be used for colon targeted oral drug delivery.
Response Surface Analysis on the Microwave Integrated-Rumen Based Extraction of Natural Vanillin from Cured Vanilla Pods
Authors: Paramita V , Yulianto ME
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the optimization of enzymatically extraction of vanillin from cured vanilla pods. The novelty is an establishment of enzymatic-hydrolysis extraction method conducted with a microwave heating source. These enzymes are able to disrupt the shell wall of the pods in order to shift the equilibrium phase, and thus enhance the extraction rate and yield. The observed parameters were type of enzymes (protease and cellulase), temperatures (30, 40, 50 °C), mass of enzymes (0, 6, 12, 24 gr) and extraction time (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 min). The protease and cellulase were isolated from rumen liquid. The experimental and mathematical analysis of vanillin content and reducing sugar content were performed by using high performance liquid chromatography and response surface methodology, respectively. The acquired coefficients of determination for protease and cellulase addition were 0.6801 and 0.8064, respectively. These results indicated that the vanillin content obtained by cellulase addition provide a better model accuracy than that of the protease. In order to yield the predicted optimum value of vanillin content by cellulase addition at 118.15 mg/L, the attained critical parameters were 35 °C of temperature with 22.89 of mass of cellulase (or 1:26.2 of enzyme-substrate ratio) during 38.52 min.
Flux Decline and Blocking Mechanism in Ultrafiltration of Glycerin-Rich Solution
Authors: Harivram A S K , Aryanti N , Wardhani D H
Published: November 2019

In the oleochemical industry, crude glycerin is a byproduct of biodiesel production. As a byproduct, crude glycerin has a low economic value and very limited applications. To improve these limitations, the purification of glycerin is required. One method for glycerin purification is a filtration process that uses ultrafiltration (UF) membranes based on polyethersulfone (PES). However, this process has several problems, particularly the flux decline that occurs during filtration. Thus, the aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the flux decline and blocking mechanism that occur in the UF of glycerin. In this work, the flux decline and blocking mechanism were observed by commercializing the UF of the PES membrane with a 1-kDa molecular weight cut-off. The investigated parameters were the pressure, temperature, and pH with ranges of 2–4 bar, 40–60oC, and 4–9, respectively. The results showed that the flux decline was significant due to the relatively small size of impurities, which clog the membrane’s pores. Furthermore, the blocking mechanism was analyzed using Hermia’s model, and it was found that the blocking mechanism was mostly dominated by cake formation, except at a pH of 7.
The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae concentrations on second generation bioethanol production from oil palm frond
Authors: Ahmad A , Muria S R , Dewi M
Published: November 2019

Oil palm is one of the plantation commodities that have important role in economic activity in Indonesia. With a total area of 11.30 million hectares and 75,517,083 tons of oil palm waste per year and it has a calorific value of 3350 kcal/kg, it has the potential to contribute alternative energy from the biomass. In addition to being utilized as an environmentally friendly renewable energy source, conversion of oil palm to bioethanol also helps to reduce untapped waste. Producing bioethanol from oil palm frond can be done through fermentation process. One of factors that affect the fermentation process is the number of cells of microorganisms. The microorganism used in this study isSaccharomyces cerevisiae.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeconcentration on fermentation process on bioethanol produced and determine the best time of fermentation to bioethanol production from oil palm frond. The production of bioethanol from oil palm frond includes stages of delignification of oil palm frond using KOH solution obtained from empty fruit bunches ash extract, purification of oil palm using 3% H2O2 solution, hydrolysis using 1% H2SO4 with 100°C for 60 minutes, and fermentation usingSaccharomyces cerevisiaewith variation ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeconcentration 4 g/L, 6 g/L, 8 g/L, and 10 g/L. The maximum sugar concentration produced by the hydrolysis process was 117.55 g/L. The best bioethanol concentration was obtained at 3.29% (v/v) or 25.97 g/L atSaccharomyces cerevisiae8 g/L concentration and 96 hours fermentation time.
Production of Second Generation Bioethanol from Palm Fruit Fiber Biomass using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ahmad A , Muria S R , Tuljannah M
Published: November 2019

Indonesia was the largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world. As the plantation area expands, the increasing number of palm oil process industries results in large amounts of waste product. The biggest waste was of palm fruit fiber (fiber cake). It was known that 1 ton of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of palm oil will produced 13% or 130 kg of fiber cake. By look at the potential that can be generated from the fruit fiber of palm oil (fiber cake) coming from the CPO process industry has a value that to use as the main ingredients in the making of alternative bioethanol fuel. The purposes of this study were to synthesize bioethanol from the raw material of palm fruit fibers, to determine the influence of the amount of Saccharomyces cerevisiae weight on bioethanol, and to determine the optimum time of bioethanol production from the raw material of palm fruit fibers by separation hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) method. The stages of this study were delignification used KOH solution obtained from the extract of Palm Empty Cluster Ash, then the purification process using 3% H2O2 solution. Then the hydrolysis process using 2 M H2SO4 for 3 hours at 100°C. The last process was fermentation. In the fermentation process, variations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae concentration were 4, 6, 8 and 10 gr/L and fermentation time were 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. In acid hydrolysis, a maximum sugar concentration of 131 gr/L was produced. The best Saccharomyces cerevisiae concentration in this study was 4 gr/L at the best fermentation time of 96 hours with the obtained bioethanol content of 7% or 55.25 g/L.
Process Fermentation of Filtrate Bamboo with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Zymomonas Mobilis
Authors: Sari N K , Ernawati D
Published: November 2019

Fermentation is the process of the formation of ethanol from glucose by using enzymes. Bamboo is one of the materials containing glucose is high enough, that is previously done hydrolysis in advance. Bamboo used when the hydrolysis process of bamboo that does not include lignin and the pentose done process of pretreatment and not lignification. The purpose of this research is to produce ethanol as a raw material substitution of bioethanol, knowing pentose and dirt left in the bamboo. Therefore, need to be studied in the future, with the best process, that we used biological processes that can optimize the production of ethanol. The use of the enzyme (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Zymomonas Mobilis) is also significant because of the optimum enzyme conditions. Temperature, pH, and the yeast with optimal conditions when it can raise the level of his work. The fermentation process at temperature 25 C and 45 C, the filtrate is 500 ml solution of bamboo and the stirring speed of 200 rpm. The variable composed enzyme with a ratio (v/v) of 0.25 to 0.75. Resulting from the fermentation processed can produce ethanol with a yield 30.5% and 36% of the weight of the bamboo. The result of the process of fermentation obtained bioethanol with low ethanol yield of 10-15%, which requires the flash distillation process to obtain yield bioethanol technical 90-95%.
Effect of KOH as Deacetylation Agent on Physicochemical Properties of Glucomannan
Authors: Wardhani D H , Cahyono H , Dwinanda M F H. , Nabila P R , Aryanti N , Pangestuti D R
Published: November 2019

Glucomannan is one of the high viscosity polysaccharides with high water absorbing capacity as well as solubility. These properties limit glucomannan applications. Hence the property needs to be modified. Glucomannan has 5-10% acetyl groups which conferred its physicochemical properties. Replacing the acetyl with alkali, transforms the physicochemical characterisation of the glucomannan. This study aimed to determine the effect of deacetylation conditions on the physicochemical properties of glucomannan of Amorphophallus oncophyllus. The effects of concentration of KOH (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 M) and reaction time (2, 8, 16 and 24 h) on the degree of deacetylation (DD), solubility, and viscosity of the glucomannan were studied. The concentration of KOH and reaction time showed a positive impact on the DD of the glucomannan. Solubility and viscosity decreased with increasing KOH concentration and extending the duration of the deacetylation. It was suggested that the changes in the physicochemical properties were due to the replacement of the acetyl group with the alkali during deacetylation. However, the effect of this replacement was not linear with the variables. This nonlinearity could be due to the various removal distributions of the acetyl groups during the deacetylation.
Hydrocolloids to The Effects of Gluten Free Bakery Products
Authors: Herawati H.
Published: November 2019

The technology of the gluten free production process has begun to be studied in order to prevent the occurrence of ciliac disease or inflammation of the digestive tract. The absence of gluten which can increase the viscosity and extension characteristics of bakery products is needed to improve the quality of bakery products. Hydrocolloid is a food additive that is known to have characteristics that can increase the viscosity of the dough and improve the quality of gluten free bakery products. In this paper try to examine the opportunities of several hydrocolloids and their characteristics on the quality of gluten free bakery products produced. The study in this paper is expected to provide benefits in the development of gluten free bakery products in general.
Modelling of controlled drug release in gastrointestinal tract simulation
Authors: Permanadewi I , Kumoro A C , Wardhani D H , Aryanti N
Published: November 2019

The drug release system is a process in which a bioactive substance discharged from a drug product and enters the process of absorption, distribution and metabolism to deliver its pharmacological action. The drug release is maintained at a specific rate to maximize the benefits as well as to suppress the side impacts. The release rate behaviour is affected by physiological conditions such as ion charge, pH level and enzymatic environment. Since the intestinal tract itself varies broadly in a pH environment, hence it is important to study the profile of drug release in different pH conditions. Mathematical model turns out very useful in predicting the drug release as well as reducing experimental works. The objective of this work was to study the mathematical model in describing the drug release profile in gastrointestinal tract liquid simulation. The release profiles of furosemide and sodium-iron chlorophyllin encapsulation were studied in the pH ranges 1.3-1.5 and 6.8-7.4 to simulate the different part of gastrointestinal tract acidity. The Korsemeyer-Peppas, Weibull and Gompertz were applied in describing the profile. Korsmeyer-Peppas model shows more superior (R2>0.912) than Weibull and Gompertz in describing the release kinetic of furosemide and sodium-iron chlorophyllin encapsulations in both pHs of GTS. The n values of Korsmeyer-Peppas are mostly less than 0.5 suggesting the release mechanism was governed by diffusion.
Central Composite Design for Optimization of Starch-Based Bioplastic with Bamboo Microfibrillated Cellulose as Reinforcement Assisted by Potassium Chloride
Authors: Silviana Silviana , Rahayu Puji
Published: November 2019

Background: Sago starch is a natural resource which has the potential to be used as a raw material for biocomposite such as bioplastic. In addition, bamboo cellulose is able to improve the characteristics of sago starch bioplastics. Potassium chloride can act as dispersing agent to increase efficiency in solution preparation of bamboo microfibrillated cellulose. This paper is aimed to observe the best condition for optimal tensile strength of sago starch-based bioplastics reinforced with bamboo cellulose dispersed in potassium chloride as assistance and durability assessment of the bioplastic by soil buried. To achieve this goal, bioplastic was prepared by using matrix of sago starch-based reinforced bamboo cellulose (1-5 %-w/w) assisted by sonication and dispersing agent of potassium chloride with 1-3 %-w/w. The bioplastic with optimum tensile strength was then analysed for durability by burying the sample in soil. Optimum tensile strength of bioplastics was obtained at 28.6 MPa with the optimum concentration of bamboo cellulose microfibril and potassium chloride of 5 %-w/w and 3 %-w/w, respectively. Post durability test, the non-reinforced and without dispersing agent bioplastic experienced a mass loss of 67.95%, while the bioplastic reinforced with bamboo cellulose assisted by potassium chloride experienced mass loss of 33.33% to 41.25% (more durable).
Synthesis of Cassava Bagasse Starch-Based Biocomposite Reinforced Woven Bamboo Fibre with Lime Juice as Crosslinker and Epoxidized Waste Cooking Oil (EWCO) as Bioplasticizer
Authors: Silviana S , Dzulkarom M C
Published: November 2019

An alternative available huge source of biocomposite matrix can be found in cassava bagasse regard with high amount of starch content and low protein. It can be reinforced by bamboo fiber. The objectives of this paper are to observe the optimum condition of woven bamboo fibre pattern confirmed by mechanical assessment. The research was conducted by bamboo fiber treatment, epoxidized waste cooking oil and cassava bagasse starch preparation as plasticizer and crosslinker respectively, and biocomposite preparation by different woven pattern, i.e. plain, twill, and random. The results showed that optimum condition of biocomposite could be achieved at plain woven bamboo fibre, 0.25 %v/v of lime juice, and 0.75 %v/v of EWCO with tensile strength of 38.49 MPa. It was considered that random pattern had lowest mechanical property. The effect of lime juice denoted increase tensile strength significantly at beginning. However, plasticizer resulted maximum tensile strength at 0.75 %v/v.
Enhanced conductivity of supercapacitor based PAni-GO-Cellulose-Lanthanum using modification of Al current collector surface and gamma irradiation
Authors: Swantomo D , Wijaya C A L , Sigit
Published: November 2019

Conductivity of supercapacitor based PAni-GO-Cellulose-Lanthanum has been improved by modifying the surface of Al current collector using chemical etching methods and gamma irradiation. The purpose of this research is to study the effect of surface roughness of current collector, and radiation dose of gamma irradiation to interface resistance, internal resistance, and conductivity supercapacitor. The roughness of the Al current collector surface can increase the contact area between the electrode and the current collector by increasing the adhesion force, while the irradiation of the PAni-GO-Cellulose-Lanthanum electrode material can improve the wettability properties of the electrode with increasing carboxyl group, thus helping the ion dispersion process in the electrode. The experimental results showed that the chemical etching process at 0.4 N NaNO3concentration, and irradiation dose at 40 kGy gave a synergistic effect on the performance improvement of the supercapacitor by decreasing the resistance interface to 109.67 Ω and the internal resistance to 122.63 Ω, also increasing the conductivity to 1160 μS/cm. The improved conductivity properties of the supercapacitor cell represent an alternative promising candidate for the application as energy storage devices and offered a new facile method.
DNA Barcoding and Analysis of Nine Butterfly Species And Three Moth Species From Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm
Authors: Faik A A M , Nagaligam N K M , Roland R , Bakar A M S Abu , Meng M H Y , Kuen L Y , Sani S Abdul
Published: November 2019

This study aims to utilize cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences in the classification of 22 butterfly and 8 moth species that were morphologically identified by Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm. COI of the mitochondrial gene has been chosen for evolutionary study of butterflies and moths because COI mitochondrial gene is maternally inherited with little or no recombination. This research revealed that 20 out of 22 butterflies were correctly classified while two butterflies and three moths were misidentified after the sequences were analyzed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). Morphologically identified Cepora nadina (Sample ID: NCN1) was identified as Cepora iudith while Prioneris thestylis (NPT2) was identified as Prioneris philonome. Three moths; Dysphania malayanus (RDMA1), Nyctemera coleta (RNC1) and Nyctemera coleta (RNC2) were discovered as Bracca matutinata, Nyctemera regularis and Nyctemera baulus respectively. The outcome of this study further classified four butterfly species into subspecies, including Cepora nadina with subspecies andersoni, Prioneris philonome with subspecies themana, Pareronia valeria with subspecies lutescens and Elymnias nesaea classified into subspecies Elymnias nesaea lioneli. Analysis of nine butterfly species and three moth species demonstrates the value in attaching subspecies names to DNA barcode records and further helps to correct misidentified species. Overall, the relationship between butterfly and moth proves that butterfly and moth are distantly related.
Passive Maternal Antibody Tranfer to Eggs and Larvae of Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)
Authors: Azman M H Nain , Rafidah O , Ching F F , Senoo S , Zamri-Saad M
Published: November 2019

The immune response of Tiger grouper (E. fuscoguttatus) broodstocks and its passive transfer of maternal antibodies to eggs and larvae were evaluated following vaccination with an inactivated V.harveyi. Tiger grouper broodstock (mean BW 8.66 ± 0.09 kg, n=19) were vaccinated intraperitoneally (IP) and followed by a booster two weeks post vaccination, while Controlled Non-vaccinated (CG) broodstock were IP injected with PBS. The serum antibody level against V.harveyi was monitored for two weeks on post-vaccination and monthly up to 5 months post-vaccination. This study showed that the Vaccinated Group (VG) broodstock induced significantly (P<0.05) higher in specific IgM antibody level against V.harveyi as compared to the CG, which in turn induced a marked increased (P<0.05) in specific IgM in eggs and larvae produced from VG broodstock at 14 weeks post vaccination. The findings from this study suggested that inactivated V.harveyi vaccines were able to stimulate the immune response in broodstock and passively transferred the maternal antibody to their eggs and larvae.
Banana peel: is it useful for surgical suturing training?
Authors: Ohn M H , Ohn K M , Souza U D , Yusof S , Ariffin Z
Published: November 2019

Banana is a popular world major fruit which contribute around 15% of global fruit generation. It is a standout amongst the utmost generally established tropical fruits, developed more than 130 nations, along the tropics and subtropics of Capricorn. The greater part of the consumable bananas are grown from Musa acuminata or Musa balbisiana), Pacific tropical bananas (Musa sapientum) as well as cooking bananas, also called plantains (Musa paradisiacal). Fruit banana isn’t just exceptionally nutritious nourishment yet in addition valuable as fragrance, beauty care products and antioxidants for cancer prevention. The paper will feature the convenience of banana peel as a rule and discuss the use of banana peel for surgical training. banana peel is using for practising suturing skills to supplant the costly silicon surgical skin pad. The texture of banana peel is like human skin and more sensible practice. Students were permitted to practice different types of suturing method such as simple interrupted suture, vertical and horizontal mattress suture by using the different species of banana. In conclusion, banana peel is a suitable cheap, eco-friendly and given more reasonable alternative practice for suturing among medical students.
The effects of comprehensive core body resistance exercise on lower extremity motor function among stroke survivors
Authors: Bacho Z , Lajangang F J E , Khin N Y , Shah S S , Chia Y K , Jalil E , Kelvin C C S , Ag Daud D M
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the effects of comprehensive core body resistance exercise on lower extremity motor function in stroke survivors. This resistance exercise was developed to aid stroke patients with various severity to perform this exercise, aimed to improve their core strength, stability, and control. Thirty-four stroke patients aged 47.7±13.16 years old were selected from the Rehabilitation Department, Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Sabah, Malaysia. All patients underwent supervised training either assistive, active or active resistance exercise, biweekly for 12 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using Fugl-Meyer Assessment Lower Extremity (FMA-LE). The data were collected at baseline and at four weeks training interval. Repeated measures ANOVA and paired t test were employed to analyse the effects of the resistance exercise on lower extremity motor function. The twelve-week resistance exercise showed statistically significant effects on lower extremity motor function, lower extremity, coordination/speed, passive joint motion, and joint pain. However, sensation was found insignificant. Paired t test showed statistically significant improvement in lower extremity motor function, lower extremity, coordination/speed, passive joint motion, joint pain, and sensation. This study suggested that the obtained results indicate that the core body resistance exercise was applicable without any induced negative effect such as spasticity or joint pain.
Effects of substrate to inoculum ratio on Phosphorus Recovery from Different Composition of Food Waste using Anaerobic Batch Digestion
Authors: Selaman R , Wid N
Published: November 2019

Anaerobic digestion is a process by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. The process involves hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acedogenesis and methanogenesis stages. Anaerobic digestion of food waste has been widely investigated for biogas recovery but limited study was performed on phosphorus recovery. Substrate to inoculum ratio is a very crucial parameter in anaerobic digestion in an attempt to recover phosphorus as it highly influences the production of organic acids during acidogenesis. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate phosphorus recovery at different ratio of substrate to inoculum, where substrates was fixed to ratio 1.0 while inoculum ratio varied to 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 throughout the digestion process. The main substrate used in the anaerobic digestion was food waste which was segregated into different composition namely carbohydrates rich-food waste, fiber rich-food waste and protein rich-food waste. The phosphorus recovery was performed using anaerobic batch digester at mesophilic (35±1°C) condition and pH= 6.0 for 15 days. Semi treated palm oil mill effluent (POME) was used as the inoculum to boost up the anaerobic digestion. The results indicate that substrate to inoculum ratio (1.0 : 2.0) was the optimum ratio to recover phosphorus, where protein rich-food waste shows the phosphorus recovery was about 40.8%, followed by carbohydrate rich-food waste and fibre rich-food waste with 32.8% and 26.2%, respectively. This study is very important in resources recovery from wastes as it provides information on a new strategies for phosphorus recovery from food waste.
Effects of Coal and Fly Ash Dust Deposition of Photovoltaic Panel Performance: A Photovoltaic System at Coal-Fired Power Plant Case Study
Authors: Elias M A , Resali M S Mohd , Muda N , Ramli R B
Published: November 2019

Malaysia is aiming to increase its renewable energy generation capacity from 2% to 20% by 2030. Solar photovoltaic (PV) system will play a huge role in getting this target achieve as it is considered a maturing technology in Malaysia and the nation is blessed with ample amount of solar irradiation throughout the year. However, in Malaysia, this technology faces various implementation challenges such as the PV performance degradation due to dust deposition on the PV panels. Generally, coal-fired power plants have an abundant area of coal ash pond that is suitable for installing floating PV systems. However, this area is prone to dust deposition resulting from pulverized coal particles and fly ashes. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of dust deposition on PV panels’ performance, specifically for PV systems that will be installed near coal-fired power plants in Malaysia. In this study, PV panels were exposed to four different types of dust deposit conditions, which are coal particles, fly ashes, normal environmental dust as well as control PV panel that was clean on daily basis. The tests were carried out outdoor under natural sunlight. Performance of the PV panels were measured based on the power generated by the panels. The average power drop based on the types of dust deposition on PV panels are; natural dust (2.72%), fly ash (13.16 %) and coal ash (15.82 %).
Survey on the Empirical Method to Evaluate the Thermal Performance of Roof Assembly
Authors: Nasir M Ahmad , Lim C H , Abdullah A F
Published: November 2019

Roof constitutes as one of the largest surfaces in a building that receives high amount of heat through radiation, conduction and convection. The amount of heat received by a roof depends greatly on climate condition and roof design configurations. In a hot climate, roof is designed as a barrier to the hot sun, while in cold climate, roof is an amplifier that magnifies the amount of heat gains into building envelope. As Malaysia is in tropical climate, roofs in Malaysia must be able to curb heat from the sun. Latest insertion of Malaysia Standard MS1525 requirement to the Universal Building By Law (UBBL) mandate for authority approval on the achievable thermal transmittance (U-value) not greater than 0.4W/m2K for light weight roof and 0.6W/m2K for heavy weight roof. The lower the U-value, the better the roof as a barrier to the external heat. Based on a survey study done in Malaysia, only 43.18% of building practitioners are aware on the requirement, and the current implementation of the regulation involves submission of U-value numerical calculation for total roof assembly during Building Plan (BP) submission. The result of this study suggests a need for an empirical method to measure roof performance. Computer Controlled Solar Simulator (CCSS) is suggested as a platform to ensure effective implementation of MS1525 and certify that housing design in Malaysia complies with the thermal comfort requirement.
Application of Four-Point EGSOR Iteration with Nonlocal Arithmetic Mean Discretization Scheme for Solving Burger’s Equation
Authors: Zainal N F A , Sulaiman J , Alibubin M U
Published: November 2019

The main objective for this study is to examine the efficiency of block iterative method namely Four-Point Explicit Group Successive Over Relaxation (4EGSOR) iterative method. The nonlinear Burger’s equation is then solved through the application of nonlocal arithmetic mean discretization (AMD) scheme to form a linear system. Next, to scrutinize the efficiency of 4EGSOR with Gauss-Seidel (GS) and Successive Over Relaxation (SOR) iterative methods, the numerical experiments for four proposed problems are being considered. By referring to the numerical results obtained, we concluded that 4EGSOR is more superior than GS and SOR iterative methods in aspects of number of iterations and execution time.
Flat Electroencephalography Image: Image Size Dependent Normalization versus Fuzzy Technique
Authors: Zenian Suzelawati , Ahmad Tahir , Idris Amidora
Published: November 2019

Flat Electroencephalography (fEEG) is a method for mapping high dimensional signal, namely Electroencephalography (EEG) into a low dimensional space. The image of fEEG which is in grayscale form is obtained from digital fEEG by using fuzzy approach. The main aim of this paper is to reduce the spread of the vague boundary and improve the visibility of the clusters of epileptic foci in terms of contrast enhancement via Image Size Dependent Normalization (ISDN) and fuzzy technique. Contrast performance comparison between both methods are carried out for an epileptic patient at varied time, t. It shows that fuzzy method gives better contrast compared to ISDN.
Flood Susceptibility Analysis (FSAn) Using Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) Technique for Landuse Planning: A Case from Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Mariappan S , Roslee R , Sharir K
Published: November 2019

Flooding is one of the main natural disasters in Sabah, Malaysia. Several current cases of disastrous flooding were recorded particularly in Penampang area, Sabah (e.g. July 1999; October 2010; April 2013; October & December 2014). Substantial downpour has triggered floods and caused extreme loss in Penampang area. The 2014 floods have affected 40,000 people from 70 villages. The objectives of this research are (i) To determine the factors contributing to the flood occurrences; (ii) To analyst the Flood Susceptibility Level (FSL); and (iii) and to produce the flood hazard map for the study area. In this study, eight (8) parameters were considered in relation to the causative factors to flooding, which are: rainfall, slope gradient, elevation, drainage density, land use, soil textures, slope curvatures and flow accumulation. Flood Susceptibility Analysis (FSAn) map was produced based on the data collected from the field survey, laboratory analysis, high resolution digital radar images (IFSAR) acquisition, and secondary data in year 2014. FSL was defined using Multi Criteria Evaluation (MCE) technique integrated with GIS software. Based on the FSAn, approximately 3.17% of total study area classified as Very High Hazard (VHH), 4.55% as High Hazard (HH), 15.52% as Moderate Hazard (MH), 15.72% as Low Hazard (LH) dan 61.04% as Very Low Hazard (VLH) respectively. Based on the risk rate, requirements for the development procedure has been recommended in this paper. The map produced will be a very useful source for consulting, planning agencies and local governments in managing risk, land-use zoning and redressal efforts to mitigate risks. Besides, the method used in this study can easily be applied to other areas, where other factors may be considered, depending on the convenience of data.
Comparative study of Uber and taxi in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Zulkifli Malina , Yunus Muhammad Yasir Mohammad
Published: November 2019

Transportation is a major factor in influencing our daily lives to become more efficient and productive. The taxi had become the favourite of people in choosing public transportation because it personally brings us to the exact location of our destination. Taxi has monopolized public transport from door to door for a long time ago until a company providing the same service known as the Grab entered the market recently. This study had been conducted to compare the services provided by taxi and Grab from the perception of their customers. This study can help service providers see which aspects they need to make improvements in the interests of both parties. The survey had been conducted at Kuala Lumpur because of the probability of taxi and Grab users are higher at a busier state as in the capital city. Descriptive statistics is mainly used in making simple summaries with the help of graphical representation. Mann Whitney U test had been used to compare the two service providers at each aspect which are accessibility, comfort of rides, safety and value for money. As a result, Grab has significantly higher user ratings than taxi for all aspects of services considered in the study.
Some constructions of complete decomposition of dihedral group
Authors: Sin C. S. , Chen H. V. , Wong Denis C. K.
Published: November 2019

Let G be a finite non-abelian group. For integer k ≥ 2, we let A
1,…,Ak
be non-empty subsets of G. If A
1,…, Ak
are pairwise disjoint and if the subset product A

i
1
… Aik

= {a

i
1
…aik

|aij
∈ Aij
, j = 1,…, k} coincides with G, where the Aij

are all distinct and {A

i
1
,…, Aik

} = {A
1,…, Ak
} then (A
1,…, Ak
) is called a (k, |A
1|,…, |Ak
|)-complete decomposition of G. For integer n ≥ 3, let D2n
be the dihedral group of order n. Let A, B be the subset of D2n
. In this paper, we show some constructions, namely (2, |A|, |B|)-complete decomposition of D2n
where

|
B
|
∈

{

2
,
4
,
…
2

⌊

n
3

⌋

,
n
−
1
,
n

}

and |A| = 2n − |B|.
The use of mathematical morphology and template matching in automatic malaysian car plate number recognition
Authors: Halim S A , Zulkifli M S , Zulkipli M A
Published: November 2019

Car plate number nowadays is an essential component to be recognized because of the useful of its widely application especially in this technological era. Therefore, a method of detection, extraction and recognition of car plate image are important in order to be applied in various applications. Presently, the existing methods have several problems that lead to this study which are high time consuming for training purposes and requirement of complex steps in preparing the whole car plate recognition process. Therefore, the following objectives are set up that are to implement recognition method using Mathematical Morphology and Template Matching on car image which contain plate number. Next, is to evaluate the accuracy of the method. In implementing this study, 25 images data of car with its plate number are collected and used. Mathematical Morphology is used to detect the edge of each character on the car plate while the Template Matching as a tool to match up the detected and template character in order to recognize the registered car plate number. The accuracy of the method is evaluated using percentage recognition rate. Results show that the performance of the method successfully extracted the car plate number area by 92% of the original image. Then for the other of 23 extracted images, it was 86.95% that successfully recognized the number plate. All of these results create its own novelties which are the ability to reduce processing time and having high detection and recognition rate. In conclusion, the proposed method can be one of the alternatives in car plate recognition process in the meanwhile it can be used widely in digital data transfer such as Automatic Enforcement System (AES), automatic saved car park number in smart parking system and high technological verification application of home security system.
Seismic response of precast and IBS buildings under earthquake attacks
Authors: Hamid N H , Azmi I F , Awang H
Published: November 2019

Poor performances of precast buildings during earthquakes were due to inadequate connections between the structures components, insufficient seating and anchorage and poor workmanship and quality materials used. It is important to investigate their seismic performance by conducting experimental work, analyzing the data and modelling them using nonlinear time history analysis of the earthquakes. Three types’ structural components of precast structures and Industrialized Building System (IBS) were designed, constructed, tested, analyzed and modelling in this chapter. There structural components are precast shear-key wall panel, beam-column joints and tunnel form building system. All these specimens were tested under in-plane lateral cyclic loading. The seismic performance parameters such as lateral strength capacity, stiffness, ductility and equivalent viscous damping were evaluated using the measured hysteresis loops from experimental work. The findings from this research work can be implemented and enforced by government and local authorities to pay special attention to joint detailing of precast structures components while constructing the precast buildings. The design concepts and detailing of the jointing precast structural components contribute significantly to the overall seismic performance of precast buildings under earthquakes excitations. A lot of structural damages occurred during earthquakes due to not using the current seismic code of practice and poor detailing especially at the jointing system.
Empirical modelling of wetting patterns in a controlled drip irrigation system for sandy loam soils
Authors: Rizqi FA , Murtiningrum
Published: November 2019

The soil wetting pattern is an important factor to fulfil the adequacy of water requirements in a controlled drip irrigation system. The soil wetting pattern is a parameter that is considered in the installation of irrigation systems and control instruments in the field. This study aimed to developed estimate vertical and horizontal soil wetting in the application of control systems using soil moisture sensor in drip irrigation systems. This research conducted in laboratory experiments with surface drip irrigation involved soil sample from pepper plantation, three discharge rates, and 26 soil moisture sensors. The empirical model provides estimated the soil wetted as a parameter of application time, emitter discharge, soil bulk density, initial soil moisture content, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The development of empirical formulas for predicting wetted radius at different soil depths is carried out by non-linear regression analysis to obtain empirical best-fit coefficients. The empirical model of this study can estimate the full wetting pattern with acceptable accuracy and performs that represent a good performance of a controlled drip irrigation system. The result of performance appraisal validation for the wetted radius and wetted depth on sandy loam soils was assessed based on the lowest mean error was -2.86 and -0.284 cm as well as the highest efficiency model was 0.959 and 0.857 respectively.
Modeling the plantation area of geographical indication product under climate change: Gayo Arabica coffee (coffea arabica)
Authors: Purba P , Sukartiko A C , Ainuri M
Published: November 2019

The increase in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns over the long term can cause changes in the suitability level of the land to produce Gayo Arabica Coffee as a geographically indicated product in the future. Therefore, this paper aims to: (i) identify bioclimatic elements that affect the suitability of coffee grown areas; and (ii) finding out the impact on the suitability level of coffee grown areas in the Gayo highland. To achieve the research goals, data of bioclimatic elements from the Gayo highland and WorldClim were processed using ArcMap 10.3 and MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) software to predict the possible effects of climate change on distribution shift of the Gayo Arabica Coffee grown areas. Based on the developed model, the suitability of the coffee grown areas is vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the future, indicated by a decrease in suitable grown-areas. Changes in a distribution shift of grown areas and required adaptation for short- and long-terms are discussed further in this paper.