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The Klang Gates Quartz Ridge (KGQR) is proposed for protection as National Heritage and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its spectacular size, exceptional beauty and significant biodiversity. The checklist of vascular plants documents 314 species that comprise a unique combination that grows on lowland quartz and that is distinct from the surrounding lowland equatorial rain forest by the absence of orchids, palms, gingers and tree canopy families. The Rubiaceae, Gramineae, Moraceae, Apocynaceae, Melastomataceae and Polypodiaceae are the most speciose families. The summit vegetation at 200–400 m elevation is dominated by Baeckea frutescens (Myrtaceae) and Rhodoleia championii (Hamamelidaceae) and shows similarities to the plant community on rocky mountain peaks above 1500 m. About 11% of its species are endemic in Peninsular Malaysia and four are endemic to KGQR: Aleisanthia rupestris (Rubiaceae), Codonoboea primulina (Gesneriaceae), Spermacoce pilulifera (Rubiaceae), and Ilex praetermissa (Aquifoliaceae). All four are provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. Two, Eulalia milsumi (Gramineae) and Sonerila prostrata (Melastomataceae), are endemic to KGQR and a few neighbouring smaller quartz dykes. They are assessed as Endangered. The KGQR is a fragile habitat and conservation management is urgently required to halt the spread of the aggressive alien grass, Pennisetum polystachion and to prevent further habitat degradation from visitors. Based on KGQR being a threatened habitat, its biodiverse flora, and endangered species, it qualifies as an Important Plant Area.

The paper deals with the scientific and methodological approach to quality control of the industrial enterprise development at the strategic level based on adapting the control system to the life cycle stages of the organizational structure and products of the industrial enterprise, through which the transition between the stages of the life cycle and the quality of the enterprises’ development in a strategic term can be detected. In terms of the products’ life cycle, the task of control at the strategic level is to detect promptly the stage when the products no longer meet the needs of the market and to control the transition efficiency from stage to stage. To solve this task, it is proposed to use the following indicators: the dynamics of sales volumes; the dynamics of the products’ market share; the coefficient of products’ competitiveness; the dynamics of products’ profitability; the coefficient of product expectation on the market, etc.

In the past, thermal comfort in naturally ventilated hospital wards was not a major issue to discuss, but now this matter needs to be revisited following the effects of climate change. A Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) and Heat Pump System (HPVTHPS) was proposed in this field study to enhance the thermal comfort of naturally ventilated hospital wards. The heat pump was used for heating water and producing cold air to reduce the air temperature in the ward, besides being an active cooling agent to improve the performance of the PVT system. Thus, the main purpose of this article is to evaluate an on-site performance of a HPVTHPS in providing hot water and space cooling for naturally ventilated hospital wards in tropical climates. Overall, the proposed HPVTHPS installation has reduced the room temperature of the hospital ward compared to the baseline temperature with an average temperature drop ranging from 0.5 °C to 3.9 °C. The PVT system also shows high efficiency values between 51.0% and 69.0% which include thermal and electrical energy performance. The findings in this study are very useful for hospital management in improving thermal comfort in hospital wards using efficient and low energy systems.

The cell nucleus is a dynamic structure that changes locales during cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, or migration, and its mispositioning is a hallmark of several disorders. As with most mechanobiological activities of adherent cells, the repositioning and anchoring of the nucleus are presumed to be associated with the organization of the cytoskeleton, the network of protein filaments providing structural integrity to the cells. However, demonstrating this correlation between cytoskeleton organization and nuclear position requires the parameterization of the extraordinarily intricate cytoskeletal fiber arrangements. Here, we show that this parameterization and demonstration can be achieved outside the limits of human conceptualization, using generative network and raw microscope images, relying on machine-driven interpretation and selection of parameterizable features. The developed transformer-based architecture was able to generate high-quality, completed images of more than 8,000 cells, using only information on actin filaments, predicting the presence of a nucleus and its exact localization in more than 70 per cent of instances. Our results demonstrate one of the most basic principles of mechanobiology with a remarkable level of significance. They also highlight the role of deep learning as a powerful tool in biology beyond data augmentation and analysis, capable of interpreting-unconstrained by the principles of human reasoning-complex biological systems from qualitative data.

This systematic review aimed to identify the intercanine and intermolar width changes following palatal expansion in bilateral posterior crossbite (PXB) in mixed dentition. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021275833). All randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-RCT articles between 1980 and August 2022 on the palatal expansion of bilateral PXB in mixed dentition were searched in seven online databases (Google Scholar, Ovid, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCOHost, Cochrane Library and PubMed). The risk of bias (RoB) of the articles included was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Three non-RCT studies were included and showed a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis on the changes in intercanine and intermolar widths was not performed due to study design heterogeneity. One study reported an over-correction of the bilateral PXB. There is a need for more RCT studies with standardized landmark measurements, outcome assessment methods and retention periods to investigate the interdental changes following palatal expansion.

Calathea Lutea is a plant that is often found in Indonesia. Calathea Lutea is usually only used as an exterior plant because it has a wide leaf shape and a strong stem structure. If further investigated, the strength of the stem structure of the Calathea plant has the potential to be used as a material for interior parts. The research aims to find the best method for utilizing Calathea Lutea stems, especially when used as sheets for interior elements. Calathea Lutea stems are processed through various methods to find the most suitable method. Before the experiment, the stems of Calathea Lutea will be dried, and the methods will be carried out in three ways: laminating, weaving, and spinning. The results of the processing of Calathea Lutea stems will be subjected to several tests, such as strength, resilience, and flexibility. The stem of Calathea Lutea that has potential as an interior part is the one that uses the least amount of adhesive and has passed the tests carried out. It is hoped that the processing of Calathea Lutea stems can be used as a substitute material as a structural or visual element to replace other materials that are often found in Indonesia.

Several widespread debris flow disasters stroke Peninsular Malaysia in between 2021 and 2022, scattered across the country. It was the first time for this hazard being nationally recognised as a type of geological disaster in the country. Debris flow disaster is not a new phenomenon. It had been recorded since 1995, however, in the past they were isolated incidents and did not attract much attention. The recent widespread debris flow disasters started in Gunung Jerai, Kedah on 18 August 2021; followed by similar incidents but in 3 different states concurrently in (1) Bentong, Pahang, (2) Hulu Langat, Selangor, and (3) Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan on 18 December 2021; Kenyir, Terengganu on 27 February 2022; and finally at Gunung Inas, Kedah on 4 July 2022. These disasters sparked numerous technical and social issues where heated debates on whether they were purely due to natural processes or caused anthropogenic activities. Previously, debris flow phenomena in Malaysia were so rare, that the term ‘debris flow’ was not familiar to the lay public. The term of “debris flow” was often disregard or used interchangeable with ‘water surge’ phenomena by the media and public, especially for sudden sediment water surge from hilly upstream after intense rainfall at hillside river catchment areas, normally occurs during the monsoon season. The ordinary water surge has significantly lesser level of destruction and momentum as compared to a debris flow with higher debris-type sediments. This paper discusses the emerging issues of debris flow in Malaysia and some initiatives being carried out in in facing the geohazard. The Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia and a team of local geohazard experts have taken the lead to carry out studies to understand the sudden emergence of widespread and cascading debris flow events in Malaysia. As a result, proposal on policy intervention was put forward to the relevant government ministries; post-disaster programme has been continuously carried out to educate the communities on the geological disaster risks through community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM).

Ionogels are emerging hybrid materials and are widely studied due to the combination of thermophysical properties from ionic liquid and mechanical integrity from the polymer matrix. Ionic liquid has received wide attention due to its promising properties, high ionic conductivity, and thermal stability. The liquid nature of ionic liquid has restricted its application. Thus, the confinement of ionic liquid within a polymer matrix has allowed ionogel to be applied in strain sensors and lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the compatibility between the polymer matrix and ionic liquid is crucial for ionogel. Incompatibility between polymer host and ionic liquid results in low ionic conductivity, poor mechanical strength, and undesired for practical application. The interaction between polymer matrix and ionic liquid is studied in this study through optical microscopy. The addition of ionic liquid resulted in the disappearance of the polymer matrix’s highly porous nature, as evidenced by the optical microscopy images. This disappearance of the porous nature suggests the compatibility of the polymer matrix with ionogel. Furthermore, the electrochemical stability of the ionogel is also examined through linear sweep voltammetry technique and achieved 2.3V.

The djenkol bean (Archidendron pauciflorum) is a native delicacy in Southeast Asia, though consumption can sometimes lead to djenkolism. Clinical features of djenkolism include acute abdominal pain, hematuria, urinary retention, and acute kidney injury (AKI). The pain can be severe, which often leads to a misdiagnosis of acute abdomen. In this paper, we report the case of an Indonesian migrant with djenkolism. Due to the short history and severity of the abdominal pain, medical professionals suspected acute abdomen and proceeded with a negative exploratory laparotomy. However, djenkolism was suspected once relatives informed the professionals that the patient had consumed djenkol beans hours earlier. The patient recovered through aggressive hydration and urine alkalinization with bicarbonate infusion. We highlight the importance of being aware of this rare cause of AKI, especially in Southeast Asia, in order to provide early diagnoses and prompt treatments.

Introdução: A identificação das causas da hiperpigmentação periorbital é crucial na seleção do melhor tratamento. A identificação de perfis transcricionais que podem estar relacionados com a hiperpigmentação ao redor das áreas oculares poderia contribuir para uma nova abordagem no tratamento da hiperpigmentação periorbital, -a terapia genética-. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o perfil transcricional da melanogênese e genes relacionados a antioxidantes enzimáticos, em peles com hiperpigmentação periorbital. Métodos: Com base na avaliação clínica, 49 voluntários saudáveis foram classificados em grupos com ou sem hiperpigmentação periorbital. Perfis genéticos de genes relacionados à melanogênese: -fator de transcrição associado à microftalmia (MITF), pró-opiomelanocortina (POMC), receptor da melanocortina 1, ( MC1R), tirosinase (TYR), proteína relacionada à tirosinase 1 (TYRP1)-, e antioxidantes intracelulares: -glutationa redutase (GR), glutationa peroxidase 1 (GPx-1), glutationa s-transferase (GST-1)- foram determinadas pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real. Resultados: as expressões dos genes MITF, TYR e TYRP1 foram significativamente maiores no grupo com hiperpigmentação periorbital.(p

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program promotes the judicious use of antimicrobials. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the impact of stewardship on the prescribing pattern of cefuroxime injection among the surgeons as perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP). This study was conducted retrospectively in Malaysia. Various outcomes were measured including cefuroxime usage, compliance with the guidelines, surgical site infections, and cost savings. A total of 1,601 patients were recruited in the study. In terms of usage, the total defined daily dose (DDD) prior to the intervention was 202 DDD/100 procedures compared to that after intervention which was 144 DDD/100 procedures (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the excessively long administration of PAP dropped from 94.4 to 30.3% (p < 0.001). Focusing on the compliance with the newly developed local guidelines, it has increased from 53 to 94.3% after the interventions were made (p < 0.001), whereas the rate of surgical site infections was reduced from 17.0 to 9.0%. The cost of antibiotic being used has significantly reduced after the study intervention (p = 0.007). The quality of PAP directly impacts the antimicrobial usage, the surgical site infections, and the total cost involved. Thus, it is crucial to maintain the standard of PAP at all times in healthcare settings.

Conventional urban drainage structures that store water over time are habitat for the mosquito larvae. Appropriate stormwater management practices can help in preventing the breeding of the mosquito larvae. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a proposed bioretention system in controlling dengue at the campus university in Semenyih, Malaysia. The XP Stormwater Management Model (XPSWMM) was applied for the numerical analysis and modelling in this study. A series of simulations were carried out for the ARI of 2, 5, and 10 years to evaluate the performance under the two scenarios of conventional drainage system and bioretention system, taking into considerations the maximum water depth (stages), inflow volume from runoff, and pollutant load reduction from the sub-catchments to control the breeding of aedes mosquitoes. The simulated results indicated that the bioretention system is capable of reducing the maximum water depth (stages) of the sub-catchments to up to 85% as compared to the conventional drainage system. In addition, the reduction of the inflow volume from runoff ranges from 0.3% to 0.5% and the pollutant loads reduced by approximately 100%. The reduction in water depth and inflow volume will result in mitigating the risk of water stagnancy within all the sub-catchments of the study area. The simulated results demonstrated that bioretention system could be used effectively to control the breeding of mosquitoes. Hence, the findings obtained in this study can assist the decision makers of the university in the adoption of bioretention system to control dengue within the campus.

The economic, social and environmental impacts arising from the transfer and establishment of non indigenous marine species (NIMS) mediated through ship hull biofouling and ballast water discharges in the coastal marine environment require a regional approach to manage bio-invasions. As the coordinating body for maritime shipping affairs and protection of the marine environment, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been working with member states to adopt and ratify global conventions aimed at preventing invasive species transfer through shipping. As a major shipping hub and port-of-call in Southeast Asia, Singapore faces multiple challenges in managing marine bio-invasions including managing the transit of high risk vessels to environmentally sensitive areas beyond national borders. In this article, global frameworks for managing bio-invasions and its challenges for marine invasive pest management are discussed.

Introdução: A identificação das causas da hipercromia cutânea idiopática da região orbital (HCIRO) é fundamental para o processo de seleção da melhor conduta terapêutica. Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar as alterações histopatológicas de diferentes tipos de HCIRO. Métodos: Quarenta e nove voluntários saudáveis foram classificados em 3 grupos: (i) hiperpigmentação, (ii) hipervascularização e (iii) sulco lacrimal. As deposições de melanina e hemossiderina, a dilatação dos vasos sanguíneos, a inflamação perifolicular e as estruturas das cristas epidérmicas foram analisadas histologicamente; a associação com o tipo de HCIRO foi analisada pelo teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados: Um total de 53,1% dos indivíduos portadores de HCIRO foram diagnosticados e classificados em hiperpigmentação, 16,3% como hipervascularização e 30,6% como sulco lacrimal. O teste qui-quadrado de Pearson mostrou que o grupo hiperpigmentação foi associado a um alto nível de depósito de melanina (p

The objective of this research was to obtain thermal performance data for reflective insulations in a South East Asia environment. Thermal resistance data (RSI, m2 ⋅ K/W) for reflective insulations are well established from 1-D steady-state tests, but thermal data for reflective insulation in structures like those found in South East Asia are scarce. Data for reflective insulations in South East Asia will add to the worldwide database for this type of energy-conserving material. RSI were obtained from heat flux and temperature data of three identical structures in the same location. One unit did not have insulation above the ceiling, while the second and third units were insulated with reflective insulation with emittance less than 0.05. RSI for the uninsulated test unit varied from 0.37 to 0.40 m2 ⋅ K/W. RSI for a single-sheet reflective insulation (woven foil) varied from 2.15 to 2.26 m2 ⋅ K/W, while bubble-foil insulation varied from 2.69 to 3.09 m2 ⋅ K/W. The range of RSI values resulted from differences in the spacing between the reflective insulation and the roof. In addition, the reflective insulation below the roof lowered attic temperatures by as much as 9.7° C. Reductions in ceiling heat flux of 80 to 90% relative to the uninsulated structure, due to the reflective insulation, were observed.

Peganum harmala, a well-known medicinal plant, has been used for several therapeutic purposes as it contains numerous pharmacological active compounds. Our study reported an anti-parasitic activity of P. harmala seed extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis. The stress induced by the extract on the surviving trophozoites for Acanthamoeba encystation and vacuolization was examined by microscopy, and transcriptional expression of Acanthamoeba autophagy-related genes was investigated by quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the surviving trophozoites were not transformed into cysts, and the number of trophozoites with enlarged vacuoles were not significantly different from that of untreated control. Molecular analysis data demonstrated that the mRNA expression of tested AcATG genes, i.e., ATG3, ATG8b, and ATG16, was at a basal level along the treatment. However, upregulation of AcATG16 at 24 h post treatment was observed, which may indicate an autophagic activity of this protein in response to the stress. Altogether, these data revealed the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of P. harmala extract and indicated the association of autophagy mRNA expression and cyst formation under the extract stress, representing a promising plant for future drug development. However, further identification of an active compound and a study of autophagy at the protein level are needed.

Abstract Purpose Production of oil palm seedling in the nursery mainly utilises top soil as polybag medium. These soils, especially in tropical regions, are acidic and have low organic matter content. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biochar and compost incorporation as amendment in polybag medium for oil palm seedlings growth at the nursery stage. Methods A polybag experiment was conducted with four biochar rates (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% w/w C addition), two compost rates (0 and 30% v/v), and two fertiliser application rates (75 and 100% of recommended rate). The effects of biochar, compost, and biochar-compost combination on oil palm seedling growth was evaluated and the effectiveness of EFB biochar in retaining soil nutrients was determined indirectly by measuring amount of nutrient leached through the polybag medium. Results Biochar, compost, and biochar-compost amendment improved polybag media’s chemical properties (pH, total C and N, C:N ratio, CEC, Mg, and Ca). There were no significant effects of the amendments on shoot biomass. However, root growth and shoot:root ratio significantly improved with 1.5% w/w C addition and 30% (v/v) compost with 75% recommended fertiliser rates applied. Furthermore, nutrient leaching measurement indicates that, EFB biochar significantly reduced ammonium-N leaching up to 21–46%. Conclusions Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of biochar and compost co-application to improve the chemical properties of polybag medium and root development of oil palm seedlings.

The influence of working temperature for a polysilicon module has been investigated in Brunei Darussalam for a period of two years. The rise in temperature produces thermal agitation which not only increases the dark current but also enhances the losses of free carriers in a polycrystalline module. The efficiency and the output power decreases with an increase in the working temperature. A maximum decline in the output power of 97% has been measured under a dominated diffused radiation environment. The temperature coefficients have been obtained and equations are developed to evaluate the change in the rating of module at any working temperature with reference to their values at STC.

The evaluation and assessment of the performance of photovoltaic (PV) cells in terms of measurable parameters requires the measurement of the current as a function of voltage, temperature, intensity, wind speed and spectrum. Mo st noticeable of all these parameters is the PV conversion efficiency η, defined as the maximum electrical power Pmax produced by the PV cell divided by the incident photon power P in which is measured with respect to standard test conditions (STC). These conditions refer to the spectrum (AM 1.5), solar radiation intensity (1000 Wm-2), cell temperature (25 ±2oC) and wind speed (2 mph). Tests under STC are carried out in the laboratory at a controlled environment. There have been several studies that analyze uncertainties in the laboratory measurement of solar cell efficiencies using different solar simulators and their transference to operational situations. Our preliminary results demonstratethat the short circuit current (ISC) of the solar cell decreases when irradiance is less than 1000 Wm-2 irrespective of the working temperature of the cell.

Abstract Background Seed germination involves progression from complete metabolic dormancy to a highly active, growing seedling. Many factors regulate germination and these interact extensively, forming a complex network of inputs that control the seed-to-seedling transition. Our understanding of the direct regulation of gene expression and the dynamic changes in the epigenome and small RNAs during germination is limited. The interactions between genome, transcriptome and epigenome must be revealed in order to identify the regulatory mechanisms that control seed germination. Results We present an integrated analysis of high-resolution RNA sequencing, small RNA sequencing and MethylC sequencing over ten developmental time points in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, finding extensive transcriptomic and epigenomic transformations associated with seed germination. We identify previously unannotated loci from which messenger RNAs are expressed transiently during germination and find widespread alternative splicing and divergent isoform abundance of genes involved in RNA processing and splicing. We generate the first dynamic transcription factor network model of germination, identifying known and novel regulatory factors. Expression of both microRNA and short interfering RNA loci changes significantly during germination, particularly between the seed and the post-germinative seedling. These are associated with changes in gene expression and large-scale demethylation observed towards the end of germination, as the epigenome transitions from an embryo-like to a vegetative seedling state. Conclusions This study reveals the complex dynamics and interactions of the transcriptome and epigenome during seed germination, including the extensive remodelling of the seed DNA methylome from an embryo-like to vegetative-like state during the seed-to-seedling transition. Data are available for exploration in a user-friendly browser at https://jbrowse.latrobe.edu.au/germination_epigenome .

The remarkable transformation of the Malaysian timber sector from a net-importer to a multi-billion-dollar export-oriented sector has become a success model for many other resource-rich countries throughout the world. In view of the increasing socioeconomic importance of the timber sector in this country, the productivity performance of the six major timber sub-sectors was investigated in this study. Productivity is defined as the ratio of output to input and was analyzed from the year 2010 through 2014. The productivity performance was evaluated based on certain input factors, namely labor and capital. Generally, the productivity of the timber sector can be regarded as stagnating. Furthermore, the value-added was affected due to high reliance on labor for production. Among the factors that account for this lack of productivity growth are the increased competition in the international market, small domestic market, improper industrial development policies, poor adoption of technology, and the high dependency on human capital.

Purpose - The availability of new innovative learning spaces together with the introduction of new teaching and learning strategies have shifted the nature of the classroom from a place of instruction towards a place that produces authentic learning. Students in the 21st century are inclined to learn with peers, through the use technology to produce the information as the result of their collaboration. This research examines the effect of learning space design and teaching strategies on undergraduate students’ collaborative learning behaviour in the Mobile X-Space classroom. Methodology - This study used a quantitative survey research design to measure students’ learning experience in the Mobile X-Space classroom. A set of online self-reported questionnaire was posted through the official Learning Management System of the university to collect data from 467 undergraduate students in a Malaysian top private university. Through exploratory factor analysis, three factors were identified: (a) teaching strategies, (b) collaborative learning behaviour and (c) space design. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression were run to assess the relationship between learning space design and teaching strategies conducted by the lecturers on the collaborative learning behaviour of the students. Two-way factorial ANOVA with Post Hoc tests were performed to determine the effects of gender and study semester of the students on their collaborative learning behaviour. Findings - The results from the multiple regression analysis revealed that both (i) teaching strategies, and (ii) space design were positively correlated with collaborative learning behaviour of the students. The results from Person’s correlation showed a significant, strong and positive relationship between teaching strategies conducted by the lecturers on the collaborative learning behaviour among the students. Also, there was a statistically significant, strong and positive relationship between learning space design on the teaching strategies of the lecturers. In addition, the results from two-way factorial ANOVA showed that collaborative learning behaviour was different for groups in different study semesters. However, there was no statistically significant difference for collaborative learning behaviour between different genders in all semesters. Significance - The outcomes of this research will be beneficial in enhancing the support and design of future learning spaces and add value to the present educational model. It is also beneficial in guiding academics in determining the practical teaching and learning approaches in the flexible learning spaces, which could be more suitable for the millennium youth who are more tech-savvy and favour Internet of things in their daily lives. This type of learning space will help to improve the students’ soft skills and collaborative skills, that are very useful in their future employability in the actual work settings.

The tropical climate with its high average temperatures throughout the year affects the thermal comfort of buildings, especially for naturally ventilated spaces. The government’s move to turn hospitals into green buildings is seen in line with the global commitment to conserve the environment and the country’s current policy of supporting sustainable development. To achieve this goal, energy efficiency and thermal comfort need to be given priority in the focus on hospital planning and implementation for a better quality of the indoor environment. This literature review has led to the need to improve thermal comfort in natural ventilated wards in government hospitals. Some wards are built without air conditioning to save on construction costs, reduce utility costs through low energy consumption, as well as the need for infection control and airborne infections. However, current climate change requires a special study of thermal comfort in wards that use natural ventilation. An innovative solution is proposed to solve the problem statement identified in the reviewed literature through the application of solar PV/T systems and heat pumps. This hybrid system re-uses the heat energy (cogeneration) generated from solar PV panels to be cooled by heat pumps and is then pumped into the ward for cooling purposes. The proposed system has the potential to improve thermal comfort in natural ventilation wards and increase efficiency of the solar PV system for optimal electricity generation as well as improve the overall energy performance of buildings through low-energy cooling systems. It is not only solving the thermal comfort issue but also avoid the use of extra energy for cooling by optimizing the renewable energy.

The objective of this study was to assess the attributes of selected sawn timber species for door, flooring, and furniture manufacturing in Malaysia. Sawn timber attributes are important for value-added wood products manufacturing in terms of market opportunities and consumer preferences. A questionnaire was distributed to 30 value-added wood products manufacturers, in which there were 10 manufacturers in each category: door, flooring, and furniture. The study evaluated three aspects: the choice of sawn timber species for particular types of wood products, the source of origin of sawn timber, and the attributes that determined the choice of the sawn timber species for a particular product. The common local sawn timber species include rubberwood, meranti, merpauh, merbau, and kempas species, while poplar, oak, cherry, and pine represent imported species. It was found that cost, supply/availability, product specification, and market/buyer preferences were among the most important factors influencing the selection of sawn timber species for the manufacture of value-added wood products. However, these attributes were not statistically significant among the group of manufacturers and source of origin, respectively.

Electrical burns are one of the important health burdens throughout the world with incidences varying between 4-18% of all burns. They comprise of several types, including lighting injury, high voltage injury (>1000V) and low voltage injury (

Primary schwannoma occuring in the thyroid gland is extremely rare. It appeared to be less than 1% of mesenchymal neoplasm of thyroid gland. Till date, there have been only 21 cases of primary schwannoma of thyroid gland reported in literature and only 1 case falls in the adolescent group. Majority of the cases were reported in the elderly age group. This report presents a rare case of schwannoma involving the right thyroid in a 16-year old adolescent female. She presented with a firm right neck mass, which moves with deglutition. Thyroid ultrasound revealed a single solitary right thyroid nodule. An ultrasound guided trucut biopsy of the nodule had aroused suspicion for thyroid neoplastic lesion. Right hemithyroidectomy was undertaken without complications. The final histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of schwannoma, which represent by the presence of Antoni A and Antoni B areas. Despite its rarity, a thorough review of earlier reported cases was done. Existing knowledge of this entity was summarised in this report, emphasising the interdisciplinary challenge in diagnosing it pre-operatively with sparing of unnecessary massive surgeries.