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Elucidating the role of FOXJ3 in regulating the expression of super enhancer associated KLF6 in kidney cancer cells / Che Muhammad Farhan Che Abdullah
No full textKidney cancer is one of the top ten most diagnosed cancers worldwide. Of that, clear cell
renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for 75% of kidney cancer and death cases. ccRCC
is associated with a mutation in Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor genes that
causes accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). The conventional strategy to treat
kidney cancer has been to target angiogenesis formation genes such as vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that are upregulated from the abundance of HIF.
Another target for kidney cancer treatment is the mechanistic target of rapamycin
(mTOR) pathway using mTOR inhibitors. However, the treatments remain ineffective
especially for patients with later stage cancers. Alternative therapeutic strategy for kidney
cancers is to look at its transcriptional machinery. A super enhancer associated gene,
Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) has been identified as an important regulator in maintaining
kidney cancer cell growth and fitness. The transcription factors (TFs) that bind to the
super enhancer (SE) region near KLF6 has yet to be fully identified. Preliminary DNA
binding motif analysis has shown the transcription factor forkhead box J3 (FOXJ3) to be
one of the TFs that bind to this SE region. This project had designed a CRISPR
interference (CRISPRi) system targeting FOXJ3 in kidney cancer cell line, 786-M1A that
successfully showed a reduction of FOXJ3 expression. This in turn leads to a reduction
of KLF6 expression making FOXJ3 as one of the transcriptional machineries for KLF6.
The relationship between FOXJ3 and KLF6 provides the data for completing the picture
of the super enhancer assembly that drive KLF6 expression
Identification and pathogenicity of Pantoea spp. in leaf blight disease of Oryza sativa l. located at IADA Barat Laut Selangor / Muhammad Nazri Ishak
No full textLeaf blight is one of the major constraints to rice production and this disease is commonly associated with bacterial species Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). However, in recent years, bacteria belonging to the genus Pantoea had also been reported to cause leaf blight disease in rice-growing areas worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine leaf blight disease infestation in rice fields using aerial monitoring, to identify leaf blight disease-causing agent in IADA Barat Laut Selangor rice fields, and to evaluate the pathogenicity of the leaf blight disease-causing agent on locally cultivated rice. A series of surveys were conducted in several localities in IADA Barat Laut Selangor rice fields from October to December 2018 using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to monitor and identify areas with leaf blight disease infestation. Symptomatic leaves from the areas were collected, surface-sterilised and subjected to bacterial isolation on Trypticase soy agar (TSA) medium. The morphological characteristics of the isolates were determined. The isolates were then purified for biochemical assays including Gram-testing, catalase, oxidase, KOH, starch hydrolysis, and anaerobic tests. The isolates were subjected to a preliminary pathogenicity test against local rice cultivar, MR220 using clipping method. The isolates showing leaf blight disease symptoms were further analysed for molecular identification using 16SrRNA markers. The identified causing agents were confirmed with a second pathogenicity test against another local rice cultivar, MR220CL2. Aerial monitoring of rice fields identified 15 plots infested with leaf blight disease. The infestation coverage ranged from 6.6 to 48.2%. The isolates from the field yielded mild, yellow-pigmented colonies with undulated margin, raised elevation, and circular to irregular forms. The biochemical tests of the isolates displayed inconclusive determination of putative causative agents for leaf blight disease. The preliminary pathogenicity test showed five isolates displayed symptoms of leaf blight disease. Molecular analysis identified SK09 and SK15 isolates as Pantoea agglomerans and P. wallisii, respectively. The second pathogenicity test confirmed these two putative agents to cause leaf blight disease to cultivated rice, MR220CL2 similar to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). This study proposes the usage of UAV as one of the monitoring tools in rice fields especially for the application of disease surveillance in rice granaries. This study also identified Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea wallisii as new causative agents for new leaf blight disease for rice in Malaysia. An understanding of this newly emerged pathogen should lead to guidelines for rice breeders and agricultural practitioners for developing sustainable management strategies for dealing with outbreaks of this disease in the future
Optimisation of corona ring design and its impact on the performance of insulator string in high voltage transmission lines / Kalaiselvi Aramugam
No full textInstallation of a corona ring on an insulator string on a transmission line is one of the solutions to reduce the electric field stress surrounding the energised end of the insulator string. However, installing a corona ring with an optimum design to reduce the electric field magnitude on an insulator string is a challenging task. Therefore, in this work, a method to achieve an optimum design of a corona ring for a 33 kV and 132 kV composite non-ceramic insulator string was proposed using optimisation methods; Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) and Grey Wolf Optimisation (GWO). The composite non-ceramic insulator string geometry with and without corona ring was modeled in finite element analysis and used to obtain the electric field distribution in the model geometry. The electric field distribution was evaluated using variation of corona ring dimensions, i.e. the ring diameter, the ring tube diameter and the vertical position of the ring along the insulator string. From the results achieved, comparison of the minimum electric field magnitude along the insulator string with a corona ring design shows that the minimum electric field magnitude is lower using optimisation techniques. Among the methods tested, the most suitable technique is found based on insulator model used in this work. Hence, this indicates the capability and effectiveness of the proposed methods in achieving an optimum design of a corona ring on an insulator string
Radiometric evaluation and analysis of commonly consumed vegetables in Selangor, Malaysia / Hariandra Muthu
No full textThe activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides in vegetables and peat soil was measured in this research to determine the transfer factors (TFs) of radionuclides from soil to vegetables collected from farms located in Klang, Selangor using a High Purity Germanium Detector. The results showed that the activity concentration ranges for 137Cs (Caesium-137), 226Ra (Radium-226), 232Th (Thorium-232) and 40K (Potassium-40) in the soil of the vegetable were (0.34 – 3.21) Bqkg-1, (2.72 – 46.54) Bqkg-1, (9.01 - 54.84) Bqkg-1and (19.22 – 477.76) Bqkg-1, respectively. The activity concentration ranges for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in various vegetable samples were (0.41 – 3.41) Bqkg-1, (0.02 - 3.56) Bqkg-1and (16.22 - 317.49) Bqkg-1, respectively. The activity concentration for 137Cs in the vegetable samples were below the detection limit (BDL). The TF from soil-to-plant for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was in the range of (0.01 - 0.67), (0.00 - 0.17) and (0.26 – 2.52), respectively. The values obtained, including the radium equivalent, Raeq, were compared to the internationally recommended values. Raeq calculated in the soil samples from the vegetable farm are in the range of (17.09 – 161.75) Bqkg-1, which is lower than the suggested value of 370 Bq/kg by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).
Radiological hazards from the soil and consumer exposure were evaluated using soil and vegetable activity concentrations. It is found that the External Hazard Index, Hex and Internal Hazard Index, Hin are ranged from 0.05 to 0.44 and from 0.05 to 0.56, respectively, which are lower than the limit established by the European Commission of Radiation Protection(ECRP). The Radiological Level Index, Iγ for the soil ranges between 0.12 to 1.18. However, one of the soils surrounding four angles bean has a Radiological Level Index, Iγ of 1.18 higher than the recommended value of 1. For the vegetable sample, it is found that the absorbed dose rate, DN is ranged between 1.75 to 16.94 nGy h-1. The value of Annual Ingestion Dose (Aeff) ranges from 2.54 μSv y-1 to 22.89 μSv y-1. The range of Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE) is between 2.15 μSv y-1 to 20.78 μSv y-1. The value of Excess Life-time Cancer Risk (ELCR) ranges between 0.80 × 10-5 to 7.79 × 10-5. The Annual Ingestion Dose, Annual Effective Dose Equivalent and ELCR are found to be lower than the value recommended by UNSCEAR.
Results showed that the activity concentration of 137Cs in the soil samples ranged between 0.34 ± 0.09 to 3.21 ± 0.17 Bqkg-1. Dose rate computed from the corresponding value of activity concentration ranged from 0.01 to 0.10 nGyh-1. The annual effective dose rate ranged between 1.25 to 11.8 μSv y-1. The values of ELCR ranged between 0.47 × 10-5 to 4.45 × 10-5 which is lower than the safety limit of 0.29 × 10−3. The results of this investigation show that the assessed values are below the UNCSEAR and ICRP recommended values and do not present radiological hazards to the general population
Analysis and interpretation of high-resolution aeromagnetic data for depth estimation and geothermal energy exploration around the middle benue trough, Northcentral Nigeria / Eko Gerald Ejiga
No full textThe geothermal energy potentials of areas around the Akiri and Awe hot springs in the Middle Benue Trough (MBT) of Northcentral Nigeria was assessed using high resolution aeromagnetic data (HRAD). The data, acquired by airborne magnetic survey, was processed, and analyzed for basement depth delineation, structural assessment, Curie point depth (CPD) estimation, as well as geothermal gradient and crustal heat flow determinations. Applying the scaling/fractal method based on correlated distribution of magnetic sources, yielded a basement depth/sediment thickness ranging from 1.8 – 6.3 km, and CPD between 14.3 – 23.3 km, with an average of 18.7 km. The scaling exponent ranging from 0 – 2 was calculated based on the various lithologies of the area. The conventional centroid method based on uncorrelated distribution of sources was however, tested in the region for the purpose of comparison and substantiation of results, and found to have over-estimated the CPD by an average of 7.2 km per block window. The CPD is the depth at which ferromagnetic minerals losses their magnetic properties to become paramagnetic and no magnetic response can be captured beyond this depth. It serves as a proxy for direct crustal temperature measurement due to several constraints associated with borehole measurements, like huge cost of drilling and limited depth of penetration. The geothermal gradient and crustal heat flow obtained varies from 24.9 to 40.6 ℃/km with an average of 31.9 ℃/km and, 62.2 to 101.4 mW/m2 with an average of 79.7 mW/m2 respectively. The forward modelling together with derivative analysis indicate that the Cenozoic magmatism in the MBT was far more extensive than revealed by surface mapping, with numerous emplacements of volcanic intrusions into the Cretaceous sediments. The major orientation of the geologic structures in the area is in NE–SW, aligned with the axis of the Benue Trough. Other minor trends are in NW–SE, N–S, E– W directions signifying multiple episodes of tectonic regimes across geologic time. The shallow CPD and ensuing high heat flow obtained in the central to southwest portion, together with imprints of several volcanic intrusions, as well as presence of deep fault planes which could have served as conduits for heat transfer, indicate the presence of probable anomalous geothermal energy potential in the area. This potential is found to be more concentrated near the hot springs. The energy generation capacity of Nigeria is grossly inadequate and these geothermal resources, if effectively exploited could address the energy needs of the country while at the same time safeguarding the environment from excessive pollution as the case with other non-renewable energy source
Remittances, investment and savings: A comparative analysis across different regions of Bangladesh / Sarah Salahuddin
No full textRemittance is a crucial aspect of the socio-economic advancement in developing countries like Bangladesh. Over the years, the increasing flow of remittances due to international migration has contributed to Bangladesh’s national development. However, research have showed that instead of investing in the productive sector, remittance-receiving households’ mostly spend on conspicuous consumption and status-oriented consumer good simplifying that a very meagre portion of the remittance is channeled towards savings and investment. However, optimal allocation of remittances to investment and savings is essential for sustainable economic growth and smoothing of intergenerational consumption. Therefore, this study aims to identify the significant role of remittances, on household investment and savings, using data from 10,451 households from Bangladesh. The objectives are threefold. The first two objectives attempt to uncover the association between remittances, investment and savings in Bangladesh using the data of investment and savings made by the remittance-receiving households. The third objective seeks to identify the differences in the investment and savings of households across seven regions in Bangladesh. The study is based on a cross-sectional survey data set, “Survey on Investment from Remittances” or (SIR, 2016), collected from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The OLS regression analysis revealed that remittance inflow is a significant predictor of investment and savings at the household level in Bangladesh and positively impacts different kinds of investment and savings. The result of the study also showed that the highest portion of remittance was spent on housing investment, while, in terms of savings, the highest percentage was devoted to opening a savings account. Male headed households played a more efficient role in increasing the level of investment and savings. Household heads without education tend to invest more compare to the household heads with education. Remittances have a significant positive impact on different investment categories and savings across the regions, except for few exceptions. Regional analysis showed that housing investment secured the first position in Chittagong and Sylhet, and Dhaka made the highest total investment. Irrespective of the demographic characteristics of the household head, remittance-receiving households preferred to invest in land, business, agriculture and livestock and other kinds of investment. Although a maximum number of households in all the regions opened a savings account where Chittagong pursued the highest total savings. Besides remittances, gender and education of the household head played the most important role in determining the types of investment and savings undertaken in most of the regions
Research on improvement of project implementation for RFID toll in Malaysia / Syed Mohd Izmir Sabri
Get PDFIn line with the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) concept for tolls in Malaysia, the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and its agency, Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), wishes to transition the existing toll payment technology in Malaysia from Touch 'n Go (TNG) cards and Smart Tag to RFID Technology Tag and TNG ewallet. MHA's commencement of the MLFF idea was a watershed moment, signaling a strategic change toward information technology industries, paving the way for Malaysia's development as a developed nation. As it began in 2018, the new payment method received some negative feedbacks from the public, including the RFID tag not being detected, payment being deducted twice, barrier gates not opening when the lane is combined with a Smart Tag/RFID lane, and PLUS highway remains unable to accept payment via RFID tag. This research aims to improve the project management implementation of RFID toll payment up to the global standard. The objectives of this research are to analyses existing toll operations to use RFID toll collection systems in Malaysia, determine the issues of existing RFID toll collection in Malaysia and recommend RFID toll system improvement in Malaysia to an internationally accepted standard. It was decided to employ a qualitative research approach, with primary data gathered through interviews with the many parties who are directly involved in the RFID toll payment such as Malaysian Highway Authority, Touch ‘n Go, all toll concessionaires, JPJ and RFID consultant from Taiwan FETC in order to have better understanding with the current toll operations and the root cause of the challenges with RFID toll in Malaysia. The secondary data was gathered from an existing study paper 5 as well as real-life scenarios from successful countries such as Taiwan and among other sources
Development of conceptual framework on the occupational stress for the construction projects management staff of China contractors / Yang Zi Fan
Get PDFConstruction project management is one of the most stressful occupations. As China
contractors thrived in Malaysia over a decade, their construction project management
staff may suffer from occupational stress. This study aims to identify the types of stress,
and the key causes of the occupational stress on construction projects management staff
of China contractors through the questionnaire survey for 95 project management staffs.
The research results show almost all staff suffered from occupational stress and half of
them under considerable stress. The dominant types of occupational stress are feeling of
tension and restlessness. Regarding the key causes of occupational stress, among 45 most
popular key causes of occupational stress, the most significant key causes are project
overload, lack of autonomy, poor communication, multitasking and lack of human. In the
end of the research, some recommendations to release the occupational stress of the
employees were raised
Characterization of Rickettsia raoultii replication kinetics in different tick cell lines / Nurul Aini Husin
No full textRickettsia raoultii is a spotted fever group rickettsia and emerging pathogen that poses a threat to public health with Dermacentor species of ticks as the main vector and known as one of the causative agents of tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) in humans. This bacterium was previously isolated into and propagated in tick and mammalian cell lines. Although the growth characteristics of R. raoultii have been investigated in mammalian cells, the same has not been investigated in detail in tick cells. In this study, the growth and replication kinetics of R. raoultii in three tick cell lines derived from different tick genera, Rhipicephalus microplus-derived BME / CTVM23, Rhipicephalus sanguineus-derived RSE / PILS35 and Ixodes scapularis-derived IDE8 tick cell lines were presented. Tick cell cultures were infected in duplicate with cryopreserved R. raoultii prepared from the homologous cell lines. In all infected cell cultures, 100 % of the cells were infected by 12 to 14 days post infection as visualized in Giemsa-stained cytocentrifuge smears. A rickettsiae-specific citrate synthase (gltA) gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to demonstrate the replication kinetics of R. raoultii in the infected cultures. The R. raoultii growth curves were exhibited with initial lag, exponential, stationary and death phases. Exponential phases between 4 and 12 days and generation times between 0.9 and 2.6 days were observed in the R. raoultii-infected tick cell cultures. The highest levels of multiplication of R. raoultii in BME / CTVM23 and RSE / PILS35 cultures were, respectively, 39.5 and 37.1-fold increases compared to the inoculum. In contrast, the highest level of multiplication of R. raoultii in IDE8 cultures was 110.1-fold greater than the inoculum. In addition, a 7 day stationary phase was observed in R. raoultii-infected IDE8 cultures. The findings here suggest that there is variation in the growth kinetics of R. raoultii in the different tick cell lines tested, amongst which IDE8 cells could tolerate the highest levels of R. raoultii replication. Variations in genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, as well as species differences between tick cell lines, may have contributed to this finding. Further studies into the characterization of R. raoultii and its interaction with tick vectors are needed to better understand its survival within tick populations, and tick cell lines remain an important tool to this end
Characteristics of exemplary teachers and their practices in Malaysia international Islamic school from da'wah perspective / Ahmed Elsaid Ahmed Elfarses
No full textThis study, themed Characteristics of Exemplary Teachers and Their Practices in Malaysia International Islamic School from Da'wah Perspective, Studyapplied to IGCSE students at International Islamic Schools in Selangor with special focus on Baseerah International Schools, International Islamic Schools, and Adni International Islamic Schools. The study uses descriptive and analytical method in order to define the problem. It draws theorical data from a number of literatures: references, periodicals and from field-based studies. The study uses questionnaire as a tool that consists of three sections: Section One contains variables (gender, grade, school). Section Two comprises two variants: personality traits and ethical qualities. Section Three is of two variables for assessing professional traits: teaching performance as well as teaching and evaluation methods. The research tool is applied to a focused sample and its data is analysed via appropriate statistical methods - SPSS. The study has reached several findings: That the teacher’s performance is of a highest concern by the students as they ticked (strongly agree) under the respective variable of the questionnaire. Thus, shows the extent to which students are aware of the importance of teacher’s performance in addition to how they are devoted to benefit from their expertise. That there are no statistically significant variations that could be attributed to gender or grade as regards the degree to which the traits of the role model teacher are displayed by teachers at international Islamic schools. The study offers some suggestions: that the concept of good role model should be introduced and integrated into academic curricula and syllabuses at all educational levels; that media of all types must display a role model teacher as positive and highly respected figure, not as a preposterous and laughable stock. Media of all types must credit role models in all domains: in Da’wah, sport, medicine, etc...; they must highlight their significant role in societies