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Abstract-Graphene/Polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared at different filler loading and different average surface diameter 5, 15 and 25µm of graphene nanoplatelets by using Haake Minilab mixer at 180 o C and rotor speed 50rpm. Besides, Haake MiniJet is used to obtain dumbbell shape specimen. The effect of filler loading and average surface area of filler in PP/GnP composites on Raman spectrum and tensile properties were studied. Raman spectrum of graphene particles indicate three major spectrums such as D, G and 2D band. In addition, PP/GnP composites shows the Raman band shift quite strong by increasing GnP loading. In general, increased of graphene nanoplatelets loading have increased the value of modulus of elasticity, whereas tensile strength, elongation at break of composites reduced. IndexTerms-Graphene, polypropylene, Raman spectroscopy. I. INTRODUCTIONNanocomposites in polymeric materials offer superior mechanical properties at a lower amount of loading rather than microsize filler [1], [2]. However, the properties is depends on proper selection of nanofiller/matrix weight percentage and the homogenous distribution of filler in polymer matrix due to van der Waals's bonding alignment of nanosizes filler in the matrix [3], [4] . Besides, the fabrication cost of nanofiller exhibit higher compared to microfiller.The incorporation of graphene in polymer composites such as polypropylene receives interest from industries and research laboratories due to improve of mechanical properties and relatively low cost which is widely used in automobile, household appliance and construction industry [4]. In future application of graphene composites material based on graphene filled polymer composites expected to be an ideal material for several applications such as lightweight gasoline tanks, plastic containers, aircraft component (more fuel-efficient), car parts, medical implants, stronger wind turbines and sport equipments [5], [6].Graphene is a multifunctional material which is considered as better nanofiller compared to nanotubes and other conventional fillers. It improves the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites to a great extent with a very small loading. The mechanism of polymer-graphene interaction is mainly governed by polarity, molecular weight, hydrophobicity, polymer functionalities, graphene functionalities and graphene-solvent interaction [7], [8].Graphene is a basic stucture of all graphitic form of carbon in single layer atom (SAL) of sp 2 hybridized carbon atom which is tightly packed into a two-dimensional (2D) in honeycomb structure [9]. It has low density that related to lightweight material with 2.3% light absorbed [10]. Some of the amazing properties of graphene are it is the purest form of carbon, large theoretical specific area (2360 m ) and optical transmittance (∼97.7%) [11]. Polypropylene (PP) is a commodity polymer which offers a combination of outstanding physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties not found in any other thermoplastic [2], [12]. The u...

Background: There is growing evidence that DM may play an important role in the occurrence of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. This study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of DM among TB population, compare the profile of TB patients with and without DM and determine the effect of DM on unsuccessful treatment outcomes among TB patients in Kelantan state, Malaysia from 2012 to 2016. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Sep 2017 using data from registered TB cases in Kelantan state, Malaysia from 2012 to 2016. The profile of TB patients with and without DM were compared in univariable analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine association between DM and unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Results: A total of 1854 TB patients were diagnosed with DM. The annual proportion was ranging from 26 to 29%. TB patients with DM had an older age, live single, low educational status, poor chest x ray finding and diagnosed with smear positive sputum compared to TB patients without DM. TB patients with DM had three times higher risk to develop unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes compared to TB patients without DM (95% CI 2.47-3.58; P = 0.012) in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Those with DM had the worst prognosis of TB outcomes among the significant risk factors. TB control program in Malaysia will need to expand efforts to focus on treatment of TB-DM patients to improve their cure rates in order to achieve the goals of tuberculosis elimination.  

The human gut is home to trillions of microbes that interact with host cells to influence and contribute to body functions. The number of scientific studies focusing on the gut microbiome has exponentially increased in recent years. Studies investigating factors that may potentially affect the gut microbiome and may be used for therapeutic purposes in diseases where dysbioses in the gut microbiome have been shown are of particular interest. This review compiles current evidence available in the scientific literature on the use of probiotics to treat metabolic diseases and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to analyze the efficacy of probiotics in these diseases. To do this, we must first define the healthy gut microbiome before looking at the interplay between the gut microbiome and diseases, and how probiotics affect this interaction. In metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, probiotic supplementation positively impacts pathological parameters. Conversely, the gut–brain axis significantly impacts neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASDs. However, manipulating the gut microbiome and disease symptoms using probiotics has less pronounced effects on neurodevelopmental diseases. This may be due to a more complex interplay between genetics and the environment in these diseases. In conclusion, the use of microbe-based probiotic therapy may potentially have beneficial effects in ameliorating the pathology of various diseases. Validation of available data for the development of personalized treatment regimens for affected patients is still required.