Association between PDCD1 Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Three Main Ethnic Groups of the Malaysian Population

The programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1) gene encodes for the PD-1 (programmed death 1) molecule, which negatively regulates self-reactive T- and B-cells in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. A previous report had shown the development of lupus-like phenotypes in PD-1-deficient C57BL/6 mice, was suggestive to the role of PDCD1 in predisposing to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between PDCD1 and SLE susceptibility in the Malaysian population. A TaqMan-based real-time PCR was employed to screen for PD1.1, PD1.3, PD1.5 and PD1.6 in both SLE and healthy control groups of 200 samples each. The observed frequency for PD1.5C/C genotype was significantly higher in Indian SLE patients and Malay controls (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the PD1.5C/T genotype might predispose the Malays to SLE, but confer a protective effect among the Indians (p < 0.01). The PD1.1, PD1.3 and PD1.6 were, however, not correlated to genetic predisposition of SLE in our Malaysian population. In conclusion, PD1.5 variant was significantly associated to SLE susceptibility in our Malaysian cohort. Our failure in replicating the association between other investigated PDCD1 variants and risk of getting SLE might due to ethnic and geographic variations in the distribution of these genetic variants.     

Comparative analysis of the organisational learning process in Slovenia, Croatia, and Malaysia

Several empirical studies have proved that better organisational learning induces higher organisational performance. However, none of them addressed the issue of organisational learning process simultaneously in several countries. In our contribution, we aim to test differences in the way companies learn in Slovenia, Croatia, and Malaysia. We used the OLIMP questionnaire, a measurement instrument developed and tested by [Dimovski, V. (1994), Organisational learning and competitive advantage. PhD Thesis, Cleveland, Ohio; Dimovski, V., & Škerlavaj, M. (2005). Performance effects of organisational learning in a transitional economy. Problems and Perspectives in Management 3(4), 56–67]. It employs three measurement variables (information acquisition, information interpretation, and behavioural and cognitive changes) as well as 38 items (presented in the paper) to measure the organisational learning construct. In autumn 2005 data from 203 Slovenian, 202 Croatian and 300 Malaysian companies were gathered. The results indicate that companies in all three countries under scrutiny are closest in terms of behavioural and cognitive changes, meaning that globalisation and other challenges of the modern business environment demand all of them to change and adapt quickly. However, the ways they are coping with these challenges are different. There are more similarities than dissimilarities between Slovenia and Croatia, while this is not the case when comparing both countries to Malaysia. When acquiring information, Slovenian and Croatian companies rely more on internal sources (own employees, past decisions, etc.), while Malaysian companies tend to rely more on external sources and more often have employees dedicated to searching for external information. When trying to interpret the information acquired, Slovenian and Croatian companies rely more on personal contacts, informal team meetings and believe that information given to subordinates must be simple and concise, while Malaysian companies tend to use more formal collective decision-making and written communication to understand the meaning of information.     

Post-harvest pod storage: A method for pulp preconditioning to impair strong nib acidification during cocoa fermentation in Malaysia

In Malaysia, pulp preconditioning by post-harvest storage of cocoa pods leads to the reduction of nib acidification during subsequent fermentation, reduction of the acid note and an increase in cocoa flavour in the resulting raw cocoa. Data from several shallow-box fermentations, with material from unstored and stored pods, are compared and interpreted, obtained in the years 1984 to 1987 in a cooperational investigation of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Malaysia, and the Botanical Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig (TUBS), FRG. Prior to and during fermentation, pulp volume and pulp sugars; pH value, acetic acid and lactic acid content in the pulp and nibs; and oxygen concentration and temperature in the mass were determined. Some flavour assessments from selected samples are given. The great reduction in pulp volume per seed rather than the decrease of pulp sugars per seed during pod storage was found to be of the most importance. Pulp-volume reduction enhances mass aeration and increases the ratio of respiration to ethanol fermentation and its subsequent oxidation to acetic acid. As a consequence, the acidification of the seeds during the formative stages of flavour precursors (after the death of the seeds) is strongly reduced. With effectively dry stored pods (pulp volume per gram of seed ≤0·6 ml) the anaerobic phase during the initial stages of fermentation which is common with unstored pods is suppressed. Under these conditions the nib pH value does not fall below 5·0 and no drastic acid (and flavour) degradation at the end of fermentation is necessary to reduce the acidity in the seeds.     

马来西亚天然橡胶的加工及制品研究

介绍了马亚西亚在天然橡胶加工及制品方面近年来的研究发展趋势,指出天然橡胶改性为特种橡胶、天然橡胶副产品利用、胶乳蛋白质过敏研究、无粉手套、标准马来西亚手套（SMG）计划、天然橡胶在工程领域的应用及注重环境保护是其研究发展的重点。     

Sweetness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings of sucrose, aspartame solutions and cola among multi-ethnic Malaysian subjects

As the sugar intake of Malaysians is one of the highest in the Asia Pacific region, we wanted to investigate how this high prevalence of ‘sweet tooth’ is influenced by biological determinants like age, gender, ethnicity and Body Mass Index (BMI). This study therefore sought to use the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale to evaluate the sweetness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings of not only three increasing suprathreshold concentrations of sucrose and a popular naturally-sweetened carbonated beverage - Coca-Cola®, but also their non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) counterparts - aspartame and Coca-Cola Light®. Taken together, the overall intensity of NNS solutions and beverage was perceived as significantly higher, but not for their pleasantness. The intensity perception and pleasantness of most sweet solutions were not significantly associated with gender and BMI. Overall, Malays had a lower perceived intensity of sweet stimuli compared to other ethnicities, but a conclusion of the influence of ethnicity on sweetness pleasantness could not be met. Lastly, sweetness intensity perception and pleasantness ratings for both colas decreased significantly with age.     

Compensation policy in a large development project: the case of the Bakun hydroelectric dam

Compensation to indigenous communities forced to relocate as a result of a development project is examined in this study. A survey of 379 families displaced by the construction of the Bakun Dam in Sarawak, Malaysia, reveals a high level of dissatisfaction with the compensation provided. The compensation given by the government to the relocated indigenous communities was lower than they had expected. The average compensation gap (the difference between the expected compensation and the actual compensation received for land) is 20 acres per study household. This has resulted in dissatisfaction among the indigenous communities. Greater participation of indigenous communities in the compensation process is needed to reduce the compensation gap. Indigenous communities' rights and freedom to participate in the compensation process is important and should be an integral part of compensation policy for large development projects.     

Examining the Small Renewable Energy Power (SREP) Program in Malaysia

The Small Renewable Energy Power (SREP) Program was the premier policy mechanism implemented by the national government to promote small-scale renewable electricity in Malaysia from 2001 to 2010. However, it managed meet less than 3 percent of its original goal by 2005. This study investigates what happened. More specifically, using a qualitative semi-structured interview approach with data presented in a narrative format, it answers the following five questions: (1) What are the primary energy policy and security challenges facing Malaysia? (2) What were the drivers behind the SREP in Malaysia? (3) What were the major benefits arising from the SREP? (4) What were the significant challenges to implementation? (5) What lessons or insights does the SREP offer for the study of energy policy design and implementation more generally? We find that the SREP failed to achieve its targets due to capacity caps, a lengthy approval process, lack of monitoring, exclusion of stakeholders, and few (if any) pre-feasibility studies. Other factors explaining its poor performance include opposition from the national utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad and electricity tariffs unmatched with true production costs.     

马来西亚化妆品技术性贸易措施探析

对马来西亚新兴市场的化妆品技术性贸易措施进行了深入剖析。详细研究了马来西亚对化妆品的准入要求和市场监管要求,包括对化妆品监管的法律法规体系、卫生标准要求、标签要求以及对化妆品声称的要求。     

马来西亚棕榈油在食品和饲料中的应用及油棕行业可持续发展的研究进展

目前棕榈油是全球第一大产量的植物油,其性状稳定,含有丰富的维生素 E和类胡萝卜素等营养成分,且价格具有竞争力,因此被广泛应用于食品加工及饲料等行业。马来西亚作为世界棕榈油主要生产国和出口国之一,对全球棕榈油市场具有重要贡献。综述了马来西亚棕榈油生产、贸易及可持续发展状况,并对棕榈油在食品和饲料行业的应用进行总结,以期为棕榈油的消费和应用提供参考。     

Review of hydrogen economy in Malaysia and its way forward

Heavy fossil fuels consumption has raised concerns over the energy security and climate change while hydrogen is regarded as the fuel of future to decarbonize global energy use. Hydrogen is commonly used as feedstocks in chemical industries and has a wide range of energy applications such as vehicle fuel, boiler fuel, and energy storage. However, the development of hydrogen energy in Malaysia is sluggish despite the predefined targets in hydrogen roadmap. This paper aims to study the future directions of hydrogen economy in Malaysia considering a variety of hydrogen applications. The potential approaches for hydrogen production, storage, distribution and application in Malaysia have been reviewed and the challenges of hydrogen economy are discussed. A conceptual framework for the accomplishment of hydrogen economy has been proposed where renewable hydrogen could penetrate Malaysia market in three phases. In the first phase, the market should aim to utilize the hydrogen as feedstock for chemical industries. Once the hydrogen production side is matured in the second phase, hydrogen should be used as fuel in internal combustion engines or burners. In the final phase hydrogen should be used as fuel for automobiles (using fuel cell), fuel-cell combined heat and power (CHP) and as energy storage.