Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Al Qabbani A, Al Kawas S, Enezei H, Razak NHA, Al Bayatti SW, Samsudin AR, et al.
    Dent Res J (Isfahan), 2018;15(6):420-429.
    PMID: 30534170
    BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of immediate implant placement for alveolar bone augmentation and preservation with bovine bone graft following atraumatic tooth extraction.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study with convenient sampling (n = 10). Thirty patients aged between 18 and 40 years, who needed noncomplicated tooth extraction of mandibular premolar tooth, were sequentially divided equally into three groups. In Group I, simple extraction was done and the empty extraction socket left to heal conventionally. In Group II, extraction sockets were filled with lyophilized bovine granules only. In Group III, immediate implants were placed into extraction sockets, and the buccal gap was also filled with bovine granules. All groups were subjected to cone beam computed tomography scan for radiological evaluation. Assessment of biomechanical stability (radiofrequency analysis [RFA] was performed at 9 months postoperative for Group III to assess the degree of secondary stability of the implants using Osstell. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was applied when comparing within each group at three different time intervals, whereas one-way ANOVA was applied followed by post hoc-tukey test when comparing between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: Radiological assessment reveals a significant difference of bone resorption in alveolar dimension within Group I; 1.49 mm (P = 0.002), and 0.82 mm (P = 0.005), respectively, between day 0 and 3 months. Comparison between Group I and III showed a highly significant difference of bone resorption in ridge width at 3 months 2.56 mm (P = 0.001) and at 9 months interval 3.2 mm (P < 0.001). High RFA values demonstrating an excellent biomechanical stability were observed in Group III at 9 months postoperatively.

    CONCLUSION: The insertion of immediate implants in extraction sockets with bovine bone augmentation of the buccal gap was able to preserve a greater amount of alveolar ridge volume.

  2. Talebian-Kiakalaieh A, Amin NAS, Najaafi N, Tarighi S
    Front Chem, 2018;6:573.
    PMID: 30534550 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00573
    The last 20 years have seen an unprecedented breakthrough in the biodiesel industry worldwide leads to abundance of glycerol. Therefore, the economic utilization of glycerol to various value-added chemicals is vital for the sustainability of the biodiesel industry. One of the promising processes is acetalization of glycerol to acetals and ketals for applications as fuel additives. These products could be obtained by acid-catalyzed reaction of glycerol with aldehydes and ketones. Application of different supported heterogeneous catalysts such as zeolites, heteropoly acids, metal-based and acid-exchange resins have been evaluated comprehensively in this field. In this review, the glycerol acetalization has been reported, focusing on innovative and potential technologies for sustainable production of solketal. In addition, the impacts of various parameters such as application of different reactants, reaction temperature, water removal, utilization of crude-glycerol on catalytic activity in both batch and continuous processes are discussed. The outcomes of this research will therefore significantly improve the technology required in tomorrow's bio-refineries. This review provides spectacular opportunities for us to use such renewables and will consequently benefit the industry, environment and economy.
  3. Ni H, Moe S, Soe Z, Myint KT, Viswanathan KN
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018 Dec 11;12(12):CD011594.
    PMID: 30536566 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011594.pub2
    BACKGROUND: Several dual bronchodilator combinations of long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) have been approved for treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The current GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) recommendations suggest the use of LABA/LAMA combinations in people with group B COPD with persistent symptoms, group C COPD with further exacerbations on LAMA therapy alone and group D COPD with or without inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Fixed-dose combination (FDC) of aclidinium/formoterol is one of the approved LABA/LAMA therapies for people with stable COPD.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined aclidinium bromide and long-acting beta2-agonists in stable COPD.

    SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register (CAGR), ClinicalTrials.gov, World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and manufacturers' websites as well as the reference list of published trials up to 12 October 2018.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: Parallel-group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing combined aclidinium bromide and LABAs in people with stable COPD.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane for data collection and analysis. The primary outcomes were exacerbations requiring a short course of an oral steroid or antibiotic, or both; quality of life measured by a validated scale and non-fatal serious adverse events (SAEs). Where the outcome or study details were not reported, we contacted the study investigators or pharmaceutical company trial co-ordinators (or both) for missing data.

    MAIN RESULTS: We identified RCTs comparing aclidinium/formoterol FDC versus aclidinium, formoterol or placebo only. We included seven multicentre trials of four to 52 weeks' duration conducted in outpatient settings. There were 5921 participants, whose mean age ranged from 60.7 to 64.7 years, mostly men with a mean smoking pack-years of 46.4 to 61.3 of which 43.9% to 63.4% were current smokers. They had a moderate-to-severe degree of COPD with a mean postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) between 50.5% and 61% of predicted normal and the baseline mean FEV1 of 1.23 L to 1.43 L. We assessed performance and detection biases as low for all studies whereas selection, attrition and reporting biases were either low or unclear.FDC versus aclidiniumThere was no evidence of a difference between FDC and aclidinium for exacerbations requiring steroids or antibiotics, or both (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.27; 2 trials, 2156 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); quality of life measured by St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score (MD -0.92, 95% CI -2.15 to 0.30); participants with significant improvement in SGRQ score (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.41; 2 trials, 2002 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); non-fatal SAE (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.80; 3 trials, 2473 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); hospital admissions due to severe exacerbations (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.29; 2 trials, 2156 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or adverse events (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.18; 3 trials, 2473 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared with aclidinium, FDC improved symptoms (Transitional Dyspnoea Index (TDI) focal score: MD 0.37, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.68; 2 trials, 2013 participants) with a higher chance of achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of at least one unit improvement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.62; high-certainty evidence); the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) being 14 (95% CI 9 to 39).FDC versus formoterolWhen compared to formoterol, combination therapy reduced exacerbations requiring steroids or antibiotics, or both (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.99; 3 trials, 2694 participants; high-certainty evidence); may decrease SGRQ total score (MD -1.88, 95% CI -3.10 to -0.65; 2 trials, 2002 participants; low-certainty evidence; MCID for SGRQ is 4 units); increased TDI focal score (MD 0.42, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.72; 2 trials, 2010 participants) with more participants attaining an MCID (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.56; high-certainty evidence) and an NNTB of 16 (95% CI 10 to 60). FDC lowered the risk of adverse events compared to formoterol (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.93; 5 trials, 3140 participants; high-certainty evidence; NNTB 22). However, there was no difference between FDC and formoterol for hospital admissions, all-cause mortality and non-fatal SAEs.FDC versus placeboCompared with placebo, FDC demonstrated no evidence of a difference in exacerbations requiring steroids or antibiotics, or both (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.12; 2 trials, 1960 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or hospital admissions due to severe exacerbations (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.18; 2 trials, 1960 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), although estimates were uncertain. Quality of life measure by SGRQ total score was significantly better with FDC compared to placebo (MD -2.91, 95% CI -4.33 to -1.50; 2 trials, 1823 participants) resulting in a corresponding increase in SGRQ responders who achieved at least four units decrease in SGRQ total score (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.13; high-certainty evidence) with an NNTB of 7 (95% CI 5 to 12). FDC also improved symptoms measured by TDI focal score (MD 1.32, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.69; 2 studies, 1832 participants) with more participants attaining at least one unit improvement in TDI focal score (OR 2.51, 95% CI 2.02 to 3.11; high-certainty evidence; NNTB 4). There were no differences in non-fatal SAEs, adverse events and all-cause mortality between FDC and placebo.Combination therapy significantly improved trough FEV1 compared to aclidinium, formoterol or placebo.

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: FDC improved dyspnoea and lung function compared to aclidinium, formoterol or placebo, and this translated into an increase in the number of responders on combination treatment. Quality of life was better with combination compared to formoterol or placebo. There was no evidence of a difference between FDC and monotherapy or placebo for exacerbations, hospital admissions, mortality, non-fatal SAEs or adverse events. Studies reported a lower risk of moderate exacerbations and adverse events with FDC compared to formoterol; however, larger studies would yield a more precise estimate for these outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Formoterol Fumarate/therapeutic use; Bronchodilator Agents/therapeutic use; Drug Therapy, Combination/methods; Dyspnea/drug therapy; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Tropanes/therapeutic use*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Disease Progression; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy*; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists/therapeutic use*
  4. Ngilah, E.I., Tsan, F.Y., Yap, B.K.
    MyJurnal
    The application of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in agricultural sector has become popular in recent years. LEDs can even be used in total absence of natural sunlight in raising indoor vegetables and ornamental plants. Appropriate light spectral regions must be studied according to crop species or varieties, especially for plants with high commercial values. The present experiment was conducted to determine the effects of monochromic LED of Red (R) and Blue (B), and their combinations at 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1,at 18 W and 240 V, on production of Lactuca sativa cv. Fire Red in controlled laboratory environment in total absence of natural light. Each LED irradiation treatment was assigned as sub plot with photoperiods (PPs) ranging from 12 h to 18 has main plots in a split plot design to study their combined effects on growth, pigment and ascorbic acid (AA) contents of this attractive red colour vegetable. Seedlings in moist jiffy blocks at one week after sowing were transferred to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) troughs of 5 cm diameter containing quarter strength Hoagland solution at electrical conductivity ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 μS/cm and pH 6-7. Plants were grown with nutrient film technique at a distance of approximately 8 cm below LED. Results obtained showed that R was not appropriate for growing this vegetable while analysis of variance indicated that plants irradiated with B gained the greatest plant height at five weeks at harvest, but these plants had the lowest number of leaves. Highest fresh weight (FW) as marketing attribute of this vegetable was obtained with 18 h PP. When combined 18 h PP with BR or 2BR, it was the best for production of L. sativa cv. Fire Red with the highest anthocyanin content.
  5. Ahmed Asrity, S.M., Tsan, F.Y., Ding, P., Syed Aris, S.R.
    MyJurnal
    Functional property changes in Phaleria macrocarpa fruit during ripening on tree were studied. Results showed that juice extracted from fruit flesh had low acidity and soluble solid content. Fruit acidity decreased but soluble solids increased as the fruit ripened. In terms of antioxidant content, ascorbic acid, DPPH free radical scavenging activities and total phenolic content were, however, the lowest in fully ripe fruit flesh while the unripe fruit flesh had the highest. High percentage of these antioxidants was water soluble. This study suggests that the unripe fruits should be harvested for valuable medicinal product development instead of the fully ripe fruits.
    MeSH terms: Acids; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Free Radicals; Fruit; Phenols; Trees; Water; Thymelaeaceae
  6. Puspanadan, S., Wong, X.J., Lee, C.K.
    MyJurnal
    Freshwater microalgae that contained high starch, carbohydrates and lipids contents are beneficial to human being in many industrial especially in food and food packing industries. There are a few freshwater microalgae that contained high starch and carbohydrates content such as Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella emersonii, Chlorella sorokiniana, Nannochloropsis salina and Spirulina sp. Spirulina sp. is chosen in this research because of its strong adaptation to the environment changes, short life cycle and able to produce high intracellular starch. In this project, results have shown that microalgae at late exponential phase contained the highest starch and carbohydrate yield of 0.491±0.046 mg/L and 0.090±0.046 mg/L, respectively. Thus, the harvesting time for microalgae with high starch production and yield is phase dependent rather than time dependent. Under optimized cultivation conditions of aeration at 5 L/min, using white wavelength and 32ºC, Spirulina sp. produced the highest starch and carbohydrate yield of 0.664±0.03 mg/L, and 1.019±0.025 mg/L, respectively. In conclusion, compared to before optimization, starch and carbohydrate yield after optimizations were increased. In conclusion, compared to before optimization, starch and carbohydrate yield after optimization were 435% and 221% increased, respectively.
  7. Aisyah Zafirah, M.D., Roselina, K., Jinap, S., Norhayati, H.
    MyJurnal
    Grinding is an important factor in espresso coffee preparation and the optimal grinding level is needed to improve its characteristics. However, a problem arises where ground cocoa nibs change from solid to fluid mass at finer level due to high fat content (52%) in the cocoa bean. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of fat in Ivory Coast cocoa nibs and grinding level on particle size and the physicochemical characteristics including viscosity (mPa), pH, foam index (%), density (g/mL), total solid (mg/mL) and extraction (%) of espresso cocoa (ECOC). Solvent extraction was used to produce defatted cocoa nibs (40%, 34% and 20%) and was ground at four different grinding levels (i.e., 10, 30, 50 and 70) to extract a cup of ECOC using espresso machine. The grinding level 70 (1665.0±28.30 μm) contributed to significantly (p
  8. Radhakrishnan, N., Lam, K.W., Intan, S.I.
    MyJurnal
    Mentha piperita has been well known for its hypolipidemic activity. This prompted the present study to be carried out on a selected 12 phyto-constituents of Mentha piperita which are naringin, eriodictyol, eriodictyol 7-glucuronide, eriocitrin, hesperidin, isorohifolin, luteolin 7-glucoside, diosmin, rosmarinic acid, piperitoside, menthoside and caffeic acid. These phyto-constituents were evaluated on the docking behaviour of HMG CoA reductase (HMGR) and Squalene synthase (SQS) using Discovery Studio Version 3.1. In addition, molecular physicochemical, drug-likeness, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) and TOPKAT (Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology) analyses were done. The molecular physicochemical analysis revealed that eriodictyol, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid (3 ligands) complied with Lipinski’s rule of five. ADMET analysis showed that eriodictyol and caffeic acid exhibited good intestinal absorption property. Docking studies and binding free energy calculations revealed that menthoside (-70.0 kcal/mol) and piperitoside (-65.32 kcal/ mol) exhibited the maximum interaction energy with HMGR and SQS respectively. Caffeic acid exhibited very least binding energy irrespective of its target protein. Caffeic acid showed interaction with Leu546 and Gln212 amino acid residue of HMGR and SQS. Hence, the results of this present study exhibited the potential of these twelve ligands as hypolipidemic agents.
  9. Hau, E.H., Amiza, M.A., Zainol, M.K., Mohd Zin, Z.
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to determine the best parameters (types of buffer, hydrolysis time and enzyme concentration) used to produce good quality of liquid protein hydrolysate from Yellowstripe scad in terms of high yield, protein content and concentration. The choice of buffer (sodium or potassium buffer), hydrolysis time (1 h, 2 h, 3 h or 4 h) and enzymes concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%) were investigated. The results obtained from two way ANOVA showed that these parameters had significant difference (p
    MeSH terms: Acids, Noncarboxylic; Analysis of Variance; Anions; Buffers; Hydrolysis; Ions; Potassium; Protein Hydrolysates; Sodium
  10. Normah, I., Noorasma, M.
    MyJurnal
    Mud clam (Polymesoda erosa) hydrolysate (AH) was produced by hydrolysis for 2 hrs using alcalase 2.4L at pH 8.5, 60°C and 3% enzyme-substrate ratio. D-xylose and L-cysteine or D-xylose were added into the hydrolysate and heated at 120°C for 2 hrs to produce the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) labelled as AH-mx or AH-x, respectively. Amino acids, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of AH and MRPs were evaluated. Amino acids analysis showed that monosodium glutamate (MSG)-like amino acids amount was higher while 2-piperidinone volatile compound that contributes to bitterness was lower in MRPs than AH. Furthermore, sensory results showed that MRPs had more intense umami and less fishy taste compared to AH. Therefore, it was discovered that Maillard reaction improved the flavor of mud clam hydrolysate.
  11. Razak, R.A., Karim, R., Sulaiman, R., Hussain, N.
    MyJurnal
    Hydrocolloid has long been utilized as a thickener to increase the consistency such as fruit jam. In this study, the optimum type (xanthan gum/XG, Arabic gum/AG, guar gum/GG, locust bean gum/LBG, pectin/ PC and carboxymethylcellulose/ CMC) and concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1% (w/v)) of the hydrocolloid as thickening agents in ‘Chok Anan’ mango filling was determined using Full Factorial design (108 trials). Physicochemical analyses, including total soluble solid (TSS), pH (acidity), moisture content, and viscosity (Power Law) were conducted. The predicted values for 1.0% PC, and 0.2% XG with the response as TSS (44.9ºBrix), acidity (3.4), moisture content (47.48%) and pseudoplastic behavior (shear thinning) value of n = 0.2917 were similar to experimental optimum values. The optimum type (PC) and concentration of hydrocolloids (1%) of experimental values (TSS= 45.3ºBrix, pH= 3.41) show insignificant different with predicted values. The concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0%) and type of the hydrocolloids (XG, AG, GG, LBG, PC and CMC applied in this study had significantly (p
  12. Chang, Kok Yung, Kwan, Wai Hoe, Kua, Hui Bun
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):75-83.
    MyJurnal
    The massive growth of construction industry especially in the developing countries results in extensive quarrying activities which ultimately would lead to the depletion of natural resources. Apart from extensive extraction of the natural granite from the earth for concrete production, marble production industry is also majorly contributing to the quarrying activities. In addition, high volume of waste is generated by the marble production industry as 70% of marble is wasted during the production such as quarrying, cutting, processing and others which is environmental unfriendly. In a way to achieve sustainable construction, the present study is to utilise the waste marble in replacing the coarse aggregate in concrete production. The engineering performance including workability, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and chloride penetration were analysed. The raw waste marble obtained from the industry were crushed and sieved into maximum size 20 mm and used to replace the coarse aggregate at the level of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% respectively. Results show that 60% of the replacement level has yield to optimum result by achieving the highest compressive strength and UPV at approximate 5% higher than the control. Meanwhile, the effect on chloride penetration resistance is more significant, i.e. approximate 19% better than the control. However, increasing the replacement level of waste marble has no significant effect on workability, although an increasing trend was observed.
    MeSH terms: Natural Resources; Calcium Carbonate; Developing Countries; Environment; Silicon Dioxide; Ultrasonics; Earth (Planet); Compressive Strength; Construction Industry
  13. Nazrul Azmi Ahmad Zamri, Petrus, Clotilda, Azmi Ibrahim, Hanizah Ab Hamid
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):59-74.
    MyJurnal
    The application of concrete filled steel tubes(CFSTs) as composite members has widely been used around the world and is becoming popular day by day for structural application especially in earthquake regions. This paper indicates that an experimental study was conducted to comprehend the behaviour of T-stub end plates connected to concrete filled thin-walled steel tube (CFTST) with different types of bolts and are subjected to pullout load. The bolts used are normal type bolt M20 grade 8.8 and Lindapter Hollo-bolt HB16 and HB20. A series of 10 mm thick T-stub end plates were fastened to 2 mm CFTST of 200 mm x 200 mm in cross-section. All of the specimens were subjected to monotonic pull-out load until failure. Based on testresults, the Lidapter Hollo-boltsshowed better performance compare to normal bolts. The highest ultimate limit load for T-stub end plate fasten with Lindapter Hollo-bolt is four times higher than with normal bolt although all end plates show similar behaviour and failure mode patterns. It can be concluded that T-stub end plate with Lindapter Hollo-bolt shows a better performance in the service limit and ultimate limit states according to the regulations in the design codes.
    MeSH terms: Bone Plates; Paper; Steel; Earthquakes
  14. Nurul Nazierah Mohd Yusri, Kartini Kamaruddin, Hamidah Mohd Saman, Nuraini Tutur
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):47-58.
    MyJurnal
    Sewage sludge is a by-product generated within the wastewater treatment process. Severe concern arised as the sludge are massively been dumped to the landfill and it may affect the environment. Many studies had been conducted in reusing the sewage sludge as construction material, where it is one of the optional ways to solve the issue. In this study, dried sewage sludge was incinerated with two different temperatures in order to produce sewage sludge ash (SSA), which are 800°C and 1000°C. Afterfew processes, this SSA then reused in mortar as cementreplacement with the replacement percentage of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight. The strength performance of mortar specimens was investigated after 7, 28, 60 and 90 days of curing. From the results, it is clearly showed that the compressive strength of all mortar specimens increased when the period of curing was prolonged. Moreover, almost all compressive strength of SSA mortars was higher than the control mortar. Therefore, there is potential to reuse this waste material as part of construction materials and hence, its plays an important role for future researches in minimisation of waste.
  15. Nur Aiman Suparlan, Muhammad Azrul Ku Ayob, Siti Hawa Hamzah, Hazrina Ahmad, Mohd Hisbany Mohd Hashim
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):31-45.
    MyJurnal
    A ribbed slab structure has the advantage in the reduction of concrete volume in between the ribs resulting in a lower structural self-weight. In order to overcome the drawbacks in the construction process, the application of steel fibre self-compacting concrete (SCFRC) is seen as an alternative material to be used in the slab. This preliminary investigation was carried out to investigate the flexural behaviour of steel fibre selfcompacting concrete (SCFRC) asthe main material in ribbed slab omitting the conventionalreinforcements. Two samples ofribbed slab were prepared for this preliminary study; 2-ribbed and 3-ribbed in 1 m width to identify the effect of the geometry to the slab’s flexural behaviour. The dimension of both samples is 2.5 m x 1 m with 150 mm thickness. The compressive strength of the mix is 48.6 MPa based on the cubes tested at 28 days. Load was applied to failure by using the four point bending test set-up with simple support condition. The result of the experiment recorded ultimate load carrying capacity at 30.68 kN for the 2-ribbed slab and 25.52 kN for 3-ribbed slab. From the results, the ultimate load of the 2-ribbed sample exceeds 3-ribbed by approximately 20%. This proved that even with lower concrete volume, the sample can still withstand an almost similar ultimate load. Cracks was also observed and recorded with the maximum crack width of 2 mm. It can be concluded that the steel fibres do have the potential to withstand flexural loadings. Steel fibre reduces macro-crack forming into micro-cracks and improves concrete ductility, as well as improvement in deflection. This shows that steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete is practical as it offers good concrete properties as well as it can be mixed, placed easier without compaction.
  16. Amir Syafiq Samsudin, Mohd Hisbany Mohd Hashim, Siti Hawa Hamzah, Afidah Abu Bakar
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):15-29.
    MyJurnal
    Nowadays, demands in the application of fibre in concrete increase gradually as an engineering material. Rapid cost increment of material causes the increase in demand of new technology that provides safe, efficient and economical design for the present and future application. The introduction ofribbed slab reduces concrete materials and thusthe cost, but the strength of the structure also reduces due to the reducing of material. Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) has the ability to maintain a part of its tensile strength prior to crack in order to resist more loading compared to conventional concrete. Meanwhile, the ribbed slab can help in material reduction. This research investigated on the bending strength of 2-ribbed and 3-ribbed concrete slab with steel fibre reinforcement under static loading with a span of 1500 mm and 1000 mm x 75 mm in cross section. An amount of 40 kg/m steel fibre of all total concrete volume was used as reinforcement instead of conventional bars with concrete grade 30 N/mm2 . The slab wastested underthree-point bending. Load versus deflection curve was plotted to illustrate the result and to compare the deflection between control and ribbed slab. Thisresearch showsthat SFRCRibbed Slab capable to withstand the same amount of load as normal slab structure, although the concrete volume reduces up to 20%.
    MeSH terms: Engineering; Maintenance; Research; Ribs; Steel; Tensile Strength
  17. Ahad Javanmardi, Zainab Ibrahim, Khaled Gheadi, Mohammed Jameel, Usman Hanif, Gordan, Meisam
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):1-14.
    MyJurnal
    Nowadays, development of cable-stayed bridges is increasing around the world. The mitigation of seismic forces to these bridges are obligatory to prevent damages or failure of its structural members. Herein, this paper aimed to determine the near-fault ground motion effect on an existing cablestayed bridge equipped with lead-rubber bearing. In this context, Shipshaw cable-stayed bridge is selected as the case study. The selected bridge has a span of 183.2 m composite deck and 43 m height of steel tower. 2D finite element models of the non-isolated and base isolated bridges are modelled by using SAP2000. Three different near-fault ground motions which are Tabas 1978, Cape Mendocino 1992 and Kobe 1995 were subjected to the 2D FEM models in order to determine the seismic behaviour of the bridge. The near-fault ground motions were applied to the bridge in the longitudinal direction. Nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed to determine the dynamic responses of the bridge. Comparison of dynamic response of nonisolated and base isolated bridge under three different near-fault ground motions were conducted. The results obtained from numerical analyses of the bridge showed that the isolation system lengthened the period of bridge and minimised deck displacement, base shear and base moment of the bridge. It is concluded that the isolation system significantly reduced the destructive effects of near-fault ground motions on the bridge.
    MeSH terms: Displacement (Psychology); Motion; Rubber; Steel; Nonlinear Dynamics; Finite Element Analysis; Physical Phenomena
  18. Hashim, E., Wan Hasyila, W.O., Ang, Y.H., Azlan Helmy, A.S., Husyairi, H.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):106-116.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Malay translated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for use in exploring the burden of anxiety amongst parents of a child visited hospital for medical treatment. The instrument was administered to 53 parents of children seen in the Emergency Department and 52 parents in the outpatient Physiotherapy Unit. Internal consistency reliability (α) for state anxiety and trait anxiety subscale was high with values of 0.94 and 0.84, respectively. Test-retest reliability demonstrated wide range of scores with only 25 items showed significant intra-class correlation
    coefficients, ICC (range 0.60 – 0.94, 95% CI, p<0.05) after 4-weeks retest. Performances of matrix following a factor analysis were consistent with 4-factors
    structure of original STAI. A few items did not perform as expected but did not impair the overall performance. This Malay translated version is a valid and reliable measure of anxiety for parents with children visiting hospital for medical treatment, with caution in the interpretation of some items.
    Keywords: anxiety, factor analysis, psychometrics, reliability
    Study site: Emergency department, outpatient physiotherapy unit, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Child; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results
  19. Khairani O, Mohamed NA, Ismail Z, Shalinawati R, Chamhuri NH, Rahim NS
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):97-105.
    MyJurnal
    Choosing a course to pursue is an important decision for students to make. A suitable career should correspond to the students’ personalitiy for future work satisfaction and success. The objectives of this study were to determine the students’ reasons for choosing medicine, their personality traits and aptitude (suitability). This was a cross-sectional study involving all third-year medical students at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used, which included questions on demographic data, Sidek Career Interest Inventory and reasons for choosing medicine. The inventory was used to measure the students’ personality traits and career suitability. A total of 80 students participated in the study. Majority of them were females (n=56, 70.0%). The findings showed that 45.7% (n=44) of the repondents chose medicine because of ‘passion and interest’, while 24.7% (n=20) and 19.8% (n=16) because of ‘parental influence’ and ‘to help the society’, respectively. For medicine, two personality traits are essential which are investigative and social personality traits. Approximately, 47.5% (n=38) of the respondents had high scores in investigative personality trait. However, only 13.8% (n=11) of them had high scores in social personality trait. Only 12.5% (n=10) of the students had high scores when combining both of the traits. Majority of the students chose medicine for altruistic reasons. However, only a few of them had suitable aptitude for this course namely investigative and social skill. Therefore, the students and the teachers need to be aware of these issues and cultivate the required skills in the students for better career outcome.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Career Choice*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Students, Medical*; Universities
  20. Nur Aqilah, S., Wong, H.S., Syed Zulkifli, S.Z., Mushawiahti, M.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):88-96.
    MyJurnal
    Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reduces choroidal thickness by choroidal hypoperfusion in diabetic macula oedema (DME) patients. Indirect effect of anti-VEGF towards outer retinal layers (ORL) which supplied by choroidal circulation has not been well described. We evaluate the ORL thickness between retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with inner-segment-outer-segment photoreceptor junction (IS/OS) and RPE with external limiting membrane (ELM) in pre- and postintravitreal Ranibizumab (IVR) treated eyes with central foveal diabetic macula edema. A total of 60 eyes (40 patients) were analysed. ORL thickness measured with optical coherence tomography at pre- and post-injection day 1, week 4 and week 6. Mean thickness of RPE-IS/OS was statistically significant over time (p=0.023) but not for RPE-ELM (p=0.216). Thickness ratio between RPE-IS/OS and RPE-ELM and central subfoveal thickness (CST) both showed statistically significant result over time with p=0.038 and p=0.000, respectively. We observed an initial reduction of ORL thickness at day 1 followed by increased in thickness at week 4 with subsequent reduction at week 6 was observed. ORL is an aspect that can be explore and emphasized further in patients considered for IVR injections. The long-term effects of IVR to the ORL however could not be concluded due to short follow up period.
    MeSH terms: Ranibizumab; Diabetic Retinopathy; Edema; Follow-Up Studies; Fovea Centralis; Humans; Macular Edema; Retina; Time; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Retinal Pigment Epithelium
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