bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Bovine Spermatozoa CSP-Gene Expression using qPCR and Relative Quantification Method as Biodiagnostic Tool for Fertilizing Capacity
Authors: H Ismail N , F Syed Mohamad S , H F Jaafar F , Osman K , Z Mohd Yusof F , F Ibrahim S 
Published: March 2021

Gene expression studies enable for real-time relative quantification of expressed genes. However, the incorporation of a primary discerning tool before amplification for specific sequences of genes of interest is yet to be implemented. The amplification of gene sequences from discriminate sample groups further enhances the results following qPCR and provides an absolute exclusive measurement for the defined sample. Cryopreserved spermatozoa have characteristics of compromised sperm quality as the cells are exposed to a rapid temperature downshift not normally encountered by such cells in vivo. Thus, the use of a separation system before cryopreservation produces a refined outcome in gene expression studies. The proliferation of Cold Shock Protein (CSP) can relatively be quantified by conducting qPCR following sperm selection and cryopreservation. CSPs are indicators of cells adapting to the decrease in temperature and indirectly acts as an intracellular protective mechanism for the cell. The current study compares the effects of sperm selection system in isolating a homogeneous population of spermatozoa for cryopreservation followed by quantification of CSP gene. Method of molecular assessment involved quantifying the amplified sequences via qPCR and gene expression following sperm isolation was significant in increasing spermatozoa viability by 26.2% (P< 0.05). The relative fold expression of CSP gene for treatment group increased from 1.00 fold to 1.38 fold. The Cq values for treatment group had recorded an earlier point of amplification (Cq= 24.87) as compared to control Cq= 25.83. Our findings suggest that the use of a sperm isolation system before cryopreservation would increase the probability of obtaining higher amplifications of CSP genes that would confer protection against extremely low temperatures during cryopreservation. This would increase the likelihood of in vitro fertilization using cryopreserved spermatozoa by implementing qPCR as a potential biomolecular diagnostic tool to ascertain the fertilizing potential of the spermatozoa.Â Â
In-Vitro Î±-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Muntingia Calabura Linn.
Authors: I.I. Nor Azman N , Hashim N , Ahmad R 
Published: March 2021

Muntingia calabura Linn. also known locally as â€œceri kampungâ€ is a plant of the family Elaeocarpaceae. The plant has been reported to possess several medicinal properties including reducing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol level and controlling Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is usually related to postprandial hyperglycemia, which is related to the rise of blood sugar level after a meal. This condition can be controlled by Î±-glucosidase inhibitors which inhibit the enzyme from catalyzing the liberation of glucose from carbohydrates in the digestive tract. Despite many biological studies reported for the plant, its antidiabetic potential has not been widely explored. Thus the aim of this study was to find potential Î±-glucosidase inhibitors from 16 extracts of M. calabura as a therapeutic approach in decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia. The hexane (Hx), ethyl acetate (Ea), 75% ethanol (Et) and aqueous (Aq) extracts of four parts (fruit, leaf, stem and root) of M. calabura (collected from Bangi, Selangor) were screened for their a-glucosidase inhibitory activities at 50.00, 25.00, 12.50, 6.25, 3.13, 1.56 and 0.78 ppm prepared via two-fold serial dilution against the positive control, acarbose. The aqueous leaf (AqL) and root extracts (AqR) exhibited very strong activities with IC50 values of 0.15 and 0.41 Âµg/mlÂ while the other extracts showed strong to moderately strong activities with IC50 values ranging from 1.83-11.66Â Âµg/ml against acarbose (4.3 Âµg/ml).Â
Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Enzyme (ESBL) Production from Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates and their Attachment on Stainless-Steel Surface
Authors: S Isa , Syifaâ€™ J. Nur , R.N Fathurrahman , M.A.R Nor-Khaizura , N.A Mahyudin 
Published: March 2021

Food contact surfaces may pose a threat of becoming vector for antimicrobial-resistant transmission of bacteria along the food chain. Twenty-four isolates of Escherichia coli were investigated to determine the antimicrobial resistance, production of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Enzyme and their attachment ability on stainless-steel surface. The antimicrobial resistance and enzyme production tests were carried out according to standard disc diffusion assay, while attachment was simulated on stainless steel discs. All 24 isolates were resistant to Amoxycillin and Penicillin, while 50% and 37.5% were resistant to Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime, respectively. Three of 24 isolates (12.5%) produced the enzyme against cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone. The enzyme production was further confirmed by the expansion of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime inhibition zone towards amoxicillin-clavulanate disc. All 3 enzyme-producing isolates (EC-6, EC-7 and EC-12) exhibited their ability to attach to stainless-steel disc. Attachment was significantly increased (p<0.05) with prolonged incubation times with the highest attachment (6.07Â±0.05 log10 cfu/ml) by isolate EC-6 at 72h. The attachment ability indicates that resistant E. coli can be potentially transmitted into the food chain via contaminated food contact surfaces. Our data could be used to develop research to link the spread of antimicrobial resistance towards effective intervention strategies.Â Â
Effects of Epoxidised Natural Rubber on the Oil Resistance Property of NBR/ENR Blends used for Safety Footwear Application
Authors: Mohd Hanif H. , C. Yong K. 
Published: March 2021

Epoxidised natural rubber, ENR has emerged as a sustainable material for many applications due to its unique properties. This study sets out to investigate the effects of ENR on the oil resistance property of nitrile rubber, NBR composites used for safety footwear application. Blends of NBR/ENR i.e. 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 were prepared and tested for their oil resistance property and other physical properties such as hardness, tensile properties and abrasion loss. Results showed that varying the amount of ENR did not significantly affect the hardness and tensile properties of the composites. Nonetheless, it was found that ENR content highly influences the abrasion loss of the composites in which the abrasion resistance decreased with further addition of ENR contents. Despite the increase in oil swelling of the composites with increasing ENR content, the oil swelling values are considered low (< 5% volume change), indicating superior oil resistance property of the composites. These results confirm the possibility of ENR as a sustainable material for the production of eco-friendly composites with high oil resistance property for the footwear industry.Â Â
Non-Acidic Method for Isolation of Microcrystalline Cellulose From Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber
Authors: Samat N. , N. Ghazali N. , Ahmad Z. , Ali F. 
Published: March 2021

In this study, the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted via a non-acidic method from the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) cellulose. The extraction was conducted through Ammonium Persulfate (APS) oxidation treatment, which was followed by the ball milling process. The effects of varied temperature levels from APS oxidation treatment (60, 80 and 90oC) and different milling time (1, 4 hours) were investigated. APS oxidation treatment at 90oC was found to produce the most optimum results. The size of the MCC was less than 20Î¼m and had demonstrated the highest degree of crystallinity index and thermal stability. The high crystallinity index is associated with the removal of non-cellulosic components as seen from FTIR analysis, where a decrease was observed in the characteristic peakÂ intensity of 1735 and 1510 cm-1. The milling time had also affected the formation of MCC. Although a relatively longer milling time had produced smaller MCC with narrow size distribution, it had, however, given rise to a slight adverse effect on the crystallinity index and thermal stability.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The Effect of MAPP Compatibilizing Agent on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene/PLA Blends
Authors: Z. Engku Zawawi E. , Z. Romli A. , F. Mat Suli S. , Amirrudin Isnin M. 
Published: March 2021

In this study, the polymer blends were prepared in the ratios of Polypropylene (PP) to Polylactic acid (PLA) of 70:30 by weight. Maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a coupling agent to improve the compatibility between PP and PLA. The MAPP was added into the blend in the ratio of 0, 3, 6 and 9% wt. The polymer blends were prepared by extrusion process using twin screw extruder. The effects of MAPP content on the mechanical and thermal properties of PP/PLA blend were investigated. The result of tensile strength shows no significant increased with the addition of MAPP content. However, Young modulus and Izod impact strength shows significantly increased with the addition of MAPP content. Tensile modulus increased up to 43% with the addition of 6% wt. MAPP. TGA results show that blending PP with PLA cause increased the thermal stability of PLA. The incorporation of 6 % MAPP has shifted the initial weight loss of PP component towards lower temperature.Â Â
Evaluation of Kenaf/Polyester Fiber Blended Sliver Produced from Carding Machine
Authors: W. Mohd Rusli N. , H. Abdul Rashid A. , R. Ahmad M. , M.N. Roslan M. , Mohd Harun D. , Che Ismail S. 
Published: March 2021

Controlling sliver evenness is very important since this parameter can affect the quality of the yarn produced. In kenaf sliver production, kenaf fibres alone could not form a good sliver. Thus, fibres such as polyester are needed to blend with kenaf to improve fibre cohesiveness and form a better sliver. The aim of this study is to identify the optimum ratio of kenaf that can be used for sliver production. The heart of the process for the production of kenaf/polyester slivers is carding. The weight percentage of kenaf used for the kenaf/polyester sliver production was 50%, 60% and 70%. After sliver formation, the waste percentage, diameter and size were determined. The sliver images were analysed under video analyser and captured by digital SLR camera to observe the fibre blending. The research showed that lower percentage of kenaf offered better waste percentage and sliver diameter. Whereas, sliver size showed some decrement with an increment of kenaf fibre percentage. The presence of polyester in the production of kenaf/polyester sliver seems to play an important role to bind the kenaf fibres together.Â Â
Characterization of in Situ Zirconium Diboride (Zrb2) Reinforced by Aluminium-Copper (Al-Cu) Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: H. Mustafa N. , N. A. Basir N. , E. Ibrahim R. , M. Mahat M. , N. Bonnia N. , M. Yahaya Sabrina , Rosmamuhamadani R. 
Published: March 2021

Aluminium matrix composites by way of in-situ reaction has arisen as a preference conducive to knock out imperfections and defects exiting within ex situ MMC. In the present work, Al-Cu-ZrB2 have been develop through in situ reaction which boost mechanical properties over dispersion strengthening together with grain refinement obtained by the existence of each particulates inside the melt all along solidification. Al-Cu reinforced among different proportion of ZrB2 (0, 3 and 6 wt. %) synthesized using in situ fabrication at 800 Â°C of molten aluminum-copper alloys by inorganic salts K2ZrF6 together with KBF4. The amalgam were specified using XRD, FESEM together with mechanical test on appropriately sectioned and metallographically prepared surface to examine and inspect phase distribution, hardness together with tensile properties. From result acquired, raised ZrB2 amount will increase rate of tensile and hardness characteristics of Al-Cu alloy. XRD patterns exposed development of ZrB2 particulates without existence of unspecified other compounds. Most of ZrB2 granular were located near grain boundaries of Al dendrites. Microstructural analysis exposed the homogeneous and consistent allocation of second phase particles, clean interface and favorable bonding. It is support that ZrB2 molecules are predominantly in nano size among hexagonal either tetragonal shape, yet minor molecules in micron size are also noticed. For that reason, composite synthesized using in situ techniques exhibit homogeneous distribution of reinforcing tend to be superlative associated within clean interface along the metallic matrix. In order to accomplish better mechanical features, it is necessary to regulate and control phase arrangement all along fabrication of Al-Cu with higher contents of ZrB2.Â Â
Abrasion Resistance of Gabion Wires Against Simulated Weathering and Field Conditions
Authors: K.Tan K. , M. Chan C. , Liew A. 
Published: March 2021

Gabions are steel wire mesh cages filled with stones of appropriate size and mechanical characteristics. It is widely applied in geotechnical and hydraulic engineering as retaining and erosion control structures. Therefore, it must be made of durable materials to withstand most of the site conditions and weathering. Various coating technologies has been applied to enhance the lifespan. This study was conducted to examine the effect of moisture, acid, alkaline and saltwater under ultraviolet radiation and heat on the durability of a plastic-based coating material used as protective coating of gabion wires. Exposure conditions were simulated via natural weathering method, where they were placed outdoors at a designated test station. The samples were soaked and covered in soil to represent applications in waterlogged as well as buried / semi-buried field conditions. The weathered samples were subjected to the abrasion test after different periods of exposure over 250, 500 and 750 hours. 3 samples each were tested to maintain consistency in the measurements taken. Degradation of the coating material due to the simulated weathering conditions varied in terms of rate and severity, though the overall results indicate alkalinity to be more detrimental than acidity and salinity. Variation among the samplesâ€™ degradation was observed to be more distinct in the terms of soaked and soil-covered conditions. In conclusion, samples buried in alkali-tainted soil are the least durable against abrasion as the recorded mass loss percentage was the highest, followed by acid-soaked samples. Some plausible explanations include the lack of heat built up on seawater-soaked samples leading to less degradation, and surfacial biofouling of soaked samples serving as a protection against UV light or chemical attack. Further work is in the pipeline to examine the effects of longer exposure period and wider range of exposure conditions to verify the coating materialâ€™s long-term performance.Â Â
The Influence of Water Content on the Settlement Behaviour of Polypropylene Fibre-Reinforced Dredged Marine Soil (DMS)
Authors: Z. Rosman M. , Chan C-M. 
Published: March 2021

The use of fiber as soil reinforcement is not new in civil engineering field. In the earlier times, rice straw was mixed together with mud or clay to produce construction materials such as brick and concrete. Conventional concrete mix without fiber tends to exhibit brittleness behaviour. Hence, there is a growing attention on using current reinforcement materials such as steel, polypropylene and glass fibers. It is reported that fiber in concrete provide bridging effect, which transfer and distribute load evenly, thus increasing ductility. Now, similar concept of fiber inclusion in concrete can be applied to the case of problematic soil. The addition of chemical additives such as cement in soil resulted with stiffness and brittleness. As solution, numerous studies have shown that the fiber inclusion in soil have increased strength, permeability and ductility. Due to the many studies of fibre-reinforced soil related to its shear strength, the present study will investigate the compressibility behaviour of the fibre-reinforced soil through oedometer test. In this study, the dredged marine soil (DMS) was mixed together with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % of polypropylene (PP) fiber. Two conditions of soil, namely high water content (1.40LL) and low water content (0.90LL) were tested. Samples with 0.90LL water content show great reduction of settlement than samples with 1.40LL water content. The outcome of this study will suggest the beneficial reuse of DMS for engineering application such as backfill material, land reclamation or clay liner for landfills.Â Â
Modelling of Solar Spectral Radiation in Penang Island on a Digital Elevation Model
Authors: Choon Yeap Eng , San Lim Hwee , Mat Jafri Zubir 
Published: March 2021

Interest has been increasingly focused on the studies of solar radiation across the globe ever since people are more concern about energy conservation. Due to the increment of terrestrial application of solar energy, the scientific interest on solar distribution has expanded from broadband solar energy to its spectral distribution. Measurement of solar radiation with its spectral profile provides knowledge for making important decisions involving resources and energy, agriculture and climate. In remote sensing, the measurement of spectral solar radiation is important for sensor calibration and image enhancement to extract the most information out of a satellite image. The spectral radiation can be measured using spectral radiometer specifically design for measuring solar radiation; however such instruments are expensive and only provide point data which is very limited in most studies. This study aims to provide a rigorous spectral radiation model that predict the spectral solar irradiance in temporal resolution of every minute with spectral range from 350nm to 2200nm under cloudless condition. The parameters used in this model include the distance between sun and earth, time, coordinate, atmospheric interference and terrain effect. Atmospheric sounding data was used in this study to provide the necessary atmospheric parameter in the simulation of solar propagation through the atmosphere. The atmospheric effects considered in this study include Rayleigh scattering, aerosol attenuation and the absorption of water vapor, ozone and uniformly mixed gas. The simulation results were projected onto a digital elevation model to further calculate the effect introduced by the topographic variation and to get a three dimensional solar spectral radiation. The result obtained from this study is compared with spectral solar irradiance data collected during the month of June and July, 2018 with root mean square deviation of 9 watt per meter square at the wavelength of 350nm to 2200nm.Â Â
Electrical Properties of Li-based NASICON Structured Ceramic Electrolytes Substituted With Chromium
Authors: A. Mustaffa N. , S. Mohamed N. , . . 
Published: March 2021

Electrical properties of Li - ion conducting Li1+xCrxSn2-x(PO4)3 ceramic electrolytes with 0 < x < 1 were studied using electrical impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 10 MHz at room temperature. Impedance analysis showed an increase in bulk and grain boundary conductivity with the increment of x up to x = 0.7. The highest bulk and grain boundary conductivity were 6.52 Ã—10-6 S cm-1 and 1.62 Ã—10-6 S cm-1 in the system of Li1.7Cr0.7Sn1.3(PO4)3 at room temperature. The charge carrier concentration, Â Â mobile ion concentration, ionic hopping rate and ionic mobility were calculated by fitting the AC conductivity spectra. The ionic hopping rate and ionic mobility of the compound increased with the substitution of chromium due to the extra interstitial Li+ ions in the system.Â Additionally, the highest conducting sample with x = 0.7 had a negligible electronic conductivity based on transference number measurements. These results imply that the Li1+xCrxSn2-x(PO4)3 electrolytes obtained in this work can be considered as future candidates for solid state electrolytes.Â Â
Photosensitization of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays with Nanocrystalline Pbs
Authors: Lim Ying-Chin , Munirah Hamdan Nurul , Farah Atikah Harun Nur , Ying Pei Lim 
Published: March 2021

Narrow bandgap lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles, which may expand the light absorption range to visible region, have attracted tremendous interest serving as promising sensitizer in coupled semiconductor for photoelectrochemical cell. In this study, PbS were deposited onto titania nanotubes by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. During the SILAR deposition, the growth of PbS onto titania nanotubes (PbS/TNT) had been tuned by tailoring the concentration of the precursor solution. The sample microstructure was characterized using Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). By varying the concentration of precursor solution, size and distribution of PbS nanoparticles could be tuned. Upon growth of PbS onto TNT, all samples showed enhanced photocurrent response ascribed to the changes in microstructure and optical properties of the synthesized samples. At 100 mM solution concentration dipped for 5 SILAR cycles, the sample demonstrated the highest peak photocurrent density of 890 mA/cm2 and a corresponding photoconversion efficiency of 0.55% compared to the as-prepared TNT (36 mA/cm2). The PbS/TNT composite could be considered as an excellent photoelectrode material applied in the solar conversion devices due to its high visible light harvesting capability.Â Â Â Â
Optimizing the Shape Parameters of Beta-Spline Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Aniza Suliman Sharifatul , Abdul Hadi Normi 
Published: March 2021

Beta-spline is an alternative curve for 2D font representation. It is preferred since it has G2 continuity and two shape parameters, that can be used to control the curve shape. These shape parameters can also be used to optimize the error between fitted curve and original data points. Commonly, most of the researcher use value of shape parameters of beta-spline as and or some of the researcher choose any random value of these two shape parameters that suitable to be used in beta-spline curve fitting. The values of shape parameters are very important since the values affect the total error of the fitted curves. Thus, in this paper, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is employed to determine the optimum value of the two shape parameters that will optimize the approximation error of the fitted curve. The technique is applied on two fonts: ى and δ, and tested using various number of iterations and populations.