East Coast Region Research Articles

Exploration of Culturable Marine Streptomyces from Southern Coastal Region of India with Antibacterial Properties

The Southern coastal region is a geographically positioned area with rich source of microbial diversity, of which producing broad spectrum of bioactive compounds. The marine sediments are collected from the various sites of south east coastal region of Tamil nadu and are processed. Out of 78 isolates, the 4 strains of actinomycetes are showing broad spectrum activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC 1687), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 3160), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 3231), Shigella dysenteriae (MTCC 3642) and Vibrio cholerae (MTCC 3906). The bioactive isolates are proceeded for further morphological features like growth pattern and mycelial coloration, biochemical and polyphasic taxonomical characterisation were documented. Isolates are investigated for abiotic stress condition to study the growth rate of isolates. Finally, the 16S rRNA molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates were explored. Further, bioactive isolates may be potential source for discovery of molecules with industrial applications.

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND DENSITY CHANGING PATTERN IN SUMATERA UTARA

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of population density descriptions and patterns of change in North Sumatra. This type of research is library research (Library Research). Data collection techniques are carried out by utilizing existing facilities in the library, such as books, magazines, documents, secondary data records, statistical data, or pure library research related to the object of research. The analytical method provides a clear, objective, systematic, analytical, and critical description and description of the distribution and population density description: characteristics and patterns of change in North Sumatra. The initial step is achieved by collecting the required data, classifying it, describing it, and then analyzing it. The results of this study explain that the distribution pattern and population density that occur are caused by spatial characteristics and geological changes. When viewed from the aspect of population density. The high population density in North Sumatra causes social problems such as congestion, poverty, health services, crime rates, settlements, unhealthy living environments, and others. The pattern of population distribution that occurs is geographical. The largest distribution is still throughout the East Coast region, wherein that region there are the largest number of districts (above 5% of the province's population).Keywords: Population, Distribution, Density, Spatial

A Review: Caring Practices of Songbird, Red-Whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)

Pycnonotus jocosus is known as red-whiskered bulbul or known by local Malaysian as songbird or burung candik. Burung candik is one of the favourite pet birds’. Generally, it comes from Bangladesh, southern China, India, Nepal, north Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (Animal Pest Alert: Red-whiskered Bulbul). Burung candik is favoured because of their ability in singing in east-coast region of Malaysia specifically. In this research, the caring practices are observed. All the result were recorded and documented through interview and experiment research. The caring practices concerned are housing and cage, bathing and grooming, singing feature and diet and feeding. The results showed that one cage equipped with one bird for comfort and to avoid fighting. The birds were needed to be bathed once in a week at least according to the bird’s willingness. General singing functions are to attract the mate and territorial defense. Feed given were insects, fruits and pellet.

Spatial and temporal variations in dissolved silicate along the Indian coastal groundwaters and their export to adjacent coastal waters

Silicate plays a vital role in the coastal regions biogeochemistry. Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) is one of the significant silicate sources to the coastal regions. The silicate concentrations in groundwater (GW) are considerably higher than in neighbouring coastal waters, as a result, SGD increases the concentrations of silicate in the coastal waters and influences the marine ecosystem. To examine the spatial and temporal variability in silicate concentrations and export of silicate to the adjacent coastal waters through SGD, groundwater samples are collected at 90 locations along the east and west coast regions of India during the dry and wet periods. This study revealed that the concentration of dissolved silicate was lower during the dry period than during the wet period. The soil silicate concentration displayed a significant variability and has a good correlation with silicate concentrations in the coastal groundwater of India. Silicate in groundwater showed significant linear relations with bacterial respiration, bicarbonate, and pCO2 and inverse relation with dissolved oxygen saturation suggesting that remineralization and weathering processes are responsible for the silicate in the coastal groundwater of India. The average SGD of freshwater varied between 1.6 × 104 m3/day and 1.75 × 1011 m3/day from the Indian coastal groundwater into adjacent coastal regions. The fluxes of silicate through SGD to the Bay of Bengal was estimated as 1.97 ± 0.85 Tg (1 Tg = 1012 g) and 3.22 ± 1.56 Tg to the eastern Arabian Sea. The estimated total SGD fluxes of silicate to the northern Indian ocean from east and west coastal regions of India is 3.07 ± 1.15 Tg/y and it is almost three times higher than silicate discharged from monsoonal rivers 1.03 ± 0.25 Tg/y. The silicate through SGD from Indian coastal groundwater contributes 7% of silicate to the total silicate export to the world coastal regions through SGD.

Application of Battery Energy Storage Systems for Relief of Generation Curtailment in Terms of Transient Stability

Maintaining transient stability is crucial in power system operation. Transient stability is mainly affected by the generation amount of the study region, as well as the transmission topology. Several countermeasures can be taken for transient stability, but the usually used control means are generating unit tripping and generation curtailment. In terms of economic operation, one can say that the solution of generating unit tripping is more beneficial. To maintain the transient stability of the east coast region in the Korean power system, applying generation curtailment in the normal state is further needed, because the required tripping amount is too large for the case of only taking generator tripping, and this might cause a critical decrease in system frequency, possibly resulting in operation of the first stage of under frequency relay (UFR). This paper presents the application of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) to relieve the generation curtailment, using the characteristic of fast response of BESS. Assuming that BESSs are installed in the candidate location in the study region, the adequate BESS action of absorbing the kinetic energy from those critical generators after disturbances can improve transient stability, and it can decrease the amount of generation curtailment. This paper includes the results of simulation studies to show the effectiveness of the BESS control for the relief of generation curtailment.

Financial and Non- Financial Key Competitiveness Indicators (KCIs) for New Small-Medium Private ousing Development Firms From the Malaysian Perspective

The aim of this study is to identify the key competitiveness indicators (KCIs) for new small-medium housing development firms within the starting period of the operation. Through mean analysis of surveys from 49 top level management of small-medium housing development firms in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia, this study identified and ranked 13 indicators which are a combination of financial and non-financial KCIs for the new small-medium sized housing developers. The finding shows that the highest rank is an indicator of the relationship with the local authority/ government/ planning department/ banks/ customers, followed by indicators of entrepreneurial values, strategic partners, increase of sales, cash flow, expansion of finance channels and cash liquidity, scientific and rational use of capital budgeting and planning capabilities, profitability, investment analysis and orientation in the project feasibility stage, conducting sensitive risk prediction, assessment and response capacity, housing policy information and information channels, diverse range of capital, and lastly land reserves. The firms essentially identify and understand their KCIs in order to survive for the long-term whereby the successful survival of these firms may improve the healthy development of the industry. Lastly, this empirical finding can recommend to the top level management of small- medium firms that to fully utilize their internal and external firm resources in order to achieve and gain more competitive advantages.

Trade-driven black carbon climate forcing and environmental equality under China's west-east energy transmission

Given abundant energy and mineral resources in northwestern China, the west-east energy and mineral product transmission program play an increasingly important role in China's energy supply and consumption since the 2000s. Rapid growing energy and mineral products under this program might release increasing carbon emissions, causing climate and environmental consequences in northwestern China, which seems to be overlooked before. Here, a multiregional input-output analysis (MRIO) was conducted to investigate the temporal and spatial changes in black carbon (BC) emissions embodied in west-east energy and mineral product transmission from 2007 to 2012. Results were used to estimate BC's climate and environmental impact on China, focusing on northwestern China. The results show that BC emission flow patterns have been altered dramatically in China's domestic trade from 2007 through 2012. By 2012, 48%–77% of the consumption-based BC emissions from well-developed Beijing-Tianjin metropolises, East Coast, and South Coast regions were outsourced to other, primarily less-developed regions, of which northwestern China was the largest net BC emission outflow region at 48.8 Gg. The BC radiative forcing over China embodied in the west-east energy transmission was quantified using a compact Earth system model OSCAR. Model estimation shows that more than 30% of BC radiative forcing in northwestern China was related to the consumption from other regions across China. Central and eastern China were two significant contributors to the BC radiative forcing in northwestern China. Severe BC environmental inequality embodied in interprovincial trade was also identified in northwestern and central China provinces among 30 Chinese provinces. Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Xinjiang in northwestern China experienced the most prominent climate and environmental losses via trade with well-developed provinces. These results provide references to alleviate trade-related pollution and climate impacts and to promote BC environmental equality in China.

A tale of three cities: distinct marriage strategies among Chinese Lesbians

ABSTRACT China’s extraordinary socioeconomic development over the last forty years has brought about vast regional disparities and significant changes in family relationships and practices. Using interviews and observation, we investigate lesbians’ experiences of parental pressure to enter a heterosexual marriage in three Chinese cities of different tiers in the East Coast and Inland West regions. Having no way to communicate with their parents regarding their sexuality, our participants in a small western city feel they have little choice but to enter a contract marriage to follow the traditional norm of filial piety. In the eastern coastal metropolis, elite college graduates have more leverage to inform and negotiate with their parents, and they accumulate more resources to go overseas to avoid a contract or heterosexual marriage. Our participants in a big city in the west fall in the middle, weighing the feasibility of a contract marriage against the option of going overseas.

Decarbonizing the electricity system in Sumatra region using nuclear and renewable energy based power generation

The Indonesian national energy policy mandates that the new and renewable energy in 2025 reaches a share of 23% and in 2050 rises a share of 31% in the primary energy mix. The energy mix by types is further detailed in the national energy plan (RUEN). Since Indonesia is committed to participating in efforts to mitigate global climate change, the energy sector is expected to contribute to the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of up to 29% (unconditional) and 41% (conditional) under Business as Usual (BAU) by 2030. The use of nuclear power and renewable energy-based power generations can reduce GHG emissions in the electricity sector. Sumatra region is a potential region for the development of renewable energy. In this study, various options were made to reduce GHG emissions by utilizing nuclear power and renewable energy-based power generations. Assuming that electricity planning in the Sumatra region, as stated in the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) from PLN as a Business as Usual (BaU) scenario, then an alternative scenario can be made by replacing coal power generation using low-carbon power generation. Hydropower, geothermal, and nuclear power generations are prospective options as they have large capacity per unit. At the same time, the utilization of other renewable energy sources still face some challenges due to the intermittent generation. The east coast regions of Sumatra that do not have the potential hydropower and geothermal sources, suit for nuclear power generation.

Torrefaction of fish waste (Sardinella fimbriata) in a fixed bed reactor: Yields and biochar characterization

Torrefaction is a promising process to upgrade biomass and produce solid biofuel. In this study, the fish by-product (Sardinella fimbriata), a fish-processing waste from the food industry highly prevalent in the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia was investigated in a fixed bed torrefaction reactor with varying reaction temperature (200, 250, and 300°C) under a nitrogen atmosphere and single residence time (30 minutes). The distribution and yield of the biochar, bio-oil, and biogas were examined, and further characterization of the biochar was performed (proximate and ultimate, SEM, and FTIR analysis). The results indicated that with the increased torrefaction temperature, solid char yield decreases down to ∼ 52 % while bio-oil and biogas fluctuate between 7 - 28 % and 21 – 27 &, respectively. The proximate and ultimate analysis of the torrefied solid char showed that the fixed carbon, carbon content increased while volatile matter, moisture, hydrogen, and oxygen content decreased with temperature rise. From the SEM analysis, the torrefaction temperature causes an increase in biochar porosity. Lastly, from the FTIR analysis, it can be seen that there are degradation and formation of certain functional groups such as O-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, C-O, and C-C with torrefaction temperature variations.

Net survival differences of breast cancer between stages at diagnosis and age groups in the east coast region of West Malaysia: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveEstimation of the net survival of breast cancer helps in assessing breast cancer burden at a population level. Thus, this study aims to estimate the net survival of breast cancer...

Prevalence and Impacts of Musculoskeletal Pain among the Elderly Living in The East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Background: Musculoskeletal pain commonly affects the elderly, but the extent of this problem within the Malaysian community remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal pain among the elderly living in the community.

Scenario of radon alpha activity level in natural drinking waters of different regions of eastern part of India: A review report

Background/Objectives: High density to alpha-particle radiations, particularly from radon, can increase health risks. This study presents the radon alpha-activity of drinking waters in regions of eastern part of India. Methods/Statistical analysis: To figure out radon alpha-activity concentration in natural drinking waters in the above mentioned regions, present study reviewed many literatures that pertinent to radon alpha-activity of waters in the regions. Both inclusion and exclusion criteria have been followed to select the literatures for review. This study consulted the reports of literatures for obtaining data sources. Recommendations of national and international groups have been used to interpret the results. Findings: A wide variation of radon alphaactivity concentration in drinking water of the regions has been found in between 0:31 and 911 Bq=l. Most of the radioactivity values exceeded MCL or reference level recommended by USEPA and UNSCEAR, and few are exceeding action limit given by EU and WHO. High alpha-activity level in waters has been seen in the arsenic and fluoride contaminated areas and near the areas of U-mine and thermal springs. Low level of alpha-activity has been seen in some regions of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Orissa, and in the east coast region of West Bengal. The radon alpha-activity level in coastal area of Orissa is higher than that of West Bengal. It is found that the sources of the alphaemitting radionuclides, arsenic and fluoride may coexist in the arsenic and fluoride contaminated regions. This study is the first that reviewed the alpha contamination level in natural drinking waters in the eastern part of India. More studies on these regions are required in the future. Novelty/Applications: Novelty of this study relies on the observed alpha-activity of drinking waters in the regions. Radioactivity data provided in this study can help to researchers for further investigation. Keywords: Natural waters; Alpha emitters; Radon; Alpha activity; Human health; India

Obesity among Health-Care Workers: Which Occupations Are at Higher Risk of Being Obese?

Obesity among health-care workers (HCWs) is an important issue as it can affect both their health condition and their professional capability. Although adult obesity is attributable to occupational factors, few reports are available on Malaysian health-care workers’ obesity and whether different health-care job categories are related to workers’ obesity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity among HCWs and the association between various HCW job categories and obesity. A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing secondary data from the 2019 annual cardiovascular health screening program, which included information regarding all government health-care workers in the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. The subject’s body mass index (BMI) was categorized according to WHO criteria. Only 43% of the subjects had a normal BMI, while 33.1% were categorized as overweight, and 21.1% were obese. Different HCWs’ job categories were shown to be significantly associated with their obesity status, with nurses apparently having a higher risk of being obese (Adj OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.45, 2.53, p-value < 0.001). This study’s results require further exploration of HCWs’ working condition factors and for different job categories that contribute to obesity. Public health intervention programs to combat obesity should be implemented that primarily target HCW groups at the highest risk of obesity.

Google SketchUp and Lumion Based Marine Tourism Destination Development Design

This study aims to describe the design of marine tourism development based on Google SketchUp and Lumion. The research location is on the island of Larea-rea as one of the marine tourism development destinations in the East Coast Region of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This type of research is Research and Development (R&D) by applying the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation) Approach. The data collection techniques used were field studies, observations and interviews. Data analysis was carried out following the stages of data collection, data condensation, data presentation, verification / concluding. The results showed that the design of tourism destination development carried out following the concept of ecotourism. This reality is shown in the empowerment of miniature mangrove forests to prevent coastal abrasion and the use of local cultural themes where the design of the roof side of the Rumah Sembilan is used according to the Karampuang traditional house. At the research locus, it can be seen that the natural marine potential possessed by the island of Larea-rea is still natural and well maintained in the form of unpolluted white sand beaches with clear seawater and natural coral reef conditions to support the development of ecotourism-based tourism.

The 2019 flash droughts in subtropical eastern Australia and their association with large-scale climate drivers

During 2017–2019, drought existed in many parts of Australia with varying degrees of severity and varied timing of development and intensification. In a broad sense, the surface climate conditions went from anomalously wet in 2016 to an official government-declared drought from the end of 2017. The drought subsequently intensified further to become most severe in mid to late 2019. Here we explore the more detailed evolution of the 2019 conditions over subtropical eastern Australia and infer its predictability through linear relationships with large-scale climate drivers. To monitor the detailed drought evolution, we use the Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) computed over a 4-week running window on a 5 km grid. Flash drought onset is defined as when there is a rapid decline in the ESI that is sustained over at least 2 weeks which ends in drought conditions. For the Central Slopes area of the upper Darling River basin, flash drought onset occurred in June, persisted over 6 months, and rapidly terminated through a flash recovery in February 2020. In the far east of Australia (East Coast regions), flash drought onset was identified later, in November and December. For the Central Slopes area, less than half the magnitude of the flash drought development in June could be explained through linear relationships with the positive Indian Ocean Dipole mode (IOD) and the central Pacific El Niño, together with the long-term trend in ESI in the region. Similarly, only about half the magnitude of the East Coast flash drought developments in November and December could be explained by the ongoing positive IOD, central Pacific El Niño, negative Southern Annular Mode, and ongoing global warming trend. Therefore, although these large-scale drivers set the stage for the likelihood of drought, successful prediction of flash drought will require more local and current information than those large-scale climate drivers alone.

Economic Efficiency of Stingless Bee Farms in Peninsular Malaysia Estimated by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

The commercial stingless beekeeping industry has good economic growth potential in Malaysia, which is a tropical country rich in flora that serves as food sources for stingless bees. Local consumption of honey is increasing and its production locally can be raised to meet the demand by sustainable stingless beekeeping. An important indicator that measures the success of the industry is the economic efficiency of the farm. This study hence examined the cost efficiency (CE), technical efficiency (TE), and allocative efficiency (AE) of commercial stingless beekeeping farms in the East Coast and Northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia using Cost Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) under the assumption of Constant Return to Scale (CRS). Interviews with 47 respondents in the East Coast region and 28 respondents in the Northern region showed that the average CE scores for the two regions were 0.291 and 0.172, respectively. TE for the East Coast region and Northern region were 0.656 and 0.385 while mean AE scores of 0.445 and 0.404 were obtained. Factors that influenced the efficiency of the farms included farmers’ years of schooling and extension officer visits. In conclusion, CE, TE, and AE of commercial stingless bee honey production in Peninsular Malaysia were fairly low, and the determinants responsible for this low efficiency is of concern. Economic efficiency in stingless beekeeping needs to be further elevated to optimise productivity.

Preliminary evaluation of acoustic sensors for early detection of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus incidence on oil palm and coconut in Malaysia

The red palm weevil (RPW) is a notorious phytophagous pest infesting various palm species around the world. In Malaysia, the RPW was known to cause damage on coconuts in the East Coast regions of the Peninsula and posed risks to oil palms. Thus, early detection and monitoring studies of RPW in both coconuts and oil palms by using acoustic sensors were carried out at Dungun, Terengganu and Tanah Merah, Kelantan. The smart sensor identified the presence of RPW within the coconuts and oil palms. Continuous monitoring of RPW using acoustic sensors is needed to avoid the risk of spreading of this cryptic borer, especially in oil palm plantations.

Economical cultivation system of microalgae Spirulina platensis for lipid production

The marine algae Spirulina platensis was cultured in a medium of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and the production of lipid in the biomass was optimized. Among 7 species Spirulina platensis was isolated from the marine sample which have greater lipid potential was collected from Pantai Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan which is located at East Coast region of Pahang state. At 28+2 °C, the maximum lipid content in the biomass harvested at the end of a 15 days batch culture was quantified with the following values of the experimental factors: POME concentration with (10%, 20% and 30%) (v/v) and light intensity (3,000 lux, 4,000 lux, 5,000 lux). Under the optimized conditions with 20% of POME, the maximum dry mass concentration of the was 754.5 mg L−1 with lipid 34.5% production on day 13 of a batch culture, declining to ∼687 mg L−1 on day 15. At 5,000 lux light intensities, the maximum yield obtained was 854.6 mg L−1 with lipid 35.8% production on day 14, it declined to 732.8 mg L−1 on day 15.

Surveillance of disease incidence in shrimp farms located in the east coastal region of India and in vitro antibacterial efficacy of probiotics against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

We surveyed 130 shrimp farms located on the eastern coast of India to determine the prevalence of emerging diseases in Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon. Live shrimps were collected from the farms based on external symptoms. The biochemical, molecular, and histopathology results confirmed infection with Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (32.4%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (27.7%), White Spot Syndrome Virus (25.4%), Vibrio alginolyticus (16.1%), Vibrio harveyi (13.1%), Monodon-type baculovirus (4.61%), and infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (2.3%) in the collected shrimps. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) occurred more frequently in L. vannamei than P. monodon, with the microsporidian spores in the hepatopancreas. In P. monodon, Monodon-type Baculovirus infection (33.3%) was dominant and small percentages of WSSV, IHHNV, V. alginolyticus, and V. harveyi were observed. A few ponds were observed with co-infection of EHP and WSSV (7.6%), V. parahaemolyticus and WSSV (4.6%) and also V. parahaemolyticus and EHP (6.1%). Among the Vibrio spp, V. parahaemolyticus showed the highest percentage of infection in L. vannamei. Overall, we found that shrimp were chiefly infected with EHP and V. parahaemolyticus. The impact of water quality parameters on shrimp diseases was not addressed in this study. In an antibiotic susceptibility study, V. parahaemolyticus isolated from L. vannamei ponds was susceptible to nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline and tetracycline, but resistant to erythromycin and nalidixic acid. In a preliminary in vitro antibacterial activity assay, probiotics against V. parahaemolyticus showed high inhibitory activity and the results encourage further in-depth studies on the efficacy of probiotics for disease control and prevention in shrimp farms.