Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs), installed on sidewalks, aim to help people with visual impairments. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility level (a ratio of sidewalk length with TGSI to road links length) and comparing their condition to the standardized TGSI installation. It was found that only 9 of the 36 portions of the roads with sidewalks actually utilized TGSI walkways. The ratio for the average level of eligibility is 39.41%. Additionally, only 27% of the total length of sidewalks had installed TGSIs. Other problems include misplaced TGSI tiles, obstacles on the TGSI path, poor TGSI continuity, damaged TGSI tiles, and even TGSI paths without a safety fence, endangering people with disabilities. These show lack of understanding of the TGSI installation criteria. In addition, the criteria should be improved by adding the use of sustainable material of warning blocks at the vehicle’s crossing path, and providing guard rails at dangerous sidewalk paths.
This research aimed to study and design a small-scale branch chipper that does not use belt-based power transmission, to provide a simple, efficient, energy-saving, cost-effective, and equipment-size-reducing system. The chipper power transmission has a urethane rubber coupling, replacing conventional belt systems. The approximate dimensions of the chipper were 42 cm x 68 cm x 69.5 cm, and it had a cutting set consisting of two blades. Various thickness blade sets were available at 6, 9, 12, and 15 mm, set at a blade angle of 40 degrees. The chipper was powered by a 2-horsepower motor run at 1,500 revolutions per minute. The upper part of the small-scale branch chipper had a chute for feeding the branches, angled at 45 degrees to the flat surface. Experimental results indicated that the chipper could effectively process branches ranging from 10 to 30 mm in diameter and approximately 50 to 70 cm long. The 15 mm thick blades provided the best chipping results in the shortest time. The chipper processed approximately 45 kilograms of branches in one hour.
Countries worldwide push towards carbon neutrality, urging public, private, and industrial sectors to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to assess factors influencing carbon neutrality (CN) implementation in Thailand. Three major industry groups, including property and construction, industrial, and service groups, were considered for the interviews for data collection. Five key factors and 13 sub-factors form a hierarchical model with three CN solutions. The analysis results underscore the importance of the policy factor, emphasizing its alignment with government directives. Cost, specifically material cost, is crucial in CN implementation. Readiness in technology and market dynamics is also a concern, and government support is necessary to sustain the implementation plans. A case study was performed with a steel production company, and the results suggested that solar cells could be a solution to achieve CN in the long term. The study results provide a systematic method for selecting suitable CN implementation in the company. Extending the industry groups is recommended in future studies to yield better results.
Plant-based medicines and medicinal plants demonstrate benefits on using them as cutting-edge anti-cancer treatments. This study aims to evaluate the antiproliferative and genotoxic activity of the mature mesocarp of C. cujete leaf and fruit extracts using yeast assay and Allium test. The C. cujete fruit extract demonstrated the highest percentage of inhibition, lowest percentage of viability, least median growth inhibition (GI50), and the highest level of toxicity among the treatments to the yeast assay. Fruit extract has the lowest mitotic index in the Allium test, but exhibits similar high chromosomal abnormalities with DMSO. The fruit extract's antiproliferative and genotoxic properties are on par with the anticancer medication methotrexate (MTX) in terms of efficacy. The GI50, percent viability, mitotic index, and percent aberrant chromosomes are all directly correlated with the treatment that was applied. C. cujete fruit extract could therefore be a useful source of natural ingredients for the development of anticancer drugs.
Zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient that also poses a potential threat, necessitating a thorough investigation. This study analysed Zn in 18 local vegetable species (leafy greens, fruits, a tuber, and a legume) and their soils across two Malaysian farming sites: Ara Kuda and Sikamat. Soil is a critical environmental factor, directly influencing vegetable Zn uptake and food safety, as it’s the primary medium for nutrient absorption. Results indicated significantly higher Zn levels in leafy vegetables, with soil Zn concentrations greater at Sikamat than at Penang. Enrichment factors showed moderate to significant soil Zn enrichment, while the geoaccumulation index classified soil from “unpolluted” to “unpolluted to moderately polluted.” Targeted monitoring of soil and leafy vegetable Zn levels, particularly in Sikamat, is recommended, to ensure safety and mitigate accumulation risks. The study highlights soil contamination as a critical factor in vegetable Zn levels, emphasizing the need for effective management to protect human health.
