bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tree Diversity, Stand Structure, and Community Composition in an Island Forest of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu
Authors: Pardi F , N Mohd Said M , Ismail A , J Sidik N , A Radzun K , N Ruziman H , S Kasri S 
Published: March 2021

The Perhentian Island Archipelago comprising of 11 small islands is located in the state of Terengganu are among the biodiversity rich localities in Peninsular Malaysia. Perhentian Besar with approximately 867 hectares is one of the inhabited island and become the centre of tourism besides Perhentian Kecil. Island is well known as a place for many endemic and endangered living organism as previously demonstrated on other similar forested islands in Southeast Asia. However, there is little attention and effort of protection has been received by the terrestrial ecosystems that reside nearby the coastal. Thus, the present study investigates on tree diversity, stand structure and community composition in the island of Perhentian Besar, Terengganu. Forest plot of 0.5 hectare was established to analyze the floristic composition of tree taxa. The plot was divided into 10 subplots of 25m x 20m. All trees with 5cm diameter breast height (dbh) and above were tagged, measured for dbh size, recorded and identified. Voucher specimens were taken for further verification purposes. A total of 102 tree species were recorded comprising of 28 families and 65 genera. Rubiaceae had the highest number of species (11 species) and with regards to relative dominance, Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) gave the highest importance value index (IVi) for species with a value of 8.45%. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (Hâ€™) was considered high in the present study with 3.94 (Hâ€™max = 4.62) and the Evenness Index (E) value of 0.85 indicated that all species in the present study are almost equally abundant. The forest stand structure had a reverse J-shaped curve for tree size-class distributions as frequently observed in many natural forests, which indicated that the forest stand in the study site had a good recruitment patterns and also a main feature of matured forest in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study will help us to understand the pattern of tree species composition, diversity and forest ecosystem dynamic in Pulau Perhentian Besar.Â Â Â
Floristic Variation of Tree Communities In Island Forests of Pulau Tuba and Gunung Raya Forest Reserve, Langkawi
Authors: Pardi F , N  Mohd Said M , Ismail A , J Sidik N , A Radzun K , S Ishak N 
Published: March 2021

Island forests are among forest habitats that are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, whereby the disturbances would influence the survival of biological species of the ecosystems. Langkawi Archipelago contains many small island forests and rapid development of tourism industry within this archipelago might contribute impacts to the tree flora of the forest communities on the small islands. Hence, in this study the species richness and floristic variation pattern of tree communities of two selected island forests in the Langkawi Archipelago were explored, and data gathered are anticipated to be used for management of island forests in Langkawi. Tree survey was carried out in 10 study plots of 20m x 25m each, at island forests of Pulau Tuba Forest Reserve (PTB) and Gunung Raya Forest Reserve (GRFR), making the total of 20 study plots. All trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) of 5.0 cm and above were enumerated and tree species were identified. Species data were analyzed for diversity and richness using the Shannon and Margalef indices; whilst Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to determine floristic pattern. A total of 1062 trees were recorded from all study plots which comprised of 49 families, 134 genera and 213 tree species. The GRFR exhibited the highest species number of 135 tree species, followed by the PTB (106 tree species). Species accumulation curves showed that the curves were far from reaching the asymptote even when the whole dataset were combined. The DCA ordination diagram clearly grouped the study plots by their geological formation that indicated a gradient of species change in GRFR and PTB sites.Â Â
Toxicity Analysis on Weight-Loss Supplement using Allium Test and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR)
Authors: Mohamed Yunus N , W Z Ahmad L , Mahadi I , F Yahaya M 
Published: March 2021

Recently, consumptions of weight-loss supplement to reduce and maintain body weight had tremendously increased among local people. The effect of this supplement on dividing cells particularly on chromosome and DNA should be addressed due to lack of information by manufacturers regarding the ingredients. This study was carried out to observe any toxicity effects of two commercial weight-loss supplements through Allium test and simple sequence repeat (SSR). Toxicity analysis was investigated through observation on mitotic cells of Allium cepa which includes mitotic index and chromosomes analyses at 24 and 48 hours of treatments. The genotoxic effects of brand X at 24 hours was identified by SSR based on different sizes of band (230 bp) compared to control (200 bp). At 48 hours, positive genotoxic effects were observed through chromosomes and DNA analyses. Meanwhile, brand Y showed genotoxic effect at 24 hours as suggested by both studies. Prolonged treatment at 48 hours proved the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of brand Y as supported by Allium test and SSR. This preliminary finding is beneficial for future study on toxicity effects of weight-loss supplements which will help to increase public awareness on the risks of consumption without consultation of nutritionist or physician.Â Â
Screening and Isolation of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-Producing Bacteria from Landfill by using Cocoa Pod Husks as Carbon Source
Authors: R  Wan Abdul Razak W , J  Mohamad Yusuf N , Abdul-Aziz A , K  Navaratnam S , Zubir I , E  Rizlan Ross E 
Published: March 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bioplastics, produced by various bacteria as food and energy reservoir. PHA is an alternative for synthetic plastic because they are environmentally friendly and can be degraded naturally by microorganisms. One of the important factors for the growth of PHA producing bacteria is an excess of carbon supply. In order to reduce the overall cost of PHA production, a low cost pure substrate, which is cocoa pod husks (CPH) was used as a carbon source. The objectives of this study were to isolate and screen PHA producing bacteria from landfill samples which are leachate and soil, to identify the PHA producing bacteria by using morphological characterization and 16s rDNA gene sequencing and to determine the best percentage of CPH that can be used as a carbon source for PHA producing bacteria. PHA producing bacteria from leachate and soil from landfill in Jeram, Selangor were screened by using Nile Blue A staining method. Two potential PHA producers with the brightest fluorescence under UV light from each samples were isolated and characterized by using morphological and molecular identification. Results of morphological identification shows all bacterial isolates have a rod shape and have a capsule, three bacterial isolates (L4, S3, S5) have an endospore while the remaining does not have endospore (L1). Three out of four were Gram positive bacteria (L4, S3, S5) and the remaining was Gram negative bacteria (L1). These isolates were confirmed of their identity as K. pneumoniae (L1), B. cereus (L4 & S3) and B. toyonensis (S5) using 16s rDNA gene sequencing. Different concentration of CPH, which are 2% (w/v), 5% (w/v), 7% (w/v) and 10% (w/v) were used to study the best percentage of CPH that can be used as carbon source. PHA accumulation was the highest at 7% (w/v) for all bacterial species tested and lowest at 10% (w/v) CPH except for B. toyonensis.Â Therefore, K. pneumoniae, B. cereus and B. toyonensis which isolated from landfill show the ability to produce PHA and the used of 7% (w/v) cocoa pod husks as carbon source give the highest PHA accumulation.Â
An in Vitro Analysis of Antibacterial Efficacy of Local Brands of Toothpastes and Mouthrinses in Malaysian Market on Selected Oral Pathogens
Authors: Chandramohan M , W Chan S , Paulraj P , T Mohamed Javad P , Sajeesh P , P Sajna K , Ketharin T 
Published: March 2021

Oral disease affects a considerable portion of population and is considered one of the major causes of tooth loss in developed and developing countries. An in vitro study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of toothpastes and mouthrinses towards oral pathogens which are found to cause most of the oral diseases such as gingivitis and dental plague. In this study, a total of five toothpastes and four mouthrinses were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against five oral pathogens such as Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Streprococcus oralis, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The efficacy of different concentration of the toothpastes and mouthrinses were assessed by agar well diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc least square differences (LSD) method (p=0.05). Toothpaste B gave the maximum zone of inhibition against tested organisms, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus oralis. Toothpaste C and E gave the maximum zone of inhibition against Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus mutans respectively. Toothpaste A was most effective against Candida albicans. Mouthrinse G was most effective against Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus oralis and Candida albicans. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated that dentifrices which contain fluoride and cetylpyridium chloride formulation gave the maximum zone of inhibition against the tested organisms compared to other activeÂ ingredients.
Association of Salivary Cortisol Level and Social Media Networking Usage
Authors: T Mohamed Javad P , A Kadar Bashah S , Paulraj P , Chandramohan M , Sajeesh P , P Sajna K , Ketharin T 
Published: March 2021

The present study investigates the usage of social media networking behavior among the MAHSA university students by using structured questionnaire. The salivary cortisol levels among the study groups were estimated. In addition, the association between salivary cortisol and the usage of social media networking was also assessed. Saliva samples were obtained twice a day from selected subjects to analyze the cortisol level. Results of the present study indicate that the 11% of the students spend less than one hour on social media, 40.2% uses two to four hours and 46.4% more than four hours daily; whereas, 2% of the study groups are others. The cortisol levels assessed among the male and female study groups showed high cortisol concentration in both morning and evening. The cortisol levels in the morning seen among the male study group ranges from 0.13-5.49 Âµg/dl and the female cortisol level ranges from 1.11-5.72 Âµg/dl. Besides in the evening, the cortisol levels seem to be higher among the study group. The evening cortisol level of male students ranges from 0.06-4.6 Âµg/dl. Whereas in the females, cortisol level ranges 0.263.9 Âµg/dl. The average value of the cortisol concentration in the morning is seen to be higher among the female study group than the male and in the evening the male cortisol concentration is seen to be higher than the females. Results clearly demonstrated that students spending more hours in social media had higher cortisol levels when compared to less hour users. From the present preliminary study, it is clear that there is an association between salivary cortisol level and the usage of social media networking behavior.Â Â Â
Callus Formation on Endosperm from Immature and Mature Fruits of Barringtonia Racemosa
Authors: S M Soder D , N A A Khalid D , Saleh A , Pardi F , J Sidik N 
Published: March 2021

Barringtonia racemosa is mangroves type of plant which had been extensively utilized in conventional practices for relieving ailments of pain and inflammation. Many studies have been done on ethnobotanical profiles, pharmacological activities and chemical compounds in Barringtonia racemosa. However, there is a limited study on callogenesis of this plant particularly from different maturity stage of fruits. The present study is to identify the callogenesis of Barringtonia racemosa from endosperm explants of immature and mature fruits in MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of hormones 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L) and Kinetin (KIN) (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L). The optimum hormone combination was found in callus grown on endosperm of immature fruits in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 1.0 mg/L KIN. It was also found that the callus in this treatment grew profusely with highest fresh weight (0.513 Â± 0.022 g), 100% callus induction and friable callus texture. The callus fresh weight on endosperm explants was higher in immature fruits compared to mature fruits for all the hormone combinations. Therefore, callogenesis were found more efficient from endosperm explant of immature fruits in Barringtonia racemosa species.Â Â Â
Biotransformation of Furaltadone, Furazolidone and Nitrofurazone using Aspergillus Tamarii isolate TN-7 : in Vitro Residual Identification and Quantification by HPLC-DAD
Authors: S Mohammad N , I A Halim M , M Mahat M , F Safian M , Z Ariffin Z 
Published: March 2021

Nitrofurans (NFs) such as furaltadone (FTD), furazolidone (FZD) and nitrofurazone (NFZ) have been used as antibacterials and growth promoters for the poultry and aquaculture industry. These antibiotics have now been banned from use due to their carcinogenic properties; therefore there is an urgent need to remove or degrade NFs from contaminated areas. Aspergillus tamarii isolate TN-7 isolated from antibiotic overexposed soil shows an ability to degrade the NFs antibiotics. After 5 days of incubating of Aspergillus tamarii isolate TN-7 with 500 Âµg/mL NF, the residual of the NF concentration was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Solid phase extraction was performed to clean-up the fermentation broth prior to HPLC-DAD analysis. Â Antimicrobial of the NFs residues showed a decreased in the percentage of inhibition that FTD, FZD and NFZ were reduced to to 85.71 %, 75.86 % and 70.97 % after 96 hours of incubation. Quantification using HPLC-DAD showed, after 96 hours of incubation, Aspergillus tamarii isolate TN-7 reduced furaltadone, furazolidone and nitrofurazone to 86.73 %, 37.49 % and 29.17 % respectively. This finding shows that Aspergillus tamarii isolate TN-7 has the potential to be used as a bioremediation tool in removing NF antibiotics from the contaminated areas.Â Â Â Â
Monitoring of Wastewater Quality from Laundry and Car Wash Industries at Batu Pahat, Johor
Authors: Abu Bakar A. , H. Hashim N. , . . 
Published: March 2021

The complexity of environmental chemical exposure become a major concern because an essential objective of the global research effort is to improve life quality feature. Currently, environmental monitoring has become even more critical as human population increase, with the increasing strains on the environment. The unwanted synthetic compounds that presence from grey water in natural water was lead a toxic effect on ecosystems thus may lead to changes in biodiversity. This paper aims to discuss the studies of characterization in the environmental water sample from greywater which were laundry wastewater and car wash wastewater in the area surrounding Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. The samples were directly brought to the laboratory for analysis and the content of grey water quality was characterized by using physicochemical analyses including pH, conductivity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), anionic surfactants (AS), oil and grease, sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite. All parameters were tested according to the standard method (APHA 2012). The result of this studies showed that the concentrations of AS by using methylene blue active substances (MBAS) were higher in laundry wastewater compared to car wash wastewater which was maximum at 105.0 mg/L. While the COD for car wash wastewater was maximum at 531.1 mg/L which was higher than laundry wastewater. Some of the characterizations indicated high values for many parameters and there is the need for specific treatment prior to discharge to before it has been directly discharged to the drainage.Â Â
Effect of Maltodextrin Substitution on Physicochemical and Sensorial Properties of Malay Traditional Cake ‘Bahulu’
Authors: Afifah Mohd Junaidishah Nur , Bujang Aishah 
Published: March 2021

Although Malaysia is not a wheat-producing country, most Malaysian traditional foods uses wheat flour as its main ingredient. One ingredient substitution for wheat flour is modified starch, maltodextrin. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of wheat flour substitution with maltodextrin on physicochemical and sensorial properties of a Malay traditional cake, ‘bahulu’. Changes in the viscosity of batter, water activity (aw), specific volume, colour, texture profile and sensorial preference of ‘bahulu’ with 5% (M5), 10% (M10) and 15% (M15) maltodextrin substitution were measured. The results showed that with increase substitution of maltodextrin, batter viscosity, specific volume and aw values decreased. However, redness (+a*) of crust and yellowness (+b*) of crust and crumb, hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness of ‘bahulu’ increased. No significant difference was observed for L* (lightness) and –a* (greenness) of crumb, adhesiveness and cohesiveness. Compared to control, ‘bahulu’ with maltodextrin substitution showed reduction in degree of preference for sensory score except for texture attribute. This study indicates that replacement of wheat flour is possible at a certain level of substitution, however, further improvements are required in order to maintain the quality of the Malaysian heritage food.
Detection Method for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Nurjanah Siti , P. Rahayu Winiati , Al Mutaqin Lisa 
Published: March 2021

Salmonella is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause serious harm to humans. Chicken carcasses have been reported contaminated by Salmonella, especially S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. These two serovars are very difficult to be confirmed and distinguished using biochemical analysis, therefore a rapid method for detection and differentiation of both is required. The objective of this study was to evaluate designed primer for detection and differentiation of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis on chicken carcasses using real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-PCR). Detection of Salmonella spp. was conducted using primer sequence from invA gene. Differentiation of both Salmonella serovars was conducted using specific target gene from S. Typhimurium (STM) and specific virulence plasmid of S. Enteritidis (Prot6E). The result showed that invA primer effective to detect all species Salmonella tested and has good specificity that could not detect Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae in the similar melting temperature.Â Â Two specific primers STM and prot6E have distinguished between S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis.Â Sensitivity of method showed very good with 0.5 Î¼M primer concentration of invA, STM and prot6E that were 0.2 pg, 22 pg and 28 pg respectively. Initial trial showed that this method can be applied for detection of Salmonella spp. and two serovars in chicken carcasses.Â Â
Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli Isolated from Local Shrimp
Authors: Syuhada A. Normarliz , Syifaâ€™ J. Nur , M.A.R. Nor-Khaizura , N.A. Mahyudin , M.R Ismail-Fitry 
Published: March 2021

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses due to their ability to produce toxin. These bacteria are not naturally found in seafood, but recent studies have shown the prevalence of this microorganism in shrimp and its antibiotic resistance properties. In this study, shrimp from two species; Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon were obtained to assess the prevalence of S. aureus and E. coli and to test their antibiotics susceptibility. The result obtained by isolation indicated that 87% and 58% of shrimp samples were contaminated with S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. S. aureus and E. coli occurrence in shrimps from retail for twelve weeks fluctuated in range between 2.00 to 4.94 log10 CFU/g and 2.00 to 6.39 log10 CFU/g, respectively. Â The identified bacteria were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. The result showed that most of S. aureus and E. coli isolates were resistant to penicillin G from Î²-lactam antibiotic group. Multidrug-resistant organism was identified in two isolates of S. aureus and seven isolates of E. coli. Â This indicated the need of improving handling of shrimp by food handlers and monitoring activities for S. aureus and E. coli contamination in shrimp as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of public health.Â Â Â Â
Natural Dyes from Chlorella Vulgaris sp Extracted via Supercritical Fluid Extraction Dyed on Silk Fabric
Authors: F. Che Rahim A. , R. Ahmad M. , Ismail K. , I. Ab Kadir M. 
Published: March 2021

Of late, research on natural dyes is increasing due to its eco-friendly and less hazardous nature towards humankind. This study focuses on the colour coordinates and colour strength of dyes from Chlorella Vulgaris sp extracted via Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). The SFE optimum parameters for yield extracts were obtained through response surface methodology along with central composite design approach. Exhaustion dyeing with meta-chrome method was performed on silk fabrics for 60 minutes at 85oC. The dyed silk fabrics were measured and analysed for their colourimetric and fastness properties in accordance to MS ISO and AATCC standards, respectively. The colour shades on the dyed silk fabrics using alum mordant were light brown while for the iron mordant were dark brown. These shades were confirmed with the colour coordinates, L*a*b*, values of the fabrics. The colour strengths of the fabrics dyed with the iron mordant at 2% and 5% dyes were the highest in comparisons with other dyed fabrics. Overall, the colourfastness of the fabrics to washing were quite low but with very good colour staining ratings and fastness to perspiration, rubbing and light.Â Â
Synthesis of Graphene Oxide from Waste Carbon Tyre using Modified Hummerâ€™s Method
Authors: N. Bonnia N. , Z. Zanuri A. , A. Asli N. , A. Masdar N. , Ratim S. , M. Yahaya S. , M. Mahat M. , Ramli R. 
Published: March 2021

Recently, graphene was produced from graphite powder using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or Hummerâ€™s method. Graphene is widely used in many applications and give a lot of advantages for industry. In this study, graphene oxide was synthesized from waste carbon tyre using modified Hummerâ€™s method. This green technology turned waste material to wealth. The morphology and structural properties of the graphene oxide were investigated using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Raman analysis was confirmed that graphene oxide was successfully synthesized from waste carbon tyre. It was confirmed the peaks shows that D band and G band was at 1361 cm-1 and 1596 cm-1 with the intensity ratio of the D band relative to the G band (ID/IG) is 0.88. The formation of few sheets of grapheme oxide that stalked together on the surface of the sample structure, bumping pieces and coarse surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental composition of carbon (C) is 50.90 % and oxygen (O) is 49.10% which showed a good composition for graphene oxide. All the results were confirmed that the graphene oxide has been synthesized from waste carbon tyre using modified Hummerâ€™s method which next will forms graphene powder through exfoliation method.Â Â