The impact of food quality and its attributes on customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions at Malay restaurants / Muhammad ‘Arif Aizat Bashir

The foodservice business today is a complex and fast-changing industry. This can clearly be seen from the assortment of foodservice establishments escalating in all subsectors of the industry, including restaurants. Food quality appears to be acknowledged as an elemental factor to satisfy restaurant customers; yet, most restaurant quality-related studies have focused on atmospherics and service delivery, often neglecting the significance of food itself as the foundation of a restaurant. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how food quality is perceived in relation to satisfaction and post-dining behavioral intentions in Malay restaurants. This study also attempted to identify which attributes among food related qualities are critical in improving satisfaction and heightening revisit intention. Through regression analyses, this study shows that overall food quality significantly affects customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions and also revealed that the relationship between food quality and behavioral intentions is partially mediated by customer satisfaction. Subsequent regression analyses demonstrated that food taste was the greatest contributor to customer satisfaction; on the other hand, food freshness was the utmost contributor to behavioral intentions. Thus, restaurant operators should pay attention to the key food quality attributes that elicit customer satisfaction and enhance return visits in the restaurant business

Nucleoporin153: Engineering a mammalian expression vector to study its biological role

Compartmentalization is the hallmark of eukaryotic cell characterized by the presence of DNA as genetic material inside the nucleus. Restricting the accessibility of large cytosolic proteins to the nucleosol with the barrier of nuclear envelope (NE) equipped with nanopore channel formed by NPCs (Nuclear Pore Complexes) which acts as gatekeeper between the two boundaries. Eukaryotes have achieved a complexity in transcriptional regulation not found in prokaryotic cells. Furthermore, the NE also serves as additional levels of regulation of gene expression e.g selective export of newly synthesized mRNA into the ribosome as well as the epigenetic control on gene expression and the establishment of higher levels of organization of the nuclear genome. Furthermore, NPCs being itself a supra-molecular complex of different nucleoporins gets formed in orderly orchestrated events during cell cycle. NPCs have been attributed with different functions ranging from transport of viral proteins to age dependent cell deterioration. NUP153 is an essential, indispensible and dynamic component of NPCs. It is a 153 kDa glyco-protein and in association with other nucleoporin proteins forms a stable 3D supra-molecular assembly within the bilayer nuclear membrane. NUP153 has been found to occur peripherally towards the nucleoplasmic side of nuclear membrane. NUP153 has been implicated in so many cellular processes ranging from the transport of viral proteins to the activation of apoptosis cascade in cells. We successfully cloned our gene of interest in two mammalian expression vectors viz pcDNA3 and pCMV-HA. We generated these two constructs to see the role of NUP153 in the transport of protein phosphate 2A (PP2A) (Normally, a resident of cytosol) and small T (ST) of Polyoma virus into the nucleus as our prospective study

Boron, zinc and microtone effects on growth, chlorophyll contents and yield attributes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar

The micronutrient required in minute quantity and their deficiency leads to diminished growth and yield of crops. The effect of soil application of Zinc (Zn), Boron (B) and Microtone (MT) on growth, chlorophyll contents, mineral profile and yield components were investigated in rice at Chakkanwali Reclamation Research Station District, Gujranwala, Pakistan in the year 2011. Seven treatments which includes Zn 33% at 3 kg/acre, Zn 33% at 6 kg/acre, B 11.3% at 1.5 kg/acre, B 11.3% at 3 kg/acre, Zn + B at 3 + 1.5 kg/acre, Zn + B at 6 + 3 kg/acre and MT + Zn 6% + B + Fe + Mn + Cu 1% each at 500 ml/acre, and F0 considered as the control were used. The results reveal that foliar application of Zn and B (Zn + B at 6 + 3 kg/acre) were proved as the best balanced fertilizer dose for higher growth and yield response. The plant height, tiller/plant, panicle length, kernels/plant, filled kernel/plant, productive kernel, straw, paddy and biological yield increased up to 29.75, 38.40, 28.19, 25.81, 36.52, 38.52, 32.47, 38.27 and 31.79%, respectively. The chlorophyll contents, B and Zn contents in rice plant also increased significantly as compared to the control. However, the B, Zn and MT application reduced the amylase and protein contents of rice plant at all treatment levels.Keywords: Micronutrients, rice crop, growth, chlorophyll contents, Oryza sativa L., yield attribute

DYNAMICS OF NOMINAL EXCHANGE RATE WITH PRICE LEVELS: WHAT HAPPENS IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS?

Since inception exchange rate determination in Pakistan has been studied extensively but under various approaches. Current study explores empirically the relationship of the domestic price level & foreign price level with nominal exchange rate in Pakistan, using a daily data set for 13 years (July 2000- June 2013) as provided by State Bank of Pakistan. Variables are analyzed for stochastic properties and existence of unit root, for this purpose ADF is used. Along with regression analysis the co-integration is tested to detect long term co-movement between variables. It has been found that domestic price level has positive relationship with nominal exchange rate, whereas, foreign price level has a negative relationship with nominal exchange rate in the long run

Computed tomographic scanning measurement of skull bone thickness: a single center study

Background: Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) can be useful for the measuring the calvarial thickness in human beings. This could help in identifying the racial and the gender variations in calvarial thickness in a population. The data obtained about calvarial thickness study in human population may be useful for researchers, anatomists, anthropologists, surgeons and manufacturers of surgical screws.Methods: This was an observational study carried out on 104 subjects, with a normal computerized tomography CT scan of the head. Any subject with a skull fractures or an underlying intracranial lesion were excluded from study. A total of 52 males and 52 females who presented in the radiology department for CT head were studied in a consecutive manner. The thickness of skull bone was measured on console (Somatom, Siemens 16 slice).Results: Our study population consisted of 52 male and 52 female subjects. The mean age for males was 48.03 (Range 18-70) years and while as the mean age of females was 47.37 (Range 18-73) years. We did not find any difference in the thickness of the frontal bone at upper third, middle third and lower third between the two sexes. However, the posterior third parietal bone, the anterior and middle third occipital bone was significantly thicker in females when compared to males.Conclusions: Our study suggests that the anterior third of the parietal bone has a more calvarial thickness on the right side than on the left side in both males and females. However, the female calvarium has a significantly thicker calvarium at the posterior third parietal; anterior and middle third occipital bones when compared to male counterparts showing a sexual dimorphism in our study population

Antifungal and antispasmodic activities of the extracts of Euphorbia granulata

The dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of the plant Euphorbia granulata were investigated for their antifungal, antibacterial, phytotoxic, brine-shrimp cytotoxic, antioxidant, spasmolytic (antispasmodic) and acetylcholinestrase inhibitory activities. The dichloromethane extract showed strong inhibition against Microsporum canis (90%) and against Aspergillus flavus (50%). Both the extracts inhibited the spontaneous contractions in rabbit jejunum preparations with EC50 value of 0.17 and 1.3 mg/mL, respectively and also relaxed the K+-induced contractions with EC50 0.2 and 2.8 mg/mL, respectively, suggesting a calcium channel blocking activity. However, the extracts did not show antibacterial, phytotoxic, brine-shrimp cytotoxic, antioxidant and acetylcholinestrase inhibitory activities

Consumers’ understanding and awareness of food irradiation in UiTM Penang / Nor Azureen Rozekhi... [et al.]

It has been remarked that food irradiation is an emerging technology with many advantages to consumers. Among the benefits of food irradiation include the destruction of insects, fungi and bacteria that cause food to spoil and causes food borne illnesses in humans. However, there appears to be a lacking in widespread public awareness and understanding of food radiation for human consumption. Therefore, this study is attempting to investigate consumer awareness, attitude, trust and understanding toward food irradiation. A total of 237 respondents participated in the study via self-administered questionnaires. Findings revealed that consumers’ level of awareness towards food irradiation was surprisingly high. On the other hand, level of positive attitude and trust towards irradiated food were accepted. The findings of this study could contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the awareness, knowledge, attitude and trust towards food irradiation among consumers. In addition, it provides information and suggestions for the authorities in governing and imposing rules and regulations on food and beverage operators and handlers in Malaysia

Knowledge and attitude among night market food operators toward food waste management practices: a conceptual paper/ Muhammad ‘Arif Aizat Bashir

As a developing country, Malaysia is facing the challenge of economic growth and rapid expansion; and waste generation is one of the drawbacks of it. Plenty of tons of food waste is found in the landfill of Malaysia. The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) stated about 40 percent of solid waste that is being produced daily constitutes food waste. It is found that one of the highest contributors to food waste in Malaysia is night market. In line with the above notion, it is proposed that knowledge and attitude has a positive relationship toward proper waste management practices among night market food operators. Therefore, this paper is intended to conceptualize the knowledge and attitude among night market food operators toward food waste management practices

Effect of cyclophosphamide on the microanatomy of liver of albino rats

Background: Cyclophosphamide is widely used in the treatment of various neoplastic diseases and diseases associated with altered immunity. Higher doses used for longer duration effects many organs like urinary bladder, lungs, liver, heart and male reproductive organs.Methods: To study the effect of cyclophosphamide on the micro anatomy of liver, sixty eight Albino rats were taken and divided into three groups, group A (control group) of 20 animals, were fed with routine diet, group B (low dose group) of 24 animals, were given cyclophosphamide at the dose of 0.5 mg/100 gms in addition to the routine diet and group C (high dose group) of 24 animals, were given high dose of cyclophosphamide at the dose of 0.7 mg/100 gms of weight of animal in addition to the routine diet. The animals were sacrificed at intervals of 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks, 5 microns sections of the tissue were prepared and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain.Results: Microscopic changes in liver were apparent in the drug treated animals. In group B the changes appeared after 6 weeks while in group C they started appearing after 3 weeks of drug treatment. The changes were in the form of fatty changes, hemorrhages and central vein congestion.Conclusion: Cyclophosphamide induces histological changes like fatty infiltration and central vein congestion in the liver. These changes are with low doses given for longer durations and manifest earlier when larger doses are used. Thus it is advised that patients receiving cyclophosphamide should be periodically evaluated for liver dysfunction.

Factors Responsible for Resistance in Okra against Aphid, Aphis Gossiypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Aphids are herbivores that feed on plant’s sap and are widespread throughout the globe. To assess the factors affecting the infestation of Aphis gossypii (Glover) and to use antixenosis a trial was conducted using 5 okra genotypes (Sabz Pari, Advanta, Durga, Kaveri, and Shandar) during spring, 2017 at “Agriculture Research Institute” (ARI) Tarnab, under Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) in field and Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in lab with 3 and 8 replications, respectively. Weekly data gathering for mean percent infestation of A. gossypii on each genotype to note variation among genotypes. The aphid infestations (2.5 Aphid leaf-1) recorded on Shandar was higher than others and lowest (2.0 Aphids leaf-1) was recorded on Durga. Initially the infestation was lesser (0.5) but with time it reaches to peak (3.62) on 1st May and then gradually declined to least (2.0 aphid leaf-1) in the 10th week. A statistically significant negative relationship existed between aphid abundance and crop yield. In the antixenosis trial, the Durga variety showed significant antixenosis resistance towards aphids after 12, 24, and 48 hours. Furthermore, the maximum yield of Durga variety (8.3 Tons (t)/ha) and the least yield (5.2 tons/ha) Shandar was obtained. Relating to aphid infestation and yield, the Durga variety performed exceptionally well. It is concluded from the results that the varieties showing antixenosis resistance towards insects must be recommended to not only reduce insect attacks but also to enhance yield