bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abundance of Aquatic Insects in Spatial Variation of Two Rivers in Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Hasmi N A , Norazlimi N A , Abd-Latip N F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The effect of physical factors on the abundance of aquatic insects has been studied in Kuala Woh and Lata Kinjang Rivers, Perak, Malaysia. The focuses are to identify the aquatic insect families, to compare the abundance of aquatic insects in both sampling areas and to investigate the effect of physical factors (water temperature, depth of water, canopy, and water velocity) of both places on the abundance of aquatic insects. The samples were collected by using aquatic net. Physical parameters; water velocity, water temperature, depth and canopy cover have been measured in situ and recorded. A total of 278 individuals classified into 6 orders and 9 families of aquatic insects were identified from two sampling sites. The largest percentage of samples collected is from order Plecoptera 62.6%, followed by Trichoptera 15.8%, Hemiptera 10.8%, Ephemeroptera 7.9%, Odonata 1.4% and Coleoptera 1.4%. The aquatic insects collected from Kuala Woh have the highest abundance of 214 individuals from 6 orders and 9 families compared to Lata Kinjang which only have 64 individuals from 5 orders and 6 families. Chi-square test value (23.494) indicated significant association between different sampling areas and abundance of aquatic insects, P value = 0.003 (p < 0.05). Kuala Woh has a moderate stream flow (0.17 m/s) of warm water (27°C), with 0.85 m depth and not covered by canopy. Lata Kinjang has faster stream flow (0.84 m/s) with the temperature of 24°C, 0.36 m depth and covered by canopy. The results reveal that the abundance of aquatic insects is high when water temperature increases, low water velocity, deeper water and the area that is not covered by canopy.
Microsatellite analysis of Rafflesia cantleyi from the Rafflesia Conservation and Interpretive Centre, Bersia Timur and Gerik Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Lee C T , Tnah L H , Humaira’ Z H , Nurul-Farhanah Z , Lee S L , Ng K K S , Ng C H , Nur-Nabilah A , Norlia B , Noorsiha A , Siti-Munirah M Y 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Located at Bersia Timur, the Rafflesia Conservation and Interpretive Centre (RCIC) was initiated by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and FELDA to boost research and conservation efforts of the iconic Rafflesia species in the state of Perak. It also plays a role in supporting the economy of local communities by promoting local eco-tourism, providing trainings to local tour-guides and involving them in conserving the Rafflesia population. As part of the R & D and conservation effort, genetic diversity assessment of Rafflesia cantleyi from RCIC and Gerik Forest Reserve (FR) was carried out. Bract samples from a total of eight and 35 R. cantleyi individuals of different flowering / anthesis stages were collected from RCIC and Gerik FR, respectively. We used nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for genotyping. Despite the small sample size (∼75% lesser compared with Gerik FR), the total number of alleles observed in RCIC is > 50% than that of Gerik FR, i.e., 33 compared to 57. The genetic diversity measure in terms of observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities from both sites are comparable (RCIC: Ho = 0.5298, He = 0.5347; Gerik FR: Ho = 0.5145, He = 0.5868). Our findings suggest that the R. cantleyi population in Gerik FR is a suitable source for future translocation activities.
A comparative study of antituberculosis activities of Tetracera macrophylla Wall. Ex Hook. f. &Thoms. stem fractions using different chromatographic stationary phases
Authors: Mazlun M H , Sabran S F , Abdullah Z , Parumasivam T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Mempelas (Tetracera macrophylla Wall. Ex Hook. f. & Thoms) is a climbing liana that has been used by several ethnics in Malaysia for its medicinal values. In regards to tuberculosis (TB) therapy, T. macrophylla has ethnobotanically demonstrated promising anti-TB activities. Current research aimed to determine the anti-TB activities of T. macrophylla stem fractions eluted from two different stationary phases via column chromatographic technique. T. macrophylla stems were extracted using semi-polar solvent via maceration method. Two portions of the extract were fractionated through column chromatography using Silica (Si) gel 60 and Mitsubishi Chemical Ion (MCI®) gel. Eluted fractions were monitored via pre-coated Si gel 60 F254 aluminium plates as thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Anti-TB bioassay were conducted via the employment of Tetrazolium Microplate Assay (TEMA) procedure. Fractionation of the extract has resulted in the elution of 12 and 16 combined fractions from MCI® gel and Si gel 60, respectively. TEMA result has revealed that none of the combined fractions eluted from MCI® gel inhibited the test organism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. On contrary, 7 of 16 fractions as eluted from Si gel 60 inhibited M. tuberculosis H37Ra at Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) ranging from 400 to 800 µg/ml. The results from this study has led to the conclusion that Si gel 60 is a more suitable stationary phase to be used in fractionating plant extracts for TB research.
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) typology
Authors: Mohamad N F N , Fahmy-Abdullah M , Masrom M A N 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Typology is becoming increasingly significant as our planet urbanises. It promotes an environmentally sustainable development, eases mobility, increases real estate value, encourages healthy lifestyles with activities such as walking, and improves neighbourhood through place-making by making it safer. In short, TOD Typology makes a city worth staying in. Although there are a number of studies available, TOD which primarily focuses on developing countries is still undiscovered. This research paper aims to identify the TOD indicators and the mechanism of inter-modal stations to integrate various modes of transport in Bandar Penggaram, Batu Pahat. The method used in this research was mixed method using a survey, observation, and document review to obtain accurate data. A survey was conducted by distributing questionnaires to 370 respondents. The observation was carried out by assessing using a checklist in the research area. Meanwhile, the document review was conducted based on the document obtained from Majlis Perbandaran Batu Pahat (MPBP). Through the data analysis of the checklist assessment and document review regarding the identification of TOD indicators and mechanism of intermodal station via the SPSS software, the results indicated that density, land use, walkability and cyclability, access and accessibility, interchange stations and system integration are deemed suitable and have a great potential to improve the development of TOD typologies. These elements are useful and provide benefits to passengers or users, pedestrians, and cyclists. This paper would be beneficial as it provides a new insight and guidance for the government and the authorities to improve current practices and also for future research to conduct similar studies related to TOD typology.
Checklist of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilonoidea and Hesperioidea) in Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve, Johor
Authors: Rahman A A A , Maryati M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This survey was done to provide a checklist of butterflies in Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve, Johor Darul Takzim. Sampling were done between October 2017 to March 2018 for nine sampling days. Butterflies were caught using aerial net and baited traps. The traps were baited with a mixture of rotten bananas and pineapples. A total of 101 individuals comprising 61 species were obtained from this survey. Family Nymphalidae recorded the highest number of species with 30 species, followed by Lycaenidae with 16 species. The most dominant species was Ypthima horsfieldii humei (Nymphalidae) with eight individuals followed by Lexias pardalis dirteana (Nymphalidae) with six individuals. Out of the 61 species, 45 were singletons which accounts for 73.8% of the sample. The Shannon Diversity Index for the butterflies in this area is 3.884 with an Evenness value of 0.941. Three species are considered as new records for the state of Johor. Based on the high value of Shannon Diversity Index and the abundance of singletons, it can be concluded that Gunung Pulai Forest Reserve holds a high diversity of butterflies in the region.
The habitat preference of mangrove crabs in different mangrove forests of Penang, North Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Salleh-Mukri M , Shuhaida S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Different crab assemblage compositions may result in distinct pathways in mangrove ecosystem function, attributed to specific preferences and habitat selection criteria by each crab species. This study assessed the preference of crabs to different mangrove forests at Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia across temporal scales of four months and spatial scales across three forests. Sites were characterized by Avicennia, Rhizophora and Bruguiera species. Crabs were sampled using hand-catch method, which was then preserved in 70% ethanol and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Environmental variables were determined by in-situ and ex-situ analysis and comprised the collection of canopy cover, root cover, surface temperature, sediment salinity and organic matter data. PERMANOVA analysis showed there was a difference in crab abundance and environmental variables across Month and Forest (p < 0.05). SIMPER analysis revealed that the Grapsidae family dominated mangroves of Balik Pulau, with Perisesarma eumolpe and Perisesarma foresti found to be most abundant in Avicennia and Bruguiera forests respectively. However, in the Rhizophora forest, dominant crab species varied, with Parasesarma sp2. and Perisesarma indiarum found in high abundance in June and August, respectively. In October and December, however Perisesarma foresti was the major contributor to patterns observed in crab assemblage composition in Rhizophora forest. BEST correlation varied among month and forest, with different combinations of salinity, pH, canopy cover and root density explaining patterns in crab assemblages.
Response of scleractinian corals to nitrate enrichment in high and ambient seawater temperatures
Authors: Tengku-Mohd-Kamil T F K , Turner J R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Coral bleaching and mortality events have recently increased in frequency and severity in the whole world. Combined effects of natural and anthropogenic impacts were assumed to be the cause for coral’s health degradation. Sedimentation, urban waste, sewage discharge and agricultural activities are among the nutrient input for Malaysian waters, which can affect the coral reefs indirectly. In this study, photosynthetic performance of tropical corals under stresses were studied by exposing three common tropical scleractinian corals, Stylophora pistillata, Montipora digitata and Seriatopora hystrix to combination of different levels of high and ambient temperature and in a laboratory condition. Quantum yield fluorescence before, after stress and after recovery stage were recorded using a dark-adapted photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) methodology with a pulse-amplitude-modulation (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometer (WATER-PAM, Walz, Germany). Physical appearance of the corals were after the post-stress stages. The results showed that nutrient enrichment not have a synergistic effect, and that high temperatures alone significantly impact Fv/Fm values (three-way ANOVA, p > 0.05) for all coral species. Slow growing corals (S. pistillata) appeared to cope better with the high temperatures than the fast-growing corals (M. digitata and S. hystrix). Hence, that a nitrate concentration contributed as an intial response of the symbiont’s physiological changes, which can give more understanding on studying specific coral species resistance towards coral bleaching issues.
Comparison of Diversity and Community Structure of Aquatic Insects Based on Habitat Class in Johor
Authors: Zakaria M Z , Maryati M 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Aquatic insects had been well used as a tool in monitoring water quality and this study is aimed to gauge their potential in Johor. The rapid development in the state of Johor may cause pollution to water resources that require a more efficient water quality monitoring program. The objectives of this study were to (i) collect, identify, determine and produce aquatic insect diversity data in selected rivers in Johor, (ii) relate the presence of aquatic insect diversity with some of the physical features of rivers in Johor. Seven sampling areas were selected based on their importance to local communities and geographical distribution: Taman Negara Johor Endau Rompin (PETA) (TNJER-PETA), Taman Hutan Lagenda Gunung Ledang (THLGL), Hutan Lipur Soga Perdana (HLSP), Hutan Lipur Gunung Belumut (HLGB), Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang (HLSB), Hutan Lipur Gunung Pulai 1 (HLGP1) and Sungai Sayong Pinang. Insect samples were collected using a kick net method and slight modifocation made according to type of microhabitats. A total of 11,647 individuals of aquatic insects consisting of 68 families from nine orders were sampled. About 69% of insects collected were indicators of good water quality; among them are families Hydropsychidae from order Trichoptera, Baetidae from Order Ephemeroptera, and Simuliidae from Order Diptera. Based on family diversity analyzed using Shannon Index (H’), TNJER-PETA is recorded having the highest index (H’ = 3.215) followed by HLSP (H’ = 2.791) and HLGB (H’ = 2.482). Comparison made and based on physical characteristics, the study sites were classified into three categories (i) the most preferred sites by aquatic insects (HLSB, THLGL, HLGP1, and HLGB), (ii) intermediate preferred sites (TNJER-PETA and HLSP) and (iii) least preferred site (Sg. Sayong). In conclusion, community structure of benthic organisms were influenced by many factors such as presence of variety of microhabitat, predation, surrounding environments, food availability, physical and chemical characteristics of water. Moreover, higher heterogeneity of habitat promote high abundance and diversity of aquatic insects. Any changes happened that involves human interference in the habitats, will affect the abundance of aquatic insects. Last but not least, results suggested that the quality of river water in Johor can be monitored using insects as biological indicators due to the abundance, distribution, and rapid response of aquatic insects to environmental conditions.
Enhanced crystalline quality of non-polar a-plane AlGaN epitaxial film grown with Al-composition-graded AlGaN intermediate layer
Authors: Nasir Abbas , Zhang Xiong , Lu Liang , Zhang Jin , Lyu Jiadong , Cui Yiping 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The non-polar a-AlGaN epitaxial film was successfully grown on the semi-polar r-sapphire substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition technique. An Al-composition-graded AlxGa1−xN (x = 0.0 to 1.0) intermediate layer with varying film thickness from 260 to 695 nm was deposited between the high-temperature AlN layer and the non-polar a-AlGaN epitaxial film to enhance the morphological and crystalline quality. The non-polar a-AlGaN epitaxial films were investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-resolution x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and the Hall effect measurement techniques. The characterisation results indicate substantial improvements in surface morphology and crystalline quality for the non-polar a- AlGaN epitaxial film grown by adding an Al-composition-graded AlGaN intermediate layer. The surface roughness measured from AFM and the defect-related emission (yellow band) relative to the near-band-edge emission from PL spectra were decreased significantly by optimizing the layer thickness of the Al-composition-graded AlGaN layer. A relatively low background carrier concentration down to −4.4 ×

10

17

cm−3 was achieved from Hall effect measurement for the non-polar a-AlGaN epitaxial film.
Effects of implausible power plant lifetime assumptions on US federal energy system projected costs, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and water use
Authors: Zacarias L Mathias , Grubert Emily 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Climate change motivates rapid decarbonization of the energy sector, with a particular focus on decarbonizing and expanding the electricity system. Given multiple plausible pathways toward decarbonization, scenario-based analysis of potential energy futures is a common analytical approach in the field of macro-energy systems. Scenario analysis is particularly valuable for assessing multicriteria impacts and identifying potential unintended consequences, especially when policies focus on a specific indicator, like greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States (US), the federal government produces projections for the future US energy system using the National Energy Modeling System, published in an Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) that includes multiple economic and policy scenarios to inform decision making. Although AEO scenarios are not intended as predictions, they are widely used as contextual baselines for evaluating cost, pace, and environmental impacts of the energy transition. As the official energy system scenarios of the US, a wealthy, high-emissions country, AEO scenarios serve an anchoring function that influences perceptions of the relative implications of alternative energy transition strategies. This research shows that projected cost and environmental intensity of the US electricity system are surprisingly stable across AEO scenarios. Why? We show that by not incorporating business-as-usual license expiration and generator lifespans, AEO effectively assumes that power plants can run indefinitely, which overlooks major asset replacement costs and fleet turnover opportunities that would likely accelerate decarbonization. Assuming typical lifespans and licensed operating periods, roughly 700 gigawatts (GW) of fossil and nuclear electricity generation capacity beyond the 170 GW of retirements modeled in AEO2020’s reference case would be expected to close, with an estimated unmodeled replacement cost of 2019$1.3 trillion. This cost is similar to the projected cost impact of a $35/tonne carbon dioxide price. Macro-energy systems analysis can be improved with more attention to physical and infrastructural constraints in models.
Hospital frailty risk score and adverse health outcomes: evidence from longitudinal record linkage cardiac data
Authors: Nghiem Son , Afoakwah Clifford , Scuffham Paul , Byrnes Joshua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Despite recent evidence on the effect of frailty on health outcomes among those with heart failure, there is a dearth of knowledge on measuring frailty using administrative health data on a wide range of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods
We conducted a retrospective record-linkage cohort study of patients with diverse CVD in Queensland, Australia. We investigated the relationship between the risk of frailty, defined using the hospital frailty risk score (HFRS), and 30-day mortality, 30-day unplanned readmission, non-home discharge, length of hospital stay (LOS) at an emergency department and inpatient units and costs of hospitalisation. Descriptive analysis, bivariate logistic regression and generalised linear models were used to estimate the association between HFRS and CVD outcomes. Smear adjustment was applied to hospital costs and the LOS for each frailty risk groups.

Results
The proportion of low, medium and high risk of frailty was 24.6%, 34.5% and 40.9%, respectively. The odds of frail patients dying or being readmitted within 30 days of discharge was 1.73 and 1.18, respectively. Frail patients also faced higher odds of LOS, and non-home discharge at 3.1 and 2.25, respectively. Frail patients incurred higher hospital costs (by 42.7–55.3%) and stayed in the hospital longer (by 49%).

Conclusion
Using the HFRS on a large CVD cohort, this study confirms that frailty was associated with worse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs. Administrative data should be more accessible to research such that the HFRS can be applied to healthcare planning and patient care.
Prevalence, incidence and mortality of delirium in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shao Shih-Chieh , Lai Chien-Cheng , Chen Yi-Hung , Chen Yung-Chang , Hung Ming-Jui , Liao Shu-Chen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Attention should be paid to delirium in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, especially older people, since advanced age poses increased risk of both delirium and COVID-19-related death.

Objective
This study aims to summarise the evidence on prevalence, incidence and mortality of delirium in COVID-19 patients.

Methods
We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Pubmed and Embase from inception to 1 December 2020. Three independent reviewers evaluated study eligibility and data extraction, and assessed study quality. Outcomes were analysed as proportions with 95% confidence interval (CI). We also compared mortality differences in COVID-19 patients using odds ratio.

Results
In total, we identified 48 studies with 11,553 COVID-19 patients from 13 countries. Pooled prevalence, incidence and mortality rates for delirium in COVID-19 patients were 24.3% (95% CI: 19.4–29.6%), 32.4% (95% CI: 20.8–45.2%) and 44.5% (95% CI: 36.1–53.0%), respectively. For patients aged over 65 years, prevalence, incidence and mortality rates for delirium in COVID-19 patients were 28.2% (95% CI: 23.5–33.1%), 25.2% (95% CI: 16.0–35.6%) and 48.4% (95% CI: 40.6–56.1%), respectively. For patients under 65 years, prevalence, incidence and mortality rates for delirium in COVID-19 patients were 15.7% (95% CI: 9.2–23.6%), 71.4% (95% CI: 58.5–82.7%) and 21.2% (95% CI: 15.4–27.6%), respectively. Overall, COVID-19 patients with delirium suffered higher risk of mortality, compared with those without delirium (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.1–4.8).

Conclusion
Delirium developed in almost 1 out of 3 COVID-19 patients, and was associated with 3-fold overall mortality. Our findings suggest that first-line healthcare providers should systematically assess delirium and monitor related symptoms among COVID-19 patients.
Detection of 4 quinolone antibiotics by chemiluminescence based on a novel Nor-Biotin bifunctional ligand and SA-ALP technology
Authors: Han Zhenyu , Sun Tieqiang , Xu Zehua , Fan Longxing , Yun Hanxuan , Ge Xuejiao , Liu Xiao , Liu Ying , Ning Bao'an 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTA simple and effective direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay for the detection of 4 kinds of quinolone antibiotics in milk was established using Nor-Biotin (biotin-modified norfloxacin [NOR]) bifunctional ligand and alkaline phosphatase–conjugated streptavidin signal amplification technology. The polyclonal antibody was obtained after the immunization of New Zealand White rabbits using norfloxacin-derived antigen. “Click chemistry” was used for the rapid and facile synthesis of the Nor-Biotin bifunctional ligand. After the optimization of the incubation time and reaction buffer, the direct competitive chemiluminescence assay method was developed and used for sensitive detection of 4 kinds of quinolone drugs (NOR, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and danofloxacin). The IC50 of the 4 kinds of quinolone drugs ranged from 7.35 to 24.27 ng/mL, and the lowest detection limits ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 ng/mL, which were below their maximum residue levels, approved by the EU for treatment of food-producing animals. To demonstrate the applicability of the assay, artificially contaminated milk samples with the 4 quinolone drugs were analyzed. The mean recovery rates of the drugs ranged from 86.31% to 112.11%.