Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 76 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Bennett CL, Pei GK, Ultmann JE
    West. J. Med., 1996 Jul-Aug;165(1-2):37-42.
    PMID: 8855683
    Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia are initiating health care reform to meet the changing demands of populations with improved socioeconomic status and access to modern technologies and who are living longer than in previous generations. Hong Kong, in particular, is facing a unique set of circumstances as its people prepare for the transition in 1997 from a British colony to a Special Administrative Region of China. While spending only 4% of its gross domestic product on health care, it has a large and regulated public hospital system for most inpatient medical care and a separate, loosely regulated private health care system for most outpatient medical care. In 1993 the Secretary for Health and Welfare of Hong Kong initiated a year-long process to debate the pros and cons of 5 fundamental programs for health care reform. After a year of open consultation, options were chosen. We describe the Hong Kong health care system, the fundamental changes that have been adopted, and lessons for reformers in the United States.
    Matched MeSH terms: Medical Laboratory Science
  2. Sirisinha S, Koontongkaew S, Phantumvanit P, Wittayawuttikul R
    J Investig Clin Dent, 2011 May;2(2):72-80.
    PMID: 25426599 DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-1626.2011.00048.x
    This communication analyzed research publications in dentistry in the Institute of Scientific Information Web of Science databases of 10 dental faculties in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 2000 to 2009. The term used for the "all-document types" search was "Faculty of Dentistry/College of Dentistry." Abstracts presented at regional meetings were also included in the analysis. The Times Higher Education System QS World University Rankings showed that universities in the region fare poorly in world university rankings. Only the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University appeared in the top 100 in 2009; 19 universities in the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, appeared in the top 500. Data from the databases showed that research publications by dental institutes in the region fall short of their Asian counterparts. Singapore and Thailand are the most active in dental research of the ASEAN countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Science
  3. Marzan M, Islam DZ, Lugova H, Krishnapillai A, Haque M, Islam S
    Infect Drug Resist, 2021;14:519-533.
    PMID: 33603416 DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S289964
    Background: Antibiotics are lifesaving drugs, and inappropriate uses lead to the resistance that renders them ineffective. This study aims to understand knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning antibiotic use and resistance among university students in Bangladesh.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from January to April 2020 among students at Jahangirnagar University (JU), Bangladesh. Purposive sampling was conducted through an in-person interview using a structured questionnaire. Students from the faculties of biological sciences and non-biology background were included. The univariate ordinal regression technique was used to analyze the relationship between predictors and good knowledge about the antibiotics. A two-tailed p-value was calculated to determine statistical association.

    Results: Out of 205 study participants, 92 and 113 responders were from biological science faculty and non-biology disciplines, respectively. Less than half of the students (42.4%) showed a good knowledge level (scores higher than 80%). Biology-background students possess better knowledge than non-biology students [odds ratio (OR) = 4.44, 95% confidence level (CL) (2.56, 7.70), p < 0.001]. A better attitude was noticed among all students. The self-medication rate was quite low, and more than 90% of students were found to consume antibiotics according to the physician's prescription. Lack of treatment adherence was recorded, and students admitted to stop-taking antibiotics when symptoms disappeared (48.67% biology and 36.26% non-biology). Multivariate regression analysis was unable to detect any significant association between self-medication and gender, student category or the level of knowledge about antibiotics.

    Conclusion: Students of biological science background possessed better knowledge indicating the importance of appropriate curriculum imparted in knowledge buildup. Introducing a short course about the risk and development of antibiotic resistance will grow the students' awareness to avoid the resistance phenomenon.

    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Science Disciplines
  4. Amarra, Sofia, Chan, Pauline
    Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(1):139-142.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition Task Force, International Life Sciences Institute Southeast Asia (ILSI SEA) Region, organised the 1st and 2nd Expert Consultation and Planning Meeting on Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition in 2009 and 2011, respectively. The goal of the consultations was “to generate and promote relevant science-based information that will help improve nutritional status, growth and development of infants and young children in Southeast Asia.” Methods: An Expert Panel Core Group was created whose role is to provide advice and recommendations through a review of current scientific knowledge regarding issues related to early childhood growth and nutrition. The Panel is composed of experts representing 7 countries (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). In July 2012, the Panel convened the 3rd Expert Consultation and Planning Meeting on Infant and Young Child Nutrition in Singapore. This report presents the highlights of the meeting and recommendations made by the Panel on ways to improve infant and young child nutrition in Southeast Asia. Results and Conclusion: The effective use of WHO indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices, mitigating the effects of maternal employment on breastfeeding, using behaviour change communication, updating the education of health personnel, and improving maternal health were considered important actions to be taken. Since current feeding practices in Southeast Asia fall short of WHO recommendations, studies are needed to develop strategies which take into consideration the diverse cultural settings that characterise the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Science Disciplines
  5. Funston G, Piper RJ, Connell C, Foden P, Young AM, O'Neill P
    Med Teach, 2016 Oct;38(10):1041-1048.
    PMID: 27008336 DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2016.1150981
    BACKGROUND: Engaging and inspiring the next generation of physician-scientists at an early stage is recognised as key to ensure the future of medical research. However, little is known about medical student perceptions of research.
    OBJECTIVES: We attempted to ascertain perceptions of research and research-orientated careers from medical students studying in different countries.
    METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed, piloted, and promoted to medical students in various countries.
    RESULTS: 1625 responses were collected from 38 countries. Analysis was restricted to data collected from countries with >100 responses (n = 890). Less than half the respondents felt their medical school provided adequate research training. Key perceived barriers to research participation as a student included lack of time and difficulty finding mentors or projects. A significant gender disparity existed in research ambitions of students with females desiring less research involvement. The importance of barriers and satisfaction with research training differed significantly between countries.
    CONCLUSIONS: Students perceive a number of key barriers to research involvement and pursuit of research-orientated careers. Programmes designed to engage students with research should focus on overcoming identified barriers. Greater effort is needed to engage female students who report more significant barriers and less desire to follow research-orientated careers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Science
  6. Lua PL, Zakaria NS
    J Altern Complement Med, 2012 Jun;18(6):534-40.
    PMID: 22784340 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0862
    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compile existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of essential oils (EOs) administered via inhalation for the alleviation of nausea and vomiting.

    METHODS: CINAHL, PubMed, and EBSCO Host and Science Direct databases were searched for articles related to the use of EOs and/or aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting. Only articles using English as a language of publication were included. Eligible articles included all forms of evidence (nonexperimental, experimental, case report). Interventions were limited to the use of EOs by inhalation of their vapors to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting in various conditions regardless of age group. Studies where the intervention did not utilize EOs or were concerned with only alcohol inhalation and trials that combined the use of aromatherapy with other treatments (massage, relaxations, or acupressure) were excluded.

    RESULTS: Five (5) articles met the inclusion criteria encompassing trials with 328 respondents. Their results suggest that the inhaled vapor of peppermint or ginger essential oils not only reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting but also decreased antiemetic requirements and consequently improved patient satisfaction. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to methodological flaws in the existing research articles and an acute lack of additional research in this area.

    CONCLUSIONS: The existing evidence is encouraging but yet not compelling. Hence, further well-designed large trials are needed before confirmation of EOs effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting can be strongly substantiated.

    Matched MeSH terms: Science
  7. Lua PL, Wan Putri Elena WD, Mohd Razif S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):37-49.
    PMID: 23785251 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: University students generally tend to engage in problematic eating behaviours, including unhealthy dieting, skipping meals, and high intake of fast food, although they are aware of the negative consequences. Eating behaviours have been shown to be interestingly related to quality of life (QoL). Our study aimed to 1) assess general nutrition quality of life (NQoL) status and 2) compare NQoL status based on gender, financial resources, study courses, year of study, and body mass index (BMI) profiles.
    METHODS: This study was conducted among undergraduates of health sciences in a local public university in Terengganu. Students completed the Malay version of NQoL (6 domains; 50 items; Likert-type responses 1-5). Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS 16.0, utilising descriptive and parametric statistics.
    RESULTS: A total of 241 students were enrolled [age = 19.7 (0.1) years; female (83.0%); Malay (96.7%)]. Social/Interpersonal Factors [3.84 (0.43)] emerged as the best component, while Food Impact [3.10 (0.40)] was the worst. Across all variables, only gender and study courses showed significantly different NQoL. Females scored better than males in Self-Efficacy (confidence in food selection ability) (P < 0.05). Nursing students also experienced significantly greater NQoL (mean = 3.58, 95% CI = 3.47, 3.68) than radiography students in Self-Efficacy (p < 0.05). Medical laboratory technology students had a significantly more favourable NQoL rating (mean = 3.62, 95% CI = 3.47, 3.76) than nursing students in Self-Image (p < 0.05). Study courses significantly influenced the NQoL status of students with Good NQoL, while those with Poor NQoL were mostly influenced by gender and financial resources (p < 0.05).
    CONCLUSION: These outcomes indicate that specific demographic characteristics seemed to make a difference in the NQoL of undergraduate students.
    KEYWORDS: health sciences; nutrition; quality of life; undergraduates
    Study site: public university, Terengganu, Malaysia
    Scales & Questionnaires: Nutrition Quality of Life instrument (NQoL)
    Matched MeSH terms: Medical Laboratory Science
  8. Mohd Zin F, Hillaluddin AH, Mustaffa J
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2017 05 01;18(5):1435-1443.
    PMID: 28612599
    Objective: This study aims to develop, validate and determine the reliability of an interactive multimedia strategy
    to prevent tobacco use among the young (TUPY-S) from an adolescents’ perspective. Methods: A descriptive study
    design was utilized. A modular instruction guideline by Russel (1974) was followed in the entire process, comprising
    a feasibility study, a review of existing modules, specification of the objectives, identification of the construct criterion
    items, learner analysis and entry behavior specification, establishment of the sequence instruction and media selection,
    a tryout with students and a field test. Result: Feasibility was agreed among the researchers and the school authorities.
    Culturally suitable rigorously developed tobacco use preventive strategies delivered using information technology (IT)
    are lacking in the literature. The objective of TUPY-S is to prevent tobacco use among adolescents living in Malaysia.
    Identified construct criterion items include knowledge, attitude, intention to use, self-efficacy, and refusal skill. The target
    population was early adolescents belonging to generation-Z. Content was developed from the adolescents’ perspective
    and delivered using IT in Malay language. Content validity, assessed by six experts in the field and module development,
    was good at 86%. The students’ tryout showed satisfactory face validity subjectively and objectively (85.5%) and
    high alpha Cronbach reliability (0.91). Conclusion: TUPY-S was confirmed to suit early adolescents of the current
    generation living in Malaysia. It demonstrated good content validity among the experts, satisfactory face validity and
    reliability among the target population. TUPY-S is ready to be evaluated for its effectiveness among early adolescents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Information Science
  9. Kalantari K, Afifi AM, Jahangirian H, Webster TJ
    Carbohydr Polym, 2019 Mar 01;207:588-600.
    PMID: 30600043 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.12.011
    This review outlines new developments in the biomedical applications of environmentally friendly ('green') chitosan and chitosan-blend electrospun nanofibers. In recent years, research in functionalized nanofibers has contributed to the development of new drug delivery systems and improved scaffolds for regenerative medicine, which is currently one of the most rapidly growing fields in all of the life sciences. Chitosan is a biopolymer with non-toxic, antibacterial, biodegradable and biocompatible properties. Due to these properties, they are widely applied for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, and antibacterial coatings. Electrospinning is a novel technique for chitosan nanofiber fabrication. These nanofibers can be used in unique applications in biomedical fields due to their high surface area and porosity. The present work reviews recent reports on the biomedical applications of chitosan-based nanofibers in detail.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Science Disciplines
  10. Ahmad Sofian, Shminan, Rehman, Ullah Khan, Wan Norizan, Wan Hashim, Iswandy, Jamaludin
    MyJurnal
    The world has suffered from a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Riva et al., 2007) during the pandemic of Covid-19 for medical staffs, the front liners. Like the whole world, Malaysia also imposed the stay-at-home and Movement Control Order (MCO) to break the chain of infections and flatten the curve of cases. The supply of PPE became a challenge during the lock down. There have been joined efforts from various parties stepping up, with different ways to help the production process of these key equipment but mostly focus on PPTs for male. Another challenge was face mask for Muslim lady health workers who wear hijab. This paper is about how to overcome these challenges and designed a novel face mask clip for hijab, using 3D printing. The face mask clip is for wearing a mask over hijab and is designed by generating a 3D digital file using computer-aided design (Hourcade, Bullock-Rest, & Hansen, 2012) software. Then the 3D design was converted to Standard Tessellation Language (STL) format, for the use of 3D printing systems. Then the design was split into layers for precise printing. The clips were tested by the staff in faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Feedbacks were collected by an online survey using the modified System Usability Scale. The participants reported that the clips are very comfortable and easy to use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cognitive Science
  11. Sohayla M. Attalla, Jalal Ebrahim, Hassan Ads, Najibah Abdul Razak, Nabishah Mohamad
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Recently mobile communication technology had tremendous advances and became the priority for most of the users with some opponent opinions that highlight the accountability and the privacy issues in using these messaging applications. WhatsApp is scored to be the first top used messaging application worldwide that is used in 180 countries by about 1.5 billion population. This research aims to determine the staff reflections regarding the WhatsApp usage for organizational communication. Methods: This study is implied among the staff at the medical and health life science cluster, Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia. A questionnaire was distributed to all the staff through an online google form. Responses were analysed by the ‘Statistical Package for Social Sciences’ (SPSS) Version 24.0. Results: Results showed that all the staff responded (100%) are using WhatsApp for organizational communication with variable degrees of satisfaction; 8.1% are extremely satisfied, 61.3 % are satisfied, 12.9% are not satisfied and 16.1 % are extremely not satisfied. Their level of satisfaction is significantly affected by the respondent’s age, benefit of usage, and the time of messaging. Conclusion: To ensure effectiveness of communication through WhatsApp, it should be through official groups and the organization should put specific announced rules for the time of usage and the content of messages to be posted to all members.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Science Disciplines
  12. Shahrudin S, Jaafar IH, Rahim ND, Akil MA
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2011 May;22(1):13-24.
    PMID: 24575206
    The herpetofauna of Beris Valley, Kedah, Malaysia, was studied using a rapid assessment survey during a scientific expedition organised by the School of Biological Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, from 14-17 August 2009. All amphibians and reptiles were observed and captured during the four-day survey along the ditches, roads, dam areas, swamps, forest trails and streams. The results showed that 14 species of amphibians from 9 genera and 5 families inhabit the area, and 7 species of lizards, 5 species of snakes and 2 species of freshwater turtles were also present in the area. Fejervarya limnocharis and Microhyla butleri seemed to be the most common amphibians, while Hemidactylus frenatus and Varanus salvator were the most common reptiles in the area. This report constitutes a preliminary checklist and first record of amphibians and reptiles in Beris Valley, Kedah. The number of specimens was less than expected because of the very short survey period, but we hope to record more species in future studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Science Disciplines
  13. Redhwan, A.A., Karim, A.J.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Each year, more than 20 million people are injured and 1.17 million are killed due to road
    traffi c accidents. Developing countries account for over 85% of the deaths, and close to 90% of the disability caused by road traffi c crashes worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practice and the factors infl uencing university students in Malaysia concerning road traffic accident. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among the students of Management and Science University, Malaysia. The questionnaire was distributed randomly to the students of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13, T-test and ANOVA. Results: The total number of 109 students with the mean age of 20.94±1.89 years participated in this study. Approximately 39 (35.7%) of the participant had been involved in one or more than one road traffi c accident. About 93.6% of them were very strongly/strongly convinced of seat belts importance. Multivariate analysis using the multiple linear regression method showed that age and attitude were signifi cantly associated with the exposure to the accident. Conclusion: The study participants had moderate knowledge about road traffic regulations and most of them mentioned that high speed, drivers’ lack of awareness about traffi c regulation and laws, and drivers’ non-compliance with traffi c rules and regulation were the most important cause of road traffic accidents. Almost all students were very strongly/strongly convinced of seatbelts importance. Age and attitude were signifi cantly associated with the exposure to the accident.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biological Science Disciplines
  14. Tan, Yap Hoon, Raja Muhammad Zuha, Baharudin Omar
    MyJurnal
    Phorid flies play an important role in forensic cases and can cause myiasis in humans. Studies on phorid flies species diversity are still limited in Malaysia. This research was carried out to collect information about species and frequency distribution of phorid flies as to provide more information on their roles in forensic and medical entomology. Bait trap was used with 100 g beef liver as baits. The species of the flies were identified using identification keys from Disney as well as Brown and Oliver. There were 449 phorid flies found in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur including Megaselia scalaris, Megaselia spiracularis, Megaselia sp. and phorid flies of genus X. Female phorid flies (98.89%) were found more prone to be trapped compared to male phorid flies (1.11%). Most phorid flies trapped in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur were from genus Megaselia and consisted of female flies. A total of five species of phorid flies probably new to science were also discovered. This study showed that Megaselia flies were found indoors rather than in open spaces. This was corresponding to their discoveries among the decomposing corpse found inside premises.
    Matched MeSH terms: Science
  15. Solihu AK, Ambali AR
    Sci Eng Ethics, 2011 Mar;17(1):133-47.
    PMID: 19937149 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-009-9185-7
    The goal of responsible engineers is the creation of useful and safe technological products and commitment to public health, while respecting the autonomy of the clients and the public. Because engineers often face moral dilemma to resolve such issues, different engineers have chosen different course of actions depending on their respective moral value orientations. Islam provides a value-based mechanism rooted in the Maqasid al-Shari'ah (the objectives of Islamic law). This mechanism prioritizes some values over others and could help resolve the moral dilemmas faced in engineering. This paper introduces the Islamic interpretive-evaluative maxims to two core issues in engineering ethics: genetically modified foods and whistleblowing. The study aims primarily to provide problem-solving maxims within the Maqasid al-Shari'ah matrix through which such moral dilemmas in science and engineering could be studied and resolved.
    Matched MeSH terms: Religion and Science*
  16. Mak JW, Khalid BA
    Med J Malaysia, 1992 Dec;47(4):235-7.
    PMID: 1303475
    Matched MeSH terms: Medical Laboratory Science/trends*
  17. Calisher C, Carroll D, Colwell R, Corley RB, Daszak P, Drosten C, et al.
    Lancet, 2020 03 07;395(10226):e42-e43.
    PMID: 32087122 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30418-9
    Matched MeSH terms: Science
  18. Sulaiman Mahzan, Siti Fairuz Nurr Sadikan, Mohd Ab Malek Md Shah, Mohd Harun Shahudin, Zaini Saat, Shamsol Shafie
    Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):113-132.
    MyJurnal
    Supervision and monitoring of practical students are among the pertinent components in the management of industrial training among students in institutions of higher learning (IPT) in Malaysia. The easiest way to monitor is by reporting such students’ daily activities in their logbooks. Due to the dispersal of offshore industries, it directly impacts to students, institution and industry such as management costs, wastes supervision time for travel and stresses other factors in managing industry supervision such as ongoing supervision, verification of customization of industry entities regarding needs and reduction of allocation by IPT. Thus, a new mechanism needs to be implemented by considering the advantages and benefits that can be developed throughout the use of information technology (IT). In conjunction with this circumstance, a Smart LogBook prototype has been developed to address the problems encountered in the supervision process of the industry training students as stated. A study of students’ perceptions of the Smart Logbook prototype was also tailored to assess student perception compared to using supervisory methods using the old logbook. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology was used in software development while a set of questionnaires was distributed to 65 respondents to obtain their assessment feedback data. The findings show that students have a positive assessment of their perception of the use of this prototype.
    Matched MeSH terms: Information Science
  19. Tao H, Rahman MA, Al-Saffar A, Zhang R, Salih SQ, Zain JM, et al.
    Work, 2021;68(3):853-861.
    PMID: 33612528 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203419
    BACKGROUND: Nowadays, workplace violence is found to be a mental health hazard and considered a crucial topic. The collaboration between robots and humans is increasing with the growth of Industry 4.0. Therefore, the first problem that must be solved is human-machine security. Ensuring the safety of human beings is one of the main aspects of human-robotic interaction. This is not just about preventing collisions within a shared space among human beings and robots; it includes all possible means of harm for an individual, from physical contact to unpleasant or dangerous psychological effects.

    OBJECTIVE: In this paper, Non-linear Adaptive Heuristic Mathematical Model (NAHMM) has been proposed for the prevention of workplace violence using security Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) is an area of research with a wide range of up-demands, future scenarios, and potential economic influence. HRC is an interdisciplinary field of research that encompasses cognitive sciences, classical robotics, and psychology.

    RESULTS: The robot can thus make the optimal decision between actions that expose its capabilities to the human being and take the best steps given the knowledge that is currently available to the human being. Further, the ideal policy can be measured carefully under certain observability assumptions.

    CONCLUSION: The system is shown on a collaborative robot and is compared to a state of the art security system. The device is experimentally demonstrated. The new system is being evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cognitive Science
  20. Iffah Adlina, Ibrahim, Tan Kock, Wah
    MyJurnal
    Academic self-efficacy is important for students which will help them to perform better in studies. This study aims to explore the level of academic self-efficacy among UNIMAS undergraduates based on gender, CGPA and trait emotional intelligence. The samples of study involved are 50 male and 50 female participants which consists of final year students from Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development. The academic self-efficacy of the students is measured using the questionnaire adopted from a study by Sachitra and Bandara (2017) and The Short Form (TEIQue-SF) Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire is used to measure the trait emotional intelligence of the undergraduates. The result was analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis; independent samples t-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. The results of the study have shown that female students have higher academic self-efficacy compared to male students. In addition, students who obtain a higher CGPA also have higher self-efficacy. There was also a small positive correlation between trait emotional intelligence and academic self-efficacy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cognitive Science
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links