Genetic identification of selected ornamental fishes in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan / Wan Fara Asyikin Wan Zainal Azhar and Izzati Adilah Azmir

The ornamental fish sector is a widespread and global component of international trade, fisheries, aquaculture and development. The utilization of multiple trade names causes problem in species identification. Moreover, unmanaged trading could lead to severe threats to biodiversity. In this regard, DNA barcoding could effectively clarify the divergence of the species. Considering the utility of DNA barcoding as a comprehensive system for species identification and discovery, this study aims to investigate the genetic relationship and to construct the phylogenetic tree among those selected fish species collected from selected pet stores in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. The 642bp barcode fragment of the Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene was PCR amplified. Results from BLAST showed all the generated sequence were subjected to high percentage identity index and similarity between 99% to 100%. It was then analyzed using MEGA 7.0 through Neighbour-Joining (NJ) clustering and K2P distance-based approach. The analysis revealed straightforward identification of eight specimens into five species with increasing value of genetic distances from conspecific (0.05%) to the taxonomic level (20.18%). The phylogenetic analysis consists of own sequences and reference sequences obtained from the GenBank. All the specimens from different genus was found with high bootstrap value (n>90%) through Neighbour-Joining (NJ) and Maximum Likelihood method. Thus, DNA barcoding reflects the efficacy of the techniques in identifying the genetic assessment in selected ornamental fishes

Hubungan antara kecerdasan emosi dengan kepuasan perkahwinan sewaktu pandemik Covid-19 di Malaysia

Kecerdasan emosi merupakan salah satu elemen psikologi yang penting dan mendapat perhatian dalam kalangan ahli psikologi yang mengkaji tentang perhubungan dalam perkahwinan. Maka, kajian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidik hubungan di antara kecerdasan emosi dengan kepuasan perkahwinan dalam kalangan individu yang berkahwin dan tinggal di Malaysia sewaktu pandemik COVID-19. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian penerokaan dan pensampelan mudah dengan menggunakan soal selidik dalam talian melalui platform media sosial. Soal selidik terdiri daripada soalan yang berkaitan kecerdasan emosi dengan menggunakan Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) dan kepuasan perkahwinan dengan menggunakan Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS), yang telah diadaptasi untuk kegunaan dalam konteks budaya Malaysia. Secara keseluruhannya, hasil ujian korelasi Pearson menunjukkan bahawa terdapat hubungan signifikan yang positif dan lemah di antara kecerdasan emosi (penggunaan emosi) dan kepuasaan perkahwinan (r = 0.10*, p <0.05). Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan kepentingan aspek penggunaan emosi dalam perhubungan perkahwinan. Dapatan ini memberikan panduan kepada profesion menolong seperti kaunselor dan pekerja sosial dalam membantu mengendalikan klien yang berkahwin. Pengkaji juga telah memberikan cadangan bagi membantu pengkaji pada masa akan datang dalam menyelidik aspek emosi dan kepuasan perkahwinan

A study on the viability of the rear seat belt law in Malaysia /Jihad Syahida Nadia Zakaria... [et al.]

This paper studies the viability of the newly implemented rear seat belt law in Malaysia. To extract relevant information, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three road traffic authorities to supplement the library-based information which were mostly on global illustrations of the rear seat belt law being implemented. Factors like safety, culture and passenger overload were considered to be largely insufficient to influence the viability of this law from being implemented. Our study also signify that although it is too soon to study whether this newly legislated law will be able to reduce the rate of fatalities in our country, worldwide statistics have proven this fact. Finally, our findings indicate that although the relevant government bodies are certain that enough research has been done to prove the suitability of the rear seat belt law in Malaysia, the end-result will largely depend on public's compliance of the law

What we can learn from Covid19 pandemic: A zoom lens from Islamic viewpoint based on Hadith

This paper examines the responses of the Movement Control Order and acceptance of the COVID-19 among the Muslims. We selected participants (Muslim) through random sampling from Universiti Utara Malaysia international students. We interviewed them and asked four questions related to the responses and reactions on issues during COVID-19. We analysed the responses and its relation with compilation relevant Hadiths through inductive reasoning approach. Hence, we found that most of our respondents are have positive attitude towards the MCO and COVID-19 which all of the actions are closely supported by the Hadith

Identification and Characterization of Fungi Associated with Leaf Spot Disease of Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis) in Pahang, Malaysia

Rubber trees are important sources of agricultural income as they are utilized for lumber and latex. Like other crops, they are susceptible to numerous fungal pathogens, especially on their leaves, the most important plant part. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the fungi associated with leaf spot disease on the leaves of rubber trees. This study aimed to characterize fungi associated with diseased rubber leaves and determine the causative agent of leaf spot disease. A total of 20 fungal isolates were obtained and purified from rubber leaves collected during sampling in rubber plantations in Pahang, Malaysia. All the isolated fungi were identified as Colletotrichum siamense (2 isolates), Diaporthe sp. (5 isolates), Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae (1 isolate), L. theobromae (7 isolates) and Neoscytalidium sp. (5 isolates). Based on a pathogenicity test, it was found that nine isolates were pathogenic towards the leaves of rubber, which were L. theobromae, L. pseudotheobromae, and C. siamense. The lesions on the leaves displayed chlorosis with varying necrotic lesion sizes after 21 days post-inoculation. The isolates of the species L. theobromae were the most prevalent, indicating it is more widespread in the region than other species. The findings present data on the potential pathogen of rubber plants and are important to understand further the potential risks and effects of the pathogen in rubber plantation

A Simulation Study of Drying Chamber for Marine Product

Drying chamber is a drying application for agriculture product to produce high quality and hygiene product. The purpose of this paper is to propose best configuration trays arrangement in drying chamber for better distribution of velocity and temperature. Therefore, five configurations of trays are analyzed to obtain the best performance of uniformity air flow distribution within drying chamber. CFD simulation studied the uniform air flow in the drying chamber in steady state condition. A validation is performed by comparing the data obtained from the literature review CFD simulation to ensure the methodology is correct. Then, the drying chamber with different trays arrangements are simulated using CFD simulations to obtain velocity and temperature distributions at nine plotted points on trays. From the results obtained, it concluded that design (A) and (D) are selected as the best designs for uniformity because there is less discrepancy for each point contributed the more uniformity of distribution

The key complications of hemophilia and recent advancements in their management: an update

Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive disorder which is due to factor VIII deficiency. It is a life-threatening coagulation disorder leading to complications including hemophilic-arthropathy, development of inhibitors, transfusion-related infections and profound psychosocial impact on the life of the patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the challenges in complications and the latest advancements in managing those complications. A thorough and systemic literature review was done to fulfill the objective of this study. The emergence of hemophilic arthropathy due to repeated symptoms of hemarthrosis is the most frequent complication found in haemophiliacs. Another critical complication, mainly seen in resource-poor settings is the development of lethal and severe bleeding episodes including episodes of intracranial hemorrhage. The development of inhibitors is another major challenge which often adds profoundly to the financial burden faced by hemophilia patients. Another major challenge is acquiring various transfusion-transmitted infections which was particularly more common few decades back. Studies also have revealed that there are myriads of significant psychosocial effects affecting the quality of life of hemophiliacs. Emerging treatments such as gene therapy, non-clotting factor concentrate products and extended half-life therapy can usher a new era in the management and the quality of life in hemophilia patients

A survey on knowledge and practices in erosive tooth wear among dental practitioners in Kuantan, Pahang: a preliminary study

Introduction: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is an emerging dental condition worldwide. However, most dental practitioners overlooked the early stages of the condition due to vague clinical appearance of tooth surface loss. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the knowledge of ETW and treatment given amongst dental professionals in private clinics in Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and method: Several private dental clinics in Kuantan, Pahang, involved in this cross-sectional study. Dental practitioners were volunteering to participate in this research. A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. Result: The overall response rate was 75%. Results revealed that most participants obtained a structured education on ETW (79.2%). Through continuous dental education, about half of the participants learnt further. All participants agreed that carbonated drink caused ETW, and most reported that gastroesophageal reflux diseases and pickles had related to the ETW. The majority of participants favoured case note (79%) with regards to ETW records. Nevertheless, 40.9% and 36.4% are recorded at the tooth surface and individual level, respectively. Surprisingly, 79% of them did not know about special scores when assessing ETW. Most participants prefer to give instruction on oral hygiene and diet counselling as preventive measures, but the use of fluoride was not given priority. 77% have not ever referred the case to a dental specialist and preferred to treat the patient on their own. Conclusion: ETW knowledge among recruited PDPs is adequate; however, no specific indices were used for ETW scoring and insufficient treatment strategies

Fatigue effect on landing biomechanics among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review

It is well established that knee stability can be altered during fatigue, which may increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This is due to a reduction in neuromuscular control that leads to abnormal movement patterns. This study aims to review the impact of fatigue on landing biomechanics among individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Four databases (Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles, with a focus on full-text English-language research articles published between 2012 and 2022. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, and two independent reviewers were involved in the study evaluation, with a third reviewer resolving any discrepancies. Data on study demographics, fatigue simulation methods, landing tasks, outcome measures, and results were extracted from included studies. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The results of these studies showed that fatigue simulation reduced knee flexion only in two studies and increased hip flexion moment only in two studies during landing among individuals with ACLR. These inconclusive results show that fatigue may negatively impact landing biomechanics in people who have had an ACLR, potentially increasing their risk of re-injury. Fatigue did not affect the landing strategies adopted by individuals who have undergone ACLR. Some of these changes, such as reduced knee flexion and reduced hip flexion moment, could potentially increase the risk of re-injury. However, other changes, such as an increased hip flexion angle, may protect the joint from further injury. More research is needed to better understand the impact of fatigue on landing strategies in this population and to identify strategies that can minimize the risk of re-injury