Maturing pattern for body weight, body length and height at withers of Jamnapari and Boer goats

The objective of this study was to examine the growth pattern of three size measurements, namely body weight, body length, and height at withers of Jamnapari and Boer goats reared under common semi-intensive environment in Johor, Malaysia. Cross-sectional data of the above measurements of 234 Jamnapari and 312 Boer female goats (age ranged from 6 to 54 months) were used to fit Gompertz and von Bertalanffy growth curve models for the estimation of mature size, constant of integration, and maturing rate for the three size measurements. Jamnapari and Boer female goats were found to be significantly different (p<0.05) in term of their mature weight (52.19 and 58.23 kg, respectively, for the Gompertz model and 53.89 and 59.31 kg, respectively, for the von Bertalanffy model). The estimates of height at maturity were significantly larger (p<0.05) for the Jamnapari than Boer females. Although the maturing rate for body weight of the Jamnapari and Boer goats was not different, but their rates of maturing for body length and height at withers were found to be significantly different (p<0.05). The correlation coefficients between the mature size and rate of maturing for their body weight, body length, and height at withers were negative, implying that goats of larger size measurements tended to have a slower growth rate in relation to their mature size

Solvent debinding of Inconel 718 fabricated via Metal Injection Molding

The demand for components manufactured by Metal Injection Molding (MIM) has been increased due to a diverse range of applications on the high temperature mechanical properties and corrosion/oxidation resistance. Super alloy utilize the inherent physical properties of heat-resisting alloy based on iron-nickel, or cobalt specifically high purity and fine particle size distributions, which can enhance sintering and maximize the density of the final component. The development of super alloy Inconel 718 (IN718) using MIM is discussed. IN718 powder with binder formulation consists of polyethylene (PE) / palm stearin (PS) were mixed homogeneously and injected to produce green compacts. The binders then were removed through solvent extraction process from various heating temperature and duration of time. The binder removal was quantified by weight loss measurements and the evolution of pore structure for the debound specimens was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Result shows that complete extraction of PS from the green parts can be concluded during 60 °C of heating and 6 hours of immersion in heptane

The Photocatalytic Activity of Green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in The Treatment of Aerobically Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Traditional treatment of aerobically palm oil mill effluent (A-POME) is incapable of removing the colour and organic load that does not exceed the discharge standard limit to the stream channel. Green synthesis nanoparticles (NPs) provide a significant potential for substantial performance in the photocatalytic degradation of high-strength wastewater. Therefore, the current project's goal is to investigate the photocatalytic degradation performance of A-POME in the addition of green Zinc Oxide Cymbopogon Citratus (ZnO–CC) NPs in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, and colour removal. The outcomes showed that pH 8 and a ZnO-CC NPs loading of 0.3g/L was ideal for the photocatalytic degradation of A-POME with a significant percentage reduction of turbidity (68.03%), colour (48.11%), and COD (75.4%). The equilibrium data revealed a better fit Langmuir-Hinshelwood models with higher R2 and K values of 0.9906 and 0.0225, respectively. Increased ZnO–CC NPs loading in alkaline medium aided in the breakdown of A-POME pollutants by increasing the surface area accessible for UV light adsorption during the photocatalytic process. Thus, the finding from this study can assist the palm oil mill sector in improving A-POME treatment to provide high-quality treated effluent

Effect of Calcination Temperature on Dielectric Properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics

AbstractThe effect of calcination temperature on the properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics was studied. CCTO ceramics were prepared using solid state reaction method. The raw materials of CCTO were wet mixed for 24 hours and was dried overnight. CCTO powders were then calcined at three different temperature which is at 900̊C, 930̊C and 985̊C for 12 hours. The calcined powders were compacted at 250 MPa and then were sintered at 1040̊C for 10 hours. X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis showed the formation of CCTO phase and secondary phases of CuO for C900 calcined powder but single phase of CCTO was obtained by C930 and C985 calcined powders. Single phase of CCTO also were seen for all sintered samples. Observation on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed abnormal grain growth or large grain size was seen in C900 sample and finer grain size was observed for C930 and C985 sintered samples. C900 sintered sample obtained the highest dielectric constant (10,462) and the lowest dielectric loss (0.061) measured at 1 MHz

The determination of the embedment strength of Malaysian hardwood

Research on determining the embedment strength of Malaysia timber species is currently being conducted. Prior to this, there is no data on the embedment strength of Malaysian timber available as there are no study been conducted locally which emphasize in this area. The experimental works on determining this fundamental parameter of a connection are being carried out on selected species of local hardwood timber. The species selected represents various joints groups. Data and results were analysed and using the embedment strength values approaches which are similar to those adopted in Europe, the basic load of timber joints to be used in the limit state design method will be forwarded for consideration to be incorporated in the Malaysian code of practice

Genetic variation of four goat breeds in Malaysia using microsatellite polymorphism markers

The characterisation of animals using PCR-based microsatellite markers is informative, economical and useful to elucidate genetic diversity within and among breeds. The determination of genetic variability in four goat breeds found in Malaysia, namely the indigenous Katjang goat and the exotic Jamnapari, Boer and Savanna goats, was successfully analysed using 30 microsatellite markers. Low levels of allelic variations were found in the four goat breeds. The mean numbers of observed alleles per locus were relatively low with values of 5.43, 5.73, 5.90 and 5.70 in Katjang, Jamnapari, Boer and Savanna goats, respectively. The mean observed heterozygosity was lower than the mean expected heterozygosity for the all four goat breeds. Katjang goats showed the lowest observed heterozygosity with a value of 0.36. The results showed that the Katjang goat population had a high level of inbreeding compared to the other goat breeds

Does the use of smart board increase students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)?

Results from international assessments focusing on the use of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) show that Malaysian students perform poorly in Data Handling. At the same time, the Malaysian education system is undergoing a dramatic change in which information and communications technology (ICT) is integrated into the education system in order to enhance the overall quality of education. Smart board has become one of the interactive technology tools that are widely used in schools to facilitate teaching and learning practices. Therefore, this study aims to design and develop an active learning instruction using smart board (ALuSB program) to enhance HOTS in Data Handling among students in Malaysian primary schools. The research was divided into two stages. In the first stage, the ALuSB program was developed by using the ADDIE model which integrated five phases, i.e., analysis, design, development, implement, and evaluate. Then, in the second stage, the quasi-experimental design, a non-equivalent control group design with a pre-test and a post-test, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the ALuSB program on students' HOTS. The students were split into three groups equally, i.e., two experimental groups and one control group. Various instruments, including an ALuSB program evaluation form as well as pre-test and post-test rubrics, were used. The results of the analysis suggest that there is a statistically significant difference between the ALuSB program, an active learning instruction and a conventional learning method in enhancing each level of HOTS in Data Handling among students. Although all students from each group show improvements in enhancing HOTS in Data Handling, the ALuSB program is the most effective method compared to the active learning instruction and the conventional learning method. Therefore, the ALuSB program promotes students' active learning and ownership of learning, supports learning by doing, as well as encourages HOTS and peer sharing

Injection molding using a novel binder system based on palm oil derivatives

There is disclosed an injection molding using a binder system based on palm oil derivatives, wherein the method of producing components suitable for aerospace applications, the components are manufactured from super alloy material, where the method comprises the steps of mixing super alloy with a binder materials, injecting a mixture into desired shape mold, de-binding the binder according a process of melting and evaporation temperature of the binders, sintering of the de-bound part in a High Temperature Control Atmosphere Furnace, heating the de-bound part at highest temperature to its melting temperature and soaking the de-bound part into required duration of time