University of Malaya

About: University of Malaya is a education organization based out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Fiber laser. The organization has 25087 authors who have published 51491 publications receiving 1036791 citations. The organization is also known as: UM & Universiti Malaya.

One stop shop: backbones trees for important phytopathogenic genera: I (2014)

Abstract: Many fungi are pathogenic on plants and cause significant damage in agriculture and forestry. They are also part of the natural ecosystem and may play a role in regulating plant numbers/density. Morphological identification and analysis of plant pathogenic fungi, while important, is often hampered by the scarcity of discriminatory taxonomic characters and the endophytic or inconspicuous nature of these fungi. Molecular (DNA sequence) data for plant pathogenic fungi have emerged as key information for diagnostic and classification studies, although hampered in part by non-standard laboratory practices and analytical methods. To facilitate current and future research, this study provides phylogenetic synopses for 25 groups of plant pathogenic fungi in the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucormycotina (Fungi), and Oomycota, using recent molecular data, up-to-date names, and the latest taxonomic insights. Lineage-specific laboratory protocols together with advice on their application, as well as general observations, are also provided. We hope to maintain updated backbone trees of these fungal lineages over time and to publish them jointly as new data emerge. Researchers of plant pathogenic fungi not covered by the present study are invited to join this future effort. Bipolaris, Botryosphaeriaceae, Botryosphaeria, Botrytis, Choanephora, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Diaporthe, Diplodia, Dothiorella, Fusarium, Gilbertella, Lasiodiplodia, Mucor, Neofusicoccum, Pestalotiopsis, Phyllosticta, Phytophthora, Puccinia, Pyrenophora, Pythium, Rhizopus, Stagonosporopsis, Ustilago and Verticillium are dealt with in this paper.

An overview of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel

Abstract: As hydrogen fuel cell vehicles move from manifestation to commercialization, the users expect safe, convenient and customer-friendly fuelling. Hydrogen quality affects fuel cell stack performance and lifetime, as well as other factors such as valve operation. In this paper, previous researcher's development on hydrogen as a possible major fuel of the future has been studied thoroughly. Hydrogen is one of the energy carriers which can replace fossil fuel and can be used as fuel in an internal combustion engines and as a fuel cell in vehicles. To use hydrogen as a fuel of internal combustion engine, engine design should be considered for avoiding abnormal combustion. As a result it can improve engine efficiency, power output and reduce NOx emissions. The emission of fuel cell is low as compared to conventional vehicles but as penalty, fuel cell vehicles need additional space and weight to install the battery and storage tank, thus increases it production cost. The production of hydrogen can be ‘carbon-free’ only if it is generated by employing genuinely carbon-free renewable energy sources. The acceptability of hydrogen technology depends on the knowledge and awareness of the hydrogen benefits towards environment and human life. Recent study shows that people still do not have the sufficient information of hydrogen.

Randomized controlled trial of pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide versus mycophenolate mofetil in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis

Abstract: SUMMARY: Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis. Methods: Forty-four patients from eight centres with newly diagnosed lupus nephritis World Health Organization class III or IV were randomly assigned to either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 2 g/day for 6 months or intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) 0.75‐1 g/m 2 monthly for 6 months in addition to corticosteroids. Results: Remission occurred in 13 out of 25 patients (52%) in the IVC group and 11 out of 19 patients (58%) in the MMF group ( P = 0.70). There were 12% in the IVC group and 26% in the MMF group that achieved complete remission ( P = 0.22). Improvements in haemoglobin, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum albumin, serum complement, proteinuria, urinary activity, renal function and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score were similar in both groups. Twenty-four follow-up renal biopsies at the end of therapy showed a significant reduction in the activity score in both groups. The chronicity index increased in both groups but was only significant in the IVC group. Adverse events were similar. Major infections occurred in three patients in each group. There was no difference in gastrointestinal side-effects. Conclusions: MMF in combination with corticosteroids is an effective induction therapy for moderately severe proliferative lupus nephritis. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease characterized by abnormalities of T and B cells and production of autoantibodies. Renal involvement occurs in approximately 40‐75% of patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. 1 Severe proliferative lupus nephritis is associated with a poor renal prognosis and requires aggressive therapy. Addition of cytotoxic agents to corticosteroids has been shown to improve the outcome of severe lupus nephritis in randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses. 2‐4 In the National Institute of Health studies,

Rainfall variability and the trends of wet and dry periods in Bangladesh

Abstract: Spatial patterns of annual and seasonal rainfall trends of Bangladesh over the time period 1958–2007 has been assessed using rainfall data recorded at 17 stations distributed over the country. Mann–Kendall trend test and the Sen's slope method are used to detect the significance and the magnitude of rainfall change, respectively. Historical dry and wet months are identified by using standardised precipitation index method and their trends are analysed to assess the possible change in wet and dry events in Bangladesh. The result shows a significant increase in the average annual and pre-monsoon rainfall of Bangladesh. The number of wet months is found to increase and the dry months to decrease in most parts of the country. Seasonal analysis of wet and dry months shows a significant decrease of dry months in monsoon and pre-monsoon. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society

Current energy usage and sustainable energy in Malaysia: A review

Abstract: Malaysia has a good mix of energy resources like oil, natural gas, coal and renewable energies such as biomass, solar and hydro. In spite of this plenty of resources, the country is dependent on fossil fuel for industrial and transportation sector. In 2009, 94.5% of electricity is generated by using fossil fuel such as natural gas, coal, diesel oil and fuel oil. Until now, Malaysia stills a net energy exporter. Concerns about energy security, the fluctuation of crude oil price and climate change are driving significant changes in how energy and electricity specifically, is generated, transmitted and consumed in Malaysia. In this regard, renewable energy resources are becoming attractive for sustainable energy development in Malaysia. There is because renewable sources of energy are abundant in Malaysia, the significant ones being biomass and solar. This article presents a review of present energy situation and energy policies for the energy sector in Malaysia. Investigation of various renewable energy and examine the energy and environmental issues associated with this energy. The review of current usage of renewable energy sources and also its potential implementation are evaluated to provide solution for the national.