Lemah konvergens (CI) adalah anomali penglihatan binokular yang melibatkan kesukaran dua mata menumpu semasa penglihatan dekat. Kajian ini mengkaji prestasi penglihatan binokular subjek CI. Prestasi binokular iaitu, akuiti penglihatan (VA) binokular jauh, VA binokular dekat dan stereoakuiti dibandingkan antara subjek CI dengan subjek normal. Seramai 30 subjek CI purata umur 17.33 ± 5.49 tahun dan 30 subjek normal purata umur 18.77 ± 6.08 tahun mempunyai VA 6/6 atau lebih baik, ralat refraksi sfera tidak melebihi ± 4.00 DS, astigmatisme tidak lebih daripada 2.00 DC, tiada juling dan tidak pernah menjalani terapi penglihatan, mempunyai kesihatan am dan kesihatan okular yang baik mengambil bahagian dalam kajian ini. VA monokular mata kanan, VA monokular mata kiri, VA binokular dan stereoakuiti dua kumpulan subjek diukur dan dibandingkan. Keputusan kajian mendapati perbezaan yang signifikan bagi VA binokular jauh (t = 2.31, p < 0.05), VA binokular dekat (t = 0.89, p < 0.05) dan stereoakuiti (Z = -2.81, p < 0.01) antara subjek CI dengan subjek normal. Kesimpulan kajian menunjukkan subjek kumpulan CI mengalami penurunan prestasi penglihatan binokular jauh, prestasi penglihatan binokular dekat dan stereoakuiti yang signifikan lebih rendah berbanding kumpulan normal.
Linear density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS), blended with and without the addition of compatibilizer [Polyethylene-grafted-Maleic Anhydride, (PE-g-MA)] were prepared for soil burial test. The test was conducted in the natural soil environment for 3 and 6 months. Different loading of TPSS (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt. %) were used in this study. After soil burial, the blends were evaluated for their tensile properties and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the surface morphology properties after the test. For LDPE/TPSS, it was observed that the tensile strength decreased with the increase of soil burial time, as well as Young modulus and elongation at break (EB). The LDPE/TPSS/PE-g-MA also showed the same trend for the tensile properties, but with higher properties as compared to uncompatibilized blends. The tensile properties also decreased with the increase in the TPSS loading for both the LDPE/TPSS and LDPE/TPSS/PE-g-MA. Meanwhile,
the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the blend surfaces after the soil burial test showed that degradability increased with the increase in the exposure time as well as the TPSS loading.
The incidence of HbE/beta (HbE/β) thalassaemia is increasing in Asian countries, including Malaysia. HbE/β thalassaemia is widely acknowledged to have a diverse phenotypic spectrum despite having the same primary genetic background [1,2,3]. Thus, there are HbE/β thalassaemia patients who receive unnecessary treatments which leads to side effects [4], reduced quality of life and wasting health care resources. Ideally, the treatment and management of thalassaemia patients are individually tailored in order to minimise side effects and optimise health care costs. Genetic variants have been widely acknowledged to influence the variability of human phenotypes. Presence of unique genetic modifiers are believed to cause the diversity in HbE/β thalassaemia severity. Milder disease course has been found to be highly associated with Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism (rs7482144), a SNP at HBG2 promoter [1,5,6,7]. So far, there is no association study between Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism and HbE/beta thalassaemia disease severity in Malaysia. This study aims to optimise PCR-RFLP technique for detection of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism, to determine the frequency of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism in HbE/β thalassaemia patients and finding its association with the severity of HbE/β thalassaemia patients. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed using archived genomic DNAs from 58 subjects with their respective research pro formas. Selected datas were extracted from the pro formas in order to classify patients into 3 disease severity groups using the scoring system by Sripichai et al., (2008) based on 6 parameters. The archived genomic DNAs were genotyped employing Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The genotypes were categorised into homozygous variant, heterozygous and homozygous wild type. The genotypes detected were then validated using DNA sequencing analysis. Appropriate statistical analysis was used to determine the association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with the clinical severity of HbE/β thalassaemia. This study had successfully optimised the PCR-RFLP technique for detection of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism. Out of 58 subjects, the Xmn1-Gγ polymorphisms were detected in 40 subjects (69%) with the majority being heterozygous (CT) (n=38, 66%) and there were only 2 (3%) homozygous variant (TT) subjects. Homozygous wild type (CC) were detected in 18 (31%) subjects. There were no significant association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with the severity of HbE/β thalassaemia patients with p-value of 0.65 for genotype and 0.58 for allele, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed no significant association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with milder disease severity of HbE/β thalassaemia patients. This can be a true finding for the patients in North East Malaysia or due to small sample size. Thus we recommend to have a larger study in order to validate the association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with HbE/β thalassaemia severity. In addition, there may be other genetic factors that interact with Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism as it was not possible to consistently predict phenotype and severity from the presence of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism alone.
This paper describes the effect of pro-degradant additives (PDA) on photo-oxidative aging of polypropylene (PP) films after being time accelerated in UV-weathering chamber. Thin films (0.12 mm) containing these additives were prepared by sheeting process. The effect of UV on PP films in the presence of these additives was investigated. Changes in the PP films appearance, tensile properties and carbonyl index (CI) were used to investigate the degradation behavior. The films became completely pulverised after 100 h of photo-oxidative treatment and could not be tested further. Films containing PDA showed rapid loss in tensile properties within 100 h of photo-oxidative aging. In addition, the CI results of photo-oxidative films increased with increasing PDA amount within the time interval of aging and the activity was due to the mechanism reaction of PP with PDA particles. During the aging process the material becomes denser due to tighter packing and incorporation of oxygen into the amorphous regions of the polymer. The results indicated that the presence of PDA contributed to the photo degradation and the activity was very much influenced by the amount PDA.
Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) has been used as a compatibilizer for natural rubber-recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene
rubber (NR/NBRr) blends, vulcanized by sulfur. NBR gloves have excellent resistance to punctures, tear and many types
of chemicals, while NR has good physical and mechanical properties. Incorporation of ENR-50 into the rubber blends
has improved processability, stiffness, resilience and excellent oil resistance. NR/NBRr blends were prepared by two-roll
mill with five different compositions with the ENR-50 content fixed at 10 phr. Cure characteristics, mechanical properties
and morphology (SEM) studies were performed to determine the compatibility of NR/NBRr blends in the presence of ENR-
50. The cure characteristics showed that NR/NBRr blends with the presence of ENR-50 have lower scorch time (ts2) and
cure time (t90) than NR/NBRr blends without ENR-50. However, the NR/NBRr blends with ENR-50 exhibited higher minimum
torque (ML
) and maximum torque (MH) which indicated difficult processability of the blends after compatibilization.
Incorporation of ENR-50 into NR/NBRr blends improved all the tensile properties (tensile strength, tensile modulus and
elongation at break) compared with NR/NBRr blends without ENR-50. The improvement in hardness upon compatibilization
is due to an increase in crosslink density. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM images) of the fracture surfaces indicates
that, with the addition of ENR-50 in NR/NBRr blends, better adhesion between NR and NBRr was obtained, thus improving
the compatibility of NR/NBRr blends.
The development of natural fiber polymer composites is increasing worldwide and in some applications, these composites
are used at outdoor rendering them exposed to ultra-violet (UV) radiation. The paper investigates the degradation behavior
of linear low density polyethylene/poly (vinyl alcohol)/kenaf (LLDPE/PVOH/KNF) composites after exposure to different
natural weathering durations. The composites with KNF loadings of 10, 20 and 40 parts per hundred resin (phr) were
exposed to natural weathering for 3 months and 6 months, respectively. The weathered composites were characterized by
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, universal testing machine, field emission scanning electron microscopy
(FESEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The FTIR analysis showed an obvious carbonyl peak in composites
after weathering as an evidence of oxidation. The weight loss percentage of composites increased with respect to exposure
duration due to higher absorption of UV irradiation. The tensile properties of weathered composites were lower than
that of control composites and these properties also decreased with increasing exposure duration. FESEM micrographs
illustrated that composites with longer exposure duration suffered more surface damaged. The crystallinity percentage
was found to increase with increasing exposure duration.
This research was carried out to study the effects of kenaf loading and alkaline treatment on tensile properties, density,
thermal and morphological properties of kenaf filled natural rubber latex foam (NRLF). Samples were prepared using a
Dunlop method. From the results, increasing loading of kenaf reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break for
both samples, treated and untreated kenaf filled NRLF. Meanwhile, modulus at 100% elongation and density increased
with an increased in kenaf loading. Samples with treated kenaf showed higher tensile strength, modulus at 100%
elongation and density but low in elongation at break as compared with samples with untreated kenaf. Thermal study
by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that thermal stability reduced with increased in kenaf loading for
both samples. Samples with treated kenaf have higher thermal stability compared with samples of untreated kenaf. The
filler-matrix interaction and the pores size variation of both samples was clearly seen in the micrograph images by using
scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis in the study of oil palm DNA generally carried out by using DNA template obtained from grinding of leaf samples in liquid nitrogen followed by hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol. The present study explores the FTA card as a method to retrieve PCR-amplifiable oil palm DNA. Oil palm leaves were cut and crushed before deposited onto the FTA card. An attempt was made by amplifying the EgSHP gene using a punch of FTA card as a DNA template. The successful outcome of PCR was measured by the presence of PCR amplicons on 1% agarose gel electrophoresis, indicate the genotype of oil palm fruit form. This present study demonstrates that the FTA card provides a versatile alternative to the study of oil palm genetics.
Introduction: Exergames is defined as a technology-driven physical activity, which is an innovative way of physical activity that integrates interactive gameplay in the exercise process. The exergames may provide enjoyable expe- riences that could motivate people to participate and continue playing the game play, while also exercising at the same time. Methods: This article presents a treasure hunt-based walking exergames on android platform with the implementation of intelligence-based image recognition. The exergame, termed USM ExerHunt uses images of Universiti Sains Malaysia buildings as the hints. The participant of the game supposes to find a building shown in the hint, and once reaching the destination captures the image of the building. Then, the application will calculate the total steps taken and calories burnt by the participant using an implementation of accelerometer from the mobile phone. Results: The developed USM ExerHunt application is able to achieve accurate image recognition of USM building, with the accuracy rate of 92%. Besides that, the application is capable of calculating the number of total steps and calories burnt after an exercise routine is completed. Conclusion: This android application has shown a proof of concept in incorporating machine intelligence into an exergame application, with pilot study within the USM community.
A survey was conducted at 100 different rice fields in coastal areas of West Malaysia to identify most common and prevalent weeds associated with rice. Fields surveyed were done according to the quantitative survey method by using 0.5m x 0.5m size quadrate with 20 samples from each field. A total of 53 different weed species belong to 18 families were identified of which 32 annual and 21 perennial; 12 grassy, 13 sedges and 28 broadleaved weeds. Based on relative abundance the most prevalent and abundant weed species were selected in the coastal rice field. Among the 10 most abundant weed species, there were four grasses viz. Echinochloa crusgalli, Leptochloo chinensis, Echinochloo colona, Oryza sotivo L. (weedy rice).; four sedges viz. Fimbristylis miliacea, Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis, Scirpus grossus and two broadleaved weeds viz. Sphenocleo zeylonica, Jussiaea linifolio. Leptochloa chinensis, E. crusgalli, F. miliocea, E. colona were more prevalent and abundant species out of the 10 most dominant weed species in the coastal rice field of Peninsular Malaysia.
Polymeric carriers in the form of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and alginate (ALG) microspheres were used for encapsulation of plasmid DNA for oral mucosal immunization. Access into the intestinal mucosa by pVAX1 eukaryotic expression plasmid vectors carrying gene-coding sequences, either for the cholera enterotoxin B subunit (ctxB) immunostimulatory antigen or the green fluorescent protein (GFP), delivered from both types of microsphere carriers were examined in orally immunized BALB/c mice. Demonstration of transgene protein expression and IgA antibody responses at local mucosal sites suggest immunological response to a potential oral DNA vaccine formulated within the microsphere carriers.
Genetic diversity is prerequisite for any crop improvement program as it helps in the development of superior recombinants. Fifty Malaysian upland rice accessions were evaluated for 12 growth traits, yield and yield components. All of the traits were significant and highly significant among the accessions. The higher magnitudes of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for flag leaf length-to-width ratio, spikelet fertility, and days to flowering. High heritability along with high genetic advance was registered for yield of plant, days to flowering, and flag leaf length-to-width ratio suggesting preponderance of additive gene action in the gene expression of these characters. Plant height showed highly significant positive correlation with most of the traits. According to UPGMA cluster analysis all accessions were clustered into six groups. Twelve morphological traits provided around 77% of total variation among the accessions.
Soil phosphorus (P) release capability could be assessed through the degree of P saturation (DPS). Our main objective was to determine DPS and, hence, P threshold DPS values of an Ultisol treated with triple superphosphate (TSP), Gafsa phosphate rocks (GPR), or Christmas Island phosphate rocks (CIPR), plus or minus manure. P release was determined by the iron oxide-impregnated paper strip (strip P), while DPS was determined from ammonium oxalate-extractable aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and P. Soils were sampled from a closed incubation study involving soils treated with TSP, GPR, and CIPR at 0-400 mg P kg-1, and a field study where soils were fertilized with the same P sources at 100-300 kg P ha-1 plus or minus manure. The DPS was significantly influenced by P source x P rate, P source x manure (incubated soils), and by P source x P rate x time (field-sampled soils). Incubated soil results indicated that both initial P and total strip P were related to DPS by exponential functions: initial strip P = 1.38exp0.18DPS, R2 = 0.82** and total strip P = 8.01exp0.13DPS, R2 = 0.65**. Initial strip P was linearly related to total P; total P = 2.45, initial P + 8.41, R2 = 0.85**. The threshold DPS value established was about 22% (incubated soil). Field soils had lower DPS values <12% and strip P was related to initial DPS and average DPS in exponential functions: strip P = 2.6exp0.44DPS, R2 = 0.77** and strip P = 1.1DPS2 ¨C 2.4DPS + 6.2, R2 = 0.58**, respectively. The threshold values were both approximately equal to 8% and P release was 11-14 mg P kg-1. Results are evident that DPS can be used to predict P release, but the threshold values are environmentally sensitive; hence, recommendations should be based on field trials.
Aluminium (Al) phytotoxicity is an important soil constraint that limits crop yield. The objectives of this study were to investigate how growth, physiology, nutrient content and organic acid concentration is affected by Al, and to assess the degree of Al tolerance in different oil palm progeny (OPP). Four OPPs ['A' (Angola dura × Angola dura), 'B' (Nigerian dura × Nigerian dura), 'C' (Deli dura × AVROS pisifera) and 'D' (Deli dura × Dumpy AVROS pisifera)] were grown in different Al concentrations (0, 100 and 200 μm) in aerated Hoagland solution, pH 4.4, for 80 days. We observed a severe reduction (57.5%) in shoot dry weight, and root tips were reduced by 46.5% in 200 μm Al. In 'B' and 'C', the majority of macro- and micronutrients in plants were reduced significantly by 200 μm Al, with Mg being lowered by more than 50% in roots and shoots. The 200 μm Al treatment resulted in a 56.50% reduction in total leaf area, a 20% reduction in net photosynthesis and a 17% reduction in SPAD chlorophyll value in the third leaf. Root tips (0-5 mm) showed a significant increase in oxalic acid content with increasing Al concentration (∼ 5.86-fold); progeny 'A' had the highest concentration of oxalic acid. There was a significant interaction between Al concentration × OPP on total leaf number, root volume, lateral root length, Mg and K in root and shoot tissues, and Ca and N in shoots. The OPPs could be ranked in their tolerance to Al as: 'A' > 'D' > 'B' > 'C'.
The effectiveness of different soil tests in assessing soil phosphorus (P) in soils amended with phosphate rocks (PRs) is uncertain. We evaluated the effects of triple superphosphate (TSP) and PRs on extractable P by conventional soil tests (Mehlich 3 [Meh3] and Bray-1 [B1]) and a nonconventional test (iron oxide-impregnated paper, strip). Extracted amounts of P were in the order: Meh3 >B1 > strip. All the tests were significantly correlated (p = 0.001). Acidic reagents extracted more P from TSP than PRs, while the strip removed equal amounts from the two sources. The P removed by the three tests was related significantly to dry matter yield (DMY), but only in the first harvest, except for B1. Established critical P levels (CPLs) differed for TSP and PRs. In PR-fertilized soils, CPLs were 27, 17, and 12 mg P kg(-1) soil for Meh3, B1, and strip, respectively, and 42, 31, and 12 mg P kg(-1) soil, respectively, in TSP-fertilized soils. Thus, the strip resulted in a common CPL for TSP and PRs (12 mg P kg(-1) soil). This method can be used effectively in soils where integrated nutrient sources have been used, but there is need to establish CPLs for different crops. For cost-effective fertilizer P recommendations based on conventional soil tests, there is a need to conduct separate calibrations for TSP- and PR-fertilized soils.
Crop duration of a rice plant, essentially dictated by flowering response, is an important selection criterion. It is determined by the interaction of genotype and environment. A field experiment was conducted with 40 rice genotypes to assess the fluctuation and/or stability of crop duration in a series of 16 environmental conditions. The effects of genotype, environment and all the components of G x E interaction were highly significant. Among the genotypes Benaful and Gandho kasturi were most sensitive to environmental changes, and indicating lower adaptability over the environments. Crop durations of 17 genotypes were comparatively stable against environmental changes. Four genotypes viz. Basmati PNR346, BR28, Neimat and Sarwati showed only nonlinear sensitivity and thus unpredictable fluctuation. Seventeen genotypes indicated average stability over the environments. The AMMI analysis identified Badshabhog, Basmati Tapl-90, Bhog ganjia, BR38, Elai, Jata katari and Radhuni pagal as most stable genotypes over the environment series. It also advocated three comparatively stable environments for all the genotypes.
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate photosynthetic efficiency along with different growth parameters of aromatic rice genotypes. Forty genotypes including three non-aromatic checks exhibited enormous variations for leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), grain yield, total dry matter, harvest index and photosynthetic efficiency or energy use efficiency (Emu) at panicle initiation and heading stages. Minimum LAI-value was 0.52 in Khazar at PI stage and maximum was 4.91 in Sakkor khora at heading stage. The CGR-value was in the range of 4.80-24.11 g m(-2) per day. The best yielder BR39 produced grain of 4.21 t ha(-1) and the worst yielder Khazar gave 1.42 t ha(-1). Total dry matter (TDM) yield varied from 4.04 to 12.26 t ha(-1) where genotypes proved their energy use efficiency a range between 0.58 to 1.65%. Emu showed a significant positive relation with TDM (r=0.80(**)), CGR (r=0.72(**)) and grain yield (r=0.66(**)). A negative correlation was established between TDM and harvest index and LAI and RGR. Path analysis result showed that NAR at heading stage exerted highest positive direct effect (0.70) on Emu.
AIM: This study aimed to determine which factors could influence (i) parents' decision to seek medical consultatin and (ii) their preference for either public or private medical service in children with upper respiratory tract infection.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gombak district, which is an urban area in Malaysia. We randomly selected parents of kindergarten children aged 4-5 years to participate in this questionnaire survey. The main outcome measures were predictors of early medical consultation and type of service utilisation (public versus private).
RESULTS: We achieved a response rate of 84.5% (n = 1033/1223). 64.1% sought early medical consultation and 70.9% preferred to consult a private doctor. Early consultation was predicated by the parent gender being male (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.09, 2.05), non-Chinese (OR 1.75%; 95% CI 1.10, 2.79), and those who preferred child specialists (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.27, 3.23). Lower income group (OR 4.28; 95% CI 2.30, 7.95) and not having a regular doctor (OR 4.99%; 95% CI 3.19, 7.80) were predictors of using the public health services.
CONCLUSIONS: Parent's gender, ethnicity and income influenced their decision to seek early medical consultation for their children's respiratory illness while income and having a regular doctor could predict their choice of healthcare services.
Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) microcapsules were formulated to deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA) to the intestines. The microcapsules were characterized and were found to have an average diameter of 44.33 ± 30.22 μm, and were observed to be spherical with smooth surface. The method to extract pDNA from CAP was modified to study the release profile of the pDNA. The encapsulated pDNA was found to be stable. Exposure to the acidic and basic pH conditions, which simulates the pH environment in the stomach and the intestines, showed that the release occurred in a stable manner in the former, whereas it was robust in the latter. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules were low but the CAP recovery yield was high which indicates that the microcapsules were efficiently formed but the loading of pDNA can be improved. In vitro transfection study in 293FT cells showed that there was a significant percentage of green-fluorescent-protein-positive cells as a result of efficient transfection from CAP-encapsulated pDNA. Biodistribution studies in BALB/c mice indicate that DNA was released at the stomach and intestinal regions. CAP microcapsules loaded with pDNA, as described in this study, may be useful for potential gene delivery to the intestines for prophylactic or therapeutic measures for gastrointestinal diseases.