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Human Milk Fat Globule Membrane Contains Hundreds of Abundantly Expressed and Nutritionally Beneficial Proteins That Are Generally Lacking in Caprine Milk
No full textBackground: Bioactive proteins from milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) play extensive roles in cellular processes and defense mechanisms in infants. The aims of this study were to identify differences in protein compositions in human and caprine MFGM using proteomics and evaluate possible nutritional benefits of caprine milk toward an infant's growth, as an alternative when breastfeeding or human milk administration is not possible or inadequate. Materials and Methods: Human and caprine MFGM proteins were isolated and analyzed, initially by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and subsequently by quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This was then followed by database search and gene ontology analysis. In general, this method selectively analyzed the abundantly expressed proteins in milk MFGM. Results: Human MFGM contains relatively more abundant bioactive proteins compared with caprine. While a total of 128 abundant proteins were detected in the human MFGM, only 42 were found in that of the caprine. Seven of the bioactive proteins were apparently found to coexist in both human and caprine MFGM. Results/Discussion: Among the commonly detected MFGM proteins, lactotransferrin, beta-casein, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, and butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1 were highly expressed in human MFGM. On the other hand, alpha-S1-casein and EGF factor 8 protein, which are also nutritionally beneficial, were found in abundance in caprine MFGM. The large number of human MFGM abundant proteins that were generally lacking in caprine appeared to mainly support human metabolic and developmental processes. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated superiority of human MFGM by having more than one hundred nutritionally beneficial and abundantly expressed proteins, which are clearly lacking in caprine MFGM. The minor similarity in the abundantly expressed bioactive proteins in caprine MFGM, which was detected further, suggests that it is still nutritionally beneficial, and therefore should be included when caprine milk-based formula is used as an alternative
Q-switched ytterbium-doped fiber laser with nickel oxide nanoparticles saturable absorber
No full textWe experimentally demonstrate a passively Q-switched Ytterbium-doped fiber laser (YDFL) operation by using a Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles as a saturable absorber (SA). As a kind of transition metal oxide, the NiO has a large nonlinear optical response with a fast response time for SA. By embedding the synthesized NiO5 into a poly ethylene glycol (PEO) film and incorporating in a laser cavity, a Q-switching pulses train was successfully generated to operate at 1070 nm wavelength. A stable passively Q-switched EDFL pulses with maximum output pulse energy of 0.69 nJ, repetition rate of 54.35 kHz, and pulse width of 2.27 µs are achieved when the incident pump power is 226 mW. The results indicate NiO nanoparticles can work as a Q-switcher for operation at 1 micron region
Bambangan (Mangifera pajang ) kernel fat: a potential new source of cocoa butter alternative
No full textBambangan (Mangifera pajang) is one of the underutilised tropical fruits found in the Borneo islands (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei). The physicochemical and thermal properties of bambangan kernel fat (BKF) were investigated in an effort to identify an innovative fat that could be exploited in confectionery applications. The fatty acids and triglyceride (TG) contents, melting behaviour and solid fat content (SFC) of the BKF were determined by various chromatographic and thermal techniques. BKF had three main TGs, namely 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol (POS) (11.6%), 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (SOS) (28.7%) and 1-stearoyl-2,3-dioleoyl-glycerol (SOO) (11.2%), with SOS being the major component. Stearic, oleic and palmitic acids were the dominant fatty acids with the area percentage of 36.4%, 44.5% and 8.4%, respectively. The melting behaviour indicated a single curve with only one maximum shoulder. With respect to the physicochemical and thermal properties, BKF is ideal for use in formulations (blending components) as an alternative to CB in food products, especially confectionary products
Toxicity evaluation of ZnO and TiO2 nanomaterials in hydroponic red bean (Vigna angularis) plant: Physiology, biochemistry and kinetic transport
No full textThe toxicity and kinetic uptake potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials into the red bean (Vigna angularis) plant were investigated. The results obtained revealed that ZnO, due to its high dissolution and strong binding capacity, readily accumulated in the root tissues and significantly inhibited the physiological activity of the plant. However, TiO2 had a positive effect on plant physiology, resulting in promoted growth. The results of biochemical experiments implied that ZnO, through the generation of oxidative stress, significantly reduced the chlorophyll content, carotenoids and activity of stress-controlling enzymes. On the contrary, no negative biochemical impact was observed in plants treated with TiO2. For the kinetic uptake and transport study, we designed two exposure systems in which ZnO and TiO2 were exposed to red bean seedlings individually or in a mixture approach. The results showed that in single metal oxide treatments, the uptake and transport increased with increasing exposure period from one week to three weeks. However, in the metal oxide co-exposure treatment, due to complexation and competition among the particles, the uptake and transport were remarkably decreased. This suggested that the kinetic transport pattern of the metal oxide mixtures varied compared to those of its individual constituents
Dual-wavelength Q-switched pulse generation using D-fibre and MoS2 saturable absorber
No full textWe have demonstrated a dual-wavelength Q-switched generation of erbium-doped fibre laser, which is achieved using a D-fibre and several layers of molybdenum disulfide as a saturable absorber. Bulk MoS2has been processed using a liquid-phase exfoliation to obtain a layered structure. To provide a thin-film structure, MoS2has been mixed with a polyvinyl-alcohol polymer. The dualwavelength spectrum of our device reveals two peaks centred at 1555 and 1562 nm. Q-switched operation at the both spectral peaks has been investigated using a tunable bandpass filter
Market competition, lean manufacturing practices and the role of Management Accounting Systems (MAS) information
No full textAdoption of advanced manufacturing techniques such as lean manufacturing is one of the strategies that help manufacturing firms to sustain their competitiveness and achieve the desired outcomes. It is argued that the traditional Management Accounting Systems (MAS) are no longer capable of providing information necessary to operate in the ever changing business environment. This study examines the role of MAS information in the relationship between market competition, lean manufacturing and organisational performance. Data were gathered using a questionnaire survey from manufacturing firms listed in the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Directory. The results reveal the relationships between lean manufacturing and the MAS, as well as between the MAS and performance, are positive and significant, which suggest that the relationship between lean manufacturing and performance is indirect through the MAS. This provides evidence that the use of MAS information in a lean manufacturing environment facilitates firms in improving organisational performance
Ethical Concerns About Human Genetic Enhancement in the Malay Science Fiction Novels
No full textAdvancements in science and technology have not only brought hope to humankind to produce disease-free offspring, but also offer possibilities to genetically enhance the next generation’s traits and capacities. Human genetic enhancement, however, raises complex ethical questions, such as to what extent should it be allowed? It has been a great challenge for humankind to develop robust ethical guidelines for human genetic enhancement that address both public concerns and needs. We believe that research about public concerns is necessary prior to developing such guidelines, yet the issues have not been thoroughly investigated in many countries, including Malaysia. Since the novel often functions as a medium for the public to express their concerns, this paper explores ethical concerns about human genetic enhancement expressed in four Malay science fiction novels namely Klon, Leksikon Ledang, Transgenesis Bisikan Rimba and Transgenik Sifar. Religion has a strong influence on the worldview of the Malays therefore some concerns such as playing God are obviously religious. Association of the negative image of scientists as well as the private research companies with the research on human genetic enhancement reflects the authors’ concerns about the main motivations for conducting such research and the extent to which such research will benefit society
Kewartawanan Advokasi: Elemen Advokasi Utusan Pengguna Sebagai Alat Sokongan Rakyat (Advocacy Journalism: Advocacy Elements in Utusan Pengguna As A Citizen Support Tool)
No full textJournalism’s extensive role provides huge benefits to the community and social system. In the Malaysian context, journalism mostly focuses on issues related to politics, sports, economy and business. However, both traditional and new media outlets are less likely to give attention to issues related to consumerism. Advocacy journalism in Malaysia is still in its infancy. Advocacy journalism refers to how journalists not only report a problem, but also serves to mediate in resolving an issue (Dixit, 2010). Various issues of consumer, environmental, and social problems faced by society has been under-reported by the media. This article will clarify how journalists contribute to social change in the Malaysian context. The issue will be explored by focusing on advocacy elements in journalism that have been proven to be effective. Further, to analyze the issue, Utusan Pengguna was chosen for this case study. This article specifically discusses how advocacy elements have been applied to solve environmental and consumer issues. A qualitative approach was used to interview four individuals who are well-versed in the field of journalism. It is fair to state that, the advocacy approach adopted by Utusan Pengguna journalists have made a positive impact on the society. The newspaper provides a platform for marginalized groups to voice their concerns. In summary, investigative reporting contributes to social change
Comprehensive studies on polymer electrolyte and dye-sensitized solar cell developed using castor oil-based polyurethane
No full textComprehensive characterization of new polymer electrolyte system prepared using polyurethane derived from castor oil polyol was undertaken. The castor oil polyol was synthesized via transesterification and reacted with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate to form polyurethane. Polyurethane electrolyte films were prepared by addition of sodium iodide in different weight percentage with respect to the weight of the polymer. The electrolyte films were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, transference number measurement, and linear sweep voltammetry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the complexation between polymer and salt. Tan delta peak observed in the tan δ–temperature curve plotted using data obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature of polyurethane decreased with the addition of sodium iodide. The highest conductivity of 4.28 × 10−7 S cm−1 was achieved for the film with 30 wt% of sodium iodide. The performances of dye-sensitized solar cell using the electrolyte systems were analyzed in terms of short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and energy conversion efficiency. The polymer electrolyte with 30 wt% sodium iodide showed the best performance with energy conversion efficiency of 0.80%
Core Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder among Palliative Care Patients
No full textA valid method to diagnose depression in palliative care has not been established. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of depression and the discriminant validity of the items of four sets of diagnostic criteria in palliative care. This is a cross-sectional study on 240 palliative care patients where the presence of depression was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM–IV Criteria, Modified DSM–IV Criteria, Cavanaugh Criteria, and Endicott’s Criteria’s. Anxiety, depression, and distress were measured with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Distress Thermometer. The prevalence of depression among the palliative care patients was highest based on the Modified DSM–IV Criteria (23.3%), followed by the Endicott’s Criteria (13.8%), DSM–IV Criteria (9.2%), and Cavanaugh Criteria (5%). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the depressive symptoms showed by DSM–IV item 1 (dysphoric mood), item 2 (loss of interest or pleasure), and Endicott’s criteria item 8 (brooding, self-pity, or pessimism) among the palliative patients, even after adjustment for the anxiety symptoms and distress level. We found that dysphoric mood, loss of interest, and pessimism are the main features of depression in palliative patients. These symptoms should be given more attention in identifying depression in palliative care patients