Molecular Cloning And Characterization Of Cdna Encoding For Enzymes In The Carotenoid Biosynthetic Pathway Of Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.)

The potential health benefits of carotenoids, in particular as anticancer and antioxidant agents, have recently been highlighted. Extensive studies have been conducted to elucidate the plant carotenoid pathway. Oil palm is known to be the richest natural source of carotene. However, to date, there has been no work carried out to elucidate the pathway in this species. The lack of the knowledge could restrain the potential advantages of the plant for further improvement through genetic modifications. This work is the first effort towards the understanding of the oil palm carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. The aim was to isolate cDNA clones encoding the oil palm lycopene β-cyclase (LCYb), lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYe), phytoene dusaturase (PDS) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP). The first two enzymes have been suggested to have a regulatory control over the formation of carotene. Thus, their genes are believed to have an important and urgent biotechnological application. Fragments containing partial sequences of these genes were successfully generated through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) using degenerate primers. The complete DNA sequence of these fragments were determined. Primers were then designed based on these sequences to facilitate the amplification of the 3’ and 5’ end regions of the transcripts. Both ends were successfully obtained for both cyclases. A consensus sequence of 1962 bp and 1759 bp was generated for oil palm lcye and lcyb, respectively. An open reading frame (ORF) of 1617 bp encoding 539 amino acid (AA) residues was identified for lcye. Similarly, an ORF of 1509 bp encoding for 503 AA residues was also identified for lcyb. Deduced AA sequences were shown to be highly identical to their respective counterparts from other plants at about 80% identity. Although the enzymes were functionally equivalent, they were shown to share little resemblance at about 30% identity. However, oil palm LCYb was shown to share a relatively high identity to plant neoxanthin and capxanthin-capsorubin synthases, suggesting the common ancestor of the cyclases and synthases. RTPCR amplifications using degenerate primers were also successfully used to generate fragments of 865 bp and 567 bp for oil palm pds and zep, respectively. Subsequently, the deduced AA sequence for both fragments was identified based on comparison to peptide sequences of their counterparts from other plants. Both oil palm PDS and ZEP were shown to be highly identical to their respective counterparts from other plants at about 85%. The regulation of these four carotenogenic genes as well as phytoene synthase was studied in developing mesocarp tissues using real-time PCR analysis. The results indicated that all of the carotenogenic genes were expressed at a low level in the tissues tested. psy and pds were shown to be expressed at a relatively higher level in young and late developing mesocarp tissues, as well as in leaves. A similar expression level was observed for the cyclases, although at a relatively lower level than the psy and pds level. Nevertheless, the expression of these genes seemed to be correlated and thus believed to be regulated for the accumulation of carotenoids in the tissues both for developmental process and storage. The copy number of the two oil palm cyclase genes was examined using Southern analysis. The results indicated that there was at least one of the restriction enzymes used gave a single hybridized band. This finding strongly suggested that the two cyclase genes are present in a single copy in oil palm. In conclusion, the full length cDNAs coding for lycopene β-cyclase and lycopene ε-cyclase and partial cDNAs for phytoene desaturase and zeaxanthin epoxidase were successfully obtained and characterized. This work provides the required genetic material for the modification of oil palm carotenoid content, especially for the production of high lycopene transgenic oil palm. Furthermore, the results of the expression study provide very valuable information for formulating an effective strategy for oil palm carotenoid genetic engineering especially toward the increase of lycopene by down-regulating the two cyclase genes

B10-CHAR PRODUCTION FROM OIL PALM STEM USING FLASH PYROLYSER

Pyrolysis of oil palm stem waste will be carry out in the fluidized bed reactor in the presence of nitrogen as a fluidized gas. The product yield will be investigated after the experiment. This experiment was carrying out at 450°C and with biomass particle size is 0.15mm-0.5mm. Before start the experiment, the feedstock will be analyze base on moisture content, ash content, calorimetry value and elementary analysis. The products of this process are bio-oil, gases and char. The results of this experiment will compare with the literature review. The char yield was affected by the residence time of the fluidized bed reactor. Very high reactor residence time will led to higher bio-char production. The ultimate analysis also conducted to the product

Radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice against low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR)—induced oxidative stress in lung / Anisah Abd Rasid

Low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) may trigger oxidative stress which leads to generation of free radicals. There is lack of information about the capability of watermelon as a natural antioxidant that helps to scavenge LDIR—induced free radicals. This study was conducted to determine the radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice on biochemical and molecular changes against LDIR-induced Oxidative stress in mice lung. A total of 18 ICR male mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=6); negative control group, radiation group and treatment group. Mice in Negative control and radiation group were given filtered lap water while treatment group was supplemented with 50% watermelon juice for 14 days ad libitum. Mice in radiation and treatment group were then exposed to 100 µGy x-ray whole body irradiation on day 15. Liver tissues were excised immediately and assessed for the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (inhibition %), total glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA) and DNA damage (Comet Assay). SOD activity inhibition %) showed no significant difference between all groups. Treatment group showed increment SOD activity (inhibition %)compared to negative control and radiation group. GSH level in lung tissues showed significant diminish in radiation group versus negative control group (p <0.001). Treatment group showed significant depletion in GSH level compared to negative control group (p < 0.001). MDA levels showed significant increment in treatment group compared to negative control group (p < 0.005). DNA damage of lung tissues in radiation group showed significant increased compared to negative control (p< 0.001). While treatment group showed significant decreased in DNA damage compared to radiation group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this finding may postulate that radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice against LDIR-induced oxidative stress which supplemented to the mice for 14 days may reduce DNA damage but may be not give sufficient enough effect to biochemical changes in lung tissue

Noise source identification of split unit air conditioner system

Noise in split unit air conditioning system is a frequent problem for the air conditioner manufactures. Split unit air conditioners have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected by communication pipes. The noise can not be eliminated but it can be reduced. Noise can make in some cases limit the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner. In this project, to identify and analysis the noise at air conditioner system was investigated by using sound intensity. The investigation was carried out by varying the parameter which is the fan speed and temperature at air conditioner. For the identify where the noise source comes form the rig had been build to get the noise location and their rating by located the microphone at the rig point. The signal from the probe will be analyze by the analyzer using Pulse LabShop software from Brüel & Kjær. The results for the noise were showed in noise mapping. A different colour in the noise mapping indicates different level of noise and it showed where the most noise comes from. The highest noise sound levels occur at the front side of air conditioner which is at the fan that is about 74.784dB. The second highest noise sound level is occur at the right side which is at the compressor is about 72.115dB. Comparison of the graph will show the relation between noise and the parameter and it can be concluded that sound power level will increase as higher fan speed and the lowest temperature of the air conditioner

The determinant factors that contribute the purchasing of Medical and Health Insurance (MHI) by consumers in Subang Jaya, Selangor / Nor Haslinda Abd Rasid

Medical and Health Insurance (MHI) is a very important tool to secure family member or individuals as well as to provide compensation or security financial for individual once admitted in private hospital cause by injury, sickness or doing any treatment. However, in Malaysia the purchasing of MHI is yet not preferable. Recently, medical expenses increase critically but there are still a lot of Malaysian do not have their own Medical and Health Insurance (MHI). The researcher conducting this research in order to find out and contribute ideas on the determinant factors that contribute the purchasing of MHI. The crucial goal of conducting this paper is to analyse the dominant factor that influence the purchasing of Medical and Health Insurance (MHI). Therefore, this study come out with three independent variable which are social influence, knowledge and income. Based on the analysis, social influence, knowledge and income have a significant relationship with Medical and Health Insurance (MHI)

Halangan personaliti dalam e-pembelajaran di Jabatan Perdagangan Politeknik Premier: satu kajian kes kualitatif

Kajian ini dijalankan bagi memahami halangan personaliti di dalam E-pembelajaran di politeknik premier di Malaysia. Dua buah politeknik premier di Malaysia iaitu Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) dan Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) dijadikan lokasi kajian ini. Personaliti merangkupi pelbagai aspek iaitu perangai atau tingkahlaku, sikap, minat dan pengalaman. Personaliti seseorang individu dibayangkan oleh potensinya untuk berkelakuan mengikut cara tertentu. Kajian ini menumpukan aspek personaliti pensyarah-pensyarah di politeknik premier sebagai skop kajian. Sampel kajian ini adalah pensyarah-pensyarah politeknik premier di Jabatan Perdagangan. Metadologi kajian ini adalah satu kajian kes kualitatif dimana kaedah yang digunakan untuk mendapatkan data adalah melalui kaedah temubual, analisis dokumen, pemerhatian dan nota lapangan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa personaliti pensyarah bukan merupakan penghalang penggunaan e-pembelajaran di politeknik-politeknik premier. Halangan penggunaan e-pembelajaran juga bergantung kepada halagan situasi, halangan teknologi dan halangan institusi itu sendiri. Jadi kajian lanjutan tentang hubungan keempat-empat halangan perlu dilakukan untuk menambahbaik dan memperkemaskan lagi penggunaan e-pembelajaran di institusi pengajian tinggi terutamanya di politeknik

POLA INTERAKSI PERS, PEMERINTAH DAN MASYARAKAT DALAM MEMBENTUK SISTEM PERS PANCASILA:Suatu Analisis Retrospektif

Pers Indonesia adalah pers Pancasila dalam artian pers yang berorientasi pada sikap dan tingkah laku yang berdasarkan nilai-nilai Pancasila dan UUD 1945. Hakekat pers Pancasila adalah pers yang sehat, yakni pers yang bebas dan bertanggung jawab, dalam menjalankan fungsinya sebagai penyebar informasi yang benar dan objektif, penyalur aspirasi rakyat dan kontrol sosial yang konstruktif. Melalui hakekat dan fungsi itu pers Pancasila mengembangkan suasana saling percaya menuju masyarakat terbuka yang demokratis dan bertanggung jawab. Dalam mengamalkan pers Pancasila mekanisme yang dipakai adalah interaksi positif antara Masyarakat, Pers dan Pemerintah. Hubungan antara pers dan pemerintah terjalin dalam suatu bentuk yang dijiwai oleh semangat persekawanan (partnership) dalam mengusahakan terwujudnya masyarakat yang adil dan makmur berdasarkan Pancasila. Kata Kunci: Interaksi Pers, Pemerintah, Sistem Pers Pancasil

Globalisation, ICTs and national identity : the case of Malaysia

For the past thirty years the Malaysian economy has been said to contribute well to the progress of the nations. However, the intensification of global economic activity and the extensive use of ICTs in recent years are challenging government's effort to further develop Malaysian society. The competition posed by the low wage economies such as China and Vietnam have made the government realise the importance of engaging in high-skill and high technology industries. It is hoped this will be the basis of attracting more FDI (foreign direct investment) in order to help the country to compete in a globalised world. Using Vision 2020 as its targeted vision, the government has decided to engage in the use of ICTs and introduce many policies pertaining to it. This thesis is mainly concerned with the study of ICT policy in Malaysia and its consequences for both the economy and society. The investigation focuses on the three dimensions: 'ICTs and economic growth', 'ICTs and inequality' and 'the element of neo-colonialism'. Two approaches are used to achieve the objectives of the study. They are secondary analysis and semi-structured interviews. This thesis is largely dependent on library research and secondary sources such as government official policies and data. Semi-structured interviews are used as a means to support or test some of the arguments and evidence collected throughout the analysis and discussion. For the interviews, three groups of people were identified: policy developers, implementers and evaluators. These people are those involved directly and indirectly with ICT policy establishment and implementation. The findings show that policy pertaining to ICTs in Malaysia contributes to economic growth, but the consequences of this have resulted in greater division within society. Although some of the divisions such as gender and ethnicity are narrowing down, the gap in important areas such as regions and class differences, is becoming wider. The widespread use of ICTs might contribute to the further establishment of democracy in Malaysia, but the increasing number of foreign entities such as FDI and foreign workers, cultural hybridisation and to some extent cultural doniination are contributing to neocolonialism in Malaysia. This has obvious consequences for the government's effort to create a Malaysian national identity. An important finding of this work is that there are contradictions within ICT policy between the effort to develop the economy and society.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

TAHAP PENGAMALAN BUDAYA KUALITI DALAM KALANGAN GURU-GURU SEKOLAH RENDAH

This descriptive study aims to investigate the practice of quality culture among primary schools teachers in the Tiram Zone Pasir Gudang District. The quality culture dimensions studied in this study are customer management, value sharing, continuous improvement, quality training, comprehensive engagement, communication climate and teamwork. Quality culture dimensions are based on the study of Patimah Ibrahim (2002). The data were collected via questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package For Social Science (SPSS) program to obtain the frequency, mean, and standard deviation. The results of the pilot study found that the Alpha Cronbach's reliability (α) quality culture dimension was 0.9003, according to what Nunnally (1978) suggested that alpha values greater than 0.70 were consistent for each dimension used. A total of 170 teachers were randomly selected as stratified respondents. Overall, the findings show that quality culture practices in the schools studied are high. The findings show that team work dimensions and communication climate show the most dominant practice in the study school. This study has important implications for teachers in general to better understand the dimensions of quality culture practiced and to know their impact on school-age disabilities. Through this study, it is hoped that it will contribute to the transition or shift of the mind among educators in order to improve the performance and quality of education in Malaysia

Radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice against Low Dose Ionizing Radiation (LDIR)-Induced Oxidative stress in mice lung / Anisah Abd Rasid

Low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) may trigger oxidative stress which leads to generation of free radicals. There is lack of information about the capability of watermelon as a natural antioxidant that helps to scavenge LDIR-induced free radicals. This study was conducted to determine the radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice on biochemical and molecular changes against LDIR-induced oxidative stress in mice lung. A total of 18 ICR male mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=6); negative control group, radiation group and treatment group. Mice in negative control and radiation group were given filtered tap water while treatment group was supplemented with 50% watermelon juice for 14 days ad libitum. Mice in radiation and treatment group were then exposed to 100 µGy x-ray whole body irradiation on day 15. Liver tissues were excised immediately and assessed for the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (inhibition %), total glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA damage (Comet Assay). SOD activity (inhibition %) showed no significant difference between all groups. Treatment group showed increment SOD activity (inhibition %) compared to negative control and radiation group. GSH level in lung tissues showed significant diminish in radiation group versus negative control group (p < 0.001). Treatment group showed significant depletion in GSH level compared to negative control group (p < 0.001). MDA levels showed significant increment in treatment group compared to negative control group (p < 0.005). DNA damage of lung tissues in radiation group showed significant increased compared to negative control (p < 0.001). While treatment group showed significant decreased in DNA damage compared to radiation group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this finding may postulate that radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice against LDIR-induced oxidative stress which supplemented to the mice for 14 days may reduce DNA damage but may be not give sufficient enough effect to biochemical changes in lung tissue