The Study of the Strength Properties of Galvanized Iron (GI) Fiber Reinforced Concrete

 The use of concrete with randomly distributed metallic or non-metallic fiber is now prominent in concrete engineering and metallic fiber has been reported to have a better contribution to concrete mechanical properties. The utilization of locally available galvanized iron or metallic fiber as a bridging material which is a new technique in Bangladesh has the ability to surprisingly improve concrete physical properties. This research was, therefore, conducted to compare the concrete performance of GI fiber and steel fiber using previous literature as well as the suitability of GI fiber as a supplant to steel fiber in the concrete industry. This was achieved through the evaluation of the compression, tension, and brittleness of concrete with ‘Galvanized Iron’ fiber using several cutting lengths of 20 mm and 40 mm with multiple mix proportions including 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5% by volume of the concrete. The results showed the fiber with a large cut length of 40 mm and proportion lesser than 2.5% performed well than 20 mm with proportion 2% in reference to the plain concrete. Moreover, the incorporation of a 2.0% proportion of galvanized iron fiber with 40 mm length was observed to have exhibited crowning increment for both concrete compression and tension by 16.1% and 89.2% correspondingly contrasted to the control specimen. A further increase in the percent of fiber content 2% led to a reduction in the compression and tension for both 20 mm and 40 mm lengths while a significant reduction in brittleness for galvanized iron fiber reinforced concrete was observed in contrast to the control specimen. Furthermore, the inclusion of 1.0%–2.5% GI fiber with a 40 mm length reduced concrete brittleness by 56.9% - 65.5 % in comparison with the control specimen. Therefore, the inclusion of galvanized iron (metallic) to enhance the physical properties of concrete was deduced to be one of the startling stratagem

[Agriculture Land Development Policy According to Islamic Perspective] Dasar Pembangunan Tanah Pertanian Menurut Perspektif Islam

National Agricultural Policy (DPN 1, 1984-1991, 1992-1997 DPN 2, 3 DPN 1998-2010), and the National Agro-Food Policy (DAN 2011-2020) was a transformation of the government to improve the country’s food quality. Various plans have been made through DPN and DAN. However, there are shortcomings in the DPN implemented with the aim of economic development alone. This study aims to put certain mechanisms for the development of the agricultural sector in line with the teachings of Islam which includes holistic human development. The research methodology used in this study is content analysis, analysing data using descriptive approach with a combination of qualitative approach of analyzing the text, including the analysis of documents and official reports, circulars, annual reports, statements of position, financial plan, reports agencies, and transcripts. The study found that the basic development of Islamic farmland is based on the concept of tauhidiyyah, rububiyyah, tazkiyyah, tanmiyyah, khilafah, insaniyyah, akhlaqiyyah which applies Islamic spiritual values including the preservation of the environment and the securities development.   Key Words: National Agricultural Policy (DPN), Development of Agricultural Land, Land Development Concept in Islam.     Dasar Pertanian Negara (DPN 1 1984-1991, DPN 2 1992-1997, DPN 3 1998-2010), dan Dasar Agromakanan Negara (DAN 2011-2020) merupakan satu transformasi kerajaan bagi meningkatkan kualiti makanan negara. Pelbagai perancangan khusus telah dibuat melalui DPN dan DAN. Namun terdapat kepincangan dalam DPN yang dilaksanakan dengan tujuan pembangunan ekonomi semata-mata. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meletakkan mekanisma tertentu agar pembangunan sektor pertanian selari dengan tuntutan Islam yang  merangkumi pembangunan insan secara syumul. Metodologi kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian analisis kandungan, data-data yang dikumpulkan dianalisis melalui pendekatan deskriptif dengan gabungan pendekatan kualitatif iaitu menganalisis teks termasuk menganalisis dokumen-dokumen dan laporan-laporan rasmi,surat pekeliling, laporan tahunan,laporan jabatan, rancangan kewangan, laporan agensi,dan transkrip. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa dasar pembangunan tanah pertanian Islam berteraskan konsep tauhidiyyah, rububiyyah, tazkiyyah, tanmiyyah, khilafah, insaniyyah, akhlaqiyyah yang menerapkan nilai-nilai kerohanian Islam termasuk pelestarian alam sekitar dan sekuriti pembangunan.   Kata kunci: Dasar Pertanian Negara (DPN), Pembangunan Tanah Pertanian, Konsep Pembangunan Tanah Islam

Effect of soluble probiotic on production performance of Akar Putra chicken

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of soluble probiotic on the production parameters of local Malaysian chicken (Akar Putra). A total of seventy two 1-day-old Akar Putra chicks were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, each having 3 replicates of 8 chicks. The treatments were as follows: (T1) control, (T2) probiotic supplemented at 1 g/liter tap water, (T3) probiotic supplemented at 2 g/liter tap water. The results revealed that supplementation of soluble probiotic at both the rates resulted in an improved performance of male and female Akar putra chicken. Birds who received 2 g of prepared probiotic per liter of water (T3) exhibited highly improved (p<0.05) body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio than other groups. It can be concluded that supplementation of prepared soluble probiotic would be economically beneficial in improving the production performance and health status of Akar Putra chicken

Impact of daily supplement of probiotic on the production performance of Akar Putra chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of prepared probiotic (PP) on the live body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio in Malaysian chicken (Akar Putra). A total of 72 day-old Akar Putra chicks were reared for 12 weeks and randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (24 chicken/treatment), with 3 replications for each (8 chicken/replicate). The treatments consisted of a control group (T1), and the supplemented diet with probiotic in the second treatment was prepared at the rate 1:1 (1 kg of commercial broiler feed + 1 g PP). While the rate was 1:2 (1 kg of commercial broiler feed + 2 g PP) in the third treatment. Supplementing probiotic in both rates revealed significant improvement in terms of males' and females' growth rates, final live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Based on the research findings, the best results were obtained when chickens received 1 g PP in males and 2 g in females

PO-293 Relationship Between Gross Motor Skill Proficiency and Health-Related Physical Fitness Among Children with Down Syndrome

Objective It is objectified in this study to determine the relationship between the gross motor skill proficiency and the health-related physical fitness (HRPF) of musculoskeletal fitness, and body mass index (BMI) among children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods Thirty-two children (16 boys and 16 girls) with DS aged 9 to 12 years old are identified in an institution of DS in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A-priori calculation for sample size determination has been conducted from previous studies (Teng, 2012; Hasan, Abdullah and Suun, 2012) and G*Power software (version 3.1, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany). The sample size to be used in this study is 32 children with DS from the above institution. In this sampling method, only the underweight and normal weight children with DS will be selected into the study according to the measurement tool of the body mass index-age-percentile and those who are psychologically and behaviorally fit to involve in the study will be the priority. Also, the children with DS whom afflicted with chronic disease (such congenital heart disease), physical disabilities (such as visual impairment, mobility impairment e.g pes planovalgus), and musculoskeletal injury are excluded from the study due its possible affect to the course of study.&nbsp; A screening test will be conducted to identify the participant fit-study criteria into the conduction of the program. The screening tests and preliminary assessment include: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) for children adopted from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science’s Research Ethic Unit, University of Limerick (University of Limerick, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science’s Research Ethic Unit (n.d.). &nbsp;&nbsp; Medical screening of registered health documentation of Early Intervention Program (EIP) by Malaysia&nbsp;Ministry of Health with the affiliated institution. Body height and weight measurement for the evaluation of BMI. The selected participants will undergo a familiarisation process of which they will be guided their study conduction test via the skill demonstration and the verbal description. The familiarisation guidance will&nbsp;follow&nbsp;according&nbsp;to the guidelines of a complete motor proficiency assessment particularly the relatable physical training (Ulrich, 2000). The method of data collection is mechanical observation. The chosen participants of study will undergo&nbsp;the gross motor assessment of the Bruinink-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Short Form, 2nd Edition (BOT2 SF)(Bruininks, &amp; Bruininks, 2005), and two HRPF tests of standing broad jump test (SBJ) (parameter of musculoskeletal), and BMI. The study instrument of BOT2 SF is assessing the gross motor composite of manual coordination, body coordination, and strength and agility. In the assessment of motor proficiency of BOT2, the manual coordination composite assesses the control and coordination of the arms and hands, especially for object manipulation. It has 2 subtest of manual dexterity subtest and upper-limb coordination subtest. It. The body coordination composite assessing the control and coordination of the large musculature that aids in posture and balance. This motor composite consists of bilateral coordination subtest and balance subtest. The strength and agility composite measures the control and coordination of the large musculature involved in locomotion. This motor composite has 2 subtests of strength subtest and running speed and agility subtest. Gross Motor Skill Proficiency Assessment. In the composite of body coordination, the participant is required to walk forward on a line and undergo the test of standing on one leg on the balance beam with eyes open for subtest balance. For the subtest of bilateral coordination of body coordination, the participant will need to jump in place of the same side synchronized and test of tapping feet and finger of same side synchronized. In manual coordination composite’s subtest of upper-limb coordination, the participant will be undergoing the test of dropping and catching a ball with both hand and second test of ball’s dribble with alternating hand. Whereas in the strength and agility’s composite, the participant will do one-legged stationary hop, knee push-ups and sit-ups. Standing Broad Jump The participants are required to do a horizontal jumping. The task performance standing broad jump’s horizontal distance is which, a jumping is successful when a person is able to jumps forward at least 5.08cm, both feet simultaneously (Palisano et al., 2000; Chow et al., 2014) and the longest horizontal distance will be recorded. Body Mass Index Participant’s height will be&nbsp;measured in centimeter (cm) using portable stadiometer (Seca 206, Wall Mounted Tape Measure; Seca Corporation Weighing and Measuring System, Hamburg Germany). The participant will have to remove their shoes and stand up straight toward the measurement stadiometer. Reading of the height will be&nbsp;recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm. Weight is measured in kilogram (kg) using digital floor scale (Seca 803, Digital Flat Floor Scale; Seca Corporation Weighing and Measuring System, Hamburg Germany). After the measurement, BMI is calculated manually using the kg/m2 formula and then it is translated to BMI-age-percentile by gender based on the growth chart provided by World Health Organisation. Children with BMI &lt; 5th percentile is classified as underweight, and &gt;5th to &lt;85th percentile as normal. Hypothesis There is no significant relationship between &nbsp;the gross motor skill proficiency (composites of manual coordination, body coordination, and strength and agility) and HRPF (musculoskeletal fitness and BMI) &nbsp;among children with DS Results It is expected that the gross motor skill proficiency of children with DS is positively correlated with the SBJ test. However, the gross motor skill proficiency of the children with DS is anticipated that it will have a negative coorrelation with the measure of BMI. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the central tendency, variability and frequency of the score. The Pearson correlation will be used to measure the relationship between the gross motor skill proficiency and HRPF’s parameter among the children with DS. Conclusions Findings of this research will demonstrate&nbsp;the reciprocal significant the gross motor skill proficiency and HRPF among children with DS. By identified the importance parameters, more physical conditioning programs could be modeled&nbsp; for the children of DS such as muscular strength training, and an agility fitness training. &nbsp;It could be used as a a goal-directed training program to enhance the physical performance in any societal community of DS such as non-governmental organisation, or&nbsp; medical institution. This study&nbsp;could contributes to the development of motor learning and larger scope area toward adolescent group of DS

Mechanical Properties and Morphological Characterization of PLA/Chitosan/Epoxidized Natural Rubber Composites

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/chitosan (CS) natural polymer/epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) composites were successfully prepared through a solution casting method. The morphological characteristics of fabricated composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. The microstructure of PLA/ENR was significantly altered with the addition of CS. SEM analysis of composites fractured surfaces revealed smooth and homogeneous texture and good dispersion of CS. However for 15 wt% CS composites, the phase segregation and poor adhesion between the polymers were observed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed some levels of attractive interaction between CS, PLA, and ENR in the composites. The mechanical properties of composites in terms of tensile strength and tensile modulus were significantly improved with the addition of CS into the matrix while the percent elongation at break decreased. The tensile strength increased up to 5 wt% CS loading for both PLA/CS and PLA/ENR/CS and thereafter decreased while Young’s modulus increased up to 10 wt%. However, when the CS content was increased to 15 wt%, the tensile strength and tensile modulus were slightly decreased. These improvements were attributed to good dispersion of CS at the optimum filler levels and attractive interaction between the composites components.</jats:p

[National Agriculture Policy (Dpn3) & National Agro Food Policy: Analysis of Rice and Rice Foundation Foods according Islam]Dasar Pertanian Negara Ketiga (Dpn3) & Dasar Agromakanan Negara (Dan): Analisis Terhadap Makanan Asasi Beras Dan Padi Menurut Islam

National Agriculture Policy (DPN 3) 1998-2010, and the National Agro Food Policy (NAP) 2011-2020 is the transformation of the government to improve the country's food quality. However, there are shortcomings in the realization of achieving food self-sufficiency level of at least 80%. This study aims to examine the needs of basic food supplies of rice from the perspective of Islam. The research methodology used in this study is content analysis, the data were analyzed through descriptive approach with a combination of qualitative approach of analyzing the text, including the analysis of documents such as official reports, circulars, annual reports, statements of position, financial plan, reports agencies, and transcripts. The study found that the concept of jurisprudence awlawiyyah in improving the quality of food and income country emphasizes on clean and halal food products. Implication of the study suggests that the development of agricultural land on which the agency involved is Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Agro-based Industry must be given attention. The DPN and the DAN are&nbsp; expected to play a role in promoting the growth of the agricultural sector and farmers in line with the development of holistic development. Key Words: National Agricultural Policy (DPN), the supply of basic food supplies of from the perspective of Islam. &nbsp; Dasar Pertanian Negara (DPN 3) 1998-2010, dan Dasar Agro Makanan Negara (DAN) 2011-2020 merupakan satu transformasi kerajaan bagi meningkatkan kualiti makanan negara. Namun terdapat kepincangan dalam merealisasikannya untuk mencapai tahap sara mampu diri makanan negara sekurang-kurangnya 80%. Kajian ini bertujuan meneliti keperluan bekalan makanan asasi padi dan beras mengikut perspektif Islam. Metodologi kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian analisis kandungan, data-data yang&nbsp; dikumpulkan dianalisis melalui pendekatan deskriptif dengan gabungan pendekatan kualitatif iaitu menganalisis teks termasuk menganalisis dokumen-dokumen seperti laporan- laporan rasmi, surat pekeliling, laporan tahunan, laporan jabatan, rancangan kewangan, laporan agensi, dan transkrip. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa konsep fiqh awlawiyyah dalam meningkatkan kualiti makanan dan pendapatan negara, menekankan produk pemakanan yang halal dan bersih. Implikasi kajian mencadangkan pembangunan tanah pertanian Islam ke atas agensi yang terlibat khusus seperti Kementarian Pertanian &amp; Industri Asas Tani harus diberi perhatian. Dasar Pertanian Negara DPN dan DAN diharapkan agar memainkan peranannya dalam menggalakkan pertumbuhan sektor pertanian dan pembangunan petani selaras dengan pembangunan Islam secara syumul. Kata kunci: Dasar Pertanian Negara (DPN), Keperluan bekalan makanan asasi padi dan beras mengikut perspektif Islam

Fatty acid and amino acid composition of three local Malaysian Channa spp. fish

The objective of this current study was to analyze the biochemical compositions of three Malaysian Channa spp. fish. The proximate analysis revealed that the protein content of Channa lucius, Channa micropeltes and Channa striatus was 19.9%, 22.1%, 23.0% (% of dry weight), respectively. The total lipid content was generally high, ranging from 5.7% to 11.9% and crude ash ranged from 1.0% to 1.8%. The major amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine, ranging from 9.7% to 21.7%, and the most abundant fatty acid in Channa spp. was C16:0, ranging from 25.6% to 30.4%. The other major fatty acids detected were C22:6, C18:1 and C18:0. The level of arachidonic acid (C20:4) was unusually high in C. striatus (19.02%). The levels of DHA in these fish would also explain the use of Channa spp., especially C. striatus, which has been used for centuries for reducing pain, inflammation and promote wound healing in Malaysia

Natural fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer nanocomposites: effect of fiber mixing and nanoclay on physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties

Combining two kinds of fibers is a potential way to improve the essential properties of natural fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer composites. Biocomposites produced from natural resources are experiencing an increase in interest due to their high demand in the market for manufacturing, in addition to environmental and sustainability issues. In this study, natural fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer nanocomposites were prepared from coir fiber, wood fiber, polypropylene, and montmorillonite nanoclay using a hot press technique. The effects of fiber mixing and montmorillonite on their physico-mechanical and biodegradable properties were subsequently investigated. Before being used, both the wood and the coir fibers were alkali-treated to reduce their hydrophilicity. The mechanical properties of the fabricated composites were measured using a universal tensile testing machine and found to be enhanced after fiber mixing and nanoclay incorporation. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that the characteristic peaks of the composites shifted after fiber mixing. A new peak around 470 cm-1 was observed in the case of the nanocomposites, which confirmed the interaction between the fiber, polymer, and montmorillonite (MMT). Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that MMT strongly improved the adhesion and compatibility between the fiber and polymer matrix. The combining of fibers improved the biodegradability and water absorption properties, while MMT addition had the reverse effect on the same properties of the composites

Performance of a hermetic device and neem (Azadirachta indica) in storing wheat seed: Evidence from participatory household trials in central Bangladesh

Smallholder farmers in Bangladesh often use low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags contained within woven polypropylene bags to store wheat seed during the summer monsoon that precedes winter season planting. High humidity and temperature during this period can encourage increased seed moisture and pests, thereby lowering seed quality. Following a farm household survey conducted to inform trial design, eighty farmers were engaged in an action research process in which they participated in designing and conducting trials comparing traditional and alternative seed storage methods over 30 weeks. Factorial treatments included comparison of hermetic SuperGrainbags® (Premium RZ) against LDPE bags, both with and without the addition of dried neem tree leaves (Azadirachta indica). SuperGrainbags® were more effective in maintaining seed moisture at acceptable levels close to pre-storage conditions than LDPE bags. Both seed germination and seedling coleoptile length were significantly greater in hermetic than LDPE bags. Neem had no effect on seed moisture, germination, or coleoptile length. SuperGrainbags® were also more effective in abating seed damage during storage, although inclusion of neem within LDPE bags also had significant damage. Quantification of seed predating insects and diseases suggested that SuperGrainbags® also suppressed Coleopteran pests and blackspot, the latter indicative of Fusarium graminearum. Conversely, where farmers used LDPE bags, neem also had an additional though limited pest suppressive effect. Post-storage treatment scoring by farmers revealed a strong preference for SuperGrainbags® and no preference differences for or against neem. This study demonstrates a process by which farmers can be involved in the participatory co-design and testing of alternative wheat storage options, and stresses the need to develop SuperGrainbag® supply chains so hermetic storage can be made widely available