Showing papers in "Australian journal of basic and applied sciences in 2011"

Determining Critical Success Factors of Mobile Banking Adoption in Malaysia

Abstract: This study is to examine critical success factors that influence the adoption of mobile banking in Malaysia using extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The proposed model was empirically evaluated by using survey data collected from 300 banking users concerning their perceptions of mobile banking. The findings indicate that this model can predict consumer intention to use mobile banking. Specifically, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility and awareness about mobile banking have significant effect on user's attitude thus influence the intention toward mobile banking. The results may provide further insights into mobile banking strategies.

A General Overview On Manganese (Mn) Importance For Crops Production

Abstract: Plants quantitative and qualitative yield is strongly dependent on plant nutrition. In addition, in plant nutrition each element should be available in adequate amounts for plants, also balance and respect ratio between used nutrients is important. Manganese (Mn) plays an important role in oxidation and reduction processes in plants, such as the electron transport in photosynthesis. Manganese also has played a role in chlorophyll production, and its presence is essential in Photosystem II. Manganese acts as an activating factor which is causes the activation more than 35 different enzymes. Due to the metabolic role of manganese in the nitrate-reducing enzyme activity and activation of enzymes which play roles on carbohydrate metabolism, use of fertilizers containing manganese increases efficiency of photosynthesis and carbohydrates synthesis such as starch, thus photosynthesis efficiency decrease with manganese deficiency and therefore crop yield and quality will be reduced. Manganese is uptake and transfers the form of Mn 2+ in plants, and transfer in the meristematic tissues gradual, thus the young organs of plants are rich of manganese. Calcareous soils, soils with high pH (mainly in arid and semi arid areas of the world), and especially in soils with poor ventilation are confronted with manganese deficiency. Magnesium (Mg) and lime have an antagonistic affect on manganese; therefore manganese uptake decreases by magnesium and lime.

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for testing validity and reliability instrument in the study of education

Abstract: The exploit of factor analysis is to ordeal the hypotheses about the dormant traits that underlie a set of measured variables. The traditional factor analysis approaches such as Pearson correlation and Cronbach's Alpha have some limitations. The aim of this paper is to draw on the application of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), to test the validity and reliability of instruments in the field of education. To trounce the drawbacks of Pearson correlation and Cronbach's Alpha in the measurement of validity and reliability, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), have been used to test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Various tests i.e. Regression Weights, Standardized Regression Weights, Convergent Validity, Variance Extracted, Construct Reliability, and Discriminant Validity have depicted improved result with better validity and reliability.

Potentials of Islamic tourism: a case study of Malaysia on East Coast Economic Region.

Abstract: There were some barriers to develop Islamic tourism- inadequate research activities, appropriate images, proper policy and guidelines, marketing problems and lack of coordination were remaining in this region. The aim of this tourism was to obtain the satisfaction of Allah and attraction to the tourists. Tourism is the second largest income generating sector of Malaysia. Islamic tourism is a new tourism destination in the world today. Through this tourism, religious duty was performed as well as knowledge achieved for wider dimension. International and domestic tourist arrival data for Malaysia and East Coast Economic Region used in this study. The study revealed that there were huge opportunities to develop Islamic tourism in the East Coast Economic Region and a lot of natural beauties, cultural and archeological heritage, historic civilizations, and religious places, which might be potential tourism destinations. Various organizations including Organisation of Islamic Conference can play vital role in this regard. So, if Malaysia develop the Islamic tourism in East Coast Economic Region, the present and future generations will know the glorious heritage of Islam and it also ensures their economic sustainability.

Significant factors causing and effects of delay in Iranian construction projects

Abstract: Delays are one of the main problems in construction projects in developing countries, as cause a negative effects on the projects. Delays can be minimized only when their causes are recognized. The aim of this paper is to identify the main causes and consequences of delay in Iranian construction projects. The literature related the field of causes and effects of delay in construction projects has been reviewed from 2000 onwards. A questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit the causes and consequences of delay from consultants and contractors' viewpoint. This study identified 10 most important causes of delay from a list of 27 different causes of delay and 6 different effects of delay. It was found the predominant causes of delay are poor site management and supervision, delay in progress payment by clients, change orders by client during construction, ineffective planning and scheduling of project by contractor, financial difficulties by contractor, slowness in decision making process by client, delays in producing design documents, late in reviewing and approving design documents by client, poor contract management by consultant and problems with subcontractors. The results showed delay can lead to many negative effects such as time and cost overrun, disputes, arbitration, total abandonment and litigation. The paper forecasts some future trends and suggests certain areas in which future research on construction projects could focus on. Although the research is devoted to Iran's specific case, the findings of construction management problems are common to developing countries.

Reduction of greenhouse gases emission and effect on environment.

Abstract: What is called today as Global warming, in fact is increase average of earth temperature around surface, the scientists research present during 100 years ago, the average of temperature near earth surface had increase between 0/18 to 0/74. International group has announced in report about climate changes (IPCC) that is valid reference in field of climate changes and global warming effects "further of temperature increase that observed in the middle of 20 century, is due to greenhouse gases that human has produced". Models of climate changes that designed by IPCC, present between 1990 to 2100 A.D. The average of earth surface temperature has increase between 1.1 to 6.4 C believes even if the amount of greenhouse gases of the Earth's atmosphere remain stable, effects of it will be endure until end of third millennium. This study analysis destructive effect of greenhouse gases on environment.

Obstacles in Implementing Green Building Projects in Malaysia

Abstract: Widespread concern about energy conservation, global warming and depletion of the planet's non-renewable resources has given birth to the green building movement, with its idea of sustainable architecture that seems to be mushrooming across the world. Simply put, green buildings represent design and construction that are sensitive to the environment now and in the future. Green building is not a common practice in Malaysia because of the unique challenges these programs face. This research was conducted to identify the main obstacles to the advancements of green buildings developments in the country and how to include more involvement from the parties in the construction industry to adopt this approach. The opinions and views of related parties in building industry were obtained from structured interviews and case studies which have been identified to give a clearer picture of the current situation of the green building developments in Malaysia. Suggestions on how to gain more exposure for green buildings were also acquired. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the main hurdles are lack of awareness, education and information on the benefits of the construction of green buildings. It is important for us Malaysians to get a paradigm shift and start looking at greener options which are more environmentally friendly and reduces energy consumption. Creating awareness also is the first and biggest step to ensure that green buildings are here to stay.

On The Exact Solution of Newell-Whitehead-Segel Equation Using the Homotopy Perturbation Method

Abstract: In the present work, we use the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) to solve the Newell- Whitehead-Segel non-linear differential equations. Four case study problems of Newell-Whitehead- Segel are solved by the HPM and the exact solutions are obtained. The trend of the rapid convergence of the sequences constructed by the method toward the exact solution is shown numerically. As a result the rapid convergence towards the exact solutions of HPM indicates that, using the HPM to solve the Newell-Whitehead-Segel non-linear differential equations, a reasonable less amount of computational work with acceptable accuracy may be sufficient. Moreover the application of the HPM proves that the method is an effective and simple tool for solving the Newell-Whitehead-Segel non-linear differential equations.

Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts From Some Medicinal Plant

Abstract: Six ethanolic extracts from plants of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), black cumin (Nigella sativa), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) black pepper (Piper nigrum ) and chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) were purchased from local market in Dammam, Saudi Arabia were assayed for the in vitro antimicrobial activity against gram-positive standard bacteria represented by Staphylococus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and gram-negative standard bacteria represented by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and yeast represented by Candida albicans using hole- plate diffusion method. Clove was strongly inhibited the growth of B. subtilis, Ps. aeruginosa and C. albicans, whereas Cinnamon was strongly inhibited the growth of B. subtilis and C. albicans only. The other plants have no inhibition activity or have stimulation activity on test organisms. Staphylococus aureus and Escherichia coli were resistant to all the plants extracts. Ps. aeruginosa was resistant to almost all of the plants extracts except clove. Ginger and chamomile showed stimulation activity on B. subtilis and C. albicans. The inhibitory concentration of each extract for given microorganisms. Both clove and cinnamon extracts showed remarkable effect on B. subtilis and C. albicans at very low concentration MIC, 3.125-6.25 µg/ml and 12.5-25, respectively. In addition, clove extract have marked inhibitory effect on Ps. aeruginosa at low concentration MIC 25 µg/ml.

Physico-chemical Properties of Inulin Produced from Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers on Bench and Pilot Plant Scale

Abstract: Phyisco-chemical properties of inulin produced from Jerusalem artichoke tubers were studied. Inulin was light gray powder, natural taste, pH 6.0, soluble in water and low viscosity in solution. Water oil absorption index of inulin powder considered a good indicator for excellent oil absorption. Foam capacity (FC) and (FS) stability have been studied, at 120 min under pH 6.0, the foams of inulin in their maximum stabilities on bench or pilot plant scale, respectively. Emulsion capacity has been investigated and should high value at pH 6.0. The produced inulin has the following ingredients. The reducing sugars (4.90 - 5.21%), total carbohydrates (94.27-96.18%) and inulin content (90.97 & 89.47%). Inulin contains a high level of micro-elements: Zn, Fe and Mn, macro-elements: K, Ca, Na and P. Functional groups of inulin were known by FT-IR Spectrum. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace elements in the inulin powder by X-ray Fluorescence were studied.

Total soluble solids, titratable acidity and repining index of tomato in various storage conditions.

Abstract: Effects of controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in comparison with conventional cold storage on qualitative properties of green-mature harvested tomato were evaluated. Qualitative properties included Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content, Titratable Acidity (TA) and Ripening Index (RI). Under CAS and MAP conditions, gas composition was 5 kPa O2 and 3 kPa CO2. Although amongst storage treatments, the maximum value of TSS was observed in cold storage, its decreasing trend in CAS was slower than that in cold storage. Additionally, MAP and especially CAS slowed down the diminishing trend of TA in tomatoes. Results showed that the ability of CAS and MAP to retard the ripening index was more than cold storage and trend of changes were more stable in MAP and CAS. Keywords: Controlled atmosphere storage; Modified atmosphere packaging; Cold storage; Total soluble solids; Titratable Acidity, Tomato.

Use of Silicate and Different Cultivation Practices in Alleviating Salt Stress Effect on Bean Plants

Abstract: A field experiment was cultivated with faba bean on saline soil of 7.5 dS/m, where the following treatments were applied: 1) three cultivation practices (Furrow with mulch, furrow without mulch and line), 2) five foliar applications (potassium silicate, magnesium silicate, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate) and control. Moreover, the interaction between treatments was also considered. The results showed that furrow with mulch method had a major effect compared to other cultivation methods on shoot height (cm), root length (cm), shoot dry weight (g) and root dry weight (g) at 70 and 90 days after sowing and on straw weight (g/plant), root weight (g/plant), basic branch, pods number/plant, pods weight and seed yield (g/plant and kg/fed.) at harvesting. All measured parameters were significantly increased by silicon solutions as compared with sulphate solutions, although potassium silicate was the best. Magnesium silicate solution gave the highest values of N% and P% in contrast to K2SiO4 which gave the highest K% values in plant tissue. Generally, furrow method reduced the salinity on sides of ridge, salts moved from sides towards top of ridge. Furrow with mulch treatment decreased soil salinity more than other cultivation practices, so it is the best practice to avoid salinity hazard in salt affected soils.

Strength of Concrete as Influenced by Palm Oil Fuel Ash

Abstract: Concrete is a suitable and popular construction material all over the world and cement is the most important constituent for its production. Due to continuous increasing of the cost of cement, the use of supplementary cementing materials such as industrial by-product (slag, fly ash, silica fume) and biogenic wastes (palm oil fuel ash, rice husk ash, ash from timber) have become significant in concrete industry. One of these important biogenic waste is the palm oil fuel ash (POFA) - generated as by-product from palm oil mills. The production of POFA increases every year, it is disposed for landfills without any return value and now becomes a burden. It contains a non-crystalline silicon dioxide with high specific surface area and high pozzolanic reactivity. Many researches have been conducted for the use of pozzolans, especially waste pozzolans- POFA, rice husk ash, silica fume- as a replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Test results regarding compressive strength and durability of concrete from these researches confirmed the use of POFA as a pozzolanic material for cement replacement in mortar and concrete. In this paper, a review on the strength of concrete as influenced by the use of POFA as partial replacement of cement in concrete has been presented. Based on the information available in literature on the utilization of POFA in blended concrete, the compressive strength of concrete as affected by the percent replacement and fineness of POFA in concrete is mainly discussed here. Advantages and disadvantages of POFA in concrete are also mentioned. Effective consumption of POFA as pozzolanic material in concrete, would decrease the cost of concrete production, could reduce negative environmental effect, and also would solve the landfill problem for the disposal of these wastes.

Environmental Law and Policy Practices in Malaysia: An Empirical Study

Abstract: Malaysia is one of the very environmentally rich countries in the world. At present, her traditions and heritage have been facing with numerous environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, exploitation of natural resources etc. Although, there are some historic states in Malaysia listed as a UNESCO Heritage Sites in the country. In order to cope with the environmental problems, the Government of Malaysia has passed some important environmental laws and policies such as the Environment Quality Act 1974 and its Regulations 1989, the Environmental Quality Order 1989, the Protection of Wildlife Act, the National Forestry Act 1984, the Fisheries Act 1985, the National Parks Act 1980, the International Environmental Laws etc. In addition to that, the Civil Law Act 1972, the Principles of the English Laws, the Federal Law, Shariah Laws, the Adat Temenggung (Malay Customary Laws) with some international environmental obligations etc; have also been implemented in order to attain sustainable environment and development in the country. But it regrets that these laws and policies have not been properly implemented due to some problems such as non -coordination, weak enforcement, customary attitudes etc. The study will examine potentialities and constraints of the environmental laws and policies in Malaysia consisting of 25 respondents in different criteria such as the professionals including foreigners, local people, old aged people, law enforcing agency, students etc., based on the primary and secondary sources through structured and unstructured in Melaka City, Malaysia. I. Background: Malaysia is historically one of the environmentally rich and abundant in natural resources and high biodiversity countries in the world consists of renewable and non-renewable resources that may include in every sectors of the country including the mineral resources, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, marine, poultry etc., without which we cannot live. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the ASEAN region. The country provides 41% of world supplies of natural rubber, 39% of hardwoods, 37% of palm oil and 32% of tin. But this rich environment along with natural resource with the heritage and traditions have been facing numerous problems such as climate change, biodiversity degradation, increasing scarcity unwise use of natural resources, hazardous waste management, growing rate of urbanization, weak enforcement and short term policy, instable and defective foreign policy, weak environmental governance, lack of technicalities, lack of environmental

Customer awareness and current usage of Islamic retail banking products and services in Malaysia

Abstract: This study aims to examine the customer awareness and the usage of Islamic retail banking products and services among the urban and rural banking customers of Malaysia. The market share of Islamic retail banking remains low despite being in operation for the fast 28 years. Therefore, a comparative analysis on consumer awareness and the current usage of Islamic retail banking between urban and rural banking customers was conducted to gain more compelling insight about Malaysian banking customers’ awareness on Islamic retail banking products and services. Results revealed that there is a significant difference between the urban and rural customers in terms of awareness and usage of Islamic retail banking. Thus, the findings of this study would be a valuable guideline to the banking sector to devise appropriate promotional strategies to popularize Islamic retail banking products and services among the banking customers of Malaysia.

Alleviation the adverse effects of salinity stress in sunflower cultivars using nicotinamide and α-tocopherol.

Abstract: A possible survival strategy of plants under saline conditions is to use some compounds that could alleviate salt stress effect. The effect of exogenously application of α-tochopherol or nicotinamide as seed soaking prior to sowing in saline soil with different salinity levels (EC 1.56, 4.68 and 7.83 ds/m) to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars (Hysun 336 and Euroflor) was investigated. Salinity stress decreased total soluble sugars content concomitantly with increasing proline, free amino acids and total phenol contents in both cultivars. The activities of CAT, POX, PPO and PAL were decreased with increasing salinity level. In addition, the content of Na + was increased significantly under salinity stress, while, N, P, K and Mg contents were decreased with increasing salinity levels. Also, salinity stress decreased the contents of some microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) at both cultivars. Soaking sunflower seeds with different concentrations of α-tocopherol or nicotinamide could alleviate the harmful effects of salinity stress.

Students' Procedural and Conceptual Understanding of Mathematics

Abstract: The goal in mathematics teaching has shifted towards an emphasis on both procedural and conceptual understanding. The importance of gaining procedural and conceptual understanding is aligned with the objective of mathematics education in Malaysia. This study sought to investigate students' procedural and conceptual understanding of algebra. It also examined the relationship between mathematics procedural understanding and conceptual understanding. Using a survey method, the study was carried out on 132 students from secondary schools. The instrument used was the algebra test containing 14 conceptual and procedural items. The data were analyzed descriptively based on percentage, mean, and standard deviation to determine students' procedural and conceptual understanding of mathematics. Pearson's correlation was used to determine the relationship between procedural and conceptual understanding. The findings revealed that the students' level of procedural understanding is high whereas the level of conceptual understanding is low. They had a higher procedural understanding gain compared to conceptual understanding gain. Furthermore, there was a significant positive relationship between mathematics procedural understanding and conceptual understanding.

Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction of Palm Oil Reduced Pancreatic Damage and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Increased free radicals production and decreased of antioxidant defense system are common complications encounter in diabetes mellitus (DM). Tocotrienol-rich fraction of palm oil (TRF) is an antioxidant that is rich in tocotrienol and tocopherol. The main aim of the present study was to determine the effect of TRF against oxidative stress in pancreas of diabetic rats. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: non-diabetic (NDM), non-diabetic supplemented TRF (NDM+TRF), diabetic rats and diabetic rats supplemented TRF (diabetic+TRF). Diabetes was induced through a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin at the dose of 45 mg/kg and TRF was administered orally and daily at the dose of 200 mg/kg for 28 days. At the end of four weeks study, TRF supplementation reduced hyperglycemic state and prevented the severe damage to the islet cells of pancreas. Supplemented TRF also significantly reduced (p<0.05) the status of oxidative stress of pancreas as evidenced by reduction in the level of malondealdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl than those diabetic rats alone. Meanwhile, improved antioxidant defense system was also observed in diabetic group supplemented with TRF which was demonstrated by significantly higher (p<0.05) levels of glutathione (GSH) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as compared to diabetes rats without TRF supplementation. In conclusion, TRF was able to reduce pancreatic damage and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and the process was probably mediated by its antioxidant effects.

Comparison of Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS methods for plant species selection (case study: reclamation plan of sungun Copper Mine; Iran).

Abstract: Plant species selection is a multi-criteria evaluation decision and has a strategic importance for many companies. The conventional methods for Plant species selection are inadequate for dealing with the imprecise or vague nature of linguistic assessment. To overcome this difficulty, fuzzy multicriteria decision-making methods are proposed. The aim of this study is to use fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F.AHP) and the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (F.TOPSIS) methods for the selection of Plant Species in mine reclamation plan. The proposed methods have been applied to a Plant species selection problem of a surface mine land in Iran. After determining the criteria that affect the Plant species decisions, fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS methods are applied to the problem and results are presented. The similarities and differences of two methods are also discussed.

Utilization of faba bean and cowpea flours in gluten free cake production.

Abstract: The current research aims to produce gluten free bakery product such as cake to use it in autism disease cases nutrition. Raw and germinated of either beans (GB) or cowpea (GC) flours, as a substitute for wheat (W) flour in cake production, were evaluated. The rheological properties of flour dough and product quality properties (physical, chemical, protein content, color and sensory characteristics) resulted from wheat flour, raw and germinated of either beans or cowpea flours were examined in cake manufacturing. Wheat flour was replaced by raw and germinated beans and cowpea flours in ratios of 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The results should that the water absorption, dough development time (DDT) and dough weakening increments, mixing tolerance index (MTI) and dough stability decrements in the case of raw and germinated legumes flours, were observed. On the other hand, the mixing tolerance index values (MTI) was increased in the case of germinated legumes flour. Baking properties, color and sensory evaluation tests showed that the 100% wheat flour amounts could be replaced by the same amounts of germinated bean and still providing good quality. But substitution of wheat flour by 50% cowpea flour gave good cake but in the other ratios the taste became unable as a resulted increasing the germinated and ungerminated cowpea flour. The staling rate was reduced in cake made from 100% germinated bean flour compared to control cake. It could be concluded that the resulted products possessed a long shelf life period with good qualities and could be easier in transportation.

The Effectiveness of Online Advertising in Purchase Decision: Liking, Recall and Click

Abstract: With the rapid advancement in the IT industry, many companies have made the Internet as part of their advertising media mix to take advantage of the online technologies. The Internet has become a popular advertising platform because marketers found that the Internet possess greater flexibility and control over the advertising materials. The aim of this research is to answer the question: "How significant are the measures of advertising effectiveness in terms of (1) attitude towards the ad, (2) ad recall, and (3) click-through rates in explaining online purchase decision." All the three measures of advertising effectiveness were found to be significant predictors, with the ability to recall online ads being the most important predictor (Beta = 0.517), followed by the frequency of clicking online ads (Beta = 0.205) and attitudes toward online advertising (Beta = 0.163). The findings suggest that online advertising may be a powerful marketing tool in the context of online environment. The research findings also imply that marketers should include online advertising in their advertising media mix as online advertising promotes online buying or online shopping.

2011. Major and trace elements in different types of Moroccan honeys.

Abstract: Forty-eight honey samples from different regions in Morocco were collected from beekeepers between 2005 and 2008. The levels of trace elements Mn, Cu, Ba, Ni, Cr, Co, Se, As, Ag and Be; major elements K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe and Zn; and toxic elements Cd and Pb were determined. Mg, K, Ca and Na were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and the other mineral elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following acid digestion. Potassium was the most abundant element (71.22% of the total minerals), followed by sodium and calcium (15.64% and 7.24%, respectively). Ten honey types, Euphorbia echinus, Euphorbia resinifera, Ziziphus lotus, Citrus, Eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, carob, lavender and honeydew were studied, and a statistical analysis was carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) to classify them. PCA showed that the cumulative variance was 76.57%, and the DA analysis indicated that 73.3% of samples were correctly classified. Carob, rosemary and lavender honey were 100% classified. The mineral content of Euphorbia echinus, Ziziphus lotus, rosemary, carob and lavender Moroccan honey types has been determined for the first time.

Factors Affecting Brand Loyalty: An Empirical Study in Malaysia

Abstract: In today's competitive business environments, consumers are exposed to a large number of brand choice alternatives. Managers and marketers are battling to keep their brand loyal customer loyal and trying to avoid competitors from grabbing of these customers. There are various factors that impede customers to become loyal to either company or brand that they are using. It is the facts that maintaining customer loyalty towards certain brand is not an easy task but marketers are trying their best to increase or at least maintain brand loyalty. As such, this study intended to examine the factors that could possible affect brand loyalty among young consumer in Malaysia. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 300 university students. The results revealed that product involvement, perceived quality and brand trust are the major factors that affect consumer brand loyalty. The implications of the study were discussed and future research improvement were suggested.

Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete with Different Aspect Ratio

Abstract: This study describe the mechanical properties of fresh and hardened state hybrid steel fibre reinforced concrete with different aspect ratio and volume fraction. Twenty one mixes included one control mix (without fibre) were prepared and tested in the laboratory. Workability tests were conducted to investigate the properties of the fresh concrete mixes. Meanwhile, the properties of the hardened concrete were investigated using compressive tests, split tensile tests and flexural strength tests. The results indicate that the hybrid steel fibre reinforced concrete (at volume fraction of 1.5%, consisting of 70% long fibre and 30% short fibre) gave the highest value of flexural strength and split tensile strength. On the other hand, the concrete mix containing 30% long fibres and 70% short fibres at 1.5% volume fraction gave the highest compressive strength. It was also observed that by increasing the percentage of fibre volume in the mix, the workability of the concrete mix will reduced.

Land suitability evaluation for sorghum crop in the Ibb Governorate, Republic of Yemen using remote sensing and GIS techniques.

Abstract: Land evaluation is the process of making predictions of land performance over time based on specific types of uses. These predictions are then used as a guide in strategic land use decision making. Therefore, the primarily traditional bases of land evaluation are soil resource inventories, commonly known as soil surveys. The vital task of land evaluation is to identify the levels and geographical patterns of biophysical constraints and hence, land suitability for a given purpose. This paper presents a spatial modelling procedure for land suitability evaluation of rainfed sorghum crop using available biophysical information. Moreover, this study was undertaken to develop a physical land suitability method using GIS and remote sensing technologies in arid and semiarid ecosystems such as that of Ibb Governorate at Highland region of the southwestern Yemen. It aimed to provide a simple example of how GIS and remote sensing technologies can be applied to detect the types of potential land suitability of agriculture in the study area. In addition, it intended to design an information system for land resource assessment. Accordingly, this study reveals that the nearly 5 % of the study area is highly suitable, 25 % is moderately suitable, 31 % marginally suitable, 24 currently unsuitable as well as 15 % permanently not suitable for the production of sorghum.

Chitosan Physical Forms: A Short Review

Abstract: Chitosan is a modified carbohydrate polymer derived industrially by hydrolyzing the aminoacetyl groups of chitin. It is a natural, biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, and anti-bacterial poly-saccharide available in different forms such as solution, powder, flake, fiber and film. Due to its wide range of physical forms, chitosan has broad applications in different fields. This paper reviews the latest development in the physical forms of chitosan and its blends. Various physical forms of chitosan and its blends together with other derivatives such as composites and graft copolymers have been developed to overcome its disadvantages such as poor mechanical properties and to improve its functionality towards specific applications. The progress made in converting chitosan and its blends into various physical forms as well as the preparation methods are presented.

Insecticidal and Antifeedant Activities and Chemical Composition of Casimiroa Edulis La Llave & Lex (Rutaceae) Leaf Extract and its Fractions Against Spodoptera Littoralis Larvae

Abstract: Insecticidal and antifeedant activities of acetone extract of Casimiroa edulis (Rutaceae) leaf were screened against 4 th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Crude extract had LC50 value of 79.47μg/cm 2 and SC50 of 88.97 μg/cm 2 . Seven fractions were then collected from the extract by silica gel column chromatography (eluted by different solvent systems). Four of these fractions recorded percent sterility more than 50, in addition to, the crude extract, which gave 82.86% sterility at the LC 50 . Phytochemical analysis for crude extract and five active fractions composition were determined by GC/MS. 32 compounds were identified in the crude extract, dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, predominantly βeta caryophyllene (28.98% area), germacrene (7.73% area), in addition to sclerodione (17.63% area).Fatty acid esters with total area of 11.57% were also present. The chemical composition of the active fractions was identified. The results suggest that the acetone extract of C. edulis leaves and some of its fractions are of promising insecticidsl and antifeedant activity

The effectiveness of sukuk in Islamic finance market

Abstract: Over the past decade, Islamic finance has been growing at an average rate of more than 30 percent per year. This impressive performance has greatly benefited many national economies, irrespective of faith or race by fostering significant growth and increased employment opportunities. No doubt, Islamic finance has been identified as one of the important growth areas for the National Key Economic Activities. Today, sukuk ( Islamic bond ) is among the most successful Islamic financial product in the industry and be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global financial landscape. But, this sufficient operation are still new in the market, only a few research have been undertaken on this topic. In view of this limitation, this article aims to explore the practice and prospect of sukuk market in Malaysia. The application and mechanics of sukuk market will be discussed. It is also aims to look at the differences between the sukuk market and the conventional market. Subsequently, understanding of it among the investors were also examined and opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed will be reviewed. As will be evident in this article, this system has its own advantages and value added which would make it the system of choice in meeting specific investment interests and needs.

The effect of dietary clove oil on broiler performance.

Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effect of addition different levels of clove oil, as a natural growth promoter, on broiler the performance .105 unsexed, 7day-old commercial broiler chicks (Ross 308) were divided randomly into five groups, each group was subdivided into three replicates with seven chicks per each. The control diet was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of broiler chicks (A),diet B was supplement with antibiotic(0.01),diets C,D and E were the control diet supplemented with 200,400 and 600mg/kg clove oil respectively. The diets were prepared freshly each day. Results showed that chicks fed on 600mg/kg clove oil recorded more in feed intake and body weight compared to both control and antibiotic groups ,but this increase was not significant (p<0.05). For feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG) chicks fed on diet with antibiotic recorded numerically the best value. Chicks fed on diets contain clove oil recorded the lowest rate of mortality compared to control group.