bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Mo-reducing bacterium in soils from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Aftab , Halmi M.I.E. , Shukor M.Y.
Published: April 2022

Molybdenum is a heavy metal that is very toxic to ruminants and has been shown to inhibit spermatogenesis in catfish and mice at levels as low as several parts per million. In this work we report the first isolation of molybdenum-reducing bacteria from Pakistani soils. Out of the ten isolates, three were able to reduce molybdenum to molybdenum blue at molybdenum concentration in excess of 50 mM. Several strains were able to reduce molybdenum in the presence of the toxic heavy metals copper and mercury. All isolates were resistant to chromium concentration as high as 10 mM. The characteristics of these strains make them very useful in bioremediation works in Pakistani soils.
Outlier analysis of the modified Gompertz model used in fitting the growth of sludge microbes on PEG 600
Authors: Halmi Mohd Izuan Effendi , Shukor Mohd Shukri , Masdor Noor Azlina , Shamaan Nor Aripin , Shukor Mohd Yunus
Published: April 2022

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are employed in numerous sectors. PEGs are nephrotoxic and their biodegradation by microbes could be a potential tool for bioremediation. Numerous bacterial growth studies neglect primary modelling even though modelling exercises can reveal important parameters. Previously, we have utilized several growth models to model the growth of sludge microbes on PEG 600. We discovered that the modified Gompertz model via nonlinear regression utilizing the least square method was the best model to describe the growth curve. However, the use of statistical tests to choose the best model relies heavily on the residuals of the curve to be statistically robust. More often than not, the residuals must be tested for the presence of outliers (at 95 or 99% of confidence). In this work, the Grubbâ€™s test to detect the presence of outlier in the growth model was carried out. The test detected an outlier. This datum point will be removed in all future statistical tests such as normality, runs test, tests for homoscedasticity and presence of autocorrelation. In addition, remodeling of the data using the modified Gompertz model will be carried out.
Biodegradation of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: A Mini review
Authors: Muhamad Farah Hanani , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Yasid Nur Adeela
Published: April 2022

Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) is an anionic surfactant that is mostly used in cleaning detergents and commercial products. Its toxicity and pollution in the environment are well documented. In recent years, the use of SDS-degrading bacteria for the purpose of bioremediation of this pollutant has increased several folds. The number of SDS-degrading microorganism are increasingly reported indicating the seriousness of researchers to embark on process and systems for SDS remediation. Despite these efforts, several aspects that still need to be settled are the mechanism of SDS utilization by microorganisms, kinetics of degradation and growth on SDS, the fate and toxicity of degraded and undegraded metabolites, and the potential of using these microorganisms in actual field work. These issues are going to hinder the successful development of efficient systems for SDS remediation in water bodies and soils.
A Review on Microbial Degradation of 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Authors: Zin Sufiah Md. , Habib Syahir , Yasid Nur Adeela , Ahmad Siti Aqlima
Published: April 2022

Nitrophenols (NPs) is one the most widely used chemical compounds due to their mass usage in agricultural industry, medical applications and domestic activities. However, due to their intensive application in these industries, many reports have been arising in regard to the toxicity effects towards human health and the environments. It has been acknowledged that various microbial species were able to utilize the NPs as their sustenance are being exploited for their mechanistic approach. Current research has been focused on the isolation of those strains and the study of microbial species of potential environmental and biological impact. This review highlights on one of the examples of polynitrophenols - 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), their usage in recent industry, implications of 2,4-DNP to the human health and environmental niche, and role of 2,4-DNP-utilising microbes in current bioremediation.
Characterisation of an Acrylamide-Degrading Bacterium and Its Degradation Pathway
Authors: Abd Gafar Aa'ishah , Shukor Mohd Yunus
Published: April 2022

Widespread use of acrylamide by the industry led to the environmental pollution that results from the indiscriminate discharge of acrylamide. The presence of acrylamide in the environment is a major threat due to its neurotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic properties. In this work bacterial isolate identified as Burkholderia sp. strain AQ5-13 is capable of degrading acrylamide as both its carbon and nitrogen sources were screen based on the capability of the bacteria to grow on solid basal salt media that contain 500 mg/L acrylamide as sole carbon and nitrogen sources without supplementation of additional carbon or nitrogen sources. Bacteria grow curve study was carried out by measuring the absorbance value at 600 nm. Burkholderia sp. strain AQ5-13 showed a complete life cycle in five days of incubation with no lag phase identified at the earlier growth phase. Optimum conditions for acrylamide degradation was conducted at different initial pH and incubation temperature. Growth optimisation of the bacteria was measured by plate counting in CFU after 48 h of incubation in 250 mL basal salt media that contain 500 mg/L acrylamide. Burkholderia sp. strain AQ5-13 showed optimum growth in acidic media at pH 5.7 (5.57 log 10 CFU/mL) and optimum growth at 30Â°C (6.84 log 10 CFU/mL) compared to other temperature ranges. Quantitative monitoring of acrylamide degradation was performed using HPLC. Burkholderia sp. strain AQ5-13 could degrade 14% of 500 mg/L acrylamide as its carbon and nitrogen sources after 72 h of incubation at 5 min of retention time. The appearance of acrylic acid peak as an intermediate was not detected, possibly because all the acrylic acid produced had been consumed immediately by the bacterium. The result from this study showed that bacteria Burkholderia sp. strain AQ5-13 has a good potential that can be applied in the bioremediation of waste containing acrylamide.
Applications, Pollution, Toxicity and Bioremediation of Acrylamide
Authors: Shukor Mohd Yunus
Published: April 2022

Acrylamide has many chemical and environmental uses. The main or principle use of acrylamide is in the production of high molecular weight polyacrylamides with up to 99.9% of acrylamide is estimated used to produce polyacrylamide. Acrylamide, in the form of polyacrylamides are used as binders and retention supports for fibres and to retain pigments on paper fibres, to decrease soil erosion, in furrow irrigation systems and in the formulation for the herbicide glyphosate. Acrylamide is a neurotoxic agent and its pollution remains an important global awareness due to its acute toxicity. Due to its toxicity, the maximum permissible limit for acrylamide containing in drinking water of Malaysia is 0.0005 mg/L. Its uses, toxicity, pollution and bioremediation are the subject of this mini review.
Predictive Mathematical Modelling of the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases for Indonesia
Authors: Umar Abubakar M. , Shukor Mohd Yunus Abd
Published: April 2022

In the current article, we showcase various growth models like Von Bertalanffy, Baranyi-Roberts, Morgan-Mercer-Flodin (MMF), modified Richards, modified Gompertz, modified Logistics and Huang in the fitting and analysis of the COVID-19 epidemic trend as of 15 July 2020 in Indonesia in the form of the total number of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The MMF model was proved as the suitable model with the highest adjusted R2 value and lowest RMSE value. The Accuracy and Bias Factors values were near to unity (1.0). The parameters obtained from the MMF model consist of maximum growth rate (Âµm) (log) of 0.025 (95% CI from 0.020 to 0.028), curve constant (ï¤) that affects the inflection point of 0.770 (95% CI from 0.691 to 0.849), lower asymptote value (ï¢) of 0.297 (95% CI from 0.229 to 0.365) and maximal total number of cases (ymax) of 4,634,469 (95% CI from 1,967,886 to 15,417,005). The MMF forecast that the total number of cases in Indonesia on the coming 15th of August and 15th of September 2020 will be 113,179 (95% CI of 103,477 to 123,790) and 154,235 (95% CI of 136,542 to 174,220), respectively. The predictive capability of the model applied in this paper is likely a reliable tool for epidemiologist to monitor and evaluate the severity of COVID-19 death cases in Indonesia in few months to come. Undoubtedly, the models will be reexamined after every few months in the event unwarranted phenomena lead to an exponential increase or wave of new infection.
Phenotypic Detection of Extended Spectrum Î²-lactamase-producing Bacteria from Selected Hospital Contact Surfaces
Authors: Garba Lawal , Chiroma Nune M. , Justine Jessica , Yusuf I. , Inuwa A.B. , Idris Abdulrahman
Published: April 2022

Community and hospital acquired infections caused by drug resistant organisms especially the extended spectrum Î²-lactamase producers among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae have been on a global increase. Such infections could lead to an increased healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. The Extended Spectrum Î²-lactamases are enzymes produced by some bacteria to inactivate group of Î²-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and its derivatives as well as broad spectrum cephalosporins including monobactams. The enzymes have been the key source of multidrug resistance among many Gram-negative bacteria. Previous studies conducted on Extended Spectrum Î²-lactamase (ESÎ²L) in Gombe Specialist Hospital focused more attention on the occurrence of the ESÎ²L producing bacteria in clinical samples. This study aimed at phenotypic detection of ESÎ²L producing bacteria from some selected contact surfaces in the same hospital for the first time to the best of our knowledge.  One hundred and fifty (150) samples were collected from contact surfaces such as door handles, wheelchairs, ATM machines etc. using sterile swab sticks. The samples were cultured on nutrient and MacConkey agar plates to isolate bacterial contaminants. The bacterial isolates were identified using standard procedures. Gram negative isolates were screened for the potential ESÎ²L producers using CLSI breakpoint and phenotypically confirmed using double disc synergy test (DDST). The results obtained confirmed high ESÎ²L producers among E. coli with 20 (44.40%) followed by K. pneumoniae with 15 (33.30%) and then P. mirabilis having the least confirmed isolates. In conclusion, the ESÎ²L producers detected from the contact surfaces suggest the adoption of more personal and environmental hygiene practices to limit the spread of drug resistant organisms and possible outbreak of nosocomial infections.
Inhibition Kinetics Study of Molybdenum Reduction by Pantoea sp. strain HMY-P4
Authors: Yakasai H.M. , Babandi A. , Uba Garba
Published: April 2022

Physical, chemical or biological data mathematical simulation may assist the investigator to describe a phenomenon found based on physical, chemical or biological mechanisms. The model may also be used to forecast or predict future behavior, simulate a hypothetical event or feedback, and better tests can be planned. Molybdenum reduction to the insoluble molybdenum blue by bacteria is an emerging tool for bioremediation of molybdenum pollutant worldwide. In this study, the molybdenum reduction rate by the bacterium Pantoea sp. strain HMY-P4 was studied for its inhibitory kinetics characteristics using sodium molybdate as a substrate. Modeling kinetics showed that molybdenum reduction could be explained by several models such as Monod, Haldane, Hans-Levenspiel, Luong, Teissier, Aiba and Yano with Aiba as the best model as judged using error function analysis such as bias and accuracy factors (BF and AF), root mean square error (RMSE), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2), and corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). The calculated values for the Aiba constants qmax (the maximum specific substrate degradation rate (hâˆ’1), Ks (concentration of substrate at the half maximal degradation rate (mg/L) or saturation constant and Ki (inhibition constant (mg/L)) were 0.060 (95% CI, 0.024 to 0.096), 0.302 (95% CI, 0.381 to 0.222) and 0.953 (95% CI, 0.568 to 1.338), respectively. These model parameters indicate a good tolerance of the bacterium against high concentration of toxic molybdenum making the bacterium useful for bioremediation works.
Limits of Detection Based on the Four-Parameter Logistic Model for E. coli Determined using a Fluorescent-based Sensor
Authors: Padrilah Siti Nadzirah , Masdor Noor Azlina
Published: April 2022

Because of the huge number of outbreaks, bacterial infection is becoming more common, which is compounded by the rise of antibiotic resistance. These issues have warranted the development of sensitive detection and therapeutic devices. A fluorescence-based detection of the pathogen E. coli is previously developed using a mini-emulsion technique to create fluorescent/electroactive poly(3-hexylthiophene) P3HT nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized with CTAB or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, a quaternary ammonium salt forming CTAB-P3HT NPs. Limits of detection for the bacterium based on fluorescence spectroscopy is 5 CFU/mL. The curve showed a sigmoidal calibration curve but was not modelled according to any of the sigmoidal models available. The aim of this study is to use the Four-Parameter Logistic Model to determine the LOD value more accurately. The modelling exercise gave values of the parameters a, d, Log EC50 and Hillslope representing the maximum and minimum responses, value that produces a 50% signal response, and a slope-like parameter (Hill coefficient) of -0.01427 (DF/F0), 0.6189 (DF/F0), 3.473 and 0.413, respectively. The LOD value was 30 CFU/mL with the 95% confidence interval from 13 to 64 CFU/mL. The usage of the 4Pl model in this study was successful, since it was able to represent the entire date curve. The correlation coefficient values of 0.986 indicated good fitting of the experimental data to the 4PL model. The 4PL model has been found to be a good model in fitting the calibration curve for the detection of E. coli.
Identification of methane-producing bacteria from palm oil mill sludge (POMS) with solid cud from ruminant stomach
Authors: C. S. W Chan, , Lau S. , Husaini A.A. S. , Zulkharnain A. , Apun K. , Bilung L. M. , Vincent Mickey
Published: April 2022

Biological generation in anaerobic environments such as enteric fermentation and anaerobic waste treatment from agriculture sector are the major contributor of methane gas which has the potential as biogas. The aimed of this study was to identify methane-producing bacteria in anaerobic vessel which contained a mixture of Palm Oil Mill Sludge (POMS) and solid cud taken from the first compartment of cowâ€™s stomach (1:2 and 2:1 ratio) as co-mixture. The co-mixture was incubated at 50 Â°C in a 2 L vessel with initial starter of 400 ml and sampling was conducted every 4 weeks interval during 12 weeks of incubation. For specific detection of methanogens, 16S rRNA-cloning analysis was carried out. Methanobrevibacter sp. and Methanosaeta sp. were confirmed to be presence within the 2:1 ratio of co-mixture while only Methanobrevibacter sp. was found in 1:2 ratio of co-mixture on both Week 0 and Week 4. No methanogens were detected for both co-mixtures on Week 8 and Week 12.Â Â
Label-free photonics biosensor transducing nano-biological events
Authors: Syahir Amir
Published: April 2022

Studying protein characteristics and their molecular interactions can provide an important route to investigate protein networks in living cell. It can also postulate the functions of newly discovered genes or proteins, thus, hold great value for understanding disease mechanisms9-11 and providing suitable diagnostics for the global-threatening diseases.12,13 To date, works have vastly being done in these areas (proteomics studies) in order to develop a simple noninvasive tests that can indicate disease risk at early stage.14One of the keys that plays important role in these research areas is nanobio-sensor technology. The technology provides analytical tools upon knowing the abundance, and also qualitative characterization of a particular biomolecule. Therefore, the development of biosensor technology is important, and is expected to meet the needs ofanalyzing protein behavior (interactions, activities, etc.) accurately and effectively.
Beyond anticoagulant: Heparin as a potential anti-cancer agent
Authors: Lokwani Ravi , Azmi Nina Suhaity , Mohd Yusoff Mashitah , Ichwan Solachuddin Jauhari Arief
Published: April 2022

Heparin has been in the market since the last six decades due to its potential anticoagulantÂ property. The mechanism of its anti-coagulation effect is well established. Along with itsÂ anticoagulant activity the other activity that is gathering a lot of importance now-a-days is itsÂ ability to arrest the progression of tumors specially some solid forms of tumors such as small cellÂ lung carcinoma and pancreatic tumors. The chemically modified and light molecular weightÂ fractions of heparin have been found to be more active in countering tumor progression. In thisÂ review we discuss a brief history of this versatile biomolecule with its clinical data andÂ postulated mechanism of action as per recent studies. This review also highlighted the approachÂ of heparin-conjugated nanoparticles to achieve targeted drug delivery with synergistic responseÂ in tumor cells.
Optimization of monoclonal antibodies purification expressed in H-192 cells using preparative native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Authors: Krishnan Santhana , Abdul Wahid Zularisam , Gek Kee Chua Yeo , Few Nee Chew , Abdul Munaim Mimi Sakinah
Published: April 2022

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are unique and specific drug molecules targeting the treatment ofÂ various diseases such as arthritis, immune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer etc.Â Different methods such as antibody coupled affinity chromatography, hydrophobic interactionÂ chromatography, etc., can be applied to purify mAbs from various sources. This article providesÂ a simple, cost effective, preparative native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (n-PAGE)technique to purify mAbs expressed in H-192 cells (Hybridoma murine cell lines) against anÂ antigen i.e. 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), which further can have diagnosticÂ application to detect Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). Furthermore, different parametersÂ such as concentration and volume of the feedstock (medium containing antibodies), pore size ofÂ gel, height of resolving gel etc. were optimized to obtain the maximum purity and yield of mAbs.
Rapid ecotoxicological tests using bioassay systems - a review
Authors: Halmi Mohd Izuan Effendi
Published: April 2022

Â The rise in pollution cases globally is expected to increase in line with industrialization. Monitoring activities for pollutants have been hampered by the astronomical costs of instrumental-based approach. This has resulted in the intense research on low cost biomonitoring systems using enzymes, organisms including microorganisms. Only positive samples are sent for instrumental analysis; dramatically cutting the cost of instrumental analysis. This review attempts to outline and give due recognition to several selected bioassay systems that have been tested for their applicability using polluted water samples as a routine first line-of-defense. This includes small aquatic organisms-based assays, enzymes especially proteases and bacterial-based systems using respiratory dye or luminescence systems as a method for toxicant detection.
Preservation of phytase enzyme produced by anaerobic rumen bacteria, Mitsuokella jalaludinii
Authors: Tang Hooi Chia , Sieo Chin Chin , Abdullah Norhani , Chong Chun Wie , Ho Yin Wan
Published: April 2022

Poultry feed consists of feed ingredients like soybean meal and corn, which contain high levels of phytate that is poorly utilised especially by the monogastric animals that lack of phytase. Hence, phytase has been extensively applied as a feed supplement in poultry production due to the efficiency of this enzyme in improving phosphorous (P) availability, thus reducing P excretion to the environment as well as reducing the feed cost by reducing inorganic P supplementation. Mitsuokella jalaludinii, an obligate anaerobe, Gram-negative rumen bacterium, produces high phytase activity. Birds supplemented with bacterial preparation of M. jalaludinii showed comparable performance to that of commercial phytase. However, the anaerobic nature of this bacterium renders difficulty in the use of live cells as feed supplement in commercial poultry production. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine a suitable method to preserve phytase activity of M. jalaludinii regardless of cells viability. Mitsuokella jalaludinii was grown in MF medium under anaerobic condition and the cells were subjected to various treatments to preserve the enzyme, including bead beating, compressed air, moist heat, dry heat and freeze-drying under aerobic condition. The results showed that the total number of viable cells were significantly (p<0.05) reduced when the cells were subjected to bead beating, whereas no viable cells were detected for compressed air, moist heat, dry heat and freeze-drying. Bead beating, compressed air, moist heat and dry heat treatments resulted in the reduction of phytase activity. However, only freeze-drying method was able to preserve high level of phytase activity significantly (p<0.05).
Statistical optimization of hexavalent molybdenum reduction by Serratia sp. strain MIE2 using Central Composite Design (CCD)
Authors: Aziz Nor Farahim , Halmi Mohd Izuan Effendi , Johari Wan Lutfi Wan
Published: April 2022

The conversion of hexavalent molybdenum (Mo (VI)) to Mo-blue is a bioremediation techniquewhich reduces the toxicity of molybdenum to a less toxic form by bacteria. The aim of this studyis to determine the optimum conditions of significant parameters or variables that affect thereduction of Mo (VI) to Mo-blue by the local isolate identified as Serratia sp. strain MIE2.Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used in this study to optimize the reduction processusing Central Composite Design (CCD) as an optimization matrix. The optimum conditionspredicted by RSM using the desirability function for the reduction process were 20 mMmolybdate concentration, 3.95 mM phosphate, 6.25 pH and 25 g/L glucose and Mo-blueproduction occurred at the absorbance value of 20.5 at 865 nm. The validation of the predictedoptimum points showed the Mo-blue production occurred at the absorbance value of 21.85 witha deviation around 6.6 % from the RSM predicted value.
Metagenomic Studies of the Gut Microbiota: The Snake Gut Microbiota as a Model Organism
Authors: Sukumaran Salinii Nair , Azmi Aida Azrina , Cheah Yoke-Kqueen
Published: April 2022

Microbes play a very important role in each individual. The microbial communities and its genetic blueprint greatly influence in many human diseases. Most of the microbe populations are grow in an individualâ€™s gut. Therefore, metagenomics studies on gut microbes are essential to understand the microbial diversity in gut and the knowledge on microbial composition associates with terrestrial animals will be very important for further understand nutrition, diseases and physiological state. Besides, the availability of next generation sequencing technologies gives a better understanding on gut microbiotas communities compare to the first generation sequencing. This paper, we suggested snakes as a model to study microbial metagenomics due to its various compounds can help to cure various illnesses, even kill off unwanted germs from body. Therefore, this paper mainly review on snake gut microbes, secondary metabolites produce by microbes and the benefits of molecular technologies used in metagenomics which can be useful in medical industries and treatment of infectious diseases.
Expression of Beta Defensin Genes in Frozen Thawed and Cultured Immortalised Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Azmi Nurul Shakirah , Kit Yow Weng , Zainal Baharin Nurul Hana , Kwan Liang Lye , Mohd Rawi Rohayu Izanwati , Md. Saleh Rafidah , Omar Nazri , Karuppiah Thilakavathy
Published: April 2022

Human beta defensins (hBD) are important host defense molecules at the ocular surface. In addition to their antimicrobial activities, hBD may also act as regulatory factors in recruiting and activating immune cells. Only hBD-1 â€“ hBD-4 have been well characterised. To date, a complete profile of the beta defensin genes (DEFB) expression in immortalised human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE-2) has not been established. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore a spectrum of DEFB expression in HCE-2. Total RNAs were extracted from frozen thawed HCE-2 and cultured HCE-2 to ensure the gene expression were identical. The RNAs were reverse transcribed into cDNAs. The expression of 10 DEFB (DEFB1, DEFB4A, DEFB103, DEFB104, DEFB105, DEFB106, DEFB109, DEFB123, DEFB126 and DEFB127) were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. DEFB1 and DEFB103 were the only hBD mRNAs found constitutively expressed in frozen thawed HCE-2 and cultured HCE-2. It was also interesting to note that PCR enhancer was needed to amplify the genes in cultured HCE-2. Our findings suggest that corneal epithelium constantly produce hBD-1 and hBD-3, which presumably provide the baseline defense against infection. Further investigation on the expression of these genes when HCE-2 stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines would help in better understanding of the ocular surface defense mechanism.
Kinetics of Cyanide Degradation by Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Manogaran Motharasan , Yakasai H.M. , Karamba K.I.
Published: April 2022

Cyanide is extremely toxic to living organisms. It is utilized in industries for gold and silver extraction, pharmaceuticals, plastic processing, electroplating, and agricultural chemistry. Cyanide can persevere for a long time in the soil and its bio-degradation is the best economical practice. A formerly isolated cyanide-degrading bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii exhibited substrate inhibition to degradation rate. Significant degradation inhibition constants were achieved reliably by means of non-linear regression modeling of the degradation rate profile utilizing models for substrate inhibition like Haldane, Teissier-Edward, Monod, Yano and Koga, Luong, Edward (Webb) Luong and Aiba models. Aiba model was selected as the top model established on statistical assessments like root mean square error, adjusted coefficient of determination, bias factor and accuracy factor. The calculated values for the Aiba constants qmax (the maximum specific substrate degradation rate (hâˆ’1), Ks (concentration of substrate at the half maximal degradation rate (mM) and Ki (inhibition constant (mM)) were 0.060 (95% CI, 0.024 to 0.096), 0.302 (95% CI, 0.381 to 0.222) and 0.953 (95% CI, 0.568 to 1.338), respectively. The novel constants gotten from the modeling application can be valuable for advanced secondary modeling implicating the influence of media conditions and some other dynamics on cyanide biodegradation by this bacterium.
Multiple Drug Resistance Among Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Cutting Boards of Commercial Food Premises: A Threat to Food and Public Health Safety
Authors: Mahyudin Nor Ainy , Mohd Sahil Shakira , Radu Son , Mahmud @Ab Rashid Nor Khaizura , Isa Shuâ€™aibu
Published: April 2022

Multidrug resistance among bacterial pathogens is an issue of global concern, especially in commercial food premises. This study aimed to isolate and identify the multidrug-resistant S. aureus from cutting boards of some selected restaurants in Sri Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Samples were obtained from the surfaces of 55 plastic cutting boards of 45 restaurants by swabbing and analyzed using 3Mâ„¢ Petri filmâ„¢ Staph Express Count Plate and Disk and further identified using Gram staining, coagulase and catalase tests and growth on mannitol salt agar and Baird Parker agar. Agar-disk diffusion technique was employed for antibiotic resistance against 11 antibiotics, and the results were analyzed based on CLSI. Out of 55 samples obtained, 43.6% (n=24) were found to be positive for S. aureus. Of the 24 S. aureus, 45.8% (n=11) were multidrug-resistant. Resistance to the members of penicillins was 100%, to nalidixic acid (79.2%), to ciprofloxacin (66.7%), to cephalothin (33.3%) and ceftazidime (20.8%). There was no resistance to gentamicin, streptomycin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and sulphafurazole. The emergence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus on the cutting boards is an indication of poor personal and sanitary hygiene and could pose a danger of outbreak due to staphylococcal food poisoning among consumers.
Test of Randomness of Residuals for the Four-parameter Logistic model used in Obtaining the IC50 Value for Allivum sativum Methanolic Extract Against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Rusnam . , Gunasekaran Baskaran , Sabullah M.K.
Published: April 2022

Numerous publications ignore statistical diagnosing of the nonlinear model utilized, and the data might be nonrandom- an essential necessity for all of the parametric statistical evaluation approaches. In cases where the diagnostic tests demonstrate that the residuals reveal a pattern, then a variety of remedies for example nonparametric analysis or shifting to another model should cure the problem. The subject of this study is test for the randomness of the residual for the Four-parameter Logistic model used in obtaining the IC50 Value for Allivum sativum methanolic extract against Aeromonas hydrophila using the Waldâ€“Wolfowitz runs test. The result shows that the number of runs was 10, the expected number of runs under the assumption of randomness was 5.8, indicating the series of residuals had adequate runs. As the p-value was greater than 0.05, the null hypothesis is not rejected demonstrating no substantial evidence that the residuals were nonrandom, and the residuals represent noise.
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Stem Bark of Baobab Tree (Adonsonia digitata) on some clinical isolate
Authors: Ummu Rabiâ€™u RA , Saâ€™idu Haruna , Labaran Hajara Sani , Olanrewaju Salau Abiola , Muntari Musa , Ibrahim Sani Aliyu
Published: April 2022

The use of plant and their secondary metabolite for the treatment of several illnesses is gaining attention across the globe. For this reason, baobab tree was procured in order to test its effect on some bacterial isolate. Powdered stem bark of Adansonia digitata was extracted with chloroform and methanol using percolation method of extraction. The extracts were dark brown and reddish brown in color respectively with a gummy texture. The chloroform and methanolic extracts were screened from the presence of secondary metabolites using standard technique. The result of photochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, reducing sugar and steroid in one or both the extracts. The extracts were further tested, on confirmed clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus using disc diffusion method and micro â€“ broth dilution technique. The result of sensitivity test indicated that the tested clinical isolates were more sensitive to chloroform extract than the methanolic extract because larger zones of inhibitions were obtained with chloroform extract. In both methods used, the organisms were susceptible to all extracts even at the lowest concentration of 15 ï­g with zones of inhibitions ranging from (8 â€“ 10 mm).
Mathematical Modelling of the Growth of Yeast Candida tropicalis TL-F1 on Azo Dyes
Authors: Ibrahim Salihu , Abdulrasheed Mansur , Ibrahim Hussain , Abubakar Abdussamad , Yakasai Hafeez Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Azo dyes are the most common chemical family of dyes, with a wide range of structural and color variations. They account for up to 70% of yearly dye production. Azo dyes are one of the first man-made compounds, and they are still commonly used in the food and textile industries. The discharge of Azo dyes is undesirable not only because many Azo dyes and their breakdown products are toxic to aquatic life and mutagenic to people, but also because many Azo dyes and their breakdown products are harmful to aquatic life and mutagenic to humans. We report different primary kinetics models such as Huang, modified Gompertz, Buchanan-3-phase, modified Logistics, Baranyi-Roberts, modified Richards and Von Bertalanffy were used to get the best model for Candida tropicalis TL-F1 growth on different Azo dyes concentrations. The best model was found to be Buchanan-3-phase with the lowest values for AICc, RMSE and the highest value for adjusted R2. The AF and BF values were also excellent for the model with their values were the closest to 1.0. The poorest performance was found to be Baranyi-Roberts where it failed to model the growth curve. Baranyi-Roberts has the highest values for AICc, RMSE and the highest value for adjusted R2. The Buchanan-3-phase parameters such as Y0, Î», k and Ymax were found to be 0.290, 3.244, 0.543 and 3.825 respectively. These constant would provide insight for the actual Candida tropicalis TL-F1 growth curve.
AHMET ÜMİT’İN KAYIP TANRILAR ÜLKESİ’NDE KİŞİ ve OLAY ANALİZİ
Authors: BALCI Umut
Published: April 2022

Roman kural olarak sınır tanımayan, her forma, kurala ve yeniliğe açık uzun epik bir türdür. Uzun olması yazara yazarlık becerilerini aktarabilmesi için sınırsız bir alan yaratmaktadır. Mektup roman, gelişim romanı, eğitici roman, aşk romanı, gezi romanı, dönemsel roman, tarihi roman, macera romanı, bilim-kurgu roman, realist roman gibi pek çok roman türü olmasına rağmen, bu polisiye roman ele alınmıştır, çünkü analizi yapılan Ahmet Ümit’in Kayıp Tanrılar Ülkesi adlı eseri polisiye romandır. Bu çalışmada Ahmet Ümit’in 2021 yılında yayınlanan Kayıp Tanrılar Ülkesi adlı eserinin kişi ve olay ekseninde analizi yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı eserin öncelikle kişi ve olay kurgusunu ortaya çıkarmak, bu kurguların birbirlerine etki boyutunu ortaya koymak, böylelikle Ümit’in romancılığını polisiye yazar ekseninde değerlendirmektir. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi bağlamında doküman analizi yapılmıştır. Yazılı belgelerin içeriğini sistematik olarak analiz etmek için kullanılan bir nitel araştırma yöntemi olan doküman analizi basılı ve elektronik materyaller olmak üzere tüm belgeleri incelemek ve değerlendirmek için kullanılmaktadır. Nitel araştırmada kullanılan diğer yöntemler gibi doküman analizi de anlam çıkarmak, ilgili konu hakkında bir anlayış oluşturmak, ampirik bilgi geliştirmek için verilerin incelenmesini ve yorumlanmasını gerektirmektedir. Bu bağlamda, Ahmet Ümit’in Kayıp Tanrılar Ülkesi adlı eserinin bu çalışmanın araştırma dokümanını oluşturmuş, eserde yer alan kişi ve olaylar tarama yöntemiyle ayıklanmış ve çalışmanın amacı çerçevesinde teker teker yorumlanıp genel bir kanıya ulaşılmıştır.
Peranan Suplemen dalam Tata Laksana Infertilitas
Authors: Atepela Brenda C Josephine Herwita
Published: April 2022

Infertilitas adalah tidak terjadinya kehamilan setelah 12 bulan menjalani hubungan seksual rutin tanpa proteksi atau kontrasepsi. Infertilitas memiliki dampak buruk baik secara pribadi maupun sosial karena meningkatkan angka kekerasan dalam rumah tangga, perceraian, stres emosional, dan rendahnya kepercayaan diri. Infertilitas dapat disebabkan oleh faktor pria ataupun wanita. Suplementasi antioksidan dan mikronutrien banyak diteliti untuk meningkatkan fertilitas baik secara langsung maupun tidak langsung dengan mengurangi stres oksidatif dan meningkatkan fungsi reproduksi.

Infertility defined as the absence of pregnancy after 12 months of routine sexual intercourse without protection or contraception. Infertility has devastating effects both personally and socially by increasing incidence of domestic violence, divorce, emotional stress, and low self-esteem. Infertility can be caused by either male or female factors. Antioxidant and micronutrient supplementation has been widely studied to increase fertility directly and indirectly by reducing oxidative stress and improving reproductive function.
Analyses of Heavy Metals in Sea Sediments from the Izmir Karaburun Region
Authors: Kam Erol , Çakar Merve , Yümün Zeki Ünal
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed to determine heavy metal pollution in the Izmir Karaburun region of Turkey by analyzing the marine sediments within the Izmir Karaburun peninsula. Sediment samples were taken using a drilling method from six different regions on the peninsula and analyzed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The percentage of the elements in the samples that matched the standard elements described in the device were determined. The results showed that potassium (K) with a 97% matching percentage and iron (Fe) with a 94% matching percentage was intensive in six different regions. In the first, fourth, and sixth regions, silver (Ag), which is a frequent heavy metal, was found at a high incidence of 50% as regards that in other regions. The results of these analyses were parallel to each other in six different regions in the Izmir Karaburun peninsula, and amount of possibly toxic heavy metals were found. When the LIBS conclusions were compared with the conclusion found in the literature, the existence of some elements, such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), which are known to be toxic elements and a danger to human health, were found in only trace amount; as a consequence, we supposed that there is no heavy metal pollution that could pose a hazard to human health and marine ecosystems within that region.
Hidrojen ve Doğal Gaz Karışımının Evsel Cihazlarda Kullanımının Deneysel ve Teorik Olarak İncelenmesi
Authors: Sorgulu Fatih , Öztürk Merve , Javani Nader , Dinçer İbrahim
Published: April 2022

Günümüz ekonomilerinde nüfusun artışı ve yaşam kalitesindeki değişiklikler, enerji üretim altyapısında da büyük değişiklikleri beraberinde getirmektedir. Fosil yakıt kullanımı sonucu ortaya çıkan karbondioksit emisyonlarını azaltmak ve iklim değişikliği ile mücadele etmek için yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarının kullanımı artmaktadır. Bu eğilimin nedeni, dünya genelinde artan enerji talebi ve fosil yakıt tüketimidir. Doğal gaz, toplam enerji talebinin üçte birini oluşturan ve küresel olarak en yüksek karbon emisyonunu üreten fosil yakıttır. Hidrojen ise, daha düşük sera gazı emisyonları ve sürdürülebilir enerji sağladığı için başta yenilenebilir enerji bazlı sistemler olmak üzere entegre enerji sistemlerinde büyük ilgi görmektedir. Bu bağlamda hidrojen, enerji güvenliği ve sürdürülebilirlik için kritik bir enerji taşıyıcısı olarak görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada hidrojenin doğal gaza karıştırılmasının yanma üzerindeki etkileri deneysel ve teorik olarak araştırılmıştır. Doğal gaza hidrojen ilavesiyle hacim bazlı alt ısıl değer artarken, Wobbe indeksi ve yoğunluk değerleri düşmektedir. Doğal gazın içerisine karıştırılan hidrojen oranı hacimsel olarak %0’dan %20’ye çıkarıldığında; Wobbe indeksi 50.395 kJ/m3 değerinden 47.654 kJ/m3 değerine düşerken, çevreye olan karbondioksit emisyonları %9,1’den %7,9’a azalmaktadır.
Co można opowiedzieć ubiorem? Leksykon strojów zakonnych
Authors: Rotter Lucyna
Published: April 2022

W szeroko rozumianym krajobrazie kulturowym bardzo istotną rolę pełni odzienie. Pierwszym i zasadniczym jego zadaniem jest np. zabezpieczenie ciała przed warunkami klimatycznymi. Z czasem ubiór zaczął pełnić kolejne funkcje wynikające z przemian kulturowych. Ubranie wypełnia przestrzeń w pozawerbalnej komunikacji społecznej, będą specyficzną formą przekazu, tak świadomego jak i podświadomego. Leksykon ubiorów zakonnych prezentuje zarówno historyczne, jak i współczesne wersje strojów zakonnych, wspólnot pracujących na ziemiach polskich. Analiza zmieniających się trendów i swoistej "mody zakonnej" to nie tylko prześledzenie przemian w przekazie symbolicznym, ale także pomoc w badaniach historycznych i społecznych, podpowiedź w projektach z obszaru sztuki lub dookreśleniu czasu powstania portretu albo zdjęcia.
New Cultivars
Authors: Lechtman Jay , Snyder Ivan
Published: April 2022

The cultivars Sarracenia 'Chagall' and Drosera rotundifolia 'Charles Darwin' are described.
Crecimiento económico peruano y el efecto marginal de la inversión, 2000-2020
Authors: Arroyo Sánchez José Luis , Chávez Uscamaita Gandhy , Mera Nuñez Martin Emanuelle , Vargas Salazar Ivonne Yanete
Published: April 2022

En este trabajo se aborda el efecto de la inversión del gobierno y la inversión del sector privado como determinantes del crecimiento económico, así también, se reportan estimaciones propias para una muestra trimestral de las variables en Perú durante el periodo 2000-2020. El objeto es determinar el efecto marginal de los determinantes inversión pública y privada en el crecimiento económico, para lo cual se han tomado las variables proxy presupuesto asignado para inversiones públicas, stock de inversiones privadas y PBI, respectivamente. Para este modelo usamos la metodología Estimadores Mínimo Cuadrados Ordinarios y Modelo autorregresivo integrado de media móvil, la evidencia encontrada respalda lo ya comentado en estudios anteriores en el sentido que existe una mayor relevancia de la inversión privada como determinante del crecimiento económico pues se encuentra que la dependencia entorno a la inversión privada es del 27%, mientras que, el 6% se da por parte de la inversión pública.
Conceptualizing Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in the EFL Context: Ethnographic Experiences of CELTA and Non-CELTA Holders
Authors: Alofi Rahaf A. , Almalki Mansoor S.
Published: April 2022

Communicative language teaching (CLT) has become the favourite teaching approach of many English teachers because of its focus on communication (Kumaravadivelu, 2006). A number of researchers have investigated EFL teachers' perceptions and implementation of CLT in Saudi tertiary level education. Some researchers reported on how CELTA training affects EFL teachers' perceptions and implementation of CLT. However, there is a gap in the literature with regard to the lived experiences of how non-native English speaker teachers (NNESTs) who do or do not have a CELTA qualification understand and apply CLT in Saudi tertiary level EFL education. Therefore, this mixed-methods ethnographic research focuses on filling this gap. Data were collected through three research tools, namely a survey, vignettes and classroom observations. All the participants were teaching EFL at the Saudi tertiary level. Twenty-six CELTA holders and forty-four non-CELTA holders participated in the survey about their perceptions and implementation of CLT. Four CELTA holders and three non-CELTA holders wrote a number of vignettes on how they conceptualize and apply CLT. Classroom observations were conducted for two CELTA holders and two non-CELTA holders. The statistical survey data were analysed using SPSS, and the vignettes and classroom observations were examined thematically. The findings revealed that both CELTA and non-CELTA holders have a reasonable understanding of CLT. However, they also showed that the teachers only implement CLT to some extent, suggesting that more training on applying communicative activities and group- and pairwork is needed in EFL classrooms.
Mjesto vjerskih sloboda u konceptu ustavnog patriotizma Jürgena Habermasa / The Place of Religious Freedom in Jürgena Habermas’ Concept of Constitutional Patriotism
Authors: Hodžić Dželaludin
Published: April 2022

The paper aims to present the contribution of Jürgen Habermas in the reaffirmation of religious freedom especially in light of the potential of that freedom which they have in terms of enriching democracy as such. In other words, according to Habermas, the affirmation of religious freedom is not only contributed to the emergence of a democratic state but also a guarantee of its further evolution. One of the basic questions that the paper seeks to answer is the question of the role of religion and religious freedom in the concept of constitution al patriotism. It is a concept which Habermas seeks to overcome, contrary to Rawls’s imaginary original state, tensions that occur between the demands for ideological terms neutral state, on the one hand and moral pluralism, especially the growing influence of religion in social relations and claims that arise from such influence, on the other side.
Brojanje ljudskih žrtava / Body Count
Authors: Sheikh Naveed
Published: April 2022

No abstract.
Inter-religious Dialogue among Young People in a Post-Conflict Society
Authors: Jusić Mersiha
Published: April 2022

This article offers insight into how an ever-widening gap between two communities of young people of different ethnic and religious background, living side by side without contact, can be addressed by local initiatives coming from within informal groups of community members. The figures given illustrate the prevalence of ignorance of “the other” among young people aged 15 to 19 who attend a specific form of school unique to Bosnia and Herzegovina that segregates students across ethnic lines. The grassroots project described in the article encompasses surveys, awareness campaigns, publishing, and workshop activities implemented in a geographically distinct and religiously diverse area of the upper Vrbas Valley in Central Bosnia.
Korijeni visokog obrazovanja / The origins of higher learning
Authors: Lowe Roy , Yasuhara Yoshihito
Published: April 2022

No abstract.
Priliv stranih ulaganja u Bosnu i Hercegovinu
Authors: Kovačević Amel
Published: April 2022

Bosna i Hercegovina (BiH) je od svog osamostaljivanja doživjela značajne promjene. Početkom 1990-ih došlo je do brutalnog uništavanja ekonomskih potencijala bh. društva, što je industrijaliziranu ekonomiju BiH vratilo u predindustrijsko doba. Uništeni su privredni kapaciteti, pobijeni i rastjerani ljudski resursi, pokidane poslovne veze, izgubljeno znanje i vještine neophodne za ekonomski razvoj. Također, ubrzo poslije rata, BiH je prošla kroz tranzicijski proces, tokom kojeg su preostali preživjeli privredni kapaciteti doživjeli sporu i neučinkovitu vlasničku transformaciju iz društvenog u privatno vlasništvo, ostavljajući iza sebe industrijska groblja i izrazitu nezaposlenost. Nedostatak adekvatne poslovne klime, slabašan potencijal domaćeg privatnog kapitala, visoka stopa nezaposlenosti, niska kupovna moć i kontinuirana politička kriza nisu omogućili da BiH ostvari svoje ekonomske potencijale zasnovane na geostrateškoj lokaciji, prirodnim resursima i vještoj i snalažljivoj radnoj snazi.
Nadnaravni jezik Kur'ana / The Miraculous Language of the Qur’an: Evidence of Divine Origin
Authors: Mulović Amra
Published: April 2022

Saeh, Bassam, Nadnaravni jezik Kur'ana, s engleskog preveo: Munir Drkić. Sarajevo: Centar za napredne studije, 2018. str. 104. ISBN 978-9958-022-68-5.
Prilozi o školstvu u časopisu Gajret od 1939. do 1941. godine / Educational and Uplifting Contributions to the Novi Behar Magazine Between 1939 and 1945
Authors: Nikšić-Rebihić Edina
Published: April 2022

The cultural and educational association Gajret used its activities to promote the cultural and educational betterment of the Bosniak population. Its publication, also called Gajret, was an important contribution to Bosniak cultural and educational rebirth. The Gajret magazine contained a wealth of current materials from political, educational, and cultural life. Its themes were drawn heavily from the natural and social sciences and islamic studies, but it also made space, amongst other topics, for the many reports on schools and education that it organized, supported, and con-ducted itself. The magazine gave particular prominence to contributions by leading paedogogues and teachers on themes of education and upbringing and the school system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.