Pertanika Vol. 8 No. 2 August 1985
PERT-0296-1985
Some T2 Terrace Soils of Peninsular Malaysia: II Mineralogy and Physico-chemical
Characteristics
J. Shamshuddin and E. Tessens
Keywords
Mineralogy; gibbsite; water dispersible clay; water retention
Abstract
The amount of gibbsite in the clay fraction of T2 terrace soils appears to increase with the
increase of sand content and with the improvement of drainage conditions. Kaolinite is the main
mineral in the clay fraction of soils. The imperfectly and poorly drained ones may also contain
some mica, chlorite, mixed layers and feldspar. Anatase accumulates in the silt fraction of the
well drained soils. The dominance of 1:1 clay minerals and/or sesquioxides is reflected in their
physico-chemical properties. Apparent CEC decreases with a decrease in silt/clay ration.
WDC/clay % appears to decrease with an increase in Al and/or organic matter. The ratio also
decreases as the pH approaches pH.
PERT-0297-1985
Some T2 Terrace Soils of Peninsular Malaysia: III. Surface Charge Properties
J. Shamshuddin and E. Tessens
Keywords
Permanent charge; variable charge; pH; weathering index
Abstract
The charge properties of 8 soil series were studied. The study shows that gibbsite is related to
the pH of these soils. Negative charges exceed positive charges at the pH range of 3 to 6, thus
the PZNC of these soils cannot be obtained. The sum of AI and bases is a better estimate of
ECEC than of the PC of the soils. These soils are either in the recent or intermediate stage of
weathering, shown by the low pH and high weathering index.
PERT-0298-1985
The Assessment of Plastic Materials for Monitoring the Moisture, Colour, Pungency and Rancidity
of 'Chili Boh'
Jamilah Bakar and Arbakariya Ariff
Keywords
'Chili Boh'; Capsicum annum; packaging; processing; storage
Abstract
'Chili Boh’ which is a slurry of Capsicum annum was prepared in the laboratory and then
packaged in heat sealed pouches of polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), a
laminate of polypropylene, cellophane and polyethylene (PP/CPP/LDPE) and a laminate of
oriented polypropylene-polyethylene (OPP/PE). The package samples were stored at ambient
temperature and analysed periodically to assess any changes in its moisture, colour, pungency
and flavour. Colour was found to be the limiting factor in the shelf life of the product. The
pungency and the flavour (related to degree of rancidity) of the samples were relatively stable up
to six weeks. Slight loss of moisture was observed upon storage. PP/CPP/LDPE and OPP/PE
proved to be equally acceptable in maintaining the studied qualities of 'Chili Boh' for up to four
weeks. However, OPP/PE is recommended for commercial use due to its low unit cost.
PERT-0299-1985
Intra-strain Differences in Young Rats Fed on Cafeteria Diet as Determined by Calorimeter and
Comparative Carcass Techniques
Ismail Mohd. Nor
Keywords
Rat; energy balance; cafeteria diet; calorimeter; comparative carcass technique
Abstract
The effects of cafeteria feeding on body composition, metabolizable energy (ME) intake and
energy expenditure of young Sprague Dawley rats obtained from two different colonies (SDQEC
and SDCR) were studied. The ME intake increased significantly (P < 0.01) from 21% in SDQEC
to 31% in SDCR cafeteria-fed rats, with a significant change (P < 0.05) in body weight and body
fat in the latter but not the former. This mild hyperphagia induced a significant increase (P < 0.01)
in energy expenditure in cafeteria-fed rats as compared to their respective controls. These results
confirm the presence of intra-strain variations and reaffirm the validity of the carcass comparative
technique for estimating energy expenditure in rats.
PERT-0300-1985
Influence of Increased Salt Stress on Correlations between Different Attributes of Rice
Mohammad Siddique Sajjad
Keywords
Oryza sativa; correlations among yield and yield components; different salt levels
Abstract
Twenty four rice genotypes were grown under salt stress conditions, in the artificially salinized
cemented field basins. The correlations between different attributes were computed separately for
each salt stress. Different inevitable correlations were observed, but increased salt stress
affected the magnitude of these correlations. The attributes of number of grains per panicle, total
florets per panicle and panicle fertility showed very highly significant positive correlations with
yield per plant under the highest salt stress. Such attributes may be utilized as the selection
indices for salt tolerance.
PERT-0301-1985
Production and Input-use Efficiency in the Sawmilling Industry of Peninsular Malaysia
Mohd. Shahwahid bin Haji Othman
Keywords
Production function; returns to scale; input-use efficiency
Abstract
Production functions for the sawmilling industry in three states of Peninsular Malaysia are
estimated. Sawntimber output is regressed with gross capital and labour as independent
variables. The returns to scale underlying the sawmilling industry are estimated. The findings of
this study do provide useful indications on efficiency of input utilisation, subject to potential
sources of bias noted in the paper.
PERT-0302-1985
The Ultrastructure of the Corpus Luteum of the Goat
T. I. Azmi and T. A. Bongso
Keywords
Corpus luteum; large and small luteal cells
Abstract
The ultrastructure of luteal cells and the proportion of the different cell types in the functional
corpus luteum of the goat were studied using the electron microscope. Two luteal cell types, large
and small, were present in the corpus luteum of this species. The large more rounded luteal cell
possessed numerous mitochondria and electron dense membrane-bound granules, extensive
agranular endoplasmic reticulum and granular endoplasmic reticulum which at times appeared as
stacks of closely packed cisternae. Few lipid droplets were present in the luteal cell cytoplasma
while whorled agranular endoplasmic reticulum was absent. Interspersed amongst the large luteal
cells were smaller luteal cells with tapering cytoplasmic processes. These cells differed from the
large luteal cells in that they possessed fewer mitochondria and electron dense membrane-bound
granules. Occasional nuclei of the small luteal cells contained cytoplasmic inclusion bodies.
PERT-0303-1985
Copper (II) Adsorption by Waste Tea Leaves and Coffee Powder
W. T. Tan
Keywords
Uptake; pH; concentrations; competitive reaction; adsorption; chelation
Abstract
The consumed coffee powder and tea leaves of local produce were found to be able to remove
substantial amounts of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution. The characteristics of Cu (II) uptake on
these beverage wastes were systematically investigated. It was found that the Cu (II) uptake was
dependent on pH, metal concentration, physical nature of substrate and ionic strength.
Competing ions/molecules such as Pb (II) and surfactant such as Triton X-100 interfere in the
uptake of Cu(II). The degree of uptake increases with pH and the pH range for maximum uptake
was found to be 5 – 7 for both wastes. Metal concentration dependent assumed a Langmuir
Isotherm. The results obtained were found to be consistent with the mechanisms that Cu (II)
uptake was due to specific ion adsorption via chelation and some degree of ion-exchange
reaction.
PERT-0304-1985
Extraction of Microsomal Fraction from Midguts of Western Spruce Budworm Choristoneura
occidentalis F., and Rat Liver, and their Ability to Expoxidize Aldrin
Rosli B. Mohamad
Keywords
Microsomal fractions; western spruce budworm; Choristoneura occidentalis F.; rat liver;
epoxidation; aldrin
Abstract
Microsomal fractions were isolated from midguts of western spruce budworm larvae and rat liver.
The microsomal preparations were then assayed for cytochrome P-450 content and aldrin
epoxidase activity. Both microsomal preparations showed distinct spectrum of cytochrome P-450.
Relative to protein content, the cytochrome P-450 content of midguts of western spruce budworm
was lower by 7 — 9 times compared to that of the rat liver. Epoxidase activity is present in the
two microsomal preparations as indicated by their ability to convert aldrin to dieldrin. The activity
of both microsomal preparations was inhibited by piperonyl butoxide.
PERT-0305-1985
Biomass Accumulation in a Naturally Regenerating Lowland Secondary Forest and an Acacia
mangium Stand in Sarawak
Lim Meng Tsai and Mohd. Basri Hamzah
Keywords
Floristics; biomass; secondary forest; Acacia mangium
Abstract
The floristic composition and the aboveground biomass of a naturally regenerating area and a
three-and-a-half year-old Acacia mangium stand are compared. The naturally regenerating area
averages 1.5 m in height; generally has more variety of plants and is dominated by Imperata
cylindrica, Dicranopteris linearis, Pteridium sp. and Scleria sp. whereas the A. mangium stand
has a top height of 15.5 m and fewer genera of plants (including cocoa). I. cylindrica and D.
linearis were also found in the A. mangium stand but grew less vigorously in isolated patches.
There was 6.2 t/ha of live organic matter in the naturally regenerating area and approximately
59.0 t/ha in the A. mangium stand.
PERT-0306-1985
Determination of Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Arsenic in Raw Cocoa, Semifinished and Finished
Chocolate Products
C.K Lee and K.S. Low
Keywords
Cocoa bean; chocolate; heavy metal; contamination; allowable limit
Abstract
The levels of cadmium, lead, copper and arsenic were determined in two batches of raw cocoa
and semifinished chocolate products sampled at various intermediate stages of the
manufacturing process. The metal contents of eighteen chocolate bars produced by four
chocolate making factories were also determined. Analyses of the metal contents in cocoa
containing samples were affected by dry ashing of the samples at 450°C, followed by inductively
coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Average recoveries of 90 to 97% were obtained
for the metals when the samples were spiked with known concentrations of metals. The variations
in the metal contents of raw cocoa, semifinished and finished products show that there were no
effective contaminations of metals during the manufacturing process; the amount of metals in the
finished products corresponded to the fraction of cocoa mass present. The metal contents of
locally produced chocolates were within acceptable levels except for arsenic which bordered on
the limit.
PERT-0307-1985
A Study of Some Community Water Supply Problems in Wilayah Persekutuan
M. I. Yaziz and N. A. M d. Salleh
Keywords
Squatter settlements; water supply
Abstract
This study was carried out to examine the various sources of water which are being used by
residents in squatter settlements around Kuala Lumpur. The results showed that piped water from
the public stand-pipes was used primarily for drinking and cooking purposes but water from other
sources was also collected to augment their water supply for use in washing, gardening, etc. An
evaluation of the methods used for the collection and storage of water other than piped water,
indicated that the system can be further improved to yield good quality water by adoption of
appropriate technologies for household water treatment.
PERT-0308-1985
An Abattoir Survey on the Pathology of Swine Livers
Siti Salmiyah Tahir and A.R. Sheikh-Omar
Keywords
Abattoir survey; pathology; swine livers
Abstract
A five-week study on the pathology of condemned livers of 100 pigs comprising 75 porkers and
25 sows at Shah A lam abattoir was conducted. The liver lesions consisted of 36 with milkspots,
16 with perihepatitis, 12 with abscessations, 11 with cholangiohepatitis, 8 with cholangitis, 5 with
nodular hyperplasia, 4 with focal necrosis, 3 with postnecrotic scarring, 2 with lipidosis and one
case each of cystic bile duct hyperplasia, massive necrosis and hepatocarcinoma. Milkspots due
to migration of Ascaris suum larvae was a major problem in porkers (41%). Fourteen (39%) of the
milkspot livers were severely affected having a 4 + lesion score with all the lobes affected.
Perihepatitis was seen only in porkers while nodular hyperplasia only in sows. Escherichia coli
and Kliebsiella sp. were the common bacteria isolated from the abscesses. The possible causes
of the lesions are discussed.
PERT-0309-1985
Effects of Handling on Hatchability of Eggs of the Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea (L.)
E.H. Chan, H. U. Salleh and H.C. Liew
Keywords
Leatherback turtle; hatchery; infertility rate; handling; hatchability
Abstract
The infertility rate among clutches of leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs
incubated in the hatchery at Rantau A bang, Malaysia is estimated at 22%. Variance in
hatchability among fertile clutches ranges from 35. 7 - 96. 7% (x = 78%) for eggs handled with
maximum care. For such eggs hatchability did not show a correlation with the time between
oviposition and re burial. Leatherback eggs can tolerate rough handling only up to 5 hours after
oviposition. Beyond this threshold, careful handling to prevent rolling, bumping, rotation and
disorientation of the vertical axis will enhance hatch rates.
PERT-0310-1985
Long-Shore Transport of Sediment During August and September on the Terengganu Coast
R.P. Phillips
Keywords
Long-shore transport; littoral drift; coastal processes; sedimentation; Terengganu; Malaysia;
South-China Sea
Abstract
Mengabang Telipot is a slough about 10 km north of Kuala Terengganu on the east coast of
Peninsular Malaysia. Its mouth is normally closed to free exchange of sea water by a sand “washover'' bar. On 16 August, 1984 the mouth was opened artificially, the slough became tidal, and a
delta of sand was formed. The mouth remained open until the end of September. The long-shore
current averaged 13 cm/sec toward the north-west. This modified the delta, and eventually led to
the closing of the slough mouth. Deposition on the south-east side of the delta made it possible to
estimate a volume of long-shore sand transport of250 cu m/day. This is in agreement with other
estimates.
PERT-0311-1985
Relationship Between Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV-1) and Watermelon Mosaic Virus 2
(WMV-2) on the basis of Nucleotide Sequence Homology
Norani Abu Samah
Keywords
Potyvirus; immune electron microscopy; molecular hybridization analysis
Abstract
The two members of the watermelon mosaic virus subgroup, WMV-1 and WMV-2, were
considered to be different viruses on the basis of host range and serology. Immune electron
microscopy with serological differentiation indices of 2 to 3 confirmed this serological difference.
Molecular hybridization analysis using complementary DNA prepared by reverse transcription of
randomly primed WMV-1 RNA showed no homology between WMV-1 and WMV-2 and the
complementary DNA from a range of legume infecting potyviruses and potato virus Y (PVY).
Molecular hybridization analysis further confirmed that WMV-1 and WMV-2 are distinct viruses.
PERT-0312-1985
Kesan Merebus Ke Atas Kandungan Zat Sayuran Kekacang
Normah Hashim dan Latifah Mohsan
Keywords
Kekacang; merebus; analisa proksimat; kalsium; ferum
Abstract
Kajian telah dibuat ke atas kandungan proksimat, kalsium dan ferum di dalam empat jenis
kekacang iaitu kacang botor (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), kacang sepat (Dolichos lablab),
kacang kelor (Moringa oleifera) dan kacang panjang (Vigna sinensis) sebelum dan selepas dire
bus. Kalsium ditentukan dengan menggunakan "Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer" dan
ferum dianalisis dengan menggunakan spektrofotometer. Didapati kandungan protein di dalam
kacang botor ialah 2.2 g, kacang sepat 2.3 g, kacang kelor 3.9 g dan kacang panjang 3.6 g bagi
tiap-tiap 100 g selepas direbus. Kandungan protein berkurangan dengan signifikan (P<0.05) di
dalam kacang kelor dan kacang sepat selepas direbus. Kandungan kalsium di dalam kacang
botor selepas direbus ialah 54.5 mg, kacang sepat 23.9 mg, kacang kelor 45.6 mg, kacang
panjang 39 mg bagi setiap 100 g. Kandungan kalsium berkurangan dengan signifikan (P < 0.05)
selepas sayur kekacang tersebut direbus. Kandungan ferum bagi kacang botor selepas direbus
ialah 1.1 mg, kacang sepat 0.7 mg, kacang kelor 1.5 mg, dan kacang panjang 0.9 mg untuk
setiap 100 g sampel. Kandungan ferum berkurangan dengan signifikan (P < 0.05) selepas sayur
kekacang direbus.
PERT-0313-1985
Communication I: Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia in a Kedah-Kelantan Calf
Mohd Ali Hassan
Abstract
A case of atypical interstitial pneumonia in a three month-old Kedah-Kelantan bull calf is
described. The calf had died suddenly and showed typical histopathological changes in the lung
of alveolar epithelial cells hyperplasia and pink hyaline membrane in alveoli. The cause is
unestablished.