Hussein, Ibrahim (1936–2009)

Ibrahim Hussein is one of Malaysia’s most internationally recognized artists. His early works are known for their realistic figuration, the most prominent of which are Pak Utih (1970) and My Father & The Astronaut (1970). His works are influenced by Abstract Expressionsm, as apparent in his aerial views of semi-abstract figures, entangled and rolling in fluid. Noteworthy examples of this technique include Tumult (1969) and Lovers (1964). His later series Dance of Life (1982) and Red, Orange & Core (1984) feature heavy line work by graphic pens. These present an innate monumentality of interweaving fluid lines, engaging the viewer in a continuous journey of visual rhythm. Ibrahim Hussein also invented a technique called "Printage" which combines printing techniques and collage. This technique is exemplified in his pieces Are You Alone Up There? (1969), Pak Utih (1970), My Father (1972), and HariIni Kita Dewasa (1975). Hussein has a body of work that spans more than half a century. He has left an extraordinary legacy of paintings that revolve around his perceptions of life, humanity, his country, and his reflection of personal experiences throughout the years.

Bioeconomic Performance of Pullets and Layer Hens Fed Soybean Grains-Based Diets in Hot and Humid Climate

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of toasted soybean grains on bioeconomic performance of pullets and layer hens in hot and humid environment. A total of 972 three-week-old Harco chicks were divided into 12 groups. At starter, pullet and laying phases, birds were fed four diets containing 0% (R0), 5% (R5), 10% (R10), and 15% (R15) of soybean grains. Results showed similar feed intake, body weight gain, laying rate, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate between dietary treatments at each phase. The egg weight increased significantly in diet R15 (P<0.05). The use of soybean grains reduced the feed prices. Feeding cost decreased significantly (P<0.05) during growth and laying phases in soybean grains added diets. Feeds efficiency increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increase of dietary soybean grains rate. Properly toasted soybean grains can be therefore included up to 15% in heavy line layer hens’ diet in tropical conditions.

Beryllium abundances in metal-rich stars

In metal-rich stars as cool as the Sun, beryllium abundance determinations are difficult due to heavy line blanketing in the near-UV 3130 Å region where the accessible Be II lines reside. We can now attempt such determinations based on improved lists of atomic line identifications and gf-values in the near-UV. Here we report Be determinations for three metal-rich A, F, and G stars plus three solar-metallicity standards. All six stars have beryllium-to-hydrogen ratios at or below solar. More such determinations would provide stronger constraints on trends in Be abundance with temperature, metallicity, and age.

The ultraviolet solar opacity

Ultraviolet solar observations are compared with predictions from a new solar model. From 3600 to 1700 Å there is heavy line blanketing; probably one or more major sources of opacity are missing from the theoretical calculation in this region.