Studying the Dynamical Properties of 20 Nearby Galaxy Clusters

Using SDSS-DR7, we construct a sample of 42382 galaxies with redshifts in the region of 20 galaxy clusters. Using two successive iterative methods, the adaptive kernel method and the spherical infall model, we obtained 3396 galaxies as members belonging to the studied sample. The 2D projected map for the distribution of the clusters members is introduced using the 2D adaptive kernel method to get the clusters centers. The cumulative surface number density profile for each cluster is fitted well with the generalized King model. The core radii of the clusters' sample are found to vary from 0.18 Mpc \mbox{h}^{-1} (A1459) to 0.47 Mpc \mbox{h}^{-1} (A2670) with mean value of 0.295 Mpc \mbox{h}^{-1}. The infall velocity profile is determined using two different models, Yahil approximation and Praton model. Yahil approximation is matched with the distribution of galaxies only in the outskirts (infall regions) of many clusters of the sample, while it is not matched with the distribution within the inner core of the clusters. Both Yahil approximation and Praton model are matched together in the infall region for about 9 clusters in the sample but they are completely unmatched for the clusters characterized by high central density. For these cluster, Yahil approximation is not matched with the distribution of galaxies, while Praton model can describe well the infall pattern of such clusters.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figure

Use of fly-ash geopolymer incorporating ground granulated slag for stabilization of kaolin clay cured at ambient temperature

This paper focuses on stabilisation of kaolin clay at ambient temperature using fly-ash based geopolymer incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS). Comprehensive experimental programme was conducted including soil plasticity, compaction, unconfined compressive strength, durability and leaching. These tests were followed by a microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. An optimisation study using several combinations of geopolymer ingredients was performed, and the role of GGBFS in enhancing the geopolymer-stabilised clay was evaluated. The results indicated that introducing partial replacement of class (F) fly-ash by GGBFS assists, when synthesised in certain ratios, in achieving strength properties of geopolymer-stabilised clay comparable to those of cement stabilised clay. Although a small percentage of geopolymer can improve the soil strength, a larger amount was essential to enhance the wetting–drying durability performance. Under freezing–thawing conditions, low durability performance was detected indicating retardation in the geopolymer reaction at low temperature. For simulated water infiltration, leaching of the activator from geopolymer-stabilised clay was a minor concern in relation to the gel formation and long-term strength gain. Finally, SEM results clearly demonstrated a clay fabric modification attributed to the inter-particle contacts and the corresponding bonding due to the gel formation and hardening

Self-efficacy of catering students of Faculty Technical and Vocational Education, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia in the Field of Career to be pursued

The increasing rate of unemployed graduates in Malaysia has received alarming attention in recents years. One of the factors that contribute to the unemployment problem is the lack of self-efficacy among graduates in making career choices. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the self-efficacy of catering students to make decision on career field options to be pursued either as a teacher, hospitality employee or entrepreneur. The design of this study is a quantitative descriptive study through survey and questionnaire is used as research instruments. A total of 66 catering students of year 3 and 4 from Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV) were selected as the study sample. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.00 software involving mean, standard deviation, and ANOVA. The results showed that the mean scores of self-efficacy of catering students were high to become teachers (M= 4.11, SD=0.617) and followed by hospitality employee (M= 3.87, SD= 0.574) and entrepreneurs (M= 3.93, SD=0.514). However, there was no significant difference between the three career fields with a value of p = 0.052. In conclusion, catering students have high self-efficacy in venturing into the field of career when graduating from university. Graduates need to see the importance of enhancing self-efficacy because it opens paths for career opportunities and advancement

Effects of Centellaasiatica L., Curcuma longa L., and Strobilanthescrispus L. extracts on 3 kidney cell lines: in vitro cytotoxicity analysis

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity to three cell kidney lines by using the 3-(4, 5-d imethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay of three popular medicinal plants used in Malaysia. Methods: Methanol and aqueous extracts of Centellaasiatica L., Strobilanthescrispus L. and Curcuma longa L. were tested at the non-toxic limit concentration at 50 (NTLC50) ranging from 50 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml depending on the cell lines used, i.e. African Green Monkey Kidney (Vero), Baby hamster Kidney (BHK) and Rabbit Kidney (RK) cells. Results: Centellaasiatica L. was the least toxic to the all cell lines tested followed by Strobilanthes crispus L. and Curcuma longa L. Methanol plant extracts inhibited cell growth but not to the aqueous plant extracts. Meanwhile, BHK cells were found to be the most resistant to the plant extracts. Conclusion: This study proves the safety of these plant extracts for future scientific studies in its biomedical properties

User friendly system for the visually impaired in learning Al-Quran

This study presents a method to enable the visually impaired Muslim to learn and read the Al-Quran using Braille Display with software help. The system reads the database which contains all verses of Al-Quran and user will need to select the verse and ayah to read. Besides that, this system can be used in a class to teach visually impaired students to learn Al-Quran. Every word or character typed by the instructor in the main Braille Panel will be transmitted to the sub Braille Panel that is connected to the main Braille Panel. The selected verse of Al-Quran and ayah will also generate an index before being transmitted to the Braille Panel. The index will be transmitted to the Braille Display for people to touch and read the display. A user friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) will be used to fulfill the ergonomics for the visually impaired user's physical capabilities. Several approaches are used to design and implement the interface for the visually impaired like speech or sound output and Braille display. The Braille codes can be displayed using the Braille panel. The design interface and structure of the system for the visually impaired users in learning Al-Quran is presented