Performance of the nanobio-based reagent for visualising wet fingerprints exposed to different levels of water salinity

Introduction: Recovery of evidence such as murder weapons in waterways has been commonly reported. However, visualising latent fingerprints on the immersed substrates may prove challenging due to its obliteration by physicochemical parameters (e.g. pH, temperature, salinity) as well as the mechanical effect of water. Although the use of Small Particle Reagent (SPR) for visualising latent fingerprints on wet non-porous substrates has been suggested, it contains molybdenum and titanium that are toxic, and their utilisation must be reduced. Furthermore, no study verifies the chemical and/or physical interaction between SPR and the lipid constituents of wet latent fingerprints that leads to the visualisation of ridge details. Methods: The SPR and newly developed nanobio based reagent (NBR) i.e. Candida rugosa lipase-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CRL-MWCNTs) were used for visualising latent fingerprints on glass slides immersed in water with salinity levels representing those of estuary and swimming pool for up to 15 days. Results: It was observed that the quality of the visualised fingerprints using NBR was comparable with that of SPR. Characterisations via instrument and bioinformatics analyses have also verified the incorporation of CRL onto MWCNTs and the chemical interaction between NBR and lipid constituents of wet latent fingerprints. Conclusions: Therefore, the newly developed NBR may prove a promising relatively greener alternative for substituting SPR for visualising latent fingerprints on glass slides immersed in different levels of water salinity

Effect of microbial inoculant on the oviposition and completion of life cycle of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) infesting rabbit carcasses

This research was conducted to assess the influence of microbial inoculant (EM.1®) on the initial oviposition and developmental pattern of two prevalent necrophagous flies (Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies) in Malaysia. Nine rabbit carcasses were equally divided into control and two treated groups. The control carcasses were sprayed with deionized water (about 100 mL), whereas the two other treated groups were individually sprayed with two concentrations of EM.1® at 1:500 and 1:100, respectively. Results revealed that the single application of EM.1® on both treated carcasses did not statistically impede oviposition by both necrophagous species, as well as their subsequent developmental patterns (P > 0.05) when compared with that of controls. Therefore, estimating the minimum post-mortem interval (mPMI) using empirical baseline data for the control animal model would remain appropriate for estimating mPMI in cases involving carcasses with a single application of EM.1

Nutritional Properties Evaluation of Blowfly Larvae from Fish and Chicken Wastes for Asian Sea Bass Feed Formulation Application

This present research characterized the proximate nutrient, fatty acids and amino acids compositions of the wild third instar blowfly larvae collected from fish and chicken wastes as well as its mixture, in view of aquaculture feeding for Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer). Analyses of crude protein, crude lipids, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrates, amino as well as fatty acids were performed. Results revealed that the larvae that fed on the mixed substrates (chicken and fish, 50:50 ratio) had significantly the highest nutritional values (51.47 ± 0.32% of crude protein, 29.4 ± 1.47% of crude fat, 4.81 ± 0.83% of crude fiber, 4.85 ± 0.01% of ash and 12.71 ± 1.67% of carbohydrate) for formulating feeds for Asian sea bass when compared with that of chicken and fish wastes alone (P < 0.05). Similarly, significantly higher percentages of fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and amino acids (Arg, Lys, Met, Trp, His, Val, Ile, Leu and Phe) were observed in the larvae from mixed-substrates when compared with that of the remaining two substrates (P < 0.05). The findings supported the utilization of blowfly larvae harvested on mixed substrate as a possible candidate of nutrients for Asian sea bass feed formulation

One step activation using potassium hydroxide on prepared activated carbon for base transesterification reaction

Palm kernel shell is an abundant solid waste from palm oil processing mills in tropical countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. The utilization of these agricultural wastes in production of activated carbon will greatly help overcoming environmental issue economically. In this study, activated carbon from palm kernel shell via one-step activation with potassium (AC/KOH) was successfully prepared. The activated carbon has been prepared using different percentage concentrations of KOH and carbonized at 600oC for 2 h. All the prepared AC/KOHs were characterized using Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), Nitrogen Adsorption Analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The soluble basicity and the basic strength of the prepared AC/KOHs were determined using back titration and Carbon Dioxide Temperature Program Desorption (CO2-TPD). FTIR analysis of the raw palm kernel shell showed the presence of various functional groups. However, after the activation and carbonization, most of the functional groups were eliminated. A high BET surface area of 1054 m2/g was obtained from 10% AC/KOH, while the BET surface area for 15%, 20% and 25% AC/KOH decreased probably due to KOH residue or the collapse of the pore walls, which blocked the pores. From the basicity analysis, when the percentage of KOH concentrations increases, the basicity of the AC/KOH was also increased. The prepared AC/KOH was then used as a heterogeneous base catalyst for transesterification of palm oil and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Dimethyl carbonate was selected to replace alcohol to prevent the leaching of KOH into the biodiesel. Besides that, the used of DMC in transesterification produced glycerol free-fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Analysis and determination of biodiesel production were performed using Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Increased percentage concentrations of potassium in AC/KOH made a significant impact on the conversion of palm oil to biodiesel. The percentage conversion of biodiesel for 10% AC/KOH, 15% AC/KOH, 20% AC/KOH and 25% AC/KOH calculated about 35%, 45%, 63% and 67%, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that the AC/KOH can be used as a catalyst in biodiesel production