Browse publications by year: 2021

  1. Rahim HA, Khan MF, Ibrahim ZF, Shoaib A, Suradi H, Mohyeddin N, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2021 Aug 15;782:146783.
    PMID: 33838363 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146783
    Meteorology over coastal region is a driving factor to the concentration of air particles and reactive gases. This study aims to conduct a research to determine the level of year-round air particles and the interaction of the meteorological driving factors with the particle number and mass in 2018, which is moderately influenced by Southeast Asian haze. We obtained the measurement data for particle number count (PNC), mass, reactive gases, and meteorological factors from a Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) station located at Bachok Marine Research Center, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia. For various timeseries and correlation analyses, a 60-second resolution of the data has been averaged hourly and daily and visualized further. Our results showed the slight difference in particle behavior that is either measured by unit mass or number count at the study area. Diurnal variations showed that particles were generally high during morning and night periods. Spike was observed in August for PM2.5/PNC2.5 and PM10/PNC10 and in November for PMCoarse/PNCCoarse. From a polar plot, the particles came from two distinct sources (e.g., seaside and roadside) at the local scale. Regional wind vector shows two distinct wind-blown directions from northeast and southwest. The air mases were transported from northeast (e.g., Philippines, mainland China, and Taiwan) or southwest (e.g., Sumatra) region. Correlation analysis shows that relative humidity, wind direction, and pressure influence the increase in particles, whereas negative correlation with temperature is observed, and wind speed may have a potential role on the decline of particle concentration. The particles at the study area was highly influenced by the changes in regional wind direction and speed.
    MeSH terms: China; Gases; Humidity; Indonesia; Malaysia; Meteorological Concepts; Philippines; Taiwan; Temperature; Wind; Particulate Matter; Meteorology
  2. Andersen N, Swami V
    Body Image, 2021 Sep;38:106-119.
    PMID: 33838539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.015
    Science mapping is a methodology that combines quantitative analysis, classification, and visualisation to identify the composition and inter-relationships between bibliographic objects. Here, we used bibliometric science mapping to identify the overarching structure, evolution of research themes and research fronts, and geographic spread of body image research. We examined 2,783 keywords in 1,107 articles published in Body Image between 2004 and 2020, selected as being representative of body image research during this period. Co-occurrence analysis of the keywords enabled us to identify five general themes in the literature: "clinical and weight-related issues", "body image and disordered eating", "positive body image and objectification", "media effects", and "ethnicity/race". Burst analysis allowed us to identify research fronts in this research, with work on social media and positive body image in particular being identified as emergent. Finally, co-author analysis indicated that body image research networks are heavily focused on a small handful of nations, although there is evidence of a recent shift toward greater geographic spread. Our results, and the provision of interactive maps and extensive tables, should allow readers to examine connections between research clusters and areas, generate novel research ideas, and more fully understand the evolution and future trajectories of body image research.
    MeSH terms: Body Image*; Humans; Bibliometrics*
  3. Khor SB, Lim KS, Fong SL, Ho JH, Koh MY, Tan CT
    Seizure, 2021 May;88:56-59.
    PMID: 33812309 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.03.024
    BACKGROUND: The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of epilepsy in Asia ranges from 2.5 to 5.1. However, there are no such published data in Malaysia to date. Understanding the mortality rate and related factors will allow us to better assess and monitor the health status of PWE, thereby, preventing premature deaths among PWE. Hence, this study aimed to determine the mortality rate of adults with epilepsy (PWE) at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

    METHOD: A total of 2218 PWE were recruited retrospectively into this study. Deceased cases from 2009-2018 were identified from the National Registry Department of Malaysia. Age-, gender-, and ethnic-specific SMR were calculated.

    RESULT: There was a total of 163 deaths, of which 111 (68.1%) were male. The overall case-fatality rate (CFR) was 7.3%. Male PWE had higher CFR (9.2%) compared to females (5.1%, p<0.001). The annual death rate of PWE was 867 per 100, 000 persons. The overall all-cause SMR was 1.6 (CI 95% 1.3-1.8). The SMR for younger age groups (15-19 and 20-29 years) were higher (5.4-5.5) compared to other age groups (0.4-2.5). Overall SMR for male PWE (1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1) was higher than females (1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.6). However, the SMR for female PWE in the younger age groups (15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 years) was higher. SMR among the Indian PWE was the highest (1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) compared to the Chinese (1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9) and the Malays (1.4, 95% 1.0-1.9). The CFR was higher in those with focal epilepsy (8.5% vs. 2.5-3.7% in genetic and other generalized epilepsies, p=0.003), epilepsy with structural cause (9.5% vs. 5.9% in others, p=0.005) and uncontrolled seizures (7.9% vs. 5.2% in seizure-free group, p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: The mortality rate of PWE in Malaysia is higher than that of the general population but lower compared to other Asian countries. Specifically, the rates are higher in the younger age group, male gender, and Indian ethnicity. Those with focal epilepsy, structural causes and uncontrolled seizures have higher mortality rates.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Asia; Epilepsy; Epilepsies, Partial; Epilepsy, Generalized; Ethnic Groups; Female; Health Status; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Seizures; Universities; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Mortality, Premature; Tertiary Care Centers
  4. Abu Talib DN, Yong MH, Nasaruddin RA, Che-Hamzah J, Bastion MC
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2021 Apr 09;100(14):e25459.
    PMID: 33832156 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000025459
    RATIONALE: Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis (EFE) is a sight-threatening complication of systemic fungemia. As the prevalence rises, treatment remains a challenge especially when there is a failure in first-line treatment or drug-resistant fungus. This case report studies a case of chronic EFE, focusing on the diagnostic procedures, treatment options, monitoring parameters and the treatment outcome.

    PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-year-old man with underlying well controlled diabetes mellitus was treated with 2 weeks' course of intravenous antifungal fluconazole for pyelonephritis as his blood culture grew Candida albicans. Concurrently, he complained of 3 months of bilateral painless progressive blurring of vision. At presentation, his visual acuity (VA) was light perception both eyes. Ocular examination revealed non granulomatous inflammation with dense vitritis of both eyes.

    DIAGNOSIS: He was diagnosed with EFE but the condition responded poorly with the medications.

    INTERVENTIONS: He was treated with intravitreal (IVT) amphotericin B and fluconazole was continued. Vitrectomy was performed and intraoperative findings included bilateral fungal balls in the vitreous and retina with foveal traction in the left eye. Postoperatively, vision acuity was 6/24, N8 right eye and 2/60, N unable for left eye with extensive left macular scar and hole. Vitreous cultures were negative. He received multiple IVT amphotericin B and was started on topical steroid eye drops for persistent panuveitis with systemic fluconazole. Ocular improvement was seen after switching to IVT and topical voriconazole. Despite this, his ocular condition deteriorated and he developed neovascular glaucoma requiring 3 topical antiglaucoma agents. Panretinal photocoagulation was subsequently performed.

    OUTCOMES: At 3 months' follow-up, his vision acuity remained at 6/24 for right eye and 2/60 for the left eye. There was no recurrence of inflammation or infection in both eyes.

    LESSONS: Voriconazole could serve as a promising broad spectrum tri-azole agent in cases of failure in first-line treatment or drug-resistant fungus.

    MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use; Candida albicans/isolation & purification*; Candidiasis/diagnosis*; Candidiasis/therapy*; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Endophthalmitis/diagnosis*; Endophthalmitis/therapy*; Vitrectomy; Eye Infections, Fungal/diagnosis*; Eye Infections, Fungal/therapy*; Voriconazole/therapeutic use
  5. D'Souza B, Rao SS, Muthana CG, Bhageerathy R, Apuri N, Chandrasekaran V, et al.
    Health Informatics J, 2021 4 10;27(2):14604582211001426.
    PMID: 33832325 DOI: 10.1177/14604582211001426
    The nursing schedule generation is an important activity that takes a considerable amount of time for managers to prepare and amend. It involves the optimal allocation of nurses to shifts, factoring various constraints like shift timings, holidays, leaves, and emergencies. This paper provides the design and development details for an automated nurse scheduling system called "ROTA," implemented for a 2032 bed multi-specialty tertiary teaching hospital, having 1800 staff nurses and 98 wards. The system generates daily, weekly, monthly schedules, nurse face sheets, duty allocation charts, swapping schedules, and training details for nurses. The system improved managerial control and saved a considerable amount of time for nurses to prepare the schedule. A survey conducted to gauge the system's satisfaction level showed that 91% of nurses were satisfied with ROTA. Overall, the system saved 78% of nurse scheduling time, resulting in a 3% cost reduction for the hospital.
    MeSH terms: Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; India; Nursing Staff, Hospital*; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling*
  6. Albarrak AI, Zakaria N, Almulhem J, Khan SA, Karim NA
    BMC Med Educ, 2021 Apr 08;21(1):199.
    PMID: 33832479 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02639-2
    BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Medical schools have evolved toward competency-based education and active learner-centered strategies. Medical informatics course was introduced in 2011 in the 3rd year at the College of Medicine (CoM), King Saud University (KSU), to enhance future medical graduates with technological and information competencies. Modified team-based learning and blended learning were emphasized using face-to-face lectures, various e-learning technologies, workshop and seminars. The current study's main objective was to assess students' perceptions towards blended and modified team-based learning at the CoM in KSU.

    METHODS: A survey was distributed to medical students in three consecutive years: 2017-2019. The survey contains items regarding student perception of various types of blended learning techniques applied in the course. The survey was administered using i-Clicker; an interactive device that enables students to answer survey questions. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the perception of students on these blended learning dimensions investigated.

    RESULTS: Seven-hundred and one student responded to the questionnaire (male; 69.5%, female 30.5%). Out of which, 59.1% of students found team interactions positively supported discussions and asked questions freely, and 48.1% expressed that working in groups facilitated their learning process. However, 56.0% of students chose face-to-face lectures as the most preferred class activities followed by discussion 23.8%. More than 78% of participants agree that online quizzes are good experience and enjoyable. Grade center where students can check for marks and attendance also received high perception (66.3%).

    CONCLUSION: Introducing modified team-based and blended-learning are considered challenging, and therefore, investigating their perceptions can provide useful insights into how these methods could be used more effectively. The blended-learning technique is highly essential in teaching medical informatics to overcome challenges faced due to a large number of students and the need for various exposures to reach the course's learning goals. Moreover, it is noticed that students were engaged in face-to-face and online activities, furthermore, modified team-based learning reported facilitating learning and asking questions without embarrassment.

    MeSH terms: Curriculum; Female; Humans; Male; Perception; Students, Medical*; Universities; Cohort Studies
  7. Palutturi S, Saleh LM, Rachmat M, Malek JA
    Gac Sanit, 2021 4 10;35 Suppl 1:S42-S45.
    PMID: 33832624 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2020.12.012
    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to map healthy aisles in Makassar City and how its implication is for community empowerment.

    METHOD: This research was a descriptive survey. One hundred and sixty aisles in Rappocini and Ujung Tanah Sub-Districts, Makassar were surveyed.

    RESULTS: The development of healthy aisles is under maintenance of Puskesmas (Public Health Center) consisting of 20 aisles of 117 aisles in Puskesmas Kassi-Kassi and 3 aisles of 43 aisles in Puskesmas Pattingalloang. Ten healthy aisles indicators were established: aisles's cleanliness, beauty, drainage, garbage transportation, utilization, Siskamling (neighborhood security system), Non-Smoking Area (Kawasan Tanpa Rokok=KTR), active Posyandu (Integrated Health Post), the presence of educational media and the existence of working groups (Pokja).

    CONCLUSIONS: Based on 10 healthy aisles indicators, aspects of beauty, educational media, and aisles work group activity need to be strengthened, while others need to be maintained and even improved.

  8. Palutturi S, Saleh LM, Rachmat M, Malek JA, Nam EW
    Gac Sanit, 2021 4 10;35 Suppl 1:S46-S48.
    PMID: 33832625 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2020.12.013
    OBJECTIVE: To discuss the characteristics of the aisles communities and to identify the principles and strategies for empowering alley communities in realizing the Makassar Healthy City.

    METHOD: The method used in this research was a qualitative method. Data collection was carried out through an extensive literature review, FGD, and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: This research identified the characteristics of the aisles community. This research also found that empowerment of aisles communities can be built with holistic principles, commitment to alley health, leadership, participation, synergy, independence, equality, and sustainability. The development strategies for the aisle communities can be carried out through regulation, the principles of brains and muscles (thinkers and workers), organizations/work groups, community education, funding, and advocacy.

    CONCLUSION: Synergy and convergence action of the aisles program that has the leverage/effect in realizing a clean, comfortable, safe, healthy, and productive aisles is needed.

  9. Abdal S, Hussain S, Siddique I, Ahmadian A, Ferrara M
    Sci Rep, 2021 Apr 08;11(1):7799.
    PMID: 33833251 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86953-1
    It is a theoretical exportation for mass transpiration and thermal transportation of Casson nanofluid over an extending cylindrical surface. The Stagnation point flow through porous matrix is influenced by magnetic field of uniform strength. Appropriate similarity functions are availed to yield the transmuted system of leading differential equations. Existence for the solution of momentum equation is proved for various values of Casson parameter [Formula: see text], magnetic parameter M, porosity parameter [Formula: see text] and Reynolds number Re in two situations of mass transpiration (suction/injuction). The core interest for this study aroused to address some analytical aspects. Therefore, existence of solution is proved and uniqueness of this results is discussed with evaluation of bounds for existence of solution. Results for skin friction factor are established to attain accuracy for large injection values. Thermal and concentration profiles are delineated numerically by applying Runge-Kutta method and shooting technique. The flow speed retards against M, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for both situations of mass injection and suction. The thermal boundary layer improves with Brownian and thermopherotic diffusions.
    MeSH terms: Diffusion; Motion; Suction; Porosity; Friction; Physical Phenomena; Magnetic Fields
  10. Gamel MMA, Ker PJ, Lee HJ, Rashid WESWA, Hannan MA, David JPR, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 Apr 08;11(1):7741.
    PMID: 33833263 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86175-5
    The optimization of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell efficiency is essential since it leads to a significant increase in the output power. Typically, the optimization of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell has been limited to single variable such as the emitter thickness, while the effects of the variation in other design variables are assumed to be negligible. The reported efficiencies of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell mostly remain 
  11. De Ang JX, Yaman K, Kadir KA, Matusop A, Singh B
    Sci Rep, 2021 Apr 08;11(1):7739.
    PMID: 33833272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86107-3
    Plasmodium knowlesi is the main cause of malaria in Sarawak, where studies on vectors of P. knowlesi have been conducted in only two districts. Anopheles balabacensis and An. donaldi were incriminated as vectors in Lawas and An. latens in Kapit. We studied a third location in Sarawak, Betong, where of 2169 mosquitoes collected over 36 days using human-landing catches, 169 (7.8%) were Anopheles spp. PCR and phylogenetic analyses identified P. knowlesi and/or P. cynomolgi, P. fieldi, P. inui, P. coatneyi and possibly novel Plasmodium spp. in salivary glands of An. latens and An. introlatus from the Leucosphyrus Group and in An. collessi and An. roperi from the Umbrosus Group. Phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences indicated three P. knowlesi-positive An. introlatus had been misidentified morphologically as An. latens, while An. collessi and An. roperi could not be delineated using the region sequenced. Almost all vectors from the Leucosphyrus Group were biting after 1800 h but those belonging to the Umbrosus Group were also biting between 0700 and 1100 h. Our study incriminated new vectors of knowlesi malaria in Sarawak and underscores the importance of including entomological studies during the daytime to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics of malaria.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; DNA/genetics; Macaca fascicularis; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Plasmodium/classification; Plasmodium/genetics; Species Specificity; Plasmodium knowlesi/genetics; Plasmodium knowlesi/physiology*; Mosquito Vectors*
  12. Kumar A, Jain A, Sayyed MI, Laariedh F, Mahmoud KA, Nebhen J, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 Apr 08;11(1):7784.
    PMID: 33833308 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87256-1
    Nuclear radiation shielding capabilities for a glass series 20Bi2O3 - xPbO - (80 - 2x)B2O3 - xGeO2 (where x = 5, 10, 20, and 30 mol%) have been investigated using the Phy-X/PSD software and Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code. The mass attenuation coefficients (μm) of selected samples have been estimated through XCOM dependent Phy-X/PSD program and MCNP-5 code in the photon-energy range 0.015-15 MeV. So obtained μm values are used to calculate other γ-ray shielding parameters such as half-value layer (HVL), mean-free-path (MFP), etc. The calculated μm values were found to be 71.20 cm2/g, 76.03 cm2/g, 84.24 cm2/g, and 90.94 cm2/g for four glasses S1 to S4, respectively. The effective atomic number (Zeff)values vary between 69.87 and 17.11 for S1 or 75.66 and 29.11 for S4 over 0.05-15 MeV of photon-energy. Sample S4, which has a larger PbO/GeO2 of 30 mol% in the bismuth-borate glass, possesses the lowest MFP and HVL, providing higher radiation protection efficiency compared to all other combinations. It shows outperformance while compared the calculated parameters (HVL and MFP) with the commercial shielding glasses, different alloys, polymers, standard shielding concretes, and ceramics. Geometric Progression (G-P) was applied for evaluating the energy absorption and exposure buildup factors at energies 0.015-15 MeV with penetration depths up to 40 mfp. The buildup factors showed dependence on the MFP and photon-energy as well. The studied samples' neutron shielding behavior was also evaluated by calculating the fast neutron removal cross-section (ΣR), i.e. found to be 0.139 cm-1 for S1, 0.133 cm-1 for S2, 0.128 cm-1 for S3, and 0.12 cm-1 for S4. The results reveal a great potential for using a glass composite sample S4 in radiation protection applications.
    MeSH terms: Alloys; Bismuth; Borates; Ceramics; Fast Neutrons; Germanium; Monte Carlo Method; Neutrons; Polymers; Radiation Protection; Reference Standards; Software; Photons
  13. Davoodi H, Nordin N, Munakata H, Korvink JG, MacKinnon N, Badilita V
    Sci Rep, 2021 04 08;11(1):7798.
    PMID: 33833324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87247-2
    The low frequency plateau in the frequency response of an untuned micro-resonator permits broadband radio-frequency reception, albeit at the expense of optimal signal-to-noise ratio for a particular nucleus. In this contribution we determine useful figures of merit for broadband micro-coils, and thereby explore the parametric design space towards acceptable simultaneous excitation and reception of a microfluidic sample over a wide frequency band ranging from 13C to 1H, i.e., 125-500 MHz in an 11.74 T magnet. The detector achieves 37% of the performance of a comparably sized, tuned and matched resonator, and a linewidth of 17 ppb using standard magnet shims. The use of broadband detectors circumvents numerous difficulties introduced by multi-resonant RF detector circuits, including sample loading effects on matching, channel isolation, and field distortion.
  14. Feng S, Stiller J, Deng Y, Armstrong J, Fang Q, Reeve AH, et al.
    Nature, 2021 Apr;592(7856):E24.
    PMID: 33833441 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03473-8
  15. Yeo BH, Tang TK, Wong SF, Tan CP, Wang Y, Cheong LZ, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:631136.
    PMID: 33833681 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.631136
    Edible bird's nest (EBN) is recognized as a nourishing food among Chinese people. The efficacy of EBN was stated in the records of traditional Chinese medicine and its activities have been reported in many researches. Malaysia is the second largest exporter of EBNs in the world, after Indonesia. For many years, EBN trade to China was not regulated until August 2011, when a safety alert was triggered for the consumption of EBNs. China banned the import of EBNs from Malaysia and Indonesia due to high level of nitrite. Since then, the Malaysia government has formulated Malaysia Standards for swiftlet farming (MS 2273:2012), edible bird's nest processing plant design and management (MS 2333:2010), and edible bird's nest product quality (MS 2334:2011) to enable the industry to meet the specified standards for the export to China. On the other hand, Indonesia's EBN industry formulated a standard operating procedure (SOP) for exportation to China. Both countries can export EBNs to China by complying with the standards and SOPs. EBN contaminants may include but not limited to nitrite, heavy metals, excessive minerals, fungi, bacteria, and mites. The possible source of contaminants may come from the swiftlet farms and the swiftlets or introduced during processing, storage, and transportation of EBNs, or adulterants. Swiftlet house design and management, and EBN processing affect the bird's nest color. Degradation of its optical quality has an impact on the selling price, and color changes are tied together with nitrite level. In this review, the current and future prospects of EBNs in Malaysia and Indonesia in terms of their quality, and the research on the contaminants and their effects on EBN color changes are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Animals; Bacteria; Birds; Color; Fungi; Government; Humans; Indonesia; Malaysia; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Minerals; Mites; Nitrites; Plants, Edible; Reference Standards; Metals, Heavy; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Farms
  16. Gan KZ, Widodo RT, Chik Z, Teh LK, Rofiee MS, Mohamad Yusof MI
    Int J Anal Chem, 2021;2021:5590594.
    PMID: 33833807 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5590594
    A simple, rapid, and sensitive method of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of vardenafil in rabbit plasma. A simple protein precipitation method with ice-cold acetonitrile was used for plasma extraction. The mass transitions m/z 489⟶151 and m/z 390⟶169 were used to measure vardenafil and tadalafil (internal standard), respectively, with a total assay run time of 6 min. The limit of detection was 0.2 ng/mL. The assay was reproducible with intra-assay and interassay precision ranging 1.17%-9.17% and 1.31%-5.86%, respectively. There was also good intra-assay and interassay accuracy between 89.3%-105.3% and 94%-102% of the expected value, respectively. The linearity range was 0.5-60 ng/mL in rabbit plasma (r 2 ≥ 0.99). The measured AUC from 0 to 24 h (AUC0 - 24t ) for the test and reference formulations were 174.38 ± 95.91 and 176.45 ± 76.88, respectively. For the test, C max and T max were 75.36 ± 59.53 ng/mL and 1.42 ± 0.19 h, whereas, for the reference, these were 58.22 ± 36.11 ng/mL and 2.04 ± 0.33 h, respectively. The test formulation achieved a slightly lower AUC0 - 24t value (p > 0.05), higher C max values (p > 0.05), faster T max (p 
  17. Fareen N, Alam MK, Khamis MF, Mokhtar N
    Biomed Res Int, 2021;2021:6612598.
    PMID: 33834067 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6612598
    Objective: This study was focused on comparing and analyzing the soft tissue changes induced by Reverse Twin-Block (RTB) and Reverse Pull Face Mask (RPFM) in early and late mixed dentition Malay children having Class III malocclusion.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study includes a total sample of 95 Malay children of both early (8-9 years) and late (10-11 years) mixed dentition stages. The comparison was between 49 samples treated by RTB and 46 samples treated by RPFM. Both pre- and posttreatment changes were assessed with Holdaway's analysis using the CASSOS software. In each cephalogram, 71 anatomic landmarks were traced. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were performed for statistical evaluation.

    Results: Statistically significant changes were noticed in soft tissue facial angle, subnasale to H-line, skeletal profile convexity, upper lip strain, H-line angle, lower lip to H-line, and inferior sulcus to H-line measurements. Gender disparity was noticed in upper lip strain. Other significant changes were influenced by the type of appliance. However, the mean differences were minute to notice clinically. Age difference did not have any effect on the treatment changes.

    Conclusions: RPFM revealed treatment outcome with more protruded upper lip than RTB.

    MeSH terms: Cephalometry; Child; Dentition, Mixed*; Female; Humans; Lip/pathology*; Male; Orthodontic Appliances*; Regression Analysis
  18. Hameed SS, Hassan WH, Abdul Latiff L, Ghabban F
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2021;7:e414.
    PMID: 33834100 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.414
    Background: The Internet of Medical Things (IoMTs) is gradually replacing the traditional healthcare system. However, little attention has been paid to their security requirements in the development of the IoMT devices and systems. One of the main reasons can be the difficulty of tuning conventional security solutions to the IoMT system. Machine Learning (ML) has been successfully employed in the attack detection and mitigation process. Advanced ML technique can also be a promising approach to address the existing and anticipated IoMT security and privacy issues. However, because of the existing challenges of IoMT system, it is imperative to know how these techniques can be effectively utilized to meet the security and privacy requirements without affecting the IoMT systems quality, services, and device's lifespan.

    Methodology: This article is devoted to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the security and privacy issues of IoMT and their solutions by ML techniques. The recent research papers disseminated between 2010 and 2020 are selected from multiple databases and a standardized SLR method is conducted. A total of 153 papers were reviewed and a critical analysis was conducted on the selected papers. Furthermore, this review study attempts to highlight the limitation of the current methods and aims to find possible solutions to them. Thus, a detailed analysis was carried out on the selected papers through focusing on their methods, advantages, limitations, the utilized tools, and data.

    Results: It was observed that ML techniques have been significantly deployed for device and network layer security. Most of the current studies improved traditional metrics while ignored performance complexity metrics in their evaluations. Their studies environments and utilized data barely represent IoMT system. Therefore, conventional ML techniques may fail if metrics such as resource complexity and power usage are not considered.

  19. Salman A, Jaafar M, Mohamad D, Malik S
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Aug;28(31):42945-42958.
    PMID: 33834332 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13609-y
    Located in one of the famous natural and cultural tourist destinations of northern Malaysia, Penang Hill serves as an ideal destination for both local and international tourists. The objective of this study was to understand and explore key stakeholders perspectives to enhance management for the aim of conservation, economic development, and recreation in Penang Hill. Data was collected from three key stakeholders of Penang Hill using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Stakeholders showed robust interests in environmental protection, cultural conservation, economic activities, awareness, and empowerment. This paper concludes by stating that Penang Hill is under strong management, and stakeholders are continuously engaged in the destination. The management authority collaborates with the key stakeholders of Penang Hill and incorporates their interests and viewpoint to ensure the ecotourism process goes smoothly and Penang Hill becomes one of the top ecotourism destinations.
    MeSH terms: Conservation of Natural Resources*; Humans; Malaysia
  20. AlThuwaynee OF, Kim SW, Najemaden MA, Aydda A, Balogun AL, Fayyadh MM, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Aug;28(32):43544-43566.
    PMID: 33834339 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13255-4
    This study investigates uncertainty in machine learning that can occur when there is significant variance in the prediction importance level of the independent variables, especially when the ROC fails to reflect the unbalanced effect of prediction variables. A variable drop-off loop function, based on the concept of early termination for reduction of model capacity, regularization, and generalization control, was tested. A susceptibility index for airborne particulate matter of less than 10 μm diameter (PM10) was modeled using monthly maximum values and spectral bands and indices from Landsat 8 imagery, and Open Street Maps were used to prepare a range of independent variables. Probability and classification index maps were prepared using extreme-gradient boosting (XGBOOST) and random forest (RF) algorithms. These were assessed against utility criteria such as a confusion matrix of overall accuracy, quantity of variables, processing delay, degree of overfitting, importance distribution, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).
    MeSH terms: Machine Learning*; Algorithms*; Humans; Uncertainty; Particulate Matter
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