Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 204 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Azmi SS, Ibrahim YS, Angsupanich S, Sumpuntarat P, Sato M
    Zookeys, 2021;1011:1-24.
    PMID: 33551646 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1011.59780
    The reproductive and developmental characteristics of the nereidid polychaete, Neanthes glandicincta Southern, 1921, commonly recorded in tropical estuaries in the Indo-West Pacific, were examined from Malaysia (the mangrove area of Kuala Ibai, Terengganu) and Thailand (the Lower Songkhla Lagoon) on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. Epitokous metamorphosis of fully mature males and females and their reproductive swimming behaviour were recorded based on ten Malaysian epitokous specimens, which were collected at night during spring tides in a period of January 2018 to March 2019. Six Thailand epitokes were obtained in February and March 2006 by the laboratory rearing of immature worms. Epitokous metamorphosis is characterised by the enlargement of eyes in both sexes, division of the body into three parts and modification of parapodia with additional lobes in the mid-body of males, and replacement of atokous chaetae in the mid-body by epitokous natatory chaetae, completely in males and incompletely in females. The diameter of coelomic unfertilised eggs in females was 100-140 µm. After fertilisation, each egg formed a jelly layer, inside which embryonic development progressed. Trochophores hatched out of the jelly layer, entering a short free-swimming larval phase followed by demersal life at the early stage of 3-chaetiger nectochaeta one day after fertilisation. Then, the larvae entered benthic life as juveniles, crawling on the bottom, at the late stage of 3-chaetiger nectochaeta two days after fertilisation. The results indicate that N. glandicincta has an annual life cycle, which is usually completed within an estuary with limited larval dispersal ability.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  2. Jestin Jelani, Nur Amirah Adnan, Hapsa Husen, Mohd Nazrin Mohd Daud, Suriyadi Sojipto
    MyJurnal
    This study is a continuation of previous research work conducted by the author on the stability of man-made slope constructed in UPNM campus. This paper presents the effects of ground water level (GWL) fluctuation on slope stability by using numerical simulation program, SlopeW. Ground water rises were simulated from 5m below the ground until 10m above the ground. Soil samples were taken from the site and tested in laboratory and then were incorporated into the program. It was found that the stability of the slope decreased with an increase of GWL. The critical slip surface formed by each case study is categorised as toe failure with circular and non-circular shapes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  3. Soh LT, Squires RC, Tan LK, Pok KY, Yang H, Liew C, et al.
    Western Pac Surveill Response J, 2016 04 22;7(2):26-34.
    PMID: 27508088 DOI: 10.5365/WPSAR.2016.7.1.002
    OBJECTIVE: To conduct an external quality assessment (EQA) of dengue and chikungunya diagnostics among national-level public health laboratories in the Asia Pacific region following the first round of EQA for dengue diagnostics in 2013.

    METHODS: Twenty-four national-level public health laboratories performed routine diagnostic assays on a proficiency testing panel consisting of two modules. Module A contained serum samples spiked with cultured dengue virus (DENV) or chikungunya virus (CHIKV) for the detection of nucleic acid and DENV non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen. Module B contained human serum samples for the detection of anti-DENV antibodies.

    RESULTS: Among 20 laboratories testing Module A, 17 (85%) correctly detected DENV RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 18 (90%) correctly determined serotype and 19 (95%) correctly identified CHIKV by RT-PCR. Ten of 15 (66.7%) laboratories performing NS1 antigen assays obtained the correct results. In Module B, 18/23 (78.3%) and 20/20 (100%) of laboratories correctly detected anti-DENV IgM and IgG, respectively. Detection of acute/recent DENV infection by both molecular (RT-PCR) and serological methods (IgM) was available in 19/24 (79.2%) participating laboratories.

    DISCUSSION: Accurate laboratory testing is a critical component of dengue and chikungunya surveillance and control. This second round of EQA reveals good proficiency in molecular and serological diagnostics of these diseases in the Asia Pacific region. Further comprehensive diagnostic testing, including testing for Zika virus, should comprise future iterations of the EQA.

    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories/standards*
  4. Hamid MAA, Aziz HA, Yusoff MS, Rezan SA
    Water Environ Res, 2021 Apr;93(4):596-607.
    PMID: 32991022 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1461
    The high-strength leachate produced from sanitary landfill is a serious issue around the world as it poses adverse effects on aquatic life and human health. Physio-chemical technology is one of the promising options as the leachate normally presents in stabilized form and not fully amendable by biological treatment. In this research, the effectiveness of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) augmented electrocoagulation process (hybrid system) for removing high-strength ammonia (3,442 mg/L) and color (8,427 Pt-Co) from naturally saline (15 ppt) local landfill leachate was investigated. A batch mode laboratory-scale reactor with parallel-monopolar aluminum electrodes attached to a direct current (DC) electric power was used as an electrocoagulation reactor for performance enhancement purpose. Optimum operational conditions of 146 g/L zeolite dosage, 600 A/m2 current density, 60 min treatment time, 200 rpm stirring speed, 35 min settling duration, and pH 9 were recorded with up to 70% and 88% removals of ammonia and color, respectively. The estimated overall operational cost was 26.22 $/m3 . The biodegradability of the leachate had improved from 0.05 to 0.27 in all post-treatment processes. The findings revealed the ability of the hybrid process as a viable option in eliminating concentrated ammonia and color in natural saline landfill leachate. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Clinoptilolite was augmented on the electrocoagulation process in saline and stabilized landfill leachate (15 ppt). The high strength NH3 -N (3,442 mg/L) and color (8,427 Pt-Co) were 70% and 88% removed, respectively. The optimum conditions occurred at 140 g/L zeolite, 60 mA/cm2 current density, 60 min, and final pH of 8.20. The biodegradability of the leachate improved from 0.05 to 0.27 after the treatment. This hybrid treatment was simple, faster, and did not require auxiliary electrolyte.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  5. Hamidi H, Sharifi Haddad A, Wisdom Otumudia E, Rafati R, Mohammadian E, Azdarpour A, et al.
    Ultrasonics, 2021 Feb;110:106288.
    PMID: 33142226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2020.106288
    Ultrasound technique is an inexpensive and ecofriendly technology commonly used in oil and gas industry to improve oil recovery and its applications have been successfully tested in both laboratory and field scales. In this technique, high-power ultrasonic waves are utilized downhole to improve oil recovery and reduce formation damage in near wellbore region that causes a reduction in hydrocarbon production rate due to the penetration of mud, scale deposition, etc. In most of the cases, barriers for the oil flow to the wellbore are effectively removed by using the ultrasound technique and the effect of improved oil recovery may last up to several months. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of recent laboratory, field and mathematical studies to serve as reference for future extensive examination of ultrasound assisted improved oil recovery. As an added value to this field of study, research gaps and opportunities based on the review of recent works were identified and factors that needs to be considered to improve the outcome of future studies were recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  6. N.Hafiza, Faizah Shaharom-Harrison
    MyJurnal
    Cucullanus sp. is a genus of nematode infecting Barbonymus schwanenfeldii. It is categorized under Family Cucullunidae. The genus Cucullanus sp consists of various species around the world, parasitizing freshwater, brackish-water or marine fishes. Cucullanus sp are mainly found in internal organs like stomach, intestine, kidney, and spleen. This parasitic organism can cause an economic impact, especially for animals with high market value, which are commercialized and used for human consumption. The objectives of this study are to study the morphological characteristics of Cucullanus sp and to identify genus of Cucullanus sp which are found on tinfoil barb, Barbonymus schwanenfeldii at Kenyir Lake, Terengganu. There is not enough data on Cucullanus sp on B. schwanenfeldii. Six samples of tinfoil barb were collected at Kenyir Lake from 25 to 27 October 2018. Each sample of fish was measured and recorded for length and weight using ruler and weighing balance respectively. The fish were examined at camping site at Lawit Resort, Kenyir Lake. The nematode species found were brought back to Health of Aquatic Organism laboratory. The abdominal and gastrointestinal tracts of the fishes were dissected and placed in petri dishes. The nematodes found were collected and observed under the dissecting microscope. The nematode specimen was placed on a glass slide with a drop of lactophenol and observed under the compound microscope fitted with dino-eye. The sample was later fixed with 70% alcohol. The morphological characteristic was drawn using camera lucida fitted to a compound microscope. (40X magnification). The picture of nematode was captured by using Advanced Research Microscope (Nikon Eclipse 80i) and measurements of the nematode was also made. Hence, the nematode found was identified as male Cucullanus sp.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  7. Ng KP, Kuan CS, Kaur H, Na SL, Atiya N, Velayuthan RD
    Trop Med Int Health, 2015 Nov;20(11):1447-1453.
    PMID: 26216479 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12577
    To describe a prospective laboratory-based surveillance of Candida species that were collected from different anatomical sites of patients admitted to the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia, from the year 2000 to 2013.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  8. Kawamura G, Bagarinao T, Yong ASK, Noor SN, Lim LS
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):103-112.
    PMID: 29644018 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.7
    The effect of low pH on the tactile sense of Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae was determined in the laboratory by means of two behavioural assays: shelter (netting) occupancy and jumping response to touch stimuli (taps) by a glass micropipette. The postlarvae were acclimated to pH 4, pH 5, pH 6 and pH 7.5 (control) in 45 L aquaria 5-7 d before the experiments. Shelter occupancy decreased with pH and was significantly lower at pH 4 and pH 5 than at pH 6 and in the control. The jumping response instantly followed a tap 93-98% of the time in the control, pH 6 and pH 5 treatments. However, the postlarvae showed significantly lower jumping response (65%) at pH 4, indicating an impaired tactile sense. Low pH 4-5 probably degrades the chitin of the sensory setae and inhibits the surface mechanoreceptors of the prawn postlarvae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  9. Kumar Y, Mani KR, Tahlan AK
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2019 Jan;30(1):57-71.
    PMID: 30847033 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2019.30.1.4
    A number of countries, including developed countries, still have typhoid fever as a major problem resulting in frequent outbreaks. The importance of controlling spread of typhoid fever is well known and necessitates periodic studies to delineate epidemiological relationships. Although phage typing remains to be the preferred conventional method for characterisation of typhoid bacilli, it is of limited use due to prevalence of few predominant phage types in the country like India. Therefore, an effort has been made to assess three molecular methods [Outer Membrane Protein (OMP) Profiling, Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)] for typing of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. 128 Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates were identified using biotyping and serotyping followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These isolates were further subjected to OMP analysis, RAPD and PFGE. PFGE (114 unique clusters) was found to be the most discriminatory method followed by RAPD (94 unique clusters) and OMP profiling (50 unique clusters). Multidrug resistant strains were well discriminated by all three methods used in the study. PFGE still remains the most preferred method for detailed epidemiological investigations. However, random amplification of polymorphic DNA and outer membrane protein profiling can also be considered for molecular discrimination of the isolates in the laboratories lacking high-end facilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  10. Rohani A, Yulfi H, Zamree I, Lee HL
    Trop Biomed, 2005 Dec;22(2):149-54.
    PMID: 16883281 MyJurnal
    A study of chikungunya virus was carried out to establish Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) as a rapid detection technique of the virus. The susceptibility of lab-colonized Aedes aegypti to chikungunya virus was also determined. Artificial membrane feeding technique was used to orally feed the mosquitoes with a human isolate of chikungunya virus. A total of 100 fully engorged female Ae. aegypti were obtained and maintained for 7 days. Seventy of them survived and then pooled at 10 individuals per pool. Total RNA was extracted from the samples and RT-PCR amplifications were carried out. Five out of 7 pools showed positive PCR band at 350-bp, indicating Ae. aegypti is a potential vector of chikungunya virus. The minimum infection rate (MIR) was 71% within these laboratory colonies. RT-PCR is a sensitive technique that is useful in detecting infected mosquitoes in epidemic areas. This technique can de used as a rapid detection method and provide an early virologic surveillance systems of chikungunya virus infected mosquitoes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  11. Roozbehani M, Gharavi MJ, Moradi M, Razmjou E
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):908-914.
    PMID: 33601840
    During pregnancy, Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted from mother to foetus and trigger a primary infection that may be symptomatic. It is important to distinguish between recently acquired and past infections to ensure proper treatment to minimize irreversible foetal injury. We used PCR of the B1 gene to evaluate the accuracy of T. gondii IgG antibody avidity testing in discriminating recent from past infection. In a cross-sectional study, T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by enzyme linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) in 2120 serum samples from pregnant women referred to Karaj medical laboratories, February 2013 through March 2015 with 40 samples found positive. IgM-positive samples were evaluated by IgG avidity testing and PCR to amplify the B1 gene. Avidity studies indicated 20 samples with high IgG avidity, 15 with low IgG avidity, and five showing borderline values. The B1 gene was amplified in the borderline samples, with nine of the 15 showing low avidity. The B1 gene was not amplified in the high avidity sera. Our findings suggest that IgG avidity alone may not be sufficient to discriminate recent from past T. gondii infection and should not be used as the sole confirmatory test in pregnant women with IgG and IgM T. gondii antibodies. IgG avidity testing in combination with PCR may be more reliable for distinguishing between high- and low-risk infection and decrease the frequency of unnecessary treatment of pregnant women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  12. Lotfalikhani A, Khosravi Y, Sabet NS, Na SL, Ng KP, Tay ST
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1123-1130.
    PMID: 33601859
    Candida glabrata has been reported as the second or third most common yeast species isolated from patients with vaginitis and invasive candidiasis. This study was aimed to determine the genetic diversity, antifungal susceptibility and enzymatic profiles of C. glabrata isolated from vaginal and blood samples in the Medical Microbiology Diagnostic Laboratory, University Malaya Medical Centre. A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis method, using M13 and (GTG)5 primers, was used for strain differentiation of C. glabrata isolates. Antifungal susceptibility testing of C. glabrata isolates was determined using E-test against amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole and microbroth dilution method against clotrimazole. The enzymic profiles of C. glabrata were determined using APIZYM semi-quantitation kit and egg-yolk agar method. A total of 14 RAPD patterns were identified amongst C. glabrata isolates investigated this study. Susceptibility to amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole was noted. Approximately one third of the isolates demonstrated resistance to clotrimazole (MIC>=1 µg/ml). A single isolate of C. glabrata was resistant to caspofungin (MIC:1.5 µg/ml). Enzymatic activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidases, esterase and lipase and phospholipase were detected in the C. glabrata isolates. The genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility profiles of C. glabrata isolates were presented in this study. Continued surveillance and monitoring of the incidence and antifungal resistance in C. glabrata isolates is necessary.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  13. Diyes GCP, Karunaratne WAIP, Tomberlin JK, Rajakaruna RS
    Trop Biomed, 2015 Dec 01;32(4):791-795.
    PMID: 33557472
    Megaselia scalaris (Loew) is a cosmopolitan polyphagous small fly with the ability of exploiting variety of ecological niches. Different life history stages act as detritivore, parasite, and parasitoid of wider spectrum of plant and animal matter under natural and laboratory conditions. Here, for the first time we present the opportunistic parasitism of M. scalaris on Otobius megnini, which act as a vector of Q fever and is capable of causing paralysis, toxic conditions, otoacariasis and otitis in humans and other animals. Tick samples from the ear canals of 14 thoroughbred horses were brought to the laboratory and several days later, larvae of M. scalaris were found feeding on immature stages of O. megnini. When the development was completed pupae were found attached to adult ticks and all nymphs were found dead. This context reveals the capability of M. scalaris surviving on O. megnini and the risk of their invading ear canals of horses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  14. Tabbabi A, Daaboub J, Laamari A, Ben-Cheikh R, Feriani M, Boubaker C, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1107-1114.
    PMID: 33601857
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance status of Culex pipiens pipiens to pirimiphos-methyl insecticide. Three field populations of mosquitoes were collected from Tunisia and analyzed in laboratory. The samples studied showed low level of resistance not exceeding 5-folds. The low resistance recorded is particularly interesting, because it leaves a range of tools useable by vector control services. Both metabolic and target-site resistance mechanisms were identified. Different esterases of high activity including A2-B2, A4-B4 (and/or A5-B5) and B12 were observed in studied field samples using starch electrophoresis although opposite results were found using synergists tests on samples # 1 and 3. The polymorphism of AChE1 (Acetylcholinesterase) was analyzed and three phenotypes were detected: susceptible (ACHE1S, phenotype [SS]), resistant (ACHE1R, phenotype [RR]), and heterozygous (phenotype [RS]) of ACHE1. The resistance of Culex pipiens pipiens to pirimiphos-methyl remains low although the occurrences of multiple resistance mechanisms are able to confer high resistance levels to organophosphate insecticides. Therefore, continuous monitoring of resistance is fundamental for rational use of insecticides and mosquito control programs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  15. Komatsu N, Lio H, Ooi HK
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):48-52.
    PMID: 33973572 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.036
    We described a new species of cockroach, Periplaneta gajajimana sp. nov., which was collected in Gajajima, Kagoshima-gun Toshimamura, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, on November 2012. The new species is characterized by its reddish brown to blackish brown body, smooth surface pronotum, well developed compound eyes, dark brown head apex, dark reddish brown front face and small white ocelli connected to the antennal sockets. In male, the tegmen tip reach the abdomen end or are slightly shorter, while in the female, it does not reach the abdominal end and exposes the abdomen beyond the 7th abdominal plate. We confirmed the validity of this new species by breeding the specimens in our laboratory to demonstrate that the features of the progeny were maintained for several generations. For comparison and easy identification of this new species, the key to species identification of the genus Periplaneta that had been reported in Japan to date are also presented.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  16. Nazni WA, Lee HL, Dayang HA, Azahari AH
    PMID: 19323032
    Reciprocal and homologous mating experiments between Malaysian Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were conducted in the laboratory. Two methods were employed, namely an artificial mating technique and a natural cage mating technique. The study demonstrated there exists a strong reproductive isolation between Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Insemination occurred in cross-mating experiments between Ae. aegypti females and Ae. albopictus males and also between Ae. albopictus females and Ae. aegypti males. Cross mating between Ae. aegypti females and Ae. albopictus males produced more eggs than that between Ae. albopictus females and Ae. aegypti males with both artificial mating and natural cage mating techniques. The matings did not result in the production of viable eggs by the females. No embryonation of these eggs was observed when the eggs were bleached. With homologous mating Aedes aegypti produced significantly greater numbers of eggs compared to Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and all the eggs hatched successfully.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories
  17. Aziah BD, Rusli BN, Winn T, Naing L, Tengku MA
    PMID: 15691158
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the risk factors of job-related depression in laboratory technicians in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) Hospitals in Kelantan, between September 2001 and February 2002. One hundred and two laboratory technicians from HUSM and 79 from KKM Hospitals were selected and 84 (82.4%) from HUSM and 71 (89.9%) from KKM Hospitals were recruited as study subjects. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire using the validated Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), originally developed by Robert Karasek. The results indicated significant associations between the risk factors of job-related depression, and low social support, and high psychological demands (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-8.8) in laboratory technicians in HUSM. However, for laboratory technicians in KKM Hospitals, the significant association was between job-related depression, and low social support and low decision authority (OR 9.7, 95% CI 1.1-91.1). Low social support was highly associated with job-related depression in laboratory technicians in HUSM and KKM Hospitals. We, therefore, conclude that low social support positively predicted depression in laboratory technicians in HUSM and KKM Hospitals. In addition, high psychological demands also significantly predicted depression in laboratory technicians in HUSM; however, for laboratory technicians in KKM Hospitals, low decision authority was the significant predictor of depression.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories, Hospital/manpower*
  18. Lee KN, Yoon SY, Cho HI
    PMID: 12755265
    The Asian Network for Clinical Laboratory Standardization (ANCLS) decided to start her First Inter-laboratory Quality Assurance survey at the business meeting during the Second Asian Colloquium on October 21-22, 2000 in Kobe, Japan. The first survey materials of Asian Quality Assurance Survey (AQuAS) were distributed in July 2001 to 21 hospitals in the field of chemistry and 22 hospitals in the field of hematology among total 24 participating laboratories from seven Asian countries: Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The survey methods in chemistry and in hematology were somewhat different. In chemistry the survey material was considered as unknown but handled similarly to the sample from the patient. Nineteen routine tests were performed only once. The hematology samples were considered as unknown but handled similarly to control or calibration material. Five parameters were tested five times repetitively and their average for each parameter was calculated. All the results were supposed to be sent back to the office within two weeks. Although it took more than two weeks, the return rate was 100%. The analysis was performed in several ways such as all the results together, by instruments and by methods. Mean, standard deviation (SD), standard deviation index (SDI), coefficient of variation (CV) and variance index score (VIS) were to be calculated in chemistry, and in hematology the same parameter were to be calculated except CV and VIS. In the first survey, the CV in chemistry was not calculated and the analysis by instrument or by methodology was also not attempted since there were not enough participating hospitals to do such analysis. In hematology the analysis was done by instrument only. The survey process was carried out successfully though there were some difficulties in communication tools, transportation methods and handling of specimens due to different weather conditions, and returning the report in the correct unit and to the correct place. The submitted data were acceptable for analysis. There were some differences in the units of measurement in different countries or laboratories. It was necessary to convert some of the units. Some laboratories apparently do not perform certain tests such as calcium, potasium and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT). The gamma-GT is the most frequently not performed test. With the experience of this first survey, all the members involved in the survey have been trained well to do future surveys.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories/standards*
  19. Nawawi H, Lim HH, Zakiah I
    PMID: 10926257
    An activity supportive of the MOH QA Programme, the National EQAS for clinical chemistry monitors for analytical performance in core routine biochemical testing by the pathology laboratories, with unsatisfactory performance scores serving to alert against deficiencies or problems and the scores in subsequent challenges providing the feedback of effectiveness of remedial actions taken. While unacceptable individual analyte performance score (variance index score, VIS) indicated problems in instruments, reagent and calibrators, or the use of inherently poorer methods, repeated occurrence of unsatisfactory OMRVIS was traceable to generally poor laboratory management of usually inadequately-equipment small laboratories. The outcome has been one of slow but gradual improvement in the overall performance of participating laboratories, with a move towards methods upgrading and standardization to achieve greater concordance of results. Presently, the programme is limited to 61 government and 4 private hospital laboratories in the country for 12 commonly assayed clinical biochemistry analytes. It is hoped that the NEQAS could be extended to the other private laboratories and that of academic institutions. However, this is dependent to a large extent on the manpower and financial support obtainable by the organizing body of the programme in the future. Belk and Sunderman, 1947 demonstrated that laboratories participating in an quality assessment scheme could rapidly and dramatically improve their analytical performance. In some countries, participation has become mandatory, and acceptable performance is a requirement in laboratory accreditation. The need and value of the NEQAP is, therefore, evident. While there may be limitations in the national programme. efforts are being made at improving the programme within the means and resources of the organising body. The goals of the NEQAP are not just to monitor performance but also to educate. On this, matters related to and supportive of these goals have also been pursued. The annual workshop/forum on quality controls had allowed exchange of information between representatives of participating laboratories and the organising body. Recently in the 1997 MOH Quality Improvement evaluation, Quality Control has been evaluated together with the other 17 such activities. The study on knowledge, attitude and practice has provided the necessary feedback and will be used for future planning in making efforts at increasing the effectiveness and benefits of the all QC activities including this NEQAP for clinical chemistry. In addition, there is a need to look into areas such as selection of methods and test systems, and improvement of continuing education, training as well as research in quality improvement as suggested by the Quality Improvement evaluation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories, Hospital/standards*
  20. Nehzat F, Huda BZ, Tajuddin SH
    PMID: 24968690
    Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) has been proven a reliable and valid instrument to assess job stress in many countries and among various occupations. In Malaysia, both English and Malay versions of the JCQ have been administered to automotive workers, schoolteachers, and office workers. This study assessed the reliability and validity of the instrument with research laboratory staff in a university. A cross sectional study was conducted among 258 research laboratory staff in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Malaysian laboratory staff who have worked for at least one year were randomly selected from nine faculties and institutes in the university that have research laboratory. A self-administered English and Malay version of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was used. Three major scales of JCQ: decision latitude, psychological job demands, and social support were assessed. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of two scales were acceptable, decision latitude and psychological job demands (0.70 and 0.72, respectively), while Cronbach's alpha coefficient for social support (0.86) was good. Exploratory factor analysis showed five factors that correspond closely to the theoretical construct of the questionnaire. The results of this research suggest that the JCQ is reliable and valid for examining psychosocial work situations and job strain among research laboratory staff. Further studies should be done for confirmative results, and further evaluation is needed on the decision authority subscale for this occupation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laboratories/manpower*
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links