Interaction of Mixing Factors with Mechanical Properties of PP/ENR Blend via Response Surface Methodology

This research is carried out to establish interaction between mixing parameters with mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) incorporated with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). The blends of PP/ENR were prepared by melt compounding using an internal mixer and vulcanized through sulfur curing system. The experiment was designed using two-level factorial design via response surface methodology by Design Expert software. Mechanical testing such as tensile test and impact test were performed to characterize the properties of PP/ENR blends. It was clearly observed that high ENR to PP ratio increases the toughness and flexibility of the PP/ENR blends. In comparison to the pure PP, PP/ENR blend with 40% ENR showed improvement of elongation at break and impact strength up to 68% and 56%, respectively. In contrary, the tensile strength and hardness decreases as the amount of PP decreases. The changes were associated to the properties imparted by the elastic chains of cross-linked ENR. The obtained properties showed good correlation with fracture surfaces observed in microscopy analysis performed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope at magnifications of 500 and 5000-x

Microsatellite Loci Reveal Heterozygosis and Population Structure in the Critically Endangered Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis ssp.) of Peninsular Malaysia

These freshwater turtles are found across Indochina, mostly in large rivers. There is a lack of genetic research concentrating on Malaysia’s southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis) population. We used minimally intrusive methods to collect blood samples from a total of 80 individuals in four different sites in peninsular Malaysia. The genetic difference within and between locations was examined using five microsatellite loci. Our findings indicated that each locus was polymorphic. High numbers of heterozygotes were observed when the percentage of alleles in each locus was compared. Pairwise FST and Nei matrixes revealed considerable genetic differences across individuals from distinct geographical locations. Our population structure analysis shows a significant proportion of assigned individuals are linked to certain collection locations

Minimally invasive blood collection techniques as a source of gDNA for genetic studies on turtles and tortoises

This technical note aims to describe the venipuncture procedure used to collect blood from Southern River terrapins via the subcarapacial venous plexus (SVP) and jugular vein. On uncooperative terrapins, SVP was applied while the jugular vein was reversed. 1.5 ml blood was preserved in 0.5 ml EDTA and stored at -20°C. ReliaPrepTM Blood genomic DNA Miniprep was used to extract DNA. Thermo ScientificTM NanoDrop 2000c was used to determine the concentrations of extracted DNAs. The greatest concentration of DNA is 136.3 g/L, and the highest purity is 1.90. The treatment is safe, minimally invasive, and effective

Microsatellite loci reveal heterozygosis and population structure in the critically endangered southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis ssp.) of Peninsular Malaysia+

These freshwater turtles are found across Indochina, mostly in large rivers. There is a lack of genetic research concentrating on Malaysia’s southern river terrapin (Batagur affinis) population. We used minimally intrusive methods to collect blood samples from a total of 80 individuals in four different sites in peninsular Malaysia. The genetic difference within and between locations was examined using five microsatellite loci. Our findings indicated that each locus was polymorphic. High numbers of heterozygotes were observed when the percentage of alleles in each locus was compared. Pairwise FST and Nei matrixes revealed considerable genetic differences across individuals from distinct geographical locations. Our population structure analysis shows a significant proportion of assigned individuals are linked to certain collection locations

Turtles in Malaysia: A Review of Conservation Status and a Call for Research

Approximately 356 species of turtles inhabit saltwater and freshwater habitats globally, except in Antarctica. Twenty-four species of turtles have been reported in Malaysia, four of which are sea turtles. The state of Terengganu harbored the highest number of turtles, with 17 different reported species. Based on the IUCN Red List, 29% of turtle species in Malaysia are critically endangered. In comparison, another 25% are classified as endangered. Likewise, CITES reported that 67% of Malaysia’s turtles are threatened, while 25% are classified as critically endangered. This review discusses the checklists, molecular genetics work, conservation status, recent trends, and recommendations for future research. Factors contributing to their population declines and current endangered status are also discussed

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the critically endangered Southern River Terrapin, Batagur affinis affinis (Reptilia: Geoemydidae)

In this study, we report the nearly complete mitochondrial sequence of Batagur affinis affinis. The assembled mitogenome consists of 13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNAs and one near-complete D-loop region. Of the annotated genes, the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes were encoded on the L-strand, while the remaining genes were dispersed on the H-strand. Except for CO1, which has a GTG start codon, all protein-coding genes begin with ATG. The mitogenome has been deposited in NCBI GenBank under the accession number OQ409915. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on publicly available mitogenomes indicate the sister grouping of B. affinis affinis with B. kachuga

Breeding and reproductive performance of the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) at Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) Malaysia

This paper provides a demographic analysis of six years information collected on an African penguin (Sphenicus demersus) colony of Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) at Langkawi Island, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia. These information include reproduction, sex ratio, seasonality, egg-laying date interval and age range of breeding. From the period of 2006 to 2011, 27 chicks survived while 16 chicks died within six years. The sex ratio favoured the female with 1.8:1 in 2006 and 1.38:1 in 2011, although the gender of about 14 second-generation individuals was unknown. Eggs were laid in all months of the year, but a higher frequency was observed between August and January or between autumn and winter (in the southern area). The calculated interval of egg-laying dates for each egg production was 6.719 ± 4.18 months. The mean intervals of egg-laying dates for identified females were 9.239 ± 4.26 months and 5.196 ± 3.34 months for rear infants and non-rear offspring, respectively. The age at first female egg production ranged between six and twenty years and the males that are actively involved in brooding at the age between three and twenty years. The age of the mother at first weaning of the offspring ranged from six and twenty years (n=43), while the males had first paternity between the ages of three and twenty three years (n=43). Monogamous breeding in the first two years (2006 and 2007) of this study was due to imbalance sex ratio between male and female (2:1) and respectively 1:1 or 1:2 between male to females. The captive colony grew at an average rate of 1.172 per individual per year. In 2011, the calculated rate was 1.15, indicating that the rate remained almost constant. Infant mortality in the first two months was 32.5%. This information is beneficial to increase the effectiveness of the management and conservation of African penguins in captivity

Faecal DNA metabarcoding reveals novel bacterial community patterns of critically endangered Southern River Terrapin, Batagur affinis

Southern River Terrapin, Batagur affinis, is a freshwater turtle listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2000. Many studies suggest that faecal DNA metabarcoding can shield light on the host-associated microbial communities that play important roles in host health. Thus, this study aimed to characterise and compare the faecal bacterial community between captive and wild B. affinis using metabarcoding approaches. A total of seven faeces samples were collected from captive (N = 5) and wild (N = 2) adult B. affinis aseptically, crossing the East and West coast of peninsular Malaysia. The DNA was extracted from the faeces samples, and the 16S rRNA gene (V3–V4 region) was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplicon was further analysed using SILVA and DADA2 pipelines. In total, 297 bacterial communities taxonomic profile (phylum to genus) were determined. Three phyla were found in high abundance in all faeces samples, namely Firmicutes (38.69%), Bacteroidetes (24.52%), and Fusobacteria (6.95%). Proteobacteria were detected in all faeces samples (39.63%), except the wild sample, KBW3. Under genus level, Cetobacteriumwas found as the most abundant genus (67.79%), followed by Bacteroides (24.56%) and Parabacteroides (21.78%). The uncultured genus had the highest abundance (88.51%) even though not detected in the BK31 and KBW2 samples. The potential probiotic genera (75.00%) were discovered to be more dominant in B. affinis faeces samples. Results demonstrated that the captive B. affinis faeces samples have a greater bacterial variety and richness than wild B. affinis faeces samples. This study has established a starting point for future investigation of the gut microbiota of B. affinis

A Mini Literature Review on Current Advancements in Protein Purification Techniques

Protein purification is an ever-vital technique for academia and industry. This paper mainly reviews and discusses one of the core components of proteomics—the latest advances in separation technology for protein components—focusing on five different methods. The multi-column plate adapter (MCPA) system is incredibly economical for protein treatment research to purify samples. Because of the affinity of excess Ulp1 protease for SUMO fusion, excess protein products may be obtained within half an hour using this method. Magnetic separation strategies can offer a better protein purification process in the future because of a few advantages. The evaluation established that the aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) technique is a cost-effective, time-saving (30 min), and high-recuperation approach that can be scaled up for commercial purposes. Therefore, the ATPS may be a viable single-step separation purification method, moving away from multi-step purification such as the chromatography technique. Our review provides a technique capable of efficient protein purification

Bicara Cendekiawan MAAC 2022. Isu Banjir Besar Di Baling

Ahli Panel Prof. Dato Ts. Dr. Mohd Idrus Bin Mohd Masirin Mantan Presiden Maac, Pensyarah Sanjung Uthm Prof. Madya Dr. Fauzilah Salleh Bendahari Maac, Timb. Presiden Psa Unisza Prof. Dr. Nuarrual Hilal Md Dahlan Timb. Presiden Maac, Penolong Naib Canselor Uum Colgis Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bin Ismail Presiden Maac 2022-2024, Presiden Persatuan Pencinta Alam Malaysia (Mns) Moderator: Mohd Hairul Ab Rahim Exco Maac, Presiden Persatuan Staf Akademik (Pakad), Um