661 research outputs found
A noninvasive molecular approach: exploiting species-locus-specific PCR primers in defeating numts and DNA cross-contamination of cercopithecidae
No full textThe lack of a standardized, noninvasive molecular approach to studying genetic aspects of primates has made it hard for primatologists to decode the evolutionary history of these species. Researchers must optimize their own techniques to fully exploit the available samples. Lack of species-locus-specific primers also contributes to difficulties in using noninvasive genetic samples. Thus, the objectives of this study were to develop a standardized technique to collecting samples noninvasively, propose newly designed species-locus-specific primers, and optimize conditions for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestrina, Trachypithecus cristatus, and T. obscurus. Nine new species-locus-specific primers for three different loci of mitochondrial DNA, namely D-loop, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), and cytochrome b, were successfully designed. These primers proved to be efficient in amplifying larger datasets (up to ~1,000 bp) of the targeted species in the optimized PCR conditions. The species-locus-specific primers are able to anneal to host DNA alone in highly contaminated feces of highlighted species. They can also offer alternatives measures in avoiding contamination related to nuclear insertion of mitochondrial pseudogenes (numts)
Reverse engineering: 3 kW polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell for UPS system / Tengku Afiq Nasir Tuan Mohd Hashim
No full textFuel cells are static energy conversion devices that can generate electricity by using the combustion of hydrogen. Experimental works on one of the type of fuel cell which is a 3 kW water-cooled Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) was conducted at the Fuel Cell Lab of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of University of Technology Mara (UiTM). This project focused on to determine an efficient assembly technique for Proton Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) stack in order to obtain the optimal assembly procedure. In this study, the analysis of PEMFC stack assembly is achieved by collecting all necessary data that which related to PEMFC stack in order to determine the optimal clamping force for assembly PEMFC stack. The value of optimal clamping force is determined by conducted the two experiments which are compressive test of bipolar plate and leakage test, and by the analysis calculation The different values of clamping force were applied to assemble PEMFC stack in order to obtain the optimal clamping force. The value of clamping force that is obtained from analysis and experiment was compared. Based on the results obtained, the optimal clamping force for fuel cell stack assembly was successfully identified which are 11039.75 N for theory value and 4390.2 N for experimental value
Cadmium Metals Particles-Covered Polystyrene Nanospheres Thin Film Material:Fabrication, Analysis and Model
No full textIt was well known that cadmium metals particles-covered 200 nm Polystyrene Nanospheres (PSNs) thin film material could be prepared from its according colloidal metals precursor of cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate, Cd(NO3)2.4H2O in water-polyvinil pyrrolidone (PVP) homogeneous mixture. After reducing it with sodium borohidride, NaBH4 then thin films of the colloidal were fabricated on a hydrophilic silicon wafer through gently dropping method and subsequently it was analyzed by both analytical isntruments of ATR-FTIR spectrometry and FESEM. It was clearly observed that wave number ranges of 1700-1600 cm-1 and 1500-1200 cm-1 generated signficant different ATR-FTIR spectra between pristine PSNs and cadmium-covered PSNs. In addition, surface morphology of pristine PSNs thin film explored with FESEM revealed sharply different from that of cadmium-covered PSNs one. It indicated that PSNs particles surface have succesfully been fully covered by cadmium metals particles. Therefore it could be concluded that cadmium metals particles-covered PSNs thin film could be fabricated from its according colloidal precursor and the model might be ilustrated as the following Fig. 2
Methanol leaf extract of Actinodaphne sesquipedalis (Lauraceae) enhances gastric defense against ethanol-induced ulcer in rats
No full textHanita Omar,1,2 Noraziah Nordin,3 Pouya Hassandarvish,4 Maryam Hajrezaie,5 Ainnul Hamidah Syahadah Azizan,1 Mehran Fadaeinasab,6 Nazia Abdul Majid,7 Mahmood Ameen Abdulla,5 Najihah Mohd Hashim,3 Hapipah Mohd Ali1 1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, 2Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, 3Department of Pharmacy, 4Department of Microbiology, 5Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 6Center for Natural Products and Drug Research (CENAR), 7Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract: Actinodaphne sesquipedalis Hook. F. Var. Glabra (Kochummen), also known as “Medang payung” by the Malay people, belongs to the Lauraceae family. In this study, methanol leaf extract of A. sesquipedalis was investigated for their acute toxicity and gastroprotective effects to reduce ulcers in rat stomachs induced by ethanol. The rats were assigned to one of five groups: normal group (group 1), ulcer group (group 2), control positive drug group (group 3) and two experimental groups treated with 150 mg/kg (group 4) and 300 mg/kg (group 5) of leaf extract. The rats were sacrificed an hour after pretreatment with extracts, and their stomach homogenates and tissues were collected for further evaluation. Macroscopic and histological analyses showed that gastric ulcers in rats pretreated with the extract were significantly reduced to an extent that it allowed leukocytes penetration of the gastric walls compared with the ulcer group. In addition, an ulcer inhibition rate of >70% was detected in rats treated with both doses of A. sesquipedalis extract, showing a notable protection of gastric layer. Severe destruction of gastric mucosa was prevented with a high production of mucus and pH gastric contents in both omeprazole-treated and extract-treated groups. Meanwhile, an increase in glycoprotein uptake was observed in pretreated rats through accumulation of magenta color in Periodic Acid Schiff staining assay. Analysis of gastric homogenate from pretreated rats showed a reduction of malondialdehyde and elevation of nitric oxide, glutathione, prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase and protein concentration levels in comparison with group 2. Suppression of apoptosis in gastric tissues by upregulation of Hsp70 protein and downregulation of Bax protein was also observed in rats pretreated with extract. Consistent results of a reduction of gastric ulcer and the protection of gastric wall were obtained for rats pretreated with A. sesquipedalis extract, which showed its prominent gastroprotective potential in rats’ stomach against ethanol-induced ulcer. Keywords: Actinodaphne sesquipedalis, methanol extracts, gastric ulcer, ethanol, mechanis
The unique behaviour of Nasalis larvatus in Bako National Park
No full textOne of the attractions for tourists to visit Bako National Park is the presence of Nasalis larvatus (Proboscis Monkey) in the National Park. Therefore, in this chapter the unique behavior of N. larvatus in Bako National Park has been studied and recorded and is likely to be different from elsewhere. There were seven categories of behaviors that were successfully recorded, comprising various activities and movement patterns which involved their feeding, resting, agonistic, grooming, solicitation, copulation and locomotion. The categories are then break down into several characteristic activities and actions, such as, jumping, leaping, quadrupedal walking, chasing, slapping, biting, facial threats, postural threats, grooming, solicitation, copulation and others miscellaneous behavior. The most frequently observed behaviors during the observations of this research were eating, traveling and resting. Reports on the behavioral data provided are important to help improve our understanding of the behavioral patterns of wild N. larvatus in Bako National Park.
Keywords: Proboscis Monkey, Nasalis lavartus, unique, Bako Natioanal Park, behaviour
Hashim, H. et al., Cytoprotective Effect of Benzyl N'-(5-Chloro-indol-3-yl-methylidene)hydrazinecarbodithioate against Ethanol-induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats. Molecules 2012, 17, 9306-9320
No full textI have been made aware of that fact that substantial parts of our paper published in Molecules [1] duplicate the contents of another paper previously published under our names in African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry [2] of which existence I was unaware. Although the compounds reported in both papers are different, I was not aware of the same biological data being used in the earlier publication. The article in Molecules was submitted in good faith based on the collective work that was presented to me by our co-author Dr Mughrabi, listed as the corresponding author of the article published in African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry [2]
Involvement of NF-κB and HSP70 signaling pathways in the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by a prenylated xanthone compound, α-mangostin, from Cratoxylum arborescens [Corrigendum] [Retraction]
No full textIbrahim MY, Hashim NM, Mohan S, et al. Involvement of NF-κB and HSP70 signaling pathways in the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by a prenylated xanthone compound, α-mangostin, from Cratoxylum arborescens [Corrigendum]. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015;9:3001–3002 was published subsequent to Ibrahim MY, Hashim NM, Mohan S, et al, Involvement of NF-ΚB and HSP70 signaling pathways in the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by a prenylated xanthone compound, α-mangostin, from Cratoxylum arborescens. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014;8:2193–2211, and Ibrahim MY, Hashim NM, Mohan S, et al, α-Mangostin from Cratoxylum arborescens demonstrates apoptogenesis in MCF-7 with regulation of NF-κB and Hsp70 protein modulation in vitro, and tumor reduction in vivo. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014;8:1629–1647.When comparing the papers it becomes apparent that they have an unacceptably high degree of similarity and re-use. Further, there is no clear scientific distinction between the cell lines and the results in both. Accordingly, the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher issued a Notice of Retraction for Ibrahim MY, Hashim NM, Mohan S, et al, Involvement of NF-ΚB and HSP70 signaling pathways in the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by a prenylated xanthone compound, α-mangostin, from Cratoxylum arborescens. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014;8:2193–2211 and the subsequent Corrigendum. This retraction relates to this Corrigendum 
Islamisation or Malaynisation? : a study on the role of Islamic law in the economic development of Malaysia : 1969-1993
No full textThe thesis examines the role of Islam and Shariah (Islamic law) in the
economic development of Malaysia and it rejects the assumption that Islam and
Shariah inhibit economic development. In contemporary Malaysia, there are two
'policies' adopted by the Government. Firstly, 'Islamisation' which is for the
advancement of Islamic law and institution building. Secondly, 'Malaynisation' which
promotes the socio-economic development of the Malay ethnic group. The study
adopts a holistic approach which covers the political economy of law in Malaysia.
The thesis explores the relationship between the two policies considering in
particular whether they are essentially the same. The study covers the pre-colonial,
colonial and post-colonial periods although the focus is on the post-1969 period which
involved the application of the New Economic Policy (NEP).
The NEP was a pro-Malay Policy to rectif,' the economic imbalance of the
Malays vis-à-vis other communities. Therefore, the focus of this thesis is on the Malay-
Muslim population of Peninsular Malaysia who form the bulk of the Bumiputera
(indigenous people).
Two Bum iputera and Islamic organisations, Bank Islam (BIIMB) and Tabung Haji
(TH) as well as the Bumiputera unit trust scheme, Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) are
used as the case studies. Their establishment, structure and organisation are examined.
There is a specific focus on the extent to which they are examples of Islamisation or
Malaynisation.
It is clear that in contemporary Malaysia, Islam and Shariah are being used by
the Government to promote economic development. Islamic values have been used to
further Malay economic participation in the commercial sector. As a consequence, the
economic position of many Malay-Muslims has greatly improved. However, the
Government position is questioned by the Islamic opposition who say that the
Islamisation policy in many respects is either contrary to Islam or merely cosmetic, and
want a 'pure' Islamic approach. The thesis therefore involves a critical examination of
the perspectives of both the Government and the Islamic opposition
Pizza, Cake N' Pastry Cafe / Suryani Mohd Hadzir ... [et al.]
No full textThis business plan is prepares for as a guideline and valuation from outside to convince them about stability of this company. It also as a guideline for day-to-day management of the business. It also prepared for customers and suppliers, in given them a view about our strongest in asset and financial. The business plan is also a guideline to a new entrepreneur who interested in involves the same business. Otherwise, this business plan can also be a guide to our company to manage the company more systematically and efficient, so that long term plan can be done with more properly and to be able to distribute business recources more effectively. Other than that these business plan also can be practice our knowledge and skill and prove own capability among Bumiputera to involve in this business
Revisiting Spasticity After Stroke: Clustering Clinical Characteristics for Identifying At-Risk Individuals
No full textFatimah Ahmedy,1 Nooralisa Mohd Tuah,2 Natiara Mohamad Hashim,3 Syahiskandar Sybil Shah,4 Ismail Ahmedy,5 Soo Fun Tan2 1Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; 2Faculty of Computing & Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; 3Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sg. Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia; 4Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; 5Department of Computer System & Technology, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Fatimah AhmedyRehabilitation Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, 88846, Sabah, MalaysiaTel +60138805513Email [email protected]: To collectively identify the clinical characteristics determining the risk of developing spasticity after stroke.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a single rehabilitation outpatient clinic from June to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were stroke duration of over four weeks, aged 18 years and above. Exclusion criteria were presence of concurrent conditions other than stroke that could also lead to spasticity. Recruited patients were divided into “Spasticity” and “No spasticity” groups. Univariate analysis was deployed to identify significant predictive spasticity factors between the two groups followed by a two-step clustering approach for determining group of characteristics that collectively contributes to the risk of developing spasticity in the “Spasticity” group.Results: A total of 216 post-stroke participants were recruited. The duration after stroke (p < 0.001) and the absence of hemisensory loss (p = 0.042) were two significant factors in the “Spasticity” group revealed by the univariate analysis. From a total of 98 participants with spasticity, the largest cluster of individuals (40 patients, 40.8%) was those within less than 20 months after stroke with moderate stroke and absence of hemisensory loss, while the smallest cluster was those within less than 20 months after severe stroke and absence of hemisensory loss (21 patients, 21.4%).Conclusion: Analyzing collectively the significant factors of developing spasticity may have the potential to be more clinically relevant in a heterogeneous post-stroke population that may assist in the spasticity management and treatment.Keywords: spasticity, stroke rehabilitation, clinical characteristics, clustering analysi
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