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Fulltext Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)-Reinforced Magnesium-Based Matrix Composites: A Comprehensive Review

Abazari S, Shamsipur A, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR, Ismail AF, Sharif S, Razzaghi M, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2020 Oct 04;13(19).
PMID: 33020427 DOI: 10.3390/ma13194421

In recent years considerable attention has been attracted to magnesium because of its light weight, high specific strength, and ease of recycling. Because of the growing demand for lightweight materials in aerospace, medical and automotive industries, magnesium-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) reinforced with ceramic nanometer-sized particles, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were developed. CNTs have excellent material characteristics like low density, high tensile strength, high ratio of surface-to-volume, and high thermal conductivity that makes them attractive to use as reinforcements to fabricate high-performance, and high-strength metal-matrix composites (MMCs). Reinforcing magnesium (Mg) using small amounts of CNTs can improve the mechanical and physical properties in the fabricated lightweight and high-performance nanocomposite. Nevertheless, the incorporation of CNTs into a Mg-based matrix faces some challenges, and a uniform distribution is dependent on the parameters of the fabricating process. The characteristics of a CNTs reinforced composite are related to the uniform distribution, weight percent, and length of the CNTs, as well as the interfacial bonding and alignment between CNTs reinforcement and the Mg-based matrix. In this review article, the recent findings in the fabricating methods, characterization of the composite's properties, and application of Mg-based composites reinforced with CNTs are studied. These include the strategies of fabricating CNT-reinforced Mg-based composites, mechanical responses, and corrosion behaviors. The present review aims to investigate and conclude the most relevant studies conducted in the field of Mg/CNTs composites. Strategies to conquer complicated challenges are suggested and potential fields of Mg/CNTs composites as upcoming structural material regarding functional requirements in aerospace, medical and automotive industries are particularly presented.
Fulltext Integrating health belief model and technology acceptance model: an investigation of health-related internet use

Ahadzadeh AS, Pahlevan Sharif S, Ong FS, Khong KW

J Med Internet Res, 2015;17(2):e45.
PMID: 25700481 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.3564

Today, people use the Internet to satisfy health-related information and communication needs. In Malaysia, Internet use for health management has become increasingly significant due to the increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, in particular among urban women and their desire to stay healthy. Past studies adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Health Belief Model (HBM) independently to explain Internet use for health-related purposes. Although both the TAM and HBM have their own merits, independently they lack the ability to explain the cognition and the related mechanism in which individuals use the Internet for health purposes.
Fulltext Disease impact and patient insight--a study on a local population of asthmatics

Ahmad NS, Chan MY, Hiew FL, Sharif SA, Vijayasingham P, Thayaparan T, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Oct;58(4):526-32.
PMID: 15190628

The cornerstone of asthma management is achieving adequate symptom control and patient education. We studied in our local population of asthmatic patients how well their symptoms were controlled with currently prescribed treatment and their insight into the disease and its management. Over a 6-month period, 93 asthmatics recruited from two local government health clinics and a state hospital were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Patients were classified into 4 groups based on the treatment they were on according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) treatment guidelines. The number of patients in Step 1 (rescue medication alone), Step 2 (1 controller medication), Step 3 (2 controller medications) and Step 4 (at least 3 controller medications) were 8, 39, 34 and 12, respectively. Except for day symptoms in Step 1 group, fewer than 50% achieved minimum day or night symptoms and no restriction of daily activities. Questions on patient insight were only available for 50 patients. Weather change (74%), air pollution (66%) and physical stress (46%) were the three highest ranked common asthma triggers. More than half correctly recognized the important symptoms of a serious asthma attack but fewer than 15% were familiar with the peak flow meter and its use or with the asthma self-management plan. Most patients perceived that their treatment had helped reduce disease severity and exacerbations. We conclude that symptom control and some aspect of patient education are still lacking in our local asthmatics.
Study site: Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan; Klinik Kesihatan Seremban; Klinik Kesihatan Ampangan, Malaysia
Fulltext Ultrastructure of Felis catus whole fetus (Fcwf-4) cell culture following infection with feline coronavirus

Alazawy A, Arshad SS, Bejo MH, Omar AR, Tengku Ibrahim TA, Sharif S, et al.

J Electron Microsc (Tokyo), 2011;60(4):275-82.
PMID: 21593079 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfr031

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) consists of two biotypes based on their growth in cell culture and their antigenicity. Infections with FCoV are highly prevalent in the cat population worldwide. In this study, Felis catus whole fetus (Fcwf-4)cell culture was infected with FCoV UPM11C/08. Virus multiplication in cell culture was monitored and examined under the transmission electron microscope. The virus particles revealed the characteristic morphology of feline FCoV represented by envelope viruses surrounded by peplomers. Virus attachment and entry into the cell occurred 15 h post-infection (pi), and the myriad of virus particles were observed both extracellularly and intracellularly after 48 h pi. Thereafter, intracellular virus particles were observed to be present in vacuoles or present freely in the cytoplasm.
Fulltext MWCNTs-TiO2 Incorporated-Mg Composites to Improve the Mechanical, Corrosion and Biological Characteristics for Use in Biomedical Fields

Amirzade-Iranaq MT, Omidi M, Bakhsheshi-Rad HR, Saberi A, Abazari S, Teymouri N, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2023 Feb 25;16(5).
PMID: 36903033 DOI: 10.3390/ma16051919

This study attempts to synthesize MgZn/TiO2-MWCNTs composites with varying TiO2-MWCNT concentrations using mechanical alloying and a semi-powder metallurgy process coupled with spark plasma sintering. It also aims to investigate the mechanical, corrosion, and antibacterial properties of these composites. When compared to the MgZn composite, the microhardness and compressive strength of the MgZn/TiO2-MWCNTs composites were enhanced to 79 HV and 269 MPa, respectively. The results of cell culture and viability experiments revealed that incorporating TiO2-MWCNTs increased osteoblast proliferation and attachment and enhanced the biocompatibility of the TiO2-MWCNTs nanocomposite. It was observed that the corrosion resistance of the Mg-based composite was improved and the corrosion rate was reduced to about 2.1 mm/y with the addition of 10 wt% TiO2-1 wt% MWCNTs. In vitro testing for up to 14 days revealed a reduced degradation rate following the incorporation of TiO2-MWCNTs reinforcement into a MgZn matrix alloy. Antibacterial evaluations revealed that the composite had antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 3.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. The MgZn/TiO2-MWCNTs composite structure has great potential for use in orthopedic fracture fixation devices.
Fulltext Improved Bacteriostatic and Anticorrosion Effects of Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Coated Magnesium via Incorporation of Zinc Oxide

Bakhsheshi-Rad HR, Hamzah E, Ying WS, Razzaghi M, Sharif S, Ismail AF, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Apr 12;14(8).
PMID: 33921460 DOI: 10.3390/ma14081930

Magnesium has been recognized as a groundbreaking biodegradable biomaterial for implant applications, but its use is limited because it degrades too quickly in physiological solutions. This paper describes the research on the influence of polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan (CS)/zinc oxide (ZnO) composite coating (PCL/CS/ZnO) on the corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity of magnesium. The PCL/CS film presented a porous structure with thickness of about 40-50 μm, while after incorporation of ZnO into the PCL/CS, a homogenous film without pores and defects was attained. The ZnO embedded in PCL/CS enhanced corrosion resistance by preventing corrosive ions diffusion in the magnesium substrate. The corrosion, antibacterial, and cell interaction mechanism of the PCL/CS/ZnO composite coating is discussed in this study. In vitro cell culture revealed that the PCL/CS coating with low loaded ZnO significantly improved cytocompatibility, but coatings with high loaded ZnO were able to induce some cytotoxicity osteoblastic cells. It was also found that enhanced antibacterial activity of the PCL/CS/ZnO coating against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, while less significant antibacterial activity was detected for uncoated Mg and PCL/CS coating. Based on the results, the PCL/CS coatings loaded with low ZnO content may be recommended as a candidate material for biodegradable Mg-based orthopedic implant applications.
Transducer-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1) expression as a diagnostic immunohistochemical marker for synovial sarcoma and its association with morphological features

Bakrin IH, Hussain FA, Tuan Sharif SE

Malays J Pathol, 2016 Aug;38(2):117-22.
PMID: 27568668 MyJurnal

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a malignant soft tissue tumour of uncertain histogenesis which is defined by the translocation t(X;18) that produces the fusion oncogenes SYT-SSX. The emergence of transducer-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1) as a new immunohistochemical (IHC) marker for SS has offered an alternative to pathologists in differentiating SS from other histological mimics, especially in the setting of limited molecular facilities. We investigated the utility of IHC TLE1 expression against histomorphological features and other IHC markers in SS and non-SS tumours. Twenty-six cases of histologically diagnosed SS and 7 non-SS (for which SS was in the differential diagnosis) were subjected to TLE1 IHC staining, which was graded from 0 to 3+. Of the 26 SS cases, 12 each were biphasic and monophasic types and 2 were poorly-differentiated. TLE1 was expressed in 22/26 (84.6%) SS cases, of which 11/12 (91.7%) were biphasic, 10/12 (83.3%) monophasic and 1/2 (50%) poorly-differentiated tumours. Two of 7 (28.6%) non-SS cases were positive for TLE1. Immunopositivity of SS and non-SS cases for EMA were 20/26 (76.9%) and 2/7 (28.6%) respectively and for CK7 were 7/26 (26.9%) and 0/7 (0%) respectively. All cases were negative for CD34. Consistent histomorphological features for SS included mild nuclear pleomorphism, alternating tumour cellularity, fascicular growth pattern and thick ropy stromal collagen. In conclusion, TLE1 is not a stand-alone diagnostic IHC marker for SS. However, in the absence of molecular studies, it can contribute added diagnostic value in combination with morphological evaluation and other IHC markers such as EMA and CD34.
Eating patterns and prevalence of obesity. Lessons learned from the Malaysian Food Barometer

Fournier T, Tibère L, Laporte C, Mognard E, Ismail MN, Sharif SP, et al.

Appetite, 2016 12 01;107:362-371.
PMID: 27521166 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.08.009

The Malaysian society is experiencing and coping with a fast modernization process, which is characterized by a rapid urbanization and rural exodus, an important reduction of the size of households, and the emergence of a new middle class. The Malaysian Food Barometer launched in 2013 has provided better understanding how these macro issues have affected the lifestyles and especially the food habits of the Malaysians. The country has indeed undergone a transition period from under-nutrition to over-nutrition in a few decades, with the prevalence of overweight and obesity having markedly and rapidly increased. A quantitative survey (n = 2000), elaborated from a qualitative preliminary phase, was carried out with the aim of analyzing the transformation of food habits at the national level. The present article focuses on the BMI issue in Malaysia, and investigates its relationships with the socio-demographic variables of the population, as well as their eating patterns. The mean BMI is 23.64 kg/m2, with 9.5% of the sample being obese, and 22% overweight. Strong statistical associations have been identified between BMI and independent variables such as size of the living area, ethnicity, level of education, gender, and age. Contrary to general believe, overweight and obesity were neither associated with the number of food intakes taken per day (including snacks) nor with the frequency of eating out. Nonetheless, obesity is over-represented in people who have dissonant eating behaviors, i.e. who declare having fewer food intakes a day (food norms) than they do actually (food practices). This process testifies that the Malaysians are experiencing a "food transition", which is linked with socio-economic development.
Fulltext Copy number variants as modifiers of breast cancer risk for BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers

Hakkaart C, Pearson JF, Marquart L, Dennis J, Wiggins GAR, Barnes DR, et al.

Commun Biol, 2022 Oct 06;5(1):1061.
PMID: 36203093 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03978-6

The contribution of germline copy number variants (CNVs) to risk of developing cancer in individuals with pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants remains relatively unknown. We conducted the largest genome-wide analysis of CNVs in 15,342 BRCA1 and 10,740 BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers. We used these results to prioritise a candidate breast cancer risk-modifier gene for laboratory analysis and biological validation. Notably, the HR for deletions in BRCA1 suggested an elevated breast cancer risk estimate (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21), 95% confidence interval (95% CI = 1.09-1.35) compared with non-CNV pathogenic variants. In contrast, deletions overlapping SULT1A1 suggested a decreased breast cancer risk (HR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.59-0.91) in BRCA1 pathogenic variant carriers. Functional analyses of SULT1A1 showed that reduced mRNA expression in pathogenic BRCA1 variant cells was associated with reduced cellular proliferation and reduced DNA damage after treatment with DNA damaging agents. These data provide evidence that deleterious variants in BRCA1 plus SULT1A1 deletions contribute to variable breast cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers.
Improving Malaysian cocoa quality through the use of dehumidified air under mild drying conditions

Hii CL, Law CL, Cloke M, Sharif S

J Sci Food Agric, 2011 Jan 30;91(2):239-46.
PMID: 20872824 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4176

Various studies have been conducted in the past to improve the quality of Malaysian cocoa beans. However, the processing methods still remain crude and lack technological advancement. In terms of drying, no previous study has attempted to apply advanced drying technology to improve bean quality. This paper presents the first attempt to improve the quality of cocoa beans through heat pump drying using constant air (28.6 and 40.4 °C) and stepwise (step-up 30.7-43.6-56.9 °C and step-down 54.9-43.9 °C) drying profiles. Comparison was made against hot air drying at 55.9 °C.
Fulltext Hybrid Mold: Comparative Study of Rapid and Hard Tooling for Injection Molding Application Using Metal Epoxy Composite (MEC)

Hussin R, Sharif S, Nabiałek M, Zamree Abd Rahim S, Khushairi MTM, Suhaimi MA, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Feb 01;14(3).
PMID: 33535504 DOI: 10.3390/ma14030665

The mold-making industry is currently facing several challenges, including new competitors in the market as well as the increasing demand for a low volume of precision moldings. The purpose of this research is to appraise a new formulation of Metal Epoxy Composite (MEC) materials as a mold insert. The fabrication of mold inserts using MEC provided commercial opportunities and an alternative rapid tooling method for injection molding application. It is hypothesized that the addition of filler particles such as brass and copper powders would be able to further increase mold performance such as compression strength and thermal properties, which are essential in the production of plastic parts for the new product development. This study involved four phases, which are epoxy matrix design, material properties characterization, mold design, and finally the fabrication of the mold insert. Epoxy resins filled with brass (EB) and copper (EC) powders were mixed separately into 10 wt% until 30 wt% of the mass composition ratio. Control factors such as degassing time, curing temperature, and mixing time to increase physical and mechanical properties were optimized using the Response Surface Method (RSM). The study provided optimum parameters for mixing epoxy resin with fillers, where the degassing time was found to be the critical factor with 35.91%, followed by curing temperature with 3.53% and mixing time with 2.08%. The mold inserts were fabricated for EB and EC at 30 wt% based on the optimization outcome from RSM and statistical ANOVA results. It was also revealed that the EC mold insert offers better cycle time compared to EB mold insert material.
PERMA well-being and innovative work behaviour : A systematic literature review

Ibrahim NF, Mohamad Sharif S, Saleh H, Mat Hasan NH, Jayiddin NF

F1000Res, 2023;12:1338.
PMID: 38152588 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.141629.1

Background: The purpose of this research is to examine at how the literature measures the relationship between PERMA (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments) well-being and innovative work behaviour (IWB). Methods: This systematic literature review examines peer-reviewed English research papers published in 2012 that investigate the relationship between PERMA well-being and IWB. A total of 37 publications were discovered in 32 journals. Results: A total of 220 articles were initially retrieved from the database. 37 studies out of 220 satisfied the inclusion criteria and were thoroughly examined. Our findings present a comprehensive overview of the types of PERMA well-being related to IWB in different countries and industries. Literature-based research approaches are also discussed. Research methods from the previous literature are also discussed. Conclusions: This study is one of the first to conduct a systematic literature review (PRISMA) method on the relationship between PERMA well-being and IWB. This review suggests constructive future research directions.
Fulltext The impact of personality, skill, core competent level, professional training and transformation strategy as professional practice by administration towards teachers' commitment in secondary school in Sabah. [Impak personaliti, kemahiran, tahap kompetensi teras, latihan profesional serta strategi tranformasi amalan profesional pentadbir terhadap komitmen guru di sekolah-sekolah menengah di Sabah.]

Intang I, Mohd Sharif S

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(6):193-203.
MyJurnal

This article is aimed to research and to know the impact of personality, skill, core competent level professional training and transformation strategy as professional practice by the administrator towards teachers’ commitment in secondary school in Sabah. The country needs education system transformation and the school admins are seen to be the vital element in developing a High Performance School in facing the challenge of the 21st century. The research framework is based on the Northhouse Main Leadership Model Trait (2003, 2007), School Leadership Competency IAB (2009), Katz Three Model Skills (1974), Effective Leadership Framework by Strike, Sims, Mann and Whilhite (2016) and Teachers Commitment (Danneta, 2002). Qualitative research design is used with stratified random sampling with 1440 samples from 30 urban secondary schools and 30 rural secondary schools. The instrument used in this research is a set of questionnaire that was set by the researcher based on the observation and literature review. The finding of the research is hoped to give the best innovation strategy to prepare and to produce a highly qualified principal or headmaster to lead the school organization and to ensure the success of the National Education Development Plan (PPPM 2013-2025).
Keywords: leadership, teachers' comitment, national education development plan
Fulltext Awareness and preparedness of human monkeypox outbreak among university student: Time to worry or one to ignore?

Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Abdulla NM, El-Dahiyat F, Shahwan M, Hassan N, et al.

J Infect Public Health, 2022 Oct;15(10):1065-1071.
PMID: 36087548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.08.015

BACKGROUND: The growing number of human monkeypox cases worldwide illustrates the importance of early detection, prevention, management and quick action from healthcare authorities. The WHO confirmed a hundred of Monkeypox cases worldwide and disclosed Monkdypox as a worldwide emergency situation OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge about human monkeypox' source, signs/symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatment among Al Ain university students in the UAE.
METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess Al Ain University students' knowledge of Human Monkeypox. A validated questionnaire was distributed to students between lectures. The respondents' knowledge of human Monkeypox was assessed by 21 questions that examined the participants' knowledge of Monkeypox as follows: 5 items examined knowledge of the source, definition, and incubation time; 2items assessed the mechanism of transmission of human Monkeypox, 7 items assessed the signs and symptoms; 7 items assessed the preventative measures; and 6 items assessed the treatment modalities. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors influencing respondents' knowledge of human Monkeypox among university students.
RESULTS: A total of five hundred and fifty-eight (558) students participated in the study. The average knowledge score was 70.1%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 68.9 - 71.3. Of the total participants, 111 (19.9%) had poor knowledge about human Monkeypox, 320 (57.3%) had moderate knowledge, and 127 (22.8%) had good knowledge. The results of the statistical modelling showed that Old age (OR 0.681; 95% CI 1.005-1.016), female gender (OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.813 -0.961), participants from medical colleges (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.13 -1.32) having a history of human chickenpox infection (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.3-2.9) and receiving information on human Monkeypox during education (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.05-1.2) were strong determinants for good knowledge about human Monkeypox.
CONCLUSION: knowledge of Monkeypox among the participants is relatively low, particularly regarding the epidemiology, symptoms and treatments. Therefore, increasing knowledge of Monkeypox will be key to enhancing the capacity to respond to human monkeypox cases and to relay pertinent data to a disease surveillance system.
Association Between Preconception Care and Birth Outcomes

Jourabchi Z, Sharif S, Lye MS, Saeed A, Khor GL, Tajuddin SHS

Am J Health Promot, 2019 03;33(3):363-371.
PMID: 30011998 DOI: 10.1177/0890117118779808

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between preconception care and the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study comparing 2 groups: (1) integrated maternal health care (MHC) program (with preconception care) and (2) standard MHC program (without preconception care).
SETTING: Maternal health-care clinics in Alvand and Qazvin cities in Qazvin Province, Iran.
PARTICIPANTS: A total of 152 and 247 Iranian women aged 16 to 35 years were enrolled in the integrated MHC and standard MHC program, respectively.
MEASURES: The birth outcomes measured included low birth weight, preterm birth, maternal and neonatal complications, and mode of delivery (normal vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery).
ANALYSIS: Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of preconception care and risk of adverse birth outcomes with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) as effect sizes.
RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven women in integrated MHC and 218 women in standard MHC completed this study. Preconception care was associated with reduced risk of preterm birth (OR = 0.298; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.120-0.743; P = .009), low birth weight (OR = 0.406; 95% CI = 0.169-0.971; P = .043), maternal complication (OR = 0.399; 95% CI = 0.241-0.663; P < .001), and neonatal complications (OR = 0.460; 95% CI = 0.275-0.771; P = .003).
CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study revealed advantages of preconception care with reduced adverse birth outcomes.
Fulltext Review of global neurosurgery education: Horizon of Neurosurgery in the Developing Countries

Kato Y, Liew BS, Sufianov AA, Rasulic L, Arnautovic KI, Dong VH, et al.

Chinese neurosurgical journal, 2020;6:19.
PMID: 32922948 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-00194-1

Globally, the discipline of neurosurgery has evolved remarkably fast. Despite being one of the latest medical specialties, which appeared only around hundred years ago, it has witnessed innovations in the aspects of diagnostics methods, macro and micro surgical techniques, and treatment modalities. Unfortunately, this development is not evenly distributed between developed and developing countries. The same is the case with neurosurgical education and training, which developed from only traditional apprentice programs in the past to more structured, competence-based programs with various teaching methods being utilized, in recent times. A similar gap can be observed between developed and developing counties when it comes to neurosurgical education. Fortunately, most of the scholars working in this field do understand the coherent relationship between neurosurgical education and neurosurgical practice. In context to this understanding, a symposium was organized during the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Special World Congress Beijing 2019. This symposium was the brain child of Prof. Yoko Kato-one of the eminent leaders in neurosurgery and an inspiration for female neurosurgeons. Invited speakers from different continents presented the stages of development of neurosurgical education in their respective countries. This paper summarizes the outcome of these presentations, with particular emphasis on and the challenges faced by developing countries in terms of neurosurgical education and strategies to cope with these challenges.
Fulltext Correction to: Review of global neurosurgery education: Horizon of Neurosurgery in the Developing Countries

Kato Y, Liew BS, Sufianov AA, Rasulic L, Arnautovic KI, Dong VH, et al.

Chinese neurosurgical journal, 2020;6:30.
PMID: 32925985 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-00209-x

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-00194-1.].
Fulltext Midwifery Qualification in Selected Countries: A Rapid Review

Md Sharif S, Yap WS, Fun WH, Yoon EL, Abd Razak NF, Sararaks S, et al.

Nurs Rep, 2021 Oct 26;11(4):859-880.
PMID: 34968274 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep11040080

BACKGROUND: While the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) shows a decreasing trend, there is room for improvement. Midwifery education has been under scrutiny to ensure that graduates acquire knowledge and skills relevant to the local context.
OBJECTIVE: To review the basic professional midwifery qualification and pre-practice requirements in countries with lower MMR compared with Malaysia.
METHODS: A rapid review of country-specific Ministry of Health and Midwifery Association websites and Advanced Google using standardised key words. English-language documents reporting the qualifications of midwives or other requirements to practise midwifery from countries with a lower MMR than Malaysia were included.
RESULTS: Sixty-three documents from 35 countries were included. The minimum qualification required to become a midwife was a bachelor's degree. Most countries require registration or licensing to practise, and 35.5% have implemented preregistration national midwifery examinations. In addition, 13 countries require midwives to have nursing backgrounds.
CONCLUSION: In countries achieving better maternal outcomes than Malaysia, midwifes often have a degree or higher qualification. As such, there is a need to reinvestigate and revise the midwifery qualification requirements in Malaysia.
Fulltext Warpage Optimisation on the Moulded Part with Straight Drilled and Conformal Cooling Channels Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Glowworm Swarm Optimisation (GSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) Optimisation Approaches

Mohd Hanid MH, Abd Rahim SZ, Gondro J, Sharif S, Al Bakri Abdullah MM, Zain AM, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Mar 10;14(6).
PMID: 33802032 DOI: 10.3390/ma14061326

It is quite challenging to control both quality and productivity of products produced using injection molding process. Although many previous researchers have used different types of optimisation approaches to obtain the best configuration of parameters setting to control the quality of the molded part, optimisation approaches in maximising the performance of cooling channels to enhance the process productivity by decreasing the mould cycle time remain lacking. In this study, optimisation approaches namely Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Glowworm Swarm Optimisation (GSO) were employed on front panel housing moulded using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Each optimisation method was analysed for both straight drilled and Milled Groove Square Shape (MGSS) conformal cooling channel moulds. Results from experimental works showed that, the performance of MGSS conformal cooling channels could be enhanced by employing the optimisation approach. Therefore, this research provides useful scientific knowledge and an alternative solution for the plastic injection moulding industry to improve the quality of moulded parts in terms of deformation using the proposed optimisation approaches in the used of conformal cooling channels mould.
Fulltext Behavioral Pain Indicators in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit

Nazari R, Pahlevan Sharif S, Allen KA, Sharif Nia H, Yee BL, Yaghoobzadeh A

J Caring Sci, 2018 Dec;7(4):197-203.
PMID: 30607360 DOI: 10.15171/jcs.2018.030

Introduction: A consistent approach to pain assessment for patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) is a major difficulty for health practitioners due to some patients' inability, to express their pain verbally. This study aimed to assess pain behaviors (PBs) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients at different levels of consciousness. Methods: This study used a repeated-measure, within-subject design with 35 patients admitted to an ICU. The data were collected through observations of nociceptive and non-nociceptive procedures, which were recorded through a 47-item behavior-rating checklist. The analyses were performed by SPSS ver.13 software. Results: The most frequently observed PBs during nociceptive procedures were facial expression levator contractions (65.7%), sudden eye openings (34.3%), frowning (31.4%), lip changes (31.4%), clear movement of extremities (57.1%), neck stiffness (42.9%), sighing (31.4%), and moaning (31.4%). The number of PBs exhibited by participants during nociceptive procedures was significantly higher than those observed before and 15 minutes after the procedures. Also, the number of exhibited PBs in patients during nociceptive procedures was significantly greater than that of exhibited PBs during the non-nociceptive procedure. The results showed a significant difference between different levels of consciousness and also between the numbers of exhibited PBs in participants with different levels of traumatic brain injury severity. Conclusion: The present study showed that most of the behaviors that have been observed during painful stimulation in patients with traumatic brain injury included facial expressions, sudden eye opening, frowning, lip changes, clear movements of extremities, neck stiffness, and sighing or moaning.

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