Browse publications by year: 2018

Fulltext Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Using the Endophytic Bacterium Pantoea ananatis are Promising Antimicrobial Agents against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria

Monowar T, Rahman MS, Bhore SJ, Raju G, Sathasivam KV

Molecules, 2018 Dec 06;23(12).
PMID: 30563220 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123220

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important global problems currently confronting the world. Different biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have indicated them to be promising antimicrobial agents. In the present study, extracellular extract of an endophytic bacterium, Pantoea ananatis, was used for synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV⁻Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and Zeta potential. The antimicrobial potential of the AgNPs against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (ATCC 11632), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10876), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), and multidrug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 700677), Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 700221) Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33592) Escherichia coli (NCTC 13351) was investigated. The synthesized spherical-shaped AgNPs with a size range of 8.06 nm to 91.32 nm exhibited significant antimicrobial activity at 6 μg/disc concentration against Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10876) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) which were found to be resistant to conventional antibiotics. The synthesized AgNPs showed promising antibacterial efficiency at 10 µg/disc concentration against the MDR strains. The present study suggests that AgNPs synthesized by using the endophytic bacterium P. ananatis are promising antimicrobial agent.

MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/chemical synthesis; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Silver*; Pantoea/chemistry*; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects*
Targeting microRNAs using nanotechnology in pulmonary diseases

Dua K, Chellappan DK, Singhvi G, de Jesus Andreoli Pinto T, Gupta G, Hansbro PM

Panminerva Med, 2018 Dec;60(4):230-231.
PMID: 30563304 DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.18.03459-6
MeSH terms: Animals; Asthma/therapy; Cystic Fibrosis/therapy; Gold/chemistry; Humans; Lipids; Lung Diseases/genetics*; Lung Diseases/therapy*; Titanium/chemistry; Drug Delivery Systems; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism; MicroRNAs/metabolism*; Nanotechnology/methods*; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
Nanoparticle-based therapies as a modality in treating wounds and preventing biofilm

Dua K, Gupta G, Chellapan DK, Bebawy M, Collet T

Panminerva Med, 2018 Dec;60(4):237-238.
PMID: 30563307 DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.18.03435-3
MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage; Emulsions; Escherichia coli; Fibroblasts/metabolism; Gels; Humans; Ointments; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Skin/metabolism; Staphylococcus aureus; Wound Healing*; Wounds and Injuries/therapy*; Drug Delivery Systems; Biofilms*; Tissue Engineering; Nanoparticles/therapeutic use*; Metal Nanoparticles
Fulltext First Reported Case of Neuroleptospirosis Complicated With Anton's Syndrome

Saeed N, Khoo CS, Remli R, Law ZK, Periyasamy P, Osman SS, et al.

Front Neurol, 2018;9:966.
PMID: 30564184 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00966

Leptospirosis is a spirochetal zoonotic disease with a wide clinical spectrum, often underdiagnosed especially when presented as an acute neurological manifestation. We report a case of a 24-year-old man with serologically positive leptospirosis, who presented with altered sensorium, seizures and subsequently developed cortical blindness. His brain MRI revealed bilateral occipital and later parietal lobe cerebritis.

MeSH terms: Adult; Animals; Humans; Leptospirosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Parietal Lobe; Seizures; Spirochaeta; Spirochaetales; Zoonoses; Blindness, Cortical; Young Adult
Microbial Community Structure in a Malaysian Tropical Peat Swamp Forest: The Influence of Tree Species and Depth

Too CC, Keller A, Sickel W, Lee SM, Yule CM

Front Microbiol, 2018;9:2859.
PMID: 30564202 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02859

Tropical peat swamp forests sequester globally significant stores of carbon in deep layers of waterlogged, anoxic, acidic and nutrient-depleted peat. The roles of microbes in supporting these forests through the formation of peat, carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling are virtually unknown. This study investigated physicochemical peat properties and microbial diversity between three dominant tree species: Shorea uliginosa (Dipterocarpaceae), Koompassia malaccensis (legumes associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria), Eleiodoxa conferta (palm) and depths (surface, 45 and 90 cm) using microbial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Water pH, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, total phenolic contents and C/N ratio differed significantly between depths, but not tree species. Depth also strongly influenced microbial diversity and composition, while both depth and tree species exhibited significant impact on the archaeal communities. Microbial diversity was highest at the surface, where fresh leaf litter accumulates, and nutrient supply is guaranteed. Nitrogen was the core parameter correlating to microbial communities, but the interactive effects from various environmental variables displayed significant correlation to relative abundance of major microbial groups. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum and the most abundant genus, Rhodoplanes, might be involved in nitrogen fixation. The most abundant methanogens and methanotrophs affiliated, respectively, to families Methanomassiliicoccaceae and Methylocystaceae. Our results demonstrated diverse microbial communities and provide valuable insights on microbial ecology in these extreme ecosystems.

MeSH terms: Archaea; Carbon; Fabaceae; Nitrogen; Nitrogen Fixation; Oxygen; Phosphorus; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Soil; Trees; Water; Phosphorus, Dietary; Ecosystem; Plant Leaves; Proteobacteria; Methylocystaceae; Wetlands; Dipterocarpaceae; Carbon Sequestration; Forests; Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria
Fulltext Bioavailability and leaching of Cd and Pb from contaminated soil amended with different sizes of biochar

Fahmi AH, Samsuri AW, Jol H, Singh D

R Soc Open Sci, 2018 Nov;5(11):181328.
PMID: 30564418 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181328

Biochars have been successfully used to reduce bioavailability and leaching of heavy metals in contaminated soils. The efficiency of biochar to immobilize heavy metals can be increased by reducing the particle size, which can increase the surface area and the cation exchange capacity (CEC). In this study, the empty fruit bunch biochar (EFBB) of oil palm was separated into two particle sizes, namely, fine (F-EFBB < 50 µm) and coarse (C-EFBB > 2 mm), to treat the contaminated soil with Cd and Pb. Results revealed that the addition of C-EFBB and F-EFBB increased the pH, electrical conductivity and CEC of the contaminated soil. The amounts of synthetic rainwater extractable and leachable Cd and Pb significantly decreased with the EFBB application. The lowest extractable and leachable Cd and Pb were observed from 1% F-EFBB-treated soil. The amount of extractable and leachable Cd and Pb decreased with increasing incubation times and leaching cycles. The application of F-EFBB to Cd and Pb-contaminated soil can immobilize the heavy metals more than that of C-EFBB. Therefore, the EFBB can be recommended for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, and a finer particle size can be applied at a lower application rate than the coarser biochar to achieve these goals.

MeSH terms: Biological Availability; Cations; Charcoal; Electric Conductivity; Environmental Pollution; Fruit; Goals; Lead; Particle Size; Soil; Metals, Heavy
The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of myeloproliferative neoplasms in Malaysia

Yap YY, Law KB, Sathar J, Lau NS, Goh AS, Chew TK, et al.

Exp Hematol Oncol, 2018;7:31.
PMID: 30564475 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-018-0124-7

Background: The evolution of molecular studies in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) has enlightened us the understanding of this complex disease consisting of polycythaemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The epidemiology is well described in the western world but not in Asian countries like Malaysia.
Materials and methods: This retrospective national registry of MPN was conducted from year 2009 to 2015 in Malaysia.
Results: A total of 1010 patients were registered over a period of 5 years. The mean age was 54 years with male predominance. The ethnic distribution revealed that Chinese had a relatively high weighted incidence proportion (43.2%), followed by Indian (23.8%), Malay (15.8%) and other ethnic groups (17.2%). The types of MPN reported were 40.4% of ET (n = 408), 38.1% of PV (n = 385), 9.2% of PMF (n = 93), 3.1% of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) (n = 31) and 7.9% of unclassifiable MPN (MPN-U) (n = 80). Splenomegaly was only palpable clinically in 32.2% of patients. The positive JAK2 V617F mutation was present in 644 patients with 46.6% in PV, 36.0% in ET, 9.0% in PMF, and 7.4% in MPN-U, and had significantly lower haemoglobin (p
Fulltext Seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus in backyard chickens and herd-level risk factors of Newcastle disease in poultry farms in Oman

Alsahami A, Ideris A, Omar A, Ramanoon SZ, Sadiq MB

Int J Vet Sci Med, 2018 Dec;6(2):186-191.
PMID: 30564594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.06.004

Newcastle disease (ND) is an endemic disease in Oman's poultry industry and impacts negatively on food security. However, little is known regarding the potential risks of the disease in backyard poultry. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in backyard chickens and the herd-level risk factors in Oman. In total, 1383 serum samples were collected from chickens in 139 flocks from nine governorates. Information on associated risk factors was assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were tested using commercial indirect ELISA kits.A logistic regression model was applied to assess the associated risk factors. The bird and flock-level NDV seroprevalence was 33.8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 12.8-38.6%) and 57.1% (95% CI: 35.7-71.4%), respectively. The highest seroprevalence of antibody to NDV at bird and flock levels was recorded in North Ash Sharqiyah (38.6%) and Al Buraimi (71.4%), respectively. Also, the lowest seroprevalence at bird and flock levels was recorded in Musandam (12.8%) and South Al Batinah (35.7%), respectively. A significant difference in NDV seroprevalence at flock and bird levels was only recorded in Ad Dakhliyah. Factors associated with higher seroprevalence to NDV included absence of a veterinarian in the farm (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 2.1, 11.7), usage of dead ND vaccine (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.2), employment of non-permanent staff (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.5, 10.6) and free entry of visitors (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.0, 20.3). In conclusion, the results of this study revealed a high exposure of backyard chickens to NDV and the identified risk factors could be vital in the prevention and control of the disease in Oman.
Fulltext Validity of an established metabolic disorder index as a predictor for metabolic eliminations in endurance horses

Izzati MRNZ, Noraniza MA, Adamu L, Rasedee A

Int J Vet Sci Med, 2018 Dec;6(2):227-232.
PMID: 30564600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.08.002

Endurance horses are usually eliminated from the race due to lameness, metabolic ailments or technical reasons. The purpose of the study was to determine the validity and reliability of the metabolic disorder index (MDI) in predicting metabolic eliminations in endurance horses during an endurance race. Fifty-four endurance horses competing on two local endurance tracks were involved in the study. Blood samples were collected a day prior to the event to determine packed cell volume (PCV), chloride (Cl-), interleukin-6 (IL-6), creatine kinase (CK) and glutathione reductase (GR) concentrations from all participating horses. These parameters were used for the determination of metabolic disorder index in endurance horses at rest (one day before the competition). All data were statistically analysed. In 40, 80 and 120 km race distances, the successfully completed horses had a significant lower serum concentration of CK and a significant higher serum concentration of Cl- than the eliminated horses (P 
Fulltext Isolation, identification and molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses in vaccinated chickens from commercial farms in the Sultanate of Oman

Alsahami AA, Ideris A, Omar A, Ramanoon SZ, Sadiq MB

Int J Vet Sci Med, 2018 Dec;6(2):248-252.
PMID: 30564604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.08.007

Newcastle disease (ND) remains an important enzootic disease in chickens in several parts of the world. With the increasing reports of virulence and genetic diversity of the causative agent; Newcastle disease virus (NDV), there is a need to identify the circulating NDV in specific regions. In Oman, to this moment, such information is still lacking. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the NDV from ND outbreaks from commercial farms in Oman. Following suspected outbreaks of ND in three commercial farms in 2017, a total of 30 carcasses (10 from each flock) of adult chickens were subjected to necropsy for gross and histopathological examination, virus isolation and molecular methods. Specifically, haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay were used for the virus detection and confirmation, respectively. Lesions were suggestive of viscerotropic velogenic form of ND based on gross and histopathological examinations. Isolation of NDV was present in 4 cases and further confirmed by RT-PCR following the target of the partial fusion protein gene of the viral genome. The sequence of the partial fusion gene was determined and phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the partial length F gene of 4 Omani isolates and 65 previously published NDVs. The findings predicted that the Omani isolates had high homology (99%) with the isolate from Pakistan belonging to genotype VII. Subsequently, the isolated pathotype was identified as the virulent NDV. This study serves as a basic work for further research on the analysis and phenotyping of NDV in the Sultanate of Oman. Improved monitoring and surveillance of the disease is important for proper preventive measures.
Fulltext Prevalence, distribution, and associated factors of suicide attempts in young adolescents: School-based data from 40 low-income and middle-income countries

Liu X, Huang Y, Liu Y

PLoS One, 2018;13(12):e0207823.
PMID: 30566431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207823

Suicide attempts are the most important known predictor of death by suicide. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, distribution, and associated factors of suicide attempts among young adolescents in 40 low-income and middle-income countries. We used data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (2009-2013) and a nationally representative study in China (2010), which are school-based surveys of students primarily aged 12-18 years that assess health behaviors using an anonymous, standardized, self-reported questionnaire. We calculated the prevalence of suicide attempts in young adolescents from 40 low-income and middle-income countries using the surveys. Multilevel logistic models were used to estimate the associations between suicide attempts and potential risk factors, adjusting for gender, age, school and survey year. Results show that the mean 12-month prevalence of suicide attempts was 17.2%, ranging from 6.7% in Malaysia to 61.2% in Samoa. The overall prevalence of suicide attempts was higher for girls than for boys (18.2% vs 16.2%, P<0.05). Among the suicide attempts, the proportion of suicide attempts with a plan was higher for girls than for boys (62.7% vs 53.2%, P<0.05). Both the prevalence of suicide attempts and the proportion of suicide attempts with a plan increased with age. Factors associated with suicide attempts included poor socioeconomic status, history of bullying, loneliness and anxiety, tobacco and alcohol use, and weak family and social relationships. In conclusion, suicide attempts are frequent among young adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries. Girls and older adolescents tend to make suicide attempts with a plan. The data demonstrate the need to strengthen suicide intervention and prevention programs for young adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries.
Study name: Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Social Class; Prevalence; Logistic Models; Bullying
Fulltext Correction: Epidemiology, clinical presentation and respiratory sequelae of adenovirus pneumonia in children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Li L, Woo YY, de Bruyne JA, Nathan AM, Kee SY, Chan YF, et al.

PLoS One, 2018;13(12):e0209720.
PMID: 30566518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209720

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205795.].

MeSH terms: Humans
Fulltext A clinical comparison on success of sealant and preventive resin restoration on caries prevention

Nagendran Jayavel Pandiyan, Amitha Hedge

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):71-77.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical success between preventive resin restoration, and
pit and fissure sealant in terms of retention and caries prevention on first permanent molar. Data were
collected from the patients’ case records in Pediatric Dentistry clinic. Records of children who had done
their sealants and preventive resin in their first permanent molar were reviewed. 61 patients had
preventive resin restoration and 56 pit and fissure sealant done in permanent first molar 2 years ago
were included and called for clinical review. Participants were between 6-10 years. Visual and tactile
assessment was done to detect the integrity of preventive resin restoration and pit and fissure sealants
under 4 categories whether the sealant or PRR is total lost, partial lost, completely present, carious.
Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. At the end of 2 years, sealants showed 64.3 % total
retention, 21.4% partial retention and 10.7% complete loss when compared to PRR which showed
62.2% total retention, 14% partial retention and 4.9% complete loss. Preventive resin restoration have
more tendency to have caries, while teeth with pit and fissure sealants does not (18% vs. 3.6%). As a
conclusion, pit and fissure sealants have marginally higher retention compared to preventive resin
restoration on permanent molars. Pit and fissure sealant is better in terms of caries prevention compared
to preventive resin restoration.
Fulltext Conceptual design of natural composite grating platform

Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani, Mohamad Kamarul Anwar Sahar, Muhammad Ridzuan Husyairi Azmi, Nurul Izzati Medon, Muhammad Syazwan Samsuri, Muhammad Syurabil Abdani

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):62-70.
MyJurnal

There are several types of grating, such as platform, bridge decks and filters. In design process, there
are several important terms that have to be prioritised; engineering design, strength to weight ratio, cost,
maintainability, reparability etcetera. Advanced materials, such as composite materials offer great
strength to weight ratio and high mechanical properties for grating fabrication. Furthermore the
reparability and maintenance problems could be solved as it is anti corrosion and the long service life
attribute of composite makes it a great design material for replacement of conventional steel or
aluminium. Bio composites, such as bamboo and coir fiber yield advantage in terms of less cost and
abundance availability compared to commercial unidirectional composite materials, such as glass fiber
reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is considerably
expensive yet possess higher mechanical properties. This papers presents a conceptual design of
grating design utilizing bamboo composite as material. Pugh method has been chosen as design criteria
selection matrix in finalizing the design of industrial grating for scaffolding (Pugh, 1991).

MeSH terms: Aluminum; Carbon; Corrosion; Glass; Lignin; Paper; Polymers; Steel
Fulltext An analysis of determination for life insurance premiums: the concept and practice of conventional and Islamic life insurance (Family Takaful)

Jumadil Saputra, Suhal Kusairi, Nur Azura Sanusi, Yusuf Abdullah

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):41-51.
MyJurnal

This paper aims to analyze the distinction of premium setting rates by taking into account the risk
taken by conventional and Family Takaful. This study employed the Net Single and Annual Level
Premium formula, and the data were analyzed using a numerical simulation. We found that the
conventional and Takaful insurance systems utilize similar methods in the calculation of insurance
premium when considering pure risk faced by the participant or insured. However, both systems have
their own unique characteristics. The conventional and Family Takaful utilize historical data, such as
mortality rate, expected return rate, expected costs and expected amount of claims. The conventional
insurance is calculated to mitigate or minimize the risk of the insurance company against an amount of
claim faced in the future as long as the insurance is enforced until the contract ends. On the other
hand, the Family Takaful is intended to share fair value among participants in determining
benevolence through Tabarru premium. Every participant must pay for Tabarru premium to support
one another so that there is sufficient amount to cover unexpected claims among them and to uphold
mutual fund as evidence for the sense of mutual co-operation and brotherhood among participants.

MeSH terms: Employment; Financial Management; Insurance; Risk; Beneficence
Fulltext Factors associated with body weight changes among nigerian postgraduate students at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia

Hadiza Abdullahi Abubakar, Mohd Razif Shahril, Sharifah Wajihah Wafa

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):27-40.
MyJurnal

International students usually experience a change in body weight and eating behaviour after
migrating to a host country. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with body
weight changes among Nigerian postgraduate students at Unversiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA),
Malaysia. A prospective study was conducted for six months to determine the association between
body weight changes and socio-demographic, eating behavior, physical activity, dietary intake and
quality of life. A total of 82 students (76 male and six females) completed a set of self-administered
questionnaires, and their weight and height were measured. Descriptive statistic and paired t-test were
carried out to analyze the data (IBM SPSS Version 20.0). Multiple linear regression analysis was
conducted to determine the factors. Body weight significantly increased by 2.3 ± 0.5 kg after 6 months.
Being an art student (β=1.67, p=0.006), being a female (β=-2.68, p=0.009), consuming breakfast once
a week (β=5.10, P=
Fulltext Environmental management on natural lake using sediment and hydrology hydraulic models

Mohd Khairul Amri Kamarudin, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Hafizan Juahir, Azman Azid, Muhammad Barzani Gasim, Roslan Umar, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):9-26.
MyJurnal

The hydrology hydraulic model is established to assess environmental information on hydrology which
can be used to investigate causes of various environmental problems at the river and natural lake
catchment. This study reports on sediment concentrations at a river using a gravimetric method to
investigate the hydrology system at a lake catchment. The measurement was carried out at the
upstream, midstream, and downstream stations on the river in normal, rainy and post-rainy seasons.
The stations are located along the Chini River, which are connected to a catchment lake (located at
latitude 3°26’36.41”E-3°27’03.26”E and longitude 102°54’31.94”N-102°53’35.49”N). From the
measurements, it is estimated that on average 787.621 tonne/km2 of sediment is transferred into the
natural lake via Chini River annually. The correlation of statistical analysis between the sediment load
and discharge study was very significant (R2 = 0.980). There is a linear relation between the area of
the catchment and sediment load of the connecting river as supported by other studies in Malaysia.
The outcome of the study suggests that the high sedimentation is due to land use activity, existence of
the dam at the downstream of Chini River that traps the sediment, reverse flow from the Pahang River
into Chini River and riverbank erosion factors. From this study, the sediment control steps are
suggested such as creating conservation partially at the lake catchment, modifying the dam system,
riverbank erosion control, and application of “Monkey Cheek” system. These sediment control steps
may help to clean up the high suspended sediment at the whole lake system area, hence solving and
mitigating the environmental problems in the natural lake catchment.
Fulltext Prediction of damage cost of bronchitis due to haze in Malaysia

Mohd Khairul Amri Kamarudin, Noorjima Abd Wahab, Khalid Abdul Rahim

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):1-8.
MyJurnal

Awareness of haze pollution and management increased in Southeast Asia since 1990. However, the
focus on environmental management is decreasing especially in Malaysia due to the abundant
resources and increased development pressure. The total health damage cost because of haze in the
country became significantly high due to the long duration of haze events year by year. This paper
discusses the health damage caused by bronchitis due to the haze events in Malaysia. The analysis
shows positive coefficient of independent variables which indicates the positive relationship between
dependent variable and independent variables. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that 45.3%
variation in damage cost of bronchitis could be explained by FAI, GDPPC, and CO2.

MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern; Bronchitis; Carbon Dioxide; Health Resources; Malaysia; Regression Analysis; Linear Models
Fulltext Maintenance and physical asset management issues in project commissioning

Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani, Azrin Ahmad, Nor Salim Muhammad, Reduan Mat Dan, Rustamreen Jenal

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(2):10-28.
MyJurnal

This study describes the review on maintenance related issues during design and construction stage
within construction industry. The paper highlights the causes and errors made during design and
construction stage and their impact during the operation/production/occupancy stage as well as the
maintenance costs associated with it. The study identifies the mistakes in the working processes within
design and construction stage leading to the errors that affect the durability, performance, reliability,
maintainability, availability and safety of the systems. The paper presents a comprehensive review of
the published literatures, journals, technical papers in the related areas in the construction field. The
review highlights the new approaches and decision framework which link the designers and
construction personnel that could reduce the errors and defects in construction which then lead to
maintenance issues and asset management. The factors of accessibility, materials, design and
documentation standardization have been discussed thoroughly for better understanding in improving
maintenance and physical asset management in project commissioning.

MeSH terms: Documentation; Learning; Maintenance; Reproducibility of Results; Construction Industry
Fulltext Developing an index based on GIS and statistical analysis for family support of substance abuser in Terengganu

Juahir, H., Fazillah, A., Kamarudin, M.K.A., Toriman, E., Mohamad, N., Fairuz, A., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(2):45-54.
MyJurnal

Family support has a strong impact on individuals and there is no exception in substance abuse
recovery process. Family support manages to play a positive role in substance abuse problems. The
present study deals with the developing model of family support substance abuser with the
combination method of Geographic Information System (GIS) and statistical models. The data used
for this study was collected from seven districts in Terengganu with a constant number of
respondents. 35 respondents for each district were involved in this study. It was then processed using
factor analysis (FA) to develop index of family support. By using the developed indices, GIS tool was
used to plot the distribution map of family support indices according to each form of family support.
The result indicated that the highest index for all form of family support abuser was located in Besut
district. High level of family support is essential as an effort for rehabilitation process of substance
abusers.

MeSH terms: Factor Analysis, Statistical; Humans; Medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Models, Statistical; Disease Management; Substance-Related Disorders; Geographic Information Systems

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