Urban Rainfall-Runoff Study To Validate The Design Chart In The Malaysian Urban Storm Water Management Manual (MSMA).

Knowledge on rainfall-runoff response is vital in engineering practices for developing area in the humid tropics. This paper will discuss the runoff response due to varying rainfall within small Malaysian urban catchment

Analisis Kejadian Badai Magnetik Berdasarkan Data Variasi Harian Magnetik di Kota Kupang

Telah dilakukan penelitian analisis kejadian badai magnetik di Kota Kupang bulan Oktober 2014 sampai bulan September 2016. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan karateristik kejadian badai magnetik serta menentukan periode kemunculan badai magnetik di Kota Kupang. Pengolahan data dengan menggunakan Software Microsoft Excel untuk dibuat grafik data komponen magnet bumi terhadap waktu dan Software Matlab 2011 untuk penentuan periodesitas kejadian badai magnetik menggunakan transformasi fourier cepat (FFT). Berdasarkan hasil pengolahan data, karateristik kejadian badai magnetik yang terdapat di daerah penelitian untuk bulan Oktober 2014 sampai September 2016 adalah untuk tingkat aktivitas gangguan magnetik maksimum ditandai dengan nilai K indeks=8, A indeks=54.875 dan penurunan nilai Dst= -121 nT, sehingga dikategorikan badai menengah dan tingkat aktivitas gangguan magnetik minimum ditandai dengan nilai K indeks=3, A indeks=11.5 serta penurunan nilai Dst = -17 nT, sehingga dikategorikan relatif tenang. Periode kemunculan aktivitas magnetik bulan Oktober 2014-September 2016 adalah berada dalam periode satu harian sampai sepuluh harian. Kata kunci : Variasi harian magnetik, badai magnetik, periodesitas, K indeks, A indeks

Thermodynamic evaluation of a solar based kalina cycle

Solar energy has enormous potential in the world. It can produce energy generation several times larger than the overall world energy demand. However, a major challenge to implement it is the high costs of electricity generation from solar sources. These costs can be reduced by improving the conversion efficiency from solar energy to electrical energy. Currently, the Rankine cycle is the most frequently used power cycle for generating electricity from solar energy. An interesting alternative to the commonly used Rankine cycle that uses solar heat energy as its input is the Kalina cycle. The Kalina cycle uses a mixture of ammonia and water as its working fluid. When using a mixture of ammonia and water as a working fluid, temperature varies while heat is added and rejected during phase change. This theoretically would be more efficient than a power cycle who only uses water as its working fluid. This paper examines the performance of a Kalina cycle with solar energy from concentrating solar plant as the input heat. A solution algorithm is developed and programmed to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of a Kalina cycle with inlet turbine temperature of 400 °C. Parametric analysis was done to study the effects of turbine inlet pressure and turbine inlet ammonia concentration on cycle efficiency. Results shows that both parameters have a positive relationship with cycle efficiency. Turbine outlet pressure was found to be a major influence on cycle efficiency. Maximum efficiency was found to be 33% at a turbine inlet pressure of 140 bar and turbine inlet ammonia concentration of 0.8

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from land transports in Malaysia: modelling and policy analysis

Transportation sector is important to the economy and its rapid development has contributed significantly to the socioeconomic development of the country. The transportation sector in Malaysia accounts for approximately 35% of the total energy consumed nationally and produces nearly 50 million tonne of CO2 per year in 2015, second only to electricity power generation. Though shares only 0.3% of global GHG (Greenhouse gas) emissions, Malaysia is second largest per capita GHG emitter among the group of ASEAN countries and the major concern lies in the ever increasing trends. The aim of this work was to perform dynamic quantitative emission analysis of Malaysian vehicle fleet until year 2040, primarily on land transports including both passenger and freight transports except train. Utilizing a System Dynamic approach using Powersim Studio®, several emission scenarios were modelled in compared to current scenario (baseline model). The baseline model was used to determine carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction for different policy scenarios in compared to baseline scenario. The complex relationships between the various components in the transport system are reflected in the dynamic model considering the vehicle technology, legislation and drivers’ attitude. This work found that CO2 emission in 2040 can be reduced by up to 50%, compared to baseline scenario, without affecting the economy and vehicle demand. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides pollution can also be reduced by 75% and 93% respectively with implementation of several policies compared to baseline scenario

Renewable energy support policy in Malaysia: a comparative analysis with two successful countries

The world is facing depletion of fossil fuel sources thus urged for alternative and renewable energy sources. The conventional energy production raised a concern regarding greenhouse gases (GHG) emission that has led experts to find ways in reducing it. Energy production from renewable energy sources needs efficient support mechanisms to be successful. Many EU (European Union) countries namely Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark have been successful in deploying renewable energy sources by enacting judicial policy support mechanisms. Malaysia too has utilized several policies for promoting renewable energy but its success is yet very low. This paper is aimed to analyze renewable energy policies of Malaysia as to compare with selected EU countries successful policies. RETScreen software is used to analyze policies cases for Solar PV and Biomass sources. A comparative analysis is done for Malaysia with Germany and Sweden to obtain the estimation of net present value, internal rate of return and payback period. The finding provides indication why Malaysia renewable energy policy is not efficient as the two EU countries. The paper also discovers that the proposed policy for Malaysia has shown to a better option for future policies embedment

Feed formulation based on local feed resources and its effects on nutritional-related blood profile in breeder goats

A comparative study was conducted to determine the nutrient composition of different feed formulations and its effect on nutritional related blood profile in breeder goats. Eighteen female adult goats, Capra aegagrus hircus (Boer cross) were selected and allocated into three different groups (n = 6) and assigned according to different feed formulations. Blood sampling was conducted before and after fourth weeks of feeding trial and analysed for selected parameters. Proximate analysis of diets was done and revealed comparable value of crude protein and crude fat. Glucose, total protein and calcium level in serum showed significant difference between groups (P-value 0.05). Fatty acid analysis of feed and serum showed polyunsaturated fatty acid was higher than satureated fatty acid. Overall, diet 3 shows the highest value of all blood parameters analysed in this study. Hence, it is very important to provide animal with nutrient according to production stages as sufficent protein and energy will improve the animal performance in terms breeding efficacy and quality of animal products. This study indicates that different feed formulation affects certain nutritional related blood profile in goat

Effects of EBN on embryo implantation, plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones, and uterine expressions of genes of PCNA, steroids, growth factors and their receptors in rats

This study was conducted to determine the effect of edible bird's nest (EBN) supplement on uterine function and embryo-implantation rate. A total of 24 adult female rats, divided equally into four groups, were treated with different doses of EBN for 8 weeks. In the last week of treatment, intact fertile male rats were introduced into each group (three per group) for overnight for mating. On day 7 post-mating (post-implantation), blood samples were collected from the hearts of anaesthetised rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for assessment of embryo implantation rate, histological and electron microscopic examination, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results showed that as the concentration of EBN supplemented increased, the pregnancy and embryo implantation rates were also increased in the treated groups; significantly at G3 and G4. Although histological evaluation did not show much difference among the groups, scanning electron microscopic examination showed enhanced development of elongated microvilli and pinopods in G4. Results also revealed up-regulated expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nulear antigen (PCNA), and progesterone and estrogen receptors (P4R, E2R) in the uteri of treated groups. Moreover, plasma E2, P4, growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (P) levels were higher (p < 0.05) in G3 and G4. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities (TAC) and reduced oxidative stress (OS) levels in pregnant rats. In conclusion, findings of this study revealed that EBN enhances fertility and embryo implantation rate via promoting proliferation and differentiation of uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors, EGF, EGFR, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus. Furthermore, observations of improved growth of ultrastructural pinopods that assist in embryo attachment with uterine epithelium, increased concentrations of E2, P4, GH and P levels, as well as increased AO capacities with reduced OS levels in the treated groups might reflect additional possible mechanisms by which EBN enhances embryo implantation rate and pregnancy success

The effect of different feed formulation based on local feed resource on performance and stress parameter in breeder goat

Balanced nutrition is essential for health and performance of livestock. It is best when feed is formulated according to production stages of goat. However, as the goat grows, it may undergo transition of different feed formulation to meet its daily requirement. The transition may affect the performance of animals as well as it is a stressful condition. In this study, body weight gain and feed intake were used as indicators on performance, whereas hematological stress leucograms were used as indicator of stress parameter during implementation of different feed formulation among does. Eighteen adult does with similar body condition score and body weight approximately 20 kg were selected and divided into three groups equally (n = 6) and fed with different feed formulations, which were formulated using local feed source in the farm for a period of four weeks. Body weight was measured before implementation, on week 2 and week 4, blood sampling was conducted before implementation and during week 4 for comparison and feed intake was measured every day. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Does fed with Diet 3 showed highest body weight gain and feed intake, followed by Diet 2 and Diet 1. There was significant difference (P0.05) as compared to normal value. Neutrophils:lymphocytes ratio for all groups were within normal range and no significant difference (P>0.05). The implementation of feed formulation according to production stages is recommended as it increases performance and prevents from nutritional stress

Advances, challenges and future directions for stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition where loss of motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord leads to muscle atrophy, weakness, paralysis and ultimately death within 3–5 years from onset of symptoms. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying the disease pathology are not fully understood and neuroprotective treatment options are minimally effective. In recent years, stem cell transplantation as a new therapy for ALS patients has been extensively investigated, becoming an intense and debated field of study. In several preclinical studies using the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS, stem cells were demonstrated to be neuroprotective, effectively delayed disease onset and extended survival. Despite substantial improvements in stem cell technology and promising results in preclinical studies, several questions still remain unanswered, such as the identification of the most suitable and beneficial cell source, cell dose, route of delivery and therapeutic mechanisms. This review will cover publications in this field and comprehensively discuss advances, challenges and future direction regarding the therapeutic potential of stem cells in ALS, with a focus on mesenchymal stem cells. In summary, given their high proliferation activity, immunomodulation, multi-differentiation potential, and the capacity to secrete neuroprotective factors, adult mesenchymal stem cells represent a promising candidate for clinical translation. However, technical hurdles such as optimal dose, differentiation state, route of administration, and the underlying potential therapeutic mechanisms still need to be assessed

Competence in Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, From Training Through Independent Practice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is unclear whether participation in competency-based fellowship programs for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) results in high-quality care in independent practice. We measured quality indicator (QI) adherence during the first year of independent practice among physicians who completed endoscopic training with a systematic assessment of competence. METHODS: We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of invited participants from 62 training programs. In phase 1, 24 advanced endoscopy trainees (AETs), from 20 programs, were assessed using a validated competence assessment tool. We used a comprehensive data collection and reporting system to create learning curves using cumulative sum analysis that were shared with AETs and trainers quarterly. In phase 2, participating AETs entered data into a database pertaining to every EUS and ERCP examination during their first year of independent practice, anchored by key QIs. RESULTS: By the end of training, most AETs had achieved overall technical competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 73.9%) and cognitive competence (EUS 91.7%, ERCP 94.1%). In phase 2 of the study, 22 AETs (91.6%) participated and completed a median of 136 EUS examinations per AET and 116 ERCP examinations per AET. Most AETs met the performance thresholds for QIs in EUS (including 94.4% diagnostic rate of adequate samples and 83.8% diagnostic yield of malignancy in pancreatic masses) and ERCP (94.9% overall cannulation rate). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicenter study, we found that although competence cannot be confirmed for all AETs at the end of training, most meet QI thresholds for EUS and ERCP at the end of their first year of independent practice. This finding affirms the effectiveness of training programs. Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02509416