Displaying publications 301 - 320 of 665 in total

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  1. Using response surface methodology to optimize process parameters and cross-linking agents for production of combined-cross-linked bovine serum albumin gels
    Gan CY, Alkarkhi AF, Easa AM
    J Biosci Bioeng, 2009 Apr;107(4):366-72.
    PMID: 19332294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2008.12.007
    D-optimal design was employed to optimize the mixture of cross-linking agents formulation: microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and ribose, and the processing parameters (i.e. incubation and heating time) in the mixture in order to obtain combined-cross-linked bovine serum albumin gels that have high gel strength, pH close to neutral and yet medium in browning. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the contribution of quadratic term to the model over the linear was significant for pH and L* value, whereas linear model was significant for gel strength. Optimization study using response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to the mixture components and process variables and the optimum conditions obtained were: MTGase of 1.34-1.43 g/100 mL, ribose of 1.07-1.16 g/100 mL, incubation time of 5 h at 40 degrees C and heating time of 3 h at 90 degrees C.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  2. Comparison of the load at fracture of Turkom-Cera to Procera AllCeram and In-Ceram all-ceramic restorations
    AL-Makramani BM, Razak AA, Abu-Hassan MI
    J Prosthodont, 2009 Aug;18(6):484-8.
    PMID: 19694015
    PURPOSE: This study investigated the occlusal fracture resistance of Turkom-Cerafused alumina compared to Procera AllCeram and In-Ceram all-ceramic restorations.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixmaster dies were duplicated from the prepared maxillary first premolar tooth using nonprecious metal alloy (Wiron 99). Ten copings of 0.6 mm thickness were fabricated from each type of ceramic, for a total of thirty copings. Two master dies were used for each group, and each of them was used to lute five copings. All groups were cemented with resin luting cement Panavia F according to manufacturer's instructions and received a static load of 5 kg during cementation. After 24 hours of distilled water storage at 37 degrees C, the copings were vertically compressed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min.

    RESULTS: The results of the present study showed the following mean loads at fracture: Turkom-Cera (2184 +/- 164 N), In-Ceram (2042 +/- 200 N), and Procera AllCeram (1954 +/- 211 N). ANOVA and Scheffe's post hoc test showed that the mean load at fracture of Turkom-Cera was significantly different from Procera AllCeram (p < 0.05). Scheffe's post hoc test showed no significant difference between the mean load at fracture of Turkom-Cera and In-Ceram or between the mean load at fracture of In-Ceram and Procera AllCeram.

    CONCLUSION: Because Turkom-Cera demonstrated equal to or higher loads at fracture than currently accepted all-ceramic materials, it would seem to be acceptable for fabrication of anterior and posterior ceramic crowns.

    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  3. Landfill leachate treatment by electrochemical oxidation
    Bashir MJ, Isa MH, Kutty SR, Awang ZB, Aziz HA, Mohajeri S, et al.
    Waste Manag, 2009 Sep;29(9):2534-41.
    PMID: 19523802 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2009.05.004
    This study investigated the electrochemical oxidation of stabilized leachate from Pulau Burung semi-aerobic sanitary landfill by conducting laboratory experiments with sodium sulfate Na(2)SO(4) (as electrolyte) and graphite carbon electrodes. The control parameters were influent COD, current density and reaction time, while the responses were BOD removal, COD removal, BOD:COD ratio, color and pH. Na(2)SO(4) concentration was 1 g/L. Experiments were conducted based on a three-level factorial design and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyze the results. The optimum conditions were obtained as 1414 mg/L influent COD concentration, 79.9 mA/cm(2) current density and 4 h reaction time. This resulted in 70% BOD removal, 68% COD removal, 84% color removal, 0.04 BOD/COD ratio and 9.1 pH. Electrochemical treatment using graphite carbon electrode was found to be effective in BOD, COD and color removal but was not effective in increasing the BOD/COD ratio or enhancing biodegradability of the leachate. The color intensity of the treated samples increased at low influent COD and high current density due to corrosion of electrode material.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  4. Parameters optimization of rice husk ash (RHA)/CaO/CeO2 sorbent for predicting SO2/NO sorption capacity using response surface and neural network models
    Dahlan I, Ahmad Z, Fadly M, Lee KT, Kamaruddin AH, Mohamed AR
    J Hazard Mater, 2010 Jun 15;178(1-3):249-57.
    PMID: 20137857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.01.070
    In this work, the application of response surface and neural network models in predicting and optimizing the preparation variables of RHA/CaO/CeO(2) sorbent towards SO(2)/NO sorption capacity was investigated. The sorbents were prepared according to central composite design (CCD) with four independent variables (i.e. hydration period, RHA/CaO ratio, CeO(2) loading and the use of RHA(raw) or pretreated RHA(600 degrees C) as the starting material). Among all the variables studied, the amount of CeO(2) loading had the largest effect. The response surface models developed from CCD was effective in providing a highly accurate prediction for SO(2) and NO sorption capacities within the range of the sorbent preparation variables studied. The prediction of CCD experiment was verified by neural network models which gave almost similar results to those determined by response surface models. The response surface models together with neural network models were then successfully used to locate and validate the optimum hydration process variables for maximizing the SO(2)/NO sorption capacities. Through this optimization process, it was found that maximum SO(2) and NO sorption capacities of 44.34 and 3.51 mg/g, respectively could be obtained by using RHA/CaO/CeO(2) sorbents prepared from RHA(raw) with hydration period of 12h, RHA/CaO ratio of 2.33 and CeO(2) loading of 8.95%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  5. Removal of disperse dye from aqueous solution using waste-derived activated carbon: optimization study
    Ahmad AA, Hameed BH, Ahmad AL
    J Hazard Mater, 2009 Oct 30;170(2-3):612-9.
    PMID: 19515487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.05.021
    The purpose of this work is to obtain optimal preparation conditions for activated carbons prepared from rattan sawdust (RSAC) for removal of disperse dye from aqueous solution. The RSAC was prepared by chemical activation with phosphoric acid using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM based on a three-variable central composite design was used to determine the effect of activation temperature (400-600 degrees C), activation time (1-3h) and H(3)PO(4):precursor (wt%) impregnation ratio (3:1-6:1) on C.I. Disperse Orange 30 (DO30) percentage removal and activated carbon yield were investigated. Based on the central composite design, quadratic model was developed to correlate the preparation variables to the two responses. The most influential factor on each experimental design responses was identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for preparation of RSAC, which were based on response surface and contour plots, were found as follows: temperature of 470 degrees C, activation time of 2h and 14min and chemical impregnation ratio of 4.45.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  6. Shear bond strength of two chemically different denture base polymers to reline materials
    Ahmad F, Dent M, Yunus N
    J Prosthodont, 2009 Oct;18(7):596-602.
    PMID: 19515166 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-849X.2009.00481.x
    This study evaluated the shear bond strengths of light-polymerized urethane dimethacrylate (Eclipse) and heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate (Meliodent) denture base polymers to intraoral and laboratory-processed reline materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  7. Effect of luting cements on the compressive strength of Turkom-Cera all-ceramic copings
    Al-Makramani BM, Razak AA, Abu-Hassan MI
    J Contemp Dent Pract, 2008;9(2):33-40.
    PMID: 18264523
    The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of different luting agents on the fracture strength of Turkom-Cera all-ceramic copings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  8. Evaluation and optimization of handle design parameters of a grass trimming machine
    Mallick Z
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2008;14(3):343-9.
    PMID: 18954544
    The grass trimming machine is a widely used agricultural machine for cutting grass by the roadside and in other areas in Malaysia. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) syndrome is very common among workers operating power tools and performing similar work for extended periods. Grass trimming involves the use of a motorized cutter spinning at high speed, resulting in high levels of HAV among its operators. The existing D-shape handle causes HAV-related stress and operational load in operators. This research proposes a new design of a handle of the grass trimming machine. When this new design was compared with the old one, it was found that the new handle resulted in 18% lower HAV. To find the lowest HAV, 3 critical parameters of the new handle (length, angle and material of the cap of the handle) were optimized using the Taguchi quality tool. Appropriately selected parameters of the new handle significantly reduced the occurrence of HAV among grass trimmers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  9. Multivariate and Geoaccumulation Index evaluation in mangrove surface sediment of Mengkabong lagoon, Sabah
    Praveena SM, Ahmed A, Radojevic M, Abdullah MH, Aris AZ
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2008 Jul;81(1):52-6.
    PMID: 18506379 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-008-9460-3
    Spatial variations in estuarine intertidal sediment have been often related to such environmental variables as salinity, sediment types, heavy metals and base cations. However, there have been few attempts to investigate the difference condition between high and low tides relationships and to predict their likely responses in an estuarine environment. This paper investigates the linkages between environmental variables and tides of estuarine intertidal sediment in order to provide a basis for describing the effect of tides in the Mengkabong lagoon, Sabah. Multivariate statistical technique, principal components analysis (PCA) was employed to better interpret information about the sediment and its controlling factors in the intertidal zone. The calculation of Geoaccumulation Index (I(geo)) suggests the Mengkabong mangrove sediments are having background concentrations for Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn and unpolluted for Pb. Extra efforts should therefore pay attention to understand the mechanisms and quantification of different pathways of exchange within and between intertidal zones.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  10. Process optimization studies of lead (Pb(II)) biosorption onto immobilized cells of Pycnoporus sanguineus using response surface methodology
    Yus Azila Y, Mashitah MD, Bhatia S
    Bioresour Technol, 2008 Dec;99(18):8549-52.
    PMID: 18599293 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.03.056
    A central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the biosorption of Pb(II) ions onto immobilized cells of Pycnoporus sanguineus. The independent variables were initial Pb(II) concentration, pH and biomass loading. The combined effects of these variables were analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM) using quadratic model for predicting the optimum point. Under these conditions the model predicted a maximum of 97.7% of Pb(II) ions removal at pH 4, 200mg/L of initial Pb(II) concentration with 10g/L of biosorbent. The experimental values are in good agreement with predicted values within +0.10 to +0.81% error.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  11. Fulltext Cost effectiveness analysis of using multiple neuromodalities in treating severe traumatic brain injury in a developing country like Malaysia
    Ibrahim MI, Abdullah M, Naing L, Abdullah JM, Idris Z, Aljunid SM
    Asian J Surg, 2007 Oct;30(4):261-6.
    PMID: 17962129
    The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of using baseline neuromonitoring (BNM) compared with multimodality monitoring (M3) for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  12. Statistical optimization of process conditions for cellulase production by liquid state bioconversion of domestic wastewater sludge
    Alam MZ, Muyibi SA, Wahid R
    Bioresour Technol, 2008 Jul;99(11):4709-16.
    PMID: 17981027
    A two-level fractional factorial design (FFD) was used to determine the effects of six factors, i.e. substrate (domestic wastewater sludge - DWS) and co-substrate concentration (wheat flour - WF), temperature, initial pH, inoculum size and agitation rate on the production of cellulase enzyme by Trichoderma harzianum in liquid state bioconversion. On statistical analysis of the results from the experimental studies, optimum process conditions were found to be temperature 32.5 degrees C, substrate concentration (DWS) 0.75% (w/w), co-substrate (WF) concentration 2% (w/w), initial pH 5, inoculum size 2% (v/w) and agitation 175 rpm. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.975. Cellulase activity reached 10.2 FPU/ml at day 3 during the fermentation process which indicated about 1.5-fold increase in production compared to the cellulase activity obtained from the results of design of experiment (6.9 FPU/ml). Biodegradation of DWS was also evaluated to verify the efficiency of the bioconversion process as a waste management method.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  13. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): validation of the Malay version
    Sidi H, Abdullah N, Puteh SE, Midin M
    J Sex Med, 2007 Nov;4(6):1642-54.
    PMID: 17608666
    Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent sexual health problem that has been inadequately investigated in Malaysia, a nation with a conservative multiethnic society.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  14. Impact of bispectral index monitoring on propofol administration in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass
    Chiu CL, Ong G, Majid AA
    Anaesth Intensive Care, 2007 Jun;35(3):342-7.
    PMID: 17591126
    Propofol anaesthesia using target control infusion during cardiac surgery has become more popular recently. However, without depth of anaesthesia monitoring, the standard target concentration used may be higher than necessary to maintain adequate hypnosis during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bispectral index monitoring on propofol administration during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. After ethics committee approval and written informed consent, 20 New York Heart Association class I-III patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery requiring hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass were studied in this prospective randomised controlled trial. In group C, routine anaesthesia was practised, where patients received propofol at target concentration between 1.5 to 2.5 microg/ml during cardiopulmonary bypass. In group B, the target concentration was titrated to a bispectral index value of 40 to 50. Mean arterial pressure and bispectral index were recorded at various time intervals. The use of propofol, phenylephrine, sodium nitroprusside and adrenaline were recorded. The median propofol administration in group B was significantly less than that in group C (2.9 mg/kg/h compared to 6.0 mg/kg/h). The bispectral index value during bypass was significantly lower in group C than in group B, reflecting a deeper state of anaesthesia. There was no difference in the use of inotropes, vasoconstrictors or vasodilators. Bispectral index monitoring enables a 50% reduction in propofol administration at this standard dose during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  15. In vitro controlled release of alfuzosin hydrochloride using HPMC-based matrix tablets and its comparison with marketed product
    Nair A, Gupta R, Vasanti S
    Pharm Dev Technol, 2007;12(6):621-5.
    PMID: 18161635
    The present study is an attempt to formulate a controlled-release matrix tablet formulation for alfuzosin hydrochloride by using low viscous hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K-100 and HPMC 15cps) and its comparison with marketed product. Different batches of tablets containing 10 mg of alfuzosin were prepared by direct compression technique and evaluated for their physical properties, drug content, and in vitro drug release. All the formulations had a good physical integrity, and the drug content between the batches did not vary by more than 1%. Drug release from the matrix tablets was carried out for 12 hr and showed that the release rate was not highly significant with different ratios of HPMC K-100 and HPMC15cps. Similar dissolution profiles were observed between formulation F3 and the marketed product throughout the study period. The calculated regression coefficients showed a higher r2 value with zero-order kinetics and Higuchi model in all the cases. Although both the models could be applicable, zero-order kinetics seems to be better. Hence, it can be concluded that the use of low viscous hydrophilic polymer of different grades (HPMC K-100 and HPMC 15cps) can control the alfuzosin release for a period of 12 hr and was comparable to the marketed product.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  16. Population structure and intraspecific aggression in the invasive ant species Anoplolepis gracilipes in Malaysian Borneo
    Drescher J, Blüthgen N, Feldhaar H
    Mol Ecol, 2007 Apr;16(7):1453-65.
    PMID: 17391269
    Invasive species are one of the main sources of the ongoing global loss of biodiversity. Invasive ants are known as particularly damaging invaders and their introductions are often accompanied by population-level behavioural and genetic changes that may contribute to their success. Anoplolepis gracilipes is an invasive ant that has just recently received increased attention due to its negative impact on native ecosystems. We examined the behaviour and population structure of A. gracilipes in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 475 individuals from 24 colonies were genotyped with eight microsatellite markers. Intracolonial relatedness was high, ranging from 0.37 to 1 (mean +/- SD: 0.82 +/- 0.04), while intercolonial relatedness was low (0.0 +/- 0.02, range -0.5-0.76). We compared five distinct sampling regions in Sabah and Brunei. A three-level hierarchical F-analysis revealed high genetic differentiation among colonies within the same region, but low genetic differentiation within colonies or across regions. Overall levels of heterozygosity were unusually high (mean H(O) = 0.95, mean H(E) = 0.71) with two loci being entirely heterozygous, indicating an unusual reproductive system in this species. Bioassays revealed a negative correlation between relatedness and aggression, suggesting kinship as one factor facilitating supercolony formation in this species. Furthermore, we genotyped one individual per nest from Sabah (22 nests), Sarawak (one nest), Brunei (three nests) and the Philippines (two nests) using two mitochondrial DNA markers. We found six haplotypes, two of which included 82.1% of all sequences. Our study shows that the sampled area in Sabah consists of a mosaic of differently interrelated nests in different stages of colony establishment. While some of the sampled colonies may belong to large supercolonies, others are more likely to represent recently introduced or dispersed propagules that are just beginning to expand.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  17. Microsatellites reveal a lack of structure in Australian populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
    Endersby NM, McKechnie SW, Ridland PM, Weeks AR
    Mol Ecol, 2006 Jan;15(1):107-18.
    PMID: 16367834
    The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is renowned for developing resistance to insecticides and causing significant economic damage to Brassica vegetable crops throughout the world. Yet despite its economic importance, little is known about the population structure and movement patterns of this pest both at local and regional scales. In Australia, the movement patterns and insecticide resistance status of P. xylostella infesting canola, vegetables, forage brassicas and weeds have fundamental implications for the management of this pest. Here we use six polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate population structure and gene flow in Australian populations of P. xylostella. Samples of P. xylostella from New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya were also scored at these loci. We found no evidence of population structure within Australia, with most populations having low inbreeding coefficients and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, a sample from the North Island of New Zealand was indistinguishable from the Australian samples. However, large genetic differences were found between the Australia/New Zealand samples and samples from Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia. There was no relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance among Australian and New Zealand samples. Two of the loci were found to have null alleles, the frequency of which was increased in the populations outside the Australia/New Zealand region. We discuss these results with reference to insecticide resistance management strategies for P. xylostella in Australia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  18. The induction of oral tolerance to Actinomyces viscosus in mice
    Sosroseno W, Bird PS, Gemmell E, Seymour GJ
    Oral Dis, 2006 Jul;12(4):387-94.
    PMID: 16792724
    To determine whether oral tolerance with the oral bacterium Actinomyces viscosus was inducible in mice.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  19. Fulltext Bulked segregant analysis for relative water content to detect quantitative trait loci in wheat under drought stress
    Naroui Rad MR, Abdul Kadir M, Rafii MY, Jaafar HZ, Naghavi MR
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2012;11(4):3882-8.
    PMID: 23212327 DOI: 10.4238/2012.November.12.5
    This study was carried out to evaluate the genetic effect of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring drought tolerance in wheat. A population of 120 F(2) individuals from the cross between the drought-tolerant S-78-11 and drought-sensitive Tajan cultivars were analyzed for their segregation under drought stress conditions. The relative water content under drought stress conditions exhibited continuous variation, indicating the minor gene effects on the trait. Single-marker analysis (SMA) was carried out to detect the main QTL association with drought tolerance. The SMA results revealed that the simple sequence repeat markers GWM182 and GWM292 on chromosome 5D and GWM410 on chromosome 5A exhibited significant association with drought tolerance, accounting for 30, 22, and 21% of the total variation, respectively. The 3 genetic loci, especially GWM182, can be used in marker-assisted selection methods in drought tolerance breeding in wheat.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
  20. An experimental study of the interface pressure profile during level walking of a new suspension system for lower limb amputees
    Eshraghi A, Abu Osman NA, Gholizadeh H, Ali S, Sævarsson SK, Wan Abas WA
    Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 2013 Jan;28(1):55-60.
    PMID: 23157843 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2012.10.002
    Different suspension systems that are used within prosthetic devices may alter the distribution of pressure inside the prosthetic socket in lower limb amputees. This study aimed to compare the interface pressure of a new magnetic suspension system with the pin/lock and Seal-In suspension systems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance
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