In this paper, we report a suitable method for extracellular synthesis of copper oxide nano particles by using Phormidium cyanobacterium. We hypothesize that synthesis of copper oxide nano particles is believed to occur by extracellular hydrolysis of the cationic copper by certain metal chelating anionic proteins/reductase secreted by bacteria under simple experimental conditions like aerobic environment, neutral pH and room temperature. Proteins not only reduce Cu (II) into copper oxide nano particles (CONPs) but also plays significant role in stabilization of formed nanoparticles at room temperature. Further TEM, SEM, XRD and FTIR analysis have confirmed the synthesis of nano particles through microbial route. Extracellular induction of metal chelating proteins/reductase was analyzed by SDS-PAGE.   Keywords: Synthesis, copper oxide nano particles, Phormidium cyanobacterium

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of kindergarten design in promoting early childhood development before embarking further in the education system in Malaysia. It also aims to investigate the problems that kindergartens today are facing while using this as a basic guideline to foster better kindergarten design in the future. Past studies had shown kindergarten design on three main aspects involving architectural elements, geographical considerations and technical aspects. However, to date, there are no research done to determine the best design approach deem fit for the user; the kindergarten children, in Malaysia. This paper is vital as education plays an important role not only concerning individual involved in the kindergarten premise, but also responding to Malaysia's national agenda on education as early from 1957 till present. Kindergarten is known to play this role in providing the most basic and fundamental education system before children step into a more formal education program such as the primary and secondary schools. This research will be conducted using case study approach as outlined by Yin (2003) and data collection will draw attention to two typologies of kindergartens; single dwelling kindergarten and shop lot kindergarten. Direct observation will be adopted for analysis on these two case studies with regards to four environment stimuli; movements, comfort, competence and control. This paper is of benefit not only to policy makers, designers, and educators, but it will also be of importance in promoting better education system in response to Malaysia's national agenda in its quest to produce better nation and brighter future.

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Activated carbons have been produced from the natural biomaterial durian (Durio zibethinus) seed, using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as the activating agent. The effects of impregnation ratio, activation temperature, heating rate on the carbon surface area, porosity and mass yield are presented. A two step process has been used, the first step was a low temperature impregnation at 150 °C using phosphoric acid and the second step was the carbonization at high temperatures, namely, 600 and 900 °C. The most outstanding carbon with the highest surface area of 2123 m2/g was prepared using an impregnation ratio of 2, an activation temperature of 600 °C for 4 h and a heating rate of 1 °C/min.   Keywords: activated carbon, durian seed, phosphoric acid activation

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