Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Construction Of Five Gallon Anaerobic Digesters, Daniel John Schricker

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This project discusses the design, construction, and testing of a laboratory scale anaerobic digestion reactors. It included four digesters and two gas measurement devices. The outside dimensions of the digester were 22 inch tall with a 10.5 inch diameter. They were constructed from schedule 40 PVC pipe, with a wall thickness of 0.5 inches. They were designed to be filled with 20 liters of digester feed stock, at a height of 16 inches from the bottom, leaving 5 inches of head space above the digester feed for biogas accumulation. Two of the reactors were heated with Hydrofarm seedling heating pads …

Chemical Reactions As Petite Rendezvous: The Use Of Metaphor In Materials Science Education, Vuk Uskoković

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Every time we communicate our science, we are involuntarily involved in an educational activity, affecting the listeners’ methodology and motivation. In a beautiful metaphor, late Nobel Laureate, Richard E. Smalley compared interacting atoms and molecules to boys and girls falling in love. Elaborated and exemplified with a couple of entertaining analogies in this discourse is the effectiveness of the use of metaphors in illustrating scientific concepts to both scientific novices and peers. Human brain has been considered to be a complex neural circuitry for the computation of metaphors, which explains the naturalness of their usage, especially when solid arguments could …

Ethics Consultations And Conflict Engagement In Health Care, Charity Scott

Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution

This article explores the intersection of two professional fields-bioethics and clinical ethics consultation in health care on one hand, and alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") and conflict management on the other-which until recent years remained relatively unknown to each other. It marries the literatures and lessons of these two fields in order to promote the quality of ethics consultations in hospitals and other health care organizations.

Increasingly, health care ethics committees and consultants acknowledge the need to employ the frameworks, approaches, and tools of good conflict management to do their work effectively. Similarly, conflict specialists and ADR professionals are becoming increasingly …

A Comparative Study Of Biopolymers And Alum In The Separation And Recovery Of Pulp Fibres From Paper Mill Effluent By Flocculation, S. Mukherjee, S. Mukhopadhyay, Pariatamby Agamuthu, Mohd Ali Hashim, J.N. Sahu, B. Sen Gupta

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Recovery of cellulose fibres from paper mill effluent has been studied using common polysaccharides or biopolymers such as Guar gum, Xanthan gum and Locust bean gum as flocculent. Guar gum is commonly used in sizing paper and routinely used in paper making. The results have been compared with the performance of alum, which is a common coagulant and a key ingredient of the paper industry. Guar gum recovered about 3.86 mg/L of fibre and was most effective among the biopolymers. Settling velocity distribution curves demonstrated that Guar gum was able to settle the fibres faster than the other biopolymers; however, …

A Hybrid Prognostic Model For Oral Cancer Based On Clinicopathologic And Genomic Markers, S.W. Chang, S.A. Kareem, A.F.M.A. Merican, R.B. Zain

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

There are very few prognostic studies that combine both clinicopathologic and genomic data. Most of the studies use only clinicopathologic factors without taking into consideration the tumour biology and molecular information, while some studies use genomic markers or microarray information only without the clinicopathologic parameters. Thus, these studies may not be able to prognoses a patient effectively. Previous studies have shown that prognosis results are more accurate when using both clinicopathologic and genomic data. The objectives of this research were to apply hybrid artificial intelligent techniques in the prognosis of oral cancer based on the correlation of clinicopathologic and genomic …

A Trends Of Salmonella And Antibiotic Resistance, M.G. Abatcha, Z. Zakaria, D.G. Kaur, Kwai Lin Thong

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Salmonellosis has become a major problem in developed and developing countries. It also represents an important public health concern worldwide. As such, due to intense interest Salmonella research has gained great concern from scientific communities as well as the general public. The purpose of this review is to discuss the historical perspective, classification and nomenclature, antibiotic and antimicrobial definition, mechanism of antibiotic resistance, integrons and antibiotic resistance Salmonella.

A Vedantic Study Of "Cosmic Consciousness" - Brahmam, A. Purushothaman, S. Kumaran

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Braltmam, Consiousness, (Cit) and matter (Acit) have always been the subject for discussion in philosophy, religion and science. What is the nature of this Brahmam principle? Is Brahman: the cause for the entire universe? Is Brahnian a static entity or a conscious entity? What is this Universe? What is the relatrionship of Brahmam to Absolute Consciousness? What is nature, Prakriti, and what is its relationship to Jivathman? Vedanta addresses each of these questions in a logical fashion. The great thinkers of all countries have tried their best to understand the true inner meaning of Absolute Consciousness and matter in order …

Advancing Stem Cell Therapy From Bench To Bedside: Lessons From Drug Therapies, T.C. Srijaya, T.S. Ramasamy, N.H. Abu Kasim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

The inadequacy of existing therapeutic tools together with the paucity of organ donors have always led medical researchers to innovate the current treatment methods or to discover new ways to cure disease. Emergence of cell-based therapies has provided a new framework through which it has given the human world a new hope. Though relatively a new concept, the pace of advancement clearly reveals the significant role that stem cells will ultimately play in the near future. However, there are numerous uncertainties that are prevailing against the present setting of clinical trials related to stem cells: like the best route of …

Application Of Electromagnetic Waves In Blood Disorders And Diseases Diagnosis, H. Ameri Mahabadi, H. Aliakbarian, M. Moghavvemi

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Electromagnetic Waves have various application in different areas of science and technology. Beside its main application in telecommunication, several other fields of applications such as agriculture [1], food [2], and health[3] have been proposed. The latter, the non-ionizing application of electromagnetic waves, is the main focus of our chapter. This applications are of two types, either medical treatment or biomedical diagnosis of health problems. The latter such as non-contact detection of the vital signs), imaging (noninvasive breast cancer detection), medical sensors (such as those for identifying cancel cell aggressiveness grade), and measurement techniques for the electromagnetic exposure of biological cell …

Asia: No Law For Nano?, M.E. Karim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Nanotechnology, often referred to as the next industrial revolution after internet, is an interdisciplinary study with limitless potential. It is now in the stage where ICT and use of plastic was in 1960s and biotechnology in 1980s. Already around 2000 consumer products are in the market and ILO predicts that by 2020, 20% of the products will be developed using nanotechnology. UNESCO traced top ten applications of nanotechnology within the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are: (a) Energy storage; productions and conversion; (b) Agricultural productivity enhancement; (c) Water treatment and remediation; (d) Disease diagnosis and screening; (e) Drug delivery …

Changed Expression Of E-Cadherin And Galectin-9 In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas But Lack Of Potential As Prognostic Markers, S.W. Chang, T.G. Kallarakkal, M.T. Abraham

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Background: The survival rate for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has remained generally unchanged in the past three decades, underlining the need for more biomarkers to be developed to aid prognostication and effective management. The prognostic potential of E-cadherin expression in OSCCs has been variable in previous studies while galectin-9 expression has been correlated with improved prognosis in other cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of galectin-9 and E-cadherin in OSCC and their potential as prognostic biomarkers. Materials and Methods: E-cadherin and Galectin-9 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 32 cases of OSCC of …

Chemopreventive Evaluation Of A Schiff Base Derived Copper (Ii) Complex Against Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Cancer In Rats, M. Hajrezaie, P. Hassandarvish, S.Z. Moghadamtousi, N.S. Gwaram, S. Golbabapour, A. Najihussien, A.M. Almagrami, M. Zahedifard, E. Rouhollahi, H. Karimian, F. Fani, B. Kamalidehghan, N.A. Majid, H.M. Ali, M.A. Abdulla

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Background: Based on the potential of Schiff base compounds to act as sources for the development of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, this in vivo study was performed to investigate the inhibitory properties of the synthetic Schiff base compound Cu(BrHAP)2 on colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Methodology: This study involved five groups of male rats. The negative control group was injected with normal saline once a week for 2 weeks and fed 10% Tween 20 for 10 weeks, the cancer control group was subcutaneously injected with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane once per week for two consecutive weeks, the positive control group was injected …

Colour Preference And Light Sensitivity In Trilobite Larvae Of Mangrove Horseshoe Crab, Carcinoscopius Rotundicauda(Latreille, 1802), T.C. Srijaya, P.J. Pradeep, A. Hassan, A. Chatterji, F. Shaharom, A. Jeffs

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

The trilobite larvae of C. rotundicauda were tested to determine their colour preference and light sensitivity until their first moulting (25 days post hatching) under laboratory conditions. Maximum congregation size of the trilobite larvae was found in the white zone respectively where (n= 12) followed by yellow (n= 8) and orange (n= 8), which showed the larval preference for lighter zones. Morisita’s index calculation showed a clumped/aggregated distribution (yellow, blue, orange and white) and uniform/hyper dispersed distribution (green, red and black) for various colours tested. Trilobite larvae showed least preference for brighter regions while tested in the experiment [black; (n=4) …

Comparison Of Bioproduct Quality From Vermiconversion Of Spent Pleurotus Sajor-Caju Compost And Commercial Livestock Excreta, A. Abu Bakar, S. M.S., N.Z. Mahmood, N. Abdullah

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

No abstract provided.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress And Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Temporal And Case Controlled Correlates, P.C. Tan, S.N. Zaidi, N. Azmi, S.Z. Omar, S.Y. Khong

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Objective: To evaluate the temporal and case-controlled correlations of anxiety, depression and stress with hyperemesis gravidarum Study Design: We performed a longitudinal cohort study of women with hyperemesis gravidarum using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to evaluate psychological distress at hospitalization and in the third trimester of pregnancy (from 28 weeks gestation). Third pregnancy trimester controls were recruited from routine antenatal clinic attendees who were matched to gestational age at the second DASS-21 assessment in the HG cohort. Results: The prevalences of nausea and vomiting, depression, anxiety and stress caseness in newly hospitalised hyperemesis gravidarum women were 100 …

Evaluation Of Antidiabetic And Antioxidant Properties Of Brucea Javanica Seed, Abdulwali Ablat, Jamaludin Mohamad, Khalijah Awang, Jamil A. Shilpi, Aditya Arya

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

The ethanol extract of B. javanica seed was fractionated with solvents of different polarities and tested for antioxidant activities by several assays including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating activity (FCA), and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (NORSA) along with their polyphenolic contents. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using a glycogen phosphorylase α (GPα) inhibition assay and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in nondiabetic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), rich in tannin, exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities to DPPH, FRAP, and NORSA, except for FCA. The EAF also …

Genomic Reconnaissance Of Clinical Isolates Of Emerging Human Pathogen Mycobacterium Abscessus Reveals High Evolutionary Potential, S.W. Choo, W.Y. Wee, Y.F. Ngeow, W. Mitchell, J.L. Tan, G.J. Wong, Y. Zhao, J. Xiao

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Mycobacterium abscessus (Ma) is an emerging human pathogen that causes both soft tissue infections and systemic disease. We present the first comparative whole-genome study of Ma strains isolated from patients of wide geographical origin. We found a high proportion of accessory strain-specific genes indicating an open, non-conservative pan-genome structure, and clear evidence of rapid phage-mediated evolution. Although we found fewer virulence factors in Ma compared to M. tuberculosis, our data indicated that Ma evolves rapidly and therefore should be monitored closely for the acquisition of more pathogenic traits. This comparative study provides a better understanding of Ma and forms the …

Global Search For Right Cell Type As A Treatment Modality For Cardiovascular Disease, S. Musa, L.Z. Xin, V. Govindasamy, F.W. Fuen, N.H. Abu Kasim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction is the primary cause of heart disease-related death in the world. Reperfusion therapy is currently the backbone of treatment for acute myocardial infarction albeit with many limitations. With the emergence of stem cells as potential therapeutic agents, attempts in using them to enhance cardiac function have increased exponentially. However, it has its own disadvantages, and we postulate that the primary drawback is choosing the right cell type and solving this may significantly contribute to ambitious goal of using stem cells in the regeneration medicine. Areas covered: This article discusses several types of stem cells that have …

Lack Of Clinical Manifestations In Asymptomatic Dengue Infection Is Attributed To Broad Down-Regulation And Selective Up-Regulation Of Host Defence Response Genes, A.S.L. Yeo, N.A. Azhar, W. Yeow, C.C. Talbot Jr, M.A. Khan, E.M. Shankar, A. Rathakrishnan, A. Azizan, S.M. Wang, S.K. Lee, R. Manikam

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Objectives Dengue represents one of the most serious life-threatening vector-borne infectious diseases that afflicts approximately 50 million people across the globe annually. Whilst symptomatic infections are frequently reported, asymptomatic dengue remains largely unnoticed. Therefore, we sought to investigate the immune correlates conferring protection to individuals that remain clinically asymptomatic. Methods We determined the levels of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and gene expression profiles of host immune factors in individuals with asymptomatic infections, and whose cognate household members showed symptoms consistent to clinical dengue infection. Results We observed broad down-regulation of host defense response (innate, adaptive and matrix metalloprotease) genes in asymptomatic …

Level And Determinants Of Knowledge Of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis Among Railway Workers In Malaysia, K. Ganasegeran, J.M. Menke, V.M.C. Ramaswamy, R.A. Manaf, A.M. Al-Absi, S.A.R. Al-Dubai

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Background. Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, an ancient malady greatly impairing modern population quality of life, has stimulated global attention to find effective modes of prevention and intervention. Purpose. This study aimed to assess factors affecting knowledge of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) among Malaysian railway workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 513 railway workers involving eight major states within Peninsular Malaysia using population-based sampling. The assessment instrument was a face-validated, prepiloted, self-administered instrument with sociodemographics and knowledge items on knee OA. Results. Mean (+/- SD) age of the respondents was 41.4 (+/- 10.7), with the majority aged 50 years …

Landscape And Sustainability: Three Residential College Buildings In The Tropics, A.A. Jamaludin, N.K. Daud, A.R. Mohd. Ariffin, H. Hussein

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

No abstract provided.

Nanotechnology In Asia: A Preliminary Assessment Of The Existing Legal Framework, M.E. Karim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Nanotechnology, often referred to as the next industrial revolution after internet, is an interdisciplinary study with limitless potential. It is claimed that nanotechnology is now at the stage where ICT and use of plastic were in 1960s and biotechnology was in 1980s. Already more than 2000 nano-enabled consumer products are in the market and the ILO predicts that by 2020, twenty percent of the products will be developed using nanotechnology. The UNESCO traced top ten applications of nanotechnology within the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are: (a) Energy storage, productions and conversion; (b) Agricultural productivity enhancement; (c) Water treatment …

Nanotechnology Through The Lens Of Law: Asia And Beyond, M.E. Karim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Nanotechnology, the science of using materials at the atomic or molecule scale, is the next wonder after internet. Its virtually limitless prospects compel the government, research firms and business ventures around the world to invest huge amount for its commercial application. United Nations is convinced nanotechnology can be used to achieve the Millennium Development Goal and it can improve the quality of life 5 billion people of developing countries. More than 2000 consumer products are already in the market and ILO predicts that by 2020, 20% of the products will be nanotech-enabled. However, there are some tensions too regarding the …

Nanotechnology Within The Legal And Regulatory Framework: An Introductory Overview, M.E. Karim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Nanotechnology, often referred to as the next industrial revolution after the internet, is an interdisciplinary study and the wave of the future. It is the science of manipulating technology at an atomic and molecular scale and is no longer an issue for scientists only. It has limitless potential and can be used in most areas of human need. Based on very optimistic results in many scientific researches around the world, it can easily be inferred that its limitless promises will bring epoch making changes in the world very soon. There are already over 2,000 consumer products in the market which …

Nanotechnology And Its Legal And Social Implications, M.E. Karim

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Nanotechnology is the next industrial revolution after internet and the wave of the future. Countries around the world have been investing huge and thousands of consumer products containing nanomaterial are already in the market. However, industries are apparently more inclined to generate revenue ignoring societal concerns, which may have serious negative impact. This paper aims at reviewing the legal and societal aspects of nanotechnology, and shares an overview of present trend and recent developments around the world. The paper will argue that unless the society is included in the whole process, the ultimate purpose of generating money will be frustrated.

Nickel(Ii) Complex Of Polyhydroxybenzaldehyde N4-Thiosemicarbazone Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity By Inhibiting Nf-Κb Transactivation, H.B. Shawish, W.Y. Wong, Y.L. Wong, S.W. Loh, C.Y. Looi, P. Hassandarvish, A.Y.L. Phan, W.F. Wong, H. Wang, I.C. Paterson, C. Kwee

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Background The biological properties of thiosemicarbazone have been widely reported. The incorporation of some transition metals such as Fe, Ni and Cu to thiosemicarbazone complexes is known to enhance its biological effects. In this study, we incorporated nickel(II) ions into thiosemicarbazone with N4-substitution groups H3L (H; H3L1, CH3; H3L2, C6H5; H3L3 and C2H5; H3L4) and examined its potential anti-inflammatory activity. Methodology/Principal Findings Four ligands (1–4) and their respective nickel-containing complexes (5–8) were synthesized and characterized. The compounds synthesized were tested for their effects on NF-κB nuclear translocation, pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and NF-κB transactivation activity. The active compound was further evaluated …

Pola Rekabentuk Profesion Fisioterapi Masa Depan Dan Impaknya Kepada Kurikulum Sekolah Menengah, Hamimah Mahfoz, Aieshah Ithnin, Malalini Rishnan, Saedah Siraj, Abd Razak Zakaria

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Kertas kerja ini melaporkan kajian masa depan tentang perkembangan Profesion Fisioterapi dan Impaknya kepada kurikulum sekolah menengah. Kajian dijalankan dengan menggunakan teknik Delphi dengan tiga pusingan. Hasilan kajian menunjukkan sebanyak 13 jenis profesion dalam bidang fisioterapi yang dijangkakan akan menyediakan bidang kerjaya di masa hadapan. Pakar juga menjangkakan bahawa jenis-jenis kerjaya melibatkan bidang fisioterapi dijangka akan berlaku selepas tahun 2015. Penyataan yang mencapai konsensus mewakili jangkaan terhadap kaedah penilaian, kaedah pengajaran yang sesuai, bentuk laluan kerjaya bagi pelajar-pelajar yang memilih matapelajaran fisioterapi sebagai matapelajaran pilihan mereka dan kemudahan infrastruktur yang diperlukan oleh sesebuah sekolah menengah apabila fisioterapi menjadi matapelajaran di …

Prevalence And Genetic Characterization Of Carbapenem- And Polymyxin-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumanniiisolated From A Tertiary Hospital In Terengganu, Malaysia, S.S. Lean, S. Zarizal, I. Salwani, A.R. Nor Iza, A. Fatimah Hazlina, J. Zakaria, C.Y. Chew, Kwai Lin Thong

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Nosocomial infection caused by Acinetobacter baumannii is of great concern due to its increasing resistance to most antimicrobials. In this study, 54 nonrepeat isolates of A. baumannii from the main tertiary hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia, were analyzed for their antibiograms and genotypes. Out of the 54 isolates, 39 (72.2%) were multidrug resistant (MDR) and resistant to carbapenems whereas 14 (25.9%) were categorized as extensive drug resistant (XDR) with additional resistance to polymyxin B, the drug of “last resort.” Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analyses showed that the polymyxin-resistant isolates were genetically diverse while the carbapenem-resistant isolates were clonally related. The 14 XDR …

Review On The Application Of Modified Iron Oxides As Heterogeneous Catalysts In Fenton Reaction, S.R. Pouran, Abdul Aziz Abdul Raman, Wan Mohd Ashri Wan Daud

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

Heterogeneous Fenton reaction is an advanced oxidation process which has gained wide spread acceptance for higher removal efficiency of recalcitrant organic contaminants under wide range of pH compared to homogeneous reactions. Conventionally, iron oxides are used as heterogeneous catalysts for Fenton oxidation system because of their abundance, easy separation and lower cost. This paper reviews the substitution of iron in an iron oxide with other transition metals as a mean to improve the properties of the iron oxide towards higher performance for contaminant degradation. Several studies have reported enhanced performance resulted from this substitution based on two possible mechanisms. First …

Some Morphological, Anatomical Studies And Effects Of Hormones On In Vitro Culture Of Canav Alia Rosea (Sw) Dc, M.T. Rosna, M. Normadiha, A.R. Ummi Nur Ain, M. Sadegh

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

The current investigation encompasses some morphological, anatomical and tissue culture of Canavalia rosea (Sw) DC (leguminosea). which has the potential for soil stability especially on slopes.Morphological and anatomical studies comprised leaf venation, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), histology analysis .and epidermal peeling. Results obtained showed that the leaftlorsiventral with bipinate venation and amphistomic withparacytic type stomata embedded below the epidermis. Anatomical studies of leaf and root were also done to determine the presence of specific cells such as cuticle; oil gland, structure of vascular system, shape and arrangement of the cells and other related structures. Regeneration from shoots was accomplished from …