Biodiversity conservation strategy in Malaysia: from an Islamic perspective

The rapid decline of world’s biodiversity and increasing need of natural resources to accommodate the growing population suggest that the current western philosophy of conservation biology is not achieving its mission and objective as expected in Southeast Asia. The existing religious tools and channels for conservation should be seriously considered. There is a high potential in achieving high standards of conservation biology if management of natural resources adheres to the fundamental principles of Islam in Malaysia. However religious approaches are mainly limited to Islamic norms and treated independently in many parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. Therefore there is an urgent need to synergize Islamic concepts in conservation biology with the existing governance system. It is believed if Islamic concepts are genuinely practised and amalgamated into the existing implementation and governance structure in conservation biology, the future for biodiversity in this region will be bright

Computerized JAVA Test For Object - Oriented Programming (OOP) Course

This report covers the scope of studies, the project background and problem definition as well as to define the project objectives. Furthermore, this report also provides literature review and theory on the chosen project, provides result and findings, and explains the methodology and projects works towards its accomplishment. The objectives of this project, Computerized JAVA Test for Object - Oriented Programming (OOP) Course is to enable the lecturers to save time as the test can be graded online automatically. Besides that, this system too ensures that the lecturers have more time to teach and interact with the students. This indirectly would help to enrich the teaching process. Conventionally, almost all the testes conducted in the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) are done manually, where it is conducted using a paper-pen format. This creates hassle to the users and irritates them especially to both the UTP students and lecturers. So, a computerized test system is vital, as it enable the students to get their test graded online. The methodology used for designing and developing this project is the "Waterfall Model." where it begins at the system level and progresses through analysis, design, coding, testing, and maintenance. Based on the system requirements, the author develops main interfaces, forms and views required for the Computerized JAVA Test for OOP Course by using the Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) Version 6.0. Through the development of this computerized test system, the author hopes that it can help to eliminate the problems that arise in the old manual procedure, so that the department can improve its performance in the future

Computerized JAVA Test For Object - Oriented Programming (OOP) Course

This report covers the scope of studies, the project background and problem definition as well as to define the project objectives. Furthermore, this report also provides literature review and theory on the chosen project, provides result and findings, and explains the methodology and projects works towards its accomplishment. The objectives of this project, Computerized JAVA Test for Object - Oriented Programming (OOP) Course is to enable the lecturers to save time as the test can be graded online automatically. Besides that, this system too ensures that the lecturers have more time to teach and interact with the students. This indirectly would help to enrich the teaching process. Conventionally, almost all the testes conducted in the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) are done manually, where it is conducted using a paper-pen format. This creates hassle to the users and irritates them especially to both the UTP students and lecturers. So, a computerized test system is vital, as it enable the students to get their test graded online. The methodology used for designing and developing this project is the "Waterfall Model." where it begins at the system level and progresses through analysis, design, coding, testing, and maintenance. Based on the system requirements, the author develops main interfaces, forms and views required for the Computerized JAVA Test for OOP Course by using the Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) Version 6.0. Through the development of this computerized test system, the author hopes that it can help to eliminate the problems that arise in the old manual procedure, so that the department can improve its performance in the future

A survey of microbiological quality of fish sold in two local wet markets

Eight marine fish species were obtained from two nearby wet markets (Sungei Besi and Kajang). The fish were analysed for total viable counts, coliforms, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and histamine-producingbacteria. Total viable count was determined using Plate Count Agar; coliforms using McConkey Broth; Vibrio parahaemolyticus by TCBS a garand histamine-producing bacteria were determined using Niven's media. The total counts on all fish from both markets ranged from 1rf to 1rf per gram offish, coliforms ranged from 1rJ to 1rf pergram, and all thefish examined were positive for both Vibrio parahaemolyticus and histamine-producing bacteria

Una formulación tradicional de poli-hierbas mejora la función cognitiva en ratones C57BL / 6

Introduction: Khamira Gawzaban Ambari Jadwar Ood Saleeb Wala (KGAJOS) is a polyherbal compound Unani Pharmacopoeial formulation described in traditional Unani texts as Muqawwi-e-Aza-e-Raeesa (tonic for brain, heart, liver and stomach). KGAJOS is reported to possess anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in mice. Though it is used clinically for various neurological conditions, preclinical efficacy of this formulation in learning and memory enhancement / improvement is not established. Method: KGAJOS was evaluated for cognitive function improvement activity using Morris water maze test in C57BL/6 mice. Piracetam was used as positive control for comparison. Anymaze video tracking software was used for tracking the path of mice in pool as per standard protocol. Results: During probe trial in Morris water maze test, a significant increase in time spent in platform quadrant was observed at 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw of KGAJOS (p<0.01 and 0.001, respectively) as well as in piracetam group (p<0.01) compared to vehicle control. Latency to reach the platform quadrant (escape latency) was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in piracetam and KGAJOS group at 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw compared to vehicle control. No change in time spent in platform quadrant and escape latency was observed at 500 mg/kg bw of KGAJOS. Conclusions: Morris water maze experiment conducted in mice revealed improved learning and memory function of KGAJOS at the dose levels of 1000 and 1500 mg/kg bw whereas 500 mg/kg bw was not found to be effective. Observed efficacy of KGAJOS confirmed the traditional claims and usage of this formulation in conditions associated with cognition and memory.Introducción: Khamira Gawzaban Ambari Jadwar Ood Saleeb Wala (KGAJOS) es una formulación de Unani compuesto de poliherbal descrito como tónico para el cerebro, corazón, hígado y estómago. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar la eficacia preclínica de KGAJOS en el aprendizaje y la memoria. Método: Se evaluó la actividad de mejora de la función cognitiva de KGAJOS utilizando la prueba de laberinto de agua de Morris en ratones C57BL / 6. Se utilizó piracetam como control positivo. Se utilizó el software de seguimiento de video Anymaze para rastrear la ruta. Resultados: Durante la prueba de la sonda, se observó un aumento significativo en el tiempo empleado en el cuadrante de la plataforma a 1000 y 1500 mg / kg de peso corporal de KGAJOS (p <0,01 y 0,001, respectivamente) y en el grupo de piracetam (p <0,01) en comparación con el control. La latencia para alcanzar el cuadrante de la plataforma (latencia de escape) se redujo significativamente (p <0,001) en el grupo de piracetam y KGAJOS a 1000 y 1500 mg / kg de peso corporal en comparación con el control. Conclusiones: El experimento del laberinto de agua de Morris reveló una mejora en la función de aprendizaje y memoria con 1000 y 1500 mg / kg de peso corporal de KGAJOS, mientras que 500 mg / kg de peso corporal no fue efectivo. La eficacia observada de KGAJOS confirmó las afirmaciones tradicionales y el uso de esta formulación en condiciones asociadas con la cognición y la memoria.Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of Indi

New records of the Flat-headed Cat Prionailurus planiceps (Vigors & Horsfield, 1827) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in western Sarawak, Malaysia

The Endangered Flat-headed Cat is threatened due to loss of lowland and wetland habitats. Its elusive nature and low density occurrence make field sampling difficult. Compilation of records from both camera trapping and direct observation can provide important updates to its current distribution in Sarawak. In western Sarawak, the Flat-headed Cat was recorded in Maludam National Park, in Ulu Sebuyau National Park and at Sarawak River, which are the first confirmed records. The Flat-headed Cat appears to inhabit swamp forest in pristine protected areas as well as near human settlements. The conservation of peat swamp forests is crucial for its long-term persistence

AN ASSESSMENT OF LAND USE SURROUNDING HYDROPOWER RESERVOIRS USING REMOTE SENSING IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

The existence of a complex river system in Sarawak has contributed to the abundance of its water resources. The State is drained by 22 major river basins and has a combined installed capacity of hydropower potentials of approximately 20,000 MW of sustainable energy. However, little has been documented on land use around these hydropower dams. The current study is aimed at understanding the general land usecomposition surrounding the existing and planned hydropower reservoirs in Sarawak. The land uses surrounding these dams are expected to influence the livelihood, water discharge and water quality of the dams. A total of ten sites were selected and land use surrounding these study sites identified using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System tools. Temporal assessment on land-use changes was only conducted for Batang Ai. The study found that a total of six sites have higher forest cover (> 50%) compared to built-up and agricultural lands and showed that 85% variation in built-up land is explained by reservoir area. Agricultural land has increased at the mean rate of 2.25% within 500 metres distance from Batang Ai reservoir shoreline. The findings of this study will hopefully contribute to the knowledge of hydropower reservoir planning and management

Active Sampling Procedure of Indoor Air Quality to Evaluate Airborne Fungi in Dental Building of Higher Education Institution

The study aimed to measure the concentration and composition of airborne fungi in a higher education institution. The temperature and relative humidity were recorded using TSI Q Trak Indoor Air Quality Monitor. The mean concentration of the indoor air fungi was in the range between 17.67–91.28 CFU/m³. The most abundant airborne fungi were Aspergillus (22%), Fusarium (17%), and Penicillium (15%). The highest mean range concentration of airborne fungi was in the evening followed by in the afternoon and in the morning with a value range between 74 to 148 CFU/m³, 18 to 148 CFU/m³, and 5 to 30 CFU/m³, respectively. Keywords: active sampling; airborne fungi; indoor air quality; dental building. eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning &amp; Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6iSI4.291

Gastrointestinal parasites of zoonotic importance observed in the wild, urban, and captive populations of non- human primates in Malaysia

Background: A study was undertaken to determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites commonly found in Malaysia’s non- human primates (NHP) living in three different types of populations (wild, urban, and captive) and the basis of major GI parasites of zoonotic importance. Methods: A total of 308 samples was collected and microscopically screened from the NHP in the wild (n = 163), urban (n = 76), and captive (n = 69) populations. The samples were taken from 12 species of local NHPs. Results: At least, 44 species of GI parasites comprising of protozoans (seven species), nematodes (26 species), cestodes (five species), trematodes (five species), and pentastomida (one species) were detected. There were no significant differences for the overall prevalence and no great differences in GI parasite species among the wild, urban, and captive NHP populations. Conclusion: The most common GI parasite was Ascaris spp. (49.7%), followed by Oesophagostomum spp. (26.9%), and 31 species discovered in this study are of known public health importance

Floral biology and pollination strategy of Durio(Malvaceae) in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Ng WS, JayasilanMA, WongSY. 2020. Floral biology and pollination strategy of Durio(Malvaceae) in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.Biodiversitas 21:5579-5594.This study was carried out to investigate on the floweringmechanisms of four Duriospeciesin Sarawak. The anthesis startedin the afternoon(D. graveolensand D. zibethinus), evening (D. kutejensis) or midnight (D. griffithii); and lasted between 11.5 hours (D. griffithii) to 20 hours (D. graveolens). All four Duriospecies are generalists. Individuals of a fruitbat (Eonycteris spelaea, Pteropodidae) are considered as the main pollinator for D. graveolens, D. kutejensis,and D. zibethinuswhile spiderhunter (Arachnothera, Nectariniidae) is also proposed as a primary pollinator for D. kutejensis. Five invertebrate taxa were observed as secondary or inadvertent pollinators of Duriospp.: honeybee, Apis sp. (Apidae), stingless bee, Tetrigonasp. (Apidae), nocturnal wasp, Provespasp. (Vespidae), pollen beetle (Nitidulidae), and thrip (Thysanoptera). Honey bees and stingless beespollinated all four Duriospecies. Pollen beetles were found to pollinate D. griffithiiand D. graveolenswhile nocturnal wasps were found to pollinate D. kutejensisand D. zibethinus. Thrips were found to pollinate D. griffithiionly. Floral rewards include nectar, pollenand staminodes. The nectar productionof D. graveolens, D. kutejensis,and D. zibethinusincreased from the start of anthesis until just after midnight but decreased from then onwards. Duriogriffithiiproducedconsistent nectar concentration with inconsistent volume. Durio graveolens,D. griffithii, and D. zibethinusare partially self-incompatibl