Effect of the concentration of NaCl and cylinder height on the sedimentation of flocculated suspension of Na-montmorillonite in the semi-dilute regime

Paddy and Water Environment - In this study, we focused on the effect of the degree of floc growth on the moving velocity of the interface between sediment of flocculated montmorillonite and...     

Leveling-index based variable rate seeding technique for paddy

Precision Agriculture - Poor land leveling of paddy fields leads to irrigation problems which affect crop establishment and ultimately yield. One way to manage this is to vary the seeding rate...     

Evidence for the presence of growth-promoting factors in Lombok Turbinaria murayana extract stimulating growth and yield of tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

Many studies have evidenced the negative effects of synthetic fertilizers toward the environment and also the crop products itself. Hence, the improvement of organic fertilizers is necessary to resolve this problem. Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are considered to be an excellent natural resource in different aspects of agricultural fields. Brown macroalgae Turbinaria murayana (TM) is often found in Indonesian coastal areas with high bioavailability throughout the year. This study evaluated the potentials of TM as biofertilizer in tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.). Evaluation of phytohormones present in TM crude extract was conducted with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Macro and micronutrients available in TM crude extract were determined by atomic absorbance spectroscopy (AAS). A concentration of 4% TM crude extract was applied to tomato plants. The vegetative properties of the treated tomatoes were observed such as growth and yield. Current results evidenced the presence of growth-promoting factors (kinetin, gibberellin and ABA) and essential elements (N, P, K, Ca, Fe and Mn) in TM crude extract. Application of 4% TM extract to tomato plants significantly increased vegetative growth compared to untreated plants; plant height, leaf number and branch number, approximately 58.4%, 87.5% and 200%, respectively. Similar results were also found in the response of generative growth. Application of 4% liquid extract significantly improved flower and fruit number compared to control; 53.6% and 125%, respectively. These results suggest that TM crude extract is a potential source for developing organic fertilizers.     

Cytotoxic effect of organotin(IV) benzylisopropyldithiocarbamate compounds on Chang liver cell and hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell

Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in world. New compounds are currently being synthesized to combat this disease. The organotins are gaining more attention as anti-cancer agents due to their potent cytotoxicity properties. In this study, a series of newly synthesized organotins namely dimethyltin (IV) (compound 1), dibutyltin (IV) (compound 2) and triphenyltin (IV) benzylisopropyldithiocarbamate (compound 3) were assessed for their cytotoxic activities against human Chang liver cells and hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. The cytotoxicity of these organotins in both cells upon 24 h treatment was assessed using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Compound 2 and 3 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities towards both cells where the IC50 values were less then 10 microM. The IC50 value for compound 2 was 2.5 microM in Chang liver cells and 7.0 microM in HepG2 cells whereas compound 3 exhibited an IC50 value of 1.5 microM in Chang liver cells and 2.5 microM in HepG2 cells. Therefore, compound 2 and 3 were more toxic against human Chang liver cells as compared to hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. Interestingly, compound 1 did not have any IC50 value in both cells and hence can be classified as non-toxic. In conclusion, organotin (IV) benzylisopropyldithiocarbamate with insertion of dibutyl and triphenyl functional group possess potent cytotoxicity properties. Structural modification of these compounds can be carried out in further studies to produce less or non toxic effects towards normal human cell.     

MPN-PCR enumeration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter</Emphasis> spp. in raw chicken meats and by-products

The goal of this study is to enumerate Campylobacter in chicken meats and by-products. In the current investigation, results showed that raw chicken meats and chicken by-products were contaminated with Campylobacter ranging from <3 to 4600 MPN·g⁻¹. Campylobacter jejuni showed a higher number compared to Campylobacter coli in the chicken samples. The current study showed that the percentage of chicken livers and gizzards harbored a higher number of Campylobacter (10³–10⁴ MPN·g⁻¹) than other chicken parts at 33.3% and 9.2%, respectively. The different concentrations of Campylobacter between chicken meats and chicken byproducts reflect the differences in the contamination level. The data on Campylobacter concentration in chicken meats and by-products will be useful in risk analysis.     

Antioxidant Activity of Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Prevents Fenitrothion-induced Renal Damage in Rats

Fenitrothion (FNT) is an organophosphate compound widely used as pesticide in Malaysia. The present study aims to investigate effects of palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on the renal damage of FNT-treated rats. A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups randomly, the control, TRF, FNT and FNT+TRF groups. FNT (20 mg/kg b.w.) and TRF (200 mg/kg b.w.) were given orally for 28 days continuously. Rats from the FNT+TRF group were supplemented with TRF 30 minutes prior to administration of FNT. Rats were sacrificed after 28 days, and the kidneys were removed for determination of oxidative stress and histological analysis. Plasma was collected for determination of blood creatinine and urea level. Statistical analysis showed that palm oil TRF has a protective effect against renal oxidative damage induced by FNT. In the FNT+TRF group, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were significantly lower, while the glutathione level as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly higher compared with the FNT-treated group (p<0.05). As for renal function, there was a markedly lower urea level (p<0.05) in the FNT+TRF group compared with the FNT-treated group, but there was no significant difference in creatinine level. Besides, total protein also showed no significant difference for all groups of rats (p>0.05). Histological evaluation also revealed that the FNT+TRF group had less glomerulus and renal tubule damage than the FNT-treated group. In conclusion, palm oil TRF was able to reduce oxidative stress and renal damage in FNT-treated rats.     

Potential of feeding beef cattle with whole corn crop silage and rice straw in Malaysia

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The potential of using whole corn crop silage and rice straw as an alternative feed for the beef cattle based on the intake and growth performance were...     

Economic potential of rice precision farming in malaysia: the case study of Felcra Seberang Perak

Many attempts/efforts have been made to cope with the fluctuated production performance in rice production in Malaysia. There is a crucial need in technological advancement to tackle the issue of environmental variability, decreasing productivity and the rising cost in rice cultivation. The use of variable rate technology has increased rice yield through efficient resource allocation. Notwithstanding, an evaluation of the feasibility of this technology is required in terms of economic and intangible benefits. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the potential benefits that could come out of the use of precision agriculture technologies in rice cultivation. A precision farming technology package was developed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute. It consists of two components, namely a variable rate seed application system and a variable rate fertilizer application system. The study estimated the monetary benefits gained from the use of these two technology components at Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority Seberang Perak. The study also compared the performance of the technology package against the conventional practice. The Cost–Benefit Analysis exercise has been implemented to show the benefits and implications comprised in the study. It was found that there is an additional net income per hectare in between Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 1109 to MYR 1333 due to the reduction in the production cost if the precision farming technology packages were adopted. The advancement in two cultivation stages showed a positive impact monetarily for both small-scale and large-scale farmers in the study. However, many challenges are to be faced for the technologies implementation since the existing rice cultivation recommended practices throughout all stages even yet to be practiced and taken seriously.