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This article aims to provide legal logic for the permissibility of choosing criminal law for non-Muslims who commit criminal acts regulated in the Aceh Qanun Jinayat based on one of the legal principles raised (endorsement) as the basis for establishing norms in the qanun in question, namely the principle of submission which is actually not recognized in criminal law. The research data are several decisions of the Syar’iyah Court in Aceh against violations of the Qanun Jinayat committed by non-Muslims. It is assumed that the decision is a shift in the principles of criminal law. This problem will be analyzed by observing the basic principles of criminal law, including the principles of the application of criminal law and the politics of criminal law. The results of the study showed that from the point of view of the principles of criminal law which is a compelling law, this submission is a deviation, but from a legal-political perspective, because the birth of permissible provisions in qanuns is a political process, where the demand to apply Islamic Sharia which basically only applies to Muslims, then as a softening of the territorial principle non-Muslims are allowed to vote.

This research aims to predict the extent of the punishment disparity probability in the Qanun Jinayat's rape formula as a consequence of the breadth of the formula and to determine the construction of the definition and classification method of the classical Islamic jurisprudence’s az-zina bil-ikrah formula and the Qanun Jinayat’s rape formula as a consequence of radical differences between the two coercive sexual delicts that are formed based on Islamic law. This research is normative legal research by using statute and comparative approach. The research results showed that the Qanun Jinayat’s rape formula has the punishment disparity probability in the same delict, the disparity in delicts those have same seriousness gradation, the disparity of punishment imposed by one judges panel, the disparity of punishment imposed by different judges panel for the same delict and the disparity of punishment in different actions in one delict formula with different gradations of seriousness. The definition and classification of az-zina bil-ikrah are constructed through the bayani method, while the definition and classification of the rape are constructed through the istishlahi method.

Tujuan penulisan ini adalah untuk menjelaskan sebab penegakan hukum tindak pidana pemilu di Provinsi Aceh belum berkeadilan dan model penegakan hukum tindak pidana pemilu di Provinsi Aceh yang berkeadilan. Kajian ini menjadi perlu oleh karena pelaksanaan pemilu yang selama ini dilaksanakan dianggap masih belum berjalan dengan baik, sehingga diperlukan perbaikan dalam segala lini terkait dengan pelaksanaan tersebut. Data di dalam penelitian ini diperoleh melalui penelitian kepustakaan dan penelitian lapangan, data yang diperoleh akan dianalisis dengan metode kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor utama yang menyebabkan penegakan hukum tindak pidana pemilu tidak berkeadilan adalah kurangnya sinergi antara lembaga penegak hukum yang duduk di Gakkumdu, masih ada Pasal yang multi tafsir dan singkatnya waktu dalam penanganan tindak pidana pemilu sehingga sulit mencari bukti maupun saksi. Model penegakan hukum yang dilakukan adalah Panwaslih Provinsi Aceh melakukan Rakernis dengan Panwaslih Kabupaten/Kota dalam rangka mematangkan persiapan pembentukan Sentra Gakkumdu di jajaran Pengawas Pemilu dan melakukan evaluasi terhadap kinerja yang sudah dilakukan guna meningkatkan optimalisasi penegakan hukum tindak pidana pemilu meskipun di dalam pelaksanaannya masih saja terdapat persepsi yang berbeda terhadap ketentuan yang ada.

Sanksi pidana bagi pemotong pajak termasuk Kuasa Bendahara Umum Daerah yang tidak menyetorkan pajak yang telah dipotong ke Kas Negara diatur Pasal 39 ayat (1) huruf i Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 1983 beserta perubahannya, namun dalam prakteknya masih terdapat putusan pengadilan yang menjatuhkan pidana dengan menggunakan aturan-aturan pidana yang terdapat dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 31 Tahun 1999 tentang Pemberantasan Tindak Pidana Korupsi sebagaimana telah diubah dengan Undang-Undang Nomor 20 Tahun 2001 tentang Perubahan Atas Undang-Undang Nomor 31 Tahun 1999 tentang Pemberantasan Tindak Pidana Korupsi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ketentuan pidana yang seharusnya diterapkan kepada Kuasa Bendahara Umum Daerah yang tidak menyetorkan pajak yang telah dipotong atau dipungutnya ke Kas Negara. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah hukum normatif dengan pendekatan kasus. Pengumpulan data dengan data sekunder, serta analisis data dilakukan secara deskriptif-analisis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, untuk mengetahui ketentuan pidana yang seharusnya diterapkan kepada Kuasa Bendahara Umum Daerah yang tidak menyetorkan pajak yang telah dipotong atau dipungutnya ke Kas Negara dapat dilihat dari corak kesengajaan yang dilakukan, apabila kesengajaan tidak menyetorkan pajak yang telah dipotong atau dipungut tersebut dengan tujuan untuk memperkaya/menguntungkan diri sendiri/orang lain/korporasi, maka perbuatan tersebut termasuk tindak pidana korupsi.

Abstract This phase 3, observer-blinded, non-inferiority randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05517642), conducted from September 2022 to May 2023 at three Malaysian sites, involved 540 adults previously vaccinated with three COVID-19 doses. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either one dose of inhaled Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (Ad5-nCoV-IH) or intramuscular tozinameran (BNT-IM). The study assessed safety, vaccine efficacy (VE) and immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The primary outcome was the non-inferiority of anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD IgG) antibodies, with a 97.5% confidence interval lower limit for the geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratio >0.67. Ad5-nCoV-IH showed lower immunogenicity than BNT-IM, with a GMC ratio of 0.22 and a seroconversion rate difference of -71.91%. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were less frequent with Ad5-nCoV-IH (39.26%) compared to BNT-IM (64.68%). No serious vaccine-related adverse events were reported. Both vaccines had comparable efficacy against COVID-19 variants. This study was funded by Tianjin Biomedical Science and Technology Major Project.

Abstract Hemoglobin (Hb) Vancleave (NM_000518.5:c.431 A > T; dbSNP: rs33918338) is an extremely rare structural hemoglobin variant worldwide, and studies are limited. This report describes the case of a 16-year-old male patient who presented with secondary erythrocytosis. The diagnosis of Hb Vancleave, in combination with codon 41/42 (-TTCT) (NM_000518.5:c.126_129del; dbSNP: rs80356821), was confirmed by direct sequencing. This report highlights the importance of sequencing in the differential diagnosis of beta-thalassemia syndrome in Malaysia.

Abstract Activated carbon (AC) is becoming the limelight due to its widespread application as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment, gases, and catalysis. However, its high consumption and price have drawn more attention to the sustainable use of natural resources as precursor for AC production. This study focuses on synthesising AC from two types of oil palm trunk (OPT) fibres, a significant agricultural waste products produced by Malaysia's thriving palm oil industries. The BET surface area of about 2057.9 m2 g−1 was achieved by chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). The efficiency of the synthesised AC was critically analysed based on the adsorption experiments with methylene blue (MB) by varying several parameters (dosage of adsorbent, pH, initial dye concentration, and temperature of the solution) to elucidate the adsorption mechanism(s). A maximum adsorption capacity of 320.4 mg g−1 at 50 °C was achieved, and the Temkin (r2 = 0.98, 0.95, 0.95) and Langmuir (r2 = 0.94, 0.93, 0.95) isotherm models fitted the adsorption process better than the Freundlich (r2 = 0.95, 0.90, 0.86) model. Besides, the pseudo-second-order model (r2 > 0.90) best described the adsorption process, favouring chemisorption over physisorption. Thermodynamics showed MB adsorption on AC was spontaneous except at the highest dye concentration. It was exothermic at lower dye concentrations (50 and 100 mg L−1) and endothermic at higher ones (300, 500, and 700 mg L−1). In a nutshell, this study reveals that OPT fibre is a promising precursor for synthesising highly porous AC for the adsorption of MB dye.

Public health concerns caused by heavy metals present in wastewater have come to global attention. Heavy metal contamination of water resources will have a negative impact on marine species, the environment, and the ecosystem. A variety of wastewater treatment methods have been developed and improvised throughout the decades to counter this issue. Among the wastewater treatment methods, the adsorption method is believed to have a high potential and is suitable for removing heavy metals from wastewater. This review focuses on selecting various types of crosslinked polymer nanocomposites (CPN) as having a significant role in the removal of heavy metals from wastewater via the adsorption method. The adsorption capacity of the CPN was influenced by the polymer types, nanofiller selection, synthesis methods, and exposure conditions. This article will give us important information to improve the functionality of CPN as an adsorbent in wastewater treatment. The challenge, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, and future aspects of the CPN are shared in this review.

Key Clinical Message Liver cirrhosis may worsen during pregnancy resulting in adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Proper antenatal evaluation, staging, and variceal screening will facilitate the management. Elective endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) during the second trimester can prevent unexpected variceal bleeding. A multidisciplinary approach including the planning of delivery and shared decision‐making is recommended for favorable pregnancy outcomes. Abstract Pregnancy in women with liver cirrhosis is relatively uncommon. During pregnancy, liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension may worsen significantly, placing both the mother and fetus at an increased risk of serious morbidity and life‐threatening events. With the use of a wide variety of diagnostic tools and considerably improved treatment strategies, many women with liver disease in pregnancies are being diagnosed with significantly improved obstetric outcomes. We present a case of a 33‐year‐old lady with a previous medical history of cryptogenic chronic liver disease and schistosomiasis associated with periportal fibrosis, portal hypertension, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia. The mother presented to our tertiary care center at 18 weeks of gestation. She had EVL twice during the second trimester. With multidisciplinary care and follow‐up, she labored spontaneously and was discharged home on third postnatal day.

Burkholderia sp. IMCC1007 is a gram-negative, aerobic bacterium affiliated with class Betaproteobacteria, which was successfully isolated from maize rhizospheric soil sample in UTM research plot, Pagoh, Malaysia by using enrichment method. Strain IMCC1007 utilized 50 mgL−1 fusaric acid as its carbon source and degraded it completely within 14 h. Genome sequencing was performed using Illumina NovaSeq platform. The assembled genome was annotated using RAST (Rapid Annotation Subsystem Technology) server. The genome size was approximately 8,568,405 base pairs (bp) in 147 contigs with a G+C content of 66.04%. The genome includes 8,733 coding sequences and 68 RNAs. The genome sequence has been deposited at GenBank with the accession number of JAPVQY000000000. In the pairwise genome-to-genome comparisons, the strain IMCC1007 had an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 91.9% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 55.2% with Burkholderia anthina DSM 16086T respectively. Interestingly, fusaric acid resistance gene (fusC) and nicABCDFXT gene clusters (hydroxylation of pyridine compound) were found in the genome. Additionally, preliminary genome annotation analysis of strain IMCC1007 identified tryptophan halogenase (prnA) gene responsible for antifungal pyrrolnitrin biosynthesis. This dataset herein provides further insights into the fusaric acid degradation mechanism of the genus Burkholderia.

The increasing global fuel consumption and growing environmental concerns are the impetuses to explore alternative energy that is clean and renewable for fuel production. Converting biomass and plastic waste into high-value fuel and chemicals via co-pyrolysis technique may provide a sustainable remediation to this problem. This review critically discussed the influence of various types of plastic wastes as co-reactant in co-pyrolysis with biomass on the product distribution, synergistic effect, and quality of bio-oil. The outcome of this review revealed that the addition of plastic enhanced the yield and quality of bio-oil and inhibited the production of oxygenated compound and coke formation. Next, the critical role of zeolite-based catalyst (microporous, mesoporous, hierarchical, and metal modified zeolite) and low-cost mineral-based catalyst in upgrading the yield and quality of liquid fuel were compared and discussed. The characteristic, synthesis method, strength, and limitation of each catalyst in upgrading the products were summarized. Hierarchical zeolites can resolve the problems of mass transfer, and diffusion limitation of large molecules into active sites associated with conventional zeolite due to the combination of two levels of porosity. Finally, the potential challenges and future directions for this technique were also suggested.

High resolution Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) can indicate the trophic status of the water and provide useful information on optical features of water body in water quality monitoring. Remote sensing has great potential to offer the spatial and temporal coverage needed. Over the last decades the SeaWIFS and MODIS were applied, but not suitable due to the low spatial resolution for monitoring Chl-a in coastal area. However, the retrieval of Chl-a in the coastal region is usually challenging due to the other in-water substances regardless of Chl-a, hence resulting in the satellite retrieved Chl-a overestimation. By the advancement of the Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 satellites, continuous high resolution optical imageries have served for remarkable coastal mapping capability thanks to the spectroscopic capability certain spectral bands and as high as 10-meter spatial resolution. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of the SEADASS and SNAP processor for Chl-a estimation from the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) data in Johor waters. The representative models, in standard algorithm OC3 and C2RCC, were adapted to retrieve Chl-a concentration. The statistical regression has shown that these algorithms give an acceptable Chl-a estimation at medium and high resolution with R2 = 0.44 from OC3 and R2 = 0.55 from C2RCC comparing to the in-situ data. Despite of the spatial, temporal and spectral variability, this paper shows that OLI and MSI could provide Chl-a mapping capability at suitable Chl-a estimation techniques.

Activated carbon (AC) derived from gasified Glyricidia sepium woodchip (GGSWAC) was prepared using KOH and CO2 activation via microwave radiation technique to remove atenolol (ATN) from aqueous solution. The surface area (SBET) and total pore volume (TPV) of GGSWAC were 483.07 m2/g and 0.255 cm3, respectively. The n-BET model fits well with the isothermal data indicating a multilayer adsorption with the saturation capacity of 121, 143 and 163 mg/g at 30, 45 and 60 °C, respectively. The kinetic study showed that ATN adsorption followed Avrami model equation (R2 ≅ 0.99). Based on the thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption of ATN onto GGSWAC was endothermic (ΔHS = 234.17 kJ/mol) in the first layer of adsorption and exothermic in the subsequent layer (ΔHL = −165.62 kJ/mol). The ATN adsorption was controlled by both diffusion and chemisorption. In continuous operation, the Thomas (R2 = 0.9822) and Yoon–Nelson (R2 = 0.9817) models successfully predicted the ATN adsorption.

The abundance of gasification char residues which contributed to solid waste management problem is one of the major concerns in biomass gasification industry. This study focuses on synthesizing gasified Glyricidia sepium woodchip based activated carbon (GGSWAC) for the removal of basic green 4 (BG4) dye, evaluating the GGSWAC physicochemical properties and assessing the BG4 adsorption performance in batch and fixed-bed column systems. The optimal conditions of GGSWAC synthesis were at radiation power, time, and impregnation ratio (IR) of 616 W, 1 min and 1.93 g/g, respectively. The surface area (SBET) and total pore volume (TPV) of GGSWAC were 633.30 m2/g and 0.34 cm3/g, respectively. The Fritz–Schlünder best fitted to the experimental data at all temperatures in the isothermal studies, indicating a monolayer adsorption. The kinetic study showed that BG4 adsorption followed Avrami kinetic model. Based on thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption of BG4 dye onto GGSWAC was an endothermic and spontaneous process. In continuous operation, the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models successfully predicted BG4 adsorption onto GGSWAC. The low production cost of 0.54 USD/kg showed that GGSWAC is economically feasible for commercialization.

Abstract Background Molecular breeding has opened new avenues for crop improvement with the potential for faster progress. As oil palm is the major producer of vegetable oil in the world, its improvement, such as developing compact planting materials and altering its oils’ fatty acid composition for wider application, is important. Results This study sought to identify the QTLs associated with fatty acid composition and vegetative traits for compactness in the crop. It integrated two interspecific backcross two (BC2) mapping populations to improve the genetic resolution and evaluate the consistency of the QTLs identified. A total 1963 markers (1814 SNPs and 149 SSRs) spanning a total map length of 1793 cM were integrated into a consensus map. For the first time, some QTLs associated with vegetative parameters and carotene content were identified in interspecific hybrids, apart from those associated with fatty acid composition. The analysis identified 8, 3 and 8 genomic loci significantly associated with fatty acids, carotene content and compactness, respectively. Conclusions Major genomic region influencing the traits for compactness and fatty acid composition was identified in the same chromosomal region in the two populations using two methods for QTL detection. Several significant loci influencing compactness, carotene content and FAC were common to both populations, while others were specific to particular genetic backgrounds. It is hoped that the QTLs identified will be useful tools for marker-assisted selection and accelerate the identification of desirable genotypes for breeding.

Objective: To determine the etiologies of tropical acute febrile illness (TAFI) in West Pahang, Malaysia and to investigate morbidity and mortality factors in relation to TAFI. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted between January and June 2016 in six district hospitals throughout the western part of Pahang State in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 336 patients answered a standardized questionnaire and blood samples were collected for laboratory confirmation of infectious etiology. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with TAFI. Results: A total of 336 patients were included. The patients were mainly Malays (70.2%), males (61.3%), aged (44.6±17.4) years, with more than half (58.9%) presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. The majority were diagnosed with dengue (35.7%) while malaria (4.5%) was the least frequent. The in-hospital mortality due to TAFI was 9.2%. Patients with meliodosis had five times higher mortality [Adjusted OR: 5.002, 95% CI: (1.233, 20.286)]. Patients with comorbidities such as cardiovascular symptoms (P

Co-pyrolysis of palm wastes of empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm frond (PF) with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were investigated to find the synergistic effect of biomass-plastic pair on the yield and composition of bio-oil produced. The pyrolysis process of individual materials and their corresponding blends were employed in a fixed bed reactor at heating rate of 20 °C/min with a nitrogen flow rate of 250 mL/min. The co-pyrolysis results showed that EFB:LDPE with weight ratio of 1:1 has the largest synergy on bio-oil yield, while a negative synergy was revealed for PF:PP co-pyrolysis. In regard of bio-oil chemical composition, the synergistic effect was positive for the formation of aliphatic hydrocarbons and all feedstock decreased the overall oxygenated compounds of fuel substitute. The hydrogen generated from plastic promoted the decarboxylation of acids and decarbonylation reactions of carbonyls and sugars.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermia is used as an adjuvant treatment to sensitize cancer cells to subsequent radiotheraphy or chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to study the effect of severe hyperthermia on osteosarcoma cells and its underlying causes. METHODS: Short-term (1 h) severe hyperthermia (45°C) was applied to osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) and the heat shock response and cell death mechanisms were investigated after recovery at 37°C for 72 h. RESULTS: Cell viability was significantly reduced (p

Objective: To examine the proapoptotic properties of Oroxylum indicum methanol extract on cervical cancer cells. Methods: Methylene blue assay was used to determine the IC50 value of the extract. Western blotting assays were done to analyze the expression of HPV oncoproteins (HPV18 E6 and E7) and apoptotic molecules (caspase-3 and caspase-8). Reverse transcriptase PCR assays were performed to determine genetic alteration of tumor suppressors p53 and pRb and apoptosis markers Fas and FasL. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was done to determine the expression of cytokine levels (IL-6 and IL-12). Results: The determination of IC50 value indicated a higher anti-proliferative activity of the extract compared to cisplatin. After 24 hours of treatment, Western blot analysis showed that treated HeLa cells exhibited a significant down-regulation of HPV18 oncoproteins E6 and E7, and a significant induction of caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation level. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of p53, pRb, Fas and FasL were significantly upregulated in treated cells. Moreover, ELISA showed an increased IL-12 and decreased IL-6 production after Oroxylum indicum treatment. Conclusions: The methanol extract of Oroxylum indicum has an anti-proliferative activity and proapoptotic potential. It induces localized-immunity improvements by altering cytokine production in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells.

Discharge of non-biodegradable plastic waste and lignocellulosic biomass into the environment, and the resultant pollution has persistently increased all over the globe. This activity poses a threat not only to mankind, but also to the environment. In addressing this challenge, catalytic co-pyrolysis (CCP) of plastic waste and lignocellulosic biomass is one of the attractive ways used to reduce these types of waste, while simultaneously obtaining an alternative for conventional fossil fuel. This article has critically reviewed the literature on CCP in several areas, especially the impact of technical parameters, such as heating systems, experimental conditions, and synergistic effect of the CCP of plastic and biomass wastes. The kinetics and reaction pathways of CCP of plastic and biomass wastes are also discussed. The analysis and information presented in this review may be used in future studies to develop a sustainable and efficient heating processes in pyrolysis system to re-engineer plastic and biomass wastes.

Proteome data was obtained from the fruit mesocarps of the two oil palm species, namely, the African Elaeis guineensis (commercial tenera or commonly known as D x P and MPOB-Nigerian tenera) and the South American Elaeis oleifera. Total proteins were extracted from randomly selected fruitlets and subjected to proteomics characterisation by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Number of proteins identified, the grouping of the biological replicates from five developmental weeks after anthesis, and the localisation of gene corresponded to the detected proteins on the oil palm chromosomes, were presented. A total of 4,116, 4,210 and 4,081 proteins were found in commercial tenera and MPOB Nigerian tenera for Elaeis guineensis; and Elaeis oleifera, respectively. Principal component analysis showed two distinct clusters that corresponded to Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera. Collectively, genes that corresponded to the identified proteins were found to be located in all 16 oil palm chromosomes. A total of 59 proteins from Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera were down-regulated for >5-fold change during the peak of lipid biosynthesis compared to the onset. The same comparative analysis revealed that 66 proteins were up-regulated for >5-fold change. About 60.0% of the observed proteins were involved in catalytic activity while 28.5% were associated with redox reaction. Based on same datasets, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and 5-hydroxytryptamine degradation pathways were found to be enriched the most (>36-fold change). These data can be used to support the oil palm gene model validation and lipid metabolism research, particularly in the areas of oil yield and quality. The tabulated protein lists of identified proteins and their expression changes from these varieties were provided as supplementary files. Raw MSF and mzid files for all the oil palm species were deposited in the ProteomeXchange (PXD017436).

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has become one of the most major post-consumer plastic waste, in addition to poly(ethylene), poly(propylene), poly(styrene) and poly(vinyl chloride). PET bottles are mostly used in packaging of drinking and mineral water as well as soft drinks. This review demonstrates the potential of PET waste as a value added product in dyes adsorption application. Dyes are known to affect human health, aquatic life and the overall ecosystem in adverse way. They need to be removed from wastewater, hence the technologies utilized for such removal are widely investigated. The review presents the different preparation techniques to produce adsorbent from PET waste. Besides that, it discusses the adsorption capacities among the PET adsorbents prepared. Based on the review, it can be concluded that activated carbon produced from PET waste has the potential to be an effective adsorbent for dye adsorption.

A constantly elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is mainly associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The use of statins as a treatment for reducing plasma LDL-C levels has led, in some cases, to adverse side effects, including a decrease in hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR), the receptor responsible for the uptake of circulating LDL-C. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is an enzyme responsible for directing the LDLR–LDL-C complex to lysosomal degradation upon transport into cells, preventing the recycling of LDLR to the cell surface. Therefore, PCSK9 may offer a new target for reducing the levels of plasma LDL-C. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of a selected fraction of A. planci on PCSK9 gene expression, as well as the effect of the fraction on the level of LDLR protein and the uptake of LDL-C. Using real-time PCR, it was shown that the selected A. planci fraction reduced the gene expression of PCSK9 in human liver HepG2 cells. Immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that the selected A. planci fraction increased the LDLR protein level and LDL-C uptake in HepG2 cells. Promoter mutational and gene expression analyses revealed that PPRE, a binding site for peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR), was responsible for mediating the inhibitory effect of the selected fraction on PCSK9 mRNA. In addition, MAP kinase and PKC components of the signal transduction pathway were activated, inducing the action of the selected A. planci fraction in decreasing PCSK9 gene expression. These findings suggest that the selected fraction shows good potential for reducing circulating LDL-C and, thus, may be a good therapeutic intervention to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.

Biological control of pathogens continues to be developed with antagonistic rhizobacteria is a promising strategy for banana plant protection. This study aimed to assess the ability of Bacillus subtilis on suppression of Fusarium wilt, biochemical changes and leaf gas exchange under water stress condition on banana cultivar Berangan. Different water stress was given based on field capacity at [well watered (100% FC), mild stress (75% FC) and severe stress (50% FC) and inoculated with different volume of Bacillus subtilis (0, 20, 40, and 60 mL) at concentrations of 108 CFU mL-1. The plantlets were challenged inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum one week after Bacillus subtilis were applied. The treatments were assigned by split plot design in randomized complete block design arrangement. The plants were destructively sampled at 45 and 90 day after transplanting (DAT). Results showed that, applications of Bacillus subtilis at high rate (60 mL) reduced disease incidence by 35.28% and 45.09% at 45 and 90 DAT respectively. Disease severity decreased by 39.83% at 45 DAT and increased by 45.09% at 90 DAT and under well watered conditions. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was high in control treatment than the plants inoculated with Bacillus subtilis. To summarize, inoculation with 60 mL of Bacillus subtilis in rhizosphere soil to fight against Fusarium wilt could be promoted the plant health under water stress condition. [Fundam Appl Agric 2018; 3(3.000): 515-524]

A field investigation under tropical climate was undertaken in the research plot of the Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia to study the effects of exogenous application of plant growth regulators on growth performance, physiology changes and biochemical analysis of banana plants (Musa acuminata cv. Berangan) under irrigated and rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out as split-plot in randomized complete block design. Results showed that, banana plants grown under the rainfed condition significantly reduced morphological characters such as plant height, pseudo-stem, canopy diameter, but enhanced accumulation of proline and malondialdehyde content in leaves tissue of stress-treated plants. Physiological characters which include total chlorophyll content, relative water content and electrolyte leakage were measured and has indicated significant effect under two different water regimes. Application of plant growth regulators on Berangan banana under different water regimes able to tolerate water stress conditions by changes in vapour pressure deficit as affected by decreasing stomata opening besides enhanced net photosynthesis to produce higher yield of banana fruits.

Background and Objective: Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 is known as a good producer of water soluble exopolysaccharide. Therefore, the aim of this study is to optimize the medium composition concurrently for high cell mass and exopolysaccharide production by Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014. Since both are useful for food and pharmaceutical application and where most studies typically focus on one outcome only, the optimization process was carried out by using molasses as cheaper carbon source.Material and Methods: The main medium component which is known significantly give high effect on the cell mass and EPS production was selected as variables and statistically optimized based on Box-Behnken design in shake flask levels. The optimal medium for cell mass and exopolysaccharide production was composed of (in g l -1): molasses, 40; yeast extract, 16.8; phosphate, 2.72; sodium acetate, 3.98. The model was found to be significant and subsequently validated through the growth kinetics studies in un-optimized and optimized medium in the shake flask cultivation.Results and Conclusion: The maximum cell mass and exopolysaccharide in the new optimized medium was 4.40 g l-1 and 4.37 g l-1 respectively after 44 h of the cultivation. As a result, cell mass and exopolysaccharide production increased up to 4.5 and 16.5 times respectively, and the maximal exopolysaccharide yield of 1.19 per gram of cells was obtained when molasses was used as the carbon source. In conclusion, molasses has the potential to be a cheap carbon source for the cultivation of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 concurrently for high cell mass and exopolysaccharide production.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abstract The exciting discovery of the semiconducting-like properties of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and its potential applications in molecular genetics and diagnostics in recent times has resulted in a paradigm shift in biophysics research. Recent studies in our laboratory provide a platform towards detecting charge transfer mechanism and understanding the electronic properties of DNA based on the sequence-specific electronic response, which can be applied as an alternative to identify or detect DNA. In this study, we demonstrate a novel method for identification of DNA from different shrimp viruses and bacteria using electronic properties of DNA obtained from both negative and positive bias regions in current-voltage (I–V) profiles. Characteristic electronic properties were calculated and used for quantification and further understanding in the identification process. Aquaculture in shrimp industry is a fast-growing food sector throughout the world. However, shrimp culture in many Asian countries faced a huge economic loss due to disease outbreaks. Scientists have been using specific established methods for detecting shrimp infection, but those methods do have their significant drawbacks due to many inherent factors. As such, we believe that this simple, rapid, sensitive and cost-effective tool can be used for detection and identification of DNA from different shrimp viruses and bacteria.

This study investigated oil palm inflorescence sex ratio (ISR) and fruit set (FS) yield among 24 dura × pisifera biparental progenies on fibric peat soil, hybridized from ten genetic origins. Three-month intervals of data collection on ISR and “S-shape” procedure for FS determination were carried out in an independent complete randomized design for one year. Based on the assessment of individual progenies, analysis of variance revealed the existence of genetic heterogeneity. Five of the progenies had the highest ISR above 90%. However, 20.83% of the progenies (PK4841, PK4674, ECPHP415, ECPHP550, and PK4118) had the best normal range of ISR, indicating FS declined being influenced by ISR. Therefore, only 12.50% of the progenies (PK4674, PK4465, and PK4482) were above 60% FS critical level. Correlation analysis verified that ISR depends on the female flower and progeny PK4674 (65.78%) and PK4465 (62.62%) had the best FS and fruit to bunch. Among the parental origins, Deli Serdang × Cameroon was statistically the best for male flower production at 29.40% and ISR at 72.22%. The highest FS was recorded in Deli Banting × AVROS (54.00%) and Angola × AVROS (53.78%). However, molecular research, such as microsatellite molecular markers if concurrently used as a selection criterion with the present conventional study, could present further details to complement the present findings.

This study was conducted to assess the Elaeidobius kamerunicus (EK) population density among the biparental dura × pisifera hybrids’ palms on deep peat-soil. Twenty-four hybrids derived from 10 genetic sources were used. Variance analysis showed that the EK population density varies between different oil palm hybrids, with a more noticeable variation of a low population mean in the male weevil across the hybrids. The highest weevil population mean/spikelet was attained on the third day of anthesis. The maximum monthly population of EK/spikelet (12.81 ± 0.23) and population density of EK (1846.49 ± 60.69) were recorded in January. Accordingly, 41.67% of the hybrids recorded an EK population density greater than the trial means of 973.68 weevils. Hybrid ECPHP550 had the highest mean of EK/spikelet (10.25 ± 0.11) and the highest population density of EK/palm (1241.39 ± 73.74). The parental mean population was 963.24 weevils and parent Deli-Banting × AVROS recorded the highest EK population density (1173.01). The overall results showed a notable disparity in the EK population among the biparental hybrids. Parental Deli-Banting × AVROS and hybrid ECPHP550 could be more useful to optimize the weevil population for pollination improvements in palm plantations. However, we suggest that volatile production should be included as a desirable trait in oil palm selective breeding.

This research aimed to study how the party`s accountability for offences committed by legislative candidates. What action that taken by a party of electoral violations and whether the party can be charged for. In the doctrine of Criminal Law known by criminal responsibility related to offenders, and in progress subject to criminal law, not only individual but institution or agency or corporation/firms. So, they should be responsible for it. It was a normative legal research, studying the principles of law related to criminal responsibility. Collecting data were done by two stages that were literature and field research. The first aimed to obtain secondary data namely, law material ;primary, secondary and tertiary. And then, the second, collecting data with an in-depth interview with certain key informant. It used a qualitative method.The result showed that party never asked for their responsibility related to offences by legislative candidates who committed election crime because the act did not rule it. The party had not take action associated with offences were done by them. Politic party as cooperation/firms ideally should take account to candidates who conducted the crime. It was a necessary regulation that managed its accountability as in cooperation. Besides, the party should give politics education and strict sanctions to them who did despicable manners. Key words: accountability, party, election of criminal act, legislative ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengkaji bagaimana pertanggungjawaban partai terhadap pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh Calon Anggota Legislatif, Apa tindakan yang diambil oleh partai terhadap pelanggaran pemilu yang dilakukan oleh Calon Anggota Legislatif dan apakah partai dapat dipersalahkan terhadap pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh Calon Anggota legislatif. Hal ini dilatarbelakangi oleh karena di dalam doktrin hukum pidana dikenal adanya pertanggungjawaban pidana yang dikaitkan dengan pelaku, dan dalam perkembangannya subyek hukum pidana bukan hanya orang perorangan, malainkan juga suatu badan atau korporasi. Sehingga yang dapat dimintai pertanggungjawaban adalah juga suatu badan atau korporasi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif, yang mengkaji asas hukum yang terkait dengan pertanggungjawaban pidana, namun demikian diperlukan data lapangan sebagai pelengkap. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui dua tahap yaitu penelitian kepustakaan dan penelitian lapangan. Penelitian Kepustakaan (library research), untuk memperoleh data sekunder berupa bahan hukum; primer, sekunder dan tertier. Penelitian lapangan dilakukan dengan cara wawancara mendalam (deptintevew) dengan narasumber yang ditentukan. Data yang terkumpul baik dari hasil penelitian lapangan maupun dari penelitian kepustakaan dianalisis dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Partai tidak pernah dimintai pertanggungjawaban sehubungan dengan pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh calon anggota legislatif yang melakukan tindak pidana Pemilu, karena Undang-undang tidak mengatur pertanggungjawaban Partai terhadap tindak pidana yang dilakukan oleh calon anggota ligeslatif. Partai tidak pernah melakukan tindakan terkait dengan calon legislatif yang melakukan pelanggaran. Partai Politik sebagai Korporasi idealnya juga harus bertanggungjawab terhadap tindak pidana yang dilakukan oleh calon anggota legislatif. Diperlukan regulasi yang mengatur pertanggungjawaban partai terhadap tindak pidana yang dilakukan oleh Calon anggota legislatif sebagaimana pertanggungjawaban dalam tindak pidana korporasi. Di samping itu, hendaknya partai melakukan pendidikan politik kepada anggotanya dan memberikan sanksi tegas kepada anggota partai politik yang merlakukan perbuatan yang tercela. Kata Kunci: Tindak pidana Pemilu

Dryobalanops rappa Becc. and Shorea albida Sym. are Bornean endemics of high conservation value and increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. In-situ study of seedling abundance and growth performance of these Dipterocarp species was conducted in two selected peat swamp forests of Brunei Darussalam, following a mast fruiting event in March–May 2014. Within six 6 x 6 m plots at each forest site, D. rappa seedlings at the Anduki peat swamp forest and S. albida seedlings at the Badas peat swamp forest were measured for abundance at the initial census in September 2014, as well as survival and relative growth rates (RGR) after a period of 5 months, with the final census in February 2015. We found significantly higher seedling abundance for D. rappa (1885 ± 208) than S. albida (160 ± 71). Significantly higher percentage survival was recorded for D. rappa seedlings (90.8 ± 2.2%) in comparison to S. albida seedlings (81.7 ± 2.2%). S. albida seedlings (0.24 ± 0.02 mm mm-1 month-1) showed significantly greater RGR in stem diameter than D. rappa seedlings (0.18 ± 0.02 mm mm-1 month-1), however, there were no significant differences in the RGRs based on seedling height, leaf number and biomass between D. rappa and S. albida seedlings. In terms of seedling abundance and percentage survival, D. rappa seedlings appeared to be more successful in regeneration and may potentially be used for rehabilitation of degraded tropical peat swamps and other forest types. Our results suggested that greater conservation efforts of peat swamps must be made to protect the Bornean endemic plant species, in particular S. albida.