BUKU ABSTRAK - Universiti Putra Malaysia
BUKU ABSTRAK - Universiti Putra Malaysia
BUKU ABSTRAK - Universiti Putra Malaysia
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Inovasi<br />
Berteraskan<br />
R & D<br />
Berimpak<br />
Tinggi<br />
<strong>BUKU</strong> <strong>ABSTRAK</strong>
Agriculture<br />
List of Exhibitors<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah<br />
Syaiful Bahri Panjaitan, Maheran Abdul Aziz, Sariah Meon and Othman Omar ....1<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah<br />
Zubaidah Ramli ........................................................................................................1<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Harib Al-Habsi and Dr. Tan Chun Knee ..................................................................2<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Shukor Juraimi<br />
Md. Kamal Uddin, Mohd. Razi Ismail, Radziah Othman and Anuar Abdul Rahim .<br />
2<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziz Arshad<br />
Norhafizah Osman, S. M. Nurul Amin and Zaidi Che Cob .....................................3<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziz Arshad<br />
Zaidi Che Cob, Japar Sidik Bujang, S.M.Nurul Amin and Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar ...3<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Yoke Kqueen<br />
Sim Jiun Horng, Khoo Chai Hoon and Son Radu ...................................................4<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Che Roos Saad<br />
SaadShahram Shakiba Zadeh, Annie Christianus, Mohd. Salleh Kamarudin,<br />
Kamaruzaman Sijam, Mariana Nor Shamsudin and Vasantha Kumari Neela .........4<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chong Pei Pei<br />
Alireza Khodavandi, Fahimeh Alizadeh, Zamberi Sekawi, Shiran Md. Sidik and<br />
Fauziah Othman .......................................................................................................5<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Foo Hooi Ling<br />
Anuradha Karunakaramoorthy, Loh Teck Chwen, Mariana Nor Shamsudin and<br />
Raha Abdul Rahim ...................................................................................................5<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamaruzaman Sijam<br />
Khairulmazmi Ahmad ..............................................................................................6<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin<br />
Ainatul Hakimah Zakaria, Nurul Hidayah Idris and Norfarrah Mohamed Alipiah .7<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin
C Girish Palaniyappan, Mohd. Shater Zakaria and Nurul Hidayah Idris ................6<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Mansor Ismail<br />
Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ......8<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Mansor Ismail<br />
Zakbah Mian ............................................................................................................7<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Rafii Yusop<br />
Norziha Abdullah, Maizura Ithnin and Ghizan Saleh ..............................................9<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Salleh Kamaruddin<br />
Mahdieh Jafari, Che Roos Saad, Aziz Arshad, Shahrbanoo Oryan and Mahmoud<br />
Bahmani ...................................................................................................................8<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Salleh Kamarudin<br />
Mahdieh Jafari, Che Roos Saad, Aziz Arshad, Shahrbanoo Oryan and Mahmoud<br />
Bahmani ...................................................................................................................9<br />
Assoc. Prof.Dr. Osumanu Haruna Ahmed<br />
Auldry Chaddy Petrus, Nik Muhammad Abd. Majid, Make Jiwan, Susilawati<br />
Kasim and Hassan Mohammad Nasir ....................................................................10<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharr Azni Harmin<br />
Norhidayah Mohd. Taufek and Annie Christianus .................................................10<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharr Azni Harmin<br />
Norhidayah Mohd. Taufek and Annie Christianus .................................................11<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharr Azni Harmin<br />
Norhidayah Mohd. Taufek and Annie Christianus. ................................................11<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Mior Ahmad<br />
Kamaruzaman Sijam and Abdollah Karami ..........................................................12<br />
Dr. Annie Christianu<br />
Ali Karami Varnamkhasti, Simon C. Courtenay, Zamri Ishak, Mohd. Arif Syed<br />
and Khairul Zamri Md. Saad .................................................................................13<br />
Dr. Golnaz Rezai<br />
Zainalabidin Mohamed, Mad Nasir Shamsudin and Eddie Chiew Fook Chong ...14<br />
Dr. Hazandy Abdul Hamid<br />
Nor Aini Ab. Shukor, Arifin Abdu, Mohd. Basri Hamzah, Baharom Zainal and<br />
Mohd. Hazimy Yusoff ............................................................................................27<br />
Dr. Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman<br />
Nolila Mohd. Nawi ................................................................................................15
Dr. Norsida Man<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ...............................................16<br />
Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd. Zainudin<br />
Baharuddin Salleh ..................................................................................................17<br />
Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd. Zainudin<br />
Nor Azliza Ismail, Nik Mohd. Izham Mohamed Nor, Azmi Abd. Razak, Siti<br />
Nordahliawate Mohamed Sidique and Baharuddin Salleh ....................................16<br />
Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd. Zainudin<br />
Siti Nordahliawate Mohamed Sidique, Nor Azliza Ismail and Baharuddin Salleh ...<br />
17<br />
Dr. Puziah Abdul Latif<br />
Nur Hidayah Abdul Latip .......................................................................................18<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .......................................................9<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ...........................................................17<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mahdzir Mardan<br />
Mohammad Mehdi Saberioon, Laili Nordin, Alias Mohammad Sood and Asa<br />
Ggholizadeh ...........................................................................................................27<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mahdzir Mardan<br />
Mohammad Mehdi Saberioon, Laili Nordin and Alias mohammad Sood .............18<br />
Prof Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Shariff Mohamed Din<br />
Fatimah Md. Yusoff, Sanjoy Banerjee and Helena Khatoon .................................19<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar<br />
Mehdi Rasoli, Babak Jalilian, Sara Oveissi, Aini Ideris, Mohd. Hair Bejo,<br />
Noorjahan Banu Alitheen, Khatijah Yusoff, Fatemeh Jahanshiri, Sharifah Syed<br />
Hassan and Maizan Mohamed ..............................................................................19<br />
Prof. Dr. Mad Nasir Shamsudin<br />
Hairuddin Mohd. Amir and Alias Radam ..............................................................20<br />
Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri<br />
Lim Chaw Jiang, Dzolkifli Omar, Abu Bakar Salleh and Mohd. Basyaruddin<br />
Abdul Rahman and Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abdul Rahman ..................................20<br />
Prof. Dr. Maziah Mahmood<br />
Fatemeh Mahdavi Darvari, Sariah Moen and Mohd. Puad Abdullah ....................14<br />
Prof. Dr. Maziah Mahmood<br />
Revandy Iskandar Damanik, Mohd. Razi Ismail, Syahida Ahmad and Abd. Mohd.
Zain ........................................................................................................................26<br />
Prof. Dr. Maziah Mahmood<br />
Siamak Shirani, Sariah Moen and Zakaria Wahab.................................................26<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hanafi Musa<br />
Syed Omar Syed Rastan, Mohd. Rafii Yusof and Jose Alvaro Cristancho<br />
Rodriguez ...............................................................................................................21<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Mitra Mohammadi, Nor Asma Abd Razak, Chong Mei Ling, Yoshihito Shirai,<br />
Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus, Suraini Abd. Aziz, Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah,<br />
Hasfalina Che Man, Siti Nor Syairah Anis and Phang Lai Yee .............................22<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Tabassum Mumtaz, Suraini Abd-Aziz, Nor’Aini Abdul Rahman, Phang Lai Yee<br />
and Yoshihito Shirai ...............................................................................................21<br />
Prof. Dr. Sariah Meon<br />
Most. Mahbuba Begum and Yasmeen Siddiqui .....................................................22<br />
Prof. Dr. Siti Shapor Hj. Siraj<br />
Dania Aziz ..............................................................................................................23<br />
Prof. Dr. Siti Shapor Hj. Siraj<br />
Siti Khalijah Daud, Ratiah Sukardi and Jothi Panandam ......................................23<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaharah A. Rahman<br />
Mohamed Hanafi Musa ..........................................................................................24<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaharah A. Rahman<br />
Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah .......................................................................................24<br />
Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Mohamed<br />
Golnaz Rezai and Mad Nasir Shamsudin ..............................................................25<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Amin Mohd. Soom<br />
Aimrun Wayayok and Mastura Mohamed .............................................................25<br />
Food<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amin Ismail<br />
Abd. Razak Ismail, Kong Kin Weng, Azizah Othman and Tan Seok Tyug ...........29<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Badlishah Sham Baharin<br />
Norhidayah Suleiman, Md. Zaidul Islam Sarker and Seyed Hamed Mirhosseini .29<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Abu Bakar
Muhammad Zukhrufuz Zaman, Jinap Selamat and Jamilah Bakar .......................30<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lasekan Olusegun<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................30<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Aida Firdaus Muhammad Nurul Azmi, Mohd. Hamim Hamdan Mustafa, Mohd.<br />
Yazid Abd. Manap ..................................................................................................31<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Khalilah Abdul Khalil, Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap, Arbakariya Ariff and<br />
Rosfarizan Mohamad .............................................................................................31<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Hong Kwong Lim and Jamilah Bakar ...................................................................33<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Kok Whye Cheong, Hamed Mirhosseini, Mahiran Basri, Azizah Osman, Nazimah<br />
Sheikh Abdul Hamid, Sung Tong Chin and Yaakob Che Man .............................32<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Navideh Anarjan, Hamed Mirhosseini and Badlishah Sham Baharin ..................33<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Siou Pei, Oi Ming Lai, Kamariah Long and Hamed Mirhosseini .........................32<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Wai Fun Leong, Yaakob Che Man, Oi Ming Lai, Kamariah Long and Mitsutoshi<br />
Nakajima ................................................................................................................34<br />
Dr. Loh Su Peng<br />
Goh Su Hua and Fatimah Md. Yusoff ....................................................................34<br />
Dr. Mohammed Nazrim Marikkar<br />
H.M. Ghazali and N.A.M. Yanty ...........................................................................35<br />
Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhosseini<br />
Chin Ping Tan .........................................................................................................35<br />
Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhosseini<br />
Chin Ping Tan ........................................................................................................36<br />
Mr. Dzulkifly Mat Hashim<br />
M. Z. Nor Nadiha, D.B. Mat Hashim*, B. Siti Aisyah, A. R. Siti Munira and M.<br />
Shuhaimi ................................................................................................................36<br />
Mr. Dzulkifly Mat Hashim<br />
Norakasha Rusli, Yaakob Che Man and Shuhaimi Mustafa ................................37
Prof. Dr. Azizah Osman ...............................................................................................37<br />
Prof. Dr. Hasanah Mohd. Ghazali<br />
Yanty Noorzianna Abdul Manaf, Azizah Osman, Kamariah Long and Lai Oi Ming<br />
38<br />
Prof. Dr. Jamilah Bakar<br />
Yassoralipour, A.,Russly, A. R. and Fatimah .........................................................38<br />
Prof. Dr. Jamilah Bakar<br />
Yazdan Moradi, Sharifah Kharidah and Yaakob Che Man ....................................39<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Afsaneh Farhadian, Zaidul Islam Sarkar and Hanifah Nur Yani Lioe ...................40<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Anosheh Rahmani .................................................................................................43<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Gisia Daniali, Hanifah Nuryani Lioeh and Zaidul Islam Sa ..................................42<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Maimunah Sanny, Luning, P.A., Marcelis and W.J. Van Boekel ..........................42<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Maryam Jalili, Son Radu and Noranizan Mohd. Adzahan ....................................40<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Md. Jaharul Haque Akanda ...................................................................................41<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Parvaneh Hajeb .....................................................................................................41<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Sahar Arzandeh .....................................................................................................39<br />
Prof. Dr. Maznah Ismail<br />
Ho Ket Li ...............................................................................................................44<br />
Prof. Dr. Maznah Ismail<br />
Siti Farhana Fathy and Abdalbasit Adam Mariod ..................................................43<br />
Prof. Dr. Maznah Ismail<br />
Wan Abd. Aziz Mamat and Zalinah Ahmad ..........................................................44<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Amir Meimandipour, Leila Nateghi, Mohd. Hair-Bejo, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Azhar<br />
Kasim, Abdoreza Soleimani Farjam and Babak Rasti ...........................................47<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap
Amir Meimandipour, Leila Nateghi, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Abdoreza Soleimani<br />
Farjam, Azhar Kasim, Mohd. Hair-Bejo, Barka Mohammed Kabeir, Arash<br />
Javanmard and Muhammad Anas Osman ..............................................................46<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Amir Meimandipour, Leila Nateghi, Shuhaimi Mustafa , Mohd. Hair-Bejo, Azhar<br />
Kasim, Barka Mohammad Kabeir and Babak Rasti .............................................47<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Shahin Roohinejad, Leila Nateghi, Alireza Omidizadeh, Hamed Mirhosseini,<br />
Babak Rasti, Nazamid Saari, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Rokiah Mohd. Yusof, Anis<br />
Shobirin Meor Hussin and Azizah Hamid .............................................................45<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Shahin Roohinejad, Leila Nateghi, Alireza Omidizadeh, Hamed Mirhosseini,<br />
Nazamid Saari, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Rokiah Mohd Yusof, Anis Shobirin Meor<br />
Hussin and Azizah Hamid ......................................................................................45<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Shahin Roohinejad, Leila Nateghi, Hamed Mirhosseini, Nazamid Saari, Shuhaimi<br />
Mustafa, Ismail Alias, Anis Shobirin Meor Hussin and Azizah Hamid .................46<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Abdul Rohman ......................................................................................................50<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Abdul Rohman, Amin Ismail and Puziah Hashim .................................................49<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Abdul Rohman and Yaakob Che Man ....................................................................49<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Dias Indrasti, Shuhaimi Mustafa and Dzulkifly Mat Hashim ................................50<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Dzulkifly Mat Hashim, Abdulkarim Sabo Mohamed and Nurjuliana Mokhtar .....48<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Nur Fadhilah Khairil Mokhtar, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Awis Qurni Sazili and Rumaisa<br />
Nordin ...................................................................................................................48<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Tengku Salwani Tengku Mansor and Abdul Rohman............................................51<br />
Health
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Nordin<br />
Hairil Rashmizal, Noraini Abdul Rahim and Claudio Rossetti .............................55<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Nordin<br />
Noraini Abdul Rahim, Gay E, Ferrara C, Ravelli E, Mancini V, Morra E, Muti P,<br />
Tahir A and Claudio Rossetti .................................................................................56<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Nordin<br />
Simona Secondino, Noraini Abdul Rahim, Paolo Pedrazzoli, Salvatore Siena,<br />
Claudio Rossetti and Tahir Aris .............................................................................55<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amin Ismail<br />
Bahareh Sarmadi, Muhajir Hamid and Jinap Selamat ...........................................56<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Latiffah A. Latiff<br />
Zaitun Yassin, Ridzoni Sulaiman, Asmidawati Ashaari and Siti Aisyah Nor<br />
Akhbar ....................................................................................................................57<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin<br />
Salman Saheb, Vasanthakumari Neela and Zamberi Sekawi .................................57<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirnalini Kandiah<br />
Ang Yee Kwang, Zalilah Mohd. Shariff and Chan Yoke Mun, Hazizi Abu Saad..58<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Reza Mozafari<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................58<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Soo Li Chin, Azhar Yaacob, Zuraini Ahmad, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and Zainul<br />
Amiruddin Zakaria .................................................................................................59<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria<br />
Elly Ezlinda Abdul Hisam, Mohd. Salleh Rofiee, Muhammad Nazrul Somchit,<br />
Zuraini Ahmad, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman, Teh Lay Kek and Mohd. Zaki Salleh ..59<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaitun Yassin<br />
Suzana Shahar, Suriah Abdul Rahman, Fatimah Arshad, Noor Aini Mohd. Yusof,<br />
Siti Nur Asyura Adznam and Zuriati Ibrahim ........................................................60<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuraini Ahmad<br />
Arifah Abdul Kadir and Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah ..............................61<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuraini Ahmad<br />
Yong Yoke Keong, Arifah Abdul Kadir, Sabrina Sukardi, Roslida Abdul Hamid @<br />
Abdul Razak and Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah ........................................60<br />
Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam
Rozita Rosli, Syahrilnizam Abdullah, Tan Keai Sinn and Chan Soon Choy .........61<br />
Dr. Kulanthayan KC Mani<br />
Ahmad Razak, Ellen Schenk and Hussain Hamid .................................................62<br />
Dr. Kulanthayan KC Mani<br />
Phang Wai Kit, Hayati Kadir S. and Anita Abdul Rahman ....................................62<br />
Dr. Kulanthayan KC Mani<br />
Raha A.R., Law Teik Hwa and Radin Umar R.S. ..................................................63<br />
Dr. Latifah Saiful Yazan<br />
Maznah Ismail, Armania Nurdin, Hern Tze Tan, Azhar Yaacob, Nordiana Abdul<br />
Hadi, Norazalina Saad, Hairuszah Ithnin and Saidi Moin ....................................64<br />
Dr. Latifah Saiful Yazan<br />
Norsyafini Ishak and Nordin Haji Lajis .................................................................63<br />
Dr. Maha Abdullah<br />
Seow Heng Fong, Cheong Soon Keng and Leong Chooi Fun ..............................64<br />
Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin<br />
Ehsanollah Ghaznavi-Rad, Vasanthakumari Neela, Zamberi Sekawi, Mohammad<br />
Nazri Aziz, Rukman Awang Hamat, Chong Pei Pei, Norlijah Othman and Hamed<br />
Ghasemzadeh-Moghaddam ....................................................................................65<br />
Dr. Mohamad Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin<br />
Mohamad Aris Mohd. Moklas, Sharida Fakurazi, Evhy Apryani and Farah Idayu<br />
Nasir .......................................................................................................................65<br />
Dr. Normala Halimoon<br />
Mohamad Suhaimi Ismail ......................................................................................66<br />
Dr. Rajesh Ramasamy<br />
Maryam Maqbool, Abdul Latiff Mohamed and Rahim Md. Noah ........................66<br />
Dr. Rajesh Ramasamy<br />
Maryam Maqbool and Sharmili Vidyadaran ..........................................................67<br />
Dr. Roslida Abd. Hamid<br />
Lau Moi Fong, Sabrina Sukardi and Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah ..........67<br />
Dr. Rusliza Basir<br />
Mun Fei Yam, Lee Fung Ang, Ibrahim Muhammad Salman, Omar Ziad Ameer,<br />
Vuanghao Lim, Lai Man Ong, Mariam Ahmad and Mohd. Zaini Asmawi ...........68<br />
Dr. Rusliza Basir<br />
Mun Fei Yam, Vuanghao Lim, Ibrahim Muhammad Salman, Omar Ziad Ameer,
Lee Fung Ang, Rosidah, Muthanna Fawzy Abdulkarim, Ghassan Zuhair Abdullah,<br />
Rusliza Basir, Amirin Sadikun and Mohd. Zaini Asmawi .....................................68<br />
Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj. Mohd. Tamrin<br />
Nurul Asyiqin Mohd. Ali, Mohd. Shahrizal Dollah and Velu A/P Perumal ...........69<br />
Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj. Mohd. Tamrin<br />
Syazwan Aizat Ismail, Rafee Baharudin, Mohamad Azhar Mohd. Noor, Muhamad<br />
Hanafiah Juni, Juliana Jalaludin and Zailina Hashim ............................................69<br />
Dr. Sharmili Vidyadaran<br />
Hemavathy Subramaiam and Rajesh Ramasamy ..................................................70<br />
Dr. Sharmili Vidyadaran<br />
Shi Wei Tan and Maha Abdullah............................................................................70<br />
Dr. Siti Aslina Hussain<br />
Tan Hong Tat, Mohd. Ismail Abdul Halim, Norhafizah Abdullah and Azni Idris .71<br />
Dr. Vasanthakumari Neela<br />
Liew Yun Khoon, Mariana Nor Shamsudin, Rukman Awang Hama and Chong Pei<br />
Pei ..........................................................................................................................71<br />
Dr. Vasanthakumari Neela<br />
Mariana Nor Shamsudin, Ehsanollah Ghaznavi Rad, Arif Mohd. Zafrul and Liew<br />
Yun Khoon .............................................................................................................72<br />
Dr. Zeenathul Nazariah Allaudin<br />
Nik Mohd. Afizan Nik Abd. Rahman and Mohd. Azmi Mohd. Lila ......................72<br />
Dr. Zeenathul Nazariah Allaudin<br />
Tan Seok Shin and Mohd. Azmi Mohd. Lila ........................................................73<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Goh Yong Meng ..............................................73<br />
Mrs. Norazalina Saad<br />
Norhaizan Mohd. Esa, Sabariah Abdul Rahman, Hairuszah Ithnin and Nurul<br />
Husna Shafei ..........................................................................................................74<br />
Mrs. Raja Nurzatul Efah Raja Adnan<br />
Zaitun Yassin, Asmidawati Ashari, Siti Aisyah Nor Akahbar and Latiffah Latiff .74<br />
Mrs. Siti Aisyah Nor Akahbar<br />
Zaitun Yassin, Raja Nurzatul Efa Raja Adnan, Latiffah Abdul Latif and<br />
Asmidawati Ashari .................................................................................................75<br />
Prof. Dr. Asmah Rahmat ..............................................................................................75
Prof. Dr. Daud Ahmad Israf Ali<br />
Omar Harastani, Tham Chau Ling, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and Daud Ahmad<br />
Israf Ali ..................................................................................................................76<br />
Prof. Dr. Daud Ahmad Israf Ali<br />
Tham Chau Ling, K. P. Ang, Lam K. W., Kim Min Kyu, Cheah Yoke Kqueen,<br />
Nordin Hj. Lajis and Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman ......................................................76<br />
Prof. Dr. Fauziah Othman<br />
Au Lee Fong, Sharmili Vidyadaran, Asmah Rahmat, Rusnah Mustaffa, Idris<br />
Besar, Azfar Rizal Ahmad, Fuzina Nor Hussein, Mohd. Azam Khan Goriman<br />
Khan, Abdah Md. Akim, Saidi Moin and Che Nor Zarida Che Seman .................77<br />
Prof. Dr. Hj. Wan Omar Abdullah<br />
Ngah Zasmy Unyah, Hairul Bazli Hairuddin, Malina Osman, Rukman Awang<br />
Hamat and Khairul Anuar ......................................................................................77<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman<br />
Wan Mastura Shaik Mossadeq, Chiong Hoe Siong, Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria,<br />
Mohd. Lip Jabit, Mohamad Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin, Daud Israf Ali and Tengku<br />
Azam Shah Tengku Mohamad ...............................................................................78<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman<br />
Wan Mastura Shaik Mossadeq, Chiong Hoe Siong, Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria,<br />
Mohd. Lip Jabit, Mohamad Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin, Daud Israf Ali and Tengku<br />
Azam Shah Tengku Mohamad ...............................................................................78<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin<br />
Kelvin Goh .............................................................................................................81<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin<br />
Nur Najwa Dina Anak Abong ................................................................................81<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azmy Mohamed<br />
Parvin Anila Ponnusamy, Zaidon Ashaari, Hamami Sahri and Zolkapli Mustafa 82<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Qamaruz Zaman<br />
Tnah Lee Hong, Lee Soon Leong, Kevin Ng Kit Siong, Faridah Qamaruz Zaman<br />
and Faridah Hanum Ibrahim ..................................................................................82<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam<br />
Geetha Ramasamy and Saied Reza Farrokhpayam ...............................................83
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam<br />
Saied Reza Farrokhpayam and Ganesh Thanasegaran ..........................................83<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria<br />
Lau Chun Ghee, Munirah Abdul Zali, Nurul Afiqah Mohamd Tahir, Nur Hazirah<br />
Adnan, Ahmad Zaharin Aris and Normala Halimoon ...........................................85<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria<br />
Norazida Manan, Abdul Halim Abdullah, Hafizan Juahir, Norliza Ismail, Lee<br />
Chiow Yee, Che Abdul Rahim Mohamed and Munirah Abdul Zali ......................85<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria<br />
Norliza Ismail, Abdul Halim Abdullah and Norazida Manan ................................84<br />
Assoc.Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Hussin<br />
Arezoo Sanei ..........................................................................................................87<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Hussin<br />
Hossein Varasteh Moradi and Zamri Rosli ............................................................86<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Hussin<br />
Muhammad Nawaz Rajpar ....................................................................................86<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paridah Md. Tahir<br />
M.F.Juhaida, M.T. Paridah, M.Mohd. Hilmi, U.M.K.Anwar, Z.Sarani, H.<br />
Jalaluddin and A.R. Mohamad Zaki ......................................................................88<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paridah Md. Tahir<br />
Yeoh Beng Hoong, Loh Yueh Feng, Luqman Chuah Abdullah and Koh Mok Poh ...<br />
87<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramdzani Abdullah<br />
Majid Ajorlo, Ahmad Husni Mohd. Hanif, Mohd. Kamil Yusoff and Ridzwan<br />
Abd. Halim, ............................................................................................................88<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusea Go<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....................................................90<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusea Go<br />
Khor Hong Eng, Ng Yong Jin, Tan Mui Ching, Farah Alia Nordin, Janna Ong<br />
Abdullah, Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin and Julaihi Abdullah .................................89<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusea Go<br />
Tan Mui Ching, Farah Alia Nordin, Ng Yong Jin, Khor Hong Eng, Ahmad<br />
Ainuddin Nuruddin, Janna Ong Abdullah and Rosimah Nulit ..............................89<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Chee Kong
Aziran Y. and Cheng Wan Hee ...............................................................................91<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Chee Kong<br />
Chew Weiyun and Tan Soon Guan ........................................................................90<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaidon Ashaari<br />
Edi Suhaimi Bakar, Paridah Md. Tahir and Mohd. Hamami Sahri ........................91<br />
Dr. Hafizan Juahir<br />
Nur Hazirah Adnan, Munirah Abdul Zali, Nurul Afiqah Mohamd Tahir,<br />
Norashikin Saim, Rozita Osman, Dayang Ratena Sari Abg. Spian, Mohd. Zuli<br />
Jaafar, Md. Pauzi Abdullah and Fuzziawati Ab. Ghani .........................................92<br />
Dr. Hazandy Abdul Hamid<br />
Ika Heriansyah, Nor Aini Ab. Shukor, and Syamsudin Ibrahim ............................92<br />
Dr. H’ng Paik San<br />
Chin Kit Ling, Wong Lih Jiun, Tey Beng Ti and Paridah Md. Tahir .....................93<br />
Dr. Liang Juan Boo<br />
Wang Yan ...............................................................................................................93<br />
Dr. Mohd. Hasmadi Ismail<br />
Mohd. Zaki Hamzah, Ismail Adnan Abd. Malik, Pakhriazad Hassain Zaki and<br />
Muhammad Fadlli Abdul Yazi ...............................................................................94<br />
Dr. Mohd. Hasmadi Ismail<br />
Norizah Kamarudin ................................................................................................94<br />
Dr. Nor Azowa Ibrahim<br />
Khalina Abdan, Kamarul Arifin Hadithon and Khairul Zaman Mohd. Dahlan .....95<br />
Dr. Normala Halimoon<br />
Rachel Goh Soo Yin ...............................................................................................95<br />
Dr. Rozi Mohamed<br />
Jong Phai Lee and Mohammed Syazwan Zali .......................................................96<br />
Dr. Seca Gandaseca<br />
Anton Eko Satrio, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed and Nik Muhamad Ab. Majid .........96<br />
Dr. Seca Gandaseca<br />
Anton Eko Satrio, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed and Nik Muhamad Ab. Majid .........97<br />
Dr. Seca Gandaseca<br />
Muhamad Ismawi Salimin, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed and Nik Muhamad Ab.<br />
Majid ......................................................................................................................97<br />
Mr. Mohd. Nazri Saidon
Mustafa Kamal, Mohd. Shariff, Ramdzani Abdullah and Habshah Midi ..............98<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Norfaryanti Kamaruddin, Siti Nurhidayah Roslen and Nurul Ain Mohd. Reduan 84<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Sharifah Md. Nor<br />
Samsilah Roslan, Norlizah Che Hassan and Rusnani Abdul Kadir .....................101<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abd. Lateef Krauss Abdullah<br />
Ismi Arif Ismail ....................................................................................................101<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Suraya Md.Yunus<br />
Tsai Chen Chien, Wan Zah Wan Ali and Ab. Rahim Bakar .................................102<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ain Nadzimah Abdullah<br />
Chan Swee Heng ..................................................................................................102<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arfah Salleh<br />
Aziuddin Ahmad and Naresh Kumar ...................................................................103<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arfah Salleh<br />
Aziuddin Ahmad and Naresh Kumar ...................................................................103<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah<br />
Fariborz Aref ........................................................................................................104<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Fauziah Ibrahim, Mansor Abu Talib and Mohammad Shatar Sabran ..................105<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril, Jamilah Othman, Ezhar Tamam, Hanina<br />
Halimatusaadiah and Jeffrey Lawrence D’Silva ..................................................104<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Reza Bagherian, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah and Shamsuddin Ahmad .................105<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bany Ariffin<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................106<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezhar Tamam<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....<br />
106<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
S. K. Sarkar ..........................................................................................................107<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hashanah Ismail
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................108<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hashanah Ismail<br />
Nurul Adillah Yusof .............................................................................................107<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................108<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................109<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................109<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................111<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Lee Chai Yee ........................................................................................................110<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Mohd. Mahyuddin Yahya .....................................................................................110<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad and Ng Yu Jin ............................................................112<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad, Ng Yu Jin and Almaz Hong Siaw Swin ...................112<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad, Ng Yu Jin, Vahid Nimehchisalem and Norwati Roslim .<br />
114<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Ng Yu Jin, Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad, Vahid Nimehchisalem and Norwati Roslim .<br />
113<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Vahid Nimehchisalem ..........................................................................................111<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Vahid Nimehchisalem ..........................................................................................113<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegak Uli<br />
Ahmad Faiz Abdul Nasir, Khairuddin Idris, Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril and<br />
Jeffrey Lawrence D’Silva ....................................................................................115<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegak Uli<br />
Md. Salleh Hassan, Bahaman Abu Samah, Jamilah Othman and Hayrol Azril
Mohamed Shaffril ................................................................................................114<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laily Paim<br />
Narges Delafrooz and Ali Khatibi ........................................................................115<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Law Siong Hook<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................116<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Law Siong Hook<br />
Tan Hui Boon .......................................................................................................116<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Azhar Abdul Karim<br />
Robert J.R. Elliott ................................................................................................117<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Azidan Abdul Jabar<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ....<br />
117<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raja Masittah Raja Ariffin<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....<br />
118<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Abdullah<br />
Sakineh Mofrad and Bahaman Abu Samah .........................................................118<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi ...................................................................119<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosli Talif<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ....<br />
119<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rozanah Ab. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................120<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samsilah Roslan<br />
Abdul Rahman Md. Aroff, Rahil Mahyuddin, Asmawati Suhid, Kamariah Abu<br />
Bakar, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah, Chee Chan Soon, Nur Surayyah Madhubala<br />
Abdullah, Fadzilah Abd. Rahman and Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub ......................120<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Azizah Haron<br />
Zuhairah Maarof ..................................................................................................121<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Norazizan Syed Abdul Rashid<br />
Asmidawati Ashari, Mohd. Fazdillah Bagat, Mohd. Rizal Hussain and Mohd.<br />
Hafis Ahmad Shukri .............................................................................................121<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sidek Mohd. Noah<br />
Samsilah Roslan, Rosnani Abd. Kadir and Wong Kok Fye .................................122
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Zobidah Omar<br />
Manimaran Govindasamy ....................................................................................123<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Zobidah Omar<br />
Narimah Ismail, Jusang Bolong, Musa Abu Hassan and Saodah Wok ................122<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soh Kim Geok<br />
Soh Kim Lam, Ruby Husain, Mohd. Sofian Omar Fauzee, Aminuddin Yuson and<br />
Ong Swee Leong ..................................................................................................123<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soh Kim Geok<br />
Soh Kim Lam, Ruby Husain, Mohd. Sofian Omar Fauzee, Aminuddin Yuson and<br />
Ong Swee Leong ..................................................................................................124<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid<br />
Siti Farra Zillah Abdullah and Jariah Masud .......................................................124<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid<br />
Suraya Yusoff, Esther Gunaseli Ebenezer, Chai Sen Tyng and Siti Suhailah<br />
Abdullah ...............................................................................................................125<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Zah Wan Ali<br />
Eow Yee Leng, Rosnaini Mahmud and Roselan Baki .........................................125<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkarnain Muhamad Sori<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................126<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkornain Yusop<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................127<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkornain Yusop<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................127<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkornain Yusop<br />
Muhammad Firdaus .............................................................................................126<br />
Dr. Adilah Abd. Razak<br />
Parker Hood .........................................................................................................128<br />
Dr. Adi Yasran Abdul Aziz<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....<br />
128<br />
Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub<br />
Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi and Mohd. Zin Mokhtar ................................................129<br />
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....................................129
Dr. Arbaayah Ali Termizi<br />
Zainor Izat Zainal and Wan Roselezam Wan Yahya ............................................130<br />
Dr. Azmawani Abd. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................130<br />
Dr. Chan Cheong Jan<br />
Susan Ang Ngar Jiu ..............................................................................................131<br />
Dr. Chan Mei Yuit<br />
Lee Geok Imm .....................................................................................................131<br />
Dr. Cheng Fan Fah<br />
Ariff M. and Annuar Nasir ...................................................................................132<br />
Dr. Cheng Fan Fah<br />
Ariff, M., Shamsher, M. and Annuar Nasir ..........................................................132<br />
Dr. Dahlia Zawawi<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................133<br />
Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Norbaya Ahmad, Zaid Ahmad and Sarjit Singh ...................................................184<br />
Dr. Hj. Jamaluddin Hj. Ahmad<br />
Siti Rahmah Alias ................................................................................................134<br />
Dr. Hj. Jamaludin Hj. Ahmad<br />
Nor Asida Shafii ...................................................................................................136<br />
Dr. Hj. Jamaludin Hj. Ahmad<br />
Rosdi Yusof ..........................................................................................................133<br />
Dr. Ho Jo Ann<br />
Graduate School of Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ...........................135<br />
Dr. Ho Jo Ann<br />
Liew Ee Yin .........................................................................................................134<br />
Dr. Hossein Nezakati<br />
Seyed Mahameddin Tabatabaei ...........................................................................135<br />
Dr. Husna Sulaiman<br />
Jariah Masud ........................................................................................................136<br />
Dr. Jamilah Othman<br />
Inon Beydha Lukman, Md. Salleh Hj. Hassan and Abdul Hadi Sulaiman ..........137<br />
Dr. Jariah Masud<br />
Husna, S. and Tengku Aizan Hamid ....................................................................137
Dr. Jariah Masud<br />
Husna Sulaiman and Tengku Aizan Tengku A. Hamid ........................................138<br />
Dr. Jeffrey Lawrence D’Silva<br />
Jegak Uli, Bahaman Abu Samah and Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril ...............138<br />
Dr. Junaina Muhammad<br />
Henry W. Collier and Carl B. McGowan, Jr. .......................................................139<br />
Dr. Junaina Muhammad<br />
McGowan, Carl, Jr. ..............................................................................................139<br />
Dr. Junaina Muhammad<br />
Mohamad Iruwan Ghuslan and Kamaruzaman Jusoff .........................................140<br />
Dr. Kamariah Dola<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .......................141<br />
Dr. Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu<br />
Mohd. Haizam Mohd. Nor ...................................................................................141<br />
Dr. Lailawati Mohd. Salleh<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....<br />
142<br />
Dr. Lee Chin<br />
M. Azali ................................................................................................................142<br />
Dr. Lee Chin<br />
Muzafar Shah Habibullah and M. Azali ..............................................................143<br />
Dr. Loo Fung Chiat<br />
Loo Fung Ying .....................................................................................................143<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....................................144<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Mohamad Shatar Sabran and Tan Kit-Aun ..........................................................145<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Rumaya Juhari, Rusinah Joned and NorLiyana Mohd. Bokhti ...........................144<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Sharifah Azizah Haron, Jariah Masud and Benjamin Chan Yin Fah ...................145<br />
Dr. Ma’rof Redzuan<br />
Fariborz Aref ........................................................................................................146<br />
Dr Ma’rof Redzuan
W. A. Amir Zal .....................................................................................................146<br />
Dr. Mass Hareeza Ali<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................147<br />
Dr. Mohani Abdul<br />
Hashanah Ismail, Haslina Hashim and Juliana Johari .........................................147<br />
Dr. Mohhidin Othman<br />
Chua Bee Lia, Boo Huey Chern, Muhammad Shahrim Ab. Karim and Sridar<br />
Ramachandran ......................................................................................................148<br />
Dr. Muslihah Hasbullah@Abdullah<br />
Najibah Mohd. Zin and Saodah Wok ...................................................................148<br />
Dr. Naresh Kumar<br />
Raduan Che Rose and Nurul Fatiha Abdul Muien ...............................................149<br />
Dr. Ng Siew Imm<br />
Julie Anne Lee and Geoffrey N. Soutar ...............................................................150<br />
Dr. Ng Siew Imm<br />
Lau Yeng Wai and Ho Jo Ann ..............................................................................149<br />
Dr. Nobaya Ahmad<br />
Md. Salleh Hassan, Jamilah Othman, Mariah Muda, Dzuhailmi Dahalan and Nor<br />
Azliza Wanis Abdullah .........................................................................................150<br />
Dr. Nor Aziah Abu Kasim<br />
Badriyah Minai ....................................................................................................151<br />
Dr. Norhasmah Sulaiman<br />
Zalilah, M. S., Kandiah, M., Mohd. Nasir, M. T. and Asnarulkhadi, A. S. ..........152<br />
Dr. Normahdiah Sheik Said<br />
Rahinah Ibrahim ...................................................................................................152<br />
Dr. Normaz Wana Ismail<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................153<br />
Dr. Normaz Wana Ismail<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................153<br />
Dr. Nor Wahiza Abdul Wahat<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ...............................151<br />
Dr. Rahimah Ibrahim<br />
Abolfathi Momtaz, Y., Rahimah, I., Tengku Aizan, H. and Siti Suhailah, A. ......154<br />
Dr. Rahimah Ibrahim
Siti Suhailah, A. and Abolfathi Momtaz, Y. .........................................................154<br />
Dr. Raja Nerina Raja Yusof<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................155<br />
Dr. Rosmila Senik<br />
Martin Broad ........................................................................................................155<br />
Dr. Roziah Mohd. Rasdi<br />
Maimunah Ismail, Jegak Uli and Sidek Mohd. Noah ..........................................156<br />
Dr. Sarjit S. Gill<br />
Ma’rof Redzuan, Nobaya Ahmad, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah, Haslinda Abdullah,<br />
Wan Ahmad Amir Zal Wan Ismail and Amri Jamil .............................................156<br />
Dr. Sarjit Singh Darshan Singh<br />
Marof Redzuan, Nobaya Ahmad, Haslinda Abdullah and Roslan Rosnon ..........157<br />
Dr. Shivee Ranjanee A/P Kaliappan<br />
Rokiah Alavi, Kalthom Abdullah and Muhammad Arif Zakaullah .....................158<br />
Dr. Siti Nor Yaacob<br />
Rumaya Juhari, Mansor Abu Talib, Uba Ikechukwu U. and Chiong Hoe Nee ...158<br />
Dr. Siti Nor Yaacob<br />
Uba Ikechukwu U. and Rumaya Juhari ...............................................................159<br />
Dr. Suhaimi Ab. Rahman<br />
Rasyikah Md. Khalid ...........................................................................................159<br />
Dr. Syuhaily Osman<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....................................160<br />
Dr. Tajularipin Sulaiman<br />
Aminuddin Hassan and Roselan Baki ..................................................................160<br />
Dr. Vijayaletchumy A/P Subramaniam<br />
Noor Aina Dani and Wan Muna Ruzanna Wan Mohammad ...............................161<br />
Dr. Wan Roselezam Wan Yahya<br />
Arbaayah Ali Termizi ...........................................................................................161<br />
Dr. Zahira Mohd. Ishan<br />
Shaik Mohd. Noor Alam S. M. Hussain ..............................................................162<br />
Dr. Zahira Mohd. Ishan<br />
Shaik Mohd. Noor Alam S.M. Hussain ...............................................................162<br />
Dr. Zulhamri Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .....
163<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman ............................................................................163<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman ............................................................................164<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman ............................................................................165<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman and Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari ..........................165<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari and Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman ..........................164<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari and Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman ..........................166<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya and Muhamad Yawasi Shahuddin .............................................166<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya and Muhamat Yawasi Shahuddin ..............................................167<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya, Mazlin Ghazali, Mohd. Peter Davis, Anniz Fazli Ibrahim<br />
Bajunid and Muhamat Yawasi Shahuddin ...........................................................184<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya, Mazlin Ghazali, Mohd. Peter Davis, Anniz Fazli Ibrahim<br />
Bajunid and Muhamat Yawasi Shahuddin ...........................................................185<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Zuroni Md. Jusoh and Laily Paim ........................................................................167<br />
Mr. Chai Sen Tyng<br />
Nurizan Yahaya and Tengku Aizan Hamid ..........................................................168<br />
Mr. Mohamad Fazdillah Bagat<br />
Sharifah Norazizan Syed Abdul Rashid ...............................................................168<br />
Mr. Mohd. Naseem Niaz Ahmad<br />
Tan Hui Boon and Siti Hamizah Mohd. ...............................................................169<br />
Mrs. Emmy Farha Alias<br />
A.H. Baharom, Alias Radam and Illisriyani Ismail .............................................169<br />
Mrs. Husniyah Abd. Rahim @ Abdul Wahab
M. Fazilah Abdul Samad ......................................................................................170<br />
Mrs. Husniyah Abd. Rahim @ Abdul Wahab<br />
M. Fazilah Abdul Samad ......................................................................................170<br />
Mrs. Naimah Mohd. Salleh<br />
Siti Balkis Bari and Mumtazah Othman ..............................................................171<br />
Mrs. Norisma Aiza Ismail<br />
Jariah Masud, Tengku Aizan Hamid and Rahimah Ibrahim ................................171<br />
Mrs. Zarinah Arshat<br />
Rozumah Baharudin .............................................................................................172<br />
Mrs. Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................172<br />
Mrs. Zuroni Md. Jusoh<br />
Bukryman Sabri and Laily Paim ..........................................................................173<br />
Mrs. Zuroni Md. Jusoh<br />
Jamal Othman, Abdul Hamid Jaafar and Tamat Sarmidi .....................................173<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Md. Aroff<br />
Samsilah Roslan ...................................................................................................174<br />
Prof. Dr. Adem Kilicman<br />
Jaisree Sivalingam ...............................................................................................174<br />
Prof. Dr. Aminah Ahmad<br />
Maznah Baba .......................................................................................................175<br />
Prof. Dr. Aminah Ahmad<br />
Maznah Baba and Siti Aishah Hassan .................................................................175<br />
Prof. Dr. Azali Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................176<br />
Prof. Dr. Azali Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, .................176<br />
Prof. Dr. Azimi Hamzah<br />
Shanta Abeysinghe and Sharifah Md. Nor ...........................................................177<br />
Prof. Dr. Foong Soon Yau<br />
Neilson Anak Teruki ............................................................................................177<br />
Prof. Dr. Habibah Elias<br />
Rahil Mahyuddin and Nooreen Noordin ..............................................................178<br />
Prof. Dr. Han Chun Kwong
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................178<br />
Prof. Dr. Han Chun Kwong<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ................179<br />
Prof. Dr. Hashim Musa<br />
Normahdiah Sheik Said, Siti Sarah Ab. Karim and Rozita Che Rodi .................179<br />
Prof. Dr. Mad Nasir Shamsudin<br />
Ahmad Hanis Izani Abdul Hadi, Jinap Selamat, and Alias Radam .....................180<br />
Prof. Dr. Maimunah Ismail<br />
Rabaayah Daud and Zoharah Omar .....................................................................180<br />
Prof. Dr. Mazanah Muhamad<br />
Ahmad Zamri Mansor and On Lily .....................................................................181<br />
Prof. Dr. Mazanah Muhamad<br />
Farizah Ahmad .....................................................................................................181<br />
Prof. Dr. Md. Salleh Hj. Hassan<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ..........................182<br />
Prof. Dr. Musa Abu Hassan<br />
Siti Zobidah Omar, Rusli Abdullah, Jusang Bolong and Narimah Ismail ...........182<br />
Prof. Dr. Raduan Che Rose<br />
Naresh Kumar and Ong Gua Pak .........................................................................183<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie<br />
Afsaneh Bagheri ...................................................................................................140<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie<br />
Afsaneh Bagheri ...................................................................................................183<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie<br />
Chai Foong Ten, Soaib Asimiran and Rosnani Jusoh ..........................................157<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Napsiah Ismail<br />
Adeel H. Suhail and Nawal Aswan Abdul Jalil ...................................................243<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Napsiah Ismail<br />
Gholamreza Esmaeilian, Shamsuddin Sulaiman and Maryam Hamedi ..............243<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abd. Rahman Ramli<br />
Thinagaran Perumal, Chui Yew Leong, Rosiah Osman, Khairulmizam Samsudin<br />
and Shattri Mansor ...............................................................................................189
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Azim Abd. Ghani<br />
Mina Malekzadeh, Shamala Subramaniam and Jalil Desa ..................................244<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Azim Abd. Ghani<br />
Teh Phoey Lee, Hamidah Ibrahim and Rodziah Atan ..........................................244<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Md. Roshidul Hasan, Abdul Rahman Ramli and Ishak Iris .................................190<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Meftah Salem M. Alfatni, Osama Mohammed Ben Saeed, Mohd. Zaid Abdullah,<br />
Mohd. Hamiruce Marhaban, Suhaidi Shafie and Mohd. Din Amiruddin ............189<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Mubarak Abdul Fattah Abdul Munim, Nik Norasma Che’ya, and Ebrahim<br />
Jahanshiri .............................................................................................................191<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Osama Mohamed Ben Saeed, Ahmad Rodzi Mahmud, Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd.,<br />
Mohd. Din Amiruddin and Meftah Salem Alfatni ...............................................190<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Makmom Hj. Abdullah<br />
Wan Nor Azmin Sulaiman, Muhammad Firuz Ramli and Loi Kok Chng ...........245<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rodzi Mahmud<br />
Zubaidah Bukhari .................................................................................................187<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Abu Bakar<br />
Nur Indang Marzuki, Abu Bakar Salleh, Nor Azah Yusof and Lee Yoke Heng ..191<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fudziah Ismail<br />
Nur Izzati Che Jawias, Mohamed Suleiman and Azmi Jaafar .............................192<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov<br />
Fateh Abdo Ali Allahabi .......................................................................................193<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov<br />
Mehdi Salimi ........................................................................................................245<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov<br />
Risman Mat Hasim and Idham Arif Hj. Alias ......................................................192<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Anwar Fitrianto ....................................................................................................296<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Arezoo Bagheri ....................................................................................................194<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi
Ashkan Shabbak and Mohd. Nooh Hassan ..........................................................246<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Kourosh Dadkhah ................................................................................................247<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Ng Kooi Huat .......................................................................................................193<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Norazan Mohamed Ramli and A.H.M.R. Imon ...................................................247<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Sohel Rana and A. H. M. R. Imon .......................................................................246<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Ali Amer Alwan, Nur Izura Udzir and Fatimah Sidi ...........................................195<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Mahmoud Sh. Al-Hassan, Ali Amer Alwan, Lili Nurliyana Abdullah and Aida<br />
Mustapha ..............................................................................................................194<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Waheed Yasin, Nur Izura Udzir and Nor Asila Wati Abdul Hamid .....................248<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isamiddin S. Rakhimov<br />
Ikrom M. Rikhsiboev and Witriany Basri ............................................................248<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isamiddin S. Rakhimov<br />
Munther A.Hassan and Sharifah Kartini Said Husain .........................................195<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Hossein Resalati, Rushdan Ibrahim, Paridah Md. Tahir,<br />
Sayeed Rashid Fallah Samsi and Harmaen Ahmad Saffian .................................250<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Hossein Resalati, Rushdan Ibrahim, Paridah Md. Tahir,<br />
Sayeed Rashid Fallah Shamsi and Ainun Zuriyati Mohmamed ..........................249<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Jalaluddin Harun, Paridah Md. Tahir, Rushdan Ibrahim,<br />
Sayeed Rashid Fallah Shamsi, Hossein Resalati, Ainun Zuriyati Mohmamed and<br />
Harmaen Ahmad Saffian ......................................................................................196<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Rushdan Ibrahim, Hossein Resalati, Sayeed Rashid Fallah<br />
Shamsi, Paridah Md. Tahir and Mohd. Nor Mohad Yusoff ................................196<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalauddin Harun
Mehdi Jonoobi, Paridah M.D. Tahir, Syeed Saifulazry and Kristiina Oksman ...249<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamaloddin Noorzaei<br />
Farzad Hejazi, Saleh Jaafar and Waleed Thaanon ...............................................250<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamaloddin Noorzaei<br />
Omid Kohnehpooshi, Mohd. Saleh Jafaar, and Raizal Saifulnaz Muhammad<br />
Rashid ..................................................................................................................197<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luqman Chuah Abdullah<br />
Rozanna D., Salmiah A. and Thomas S. Y. Choong ............................................251<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luqman Chuah Abdullah<br />
Z. A. Anis Sakinah, C. T. Ratnam and Thomas S. Y. Choong .............................251<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maheran Abd. Aziz<br />
Fatemeh Haddadi, Ghizan Saleh and Azmi Abd. Rashid .....................................197<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maheran Abd. Aziz<br />
Suleiman Mohamed Ahmed Elhory, Azmi Abd. Rashid and Abdul Ghani Yunus ....<br />
252<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mansor Ahmad<br />
Kamyar Shameli, Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus and Nor Azowa Ibrahim ................252<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mansor Ahmad<br />
V. Pushpamalar and Kamaruddin Hashim ...........................................................253<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Nasir Sulaiman<br />
Yahya M. Almurtadha, Norwati Mustapha and Nur Izura Udzir .........................253<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Zaidul Islam Sarker<br />
Sahena Ferdosh and Jinap Selamat ......................................................................198<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md. Said<br />
Davood Rezaeipour, Kamel Ariffin Mohd. Atan and Mohamed Othman ...........254<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md. Said<br />
Mohamad Afendee Mohamed, Kamel Ariffin Mohd. Atan and Zuriati Ahmad<br />
Zukarnain .............................................................................................................199<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md. Said<br />
Nadia Al-Saidi ......................................................................................................198<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Hasan Selamat<br />
Sherzod Turaev ....................................................................................................254<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Hasan Selamat<br />
Sherzod Turaev ....................................................................................................255
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Puad Abdullah<br />
Siti Humeirah Ab Ghani, Nor Azah Mohd. Ali, Mailina Jamil, Mastura Mokhtar<br />
and Muhajir Hamid ..............................................................................................188<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Rizam Abu Bakar<br />
Sarkhosh Seddighi Chaharborj ............................................................................199<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Ali Reza Amani, Yunus Adam, Azhar Yaacob, Mohd. Hafiz Rosli, Noor Idwan<br />
Naim and Mohd. Majid Konting ..........................................................................200<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Yunus Adam, Zuraini Ahmad, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and Zainul Amiruddin<br />
Zakaria .................................................................................................................200<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim<br />
Alireza Bahiraie, AKM Azhar and Ismail Mohd. ................................................201<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim<br />
Lim Fong Peng, Fauziah Maarof and Kassim Haron ..........................................255<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim<br />
Suliadi Isa Daud and Isthrinayagy S. Krishnarajah .............................................201<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noorizan Mohamed<br />
Ina Krisantia .........................................................................................................202<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof<br />
Norhisam Misron and Raja Nor Firdaus Kashfi Raja Othman ............................188<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof<br />
Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee, Abu Bakar Salleh, Soon Guan Tan, Fatimah Abu Bakar<br />
and Lee Yook Heng ..............................................................................................256<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhisam Misron<br />
Norafiza Masruni, Ishak Aris, Raja Nor Firdaus Kashfi Raja Othman and Suhairi<br />
Rizuan Che Ahmad ..............................................................................................187<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Fadzilah Md. Ali, Roslinda Nazar and Ioan Pop .................................................257<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Fadzilah Md. Ali, Roslinda Nazar, Norihan Md. Arifin, Anuar Ishak and Ioan Pop .<br />
204<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Nor Fadzillah Mohd. Mokhtar, Roslinda Nazar, Fudziah Ismail and Mohamed
Suleiman ..............................................................................................................257<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Siti Suzilliana Putri Mohamed Isa, Roslinda Nazar and Mohd. Noor Saad ........256<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali and Ng Chee Kyun .......................................................204<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali, Ng Chee Kyun and Ng Wei Lun .................................203<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali, Ng Chee Kyun and Yaseen H. Tahir ............................203<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Ng Chee Kyun, Mohd. Fadlee A. Rasid and Samer A. B. Awwad ......................202<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahinah Ibrahim<br />
Rosli Ismail, Siva Jaganathan and Rohani Hussin ...............................................205<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahmita Wirza O.K. Rahmat<br />
Norwati Mustapha, Ramlan Mahmod and Mohd. Zamrin Dimon .......................205<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robiah Yunus<br />
Azhari Muhammad Syam, Thomas Choong Shean Yaw and Tinia Idaty Mohd.<br />
Ghazi ....................................................................................................................258<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robiah Yunus<br />
Mahta Sadegh Vishkaei, Mohamad Amran Mohd. Salleh and Dayang Radhiah<br />
Awang Biak ..........................................................................................................206<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi<br />
Velo Suthar, Habshah Midi and Mohd. Bakri Adam ...........................................206<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff<br />
Hadi Mohammadi Bidhandi, Megat Mohamad Hamdan Megat Ahmad and Mohd.<br />
Rizam Abu Bakar .................................................................................................258<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff<br />
Mohammad Anisseh and Alireza Shakarami .......................................................207<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Yaakob Che Man and Farihah Liyana Khalid ......................................................207<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Khalijah Daud<br />
Khairul Adha Abdul Rahim, Siti Shapor Siraj, Aziz Arshad, Yuzine Esa and Eza<br />
Rena Ibrahim ........................................................................................................259<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Sai Hong
Omid Motlagh, Napsiah Ismail, Abdul Rahman Ramli and Ang Chun Kit .........227<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Sai Hong<br />
Omid Motlagh, Napsiah Ismail and Ang Chun Kit ..............................................265<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Wee Tee<br />
Muhammed Mizher Radhi, Mohamad Zaki Abd. Rahman and Anuar Kassim ...208<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thamer Ahmed Mohammed<br />
Abdulmohsen A. Al-Ashaikh, Abdul Halim Ghazali, Saleh Alhassoun and<br />
Abdullah Alrehaili ................................................................................................284<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thamer Ahmed Mohammed<br />
Teoh Chee Keong and Elias Salleh ......................................................................261<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thomas Choong Shean Yaw<br />
Muhammad Darmadi, Soraya Hossinie, Luqman Chuah, Robiah Yunus and Taufiq<br />
Yap .......................................................................................................................208<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib<br />
Khor Shing Fhan, W. Mohd. Daud W. Yusoff and Sidek Ab. Aziz ......................209<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib<br />
Mohd. Firdaus Mohd. Yusof, Josephine Liew, W. Mahmood Mat Yunus,<br />
Zulkarnian Zainal and Abdul Halim Shaari .........................................................260<br />
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Nor Mariah Adam<br />
Nor Mariah Adam, Azmi Zakaria, Halim Abdullah and Seyed Sharafaldin<br />
Hosseini................................................................................................................260<br />
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Muhammad Salih Hj. Ja’afar<br />
Mohd. Solah Deraman .........................................................................................280<br />
Assoc. Prof. Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff<br />
Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff, Sara Saberi, Norzima Zulkifli and Afdiman Anuar .........259<br />
Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib<br />
Mohd. Saleh Yahaya, Ummi Noor Nazahiah Abdullah, Siti Aishah Adam dan<br />
Mohd. Nazim Abdul Rahman ..............................................................................264<br />
Dr. Abu Bakar Md. Sultan<br />
Ismadi Md Badarudin, Md. Nasir Sulaiman, Ali Mamat and Mahmud Tengku<br />
Muda Mohamed ...................................................................................................209<br />
Dr. Aida Mustapha<br />
Hamidah Ibrahim .................................................................................................264<br />
Dr. Alyani Ismail
Nuraida Mohamad, Nor’aini Ahmad Zawawi, Khalina Abdan and Mohd. Adzir<br />
Mahdi ...................................................................................................................210<br />
Dr. Anvarjon Ahmedov<br />
Ravshan Ashurov .................................................................................................213<br />
Dr. Bimo Ario Tejo<br />
Syed Hussinien Hielmie Shah, Mohammad Fairuz Zulkifli, Mohd. Basyaruddin<br />
Abdul Rahman, Abdul Munir Abdul Murad, Nor Muhammad Mahadi, Mahiran<br />
Basri, Raja Noor Zaliha Abdul Rahman and Abu Bakar Salleh ..........................265<br />
Dr. Chen Soo Kien<br />
Tan Kwee Yong, Tan Kim Lee, Wan Nurul Ain Wan Shaaidi, Lim Kean Pah,<br />
Abdul Halim Shaari and Elias Saion ...................................................................266<br />
Dr. Edi Syams Zainudin<br />
Khalina Abdan, Jalaluddin Harun and Wan Mohamad Haniffah Wan Hussin ....266<br />
Dr. Faizal Mustapha<br />
Ali Shahrjedi ........................................................................................................262<br />
Dr. Faizal Mustapha<br />
Khairul Dahri Mohd. Aris ....................................................................................267<br />
Dr. Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd. Shafri<br />
M. Izzuddin Anuar ...............................................................................................267<br />
Dr. Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd. Shafri<br />
Muhamad Afizzul Misman and Raja M. Kamil Raja Ahmad ..............................210<br />
Dr. Ing Ahmad Fauzi Abas<br />
Lizal Iswady Ahmad Ghazali, Wan Azizun Wan Adnan, Makhfudzah Mokhtar, M.<br />
Iqbal Saripan and Mohd. Adzir Mahdi ................................................................268<br />
Dr. Intan Safinar Ismail<br />
Mohd. Izwan Mohd. Lazim, Hiroshi Morita, Yusuke Hirasawa, Yuta Nagakura<br />
and Takahiro Hosoya ...........................................................................................211<br />
Dr. Jamilah Din<br />
Sufian Idris and Shahrul Azman Mohd. Noah .....................................................268<br />
Dr. Khairulmizam Samsudin<br />
Afsaneh Jalalian, Syamsiah Mashohor and M. Iqbal Saripan .............................270<br />
Dr. Khairulmizam Samsudin<br />
Ahmed M. Hasan and Abdul Rahman Ramli .......................................................269<br />
Dr. Khairulmizam Samsudin
Farshad Arvin and Abdul Rahman Ramli ............................................................269<br />
Dr. Lilly Suriani Affendey<br />
Ikmal Hisyam Mohd. Paris, Norwati Mustapha, Md. Nasir Sulaiman and Zaiton<br />
Muda ....................................................................................................................213<br />
Dr. Lim Kean Pah<br />
Wong Jen Kuen, Abdul Halim Shaari, Chen Soo Kien and Ng Siau Wei ............214<br />
Dr. Mahboubeh Farid<br />
Wah June Leong and Malik Abu Hassan .............................................................214<br />
Dr. Mohd. Nizar Hamidon<br />
Mohammad Hadi Shahrokh Abadi, Rahman Wagiran, Abdul Halim Shaari,<br />
Norhafizah Abdullah and Norhisam Misron ........................................................215<br />
Dr. Nashiren Farzilah Mailah<br />
Senan Mahmod Abdullah and Norhisam Misron .................................................270<br />
Dr. Nor Aini Abdul Rahman<br />
Nazlina Haiza Mohd. Yasin, Mohd. Zulkhairi Mohd. Yusoff, Hasfalina Che Man<br />
and Mohd. Ali Hassan ..........................................................................................215<br />
Dr. Nor Asilah Wati Abdul Hamid<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong><br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>, ..............................................................................................................216<br />
Dr. Norazak Senu<br />
Mohamed Suleiman and Fudziah Ismail ..............................................................271<br />
Dr. Norazak Senu<br />
Mohamed Suleiman, Fudziah Ismail and Mohamed Othman .............................211<br />
Dr. Nor Azowa Ibrahim<br />
Maizatulnisa Othman, Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus and Khalina Abdan .................216<br />
Dr. Nor Fazlida Mohd. Sani<br />
Abdul Azim Abdul Ghani and Norazimah Rosidi ...............................................262<br />
Dr. Norwati Mustapha<br />
Tareef Kamil Mustafa, Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad and Md. Nasir Sulaiman ..217<br />
Dr. Nur Izura Udzir<br />
Ali Dehghantanha and Ramlan Mahmod .............................................................271<br />
Dr. Nur Izura Udzir<br />
Ali Dehghantanha, Ramlan Mahmod and Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain ..................217<br />
Dr. Puziah Abdul Latif
Tham Yee Jun, Shamala Devi Arumugam and Ahmad Makmom Abdullah ........218<br />
Dr. Razali Yaakob<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong><br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>, ..............................................................................................................218<br />
Dr. Rodziah Atan<br />
Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad, Mohd. Yazid Md. Saman, Bahram Zarrin and<br />
Ahmad Shahi Soozei ............................................................................................219<br />
Dr. Rohaya Latip<br />
Hamidah Ibrahim .................................................................................................272<br />
Dr. Rosnah Shamsudin<br />
Johari Endan and Siti Zaharah Mustapa ..............................................................272<br />
Dr. Rosnah Shamsudin<br />
Muhammad Redzuan Shah Ismail and Khalina Abdan .......................................219<br />
Dr. Rusli Abdullah<br />
Modi Lakulu, Mohd. Hasan Selamat and Hamidah Ibrahim ...............................220<br />
Dr. Sa’adah Hassan<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong><br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>, ..............................................................................................................273<br />
Dr. Shamala Subramaniam<br />
Fua’ad Abdul Razak, Mohamed Othman and Zuriati Zulkarnain .......................212<br />
Dr. Shyamala C. Doraisamy<br />
Farshad Arvin .......................................................................................................273<br />
Dr. Siti Aslina Hussain<br />
Tan Hong Tat and Azni Idris ................................................................................221<br />
Dr. Siti Mazlina Mustapa Kamal<br />
Intan Shaidatul Shima Mohd. Shariff and Lee Sze Ying .....................................274<br />
Dr. Syamsiah Mashohor<br />
Abbas Mohammed Al-Ghaili ...............................................................................221<br />
Dr. Syamsiah Mashohor<br />
Abbas Mohammed Al-Ghaili, Alyani Ismail and Abdul Rahman Ramli .............212<br />
Dr. Tan Kar Ban<br />
Hajaratul Najwa, Zulkarnain Zainal, Chen Soo Kien and Khaw Chwin Chieh ..274<br />
Dr. Tan Yen Ping<br />
Ng Sin Nee and Taufiq Yap Yun Hin ....................................................................222
Dr. Yus Aniza Yusof<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ............................................222<br />
Dr. Zainidin K. Eshkuvatov<br />
Nik Mohd. Asri Nik Long and Mohammad Abdulkawi ......................................223<br />
Dr. Zainidin K. Eshkuvatov<br />
Nik Mohd. Asri Nik Long and Mohammad Abdulkawi ......................................275<br />
Dr. Zanariah Abdul Majid<br />
Siamak Mehrkanoon Mohamed Suleiman ...........................................................223<br />
Dr. Zulkiflle Leman<br />
Sairizal Misri, Ridzwan Ishak, Mohd. Sapuan Salit and Umar Abdul Hanan .....275<br />
Dr. Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain<br />
Hayder Natiq Jasem, Mohamed Othman and Shamala Subramaniam ................224<br />
Dr. Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain<br />
Nur Hanani Kamarul Aizan and Hishamuddin Zainuddin ...................................276<br />
Dr. Zurina Zainal Abidin<br />
Robiah Yunus and Fadhilla Hasanah Ahmad Nadzri ...........................................276<br />
Mohd. Bakri Adam<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ...................................................225<br />
Mr. Abdul Ghani Liew Abdullah<br />
Siti Mazlina Mustapa Kamal, Norhafizah Abdullah and Nurul Lina Mohamad .277<br />
Mr. Ahmad Rizal Abdul Rahman<br />
Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Mohd. Azali Abdul Rahim and Asmawi Adzi .........224<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Arnis Aziz and Aimenur<br />
Dawana Salim ......................................................................................................261<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Hasri Yunardi Hassan and<br />
Irfendi Mohamad .................................................................................................225<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Hasri Yunardi Hassan,<br />
Rahinah Ibrahim and Muhamad Haziq Noraizan ................................................277<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Mohd. Faiz Yahaya, Sazrinee<br />
Zainal Abidin and Rosalam Che Me ....................................................................279
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Rafidei Mohamad, Sazrinee<br />
Zainal Abidin and Mohd. Haidiezul Jamal Abdul Hadi .......................................278<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Saiful Hasley Ramli, Rahinah<br />
Ibrahim and Shahbudin Md. Sattar ......................................................................278<br />
Mr. Hasry Yunardi Hassan<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin and Zulkifli Muslim ..........279<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Ayele Taddese Tsedeke, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Noorjahan Banu<br />
Mohamed Alitheen ...............................................................................................297<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Ayele Taddese Tsedeke, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Noorjahan Banu<br />
Mohamed Alitheen ...............................................................................................297<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Mohd. Amin Babjee ......................................298<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Mohd. Amil Faesal Fauzi, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Rafidei Mohamad and<br />
Mohamizzam Mohammad ...................................................................................281<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Mohd. Haideizul Jamal Ab. Hadi, Tn. Hj. Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Saiful Hasley<br />
Ramli, Mohamizzam Mohammad, Osman Mohd. Tahir and Rahinah Ibrahim ..298<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Muhammad Haziq Noraizan, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Hassan Alli, Mohamizzam<br />
Mohammad, Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Rahinah Ibrahim and Osman Mohd. Tahir .<br />
280<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Rosalam Che Me, Hassan Alli, Bakri Bakar@Ismail, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin,<br />
Mohd. Azali Abdul Rahim, Razman Ramli, Mohamizzam Mohammad and<br />
Rahinah Ibrahim ...................................................................................................226<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Shabudin Md. Sattar, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Zulkifli<br />
Muslim, Mohamizzam Mohammad and Noorizan Mohamed .............................226<br />
Mr. Ruhaizin Sulaiman
Hassan Alli, Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Bakri Bakar@Ismail, Mohamizzam<br />
Mohammad and Sazrinee Zainal Abidin ..............................................................281<br />
Mr. Ruhaizin Sulaiman<br />
Hassan Alli, Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Mohammad Aiman Ahmad Fozi, Saiful<br />
Hasley Ramli, Mohd. Faiz Yahaya and Sazrinee Zainal Abidin ..........................227<br />
Mrs. Farideh Heidarpour<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ............................................229<br />
Mr. Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee<br />
Umi Kalsom Yusuf and Tan Soon Guan ..............................................................282<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Hamiza Hj. Ali, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah and Mohd. Faiz Yahaya .......................283<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Mohd. Yusof Abdul Aziz, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Bakri Bakar and Saiful Hasley<br />
Ramli ....................................................................................................................282<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Nurul A’in Razak, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Mohamizzam Mohammad, Rafidei<br />
Mohamad and Saiful Hasley Ramli .....................................................................283<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Pang Lee Ping, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah and Bakri Bakar ....................................228<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Redzwan Ab. Aziz, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Bakri Bakar and Arnis Aziz ..........228<br />
Mrs. Idawaty Ahmad<br />
Shamala Subramaniam, Mohammad Othman and Zuriati Zulkarnain ................229<br />
Mrs. Norfifah Bachok<br />
Anuar Ishak, Roslinda Nazar and Norazak Senu .................................................230<br />
Mrs. Norfifah Bachok<br />
Anuar Ishak, Roslinda Nazar and Norazak Senu .................................................230<br />
Mrs. Salmi Baharom<br />
Zarina Shukur .......................................................................................................284<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Muhamad Faizal Che Leh<br />
and Zulkifli Muslim .............................................................................................285<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Hassan Alli, Hasri Yunardi Hassan and Dahlia Nordin ....
286<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Hassan Alli, Hasri Yunardi Hassan, Rahinah Ibrahim and<br />
Tan Gay Ha ..........................................................................................................287<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Muhammad Aiman Ahmad<br />
Fozi and Addy <strong>Putra</strong> Mohd. Zulkifli ....................................................................285<br />
Mrs. Sharifah Kartini Said Husain<br />
Isamiddin S. Rakhimov and Munther A. Hassan .................................................286<br />
Mr. W. Mahmood Mat Yunus<br />
Zainal Abidin Talib ..............................................................................................295<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus<br />
Eili Mahboobeh, Zobir Hussein, Mansor Ahmad and Nor Azowa Ibrahim ........287<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus<br />
Emad A. Jaffar Al-Mulla, Nor Azowa Ibrahim and Mohd. Zaki A. Rahman ......232<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari<br />
Mohd. Faisal Mohd. Aris, Chen Soo Kien, Lim Kean Pah and Roslan Ab. ........263<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari<br />
Mohd. Kamarulzaman Mansor, Chen Soo Kien, Zainal Abidin Talib and Sidek<br />
Ab. Aziz ...............................................................................................................263<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari<br />
Walter Charles, Zainal Abidin Talib, W. Mohd Daud W. Yusoff, Z. Zalita and Elias<br />
Saion ...................................................................................................................233<br />
Prof. Dr. Adem Kilicman<br />
Hassan Eltayeb .....................................................................................................288<br />
Prof. Dr. Adem Kilicman<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, ........................233<br />
Prof. Dr. Anuar Kassim<br />
Majid Rezayi, Anuar Kassim, Saeid Ahmadzadeh, Tan Wee Tee, Nor Azah Yusof<br />
and Lee Yook Heng ..............................................................................................288<br />
Prof. Dr. Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali<br />
Wisam F. Al Azoo, Pooria Varahram, Sabira Khatun, Syed M. Bilfagih and Nor K.<br />
Noordin ................................................................................................................234<br />
Prof. Dr. Bujang Kim Huat
Sina Kazemian and Thamer A. Mohamed ...........................................................231<br />
Prof. Dr. Fauziah Othman<br />
Mohammad Kadiavr, Asmah Rahmat and W. M. Z. Wan Nor Izzah ...................289<br />
Prof. Dr. Gwendoline Cheng Lian Ee<br />
Teo Siow Hwa, Lim Chan Kiang and Mawardi Rahmani ...................................231<br />
Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri<br />
Atena Adnani, Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman and Abu Bakar Salleh .........289<br />
Prof. Dr. Mawardi Rahmani<br />
Najihah Mohd. Hashim, Abdul Manaf Ali, Noorjahan Banu Alitheen and Rusea<br />
Go .........................................................................................................................234<br />
Prof. Dr. Mawardi Rahmani<br />
Ratna Asmah Susidarti, M. Aspollah Sukari, Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin, Gwendoline Ee<br />
Cheng Lian and Abdul Manaf Ali ........................................................................290<br />
Prof. Dr. Md. Jelas Haron<br />
Soleha M. Yusuff, Mariati Tiansih, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Anuar Kassim and<br />
W.M.Z. Wan Yunus ..............................................................................................235<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Ahmed Mohamedou .............................................................................................237<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Ali Mohammed Mansoor Alsahag Alkazmi ........................................................236<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Amin Shokripour and Hamidah Ibrahim .............................................................290<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
R. N. Farah ...........................................................................................................236<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Tengku Dian Shahida and Mohamad Khazani Abdullah .....................................235<br />
Prof. Dr . Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Mohd. Rafein Zakaria, Suraini Abd. Aziz, Farinazleen Mohd. Ghazali, Wakisaka<br />
Minato and Yoshihito Shirai ................................................................................238<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Mohd. Zulkhairi Mohd. Yusoff, Nazlina Haiza Mohd. Yasin, Nor’ Aini Abdul<br />
Rahman, Suraini Abd. Aziz and Yoshihito Shirai ................................................237<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Aspollah Hj. Sukari<br />
Rahayu Utami Umar, Noorul Adawiyah Mustahil, Nurul Waznah Muhammad
Sharif, Taufiq Yap Yin Hun and Mawardi Rahmani ............................................291<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Aspollah Sukari<br />
Mohd. Zulkhairi Azid, Sugeng Riyanto, Gwendoline Ee Cheng Lian and Ahmad<br />
Bustamam Abdul ..................................................................................................291<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman<br />
Huan Qiu Yi, Mahiran Basri, Roghayeh Abedikarjiban, Bimo Ario Tejo and Abu<br />
Bakar Salleh ........................................................................................................239<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman<br />
Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan, Siti Salhah Othman, Mahiran Basri, Emilia<br />
Abdulmalek, Bimo Ario Tejo and Abu Bakar Salleh ...........................................238<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Adilah Mohammad Jaafar, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Zulkarnain Zainal ................239<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Mohammad Yeganeh Ghotbi, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Mohd. Zaki Abd. Rahman ....<br />
240<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Mohammad Yeganeh Ghotbi, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Mohd. Zaki Abd. Rahman ....<br />
293<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
M. Yeganeh Ghotbi, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Mohd. Zaki Abd. Rahman .............293<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Norhayati Hashim, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Zulkarnain Zainal ............................294<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Wan Haizum Wan Nor Azmin, Muskhazli Mustafa and Asmah Hj. Yahaya .......240<br />
Prof. Dr. Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman<br />
Malihe Masomian, Abu Bakar Salleh and Mahiran Basri ...................................294<br />
Prof. Dr. Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman<br />
Randa Abdel Kareem Husein Abusham, Abu Bakar Salleh and Mahiran Basri .241<br />
Prof. Dr. Ravshan Ashurov<br />
Almaz Butaev .......................................................................................................241<br />
Prof. Dr. Zulkarnain Zainal<br />
Chang Sook Keng, Tan Kar Ban, Nor Azah Yusof, Wan Mohd Daud Wan Yusoff<br />
and S.R.S. Prabaharan ..........................................................................................232<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Barkawi Sahari
Agriculture<br />
List of Project Titles<br />
An Economical Triploidy Verification Method and New Avenues for The Production<br />
of Polyploidy Line of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) ..................................13<br />
Antioxidative Enzymes as Biochemical Markers in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Rice (Oryza sativa L.)<br />
Cultivars under Submergence Condition ...............................................................26<br />
Are Non-muslims Aware of the Principles of Halal Food Products in <strong>Malaysia</strong>? ......14<br />
Assessment of Growth Condition for a Candidate Probiotic, Shewanella algae,<br />
Isolated from the Digestive System of a Healthy Juvenile Penaeus monodon ........4<br />
Beekeeping in Pineapple Smallholdings: A Case of Apis Mellifera ..............................7<br />
Characteristics of Durian Shell as Support Media in Biofilter ....................................18<br />
Chlorophyll and SST Analyses from Satellite Remote Sensing ....................................2<br />
Concerns for Halalness of Halal-labelled Food Products among Muslim Consumers<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: Evaluation of Selected Demographic Factors ...................................25<br />
Development of Morphology in Hatchery-reared Rutilus Frisii Kutum Larvae ...........8<br />
Diversity and Beneficial Endophytes from Mangosteen and Brunei Cherry .................4<br />
Economic Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture ............................................................20<br />
Effect of cGnRH-II on Maturation and Ovulation in Comparison to sGnRHa and<br />
LHRHa ...................................................................................................................11<br />
Effect of Graded Dosage of Chicken Gonadotropin Releasing-hormone II (cGnRH-II)<br />
in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus ...................................................................10<br />
Efficient Recovery Method for Intracellular Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Non-solvent<br />
System ....................................................................................................................22<br />
Embryonic Development of Caspian kutum, Rutilus frisii Kutum ................................9<br />
Factors Affecting the Decision Making in Off Farm Employment among Paddy<br />
Farmers in Kemasin Semerak Granary Area .........................................................16<br />
First Hatching Success and Larval Development of Dog Conch, Strombus canarium<br />
(Mollusca: Gastropoda) in a Laboratory Condition ................................................3<br />
Freshwater Sea Bass Module with Immune-enhancing Capability ...............................6<br />
Fusion SPOT-5 and Radarsat-1 Images for Mapping Major Bee Plants in Marang<br />
District, <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...................................................................................................18
Genetic Characterisation by RAPD Analysis of Fusarium Species Isolated from Rice<br />
Plants Infected with Bakanae Disease ...................................................................17<br />
Growth Response of Eight Tropical Turfgrass Species to Salinity ................................2<br />
H5 DNA Vaccine Encoding Mycobacterium Gene as Genetic Adjuvant Improved<br />
Avian Influenza Virus Immune Responses in Chickens ........................................19<br />
Identification of Genetic Variation among Oil Palm Parent Genotypes and their<br />
Progenies based on Microsatellite Markers .............................................................9<br />
Immobilised Periphytic Microalgae for Rapid and Efficient Removal of Toxic<br />
Compounds from Water .........................................................................................19<br />
Improved Plantlet Production by Scalp Formation in Tissue Cultured Bananas .........26<br />
Improving Seed Viability and Vigour through Bio-priming ........................................22<br />
Increasing Phosphate use Efficiency of Oil Palm through the Use of Appropriate<br />
Promoters from Selected Oil Palm Genotypes ......................................................24<br />
Induction of Maturation in Clarias gariepinus using Chicken Gonadotropin Releasing<br />
Hormone Ii (cGnRh-Ii) in Combination with Pimozide ........................................11<br />
Investigation of the Effect of Allicin on Biofilm Growth and Gene Expression in<br />
Candida albicans .....................................................................................................5<br />
Isolation and Identification of Fusarium species Isolated from Agricultural and Nonagricultural<br />
Grasses ................................................................................................17<br />
Management of Citrus Huanglongbing Disease in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ........................................6<br />
New Nano-emulsion System in Weeds Control Formulations ....................................20<br />
New Technology for Zero Wastes Management and Utilisation ................................10<br />
Nitrate Assimilation and Vegetative Compatibility Groups of Fusarium proliferatum<br />
and F. sacchari Isolated from Rice ........................................................................16<br />
Nitrogen Uptake by Some Upland Rice Landraces and Their Relationships to Root<br />
Characteristics ........................................................................................................24<br />
Novel Feed Supplement for Aquaculture Animals derived from the Metabolites of<br />
Probiotic Strain of Lactobacillus plantarum I-UL4 .................................................5<br />
Off-farm Employment Participation among Paddy Farmers in the Muda Agricultural<br />
Development Authority and Kemasin Semerak Granary Areas of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ........15<br />
Oil Palm Metallothionein-like Gene (MT3-B) Promoter as an Inducible Promoter for<br />
Root-specific Expression .........................................................................................1<br />
Pilot Scale Recovery of Organic Acids from Treated Palm Oil Mill Effleunt (POME) ..<br />
21
Population Parameters of Planktonic Shrimp, Lucifer intermedius (Decapoda:<br />
Sergestidae) from Sungai Pulai Seagrass Beds, Johor, Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> ..........3<br />
Predict Location(s) of Apis dorsata Nesting Sites using Remote Sensing and<br />
Geographic Information System in Melalaeuca Forest .........................................27<br />
Production of Pisang Nangka (AAB) Disease Tolerant by Expressing the Rice<br />
Thaumatin-like Protein (TLP) Gene ......................................................................14<br />
Regional Comparative Advantage and Competitiveness of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Palm Oil<br />
Products....................................................................................................................8<br />
Shrimp Fishery: Genetic Structure of Planktonic Shrimp, Acetes japonicus<br />
(Decapoda: Sergestidae) of the Straits of Malacca Waters ....................................23<br />
Soil Physical Properties Calculator ..............................................................................25<br />
Somatic Embryogenesis from Scutellar Embryo of Oryza sativa L. Var. MR219.........1<br />
Stress in Music Teaching: Identifying Job Related Stressors in the Context of<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n National Schools ..................................................................................13<br />
Synchytrium: The Only Plant Pathogenic Chytrid in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...................................12<br />
The use of Internet Applications in Managing Logistics Activities among Palm Oil<br />
Industry Participants ..............................................................................................15<br />
Towards the Establishment of an Alternative Eukaryotic Expression System using<br />
Unicellular Green Microalga ankistrodesmus Convolutus ....................................12<br />
Tracing of Phylogeny through Chromosomal Approaches in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Catfishes ....23<br />
Urban Backyard Module of Immuno-enhanced Marine Fish ........................................7<br />
Variation of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Progenies Responses to High<br />
Aluminium Concentrations in Solution Culture ....................................................21<br />
Water Use and Growth Efficiency of Nine Varieties of Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf) ..<br />
27<br />
Food<br />
A Comparison of the Antioxidant Properties and Total Phenolic Content in a Diatom,<br />
Chaetoceros sp. and a Green Microalga, Nannochloropsis sp. .............................34<br />
A Home-used Protocol to Reduce Mercury Concentration in Fish Tissue ..................41<br />
Amino Acids Analysis for Distinguishing Bovine and Porcine Gelatins ....................37<br />
A Miracle of Mushroom: A Booster for Healthy Gut ..................................................31<br />
Analysis of Cod-liver Oil Adulteration using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)<br />
Spectroscopy ..........................................................................................................50
Application of Electronic Nose and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for<br />
Analysis of Lard Adulteration in Virgin Coconut Oil ............................................50<br />
Application of FTIR Spectroscopy for the Determination of Virgin Coconut Oil in<br />
Binary Mixtures with Olive Oil and Palm Oil .......................................................49<br />
Application of GCÃ GC-TOF-MS for Analysis of Regiospecific Isomer of Mono-<br />
and Diglyceride in Gycerolysis Products ...............................................................51<br />
Characterisation and Stabilisation of Pytochemical-rich Hylocereus polyrhizus Seed<br />
Oil by Microencapsulation .....................................................................................33<br />
Comparative Thermal Transition Behaviour of Porcine and Bovine Gelatins ............36<br />
Defatted Kenaf Seed as a Potential Source of Protein in Food Industry .....................43<br />
Development of Beverage Emulsion Formulation with Desirable Physicochemical<br />
Properties as Function of Emulsion Composition .................................................35<br />
Development, Optimisation and Validation of RP-HPLC-FL Method for Simultaneous<br />
Determination of Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone in Cereals ...............43<br />
Effect of Chemicals on Mycotoxin Reduction in Black and White Pepper ................40<br />
Effect of Different Pineapple Juice (Ananas comosus L.) Preparation on the<br />
Microstructure, Staling and Textural Properties of Wheat Bread ..........................30<br />
Effect of Hypocholesterolemic Properties of Brown Rice Varieties Containing<br />
Different Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Levels on Sprague-Dawley Male<br />
Rats ........................................................................................................................45<br />
Effect of Pre-germination Time of Brown Rice on Serum Cholesterol Levels of<br />
Hypercholesterolaemic Rats ..................................................................................45<br />
Effect of Roasting on Aflatoxins Reduction in Peanut ................................................39<br />
Effects of Meat Preheating and Wrapping on the Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic<br />
Hydrocarbons in Charcoal-grilled Meat ................................................................40<br />
Equilibrium Headspace Analysis of Volatile Flavour Compounds Extracted from<br />
Soursop (Annona muricata) using Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas<br />
Chromatography Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) with<br />
Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) ...........................................32<br />
Evaluation of GABA, Crude Protein and Amino Acid Composition from Different<br />
Varieties of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n’s Brown Rice ....................................................................46<br />
Extraction and Development of Reduced-fat (RF) Mayonnaise from Coconut Residue<br />
32<br />
Factors Influencing the Variation in Acrylamide Concentration in French Fries ........42
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy for Analysis of Extra Virgin Olive<br />
Oil Adulterated with Palm Oil ...............................................................................49<br />
Gamma-oryzanol Rich Fraction Regulates the Expression of Antioxidant and<br />
Oxidative Stress Related Genes in Strenuous Exercise .........................................44<br />
Gastrointestinal Tract Morphological Alteration by Unpleasant Physical Contact and<br />
Modulating Role of Lactobacillus in Broiler .........................................................47<br />
Halal Encapsulation for Bifidobacteria (PI 2010001376) ...........................................31<br />
In Vitro Fermentation of Broiler Cecal Content: The Role of Lactobacilli and pH<br />
Value on the Composition of Microbiota and End Products Fermentation ...........47<br />
Mee Fat from Madhuca longifolia Seeds as Raw Material for Halal Alternative Fats 35<br />
Modelling the Release of Volatile Flavour Compounds into the Headspace of<br />
Beverage Emulsion as Function of Emulsion Composition ..................................36<br />
Physico-chemical Properties of Honeydew Melon and Musk Lime Seed Oils ..........38<br />
Polyphenols Powder: Creating the Value of Guava Puree Industrial Waste ................29<br />
Porcine-specific PCR Detection in Raw Meat .............................................................48<br />
Potential of Electronic Nose for Halal Authentication: Analysis of Lard’s Aroma .....48<br />
Potential Starter Culture to Inhibit Biogenic Amines Accumulation during Fish Sauce<br />
Fermentation ..........................................................................................................30<br />
Preparation of Astaxanthin Nanodispersions using Multiple Emulsifier System via<br />
Emulsification-evaporation Technique ..................................................................33<br />
Recovery of Squalene from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate using Supercritical Fluid<br />
Extraction ...............................................................................................................29<br />
Risk Assessment of Contaminants in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n High Temperature Cooked Foods ...41<br />
Screening and Optimisation of Edible Coating Components for Coating of Berangan<br />
Banana (Musa sapientum Cv. Berangan) ..............................................................37<br />
Selected Microbial Groups and Short Chain Fatty Acids Profile in a Simulated<br />
Chicken Cecum Supplemented with Two Strains of Lactobacillus ......................46<br />
Sucrose Laureate Stabilised Water-soluble Phytosterol Nanodispersions:<br />
Characterisation and Stability Evaluation ..............................................................34<br />
The Effect of Different Maturity Stages on the Formation of Acrylamide in Banana<br />
Fritters ....................................................................................................................42<br />
The Influence of Final Cooking Method on the Lipid Profile and Texture<br />
Characteristics of Breaded Fillets ..........................................................................39<br />
The Influence of Storage Temperatures (0 °C And 4 °C) on the Biogenic Amine
Formation and Quality of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) ......................................38<br />
Vanillin: A Novel Non-toxic Anti-colorectal Cancer Agent used in Food Flavoring<br />
Industry ..................................................................................................................44<br />
Health<br />
Adaptability of MRSA to Different Host: A Proteomic Approach ..............................71<br />
A Molecular Diagnostic Kit to Monitor Response of Standard Chemotherapy in AML<br />
Patients ...................................................................................................................64<br />
An Effective Approach to Prevent Spread of Novel MRSA Clones with Known<br />
Epidemic and Pathogenic Potential ......................................................................65<br />
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-pyretic Effects of Hexane Fraction of Ardisia crispa ....67<br />
Antinociceptive Activity of the Essential Oil of Zingiber zerumbet ............................78<br />
Apoptotic Cell Death in the Mechanism of Hepatotoxicity induced by Azole<br />
Antifungal Drug Itraconazole ................................................................................59<br />
A Rapid Dipstick Immunoassay based on Recombinant SAG1 for Detection of<br />
Immunoglobulin G (Igg) and M (Igm) Antibodies in Human Toxoplasmosis ....77<br />
Artificial Conduit for Coronary Heart Diseases ..........................................................71<br />
A Simple and Fast Method for Combating Therapeutically Challenging Planktonic<br />
and Biofilm S.aureus .............................................................................................57<br />
Association between Self-perception of Stress and Prevalence of Selected Chronic<br />
Diseases among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Elderly .......................................................................74<br />
BHMC, A Curcuminoid Derivative, Attenuates Proinflammatory Mediator and<br />
Adhesion Molecule Expression via Selective Disruption of P38 MAP Kinase<br />
Activity ..................................................................................................................76<br />
Bixa orellana (Kesumba) Suppresses Acute Inflammation Induced by Bradykinin ...60<br />
Bonigen: A Potential Anti-biofilm Bone Substitute .....................................................77<br />
Cancer Protection Properties from Pandanus amaryllifolius ......................................75<br />
Challenges to the use of Seat Belt among Car Occupants in <strong>Malaysia</strong> .......................63<br />
Cocoa Autolysate: A New Perspective for Its Health Effects .....................................56<br />
Design, Development and Efficacy of an Email-linked-website for Promoting Cancer<br />
Prevention through Nutrition and Lifestyle Behaviour Change ...........................58<br />
Does Age affect Microglia Responses following Activation by Lipopolysaccharide or<br />
Beta Amyloid? .......................................................................................................70<br />
Effect of Momordica charantia on Histopathological Changes associated with STZ-
Induced Diabetes in Neonatal Rats ........................................................................73<br />
Elevated Neutrophil Respiratory Burst Activity in Essential Hypertensive Patients ..66<br />
Ergonomics Furniture for Primary School in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................69<br />
Evaluation of Two Ergonomics Intervention Programmes in Reducing Ergonomic<br />
Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorder among School Children ......................69<br />
Factors associated with Self Rated Health among Older Persons in Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> .................................................................................................................75<br />
Flavonoids Synergise to Inhibit Major Proinflammatory Mediator Secretion and<br />
Protect Mice against Lethal Sepsis ........................................................................76<br />
Germinated Brown Rice for Prevention of Colon Cancer ...........................................64<br />
Histone Demethylase KDM5B Regulates Cellular Proliferation and Invasion via the<br />
E2F/RB Pathway ....................................................................................................61<br />
HPLC and Anti-inflammatory Studies of the Flavonoid Rich Chloroform Extract<br />
Fraction of Orthosiphon stamineus Leaves ...........................................................68<br />
Imaging in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: The Value of 18-Florine Fluorodeoxyglucose<br />
PET/CT in comparison to Conventional Imaging Modalities CT and MRI ..........55<br />
Invention/Innovation Title: The Suppression Mechanism of Rice Bran Phytic Acid in<br />
In Vivo and In Vitro Studies as Anticancer Agent .................................................74<br />
Is a Child Occupant in a Passenger Car Safe? .............................................................62<br />
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Neutrophils’ Respiratory Burst Activity: An<br />
Impact on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases ...........................................................67<br />
Nordamnacanthal Induced Apoptosis but with Different Mechanisms in the Solid and<br />
Non-solid Tumour Cells .........................................................................................63<br />
Novel Nanoliposomal Gene Delivery Formulation .....................................................58<br />
Orthosiphon stamineus Leaf Extract Protects against Ethanol-induced Gastropathy in<br />
Rats ........................................................................................................................68<br />
PET-CT as an Effective Imaging Modality in the Staging and Follow-up of Posttransplant<br />
Lymphoproliferative Disorder following Solid Organ Transplantation 56<br />
Potential Anti-inflammatory Properties of Tocotrienols on Microglia ........................70<br />
Potential False Positive Active Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis Lesions on FDG PET/<br />
CT Imaging in Malignancy ....................................................................................55<br />
Potential Hazards from Transmission of Livestock associated with ST 9 MRSA to<br />
Humans ..................................................................................................................72<br />
Protective Effect of Bauhinia purpurea Leaf Extracts against Indomethacin-induced
Gastric Ulcers in Rats ............................................................................................59<br />
Quantification of Total Phenolics in Different Parts of Pluchea indica (Less)<br />
Ethanolic and Water Extracts .................................................................................66<br />
Quantitative Ultrasound of the Calcaneus in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Elderly and Its Association<br />
with Socio-demographic Factors and Anthropometric Indicators .........................57<br />
Recombinant Vectors for Cancer Gene Therapy ..........................................................73<br />
Retroviral Nucleic Acid and Method of Use ................................................................72<br />
Skeletal Muscle Mass and Its Association with Anthropometric Measurements and<br />
Functional Status among Elderly Malays .............................................................60<br />
The Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Mitragyna speciosa Korth<br />
Extract ....................................................................................................................78<br />
The Effects of Mitragynine from Mitragyna speciosa Korth Leaves on Working<br />
Memory in Mice ....................................................................................................65<br />
The Role of Andographis panniculata (Hempedu Bumi) as a Cholesterol-lowering<br />
Agent ......................................................................................................................61<br />
Traffic Light Violations among Motorists in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: Why and When? ...................62<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Acacia Mangium Tannin as Formaldehyde Scavenger for Low Molecular Weight<br />
Phenol-formaldehyde Resin in Bonding Tropical Plywood ..................................87<br />
A General Model for Estimating Tropical Forest Biomass ..........................................92<br />
Application of Chemometric Technique in Identifying Sources Apportionment of<br />
PAHs in Sediment Sample Collected from South China Sea ................................85<br />
Application of Hopanes as a Biomarker in Identifying the Source of Oil Pollution: A<br />
Case Study in Surface Sediments from South China Sea ......................................84<br />
Asplenium nidus - A Drought Tolerant Epiphytic Fern Suitable for Extreme<br />
Environment ...........................................................................................................81<br />
Assessment of Forest Fire E Structure Characteristics ................................................81<br />
Bioconversion of <strong>Malaysia</strong> Major LignocellulosicWaste to Ethanol .........................93<br />
Cattle Grazing Influences on the Heavy Metals Concentration in Tropical Pastures<br />
Soils........................................................................................................................88<br />
Chemometric Approach to Validating Faecal Sterols as Source Tracer for Faecal<br />
Contamination in Water from Langat River, <strong>Malaysia</strong> ..........................................92<br />
Comparison of Selected Chemical Properties of Peat Swamp Soil Before and After
Timber Harvesting in Sarawak ..............................................................................97<br />
Compreg Laminates Made from Low Density Wood ..................................................91<br />
Conservation of the Wild Limestone Orchids in Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak ...........89<br />
Corybas: The Endangered Endemic Orchids in Our Exhausted Highlands of<br />
Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................................................................89<br />
Determinants of Worker’s Health and Safety in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Wooden Furniture<br />
Industry ..................................................................................................................83<br />
Determination of Heavy Metals in Aquaculture Fish from Selected Locations in the<br />
Straits of Malacca ..................................................................................................85<br />
Determining and Mapping of Vegetation using GIS and Phytosociological Approach<br />
in Mount Tahan, <strong>Malaysia</strong> .....................................................................................94<br />
Distribution of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Different Soft Tissues and Shells of<br />
the Bivalve psammotaea Elongata and Gastropod faunus after Collected from<br />
Pantai Sri Tujuh, Kelantan .....................................................................................91<br />
DNA Profiling Database of Chengal: Implication for Forensic Forestry Investigations .<br />
82<br />
Effect of Logging Operations on Soil Carbon Storage of a Tropical Peat Swamp<br />
Forest in Sarawak ...................................................................................................96<br />
Effect of Organic Fertiliser on the Growth Performance of Tyrsostachys siamensis<br />
(Buluh Siam) in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ......................................................................................82<br />
Effect of Precipitation Fluctuation on Soil Carbon Storage of a Tropical Peat Swamp<br />
Forest in Sarawak ...................................................................................................97<br />
Fungal Diversity in Wounded Stems of Aquilaria malaccensis ..................................96<br />
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Ceiling Fan and Roadside Car Park Dust Collected<br />
from Residential Colleges in <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Serdang, Selangor ........90<br />
Importance of Freshwater Wetlands for Migratory Birds ............................................86<br />
Improvement on Kenaf-ecoflex Interactions in Green Composite .............................95<br />
Liquefaction of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Core for Wood Laminating Adhesive<br />
88<br />
New Species, Are They a Possible Find in Our Fast Degrading Forest.......................90<br />
Occupancy Modelling of the Leopard (Panthera Pardus) as a Function of Human and<br />
Natural Factors in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor ......................................87<br />
Photodegradation of Sulfadiazine by Goethite-oxalate Suspension under UV Light<br />
Irradiation ...............................................................................................................93
Public Perceptions on the Development of Kenaf Industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong> .....................84<br />
Reliability of the Visual Resource Assessment Procedure in Assessing <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
Visual Landscape Quality ......................................................................................98<br />
Removal of Heavy Metals from Textile Wastewater using Zeolite .............................95<br />
Soil Disturbance from Different Mechanised Harvesting in Hill Tropical Forest,<br />
Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................................................................94<br />
Tool Wear Characteristics of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Particleboard ..................83<br />
Understorey Bird Responses to the Edge-interior Gradient in an Isolated Tropical<br />
Rainforest of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...........................................................................................86<br />
Social Sciences<br />
A Comprehensive Vocabulary Teaching-testing Teacher-assist Kit ...........................113<br />
Acquirer-provider Knowledge Management in Complex Manufacturing Technology<br />
Implementation ....................................................................................................130<br />
Adequacy of Summary Measures of Fit in Binary Response Model .........................107<br />
AFTA and the Intra-trade Patterns among ASEAN-5 Economies: Trade-enhancing or<br />
Trade-inhibiting ...................................................................................................127<br />
Allocating Unauthorised Credit Card Payment Losses: The Credit Card Guidelines<br />
and Consumer Protection .....................................................................................128<br />
Amalan Komunikasi Berkualiti dalam Keluarga: Strategi Menangani Salahlaku<br />
Remaja .................................................................................................................182<br />
Analytic Scale of Argumentative Writing (ASAW) ...................................................113<br />
Appropriating Shakespeare for the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Stage: A Case Study of a Play<br />
Production Project ................................................................................................130<br />
A Preliminary Study on Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction among Male Navy<br />
Personnel at a Naval Base in Lumut, <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...................................................144<br />
A Profile of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Public Sector Managers’ Career Success ..............................156<br />
Aquaculture Industry Potential and Issues: A Case from Cage Culture System<br />
Entrepreneurs: Suggestions for Intensification of Aquaculture Industry .............115<br />
Asian Financial Integration During the Pre and Post Crisis Periods .........................176<br />
Assessment of Physical Activity of <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> Staff using a Pedometer<br />
124<br />
Assessment Tools for Sustainability in Higher Education to Create Sustainable<br />
Campus ................................................................................................................141
Attributes and Work Values of MBA Graduates for Employability ..........................110<br />
Audience at Art Music Concert in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ..............................................................143<br />
Barriers to Continuing Education among Working Muslim Women in Government<br />
and Semi-government Organisations in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................181<br />
Barriers to Driving among Older Drivers ..................................................................168<br />
Basic Elements of Communication Competence .......................................................142<br />
Being Critical for Transformation: Knowledge Super Corridors in Developing<br />
Countries ..............................................................................................................179<br />
Budaya Kepenggunaan Masyarakat Orang Asli di Daerah Hulu Langat, Selangor .157<br />
Bullying and Depression among Teenagers ...............................................................159<br />
Cluster Development Plan Framework ......................................................................135<br />
Community Participation in Community Development: A Case Study in a Planned<br />
Village Settlement in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ............................................................................104<br />
Comparing Physical Activity of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Malay Men Before, During, and After<br />
Ramadan ..............................................................................................................123<br />
Complexity Advantage of MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong> for Transformation ..................................178<br />
Computer Games Development and Appreciative Learning Approach for Creative<br />
Perception Enhancement ......................................................................................125<br />
Consumer Decision Making Process in Shopping for Halal Foods in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ......147<br />
Corporate Governance, External Audit and the Audit Process ..................................108<br />
Corpus of the Language of Nursing ...........................................................................112<br />
Correlates of Family Strength in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ................................................................172<br />
Defederalising Water Resource Management in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ........................................159<br />
Delivering and Implementing HRD: Provisions of, Levels and Spending for Training<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Manufacturing Firms ......................................................................109<br />
Demand for Food Safety Attributes for Vegetables in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................180<br />
Determinants of Corporate Demands for Islamic Insurance in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ..................106<br />
Determinants of Deforestation in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>: An ARDL Approach ..........165<br />
Determinants of Income Security of Older Persons in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> .............136<br />
Determinants of Sustainable Development Dimension among Leaders of Rural<br />
Community: A Case Study of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................................104<br />
Development a Sociopsychological Framework to Map Language Choice and Use in<br />
the Legal Workplace ............................................................................................102<br />
Development of OSH Legislation in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: With Special Reference to the FMA
(Amendment) Act 2006 ........................................................................................120<br />
Different Variants of the Monetary Model: <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Experience in the Pre- and<br />
Post-crisis Periods ................................................................................................142<br />
Different Yet Similar: Study on Mongindong by Diris, Gustimin, Pariama and Tulai<br />
from Murok Village and Baba Village .................................................................131<br />
Do Children with Different Attachment Type Perceive Different Parental Rearing? 118<br />
Does News Media Consumption Influences National Pride? ....................................106<br />
Dropout Prevention Practices of “Turned Around” At-risk Secondary School .........101<br />
Dynamic Analysis of Regional Convergence in Indonesia ........................................126<br />
Economic Well-being and Coping Behaviours of Low Income Housing Residence<br />
During Recent Economic Downturn ....................................................................121<br />
Effect of Intelligent Tutoring System on Students’ Achievement in Mathematics ....102<br />
Emotional Exhaustion and Parental Functioning of Junior Medical Doctors ............175<br />
Employees’ Acceptance Level in Reengineering Process among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Services<br />
Organisation .........................................................................................................147<br />
Entrepreneurial Leadership Competencies Development: The Pervasive Role of<br />
Experience and Social Interaction Learning ........................................................183<br />
Essences and Meaning of Being Mandated for Counselling .....................................144<br />
Ethical Perception: Are Differences between Ethnic Groups Situation Dependent? .135<br />
Evaluating the Impact of a Rapidly Changing Economic Environment on Bank<br />
Financial Performance .........................................................................................139<br />
Examining the Entrepreneurial Attitudes of Vocational and Technical Students in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Secondary Schools .............................................................................140<br />
Exchange Rate Misalignment, Volatility and Import Flows in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ..................169<br />
Exploring the Dialogical Self and the Society in Literary Works by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n,<br />
American and Canadian Writers ..........................................................................161<br />
Export of Medium Density Fibreboard: Evidence from Panel Data ..........................166<br />
Factors Influencing Local People’s Participation in Watershed Management<br />
Programmes in Iran ..............................................................................................105<br />
Factors Influencing Social Activism among Campus Youth in Sri Lanka .................177<br />
Factor Structure and Reliability of the Elder Abuse Instrument in Older <strong>Malaysia</strong>ns ....<br />
124<br />
Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Penagihan Relaps dalam Kalangan Penagih Dadah<br />
di <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...........................................................................................................105
Financial and Economics Analyses of Conventional and Reduced Impact Logging<br />
Practices ...............................................................................................................165<br />
Food Insecurity among Urban Welfare Recipient Households in Hulu Langat<br />
Selangor ...............................................................................................................152<br />
Foot Anthropometry for Design Shoes among Preschool Children in <strong>Malaysia</strong> .......171<br />
Franchise Act 1998 or the Common Law: A Question of Primacy ............................162<br />
Green Home Attributes in Environmental Choice Modelling ...................................173<br />
Holistic Argumentative Writing Scale (HAWS) ........................................................111<br />
How True Malays Are You? - Software Hati Budi Melayu (HB Melayu) Will Tell<br />
You! ......................................................................................................................179<br />
Human Governance: A Neglected Mantra for Continuous Performance Improvement ..<br />
103<br />
Identification of Competencies for <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Occupational Safety and Health<br />
Professionals using Delphi Technique .................................................................180<br />
Identifying Psychiatric Disorders among Older Persons Living in the Community: A<br />
Comparison between Clinical Diagnosis and GMS-AGECAT in Johor, <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...<br />
125<br />
Impacts of Trade Liberalisation on Aggregate Import in Bangladesh: An ARDL<br />
Bounds Test Approach .........................................................................................127<br />
Implementing Training in Manufacturing Firms: Training Methods, Venue and<br />
Provider ................................................................................................................109<br />
Income Security Trends among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Elderly ...................................................137<br />
Influence of Gender on Career Readiness among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Undergraduates ..........145<br />
Instrumental and Emotional Support to the Female Headed Households .................145<br />
Islamic Revivalism, Religious Freedom and the Non-Muslims in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: A<br />
Preliminary Discussion ........................................................................................129<br />
Japanese Yen as an Alternative Vehicle Currency in Asian Countries .......................176<br />
Kajian Pembentukan Model-psikologikal dalam Memahami Isu Sosial Belia di<br />
Lembah Klang ......................................................................................................184<br />
Keberkesanan Modul Pemulihan Dadah Ke Atas Motivasi Pencapaian dalam<br />
Kalangan Pelatih Pusat Serenti di Sepang ...........................................................134<br />
Keberkesanan Modul Pemulihan Dadah Terhadap Konsep Kendiri Penagih Wanita .....<br />
133<br />
Kecondongan Asimilasi Bahasa dan Nilai Budaya Melayu dalam Kalangan
Masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya di Melaka ............................................................161<br />
Keperluan Ciri-ciri Portal E-komuniti Berkonsepkan Minda Kelas Pertama ............182<br />
Keterlibatan Audien Belia dengan Mesej-mesej Perpaduan dalam Kempen<br />
Kemasyarakatan di Televisyen <strong>Malaysia</strong> .............................................................150<br />
Komunikasi Keluarga dalam Kalangan Keluarga Tani di <strong>Malaysia</strong> ..........................122<br />
Learners’ Attitude towards Learning through CD-ROM Courseware: A Case Study of<br />
an Organisation ....................................................................................................181<br />
Level of Knowledge, Attitude and Perception among Working and Non-working<br />
Housewives towards Solid Waste Recycling Practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ....................173<br />
Linking CRM Strategy, Customer Performance Measures and Performance in the<br />
Hotel Industry ......................................................................................................151<br />
Living Arrangements and Poverty Trends among Elderly in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...171<br />
Loneliness, Stress, Self Esteem and Depression among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Adolescents ......158<br />
Long Run Relationship between <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Stock Market and Agriculture Sector ..140<br />
Major Challenges to the Effective Management of Human Resource Training and<br />
Development Activities ........................................................................................108<br />
Market-orientation and Islamic Business Practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................155<br />
Mobility Pattern among the Older Adult Road User .................................................121<br />
Moderating Role of Self-worth between Financial Management Practices and<br />
Financial Well-being ............................................................................................170<br />
Motivational Perception of Superiors and Subordinates: The Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ......134<br />
Needs vs Wants: Examining Employees’ Needs and Wants for Workplace ESL<br />
Training ................................................................................................................131<br />
Nurse-Lexis 1.0 ..........................................................................................................112<br />
On the Measurement of Changes in Product Quality in Marginal Intra Industry Trade ..<br />
117<br />
Path-analysis Model of the Development of Handicraft (Batik) Industries in Kelantan,<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................................................................................146<br />
Pembangunan Modal Insan: Pendekatan dan Aspirasi Keusahawanan Belia ............167<br />
Pembentukan Indeks Pengukuran Komunikasi Berkesan: Strategi Pengurusan Konflik<br />
di Kalangan Pembantu Rumah Asing Indonesia dan Majikan <strong>Malaysia</strong> .............137<br />
Pengembangan Potensi Homestay dari Perspektif Pendekatan Pembangunan<br />
Komuniti Berasaskan Aset (ABCD): Kajian Kes Bario Sarawak .......................146<br />
Pengetahuan ICT dan Pembinaan Modal Insan Komuniti Belia Orang Asli dalam Era
Globalisasi ............................................................................................................156<br />
Pengguguran Vokal Tinggi Dialek Kelantan Berdasarkan Teori Optimaliti ..............128<br />
Penggunaan Istilah Arab dalam Sistem dan Produk Perbankan Islam Tempatan ......117<br />
Penggunaan Perisian Sumber Terbuka dalam Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran<br />
Matematik Kalkulus dalam Kalangan Pelajar di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi .......129<br />
Perbandingan Faktor Penagihan Dadah dalam Kalangan Penagih Wanita di Puspen,<br />
Penjara Kajang dan Pusat Khidmat Komuniti .....................................................136<br />
Perbezaan Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Amalan Kitar Semula Isirumah Bandar dan Luar<br />
Bandar ..................................................................................................................167<br />
Personality and Behavioural Factors as Predictors of Investment in Risky Assets<br />
among Families ....................................................................................................170<br />
Physical and Financial Capitals, Social Capital, Human Capitals, Natural Capitals and<br />
Work Performance of Employees in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Public Sector ............................114<br />
Portfolio Optimisation of Equity Mutual Funds - A Case Study of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...........174<br />
Professional Development within ELT Material Development .................................114<br />
Profiling of Multiple Intelligences and Learning Style of Secondary School Students<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...........................................................................................................160<br />
Projecting (New) International Reputation Management in an Asian Country .........163<br />
Psychometric Properties of the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support<br />
Survey among Older Persons in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> .........................................168<br />
<strong>Putra</strong> University Major Finder and Career Guidance Software .................................122<br />
Quality of Life (QoL): Comparison between Honeycomb Housing and Terrace<br />
Houses ..................................................................................................................185<br />
Reciprocity at Any Cost? ...........................................................................................149<br />
Reintegrating Spirituality into Higher Education ......................................................103<br />
Relationship between Learning Style and Enterprising Competencies among<br />
University Students ..............................................................................................157<br />
Relationships between Satisfaction of Muslim Women on Financial Supports After<br />
Divorce and Ex-husbands’ Compliance to the Supports with Post-divorce Welfare .<br />
148<br />
Risk and Efficiency of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Commercial Banks ..............................................132<br />
Segmental Reporting by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Companies: IAS 14 versus MASB 22 ..............107<br />
Semangat Patriotisme dalam Kalangan Mahasiswa Bukan Melayu di IPT Sekitar<br />
Lembah Kelang ....................................................................................................141
Servicescape Failure and Recovery Strategy in the Food Service Industry: How to<br />
Satisfy the Angry Customers? ..............................................................................148<br />
Shareholder Concentration, Accounting Earnings and Share Price Changes ............132<br />
Short- and Long-run Effects of Sustainable Forest Management Practices on West<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Log Supply: An ARDL Approach ......................................................164<br />
Short Run and Long Run Effects of the World Crude Oil Prices on the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
Natural Rubber and Palm Oil Export Prices ........................................................164<br />
Social and Psychological Analysis on Honeycomb Housing ....................................184<br />
Social Skill, Work Ethics, Spiritual Quotient and Work Values in Medical Education ...<br />
174<br />
Socio-demographic Factors that Impinge Youth Acceptance towards Agriculture: The<br />
Case of Contract Farming in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ................................................................138<br />
Spillover Effects of Foreign Hypermarkets on Domestic Suppliers in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ......158<br />
Students’ Perspectives on the Nature of the PhD Thesis Supervisory Relationship:<br />
Implications for UPM as a Research University ..................................................101<br />
Technological Evolution and Dynamism of Print Media Editorial Activities in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> ...............................................................................................................123<br />
Teori Pemilihan Kerjaya Holland: Analisis Kerjaya Keusahawanan Pelajar<br />
Berkemahiran Tinggi ...........................................................................................166<br />
Tests of Different Monetary Aggregates for the Monetary Models of the Exchange<br />
Rate in Five ASEAN Countries ...........................................................................143<br />
The Determinant of Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN: A Semi-Gravity Approach .<br />
153<br />
The Development of the Mediated Employer-Employee Language Profile (MELP) as<br />
a Mechanism to Benchmark English Language Needs of the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Service<br />
Sector Industry .....................................................................................................119<br />
The Effectiveness of Training in the Public Service ..................................................110<br />
The Effect of ASEAN Economic Integration on Foreign Direct Investment ............153<br />
The Effect of Belief in God on the Psychological Well-being among Elderly Malays ...<br />
154<br />
The Effect of Joint Audit and Non-audit Services on Perceived Auditor Independence .<br />
126<br />
The Effect of Organisational Learning on Organisational Commitment, Job<br />
Satisfaction and Work Performance .....................................................................183
The Effects of Value Orientations and Perceived Benefits on Online Shopping<br />
Behaviour .............................................................................................................115<br />
The Influence of Cultural Similarity and Individual Factors on Visitation................150<br />
The Influence of Types of Social Support on Self-rated Health among Elderly<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>ns ...........................................................................................................154<br />
The Influences of Absorptive Capacity and Social Capital on Knowledge Transfer .149<br />
The ME(TM) Tool (A Tool to Measure Human Engagement Behaviour) .................152<br />
The Role of Financial Development on Income Inequality in <strong>Malaysia</strong> ...................116<br />
The Role of Person-Job Fit Perception in Work Adjustment of New Academics in<br />
Public <strong>Universiti</strong>es ...............................................................................................151<br />
The Theoretical Impact of the Listing of Syariah-approved Stocks on Stock Price and<br />
Trading Volume ....................................................................................................139<br />
Tingkah Laku Pembelian Remaja di Pasaraya dan Pengaruh Persekitaran ...............160<br />
Tokoh Pembinaan Bahasa Melayu Serantau 35 Tahun MABBIM ............................118<br />
Trade Openness, Capital Flows and Financial Development in Developing Economies<br />
116<br />
Trade Sustainability in the Forestry Domain: The Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ........................169<br />
Training Needs Assessment and Analysis: A Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Manufacturing Firms .<br />
111<br />
Unconscionability - Statutory Prevention of Unethical Business Practices ..............162<br />
Understanding IT Skills Development in Accounting Degree Programme: A Core<br />
Phenomenon .........................................................................................................155<br />
Understanding Psychosocial Behavioural Patterns: Factors and Problems in School to<br />
University Transition ...........................................................................................178<br />
Utilisation of Problem-based Learning in Enhancing Learning of Calculus for<br />
Engineering Students ...........................................................................................119<br />
Values in the Workplace: The Moral Compass That Influences Behaviour ...............133<br />
West <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Sawntimber Supply Analysis: Incorporating Sustainable Forest<br />
Management Policy .............................................................................................163<br />
Work-family Conflict among Single Mother Employees ..........................................175<br />
Working Capital Management and Corporate Performance: Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong> ........172<br />
Working in Old Age ...................................................................................................138<br />
Work Values of National Dual Training Programme Apprentices .............................120
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A Backward Fault Recovery Mechanism in Preemptive Utility Accrual Real Time<br />
Scheduling Algorithm ..........................................................................................229<br />
A Discrete Event Modelling and Simulation of Wave Division Multiplexing ..........212<br />
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation Evaluation Tool (AMTIET) .....<br />
259<br />
A Framework of Knowledge Management (KM) Strategies of Open Source Software<br />
Development (OSSD) with Collaborative Environment .....................................220<br />
Aggregating Group MCDM Problems using a Fuzzy Delphi Model for Personnel<br />
Performance Appraisal .........................................................................................207<br />
A Method for Mass Producing of High-purity Graphitic Carbon NanoSphere .........206<br />
AMiR: An Autonomous Miniature Robot..................................................................269<br />
Analytical Evaluation of Unfairness Problem in Wireless LANs ..............................237<br />
An Embedded Explicit Runge-Kutta-Nystrom Method for Solving Oscillatory<br />
Problems ..............................................................................................................271<br />
An Enzyme-based Biosensor for Determination of Formaldehyde in Fish and Fish<br />
Products................................................................................................................191<br />
An Evasion Differential Game in Hilbert Space ........................................................192<br />
A New Algorithm for Divisible Load Schedulling with Different Processor Available<br />
Times ....................................................................................................................290<br />
A New Approach in Cryptographic Systems using Fractal Image Coding ................198<br />
A New Path Estimation Strategy for Predicting Blind Persons’ Motion in Indoor<br />
Environments .......................................................................................................227<br />
A New Two-step Gradient-type Method for Large-scale Unconstrained Optimisation ..<br />
214<br />
A New Vertical Edge Detection Algorithm ................................................................212<br />
A New Vertical Edge Detection Algorithm ................................................................221<br />
An Improved Binary Method for Scalar Multiplication in Elliptic Curve<br />
Cryptography .......................................................................................................199<br />
An Innovative Method to Reduce Evaporation by using Indigenous Material .........284<br />
An Invariant Approach to the Classification Problem of Finite-dimensional Filiform<br />
Leibniz Algebras ..................................................................................................195<br />
Anonymous Author Discovery from Writing Style ...................................................217
A Novel Chrome (VI) PVC Sensor based on Complex Ionophore for Industrial<br />
Wastes ..................................................................................................................288<br />
A Novel Method of Handling Material ......................................................................266<br />
A Novel Thermostable and Organic Solvent Tolerant Lipase from Aneurinibacillus<br />
thermoaerophilus Strain HZ ...............................................................................294<br />
Apparatus for Automated Blending and Agitated Cooking .......................................274<br />
Application of Oscillatory Flow Biodiesel Reactor to Convert Jatropha curcas<br />
Triglycerides into Biodiesel .................................................................................258<br />
A Proactive Architecture for Heterogeneous Subsystems Interoperability in Intelligent<br />
Building................................................................................................................189<br />
A Study on Designing Optimal Layout by Metaheuristic Approaches for Optimising<br />
Planting Areas ......................................................................................................209<br />
Authorised Control Frame Model to Prevent Virtual Carrier Sense DoS Attacks in<br />
IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks ..........................................................................244<br />
Automated Generated 3D Reconstruction of Coronary Artery Tree in Angiogram<br />
Images ..................................................................................................................205<br />
A XML based, User-centered Privacy Model in Pervasive Computing Systems ......271<br />
A Zero-dissipative Runge-Kutta-Nystrom Method with Minimal Phase-lag ............211<br />
Bio-based Kenaf Fibre Dielectric Composite: Electronic Goes Green .....................210<br />
Biodegradability and Controlled Release Studies on Carboxymethyl Cellulose<br />
Hydrogels from Sago Waste ................................................................................253<br />
Biohydrogen Production from Food Waste Fermentation .........................................215<br />
Bottleneck Link Utilisation with New-additive Increase Multiplicative Decrease<br />
Congestion Avoidance and Control Algorithm ....................................................224<br />
CEV: Cyberjaya Electric Vehicle ...............................................................................225<br />
Characterisation of Activated Carbon Derived from Durian Shell and Evaluation on<br />
the Potential Removal of Toluene Vapour ...........................................................218<br />
Chemistry of Artocarpus kemando and Artocarpus odoratissimus .........................231<br />
Chicken Portable and Hygienic Slaughtering ............................................................286<br />
Classification Problem for PDE(S) with Variable Coefficients .................................288<br />
Clothing Storage ........................................................................................................224<br />
Cluster Based Routing Protocol for Mobile Nodes in Wireless Sensor Network ......202<br />
Coalescence of XML-based Really Simple Syndycator (RSS) .................................244<br />
Cola Nitida: A Potential Anticancer Agent in Hepatocarcinogenesis .......................289
Comamonas putranensis Sp. nov., a Novel Bacterium Producing<br />
Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Palm Oil Mill Effluent ..........................................238<br />
Combinatorial Properties of Modified Chordal Rings Degree Four Networks .........236<br />
Comparative Study of the Digestive System of Red Jungle Fowl, Native Village<br />
Chicken and Commercial Broiler ........................................................................298<br />
Comparison Kenaf Whole Pulp versus Softwood Pulp and Mechanical Treatment<br />
(Beating) to Improve Old Corrugated Board (OCC) ...........................................196<br />
Comparison of MPI Benchmark Programs on Shared Memory and Distributed<br />
Memory Machines (Point-to-Point Communication) ..........................................216<br />
Compression Testing Jig for Composite Buckling under Delamination at Sublaminate<br />
Layer .....................................................................................................267<br />
Concatenated Multi-dimensional Modulating Transmitter and Receiver for Digital<br />
Communication Systems .....................................................................................234<br />
Controlled Release Formulation of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetate based on Zn-Al-<br />
Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid .............................................................239<br />
Controlled Release Formulation of Agrochemical Pesticide based on<br />
4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyrate .........................................................................294<br />
Cosmo Ball in Wastewater Treatment ........................................................................221<br />
Coupling Parallel Buildings by using Viscous Dampers under Dynamic Vibration .292<br />
Cream Spreader Device .............................................................................................298<br />
Design and Prototype of an Ergonomic Back-leaning Posture Support for Motorbike<br />
Riders ...................................................................................................................296<br />
Design, Fabrication and Characterisation of Copper Selenide based Thin Film<br />
Semiconductor as Photovoltaic Cell ....................................................................260<br />
Development of a Heuristic Model for Balancing of Mixed-model in Parallel<br />
Assembly Lines (Type II) ....................................................................................243<br />
Development of a New Approach for Deterministic Supply Chain Network Design .....<br />
258<br />
Development of a New Minimum Avoidance System for a Behaviour-based Mobile<br />
Robot ....................................................................................................................265<br />
Development of Computational System in Safety Evaluation of Infrastructures such<br />
as Roller Compacted Concrete Dams ..................................................................292<br />
Development of Ijuk (Arenga pinnata) Fibre Biocomposite for Small Boat<br />
Application ...........................................................................................................275
Development of Macro Language for Robotics Behaviour Representing Spatial<br />
Relationships in Natural Language ......................................................................190<br />
Development of Nanoconductivity Meter for Nanofluids .........................................260<br />
Development of Numerical 3D Finite Element Code F to Slimulate Structural<br />
Response of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Bridges ...............................197<br />
Development of School Site Selection Model ...........................................................187<br />
Device for Extracting Coconut Juice .........................................................................280<br />
Diagnostic-robust Generalised Potentials for the Identification of Multiple High<br />
Leverage Points ....................................................................................................247<br />
Diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta Fourth Order Four-stage Method with Minimised<br />
Error Norm for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations ....................................192<br />
Dialogue-based Visualisation for Quranic Text .........................................................264<br />
Disease Transmission MSEIR Model with Individuals Travelling between Patches i<br />
and i+1 .................................................................................................................199<br />
Effect of Co Substitution on Magnetic and Magnetoresistance Effect in La0.67(Ba1xCox)0.33MnO3<br />
System .....................................................................................214<br />
Effect of Internal Heat Generation on Marangoni Convection in a Fluid Saturated<br />
Porous Medium ....................................................................................................257<br />
Effect of Nonuniform Temperature and Magnetic Field on Marangoni Convection .256<br />
Effect of Normal Contaminants on the Power of ZMAD ..........................................255<br />
Effects of MgO on Dielectric Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Ternary Zinc<br />
Magnesium Phosphate Glasses ............................................................................209<br />
Efficient Rainwater Harvesting System for Terrace Housing ....................................261<br />
Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for the Detection of Specific Gene related to<br />
Trichoderma harzianum Species ........................................................................256<br />
EMO: The Ajustable Hanging Table ..........................................................................228<br />
Enhancement of Critical Current Density in Non-stoichiometric MgB2<br />
Superconductor ....................................................................................................263<br />
Enhancing Wireless Medium Access Control Layer Misbehaviour Detection System<br />
in IEEE 802.11 Network ......................................................................................236<br />
Enzymatic Synthesis of Fatty Amides from Palm Olein ...........................................232<br />
Evaluation Linerboard Properties from <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Cultivated Kenaf Sodaanthraquinone<br />
Pulp Versus Commercial Pulps ....................................................196<br />
Evolutionary Algorithms for INS Error Prediction ....................................................269
Extracting Information from Semi-structured Web Pages .........................................194<br />
Fabrication of Functionally Graded Material by Pressureless Method .....................262<br />
Fast Hybrid Image Processing based on Graphic Processing Unit ............................270<br />
Fast ZeroX Algorithm for Routing in Optical Multistage Interconnection Networks .....<br />
235<br />
FIOF: 4 in 1 Compact Portable Furniture ..................................................................228<br />
Flexibility Improvement of Poly (Lactic Acid) by Stearate Modified Layered Double<br />
Hydroxide ............................................................................................................287<br />
Food Marinade Container ..........................................................................................287<br />
Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) Hyperspectral Scanner ......................................................190<br />
Fully Dress: Dressing Table with Full View Mirror ..................................................279<br />
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide with Raspberry- and Plate-like Nanostructures using<br />
Bacillus cereus as a Biotemplating Agent ...........................................................240<br />
Hydroxamic Acid Grafted Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre for Heavy Metal<br />
Removal ...............................................................................................................235<br />
Hyperspectral Urban Feature Detection System ........................................................210<br />
Implementation of BB84 protocol on UDP 802.11i ..................................................276<br />
Improving Triple Play Services using Multi Protocol Label Switching Technology 248<br />
Insight of Self-assembly Formation of Palm-based Esters Nano-emulsion ..............239<br />
Investigation of Switching Duration for 3-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter ...270<br />
In Vitro Cytotoxic Study of Clausena excavata and Its Chemical Constituents.......291<br />
Irradiated and Crosslinked Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Waste Tire Dust (EVA/WTD)<br />
Blend ....................................................................................................................251<br />
Isomorphism Classes of Low-dimensional Dialgebras ..............................................248<br />
Koye Kacang Powder Forming Machine ...................................................................219<br />
Large Scale Dielectrophoretic Separation of Cells ....................................................276<br />
Localising Integrity Constraints Checking in Distributed Databases ........................195<br />
Manufacture and Application of Nano Silver Water Treatment Filters .....................229<br />
Melting Heat Transfer in Steady Laminar Flow over a Moving Surface ..................230<br />
Mesoporous Carbon Material Derived from Zinc Layered Gallate Nanohybrid .......240<br />
Mesoporous Polymer Derived Activated Carbon Monolith ......................................208<br />
MHD Mixed Convection Flow Near the Stagnation-point on a Vertical Permeable<br />
Surface .................................................................................................................230<br />
Micropropagation of Strawberry cv. Camarosa: Prolific Shoot Regeneration from In
Vitro Shoot Tips using Thidiazuron with N6-benzylamino-purine .....................197<br />
Mining Web Navigation Profiles for Recommendation Systems ..............................253<br />
Mini Portable Generator ............................................................................................281<br />
Mobile Cubicle Cell ...................................................................................................279<br />
Mobile Electrical Generator .......................................................................................187<br />
Model of a Design Guidance System for Novice Object-oriented Designers ...........268<br />
Models of Students’ Mathematical Beliefs, Self-regulated Learning and Thinking<br />
Skills on Mathematics Ability of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n University Students .......................206<br />
Modification of Pickands’ Dependence Function for Ordered Bivariate Extreme<br />
Distributions .........................................................................................................225<br />
Module Documentation-based Testing using Grey-Box Approach ...........................284<br />
Molecular Evaluation and Taxonomic Implications of Selected <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Isolates of<br />
Trichoderma harzianum .....................................................................................282<br />
Multipurpose Grass Trimmer .....................................................................................226<br />
Multivariate Control Chart based on High Breakdown Point Estimator ...................246<br />
Mutual Information for Mixture of Bivariate Normal Distributions based on Robust<br />
Kernel Estimation ................................................................................................247<br />
MyOBE - Outcome Based Education Management System .....................................242<br />
Myoblast Seeded Bovine Pericardium for Repair of Abdominal Wall Defect ..........297<br />
Myoblast Seeded Bovine Tunica vaginalis for Repair of Abdominal Wall Defect ..297<br />
Natural-based Mica Network as Nanoreactor for Enzymes in Chiral Syntheses ......238<br />
New Approach to Use of Kenaf for Paper and Paperboard Production ....................250<br />
New Compounds of Dysoxylum acutangulum, Meliaceae ......................................211<br />
New Coumarins from Micromelum minutum (Rutaceae) as Potential Lead<br />
Compounds for Anticancer Agents ......................................................................290<br />
New Designed Equipment for Soft Soil Stabilisation ................................................231<br />
New Evaluation Tool for Block Ciphers Symmetric Cryptosystems (NET-BC) .......254<br />
New Geometric Approach to Static and Dynamic Measurements of Risk, Bankruptcy<br />
and Market Ranking .............................................................................................201<br />
New Record of Freshwater Fish Fauna and Species Invasion in Black and Brown<br />
Water Habitats of the Same River System in Sarawak ........................................259<br />
New Technology to Determine Harvesting Date for the Oil Palm FFB ....................220<br />
New Xanthones with Promising Cytotoxic Activity and other Chemical Components<br />
from Artocarpus obtusus (Moraceae).................................................................234
Nickel-cobalt Oxide Synthesised by Coprepitation for Supercapacitor Application .232<br />
Non-penetrative Vacuum Blood Container ................................................................264<br />
Novel Antifreeze Peptides derived from Fungal Protein ...........................................265<br />
Numerical Evaluation for Cauchy Type Singular Integrals on the Interval ...............223<br />
On Classification of Filiform Leibniz Algebras in Dimension 7 ..............................286<br />
On the Pinsky Phenomenon .......................................................................................241<br />
Optimisation of Cutting Parameters based on Surface Roughness and Assistance of<br />
Workpiece Surface Temperature in Turning Process ...........................................243<br />
Optimisation of Earthquake Energy Dissipation System by using Genetic Algorithm ...<br />
250<br />
Optimisation of Physical Factors Affecting the Production of Thermo-stable Organic<br />
Solvent-tolerant Protease from a Newly Isolated Bacillus subtilis Strain Rand .241<br />
Palm Oil based Polyurethene Building Materials having Phase Change Material<br />
(PCM) ..................................................................................................................251<br />
Parser Generators for Programme Understanding System ........................................262<br />
Pengutip Biji Kelapa Sawit Terlerai ...........................................................................280<br />
Performance of Hedges and their Characteristics for Buffering Noise in Urban<br />
Residential Areas .................................................................................................202<br />
Petri Net Controlled Grammars: The Case of Special Petri Nets ..............................255<br />
Petri Net Controlled Grammars with a Bounded Number of Additional Places .......254<br />
Pineapple Multi-peeler Plus .......................................................................................272<br />
Plasticised PLA/Treated Kenaf Bast Fibre Bio-composites for Food Container<br />
Application ...........................................................................................................216<br />
Porcine DNA Test Kit ................................................................................................207<br />
Portable Daylight Reflector Device ...........................................................................227<br />
Portable Heavy Metal Detector ..................................................................................188<br />
Potential Anti-fungal Agent from Ardisia crispa for the Treatment of Athlete’s Foot ....<br />
200<br />
Preparation and Characterisation of Bismuth Niobium Oxide Ion Conductors as New<br />
Sensor Materials ...................................................................................................222<br />
Preparation of Cellulose Nanofibres with Hydrophobic Surface Characteristics ......249<br />
Prolific Plant Regeneration through Organogenesis from Scalps of Musa sp. cv.<br />
Tanduk .................................................................................................................252<br />
PROPHECY: Hybrid MPV with Intelligent Storage .................................................278
Pursuit-evasion Differential Game with Many Inertial Players .................................245<br />
Quadrature Formula for Approximating the Singular Integral of Cauchy Type with<br />
Unbounded Weight Function on the Edges ..........................................................275<br />
Quorum-based Data Replication in Data Grid ...........................................................272<br />
Ranking of Influencing Factors in Predicting Students’ Academic Performance ......213<br />
Real-time Audio Transcription Technique using Static and Dynamic Window Sizes<br />
with a Low-cost Hardware Interface ....................................................................273<br />
Real Time Oil Palm Fruit Grading System ................................................................189<br />
REEDY: Fuel Cell City Car .......................................................................................285<br />
Relationship between Percentage of Body Fat and Maximal Oxygen Uptake Among<br />
Adults ...................................................................................................................200<br />
Robust Estimators in Simple Mediation Analysis .....................................................296<br />
Robust Individuals Control Chart using a Change Point Formulation ......................193<br />
Robust Multicollinearity Diagnostic Measures based on Robust Coefficient<br />
Determination ......................................................................................................194<br />
Robust Remedial Measures of Heteroscedasticity in the Presence of Outliers .........246<br />
Role of Barium and Calcium in Lanthanum Titano-manganite Ceramic for Internal<br />
Layer Capacitor ....................................................................................................233<br />
Rotating Bench ...........................................................................................................261<br />
ROTAZIONE: New Conceptual Occasional Table ....................................................282<br />
Safety-based Flight Scheduler and Management System ..........................................219<br />
Saltfish Drying Device ...............................................................................................281<br />
Semiparametric Modelling of Longitudinal Ordinal Data .........................................201<br />
Separation of Omega-3/6 Fish Oil from Fish Waste using Pressure Swing Technique<br />
of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide ..........................................................................198<br />
Sign Based Automating Electrical Household Appliances ........................................203<br />
Social Learning in Evolutionary Computation for Tic-Tac-Toe ................................218<br />
Soda-anthraquinone Pulp from <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Cultivated Kenaf for Linerboard<br />
Production ............................................................................................................249<br />
Soft Systems Methodology for Environment-aware Case-based Reasoning Systems ....<br />
273<br />
Soil Organic Matter Content Imaging System (SOMIS V1.0) ..................................242<br />
Solar Power Multipurpose Lighting Device ..............................................................285<br />
Solution of an Infinite System of Differential Equations ...........................................193
Spacer Architectonic Building System ......................................................................205<br />
Spectral Discrimination and Index Development Toolbox (SDIDT) ........................267<br />
Spectrum Efficiency Enhancement in Dynamic Space Coded Multiple Access<br />
(DSCMA) System ................................................................................................204<br />
STAYER: Forest Surveillance UAV ..........................................................................277<br />
Structure, Microstructure and Superconductivity in YBCO with Additives of Nano-<br />
Sm2O3 .................................................................................................................263<br />
Sumudu Transform and Differential Equations .........................................................233<br />
Superposition Coding with Unequal Error Protection for the Overloaded CDMA<br />
System ..................................................................................................................203<br />
Sustainable Biocatalytic Synthesis of Xylitol Sugar Esters using Multivariate<br />
Chemometrics Analysis .......................................................................................289<br />
Synthesis and Characterisation of Grafted Polystyrene with Acrylonitrile using<br />
Gamma-irradiation ...............................................................................................208<br />
Synthesis and Characterisation of Silver/Clay Bionanocomposites by Green<br />
Chemistry Method ...............................................................................................252<br />
Synthesis and Electrical Properties of Copper Substituted Bismuth Zinc Tantalates<br />
(BZT) ...................................................................................................................274<br />
Synthesis of LDH-intercalated D-gluconate Nanohybrid as a New Functional Food<br />
Additive Compound .............................................................................................293<br />
Synthesis of Zinc-layered-gallate Nanohybrid via its Structural Memory Effect<br />
Property ................................................................................................................293<br />
Tank Mounting Bracket for Natural Gas Vehicle .......................................................295<br />
The Effects of Improved Land Use on the Meteorological Modelling in Klang Valley<br />
Region, <strong>Malaysia</strong> .................................................................................................245<br />
The Generalised Localisation Principle on the Critical Line .....................................213<br />
The Production of Biohydrogen from Renewable Sources Towards Green Energy<br />
Development ........................................................................................................237<br />
The Relative Influence of Carbon Doping and Disorder on Field and Temperature<br />
Dependent Critical Current Density of MgB2 .....................................................266<br />
Thick Film Sensors ....................................................................................................215<br />
UKAN: Laptop Support Device .................................................................................283<br />
Uniaxial Die Compaction of Food Powders ..............................................................222<br />
Unsteady Flow Across a Stretching Surface ..............................................................204
Unsteady Shrinking Sheet with Mass Transfer in a Rotating Fluid ...........................257<br />
UPEM: User-centred Privacy Evaluation Model in Pervasive Computing Systems .217<br />
Variable Step Implicit Block Multistep Method for Solving ODEs ..........................223<br />
Visual Impaired Device ..............................................................................................283<br />
W2IF2A09 Protocol to Prepare and Measure, Point to Point Fibre Optics Quantum<br />
Key Distribution ...................................................................................................268<br />
WATCHER: PDRM AI-Drone ...................................................................................278<br />
Watermelon Maturity Device .....................................................................................226<br />
Web-based GIS Application for Selecting Optimal Road and Bus Modelling for UPM .<br />
191<br />
Xylitol Production from Sago Trunk Waste ...............................................................277<br />
Xylopia Leaf Oil - A Potential Care Product Ingredient ............................................188<br />
Zingiber species: Biossay studies, Chemical Constituents and Its Essential Oils .....291<br />
Z-Scan Technique for Determination of Nonlinear Refractive Index and Nonlinear<br />
Absorption Coefficient of Metal Nanofluids ........................................................295
Agriculture
Oil Palm Metallothionein-like Gene (MT3-B) Promoter as an Inducible Promoter<br />
for Root-specific Expression<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah<br />
Zubaidah Ramli<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4117; sakmar@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Elaeis guineensis, metallothioneins, promoter analysis, Zn2+ binding<br />
Somatic Embryogenesis from Scutellar Embryo of Oryza sativa L. Var. MR219<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah<br />
Syaiful Bahri Panjaitan, Maheran Abdul Aziz, Sariah Meon and Othman Omar<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4117; sakmar@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
1<br />
Agriculture<br />
Silico analysis showed that type 3 oil palm metallothionein-like gene MT3-B contain important putative<br />
promoter regulatory elements. The identified motifs include root-specific element, metal-responsive element,<br />
W-boxes, GCC-box, TATCCA element, binding element for cytokinin response regulators and pollen-specific<br />
elements. Promoter activity of the MT3-B gene was analysed using a transient assay by bombarding oil palm<br />
tissue slices with a ?-glucuronidase (GUS) gene construct and a stable reporter assay by analysing GUS expression<br />
in transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Transient expression analysis revealed MT3-B promoter activity in<br />
oil palm root tissues but not in fruit mesocarp at 12 weeks after anthesis and spear leaves. The T3 homozygous<br />
transgenic Arabidopsis plants, harbouring the MT3-B promoter/GUS construct, showed reporter activity in<br />
cotyledons and mature leaves with lower expression levels in root tissues. The expression levels in the roots of<br />
the T3 homozygous transgenic plants increased five and 2.5-folds when treated with 80? M of Zn2+ and Fe2+<br />
respectively. Altogether, these results indicate that the MT3-A and MT3-B promoter activities may be regulated<br />
by a variety of abiotic factors and MT3-B promoter may potentially be manipulated to be used in plant genetic<br />
engineering for induced synthesis of gene product.<br />
Somatic embryogenesis is an efficient plant regeneration system and it is a potentially useful tool for genetic<br />
transformation. An experiment was carried out on somatic embryogenesis from scutellar embryo of rice var.<br />
MR219. High intensity of callus formation (100%) was initiated through culturing the scutellar embryo on<br />
modified MS medium with the macro nutrients reduced to half-strength and supplemented with different 2,4-<br />
D concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 6 mgL-1). Meanwhile the highest percentage of embryogenic callus formation<br />
(80%) was obtained on modified MS medium containing 4 mgL-1 2,4-D. The calli produced were yellowish and<br />
friable with nodular structures on the surface. Rounded cells with highly dense cytoplasm were observed under<br />
an inverted microscope and their viability confirmed based on apple green fluorescence staining in FDA solution.<br />
High mean number of somatic embryos was also produced in this treatment at 85 somatic embryos per explant.<br />
Upon transferring the somatic embryos onto modified MS medium with 2 mgL-1 BAP and 0.05 mgL-1 NAA for<br />
germination, 82.5% of the somatic embryos germinated into seedlings.<br />
Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. MR219, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid phthalenacetic acid, 6-Benzylaminopurine
Agriculture<br />
Chlorophyll and SST Analyses from Satellite Remote Sensing<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Harib Al-Habsi and Dr. Tan Chun Knee<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7543; rashidpls3@gmail.com<br />
This research studies the biological productivity of the Northwestern Arabian Sea. This has been investigated<br />
by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of -view Sensor (SeaWiFS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer<br />
(MODIS) ocean color remote sensing for the period January 2004 to December 2008. Synoptic data and<br />
observations of chlorophyll-a and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) were drawn along Omani coastal regions, with<br />
emphases on six stations, two in the Gulf of Oman (station 1 and 2), and three in the Arabian Sea southern coast of<br />
Oman (stations 3-6).The regions of high biological productivity were identified at the three stations in the Arabian<br />
Sea at southern coast of Oman particularly at inshore locations with high values of chlorophyll-a, and low values<br />
of SST which are ideal values representing regions of high biological productivity. On the other hand the two<br />
stations at the Gulf of Oman representing less biological productivity regions inshore, alternatively regions at<br />
offshore showed high biological productivity values. Recurrent and similar fluctuation patterns of stations (1 and<br />
2), (3 and 4), and (5 and 6) indicated that the similar stations were sharing similar body of water, therefore leading<br />
to the recommendation for reducing the number of sampling stations.<br />
Keywords: Chlorophyll-a, SST, MODIS, seaWiFS, productivity regions, upwelling, Oman, Nortwestern Arabian Sea<br />
Growth Response of Eight Tropical Turfgrass Species to Salinity<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Shukor Juraimi<br />
Md. Kamal Uddin, Mohd. Razi Ismail, Radziah Othman and Anuar Abdul Rahim<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7259; ashukor@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Irrigation seawater of different salinity levels (0, 24, 48, and 72 dS m-1) were applied to experimental<br />
plants grown in a plastic pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat (9:1). The results were analyzed using<br />
SAS and treatment means were compared using Tukeys Test. The results indicated that Paspalum vaginatum<br />
(seashore paspalum) (SP), Zoysia matrella (manilagrass) (MG), Pasplaum vaginatum local (SPL), Cynodon<br />
dactylon (common bermuda) (CB), Cynodon dactylon (bermuda greenless park) (GLP), Eremochloa ophiuroides<br />
(centipede) (CP), Axonopus compressus (cow grass) (CG) and Axonopus affinis (narrowleaf carpet grass) (NCG)<br />
experienced a 50% shoot growth reduction at the EC of 39.8, 36.5, 26.1, 25.9, 21.7, 22.4, 17.0 and 18.3 dS m-1<br />
respectively, and a 50% root growth reduction at the EC of 49.4, 42.1, 29.9, 29.7, 26.0 24.8, 18.8 and 20.0 dS m-1<br />
respectively. The ranking for salinity tolerance of selected grasses was SP>MG>SPL>CB>GLP>CP>NCG>CG.<br />
The results indicate the importance of the selection of turfgrass varieties according to the soil salinity and seawater<br />
salinity levels to be used for irrigation.<br />
Keywords: Salinity tolerance, water salinity, turfgrass, seawater<br />
2
Population Parameters of Planktonic Shrimp, Lucifer intermedius (Decapoda:<br />
Sergestidae) from Sungai Pulai Seagrass Beds, Johor, Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziz Arshad<br />
Norhafizah Osman, S. M. Nurul Amin and Zaidi Che Cob<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4118; aziz.upm@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Growth, mortality, recruitment, exploitation, lucifer intermedius, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
First Hatching Success and Larval Development of Dog Conch, Strombus canarium<br />
(Mollusca: Gastropoda) in a Laboratory Condition<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aziz Arshad<br />
Zaidi Che Cob, Japar Sidik Bujang, S.M.Nurul Amin and Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4118; azizarshad@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Hatching, larval development, strombus canarium, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
3<br />
Agriculture<br />
Growth, mortality and recruitment of sergestid shrimp, Lucifer intermedius was investigated using length<br />
frequency data between April 2007 and December 2007 in the Sungai Pulai seagrass beds, Johor strait, Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters, Asymptotic length and growth co-efficient (K) were estimated<br />
at 11.10 mm and 1.40/year. The growth performance index was calculated at 2.237. Total mortality was estimated<br />
at 5.32/year. The natural and fishing mortality was 2.99/year and 2.33/year, respectively. The recruitment pattern<br />
of Lucifer intermedius was continuous throughout the year with two major peasks. The exploitation rate was<br />
estimated at 0.44. This indicates that fishery status of Lucifer intermedius in the Sungai Pulai seagrass area was<br />
below the optimum level of exploitation.<br />
The dog conch, Strombus canarium Linnaeus, 1758 or locally known as ‘siput gonggong’ is a commercially<br />
important shallow water gastropod in the Johor Strait that is highly associated with dense seagrass habitat. The<br />
objectives of this study is to know the hatching process and describe the early development stages of the species.<br />
Strombus canarium females can reproduce as year round but showed peaks in spawning activity during the period<br />
from October to early March. They produced long gelatinous tube of an egg strand that coiled and intertwined to<br />
form an egg mass. The egg strand can reach up to 30 m in length. In this study, the conch embrynic development<br />
was described and its evolution in time was recorded. The incubation time (time from eggs deposition to completed<br />
hatching) ranged from 106 to 135 h in seawater at 30 PSU and 29 0 c. The conch larvae emerged as swimming<br />
veliger and feeds on the plankton before metamorphosed and assuming a benthic life. Potassium chloride was<br />
applied as metamorphosis inducers, which is very important as otherwise the competent larvae were unable to<br />
metamorphose and will ultimately die of exhaustion. The planktonic stage lasted between 18 to 25 days. The<br />
metamorphosis competent period is relatively short, started from day 17 to day 23 post hatch. Description of each<br />
of the parval stages and its development time were presented in this paper.
Agriculture<br />
Assessment of Growth Condition for a Candidate Probiotic, Shewanella algae,<br />
Isolated from the Digestive System of a Healthy Juvenile Penaeus monodon<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Che Roos Saad<br />
SaadShahram Shakiba Zadeh, Annie Christianus, Mohd. Salleh Kamarudin, Kamaruzaman Sijam, Mariana Nor<br />
Shamsudin and Vasantha Kumari Neela<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+608-946 4109; cheroos@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
To combat disease problem in shrimp industries, probiotic biocontrol is a well known remedy now. The<br />
antagonistic ability of separated isolates from different parts of juvenile P. monodon was screened against shrimp<br />
Vibrio pathogens, V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus. The most antagonistic effect was observed for an<br />
isolate that primarily identified as ShewDiversity and Beneficial Endophytes from Mangosteen and Brunei Cherry<br />
anella algae using conventional method followed by Biolog GN and GP microplates. Since adaptability to the<br />
host optimum cultural condition of the target organism is of the great importance, response surface methodology,<br />
with central composite design, was applied to assess log cell count response of S. algae in different incubation<br />
conditions. Therefore, four independent variables were assumed as: temperature (10- 50C), pH (6-10), NaCl<br />
concentration (0-50%) and time (12-60 h). The coefficients of multiple determinations (R2) for the responses log<br />
cell count of S. algae being 0.827. Temperature was the merely significant independent variable that affected the<br />
log cell count of the candidate probiotic. The candidate probiotic revealed a reasonable growth response in quite<br />
wide range of temperature, pH and NaCl concentration in which the maximum levels were in the same range of<br />
optimum shrimp culture.<br />
Keywords: Bacterial growth, penaeus monodon, probiotic, s algae, V. parahaemolyticus, v. alginolyticus<br />
Diversity and Beneficial Endophytes from Mangosteen and Brunei Cherry<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Yoke Kqueen<br />
Sim Jiun Horng, Khoo Chai Hoon and Son Radu<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2343; ykcheah@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Garcinia is commonly found in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, but limited information is available regarding endophytic fungi<br />
associated with this plant. In this study, 24 endophytic fungi were successfully recovered from different parts<br />
of two Garcinia species. Characterisation of endophytic fungi was performed based on the conserved internal<br />
transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequence analysis and the antimicrobial properties. Results revealed that fruits of<br />
the plant appeared to be the highest inhabitation site (38%) as compared with others. Glomerella sp., Guignardia<br />
sp., and Phomopsis sp. appeared to be the predominant endophytic fungi group in Garcinia mangostana and<br />
Garcinia parvifolia. Phylogenetic relationships of the isolated endophytic fungi were estimated from the<br />
sequences of the ITS region. On the other hand, antibacterial screening showed 11 of the isolates possessed<br />
positive response towards pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria.<br />
Keywords: Mangosteen, Brunei Cherry, enophytic fungi, antimicrobial<br />
4
Investigation of the Effect of Allicin on Biofilm Growth and Gene Expression in<br />
Candida albicans<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chong Pei Pei<br />
Alireza Khodavandi, Fahimeh Alizadeh, Zamberi Sekawi, Shiran Md. Sidik and Fauziah Othman<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2302; cpp@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Candida, allicin, biofilm, MIC<br />
Novel Feed Supplement for Aquaculture Animals derived from the Metabolites of<br />
Probiotic Strain of Lactobacillus plantarum I-UL4<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Foo Hooi Ling<br />
Anuradha Karunakaramoorthy, Loh Teck Chwen, Mariana Nor Shamsudin and Raha Abdul Rahim<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7476; hlfoo@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Lactobacillus plantarum, metabolite, tilapia, feed supplement<br />
5<br />
Agriculture<br />
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen with the ability to morph and grow in filamentous<br />
forms and exist as biofilms. The biofilms are a barrier to treatment as they are often resistant to the anti-fungal<br />
drugs. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of allicin, an active compound of garlic on various<br />
Candida species. The effect of allicin on biofilm of Candida albicans was investigated using XTT and CV<br />
assays. Several genes involved in biofilm and hypha formation were profiled via real-time PCR analysis when<br />
the Candida cells were treated with varying dilutions of the MIC values of allicin. Fluconazole was used as a<br />
standard control drug. The results showed that allicin could inhibit biofilm formation to a significant extent similar<br />
to fluconazole. Gene expression of INT1, HWP1 was differentially regulated upon treatment of the Candida cells<br />
with allicin. These encouraging results demonstrated that allicin could be further developed into an alternative or<br />
supplementary therapeutic arsenal against Candida infections in humans.<br />
Feeding the aquaculture animal with additive such as antibiotic to enhance the productivity of the farm<br />
had been a common practice in aquaculture farming. However, the usage of antibiotics as growth enhancer is<br />
prohibited in many countries due to the increasing evolution of bacterial pathogens, leading to the development<br />
of resistance to the treatment antibiotic. Therefore, this study was conducted to reveal the probiotic effect of the<br />
novel feed supplement derived from the metabolite produced by probiotic strain of Lactobacillus plantarum<br />
I-UL4 to replace the usage of antibiotic as growth promoter in aquaculture animals. The effect on the growth<br />
performance, antibody production, survival rate after being challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and the total<br />
viable count of Enterobacteriaceae, A. hydrophila and LAB count in fish digesta was investigated for the L.<br />
plantarum I-UL4 metabolite mixed in fish feed. A total of 48 tilapias, with body weight of 17-18 g each were<br />
randomly assigned to two treatment groups: fed with commercial feed added with spray-dried UL4 metabolite<br />
and fed only commercial feed for a period of four weeks before being challenged with A. hydrophila for 10 days.<br />
The growth performance and antibody level increased significantly in UL4 group compared to the control group.<br />
The challenge test with A. hydrophila at 108 cfu/ml yielded significantly greater survival in UL4 group compared<br />
to control fish (P
Agriculture<br />
Keywords: Seabass immunity, freshwater seabass<br />
Management of Citrus Huanglongbing Disease in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamaruzaman Sijam<br />
Khairulmazmi Ahmad<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7234; kama@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
In <strong>Malaysia</strong>, citrus is grown in commercial orchards, backyard and small holdings in various parts of the<br />
country. Known citrus growing areas in <strong>Malaysia</strong> include Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perak, Johor,<br />
Selangor and Pahang. Citrus trees are subjected to various diseases. Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease is<br />
the most destructive disease to citriculture in Africa, Asia and America. The causal agent of HLB disease was<br />
identified as a Candidatus liberibacter Asiticus. It is phloem-restricted bacterium belonging to a new genus<br />
in the alpha-subdivision of the?-Proteobacteria. This disease is transmitted by citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri,<br />
usually found in poorly managed orchards and on new flushes. This disease is also considered to be one of the<br />
major limiting factors in citrus production in the country. Recent studies showed that all the major citrus growing<br />
localities in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> were shown to have incidence of HLB infection. Estimated percentage of HLB<br />
disease incidence varied between localities, ranged from 28.3 to 53.8%. Generally, leaves of infected trees showed<br />
mottling with green vein symptom. Population of D. citri is more abundant in the lowland areas such as Selangor<br />
and Terengganu but was not detected at highland areas such as Cameron Highland, Pahang. However, moderate<br />
level of vector infestation was observed in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan. Among the nine citrus species assessed<br />
in the field, pummelo and Troyer citrange were recorded the highest number of trees with HLB infection which<br />
highly correlated with the number of vector population on those species, followed by honey mandarin, Cleopatra,<br />
mandarin and citrimelo. HLB incidence was not detected on kaffier lime. Management strategies of this pathogen<br />
can be done through the use of healthy planting materials, quarantine, eradication of the source of inoculums,<br />
chemical control of insect vector, proper fertilisation dates and other integrated pest management practices.<br />
Keywords: Huanglongbing, citrus greening, diaphorina citri<br />
Freshwater Sea Bass Module with Immune-enhancing Capability<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin<br />
C Girish Palaniyappan, Mohd. Shater Zakaria and Nurul Hidayah Idris<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2138; mariana@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Adaptation of seabass from brackish water to freshwater is an attractive alternative for fish enthusiasts.<br />
Freshwater seabass offers added advantage to their brackish water counterpart in that the flesh is fresh, tasty,<br />
odourless, soft and organoleptic acceptable by most fish eating individuals. In this project, an adaptation module<br />
was designed with particular focused on the ability of sea-bass to maintain their immune balance in freshwater.<br />
The effects of short-term freshwater acclimatization were investigated in juvenile sea-bass Lates calcarifer to<br />
determine whether all sea-bass juveniles are able to live in freshwater and to investigate immunological basis<br />
of a successful adaptation to freshwater. This laboratory trial was conducted to determine the use of fish feed<br />
incorporated with formulated diet and the effect of salinity on growth and survival. The adaptation system<br />
comprised salinity reduction of brackish water to freshwater in four steps, resulting in about two folds reduction.<br />
In addition, the adaptation module is designed complete with feed in the form of pellets with immune-enhancing<br />
capability. Throughout the experiment, the effects of abrupt transfer to lower salinity on their behaviour, daily<br />
rates of growth and feeding, maintenance requirement and food conversion efficiency were studied. The system<br />
was carried indoor, in a confined space and feasible to be practiced by any fish enthusiasts. The experimental<br />
trial showed that reducing salinity was not found to be stressful and comparable survival to the control group<br />
was evidenced through immunological response. On the differences in the dynamics (growth and mortality),<br />
energetic properties and proximate analysis between marine and freshwater seabass, important implications<br />
for determining the relationship between immuno-stimulation and immuno-suppression under environmental<br />
factors, can be determined.<br />
6
Urban Backyard Module of Immuno-enhanced Marine Fish<br />
Keywords: Urban, backyard, grouper, fingerling<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin<br />
Ainatul Hakimah Zakaria, Nurul Hidayah Idris and Norfarrah Mohamed Alipiah<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2138; mariana@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Beekeeping in Pineapple Smallholdings: A Case of Apis Mellifera<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Mansor Ismail<br />
Zakbah Mian<br />
Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4123; mmi@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Coconut smallholdings, product diversification, beekeeping, government incentives, rural development<br />
7<br />
Agriculture<br />
Urban backyard module is an indoor culture system designed to be used inside the building, utilising limited<br />
space and accessible at relatively low cost in terms of technologies and the capital cost. The system is suitable for<br />
nursery of fingerlings. Urban backyard system make life easier by providing ease in operation and management,<br />
require less man power, and easily adapted to culture a range of different species. The culture conditions can<br />
be controlled which include temperature, salinity, DO and the pH. The module is designed to assist users with<br />
minimum background and skills in aquaculture to set-up and culture their own fish cultivation system with<br />
ease and less manpower. Fingerlings of brown marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus is used as culturing<br />
model in this study as groupers have high demand in the market. The trade for local grouper fishery is affected<br />
by lack of seed supply due to inefficient culturing practice. Therefore, the present design module can offer a<br />
simple cultivation alternative to fulfill domestic needs. Grouper makes up over 16 per cent by weight and 30<br />
per cent by value of total marine finfish produced by aquaculture in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.The fingerlings of brown marbled<br />
grouper, E. fuscoguttatus were cultured in urban backyard condition with physical water parameters maintained<br />
as such, temperature, salinity, pH and DO. The fishes were enhanced with formulated diet and determined for<br />
immunological response, growth and survival as well as proximate analysis, to ensure efficacy of module. A<br />
convincing result indicating good immune response, growth, survival and nutritional values was observed in the<br />
fish cultivated using the designed module. Urban backyard is an effective indoor system to culture grouper as long<br />
as basics needed for grouper culturing are supplied and maintained.<br />
Beekeeping, a traditional subsistence industry in coconut smallholdings, has long been ignored by many<br />
developing countries as a source of additional income to farmers and as a foreign exchange earner to the country.<br />
The industry is not something recent in <strong>Malaysia</strong> as many farmers and individuals have ventured into this<br />
lucrative project as early as in the 1980s. Since then, not many researchers have assessed the profitability of such<br />
a project under the incentive program. The states of Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Johore, Sabah and Sarawak have<br />
long been the centre for beekeeping activity in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. There are two main species reared in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, namely<br />
Apis cerana (local bees) and Apis mellifera (imported bees). The study is being done to ascertain the benefits to<br />
beekeepers in the pineapple smallholdings under the potential incentive for agriculture and agro-based industry.<br />
It is an attempt to look at how much a beekeeper can actually earn after taking into account the incentives<br />
provided. Data for this study were collected from surveys involving beekeepers rearing Apis mellifera in Johor.<br />
The methods used include the common project evaluation indicators and its impact on the potential incentive.<br />
Since beekeeping project is viable, the introduction of this project to rural farmers will contribute positively to<br />
product diversification and rural development.
Agriculture<br />
Regional Comparative Advantage and Competitiveness of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Palm Oil<br />
Products<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Mansor Ismail<br />
Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4123; mmi@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
This paper examines the competitiveness of the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n palm oil products compared to other industrial<br />
plantation products (cocoa products, coconut, tea, and pepper) in selected ASEAN countries (Indonesia,<br />
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) and China by using the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and the<br />
revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA) indices. The export data for seven groups of products based<br />
on the standard commodity categories as defined in the harmonized tariff system (HTS) at the 4-digit level<br />
were employed. The results indicate that <strong>Malaysia</strong> has comparative advantage in six products (palm oil (HS<br />
1511), coconut (copra) and palm kernel oil (HS 1513), cocoa butter (HS 1804), cocoa powder (HS 1805), cocoa<br />
paste (HS 1803), and pepper (HS 0904)), but has comparative disadvantage in tea (HS 0902). Based on the<br />
competitiveness position, Indonesia ranked first while <strong>Malaysia</strong> ranked second in the oil palm products.<br />
Keywords: Competitiveness, RCA, <strong>Malaysia</strong>n palm oil, plantation commodities, ASEAN<br />
Development of Morphology in Hatchery-reared Rutilus Frisii Kutum Larvae<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Salleh Kamaruddin<br />
Mahdieh Jafari, Che Roos Saad, Aziz Arshad, Shahrbanoo Oryan and Mahmoud Bahmani<br />
Faculty of Agriculture ,University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+608-946 4103; msalleh@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamensky 1901) is related to the Cyprinid family and an endemic fish of the Caspian<br />
Sea. This study describes the characteristics of 30 embryonic developmental stages of Caspian kutum. Sperm<br />
and ova were obtained from one female and two male Caspian kutum by artificial propagation with the use<br />
of hypophysis injection. The eggs were incubated at 14-16 C in three veis-type incubators (jar). The eggs and<br />
embryos were studied at various developmental stages.The eggs of kutum were demersal and measured 2 mm<br />
diagonally. The chorion had small excrements. Nine main stages and 30 substages were determined in Caspian<br />
kutum. The main stages were zygote, cleavage, morula, blastula, gastrula, neurula, segmentation, pharyngula, and<br />
hatching. Embryonic developmental stages occurred in 9 d at 14-16 C. These results showed important changes<br />
in the embryo of Caspian kutum that could be very important for achieving a successful hatch.<br />
Keywords: Embryonic development, caspian kutum, rutilus frisii kutum<br />
8
Identification of Genetic Variation among Oil Palm Parent Genotypes and their<br />
Progenies based on Microsatellite Markers<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Rafii Yusop<br />
Norziha Abdullah, Maizura Ithnin and Ghizan Saleh<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
+603-8946 6950; mrafii@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Oil palm, genetic variation, microsatellite markers, genetic distance<br />
Embryonic Development of Caspian kutum, Rutilus frisii Kutum<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Salleh Kamarudin<br />
Mahdieh Jafari, Che Roos Saad, Aziz Arshad, Shahrbanoo Oryan and Mahmoud Bahmani<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+608-946 4103; msalleh@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Early ontogenic development, rutilus frisii kutum, morphological changes, the caspian sea<br />
9<br />
Agriculture<br />
Knowledge on genetic distances and relationships among breeding materials has a significant impact on<br />
crop improvement. Molecular markers are being used increasingly to determine the genetic distance between<br />
individuals. In this study, microsatellite markers were used to estimate the genetic distances between selected<br />
oil palm parent lines. Microsatellite markers are highly reliable, inherited in codominant fashion whereby<br />
heterozygotes and homozygotes are distinguishable, easy to score and can be rapidly produced using PCR<br />
technology. Nine microsatellite markers were used to screen selected parent palms (15 duras and 4 pisiferas)<br />
and their progenies (16 DxP crosses). Data were scored and analysed using the Biosys-1 software to calculate<br />
the genetic distance values. A total of 29 polymorphic bands were generated. The genetic distances between<br />
progenies ranged from 0.089 to 0.313. These results indicate that microsatellite markers are powerful tools for<br />
studying genetic relationships among DxP progenies. These markers should be further explored to assist oil palm<br />
breeding.<br />
Most fish are poorly developed at hatching. They undergo important functional and morphological changes<br />
during the early larval period. This study was conducted to monitor the morphological changes of Caspian kutum,<br />
Rutilus frisii kutum larvae in early life stages. Fertilised kutum eggs were incubated at 16-19ºC in 8 l glass<br />
incubators for 9.5 days. At first feeding (3 days after hatch) larvae were fed two times per day with egg yolk for<br />
five days, and then Artemia nauplii and egg yolk until day 30. The juveniles were then transferred to an outdoor<br />
fish hapa nets and further reared until day 60. Larval development, growth, and some morphological changes<br />
were described from day 0 to end of experiment. The results showed that there were three main stages and 18 substages<br />
of ontogenetic development in Caspian kutum from hatching to juvenile stage. The most important change<br />
in these stages was change from endogenous to exogenous feeding. During post hatch development, the various<br />
organs gradually differentiated and became identifiable.
Agriculture<br />
New Technology for Zero Wastes Management and Utilisation<br />
Assoc. Prof.Dr. Osumanu Haruna Ahmed<br />
Auldry Chaddy Petrus, Nik Muhammad Abd. Majid, Make Jiwan, Susilawati Kasim and Hassan Mohammad<br />
Nasir<br />
Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+608-685 5406; osman60@hotmail.com<br />
Substantial amount of sago waste is produced. However, the waste is yet to be properly managed and utilised.<br />
As a result, there is the tendency of discarding it into rivers and streams because most of the sago factories are<br />
located near rivers and streams. Value was added to this waste by producing humic acids, fulvic acids and humin.<br />
While the humic and fulvic acids were able to significantly reduce ammonia loss, the humin produced also<br />
significanly increased maize dry matter, and N,P, and K use effiency. Additionally, high quality compost know<br />
to significantly improve soil physical, chemical and biological properties was produced. The significance of this<br />
work is that it may be beneficial to the fertiliser, plantation and waste management industries interested in using<br />
simple and cost effective means of adding value to their wastes.<br />
Keywords: Humic substances, compost, sago waste, waste management nutrient use efficiency<br />
Effect of Graded Dosage of Chicken Gonadotropin Releasing-hormone II (cGnRH-<br />
II) in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharr Azni Harmin<br />
Norhidayah Mohd. Taufek and Annie Christianus<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603- 8946 4106; sharr@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of single injection of graded dosage of native chicken<br />
GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus with body weight ranging between 450 and 500g. The<br />
fish were divided into four groups (n=6 per group) with group one injected with saline, the second group received<br />
cGnRH-II at 2µg/kg body weight (BW), the third group was given cGnRH-II at 20µg/kg BW and the fourth group<br />
received cGnRH-II at 200µg/kg BW. The degree of maturation or ovulation, plasma steroid level and germinal<br />
vesicles (GV) migration of oocytes were examined prior to injections at 0h, 6h, 12h and 24h post injection. In<br />
this experiment, 50% of the fish ovulated in the group treated with cGnRH-II at 200µg/kg BW. Fertilisation and<br />
hatching rates in ovulated fish were 61% and 56%, respectively. Steroid level for saline injected fish remained<br />
the same throughout the experiment. Initially the plasma of steroid level for fish treated with 200?g/kg cGnRH-II<br />
was low and increased after six hours. Then it reached the highest peak at 12 hours. However the level decreased<br />
after 24 hours. All the treated groups that received cGnRH II showed a significant increase of plasma steroid level<br />
and also GV stages. The Germinal Vesicle Breakdown (GVBD) was also observed in three of the fishes receiving<br />
200µg/kg BW of hormone after 12 hours of treatment. Our study demonstrated that administration at a high<br />
dosage of cGnRH-II accelerated the process of maturation and ovulation in African catfish.<br />
Keywords: cGnRH-II, African catfish, ovulation, plasma steroid level, germinal vesicle<br />
10
Effect of cGnRH-II on Maturation and Ovulation in Comparison to sGnRHa and<br />
LHRHa<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharr Azni Harmin<br />
Norhidayah Mohd. Taufek and Annie Christianus<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4106; sharr@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: sGnRHa, LHRHa, cGnRH-II, African catfish, ovulation, germinal vesicle, testosterone, 17ß-Estradiol<br />
Induction of Maturation in Clarias gariepinus using Chicken Gonadotropin Releasing<br />
Hormone Ii (cGnRh-Ii) in Combination with Pimozide<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharr Azni Harmin<br />
Norhidayah Mohd. Taufek and Annie Christianus.<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4106; sharr@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Dopamine inhibitor, pimozide, cGnRH-II, African catfish, ovulation<br />
11<br />
Agriculture<br />
Chicken Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone II (cGnRH-II) is one form of GnRH commonly occurred in<br />
the brain of teleost to induce ovulation and spawning. Thus, our study has been conducted to determine the<br />
effectiveness of cGnRH-II when compared to Lutenising Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog (LHRHa)<br />
and Salmon Gonadotrophin releasing Hormone Analog (sGnRHa) to promote maturation and ovulation upon<br />
treatment to African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. The fishes were separated into four groups of six sexually mature<br />
females per group ranging from 450-550g in body weight (BW). They were treated with either 20?g/kg cGnRH-<br />
II, 20?g/kg LHRHa, 20?g/kg sGnRHa or saline as the control. All hormones were administered as single injection.<br />
The experimental parameters observed were hormone changes and germinal vesicle (GV) movement during the<br />
experiment. GV was examined prior to injection at 0h, 6h, 12h and 24h. Plasma samples were analyzed for<br />
testosterone (T) and 17ß-Estradiol (E2) concentrations using ELISA. Hatching and fertilization rate were also<br />
determined. sGnRHa proved to be the most potent hormone compared to LHRHa and cGnRH-II. Sixty seven<br />
percent of the fish treated with sGnRHa ovulated with 95% and 78% of the fish were found to be fertilised<br />
and hatched, respectively. However no ovulation for cGnRH-II and LHRHa, therefore the plasma steroid level<br />
continue to increase until the end of the experiment. Plasma steroid levels (E2 and T) for sGnRHa increased after<br />
6 hours and elevated significantly (P
Agriculture<br />
Towards the Establishment of an Alternative Eukaryotic Expression System using<br />
Unicellular Green Microalga ankistrodesmus Convolutus<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Napis<br />
Tran Thanh, Vu Thi Quynh Chi, Mohd Puad Abdullah, Hishamuddin Omar and Mostafa Noroozi<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 0602; suhaimi@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
As photoautotrophs, microalgae have many advantages as bioreactor for the production of transgene<br />
heterologous proteins. The promising opportunity to use transgenic microalgae derived from a fast growing<br />
species has already resulted in several business start-ups in expression of therapeutic proteins during the last few<br />
years. However, the lack of highly active promoters has been a major hurdle in the development of microalgae<br />
transformation system and improvement of the transformation efficiency. As a fast growing alga producing<br />
appreciable amount of carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, unicellular green microalga Ankistrodesmus<br />
convolutus is being considered as an interesting candidate for many biotechnological applications. As a first<br />
step toward the establishment of an alternative expression system using A. convolutus, the present study was<br />
undertaken to clone and computationally analyse a highly-expressed native promoter of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate<br />
carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (RbcS) from the full-length RbcS cDNA clone identified as Expressed<br />
Sequence Tags (ESTs) from the cDNA library of A. convolutus. Beside the potential transcription start site (TSS)<br />
and consensus TATA-box, several putative cis-acting elements and conserved motifs, which were reported to<br />
confer light-responsive gene expression in plants and green algae, were found in AcRbcS promoter region. These<br />
results indicated that the cloned AcRbcS promoter region was a full and active promoter sequence, and this<br />
promoter could be used for the establishment of an alternative expression system using A. convolutus. Promoter<br />
deletion studies of this and studies of other potential candidate promoters are presently being carried out.<br />
Keywords: AcRbcS promoter, Ankistrodesmus convolutus, cDNA library, cis-acting elements, expressed sequence tags<br />
(ESTs), unicellular green microalga<br />
Synchytrium: The Only Plant Pathogenic Chytrid in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Mior Ahmad<br />
Kamaruzaman Sijam and Abdollah Karami<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6986; zainal@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Synchytrium psophocarpi (Rac.) Baumann is the only chytrid representative known to be a plant pathogenic<br />
fungi in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. It attacks specifically only winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) cultivated in this<br />
country causing false rust disease. As the sole example of the Chytridiomycota here, it is important that the<br />
species found locally are documented in terms of its morphological characteristics and pathogenicity. So far, there<br />
has been no published literature of this and other closely related species in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This study was based mainly<br />
on samples of the fungi sampled in Serdang, Selangor. It reports methods used to examine characteristics of the<br />
sporangia and zoospores using dark field and scanning electron microscopy. The pathogenicity of the fungus was<br />
also tested on using two methods viz. winged bean seedling inoculation in a moist chamber, and detached winged<br />
bean leaf inoculations on a Petri dish. The results hitherto reported is the first detailed report for Synchytrium spp<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and could serve as useful information to aid taxonomic understanding of the group member and new<br />
knowledge to local fungal diversity.<br />
Keywords: Chytridiomycota, synchytrium psophocarpi, winged bean, false rust, pathogenicity<br />
12
An Economical Triploidy Verification Method and New Avenues for The Production<br />
of Polyploidy Line of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)<br />
Dr. Annie Christianu<br />
Ali Karami Varnamkhasti, Simon C. Courtenay, Zamri Ishak, Mohd. Arif Syed and Khairul Zamri Md. Saad<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4111; annie@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Triploid, polyploidy lines, African catfish<br />
Stress in Music Teaching: Identifying Job Related Stressors in the Context of<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n National Schools<br />
Dr. Chan Cheong Jan<br />
Juriani Jamaludin<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7793; chanupm@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Stress, music teaching<br />
13<br />
Agriculture<br />
In aquaculture industry, producing triploid fish has its advantages since they are sterile and in most cases<br />
grow faster than normal diploid. Triploids can be produced through applying shocks to newly fertilised eggs.<br />
However, not 100% of the resulted larvae are triploid. Screening of triploids can be very time consuming and<br />
costly. In this study, one economical and rapid method for the verification of triploidy in African catfish (Clarias<br />
gariepinus) based on selected morphological criteria was established. However, this process of verification can<br />
be omitted if there is a method for producing 100% triploid fish. In this study, it was found for the first time that<br />
advanced vitelogenesis in the oocytes of triploid African catfish can be achieved after weekly injection of ovaprim<br />
hormone. Therefore it is highly possible to produce polyploidy lines for African catfish.<br />
This study was designed to examine the level of stress according to selected stressors experienced by<br />
primary school music teachers. The stressors under study were categorized into six subscales which are ‘student<br />
characteristics’, ‘teacher characteristics’, administrative procedures’, ‘social support’, ‘facilities and equipment’<br />
and ‘music syllabus contents’. Respondents of this study consist of 326 trained and untrained music teachers<br />
in Selangor. Music Teacher Stress Inventory was developed based on problems faced by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n music<br />
teachers with 44 stressors extracted from 99 sources of stress collected through various sources. The research<br />
findings indicate that generally, music teachers in this study were experiencing mild stress in their teaching and<br />
learning music in school. Among the particular item of stressors, ‘lack of trained music teacher’, ‘lack of music<br />
resources and book’, ‘lack of skill in playing musical instrument’, ‘inadequate allocation to buy costume for<br />
music performance’ and ‘lack of recognition for music education’ were rated by the teachers as the main sources<br />
of their stress.
Agriculture<br />
Are Non-muslims Aware of the Principles of Halal Food Products in <strong>Malaysia</strong>?<br />
Dr. Golnaz Rezai<br />
Zainalabidin Mohamed, Mad Nasir Shamsudin and Eddie Chiew Fook Chong<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4120; rgolnaz@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted and all foods consumed by Muslims must meet this<br />
Islamic dietary code. It also stands for just and fair business transactions, caring for animals and the environment,<br />
social justice and welfare. It is not limited to what the public mostly perceived, confined or restricted only to<br />
the slaughtering of animals for consumption by Muslims, but encompasses products and services of the highest<br />
quality to meet the ever increasing awareness and needs of consumers in a demanding global market. Although<br />
the Halal concept has not been a major element in the non-Muslim consumers living in an Islamic country,<br />
however, whether the non-Muslim consumers are aware of the underlying advantages that come with Halal food<br />
products or their viewpoint from its religious belief, are some intriguing questions that need to be answered. A<br />
survey was conducted in the Klang Valley Selangor where 400 non-Muslim respondents were interviewed via<br />
structured questionnaires to gather information on their awareness and attitude towards Halal food products in the<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n food market. Descriptive statistic was used to identify the socio-economic/demographic characteristics<br />
and attitudes of the respondents toward the Halal food principles. The logit model was used to determine the<br />
extent to which selected socio-economic/demographic characteristics influenced the respondents’ attitude and<br />
understanding on Halal principles and Halal food products. The results of this study suggest that non-Muslim<br />
consumers are aware of the existence of Halal food and Halal logo on food products. In general, various socioeconomic/demographic<br />
and attitudinal characteristics significantly influenced the likelihood of respondents in<br />
understanding of Halal principles and concepts.<br />
Keywords: Halal food, demographic characteristics, halal principle, non-muslim consumers, logit model<br />
Production of Pisang Nangka (AAB) Disease Tolerant by Expressing the Rice<br />
Thaumatin-like Protein (TLP) Gene<br />
Prof. Dr. Maziah Mahmood<br />
Fatemeh Mahdavi Darvari, Sariah Moen and Mohd. Puad Abdullah<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6703; maziahm@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Banana is a staple food for millions of people in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world and their<br />
export contributes to the economies of many countries. But, in recent years, their production has been seriously<br />
threatened by diseases. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxsiporum f.sp. cubense fungus, is one of the most<br />
important diseases of banana (Musa spp.). It is prevalent in all banana-growing countries, especially Southeast<br />
Asia and caused significant yield losses. Among four races of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, only three of them<br />
(Race 1, 2 and 4) affect banana and Race four the is most destructive. The wide spread presence of race 4 of the<br />
pathogen has been reported as a serious disease for most of the banana cultivars such as Pisang Nangka (AAB).<br />
In this research we transferred the rice thaumatin-like protein gene and evaluated the effect of its expression<br />
over Fusarium oxsiporum f.sp. cubense race 4 in Pisang Nangka which has a big market in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The<br />
objective of the study was to produce a new tolerant cultivar of Pisang Nangka to Fusarium wilt which will be<br />
used for plantation scale. The obtained results confirmed by PCR, Southern blot and RT-PCR techniques showed<br />
the presence and expression of rice thaumatin-like protein gene in genomic DNA transformed plants. Besides,<br />
the transgenic plants showed significant resistance against Fusarium wilt after their inoculation with Fusarium<br />
oxsiporum f.sp. cubense race 4 spores suspension. We have, therefore, successfully produced a new tolerant<br />
cultivar of Pisang Nangka (AAB) and at the same time overcome the Fusarium wilt disease significantly.<br />
Keywords: Genetic engineering, pisang nangka, fusarium wilt, thaumatin-like protein<br />
14
The use of Internet Applications in Managing Logistics Activities among Palm Oil<br />
Industry Participants<br />
Dr. Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman<br />
Nolila Mohd. Nawi<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4133; nitty@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Internet, e-Commerce, logistics activities, e-Logistics<br />
Off-farm Employment Participation among Paddy Farmers in the Muda Agricultural<br />
Development Authority and Kemasin Semerak Granary Areas of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Norsida Man<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7501; norupi@hotmail.com<br />
Keywords: Off-farm employment, paddy farmers, logit model, participation decision<br />
15<br />
Agriculture<br />
With the advancement of Internet technologies, many companies have adopted the use of the technologies to<br />
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their activities. This paper aims to investigate the utilisation of Internet<br />
technologies in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Palm Oil Industry (MPOI) and explore how the technologies have been exploited<br />
by the palm oil industry participants to manage their logistics activities. The respondents of this study were<br />
MPOI participants involved in Internet-based activities. The findings revealed that Internet applications were<br />
still new and at an early stage. Many participants did not realise the potential of advanced Internet technologies<br />
in managing their business activities. Lack of understanding of advanced Internet technologies explains the low<br />
level of utilisation of these technologies among the MPOI participants. Most of the participants were comfortable<br />
with conventional ways of managing their logistics activities.<br />
The off-farm employment is gaining attention particularly as a strategy for supplementing the farmers’<br />
income, and it has been widely recognised that the off-farm work plays a very important role in augmenting small<br />
farmers’ income in developing countries. In fact, it has been considered as an alternative source of income for<br />
the agricultural sector and an essential way to increase the overall rural economic activity and employment in<br />
many developing countries. The objectives of the present study are to assess the off-farm employment decisions<br />
of 500 paddy farmers in the granary areas of MADA and Kemasin Semerak. Specifically, the study (a) determines<br />
the relationship between the determinants of off-farm employment and the off-farm participation decision, (b)<br />
describes the characteristics of respondents and their status in off-farm employment, (c) examines the income<br />
level of the farm households attributable to paddy farming and off-farm employment, and (d) describes the effect<br />
off-farm employment has on paddy farmers. The results reveal that the farmers’ age, gender and number of<br />
dependants, as well as other income and the types of farm were the variables that influenced their likelihood to<br />
engage in off-farm employment. Evidently, the variables of farm size and level of education were insignificant in<br />
affecting off-farm participation.
Agriculture<br />
Factors Affecting the Decision Making in Off Farm Employment among Paddy<br />
Farmers in Kemasin Semerak Granary Area<br />
Dr. Norsida Man<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7501; norupi@hotmail.com<br />
Poverty is one of the most serious problems confronting paddy farmers worldwide, and <strong>Malaysia</strong> is not an<br />
exception. Off farm employment is an alternative strategy and it has a potential to improve the income and wellbeing<br />
of the paddy farmers. This study assessed the off-farm employment decision among 250 paddy farmers<br />
in Kemasin Semerak granary area. In specific, the study attempted to determine the relationship between the<br />
determinants of the off-farm and the off-farm participation decision. It was also undertaken to describe the<br />
characteristics of respondents and their status in the off-farm employment. Furthermore, it examined the income<br />
level of the farm households from the paddy farming and the off-farm employments as well as showed the<br />
effects of the off-farm employment to the paddy farmers, using the descriptive analysis and logit regression<br />
methods. The variables which were found to influence the likelihood of the paddy farmers to engage in the offfarm<br />
employment included the farmers’ age and gender, the number of dependants, as well as other income and<br />
farming types. From the study, it was evident that the farm size and education were not significant factors as no<br />
significant association was observed between them and the off farm participation.<br />
Keywords: Off-farm employment, paddy farmers, logit model, participation decision<br />
Nitrate Assimilation and Vegetative Compatibility Groups of Fusarium proliferatum<br />
and F. sacchari Isolated from Rice<br />
Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd. Zainudin<br />
Nor Azliza Ismail, Nik Mohd. Izham Mohamed Nor, Azmi Abd. Razak, Siti Nordahliawate Mohamed Sidique<br />
and Baharuddin Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6642; izzati@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Vegetative compatibility (VC) concept encompasses the ability of the two fungal hyphae to formed viable<br />
heterokaryon and is therefore a useful tool to study the genetic diversity of fungal isolates, including Fusarium<br />
species. Vegetatively compatible isolates from the same vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) shared more<br />
traits compared to those grouped in different VCG. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to generate<br />
the nitrate non-utilising (nit) mutants and to investigate genetic diversity of two closely related species i.e. F.<br />
proliferatum and F. sacchari, associated with rice plants showing typical bakanae symptoms, by classifying the<br />
isolates into VCGs. A total of 539 nit mutants were obtained from 26 isolates when cultured on minimal medium<br />
and potatoes dextrose agar amended with 2.5% KClO3 (MMC and PDC, respectively). Three phenotypic nit<br />
mutant classes i.e. nit1, nit3 and NitM were identified. The frequency of the nit1 mutants recovered was higher on<br />
MMC than those on PDC. For VCGs of F. proliferatum, the complementation test identified 8 VCGs among 13<br />
isolates and the genetic diversity based on number of the VCGs per number of isolates was 0.62. However for F.<br />
sacchari, the 13 isolates were grouped in 7 VCGs with the genetic diversity of 0.54. The isolates of both species<br />
were genetically diverse based on multiple VCGs.<br />
Keywords: Nitrate assimilation, vegetative compatibility groups, fusarium proliferatum, f. sacchari, rice<br />
16
Isolation and Identification of Fusarium species Isolated from Agricultural and<br />
Non-agricultural Grasses<br />
Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd. Zainudin<br />
Siti Nordahliawate Mohamed Sidique, Nor Azliza Ismail and Baharuddin Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6642; izzati@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Grasses, rice, sugarcane, fusarium species, f. semitectum, f. sacchari, f. fujikuroi<br />
Genetic Characterisation by RAPD Analysis of Fusarium Species Isolated from<br />
Rice Plants Infected with Bakanae Disease<br />
Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd. Zainudin<br />
Baharuddin Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
+603-8946 6642; izzati@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: RAPD, fusarium species, liseola, rice, bakanae disease<br />
17<br />
Agriculture<br />
Fusarium species are well-known soil fungi and widely distributed and associated with all parts of various<br />
plants, including grasses. In the present study, Fusarium species were isolated from samples of 25 species of<br />
grasses collected from 10 states in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The isolates were single-spored and identified based on<br />
morphological characteristics, and preserved at -800C. A total of 474 isolates were identified into 12 species i.e.<br />
F. semitectum, F. sacchari, F. fujikuroi, F. solani, F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. subglutinans, F. equiseti, F.<br />
verticillioides, F. compactum, F. chlamydosporum, and F. longipes that belong to six sections i.e. Arthrosporiella,<br />
Elegans, Gibbosum and their allied, Liseola and their allied, Martiella, Sporothrichiella and Ventricosum. F.<br />
semitectum was frequently isolated (23.6%), followed by F. sacchari (15.4%) and F. fujikuroi (14.6%). However,<br />
based on Shanon-weiner Index, F. solani was highly diverse with H’ = 2.62, followed by F. semitectum (2.45), F.<br />
equiseti (2.13) and F. compactum (2.06). A less uniform pattern of species dispersion could be observed in nonagricultural<br />
ecosystems as no specific pattern of Fusarium species colonised the grass samples.<br />
Bakanae is an abnormal elongation disease of rice, Oryza sativa. A total of 59 Fusarium isolates from<br />
bakanae affected rice plants were collected from nine states in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and two provinces in Indonesia. About<br />
14 standard tester isolates of Fusarium species were obtained from Kansas State University, U.S.A. The Fusarium<br />
isolates were assessed for genetic diversity using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique.<br />
The amplifications with 10 primers identified the scoreable polymorphisms among the isolates. The dendogram,<br />
based on UPGMA cluster analysis, clearly separated the six Fusarium species i.e. F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum,<br />
F. nygamai, F. sacchari, F. subglutinans and F. verticillioides, into two distinct clusters. Based on morphological<br />
characteristics, the isolates of F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum were not confidently separated into distinct species,<br />
as happen for F. sacchari and F. subglutinans. However in present study, RAPD analysis was potentially used for<br />
distinguishing the closely related species into separate sub-clusters. F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum isolates shared<br />
a similarity of approximately 75% whereas F. subglutinans and F. nygamai isolates shared a similarity of around<br />
65%. The similarity matrixes based on simple matching coefficients (SMC) for the six Fusarium species were<br />
from 0.387 to 1.000, indicating a broad range of similarities.
Agriculture<br />
Keywords: Durian shell, characteristics, biofilter<br />
Characteristics of Durian Shell as Support Media in Biofilter<br />
Dr. Puziah Abdul Latif<br />
Nur Hidayah Abdul Latip<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6744; puziah@env.upm.edu.my<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> is an agriculture-based country that produces a lot of agricultural by-products every year. There<br />
are potential agriculture by-products yet to be investigated, which can be used as biofilter carriers. This study<br />
investigates the physical and chemical characteristics of Durian Shell (DS), an agricultural waste, in assessing<br />
its potential to be used as a biofilter media for removing toxic vapors. Ultimate analysis was performed using an<br />
elemental analyzer. The presence of functional groups in samples was determined by Fourier Transform Infrared<br />
(FTIR) spectroscopy. The powdered DS was mixed with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in 23:1 ratio (w/w) dry<br />
basis for pH adjustment to be within pH 7-8. The sample was then prepared into a pellet (30 mmØ) by hydraulic<br />
hand pressure (5 psi). The specific surface area and average pore size were measured based on the Brunaueremmet-Teller<br />
(BET) method and surface morphology was determined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)<br />
analyzer. The results showed that DS has a potential alternative to other carriers, especially peat in terms of<br />
characteristics, which is not available at a low price or in large quantities in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Fusion SPOT-5 and Radarsat-1 Images for Mapping Major Bee Plants in Marang<br />
District, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mahdzir Mardan<br />
Mohammad Mehdi Saberioon, Laili Nordin and Alias mohammad Sood<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4101; makhdzir@gmail.com<br />
Melaleuca Cajuputi and Acacia Auriculiformis trees are major sources of nectar and pollen for A. dorsata<br />
and the colonies are a major source of honey to the rural poor honey hunters. Honey is a supplementary income<br />
to many of these people (including school children) in the Marang district, Terengganu. Apis dorsata colonies<br />
are hunted during the honey season in flowering period between May to October. Increase in the number of<br />
honey hunters in Marang area shows the importance of Apis dorsata and its honey for local people. To make any<br />
decision for improving honey products from Apis dorsata, vegetation mapping is essential to provide information<br />
about trees and flowers which are sources of nectar and pollen for Apis dorsata.In this study, Marang area with<br />
270 square kilometers was chosen as pilot study area in Terengganu state for mapping Melalueca Cajuputi and<br />
Acacia auriculiformis as two dominant species in low land secondary forest. To inventory and produce land use<br />
map of Melaleuca forest in Marang area, in this study, SPOT-5 satellite image in multispectral mode with 10<br />
meter resolution which acquired in 2007 as optical satellite were utilised. Most images from optical satellites had<br />
some null data from ground because of clouds and shadow of clouds. To solve this problem, Hue, Saturation and<br />
Value (HSV) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used as fusion techniques to replace null data with<br />
microwave data which taken from Radarsat-1 image in C-band with 25 meter resolution image. Accordingly,<br />
fusiontechniques which were used in this research show that statistically fusion technique has better results than<br />
color related technique for mapping Melaleuca forest.<br />
Keywords: Fusion, optical, SAR, RADARSAT-1, SPOT-5, Marang, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
18
Immobilised Periphytic Microalgae for Rapid and Efficient Removal of Toxic<br />
Compounds from Water<br />
Prof Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Shariff Mohamed Din<br />
Fatimah Md. Yusoff, Sanjoy Banerjee and Helena Khatoon<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8288; shariff@vet.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Microalgae, water treatment, immobilisation, toxic compounds<br />
H5 DNA Vaccine Encoding Mycobacterium Gene as Genetic Adjuvant Improved<br />
Avian Influenza Virus Immune Responses in Chickens<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Omar<br />
Mehdi Rasoli, Babak Jalilian, Sara Oveissi, Aini Ideris, Mohd. Hair Bejo, Noorjahan Banu Alitheen, Khatijah<br />
Yusoff, Fatemeh Jahanshiri, Sharifah Syed Hassan and Maizan Mohamed<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2102; aro@ibs.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: H5N1, DNA Vaccine, adjuvant, mycobacterium genes with immunomodulatory properties<br />
19<br />
Agriculture<br />
Current technologies for treatment of water or wastewater are a slow process which takes several days.<br />
Thus wastewater is retained for several days in facultative or high rate oxidation ponds. In aquaculture practices<br />
nutrients such as ammonia, nitrite and phosphorous loaded effluent are usually discharged without treatment<br />
thus polluting the environment. In aquaculture hatcheries, daily exchange of water is required to dilute the toxic<br />
effect of nutrients which is generated from feeding and defecation. Daily exchange of water increases the risk<br />
of introducing disease agents along with the water supply. Microalgae are used extensively in the treatment of<br />
wastewater because of their ability to sequester large amounts of nutrients and other pollutants. However, one<br />
of the major bottlenecks is separation of algal biomass from the treated water being low in efficiency and due to<br />
higher cost. The present finding provides rapid and effective solution to the issues related to water or wastewater<br />
treatment with the use of periphytic microalgae immobilised in the form of beads. The technique uses alginate<br />
to immobilize selected purified periphytic microalgae to rapidly reduce toxic compounds such as total ammonia<br />
nitrogen (TAN), nitrite (NO2-N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) from water. Results showed that<br />
immobilized periphytic microalgae significantly and rapidly reduced TAN and NO2-N from 7.0 mg/L to 0.0 mg/L<br />
in 1 day. Soluble reactive phosphorous was also reduced significantly from 7.0 mg/L to 2.1mg/L within two days.<br />
In comparison, un-immobilized periphytic microalgae take 3-7 days to reduce toxic compounds from water. With<br />
the reduction of toxic compounds from the water, the water can be re-used or discharged into the environment<br />
safely and helped to retain the normal flora and fauna of the water bodies. The immobilization of periphytic<br />
microalgae is a low cost technology which is environmental friendly having commercialisation potential.<br />
Studies have shown that DNA vaccine is an attractive approach in vaccination compared to the conventional<br />
approach using inactivated and live vaccines. However, DNA vaccine has several limitations including not able<br />
to induce strong immune responses. Prudent farm biosecruity and vaccination are important strategies to control<br />
outbreaks of avian influenza virus H5N1 in chickens since it is not feasible to implement stamping out program<br />
of chickens surrounding outbreak areas. It has been established that bacteria such as Mycobacterium is able to<br />
elicit strong cell-mediated immune responses. In addition, Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG), a vaccine<br />
for tuberculosis is a proven adjuvant in vaccination and immunotherapy against several infectious diseases and<br />
cancer, respectively. In this study we explore the application of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium<br />
bovis encoded genes such as Esat-1, HSP70 and MDP-1 as genetic adjuvant in chickens vaccinated with avian<br />
influenza virus H5 DNA vaccine. Chickens that were vaccinated with H5 DNA vaccine with Esat-1, HSP70 and<br />
MDP-1, respectively, developed stronger immune responses compared to chickens vaccinated with H5 alone.<br />
This study shows for the first time that Mycobacterium encoded gene are potential genetic adjuvant for the<br />
development of effective H5 DNA vaccine in chickens.
Agriculture<br />
Economic Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture<br />
Prof. Dr. Mad Nasir Shamsudin<br />
Hairuddin Mohd. Amir and Alias Radam<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4170; nasir@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Environmental protection is a basic element of sustainable agricultural development. Agricultural production<br />
practices, however, can cause negative externalities. One main concern of the externality is the negative effects<br />
of pesticide use. This has motivated the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. This study<br />
attempts to evaluate the economic benefits of IPM to address the widespread misuse of pesticides in cabbage<br />
production. IPM application in cabbage production includes initiatives on the optimal use of pesticides,<br />
complementary weed control strategies, and alternative cultural and biological controls. Results of this study<br />
showed that the programme would generate economic benefits which include improvements in water quality,<br />
food safety, pesticide application safety, and long term sustainability of pest management systems.Thus there is<br />
justification for public investment of resources in training and educational programs to increase awareness about<br />
IPM and promote IPM adoption.<br />
Keywords: Integrated pest management, economic benefits, cabbage production<br />
New Nano-emulsion System in Weeds Control Formulations<br />
Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri<br />
Lim Chaw Jiang, Dzolkifli Omar, Abu Bakar Salleh and Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman and Raja Noor<br />
Zaliha Raja Abdul Rahman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7266; mahiran@science.upm.edu.my<br />
The global pesticides production is amounted to 1.5 - 2.5 million tons of active ingredients (AIs) annually.<br />
However, less than 0.1% conventionally applied pesticides reaches the target sites, with the pesticides being lost<br />
via spray drift, off-target deposition, run-off and photodegradation. To minimize the pesticides dissipation, one<br />
of the most important ways is to increase the penetration of AIs into plant foliage. A new nano-emulsion system<br />
containing oil phase, surfactants and water, offers large surface area for absorption with the droplet size extremely<br />
small (20-200nm), and uniformly distributed, thus provides enhanced and rapid penetration. Glyphosate<br />
isopropylamine (IPA), a water-soluble herbicide active, the penetration through hydrophobic epicuticular wax<br />
and cuticle are the main barriers. Oil phase in nano-emulsion could make glyphosate increases its bioavailability<br />
to penetrate and translocate well into the waxy layers of leaves. Water in the nano-emulsion system provides<br />
hydration and solubilisation medium to the hydrophilic glyphosate in the foliar uptake. The nano-emulsion system<br />
uses less surfactant than commercial herbicide (Roundup®), reduces the great impact to the environment. The use<br />
of renewable resources of nonionic surfactant, alkylpolyglucosides (APG), and vegetable oils of fatty acid methyl<br />
esters (FAMEs), in the nano-emulsion system to replace the toxic surfactant polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA) in<br />
Roundup®, renders good biodegradability, environmentally friendly and economic viability to foster sustainable<br />
agriculture. The surface tensions of the nano-emulsion systems are extremely low at 24.0 - 27.0 mN/m. The nanoemulsion<br />
formulations showed very good control on weeds Asystasia gangetica, Diodia ocimifolia, Eleusine<br />
indica and Paspalum conjugatum.<br />
Keywords: Nano-emulsio esters, pesticides, sustainable agriculture<br />
20
Variation of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Progenies Responses to High<br />
Aluminium Concentrations in Solution Culture<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hanafi Musa<br />
Syed Omar Syed Rastan, Mohd. Rafii Yusof and Jose Alvaro Cristancho Rodriguez<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7842; mmhanafi@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Elaeis guineensis, oil palm, aluminium, photosynthesis, oxalic acid SPAD chlorophyll value<br />
Pilot Scale Recovery of Organic Acids from Treated Palm Oil Mill Effleunt (POME)<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Tabassum Mumtaz, Suraini Abd-Aziz, Nor’Aini Abdul Rahman, Phang Lai Yee and Yoshihito Shirai<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7514; phaglaiyee@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Keyword: Acidogenesis, anaerobic treatment, organic acid, palm oil mill effluent, recovery.<br />
21<br />
Agriculture<br />
Aluminium (Al) phytotoxicity is one of the important soil constraints that limits crop yields. The objectives<br />
of this study were to investigate how growth, physiology, nutrient content and organic acid concentration were<br />
affected by Al, and to assess the degree of Al-tolerance in different oil palm progenies (OPPs). Four progenies<br />
[‘A’ (Angola dura × Angola dura), ‘B’ (Nigerian dura × Nigerian dura), ‘C’ (Deli dura × AVROS pisifera), and<br />
‘D’ (Deli dura × Dumpy AVROS pisifera)] were subjected to different Al concentrations (0, 100 and 200 µM)<br />
in aerated Hoagland’s solution at pH 4.4 for 80 days. We observed a severe reduction (57.5%) in shoot dry<br />
weight. Root-tips were reduced by 46.5% at 200 µM Al. In ‘B’ and ‘C’ progenies, the majority of macro- and<br />
micronutrients were reduced significantly in different proportions by 200 µM Al, with Mg being lowered at more<br />
than 50% in roots and shoots. The concentration of 200 µM Al resulted in 56.50% reduction in the total leaf<br />
area followed by net photosynthetic rate (20%) and SPAD chlorophyll value in the third leaf (17%). Root-tips<br />
(0-5 mm) showed a significant increase of oxalic acid content with increasing Al concentrations (~5.86-fold).<br />
Progeny ‘A’ had the highest concentration of oxalic acid. There was a significant interaction of Al concentrations<br />
× progenies on total leaf numbers, root volume, lateral root length, Mg and K in both tissues, and Ca and N in<br />
shoot. The OPPs could be ranked in their tolerance to Al as: ‘A’ > ‘D’ > ‘B’ > ‘C’.<br />
In this study, low molecular weight organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acids<br />
generated from partial anaerobic treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) were recovered using pilot scale<br />
filtration and evaporation system. Mechanical filter press (14 L) was used for removing solid fractions and<br />
fraction distillation unit (40 L) for evaporation and clarification of concentrated acid from POME. Clarification<br />
using rotary evaporator was found to be more suitable than distillation column. Due to the presence of more<br />
than 90% of water in POME, the final clarified roduct comprises only 7% of the total volume. The material<br />
balance for the overall process was estimated and integrated system for the bioconversion of organic acids into<br />
olyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) was proposed. The recovery of organic acids has a significant and economical<br />
impact, since around 50% cost of PHA production is believed to be associated with the substrate itself.
Agriculture<br />
Efficient Recovery Method for Intracellular Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Nonsolvent<br />
System<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Mitra Mohammadi, Nor Asma Abd Razak, Chong Mei Ling, Yoshihito Shirai, Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus, Suraini Abd. Aziz, Amirul<br />
Al-Ashraf Abdullah, Hasfalina Che Man, Siti Nor Syairah Anis and Phang Lai Yee<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7514; phaglaiyee@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polyesters of various hydroxyalkanoates, which are accumulated as<br />
carbon and energy storage materials in various microorganisms usually under the condition of limiting nutritional<br />
elements but in the presence of excess carbon source. PHAs have been drawing much attention as promising<br />
substitutes for chemically synthesized polymers due to their similar mechanical properties to petroleum-derived<br />
plastics and complete biodegradability. Currently, methods of PHA extraction and purification from bacterial<br />
suspension use solvent or halogenated-based approaches which are costly and possess severe environmental<br />
damage. This invention describes a cost-effective method for recovery and purification of PHA from freeze-dried<br />
cell by using water.<br />
Keywords: Freeze-drying, water extraction, bioplastic, recovery, purification<br />
Improving Seed Viability and Vigour through Bio-priming<br />
Prof. Dr. Sariah Meon<br />
Most. Mahbuba Begum and Yasmeen Siddiqui<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8967; sariahm@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is one of the most important legume crops, grown for its quality<br />
protein and vegetable oil for human and animal consumption. Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum<br />
truncatum is the most destructive seed-borne disease, affecting seed viability and vigour resulting in reduced<br />
seed germination and seedling establishment. Fungicides have been used to control seed-borne fungi of soybean.<br />
However, increasing concern regarding possible risks associated with fungicides has given an impetus to search<br />
for alternative strategies for mitigating losses in seed vigour. Bio-priming of seeds using biological control agents<br />
(BCA) offers an alternative to fungicides. Bio-priming generates an environment for BCAs to proliferate on the<br />
seed surface through increase moisture and nutrient uptake from seed exudates. The in vitro study indicated that<br />
two fungal isolates Trichoderma harzianum (UPM40) and T. virens (UPM23), and a bacterium P. aeruginosa<br />
(UPM13B8) demonstrated antagonistic activities against C. truncatum using both dual culture and culture filtrate<br />
tests with percentage inhibition in mycelial growth of >80%. The efficacy of bio-priming for the control of<br />
damping-off in soybean and seedling establishment using these isolates was evaluated under field conditions.<br />
All bio-priming treatments significantly reduced pre- and post-emergence damping-off relative to controls. In<br />
general, bio-priming with P. aeruginosa was the most effective treatment for controlling pre and post-emergence<br />
damping-off, with percentage disease reductions of 50 % and 81%, respectively. Moreover, P. aeruginosa resulted<br />
in enhancement of seed germination and healthy seedling stand. Bio-priming with T. harzianum reduced pre- and<br />
post-emergence damping-off by 44 % and 60 %, respectively. However, P. aeruginosa was generally comparable<br />
to T. harzianum and the fungicide Benlate®. Therefore, bio-priming can be used to increase agro-productivity for<br />
sustainable agriculture.<br />
Keywords: Bio-priming, biological control, agro-productivity, sustainable agriculture<br />
22
Shrimp Fishery: Genetic Structure of Planktonic Shrimp, Acetes japonicus<br />
(Decapoda: Sergestidae) of the Straits of Malacca Waters<br />
Prof. Dr. Siti Shapor Hj. Siraj<br />
Dania Aziz<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4172; shaporsiraj@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Acetes shrimp, population characteristic, peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Tracing of Phylogeny through Chromosomal Approaches in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Catfishes<br />
Keywords: <strong>Malaysia</strong>n catfishes, karyotyping<br />
Prof. Dr. Siti Shapor Hj. Siraj<br />
Siti Khalijah Daud, Ratiah Sukardi and Jothi Panandam<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4172; shaporsiraj@yahoo.com<br />
23<br />
Agriculture<br />
Genomic DNA of sergestid shrimp, Acetes japonicus was successfully extracted by using the Promega<br />
Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit. Population genetic characterization of A. japonicus along the western<br />
coast of Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> (state of Perak, Malacca, and Kedah) was examined using the Random Amplified<br />
Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. Twenty oligonucleotides from operon a kit were used to screen the<br />
populations, of which six were able to be amplified (OPA03, OPA04, OPA07, OPA09, OPA10, OPA16). The<br />
percentages of polymorphic bands of the three populations investigated varied from 57.77% to 87.77%. Genetic<br />
distances between populations and cluster analysis from UPGMA grouped the populations into two major<br />
clusters. The Perak and Malacca populations were in one cluster, while the Kedah population was clustered by<br />
itself, indicating a different population. The genetic distance was highest 0.0999 for the Kedah and the Malacca<br />
populations while lowest value was 0.0413 for the Perak and the Malacca populations, which probably have a<br />
closed ancestral relationship. The results of this study suggested that RAPD analysis, if carried out carefully and<br />
accurately would give a good indication of the separation between individuals of different populations and are<br />
suitable for identification of closely related genotypes.<br />
Karyotyping is one of the useful tools in species identification, taxonomy, evolutionary and breeding<br />
selection. The importance of this study is to provide documentation on the karyotypic structure of selected catfishes<br />
and generates genetic marker for species identification. To date, little information on karyotyping of freshwater<br />
catfishes were documented. The aims of this study were to determine and differentiate the karyotypic structure and<br />
fundamental arm numbers of selected catfish families namely: Bagridae, Clariidae and Pangasiidae for species<br />
identification. Five fishes of Family Bagridae (Pahang) and three to eighteen catfishes from Family Clariidae<br />
(Kelantan, Pahang, Sarawak, Johor and Selangor) were used. Only four catfishes from Family Pangasiidae were<br />
collected from Perak and Pahang. The fish samples ranging from 23 - 300 g in weight and 16 - 40 cm in standard<br />
length were used to obtain the chromosomes from the first pair of gill filaments by subjecting to a combination<br />
of colchicine and phytohaemagglutinin (m-form) for arresting a mitotic division. The slides were prepared by<br />
flame drying technique and stained with giemsa solution for observation. The karyotype of each species was<br />
arranged according to size, type and structure such as metacentric (M), submetacentric (SM), subtelocentric<br />
(ST) and acrocentric/telocentric (A/T). The diploid chromosome numbers ranged from 2n equal to 52 (Clarias<br />
nieuhofii); 54 (Clarias macrocephalus, Clarias batrachus); 56 (Hemibagrus nemurus and Clarias gariepinus)<br />
and 60 (Pangasius pangasius and Pangasius sutchi). The fundamental arm numbers ranged from 92-100 (Clarias<br />
macrocephalus; Clarias batrachus; Clarias gariepinus; and Clarias nieuhofii) in Clariidae; 103-104 in Bagridae<br />
(Hemibagrus nemurus) and 96-102 in Pangasiidae (Pangasius pangasius and Pangasius sutchi).
Agriculture<br />
Increasing Phosphate use Efficiency of Oil Palm through the Use of Appropriate<br />
Promoters from Selected Oil Palm Genotypes<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaharah A. Rahman<br />
Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6932; zaharah@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Increasing the yield of oil palm in <strong>Malaysia</strong> depends much on the application of fertilisers due to oil palm<br />
high nutrient demand, uptake and removal. <strong>Malaysia</strong>n soils are highly weathered, acidic and inherently low in<br />
phosphate (P) and have high P fixing capacities, making P unavailable for plant uptake. P fertiliser is the third<br />
most applied to oil palm to optimise and sustain high yields. Over the years, this has resulted in substantial P<br />
accumulation in the oil palm soils. This could lead to eutrophication effects to ground water and other water<br />
source. In light of this, a concept of “tailoring the plant to fit the soil” should be implemented in plant and soil<br />
research. Instead of altering the fertility status of the soil to accommodate the plant nutrient demand, plants with<br />
better P uptake should be used. Adopting plants with better nutrient uptake efficiency means more environmentally<br />
friendly and ecologically feasible strategy to improve the growth of plant in low phosphorus soil. Our study has<br />
shown differences in P uptake (12-46%) among oil palm genotypes by means of P-32 radioisotope study. The<br />
significant difference of oil palm in P uptake implies that good planting materials with high P uptake ability could<br />
optimise the usage of P fertiliser input. The presence of high affinity phosphate transporters was successfully<br />
detected. We used a protein probe to locate the phosphate transporters in oil palm roots. By measuring the probe<br />
activity in the root, we are able to measure the uptake ability of P by oil palm genotypes. The outcome of the<br />
study will help in breeding superior oil palm genotypes for efficient P uptake ability. Our research aligns with the<br />
concept of “tailoring the plant to fit the soil” in improving crop production in a more environmentally friendly<br />
manner to benefit mankind.<br />
Keywords: Oil palm genotypes, P use efficiency, high affinity phosphate transporters<br />
Nitrogen Uptake by Some Upland Rice Landraces and Their Relationships to Root<br />
Characteristics<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaharah A. Rahman<br />
Mohamed Hanafi Musa<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6932; zaharah@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Nitrogen is the most limiting plant nutrient that controls the growth and yield of rice and most other plants.<br />
Currently, farmers in Asia typically apply 86 to 136 kg N ha-1, while in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, up to 170 kg N ha-1 has been<br />
proposed. Increased N application is not advocated due to high cost of N fertilisers and from environmental<br />
perspective, excess N fertiliser use has been associated to eutrophication of surface and ground water resulting<br />
from leaching of excess nitrates. The size and architecture of the root system is an important variable ensuring<br />
adequate access to soil N. The architecture of the root is determined by the pattern of root branching and the size<br />
of the root relative to the rest of the plant. It has been predicted that in the next 30 years, increase of up to 60%<br />
of the current rice yield must be targeted to sustain the population consumption of rice. Most of the crop varieties<br />
grown in the developed world have been bred under conditions of high fertiliser input, while the indigenous<br />
upland rice grown by most small farmers have not been tested for their N uptake efficiencies, since they have<br />
been normally grown with minimal fertiliser input. This experiment was carried out where eight local upland<br />
rice landraces and two genotypes obtained from Africa Rice Center (WARDA) were screened for their root<br />
architectural characteristics and to relate to N uptake efficiency using N-15 labelled ammonium sulpahte. Our<br />
study showed that total N uptake from fertilizer ranges from 60.98 kg/ha to 120.98 kg/ha and N use efficiency<br />
ranges from 40.65 to 80.65. Variety Merah showed the most efficient N uptake, with 120.98 kg/ha, corresponding<br />
to 80.65% N fertiliser use efficiency. Total N uptake g/plot showed positive correlation with root surface area<br />
(r=0.37751) and root volume (r=0.41346).<br />
Keywords: Upland rice, root characteristics, nitrogen fertiliser, nitrogen use efficiency<br />
24
Concerns for Halalness of Halal-labelled Food Products among Muslim Consumers<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: Evaluation of Selected Demographic Factors<br />
Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Mohamed<br />
Golnaz Rezai and Mad Nasir Shamsudin<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4121; zam@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Consumers concern, halalness, halal food products, religiosity, halal logo<br />
Soil Physical Properties Calculator<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Amin Mohd. Soom<br />
Aimrun Wayayok and Mastura Mohamed<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6427; amin@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Soil texture, soil apparent electrical conductivity, particle size distribution, saturated hydraulic conductivity<br />
25<br />
Agriculture<br />
The introduction of Halal logo by the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) has triggered<br />
a greater awareness among the Muslim communities about the importance of consuming products or engaging in<br />
services that follow Islamic guidelines and principles. Unfortunately there is a lack of enforcement in monitoring<br />
the usage of certified Halal logo causing the public to question the validity of some of the products that are<br />
claimed to be Halal. This Paper focuses on the concerns of Muslim consumers in <strong>Malaysia</strong> about the Halalness<br />
of manufactured foods which carry Halal logo. Cross-sectional consumer data were collected in a survey of 1,560<br />
Muslim respondents in 2008. The results of this study show the consumers from East part of Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>;<br />
with higher level religiosity and also education level of are more likely to be concerned about the Halal status of<br />
food products. Understanding of the extant of consumers’ concerns towards the Halalness of Halal labeled food<br />
products from the religious viewpoint and relevant policy formulation in ensuring Halalness of food products are<br />
vital in order to make <strong>Malaysia</strong> a successful World Halal Food Hub by 2020.<br />
The study on sensor-based measurement such as Veris 3100 and soil particle size distribution (PSD) related<br />
to soil quality is useful for precision farming. It helps in determining soil variability and root growth which can<br />
be used in site specific management. The main purpose of the study was to determine whether sensor-based<br />
apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) could be used as indicator of soil texture. A model of the soil physical<br />
properties can be developed based on the ECa values. This ECa sensor was pulled across 380 ha paddy field and<br />
used in conjunction with Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver. ECa data were geo-referenced<br />
to create spatial variability map. Soil samples were taken by referring to the ECa zones and located by using<br />
RTK GPS. The samples were sent to the laboratory to analyse the Particle Size Distribution (PSD) using pipette<br />
method and the textural class were determined by Texture Auto Lookup (TAL) using Excel. From mean of soil<br />
distribution size, the soil texture class for the study area was silty clay. The correlations analysis shows that deep<br />
ECa and percentage of clay were significantly correlated with r=0.701**. Significant correlation were found for<br />
deep ECa and the percentage of sand(r=0.479**) and for silt, (r=0.533**). From the results, the study shows that<br />
the relation of PSD to deep ECa has high significance. Therefore ECa can be used to predict soil PSD of paddy<br />
soils in the study area. The model developed from the regression analysis, can be used as an estimator of other<br />
soil properties. Consequently, the saturated hydraulic conductivity or deep percolation rate of the soil can also be<br />
estimated from the calculated soil textures. A graphical user interface was created to show the various estimated<br />
textures and percolation rate of the paddy soils.
Agriculture<br />
Antioxidative Enzymes as Biochemical Markers in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Rice (Oryza sativa<br />
L.) Cultivars under Submergence Condition<br />
Prof. Dr. Maziah Mahmood<br />
Revandy Iskandar Damanik, Mohd. Razi Ismail, Syahida Ahmad and Abd. Mohd. Zain<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences,<br />
University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6703; maziahm@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Submergence is the major risk factor limiting yield in several lowland rice-growing areas in South and<br />
South-East Asia, especially in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Although, the rice plant is one of the few crop species that can live<br />
permanently waterlogged soils, it is unable to survive if it is completely submerged in water for an extended period.<br />
Physiological comparisons between contrasting abiotic stress tolerant cultivars will improve the understanding<br />
of stress-tolerant mechanisms. The potential involvement of activated oxygen species by submergence stress<br />
was studied in two <strong>Malaysia</strong>n rice cultivars, MR219-4 and MR219-9, and cultivar FR13A which is known to be<br />
tolerant to submergence. Seedlings of these three rice cultivars were subjected to different submergence periods<br />
(4, 8 and 12 days). Under 8 days of complete submergence, FR13A cultivar showed higher lipid peroxidation in<br />
terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and activities of antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD),<br />
catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) when compared to the MR219-4<br />
and MR219-9 cultivars. MR219-9 cultivar showed higher SOD (1.3 fold), APX (1.8 fold) and GR (3.6 fold)<br />
activities after 12 days of submergence when compared to FR13A. The levels of SOD activity indicated that<br />
detoxification of O2.- to H2O2 was maintained at a stable level throughout the submergence stress until up to 8<br />
days and increased rapidly at 12 days of submergence. The results indicated that tolerance to submergence in rice<br />
is associated until 8 days submergence for MR219-4 and FR13A cultivars, but mechanism in MR219-9 cultivar is<br />
associated until 12 days submergence. These findings suggested that tolerance to submergence stress in rice may<br />
be proved by increasing the capacity of antioxidative system.<br />
Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Lipid peroxidase, cultivars, periods of stress, rice, submergence stress<br />
Improved Plantlet Production by Scalp Formation in Tissue Cultured Bananas<br />
Prof. Dr. Maziah Mahmood<br />
Siamak Shirani, Sariah Moen and Zakaria Wahab<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6703; maziahm@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Shoot tip cultures produce only maximum 3.44, 7.07 and 4.22 shoots per explants in Berangan Intan, Rastali<br />
and Berangan, respectively, with the optimum concentration of BAP (22.2 ?M), but SCALPs which consist<br />
of several fleshy bulbous structures possessing highly proliferating meristems, are able to produce at least the<br />
average number of 11.67, 14.33 and 9 shoots per explants in Berangan Intan, Rastali and Berangan, respectively,<br />
with similar level of BAP treatment (22.2 ?M). Therefore, they can be a good replacing source compared to shoot<br />
tips for rapidly mass propagation of bananas. The effect of cytokinins on scalp induction from in vitro propagating<br />
shoot tips of different banana (Musa spp. AAA and AAB) cultivars was investigated. Lower level of BAP (11.1<br />
?M) increased scalp induction. Kinetin caused an increase in scalp induction rate at higher concentration (22.2<br />
?M). The highest ratio of scalp formation (8.89) was recorded for Rastali at the highest concentration of TDZ<br />
(7.5 ?M), but for Berangan Intan and Berangan (AAA), TDZ increased scalp induction rate from 0.00 and 0.43<br />
at 0.5 ?M to 4.22 and 2.67 at 5 ?M respectively before falling to 2.11 for both at 7.5 ?M. BAP at 22.2 ?M was<br />
considered optimal for shoot proliferation as well as shoot elongation from excised scalps of banana cultivars.<br />
These scalps with high proliferating capacity can be used for mass clonal propagation which consequently can<br />
also be the preferred target material, for induced mutations and genetic engineering studies.<br />
Keywords: Scalp induction, banana, micropropagation, cytokinins<br />
26
Water Use and Growth Efficiency of Nine Varieties of Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf)<br />
Dr. Hazandy Abdul Hamid<br />
Nor Aini Ab. Shukor, Arifin Abdu, Mohd. Basri Hamzah, Baharom Zainal and Mohd. Hazimy Yusoff<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2173; hazandy@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Kenaf, water use efficiency, growth efficiency, biomass, BRIS soil<br />
Predict Location(s) of Apis dorsata Nesting Sites using Remote Sensing and<br />
Geographic Information System in Melalaeuca Forest<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mahdzir Mardan<br />
Mohammad Mehdi Saberioon, Laili Nordin, Alias Mohammad Sood and Asa Ggholizadeh<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4101; makhdzir@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Honeybee, Apis dorsata, honey, probiotic, lactic acid bacteria<br />
27<br />
Agriculture<br />
Attainment of targets for multiple production from plant-based products, Hibiscus cannabinus or well-known<br />
as Kenaf was selected as one of the national crops to be planted nationwide. With the intimate collaboration<br />
between INTROP and Lembaga Tembakau Negara (LTN), some preliminary investigations on upstream activities<br />
were carried out especially those related to the reliability of Kenaf planted in Beach Ridges Interspersed with<br />
Swales (BRIS) soils. Since BRIS area in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> covered an area of 162,000 ha, they should be<br />
exploited despite being physically and chemically imperfect. One of the main problems of BRIS is soils related<br />
to poor water holding capacity. Hence, ecophysiological study of Kenaf varieties was carried out involving<br />
water use efficiency (WUE) and growth efficiency (EG) of nine varieties of Kenaf. This pilot study was done in<br />
experimental plot, Taman Pertanian <strong>Universiti</strong>, UPM. The WUE and EG values were found significantly different<br />
between varieties. The WUE values ranged from 90.1 mmol mol-1 (Q-Ping) to 201.6 mmol mol-1 (KK60) and the<br />
EG values ranged from as low as 0.052 g cm-2 month-1 (V19) to 0.196 g cm-2 month-1 (Q-Ping). The contrasting<br />
results obtained for Q-Ping variety have led to the derivation of regression analysis. The slope coefficient revealed<br />
that WUE of Q-Ping variety estimated from plotting Amax against Gsmax was 0.219 and found higher than the<br />
other varieties. The allocations of mass between aboveground and belowground were similar among varieties<br />
except TK. Based on WUE and EG, these preliminary results showed that the early flowering varieties; Q-Ping<br />
and KK60 are the most promising varieties to be planted in BRIS soil compared to the rest even though their<br />
biomass production was slightly less compared to V132, V133 and V19. However, rigid conclusion on the<br />
appropriate variety cannot be made so far. Sample size and study site need to be expanded.<br />
The aim of this study was to isolate and identify novel potential probiotic Lactobacillus using culture method<br />
and applies polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Seventeen Lactobacillus strains<br />
were isolated from the fully honeycomb of honeybee Apis dorsata using selective media. The 16S rRNA genes<br />
from extracted DNA of bacterial colonies were amplified with PCR using lactobacilli genus primers. All bacterial<br />
16S rRNA genes were sequenced, alignment and the distant bacteria deposited in GenBank. The Lactobacillus<br />
strains were identified as Lactobacillus sp. related-sequences (64.15%) with other abundant sequences being<br />
related to Lactobacillus kunkeei (34.85%). However, it appears that Apis dorsata honeycombs could be a source<br />
of new bacteria. These strains could be good candidates for potential application as probiotics in honeybee and<br />
also as natural food preservatives, which also suggests their possible use in the food industry.
Food
Polyphenols Powder: Creating the Value of Guava Puree Industrial Waste<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amin Ismail<br />
Abd. Razak Ismail, Kong Kin Weng, Azizah Othman and Tan Seok Tyug<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 1287; amin@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
In the Third National Agricultural Policy (NAP3) (1998-2010), developing new high value products<br />
from agricultural wastes and by-products would further improve our productivity and global competitiveness.<br />
Food processing by-products might potentially consist of high valuable bioactive components. <strong>Malaysia</strong> is one<br />
of the largest pink guava (Psidium guajava) puree exporters in the world which produces about 3000 metric<br />
tonnes annually which is 20% of the world guava puree. In the production of pink guava puree, large amount<br />
of by-products are generated during crushing, refining and sieving stages namely refiner, siever and decanter,<br />
respectively. Utilisation of the by products in the creation of high market value products can minimise the cost and<br />
by-products disposal problems. Refined by-product is a by-product fraction that is rich in guava seeds and peels.<br />
It was found to have the highest polyphenols content. Polyphenols have received much attention because of their<br />
antioxidant properties in food, nutrition and health. This work was focused in optimising the extraction conditions<br />
to obtain the maximum amounts of guava polyphenols using response surface methodology. Different extraction<br />
parameters evaluated were (i) temperature, (ii) pH and (iii) time. The model obtained produced satisfactory fitting<br />
the experimental data with regard to polyphenols content (R2= 0.902, P= 0.001). The best extraction conditions<br />
for the guava polyphenols could be obtained at 60 ºC for five hours using 80% ethanol at pH 2. This invention<br />
could produce guava polyphenols-rich powder that can be exploited as halal functional food ingredients.<br />
Keywords: Psidium guajava, industrial waste, extraction, polyphenols powder, halal antioxidant<br />
Recovery of Squalene from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate using Supercritical Fluid<br />
Extraction<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Badlishah Sham Baharin<br />
Norhidayah Suleiman, Md. Zaidul Islam Sarker and Seyed Hamed Mirhosseini<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8355; badli@food.upm.edu.my<br />
Currently, the high demand on squalene in pure form is because of the potential benefits in human being.<br />
The objective of this study is to develop a processing procedure to extract squalene from palm fatty acid distillate<br />
(PFAD) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and to improve the recovery of squalene from PFAD by<br />
applying pressure swing technique in the extraction process. The process consists mainly elimination of free<br />
fatty acids normally occurring in PFAD by applying enzymatic hydrolysis and followed by neutralization.<br />
The concentrated PFAD is then extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide using pressure swing technique.<br />
Relationship between the squalene yield and experimental conditions such as temperature, pressure and holding<br />
time for pressure swing was studied. The significant differences in volatility and solubility between squalene and<br />
other compounds in PFAD required the conditions for squalene extraction at the highest solubility of squalene.<br />
The squalene yield gradually increased with the increase of temperature and holding time. Results obtained are<br />
applicable to processes for extracting squalene from PFAD at optimal process conditions.<br />
Keywords: Supercritical fluid extraction, squalene, palm fatty acid distillate<br />
29<br />
Food
Food<br />
Potential Starter Culture to Inhibit Biogenic Amines Accumulation during Fish<br />
Sauce Fermentation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Abu Bakar<br />
Muhammad Zukhrufuz Zaman, Jinap Selamat and Jamilah Bakar<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8375; fatim@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
This study was carried out to assess biogenic amines degradation activity of several bacteria isolated from<br />
fish sauce, and examined their potential to inhibit amines accumulation during fish sauce fermentation. Eight<br />
strains of bacteria were evaluated for their ability to degrade histamine, putrescine and cadaverine in a phosphate<br />
buffer supplemented medium with 100 ppm of each amine. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FS-05 and Staphylococcus<br />
carnosus FS-19 were able to degrade histamine up to 59.9% and 29.1% from its initial concentration within<br />
24 hours, respectively. Staphylococcus intermedius FS-20 and Bacillus subtilis FS-12 degraded putrescine and<br />
cadaverine up to 30.4% and 28.9%, respectively. Most of the isolates were tolerant to salt concentration up to<br />
15 %, temperature up to 45 ºC, and a wide range of pH (5-9. It is well known that histamine is the most active<br />
amines in fish sauce, thus Staphylococcus carnosus FS-19 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FS-05 were used<br />
as starter cultures and applied to fish sauce fermentation. Histamine content was reduced for about 27.7% and<br />
15.4% by Staphylococcus carnosus FS-19 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FS-05, respectively. Both cultures<br />
could also reduce other amines during fermentation. After 120 days of fermentation, the overall biogenic amines<br />
content was 15.9% and 12.5% less in samples inoculated with Staphylococcus carnosus FS-19 and Bacillus<br />
amyloliquefaciens FS-05, respectively, as compared to control samples. Biogenic amine degradation activity of<br />
the bacteria was considered as strain rather than species specific. Moreover, the findings of this study emphasized<br />
a potential benefit of bacteria with amines oxidase activity to inhibit biogenic amines accumulation when applied<br />
as starter cultures in fish sauce fermentation and perhaps other fermented foods.<br />
Keywords: Biogenic amines, amines degrading bacteria, histamine, fish sauce<br />
Effect of Different Pineapple Juice (Ananas comosus L.) Preparation on the<br />
Microstructure, Staling and Textural Properties of Wheat Bread<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lasekan Olusegun<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8535; lasekan@food.upm.edu.my<br />
The effect of adding different pineapple juice preparations on the microstructure, staling and textural<br />
properties of wheat bread were investigated. The loaves quality, crust and crumb color, and staling profile<br />
(crumb firmness, enthalpy) during storage were monitored. The micro-structural differences of crumbs were also<br />
examined using microtome and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results revealed that the specific volume<br />
of fresh loaves baked with concentrated pineapple juice (PJC) bread was not significantly (P = 0.05) different<br />
from that of control wheat bread (WB). Likewise, firmness of crumbs, number of crumb cells, area air cell, bake<br />
loss, volume yield, and crust and crumb color of the freshly baked PJC bread were not significantly (P = 0.05)<br />
different from the control WB. However, during storage, the retro gradation of starch in pineapple bread crumbs<br />
(PJC and pineapple juice [PJ] bread) was significantly (P = 0.05) retarded as compared with the control WB.<br />
While there was no significant (P = 0.05) textural differences between the crumbs of freshly produced PJC bread<br />
and the crumb of the control WB, staled breads revealed significant textural changes in their crumbs. Microtome<br />
and SEM revealed the presence of many starch granules on the surface of pore walls in the control WB, whereas<br />
the PJC bread contained starch gels cemented between starch granules. Gluten nets were found to be uniform and<br />
more oriented in the control WB than in the PJC bread. However, same gluten nets were dense and non-uniform<br />
in the PJ bread.<br />
Keywords: Pineapple juice concentrate, wheat bread, texture, microstructure, staling<br />
30
A Miracle of Mushroom: A Booster for Healthy Gut<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Aida Firdaus Muhammad Nurul Azmi, Mohd. Hamim Hamdan Mustafa, Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 6541; shuhaimi@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Mushroom is a kind of fungi with a soft and fleshy body. More than 2000 species out of 12 000 species were<br />
claimed to be edible. The ancient Chinese believed that, the consumption of mushroom (like shiitake) could help<br />
in maintaining good health. Ganoderma lucidum is one of the famous mushrooms used in traditional Chinese<br />
medicine. The therapeutic effects of these mushrooms are due to its polysaccharides content. Many researchers<br />
have been conducted in other to prove the significant medicinal effect – antioxidant, antitumor, anticancer – of<br />
mushroom scientifically. These include the discoveries of prebiotic properties from the crude polysaccharides of<br />
G. lucidum (GLCP). GLCP were obtained using hot water extraction method. Prebiotic activity of GLCP was<br />
tested against probiotic bacteria namely: Bifidobacterium longum BB536 in 10 mL basal Trypticase Phytone<br />
Yeast (abbreviated as bTPY) medium (without glucose) supplemented with various concentrations of GLCP<br />
(abbreviated as bTPYglcp) (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%). bTPY medium supplemented with glucose (abbreviated<br />
as bTPYglu) and inulin (abbreviated bTPYinu) were used as comparison. Viable cell counts of the bacteria and<br />
the pH of the medium were determined during anaerobic incubation at 0h, 12hours, 24hours and 48hours at 37°C.<br />
In the presence of carbohydrate source, cultures showed various degree of growth increment. With regard to<br />
the growth supporting property: B. longum BB536 showed greater growth in medium supplemented with 0.5%<br />
GLCP (8.63 log cfu/mL) as compared to basal medium (7.31 log cfu/mL) at 24hours of incubation time. These<br />
gave about 30% probiotic growth increment (in bTPYglcp) and only 10% increment in bTPY. The pH was noted<br />
to drop from 6.8 to 4.5 in bTPYglcp and pH 6.8 to 5.8 in bTPY after 24hours of incubation. These showed that<br />
probiotic bacteria was favoured to survive in medium supplemented with GLCP three time greater as compared<br />
to the basal medium.<br />
Keywords: Mushroom, prebiotic, gut health<br />
Halal Encapsulation for Bifidobacteria (PI 2010001376)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Khalilah Abdul Khalil, Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap, Arbakariya Ariff and Rosfarizan Mohamad<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 6541; shuhaimi@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
This invention describes encapsulation process for bifidobacteria delivery in a mammal (preferably human<br />
or animal), where the bead includes Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4 and encapsulation matrix. The<br />
encapsulation matrix includes gelatin, a cross linker and sodium alginate. The encapsulation matrix showed<br />
good entrapping properties to the bacterium tested. The comparison of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4<br />
encapsulation yields (%) between bovine gelatin-containing matrix and porcine gelatin-containing matrix showed<br />
no significant different. Therefore, the halal encapsulation matrix/process developed in this study offers promising<br />
vehicle for the delivery of bifidobacteria and other active micromolecules into the targeted site which is the colon.<br />
Keywords: Halal, bifidobacteria, delivery system<br />
31<br />
Food
Food<br />
Equilibrium Headspace Analysis of Volatile Flavour Compounds Extracted from Soursop (Annona<br />
muricata) using Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry<br />
(GC×GC-TOFMS) with Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Kok Whye Cheong, Hamed Mirhosseini, Mahiran Basri, Azizah Osman, Nazimah Sheikh Abdul Hamid, Sung<br />
Tong Chin and Yaakob Che Man<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8418; tancp@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to comprehensive two-dimensional gas<br />
chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) was applied for equilibrium headspace<br />
analysis of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n soursop (Annona muricata) volatile flavor compounds. The influence of HS-SPME<br />
variables, namely sample concentration, salt concentration and sample amount, on the equilibrium headspace<br />
analysis of ten target volatile flavor compounds was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). A<br />
total of 135 compounds extracted using a CAR/PDMS fiber were successfully identified using GC×GC-TOFMS,<br />
of which 37 compounds, comprising 20 esters, 6 alcohols, 3 terpenes, 2 acids, 2 aromatics, 2 ketones and 2<br />
aldehydes, were identified as the main volatile aroma compounds of soursop flavour. The RSM results indicated<br />
that all response-surface models were significantly (p < 0.05) fitted for ten target volatile flavor compounds, with<br />
high R2 values ranging from 0.658 to 0.944. Multiple optimization results showed that extraction using a 76.6%<br />
(w/w) sample concentration, 20.2% (w/w) salt and 8.2 g of blended soursop pulp was predicted to provide the<br />
highest overall equilibrium headspace concentration for the target soursop volatile flavor compounds.<br />
Keywords: Headspace solid-phase microextraction, two-dimensional gas chromatography, time-of-flight mass spectrometry,<br />
equilibrium headspace analysis, soursop<br />
Extraction and Development of Reduced-fat (RF) Mayonnaise from Coconut<br />
Residue<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Siou Pei, Oi Ming Lai, Kamariah Long and Hamed Mirhosseini<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8418; tancp@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Coconut residue (CR) obtained after the extraction of coconut milk is potentially a good source of dietary<br />
fiber (DF), which mainly is cellulose and available in large quantities. In this study, dietary fiber contents of CR<br />
were extracted, characterized and incorporated as a valuable ingredient into reduced-fat (RF) mayonnaise. Waterwashed<br />
CR samples as well as the original samples were analyzed for their chemical composition, soluble dietary<br />
fiber (SDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF), and measurements were based on dry<br />
matter. Fractionated IDF was further treated into four fractions: cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses A and B. IDF,<br />
TDF, moisture, crude fat, protein and CHO (carbohydrate) values were significantly (P < 0.05) different between<br />
the samples. The TDF of the CR with treatment differed significantly (P < 0.05) between two different analytical<br />
methods. The cellulose contents were 72.67% and 72.33% for TDF in original and water-washed CR samples,<br />
respectively. The formulation of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion RF mayonnaise containing water, coconutbased<br />
cellulose (acting as a fat replacer and stabilizer in the O/W emulsion) and soybean oil was optimized using<br />
mixture design. Contour plots for physical properties were generated using the predictive model, and the optimal<br />
region for physical properties in this study was based on a full-fat (FF) products parameter. The results revealed<br />
that RF mayonnaise shows similarities with the FF products. Thus, this study shows a good potential of coconutbased<br />
cellulose to be used as a fat replacer in RF mayonnaise.<br />
Keywords: Coconut residue, cellulose, reduced-fat (RF), dietary fiber, mixture design<br />
32
Characterisation and Stabilisation of Pytochemical-rich Hylocereus polyrhizus Seed<br />
Oil by Microencapsulation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Hong Kwong Lim and Jamilah Bakar<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8418; tancp@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Hylocereus polyrhizus (red-skinned pitaya with red flesh) seed oil can serve as a potential new source of<br />
natural antioxidants. The tiny black pitaya seeds (size < 1.0 mm) present in significant amounts as a waste of<br />
pitaya juice processing, containing 18% of oil with a high degree of unsaturated fatty acid content. Linoleic, oleic<br />
and palmitic acids were the major fatty acids in the pitaya seed oil (PSO). Both ?-tocopherol and ?-tocopherol<br />
were detected and total tocopherol content in PSO was 43.50 mg/100 g. Abundance of ?-sitosterol was also found<br />
in PSO. Most commonly found phenolic compounds such as p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and protocatechuic acids<br />
were identified by liquid chromatographic analysis. In addition, spray-drying technique was used to encapsulate<br />
PSO. Sodium caseinate/ maltodextrin DE10 as wall material was homogenized with PSO to form an O/W<br />
emulsion and subsequently spray-dried into an encapsulated lipid powder. Shelf-life stability test: Oil Stability<br />
Index by Rancimat and Schaal oven test were conducted. The result reveals that sodium caseinate/maltodextrin<br />
DE10 can be used to protect PSO from oxidation and increase the shelf-life of PSO.<br />
Keywords: Hylocereus polyrhizus, pitaya seed oil, tocophero, phytosterol, encapsulation<br />
Preparation of Astaxanthin Nanodispersions using Multiple Emulsifier System via<br />
Emulsification-evaporation Technique<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Navideh Anarjan, Hamed Mirhosseini and Badlishah Sham Baharin<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8418; tancp@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
A top-down approach based on an emulsification-evaporation technique was used to prepare nanodispersions<br />
of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin can be used as supplement or colorant ingredient in food formulations and as a<br />
“nutraceutical”. However, it cannot be readily absorbed by the human body because of its poor bioavailability.<br />
The increase in bioavailability is due to the special characteristics of nanodispersions; it has been shown that<br />
nanosized-dispersion increases the surface areas and dissolution velocities of poorly soluble compounds, thus<br />
increasing their saturation solubility. Usually a blend of emulsifiers and stabilisers shows higher stabilisation<br />
functionality in a lower total concentration in comparison of using them individually. In this study, simplex<br />
centroid mixture design was used to study the interactions among pectin, sodium caseinate and sucrose oleate as<br />
a multiple emulsifier system on the formation of astaxanthin nanodispersions through emulsification-evaporation<br />
technique under optimised processing conditions. The multiple emulsifier system was considered as a mixture<br />
of these three ingredients, in which the interactions between two ingredients were not isolated from the third<br />
ingredient. The initial particle size and astaxanthin concentration, and changes of particle size and astaxanthin<br />
concentration after one month of storage were characterized via laser diffraction particle size analyzer and HPLC,<br />
respectively. For all studied responses, special cubic regression models with acceptable determination coefficient<br />
(>77%) have been obtained. The multiple-response optimization predicted that an emulsifier mixture of 44%<br />
sucrose oleate, 10% pectin and 46% sodium caseinate can be used to produce astaxanthin nanodispersions with<br />
minimum particle size and maximum astaxanthin concentration and also maximum physicochemical stability.<br />
Under these obtained proportions, no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the experimental and predicted<br />
values were observed, confirming the suitability of the regression models relating the independent and response<br />
variables studied.<br />
Keywords: Astaxanthin nanodispersions, emulsification-evaporation, emulsifier mixture, mixture design<br />
33<br />
Food
Food<br />
Sucrose Laureate Stabilised Water-soluble Phytosterol Nanodispersions:<br />
Characterisation and Stability Evaluation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Chin Ping<br />
Wai Fun Leong, Yaakob Che Man, Oi Ming Lai, Kamariah Long and Mitsutoshi Nakajima<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8418; tancp@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
This work aimed to develop a stable phytosterols water-soluble nanodispersions system. The objectives<br />
of this work were to characterize the sucrose laureate stabilized water-soluble phytosterol nanodispersions<br />
and investigate the effect of different temperature treatment on the optimized phytosterol nanodispersions. The<br />
sucrose laureate stabilized phytosterol nanodispersions were optimized using the response surface methodology.<br />
The optimized phytosterol nanodispersions were prepared by emulsification-evaporation technique using hexane<br />
as organic phase and ethanol as co-solvent. The stability of the phytosterol nanodispersions was also carried out at<br />
a storage temperature of 4°C for 12 weeks. The optimized phytosterol nanodispersions had a mean particle size of<br />
3 nm and highly loaded with phytosterol at concentration of 6.63g/l. The optimized phytosterol nanodispersions<br />
had a polydispersity index of 0.550 at monomodal distribution. The optimized nanodispersions were stable to<br />
heat treatment up to 121°C, chilling temperatures at 4 and 10°C but not at freezing temperature. However, the<br />
particle size of the phytosterol nanodispersions undergone freezing treatment can be secured by additional of<br />
small amount of cryoprotectant. There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in mean particle size and total<br />
phytosterol content over 12 weeks of storage duration for non heat-treated phytosterol nanodispersions. Increase<br />
in mean particle size and reduction in the total phytosterol concentration over the storage duration were observed<br />
on autoclave treated phytosterol nanodispersion.<br />
Keywords: Phytosterol, nanodispersions, mean particle diameter, sucrose laureate, high-pressure homogenization,<br />
optimization, stability<br />
A Comparison of the Antioxidant Properties and Total Phenolic Content in a<br />
Diatom, Chaetoceros sp. and a Green Microalga, Nannochloropsis sp.<br />
Dr. Loh Su Peng<br />
Goh Su Hua and Fatimah Md. Yusoff<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2432; sploh@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Nowadays, marine microorganisms, particularly microalgae have gained much interest in nutraceutical<br />
research. This is mainly due to the existence of their novel bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly<br />
antioxidants which have the potential to be used for cancer prevention. Nannochloropsis sp. a unicellular green<br />
algae of eustigmatophyceae family and Chaetoceros sp. a diatomic brown algae of Bacillariophyceae family are<br />
widely used for live feeds locally due to their nutrient-rich content. Nonetheless, information on antioxidants<br />
from these marine microalgae is scarce. Thus, this study focuses on determining the antioxidant properties of the<br />
different solvent extracts, namely hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform and methanol, from both microalgae. The<br />
evaluation of antioxidant capacities was done by Folin-ciocalteu, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicalscavenging,<br />
metal chelating, nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and ferric-reducing antioxidant power<br />
(FRAP) assay. Results showed that the non-polar solvent extracts from the diatom were highest in antioxidant<br />
power, whereas this was the case for both polar and non-polar solvent extracts for green microalgae. In general,<br />
Chaetoceros sp. had higher antioxidant capacities than Nannochloropsis sp. This study suggests that different<br />
solvent extracts contain different potential antioxidant compounds which are able to scavenge different types of<br />
free radicals.<br />
Keywords: Antioxidant properties, total phenolic content, nannochloropsis sp, chaetoceros sp<br />
34
Mee Fat from Madhuca longifolia Seeds as Raw Material for Halal Alternative Fats<br />
Keywords: Halal alternative, lard, madhuca lingifolia<br />
Dr. Mohammed Nazrim Marikkar<br />
H.M. Ghazali and N.A.M. Yanty<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 7344; nazrinmarikkar@yahoo.com<br />
Madhuca longifolia is a large-grown, woody tree distributed in many countries in Asia. Belonging to the<br />
family Sapotaceae, the tree is reported to have several uses in the traditional medicine. The crude oil extracted<br />
from the seeds is known as Mee fat, which is pale yellow in color and remains as a semi-solid under the tropical<br />
temperature conditions. Thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry showed that Mee fat had twowidely<br />
separated high and low melting thermal transitions in its cooling profile. This feature would be beneficial<br />
for the effective separation of Mee fat into solid and liquid fractions. Analytical data obtained from the preliminary<br />
investigations indicated that these components would be useful for formulation of halal alternative fats.<br />
Development of Beverage Emulsion Formulation with Desirable Physicochemical<br />
Properties as Function of Emulsion Composition<br />
Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhosseini<br />
Chin Ping Tan<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8390; hamedmi@food.upm.edu.my<br />
The constituents in a food emulsion interact with each other, either physically or chemically, determining<br />
the overall physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of the final product. Thus, the main objective of present<br />
study was to investigate the effect of emulsion components on beverage emulsion properties. In most cases, the<br />
second-order polynomial regression models with no significant (P > 0.05) lack of fit and high adjusted coefficient<br />
of determination (adjusted R2, 0.851-0.996) were significantly fitted to explain the beverage emulsion properties<br />
as function of main emulsion components. The main effect of gum arabic was found to be significant (P < 0.05)<br />
in all response regression models. Orange beverage emulsion containing 222.0g kg?1 gum Arabic, 2.4 g kg?1<br />
xanthangumand 152.7 g kg?1 orange oil was predicted to provide the desirable emulsion properties. The present<br />
study suggests that the concentration of gum Arabic should be considered as a primary critical factor for the<br />
formulation of orange beverage emulsion. This study also indicated that the interaction effect between xanthan<br />
gum and orange oil showed the most significant (P < 0.05) effect among all interaction effects influencing all the<br />
physicochemical properties except for density.<br />
Keywords: Turbidity, average droplet size, polydispersity index, apparent viscosity, beverage emulsion<br />
35<br />
Food
Food<br />
Modelling the Release of Volatile Flavour Compounds into the Headspace of<br />
Beverage Emulsion as Function of Emulsion Composition<br />
Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhosseini<br />
Chin Ping Tan<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8390; hamedmi@food.upm.edu.my<br />
A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was used to study the effect of two hydrocolloids namely<br />
Arabic gum (7-13% w/w), xanthan gum (0.1-0.3% w/w) as well as orange oil (6-10% w/w) on the equilibrium<br />
headspace concentration of target flavor compounds released from the diluted beverage emulsion. Headspace solid<br />
phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography (GC) equipped with Time-of-Flight Mass<br />
Spectrometer (TOFMS) was employed for the equilibrium headspace analysis of orange beverage emulsion. In<br />
qualitative analysis of cold pressed orange oil, 24 volatile flavor compounds were detected by using HS-SPME-<br />
GC-TOFMS. Among these volatile flavor compounds, 13 volatile compounds from different chemical classes<br />
namely monoterpene hydrocarbons (i.e. ?-pinene, ?-pinene, 3-carene, myrcene, limonene and ?- terpinene), esters<br />
(i.e. ethyl acetate and ethyl butyrate), alcohol (i.e. linalool) and aldehyde compounds (i.e. octanal, decanal, neral<br />
and geranial) were composed of > 98% of total volatile flavor compounds. For equilibrium headspace analysis, the<br />
peak area of target volatile compounds was investigated as response variables. The significant (p < 0.05) secondorder<br />
regression models with relatively high R2 (? 0.785) were fitted for explaining the equilibrium headspace<br />
concentration. Orange beverage emulsion containing 7% (w/w) Arabic gum, 0.24% (w/w) xanthan gum and<br />
10% (w/w) orange oil was estimated to provide the highest concentration of equilibrium volatile headspace.<br />
Closeness between experimental and predicted equilibrium headspace concentrations indicated the adequacy<br />
of the response surface models fitted to the experimental data. Principle component analysis discriminated<br />
the beverage emulsions containing the same orange oil content but different contents of emulsifier fraction in<br />
different groups, thus indicating significant (p < 0.05) effect of emulsifier fraction on equilibrium headspace<br />
concentration of diluted beverage emulsion.<br />
Keywords: Arabic gum, xanthan gum, orange oil, equilibrium volatile headspace, flavor compounds, beverage emulsion,<br />
solid phase microextraction<br />
Comparative Thermal Transition Behaviour of Porcine and Bovine Gelatins<br />
Mr. Dzulkifly Mat Hashim<br />
M. Z. Nor Nadiha, D.B. Mat Hashim*, B. Siti Aisyah, A. R. Siti Munira and M. Shuhaimi<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 7344; nadiha@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The thermal transition behaviour of porcine and bovine gelatins was compared using Differential 24 Scanning<br />
Calorimetry (DSC) and Rheometry. Porcine gelatin was observed to have a higher melting 25 temperature during<br />
heating and higher enthalpy change during curing compared to bovine gelatin. The enthalpy change for porcine<br />
gelatin during thermal transition showed no further significant increase after 4 hours of curing while the value of<br />
the enthalpy change for bovine gelatin continued to increase in the 8 hours of curing period and thus elucidating<br />
to the fact that curing process of bovine gelatin may not have been completed during the observation period. The<br />
higher melting temperature and enthalpy can be attributed to the formation of a greater number of junction zones<br />
during curing and therefore can be postulated that the energy required to melt the networks formed during curing<br />
would consequently be higher. Results obtained from rheometry were similar to the observations on the DSC.<br />
DSC and rheometer results were consequently subjected to kinetics analysis and the calculated rate constants<br />
during curing of porcine and bovine gelatins were 1.8 and 1.1 hr-1 respectively. It was observed through this<br />
study that porcine gelatin exhibited better functional properties compared to bovine gelatin. In cases where there<br />
are restrictions in utilisation of porcine derivatives, it will be necessary to innovate various gelatins, either from<br />
bovine, ovine, aquatic or poultry sources so that a gelatin product that can match the functional qualities of<br />
porcine gelatins can be found.<br />
Keywords: Thermal transition, porcine, bovine, gelatin, differential scanning calorimetry, rheological properties<br />
36
Amino Acids Analysis for Distinguishing Bovine and Porcine Gelatins<br />
Mr. Dzulkifly Mat Hashim<br />
Norakasha Rusli, Yaakob Che Man and Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 7344/7434; dzulkifly@gmail.com<br />
Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with pre-column derivatisation<br />
was used to obtain amino acid profiles of standard gelatin samples from Sigma and Merck. Partial least-squares<br />
(PLS) regression was used to establish a calibration model and the R2 obtained was 0.991 and 0.983 for Sigma<br />
and Merck samples, respectively. Classification and characterization of the amino acids were based on principal<br />
components analysis (PCA). The results showed that the method developed is capable of distinguishing gelatin<br />
sources by utilising the main amino acids present in gelatin which are glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. This<br />
simple method may be useful to determine the origin of gelatins.<br />
Keywords: RP-HPLC, gelatin, PLS, PCA, glycine, proline, hydroxyproline<br />
Screening and Optimisation of Edible Coating Components for Coating of Berangan<br />
Banana (Musa sapientum Cv. Berangan)<br />
Prof. Dr. Azizah Osman<br />
Hoda Jafarizadeh Malmiri, Tan Chin Ping and Russly Abdul Rahman<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8373/8375; azosman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Edible coatings are thin layers of natural and environmental friendly material applied to the fruits surface in<br />
addition to or as a replacement for natural protective waxy coatings to create a modified atmosphere within the<br />
fruits and delay their ripening process. Type and concentration of edible coating components have important effects<br />
on the quality characteristics of coated fruits. While protein and polysaccharide coatings have excellent barrier<br />
properties against O2 and CO2., coatings based on lipid components are effective towards water vapour transition.<br />
Green mature Berangan banana was coated with four edible coating formulations based on pectin-sorbitol-bees<br />
wax, hydroxypropylmrthyl cellulose-glycerol-stearic acid, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-glycerol-sodium<br />
caseinate and banana flour-glycerol-pectin. The effect of coatings on weight loss, firmness, total colour difference<br />
(TCD), total soluble solids content (TSS) and pH of coated bananas 10 days after coating at 26?2?C and 40-<br />
50% RH, indicated that among these coating systems, edible coating based on sodium carboxymethyl celluloseglycerol-sodium<br />
caseinate significantly delayed the ripening of coated banana as compared to control sample.<br />
Response surface methodology was used to predict the effects and to optimize the concentration of sodium<br />
carboxymethyl cellulose (0.1-1.5% w/w), sodium caseinate (0-1% w/w) and glycerol (0-2% w/w) on storage<br />
quality of coated banana. Weight loss, firmness, TCD, TSS and titratable acidity were selected as responses. The<br />
optimum concentration of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium caseinate and glycerol for coating banana<br />
were predicted to be 1.32%, 0.40% and 0.86%, respectively. No significant difference between experimental and<br />
predicted values verified the accuracy of the response surface models employed.<br />
Keywords: Berangan banana, edible coating, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium caseinate, glycerol response surface<br />
methodology<br />
37<br />
Food
Food<br />
Physico-chemical Properties of Honeydew Melon and Musk Lime Seed Oils<br />
Prof. Dr. Hasanah Mohd. Ghazali<br />
Yanty Noorzianna Abdul Manaf, Azizah Osman, Kamariah Long and Lai Oi Ming<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4201; hasanah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The seeds of economically important plants are often discarded as wastes following processing. However,<br />
it has been reported that seeds could become a valuable commodity as they may contain metabolites such as<br />
edible oils. In this study, seeds from honeydew melon and musk lime were found to contain 25.0% and 33.8% fat,<br />
respectively. The iodine and saponification values of honeydew melon (153.4 and 210.2, respectively) and musk<br />
lime (118.0 and 192.6, respectively) seed oils were high. The major fatty acid content of honeydew melon seed<br />
oil contained 69.0% of linoleic acid as a predominant fatty acid followed by oleic acid (16.8%) and palmitic acid<br />
(8.4%). Musk lime seed oil had a large proportion of linoleic (31.8%), oleic (29.6%) and palmitic (21.4%) acids.<br />
The major triacylglycerols of seed oils from honeydew melon were LLL (24.9%), OLL (21.5%), PLL (15.9%)<br />
and POL (12.4%) while musk lime were POL (18.9%), PLL (13.7%) and OLL (11.9%). The melting and cooling<br />
temperatures of seed oils from honeydew melon were -5.12 and -59.01°C, respectively while musk lime were<br />
10.7 and -45.2ºC, respectively.<br />
Keywords: Honeydew melon, musk lime, seed oil, physico-chemical, lipase, transesterification<br />
The Influence of Storage Temperatures (0 °C And 4 °C) on the Biogenic Amine<br />
Formation and Quality of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)<br />
Prof. Dr. Jamilah Bakar<br />
Yassoralipour, A.,Russly, A. R. and Fatimah<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8368; jamilah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Barramundi is a brackish water fish and also a high value fish. It is popular in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Australia and other<br />
parts of the world. Biogenic amines have been identified as one of the important indicators for the assessment<br />
of allergens in seafood and quality parameters. Data for biogenic amines formation and other related quality<br />
parameters for barramundi have not been documented. Hence, standards or product specifications cannot be<br />
prepared by relevant authorities. Fresh barramundi was sliced and stored at 0 °C and 4 °C for fifteen days and<br />
sampled at identified intervals for analysis. Significant differences in the concentrations of the nine biogenic<br />
amines after three days of storage were obtained between the two storage temperatures. All amines were increased<br />
throughout the storage period except for tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine, tyramine and agmatine. Histamine<br />
concentrations were 82 mg/kg and 275 mg/kg for samples kept at 0 °C and 4 °C, respectively, after the 15th day<br />
of storage. At the end of the storage period, the total plate count was approximately 8.6 logs CFU/g for samples<br />
kept at 0 °C and 9.7 logs CFU/g for samples kept at 4 °C. These values were higher than the allowable limit which<br />
is 6.3 logs CFU/g. pH and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were strongly correlated to HFB counts. It could<br />
be concluded that these parameters commonly used for marine fish are also applicable to brackish water fish.<br />
Keywords: Biogenic amines, histamine formers, barramundi, storage temperature<br />
38
The Influence of Final Cooking Method on the Lipid Profile and Texture<br />
Characteristics of Breaded Fillets<br />
Prof. Dr. Jamilah Bakar<br />
Yazdan Moradi, Sharifah Kharidah and Yaakob Che Man<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8368; jamilah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Fish is a source of unsaturated fatty acids which are known for their therapeutic properties. However, during<br />
food preparation, these important components are usually degraded during cooking, which is reflected in the<br />
change in the lipid profile. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of three final cooking<br />
methods which are. deep-fat frying (palm oil and sunflower oil), microwave cooking and oven baking, on the lipid<br />
profile and the textural properties of the pre-frozen breaded fish fillets. The breaded fish fillets represented similar<br />
semi-convenient foods. All final cooking methods resulted in the change in the fat and fatty acid composition of<br />
the fillets; however, oven and microwave cooking methods had marginal change in the fatty acids content. The<br />
least change was observed in the oven cooked samples. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic<br />
acid (DHA) in oven cooked samples were significantly (P0.05) in AFB1 reduction between artificially and naturally contaminated samples; however, there was a<br />
significant difference (p
Food<br />
Effects of Meat Preheating and Wrapping on the Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic<br />
Hydrocarbons in Charcoal-grilled Meat<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Afsaneh Farhadian, Zaidul Islam Sarkar and Hanifah Nur Yani Lioe<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
The contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs by thermally treated high-protein foods, such<br />
as charcoal-grilled meat products, is due to the generation by direct pyrolysis of food nutrients and the direct<br />
deposition of PAHs from smoke produced through incomplete combustion of the thermal agents. This study<br />
investigated the effects on the PAH (BaP, BbFln and Fln) contents by using two different types of treatments,<br />
preheating (steam and microwave) and wrapping (aluminum and banana leaf) of the meat samples prior to<br />
charcoal grilling. PAHs were extracted through tandem solid-phase extraction. The results showed that the applied<br />
preheating and wrapping treatments on the samples strongly affect the PAHs levels in the charcoal-grilled meat.<br />
No carcinogenic PAHs (BaP and BbFln) were detected in the samples after steam and microwave preheating or<br />
aluminum wrapping treatments. Significant reductions of Fln content, of up to 46% and 81% in beef and chicken<br />
samples, respectively, were observed in the study.<br />
Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), reduction, charcoal grilled meat, preheating, wrapping<br />
Effect of Chemicals on Mycotoxin Reduction in Black and White Pepper<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Maryam Jalili, Son Radu and Noranizan Mohd. Adzahan<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
Spices contamination poses health problems because they are often added to foods without further<br />
processing or are consumed raw. This research has been conducted to study the reduction of aflatoxins (AFs) and<br />
ochratoxin (OTA) in black and white pepper by applying chemicals during processing of pepper. The effect of<br />
eighteen different chemicals, which included acidic compound (sulfuric acid, chloridric acid, phosphoric acid,<br />
benzoic acid, citric acid and acetic acid), alkaline compound (ammonia, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide,<br />
potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide), salts (acetate ammonium, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydrosulfite,<br />
sodium chloride and sodium sulfate) and oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite) on AFs<br />
and OTA reduction was investigated. Almost all of the applied chemicals showed a significant degree of reduction<br />
on AFs and OTA (p < 0.05). The highest reduction (41.9 - 57.3 %) was obtained by using sodium hydroxide;<br />
however, there was no significant difference between ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hydroxide,<br />
potassium hydroxide, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. The acids showed the lowest effectiveness.<br />
Keywords: White pepper, black pepper, chemical treatment, aflatoxin, reduction<br />
40
A Home-used Protocol to Reduce Mercury Concentration in Fish Tissue<br />
Keywords: Mercury, reduction, fish<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Parvaneh Hajeb<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of washing pre-treatment on mercury concentration<br />
in fish fillet. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the influence of three variables, pH (1-6.5),<br />
NaCl (0-1% w/v) and exposure time (5-30 min) by using a three-factor central composite design. The aim was to<br />
obtain the best possible combination of these variables in order to reduce mercury in fish fillet. The experimental<br />
data were adequately fitted into a second-order polynomial model with multiple regression coefficients (R2)<br />
of 0.961. The results indicated that the reduction of mercury in fish flesh significantly depends on the pH of<br />
the solution used. The overall optimal condition resulting in the maximum mercury reduction in fish fillet was<br />
obtained at a combined level pH of 2.79, NaCl of 0.5% and exposure time of 13.5 min. The optimized protocol<br />
produced a solution that can reduce mercury from raw fish fillet up to 81%.<br />
Risk Assessment of Contaminants in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n High Temperature Cooked Foods<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Md. Jaharul Haque Akanda<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
The aim of the present study was to determine the level of HCAs and PAHs in the most consumed<br />
foods in Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong> in order to estimate their exposure to these toxic compounds. The dietary intake<br />
of two carcinogens, HCAs and PAHs in foods ware estimated in Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Levels of six HCAs<br />
namely, 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3-4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline<br />
(MeIQ),2-amino-3-8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f}quinoxaline (MeIQx, 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]<br />
quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx),2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-3,7,8trimethylimidazo[4,5f]quinoxaline<br />
(7,8-DiMeIQx) and three PAHs, fluoranthene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and<br />
bezo[a]pyrene were measured. Forty-two meat and fish products were included in the study. High-performance<br />
liquid chromatography with PDA and fluorescence detector was used to analyze HCAs and PAHs, respectively.<br />
Dietary food consumption data (g/day), including meat type and cooking method were obtained using food<br />
frequency questionnaires, which were completed by 600 randomly subjects aged above 18 years. The level of<br />
total HCAs in food samples studies ranged from not detected to 38.7 ng/g whereas the level of total PAHs was<br />
not detected to 66.28 ng/g. Among the analyzed HCAs and PAHs, PhIP (30.6 ng/g) and fluoranthene (50.96 ng/g)<br />
showed the highest level, respectively. The highest level of total HCAs was found in grilled chicken satay (38.7<br />
ng/g) and for PAHs it was in grilled beef satay (66.28 ng/g). The most abundant HCAs such as PhIP and MeIQx,<br />
and PAHs such as fluoranthene were detected in the studied food products. The 4,8-DiMeIQx and 7,8-DiMeIQx<br />
(HCAs) and benzo[a]pyrene (PAHs) were found in a few of the meat and fish dishes. The average daily intake<br />
level of HCAs was 553.7 ng/capita/day and for PAHs of 297.58 ng/capita/day. Intake of PhIP was the highest,<br />
followed by MeIQx and MeIQ. Our study revealed that the grilled and fried meat and fish products are the major<br />
contributors to the exposure of HCAs and PAHs.<br />
Keywords: Heterocyclic amines (HCAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dietary intake, meat and fish, exposure assessment<br />
41<br />
Food
Food<br />
Factors Influencing the Variation in Acrylamide Concentration in French Fries<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Maimunah Sanny, Luning, P.A., Marcelis and W.J. Van Boekel<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
A significant variation in acrylamide concentrations leads to inaccurate estimation of dietary exposure and<br />
risks. The objective of this study was to obtain a first indication on the variation in acrylamide concentration in<br />
French fries prepared in various categories of food service establishments in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Besides the reducing<br />
sugars, acrylamide, frying temperature and time were measured and thawing practice was observed in each<br />
frying. The chain fast-food service has significantly lower mean acrylamide concentration with least variation as<br />
compared to institutional caterers and restaurants. The mean acrylamide concentration of French fries prepared<br />
in the chain fast-food service (in comparison to restaurant) was reduced by 53% (from a mean of 354 to 231<br />
µg/kg). This is due to usage of a commercial fryer that allows an adequate control of acrylamide formation<br />
such as setting a lower and uniform frying temperature of 177°C and realising a shorter and narrow range of<br />
frying time (150-165 seconds). The short frying time minimises the effect of strong heating power of fryer as<br />
frying process ended before the acrylamide concentration started to increase linearly with time. Acrylamide<br />
concentration of as high as 1023 µg/kg was obtained in the restaurant due to the usage of frying pan, which makes<br />
the setting of frying temperature and time are impossible. In a standard multiple linear regression analysis, the<br />
acrylamide concentration correlated statistically significant with the influencing factors of frying temperature,<br />
frying time, reducing sugars and thawing practice. Thawing practice correlated negatively with the acrylamide<br />
formation. We concluded that due to variable frying practices in various categories of FSE, they prepare French<br />
fries with different distributions profiles of acrylamide concentrations. The insights obtained can be used for the<br />
development of dedicated quality control at FSE which contribute to a sustainable reduction in acrylamide intake.<br />
Keywords: Acrylamide, variation, french fries, reducing, frying temperature and time, reducing sugars<br />
The Effect of Different Maturity Stages on the Formation of Acrylamide in Banana<br />
Fritters<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Gisia Daniali, Hanifah Nuryani Lioeh and Zaidul Islam Sa<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
Fried and baked banana-based snacks are popular snacks in Malayisa and they have potential amount of<br />
acrylamide. This study was carried out to determine the effect of maturity stages of banana on the formation<br />
of acrylamide in banana fritters. The modified method was based on extraction with water followed by<br />
cleanup through Oasis HLB and MCX solid-phase extraction cartridges, and bromination of acrylamide into 2,<br />
3-dibromopropionamide prior conversion to 2-bromopropenamide by dehydrobromination with triethylamine.<br />
The results indicated that volume of 2.5 mL bromine water was sufficient to derivatize the acrylamide. The limit<br />
of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the modified method were 5 and 15 ?g/kg, respectively,<br />
whereas the recovery for 2.5 mL of saturated bromine water ranged from 86.6 to 105.3%. Two varieties of<br />
local banana Musa paradisiaca variety Awak and Abu were used in the study. The more mature banana had<br />
significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of reducing sugars; however, the concentrations of amino acids at<br />
different maturity stages were relatively similar (p > 0.05). The study indicated that reducing sugar had significant<br />
(p < 0.05) and strong correlation (R2= 0.92 for Abu) and (R2= 0.82 for Awak) with the acrylamide formation. On<br />
the other hands, asparagine did not show significant correlation (p > 0.05) with acrylamide formation, although<br />
it needs to be present. Concentration of acrylamide in both banana varieties increased with the increase of both<br />
reducing sugars. The study showed that the formation of acrylamide has a strong dependence on the concentration<br />
of reducing sugar; however, this study did not show the correlation between acrylamide formation and asparagine<br />
as its precursor.<br />
Keywords: Banana-based snacks, acrylamide, reducing sugars, asparagine<br />
42
Development, Optimisation and Validation of RP-HPLC-FL Method for Simultaneous<br />
Determination of Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone in Cereals<br />
Prof. Dr. Jinap Selamat<br />
Anosheh Rahmani<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8393; jinap@food.upm.edu.my<br />
This research has been conducted to develop a reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography<br />
fluorescence detection (RP-HPLC-FL) method for simultaneous determination of six mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1,<br />
B2, G1 and G2, ochratoxin A and zearalenone) in cereals. The developed method was then optimized using<br />
fractional factorial design (FFD) followed by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were<br />
41% and 60% organic solvent at the start and end of gradient mobile phase, 1.92 and 0.2 methanol/acetonitrile<br />
ratio at the start and end of gradient, respectively, 0.1% acid concentration in aqueous phase, at 1 ml/min flow<br />
rate and column temperature of 40oC. In addition, the efficiency of three extraction solvents and three clean-up<br />
procedures (OASIS HLB, MycoSep and multi-functional immunoaffinity column) were compared in spiked rice<br />
sample. The highest recovery of mycotoxins was obtained by using methanol water (80:20 v/v) as extraction<br />
solvent mixture and multi-functional immunoaffinity column as clean-up method. Application of best solvent<br />
extraction in combination with optimization of IAC produced recovery rates of 87, 104, 93, 97, 94 and 97% for<br />
aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, OTA and ZEA, respectively. Application of optimized simultaneous determination<br />
method on spiked cereal samples showed 74-104 % recovery for all six mycotoxins and acceptable precision<br />
in all cereals include of rice, barley, oat, maize and wheat. Validation of the optimized HPLC- FL method was<br />
carried out through determination of selectivity, sensitivity, linearity and precision. Finally, in order to confirm the<br />
performance and validity of HPLC method for simultaneous determination of mycotoxins on real cereal samples,<br />
a total of 61 samples of cereals were randomly collected from supermarket and analyzed by HPLC and liquid<br />
chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). The results clearly demonstrated high correlation<br />
between HPLC and LC-MS/MS determinations. The results also showed low occurrence of these mycotoxins in<br />
commercial cereals marketed in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Keywords: Mycotoxin determination; high performance, liquid, chromatography fluorescence detection (RP-HPLC-FL), cereal<br />
Defatted Kenaf Seed as a Potential Source of Protein in Food Industry<br />
Prof. Dr. Maznah Ismail<br />
Siti Farhana Fathy and Abdalbasit Adam Mariod<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2115; maznahis@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.), family malvaceae has been receiving an increasing attention from<br />
manufacturers due to its broad applications in fiber board, biocomposite materials and animal feed. There are<br />
however many by-products of Kenaf that are not used such as its seeds, leaf and roots. Worldwide, many research<br />
have concentrated on finding various sources of plant proteins that may help in increasing the nutritional value of<br />
food products at low cost. Kenaf seed, after oil extraction using systemic fluid extraction (SFE), leaves defatted<br />
sample as a waste by-product. The relatively ample protein concentrates obtained from defatted Kenaf seed<br />
suggested that defatted Kenaf seed could be used as a new source of protein. In this study, two varieties of defatted<br />
Kenaf seed, QP3 and V36 were used. Results show that protein concentrates of QP3 had a great potential to serve<br />
as an excellent source of edible protein owing to its high water absorption capacity (4.99 g/g) and oil absorption<br />
capacity (8.71 g/g). High water absorption of proteins helps to reduce moisture loss in food products while high<br />
oil absorption is essential in the formulation of food systems like sausages, cake batters, mayonnaise and salad<br />
dressings. Protein concentrates of QP3 also have higher foaming capacity and stability compared to V36 thus<br />
can form an excellent base for high sugar food systems like cake batters, beverages, whipped toppings, frozen<br />
desserts and confections. On the other hand, V36, due to its high content in its protein concentrates (81.4%),<br />
has the potential to replace other protein source. Hence, protein concentrates obtained from defatted Kenaf seed<br />
QP3, and V36 exhibit satisfactory functional properties as required in food processes, and therefore has a bright<br />
prospect of applications in the food industry.<br />
Keywords: Hibiscus cannabinus, defatted, protein concentrates, oil absorption, water absorption, foaming properties<br />
43<br />
Food
Food<br />
Gamma-oryzanol Rich Fraction Regulates the Expression of Antioxidant and<br />
Oxidative Stress Related Genes in Strenuous Exercise<br />
Prof. Dr. Maznah Ismail<br />
Wan Abd. Aziz Mamat and Zalinah Ahmad<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2115; maznahis@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Physical exercise is known to have many health benefits. However there is strong evidence suggesting that<br />
strenuous exercise may cause oxidative stress due to generation of reactive oxygen species. Supplementation<br />
of natural antioxidant compounds has been recommended to attenuate oxidative stress-induced pathogenesis<br />
of diseases and strenuous exercise. Gamma-oryzanol (OR), a phytosterol ferulate mixture extracted from rice<br />
bran oil, has a wide spectrum of biological activities in particular, it has antioxidant properties which may help<br />
in reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, in this study, the regulatory effect of gamma-oryzanol rich fraction<br />
(ORF) extracted and fractionated from rice bran using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in comparison with<br />
commercially available OR on 14 antioxidant and oxidative stress related genes was determined in strenuous<br />
exercise. Rats were subjected to a swimming exercise program for 10 weeks to induce stress and were further<br />
treated with either ORF at 125, 250, 500 mg/kg or OR at 100 mg/kg in emulsion forms for the last five weeks<br />
of the swimming program being carried out. The GenomeLab Genetic Analysis System (GeXPS) was used to<br />
study the multiplex gene expression of the selected genes. Gamma-oryzanol rich fraction does show potential<br />
antioxidant activity greater than OR in the regulation of antioxidants and oxidative stress gene markers.<br />
Keywords: Gamma-oryzanol, antioxidant, oxidative stress, strenuous exercise, gene expression<br />
Vanillin: A Novel Non-toxic Anti-colorectal Cancer Agent used in Food Flavoring<br />
Industry<br />
Prof. Dr. Maznah Ismail<br />
Ho Ket Li<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2115; maznahis@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Vanillin is a widely used flavoring agent responsible for the smell and flavor of vanilla. Besides its primary<br />
usage as a flavoring agent, vanillin is also famous for its medically favorable properties such as anti-bacteria, antisickle<br />
cell anemia and anti-mutagenic properties. Due to its good anti-mutagenic effect, it is logical to propose<br />
that vanillin also could prevent or treat cancer because cancer is a disease closely related to mutation. Hence, this<br />
study investigated the anti-cancer properties of vanillin against HT-29, a human colorectal cancer cell line. Results<br />
showed that vanillin could kill and prevent the growth of HT-29 cells and thus making it a useful colorectal cancer<br />
preventive agent. However, literature also reported that vanillin must be administered in high concentration in<br />
un-oxidized form to be functional in-vivo. Hence, we assessed the toxic effect of vanillin when administered unoxidized<br />
at high concentration (150mg/kg and 300mg/kg) via oral and intra-peritoneal injection. After 14 weeks<br />
of vanillin (dissolved in 5% ethanol) treatment, the blood and brain of rats were tested for sign of toxic effect.<br />
Results show that vanillin was not toxic to kidney, liver, blood cells and brain. Surprisingly, apart from being nontoxic,<br />
the results also showed that vanillin could provide protective properties to brain. This suggests that vanillin<br />
might be useful in preventing brain related disease for example Alzheimer disease. In conclusion, vanillin could<br />
be useful in cancer prevention, cancer treatment and neuro-protection while being non-toxic when administered<br />
in high concentration via both oral and intra-peritoneal injection.<br />
Keywords: Vanillin, HT-29, cytolytic, cytostatic, toxic<br />
44
Effect of Hypocholesterolemic Properties of Brown Rice Varieties Containing Different<br />
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Levels on Sprague-Dawley Male Rats<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Shahin Roohinejad, Leila Nateghi, Alireza Omidizadeh, Hamed Mirhosseini, Babak Rasti, Nazamid Saari,<br />
Shuhaimi Mustafa, Rokiah Mohd. Yusof, Anis Shobirin Meor Hussin and Azizah Hamid<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8367; myazid@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Brown rice (BR) or unmilled rice is the whole grain of rice, from which the germ and outer layers containing<br />
the bran have not been removed. Brown rice seeds are rich in more nutritional components, such as dietary<br />
fibers, vitamins B and E, gamma (?)-oryzanol and ?-amino butyric acid (GABA) than the ordinary milled<br />
rice grains. GABA or 4-aminobutyrate is a well known non-protein-based amino acid that is one of the major<br />
inhibitory neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system. In the present study, the influence of brown rice<br />
varieties containing different GABA levels on blood cholesterol in Sprague-Dawley male rats was investigated.<br />
Quantitative analysis of GABA, Gamma oryzanol, dietary fiber, protein and fat was carried out using appropriate<br />
method. Hypercholesterolemia and elevation of LDL-cholesterol were successfully ameliorated by most of the<br />
brown rice diets (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between serum TC level and ?-oryzanol<br />
content of diets was observed. Moreover, a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between serum LDL-C level<br />
and dietary fiber content of diets was observed. In contrast, there was no correlation between GABA content and<br />
TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and glucose levels. Although no correlation was found between GABA content and lipid<br />
profile suppression, this study suggests that the changes of blood cholesterol can be modulated by using brown<br />
rice varieties instead of polished rice in human diet. Even though GABA does not play a role for prediction of<br />
lipid profile changes, this study is capable of showing the hypercholesterolemic effect of brown rice varietiess.<br />
Keywords: Brown rice, ?-oryzanol, dietary fiber, ?-amino butyric acid (GABA), hypercholesterolemia, functional food,<br />
protein, fat, Sprague-Dawley, male rat<br />
Effect of Pre-germination Time of Brown Rice on Serum Cholesterol Levels of<br />
Hypercholesterolaemic Rats<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Shahin Roohinejad, Leila Nateghi, Alireza Omidizadeh, Hamed Mirhosseini, Nazamid Saari, Shuhaimi Mustafa,<br />
Rokiah Mohd Yusof, Anis Shobirin Meor Hussin and Azizah Hamid<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8367; myazid@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Brown rice is unpolished rice with immeasurable benefits for human health. Brown rice (BR) and pregerminated<br />
brown rice (PGBR) are known to contain various functional compounds such as ? -oryzanol, dietary<br />
fibre and ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In the present study, the experimental diets containing BR and PGBR<br />
(24, 48 hours of pre-germination) were used to investigate the influence of pre-germination time of brown rice<br />
on blood cholesterol in Sprague-Dawleymale rats. Hypercholesterolaemia and elevation of LDL-cholesterol<br />
were successfully ameliorated by the experimental diets containing BR and PGBR (24 and 48 hours of pregermination).<br />
As compared to the control sample, the pre-germination time had a significant (P < 0.05) effect<br />
on blood cholesterol of Sprague-Dawley male rats. It was also found that the significantly (P < 0.05) better<br />
effect on lipid profile of hypercholesterolaemic rats was observed by prolonging the pre-germination time. As<br />
compared to non-germinated brown rice, the germinated brown rice showed higher cardio-protective effect on<br />
hypercholesterolaemic Sprague-Dawley male rats. The present study suggests that the changes of blood cholesterol<br />
can be mainly modulated by using the PGBR rather than BR. The prolonging of pre-germination time led to an<br />
increase in the bioactive components, thereby providing a more efficient functional diet affecting the high blood<br />
cholesterol. This study suggests that PGBR can be used instead of BR and polished rice in the human diet.<br />
Keywords: Brown rice, pre-germination, ? -oryzanol; dietary fibre, ? -amino butyric acid (GABA), hypercholesterolaemia<br />
45<br />
Food
Food<br />
Selected Microbial Groups and Short Chain Fatty Acids Profile in a Simulated<br />
Chicken Cecum Supplemented with Two Strains of Lactobacillus<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Amir Meimandipour, Leila Nateghi, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Abdoreza Soleimani Farjam, Azhar Kasim, Mohd.<br />
Hair-Bejo, Barka Mohammed Kabeir, Arash Javanmard and Muhammad Anas Osman<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8353; myazid@food.upm.edu.my<br />
Amongst the bacterial fermentation end products in the chicken cecum, butyrate is of particular importance<br />
because of its nutritional properties for the epithelial cell and pathogen inhibitory effects in the gut. An in<br />
vitro experiment, operated with batch bioreactor, was conducted to quantify butyric producing bacteria in a<br />
simulated broiler cecum supplemented with Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius JCM 1230 and L. agilis<br />
JCM 1048 during 24 hours of incubation. Selected bacterial species were determined by real time PCR and<br />
short chain fatty acids and lactate concentrations were monitored. The results showed that after 24hours of<br />
incubation, Lactobacillus supplementation significantly increased the number of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and<br />
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in treatment (Cc+L) compared with the control (Cc). Addition of lactobacilli did<br />
not alter E. coli and Clostridium butyricum while significantly (P < 0.05) reduced salmonella in treatment (Cc+L)<br />
compared to (Cc). Propionate and butyrate formation were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in (Cc+L) treatment<br />
as compared to the control group (Cc). Lactate was only detected in (L) treatment containing two Lactobacillus<br />
strains. After 24h incubation acetate concentration significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in all treatments. It was<br />
suggested that lactate produced by Lactobacillus in the cecal content improved the growth of butyric producers<br />
such as F. prausnitzii, which significantly increased butyrate accumulation. Additionally, the results showed that<br />
butyrate and propionate inhibited salmonella without influencing the E. coli profile.<br />
Keywords: Microbial group, short chain fatty acid, chicken cecum<br />
Evaluation of GABA, Crude Protein and Amino Acid Composition from Different<br />
Varieties of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n’s Brown Rice<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Shahin Roohinejad, Leila Nateghi, Hamed Mirhosseini, Nazamid Saari, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Ismail Alias, Anis<br />
Shobirin Meor Hussin and Azizah Hamid<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8367; myazid@food.upm.edu.my<br />
The main objective of present study was to investigate the -aminobutyric acid (GABA), crude protein<br />
and total glutamic acid composition of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n’s brown rice varieties. Significant (p < 0.05) difference was<br />
observed among the content of GABA, crude protein and total glutamic acid of thirty five <strong>Malaysia</strong>n’s brown<br />
rice varieties. As shown in results, GABA contents in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n brown rice seeds ranged between 0.01 and 0.1<br />
(mg/g). The quantity of glutamic acid and protein contents varied between 10.1-15.2 (mg/g) and 6.99-10.17%<br />
respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation (r² = 0.820) exists between the concentration levels of<br />
protein and glutamic acid. On the other hand, a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation (r² = 0.507) was also<br />
observed between the glutamic acid and GABA contents.<br />
Keywords: Brown rice, aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, protein<br />
46
Gastrointestinal Tract Morphological Alteration by Unpleasant Physical Contact<br />
and Modulating Role of Lactobacillus in Broiler<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Amir Meimandipour, Leila Nateghi, Mohd. Hair-Bejo, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Azhar Kasim, Abdoreza Soleimani<br />
Farjam and Babak Rasti<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8353; myazid@food.upm.edu.my<br />
An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supposedly unpleasant physical treatment on<br />
broiler performance, small intestinal development and ameliorating role of probiotics. The following treatments<br />
were applied from day one: (1) chicks exposed to normal human contact fed basal diet (control); (2) chicks were<br />
exposed to unpleasant physical treatment and fed basal diet (UPT-BD); and (3) chicks were exposed to unpleasant<br />
physical treatment and fed basal diet supplemented with Lactobacillus (UPT-BDL). Chicks were exposed to UPT<br />
from day 1 to 21. Different segments of gastrointestinal tract were sampled at 14, 28, 35 and 42 daus of age.<br />
Broilers of UPT-BD had lower feed consumption compared with control group at 7 daus of age. Overall, UPT-<br />
BDL birds showed higher body weight gain (BWG) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) over the course of the<br />
experiment. Birds of UPT-BD had lower concentrations of lactic, propionic and butyric acids in the caecum as<br />
compared with other groups at 14 daus of age. Acetic acid concentration was profoundly decreased in both UPT<br />
groups compared to the control. Duodenal villus height of UPT-BD broilers showed a slight reduction compared<br />
to the control and UPT-BDL birds at 14 daus of age. Afterwards until day 42, UPT-BDL birds showed the highest<br />
villus height among treatments in different parts of the small intestine. The results suggested that, even though<br />
UPT did not have significant inhibitory effects on the development of the small intestine and broiler performance,<br />
it negatively affected bacterial metabolic end products in the caecum, which could be ameliorated by the addition<br />
of Lactobacillus.<br />
Keywords: Unpleasant physical treatment, gastrointestinal tract, lactobacilli<br />
In Vitro Fermentation of Broiler Cecal Content: The Role of Lactobacilli and pH<br />
Value on the Composition of Microbiota and End Products Fermentation<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Yazid Abd. Manap<br />
Amir Meimandipour, Leila Nateghi, Shuhaimi Mustafa , Mohd. Hair-Bejo, Azhar Kasim, Barka Mohammad<br />
Kabeir and Babak Rasti<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8353; myazid@food.upm.edu.my<br />
To assess the probiotic effects of Lactobacillus agilis JCM 1048 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius JCM<br />
1230 and the pH on the cecal microflora of chicken and metabolic end products. An in vitro system, operated<br />
with batch bioreactor, was used for this assessment. Selected bacterial species were monitored at two pH values,<br />
over 24 hours of batch culture incubation. The concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactate in the<br />
fermented material were also determined. The addition of L. agilis JCM 1048 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius<br />
JCM 1230 into vessel two (Cc+P) increased the total anaerobes, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria after 24 hours<br />
incubation. Moreover, lactobacilli supplementation decreased the total aerobes and streptococci, but it did not<br />
have any effects on coliforms. The supplementation of lactobacilli in vessel two (Cc+P) was found to significantly<br />
increase the production of lactate, propionate and butyrate. Furthermore, pH did not alter the formation of butyrate,<br />
whereas the production of acetate and propionate were significantly decreased at pH=5.8. L. agilis JCM 1048 and<br />
L. salivarius subsp. salicinius JCM 1230, as probiotic bacteria, have the ability to re-establish proper microbial<br />
balance by the formation of lactate as well as propionate, and stimulate butyrate-producing bacteria to produce<br />
butyrate in the chicken cecum. This study was the first report under in vitro conditions, highlighting the probiotic<br />
roles of the two Lactobacillus strains in broiler cecal fermentation at different initial pH values. These useful data<br />
can be helpful in improving the fermentation process in chicken cecum.<br />
Keywords: Lactobacilli, pH, broiler cecal microbial fermentation<br />
47<br />
Food
Food<br />
Potential of Electronic Nose for Halal Authentication: Analysis of Lard’s Aroma<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Dzulkifly Mat Hashim, Abdulkarim Sabo Mohamed and Nurjuliana Mokhtar<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 0405; yaakobcm@gmail.com<br />
Rapid detection of lard from other types of animal body fats and samples containing lard for halal<br />
authentication was successfully employed in this study using an electronic nose. Results were presented in the<br />
form of VaporPrintTM, the image of the polar plot of the odor amplitudes from the surface acoustic wave (SAW)<br />
detector frequency. Qualitative differences between the VaporPrintTM are proposed as a basis for differentiating<br />
between pure lard and its blend. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to interpret the data and provide a<br />
good clustering of samples with 61% of the variation accounted for by PC 1 and 29% were accounted for by PC<br />
2. All the lard containing samples formed a separate cluster from the samples that were free of lard. This method<br />
can be developed into a rapid method for detecting the presence of lard in food samples for halal authentication.<br />
Keywords: Lard, electronic nose, halal authentication, principal component analysis (PCA)<br />
Porcine-specific PCR Detection in Raw Meat<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Nur Fadhilah Khairil Mokhtar, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Awis Qurni Sazili and Rumaisa Nordin<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 0405; ycm@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The porcine-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to detect the presence of pork<br />
in raw meat either in pure or in a mixture with different meat species. A porcine-specific DNA fragment could<br />
be observed by using porcine-specific primer designed based on a porcine specific sequence of mitochondrial<br />
D-loop gene. Amplification of porcine DNA produced 174 bp porcine-specific DNA fragment and no PCR<br />
products detected when assay applied to DNA of other meat species confirming the specificity of the primers. The<br />
assay was able to detect as low as 0.1% porcine DNA spiked on DNA of cattle, sheep, goat, chicken, and deer.<br />
Furthermore, detection limit of 0.001ng/µL porcine DNA showed the high sensitivity conferred by the developed<br />
porcine-specific PCR assay.<br />
Keywords: Porcine-specific PCR assay, mitochondrial D-loop gene, specificity, detection limit, sensitivity<br />
48
Application of FTIR Spectroscopy for the Determination of Virgin Coconut Oil in<br />
Binary Mixtures with Olive Oil and Palm Oil<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Abdul Rohman, Amin Ismail and Puziah Hashim<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 0405; yaakobcm@gmail.com<br />
Rapid Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with attenuated total reflectance (ATR)<br />
was applied for quantitative analysis of virgin coconut oil (VCO) in binary mixtures with olive oil (OO) and<br />
palm oil (PO). The spectral bands correlated with VCO, OO, PO; blends of VCO and OO; VCO and PO were<br />
scanned, interpreted, and identified. Two multivariate calibration methods, partial least square (PLS) and principal<br />
component regression (PCR), were used to construct the calibration models that correlate between actual and<br />
FTIR-predicted values of VCO contents in the mixtures at the FTIR spectral frequencies of 1,120-1,105 and 965-<br />
960 cm-1. The calibration models obtained were cross validated using the ‘leave one out’ method. PLS at these<br />
frequencies showed the best calibration model, in terms of the highest coefficient of determination (R2) and the<br />
lowest of root mean standard error of calibration (RMSEC) with R2 = 0.9992 and RMSEC = 0.756, respectively,<br />
for VCO in mixture with OO. Meanwhile, the R2 and RMSEC values obtained for VCO in mixture with PO were<br />
0.9996 and 0.494, respectively. In general, FTIR spectroscopy serves as a suitable technique for determination of<br />
VCO in mixture with the other oils.<br />
Keywords: FTIR virgin coconut oil binary mixture partial least square principal component regression<br />
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy for Analysis of Extra Virgin<br />
Olive Oil Adulterated with Palm Oil<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Abdul Rohman and Yaakob Che Man<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 0405; yaakobcm@gmail.com<br />
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been developed for the analysis of extra virgin olive<br />
oil (EVOO) adulterated with palm oil (PO). Measurements were made on pure EVOO and that adulterated<br />
with varying concentrations of PO (1.0-50.0% wt./wt. in EVOO). Two multivariate calibrations, namely partial<br />
least square (PLS) and principle component regression (PCR) were optimised for constructing the calibration<br />
models, either for normal spectra or its first and second derivatives. The discriminant analysis (DA) was used for<br />
classification analysis between EVOO and that adulterated with PO and the other vegetable oils (palm oil, corn oil,<br />
canola oil, and sunflower oil). Frequencies at fingerprint region, especially at 1500- 1000 cm-1, were exploited for<br />
both quantification and classification. Either PLS or PCR at first derivative spectra revealed the best calibration<br />
models for predicting the concentration of adulterated EVOO samples, with coefficient of determination (R2) of<br />
0.999 and root mean standard error of cross validation (RMSECV) of 0.285 and 0.373, respectively. DA was able<br />
to classify pure and adulterated samples on the basis of their FTIR spectra with no misclassified group obtained.<br />
In addition, DA was also effective enough to classify EVOO samples as the distinct group from the evaluated<br />
other vegetable oils.<br />
Keywords: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), spectroscopy, extra virgin olive oil palm oil, multivariate calibration,<br />
discriminant, analysis<br />
49<br />
Food
Food<br />
Analysis of Cod-liver Oil Adulteration using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)<br />
Spectroscopy<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Abdul Rohman<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 0405; yaakobcm@gmail.com<br />
Analysis of the adulteration of cod-liver oil with much cheaper oil-like animal fats has become attractive<br />
in recent years. This study highlights an application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a<br />
nondestructive and fast technique for the determination of adulterants in cod-liver oil. Attenuated total reflectance<br />
measurements were made on pure cod-liver oil and cod liver oil adulterated with different concentrations of lard<br />
(0.5-50% v/v in cod-liver oil). A chemometrics partial least squares (PLS) calibration model was developed for<br />
quantitative measurement of the adulterant. Discriminant analysis method was used to classify cod-liver oil<br />
samples from common animal fats (beef, chicken, mutton and lard) based on their infrared spectra. Discriminant<br />
analysis carried out using seven principal components was able to classify the samples as pure or adulterated codliver<br />
oil based on their FTIR spectra at the selected fingerprint regions (1,500-1,030 cm-1).<br />
Keywords: Adulteration cod-liver oil, lard, PLS discriminant analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, lipid chemistry, lipid analysis<br />
Application of Electronic Nose and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for<br />
Analysis of Lard Adulteration in Virgin Coconut Oil<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Dias Indrasti, Shuhaimi Mustafa and Dzulkifly Mat Hashim<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 0405; yaakobcm@gmail.com<br />
Monoglycerides (MG) and diglycerides (DG) are widely used as emulsifying agents for product stabilisation<br />
in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical. Source of TG and enzyme will influence the Halal status of MG, DG, and<br />
final products. Comprehensive bidimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry<br />
(GC×GC-TOF-MS) was used for the characterisation of regiospecific mono- and diglycerides (MG-DG) content<br />
in the glycerolysis products derived from five different fats and oils which included lard (LA), sun flower seed<br />
oil (SF), corn oil (CO), butter (BU), and palm oil (PA). The combination of short-length microbore and high<br />
temperature non-orthogonal column set was applied in this work. 3-monopalmitoyl-sn-glycerol (MG 3-C16) was<br />
the highest concentration in LA, BU and PA while monostearoyl-sn-glycerol (MG C18) in CO and 1,3-dilinoleolrac-glycerol<br />
(C18:2c) in SF. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) accounted 82% of variance using combination<br />
of PC1 and PC2. The presence of several compounds which were monostearoyl-sn-glycerol (MG C18),<br />
3-monopalmitoyl-sn-glycerol (MG 3-C16), 1,3-dilinoleol-rac-glycerol (DG C18:2c), 1,3-dipalmitoyl-glycerol<br />
(DG 1,3-C16), and 1,3-dielaidin (DG C18:1t) caused differentiation of the samples tested.<br />
Keywords: Monoglycerides, diglycerides, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, GC×GC, time-of-flight,<br />
mass spectrometry, PCA<br />
50
Application of GCÃ GC-TOF-MS for Analysis of Regiospecific Isomer of Monoand<br />
Diglyceride in Gycerolysis Products<br />
Prof. Dr. Yaakob Che Man<br />
Tengku Salwani Tengku Mansor and Abdul Rohman<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 7344; halal@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Lard and Virgin coconut oil (VCO) share some similarities such as having transparent to yellowish color and<br />
are solid at room temperature, hence, enabling lard to be a potential oil adulterant in VCO. This study highlights the<br />
application of electronic nose and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics<br />
to analyse the presence of lard in VCO. Binary admixtures of lard in VCO in various percentage concentrations<br />
ranging from 1%-50% were assayed using electronic nose and FTIR spectroscopy. Using electronic nose, 10<br />
different chromatogram peaks were identified as adulterant peaks. Two-dimensional view of the aroma profile<br />
offers an ideal rapid for qualitative identification of lard. Peak J in zNoseTM chromatogram was found to have<br />
the best relationship, R2 0.93437. Furthermore, FTIR spectroscopy coupled with partial least square (PLS) and<br />
discriminant analysis (DA) can be successfully developed for quantification and classification of lard in VCO.<br />
The results showed that PLS is able to predict the lard contents in VCO with equation y = 0.999x + 0.006, for<br />
the relation between actual value of lard (x) and FTIR predicted value (y) with coefficient of determination (R2)<br />
of 0.999 at frequency regions of 1120 - 950 cm-1. DA can classify VCO that adulterated with lard using the data<br />
from FTIR at frequencies of 3020-3000 cm-1 and 1120 - 1000 cm-1.<br />
Keywords: Lard, virgin coconut oil, electronic nose, FTIR spectroscopy, partial least square, discriminant analysis<br />
51<br />
Food
Health
Imaging in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: The Value of 18-Florine Fluorodeoxyglucose<br />
PET/CT in comparison to Conventional Imaging Modalities CT and MRI<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Nordin<br />
Simona Secondino, Noraini Abdul Rahim, Paolo Pedrazzoli, Salvatore Siena, Claudio Rossetti and Tahir Aris<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2607; drimaging@yahoo.com<br />
The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron<br />
emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)<br />
in comparison to conventional imaging modalities. This retrospective study was done at Ospedale Niguarda,<br />
Milan, Italy. Data were acquired from 24 NPC patients between May 2003 and December 2006. They had FDG<br />
PET/CT and CT or MRI during the initial diagnosis and at follow-up. Each finding was tabulated and compared<br />
with tissue biopsy at diagnosis and clinical status during the follow up after the therapy. A statistical calculation<br />
was done to derive the value of each modality. The sensitivity and accuracy of PET/CT and CT/MRI were equally<br />
high at diagnosis. At the follow up, a negative PET/CT finding suggested a complete remission with sensitivity<br />
and negative predictive value of 100%. 18F FDG PET/CT is a potential modality to be utilised in following up<br />
NPC patients for evaluating a response to therapy.<br />
Keywords: Positron emission tomography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, na- sopharyngeal<br />
carcinoma, follow-up<br />
Potential False Positive Active Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis Lesions on FDG<br />
PET/CT Imaging in Malignancy<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Nordin<br />
Hairil Rashmizal, Noraini Abdul Rahim and Claudio Rossetti<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2607; drimaging@yahoo.com<br />
Integrated fusion imaging modality Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET/CT) using<br />
18Fluorine-Fluoro Deoxy Glucose (18F-FDG) is commonly utilised in imaging oncology. We expand the role of<br />
this imaging modality in our study to demonstrate the appearance of active extra pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)<br />
lesions. This study involved prospective evaluation of eight patients using 18F-FDG PET/CT with confirmed<br />
diagnosis of extra pulmonary TB infection. Visually high intensity lesions in abnormal areas were studied where<br />
the mean and maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmean and SUVmax) were tabulated. The diagnosis of<br />
TB infection was confirmed by isolation of TB bacillus from these lesions or evidence of responding to anti TB<br />
treatment during post treatment evaluation using FDG PET/CT at follow up. The genders are equally affected.<br />
Majority of the group falls within young age below 50 years. Number of PET/CT studies demonstrating lesions<br />
either singly or multiple were equal in distribution. Nodal involvement is the most common in our study including<br />
mediastinum, paraaortic and inguinal groups. Other sites of infection include spine and bowel. The average<br />
SUVmax and SUVmean for all lesions were 7.7 and 5.2 respectively. Active TB lesions are FDG avid. Thus, FDG<br />
avid lesions should be interpreted with extra careful when FDG PET/CT are utilised in managing malignancy.<br />
Keywords: Extra pulmonary tuberculosis, 18F-FDG PET/ CT, SUVmax, false positive, malignancy<br />
55<br />
Health
Health<br />
PET-CT as an Effective Imaging Modality in the Staging and Follow-up of Posttransplant<br />
Lymphoproliferative Disorder following Solid Organ Transplantation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Nordin<br />
Noraini Abdul Rahim, Gay E, Ferrara C, Ravelli E, Mancini V, Morra E, Muti P, Tahir A and Claudio Rossetti<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2607; drimaging@yahoo.com<br />
To establish the role of positron-emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) in<br />
post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) patients, compared to conventional imaging<br />
(ultrasonography/CT/magnetic resonance imaging) in relation to its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.<br />
30 patients (26 males and 4 females), with a median age of 49.5 (range 18-74) years, were retrospectively<br />
evaluated. In 29 cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. Malignant lymphoma was detected<br />
in 20 cases, polymorphic lymphoproliferative disorder in six cases, multiple myeloma in two cases and<br />
Hodgkin’s disease in one case. A total of 49 PET-CT (13 studies for staging at diagnosis and 36 studies at<br />
follow-up as assessment post-therapy) were compared to conventional imaging. Imaging results in accordance<br />
with disease status were assessed at a median follow-up of 17.8 (range1.5-42.2) monthspost-PET-CT.<br />
In 41 of 49 examinations performed for staging and on follow-up, PET-CT and conventional imaging findings were<br />
concordant. Compared to conventional imaging, PET-CT showed comparable sensitivity (75 percent vs. 83 percent),<br />
similar specificity (100 percent in both modalities) and comparable accuracy (77 percent vs. 85 percent) during<br />
staging at diagnosis. PET-CT was found to be superior to conventional imaging modalities at follow-up, with greater<br />
sensitivity (100 percent vs. 81 percent), specificity (80 percent vs. 100 percent) and accuracy (97 percent vs. 83 percent).<br />
PET-CT is an accurate diagnostic tool for staging and for the follow-up of PTLD patients. It represents a good<br />
alternative imaging method to avoid contrast-related nephrotoxicity in patients who often develop impaired renal<br />
function secondary to chronic immunosuppressive therapy. However, further studies are recommended before<br />
considering PET-CT as a routine diagnostic tool in PTLD.<br />
Keywords: Computed tomography, positron-emission tomography, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, solid organ<br />
transplant, transplant complications<br />
Cocoa Autolysate: A New Perspective for Its Health Effects<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amin Ismail<br />
Bahareh Sarmadi, Muhajir Hamid and Jinap Selamat<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2435; amin@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and its related products are important in the economy of different countries.<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> being the fifth largest producer of cocoa beans is one of the main producers of cocoa products in the<br />
world. Recently there are several studies concerning health effects of cocoa polyphenols. Nevertheless, to our<br />
knowledge no study has been conducted on health effects of cocoa peptides and amino acids. Several hydrolysates<br />
or peptides from animal and plant sources have been found to possess health benefits. This study investigated<br />
antioxidant, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties of cocoa autolysate. Autolysate generated at pH 3.5<br />
exerted a significant high reducing power and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor activity, and<br />
stimulated insulin secretion. Autolysate produced under pH 5.2 had high (P
Quantitative Ultrasound of the Calcaneus in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Elderly and Its Association<br />
with Socio-demographic Factors and Anthropometric Indicators<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Latiffah A. Latiff<br />
Zaitun Yassin, Ridzoni Sulaiman, Asmidawati Ashaari and Siti Aisyah Nor Akhbar<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2537; latiffah@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Osteoporosis is becoming a public health problem worldwide, leading to bone fractures, disability and a<br />
burden to the health care system. The quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can be a useful, safe and inexpensive diagnostic<br />
technique for early detection of osteoporosis among free-living elderly population. The purpose of this paper is<br />
to determine the relationship between bone health status with socio-demographic and selected anthropometric<br />
variables among a sample of elderly from selected areas in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Bone Health Status was assessed<br />
using Quantitative Ultrasound Sonometry (QUS-2), which measures Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA,<br />
dB/MHz) at the calcaneus. Weight, height and percent body fat were measured using appropriate equipment and<br />
standard procedures. The sample consisted of 40.7% males and 50.3% females with a mean age of 68.8±6.3 years<br />
old. Majority of the respondents were Malays (61.4%) and 59.3% were from the rural areas. The mean weight,<br />
height and body mass index (BMI) were 59.4±12.8kg, 1.55±0.09m and 24.5±4.6kg/m2, respectively. About 46%<br />
of the respondents were overweight and obese and 7.6% were underweight. The mean BUA was 71.4±20.6dB/<br />
MHz and the mean T-score was -1.42±1.66. The BUA values were significantly higher in males, those from the<br />
urban areas, younger age categories and with BMI>25.0kg/m2. According to WHO criteria, about 27% of them<br />
were classified as osteoporotic and 34.7% were osteopenic. BUA was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.167;<br />
p
Health<br />
Design, Development and Efficacy of an Email-linked-website for Promoting<br />
Cancer Prevention through Nutrition and Lifestyle Behaviour Change<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirnalini Kandiah<br />
Ang Yee Kwang, Zalilah Mohd. Shariff and Chan Yoke Mun, Hazizi Abu Saad<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2469; mirna@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
The Internet has emerged as an important channel for health communication and promotion. This paper<br />
describes the design, development and efficacy of an email-linked-website for promoting cancer prevention<br />
through nutrition and lifestyle change among employees (n=260) of a <strong>Malaysia</strong>n public university. A website<br />
addressed http://www.nutrihealth-upm.com was developed using a basic user interface with these characteristics:<br />
attractive appearance, user friendliness, content credibility, delivery mode, and participation level. The website<br />
contents comprised introduction, evidence based educational modules on guidelines for cancer prevention, related<br />
publications, a video-clip, discussion forum, links to cancer agencies, research committee, and contact us column.<br />
Emails containing hypertext links to a web page for downloading the PDF format of the module were sent weekly<br />
to participants for 10 consecutive weeks. The number of modules downloaded was monitored through requisition<br />
of a read-receipt email. Study groups (Intervention,I=134;Control,C=126) completed knowledge assessment<br />
at baseline, two weeks post-intervention(T1), and at three months post-intervention(T2). Participants read an<br />
average of 9.3±0.9 modules. Approximately 58% read all the weekly delivered modules. At baseline the groups<br />
were similar in mean knowledge scores. At T1 and T2 groups were significantly different. After controlling for<br />
group and time interactions, the mean change in scores was significantly higher in I group from baseline to T2<br />
compared to the C group. The feasibility study showed 68% were pleased with the features of the website, 97%<br />
understood the educational contents, 57% found the module length to be adequate, 59% logged in 1-3 days/<br />
month and 88% expressed they would continue to seek more information from this site. Efficacy of this website in<br />
improving cancer-related knowledge may empower participants to change health behaviour although additional<br />
factors such as perception, environment, and social support are needed to put knowledge into action. The internet<br />
should be maximized to educate the general public for disease prevention.<br />
Keywords: Email, website, cancer prevention, nutrition, lifestyle<br />
Novel Nanoliposomal Gene Delivery Formulation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Reza Mozafari<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8519; m.reza.mozafari@gmail.com<br />
A scalable and safe method was developed to prepare liposomal carriers for entrapment and delivery of<br />
genetic material. The carrier systems were composed of endogenously occurring dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine<br />
(DPPC), negatively charged dicetylphosphate (DCP), cholesterol (CHOL) and glycerol (3%, v/v). Liposomes were<br />
prepared by a modified and improved version of the heating method in which no harmful chemical or procedure is<br />
involved. Anionic lipoplexes were formed by incorporating plasmid DNA (pCMV-GFP) to the liposomes by the<br />
mediation of calcium ions. Transfection efficiency and toxicity of the lipoplexes were evaluated in CHO-K1 cells<br />
using flow cytometry and MTT assay, respectively. Controls included DNA-Ca2+ complexes (without lipids),<br />
anionic liposome-DNA complexes (with no Ca2+), and a commercially available cationic liposomal formulation.<br />
Results indicated fast and reproducible formation of non-toxic lipoplexes that possess long-term stability, high<br />
DNA entrapment capacity (81%) and high transfection efficiency. The lipoplex preparation method has the<br />
potential of large-scale manufacture of safe and efficient carriers of nucleic acid drugs.<br />
Keywords: Nanoliposomes, calcium, DN, gene transfer, mozafari method<br />
58
Apoptotic Cell Death in the Mechanism of Hepatotoxicity induced by Azole<br />
Antifungal Drug Itraconazole<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Soo Li Chin, Azhar Yaacob, Zuraini Ahmad, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria<br />
Sports Academy, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4277; nazrul.hakim@gmail.com<br />
Itraconazole is an orally active, broad-spectrum, triazole antifungal agent has a broad spectrum of activity<br />
and it is used for treatment of diseases such as vaginal candidiasis, dermatomycosis, onychomycosis, and several<br />
deep mycoses. Itraconazole acts by inhibiting biosynthesis of ergosterol, which is an essential component of<br />
fungal cell membranes. The drug blocks the formation of ergosterol from lanosterol causing membrane leakage<br />
and gradual cell death. This study is conducted to investigate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of itraconazole<br />
in rats’ hepatocytes. 40 rats are divided into two groups: single dose and repeated dose groups. The single dose<br />
group is further divided into four, according to the concentration of drug given: 0, 10, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The<br />
repeated dose is also divided into four: 0, 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 14 days. The rats are then sacrificed<br />
24 hrs after the last dose and their livers and kidneys removed for histology examination, electron microscopy<br />
and immunohistochemistry examination, which is the expression of apoptotic protein Bax and anti-apoptotic<br />
protein Bcl-2. Dose-dependent hepatocellular necrosis, focal necrosis, periportal degeneration, glomerular<br />
nephritis and severe inflammation in the hepatocytes and in the capsules were observed from the liver and<br />
kidney in histology examination from repeated dose group. From electron microscopy examination, incomplete<br />
or total loss of mitochondria cristae and distorted membrane nucleus was found, indicating cell apoptosis. In<br />
immunohistochemistry examination, Bax protein was found to be up-regulated and Bcl-2 protein down-regulated,<br />
which also indicates cell apoptosis. In the single dose group, mild degenerative changes and mild inflammation in<br />
the hepatocytes and kidney were observed in the rats with higher dose. These results demonstrated that antifungal<br />
drug itraconazole will cause organ toxicity and the level of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity severity increases<br />
with the increase of dose concentration injected and longer exposure time to the drug.<br />
Keywords: Itraconazole, apoptotic, hepatotoxicity, azole, nephrotoxicity<br />
Protective Effect of Bauhinia purpurea Leaf Extracts against Indomethacin-induced<br />
Gastric Ulcers in Rats<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria<br />
Elly Ezlinda Abdul Hisam, Mohd. Salleh Rofiee, Muhammad Nazrul Somchit, Zuraini Ahmad, Mohd. Roslan<br />
Sulaiman, Teh Lay Kek and Mohd. Zaki Salleh<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
603-8947 2654; zaz@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Previous study has demonstrated the potential of Bauhinia purpurea leaf extracts to produce gastroprotective<br />
effect against ethanol, a necrotizing agent. In order to establish B. purpurea gastroprotective profile, the present<br />
study was carried out to determine the gastroprotective effect of various extracts of B. purpurea leaves against<br />
indomethacin-induced gastroduodenal ulcer. The animals were given (orally) distilled water, 8% Tween 80 or<br />
normal saline as negative controls; or, aqueous, chloroform and methanol leaf extracts of B. purpurea (100, 500<br />
and 1000 mg/kg) followed 30 min later with oral administration of indomethacin (100 mg/kg) to induce gastric<br />
ulcer. Four hours after indomethacin administration, the animals were sacrificed and the stomachs were collected<br />
for examination. Based on the dose administered, pre-treatment with aqueous extract exerted 63.5%, 54.8% and<br />
39.1% of ulcer inhibition, respectively. The chloroform extracts showed 31.3%, 22.9% and 29.2% while methanol<br />
extracts exhibited 31.6%, 50.5% and 47.4% reduction in lesions as compared to their respective negative controls.<br />
Omeprazole (30 mg/kg) served as the positive control for this study. All extracts exhibited gastroprotective activity<br />
with the aqueous extract being the most effective one and, thus, requires further extensive study.<br />
Keywords: Bauhinia purpurea, leaves, various extracts, ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, antiulcer<br />
59<br />
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Health<br />
The present study was conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of crude aqueous extract of Bixa<br />
orellana leaves (AEBO) and to examine the possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in its anti-inflammatory<br />
mechanism. The air-dried, powdered leaves soaked in distilled water (1:20; w/v) at 50oC for 24 h and the supernatant<br />
obtained was freeze-dried (yield 8.5%, w/w). The dosage was recorded as the mass of extract/kg (body weight<br />
of rats) in all inflammatory assays (bradykinin-induced paw edema, peritoneal vascular permeability and nitric<br />
oxide assay). Pretreatment with AEBO for four consecutive days exhibited significant inhibitory activity against<br />
inflammatory models, bradykinin-induced hind paw edema model and bradykinin-induced increased peritoneal<br />
vascular permeability at both doses in dose-dependent manner. In addition, AEBO was also found to significantly<br />
suppress the production of NO at doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg. This study provides a scientific data to support the<br />
traditional use of B. orellana leaves in treating inflammation. Result from this study suggests that AEBO exerts<br />
anti-inflammatory effects. Part of this anti-inflammatory effect may be associated with its antibradykinin activity<br />
and may be related to a reduction of the NO production.<br />
Keywords: Bixa orellana, inflammation, bradykinin<br />
Skeletal Muscle Mass and Its Association with Anthropometric Measurements and<br />
Functional Status among Elderly Malays<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaitun Yassin<br />
Suzana Shahar, Suriah Abdul Rahman, Fatimah Arshad, Noor Aini Mohd. Yusof, Siti Nur Asyura Adznam and<br />
Zuriati Ibrahim<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2463; zaitun@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Loss of muscle mass is increasingly being recognized as an important factor affecting functional status<br />
among the elderly. There is still no documented evidence on factors associated with loss in muscle mass among<br />
older population in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of skeletal muscle mass<br />
with anthropometric measurements and functional status of elderly Malays in rural areas in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
A total of 820 non-institutionalized elderly 60 years and above participated in this study. Data were collected at<br />
selected health centers or through household visits using face-to-face interviews. Functional status was assessed<br />
using the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), hand-grip strength<br />
using the dynamometer and Hodkinson Abbreviated Mental Test. Anthropometric indicators were measured using<br />
appropriate equipments and standard procedures. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was computed using a prediction<br />
equation. About 68% of the subjects had low skeletal muscle index (Men: SMI< 31%; Women: SMI< 28%). The<br />
mean SMM values were significantly lower in women, those with lower BMI (
The Role of Andographis panniculata (Hempedu Bumi) as a Cholesterol-lowering<br />
Agent<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuraini Ahmad<br />
Arifah Abdul Kadir and Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2313; zuraini@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of aqueous extracts of Andographis<br />
paniculata in lowering the plasma lipid parameter which is responsible for hyperlipidemia and its damaging<br />
consequences and also to determine the kidney and liver functions of rats. Plasma Total Cholesterol (TC), Low<br />
Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and Triglycerides (TG) had progressively increased in cholesterol-fed<br />
rats up to four weeks of cholesterol-feeding. Both 100 and 200 mg/kg concentrations of A.paniculata extracts<br />
had kept TC, LDL and TG values within the normal range even after four weeks of feeding. No significant<br />
enhancement was found in the amount of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol and the kidney and liver<br />
enzymes of the rats, i.e. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), total creatinine and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and<br />
Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), respectively indicating normal kidney<br />
and liver functions. From the current study, it can be concluded that 100 and 200 mgkg-1 aqueous extract of A.<br />
paniculata appeared to possess great potentials as anti-hyperlipidemic agent in rats.<br />
Keywords: Andographis paniculata, hyperlipidemia<br />
Histone Demethylase KDM5B Regulates Cellular Proliferation and Invasion via<br />
the E2F/RB Pathway<br />
Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam<br />
Rozita Rosli, Syahrilnizam Abdullah, Tan Keai Sinn and Chan Soon Choy<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2646; abhi@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Although an increasing number of histone demethylases have been identified and biochemically characterised,<br />
their biological functions largely remain uncharacterised, particularly in the context of human diseases such as<br />
cancer. We investigated the role of KDM5B, a JmjC histone demethylase, in human carcinogenesis. Quantitative<br />
RT-PCR and microarray analyses were used to examine the expression profiles of histone demethylases in clinical<br />
tissue samples. We also examined the functional effects of KDM5B on the growth of cancer cell lines treated with<br />
small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Downstream genes and signal cascades induced by KDM5B expression were<br />
identified from Affymetrix Gene Chip experiments, and validated by real-time PCR and reporter assays. Cell<br />
cycle-dependent characteristics of KDM5B were identified by immunofluorescence and FACS. Quantitative RT-<br />
PCR analysis confirmed that expression levels of KDM5B are significantly higher in human bladder cancer tissues<br />
than in their corresponding non-neoplastic bladder tissues (P < 0.0001). The expression profile analysis of clinical<br />
tissues also revealed up-regulation of KDM5B in various kinds of malignancies. Transfection of KDM5B-specific<br />
siRNA into various bladder and lung cancer cell lines significantly suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells<br />
and increased the number of cells in sub-G1 phase. Microarray expression analysis indicated that E2F1 and E2F2<br />
are downstream genes in the KDM5B pathway. Inhibition of KDM5B may affect apoptosis and reduce growth of<br />
cancer cells. Further studies will explore the pan-cancer therapeutic potential of KDM5B inhibition.<br />
Keywords: Cancer, histone demethylase, microarrays, therapeutic target<br />
61<br />
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Health<br />
Is a Child Occupant in a Passenger Car Safe?<br />
Dr. Kulanthayan KC Mani<br />
Ahmad Razak, Ellen Schenk and Hussain Hamid<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2398; kulan@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
The rapidly motorizing environment in <strong>Malaysia</strong> has made child occupant safety a current public health<br />
concern. The usage of child safety seats (CSS) is a widely regarded intervention to enhance child occupant<br />
safety, yet no study has been conducted on CSS in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This study aims to determine the CSS usage rates<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and to assess driver characteristics that are associated with CSS usage. Nine variables - urban versus<br />
rural study location, age, gender, marital status, educational status, monthly family income, number of children<br />
present in the vehicle, distance traveled to the study location, and attitude - were examined through a crosssectional<br />
study of interviewing drivers of 230 vehicles transporting at least one child
Challenges to the use of Seat Belt among Car Occupants in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keywords: Road crash, occupant injuries, seat belt<br />
Dr. Kulanthayan KC Mani<br />
Raha A.R., Law Teik Hwa and Radin Umar R.S.<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2398; kulan@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
The car is the second (40%) most common mode of transportation in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. In terms of fatal road crashes,<br />
car drivers constitute about 9.0% and passengers 13.6% of fatalities. The major cause of car occupants fatality<br />
in such crashes is head injuries, which consist of more than half (56.4%) of the fatalities. Thus restraining the<br />
head and body, the initial position is the most important injury control strategy for car users. The use of seat<br />
belts was deemed one of the most effective ways to reduce road accident fatalities in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and consequently<br />
the mandatory seat belt law was enforced in the early seventies. Therefore, a study on factors influencing the<br />
compliance behaviour of seat belt use among cars occupants is needed as not many local studies are available.<br />
A questionnaire study was carried out in Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong> on the compliance behaviour of car occupants in<br />
relation to seat belt use. A total of 237 respondents were interviewed and the data analysed using logistic regression<br />
method. Six variables were found to be significant at 5 percent level (p0.05) of Bcl-2 was only observed in nordamnacanthal-treated<br />
MCF-7 cells as compared to the control. The expression of p53 reduced and increased significantly (p
Health<br />
Germinated Brown Rice for Prevention of Colon Cancer<br />
Dr. Latifah Saiful Yazan<br />
Maznah Ismail, Armania Nurdin, Hern Tze Tan, Azhar Yaacob, Nordiana Abdul Hadi, Norazalina Saad,<br />
Hairuszah Ithnin and Saidi Moin<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2308; latifah@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Chemoprevention has become an important area in cancer research due to the failure of current therapeutic<br />
modalities. Epidemiological and preclinical studies have demonstrated that nutrition plays a vital role in the<br />
etiology of cancer. Germinated brown rice (GBR) has been claimed to be richer in nutrients compared to the<br />
common white rice. In the preliminary study, GBR extract showed cytotoxic effects towards the colon cancer<br />
cell line (HT29). Determination of the chemopreventive effects of GBR in rats induced with colon cancer was<br />
further investigated. The male Sprague Dawley rats (six weeks of age) were randomly divided into five groups:<br />
(G1) positive control (with colon cancer, unfed with GBR), (G2) fed with 2.5 g/kg of GBR (GBR (g)/weight<br />
of rat (kg)), (G3) fed with 5 g/kg of GBR, (G4) fed with 10 g/kg of GBR and (G5) negative control (without<br />
colon cancer, unfed with GBR). GBR was administered orally once daily via gavage after injection of 15 mg/<br />
kg of body weight of azoxymethane (AOM) once a week for two weeks, intraperitonially. After eight weeks of<br />
treatment, animals were sacrificed and colons were removed. Colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were evaluated<br />
histopathologically. Total number of ACF and AC, and multicrypt of ACF, and the expression of beta-catenin<br />
and COX-2 reduced significantly (p
An Effective Approach to Prevent Spread of Novel MRSA Clones with Known<br />
Epidemic and Pathogenic Potential<br />
Dr. Mariana Nor Shamsudin<br />
Ehsanollah Ghaznavi-Rad, Vasanthakumari Neela, Zamberi Sekawi, Mohammad Nazri Aziz, Rukman Awang<br />
Hamat, Chong Pei Pei, Norlijah Othman and Hamed Ghasemzadeh-Moghaddam<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2138; mariana@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Molecular elucidation is of highly importance in MRSA epidemiology since phenotypic approach cannot<br />
reveal accurate strain identity and can mislead MRSA infection management. In the current study, it was revealed<br />
through molecular typing that a virulent and highly transmissible MRSA clone is replacing most other clones.<br />
Molecular approach enabled the detection of a novel clone, penetrating the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n scenario, specifically<br />
and accurately, revealing the epidemic and pathogenic traits. Clinical isolates (n = 389) of methicillin-resistant<br />
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) recovered from patients between October 2007 to September 2008 at the<br />
major public hospital of the Kuala Lumpur, <strong>Malaysia</strong> was studied. The clonal relatedness of MRSA isolates<br />
was determined on the basis of spa sequencing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal cassette<br />
chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, and virulence gene profiling. The majority (92.5%) of the isolates belonged<br />
to ST-239, spa type t037, and possessed the type III or IIIA SCCmec. We report the first identification of ACME<br />
arcA gene-positive ST-239. Apart from this predominant clone, six (1.5%) isolates of ST-22, with two related spa<br />
types (t032 and t4184) and a singleton (t3213), carrying type IVh SCCmec, were detected for the first time in<br />
Asia. A limited number of community-acquired (CA) MRSA strains were also detected. These included ST-188/<br />
t189 (2.1%), ST-1/t127 (2.3%), and ST-7/t091 (1%). Panton-Valentin leukocidin (PVL) was detected in all ST-1<br />
and ST-188 strains and in 0.7% of the ST-239 isolates. Virulence genes seg and sei were seen only among ST-22<br />
isolates. In conclusion, the genetic basis of analysis performed in this study accurately identifies all the clones<br />
that cannot be specified through the conventional phenotypic analysis. Current results revealed the predominance<br />
of ST-239-SCCmec III/IIIA and the penetration of ST-22 with different virulence gene profiles. The emergence in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> of novel clones of known epidemic and pathogenic potential should be taken seriously.<br />
Keywords: Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, molecular characterisation, virulence profile<br />
The Effects of Mitragynine from Mitragyna speciosa Korth Leaves on Working<br />
Memory in Mice<br />
Dr. Mohamad Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin<br />
Mohamad Aris Mohd. Moklas, Sharida Fakurazi, Evhy Apryani and Farah Idayu Nasir<br />
Sports Academy, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1139; taufik@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Mitragyna speciosa Korth from Rubiaceae family is a tropical plant indigenous to Southeast Asia particularly<br />
in Thailand, Peninsular of <strong>Malaysia</strong> and Indonesia. The leaves have been used by natives for their opium-like<br />
effect and cocaine-like stimulant ability to combat fatigue and enhance tolerance to hard work. However there is<br />
no scientific information about the effect of mitragynine on the cognitive performances. This study is designed to<br />
examine the working memory effects of mitragynine which is extracted from Mitragyna speciosa mature leaves.<br />
The cognitive effect was studied using object location task and the motor activity in open-field test. Mitragynine<br />
5, 10 and 15 mg/kg and were administered by intraperitoneal (IP) for 28 consecutive days and evaluated on<br />
day 28 after the last dose treatment. Scopolamine was used as the control positive drug. In this study, there<br />
are prominent effects on horizontal locomotor activity which was observed. Mitragynine significantly reduced<br />
locomotor activity in open-field test compared with vehicle. In object location task mitragynine (5, 10 and 15 mg/<br />
kg) did not showed any significances discrimination between the object that had changed position than the object<br />
that had remained in a constant position. Our results suggest that chronic administration of mitragynine can alter<br />
the cognitive behavioural function in mice.<br />
Keywords: Mitragynine, working memory, mitragyna speciosa, object location task, psychostimulant plants<br />
65<br />
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Health<br />
Quantification of Total Phenolics in Different Parts of Pluchea indica (Less)<br />
Ethanolic and Water Extracts<br />
Dr. Normala Halimoon<br />
Mohamad Suhaimi Ismail<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6743; hmala@env.upm.edu.my<br />
One of the compounds present in Pluchea indica extracts is antioxidants, which play an important role<br />
in inhibiting free radicals, thus protecting humans against infections and degenerative diseases such as cancer,<br />
arthritis and ageing process. The main objective of this study was to investigate and determine total phenolic<br />
compounds of Pluchea indica in different concentrations of ethanolic extracts. This species was chosen because<br />
of its high phytonutrient compounds with potential medicinal properties. There was a significant difference<br />
(P?0.05) in total phenolic among the different parts of the test plant. The 50% ethanolic extract produced the<br />
highest total phenolic compounds (1775.00±86.00 to 658.95±5.00 µmol/g), followed by the water extract<br />
(759.79±1.53 µmol/g) and 100% ethanol extract (352.72±22.30 to 249.29±5.37 µmol/g), respectively. In terms of<br />
plant parts, the leaves contained the highest phenolic compounds (1775.00±86.00 µmol/g in 50% ethanol extract,<br />
759.79±1.53 µmol/g in 100% aqueous extract and 352.72±22.30 µmol/g in 100% ethanol extract) followed<br />
by stems (990.22±24.00 µmol/g in 50% ethanol extract, 990.22±24.59 µmol/g in 100% aqueous extract and<br />
293.48±0.00 µmol/g in 100% ethanol extract). Lower total phenolic compounds were detected in the flowers<br />
(727.71±11.00 µmol/g in 50% ethanol extract, 603.81±8.46 µmol/g in 100% aqueous extract and 249.29±5.37<br />
µmol/g in 100% ethanol extract) and roots (658.95±5.00 µmol/g in 50% ethanol extract, 450.00±10.76 µmol/g<br />
in 100% aqueous extract and 272.28±0.53 µmol/g in 100% ethanol extract). Based on these findings, Pluchea<br />
indica has potential medicinal properties that can be further developed to produce neutraceutical products, diet<br />
supplements or cosmetic products. However, further research should first be conducted on the effects of these<br />
compounds on laboratory animals.<br />
Keywords: Antioxidant, phenolics, pluchea indica, herbal medicines<br />
Elevated Neutrophil Respiratory Burst Activity in Essential Hypertensive Patients<br />
Dr. Rajesh Ramasamy<br />
Maryam Maqbool, Abdul Latiff Mohamed and Rahim Md. Noah<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2377; r.rajesh@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Neutrophils play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of innate immunity via their potent respiratory<br />
burst activity. However, the uncontrolled activation of respiratory burst in neutrophils also attributes to chronic<br />
diseases such as primary hypertension and atherosclerosis. In our study, we have investigated the activation of<br />
respiratory burst function of neutrophils harvested from essential hypertensive patients. In the presence of stimuli<br />
PMA and opsonized zymosan (OZ), hypertensive patients’ neutrophils secrete significantly higher amount of<br />
superoxide anions compared to normotensive control. Although the magnitude of activation varies between both<br />
groups, yet the kinetics of activation is similar. When normotensive control’s neutrophils were pre-treated with<br />
hypertensive serum, the cells failed to migrate toward fMLP which indicates the impairment of the migration<br />
property. In conclusion, the respiratory burst activity of neutrophils is affected by hypertension and their elevated<br />
superoxide anions production could be an aggravating factor in hypertension-related complication.<br />
Keywords: Neutrophil, respiratory burst, reactive oxygen species<br />
66
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Neutrophils’ Respiratory Burst Activity: An<br />
Impact on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases<br />
Dr. Rajesh Ramasamy<br />
Maryam Maqbool and Sharmili Vidyadaran<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2377; r.rajesh@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Neutrophils or polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) are major cell type that constitutes innate immunity.<br />
They comprise approximately 50-70% of leucocytes and predominate in eliminating pathogens that induce acute<br />
inflammation. In bone marrow, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) protect neutrophils from apoptosis, preserving<br />
their effector functions and preventing excessive or inappropriate activation of the oxidative burst. PMN use<br />
oxygen-dependent mechanisms that involve the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive<br />
nitrogen species (RNS). Generation of ROS from stimulated neutrophils is thought to play an important role<br />
in host defence and tissue damage. Therefore the current study, we evaluate the effects of MSC on neutrophils<br />
respiratory burst activity. Chemiluminescence and Griess assays are widely used as sensitive and accurate<br />
measurements to assess the neutrophils’ reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. The effect of MSC on<br />
generation of ROS by neutrophils was evaluated at different time points in the present of absence of MSC. Our<br />
study shows that MSC at all ratios in 24 and 48 hours inhibit the ROS production in chemiluminescence assay.<br />
Furthermore, in Griess assay, it was observed that at 24 and 48 hours, MSC inhibit the nitric oxide production.<br />
Our results indicate that MSC could be potentially serve as therapy to dampen neutrophils respiratory burst during<br />
an exaggerated neutrophils responses whereby the over production of ROS and RNS can cause harmful effects<br />
to other neighbouring cells and tissue. MSC can be also proposed as a component in treating chronic neutrophils<br />
responses such as arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.<br />
Keywords: Neutrophil, respiratory burst, mesenchymal stem cells<br />
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-pyretic Effects of Hexane Fraction of Ardisia crispa<br />
Dr. Roslida Abd. Hamid<br />
Lau Moi Fong, Sabrina Sukardi and Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2341; roslida@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Hexane fraction of Ardisia crispa root (ACHE) was used to investigate its anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic<br />
activities in this study. For anti-inflammatory activity, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was applied<br />
to the ear of mice to induce oedema and treated with 0.5,1 and 2mg/ear of ACHE topically. In cotton-pellet<br />
granuloma test, treated groups have received 3, 10, 30 and 100mg/kg of hexane extract administered orally for<br />
seven days. For antipyretic activity, brewer’s yeast was injected in mice to induce fever and later, ACHE at dose<br />
ranging from 10 to 300 mg/kg was administered to the rats orally. The results exhibited that 1 and 2mg/ear of<br />
ACHE produced significant suppression by 19.9% and 20.2% respectively. The lowest dose of ACHE showed no<br />
significant effect when compared with control. Results showed that ACHE showed significant anti-pyretic effect<br />
at all doses (10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg). At 30, 100 and 300mg/kg, ACHE even exhibited higher efficacy when<br />
compared with 100 mg/kg acetaminophen. ACHE also elicited a significant (P
Health<br />
Orthosiphon stamineus Leaf Extract Protects against Ethanol-induced Gastropathy<br />
in Rats<br />
Dr. Rusliza Basir<br />
Mun Fei Yam, Lee Fung Ang, Ibrahim Muhammad Salman, Omar Ziad Ameer, Vuanghao Lim, Lai Man Ong,<br />
Mariam Ahmad and Mohd. Zaini Asmawi<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2448; rusliza@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, which is used as a gastroprotective herbal remedy in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, was assessed<br />
for its anti-ulcerogenic activity against ethanol-induced ulcers in rats. Fifty percent methanol was used to extract<br />
the oven-dried O. stamineus leaves. The extract was then lyophilized with a rotary evaporator and freeze-dried.<br />
Oral administration of O. stamineus methanolic extract (OSME) (125, 250, 500, and 1,000 mg=kg) was found to<br />
significantly decrease the ulcer index (P
Evaluation of Two Ergonomics Intervention Programmes in Reducing Ergonomic<br />
Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorder among School Children<br />
Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj. Mohd. Tamrin<br />
Syazwan Aizat Ismail, Rafee Baharudin, Mohamad Azhar Mohd. Noor, Muhamad Hanafiah Juni, Juliana<br />
Jalaludin and Zailina Hashim<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2358; syazwanaizat@yahoo.com<br />
Intervention studies were carried out from February 2009 until August 2009 with the objective of determining<br />
the effectiveness of two ergonomic intervention programmes in reducing ergonomic risk factors among school<br />
children. A total of 229 school children in 2nd Grade (age 8 years) and 5th Grade (age 11 years) in three schools<br />
participated in the study. Group 1 (G1) was assigned to a school in which ergonomically designed furniture<br />
was used in the intervention programmes (2nd and 5th Graders), while Group 2 (G2) from another school were<br />
given an ergonomic programmes with intensive health promotion module which consisted of physical exercises<br />
and educational information on MSD to create awareness, while Group 3 from another school was the Control<br />
Group (Cx). Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using modified Nordiq Body Map Questionnaires (BMQ)<br />
and modified Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to assess the awkward posture of the school<br />
children. Ergonomic quiz (EQ) was used to evaluate awareness before and after the ergonomic intervention<br />
programmes. Tanita weight measurement was used to measure school bag weight and student’s weight. School<br />
bag weights, RULA score, and EQ were used in the evaluation of the programmes effectiveness. A significant<br />
decrease in the RULA scores and the reduction in the mean school bag weight observed among G1 indicated<br />
the effectiveness of the program given to G1, even though the EQ scores were not significantly different. In<br />
conclusion, the implementation of the ergonomically designed furniture in classrooms was able to improve their<br />
posture temporarily, reduced risk and reported MSD symptoms.<br />
Keywords: School children, musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), ergonomic intervention<br />
programmes, bag weight, ergonomic quiz<br />
Ergonomics Furniture for Primary School in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj. Mohd. Tamrin<br />
Nurul Asyiqin Mohd. Ali, Mohd. Shahrizal Dollah and Velu A/P Perumal<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2358; shamsul@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
In <strong>Malaysia</strong>, every school is unique by virtue of its design, location and pupils, with each having its own<br />
history and culture. However, there is no record on <strong>Malaysia</strong>n school infrastructures such as buildings, school<br />
layouts, classrooms and furniture which had been designed or promoted using ergonomics concept. The main<br />
focused of this study is to improve primary school furniture based on user-centered design and cognitive<br />
ergonomics with combination of medical science research, industrial design process and industrial engineering<br />
modelling. The study involved three main stages: 1) idenfication of problem and ergonomics risk, 2) furniture<br />
design development and fabrication of prototype and 3) prototype evaluation. With the integration of various<br />
type of field, the research group had proposed four main parameters for the new concept of ergonomics design<br />
furniture in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n schools which is: 1) table and chair – to fit 95% of schoolchildren anthropometry features,<br />
2) posture- to promote good working posture, 3) school bag load – to design a solution to reduce bag load and 4)<br />
the furniture design were based on children preferences. By implementing these strategies, this study will increase<br />
the safety and health of the school children and improve the performance of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n schools.<br />
Keywords: School children, user-centered design, cognitive ergonomics, medical sciences research, industrial design<br />
process, engineering modelling<br />
69<br />
Health
Health<br />
Keywords: Microglia, tocotrienol<br />
Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). In the normal CNS, they are<br />
in a resting condition, characterised by low expression of MHC class II (MHC II) and costimulatory molecules<br />
such as CD40. Following activation by various stressors, microglia acquires an inflammatory phenotype and<br />
the continuous activation of microglia is thought to exacerbate neuronal damage. It is also believed that with<br />
increasing age, the inflammatory response of microglia becomes uncontrolled. In this study, the effects of age on<br />
microglia responses were determined by culturing microglia from Sprague Dawley rats of six days, 2-4 months<br />
and three years old. Microglia were then activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or beta amyloid (A?) and<br />
assessed for nitric oxide (NO) production, proliferative capacity and expression of activation markers, at different<br />
time points. Griess assay and the tritiated thymidine proliferation assay were performed to assess NO production<br />
and microglia proliferation respectively. It was observed that at 48 hours, NO production and proliferation rate<br />
ware higher in neonatal microglia compared to adult. Expression of activation markers MHC II and CD40 was<br />
determined by immunophenotyping. Even under resting condition, it was observed that neonatal and adult<br />
microglia have CD40 expression; however this expression was higher in adult microglia compared to neonatal.<br />
Similarly, after activation with LPS and A?, CD40 expression was still higher in adult cells compared to neonatal.<br />
In addition, MHC II expression was also observed to be higher in adult cells in resting and after activation with<br />
LPS and A?. This shows that adult microglia have stronger costimulatory signals which indicate its potential for<br />
subsequent activation of T cells that can exacerbate inflammation. Thus, as a result of our work, we demonstrate<br />
different responses between primary cells of neonatal and adult microglia to LPS and A? stimulation.<br />
Keywords: Microglia, aging, immunosenescence<br />
Potential Anti-inflammatory Properties of Tocotrienols on Microglia<br />
Dr. Sharmili Vidyadaran<br />
Shi Wei Tan and Maha Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2376; sharmili@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Microglia are the tissue-specific macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). In response to various<br />
stimuli, they transform into functioning phagocytic cells, proliferate and produce a wide array of mediators<br />
to promote inflammation. However, chronic inflammatory responses of microglia can lead to neuronal death<br />
and is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin E is able to<br />
attenuate the production of inflammatory mediators in various cell types. In neurones, tocopherol fractions of<br />
vitamin E are protective by reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peroxide radical and nitric oxide (NO)<br />
radicals by activated microglia. Tocotrienol fractions are also potently anti-inflammatory and are less studied on<br />
microglia cells. The aim of this project is to determine the potential anti-inflammatory properties of tocotrienols<br />
on the BV2 microglia cell line. Cells were treated with?-tocotrienol,?-tocotrienol, ?-tocotrienol or Tocomin?50%<br />
to determine their effects on nitric oxide (NO) production, proliferation rate and phagocytic rate of microglia<br />
following activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tocotrienol fractions and Tocomin?50% were first screened<br />
for potential anti-inflammatory activities via a NO assay. Five different concentrations of tocotrienols - 100nM,<br />
250nM, 2.5?M, 10?M and 50?M were tested. We found ?-tocotrienol to be most effective at reducing NO levels,<br />
up to 76% (p
Artificial Conduit for Coronary Heart Diseases<br />
Dr. Siti Aslina Hussain<br />
Tan Hong Tat, Mohd. Ismail Abdul Halim, Norhafizah Abdullah and Azni Idris<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6292; aslina@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
A classical treatment to heart attack is usually done by undergoing a bypass surgery where the bypass grafts<br />
are frequently harvested from internal thoracic arteries, radial arteries or saphenous veins known as coronary<br />
sinus bypass surgery. The vein is usually harvested from the leg or stomach of human. In order to prevent the risk<br />
of patency and infections, an artificial coronary sinus conduit was produced throughout numerical studies of blood<br />
flow system of aorta coronary sinus conduit. The model was carried out using ANSYS CFD (CFX 12.2 codes)<br />
simulation. Pressure drop was investigated to achieve from 80mmHg to 15mmHg with a 3D model blood conduit.<br />
It is found that a narrow tube needs to be incorporated into the conduit model. This is to induce a venturi effect in<br />
order to reduce the pressure of blood within a specific throat length. A model of 3mm inlet and throat diameter of<br />
1.13mm throat diameter shows the best result for pressure reduction from 80mmHg to 15mmHg. This model also<br />
has a lower peak velocity (laminar flow), which is more preferable in blood flow in vein.<br />
Keywords: Coronary sinus, artificial, CFD, simulation, heart diseases<br />
Adaptability of MRSA to Different Host: A Proteomic Approach<br />
Dr. Vasanthakumari Neela<br />
Liew Yun Khoon, Mariana Nor Shamsudin, Rukman Awang Hama and Chong Pei Pei<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2507; neela2000@hotmail.com<br />
In our earlier study, we found that MRSA-ST9-t4358-SCCmec V colonizes pigs (1.38%) and pig handlers<br />
(5.5%) in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. In facing the new emerging clonal type MRSA colonization among humans from pigs, we<br />
were driven to perform the fundamental investigation on MRSA-ST9 exoproteome to answer the most basic<br />
scientific question, whether the expression of exoprotein by same clonal type isolates origin from different host<br />
are highly variable. Hence, the total of six isolates belonging to MRSA-ST9 in this study was selected (divided in<br />
two groups equally: pig isolates and pig handler isolates). Mid-exponential phase of exoprotein from each isolates<br />
was extracted, precipitated and partial purified by ultracentrifuge and TCA-ethanol method. Two-dimensional<br />
gel electrophoresis (2DGE) was applied to the purified protein and the selected protein spot was identified by<br />
MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. PDquest software was concomitantly carried out with total density in gel image<br />
normalization method associated with parts per million (PPM) as a scaling factor. Minor variability was observed<br />
in the exoprotein patterns between pig isolates and pig handler isolates. In addition, high degree of similarity<br />
in exoprotein patterns among the intra-individual in each group was also revealed using the 2DGE comparison<br />
data. Nevertheless, the immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A (IsaA) was only found to be produced in all<br />
of the pig isolates during mid-exponential growth phase. Hence, questions were raised whether IsaA is expressed<br />
in low quantity by pig handler isolates or IsaA gene is controlled by different novel transcriptional regulatory<br />
system? Overall, 2-DGE analysis of MRSA-ST9 exoprotein suggests that there are no major variations in terms<br />
of exoprotein production and regulation, between same clonal lineages isolates. However, whether the efficiency<br />
of virulence factor of MRSA-ST9 will be steadily maintained even though transmission of different host system<br />
occurred over a time period is not clear.<br />
Keywords: Exoprotein, staphylococcus aureus, immunodominant staphylococcal antigen A<br />
71<br />
Health
Health<br />
Keywords: MRSA, ST9, ST 398, <strong>Malaysia</strong>, pig<br />
Potential Hazards from Transmission of Livestock associated with ST 9 MRSA to<br />
Humans<br />
Dr. Vasanthakumari Neela<br />
Mariana Nor Shamsudin, Ehsanollah Ghaznavi Rad, Arif Mohd. Zafrul and Liew Yun Khoon<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2507; neela2000@hotmail.com<br />
It has recently become apparent that livestock can constitute methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus<br />
(MRSA) reservoir and be a source of MRSA infections. In 2003 in the Netherlands, a new MRSA strain<br />
designated as ST 398 was recovered from pig associated human population. Subsequent screening of pig farmers<br />
and pigs revealed that >20% of pig farmers and 39% of slaughterhouse pigs were MRSA-positive. ST 398<br />
initially identified as colonizer, in a couple of years, several cases of infections of variable clinical relevance,<br />
including endocarditis and pneumonia, have been described worldwide. Worldwide emergence of ST 398 MRSA<br />
among pigs, handlers and thence as a nosocomial pathogen prompted us to investigate its presence in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
pig farms. Screening 450 nasal swabs from 30 pig farms demonstrated that 1.38% (5/360) and 5.5% (5/90) pigs<br />
and pig handlers are colonized with MRSA. Molecular typing showed that MRSA isolates belonged to ST 9. All<br />
isolates carried SCCmec V and contained most virulence genes including enterotoxin and MSCRAMMs. The<br />
study has not only elucidated the presence of ST 9 MRSA among pigs, but also has shown its potential to transmit<br />
to human. However, no ST 9 MRSA was detected among clinical MRSA strains in <strong>Malaysia</strong> to date. But it is not<br />
too far that we may detect livestock with associated ST 9 in clinical scenario as what has happened with ST398.<br />
To date, more than 20% of MRSA infections in some European countries are by ST 398. ST 9 has been recently<br />
reported among pigs in China and among broilers in the Netherlands. To avoid the spread of ST 9 to hospitals and<br />
thereby causing infection, a concerted effort from the clinicians, infection control practitioners and veterinarians<br />
will be required in addition to continuous monitoring of this strain in other livestock’s especially chicken and pet<br />
animals like cats and dogs.<br />
Retroviral Nucleic Acid and Method of Use<br />
Dr. Zeenathul Nazariah Allaudin<br />
Nik Mohd. Afizan Nik Abd. Rahman and Mohd. Azmi Mohd. Lila<br />
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8055; zeenathul@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The present invention provides a retroviral nucleic acid capable of tissue-specific expression of a heterologous<br />
nucleic acid in a cell and uses thereof. The present invention also provides a recombinant replication incompetent<br />
retrovirus and uses thereof.<br />
Keywords: Retroviral vector, cancer, targeted, tissue specific promoter<br />
72
Recombinant Vectors for Cancer Gene Therapy<br />
Dr. Zeenathul Nazariah Allaudin<br />
Tan Seok Shin and Mohd. Azmi Mohd. Lila<br />
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8055; zeenathul@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Non replicate viral based vector expressed of a novel poultry gene is able to induced apoptosis in cancer cells.<br />
Besides, non replicate viral based vector expressed of murine endostatin gene is able to induced anti-angiogenesis<br />
effect in tumour mass. The objective of this study is to investigate the apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis effect of<br />
the poultry and endostatin gene respectively in cancer cells. DNA fragmentation test, TUNEL assay and FITC<br />
Annexin V/ PI double staining test were carried out as apoptosis tests. In addition, casapses test were also used to<br />
investigate the apoptosis pathway induced by recombinant adenovirus. Tumour mass growth rates in mice were<br />
studied as a model for the effectiveness of both constructs in cancer treatment. All results showed positive in the<br />
use of recombinant adenovirus as anti-cancer vaccine. This research warrants greater insight to the anti-cancerous<br />
potential of the recombinant adenovirus constructs.<br />
Keywords: Recombinant adenovirus, apoptosis, cancer cells, tumour mass, anti-cancerous<br />
Effect of Momordica charantia on Histopathological Changes associated with STZ-<br />
Induced Diabetes in Neonatal Rats<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Goh Yong Meng<br />
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8301; zuki@vet.upm.edu.my<br />
The study was conducted to determine the effects of Momordica charantia (MC) on pancreas, liver and<br />
renal histopathological changes in STZ-induced diabetes in neonatal rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in 28<br />
day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats using single intrapretoneal injection of STZ (85 mg/kg body weight).<br />
The animals were divided into four groups: nSTZ/16 (diabetic control), nSTZ/M group (fruit aqueous extract),<br />
nSTZ/G group (glibenclamide), and NC16 (non-diabetic). Biochemical and histological evaluations were carried<br />
out before treatment and four weeks post-treatment. The results showed significant decrease (P
Health<br />
Invention/Innovation Title: The Suppression Mechanism of Rice Bran Phytic Acid<br />
in In Vivo and In Vitro Studies as Anticancer Agent<br />
Mrs. Norazalina Saad<br />
Norhaizan Mohd. Esa, Sabariah Abdul Rahman, Hairuszah Ithnin and Nurul Husna Shafei<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2212; norazalina@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
A striking anticancer action of phytic acid has been demonstrated both in vivo an in vitro in a variety of<br />
tumour types, possibly via inhibition of tumour cell growth and differentiation. Towards the present research<br />
finding, phytic acid extracted from rice bran showed inhibitory effects in in vitro and in vivo analysis. Regarding<br />
to the microculture 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that<br />
phytic acid has the highest sensitivity towards colon cancer cell (HT29) with IC50 values of 12.0 ± 1.21 ?g/<br />
ml followed by CaOV-3 (human ovary cancer cells), MCF-7 (human breast cancer cells), HepG2 (human liver<br />
cancer cells) with IC50 values 22.0 ± 2.23 ?g/ml, 32.0 ± 2.56 ?g/ml, 33.0 ± 3.21 ?g/ml respectively. Analysis<br />
of Annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide revealed that phytic acid induced apoptosis in HT29. In animal study,<br />
rats received two intraperitoneal injections of azoxymethane (AOM) in saline at (15mg/kg bodyweight) over<br />
a two-week period to induce colonic cancer. The finding showed treatment with phytic acid gave the reduction<br />
in the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) after eight weeks and significantly suppressed the number of<br />
ACF in the distal, middle and proximal colon as compared to AOM alone (p
Factors associated with Self Rated Health among Older Persons in Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Mrs. Siti Aisyah Nor Akahbar<br />
Zaitun Yassin, Raja Nurzatul Efa Raja Adnan, Latiffah Abdul Latif and Asmidawati Ashari<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2739; boocomei@yahoo.com<br />
Self-rated health (SRH) is widely used in epidemiological research to measure general health status. The<br />
aim of the analysis is to determine the relationship between self-rated health with socio-demographic background<br />
and lifestyle factors among older persons in four selected states (Johor, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan) in Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>. A multistage proportionate random sampling was used to select the subjects. Data were collected<br />
from 1013 non-institutionalized older persons aged 60 years and above (mean = 68.76 years) using face-toface<br />
interviews. Self-rated health was assessed based on perception of health as excellent, good, poor to very<br />
poor. Socio-demographic background and lifestyle factors were assessed using a set of pre-tested questionnaire.<br />
Majority of the respondents were women (50.2%), of Malay ethnicity (61.7%), currently married (58.3%) and<br />
living in rural areas (58.2%). There were a higher proportion of men who reported their health as excellent<br />
(83.3%) and good (52.4%) compared to women who perceived their health as very poor (76.9%). A total of 41.3%<br />
of the respondents were currently unemployed and also reported their health as poor and very poor. Marital status<br />
(x²=30.36; p=0.034), ethnicity (x²=20.22; p=0.003), perception of stress (x²=37.32; p=0.000) and having sleeping<br />
problem (x²=43.56; p=0.000) were significantly associated with self-rated health. In conclusion, SRH was not<br />
associated with lifestyle factors but differences according to gender were observed from these data. Self-rated<br />
health among older persons can be a useful tool to identify those who may be at risk for poor health and to provide<br />
appropriate intervention.<br />
Keywords: Self-rated health, older person, socio-demography, lifestyle<br />
Cancer Protection Properties from Pandanus amaryllifolius<br />
Prof. Dr. Asmah Rahmat<br />
Chong, H. Z., Asmah, R. , Abdah, Md. A., Norjahan Banu, M. A., Fauziah O., Gwendoline Ee C. L. and Yeap<br />
S. K.<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2470; asmah@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Chemoprevention is a strategy of cancer control. Chemoprevention is aimed at reducing the morbidity and<br />
mortality of cancer by intervenes or halts the progress of carcinogenesis by administration of synthetic or natural<br />
compounds into the biological systems. Pandanus amaryllifolius is widely use as condiment in Asian cooking<br />
to add fragrance, flavour and colour in traditional dishes. This study was carried out to determine possible antiproliferative<br />
and apoptosis induction by ethanol extracts from Pandanus amaryllifolius. Seventy two hour exposure<br />
of Pandanus amaryllifolius extract resulted in anti-proliferative activities against MDA-MB-231 (non-hormone<br />
dependent breast cancer cell) line with fifty percent inhibition of cell growth (IC50) value obtained as 90?g/<br />
ml. Accumulation of treated MDA-MB-231 cells in G1 phase during cell cycle division at 24hr post treatment<br />
suggested cell cycle arrest by Pandanus amaryllifolius. G1 arrest exerts by Pandanus amaryllifolius extract was<br />
found to target tumour suppressor p53 protein and its stream player Cyclin kinase inhibitors (CKI) p21 protein.<br />
The inhibition of Cyclin dependent kinases 2 and 4 activities further substantiates the cell cycle arrest effects in<br />
MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to Pandanus amaryllifolius. Further experimental procedures indicated exposure of<br />
PA (90 ?g/mL) induced cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells. Early and late apoptotic populations were detected by<br />
Annexin V-FITC/ PI staining. Flow-cytometry cell cycle RNAse/PI assay revealed subG1 population indicative<br />
of apoptotic MDA-MB-231 cells. Apoptosis events were confirmed via TUNEL assay with identification of<br />
TUNEL positive cells with single and double DNA strand breaks. Apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-231 cells was<br />
found to involve activation of caspase cascades and the release of Cytochrome C. The molecular mechanisms in<br />
the induction of apoptosis by PA in MDA-MB-231 cells were found to involve upregulation of tumour suppressor<br />
protein p53 and pro-apoptotic bax protein while a reduction in the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis XIAP<br />
protein.<br />
Keywords: Cancer protection, pandanus amaryllifolius, MDA-MB-231, flow-cytometry, apoptosis<br />
75<br />
Health
Health<br />
BHMC, A Curcuminoid Derivative, Attenuates Proinflammatory Mediator and<br />
Adhesion Molecule Expression via Selective Disruption of P38 MAP Kinase Activity<br />
Prof. Dr. Daud Ahmad Israf Ali<br />
Tham Chau Ling, K. P. Ang, Lam K. W., Kim Min Kyu, Cheah Yoke Kqueen, Nordin Hj. Lajis and Mohd.<br />
Roslan Sulaiman<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2337; daud.israf@gmail.com<br />
2,6-bis-4-(hydroxyl-3-methoxy-benzylidine)-cyclohexanone (BHMC) is a synthetic diarylpentanoid<br />
derivative of curcumin. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory drug lead with relatively poor bioavailability<br />
in animals and man. BHMC was synthesized to enhance curcumins bioavailability while retaining potent antiinflammatory<br />
activity. Following treatment of LPS-induced U937 cells, BHMC showed a dose-response inhibition<br />
of MCP-1 and NO synthesis. BHMC showed a 10-fold increase in potency towards inhibition of NO synthesis<br />
but the inhibition of MCP-1 by BHMC was similar to that of curcumin. Treatment of LPS-induced HUVEC cells<br />
showed a 2-fold increase in potency towards the expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM whereas inhibition<br />
of VCAM expression was similar to that of curcumin. This was further demonstrated by reduced adhesion of<br />
U937 monocytes to treated HUVEC cells. Several signaling pathways were dissected in order to determine the<br />
specificity of action of BHMC in comparison with curcumin and we show that BHMC is highly selective towards<br />
inhibition of p38 kinase activity. This finding was further strengthened by the observation that BHMC fits well in<br />
the ATP pocket of p38 through molecular docking studies. We conclude that structural modification of curcumin<br />
into BHMC enhanced selectivity towards several proinflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules through<br />
specific disruption of p38 kinase activity.<br />
Keywords: BHMC, curcuminoid, cytokine, NO, ICAM, VCAM, p38, molecular docking<br />
Flavonoids Synergise to Inhibit Major Proinflammatory Mediator Secretion and<br />
Protect Mice against Lethal Sepsis<br />
Prof. Dr. Daud Ahmad Israf Ali<br />
Omar Harastani, Tham Chau Ling, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and Daud Ahmad Israf Ali<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2337; daud.israf@gmail.com<br />
Several flavonoid subclasses are potent anti-inflammatory agents but are costly in terms of synthesis while<br />
several other subclasses of flavonoids are not so potent but can be synthesized at a relatively lower cost. We<br />
have attempted to determine whether combinatorial treatments with relatively lower cost subclasses would<br />
enhance potency through drug synergy. Flavonoid treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7<br />
monocytic macrophages was used to assess dose-response inhibitory effects of both chrysin and kaempferol upon<br />
cellular secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Doseresponse<br />
curves were generated and the IC50 values were used to determine fixed-ratio combination treatments.<br />
Isobolographic analysis showed significant synergistic effects upon inhibition of mediator secretion when chrysin<br />
was combined with kaempferol. The ceacal ligature puncture (CLP) murine sepsis model was used to assess<br />
whether synergy would occur in a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) animal model. Observations<br />
over 72 hrs following CLP showed a 57% survival rate when chrysin and kaempferol were combined as opposed<br />
to 0 and 33% single dosing respectively. We conclude that chrysin and kaempferol synergize in their antiinflammatory<br />
effects and warrant further pharmacological evaluation.<br />
Keywords: Flavonoid, synergy, TNF-alpha, NO, PGE2, sepsis<br />
76
Bonigen: A Potential Anti-biofilm Bone Substitute<br />
Prof. Dr. Fauziah Othman<br />
Au Lee Fong, Sharmili Vidyadaran, Asmah Rahmat, Rusnah Mustaffa, Idris Besar, Azfar Rizal Ahmad, Fuzina<br />
Nor Hussein, Mohd. Azam Khan Goriman Khan, Abdah Md. Akim, Saidi Moin and Che Nor Zarida Che Seman<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2315; fauziah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Biomaterials have been widely used in the tissue engineering of bone as medical devices. It plays important<br />
role in treating diseases and improving healthcare, which are commonly used in dental, surgery and drug delivery<br />
applications. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the major inorganic component of hard tissue in human body and is also<br />
known to have superior biocompatibility and can be reabsorbed and replaced by bone to repair the bone damage<br />
zone. Therefore, HA loaded with suitable antibiotics can be used as a carrier to limit biofilm formation. Biofilms<br />
are multi-layered colonies of bacteria that are typically more resistant to the host immune response and routine<br />
antibiotic therapy. Biofilm has negatively impacted in health and medicine. Thus, this study was aimed to<br />
assess the biocompatibility of locally produced HA coated with gentamicin on osteoblasts and to determine the<br />
efficacy of gentamicin-coated HA on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. For in vitro, S. aureus strain and normal<br />
human osteoblast cell line were used. MTT assays were performed to determine the effects of various doses of<br />
gentamicin-coated HA (from 0.02 mg/ml to 10 mg/ml) on biofilm viability and also used to determine IC50<br />
value of gentamicin-coated HA on osteoblasts to assess the cytotoxicity level of this coated HA. For in vivo, the<br />
tissue immediately surrounding the implanted catheter was determined by using H&E staining post-implantation.<br />
Gentamicin-coated HA is biocompatible with bone tissue (osteoblasts) in vitro. It showed no detectable IC50 and<br />
the percentage of osteoblasts viability was high (75%) via MTT assay. It was also able to reduce the viability of<br />
S. aureus biofilm. After seven days of post-implantation, results also showed no post-implantation inflammatory<br />
reaction in rats. In conclusion, gentamicin-coated HA proved to be biocompatible with human osteoblasts and<br />
effective in reducing the number of bacteria both in vitro and in vivo.<br />
Keywords: Hydroxyapatite, staphylococcus aureus biofilm, MTT assays, gentamicin<br />
A Rapid Dipstick Immunoassay based on Recombinant SAG1 for Detection of<br />
Immunoglobulin G (Igg) and M (Igm) Antibodies in Human Toxoplasmosis<br />
Prof. Dr. Hj. Wan Omar Abdullah<br />
Ngah Zasmy Unyah, Hairul Bazli Hairuddin, Malina Osman, Rukman Awang Hamat and Khairul Anuar<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2365; wanomar@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
A dipstick immunoassay (DIA) has been successfully developed to detect specific immunoglobulin G<br />
(IgG) or IgM antibodies to human toxoplasmosis. These assays employ nitrocellulose membrane (NCP) as a<br />
test matrix, peroxidase conjugated to sheep anti-human IgG and rabbit anti-human IgM as detecting antibodies<br />
and a Toxoplasma gondii recombinant SAG1 as the detective antigen. The assays are rapid (the whole test can<br />
be completed within 15 min), simple, and cheap, and they do not require any equipment. They are sensitive and<br />
specific for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies and generally agree closely with the results<br />
from the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The assays are especially suitable for field applications.<br />
Keywords: Dipstick, immunoassay, recombinant SAG1<br />
77<br />
Health
Health<br />
The Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Mitragyna speciosa Korth<br />
Extract<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman<br />
Wan Mastura Shaik Mossadeq, Chiong Hoe Siong, Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria, Mohd. Lip Jabit, Mohamad<br />
Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin, Daud Israf Ali and Tengku Azam Shah Tengku Mohamad<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2603; mrs@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract of Mitragyna speciosa Korth<br />
(MSME) were evaluated in mice and rats. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the writhing, hot<br />
plate and formalin tests, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carageenan-induced paw<br />
edema and the cotton pellet-induced granuloma tests. Results showed that the extract at doses of 100 and 200<br />
mg/kg, i.p. produced significant (P
Forestry & Environment
Assessment of Forest Fire E Structure Characteristics<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin<br />
Kelvin Goh<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2179; ainuddin@forr.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Forest fire, forest disturbance, fire effects, tree diversity, peat swamp forest<br />
Asplenium nidus - A Drought Tolerant Epiphytic Fern Suitable for Extreme<br />
Environment<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin<br />
Nur Najwa Dina Anak Abong<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2179; ainuddin@introp.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Environmental stress, forest canopy, growth response, fern<br />
81<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Forest fires occurrences in tropical peat swamp forest have been causing disturbances to the forest by<br />
damage to the trees and forest structure. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of forest fire on<br />
forest structure in the peat swamp forest. The study was conducted in Raja Musa Forest Reserve which has been<br />
experiencing occurrence fire since 1996. Ten plots, each measuring 50m x 20m were systematically set up both in<br />
the burnt and unburnt areas and plant inventory were conducted between September 2001 to June 2002. Results<br />
showed that there were 10 families and 22 families in burnt and unburnt areas, respectively. In terms of family,<br />
Euphorbiaceae (61.9 %) was ranked first in the burnt area. Imperata cylindrica from family of Poaceae had the<br />
most coverage on burnt plot. For tree diameter distribution, trees with diameter class of 10.1 cm - 15.0 cm and<br />
15.1 - 20.0 cm had the highest numbers in the unburnt area while trees with diameter class of 5.1 - 10.0 cm was<br />
the highest in burnt area. Shannon species diversity index in burnt area was 1.62, lower compared to unburnt area<br />
which was 2.40. Evenness Index for burnt area was 0.68, lower than unburnt area which was 0.71. This study<br />
shows that fire affects the species composition and stand structure of the forest and herbaceous vegetation, such<br />
as Poaceae was found to be abundant in burnt area compared to unburnt area.<br />
Asplenium nidus is an epiphyte plant found in forest canopy. Recently, the epiphyte has been very popular<br />
as an ornamental plant. Pot experiment was conducted in the nursery of Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong><br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> during the periods from May to August, 2006 to investigate the effect of water stress on Asplenium<br />
nidus growth performance, transpiration rate and chlorophyll content in fronds. The plants were subjected to five<br />
water stress levels; Control - watered every day, T1 - watered every three days, T2 - watered every seven days,<br />
T3 - watered every fourteen days and T4 - suspended without watering. Growth parameters were measured every<br />
week for a period of sixteen weeks. At the end of experiment, transpiration rate and chlorophyll content were<br />
measured as well as dry matter of plants. The results showed that levels of watering did not significantly affect<br />
all growth and physiological parameters of Asplenium nidus except T4 which decreased all growth parameter and<br />
some physiological responses. T1 had the highest dry matter production. The plants allocated more growth to the<br />
shoot under optimum conditions but more growth to the root under stress conditions. This plant was able to adapt<br />
and survive without watering for sixteen weeks and demonstrate that it can survive in water limited condition.
Forestry & Environment<br />
Effect of Organic Fertiliser on the Growth Performance of Tyrsostachys siamensis<br />
(Buluh Siam) in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azmy Mohamed<br />
Parvin Anila Ponnusamy, Zaidon Ashaari, Hamami Sahri and Zolkapli Mustafa<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7209; azmy5868@upm.edu.my<br />
Thyrsostachys siamensis is an important economic bamboo species in several Asean countries such as<br />
Thailand. It is worth to be exploited for shoot production in <strong>Malaysia</strong> too. This paper discusses the effects of<br />
organic fertilizer application on the growth of Thyrsostachys siamensis. The parameters observed were number of<br />
shoots, culm height and culm diameter at breast-height (dbh). Application of four kg and six kg rates of chicken<br />
dung gave a significant effect on the number of shoots and culm height.<br />
Keywords: Organic fertiliser, bamboo shoots, culm height, culm diameter at breast height<br />
DNA Profiling Database of Chengal: Implication for Forensic Forestry Investigations<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah Qamaruz Zaman<br />
Tnah Lee Hong, Lee Soon Leong, Kevin Ng Kit Siong, Faridah Qamaruz Zaman and Faridah Hanum Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6635; faridahqz@gmail.com<br />
Illegal logging poses a significant threat to the sustainability of tropical forest ecosystems. By using<br />
Neobalanocarpus heimii (Dipterocarpaceae) as an example, the study assessed the feasibility of using short<br />
tandem repeats (STRs) as a tool to identify the source of illegally logged timber. Thirty natural populations of N.<br />
heimii were profiled using 12 STRs to develop the DNA profiling databases. As the cluster analysis divided the 30<br />
populations into three genetic clusters, corresponding to three subregions within Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The DNA<br />
databases were characterised at the levels of population, subregion and Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Independence tests<br />
within and among loci were violated in all the databases due to significant levels of population differentiation<br />
and inbreeding. Thus, the effects of population substructure and inbreeding should be incorporated into the<br />
calculation of random match probability. The random match probabilities estimated using subpopulation and<br />
subpopulation-cum-inbreeding models were biased in favour of the defendant, whereas the random match<br />
probabilities estimated using product rule were biased in favour of the prosecutor. The conservativeness tests<br />
showed that the subregion and Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> databases were conservative, and these databases should be<br />
able to provide legal evidence for court proceedings against illegal loggers in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Keywords: Dipterocarpaceae, forestry forensic, random match probability, neobalanocarpus heimii, short tandem repeats<br />
(STRs)<br />
82
Determinants of Worker’s Health and Safety in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Wooden Furniture<br />
Industry<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam<br />
Saied Reza Farrokhpayam and Ganesh Thanasegaran<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7175; jegaratnasingam@yahoo.com<br />
Tool Wear Characteristics of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Particleboard<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam<br />
Geetha Ramasamy and Saied Reza Farrokhpayam<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7175; jegaratnasingam@yahoo.com<br />
83<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Despite its socioeconomic importance and the labour intensive nature of the sector, the status of the health<br />
and safety of the workers in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n wooden furniture industry has not been studied and reports on the<br />
subject are sparse. This is further attested by the fact that the wooden furniture industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong> is regarded<br />
as a risky work environment by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
In order to close the information gap, a study of the safety climate, which defines the safety level of the work<br />
environment, in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n wooden furniture industry was carried out in thirty wood-furniture manufacturing<br />
factories, using a structured questionnaire. The study found that although there were four determinants of safety<br />
climate in the work environment, it was the management responsibility and the existing safety precautions that<br />
had the strongest influence on the prevailing safety climate. Further, the primary health and safety concerns in the<br />
wooden furniture manufacturing industry were the air-borne dust, noise, chemical exposure, materials handling<br />
and occupational accidents. The fact that foreign contract workers are also widely employed within the sector<br />
also contributes to the lacklustre approach taken by manufacturers t owards safety and health issues. In this<br />
context, it is imperative that the management of wooden furniture manufacturing enterprises is made to realize the<br />
importance of workers safety and health and its implications on labour productivity. This will possibly encourage<br />
the management to show commitment towards health and safety and incorporate safety precautions into the<br />
operational system, to ensure a safe working environment in the wooden furniture manufacturing industry.<br />
Keywords: Safety climate, safety precautions, safety practices, safe work environment, wooden furniture industry<br />
A series of machining experiments on the Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) particleboard were carried<br />
out using a CNC router, to evaluate the tool wearing properties of the composite in comparison to the conventional<br />
wood-material particleboard and using high speed lathe, to ascertain the predominant mechanism of tool wear. A<br />
single-fluted tungsten carbide router bit was used in this experiment, in which the depth of cut was 1.5 mm and<br />
feed speed was 4.5 m/min. The router bit machined the edge of the board, moving along the full length before<br />
returning to repeat the cycle. A high speed lathe machined a rotating disc of the OPEFB particleboard. The tool<br />
was examined for the extent of wear after complete failure had occurred. The result found that the wear pattern<br />
was similar in the oil-palm based particleboard and the wood-based particleboard, but the former was twice<br />
more abrasive compared to the latter. Microscopic examination of the cutter edge revealed greater incidence<br />
of micro-fracture when cutting the oil-palm based particleboard, indicating the presence of hard impurities in<br />
the composite. Mechanical abrasion and micro-fracture was the primary mode of tool failure when machining<br />
OPEFB particleboard, as low cutting temperature was recorded during the machining. This evidence can eliminate<br />
any significant effect of electromechanical and oxidation mechanisms on the wear of tungsten carbide tools.<br />
From an economic perspective, the tooling cost for machining oil-palm based particleboard was determined to be<br />
twice of the cost for machining wood-based particleboard. This study shows that the high tooling cost during the<br />
machining of oil-palm based particleboard will be a primary concern, if the board is to find widespread application<br />
as a potential substitute for wood-based particleboard.<br />
Keywords: Oil palm, particleboard, tool wear, micro-fracture, process economics, machining, abrasive material, mechanical<br />
abrasion
Forestry & Environment<br />
Public Perceptions on the Development of Kenaf Industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Norfaryanti Kamaruddin, Siti Nurhidayah Roslen and Nurul Ain Mohd. Reduan<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8424; faryanti@gmail.com<br />
Naturally renewable materials are attracting more and more attentions gradually from both developed and<br />
developing countries. In <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Kenaf seems to stand out prominently in the eyes of the Government where<br />
some 35 Million <strong>Malaysia</strong>n ringgit (RM) has been allocated under the Ninth <strong>Malaysia</strong> Plan for Kenaf industry<br />
development (Bernama). Government has been heavily promoting Kenaf as an alternative crop for the tobacco<br />
farmers to consider in the advent of the AFTA which effecting in 2010, which is believed to result in lower<br />
prices and a reduction in import duties for tobacco. However, even as Kenaf development gains momentum,<br />
there are still uncertainties on the perceptions towards the development of Kenaf industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The<br />
stakeholders’ perceptions are vital to leap the industry further and drive this new industry to success. This report<br />
also aims to identify the current potential and challenges which have to be faced by the industry players. In<br />
short, this paper seeks to address the void in the current literature by discussing the perception of stakeholders<br />
towards the industry of kenaf-based products in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The process of this study consisted of the preparatory<br />
stage, personal interviews with relevant stakeholders at two levels both upstream and downstream, and survey<br />
on the perception towards Kenaf industry from the participants of International Conference of Kenaf and Allied<br />
Fibres in December, 2009 at Kuala Lumpur. Finally, we managed to assess realistically the market potentials and<br />
challenges of Kenaf industry, along with the current level of government incentives given for the development of<br />
this industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Keywords: Kenaf industry, development, perceptions, upstream, downstream, market potentials<br />
Application of Hopanes as a Biomarker in Identifying the Source of Oil Pollution:<br />
A Case Study in Surface Sediments from South China Sea<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria<br />
Norliza Ismail, Abdul Halim Abdullah and Norazida Manan<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8024; mpauzi@env.upm.edu.my<br />
Oil pollution has been introduced into the South China Sea aquatic environment through anthropogenic<br />
activities such as discharging of oil during extraction, transportation and consumption. In order to determine the<br />
source of oil pollution in South China Sea, 30 surface sediment samples were collected in 2008 and were analyzed<br />
for pentacyclic triterpanes (hopane) by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS) with m/z 191. The total<br />
concentrations of hopane compounds ranged from 2.25 to 1328.39 µg/g which indicate South China Sea is facing<br />
various sources of oil pollution. This study investigates the use of hopanes compound source identifier of oil<br />
pollution for surface sediment samples collected from South China Sea and the applicability of the biomarker<br />
approach to determine the origin of oil-contaminated sediment. Previous report had shown that 17?(H),21?(H)-<br />
norhopane and C31-C 35 homohopane were found to be abundant in Middle East crude oil (MECO). The<br />
MECO signature was found in a number of the surface sediment samples in this study. The diagnostic ratio of<br />
17?(H),21?(H)- norhopane to 17?(H),21?(H)- hopane (C29/C30) and sum of 17?(H),21?(H)-C31 homohopane<br />
to 17?(H),21?(H)-C35 homohopane relative to 17?(H),21?(H)-hopane (?C31-C35/C30) was used as biomarker<br />
signatures in this study. Using the ratios, samples number 3, 4 and 2 out of 30 surface sediment samples were<br />
found to be originated from the Middle East, USA and Sumatera, respectively.The ratio of 17?(H)-22,29,30trisnorhopane/<br />
18?(H)-22,29,30-trisnorhopane (Tm/Ts) however proved the source of oil pollution originated<br />
from lubricating oil, street dust and spilled oil suggesting both sea-based and land-based sources significantly<br />
contribute to the oil pollution in the area. This study has shown that the South China Sea is very pristine and<br />
almost free of hydrocarbons contamination. However, more studies should be carried out in order to understand<br />
the sociobiogeochemistry of the sea and future protection and conversation of this important marine ecosystem.<br />
Keywords: Pollution sources, biomarker, hopane, South China Sea, surface sediment<br />
84
Application of Chemometric Technique in Identifying Sources Apportionment of<br />
PAHs in Sediment Sample Collected from South China Sea<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria<br />
Norazida Manan, Abdul Halim Abdullah, Hafizan Juahir, Norliza Ismail, Lee Chiow Yee, Che Abdul Rahim<br />
Mohamed and Munirah Abdul Zali<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8024; mpauzi@env.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: PAHs, PCA, MLR, South China Sea<br />
Determination of Heavy Metals in Aquaculture Fish from Selected Locations in the<br />
Straits of Malacca<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Pauzi Zakaria<br />
Lau Chun Ghee, Munirah Abdul Zali, Nurul Afiqah Mohamd Tahir, Nur Hazirah Adnan, Ahmad Zaharin Aris<br />
and Normala Halimoon<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8024; mpauzi@env.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Heavy metal, Strait of Malacca, aquaculture fish<br />
85<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
South China Sea is a large ecosystem and rich in natural resources. It is located in a strategic location<br />
where it is a busy traffic for tanker ships transporting oil from Middle East to Northern Asia country. South<br />
China Sea deserved special attention especially to the impact of petroleum pollutant. Ten sediment samples were<br />
collected from South China Sea, extracted and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by using<br />
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). PAHs are the most important persistent organic pollutant.<br />
Due to persistency to the environment and huge affinity for particulate and organic matter, the possibilities to<br />
find the concentrations PAHs in sediment sample are very high compared to other matrices. In addition, PAHs<br />
are lipophilic and hydrophobic. PAHs tend to partition into sediment rather than water or air. PAHs continue<br />
to be released to the environment because of their widespread formation during the burning of organic matter<br />
and escaped during petroleum recovery, transport and use. Principal component analysis (PCA), can provide<br />
information on source contributions, in associate with multivariate linear regression (MLR), has been performed to<br />
determine and apportion PAHs sources in the sediment samples. One of the objectives of this study is to determine<br />
the major of anthropogenic sources PAHs by using PCA. PCA is associated with MLR which apportioned the<br />
sources PAHs contributing to sediment sample collected in South China Sea. Five factors were identified based<br />
on loadings of PAHs and were attributed to the following sources; (1) residual fossil fuels; (2) coal combustion;<br />
(3) traffic emission combustion; (4) incinerations; (5) coal production. The reconstructed sources and polycyclic<br />
aromatic hydrocarbons were in good agreement (R2= 0.905) with those measured in South China Sea. The major<br />
source at South China Sea is pyrogenic PAHs. This finding is consistent with previous studies.<br />
Strait of Malacca lies in a strategic location and heavily impacted with heavy metals and oil pollution.<br />
The strait has also been significantly affected by anthropogenic input from land-based sources mainly from<br />
industrialization and urbanization. In this study, twelve aqua-culture fish samples (red fish, grouper and tiger<br />
grouper) were collected from selected location along Straits of Malacca for heavy metals pollution assessment<br />
by using inductively couple plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP- MS). This study aims to access the concentration<br />
of heavy metals in fish samples and compared the results obtained with <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Food Regulation, 1995. The<br />
sample undergone microwave digestion using HNO3 under the condition of 1000 mbar, 250 0 c and 850 watts for<br />
45 minutes before injected into ICP-MS. The mean heavy metals concentration of the samples is 1.86 mg/ kg<br />
wet weight, 0.02mg/ kg wet weight, 1.03mg/ kg wet weight, 827.20mg/ kg wet weight, 0.03mg/ kg wet weight,<br />
0.06mg/ kg wet weight, 12.56mg/ kg wet weight, 70.97mg/ kg wet weight, 0.87mg/ kg wet weight, 1.03 mg/ kg<br />
wet weight for As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Se, Zn, Al, Cr and Mn respectively. The result of this study indicates that all the<br />
samples conform to the maximum permitted concentration in Fourteen Schedule of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Food Regulation<br />
1985 except for As. Some concentrations in the samples exceeded the permissible limit by almost five times.<br />
Hence it is recommended that further and in depth study of As concentration should be carried out in the near<br />
future to verify these findings.
Forestry & Environment<br />
Importance of Freshwater Wetlands for Migratory Birds<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Hussin<br />
Muhammad Nawaz Rajpar<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7161; mzakaria@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Bird migration is the regular seasonal journey each year undertaken by many bird species to their breeding<br />
and feeding grounds. Birds are the most conspicuous and significant components of freshwater wetland<br />
ecosystem; their presence or absence may indicate the ecological conditions of the wetland area. The objectives<br />
of this study were to determine the importance of freshwater wetlands for migratory bird species at Paya Indah<br />
Wetland Reserve, Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The study was conducted using distance sampling point count and mistnetting<br />
methods. A total of 13,872 bird observations belonged to 100 species and 38 families were recorded<br />
using point count method in the study area. Out of this, 570 bird observations (18 species; 13 families) fall into<br />
migratory bird species. In addition, mist netting method captured a total of 1,478 individuals belonged to 65<br />
species and 32 families. Of this, 117 individuals (13 species and 10 families) belonged to the migratory birds.<br />
The migratory species include pipits, shrikes, snipes, minivets, flycatchers, crakes, bitterns, jacanas, sandpipers,<br />
warblers, hawks, kingfishers, cuckoos, plovers, sunbirds, prinias and buntings. The results of this study clearly<br />
indicated that Paya Indah Wetland Reserve is highly important stopover for migratory bird species and provides<br />
diverse food resources, nesting and roosting sites and also shelter from harsh weather and predators. Therefore,<br />
it is strongly recommended that this wetland reserve should be protected and declared as another Ramsar Site for<br />
the country.<br />
Keywords: Migratory birds, freshwater, wetland, distance sampling, mist-netting<br />
Understorey Bird Responses to the Edge-interior Gradient in an Isolated Tropical<br />
Rainforest of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Hussin<br />
Hossein Varasteh Moradi and Zamri Rosli<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7161; mzakaria@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
To investigate the edge effects on the community of understorey birds, an isolated tropical rainforest of<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> was chosen. Birds and environmental variables were detected within a 25-m radius of each of 93<br />
sampling points distributed throughout the forest. Based on bird-habitat associations along the edge-interior<br />
gradient, two groups were distinguished. Abundance of the edge-specialist group was positively correlated with<br />
ground cover, light intensity, shrub cover, temperature, and percent of shrub cover between 0.5 and 2 m height. In<br />
contrast, the interior-specialist group avoided the forest edge and was positively associated with humidity, canopy<br />
cover, number of dead trees, percentage of litter cover, and depth of the litter layer. Migratory species showed no<br />
preferences for edge or interior habitats, but brood parasites were more abundant near edges, as were species that<br />
invaded the forest from the matrix surrounding the patch. Species endemic to the Sunda sub-region were more<br />
abundant in the forest interior. From a conservation perspective, forest remnants in the lowlands of Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> that have a deep leaf litter layer, a dense canopy cover, high number of dead trees, and high relative<br />
humidity are able to support regionally significant understorey bird species that are sensitive to edge effects.<br />
Keywords: Forest interior, forest edge, understorey birds, vegetation structure<br />
86
Occupancy Modelling of the Leopard (Panthera Pardus) as a Function of Human<br />
and Natural Factors in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor<br />
Assoc.Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Hussin<br />
Arezoo Sanei<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7161; mzakaria@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Acacia Mangium Tannin as Formaldehyde Scavenger for Low Molecular Weight<br />
Phenol-formaldehyde Resin in Bonding Tropical Plywood<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paridah Md. Tahir<br />
Yeoh Beng Hoong, Loh Yueh Feng, Luqman Chuah Abdullah and Koh Mok Poh<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6997; parida@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
87<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Very little is known about the leopard (Panthera pardus) in South-East Asia particularly <strong>Malaysia</strong>n tropical<br />
rain forests where intensive deforestations have taken place in recent years. Current study has been carried out in<br />
a highly fragmented secondary forest namely Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve and its neighboring farm located within<br />
Klang Valley, fastest growing agglomeration in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Objective of this study was to bring an understanding<br />
to the impacts of human disturbances and natural factors on occupancy status of the leopards and their potential<br />
prey species in the study area. Detection/non-detection data from leopards, their four priori identified prey species<br />
that were wild boar, lesser mouse deer, long tailed macaque and pig tailed macaque, a feral species (i.e. stray<br />
dogs) and human factors such as deforestation, plantation, local and indigenous people camping and construction<br />
activities have been recorded from February 2008 over a period of 13 months. Occupancy modelling of leopards<br />
and their potential prey species had been done using single season subprogram of PRESENCE software and<br />
Jacobs Preference Index. Correlations of leopard presence with disturbance factors, preys and feral species were<br />
tested using Spearman correlation coefficient test. Results indicated that habitat is constantly fully occupied by<br />
leopards and there is no evidence of lack of prey sufficiency. Presence of wild boar was the main factor affecting<br />
leopard movements in the area. Leopard distribution was clearly adapted to settlement location, while construction<br />
activities and dogs grouping life style inside the forest had the most negative impact on leopard movements. Preys<br />
were mostly affected by deforestations and construction activities conducted during field surveys. Since leopards<br />
are the top predator species of this isolated forest, findings of this study could be used to promote practices of<br />
environmentally friendly forest management.<br />
Keywords: Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, human disturbances, jacobs preference Index, occupancy modelling, panthera<br />
pardus<br />
One of the limitations in using low molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde (LmwPF) resin as a binder for<br />
wood-based panels is the amount of the free formaldehyde being emitted during soaking, pressing and sometimes<br />
during the earlier stage of application. Tannin from bark extracts is rich in phenolic compounds, and thus may<br />
be able to absorb this free formaldehyde and at the same time provide strength to the joint. In this study, tanninphenol-formaldehyde<br />
adhesives were prepared by blending Acacia mangium bark extracts (40% solids) with low<br />
molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde (40% solids at 1:1 ratio). The tannin-LmwPF adhesive produced cured<br />
within 4 min at 130 o c, reduced the free formaldehyde to level E1 of European norm EN-120. The 3-ply plywood<br />
had acceptable shear strength (> 1.0 MPa) exceeding the minimum requirements of European norms EN-314-1<br />
and EN-314-2:1993 for interior and exterior applications. The study has shown that Acacia mangium tannin can<br />
be used as formaldehyde scavenger in LmwPF resin without compromising the strength of the joints.<br />
Keywords: Formaldehyde scavanger, tannin, acacia mangium, plywood, low molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde
Forestry & Environment<br />
Liquefaction of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Core for Wood Laminating Adhesive<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paridah Md. Tahir<br />
M.F.Juhaida, M.T. Paridah, M.Mohd. Hilmi, U.M.K.Anwar, Z.Sarani, H. Jalaluddin and A.R. Mohamad Zaki<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6997; parida@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
A study was carried out to produce polyurethane (PU) as a wood laminating adhesive from liquefied Kenaf<br />
core (LKC) polyols by reacting it with toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate (TDI) and 1, 4-butanediol (BDO). The LKC<br />
polyurethane (LKCPU) adhesive has a molecular weight (MW) of 2666, viscosity of 5370 mPa s, and solids<br />
content of 86.9%. The average shear strength of the rubberwood (RW) bonded with LKCPU adhesive was 2.9<br />
MPa. Most of the sheared specimens experienced a total adhesive failure. The formation of air bubbles through<br />
the liberation of carbon dioxide was observed to reduce the adhesive penetration and bonding strength which was<br />
obviously seen on the sheared specimens. The percentage of catalyst used can be varied based on the usage and<br />
working time needed. Nonetheless, the physical properties of LKCPU produced in this work had shown good<br />
potential as edge-bonding adhesive.<br />
Keywords: Liquefaction, polyurethane, kenaf core, wood laminating adhesive<br />
Cattle Grazing Influences on the Heavy Metals Concentration in Tropical Pastures<br />
Soils<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramdzani Abdullah<br />
Majid Ajorlo, Ahmad Husni Mohd. Hanif, Mohd. Kamil Yusoff and Ridzwan Abd. Halim,<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6759; Ramdzani@env.upm.edu.my<br />
This study investigates the impact of short-term (1.5-year) heavy and long-term (33-year) moderate grazing<br />
intensities on the heavy metal concentrations in soils of tropical pastures. The concentration of heavy metals<br />
(Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn) was determined in the Livestock Section of University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (UPM),<br />
Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The heavy metal concentrations in the soil were not affected (P > 0.05) by short-term heavy<br />
grazing intensity. The concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn were significantly affected (P ? 0.05) by long-term moderate<br />
grazing or soil depth and by the interaction between them. The Cu concentration in soil was only affected (P <<br />
0.05) by grazing, but not (P > 0.05) by sampling depth or their interaction. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu and<br />
Zn in long-term moderately grazed pasture soil were 127.9, 194.8, 54.8 and 39900 % higher, respectively, than<br />
ungrased pasture. Soil Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in surface (0-10 cm)<br />
than subsurface (10-20 cm) soils. Results suggest that the excreta of grasing cattle can be an important source of<br />
heavy metals in intensively managed pastures in the long-term. However, metal concentrations were maintained<br />
within the normal range and were not high enough to be dangerous from the toxicological point of view.<br />
Keywords: Heavy metals, intensively managed pasture, long-term moderate grasing, short-term heavy grasing<br />
88
Conservation of the Wild Limestone Orchids in Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusea Go<br />
Khor Hong Eng, Ng Yong Jin, Tan Mui Ching, Farah Alia Nordin, Janna Ong Abdullah, Ahmad Ainuddin<br />
Nuruddin and Julaihi Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6634; rusea@science.upm.eedu.my<br />
Keywords: Orchids, endemic, threat, conservation, Padawan, National Park<br />
Corybas: The Endangered Endemic Orchids in Our Exhausted Highlands of<br />
Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusea Go<br />
Tan Mui Ching, Farah Alia Nordin, Ng Yong Jin, Khor Hong Eng, Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin, Janna Ong<br />
Abdullah and Rosimah Nulit<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6634; rusea@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Corybas, endemic, endangered, climate change, Genting Highlands, conservation<br />
89<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Padawan limestone formation located at the southwest of Kuching town, exhibits a very high diversity<br />
of orchid in its limestone hill forest. Limestone hills there are well known for its difficulties in accessing them<br />
and also other natural risks such as dangerous wildlife like the pit-viper. The undisturbed environment allows<br />
orchids to flourish and diversify. As development and urbanisation progress in that area, many forested land were<br />
cleared for agriculture and building of roads and bridges. Quarry is also another major threat to the forest as the<br />
limestone scores a high price in the market. Over-collecting of orchids from wild either for commercial purposes<br />
or ex-situ conservation, both are giving stress to the orchid population in the forest. A total of 283 orchid species<br />
were recorded from all the limestone hill area of approximately 436.6 km 2 . Of the recorded species, 17 of them<br />
are identified as endemic species to Borneo and one of them (Vanda scandens) is listed as an endangered species<br />
by IUCN Redlist. Some of the collected rare and endemic orchid species were transplanted into Rena George<br />
Ochidarium, Semengoh. These endemic species will be DNA barcode and the barcodes will deposited into the<br />
Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBoL) DNA bank online and their DNA profiles deposited in the National<br />
Centre of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for future references. With this barcoding method, raw data of the<br />
rare and endemic species could be provided for future investigation of the illegal transportation of the orchid<br />
species. We would be able to identify the orchids from its vegetative structures and also track down the source of<br />
illegal collection.<br />
All the Corybas species (Orchidaceae) in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> have been listed as endangered plant species<br />
under CITES since 2003. There are eight indigenous Corybas species in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> where mostly<br />
inhabit in highlands areas. However, forest fragmentation, human activities, disturbances and nature disaster have<br />
brought a severe threat to the survival and availability of many wild orchids species, including this ground helmet<br />
orchids. Some selected forest reserves and also a few famous eco-tourist highlands like Genting Highlands,<br />
Cameron Highlands, and Frasers Hill were visited to study and enumerate the native Corybas species in each<br />
site. Aims of this study are (i) to record the Corybas diversity in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> as well as recognise the<br />
endemic species, (ii) to identify the threats to the wild orchids habitat, (iii) to propose conservation strategies<br />
in order to sustain the orchids population. Currently, only four indigenous Corybas species were successfully<br />
found from west Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The rest of three species might no longer exist in their recorded locality<br />
due to uncontrolled development and habitat destruction which caused their disappearance. In-situ observation<br />
showed that human activities and temperature raise are the two major threats to the wild orchids population. Our<br />
effort and trial study on ex situ conservation for the past one year have not been successful and therefore in situ<br />
conservation is the most ideal approach as it is proven to be a very reliable bio indicator for climate change as it<br />
is super sensitive towards temperature raise and drop of relative humidity.
Forestry & Environment<br />
New Species, Are They a Possible Find in Our Fast Degrading Forest<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rusea Go<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6634; rusea@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Taxonomy has been a very interesting and a challenging subject in the last decade with molecular evidence<br />
dominating classification approach. Many species perished along the way and many were given new names,<br />
combinations and new ranks. In this scientific revolution, classical taxonomy is still a practical and fast method<br />
of identification especially during this fast disappearing forest era. The classical taxonomy has contributed to new<br />
discoveries especially in the newly explored forest in both Peninsular and East <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This paper discusses<br />
discoveries on genus Teijsmanniodendron (Lamiaceae) in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. A taxonomic study on this group of plants<br />
was conducted from 1996 to 2005 which resulted in seven new species published. These new species were<br />
discovered during an extensive revision work on the group which were 80% based on herbarium specimens and<br />
20% freshly collected materials from all parts of <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The herbarium specimens were collected from 1920<br />
to 2000 which are deposited in the local herbaria (KEP, KLU, UKMB, SAN, SAR, KNP and UPM), and abroad<br />
(KEW, L, U, BM, SING, BO and PNH). Unfortunately, many of the collecting sites were currently no longer a<br />
forested area. The agony of the findings is to name something which is probably extinct or becoming rare but<br />
the trophy is that we at least knew that these plants had flourished in our backyard. Being a sister to commercial<br />
Teak or Jati (Tectona grandis), its timber properties of selected species (wood density and grain) are almost 100%<br />
similar to Teak. These species are currently traded as medium hard wood together with Nyatoh (Palaquium spp.).<br />
Three species, T. coriaceum, T. pteropodum and T. simplicifolium were identified as potential forest plantation<br />
crop for timber similar uses to Teak, for furniture.<br />
Keywords: Teijsmanniodendron, new species, timber, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Ceiling Fan and Roadside Car Park Dust Collected<br />
from Residential Colleges in <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Serdang, Selangor<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Chee Kong<br />
Chew Weiyun and Tan Soon Guan<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6616; yapckong@hotmail.com<br />
In this study, dust samples were collected from four residential colleges (K2, K5, KOSAS and K10) in<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (UPM) Serdang, Selangor. The samples were collected from ceiling fans and car parks<br />
roadside dust. Sand dust on top of the car park were collected by using polyethylene brush, tray and contained<br />
in a polyethylene bag. Ceiling fan dust on the first floor was collected and put into a polyethylene bag. The dust<br />
samples collected were analysed for the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn. It was found that K5 [Cu (62.94<br />
± 0.77 ?g/g dw), Fe (1802.40 ± 9.81 µg/g dw), and Zn (253.34 ± 22.76 ?g/g dw) of car park dust; Zn (997.20 ±<br />
16.10 µg/g dw) of ceiling fan dust] and K10 (Ni (26.88 ± 1.84 µg/g dw) and Zn (199.77 ± 6.64 ?g/g dw) of car<br />
park dust; Cu (468.55 ± 3.67 ?g/g dw), [Ni (83.96 ± 0.75 ?g/g dw), and Fe (3131.58 ± 27.01 ?g/g dw) of ceiling<br />
fan dust] exhibited elevated concentrations of heavy metals that might be related to vehicular activities when<br />
compared to K2 and KOSAS. In general, ceiling fan dust had significantly (P< 0.05) higher concentrations of<br />
heavy metals when compared with car park dust. In comparison to other reported studies in the literature, the<br />
maximum levels of Ni and Cu were comparable or higher than those reported for major cities in the world. Hence,<br />
more monitoring studies should be conducted in the future to check metal contamination in the dust which can<br />
serve as an atmospheric indicator of heavy metal pollution.<br />
Keywords: Dust, heavy metals, UPM residential colleges<br />
90
Distribution of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Different Soft Tissues and Shells of the Bivalve<br />
psammotaea Elongata and Gastropod faunus after Collected from Pantai Sri Tujuh, Kelantan<br />
Compreg Laminates Made from Low Density Wood<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Chee Kong<br />
Aziran Y. and Cheng Wan Hee<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6616; yapckong@hotmail.com<br />
Keywords: Psammotaea elongata, faunus after, snail, clams, sof tissues, shells<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaidon Ashaari<br />
Edi Suhaimi Bakar, Paridah Md. Tahir and Mohd. Hamami Sahri<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7174; zaidon@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords : Compreg laminates, phenol formaldehyde, impregnation, compression ratio<br />
91<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Snail (Psammotaea elongata) and clams (Faunus after) collected from Pantai Sri Tujuh, Tumpat (Kelantan)<br />
were dissected into operculum, foot, gill, muscle and digestive caecum. The clams were dissected into siphon,<br />
foot, gill, muscle, mantle and remainder parts. The different soft tissues and shells were pooled and determined<br />
for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Both species were found to have higher levels of non-essential Cd and Pb in their shells<br />
than those in the different soft tissues. On the other hand, the soft tissues especially remainder parts have higher<br />
concentrations of essential Zn and Cu than those in the shells in both molluscs. The ecological distribution and<br />
metal concentrations for the two molluscs species found at Pantai Sri Tujuh can serve as baseline information.<br />
The depleting supply of commercial timbers from natural and plantation forests faced by wood-based<br />
industries has led manufacturer seeking for alternative. There are still plenty of timber species which has not been<br />
fully explored due to their poor properties in nature. Macarangga spp. (mahang), Endospermum malaccense<br />
(sesenduk) and Dyera costulata (jelutung) are low density species which have a great potential to augment the<br />
diminishing supply of the raw materials. If their properties can be improved, there is a tendency for them to be<br />
utilised for high value added laminated products such as parquet flooring, paneling and furniture components.<br />
One of the potential processes to enhance the properties of these timbers is through compregnation with low<br />
molecular weight phenolic resin. The treated product which is also known as Compreg is found to be suitable<br />
for parquet flooring, paneling and furniture components. The successful of this treatment are dependent on the<br />
thickness of wood, concentration of treating solution, pre-curing and curing time, and compression ratio. In this<br />
study, the optimum treatment combination, viz. concentration of treating solution, compression ratio, pre-curing<br />
time and curing temperature and time has been established. Three layers of compreg products were fabricated<br />
through either aligned the strips perpendicular or parallel to each other. The bonding, physical and mechanical<br />
properties of the compreg laminates were evaluated. The results showed that the density of the compreg laminates<br />
increased by three to four times of the original wood. The shear stress tested at the joint line is slightly lower or at<br />
par and the hardness is markedly higher than untreated solid wood. The dimensional stability quantified as antiswelling<br />
efficiency increased by 30-77%.
Forestry & Environment<br />
Chemometric Approach to Validating Faecal Sterols as Source Tracer for Faecal<br />
Contamination in Water from Langat River, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Hafizan Juahir<br />
Nur Hazirah Adnan, Munirah Abdul Zali, Nurul Afiqah Mohamd Tahir, Norashikin Saim, Rozita Osman,<br />
Dayang Ratena Sari Abg. Spian, Mohd. Zuli Jaafar, Md. Pauzi Abdullah and Fuzziawati Ab. Ghani<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7460; hafizan@env.upm.edu.my<br />
The municipal and anthropogenic activities have been verified as substantial contributors in the Langat River<br />
Basin. Faecal sterols fingerprinting method is a promising method for sources classifications of faecal pollutant<br />
due to its continuous discharge into the riverine ecosystem. In this study, faecal contamination in water samples<br />
from point source (sewage treatment plants, chicken farms, quail farms and horse stables) was extracted using the<br />
solid phase extraction (SPE) technique and analyzed using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).<br />
Faecal sterols (coprostanol, cholesterol, stigmasterol? -sitosterol and stigmastanol) were selected as parameters to<br />
differentiate the source of faecal pollution. The results indicated that coprostanol, cholesterol and?-sitosterol were<br />
the most significant parameters that can be used as source tracers for faecal pollution. Chemometric techniques,<br />
such as cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) were applied<br />
to the data set on faecal contamination in water from various pollution sources in order to validate the faecal<br />
sterols’ profiles. CA generated three clusters: coprostanol was in cluster 1, cholesterol and? -sitosterol formed<br />
cluster 2, while cluster 3 contained stigmasterol and stigmastanol. DA suggested that coprostanol, cholesterol<br />
and? -sitosterols were the most significant parameters to discriminate between the faecal pollution sources.<br />
Applications of chemometric techniques revealed beneficial and potential methods in discovering the source of<br />
faecal contamination in marine environment.<br />
Keywords: Sterols, faecal contamination, solid phase extraction, principal component analysis, cluster analysis<br />
A General Model for Estimating Tropical Forest Biomass<br />
Dr. Hazandy Abdul Hamid<br />
Ika Heriansyah, Nor Aini Ab. Shukor, and Syamsudin Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7585; hazandy@gmail.com<br />
Attempts to estimate the biomass density of tropical forests have been made by the scientific community<br />
for use in models that assess the contribution of tropical deforestation and biomass burning to the increase in<br />
atmospheric carbon dioxide and other trace gases. However, because so many different equations and techniques<br />
are needed to estimate various structures and compositions of tropical forest and it would be a huge and costly,<br />
improving biomass estimates by constructing new equations to present all tree species in all locations are necessary.<br />
The main goals of this study are to present simple methods that are available for estimating biomass density of<br />
tropical forests or tree formations using primarily existing data. Prediction equations for biomass were generated<br />
from easily measurable parameters such as diameter at breast height and total height. Data on dry weight of all<br />
biomass components of sample trees were used to develop prediction equations. The power equations were used<br />
for biomass equation because these equations had proved superior to other equations as evident from its greater<br />
values of coefficient of determination as well as from lesser values of standard error for most of the biomass<br />
components. Equations were presented from destructive sampling of 250 sample trees of 19 species in Indonesia,<br />
Papua New Guinea and Vietnam, from 1.20 cm to 109.18 cm of D and from 1.9 m to 57.7 m of H. The study<br />
provided two steps of biomass estimation, i.e., (1) a multi step process that entails calculating volume and then<br />
converting volume to dry weight biomass and (2) a one-step process that calculate biomass directly from growth<br />
parameter of D or combination D2H. Biomass density can be calculated from volume/ha by first estimating the<br />
biomass of the inventoried volume and then “expanding” this value to take into account the total biomass.<br />
Keywords: Diameter, general equation, estimator, biomass, tropics<br />
92
Bioconversion of <strong>Malaysia</strong> Major LignocellulosicWaste to Ethanol<br />
Dr. H’ng Paik San<br />
Chin Kit Ling, Wong Lih Jiun, Tey Beng Ti and Paridah Md. Tahir<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7189, ngpaiksan@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Lignocellulosic biomass, concentrated acid hydrolysis, fermentation, ethanol production<br />
Photodegradation of Sulfadiazine by Goethite-oxalate Suspension under UV Light<br />
Irradiation<br />
Dr. Liang Juan Boo<br />
Wang Yan<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2132; jbliang@ibs.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Sulfadiazine, goethite, oxalic acid, photodegradation, ecological toxicity<br />
93<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
Large quantities of waste materials are generated from manufacturing processes and agricultural industries.<br />
As a result, solid waste management has become one of the major environmental concerns in the world. As<br />
one of the top producers of palm oil and wooden furniture in the world, <strong>Malaysia</strong> is well positioned to make<br />
used of its enormous output of lignocellulosic biomass, mainly oil palm residues and wood wastes generated by<br />
those industries. Beside waste management, another great challenge for society in the 21st century is to meet the<br />
growing demand of energy for transportation and industrial processes. Due to the gradual depletion of crude oil<br />
and the environmental deterioration resulting from the over consumption, bioethanol practically in liquid forms<br />
is one of the most attractive biofuel candidates to replace crude oil. Glucose can be derived from lignocellulosic<br />
biomass, is the necessary main chemical that can be subsequently converted to bioethanol. This study was focus<br />
on acid hydrolysis using concentrated sulfuric acid to obtain glucose prior for ethanolic fermentation using<br />
Saccharomyces cerevisae. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to optimize hydrolysis and fermentation<br />
process for maximum conversion yield from <strong>Malaysia</strong> three main lignocellulosic biomass; oil palm trunk and<br />
sawdust of rubberwood and mixed hardwood. Optimum cellulose conversion to glucose with the hydrolysis<br />
efficiency of 82%, 67% and 66% for oil palm trunk, rubberwood and mixed hardwood, respectively obtained<br />
using two-stage concentrated sulfuric acid hydrolysis at elevated temperature using 60% sulfuric acid treated in<br />
a water bath with a temperature of 60°C for 30 min at the first stage hydrolysis and subsequently subjected to<br />
30% sulfuric acid at 80°C for 60 min at the second stage. Optimum fermentation parameters was obtained using<br />
33.2°C and pH 5.3 with the fermentation efficiency of 80%, 85% and 90% for oil palm trunk, rubberwood and<br />
mixed hardwood, respectively.<br />
Sulfadiazine, a potent antibacterial agent belonging to the group of antibiotics called sulfonamides, has been<br />
reported to be present in surface and groundwater. This study investigated the degradation of sulfadiazine in a<br />
goethite (R-FeOOH)-oxalate Fenton-like system under UV irradiation. The results showed that sulfadiasine could<br />
be effectively photodegraded by the goethite-oxalate Fenton-like system as a result of the formation of the highly<br />
oxidizing hydroxyl radicals, .OH. Among the iron oxides tested (R-FeOOH, ?-Fe2O3, ?-FeOOH, and R-Fe2O3),<br />
R-FeOOH was found to be the most effective. Degradation of sulfadiazine depended significantly on the pH and<br />
initial concentration of oxalic acid in the system, with optimal values of 3.5 and 4.0 mM, respectively, under<br />
UV irradiation. Five intermediate products of sulfadiazine degradation were identified using high-performance<br />
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS),<br />
and ion chromatography (IC), and a possible sulfadiazine degradation pathway in such a system was proposed.<br />
Organic sulfur and organic nitrogen mineralization were also observed, and the results indicated that cleavage<br />
of the sulfonylurea bridge was easier than the other potential cleavage bonds under the goethite-oxalate system.<br />
In addition, results from Biolog assays suggested that the ecological toxicity of the sulfadiazine solution was<br />
effectively reduced after degradation.
Forestry & Environment<br />
Soil Disturbance from Different Mechanised Harvesting in Hill Tropical Forest,<br />
Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Mohd. Hasmadi Ismail<br />
Norizah Kamarudin<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7220; mhasmadi@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The impacts of mechanised forest harvesting to soil physical properties are the major concern by forest<br />
managers. <strong>Malaysia</strong> is practicing RIL and applying code of forest harvest practice in forest harvesting and<br />
operations for sustainable forest resources management. In 2001, a machinery called Rimbaka Timber Harvester<br />
R2020-A was introduced for timber extraction for peat swamp forest and later on the machine was introduced<br />
to the hill tropical forest as an alternative to other machines. The study aimed to evaluate soil compaction (cone<br />
index, bulk density, moisture content and pore space) by Rimbaka and crawler tractor KOMATSU D60-A. A total<br />
of five samples were randomly taken using core sampler (50x50mm) diameter at the beneath a lug imprint for<br />
passes 1, 4 and 8. Altogether samples were 45. The locations of sample were to the right and left of each rut centre<br />
for both machines. Treatment effects were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result showed that<br />
compaction by Rimbaka machine increased bulk density from 1.14 to 1.43 g/cc, cone index from 1.94 to 3.45 g/<br />
cm3 decreased total pore space by 43% and decreased soil moisture content by 19%. Meanwhile compaction by<br />
KOMATSU D60-A increased bulk density from 1.2 to 1.43 g/cc, cone index from 1.24 to 1.94 g/cm3 decreased<br />
soil moisture content by 11% and total pore space by 6%, respectively. The value increased rapidly as more passes<br />
increased on the track surface. The higher soil disturbance by Rimbaka machine was due to physical design and<br />
specification of the machine. This study also observed that there was significant difference in the total passes of<br />
machinery used in harvesting operation. Although Rimbaka machine shows more effected soil compaction, the<br />
machine is a practical alternative to avoid skid trail and reduce road density in forest area.<br />
Keywords: Soil disturbance, bulk density, cone index, pore space, harvesting operation, rimbaka harvester system, crawler<br />
tractor<br />
Determining and Mapping of Vegetation using GIS and Phytosociological<br />
Approach in Mount Tahan, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Mohd. Hasmadi Ismail<br />
Mohd. Zaki Hamzah, Ismail Adnan Abd. Malik, Pakhriazad Hassain Zaki and Muhammad Fadlli Abdul Yazi<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7220; mhasmadi@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The study on lowland tropical forest plants is complicated by the extreme species diversity, very complex<br />
plant mosaic and time constraints. These impediments however do not occur in mountain forest, where habitat<br />
diversity is clearly distinguished by small homogenous plants types. Plant association and composition study<br />
were presented in this work from two locations of Mount Tahan, <strong>Malaysia</strong> the relatively untrampled and the<br />
trampled site. In each site, plant species number, vegetation cover, plant height, and species cover and frequency<br />
in untrampled and trampled areas were counted or measured. The analysis included a field survey following the<br />
relevance method of Braun-Blanquet and mapping using a GIS. The study focused on altitudinal distribution<br />
of specific plants communities located between 1900 m and 2140 m altitude. The data from field survey were<br />
mapped and analyzed in GIS. The phytosociological classification revealed that untrampled areas in Botak and<br />
Puncak sites were high in species more diversified communities compared to the trampled areas. The results<br />
showed that Leptospermum flavescens was the dominant species most in both sites (Botak and Puncak), with<br />
48%, specifically at the untrampled site. The abundance class and sociability value are also high for this species<br />
with score 4.5 out of 5, respectively. A total number of trees in the area probably play an important role in<br />
quantifying the species richness and diversity parameters. From the study, it can be concluded that GIS technique<br />
is useful in developing a tree mapping system and creating a geo-database for spatial analysis. Further studies are<br />
recommended to integrate more data into the system for better evaluation.<br />
Keywords: Mount Tahan, plant association, phytosociological, GIS, mapping<br />
94
Improvement on Kenaf-ecoflex Interactions in Green Composite<br />
Keywords: Textile wastewater, zeolite, heavy metals, alum<br />
Dr. Nor Azowa Ibrahim<br />
Khalina Abdan, Kamarul Arifin Hadithon and Khairul Zaman Mohd. Dahlan<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6802; norazowa@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Kenaf fiber, biodegradable, biocomposites, mechanical properties<br />
Removal of Heavy Metals from Textile Wastewater using Zeolite<br />
Dr. Normala Halimoon<br />
Rachel Goh Soo Yin<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6743; hmala@env.upm.edu.my<br />
95<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
New green composite has been developed using whole stem kenaf fiber (WSK) and Ecoflex (biodegradable<br />
thermoplastic) using melt blending technique. The composites were prepared using different fiber loadings (10%,<br />
20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and the fiber was treated with various concentrations of NaOH solution by soaking<br />
for three hours. The compounding of composites was carried out by using Brabender internal mixer at 130oC<br />
for 10 min. The composites were then pressed using compression molding to produce biodegradable Ecoflex/<br />
WSK sheets. The 60:40 Ecoflex/WSK composites using 4%NaOH treated WSK fiber improved the tensile and<br />
flexural strength compared to untreated WSK fiber indicating good adhesion between treated WSK fiber and<br />
Ecoflex. The DMA analysis also supports the finding since the storage modulus of the composites increase with<br />
the increasing of the fibre loading. The SEM micrographs of the fracture surface of tensile test also reveal good<br />
adhesion between WSK and Ecoflex. The FTIR and thermal gravimetric analysis showed that alkali treatment<br />
removes and lignin from WSK fiber surface making the surface rough thus improved interaction.<br />
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) are widely used for<br />
production of colour pigments of textile dyes. Textile dyes pollutants are being released to the environment at<br />
various stages of operation therefore it is necessary that the pollutants are treated before discharge using zeolite<br />
with and without alum. A study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of treatment using zeolite with and<br />
without alum for the removal of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr) in textile effluent. The concentrations of these<br />
heavy metals in the textile wastewater samples were reduced to more than 50 percent after treating with zeolite.<br />
The sequence in increasing order of removal efficiency of these heavy metals using zeolite was Cd < Pb < Cr<br />
< Cu. When the textile wastewater sample was treated using zeolite and 10 mg/L of alum, 80% of the heavy<br />
metals (Cd and Cu) were removed. The most effective treatment prior to removal of heavy metals from textile<br />
wastewater sample is by using zeolite with the addition of 10 mg/L of alum as flocculants.
Forestry & Environment<br />
Fungal Diversity in Wounded Stems of Aquilaria malaccensis<br />
Dr. Rozi Mohamed<br />
Jong Phai Lee and Mohammed Syazwan Zali<br />
Faculty of Forestry, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7183; rozimohd@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Aquilaria malaccensis is a tropical tree which produces agarwood in its trunk often after being wounded<br />
and attacked by pathogens or insects. Fungi are generally viewed as the main microbial component responsible<br />
for agarwood formation. In this study, isolation of fungi from agarwood in damaged trees was carried out.<br />
Culture morphology and microscopic characteristics plus PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer<br />
(ITS) region from the fungal isolates as well as wood samples,were used to identify the fungal community<br />
composition of wounded A. malaccensis trees from a natural forest in West <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Conventional culture<br />
methodology revealed Cunninghamella, Curvularia, Fusarium and Trichoderma species as members of the<br />
agarwood community. Analysis of genomic DNA confirmed the identifications. When wood samples were used<br />
directly in PCR, an additional Lasiodiplodia species was identified. Neighbor-joining trees were constructed to<br />
examine the relationships between the isolates sequence data and reference sequences in GenBank. Five distinct<br />
clades resulted, supported with high bootstrap values, indicating the presence of five distinct taxa. The wounded<br />
trunks of A. malaccensis in the natural environment harbor multiple fungal taxa that exist in a complex system as<br />
a whole or in succession leading to agarwood production in the tree trunk.<br />
Keywords: Agarwood, aquilaria malaccensis, fungi, phylogeny, production, wound<br />
Effect of Logging Operations on Soil Carbon Storage of a Tropical Peat Swamp<br />
Forest in Sarawak<br />
Dr. Seca Gandaseca<br />
Anton Eko Satrio, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed and Nik Muhamad Ab. Majid<br />
Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8685 5473; secags@yahoo.com<br />
It is important to investigate the severity of degradation of peat swamp forest caused by logging operation<br />
in terms of its function as carbon storage. The peat soil was sampled randomly using a peat auger to a depth of<br />
15 cm. Soil sampling ware conducted before and after logging (one year later). Soil sampling was conducted<br />
on two different plots under different skidding systems to compare the soil carbon storage between kuda-kuda<br />
and excavator systems. Unpaired t-test was used to compare soil carbon storage under the two systems. The<br />
humic acid extraction was done and soil carbon storage values obtained by calculation. The calculation of soil<br />
carbon storage was done by the bulk density method. There was more unstable carbon on logged peat swamp<br />
forest. Afterwards, that high unstable carbon formed on logged peat swamp forest was converted into humic acid<br />
and stable carbon through humification processes. However, the similarity of stable carbon of the logged peat<br />
swamp forest with stable carbon of undisturbed peat swamp forest indicated an ineffectiveness humification of<br />
logged peat swamp forest. Under kuda-kuda skidding system, unstable carbon seemed to be preserved better and<br />
this was because of the better carbon storage. After the peat swamp forest was logged, humification processes<br />
were strongly maintained, but it become slow and ineffective, hence unstable carbon decomposed more instead<br />
of it being preserved as stable carbon. The skidding systems altered the unstable carbon. The unstable carbon<br />
decomposed more under excavator skidding system, but inversely under kuda-kuda skidding system.<br />
Keywords: Peat swamp forest, logging operation, skidding system, humification, soil carbon storage<br />
96
Comparison of Selected Chemical Properties of Peat Swamp Soil Before and After<br />
Timber Harvesting in Sarawak<br />
Dr. Seca Gandaseca<br />
Muhamad Ismawi Salimin, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed and Nik Muhamad Ab. Majid<br />
Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8685 5473; secags@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Peat swamp forest, chemical properties, timber harvesting, statistical analysis system<br />
Effect of Precipitation Fluctuation on Soil Carbon Storage of a Tropical Peat<br />
Swamp Forest in Sarawak<br />
Dr. Seca Gandaseca<br />
Anton Eko Satrio, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed and Nik Muhamad Ab. Majid<br />
Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8685 5473; secags@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Peat swamp forest, rainfall, soil acidity, soil organic matter, soil carbon storage<br />
97<br />
Forestry & Environment<br />
The objective of this study was to compare the soil pH, cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, total<br />
carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and exchangeable K of peat swamps soil, before and after harvesting<br />
at Batang Igan forest in Sibu, Sarawak. This study compared selected chemical properties of a peat swamp soil<br />
before and after timber harvesting. Peat soil samples were taken at 0-15 cm depth in 6 plots with 0.1 ha each<br />
plot at Batang Igan forest at Sibu Sarawak, <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The soil samples were analyzed for selected soil chemical<br />
properties. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.2. The tropical peat swamp<br />
forest indicated its specific natural state such as rich in soil pH KCl and except for C/N ratio, the selected chemical<br />
properties such as soil pH water, cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, total carbon, total nitrogen, total<br />
phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium were significantly different between before and after timber harvesting.<br />
Timber harvesting has significant effect on chemical properties of peat swamp.<br />
The amount of rainfall varies markedly daily and annually in tropical region while temperature can be<br />
constant. When the precipitation frequency is smaller, lowered water table occur and could increase substrate<br />
availability for CO2 releasing decomposition processes. Therefore, rainfall may affect the soil carbon storage of<br />
peat swamp forest. It was found different rainfall fluctuation on January and March 2008. Mean rainfall almost<br />
doubled from 6.6 mm/day in January to 12.0 mm/day in March. Furthermore, rainfall in March was fluctuated<br />
considerably than that in January. Thus, soil carbon storage under those extremely different rainfall conditions<br />
was compared. Soil sampling was conducted in January and March 2008 on two different plots (0.3 hectare each<br />
plot) to a depth of 15 cm. Mean rainfall on January was 6.6 mm/day while in March it was 12.0 mm/day. The<br />
humic acid extraction was done and soil carbon storage values obtained by calculation. The calculation of soil<br />
carbon storage was done by the bulk density method. Comparison between paired means of soil carbon storage<br />
under the two different rainfall gradients were tested using paired t-test. Under higher rainfall, unstable carbon<br />
tends to remain as stable carbon instead of CO2 evolution through decomposition. The high value of stable carbon<br />
under higher rainfall suggests that this natural tropical peat swamp forest plays an important role as a sink rather<br />
than a source of carbon. Inversely, this ecosystem has a role as a source of carbon under lower rainfall. It also<br />
suggests that unstable carbon tends to decompose and releases CO2 by oxidation under lower rainfall. Anaerobic<br />
environment is more prominent under higher rainfall and may facilitate high value of soil carbon storage (stable<br />
carbon) in this peat swamp forest. Anaerobic environment (more additional water) plays an important role in<br />
preserving soil carbon storage (stable carbon).
Forestry & Environment<br />
Reliability of the Visual Resource Assessment Procedure in Assessing <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
Visual Landscape Quality<br />
Mr. Mohd. Nazri Saidon<br />
Mustafa Kamal, Mohd. Shariff, Ramdzani Abdullah and Habshah Midi<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4075; mnazri@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Visual Resource Assessment Procedure (VRAP) is a technique for assessing visual landscape quality and it<br />
has been widely used in the United States unlike in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This article describes a study to test the reliability of<br />
VRAP for use by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n professionals. In this study, ten <strong>Malaysia</strong>n landscape architecture professionals were<br />
asked to use VRAP to assess a farm landscape at a local university campus in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Results indicated that<br />
70% of the professionals agreed that the landscape could be categorised under the Preservation Class. Another<br />
20% categorised the landscape under the Retention Class and the rest categorised the farm as Partial Retention<br />
Class. Thus, the result of this study indicated that VRAP is a reliable tool for assessing the visual landscape if it<br />
is to be applied by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n professionals and for local landscapes. The article hopes that the VRAP method<br />
will assist professionals and researchers in assessing visual landscape quality in <strong>Malaysia</strong> with high confidence.<br />
Keywords: VRAP, visual resources, participant assessment, preference<br />
98
Social Sciences
Dropout Prevention Practices of “Turned Around” At-risk Secondary School<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Sharifah Md. Nor<br />
Samsilah Roslan, Norlizah Che Hassan and Rusnani Abdul Kadir<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8220; sharifah@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: At-risk, excellence, school culture, school climate, diverse needs<br />
Students’ Perspectives on the Nature of the PhD Thesis Supervisory Relationship:<br />
Implications for UPM as a Research University<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abd. Lateef Krauss Abdullah<br />
Ismi Arif Ismail<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7925; lateef@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Supervision, doctoral students, in-depth interviews, supervisory relationships, management<br />
101<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This paper attempts to discuss the changes experienced by a school which turned from at-risk to excellence.<br />
It highlights the role of the principal in changing the school culture through creative and insightful means. Labeled<br />
as a gangster school before 2002, the school has been receiving various awards from 2003 to date. Interviews with<br />
the principal, observation and document studies were the main instruments utilized. The findings revealed that the<br />
main impetus to the change was the principal’s ability to mould the school climate into one that is friendly and<br />
more sensitive to the needs of its diverse students, true to the spirit of education for all.<br />
Despite the plethora of studies that have been conducted on PhD supervision, little qualitative investigation<br />
has been conducted with a diverse, non-Western sample of doctoral students in an attempt to understand how<br />
the supervisory relationship is experienced, focusing specifically on the nature of supervisory experiences.<br />
In response, eighteen students from diverse, non-Western backgrounds studying at one <strong>Malaysia</strong>n research<br />
university were interviewed. Results illuminated the theme of ‘management’ of the supervisory experience and<br />
included two streams: 1) acceptance of the situation, and 2) response to the situation so as to optimise their<br />
experience. The two major themes further included four sub-themes that included managing personal relations,<br />
time and accessibility constraints, academic compatibility, and expectations. Implications for the development<br />
of international research universities where PhD supervision of a diverse student body is a critical factor for<br />
university success and development are discussed.
Social Sciences<br />
Effect of Intelligent Tutoring System on Students’ Achievement in Mathematics<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Suraya Md.Yunus<br />
Tsai Chen Chien, Wan Zah Wan Ali and Ab. Rahim Bakar<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6175; aida@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
In this experimental study, the use of Computer Assisted Instruction followed by the use of an Intelligent<br />
Tutoring System (CAI+ITS) was compared to the use of CAI (CAI only) in tutoring students to learn the topic on<br />
Algebraic Expression. The ITS system consisted of two main structures, the Student Model and Tutorial Model.<br />
The Student Model stores students’ responses throughout the tutorial process while the Tutorial Model presents<br />
a suitable tutoring strategy to students according to their progress. Two groups of students each participated in<br />
the study. One group of 32 students studied algebraic expression in a CAI learning environment, while the other<br />
group of 30 students was in a CAI and ITS (CAI+ITS) environment. Before the experiment began, subjects were<br />
given a pre-test on algebraic expression. Post-test was given at the end of the study. The study was administered in<br />
eight sessions with one hour per session. For the first stage of the study, both groups of subjects studied algebraic<br />
expression in a CAI environment. In the second stage, subjects from the CAI group went through a tutoring<br />
session with CAI, whereas subjects from the CAI+ITS environment continue their study using ITS tutorial.<br />
The result of the study showed that there was a significant difference in the students achievement in algebraic<br />
expression between students who learn with CAI+ITS and who learn with CAI only as delivery system. The<br />
findings of the study indicated that CAI+ITS was more effective in helping students learn algebraic expression<br />
as compared to using CAI alone. This study suggests that educators and software developers should focus on<br />
the development of ITS based learning tools or integrate ITS elements in courseware development rather than<br />
developing a mere CAI tool.<br />
Keywords: Computer Assisted Instruction, Intelligent Tutoring System, experimental study, mathematics learning<br />
Development a Sociopsychological Framework to Map Language Choice and Use<br />
in the Legal Workplace<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ain Nadzimah Abdullah<br />
Chan Swee Heng<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1202; ain@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
It would be wrong to argue that the dominance of English over Bahasa <strong>Malaysia</strong> in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n legal<br />
domain exclusively expresses a tendency towards being Anglocised and resulting in competing lingua francas.<br />
The use of English goes way beyond dealing with this challenge of competing lingua francas. In actuality,<br />
promoting or defending the national language in the legal system does not obviate the mastering of English as<br />
a lingua franca for the legal profession in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. In this paper, we critically examine the language issue by<br />
providing a systematic account of the ways in which both Bahasa <strong>Malaysia</strong> and English are used in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
courtroom. Adopting a comparative approach with reference to actual court proceedings evidence of language<br />
use is gathered from both the subordinate and superior courts in Kuala Lumpur. Findings suggest that English<br />
continues to be the lingua franca in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n legal domain. Bahasa <strong>Malaysia</strong>, at times, is subjugated in the<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n courtroom, even though it is constitutionally and by legislation, recognized as the national and official<br />
language in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. While there is this underlying ‘competition’ between languages, it would be inaccurate to<br />
stereotype the dominant use of English as an example of being Anglocised. More to it is to realise the competing<br />
forces as a pragmatic functional approach to language use.<br />
Keywords: Legal domain, national language, language choice, language use, lingua franca<br />
102
Reintegrating Spirituality into Higher Education<br />
Keywords: Spirituality, higher education, quantum science<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arfah Salleh<br />
Aziuddin Ahmad and Naresh Kumar<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8490; arfah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Human Governance: A Neglected Mantra for Continuous Performance<br />
Improvement<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arfah Salleh<br />
Aziuddin Ahmad and Naresh Kumar<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8490; arfah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Human governance, performance improvement, corporate governance, learning organisation<br />
103<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This article examines the issue of accountability and governance among higher learning institutions in<br />
discharging their duties to inculcate good behavior and mould their graduates into human business leaders.<br />
In order to appreciate the role of higher education and the requirement of the market place for graduates, we<br />
go backward in origin into the past to learn the education philosophy that has shaped today’s vocation. The<br />
distinctiveness of this article is that we review the advances in the science of quantum physics to understand the<br />
current worldview of reality. The way forward for higher learning institution to reintegrate spirituality in molding<br />
young generation who actualise authentic leadership and rightness-of-action founded upon the interconnectedness<br />
model of the universe is deliberated.<br />
Every individual should be entrusted with an internal driver to strive their best towards achieving their<br />
potential and to manifest their performance through innovative means. This can be reached only under<br />
circumstances where the abstract human values and principles are recognised and indoctrinated in the culture.<br />
The strategies discussed in this article will serve as input in proposing the areas of focus toward the practice of<br />
human governance.
Social Sciences<br />
Community Participation in Community Development: A Case Study in a Planned<br />
Village Settlement in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah<br />
Fariborz Aref<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7066; asnarul@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Historically, many community development initiatives in <strong>Malaysia</strong> are top-down approach. In such<br />
approach it is always said that there is no participation. Participation is just a window dressing ceremony. As<br />
a result, community empowerment is difficult to take places. However, not all state-development initiatives,<br />
community empowerment and capacity building cannot be materialized. In a planned village settlement in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>, communities are encouraged to take their responsibilities to organize themselves, to form group, to<br />
plan an activity and to mobilize group members participating to meet their needs. In this community propelling<br />
initiatives, elements of individual empowerment and group empowerment emerged, and this characterised an<br />
empowered community. In short, based on this reality, it can be said that genuine participation encouraged<br />
community empowerment as shown in this case study.<br />
Keywords: Participation, community empowerment, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Determinants of Sustainable Development Dimension among Leaders of Rural<br />
Community: A Case Study of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril, Jamilah Othman, Ezhar Tamam, Hanina Halimatusaadiah and Jeffrey<br />
Lawrence D’Silva<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8599; hayrol82@gmail.com<br />
Rural development researchers have identified a number of factors that affect sustainable development among<br />
the rural community. Nevertheless, mix results were reported in literature. Hence, this study was conducted to<br />
investigate on the constructs that affect sustainable development among members of Village Development and<br />
Security Committee (VDSC) under the Vision Village Movement (VVM). A total of 235 respondents from 18<br />
villages were involved encompassing three states in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The final model derived from this study showed that<br />
four pertinent constructs that fit into the sustainable development model are spirituality, leadership, beautification,<br />
and education. It is believed that the findings of this study would add new perspective in understanding the<br />
complexities associated with sustainable development among the rural community.<br />
Keywords: Village development and security committee (VDSC), vision village movement (VVM), sustainable development,<br />
rural community<br />
104
Factors Influencing Local People’s Participation in Watershed Management<br />
Programmes in Iran<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Reza Bagherian, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah and Shamsuddin Ahmad<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8599; hayrol82@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Social exchange, participation, watershed management, hable rud, Iran<br />
Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Penagihan Relaps dalam Kalangan Penagih<br />
Dadah di <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Fauziah Ibrahim, Mansor Abu Talib and Mohammad Shatar Sabran<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8921 3652; ifauziah@ukm.my<br />
Keywords: Relaps, ketagihan, dadah, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
105<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The degree of popular participation in development programs is a major determinant of success or failure,<br />
but the factors which make participation efforts successful still remained a mystery. This study was designed to<br />
discover this mystery determine the factors that influence local people’s participation in Watershed Management<br />
Programs by using the social exchange framework. The data for this study were gathered from 200 respondents<br />
through personal interviews during August and September of 2008. The findings of study showed that level of<br />
participation in WMP was moderate; however people preferred more involvement in social rather than economical<br />
and environmental activities. Correlation analysis showed that six factors: 1) satisfaction of prior programs, 2)<br />
attitude toward WMP, 3) knowledge of WMP, 4) alternative income, 5) total income and 6) expectations of<br />
WMP have positive and significant relationship with level of participation in WMP. However, regression analysis<br />
discovered that among them five factors provided the best prediction for the level of people’s participation in<br />
WMP and explained 45 percent of the variation. These five variables were; level of people’s satisfaction of prior<br />
programs, their attitude toward WMP, people’s knowledge of WMP, their alternative income and level of their<br />
expectations met of WMP. The result of this study provided a number of theoretical and practical implications and<br />
recommendations to increase the level of participation in WMP.<br />
Masalah penagihan relaps merupakan suatu cabaran besar kepada negara. Peningkatan mendadak bilangan<br />
penagih dadah dengan angka mencapai 292,696 orang iaitu melebihi satu peratus daripada jumlah penduduk<br />
negara dari tempoh 1988 hingga Mac 2006 amat membimbangkan semua lapisan masyarakat. Laporan oleh<br />
Agensi Dadah Kebangsaan mendedahkan bahawa sejumlah 32,808 penagih; 15,389 penagih baru dan 17,419<br />
lagi penagih relaps berdaftar dengan agensi rasmi di seluruh negara pada tahun 2005. Di dalam negara yang<br />
penduduknya melebihi 26 juta, angka itu dianggap menggerunkan, bermakna hampir 3,000 penagih dikesan<br />
setiap bulan. Angka yang menggerunkan ini, terutama di kalangan penagih relaps membawa kepada persoalan<br />
apakah faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan berlakunya permasalahan tersebut. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan<br />
bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti pengaruh tiga faktor utama, iaitu faktor-faktor individu, persekitaran sosial dan<br />
keberkesanan program pemulihan dadah terhadap kecenderungan penagihan relaps.Hasil kajian yang dilakukan<br />
telah berjaya mengenalpasti apakah tiga (3) faktor utama yang mempengaruhi penagihan relaps dalam kalangan<br />
penagih dadah di <strong>Malaysia</strong> iaitu faktor keyakinan diri, sokongan keluarga dan sokongan masyarakat sekeliling.
Social Sciences<br />
Determinants of Corporate Demands for Islamic Insurance in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bany Ariffin<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7735; bamin@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
This study is the first attempt to empirically investigate the determinants of corporate demand for Islamic<br />
insurance (takaful) using data from main board of public listed companies at Bursa <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Factors like leverage,<br />
growth opportunities, expected bankruptcy costs, company size, managerial ownership, tax considerations and<br />
regulated effects have been examined in this study. The data covers a five-year period from year 2002 - 2006.<br />
The findings show that leverage, expected bankruptcy costs, tax considerations, company size, and managerial<br />
ownership play an important role in determining the corporate demand for Islamic insurance in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Our<br />
conclusions are robust to alternative specifications model of GLS with Fixed Effects that help us to control for<br />
unobservable heterogeneity.<br />
Keywords: Islamic insurance, takaful, corporate demand, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Does News Media Consumption Influences National Pride?<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezhar Tamam<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8663; ezhar@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
This survey examined the role of ethnicity in the relationship of news consumption and national pride. A<br />
total of 625 Malay, 416 Chinese and 112 Indian youths voluntary completed the self-administered questionnaires.<br />
Controlling age, gender and self-identification, the results of the multiple regression analysis showed that<br />
television news consumption significantly predicted national pride for all three ethnic samples but varied in<br />
strength. Newspaper consumption was a significant predictor of national pride but only for the Chinese sample.<br />
Keywords: National pride, news consumption, ethnicity<br />
106
Adequacy of Summary Measures of Fit in Binary Response Model<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
S. K. Sarkar<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Binary response variable, covariate pattern, sensitivity, specificity, ROC curve<br />
Segmental Reporting by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Companies: IAS 14 versus MASB 22<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hashanah Ismail<br />
Nurul Adillah Yusof<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7739; hashanah@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Segmental reporting, geographical segments, line of business segments<br />
107<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Logistic regression model is used in a wide range of applications leading to binary dependent data analysis.<br />
Though the vast majority of the works related to the logistic regression appears in epidemiological research, it is<br />
evident that the technique is frequently used in observational social science studies. The goal of logistic regression<br />
is to correctly predict the outcome for individual case using the most parsimonious model. To accomplish this<br />
goal, a model is created including all predictors that are useful in predicting the response variable. In spite of<br />
such increase, there has been no commensurate increase in the use of commonly available methods for assessing<br />
the model adequacy. Failure to address model adequacy may lead to incorrect inferences. The goal of this paper<br />
is to present an overview of few easily employed methods for assessing the fit of binary response model. The<br />
summary measures of goodness-of-fit as Likelihood Ratio test, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, Osius-Rojek large<br />
sample approximation test, Stukel test, and area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve indicate that<br />
the binary response model fits the data quite well. However, recommendations are made for the use of methods<br />
for assessing the model adequacy in different aspects before proceed to present the results from a fitted logistic<br />
regression model.<br />
The paper reports on the effects of a local standard MASB 22 on disclosure practices among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
companies and whether the introduction of MASB 22 has resulted in a greater level of disclosures with respect to<br />
segmental reporting under IAS 14 previously. The study finds that MASB 22 has improved segmental reporting<br />
with greater number of line of business and geographical segments being reported by sample companies.
Social Sciences<br />
Corporate Governance, External Audit and the Audit Process<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hashanah Ismail<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7739; hashanah@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
The study reports on what audit partners of listed companies perceive to be the impact of good governance<br />
practice on the audit process. The responses received indicate that there are changes in the control environment<br />
brought about by greater consciousness on the part of directors on the need to have good internal control which is<br />
embedded in a bigger enterprise risk management framework. External auditors still use the audit risk framework<br />
which has been found to be dynamic enough to incorporate new areas of audit risk.<br />
Keywords: Audit process, corporate governance, external audit, COSO<br />
Major Challenges to the Effective Management of Human Resource Training and<br />
Development Activities<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7638; hba@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Human resource training and development in manufacturing firms is a critical aspect of the development<br />
of a knowledge-workforce in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The objective of this study is to examine challenges to the effective<br />
management of HR T&D activities in manufacturing firms in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. In order to achieve this objective, in-depth<br />
interviews were conducted with 58 HR managers in charge of training and development activities. Purposive<br />
sampling technique was utilised to select respondents for this study. The study revealed three major challenges<br />
to the effective management of HR T&D. These include a shortage of intellectual HRD professionals to manage<br />
HR T&D activities, coping with the demand for knowledge workers and fostering learning and development in<br />
the workplace. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide HR professionals with a clear understanding<br />
and awareness of the various challenges in managing effective HR training and development. Hence, relevant and<br />
appropriate policies and procedures can be developed and implemented for an effective management of HR T&D.<br />
Keywords: Training and development, manufacturing, knowledge-workers, HRD professionals, learning and development<br />
108
Implementing Training in Manufacturing Firms: Training Methods, Venue and<br />
Provider<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7638; hba@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Implementing training, methods, HRD, manufacturing, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Delivering and Implementing HRD: Provisions of, Levels and Spending for<br />
Training in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Manufacturing Firms<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7638; hba@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: T&D, HRD, spending, provision, levels, manufacturing firms, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
109<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The objective of this paper is to examine the how, where and by whom training is being implemented in<br />
manufacturing firms in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This study involves the use of qualitative and quantitative research design.<br />
Research data were collected through questionnaire surveys distributed to 2,350 HRD practitioners or key<br />
personnel in-charge of training in manufacturing firms in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The interviews were conducted on 38 HRD<br />
practitioners to supplement quantitative findings. This study found that the traditional methods of training are still<br />
widely used despite the extant of modern technology and the use of external trainers and consultants are preferred.<br />
This paper highlights the importance of taking advantage the modern technological means in implementing<br />
training.<br />
The main objective of this paper is to examine the circumstances for which the provision for, levels for<br />
provision and levels in which spending for training was emphasised. This study involves the use of qualitative<br />
and quantitative research design. Research data were collected through questionnaire surveys distributed to 2,350<br />
HRD practitioners or key personnel in-charge of training in manufacturing firms in <strong>Malaysia</strong> with 365 responses<br />
(15.5 percent). The interviews were conducted on 38 HRD practitioners to supplement quantitative findings.<br />
The findings reveal that the provision for training is higher when new technologies and change is necessary.<br />
Production level employees were highly accentuated in the provision and spending for training in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
manufacturing firms. It can be concluded that providing training and provision of spending to employees at<br />
the production level, such as supervisors, technical staff and shop-floor employees, was crucial, as they are the<br />
main core of the workforce who are responsible for the productivity or outputs of the production line. This study<br />
contributes by expanding the literature in that the provision of, levels and spending for training is different in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> manufacturing firms context, to that of Western countries.
Social Sciences<br />
The Effectiveness of Training in the Public Service<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Mohd. Mahyuddin Yahya<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7638; hba@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of training and development in the public sector using<br />
training evaluation framework and transfer of training elements. Quantitative method through questionnaire<br />
survey was used for data collection in which questionnaires were distributed to respondents in various ministries<br />
and departments in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and <strong>Putra</strong>jaya. The findings of this study suggest that<br />
public service employees were evaluated at all five levels of evaluation, namely, the reaction, learning, behaviour<br />
change, results and transfer of training levels. Factors that can affect the effectiveness of training in the public<br />
sector include: 1) lack of support from top management and peers; 2) personal attitude, 3) job-related factors; 4)<br />
deficiencies in training practice. Information obtained could be practical when management decides to analyse<br />
the evaluation and transfer of training elements that has been addressed in this study as to get management<br />
support and to create conducive environment to apply related skill and knowledge on the job.<br />
Keywords: Training and development, evaluation, transfer of training, public service, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Attributes and Work Values of MBA Graduates for Employability<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Lee Chai Yee<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7638; hba@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The purpose of this research is to identify the characteristics and attributes of Master of Business<br />
Administration (MBA) graduates for employability in the workforce. This paper draws upon data from an<br />
inductive study where self-administered questionnaire were distributed to employers in organisations. The mode<br />
of inquiry adopted for the fieldwork was based upon judgmental purposive sampling in which questionnaires<br />
were emailed to human resource managers, heads of department, recruiters or any personnel with hiring decisions<br />
across various industries in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The findings suggest that cognitive skills, generic<br />
competencies are important attributes. Ten top important attributes for MBA graduates employability include<br />
management and leadership skills; good interpersonal skills; written spoken and English communication skills;<br />
good presentation skills; knowledgeable and intellectual; creative and innovative; strong analytical and critical<br />
thinking ability and team working. Work values that employers suggest as important include conscientiousness,<br />
agreeableness and openness to change as well as affability and camaraderie. Hence, it is pertinent that graduate<br />
business schools consider the importance of these attributes and work values in producing MBA graduates for<br />
employability.<br />
Keywords: Attributes, work values, MBA graduates, employability<br />
110
Training Needs Assessment and Analysis: A Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Manufacturing<br />
Firms<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7638; hba@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: HRD, training, needs assessments, manufacturing firms, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Holistic Argumentative Writing Scale (HAWS)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Vahid Nimehchisalem<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8172; jayakaranmukundan@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Assessing ESL writing, writing scales, rubrics, argumentative writing assessment, holistic scoring<br />
111<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This paper aims to investigate the extent to which participating organisations have carried out needs analysis<br />
in accordance with their objectives and projected growth. The four areas that will be examined include: 1) the<br />
proportions of organisations that have performed HRD needs analysis and the frequencies at which these needs<br />
analyses were conducted; 2) approaches used in identifying HRD needs; 3) the levels in needs analysis and; 4)<br />
methods used in analysing HRD needs. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was<br />
employed. Survey data was obtained from 365 HRD practitioners and supplemented with interview results from<br />
36 HRD practitioners in manufacturing firms in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Training needs assessments in the manufacturing firms<br />
are found to be generally performed informally through observations. Size of firms had an effect on the way<br />
training needs is being assessed and analysed. The absence of needs assessment and analysis is due to lack of<br />
expertise and it is irrespective of the size of firms. This study contributes to HRD practice in several ways. First, it<br />
conforms that HRD practitioners do recognize the importance and power of effective needs assessments in helping<br />
them plan and strategize for effective HRD activities. Second, it observes a lack of effective resources to help<br />
HRD practitioners in conducting needs assessment. Most of the studies on HRD and training are researched in<br />
Western countries. Limited empirical evidence can be obtained in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, particularly from the manufacturing<br />
industry. This study presents a comprehensive empirical survey and interviews on HRD needs and assessment in<br />
manufacturing firms in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Impressionistic scoring of learners’ written works particularly when carried out by novice raters can lead to<br />
unreliable and even invalid results. Writing scales offer a possible solution to raters’ subjective judgment. The<br />
objective of the project was to develop and evaluate a Holistic Argumentative Writing Scale (HAWS) appropriate<br />
for <strong>Malaysia</strong>n university English as a Second Language (ESL) writing courses. For this purpose, argumentative<br />
tasks were selected. Sample argumentative essays were collected and analysed to provide the researchers<br />
with some tentative evaluative criteria in five different levels performance. These criteria were converted to<br />
a questionnaire. The results of a discussion with four ESL writing lecturers helped the researcher develop a<br />
prototype scale. The focus group was reconvened to refine the scale. Five Raters were trained and anchor papers<br />
were assigned for different levels. The raters used the scale to score a batch of 110 argumentative samples. Tests<br />
of inter/intra-rater reliability both indicated high reliability coefficients. The learners’ MUET bands were tested<br />
for correlation with the scores assigned to their essays using HAWS and the results showed moderate/high and<br />
significant relationships. A questionnaire was administered to the raters to investigate the level of their satisfaction<br />
with the scale. They indicated moderate to very high levels of satisfaction of HAWS. The results also indicated<br />
that on average the raters had spent around five minutes to score each 250-word sample. HAWS can be a useful<br />
tool for judgement (the conventional task of evaluation), demonstration (quality control of educational programs),<br />
understanding (indicating the range and area of knowledge learned by students) and finally improvement (showing<br />
the areas calling for further development) (Norris, 2006).
Social Sciences<br />
Nurse-Lexis 1.0<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad, Ng Yu Jin and Almaz Hong Siaw Swin<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8172; jayakaranmukundan@yahoo.com<br />
Nurse-Lexis 1.0 is custom-made software for English for Nursing Purposes (ENP). It benefits teachers<br />
by providing a guide for teaching and testing vocabulary in the nursing materials. ENP teachers can evaluate<br />
their teaching materials more thoroughly in terms of vocabulary loading and distribution by using the<br />
software. It promotes professional development among teachers in the usage of nursing vocabulary as teachers<br />
can consistently evaluate and scrutinise the words in the nursing materials. The programme can be used for<br />
comparison of different nursing texts as to distinguish the more comprehensive book. The software is able to<br />
evaluate or research the effectiveness of vocabulary presentations in the nursing materials. Teachers or instructors<br />
who use the product can perform a cross-reference with the essential word lists, downloaded and installed in the<br />
programme. The word lists include the General Service List (GSL), Academic Word List (AWL), Oxford 3,000<br />
Words and a list of essential nursing words found in the nursing on-line dictionary. The frequency of the words<br />
found in the nursing materials as compared with the essential word lists can be obtained in the form of word-table<br />
and graphs. The results are easily printable and stored in the system. The creation of the software facilitates and<br />
encourages more researches in the field of nursing in terms of nursing vocabulary teaching, learning and testing.<br />
This software transforms impressionistic evaluation of nursing vocabulary into an empirical one. The newly<br />
developed software is a hybrid version of RETROTEXT-1.0 software (Mukundan, 2009).<br />
Keywords: Nurse-Lexis, English for Nursing Purposes, vocabulary loading, distribution<br />
Corpus of the Language of Nursing<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad and Ng Yu Jin<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8172; jayakaranmukundan@yahoo.com<br />
Nursing is an ever expanding field in <strong>Malaysia</strong> as there is a huge demand of nurses in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, as stated<br />
by the Prime Minister recently. The teaching and learning of nursing language, especially in English for Nursing<br />
Purposes (ENP) can be challenging as there is no comprehensive word list that has been developed for ENP in<br />
nursing to aid in pedagogy. Without a common general wordlist, materials developers might just develop books in<br />
an ad hoc manner based on intuitions and this can cause numerous varieties of words used in the materials which<br />
are not exclusive to nursing. Carefully and holistically developed wordlists like the General Word List (GWL),<br />
Academic Word List (AWL) and Oxford 3,000 Wordlist contribute greatly in vocabulary learning, teaching and<br />
testing in ELT. Hence, a nursing corpus ought to be developed to enhance ENP learning as well. In this research<br />
seven commercially published nursing books found in <strong>Malaysia</strong> were scanned and digitised for analysis. The<br />
digitized text files were analysed using WordSmith 5.0. All the 7 books were analysed using WordSmith 5.0<br />
(Oxford University Press Tool) in terms of the vocabulary loading and distribution. A wordlist is created for each<br />
book. The created wordlists were then analysed to discriminate words from GSL, AWL using the “RANGE”<br />
software (Paul Nation) and Oxford 3,000 Wordlist using WordSmith 5.0. Words with high frequency that do<br />
not appear in all the mentioned wordlists were highlighted and selected to be included in the newly developed<br />
wordlist. A corpus with the word strength of 4,052,544 tokens is created in this study which benefits ENP<br />
practitioners in nursing to create more reliable and valid materials which are able to aid students to deepen their<br />
understanding of words in the field of nursing. Dictionary production will benefit from the creation of the corpus.<br />
Keywords: Corpus, tokens, nglish for nursing purposes, academic word list (AWL), general service list (GSL), Oxford 3,000<br />
wordlist, WordSmith 5.0, RANGE<br />
112
A Comprehensive Vocabulary Teaching-testing Teacher-assist Kit<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Ng Yu Jin, Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad, Vahid Nimehchisalem and Norwati Roslim<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8172; jayakaranmukundan@yahoo.com<br />
Analytic Scale of Argumentative Writing (ASAW)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Vahid Nimehchisalem<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8172; jayakaranmukundan@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Assessing ESL writing, writing scales, rubrics, argumentative writing assessment, analytic scoring<br />
113<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Vocabulary teaching in most situations is very ad hoc. Teachers depend very much on intuition when teaching<br />
and testing vocabulary. This is a serious matter as vocabulary is widely considered the building blocks of language<br />
and it needs a lot of attention. The proposed software has two main functions; it can help the teacher do in-depth<br />
analysis of words as they appear in textbooks and help them have greater awareness of the load and distribution<br />
patterns of vocabulary which can provide evidence on strengths and weaknesses; and provide help in developing<br />
tests for vocabulary. In addition to this a localised thesaurus or dictionary can be developed using this software.<br />
VOPACT is the beginning of the development of a comprehensive teaching-testing teacher-assist kit that will<br />
make teachers more creative and efficient in the teaching and testing of vocabulary. It will also have the potential<br />
to be developed as a tool for self access learning purposes.<br />
Keywords: Vocabulary teaching, vocabulary testing, language learning-teaching software, self-access teaching-testing<br />
materials<br />
Rating scales are as feasible tools that can mitigate the validity issues of objective writing tests, and<br />
can reduce the reliability problem of essay tests scored impressionistically. The existing instruments are not<br />
appropriate for use in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n universities. They are either generic or their grading system is not suitable for<br />
this context. This developmental study included design, operationalisation, trial and validation of an analytic<br />
scale of argumentative writing. ESL writing lecturers’ views on the importance, wording and inclusiveness of the<br />
criteria were investigated (through a survey and focus group discussions) with the help of a checklist. According<br />
to these criteria, the researchers defined the argumentative writing performance in a batch of a number of sample<br />
essays. This resulted in prototype descriptors of five different levels of performance in terms of their content,<br />
organization, language conventions, vocabulary, and overall effectiveness. Focus group discussions were held to<br />
refine the clarity of the rubrics, the anchor papers and the extended scoring guide. Focus group participants also<br />
helped the researchers decide on the grading system of the scale. The prototype scale was tested for its inter/intrarater<br />
and internal reliability, which resulted in moderate/high coefficients. Criterion-related validity test results<br />
showed high and significant relationships between the students’ MUET bands and the scores assigned to their<br />
written samples using ASAW. In addition, concurrent validity was tested using other well-established writing<br />
scales. The results of Pearson tests indicated moderate and significant correlations. As for consequential validity,<br />
the raters and focus group participants’ responses to a questionnaire on the usefulness of the scale indicated their<br />
moderate/high levels of satisfaction with ASAW. The scale can be used as a tool to benefit three main contexts in<br />
language instruction “(a) research, that is, theory building; (b) policy development; and (c) professional practice,<br />
that is, classroom or curriculum development” (Kiely, 2009:101).
Social Sciences<br />
Professional Development within ELT Material Development<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan<br />
Alif Fairus Nor Mohamad, Ng Yu Jin, Vahid Nimehchisalem and Norwati Roslim<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8172; jayakaranmukundan@yahoo.com<br />
Professional development in English Language Teaching (ELT) is very lacking and this is due to the fact<br />
that teachers believe there is very little opportunity to be involved in it. In the quest to develop a comprehensive<br />
framework for the evaluation of ELT materials (specifically textbooks) the researchers stumbled upon a huge<br />
advantage the framework had in contributing to the on-going professional development of teachers. Teachers<br />
using the software for evaluating books retrospectively will be involved in individual as well as team evaluations<br />
and the result of this is that teacher collaborations, discussions and decisions with regards learning-teaching have<br />
bigger focus in the lives of teachers. Such important matters like adaptation of teaching materials will become a<br />
reality as a result of this.<br />
Keywords: Professional development, retrospective evaluation, language teaching materials, ELT material development<br />
Physical and Financial Capitals, Social Capital, Human Capitals, Natural Capitals<br />
and Work Performance of Employees in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Public Sector<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegak Uli<br />
Md. Salleh Hassan, Bahaman Abu Samah, Jamilah Othman and Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8599; hayrol82@gmail.com<br />
The main purpose of this study is to reveal the physical and financial capitals, social capital, human capitals,<br />
natural capitals and work performance of employees in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n public sector. AMOS was used to fulfill the<br />
purpose. Based on the results gained, only three of the four predictor variables were significance in explaining<br />
work performance. The three predictor variables were: physical and financial capitals, human capital and social<br />
capital (t = 7.735, p =.0001). The factor natural capital (X4) was not significant. This suggests that the fourpredictor<br />
MLR model was only partially supported by the research data.<br />
Keywords: Physical and financial capitals, social capital, human capitals, natural capitals, work performance<br />
114
Aquaculture Industry Potential and Issues: A Case from Cage Culture System<br />
Entrepreneurs: Suggestions for Intensification of Aquaculture Industry<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jegak Uli<br />
Ahmad Faiz Abdul Nasir, Khairuddin Idris, Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril and Jeffrey Lawrence D’Silva<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8599; hayrol82@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Cage culture system, entrepreneurs, potentials and problems<br />
The Effects of Value Orientations and Perceived Benefits on Online Shopping<br />
Behaviour<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laily Paim<br />
Narges Delafrooz and Ali Khatibi<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7051; laily@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Online shopping, value orientations, perceived benefits<br />
115<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Cage culture has become a popular aquaculture system nowadays. To further intensify this economic activity<br />
the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (MOA) through the DOF has zoned the aquaculture industry<br />
via Aquaculture Industry Zone (ZIA) Programs throughout <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The main focus of this paper is to clarify<br />
all the potentials and problems faced by the cage culture system entrepreneurs in running their aquaculture<br />
activity. This study was a qualitative case study that provided an in-depth description of potentials and issues in<br />
aquaculture industry in the district of Kuala Pahang, <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Data was gained using a Focus Group Discussion<br />
(FGD) among the cage culture system entrepreneurs guided by an interview guide. Ten cage culture entrepreneurs<br />
were selected as the FGD members. The questions served as a guide, but allowed respondents freedom and<br />
flexibility in their answers. The cage culture system was found to provide better income that lead to a higher<br />
quality of life for the entrepreneurs, positive intangible values existed among the entrepreneurs; experiences have<br />
taught them to become self independent. There were problems identified such as no independence in selecting the<br />
fingerlings, environmental problems seem to burden them, unstable pellet price, no official agreement between<br />
them and the government emphasizing the portion of the river is given to them for running their business and lot<br />
of bureaucracies that the entrepreneurs need to face. It can be concluded that even though cage culture industry<br />
proved to enhance the level of income and quality of life, a number of problems must be overcome first to further<br />
enhance their level of income and quality of life. Therefore, there is a need for the related agencies to provide<br />
more financial supports help to solve the environmental problems and further develop their administration aspects<br />
to reduce issues such as bureaucracy and official agreement.<br />
The rising trend in internet purchasing provides a growing prospect for e-marketing in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The Theory<br />
of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provide a valid basis for explaining and<br />
predicting consumers’ online shopping behaviour. This study aims to determine (1) the effect of value orientations<br />
on consumers attitude towards online shopping, and (2) how does perceived benefits motivate consumers to shop<br />
online. A total of 370 graduate students participated in the study, and data were collected using self-administered<br />
questionnaire. The instrument for online shopping attitude demonstrated acceptable levels of internal consistency,<br />
content validity and construct validity (factor analysis). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were high in all scales,<br />
ranging from 0.83 to 0.90. The multiple regression analysis revealed that utilitarian value orientation had high<br />
effect (? = .115, p= .000) on attitude, while hedonic orientation had no significant effect (? = .037, p= .076) on<br />
attitude toward online shopping. The findings of the study implied that convenience (time and money saving) (?<br />
= .437, p= .000), cheaper prices (? = .206, p= .000) and wider selection (? = .243, p= .000) were dominant factors<br />
that motivate consumers to shop online. Success in creating highly favorable attitude toward online shopping by<br />
enhancing the perceived benefit, will consequently move forward the online marketing rigorously.
Social Sciences<br />
Trade Openness, Capital Flows and Financial Development in Developing<br />
Economies<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Law Siong Hook<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7768; lawsh@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
This paper examines the impact of trade openness and capital flows on financial development in developing<br />
countries using a dynamic panel GMM estimation technique. The empirical results reveal that trade openness and<br />
capital flows are statistically significant determinants of financial development. Simultaneous opening of both<br />
the trade and capital accounts also appear to have positive impacts on financial development. The evidence also<br />
suggests that openness leads to improved financial development through institutional quality and competition<br />
channels. However, the institutional channel outperforms competition in ensuring the positive effects of openness<br />
on financial market depth in developing countries. Although competition plays an important role, its effect is<br />
much lower than that of institutions. This finding suggests that openness can weaken the political power of<br />
entrenched business interests that might otherwise block institutional reforms. They will be more likely to support<br />
reforms that promote a deeper and more efficient financial system since they need greater access to external<br />
sources of capital.<br />
Keywords: Financial development, trade openness, capital flows, dynamic panel GMM analysis<br />
The Role of Financial Development on Income Inequality in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Law Siong Hook<br />
Tan Hui Boon<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7768; lawsh@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
This study examines the role of financial development in influencing income inequality in <strong>Malaysia</strong> over the<br />
period of 1980-2000. The empirical results based on ARDL bounds test indicate that financial market development<br />
is, at best, very weak and statistically insignificant in reducing income inequality in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The evidence is<br />
valid for a variety of financial indicators, including the banking sector, the stock market and financial aggregate<br />
variables. This finding suggests that financial intermediaries should improve their efficiency in terms of allocating<br />
financial resources to finance household’s productive activities, and hence contribute towards improving income<br />
inequality. The development of an efficient financial development thus should be at the center of a propoor<br />
development strategy. The evidence also highlights that besides various government’s development programs,<br />
efforts should also concentrate on improving institutional quality, economic development and maintaining low<br />
inflation in its attempt to combat income inequality.<br />
Keywords: Banking sector, capital market, financial development, income inequality, ARDL bounds test<br />
116
On the Measurement of Changes in Product Quality in Marginal Intra Industry<br />
Trade<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Azhar Abdul Karim<br />
Robert J.R. Elliott<br />
Graduate School of Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7435; akmazhar@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Intra-industry trade, adjustment costs, quality, product differentiation<br />
Penggunaan Istilah Arab dalam Sistem dan Produk Perbankan Islam Tempatan<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Azidan Abdul Jabar<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8666; azid@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Istilah Arab, sistem, produk, perbankan, kewangan, Islam<br />
117<br />
Social Sciences<br />
There is a long established thread of the international trade literature concerned with the measurement of<br />
intra-industry trade (IIT). Two distinct strands of the literature have developed: first, measures of marginal IIT<br />
that are concerned with the adjustment implications of volume-based changes in IIT; second, measures of vertical<br />
and horizontal IIT that are concerned with quality-based differences in IIT. This paper marries the two literatures<br />
to provide a new perspective on the smooth adjustment hypothesis debate and suggests the use of the marginal<br />
product quality index, a new measure of changes in quality in matched trade changes that complements dynamic<br />
measures of volume-based IIT.<br />
Prinsip ‘menyuruh kepada kebaikan dan mencegah daripada kemungkaran’ (al-amru bi al-ma’ruf wa al-nahyu ‘an almunkar),<br />
telah memberikan kesedaran terhadap umat Islam tentang keperluan kepada sistem perbankan dan kewangan Islam.<br />
Walaupun perbankan Islam hanya mula dikenali dalam pasaran kewangan global pada tahun 70 an, akan tetapi sistem perbankan<br />
Islam sebenarnya telah bermula sejak kedatangan agama Islam itu sendiri. Pada hari ini, institusi perbankan Islam beroperasi<br />
di hampir kesemua negara Islam dan di beberapa buah negara Barat yang menawarkan perkhidmatan perbankan dan kewangan<br />
kepada semua orang termasuk yang bukan Islam. Bank Negara <strong>Malaysia</strong> (BNM) dalam Financial Market Master Plan pada<br />
tahun 2001 mensasarkan sistem perbankan Islam menguasai 20% daripada keseluruhan industri perbankan <strong>Malaysia</strong> pada tahun<br />
2010. (Bala Shanmugam, Vignesen Perumal dan Alfieya Hanuum Ridzwa (eds.)., 2004:95) Penyelidikan yang dijalankan ini<br />
meneliti kesesuaian penggunaan 16 istilah Arab yang digunakan dalam sistem dan produk perbankan Islam yang ditawarkan<br />
oleh 28 buah institusi perbankan tempatan serta 45 istilah Arab yang digunakan dalam pasaran modal Islam tempatan yang<br />
ditawarkan oleh 19 buah institusi pengurusan pasaran modal Islam. Setiap istilah yang digunakan merujuk kepada perkhidmatan<br />
perbankan dan kewangan yang ditawarkan. Tujuannya adalah untuk memastikan sejauh mana istilah yang digunakan benar-benar<br />
sesuai dengan konteks dan jenis perkhidmatan perbankan dan kewangan yang ditawarkan. Kaedah penyelidikan dilaksanakan<br />
menerusi pengumpulan sampel iaitu nama dan istilah Arab yang digunakan dalam sistem dan produk perbankan dan kewangan<br />
Islam oleh institusi-institusi kewangan tempatan serta analisis secara kualitatif iaitu istilah Arab dinilai berdasarkan kesesuaian<br />
bentuk dan strukturnya termasuk daripada aspek semantik berdasarkan kaedah dan sistem linguistik Arab. Penyelidikan ini<br />
melihat kesesuaian dan keserasian istilah yang digunakan dengan orientasi sistem dan konteks produk perbankan Islam yang<br />
ditawarkan. Penemuan daripada analisis digunakan untuk mencadangkan kaedah pemilihan istilah Arab yang sesuai digunakan<br />
dalam sistem dan produk perbankan dan kewangan Islam tempatan.
Social Sciences<br />
Tokoh Pembinaan Bahasa Melayu Serantau 35 Tahun MABBIM<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raja Masittah Raja Ariffin<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7771; rma@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Selama 35 tahun (1972-2007), Majlis Bahasa Indonesia-<strong>Malaysia</strong> (MBIM) dan Majlis Bahasa Brunei Darussalam-<br />
Indonesia-<strong>Malaysia</strong> (MABBIM) telah memperlihatkan banyak kejayaan, khususnya dalam penyelarasan sistem ejaan dan<br />
istilah yang dapat dimanfaatkan bukan sahaja di peringkat nasional malah di peringkat supranasional. Siapakah tokoh-tokoh<br />
yang terlibat dari sejak awal penubuhan MBIM sehingga kepada kejayaan MABBIM kini? Buku yang berjudul Tokoh<br />
Pembinaan Bahasa Melayu Serantau 35 Tahun MABBIM dapat memberikan jawapannya. Buku ini mengandungi lima bab<br />
yang menampilkan tokoh-tokoh penting yang terlibat sepanjang tempoh 35 tahun, yang terdiri daripada negarawan seperti Tun<br />
Abdul Razak Hussein dan Tun Hussein Onn, serta ahli-ahli politik dan Jawatankuasa Tetap Bahasa <strong>Malaysia</strong> (JKTBM) yang<br />
merupakan pengasas dan peneraju MBIM/MABBIM. Pengarah dan Ketua-Ketua Pengarah Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka sebagai<br />
Pengerusi JKTBM dan tokoh-tokoh bahasa yang berperanan menentukan semua dasar dan keputusan bagi menjayakan usaha<br />
untuk mencapai matlamat dan cita-cita MBIM/MABBIM demi kepentingan semua negara anggota, iaitu <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Indonesia<br />
dan Brunei Darussalam, serta Singapura sebagai negara pemerhati. Tokoh-tokoh yang lain terdiri daripada pakar dalam pelbagai<br />
bidang ilmu dan sumbangan mereka dalam menghasilkan karya dalam bentuk buku yang bermanfaat kepada institusi pengajian<br />
tinggi dan masyarakat umum. Sumbangan mereka ini amat penting kepada kejayaan MABBIM dan berjaya membentuk<br />
persefahaman serantau dalam sosiopolitik, kebudayaan, ilmu dan kemanusiaan, dan penting dalam konteks hubungan antara<br />
negara, antara rakyat dan antarabangsa. Semua yang terlibat dalam kegiatan MBIM dan MABBIM dari awal hingga kini, baik<br />
ketua perwakilan, ketua delegasi, pakar-pakar bidang berjaya menghasilkan produk bahasa yang dapat dimanfaatkan bukan<br />
sahaja oleh negara-anggota anggota, malah negara-negara lain yang menggunakan daftar istilah, glosari dan Sistem Ejaan Rumi<br />
Baharu atau Ejaan yang Disempurnakan. Terbitnya buku ini adalah sebagai penghargaan terhadap peranan dan sumbangan<br />
tokoh-tokoh MBIM/MABBIM selama 35 tahun, di samping sebagai bahan sejarah dan dokumentasi.<br />
Keywords: MBIM, MABBIM, tokoh MABBIM, tokoh kencana MABBIM, tokoh ilmuwan MABBIM, tokoh khas MABBIM<br />
Do Children with Different Attachment Type Perceive Different Parental Rearing?<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Abdullah<br />
Sakineh Mofrad and Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7081; rohani.safri@gmail.com<br />
This study examined the likely direction of influence between perceived parental rearing and attachment type<br />
among first grade school children. Measures of perceived parental rearing and attachment type were administered<br />
to children through interview (n=120). The results revealed that securely attached children perceived their<br />
mothers as warmer than insecurely attached children. Ambivalently attached children perceived their mother as<br />
overprotective, anxious and less warm. More so, avoidant attached children perceived their mothers as less warm<br />
and less protective. Further findings indicated that, ambivalently attached children perceived their mothers as<br />
overprotective and anxious than avoidant children. These results provide new insight into the direction of effects<br />
between attachment and perceived parental rearing during childhood. Future studies may consider moderating<br />
variables which may affect the relationship between perceived parental rearing and attachment style.<br />
Keywords: Parenting, young children, relationship, attachment<br />
118
Utilisation of Problem-based Learning in Enhancing Learning of Calculus for<br />
Engineering Students<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi<br />
Mohd. Zin Mokhtar, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub and Mokhtar Dato’ Hj. Nawawi<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6889; rht@educ.upm.my<br />
Keywords: Problem based learning, calculus, Mathematics education, performance<br />
The Development of the Mediated Employer-Employee Language Profile (MELP) as a<br />
Mechanism to Benchmark English Language Needs of the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Service Sector Industry<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosli Talif<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8729; rosli@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
119<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Calculus is an important subject for science and engineering students but they state that it is abstract, difficult<br />
and highly boring. Problem-based learning (PBL) as a student centered and active learning approaches can be<br />
used to improve students’ interests and performance in learning of calculus. This study is designed to investigate:<br />
(1) student’s perception about PBL approach in calculus; (2) student’s engagement to acquire knowledge and;<br />
(3) student’s performance in test. A group of 24 Engineering Foundation Year students was randomly selected<br />
to introduce with PBL approach in basic calculus. The rubric of student engagement, questionnaire with open<br />
ended question and post test (Calculus Achievement Test) were used to identified perception, engagement and<br />
performance of students in this approach. The study showed that the students have a positive perception towards<br />
implement of PBL approach in calculus learning. It also increases their motivation to learn calculus and observe<br />
the applicability of calculus in real-life. Pearson correlation coefficient was a medium positive correlation between<br />
engagement scores and performance with an r of 0.45 [r (24) = 0.45,p < 0.05]. These results indicated that high<br />
score in engagement during learning session are associated with high performance in Calculus Achievement Test.<br />
However, an independent samples t-test show that there was no significant difference in Calculus test achievement<br />
PBL group (M= 78.44,SD = 13.49) and TRAD group (M= 78.23,SD = 15.23); t(46) = 0.05,p = 0.960 > 0.05). This<br />
pedagogical approach has made the teaching and learning of calculus more interesting and effective. It is also able<br />
to develop the potential of individuals to be more creative, critical in thinking and effective in problem solving.<br />
The Mediated Employer-Employee Language Profile (MELP) project focuses on establishing a profile to<br />
benchmark English language needs for the enhancement of employability of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n public university graduates,<br />
and provides a point of reference for industries to actualise their language needs. The profile mechanism attempts<br />
to offer strategies that help to match specific employment sector’s language needs to that of the prospective<br />
employee language profile. The objectives of the study address language needs in relation to employability<br />
through an exploration of attitudes, importance of English, use of English, and the devising of a mechanism that<br />
can help match English language needs between graduates and the private employment sector. Both quantitative<br />
and qualitative procedures were utilised to obtain data for the project. The quantitative data comprised surveys<br />
of employment needs and language audits. The qualitative data were obtained via interviews and field notes. The<br />
project was designed to constitute three major phases. The first phase involved getting information on attitudes<br />
and perceptions on English language needs. The second phase evaluated the importance and use of English, and<br />
level of readiness of students, particularly those of industrial training students, to function at the workplace. The<br />
second phase also targeted at the explication of the nature and relevance of the English language programmes at<br />
tertiary institutions. The final phase constituted the development of the MELP mechanism which was anticipated<br />
to capture the differing English language needs specific to each identified employment subsector. The mechanism<br />
is an important conduit for the dispensing of knowledge and information about workplace needs relevant to<br />
language education. Potential employees can appreciate and digest the values attached to differing aspects of<br />
language use in the workplace. This links the use of pragmatic research outcomes to the real world of work, which<br />
contribute to a more effective workforce for the nation.<br />
Keywords: English language needs for employability, <strong>Malaysia</strong>n public university graduates, perceptions on English<br />
language needs
Social Sciences<br />
Development of OSH Legislation in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: With Special Reference to the FMA<br />
(Amendment) Act 2006<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rozanah Ab. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7641; rozanah@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
As far as the development of OSH legislation in <strong>Malaysia</strong> is concerned, it has taken place as early as the late<br />
19th century. Beginning as a simple rule to regulate the use of steamboiler, it has become more comprehensive<br />
to cater for the complex OSH problems prevailing today. The OSH legislation underwent series of development<br />
before and after the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and after Independence in 1957, with<br />
the enactment of the Factories and Machinery Act 1967. On January 1 2007, the Factories and Machinery<br />
(Amendment) Act 2006 was enforced to provide for the provision giving the power to the Minister to issue<br />
licence to individual or company carrying out activities under the Act; to update, improve and clarify unclear or<br />
vague provisions; to ensure the relevancy of the provisions contained in the Act with current development and to<br />
ease the enforcement of the law; as well as to increase the amount of fine under the Act. The amendment has been<br />
seen as a positive effort to improve the Factories and Machinery Act which was enacted 39 years ago.<br />
Keywords: Factories, machinery, industries, safety and health, amendment<br />
Work Values of National Dual Training Programme Apprentices<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samsilah Roslan<br />
Abdul Rahman Md. Aroff, Rahil Mahyuddin, Asmawati Suhid, Kamariah Abu Bakar, Asnarulkhadi Abu<br />
Samah, Chee Chan Soon, Nur Surayyah Madhubala Abdullah, Fadzilah Abd. Rahman and Ahmad Fauzi Mohd.<br />
Ayub<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1241; samsilah@gmail.com<br />
The set of work values a person held will influence and determine his job satisfaction and performance<br />
in the workplace of trainees involved in National Dual Training System. This study firstly aimed to identify<br />
and plot the work values needed in industrial settings in their order of importance. Feedback from coaches and<br />
instructors were gathered and tabulated in a matrix of important work values. Then an instrument was developed<br />
to measure these work values in the trainees. The instrument was tested according to psychometric procedures<br />
and has proven to exhibit validity and reliability. This instrument was then used to measure and tabulate the<br />
work values of 484 trainees from four zones in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Findings revealed that there were matches<br />
and mismatches in terms of the trainees work values as compared to the ones determined by the coaches and<br />
instructors. The discrepancy in the order of work values highlighted the specific work values that needed to be<br />
inculcated in the trainees.<br />
Keywords: Work values, technical education, vocational<br />
120
Economic Well-being and Coping Behaviours of Low Income Housing Residence<br />
During Recent Economic Downturn<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Azizah Haron<br />
Zuhairah Maarof<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7108; sh.azizah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Income adequacy, inflation, coping behaviours<br />
Mobility Pattern among the Older Adult Road User<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Norazizan Syed Abdul Rashid<br />
Asmidawati Ashari, Mohd. Fazdillah Bagat, Mohd. Rizal Hussain and Mohd. Hafis Ahmad Shukri<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2735; asmidawati@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Older driver, mobility pattern, frequency<br />
121<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Data from the 2008 Survey of Consumer Empowerment in a Globalised Market were analysed to determine<br />
income adequacy, coping method adopted and factors associated with economic wellbeing status during recent<br />
global price increase among low income housing residents in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Odds of self-reporting income adequacy<br />
as worse off versus no change (including better off) following the recent price increase was lower as the proportion<br />
of wife contribution to household income becomes greater. Respondents who are satisfied with their own financial<br />
situation had lower odds of perceiving their income adequacy to be worse off following the recent price increase<br />
compared with those who are not satisfied with their financial situation. Household income, poverty status,<br />
number of earner, education, location, family structure and number of children below 18 in the family were not<br />
significant factors in self-reported health.<br />
Several study indicated that mobility of the older person is not only desirable for their social integration,<br />
but also contributes significantly to their quality of life. The purpose of this study is to examine the mobility<br />
pattern among older road user. The cross-sectional survey study entitled Perception of Needs and Barriers of<br />
Older driver in <strong>Malaysia</strong> (2006-2008) was carried out through face-to face interview with 400 respondent aged 50<br />
years and above. The mobility patterns of the respondents were observed through the questions related the usual<br />
visited destinations, frequency of the visited destinations in a month, with whom the respondent visit, drive or<br />
ride with others and the use of transportation mode. The mean age of the respondents was 59.6 years (±6.7SD),<br />
equal gender distribution, mean monthly income was RM 1743.47 and 45.8% are still employed. Majority of the<br />
respondents are Malay (45.8%) and Chinese (45.8%), 84.0% were married and 58.5% of the respondents attained<br />
secondary education. The mean frequency of driving per week was 8.0 times (±6.2SD) and 55% respondents drive<br />
less than 50km per week. Study showed that market is the most frequent visited place among the respondents<br />
(85%) followed by bank (76%), shopping complex (68%), visiting relatives/friends house (64%) and religious<br />
place (60%). Generally, respondents visited those places by driving a car and accompany their spouse. Meanwhile<br />
26.4% respondents used to ride with others to go shopping complex and accompany their spouse (61.5%) or<br />
children (30.0%). In conclusion, the mobility pattern among studied population showed that market and bank are<br />
most frequent place visited by older person and most of them drive in short distance. Hence, the planner should<br />
aim to locate such facilities in each neighbourhood in order to build an aged friendly environment.
Social Sciences<br />
<strong>Putra</strong> University Major Finder and Career Guidance Software<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sidek Mohd. Noah<br />
Samsilah Roslan, Rosnani Abd. Kadir and Wong Kok Fye<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1241; samsilah@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
PUTRA University Major Finder and Career Guidance software is device to help guide freshmen of<br />
university to assess their personality traits in terms of vocational interest and find university major or programmes<br />
that best suits their personalities. It consists of two main components. The first component is a Vocational<br />
Interest Inventory which will provide a three-letter personality code based on the combination of six categories;<br />
R-Realistic, I-Investigative, A-Artistic, S-Social, E-Enterprising and C-Conventional. The second component<br />
will be a university major finder which is designed to find and suggest from its database the list of majors or<br />
programmes with three -letter environment profile that best matches the their personality traits and vocational<br />
interest.<br />
Keywords: Personality, college major selection, congruence<br />
Komunikasi Keluarga dalam Kalangan Keluarga Tani di <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Zobidah Omar<br />
Narimah Ismail, Jusang Bolong, Musa Abu Hassan and Saodah Wok<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8797; zobidah@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Komunikasi keluarga dalam kalangan keluarga tani merupakan aspek penting dalam membantu perkembangan bidang<br />
pertanian dan merupakan penyumbang utama dalam ekonomi negara. Perbualan harian mengenai pertanian dalam kalangan<br />
keluarga diharapkan dapat meningkatkan budaya tani dalam kalangan keluarga tani. Komunikasi keluarga adalah merujuk<br />
kepada interaksi antara ahli dalam keluarga, ibu-bapa, bapa-anak dan suami-isteri. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk melihat pola<br />
komunikasi dalam kalangan keluarga tani, topik yang mereka bincangkan dan bagaimanakah gaya komunikasi yang diamalkan<br />
di kalangan keluarga keluarga tani dalam membantu terhadap perkembangan bidang pertanian di negara ini. Seramai 448<br />
keluarga tani yang terlibat dalam penanaman padi, getah dan kelapa sawit, telah ditemubual menggunakan borang soal selidik<br />
yang telah diedarkan di empat kawasan Semenanjung <strong>Malaysia</strong> iaitu utara, tengah, selatan dan timur. Hasil kajian menunjukkan<br />
bahawa dari segi pola komunikasi; komunikasi dalam kalangan keluarga tani banyak dilakukan melalui bersemuka dan juga<br />
melalui perantaraan seperti menggunakan telefon. Tujuan komunikasi antara pasangan suami/isteri adalah untuk membuat<br />
keputusan dan bersembang-sembang. Sementara tujuan komunikasi ibubapa dengan anak pula lebih kepada menasihati,<br />
mengajar perkara yang betul dan salah dan mengawal anak-anak. Dari segi topik yang keluarga tani bualkan, hasil kajian<br />
mendapati bahawa pasangan banyak berbual mengenai ekonomi keluarga, hal-hal persekitaran kampung dan hal-hal anak.<br />
Sementara topik yang dibualkan dengan anak-anak pula lebih kepada pelajaran, pengajaran/teladan, adab sopan/budi pekerti<br />
baik dan agama. Perbualan mengenai pertanian terutamanya dari segi harga hasil tanaman, cara menanam dan penyakit tanaman<br />
juga turut juga dibincangkan tetapi amat sederhana. Dari segi gaya komunikasi yang diamalkan pula, dengan pasangan, adalah<br />
lebih berbentuk menghormati, terbuka dan bebas sementara gaya komunikasi ibubapa dengan anak pula lebih kepada tegas,<br />
demokrasi dan terbuka. Kajian merumuskan bahawa topik pertanian yang dibincangkan dalam komunikasi keluarga tani<br />
secara umumnya adalah sederhana. Implikasinya, amalan bertani kurang menjadi budaya apabila sedikit perbualan mengenai<br />
pertanian dalam kalangan keluarga tani.<br />
Keywords: Pola komunikasi, komunikasi keluarga, keluarga tani<br />
122
Technological Evolution and Dynamism of Print Media Editorial Activities in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Zobidah Omar<br />
Manimaran Govindasamy<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8797; zobidah@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Journalism, media technology, print media, news gathering<br />
Comparing Physical Activity of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Malay Men Before, During, and After<br />
Ramadan<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soh Kim Geok<br />
Soh Kim Lam, Ruby Husain, Mohd. Sofian Omar Fauzee, Aminuddin Yuson and Ong Swee Leong<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8153; kims@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Physical activity, Malay men, sport involvement, pedometer, Ramadan<br />
123<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The development of ICT in the print media has influenced the way people carry out their daily activities at<br />
work place. Changes in technology create new markets with new dynamism, transform the structure of industries<br />
and influence the nature of the service and its quality. New available devices of technology such as computers,<br />
internet, and the multifunction of mobiles phone, assist the journalist in their everyday working life to gather<br />
information, and to write and rewrite their news stories. This study aims to examine how continuous technological<br />
changes and innovations - during pre-computer mediated communication and computer-mediated communication<br />
eras, have changed print media editorial practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Twenty informants from four main stream media<br />
organizations: Utusan Group, NST Group, Nanyang and Tamil Nesan, were selected randomly by using purposive<br />
sampling. The selections of these informants were based on their broad experience in the field of journalism, i.e.<br />
more than two decades. Informants include those who are still working and retired, either from the Klang Valley<br />
area or outside the Klang Valley. Data was collected through an in-depth interview, using qualitative approach<br />
and phenomenology correlates, with interview session took place between 40 to 60 minutes. The findings show<br />
that the adoption of new technologies has brought about changes in the way information is gathered for editorials<br />
by journalists, design and layout of the newspaper, stored information and the dissemination of information. The<br />
media editorial and the journalist depend heavily on the use of the new technology in gathering and reporting news.<br />
The revolution of new technologies in the media editorial industry has also impacted the newsroom landscape.<br />
However, although new technology is heavily being used in media editorial today, the findings also show that the<br />
intended purposes of journalism and the responsibility of the journalists to the society still remain unchanged.<br />
Ramadan is the holy month for the Muslims. Through this month, the devotees not only restrain themselves<br />
for food, drink, and entertainment, but they also spend most their time praying and doing good deeds to gain their<br />
spiritual solace. Hence, many people believed that during this time of the year, most Muslims will live an inactive<br />
and sedentary lifestyle. However, no empirical data exist to substantiate this assumption among Malay Muslims.<br />
Study showed that minimum of 10,000 steps per day is required to achieve an active lifestyle status. The active<br />
lifestyle status is recommended because it links positively with individual’s health benefits. Therefore, the aim<br />
of this research was to investigate whether there is any difference in physical activity level among University<br />
<strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (UPM) Malay Muslim men before, during, and after the month of Ramadan, and to analyse<br />
factors restricting their involvements in physical activity. Fifty-three UPM Malay Muslim male staff participated<br />
in the research. The Yamex-Digi walker CW700 pedometer was used to measure the physical activity level of<br />
the staff for four consecutive days. Results showed that there was a significant difference in physical activity<br />
level of the UPM Malay Muslim men before, during, and after the month of Ramadan. The reported F value was<br />
F(2, 51)=3.05 p
Social Sciences<br />
Assessment of Physical Activity of <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> Staff using a<br />
Pedometer<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soh Kim Geok<br />
Soh Kim Lam, Ruby Husain, Mohd. Sofian Omar Fauzee, Aminuddin Yuson and Ong Swee Leong<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8153; kims@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The association between a sedentary lifestyle and susceptibility to diseases and poor physical and mental<br />
health are well established. This research sought to assess the level of physical activity undertaken by <strong>Universiti</strong><br />
<strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> (UPM) staff and to ascertain the factors influencing their physical activity participation. Twohundred<br />
and twenty staff (113 females and 107 males) volunteered to participate in the study. In order to assess<br />
their physical activity level, the Yamex-Digi pedometer was attached to the participants daily for six consecutive<br />
days. The pedometer indicated that the average number of steps taken were 7,177 ? 2,518 a day. They ranked<br />
in the ‘low active’ category according to Tudor-Locke and Bassett (2004). A minimum of 10,000 steps a day,<br />
required for an ‘active’ lifestyle is needed to confer health benefits. It was concluded that the UPM staff were<br />
not benefiting much from their low level of physical activity. The major factor responsible for their low level of<br />
physical activity was found to be their lack of self-motivation.<br />
Keywords: Physical activity, university staff, sports participation, pedometer<br />
Factor Structure and Reliability of the Elder Abuse Instrument in Older <strong>Malaysia</strong>ns<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid<br />
Siti Farra Zillah Abdullah and Jariah Masud<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2750; aizan@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Incidence of elder abuse has been assessed sparingly across the world. Standardised instruments for<br />
determining elder abuse have not been developed (Daly and Jogerst, 2005) to measure the subject. This study<br />
examines the factorial structure and reliability statistics of Elder Abuse Instrument which measure incidence of<br />
elder abuse. A 16-item instrument was developed by the research team based on recent and established literature.<br />
Each item was also selected based on societal concern of traditional culture and differing values held in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
The instrument was positively worded with pre-determined response categories of (1) Yes, (2) No and (3) Not<br />
applicable. It was used to measure four types of elder abuse that include financial, emotional, physical and sexual<br />
abuse. Data derived from a cross-sectional study entitled “Perception, Awareness and Risk Factors of Elder<br />
Abuse” in 2008. Principal Component Analysis (n = 480) was carried out, selecting a four-factor solution and<br />
using a varimax rotation. These four factors were found to account for 25.797% of the total variance. All the items<br />
load onto its original subscales with loading value of 0.30 or greater in each case. The subscales correspond to the<br />
four types of abuse in this study. Results showed that overall reliability of the instrument was Cronbach’s Alpha,<br />
0.611. Reliability statistics by type of abuse ranges from moderate to high, with the highest Cronbach’s Alpha<br />
of 0.917 is noted for sexual abuse, followed by physical abuse (0.801), financial abuse (0.647) and emotional<br />
abuse (0.642). The instrument is definite and reliable to assess incidence of abuse in old age, particularly in the<br />
multiracial society such as <strong>Malaysia</strong>. However, further study is required to validate the instrument in a larger<br />
sample size and across heterogeneous settings.<br />
Keywords: Elder abuse instrument, population ageing, older persons, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
124
Identifying Psychiatric Disorders among Older Persons Living in the Community:<br />
A Comparison between Clinical Diagnosis and GMS-AGECAT in Johor, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid<br />
Suraya Yusoff, Esther Gunaseli Ebenezer, Chai Sen Tyng and Siti Suhailah Abdullah<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2750; tengkuaizan06@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Psychogeriatrics, validity, GMS-AGECAT, community<br />
Computer Games Development and Appreciative Learning Approach for Creative<br />
Perception Enhancement<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Zah Wan Ali<br />
Eow Yee Leng, Rosnaini Mahmud and Roselan Baki<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8174; wanzah@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Creative perception, appreciative learning approach, appreciative inquiry theory<br />
125<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The Geriatric Mental State (GMS) is a widely used psychiatric assessment for older persons, with a<br />
computerized algorithm (AGECAT) generating diagnosis for nine (9) syndromes. This study aims to investigate<br />
the level of agreement between a GMS-AGECAT diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of mental disorder among older<br />
persons living in the community. A two-phase epidemiological design was used where trained, lay interviewers<br />
first administered translated versions of the GMS (B3) to an nationwide older <strong>Malaysia</strong>n sample (n = 2,980) in<br />
a door-to-door survey. The GMS B3 generates diagnoses for organicity, depression and anxiety disorder on six<br />
levels of confidence (0 - 5), with levels 3 and greater representing likely cases warranting professional intervention.<br />
Out of 381 respondents in the state of Johor, 120 older persons were randomly selected for home examination<br />
by a clinical psychiatrist (geriatrics) who is blind to the Phase 1 results. A comparison of the diagnoses derived<br />
from the lay interviewers and the clinician yielded an overall agreement of 76.2% (n = 105) with a moderate<br />
Kappa value of 0.502 (95% CI 0.319 - 0.649) [sensitivity = 67.4%; specificity = 82.3%]. Further analysis showed<br />
that the GMS-AGECAT (B3 version) reported higher agreement for organic disorders but not depression. In<br />
addition, higher level of education was associated with increased sensitivity, especially for organicity. Due to<br />
limitations of a small sample size, attrition and lapse of time in between the two phases, further studies are<br />
needed to determine the cross-cultural validity and reliability of the GMS-AGECAT algorithm among the older<br />
population in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Its adoption would enable a rapid and accurate screening assessment of mental disorders<br />
by non-clinicians in a community setting.<br />
Creativity is an important entity in developing human capital while computer games are the current generation’s<br />
contemporary tool. A research had carried out to enhance creative perception among lower secondary school<br />
students. The study applied randomised subjects, with control group experimental design, which involved 69<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n form one students, aged 13-14 year-old. Appreciative learning approach, which based on Appreciative<br />
Inquiry (AI) theory, was administered on treatment group. Meanwhile, control group adopted self-paced learning,<br />
followed by do-it-yourself session. Previous studies showed that although appreciative learning approach is still<br />
at its infancy stage of development, the approach is gaining its momentum in educational settings as it focuses on<br />
strengthening a person’s capacities and potential. In this study, students’ creative perception was assessed through<br />
Khatena-Torrance Creative Perception Inventory (KTCPI). Treatment group gained a mean score of 71.82, which<br />
was significantly higher at .05 level of significance compared to the mean score of 50.49 exhibited by the control<br />
group. Therefore, appreciative learning approach has the potential to be a new pedagogical strategy in enhancing<br />
students’ creative perception in educational settings.
Social Sciences<br />
The Effect of Joint Audit and Non-audit Services on Perceived Auditor<br />
Independence<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkarnain Muhamad Sori<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7755; zms@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of competition in audit market and client importance to<br />
perceived auditor independence from the perspective of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n auditors, loan officers and senior managers<br />
of public listed companies. It is found that auditor independence would be threatened if auditors were to receive<br />
significant fees from a single client. The dependence on a single client would cause auditor to face a ‘self-threat’<br />
risk, where they were economically and financially reliant on a single customer. The interview survey disclosed<br />
that regulatory authorities should closely monitor the profession by persistently scrutinising each audit firm’s<br />
revenue and expenses.<br />
Keywords: Competition, audit market, auditor, competition, reporting<br />
Dynamic Analysis of Regional Convergence in Indonesia<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkornain Yusop<br />
Muhammad Firdaus<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7631; zulkornain.yusop@gmail.com<br />
This study examines income convergence among provinces in Indonesia using dynamic panel data approach.<br />
The results show that static and dynamic panel data approaches produce different results of convergence patterns.<br />
Consistent with the theory, the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and fixed-effects estimators provide the upper<br />
and lower bounds. The first-differences generalized method of moments (FD-GMM) provides invalid estimators<br />
which are lower than the coefficient from the fixed effects estimators due to the weak instruments problem.<br />
The system-GMM (SYS-GMM) estimators are found to be unbiased, consistent and valid. They show that<br />
convergence process prevails among provinces in Indonesia for the period 1983 - 2003. However the speed of<br />
convergence is relatively very slow (0.29) compared to other studies in developing countries.<br />
Keywords: Dynamic panel data, income convergence, Indonesia<br />
126
Impacts of Trade Liberalisation on Aggregate Import in Bangladesh: An ARDL<br />
Bounds Test Approach<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkornain Yusop<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7631; zulkornain.yusop@gmail.com<br />
AFTA and the Intra-trade Patterns among ASEAN-5 Economies: Trade-enhancing<br />
or Trade-inhibiting<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkornain Yusop<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7631; zulkornain.yusop@gmail.com<br />
127<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Bangladesh has been liberalising its trade regime extensively since 1992 in order to achieve higher trade<br />
performance and GDP growth. However, despite the long period of liberalisation, imports are still growing faster<br />
than exports, increasing the trade deficit. Trade liberalisation is considered a crucial contributory factor. The<br />
paper examines the impact of trade liberalisation on the aggregate import in Bangladesh, using the ARDL Bounds<br />
Test approach with annual time series data from 1972-1973 to 2004-2005. Empirical results suggest that trade<br />
liberalisation through reduction of the import duty rate increases the aggregate import substantially in the short<br />
run, but insignificantly in the long run. Trade liberalisation using simplification of non-tariff measures shows a<br />
significant but low positive impact on the aggregate import in the long run. Liberalization interaction with price<br />
decreases imports slightly hence improves the trade balance, while interaction with income increases imports<br />
slightly hence worsens the trade balance. An increase in imports is mainly stimulated by an increase in income.<br />
Moreover, higher income elasticity compared to price elasticity indicates that an effort to maintain imports at the<br />
desired level by increasing import duty could be counter balanced and ineffective. Therefore, a consistent policy<br />
to promote not only consumption of domestically produced products, but investment, production, and backward<br />
linkage industries is essential in order to improve the trade balance and GDP growth in Bangladesh.<br />
Keywords: Trade liberalisation, aggregate import, ARDL bounds test, short run and long run impacts, interaction impacts<br />
This paper examines ASEAN economic integration and its ability to promote intra-ASEAN trade, namely,<br />
Indonesia, <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. In order to achieve this goal, a modified gravity model<br />
is estimated within autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) framework, or bounds testing approach for each of the<br />
five ASEAN countries based on data from year 1970 to year 2001. The empirical results indicate that the effects<br />
of the size of economy on bilateral trade flow in ASEAN are either trade-enhancing or trade-inhibiting dependent<br />
on the country-specific. There is evidence that AFTA preferential arrangements are important and prevalent in<br />
enhancing intra-ASEAN trade. However, ASEAN countries may not as a whole benefit from the formation of<br />
AFTA as the trade deflection might occur in the regional market.<br />
Keywords: Free trade area, trade creation, trade diversion, trade deflection, trade-enhancing, preferential trade arrangement
Social Sciences<br />
Consumer with credit card payment facility faces the risk of unauthorised payment. Unauthorised payment<br />
occurs when a person initiated a credit card payment by using the consumer’s access device without his consent.<br />
It causes losses which are basically allocated between the issuer and the consumer according to the laws<br />
governing the bank-customer relationship. Apart from the old laws, the credit card payment system which uses<br />
new technology involves new transaction format and possesses some distinctive characteristics also requires<br />
new form of regulation. Considering the need, Bank Negara <strong>Malaysia</strong> had issued the Credit Card Guidelines<br />
2003 (the CC Guidelines) to regulate the consumer-issuer relationship, including regulating the allocation of<br />
unauthorised payment losses. Because of the importance of the CC Guidelines’ loss allocation rules, this paper<br />
examines the rules to identify their impact on the consumer and also to give comments and suggest ideas for<br />
improvement. The findings revealed that the rules are ambiguous while at the same time failed to consider the<br />
impact of technological development on the payment systems. The ambiguities and weaknesses allow the issuer<br />
to allocate the losses by using the contract terms to the consumer’s prejudice. Therefore, it is recommended<br />
that the consumer should be aware of the contract terms that allocate fraudulent payment losses, in particular,<br />
terms that prescribe his duties and liabilities in relation to the losses. Finally, Bank Negara should revise the CC<br />
Guidelines to remedy the weaknesses.<br />
Keywords: Credit card, loss allocation, fraud<br />
Pengguguran Vokal Tinggi Dialek Kelantan Berdasarkan Teori Optimaliti<br />
Dr. Adi Yasran Abdul Aziz<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8761; adi@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan isu pengguguran vokal tinggi dalam urutan vokal bukan tinggi-tinggi<br />
dalam dialek Kelantan berdasarkan teori optimaliti. Urutan vokal bukan tinggi-tinggi ini terdiri daripada /ai/, /au/<br />
dan /oi/. Dalam bahasa Melayu, urutan vokal ini direalisasikan sebagai diftong, iaitu /ai/ direalisasikan sebagai<br />
[aj], /au/ direalisasikan sebagai [aw], dan /oi/ direalisasikan sebagai [oj], justeru terdapat anggapan bahawa proses<br />
pengguguran vokal tinggi ini sebagai pemonoftongan daripada diftong. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa<br />
proses pendiftongan mahupun pemonoftongan tidak berlaku dalam dialek Kelantan. Sebaliknya proses yang<br />
berlaku ialah pengguguran vokal tinggi dan pemanjangan vokal bukan tinggi yang mendahuluinya, dan keduadua<br />
proses fonologi ini berlaku secara serentak. Ini bermakna urutan vokal /ai/ dan /au/ direalisasikan sebagai [a:],<br />
manakala /oi/ pula direalisasikan sebagai [o:]. Kesemua dapatan ini direpresentasi dalam bentuk tablo kekangan<br />
berdasarkan teori optimaliti yang sekali gus membuktikan keupayaan teori ini untuk menjelaskan isu fonologi<br />
yang berlaku secara lebih berpada.<br />
Keywords: Fonologi, optimaliti, diftong, monoftong, dialek Kelantan<br />
Allocating Unauthorised Credit Card Payment Losses: The Credit Card Guidelines<br />
and Consumer Protection<br />
Dr. Adilah Abd. Razak<br />
Parker Hood<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7871; adilah@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
128
Penggunaan Perisian Sumber Terbuka dalam Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran<br />
Matematik Kalkulus dalam Kalangan Pelajar di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi<br />
Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Mohd. Ayub<br />
Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi and Mohd. Zin Mokhtar<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7913; afauzi@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Islamic Revivalism, Religious Freedom and the Non-Muslims in <strong>Malaysia</strong>: A<br />
Preliminary Discussion<br />
Dr. Amini Amir Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7314; amini@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Islamic revival, non-Muslims, religious freedom, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
129<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Penggunaan teknologi dalam pendidikan matematik telah terbukti dapat memberi manfaat yang berguna dan menarik<br />
minat pelajar terhadap matematik. Salah satunya adalah menerusi penggunaan perisian komputer matematik. Kewujudan<br />
isitilah perisian sumber terbuka telah memberi harapan kepada pendidik untuk mengintegrasikan teknologi dalam pengajaran<br />
dan pembelajaran kerana ia kini boleh diperolehi secara percuma. Kajian yang dijalankan ini bertujuan membandingkan<br />
penggunaan perisian SAGE (perisian sumber terbuka) dengan perisian MACCC (perisian yang dibangunkan sendiri) dan<br />
pengajaran secara tradisional. Kajian ini bertujuan menentukan keberkesanan penggunaan terhadap pencapaian, kemahiran<br />
konsepsual, kemahiran prosedural, sikap pelajar terhadap matematik, dan penggunaan strategi kognitif pelajar. Seramai 68<br />
orang pelajar UNITEN yang sedang mengambil kursus matematik kalkulus terlibat dalam kajian ini dibahagikan kepada tiga<br />
kumpulan [tradisional (28 orang), MACCC (23 orang) dan SAGE(24 orang)]. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat kesan<br />
signifikan terhadap min pencapaian pelajar antara setiap kumpulan [F(2,72) = 12.938, p = .000], min kemahiran konsepsual<br />
[F(2,72) = 14.544, p = .000], dan min kemahiran prosedural [F(2,72)= 6,982, p= 0.002] dengan pelajar dalam kumpulan SAGE<br />
menunjukkan keputusan lebih lebih baik dalam pencapaian, kemahiran konsepsual dan kemahiran prosedural berbanding<br />
dengan kumpulan lain. Begitu juga dengan sikap pelajar terhadap matematik dan penggunaan strategi kognitif pelajar. Dapatan<br />
kajian menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan signifikan dalam min sikap terhadap matematik dalam kalangan kumpulan [F(2,65) =<br />
6.003, p= .004] dan min strategi kognitif pelajar dalam kalangan kumpulan F(2,65) = 4.056, p = .022]. dengan pelajar daripada<br />
kumpulan SAGE adalah lebih baik dalam sikap terhadap matematik dan penggunaan strategi kognitif semasa pengajaran dan<br />
pembelajaran matematik kalkulus berbanding dengan kumpulan lain. Kajian telah menunjukkan bahawa penggunaan perisian<br />
sumber terbuka mempunyai banyak kelebihan terutamanya dalam pencapaian dan sikap mereka terhadap matematik.<br />
Keywords: Perisian sumber terbuka, kemahiran procedural, kemahiran konsepsual, sikap terhadap matematik, strategi<br />
kognitif<br />
The non-Muslims’ responses towards the Islamisation policy of the government and Islamic revivalism<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and their major organisation aims regarding non-Muslims affairs have many things in common.<br />
In order to fulfill the objectives of the study, this research chose the simple random sampling procedure. By<br />
applying the random sampling, every ethnic community has an equal chance of being chosen and therefore, all<br />
ethnic communities were represented in the sample. Both primary (qualitative and quantitative) and secondary<br />
(documents) techniques and procedures were used to gather the data and information. For the purpose of this<br />
study, the in-depth interview and unstructured interview were adopted. This procedure involved going through<br />
all the data and picking out general themes, indexing and coding. Broad categories were gradually narrowed<br />
down to more focused concepts. For each theme or issue (such as the understanding of religious freedom in the<br />
Federal Constitution or the perception of the non-Muslims on an Islamic State), key elements were examined to<br />
understand the perception of the non-Muslims according to age and gender or according to religious division.<br />
However, it is fairly important, to know that the source of information on the perception of the non-Muslims on<br />
Islam in <strong>Malaysia</strong> came from various literatures written by <strong>Malaysia</strong>ns and Westerners. Although the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
constitution guarantees the non-Muslims religious freedom and rights, what matters are the actual practices of the<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n government and civil servants in implementing the constitutional provisions? The non-Muslims are<br />
not convinced about their constitutional rights. Generally, their fears were based on the lack of a clear and open<br />
discussion. The non-Muslims sense of insecurity will be increased as long as their rights are denied or neglected.<br />
Attempts to Islamise <strong>Malaysia</strong> will further intensify the non-Muslim’s feeling of disadvantage and they will react<br />
to fight for their rights.
Social Sciences<br />
Appropriating Shakespeare for the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Stage: A Case Study of a Play<br />
Production Project<br />
Dr. Arbaayah Ali Termizi<br />
Zainor Izat Zainal and Wan Roselezam Wan Yahya<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8675; arbaayah@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Shakespearean plays have long been produced and performed in <strong>Malaysia</strong> by both amateur and professional<br />
theatre practitioners. However, many of these productions are in the form of adaptations from the original<br />
texts. The adapted version of local Shakespeare play productions largely exhibits cultural interference. Despite<br />
this inevitability, these adapted plays are warmly received by the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n audience. This study reports on a<br />
research project that seeks to discover the infusion of local cultural elements such as language, setting, props and<br />
costumes in selected productions of Shakespeare’s plays. This paper also explains the rationale behind the current<br />
preference of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n audience on adapted Shakespearean plays.<br />
Keywords: English drama, William Shakespeare, adaptation, cultural inferences, appropriation, literature, play production<br />
Acquirer-provider Knowledge Management in Complex Manufacturing<br />
Technology Implementation<br />
Dr. Azmawani Abd. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7578; aar@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
If the breath and depth of the technology being acquired is beyond the capability of the adopting firms,<br />
the new technology is more likely to fail as early as at the implementation stage. This paper describes the<br />
important role of effective knowledge management between technology acquirer and technology provider in<br />
the process of manufacturing technology adoption and implementation. Emphasis is given to the relationships<br />
between technology complexity (TC), acquirer-provider knowledge management (APKM), and implementation<br />
performance (IP). Although knowledge management has been widely discussed by many academicians and<br />
practitioners, there is a gap in the literature and lack of research on knowledge within the context of technology<br />
acquirer and provider relationships in the process of technology adoption and implementation. Using a sample of<br />
the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n manufacturing industry, the result of the study indicates that effective acquirer-provider knowledge<br />
management can enhance implementation performance, although the technology being implemented is complex<br />
to the acquiring firm.<br />
Keywords: Manufacturing technology, knowledge, acquirer-provider relationships, implementation performance, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
130
Different Yet Similar: Study on Mongindong by Diris, Gustimin, Pariama and<br />
Tulai from Murok Village and Baba Village<br />
Dr. Chan Cheong Jan<br />
Susan Ang Ngar Jiu<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 7793; chanupm@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Oral tradition, folk music<br />
Needs vs Wants: Examining Employees’ Needs and Wants for Workplace ESL<br />
Training<br />
Dr. Chan Mei Yuit<br />
Lee Geok Imm<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8712; cmy@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
131<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Oral traditions of Dusun Labuk include tangon, runsai, mongindong, mansuak, and kurilang. Mongindong<br />
[cradle song] is typologically informal yet functionally important in Dusun Labuk community’s daily life<br />
especially in the past. Seven mongindong were collected from four Dusun Labuk community members at Beluran,<br />
the east coast of Sabah, <strong>Malaysia</strong>. There is a phenomenon that the informants were reluctant to perform more than<br />
one mongindong for documentation purpose. The informants perceive each of them owns only one mongindong,<br />
therefore, two mongindong, although different in musical structure, are perceived as “sama” [the same] when they<br />
are performed by one informant. Further, under certain circumstance, the informants perceive the mongindong<br />
performed by one person is “sama” [the same] with the mongindong performed by another person. However, by<br />
viewing the tune and text of each collected mongindong, I perceive each mongindong is different from another.<br />
Led by these different opinions between the informants and I, this paper intends to describe and examine a<br />
possible way to analyse mongindong of Dusun Labuk. Findings from the analysis lead to an understanding of the<br />
sameness of mongindong held by the informants. Further study on Dusun Labuk’s culture and the community<br />
members’ knowledge of oral traditions is necessary for deeper understanding of mongindong.<br />
In company-sponsored workplace training programmes, training has traditionally focused on job-related<br />
needs of employees, in line with conventional wisdom in the practice of human resource development. The<br />
personal needs of employees that are not directly related to job demands, commonly labeled as ‘wants’, are<br />
often not considered important. In the context of second language learning, however, research has pointed to the<br />
importance of learner factors and learners’ motivation to learn a language. The sources of motivation, especially<br />
integrative motivation (Gardner and Lambert, 1972), which arises from the learners’ personal and social domains<br />
(Fishman, 1972) should not be neglected. This study compared the job-related and personal ESL (English as a<br />
second language) training needs of a group of non-academic employees of a public university in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. It<br />
investigates the extent to which personal needs are important motivators compared with job-related needs in<br />
workplace English language learning. The framework of this research on workplace learning is informed by<br />
theories and concepts developed in the fields of motivation (Gardner and Lambert, 1972; Dornyei, 2005), domains<br />
of language use (Fishman, 1972), and workplace training literature (Kraiger and Aguinis, 2001; Machin and<br />
Treolar, 2004; Tsai and Tai, 2003). Data were collected through a survey questionnaire containing statements of<br />
personal and job-related needs. The results showed that on the whole, the employees found both personal and<br />
job-related needs equally relevant. However, analysis of the most important needs showed a clear preference for<br />
personal needs.<br />
Keywords: English language training, ESL needs, job-related needs, <strong>Malaysia</strong>n workplace, motivation, personal needs,<br />
workplace learning
Social Sciences<br />
Shareholder Concentration, Accounting Earnings and Share Price Changes<br />
Dr. Cheng Fan Fah<br />
Ariff, M., Shamsher, M. and Annuar Nasir<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 1106; chengfanfah@yahoo.com<br />
This paper reports new findings that extend the income smoothing literature beyond owner versus<br />
management controlled firms. The Kuala Lumpur share market provided a suitable environment to select firms<br />
not controlled by managers but by two ownership classes, majority and minority owners. During the last fifteen<br />
years or so, a large number of previously family-owned firms have become listed, yet are managed by previous<br />
owners after listing. It is found that the share price changes at the time of accounting earnings disclosures are<br />
smaller the greater is the share ownership concentration. There is incentive for owner-controlled firms to smooth<br />
earnings, so leading to such earnings disclosures having lower share price effect observed: inside “investor”<br />
control or concentration is measured by four measures, and majority shareholder controls are significantly<br />
correlated with share price changes.<br />
Keywords: Owner versus manager control, investor concentration, earnings response coefficients, emerging market<br />
Risk and Efficiency of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Commercial Banks<br />
Dr. Cheng Fan Fah<br />
Ariff M. and Annuar Nasir<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8948 7706; chengfanfah@yahoo.com<br />
This paper reports new findings of a significant relationship between financial risks and economic efficiency<br />
of commercial banks where there is no reported study of this relationship in the literature. Efficiency is measured<br />
using two new measures derived from Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): banking service efficiency and banking<br />
profits efficiency. The financial risks are interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit risk and solvency risk. Test results<br />
indicate that changes in banking service efficiency are reflected in credit risk, whereas changes in profit efficiency<br />
are related to solvency risk (capital ratios). These findings suggest that lending and borrowing activities of banks<br />
will be considered as efficient if activities reduce the credit risk through reduction in the non-performing loans,<br />
and increases in banks interest bearing assets. Beside, our results also suggest that solvency risk is relevant to<br />
profit efficiency, because long-term obligations must be met for banks to survive. The results are plausible as they<br />
show the importance of asset-liability management in commercial banks.<br />
Keywords: Asset-liability management, bank efficiency, financial risks, data enveloped analysis<br />
132
Values in the Workplace: The Moral Compass That Influences Behaviour<br />
Dr. Dahlia Zawawi<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7729; dahlia@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Work values, organization, commitment, performance, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keberkesanan Modul Pemulihan Dadah Terhadap Konsep Kendiri Penagih<br />
Wanita<br />
Dr. Hj. Jamaludin Hj. Ahmad<br />
Rosdi Yusof<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8168; mal@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Modul pemulihan dadah, konsep kendiri, keberkesanan<br />
133<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study outlines the relationships between work values, organisational commitment and job performance<br />
among executive-level employees in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. A total of two hundred thirteen (213) respondents from 60 selected<br />
public listed companies in Klang Valley area were assessed. The instruments used were the 24-items work values<br />
(Elizur, 1996), and 18-items job performance (Suliman, 2001). Data was analysed using the SPSS version<br />
10.0 and Linear Structural Relation (LISREL). The Pearson correlation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple<br />
regression were used to test the hypotheses. Reliability and validity for the instruments were evaluated using<br />
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and confirmed. The analyses of data revealed significant relationships between<br />
work values and organizational commitment; and work values and job performance. Indirect relationship was<br />
also seen between organizational commitment and job performance through work values. This particular study<br />
was therefore able to provide support for the proposed hypotheses and existing theories. In addition, similarities<br />
and differences with the past studies and new information pertinent to organisational practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong> were<br />
highlighted.<br />
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membina modul, menentukan kesahan, kebolehpercayaan dan keberkesanan<br />
modul khusus pemulihan dadah dalam kalangan penagih wanita. Reka bentuk kajian yang digunakan ialah kajian<br />
deskriptif dan eksperimen. Kajian deskriptif melibatkan aspek pembinaan, kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan modul.<br />
Pembinaan modul telah melibatkan seramai 19 orang iaitu seorang Pegawai Khas Dadah Jabatan Pelajaran<br />
Selangor, 9 orang Pegawai Khas Dadah dari setiap Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah di Selangor dan 9 kaunselor sekolah<br />
yang mewakili setiap Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah di Selangor. Kesahan kandungan modul telah dinilai oleh 2 orang<br />
pakar. Pakar tersebut telah diberi senaskah modul lengkap untuk disemak dan menjawab soal selidik kesahan<br />
kandungan modul ciptaan Rusell (1974). Kebolehpercayaan modul pula melibatkan 30 orang penagih dadah<br />
lelaki dari Pusat Serenti Dengkil, Selangor yang telah mengikuti 41 aktiviti modul tersebut dan seterusnya<br />
diminta mengisi soal selidik kebolehpercayaan modul ciptaan Jamaludin Ahmad (2007). Kajian eksperimen pula<br />
melibatkan 72 penagih dadah wanita dari Pusat Serenti Bachok, Kelantan yang dibahagikan kepada dua kumpulan<br />
iaitu 36 orang dari kumpulan kawalan yang tidak mengikuti sebarang aktiviti modul dan 36 orang dari kumpulan<br />
eksperimen yang mengikuti kesemua aktiviti modul. Soal selidik Skala Konsep Kendiri Tenenssee yang telah<br />
diuji kesahan dan mempunyai kebolehpercayaan .85 telah digunakan melalui kaedah ujian pra dan pasca. Dapatan<br />
kajian menunjukkan bahawa modul khusus pemulihan dadah mempunyai kesahan kandungan yang baik dan<br />
mempaparkan nilai pekali kebolehpercayaan Alpha Cronbach yang tinggi iaitu .96. Dapatan juga menunjukkan<br />
modul ini berjaya meningkatkan konsep kendiri penagih wanita sebanyak 10.5%. Sehubungan dengan keputusan<br />
yang diperolehi, beberapa cadangan telah dikemukakan.
Social Sciences<br />
Keberkesanan Modul Pemulihan Dadah Ke Atas Motivasi Pencapaian dalam<br />
Kalangan Pelatih Pusat Serenti di Sepang<br />
Dr. Hj. Jamaluddin Hj. Ahmad<br />
Siti Rahmah Alias<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8168; mal@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Kajian keberkesanan Modul Pemulihan Dadah ke atas motivasi pencapaian dalam kalangan pelatih pusat serenti di Sepang<br />
ini telah dijalankan secara kuantitatif, menggunakan reka bentuk kajian eksperimental. Seramai 66 responden Pelatih Pusat<br />
Serenti di Daerah Sepang, Selangor, telah dipilih secara rawak sebagai sampel kajian iaitu, 33 orang pelatih kumpulan kawalan<br />
dan 33 orang pelatih kumpulan eksperimen. Modul yang digunakan ialah Modul Pemulihan Dadah yang dibangunkan oleh Dr.<br />
Hj. Jamaluddin bin Hj. Ahmad, dari Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Ujian Motivasi Pencapaian dan<br />
Skor Pencapaian telah digunakan untuk ujian pra dan ujian pasca. Untuk hipotesis, ujian -t dan Pekali Kolerasi telah digunakan.<br />
Hasil kajian menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan antara ujian pra dan ujian pasca kumpulan eksperimen yang<br />
membuktikan keberkesanan Modul Pemulihan Dadah dapat meningkatkan motivasi pencapaian pelatih pusat serenti di Daerah<br />
Sepang iaitu, t (32) = -3.88, p = 0.000. Dapatan kajian juga mendapati memang terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan ke atas<br />
motivasi pencapaian di antara pelatih yang mengikuti modul pemulihan dadah (kumpulan eksperimen) dan yang tidak mengikuti<br />
modul pemulihan dadah (kumpulan kawalan) iaitu, t (32) = -3.82, p = 0.001 pada aras ? = 0.05. Walaubagaimanapun, dapatan<br />
kajian menunjukkan perbezaan yang ketara pada skor min motivasi pencapaian bagi kumpulan eksperimen di mana skor<br />
min tersebut lebih tinggi (111.21) berbanding kumpulan kawalan (85.94). Rumusannya, hasil kajian ini dapat meningkatkan<br />
motivasi pencapaian ke dalam diri seorang pelatih di pusat serenti di mana kesan pelaksanaan Modul Pemulihan Dadah dapat<br />
mengubah seseorang pelatih ke arah yang lebih baik. Motivasi pencapaian ialah kemahuan dalam diri seseorang individu untuk<br />
melakukan sesuatu untuk mencapai matlamat. Kajian ini juga menitikberatkan motivasi pencapaian yang diukur dari pelbagai<br />
aspek seperti perancangan matlamat, ketabahan, jangkaan pelatih terhadap kejayaan, tahap kebimbangan pelatih, risiko dan<br />
sikap pelatih adalah merupakan sebahagian dari unsur-unsur kekuatan dalaman dan jati diri terhadap pencapaian motivasi.<br />
Keywords: Keberkesanan modul ke atas motivasi pencapaian<br />
Motivational Perception of Superiors and Subordinates: The Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Ho Jo Ann<br />
Liew Ee Yin<br />
Graduate School of Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7681; hja@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Human resource has become increasingly important as it can determine the success or failure of a company.<br />
As such, managers need to pay attention to the motivation of their employees. The purpose of this paper is to<br />
determine the motivational perceptions between the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n managers and their employees. The study was<br />
conducted on 104 <strong>Malaysia</strong>n managers and employees from 40 companies in the manufacturing and financial<br />
service industry. The results of the study indicated there were significant differences between the perceptions of<br />
the managers and their employees on what motivated the employees. The study also found that employees were<br />
more motivated by intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivators. The theoretical and managerial implications of the<br />
results are also discussed.<br />
Keywords: Motivation, motivational perception, intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
134
Ethical Perception: Are Differences between Ethnic Groups Situation Dependent?<br />
Cluster Development Plan Framework<br />
Dr. Ho Jo Ann<br />
Graduate School of Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7681; hja@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Culture, cultural values, cultural dimensions, ethical perception, moral awareness, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Hossein Nezakati<br />
Seyed Mahameddin Tabatabaei<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 2920; hossein@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
135<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study was conducted to determine how culture influences ethical perception of managers. Most studies<br />
conducted so far have only stated similarities and differences in ethical perception between cultural or ethnic<br />
groups and little attention has been given to understanding how cultural values influence the ethnic groups’ ethical<br />
perception. Moreover, most empirical research in this area has focused on moral judgment, moral decision-making<br />
and action with limited empirical work in the area of ethical perception. A total of 22 interviews were conducted<br />
and the questionnaire survey yielded 272 managerial responses. Three implications were obtained based on the<br />
findings of the study. The first implication is that differences in ethical perception can exist when one culture<br />
attributes moral significance to something that another culture does not. The results of the study also suggest that<br />
similarities in ethical perception can happen when a situation is viewed as an accepted and institutionalised part<br />
of doing business. Finally, the findings of the study also show that the influence of culture on ethical perception<br />
varied according to the different types of scenarios.<br />
This research tries to propose a conceptual framework regarding to Cluster Development Plan. Today<br />
development frameworks are based on Small and Medium size Enterprises (SME) where both have become the<br />
centre of several countries consideration. In multivarious researches, different models were discussed (1989-<br />
2005). The two important development models are categorised as: development model base on large enterprise<br />
and development model base on strategic cooperation of small and medium size enterprises. In this research, the<br />
two development categories are analysed and focussed on industrial SMEs. The result of research indicates that<br />
industrial structure of SMEs are geographically distributed throughout the countries and then build up together<br />
as Clusters, in which gaining from cluster opportunities and minimising threats. Therefore the main policies of<br />
the countries are aimed at Industrial Clusters. This research categorises Cluster Development Plan Framework<br />
(CDPF) into four progressive stages and consequently proposes a conceptual model for CDPF and compromises<br />
latest findings as a unique framework. This CDPF is based on two major factors; government and competitive<br />
advantages as the external and internal factors respectively. Goals, policies and supporting institutions are main<br />
variables of government factor hence; right institution and innovation are constructing Variables of Competitive<br />
advantages. Consequently each of them has its own subcategories in detail. This conceptual framework should be<br />
tested in different environmental situations to gain the validity of a holistic framework.<br />
Keywords: Small and medium size enterprise (SME), business incubation centers (BICs), industrial clusters, industrial<br />
district
Social Sciences<br />
Kajian kualitatif ini bertujuan untuk memahami faktor-faktor penagihan dadah di kalangan wanita di <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
umumnya lantaran peningkatan kadar peratus penglibatan golongan wanita khususnya. Dalam usaha memahami<br />
persoalan ini, satu kajian telah dijalankan di tiga buah tempat iaitu Pusat Pemulihan Narkotik Wanita Bachok,<br />
Penjara Wanita Kajang dan Pusat Khidmat Komuniti AADK Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Kajian ini<br />
melibatkan responden seramai 99 orang yang ditemubual secara individu dan kumpulan. Hasil daripada temubual<br />
tersebut data dianalisis secara manual dengan membentuk tema dan subtema. Oleh yang demikian, hasil kajian<br />
telah mengenalpasti 10 tema utama yang telah menyumbang kepada peningkatan masalah penagihan dadah di<br />
kalangan penagih wanita ini iaitu faktor diri sendiri, faktor keluarga, faktor rakan, faktor persekitaran, faktor<br />
perkahwinan, faktor pekerjaan, faktor pendidikan, faktor paksaan, faktor bahan dan faktor media/teknologi.<br />
Keywords: Faktor penagihan dadah<br />
Determinants of Income Security of Older Persons in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Husna Sulaiman<br />
Jariah Masud<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2754; husnaSulaiman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Previous studies on older persons in <strong>Malaysia</strong> have shown that majority have minimal or no education,<br />
were formerly engaged in low paid jobs, or self employed in agriculture and the informal sector, which has<br />
limited social protection coverage. They are likely to be exposed to vulnerability risks. This study explores<br />
factors determining income security of older people aged between 55 to 75 years, using a nation wide database<br />
on the economic and financial aspects of ageing (Jariah et al 2004/2005). The sample comprised 1841 older<br />
respondents in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Results indicate that 52.8% of the elderly were income insecure, earning per<br />
capita income below poverty level. Using logistic regression, the model emerged was significant (Nagelkerke<br />
R Sq.= 0.48). The strongest predictor is current work status of the elderly, recording an odds ratio of 23.7 times<br />
(p>0.000) likelihood elderly being income secure when compared to those not currently working. Four other<br />
significant determinants (p>0.000) are: Malays 2.9 more likely than non-Malays; males 2.9 times more likely<br />
than females, and those with savings two times more likely to be income secured. Education and age were<br />
negatively correlated and significant (p>0.000, p >0.01 respectively), indicating that those with no or minimal<br />
education and those with advancing age were more likely to be income insecure. Providing work opportunities<br />
for the elderly and facilitating income generation opportunities for those in the informal sector are crucial policy<br />
implications especially in light of early mandatory retirement age that terminates the main income flow of workers<br />
and shortens the period for saving in old age. Providing social protection for the disadvantaged in the late stage<br />
of old age would ensure them with income security.<br />
Keywords: Income security, old age, income sources, vulnerability<br />
Perbandingan Faktor Penagihan Dadah dalam Kalangan Penagih Wanita di<br />
Puspen, Penjara Kajang dan Pusat Khidmat Komuniti<br />
Dr. Hj. Jamaludin Hj. Ahmad<br />
Nor Asida Shafii<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8168; mal@puta.upm.edu.my<br />
136
Pembentukan Indeks Pengukuran Komunikasi Berkesan: Strategi Pengurusan<br />
Konflik di Kalangan Pembantu Rumah Asing Indonesia dan Majikan <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Jamilah Othman<br />
Inon Beydha Lukman, Md. Salleh Hj. Hassan and Abdul Hadi Sulaiman<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8579; jothman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: High and low context of communication, dominating, integrating, avoiding, miscommunication<br />
Income Security Trends among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Elderly<br />
Dr. Jariah Masud<br />
Husna, S. and Tengku Aizan Hamid<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2754; jariah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Elderly income security, children’s remittance, work related income<br />
137<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This is aimed to investigate sources of conflict in communication at the domestic workplace among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
employers and Indonesian domestic workers in Kuala Lumpur. The following questions will be addressed: what<br />
patterns and context of communication do they use, what strategies do they use in managing with these conflicts?<br />
The data collection methods included both descriptive quantitative and qualitative that consisted of a survey<br />
questionnaire, open-ended guided interviews, and a review of the relevant literature. Data were collected from<br />
the 110 <strong>Malaysia</strong>n employers and 110 Indonesian domestic workers in Kuala Lumpur who filled out the survey in<br />
January 2009. The findings indicate that: 1) conflicts in communication at domestic workplace among participants<br />
arose out of culturally-based differences in context and pattern of communication, difference assumptions about<br />
verbal and non-verbal or direct and indirect communication styles, and differences strategy in manage these<br />
conflict 2) The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n employers tended to use either a dominating style or an integrating style in dealing<br />
with conflict, and 3) The Indonesian domestic workers tended to use either a avoiding style or integrating style in<br />
dealing with conflict. Finally, this study makes recommendations as how to better prepare Indonesian domestic<br />
workers working with <strong>Malaysia</strong>n employers at domestic workplace in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and other Indonesian domestic<br />
workers working in intercultural or international domestic workplace, to resolve culturally-based interpersonal<br />
conflicts more effectively.<br />
Income security in old age is crucial for the elderly to enjoy a decent life. Rapid economic development<br />
brings about socio demographic changes which have impact on the income security of the elderly. This study<br />
focuses on the changing trend in income security of the elderly from 1999 to 2008. Three sources of income i.e.<br />
work related income, investment and income from children/other family members (informal and not guaranteed)<br />
are compared using three sets of database collected in 1999 (a study on the need of the elderly, with sample size<br />
of 1776 elderly respondents), 2004 data on economics and financial aspects of ageing (1841 elderly) and 2008<br />
study on patterns of social relationship (1890 elderly). Findings from the three studies reveal that majority of the<br />
elderly relied on children’s remittance to support their old age which decline from 78.2 in 1999 to 66.1% in 2008.<br />
Elderly respondents who received work related income also decline from almost half in 1999 study to 48.9% in<br />
2004 and 33.9% in 2008; while 42% respondents in 1999 study reported receiving two or three sources of income<br />
but later studies reveal that the proportion receiving more than two sources of income decline significantly (32%<br />
in 2004 and 23% in 2008). The proportion reported receiving “no income” increased from 4.4% (1999) to 8.8%<br />
(2004) and 14.7% (2008). The trend reveals an increasing risk of income insecurity among the elderly due to<br />
decline in income and its sources and financial supports children. They are at risk of falling into poverty. Policies<br />
and programmes to mitigate their vulnerability into poverty require immediate attention.
Social Sciences<br />
Working in Old Age<br />
Dr. Jariah Masud<br />
Husna Sulaiman and Tengku Aizan Tengku A. Hamid<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2754; jariah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
With increase life expectancy, one can expect to live longer life in old age. Those with insufficient financial<br />
resources may need to work to earn a living; while those financially endowed may want to work on voluntary<br />
basis. This paper focuses on elderly involvement in work and identifies characteristics of those who continue to<br />
work into old age. Data collected among 2327 older persons age 55 to 75 in a nation-wide study on economic<br />
and financial aspects of ageing are used in the analysis. There were 25.7% elderly in the study who were still<br />
working while the rest have either stopped work or have never worked before, majority of whom were women.<br />
Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors that contribute to the likelihood of elderly working<br />
in old age. The full model which contained independent variables such as sex, stratum, age, education, marital<br />
status, having savings and investment, and perceived health status, was significant (p>0.000) and explained 25%<br />
of the variation of the dependent variable (Nigelkerke R Square was 0.25). Results indicated that elderly males<br />
were 3.4 times more likely to work than elderly females. The odds ratio of those living in the rural areas was 1.6<br />
over urban residents, those married was also 1.6 compared to currently not married elderly while those having<br />
investment (1.4 times) and savings (1.3 times) were more likely to work. The likelihood to work decline with<br />
age while perceived poor health emerged as the strongest predictor, with 42 times the likelihood not to work<br />
among the older persons. The findings obtained can help increase the understanding of implementers in designing<br />
appropriate work in favorable environment for the elderly.<br />
Keywords: Old age, work, perceived health, savings, investment<br />
Socio-demographic Factors that Impinge Youth Acceptance towards Agriculture:<br />
The Case of Contract Farming in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Jeffrey Lawrence D’Silva<br />
Jegak Uli, Bahaman Abu Samah and Hayrol Azril Mohamed Shaffril<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8599; hayrol82@gmail.com<br />
Contract farming has been identified as one of the agriculture branches that have a huge potential to attract<br />
youth participation in agriculture based on its bigger profits and easiness to conduct. This study intends to<br />
investigate socio-demographic factor that affect acceptance towards contract farming among youth in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
A total of 400 respondents were involved in this study. The respondents were selected from four universities in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> and all of them are either in Agriculture, Economic or other courses (social science and pure science).<br />
From the ANOVA test conducted, it can be concluded that zone have significant difference with acceptance<br />
towards contract farming while Pearson Correlation employed indicates that age and monthly expenditure have<br />
no significant relationship with acceptance towards contract farming.<br />
Keywords: Socio-demography factors, youth, acceptance, contract farming<br />
138
The Theoretical Impact of the Listing of Syariah-approved Stocks on Stock Price<br />
and Trading Volume<br />
Dr. Junaina Muhammad<br />
McGowan, Carl, Jr.<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7745; mjunaina@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Syariah compliant, stock price, trading volume, index effects<br />
Evaluating the Impact of a Rapidly Changing Economic Environment on Bank<br />
Financial Performance<br />
Dr. Junaina Muhammad<br />
Henry W. Collier and Carl B. McGowan, Jr.<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7745; mjunaina@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: DuPont, banking, Asian financial crisis, ROE, ROA<br />
139<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The stock price and trading volume reactions of companies to single events, such as public announcements<br />
on mergers, dividend payments, or security issue announcements have been studied extensively. The impact<br />
of news about a continuing event such as the news on the inclusion in and exclusion of stocks from the KLSE<br />
Syariah Index that occurs twice yearly affects security prices and trading volume. This paper examines reasons<br />
that price and trading volume of Syariah-approved stocks might react to the inclusion-exclusion exercise. The<br />
selection criteria set by the Syariah Advisory Council of Securities Commission of <strong>Malaysia</strong> in updating the list<br />
of the Syariah-approved stocks is not based on the financial soundness alone. Views from Syariah perspective and<br />
from financial theories are discussed to support the behaviour of the included and excluded stocks from the Kuala<br />
Lumpur Syariah Index.<br />
This paper presents a model for the financial analysis of a bank in a rapidly changing environment based on<br />
the DuPont system of financial analysis. The DuPont system of financial analysis is based on analysis of return<br />
on equity which is disaggregated into net profit margin, total asset turnover and the equity multiplier. AFFIN<br />
Bank <strong>Malaysia</strong> is one of the largest banks in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and is one of the core banks from the consolidation<br />
process of the banking industry in response to the Southeast Asian economic crisis in 1997-98. The analysis<br />
covers the beginning of 1999 which is the year that AFFIN Bank was formed until 2006. The DuPont system<br />
of financial analysis shows the impact of the Asian financial crisis and the restructuring of the banking industry<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> on the financial performance of AFFIN Bank and the gradual recovery of AFFIN Bank to return to<br />
steady performance over the past eight years.
Social Sciences<br />
Examining the Entrepreneurial Attitudes of Vocational and Technical Students in<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Secondary Schools<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie<br />
Afsaneh Bagheri<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8217; zalp@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Attitude as one of the most influential factors affecting entrepreneurial learning and behaviour has been under<br />
investigation to recognize how it can be improved through educational interventions. A study was conducted to<br />
determine the entrepreneurial attitude of 3,000 secondary school students in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Findings indicate that<br />
students scored high on self-esteem cognition, achievement cognition, and achievement affect, but students had<br />
low mean scores in self-esteem behaviour, personal control affect and self-esteem affect. Moreover, there is no<br />
significant difference between the students’ ethnic groups in terms of their self-esteem behaviour. This paper<br />
discusses that entrepreneurial attitude can be developed through proper learning exposure and entrepreneurship<br />
education opportunities. It also presents the implications of the study to improve the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n education system<br />
and entrepreneurial attitude of students during the critical years of secondary school.<br />
Keywords: Entrepreneurial behavior, entrepreneurial attitude, secondary school students<br />
Long Run Relationship between <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Stock Market and Agriculture Sector<br />
Dr. Junaina Muhammad<br />
Mohamad Iruwan Ghuslan and Kamaruzaman Jusoff<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7745; mjunaina@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Since independence, agriculture has been <strong>Malaysia</strong>’s primary economic activity and the major source of<br />
national income. However, in 1987, the manufacturing sector takes over as the premier sector in the economy<br />
growth (BNM, 1989). Recently, in the ninth <strong>Malaysia</strong> plan period, the government has given a new emphasis to<br />
agriculture sector. Thus, this paper is to investigate the long-run relationship between <strong>Malaysia</strong>n stock market and<br />
agriculture sector performances during 15 years period from 1990 to 2005. The results suggest that <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
stock market and agriculture sector have a positive long-run relationship.<br />
Keywords: Cointegration, unit root, market performance, agriculture<br />
140
Assessment Tools for Sustainability in Higher Education to Create Sustainable<br />
Campus<br />
Dr. Kamariah Dola<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4061; drkamariahupm@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Sustainable campus, campus community, sustainable development awareness<br />
Semangat Patriotisme dalam Kalangan Mahasiswa Bukan Melayu di IPT Sekitar<br />
Lembah Kelang<br />
Dr. Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu<br />
Mohd. Haizam Mohd. Nor<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7878; hasnita@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
141<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This research aims to create a tool to assess sustainable development effort in higher education in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
and to test its application. The fourth mission in Ninth <strong>Malaysia</strong> Plan clearly stated the need to improve the standard<br />
and sustainability of quality of life. In addition, the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n National Urbanization Policy clearly stated for the<br />
need to create a safe and healthy city for <strong>Malaysia</strong>n. These goals may not be attained without a concerted effort<br />
to secure sustainability, especially at the higher education level where it could create multiplier effect to industry<br />
and society as a whole. This research will identify important attributes for sustainability assessment process at<br />
higher education. The benefits of creating and using cross-institutional tool for campus sustainability assessments<br />
include: identifying attributes for sustainability assessment such as energy resource consumption, environmental<br />
loadings, indoor environmental quality, service quality and social and economic aspects. The assessment may be<br />
used to benchmarking leaders of best practices and providing a directional tool to measure progress toward the<br />
concept of a sustainable campus. It will also identify strengths, weaknesses of current practice and implication for<br />
future sustainability effort for <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Higher Education. Findings could assist Higher Education Institutions to<br />
facilitate sustainable development efforts in their activities, curriculum and built environment as a way to create<br />
sustainable graduates and society.<br />
Berdasarkan laporan-laporan media semenjak tahun 2003, statistik daripada Polis Diraja <strong>Malaysia</strong> dan<br />
Akademi Tentera <strong>Malaysia</strong>, didapati penglibatan generasi muda bukan Melayu terutamanya kaum Cina dan India<br />
dalam institusi pertahanan negara yang merupakan manifestasi utama kepada semangat patriotisme amat sedikit<br />
sekali. Sekaligus hal ini menggambarkan semangat patriotisme yang kurang meyakinkan di kalangan mereka.<br />
Justeru itu, kajian ini dilakukan secara saintifik untuk melihat sejauh manakah semangat patriotisme di kalangan<br />
generasi muda bukan Melayu tersebut terhadap negara. Kajian ini melibatkan seramai 743 responden yang dipilih<br />
dari dua buah IPTA dan dua buah IPTS. Kesemua lokasi IPT yang dipilih ini terletak di sekitar Lembah Kelang.<br />
Data kajian diperolehi melalui soal selidik yang telah dianalisis secara deskriptif dan inferensi seperti analisis<br />
min, peratusan dan ujian ANOVA sehala. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan semangat patriotisme di kalangan generasi<br />
muda bukan Melayu terbabit adalah sederhana. Seterusnya, perbandingan semangat patriotisme di kalangan<br />
responden dalam kajian ini telah dilakukan dengan semangat patriotisme yang ditunjukkan di luar negara seperti<br />
Amerika Syarikat, Kanada, Itali, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, China, dan Korea Selatan.<br />
Keywords: Semangat patriotisme, mahasiswa bukan Melayu, institusi pengajian tinggi awam, institusi pengajian tinggi<br />
swasta, institusi pertahanan negara
Social Sciences<br />
Different Variants of the Monetary Model: <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Experience in the Pre- and<br />
Post-crisis Periods<br />
Dr. Lee Chin<br />
M. Azali<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8646 7769; leechin@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
This study examines the validity of four different variants of the monetary model of exchange rate<br />
determination for <strong>Malaysia</strong> covering both the pre- and post-crisis periods using the vector error-correction<br />
models. The findings demonstrate that for both periods, the variables used are cointegrated. Tests tend to suggest<br />
that of the four variants of monetary model, the sticky-price model holds in both periods while the flexible-price<br />
model holds only in the post-crisis period. The proportionality between the exchange rate and relative money<br />
does not hold in any period. The plotted actual and fitted exchange rates for both sub-samples show that the<br />
models are able to track the actual exchange rate trend quiet well.<br />
Keywords: Monetary exchange rate model, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Basic Elements of Communication Competence<br />
Dr. Lailawati Mohd. Salleh<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8646 7773; laila@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Communication competence has been studied in a diverse array of scholarship such as human-computer<br />
interaction, marketing, gerontology, institutional contexts, conflict and intercultural relations. Interesting to<br />
note though, despite this vast literature, communication competence lacks definitional consensus. Even though<br />
a plethora of studies on communication competence exist, scholars studying the concept are still perplexed<br />
with what constitutes communication competence and also there are others who express concern about the lack<br />
of theory. Tracing the related literature on communication competence might provide some insights into the<br />
underlying elements of communication competence. This essay attempts to put forth those elements.<br />
Keywords: Communication competence, knowledge, skills, adaptation, appropriateness<br />
142
Tests of Different Monetary Aggregates for the Monetary Models of the Exchange<br />
Rate in Five ASEAN Countries<br />
Dr. Lee Chin<br />
Muzafar Shah Habibullah and M. Azali<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7769; leechin@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Monetary exchange rate model, ASEAN<br />
Audience at Art Music Concert in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keywords: Audience, art music, concerts<br />
Dr. Loo Fung Chiat<br />
Loo Fung Ying<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7120; lfc@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
143<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study examines the usefulness of divisia money, relative to simple sum money, for exchange rate<br />
modelling in a period of rapid financial deregulation. This comparison is conducted using the monetary model of<br />
the exchange rate. In the long-run modelling, the divisia money is significantly superior to simple sum money in<br />
the case of <strong>Malaysia</strong> and the Philippines while indifferent for Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.<br />
The development of art music and the construction of acoustically designed concert halls in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
have provided more opportunities for live performance of various genres of art music. Full attention is given to<br />
performers and their performances at a live concert, however it should be noted and emphasized that a live concert<br />
will not take place without the existence of its spectators. In comparison with pop concerts, the size of audience<br />
at art music concerts is often small and this has become a concern among organizers and performers. This study<br />
was carried out to study the characteristics of the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n audience at three concerts with a selection of eight<br />
performances. Audience at these performances was observed and a survey was used with interviewers, intercepted<br />
potential respondents after each concert. A total of 660 samples were gathered. The result of the survey could<br />
function as a preliminary examination for future research to trace the changing characteristic of audience over<br />
time.
Social Sciences<br />
A Preliminary Study on Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction among Male<br />
Navy Personnel at a Naval Base in Lumut, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Rumaya Juhari, Rusinah Joned and NorLiyana Mohd. Bokhti<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7053; mansorat@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Job satisfaction and occupational stress both indicate workers’ appraisal towards the workplace and work<br />
itself. Thus, it is important to have valid measure of job satisfaction and occupational stress. This measure is also<br />
important in the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n workplace context. A total of 40 male officers and non-officers, from the seaman and<br />
engineering and supply branch in the Lumut Naval Base participated in the study. Data were collected using a<br />
self-administered questionnaire, the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS; Spector, 1985) and Job Related Tension Index<br />
(JRTI; Kahn et al., 1964). This preliminary study established internal consistency using Cronbach alpha values<br />
for both instruments. Factor analysis on JSS yielded similar constructs to the original scale. Additionally, the<br />
study determined the level of occupational stress, job satisfaction and relationship between occupational stress<br />
and job satisfaction facets. The findings of the study revealed that the reliability of both instruments were greater<br />
than .80. Most male Navy personnel reported moderate levels of job satisfaction in the favorable nature of work<br />
facet. High occupational stress on the other hand, was related to an unknown superior’s evaluation of one’s<br />
workplace performance. Correlational analyses found that occupational stress was associated with overall job<br />
satisfaction and in eight of its facets. Collectively, results provide evidence that both instruments are reliable in<br />
the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n military setting context. Caution should be made that findings of this preliminary study should not<br />
be generalised to the larger population due to its small sample size.<br />
Keywords: Job satisfaction, occupational stress, male navy<br />
Essences and Meaning of Being Mandated for Counselling<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7053; mansorat@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Counselling is characterised by an explicit agreement between a counsellor and client to meet in a certain,<br />
private setting at agreed times and under disciplined conditions of confidentiality, with ethical parameters,<br />
protected time and specified aims and can be activated through referral services. However, this could contribute<br />
to the phenomenon of involuntary participation, especially in the case of mandated counselling. Mandated<br />
counselling as an avenue to ensure individuals present for counselling, is practiced in educational settings, such<br />
as in higher learning institutions. It is argued that the involuntary nature of mandated counselling could somehow<br />
influence the counselling process and outcome. Nevertheless, there is an increased use of counselling services for<br />
referral cases such as disciplinary mandate, and the question of whether this intrusive and coercive phenomenon<br />
impinges on counselling effectiveness, becomes important. The aim of the study reported in this paper, is to<br />
understand and describe the lived experiences of university students mandated for counselling. Seven students<br />
were interviewed to better understand their individual subjective experiences. Data were analysed according to<br />
phenomenological analysis (Moustakas, 1994). Findings showed that the meaning-making can be both positive<br />
and negative. Counsellor presence, continuous outreaching and other interventions were suggested by respondents.<br />
Keywords: Mandated counselling, referral services, undergraduates, eastern values<br />
144
Instrumental and Emotional Support to the Female Headed Households<br />
Keywords: Career readiness, undergraduates, gender<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Sharifah Azizah Haron, Jariah Masud and Benjamin Chan Yin Fah<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7053; mansorat@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Social support, female headed household, emotional support<br />
Influence of Gender on Career Readiness among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Undergraduates<br />
Dr. Mansor Abu Talib<br />
Mohamad Shatar Sabran and Tan Kit-Aun<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7053; mansorat@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
145<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The increasing prevalence of female headed families is not a concern issue but the number of female headed families that<br />
experience significant social and economic disadvantage is of importance. Social capital is a concept that encompasses various<br />
dimensions of social resource such as social networks, community attachment and social support. Social support within the<br />
family and community is important in overcoming deficiencies among female headed households. Female headed household or<br />
single motherhood means shouldering family responsibilities alone and has greater likelihood of becoming poor. The objectives<br />
of this study are to examine sources and types of support received and expected by female headed household single mothers<br />
and their perception towards their support network upon becoming single mothers. A study that examines the social support<br />
or network of female headed household is vital in ensuring appropriate support provided by support providers can effectively<br />
enhanced their well being. Hence, they and their children will not be deprived of good future and opportunities. A total of 700<br />
respondents participated in this study, which was conducted in northern, southern, eastern and central region of Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>. Majority (74.5%) had sought and received support while 25.5% did not. Family members and relatives were the most<br />
support providers important to female-headed households. Financial aid, emotional support, motivation and support in term<br />
of guidance and advice were the four most important types of support to the female headed household respectively. School,<br />
Pusat Zakat and Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat were the top three agencies where support was received. Jabatan Kebajikan<br />
Masyarakat, Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Pusat Zakat, Single Mothers Association were the<br />
top five support-expected agencies. Whereas, Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, Pusat Zakat, School, Kementerian Pembangunan<br />
Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Single Mother Associations and Baitul Mal were the six top support-known agencies to<br />
provide support to female headed households.<br />
Career development is important especially for university students who are in the process of preparing<br />
themselves to enter the job market. Career development is important because it is the processes and activities<br />
that may shape one’s career in the future. As <strong>Malaysia</strong> moves towards a knowledge-driven economy, the skills<br />
and qualification requirements in the employment market have subsequently become increasingly demanding.<br />
The study aimed to investigate the influence of gender on career readiness among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n undergraduate<br />
students at <strong>Malaysia</strong>n universities. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire of 1229 <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
undergraduate students from four public universities. Respondents were identified through the multistage stratified<br />
sampling method. Findings of the study indicate that a majority of the respondents reported low level of career<br />
readiness. When compared to male undergraduates, female undergraduates were found to have lower career<br />
readiness as manifested by the higher need for career information, and by being more anxious and indecisive<br />
when having to make career decisions. An understanding of the factors which contribute to career readiness<br />
among male and female university students will help to provide insights for educators in improving students’<br />
career developmental process.
Social Sciences<br />
Pengembangan Potensi Homestay dari Perspektif Pendekatan Pembangunan<br />
Komuniti Berasaskan Aset (ABCD): Kajian Kes Bario Sarawak<br />
Dr Ma’rof Redzuan<br />
W. A. Amir Zal<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7062; marof@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Bario terletak di Tanah Tinggi Kelabit, iaitu di utara timur Sarawak dan berhampiran dengan sempadan<br />
antarabangsa di antara Sarawak dan Kalimantan. Sungguhpun Bario terletak jauh di pedalaman, namun Bario<br />
sering kali mendapat kunjungan pelancong dari luar. Sektor pelancongan telah memberi peluang kepada penduduk<br />
Bario untuk memperkenalkan cara hidup dan budaya mereka kepada masyarakat luar. Secara khususnya, sektor<br />
pelancongan telah membuka ruang kepada penduduk Bario untuk terlibat dalam program homestay. Kajian ini<br />
mengaplikasikan pendekatan Pembangunan Komuniti Berasaskan Aset (Asset-Based Community Development<br />
- ABCD) untuk mengenal pasti aset komuniti yang terdapat dalam komuniti Bario dan pengusaha homestay.<br />
Kajian ini mempunyai beberapa objektif, iaitu mengenal pasti aset yang dimiliki oleh pengusaha homestay dan<br />
penduduk Bario, mengenal pasti kepenggunaan dan pemanfaatan aset komuniti oleh pengusaha homestay dan<br />
mengenal pasti kualiti hidup pengusaha homestay dan penduduk Bario melalui perusahaan homestay. Kajian ini<br />
menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif yang melibatkan tiga belas orang pengusaha Homestay di Bario. Data kajian<br />
diperoleh dengan menggunakan kaedah tinjauan berasaskan borang selidik kajian. Data kajian dianalisis dengan<br />
menggunakan perisian komputer SPSS dan dihuraikan melalui data deskriptif. Dapatan kajian telah mengenal<br />
pasti empat bentuk aset/modal yang terdapat dalam komuniti Bario iaitu aset/modal insan, sosial, fizikal dan<br />
kewangan. Pengusaha homestay memanfaatkan aset/modal komuniti dengan baik dan pemanfaatan tersebut telah<br />
menyumbang peningkatan kualiti hidup pengusaha homestay dan penduduk Bario.<br />
Keywords: Bario, homestay, pembangunan komuniti berasaskan aset (ABCD), modal insan, modal sosial, modal fizikal,<br />
modal kewangan<br />
Path-analysis Model of the Development of Handicraft (Batik) Industries in<br />
Kelantan, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Ma’rof Redzuan<br />
Fariborz Aref<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7064; marof@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
This study identifies factors that contribute to the development of handicraft industries. The focus is on batik<br />
industries. The study was carried out in the District of Kota Bharu in the State of Kelantan, <strong>Malaysia</strong>, and targeted<br />
the entrepreneurs in the batik handicraft enterprises. The study is based upon both quantitative and qualitative<br />
analysis of material derived from field-work in several villages in the study area. The analysis of data employed<br />
path-analysis model in order to determine the factors that contribute to the explanation of the dependent variable<br />
- the development of the industries. The findings show that the selected factors have contributed significantly<br />
in the explanation of the development of the industries. The findings imply that it is imperative to consider and<br />
understand the local resources, skills, attitudes and aspirations in any government efforts to foster the development<br />
of these handicraft industries.<br />
Keywords: Handicraft, batik, rural development, rural industries<br />
146
Employees’ Acceptance Level in Reengineering Process among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Services<br />
Organisation<br />
Dr. Mass Hareeza Ali<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7689; mass@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Reengineering, acceptance level, service organisation, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Consumer Decision Making Process in Shopping for Halal Foods in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keywords: Assurance, halal food, Muslim consumers<br />
Dr. Mohani Abdul<br />
Hashanah Ismail, Haslina Hashim and Juliana Johari<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7645; mohani@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
147<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The purpose of this research was to investigate the employees’ acceptance level in reengineering process<br />
among selected <strong>Malaysia</strong>n services organisation: The Bank (banking), TeleCo (telecommunication company)<br />
and the University. The real name of the organisation had been disguised. Employees’ views on the process and<br />
their daily tasks affected by reengineering process were also considered. Based on a measure of their perceptions,<br />
the employees of these organisations were questioned in order to ascertain the importance of the reengineering<br />
in service organisations. There will be a comparative discussion of the three selected organisations, using the<br />
selected criteria in order to identify their level of acceptance. The survey was conducted by mail, and the findings<br />
are summarised herein. Results from the research were expected to contribute new information in the development<br />
criteria for any changes especially in <strong>Malaysia</strong>n service organisation.<br />
This paper reports on the results obtained from quantitative and qualitative data on consumer decision making<br />
process in shopping for halal food. A total of 213 questionnaires were returned by respondents, confirming that<br />
our respondents who are concerned about the “halal” logo are also concerned about the ingredients used. The<br />
study also confirms that there is a significant relationship between respondents’ religion and their perceptions<br />
towards halal logo and ingredients. While the qualitative data from a focus group interview on how Muslim<br />
consumers shop for halal food shows that there is a need for assurance that food to be purchased is halal, implying<br />
the presence of risk and uncertainty when making purchase considerations. Using the audit risk framework in<br />
conventional assurance services, the study finds that assurance is sought in relation to the halalness of business<br />
premise, halalness of product, and assurance from environmental elements such as the halal logo displayed.
Social Sciences<br />
Servicescape Failure and Recovery Strategy in the Food Service Industry: How to<br />
Satisfy the Angry Customers?<br />
Dr. Mohhidin Othman<br />
Chua Bee Lia, Boo Huey Chern, Muhammad Shahrim Ab. Karim and Sridar Ramachandran<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8363; mohhidin@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Servicescape has become an increasingly important element in the delivery of customer expectation and delight<br />
in services industry. However, servicescape failure can result in customer dissatisfaction. The subsequent interaction with<br />
a service employee has a great deal of influence on customer ultimate satisfaction. Despite the acknowledged importance<br />
of servicescape, there is a dearth of investigation on servicescape failure and the associated recovery strategy in the food<br />
service industry. This research attempted to offer solutions on how to deal with the angry customers as a result of servicescape<br />
failure. The Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was used to examine servicescape failures and recovery strategies in the food<br />
service industry. In-depth personal interview was applied. The transcription was content analyzed through an inductive sorting<br />
process. The developed classification system was measured by inter-judge reliability and content validity. Using the CIT,<br />
data on 226 servicescape failures and 287 recovery actions were collected from 174 informants. The analysis revealed that<br />
cleanliness issues (76.1%) were the most reported problem in the food service industry, followed by design issues (11.1%),<br />
social interaction issues (7.1%), and functionality issues (5.7%). Customers exhibited negative reactions to those failures with<br />
displaying of emotional and physiological responses. The recovery strategies identified through the sorting process resulting in<br />
five major categories which were empathetic, corrective, compensatory, authority intervention, and no recovery. Combination<br />
of prompt action-oriented responses and sincere empathetic responses was perceived as far more effective and was likely to<br />
meet customer satisfaction, regardless of servicescape failure type. This study has implications for food service practitioners<br />
who are seeking to improve the tangibles in their eateries. It is recommended that food service managers have to closely monitor<br />
the servicescapes and implement appropriate recovery strategies which may greatly affect customer satisfaction. Staff training<br />
is a necessary process in developing efficient service delivery systems.<br />
Keywords: Servicescape failure, recovery strategy, customer satisfaction, food service industry<br />
Relationships between Satisfaction of Muslim Women on Financial Supports After<br />
Divorce and Ex-husbands’ Compliance to the Supports with Post-divorce Welfare<br />
Dr. Muslihah Hasbullah@Abdullah<br />
Najibah Mohd. Zin and Saodah Wok<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7690; muslihah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The main objective of this study was to assess the welfare of divorced women relating to financial<br />
supports after divorce i.e., iddah maintenance, mut’ah, arrears of maintenance, and child maintenance. The<br />
specific objectives were to determine the divorced women’s satisfaction with the amount of financial supports;<br />
the ex-husband’s compliance to court-ordered financial supports; satisfaction with post-divorce welfare (level<br />
of economic strain and level of depression); relationships between satisfaction with the amount of financial<br />
supports and post-divorce welfare; and relationships between the ex-husbands’ compliance to court-ordered<br />
financial supports and post-divorce welfare. Data were collected using questionnaire. The samples were 201<br />
divorced women recruited from the recorded cases in the year of 2003 till 2005 in the Shariah Subordinate Courts<br />
of Hulu Langat and Gombak Timur, Selangor. Pearson correlation showed that two factors were negatively<br />
correlated with the economic welfare of the divorced women i.e., the dissatisfaction with the amount of iddah<br />
maintenance, mut’ah, and child maintenance and the ex-husband’s none or partial compliance to court-ordered<br />
iddah maintenance, mut’ah, and child maintenance. However, contrary to expectation, the divorced women’s<br />
satisfaction with the amount of all types of financial supports provided by the ex-husband and their ex-husbands’<br />
none or partial compliance to all types of financial supports were found to have no significant relationships with<br />
depression. Findings indicate that the assessment of a reasonable sum of financial supports and the effective<br />
enforcement of court order are the significant factors that might augment the welfare of women after divorce.<br />
Keywords: Arrears of maintenance, child maintenance, compliance to court order, depression, economic strain, iddah<br />
maintenance, mut’ah, satisfaction<br />
148
The Influences of Absorptive Capacity and Social Capital on Knowledge Transfer<br />
Reciprocity at Any Cost?<br />
Dr. Naresh Kumar<br />
Raduan Che Rose and Nurul Fatiha Abdul Muien<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7632; naresh@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Absorptive capacity, knowledge transfer, <strong>Malaysia</strong>, multinational corporation, social capital<br />
Dr. Ng Siew Imm<br />
Lau Yeng Wai and Ho Jo Ann<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7692; siewimm@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Relationship-marketing, cultural value dimensions, reciprocity, business ethics<br />
149<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study investigated the current business practices in Japanese electrical and electronics manufacturing<br />
subsidiaries as well as the influences of both absorptive capacity and social capital on knowledge transfer within<br />
the firms’ intra-MNC network in the wake of full AFTA implementation in 2018. Results showed that employees<br />
are generally satisfied with the current practices in these subsidiaries with relation to the eight dimensions being<br />
studied; learning system, training, communication, reward, promotion, compensation, trust and centrality. This<br />
study also found that absorptive capacity has definite but small relationship with knowledge transfer, while social<br />
capital bears much more substantial relationship with the former.<br />
This case on business culture in <strong>Malaysia</strong> presents an opportunity for post-graduate and final year<br />
undergraduate students the exposure on relationship-marketing, cultural value dimensions, reciprocity as well<br />
as ethical issues. The case was about a breach of verbal trust given to a client who resulted in the focal company<br />
facing the risk of losing significant amount of time and financial losses. This case has a moderate level of difficulty<br />
and may be used to teach marketing, cross-cultural management and business ethics.
Social Sciences<br />
The Influence of Cultural Similarity and Individual Factors on Visitation<br />
Dr. Ng Siew Imm<br />
Julie Anne Lee and Geoffrey N. Soutar<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7692; siewimm@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
This paper examined how Chinese, German and American individuals’ perceptions of cultural similarity/<br />
difference influence intentions to travel to New Zealand, a novel long-haul destination. The relationship was<br />
examined along with a set of potentially influential individual difference variables, including international travel<br />
experience, uncertainty avoidance, novelty seeking and ethnocentrism. Cultural similarity was a common positive<br />
predictor of travel intentions toward New Zealand across all three countries. Respondent’s travel experience and<br />
novelty seeking were also important positive influences for this long-haul destination, at least for Americans and<br />
Germans. Respondent’s level of uncertainty avoidance was only significant for Germany, where those with higher<br />
uncertainty were less likely to intend to visit New Zealand. Ethnocentrism was not a significant predictor in any<br />
country. These findings suggest that the perception of cultural similarity, which can be influenced by marketing<br />
campaigns, has a positive influence on travel intentions. Tourism marketers should stress elements of cultural<br />
similarity in their campaigns, especially for those markets where there may be lower levels of knowledge about<br />
the destination.<br />
Keywords: Cultural similarity, intentions, New Zealand, novelty seeking, uncertainty avoidance, travel experience<br />
Keterlibatan Audien Belia dengan Mesej-mesej Perpaduan dalam Kempen<br />
Kemasyarakatan di Televisyen <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Nobaya Ahmad<br />
Md. Salleh Hassan, Jamilah Othman, Mariah Muda, Dzuhailmi Dahalan and Nor Azliza Wanis Abdullah<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7052; nobaya@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Media penyiaran memainkan peranan penting dalam sistem penyampaian maklumat. Televisyen sebagai<br />
salah satu media penyiaran utama bagi penyampaian maklumat dilihat masih lagi berperanan terutama dalam<br />
konteks masyarakat di luar bandar. Namun begitu, sejauh manakah peranan televisyen ini penting dalam<br />
penyampaian mesej? Kajian ini membincangkan keterlibatan audien belia dengan mesej-mesej perpaduan<br />
di televisyen <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Keterlibatan audien belia ditakrifkan sebagai situasi di mana belia memahami dan<br />
melibatkan diri dengan mesej-mesej perpaduan yang disiarkan menerusi televisyen <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Objektif kajian<br />
ini adalah untuk menentukan sejauhmana belia <strong>Malaysia</strong> menyedari dan mentafsir mesej-mesej perpaduan dan<br />
apakah bentuk penglibatan mereka terhadap mesej-mesej perpaduan yang disiarkan. Kajian ini menggunakan<br />
pendekatan kuantitatif. Seramai 513 orang belia di sekitar Lembah Klang dan berumur antara 15 hingga 25 tahun<br />
telah terlibat dalam kajian ini. Hasil kajian menunjukan bahawa responden menyedari tentang kewujudan mesejmesej<br />
perpaduan dan berupaya mentafsirnya dalam kempen kemasyarakatan yang disiarkan. Antara bentukbentuk<br />
keterlibatan adalah pengingatan semula secara rujukan, secara kritikal dan penyertaan secara tingkahlaku.<br />
Hasil kajian juga menunjukkan implikasi kerterlibatan belia dengan mesej perpaduan lebih menjurus ke arah<br />
tinggi dari segi pemikiran dan perasaan tetapi sederhana pada tingkah laku.<br />
Keywords: Keterlibatan audien belia, media penyiaran, mesej perpaduan<br />
150
Linking CRM Strategy, Customer Performance Measures and Performance in the<br />
Hotel Industry<br />
Dr. Nor Aziah Abu Kasim<br />
Badriyah Minai<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7748; noraziah@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
The Role of Person-Job Fit Perception in Work Adjustment of New Academics in<br />
Public <strong>Universiti</strong>es<br />
Dr. Nor Wahiza Abdul Wahat<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8224; norwahiza@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Person-job fit perception, work adjustment, new academics<br />
151<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Customer relationship management (CRM) has been increasingly adopted because of its benefits of greater<br />
customer satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn, leads to enhanced financial and competitive performance. This<br />
paper reports on a study that examines the relationship between CRM strategy and performance and determines<br />
whether the use of customer performance measures plays a mediating role in the relationship between CRM<br />
strategy and performance. This study contributes to the limited literature on CRM strategy since little is known<br />
about the use of CRM strategy and customer performance measures and their relation with performance in the<br />
hotel industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of hotels in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Hierarchical<br />
regression analyses on a sample of 95 hotels revealed that only the information technology dimension of CRM<br />
strategy has a significant and positive effect on performance. In addition, the hypothesis concerning the role of<br />
customer performance measures as a mediator was supported.<br />
Keywords: Customer relationship management strategy, customer performance measures, hotels, performance, mediator<br />
A blended quantitative and qualitative study has been conducted to examine the essence of person-job fit<br />
perception in work adjustment of new academics. The sample of the survey consisted of 167 new academics from<br />
three public universities in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The Person-Job Fit Perception Scale was used to measure the person-job fit<br />
perception and the Work Adjustment Scale was used to measure work adjustment. Meanwhile 23 new academics<br />
were involved in the in-depth interviews. Descriptive analysis showed high levels of person-job fit perception and<br />
work adjustment among the subjects. Correlation analysis proved positive and significant relationship between<br />
person-job fit perception and work adjustment. This means that, new academics with higher level of person-job<br />
fit perception perceived better work adjustment process than those who possessed lower level of person-job<br />
fit perception. Partial correlation analysis highlighted the influence of work experience and other demographic<br />
factors such as age, gender, and department on the relationship. The results were supported by qualitative findings.<br />
The essence of person-job fit perception has emerged as a theme, with experience, knowledge and competencies<br />
as the sub themes. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to both new academics and university<br />
managements. Among them are to arrange attachments of new academics into industrial practices for certain<br />
duration of time, to review current induction courses, and adoption of proactive actions by new academics to<br />
develop their own job-related knowledge and skills.
Social Sciences<br />
Food Insecurity among Urban Welfare Recipient Households in Hulu Langat<br />
Selangor<br />
Dr. Norhasmah Sulaiman<br />
Zalilah, M. S., Kandiah, M., Mohd. Nasir, M. T. and Asnarulkhadi, A. S.<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7106; norhasmah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Food insecurity defines whenever people are not able to access enough food at all time for an active and<br />
healthy life, as well as the availability of adequate and safe food acquired by socially acceptable ways. The study<br />
utilised the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Coping Strategy Instrument (MCSI) to determine the prevalence and the risk factors of<br />
food insecurity among urban welfare recipient households in Hulu Langat, Selangor. One hundred and three<br />
women (20-55 years old) from welfare recipient households were involved in this study. Questionnaires were<br />
used to collect demographic and socioeconomics information as well as food security status of the households.<br />
The results indicated that 26.3% of the households were food secure, while 39.8% experienced moderate food<br />
insecure and 34.0% were severe food insecure. The risk factors of food insecurity included the presence of<br />
children below 7 years old (F=3.690; P
The Determinant of Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN: A Semi-Gravity<br />
Approach<br />
Dr. Normaz Wana Ismail<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7708; nwi@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: ASEAN, foreign direct investment, gravity model<br />
The Effect of ASEAN Economic Integration on Foreign Direct Investment<br />
Dr. Normaz Wana Ismail<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7708; nwi@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: ASEAN, AFTA, foreign direct investment, gravity model<br />
153<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study used a semi gravity model to identify the determinants of FDI in ASEAN countries. The results<br />
revealed that besides the market size for host and source country, other criteria such as the shorter the distance,<br />
common in language and border, the extended market relative to distance also attracts more foreign investors. Other<br />
macroeconomic factors such as lower inflation rate, the slightly higher in exchange rate and good management of<br />
the government budget are among the key factors that attract more FDI. In addition to economic factors, social<br />
factors such as good telecommunication and infrastructure and non-economic factors such transparency and trade<br />
policy also encourage more investors to the ASEAN.<br />
The primary concern of this study is to highlight AFTA’s roles in increasing ASEAN countries’ attractiveness<br />
for FDI from members and non-members, noting that the agreement has been followed by many packages to<br />
enhance FDI flows into the region. The time period covered in this study is after the AFTA has been implemented<br />
(1995 to 2003). The gravity model is employed in this study in the analysis based on cross section and panel data<br />
analysis. There are two main effects considered in this study, namely the effects of REI on intra-regional FDI<br />
flows and on extra-regional FDI flows. The major finding of this study is that the ASEAN5 invested in each other<br />
less than they invested in the new ASEAN members. The empirical results from extra-regional-FDI revealed that<br />
the European countries increase investment in ASEAN than any other region in the sample. Moreover, further<br />
investigation also found that the USA and Japan invested more in ASEAN5 than in the new ASEAN members.
Social Sciences<br />
The Influence of Types of Social Support on Self-rated Health among Elderly<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>ns<br />
Dr. Rahimah Ibrahim<br />
Siti Suhailah, A. and Abolfathi Momtaz, Y.<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2754; imahibrahim@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The importance of social support to the health of older people has been established, although the understanding<br />
of how this association occurs is still evolving. The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of the types<br />
of social support on self-rated health among the elderly. Secondary data were derived from a cross-sectional<br />
study entitled Patterns of Social Relationship and Psychological Well Being among Older Persons in Peninsular<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> (PSRPWO) 2007-2008. Sample for current analysis consists of 1880 <strong>Malaysia</strong>n older persons between<br />
the age of 60 to 100 years old (M=70.3, SD=8.01). Self-rated health was assessed through a single item asking<br />
respondents to rate their overall health on a 5-point scale of 1 ‘very poor’ to 5 ‘excellent’ whereas health problems<br />
or the number of diseases present was held constant in the analysis. The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social<br />
Support Survey comprising 19 items collapsed into four domains of support (emotional or informational, physical,<br />
affectionate, and positive social interaction) was used to measure the degree of different types of social support.<br />
Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that among the elderly, social support significantly contributed<br />
to self-rated health over and beyond the presence of disease [?F(4, 1864)=30.72, ?R2=5%, p
Market-orientation and Islamic Business Practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keywords: Multinational enterprise, culture, retail, Islam<br />
Dr. Raja Nerina Raja Yusof<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7659; nerina@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Understanding IT Skills Development in Accounting Degree Programme: A Core<br />
Phenomenon<br />
Dr. Rosmila Senik<br />
Martin Broad<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7762; rosmila@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Accounting education, information technology skill, grounded theory, teacher private theory<br />
155<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study examines the moderating effects of Islamic business practices (IBPs) on the corporate culture of<br />
foreign retail multinational enterprises (MNEs) in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Specifically, this study focuses on the halal (permitted)<br />
and haram (forbidden) practices in Islamic consumption that have a significant impact on food retailing, while<br />
corporate culture in this context focuses on the market-oriented aspect of the retail subsidiaries’ organisational<br />
culture. This study utilises David Ralston’s convergence-divergence-crossvergence (CDC) framework to examine<br />
possibilities that may emerge relating to the impact of IBP on the retail MNE subsidiary’s organizational culture.<br />
The study obtains data on the three foreign hypermarket companies operating in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, from interviews with<br />
Carrefour and Tesco stores supplemented by archival research and observations on these two as well as GCH<br />
Retail (which operates Giant stores). Results indicated that Carrefour <strong>Malaysia</strong> has portrayed characteristics<br />
that match the ‘crossvergence’ subsidiary culture, whereby a fusion culture has emerged in the subsidiary as a<br />
result of the influence of IBPs on its parent’s (MNE) corporate culture. In the case of Tesco <strong>Malaysia</strong> and Giant<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>, findings have revealed characteristics which match the ‘divergence’ subsidiary culture, since both firms<br />
did their parts in adapting sufficiently to the halal and haram basic practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, but they did not indicate<br />
additional efforts in implementing or applying more than what was required.<br />
This research explores the process of IT skills development on an accounting degree course in a UK<br />
university using a grounded theory methodology. Data was collected using multiple qualitative approaches,<br />
including interviews, focus groups, observations and document reviews, focusing respondents in one traditional<br />
university in the UK and involving one Big Four accounting firm. For a more rigorous comparative analysis,<br />
data sources were extended to education and engineering programmes. However, the main focus was on the<br />
accounting programme, with information from the other programmes considered when relevant. Using grounded<br />
theory procedures (Strauss and Corbin, 1998), the research aims to generate substantive new theory on the<br />
phenomena, specifically on conception-driven IT skills development. The substantive theory proposes that IT<br />
skills development in teaching is driven by the perceptions of educators on issues primarily related to them<br />
(educators), institutional values, responsibilities for skills development, support, learning, technology and<br />
students. It is suggested that educators with a positive private theory, particularly on educator-related issues, have<br />
demonstrated effort in IT skills development for students through integrating it into their teaching practice.
Social Sciences<br />
Jurang digital merupakan satu masalah yang sering berlaku dalam pembangunan ICT. Ia menyebabkan<br />
wujudnya perbezaan besar dalam masyarakat termasuklah perbezaan kemudahan infrastruktur, pemilikan,<br />
penggunaan serta nilai terhadap ICT. Keadaan ini akan menjadikan pembangunan tidak lagi bersifat mapan<br />
dan menyeluruh terutama dalam kalangan belia Orang Asli. Hal ini sekaligus akan menolak mereka untuk terus<br />
ketinggalan dari arus pembangunan perdana negara. Kajian ini melibatkan 480 orang belia Orang Asli yang<br />
berumur 15 hingga 40 tahun. Hasil kajian ini mendapati bahawa belia Orang Asli berada dalam jurang digital,<br />
bukan kerana digital nilai, namun ia lebih kepada jurang digital pengetahuan, kemahiran dan fizikal pembangunan<br />
ICT. Faktor utama yang menyebabkan mereka berada dalam jurang digital ialah masalah ketidaksediaan<br />
kemudahan infrastruktur ICT di persekitaran mereka.<br />
Keywords: Belia Orang Asli, ICT, jurang digital<br />
A Profile of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Public Sector Managers’ Career Success<br />
Dr. Roziah Mohd. Rasdi<br />
Maimunah Ismail, Jegak Uli and Sidek Mohd. Noah<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7922; roziah.mr@gmail.com<br />
The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework for measuring public sector managers’ career<br />
success. The theoretical foundation used in this study is social cognitive career theory. To conduct a literature<br />
search, several keywords were identified, i.e. career success, objective and subjective career success, managers,<br />
managerial career development and social cognitive career theory. Several electronic databases available in the<br />
university’s library, such as Emerald, EBSCOHost, SAGE, Science Direct and Blackwell Synergy were used<br />
to search for resources. Literature includes sources written in both English and Malay. The four factors that<br />
have predictive potential on managers’ career success are individual-related factors, organizational-related<br />
factors, managerial competencies-related factors, and the person-environment fit factor. Career success should<br />
be operationalised using both objective and subjective career success. The study was exploratory, based on<br />
a literature review. Empirical study is needed to examine the predictive potential of the four key factors (i.e.<br />
individual-related factors, organisational-related factors, managerial competencies-related factors, and personenvironment<br />
fit factor) for public sector managers’ career success. Strengthening the HRD framework through<br />
organisational development, personnel training and development and career development may develop and<br />
unleash individual potential which leads to positive career outcomes (objective and subjective career success).<br />
The research constructs a theoretical framework which outlines the predictive potential of four key factors on<br />
public sector managers’ career success. The four key factors can be developed through HRD practices.<br />
Keywords: Public sector managers, objective career success, subjective career success, moderating variables, gender,<br />
managerial level<br />
Pengetahuan ICT dan Pembinaan Modal Insan Komuniti Belia Orang Asli dalam<br />
Era Globalisasi<br />
Dr. Sarjit S. Gill<br />
Ma’rof Redzuan, Nobaya Ahmad, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah, Haslinda Abdullah, Wan Ahmad Amir Zal Wan<br />
Ismail and Amri Jamil<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7062; sarjit@putra.upm.edy.my<br />
156
Budaya Kepenggunaan Masyarakat Orang Asli di Daerah Hulu Langat, Selangor<br />
Keywords: Konsumerisme, Orang Asli, barangan mewah<br />
Dr. Sarjit Singh Darshan Singh<br />
Marof Redzuan, Nobaya Ahmad, Haslinda Abdullah and Roslan Rosnon<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7062; sarjit@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
157<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Makalah ini bertujuan mengenal pasti konsumerisme dalam kalangan masyarakat Orang Asli di daerah<br />
Hulu Langat, Selangor, khususnya dari segi pembelian barangan mewah dan pengurusan kewangan. Konsep<br />
konsumerisme merujuk kepada kecenderungan seseorang untuk mengidentifikasikan dirinya dengan barangan<br />
dan perkhidmatan, terutama berjenama komersial dan yang melambangkan status. Seramai 75 Orang Asli<br />
daripada tiga petempatan di Hulu Langat terlibat dalam kajian ini. Pengumpulan data dilakukan secara teknik<br />
tinjauan (survei) dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa konsumerisme<br />
dalam kalangan Orang Asli tidak jauh bezanya dengan masyarakat <strong>Malaysia</strong> lain yang berada dalam arus perdana.<br />
Mereka menggunakan barangan mewah dan perkhidmatan mewah sama seperti yang digunakan oleh masyarakat<br />
dalam arus perdana. Namun, dari segi pengurusan kewangan, mereka berada pada tahap yang paling rendah<br />
dan sebahagian besar pendapatan mereka diperuntukkan untuk tujuan pembelian barangan mewah sehingga<br />
menafikan peruntukan kewangan untuk tujuan lain yang lebih penting. Implikasi daripada hasil kajian ini ialah<br />
pengetahuan mengenai kepenggunaan dan pengurusan kewangan wajar diserapkan ke dalam komuniti Orang Asli<br />
agar mereka tidak menjadi mangsa hedonisme kemewahan dunia moden yang dibawa oleh arus perdana.<br />
Relationship between Learning Style and Enterprising Competencies among<br />
University Students<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie<br />
Chai Foong Ten, Soaib Asimiran and Rosnani Jusoh<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8217; zalp@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between learning styles and enterprising competencies<br />
among university students in a public university. This is a descriptive study which used a questionnaire to collect<br />
the data. The sample was 270 students from Basic Entrepreneurship course conducted in second semester<br />
2008/2009. The findings revealed that Scale Concrete Processing was the most preferred learning style among<br />
UPM students while Scale Lack of Regulation learning style was the least preferred one. This shows that students<br />
learned better by doing a task and applying subject matter, connecting it to their own experience, using what they<br />
have learned in the subject. Based on the program of study, Scale Concrete Processing was the most preferred<br />
learning style by students from Literature program but the least preferred learning style for these students was the<br />
Scale Deep Processing. However, Technical and Science students preferred most on Scale Concrete Processing<br />
style, while the least preferred learning style for them was Scale Lack of Regulation. By using the Pearson<br />
Correlation analysis, the results showed that all learning styles adopted by the respondents was significantly<br />
correlated with enterprising competencies except the Scale Lack of Regulation style. The findings confirmed that<br />
Scale Concrete Processing style was significantly correlated with management and marketing competencies and<br />
Scale Deep Processing style was significantly correlated with financial competencies.<br />
Keywords: Learning style, entrepreneurial competencies, university entrepreneurship programs, teaching entrepreneurship
Social Sciences<br />
Keywords: Loneliness, stress, self-esteem, depression<br />
Spillover Effects of Foreign Hypermarkets on Domestic Suppliers in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Shivee Ranjanee A/P Kaliappan<br />
Rokiah Alavi, Kalthom Abdullah and Muhammad Arif Zakaullah<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7741; shiveeranjanee@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Since the mid-1990s, there has been a rapid expansion of large-scale foreign retailers in many countries<br />
across Southeast Asia, Central Europe and Latin America. This emerging trend has triggered a number of research<br />
interests on the issue of retail globalization. The research aims to consider the entry of foreign hypermarkets<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and their impact on the development and growth of domestic suppliers and manufacturers. This<br />
study uses both primary and secondary data. Secondary data were drawn from industry sources which included<br />
government departments, economic reports, retailing magazines and companies, web sites. Meanwhile, primary<br />
data are collected using mail survey questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. The findings of this study indicate<br />
that foreign hypermarkets play a very important role in the development and growth of the domestic suppliers<br />
via backward linkages. The main forms of linkages are product supply, informational linkages, assistance with<br />
inventory management, technical support and quality assurance and procurement systems. A majority of the firms<br />
indicated that they benefited substantially from the presence of foreign hypermarkets; however, they also face<br />
several challenges brought about by imposition of several unfair terms and procurement policy.<br />
Keywords: Retailing, globalisation, hypermarkets, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Loneliness, Stress, Self Esteem and Depression among <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Adolescents<br />
Dr. Siti Nor Yaacob<br />
Rumaya Juhari, Mansor Abu Talib, Uba Ikechukwu U. and Chiong Hoe Nee<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7088; sitinor@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The present study determined the relative strength of loneliness, stress and self-esteem in explaining the<br />
variation in adolescent depression. In addition, gender differences for all variables ware also examined. The<br />
respondents were 1407 male (n=679) and female (n=728) adolescents aged between 13 to 17 years old, selected<br />
using cluster-sampling technique. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Children Depression<br />
Inventory (Kovacs, 1985) was used to measure adolescent depression. Stress was measured by Perceived Stress<br />
Scale (Cohen, 1983). The Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale by Russell, Peplau, and Cutrona (1980) was used to<br />
measure loneliness. The 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) was used to assess global selfesteem.<br />
Data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression test. Results of<br />
the study show that the differences in scores between males and females were significant for depression (t= -4.35,<br />
p?.00), stress (t=-8.69, p?.001), and self-esteem (t=-3.99, p?.001). All the independent variables were significantly<br />
correlated with depression: stress (r =.505, p?.01), loneliness (r =.476, p?.01), and self-esteem (r = -.465, p?.01).<br />
Stress emerged as the strongest predictor (Beta=.299, p? 0.001) of depression, followed by loneliness (Beta=.270,<br />
p? 0.001), and self-esteem (Beta=-.231, p? 0.001). The study concludes that depression among adolescents was<br />
associated with increased perceived social stress and loneliness, and decreased self-esteem. Perceived stress<br />
played the most significant role in depression among adolescents examined. Internal emotional deficiency may<br />
function as a personal vulnerability factor to depression, and thus significantly impinge on the well-being of<br />
adolescents. Understanding the variables that predict depression among adolescents is particularly important for<br />
the intervention and prevention of adolescent depression given that adolescent depression may not only be carried<br />
into later life stages but may also escalate over time (Kovacs, 1996).<br />
158
Bullying and Depression among Teenagers<br />
Keywords: Bullying, depression, teenagers<br />
Defederalising Water Resource Management in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Siti Nor Yaacob<br />
Uba Ikechukwu U. and Rumaya Juhari<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7088; sitinor@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Suhaimi Ab. Rahman<br />
Rasyikah Md. Khalid<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 7951; suhaimi@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Water resource management, water problems, federal constitution<br />
159<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The present study examined the relationship between bullying and depression among teenagers. The<br />
respondents were 242 teenagers (119 males and 123 females) aged between 13 and 17 years selected from daily<br />
secondary schools in Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong> (mean age = 14.67 years; SD = 1.27). Data were collected using a selfadministered<br />
questionnaire. Adolescent depression was measured by the Children Depression Inventory (CDI:<br />
Kovacs, 1985). Bullying was measured using the bully subscale of the Peer Relationship Questionnaire (Rigley<br />
and Slee, 1993). Pearson correlation was used to examine the association between bullying and depression.<br />
Independent sample t-test was used to examine gender differences in bullying and depression. The findings<br />
of the study revealed that there is a positive and small correlation between bullying and teenage depression (r<br />
=.296, p?.01) with high levels of bullying associated with high levels of depression. The study further discovered<br />
significant difference (t = 3.306, p ?.05) in bullying scores for males (M=10.11, SD = 3.614) and females (M<br />
= 8.75, SD = 2.712). Males were more involved in bullying in comparison to their female counterparts. This<br />
study supports earlier and more recent findings on the relationship between bullying and depression. The study<br />
contributes to the body of knowledge because it highlights the fact that bullying and victimisation can become<br />
a vicious cycle of misery for both bullies and their victims by revealing the dangers of bullying even to teenage<br />
bullies.<br />
Water resource management in <strong>Malaysia</strong> is governed by the Federal Constitution. However, it is divided into<br />
sectors within various government departments, both at the federal and state level. To date, there are more than<br />
a dozen of water-related laws in <strong>Malaysia</strong>; each of which governs different ministries and agencies. Despite this<br />
arrangement, water problems like flood, drought and landslide have continued and remain unsolved. Many do<br />
not realize that these problems have been contributed by the current structure of water resource management in<br />
this country. This paper discusses the complexities of the present legal framework with regard to water resource<br />
management in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. An examination has been made to the current Federal Constitution as well as the<br />
Federal legislations. The study proves that the problem related to water resource management in <strong>Malaysia</strong> is<br />
partly due to the fragmented legislation on <strong>Malaysia</strong>n water.
Social Sciences<br />
Tingkah Laku Pembelian Remaja di Pasaraya dan Pengaruh Persekitaran<br />
Dr. Syuhaily Osman<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7094; syuly@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Di <strong>Malaysia</strong>, banyak pasaraya telah muncul dengan mendadak dan ini mencetuskan senario persaingan di<br />
kalangan kedai-kedainya. Mereka cuba menarik perhatian pelanggan dengan cara mereka bentuk persekitaran<br />
kedai. Melalui pertambahan bilangan pasaraya, kunjungan dalam kalangan remaja juga telah bertambah dengan<br />
nyata di mana remaja dilihat sebagai golongan pengguna yang semakin ramai membeli belah di pasaraya. Ini kerana<br />
remaja masa kini mempunyai lebih banyak wang untuk berbelanja di pasaraya dan sekaligus menjadikan mereka<br />
sebagai sasaran pasaran yang penting, oleh pengusaha pasaraya dan pemasar. Oleh itu, kajian ini memfokuskan<br />
kepada tingkah laku pembelian remaja dan kecenderungan mereka terhadap elemen persekitaran kedai dalam<br />
usaha untuk lebih memahami tentang perlakuan mereka di dalam pasaraya. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa<br />
remaja mempunyai pola tingkah laku pembelian di pasaraya yang tersendiri dan mempunyai kecenderungan<br />
yang tertentu bagi pelbagai elemen persekitaran yang digunakan oleh pemasar. Kajian ini memberikan beberapa<br />
implikasi kepada pengurus pemasaran dan penjual berkaitan dengan kepentingan faktor-faktor persekitaran kedai<br />
dalam usaha untuk menarik lebih ramai pelanggan supaya mengunjungi kedai mereka, dengan rasa selesa dan<br />
rasa berminat serta mendapat pengalaman yang memuaskan.<br />
Keywords: Persekitaran kedai, tingkah laku pembelian, pasaraya<br />
Profiling of Multiple Intelligences and Learning Style of Secondary School Students<br />
in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Dr. Tajularipin Sulaiman<br />
Aminuddin Hassan and Roselan Baki<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8149; tajulas@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of secondary students based on the Multiple<br />
Intelligences theory which consists of eight intelligences: visual/spatial, verbal/linguistic, musical/rhythmic,<br />
logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. The study comprised of<br />
749 Form Four students who were randomly selected. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire<br />
consisting of three parts; demographic information, types of intelligences, and preferred learning style.<br />
The findings showed that the highest rated intelligences were intrapersonal (mean=3.76, S.D= .64), musical<br />
(mean=3.64, S.D= .84), and interpersonal (mean=3.52, S.D= .66). For the students’ learning styles, the prominent<br />
learning styles were intrapersonal (mean=3.34, S.D= .79), interpersonal (mean=3.11, S.D= .77) and logicalmathematics<br />
(mean=3.37, S.D= .74). These findings also indicate that the Multiple Intelligences profiles of Form<br />
Four students were significantly and positively correlated with their learning style. The highest significance and<br />
positive correlation were between the linguistic profile and linguistic learning style (r=.521, p
Kecondongan Asimilasi Bahasa dan Nilai Budaya Melayu dalam Kalangan<br />
Masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya di Melaka<br />
Dr. Vijayaletchumy A/P Subramaniam<br />
Noor Aina Dani and Wan Muna Ruzanna Wan Mohammad<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8769; letchumy@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Asimilasi, penggunaan bahasa, nilai-nilai kemelayu, masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya<br />
Exploring the Dialogical Self and the Society in Literary Works by <strong>Malaysia</strong>n,<br />
American and Canadian Writers<br />
Dr. Wan Roselezam Wan Yahya<br />
Arbaayah Ali Termizi<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8738; roselezam@gmail.com<br />
161<br />
Social Sciences<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong> merupakan negara yang mempunyai pelbagai kaum etnik yang kaya dengan bahasa dan budaya yang tersendiri.<br />
Walaupun masyarakat <strong>Malaysia</strong> hidup dalam percampuran budaya, akan tetapi mereka saling hormat-menghormati antara<br />
satu sama lain terutamanya dalam aspek penggunaan bahasa, budaya, dan agama. Penyelidikan ini bertujuan untuk mengenal<br />
pasti unsur bahasa dan meneliti kekuatan asimilasi bahasa Melayu yang masih digunakan oleh masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya<br />
di Melaka. Tumpuan penyelidikan diberikan kepada aspek bahasa yang merangkumi tahap penggunaan, sebutan, ejaan,<br />
dan pinjaman kosa kata. Manakala aspek budaya juga menjadi aspek penting dalam penyelidikan ini. Penyelidikan ini juga<br />
difokuskan terhadap kekuatan nilai-nilai budaya Melayu yang masih wujud dalam masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya. Antaranya,<br />
cara berpakaian, adat perkahwinan, menyambut kelahiran bayi, dan proses berpantang. Penyelidik juga memperlihatkan<br />
unsur pegangan dan amalan kemelayuan yang masih digunakan dan diamalkan oleh masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya sehingga<br />
kini. Unsur pegangan dan amalan kemelayuan merangkumi aspek kepercayaan, pantang larang, peralatan rumah, perkakasan<br />
memasak, makanan, muzik, dan permainan tradisional. Seramai 65 orang masyarakat Baba dan Nyonya diambil secara rawak<br />
untuk dijadikan responden.Data diperoleh dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik dan juga temu bual secara bersemuka<br />
dijalankan serentak dan seterusnya dianalisis menggunakan program SPSS. Hasil dapatan juga dipersembahkan dalam bentuk<br />
kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Analisis kekerapan, peratusan, min, sisihan piawai, kolerasi Pearson dan kolerasi Spearman menjadi<br />
penganalisisan data yang utama dalam penyelidikan ini. Teori Evolusi Perubahan Sosial yang dipelopori oleh Auguste Comte<br />
telah digunakan dalam penyelidikan ini. Teori ini memperlihatkan tahap perkembangan pemikiran manusia yang terbahagi<br />
kepada 3 tahap. Tahap ini dikenali sebagai Law of Three Stages, iaitu Tahap Teologis, Tahap Metafisis, dan Tahap Positif.<br />
Konklusinya, masyarakat akan berubah mengikut tahap perkembangan semasa. Jati diri yang teguh akan mempertahankan<br />
kebudayaan yang sedia ada yang diturunkan daripada generasi ke generasi sehingga kini.<br />
One of the significant discussions in literature and philosophy is the extent of the interaction between self and<br />
society. Self and society are interwoven concepts since one cannot deny the role of psychological elements and the<br />
individual’s background in the context of the society and the communication of self with society. In this research,<br />
poems, a novel and non-fiction works are examined using Bakhtin’s dialogism and Herman’s dialogical self, and<br />
some of the findings are: (a) in Margaret Atwood novel Cat’s Eye the developing self of a female protagonist is<br />
seen through the representation of her childhood memories in the language and painting. In the realist context<br />
of the selected novel, the relationship between self and its surrounding in different levels is vividly depicted;<br />
(b) in Muhammad Haji Salleh’s poetic images, readers are given an insight to his nostalgia that roots in his past<br />
colonial experience. His double-consciousness between his past and present is of key importance in identifying<br />
the individual and cultural background through his poetry; (c) in Thoreau’s non-fiction work Walden, his internal<br />
dialogues and meditations reveal to us his “self” as embodied in his literary work. While in this selected work<br />
there is a close analogy between self and the text, which both are a series of inner voices juxtaposed with and often<br />
contradicting one another, in order to decipher the artist’s persona.<br />
Keywords: Bakhtin’s dialogism, culture, dialogical self, identity, Margaret Atwood, Muhammad Haji Salleh, Thoreau
Social Sciences<br />
Franchise Act 1998 or the Common Law: A Question of Primacy<br />
Dr. Zahira Mohd. Ishan<br />
Shaik Mohd. Noor Alam S. M. Hussain<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7779; mizahira@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Franchising in <strong>Malaysia</strong> is governed mainly by the FA. The FA however, is not the sole legislation for<br />
franchising because section 3(3) of the FA apparently acknowledges reference to the provisions of other written<br />
laws that are not in conflict with the FA. This paper examines the approaches of the judiciary in <strong>Malaysia</strong> to<br />
franchising relationship disputes through the cases of Rangkaian Hotel Seri <strong>Malaysia</strong> Sdn Bhd v. Husni Hussain<br />
[2007] 3 CLJ 446 and Neeta’s Herbal (M) Sdn. Bhd. v. Lim Bak Hiang [2000] 6 MLJ 321. Both cases are<br />
critically analyzed in order to identify whether franchising law is acknowledged and recognized by the courts.<br />
Husni Hussain case was a clear case involving franchising relationship dispute whereas the facts of Neeta’s<br />
Herbal had vaguely described the defendant as a franchisee of the plaintiff. It is found that franchising law was<br />
not being referred to at all in both cases although the dispute was related to that area of law. This paper also briefly<br />
examines the bindingness of the FA to franchising in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The FA regulates and provides substantive rules<br />
on franchising in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Section 58 of the FA provides that all parties to a franchise agreement are bound<br />
by the FA unless the exemption is granted by the Minister. In addition to that, the maxim generalibus specialia<br />
derogant provides that when there is inconsistency between the special law and general law, the special law shall<br />
prevail. The question of primacy between specific law and general law has been resolved through this maxim,<br />
which is reflected in a long list of cases on this particular issue at common law and <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Keywords: Franchising, judicial oversight, specific law<br />
Unconscionability - Statutory Prevention of Unethical Business Practices<br />
Dr. Zahira Mohd. Ishan<br />
Shaik Mohd. Noor Alam S.M. Hussain<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7779; mizahira@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
The study is to examine broadly the doctrine of unconscionability and to analyze to what extent business<br />
as well as consumer contracts in <strong>Malaysia</strong> do not preclude the possibility of unconscionability and unethical<br />
bargains. The commercial or business to business contracts look into the relationship in agency and franchising<br />
while the consumer contracts specifically relates to the sales of goods, consumer credit as well as sales and<br />
purchase of housing. These commercial and consumer contracts are commonly adhesion in nature and are getting<br />
more complex in the modern world. This paper would also suggest the statutory requirement of conscionable<br />
conduct in all its variation in both the formation as well as performance of commercial and consumer contracts<br />
generally. The variation of conscionable conduct refers to conducts that are fair and made in good faith or without<br />
undue influence, gross inequality or dishonesty.<br />
Keywords: Unconscionability, unethical business practices, business-to-business contract, consumer contract<br />
162
Projecting (New) International Reputation Management in an Asian Country<br />
Dr. Zulhamri Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8525; zulhamri@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Identity, image, reputation, international and cultural diversity<br />
West <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Sawntimber Supply Analysis: Incorporating Sustainable Forest<br />
Management Policy<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; abrahim@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Sustainable forest management, sawntimber supply, cointegration analysis<br />
163<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This paper seeks to build a theoretical approach to international reputation management from the perspective<br />
of strategic management and multiculturalism. Collective ideas and arguments are undertaken based on literature<br />
reviews of public relations, corporate communication, strategic management and cultural diversity. This paper has<br />
proposed an adaptive model of international reputation management based on realistic communication practice<br />
in an Asian country. This model seems unique in terms of localisation and is focused to reiterate an international<br />
perspective beyond western philosophy. In the 21st century, the world has changed tremendously and so has<br />
the way global corporations operate their business. Image alone is not enough to build a favorable reputation of<br />
corporations. Reputation management, a new and emerging function of corporate communication, has a strategic<br />
tactical and managerial role within an organisation. This paper may benefit global corporations operating in a<br />
transitional country in how they may foster and maintain their business by focusing on ‘glocalisation’ instead of<br />
infusing their pure western philosophy.<br />
This paper examines the dynamic effects of sustainable forest management (SFM) policy on the West<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n sawntimber supply. Both short run and long run effects on sawntimber supply are studied using a<br />
multivariate cointegration analysis. The proxy of SFM variable is permanent forest reserve. It is expected as an<br />
exogenous negative shock in the sawntimber supply. In general, given the fact that West <strong>Malaysia</strong>n sawntimber<br />
supply is decreasing since 1990s, the results show that sawntimber supply is statistically influenced by SFM<br />
practices. Furthermore, reducing of harvested area of forest has significant effect on sawntimber supply decreases.<br />
While in the short run, the results suggest that there are negative impacts of SFM practices on sawntimber supply<br />
at 10 percent significant level, in the long run, the result is significant at 1 percent level. This may to some extent<br />
pull down the West <strong>Malaysia</strong>n sawntimber supply together by bringing the forest harvests to sustainable level.<br />
In addition, as sawntimber supply has affected due to SFM practices, the green premium tagged to prices of<br />
sawntimber that produced from this policy is highly recommended. Consequently, it would dig into the profit<br />
margin of licensees and government revenue. On the other hand, in the context of SFM, the national benefits<br />
would be the reduction of externality effects by minimising damage to residual stocks and decreasing levels of<br />
erosion and sedimentation from timber harvesting.
Social Sciences<br />
Short- and Long-run Effects of Sustainable Forest Management Practices on West<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Log Supply: An ARDL Approach<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; abrahim@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n log supply is facing deficit since 1995; thereafter major timber products have moved from<br />
resource surplus to one of deficit. It seems obvious that without planted forest in the future, the timber industries<br />
have almost reached the limit for growth. The log supply model for West <strong>Malaysia</strong> is based on an equation of<br />
domestic log supply from natural and planted forests as a function of weighted price of log, annual logging<br />
area and royalty of logs. The results showed that the bounds test of log supply model was cointegrated at 10%<br />
significance. The short-run analysis revealed that log supply would increase as the price of logs increased.<br />
However, in the long run, it would lead to substantial reduction in the log supply. This is because when the price<br />
of logs increases, the log supply tends to decrease. It is believed that this is due to controlled production and the<br />
stringent harvesting regulation to achieve sustainable forest management. Furthermore, an increase in domestic<br />
price of logs would help to compensate for the lost volumes in the long run.<br />
Keywords: Cointegration analysis, price of logs, timber products, conservation, design strategies<br />
Short Run and Long Run Effects of the World Crude Oil Prices on the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
Natural Rubber and Palm Oil Export Prices<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari and Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; abrahim@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
With regard to the increase of world crude oil prices, it is time to examine more carefully the claim that the<br />
increase in world crude oil prices tends to increase commodity prices. Hence, we examine the major commodity<br />
prices in <strong>Malaysia</strong> namely palm oil prices and natural rubber prices. We will analyse the relationship of both<br />
commodities prices with world crude oil prices using the autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) approach. Beside<br />
the analysis of bound testing approaches to see the level of relationships, short run and long run effects also are<br />
carried out in order to investigate which period has been significantly effected by the increase of world crude oil<br />
prices. The result reveals that long run relationship between world crude oil prices and both commodities prices<br />
are exists. Fortunately the world crude oil coefficient in the long run for both models of this policy variables are<br />
statistically significant with positive impact and it is possible to relate these impacts of government programmes<br />
for future domestic and international market in the perspective of palm oil and natural rubber. With the expected<br />
increase in the world crude oil prices which tends to increase both commodities prices, manufacturers would<br />
have to serious look into their strategy seriously to promote more on export market compared to domestic market.<br />
Keywords: Palm oil prices, natural rubber prices, world crude oil prices, autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL), long run<br />
relationship<br />
164
Financial and Economics Analyses of Conventional and Reduced Impact Logging<br />
Practices<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman and Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; abrahim@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: ‘Logfisher Practice’ (LP), conventional practice (CP), ‘Logfisher’, net present value (NPV)<br />
Determinants of Deforestation in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>: An ARDL Approach<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; abrahim@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Deforestation, short-run, long-run, autoregressive distributed lag<br />
165<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This paper examines the various committed new technology and improve logging activities ascribed in the<br />
‘Logfisher’ Practice (LP) rather than Conventional Practice (CP). The result of cost analysis shows that the cost<br />
constitutes under LP is higher than under CP. Incremental average per ha total cost rose by 46.86% to RM13,576/<br />
ha. While the incremental average per m3 total cost increased by 57.41% to RM267.80/m3. Hence, CP is slightly<br />
more profitable and exceeded the Net Present Value (NPV) of LP. Similarly, the Benefit-Cost Ration (BCR) for<br />
CP is better than LP. On the other hand, the result of the economic analysis of 40-year period showed that the LP<br />
system (NPV = RM9302/ha) provided a higher level of overalls benefits and welfare to the society as a whole as<br />
opposed to CP (NPV = RM8497/ha).<br />
The forested land in <strong>Malaysia</strong> is slowly giving way to agriculture especially oil palm and other forms of<br />
land use, creating a conflict between agriculture production and forest management. Land use for agriculture<br />
has changed over the years. While the land use for oil palm has been increasing steadily since the late 1980s,<br />
the relatively more drastic increment has been observed in the late 1990s. On the other hand, land use for other<br />
crops such as rubber and cocoa has been declining. This paper highlights the empirical evidence on tropical<br />
deforestation in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The economic factors and short-run and long-run effects of its determinants<br />
were examined in an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ADRL) approach. The results suggest that in the long<br />
run, there are no determinants that have significant impact on deforestation. Instead, the price of oil palm is<br />
significant at 10 percent level and has positive impact on forest area. This may suggest that in the long run, there<br />
is no conversion of forest to other land uses in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. In the short run, the results show that the<br />
weighted price of logs and the price of oil palm are negative and statistically significant at 10 and 1 percent level<br />
respectively. These results indicate that, the determinants of deforestation in the short run do exist. Finally, the<br />
results presented in this paper have important implication for Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>’s forest policy and private<br />
sector investment. For example, the results of not significant of deforestation determinations in the long run will<br />
help the developer, both public and private to take this information into account when conducting benefit-cost<br />
analyses and economic impact studies.
Social Sciences<br />
Export of Medium Density Fibreboard: Evidence from Panel Data<br />
Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Samad<br />
Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari and Mohd. Shahwahid Hj. Othman<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; abrahim@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) exporting countries have experienced difficulty in declining of raw<br />
material supply. This urged MDF industry to search for a new fibre sources in order to sustain their operations in<br />
future. Conversely, some countries reveal that their MDF exports have keep on increasing despite facing shortage<br />
of raw material. This study analysed the factors influencing the exports of MDF with the aid of the panel data<br />
approach procedures. The analysis was carried out with the data collected on MDF exports over 10 years (1996-<br />
2005) across twenty eight exporting countries all over the world with various factors. LM test for OLS vs fixed/<br />
random effects indicates that the p-value is significant at 1 percent level, which means that fixed/random effects<br />
is more appropriate than OLS (pooled model). On the other hand, Hausman test for random and fixed effects<br />
specification provide evidence that the random effects specification is preferable in this model. The result shows<br />
that changes in export quantities of MDF are significantly determined by export price and average world Gross<br />
Domestic Product (GDP) at 1 percent level. However, exchange rate is not significant in influencing exports<br />
demand of MDF.<br />
Keywords: MDF exports, panel data, pooled OLS, fixed effects, random effects<br />
Teori Pemilihan Kerjaya Holland: Analisis Kerjaya Keusahawanan Pelajar<br />
Berkemahiran Tinggi<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya and Muhamad Yawasi Shahuddin<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7100; bukryman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Aspirasi keusahawanan pelajar berkemahiran tinggi terhadap pemupukan budaya keusahawanan ini diteliti<br />
untuk memastikan mereka dapat mencapai tahap kehidupan yang diperlukan. Kajian ini melibatkan lima buah<br />
institusi yang berkaitan dengan latihan belia. Lima institusi tersebut terdiri daripada; <strong>Malaysia</strong>n France Institute<br />
(MFI), German <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Institute (GMI), British <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Institute (BMI), <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Spanish Institute<br />
(MSI) dan Japan <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Technology Institute (JMTI). Seramai 1,052 pelajar terlibat dalam kajian ini yang<br />
terdiri daripada 74.2 % pelajar lelaki dan 25.8 % pelajar wanita. Kajian ini bermatlamat untuk mengenal pasti<br />
aspirasi kerjaya dalam kalangan pelajar di MFI, GMI, BMI, MSI dan JMTI dalam bidang keusahawanan selepas<br />
tamat pengajian. Sikap, amalan dan minat terhadap kerjaya keusahawanan juga diambil kira. Minat terhadap<br />
kerjaya keusahawanan ini diteliti untuk memastikan minat, kecekapan dan pekerjaan dapat memupuk aspirasi<br />
keusahawanan pelajar berkemahiran tinggi terhadap budaya keusahawanan. Analisis maklumat bagi inventori<br />
minat kerjaya adalah berdasarkan Teori Holland iaitu menggunakan Konsep Hexagonal bagi menerangkan<br />
hubungkait enam personaliti ini dan menggunakan tiga skor tinggi bagi memerihalkan personaliti responden. Teori<br />
ini juga menghubungkaitkan personaliti dengan persekitaran. Terdapat enam jenis personaliti yang membentuk<br />
tipologi Holland iaitu, Realistik (R), Investigatif (I), Artistik (A), Sosial (S), Enterprising (I) dan Conventional<br />
(C). Jumlah pelajar yang mempunyai personaliti investigatif adalah seramai 187 pelajar (17.8%), personaliti<br />
artistik seramai 172 pelajar (16.3%), personaliti realistik seramai 176 pelajar (16.7%), personaliti conventional<br />
seramai 69 pelajar (6.6%), personaliti enterprising seramai 45 pelajar (4.3%) dan personaliti sosial seramai 74<br />
pelajar (7.0%). Dalam erti kata lain sikap, amalan dan minat dalam kerjaya keusahawanan juga memainkan<br />
peranan yang penting dalam pembentukan usahawan dari golongan belia pada masa kini.<br />
Keywords: Teori Holland, personaliti, investigatif, artistik, realistik, conventional, enterprising, berkemahiran tinggi,<br />
usahawan, keusahawanan<br />
166
Perbezaan Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Amalan Kitar Semula Isirumah Bandar dan<br />
Luar Bandar<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Zuroni Md. Jusoh and Laily Paim<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7100; bukryman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Kitar semula, pengetahuan, sikap, amalan, penggunaan, penggunaan lestari<br />
Pembangunan Modal Insan: Pendekatan dan Aspirasi Keusahawanan Belia<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya and Muhamat Yawasi Shahuddin<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7100; bukryman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Pengetahuan, sikap, amalan, modal insan, usahawan, keusahawanan, pembangunan<br />
167<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Rakyat <strong>Malaysia</strong> menghasilkan 15,000 tan sampah sarap sehari. Jika dihitung dari segi fizikal, lama-kelamaan <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
sudah pastinya tiada ruang untuk menempatkan sampah-sampah tersebut. Dengan amalan kitar semula, kita dapat membantu<br />
mengurangkan sisa-sisa buangan dan sekaligus mengurangkan penggunaan ruang untuk menempatkan sampah-sampah itu<br />
dan untuk melupuskannya. Kitar semula juga mampu mengurangkan kadar pencemaran disamping dapat menjimatkan<br />
tenaga. Penghasilan barangan yang menggunakan bahan mentah akan melibatkan pencemaran dan meningkatkan kadar guna<br />
tenaga. Dari perspektif jangka masa panjang, kos untuk laksanakan kitar semula adalah lebih murah jika dibandingkan kos<br />
untuk mengekalkan keadaan alam sekitar. Apabila program kitar semula ini dapat dijalankan dengan lebih efisyen, jumlah<br />
sampah yang dibuang akan berkurangan. Jika dibandingkan dengan pengurusan pembuangan sampah, program kitar semula<br />
ini dapat menyediakan lima kali lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan. Sehubungan dengan itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk untuk<br />
mengenalpasti tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan penduduk bandar dan luar bandar dalam pengurusan kitar semula bahan<br />
buangan. Sampel ini terdiri daripada 400 orang suri rumah meliputi negeri Kedah, Kelantan, Selangor dan Johor di mana 100<br />
orang bagi setiap negeri dipilih. Sampel terdiri daripada suri rumah bekerja dan tidak bekerja yang berbangsa Melayu, Cina<br />
dan India. Sampel kajian telah dipilih secara rawak mudah dan data dikumpul menggunakan borang soal selidik. Hasil kajian<br />
menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan kitar semula isirumah bandar dan luar<br />
bandar (p
Social Sciences<br />
Driving is important among older persons for mobility, self autonomy, independence and ensuring their<br />
quality of life and well being. The purpose of this analysis is to discuss findings on perceived barriers to driving<br />
among older drivers. Data was obtained through face-to-face interview with 400 older road users aged 50 years<br />
and over in a cross-sectional study entitled “Perception of Needs and Barriers of Older Drivers in <strong>Malaysia</strong>”<br />
(2008).The cross-sectional survey was conducted in the states of Perak and Selangor which have the highest<br />
accident rates involving older persons. The age of the respondents was ranging from 50 to 86 years (M=60,<br />
SD=7). Majority (84.0%) of them are married with monthly median income of RM1000. The respondents drive<br />
about eight times a week with an average range of less than 50 km (56.8%). Most of them (92.8%) are confident<br />
with their driving ability. Attitude of other road users (63.3%), unclear signage (61.0%) and traffic jam (54.8%)<br />
are among the common barriers in driving. Result showed that some financial (17.8%) and health problems<br />
(23.3%) were also considered as barrier to them. ANOVA test indicated that there were significant differences<br />
between education level (F=4.131, df=3, p=0.007), marital status (F=3.262, df=2, p=0.039), perceived driving<br />
confident (F=10.033, df=2, p
Exchange Rate Misalignment, Volatility and Import Flows in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keywords: Johansen cointegration test, forestry trade, VECM<br />
Mr. Mohd. Naseem Niaz Ahmad<br />
Tan Hui Boon and Siti Hamizah Mohd.<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7785; naseemniaz@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Real exchange rate misalignment, volatility, Asian financial crisis, ARDL bounds test<br />
Trade Sustainability in the Forestry Domain: The Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Mrs. Emmy Farha Alias<br />
A.H. Baharom, Alias Radam and Illisriyani Ismail<br />
Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1073; emmyfarha@gmail.com<br />
169<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This paper investigates the effect of real exchange rate misalignment and volatility on <strong>Malaysia</strong>n import<br />
flows during 1991:Q1 to 2003:Q4. A measure of the quantitative proxy of the real exchange rate misalignment is<br />
constructed using the Natural Real Exchange Rate (NATREX) equilibrium model, whereas the volatility of real<br />
exchange rate is generated from the GARCH model. This paper differs from existing literature as the effects of<br />
exchange rate misalignment significantly hastened the level of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n imports for period of the study. The<br />
empirical results also show that the exchange rate volatility has merely promoted the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n imports during<br />
the crisis period. This suggests that the exchange rate misalignment and volatility are important determinants in<br />
inspiring <strong>Malaysia</strong>n import flows, especially during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.<br />
This study was undertaken to explore the relationship between export and import, in the category of Forestry<br />
domain for <strong>Malaysia</strong>, which includes sub domains of (1) industrial roundwood; (2) wood pulp; (3) wood fuel; (4)<br />
paper and paper board; (5) sawn wood; (6) recovered paper and (7) wood base panel. Johansen (1991) cointegration<br />
method was employed and the period of the study covers annual data from 1961 to 2007. The results clearly show<br />
that the export and import of forestry domain is highly cointegrated. This shows that trade is indeed sustainable<br />
in the domain of forestry and a sign of good trade policies adapted and implemented by the relevant authorities<br />
Bi-directional granger causality could also be detected based on VECM (vector-error correction model) method.<br />
Imports seem to positively and significantly affect exports, both in the long run and short run, vice versa.
Social Sciences<br />
Personality and Behavioural Factors as Predictors of Investment in Risky Assets<br />
among Families<br />
Mrs. Husniyah Abd. Rahim @ Abdul Wahab<br />
M. Fazilah Abdul Samad<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7101; husniyah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Investment was one strategy to enhance financial well-being. However to gain higher return, individuals<br />
have to absorb higher risks. This study focused on the effects of personality and financial management practices<br />
of families on their investment decision in risky assets. Financial management practices and personality factors<br />
that predict investment in risky assets were identified in this study. A total of 800 respondents were involved that<br />
was sampled using quota sampling based on ethnicity. These were the reported family financial managers from<br />
families residing in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Investment in risky assets is based on the investment in stocks. Binary<br />
logistic regression analysis revealed financial risk tolerance, self-worth, record-keeping, credit, savings and risk<br />
management as significant predictors of investment in risky assets. Those who were more risk tolerant with<br />
high self-worth tend to invest in risky assets. Furthermore, those doing record-keeping, manage credit wisely,<br />
regularly saves and perform risk management were also more likely to invest in risky assets. The most influential<br />
factor was savings followed by self-worth. The findings provided evidence that specific personality factors and<br />
financial management practices did predict investment in risky assets. Knowing these factors enabled financial<br />
planners to identify those potential to invest in this type of asset and encourage them to invest in risky assets<br />
in order to gain more return from their investment. Families on the other hand would realise their capability in<br />
such investment. However those who did not possess the above criteria could be trained in order for them to be<br />
capable to invest in risky assets. More families would then be investing in risky assets, thus more families would<br />
be financially stable in the long run. Concurrently, this will also contribute to the economic growth of the country.<br />
Keywords: Investment in risky assets, personality, financial management practices, financially stable<br />
Moderating Role of Self-worth between Financial Management Practices and<br />
Financial Well-being<br />
Mrs. Husniyah Abd. Rahim @ Abdul Wahab<br />
M. Fazilah Abdul Samad<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7101; husniyah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The effects of financial management practices on financial well-being may vary depending on personality factor, namely<br />
self-worth. To what extend does self-worth influence the prediction by financial management practices on financial well-being<br />
were determined in this study, hence ascertaining the moderating role of self-worth. Quota sampling based on ethnicity ratio<br />
was employed to obtain data from 800 family financial managers in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong> using self-administered questionnaire<br />
forms. Dimensions of financial management practices were used and financial well-being was measured by integrating<br />
perceived financial well-being and financial ratios. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that self-worth significantly<br />
and positively moderated the prediction by budgeting and financial planning on financial well-being. However self-worth was<br />
found to moderate significantly and negatively with the prediction by record-keeping on financial well-being. Thus, for a family<br />
having a higher self-worth family financial manager, this would increase the likelihood to be financially stable by performing<br />
budgeting and financial planning. On the other hand, a family having a higher self-worth family financial manager would<br />
decrease the likelihood to be financially stable by doing record-keeping, hence more likely to be financially instable. Self-worth<br />
acted as the more influential moderator in the prediction by budgeting as compared to financial planning and record-keeping.<br />
Having a higher self-worth family financial manager would increase the degree of prediction by budgeting on financial wellbeing<br />
higher than by financial planning or record-keeping. These findings provided evidence that this personality factor did<br />
have an impact on the prediction by financial management practices on financial well-being. Hence, enhancing self-worth of<br />
family financial managers through training or workshops by motivators would result in more financially stable families. In<br />
addition, families should be doing financial planning and budgeting for the family expenses to be financially stable. Future<br />
research may focus on other personality factors to determine their influence in these predictions.<br />
Keywords: Self-worth, financial management practices, financial well-being, moderator<br />
170
Foot Anthropometry for Design Shoes among Preschool Children in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Keywords: Anthropometry, children, foot, shoe<br />
Keywords: Living arrangements, poverty, elderly, Malay Peninsular<br />
Mrs. Naimah Mohd. Salleh<br />
Siti Balkis Bari and Mumtazah Othman<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7105; naimahms@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Living Arrangements and Poverty Trends among Elderly in Peninsular <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Mrs. Norisma Aiza Ismail<br />
Jariah Masud, Tengku Aizan Hamid and Rahimah Ibrahim<br />
Institute of Gerontology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2747; Norisma@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
171<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Foot anthropometry is statistical data about the distribution of foot dimension in the population are used<br />
to optimise products. Foot anthropometry plays an important role to design good fitting footwear. Changes in<br />
life styles, nutrition and ethnic composition of populations led to changes in the distribution of foot dimension<br />
and require regular updating of foot anthropometry data collection. This study examined foot anthropometry<br />
data of preschool children in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The purpose of this study was to develop fit size to shoe design. Data<br />
were collected from twelve pre-schools in Selangor <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Three-hundred and three pre-school children (129<br />
boys and 174 girls) were randomly selected for this study. A standard anthropometric technique and tool was<br />
used. The respondents’ foot lengths (left and right), foot widths (left and right), ankle circumference and foot<br />
heights were measured and then analysed using SPSS program. The result showed that there were significant<br />
relationships among all foot anthropometry measurements. The result also showed there that was no difference<br />
in foot anthropometry among urban and rural pre-school children. The study found that there was significant<br />
difference between right foot length and left foot length. The study also revealed that there was significance<br />
difference between right foot width and left foot width. Data from this study can further be used to develop<br />
footwear sizing system.<br />
Previous studies have revealed the relationship between poverty in later life and household size that usually<br />
depends on living arrangements among older person. This study aims to examine the trend of poverty among older<br />
persons with different types of living arrangements. Three data sets used in this analysis are: (i) Problems and<br />
Needs of the Older Population 1999 (n=1726) (ii) Economic and Financial Aspects of Ageing 2004 (n=1320) and<br />
(iii) Patterns of Social Relationships 2008 (n=1880). All three studies employed multistage sampling techniques<br />
to represent older persons in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. National Poverty Line Income (PLI) threshold for Peninsula <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
was used to determine the incidence of poverty (1999=RM510, 2004=RM529, and 2007=RM720) among older<br />
persons. Descriptive findings for the three study periods showed that the most common type of living arrangement<br />
reported by older persons is living with family members, which were 63%, 71% and 69% respectively. Elderly<br />
living alone comprised of 16% in 1999, 7.6% in 2004 and increased to 9.1% in 2008. Mean elderly income in<br />
absolute figure increased from RM84 (1999) to RM451 (2004) and to RM786 (2008). However, the mean income<br />
of elderly living alone was almost half of the other kind of living arrangements in 2004 and 2008. There were<br />
also high incidence of hardcore poor and poor in the two study years. ANOVA-test revealed that there were<br />
significant differences between income and living arrangements in 1999 (F(3,1772)=3.632,p=0.012) and 2004<br />
(F(3,1316)=3.277,p=0.020) but not in 2008. In conclusion, the high incidences of poverty among elderly living<br />
alone should be of concern since they were found to be living below the poverty line in 2004 and 2008. These<br />
findings also imply that even though the national poverty eradication strategies may have been successful in<br />
increasing the PLI, there still exist income disparities with respect to the living arrangement of the older persons.
Social Sciences<br />
Correlates of Family Strength in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Mrs. Zarinah Arshat<br />
Rozumah Baharudin<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7139; zarinaharshat@yahoo.com<br />
The study explores how socio-demographic and family characteristics of parents are related to family<br />
strength. Sample comprises 200 parents who at least have one child between 7 and 12 years old living in rural<br />
areas of <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Marital quality, parental nurturance, economic strain and number of children were found to be<br />
significant predictors of family strength. Findings imply that the factors available within the family ecosystems<br />
play important roles in influencing the level of family strength. As very few studies in <strong>Malaysia</strong> have delved<br />
into factors associated with family strength, the current results could be useful in formulating comprehensive<br />
programmes to build up strong families.<br />
Keywords: Family strength, marital quality, parental nurturance, economic strain<br />
Working Capital Management and Corporate Performance: Case of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Mrs. Zariyawati Mohd. Ashhari<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7630; zariyawati@econ.upm.edu.my<br />
Working capital is always being disregarded in financial decision making since it involves investment and<br />
financing in short term period. However, it is an important component in firm financial management decision. An<br />
optimal working capital management is expected to contribute positively to the creation of firm value. To reach<br />
optimal working capital management firm manager should control the trade off between profitability and liquidity<br />
accurately. The intention of this study is to examine the relationship between working capital management and<br />
firm profitability. Cash conversion cycle is used as measure of working capital management. This study used panel<br />
data of 1628 firm-year for the period of 1996-2006 that consist of six different economic sectors which are listed<br />
in Bursa <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The coefficient results of Pooled OLS regression analysis provide a strong negative significant<br />
relationship between cash conversion cycle and firm profitability. This reveals that reducing cash conversion<br />
period results to profitability increase. Thus, in the purpose of creating shareholder value, firm manager should<br />
concern on shorten of cash conversion cycle till optimal level is achieved.<br />
Keywords: Working capital management, cash conversion cycle, liquidity, profitability, panel analysis<br />
172
Green Home Attributes in Environmental Choice Modelling<br />
Keywords: Green home, attributes, choice modelling<br />
Mrs. Zuroni Md. Jusoh<br />
Jamal Othman, Abdul Hamid Jaafar and Tamat Sarmidi<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7111; zuroni@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Level of Knowledge, Attitude and Perception among Working and Non-working<br />
Housewives towards Solid Waste Recycling Practices in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Mrs. Zuroni Md. Jusoh<br />
Bukryman Sabri and Laily Paim<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7111; zuroni@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Level of knowledge, attitude, perception, practices, solid waste recycling<br />
173<br />
Social Sciences<br />
This study aims to reveal and compute non-market values of green home options in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The<br />
employment of any option implies trade-off between one of the alternatives (sustainable house and green house)<br />
and base (terrace house), will influence the changes in the public welfare (utility). Five attributes (energy usage,<br />
rainwater harvesting system, comfortable staying in home, greeneries areas and current house price) have been<br />
identified through focus group discussion (FGD) in the observed public utility while making a choice on green<br />
home options. The marginal rate of substitution or implicit prices of each non-monetary attributes reveal the nonmarket<br />
values of yearning for additional units of these attributes. Results will provide information on the implicit<br />
prices (WTP/MRS) of the non-monetary attributes. These implicit prices can be ranked to inform the policy<br />
agencies on the importance of those attributes to the public. Factor affecting the WTP can be identified through the<br />
model. Policy implication implies that policy makers shall integrate sustainability and can identify a green home<br />
plan that yields the greatest net benefit to the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n society.<br />
The main purpose of this study is to examine housewives’ level of knowledge, attitude and perception<br />
towards their waste recycling practices. The sample comprised 400 working and non working housewives<br />
among three ethnic groups, Malays, Chinese and Indian. Respondents were chosen using a random sampling.<br />
A self-administered questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. All of the data were analysed using<br />
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings from the hypotheses testing revealed that there are<br />
no significant relationships between level of knowledge with solid waste recycling practices (r = - 0.144, p>0.05)<br />
but there are significant relationship between attitude with solid waste recycling practices (r=0.247, p
Social Sciences<br />
Social Skill, Work Ethics, Spiritual Quotient and Work Values in Medical Education<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Md. Aroff<br />
Samsilah Roslan<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1241; samsilah@gmail.com<br />
The medical field is an important service provider to the nation. Every year, institutions of higher learning<br />
produce an increasing number of medical professionals. The work of these professional doctors requires them<br />
to interact with people from all walks of life. Therefore, medical graduates now not only need to acquire the<br />
knowledge and skills to practice medicine, but also the ability to communicate well with patients and colleagues,<br />
and develop appropriate professional attitudes and ethical principles. It is thus important that in facilitating the<br />
education of the medical students pertaining to the affective domain, the medical faculties must establish the<br />
current state of their students in terms of their social skills, work ethics and work values. This makes it easier for<br />
the medical faculties to monitor and plan for intervention programmes. This study identified the social skills, work<br />
ethics and work values that medical trainees must have and rank them based on the order agreed by experts and<br />
stakeholders. An instrument to measure these affective domains among medical trainees and their current levels<br />
as compared to the benchmark set was developed by this study. The validity and reliability of the instrument were<br />
computed to ensure that the instrument adhere to acceptable psychometric standards.<br />
Keywords: Social skills, work values, work ethics, medical education<br />
Portfolio Optimisation of Equity Mutual Funds - A Case Study of <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Prof. Dr. Adem Kilicman<br />
Jaisree Sivalingam<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6813; akilicman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
In this study we focus on the equity mutual funds offered by three <strong>Malaysia</strong>n banks, namely Public Bank<br />
Berhad, CIMB, and Malayan Banking Berhad. The equity mutual funds or equity trust is grouped into four<br />
clusters based on their characteristics and categorized as inferior, stable, good performing, and aggressive funds<br />
based on their return rates, variance and treynor index. Based on the cluster analysis, the return rates and variance<br />
of clusters are represented as triangular fuzzy numbers in order to reflect the uncertainty of financial market. To<br />
find the optimal asset allocation in each cluster, we develop a hybrid model of optimisation and fuzzy based on<br />
return rates, variance. This was done by maximising the fuzzy return for a tolerable fuzzy risk and minimising the<br />
fuzzy risk for a desirable fuzzy return separately at different confidence levels.<br />
Keywords: Portfolio optimisation, equity mutual fund, fuzzy risk management<br />
174
Work-family Conflict among Single Mother Employees<br />
Prof. Dr. Aminah Ahmad<br />
Maznah Baba and Siti Aishah Hassan<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8225; aminah@ace.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Work-family conflict, dispositional factors, job factors, organisational factors, single mother employees<br />
Emotional Exhaustion and Parental Functioning of Junior Medical Doctors<br />
Prof. Dr. Aminah Ahmad<br />
Maznah Baba<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8225; aminah@ace.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Role overload, work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion, junior doctors<br />
175<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Researchers have identified work-family conflict as one of the major stressors in the workplace leading to<br />
various negative outcomes, including impaired well-being. Although many studies have been conducted on the<br />
experience of work-family conflict on dual-earner couples, only a few were conducted on single parent employees.<br />
The aim of this study was to determine the level of work-family conflict experienced by single mother employees<br />
and its antecedents including dispositional (locus of control, perfectionism and gender role orientation), job (role<br />
overload and role conflict) and organisational (supervisor support and job flexibility) factors. Data were gathered<br />
from 159 <strong>Malaysia</strong>n single mother employees using self-administered questionnaires, and through the drop and<br />
collect method. Single mother employees meeting the following criteria were identified: (a) aged 45 and below;<br />
(b) working full-time, and (c) has at least one child. Seven scales were used to measure the variables, namely<br />
work-family conflict (8 items), locus of control (9 items), perfectionism (23 items), role conflict (7 items), role<br />
overload (10 items), supervisor support (8 items), and job flexibility (7 items) scales. Descriptive statistics, as<br />
well as correlation and regression coefficients were calculated. The findings of the study indicated that 66%<br />
of the single mother employees experienced moderate to high levels of work-family conflict. The factors that<br />
characterise employee disposition, job factors as well as organisational factors contributed 51% to work-family<br />
conflict, with job factors contributing the most. The experience of work-family conflict among single mother<br />
employees can be explained by dispositional and job factors. The findings imply the need for measures to be<br />
taken by employees, human resource managers and organisations to help reduce the level of work-family conflict.<br />
Future research needs to focus on the adoption of family-friendly employment policies that could further help<br />
reduce such conflict.<br />
The use of a mediation model for understanding the mediating impact of work-family conflict on the<br />
relationship between role overload and emotional exhaustion as well as parental functioning has not been given<br />
much attention. This study tested a mediation model consisting of emotional exhaustion and parental functioning<br />
as dependent variables and role overload as the independent variable, with work-family conflict as its mediator.<br />
Data were gathered from a sample of 220 female junior doctors aged 40 years and below, having at least one child<br />
as well as working full-time in 14 public hospitals in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, using self-administered questionnaires. The data<br />
were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results of correlation analyses revealed that<br />
role overload was significantly related to work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion and parental functioning,<br />
and work-family conflict was significantly related to emotional exhaustion and parental functioning. Results of<br />
a series of multiple regression analyses indicated that work-family conflict partially mediated the relationship<br />
between role overload and emotional exhaustion, as well as the relationship between role overload and parental<br />
functioning. Junior doctors who experience role overload seem to be more emotionally drained and the role<br />
overload had an impact on the quality of parental functioning, and they seem to experience greater conflict<br />
between work and family roles. There is a need to reduce the role overload that doctors experience by reviewing<br />
the ratio between doctors and patients and re-assessing the number of work hours and the weekly frequency of<br />
on-calls. Limiting on-call frequency and hours may be more likely to reduce work-family conflict as well as<br />
emotional exhaustion.
Social Sciences<br />
Japanese Yen as an Alternative Vehicle Currency in Asian Countries<br />
Prof. Dr. Azali Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7626; azali@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Member of Asian countries have been thinking about using another currency instead of the US dollar for<br />
regional trade. Hence, there is a strong case to study the Japanese yen as an alternative hard currency in this<br />
region for trade transaction. This paper investigates the long run cointegration to determine the possibility and<br />
feasibility to used yen as a future vehicle currency in the Asian region namely <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Singapore, Thailand,<br />
Indonesia Philippines, China, Korea and India by examining their daily exchange rate movements denominated<br />
in yen. Empirical evidence shows that four out of eight countries, namely, <strong>Malaysia</strong>, Philippines, Singapore and<br />
Korea are the countries that support the hypothesis.<br />
Keywords: Exchange rate, Japanese Yen, currency, cointegration<br />
Asian Financial Integration During the Pre and Post Crisis Periods<br />
Prof. Dr. Azali Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7626; azali@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
As the economies of Asian have moved towards closer economies ties and trade integration in recent years,<br />
the establishment of regional exchange rate arrangement is becoming an important regional policy concern,<br />
particularly in the wake of the Asian currency crises of 1997. Financial integration in ASEAN+3 is assessed<br />
in this paper by examining the time-series stochastic behaviour and cointegration in a set of eight ASEAN+3<br />
currencies in pre-crises, crises and post-crises periods. Significant non-stationarity, and the presence of unit roots<br />
were documented for each currency in each sample period. The results of cointegration analysis showed that each<br />
currency is not cointegrated during the pre-crises period. Evidence of cointegration was found among few Asian<br />
currencies in the crises and post-crisis periods. These findings have important implications for understanding the<br />
potential of developing a common currency area.<br />
Keywords: Exchange rate, cointegration, granger causality, Asian<br />
176
Factors Influencing Social Activism among Campus Youth in Sri Lanka<br />
Keywords: Social activism, campus youth, Sri Lanka<br />
Prof. Dr. Azimi Hamzah<br />
Shanta Abeysinghe and Sharifah Md. Nor<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8230; azimi@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Cost-system Functionality and the Performance of the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Palm Oil Industry<br />
Prof. Dr. Foong Soon Yau<br />
Neilson Anak Teruki<br />
Graduate School of Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7438; syfoong@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Cost accounting system, organisational performance, oil palm enterprises, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
177<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Youths are constantly searching for a social identity and citizenry to express their inner concerns, and realize<br />
their national development. Within this context, this study identifies social activism as a means for building<br />
youths’ identity and citizenry. Numerous studies have indicated that the search for identity and citizenry is<br />
greatly influenced by both contextual and demographic factors. This paper aims to discuss the findings of a study<br />
pertaining to the contextual and demographic variables that influence social activism among campus youths in Sri<br />
Lanka. Corning’s measures of Social Activism Orientation were adapted for this study to measure social activism.<br />
The findings of this study suggest that youths, irrespective of rural and urban, coming from low income or high<br />
income households, belonging to different fields of studies or have parents with different levels of engagement in<br />
political activities, have equal levels of engagement in social activism in college campuses. However, significant<br />
differences were indicated between youths’ gender, war and non-war location context, and if their campuses are<br />
long established or newly established universities. The impact of universal free education policy is discussed<br />
with special reference to youth empowerment. Existing constrains and the lack of a youth-centered development<br />
approach and an existing institutional socio political culture on campus are also discussed.<br />
Turbulence in the marketplace necessitates adaptation of the cost system design to meet the changing information needs<br />
of managers (Johnson, 1990; Mia and Chenhall, 1994). Despite the assumed causal link between cost-system functionality and<br />
performance, the empirical evidence that support such a relationship is lacking and prior studies on efficacy of cost system<br />
sophistication is inconclusive and mixed. This study investigates the relationship between cost-system functionality and the<br />
performance of oil palm enterprises in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, as well as whether manager’s perceived usefulness of cost information<br />
mediates the cost-system functionality-performance relationship. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from oil<br />
palm enterprises located only in Sarawak to avoid the confounding effects of weather and soil conditions on performance. The<br />
results indicate that the cost relevance/timeliness dimension of cost-system functionality significantly enhances the performance<br />
of oil palm enterprises. However, manager’s perceived usefulness of cost information only partially mediates the cost-system<br />
functionality-non-financial performance relationship, and this is likely due to the centralised control exercised by the head<br />
office over its estate operations. This study indicates that the efficacy of cost system is contingent on environmental uncertainty.<br />
High-functional cost system is cost efficient and beneficial only when environment is highly uncertain. The oil palm enterprises<br />
are operating in a highly turbulent economic environment due to serious external challenges, such as rising costs of production<br />
inputs, stagnating yield, labor shortage and massive subsidies for production of competing crops. By selecting only oil palm<br />
enterprises for this study to ensure the operational homogeneity, the effects of cost-system functionality on performance could be<br />
examined in a more controlled setting, and this differs from prior cross-sectional studies based on firms from diverse industries.<br />
By analysing the attributes of cost-system functionality into two major dimensions, this study also shows that only relevant and<br />
timely cost information could enhance performance.
Social Sciences<br />
Understanding Psychosocial Behavioural Patterns: Factors and Problems in<br />
School to University Transition<br />
Prof. Dr. Habibah Elias<br />
Rahil Mahyuddin and Nooreen Noordin<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8208; hbe@educ.upm.edu<br />
Psychosocial profiling can help deduce an individual’s profile. It can include various behaviours, preferences,<br />
personal traits and special talents. Profiles deduced from background information have the potential to surpass<br />
conventional psychological testing methods as they consider more factors than what people say. Based on this<br />
premise, this study aims to identify levels of achievement motivation, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and<br />
self-efficacy among students in local and private universities. The study examines the number of items that<br />
reflects <strong>Malaysia</strong>n university students’ behaviour profile based on psychosocial variables such as adjustment,<br />
self-efficacy, achievement motivation, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and academic adjustment. By looking<br />
for patterns in the available data and inferring possible outcomes, educators and the authorities concerned will<br />
be able to determine the relationship between the psychosocial variables mentioned with university students’<br />
academic achievement. In addition, findings of the study will help to determine the relationship between the<br />
psychosocial variables mentioned with university students’ level of adjustment. The implications are discussed in<br />
terms of teaching and learning in tertiary education.<br />
Keywords: Psychosocial profile, achievement motivation, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, academic<br />
achievement, adjustment<br />
Complexity Advantage of MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong> for Transformation<br />
Prof. Dr. Han Chun Kwong<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7717; han@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong>) has been the key engine for knowledge and information<br />
communications technology (K+ICT) development in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Given the increasingly dynamic and complex<br />
national and international environment which the MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong> has been undergoing, major changes to its<br />
approaches, policies and practices have occurred over the past decade. Academicians, consultants and the press<br />
have been advocating and debating about the impacts and contributions of the national project. But what is<br />
required is a more sophisticated lens for seeing and explaining what had happened and prescribing positively<br />
what should happen. We apply a combination of concepts from complexity, critical and structuration theories, to<br />
provide a better description of the complex organisational, social and technological realities of the MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Next, we develop critical accounts on policy and practice. Finally we elucidate on the potential to inform and<br />
improve practice, and conclude positively that the MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong> and the government could apply and fruitfully<br />
translate the complexity advantage to greatly enhance the next level of successes and impacts of MSC <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
in driving the transformation to a developed nation.<br />
Keywords: Complexity theory, information communications technology, knowledge for understanding and action, critical<br />
theory, structuration theory<br />
178
Being Critical for Transformation: Knowledge Super Corridors in Developing<br />
Countries<br />
Prof. Dr. Han Chun Kwong<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7177; han@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
How True Malays Are You? - Software Hati Budi Melayu (HB Melayu) Will Tell<br />
You!<br />
Prof. Dr. Hashim Musa<br />
Normahdiah Sheik Said, Siti Sarah Ab. Karim and Rozita Che Rodi<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8937; hasyim@fbmk.upm.edu.my<br />
179<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Developing countries in Southeast Asia are in the process of transitioning from a production economy to<br />
a knowledge-based and innovation-led economy. Various new knowledge and information communications<br />
technology (K+ICT) mega-projects are being designed and executed at the international, national, state and<br />
industry levels to sustain competitiveness. The structures and processes by which these so-called “knowledge super<br />
corridors” (terminology used in MyCountry and MyCountry2 - pseudonyms - for the national and government<br />
initiated mega-projects in the area of information communications technology) are developed and implemented<br />
are complex economic-social-political decisions. An in-depth understanding is illustrated and assessed using two<br />
case studies concerned with formulating and implementing a k-economy blueprint and decision making to develop<br />
a knowledge portal in emerging k-economies in Southeast Asia. From analyses based on an enhanced critical<br />
theory framework whereby in-depth insights are generated from the structurational model, practical implications<br />
are drawn on success strategies for transformation.<br />
Keywords: Critical theory, structuration theory, knowledge economy, information communications technologies, Southeast<br />
Asia<br />
“How True Malays Are You? - Software Hati Budi Melayu (HB Melayu) will tell you!” adalah satu alat ujian diagnostik<br />
laman web dan perisian bagi mengukur keakuran dan penyimpangan teras hati budi Melayu. Alat ini dibina dari kajian<br />
berpandukan hipotesis bahawa terdapat beberapa sifat keperibadian asas yang dimiliki bersama oleh kebanyakan anggota satu<br />
kelompok masyarakat yang dengan itu terbentuklah sejumlah keperibadian sosial atau social characters bagi kelompok itu.<br />
Dalam masyarakat Melayu, peraturan, prinsip,falsafah dan madah hikmah itu terungkap sedara indahnya dalam bentuk puisi<br />
Melayu lama seperti pantun, gurindam, peribahasa, pepatah dan sebagainya. Bentuk-bentuk bahasa berirama demikian dicipta<br />
secara anonimus oleh bijak pandai Melayu melalui deretan sejarah pengalaman dan perkembangannya dan diwariskan generasi<br />
demi generasi. Kini, bentuk-bentuk puisi tradisional demikian telah dimaktubkan dalam khazanah persuratan Melayu. Dengan<br />
meneliti sejumlah puisi Melayu lama demikian, beberapa sifat keperibadian sosial Melayu dapat dikenal pasti yang membentuk<br />
26 komponen teras keperibadiannya atau hati budinya. 26 komponen teras hati budi Melayu itu dibina melalui pengumpulan data<br />
berdasarkan kajian ke atas puisi Melayu tradisional, iaitu pantun,peribahasa,pepatah dan lain-lain. Kajian ini adalah lanjutan<br />
daripada dapatan tersebut bertujuan mengenal pasti darjah keakuran (degree of adherence) atau penyimpangan (deviation)<br />
daripada komponen teras itu di kalangan responden terpilih. Satu set soalan soal selidik dibina berdasarkan 26 komponen teras<br />
hati budi itu untuk menguji keakuran dan penyimpangan responden terpilih daripada 26 teras itu. Berdasarkan analisis jawapan<br />
soal selidik itu,darjah keakuran atau penyimpangan dapat dikenal pasti bagi responden-responden terpilih. Daripada dapatan itu,<br />
satu “alat pengukuran diagnostik penilaian kendiri teras hati budi Melayu berasaskan laman web dan perisian” telah dibina. Alat<br />
ini akan digunakan untuk menilai mana-mana individu atau kumpulan masyarakat Melayu demi menguji keadaan keperibadian<br />
mereka. Andaiannya ialah bahawa kini di kalangan orang Melayu keakuran kepada teras keperibadian Melayu itu semakin<br />
terjejas bahkan penyelewengannya semakin bertambah yang menyebabkan munculnya pelbagai gejala sosial kini.<br />
Keywords: Teras hati budi, 26 teras hati budi Melayu, amalan nilai murni, budi pekerti dan adat sopan, ketinggian hati budi<br />
Melayu
Social Sciences<br />
Demand for Food Safety Attributes for Vegetables in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Prof. Dr. Mad Nasir Shamsudin<br />
Ahmad Hanis Izani Abdul Hadi, Jinap Selamat, and Alias Radam<br />
Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 1089; hanis.izani@gmail.com<br />
In a developing economy like <strong>Malaysia</strong> with rising per capita income, there have been changes in the<br />
consumer demand for food attributes such as safety, freshness, appearance and texture. This study investigated<br />
the demand for food safety attributes for vegetables. The results suggested that food safety attributes were ranked<br />
the highest for leafy and root vegetables, and ranked second behind freshness for fruit vegetables. Consumers<br />
were also willing to pay premium prices for the safety attributes. The findings would have positive implications<br />
for the agrifood industry if it responds effectively to translate into business opportunities to these changes.<br />
Keywords: Food attributes, food safety, willingness to pay, vegetables<br />
Identification of Competencies for <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Occupational Safety and Health<br />
Professionals using Delphi Technique<br />
Prof. Dr. Maimunah Ismail<br />
Rabaayah Daud and Zoharah Omar<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8111; mismail@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Competencies of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals have become a concern due to the<br />
significance of safety management in the field of safety engineering. The purpose of this article is to identify<br />
competencies needed by OSH professionals. These competencies are required by professionals in administrating<br />
and enforcing legislations related to OSH in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. This study used Delphi technique in three rounds of data<br />
collection. The benefits of this research approach are the use of experts in gaining opinions without time and<br />
geographical restraints. The results show 25 generic competencies with combinations of cognitive, interpersonal<br />
and intrapersonal competencies and 33 functional or specific competencies including knowledge and skills<br />
needed by OSH professionals. Both generic and functional competencies are also divided into threshold and<br />
differentiating competencies that would be used to differentiate average and excellent performance of OSH<br />
professionals.<br />
Keywords: Competencies, delphi technique, <strong>Malaysia</strong>, occupational safety and health professionals<br />
180
Barriers to Continuing Education among Working Muslim Women in Government<br />
and Semi-government Organisations in <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Prof. Dr. Mazanah Muhamad<br />
Farizah Ahmad<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2705; mazanah@ace.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Continuing education, working Muslim women<br />
Learners’ Attitude towards Learning through CD-ROM Courseware: A Case<br />
Study of an Organisation<br />
Prof. Dr. Mazanah Muhamad<br />
Ahmad Zamri Mansor and On Lily<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2705; mazanah@ace.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Learners’ attitude, CD-ROM courseware<br />
181<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The forces of the knowledge-based and global economy have made it essential for every citizen to contribute<br />
towards the development of the country. In the case of <strong>Malaysia</strong> where women comprise a crucial half of the<br />
productive workforce, their contribution can have significant impact on the country’s development. Today, many<br />
Muslim women in <strong>Malaysia</strong> are educated and making important contribution to the country’s economy and<br />
monetary contribution towards better standard of living for their families. However, not many women further<br />
their education once they have joined the workforce and started their families. This article reports on research<br />
conducted among 85 Muslim women working in eight government and semi-government departments in Perak<br />
(a northern state in <strong>Malaysia</strong>) and seeks to provide information on their (a) reasons for non-participation and<br />
(b) relationship between reasons for non-participation and demographic variables. Data indicated three barriers:<br />
financial constraints, family commitment and lack of benefits which reflect situational and dispositional barriers<br />
consistent with earlier findings. The inquiries also showed that demographic characteristics together with deterrent<br />
factors do have an impact on women particularly in advancing their education.<br />
The paper seeks to explore two factors associated with learners’ attitude toward learning through CD-<br />
ROM courseware: (1) learners’ characteristic; and (2) characteristics of CD-ROM courseware. Data were<br />
administered using an instrument custom designed for the study. The respondents were 150 employees of the<br />
selected organisation who had used any CD-ROM courseware in any of the organisation’s learning centres during<br />
a specified one-month period. Results show that: (1) the majority of respondents surveyed found to have favorable<br />
attitude toward the last CD-ROM courseware they had used; (2) learners’ attitude towards computers was found<br />
to be highly correlated with learners’ attitude towards CD-ROM courseware; and (3) courseware characteristics<br />
of textology and immediate feedback were identified as two of the most highly correlated factors. In learning<br />
through CD-ROM courseware, learners’ characteristics such as learners’ attitude towards computers, their<br />
working experience and educational achievement need to be taken into consideration. In CD-ROM courseware<br />
development, characteristics such as textology and immediate feedback are important elements that facilitate<br />
positive attitude towards learning. This study is useful to CD-ROM courseware developers and training managers<br />
in developing a more appropriate training for learners.
Social Sciences<br />
Amalan Komunikasi Berkualiti dalam Keluarga: Strategi Menangani Salahlaku<br />
Remaja<br />
Prof. Dr. Md. Salleh Hj. Hassan<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8571; mdsalleh@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Clark and Shields (1997) dan Klein et al. (1997) mendapati mendapati komunikasi anak dengan ibu bapa sebagai salah<br />
satu daripada pembolehubah yang berkait dengan peningkatan dan penurunan kadar salah laku dalam kalangan kanak-kanak.<br />
Hartos dan Power (2000) juga turut mendapati komunikasi antara remaja dan ibubapa mempunyai kaitan dengan tingkah laku<br />
positif dan negatif seseorang remaja. Manakala Barberet (2004) menjelaskan hubungan yang rapat antara ibu bapa dengan<br />
anak-anak dapat menjadi penghalang kepada salah laku remaja. Kajian oleh Siti Noor Diana Juhari (2007) menyatakan antara<br />
faktor lain yang mempengaruhi amalan komunikasi berkualiti adalah persekitaran yang kondusif iaitu dari segi persekitaran<br />
fizikal dan juga sosial. Dapatan oleh Salleh et. al. (2009) menggariskan kriteria yang membentuk komunikasi berkualiti adalah<br />
keterbukaan, telus, kejujuran, jelas, berkomunikasi seperti rakan, membuat aktiviti dan meluangkan masa bersama. Menyedari<br />
akan peri pentingnya komunikasi berkualiti dalam membentuk sahsiah diri seorang remaja dan akan masalah sosial remaja yang<br />
semakin membimbangkan kebelakangan ini, maka kajian ini diharap dapat menguraikan isu tersebut dan memberikan alternatif<br />
penyelesaian yang lebih berkesan dalam membantu mengatasi masalah sosial remaja hari ini. Kajian ini telah dijalankan ke<br />
atas 641 orang pelajar sekolah menengah harian biasa di sekitar Kuala Lumpur. Sampel dipilih secara rawak berperingkat.<br />
Peringkat pertama dipilih berdasarkan gred sekolah dengan jumlah pelajar melebihi 1500 orang dan terdiri daripada lelaki<br />
dan perempuan. Seterusnya pemilihan dibuat berdasarkan nisbah pelajar mengikut kaum iaitu 5Melayu: 4Cina: 1India. Kajian<br />
mendapati bahawa secara keseluruhan tahap salahlaku remaja berada pada tahap yang rendah dengan jenis salahlaku tertinggi<br />
dilakukan ialah ponteng sekolah. Majoriti remaja (62.9%) merasakan tahap amalan komunikasi mereka adalah sederhana.<br />
Didapati pembolehubah kaum dan masa yang diperuntukkan untuk berkomunikasi mempunyai kaitan terhadap amalan<br />
komunikasi seseorang remaja. Manakala analisis perkaitan (korelasi) mendapati terdapat perkaitan yang signifikan tetapi<br />
songsang (r = -.172; p = .000) antara amalan komunikasi dengan salah laku.<br />
Keywords: Komunikasi berkualiti, komunikasi keluarga, salah laku remaja<br />
Keperluan Ciri-ciri Portal E-komuniti Berkonsepkan Minda Kelas Pertama<br />
Prof. Dr. Musa Abu Hassan<br />
Siti Zobidah Omar, Rusli Abdullah, Jusang Bolong and Narimah Ismail<br />
Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6992; musa@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Perkembangan pesat teknologi komunikasi terutamanya penggunaan Internet, telah membawa kepada kewujudkan satu<br />
masyarakat baru yang berkomunikasi di alam siber iaitu masyarakat e-kommuniti. Fenomena e-komuniti ini adalah selaras<br />
dengan hasrat kerajaan untuk mewujudkan sebuah masyarakat berpengetahuan berasaskan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi<br />
(ICT). Selaras dengan itu, usaha kerajaan mewujudkan rakyat ke arah berfikiran ‘minda kelas pertama’ telah menjadi kunci utama<br />
dalam Rancangan <strong>Malaysia</strong> ke Sembilan (RM9). Kerajaan telah membina infrastruktur dan kemudahan prasarana teknologi<br />
yang bertaraf kelas pertama bagi membolehkan masyarakat menggunakan ICT bagi pembangunan negara. Portal e-komuniti<br />
juga turut bertambah di alam siber. Namun sejauhmanakah ciri portal e-komuniti minda kelas pertama yang diperlukan? Tujuan<br />
kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti ciri-ciri portal e-komuniti minda kelas pertama yang diperlukan. Kajian ini menggunakan<br />
kaedah kuantitatif dengan menggunakan borang soal-selidik yang telah diedarkan secara on-line melalui portal e-komuniti<br />
dan juga melalui bersemuka. Sebanyak 651 borang soal-selidik telah dikembalikan. Ciri-ciri portal berkonsepkan minda kelas<br />
pertama telah ditanya berdasarkan kepada ciri-ciri fizikal, kandungan dan pentadbiran. Hasil kajian menunjukan bahawa ciriciri<br />
fizikal portal yang berkonsepkan minda kelas pertama adalah mudah digunakan (96%), menarik perhatian pengguna (89%)<br />
dan mempunyai enjin pencarian yang lain (82%). Sementara dari segi aspek kandungan pula, maklumat dan fakta yang tepat<br />
(91%) amatlah diperlukan serta mempunyai topik pelbagai (90%), adalah merupakan ciri-ciri yang berkonsepkan minda kelas<br />
pertama. Ciri-ciri pentadbiran portal e-komuniti juga mestilah mempunyai ruang maklumbalas (95%), tarikh kemaskini (94%),<br />
dan jaminan keselamatan (94%). Dalam hal ini bagi mewujudkan portal e-komuniti berkonsep minda kelas pertama perkara<br />
di atas perlulah diambil kira. Ini selaras dengan keperluan masyarakat kini yang mempunyai masa yang terhad dan melihat<br />
e-komuniti sebagai salah satu komuniti untuk bersosialisasi. Ia telah mengubah cara mereka bersosialisasi iaitu dari kaedah<br />
tradisional bersemuka kepada melalui perantaraan media teknologi. Hasil kajian ini juga boleh menyumbang kepada pembinaan<br />
model e-komuniti yang memenuhi konsep minda kelas pertama.<br />
Keywords: E-komuniti, media teknologi komunikasi, minda kelas pertama, sistem pengurusan maklumat<br />
182
The Effect of Organisational Learning on Organisational Commitment, Job<br />
Satisfaction and Work Performance<br />
Prof. Dr. Raduan Che Rose<br />
Naresh Kumar and Ong Gua Pak<br />
Faculty of Economics and Management, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7787; rcr@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Entrepreneurial Leadership Competencies Development: The Pervasive Role of<br />
Experience and Social Interaction Learning<br />
Prof. Dr. Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie<br />
Afsaneh Bagheri<br />
Faculty of Educational Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8217; zalp@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
183<br />
Social Sciences<br />
The literature review reveals that there is a relationship between organisational learning, organisational<br />
commitment, job satisfaction and work performance. However, it is apparent that the integrated relationships<br />
between these variables have not been found to be reported. Hence, we examine the relationship among these<br />
variables using a sample of public service managers in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. Organisational learning was found positively<br />
related to organisational commitment, job satisfaction, and work performance. Organisational commitment<br />
and job satisfaction are also positively related with work performance and these variables partially mediate the<br />
relationship between organisational learning and work performance. Implication of the study and suggestions for<br />
future research are discussed in this paper.<br />
Keywords: Organisational learning, organisational commitment, job satisfaction, work performance, public sector, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Recent developments in entrepreneurial leadership raised many questions about how to develop<br />
entrepreneurial leadership capabilities specifically, on university students. This qualitative research is to answer<br />
some of the questions through an entrepreneurial learning approach. Six undergraduate students who are actively<br />
involved in leading entrepreneurial projects of university entrepreneurship programs were purposefully selected<br />
as the participants. The semi-structured interviews were conducted on how the participants developed their<br />
entrepreneurial leadership. Findings emphasise the importance of entrepreneurial learning in the process of<br />
entrepreneurial leadership development. Furthermore, students’ entrepreneurial leadership develops through a<br />
dynamic and continuous process of experiential and social interactive learning.<br />
Keywords: Entrepreneurial leadership development, entrepreneurial learning, experience, social interaction, university<br />
students
Social Sciences<br />
Kajian Pembentukan Model-psikologikal dalam Memahami Isu Sosial Belia di<br />
Lembah Klang<br />
Dr. Haslinda Abdullah<br />
Norbaya Ahmad, Zaid Ahmad and Sarjit Singh<br />
Institute of Social Science Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7876; lynn@putra.edu.my<br />
Golongan belia merupakan tunggak utama dan aset penting dalam menerajui tampuk kepimpinan negara pada<br />
masa hadapan. Namun, sejak kebelakangan ini, masalah sosial dan keruntuhan akhlak terutamanya di kalangan<br />
golongan belia di negara ini semakin jelas dan parah sehingga ke tahap yang amat membimbangkan semua pihak.<br />
Justeru, kajian ini akan membincangkan mengenai isu sosial yang sering dikaitkan dengan dengan penglibatan<br />
golongan belia sehingga menjadi isu polemik. Kajian akan memfokus kepada persoalan latarbelakang sosiopsikologi<br />
belia berisiko dan memahami faktor-faktor sosial dan psikologi yang menyumbang kepada masalah<br />
sosial di kalangan belia menggunakan pendekatan psikososial. Kajian ini akan menggunakan pendekatan temu<br />
bual peribadi berstruktur secara mendalam, pemerhatian tidak turut serta dan tinjauan sosial menggunakan<br />
borang soal selidik. Seramai 270 orang responden yang terdiri daripada mereka yang berisiko terlibat dengan<br />
masalah sosial akan dipilih sebagai responden berdasarkan kaedah persampelan rawak mudah. Borang soal<br />
selidik akan memfokus kepada latar belakang psikologi belia yang terlibat untuk mengukur personaliti, kendiri<br />
dan ciri psikologi belia dan proses sosialisasi mereka dengan rakan sebaya dan keluarga. Statistik diskriptif dalam<br />
bentuk peratus, mod dan min digunakan untuk menjelaskan maklumat latar belakang responden dan memberi<br />
gambaran kepada angkubah yang diukur. Selain itu, statistik inferensi juga digunakan untuk melihat perkaitan<br />
di antara angkubah iaitu dengan menggunakan ujian korelasi Pearson dan juga regresi. Dapatan kajian akan<br />
membentuk sebuah model sosio-psikologikal di mana melalui pembentukan satu model sosio-psikologi dengan<br />
data empirikal, ia dapat digunakan sebagai langkah intervensi untuk menghalang masalah ini dari menular dan<br />
menjadi gejala sosial di kalangan belia.<br />
Keywords: belia, masalah sosial, sosialisasi, psikologi<br />
Social and Psychological Analysis on Honeycomb Housing<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya, Mazlin Ghazali, Mohd. Peter Davis, Anniz Fazli Ibrahim Bajunid and Muhamat Yawasi<br />
Shahuddin<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7100; bukryman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
In the 21st century where quality is the measurer of all, developers are competing with each other in providing<br />
better living environment to attract home buyers. Therefore, modern developers are willing to try out new concepts<br />
to provide varieties for potential buyers. The concept of Honeycomb housing which is introduced in the year 2004<br />
is seen as a new alternative for the housing development of the nation. Honeycomb housing is a new <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
innovation and offers an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to terrace house. In conventional<br />
schemes, houses are laid out in rows in the familiar, ubiquitous terraces, but in the Honeycomb layout the houses<br />
are placed in circular fashion around a central space to form a small neighbourhood of between 5 to 16 houses.<br />
The central spaces are linked to each other and to the main distribution roads by short connecting service roads.<br />
The central space - a kind of an open courtyard - consists of a cul-de-sac looping around a communal garden.<br />
In conclusion, Honeycomb cul-de-sac housing is a new <strong>Malaysia</strong>n town planning concept where cluster houses<br />
surround neighbourhood parks with large shady trees in secure child-friendly communities. It is a scientific<br />
recreation of the Malay kampong in urban areas and resembles the bees honeycomb.<br />
Keywords: Honeycomb housing, alternative concept, kampong in the city<br />
184
Quality of Life (QoL): Comparison between Honeycomb Housing and Terrace<br />
Houses<br />
Mr. Bukryman Sabri<br />
Nurizan Yahaya, Mazlin Ghazali, Mohd. Peter Davis, Anniz Fazli Ibrahim Bajunid and Muhamat Yawasi<br />
Shahuddin<br />
Faculty of Human Ecology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7100; bukryman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Honeycomb housing, alternative concept, kampong in the city<br />
185<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Honeycomb cul-de-sac housing is a new <strong>Malaysia</strong>n town planning concept. This ‘Consumer Impact Survey’ offers a way<br />
of pre-testing the commercial viability of any ‘Honeycomb’ housing project at the early design stage. This study determines the<br />
affordability, preference and number of potential buyers for the ‘Honeycomb Housing’ concept versus equivalent conventional<br />
housing that would normally be built on the same site. The acceptance amongst civil servants and the general public was<br />
overwhelming in consumer surveys using site models and architectural drawings. In five surveys involving 1385 respondents,<br />
54% were ‘passionate’ (strongly liked) for Honeycomb housing compared to only 3% for equivalent conventional <strong>Malaysia</strong>n<br />
housing. Thus, 94% of 1385 respondents preferred Honeycomb houses and apartments compared to 6% for the same priced<br />
normal apartments and terrace houses. Honeycomb housing priced between RM40,000 to RM160,000 was affordable to the<br />
lower 85% of respondents. Honeycomb can supersede terrace housing. Surprisingly, the self selected housing affordability of<br />
the lower 80% of potential home buyers (those who wanted to buy a new home in 1 to 5 years) was at least RM40K up to around<br />
RM160K. This new finding contradicts the Government mandate that 30% of new housing must be in the RM25K to RM45K<br />
range and explains why they are increasingly difficult to sell. Husband and wife are now both working and combining their<br />
incomes for housing loans. Government low-cost housing has outlived its usefulness and is becoming socially unacceptable.<br />
Honeycomb housing has created a new market. Even though the large majority of respondents have already owned their own<br />
home, 72% wanted to buy the new Honeycomb housing compared to only 5% for terrace housing and conventional apartments.<br />
By measuring consumer preferences at a very early stage of housing project, the affordability, cultural acceptability and many<br />
other factors of new houses and their surroundings can be forecasted amongst different sections of the house buying public.
Science, Technology & Engineering
Development of School Site Selection Model<br />
Keywords: Site selection, model builder, GIS<br />
Mobile Electrical Generator<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rodzi Mahmud<br />
Zubaidah Bukhari<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7543; armcorp@gmail.com<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhisam Misron<br />
Norafiza Masruni, Ishak Aris, Raja Nor Firdaus Kashfi Raja Othman and Suhairi Rizuan Che Ahmad<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6299; norhisam@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Generator, mobile generator, permanent magnet generator<br />
187<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Schools which are located in a strategic, healthy and safe area play an important role in improving students’<br />
performance and excellence. To ensure both success and long-term sustainability of the school planning, the<br />
search for suitable sites for school is important and challenging. This study developed systematic geoprocessing<br />
workflow model using Model Builder in ArcGIS 9.2 software to determine the most suitable school location.<br />
The model divided into four categories; demography model, safety model, constraint model and suitability<br />
analysis model. The demography, safety and constraint model were combined (overlay) using Weighted Linear<br />
Combination (WLC) technique and Map Algebra for final result of potential school site selection in suitability<br />
analysis model. The importance relatives (weight) of each criterion in the model were obtained from AHP and<br />
pair-wise approach. Decision makers evaluation has been used for developing a set of school siting criteria which<br />
was used to design a number of potential sites using spatial analysis model. The study also suggested a conceptual<br />
framework for school site selection. All the development models were integrated in one system which was carried<br />
through the use of geographic information system (GIS) software and Object Oriented language to determine<br />
the most suitable school location. The development of the system will be able to be used by relevant authority in<br />
trying to identify the best site of school location.<br />
The invention relates to a generator and more particularly relates to a permanent magnet generator (PMG).<br />
This invention is named Mobile Generator due to its advantages of small size, light weight and high power<br />
compared to conventional generator. The Mobile Generator converts mechanical energy supplied by a petrol<br />
engine to an electrical energy. This type of Mobile Generator used permanent magnets which are embedded<br />
inside the rotor whereas the conventional generator available in the market only used excitation coil. The Mobile<br />
Generator can be applied to power outdoor electrical equipment such as electrical cutter, electrical lamps, search<br />
and rescue equipment, military weapons, life and support system for critical patients.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Heavy metal detector, colorimetric<br />
Xylopia Leaf Oil - A Potential Care Product Ingredient<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Puad Abdullah<br />
Siti Humeirah Ab Ghani, Nor Azah Mohd. Ali, Mailina Jamil, Mastura Mokhtar and Muhajir Hamid<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7478; puad@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
The essential oils from the leaves of three local Xylopia species (Xylopia malayana, X. fusca and X. elliptica)<br />
were analysed for their antimicrobial properties, cytotoxic effects and chemical compositions. The antimicrobial<br />
activity was evaluated by using the broth dilution method against eleven strains of microorganism while the<br />
cytotoxic effects were evaluated by the MTT assay. Our data showed that the oils possess moderate to high<br />
degrees of antibacterial and antifungal activities towards all the microorganisms tested, particularly against the<br />
multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and dermatophytes fungi. Cytotoxicity test on two human skin-derived cell<br />
lines - Chang liver and CRL-1177, proved that the oils were not toxic to human cells. Using the GC-MS method,<br />
we have identified more than fifty different chemical constituents in the leaf oils, representing 78.8%-94.4% of<br />
the total oil. ?-pinene (42.0%), ?-pinene (15.2%), elemol (11.6%) and bicyclogermacrene (5.2%) were abundant<br />
in Xylopia malayana; germacrene D (17.0%), bicyclogermacrene (12.0%), ?-elemene (11.5%) and ?-pinene<br />
(10.1%) were major constituents in X. fusca; whereas, bicyclogermacrene (11.5%), sabinene (10.6%), ?-pinene<br />
(9.0%), elemol (8.1%) and ?-pinene (5.4%) made the main components of X. elliptica oil. Subject to further<br />
pharmacodynamic and safety evaluations, our findings support the possible use of Xylopia leaf oils as a safer<br />
alternative to synthetic active ingredient for personal care products. In addition, the unique chemical constituents<br />
of the individual oil can be used as a chemotaxonomic guide for the identification of the genus Xylopia.<br />
Keywords: Xylopia species, antimicrobial activity, in vitro cytotoxicity, leaf essential oils<br />
Portable Heavy Metal Detector<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof<br />
Norhisam Misron and Raja Nor Firdaus Kashfi Raja Othman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6782; azah@science.upm.edu.my<br />
The invention is about development of a new rapid, portable, inexpensive detection heavy metal detector<br />
based on color detection system. The detection scheme is based on the color changes of the chromogenic reagent<br />
that reacts with toxic metals. The color changes will be detected by a photodiode or phototransistor sensor. The<br />
photodiode or phototransistor sensor will produce electrical signal which will be processed by a microcontroller.<br />
The microcontroller will display the level of quantity of toxic metal that reflects the safety of that liquid samples.<br />
188
A Proactive Architecture for Heterogeneous Subsystems Interoperability in<br />
Intelligent Building<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abd. Rahman Ramli<br />
Thinagaran Perumal, Chui Yew Leong, Rosiah Osman, Khairulmizam Samsudin and Shattri Mansor<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7532; arr@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: SOAP, interoperability, intelligent building<br />
Real Time Oil Palm Fruit Grading System<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Meftah Salem M. Alfatni, Osama Mohammed Ben Saeed, Mohd. Zaid Abdullah, Mohd. Hamiruce Marhaban,<br />
Suhaidi Shafie and Mohd. Din Amiruddin<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7543; rashidpls3@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Grading system, oil palm fruit bunch, external features, real time, FFB<br />
189<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Managing heterogeneous subsystems in an intelligent building has always been elusive due to lack of<br />
interoperability factor. This is due to the nature of heterogeneous systems in an intelligent building as a distributed<br />
entity that needs a certain degree of interoperability and joint execution of tasks for managing heterogeneous<br />
systems that consist of different platforms and protocols. There is a need for interoperability in an intelligent<br />
building with a bespoke solution that could make the heterogeneous subsystems talk with each other and interoperate<br />
regardless of the operating platform. To solve the interoperability problem, Web Services technology is seen as a<br />
potential solution that could deal with the dynamic environment of an intelligent building. In this invention, we<br />
describe a SOAP-based proactive architecture for managing heterogeneous subsystems in an intelligent building.<br />
The invented architecture solution utilises the SOAP technology together with ECA rule mechanism in managing<br />
subsystems interoperation in a federated manner. Experiments and performance evaluation of the architecture<br />
had been carried out to justify the performance requirement of heterogeneous systems in an intelligent building.<br />
This research deals with the ripeness grading of oil palm fruit bunches of different ripeness category for<br />
different types of oil palm. The current practice in the oil palm mills is to grade the oil palm bunches manually<br />
using human graders. This method is subjective and subject to disputes. The grading systems in general utilise<br />
improved engineering designs in image processing for product grading. In this research, a real time oil palm<br />
fresh fruit bunches (FFB) scanner was designed based on external properties of the FFB. An image processing<br />
technique was developed to automate the grading for oil palm fruit bunches. This grading system was developed to<br />
separate between the different types of oil palm fruit bunches and then distinguish between the different ripeness<br />
categories. The real time grading system can differentiate between different ripeness categories of oil palm fruit<br />
bunches based on the combination of different parameters of fruit surface. This system will be useful to the oil<br />
palm plantations in <strong>Malaysia</strong> and in the rest of the world. It will benefit oil palm engineers, oil palm mills, oil palm<br />
managers, oil palm small holders and oil palm enforcement agencies.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) Hyperspectral Scanner<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Osama Mohamed Ben Saeed, Ahmad Rodzi Mahmud, Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd., Mohd. Din Amiruddin and<br />
Meftah Salem Alfatni<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7543; rashidpls3@gmail.com<br />
This research deals with the determination of the ripeness of the oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) using<br />
the hyperspectral method. As the FFB have a convex surface, the conventional hyperspectral scanner is not<br />
suitable to be used to determine the ripeness characteristics of the FFB. This research carried out modification<br />
to make the conventional hyperspectral scanner suitable for maturity detection of FFB. This is achieved through<br />
improvements to the illumination system of the hyperspectral scanner. The strategic positioning of the lamps<br />
helps provide shadow free illumination. Data collected by this system is subjected to computer vision technique<br />
for purposes of FFB classification. The resulting network is then integrated back into the system. Application<br />
software developed in the Matlab 7.0 environment is used to classify the FFB. The classification mechanism<br />
categorises the ripeness of oil palm fruit bunches into three different classes of oil palm fruit. The results are then<br />
confirmed by a trained human grader. Our system helps to increase the quality of grading of fresh fruit bunches<br />
(FFB). It will be useful to the oil palm industry, oil palm engineers, mill operators, plantation managers, small<br />
holders and to the research community.<br />
Keywords: Hyperspectral, grading system, maturity, illumination system, classification, oil palm, FFB<br />
Development of Macro Language for Robotics Behaviour Representing Spatial<br />
Relationships in Natural Language<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Md. Roshidul Hasan, Abdul Rahman Ramli and Ishak Iris<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7543; rashidpls3@gmail.com<br />
The deployment of robotics technologies in various fields has seen rapid growing during the last several<br />
years in the world. In this context, cognition of behavioural robots to bring the benefits and potential of Artificial<br />
Intelligence that has so far been lacking connectivity to the behaviour control in real world phenomena. Several<br />
languages used earlier for different level of control structure of robots. These languages are very complex for most<br />
users and need high skill to work. Real-world complexity combined with the complexity of robotic behaviours<br />
and programming results in a situation that is difficult to understand. These complexities can be abridged by<br />
developing macro languages with natural semantics and reserved words. This thesis aims to develop macro<br />
language for robotics behaviour which could represent the spatial relationships. This will be done using natural<br />
English level language as in describing tasks to another person. The macro languages will be developed based on<br />
identified and verified 9-intersection model.<br />
Keywords: Spatial relations, macro language, natural language, robot behaviours, semantic<br />
190
Web-based GIS Application for Selecting Optimal Road and Bus Modelling for<br />
UPM<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed Shariff<br />
Mubarak Abdul Fattah Abdul Munim, Nik Norasma Che’ya, and Ebrahim Jahanshiri<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7543; rashidpls@gmail.com<br />
An Enzyme-based Biosensor for Determination of Formaldehyde in Fish and Fish<br />
Products<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Abu Bakar<br />
Nur Indang Marzuki, Abu Bakar Salleh, Nor Azah Yusof and Lee Yoke Heng<br />
Institute of Bioscience, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8375; fatim@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
191<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Nowadays, web-based GIS application plays a significant role to carry out a lot of services for public users and<br />
become increasingly popular for solving problems and making decisions. This project outlines the development<br />
of web-based application to serve a student’s needs. Some of students’ needs are to find out a particular location<br />
especially in a big area such as UPM University, and getting the optimal route between two addresses to minimise<br />
the time and effort. In addition, to obtain the best and alternative solutions in bus system decision making. Using<br />
ArcGIS Server for Microsoft .NET framework with its capability in network analysis and ASP.NET, the webbased<br />
has the ability to determine the optimal route and build custom interface for UPM bus services to interact<br />
with students easily and effectively. This is of great help for improvement in transit services for students.<br />
Keywords: Optimal route, web-based GIS, student bus transportation, network analysis, bus route networking<br />
Formaldehyde (FA) is often used in fishery industry as preservative to maintain its freshness and prevent<br />
microbial spoilage. However, it is harmful for human consumption when used in excess as the residues retained<br />
in the fish muscles although it has been cooked, roasted or boiled. Several methods such as Nash method, HPLC,<br />
GC-MS, bio-sniffer and electronic nose have been used for determination of formaldehyde. Nevertheless, these<br />
methods involved long hours, toxic reagents and maybe interrupted by interferences, resulted biases in analysis<br />
and not suitable for real-time measurements. Thus, an enzyme-based biosensor was developed for formaldehyde<br />
determination comprising three electrodes; working electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode, wherein<br />
formaldehyde dehydrogenase immobilised in Nafion polymer through entrapment technique by drop coating<br />
method on the surface of the working electrode. A method for formaldehyde determination is conducted by<br />
applying samples which contain formaldehyde in the biosensor and the results are obtained by measuring the<br />
current changes as the output signal at the constant voltage, referring the presence of formaldehyde.The enzyme<br />
solution is prepared by dissolving the appropriate amount in 0.1 M of phosphate buffer at different pH ranging<br />
from 6.5 to 8.5, with optimum pH of 8. Immobilization of the enzyme is done by mixing the solution with Nafion<br />
polymer at different ratio (1:10,1:20, 1:30, 1:40 and 1:50) by retaining the amount of the enzyme volume as the<br />
enzyme is expensive to be used in bulk. The optimum ratio is at 1:20. The mixture is then sonicated for 15 min to<br />
homogenise and to make sure the immobilisation of enzyme in the polymer to occur completely. The mixture is<br />
then stored at 4 o C after or before being used to avoid the denaturation of the enzyme. The system can detect 0.01<br />
to 20ppm formaldehyde and is stable for up to six months and retains 90% of response.<br />
Keywords: Enzyme-based biosensor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde dehydrogenase, fish, nafion polymer
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Runge-Kutta, linear, error norm<br />
Diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta Fourth Order Four-stage Method with Minimised<br />
Error Norm for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fudziah Ismail<br />
Nur Izzati Che Jawias, Mohamed Suleiman and Azmi Jaafar<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6811; fudziah@math.upm.edu.my<br />
A new fourth order four-stage Diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta (DIRK) method which is specially designed<br />
for the integration of Linear Ordinary Differential Equations (LODEs) is constructed. In the derivation, Butcher’s<br />
error equations are used where one of them can be eliminated due to the property of the LODE itself. To ensure<br />
the method is of high order, the free parameters used to solve the order equations are obtained by minimising the<br />
error norm of the fifth order method. The stability aspect of the method is investigated and it is found to have a<br />
bigger region of stability compared to the explicit Runge-Kutta (ERK) method of the same type (designed for the<br />
integration of LODE). A set of test problems which are used to validate the method and numerical results show<br />
that the method produced smaller global error compared to the ERK method.<br />
An Evasion Differential Game in Hilbert Space<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov<br />
Risman Mat Hasim and Idham Arif Hj. Alias<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6818; gafur@science.upm.edu.my<br />
We study an evasion differential game problem described by an infinite system of differential equations<br />
with countably many Pursuers in a Hilbert space. Integral constraints are imposed on the control functions of<br />
players. We mention that evasion is possible if the position of the evader does not coincide with the position of<br />
any Pursuer. We assume that the total resource of controls of the Pursuers is less than that of the Evaders. In this<br />
paper, we prove a theorem on evasion. The important point in the proof of the theorem is that the set of all octants<br />
in the Hilbert space is continuum. We construct explicitly the strategy of the Evader also.<br />
Keywords: Differential game, control, strategy, evasion, Hilbert space<br />
192
Solution of an Infinite System of Differential Equations<br />
Keywords: Differential equation, infinite system, Hilbert space, solution<br />
Robust Individuals Control Chart using a Change Point Formulation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Ng Kooi Huat<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
193<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov<br />
Fateh Abdo Ali Allahabi<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6818; gafur@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Some of the control problems for parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations can be reduced to<br />
the control problems described by infinite systems of ordinary differential equations by using the decomposition<br />
method. It is natural that the solution space of this infinite system is closely connected with the differential<br />
operator in the parabolic or hyperbolic equation. In this paper, we study an infinite system of differential equations<br />
of second order in one frame separately from the partial differential equations mentioned above. At the same<br />
time, the system we considered largely extends the system obtained from partial differential equation. We prove<br />
the existence and uniqueness theorem in a Hilbert space. In addition, we establish continuity of the solution in<br />
the norm of that space. The proved theorem enables the investigation of an optimal control and differential game<br />
problems described by such a system.<br />
Control charts are one of the most powerful tools used to detect aberrant behaviour in industrial process. In<br />
addition to their uses in the context of statistical process control, control charts are also used as an exploratory<br />
tool in the context of exploratory data analysis. In view of monitoring a process that has contaminated data with<br />
traditional control charts such as Shewhart chart and Range chart, results in excessive number of false alarms.<br />
Robust control chart is a better alternative to traditional charts for a process with contaminated data as the effects<br />
of the outlying data values are eliminated. In this article, we develop a control charting procedure that meets the<br />
needs of exploratory analysis and has its purpose of detection the assignable causes of variation by revealing<br />
evidence of variation sources. The proposed methodology is demonstrated with a real-life example. A numerical<br />
example was given and a simulation study was conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.<br />
Keywords: Contamination, control charting, statistical process control, in-control, out-of-control, outlier, robust estimation,<br />
Shewhart chart
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Robust Multicollinearity Diagnostic Measures based on Robust Coefficient<br />
Determination<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Arezoo Bagheri<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
In this study, we propose the Robust Variance Inflation Factors (RVIFs) in the detection of multicollinearity<br />
due to high leverage points or extreme outliers in the X-direction. The computation of RVIFs is based on robust<br />
coefficient determinations which we called RR2 (MM) and RR2 (GM (DRGP)). RR2 (MM) is coefficient<br />
determination of high breakdown point and efficient MM-estimators whereas RR2 (GM (DRGP)) has been defined<br />
through an improved GM-estimators. GM (DRGP) is a GM-estimator with the main aim as downweighting<br />
high leverage points with large residuals. It has been introduced by employing S-estimators as initial values,<br />
Diagnostic Robust Generalized Potential based on MVE [DRGP (MVE)] as initial weight function and an<br />
Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares (IRLS) has been utilised as a convergence method. The numerical results<br />
and Monte Carlo simulation study indicate that the proposed RVIFs are very resistant to the high leverage points<br />
and unable to detect the multicollinearity in the data especially RR2 [GM (DRGP)]. Hence, this indicates that the<br />
high leverage points are the source of multicollinearity.<br />
Keywords: Coefficient determination, generalised M-estimators, high leverage points, variance inflation factor<br />
Extraction of information from the web pages becomes very important because the massive and increasing<br />
amount of diverse semi-structured information sources in the Internet that are available to users, and the variety<br />
of web pages that make the process of information extraction from the web a challenging problem and the<br />
ever-growing large area of research. Many researchers work on extraction of information from web pages in<br />
different domains such as business intelligence and products. Most of the previous works are limited due to the<br />
facts that their approaches are not able to handle (i) web pages with the genuine and non genuine web tables and<br />
(ii) the attributes that appear under different names but refer to the same entity (i.e., synonym). In this project,<br />
we proposed a strategy for extracting and analysing information from semi-structured web data source which<br />
consists of two approaches. An approach for extracting and classifying information from various web pages<br />
and an approach for analysing and simplifying the extracted and classified information. Two analyses have been<br />
conducted on four different domains. From the first analysis, the following can be concluded: during the process<br />
of extracting information from various web pages, it is important to handle the genuine and non genuine web<br />
tables as well as the synonyms as ignoring them might cause one to miss the information that is relevant to the<br />
user. While in the second analysis, for the Nokia products, our proposed approaches achieved increment in F and<br />
P as well as decrement in R as compared to that of Ashraf et al (2008). These analyses show that the proposed<br />
strategy which includes two approaches is able to extract and analyse information from various web pages with<br />
the genuine and non genuine web tables as well as handling the issue of synonyms.<br />
Keywords: HTML web pages, information extraction<br />
Extracting Information from Semi-structured Web Pages<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Mahmoud Sh. Al-Hassan, Ali Amer Alwan, Lili Nurliyana Abdullah and Aida Mustapha<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 6510; hamidah@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
194
Localising Integrity Constraints Checking in Distributed Databases<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Ali Amer Alwan, Nur Izura Udzir and Fatimah Sidi<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 6510; hamidah@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
An Invariant Approach to the Classification Problem of Finite-dimensional<br />
Filiform Leibniz Algebras<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isamiddin S. Rakhimov<br />
Munther A.Hassan and Sharifah Kartini Said Husain<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6831; risamiddin@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Filifform leibniz algebra, invariant, isomorphism<br />
195<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Most of the previous studies concerning checking the integrity constraints in distributed database derive<br />
simplified forms of the initial integrity constraints with the sufficiency property, since the sufficient test is known<br />
to be cheaper than the complete test and its initial integrity constraint as it involves less data to be transferred<br />
across the network and can always be evaluated at the target site (single site). Their studies are limited as they<br />
depend strictly on the assumption that an update operation will be executed at a site where the relation specified in<br />
the update operation is located, which is not always true. Hence, the sufficient test, which is proven to be a local<br />
test by previous study, is no longer appropriate. This project proposes an approach to check integrity constraints in<br />
a distributed database by utilising as much as possible the local information stored at the target site. The proposed<br />
approach derives support tests as an alternative to the existing complete and sufficient tests proposed by previous<br />
researchers with the intention to increase the number of local checking regardless the location of the submitted<br />
update operation. Having these alternatives of tests, then selecting the most suitable test becomes an issue that<br />
needs to be tackled. Thus, we proposed a model to rank and select the suitable test to be evaluated given several<br />
alternative tests. Several analyses have been performed to evaluate the proposed strategy, and the results show that<br />
support tests can benefit the distributed database, where local constraint checking can be achieved.<br />
Keywords: Distributed database, integrity constraint, checking integrity constraint, integrity test, ranking integrity test<br />
There is a subclass of Leibniz algebra called filiform Leibniz algebras. The classification of this class can be<br />
obtained from two sources. First is the naturally graded non Lie filiform Leibniz algebras and the second is the<br />
naturally graded non Lie filiform Lie algebras. Here, we suggest an approach classifying a subclass of nilpotent<br />
Leibniz algebras called filiform Leibniz algebras. The approach is based on algebraic invariant. The condition of<br />
being isomorphic is given in terms of invariant functions. This method classifies all filiform Leibniz algebras in<br />
the given finite dimensional case. Moreover, the result can be used for geometric classification (the description of<br />
orbit closures)of such algebra. In 2001s Goze and Omirov introduced theorem which is split into three subclasses<br />
and they gave isomorphism cretirion only for the first and second classes. In 2006, Bekbaev and Rakhimov<br />
suggested an approach to solve the isomorphism problem for these two classes based on algebraic invariants.<br />
According to this method, the cretirion for two algebras to be isomorphic is given in terms of invariants function.<br />
By using BR-method, we find the isomorphism classes. For the third class of filiform Leibniz algebras during<br />
(2009-2009) Omirov et. al. give almost all of the details for this class, in addition classification up to dimension 9.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Comparison Kenaf Whole Pulp versus Softwood Pulp and Mechanical Treatment<br />
(Beating) to Improve Old Corrugated Board (OCC)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Jalaluddin Harun, Paridah Md. Tahir, Rushdan Ibrahim, Sayeed Rashid Fallah Shamsi,<br />
Hossein Resalati, Ainun Zuriyati Mohmamed and Harmaen Ahmad Saffian<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6977; aziziahmad99@yahoo.com<br />
Recycled paper fibres are important sources for paperboard industry in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. About 18 to 20 paper mills<br />
in the <strong>Malaysia</strong> utilise 95% waste paper as main raw material. The papermaking properties of recycled paper<br />
deteriorate with time due to reduction, conformability and swelling. Recycle paper mills in <strong>Malaysia</strong> use two<br />
methods to restore strength to recycled fibres i.e. blending certain amount of imported virgin pulp or mechanical<br />
treatment (beating). Beating makes pulp show to drain in the forming section of paper machine. On the other<br />
hand, the imported virgin pulp is expensive and government policy is to reduce importing virgin pulp. The main<br />
goals of this study were to assess the potential of kenaf whole stem soda-anthraquinone (soda-AQ) pulp versus<br />
mechanical treatment (beating) or imported virgin pulp (unbleached softwood kraft pulp) to enhance strength<br />
properties of old corrugated board (OCC) pulp. Blending with kenaf whole stem soda-AQ pulps can enhance<br />
the strength of OCC considerably. Also, fractionated pulp had better effect to improve OCC than corresponding<br />
beaten pulps. With addition of 5-10% RKLK, 10-15% RKHK or BKLK, or 15-20% BKHK at optimum freeness<br />
(300 mL, CSF) has improved OCC same as addition of 5-10% BSWK at freeness of 400 mL, CSF or beaten OCC<br />
with 2000 PFI revolutions to freeness of 300 mL, CSF. Moreover beaten OCC pulp showed lower tear index and<br />
higher drainage time. The blending experiments led to the conclusion that locally planted kenaf whole stem pulp<br />
can be used as reinforcement instead of softwood pulp to improve OCC.<br />
Keywords: Recycled fibre, virgin pulp, beating, kenaf whole stem, blending<br />
Evaluation Linerboard Properties from <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Cultivated Kenaf Sodaanthraquinone<br />
Pulp Versus Commercial Pulps<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Rushdan Ibrahim, Hossein Resalati, Sayeed Rashid Fallah Shamsi, Paridah Md. Tahir<br />
and Mohd. Nor Mohad Yusoff<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6977; aziziahmad99@yahoo.com<br />
This study examines the soda-anthraquinone (soda-AQ) pulp of kenaf fibres versus old corrugated board<br />
(OCC) and unbleached softwood kraft pulps as the main sources for linerboard production. The result showed<br />
significant differences among the pulp properties. The unbleached kraft pulp with very high freeness required<br />
high beating to reach optimised freeness and produced paper with highest strength properties except for tear<br />
resistance. The OCC gave paper with lowest strength properties. In the case of kenaf fractions, bast pulp with high<br />
freeness needs less beating than softwood and produced paper with high tear resistance. Core fibre had the lowest<br />
freeness and highest drainage time, led to paper with high strength but very low tear resistance. Kenaf whole stem<br />
pulp showed intermediate properties between core and bast and close to unbleached softwood pulp, but with very<br />
low beating requirement. Finally kenaf whole stem due to strength properties and free of very high separation<br />
cost and simple pulping process is more suitable for commercialisation for linerboard production in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Keywords: <strong>Malaysia</strong>n cultivated kenaf; Soda-AQ pulp; OCC; unbleached softwood kraft pulp; linerboard<br />
196
Development of Numerical 3D Finite Element Code F to Slimulate Structural<br />
Response of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Bridges<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamaloddin Noorzaei<br />
Omid Kohnehpooshi, Mohd. Saleh Jafaar, and Raizal Saifulnaz Muhammad Rashid<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6371; jamal@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Finite element, three dimensional, reinforced concrete, interface elements<br />
Micropropagation of Strawberry cv. Camarosa: Prolific Shoot Regeneration from In<br />
Vitro Shoot Tips using Thidiazuron with N6-benzylamino-purine<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maheran Abd. Aziz<br />
Fatemeh Haddadi, Ghizan Saleh and Azmi Abd. Rashid<br />
Faculty of Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4115; maheran@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Micropropagation, strawberry cv. camarosa, in vitro shoot tip, TDZ, BAP, IBA<br />
197<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Numerical simulation of RC structures has been well established for the last three decades. However, this<br />
area still needs more investigation, due to difficulty of modelling concrete in finite element analysis. The aim<br />
of this study is to develop a numerical approach based on the finite element formulation of three dimensional<br />
reinforced and prestressed concrete members. Three dimensional finite element code was developed with a large<br />
ability to analyse RC and prestressed concrete structures. A few new elements are included in this code such as<br />
a) Truss-linkage element to model the bars and slip between bar and concrete; and b) three dimensional interface<br />
element between plate and brick element with the ability to transfer the translation and rotation to be used in the<br />
area. Concrete can be modelled using a few brick elements in program library like 8,12,16,20 and 27 node brick<br />
elements. The validity of the model is well established using comparison of the results with several well-known<br />
tests and other numerical methods from the literature. Application of the 3D finite element through the developed<br />
cod, well applied to the real structures.<br />
An efficient micropropagation system for strawberry cv. Camarosa was developed. Sterilised runner tips<br />
were cultured on hormone free MS medium with 3% sucrose, 1ml L-1 Plant Preservative Mixture and solidified<br />
using 0.25% phytagel to produce in vitro stock plants. Shoot tips derived from the in vitro stock plants were<br />
cultured on MS media containing 0, 2, 4 and 8µM TDZ and 0, 4, 9, 18 and 27µM BAP for shoot induction. Shoots<br />
produced on the best shoot induction medium were rooted on MS media containing 1, 2, 3 and 5µM of either IBA<br />
or NAA. Results showed that MS medium with 2µM TDZ and 4µM BAP was optimum for shoot multiplication<br />
from the shoot tips. The most suitable media for inducing the highest number of roots per explant, the highest<br />
percentage of explant with roots and the highest mean root length were 1µM NAA, 1µM IBA and hormone free<br />
MS medium, respectively. Plantlets were transplanted into potting medium consisting of perlite + vermiculite +<br />
cocopeat (2:1:2 v/v/v) resulting in 90% survival. After one month plants were irrigated using Hoagland’s solution<br />
and runners were produced after three months.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Separation of Omega-3/6 Fish Oil from Fish Waste using Pressure Swing Technique<br />
of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Zaidul Islam Sarker<br />
Sahena Ferdosh and Jinap Selamat<br />
Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8536; zaidul@food.upm.edu.my<br />
Fish industry discarded a great amount of fish wastes from processing leftovers every year. Fish wastes have a<br />
huge unexploited potential for value adding. Fish oil especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic<br />
acid (DHA), are highly demanded by food and pharmaceutical industries due to their potential health benefits.<br />
The techniques currently practiced for extraction/fractionation of fish oil are fractional crystallisation, urea<br />
complexation, countercurrent distribution, adsorption or absorption chromatography, and molecular distillation.<br />
All these techniques are more or less cumbersome, expensive, time consuming, used organic solvents and<br />
involved high temperature which causes loss of desired products. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a<br />
potential alternative to the customary methods of producing fish oil. It offers the advantages of rapid, nontoxic,<br />
environmental-friendly, residue-free and easily manipulated conditions. The objectives of this study were to<br />
optimise the operating conditions of different technique of SFE, to extract the highest yield with least amount of<br />
CO2 and to make the product cheaper. The results showed that pressure swing is the best technique for highest oil<br />
recovery using least amount of carbon dioxide. The process uses CO2 as an extraction solvent and operates at 35<br />
MPa and 60 o C with a flow rate of 2 ml min-1. Total oil was extracted in seven successive holding-extraction steps<br />
and the yield of each step is defined as fraction. During the holding period, liquid CO2 penetrated the sample<br />
matrix and dissolved the more readily soluble fatty acid portion which was eluted during subsequent extraction<br />
steps. In this way seven fractions were collected separately among which the first three fractions contained<br />
mainly saturated fatty acid (SFA) fish oil and the next four fractions predominant in polyunsaturated fatty acid<br />
(PUFA) especially EPA and DHA. The last four fractions can be pooled together for use as value added foods or<br />
nutraceuticals.<br />
Keywords: Indian mackerel, fish waste, omega 3/6 fish oil, supercritical fluid extraction, pressure swing technique<br />
A New Approach in Cryptographic Systems using Fractal Image Coding<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md. Said<br />
Nadia Al-Saidi<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6841; mrushdan@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
With the rapid development in the communications and information transmissions, there is a growing<br />
demand for new approaches that increases the security of cryptographic systems. Therefore some emerging<br />
theories, such as fractals, can be adopted to provide a contribution towards this goal. In this study, we proposed a<br />
new cryptographic system utilising fractal theories; this approach exploited the main feature of fractals generated<br />
by IFS techniques. Double enciphering and double deciphering methods performed to enhance the security of the<br />
system. The encrypted data represented the attractor generated by the IFS transformation, collage theorem was<br />
used to find the IFSM for decrypting data. The proposed method gave the possibility to hide maximum amount of<br />
data in an image that represents the attractor of the IFS without degrading its quality and to make the hidden data<br />
robust enough to withstand known cryptographic attacks and image processing techniques which did not change<br />
the appearance of image.<br />
Keywords: Iterated function system, fractal, cryptosystem, encryption, decryption<br />
198
An Improved Binary Method for Scalar Multiplication in Elliptic Curve<br />
Cryptography<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md. Said<br />
Mohamad Afendee Mohamed, Kamel Ariffin Mohd. Atan and Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6841; mrushdan@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Disease Transmission MSEIR Model with Individuals Travelling between Patches<br />
i and i+1<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Rizam Abu Bakar<br />
Sarkhosh Seddighi Chaharborj<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6824; rizam@math.upm.edu.my<br />
199<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Addition chain techniques are constructed to support scalar multiplication operation in Elliptic Curve<br />
Cryptography (ECC).In securing the efficiency of ECC point operation, the combination of the two basic<br />
operations: point addition and doubling are mostly implemented. Using binary method, the operation of doubling<br />
depends solely on the length of binary representation itself, so the most probable way to reduce the total<br />
number of the whole operation is by reducing the number of addition operation. In this study we proposed an<br />
improved binary method which reads input in a block by block basis. It requires precomputations for all possible<br />
combination of input blocks. The new method showed a significant reduction in the number of required additions<br />
and the magnitude of improvement varies according to the key size. The algorithm is suitable to be adapted into<br />
the cryptographic system especially as the need for bigger key size is growing rapidly.<br />
Keywords: Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), point addition, doubling, binary representation, binary method, cryptographic<br />
system<br />
We formulate a disease transmission model, MSEIR model, for a population with individuals travelling<br />
between patches i and i+1. We derive an explicit formula for the basic reproductive number employing the spectral<br />
radius of the next generation operator. We show that a system of ordinary differential equations for this model<br />
has a unique disease-free equilibrium and it is locally asymptotically stable if reproductive number is less than 1.<br />
Keywords: Reproductive number, disease-free equilibrium, homotopy perturbation method, spectral radius
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Potential Anti-fungal Agent from Ardisia crispa for the Treatment of Athlete’s Foot<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Yunus Adam, Zuraini Ahmad, Mohd. Roslan Sulaiman and Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria<br />
Sports Academy, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4277; nazrul.hakim@gmail.com<br />
Athlete’s foot is a skin fungal infection that causes scaling, flaking and itching of the affected skin. Blisters<br />
and cracked skin may also occur, leading to exposed raw tissue, pain, swelling and inflammation. Secondary<br />
bacterial infection can accompany the fungal infection. This work examined the anti-fungal activity of Ardisia<br />
crispa (AC) against common fungi that cause Athlete’s foot and several other pathogenic fungi. The antimicrobial<br />
activity of water, ethanol and chloroform extracts of AC was tested against fungal strains using the disc diffusion<br />
and microdilution methods. This antimicrobial activity was compared to standard anti-fungal drugs (griseofulvin,<br />
fluconazole and itraconazole). Results revealed that chloroform extract of AC had potent anti-fungal activity<br />
against Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 40051 and Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 40004 which are the two<br />
most commonly cause of Athlete’s foot. Moderate activity was observed against Candida albicans ATCC 14053,<br />
Candida tropicalis ATCC 14056, Microsporum canis (Clinical isolates and identified at the Department of<br />
Pathology and Microbiology, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>) and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 14109. The ethanol<br />
extract only had mild activity against the Candidia spp and the water extract was devoid of any activity. The<br />
anti-fungal activity of chloroform extract was statistically more potent than griseofulvin and fluconazole but<br />
less potent than itraconazole. Findings from current study support the use of AC in traditional medicine for the<br />
treatment of various fungal infections and may potentially use in the treatment of Athlete’s foot.<br />
Keywords: Antifungal, ardisia crispa, antimicrobial, fluconazole, griseofulvin, disc diffusion<br />
Relationship between Percentage of Body Fat and Maximal Oxygen Uptake<br />
Among Adults<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah<br />
Ali Reza Amani, Yunus Adam, Azhar Yaacob, Mohd. Hafiz Rosli, Noor Idwan Naim and Mohd. Majid Konting<br />
Sports Academy, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4277; nazrul.hakim@gmail.com<br />
Cardiovascular, muscular, cardio respiratory fitness with normal/suitable body composition are the main<br />
factors to improve in athletic performance. The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between<br />
maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and body fat percentage among international students in <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong><br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>. VO2max and body fat percent are two key factors for health and sport research. Twenty six male<br />
students (26 +/- 5 years old in age and 168 +/- 5 cm in high and 73 +/- 5 kg in weight) were selected. Oxygen<br />
Uptake and body fat percent were measured by the routine protocols. Skin fold thickness measurements were<br />
done from standard anthropometrical reference points (Jackson Pollock method) as well as the Chest, Abdomen<br />
and Thigh. Body fat Percent value was estimated by applying the standard equation. To measure the maximum<br />
oxygen uptake, Bruce protocol were employed on the treadmill with a gas analyser. The Bruce treadmill protocol<br />
is a standardised procedure used to evaluate the aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness of athletes or non<br />
athletes. Results revealed that there is a significant and negative correlation (-0.042) between the VO2max and<br />
body fat percent. Results of this investigation show that there is a negative correlation between maximum oxygen<br />
uptake and body fat percent. Increase the VO2max parameter has been shown to improve on body composition.<br />
Keywords: Maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max, body fat percentage<br />
200
New Geometric Approach to Static and Dynamic Measurements of Risk,<br />
Bankruptcy and Market Ranking<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim<br />
Alireza Bahiraie, AKM Azhar and Ismail Mohd.<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6873; nakma@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Semiparametric Modelling of Longitudinal Ordinal Data<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim<br />
Suliadi Isa Daud and Isthrinayagy S. Krishnarajah<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6873; nakma@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
201<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Recently, geometrics are more frequently used in business, finance, scientific, and engineering applications.<br />
The increasing popularity of geometry is due to its adaptability and simplicity. In this research, a new geometric<br />
methodology for forecasting were developed and implemented. Our new static (Risk Box, RB) and dynamic<br />
(Dynamic Risk Space, DRS) geometric methodology and our new copy righted software (Dynamic Geometric<br />
Risk Space Software, DGRSS) can be used to solve the most important factors when errors are engaged in<br />
financial forecastings. This methodology takes into account every related component of financial predictions. Our<br />
algorithm combined the powerful search of geometric approach and its capability to learn about the relationship<br />
patterns of past data in order to forecast future values. This new geometric forecasting method consists of two<br />
steps: forecasting and learning steps. We used our new geometric indexes in the forecasting step to estimate<br />
parameters of the problem domain. Patterns learning are taken into account in the software algorithm to capture<br />
the patterns relationship of learning data. Then the effectiveness of the methodology is examined by applying<br />
them in bankruptcy prediction field of finance.<br />
Keywords: Geometric approach, risk box, bankrupcty, genetic programming, robust logistic regression<br />
This research considers semiparametric model for longitudinal ordinal data. The model consists of two<br />
components, parametric and nonparametric components. We propose GEE-Smoothing spline to estimate both<br />
components by extending parametric generaliszed estimating equation (GEE) to semiparametric GEE. The<br />
nonparametric component is estimated using smoothing spline while the association parameter is estimated<br />
through another set of estimating equation. We use profile algorithm in the estimation of both components. In this<br />
algorithm, the components are treated in different manner. The properties of the parametric and nonparametric<br />
components of the proposed model are evaluated through simulation study. Both components are consistent<br />
regardless of misspecification of the working correlation. The bias of the parametric component is small and<br />
negligible whereas the nonparametric component is bias. The most efficient estimate for the parametric component<br />
is obtained if the true correlation structure is used and assumed independence results in a less efficient estimate.<br />
The efficiency behaviour of the nonparametric component is different from parametric where the most efficient<br />
estimate is obtained when independence is assumed.<br />
Keywords: Semiparametric equation, longitudinal ordinal data, generalised estimating equation, smoothing spline, property<br />
of estimator
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Performance of Hedges and their Characteristics for Buffering Noise in Urban<br />
Residential Areas<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noorizan Mohamed<br />
Ina Krisantia<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4073; noorizan16@hotmail.com<br />
Many environmental designers are currently searching for better solution in reducing noise levels with<br />
the usage of a grass trimmer in housing estates. Planting hedges as buffer is common in the hope to serve<br />
the purpose. Nevertheless, the actual answer to the problem will not be solved unless a study to determine<br />
the effectiveness of the plantings is done. A study to detect noise reduction from commonly planted hedges in<br />
residential areas of <strong>Putra</strong>jaya was carried out using a sound level meter. A statistical analysis revealed that hedges<br />
such as Ixora ‘sunkist’ with sufficient height is promising and has good potential in controlling sound levels, due<br />
to the characteristics such as small leaves and dense branching system.<br />
Keywords: Buffer, noise reduction, hedges, plant characteristics<br />
Cluster Based Routing Protocol for Mobile Nodes in Wireless Sensor Network<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Ng Chee Kyun, Mohd. Fadlee A. Rasid and Samer A. B. Awwad<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6181; nknordin@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Mobility of sensor nodes in wireless sensor network (WSN) has posed new challenges particularly in packet<br />
delivery ratio and energy consumption. Some real applications impose combined environments of fixed and<br />
mobile sensor nodes in the same network, while others demand a complete mobile sensors environment. Packet<br />
loss that occurs due to mobility of the sensor nodes is one of the main challenges which come in parallel with<br />
energy consumption. In this invention, we use cross layer design between medium access control (MAC) and<br />
network layers to overcome these challenges. Thus, a cluster based routing protocol for mobile sensor nodes<br />
(CBR-Mobile) is proposed. The CBR-Mobile is mobility and traffic adaptive protocol. The timeslots assigned to<br />
the mobile sensor nodes that had moved out of the cluster or have no data to send will be reassigned to incoming<br />
sensor nodes within the cluster region. The protocol introduces two simple databases to achieve the mobility and<br />
traffic adaptively. The proposed protocol sends data to cluster heads in an efficient manner based on received<br />
signal strength. In the CBR-Mobile protocol, cluster based routing collaborates with the hybrid MAC protocol<br />
supports mobility of sensor nodes. Schedule timeslots are used to send the data message while the contention<br />
timeslots are used to send join registration messages. The performance of proposed CBR-Mobile protocol is<br />
evaluated and observed where the proposed protocol improves the packet delivery ratio, energy consumption,<br />
delay and fairness in mobility environment compared to the LEACH-Mobile and AODV protocols.<br />
Keywords: WSN, cluster head, mobility, LEACH, LEACH-mobile<br />
202
Superposition Coding with Unequal Error Protection for the Overloaded CDMA<br />
System<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali, Ng Chee Kyun and Yaseen H. Tahir<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6181; nknordin@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: UEP, SIC, superposition coding, overloaded CDMA<br />
Sign Based Automating Electrical Household Appliances<br />
Keywords: sign, recognition, appliances, smart home, DSP<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali, Ng Chee Kyun and Ng Wei Lun<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6181; nknordin@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
203<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The overloaded CDMA techniques are used in CDMA systems in order to accommodate the number of users<br />
more than the spreading factor N. In this invention, the superposition coding CDMA (SPC-CDMA) is proposed<br />
as one of the overloaded CDMA techniques. In this proposed technique, the users in the system are divided<br />
into N groups and each group consists of K users. The possibility of the power control in the base station (BS)<br />
is used to provide unequal error protection (UEP) to the K users. The signals of the same group are spread by<br />
using a distinct spreading sequence and transmitted across AWGN channel. At the received side, a UEP adapted<br />
of ordered successive interference cancellation (O-SIC) technique is used to extract the desired data from the K<br />
users’ signals in the same group. The theoretical and simulation analysis show the proposed technique has better<br />
performances in AWGN channel compared to other overloaded CDMA techniques. The proposed SPC-CDMA<br />
technique maximises the user capacity by K-fold without exploiting more resources (frequency, time or code)<br />
with only 1 dB cost of SNR degradation at BER of 10-3, which related to conventional DS-CDMA system. At the<br />
same power constraint, SPC-CDMA provides the same user capacity of other overloaded CDMA with only 0.7<br />
dB gain in SNR. It also affords twofold of user rate with the same values of N and K.<br />
In this invention, a simple sign based automating controller for various household appliances is presented.<br />
The household appliances that can be automated by using this controller ranged from simple lightings to complex<br />
electronic devices. The invented system consists of three main components: the sign based data glove system,<br />
the household appliances sensing system, and the sign based recognition management system for data collection<br />
and processing. The developed data glove has the capability to measure the finger sign postures using specific<br />
sensor attached to each finger. Theoretically, the five fingers per hand can create many different signs due to<br />
the many possibilities of performing various sign posture. Each sign posture can be used as a command for the<br />
controller. The attached microcontroller in the data glove receives the sensors’ signal data associated to a given<br />
sign. These data are diagnosed and translated by using digital signal processing (DSP). The analysed data are then<br />
transmitted to the data center using communication transceiver module. The recognition management system<br />
data center matches the received glove data with associated command data using matching algorithm. When<br />
the data are matched, the command data will be sent to the related household appliance device to execute the<br />
given commands through communication transceiver module. This invention has been proven to be suitable for<br />
disabled and elderly people due to its flexible properties and ease of usage. This flexibility allows user to change<br />
the command of the system based on the user’s capability of performing the sign posture.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Spectrum Efficiency Enhancement in Dynamic Space Coded Multiple Access<br />
(DSCMA) System<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Kamariah Noordin<br />
Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali and Ng Chee Kyun<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6181; nknordin@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
In cellular mobile communication systems using coded modulations, the spectrum efficiency of the system<br />
is related to the number of available codes. Recently, large area synchronous (LAS) CDMA codes, which exhibit<br />
a region called interference free window (IFW) within some delay-spread, have been accepted as one of fourthgeneration<br />
(4G) wireless communication systems. However, the number of synthesized LAS codes is very low<br />
due to the low duty ratio of the sequence. In this invention, a dynamic space coded multiple access (DSCMA)<br />
scheme which utilises the spatial diversity from smart antenna system is proposed to overcome the low spectrum<br />
efficiency in LAS CDMA system. In the DSCMA, a modified version of LAS codes called LAS where even<br />
ternary (LAS-ET) codes is proposed. These codes are used together with a novel algorithm called dynamic space<br />
code (DSC), which will decrease the code length so that the spectrum efficiency can be increased. By taking<br />
advantage of dynamic code reuse assignment in spatial diversity, the spectrum efficiency of the DSCMA can be<br />
further increased significantly.<br />
Keywords: Spectrum efficiency, LAS CDMA, IFW, smart antenna, code reuse, duty ratio, beamwidth<br />
Unsteady Flow Across a Stretching Surface<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Fadzilah Md. Ali, Roslinda Nazar, Norihan Md. Arifin, Anuar Ishak and Ioan Pop<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6850; norihan@math.upm.edu.my<br />
The problem of unsteady uniform flow across a stretching surface in an arbitrary direction is studied<br />
theoretically, where the unsteadiness is caused by the impulsive motion of the stretching surface. Numerical<br />
results of the governing partial differential equations are obtained using an implicit finite difference scheme for<br />
the whole transient from the early or initial unsteady-state flow to the final steady-state flow. The early unsteadystate<br />
flow is solved analytically. The numerical solution obtained for the reduced skin friction coefficient is<br />
compared with previously reported results and the results for velocity profiles, h and g profiles are also presented<br />
in this paper. It is found that there is a smooth transition from the small-time solution (initial unsteady flow) to the<br />
large-time solution (final steady-state flow).<br />
Keywords: Unsteady flow, boundary layer, stretching surface<br />
204
Spacer Architectonic Building System<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahinah Ibrahim<br />
Rosli Ismail, Siva Jaganathan and Rohani Hussin<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4001; rahinah@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Automated Generated 3D Reconstruction of Coronary Artery Tree in Angiogram<br />
Images<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahmita Wirza O.K. Rahmat<br />
Norwati Mustapha, Ramlan Mahmod and Mohd. Zamrin Dimon<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6513; rahmita@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: 3D reconstruction, angiograms, vessel extraction, vessel centerline extraction, clustering<br />
205<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The spacer architectonic building system (SABSystem) is a complete prefabricated assembly system that<br />
allows design flexibility in an industrialised building system. The engineering advantageous in using IBS in<br />
construction include elimination of waste, precision and quality control in production, optimisation of time and<br />
sustaining and protecting the environment during construction. Unfortunately, designers still have problem to<br />
creatively experiment with IBS components during a building project’s design phase and prefabrication. The<br />
invention of this study focused on the design assembly for an industrialised building system in which degree<br />
of flexibility in design form can be rejuvenated. The invention relates to physical building components design<br />
assembly principle for industrialised building system. This system uses various geometrical shapes of spacer such<br />
as rectangle, square, triangular or polygon in shape for construction of flexible design form. There can be various<br />
possible geometrical shapes of spacer and interlocking spacer used in architectonic spacer building system. The<br />
space can be of, but not limited to rectangular, square, triangular or polygonal in shape either as a single part<br />
or two separate interlocking parts, depending on the use of the spacer. The spacer works as key accessories in<br />
physical building components such as bracing of adjoining wall panel, dowel connector and also composite<br />
key roof connector. The spacers are used as bracing for adjoining wall panel, grid modular floor joist assembly<br />
whereby the spacers are used as anchored dowel connector at upper and lower layers of modular floor joist<br />
assembly. Spacers are used to create a corner or wall junction assembly in a prefabricated wall panel. The spacers<br />
are used as composite key roof connector.<br />
Keywords: Timber framing system, industrialised building system (IBS), architectonic design, modular system<br />
Dynamic variations of coronary arterial curvilinearity have been very difficult to study in the current 2D<br />
format. 3D model of coronary arteries is a robust help for scientific studies, diagnostic of the possible diseases,<br />
and surgery planning. Biplane angiography is the way to get 3D model since it is easier to reconstruct them<br />
using two views but it also suffers from the high cost of these devices. We propose in this invention a way to<br />
reconstruct a 3D coronary artery tree using single-view cineangiogram. Splitting the cineangiograms into nonsequenced<br />
and different angles views was the way to supply our method with its input angiograms. Each single<br />
view can be used to construct a 3D robust model of the coronary artery from that angle of view. The developed<br />
approach consisted of three stages where the first stage was the vessel extraction and labeling for each view for<br />
the purpose of constructing the 3D model. Meanwhile in second stage, the vessels information will be saved<br />
in data files to be used in the next stage. Finally, the last stage of this approach, we transformed the x, y, and z<br />
values to a Graphics Library and used programming language VC++ to construct the executional file for display<br />
purposes. By applying these three stages, a 3D modelling of coronary artery tree can be performed from just a<br />
single segmented projection. Results showed that our proposed approach has high robustness to variety of image<br />
resolution and voxel anisotropy. From this result we can conclude that our approach is robust, simple and a helpful<br />
tool in surgery management.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A Method for Mass Producing of High-purity Graphitic Carbon NanoSphere<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robiah Yunus<br />
Mahta Sadegh Vishkaei, Mohamad Amran Mohd. Salleh and Dayang Radhiah Awang Biak<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6266; robiah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
A low cost method of producing graphitic carbon nanosphere (GCNS) in large quantities and low temperature<br />
is revealed. The present invention illustrates the improved synthesis of carbon nanostructure by a fixed bed CVD<br />
procedure. From the typical concentrations of gaseous species in the stainless steel vertical reactor, hydrocarbon<br />
circumstance including C2H2 and nanoparticle of iron oxide can be the precursors for the formation of GCNS in<br />
the CVD chamber.<br />
Keywords: Onion type of carbon nanoparticles graphitic carbon nanospheres<br />
Models of Students’ Mathematical Beliefs, Self-regulated Learning and Thinking<br />
Skills on Mathematics Ability of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n University Students<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohani Ahmad Tarmizi<br />
Velo Suthar, Habshah Midi and Mohd. Bakri Adam<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6889; rht@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
The <strong>Malaysia</strong>n history shows that the first wheel of science and mathematics education began to turn in<br />
1823, when the scientific department was established to teach astronomy, mechanics and botany in Malaya.<br />
Today, <strong>Malaysia</strong> can boast as an industrialised country which has emphasised on quality science and mathematics<br />
education in order to ensure that the <strong>Malaysia</strong>n society is well prepared to face the challenges of being a<br />
developed nation. Mathematics has been accepted as an instrumental body of knowledge in the development of<br />
science and technology. Concurrently, the nation’s science, technology and mathematics education has undergone<br />
complex and comprehensive changes considering the aspirations and challenges of Vision 2020 and the National<br />
Education Philosophy. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of students’ mathematical beliefs, selfregulated<br />
learning (SRL) and thinking skills on mathematics ability of <strong>Malaysia</strong>n undergraduate mathematics<br />
students using prediction models. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess students’ mathematical beliefs,<br />
SRL and thinking skills. Logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of students’ mathematical beliefs,<br />
SRL and thinking skills on the likelihood that respondents have high or low mathematics ability. The complete<br />
model containing all predictors was statistically significant, chi-square (15, N= 473) = 287.55, p = .000 indicating<br />
that the model was able to distinguish between respondents of high or low mathematical ability. The model as<br />
a whole explained between 45.6% (Cox and Snell R square) and 64.5% (Nagelkerke R squared) of the variance<br />
in undergraduate students’ mathematical ability. This model also correctly classified 85.4% of the cases. Overall<br />
analysis indicated that eight independent variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to the<br />
model at 5% level of significance. The strongest predictor of mathematical ability was critical thinking, recording<br />
an odd ratio of 5.91.<br />
Keywords: Mathematical beliefs, self-regulated learning, mathematics ability, survey data<br />
206
Aggregating Group MCDM Problems using a Fuzzy Delphi Model for Personnel<br />
Performance Appraisal<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff<br />
Mohammad Anisseh and Alireza Shakarami<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6342; rosnah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: MCDM, personnel performance appraisal, aggregation, fuzzy delphi, group decision<br />
Porcine DNA Test Kit<br />
Keywords: Portable PCR<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuhaimi Mustafa<br />
Yaakob Che Man and Farihah Liyana Khalid<br />
Institute of Products Halal Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8941 6541; shuhaimi@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
207<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Personnel performance appraisal is a tool towards achieving organisation goals, its main focus is to increase<br />
the abilities, merits and growth of personnel. We looked at the personnel performance appraisal as an element<br />
of group decision making model in which personnel are evaluated from different points of view. A fuzzy Delphi<br />
method and linguistic terms represented by triangular fuzzy numbers were applied to bring out qualitative and<br />
quantitative attributes and assess attributes weights and relative importance of evaluation group’s viewpoints. We<br />
developed MCDM models for group personnel performance appraisal. All the known MCDM methods have their<br />
own advantages and drawbacks which therefore yield different results based on their various techniques. As a<br />
consequence we presented a model for aggregation of the results of the MCDM models.<br />
This invention describes the detection of porcine DNA in food and non-food products using portable PCR.<br />
The system comprises of cartridge and portable PCR machine. The cartridge and portable PCR machine perform<br />
the DNA extraction, PCR reaction and detection at one go with very minimum training required for the operator<br />
as opposed to conventional PCR and Real time PCR which required highly skilled operators. The developed<br />
system requires only one step-one button-one hour to complete the detection of porcine DNA in food and nonfood<br />
products.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Synthesis and Characterisation of Grafted Polystyrene with Acrylonitrile using<br />
Gamma-irradiation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Wee Tee<br />
Muhammed Mizher Radhi, Mohamad Zaki Abd. Rahman and Anuar Kassim<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6807; wttan@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Polystyrene grafted with acrylonitrile using gamma-irradiation technique was successfully synthesised. The<br />
new grafted polymer was characterised and its properties were investigated. The results indicate that best grafting<br />
percentage ratio could be revealed when the concentration of the catalyst Ferrous ammonium sulphate (FAS) is<br />
about 2% and the monomer concentration is 90%, at 1.25 Mrad dose. The new grafted polymer was characterized<br />
by FTIR, TGA and Viscosity techniques. A mechanism of the grafting process is proposed. An application of GP<br />
was demonstrated by its usage as an electrode material with good sensitivity response.<br />
Keywords: Grafted polymer, gamma irradiation, polystyrene, acrylonitrile<br />
Mesoporous Polymer Derived Activated Carbon Monolith<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thomas Choong Shean Yaw<br />
Muhammad Darmadi, Soraya Hossinie, Luqman Chuah, Robiah Yunus and Taufiq Yap<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8942 5913; tsyc2@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
The preparation and optimisation of mesoporous activated carbon monolith using the dipcoating method is<br />
reported. The materials required are a carbon source (furfuryl alcohol), a pore former agent (poly ethylene glycol),<br />
a binder (pyrrole), and polymerisation catalyst (nitric acid). Furfuryl alcohol (FA) is first polymerised, followed<br />
by the impregnation of monolithic structure, carbonisation, and activation. The effect of poly ethylene glycol<br />
(PEG) on the structure of carbon monolith is first investigated. The carbon coated monoliths are characterised by<br />
thermo gravimetrical analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform<br />
infrared (FTIR) and textural analysis. The carbon monolith prepared without the addition of pore former agent<br />
(only FA) exhibits adsorption Type I which is a characteristic of microporous material, whilst the carbon monolith<br />
prepared with the addition of pore former agent (FA + PEG) is of Type IV indicating mesoporous material.<br />
Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface areas measured by N2 adsorption are 264 and 431 m2 g-1 for sample<br />
FA and sample (FA + PEG), respectively. Total pore volume of the samples FA and FA + PEG are 0.13 and 0.38<br />
cm3 g-1, respectively. The PEG is completely decomposed during carbonization to create new mesoporosity.<br />
The optimisation of pore volume and surface area of carbon coated monolith is studied. The carbonisation<br />
temperature, concentration of PEG, and molecular weight of PEG are identified as the dominant parameters in<br />
controlling the pore size distribution, pore volume, and surface area. The maximum pore volume found is 173<br />
mm3 g-1 at carbonisation temperature of 680 oC and concentration of PEG of 38% vol. with molecular weight<br />
of PEG of 1000 g mol-1, whilst maximum surface area is 585 m2 g-1 at carbonisation temperature of 660 oC and<br />
concentration of PEG of 31% vol. with molecular weight of PEG of 1000 g mol-1.<br />
Keywords: Mesoporous, activated carbon, polymer, monolith<br />
208
Effects of MgO on Dielectric Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Ternary<br />
Zinc Magnesium Phosphate Glasses<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib<br />
Khor Shing Fhan, W. Mohd. Daud W. Yusoff and Sidek Ab. Aziz<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6606; zainalat@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Conductivity, dielectric properties, relaxation, phosphates, short-range order<br />
A Study on Designing Optimal Layout by Metaheuristic Approaches for Optimising<br />
Planting Areas<br />
Dr. Abu Bakar Md. Sultan<br />
Ismadi Md Badarudin, Md. Nasir Sulaiman, Ali Mamat and Mahmud Tengku Muda Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6525; abakar@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Exact method, lining, metaheuristic, optimisation, space allocation<br />
209<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Phosphate glasses have several advantages over conventional silicate and borate glasses due to their superior<br />
physical properties and structural versatility to accept several cation and/or anion exchanges. These features allow<br />
the reengineering of glass formulation, which leads to advances in their physical properties and optimising of<br />
processing parameters. BeO - P2O5, MgO - P2O5, and ZnO - P2O5 glasses as are classified as anomalous glass<br />
because they exhibits unusual behaviour in the evolution of their physical properties (mass density, refraction<br />
index) at the metaphosphate composition. Not many literatures can be found discussing the dielectric properties<br />
in detail for the binary MgO - P2O5, and ZnO - P2O5 glasses. In addition, it is of interest to investigate the<br />
physical, refractive and dielectric properties of the simultaneous admixture of MgO and ZnO into the phosphate<br />
compositions. To investigate the transition of these properties into the ultraphosphate composition, a series of<br />
ternary glasses with O/P
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Bio-based, electronic, dielectric, antenna<br />
Bio-based Kenaf Fibre Dielectric Composite: Electronic Goes Green<br />
Dr. Alyani Ismail<br />
Nuraida Mohamad, Nor’aini Ahmad Zawawi, Khalina Abdan and Mohd. Adzir Mahdi<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4352; alyani@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
In recent years, the use of natural fibre material in composites has increased and attracted some interest<br />
for use in several industry applications such as automotive as well as building industry. The potential for future<br />
applications as dielectric in microchips and circuit boards is yet to be discovered. Composites made from plant<br />
sources are an attractive option due to their relative cheapness, their ability to recycle, biodegradability and low<br />
environmental concerns. Compared to synthetic fibres made from glass, carbon and steel, natural fibres have a<br />
high aspect ratio, high strength to weight ratio, relatively low in energy conversion and have good insulation<br />
properties. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) fibre is an important source of natural fibre. Extensive research has<br />
been conducted in discovering the advantages of kenaf fibre in structural application, textile and other potential<br />
uses. With this reason, kenaf has been identified as a bast fibre with great market potential. This is where their<br />
application in electronic industries is demonstrated through this invention. Therefore, this invention demonstrates<br />
the use of natural fibre-synthetic polymer bio-composite as a novel substrate for electronic application, as well<br />
as at high frequency range. The natural fibre is Kenaf bast fibre, whereby the polymer used is common plastic,<br />
polypropylene. The invention is demonstrated by designing the first ever Wi-Fi antenna built on the Kenafpolypropylene<br />
dielectric substrate, where the results show promising potential of its application in electronic<br />
industries. This invention is not limited to Kenaf and can be applied to any kinds of natural plant fibres.<br />
Polypropylene resin is used, which is cheap. The bio-based composites materials described here offer dielectric<br />
constant within the range of common fossil-based and woven glass dielectric materials (permittivity around 2.2)<br />
commercially used for high frequency application. The new materials can be used to construct electronic devices,<br />
whether active or passive.<br />
Hyperspectral Urban Feature Detection System<br />
Dr. Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd. Shafri<br />
Muhamad Afizzul Misman and Raja M. Kamil Raja Ahmad<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6459; hzms04@gmail.com<br />
This system was developed specifically for urban features identification and classification from hyperspectral<br />
data. Urban environment is highly complex and heterogeneous, thus the use of multispectral data is not sufficent.<br />
Alternatively, hyperspectral data might offer better options in mapping urban features more accurately due<br />
to higher spectral and spatial resolutions. However, the use of hyperspectral data is not straightforward and<br />
advanced processing techniques are required. For this reason, a simple system is designed in this research in<br />
order to facilitate advanced processing of hyperspectral data via the use of transformation methods and robust<br />
classification algorithms. This system will facilitate the use of selected methods that are optimised for urban<br />
mapping from hyperspectral data.<br />
Keywords: Hyperspectral, wavelet transform, support vector machine<br />
210
New Compounds of Dysoxylum acutangulum, Meliaceae<br />
Dr. Intan Safinar Ismail<br />
Mohd. Izwan Mohd. Lazim, Hiroshi Morita, Yusuke Hirasawa, Yuta Nagakura and Takahiro Hosoya<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7492; intan@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Acutaxylines, triterpene, chrotacumines, chromone alkaloid, dysoxylum<br />
A Zero-dissipative Runge-Kutta-Nystrom Method with Minimal Phase-lag<br />
Dr. Norazak Senu<br />
Mohamed Suleiman, Fudziah Ismail and Mohamed Othman<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6848; razak@math.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Runge-kutta-nystrom methods, phase-lag, oscillatory problems<br />
211<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Acutaxylines A (1) and B (2) are a new class of triterpenes consisting of a cyclopentenone side chain at<br />
C-17 and an oxepan-2-ol, and chrotacumines A (3)-D (6), chromone alkaloids which consist of a 5, 7-dihydroxy-<br />
2-methylchromone, an N-Me piperidine ring, and an ester side chain (Figure 1). They were isolated from the<br />
ethyl acetate leaves fraction of Dysoxylum acutangulum, a species belonging to Meliaceae family. The relative<br />
stereochemistry of 1 and 2 was determined by NOESY correlations. Even though there are many triterpenes,<br />
steroids, and limonoids with a furan, a tetrahydrofuran, a pyrane, and such in a side chain at C-17, these are the<br />
first seco-apotirucallane triterpenes with a cyclopentenone ring derived from cyclization of a side chain at C-17.<br />
Chrotacumines’ structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data including 2D NMR and CD spectra,<br />
and chemical evidences. Conformations of the piperidine ring in 3-6 were elucidated by NOESY correlations<br />
and a computational analysis. Cytotoxicity on human blood premyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells showed<br />
acutaxyline B (2) having weak in vitro activity (IC50 35 ?g/ml), whereas acutaxyline A (1) and chrotacumines<br />
A-D (3-6) were not active (IC50 >50 ?g/ml).<br />
An explicit Runge-Kutta-Nystrom method is developed for solving second-order differential equations of<br />
the form q”= f(t,q) where the solutions are oscillatory. The method has zero-dissipation with minimal phase-lag<br />
at a cost of three function evaluations per step of integration. Numerical comparisons with RKN3HS, RKN3V,<br />
RKN4G and RKN4C methods, show the preciseness and effectiveness of the method developed.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A Discrete Event Modelling and Simulation of Wave Division Multiplexing<br />
Dr. Shamala Subramaniam<br />
Fua’ad Abdul Razak, Mohamed Othman and Zuriati Zulkarnain<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6512; shamala@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
The lack of uniformity in the choice of simulation platforms for optical WDM networks stands behind the<br />
difficulty of developing a common simulation environment. Correlating WDM unidirectional slotted ring network<br />
to Discrete Event Simulation (DES) encompassing event definition, time advancing mechanism and scheduler<br />
has yet to be developed. The study focussed on the proposed and the development of an event based discrete<br />
simulator for the WDM unidirectional slotted ring network to facilitate the reuse of the protocol modules under<br />
a common simulation environment. The proposed network architecture implemented for the developed simulator<br />
employs a separate wavelength as the control information channel. This control information enabled the nodes<br />
to monitor their access to the transmission media. Each node was equipped with a tunable transmitter and fixed<br />
receiver for data communication. Access nodes were equipped with a fixed transmitter and fixed receiver for<br />
the control information exchange. The developed simulator had derived the use of dividing the wavelength into<br />
slots. Nodes used these slots to transmit fixed size packets. Slots can be reused by the access node after receiving<br />
packets by the deployment of the spatial reuse scheme, thus enhancing the bandwidth utilisation. The developed<br />
simulator had derived the set of the parameters, events, performance metrics and other unique WDM simulator<br />
elements according to a detailed analysis of the base model. The network delay and packet loss were investigated<br />
and compared to a benchmark of the modelled domain. Successful deployment of the developed simulator was<br />
proven by the generated results. Extensive performance analysis of WDM unidirectional slotted ring network<br />
can be deployed using the developed simulator with low computational overheads. Further enhancements were<br />
to extend the developed simulator for bidirectional slotted ring supporting fairness control and considering both<br />
uniform and non-uniform traffic.<br />
Keywords: Performance analysis strategies, optical networks, packet switching technique<br />
A New Vertical Edge Detection Algorithm<br />
Dr. Syamsiah Mashohor<br />
Abbas Mohammed Al-Ghaili, Alyani Ismail and Abdul Rahman Ramli<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4348; abbasghaili@yahoo.com<br />
Edge detection is a very important process for many image processing applications, especially in Car License<br />
Plate Recognition Systems (CLPRS). The need for distinguishing the desired details is a very important preprocess<br />
in order to give good results in short time processing. We proposed a new and fast Vertical Edge Detection<br />
Algorithm (VEDA) which is based on the contrast between the gray scale values. Once, input gray image was<br />
binarised by using adaptive threshold, Unwanted Lines Elimination Algorithm (ULEA) was proposed and applied<br />
for enhancing the image. After that, a VEDA was applied for experimental images. Then, implementation on the<br />
application is performed and discussed in order to confirm that VEDA is robust for highlighting license plate<br />
details easily. The results revealed accurate edge detection performance and demonstrated the great efficiency of<br />
using VEDA in order to highlight license plate details. Finally, VEDA showed that it is faster than Sobel operator<br />
by about 7-9 times.<br />
Keywords: Edge detection, sobel operator, license plate detection<br />
212
The Generalised Localisation Principle on the Critical Line<br />
Dr. Anvarjon Ahmedov<br />
Ravshan Ashurov<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6350; anvar@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Ranking of Influencing Factors in Predicting Students’ Academic Performance<br />
Dr. Lilly Suriani Affendey<br />
Ikmal Hisyam Mohd. Paris, Norwati Mustapha, Md. Nasir Sulaiman and Zaiton Muda<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6549; suriani@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Predicting academic performance, data mining, attributes ranking<br />
213<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
In this paper, we study the general localisation principle for Fourier-Laplace series on unit sphere. Weak<br />
type (1, 1) property of maximal functions is used to establish the estimates of the maximal operators of Riesz<br />
means at critical index (N?1)/2. The properties Jacobi polynomials are used in estimating the maximal operators<br />
of spectral expansions in Hilbert spaces. For extending positive results on critical line ? =(N-1)(1/p-1/2), we apply<br />
interpolation theorem for the family of the linear operators of weak types. The generalised localisation principle is<br />
established by the analysis of spectral expansions in L2. We have proved the sufficient conditions for the almost<br />
everywhere convergence of Fourier-Laplace series by Riesz means on the critical line.<br />
Keywords: Fourier-laplace series, riesz means, spectral function, eigenfunction of the laplace-beltrami operator<br />
Accurately predicting students’ performance is useful in identifying weak students who are likely to perform<br />
poorly in their studies. Most higher learning institutions have systems to store students’ information and these<br />
databases contain useful knowledge that can be extracted. This motivates us to mine patterns from archives of<br />
the Students Information System, a real-world data set, which does not store sufficient background information<br />
of the students’ previous academic achievements. Our objective is to rank influencing factors that contribute<br />
to the prediction of students’ academic performance. In this study we used WEKA open source data mining<br />
tool to analyse attributes for predicting a higher learning institution’s Bachelor of Computer Science students’<br />
academic performance. The data set comprised of 2427 number of student records and 396 attributes of students<br />
registered between year 2000 and 2006. Preprocessing includes attribute importance analysis. We applied the<br />
data set to different classifiers (Bayes, trees or function) and obtained the accuracy of predicting the students’<br />
performance into either first-second-upper class or second-lower-third class. A cross-validation with 10 folds was<br />
used to evaluate the prediction accuracy. Our results showed the ranking of courses that has significant impact on<br />
predicting the students’ overall academic results. In addition, we perform experiments comparing the performance<br />
of different classifiers and the result showed that Naïve Bayes, AODE and RBFNetwork classifiers scored the<br />
highest percentage of prediction accuracy of 95.29%.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Effect of Co Substitution on Magnetic and Magnetoresistance Effect in La0.67(Ba1xCox)0.33MnO3<br />
System<br />
Dr. Lim Kean Pah<br />
Wong Jen Kuen, Abdul Halim Shaari, Chen Soo Kien and Ng Siau Wei<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6660; kplim@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Low and high-field magnetoresistance (LFMR, HFMR) in polycrystalline perovskite manganite of R1-<br />
XAXMnO3 (R=rare-earth element, A=divalent alkaline-earth metal) have generated many interests due to<br />
their potential technological applications in sensing device industries. Many efforts had been put in order to<br />
improve the sensitivity towards different magnetic signal strength. Previous reports shown that magnetic<br />
element doping in different site will manipulate their LFMR and HFMR effect which mainly influenced by their<br />
extrinsic or intrinsic magnetotransport properties that governed by grain formation, grain size and spin alignment<br />
corresponding to magnetic field respectively. Therefore, substitution of strong magnetic element such as cobalt<br />
(Co) into Ba site of La0.67Ba0.33MnO3 could manipulate their magnetotransport behaviour. Therefore, a series<br />
of polycrystalline perovskite manganite of La0.67(Ba1-XCoX)0.33MnO3 (x=0.00, 0.30 and 0.50) were prepared<br />
through conventional solid-state route. XRD spectrum indicated that single phase rhombohedral perovskite<br />
structure had been obtained for x=0.00 sample. When Co is introduced in the Ba site, its structure is distorted<br />
from rhombohedral to pseudo-cubic. The SEM images show that the average grain sizes were found to be in<br />
3-8µm (x=0.30) and 2-10µm (x=0.50) with less pore between the grain. For x=0.00, the grains are in melted<br />
condition where no significant clear grain boundary can be observed. Pure sample had Curie temperature, TC of<br />
343K. However, substitution of Co at Ba site brings down the TC below 293K. Pure sample shows LFMR effect<br />
and the effect weakens when Co is introduced. The highest LFMR value is -13.0% for sample with x=0.00 in<br />
0.1Tesla applied external magnetic field at 90K and the highest MR value of -22.5% is given by x=0.30 sample<br />
at 1Tesla applied magnetic field at 90K. In summary, LFMR effect is observed in La0.67Ba0.33MnO3. However,<br />
introduction of Co in Ba site can destroy LFMR effect but improved its HFMR effect.<br />
Keywords: Magnetoresistance, low-field magnetoresistance, high-field magnetoresistance, ceramic<br />
A New Two-step Gradient-type Method for Large-scale Unconstrained<br />
Optimisation<br />
Dr. Mahboubeh Farid<br />
Wah June Leong and Malik Abu Hassan<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6677; mahboubeh@inspem.upm.edu.my<br />
In this paper we propose some improvements to a new gradient-type method for solving large-scale<br />
unconstrained optimisation problems, in which we use data from two previous steps to revise the current<br />
approximate Hessian. The new method which we have considered, resembles to that of Barzilai and Borwein<br />
(BB) method. The innovation features of this approach consist in using approximation of the Hessian in diagonal<br />
matrix form based on the modified weak secant equation rather than the multiple of the identity matrix in the BB<br />
method. Using this approach, we can obtain a higher order accuracy of Hessian approximation when compares<br />
to other existing BB-type method. By incorporating a simple monotone strategy, the global convergence of the<br />
new method is achieved. Practical insights on the effectiveness of the proposed method are given by numerical<br />
comparison with the BB method and its Variant.<br />
Keywords: Diagonal updating, weak secant equation, two-step gradient method, barzilai and borwein method<br />
214
Thick Film Sensors<br />
Dr. Mohd. Nizar Hamidon<br />
Mohammad Hadi Shahrokh Abadi, Rahman Wagiran, Abdul Halim Shaari, Norhafizah Abdullah and Norhisam<br />
Misron<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6309; mnh@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Thick film, gas sensor, SnO2, WO3, binder<br />
Biohydrogen Production from Food Waste Fermentation<br />
Dr. Nor Aini Abdul Rahman<br />
Nazlina Haiza Mohd. Yasin, Mohd. Zulkhairi Mohd. Yusoff, Hasfalina Che Man and Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6699; FBBSusEr1240@prpi.mail.com<br />
Keywords: Biohydrogen, food waste, fermentation<br />
215<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Development of thick film resistive-gas-sensor (TFRs) even now is under progress due to its many advantages<br />
such as low cost, small size and robustness, and flexibility when small amounts of catalysts or sensitisers need<br />
to be included in the sensitive layer. Since the sensing mechanism is strongly relying on temperature, the sensor<br />
is equipped with a heater to heat-up the sensing element at desired temperature. The sensing element is normally<br />
consisted of an interdigitated transducer (IDT), comprised of two or more fingers, depending on the size and<br />
overall structure of the sensor. These two elements are printed either in one side of a substrate, separated by an<br />
insulator layer, or apart on the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate.<br />
Bioydrogen has shown a great potential of alternative energy for future energy consumption. Many<br />
substrates are available as carbon sources for biohydrogen production such as food waste, palm oil mill effluent<br />
(POME), molasses, rice straw and etc. Biohydrogen production from food waste provides inexpensive energy<br />
generation with simultaneous waste treatment since food waste production is abundant in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. In this study,<br />
food waste was used as substrate for biohydrogen production and heat-treated POME sludge was used as seed<br />
cultures. A total of 444 NmL biohydrogen can be produced from 200 mL substrate at optimised conditions (pH<br />
5.5, temperature 55C) using 500 mL bioreactor with the yield up to 2L H2/L substrate. The gas mixture produced<br />
contained 40-60% hydrogen and no methane gas was detected. The microbes involved during the fermentation<br />
were determined and quantified using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) technique. The results showed that<br />
90% of the total bacteria present belonged to Clostridium sp. cluster I and XI which are specific for the main<br />
hydrogen producing bacteria species. In conclusion, food waste showed a good substrate for biohydrogen under<br />
suitable operating conditions. By converting food waste into biofuel through green technology would give a great<br />
impact for environmental sustainability.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Comparison of MPI Benchmark Programs on Shared Memory and Distributed<br />
Memory Machines (Point-to-Point Communication)<br />
Dr. Nor Asilah Wati Abdul Hamid<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6532; asila@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
There are several benchmark programmes available to measure the performance of MPI on parallel<br />
computers. The most common use of MPI benchmarks softwares are SKaMPI [5], Pallas MPI Benchmark [6],<br />
MPBench [4], Mpptest [3] and MPIBench [1, 2]. It is interesting to analyse the differences between different<br />
benchmarks. Presently, there have been a few comparisons done between the different benchmarks. Thus, this<br />
paper will discuss a comparison of techniques used and functionality of each benchmark, and also a comparison<br />
of the results on a distributed memory machine and shared memory machine for point-to-point communication.<br />
All of the MPI benchmarks listed above will be compared in this analysis. It is expected that the results from<br />
difference benchmarks should be similar, however this analysis found substantial differences in the results for<br />
certain MPI communications, particularly for shared memory machines.<br />
Keywords: MPI benchmarks, parallel computer, performance comparison<br />
Plasticised PLA/Treated Kenaf Bast Fibre Bio-composites for Food Container<br />
Application<br />
Dr. Nor Azowa Ibrahim<br />
Maizatulnisa Othman, Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus and Khalina Abdan<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6802; norazowa@science.upm.edu.my<br />
New biodegradable composites or green composites have been developed by melt blending technique using<br />
polylactic acid, PLA and kenaf bast fibre, KBF to overcome the growing problem of plastic waste generating<br />
from food container and packaging. However the hydrophilic nature of kenaf bast fibre affects negatively its<br />
adhesion to hydrophobic PLA, thus modification of KBF by soaking with 4% NaOH for three hours was needed.<br />
In addition, triacetin was used as a binder and a plasticiser to improve the interaction between PLA and KBF. The<br />
mechanical properties of the composites were improved indicating good interaction between treated KBF and<br />
PLA. The ratio of 30:70 KBF/PLA with the addition of 5% by weight of triacetin produced green composites with<br />
optimum tensile, flexural and impacts strengths comparable to polypropylene that were being used to prepare<br />
food container. The SEM micrographs of the fracture surface of tensile test also indicate good adhesion between<br />
KBF and PLA. The natural micro organisms in the garden soil degraded the KBF/PLA composites faster than<br />
pure PLA.<br />
Keywords: Polylactic acid, kenaf fibre, triacetin, green composite<br />
216
Anonymous Author Discovery from Writing Style<br />
Dr. Norwati Mustapha<br />
Tareef Kamil Mustafa, Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad and Md. Nasir Sulaiman<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6585; norwati@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Text mining, stylometric, authorship attribution<br />
UPEM: User-centred Privacy Evaluation Model in Pervasive Computing Systems<br />
Dr. Nur Izura Udzir<br />
Ali Dehghantanha, Ramlan Mahmod and Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6521; izura@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Privacy, pervasive computing, ubiquitous computing, privacy evaluation<br />
217<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Stylometric Authorship attribution is one of the new approaches in the text mining field that has recently been<br />
noticed because of its delicateness. This approach is concerned about analysing texts, e.g. novels and plays that<br />
famous authors wrote, trying to measure the authors’ style, by choosing some attributes that shows the authors’<br />
style of writing, assuming that these writers have a special way of writing, that no other writer has. The two major<br />
problems that should be solved in this field are predictions accuracy results and human judgment dependency<br />
(i.e. expert). The techniques that manage these kinds of predictions are either using the computational statistical<br />
frequent word or the use of more sophisticated semantic techniques but they are still not completely accurate.<br />
In this research, we propose a new Stylometric algorithm that can overcome these problems with more accurate<br />
prediction and human opinion independency, without relying on the domain expert. The new algorithm is done by<br />
merging together two techniques called computational approach and Winnow algorithm. This new algorithm also<br />
uses more effective attributes than frequent words which is the most successful attribute in Stylometric prediction<br />
this far. The effective attributes have been represented by the word pair and the trio. The experiments show that<br />
the new algorithm produces superior prediction and even provides completely correct results.<br />
The fact that pervasive systems are typically embedded and invisible, make them difficult for users to know<br />
when these devices are collecting data. Consequently privacy appears as a major issue for pervasive computing<br />
applications and several privacy models proposed for pervasive environments. The rapid growth of privacy<br />
models in pervasive environments gives rise to the need for some standard benchmarks and evaluation models<br />
to evaluate and compare these privacy models. In this paper, we review privacy evaluation models in pervasive<br />
environments and present their evaluation results. Then we propose an evaluation model that evaluates privacy<br />
models based on user control over private information, expressiveness of privacy policies, and unobtrusiveness of<br />
privacy mechanisms as well as represents the model privacy level in a matrix. Finally we evaluate several privacy<br />
models by using the proposed privacy evaluation model.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Characterisation of Activated Carbon Derived from Durian Shell and Evaluation<br />
on the Potential Removal of Toluene Vapour<br />
Dr. Puziah Abdul Latif<br />
Tham Yee Jun, Shamala Devi Arumugam and Ahmad Makmom Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6744; puziah@env.upm.edu.my<br />
Durian shells are easily available agricultural by-products and their large quantities of generation make<br />
them a potential source for production of alternative low cost adsorbent. This study was performed to determine<br />
the characteristics of activated carbon prepared from durian shell and assess the removal properties on toluene<br />
vapors. The moisture content, ash content, elements analysis and thermogravimetric analysis were determined<br />
using raw durian shell. Durian shell activated carbon (DSAC) was prepared by immersing the raw samples in<br />
each 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% (v/v) concentration of phosphoric acid respectively, for 24 h. They were then<br />
carbonized for 20 min at 400°C, 500°C, 650°C and 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere flow. The activated carbons<br />
were sent for characterisation in terms of porosity and chemical properties. Then selected DSAC were tested for<br />
removal efficiency with toluene vapors where 10 µl of toluene solvent was injected into the gas sampling bag<br />
containing 5L of N2 gas and 0.5g of DSAC. After that, the concentration of the toluene was varied to test the<br />
effects on the removal rate of the DSAC. Results showed that various treatment conditions affected the percentage<br />
of yield, Brunauer, Emmett and Teller equation (BET) surface area, and pore structures of the activated carbons.<br />
The main surface functional groups that appeared in DSAC were hydroxyl, phosphorous groups, carbonyl groups<br />
and aromatic rings compounds. The highest BET surface area 1404 m2/g, and best removal efficiency of toluene<br />
vapors was achieved by activated carbon prepared at 30% of acid concentration, 500°C and 20 min of heating<br />
duration. The concentrations of toluene vapors do not have significant effects on the removal efficiency of toxic<br />
gas by DSAC. Therefore, durian shell can be a suitable feedstock for preparation of activated carbons for removal<br />
of toxic vapours in the air.<br />
Keywords: durian shell, acid phosphoric, activated carbon, toluene, removal efficiency<br />
Social Learning in Evolutionary Computation for Tic-Tac-Toe<br />
Dr. Razali Yaakob<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6523; razaliy@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
This paper investigates an integration of individual and social learning, utilising evolutionary neural<br />
networks, in order to evolve game playing strategies. Individual learning enables players to create their own<br />
strategies. Then, we allow the use of social learning to allow poor performing players to learn from players<br />
which are playing at a higher level. The feed forward neural networks are evolved via evolution strategies. The<br />
evolved neural network players play first and compete against a nearly perfect player. At the end of each game,<br />
the evolved players receive a score based on whether they won, lost or drew. Our results demonstrate that the use<br />
of social learning helps players learn strategies, which are superior to the evolved players when social learning<br />
is not utilised.<br />
Keywords: Evolutionary strategies, neural network, individual learning, social learning, Tic-Tac-Toe<br />
218
Safety-based Flight Scheduler and Management System<br />
Dr. Rodziah Atan<br />
Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad, Mohd. Yazid Md. Saman, Bahram Zarrin and Ahmad Shahi Soozei<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6574; rodziah@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Flight scheduler, safety-based system<br />
Koye Kacang Powder Forming Machine<br />
Dr. Rosnah Shamsudin<br />
Muhammad Redzuan Shah Ismail and Khalina Abdan<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6366; rosnahs@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Koye @ putu kacang, Malay traditional food, powder forming<br />
219<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Scheduler and management system that aimed to be invented as a hardware-embedded system to support<br />
scheduling, estimation and dynamic environmental safety caution alerting for flight trips from one destination to<br />
another. An intelligent agent that is able to produce decision options for unusual situations (dynamic environment,<br />
such as sudden weather changes) will be applied to the application to coupe with real-time safety precautions. It<br />
should come in a form of hardware and software together in one hardware device to increase the portability of the<br />
system. It is a plug-and-play scheduler and management system, which required no installation and minimises<br />
utilisation of CPU space.<br />
Koye Kacang Powder Forming Machine is designed to produce the Koye Kacang biscuit. Koye Kacang or<br />
Putu Kacang biscuit is a mixture of green bean, sugar and some water. This machine is simple, practical, more<br />
hygienic, saves cost of production and labour energy. The machine is developed to overcome the labour cost<br />
and efficiency problems encountered by Koye Kacang producers. The machine comprises three main processing<br />
parts which are the feeding unit, compression unit and knocking unit. The main components of the machine are<br />
pneumatic pusher, feeder tank, horizontal guide plate, pneumatic compressor, presser plate, moulding plate, side<br />
plate, connecting steel, conveyor belt, sliding plate, and collecting tank. The dimension of the machine is 1570mm<br />
(length) × 1800mm (height) × 668mm (width) and has a capacity of approximately 15kg/hr. The mixture of the<br />
powdery dough is being placed inside the feeder tank; pneumatic pusher will then push the feeder tank forward<br />
along the guiding rail for subsequent filling process. The Koye Kacang dough mixture then fills the moulding<br />
plate below the guiding rail via gravitational force. After the filling process has been done, pneumatic compressor<br />
will push the presser head downward for the compression process on the filled dough. Later, pneumatic lifter will<br />
rotate the moulding block downward, causing compressed dough to be knocked out from the moulding plate. This<br />
machine showed 100% efficiency in feeding process at full capacity. For the compression and knocking process,<br />
the efficiency of the process was 87.5%. The total efficiency of the whole machine was 91.67%. Based on the high<br />
performance of the machine, it is certainly capable to assist Koye Kacang producers to reduce the labour cost and<br />
time of processing, thus increasing the productivity considerably.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A Framework of Knowledge Management (KM) Strategies of Open Source<br />
Software Development (OSSD) with Collaborative Environment<br />
Dr. Rusli Abdullah<br />
Modi Lakulu, Mohd. Hasan Selamat and Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6557; rusli@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
The global economy crisis reveals the advantages of Open Source Software (OSS). Software developers<br />
benefit not only from reduced cost of acquisition, but also access to source code and components. Feller and<br />
Fitzgerald (2002) raised the critical questions on what life-cycle underpins the OSS model and what is the best<br />
methodology to support the OSS as well as what toolkit support OSS methodology. Knowledge Management<br />
System (KMS) is capable to manage knowledge and the best solution for sharing knowledge among developers<br />
in terms of software development process. This study is to solve the problem and to formulate a Knowledge<br />
Management System (KMS) framework for sharing OSS knowledge in software development. The formulation<br />
of framework covers the major methodologies in software development but the development of prototype system<br />
only focusses on SDLC from the planning phase until the maintenance phase. The development of the prototype<br />
system uses a prototype approach. A survey was conducted on selected OSS developers in <strong>Malaysia</strong> to gauge<br />
the developer’s awareness of OSS and to ascertain the usage of OSS tools in software development and finally<br />
to analyse and validate the framework’s components. The results show the reliability using Rasch Method and<br />
SPSS based on Cronbach Alpha is 0.97 and the reliability for both measurement is excellent. (Fisher 2007), Based<br />
on three measurements (mean, reliability and percentage), 97.39% of the respondents agree for the framework<br />
components respectively and this gives positive feedback to OSS tools in software development. Hence,<br />
98.13% of the respondents agree that to manage OSS tools based on knowledge ontology according to software<br />
development process can help to choose rightly and accelerate the software development. The contributions of<br />
this study are to provide a mechanism for sharing OSSD knowledge and finally to create a third generation of<br />
KM society in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Keywords: Knowledge management system, open source software (OSS), OSS development<br />
New Technology to Determine Harvesting Date for the Oil Palm FFB<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Wan Ishak Wan Ismail<br />
Mohd. Hudzari Razali and Nader Kavandi<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6408; wiwi@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
This study introduced the new concept of image based measurement for modelling the oil palm fresh fruit<br />
bunches (FFB) maturity prediction which enables to determine the correct time for harvesting. The experiments<br />
procedure starts from collection of the fruitlets of FFB during unripe (black colour surface) until overripe (orange<br />
colour surface) stage. The variety of oil palm is Tenera (Elaeis guineensis). The fruitlets were plucked from FFB<br />
and analysed for oil mesocarp content by using the Soxhlet extractor machine. The calculations to determine the<br />
mesocarp oil content was developed based on ratio of oil to dry mesocarp. The images were analysed for optical<br />
properties of colour, namely hue, using the analysis software that was developed at our research laboratory.<br />
Regression analysis of polynomial 2nd order equation method showed that the optical property of oil palm<br />
fruit was significant in determining the oil from the mesocarp fruit, with respect to the degree of maturity. The<br />
triangulation method was developed to estimate the optimum days for harvesting the FFB at the highest content<br />
and quality of the oil. For commercialisation, the personal Digital Assistance (PDA) was used as a portable oil<br />
palm maturity prediction device. The above prediction equations and triangulation table were downloaded to the<br />
PDA.<br />
Keywords: Prediction of day harvesting, mesocarp oil content, hue optical properties, camera vision, PDA<br />
220
Cosmo Ball in Wastewater Treatment<br />
A New Vertical Edge Detection Algorithm<br />
Dr. Siti Aslina Hussain<br />
Tan Hong Tat and Azni Idris<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6292; aslina@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Cosmo ball, treatment, bacteria, anaerobic, simulation, wastewater<br />
Dr. Syamsiah Mashohor<br />
Abbas Mohammed Al-Ghaili<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4348; abbasghaili@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Automatic license plate recognition, fuzzy logic system, template matching theorem<br />
221<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The Cosmo ball mainly has its application as a filter media in an effluent treatment system. A very large<br />
surface area could be obtained for microbial attachment as the Cosmo ball has a design such that a surface for<br />
fluid interaction with the maximum microbial. This will greatly improve the degradation of organic matter in<br />
wastewater trough the microbial activities. Cosmo ball is a media used in wastewater treatment in view to increase<br />
the surface area of contact and provide longer contact time for biological activities. It is usually placed as a media<br />
or as packing in the aeration tank, BioFil tank or even in an activated sludge tank. It induces the growth of bacteria<br />
on its surface that will serve as a contact area for the wastewater and the microbial. The purpose of this simulation<br />
is to analyse the fluid flow pattern namely water around the Cosmo ball. By this means, the overall insights on the<br />
interaction of the fluid flow with the Cosmo ball surface can be visualised.The result shows that the fluid flows<br />
around the ball disperse inducing mixing in the overall system. There are some retention of flow observed that<br />
occurs in the ball. The retention of flow induces better microbial interaction to the fluid.<br />
The Road Transport Department of <strong>Malaysia</strong> has endorsed a specification for car plates that includes the font<br />
and size of characters that must be followed by car owners. However, there are cases where this specification is<br />
not followed. This research proposes a new methodology to segment and recognise <strong>Malaysia</strong>n car license plates<br />
automatically. The proposed methodology solves the problem of segmenting different length licenses such as<br />
license with different number of characters and numbers. There are two main objectives for this paper: first is<br />
to develop fuzzy rules to recognise the segmented characters and numbers from the same input-sets, which is<br />
the same size without overlapping between the characters and numbers sets. Secondly, this paper proposes a<br />
method to recognise non-standard plates which is by Template Matching theorem. The hybrid method of Fuzzy<br />
and Template matching is tested on 300 samples of car images captured in outdoor environment. The results<br />
yield 90.4% recognition accuracy, the Fuzzy based required 1.7 seconds and Template matching based took 0.75<br />
seconds to perform the recognition.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Preparation and Characterisation of Bismuth Niobium Oxide Ion Conductors as<br />
New Sensor Materials<br />
Dr. Tan Yen Ping<br />
Ng Sin Nee and Taufiq Yap Yun Hin<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6789; yptan@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Oxide ion conductors have attracted considerable attention due to their applications in technological devices<br />
such as solid oxide fuel cells and oxygen sensors. Materials in Bi2O3-Nb2O5 binary oxide system have been<br />
synthesized by conventional solid-state and mechanochemical methods. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis<br />
showed that single phase materials were formed with a general formula of BixNbO? at 2.5 ? x ? 6 for both<br />
solid-state and mechanochemical methods. A lower synthesis temperature was found in the mechanochemical<br />
method (700 o C) compared to the solid state method (800 o C). Thermal analyses using differential thermal (DTA)<br />
and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses showed that all single phase materials were thermally stable. Electrical<br />
measurements using AC impedance spectroscopy indicated that the samples prepared by mechanochemical<br />
method gave lower activation energy. Among the solid solutions prepared by the two methods, Bi5NbO10 and<br />
Bi6NbO11.5 exhibited the highest conductivity.<br />
Keywords: Bismuth, niobium, oxide ion conductor, mechanochemical, solid state reaction, impedance spectroscopy<br />
Uniaxial Die Compaction of Food Powders<br />
Dr. Yus Aniza Yusof<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6363; niza@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
This work presents a study of uniaxial die compaction of food powders for typical food powders such as<br />
maize powder and maize grits as well as a universal binder known as microcrystalline cellulose or Avicel. The<br />
method of compaction is widely applied in the industry as it can investigate the compressibility and compactability<br />
characteristics of powders prior to handling, storage, packaging, and transportation. In the current context, a<br />
cylindrical uniaxial die of 20 mm was used to compress the powders into compact. Pressures ranging from 30<br />
and 160 MPa were applied to the uniaxial die using a universal testing machine. It was found that Avicel powder<br />
showed the highest compactability characteristic, ability to form bonding easily. Other than that, compactability<br />
of both the coarse maize and fine maize were quite similar which may be due to the similar chemical composition.<br />
The data were then validated using an established compression equation. The asymptotic residual modulus value<br />
reduced as the ability of the food powders to form plastic junctions - assuming that they existed - increased.<br />
For the tensile strength test, Avicel compact showed the greatest tensile strength, many times that of fine maize<br />
and coarse maize compacts. However, between the fine maize and coarse maize, fine maize had higher tensile<br />
strength which may be due to its smaller particle size, as well as the fact that the contact area may be increased,<br />
and consequently may form a more coherent compact. The results indicate that this simple approach can be used<br />
to understand the compressibility and compactability characteristics of food powders which are essential for<br />
engineering and technology application.<br />
Keywords: Compactability, compressibility, food powders, stress relaxation, tensile strength, uniaxial die compaction<br />
222
Numerical Evaluation for Cauchy Type Singular Integrals on the Interval<br />
Dr. Zainidin K. Eshkuvatov<br />
Nik Mohd. Asri Nik Long and Mohammad Abdulkawi<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6855; ezaini@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Singular integral, quadrature formula, discrete vortex method, canonical partition<br />
Variable Step Implicit Block Multistep Method for Solving ODEs<br />
Keywords: Block method, variable step size, ordinary differential equations<br />
223<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The singular integral (SI) with the Cauchy kernel is considered. New quadrature formulas (QFs) based on the<br />
modification of discrete vortex method to approximate SI are constructed. Convergence of QFs and error bounds<br />
are shown in the classes of functions H(alpha) and C^1[-1,1]. Rate of convergence of the QFs is improved in the<br />
class of function C^1[-1,1]. Numerical examples are shown to validate the QFs constructed.<br />
Dr. Zanariah Abdul Majid<br />
Siamak Mehrkanoon Mohamed Suleiman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7959; zanariah@science.upm.edu.my<br />
A four-point implicit block multistep method is developed to solve first-order ordinary differential<br />
equations using variable step size. The method computes the numerical solution at four equally spaced points<br />
simultaneously. The stability of the proposed method is investigated. The Gauss Seidel approach is used for<br />
the implementation of the proposed method in the PECE mode. The method is presented in a simple form of<br />
Adams type and all coefficients are stored in the code in order to avoid the calculation of divided difference and<br />
integration coefficients. Numerical results show that the proposed method gave better results than the existence<br />
method.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
As the Internet becomes increasingly heterogeneous, the issue of congestion control becomes ever more<br />
important. The link utilisation is one of the important things in terms of congestion avoidance and control<br />
mechanisms as well. With that, we can define the utilisation as simply the throughput divided by the access rate.<br />
In addition, all the developments for the congestion control and avoidance algorithms are interested about using<br />
network resources and links capacity (utilisation). In this research, we continued to study the performances of<br />
the New-Additive Increase Multiplicative Decrease (AIMD) algorithm as one of the core protocols for TCP<br />
congestion avoidance and control mechanism. We want to evaluate the effect of using the AIMD algorithm after<br />
developing it to find a new approach, as we called it the New-AIMD algorithm to measure the bottleneck link<br />
utilisation and use the NCTUns simulator to get the results after making the modification of the mechanism.<br />
We will also use the Droptail mechanism as Active Queue Management (AQM) in the bottleneck router. After<br />
the implementation of our new approach with different number of flows, we will measure the bottleneck link<br />
utilisation and we will get high utilisation (more than 94%) for bottleneck link by using this mechanism and avoid<br />
the collisions in the link. Now and after the results that show high utilisation for bottleneck link, we know the<br />
New-AIMD mechanism work as well under the giving network condition in the experiments.<br />
Keywords: Congestion control, TCP, AIMD, network utilisation<br />
Clothing Storage<br />
This project aims to design a wardrobe that can be used within a narrow space living area. Most houses have<br />
its own unused space such as wall corners, under staircase and behind doors. This space is often narrow and it is<br />
not suitable for owners to put a furniture particularly the wardrobe. Currently, there is no specific wardrobe that<br />
is purposely designed to fit within a narrow space. Existing wardrobe is normally large, bulky and requires huge<br />
space utilization within the house interior. This wardrobe design is suitable to be used at narrow places because<br />
of its flexibility and adjustable aspects. The wardrobe design can be modified into different shapes and sizes. In<br />
addition, this wardrobe is user friendly, easy to fit within narrow spaces and affordable. It is also easy to fold and<br />
convenient for storage purpose.<br />
Keywords: Product design, furniture design<br />
Bottleneck Link Utilisation with New-additive Increase Multiplicative Decrease<br />
Congestion Avoidance and Control Algorithm<br />
Dr. Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain<br />
Hayder Natiq Jasem, Mohamed Othman and Shamala Subramaniam<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6565; zuriati@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Mr. Ahmad Rizal Abdul Rahman<br />
Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Mohd. Azali Abdul Rahim and Asmawi Adzi<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4080; rizalrahman17@gmail.com<br />
224
CEV: Cyberjaya Electric Vehicle<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Hasri Yunardi Hassan and Irfendi Mohamad<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; buckrie@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Electric vehicle, public transport, industrial design<br />
Modification of Pickands’ Dependence Function for Ordered Bivariate Extreme<br />
Distributions<br />
Mohd. Bakri Adam<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6860; bakri@math.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Bivariate extreme, pickands’ dependence function, stochastics ordering<br />
225<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
This design project is an Electric Vehicle for people to commute within Cyberjaya City. Most significantly,<br />
Cyberjaya community is facing inefficient public transport services. It is also difficult to walk from one place to<br />
another, due to the building’s location and distance. The lack of shades and cool environment would sometimes<br />
makes the Cyberjaya City too humid and does not permit people to walk from one location to another.<br />
We study the characteristics of Pickands’ dependence function for bivariate extreme distribution for minima,<br />
BEVM, when considering the stochastics ordering of the two variables, X < Y. The existing Pickand’s dependence<br />
function terminologies and theories are modified to suit the dependence functions of extreme minimum cases. The<br />
main result is the introduction of the restricted logistic dependence function, ARL and the restricted exponential<br />
function, VRL(x, y).
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Multipurpose Grass Trimmer<br />
Keywords: Gardening product, industrial design<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Shabudin Md. Sattar, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Zulkifli Muslim, Mohamizzam<br />
Mohammad and Noorizan Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; nikaizan@yahoo.com<br />
Grass trimming activity is normally done by men using a bulky and heavy grass trimming machine. During<br />
the trimming activities, users are exposed to risks because the machine uses sharp blades and it also produces<br />
a distracting noise. Women in particular, are reluctant to use the grass trimming machine due to its bulky size,<br />
heavy and it is too mechanical. The multipurpose grass trimmer is a device that can be used by women for<br />
gardening activities. This user friendly product enables the users to adjust the ergonomics handle according to<br />
their comfort. The use of silent motor system minimises the noise level and emissions. The external appearance<br />
of grass trimming machine features ergonomics form which enables the user, in particular women to carry it<br />
conveniently.<br />
Watermelon Maturity Device<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Rosalam Che Me, Hassan Alli, Bakri Bakar@Ismail, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Mohd. Azali Abdul Rahim,<br />
Razman Ramli, Mohamizzam Mohammad and Rahinah Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; nikaizan@yahoo.com<br />
This product is a device that can measure the ripeness of watermelon fruit. Traditionally people will sort the<br />
matured fruit by squeezing, shaking, knocking, touching, smelling and observing the fruits skins and textures. The<br />
main objective is to replace the traditional method by using a simple and portable device to measure the ripeness<br />
of watermelon fruit. It incorporates the technological concept of pendulum that could trigger the resonance and<br />
translate to determine the ripeness of the fruit.<br />
Keywords: Watermelon fruit maturity device, industrial design<br />
226
Portable Daylight Reflector Device<br />
Mr. Ruhaizin Sulaiman<br />
Hassan Alli, Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Mohammad Aiman Ahmad Fozi, Saiful Hasley Ramli, Mohd. Faiz<br />
Yahaya and Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4034; ruhaizin@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Portable daylight reflector device, industrial design<br />
A New Path Estimation Strategy for Predicting Blind Persons’ Motion in Indoor<br />
Environments<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Sai Hong<br />
Omid Motlagh, Napsiah Ismail, Abdul Rahman Ramli and Ang Chun Kit<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6332; saihong@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Fuzzy cognitive map, path prediction<br />
227<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
As part of the interior needs, enhancing a room with potted plants is beneficial. Healthier plants depend on<br />
how we could take care of the plant well indoor, perhaps with water treatment and the source of lights that are<br />
required by the plants. A portable daylight reflector was designed for reflecting natural lights, redirecting them to<br />
the internal space and diffusing them to a level required for indoor plants and space at the same time. As a result,<br />
the design balances inadequate ambient daylight for room task and to help the plants grow more naturally.<br />
Research on characteristics of spatial cognition without vision is used to improve the design of indoor<br />
environments to be safer for blind and visually handicapped persons. A fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) decision<br />
mechanism is presented for modelling path planning strategies adopted by blind travelers including wall-following,<br />
and shortcutting through the environment. A statistical case based reasoning (CBR) strategy is introduced for<br />
anticipating the points of switch between the two mentioned behaviours along the path. The combination of CBR<br />
and FCM modules provided a robust model of decision making which can be used for predicting blind motions.<br />
In this research, 51 eye-masked subjects contributed for obtaining the path patterns and for validating the results<br />
obtained using the proposed path prediction approach.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
FIOF: 4 in 1 Compact Portable Furniture<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Redzwan Ab. Aziz, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Bakri Bakar and Arnis Aziz<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4054; shazman67@yahoo.com<br />
The project focuses in designing a new 4 in 1 furniture concept that is suitable for users who are living in a<br />
small size terrace house. A person who lives in a small size terrace house often faces limited space area problem.<br />
The outlook of this furniture design emphasizes on a compact, minimalist, mobile and multifunctional use. The<br />
4 in 1 concept shall allow users to transform this furniture into four different functions which are chair, bedding,<br />
study table and closet. Its multifunctional aspect shall enable users to maximise its usage and minimise the use<br />
of home space area. This furniture design also constraints on the green design concepts by optimising the use of<br />
natural and recyclable material and reduces the use of polymer based materials.<br />
Keywords: 4 in 1 furniture, compact, minimalist, mobile and multifunctional, chair, bedding, study table, closet, recyclable<br />
EMO: The Ajustable Hanging Table<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Pang Lee Ping, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah and Bakri Bakar<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4054; shazman67@yahoo.com<br />
This new invention is an attempt to identify a solution for modern living space. In a typical living room for<br />
an instance, the space will be cluttered with sofas, racks, cabinets and coffee tables just to name a few. Hence, this<br />
research is focusing on space study which is becoming very limited for today’s living area. A multifunction and<br />
affordable design concept is applied in this innovation. It is ergonomically designed and optimised the aesthetical<br />
value because it can be adjusted according to the preferred height, yet it can serve both as a coffee table and as<br />
a decorative lighting. Moreover, this invention is also a cost effective product as consumers no longer need to<br />
purchase a coffee table and a decorative lighting separately.<br />
Keywords: Multifunction, affordable design, ergonomic, aesthetic value, coffee table, decorative light<br />
228
Manufacture and Application of Nano Silver Water Treatment Filters<br />
Keywords: Nano silver, polypropylene water filter, bacteria<br />
Mrs. Farideh Heidarpour<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8519; f.heidarpour@yahoo.com<br />
A Backward Fault Recovery Mechanism in Preemptive Utility Accrual Real Time<br />
Scheduling Algorithm<br />
Mrs. Idawaty Ahmad<br />
Shamala Subramaniam, Mohammad Othman and Zuriati Zulkarnain<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6541; idawaty@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Real time schedulling algorithm, TUF/UA scheduling paradigm, discrete event simulation<br />
229<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Advancements in nanotechnology are being applied in the water-purification industry, to keep harmful<br />
bacteria out of drinking water. Due to its bactericidal properties, nano-silver is used in many products as an<br />
antibacterial function. This study aimed to produce and investigate the effect of a nano silver-based watertreatment<br />
using polypropylene filter via the physical vapor deposition method. The production of nano silver filter<br />
used the Balzers 760 machine which was equipped with an electron beam gun ESQ 110. The Balzers machine<br />
was modified in order to enable coating of the cylindrical filters in a homogenous manner. The nano-silver<br />
particles were made by electron beam bombardment of the silver metal, which were subsequently deposited<br />
on the polypropylene filter evenly. The thicknesses of the nano layer coated on the filters were about 35.0nm,<br />
45.0nm and 55.0nm in average, respectively and were determined by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force<br />
microscopy and the X-ray diffraction technique. The inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS)<br />
was used to determine amount of silver nano-particles in water sample after filtration. The results found that<br />
the count of nano silver particles which the enumeration of bacteria was done by membrane filter method in the<br />
filtered water sample was nil. At a flow rate of 3L/hr and after four hours filtration, more than 99% Escherichia<br />
coli were inactivated when the input water had a bacterial load of 103 colony-forming units (CFU) per mL. SEM<br />
photos were showed the filtered bacteria on the NSF after passing through the polluted water. This is the first<br />
report on the manufacture of nano silver cylindrical polypropylene filter using the electron beam gun technique,<br />
to the best of our knowledge. The filter system produced in this work has the potential to be used as an efficient<br />
and cost-effective water treatment method.<br />
This study proposed a robust algorithm named as Backward Recovery Preemptive Utility Accrual Schedulling<br />
(BRPUAS) algorithm that implements the Backward Recovery (BR) mechanism as a fault recovery solution<br />
under the existing utility accrual schedulling environment. The problem identified in the TUF/UA schedulling<br />
domain is that the existing algorithms only consider the Abortion Recovery (AR) as their fault recovery solution<br />
in which all faulty tasks are simply aborted to nullify the erroneous effect. The decision to immediately abort the<br />
affected tasks is inefficient because aborted tasks produce zero utility causes the system to accrue lower utility.<br />
The proposed BRPUAS algorithm enabled the re-execution of the affected tasks rather than abortion to reduce<br />
the number of aborted tasks in the existing algorithm known as Abortion Recovery Preemptive Utility Accrual<br />
Scheduling (ARPUAS) algorithm that employed the AR mechanism. The BRPUAS ensures the correctness of the<br />
executed tasks in the best effort basis in such a way that the infeasible tasks are aborted and produced zero utility,<br />
while the feasible tasks are re-executed to produce positive utility and consequently maximised the total accrued<br />
utility to the system. The performances of these algorithms are measured by using discrete event simulation. The<br />
proposed BRPUAS algorithm achieved higher accrued utility compared to ARPUAS for the entire load range.<br />
Simulation results revealed that the BR mechanism is more efficient than the existing AR mechanism, producing<br />
higher accrued utility ratio and less abortion ratio making it more reliable and efficient for adaptive real time<br />
application domain.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
MHD Mixed Convection Flow Near the Stagnation-point on a Vertical Permeable<br />
Surface<br />
Mrs. Norfifah Bachok<br />
Anuar Ishak, Roslinda Nazar and Norazak Senu<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6849; norfifah@fsas.upm.edu.my<br />
To investigate the steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection boundary layer flow of a viscous<br />
and electrically conducting fluid near the stagnation-point on a vertical permeable surface. The effects of suction<br />
as well as magnetic parameter near the stagnation-point are studied. A similarity transformation is used to reduce<br />
the governing partial differential equations to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which are then<br />
solved numerically using a finite-difference method. The dual solutions exist for both assisting and opposing<br />
flows. The range of the mixed convection parameter for which the solution that exists, increases with suction.<br />
The solutions can be obtained up to a certain value of the moving parameter (critical value or turning point).<br />
The boundary layer separates from the plate beyond the turning point hence it is not possible to get the solution<br />
based on the boundary layer approximations after this point. To obtain further solutions, the full Navier-Stokes<br />
equations have to be solved. The flow due to a permeable surface is relevant to several practical applications in<br />
the engineering activities such as in the design of thrust bearing and radial diffusers, and thermal oil recovery. In<br />
these cases, the properties of the final product depend to a great extent on the rate of cooling which is governed<br />
by the structure of the boundary layer near the permeable surface. The present results are original and new for<br />
the boundary layer flow of a viscous and electrically conducting fluid near the stagnation-point on a vertical<br />
permeable surface. Therefore this study would be important for the scientists and engineers in order to become<br />
familiar with the flow behaviour and properties of such permeable surface, and the way to predict the properties<br />
of this flow for the process equipments.<br />
Keywords: MHD, mixed convection, suction/injection, dual solutions, stagnation-point<br />
Melting Heat Transfer in Steady Laminar Flow over a Moving Surface<br />
Mrs. Norfifah Bachok<br />
Anuar Ishak, Roslinda Nazar and Norazak Senu<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6849; norfifah@fsas.upm.edu.my<br />
To investigate the steady laminar boundary layer flow and heat transfer from a warm, laminar liquid flow to a<br />
melting surface moving parallel to a constant free stream. The effects of the melting parameter, moving parameter<br />
and Prandtl number on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are studied. A similarity transformation is used<br />
to reduce the governing partial differential equations to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which<br />
are then solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. There is a region of unique solutions for<br />
moving parameter, however, multiple (dual) solutions exist when the solid surface and the free stream move in<br />
the opposite directions. The solutions can be obtained up to a certain value of the moving parameter (critical value<br />
or turning point). The boundary layer separates from the plate beyond the turning point hence it is not possible<br />
to get the solution based on the boundary layer approximations after this point. To obtain further solutions, the<br />
full Navier-Stokes equations have to be solved. The flow due to a moving flat plate is relevant to several practical<br />
applications in the field of metallurgy, chemical engineering, etc. For example in magma solidification, melting of<br />
permafrost and preparation of semiconductor materials. In these cases, the properties of the final product depend<br />
to a great extent on the rate of cooling which is governed by the structure of the boundary layer near the melting<br />
surface. The present results are original and new for the boundary layer flow and heat transfer for a melting<br />
surface moving parallel to a constant free stream. Therefore this study would be important for the scientists and<br />
engineers in order to become familiar with the flow behaviour and properties of such melting surface.<br />
Keywords: Melting, heat transfer, steady, dual solutions, moving surface<br />
230
Chemistry of Artocarpus kemando and Artocarpus odoratissimus<br />
New Designed Equipment for Soft Soil Stabilisation<br />
Prof. Dr. Gwendoline Cheng Lian Ee<br />
Teo Siow Hwa, Lim Chan Kiang and Mawardi Rahmani<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6785; gwen@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Artocarpus kemando, artosimmin, artomandin, flavonoids, xanthones, anti-cancer<br />
Prof. Dr. Bujang Kim Huat<br />
Sina Kazemian and Thamer A. Mohamed<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6368; huatbbk@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Design, equipment,soft soil, stabilization, injection-vacuum technology, chemical grout<br />
231<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Our recent study on Artocarpus odoratissimus has resulted in the purification of a new prenylated<br />
pyranoflavone derivative artosimmus (1) and traxateryl acetate (2). Artocarpus kemando on the other hand,<br />
gave a new furanodihydrobenzoxanthone, artomandin (3), together with three other flavonoid derivatives-<br />
artoindonesianin C (4), artonol B (5), artochamin A (6), and the triterpene ?-sitosterol (7). Structural elucidations<br />
of these compounds were achieved by using 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. Compound 2 is obtained for<br />
the first time from Artocarpus odoratissimus. All these compounds displayed very susceptible degree of inhibition<br />
effects against HL-60 & MCF-7 cancer cell lines. These compound also possess antioxidant properties towards<br />
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). This paper reports the two new compounds and the biological<br />
activities of the extracts and pure compounds from these two Artocarpus species.<br />
There are various methods and devices to stabilise soft soils and one method that is commonly used worldwide<br />
is grouting or injecting a liquid (cement and/or additives) into the voids within the soil, and thus displacing the<br />
gases and liquids from within these. Some examples of grouting method are hydro fracture grouting, compaction<br />
grouting, jet grouting, etc. Selecting the right method for deep soil stabilising however, depends on several<br />
conditions like the type and alternative layers of soil, load size, the situation and type of project, among others. In<br />
this research, the effect of cement and different varieties of chemical grouts on stabilization of soft soil by Deep<br />
Mixing Method (DMM) was investigated. To achieve this goal, a model scale DMM injector (injection-vacuum<br />
apparatus) was specially designed and developed in-house. Soil samples were collected from the field and were<br />
stabilised by the newly developed injection-vacuum apparatus. The design of the proposed equipment consists<br />
of an injection part, a vacuum pump and two kinds of auger for drilling the vacuum and injection wells. The<br />
injection part has two tanks for holding the cement slurry and other chemical grouts. The auger motor is mounted<br />
on a vertical steel frame which also has a mixing pump unit and a slurry outlet at its base. The slurry outlet can<br />
be moved up and down by using the auger manually. This apparatus has three main parts to operate; the injection<br />
part, the vacuum pump and the auger motor.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Palm olein, urea, fatty amides, lipozyme<br />
Enzymatic Synthesis of Fatty Amides from Palm Olein<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus<br />
Emad A. Jaffar Al-Mulla, Nor Azowa Ibrahim and Mohd. Zaki A. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6808; wanzin@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Oleochemicals are important for many chemical industries as they are derived from renewable,<br />
biodegradable, environmental friendly, easily available and low toxicityraw materials. They are analogous to<br />
petrochemicals which are chemicals derived from petroleum. Among of important oleochemicals are fatty amides<br />
and their derivatives. Fatty amides have attracted a lot of attention due to their biological activities and industrial<br />
applications such as surfactants, lubricants, and anti-blocking agents in the plastics processing industry. Fatty<br />
amides have been successfully synthesised from palm olein and urea by a one-step lipase catalyzed reaction. The<br />
use of immobilized lipase as the catalyst for the preparation reaction provides an easy isolation of the enzyme<br />
from the products and other components in the reaction mixture. The fatty amides were characterised using<br />
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) technique and<br />
elemental analysis. The highest conversion percentage (96 %) was obtained when the process was carried out for<br />
36 hours using urea to palm oil ratio of 5.2: 1.0 at 40 ºC. The method employed offers several advantages such<br />
as renewable and abundant of the raw material, simple reaction procedure, environmentally friendly process and<br />
high yield of the product.<br />
Nickel-cobalt Oxide Synthesised by Coprepitation for Supercapacitor Application<br />
Prof. Dr. Zulkarnain Zainal<br />
Chang Sook Keng, Tan Kar Ban, Nor Azah Yusof, Wan Mohd Daud Wan Yusoff and S.R.S. Prabaharan<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4209; zulkar@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Supercapacitors possess remarkable characteristic that combine the energy properties of batteries with the power discharge<br />
characteristics of capacitors. This leads to the development of two well-known types of supercapacitors with different chargestorage<br />
mechanisms: the electric double layer capacitance (EDLC) from carbonaceous materials and the pseudocapacitance of<br />
redox reactions within the electroactive materials from metal oxides. Spinel nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) originated from<br />
the solid solutions of the nickel cobaltite system, NixCo1-xOy has great potential in the applications of the electrochemistry<br />
field. This system has received a due attention for its good electrical conductivity, excellent capacitance value and rapid<br />
charge-discharge reversibility. Co-precipitation has been adopted in the preparation of nickel cobaltite system to overcome<br />
the drawbacks portrayed by conventional solid-state method such as slow reaction, high firing temperature and formation<br />
of additional undesirable phases due to partial melting of constituting solids. Besides, chemical co-precipitation technique<br />
is able to facilitate atomic scale mixing and produce nanosized material at lower calcination temperature. The formation of<br />
spinel NiCo2O4 was found to start below 400 °C based on the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The optimum composition<br />
for the formation of this nickel cobaltite system was 1 mol Ni : 2 mol Co without the presence of monoxides at the calcination<br />
temperature of 400 °C. However, none of the compositions of Ni and Co calcined at 700 °C showed the occurrence of spinel.<br />
The surface morphology of the prepared sample was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and<br />
the calcined nanocrystals at temperature 400 °C are of 34.10 nm in particle size. Cyclic voltammogram revealed that NiCo2O4<br />
exhibits 22.4 F g-1 at the scan rate 4 mVs-1. Specific capacitance values of NiCo2O4 are retained throughout 1000 cycles with<br />
negligible degradation of capacitance. This reveals excellent electrochemical stability of this metal oxide.<br />
Keywords: Nickel-cobalt oxide, co-precipitation, phase formation, surface morphology, nanosized, supercapacitor behaviour<br />
232
Role of Barium and Calcium in Lanthanum Titano-manganite Ceramic for<br />
Internal Layer Capacitor<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari<br />
Walter Charles, Zainal Abidin Talib, W. Mohd Daud W. Yusoff, Z. Zalita and Elias Saion<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6648; ahalim@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Dielectric permitivity, capacitance, ceramics<br />
Sumudu Transform and Differential Equations<br />
Prof. Dr. Adem Kilicman<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6813; akilicman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Integral transform, Sumudu transform, differential equations, system of equations<br />
233<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The growth in electronic device applications has driven researchers to find new materials as electronic<br />
components with better properties. This includes via doping, substitution, heat treatment, processing techniques<br />
as well as new formulations. In this project, two samples have been prepared; lanthanum barium titano-manganite<br />
(LBTM) and lanthanum calcium titano-manganite (LCTM) and their dielectric properties ?? are studied. High<br />
dielectric permittivity has been observed for sample that contained barium than that of calcium. The ?? of LBTM<br />
at 25 oC is ~ 34800 (1 kHz) with small loss factor D ~ 0.48 whilst LCTM possesses ~ 23600 (1 kHz) at 25 oC<br />
with high loss ~ 30.20. This high dielectric permittivity is originated from a thin layer separating between grains<br />
or called grain boundary. As the temperature increases, the dielectric permittivity of both samples is expanding<br />
to higher frequency. Interestingly, the dielectric permittivity for sample containing barium at 0 to 200 oC is ~<br />
20800 to ~ 54400 with dielectric loss D less then 0.9. The dielectric properties of LBTM sample are suitable for<br />
wide frequency and temperature range application. This high dielectric property has opened a new dimension<br />
for fabrication of new barrier layer capacitors which is suitable for long range of application from low to high<br />
frequencies and temperatures. Current capacitor based ceramic materials, e.g. BaTiO3 is widely being used since<br />
it was discovered in late 1940’s where the bulk dielectric permittivity, ?? ~ 1000 (1 kHz) at room temperature.<br />
Integral transform method is widely used to solve the several differential equations with the initial values<br />
or boundary conditions which are represented by integral equations. With this purpose the Sumudu transform<br />
was introduced as a new integral transform by Watugala to solve some ordinary differential equations in control<br />
engineering. Later, it was proved that Sumudu transform has very special and useful properties. Objective of this<br />
study is to show the applicability of this interesting new transform and efficiency in solving the linear ordinary<br />
differential equations with constant and non constant coefficients as well as system of differential equations.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Concatenated Multi-dimensional Modulating Transmitter and Receiver for Digital<br />
Communication Systems<br />
Prof. Dr. Borhanuddin Mohd. Ali<br />
Wisam F. Al Azoo, Pooria Varahram, Sabira Khatun, Syed M. Bilfagih and Nor K. Noordin<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6443; borhan@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
A concatenated multidimensional signal modulating transceiver system is provided wherein the<br />
multidimensional signal modulating transmitter system includes an outer Quadrature Amplitude Modulation<br />
(QAM) Modulator, a complex signal splitter connectable to the QAM modulator, two orthogonally split signals<br />
connectable in parallel to the complex signal splitter, two dc-offset units are each connectable to two orthogonally<br />
split signals, two inner digital modulators connectable to two dc-offset units, wherein the two inner digital<br />
modulators are connectable to a parallel to serial converter for transmission on a selected frequency band. The<br />
multidimensional signal modulating receiver system includes a serial to parallel converter, two inner digital<br />
demodulators connectable to the serial to parallel converter, two dc-offset units connectable in parallel to two<br />
inner digital demodulators, a real-to-complex valued converter connectable to two dc-offset units wherein the<br />
real-to-complex valued converter is further connectable to an outer QAM demodulator to recover the original<br />
transmitted datastream.<br />
Keywords: Modulation, OFDM, PAPR, BER, transceiver<br />
New Xanthones with Promising Cytotoxic Activity and other Chemical Components<br />
from Artocarpus obtusus (Moraceae)<br />
Prof. Dr. Mawardi Rahmani<br />
Najihah Mohd. Hashim, Abdul Manaf Ali, Noorjahan Banu Alitheen and Rusea Go<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6794; mawardi@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Artocarpus is a genus of about 55 trees of Southeast Asia origin and the Pacific, belonging to the mulberry<br />
family Moraceae. Some Artocarpus species such as breadfruit and jackfruit are cultivated widely in the tropical<br />
Southeast Asia. Several members of this genus are ethnomedicinally used in the treatment of malaria fever,<br />
dysentery, tuberculosis, hypertension and antiinflammatory. The air dried stem bark of 13 Artocarpus species<br />
were collected from Forest Research Centre, Kuching, Sarawak. The species were A. altilis, A. anisophyllus,<br />
A. dadah, A. elasticus, A. interger, A. kemando, A. melinoxylus, A. nitidus, A. obtusus, A. odoratissimus,<br />
A. rigidus, A. sarawakensis and A. tamaran. The study on Artocarpus species involved extraction in various<br />
solvent of increasing polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol) and bioassay screening of the extracts<br />
(antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity). In this study, A. obtusus, A. anisophyllus and A. kemando<br />
exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity towards DPPH, a stable free radical. As for cytotoxic activity,<br />
crude extracts of A. obtusus and A. anisophyllus showed strong activity against HL 60 cells line with IC50 < 9 ?g/<br />
ml. Most of the crude extracts were not toxic against MCF 7 cells line with IC50 > 30 ?g/ml. Artocarpus species<br />
were inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa but crude extracts of A. obtusus showed moderate activity against<br />
Bacillus subtilis and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with diameter inhibition zone 13 mm<br />
and 12 mm respectively. This study has led to selection of some potential plants for further detail investigation in<br />
search for new compounds for drug discovery.<br />
Keywords: Artocarpus species, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial activity, xanthones<br />
234
Hydroxamic Acid Grafted Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre for Heavy Metal<br />
Removal<br />
Prof. Dr. Md. Jelas Haron<br />
Soleha M. Yusuff, Mariati Tiansih, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Anuar Kassim and W.M.Z. Wan Yunus<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6796; mdjelas@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Grafted, OPEFB, hydroxamic acid, heavy metal, removal<br />
Fast ZeroX Algorithm for Routing in Optical Multistage Interconnection Networks<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Tengku Dian Shahida and Mohamad Khazani Abdullah<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6556; mothman@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
235<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Most commercial ion exchanger resins for removal of heavy metals were petroleum-based polymers which<br />
are neither renewable nor biodegradable. Biomass which is more biodegradable could thus be an alternative<br />
and economical material. Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is a cheap biomass fiber available in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Therefore, the application of the fiber for value-added purposes such as in sorption of heavy metals is worth to be<br />
explored. However, generally most native fibres have quite low functional groups for metal chelation. Hence, the<br />
fiber has to be functionalised by appropriate chelating functional group before it can be used effectively to extract<br />
heavy metals. In this research, the OPEFB was functionalised with hydroxamic acid which is known to form<br />
complexes with various metal ions. The functionalised fibre was characterised and its sorption behaviour towards<br />
heavy metals Cu(II), Fe(III), Cr(III) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution was evaluated. OPEFB was grafted with<br />
polymethylacrylate (PMA) using H2O2/Fe2+ as initiator. The PMA grafted OPEFB (PMA-OPEFB) was treated<br />
with hydroxylammonium chloride in alkaline medium to produce hydroxamic acid grafted fiber (PHA-OPEFB).<br />
Sorption of the heavy metals by PHA-OPEFB is effective over a pH range of 4 - 6 and the sorption capacity much<br />
higher compared to untreated fiber. The sorption follows the Langmuir model with maximum capacities higher<br />
than some fibres reported by other researchers. The sorption process was exothermic as shown by the negative<br />
value of enthalpy change, ?H?. The free energy change (?G?) for the sorption was negative showing that the<br />
sorption process is spontaneous. A kinetic study showed that the metal sorption is fast and followed a second<br />
order kinetic model.<br />
Based on the ZeroX algorithm, a fast and efficient crosstalk-free time- domain algorithm called the<br />
Fast ZeroX or shortly FastZ_X algorithm is proposed for solving optical crosstalk problem in optical Omega<br />
multistage interconnection networks. A new pre-routing technique called the inverse Conflict Matrix (iCM) is also<br />
introduced to map all possible conflicts identified between each node in the network as another representation of<br />
the standard conflict matrix commonly used in previous Zero-based algorithms. It is shown that using the new<br />
iCM, the original ZeroX algorithm is simplified, thus improved the algorithm by reducing the time to complete<br />
routing process. Through simulation modelling, the new approach yields the best performance in terms of minimal<br />
routing time in comparison to the original ZeroX algorithm as well as previous algorithms tested for comparison.<br />
Keywords: Optical multistage interconnection networks (OMINs), optical omega networks, crosstalk-free routing algorithms,<br />
zero-based algorithms
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Combinatorial Properties of Modified Chordal Rings Degree Four Networks<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
R. N. Farah<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6535; mothman@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
The first modified structure of chordal rings fourth degree is called Modified Chordal Rings Degree Four,<br />
CHRm4. CHRm4 is unweighted and undirected circulant graph. This study presented the main properties of<br />
CHRm4. There are connectivity, Hamiltonian cycle and asymmetric. Several definitions, postulates, corollary,<br />
theorems and lemmas were obtained according to these three main properties. It is about interconnection between<br />
nodes, how the Hamiltonian cycle occurred and why CHRm4 is not symmetric. Connectivity and asymmetric<br />
are dominant properties that show that CHRm4 is different from the previous conventional chordal rings fourth<br />
degree. There are different connections for odd and even nodes that yield that CHRm4 is not symmetric. The<br />
Hamiltonian cycle property applied the same concept with conventional chordal rings fourth degree and is<br />
important especially for updating messages and reduces the delay in routing.<br />
Keywords: Circulant graphs, interconnection network, connectivity, hamiltonian cycle, asymme<br />
Enhancing Wireless Medium Access Control Layer Misbehaviour Detection<br />
System in IEEE 802.11 Network<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Ali Mohammed Mansoor Alsahag Alkazmi<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6535; mothman@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols such as IEEE 802.11 use distributed contention<br />
resolution mechanisms for sharing the wireless channel. In this environment, selfish hosts that fail to adhere to<br />
the MAC protocol may obtain an unfair throughput share. For example, IEEE 802.11 requires hosts competing<br />
for access to the channel to wait for a “back-off” interval, randomly selected from a specified range, before<br />
initiating a transmission. Selfish hosts may wait for smaller back-off intervals than well-behaved hosts; thereby<br />
obtaining an unfair advantage. We show in this thesis that a greedy user can substantially increase his share of<br />
bandwidth, at the expense of the other users, by slightly modifying the driver of his network adapter. This study is<br />
a complementary of DOMINO System model to enhance the detection system in the MAC layer of IEEE 802.11;<br />
our enhanced system is a piece of software to be installed in or near the Access Point. The system can detect and<br />
identify greedy stations without requiring any modification of the standard protocol. We illustrate these concepts<br />
by simulation results.<br />
Keywords: MAC, IEEE 802.11, misbehaviour, wireless LAN, hotspot<br />
236
Analytical Evaluation of Unfairness Problem in Wireless LANs<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Ahmed Mohamedou<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6535; mothman@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Access point, buffer size, congestion window, TCP, wireless LAN<br />
The Production of Biohydrogen from Renewable Sources Towards Green Energy<br />
Development<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Mohd. Zulkhairi Mohd. Yusoff, Nazlina Haiza Mohd. Yasin, Nor’ Aini Abdul Rahman, Suraini Abd. Aziz and<br />
Yoshihito Shirai<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7590; alihas@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Biohydrogen, POME, biofuels, waste water treatment<br />
237<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The number of users using wireless Local Area Network is increasing exponentially and their behaviour<br />
is changing day after day. Nowadays, users of wireless LAN are using huge amount of bandwidth because of<br />
the explosive growth of some services and applications such as video sharing. This situation imposes massive<br />
pressure on the wireless LAN performance especially in terms of fairness among wireless stations. The limited<br />
resources are not distributed fairly in saturated conditions. One of the most important resources is the access<br />
point buffer space. This importance is a result of access point being the bottleneck between two different types<br />
of networks. These two types are wired network with relatively huge bandwidth and wireless network with much<br />
smaller bandwidth. Also the unfairness problem keeps getting worse because of the greedy nature Transmission<br />
Control Protocol (TCP). In this research, we conducted a comprehensive study on wireless LAN dynamics and<br />
proposed a new mathematical model that describes the performance and effects of its behavior. We validated<br />
the proposed model by using the simulation technique. The proposed model was able to produce very good<br />
approximation in most of the cases. It also gave us a great insight into the effective variables in the wireless LAN<br />
behavior and what are the dimensions of the unfairness problem.<br />
Oil palm is the highest oil crop in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, making palm oil the cheapest edible oil for the world market.<br />
However, during palm oil processing, a lot of biomass produced as waste materials. The wastes have shown a<br />
great potential substrate available for further conversion. Indeed, the production of biohydrogen from palm oil<br />
mill effluent (POME) shows an innovative idea since it could couple the production of biohydrogen and partial<br />
treatment of the waste before it goes to another process, i.e methane production or organic acids production.<br />
Biohydrogen is the second generation of biofuel and it is one of alternative fuel, which can replace fossil fuel.<br />
Biohydrogen known as environmental friendly biofuel since it only produces pure water when combusted. In the<br />
present study, improved conditions of biohydrogen production have been performed using POME as a substrate<br />
and heat-treated POME sludge as seed culture. Fermentation was carried out at ambient temperature (24 - 26°C)<br />
and pH was controlled at 5.5. Total gas produced was free from methane due to heat treatment of POME sludge at<br />
80°C, 20 min. The experiment was conducted using 150 mL serum bottle and then upgraded to a 50 L continuous<br />
stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Impressive result has been shown with a maximum yield of biohydrogen at 1054<br />
NmL/L-POME and biohydrogen content in biogas mixture is 30 - 60%. In another study, a total of 3 L biohydrogen<br />
could be produced from 1 L of POME to use culture strain as inoculum. This study successfully demonstrated<br />
the feasibility of biohydrogen production from POME as a carbon source. This findings are applicable at palm<br />
oil industries since fermentation has been conducted under non-sterile condition and POME is used as a carbon<br />
source.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Comamonas putranensis Sp. nov., a Novel Bacterium Producing<br />
Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Palm Oil Mill Effluent<br />
Prof. Dr . Mohd. Ali Hassan<br />
Mohd. Rafein Zakaria, Suraini Abd. Aziz, Farinazleen Mohd. Ghazali, Wakisaka Minato and Yoshihito Shirai<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7590; alihas@biotech.upm.edu.my<br />
The bacterial strain EB 172, isolated from digester treating palm oil mill effluent, was investigated by<br />
polyphasic taxonomic approach. The cells were rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming<br />
and non-fermentative. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain was<br />
placed in the cluster of genus Comamonas; its closest neighbours were the type strains C. terrigena (96.8%),<br />
C. koreensis (93.4%), C. composti (92.9%), and C. kerstersii (91.1%). The ability of C. putranensis to produce<br />
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) when supplied with organic acids made this bacterium unique in the Comamonas<br />
species. The bacterial strain was clearly distinguished from all of the existing strains using phylogenetic analysis,<br />
fatty acid composition data and a range of physiological and biochemical characteristics. The DNA G+C content<br />
of the genomic DNA was 59.1 mol%. It is evident from the genotypic and phenotypic data that strain Comamonas<br />
putranensis represents a novel species in the genus Comamonas, for which the name Comamonas putranensis<br />
Sp. nov. is proposed.<br />
Keywords: palm oil mill effluent, comamonas sp., polyhydroxyalkanoates, isolation, screening<br />
Natural-based Mica Network as Nanoreactor for Enzymes in Chiral Syntheses<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman<br />
Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan, Siti Salhah Othman, Mahiran Basri, Emilia Abdulmalek, Bimo Ario Tejo and Abu<br />
Bakar Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6798; basya@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Mica is an economical carrier of clay material for immobilisation of lipase and has been potentially utilised<br />
for this purpose. Instead of its low cost, industrial application of lipase requires efficient methods to immobilise<br />
the enzyme, yielding a biocatalyst with high activity and stability compared to free lipase. Natural aluminosilicate<br />
of mica from the land area of Gua Musang, Kelantan (<strong>Malaysia</strong>) was physico-chemically characterised by<br />
performing a good crystallinity, high surface area and possess uniformity of mesoporous material. Natural mica<br />
was modified either by acid treatment, grafting with aminopropyl-, octyl-, vinyl-, mercapto- and glycidoxytriethoxysilanes,<br />
and activation of pre-treated support with glutaraldehyde (Glu). The modified micas were used<br />
for immobilisation of lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL). Under optimal conditions, high protein loadings and<br />
specific activities of more than 8.0 mg/g-support and 90.0 U/mg, respectively, whereby their specific activities<br />
increased up to more than 2.5 fold as compared to free lipase. Activity of the lipase was determined by esterification<br />
of fatty acid sugar esters in organic media with more than 70%. Proper modification of mica improves its quality<br />
for lipase immobilisation showing promising action as bio-nanoreactor for many organic syntheses especially the<br />
production of the high value-added of chiral isomers.<br />
Keywords: Mica, clay, lipase, biocatalyst, nanoreactor, immobilised enzyme<br />
238
Insight of Self-assembly Formation of Palm-based Esters Nano-emulsion<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman<br />
Huan Qiu Yi, Mahiran Basri, Roghayeh Abedikarjiban, Bimo Ario Tejo and Abu Bakar Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6798; basya@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Nano-emulsion, palm oil, ester, molecular dynamics, micelle<br />
Controlled Release Formulation of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetate based on Zn-Al-<br />
Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Adilah Mohammad Jaafar, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Zulkarnain Zainal<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6603; mzobir@science.upm.edu.my<br />
239<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Nano-emulsions are the mixture of oil in water with a very small particle size; with normally within the size<br />
of 20-200 nm. Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic effect of the esters molecules, they possess the capability<br />
in transdermal drug delivery system. The amphiphilic effect plays an important role in aggregation process in<br />
the nano-emulsion formation. Palm-oil esters (POEs) and Palm-kernel oil esters (PKOEs) are unsaturated and<br />
non-ionic esters that can be prepared by enzymatic synthesis from palm oil. Their nano-emulsion properties<br />
possess great potential to act as drug carrier for transdermal drug delivery system. In order to have a better insight,<br />
molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the behaviour of the nano-emulsion of POEs,<br />
PKOEs and nano-emulsion of PKOEs with drugs. A ratio of 75:5:20 (water/esters (+drug)/surfactant) was chosen<br />
from homogenous region in the phase diagram of our previous experimental work to undergo molecular dynamics<br />
(MD) simulation. In MD simulation studies, energy minimisation was performed to minimise the energy of the<br />
system below 50 kJmol-1nm-1. Then, the system was equilibrated for 1 ns in constant number of molecules,<br />
pressure and temperature (NPT) at pressure of 1 bar and temperature of 300 K. MD simulation was carried out<br />
under constant number of molecules, volume and temperature (NVT) and periodic boundary condition with no<br />
bond lengths constraint. The observation of the aggregation of molecules was performed visually using VMD<br />
software. The radius of gyration, number of clusters and solvent accessible surface area were calculated using a<br />
GROMACS 3.3.3. Particle size analysis was done by measuring the average diameter of the micelle at the end of<br />
the simulation using VEGAZZ visualisation programme.<br />
Intercalation of beneficial anion into inorganic host has lead to an opportunity to synthesize various<br />
combinations of new organic-inorganic nanohybrids with various potential applications; especially, for controlled<br />
release formulation and storage purposes. Study on the release behaviour of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (24D)<br />
intercalated into the interlayer of Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide (ZAN) has been carried out using single, binary<br />
and ternary aqueous systems of chloride, carbonate and phosphate. The release behaviour of the active agent<br />
24D from its double-layered hydroxide nanohybrid, ZANDI was found to be of controlled manner governed<br />
by pseudo-second order kinetics. It was found that carbonate medium yielded the highest accumulated release<br />
of 24D, while phosphate in combination with carbonate and/or nitrate speeds up the release rate of 24D. These<br />
results indicate that it is possible to design and develop new delivery system of latex stimulant compound with<br />
controlled release property based on 24D which is known as a substance to increase latex production of rubber<br />
tree, Hevea brasiliensis.<br />
Keywords: Controlled release formulation, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate, intercalation, layered double hydroxide, nanohybrid,<br />
latex stimulant for rubber tree
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide with Raspberry- and Plate-like Nanostructures<br />
using Bacillus cereus as a Biotemplating Agent<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Wan Haizum Wan Nor Azmin, Muskhazli Mustafa and Asmah Hj. Yahaya<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6603; mzobir@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Currently, the development of green chemistry approach with the use of biomaterial-based activities of<br />
microbial cells in the synthesis of various nanostructures has attracted great attention. Here, we report on the<br />
use of bacterium, Bacillus cereus as a biotemplating agent for the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles with<br />
raspberry- and plate-like structures through a simple thermal decomposition of zinc acetate by maintaining the<br />
original pH of the reaction mixtures. Possible mechanism on the formation of the nanostructures is proposed based<br />
on the surface chemistry and biochemistry processes which involved organic-inorganic interactions between zinc<br />
oxide and the microbial cells.<br />
Keywords: Green synthesis, nanoparticles, ZnO, biotemplating agent, Bacillus cereus, nanobiotechnology<br />
Mesoporous Carbon Material Derived from Zinc Layered Gallate Nanohybrid<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Mohammad Yeganeh Ghotbi, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Mohd. Zaki Abd. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6603; mzobir@science.upm.edu.my<br />
A series of brucite-like materials, undoped and doped zinc layered hydroxide nitrate with 2% (molar) of<br />
Fe3+, Co2+ and Ni2+ were synthesised. Organic-inorganic nanohybrid material with gallate anion as a guest,<br />
and zinc hydroxide nitrate, as an inorganic layered host were prepared by ion-exchange method. The nanohybrid<br />
materials were subsequently heat-treated at various temperatures, 400-700 °C. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis<br />
and Fourier transform infrared results show that incorporation of the doping agents within the zinc layered<br />
hydroxide salt layers has enhanced the heat-resistivity of the nanohybrid materials in the thermal decomposition<br />
pathway. Porous carbon materials were obtained by heating the nanohybrids at 600 and 700 °C. Calcination of<br />
the nanohybrids at 700 °C under nitrogen atmosphere produces high pore volume, mesoporous carbon materials.<br />
Keywords: Thermal decomposition, zinc layered gallate nanohybrid, doped, Fe3+, Co2+ and Ni2+, mesoporous carbon<br />
material<br />
240
Optimisation of Physical Factors Affecting the Production of Thermo-stable Organic Solventtolerant<br />
Protease from a Newly Isolated Bacillus subtilis Strain Rand<br />
On the Pinsky Phenomenon<br />
Prof. Dr. Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman<br />
Randa Abdel Kareem Husein Abusham, Abu Bakar Salleh and Mahiran Basri<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7592; FBBSusEr6382@prpi.mail.com<br />
Prof. Dr. Ravshan Ashurov<br />
Almaz Butaev<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7835; ravshan@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
241<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A thermostable organic solvent-tolerant protease producer had been identified as Bacillus subtilis strain<br />
and, based on the 16S rRNA analysis conducted, as well as the morphological characteristics and biochemical<br />
properties. The Bacillus subtilis strain Rand was isolated from the contaminated soil found in Port Dickson,<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>. The production of the thermostable organic solventtolerant protease was optimised by varying various<br />
physical culture conditions. Inoculation with 5.0% (v/v) of (AB600 = 0.5) inoculum size, in a culture medium (pH<br />
7.0) and incubated for 24 h at 37°C with 200 rpm shaking, was the best culture condition which resulted in the<br />
maximum growth and production of protease. The Rand protease was not only stable in the presence of organic<br />
solvents, but it also exhibited a higher activity than in the absence of organic solvent, except for pyridine which<br />
inhibited the protease activity. The enzyme retained 100, 99 and 80% of its initial activity, after the heat treatment<br />
for 30 min at 50, 55, and 60°C, respectively. Strain Rand has been found to be able to secrete extra-cellular<br />
thermostable organic solvent-tolerant protease into the culture medium. The protease exhibited a remarkable<br />
stability towards temperature and organic solvent. This unique property makes it attractive and useful to be used<br />
in industrial applications.<br />
Keywords: Bacillus subtilis strain rand, thermostable protease, organic solvent tolerant, physical factors<br />
When $n>2$ it is well known that the spherical partial sums of $n$-fold Fourier integrals of a characteristic<br />
function of the ball $D={x:|x|^2
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Soil Organic Matter Content Imaging System (SOMIS V1.0)<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Amin Mohd. Soom<br />
Aimrun Wayayok and Siti Khadijah Abu<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6427; amin@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Soil organic matter (SOM) represents an accumulation of partially decayed and partially synthesized plant<br />
and animal residues, continually being broken down by microorganisms. Its influence on soil properties and plant<br />
growth is as a major source of phosphorus and sulfur, and essentially the sole source of nitrogen. SOM increases<br />
the amount of water and nutrient ions a soil can hold and available to the plants. It is also the main source of<br />
energy for soil microorganisms. The SOM content of a mineral soil is small, from a trace to 20% of organic<br />
matter, but commonly account for at least half the cation exchange capacity of soils. Hence its determination<br />
using an inexpensive and fast technique is extremely important for crop production. SOMIS is a system and<br />
technique that can retrieve and display the organic matter content in soil based on image colour interpretation<br />
in a real time basis using a scanner. The system comprised of a colour sensor (Canon scanner LiDE 25) with<br />
contact image sensor in near direct contact with the object to be scanned in contrast to using mirrors to bounce<br />
light to a stationary sensor. SOMIS consists of a linear array of detectors, covered by a focusing lens and flanked<br />
by red, green, and blue LEDs for illumination, image processing software (Matlab Software), and a computer<br />
installed with a computer program known as Organic Matter content Imaging System (OMIS). This allows the<br />
communication between the color sensor, image processing software, and the computer. OMIS allows the organic<br />
matter data to be displayed as a percent value with respect to the RGB algorithm according to the soil sample<br />
color. The user interface in OMIS will give all the necessary details of the image and value of each property of<br />
RGB and the percentage organic matter content.<br />
Keywords: Imaging system, colour sensor, image processing, RGB algorithm, soil<br />
MyOBE - Outcome Based Education Management System<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Saleh Jaafar<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6262; msj@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
The Outcome Based Education (OBE) approach is the accreditation requirement made by the Board of<br />
Engineers <strong>Malaysia</strong> (BEM) for all engineering programs. On top of that, the Ministry of Higher Education<br />
(MOHE) also emphasised on the implementation of this kind of approach in all programs offered by Institute<br />
of Higher Learning (IHLs). Faculty of Engineering, <strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong> has innovated and implemented<br />
a management system to help the running of the OBE in teaching, known as MyOBE. This system is targeted<br />
to make the implementation of OBE at the faculty easier, comprehensible, understandable and practical. The<br />
project proposed a complete management system that includes the whole process needed in the implementation<br />
of Outcome Based Education (OBE). The findings show that a management system is needed to help the<br />
understanding as well as the implementation of OBE by lecturers in their teaching activity.<br />
Keywords: Engineering education, outcome based education<br />
242
Optimisation of Cutting Parameters based on Surface Roughness and Assistance of<br />
Workpiece Surface Temperature in Turning Process<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Napsiah Ismail<br />
Adeel H. Suhail and Nawal Aswan Abdul Jalil<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6341; napsiah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Surface roughness, cutting temperature, Taguchi parameter design, turning operation<br />
Development of a Heuristic Model for Balancing of Mixed-model in Parallel<br />
Assembly Lines (Type II)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Datin Dr. Napsiah Ismail<br />
Gholamreza Esmaeilian, Shamsuddin Sulaiman and Maryam Hamedi<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6341; napsiah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
243<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
In machining operation, the quality of surface finish is an important requirement for many turned workpieces.<br />
Thus, the choice of optimised cutting parameters is very important for controlling the required surface quality.<br />
The focus of present experimental study is to optimise the cutting parameters using two performance measures,<br />
workpiece surface temperature and surface roughness. Optimal cutting parameters for each performance measure<br />
were obtained by employing Taguchi techniques. The orthogonal array, signal to noise ratio, and analysis of<br />
variance were employed to study the performance characteristics in turning operation. The experimental results<br />
show that the workpiece surface temperature can be sensed and used effectively as an indicator to control the<br />
cutting performance and improved the optimisation process. Thus, it is possible to increase machine utilisation<br />
and decrease production cost in an automated manufacturing environment.<br />
The single-model assembly line is not efficient for today’s competitive industry because to respond the<br />
customer’s expectation, companies need to produce mixed-model products. On the other hand, using the mixedmodel<br />
products increases the assembly complexity and makes it difficult to assign tasks to workstations because<br />
of the variety in model characteristics. As a result, the mixed-model products suffer from delays, limitations in<br />
the line workflow and longer lines. Parallel assembly lines as a production system in ALBPs which consists of a<br />
number of assembly lines in a parallel status, which by considering the cycle time of each line, certain products<br />
are manufactured. This research takes advantages of the parallel assembly lines to produce mixed-model in order<br />
to assemble more than one model in each parallel assembly line and allocating tasks of models to workstations<br />
and balancing each parallel line to reduce the cycle times. To solve these problems, two heuristic algorithms<br />
were developed and coded in MATLAB®. The first allocates each model to only one parallel assembly line and<br />
achieves the initial arrangement of tasks with the minimum number of workstations for each line. The second<br />
is called Tabu Search Mixed-Model Parallel Assembly Line Balancing (TMMPALB), calculates final balancing<br />
tasks of different model in parallel lines with optimum cycle time for each line which tasks of each model can<br />
be allocated to more than one parallel assembly line through the TMMPALB. Fourteen data sets with 244 cycle<br />
times were used to validate the performance of the TMMPALB. The results show that 205 cycle times out of the<br />
244 cycle times have been improved.<br />
Keywords: Assembly line balancing, parallel assembly lines, mixed-model product, metaheuristic, Tabu search
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Authorised Control Frame Model to Prevent Virtual Carrier Sense DoS Attacks in<br />
IEEE 802.11 Wireless Networks<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Azim Abd. Ghani<br />
Mina Malekzadeh, Shamala Subramaniam and Jalil Desa<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6555; azim@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
IEEE 802.11 standard provides several security protocols to make secure data frames through<br />
communications. However protection offered by these protocols applies only on data frames and control frames<br />
are left without any security. Wireless control frames including RTS, CTS, ACK, CF-End, and CF-End-ACK<br />
frames have a duration field which represents the amount of time that the wireless channels is kept busy by<br />
the sender. During this time, all wireless stations except the senders must keep silent and they cannot transmit<br />
anything. An attacker exploits this vulnerability and continually transmits forgery control frames with the highest<br />
possible value for duration field (32767us) to disrupt normal communication between network stations. The<br />
main purpose of the attacker is to cause a complete loss of availability and prevent legitimate use of provided<br />
resources for authorised users in the target wireless network. These types of attacks while severely can block the<br />
entire wireless network performance, are easy to perform against wireless networks. Wireless networks have very<br />
limited resources such as bandwidth, buffer, computation power, and battery lifetime. Thus they are extremely<br />
susceptible to DoS attacks which focus on resource exhaustion. Wireless DoS attacks do not need a very highpowered<br />
radio frequency interface therefore physically locating the attacker is very difficult. In this work, first<br />
we provide a real testbed to conduct DoS attacks in wireless network. The testbed results prove how the attacks<br />
can easily shutdown the target wireless networks. Then two distinct models are proposed and developed through<br />
simulations as countermeasure to prevent DoS attacks over the wireless networks. The performance measures<br />
are collected through several experiments which are used to compare performance of the models with each other<br />
and with the current model as well. The results prove that the models are completely successful to prevent DoS<br />
attacks against 802.11 wireless networks<br />
Keywords: Wireless network security, HMAC-SHA1, HMAC-SHA2<br />
Coalescence of XML-based Really Simple Syndycator (RSS)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Azim Abd. Ghani<br />
Teh Phoey Lee, Hamidah Ibrahim and Rodziah Atan<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6555; azim@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Really Simple Syndication aggregator has been widely applied onto several applications such as news<br />
headlines, poscasting, education, medical, geospatial and weblogs. The purpose of RSS is to enable users<br />
aggregating new content updates on the favourite site which has subscribed to the RSS feeder instead of visiting<br />
the sites individually. Blogging over the internet has become a hobby amongst the internet veteran, whether they<br />
are politicians, retired teachers, students, lawyers, journalist etc. The usage of RSS aggregator as a tool onto the<br />
blogging environment has become the latest form of internet phenomenon. Weblogs written in chronological<br />
order will discuss several different topics, while RSS serves as a tool to aggregate new content updates on the<br />
site subscribed. However, each of the independent readers have their different interests in several aspects, such as<br />
cooking, computing, football, scholarly literature, political issues and etc. Relevant topics that have been raised<br />
by multiple writers from different sites aggregated onto current automated RSS aggregator do not completely<br />
satisfy the readers to find relevant topics from multiple websites. This project involves studying the different<br />
formats used in aggregator with aggregated result in terms of the coalescence of their metadata. The project also<br />
covers the issues of ambiguity of the weblogs on the relevant topics aggregated by the user based on user interest.<br />
PheRSS is proposed to help in resolving these problems hybriding the technique on the selected topics.<br />
Keywords: RSS, weblogs, tag, folksonomy, keyword index indicator<br />
244
The Effects of Improved Land Use on the Meteorological Modelling in Klang<br />
Valley Region, <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Makmom Hj. Abdullah<br />
Wan Nor Azmin Sulaiman, Muhammad Firuz Ramli and Loi Kok Chng<br />
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6759; amakmom@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Meteorological modelling, land use, MM5, urban<br />
Pursuit-evasion Differential Game with Many Inertial Players<br />
Keywords: Differential game, control, strategy, value of the game, optimal strategy<br />
245<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
It has been widely known that changes of the land surface from vegetation area to urban area can substantially<br />
affect the surrounding meteorological condition. Meteorological model was used to assess meteorological<br />
condition for air quality modelling and forecasting. Inputs used in this study for the meteorological and air quality<br />
model were land use and land cover of the terrain. This study tends to examine the sensitivity of land use and land<br />
cover on the predicted meteorological conditions. A meteorological simulation using 5th generation mesoscale<br />
model (MM5) by Penn State/NCAR was used to compare the effects of land use from two different years on<br />
meteorological condition. The predicted meteorological conditions were then compared with the respective<br />
monitoring station on-site. Results showed there is an improved surface wind speed and temperature simulated<br />
using improved land use map. Findings suggest land use map should be taking into consideration in historical<br />
meteorological fields to access future air quality if the area of study expects large changes in land use pattern.<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov<br />
Mehdi Salimi<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6818; gafur@science.upm.edu.my<br />
We study a pursuit-evasion differential game of countably many players in Hilbert space. Motions of the<br />
players are described by the ordinary differential equations of second order. The control functions of players are<br />
subject to integral constraints. The control resource of each pursuer is greater than that of the evader. Duration<br />
of the game is fixed. The payoff functional is the greatest lower bound of distances between the pursuers and<br />
evader when the game is terminated. The pursuers try to minimise the payoff functional, and the evader tries to<br />
maximise it. In this paper, we give a formula to calculate the value of the game and construct optimal strategies<br />
of the players. To solve the first part of the problem, the pursuit game, we use the method of fictitious pursuers.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Multivariate Control Chart based on High Breakdown Point Estimator<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Ashkan Shabbak and Mohd. Nooh Hassan<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
A Hotelling T 2 control chart has been widely used for monitoring first phase of multivariate statistical<br />
process control. However, this classical control chart which is based on classical estimators, is not effective in<br />
detecting multivariate outliers. As an alternative, T 2 statistics based on robust minimum volume ellipsoid or the<br />
minimum covariance determinant are proposed. The performances of these robust control charts are investigated<br />
extensively by real examples and Monte Carlo simulation. The result indicates that the robust control charts are<br />
more effective in detecting outliers than the classical control charts.<br />
Keywords: Multivariate control chart, multivariate outliers, minimum volume ellipsoid, minimum covariance determinant,<br />
probability of detecting a shift<br />
Robust Remedial Measures of Heteroscedasticity in the Presence of Outliers<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Sohel Rana and A. H. M. R. Imon<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
Least Squares (LS) method in the linear regression model has been relying to the statistics practitioners<br />
due to its universal acceptance, elegant statistical properties, and computational simplicity. The homogeneity of<br />
error variances (homoscedasticity) is an important assumption in linear regression for which the least squares<br />
estimators enjoy the minimum variance property. However, in practice, it is difficult to retain the error variances<br />
homogeneous which lead to the heteroscedasticity problem. When heteroscedasticity occurs in the data, it is very<br />
common practice to use the Weighted Least Squares (WLS) procedure to estimate the regression parameters.<br />
However, the presence of a few atypical observations that we often call outliers can make the WLS estimator<br />
meaningless. In this article we take the initiative to find the remedy for these two problems simultaneously. We<br />
have proposed a robust procedure for the estimation of regression parameters in the presence of heteroscedasticity<br />
and outliers. We call this method robust weighted least squares (RWLS). The performance of the newly proposed<br />
method is investigated extensively by real data sets and Monte Carlo Simulations. The results suggest that the<br />
proposed RWLS method offers substantial improvements over the existing methods.<br />
Keywords: Heteroscedasticity, outliers, robust estimation, robust weighted least squares, Monte Carlo Simulation<br />
246
Diagnostic-robust Generalised Potentials for the Identification of Multiple High<br />
Leverage Points<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Norazan Mohamed Ramli and A.H.M.R. Imon<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
Mutual Information for Mixture of Bivariate Normal Distributions based on<br />
Robust Kernel Estimation<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Kourosh Dadkhah<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
247<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Leverage values are being used in regression diagnostics as measures of influential observations in the<br />
X-space. Detection of high leverage values is crucial due to their responsibility for misleading conclusion about<br />
the fitting of a regression model, causing multicollinearity problems, masking and/or swamping of outliers etc.<br />
Much work has been done on the identification of single high leverage points and it is generally believed that the<br />
problem of detection of a single high leverage point has been largely resolved. But there is no general agreement<br />
among the statisticians about the detection of multiple high leverage points. When a group of high leverage<br />
points is present in a data set, mainly due to the masking and/or swamping effects the commonly used diagnostic<br />
methods fail to identify them correctly. On the other hand, the robust alternative methods can identify the high<br />
leverage points correctly but they have a tendency to identify too many low leverage points to be points of high<br />
leverages which are not desired. In this paper an attempt has been made to make a compromise between these<br />
two approaches. We propose an adaptive method where the suspect high leverage points are identified by robust<br />
methods and then the low leverage points (if any) are put back into the estimation data set after diagnostic<br />
checking. The usefulness of our newly proposed method for the detection of multiple high leverage points is<br />
studied by some well-known data sets and Monte Carlo simulations.<br />
Keywords: High leverage points, masking, group deletion, Robust Mahalanobis distance, minimum volume ellipsoid,<br />
diagnostic-robust generalised potentials, Monte Carlo simulation<br />
Mutual Information (MI) measures the degree of association between variables in nonlinear model as well<br />
as linear models. It can also be used to measure the dependency between variables in mixture distribution. The<br />
MI is estimated based on the estimated values of the joint density function and the marginal density functions of<br />
X and Y. A variety of methods for the estimation of the density function have been recommended. In this study,<br />
we only considered the kernel method to estimate the density function. However, the classical kernel density<br />
estimator is not reliable when dealing with mixture density functions which prone to create two distant groups in<br />
the data. In this situation, a robust kernel density estimator is proposed to acquire a more efficient MI estimate in<br />
mixture distribution. The performance of the robust MI is investigated extensively by Monte Carlo simulations.<br />
The results of the study offer substantial improvement over the existing techniques.<br />
Keywords: Mutual information, kernel density, minimum volume ellipsoid, minimum covariance determinant, outliers,<br />
mixture distribution, robust statistics
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: IP networks, VoIP, IPTV, FTP, NS-2<br />
Improving Triple Play Services using Multi Protocol Label Switching Technology<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Waheed Yasin, Nur Izura Udzir and Nor Asila Wati Abdul Hamid<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8943 6510; hamidah@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Multi Protocol Label Switching technology or shortly MPLS has been proposed to speed up the traffic flow<br />
in the network using labels. Thus, MPLS allows Internet Services Providers (ISPs) to provide better Triple Play<br />
Services (i.e. voice, video, and data). In this project, the impact of MPLS technology on the Triple Play Services<br />
is evaluated based on the average throughput of the network, total number of packets received at destination<br />
nodes, and packet loss rates, and this is compared to that provided by traditional Internet Protocol (IP) networks.<br />
The results showed that MPLS performs better since it utilises all the available paths to the destinations. This<br />
work concludes that MPLS allows ISPs to provide better triple play services for end-user.<br />
Isomorphism Classes of Low-dimensional Dialgebras<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isamiddin S. Rakhimov<br />
Ikrom M. Rikhsiboev and Witriany Basri<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6831; isamiddin@science.upm.edu.my<br />
In this project, we consider classes of algebras to have two binary algebraic operations. They have been<br />
introduced and have been called dialgebras by Loday. We deal with the classification problems of these classes<br />
of algebras in low-dimensions cases. The first class called the class of Diassociative algebras appears as a<br />
generalisation of the Associative algebras. We give complete classification of complex Diassociative algebras in<br />
dimensions two and three. Here we give a complete list of isomorphism classes of four-dimensional Diassociative<br />
algebras as well. Another class of dialgebra is closely related to Diassociative algebras called Dendriform algebras<br />
that has important applications in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. We give the description of<br />
isomorphism classes of two dimensional complex Dendriform algebras.<br />
Keywords: Associative algebra, diassociative algebra, dendriform algebra, isomorphism, nilpotency<br />
248
Soda-anthraquinone Pulp from <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Cultivated Kenaf for Linerboard<br />
Production<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Hossein Resalati, Rushdan Ibrahim, Paridah Md. Tahir, Sayeed Rashid Fallah Shamsi<br />
and Ainun Zuriyati Mohmamed<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6977; aziziahmad99@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: <strong>Malaysia</strong>n cultivated kenaf, soda-AQ pulp, whole fiber, linerboard, fibre bonding<br />
Preparation of Cellulose Nanofibres with Hydrophobic Surface Characteristics<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalauddin Harun<br />
Mehdi Jonoobi, Paridah M.D. Tahir, Syeed Saifulazry and Kristiina Oksman<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6977; mehdij1978@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Kenaf, nanofibres, acetylation, chemical characterisation, structural characterisation<br />
249<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The main goals of this study were to make soda-anthraquinone (soda-AQ) pulp from kenaf whole stem<br />
and to compare the resulting core and bast pulps for linerboard production. The soda-AQ pulping was done<br />
under mild cooking conditions (active alkali 12-15% with cooking time 30-90 min and cooking temperature of<br />
160ºC). During pulping, the Kappa number ranged from 56.02 to 20.55, total yield from 58.40 to 54.17% and<br />
reject from 2.32 to 0.11%. Based on the pulp quality, pulps with Kappa number 49.44 and 25.44 were selected as<br />
representive for kenaf high Kappa (KHK) and kenaf low Kappa (KLK) pulps, respectively. The results showed<br />
that the properties of core, whole stem (KHK and KLK), and bast pulps were significantly different. The core<br />
pulp with lower freeness and higher drainage time produced sheets with greater density, tensile index, burst index,<br />
RCT, but lower light scattering coefficient and tear index than bast pulp. The whole stem pulps showed properties<br />
between those of core and bast pulps. Moreover, KLK with higher drainage time gave paper with significantly<br />
higher strength properties than KHK. Finally <strong>Malaysia</strong>n cultivated kenaf is suitable for commercialisation for<br />
linerboard production since the properties surpass commercial pulp.<br />
The aim of this study was to develop cellulose nanofibres with hydrophobic surface characteristics using<br />
chemical modification. Kenaf fibres were modified using acetic anhydride and cellulose nanofibres were isolated<br />
from the acetylated kenaf using mechanical isolation methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)<br />
indicated acetylation of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. The study of the dispersion demonstrated that acetylated<br />
cellulose nanofibres formed stable, well-dispersed suspensions in both acetone and ethanol. The contact angle<br />
measurements showed that the surface characteristics of nanofibres were changed from hydrophilic to more<br />
hydrophobic when acetylated. The microscopy study showed that the acetylation caused a swelling of the kenaf<br />
fibre cell wall and that the diameters of isolated nanofibres were between 5 and 50 nm. X-ray analysis showed<br />
that the acetylation process reduced the crystallinity of the fibres, whereas mechanical isolation increased it. The<br />
method used provides a novel processing route for producing cellulose nanofibres with hydrophobic surfaces.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
New Approach to Use of Kenaf for Paper and Paperboard Production<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jalaluddin Harun<br />
Ahmad Azizi Mossello, Hossein Resalati, Rushdan Ibrahim, Paridah Md. Tahir, Sayeed Rashid Fallah Samsi<br />
and Harmaen Ahmad Saffian<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6977; aziziahmad99@yahoo.com<br />
Kenaf stem consists of two distinct fibres i.e. core and bast that are significantly different in nature and<br />
structure, and show different behaviour during paper making process. The main objective of this study was to<br />
determine the suitability of fractionation and sequence selective process (separation long fibre and short fibre,<br />
beating long fibre, and remixing with short fibre to target freeness) as a new approach to use of kenaf for paper<br />
and paper board production. In this study, a laboratory Bauer McNett Classifier with screen 18 mesh (1mm) was<br />
used to separate short fibre and long fibres of the unbeaten kenaf whole soda-AQ pulps i.e. kenaf high kappa with<br />
kappa number 49.44 and kenaf low kappa with kappa number 24.55. Also for comparison, the initial unbeaten<br />
pulps were beaten in the PFI to same freeness (300 mL). The results showed that fractionation with making good<br />
opportunity to beating long fibre at higher PFI revolutions and better fibrillation significantly improved all paper<br />
properties of kenaf pulps except for tear index and produced sheet with better drainage and strength properties<br />
compared to beaten pulps especially in case of kenaf high kappa pulp. So, it can be considered as new approach<br />
to enhance kenaf whole stem pulp properties.<br />
Keywords: Kenaf, fractionation, beating, drainage time, strength properties<br />
Optimisation of Earthquake Energy Dissipation System by using Genetic<br />
Algorithm<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamaloddin Noorzaei<br />
Farzad Hejazi, Saleh Jaafar and Waleed Thaanon<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6371; jamal@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
The application of modern control techniques to diminish the effects of seismic loads on building structures<br />
offers an appealing alternative to traditional earthquake resistant design approaches. A number of studies and<br />
experimental tests have been carried out to assess and examine the how structures, which are furnished with<br />
different types of dampers, respond to seismic. However the challenge in this field is to enhance performance<br />
of viscous damper to minimise of seismic response of buildings and optimisation earthquake energy dissipation<br />
system for diminish effect of earthquake on buildings. Recently, genetic algorithms are implemented in a computer<br />
simulation in which a population of abstract representations of candidate solutions to an optimisation problem<br />
evolves toward better solutions. In the present innovation system, a genetic algorithm is used for optimising<br />
earthquake energy dissipation device operation for the reinforced concrete buildings in earthquake excitation<br />
in order to minimise seismic damage and response of structure and guarantee building safety. For this purpose,<br />
all genetic algorithm optimisation components include of optimisation design variables, objective function and<br />
design constraints are developed based on the analysis of three dimension reinforced concrete buildings furnished<br />
by viscous damper in multi support dynamic excitation.<br />
Keywords: Viscous damper, optimisation, earthquake, genetic algorithm<br />
250
Irradiated and Crosslinked Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Waste Tire Dust (EVA/WTD)<br />
Blend<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luqman Chuah Abdullah<br />
Z. A. Anis Sakinah, C. T. Ratnam and Thomas S. Y. Choong<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6288; chuah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Ethylene vinyl acetate, mixing condition, waste tire dust<br />
Palm Oil based Polyurethene Building Materials having Phase Change Material<br />
(PCM)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luqman Chuah Abdullah<br />
Rozanna D., Salmiah A. and Thomas S. Y. Choong<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6288; chuah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
251<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Tires are among the largest and most problematic sources of waste, due to the large volume produced and<br />
their durability. Those same characteristics that make waste tires such a problem also make them one of the<br />
most re-used waste materials, as the rubber is very resilient and can be re-used in other products. Ethylene-vinyl<br />
acetate (EVA) copolymers offer excellent ozone resistance, weather resistance and mechanical properties. Blends<br />
of natural rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are very attractive because of the excellent properties of<br />
both constituents. The addition of natural rubber to EVA increases the melt elasticity of the system. In addition,<br />
the presences of EVA in higher proportions increase the thermal ageing resistance of EVA/WTD blends. Increase<br />
in irradiation doses increased the percentage of gel content in EVA/WTD blends. Mechanical properties of<br />
EVA/WTD increase with the introduction of irradiation except for elongation at break. Irradiation enhances the<br />
crosslink density but increases the blend stiffness. The presence of crosslinking agents will further accelerate<br />
the irradiation-induced crosslinking in which help to achieve optimum tensile strength at lower irradiation dose.<br />
This invention mainly focusses on palm oil based PCMs, such as organic fatty acids, impregnated with<br />
PU roofing boards, which possess superior properties over other class of PCMs, such as suitable phase change<br />
temperature, non-toxicity, high latent heat density, ready availability, small volume change and good thermal<br />
reliability after a large number of heating-cooling cycles. The main aim of this invention is to conserve energy<br />
in buildings, where the heat collected during bright sunshine can be preserved and stored and later released at<br />
night in solar energy systems. Thus, the product is applicable as heat storage material. Palm oil based PCMs use<br />
chemical bonds to store and release energy and the thermal transport occurs through phase change. The advantage<br />
is that, they store 5-14 times more heat compared to other conventional storage materials. Fatty acids are more<br />
desirable for solar application due to its lower cost and can be continuously obtained at non-pollutant source of<br />
supply.<br />
Keywords: Phase change materials (PCMs), thermal characteristic, eutectic mixtures, DSC, melting point, latent heat,<br />
passive solar building
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Prolific Plant Regeneration through Organogenesis from Scalps of Musa sp. cv.<br />
Tanduk<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maheran Abd. Aziz<br />
Suleiman Mohamed Ahmed Elhory, Azmi Abd. Rashid and Abdul Ghani Yunus<br />
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4115; maheran@agri.upm.edu.my<br />
A prolific plant regeneration system using scalps derived from shoot tips of Musa spp. cv. Tanduk was<br />
developed. Highly proliferating scalps, produced after four monthly subcultures of shoot tip explant on Murashige<br />
and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 100 uM BAP and 1.0 uM IAA, were placed on MS basal medium<br />
supplemented with 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 uM BAP. Rooting of shoots was assessed on hormone-free half strength<br />
and full strength MS media and on MS medium supplemented with 1.0, 5.0 and 10 uM IBA. Four types of<br />
potting media comprising of sand, peat, top soil + sand + goat dung (3:2:1 v/v) and top soil + sand (1:1 v/v)<br />
were evaluated during acclimatization of the plantlets. Prolific shoot regeneration from scalps was obtained on<br />
MS medium containing 2.5 uM BAP, at 9.61 and 40.6 shoots per explant after four and eight weeks of culture,<br />
respectively. Meanwhile, the highest mean shoot height of 2.19 cm was attained on MS medium with 1.0 uM<br />
BAP after eight weeks of culture. Full-strength MS medium supplemented with 5.0 uM IBA produced the highest<br />
mean number of roots per explant at 15.08, while the highest mean root length of 11.07 cm was obtained on<br />
hormone-free half strength MS medium at week four of culture. The highest plant survivability of 77.5% was<br />
achieved in potting medium consisting of top soil + sand + goat dung after six weeks of acclimatisation. The<br />
plants were morphologically normal with vigorous stems and broad green leaves.<br />
Keywords: Musa sp. cv. Tanduk, in vitro, shoot tip, scalps, regeneration<br />
Synthesis and Characterisation of Silver/Clay Bionanocomposites by Green<br />
Chemistry Method<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mansor Ahmad<br />
Kamyar Shameli, Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus and Nor Azowa Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6793; mansorahmad@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were successfully synthesized into the interlayer space of Montmorillonite<br />
(MMT) by chemical reduction method. AgNO3 and NaBH4 were used as a silver precursor and reducing agent,<br />
respectively. The properties of Ag/MMT nanocomposites were studied as a function of the AgNO3 concentration.<br />
The UV-vis spectra of synthesized Ag-NPs showed that the intensity of the maximum wavelength of the plasmon<br />
peaks increased with increasing AgNO3 concentration. The crystalline structure of the Ag-NPs and basal spacing<br />
of MMT and Ag/MMT were also studied by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The antibacterial activity of<br />
Ag-NPs was investigated against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and K.<br />
pneumonia) and Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus) by disk diffusion method using Muller-<br />
Hinton Agar (MHA) at different sizes of Ag-NPs. The smaller Ag-NPs were found to have significantly higher<br />
antibacterial activity. These results showed that Ag-NPs can be used as effective growth inhibitors in different<br />
biological systems, making them applicable to medical applications such as in surgical devices.<br />
Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, montmorillonite, nanocomposite, antibacterial activity, powder X-ray diffraction, Muller-<br />
Hinton Agar<br />
252
Biodegradability and Controlled Release Studies on Carboxymethyl Cellulose<br />
Hydrogels from Sago Waste<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mansor Ahmad<br />
V. Pushpamalar and Kamaruddin Hashim<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6793; mansorahmad@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Biodegradability, controlled release, hydrogels, carboxymethyl cellulose, sago waste<br />
Mining Web Navigation Profiles for Recommendation Systems<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Nasir Sulaiman<br />
Yahya M. Almurtadha, Norwati Mustapha and Nur Izura Udzir<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6514; nasir@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Web mining, recommender system, user profiling<br />
253<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Biodegradable polymers can be prepared from lignocellulosic waste materials from agriculture and forestry<br />
and looked promising to replace the environmentally unfriendly hydrocarbons. In this study, sago palm waste<br />
was used to isolate sago pulp (cellulose) and further modified to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Cellulose<br />
was converted to CMC by etherification of the hydroxyl groups with sodium monochloroacetate in the presence<br />
of aqueous alkali based on classical Williamson synthesis of ethers. The CMC prepared had three degree of<br />
substitutions (DS) i.e.; 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 which were white granular substance and water-soluble. High energy<br />
electron beam irradiation was used to cross-link CMC to produce CMC hydrogels which resulted in significant<br />
properties change in mechanical behaviour, solubility and swelling. The CMC hydrogels were susceptible to soil<br />
biodegradation with the rate of biodegradation being 2.9 ± 0.4% per week. CMC hydrogels of DS 0.4 completely<br />
degrades in three months and CMC hydrogels of DS 0.6 and 0.8 in five months. The biodegradability of the CMC<br />
hydrogel in the soil is an essential factor to use the CMC hydrogels as a carrier for slow release fertiliser and it<br />
is an effective polymer for environmental conservation. A series of CMC hydrogels were loaded with fertilisers<br />
(potassium nitrate (KNO3) and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and their releases were studied while the hydrogels<br />
biodegraded in the soil. The results show that the percentage of KNO3 and NH4NO3 loading (w/w %) on CMC<br />
hydrogels enhanced with increasing KNO3 and NH4NO3 concentration, respectively. The results in the present<br />
work indicated that the cross-linked CMC hydrogels are endowed with a slow release property, biodegradable and<br />
a soil moisture preservation property at the same time.<br />
The rapid growth of the Web makes it the largest publicly accessible data source in the world. Now it<br />
includes more than 4 billion pages, with about one million added every day. Hence, the major concerns are not<br />
the availability of information but rather obtaining the right information. To alleviate and manage the information<br />
overload, a personalized information system mines the web server logs to capture, model, and analyse the<br />
behavioural patterns and profiles of users interacting with a Web site which in return gives the ability to predict<br />
and then recommend the next visited page for a given user. Most of the recommendation systems are user-centred<br />
which make a prediction list to the users based on their long term navigation history, users’ databases or full users<br />
profiles. E-commerce companies wish to attract anonymous users, directed them at the early stages of their visits<br />
and get them involved with their websites and turn surfers to buyers. Learning and mining the web navigation<br />
profiles followed by enhanced classification to the similar activities of previous users will provide an appropriate<br />
model to recommend to the current anonymous active user with short term navigation. Using CTI dataset, the<br />
experimental results show better prediction accuracy than the previous works.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
New Evaluation Tool for Block Ciphers Symmetric Cryptosystems (NET-BC)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md. Said<br />
Davood Rezaeipour, Kamel Ariffin Mohd. Atan and Mohamed Othman<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6841; mrushdan@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
We design a software program known as the “New Evaluation Tool for Block Ciphers Symmetric<br />
Cryptosystems (NET-BC)” with the use of certain source codes. The Literary Work is a software program<br />
designed for the following functions: analysing cryptographic algorithms, performing security evaluation on<br />
the different classes of block ciphers, detecting vulnerability points in block ciphers, performing the three (3)<br />
important properties in Cryptography, namely, Completeness; Avalanche and Static Information Leakage.<br />
Keywords: Block ciphers, symmetric cryptosystems, cryptographic algorithms, security evaluation<br />
Petri Net Controlled Grammars with a Bounded Number of Additional Places<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Hasan Selamat<br />
Sherzod Turaev<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6517; hasan@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
A context-free grammar and its derivations can be described by a Petri net, called a context-free Petri net,<br />
whose places and transitions correspond to the nonterminal symbols and the production rules of the grammar,<br />
respectively, and tokens are separate instances of the nonterminal symbols in a sentential form. Therefore, the<br />
control of the derivations in a context-free grammar can be implemented by adding some features to the associated<br />
cf Petri net. The addition of new places and new arcs from/to these new places to/from transitions of the net leads<br />
grammars controlled by k-Petri nets, i.e., Petri nets with additional k places. In the paper, we investigate the<br />
generative power and give closure properties of the families of languages generated by such Petri net controlled<br />
grammars, in particular, we show that these families form an infinite hierarchy with respect to the numbers of<br />
additional places.<br />
Keywords: Grammars, grammars with regulated rewriting, petri nets, petri net controlled grammars<br />
254
Petri Net Controlled Grammars: The Case of Special Petri Nets<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Hasan Selamat<br />
Sherzod Turaev<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6517; hasan@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Petri net controlled grammars, petri nets, grammars, grammars with regulated rewriting<br />
Effect of Normal Contaminants on the Power of ZMAD<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim<br />
Lim Fong Peng, Fauziah Maarof and Kassim Haron<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6873; nakma@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Coefficient of determination, median absolute deviation, normal contaminants<br />
255<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A Petri net controlled grammar is a context-free grammar equipped with a Petri net, whose transitions are<br />
labelled with rules of the grammar or the empty string, and the associated language consists of all terminal strings<br />
which can be derived in the grammar and the sequence of rules in every terminal derivation corresponds to some<br />
occurrence sequence of transitions of the Petri net which is enabled at the initial marking and finished at a final<br />
marking of the net. We present some results on the generative capacity of such grammars so that the associated<br />
Petri nets are restricted to some known special classes of Petri nets.<br />
Alternative to the least square coefficient of determination, R2OLS, the coefficient of determination based<br />
on median absolute deviation, R2MAD, is an attractive consideration in the construction of a goodness-of-fit test<br />
based on regression and correlation, due to its robustness. This paper presents the power study on a goodnessof-fit<br />
test statistic, ZMAD = 1 -R2MAD, used for testing samples from the standard logistic distribution against<br />
clean and contaminated alternative distributions. Contamination is introduced to investigate perseverance of the<br />
robustness property of R2MAD. For lognormal and exponential alternatives, observed values of ZMAD, denoted<br />
as Z*MAD, and observed values of ZOLS = 1 - R2OLS, denoted as Z*OLS, are simulated for various sample<br />
sizes (n =10, 20, 30, 50, 100) and percentage of contamination (5%, 15%, 25%, 40%) in presence of normal (3,<br />
0.2) contaminants for different percentiles (? = 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1). Power is represented by the percentage<br />
of rejections assuming that the alternative is true. The results indicate that for the cases with and without<br />
contamination the test statistic ZMAD performs as well as ZOLS, except for cases with normal contaminants,<br />
whereby the power decreases markedly as percentage of normal contaminants increases.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for the Detection of Specific Gene related to<br />
Trichoderma harzianum Species<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof<br />
Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee, Abu Bakar Salleh, Soon Guan Tan, Fatimah Abu Bakar and Lee Yook Heng<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6782; azah@science.upm.edu.my<br />
An electrochemical DNA biosensor was successfully developed by depositing ZnO nanoparticles, ionic<br />
liquid (e.g., 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([EMIM][Otf])) in chitosan (CHIT)<br />
nanocomposite membrane at modified gold electrode (AuE). The properties of the ZnO/CHIT/[EMIM][Otf]/AuE<br />
and the characteristics of the immobilisation and hybridisation of DNA were studied by cyclic voltammetry using<br />
MB as the redox electrochemical indicator. ZnO/CHIT/[EMIM][Otf]/AuE dramatically enhanced the sensitivity<br />
of DNA hybridization recognition. Under optimal conditions, the dynamic range of DNA concentrations for<br />
detecting the sequence specific DNA of Trichoderma harzianum gene was 1.0×10-18 to 1.82x10-4 mol L-1, and<br />
the detection limit was 1.0×10-19 mol L-1, suggesting that the ZnO/CHIT/[EMIM][Otf] nanocomposite held<br />
great promises for the applications in electrochemical biosensor.<br />
Keywords: DNA electrochemical biosensor, DNA hybridisation, ZnO nanoparticles, ionic liquid, chitosan<br />
Effect of Nonuniform Temperature and Magnetic Field on Marangoni Convection<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Siti Suzilliana Putri Mohamed Isa, Roslinda Nazar and Mohd. Noor Saad<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6850; norihan@math.upm.edu.my<br />
Linear stability analysis is applied to investigate the effect of nonuniform temperature gradient and magnetic<br />
field on Marangoni convection in a horizontal fluid layer heated from below and cooled from above with a<br />
constant heat flux. The influence of various parameters on the onset of convection is analysed. Six nonuniform<br />
basic temperature profiles are considered, and some general conclusions about their destabilising effects are<br />
presented.<br />
Keywords: Marangoni convection, nonuniform temperature, magnetic field<br />
256
Effect of Internal Heat Generation on Marangoni Convection in a Fluid Saturated<br />
Porous Medium<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Nor Fadzillah Mohd. Mokhtar, Roslinda Nazar, Fudziah Ismail and Mohamed Suleiman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6850; norihan@math.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Marangoni convection, heat generation, porous medium<br />
Unsteady Shrinking Sheet with Mass Transfer in a Rotating Fluid<br />
Keywords: Unsteady flow, boundary layer, mass transfer, rotating fluid, shrinking sheet<br />
257<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Linear stability analysis is applied to investigate the effect of internal heat generation on Marangoni convection<br />
in a fluid saturated porous medium bounded below by an insulating and above by a non-deformable free surface.<br />
The Darcy law and the Brinkman model are used to describe the flow in the porous medium heated from below.<br />
The conditions for the onset of instability occurring via steady convective modes are obtained using exact method.<br />
The asymptotic solution of the long-wavelength is also obtained using regular perturbation technique with wave<br />
number as a perturbation parameter. It is observed that the critical Marangoni number decreases with an increase<br />
in the dimensionless heat source strength.<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin<br />
Fadzilah Md. Ali, Roslinda Nazar and Ioan Pop<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6850; norihan@math.upm.edu.my<br />
The problem of unsteady flow induced by a shrinking sheet with mass transfer in a rotating fluid is studied.<br />
The transformed boundary layer equations are solved numerically by an implicit finite difference scheme known<br />
as the Keller-box method. The influence of rotation, unsteadiness and mass suction parameters on the reduced<br />
skin friction coefficients f’(0) and g’(0), as well as the lateral velocity and velocity profiles are presented and<br />
discussed in detail.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Application of Oscillatory Flow Biodiesel Reactor to Convert Jatropha curcas<br />
Triglycerides into Biodiesel<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robiah Yunus<br />
Azhari Muhammad Syam, Thomas Choong Shean Yaw and Tinia Idaty Mohd. Ghazi<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6266; robiah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
There is an increasing interest in the development of alternative fuels from renewable resources particularly<br />
in the use of vegetable oils as alternative base stocks in biodegradable diesel formulation. The research on the<br />
use of Jatropha curcas triglicerides as biodiesel feedstock has received worldwide attention due to its inherent<br />
characteristics. Unlike palm triglycerides, Jatropha curcas triglycerides are non edible thus do not disturb the<br />
food supply. For the reaction purpose, an oscillatory flow biodiesel reactor was extensively developed which<br />
considered the hydrodynamics behaviour as fundamental principles. Oscillatory flow biodiesel reactor offers<br />
precise control of mixing by means of the baffle geometry and pulsation which could facilitate the continuous<br />
operation, giving plug flow residence time distribution with high turbulence and enhanced mass and heat transfer.<br />
In conjunction with the concept of reactor design, parameters such as reactor dimensions, the hydrodynamic<br />
studies and physical properties of reactants must be taken into account prior to the design work initiated recently.<br />
The conversion of Jatropha curcas triglycerides into biodiesel in the oscillatory flow biodiesel reactor showed a<br />
significant advantage work due to the average reaction time required could be lessen almost 42 % compared to a<br />
batch reactor application. To avoid a saponification reaction, the low free fatty acid jatropha curcas triglycerides<br />
was required. As a conclusion, the maximum reaction conversion of 99.72% was achieved at reaction temperature<br />
of 60°C, molar ratio of Jatropha curcas triglycerides to methanol of 6:1 and at 6 Hz of oscillation frequency.<br />
Thus, regarding the biodiesel performance, the physical properties analysis indicated that the Jatropha curcas<br />
methyl esters meet the major specification of biodiesel standards (ASTM).<br />
Keywords: Jatropha curcas triglycerides, oscillatory flow biodiesel reactor, low free fatty acid, jatropha curcas methyl esters<br />
Development of a New Approach for Deterministic Supply Chain Network Design<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff<br />
Hadi Mohammadi Bidhandi, Megat Mohamad Hamdan Megat Ahmad and Mohd. Rizam Abu Bakar<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6342; rosnah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
This paper proposes a mixed integer linear programming model and solution algorithm for solving supply<br />
chain network design problems in deterministic, multi-commodity, single-period contexts. The strategic level of<br />
supply chain planning and tactical level planning of supply chain are aggregated to propose an integrated model.<br />
The model integrates location and capacity choices for suppliers, plants and warehouses selection, product range<br />
assignment and production flows. The open-or-close decisions for the facilities are binary decision variables and<br />
the production and transportation flow decisions are continuous decision variables. Consequently, this problem is<br />
a binary mixed integer linear programming problem. In this paper, a modified version of Benders’ decomposition<br />
is proposed to solve the model. The most difficulty associated with the Benders’ decomposition is the solution<br />
of master problem, as in many real-life problems the model will be NP-hard and very time consuming. In the<br />
proposed procedure, the master problem will be developed using the surrogate constraints. We show that the main<br />
constraints of the master problem can be replaced by the strongest surrogate constraint. The generated problem<br />
with the strongest surrogate constraint is a valid relaxation of the main problem. Furthermore, a near-optimal<br />
initial solution is generated for a reduction in the number of iterations.<br />
Keywords: Supply chain network design, mixed integer linear programming, benders’ decomposition, surrogate constraints.<br />
258
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation Evaluation Tool (AMTIET)<br />
Assoc. Prof. Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff<br />
Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff, Sara Saberi, Norzima Zulkifli and Afdiman Anuar<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6342; rosnah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Assessment tool, advanced manufacturing technology, performance<br />
New Record of Freshwater Fish Fauna and Species Invasion in Black and Brown<br />
Water Habitats of the Same River System in Sarawak<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Khalijah Daud<br />
Khairul Adha Abdul Rahim, Siti Shapor Siraj, Aziz Arshad, Yuzine Esa and Eza Rena Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6602; sitikd@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Fish diversity, introduced fish, black water, brown water, seasonal flooding<br />
259<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Ensuring the success of AMT implementation requires detail planning and understanding of the technological,<br />
operational and organisational changes of the company. The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation<br />
Evaluation Tool (AMTIET) has been developed as an analytical tool to help managers and operational<br />
engineers make technology implementation and application decisions. AMTIET integrates research and data<br />
from an extensive literature sources to facilitate users in conducting implementation analyses of technology<br />
implementation. AMTIET is an-internet-based software and a multi-attribute decision tool programmed in PHP<br />
environment applicable to all manufacturing firms. The tool analyses responses from each company and indicates<br />
the performance of the companies based on factors that have been identified as crucial to AMT implementation.<br />
The factors have been classified as technological factors (involving level of technology investment, technology<br />
integration, and justification methods), organisational factors (organisational structure, organisational culture,<br />
and operational strategy), human resource and management practices, obstacles and barriers, and government<br />
programmes. Currently, the system has analysed 140 small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in <strong>Malaysia</strong>. The<br />
results are demonstrated in graphical mode such as bar graph to compare the users with other registered SMEs<br />
in the tool database as well as radar graph to show the strengths and weaknesses of users in any of the factors.<br />
Besides evaluating the current performance of the company, the users are able to compare within and between<br />
industries. The tool is also equipped with useful comments and suggestions to guide the users to ameliorate their<br />
situations and improve their strategies in ensuring the full benefits of AMT implementation are achieved.<br />
The diversity and composition of fish fauna in brown and black water habitats at Batang Kerang in Balai<br />
Ringin, Sarawak, were evaluated during high and low water seasons. A total of 234 individual fish representing 36<br />
species belonging to 13 families were captured. The fish fauna comprised 32 species belonging to 12 families in<br />
the brown water habitat, while 12 species from 7 families in the black water habitat. The fish fauna in the brown<br />
water was dominated by the family Cyprinidae (63.8%), while the family Helostomatidae (59.8%) dominated<br />
the black water habitat. The most abundant species in brown water was Oxygaster anomalura while in black<br />
water, the introduced species, Helostoma temminckii, was the most abundant. Various water parameters, such as<br />
dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and water transparency, total suspended solid (TSS) and ammonium-nitrogen<br />
concentrations were significantly different (p
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Work on applications of nanofluids can be restricted due to unavailable conductivity meter for nanofluids<br />
in the market. This study is concerned with design and development of a conductivity meter for nanofluids for<br />
temperature range of 20 o C-50 o C for copper oxide and alumina with distilled water as base fluid. This temperature<br />
range is in accordance with ordinary thermal applications and our empirical limitations. The meter is comprised<br />
of the components such as a plastic water bath, an electrical heater, some thermometers, an electrical motor, a<br />
fan, an electrical transformer, and a 100ml Pyrex beaker. In this method both conduction and convection were<br />
considered to measure the thermal conductivity of moving fluids. Calibration and verification of the equipment<br />
by using distilled water showed a significant agreement to conductivity standard value of ASTM standard.<br />
Results showed that CuO-distilled water has higher thermal properties than alumina-distilled water, and that<br />
means particles with higher thermal conductivity make higher conductive nanofluids. For example percentage of<br />
thermal conductivity rising for 2% mass CuO-distilled water in 45 o C is equal to 33.5% but this value for alumina<br />
is equal to 26%. Among our nanofluids, 4% mass particle concentration of CuO-distilled water gave the highest<br />
conductivity value and least is 1% mass particle concentration of alumina-distilled water. Result also showed that<br />
this meter can give the conductivity value of 0.001 decimal places. Finally it can be concluded that nanofluids<br />
can consider as new generation of thermal fluid with higher thermal conductivity than traditional thermal fluids.<br />
They also can increase the efficiency of thermal equipments.<br />
Keywords: Nanoconductivity meter, nanofluids<br />
Design, Fabrication and Characterisation of Copper Selenide based Thin Film<br />
Semiconductor as Photovoltaic Cell<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib<br />
Mohd. Firdaus Mohd. Yusof, Josephine Liew, W. Mahmood Mat Yunus, Zulkarnian Zainal and Abdul Halim<br />
Shaari<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
03-8946 6606; zainalat@science.upm.edu.my<br />
The photovoltaic electricity (PV cell) offers a limitless and environmentally friendly source of electricity.<br />
The materials used were usually from selenium, which has similar properties with silicon. In earlier study,<br />
it is known as ‘photocell’ and the efficiency of the cell was only 1%. Metal chalcogenide compounds with<br />
semiconductor structure have the capacity for its physical properties to change continuously as the chemical<br />
composition of the compound is altered. This behaviour makes them important for sensor and laser materials,<br />
thin film polarisers, and thermoelectric cooling materials. Among the metal chalcogenides that have received<br />
extensive attention is copper selenide (CuSe). CuSe has the ability to form ternary compound, CuInSe2 or other<br />
multinary materials by integrating indium into the binary compound. Various application such as solar cells,<br />
super ionic conductors, photo-detectors, photovoltaic cells and Shottky-diodes have been associated with this<br />
metal chalcogenide compound. Knowing the physical properties (such as structural, optical, electrical, thermal<br />
properties) of the Se based semiconductor will bring advancement of basic material physics and in important<br />
technological application such as device substrate characterization and processing control. The scientific data<br />
for the dependency of the fabrication condition and physical properties for semiconductor performance would<br />
contribute to the advancement of solar cell device fabrication in <strong>Malaysia</strong>, which are needed in order to solve<br />
many fundamental and technological aspects, and to reduce the production costs for making photovoltaic<br />
competitive in front more classical energy production systems.<br />
Keywords: Metal chalcogenide semiconductor, thin films, p-n juctions, photovoltaic applications<br />
Development of Nanoconductivity Meter for Nanofluids<br />
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Nor Mariah Adam<br />
Nor Mariah Adam, Azmi Zakaria, Halim Abdullah and Seyed Sharafaldin Hosseini<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7541; Mariah@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
260
Efficient Rainwater Harvesting System for Terrace Housing<br />
Rotating Bench<br />
Keywords: Outdoor bench, rotating system, industrial design<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thamer Ahmed Mohammed<br />
Teoh Chee Keong and Elias Salleh<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6352; thamer@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Efficient, rainwater harvesting (RHS), housing, sustainability, environment<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Arnis Aziz and Aimenur Dawana Salim<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; buckrie@gmail.com<br />
261<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Rainwater harvesting system (RHS) has an increasing role to address the issues of urban flooding and water<br />
scarcity. However, the existing design of the systems are facing many problems such as maintenance, energy<br />
consumption, high initiate cost, aesthetic value and space needed for water tank and pump. A study is conducted<br />
on selected housing area showed that 61% of the installed systems had been dismantled. The present invention is<br />
concerning an efficient RHS which is easy to use with less maintenance, economical, with no aesthetic problems,<br />
appropriate for upgrading buildings, and with sufficient volume for the water tank. The system promotes reuse of<br />
rainwater for non-domestic purposes, sustainability and environmental conservation.<br />
A bench is a piece of furniture for people to seat. Benches have been used everywhere for indoor (often in<br />
rows) or outdoor (as in a park) used. This invention focuses on outdoor usage which needs substantially strength<br />
and durable material for application.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Fabrication of Functionally Graded Material by Pressureless Method<br />
Dr. Faizal Mustapha<br />
Ali Shahrjedi<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8964 6404; faizal@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Functionally Graded Metal-Ceramic composite was fabricated by pressureless sintering method. The pure<br />
metallic component (Ti) and pure ceramic component (HA) are located at the ends of a cylindrical specimen.<br />
The composition (in %weight) of layers was 100% pure Titanium; 75% Titanium+25% HA ; 50% Titanium+50%<br />
HA; 25% Titanium+75% HP; 100% pure HA . The properties of the developed FGM surface morphology and<br />
shrinkage measuring after sintering were characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM).<br />
Keywords: Functionally graded material, fabrication, pressureless method, hydroxyapatite-titanium<br />
Parser Generators for Programme Understanding System<br />
Dr. Nor Fazlida Mohd. Sani<br />
Abdul Azim Abdul Ghani and Norazimah Rosidi<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6585; fazlida@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Parser generator is a tool that reads a grammar specification and converts it to a programme that can recognise<br />
matches to the grammar. The purpose of this research is to test and examine the available parser generators and to<br />
find out which is suitable to be used with our Programme Understanding System. The chosen parser generator is an<br />
ANTLR (Another Tool for Language Recognition). ANTLRWorks is a novel grammar development environment<br />
for ANTLR version3 grammars. ANTLRWorks will generate parse tree and abstract syntax tree (AST) as output.<br />
Parse Tree is a record of rules and token used to match some input texts where as a syntax tree record the structure<br />
of the input. Meanwhile AST contains essentially the same information as the parse tree but in a more compact<br />
form. A case study has been conducted by inputting an object-oriented programming code which is Java to the<br />
ANTLR. Presented is the result of this parser generator in the form of an AST.<br />
Keywords: Parsing, parser generators, programme understanding system<br />
262
Enhancement of Critical Current Density in Non-stoichiometric MgB2<br />
Superconductor<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari<br />
Mohd. Faisal Mohd. Aris, Chen Soo Kien, Lim Kean Pah and Roslan Ab.<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6648; ahalim@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Critical current density, non-stoichiometric, pinning centre<br />
Structure, Microstructure and Superconductivity in YBCO with Additives of<br />
Nano-Sm2O3<br />
Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari<br />
Mohd. Kamarulzaman Mansor, Chen Soo Kien, Zainal Abidin Talib and Sidek Ab. Aziz<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6648/6646; ahalim@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: YBCO, rietveld refinement, nano sm2O3<br />
263<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The critical temperature Tc of nonstoichiometric MgxB2 samples was found to decrease with x. However<br />
the critical current density of Mg deficient and Mg excess samples increased as compared to the stoichiometric<br />
sample. This could be due to the presence of MgO and Mg secondary phases which were observed in XRD<br />
patterns. These impurities can serve as pinning centers which were not observed in the stoichiometric sample.<br />
The effects of small concentration of nanometer (? 25 nm) Sm2O3 particle addition on the structure,<br />
microstructure and superconductivity of YBCO have been studied. Polycrystalline samples were synthesised<br />
through solid state reaction by adding Sm2O3 in x wt. % (x = 0.0 - 0.6). The phase formation of all samples<br />
has been characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and detailed crystal structure analysis was carried out using<br />
a Rietveld refinement technique. The results revealed that only YBCO single phase reflection is observed for<br />
samples with x ? 0.3 wt. % and 211 secondary phase is observed for samples with x ? 0.4 wt. % and there is no<br />
orthorhombic-to-tetragonal transition occurred. Sm3+ was found to be incorporated into the crystal structure and<br />
could occupy both in Y- and Ba-sites. As the Sm2O3 concentration increased, Tc-zero value determined by four<br />
point probe technique decreases linearly from 89 K (x = 0.0) to 81 K (x = 0.6). The addition of Sm2O3 did not<br />
severely reduce the Tc, despite of its magnetic behaviour. It seems that the suppression of Tc-zero may relate to<br />
the decrease of the hole concentrations.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Blood container, vacuum tube<br />
Non-penetrative Vacuum Blood Container<br />
Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib<br />
Mohd. Saleh Yahaya, Ummi Noor Nazahiah Abdullah, Siti Aishah Adam dan Mohd. Nazim Abdul Rahman<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8646 6272; abrahim@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Vacuum blood container (VBC) is used for storing blood sample in laboratory testing. All applications<br />
require closure device tightly seal the VBC. This is to maintain the vacuum inside the tube until the time of use<br />
and to avoid contamination of the contents which would distort the analytical result. Currently, vacuum blood tube<br />
was prepared using penetrative technique. A needle was used to withdraw air from the tube to provide vacuum<br />
condition. Due to the penetration of the needle through the enclosure of the tube will eventually create potential<br />
leaking for air to enter the tube. Hence, this will reduce the capability of the tube to withdraw sufficient amount<br />
of blood sample required. The present vacuum blood container invention was design to have non-penetrative<br />
vacuum process. The novel vacuum blood container is designed in three assembly parts; cap, an enclosure and<br />
tube. The inner surface of the cap was designed to have a number of air passages to allow air withdrawal process.<br />
The new invention does not require any penetration through its enclosure to produce vacuum. During vacuuming<br />
process, the air trapped inside the tube will be withdrawn through the air passages to create the required vacuum<br />
pressure. The novel design of cap, enclosure and tube allow the innovative process of non-penetrative vacuum<br />
blood container.<br />
Dialogue-based Visualisation for Quranic Text<br />
Dr. Aida Mustapha<br />
Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6554; aida@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Visualisation is a human cognitive activity and is not something that a computer does. A good visualisation<br />
for Quranic text enables us to communicate the content with clarity, precision, and efficiency. Being a large<br />
information source, a visualisation system for Quranic text is required. This research proposes AQILAH,<br />
dialogue-based information visualisation for Quranic text. AQILAH facilitates the interaction and rearranges the<br />
content based on need-to-know basis, as opposed to sequential order as in recitals.<br />
Keywords: Dialogue systems, information visualisation, Quranic text<br />
264
Development of a New Minimum Avoidance System for a Behaviour-based Mobile<br />
Robot<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Sai Hong<br />
Omid Motlagh, Napsiah Ismail and Ang Chun Kit<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6332; saihong@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Fuzzy logic, local navigation, minimum avoidance, virtual target, autonomous robotics<br />
Keywords: Antifreeze, protein, peptide, thermal hysteresis<br />
265<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A new fuzzy logic algorithm is developed for reactive navigation of mobile robots. A pioneer robot perceives<br />
its environment through an array of eight sonar sensors and self positioning-localisation sensors. While the fuzzy<br />
logic body of the algorithm performs the main tasks of obstacle avoidance and target seeking through artificial<br />
potential fields, an actual-virtual target switching strategy resolves the problem of limit cycles in any type of<br />
dead-ends encountered on the way to the target. This is an advantage beyond pure fuzzy logic approaches and<br />
common virtual target techniques. In this work, multiple traps may have any shape or arrangement from barriers<br />
forming simple corners and U-shape dead-ends to loops, maze, snail shape, and other complicated shapes. Robot<br />
trajectories are demonstrated by simulation work and compared with results from other related methods to prove<br />
the robustness of this method.<br />
Novel Antifreeze Peptides derived from Fungal Protein<br />
Dr. Bimo Ario Tejo<br />
Syed Hussinien Hielmie Shah, Mohammad Fairuz Zulkifli, Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, Abdul Munir<br />
Abdul Murad, Nor Muhammad Mahadi, Mahiran Basri, Raja Noor Zaliha Abdul Rahman and Abu Bakar Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7488; bimotejo@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Antifreeze proteins play a vital role in the survival of organisms living in sub-zero temperature. The ability<br />
of antifreeze proteins to lower the freezing point without lowering the melting point, called thermal hysteresis, has<br />
attracted increasing interest in the past decade, particularly in the utilisation of antifreeze proteins as cryoprotectant<br />
for biological materials. However, commercial application of antifreeze proteins is hindered by high production<br />
cost due to low yield of protein expression. Short peptide segment derived from functional region of antifreeze<br />
protein that preserves the activity of its parent protein may be seen as potential candidate for a new antifreeze<br />
agent. In this work, we designed antifreeze peptides derived from novel antifreeze protein of Leucosporidium<br />
antarcticum. The design of the peptides is based on the predicted structure of L. antarcticum antifreeze protein,<br />
which has less than 20% homology with other antifreeze proteins in Protein Data Bank. The predicted protein<br />
structure shows four helical segments located in the outer structure of the protein. Our hypothesis is that the L.<br />
antarcticum antifreeze protein utilises these four helical segments to inhibit ice crystal growth by binding to<br />
the ice crystal-liquid water surface. To prove our hypothesis, we designed four peptides derived from helical<br />
segments of L. antarcticum antifreeze protein with various lengths between 25 to 30 residues. Three peptides<br />
possess nonzero thermal hysteresis and result in modification of the ice crystal shape. Two peptides are modified<br />
by Leu/Glu and Gln/Lys replacements in order to create helix-stabilising i, i+4 salt bridges. We found that the<br />
peptides with additional salt bridges have increased thermal hysteresis, which suggests the role of salt bridge in<br />
the stabilisation of antifreeze peptide structure. Our study on molecular dynamics suggests that the increased<br />
activity of modified peptide could be due to the rearrangement of hydrophobic-hydrophilic faces of the peptide.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The Relative Influence of Carbon Doping and Disorder on Field and Temperature<br />
Dependent Critical Current Density of MgB2<br />
Dr. Chen Soo Kien<br />
Tan Kwee Yong, Tan Kim Lee, Wan Nurul Ain Wan Shaaidi, Lim Kean Pah, Abdul Halim Shaari and Elias<br />
Saion<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6668; skchen@science.upm.edu.my<br />
In this work, nano sized SiC powders were mixed with Mg and B and reacted by either a one-step in situ<br />
or two-step method resulted in different level of C substitution. X-ray diffraction shows the presence of Mg2Si<br />
signifying that the reaction between SiC and Mg occurred leading to the release of C in samples reacted in the<br />
one-step method. Moreover, the much reduced value of a-axis indicates that C substitution took place. Resistivity<br />
measurements showed higher intragrain scattering owing to a higher density of defects and/or impurities. These<br />
samples also show higher Hirr and Hc2 at 20K in comparison to samples with mainly unreacted SiC (hence lower<br />
C substitution). More importantly, their Jc’s are more insensitive to high magnetic field (> 4T) at 6K. However,<br />
at 20K, the effect of C content on Jc(H) is less pronounced. Finally, the order of magnitude of Jc(H) at both 6K<br />
and 20K is rather dominated by pinning.<br />
Keywords: MgB2 superconductor, carbon doping, disorder, critical current density<br />
A Novel Method of Handling Material<br />
Dr. Edi Syams Zainudin<br />
Khalina Abdan, Jalaluddin Harun and Wan Mohamad Haniffah Wan Hussin<br />
Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6317; edisyam@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Handling materials especially low density material, such as kenaf or any natural fibre, into small opening<br />
can pose a problem because such materials tend to clump and clog. The other problem that needs to be handled is<br />
bridging effect due to shapes and moisture contents of the materials. All these problems can cause inconsistency<br />
in flow of material thus make it impossible to achieve constant and continuous flow behaviour. This invention<br />
caters all the above problems and it also allows the user to control the amount of output during operation. When<br />
this invention is integrated with the extruder for compounding natural fibre composite, the natural fibre can be<br />
mixed along the path of the molten plastic inside the extruder. Therefore, this method does not require premix<br />
process as normal extruder does and it is possible to change the amount of fibre loading of the composite at any<br />
moment during the operation.<br />
Keywords: Machine, forwarding, low density material, extruder<br />
266
Compression Testing Jig for Composite Buckling under Delamination at Sublaminate<br />
Layer<br />
Dr. Faizal Mustapha<br />
Khairul Dahri Mohd. Aris<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8945 6401; faizal@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Buckling, composite, compression, thin laminate structure<br />
Spectral Discrimination and Index Development Toolbox (SDIDT)<br />
Keywords: Hyperspectral, spectral signatures, index, toolbox<br />
Dr. Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd. Shafri<br />
M. Izzuddin Anuar<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6459; hzms04@gmail.com<br />
267<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The main objective of this fixture is to test a flatwise long specimen subjected under compression in order<br />
to look for buckling at the first ply failure. It is a simple structure that can be used with any type of Universal<br />
testing machine (UTM) that has a compression plate. However the compression plate is advice to be bigger than<br />
the fixture holding base in order to ensure that the load applied is transfer to the fixture. The base is made from<br />
fibrelite, which is a low cost material compared to stainless steel but yet is having the significant strength to<br />
withstand the compressive load applied. The gripper is made of solid Teflon with a groove to hold the specimen<br />
into place. It is to ensure that the specimen is straight and inline on both sides. The float is made of stainless steel<br />
in which acts as the stabiliser to ensure that the specimen does not move or slide. To ensure minimum friction is<br />
introduced during the experiment, grease is applied on the inner shaft to ensure free movement is observed.<br />
Currently, the issue of selecting optimal spectral bands and creating effective indices for specific application<br />
using hyperspectral data is a very daunting task. This is due to the unavailability of user-friendly tool for statistical<br />
analysis and index generation from the highly complex hyperspectral data. This motivates the development of<br />
SDIDT in order to solve this problem. The development of the toolbox is based on extensive research into the best<br />
statistical procedures and optimal spectral index for stress detection in vegetation. The toolbox facilitates easy<br />
operation to identify optimal bands for index development and subsequently can be used to assist airborne-based<br />
detection of any types of anomalies from hyperspectral imagery.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
W2IF2A09 Protocol to Prepare and Measure, Point to Point Fibre Optics Quantum<br />
Key Distribution<br />
Dr. Ing Ahmad Fauzi Abas<br />
Lizal Iswady Ahmad Ghazali, Wan Azizun Wan Adnan, Makhfudzah Mokhtar, M. Iqbal Saripan and Mohd.<br />
Adzir Mahdi<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4351; fauzi@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
We propose a new quantum key distribution protocol which can produce higher sifted key rate and robust<br />
photon number splitting attack. The work deploys theoretical works on quantum key distribution protocol by<br />
redefining a method of decoding to sharing a secret key in quantum key distribution. This theoretical derivation<br />
later is used to verify simulation result on sifted key rate. Then robustness of the protocol is simulated based<br />
on two main photon number splitting attacks in quantum key distribution and finally a simulation on the proof<br />
of concept of the protocol is done using a phase encoding quantum key distribution. This new protocol has<br />
improved the percentage of discarded key bit by 25% as compared to the SARG04 protocol considering an ideal<br />
case without Eavesdropping and produces a 15% higher percentage of sifted key with zero error as compared to<br />
the SARG04 protocol at an ideal case with Eavesdropping. In terms of its robustness, this protocol can secure a<br />
key bit transmission up to link loss of 31.2dB against Eavesdropper intercept resend with unambiguous attack at<br />
ideal scenario. Another powerful photon number splitting attack of storage attack can guard against Eavesdropper<br />
getting one photon of up to link loss of 7.4dB. In practical scenario, a maximum secured distance can be achieved<br />
at up to link loss of 22.9dB. Therefore this protocol consequently can increase sifted key rate during reconciliation<br />
process while ensuring protection against photon number splitting attack. In summary, this work presented a new<br />
protocol which improved the sifted key rate and robust photon number splitting attacks. An implementation using<br />
phase encoding quantum key distribution embedding this decoding protocol algorithm might be a breakthrough<br />
for near future practical setup.<br />
Keywords: Quantum key distribution, photon number splitting attack, sifted key<br />
The design phase is claimed to be one of the highest source of errors in software development. Objectoriented<br />
design is a difficult process especially for novice designers. However, research on the process model that<br />
is suitable for novices is scarce. Moreover, many of the CASE tools available serve as diagramming or automated<br />
tools and lack technical guidance for developing object-oriented applications. The main goal of this research is to<br />
introduce a new model of design guidance to guide novice designers during the design process. For this purpose, a<br />
literature study was first conducted to examine current techniques and available tools in guiding novice designers.<br />
A guidance model was then developed (OOD-GuideM) which comprises of three components: object-oriented<br />
design process model, design knowledge repository and design analyzer. Object-oriented design heuristics and<br />
patterns, which are parts of design knowledge, were collected and studied. Those that were considered suitable<br />
for novices were then converted to rules and cases respectively. OOD-GuideM also includes a design analyzer<br />
which is capable of analysing designs for heuristic violations and detecting potential pattern applications. Based<br />
on its analysis, this component assists novice designers in terms of warnings and suggestions during the design<br />
process. To test the implementability of the proposed OOD-GuideM model, a prototype is developed as a proof<br />
of concept. A controlled experiment is then conducted to evaluate this prototype. The evaluation results show<br />
that the evaluated aspects of the model are feasible in supporting the design process for novice designers. It also<br />
demonstrated that OOD-GuideM can be beneficial to novice object-oriented designers in assisting and guiding<br />
them in the process. This led to the conclusion that the OOD-GuideM model is capable, feasible and practical for<br />
guiding novice object-oriented designers.<br />
Keywords: Oo design, design heuristic, design pattern<br />
Model of a Design Guidance System for Novice Object-oriented Designers<br />
Dr. Jamilah Din<br />
Sufian Idris and Shahrul Azman Mohd. Noah<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6585; jamilah@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
268
AMiR: An Autonomous Miniature Robot<br />
Keywords: Miniature robot, swarm<br />
Evolutionary Algorithms for INS Error Prediction<br />
Keywords: GPS, INS, GA, PSO, ANFIS<br />
Dr. Khairulmizam Samsudin<br />
Farshad Arvin and Abdul Rahman Ramli<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4320; kmbs@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Dr. Khairulmizam Samsudin<br />
Ahmed M. Hasan and Abdul Rahman Ramli<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4320; kmbs@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
269<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Biological swarm is a fascinating behaviour of nature that has been successfully applied to solve human<br />
problem especially for robotics application. The high economical cost and large area required to execute swarm<br />
robotics scenarios do not permit experimentation with real robot. Model and simulation of the mass number of<br />
these robots are extremely complex and often inaccurate. This project presents an autonomous miniature mobilerobot<br />
(AMiR) for swarm robotics research and education. The large number of robots in these systems allow<br />
designing an individual AMiR unit with simple perception and mobile abilities. Hence a large number of robots<br />
can be easily and economically feasible to be replicated.<br />
This paper presents an alternative approach of solving GPS outages without requiring any prior information<br />
about the characteristics of the INS and GPS sensors. INS can be used as a stand-alone system to bridge the<br />
outages during GPS signal loss. Kalman filter (KF) is widely used in INS and GPS integration to present a<br />
forceful navigation solution by overcoming the GPS outages problems. Unfortunately, KF is usually criticised for<br />
working under predefined models and for its observability problem of hidden state variables, sensor dependency,<br />
and linearisation dependency. This approach utilises a genetic neuro fuzzy system (GANFIS) to predict the INS<br />
position and velocity errors during GPS signal blockages suitable for real-time application. The proposed model<br />
is able to deal with noise and disturbances in the GPS and INS output data in different dynamic environments<br />
compared to other traditional filtering algorithms such as the neural network and neuro fuzzy. Real field test results<br />
using MEMS grade IMU with integrated GPS show a significant improvement obtained from the integrated GPS/<br />
INS system using GANFIS module compared to traditional methods such as kalman filtering, particularly during<br />
long GPS satellite signal blockage.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Fast Hybrid Image Processing based on Graphic Processing Unit<br />
Dr. Khairulmizam Samsudin<br />
Afsaneh Jalalian, Syamsiah Mashohor and M. Iqbal Saripan<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4320; kmbs@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
In the last few years, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have evolved into more flexible and powerful<br />
parallel data processors. GPUs are economical and are advantageous in a wide variety of computer architecture.<br />
The parallelism feature of Cellular Automata (CA) is well-suited to run on parallel processors and therefore, can<br />
be employed on graphical processing units (GPUs). This research presents a hybrid CA model for edge detection<br />
in image distorted by salt and pepper noise. In order to enhance the performance of the CA model, we adopt<br />
GPU based processing approach. The proposed CA model is able to extract edge in high intensity noise image<br />
compared to other conventional method. The implementation of the CA model based on GPU has significantly<br />
improved the performance of the edge detection in the presence of noise.<br />
Keywords: Graphic processing unit, cellular automata, noise filtering, edge detection<br />
Investigation of Switching Duration for 3-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter<br />
Dr. Nashiren Farzilah Mailah<br />
Senan Mahmod Abdullah and Norhisam Misron<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6316; nashiren@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Neutral-Point-Clamped (NPC) inverter is one type of the multilevel inverters that has the advantages of<br />
lower output distortion, lower dv/dt stresses on each individual power switches and lower switching losses, when<br />
compared to the conventional 3-phase bridge inverter. Multilevel inverter operation is based on the concept of<br />
increasing the staircase level of output voltage waveform by steadily switching the power switches in small<br />
voltage steps. Each increment of level of the multilevel inverter involves an additional of two power switches at<br />
each leg. This study investigates the effect of switching duration of the triggering signals to the 3-phase, 3-level<br />
Neutral-Point-Clamped inverter. By varying the switching duration of the triggering signals, the Total Harmonics<br />
Distortion (THD) value of voltage and current outputs of the inverter will be affected. From the investigation,<br />
the relationship between the switching duration and the output voltage and current can be found. Thus, the best<br />
switching duration can be used to obtain output with the lowest THD value. This low THD output waveform<br />
can help in minimizing the harmonics distortion when the inverter is being used as a Static Synchronous Series<br />
Compensator (SSSC) in power system network. Simulation model of the NPC inverter has been designed and<br />
developed using Matlab/Simulink software.<br />
Keywords: Switching duration, Neutral-Point-Clamped, total harmonics distortion (THD)<br />
270
An Embedded Explicit Runge-Kutta-Nystrom Method for Solving Oscillatory<br />
Problems<br />
Dr. Norazak Senu<br />
Mohamed Suleiman and Fudziah Ismail<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6848; razak@math.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Runge-Kutta-Nystrom method, phase-lag, oscillatory problem<br />
A XML based, User-centered Privacy Model in Pervasive Computing Systems<br />
Dr. Nur Izura Udzir<br />
Ali Dehghantanha and Ramlan Mahmod<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6521; izura@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Privacy, pervasive computing, identity privacy, location privacy, time privacy<br />
271<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A new pair of embedded explicit Runge-Kutta-Nyström (RKN) methods are developed to integrate secondorder<br />
differential equations of the form q” = f(t,q) where the solution is oscillatory. The embedded formula has<br />
dispersion order eight and dissipation order seven for the fifth-order formula. The cost for this pair is four function<br />
evaluations at each step of integration. Numerical comparisons with several codes in the scientific literature such<br />
as RKN5(4)D, RKN5(4)B, RKN4(3)G and DOPRI5 show the efficiency of the new method developed.<br />
Pervasive systems are typically embedded and invisible which make it difficult for users to know when,<br />
where, and how these devices are collecting data. With that, privacy is a major issue for pervasive computing<br />
applications and several privacy models have been proposed for pervasive environments. In this paper, we present<br />
a XML based User-centered Privacy Model (UPM) which provides content, identity, location, and time privacy<br />
with low unobtrusiveness.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Pineapple, peeler and corer, slicer, dicer<br />
Quorum-based Data Replication in Data Grid<br />
Dr. Rohaya Latip<br />
Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6536; rohaya@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Replication is a useful technique for distributed database systems and can be implemented in a grid<br />
computation environment to provide a high availability, fault tolerant, and enhance the performance of the<br />
system. This research discusses a new protocol named Enhanced Diagonal Data Replication in 2D Mesh structure<br />
(EDR2M) protocol where the performance addressed are communication cost and data availability which are<br />
compared with the previous replication protocols, Diagonal Data Replication in 2D Mesh structure (DR2M).<br />
EDR2M protocol is organized in a logical two dimensional mesh structure and by using quorums and voting<br />
techniques to improve the performance of communication cost and data availability of the replication protocol<br />
where it reduces the number of copies of data replication for read or write operations. The data file is copied at the<br />
selected node of the diagonal site in a quorum of the network. Selecting the middle node and grouping the nodes<br />
in quorum have reduced the communication cost and high in availability since all nodes have the equal number<br />
of requests and data accessing in the network. The algorithm in this paper also calculates the best number of<br />
nodes in each quorum and how many quorums are needed for N number of nodes in a network. EDR2M protocol<br />
also ensures that the data for read and write operations is consistent, by proofing that the quorum must not have<br />
a nonempty intersection quorum. To evaluate EDR2M protocol, we developed a simulation model in Java. Our<br />
results prove that EDR2M protocol improves the performance of the communication cost and data availability<br />
compare to the previous data replication protocol, DR2M.<br />
Keywords: Data grid, grid computing, replica control protocol<br />
Pineapple Multi-peeler Plus<br />
Dr. Rosnah Shamsudin<br />
Johari Endan and Siti Zaharah Mustapa<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6366; rosnahs@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Pineapple Multi-peeler Plus machine was designed and constructed based on three major functions, which<br />
are peeling and coring, slicing, and dicing. It was designed and developed to overcome the issues faced in current<br />
pineapple machine. This machine is affordable, suitable for domestic uses, as well as for application in the<br />
pineapple processing industry. It is not only capable of saving energy and time but also ensures a hygienic<br />
process. This machine is made from stainless steel. Pineapple with a height of 145 mm is placed at the peeler<br />
and corer to remove the skin and core to obtain the pineapple flesh. Then the pineapple is sliced using slicer and<br />
finally diced using pineapple dicer. Depending on the industrialists’ preferences, Pineapple 3 in 1 machine can be<br />
operated either manually or automatically.<br />
272
Soft Systems Methodology for Environment-aware Case-based Reasoning Systems<br />
Dr. Sa’adah Hassan<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6507; saadah@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Case-based reasoning, soft systems methodology<br />
Real-time Audio Transcription Technique using Static and Dynamic Window Sizes<br />
with a Low-cost Hardware Interface<br />
Dr. Shyamala C. Doraisamy<br />
Farshad Arvin<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6548; shyamala@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Audio transcription, signal processing, microcontroller<br />
273<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
A Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) system solves new problems by remembering a previous similar problem<br />
and reusing its solution. Descriptions of previous problems and their solutions are stored in a case base. The<br />
system depends on information given by the end-user and historical cases for the descriptions of a new problem<br />
and its solution. Thus, the ability of the system to make appropriate decisions or suggestions is limited. While<br />
the characteristics of today’s computing systems offer a lot of opportunities to be explored, it is beneficial for a<br />
computer system to have an awareness of its environment by providing information on the current situation to the<br />
end-user and to the computer system itself. Such contextual information is useful to keep the system informed,<br />
define the problem descriptions, and recommend appropriate solutions or suggestions based on the current<br />
situation. CBR systems with environment awareness can potentially improve to define the problem description<br />
and its solutions precisely with the contextual information. However, the development of a system that has<br />
environment awareness requires a deeper analysis of the system itself and its relationships with its environment.<br />
The analysis approach in the systems development should be able to yield a collection of collaborating elements<br />
in a computing system and its links to the environment. Today’s computer systems are situated in intricate<br />
environments, and are required to adapt to the dynamic environment as well as be proactive in making decisions.<br />
Such requirements are difficult to be modelled using the ‘hard’ analysis approach. The Soft Systems Methodology<br />
(SSM) is an established approach to understand an ill-defined problem in such situations. This research presents<br />
the SSM analysis in the development of an environment-aware CBR system. The analysis models help clarify and<br />
define the system’s environment explicitly to describe the design of the system.<br />
A real-time signal processing technique using static and dynamic window sizes with a low-cost hardware<br />
interface is proposed. Most audio signal processing systems require high cost hardware interfaces such as DSP.<br />
The proposed technique in this project introduces a hardware interface that includes a microcontroller to process<br />
audio music signals for pitch extraction. The audio signal is divided to smaller sections known as windows to<br />
obtain samples of the signals for transcription. In general, two different approaches are proposed which convert<br />
the voice samples for real-time processing using static and dynamic window sizes. However, the transcription<br />
process into MIDI data involves complex calculations and in this proposed technique, a simple technique is used<br />
to process audio signals. The transcribed data generated shows the feasibility of using microcontrollers as a realtime<br />
MIDI generation hardware interface.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Keywords: Blending, heating, cutting<br />
Apparatus for Automated Blending and Agitated Cooking<br />
Dr. Siti Mazlina Mustapa Kamal<br />
Intan Shaidatul Shima Mohd. Shariff and Lee Sze Ying<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6294; siti@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
This invention generally relates to an apparatus for automated blending and agitated cooking. More<br />
specifically, this invention relates to chilli paste maker. The apparatus provides a blender-cooker apparatus that<br />
functions as both a blender structure and a cooker structure. The main components of the invention include a<br />
motor, a hopper cover, a hopper, a cover lid, a container, a set of blade assembly with lower and upper blades, a<br />
safety holder, a lifting arm, a lifting support, a thermocouple and a heating plate. Each upper and lower blades are<br />
equipped with cutting surfaces along their leading edges and lower blades are adapted to have wing flats configured<br />
to induce upwardly directed axial flow of the foodstuff. Therefore, the blade assembly could be functioned as<br />
cutting blade in clockwise rotation for blending process and acted as an agitator in counterclockwise rotation. The<br />
whole operation of this apparatus is controlled by the PLC (Programmable-Logic-Control) Unit which allows<br />
an automated control in the desired temperature parameters. Therefore, the invention saves clean-up work of<br />
transferring blended food for cooking as well as save time and labour.<br />
Synthesis and Electrical Properties of Copper Substituted Bismuth Zinc Tantalates<br />
(BZT)<br />
Dr. Tan Kar Ban<br />
Hajaratul Najwa, Zulkarnain Zainal, Chen Soo Kien and Khaw Chwin Chieh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7491; tankb@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Chemical doping was performed in order to enhance dielectric properties of cubic bismuth zinc tantalate,<br />
(L-BZT) pyrochlores. Copper doped L-BZT, Bi3Zn1.8Cu0.2Ta3O14 was successfully prepared by conventional<br />
solid state reaction at 1050 °C for 48 hours. The prepared sample crystallized in a cubic cell with lattice parameter,<br />
a = 10.5399 (0.0002) Å and space group Fd3m. Copper doped L-BZT was thermally stable as evidently shown<br />
in thermal analysis. The electrical properties of the prepared pellets were characterised by AC impedance<br />
spectroscopy. The conductivity values were found higher than that of the undoped sample. The activation energy<br />
determined from the slope of conductivity Arrhenius plots was 1.15 eV. On the other hand, relative permittivity<br />
(e’) and dielectric loss (tan d) of the doped sample were 78, 0.0043 at temperature 30 °C and frequency 1 MHz,<br />
respectively. These values were somewhat higher than that of the parent composition. The doped sample showed<br />
high degree of dispersion of permittivity at low frequency (
Quadrature Formula for Approximating the Singular Integral of Cauchy Type<br />
with Unbounded Weight Function on the Edges<br />
Dr. Zainidin K. Eshkuvatov<br />
Nik Mohd. Asri Nik Long and Mohammad Abdulkawi<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6855; ezaini@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Development of Ijuk (Arenga pinnata) Fibre Biocomposite for Small Boat<br />
Application<br />
Dr. Zulkiflle Leman<br />
Sairizal Misri, Ridzwan Ishak, Mohd. Sapuan Salit and Umar Abdul Hanan<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6347; zleman@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Biocomposite, sugar palm fibre, glass fibre, tensile, impact, hybrid material<br />
275<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
New quadrature formulas (QFs) for evaluating the singular integral (SI) of Cauchy type with unbounded<br />
weight function on the edges are constructed. The construction of the QFs is based on the modification of discrete<br />
vortices method (MMDV) and linear spline interpolation over the finite interval [-1,1]. It is proved that the<br />
constructed QFs converge for any singular point x do not coincide with the end points of the interval [-1,1].<br />
Numerical results are given to validate the accuracy of the QFs. The error bounds are found to be of order<br />
O(h^alpha|lnh|) and O(h|lnh|) in the classes of functions H^alpha([-1,1], A) and C([-1,1]) respectively.<br />
Keywords: Singular integral, quadrature formula, discrete vortices method, spline approximation, modification<br />
In recent years, sugar palm fibre has been found to have great potential to be used as fibre reinforcement<br />
in polymer matrix composites. This research investigated the possibility of sugar palm fibre to composite as<br />
the building material in fabrication of a small boat. The study started with the determination of mechanical<br />
properties of woven glass/sugar palm fibre that reinforced unsaturated polyester hybrid composite. The composite<br />
specimens were compression moulded from different layers of fibre in different orientations such as strand mat,<br />
natural and hand woven. The tensile and impact tests were carried out in accordance to ASTM 5083 and ASTM<br />
D256. The boat was fabricated using hand lay up technique. The results of the experiment showed that the tensile<br />
strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break values and impact strength were acceptable for this application. As<br />
a general conclusion, the use of sugar palm fibre together with glass fibre has improved the mechanical properties<br />
of the composite and is suitable to be used in small boat fabrication.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Implementation of BB84 protocol on UDP 802.11i<br />
Dr. Zuriati Ahmad Zukarnain<br />
Nur Hanani Kamarul Aizan and Hishamuddin Zainuddin<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6565; zuriati@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Cryptography nowadays is looking for a secure and trusted channel especially in key distribution between<br />
two legitimate parties without being intercepted or decipher by intruders either in wireless or wired communication<br />
medium. The invention of Quantum Cryptography as part of quantum mechanics has solved the key distribution’s<br />
problem in cryptosystem by providing a secure communication channel between two parties with absolute security<br />
guaranteed by the laws of physics. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as a new method in key distribution used to<br />
transmit secret key between two legitimate parties. This paper will discuss the implementation of BB84 protocol<br />
in UDP 802.11i Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). WLAN as a wireless links are much noisier and less<br />
reliable in general than wired links. This type of noise will generate different numbers of key lengths and also<br />
different levels of error rate estimation.<br />
Keywords: Quantum key distribution (QKD), wireless local area network (WLAN), uer datagram protocol (UDP), 802.11i<br />
Large Scale Dielectrophoretic Separation of Cells<br />
Dr. Zurina Zainal Abidin<br />
Robiah Yunus and Fadhilla Hasanah Ahmad Nadzri<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4371; zurina@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
The use of dielectrophoresis (DEP) to date has mainly been limited to processing small volumes due to<br />
difficulties in the fabrication of microelectrodes over large surface areas. To overcome this problem, a novel<br />
approach to the construction of micro-electrode arrays has been developed based on weaving. A plain weave cloth<br />
was made from 100 micron diameter stainless steel wires and polyester yarns. The stainless steel wires formed the<br />
weft, and were kept parallel and apart by a warp of flexible polyester yarns, with a gap of around micron between<br />
the metal wires. The metal wires were alternately connected to earth and signal of an AC power source, and it<br />
was shown that it was possible to collect yeast cells suspended in deionised water at the metal wire surfaces by<br />
dielectrophoresis. The polyester yarn was also found to distort the electric field, creating further areas of electric<br />
field non-uniformity around the polyester yarns, further enhancing the capability of the system to attract cells.<br />
A separation chamber with greater capacity was constructed and was able to separate dead and live yeast cells.<br />
Keywords: Dielectrophoresis, cell separation, weaving, textile<br />
276
Xylitol Production from Sago Trunk Waste<br />
STAYER: Forest Surveillance UAV<br />
Mr. Abdul Ghani Liew Abdullah<br />
Siti Mazlina Mustapa Kamal, Norhafizah Abdullah and Nurul Lina Mohamad<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4428; ghaniey@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Xylitol, activated charcoal, overliming, sago trunk cortex hydrolysate<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Hasri Yunardi Hassan, Rahinah Ibrahim and Muhamad<br />
Haziq Noraizan<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; buckrie@gmail.com<br />
277<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Xylitol can be derived from D-xylose which mainly contains in lignocellulose materials. Sago trunk cortex<br />
was chosen as lignocellulose source due to its availability and abundant in the sago starch processing industry.<br />
The characterisation of sago trunk cortex was done to identify the composition of lignocellulosic fractions. The<br />
production of xylitol from sago trunk cortex includes hydrolysis which breaks the cellulose and hemicellulose<br />
polymers to fermentable sugar, mainly xylose, followed by fermentation process which converts the sugars<br />
to xylitol. However, some by-products such as furan compounds are released during chemical hydrolysis and<br />
inhibited the yeast cultivation. This study describes two common detoxification methods of sago trunk cortex<br />
hydrolysates to improved xylitol production by Candida tropicalis. Activated charcoal and overliming methods<br />
were used to compare the efficiency in reducing toxic compound and finally, the effects of both methods were<br />
evaluated by combination of both treatments. The best assays was found using combination of overliming at pH 9<br />
and using 2.5% activated charcoal at 60 minutes of contact time after 72 hour of fermentation, which corresponds<br />
to 0.28 g L-1h-1 volumetric productivity and 0.758 g g-1 xylitol yield on consumed xylose.<br />
The Unmanned Avionic Vehicle (UAV) is purposely designed to support The Forestry Department of<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>’s operation in preventing criminal activities such as illegal logging and forest destruction. The design<br />
project aims to solve a problem faced by the Forestry Department in maintaining the forest’s sustainability and<br />
also helps to reduce the use of manpower and transportation during this type of surveillance operation. This UAV<br />
system uses auto rechargeable battery powered engine, Auto Balancing Technology (ABT) and a built in audio<br />
video (AV) device.<br />
Keywords: Unmanned avionic vehicle (UAV), industrial design, auto balancing technology (ABT), built in audio video
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
WATCHER: PDRM AI-Drone<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Saiful Hasley Ramli, Rahinah Ibrahim and Shahbudin Md.<br />
Sattar<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; buckrie@gmail.com<br />
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a drone or remotely piloted vehicle and a pilotless craft guided which is<br />
the main characteristic of this product. This product is purposely design to support Polis Diraja <strong>Malaysia</strong> (PDRM)<br />
through air observation and investigation. The UAV can be adapted with the most advance technology used for<br />
highly difficult conditions and missions. The controller of the drone can originate from an airplane, a ship, a<br />
ground station, or a satellite link. UAVs are often preferably used for missions that are too risky, strategic crime<br />
location, or dangerous for manned as an observer.<br />
Keywords: Unmanned aerial vehicle, remotely piloted aircraft, pilotless vehicle, industrial design<br />
PROPHECY: Hybrid MPV with Intelligent Storage<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Rafidei Mohamad, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin and Mohd.<br />
Haidiezul Jamal Abdul Hadi<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; buckrie@gmail.com<br />
The project aims to design a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that gives more space comfort, aerodynamics<br />
and design concept which will be relevant for the next ten or fifteen years. The MPV design also proposes three<br />
additional luggage compartments as a solution that can possibly solve a luggage problem. It is located at the<br />
side bottom and rear bottom of the vehicle. The project also applies the hybrid technology as the MPV’s power<br />
resources in order to ensure the fuel efficiency.<br />
Keywords: Hybrid multipurpose vehicle, intelligent storage system, industrial design<br />
278
Mobile Cubicle Cell<br />
Mr. Bakri Bakar@Ismail<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Mohd. Faiz Yahaya, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin and Rosalam<br />
Che Me<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; buckrie@gmail.com<br />
Keywords: Cubicle cell, sleeping space, industrial design, product design<br />
Fully Dress: Dressing Table with Full View Mirror<br />
Keywords: Furniture, dressing table<br />
Mr. Hasry Yunardi Hassan<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin and Zulkifli Muslim<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; hasriy@yahoo.com<br />
279<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
This product is an effective solution for instant sleeping space - designed for those who need to rest or<br />
nap for few hours before continuing their activities. The scope focusses on places where people would go<br />
especially during festive seasons such as the public transportation station, main town and shopping mall in Kuala<br />
Lumpur. It can become an alternative space replacing hotel or rest house which is quite costly for this purpose<br />
to certain travelers. It can also provide a wide visible surface for advertising purposes. Data were gathered from<br />
questionnaire, interviews and observations for design idea. The product providing this service (instant sleeping<br />
space) is found to be beneficial.<br />
This design project aims to reduce the existing problem of a dressing table which is available in the market.<br />
The most common problems are that existing dressing table is bulky and requires huge space utilisation. It also<br />
has an inadequate compartment for the users to keep their cosmetics and jewelries. Furthermore, the size of<br />
a mirror may not be suitable for the user when they want to look at their daily appearance. During the design<br />
process, it mainly explores in finding a possible idea that can be proposed as the problem solving process. A<br />
questionnaire method is applied in identifying the user’s requirements in designing an appealing and functional<br />
dressing table. The aesthetics element of this dressing table adds in providing a sense of romance and glamour to<br />
the users particularly to the women.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Pengutip Biji Kelapa Sawit Terlerai<br />
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Muhammad Salih Hj. Ja’afar<br />
Mohd. Solah Deraman<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6423; salihmuar@yahoo.com<br />
Sebuah pengutip biji sawit terlerai yang mudah dan selesa pengendaliannya telah direka bentuk dan dibina<br />
sebagai suatu pilihan bagi membantu kerja-kerja mengutip biji tersebut di keliling pokok sawit di ladang. Buat<br />
masa kini semua kerja-kerja mengutip biji tersebut dilakukan secara manual dengan pencakar, pengaut tangan<br />
atau tangan sendiri. Alat tolak beroda seberat 2kg ini digerakkan oleh pekerja secara manual dan roda kutip<br />
akan bergolek memasukkan biji ke dalamnya melalui lidi anjal bergaris pusat 2mm. Roda kutip tersebut adalah<br />
berukuran 260mm lebar dan bergaris pusat 200mm di bahagian tengah dan 120mm di bahagian hujung. Lidi roda<br />
akan terenggang apabila menekan buah masuk ke dalam roda kutip tersebut dan lidi akan kembali ke keadaan<br />
jarak asal. Setelah hampir separuh penuh roda terisi dengan biji sawit, biji-biji tersebut akan dipindahkan ke<br />
bekas guni atau baldi yang dibawa bersama oleh pekerja tadi. Biji yang dikutip adalah bersih daripada sebarang<br />
sampah memandangkan hanya biji sahaja yang ditekan masuk ke dalam roda kutip dan mana-mana sampah yang<br />
termasuk itu akan terkeluar dengan sebdirinya melalui lidi roda tersebut. Hanya sedikit kecederaan sahaja (7%)<br />
yang berlaku semasa menekan biji-biji tersebut. Adalah dijangkakan pekerja akan mengutip sebanyak purata 300<br />
kg dalam 6 jam sehari bekerja.<br />
Keywords: Pengutip biji sawit terlerai, roda lidi, roda kutip<br />
Device for Extracting Coconut Juice<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Muhammad Haziq Noraizan, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Hassan Alli, Mohamizzam Mohammad, Mohd. Azali<br />
Abd. Rahim, Rahinah Ibrahim and Osman Mohd. Tahir<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; nikaizan@yahoo.com<br />
Coconut juice is well known in <strong>Malaysia</strong> as a famous cool drinking juice. The conventional method of<br />
extracting the coconut juice needs to be changed in order to ease access to the juice. Thus, ‘Pluck It’ is a young<br />
coconut device extractor that is safe and needs less skill to use. Therefore, it shortens the process of chopping the<br />
coconut shell to drink the coconut juice.<br />
Keywords: Extractor, conventional method, industrial design<br />
280
Mini Portable Generator<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Mohd. Amil Faesal Fauzi, Sazrinee Zainal Abidin, Rafidei Mohamad and Mohamizzam Mohammad<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; nikaizan@yahoo.com<br />
Keywords: Power generator, kinetic, industrial design<br />
Saltfish Drying Device<br />
Mr. Ruhaizin Sulaiman<br />
Hassan Alli, Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Bakri Bakar@Ismail, Mohamizzam Mohammad and Sazrinee Zainal<br />
Abidin<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4034; ruhaizin@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
281<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Battery is one of the most common things found in our lives as it is used to power most of the electronic<br />
devices in today’s modern lifestyle. It comes in various shapes and sizes. However, it creates an environmental<br />
issue as the number of used or discarded batteries increases from time to time. They need to be recycled or<br />
disposed properly so that the chemical by-product could not harm human as well as nature. Therefore, the idea<br />
of this product is to promote renewable energy usage into consumer lifestyle. This sustainable product enables<br />
a person to use battery-powered devices without the need to replace the exhausted typical batteries. It acts like<br />
a rechargeable battery without having to plug it into any power socket and provides renewable energy by means<br />
of converting kinetic energy into electricity. This product enables users to use the harnessed electric energy<br />
with their cell phones, mp3 player, torch lights, and many others. The electric charge will be stored in a small<br />
compartment which can be connected to most of the important gadgets found today.<br />
Salty fish dishes are one of the favourite’s main dishes for most Asians. In order to prepare a salty fish, certain<br />
processes are required before the fish can be marketed and prepared for lunch or dinner. Traditional method of<br />
drying and salting the fish is unhygienic and is still being practiced by the fish mongers or local villagers in<br />
small capacities. This design overcomes bacteria growing during the process of drying the fish as well as to<br />
speed up the process even during rainy seasons. The product uses fan for improving ventilated air circulations<br />
that can simultaneously speed up the fish drying process. The salty fish drying device concept has potential to be<br />
developed for applications to other ocean products like squids, prawns and even beef for the future.<br />
Keywords: Salt fish drying, industrial design, rainy seasons, speed-up drying, ventilated air circulations, hygienic process
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Molecular Evaluation and Taxonomic Implications of Selected <strong>Malaysia</strong>n Isolates<br />
of Trichoderma harzianum<br />
Mr. Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee<br />
Umi Kalsom Yusuf and Tan Soon Guan<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6620; shafiqpab@yahoo.com<br />
Trichoderma species are commercially applied as biocontrol agents against some plant pathogenic fungi<br />
due to their production of antifungal metabolites, competition for nutrients and space, and mycoparasitism.<br />
Antagonistic assessment by dual culture technique showed that 18 out of 48 selected T. harzianum isolates<br />
successfully inhibited the mycelial growth of Ganoderma boninense (isolate: PER71) at 47.86 to 72.06% with the<br />
strongest inhibitor exhibited by strain FA30. Eight samples produced effective volatile antifungal compounds of<br />
24.528 to 58.70 % over six days. When the 10 samples were assayed for the production of non-volatile antifungal<br />
compounds, whereby showed the inhibitory effects of 18.35 to 40.16%. Strain FA30 was the best inhibitor<br />
isolate not only by dual culture inhibition technique, but was also the best producer of volatile and non-volatile<br />
inhibitor compounds. Identifications of Trichoderma species are currently misleading worldwide from micromorphological<br />
descriptions which are tedious and prone to error. This study undertook a molecular approach<br />
using isozyme, random amplified microsatellite (RAMS) and gene sequencing of internal transcribed spacer-1<br />
(ITS 1) region of the rDNA. Molecular studies by isozyme and RAMS analysis did not give any confident level<br />
separation at the species level. Gene sequencing of the ITS 1 region of the nucleotide sequences of samples was<br />
multiple aligned and compared against the ex-type strains sequences from the NCBI and TrichoBLAST Genbank<br />
database. Results showed that 25 out of the 26 putatively identified T. harzianum were inagreement with the<br />
genomic of T. harzianum ex-type strain, except single strain belonged to T. virens. The 9 putative T. aureoviride<br />
were misidentifications whereas 7 were T. harzianum and 2 were T. virens based on the GenBank database. The<br />
ITS 1 region study showed that the gene sequences of Trichoderma samples were the most accurate technique for<br />
identification at the species level.<br />
Keywords: Genus Trichoderma, RAMS, isozyme analysis, internal transcribed spacer<br />
ROTAZIONE: New Conceptual Occasional Table<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Mohd. Yusof Abdul Aziz, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Bakri Bakar and Saiful Hasley Ramli<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4054; shazman67@yahoo.com<br />
Occasional tables and the ubiquitous “coffee table” are quite essential partners to the sofa, not only for<br />
displaying stylish art book and table lamps, but also for resting the more mundane mug of coffee and remote<br />
control for the television. This research focuses on the value of furniture and the problem that occurs in current<br />
living. It also focuses on using reused material in furniture making. The innovation targets users who are<br />
executives who need to make the best use of space, an impact of new technological and social change.<br />
Keywords: Occasional tables, coffee table, furniture, reuse material<br />
282
Visual Impaired Device<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Nurul A’in Razak, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Mohamizzam Mohammad, Rafidei Mohamad and Saiful Hasley<br />
Ramli<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4054; shazman67@yahoo.com<br />
UKAN: Laptop Support Device<br />
Mr. Shahrul Azman Shahbudin<br />
Hamiza Hj. Ali, Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah and Mohd. Faiz Yahaya<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4054; shazman67@yahoo.com<br />
283<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The ability to take advantage of the information society is becoming a must for everyone. Technology literacy<br />
is becoming more and more important for individuals as well as corporations. Therefore no efforts must be spared<br />
to integrate everyone in this new and exciting development. For non-disabled persons, this can be a challenge,<br />
for certain types of disabilities are forcing greater effort for adaptation. The innovation focuses the blind users.<br />
Even the earliest civilisations recognised the unique needs of people who are blind. Blind men and women have<br />
made important contributions to the society as teachers, philosophers, and artists. It is therefore surprising how<br />
little research has been done to learn more about the lives of legally blind adults. Blind people need to become<br />
as independent as possible in their daily life in order to guarantee a fully social inclusion. Mobility means the<br />
possibility of free moving, without support of any accompanying person, at home, in public and private buildings,<br />
and in open spaces, as the streets of the town. Mobile and wireless technologies, and in particular the ones used to<br />
locate persons or objects, can be used to realise navigation systems in an intelligent environment. Such systems<br />
open new opportunities to improve the speed, easiness, and safety of the visually impaired person mobility.<br />
Keywords: Blind, mobility, wireless, navigation systems, visual impaired, spectacle, radio frequency identification (RFID)<br />
This design project is to create a new laptop platform for home and office use as well as mobile environment.<br />
It is suitable in any sitting and standing position and adjustable to suit personal right working angle. Ergonomically,<br />
this product can fit with any human size and its curve shape offers comfort to user which will maximize work<br />
efficiency and abilities. The cooling and conduction system applied to this product is purposely to decrease heat<br />
produced by the laptop. The product also comes with a few additional features such as a sliding mouse pad which<br />
offers user who prefers to use a mouse rather than a touchpad and a USB port.<br />
Keywords: Laptop platform, mobile, adjustable, ergonomic, cooling system, conduction system, sliding mouse pad
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
An Innovative Method to Reduce Evaporation by using Indigenous Material<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thamer Ahmed Mohammed<br />
Abdulmohsen A. Al-Ashaikh, Abdul Halim Ghazali, Saleh Alhassoun and Abdullah Alrehaili<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6352; thamer@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Leaves taken from fronds of date palm trees (indigenous material) which are considered as agricultural<br />
waste were woven into square mats with a dimensions of 1 m x 1 m and thickness of about 5 mm. Each mat was<br />
fixed on to a wooden frame made of sticks (also taken from palm fronds) and tied to five empty plastic boxes.<br />
Each plastic box has dimensions of 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm and its main function is to keep the mats floating on<br />
water surface. This arrangement ensures minimal or no contact between mats and water surface. The mats were<br />
tested in the field and the collected data show that they can tremendously reduce the evaporation (an average<br />
percentage of 55% can be obtained) from open surfaces. Water samples were collected from the pools covered<br />
with mats and the results of the water quality analysis show that there is no serious impact on water quality.<br />
Keywords: Evaporation, reduction, indigenous material, sustainability, green technology<br />
Module Documentation-based Testing using Grey-Box Approach<br />
Mrs. Salmi Baharom<br />
Zarina Shukur<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6575; salmi@fsktm.upm.edu.my<br />
Testing a module that has memory using the black-box approach has been found to be expensive and<br />
relatively ineffective. Instead, testing without knowledge of the specifications (white-box approach) may not<br />
be effective in showing whether a program has been properly implemented as stated in its specifications. We<br />
propose instead a grey-box approach called Module Documentation-based Testing or MD-Test, the heart of<br />
which is an automatic generation of the test-oracle from the external and internal views of the module. The<br />
essence of the approach is to combine a formal interface specification (for the input/output relation) and a formal<br />
design specification (for the effect on the concrete data structure). The interface specification identifies those<br />
programs that can be invoked from outside the module, namely access-programs and describing their externallyvisible<br />
effects. The internal design specification, in contrast, specifies the design decisions of a module, i.e.<br />
information on how a module should be implemented. In addition, it serves as an intermediate artifact between<br />
its interface specification and final code preserving the essential information of the interface specification and<br />
providing the basis of the implementation. Apparently, the knowledge of how a module should be implemented<br />
by the programmer is observable. Thus, it gives the tester the opportunity to test a module using a grey-box<br />
approach. Furthermore, the knowledge of the internal structure of the software under test (obtained from the<br />
internal design specification) allows us to test analogously to white-box testing and provides a basis for coverage<br />
measurement in terms of data states. Consequently, it offers a significant opportunity for improving effectiveness<br />
of software testing. An empirical analysis of MD-Test against three existing testing tools shows that MD-Test is<br />
more effective and efficient with respect that it is able to detect at least the same number of faults or at par with<br />
the tools under comparison.<br />
Keywords: Specification-based testing, grey-box testing, testing tool, test oracle generator<br />
284
REEDY: Fuel Cell City Car<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Mohd. Shahrizal Dolah, Shahrul Azman Shahbudin, Muhamad Faizal Che Leh and Zulkifli Muslim<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; sazrinee@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: City car, electric two-passenger urban vehicle, industrial design<br />
Solar Power Multipurpose Lighting Device<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Muhammad Aiman Ahmad Fozi and Addy <strong>Putra</strong> Mohd.<br />
Zulkifli<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; sazrinee@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Solar power, lighting home appliance, industrial design<br />
285<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Transportation is a crucial daily needs nowadays such as in a certain place like <strong>Putra</strong>jaya. Inappropriate<br />
choice of vehicle such as MPV and 4x4 will cause extra use of occupied existing parking spaces as well as<br />
side road used as parking spaces. The City Car is a stackable, sharable, electric two-passenger urban vehicle.<br />
The one-way sharable user model is designed to be used in dense urban areas like <strong>Putra</strong>jaya. Vehicle Stacks<br />
will be placed throughout the city to create an urban transportation network that takes advantage of existing<br />
transportation infrastructures such as subway, commuter and bus lines. By placing stacks in urban spaces and key<br />
points of convergence, the vehicle allows citizens of the city the flexibility to combine mass transit effectively<br />
with individualised mobility. The stacks receive incoming vehicles and would charge them with electric power.<br />
Using the same concept as luggage carts at the airport, users simply take the first fully charged vehicle at the<br />
front of the stacks. This City Car is not a replacement for personal vehicles, taxis, buses, or trucks; it is a whole<br />
new vehicle type that promotes social responsibility and efficient urban mobility. The City Car utilises fully<br />
integrated in-wheel electric motors and suspension systems called, “Wheel Robots.” The Wheel Robots eliminate<br />
the need for traditional drivetrain configurations like internal-combustion engines, gear boxes, and differentials<br />
because they are self-contained, modular, digitally controlled, and reconfigurable. Additionally, the Wheel Robot<br />
provides all-wheel power and steering capable of 360 degrees of rotation, thus allowing for Omni-directional<br />
movement. The vehicle can maneuver in tight urban spaces and park by sideways translation. This highly modular<br />
architecture allows for the design and manufacture of highly customizable passenger cabins that are freed from<br />
traditional drivetrain and powerplant constraints.<br />
The increasing energy usage has forced researchers, developers and scientists to find alternative source of<br />
energy. This innovation was based on research on stored energy that can be optimised in household appliances<br />
such as the light source in a room. There are several renewable energy sources that can be implemented in most<br />
of the household appliances. Sunlight is the best solution of all renewable energy sources nowadays especially in<br />
a tropical country as <strong>Malaysia</strong>.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Chicken Portable and Hygienic Slaughtering<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Hassan Alli, Hasri Yunardi Hassan and Dahlia Nordin<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; sazrinee@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Dhabiah is the prescribed method of ritual slaughter of all animals excluding fish and most sea-life per<br />
Islamic law. This method of slaughtering animals consists of a swift, deep incision with a sharp knife on the neck,<br />
cutting the jugular veins and carotid arteries of both sides but leaving the spinal cord intact. The objective of this<br />
innovation is to be more effective in draining the blood from the body of the slaughtered animal, thus, resulting<br />
in more hygienic meat.<br />
Keywords: Chicken slaughtering, hygiene, industrial design, product design<br />
On Classification of Filiform Leibniz Algebras in Dimension 7<br />
Mrs. Sharifah Kartini Said Husain<br />
Isamiddin S. Rakhimov and Munther A. Hassan<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6857; skartini@science.upm.edu.my<br />
There is a subclass of Leibniz algebra called filiform Leibniz algebras. The classification of this class can<br />
be obtained from two sources. First is the naturally graded non Lie filiform Leibniz algebras and the second<br />
is the naturally graded non Lie filiform Lie algebras. Here, we consider a filiform Leibniz algebras appearing<br />
from these two cases naturally graded. In 2001s, Goze and Omirov introduced theorem which was split into<br />
three subclasses, where they gave isomorphism cretirion only for first and second classes, and then, in 2006<br />
Bekbaev and Rakhimov suggested an approach to solve the isomorphism problem for these two classes based on<br />
algebraic invariants. According to this method, the cretirion for two algebras to be isomorphic is given in terms<br />
of invariants function. By using BR-method, we found the isomorphism classes. For the third class of filiform<br />
Leibniz algebras during (2009-2009) Omirov et. al. give almost all of the details for this class, in addition to<br />
classification up to dimension 9. In this project, we will deal with the classification of complex filiform Leibniz<br />
algebras in seventh dimension. Here, we give the complete classification, and we focus on isomorphism cretirion,<br />
disjoint subset and isomorphism classes.<br />
Keywords: Filiform Leibniz algebra, invariant, isomorphism<br />
286
Food Marinade Container<br />
Mrs. Sazrinee Zainal Abidin<br />
Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah, Hassan Alli, Hasri Yunardi Hassan, Rahinah Ibrahim and Tan Gay Ha<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; sazrinee@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Food marinade container, vacuum pumping system, industrial design, product design<br />
Flexibility Improvement of Poly (Lactic Acid) by Stearate Modified Layered<br />
Double Hydroxide<br />
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Wan Md. Zin Wan Yunus<br />
Eili Mahboobeh, Zobir Hussein, Mansor Ahmad and Nor Azowa Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6808; wanzin@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Poly (lactic acid), nanocomposites, anionic clay, TEM, flexibility improvement<br />
287<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
The aim of this project was to design a marinating container which can expedite the marination process using<br />
a vacuum pumping system with a timer and suitable material used. The design is called the “Fast Speed Vacuum<br />
Marinade Container with Timer” and named “Marinade Delight” which expedites the marination process, saving<br />
time, hygienic with a lid, safety with suitable material used, healthy for body as it reduces the cancer-causing agent<br />
and a timer to remind the time taken for the marinating process. A case study has been done to explore if vacuum<br />
can expedite the marinating process. The data collected from the chosen case was analysed and transformed into<br />
a design project. The target users for this product are the home makers. It is also designed for working ladies or<br />
business women who have limited time to cook after work but wanted to enjoy last minute dinner without any<br />
hassle.<br />
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) being layered crystalline materials with easily exchangeable interlayer<br />
ionic species have tremendous potential as novel nanofiller for polymers. The novelty of LDHs with respect to<br />
other competitive materials in this respect include the great number of choice of organic modifiers with respect<br />
to functional groups, like carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, etc. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is considered to<br />
be one of the most important useful biodegradable polymers with various good mechanical properties such as<br />
high strength, thermoplasticity, transparency as well as fabricability. However, its applications are limited due to<br />
its brittleness and nonflexibility. In this work PLA/ Mg3Al LDH nanocomposites were prepared. Stearate was<br />
chosen as the modifier for LDH duo to plasticization effect of long chain fatty acids on the brittle polymers. Poly<br />
(lactic acid)/layered double hydroxide (PLA/LDH) nanocomposites were prepared from PLA and stearate-Mg3Al<br />
LDH via a solution casting method. The anionic clay Mg3Al LDH was prepared first by co-precipitation method<br />
from nitrate salts solution at pH 9 and then modified by stearate anions through an ion exchange reaction. This<br />
modification increased the basal spacing of the synthetic clay from 8.72 to 31.68 Å. The presence of stearate ions<br />
in the synthesized Mg3Al LDH was shown by the stearate-Mg3Al LDH infrared spectrum. When the stearate-<br />
Mg3Al LDH at the low concentration was dispersed in the PLA matrix, its layers were largely delaminated.<br />
The presence of 1.0 wt% of the stearate-Mg3Al LDH in the PLA improved drastically (of around 650%) of its<br />
elongation at break but retained its tensile strength and modulus as compared to those of the pure PLA.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Classification Problem for PDE(S) with Variable Coefficients<br />
Prof. Dr. Adem Kilicman<br />
Hassan Eltayeb<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6813; akilicman@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
The classification of partial differential equations is an historical problem and it is difficult to make<br />
classification on PDEs with variables coefficients. In this study we consider further analysis on the classifications<br />
problem of linear second order partial differential equations with non-constant coefficients. The equations are<br />
produced by using the convolution with odd or even functions. It is shown that the classifications of new equations<br />
are similar to the classification of original equations.<br />
Keywords: Classifications of PDEs, even and odd functions, convolution operators, classification of PDEs with variables<br />
coefficients<br />
A Novel Chrome (VI) PVC Sensor based on Complex Ionophore for Industrial<br />
Wastes<br />
Prof. Dr. Anuar Kassim<br />
Majid Rezayi, Anuar Kassim, Saeid Ahmadzadeh, Tan Wee Tee, Nor Azah Yusof and Lee Yook Heng<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6779; anuar@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Chromium is present in effluent discharged from tannery, electroplating, chemical industries, etc. Its<br />
determination and removal from effluents have been a serious environmental concern owing to its high toxicity.<br />
In this work a membrane was prepared with the use of N,N Bis(salicylidene) ethylenediamino cobalt(II) hydrate<br />
(Co(SALEN)2) as an ion carrier (ionophore), polyvinylchloride (PVC) as matrix, and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether<br />
(2NPOE), as plasticiser for making an ion selective electrode for measurement of CrO42- anion in solutions.<br />
The amounts of (Co(SALEN)2) and PVC were optimised in the preparation of the membrane. The response of<br />
the electrode was Nernstian within the concentration range 1.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-1 M of CrO42-. This sensor<br />
displays a drift in Nernstian response for this anion with increasing and decreasing amount of ionophore and PVC<br />
respectively. The effects of various parameters such as pH, different anion interferences, effect of the amounts<br />
of ionophore, PVC and time on response of the coated ion selective electrode were investigated. The response<br />
of the fabricated electrode at concentration range from 1.0× 10-6 to 1.0× 10-1 M is linear with a Nernstian slope<br />
of -28.33 mV per decade. The strengths of the ion-ionophore (CrO42- - Co(SALEN)2) interactions and the roles<br />
of ionophore on membrane are also studied via UV-Visible, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).<br />
Quantification of Cr(VI) in industrial samples like as electroplating waste potable and industrial waste waters<br />
were successfully achieved using the sensor.<br />
Keywords: Ion-selective electrode, chromate (II) anion, N,N Bis(salicylidene) ethylenediamino cobalt(II) hydrate, scanning<br />
electron microscopy (SEM), electroplating waste, potable and industrial waste waters<br />
288
Cola Nitida: A Potential Anticancer Agent in Hepatocarcinogenesis<br />
Prof. Dr. Fauziah Othman<br />
Mohammad Kadiavr, Asmah Rahmat and W. M. Z. Wan Nor Izzah<br />
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8947 2315; fauziah@medic.upm.edu.my<br />
Sustainable Biocatalytic Synthesis of Xylitol Sugar Esters using Multivariate<br />
Chemometrics Analysis<br />
Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri<br />
Atena Adnani, Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman and Abu Bakar Salleh<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7266; mahiran@science.upm.edu.my<br />
289<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Hepatocarcinogenesis is a primary malignancy (cancer) of the liver. It can be defined as precancerous lesion<br />
which will develop into the most common primary malignancy of the liver: Hepatocellular Carcinoma. It is<br />
the fifth most frequent neoplasm and ranks third on the list of most lethal cancers. Male Sprague Dawley rats<br />
were divided to eleven groups. Hepatocarcinogenesis was induced in seven groups of rats by employing two<br />
carcinogen systems: an intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg DEN as initiator, followed by 0.02% of AAF in<br />
rat chow to promote carcinogenesis. The effect of 1, 2.5 and 5% cola nitida extract on hepatocarcinogenesis<br />
induced male rats and normal ones was investigated by using application of body weight, enzyme tumor markers<br />
activity examination, histological evaluations, electron microscopy study, molecular and immunofluorescence<br />
investigation. In addition, elemental analysis of cola nuts was conducted using energy dispersive x-ray<br />
microanalysis which revealed that Cola nut has beneficial medicinal properties. In addition, histological<br />
evaluation of rat liver with light and transmission electron microscope revealed that DEN/AAF induced and<br />
untreated rats group showed higher lesion score as compared to treated ones. Tumour marker enzyme activity<br />
which was examined for cytosolic GST, GGT plasma and microsomal GGT, illustrated that cola nut extract has<br />
the effect to decrease their level of activity. The TUNEL assay and Real-Time PCR were also conducted to show<br />
the influence of cola nut extract on the apoptosis process and Alpha-Fetoprotein gene expression. The results<br />
indicate that, Cola nitida could act better than commercial drugs as an anticancer agent, which could inhibit or<br />
slow down hepatocarcinogenesis induced by DEN/AAF in a rat’s liver.<br />
Keywords: Hepatocarcinogenesis, cola nut, elemental analysis, histology study, TEM, tunel assay, real-time PCR, enzyme<br />
tumour marker, lesion scoring<br />
Sugar esters are non-ionic, non-toxic, odorless and tasteless surfactants with good emulsifying and dispersing<br />
properties. These properties are excellent for use in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food products. Traditional<br />
chemical synthesis of sugar esters is based on a high temperature and pressure esterification between sugars<br />
and fatty acids with acidic or metal catalysts. In the recent years, application of enzymes has emerged as an<br />
interesting alternative, since enzymatic synthesis has several advantages over chemical synthesis such as high<br />
selectivity, mild reaction conditions, and low energy consumption. Furthermore, optimisation of the reaction<br />
could be performed to increase the efficiency of the process. Chemometric techniques such as Taguchi orthogonal<br />
array method and artificial neural network (ANN) are powerful and flexible tools that are well suited to modeling<br />
of biochemical processes. In this research, Taguchi method and ANN were used for modelling and optimisation of<br />
lipase-catalysed esterification of xylitol and different fatty acids in solvent-based and solvent free systems using<br />
Novozym 435 .Various reaction parameters including xylitol: fatty acid molar ratio, amount of enzyme, amount<br />
of molecular sieve, temperature, reaction time and solvent volume affecting the synthesis of xylitol esters were<br />
studied. Good correlation between predicted and actual values implied the good generalisation of the developed<br />
models and their capability to predict the conversion. High percentage conversion (>88%) of esterification under<br />
optimised conditions was achieved. In addition, production of esters in solvent free system showed that the<br />
relationship of reaction parameters and response was satisfactorily represented by the models for all xylitol esters.<br />
Maximum conversion (>74%) was obtained with longer chain length fatty acids. The results of this research<br />
would be useful for several industries especially food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries that look for more<br />
environmentally acceptable and sustainable processes and products and also suggest significant cost savings.<br />
Keywords: Xylitol, fatty acids, esterification, enzyme, optimisation, Taguchi method, artificial neural network
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
New Coumarins from Micromelum minutum (Rutaceae) as Potential Lead<br />
Compounds for Anticancer Agents<br />
Prof. Dr. Mawardi Rahmani<br />
Ratna Asmah Susidarti, M. Aspollah Sukari, Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin, Gwendoline Ee Cheng Lian and Abdul Manaf<br />
Ali<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6794; mawardi@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Coumarins have attracted intense interest in recent years because of their diverse pharmacological properties<br />
and their cytotoxic properties have been extensively examined. Micromelum minutum (G. Frost.) Wright and Arn<br />
(Rutaceae) is one of the good sources of this class of compounds and petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of the<br />
plant exhibited strong cytotoxic activity when tested against T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell line. Further isolation<br />
of the extracts results in the isolation of five coumarins 3?,4?-dihydrocapnolactone, 2’,3’-epoxyisocapnolactone,<br />
8-hydroxyisocapnolactone-2?,3?-diol, 8-hydroxy-3?,4?-dihydrocapnolactone-2?,3?-diol and 8,4?-dihydroxy-<br />
3?,4?-dihydrocapnolactone-2?,3?-diol and two triterpenes. Some of these compounds were strongly active<br />
against T-lymphoblastic leukemia (CEM-SS), promyeolocytic leukemia (HL60), cervical cancer (HeLa) and<br />
liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. 8-Hydroxyisocapnolactone-2?,3?-diol was found to be the most active with<br />
IC50 values of 2.9, 2.5, 6.9 and 5.9 ?g/ml, respectively. This was followed by 2’,3’-epoxyisocapnolactone. When<br />
evaluated against the normal mouse fibroblast (3T3) cell line, 8-hydroxyisocapnolactone-2?,3?-diol was found to<br />
be inactive, hence could serve as valuable leads for further design and synthesis of more active analogues.<br />
Keywords: Micromelum minutum, coumarins, cytotoxicity, cell lines<br />
A New Algorithm for Divisible Load Schedulling with Different Processor Available<br />
Times<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Othman<br />
Amin Shokripour and Hamidah Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6535; shokripour@gmail.com<br />
During the last decade, the use of parallel and distributed systems has become more common. In these<br />
systems, a huge chunk of data or computation is distributed among many systems in order to obtain better<br />
performance. Dividing data is one of the challenges in this type of systems. Divisible Load Theory (DLT) is a<br />
proposed method for schedulling data distribution in parallel or distributed systems. In many researches carried<br />
out in this field, it was assumed that all processors are dedicated for grid system but that is not always true in real<br />
systems. The limited number of studies which attended to this reality assumed that systems are homogeneous<br />
and presented some algorithms or closed-formulas for schedulling jobs in a System with Different Processors<br />
Availability Time (SDPAT). In this article, we propose a new algorithm for schedulling jobs in a heterogeneous<br />
SDPAT.<br />
Keywords: Algorithm, schedulling, heterogeneous, different processors availability time, parallel computing<br />
290
Zingiber species: Biossay studies, Chemical Constituents and Its Essential Oils<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Aspollah Sukari<br />
Mohd. Zulkhairi Azid, Sugeng Riyanto, Gwendoline Ee Cheng Lian and Ahmad Bustamam Abdul<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6797; aspollah@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Zingiber amaricans, zingiber cassumunar, essential oils, cytotoxicity, zingiber, zerumbone<br />
In Vitro Cytotoxic Study of Clausena excavata and Its Chemical Constituents<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Aspollah Hj. Sukari<br />
Rahayu Utami Umar, Noorul Adawiyah Mustahil, Nurul Waznah Muhammad Sharif, Taufiq Yap Yin Hun and<br />
Mawardi Rahmani<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6797; aspollah@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Clausena excavata, cytotoxic, MTT assay, limonoid, alkaloid, coumarin<br />
291<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Zingiber cassumunar and Zingiber amaricans belong to the family of Zingiberaceae. Locally, Zingiber<br />
cassumunar known as “bengle” or “bonglai” while Zingiber amaricans known as “lempuyang emprit”. Isolation<br />
work on rhizomes of Z. amaricans has afforded zerumbone as the major constituent, together with cholesterol,<br />
campesterol, stigmasterol and ?-sitosterol. Meanwhile, for isolation work on rhizomes of Z. cassumunar gave<br />
cis-3-(3’, 4’-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3”, 4”-dimethoxystyryl] cyclohex-1-ene , (E)-4-(3’,4’-dimethoxyphenyl)<br />
but-3-en-1-ol, (E)-4-(3’,4’-dimethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-1-yl acetate along with veratric acid. Selected extracts<br />
and isolated compounds were examined for their bioactivities against microbes and cancer cell lines. Extraction<br />
of the essential oils from the rhizomes of Z. cassumunar was conducted via hydrodistillation method and the<br />
essential oils were tested for its antioxidant activities. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated<br />
by using spectroscopic methods. Hexane extracts of Z. amaricans showed strong activities against Pseudomonas<br />
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis mutan and wild, with inhibition zones (diameter) of 17,<br />
9, 9, and 7.5 mm, respectively. While dichloromethane extract inhibited weakly the growth of Pseudomonas<br />
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis mutangenic with inhibition zones (diameter) of 7.0 mm<br />
each, only the growth of Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited weakly by methanol extract. On the other hand,<br />
cytotoxic test result against CEM-SS cancer cell lines showed that hexane extract of Z. amaricans possessed<br />
the strongest activity with IC50 value of 7.0 µg/ml and then it was followed by dichloromethane and methanol<br />
extracts with IC50 values of 20 µg/ml and 30 µg/ml, respectively. Zerumbone did not show antimicrobial activity<br />
against the target microbes, whereas the compound showed moderate cytotoxic activity against lymphoblastic T<br />
leukemia cell with IC50 value of 15 µg/ml (6.88 10-2 µmol/ml).<br />
Clausena excavata or locally known as “pokok kemantu” or “pokok cemamar” is valued for its traditional<br />
uses in the treatment of snakebite, abdominal pain and as a detoxification agent. The isolation work on its stem bark<br />
and roots have afforded limonoids, alkaloids and coumarins including clausenolide-1-methylether, clausenarin,<br />
clausine-K, xanthyletin, dentatin, nordentatin and 3-formyl-2,7-dimethoxycarbazole. The crude extracts and<br />
selected isolated compounds were subjected to cytotoxic study using MTT assay against several cancer cell lines<br />
including HL-60, MCF-7, HeLa and HT-29. Most of the crude extracts exhibited strong cytotoxic activity with<br />
IC50 values of < 6 ?g/ml, while dentatin demonstrated the most potential anticancer properties among isolated<br />
compounds.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Coupling Parallel Buildings by using Viscous Dampers under Dynamic Vibration<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Saleh Jaafar<br />
Farzad Hejazi, Jamaloddin Noorzaei and Waleed Thanoon<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8656 7101; msj@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
As time passes and population of cities increases, cities began to grow horizontally and vertically. Situations<br />
became more critical due to the presence of tall buildings and regular occurrence of natural hazards. The number<br />
of buildings in modern cities became higher along with the rapidly increasing human needs and structures were<br />
constructed close to each other. This caused new problem known as mutual pounding of adjacent buildings<br />
during occurrences of earthquakes. This innovation is an application of viscous damper system as coupling link<br />
devices for parallel buildings in order to minimise the seismic response of structures. The viscous dampers system<br />
has high capability on dissipation earthquake energy which would mitigate structural responses due to seismic<br />
excitations which is developed for connecting the adjacent buildings. A special purpose finite element program<br />
for nonlinear analysis of frame structures with nonlinear viscous dampers in the element library was developed.<br />
Ten story twin tower reinforced concrete framed building was modelled and seismic response of structures with<br />
and without application of damper for coupling were evaluated. The results showed that using viscous damper<br />
for coupling of towers effectively reduced tower seismic response such as plastic hinge occurring in beam and<br />
column sections and the movement amplitude of tower floors. The innovation is useful for engineers to produce<br />
optimum design of twin towers or retrofitting of existing twin tower buildings and protect of parallel buildings<br />
in earthquake excitation.<br />
Keywords: Viscous damper, parallel building, vibration, earthquake, finite element<br />
Development of Computational System in Safety Evaluation of Infrastructures<br />
such as Roller Compacted Concrete Dams<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Saleh Jaafar<br />
Jamaloddin Noorzaei, Aeid A.Abdulrazeg, Thamer Ahmed Mohamed and Parvin. Khanehzaei<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6391; Msj@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
Development of temperature rise in massive concrete structure such as a roller compacted concrete dam is<br />
attributed to hydration of concrete and climatic changes on the convective boundaries. These thermal changes<br />
in the material affect the elastic and creep properties of the material, and in turn, the stress fields within the<br />
structure. Therefore, the effects of temperature on the properties of RCC materials (elastic, creep) has to be taken<br />
into account in order to determine the risk of the thermally induced cracking in these dams. In the present work,<br />
computer code for thermal and stress analysis of roller compacted concrete dam using finite element method is<br />
presented. This code has the capability to model actual climatic conditions and the heat exchange between the<br />
RCC dam body and the reservoir water taking into account the reservoir operation. In addition, the proposed<br />
code modelled the mechanical properties (creep and elastic) by modifying the existing mechanical models to<br />
be compatible with RCC materials and construction method. Safety against a crack occurrence over the time is<br />
determined using crack criterion factor.<br />
Keywords: FEM, roller compacted concrete dam, thermal stress, crack criterion factor<br />
292
Synthesis of LDH-intercalated D-gluconate Nanohybrid as a New Functional Food<br />
Additive Compound<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Mohammad Yeganeh Ghotbi, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Mohd. Zaki Abd. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6603; mzobir@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Synthesis of Zinc-layered-gallate Nanohybrid via its Structural Memory Effect<br />
Property<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
M. Yeganeh Ghotbi, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Mohd. Zaki Abd. Rahman<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6603; mzobir@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Zinc layered hydroxide, gallate, nanohybrid, memory effect, encapsulation<br />
293<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Intercalation of D-gluconate into the interlamellae of zinc-aluminum-layered double hydroxide for the<br />
formation of a food additive-inorganic layered nanohybrid was accomplished by both direct (co-precipitation)<br />
and indirect (ion-exchange) methods. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) together with CHNS and Fourier<br />
transform infrared (FTIR) analyses show that the hybridisation of D-gluconate into the zinc-aluminum-layered<br />
double hydroxide resulting in good crystallinity, pure phase nanohybrid when direct method was adopted at pH<br />
7.5-10, Zn to Al initial molar ratio of 2-5 and D-gluconate concentration of 0.05-0.3 M. The same nanohybrid<br />
compound was also prepared using indirect ion-exchange method by contacting the pre-prepared LDH with 0.1<br />
M D-gluconate for 80 min. The basal spacing of the nanohybrid synthesised by the direct method is 9-12.0 Å,<br />
compared to 14.0 Å by the indirect ion-exchange method. The crystallinity of the latter is higher than the former<br />
and it inherited the crystallinity of the precursor. This work shows that a food additive, such as D-gluconate, can<br />
be hybridised into an inorganic host for the formation of a new nanohybrid compound, which can be used to<br />
regulate the acidity in the food industry.<br />
Keywords: Layered double hydroxide, D-gluconate, food additive, nanohybrid, organic-inorganic nanolayered<br />
The memory effect of calcined zinc hydroxide nitrate was studied using gallate anion solutions. The<br />
layered hydroxide salt, zinc hydroxide nitrate was heat-treated at 150-800 °C. XRD analysis showed the growth<br />
of the calcined materials in both thickness and diameter occurring simultaneously with increasing calcination<br />
temperature. Surface area analysis confirmed this growth. The rehydration behaviour of the calcined material<br />
was investigated by placing the material in a solution containing gallate anions. Well crystalline, pure phase<br />
layered hydroxide salt was obtained for the sample, heated at 500 °C and treated with 0.1 mol/l anion. PXRD<br />
analysis showed the formation of a layered structure material after rehydration process. FTIR and thermal analysis<br />
confirmed the formation of the host-guest nanohybrid material produced.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Controlled Release Formulation of Agrochemical Pesticide based on<br />
4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyrate<br />
Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zobir Hussein<br />
Norhayati Hashim, Asmah Hj. Yahaya and Zulkarnain Zainal<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6603; mzobir@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Hybridisation of beneficial organic guest with inorganic host affords scientists an opportunity to synthesise<br />
various combinations of new organic-inorganic nanohybrids with various potential applications, especially<br />
for controlled delivery of beneficial agent and storage. A new layered organic-inorganic nanohybrid material<br />
containing an agrochemical, 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyrate (DPBA) in Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide<br />
inorganic interlayer was synthesised by direct and indirect methods. Both methods yielded mesoporous-type,<br />
phase pure, well-ordered layered nanohybrids with basal spacing of 28.5-28.7 Å and organic loading of around<br />
54.3%. Compared to the material prepared by direct method, the ion exchanged product inherited more of the<br />
host’s properties especially the pore structure. In addition, the intercalated organic moiety is more easily released.<br />
This shows that the method of preparation plays an important role in determining the resulting physicochemical<br />
properties, in particular the release property and therefore can be used as a means to tune up the release property<br />
of the beneficial agent.<br />
Keywords: Layered double hydroxide, controlled release formulation, agrochemical, pesticide, 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)<br />
butyrate, nanohybrid<br />
A Novel Thermostable and Organic Solvent Tolerant Lipase from Aneurinibacillus<br />
thermoaerophilus Strain HZ<br />
Prof. Dr. Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. Rahman<br />
Malihe Masomian, Abu Bakar Salleh and Mahiran Basri<br />
Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7592; FBBSusEr6382@prpi.mail.com<br />
A newly isolated thermophilic bacterium, Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus strain HZ, from a hot spring<br />
recreational area (Sungai Kelah, <strong>Malaysia</strong>), showed an extracellular lipase activity. It was identified based on 16S<br />
rRNA sequencing, where phylogenetic analysis revealed its homology to Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus. The<br />
strain produced a lipase that was stable in various organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide, toluene, p-xylene,<br />
and hexane. In order to increase lipase production, optimisation of physical and nutritional factors which affected<br />
the growth and lipase production was studied. The optimal growth was obtained at 50°C and pH 8.0; while the<br />
maximal lipase production was achieved in the logarithmic decline phase at 60°C and pH 7.5 with 7% starting<br />
inoculum and 150 rev/min shaking rate for 48 h incubation. Maximum lipase production was obtained in the<br />
presence of peptone as the best nitrogen source. Among the various natural and synthetic triglycerides used, olive<br />
oil served as the best substrate for production of extracellular lipase. Additional carbon sources added in this<br />
study did not significantly increase the lipase production while metal ions, Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+ and K+ were found<br />
to enhance lipase production. In addition, lipase production was stimulated by Tween 85 as a surfactant.<br />
Keywords: Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus strain HZ, thermostable lipase, optimisation, organic solvent tolerant<br />
294
Z-Scan Technique for Determination of Nonlinear Refractive Index and Nonlinear<br />
Absorption Coefficient of Metal Nanofluids<br />
Mr. W. Mahmood Mat Yunus<br />
Zainal Abidin Talib<br />
Faculty of Science, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6684; mahmood@science.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Z-scan, nonlinear refractive index, nonlinear absorption coefficient, nanofluids<br />
Tank Mounting Bracket for Natural Gas Vehicle<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Barkawi Sahari<br />
Rosnah Mohd. Yusoff, Wong Shaw Voon, Mohd. Fauzy Ahmad and Siti Marhainis Abu Mansor<br />
Institute of Advanced Technology, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 7536; barkawi@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
295<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption of metal nanoparticles prepared g-radiation were<br />
investigated using a single beam z-scan technique. The CW laser operated at 532 nm with the power output of<br />
75 mW was used as excitation source. A closed aperture setup was used for thermal-induced nonlinear refractive<br />
index and an open aperture setup was applied for measuring nonlinearity absorption. We measured the nonlinear<br />
refraction coefficient and nonlinear absorption coefficients for silver and gold nano-fluids at concentration of<br />
5.23×10-3 M. The values of nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption obtained were 10-8 cm2/W and<br />
10-3 cm/W respectively. The nonlinear refraction coefficient with the negative sign indicates the self-defocusing<br />
phenomenon. The experimental data for open aperture measurement was attributed by a two photon absorption<br />
process. Our results show that the metal nano-fluids have significant values of nonlinear refractive index and<br />
nonlinear absorption, thus it could be a good candidate for optical devices.<br />
The present invention relates to the usage of natural gas in vehicles. More particularly, the present invention<br />
relates to automotive body design. The present invention relates to the front tank mounting and reinforcements for<br />
the purpose of placement and mounting of gas tanks on vehicle structures as well.<br />
Keywords: CNG tank mounting structure, snug fit structure, natural gas vehicle, crashworthy components
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Design and Prototype of an Ergonomic Back-leaning Posture Support for<br />
Motorbike Riders<br />
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Sapuan Salit<br />
Karmegam Kurupiah, Md. Yusof Ismail and Napsiah Ismail<br />
Faculty of Engineering, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6336; sapuan@eng.upm.edu.my<br />
This study presents a prototype of an ergonomic back-leaning posture support for motorbike in <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
Motorbike riders are more exposed to musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain. Prototype consists<br />
of two basic components, frame and backrest cushion. Prototype back-leaning posture support is evaluated by<br />
comparing it with anthropometry data in terms of flexible range accommodations and by test runs on road with<br />
riders. Prototype has shown better comfort seating, adjustability, stability, solidity, durability and safety for riders.<br />
Keywords: Back posture support, ergonomic, lower back pain, motorbike<br />
Robust Estimators in Simple Mediation Analysis<br />
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi<br />
Anwar Fitrianto<br />
Institute of Mathematical Research, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 6876; habshahmidi@gmail.com<br />
Simple mediation model involves a series of regression equations. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS)<br />
method is often used to estimate the parameters of the mediation model. However, many researchers are not<br />
aware of the fact that the OLS estimators suffer a huge set back in the presence of outliers. In order to rectify this<br />
problem, robust methods which are not easily affected by outliers, have been created. We have proposed a robust<br />
M and MM procedure for estimation of mediation parameters in the presence of single outlier. The performance<br />
of the MM, M, and OLS estimates are compared by numerical example. The empirical evidence shows that the<br />
MM, M, and OLS estimators are equally good in a well behaved data. Nevertheless, when contamination occurs<br />
in the data, the performance of the MM is the best followed by the M and the OLS estimators.<br />
Keywords: Simulation, mediation analysis, unusual observation, outliers, indirect effect, M-estimator, MM-estimator<br />
296
Myoblast Seeded Bovine Pericardium for Repair of Abdominal Wall Defect<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Ayele Taddese Tsedeke, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Noorjahan Banu Mohamed Alitheen<br />
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8301; zuki@vet.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Tissue engineering, muscle, bovine pericardium, abdominal wall<br />
Myoblast Seeded Bovine Tunica vaginalis for Repair of Abdominal Wall Defect<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Ayele Taddese Tsedeke, Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Noorjahan Banu Mohamed Alitheen<br />
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8301; zuki@vet.upm.edu.my<br />
Keywords: Tissue engineering, muscle, bovine tunica vaginalis, abdominal wall defect, cell-seeding<br />
297<br />
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Abdominal wall defects caused by trauma, tumour ablation, and post-surgical loss of muscle mass may<br />
lead to loss of functional muscle tissue and cause severe impairments of the functionality of skeletal muscle.<br />
Tissue engineering is a promising approach to replace the lost or defective muscle tissue. The aim of this study<br />
was to engineer skeletal muscle tissue for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects in a rabbit model. Myoblast<br />
were harvested successfully from soleus muscles of 5-day-old male White New Zealand rabbit and based on<br />
the purity test using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometric analysis, more than 97% of the isolated skeletal<br />
myoblast have got myogenic phenotype. PKH26-fluorescent labelled myoblast were seeded onto the scaffolds and<br />
incubated in vitro for 5 days. Full thickness abdominal wall defects (3 x 4 cm) were created in 18 anaesthetised<br />
male New Zealand white rabbits and randomly divided into two equal group (n=9 each). The defects of the<br />
first group were repaired with myoblast seeded bovine pericardium while the second group with non-seeded<br />
bovine pericardium (control group). Three animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 30 days after implant from<br />
each group and the explanted specimens were subjected to macroscopic, and light, fluorescence and electron<br />
microscopic analysis. Mild adhesions were detected in control group, while they were not present in the treatment<br />
experiment implants group. In every case, tissue engineered construct was thicker in deposition of newly formed<br />
collagen with neo vascularisation than controls. Multinucleated myotubes and myofibres were only detected in<br />
the treatment experiment group. Therefore, engineered soft tissue construct can provide structural replacement of<br />
severe and large abdominal wall defects.<br />
The aim of this study was to engineer skeletal muscle tissue for repair abdominal wall defects. Myoblast<br />
were seeded onto the scaffolds and cultivated in vitro for 5 days. Full thickness abdominal wall defects (3x4 cm)<br />
were created in 18 male New Zealand white rabbits and randomly divided into two equal groups. The defects of<br />
the first group were repaired with myoblast-seeded-bovine Tunica vaginalis whereas the second group repaired<br />
with non-seeded-bovine tunica vaginalis and function as a control. Three animals were sacrificed at seventh,<br />
fourteenth, and thirtieth of post-implantation from each group and the explanted specimens were subjected to<br />
macroscopic and microscopic analysis. In every case, seeded-scaffolds have better deposition of newly formed<br />
collagen with neo-vascularisation than control group. Interestingly, multinucleated myotubes and myofibres were<br />
only detected in cell-seeded group. This study demonstrated that myoblast-seeded-bovine Tunica vaginalis can<br />
be used as an effective scaffold to repair severe and large abdominal wall defects with regeneration of skeletal<br />
muscle tissue.
Science, Technology & Engineering<br />
Comparative Study of the Digestive System of Red Jungle Fowl, Native Village<br />
Chicken and Commercial Broiler<br />
Mr. Md. Zuki Abu Bakar@Zakaria<br />
Noordin Mohamed Mustapha and Mohd. Amin Babjee<br />
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 8301; zuki@vet.upm.edu.my<br />
The digestive system of three breeds of chicken known to differ in growth rate was investigated in this<br />
study. Ten male from each breeds: Red jungle fowl (RJF), Indigenous village chicken (IVC), and commercial<br />
broiler chicken (CBC) were sacrifice at days 1, 10, 20, 56, and 4 months post hatch. The organs weight and<br />
segmental length were measured. The H&E, special and histochemical stains and SEM were used for microscopic<br />
examinations. The digestive enzymes activities for pancreas and small intestinal segments were also determined.<br />
Results revealed that the absolute weights and length of digestive organs were greater in CBC than IVC and RJF.<br />
The duodenal length in CBC and IVC were constant after day 56. The arrangements of lingual and pharyngeal<br />
papillae were different among the breeds. The histochemical stains for type of mucins in the salivary glands<br />
and mucosa of the digestive system appeared no difference among the breeds for neutral and acid (sulfated and<br />
carboxylated) mucin. The pancreatic ductal system showed absence of ductal glands and goblet cells. However,<br />
the luminal mucin reaction of the epithelial cells lining these ducts was observed in the three breeds. Through<br />
SEM observation, the epithelial cells of intestinal villi in CBC were highly active than in the RJF and IVC, at<br />
all the ages. The measurements of villi height, villi surface area, crypt depth and muscularis externae intestinal<br />
segments indicate that the RJF have low development of intestinal mucosa as compared to IVC and CBC. The<br />
relative enzymes activities of the pancreas and intestinal contents were decrease at day 10 and thereafter in all<br />
birds, there were higher in CBC than IVC and RJF for pancreatic enzymes only. However, the relation was<br />
reversed for intestinal contents. The differences in growth rate among the breeds accompanied by differential<br />
growth of digestive organs.<br />
Keywords: Digestive system, red jungle fowl, indigenous chicken, broiler<br />
Cream Spreader Device<br />
Rapid growth of economy and modern era in <strong>Malaysia</strong> has increased the awareness of healthcare among<br />
<strong>Malaysia</strong>ns. The use of medical device nowadays is not limited in hospital or medical institution but also widely<br />
used at home. <strong>Malaysia</strong> is a tropical rain forest country which received more sunlight than other countries. Sunray<br />
consists of ultraviolet radiation that will cause skin disease such as eczema. Most skin diseases use medicated<br />
cream swept by using hand. However, applying the cream with our hands is not safe, nor hygienic. This product<br />
is a device that can assist users to apply the cream or lotion without giving an oily trace to the users’ fingers and<br />
risk in facing chemical contamination.<br />
Keywords: Portable cream spreader, industrial design<br />
Mr. Nik Aizan Nik Abdullah<br />
Mohd. Haideizul Jamal Ab. Hadi, Tn. Hj. Mohd. Azali Abd. Rahim, Saiful Hasley Ramli, Mohamizzam<br />
Mohammad, Osman Mohd. Tahir and Rahinah Ibrahim<br />
Faculty of Design and Architecture, University <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>,<br />
43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />
+603-8946 4096; nikaizan@yahoo.com<br />
298
Pejabat Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan & Inovasi)<br />
Tingkat 1, Menara Idea I, Pusat Teknologi UPM-MTDC,<br />
<strong>Universiti</strong> <strong>Putra</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, 43400 UPM Serdang,<br />
Negeri Selangor Darul Ehsan.<br />
Tel: +603-8947 1002 E-mel: prpi2010@rmc.upm.edu.my
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