• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.12.1-12.7
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• 2022

The two complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Paedocypris progenetica, the smallest fish in the world which belonged to the Cyprinidae family, were sequenced and assembled. The circular DNA molecules of mitogenomes P1-P. progenetica and S3-P. progenetica were 16,827 and 16,616 bp in length, respectively, and encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region. The gene arrangements of P. progenetica were identical to those of other Paedocypris species. BLAST and phylogenetic analyses revealed variations in the mitogenome sequences of two Paedocypris species from Perak and Selangor. The circular DNA molecule of P. progenetica yield a standard vertebrate gene arrangement and an overall nucleotide composition of A 33.0%, T 27.2%, C 23.5%, and G 15.5%. The overall AT content of this species was consistent with that of other species in other genera. The negative GC-skew and positive AT-skew of the control region in P. progenetica indicated rich genetic variability and AT nucleotide bias, respectively. The results of this study provide genomic variation information and enhance the understanding of the mitogenome of P. progenetica. They could later deliver highly valuable new insight into data for phylogenetic analysis and population genetics.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

This study aims to investigate the seismic response of a large span thin shell structures and assess their displacement under seismic loads. The study employs finite element analysis to model a thin shell structure subjected to seismic excitation. The analysis includes eigenvalue analysis and time history analysis to evaluate the natural frequencies and displacement response of the structure under seismic loads. The findings show that the seismic response of the large span thin shell structure is highly dependent on the frequency content of the seismic excitation. The eigenvalue analysis reveals that the tenth mode of vibration of the structure corresponds to a large-span mode. The time history analysis further demonstrates, with 5% damping, that the displacement response of the structure at the critical node number 4920 increases with increasing seismic intensity, reaching a maximum displacement of 49.87mm at 3.615 seconds. Nevertheless, the maximum displacement is well below the allowable limit of the thin shell. The results of this study provide insight into the behaviour of complex large span thin shell structures as elevated foundations for buildings under seismic excitation, based on the displacement contours on different modes of eigenvalues. The findings suggest that the displacement response of the structure is significant for this new application of thin shell, and it is recommended to enhance the critical displacement area in the next design phase to align with the findings of this study to resist the seismic impact.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.345-359
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• 2024

Deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) increases aqueous humour outflow resistance leading to elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma, which remains the only modifiable risk factor. Resveratrol has been shown to counteract the steroid-induced increase in IOP and increase the TM expression of ECM proteolytic enzymes; however, its effects on the deposition of ECM components by TM and its associated pathways, such as TGF-β-SMAD signalling remain uncertain. This study, therefore, explored the effects of trans-resveratrol on the expression of ECM components, SMAD signalling molecules, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue plasminogen activator in dexamethasone-treated human TM cells (HTMCs). We also studied the nature of molecular interaction of trans-resveratrol with SMAD4 domains using ensemble docking. Treatment of HTMCs with 12.5 µM trans-resveratrol downregulated the dexamethasone-induced increase in collagen, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin at gene and protein levels through downregulation of TGF-β1, SMAD4, and upregulation of SMAD7. Downregulation of TGF-β1 signalling by trans-resveratrol could be attributed to its effect on the transcriptional activity due to high affinity for the MH2 domain of SMAD4. These effects may contribute to resveratrol's IOP-lowering properties by reducing ECM deposition and enhancing aqueous humour outflow in the TM.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the supply chain issues in the palm oil industry in Malaysia and by proposing a comprehensive and strategic plan. Research design, data and methodology: Through meticulous qualitative analysis, we have identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) affecting the Malaysian palm oil supply chain. Leveraging the SWOT-Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), we have critically assessed a range of strategies. Results: Our findings have underscored the supply chain's robust infrastructure and efficient operations as significant strengths, while environmental impact and distribution concerns emerged as notable weaknesses. The study highlights the promotion of certified sustainable palm oil to meet global demands as the most promising opportunity, juxtaposed against stricter regulations hampering market access as the primary threat. Remarkably, the QSPM has singled out the activation of existing infrastructure as the top priority. Conclusions: This study contributes substantially to the field by offering an in-depth analysis and improvement blueprint specifically tailored to the palm oil supply chain. In light of prevailing negative perceptions, distribution campaigns, and trade hurdles, businesses can harness the strategic insights presented here to unlock the full potential of the supply chain and steer it towards sustainable prosperity.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.5 no.6
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• pp.625-655
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• 2013

This paper investigated the seismic behaviour of an innovated non-ductile precast concrete wall structural system; namely HC Precast System (HCPS). The system comprises load-bearing precast wall panels merely connected only to column at both ends. Such study is needed because there is limited research information available in design codes for such structure particularly in regions having low to moderate seismicity threats. Experimentally calibrated numerical model of the wall system was used to carry out nonlinear pushover analyses with various types of lateral loading patterns. Effects of laterally applied single point load (SPL), uniformly distributed load (UDL), modal distributed load (MDL) and triangular distributed load (TDL) onto global behaviour of HCPS were identified. Discussion was focused on structural performance such as ductility, deformability, and effective stiffness of the wall system. Thus, a new method for engineers to estimate the nonlinear deformation of HCPS through linear analysis was proposed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.434-440
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• 1998

Seven hybrid lines of Leucaena leucocephala $\times$ L. diversifolia and two control lines of L. leucocephala were compared for their adaptation to acid-soils and tolerance to damage by the psyllid, Heteropsyla cubana, at four locations over two years in Peninsular Malaysia. Primary data on leaf composition and in vitro digestibility (nutrition variables) and secondary data on plant height, stem girth and psyllid damage (agronomy variables) were the measures of performance. Cluster solutions of the nine lines were different within locations, between locations and between years for nutrition and agronomy variables. Controls and hybrids did not cluster separately. Principal component scores of the nine lines gave rank orders which were different by location and by year. No performance trend could be detected between hybrids and controls. The conclusion is that nutritional and agronomic characteristics in Leucaena are independent, soil composition and weather did not consistently affect performance, and evidence is inconclusive as to the benefits of interspecific crossing with L. diversifolia.

• Research in Mathematical Education
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.39-58
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• 2004

The School of Mathematical Sciences at University Sains Malaysia has offered a laboratory course on the integration of hand-held technology into the teaching and learning of mathematics since the beginning of the 2001/2002 academic year. This inquiry-based course highlights the explorations and application of mathematics in a data rich modeling environment. In addition, the course addresses several issues related to the effective integration of such technology into the mathematics curriculum. This paper discusses the appropriate use of graphing technology to present mathematical concepts and to support student's understanding in a student-centered learning environment, shares knowledge on the new mathematics that was made possible by hand-held technology, and summarizes student reactions to this innovative learning mode.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.1460-1470
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• 2015

This paper presents an approach to solve the long-term generation expansion planning problem of the restructured electricity industry using an agent-based environment. The proposed model simulates the generation investment decisions taken by a particular agent (i.e. a generating company) in a market environment taking into account its competitors’ strategic investment. The investment decision of a particular company is modeled taking into account that such company has imperfect foresight on the future system development hence electricity prices. The delay in the construction of new plants is also explicitly modeled, in order to compute accurately the yearly revenues of each agent. On top of a conventional energy market, several capacity incentive mechanisms including capacity payment and capacity market are simulated, so as to assess their impact on the investment promotion for generation expansion. Results provide insight on the investment cycles as well as dynamic system behavior of long-term generation expansion planning in a competitive electricity industry.

• Ocean Science Journal
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.175-179
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• 2006

The Ieodo Ocean Research Station(IORS) is an integrated meteorological and oceanographic observation base which was constructed on the Ieodo underwater rock located at a distance of about 150 km to the south-west of the Mara-do, the southernmost island in Korea. The underwater ambient noise level observed at the IORS was similar to the results of the shallow water surrounding the Korean Peninsula (Choi et al. 2003) and was higher than that of deep ocean (Wenz 1962). The wind dependence of ambient noise was dominant at frequencies of a few kHz. The surface current dependence of ambient noise showed good correlation with the ambient noise in the frequency of 10 kHz. Especially, the shrimp sound was estimated through investigations of waveform and spectrum and its main acoustic energy was about 40 dB larger than ambient noise level at 5 kHz.

• International Journal of Reliability and Applications
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.151-161
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• 2014

Recently, the automotive industry has been introduced to ISO 26262 in November 2011 to address the necessity of safety risk from sensor to actuator by providing guidance in the form of requirements and processes. The malfunctioning behaviour of these systems could have significant impact on the safety of humans and/or the environment. Most of the modern automobiles are equipped with embedded electronic systems which include lots of Electronic Controller Units (ECUs), electronic sensors, signals, bus systems and coding. Due to the complex application in electrical, electronics and programmable electronics, the need to carry out detailed safety analyses which focuses on the potential risk of malfunction is crucial for automotive systems. In this paper, the international trends on pre and post introduction of ISO 26262 through publications will be analyzed as well as to take a glimpse in the activities for implementing this standard by the automotive manufacturers. The issues and challenges which have been occurring from implementing this standard also will be highlighted.