19672 research outputs found
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Mode-locked thulium doped fibre laser with copper thin film saturable absorber
No full textWe demonstrate the generation of mode-locked Thulium-Doped Fibre Laser by employing a newly developed saturable absorber (SA) based on copper (Cu) thin film. The SA was prepared by depositing nano-sized particles of Cu onto the surface of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film through the E-Beam evaporation process. A stable mode-locking pulse train operating at 1951 nm was successfully generated by introducing the Cu PVA SA into a laser cavity. The laser generated a pulse train at the fundamental frequency of 8.5 MHz with a calculated minimum pulse width of 14.8 ps. This demonstration proves that the Cu PVA based SA is suitable for generating mode-locked fibre laser at 2 µm region. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Quranic Messages on Environmental Sustainability: an Expository Study of Its Relevance
No full textThe contemporary discourse of environmental sustainability has many values embedded in the teachings of the Quran and Sunna. The general outlook of the Quranic paradigm on utilizing the natural environment is based on the prohibition of aggression and misuse, as well as being founded on ideas of construction and sustainability. Unfortunately, in the contemporary world the Muslim community fails to pay sufficient attention to the relevant instructions in the Quran and Sunna. Thus, this article attempts to expand on key concepts within the Quran and Sunna which reveal the most important values for environmental sustainability. The research methodology employed in this paper is an analytical study of a number of Quranic verses with a particular focus on tafsir bi al-ma t-ur (explanation based on hadith), tafsir bi al-ra yi (explanation based on reason), and historical narrative. In short, this paper brings to light the importance of relevant classical and contemporary Quran and Sunna studies for improving human-nature relations and coexistence. © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2019
A comparative study of lifetime reliability of planar MOSFET and FinFET due to BTI for the 16 nm CMOS technology node based on reaction-diffusion model
No full textIntensive scaling of Integrated Circuits is a crucial factor for achieving high performance and astronomical packing density. However, this scaling is pushing planar MOSFET to its physical limitations. Nowadays, FinFET emerges as a promising alternative technology for planar MOSFET, due to their better efficiency. Nevertheless, this inevitably leads to a rising concern on the reliability of FinFET as the circuit lifetime reliability cannot be neglected due to this accelerated scaling of Integrated Circuits. This paper is considered as the first work that: 1) detects which CMOS technology, planar MOSFET or FinFET, is more robust against Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) aging degradation for the advanced nodes such as 16 nm; 2) precisely computes the effect of BTI on 16 nm FinFET using an adequate BTI Reaction Diffusion model that takes into consideration the effects of finite oxide thickness, and the influence of polysilicon; 3) investigates the efficiency in terms of power consumption and area for the predominant circuit level techniques that could be implemented to overcome the negative impact of BTI for FinFET technology. This research clearly indicates that FinFET technology is more robust against BTI aging degradation than planar MOSFET as the delay percentage for FinFET technology is lower than planar MOSFET technology by 26%. © 2019 Elsevier Lt
Molecular Evidence of Sarcocystis Species Infecting Reptiles in Peninsular Malaysia
No full textBackground: The genus Sarcocystis consists of intracellular coccidian protozoan parasites with the ability to invade muscle tissue and mature into sarcocysts, causing the zoonotic disease sarcocystosis. These parasites have an obligatory two-host life cycle, which correlates with prey-predator relationship. The distribution and prevalence of Sarcocystis in reptiles remains unclear, despite several previous reports. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic assemblage of the species of Sarcocystis infecting Malaysian snakes and lizards by screening stool samples. Methods: Overall, 54 fecal samples of various snake species and four fecal samples of several lizard species in Malaysia were taken within the course of August 2015 to January 2016 from Seremban, Melaka, Tioman Island, Pahang, Klang and Langkawi Wildlife Park located in Malaysia. The samples were examined for Sarcocystis through PCR amplification of the 18S rDNA sequence at the Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya Results: Fourteen snake fecal samples were positive via PCR; however, only eight samples (14%) were found positive for Sarcocystis species, whereas four were positive for other genera and the identity of another three samples was unable to be determined. Further phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA sequences revealed that the snakes were infected with either S. singaporensis, S. lacertae, or undefined Sarcocystis species closely related to either S. singaporensis or S. zuoi. Sarcocystis nesbitti infection was not identified in any of the infected snakes. Conclusion: This is the first report of identification of S. lacertae in the black-headed cat snake. © 2019, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). All rights reserved
Acute intermittent porphyria: A rare cause of hyponatraemia
No full textIntroduction: Hyponatraemia is one of the most frequent laboratory findings in hospitalised patients. We present an unusual case of hyponatraemia in a 23-year-old female secondary to acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a rare inborn error of metabolism. Case Report: The patient presented with upper respiratory tract infection, fever, seizures and abdominal pain. An initial diagnosis of encephalitis was made. In view of the unexplained abdominal pain with other clinical findings such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome by CT brain, temporary blindness as well as hyponatraemia, acute intermittent porphyria was suspected. Urine delta aminolaevulinic acid (δ-ALA) and porphobilinogen were elevated confirming the diagnosis of AIP. Genetic studies were done for this patient. The patient had a complete resolution of her symptoms with carbohydrate loading and high caloric diet. Conclusion: Although rare, AIP should be considered as a cause of hyponatraemia in a patient who presents with signs and/or symptoms that are characteristic of this disease. © 2019, Malaysian Society of Pathologists. All rights reserved
The relationship between management’s commitment with job satisfaction according to shari’ah-based QMS (Ms1900:2014) at Malaysian higher education institution
No full textManagement’s commitment in an organisation plays an important role in ensuring the application of effective quality management system (QMS). This article explores the relationship between management’s commitment of an organisation that implements Shari’ah-based Quality Management System (MS1900:2014) with job satisfaction at Malaysian Higher Education Institution (HEI). The methodology of this study employed a qualitative design via a semi-structured interview conducted on selected respondents. The respondents consist of employees who are directly and actively involved with the implementation of MS1900 standard. The findings of this study show that management’s commitment has apparently influenced job satisfaction among employees at HEI. Therefore, the results of this study can serve as a guide to ensure that the implementation of quality management system based on Shari’ah standards (MS1900) can be applied effectively, blessed and rewarded by Allah SWT. © BEIESP
Crystallite size and microstrain: XRD line broadening analysis of AgSiN thin films
No full textPurpose: This paper aims to determine the crystallite size and microstrain values of AgSiN thin films using potential approach called approximation method. This method can be used as a replacement for other determination methods such as Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot and Warren-Averbach analysis. Design/methodology/approach: The monolayer AgSiN thin films on Ti6Al4V alloy were fabricated using magnetron sputtering technique. To evaluate the crystallite size and microstrain values, the thin films were deposited under different bias voltage (−75, −150 and −200 V). X-ray diffraction (XRD) broadening profile along with approximation method were used to determine the crystallite size and microstrain values. The reliability of the method was proved by comparing it with scanning electron microscopy graph and W-H plot method. The second parameters’ microstrain obtained was used to project the residual stress present in the thin films. Further discussion on the thin films was done by relating the residual stress with the adhesion strength and the thickness of the films. Findings: XRD-approximation method results revealed that the crystallite size values obtained from the method were in a good agreement when it is compared with Scherer formula and W-H method. Meanwhile, the calculations for thin films corresponding residual stresses were correlated well with scratch adhesion critical loads with the lowest residual stress was noted for sample with lowest microstrain and has thickest thickness among the three samples. Practical implications: The fabricated thin films were intended to be used in antibacterial applications. Originality/value: Up to the knowledge from literature review, there are no reports on depositing AgSiN on Ti6Al4V alloy via magnetron sputtering to elucidate the crystallite size and microstrain properties using the approximation method. © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited
The effects of Pueraria mirifica extract, diadzein and genistein in testosterone-induced prostate hyperplasia in male Sprague Dawley rats
No full textPueraria mirifica (PM) is a medicinal plant native to Thailand contained high amount of phytoestrogen and possesses anticancer activity. This study reports the effect of P. mirifica extract, phytoestrogen of diadzein and genistein for its benign prostate hyperplasia properties in testosterone-induced prostate hyperplasia in male Sprague Dawley rats. The P. mirifica extract was evaluated for its total phenols, flavonoid and antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP and metal chelating assay. The assessment of P. mirifica, diadzein and genistein against benign prostate hyperplasia was determined in testosterone-induced prostate hyperplasia in male Sprague Dawley rats. The total phenol was higher than flavonoid but showed low antioxidant activity of DPPH, FRAP and metal chelating. The aqueous PM extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly increased testosterone levels in testosterone-induced rats by 13% while diadzein and genistein increased it by 11% and 17% respectively. However, levels of FSH, LH, triglyceride and HDL are not affected by the oral administration of PM, diadzein and genistein to the rats. Similarly, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, AST, and G-glutamyltransferase showed no significant difference as compared with negative control rats. The body weight of the rats, testis, kidney and liver showed no toxic effect. The zinc content increased significantly and the zinc transporter gen of ZnT4 and ZIP4 highly expressed suggesting that the PM, diadzein and genistein plays essential role in modulating prostate zinc homeostasis. Similarly, the expression of IL-6, AR and ER was significantly reduced indicating functioning in regulation of prostate growth and acts as anti-inflammatory role in preventing BPH. In conclusion, the results indicated that PM reduced BPH and contributed to the regulation in the zinc transport expression of the prostate cells in the benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). © 2019, Springer Nature B.V
The effect of malaysian stingless bee, trigona spp. Honey in promoting proliferation of the undifferentiated stem cell
No full textStem cells provide various potential applications in regenerative medicine through its ability of self-renewal and differentiation. Among the various stem cells, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have shown encouraging results in their ability to regenerate. Honey has been used in traditional culture as a natural medicine in supporting wound healing. Yet, very few studies on honey were conducted for its potential as a proliferative agent for stem cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the stability of two Trigona spp. honeys (1 and 2) added in culture media and its proliferative effect on DPSCs. Both honeys were diluted with standard culture medium through dilution process to prepare the concentrations of 0.01%, 0.04%, 0.10% and 0.25%. DPSCs were treated with the diluted honeys for 24 hours. The proliferative activity was determined through the images taken using an inverted microscope for every six hours. In addition, the MTT assay was conducted to determine the cell viability of DPSCs when treated with both honey 1 and 2 at various concentrations. The results showed a stable culture media added with honey for three days and a dose-dependent proliferative effect of both Trigona spp. honey samples on DPSCs. Optimum proliferative effects were observed at 24 hours for both Trigona spp. honey 1 and 2 on DPSCs. The optimum concentration of Trigona spp. honey 1 was from 0.04% to 0.10% and Trigona spp. honey 2 was below 0.01%. It is concluded that Trigona spp. honey has a promising proliferative effect on DPSCs. © 2019, University of Malaya. All rights reserved
Specific features of 3, 6-bis (4-hydroxy phenyl)-piperazine-2, 5-dione (BHPPD) diphenolic monomer and compered with toxic industrial bisphenol-A (BPA): DFT calculation
No full textIn this study calculations of IR spectra, Mullikan charge analysis, molecular structures, energy optimization, molecular masses, dipole moments, polarizations, atomic electronic charges, HOMO and LUMO energies, gap energies, hardness, softness, electron affinities, chemical potentials and investigate of electro static potentials have been performed. The density functional theory (DFT) within the B3LYP method and 6-31G/6-311G* basis sets on BPA and BHPPD were used. A comprehensive comparison between the two methods was presented. The computations demonstrate that the 3, 6-bis (4-hydroxy phenyl)- piperazine-2, 5-dione (BHPPD) monomer can be viewed as another biodegradable diol which might be utilized as substitutes for the mechanically utilized poisonous diphenols, for example, bisphenol-A (BPA). BHPPD can be utilized as a part of the outline of biodegradable materials as grocery contact surface veneer coatings for jars, metal containers capping, defensive veneers and completions, vehicle parts, glues, aviation applications and as a covering for PVC tubes. The examination amongst BPA and BHPPD demonstrated that the novel nonpoisonous integrated fragrant diol has better physicochemical and poisonous properties contrasted with that of BPA. © 2019 Elsevier B.V