Showing papers by "University of Malaya published in 1995"
241 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of C stable isotopes in sediments indicated that mangrove detritus was generally more abundant within the tidal creeks than offshore, and stable isotope analyses suggest that benthic microalgae constitute the other major dietary component for prawns living in tidal crees.
Abstract: Carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen stable isotope ratio techniques were used in 1989 and 1990 to evaluate the relative importance of algae and of mangrove detritus in the nutrition of two penaeid prawn species on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Mangrove detritus was found to contribute to the nutrition of juvenile Penaeus merguiensis de Man living within tidal creeks, but not to adult P. merguiensis and juvenile and adult Parapenaeopsis sculptilis (Heller) captured offshore. Results from radiotracer feeding studies, with refractory 14C mangrove lignocellulose as the food source, indicated that juvenile P. merguiensis from tidal creeks assimilated mangrove carbon with an efficiency of 13.4%. This did not differ significantly (P=0.05) from the assimilation efficiencies of juvenile and adult P. sculptilis living offshore (10.0 and 10.9%, respectively); these values were significantly higher (P<0.001) than for adult P. merguiensis (2.1%). Thus, the differential contribution of mangrove material to the nutrition of prawns in the tidal creeks and offshore was not related to differences in the prawn's ability to utilize detritus. Instead, our analysis of C stable isotopes in sediments indicated that mangrove detritus was generally more abundant within the tidal creeks than offshore. Juvenile prawns in the tidal creeks may also utilize mangrove material indirectly by feeding on small detritivorous invertebrates. Stable isotope analyses suggest that benthic microalgae constitute the other major dietary component for prawns living in tidal creeks. Prawns offshore were utilizing mainly phytoplankton-based material.
229 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a mathematical model and solution procedure for predicting the thermal performance of single-pass solar air collectors is presented, where the surface temperatures of the walls surrounding the air streams were assumed uniform whereas the air temperatures were assumed to vary linearly along the collector.
209 citations
Posted Content•
Abstract: This book discusses historically the emergence and contribution of foreign capital in Malaysia's industrial development. After an extensive review of the extant literature on the development implications of foreign direct investment, the book uses different methodologies to evaluate the contribution of foreign capital to industrialization in the country. One chapter discusses using historical work the significance of foreign capital in the emergence of industrialization in colonial Malaya. The book that examines using Kaldor's increasing returns methodology to examine in aggregate terms the significance of manufacturing FDI in the national economy, and in the individual manufacturing industries using trade ratios, productivity and linkage coefficients. The final two analytical chapters uses a novel snowballing data collection methodology to examine pecuniary and technological spillovers from foreign firms onto local firms.
168 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the performance of empty-fruit-bunches with either goat dung, cow dung or chicken manure and found that mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria showed consistent activity throughout the process, whereas fungal activity was completely suppressed during peak heating phase.
158 citations
TL;DR: Examining human tissues infected by Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) pseudomallei which is endemic in Malaysia to study the types of inflammation invoked, and to look for histopathological clues to its diagnosis found numerous gram‐negative, non‐acid‐fast, intra‐ and extracellular bacilli, occurring either singly or in chains.
Abstract: We examined human tissues infected by Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) pseudomallei which is endemic in Malaysia to study the types of inflammation invoked, and to look for histopathological clues to its diagnosis. The lesions which varied from acute to chronic granulomatous inflammation were not tissue-specific. In five autopsy cases, the inflammation was usually a focal or diffuse, acute necrotising inflammation with varying numbers of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and 'giant cells'. The 'giant cells' probably represent giant macrophages with phagocytosed leukocytes. There were numerous gram-negative, non-acid-fast, intra- and extracellular bacilli, occurring either singly or in chains. Intracellular bacteria within macrophages and 'giant cells' were so numerous as to resemble globi. This feature has not been previously reported and may be a useful diagnostic clue in melioidosis. In 14 surgical cases biopsies showed acute inflammatory lesions that appeared no different from acute inflammation due to other causes. In many biopsies, however, the inflammation was either an acute-on-chronic inflammation with a focal granulomatous component, or was purely granulomatous in character. Bacilli were difficult to demonstrate in surgical biopsies even with the gram strain.
142 citations
TL;DR: A total of 61 isolates of Salmonella enteritidis were analyzed by the techniques of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and ribotyping as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A total of 61 isolates of Salmonella enteritidis were analyzed by the techniques of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and ribotyping. Twenty-three of the isolates were from Zurich, Switzerland, and 38 isolates were from the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Five of the Malaysian isolates were hospital-related outbreak strains and were shown to be indistinguishable by PFGE analysis following digestion with three different restriction endonucleases, XbaI (5'-TCTAGA-3'), SpeI (5'-ACTAGT-3'), and AvrII (5'-CCTAGG-3'). The PFGE pattern of an isolate from a suspected carrier staff nurse was found to be identical to those of the hospital outbreak isolates. These isolates were also indistinguishable by ribotyping with SmaI and SphI. The same single PFGE pattern was also detected in 29 of 32 sporadic isolates of S. enteritidis. Four closely related ribotypes were detected among these 29 isolates. Similarly, outbreak-related strains from Switzerland showed close genetic identity by PFGE and ribotyping. Strains obtained from poultry showed more variations in their PFGE patterns and ribotypes, although the patterns were still closely related. In addition, SphI ribotypes A and D among the Swiss strains correlated with phage types 4 and 8, respectively. No correlation of phage types with PFGE pattern was noted. Both PFGE and ribotyping indicate that the S. enteritidis strains circulating in Malaysia and Switzerland are very similar and may be clonally related. Comparison of the PFGE patterns with the ribotypes for 23 Swiss and 16 Malaysian isolates showed that there was a 69% concordance in the grouping of isolates. We conclude that the close genetic similarity observed between epidemiologically unrelated and outbreak-related isolates of S. enteritidis suggests that both PFGE and ribotyping are of limited value in the epidemiological analysis of these particular isolates, possibly because of the highly clonal nature of pathogenic strains of S. enteritidis.
133 citations
TL;DR: The aim of maintaining the detrimental effects of rapid industrialisation on the environment to a minimum will necessitate the evolution of current sustainable management practices to include environmental auditing, the incorporation of waste minimisation strategies into manufacturing processes, as well as regular assessments of the effectiveness of mitigating measures.
Abstract: With the adoption of effective treatment systems, pollution from the Malaysian agrobased industries, particularly natural rubber and oil palm, has decreased in recent years. At present, domestic sewage and animal wastes are the major sources of organic pollution load in the aquatic environment. The widespread and often indiscriminate use of pesticides has also resulted in detrimental effects on aquatic resources. Furthermore, rapid industrial development and urbanisation during the past two decades have given rise to the increased quantity and diversity of toxic and hazardous wastes. The aim of maintaining the detrimental effects of rapid industrialisation on the environment to a minimum will necessitate the evolution of current sustainable management practices to include environmental auditing, the incorporation of waste minimisation strategies into manufacturing processes, as well as regular assessments of the effectiveness of mitigating measures.
107 citations
TL;DR: The Klang River, which is located on the West coast of central Peninsular Malaysia, is regarded as an important waterway that flows through the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and the suburban area of the densely populated and highly industrialized Klang Valley.
Abstract: The Klang River, which is located on the West coast of central Peninsular Malaysia, is regarded as an important waterway. It flows through the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and the suburban area of the densely populated and highly industrialized Klang Valley. The upper reaches of the Klang River serve as an important source of water supply to an estimated population of two million people in this region, together with its growing industrial activities.
100 citations
TL;DR: Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed that multiple genetic variants of Salmonella typhi are simultaneously present in Southeast Asia and are associated with sporadic cases of typhoid fever and occasional outbreaks.
Abstract: Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed that multiple genetic variants of Salmonella typhi are simultaneously present in Southeast Asia and are associated with sporadic cases of typhoid fever and occasional outbreaks. Comparative analysis of PFGE patterns also suggested that considerable genetic diversity exists among S. typhi strains and that some PFGE patterns are shared between isolates obtained from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, implying movement of these strains within these regions of Southeast Asia, where they are endemic.
89 citations
TL;DR: A statistically significant association between amenorrhoea and cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide after adjustment for age was found whereas no such association was linked to the duration of treatment.
Abstract: Ninety-two women with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with oral cyclophosphamide were studied to ascertain the prevalence and the factors associated with ovarian dysfunction. Menstrual disturbance during treatment occurred in 55% of patients: 36% had amenorrhoea and 19% had oligomenorrhoea. Sustained oligomenorrhoea occurred in 12% patients. Permanent amenorrhoea (> 12 months) after cessation of oral cyclophosphamide occurred in 27% of patients. Hormonal studies in these patients were consistent with ovarian failure. Older age at initiation of treatment and high cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide were found to be associated with this outcome. There was a trend towards linear relationship between the age of initiation of cyclophosphamide therapy and frequency of amenorrhoea. A statistically significant association between amenorrhoea and cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide after adjustment for age was found whereas no such association was linked to the duration of treatment. Fourteen of the 23 women who wished to become pregnant after cessation of treatment conceived resulting in 20 live births and two abortions.
TL;DR: In this article, three new indole alkaloids (Lundurines A, B and C) possessing a novel carbon skeleton incorporating a cyclopropyl unit were obtained from Kopsia tenuis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the applicability of the quality cost matrix, usefulness of the information for quality improvement and the positive change in attitude of personnel involved in the case study are discussed.
Abstract: Poor quality resulting from non-conformance during construction leads to extra cost and time to all members of the project team. The costs of rectifying non-conformance can be high and they can affect a firm's profit margin and its competitiveness. Construction-related firms can identify non-conformance information by employing a quality cost matrix as illustrated in a case study as a basis for improvement. Findings indicate the applicability of the matrix, the usefulness of the information for quality improvement and the positive change in attitude of personnel involved in the case study. Areas and frequency of non-conformance and the viability and importance of preventive measures are also ighlighted.
TL;DR: The Malay family system is the by-product of a complex interplay of historical and cultural circumstances as discussed by the authors, and the Malay kinship system had integrated diverse elements within its structure and function.
Abstract: BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS OF MALAYSIAThe Malay family system is the by-product of a complex interplay of historical and cultural circumstances Historically, the Malays have been influenced by great civilizations from India, West Asia, China and recently Europe To a degree, these civilizations left indelible marks on the social organization and, particularly, the family system Cultural adaptation to the local environment, on the other hand, had induced the evolution of an indigenous family and kinship system distinctively different from the various exogenous influences Inevitabily therefore, the Malay family system had integrated diverse elements within its structure and functionDemographic BackgroundThe latest census exercise (1991) has only released the preliminary count of the population, giving a total figure of 17,566,985 people with 8,861,124 males and 8,705,858 females, a male-female ratio of 102 males per 100 females In terms of total households recorded, there has been a tremendous increase from the last two census In 1991 there were 3,580,016 households as compared to 1,890,376 and 2,516,295 for 1970 and 1980 census There is a notable 423% increase in the number of households from the last census In terms of household size too, there has been a marked decrease from the last census; the 1991 gives an average figure of 491 persons as compared to 522 and 521 in 1980 and 1970 respectively The figure seems to indicate the success of the family planning scheme and other factors to control the rate of population increaseMalaysian census reports regularly categorise the population into ethnic groups The preliminary count, however, has only provided the breakdown figures for states, districts and sex but not the ethnic groups For our present purpose, the pre-census annual estimates could be used to indicate the ethnic composition of the total population The 1988 population estimates give the following figures for ethnic composition of Malaysia:Table 1 shows the Malays and other indigenous groups constitute the majority of the population While the Chinese and Indians are the significant minority within the total population The dominance of Malay number therefore justifies the choice to focus this study on them alone This, however, does not assume that the Malays and other indigenous groups are homogenous in all aspects of society and culture, especially their family systemsThere is, however, a greater structural similarity among themselves than with others At the same time, the fact that they are indigenous, seems to indicate greater possibility of a stable cultural and ecological adaptation thus affording better opportunities to discuss the issues of beliefs and realities on family systemFor the rest of the paper, the following topics will be dealt with: ideological background, the kinship systems, marriage and divorce, family size, the elderly, family life cycle, rural urban variation and the analysis of ideology and family systemIdeological BackgroundMalays are Muslims in practice and by definition The Malaysian Constitution clearly defined a Malay as:a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay customs(Malaysia: Federal Constitution, 160(2))Noteworthy in this legal definition is the fundamental characteristics of being a Malay which include, apart from language consideration, the religion of Islam and customary practices or technically known as 'adat' These two features, in fact, provided the bases upon which Malay beliefs and ideologies are founded Understanding the integral function of Islam in Malay culture and the continuing dynamic of traditions or adat provide a sound point of departure for analysing the ideological bases of Malay family systemIslam and Malay SocietyIslam as a religion is fiercely monotheistic, admitting no likeness in any form to the unity of God (Alah) …
TL;DR: In this paper, it was found that 0.8 g lithium nitrate added to a solution of 1 g chitosan dissolved in 100 ml 1% acetic acid produces a film, via the solution cast technique, with a maximum electrical conductivity of the order of 10−4 S cm−1.
TL;DR: Raised iron levels in the PF of patients with endometriosis do not play a role in catalyzing free radical reactions as judged by the degree of lipid peroxidation, and no corresponding relationship was seen in the malondialdehyde levels.
TL;DR: A novel assay, mouse monoclonal enhanced indirect immunofluorescence assay (MIFA) was designed and used to test the sera for antibodies to the LMP2A and 2B proteins, expressed in human keratinocytes, which were strikingly specific to NPC.
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of esters of palm stearin and palm olein were synthesized by alcoholysis using KOH as catalyst, and the esters were evaluated as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
TL;DR: The results show that tocotrienols isolated from PFAD inhibited liver HMG CoA reductase activity in the guinea pig and the inhibitory effect of tocotrianols on H MG CoA Reduxase appeared to be dose-dependent.
TL;DR: All three children had multi-organ impairment, but it was more severe in the two who died, and treatment consisted of fluid resuscitation, correction of coagulopathy and mechanical ventilation.
Abstract: In dengue shock syndrome, an acute increase in capillary permeability results in leakage of plasma into the interstitial space. Pleural effusion is commonly seen in dengue shock syndrome. We report three cases of dengue-associated adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children, in all of whom dengue haemorrhagic fever, presenting with grade 3 or grade 4 dengue shock syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, was confirmed. The criteria for the diagnosis of ARDS were based on the expanded definition of ARDS by Murray et al. Treatment consisted of fluid resuscitation, correction of coagulopathy and mechanical ventilation. All three children had multi-organ impairment, but it was more severe in the two who died. The one survivor was well at discharge.
TL;DR: A comparison of the fungi present at three mangroves in Malaysia indicated that Halocyphina villosa was common on both timbers, and the fungi colonising specific mangrove wood, e.g. Avecennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza.
Abstract: Over one hundred fungi have been reported on mangrove wood (Hyde and Jones, 1988; Jones and Kuthubutheen, 1989; Hyde and Jones, unpublished) from tropical and subtropical locations. A variety of factors affect the frequency of occurrence of these fungi, e.g . salinity, length of exposure of substrate, wood species and location within the mangrove. Two aspects are addressed in this paper: a) Comparison of the fungi present at three mangroves in Malaysia (Morib, Kuala Selangor, Port Dickson); and b) The fungi colonising specific mangrove wood, e.g. Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. Species diversity was greatest at Port Dickson with 63 fungi recorded while species composition varied from site to site. Common fungi at Morib and Kuala Selangor were Halocyphina villosa and Leptosphaeria australiensis along with Kallichroma tethys and Lulworthia grandispora at the latter site. None of these were common at Port Dickson, the dominant species at this site were Hypoxylon oceanicum and Massarina ramunculicola. A comparison of the fungi occurring on Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza indicated that Halocyphina villosa was common on both timbers. Species diversity and abundance were greatest on Avicennia with the following fungi listed as common: Eutypa sp., Kallichroma tethys, Marinosphaera mangrovei, Phoma sp. and Julelia avicenniae.
TL;DR: In this paper, a mathematical model and a solution procedure for predicting the thermal performance of four types of single-pass flat-plate solar air collectors were presented, instead of resorting to complicated algebraic manipulations to solve the energy equations a matrixinversion technique was employed.
TL;DR: It was found that the three exchangers exhibited different levels of binding capacity under identical solution conditions, which was shown to be caused by variation in the arrangement and distribution of charged groups.
Abstract: The effects of ionic strength and pH on adsorption of lysozyme to three strong cation exchangers have been studied. Adsorption equilibrium data obtained using the batch techniques corresponded well to the Langmuir isotherm. Ionic strength had a considerable influence on the isotherms. In all cases, the maximum binding capacity of the three exchangers decreased while the apparent dissociation constant increased with increasing ionic strength. The maximum binding capacity also decreased while the apparent dissociation constant was not significantly affected by an increase in pH. It was found that the three exchangers exhibited different levels of binding capacity under identical solution conditions. This was shown to be caused by variation in the arrangement and distribution of charged groups. However, the ion-exchange matrix had little effect on the apparent dissociation constant.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A primary dengue infection in a 10-year-old boy progressing from DF to DSS while under clinical observation is reported, providing unequivocal evidence for the development of DSS in primary d Dengue infection caused by virus serotype 4.
Abstract: Dengue fever (DF) which is caused by four serotypes of dengue virus may in some cases progress into a life threatening situation of dengue haemorrhage fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). It has been suggested that sequential infection with different dengue virus serotypes predisposes the patient towards DHF/DSS. We report here a primary dengue infection in a 10-year-old boy progressing from DF to DSS while under clinical observation. The report provides unequivocal evidence for the development of DSS in primary dengue infection caused by virus serotype 4. The close relationship between sequential changes in the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), Interleukin 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6) in the serum, to the clinical progression of the disease from DF to DHF/DSS and then to full recovery implicates a pathogenetic role for the inflammatory cytokines. The child also manifested clinical features consistent with Reye's syndrome and this suggests a common pathogenetic origin for DSS and the Reye-like syndrome induced by dengue virus.
TL;DR: In this article, the lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde) levels in the pelvic peritoneal fluid of 12 patients with moderate-to severe endometriosis, 15 patients with minimal-mild endometria and 13 patients with normal pelvises were compared.
TL;DR: In this article, an extract of the leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata (double flower variety) was provided, in addition to N 1 -methylvoaphylline, voaharine, pachysiphine, apparicine and conophylline, two new alkaloids, ( − )-mehranine and the dimeric indole conofoline.
TL;DR: Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract of Fissistigma lanuginosum led to the isolation of the known chalcone pedicin, which inhibited tubulin assembly into microtubules (IC50 value of 300 microM), and two new condensed chalcones were obtained from the same EtOAc fraction.
Abstract: Bioassay-guided fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract of Fissistigma lanuginosum led to the isolation of the known chalcone pedicin [1], which inhibited tubulin assembly into microtubules (IC50 value of 300 microM). From the same EtOAc fraction, two new condensed chalcones, fissistin [2] and isofissistin [3], which showed cytotoxicity against KB cells, were also obtained, together with the inactive dihydropedicin [4] and 6,7-dimethoxy-5,8-dihydroxyflavone [5]. In addition, the aminoquinones 6, 8, and 9 were isolated from the alkaloid extract. These compounds were artifacts, prepared by treatment of 1, 4, and 2, respectively, with NH4OH. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectral methods, especially 2D nmr.
Abstract: The diglycerides present in palm oil and palm oil fractions were analysed using thin-layer and gas chromatography. The diglyceride contents and compositions of commercial palm oils were compared with those of oils extracted from fresh fruits. The results showed that the diglycerides present in palm oil and its fractions consist mainly of palmitoyloleoyl-, dioleoyl- and dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol. The levels of diglycerides in fresh palm oils (17-38 g kg -1 ) were lower than those in commercial palm oils (40-75 g kg -1 ). In the oils from fresh fruits the 1,2-diglyceride predominates over the 1,3-isomer whereas in commercial oils the reverse is observed. The ratio of 1,3- to 1,2-diglycerides in fresh oils depends on the degree of maturity of the fruit. Furthermore, the 1,3-diglycerides increase rapidly after the 20th week of anthesis, while the 1,2-diglycerides decrease rapidly over the same period of time. Storage of ripe fruits and oils over 10 days also resulted in further increase of the 1,3 : 1,2-diglyceride ratio. Thermal treatment of oils caused the most significant changes in the ratio. Isomerisation in the fruit and in the oil during thermal treatment is discussed. Based on this study, it is proposed that the diglyceride contents and their ratios be used as indicators of oil quality in addition to other widely used quality parameters such as peroxide and anisidine values.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A clinical analysis of 304 cases of pyogenic granuloma (excluding pregnancy tumour) were obtained from the clinical evaluations submitted by clinicians while sending specimens for biopsy and the recurrence rate was found to be 14.1%.
Abstract: A clinical analysis of 304 cases of pyogenic granuloma (excluding pregnancy tumour) were obtained from the clinical evaluations submitted by clinicians while sending specimens for biopsy. The average age of the patients with pyogenic granuloma was 28.9 years with a peak age incidence in the second decade. More female patients were affected and the lesions present mainly in the Chinese. The majority of the lesions were ulcerated and pedunculated. The lesions had a mean diameter of 10.8 mm with a mean lesion duration of 6.0 months. The gingiva was the prevalent site for these lesions with a greater number being located in the maxilla. The recurrence rate was found to be 14.1%.
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance and effects of palm oil diesel on the wear characteristics of tribological components of a small, four-stroke diesel engine were discussed and the results of current studies on the performance were discussed.
Abstract: Malaysian crude palm oil has been successfully converted to methyl esters, also known as palm oil diesel (POD), which is readily combustible in diesel engines. This paper presents and discusses the results of current studies on the performance and the effects of POD on the wear characteristics of tribological components of a small, four-stroke diesel engine. Adding POD to commercial lubricating oil has enhanced the performance of such oils. Results obtained from this study show that the power output and brake specific fuel consumption of the engine, lubricated with commercial SAE 40 oil blended with POD, are comparable to those of 100% SAE 40 oil. Wear debris analysis shows that blends of POD and SAE 40 commercial lubricating oil increase the anti-wear characteristics of the engine when compared to 100% SAE 40 lubricating oil.