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The hazardous compound di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as polyvinyl chloride plasticizer. The present research studied the fungal biodegradation of DEHP contained in blood and urine bags. Soil-plate method was used for fungal isolation from heavily plastic polluted soil using Martin’s and Sabouraud’s agar media, where DEHP was the sole carbon source. Isolated fungal species were identified morphologically according to Moubasher (Soil Fungi in Qatar and Arab Countries University of Qatar, Qatar The Center for Scientific and Research, 1993) as Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus nigricans. DEHP concentrations were determined in 1 g of soil, urine bags and blood bags to be 0.92, 2.5 and 2.6 g/l, respectively. Samples of both bags (as a sole carbon source) were artificially inoculated with the isolated fungi and incubated for 20 days. As the time increased, the growth increased where Rhizopus nigricans obtained the highest dry weight in urine bags after 20 days of incubation, while A. nidulans had the highest dry weight in blood bags. Also, a sharp declining of initial pH (6.8) reached 4.7 in urine bags with A. niger growth, while reached 2.5 after A. nidulans growth in blood bags. DEHP% decreased as time increased indicating a continuous DEHP utilization by the three fungal species. Aspergillus niger was the most DEHP degrading fungal species in both bags. Scanning electron microscope examination showed an uniform plastic network in both bags before fungal treatment. While, a microporous network was observed on the plastic surfaces in both bags after fungal treatment due to DEHP utilization. The most DEHP metabolizing fungal species were further identified molecularly using internal transcribed spacer primers to be Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans with accession numbers MZ832174 and MT919276, respectively.

Tropical Cyclone (TC) is the most destructive weather phenomenon in the Indian sub-continent. To mitigate the destruction due to TC better prediction is needed. So, the study of sensitivity of different physical schemes in WRF-ARW model with intensification and track of TC is important. In this study, sensitivity of Yonsei University (YSU), Asymmetric Convective Model version 2 (ACM2), Bougeault-Lacarrere (Boulac), Medium-Range Forecast (MRF), Mellor-Yamada Nakanishi and Niino Level 2.5 (MYNN2.5) and Level 3 (MYNN3) Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) schemes are used to simulate the TC ‘Titli’ which made land fall near Palasa in North Andrha Pradesh and South Odhisha coasts at 0000 UTC of 11th October. National center for environmental prediction Global Final Reanalysis (FNL) data have been used as an initial and lateral boundary conditions. Variation of heat flux, latent heat flux and moisture flux with time for these schemes are shown which are responsible to intensify the TC. Model simulated intensity i.e., minimum central pressure, maximum sustained wind speed at the surface (10 m) and track are compared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) estimated value. It can be specified that the Boulac, MYNN2.5 and MYNN3 schemes simulate the better intensity and track of TC ‘Titli’.

Production of no carrier-added (NCA) 199Au through natPt(n, γ) reaction and subsequent purification using liquid-liquid extraction from other radioisotopes is studied in the context of theranostic application. Comparative separation of NCA 199Au after dissolution of activated Pt target using three Cyanex compounds (Cyanex-272, Cyanex-302 and Cyanex-923) is evaluated. The extraction process is optimized in terms of the type of extractant, the concentration of extractant, extraction time and aqueous media (HNO3, NH4OH). Among these extractants, the Cynaex-923 is efficient and promising for rapid separation and production of NCA 199Au from HNO3 by high extraction %. Selective extraction of 199Au from other Pt and Ir radioisotopes is observed. High recovery of 199Au was obtained in the case of Cyanex-923 using 0.05 M thiourea dissolved in HCl or 2 M NaOH. Our results find the Cyanex-923 as a promising extractant for efficient separation of 199Au from irradiated Pt target with high yield (99%).

Two field experiments were carried out at farmer’s field of Rajshahi and Chapainawabgonj under the Department of Agronomy, BINA during aman season of 2017 and 2018 consecutively to evaluate the drought tolerant rice varieties under different establishment methods in rain fed condition. First experiment (E1) was conducted to find out the performance of varieties and second experiment (E2) was to find out the suitability of method of transplanting/sowing in combination with short duration aman varieties. Different methods were as direct seeding, puddled and un-puddled transplanting and cultivars were used to cultivate BRRI dhan56, Binadhan-7, Binadhan-17 (except in second experiment) and Huttra (local cultivar). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The recommended fertilizer doses applied for the experiment were 80 kg N ha-1, 15 kg P ha-1, 50 kg K ha-1, 20 kg S ha-1 and 2 kg Zn ha-1. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and zinc were supplied from urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum and zinc sulphate monohydrate respectively while urea was applied in three equal splits. Among the cultivar Binadhan-17 produced statistically higher grain yield (5.62 t ha-1) at Chapainawabgonj. Among methods Binadhan-7 statistically higher grain yield 5.32 t ha-1 and 5.21 t ha-1, respectively) in puddle transplanting method both Chapainawabgonj and Rajshahi region during 2017. Among the cultivar Huttra (local) produced statistically higher grain yield (5.43 t ha-1) at Chapainawabgonj. Among methods, BRRI dhan56 statistically higher grain yield 6.37 t ha-1 and 6.19 t ha-1, respectively) in puddle transplanting method bothat Rajshahi and Chapainawabgonj during 2018. Overall results indicates that BRRI dhan56, Binadhan-7, Binadhan-17 performed better in puddled transplanting, Huttra (local) in direct seeding method in drought prone region of Bangladesh.

Feasibility of 199Au production from neutron activated platinum and gold targets at the Egyptian Second Research Reactor was studied. A comparison between theoretical calculations and experimental measurements for the two targets was carried out. A radiochemical separation of 199Au from irradiated Pt target was achieved using chromatographic column packed with modified chabazite material with elution efficiency of 90 ± 0.54% based on the high separation factor between Au and other produced undesired radionuclides. Three quality control tests; radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purities were carried out on the eluted 199Au to ensure its safe application in nuclear medicine.

In this investigation, a novel application of Aliquat 336 (tricaprylmethylammonium chloride)-impregnated chitosan (AICS) for the separation and purification of 99Mo from some fission products, such as 137Cs, 85Sr and 131I, in alkaline solution is presented. Before impregnation, pristine chitosan experienced no adsorption affinity for Mo. However, this situation dramatically changed after the impregnation. The structure of AICS was elucidated by FTIR, SEM and EDX spectra. The influence of contact time, solution pH, weight of AICS, initial Mo concentration and temperature on the adsorption process was studied. Kinetic studies revealed that the rate of adsorption was impressively very fast and only 3 min were sufficient to reach equilibrium. The pH influence showed that Mo could be effectively adsorbed over a wide range of pH 3–11. The equilibrium data fitting to isotherms models followed the order Langmuir > Freundlich > Dubinin-Radushkevich. Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity was computed at 60.1 mg/L. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Finally, a pure solution of 99Mo with a purity >99 % was obtained from a real sample. The data obtained confirmed that AICS is a promising candidate for separation and purification of 99Mo from alkaline media.

Tropical Cyclone (TC) is the most devastating atmospheric incidents which occur frequently in pre-monsoon and the post-monsoon season in Bangladesh. The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is one of the most vulnerable places of TC induced storm surge. The triangular shape of BoB plays an important role to drive the sea water towards the coast and amplify the surges. In this study, minimum central pressure, maximum wind speed and track of TC Roanu are predicted by the WRF model. At the same time, prediction of cyclone induced storm surge for TC Roanu is done by using MRI storm surge model which is conducted by JMA. The input files for this parametric model is provided by using simulated data of WRF model and observed data of IMD. The results are compared with available recorded data of surge height for this cyclone. The differences in simulated output for two different input files are also studied. The maximum surge height from the MRI model is found 3 m using WRF simulated data and for IMD estimated data the maximum surge height is found 2.5 m. The simulated surge heights are found in decent contract with the available reported data of the storm surges.

Biodeterioration of library materials is a worldwide problem due to presence of huge numbers of libraries all over the world. The current research aimed to study the paper deterioration by fungi isolated from Cairo University´s old library, Egypt. The most ten frequent paper deteriorating species were used. They were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. parvisclerotigenus, A. oryzae, A. tubingensis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium commune, P. crustosum, P. digitatum and P. italicum. Artificial infestation of 4 paper types by the ten fungal species indicating variation in utilization ability depending on paper type (papyrus followed by newspaper, printer and then Whatman filter paper) and on fungal species. Determination of remaining cellulose value after paper infestation and fungal growth indicated that A. flavus was the highest cellulose utilizable in Whatman filter paper, A. niger for Papyrus paper, A. oryzae for newspaper and P. commune for printer papers. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was used in the case of P. commune infesting the 4 paper types. The images indicated a reduction in surface roughness of all paper types with Whatman paper being the most affected one. AFM indicated also disruption in the normal system of infested paper surface which appeared with many peaks compared to one peak in normal paper.

Salinity intrusion causes problems in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Climate change creates hazards like cyclone, sea level rise, and storm surge have been increasing the salinity problem in many folds. The coastal region covers about 20% of the country; from where cultivable land more than 30%. Agricultural land uses in these areas are very poor, because of high content of salinity in Rabi season. Already, 830,000 million hectares of land already identified as affected by soil salinity. A field experiment was carried out at saline prone area at Binerpota, Satkhira under natural salinity condition during Rabi season 2017-2018. The experiment was carried out with rice variety Binadhan-10.This variety was evaluated under four transplanting methods i.e., M0: Control (No Slope/flat land), M1: Ridge and furrow (each furrow 30 cm wide accommodating 3 lines transplanting), M2: Ridge and furrow (each furrow 60 cm wide accommodating 5 lines transplanting) and four levels of gypsum with control G0: control, G1: 75 kg ha-1, G2: 150 kg ha-1 as basal and G3: 150 kg ha-1(75 kg ha-1 as basal +75 kg ha-1 42 DAT). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The unit plot size was 3 m x 4 m. The recommended fertilizer doses applied for the experiment were 80 kg N ha-1, 15 kg P ha-1, 50 kg K ha-1. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and zinc were supplied from urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum and zinc sulphate monohydrate respectively while urea was applied in three equal splits. Application of gypsum had significant effect on plant height, number of effective tiller m-2, length of panicle, total number of spikelets panicle-1, thousand grain weight, number of filled spikelets panicle-1, grain yield straw yield. It seems that the crop responded to the application of gypsum. Overall results suggest that an application of gypsum The highest grain yield (7.7 t ha-1) was produced in ridge and furrow method where gypsum rate was 150 kg ha-1 (75 kg ha-1 as basal + 75kg ha-1 at weeks after transplanting followed by (7.4 t ha-1) basal application of 150 kg ha-1 gypsum along with N, P, K, Zn and Boron might be necessary to ensure satisfactory yield of rice in saline prone area under natural salinity condition.

To investigate the effect of various transplanting dates on yield and yield attributing characteristics of Nerica rice mutants at drought prone areas, Ishurdi and Chapai Nawabgonj during aman season. Two advanced Nerica mutant lines (N4/350/P-4(5), N10/350/P-5-4) were evaluated compared with one check variety (Binadhan-17) with three dates of transplanting (D1=July 20, D2=July 30 and D3=August 10). The experiments were laid out on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Twenty five days old seedlings were transplanted with optimum 20 x 20 cm row to row and plant to plant distance. The unit plot size was 3 m×4 m. The recommended doses of fertilizer were applied. The effect of dates of transplanting on grain yield of D3 was the highest (5.10 t ha-1) whereas D2 produced the lowest grain yield (4.24 t ha-1). Among the mutant lines/varieties, Binadhan-17 produced the highest grain yield (4.94 t ha-1) followed by N4/350/P-4(5) (4.57 t ha-1). The interaction effect of date and variety showed that Binadhan-17 produced the maximum yield (5.56 t ha-1) at D3 followed by N4/350/P-4(5) mutant (4.92 t ha-1). The interaction effect of date and location, D3 transplanting date produced the maximum yield (5.23 t ha-1) at Ishurdi which was followed by transplanting (4.96 t ha-1) at Chapai Nawabgonj. The interaction effect of variety and location Binadhan-17 produced maximum yield (5.06 t ha-1) in Ishurdi followed by Binadhan-17 in Chapai Nawabgonj (4.82 t ha-1). The interaction effect of date, variety and location transplanting date D3, Binadhan-17 produced maximum yield (5.70 t ha-1) in Ishurdi followed by transplanting date D3, Binadhan-17 in Chapai Nawabgonj (5.43 t ha-1). The data recorded on crop duration from transplanting to maturity revealed that the advanced mutant line N4/350/P-4(5) required the least average 108 days and the Binadhan-17 required maximum average 119 days. Therefore, 10th August was found to be the best date of transplanting and Binadhan 17 showed the best performance at Ishwardi in Bangladesh.

Taxol is a blockbuster anticancer drug that commercially synthesized from 10-decaetylbaccatin III intermediate of Taxus baccata, however, this technology has been challenged by reproducibility and association of unwanted compounds. Recently, endophytic fungi with fast growing and feasibility of molecular engineering raise the hope for sustainable production of Taxol, unfortunately the loss of their productivity with multiple subculturing is the main challenge to authenticate this approach industrially. Thus, searching for novel fungal isolates with molecular and metabolic functional stability for Taxol production was the objective of this work. Among the experimented fungal isolates, Aspergillus flavipes, a soil-dwelling saprophyte, gave the highest Taxol yield (185 μg/l). Metabolically, A. flavipes had a strong stability for Taxol production till the 10th subcultures (185-160 μg/l) on the same cultural conditions. The yield of Taxol by A. flavipes was increased by 5 folds (850 μg/ L) with fluconazole (1.0 μg/ml) addition to 5 days old culture. The expression of Taxol biosynthetic genes ts, dbat, bapt and transcriptional factor pbcR was significantly increased by 8–10 folds upon fluconazole addition that correlates with Taxol yield. HSP70 was induced by 13 folds with addition of fluconazole to cultures of A. flavipes. Thus, Taxol biosynthesis could be transcriptionally regulated by pbcR and post-translationally modified by HSP70 chaperones. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report exploring the potency of saprophytic A. flavipes for Taxol production with metabolic stability with multiple subculturing.

Aus, aman and boro are three rice cultivating seasons in Bangladesh. Among these aus is the least cultivated and grown in comparatively small scale due to prevailing drought and less availability of surface water for irrigation. Modern varieties of aus rice cover a significant area of the country conversely local cultivars cover a small area. Aus rice requires much fewer inputs than aman and boro. Due to continuous declination of groundwater level, nowadays more emphasis is given on the extension of aus cultivation throughout the country. The present field study tested yield and morphological attributes of six developed aus rice varieties viz. Binadhan-14, Binadhan-19, BRRI dhan43, BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55 and BRRI dhan65 to characterize yield, maturity and phenological properties. The field trial was set at Satvaiyapara of Khagrachari during 2018 following Randomized Complete Block design with dispersed plots. All data were collected at harvest and analysed statistically by Statistix 10. Findings revealed that statistically highest grain yield was produced from BRRI dhan55 (4.49 t/ha) and BRRI dhan48 (4.48 t/ha); the lowest by BRRI dhan65 (3.06 t/ ha). The yield of Binadhan-19 (4.37 t/ha) and Binadhan-14 (3.87 t/ha) was intermediate. In case of maturity, Binadhan-19 (99.33 days) had the shortest life duration and BRRI dhan48 (113.67 days), the longest. The greater portion of the farmers was keen to grow Binadhan-19 and Binadhan-14 instead of BRRI dhan43 and BRRI dhan48 mainly for its short duration, optimal yield, long and slender quality grain. Binadhan-19 might be a promising aus variety in the Khagrachari hill tracts for gaining favourable yield within a short time. Therefore, further studies are needed in jhum cultivation with local cultivars for more significant comparison and acceptability to the rice farming community.

Macrophages have been reported to participate in inflammation, tissue homeostasis and tissue repair. The detailed mechanism of macrophage-mediated tissue repair is not clear. CXCL-10, secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, mediates immune response and angiogenesis by binding to CXCR3. In this study, the expression of CXCL-10 and CXCR3 in porcine lung injury induced by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection was firstly examined. The results showed that the expression of both CXCL-10 and CXCR3 increased in the infected pig lungs. In addition, the increased expression of CXCL-10 and CXCR3 in macrophage treated by poly (I:C) was also observed, suggesting the autocrine system existed in macrophages. Furthermore, CXCL-10 treatment induced upregulation of Arg1 and VEGFa, and downregulation of TNFα in macrophage, and CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 treatment presented the contrary effects on the expression of Arg1, VEGFa, and TNFα. CXCL- 10-stimulated effects were dependent on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Wound-healing assay showed that CXCL-10 treatment macrophage conditioned medium promoted the healing process of endothelial cells. Our results suggested that CXCL-10/CXCR3 in macrophage may mediate tissue repair by regulating the macrophage expression of Arg1, VEGFa and TNFα. Modulation of CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis in macrophage may be a potential therapeutic strategy for tissue injury and repair.

Cutting and ligation of facial artery is the conventional practice for excision of submandibular gland. Facial artery is the main arterial supply to the lower face. Its preservation results in preservation of large proportion of vascularity to the lower face, preserves vascularity of platysma myocutaneous flap, allows repair of lower lip using Bernard's technique; facial artery is one of the most important recipient artery for microvascular free flap in modern reconstructive surgery in head and neck oncology. This prospective study was carried out in Department of Otolaryngology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2005 to October 2012 on 31 cases. Chronic submandibular sialoadenitis, benign submandibular gland tumours and cases of neck dissection where level I cervical lymph nodes were not involved by metastasis were included in this study. The facial artery was identified proximal to the gland and was dissected free from the gland by ligating or cauterizing its glandular branches to mobilize the gland. Appropriate anatomical aspects were noted and the time required for separation of the artery from the gland was recorded. Thirty-one consecutive cases were studied. The indications were chronic sialoadenitis (67.7%), pleomorphic adenoma (12.9%) and as a part of neck dissection for oncologic clearance of neck (19.4%). The mean duration of time for separation of the artery from the gland was 10.26 minutes. In two cases the facial artery could not be safely separated due to excessive adhesion from chronic inflammation. No significant complications were noted. Preservation of facial artery in submandibular gland excision is a simple procedure. So it should not be routinely sacrificed during this surgery.

The decrease in the amounts of rainfall in the dry and semi-arid areas, which are fragile environments, the recurrence of the drought Phenomenon for successive years and the irresponsible Practices of the Population leads to the deterioration of the soil and its characteristics, the decline of the Vegetation cover and the transformation of lands from Productive agricultural, residential or Pastoral lands to barren and decertified lands, including the lands of Tel Abta district. Which became clear manifestations of desertification in large areas of them. The research aims to study the deterioration of soil, Vegetation covers and sand dunes, which began to creep into residential and agricultural areas and natural Pastures, which led to the migration of the inhabitants of those Villages to Other areas and these lands became decertified environments repelling Various human activities, especially agriculture and grazing. Then the research concluded with conclusions and suggestions.

A total of 60 endophytic fungal strains were isolated and screened for their producing-ability of 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP), which has a coconut-like aroma. Of these isolated strains, four strains of Trichoderma koningii Oudemans were positive for 6PP production. Agar well diffusion assay was employed to test the antimicrobial activity of 6PP against 22 microbial strains. Although 6PP showed no antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains, it interestingly exhibited positive inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus recording a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 μg/mL. The 6PP displayed a good antifungal activity against all filamentous fungi tested with MICs ranged from 80 to 90 μg.mL. To demonstrate its mode of antimicrobial activity, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium expansum and Fusarium acuminatum were treated with 6PP at sub-MICs and examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Several morphological alterations were caused by 6PP, such as induction of a bleb-like structure on the outer surface of the treated bacteria and surface depression with loosing hyphal linearity of the treated fungi. Additionally, several extensive cellular damages were also observed in microbial cells and the most frequent alteration noticed was the detachment of plasma membrane from cell wall. The inhibitory activity of 6PP was further demonstrated on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production by several strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus grown in liquid medium and results showed that 6PP had a good efficacy in suppression of AFB1 by 34.28–54.63%. These findings hold a promise to control pathogenic organisms and their toxicity using a lactone metabolite.

Synthesis and characterization of potassium zinc hexacyanoferrate (KZnFC) as nano ion exchanger material are performed. Sorption characterization investigations on the removal of some radionuclides (134Cs, 60Co), heavy metal (Pb2+) and lanthanides (Ce3+ and Gd3+) from aqueous and nitric acid solutions using mesoporous KZnFC ion exchange have been done. Selective removal of 134Cs rather than 60Co and Ce3+ (lanthanides) is achieved in aqueous solution and nitric acid solution, respectively. The maximum sorption capacity of 134Cs, 60Co, Pb2+, Ce3+ and Gd3+ is 170, 10.5, 3.88, 0.72 and 0.55 mg/g, respectively, onto nano-material of KZnFC.

Results were indicated that the population fluctuation of Aphid craccivora kock. and the Thrips tabaci were higher during (2012-2013 season) than the second season (2013-2014). The statistical analysis of simple correlation and partial regression showed that a positive significant relationship between the daily mean of temperature and relative humidity and aphid A. craccivora population in the two successive seasons (2012-2013 and 2013-2014). The relationship between the predators Green lacewing Chrysoprla carnea (Steph), Hover fly Metasyrphus Corrollae and the pest population were negative significant. The partial regression significant were negative significant relation between C. carnea and the pest population while the partial regression cleared that a positive significant relationship between M. corollae with A. craccivora in both seasons. The simples correlation indicated that a positive significant relationship between each of the daily mean temperature and the relative humidity and Thrips tabaci while the partial regression coefficient and the relationship were negative in the two successive seasons. The relationship between the Green lacewing C. carnea and hover fly M. corrollae and Thrips tabaci were negative significant. The partial regression values were insignificant in (2012-2013) but positive significant in (2013-2014) seasons for C. carnea but the partial regression values of M. corrollae were significant in the two successive seasons.

Water management is one crucial component of agribusiness and municipal policy. One of the water-oriented dimensions is irrigation. In Pakistan, there is a lack of water system planning and water conservation management. This study is an effort to focus on water conservation and optimum crop yield using cost effective irrigation practices. This study is based on the comparative analysis among four irrigation techniques: flood irrigation (conventional), furrow, alternate furrow, and raised bed on wheat crop in order to decide the most efficient irrigation technique on clay loam soil. The wheat crop was cultivated in Rabi season from November 2015 to March 2018 on a one-acre area of a local farmer of Sajawal district, Sindh. Randomize complete block design (RCBD) method was used to design and allocate 3 irrigation sub-plots. The results show significance p

The fungal counts per gram of air-dried dates, of eight local date-palm varieties, varied markedly on different synthetic media. Seri and Shakra varieties had highest fungal counts whereas Medina had the lowest. Aspergilus flavus , A. niger , Penicillium rubrum , P. oxalicum , Rhizopus stolonifer , Stemphylium verruculosum and Fusarium sp. were generally associated with various date varieties. Apparent colonization of the fungi was obtained by increasing the relative humidity to 90% at 30 and 40°C. Best growth of the isolated fungi in artificial media was obtained at 60% glucose concentration.

SURVEY of fungi in raw peanut seeds by washing technique method resulted in isolation of nine fungal species. The aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus was the most frequently isolated species in the isolation plates. Molecular identification confirms that it is identical to A. flavus available in database in NCBI GenBank with similarity of 100%. The aflatoxins (AFs) produced in the fermentation medium of A. flavus were extracted and estimated by HPLC to be contain B1, B2, G1, G2 AFs. Banana peel powder, prepared from samples collected from juice markets, proved to be of high adsorption capacity to aflatoxins in concentration depending manner of either peel or aflatoxins.In vivo histopathological studies using 6 albino rats groups, an alteration in rats treated with single aflatoxin concentrations (G2 or G3) such as inflammation, fibrosis, expanded portal tract and degeneration of hepatocytes in liver and expanded glomeruli, vacuolation & fatty degeneration in renal tubules were detected in kidney. However, banana peel treated singly showing normal hepatocytes and central vein in liver as well as normal tubules and glomeruli in kidney. Co-addition of AFs with banana peel powder to rat diet showing significant reduction in the harmful effect of AFs added singly in liver and kidney tissues. This study indicated also that the liver was highly affected by AFs than kidney.

The existing of pores and micro-crack in the hardened cement paste influences the strength itself. Nano silica produced from BRHA has been used in this study. Nano BRHA replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% by weight of cement were applied. The TGA/DTA and XRD has been conducted for hardened cement paste powder to analyses the effect of different partial replacement of Nano BRHA. It was found that the weight loss results for Ca(OH)2 seems decreasing with increasing in Nano BRHA replacement. The higher CSH percentage contained in cement paste was 10% of Nano BRHA replacement.

Nowadays, nanotechnology has been widely study because it’s proven to improve the properties of asphalt. There a lot of nano-materials in industrial area and one of them are Nano clay. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the rutting resistance of asphalt incorporating Nano-kaolin. The asphalt was evaluated in fresh and aged condition. In this study, asphalt binders with five different percentages of Nano-kaolin (0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) contain was prepared. The results indicated that the addition of Nano-kaolin was helpful in enhance the rutting resistance of the binders. In addition, based on the testing results, the ideal asphalt was achieved at 5% of Nano-kaolin content.

Erosion and weathering are major processes that may reduce the strength of rock slope material or may cause significant change in the physical state of the slope. These can lead to landslide or slope failure, bringing significant risk in terms of properties damage and/or human safety. In Sri Jaya, Pahang, a large body of granite is exposed as cut rock slope, which shows different zones of weathering grade. Field and laboratory tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties and the physical properties of weathered rocks of the slope, which involved a number of testing for the Schmidt rebound hammer test, point load test, moisture content, water absorption and specific gravity. From the tests, the study has determined the engineering properties of weathered rock of the slope where weathering grade and engineering properties of rock were correlated. A strong correlation was found between the weathering grade and engineering properties where they showed significant correlations for this site. It is proven that the engineering properties could be used as reliable parameters in determining the weathering grade of material in the field.

The rapid development in the construction of infrastructure on the hilly terrain has led to excavation of large bodies of rock mass to form cut slopes, resulting in the deformation and reduction in the stability of the rock material. As the slopes were cut more than 10 years ago, it is worried that there should be strength deterioration of the rock slope that could affect the stability of the slope. A study should be carried out to evaluate the recent condition of the slope in terms of its stability and safety after a long period of the exposure. A field study was conducted to collect the discontinuity data and laboratory test for the purpose of stability analysis using the existing stability analysis scheme of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Slope Mass Rating (SMR). The study was taken place at an exposed cut slope of a highway in Sri Jaya, Pahang. The objective of this study is to determine and evaluate the stability of the rock cut slope. A classification of the discontinuity parameters such as the strength, Rock Quality Designation (RQD), spacing, aperture, infilling, persistence, weathering, and groundwater have been used to determine the rock mass condition. The classification also need laboratory test for the point load strength (PLT) parameter. The RMR classification showed the rock to be very good condition, while the SMR showed the slope to be completely stable to stable. This study provide a good database in assessing the rock slope condition from time to time for the slope authority management.

This study proposed an empirical study of risk assessment module for public road infrastructure construction projects. This study employs a case study of a public road infrastructure construction projects located at a state in East Coast of Malaysia. The projects involve the construction of new four (4) lane road along 5.875km aligned from the state route to federal route. The project will be benefited to the federal and state economic development, while for the local residents, they will benefited with reducing of traffic congestion. However, due to several uncertainties, schedule delays have occurred to the particular area. Thus, this study conducted to explore the risk associated with the project, and four delay factors and thirteen sub-factors have emerged prior to the consultations with project team experts. The delay risk assessed quantitatively employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique by prioritising the risk delay factors. Design of the AHP model and the operation of the pair-wise rating was employed the super-decision software. The analysis revealed that when considering all factor concerning the goal, the project risk (0.348) captured the most prioritised risk factor that caused by land acquisition issues (0.555), followed by environmental (0.233) caused by the uncertainty of weather (0.733), operational risk (0.309) caused by late submission of approved for construction drawing causing a delay in projects submission delay (0.396) as the last prioritised risk factors in the construction project and technical risk (0.110) caused by the new design does not consider existing drainage system causing flood (0.352). Findings of this study will beneficial to the project team, as the prioritised risk will act as their references and guidance to avoid delays and incurring of project costs.

Rock slope engineering involves the designing of safe and stable rock slopes for a certain lifespan. Different rock slopes exhibit different strengths of material that reacts differently to external forces. Rock strength can decrease over time due to weathering process. In addition, the presence of discontinuity can lead to structurally controlled slope failure. The study focuses on a large exposed rock slope in Sri Jaya area, where the exposed granitic rock was cut by several sets of discontinuities. In addition to the discontinuities, the slope exhibited several weathering grades. The objective of this study is to map the weathering and discontinuity of the rock slope, in order to determine the stability of the slope. Schmidt rebound hammer tests were carried out to determine the extent of the weathering grade of the slope material. The collected field data were then analysed using the kinematic analysis to determine potential mode(s) of failure. From the analysis, it is predicted that there is significant percentage for toppling failure and wedge failure to occur in the weathered rock material.

Over the years, rock slope will undergo the natural phenomenon of weathering, leading to the weakening of strength and physical properties of the slope material. In Malaysia, one of the causes of the weathering of rock is due to the presence of water, which can form groundwater table in the subsurface of rock slopes. The weathering of rock material in slopes can have significant effect on the stability. In Sri Jaya, Pahang, a large body of rock is exposed in cut slope, where different weathering grade was observed on the surface. The study aims to investigate the groundwater table under the rock slope surface and determine the extent of weathering of the rock slope. For that purpose, the electrical resistivity imaging (ERI)was chosen as a geophysical method to map the subsurface condition of the slope. Resistivity values from the survey were interpreted based on established work that correlates weathering condition of rock material with resistivity value. Different zones of weathering grade and groundwater were determined based from the profile.

Ambient noise analysis of horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method has been used widely to provide reliable estimates of the site fundamental frequency and to constrain the inversion of near-surface shear wave velocity. The present paper focuses on the site measurement using the aforementioned analysis by means of the HVSR method for characterizing sub-surface dynamic parameters in the City of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. A Guralp CMG-6TD broadband seismometer was used in this study to cover a wide frequency range from 0.033 Hz to 50 Hz in standard operation. The instrument was deployed at two different sites (i.e. Location#1 of Blang Padang and Location#2 of Stadion Dirmutala) in the City of Banda Aceh for at least 2 hours for ambient noise recording. This continuous of 2 hours' microtremor time series was separated into 30 minutes record from which the site fundamental frequency and shear wave velocity of the measured site were deduced. The later sub-surface dynamic parameter was validated using another technique of reflection seismic. This investigation suggests the fundamental frequency of 0.45 Hz at Location#1 and of 0.65 Hz at Location#2. The estimated shear wave velocity of the top 30 m, Vs,30 of this investigation is 165 m/s at Location#1 and 156 m/s at Location#2. Both the site fundamental frequency and shear wave velocity are important for infrastructure design in the high seismic region of Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Consultant selection is a complex problem involving qualitative and quantitative multi criteria decision. In this study, an AHP-based consultant selection model is applied to develop and assist in decision making process to resolve the consultant selection problem in choosing the most favourable consultant’s criteria combination. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is an established decision method used to synthesize judgements and select the best alternative. When the objectives and scopes of study are set, then the data collection are made through two methods which are through literature review and pair-wise questionnaire survey. Information obtained from the questionnaire is interpreted into a simpler form and analysed by using the Expert Choice software. Results shows that financial capability of the consultant prioritize the decision of the selection while dominating the sub-criteria for selection is the profit made by the consultant within the last 3 years.

Construction projects is progressing rapidly in Malaysia and have been as one of an important factor in contributing the boost of country’s economic. Well known as a sectors with involvement of multiple players, thus, contractor selection is an important aspect in construction sector especially for client or parties involve that need to hire the best contractor to manage and complete their project within time-line and bearable cost couple with comprised quality. Furthermore, without a suitable method use in selection of contractor, it will affect the completion of whole project. This paper aiming in make use of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a decision support model to select contractor. The AHP allows constructing decision as hierarchies and each criterion can be evaluated through weighted determined by the expert in construction field. The objectives of this study is to develop the main criteria used by client in selection of contractors also identify the weighted criteria by using AHP method from current practice in Malaysia. Besides, this method is one of the decision-making that is necessary to eliminate the risks of project failure due to poor contractor’s performance.

This paper presents a preliminary methodological study of a seismic risk assessment in a residential area to classification of damage state immediately subsequent after earthquake happen. This paper compared with difference research of a seismic risk assessment in the same area, i.e. Kertosari, Banjarnegara Indonesia. This methodological study to identified compatibility of the building vulnerability assessment with Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC) method for determine the probability of damage that has 5 different damage statuses (slight, moderate, extensive, complete and none), where the criteria damage states in vulnerable building has additional damage parameters based on the latest building damage regulations issued in 2013, which have totally 104 data difference criteria. The results from determine the probability of damage processing using the NBC methodology in Kertosari Banjarnegara that most type of damage states is extensive damage. There is a difference with 2018 research data, where the most damage state is the moderate damage, and there is also a difference with the Banjarnegara Municipal Disaster Management Authority (BPBD Banjarnegara) data, which has the most damage state is the complete damage. The difference is caused by the criteria in determining the damage conditions are still too general and the uncertainty value is high. Therefore, it is necessary to improve and detailed the building type model and damaged condition criteria for Indonesian buildings, based on the assessment and suggestion of experts who have good and long experience in earthquake risk management and understand the state of damage to Indonesian building regulations, such as: (1) researchers/scientists; (2) small and medium-sized contractors; (3) construction supervisors; (4) government officials; (5) business leaders; (6) academics/educators; (7) non-governmental organizations, in order to obtain an assessment of damage to residential houses quickly and accurately.

The present work attempt to derive a risk index that causing performance failures among Public-private partnership (PPP) housing construction project, and to propose a risk response and monitoring strategy based on the risk index obtained. A total of thirty-three (33) respondent involved in the PPP housing construction assessing the risk elements employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Findings reveal that among the risks that were captured for high to extreme risks (0.100 < RI ⩽ 0.150) are geologic hazard risk (0.125), and inflation and interest rate risk (0.116) whereas strategy proposed for both of the extreme risks are avoiding the risk and it best to be assigned the risks to the private sector. On contrary, results for moderate risks captured with unreliable value for money (0.066), fluctuation in currency exchange rate (0.058), absence of transparency and accountability during procurement process (0.084), absence of robust and clear agreement (0.077), unforeseen ground condition (0.058) and shortage of technical expertise (0.054) the strategy advocated for the moderate risk is to transfer the risks and shared within both parties i.e. public and private. Eventually, low risks occupied within the risk index of (0.000 < RI ⩽ 0.050) are financial incapacity if private partners (0.034), weak state intervention (0.039), persistent land acquisition (0.039), insufficient capacity in procurement and negotiation (0.035), frequent design change (0.039), design over specification (0.023), poor quality workmanship (0.029), absence of specific PPP framework (0.046) and inadequate PPP skills and knowledge leading to poor planning (0.043) all the risks best to accept and retained within the public sectors. Taken together, the development of risk response and risk mitigation plan that emerged from the risk index offered significant contribution which has gain a new understanding that risks with severe or low exposure can be reduced or avoided taking into account its strategic and effective response and mitigation approaches.

Rock mass classification systems are commonly used in the design and construction of rock engineering, and have seen widespread modifications and validations by various researchers over the last few decades. The rock mass classification, in particular the slope mass rating (SMR), continues to be the preferred preliminary method in small-scale assessment of rock slope stability. In Malaysia, parameters related to rock slope stability assessment have been modified to consider the condition of the rock mass such as the effect of heterogeneous rock units and weathering of rocks. The application of rock mass classifications however have been shown to contain some discrepancies, and the acknowledgement of the limitations of the system is important for an optimum use in the design stage. This paper reviews several development of rock mass classifications in Malaysia, as well as looking at potential direction of further development of the rock mass classification system in the context of local slope stability analysis.

The growing demand for sand supply for construction industry use especially in concrete production drives the sand mining industry to flourish. However, excessive sand mining would affect the river environment, aquatic life and water quality. At the same time, the increasing quantity of palm oil clinker, which is a by-product at palm oil mill disposed at landfill, poses negative impact to the environment. The use of palm oil clinker waste as sand replacement in concrete production would be able to reduce the use of natural sand from the river and dumping of clinker waste at landfill. The current research investigates the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete containing palm oil clinker as partial fine aggregate replacement. A total five concrete mixes were produced. The control specimen was prepared by using 100% natural sand. Other mixes were formed by integrating crushed palm oil clinker as partial fine aggregate replacement ranging from 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. All specimens were water cured up to 28 days. The specimens were subjected to slump test, compressive strength test, flexural strength test and water absorption test. The finding shows that suitable amount of palm oil clinker can be used as partial fine aggregate replacement in concrete production. Concrete containing palm oil clinker up to 40% replacement exhibits water absorption value lower than 10%, thus classified as good quality concrete.

Method in construction industry is very important in construction industry. The type of method used in construction may affect the quality of the project. Three distinct method that will be explore in this paper are traditional method, design and build and industrial building system (IBS). The traditional procurement method, known for its separate entity by the client, architect and contractor. The architect will responsible for design work, while contractor will responsible for construction work. Meanwhile, the design and build, whereby the contractor accepts responsibility for some or all of the design finally the IBS is when the construction built using pre-fabricated components. This paper aiming in identifying the criteria and suitability for selecting different kind of construction delivery method in construction by using the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) namely the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Results provides some empirical finding which contractor for Grade 7 is suitable employing the industrial building system(IBS) method while the traditional method is appropriately for the Grade 1 contractor.

Analytical models have demonstrated that they are able to simulate reasonably well the seismic motions at the ground level. The most widely used model is the equivalent linear approach. This equivalent linear model was used to compute the free-field response of Meureudu-Pidie Jaya, Aceh Indonesia’s soft soils during the 2016 Pidie Jaya earthquake. The model computes the ground response of horizontally layered soil deposits subjected to transient and vertically propagating shear waves through the one-dimensional soil column. Each soil layer is assumed to be homogeneous, visco-elastic and infinite in the horizontal extent. The equivalent linear estimation of soil properties is taken to express the nonlinearity of the soil’s shear modulus and damping values. These values are assumed to be a function of shear strain amplitude and determined by an iterative process that must be consistent with the level of the effective strain induced in each sub-layer. Starting with the highest shear modulus and a low damping value, the shear modulus and the damping ratio of each sub-layer are modified. The modification is based on the applicable relationship between both properties and the shear strain. The calculation is repeated until strain-compatible modulus and damping values converge within a tolerance of 1%. This research reveals the ground motions of Pidie Jaya’s soils. The results of the analysis are presented.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of two extracts derived from two soil actinomycete strains, designated S19 and G30, against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Sixty-four male rats were divided into four groups of 16 rats per group. The first group was a control group given corn oil and the nutritive medium which is composed of a mixture of the two used media. The second group received CCl4 only, the third group was administered CCl4 and the extract S19, and the fourth group was administered CCl4 and the extract G30. The results were taken after a treatment period of 8 weeks. Our data demonstrated that the two actinomycete extracts significantly (P

ONE HUNDRED and forty three isolates related to 16 fungal species were recovered from garden soil and indoor air of the medical chambers of Tumor Institute, Kasr El Ainy, Egypt. Quantitative L-asparaginase assay for isolated species was determined by Nesslerization. The fungal isolates exhibited different L-asparaginase activities. Aspergillus sydowii and Fusarium oxysporum showed the highest L-asparaginase activity where the activity reached 3.98 and 3.91 U/ml in the assay mixture after 48 h incubation period, respectively. The identification of A. sydowii and F. oxysporum was confirmed molecularly using Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions sequences. The optimization of the cultural conditions for the production of L-asparaginase was performed by using Taguchi design. Eight component factors of a modified medium were evaluated in influencing L-asparaginase yield. The highest L-asparagenolytic activity was achieved in culture media containing 1% L-asparagine, 0.2% glucose, 0.1% KH2PO4, 0.025% KCl, 0.052% MgSO4.7H2O, pH 5.0 and incubation at 40oC in a rotatory incubator (100 rpm) for 5 days, where enzyme activities of 146 and 143 U/ml were measured for A. sydowii and F. oxysporum, respectively. Anti-leukemic activity of the crude enzyme of either A. sydowii or F. oxysporum against murine RAW264.7 leukemia cells line using MTT viability assay with IC50 of 50.0 and 62.5 U/ml, respectively for the two tested fungi. The anti-cancer activity was determined against cell lines of human colon carcinoma, liver carcinoma and breast carcinoma. About 70-80% cell death of carcinoma cell lines was obtained by using the crude L-asparaginase of either A. sydowii or F. oxysporum.

Rock mass classification systems are commonly used in the design and construction of rock engineering, and have seen widespread modifications and validations by various researchers over the last few decades. In Malaysia, several methods for large-and medium-scale slope assessment systems have been developed for prediction of landslide risk. Most of the methods however were found to be unsatisfactory in actual prediction of slope failures. The rock mass classification, in particular the slope mass rating (SMR), continues to be the preferred preliminary method in small-scale assessment of rock slope stability. Kinematic analysis is also widely used for predicting potential failure in structurally-controlled rock slope, and has been used independent or as compliment to rock mass classification systems. These methods are not entirely adequate in incorporating the local condition of rock mass: as a result, several works have modified the parameters of slope stability assessment methods to consider the condition of the rock mass such as the effect of heterogeneous rock units and weathering of rocks. In addition to these conventional methods, geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity, and remote sensing methods such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR), are increasingly being used in both preliminary and post-slope failure analysis. This paper reviews the development of rock slope stability assessment methods in Malaysia, as well as covering the viability of integrating geophysical and laser scanning methods with conventional methods to develop a more comprehensive rock slope assessment.

This current study is evaluating the risks of Chereh Dam failure. A dam break study basically consists of rainfall analyses; hydrologic modeling; dam breaching analysis and inundation mapping of the resultant flood. Precipitation analyses and development of Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curve has been prepared and published in Urban Storm water Management Manual by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage of Malaysia. In here, hydrologic modeling was performed with the HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Modeling System). The results of hydrological analysis revealed that the observed and simulated flow hydrographs in the calibration and confirmation exercises were reasonably close. Furthermore, dam breaching analysis and inundation mapping was executed with the HEC-RAS (River Analysis System). Dam break analysis result will be used to arrange policy of the state or city government in order to minimize the hazards of Chereh Dam failure.

This paper presents a comparison method for calculating ground shaking in Yogyakarta, especially in Sedayu Permai Housing, Bantul District. The study was based on Hazard US (HAZUS) with Ground Motion Prediction Equations. The suitable using the latest attenuation equation from [1] for the BC class site rock and global source subduction use. Therefore, is needed necessary from an experts’ judgment to evaluate because different mechanism of earthquake for Indonesian seismic hazard.

The changing of climate pattern will increase the magnitude and frequency of excessive precipitation events which may trigger the possibility of river flooding with more severe and with higher risks. The objective of this current study is to assess and determine the flood inundation at the midstream to downstream part of Kuantan River Basin without and with consideration on Climate Change Factor (CCF). This coefficient is obtained from a technical guide on future design rainstorm with Climate Change Factor (CCF) by National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM). Next, design storm used in this study is a 24-hour storm duration and 100 years Annual Recurrence Interval (ARI). The finding of this study shows that climate change brings a significant impact on flood inundation depth and also in area. This result will be useful for city and or state government in term of formulating of appropriate strategies in order to minimize the negative impacts of flooding in Kuantan River Basin.

One of the most significant regional earthquakes which brought catastrophic impacts is the magnitude of Mw = 9.1 earthquake which occurred on the western coast of Banda Aceh, North Sumatera had generated a massive Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26th, 2004. Apart from that, several local earthquakes also occurred in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang and Ranau, Sabah according to Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia). However, oil and gas industry plays a vital role in Malaysian economy due to the significant contribution to the country's gross domestic product. In fact, the existing fixed offshore structure in Malaysia region only take into considerations the wind load, wave load, and current load rather than earthquake load. The objective of this study is to perform unity check for every element of offshore wellhead platform when subjected to 2004 Aceh earthquake loading. All the environmental loads such as wave, wind, and current load have been designed by referring the American Petroleum Institute (API) design criteria. The computer software SAP2000 is selected to model and analyse the offshore structure. There are three types of analysis that have been performed in this study which are the free vibration analysis, time history analysis, and response spectrum analysis. The time history of earthquake data from 2004 Aceh earthquake has been used in performing time history analysis. For the response spectrum analysis, the analysis was performed by using response spectra curves in Eurocode 8. As a result, the offshore wellhead platforms in Malaysia are situated under a safe condition when subjected to low seismic activity based on the study.