Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Research Articles

Preface

1st National Conference on Integrating Research in Agriculture, Food and Communicable Diseases Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (IRAFCD 2024) This proceedings volume features a curated selection of articles from the National Conference on Integrating Research in Agriculture, Food, and Communicable Diseases Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (IRAFCD 2024). The conference, held on June 10-11, 2024, at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus in Malaysia, brought together participants from Malaysia and overseas in a hybrid format. IRAFCD 2024 was convened to unite experts, researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders across diverse fields. This conference aimed to explore innovative solutions, best practices, and collaborations within the intersections of communicable diseases, agriculture, food research, and biomedicine, emphasizing sustainable development’s critical role in addressing global health challenges. The objectives of this conference were multifaceted. We sought to foster interdisciplinary collaboration by providing a platform for knowledge sharing and encouraging innovative approaches towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of sustainable development in improving health outcomes and socio-economic progress. Key research and policy issues, such as disease prevention, sustainable agriculture, and the role of technology in health challenges, were addressed through keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and panel discussions. Finally, the conference facilitated networking and partnerships, offering opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate across academia, industry, government, and nongovernmental organizations. These interactions are expected to contribute significantly to the implementation of sustainable development initiatives. We express our sincere appreciation to the organizing committees, sponsors, moderators, speakers, reviewers, and all participants who contributed to the success of IRAFCD 2024. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in advancing the conference’s goals and making a meaningful impact on global health and sustainable development. List of Editors, Organizing Committee, Scientific Committee, Moderators, Speakers and Sponsors are available in this Pdf.

Preface

10 - 13 December 2023 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Conference Website: https://www.isegt.org SEGT 2023 The International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Green Technology 2023 is being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 9-13 December 2023. The conference is co-organized by Universiti Malaya, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City-University of Science, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). Additionally, there are other supporting institutions such as National Cheng Kung University, Xi’an Jiatong University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, De La Salle University, National Dong Hwa University, The University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and the International Association for Hydrogen Energy. SEGT 2023 welcomed more than 350 participants, representing institutions from 25 economies worldwide, including Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, the UK, the Netherlands, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the US, etc. There are two plenary speakers: Prof. Ibrahim Dincer from Ontario Tech University and Prof. Niu JianLei from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Additionally, six keynote speakers include Mr. Tien Q. Duong, Dr. Luan Quoc Huan, Prof. Wei-Hsin Chen, Prof. Fariborz Haghighat, Prof. Dennis Leung, and Prof. Michael K.H. Leung. Furthermore, there are five special sessions organized by Prof. Qihong Deng, Prof. Talal Yusaf, Dr. Xiao-Qing Yang, Dr. Hiang Kwee Lee, Prof. Hyung-Ho Park, Dr. Viyak G. Parale, and Prof. Chang Jo-Shu. List of Committee of SEGT 2023 and Group photo are available in this pdf.

Do Young Vapers Consider E-Cigarettes as Better than Tobacco Cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are battery operated devices that were designed to replicate smoking but in a less harmful manner. This is because e-cigarette usage or vaping is often associated with harm reduction as the e-liquids were said to contain lesser harmful chemical compounds compared to the ingredients exist in tobacco cigarettes. Furthermore, e-cigarettes are treated as a smoking cessation tool that could aid smokers who wish to quit smoking more effectively. This study was conducted to explore the beliefs of young adults in Malaysia about e-cigarettes. Ten undergraduate students who were pursuing their studies at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Perak aged from 18 to 25 years old were interviewed, whereby their experiences as vapers were recorded and analysed using Atlas.ti version 8. Findings showed that the beliefs of these young adults about e-cigarettes are closely associated with their experiences as e-cigarette users and smokers. Six themes emerged from the data analysis to explain the beliefs of young adults towards e-cigarettes, which are better alternative, e-liquid content, harm reduction, second-hand vaper, addiction, and satisfaction.

Prevalence of Sleep Quality among Academic Staff of a Private University in Malaysia

Introduction: Poor sleep quality is frequently related to poor mental health and is a common medical disorder. It may differ by population, but limited studies have been done in Malaysia. This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of poor sleep quality among academic staff at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus. Methods: In total, 344 randomly selected academic staff were approached to answer the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Results: Unexpectedly, 42.7 % of them were affected by poor sleep quality (global PSQI score >5). The average actual sleep duration was recorded at 6.68 hours. Age and global PSQI scores were not significantly correlated. Female staff had poorer subjective sleep quality (P= 0.027). The elder age group (P= 0.012) and associate professors and professors (P= 0.006) consumed more sleep medications. Non-Ph.D. holders had poorer subjective sleep quality (P= 0.008) and sleep latency (P= 0.032) as well as global PSQI score (P= 0.045) compared to Ph.D. holders. Conclusion: Prevalence of poor sleep quality was higher than expected among academic staff. This may affect workplace functioning and burden the staff with more health issues related to poor sleep quality.

Students' Acceptance of Online Learning during Covid-19

Objective - Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) has implemented online learning methods during Covid-19. Students from the Faculty of Science, UTAR, face enormous challenges during this period as they need to attend all classes through a synchronous or asynchronous environment which is significantly different from their experiences within-person classes. Therefore, this aims to explore the level of acceptance of online learning among students from the Faculty of Science during the period that the movement control order was in place. Secondly, the study aims to determine the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward online learning the students during the pandemic. Methodology/Technique - A quantitative study approach is employed in this paper. Hence, the targeted population comprises final-year to-year students from the Faculty of Science, UTAR, with data collected through a convenient sampling approach with a minimum size of 150. The survey was distributed through MS Teams. The conceptual research model is developed based on a technology acceptance model (TAM). The model is analysed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Finding - The findings of this study have a significant impact on the level of acceptance of online learning among the Faculty of Science students. The study concludes that online learning systems and platforms are easy to use and indirectly benefit students' learning performance. In conclusion, learning attitude towards online learning, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness have a positive influence on the level of acceptance of online learning practices. Novelty - This study addresses the concern of stakeholders for how online learning affects student satisfaction during the period that the movement control order was in place, with a particular focus on science-based subjects that required in-person practical tutorials in the lab. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Online Learning; Covid-19 Pandemic; Level of Student Acceptance; Partial Least Squares; Technology Acceptance Model JEL Classification: I21, I23 Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Lin, B.W; Hoe, K.Y. (2022). Students' Acceptance of Online Learning during Covid-19, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 10(4), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2022.10.4(2)

Preface

This year, Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development (JESSD) is proud to hold its second international virtual symposium, featuring world-class speakers and editors worldwide. We were incredibly honored to have invited RR. Ratih Dyah Kusumawati, Ph.D. from Center for Resilience and Sustainability Studies (CRESS), Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Assoc. Prof. Hui Nee Au Yong, Ph.D. from Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Mari Eko Mulyani, Ph.D. from School of Geography and The Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom and School of Environmental Science, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia, Assoc. Prof. Hironori Hamasaki from Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Japan, Dian Novarina, M.Sc. from Deputy Director of Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (APRIL), Jessica Hanafi, Ph.D. from Executive Director PT. Life Cycle Indonesia, and Dr. Ir. Haruki Agustina M.Sc. from Director of Contaminated Land Recovery and Emergency Response Hazardous and Toxic Waste and Non-Hazardous and Toxic Materials, Ministry of Environment and Forestry.The symposium was held in virtual format due to related restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic. I appreciate everyone’s participation in the second JESSD Symposium: International Symposium of Earth, Energy, Environmental Science, and Sustainable Development, despite the restrictive situation caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of being postponed, this symposium was conducted virtually in response to emerging issues mainly related to earth science, energy, environmental science, and sustainability. Moreover, this symposium also facilitates the publications of qualified research on COVID-19 to contribute to the global response towards the pandemic situation.This symposium is slightly different from the previous symposium and conference held last year. By making the best use of development in telecommunication platforms, we are able to gather virtually to share our insights and progress covering numerous subjects ranging from: the broad earth science, energy, and environmental science, and the special issues of COVID-19 Research as well as Community Engagement for Better Environment. This symposium utilized Zoom and Youtube, a widely known cloud-based video conferencing tool, as its telecommunication platform.The symposium was held on 27-28 August 2022. Committees are based in School of Environmental Science, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia. We are aware that a virtual setup will not provide the same experience as an on-site symposium. However, it is in our nature as researchers to be undeterred by new challenges. The opportunity to host this event virtually allows us to facilitate cross-borders discussion and collaboration at lower cost and less impact on the environment through reducing carbon footprint. We have invited some prominent speakers from various regions to provide lectures on a wide range of environmental research. In addition, we have also invited world-class speakers and editors to help with your scientific publication process. The participants (presenters) are coming from 16 different countries all around the world, including: Malaysia, South Korea, Netherland, Ukraine, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Brazil, Poland, China, Germany, Tunisia, and Indonesia.We are glad that we received lots of submissions from the symposium and selected a bunch of high-quality papers and compiled them into the proceedings after reviewing them using the double-blind peer review procedure. The symposium is considered successful. Signal loss and some technical issues happened during parallel sessions but had been well and quickly addressed by technical assistants, without causing any significant delay. I express my deep gratitude to the editors: Editors committee: Dr. Ahyahudin Sodri, Dr. Herdis Herdiansyah, Mari E. Mulyani, D.Phil., Dr. Stefanie Steinebach, Prof. Dr. Ing. Ir. Misri Gozan, M.Tech., Dr. Djoni Hartono, Ratih Dyah Kusumastuti, Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum, and committees Dr. Herdis Herdiansyah, Nova Amalia Sakina, Azhar Firdaus, Arty Dwi Januari, Hafizha Ilma Qadriina, Sinan Vidi Lazuardi, Salma Mar’atus Sholihah, and HIMPASILING UI Team for their time, hard work, and contribution to support this symposium during this challenging time.I would like to take this opportunity also to express my gratitude for our sponsors, (Danone Indonesia, Induk Koperasi Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia (Inkopol), PT Arlindo Grafimedia, PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (April Group), Bank Rakyat Indonesia, APP Sinar Mas, Harita Nickel, Greenera Consulting, Pertamina Patra Niaga, Starborn Chemical, PT. Prima Kana Energy, Waskita, Roatex, One Global Synergy, and Lintasarta) and also for Himpasiling (Himpunan Mahasiswa Pascasarjana Ilmu Lingkungan) Universitas Indonesia 2022 period for conducting the joint session. Last but not the least, we send our sincere thanks to the IOP publisher for publishing the proceedings.Jakarta, 27 August 2022Editor-in-Chief,Dr. Herdis HerdiansyahList of committees are available in this Pdf.

Knowledge, Perceptions and Behaviors Related to COVID-19 in a University Setting in Malaysia.

BackgroundIn Malaysia the COVID-19 disease (COVID-19) has continued to escalate since its first detection in late January 2020, despite widespread implementation of control measures. This study aims to determine the knowledge, perception and behaviors with respect to COVID-19 in the midst of the third wave of the infection.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among staffs and students of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). The survey consists of basic sociodemographic information, 22 items on knowledge on COVID-19, 3 items on perceived self-risk, 2 items on preparedness & perceived self-efficacy, 10 items on preventive (own) measures, 9 items assessing unwanted and desirable behaviors during the pandemic. Simple and multiple linear regression were performed to determine the factors associated with knowledge, preventive measures adopted, self-risk perception, preparedness & perceived self-efficacy, and behaviors.ResultsA total of 434 responded to the survey of whom the majority (85.1%) had high scores for knowledge (mean score of 18.72 out of 22). A significant positive association was found between knowledge and older age (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.046 (0.022), p = 0.039), those from medical faculty (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.870 (0.420), p = 0.039) and residence in high-risk areas (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.831 (0.295), p = 0.005). Predictors for higher perception of COVID-19 risk included presence of COVID-19 cases among social contacts (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.751 (0.308), p = 0.015) and living with elderly (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 1.137 (0.296), p < 0.001), while that for perception of preparedness and self-efficacy were living with children (adjusted Beta coefficient (SE) = 0.440 (0.173), p = 0.011) and absence of positive cases among social contacts (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.418 (0.183), p = 0.023). Good preventive measures among the respondents were positively associated with knowledge (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.116 (0.025), p < 0.001), as well as with female gender (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.348 (0.142), p = 0.014). Unwanted behavior was significantly associated with male gender (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.664 (0.321), p = 0.039) and COVID-19 positive status (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 9.736 (3.297), p = 0.003). Knowledge of COVID-19 (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.069 (0.035), p = 0.048) and being married (adjusted B coefficient (SE) = 0.917 (0.462), p = 0.048) were the predictors of desirable behavior.ConclusionOverall, the UTAR community had demonstrated a good level of knowledge and preventive behaviors, albeit with some areas for improvement.

Perception of Lecturers and Students Regarding the Illuminance in the Lecture Theatres and Tutorial Rooms: Case Study in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Perception of Lecturers and Students Regarding the Illuminance in the Lecture Theatres and Tutorial Rooms: Case Study in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Evaluation of practicality of virtual design and construction (VDC) with 5D building information modelling (BIM) through a case study

Virtual design and construction (VDC) is defined as the use of multi-disciplinary performance models for the purposes of design-construction projects. The use of VDC in construction projects enables the stakeholders to communicate and visualize the buildability and construction sequence which will impact on a project’s success in terms of delivery time and cost. This case study investigated the process of integrating different dimensions of information such as time scheduling (4D) and cost estimation (5D) with a 3D model to simulate a 5D Building Information Modelling (BIM) process. The study explored the application of VDC with 5D BIM for a commercial building, namely Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long City Campus. Through this case study, it enables comparisons of a virtual model and an actual construction in order to evaluate the advantages, practicality, and limitations of the VDC applications. The 5D model provided comprehensive information to manage the complex design-construction process by considering its timeline and cost. Six modelling stages were undertaken, namely inputting and modelling, clash detection test, time scheduling, quantification and cost estimation, virtualization, and walkthrough of the model. The results revealed that the practicability of the 5D BIM was influenced by the modelling effort, inter-operability, information output and limitations. The study also showed that VDC with 5D BIM significantly reduced the technical barrier for clients to participate in construction project, thus increasing the clients’ satisfaction of the works by bridging the gap of perception and actual outcomes from the construction.

STRESS, STRESSORS, AND COPING STRATEGIES BETWEEN PRE-CLINICAL AND CLINICAL MEDICAL STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

Stress in medical education has been inevitable among medical students. However, the prevalence of stress among pre-clinical and clinical medical students differed by year of study. There were several stressors reported to affect medical students. Therefore, effective coping strategies were applied to manage the stress faced by medical students. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress, stressors and coping strategies comparing pre-clinical and clinical Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) medical students, and the associated stressors and stress among them. This was a cross-sectional study with a study population of 223 medical students. Universal sampling was used. A self-administered questionnaire which included socio-demographic characteristics, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Medical Students Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) and the Brief COPE Inventory were used in this study. The overall prevalence of stress among medical students was 48.15%. Clinical students had a higher prevalence of stress (53.73%) compared to pre-clinical students (39.02%). Year 3 students had the highest prevalence of stress (64.58%) compared to other years of study. Nearly 1 out of 2 medical students were stressed (48.15%). Academic Related Stressor ranked the highest and Acceptance was the most practiced coping strategy. The only associated stressor with stress was Academic Related Stressor.

Characteristic of Fatty Acids Biotransform from Hermetia Illucens Prepupae Fed with Various Organic Wastes Before Conversion to Methyl Ester Form

Farming of Black solder fly (Hermetia illucens) had received great research interest by scientist to investigate the application of this insect’s larvae as a means of organic waste biotransformation, feed for aquaculture and husbandry as well as for biodiesel feedstock. The compositions of this insect’s larvae is well known to have high content of lipid and protein, this has demonstrates its potential use as animal feed and alternative energy. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the ultimate investigation on the characteristic of the pre-pupae fatty acids than that of the feeds before conversion to methyl ester for biodiesel production. The study also investigates the impact of different feeds on fatty acid profile of Hermetia illucens. The farming and breeding of Hermetia illucens fly lifecycle was set up and the populations were maintained at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar campus. The newly hatched neonates were fed on fruit waste and food waste, respectively. Continuous feeding was dispensed to the neonates until it became pre-pupae. At this stage, cessations of feeding and self-harvesting by the pre-pupae were observed. The harvesting of the pre-pupae was done at this instar. Thereafter, the harvested live pre-pupae were cleaned and processed into dried pre-pupae. The dried pre-pupae were kept in an air tight container for further use. The characteristic of the feed and the dried pre-pupae were determined in a series of analysis such as crude lipid extraction, free fatty acid, acid value and fatty acid methyl ester analysis. All the analysis was done in accordance to AOAC methods and each analysis was repeated in triplicates. The results from the study shows that, Hermetia illucens pre-pupae crude lipids content as well as fatty acid profile was influenced by types of feeds as their diet. The lipid content found in the larvae biomass were profound regardless the types of feed. Comparatively, the amount of crude lipid obtained from Hermetia illucens pre-pupae was found to be higher than that of all feeds. The amount of crude lipids extracted from feeds of fruit waste and food waste were approximately 1.24 ± 0.06 and 3.27 ± 0.28 wt%, respectively. The amount of pre-pupae’s crude lipid derived from fruit waste and food waste were higher by 35.85 and 11.48 times, respectively. It is noteworthy that, increase in the lipid accumulation in larvae biomass indicates that the larvae are able to assimilate and bio-convert the feed composition into their own biomass. Consequently, the nutrient composition contains in the types of feed, ingested and digested by the larvae strongly affect the overall lipid accumulation. Moreover, the fatty acid extracted from the Hermetia illucens biomass showed approximately 1.77 times higher in saturated fatty acid (SFA) than that of fruit waste and food waste. Lauric acid is the predominant saturated fatty acid found in the prepupae. The SFA attained by the pre-pupae derived from fruit waste and food wastes were 84.7 and 81.5 wt%, respectively. While the total unsaturated fatty acids were found to be higher in the feeds than that of the pre-pupae. Meanwhile, the total amount of unsaturated fatty acid from fruit waste and fruit waste were attained at 50.9 and 53.7 wt%, respectively. In conclusion, the next stage of this study will be carried out to evaluate the biodiesel quality of the converted fatty acid methyl ester derived from Hermetia illucens fatty acid.

Energy storage system for peak shaving

Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to provide an effective sizing method and an optimal peak shaving strategy for an energy storage system to reduce the electrical peak demand of the customers. A cost-savings analytical tool is developed to provide a quick rule-of-thumb for customers to choose an appropriate size of energy storage for various tariff schemes. Design/methodology/approach – A novel sizing method is proposed to obtain the optimum size of energy storage for commercial and industrial customers based on their historical load profile. An algorithm is developed to determine the threshold level for peak shaving. One of the buildings at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia, is chosen for this study. A three-phase energy storage system rated at 15 kVA is developed and connected to the low-voltage electrical network in the building. An adaptive control algorithm is developed and implemented to optimize the peak shaving. Findings – The sizing analysis shows that the customer under the C2 tariff rate yields the highest saving, followed by E2, C1 and E1. The experimental results presented indicate that the proposed adaptive control algorithm has effectively optimized the peak demand to be shaved. Research limitations/implications – This study demonstrates the potential of energy storage in reducing the peak demand and cost of electricity. One of the main challenges of real-time peak shaving is to determine an appropriate threshold level such that the energy stored in the energy storage system is sufficient during the peak shaving process. Originality/value – The originality of the paper is the optimal sizing method of the energy storage system based on the historical load profile and adaptive control algorithm to optimize the peak demand deduction.

Ghrelin Gly90Leu and Ghrelin Receptor Gly57Gly Gene Variants Are Not Associated with Saltiness Intensity Perception and Pleasantness Ratings

Aims: The salty taste modality is modulated by epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and Transient Receptor Potential Vanniloid (TRPV1) ionic channel and more recently, the gastric hormone ghrelin and its signaling system are also thought to play a role. Taste perception plays an important role in modulating food preference, and intake and is partly determined by genetic variations in chemoreceptor genes. For the salty taste modality, no studies have yet identified any genetic determinants of salt taste in humans. Nevertheless, a single study has identified that common variations in genes encoding for TRPV1 (TRPV1) and ENaC (SCNN1B) may influence the perception of salt solutions in humans, while it is currently unknown whether it would be the same for ghrelin and its cognate receptor, GHSR. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the association of Ghrelin Gly90Leu and GHSR Gly57Gly gene polymorphisms with individual’s saltiness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings. Study Design: A convenience sampling method was practiced in this study. The sampling was carried out among students between the age of 18–25. Place and Duration of Study: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Perak campus, Original Research Article European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 4(2): 87-99, 2014 88 between January to December, 2011. Methodology: We recruited 166 Malaysian university students (mean age: 20.33±1.68; 75 males, 91 females; 152 ethnic Chinese, 14 Indians; 113 normal weight, 53 overweight) by convenience sampling. Low and high sodium concentrations of foods, solutions and broths were tasted and rated for their perceived intensity and pleasantness using generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale and Labeled Affective Magnitude scale, respectively. Results: The minor allele frequencies (MAF) of Ghrelin Gly90Leu and GHSR Gly57Gly were 0.48 and 0.31, respectively. Only the perceived intensity of salted egg was significantly different among Ghrelin Gly90Leu genotypes, where the individuals with T318T and A318T genotypes rated the intensity significantly higher than those with the A318A genotype. Conclusion: In conclusion, Ghrelin Gly90Leu and GHSR Gly57Gly SNPs did not serve as markers for individual’s saltiness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings, at least among Malaysian subjects in this study. This suggests that the ghrelin signaling mechanism in modulating salty taste responsivity in inconclusive at the moment, as the positive findings in mice might not be translatable to humans.

Effectiveness of PNF Training for Chronic Low Back Pain

1 C. V. John Franklin, 2 Deivendran Kalirathinam, 3 TusharPalekar, 4 NikkyNathani. 1. Associate professor, Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. PatilVidyapeetUniversity, Pimpri, Pune, India 2. Lecturer in physiotherapy, Faculty of medicine& Health Sciences, Universiti TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN, sungai long campus, Bandar sungai long,Cheras,43000KajangSelangorDarulehsan,Malyasia 3. Professor, Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. PatilVidyapeethuniversity,pimpri Pune, India

Battery energy storage system for peak shaving and voltage unbalance mitigation

Over the last decade, the battery energy storage system (BESS) has become one of the important components in smart grid for enhancing power system performance and reliability. This paper presents a strategy to shave the peak demand and mitigate the voltage unbalance of the electrical networks using a BESS. The BESS is developed to reduce the peak demand and consequently the electricity bill of customers. With the foreseeable large use of BESS, the stress of utility companies can be reduced during high peak power demands. BESS is also equipped with the ability to mitigate voltage unbalance of the network. This indirectly improves the efficiency which in turn, prolongs the life span of three phase machines. The proposed strategy to control BESS has been developed by using the LabVIEW TM graphical programming software. An experimental test bed has been setup at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) campus to evaluate the performance of the system. The experimental results show that the BESS can effectively restrict the power demand from exceeding the pre-determined value and suppress the voltage unbalance factor within the recommended value.

Biological screening of microbes isolated from soil of ex-tin mining land in Kampar Area

Soil samples from ex-tin mining area located in proximity to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar campus was collected and cultured on nutrient agar plates. The morphological characteristics including basic staining, Gram staining and endospore staining of five selected isolates (SL1-5) were studied. All isolates had circular shape, opaque appearance and smooth surface. SL1, SL2 and SL3 were Gram-positive bacilli and endospore formers. SL4 and SL5 were Gram-negative cocci. The sensitivity test towards 17 types of antibiotics was carried out using the disc diffusion method. SL2, SL3 and SL4 were multidrug-resistant isolates. Prominently, SL4 was resistant to 10 types of antibiotics. Antibacterial activity against 11 types of bacteria was also evaluated. SL1 was found to produce antibacterial agent that inhibit the growth of Salmonella sp. andStaphylococcus epidermidis. Protease, α-amylase, lipase and another 19 types of enzyme activity were screened using enzymatic assay and API ZYM kit assay. All isolates had proteolytic and lipolytic activities. SL1, SL2 and SL5 were able to produce protease enzyme whereas SL4 was able to produce phospholipase enzyme. In API ZYM assay, all isolates were able to produce esterase (C4), esterase lipase (C8) and leucine arylamidase (Leu). However, α-amylase producer was absent. Further studies will be carried out to identify the species of all isolates. Key words: Nutrient agar (NA), multidrug-resistant, disc diffusion, antibacterial assay, enzymatic assay.

2-(4-Pentyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole

2-(4-Pentyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole was synthesized and its IR, 1H NMR and MS spectroscopic data are presented.

Synthesis of 2-(4-Propyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole

A new 2-(4-propyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole was synthesized and its IR, 1H and 13C NMR and MS spectroscopic data are presented.

Design and construction of non-imaging planar concentrator for concentrator photovoltaic system

A novel configuration of solar concentrator, which is the non-imaging planar concentrator, capable of producing much more uniform sunlight and reasonably high concentration ratio, is designed and constructed. This design is envisioned to be incorporated in concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. The work presented here reports on the design, optical alignment and application of the prototype, which is installed at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia. In the architecture of the prototype, 360 flat mirrors, each with a dimension of 4.0 cm × 4.0 cm, are arranged into 24 rows and 15 columns with a total reflection area of about 5760 cm 2. In addition to that, illumination distribution for the prototype is simulated and its results are then compared with the experiment result.