bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species diversity of pteridophytes in oil palm plantations at Segamat, Johor
Authors: Saharizan N , Karim M F A , Madzri N H , Fikri N A , Adnan N S , Ali N B , Abas M A , Amaludin N A , Zakaria R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Species composition, diversity and richness of pteridophytes were observed in three oil palm plantations of different age and management histories at Segamat, Johor using random sampling method. A total of 3762 individuals of pteridophytes consisting of 32 species belonging to 13 families from 20 genera were identified and recorded. Family Polypodiaceae, genera Microsorum and family Davalliaceae, genera Davallia contributed to the highest richness of species and were commonly found within the study area. The diversity index represented by Shannon Index, H’, is 2.51 whereas the computed evenness index is 0.72 for the overall pteridophytes species indicating a relatively high species distribution within the monoculture system. The species richness in Kg. Sri Rahmat oil palm plantation was found higher than Kg. Logah and Felda Medoi oil palm plantation with 2.15, 2.10 and 2.09 respectively. From the total recorded species of pteridophytes, the highest diversity is observed at the Kg. Sri Rahmat (H’=2.07) followed by Kg. Logah (H’=1.81) and Felda Medoi (H’=1.79). At Kg. Sri Rahmat, the species evenness is nearly even (EH=0.73) whereas at Kg. Logah and Felda Medoi, the species evenness was less significant different (EH=0.66 and EH=0.65). The type of fertilizer used, frequency of herbicide application and pruning activity at Kg. Sri Rahmat could potentially affect the diversity of pteridophytes species in the plantation. This highlights the potential of oil palm plantations owned by smallholders as an ecosystem support for the diversity of pteridophytes species. However, this may vary with different plantation age and management history.
Anti-MRSA activity of ethyl acetate crude extract from endophytic fungus Ceratobasidium ramicola IBRLCM127 isolated from rhizome of Curcuma mangga Valeton & Zijp
Authors: Muazzam K A A R , Darah I 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The study was conducted to investigate the effects of ethyl acetate crude extract of C. ramicola IBRLCM127, an endophytic fungus which was previously isolated from rhizome of C. mangga against a common human bacterial pathogen, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in order to develop a new MRSA treatmet. The efficiency of antimicrobial compounds in inhibiting or killing the bacterial cells was evaluated by adopting minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The effect of ethyl acetate crude extract on the growth profile of MRSA was examined using time-kill assay. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation was opted to investigate the ultrastructural effect of MRSA cells. The results revealed that fungal extract demonstrated a bactericidal effect on MRSA with the ratio of MBC/MIC was 1. Both MIC and MBC values of the extract were 0.5 mg/mL. The result obtained from the time-kill study disclosed that the bactericidal activity of fungal extract under investigation was both time and concentration-dependent. After 12 hours of exposure to the extract, the formation of cavities and a few cell debris can be observed on the bacterial cells, indicating the failure of cell wall and cell membrane to maintain their rigid structure due to the rupture caused by the extract. Prolonged exposure to the extract for up to 48 hours caused the bacterial cell wall to lyse and release its cytoplasmic content into the surrounding which led to cell death. Based on the SEM observation, the fungal ethyl acetate extract of C. ramicola IBRLCM127 exhibited a prominent anti-MRSA activity particularly against cell membrane of MRSA cells. This report was the first report concerning the antimicrobial potential of endophytic fungus C. ramicola recovered from local medicinal plant, C. mangga.
Elucidation of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in medicinal Aroid, Alocasia longiloba Miq.
Authors: Nur-Izzati M , Arifullah M , Nazahatul A A , Klaiklay S , Chumkaew P , Norhazlini M Z , Abdulhafiz F , Zulhazman H 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlocasia longilobaMiq belongs to Araceae family, believed to have the medicinal potential. However, the scientific evidences on this plant were limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the different extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) ofA. longilobaleaf blades. The TPC was investigated by Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH scavenging assay. The results showed ethyl acetate extract had the highest content of phenolic with 46.013 mg GAE/g followed by methanol extract (32.936 mg GAE/g) and hexane extract (31.782 mg GAE/g). The hexane extract exhibited the highest DPPH antioxidant acitivity, followed by ethyl acetate and methanol with IC50values 2.519 µg/mL, 2.758 µg/mL and 9.542 µg/mL respectively. The results indicateA. longilobahas natural sources of antioxidant that can be used for the medicinal purposes.
Factors impinging fruit farmers adoption of organic farming practices in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Abu Bakar T H S T , Shukri N A S M , Liew J Y , Zakaria S , Mahshar M , Rosli F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A Malaysia Organic (myOrganic) Program is being promoted in Malaysia as a strategy to raise small-scale producers’ income, protect the environment, and reduce food imports. However, from almost 144, 843 fruit farmers in Malaysia, only 63 farms received myOrganic certification. Unfortunately, Johor is the second-lowest state of myOrganic recipients even though they have the highest number of fruit farmers. Thus, this study aims to determine the factors impinging the organic farming practices adoption by fruits farmers in Johor, Malaysia. The quantitative research design was employed, and the questionnaire is structured based on a combination of Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The probability sampling was employed by using simple random sampling technique that involved fruits farmers in Johor. SPSS version 25.0 had been used to analyse the data using descriptive analysis. Findings from this study showed moderate mean score for organic farming practices adoption (M= 2.597), perceived behavioural control (M=3.212) and perceived usefulness (M=3.499), while high mean score showed by attitude (M=3.711) and perceived ease of use (are M=3.860). This study is significant to the government, researchers and farmers to understand the factors and importance of organic farming practices adoption.
Study of microbial inoculants effect on the quality of corn stover silage planted in different areas in Kelantan
Authors: Mat K , Mahamad N , Rusli N D , Hasnita C H , Rahman M M , Al-Amsyar S M , Mahmud M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Corn stover silage serves as high-energy forage for the ruminant animal as it consists of a relatively high energy content, good digestibility and palatable. The microbial inoculants applied to silage will increase the good bacteria concentration, resulting in a higher lactic acid level, resulting in a quicker drop in the pH. The present study aimed to investigate microbial inoculants’ effects on the quality of corn stover silage planted in different areas in Kelantan. The samples of corn plant collected from PPK Tanah Merah and Agropark, UMK Jeli Campus. Each sample was treated with an effective microorganism (EM) as the treatment with the ratio used was 1: 1: 1»2: 4: 1, for molasses, salt, urea, water and EM. In contrast, the sample with no inoculation of EM served as the control. All samples were ensiled for 21 days to obtain complete fermentation. The chemical composition of the silage determined by proximate analysis. The pH value and physical characteristics of the silage were recorded. All collected data were subjected to analysis of variance. After 21 days, moisture (66.47% and 69.70%) and crude protein (13.8% and 21.2%) content were significantly higher (p<0.05) for both treatment samples from Agro Techno Park (AGPK) Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and Persatuan Peladang Kawasan (PPK), Jedok, Tanah Merah compared to the control. The results showed a significantly lower pH value (3.76 –3.81) (p<0.05) for samples treated with EM compared to control. All samples’ physical characteristics expressed a good ranging of quality silage as the texture was firm and not slimy with greenish-brown and yellowish-brown colour with a pleasant odour. There was no presence of mould observed for all samples except for control from AGPK. As a conclusion, the microbial inoculants applied to corn stover silage and fermented for 21 days had improved the moisture and crude protein content and decreased the contamination level, thus improved the quality of corn stover silage.
The potential of dairy farm development in Coastal Area, Bangka Botanical Garden, Pangkalpinang, Indonesia
Authors: Hendriyanto E O , Yani A , Cyrilla L 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis research aims to analyze potential development dairy farming in the lowlands and to be carried out as an evaluation to increase productivity. This study can be a case study for other areas that will establish dairy farms, especially coastal areas. Design of research is a descriptive study with data collection procedures using data collection, sample testing, data sorting, data tabulation, and data discussion. The parameters evaluated consist of cattle, physiological status, cows productivity, microclimate pen environment, physiological response of cows, digestibility of feed, and quality of milk products. The data calculated with average and standard deviation to determine the data-centre and will provide with each test indicator’s conclusion value.
Biomimicry in agrotechnology: Future solution of water problem for the agriculture industry?
Authors: Othmani N I , Sahak N M , Yunos M Y M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Agriculture main issues are the reduction in water availability and the loss in water quality. If the population is increasing, the demand for food will increase, but the amount of water available to produce food does not increase. It would be a huge problem for the future. This study explores the alternative method in biomimicry to provide sufficient water supply for agriculture by reviewing challenges in agriculture and identifying biomimicry approach on previous research. The designers can use these technologies to solve water problems in agriculture, for example, Watercone and Warka Water. Both of these designs are inexpensive and can extracts gallons of fresh water from the air and designed to be environmental friendly by not causing any pollution or harm to the ground they are built on. By studying nature people learn to respect it and understand the importance of conservation, in other words, the more people, especially for designer, are aware of the potential of biomimicry. Biomimicry expected to be a promising approach, effective in improving well-being and its environmental efficiency at both agriculture and technology. Based on this study at the agriculture in particular, it is possible to see biomimicry as a driver to change urban environment.
Agro farmer’s implementation towards the application of kitosanplus in Terengganu
Authors: Zul Ariff A L , Mohammad Amizi A , Zulhazman H , Aweng E R , Nursalwani M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Agriculture sector remains as one of the important sectors that contribute to Malaysia’s economy. The usage of Kitosanplus could represent an innovative eco-friendly strategy for managing plant diseased and replacing copper as it is consisting with an active molecule which could provide variety of application towards agriculture sector. The Kitosanplus is an active molecule that finds many possible applications in agriculture to reduce or replace more environmentally damaging chemical pesticides. The purpose of this study is to determine the most influential factor of agrofarmer towards Kitosanplus applications in Terengganu, Malaysia. The most popular agriculture activities in this area are paddy plantation followed by chilies. A survey conducted towards 50 respondent by distributing the questionnaires using purposive sampling technique which have the background of agrofarmer including the owner and the manager of the farms. The data then were analysed using SPSS Software. Based on the result, the implementation of agrofarmers towards Kitosanplus applications are influenced by their attitude.
Dietary methyl farnesoate, a potential growth inducer in male crab Oziothelphusa senex senex
Authors: Reddy P R , Arifullah M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Insect juvenile hormone-like compound methyl farnesoate (MF), identified through ‘reverse endocrinology’ in crustaceans is a sesqui-terpenoid and plays crucial role in growth well proved by direct administration into the animals at laboratory conditions. However, these studies are not reached to the cultural ponds. Moreover, dietary supplementation of MF and its effects on growth in crustaceans is still at infancy. The present study tested MF (concentration of 10−9, 10−8 and 10−7 moles/crab added to commercial shrimp pellet diet) in the growth of male crab Oziothelphusa senex senex (Oss) supplemented every alternative day for about 40 days. Along with experimental group control and eyestalk removed (ESX) groups are maintained. Dietary MF induced significant enhancement in the growth of male crab. The most effective group MF 10−8 moles/crab supplemented. The frequency of growth induction found in this study is MF 10−8>10−9>10−7 moles/crab ≤ ESX and molted percentage is 27.5%, 17.5%, 10%, 10% in each group, respectively. The dietary supplementation of MF effective in inducing growth in cultured crustaceans thereby increases the yield of crustacean protein.
Utilization of fly ash - bottom ash, compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth of crops
Authors: Rais M A , Suryaningtyas D T , Baskoro D P T , Suwardi  , Hazra F , Iskandar  
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study examines the effectiveness of fly ash-bottom ash (FABA) from Suge Steam Power Station, Belitung Island, Indonesia. FABA will formulated with compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as Komfaba an ameliorant for a source of nutrition for the growth of corn, eggplant, and tomato. The study was carried out in a greenhouse experiment by applying compost and FABA in three comparisons, ie 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75; two doses of Komfaba 1250 g/pot and 2500 g/pot; and two doses of AMF 2.5 g/pot and 5 g/pot. Plants growth were observed until the vegetative phase and analyzed the number of mycorrhizal infections in plant roots. In general, Komfaba composed of compost:FABA=75:25, at a dose of 2500 g/pot and AMF 2.5 g/pot produced significant increase in few growth parameters (plant height, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, and root length) of corn, eggplant and tomato. Fly ash-bottom ash can be used as a soil amendment agent and provides better results when combined with compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Potential application of actinomycetes as natural fungicide
Authors: Yeng C M , Pahirulzaman K A K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Fungal diseases in green leafy vegetables are commonly under-estimated. However, the application of agrochemical fungicide has raised multiple drawbacks such as the higher amount of chemical residues and intensified microbial community stress. There is an urgent need to establish a bio-control antifungal agent with minimal toxicity threat, which sourced from natural environment. This study aimed to isolate soil-borne fungi from soil underneath infected green leafy vegetables and identify the antifungal activities of actinomycete strains on the isolated fungi strain. Fungi were isolated from 3 soils collected underneath the infected green leafy vegetables. Actinomycete strains were screened for antifungal potential against selected fungi strains using agar plug assay. Forty-one fungal strains were isolated from the soil samples. Actinomycetes strain C.D6.5 exhibited the largest inhibition zone on five selected fungal strains, whereas actinomycetes strain C.KSJ 13.3 produced the broadest spectrum of antifungal activities. It can be concluded that actinomycetes strain have significant antagonistic activity against fungi and pure antifungal component can be extracted as an effective and environmental friendly bio-control agent on plant fungi.
Influence of dark and light colours of Carica papaya leaves on physical properties and sensory acceptability in crackers
Authors: Shantini K , Nurhanan A R , Tham L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Papaya (Carica papaya) leaves have been used traditionally in treating a wide range of ailments. The leaves contain appreciable amount of nutritional components (protein, fibre, carbohydrate, minerals) and phytochemical compounds. This study was conducted to determine proximate compositions, texture, and sensory properties of crackers as influenced by dark and light colours of papaya leaves. The dark and light colour of leaves were incorporated separately in crackers at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of flour substitution. The cracker without papaya leaves powder served as control. The colour attributes that were lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) were determined using chromameter, while texture properties were determined using a texture analyser. The proximate compositions of crackers (moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content) were determined using AOAC methods. The results showed that the proximate compositions of crackers were not significantly different between crackers containing dark and light colour leaves. The L*, a*, and b* values of crackers containing dark or light colour leaves decreased during storage. Similarly, the hardness and fracturability of crackers were decreased during storage. Hardness and fracturability values of crackers containing dark leaves were found higher than crackers with light leaves. In sensory evaluation, there was no significant differences in flavour, bitterness, crispiness, hardness, and overall acceptability among control and crackers with dark or light color leaves. In conclusion, the incorporation of dark and light colours of papaya leaves in crackers within 0.5% to 1.5% level did not significantly influence physical and sensory properties of the crackers while but improved some nutritional compositions in the crackers.
Comparative studies of physicochemical properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cookies from different variations of sweet potato
Authors: Mohamad Nor M , Loh S , Liew J Y , Rahman M M , Hamid M Abdul , Maslan H , Mohd Rosdi M A , Hamzah S Z 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Sweet potato possesses superb nutritional values and it grows easily in a hot and humid climate. In Malaysia, sweet potatoes are commonly used in making traditional snacks and sweet desserts despite that sweet potato has greater potential for utilization in other new food products. This study was conducted to formulate cookies with partial substitution of wheat flour with orange-flesh (VitAto) or purple-fleshed (Anggun) sweet potatoes. The cookies were prepared from the formulation blend of sweet potato and wheat flour in the substitution levels of 20% and 40%, respectively. The proximate composition and physicochemical properties of the formulated cookies were studied. The proximate analysis results depicted that, compared to the control cookies, sweet potato incorporated cookies had higher moisture, ash, and carbohydrates contents but lower crude protein and crude fat. The cookies incorporated with sweet potato presented a significantly greater spread ratio and diameter than the control. The results of texture profile analysis indicated that partial substitution of sweet potato for wheat flour significantly decreased the hardness of cookies though it had zero effect on the attribute of springiness. These findings revealed that the sweet potato has positive potential uses in the development of cookies or other bakery products with enhanced nutritional quality.
Potential of Goniothalamus velutinus wood for agri-food industry
Authors: Mhd Ramle S F , Ali N M A M , Jemali N J N , Che Zaudin N A , Ibrahim N I , Majid N K S A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Goniothalamus velutinus is from the family of annonaceae and it is native to Borneo. It is also known as “kayu tas” or “kayu hujan panas”. This type of wood is rarely encountered and also hard to find in the forest. It grows in the shady primary rainforest of tropical Asia, and approximately 160 species of this genus have been discovered. This plant is also known to have anti-cancer, anti-tumour and many other bioactivities. In this study, the Goniothalamus velutinus wood’s potentials were explored for the agri-food industry. The objectives of this study are to determine chemical composition of Goniothalamus velutinus and the functional group of two samples which are male tas (MT) and female tas (FT). The chemical compositions were determined by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) method, and the functional group analysis were determined by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results shows that male tas (MT) showed a higher chemical composition compared to the female tas (FT) such as for extractive; 4.73% and 2.21%, Holocellulose; 92.19% and 88.96%, Cellulose; 57.02% and 55.88%, Hemicellulose; 35.16% and 33.08%, Lignin; 27.48% and 34.46%, respectively. These chemical compositions have good potential for the food sector. For FT-IR analysis, the results revealed five different functional groups related to which chemical composition in the sample, especially cellulose.
Evaluation of sunscreen cream incorporated with astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis in different storage conditions
Authors: Zakaria N N A , Zamzurie N A , Harith Z T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The use of sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. Natural substances from natural source, such as astaxanthin, have been considered as potential sunscreen resources due to high UV ray absorption and antioxidant activity. However, substances originated from nature usually has low stability especially when incorporated into a mixture of ingredients with different physicochemical properties. Thus, this study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of astaxanthin sunscreen cream from Haematococcus pluvialis extract at different storage conditions (25 °C, 4 °C, and 40 °C). The developed astaxanthin sunscreen cream formulations (F1=0%, F2=0.5% and F3=1.0% astaxanthin) were evaluated for SPF, pH and viscosity. Inclusion of astaxanthin in the sunscreen cream formulations significantly increase the SPF value at all storage conditions with higher SPF were observed at room temperature (25 °C). Astaxanthin significantly lower the pH of the base cream (F1) when stored at lower and higher temperatures (4 °C and 40 °C) but had no effect on pH at room temperature (25 °C). Viscosity was affected when stored at higher temperature (40 °C). This study shows that astaxanthin is an excellent natural UV filter that can improve the efficacy of the sunscreen and stable at room temperature (25 °C) with higher SPF observed and no significant change in pH and viscosity. In summary, the results will benefit the cosmetics industry and provide an alternative natural sunscreen cream to consumers.