Browse publications by year: 2018

Fulltext Anxiety and Academic Achievement among Undergraduate Students

Khairunisa Amalina Binti Kaswadi, Malik, Aakriti, Keat, Ooi Boon

Journal of Management & Science, 2018;16(2):11-18.
MyJurnal

Undergraduate studies are a challenging time for students to adapt to the multi-functional roles and responsibilities of a university life. Research worldwide indicates undergraduate students to experience high levels of stress, depression and anxiety thus affecting their academic performance. Studies in Malaysia with respect to understanding the relationship between anxiety levels and academic achievement are sparse. The current study sought responses from a preliminary sample of 100 undergraduate students consisted of 50 males and 50 females on their cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory. The results suggested girls to have slightly higher levels of anxiety when compared to boys. Both boys and girls were found to have moderate levels of anxiety as indicated by BAI. A mild negative relationship was found between anxiety levels and academic achievement. The findings highlight the need for preventive mental health measures in universities catering to the growing academic and personal demands on students thereby facilitating students with coping and life skills.

MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Mental Health; Students; Universities
Fulltext A Methodology on the Impact of Different Teamwork Skill Levels on the Efficiency of the Software Development Workflow Based on Malaysia Industry

Zairina Ibrahim, Md Gapar Md Johar

Journal of Management & Science, 2018;16(2):1-10.
MyJurnal

The process of software development life cycle (SDLC) is an important element of development phases to develop the application. In fact, there are needs to upgrade the sequence of methodology in software development. Thus, the SDLC is very crucial in order for them to ensure the quality of skills is placed accordingly in the workflow. This research contributes to the development of a new approach in system development workflow with the aim to properly manage system development projects. It started by providing some background data related to the previous mode of operation in the teamwork samples as shared by the stakeholders of the transformation projects and the new proposed Analysis System Development Framework (ASDF) method team members. Then, the key findings related to steps of software development such as (1) input for User Requirement Specification (URS) and (2) System Requirement Specification (SRS), (3) process for module, (4) process for database, (5) process for User Acceptance Testing (UAT) (6) output for Final Acceptance Testing (FAT) and empowerment for the whole level based on ASDF method. This paper contribution significantly to support the perception of high quality of skills in a teamwork, results in better performance of software development.

MeSH terms: Software; Systems Analysis; Databases, Factual; Disease Management; Workflow
Fulltext Removal of failed dental implant with application of concentrated growth factor (CGF): a case report

Nurul Ain Mohamed Yusof, Mohd Salman Masri, Erni Noor

Compendium of Oral Science, 2018;5(1):46-53.
MyJurnal

Introduction: High survival rates of dental implants were commonly reported even after 10 years of follow up. Nevertheless, complications and failure may occur and the implant would need to be removed. In recent years, the use of autogenous blood products in dental surgery has increased due to its ability to aid the healing of the soft and hard tissues. Clinical case: The case demonstrated the utilisation of concentrated growth factor (CGF) from the patient’s blood for healing following conservative removal of a failed dental implant. Subsequently, the patient showed satisfactory recovery without any infections and clinical complaints. Conclusion: This explantation procedure, together with the use of CGF, may prevent the normal bone resorption and accelerate soft tissue healing. As it is biological in nature having originated from the patient’s blood, it is more readily accepted by the tissues and the risk of infection is low.

MeSH terms: Bone Resorption; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Wound Healing; Dental Implants; Survival Rate; Device Removal; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Fulltext Periodontal referral pattern in periodontal specialist clinic in faculty of dentistry, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM): a retrospective pilot study

Erni Noor, Nur Azielyana Noor Kamaruzaman, Nur Syahira Mohd Jeffri, Nik Nazurah Nik Eezammudden, Nur Zety Mohd Noh

Compendium of Oral Science, 2018;5(1):37-45.
MyJurnal

Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic disease which remain undiagnosed and untreated without proper examination and referral to specialist clinic for further management Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of referrals to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Periodontal Specialist Clinic. Materials and methods: A total of 176 periodontal cases referred to UiTM Periodontal Specialist Clinic in year 2011 and 2016 were identified and patient’s referral forms were collected. The data obtained were the referred cases from undergraduate student clinics, other specialist clinics, UiTM primary dental care clinic and private dental clinics. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using frequency distribution by SPSS. Chi square analysis was used to evaluate the association of source of referral, diagnosis and reason for referrals to Periodontal Specialist Clinic. Results: There was increased referral cases to Periodontal Specialist Clinic in 2016 (86.9%) compared to 2011 (13.1%). Most referral to Periodontal Specialist Clinic were received from faculty’s undergraduate student clinic in both 2011 and 2016 (46%), followed by other specialists (27.3%), primary care clinic (25.6%) and private practice (1.1%). 96% of cases were referred for intervention by periodontist as more than half of the cases were referred for the non-surgical periodontal treatment. Chi square analysis showed the association between source of referral and reason for referral was statistically significant (p value=0.000). Conclusion: Proper periodontal screening in all patients and necessary referral to specialist clinic is crucial to prevent undiagnosed periodontal disease.

MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Chronic Disease; Dental Care; Dental Clinics; Dentists; Faculty; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Primary Health Care; Private Practice; Referral and Consultation; Specialization; Students
Fulltext Effects of antihypertensive drugs on alveolar bone loss in patients with chronic periodontitis: a retrospective study

AL-Bayaty, F.H., Omar Emad Ibrahim, William, C., Khairuddin, N.A.

Compendium of Oral Science, 2018;5(1):26-36.
MyJurnal

Objective: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the possible effects of antihypertensive drugs on alveolar bone loss in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: 50 patients on antihypertensive drugs selected as the experimental group and 50 patients with chronic periodontitis with no known systemic illnesses as control group were randomly selected as the study samples. Orthopantomographs were obtained, calibration and assessment of alveolar bone loss was performed by using the computer software program available in the faculty, through radiographic linear measurement procedure. Premolars, first and second molars of both maxilla and mandible were measured from the most apical point to the cementoenamel junction for mesial and distal aspects in the form of millimetres and percentile of the root length. Data was statistically analyzed using independent t-test and Analysis of Covariance in SPSS Version 23 with significance at P-value, p

MeSH terms: Antihypertensive Agents; Bicuspid; Calibration; Faculty; Humans; Mandible; Maxilla; Molar; Radiography, Panoramic; Retrospective Studies; Software; Alveolar Bone Loss; Tooth Cervix; Control Groups; Chronic Periodontitis
Fulltext Selective occlusal features of primary dentiton in Malay children at a centre in Sungai Buloh

Fathinah Hanem Azamzaki, Nurhanis Baharuddin, Tandon, Shobha, Venkiteswaran, Annapurny

Compendium of Oral Science, 2018;5(1):18-25.
MyJurnal

Objectives:To determine the different occlusal characteristics in primary dentition of 3 to 6 year old Malay children and to create a preliminary database for future Malaysian studies as currently none of the studies has been conducted in Malaysian population regarding the occlusal features in primary dentition. Materials and method:The subjects were within the age ranging from 3 – 6 years old attending nurseries and kindergartens located within Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Sixty subjects were screened but only 47 fulfilled the criteria to be included in this study. Intra-oral examination was done to determine the terminal plane, canine relationship, overjet, overbite and primate space in the subjects. Results: Almost two thirds of the subjects (72.34%) presented with straight terminal plane. All but one subject were observed with Class I canine relationship. 61.7% subjects were with an ideal overjet and 53.19% of subjects had an ideal overbite. The mean value for primate space in the maxilla was 2.92mm and 1.60mm in the mandible. There was no significant difference between gender in all the parameters assessed. Conclusion: The results from the study shown that only few of the subjects had a tendency of malocclusion in their permanent dentition. However, a longitudinal study should be done to follow up their occlusal feature in the permanent dentition.

MeSH terms: Animals; Child; Diagnosis, Oral; Dogs; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class II; Mandible; Maxilla; Primates; Tooth, Deciduous; Dentition, Permanent; Overbite
Fulltext Caries preventive interventions in community-dwelling elders: a systematic review

Eleena Mohd Yusof, Mei, May Lei, Walls, Angus

Compendium of Oral Science, 2018;5(1):1-17.
MyJurnal

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of identifying the clinical efficacy of caries preventive interventions in community-dwelling elders. Background: As the human lifespan increases, the elders are known to retain their teeth for longer. Therefore, the need to uncover effective ways of preventing caries among this age group is relevant. Methods: A search was conducted using four databases: Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science using the keywords (caries OR demineralization) AND prevention AND (adult OR aged). The titles and abstracts were initially screened for the use of caries prevention interventions. Studies were excluded based on the predetermined criteria. The full texts of the remaining studies were then evaluated. Results: Of 6952 articles identified from the search, fifty full texts were evaluated. Finally, ten studies were analyzed. One study found rinsing with 0.05% of NaF twice daily resulted in lower coronal caries increment. Another study reported the use of 1,100 ppm of NaF dentifrice twice daily showed lower percentage of coronal and root caries. A reduction of root caries was observed from using 5,000 ppm fluoridated toothpaste twice daily, annual professional 38% SDF solution application, six-monthly professional cleaning and APF gel application. The use of 0.12% CHX rinse and xylitol chewing gum did not show reduction of caries incidence. Conclusion: Toothbrushing with 5,000 ppm of NaF dentifrice, rinsing with 0.05% NaF, professional application of 38% SDF solution and APF gel may be effective at preventing caries among the elders.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cariostatic Agents; Chewing Gum; Dentifrices; Fluoridation; Humans; Longevity; Toothbrushing; Toothpastes; Xylitol; Incidence; MEDLINE; Treatment Outcome; Root Caries; Independent Living
Fulltext Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on transmission and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome among adolescent girls in Lowry Memorial High School, Bengaluru

Stephen N, Gusen NJ, Kumzhi PR, Gaknung B, Auta DA, Bulndi LB, et al.

Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS, 2018 03 26;41(1):73-82.
PMID: 33062987 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.IJSTD_102_17

Background: Adolescence is a critical stage in human development. Most young people become sexually active during adolescence and are more likely to have multipartner and unprotected sex with high-risk behavior that predisposes them to sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on transmission and prevention of HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among adolescent girls.
Methods: An evaluative research approach was adopted, in which a preexperimental, one group pre- and post-test research design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the structured teaching programme on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS among adolescent girls studying at Lowry Memorial High School, Bengaluru. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were presented in frequency tables and statistical graphs (bar charts) and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistical methods (Chi-square and paired "t"-tests) using SPSS version 21.
Results: The findings of the study revealed that the mean percentage difference in the pre- and post-test knowledge scores was statistically significant at 5% level (P < 0.05). The overall mean post-test knowledge score of adolescent girls on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS was 88.83%. It is apparently higher compared to the pretest knowledge score, which was 67.67% with enhancement of 21.16%. This implies that the structured teaching programme was effective in gaining knowledge of adolescent girls regarding transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion: Our study suggests that structured teaching programme enhanced the knowledge of the adolescent girls on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. We, therefore, recommend that structured teaching programmes on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS should be encouraged among adolescents and youths to reduce the spread of HIV infection.

MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Female; HIV; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk-Taking; Sexual Partners; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; HIV Infections; Unsafe Sex
Fulltext Effects of saline irrigation water on morphological characteristics of banana (Musa spp.)

Al Harthy, K. M., Siti Aishah, H., Yahya, A., Roslan, I., Al Yahyai, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):195-200.
MyJurnal

Banana is one of the most important food crops after rice, wheat and corn around the world. It is susceptible to a wide spectrum of non-infectious problems such as abiotic stresses resulting in restricting growth and production. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of four salinity levels (0.17 (control), 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 dS m-1) on morphological characteristics of four banana cultivars at vegetative growth stage. Banana cultivars from the Cavendish group (Williams, Malindi) and plantains group (FHIA18 and Diwan) were grown in 61 x 76 cm polyethylene bags filled with soil mixture comprising of top soil, sand and peat moss (3:1:2 v/v), with pH ranging from 6 - 6.5 and EC 0.02 mScm-1. The experiment was carried out under a rain-shelter in split-plot design with three replicates. Plants were irrigated manually. Data were collected at 3, 6 and 9 months after transplanting. The results revealed that, the number of leaves, stem height, stem girth and total leaf area were significantly affected by salinity, variety and plant age. Significant interaction was also found between salinity and variety, salinity and plant age, as well as variety and plant age. The morphological characteristics of banana were negatively affected by higher salinity levels (6.0 and 9.0 dS m-1). Under similar salinity level, cultivar Malindi had higher number of leaves, stem height, stem girth and total leaf area as compared to cultivar Williams. Among plantains banana, cultivar FHIA18 was more tolerance to high salinity levels than Diwan cultivar, while Malindi from Cavendish group shows high salt tolerant than Williams. Therefore cultivars Malindi and FHIA18 could be grown in arid and semiarid environment depend on their tolerance to high salinity level above 1.0 dS m-1.

MeSH terms: Zea mays; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Plantago; Rain; Oryza; Soil; Stress, Physiological; Triticum; Plant Leaves; Crops, Agricultural; Polyethylene; Musa; Sphagnopsida; Salinity
Fulltext The efficacy of combined coatings of chitosan and cinnamic acid on tomatoes

Mior Azmai, W. N. S., Abdul Latif, N. S., Md Zain, N.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):185-194.
MyJurnal

Tomatoes require appropriate environment to stay sturdy due to earlier decay process. Deterioration causes short shelf life of tomatoes with unfavourable quality, resulting in potential rejection by customers. The objective of the study is to observe the effect of combined coatings of chitosan (Ch) and cinnamic acid (CA) in extending the tomato shelf life. Layer by layer coating of chitosan prior to the cinnamic acid (single coating for each) were applied on fresh graded tomato at two maturity stages; breaker and turning. Twelve days observations at ambient temperature with three-day intervals were recorded. Combined coating of chitosan and cinnamic acid were expected to influence firmness, TSS value, hue angle and weight loss. Results showed that a combined coating of 1.0% Ch + 3 mM CA has significant increament at breaker stage to firmness (8.26 N), hue angle (60.42%) and weight loss value (6.51%) compared to untreated tomato whereas for turning stage, the results showed there were no significant different in all parameters observed except the changes of fruit sweetness (TSS). 1.0% Ch + 4 mM CA show highest TSS value, 3.48% indicating 21% difference than untreated tomato (3.27%). Cinnamic acid helped chitosan in improving coating ability by serving better barrier from pathogen and oxidative gas penetration to prevent earlier spoilage problem.

MeSH terms: Cinnamates; Fruit; Taste; Temperature; Weight Loss; Oxidative Stress; Lycopersicon esculentum; Chitosan
Fulltext Modeling purchase intention towards edible bird’s nest products among Malaysians

Mohamad Shukri, N. N. H., Nolila Mohd Nawi, Abdullah, A. M., Man, N.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):165-171.
MyJurnal

Interests in the nutraceutical or food supplement are growing around Asia in response to health and beauty concerns. Nutraceutical supplements seem to dominate the Malaysian market as the awareness of health conscious arise. The consumptions of these nutraceutical products are to cover insufficient nutrient in their diet intakes. Edible bird nest (EBN) is made from saliva produced by the male’s swiftlet and been consumed as a health supplement due to their high nutritional value. Despite an ever-growing number of EBN products and options available in the market, there are still fewer purchasers among Malaysian consumers as compared to other countries. This study aims to determine factors that influence consumers’ intention in purchasing EBN products. The number of complete response from the survey were 1310 samples. The questionnaire includes nine variables that are determined from the theory of planned behavior and marketing mix. Exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation is conducted to remove items with factor loading less than 0.5 and confirmatory factor analysis is constructed to measure the fitness of the model so that it can be used in predictive models. The three popular classification algorithms from predictive models which are decision tree, logistic regression, and artificial neural network will be used to analyze the dataset and determined the best model building. These comparisons are highly evaluated based on the prediction performance and it does not conclude that one method will be superior to other predictive methods. Results showed logistic regression outer perform other classifiers to develop the purchase intention model. There are five variables identified which consist of age, gender, price, accessibility and halal authorize. This study provides an input of consumers’ concern and interest that can be used as a strategic tool and give special attention to those elements to promote the EBN products.
Fulltext Factors influencing consumers’ preferences towards meat and meat products with traceability systems in Malaysia

Basri, H. N., Kamarulzaman, N. H., Shamsudin, M. N., Nolila Mohd Nawi

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):157-164.
MyJurnal

Majority consumers around the world have become increasingly concern and aware about their health and food safety. Recent food crisis and foodborne illness incidents showed the needs to assure the authenticity and traceability of foods in the market especially meat and meat products. These scandals have led to negative effect and perception to consumers, food companies and both supply and demand chain. Hence, the food industry needs an excellent and reliable traceability system to ensure that consumers are persistently well protected from unconscious consumption of unsafe foods. Therefore, traceability systems can support the claims by making it verifiable. However, the awareness among Malaysian consumers is still lacking due to the inadequate exposure towards concept and the importance of traceability systems particularly in meat and meat products. The aim of this study is to determine factors influencing consumers’ preferences towards traceability systems of meat and meat products in Malaysia. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire via face to face interview with 503 respondents in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and factor analysis. The findings of descriptive analysis showed that most of the consumers preferred using traceability systems and aware of its importance when buying meat and meat products. Meanwhile, the factor analysis results discovered six factors that influenced consumers’ preferences towards meat and meat products with traceability systems namely Halal certificate, transparency, quality, confidence, food safety and knowledge. Therefore, implementation of traceability systems could raise standards of food safety throughout the meat production supply chain. Furthermore, the society will become more confident and they can benefit from the quality of purchase and consumption. The findings from this study are also able to contribute to the body of knowledge to the producers or marketers towards food safety issues and foodborne illness that recently happened in Malaysia.
Fulltext Factors influencing consumers’ knowledge towards contaminated peanut-based products

Hassan, N. A., Kamarulzaman, N. H., Mohd Nawi, N.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):147-156.
MyJurnal

Food products contamination has become a huge global issue, mostly related to foodborne diseases. Morbidity and mortality are on the increase worldwide due to the increasing incidence of foodborne diseases. Peanut-based products are reported to contribute significantly to food contamination issues. It needs to be addressed well to make sure consumers are safe from these hazards. Besides, all of the scientific knowledge of food products contaminations symptoms needs to be known not only among scientists but also among consumers. Thus, the objectives of this study are to examine consumers’ knowledge level towards contaminated peanut-based products and to determine factors influencing consumers’ knowledge towards consuming contaminated peanut-based products. A survey using a structured questionnaire was carried out among 1,263 respondents who consumed peanut and peanut-based products in daily, weekly or monthly diet at Klang Valley area. The results from this study showed that about 73.9% of total respondents have inadequate knowledge and only 26.1% have adequate knowledge towards the issue of contaminated peanut-based products. The results also indicated that there are five factors (mass media, practicing standard, packaging information, experience, and official government website) that greatly influenced consumers’ knowledge towards the issue of contaminated peanut-based products. Consumers who have lack knowledge of the danger in consuming contaminated peanuts-based products are at risk of adverse health effects if consumed in a long term. Hence, the government and NGOs need to carry out campaigns that would increase awareness among consumers towards the risks of consuming contaminated peanut-based products.
Fulltext Paddy farmer’s perception and factors influencing attitude and intention on adoption of organic rice farming

Ashari, Juwaidah Sharifuddin, Mohammed, Z., Terano, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):135-145.
MyJurnal

As a staple food, the availability of rice is essential for Indonesian people. It is undoubtable that Green Revolution (GR) has a significant contribution to rice production. However, GR also emerges the detrimental impact, mainly on the environment. The expectation is that organic farming is an appropriate solution for dealing with this issue. On one side, the increased in demand for healthy food implies the organic farming has a good prospect. However, the adoption rate of organic farming is still low among farmers. This study aims at examining the perceptions of paddy farmer and factor affecting attitude and behavioral intention to adopt organic rice farming. This study involved 600 paddy farmers as respondents in Sragen District, Central Java, Indonesia. The study grouped the respondents into two categories, i.e., semi-organic and conventional farmers. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the perceived usefulness, perceived ease, and environmental concern affected positive and significantly on attitude. Meanwhile, the behavioral intention was influenced significantly by attitude, subjective norm, moral obligation and perceived behavioral control. Conclusively, the perceptions on technology characteristic, environmental concern, moral obligation have a positive impact on attitude and intention to adopt organic rice farming. Therefore, the dissemination of organic rice technology should be accelerated to take the advantages of positive attitudes by changing their mindset toward adopting organic rice farming.
Fulltext Determinants of trust and business performance: the case of tuna fishery industry in Semporna, Sabah

Boniface, B., Albat, S., Tanakinjal, G. H., Komilus, C. F.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(102):117-126.
MyJurnal

Buyer and seller relationship has been one of prominent issues of discussion especially in an emerging country’s economy. In many ways, both parties interact with each other and over time will create long term relationships which may benefit them. This study focuses on the dynamic of trust between the fisherman (seller) and their buyer and the relationship of trust towards business performance. A total of 98 hook and line tuna fisherman in Mabul Island, Semporna were interviewed using guided-completion questionnaires. The data collected was tested using SmartPLS. The study reveals that communication was the strongest variable influencing trust followed by price satisfaction, interdependency and information sharing. On the same note, cultural similarities and flexibility were found non-significant towards trust. The study also found that trust has no direct influence towards business performance. From a managerial perspective, in order to be successful, channel members need to develop, maintain and seek improvements on communication, information sharing, interdependency and price satisfaction variables within the supply chain. It will be beneficial for members in the value chain to adopt the usage of information technology gadgets to boost communication and information sharing within the industry thus strengthening interdependency among members of the tuna fishing industry. From a theoretical perspective, the findings were consistent with previous researchers who also found that communication, information sharing, interdependency and price satisfaction variables were the main actors in the buyer-seller relationship context specifically on the trust dynamic. .
Fulltext Response surface optimization on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans) leaves Peleg kinetic modelling extract

Fazil, F. N. M., Azzimi, N. S. M., Zubairi, S. I.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(101):105-115.
MyJurnal

Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans) is interesting traditional medicine because of pharmacology characteristics that contain rich in phenolic content and antioxidant. The aim of study was to determine the optimum yield and exhaustive time extraction using Peleg’s model. Qualitative and quantification test for detection of orientin and vitexin using method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Based on the results obtained, the optimum concentration for orientin (0.72 ± 0.002 mg/g) and vitexin (2.10 ± 0.13 mg/g) were observed at 18 h of extraction (texhaustive). The optimum extraction parameters for optimum recovery of phenolic content and antioxidant activities from the leaves of Clinachantus nutans were determined using response surface methodology (RSM). The total phenolic content (TPC) was analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activities were evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to investigate the effects of ultrasonic frequency (X1: 25 - 40 kHz), temperature (X2: 40 - 80ºC) and solid-to-liquid ratio (X3: 10 - 30 ml/g) on the recovery of TPC (Y1) and antioxidant activities of DPPH (Y2) and FRAP (Y3). The optimal parameter achieved based on combination of extraction parameters: X1 = 25 kHz sonication capacity, X2 = 80ºC temperature and X3 = 30 g/ml of solid-liquid ratio. These optimum conditions yielded TPC of (25.09 mg GAE/g), DPPH (66.85%), and FRAP (9.44 μmol TE/g). The optimum values of TPC and DPPH from this study are comparable with green tea (benchmark). Our results revealed that distilled water may be a good choice for extracting antioxidant activity of Clinacanthus mutans. Concentration of orientin and vitexin compounds were extracted during optimization exhibited lower than the finding from Peleg model. Prolonged extraction at high temperature during optimization may degrade flavonoid and phenolic acid compounds. However, the concentration of extracted compound (orientin and vitexin) from the optimum parameters had produced high in phenolic content and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the application of Peleg model was able to determine the extraction exhaustive time at the maximum extract yield. In addition, this study proved that the application both models (RSM and Peleg) have been successfully be able to provide the optimum extraction parameters with high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
Fulltext Non-evaporative method to remove high boiling point solvent (ethyl lactate) from palm oil extract at atmospheric conditions

Kua, Y. L., Gan, S., Morris, A., Ng, H. K.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(101):97-103.
MyJurnal

Ethyl lactate was demonstrated as a green and efficient agrochemical solvent to concentrate phytonutrients such as carotenes and tocols in palm oil. However, the removal of this solvent from the extract is difficult and expensive due to its very high boiling point and low volatility. Heating at high temperature in an effort to evaporate the solvent is undesirable even under reduced pressure as the extracted phytonutrients are heat-sensitive compounds. In this paper, a non-evaporative method using only water was proposed for the first time to remove the solvent at atmospheric conditions based on its solubility difference instead of the vapour pressure difference. The proposed method was proved to be more effective, faster and cheaper as compared to conventional approaches such as rotary evaporation, freeze drying and vacuum drying.
Fulltext Muslim consumers’ awareness and perception of Halal food fraud

Kamarulzaman, N. H., Ruslan, A. A. A., Sanny, M.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(101):87-96.
MyJurnal

Halal is an important aspect of food selection as it is one’s part to obey religious obligations and commandments. Since the halal food industry covers the farm-to-table operations, therefore unwanted practices which culminate to halal food fraud along food supply chain has become a major concern among Muslim consumers. This is because food fraud is a subjective concept, hence objective verification of fraudulent activities and the extent of fraud could be difficult to verify. The current study was therefore carried out to determine Muslim consumers’ awareness and perceptions towards halal food fraud. A total of 352 respondents from Klang Valley areas were randomly selected to be the target respondents in this study. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis, and factor analysis. The results indicated that most of the respondents (96.9%) in Klang Valley areas were aware of halal food fraud issues. The findings also showed that gender, age, education level, and occupation had significant relationships with awareness of halal food fraud. Three factors were classified as influential to Muslim consumers’ perception towards halal food fraud namely halal logo, labeling and packaging, authorities’ exposure and enforcement as well as consumer attitude. The study recommended that Islamic authorities should continuously seek ways to improve and educate consumers towards halal food fraud while the government should further strengthen their important role of enforcing law and penalties to irresponsible industry players.
Fulltext Exploring the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in relation to a halal food scandal: the Malaysia Cadbury chocolate case

Ali, M. H., Ismail, A., Alam, S. S., Makhbul, Z. M., Omar, N. A.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(101):79-86.
MyJurnal

The aim of this paper is to revisit the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in relation to the halal food market, specifically in the context of the Cadbury scandal. The present survey (with 132 respondents) replicates the original study of TPB in the context of halal food, done before the scandal, and the results are compared. We rationalize the differences, and assess the impact of the halal scandal on consumer purchasing behaviour. In doing so, we validate the impact of a food scandal in terms of the purchasing intentions of halal customers under a new (post-scandal) condition of uncertainty. The results provide in-depth insights into halal purchasing behaviour and are intended to be used: (a) to increase the understanding of the impact of a food scandal on purchasing behaviour, (b) to clarify whether a food scandal has a real effect on customers, and (c) to ascertain whether the determinants of purchasing intention are similar before and after a food scandal.
Fulltext The perceptions of plastic packaging usage to pack hot foods among food hawkers at night markets in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

Zuraini Mat Issa, Ab Rahim, N. F.

International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(101):75-78.
MyJurnal

Plastic packaging is widely used by hawkers to pack food items within the foodservice industry. Despite of the various benefits brought about by plastics within the foodservice industry, concerns associated to food safety and solid waste disposal have been raised. Therefore, a study that involved 131 food hawkers at night markets in Kuala Selangor, Selangor, had been carried out to evaluate their perceptions pertaining to the use of plastic packaging to pack hot food items. As such, this study investigated the correlations between perceptions of food hawkers towards awareness, health hazards, environmental hazards, regulations, and the practice of using plastic packaging to pack hot edible food items. In addition, this study determined the most relevant predictor that influences the practice of using plastic packaging. A cross-sectional survey that integrated a self-administered structured questionnaire was employed for the purpose of this study. The retrieved data were analysed by using SPSS version 21. The study outcomes revealed that the food hawkers appeared to have good perceptions towards environmental hazard (3.52 ± 0.48) and regulation (3.51 ± 0.38), but poor perceptions on awareness (2.73 ± 0.66) and health hazard (2.55 ± 0.64). Nevertheless, significantly positive and moderate correlations were observed between health hazard (r = 0.45, p < 0.05), environmental hazard (r = 0.43, p < 0.05), regulations (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and plastic packaging practices. The study reveals that health hazard emerges to be the main predictor of the plastic packaging practices. Hence, future studies may incorporate larger sample size and various locations in Malaysia as this study only serves as a platform to comprehend the practice of packing hot food items using plastic packaging from the stance of food hawkers.

External Links