Browse publications by year: 2019

Fulltext Factors associated with poor nutritional status among hemodialysis patients in Malaysia

Chan Yoke Mun, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Christopher Lim Thiam Seong, Goh Bak Leong

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(201):77-83.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Poor nutritional status is prevalent among hemodialysis patients, with limited studies available on how it is being influenced by other factors in the local context. The current study aimed to determine the nutritional sta- tus and its associated factors among hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a study undertaken in a total of 455 hemodialysis patients (256 men and 199 women). The main outcome measure was Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS), which was utilized to identify nutritional and inflammatory status of the hemodialysis patients. Other evalu- ation tools included anthropometry and biochemical measurements as well as dietary assessment. Results: A high proportion of hemodialysis patients were malnourished (64.4%) and presented with inflammation (67.5%). Using multiple linear regression analysis, factors contributing to malnutrition were older age, lower lean body mass, higher interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), inadequate intakes of energy and protein, as well as presence of comorbidities and inflammation. Conclusion: The presence of malnutrition and inflammation were prevalent among hemodialysis patients. Several determinants of poor nutritional status of hemodialysis patients were modifiable and should be rec- ognized while formulating and implementing appropriate intervention plans for this vulnerable group.
Effectiveness of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) In Comparison with Conventional Autopsy: A Systematic Review

Uthandi D, Sabarudin A, Mohd Z, Rahman MAA, Karim MKA

Curr Med Imaging Rev, 2019 Aug 21.
PMID: 32407281 DOI: 10.2174/1573405615666190821115426

BACKGROUND: With the advancement of technology, Computed Tomography (CT) scan imaging could be used to gain deeper insight into the cause of death.
AIM: The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review of the efficacy of Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) scan compared with conventional autopsies gleaned from literature published in English between the year 2009 and 2016.
METHODOLOGY: A literature search was conducted in three databases, namely PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus. A total of 387 articles were retrieved, but only 21 studies were accepted after meeting the review criteria. Data, such as the number of victims, the number of radiologists and forensic pathologists involved, causes of death, and additional and missed diagnoses in PMCT scans were tabulated and analysed by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS: Compared with the conventional autopsy, the accuracy of PMCT scans in detecting injuries and causes of death was observed to range between 20% and 80%. The analysis also showed that PMCT had more advantages in detecting fractures, fluid in airways, gas in internal organs, major hemorrhages, fatty liver, stones, and bullet fragments. Despite its benefits, PMCT also could miss certain important lesion in a certain region such as cardiovascular injuries and minor vascular injuries.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review suggests that PMCT can replace most of the conventional autopsy in specific cases and is also a good complementary tool in most cases.
Fulltext The 14th general election in Malaysia: the end of authoritarian regime

Shahidah Abdul Razak, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan, Ahmad Firdaus Abdul Jalil

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):90-101.
MyJurnal

On May 2018, Malaysia witnessed a full-scale wave of change when the dominant authoritarian party
Barisan Nasional was defeated under the pretext of democratic process known as the “mother of all
elections”. The electoral victory was finally secured by the opposition party Pakatan Harapan. The
outcomes suggested that the wave of political change and the democratization process were not
impossible and yet inevitable and inclusive by taking into account the notion of multi-racial society.
This study presents a theoretical debates by inserting an empirical comprehension so that the embedded
phenomenon can be explored profoundly in regards to the ideas of regime change and democratization
through election.
Fulltext Historical conceptual learning via using peer with sources-cards techiques: an action research

Kaviza, M.

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):80-89.
MyJurnal

An action research aims to identify whether historical conceptual understanding can be enhanced
through the Peer with Sources-Cards technique introduced in history subjects for students. The six
students selected through purposive sampling technique have been used as sample in this study.
Kemmis and McTaggart models, (1988) are used in this study which involved quantitative and
qualitative data collection such as performance tests, interviews and observations. The findings of the
study showed that there was improvement dan retention of historical conceptual understanding, as well
the misconception which existed among students could be reduced through Peer with Sources-Cards
technique. Students also demonstrated a positive perception of the implementation of Peer with
Sources-Cards technique in the process of teaching and learning history. It is hoped that the Peer with
Sources-Cards technique method should be extended to all other levels of form with different topics
that enable the process of teaching and learning of history to be more fun.
Fulltext Job satisfaction among school teachers

Nurjannah F.A Kariming, Abdul Said Ambotang

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):59-67.
MyJurnal

The study was conducted to determine the level of utility which is the satisfaction of form 6 teachers in
Sabah. The utility level of work is dependent variable and pressure and personality is an independent
variable. This study was carried out using questionnaires instruments. This study involving 340 Form
Six teachers comprising Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu districts out of
1320 Form six teacher population in Sabah. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package For
Science (SPSS) version 23.0 to get the accurate results.
Fulltext A literature review on external factors affecting export competitiveness of raw woven sector of Pakistan

Dad, Allah, Asif Mehbub Karim

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):51-58.
MyJurnal

The Textile Industry of Pakistan is considered as lifeline of the country's economy. It accounts for
around 55% share of the total economy. Major exports from textiles are yarns, raw and finished fabrics
and also a limited quantity of value-added textile items. However, from the last one-decade, the textile
industry is facing a lot of problems in terms of getting and maintaining export orders. Most of the
customers globally now giving preferences to other regional competitors. Due to this Pakistani Textile
Industry losing its competitiveness day by day. There are very less studies carried out on this hot issue
especially in context of Pakistan. There is contextual gap exist in the literature review on external
factors. In this Paper author made literature review on six external factors such as exchange rate, GDP,
FDI, Quota, Technology and political instability and their impact found discussed on various studies.
Fulltext The influence of teacher's teaching towards quality of teachers' teaching

Normiati Batjo, Abdul Said Ambotang

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):30-42.
MyJurnal

This study is aimed at identify the influence of teacher’s teaching toward quality of teachers’ teaching
among rural primary school teachers in Sabah, Malaysia. The study utilised the servey method by
combining several variable sampling techniques to obtain samples. A total of 380 respondents were
involved in answering the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis shows teachers’ teaching and quality of
teachers’ teaching being practised at a high level. While a One-way ANOVA test results show that
there is no significant difference in teachers’ teaching and quality teachers’ teaching based on teaching
experience. In the same study, multiple regression analysis also implemented. The findings show that
the overall contribution predicted by teachers’ teaching towards quality teachers’ teaching is 24.8
percent.
Fulltext Social determinant of child maltreatment: relationship between collective efficacy and child maltreatment among community in Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Aina Hazrina Hazuki, Nor Hafizah Mohamed Harith

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):19-29.
MyJurnal

The community has active roles to play to mitigate child maltreatment. In reviewing the Child Abuse
and Neglect prevention measurement in Malaysia, the readiness score is relatively at the moderate level
based on World Health Organization assessment tools. The primary objective was to assess a
relationship between collective efficacy and child maltreatment in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The crosssectional
and correlational study has been adopted. A sum of 390 questionnaires were disseminated to
Petaling Jaya community, particularly those who were married with at minimum one child. The
findings have revealed that the social cohesion and child maltreatment possesses a significant
relationship (r= 0.111, p0.05) with child maltreatment. The findings of this study contribute to several significant
contribution. Several suggestions were provided for the Malaysian government to initiate some
community approaches in effort to mitigate child maltreatment. It is practically to recommend the
government to invigorate the comprehensive policies in fostering the community awareness to exercise
their social responsibility in community in addressing the child maltreatment issues. The community
awareness enables to enhance proactive involvement in which it could prompt the active action and
establish a set of partnership among community group members. Hence, it is able to strengthen the
solid protection to increase the resilience of children due to the proactive society to protect the
vulnerable children and have zero tolerance on violence against children.
Fulltext Factors associated with sexual intercourse, condom-use, and perceived peer behaviors among adolescents in Malaysia: a school-based cross-sectional study

Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip, Mishkin, Kathryn, Norzawati Yoep, Faizah Paiwai, Joanita Sulaiman

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):8-18.
MyJurnal

High-risk sexual behavior among young adults is concerning to clinicians, public health practitioners
and policy makers because it is associated with unintended health outcomes including transmission of
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. This paper analyzes how knowledge
of HIV, experience with dating behavior, and perception of peer behavior factors are associated with
having sexual intercourse and use of condoms among adolescent students in Malaysia. National data
from school-age adolescents who completed the Malaysian HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitude and
Practice survey were used. Chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses were
performed. Having sexual intercourse was associated with urbaneness (p
Fulltext Understanding the market system of human trafficking: a case study of Sabah, Malaysia

Mahalingam, Ravi

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(2):1-7.
MyJurnal

The crime of human trafficking is a phenomenon that practically affects every part of the world. The
crime is generally influenced by various political as well as socio-economic factors. Oftentimes,
victimization, causal factors, and policy response receive the most attention in human trafficking
studies, while other aspects like the market system or supply and demand in human trafficking are
given little focus. Hence, the objective of this paper is to analyze the market system and the intrinsic
elements that influence the supply and demand in human trafficking, with a reference to the case study
of Sabah, Malaysia. The qualitative data for this paper were obtained through personal observation and
interviews with public officials from the government enforcement agencies like the Royal Malaysian
Police, Immigration Department of Malaysia, as well as former traffickers, ex-victims, and
academicians. Besides, various reports from the government, non-governmental organizations, and
news media helped to collate and provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. Using
perspectives from the economics of crime, this paper examined the macro and micro-level factors that
regulate the supply and demand in human trafficking. The findings suggest that the supply of trafficked
labour in Sabah is influenced by macro-level factors like globalization, unequal economic
development, demographic factors, and domestic conflict, while the demand for trafficked labour is
amplified by the factors such as consumers, exploiters, socio-culture, and the state. These elements are
essential in regulating the market system of supply and demand in human trafficking. An inclusive
understanding of supply and demand in human trafficking is important as it has implications for
knowledge development as well as policy responses to disrupt the market forces that sustain the crime.
Fulltext Willingness-to-pay for a hypothetical Ebola vaccine in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study in Aceh

Mudatsir M, Anwar S, Fajar JK, Yufika A, Ferdian MN, Salwiyadi S, et al.

F1000Res, 2019;8:1441.
PMID: 32399182 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20144.2

Background: Some Ebola vaccines have been developed and tested in phase III clinical trials. However, assessment of whether public have willingness to purchase or not, especially in unaffected areas, is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical Ebola vaccine in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 August to 30 December 2015 in five cities in Aceh province of Indonesia. Patients' family members who visited outpatient departments were approached and interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of Ebola, attitude towards vaccination practice and their WTP for a hypothetical Ebola vaccine. A multivariable linear regression model assessed the relationship between these explanatory variables and WTP. Results: During the study, 500 participants were approached and interviewed. There were 424 (84.8%) respondents who completed the interview and 74% (311/424) expressed their acceptance for an Ebola vaccine. There were 288 participants who were willing to pay for an Ebola vaccine (92.6% out of 311). The mean of WTP was US$2.08 (95% CI: 1.75-2.42). The final multivariable model indicated that young age, high educational attainment, working as a private employee, entrepreneur or civil servant (compared to farmers), being unmarried, and residing in a suburb (compared to a city) were associated with higher WTP. Conclusions: Although the proportion of the participants who would accept the Ebola vaccine was relatively high, the amount they were willing to pay for Ebola vaccine was very low. This finding would indicate the need of subsidies for Ebola vaccine in the country.
Fulltext Evaluations of soil resistivity in relation to basal stem rot incidences using soil moisture sensor

Mohd Hamim Abdul Aziz, Siti Khairunniza Bejo, Fazirulhisyam Hashim, Nur Hidayah Ramli, Desa Ahmad

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(101):225-234.
MyJurnal

Basal stem rot (BSR) caused by Ganoderma boninense is a major disease attacking the oil palm plantation in Malaysia, and incur big losses in palm oil industries. The disease is spread mostly by root either through spore availability in soil or roots contacts. Soil properties were reported to have significant influence on the growth of fungi. Meanwhile, the value of soil resistivity is influenced by soil properties. This paper presents a new approach of BSR detection by using soil moisture sensor which measures resistivity of soil in unit ohm (Ω) at 15 cm surrounding the basal stem of oil palm trees. The study was conducted on 39 oil palm trees at different healthiness levels. The sensor was embedded approximately 4.7 cm deep in the soil at eight different points for each palm. The results showed that healthy oil palm trees significantly have higher mean (ERMEAN ≥ 400) of electrical resistance (ER) readings compared to infected trees (ERMEAN< 400). More specifically, ER readings at points without symptoms (i.e. fruiting bodies and/or hollow) were significantly higher compared with ER readings at points where symptoms appeared even though the points of measurements were on the same palm. This finding has brought to the introduction of a new index to detect Ganoderma infection, named as K-index. Combination of ERMEAN taken from eight points of measurement and its K-index gave better results of detection and a new model was developed based on these two parameters (i.e. ERMEAN and K-index). The developed model has accuracy rates of 82% and gained 100% successful rate during validation. This research showed that soil resistivity can contribute to Ganoderma-infected detection in oil palms with a high degree of accuracy.
Fulltext Simulation study for the compressed BMC materials of kenaf/coir reinforced unsaturated polyester: flow behaviour and the effects of charges shapes studies

Sameer Adnan Ibraheem, Khalina Abdan, Lee, Ching Hao

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(101):211-223.
MyJurnal

This study provides predictable flow behavior of a hybrid biocomposites made from kenaf/coir reinforced unsaturated polyester using the Moldflow software. A medium size electrical part has been chosen as a mold having multi-wall thicknesses and complex surfaces. Three different shapes of charges of the bulk molding materials were used and compressed into the mold part. The shapes of charges would be rectangular, cubic and cylindrical shapes. The results showed that rectangular charge took 0.2 seconds to fill up the part while the cubic and the cylindrical charges took 1.911 and 2.898 seconds respectively. After 70 seconds the conversion at nodes was more than 98% for all charges. On the other hand, the final densities were 1.88 ± 0.08 g/cm3 for all charges. The cubic charges showed a better temperatures distribution at flow front followed by rectangular, the last being the cylindrical charge, and the average shrinkage was 5-7% for the charges. The cubic shape showed good fibers orientation to the flow direction of the bulk materials followed by cylindrical charge while the rectangular charge showed poor orientation of fibers affected on the deflections, weld lines and air traps in the internal part. For the rectangular, the charge showed more critical weld lines and more air traps especially on the surface of the molded part and more deflections on the corner edges. But, the cubic charge showed the lowest deflections rate, air traps and weld lines defects.
Fulltext Mechanical analysis of a wedge device in sawing technology

Mohd Salahuddin Mohd Basri, Rosnah Shamsudin, Mohd Zuhair Mohd Nor

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(101):197-209.
MyJurnal

The oil palm trunk (OPT) currently represents a massive volume of agricultural waste with great potential to be rapidly developed in the wood composite industry. An improvement in sawing technology has potential to improve the yield of the commercially hard outer core of the OPT by about 27 % thus replacing the present sub-optimal square sawing pattern with a more efficient and higher-yielding polygon sawing pattern. To achieve this, a 'wedge' device was designed to be mounted on the existing sawing carriage. The proper methodology was followed including extraction of the design layout of the machine, development of the schematic drawing and wireframe model, modification of the design in computer-aided design (CAD) environment, the performance of stress, total deformation, and fatigue analysis, and production of a complete drawing for fabrication purpose. Results from the analysis showed that the designed part was safe to be fabricated with a small maximum equivalent stress of 2.546 MPa, maximum total deformation of 0.007935 mm and total life cycle of one million cycles. These evaluation results indicate that the material used for the wedge device (including the base part) satisfies the design requirements of static strength and is safe within its designed fatigue life.
Fulltext Students preference of learning style in history subjects: a preliminary study

Kaviza, M.

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(1):82-90.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this survey study is to identify the type of student learning style preferences in history
subjects, as well to identify whether there are significantly mean differences of learning style on
student demographic aspects such as gender, achievement level, subject stream and school location.
This study involved a total 521 form four students from a state of north peninsular of Malaysia through
simple random sampling technique. This adapted Perceptual Learning Style Preferences Questionnaires
which are validated by the content expert matters and have a good reliability values are the research
instrument in this study. The data of this study were analyzed descriptively and inferred such as
independent sample-t test through IBM SPPS software. The findings of this study indicated that the
history student preferences learning style is auditory style for physiological dimension and collaborative style for sociological dimension. Furthermore, the findings also showed that there are
significantly mean differences between learning style and student demographic aspects such as
achievement level, subject stream and school location. Therefore, the findings also reported that there
are no significant mean differences in learning style among male and female history students.
Essentially, the findings can be used by the State of Education Department, the Curriculum
Development Center and the history teachers to redesign the implementation of meaningful history
teaching and learning process by taking account of the student learning styles aspects.
Fulltext Housing experiences of Pakistani immigrant labors in Malaysia

Zermina Tasleem, Mohd Na'eim Ajis, Nor Azizah Zainal Abidin

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(1):74-81.
MyJurnal

This research considered housing experiences of Pakistani labors in Malaysia that is a main aspect in
successful integration. The main focus was on housing rental market, the housing quality and the
unfavourable health influences by insufficient housing. Little study was conducted on the housing
experiences of Pakistani labor in Malaysia. A qualitative research with inductive approach was applied.
Pakistani immigrant labors from Klang Valley were informants in this research. Data were gathered
through in-depth interviews. The results indicated that immigrants have their housing more tough than
predicted, mostly due to high costs. Immigrants were split about the quality of rental houses. Those
who were satisfied could afford the house in private housing market. However, those immigrants who
were not satisfied could not afford more suitable housing. They have issues of over-crowding, pest
infiltration, damp properties. This research recommended that services of housing and settlement
should deliver more direct support to new immigrants. Immigration settlement policies must ensure the
presence of more affordable housing; employment opportunities that offer a satisfactory salary and
quality programs and services to integrate new immigrants into the public.
Fulltext The influence of school organizational climate on metacognition awarness among primary school teachers in the north island zone of Sabah

Mohd. Khairuddin Abdullah @ Jerry, Haidi Entoh

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(1):60-73.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study is to determine the strength of the school's organizational climate
influences, which includes four dimensions: collegial leadership, teacher professionalism,
academic emphasis and community involvement on metacognition awareness among teachers
that working in primary schools in the Northern Island Zone of Sabah. Using a quantitative
approach, this study is based on an ‘ex post facto’ study design. The data were collected
through questionnaire instrument by using the "School Climate Index" (SCI) and
"Metacognitive Awareness Inventory for Teacher" (MAIT). Through the purposive sampling
design, a total of 151 teachers that teaching at 14 primary schools in the island zone were
involved in this study. Descriptive and inference statistics were used to analyze the data and to present the findings of the study. The data were analyzed by using Multiple Regression
Analysis. The findings show that the level of school organization climate (M = 4.15, SD = .40)
and teachers' metacognition awareness (M = 4.11, SD = .40) are at a high and positive level.
The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that two dimensions of the constructs of
the school organization climate : colegial leadership (β = .293, t = 3.536, p
Fulltext The level of environmental literacy in form five students in Sabah

Muhamad Omar, Vun, Leong Wan, Payus, Carolyn Melissa

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(1):41-49.
MyJurnal

This study aims to identify the level of 'Environmental Literacy' among students in Sabah. The sample
consisted of 110 respondents who were randomly selected among form 5 students in a secondary
school in Tawau district, Sabah. A quantitative approach with a survey technique was used in this
study. The descriptive data obtained indicate that the level of sustainable development element in
Environmental Literacy is higher than other elements in this construct. This data also shows the level
of Environmental Literacy respondents are at high level (mean score = 4.20, SP = 0.30). While the ttest
showed there was no significant difference in environmental literacy among secondary school
students on the basis of gender although the mean difference showed that female students were more
than male students. In conclusion, the level of environmental literacy for students is at a acceptable and
respondents agreed that the elements of sustainable development incorporated in the definition of
'Environmental Literacy'.
Fulltext Internal factors affecting export performance of textile weaving factories Pakistan: literature review

Dad, Allah

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(1):29-40.
MyJurnal

The Textile Industry of Pakistan is considered as life line of country’s economy. It accounts around
55% share of total economy. Major exports from textiles are yarns, raw and finished fabrics and also
limited quantity of value added textile items. However from last one decade textile industry is facing
lot of problems in terms of getting and maintaining export orders. Most of customers globally now
giving preferences to other regional competitors. Due to this Pakistani Textile Industry losing its
competitiveness day by day which resulted loss in millions of US Dollars per years. The raw woven
fabric manufacturing sector that lies almost in middle of supply line having sharing of 8% in world
exports. The performance of this value added product responsible also overall performance of sector.
The literature review on internal factors specifically related to this sector still in gap which author tries
to cover up. The literature review delineated accordingly with respect to internal factors such as
product types, innovations, energy cost, inventory and green textile concepts which gives effect on
export performance of weaving industry.
Fulltext Effectiveness of internal factors in confronts the monsoon flood disaster in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Case study: a research based on residential perceptions

Ang, Kean Hua

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(1):22-28.
MyJurnal

The Northeast Monsoon flood disaster is a nature catastrophic that struck during monsoon season,
which from October to December, is negatively impact to the local communities. Therefore, this study
conducted to determine the effectiveness of internal factors in confronts the monsoon flood disaster in
Kota Bharu, Kelantan. This reseach involved with quantitative methods, where questionnaires is
require to collect and gather the data. This questionnaires is divided into two parts, namely
demographic profile and internal factors in confronts the monsoon flood. Targeted sample size was set
to 400 respondents and the study area is concentrated in Kota Bharu city. The analysis used in this
study is the correlation coefficient between variables. The results indicate majority of respondents
settled adjacent to the river is likely to build timber-structured house and higher than the land surface or a poles house to avoid flood disasters. In addition, respondents are cautious especially when there is
continuous raining by preparing the daily need such as water, foods, boats, etc., which is sufficient for
long period of one month or more. Despite the floods that bring joy to some residents, however,
respondents will move to higher and safer area along with the important documents when necessary. In
conclusion, the residents practiced the concept of adaptation to face the monsoon floods through
physically and mentality, as well as ensuring safety and healthy are in good condition to avoid any
unwanted circumstances.

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