Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Zayer, Iman, Aris, I.B., Marhaban, M.H, Ishak, A.J
    MyJurnal
    The new millennium witnessed increasing attention to the field of robotics, especially the development of humanoid bipedal robot. Attention is noticed from the increasing number of publications as a result of a multitude of humanoid projects for commercial and academic goals. This paper briefly visits the recent activities in this field, highlighting the importance and motivation behind adopting bipedal humanoid projects, particularly underlining biologically inspired design concept, bipedal locomotion and communication. Ultimately, emphasising on power-efficient design. The problem of endurance and effective duty cycle were presented. Finally, potential future application for the humanoid robot was briefly listed.
    MeSH terms: Attention; Communication; Goals; Locomotion; Motivation; Organizations; Publications; Robotics
  2. Latifah Abd Manaf, Fatma Sabariah Aliasa, Mariani Ariffin, Ho, Sabrina Abdullah
    MyJurnal
    Malaysia has taken initiative in enforcing the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) since 2011 to ensure the uniformity of law relating to the solid waste management and public cleansing. Despite the alarming issues on the increasing of solid waste generation, Malaysian government has made solid waste separation at source as mandatory starting 1st September 2015 at eight states. Solid waste separation at source has been seen as the best practice of solid waste minimization where it eliminates and reduces the amount of solid waste produced by the society. The government has taken seriously in solid waste separation at source as the lifespan of disposal site has been decreased and limited space for the new disposal site due to the increasing cost of solid waste management. Hence, to overcome the increasing of solid waste generation, an integrated solid waste minimization through recycling should be implemented as it is involved in minimizing resource and offers the best outcome for the environment. Thus, this paper discussed the overview of solid waste minimization in Malaysia and the stakeholder’s role and their obstacles in solid waste minimization to attract the public participate in reducing the solid waste generation as an efficient solid waste management. A proper solid waste management ensures a sustainable development of Malaysia in terms of health, socio-economy and environment respectively towards Malaysian Vision of 2020.
  3. Mohammed, Kachalla, Kareem, Shatha Sahib
    MyJurnal
    Structural buildings in seismic prone area, the required energy dissipation of strong column-weak beam especially for reinforced concrete frame structures is achievably through adequate beam-column joint strengthening connection in order to have high seismic performance. Literature investigation shows several approaches and techniques for modelling the weak joint for a typical frame structure. This paper extensively reviews those techniques, methods, concepts and their performance in improving the shear capacity for a deficient reinforced concrete beam-column joints in withstanding seismic loads. The beam-column joints performance responses showed positive. However, the need for an improved connection that will offer high ductility capacity and energy dissipation ability for post-tensioned reinforced concrete beam-column joints with continuing bottom reinforcement is highly feasible with the use of the Direct Displacement Based design philosophy. This will be of great interest for the future development of highly efficient joint system for frame structure capable of resisting significant seismic load.
    MeSH terms: Paper; Reinforcement (Psychology); Reinforcement Schedule; Tensile Strength
  4. Aimi Adzirul kamarubahrin, Asmaddy Haris, Siti Nurazira Mohd Daud, Zurina kefeli @ Zulkefli, Nursilah Ahmad, Nurul Aini Muhamed, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Awareness of recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption has increased substantially over the last 20 years. In addition, fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) are good sources of many important nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, folate, fibre, and numerous phytochemicals. Malaysia produces pumpkinits own, with considerably large areas of production comparable to its high global demand. However, in reality, there is a limitation in the commercial production as the local pumpkinis very much dependent on the market demand as the utilization has been limited to the consumption of fresh product. Thus, the objective of the study first initiative to provide the information about the pumpkinand second to investigatesthe opportunities on commercialized local pumpkinin Malaysia as by products despite various nutritious it is also listed as prophetic foods. The scientific research that covered a broad range of in vitro to in vivo studies on the by-products potentials of these fruits is also discussed in detail.The current review is an update for researchers to have a better understanding of the pumpkin, which simultaneously can provide awareness to enhance their commercial value and promote their utilization.Malaysia have potential to growth pumpkin instead of continuously importing. The daily consumption of pumpkins may provide various health benefits to human. Future investigation is needed to explore the potential of pumpkin as by products in order to increase its competitiveness and self-sufficiency.
    MeSH terms: Ascorbic Acid; Carbohydrates; Dietary Fiber; Folic Acid; Fruit; Humans; Malaysia; Potassium; Vegetables; Vitamins; Cucurbita; Phytochemicals
  5. Chan JCY, Chee ML, Tan NYQ, Cheng CY, Wong TY, Sabanayagam C
    Nutr Diabetes, 2018 03 07;8(1):16.
    PMID: 29549238 DOI: 10.1038/s41387-018-0018-0
    AIMS: To examine the association of body mass index (BMI) with the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Asians.

    METHODS: We analysed data from 4101 adults (Malay, n = 1901 and Indian, n = 2200) who participated in the baseline (2004-2009) and 6-year follow-up (2011-2015) of two independent population-based studies with similar methodology in Singapore. BMI was categorised into normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). DM was diagnosed as random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL, HbA1c ≥6.5% or self-reported physician diagnosed DM. DR was assessed from retinal photographs graded using a standard protocol. The associations of baseline BMI with incident DM and DR was examined using multivariable poisson regression models adjusting for potential confounders including duration of DM, family history of DM and HbA1c.

    RESULTS: The incidence of DM was 12.8% and among 1586 participants with DM, the incidence of DR was 17.6% over a median follow-up period of 6.2 years. Compared to those with BMI 

    MeSH terms: Aged; Blood Glucose/metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/etiology*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology; Diabetic Retinopathy/blood; Diabetic Retinopathy/epidemiology*; Diabetic Retinopathy/prevention & control; Female; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/metabolism; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Middle Aged; Retina/pathology; Risk Factors; Singapore/epidemiology; Body Mass Index*; Incidence; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*; Overweight
  6. Ho W, Lin Seow L, Musawi A
    J Clin Transl Res, 2018 May 28;4(1):70-74.
    PMID: 30873496
    Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of different viscosities of polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression materials on the accuracy of the stone die produced.

    Methods: A three-unit bridge master model was fabricated using cold-cure acrylic resin. Four combinations of different viscosities of PVS impression materials - regular body (monophase) alone, light body with regular body, light body with heavy body, and light body with putty - were used to make an impression of the master model. Ten impressions from each group were taken and Type IV gypsum stone was used to generate the dies. The dies were measured at the inter-abutment distance, occlusogingival length, and shoulder width with a measuring microscope and were compared with the master model using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey (honest significant difference) test.

    Results: Differences were found for inter-abutment distance between the master model and the light body with regular body and light body with putty dies (both P < 0.02). A difference was found for shoulder width between the master model and the regular body alone die (P = 0.01). No differences were found for occlusogingival distance (all P > 0.08).

    Conclusion: Results suggested inter-abutment distance was most accurate when using a PVS light body combination. Occlusogingival length was accurate using any of the studied PVS combinations, and shoulder width was more accurate when using the regular body PVS.

    Relevance for patients: These results should be considered when choosing the viscosity of the PVS to use for producing impressions of high accuracy and fabricating a well-fitting fixed prosthesis.

    MeSH terms: Acrylic Resins; Analysis of Variance; Calcium Sulfate; Humans; Polyvinyls; Shoulder; Siloxanes; Viscosity; Prostheses and Implants
  7. Rich KM, Wickersham JA, Valencia Huamaní J, Kiani SN, Cabello R, Elish P, et al.
    LGBT Health, 2018;5(8):477-483.
    PMID: 30874476 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0186
    PURPOSE: Globally, transgender women (TGW) experience a high burden of adverse health outcomes, including a high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders. To address gaps in HIV research in Peru focused specifically on TGW, this study presents characteristics of a sample of HIV-positive TGW and identifies factors associated with viral suppression.

    METHODS: Between June 2015 and August 2016, 50 HIV-positive TGW were recruited in Lima, Peru. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with viral suppression (<200 copies/mL) among the TGW.

    RESULTS: Among TGW, 85% achieved viral suppression. Approximately half (54%) reported anal sex with more than five partners in the past 6 months, 38% reported sex work, 68% had not disclosed their HIV status to one or more of their partners, and 38% reported condomless sex with their last partner. The prevalence of alcohol use disorders was high (54%), and 38% reported use of drugs in the past year. Moderate-to-severe drug use significantly reduced odds of achieving viral suppression (adjusted odds ratio 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.48-0.98).

    CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need for integrated treatment for substance disorders in HIV care to increase the viral suppression rate among TGW in Lima, Peru.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Male; Peru/epidemiology; Risk Factors; HIV Infections/drug therapy*; HIV Infections/epidemiology; Treatment Outcome; Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use*; Viral Load/statistics & numerical data*; Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology; Transgender Persons/statistics & numerical data*
  8. Wu, S. K., Hasnah, H.
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to determine the nutrient contents in tempe produced by five cottage industries in Selangor, Malaysia.
    Proximate contents were analysed by using standard methods of AOAC (1997) while carbohydrate content was calculated
    by difference. Mineral contents, total dietary fiber (TDF), total phenolic content and total isoflavone content were
    determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), enzymatic-gravimetric (AOAC 985.29), Folin-Ciocalteu
    colorimetric and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) respectively. Macronutrients were reported in 100
    g sample and the results showed the average nutrient contents were as follow: 63.07 ± 3.18% moisture, 19.63 ± 1.50%
    protein, 0.65 ± 0.17% fat, 0.70 ± 0.06% ash and 15.95 ± 1.88% total carbohydrate. The average mineral content in 100
    g samples (based on wet basis) were 29.45 ± 5.67 mg calcium, 13.28 ± 5.76 mg magnesium, 3.48 ± 1.09 mg sodium and
    2.06 ± 0.33 mg ferum. The results showed that the average of TDF content was 8.05 ± 3.65%. Total phenolic content
    was 259.87 ± 22.62 mg of GAE/g. The total isoflavone content in 100 g samples (wet basis) was 41.94 ± 10.42 mg/100
    g. This study had shown that total phenolic content was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with total isoflavone content
    in all tempe samples. It can be concluded that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in nutrient contents among
    tempe samples produced by five cottage industries located in Selangor, Malaysia. However, the mineral and isoflavone
    contents in the present study were lower compared to previous studies.
  9. Ibrahim Roszita, Amrizal Muhd Nur
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(1):155-162.
    MyJurnal
    Presently there is a gross lack of information on cost and cost weights in many developing countries that implement
    casemix system. Furthermore, studies that employed Activity Based Costing method (ABC) to estimate the costs of radiology
    procedures were rarely done in developing countries, including Malaysia. The main objective of this study is to determine
    the costs of radiology procedures for each group in casemix system, in order to develop cost weights to be used in the
    implementation of the casemix system. An economic evaluation study was conducted in all units in the Department of
    Radiology in the first teaching hospital using the casemix system in Malaysia. From the 25,754 cases, 16,173 (62.8%)
    of them were from medical discipline. Low One Third and High One Third (L3H3) method was employed to trim the
    outlier cases. Output from the trimming, 15,387 cases were included in the study. The results revealed that the total
    inpatients’ charges of all the radiology procedures was RM1,820,533.00 while the cost imputed using ABC method was
    RM2,970,505.54. The biggest cost component were human resources in Radiology Unit (Mobile) (57.5%), consumables
    (78.5%) of Endovascular Interventional Radiology (EIR) Unit, equipment (81.4%) of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    Unit, reagents (68.1%) of Medical Nuclear Unit. The one highest radiology cost weight, was for Malaysia Diagnosis
    Related Group (MY-DRG®)B-4-11-II (Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Neoplasms with severity level II, 2.8301). The method
    of calculation of the cost of procedures need to be revised by the hospital as findings from this study showed that the cost
    imposed to patient is lower than the actual cost.
  10. Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Khairiah Abdul Hamid, Farah Nabila Ab Rahman, Mazlyfarina Mohamad, Khairiah Abdul Hamid, Siti Zamratol-Mai Sarah Mukari
    MyJurnal
    In this study, the asymmetry of the main effects of action, background and tonal frequency during a pitch memory processing
    were investigated by means of brain activation. Eighteen participants (mean age 27.6 years) were presented with low and
    high frequency tones in quiet and in noise. They listen, discriminate and recognize the target tone against the final tone
    in a series of four distracting tones. The main effects were studied using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with action (to
    wring (rubber bulb) vs. not to wring), background (in quiet vs. in noise) and frequency (low vs. high) as the factors (and
    levels respectively). The main effect of action is in the right pre-central gyrus (PCG), in conformation with its contralateral
    behavior. The main effect of background indicated the bilateral primary auditory cortices (PAC) and is right lateralized,
    attributable to white noise. The main effect of frequency is also observed in PAC but bilaterally equal and attributable to
    low frequency tones. Despite the argument that the temporo-spectral lateralization dichotomy is not especially rigid as
    revealed by the main effect of frequency, right lateralization of PAC for the respective main effect of background clearly
    demonstrates its functional asymmetry suggesting different perceptual functionality of the right and left PAC.
    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Auditory Cortex; Auditory Perception; Noise; Rubber
  11. Hanani Abdul Manan, Zamzuri Idris, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Mohammed Faruque Reza, Hazim Omar
    MyJurnal
    Neuroplasticity has been subjected to a great deal of research in the last century. Recently, significant emphasis has been
    placed on the global effect of localized plastic changes throughout the central nervous system, and on how these changes
    integrate in a pathological context. The present study aimed to demonstrate the functional cortical reorganization before
    and after surgery using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a participant with brain tumor. Results of Visual Evoked
    Magnetic Field (VEF) based on functional MEG study revealed significantly different of MEG N100 waveforms before and
    after surgery. Larger and additional new locations for visual activation areas after the surgery were found suggesting
    neuroplasticity. The present study highlight a physiological plasticity in a teenage brain and the alterations regarding
    neural plasticity and network remodeling described in pathological contexts in higher-order visual association areas.
    MeSH terms: Brain; Brain Neoplasms; Central Nervous System; Neuronal Plasticity; Plastics; Magnetoencephalography; Magnetic Fields
  12. Nur Aqidah Ahmad, Amirah Suhailah Ramli, Raja Muhammad Zuha
    MyJurnal
    Development of insects in laboratory for minimum post mortem interval estimation (mPMI) or time of colonisation (TOC) in
    forensic entomology can be affected by the type and quality of food consumed during larval period. Since mPMI estimation
    also involves analysis of larval specimens collected from burned human remains, it is important to study if burned tissues
    could affect growth of sarcosaprophagous larvae. This study investigated the effect of burned tissues on the size and
    developmental period of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae), a species of forensic importance. Development
    of M. scalaris on 75 g burned cow’s liver was compared with control liver in three study replicates. Mean larval length
    (2.87 ± 0.11 mm) and weight (0.81 ± 0.08 mg) of M. scalaris larvae in burned liver diets were significantly lower than
    larval length (5.03 ± 0.15 mm) and weight (2.85 ± 0.21 mg) of control liver diets (p < 0.001) whilst mean pupal length
    (2.53 ± 0.06 mm) and weight (0.92 ± 0.06 mg) in burned liver diets were significantly lower than pupal length (3.52 ±
    0.06 mm) and weight (2.84 ± 0.16 mg) in control liver diets (p < 0.001). Development of larvae in burned liver was 5-9
    hours slower than those feeding on control liver based on single observation. Although the assessment is preliminary, the
    findings indicate physical growth of larvae feeding on burned animal tissues was affected and entomological specimens
    recovered from burned remains should be evaluated carefully to avoid errors in mPMI/TOC estimation. Limitations and
    suggestions for further research are also presented herein.
  13. Shah NZ, Malhotra R, Hong CC, Sng JB, Kong CH, Shen L, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2018 05;47(5):201-205.
    PMID: 29911739
    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Aged; China/ethnology; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Middle Aged; Singapore; Body Mass Index; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*; Osteoarthritis, Knee/ethnology*; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology; Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery; European Continental Ancestry Group*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
  14. Vaingankar JA, Subramaniam M, Tan LWL, Abdin E, Lim WY, Wee HL, et al.
    BMC Med Res Methodol, 2018 03 15;18(1):29.
    PMID: 29544448 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0487-9
    BACKGROUND: Measures of mental well-being and positive mental health (PMH) have been largely developed and used in Western populations, however, data on representative Asian communities are lacking. Using data from a population sample, this study sought to establish psychometric properties and norms of the PMH Instrument (PMH-I), a measure of positive mental health developed in Singapore.

    METHODS: We conducted a nationally representative survey among 1925 adults aged 18-79 years of Chinese, Malay, Indian or other ethnicity. Participants reported socio-demographic characteristics and completed the PMH-I along with measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress. Construct validity of the PMH-I was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity was tested through correlation with other psychological measures. Normative PMH values and differences in population subgroups were estimated.

    RESULTS: The six-factor-higher-order structure of the PMH-I comprising six subscales of general coping, emotional support, spirituality, interpersonal skills, personal growth and autonomy and global affect was confirmed. Concurrent validity was shown through significant positive correlation of the total PMH score and its subscales with HRQoL and an inverse correlation with psychological distress. Weighted age, gender and ethnicity-specific norms were derived for the Singapore population. Total PMH was significantly higher in participants aged over 40 years as compared with 18-29 year olds and in non-Chinese ethnic groups as compared with Chinese. These differences were observed for all PMH-I subscales, with the exception of emotional support and interpersonal skills score differences by age. In contrast, gender, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with some of the subscales, but not with total PMH.

    CONCLUSIONS: These results support the psychometric properties of the PMH-I in a multi-ethnic Asian population sample. The generalizable population-based norms support the application of the PMH-I for measuring mental health and assessing its determinants within the Singapore general population.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; China/ethnology; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Mental Health/ethnology; Mental Health/statistics & numerical data*; Middle Aged; Psychometrics/methods*; Surveys and Questionnaires/standards*; Singapore; Reproducibility of Results; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/psychology; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*; Young Adult
  15. Jawad AS, Hamid WZWA
    Saudi Med J, 2018 08;39(8):846-847.
    PMID: 30106426 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.8.23368
    [No abstract available].
    MeSH terms: Child; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*; Malaysia; Retrospective Studies; Age of Onset
  16. Az’lina Abdul Hadi, Noorezatty Mohd Yusop, Nornadiah Mohd Razali, Zuraida Khairudin, Noraziah Mohd Razali
    MyJurnal
    Statistics plays a vital role in various spheres of life. Choosing the right statistical analysis is one of the most crucial aspects in statistics. Some researchers especially those who have minimal statistical background, are often having difficulties in choosing the right statistical analysis for their study. Inappropriate analysis may produce misleading results at the end of the study. Hence, mySTATS Tracker was created as an alternative tool to assist the researcher in determining the right statistical analysis. The aim of this study was to gauge the effectiveness of using mySTATS Tracker in identifying the most appropriate statistical analysis based on the supplied input. In addition, this study intended to determine whether there was significant difference in score based on gender and faculties. The difference in the perception towards the usefulness and effectiveness of this application based on faculties was also investigated. A sample of 55 undergraduate students with various background have participated in this study. The sample of students were asked to answer a set of questions with (posttest) and without (pre-test) using mySTATS Tracker. Then, the score obtained was recorded and analysed. Gap analysis and Independent t-test were applied in achieving the objectives of the study. The results showed that there was a significant difference in scores between pre-test and post-test, p < 0.05. It could be concluded that the users scored significantly higher and answered the questions in a significantly shorter time using mySTATS Tracker compared to without using it. The study also found that there was a significant difference in score based on gender and faculties, p < 0.05. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the perception of the usefulness and effectiveness of this application based on respective faculties. In overall, mySTATS Tracker has received a positive feedback from the potential users. This study has proven that mySTATS Tracker is a good alternative solution in suggesting the right statistical analysis to the users
    MeSH terms: Faculty; Feedback; Perception; Students
  17. Nur Fazidah Asmuje, Syukrina Imtiyaz Abdul Samat, Amnah Zanariah Abd Razak, Rosita Zainal
    MyJurnal
    Malaysia Education Curriculum mostly adapted from the colonization country since preindependence. It makes Muslim youngers forget on magnificent of Islam Civilization especially Abbasid Dynasty. By this, the needs of integrating naqli and aqli knowledge in syllabus should be implemented especially among gifted and talented Muslim students. Therefore, this paper focusing on the implementation of integrated naqli and aqli knowledge for Biology’s topic as enhancement programmes in gifted and talented curriculum. 56 students from PERMATA Insan who are recognized as gifted and talented students have been participated in this study. The integrated knowledge was conducted through two different approaches including conventional (Method A) and co-teaching (Method B) to identify the suitable teaching method. As result, 47 out of 56 students who were exposed with co-teaching method obtained moderate and high achievement. The students’ mark was continuously analysed through t-test to identify the significance difference between two methods. Admittedly, the co-teaching method contributed higher mark during the post-test compared to without co-teaching method. Therefore, coteaching method is the effective teaching method for integrated naqli and aqli knowledge especially in inheritance topic.
  18. Whitton C, Rebello SA, Lee J, Tai ES, van Dam RM
    J Nutr, 2018 Apr 01;148(4):616-623.
    PMID: 29659965 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy016
    BACKGROUND: Healthful dietary patterns are associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors in Western populations. However, a consistent healthful dietary pattern across major Asian ethnic groups has yet to be identified.

    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify a posteriori dietary patterns for Chinese, Malay, and Indian ethnic groups in an urban Asian setting, compare these with a priori dietary patterns, and ascertain associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors including hypertension, obesity, and abnormal blood lipid concentrations.

    METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from 8433 Singapore residents (aged 21-94 y) from the Multi-Ethnic Cohort study of Chinese, Malay, and Indian ethnicity. Food consumption was assessed using a validated 169-item food-frequency questionnaire. With the use of 28 food groups, dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis, and their association with cardiovascular disease risk factors was assessed using multiple linear regression. Associations between derived patterns and a priori patterns (aHEI-2010-Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010, aMED-alternate Mediterranean Diet, and DASH-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) were assessed, and the magnitude of associations with risk factors compared.

    RESULTS: We identified a "healthy" dietary pattern, similar across ethnic groups, and characterized by high intakes of whole grains, fruit, dairy, vegetables, and unsaturated cooking oil and low intakes of Western fast foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, poultry, processed meat, and flavored rice. This "healthy" pattern was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) (-0.26 per 1 SD of the pattern score; 95% CI: -0.36, -0.16), waist circumference (-0.57 cm; 95% CI: -0.82, -0.32), total cholesterol (-0.070 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.091, -0.048), LDL cholesterol (-0.054 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.074, -0.035), and fasting triglycerides (-0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.04, -0.004) and directly associated with HDL cholesterol (0.013 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.006, 0.021). Generally, "healthy" pattern associations were at least as strong as a priori pattern associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

    CONCLUSION: A healthful dietary pattern that correlated well with a priori patterns and was associated with lower BMI, serum LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and fasting triglyceride concentrations was identified across 3 major Asian ethnic groups.

    MeSH terms: Adult; China; Cholesterol/blood; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior*; Female; Humans; India; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Triglycerides/blood; Cohort Studies; Health Behavior*; Body Mass Index; Diet, Mediterranean*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*; Healthy Diet*
  19. Noraqilah Mohd Azis, Siti Farhanim Sarani, Eryna Nasir, Najua Tulos
    MyJurnal
    Pilling is one of the fabric faults that originally found in knitted woolen goods especially made from soft twisted yarns. The rubbing action on loose fibres that is present on the fabric surface gives a high tendency to form pills which gives poor appearance to the fabric. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of repeated launderings on the propensity of pilling formation by using pill grade machine. The primary objective of this study was to determine the pilling behaviour of different types of weft knitted fabrics after a repeated number of laundering cycles. The study was conducted using two types of knitted fabrics; cotton and polyester with three types of knitted structures; interlock, 1x1 rib and plain jersey. The various number of laundering cycles were given on the fabrics and followed by 15,000 revolutions of ICI pilling box. The results showed that polyester fibre has better pilling resistance due to its exceptional strength, whilst in terms of fabric structure, plain jersey showed an excellent resistance. This is due to the higher density and compact structure that it possessed.
    MeSH terms: Gossypium; Dietary Fiber; Laundering; Polyesters; Ribs; Textiles; Laxatives
  20. Nooraini Mohamad Sheriff, Aisya Syahira Zulkifli, Wan Nur Shahira Wan Othman
    MyJurnal
    As internet-based marketing utilizes channels of social media to interact and attract prospective customers to make online purchase for apparels there is a need to ascertain the extent to which salient features of social media such as customer engagement, attractive visual presentation and copywriting that are capable of driving such purchase. A total of 128 usable questionnaires were included in this study. Distribution of online questionnaires was assisted where the online questionnaire link in Google document was emailed to the company’s sales team who in turn blasted the online questionnaire via email to all of their online customers in their data base. A positive significant (0.01) high correlation of .709 for customer engagement and .711 were obtained for visual presentation with online purchase for apparels. In addition, a positive significant (0.01) modest correlation of .653was secured for copywriting and online purchase of apparels. The study affirms that online firms using social media marketing must ensure they engage their online customers through discussions, reviews, contest and comments to understand them better and to build relationship between their brand and customer’s which has a positive impact on sales. Social media marketing too needs an exemplary visual presentation to explain abstract concepts and facilitates retention of information and maintain audience interest which ultimately has a positive impact on sale. Consequently, copywriting too performs an important role of convincing people about a product by transforming product features into benefits to convince readers into making a purchase.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Marketing*; Social Media*
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