Abstract: One of the most useful applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag-np) is an antimicrobial agent that can have inhibitory effects against microbial pathogens. This paper reviews the detail of physical, chemical and green chemistry methods for synthesis of Ag-np and also its mechanism as antibacterial to inhibit many microbial pathogens. The main steps in preparation of Ag-np via chemical and green chemistry methods are the choice of the solvent medium, reducing agent and stabilizing or capping agent. The physical method needs physical or mechanical energy to achieve nano-size material. Green chemistry is the most promising method to be developed due to its simplicity and environmentally benign. As an antibacterial agent, effects of Ag-np toxicity are influenced by both of Ag-np and the silver ions which released during contact with water or tissue fluid. Both of those silver species can penetrate into the cytoplasm, DNA or ribosomes. The inactivation process of enzyme-membranes like phosphomannose isomerase caused denaturation of the bacterial cell. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Algae are very important component of aquatic ecosystem, often seen growing at warmer temperature. The biomass constituents varies with available nutrient supply but algae are known for producing several biologically active compounds with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. The extraction of bio active compounds differs according to the nature of solvent used. Phenolic compounds get extracted in polar solvent with differing yield, flavonoids in non-polar solvents, method of extraction such as soxhlet extraction yields heat stable components, where as cold extraction yields various lipid. In the present study investigation of the effect of different solvents, with increasing order of polarity on fresh water algae to develop alternative biodegradable natural compounds that are more environmentally acceptable alternate to antibiotics for aquaculture. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Currently, due to the lack of government and top management support the performance of Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been decreased. In Iraq, many companies have not considered modern technology such as Accounting Information System (AIS) in their business. In which utilizing AIS for SME should increase the performance to be effectiveness and efficiency in an evaluation of probable actions that can be taken to improve organizational productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current issues and success factors that could affect the SMEs performance by using AIS in Iraqi. A review the literature was carried out to gather the related information for utilizing AIS to improve the SMEs performance, while the interview was conducted to verify the result. These factors were identified based on the previous models and the related literature. The purpose of this study is to help the decision makers to overcome the related issues and improve the performance. Six success factors have been found in this study. These factors could have an effect of enhancing the SMEs performance by utilizing AIS. The success factors include: educational status, government support, top management support, organizational culture, organizational size and knowledge in accounting. This study present success factors that bring to the effectiveness of accounting information system in enterprises performance. The results showed that the SMEs need continued attention to get government as well as top management support for the development of comprehensive action plans to enhance SME performance. The conceptual model was developed in this study to present the finding. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: In recent times, there is a growing global interest in cloud computing which has necessitated a huge financial and intellectual investment in cloud research and development and developing countries are not left out, especially Nigeria. The aim of this paper is to measure Nigeria’s contribution to the global cloud computing research endeavours in terms of quantity and impact. Bibliometric and content analysis was performed on research documents that were retrieved from the Scopus database based on defined search terms relating to cloud computing. The year of publication and the author’s country was limited to “2016” and “Nigeria” respectively. A total of 51 documents met the search criteria and the oldest article on cloud computing was published in 2011, while the publication output has increased consistently with the highest number of the document published in 2016. Covenant University emerged as the most productive institution. Malaysia emerged as the country with the highest number of collaborations with Nigeria. The trend of cloud computing research in Nigeria revealed a majority of original researches and research interests are focused on Education and the Software-as-a-Service model of cloud computing. Although, cloud computing research in Nigeria is still very nascent, the publication trends portend more growth in the research area in the nearest future. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Diagnostic radiology technology is used to obtain a high-quality image for the patients during surgeries at Operation theater (OT). It is important to ensure low radiation dose by applying the radiation protection and safety principles to the healthcare team. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge towards radiation protection and adherence to radiation safety measurements among healthcare workers who employ ionizing radiation in the operating theater. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted healthcare workers; physicians, nurses and anesthesia technologists working in the operating suite that were exposed to radiation during procedures. The survey asked participants to measure their knowledge and adherence to radiation protection during their presences or practice of radiology procedures. Results: The overall mean adherence score was 4.08±1.33 and the overall mean knowledge score was 3.24±0.97 and the two scores revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.226, p = 0.035). The technologists and males showed higher adherence score. Physicians and females showed insignificantly higher knowledge score. Physicians illustrated significantly (p = 0.006) higher percentage concerning ensuring a minimum of 1-2 m distance from radiation source during procedures, followed by the technologists (78.6%) and nursing (60%). While there was no association between knowledge and occupation. On the other hand, males were significantly (p = 0.032) more likely to wear TLD (97.2%) and lead apron (97.2%) during procedures as compared to females (82.4 and 80.4, respectively). Conclusion: Similar to adherence, there was no association between knowledge and sex. Healthcare workers showed good adherence to radiation safety measurements, with less knowledge towards radiation protection. However, there was a positive correlation between adherence and knowledge scores. Adherence was dependent on the health profession and sex while knowledge was independent of both. There is a need to increase knowledge and awareness toward the adherence to the radiation protection guidelines. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: ZnS:Mn is a very potential semiconductor to be applied to various optoelectronic devices, because it has good optical properties especially transmittance and high band gap in the visible spectrum region. This study aimed to analyze the effect of percentage of deposition rate of Mn dopant on deposition rate of ZnS on each sample making that is useful for the development of science, especially in the field of optics and microelectronics. Materials and Methods: A thin layer of ZnS:Mn with thermal co-evaporation and electron beam method with various deposition rate of Mn dopant to deposition rate of ZnS on each sample has been made. Results: Analysis of transmittance pattern obtained is 67.98-85.82%, the highest transmittance obtained at deposition rate of Mn dopant 0,67%. The Reflectance pattern was obtained by 9.23-15.59%, the highest reflectance at deposition rate of Mn dopant of 0.33%. Band gap energy that was obtained 3.06 eV-3.36%, band gap changes increase along with the changing of deposition rate of Mn dopant. Absorbance was obtained from 0.69-0.77, the lowest absorbance that was obtained at the deposition rate of Mn dopant of 0.50% and refractive index ranged from 2.29-2.53, refractive index tended to increase with increasing deposition rate of Mn dopant. Conclusion: The best transmittance value is ZnS: Mn 0.67% equal to 85.82% with band gap value obtained between 3.06 and 3.36 eV. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objectives: There are many types of solar cells that had been designed and fabricated in the past decades to increase the efficiency and productivity of the solar cell. Some examples of fabrication techniques will be sputtering, pulsed laser and also evaporation techniques. All these techniques will be fabricated by using vacuum system. These thin film based solar cell were frequently being used and more research still ongoing to improvise the efficiency of it. However, as for change this research were carried based on investigating the flexible microwire solar cell by using silicon based fiber as substrates. Very less reports were stated regarding solar cell by using molybdenum coated fiber. The objective of this research study is to investigate the interface between molybdenum (back contact) coated silicone fiber and CZTS. Materials and Methods: The materials that are suggested to be the coating is Copper, Zin, Tin and Sulphur (CZTS) solution. The precursors of CZTS was synthesized by using sol gel technique. The layers were coated on top of fiber by using dip coating technique. The CZTS layer were investigated by varying the dipping speed, heating temperature and duration of dipping. Results: The samples were send to SEM, AFM, UV-Vis for characterization. The CZTS thin film has the thickness of 0.85 µm. Synthesis CZTS has the bandgap of 1.57 eV and can absorb the visible light in the range of 400-800 nm. Conclusion: In this study, it is found that the silicone fiber can be act as substrates for solar cells and more research can be carried on by using it as substrate. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objectives: The Neuro-fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and a Neural Networks (NNets) system are two effective and famous systems. This study aimed to study the behavior of the multiplicity distribution of shower particles for some metals and predict the behavior for others. In addition to make a comparative comparison between the two proposed systems. Methodology: The ANFIS and NNets systems are trained and tested to simulate and predict the non-linear relationship for multiplicity distribution of shower particles produced from the P, 2H, 4He, 6Li, 7Li, 12C, 16O, 24Mg, 28Si and 32S with light (HCNO) emulsion at 4.5 AGev/c. Results: The simulation results from the ANFIS based model and NNets are compared with the corresponding experimented data for different beams collisions with light nuclei. Conclusion: The predicted values of the ANFIS and NNets are expected to be accurately as the experimental data. The ANFIS and NNets give the providing of extensive procedure in modeling of high-energy physics. However, the obtained results of ANFIS is better than the NNets in the test and predicted data. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: In Central Java, maize is a kind of crop that has the potential to be developed as the number of food-processing industry increases. Wonogiri district is a dryland maize-producer area with production always increases every year. Based on its natural conditions, the region could not support maize farming well enough. However, with limited natural conditions, Wonogiri become the second-highest maize production areas in Central Java. This research aimed to analyze the determinant of maize supply, the most influential factors to maize supply and its elasticity. Materials and Methods: In order to estimate the determinants of maize supply, this study uses agricultural time series data for 16 years from 2001-2016 recorded by Central Bureau of Statistics, Department of Industry and Trade, Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises, Department of Agriculture and Bank Indonesia of Wonogiri district. Then, linear multiple regression is applied to analyze the data. Seven variables are selected to examine the determinants of maize supply. Result: The result shows that the estimated parameter of maize production in the previous year, harvested area, price of maize in the previous year and price of urea fertilizer have significantly affect to the maize supply. In addition, the significant variables have varying elasticity values, both in the long-term and short-term. The supply elasticity of production in the short term is smaller than 1, while the long-term elasticity is larger than 1. The supply elasticity of harvested area in the long term and short term is greater than 1. The supply elasticity of maize price in the previous year and fertilizer price are less than 1, both in the long run and short term. Conclusion: The determinant analysis of maize supply in Central Java shows that maize production in the previous year, harvested area, price of maize in the previous year and price of urea fertilizer influence the maize supply from dryland farming in Central Java. Harvested area is the most influential factor. Furthermore, the supply elasticity of production in the short term is inelastic, while in the long-term is elastic. The supply elasticity of harvested area in the long term and short term is elastic. On the other hand, the supply elasticity of maize price and urea fertilizer price are inelastic both in the short term and long term. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Trypanosomiasis affecting fish caused by genus Trypanosoma which is considered as one of the most important protozoal disease affecting freshwater fishes. The present study aimed to investigate some trials for treatment of trypanosomiasis in catfish Clarias gariepinus with histopathological examination of the naturally infested catfish, C. gariepinus. Materials and Methods: A total number of 100 alive catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with 120±10 g weight were collected from private fish farm at Kafer El-Kheish governorate. The fish subjected to parasitological examination for the trypanosome species. For treatment trials, a total number of 120 catfish were divided into 4 groups each 10 with three replicate were used for treatment trials with Intropar® I/M, bath with Artimisia annua leaves ethanol extract (100 and 150 mg L–1 for 120 min). Results: The main clinical and postmortem lesions of infected Clarias gariepinus were paleness of the outer body surface, eroded fins, gulping the atmospheric air. Histopathological investigation revealed degenerative, necrotic and inflammatory changes in skin, gills and all internal organs. Experimental infection of C. gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, gold fish Carassius auratus and male white mice to with Trypanosoma mukasai were carried out. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis in catfish C. gariepinus was 63%. The result of the treatment revealed that 150 mg L–1 for 120 min was the treatment of choice for trypanosomiasis in C. gariepinus. Conclusion: It was concluded that the treatment of choice for trypanosomiasis in C. gariepius was bath treatment with Artimisia annua leaves ethanol extract (150 mg L–1 for 120 min). PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: The city of Depok has been under consideration to be named an Age-Friendly City (AFC) since 2013. The study aimed to evaluate the readiness of Depok city to become an AFC from community perspectives. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was designed covering demographic details, financial characteristics and opinions about three AFC indicators from the 104 pre-elderly and elderly. Results: Most respondents were females with low educational background who were independent workers and still active in their communities. The majority of the three indicators of AFC had not been fulfilled i.e., the building and green space, housing, and participation in civil society and work indicator. Conclusion: Depok city had not yet fully met the criteria for an AFC. It only met the criterion of having an official humanitarian policy. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: The Atmospheric Radars can provide accurate wind parameters using various spectral estimation techniques. Existing methods for spectrum estimation, however, often fail to detect the signal at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions and to estimate precise wind parameters. In this study, a regularized minimization approach, Sparse Learning via Iterative Minimization (SLIM) is considered for the spectral analysis. Methodology: SLIM, which is a high resolution semiparametric adaptive algorithm, follows an lq-norm based minimization method for sparse signal and noise power estimation. This is applied for atmospheric data collected at National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Gadanki, India, from the Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere (MST) radar, backscattered echoes. Results: The results show that SLIM gives a better SNR or high detectability. The Zonal, Meridional, Wind speeds are calculated, and validated using the real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) Sonde data. Conclusion: It can be concluded that SLIM has better performance when compared to the previous methods. The correlation between the wind speeds computed using GPS and SLIM for the radar data collected in February 2015 has a correlation factor of 0.94. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecological approach of pest control method in agricultural crop management. One way to disseminate information on IPM is through farmer field schools activities. The purpose of this research was to find out the knowledge and attitudes of farmers who had participated in the Integrated Pest Management-Farmer Field Schools (IPM-FFS) towards the use of pesticides following the IPM principles. Materials and Methods: This research employed a survey method with 55 farmers of IPM-FFS alumni and 40 farmers of non-IPM-FFS as the respondents. A descriptive analysis was carried out to describe farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of pesticides. The Mann-Whitney U-test was performed to compare the level of knowledge and attitudes between the IPM-FFS farmers and the non-IPM-FFS farmers towards the use of pesticides following the IPM principles. Results: The results showed that the IPM-FFS farmers in Banyumas indicated sufficient understanding of the use of pesticides as suggested by the IPM principles and indicated some agreement to the use pesticides following the IPM principles. Conclusion: Farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of pesticides in accordance with the principles of IPM can be increased more effectively through the IPM-FFS approach. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: Thailand is becoming a key participant in the global production of organic food products. As such, the objectives of this study were to examine the antecedents and consequences of Thai consumer attitudes toward local organic food products and to segment these consumers using their food-related lifestyle (FRL) patterns, attitudes and perceived values. Materials and Methods: This research employed quantitative methods and use of a 72 item questionnaire to collect data from 400 Thai organic food consumers in the first half of 2018. SPSS software version 21 was used to conduct a cluster analysis and discriminant analysis and then analyze the frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results: From the segmentation into three organic food consumer groups, which included sensory organic eaters (Group 1), organic eaters (Group 2) and unhealthy conventional organic eaters (Group 3), it was determined that an organic food product’s quality aspect had the greatest importance across all three groups. However, a consumer’s attitude concerning their emotional value was judged to have the least importance across all three groups when purchasing organic food products (OFP). Conclusion: From the analysis of the three groups of Thai organic food consumers, the sensory organic eaters (SOEs = Group 1) and the organic eaters (Oes = Group 2) were highly sensitive and had nearly the same attributes to each other. Perceived value, attitude and food-related lifestyle were also shown to be helpful in separating the unhealthy conventional organic eaters (UCOEs = Group 3) for marketing purposes. Finally, consumers of organic food products in all three groups placed a very high value on sanitary and phytosanitary conditions. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Establishing new protocol for in vitro propagation of turmeric from vegetative tissue is needed to be studied more due to the demand of turmeric increased every year and also for producing a faster rhizome propagation and free-disease rhizome. The MS solid medium mostly used in in vitro culture. To make a faster explant multiplication, cytokinine must be supplemented to MS medium. The objective of this study was to study the effect of various cytokinins and concentration of Naphthalene Acetic Acid on the explant multiplication of turmeric. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjajaran. Young shoot of sprout rhizome was cultured in MS basal medium supplemented with different kinds of cytokinins (BAP, TDZ and Zeatin) were combined with 0.01 and 1.0 mg L–1 of NAA. All parameters were tested by analysis of t-student test at the 5% significance level. Results: Three kinds of cytokinins (BAP, TDZ and Zeatin) were combined with 0.01 and 1.0 mg L–1 of NAA and supplemented to MS solid medium. The result showed that TDZ was more effective than BAP and Zeatin for explant multiplication. The supplementation of TDZ combined with NAA resulted the best effect on shoot multiplication resulted in the highest shoot number compared with control but the supplementation of cytokinins affected in the root elongation resulted the short root length. Conclusion: It was concluded that supplementation of cytokinine in MS medium significantly effects on the shoot formation but inhibit the root elongation. The TDZ was the best type of cytokinine that affects shoot multiplication. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: Generally, the high activation temperature was used for preparation of activated carbon from biomass which results in high energy costs. So in this study, KMnO4 modified carbon material from pineapple leaf by single stage was studied for finding the lowest suitable pyrolysis temperature. Materials and Methods: The effects of 0.0-5.0 wt% KMnO4 and pyrolysis temperature of 200-500°C were studied by SEM-EDS, XRD, FT-IR and BET analyzer. The pyrolyzed KMnO4 modified pineapple leaf was used for Ca2+ and Mg2+ removal from aqueous solution. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions adsorption efficiency by pyrolyzed KMnO4 modified product were evaluated. The Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm were also used for evaluation of Ca2+ and Mg2+ adsorption by the pyrolyzed pineapple leaf modified with 3.0 wt% KMnO4. Results: The results show that MnO2 deposited on the surface of KMnO4 modified pineapple leaf with some heterogeneity. The OH, C=O, C-O and MnO groups are major functional groups on the surface of KMnO4 modified product. The BET surface area and total pore volume of KMnO4 modified pineapple leaf is decreases, while the average pore size is increases with increasing of KMnO4 concentration. The Ca2+ and Mg2+ adsorption capacities on pyrolyzed modified products are in the range of 4.17-23.04 and 1.04-8.56 mg g–1, respectively, based on fitting to the Freundlich isotherm model. Conclusion: This study indicated the possibility to reduce the pyrolysis temperature to 300°C for single stage pyrolyzed KMnO4 modified pineapple leaf production, which could reduce energy costs of activated carbon production. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Abstract: Background and Objective: Offshore gas pipeline is one of the methods to distribute gas from gas field to receiving facility. There is 16" subsea export gas pipeline exporting gas from Poleng gas field to ORF (Onshore Receiving Facility) in Gresik. Due to plan of port development in Socah-Bangkalan, the pipeline segment located in KP 49-55 could be eventually affected by the development plan both during construction of the port and during its operation. This study aimed to assess the risk possessed by the export gas pipeline due to port development plan during the construction and operation period. Materials and Methods: The ranks of frequency and consequences were mapped into risk matrix according to DNV-RP-F107. The mitigation was selected by implementing Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) approach using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Results: Based on the result, during construction period, risk profiles laid in acceptable and ALARP regions. These mean that technically in practical, the risk still acceptable and no further mitigation was required for hazard possess by the pipeline in acceptable and ALARP regions. During operation of Jetty, the risk to pipeline was unacceptable, except for hazard of dropped and dragged anchor caused by the tugboat. The most preferable pipeline risk mitigation method was lowering the pipeline segment located in front of the jetty to 2 m below the water depth of final capacity development of port and installing additional of navigational aid (yellow buoy) to indicate the existence of the pipeline. Conclusion: Therefore, the risk assessment should be taken for every activity that could possibly affect the offshore facility in order to ensure the safety during the process and against the pipeline, so the mitigation can be taken when the risk was unacceptable. PubDate: 05 January, 2019
Open Access journal
