Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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Performance Related Parameters Determining the Selection of Youth Players in Soccer
Get PDFIn the current study, a total of 86 soccer’s players with mean age of 14 years drawn from Terengganu soccer academy were tested in performing 10 parameters aiming at determining the performance of those players based on assessing the contribution of each activity and its corresponding significant level. The 10 performance related parameters involved anthropometry (BMI), fitness test (agility, coordination, muscular endurance (push and sit up), power, YoYo level), and football skill test (dribbling with ball, dribbling without ball and juggling). All the parameters testing is carried out based on international standard and performed by well-trained staff. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to achieve the objective in this study. Result shows a positive correlation between the two types of muscular parameters; the power is influenced by BMI and coordination; the specific football tests are highly impacted by the power and agility. The coefficient of determination and the significance level -values show that the parameters that can be significantly considered are the anthropometric BMI (0.020), agility (0.025), muscular endurance (0.039 and 0.043), power (0.039), special football test without the ball (0.041), and juggling (0.046). The coordination, YoYo, football special test with the ball were not found to be significantly accounted for preparing the young players to achieve the required performance. Based on the results of the coefficient of determination and the significance -values of the parameters, a model was proposed to determine the highest and lowest parameters that play important roles in the selection of young players
Production of Chitosan Oligosaccharides using β-glycosidic degrading enzyme: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology
Get PDFMany researchers have focused chitosan as a source of potential bioactive material during the past few decades. However, chitosan has several drawbacks to be utilised in biological applications, including poor solubility under physiological conditions. Therefore, a new interest has recently emerged on partially hydrolysed chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharides (COS). In this study, degradation of chitosan was performed by Cellulase from Trichoderma reesei® 1.5L and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were employed to optimize the hydrolysis temperature, pH, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration. Optimization of cellulase T. reesei® using central composite design (CCD) was to obtain optimum parameters and all the factors showed significant effects (p˂0.05). The maximum response, Celluclast® activity (1.268 U) was obtained by assaying the process at 49.79oC, pH 4.5, 3% (v/w) of enzyme concentration and 25% (w/v) concentration of chitosan for 24 hours
FRACTIONATION OF As, Co, Cu AND Zn BY SEQUENTIAL EXTRACTION IN SURFACE SEDIMENT OF KUALA TERENGGANU RIVER ESTUARY
Get PDFDevelopment and urbanization processes around Terengganu River estuary are expected to release a significant amount of heavy metals into the existing bottom sediment. However, information on how and why these metals are attached into specific fraction of sediments is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explain the heavy metal concentration distribution in each available fraction at Terengganu River estuary. In this study, nine surface sediments originated from various human activities area in Terengganu River estuary were collected during four different sampling sessions in 2017. Heavy metal content from the collected sediments were extracted using 3-steps BCR sequential extraction method followed by detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and we discovered that the total concentration of Arsenic (As), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) ranged from 2.18 to 17.48 mg/kg dry wt., 2.53 to 20.53 mg/kg dry wt., 1.01 to 13.13 mg/kg dry wt., and 6.10 to 65.71 mg/kg dry wt., respectively. Dominance of metals in each fraction can be arranged as follows: As: residual > reducible > exchangeable > oxidizable; Co: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable; Cu: residual > oxidizable > reducible > exchangeable; Zn: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable. Availability of metals in sediment at Terengganu River estuary is limited since that majority of metals resides in non-mobilisable fraction of the sediment. In essence, sequential extraction provides information regarding the metals’ fractionation, availability and mobility, which could be used in assessing the environmental contamination in the area
Marine macro debris transport based on hydrodynamic model before and after reclamation in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
Get PDFJakarta Bay as an area with the densest population in Indonesia became one of the highest contamination level waters in the world includes pollution of debris. Reclamation activities in Jakarta Bay will change the water conditions will also affect the distribution of debris at sea. Therefore, this study conducted to determine the movement of the macro debris before and after island reclamation in Jakarta Bay. The method used is a model that simulated by the hydrodynamic model and particle trajectory model. Data needed for the hydrodynamic model were wind, tides, bathymetry, and shoreline, while for the trajectory of the particles using a data type of macro debris, debris weight, and debris flux. Hydrodynamics simulations indicate if a reclamation island formation does not change surface current patterns significantly, but causes a decrease in the flow velocity of ± 0.002 to 0.02 m/s at some point. The trajectory of particles of debris indicate if after reclamation, debris tends to accumulate in the eastern Jakarta Bay in the rainy season (January) as there are anticlockwise eddy current, as well as in the western and eastern regions during the dry season (July), because there is a clockwise eddy current in the eastern Jakarta Bay
Abattoirs – A Hidden Centre for Livestock Genetic Resources Loss in Nigeria: Abattoirs and Fates of Nigeria’s Livestock Resources
Get PDFNigeria is naturally blessed with wide diversity of native animal genetic resources. Indigenous ruminant livestock such as cattle, camel, donkey, sheep and goat contributes largely in both protein supply, revenue generation and national economy. In Nigeria, these animal resources are mismanaged and undermined through the indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant animals and foetal losses in abattoirs. This unethical practice resulted in the loss of genetic diversity, preferred traits and superior females ruminant animals. The current research focus on reported incidences across abattoirs, which is a centre where such practice is highly occurs within the country. Lack of modern facilities, law enforcement, poor management and animal welfare in abattoirs to protect pregnant animals are among few factors responsible for an increase in incidences. It is unprofitable to continue the tradition of pregnant animal slaughter that causes foetal losses. This is a condition that significantly threatens the animal genetic resources and general livestock industry in Nigeria. This practice must be discard with a proper conservation and documentation of these valuable animal genetic resources. Both long and short terms conservation programs must aim for substantial benefits of these resources. Laws must be enforced with strict penalties to those involved in pregnant animal slaughter. Genetic resources of these species and meat industry future could be safe with proper implementation of these laws and conservation measures
Comparative Studies on the Efficacy and Mode of Action of Chlorpyrifos, Cypermethrin and ‘Tofeto’ Against Anopheles spp (Diptera: Culicidae)
Get PDFThe efficacy of ‘Tofeto’ and two synthetic insecticides, chlorpyrifos and cypermettrin were compared as fumigants and repellants against Anopheles spp. Knockdown, mortality and repellency responses were noted and compared. ‘Tofeto’ had a significantly higher knockdown effect on mosquitoes, while chlorpyrifos had the least. Cypermethrin had the fastest mortality time. ‘Tofeto’ compared favourably with cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos as a repellant having the highest percentage repellence and repellency index.
Keywords: Synthetic insecticides, Repellants, Haematophagus, Anthropophilic, Knockdow
Characteristics Fishing Areas of Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus Obesus) in Depth of 155 m Based on Remotely Sensed Data
Get PDFBigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is one of the commercially important pelagic species that caught mostly in the eastern Indian Ocean. This species prefers to stay close, and is usually below the thermocline layer. Remotely sensed data was used to determine the characteristics of Bigeye tuna fishing areas at a depth of 155 meter. Fishing vessels for Bigeye tuna were obtained from vessel monitoring systems (VMS) from January through December, 2015-2016. Daily data on sub-surface temperature (SST), sub-surface chlorophyll-a concentration (SSC), and sub-surface salinity (SSS) were obtained from the INDESO Project website. All oceanographic parameter data were selected at a depth of 155 m. The position of Bigeye tuna and oceanographic data were then grouped into 2 group monsoon, southeast monsoon (April – September) and northwest monsoon (October – March). The results showed that, during the southeast and northwest monsoon, Bigeye tuna mostly found in SSC of 0.03 – 0.05 mg/m3, SST of 16° - 18°C and salinity of 34 psu. These results showed that at depth of 155 m, Bigeye Tuna prefers to stay in small chl-a (0.03 – 0.04 mg/m3), low SST (16° - 18°C) and salinity of 34 psu. These information were essential and could be used to support fisheries management decisions especially for Bigeye Tuna in the eastern Indian Ocean
Comparative study of physicochemical properties of Tithonia diversifolia and Sunflower seed oils: Comparative study of physicochemical properties of Tithonia diversifolia and Sunflower seed oils
Get PDFThis study investigates the physico-chemical properties of Tithonia diversifolia seed and oil using standard analytical methods and then compared the results with Sunflower oil. The results showed that Tithonia diversifolia seed contained 5.80% moisture, 18.83% crude protein, 30.40% crude fat, 17.85% crude fibre, 4.30% ash and 22.82% carbohydrate. The content of magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and calcium were 3930, 168, 277, 2091 and 432 mg/kg, respectively. Iodine value for T. diversifolia and Sunflower oils, respectively were 109.00 and 145.67 g iodine/kg; saponification values, 212.61 and 188.63 mg KOH/g; ester values, 184.15 and 206.86 mg KOH/g; peroxide values 4.0 and 5.87 meq peroxide/kg; acid values, 5.76 and 4.48 mg KOH / g; % unsaponifiable matter, 0.83 and 1.22 %; and total phenol content, 118.63 and 108.75 µg/g. Others include, specific gravity, 0.937 and 0.920; surface tension 0.042 and 0.051 N/m; viscosity 42.50 and 30.50 cSt; and smoke point, 215 and 245 0C. The study revealed that Tithonia diversifolia seed oil content and physicochemical parameters are comparable with those of Sunflower oil. Hence the oil could be used as raw materials for industrial processes, biodiesel production and a good source of dietary antioxidant which could complement or replace some conventional oils
Optimization of Spray Drying Parameters for White Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) Juice Powder using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Get PDFThis study was conducted to optimize the production of spray-dried white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) powder using resistant maltodextrin as wall material. The inlet air temperature (140 °C, 150 °C and 160 °C), outlet temperature (75 °C, 80 °C and 85 °C) and resistant maltodextrin concentrations (20%, 25% and 30%) were tested as independent variables. Process yield, moisture content, water activity, solubility, hygroscopicity and bulk density of the powders were analysed as responses. Process yield significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing inlet temperature and decreasing resistant maltodextrin concentration. Outlet temperature and resistant maltodextrin concentration significantly (p<0.05) reduced the moisture content and water activity of the white dragon fruit powder. Powder solubility and hygroscopicity significantly (p<0.05) increased as inlet and outlet temperature increased. Bulk density values decreased as inlet and outlet temperature increased. An optimum conditions for spray dried white dragon fruit powder that would produce high in yield, low moisture content, low water activity, high solubility, low hygroscopicity and high bulk density were found at 153 °C inlet temperature, 82 °C outlet temperature and 20% concentration
Repeat Rate Analysis Of Lower Limb Radiograph For Digital Radiography In General Radiography At Pantai Klang Hospital Selangor
Get PDFIntroduction: Assessing the repeat rate is crucial to reduce unnecessary dose to the patient by identifying the major cause for repeating the x-rays exposure to the patient and apply corrective measures Aim: to analyse the repeat rate of routine lower limb projections in direct digital radiography (DR) from general radiology department of Pantai Klang Hospital. Methods: 26 months retrospective repeated radiograph was acquired from Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at Hospital Pantai Klang. The retrieved radiographs were grouped based on the reason for the i radiographs being rejected which are incorrect positioning, incorrect collimation, patient movement, incorrect exposure factors, artefact, and other reasons. Results: Total repeated radiographs retrieved for basic lower limbs projections were 13616. Knee was the highest repeted examination and the lowest repeat rate was tibia fibula. (repeat rate: knee = 1.04%, tibia fibula = 0.57%). incorrect positioning is the major causes for repeat exposure for all examinations type, followed by incorrect collimation, other categories, centring ray error, incorrect exposure factors and artifact.