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Neonates with incompetent immune system in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at risk of developing infection from microbial colonisation of enteral feeding tubes. The study aimed to identify the bacteria present in the enteral feeding tubes of neonates admitted to the NICU of the Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital Malaysia. The feeding tubes were assessed after being placed in the stomach for 24, 48 and 72 hrs for each neonate. A total of thirty tubes from ten neonates were tested for enumeration of aerobic colony count, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp. and presence of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella spp. The duration of feeding tubes in-situ was not significantly correlated with aerobic colony count, S. aureus, Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus spp. colonisation with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient rs of +0.116, -0.146, -0.115, and +0.287 respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Yersinia enterocolitica, Enterococcus faecium, E. malodoratus, Streptococcus anginosus and Pediococcus pentosocaeus were found in the tested samples and their presence was considered as risk of infection as most being part of Enterobacteriaceae. Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the tubes. In conclusion, bacterial colonisation in feeding tubes was not associated with duration in-situ for 24, 48 and 72 hrs.

Internet access has become one of the basic necessities in today's world. Though many of us have the luxury to access the internet using various devices through various means, there are a large number of people who do not have access to such facility. Digital divide remains a big challenge in most countries, especially to those in developing countries. In Malaysia, only 25% from the overall internet user comes from the user in the rural area, which indicates that internet penetration is still low in this region. This paper explores the feasibility of using fixed wireless access (FWA) as a solution in providing broadband access to rural and remote areas. 10 proof of concept (POC) sites at underserved areas in rural regions of Malaysia were chosen for LTE-based (Long-Term Evolution) FWA. Results show that the proposed FWA solution was able to provide improvement as high as 63 % and 15 % on the download and upload speed respectively, compared to the user's existing broadband subscription.

Development of low-cost, sustainable and environmentally friendly biodiesel is a key focus in the energy industry worldwide. It is known that selecting suitable raw feedstock materials and optimising an efficient transesterification process are crucial in biodiesel production. Effective and realistic strategies are imperative in order to boost the quantity and quality of biodiesel production. In fact, scientists and researchers have put great effort to improve the market value of their biodiesel products. In recent years, the feasibilities of several raw materials as feedstocks to produce biodiesel have been assessed by researchers. These materials were reported able to produce biodiesel that met international standards, namely the American Society for Test and Materials D6751 and European Standard 14214. Although these biodiesel products have met the quality criteria, their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) contents differ. This review focuses on optimum conditions (methanol/oil molar ratio, amount of catalyst, reaction temperature and reaction time) of transesterification process for biodiesel production from various feedstocks. The influence of these factors on FAME composition is also discussed. This review is beneficial to scientists working on biodiesel production particularly for the evolution of eco-friendly and low-cost biodiesel.

BACKGROUND A lack of robust data about the oral health of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) contributes to health disparities. Appropriate research tools are therefore needed. This study reports the construction and evaluation of the Oral Status Survey Tool (OSST), designed to be administered with people with disabilities by non-dental personnel. METHOD Oral Status Survey Tool construction and evaluation was achieved adopting a non-clinical construction and content validation phase and a clinical phase to test concurrent validity, reliability and feasibility. Final refinements were also made. RESULTS The OSST conceptual framework covered oral function (tooth count, denture wear and opposing pairs of teeth) and oral disease/treatment need (soft tissue status, oral cleanliness, gum condition, carious teeth and oral pain). A systematic literature review identified no existing suitable indices. Candidate items were identified and validated by experts generating content validation ratios. This framework was modified later to expand the function construct. In the initial clinical phase, 49 out of 60 participants underwent examination with OSST and standard dental assessments. All had mild to moderate IDs. Mean age was 43 years (SD = 16), and mean number of teeth was 22.1 (SD = 8.6). Data collectors included two dentists and three non-dentists. Later, a further 17 adults (nine female and eight male) with mild/moderate IDs were included for refinement. At this stage, data collectors included two dentists and five non-dentists. Concurrent validity was established for tooth count [intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.99-0.99)], carious teeth [Gwet's AC2 = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.99)] and gum condition [Gwet's AC1 = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.64-1)]. For all final OSST items, inter-rater reliability ranged from moderate to very good; median test-retest reliability ranged from moderate to good. Acceptability was demonstrated for data collectors and participants. Mean time to complete the OSST was 7 min. CONCLUSIONS The OSST is a novel tool that can record a range of clinical oral features including tooth count, denture wear, occluding pairs of teeth and functional dentition, oral cleanliness, gum condition, carious cavitation and oral pain that will be useful within health surveys of people with mild-moderate IDs and similarly neglected populations. The tool demonstrates promising attributes and acceptability. From this study, the OSST appears to be a robust tool that can be incorporated into general data collection for people with mild-moderate IDs and similar populations. A key feature is that it can be administered by well-trained non-dentists.

A frequency selective surface (FSS) structure based on a circular slot with 28 to 31 μm was fabricated using Electron Beam Lithography combined with wet etching technique on a 400 μm thick quartz substrate. The circular slot pattern, designed using the CST software, was transferred during the Electron Beam (EBL) exposure with 100 kV voltage acceleration, 2 nA of e-beam current, and line dosage of 1000 μC2. A 0.5 μm thick aluminium layer was deposited on a quartz substrate using the thermal evaporator technique. The aluminium thickness was confirmed by laser microscope and surface profiler measurement. The investigation shows that 20 seconds is the optimal etching time for producing the desired FSS circular slot structure compared to 40 and 60 seconds. The fabricated samples surface metrology was examined using an optical microscope, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The material compositions of the samples were confirmed by using the Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurement. Results show that, on average, there are ±1.5 μm of tolerance produced for fabricated sample size on the circular slot pattern compared to the CST simulation results. FSS performance slightly shifted in the frequency from actual 1.80 THz to 1.79 THz, whereas the transmission magnitude has increased by 0.03 from 0.91 to 0.94.

Biodiesel from insect larvae is an alternative to plant biodiesel, which have issues of using edible plants. On the contrary, insects can grow on waste. Although the conversion of larval lipids to biodiesel is known, characterisation of larval biodiesel is rarely reported. Here, black soldier fly larvae were cultivated for 20 days on kitchen waste. Larval lipids were extracted and converted to biodiesel by two-step transesterification. Analysis by optical polarisation microscopy from − 5 to + 15 °C showed tiny needle-like shaped crystals. Fourier transform infrared spectra of black soldier fly biodiesel revealed absorption bands at 1459 and 1435 cm−1 corresponding to methyl ester, the main functional group of biodiesel. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed the presence of methyl ester by showing peaks at 3.6 and 2.3 ppm by 1H NMR, and at 176 and 51.56 ppm by 13C NMR. Overall, our results confirm the successful conversion of black soldier fly larval lipid to biodiesel. This biodiesel met the American Society for Test and Materials D6751 and European Standard 14214.

Purpose: Actinic keratoses (AK) are precancerous lesions that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and topical 5-fluorouracil (5FU) are commonly used agents for AK. Empirical reports suggest that combining them can improve the therapeutic response. However, the optimal combined regimen was not clear in terms of proper sequence, timing, and mechanism. This clinical study explored mechanisms of action for neoadjuvantal 5FU and PDT for treatment of AK. Patients and Methods: A bilaterally controlled trial (17 patients) was performed. One side of the body (face, scalp, forearms) received 5FU pretreatment for 6 days, whereas the other side served as no-pretreatment control. Methylaminolevulinate cream was applied to both sides for 3 hours, and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) levels were measured by noninvasive fluorimetry and skin biopsy. After red light illumination, lesion clearance was assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PDT. Results: PpIX levels were increased 2- to 3-fold in 5FU-pretreated lesions versus controls. Altered expression of heme-synthetic enzymes (coproporphyrinogen oxidase and ferrochelatase) and induction of p53 were observed, probably accounting for increased PpIX and subsequent cancer cell death. Relative clearance rates after PDT with or without 5FU pretreatment were 75% versus 45% at 3 months, and 67% versus 39% at 6 months, respectively; these differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: Serial 5FU and PDT improve AK clearance by at least two mechanisms, enhanced photosensitizer accumulation and p53 induction. Because 5FU and PDT are FDA-approved modalities, the combined regimen can be readily employed in clinical practice to reduce AK burden and reduce SCC risk. Clin Cancer Res; 24(13); 3026–35. ©2018 AACR.

Phosphating is most common method for surface treatment and finishing of ferrous and nonferrous metal. It has excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, adhesion and lubricating properties besides its economic values and speed of application. Steel is one of the cheapest materials used in various industries and it requires corrosion resistance therapy. This study aims to provide possible solution to the rusty issue on carbon steel product by improving coating stability using Defining–Measuring–Analysing–Improving–Controlling (DMAIC) method. The result proposed that zinc phosphate coating material has to replace current iron phosphate coating due to the former is more corrosion time resistant than that of the latter.

The infestation of weedy rice has becoming a threat which leads to competition between weedy rice and commercial rice for nutrient uptake. Weedy rice management is more dependent on the herbicides application that can contribute to various environmental problems. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the allelopathic potential of two invasive plants namely L. leucocephala and D. linearis in controlling the growth of weedy rice. The allelopathic potential was evaluated through laboratory bioassay namely the dish pack method, sandwich method and plant box method to determine the allelopathic potential on the seedling growth of two weedy rice variants collected in Peninsular Malaysia (designated as WRE and WRN) and MR220 CL2 rice variety. Highest concentration of L. leucocephala leaf litter (50 mg) inhibited the radicle elongation of MR220 CL2, WRN and WRE by 49 %, 51 % and 83 % compared to control, respectively. Through the dish pack method, the volatile compound from D. linearis leaf were found to disrupt the radicle growth of MR220 CL2, WRN and WRE by 21 %, 29 % and 25 % of the control at the nearest distance (41 mm) of the bioassay plants with the D. linearis leaf. Compared with D. linearis, the root exudate from L. leucocephala exhibited higher inhibitory effect towards the bioassay species. Overall, the findings from this study showed that the allelopathic potential of L. leucocephala was more preferable to be investigated further for sustainable weedy rice management in the future by infusing the biological approach.

Agricultural runoff is non-point source pollution that is unpredictable and difficult to control. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development (LID) has been utilized as a method to manage agricultural runoff. Treatment train systems are LID-BMPs arranged in a series that aims to treat and manage agricultural runoff. This study focuses on the use of treatment train systems to reduce the concentration of BOD in agricultural runoff. A treatment train system was set up with three varying configurations to evaluate the efficiency of BOD removal. The three configurations consisted of no vegetation set which acts as the control, vegetated set, and vegetated set with the saturated zone. All three configurations showed good final removal rates of BOD at 56% for the control and 75% and 85% for both vegetated sets without and with the saturated zone. The control is classified classifying it as Class III according to Water Quality Standards, while both vegetated set without and with saturated zone had classified both sets as Class II and I, respectively. The performance of the treatment train system was compared to the use of a single bioretention system.

Microalgae cultivation has high potential in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) but are limited by poor CO2 mass transfer to the algae. Therefore, improving mass transfer by increasing total contact area of gas-liquid through minimizing bubble size formed is investigated. In this project, the effect of polyether block amide (PEBAX® 1657) coating (i.e. different concentration and coating cycle) on polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) membrane surface properties are investigated and their impact on algae cultivation are evaluated using Chlorella vulgaris for duration of 14 days. The presence of functional groups from PEBAX coating showed the success of coating process and membrane hydrophilicity is improved from 111.19 ± 0.10° to 40.57 ± 1.29° when PEBAX 2.0 wt% is used. Membrane porosity is reduced when PEBAX concentration and number of coating cycle increased. Concentration of biomass is the highest (1.107 g/L) when PVDF/PEBAX 2.0 wt% is used, likely because of small size of CO2 bubbles delivered into culture medium., Moroccan Journal of Chemistry, Special Volume 8 S1 (2020) : The 1st International Conference on Science, Applied Science, (ICoSASTE) 2019

Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, there is a lack of data available about SSI in children worldwide, especially from low-income and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of SSI in children and associations between SSI and morbidity across human development settings. Methods A multicentre, international, prospective, validated cohort study of children aged under 16 years undergoing clean-contaminated, contaminated or dirty gastrointestinal surgery. Any hospital in the world providing paediatric surgery was eligible to contribute data between January and July 2016. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI by 30 days. Relationships between explanatory variables and SSI were examined using multilevel logistic regression. Countries were stratified into high development, middle development and low development groups using the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Results Of 1159 children across 181 hospitals in 51 countries, 523 (45·1%) children were from high HDI, 397 (34·2%) from middle HDI and 239 (20·6%) from low HDI countries. The 30-day SSI rate was 6.3% (33/523) in high HDI, 12·8% (51/397) in middle HDI and 24·7% (59/239) in low HDI countries. SSI was associated with higher incidence of 30-day mortality, intervention, organ-space infection and other HAIs, with the highest rates seen in low HDI countries. Median length of stay in patients who had an SSI was longer (7.0 days), compared with 3.0 days in patients who did not have an SSI. Use of laparoscopy was associated with significantly lower SSI rates, even after accounting for HDI. Conclusion The odds of SSI in children is nearly four times greater in low HDI compared with high HDI countries. Policies to reduce SSI should be prioritised as part of the wider global agenda. ©

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of crosslinking agents on the mechanical and thermal properties of protein-based bioplastic. In this work, Glutaraldehyde (GA) and Glyoxal (GLY) were used at different compositions at 2pph, 4pph, 6pph, and 8pph. GA and GLY were added during bioplastics production using two roll mill. Samples were hot-pressed into dumbbell-shaped for further characterization. Incorporation of crosslinking agents was observed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) while thermal stability was determined using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The FTIR result showed the presence of amide I at peak 1630 cm−1, indicating interactions between the crosslinking agent and polypeptide chains. The tensile properties were investigated by using Universal Testing Machine. It was found that GA has better crosslinking with a tensile strength at 0.2133 MPa compared to the GLY with the tensile strength at 0.1985 MPa at 8pph composition. The crosslinking between the crosslinking agent and protein-based bioplastic affected the thermal stability where GA showed higher thermal stability than GLY at 8pph composition.

Introduction In 2015, the first nationwide, multi-center MS registry was initiated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an objective to describe current epidemiology, disease patterns, and clinical characteristics of MS in Saudi Arabia. This article aims to report initial findings of the registry and report regional prevalence of MS. Method The registry included all MS patients with confirmed MS diagnosis according to 2010 McDonald Criteria. It aimed to identify and recruit all healthcare institutions treating MS patients in the Kingdom, and collect data such as demographics, clinical characteristics (disease onset, diagnosis, disease course, relapse rate, and disability measures), family history, and treatments. All the included sites have obtained IRB/EC approvals for participating in the registry. Results As of September 2018, the registry has included 20 hospitals from the different regions across the Kingdom and has collected comprehensive data on 2,516 patients from those hospitals, with mean age 33.42 (SD: 9.70) and 66.5% being females. The reported prevalence of MS for those hospitals is estimated to be 7.70/100,000 total population and 11.80/100,000 Saudi nationals. Assuming that the prevalence is the same across all the hospitals in the particular region, we projected the prevalence for total hospitals capable of diagnosing and treating MS and accordingly projected the total prevalence of MS as 40.40/100,000 total population and 61.95/100,000 Saudi nationals. The prevalence was reported 77.5% among people age

We are witnessing an incredible era of exponential growth in applications that require advances in materials technology: from 3D printing, to AR/VR to autonomous cars to 5G to machine learning and artificial intelligence, for example. Revolutionary new products are steadily coming into the marketplace and many more are needed and expected. Novel materials play a key role in many of these new products: new displays, new personal mobile devices, new sensors in cars, and new information technology products for both storage and data processing. This talk will focus on the use of glass materials to produce key optical components in display, interconnect and consumer products.

In this study, a two-step transesterification process was applied to convert crude BSF larval oil into biodiesel. The effects of methanol:oil (molar ratio), catalyst amount (weight %), reaction time (minutes) and temperature (°C) on biodiesel production were investigated. Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimise experimental data obtained from these four variables. The prediction of biodiesel yield was made by employing a quadratic model, whereby the R2 values were greater than 0.99. Based on optimisation studies, a combination of an application of petroleum ether and reaction time of 6 hours was the best to extract crude larval oil with 47% of lipid yield. Meanwhile, methanol:oil molar ratio of 12:1, catalyst (NaOH) concentration of 1.0 weight %, a reaction time of 32 minutes and temperature of 60°C were required to obtain biodiesel with 96% of production yield from BSF crude larval oil. Both BSF crude larval oil and biodiesel were characterised using several analytical instruments such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID). Overall, findings from this study highlight the potential to produce eco-friendly biodiesel from BSF larvae reared on soya residue.

BACKGROUND Needlestick injury (NSI) is a significant occupational health issue among healthcare workers (HCWs). AIMS To determine the national self-reported incidence and risk factors for NSI among Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) HCWs. METHODS Using data from the MOH national sharps injury surveillance programme, information on reported NSIs over a 1-year period (2016) for different HCW subgroups were extracted and analysed. RESULTS A total of 1234 NSI cases were reported in 2016, giving an overall incidence of 6 injuries per 1000 HCWs. Medical doctors recorded the highest incidence (21.1 per 1000 HCWs) followed by dental staff (7.5), pharmacy staff (4.2), nurses (3.7), medical assistants (3.4) and allied and auxiliary staff (1.0). Doctors had significantly increased risk of NSI compared with allied and auxiliary staff (relative risk [RR] = 20.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.5-27.5), medical assistants (RR = 6.1, 95% CI 4.5-8.2), nurses (RR = 5.7, 95% CI 5.0-6.6), pharmacy staff (RR = 5.0, 95% CI 3.7-6.6) and dental staff (RR = 2.8, 95% CI 2.2-3.5). Significant differences were found in age and sharps- handling experience between occupational subgroups (P < 0.001 for both variables). Male employees had higher risk than females (RR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.18-1.50), with a significant difference seen in their sharps-handling experience (P < 0.01). Important risk factors included unsafe practices such as recapping of needles and their improper disposal. CONCLUSIONS The national incidence of NSI amongst Malaysian HCWs was lower compared with other countries, but unsafe practices remain an important concern. There is a need to formulate, implement and monitor safe and consistent practices for the different healthcare professionals.

The 36-month Long-Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging - Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity among Malaysian Elderly was designed to address multidimensional aspects including psychosocial, biophysical health, nutrition and dietary pattern, and auditory and visual function to highlight the magnitude of these associations in a single study.A total of 2322 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited at baseline using the multistage sampling method, followed up at 18 months and 36 months.Response rates at baseline, 18 months and 36 months were 87.8%, 77.3% and 67.1%, respectively. At baseline, the prevalence of successful aging, usual aging and mild cognitive impairment was 11%, 73% and 16%, respectively. The prevalence of single and multimorbidity at baseline were 25.9% and 50.3%, respectively. The incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment at 18 months and 36 months were 6.5 and 5.6 per 100 person-years. The incidence rates of multimorbidity at 18 months and 36 months were 23.7 and 21.5 per 100 person-years, respectively.The Long-Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging study provides an opportunity to investigate the interactions between wide ranges of aspects of the older population in a nationally representative sample of the older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 233-239.

The aim of this study is to determine sensitivity of new recipes polymer gel HEMATEG with varied x-ray exposure by using UV-visible spectrophotometer as an evaluation technique. The gels were irradiated by x-ray radiation and the polymerization of HEMATEG were followed. Polymerization was read based on absorption spectra in the range wavelength UV 300 nm to 700 nm. The dependency of polymerization with increasing of exposure dose was determined by changes in the band gap energy (Eg) and Urbach energy (∆E). In the UV-visible region,Egwith indirect transition of HEMATEG were decreased with increasing radiation dose while,∆Ewere increased with increasing radiation dose. This observation supported the increase of structured disorder of the polymer with increasing radiation dose. This study proved that HEMATEG had a high potential to be used as a 3-dimensional dosimeter in the diagnostic x-ray.

In this project, we propose the use of VoIP application as an alternative for making audio and video conference instead of using the normal telephone line. This technology facilitates the users in the aspect of cost saving as the conference can be made, as long as the users have the access to the internet without having to be charged with any additional charges. The objective of carrying out this project is to test the performance of the codecs installed in the softphone software based on jitter, mean opinion score (MOS), delay and packet loss. The performance of the codecs is analyzed by using network performance monitoring tool available these day. Based on the result, we suggest the best codecs to be used for the software that can guarantee the best performance for the user.

Considering the increasing of the number cars on the roads, the rate of road accident has also increased with many people died or sustained serious injuries in a road accident. Increasing the phenomenon of road accident frequency, a study on the factors that may be associated with the occurrence of the accident was conducted. This paper also discussed about road accident prevention method based on the factors studied. The study of this paper can provide forceful data analysis support for the road traffic safety related research. Keywords : road accident; accident prevention; road safety.

Physiologically, a nose has several functions, for instance as a filter that enables it to be the first-line defense and serves an important function for protecting the body against the disadvantageous condition from our surroundings. The main purpose of this research is to describe about how the health survey of nose on the locals in Tinoor 2 is. The method used on this research is descriptive survey with cross sectional approach. The subject of this research is the locals of Tinoor 2 who willingly participated in. The total of participants is 40 divided into 13 females and 27 males. Findings show that 62,5% and 60% are the result of normal right and left nasal cavity examination. Meanwhile, 32,5% and 35% are for the broad right and left kavum nasi examination, also both of the medium and narrow are 5%. 70% and 67,5% are the result of normal right and left concha examination, 15% and 17,5% are both for edema examination, hyperemia on both sides are 2,5%. 92,5% and 90% are the result of normal right and left mucous examination, while hyperemia with 7,5% and 10%. 97,5% is the result of normal right and left secretion examination, and serous on both sides are 2,5%. 82,5% is the result of normal right and left septum examination, and nasal septum deviation on both sides are 17,5%. There’s none post nasal drip within the examination. Conclusion: Of all examination that has been accomplished, most of them result to Normal. Keywords : health survey, physical examination of nose Abstrak : Hidung secara fisiologis mempunyai beberapa fungsi seperti sebagai penyaring dan pertahanan lini pertama dan pelindung tubuh terpenting terhadap kondisi lingkungan yang tidak menguntungkan. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui bagaimana gambaran survei kesehatan hidung masyarakat desa Tinoor 2. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif survei dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Subjek penelitian masyarakat desa Tinoor 2 yang bersedia mengikuti penelitian. Responden 40 orang, dengan jumlah laki-laki dan perempuan 13 dan 27 orang. Pemeriksaan kavum nasi kanan kiri normal 62,5% dan 60%, pada pemeriksaan kavum nasi kanan kiri lapang 32,5% dan 35%, sedang sempit keduanya 5%. Pemeriksaan konka kanan kiri normal 70% dan 67,5%, udim yaitu 15% dan 17,5%, hiperemis dikeduanya 7,5%, pucat dikeduanya 5%, konka dengan udim dan hiperemis keduanya 2,5%. Pemeriksaan mukosa kanan kiri normal 92,5% dan 90%, hiperemis 7,5% dan 10%. Pemeriksaan sekret kanan kiri normal keduanya 97,5%, serus keduanya 2,5%. Pemeriksaan septum kanan kiri normal keduanya 82,5%, deviasi dikeduanya 17,5%. Post nasal drip tidak ditemukan. Simpulan: Dari pemeriksaan hidung yang dilakukan pada responden, ditemukan hasil terbanyak adalah normal. Kata kunci : survei kesehatan, pemeriksaan fisik hidung

Flood levels exceeding 2 metres above ground level has been observed causing electrical equipment in the 11/0.415kV substation to be fully submerged. This caused widespread supply disruption as the equipment need to be switched off due to safety reasons and prevention of further equipment damage. The use of submersible equipment and accessories has been identified as one of the mitigation methods to ensure continuous electrical supply during flood events. A research project was undertaken to develop the design criteria of the selection of submersible equipment and accessories as well as to develop the test method and evaluate the selected submersible equipment and accessories in a substation configuration. All the equipment could continuously operate in ON condition during the wet test. However, design improvements are suggested for the submersible switchgear and feeder pillar for better performance during and after flood events.

Background Sarcoidosis is a multi-system granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. The skin is involved in 25% of cases. Studies on cutaneous sarcoidosis from our region are lacking. Objectives This study was conducted to describe clinical and histopathologic findings in all patients diagnosed with cutaneous sarcoidosis at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 1992 and 2010 and to compare findings with those published in the literature. Methods Clinical charts of patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis were retrospectively reviewed. Extracutaneous lesions were classified by organ involvement. Treatment was documented. Pathology specimens were reviewed. Results Cutaneous sarcoidosis was diagnosed in 76 Lebanese patients, 79% of whom were women. Mean age at diagnosis was 48 years. A total of 29% of patients had systemic disease that was commonly associated with lupus pernio lesions and subcutaneous sarcoidosis. The most common cutaneous lesions were sarcoidal plaques. The histopathologic features in our series did not differ from those described in the literature, except for the documented presence of a grenz zone. Interestingly, 23% of biopsy specimens contained perineural granulomas, raising the possibility of tuberculoid or borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Foreign bodies were detected in 10% of cases (all had systemic involvement), supporting the opinion that sarcoidosis and granulomatous foreign body reaction are not mutually exclusive. Conclusions The clinical and histopathologic features of cutaneous sarcoidosis patients in the present series are generally comparable with those published in the literature, with minor differences. Clinically, the most commonly seen lesion was plaque. Microscopically, cutaneous sarcoidosis may exhibit a grenz zone and may show perineural inflammation and foreign bodies.

(Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer)/(recycled ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) (EPDM/r-EPDM) blends filled with constant mica loading were compounded at various blends ratios (i.e., 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50). Results indicated that scorch time decreased with increasing r-EPDM content, whereas curing time, minimum torque, and maximum torque show the opposite trend. The tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation, and elongation at break value increased with increasing r-EPDM loading in the blend systems and the optimum properties occurred at 70/30 EPDM/r-EPDM blends ratio. The thermal stability of EPDM/r-EPDM blends increased with increasing r-EPDM content in the blends but the swelling percentage showed the opposite trend with a greater addition of r-EPDM content in the blends. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:1–6, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

The influence of silane (bis[3-triethoxysilylpropyl] tetrasulfide) coupling agent on the properties of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM)/mica composites was studied. Both EPDM/mica composites with silane and those without silane were compounded by using a two-roll mill at various filler loadings (i.e., 100/0, 100/10, 100/30, 100/50, 100/70). The tensile and thermal properties as well as the fracture surfaces of the composites were investigated by using an Instron Universal Testing Machine, a thermal gravimetric analyzer, and a field emission scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that the optimum cure time (t90) and scorch time (ts2) values were shorter, whereas the maximum torque (MH) value was slightly higher, for EPDM/mica composites with silane compared to those without silane. The tensile properties, modulus at 100% elongation, and modulus at 300% elongation increased for the composites made with silane, and the optimum filler loading for those properties was 50 parts by weight per hundred parts of rubber. In addition, thermal stability and swelling ratio for both composites improved with increased filler loading. However, the composites with silane showed better thermal stability and swelling ratio because of stronger linkage at the rubber-filler boundary, which promoted filler dispersion. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:116–121, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Island forests are among forest habitats that are vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, whereby the disturbances would influence the survival of biological species of the ecosystems. Langkawi Archipelago contains many small island forests and rapid development of tourism industry within this archipelago might contribute impacts to the tree flora of the forest communities on the small islands. Hence, in this study the species richness and floristic variation pattern of tree communities of two selected island forests in the Langkawi Archipelago were explored, and data gathered are anticipated to be used for management of island forests in Langkawi. Tree survey was carried out in 10 study plots of 20m x 25m each, at island forests of Pulau Tuba Forest Reserve (PTB) and Gunung Raya Forest Reserve (GRFR), making the total of 20 study plots. All trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) of 5.0 cm and above were enumerated and tree species were identified. Species data were analyzed for diversity and richness using the Shannon and Margalef indices; whilst Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to determine floristic pattern. A total of 1062 trees were recorded from all study plots which comprised of 49 families, 134 genera and 213 tree species. The GRFR exhibited the highest species number of 135 tree species, followed by the PTB (106 tree species). Species accumulation curves showed that the curves were far from reaching the asymptote even when the whole dataset were combined. The DCA ordination diagram clearly grouped the study plots by their geological formation that indicated a gradient of species change in GRFR and PTB sites.

Thymol is a hydrophobic active ingredient and widely used as an alternative pesticide for pest control. However, due its low solubility in water, a water-soluble carrier is required in its formulation. Therefore in this study, the potential of an amphiphilic chitosan, namely lauryl glycol chitosan (LGC) as a carrier to encapsulate and release thymol was evaluated. The physical and chemical properties of LGC were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) Spectrometer, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). A Fluorescence Spectrometer was used to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of LGC in aqueous solution. The encapsulation efficiency of LGC for thymol was determined by using a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The FTIR and 1H NMR analyses confirmed the structure of the synthesized LGC. It was noted that the addition of lauryl and glycol groups to the chitosan backbone has enhanced the solubility properties of chitosan in neutral and basic media. TEM observation confirmed that LGC could form self-aggregates in the solution with a spherical shape. The CMC value determined for LGC was 0.008 mg/mL. LGC exhibited good affinity towards thymol with an encapsulation efficiency of 58%. The findings from in vitro release study showed that the LGC could prolong the release of thymol from its micelles. Results from this study highlight that LGC possesses great characteristics to be further developed as a promising carrier in the pesticide formulation.

Dyes are stable organic pollutants that have been used in many industries and become one of the toxic contaminants for the environment. This research aimed at preparing a magnetic chitosan nanocomposite (MCN) as an effective adsorbent for cationic and anionic dye removal from aqueous solution. The MCN was synthesized using a coprecipitation method. The physical properties of MCN were characterized using elemental analysis (CHNO), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results confirm that chitosan has been embedded on the surface of magnetic material and shows superparamagnetic properties behavior. A series of adsorption were conducted to investigate dosage of adsorbent, contact time and initial dye concentration to obtain the optimum condition of adsorption for both methylene blue (MB) and congo red (CR) dyes. The experimental equilibrium adsorption were then analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Based on the correlation coefficient (R 2) values, the equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity (q m) obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model for MB and CR onto MCN was 0.1308 and 1.8257 mg/g, respectively. Results highlight the potential of MCN application as an adsorbent for water contaminated by dyes.

In this study, Ca-ZSM-5 zeolite nanocomposite was synthesised as controlled-released fertiliser due to the excess of nutrients leaching in the soil which has caused serious environmental problem such as eutrophication. The zeolite nanocomposite was first synthesised using a simple co-precipitation template method. The zeolite nanocomposite was then impregnated with calcium, originated from chicken eggshell powder, at a molar ratio of 1:1. The physical and chemical properties of Ca-ZSM-5 zeolite nanocomposite were characterised using several analytical instruments such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectrometer and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Based on SEM analysis, the porosity of mesoporous H-ZSM-5 nanozeolite was in the range of 31.7 to 190 nm. Meanwhile, the porosity of macroporous eggshell was 71.4 to 230 nm and mesoporous H-ZSM-5 nanozeolite material was impregnated into the macroporous eggshell due to porosity of eggshell was larger than porosity of H-ZSM-5 nanozeolite. Ca-ZSM-5 zeolite nanocomposite with porosity of 71.4-198 nm was successfully synthesised by simple co-precipitation method. While the results obtained from FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of tetrahedral (TOx, x = Si or Al) stretching. Overall, the synthesised Ca-ZSM-5 zeolite nanocomposite possess key characteristic as a precursor for various applications.

The overall objective of present work was to prepare and use chitosan-titanium dioxide (CS-TiO2) nanocomposite as an adsorbent to remove two toxic dyes, namely Methyl Orange (MO) and Rhodamine B (RhB) from the aqueous solution. This work consists of two main parts, namely adsorption and characterization studies. For adsorption studies, several experimental parameters were studied such as the effect of initial concentration, solution pH and adsorbent dosage. Meanwile, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA), and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) were used for characterization studies. The outcomes have shown that the equilibrium data correlated well to Freundlich isotherm model with adsorption capacity at equilibrium (K F) was determined as 1.608 mg/g for MO and 7.646 mg/g for RhB, respectively. Based on SEM analysis, the rod- and needle-like deposits on the surface of CS-TiO2 nanocomposite were disappeared following interaction with MO and RhB. There were cube-like deposits observed on the surface of CS-TiO2 nanocomposite after adsorption of MO, while a dense and uneven surface texture were observed after adsorption of RhB. From TGA analysis, CS had two degradation stages, while CS-TiO2 nanocomposite had three steps of decomposition. Furthermore, XRD results observed diffraction peaks for CSTiO2 at 2θ = 34.075°, 29.235°, 25.47° and 20.26°.

Mosquito-borne diseases are great concerns of people in the worldwide, especially dengue. There are 390 million people infected with dengue in a year. According to Dengue Situation Update Report for Western Pacific Region, there is an increment in the number of the infected areas as compared to the same period of previous year. World of Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health (MOH) from every country pay the highest attention towards this issue. Other than inventing new formulation of adulticides, application of larvicide is newly emerging as an effective method to control mosquitoes from spreading virus. In this brief review, several recent studies about ways of the virus transmitted through mosquito biting behaviour, larvicide formulation and types of carrier agents being used to carry larvicide will be discussed. In order to sustain the aquatic ecosystem, materials for carrier agents should be environmental-friendly. This review paper will give insight into the recent development in carrier system for mosquitoes larvicide formulations.

Essential thrombocythemia is one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms with a plethora of thrombohemorrhagic complications. Hydroxyurea has been proven to be an effective treatment for this condition. However, it is not without side effects. We herein report 3 patients with essential thrombocythemia treated with hydroxyurea who developed refractory leg ulcers, and we outline their successful management. We also review the literature to shed light on the mechanism of this toxicity. Awareness of this important treatment complication is important to avoid the pitfall of futile invasive interventions.

In this work, the comparison effect of mica and talc as filler in EPDM composites on curing, tensile, thermal properties was studied. EPDM/mineral fillers composites were compounded using two roll mill at various filler loading (i.e., 100/0, 100/10, 100/15, 100/30, 100/50, 100/70) and curing characteristics were carried out at 160°C using a Monsanto Moving Die Rheometer. The tensile and thermal properties as well as fracture surfaces of composites were tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the optimum cure time (t90), scorch time (ts2) decreased, while maximum torque (MH) increased for both composites with increasing filler loading. The tensile properties of EPDM/mica and EPDM/talc composites increased with increasing filler loading and the optimum tensile strength and tensile modulus for both mineral fillers occurred at 50 phr. EPDM/mica composites showed better tensile properties due to strong interfacial interaction between filler and matrix than EPDM/talc composites. In addition, thermal stability of both composites improved with increasing filler loading.