A study of phytoplankton assemblages and water quality characteristics was conducted monthly from... more A study of phytoplankton assemblages and water quality characteristics was conducted monthly from November 2009 to October 2010 at the coastal waters adjacent to the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station (SASPS) in Manjung, Perak, Malaysia. Water quality parameters were measured and phytoplankton samples were collected at five sampling stations with different environmental conditions. The results showed a significant difference of total phytoplankton abundance, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, TSS, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, BOD, chlorophyll-a, and water transparency among sampling stations (P<0.05). In this study, Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Dinophyta were the major phylum presented at all sampling stations, and the most dominant phytoplankton species was Odontella sinensis based on Importance Species Indices. The Principal Component Analysis recommended a combination of factors such as anthropogenic input, thermal discharge, and turbidity that influenced the phytopl...
This study was carried out in Pedu Reservoir from July 2008 to August 2009. Seven sampling statio... more This study was carried out in Pedu Reservoir from July 2008 to August 2009. Seven sampling stations were designated (including riverine, transitional and lacustrine zone), and phytoplankton, with special emphasis on desmids and dinoflagellates spatial and temporal distribution were examined. Peridinium gatunense (Dinoflagellates) was the dominant species at Station 3 to Station 7. However, at Station 1 and Station 2, Tetraedron regulare and Cosmarium sp. (Desmids) was the dominant species, respectively. Spearmann Rank Correlation test showed correlation between phosphorus and species richness, thus support the ideas about phosphorus is the limiting factors of phytoplankton abundances in lake ecosystems.
International Petroleum Technology Conference, 2011
... GE Archie: &amp;amp;quot;The electrical Resistivity Log as an Aid in Determining Some Res... more ... GE Archie: &amp;amp;quot;The electrical Resistivity Log as an Aid in Determining Some Reservoir Characteristics&amp;amp;quot;, SPE 942054G, SPE Dallas Meeting, October 1941 12. R. Masoudi, H. Karkooti, M. Othman, N. Darman, “Reliable Characterization and Modelling of the Capillary Transition ...
In large man-made reservoirs such as those resulting from hydroelectric dam construction, bacteri... more In large man-made reservoirs such as those resulting from hydroelectric dam construction, bacteria transform the relatively harmless inorganic mercury naturally present in soil and the submerged plant matter into toxic methylmercury. Methylmercury then enters food webs and can accumulate in organisms at higher trophic levels. Bats feeding on insects emerging from aquatic systems can show accumulation of mercury consumed through their insect prey. In this study, we investigated whether the concentration of mercury in the fur of insectivorous bat species was significantly higher than that in the fur of frugivorous bat species, sampled near hydroelectric reservoirs in Peninsular Malaysia. Bats were sampled at Temenggor Lake and Kenyir Lake and fur samples from the most abundant genera of the two feeding guilds-insectivorous (Hipposideros and Rhinolophus) and frugivorous (Cynopterus and Megaerops) were collected for mercury analysis. We found significantly higher concentrations of total mercury in the fur of insectivorous bats. Mercury concentrations also differed significantly between insectivorous bats sampled at the two sites, with bats from Kenyir Lake, the younger reservoir, showing higher mercury concentrations, and between the insectivorous genera, with Hipposideros bats showing higher mercury concentrations. Ten bats (H. cf. larvatus) sampled at Kenyir Lake had mercury concentrations approaching or exceeding 10 mg/kg, which is the threshold at which detrimental effects occur in humans, bats and mice.
Bats are important flagship species for biodiversity research; however, diversity in Southeast As... more Bats are important flagship species for biodiversity research; however, diversity in Southeast Asia is considerably underestimated in the current checklists and field guides. Incorporation of DNA barcoding into surveys has revealed numerous species-level taxa overlooked by conventional methods. Inclusion of these taxa in inventories provides a more informative record of diversity, but is problematic as these species lack formal description. We investigated how frequently documented, but undescribed, bat taxa are encountered in Peninsular Malaysia. We discuss whether a barcode library provides a means of recognizing and recording these taxa across biodiversity inventories. Tissue was sampled from bats trapped at Pasir Raja, Dungun Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. The DNA was extracted and the COI barcode region amplified and sequenced. We identified 9 species-level taxa within our samples, based on analysis of the DNA barcodes. Six specimens matched to four previously documented taxa considered candidate species but currently lacking formal taxonomic status. This study confirms the high diversity of bats within Peninsular Malaysia (9 species in 13 samples) and demonstrates how DNA barcoding allows for inventory and documentation of known taxa lacking formal taxonomic status.
Global Journal of Management and Business Research, Sep 27, 2011
... (USA) Online ISSN: 2249-4588 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Print ISSN: 0975-5853 Entrepreneurial ... more ... (USA) Online ISSN: 2249-4588 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Print ISSN: 0975-5853 Entrepreneurial Acculturation, Traits, and Hospitality Management in Terengganu Home Stay Industry By Muhammad Abi Sofian Abd Halim,Hj Zainuddin Zakaria,Muhazita Alias Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. ...
Emergency general surgery (EGS) has emerged as an important component of frontline operative care... more Emergency general surgery (EGS) has emerged as an important component of frontline operative care. Efforts in high-income settings have described its burden but have yet to consider low- and middle-income health care settings in which emergent conditions represent a high proportion of operative need. The objective of this study was to describe the disease spectrum of EGS conditions and associated factors among patients presenting in a low-middle income context. March 2009-April 2014 discharge data from a university teaching hospital in South Asia were obtained for patients (≥16 years) with primary International Classification of Diseases, 9(th) revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes consistent with an EGS condition as defined by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality and occurrence of ≥1 major complication(s). Multivariable analyses were performed, adjusting for differences in demographic and case-mix factors. A total of 13,893 discharge records corresponded to EGS conditions. Average age was 47.2 years (±16.8, standard deviation), with a male preponderance (59.9%). The majority presented with admitting diagnoses of biliary disease (20.2%), followed by soft-tissue disorders (15.7%), hernias (14.9%), and colorectal disease (14.3%). Rates of death and complications were 2.7% and 6.6%, respectively; increasing age was an independent predictor of both. Patients in need of resuscitation (n = 225) had the greatest rates of mortality (72.9%) and complications (94.2%). This study takes an important step toward quantifying outcomes and complications of EGS, providing one of the first assessments of EGS conditions using American Association for the Surgery of Trauma definitions in a low-middle income health care setting. Further efforts in varied settings are needed to promote representative benchmarking worldwide.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are one of the leading causes of death in... more Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are one of the leading causes of death in the USA and around the world. As a preventable healthcare-associated infection, they are associated with significant morbidity and excess costs to the healthcare system. Effective and long-term CLABSI prevention requires a multifaceted approach, involving evidence-based best practices coupled with effective implementation strategies. Currently recommended practices are supported by evidence and are simple, such as appropriate hand hygiene, use of full barrier precautions, avoidance of femoral lines, skin antisepsis, and removal of unnecessary lines. The most successful and sustained improvements in CLABSI rates further utilize an adaptive component to align provider behaviors with consistent and reliable use of evidence-based practices. Great success has been achieved in reducing CLABSI rates in the USA and elsewhere over the past decade, but more is needed. This article aims to review the initiatives undertaken to reduce CLABSI and summarizes the sentinel and recent literature regarding CLABSI and its prevention.
A study of phytoplankton assemblages and water quality characteristics was conducted monthly from... more A study of phytoplankton assemblages and water quality characteristics was conducted monthly from November 2009 to October 2010 at the coastal waters adjacent to the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station (SASPS) in Manjung, Perak, Malaysia. Water quality parameters were measured and phytoplankton samples were collected at five sampling stations with different environmental conditions. The results showed a significant difference of total phytoplankton abundance, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, TSS, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, BOD, chlorophyll-a, and water transparency among sampling stations (P<0.05). In this study, Bacillariophyta, Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Dinophyta were the major phylum presented at all sampling stations, and the most dominant phytoplankton species was Odontella sinensis based on Importance Species Indices. The Principal Component Analysis recommended a combination of factors such as anthropogenic input, thermal discharge, and turbidity that influenced the phytopl...
This study was carried out in Pedu Reservoir from July 2008 to August 2009. Seven sampling statio... more This study was carried out in Pedu Reservoir from July 2008 to August 2009. Seven sampling stations were designated (including riverine, transitional and lacustrine zone), and phytoplankton, with special emphasis on desmids and dinoflagellates spatial and temporal distribution were examined. Peridinium gatunense (Dinoflagellates) was the dominant species at Station 3 to Station 7. However, at Station 1 and Station 2, Tetraedron regulare and Cosmarium sp. (Desmids) was the dominant species, respectively. Spearmann Rank Correlation test showed correlation between phosphorus and species richness, thus support the ideas about phosphorus is the limiting factors of phytoplankton abundances in lake ecosystems.
International Petroleum Technology Conference, 2011
... GE Archie: &amp;amp;quot;The electrical Resistivity Log as an Aid in Determining Some Res... more ... GE Archie: &amp;amp;quot;The electrical Resistivity Log as an Aid in Determining Some Reservoir Characteristics&amp;amp;quot;, SPE 942054G, SPE Dallas Meeting, October 1941 12. R. Masoudi, H. Karkooti, M. Othman, N. Darman, “Reliable Characterization and Modelling of the Capillary Transition ...
In large man-made reservoirs such as those resulting from hydroelectric dam construction, bacteri... more In large man-made reservoirs such as those resulting from hydroelectric dam construction, bacteria transform the relatively harmless inorganic mercury naturally present in soil and the submerged plant matter into toxic methylmercury. Methylmercury then enters food webs and can accumulate in organisms at higher trophic levels. Bats feeding on insects emerging from aquatic systems can show accumulation of mercury consumed through their insect prey. In this study, we investigated whether the concentration of mercury in the fur of insectivorous bat species was significantly higher than that in the fur of frugivorous bat species, sampled near hydroelectric reservoirs in Peninsular Malaysia. Bats were sampled at Temenggor Lake and Kenyir Lake and fur samples from the most abundant genera of the two feeding guilds-insectivorous (Hipposideros and Rhinolophus) and frugivorous (Cynopterus and Megaerops) were collected for mercury analysis. We found significantly higher concentrations of total mercury in the fur of insectivorous bats. Mercury concentrations also differed significantly between insectivorous bats sampled at the two sites, with bats from Kenyir Lake, the younger reservoir, showing higher mercury concentrations, and between the insectivorous genera, with Hipposideros bats showing higher mercury concentrations. Ten bats (H. cf. larvatus) sampled at Kenyir Lake had mercury concentrations approaching or exceeding 10 mg/kg, which is the threshold at which detrimental effects occur in humans, bats and mice.
Bats are important flagship species for biodiversity research; however, diversity in Southeast As... more Bats are important flagship species for biodiversity research; however, diversity in Southeast Asia is considerably underestimated in the current checklists and field guides. Incorporation of DNA barcoding into surveys has revealed numerous species-level taxa overlooked by conventional methods. Inclusion of these taxa in inventories provides a more informative record of diversity, but is problematic as these species lack formal description. We investigated how frequently documented, but undescribed, bat taxa are encountered in Peninsular Malaysia. We discuss whether a barcode library provides a means of recognizing and recording these taxa across biodiversity inventories. Tissue was sampled from bats trapped at Pasir Raja, Dungun Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. The DNA was extracted and the COI barcode region amplified and sequenced. We identified 9 species-level taxa within our samples, based on analysis of the DNA barcodes. Six specimens matched to four previously documented taxa considered candidate species but currently lacking formal taxonomic status. This study confirms the high diversity of bats within Peninsular Malaysia (9 species in 13 samples) and demonstrates how DNA barcoding allows for inventory and documentation of known taxa lacking formal taxonomic status.
Global Journal of Management and Business Research, Sep 27, 2011
... (USA) Online ISSN: 2249-4588 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Print ISSN: 0975-5853 Entrepreneurial ... more ... (USA) Online ISSN: 2249-4588 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Print ISSN: 0975-5853 Entrepreneurial Acculturation, Traits, and Hospitality Management in Terengganu Home Stay Industry By Muhammad Abi Sofian Abd Halim,Hj Zainuddin Zakaria,Muhazita Alias Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. ...
Emergency general surgery (EGS) has emerged as an important component of frontline operative care... more Emergency general surgery (EGS) has emerged as an important component of frontline operative care. Efforts in high-income settings have described its burden but have yet to consider low- and middle-income health care settings in which emergent conditions represent a high proportion of operative need. The objective of this study was to describe the disease spectrum of EGS conditions and associated factors among patients presenting in a low-middle income context. March 2009-April 2014 discharge data from a university teaching hospital in South Asia were obtained for patients (≥16 years) with primary International Classification of Diseases, 9(th) revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes consistent with an EGS condition as defined by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality and occurrence of ≥1 major complication(s). Multivariable analyses were performed, adjusting for differences in demographic and case-mix factors. A total of 13,893 discharge records corresponded to EGS conditions. Average age was 47.2 years (±16.8, standard deviation), with a male preponderance (59.9%). The majority presented with admitting diagnoses of biliary disease (20.2%), followed by soft-tissue disorders (15.7%), hernias (14.9%), and colorectal disease (14.3%). Rates of death and complications were 2.7% and 6.6%, respectively; increasing age was an independent predictor of both. Patients in need of resuscitation (n = 225) had the greatest rates of mortality (72.9%) and complications (94.2%). This study takes an important step toward quantifying outcomes and complications of EGS, providing one of the first assessments of EGS conditions using American Association for the Surgery of Trauma definitions in a low-middle income health care setting. Further efforts in varied settings are needed to promote representative benchmarking worldwide.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are one of the leading causes of death in... more Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are one of the leading causes of death in the USA and around the world. As a preventable healthcare-associated infection, they are associated with significant morbidity and excess costs to the healthcare system. Effective and long-term CLABSI prevention requires a multifaceted approach, involving evidence-based best practices coupled with effective implementation strategies. Currently recommended practices are supported by evidence and are simple, such as appropriate hand hygiene, use of full barrier precautions, avoidance of femoral lines, skin antisepsis, and removal of unnecessary lines. The most successful and sustained improvements in CLABSI rates further utilize an adaptive component to align provider behaviors with consistent and reliable use of evidence-based practices. Great success has been achieved in reducing CLABSI rates in the USA and elsewhere over the past decade, but more is needed. This article aims to review the initiatives undertaken to reduce CLABSI and summarizes the sentinel and recent literature regarding CLABSI and its prevention.
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