Behaviour of oil palm shell reinforced concrete beam partly replaced by palm oil fuel ash

In Malaysia, issue of natural contamination coming about because of transfer of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) which is a by-item from palm oil mill has started exploration to consolidate this waste in Oil Palm Shell (OPS) lightweight concrete structural. The current investigates the behaviour of oil palm shell reinforced concrete beam partly replaced by palm oil fuel ash. All mixes were casted in total of 4 reinforced concrete beam and 24 cubes with OPS RC mixes were producing by replaced 20% of POFA on cement, sand and aggregates were fabricated and tested. The flexural test and compressive test is conducted in accordance to BS EN 12390 – 3 and BS EN 12390 – 5 at the age of 7 and 28 days. The Data presented include the load – deflection curves, ductility, compressive strength and cracking pattern. From the result, it was observed that mixes with replaced POFA on cement would enhance the strength of concrete and from the flexural test shows that with replacement on cement, the ductility of beam is better than others replacement

Superstructure Optimization of Naphtha Processing System with Environmental Considerations

The objective of this research project is to develop an optimization-based mathematical model in the form of a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) for determining the optimal configuration of a petroleum refmery. The scope for this project is to formulate the superstructure representation model for a refinery focusing on the subsystem of naphtha hydroprocessing in order to select the most economical and cost efficient process route. The alternatives for all streams are evaluated and the optimal configuration is proposed based on market demand by incorporating logical constraints and mass balance using the GAMS modeling language platform. Based on the information and knowledge about the physics of the problem of naphtha processing unit, we represent all these possible processing alternatives on a superstructure. Carbon dioxide emission factors bave also been considered in which relevant data is obtained using the carbon weighting tonne (CWT) method. Computational studies are conducted on a representative numerical example to illustrate the proposed modeling approach

Role of magnesium ions in the excitation of vascular smooth muscle. Effects of hypermagnesaemia and hypomagnesaemia on drug-induced contractions of mammalian arteries with special reference to the involvement of changed tissue calcium ion concentration or distribution in the observed responses.

Studies on the perfused rabbit ear artery preparation showed that withdrawal of Mg 2+ from extracellular fluid potentiated the responses to histamine and ATP but not to catecholamines. Similar results were obtained in [2xCa2+] Krebs solution. Increases in [Mg 2+] decreased responses to the three agonists to a similar extent. In subsequent experiments attempts were made to alter the availability of calcium for contraction induced by these agonists either by changing the [Ca 2+] of the Krebs solution or by using Ca 2+ influx inhibitors, ouabain and ryanodine. The effects of these agonists were compared to those observed when Mg2+ was altered. In general, the results obtained in perfused rabbit ear artery supported the hypothesis that changes in extracellular [Mg2+] affect the availability of calcium for contraction but were not consistent with the suggestion that Mg2+ alters Ca2+ influx. In a second type of preparation tension responses of superfused rings of ear artery were studied. Responses to changes in extracellular [Ca2+] and[ Mg2+] were found to differ slightly from those obtained in the perfused artery. A simultaneously perfused and superfused arterial preparation showed that responses to changes in [ Mg2+] and[Ca2+] were different if the agonist was administered to the adventitial surface of the vessel rather than via the intimal surface. The effects of alterations in extracellular [Mg 2+] were studied in mesenteric arteries from weight matched normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). No differences in response to NA or ATP when extracellular [Mg 2+ ] was either increased or reduced were observed in the SHR compared to the normotensive animal. However, a difference in calcium dependence was demonstrated between the two types of vessels to NA. In contrast to mesenteric arteries, experiments on aortae from normotensive rats and SHR showed no differences in the calcium dependence of NA responses between normotensive and SHR vessels, whereas, [4xMg2+ ] Krebs solution reduced the responses of normotensive aorta to NA more than SHR. These results in the rat were not consistent with the hypothesis that alteration in [Mg 2+] can be explained in terms of altered calcium availability. Attempts to increase intracellular cyclic AMP with theophylline showed that the response to ED50 NA in both mesenteric arteries and aortae from normotensive were reduced more than SHR. It is concluded that the effect of changes in extracellular [Mg2+] on the reactivity of vascular muscle varies depending on the type of vessel and species of animal from which the vessel is taken. In addition when all the experimental results are considered, it is not possible to explain all the actions of altered [ Mg2+ ] simply in terms of changed calcium availability

Awareness, Knowledge, and Practices towards Reading Snack Food Labels among Malaysian Adolescents

This study aimed to determine the awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding food labels and factors that influence their use; a cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 Malaysian adolescents aged 10 to 19. Participants completed an online Food Label Use Questionnaire (FLUQ) that included demographic, nutrition knowledge, label use, and factors affecting label use. SPSS version 28.0 was used for data analysis. The results showed that 93% of adolescents correctly identified the consequences of over-consuming calories. Still, only 84.5% performed well on the nutrition use task, struggling to interpret calorie and carbohydrate amounts in certain foods. The main reasons for not using food labels were time constraints (45.5%), unattractive or confusing labels (36%), absence of labels on certain foods (33%), lack of health concerns (32%), and insufficient knowledge (27%). However, 90.5% of adolescents were concerned about product expiration dates and often read this information. Taste and price were the main reasons for referring to food labels, while time constraints were the main barrier to their use. In conclusion, practicing reading food labels can guide adolescents in making informed decisions about their food choices and portion intake. Awareness campaigns can aid in promoting healthy habits and empowering adolescents to make the right choices for their health

The application of coastal management and Geographical Information System (GIS) initiatives in Selangor from government agencies perspectives

It is well recognised that coastlines are undergoing rapid development and firm management policies have to be made. Nevertheless, for any shore management to be efficacious, the policies need to be founded on informed decision-making. Geographical Information System (GIS) encourages the development and use of standards for coastal data definition, collection and storage, which promotes compatibility of data and processing techniques between projects and departments, as well as ensuring consistency of coastal management approach. Purpose of this research to find a perception from government agencies that has used GIS in managing coastal area in Selangor. Two main divisions of coastal change analysis may be recognized: monitoring and simulation modelling. GIS modelling and simulation of coastal phenomena are extremely valuable techniques for assessing the effectiveness and likely impacts of such intervention. Thus, a well-designed coastal area information system could be a significant decision support tool to aid the development of integrated and sustainable coastal resource management strategies

An investigation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a standardized Orthosiphon stamineus methanol:water (50:50 vol/vol) leaf extract (SEOS) were evaluated in animal models. Oral administration of SEOS at doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg significantly reduced the hind paw edema in rats at 3 and 5 hours after carrageenan administration (P < .01 and P < .01; P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). SEOS (1,000 mg/kg, p.o.) also produced significant (P < .05) analgesic activity in both the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the formalin-induced licking test (late phase) in mice and rats, respectively. However, SEOS showed no effect on the tail flick and hot plate tests in mice. The results of the present study support the proposal that O. stamineus has anti-inflammatory and non-narcotic analgesic activities. These findings justify the traditional use of the plant for treating pain and inflammation

Superstructure Optimization of Naphtha Processing System with Environmental Considerations

The objective of this research project is to develop an optimization-based mathematical model in the form of a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) for determining the optimal configuration of a petroleum refmery. The scope for this project is to formulate the superstructure representation model for a refinery focusing on the subsystem of naphtha hydroprocessing in order to select the most economical and cost efficient process route. The alternatives for all streams are evaluated and the optimal configuration is proposed based on market demand by incorporating logical constraints and mass balance using the GAMS modeling language platform. Based on the information and knowledge about the physics of the problem of naphtha processing unit, we represent all these possible processing alternatives on a superstructure. Carbon dioxide emission factors bave also been considered in which relevant data is obtained using the carbon weighting tonne (CWT) method. Computational studies are conducted on a representative numerical example to illustrate the proposed modeling approach

A spatial analysis on GIS-Hedonic pricing model on the influence of public open space and house price in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Presently, it is noticeable that there is a significant influence of public open space about house price, especially in many developed nations. Literature suggests the relationship between the two aspects give impact on the housing market, however not many studies undertaken in Malaysia. Thus, this research was initiated to analyse the relationship of open space and house price via the techniques of GIS-Hedonic Pricing Model. In this regards, the GIS tool indicates the pattern of the relationship between open space and house price spatially. Meanwhile, Hedonic Pricing Model demonstrates the index of the selected criteria in determining the housing price. This research is a perceptual study of 200 respondents who were the house owners of double-storey terrace houses in four townships, namely Bandar Baru Bangi, Taman Melawati, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam, in Klang Valley. The key research question is whether the relationship between open space and house price exists and the nature of its pattern and intensity. The findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between open space and house price. Correlation analysis reveals that a weak relationship (rs < 0.1) established between the variable of open space and house price (rs = 0.91, N = 200, p = 0.2). Consequently, the rate of house price change is rather small. In overall, this research has achieved its research aims and thus, offers the value added in applying the GIS-Hedonic pricing model in analysing the influence of open space to the house price in the form of spatially and textuall

Digital forensics investigation reduction model (DIFReM) framework for Windows 10 OS

The advent of the digital age, globalization and automation has made life easier for people and businesses. However, the ubiquitous use of digital devices and the Internet also heightens the risk and incidents of cybercrimes. Under these circumstances, Digital Forensics has become a critical countermeasure. The ISO/IEC 27001 (Information security standards published jointly by the International Organization for Standardization – ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission-IEC) provides guidance on identifying, gathering/collecting/acquiring, handling and protecting/preserving Digital Forensic evidence for use in court. The most challenging and important part of Digital Forensic Investigation (DFI) is data examination. Knowing the data created by the Operating System (OS) or user beforehand would ease the process. Unfortunately, most of the time, such details are not available to facilitate investigation. The examination phase is the most challenging for an investigator; in Microsoft Windows OS (Operating System). Investigators have to go through terabytes of system data, most of which are OS and application files irrelevant to the investigation from a suspect’s computer. To address the problem highlighted above, this research proposes a data reduction model (DIFReM) and a tool which will not only help the investigator in identifying modified system files but also has the ability to detect files inserted into system directories and also be able to verify integrity using hashing. In the end, this research will provide the investigator with a more effective and efficient digital forensics tools

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Methanol Extract of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.) Leaf in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Syzygium polyanthum (S. polyanthum), a plant belonging to Myrtaceae, is widely used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines. Diabetic patients in Indonesia also commonly use it as a traditional medicine. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract (ME) of S. polyanthum leaf and its possible mechanisms of action. To test for hypoglycemic activity, ME was administered orally to normal male Sprague Dawley rats after a 12-h fast. To further test for antihyperglycemic activity, the same treatment was administered to glucose-loaded (intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, IPGTT) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, respectively. Hypoglycemic test in normal rats did not show significant reduction in blood glucose levels (BGLs) by the extract. Furthermore, IPGTT conducted on glucose-loaded normal rats also did not show significant reduction of BGLs. However, repeated administration of metformin and three doses of ME (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for six days caused significant reduction of fasting BGLs in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The possible mechanisms of action of S. polyanthum antihyperglycemic activity were assessed by measurement of intestinal glucose absorption and glucose uptake by isolated rat abdominal muscle