It is known that lifting tasks are one of the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry.
Extensive research has been carried out over the years to develop guidelines and determine safe limits in which an
individual can lift. For this reason, the objective of this study is to determine the significant risk factors of
musculoskeletal discomfort among manual lifting task workers in the automotive industry, and propose a
methodological framework for future research on manual lifting tasks. The subjects of this study comprise 211
manual material handling workers from the automotive industry. The subjects completed a set of questionnaires
which are used to elicit information on their demographic characteristics, as well as physical factors and the
prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The Chi-Square test was used to determine the relationship between the
risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort. The findings of the study show that the following postures (trunk bent
slightly forwards, hands above the knee level (p < 0.05), trunk twisted (over 45o) and bent sideways (p < 0.05) are
the significant risk factors of musculoskeletal discomfort among manual lifting task workers in the automotive
industry. A methodological framework on manual lifting task in the automotive industry is proposed based on the
findings of this study. The framework is developed based on the need to model human lifting capabilities so that task
demands can be designed to fit the workers’ capacity when performing lifting tasks.
The purpose of this research is to gain initial knowledge and to predict the sustainability of an all-weather
Micro-Aerial-Vehicle (MAV). The observed parameters are: the maximum coefficient of lift, CL and the
changes in CL after impact, the fluctuation of CL upon entering simulated rain environment, and length of
stability recovery in terms of time and flapping cycle, t and t/T, at flapping frequencies of 8, 16, and 24
Hz, at t/T = 3/8 and 7/8. At 24 Hz, the increase in peak CL value after impact of entering rain environment
is 0.59. The average fluctuations in CL occurred when entering the rain environment are 410.263. The
stability recovery time recorded is 0.006 seconds. Small birds (especially hummingbirds) have a very
high flapping frequency that enables them to efficiently withstand external disturbances caused by nature
and to instantly adapt to new environments.
Most studies have examined the association of ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort in developed countries. Meanwhile the data are still lacking in developing countries such as Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among manual material handling workers in Malaysian automotive industries. A total of211 manual material handling workers from automotive industries completed a set of questionnaire on the individual, physical and environmental factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The Chi-Square test and logistics regression analysis were used to determine the relationship of the risk factors and musculoskeletal. The findings highlighted that job tenure was significantly correlated with musculoskeletal discomfort among the workers (OR=2.33-5.56). The most significant physical risk factor that was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort was bending the trunk forward slightly, hands above knee level, which was significantly related to lower back discomfort (OR=5.13, 95%CI=1.56-16.8), thigh discomfort (OR=5.1, 95%CI=1.01-25.53) and wrist discomfort (OR=3.65, 95%CI=1.06-12.53). Twisting of the trunk (over 45o) and bending sideways were significantly associated to lower back discomfort (OR=4.04, 95%CI=1.44-14.44), and thigh discomfort (OR=4.3, 95%CI=1.29-8.50). The findings also highlighted that environmental factors was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (p < 0.05. Musculoskeletal discomfort can be reduced by lowering work-related risk factors among automotive manual material handling workers, particularly by focusing on significant factors, including job tenure, bending or twisting postures and environmental factors.
Proper driving requires a proper posture to bring comfort to drivers. A problem that commonly exists in driving is incorrect driving posture which can cause discomfort to the driver, especially when interacting with automotive pedals. Research on contraction of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle on driver's posture based on the knee angle less than 101º in a position of pressing and releasing a pedal was conducted to investigate and overcome this problem. This is a field experiment study and surface electromyography (sEMG) is used in collecting data on the TA muscle. The procedure of collecting data on the TA muscle before and after experiments follows the Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) recommendations. The result of the experiment shows that there is a strong negative relationship between driver's postures in nature based on the angle of the knee with TA muscle contractions, where the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) is - .993. While the temporal analysis measurements based on Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) 60% in a position of releasing a pedal exceeding rms μV 39.38, are 39.71 and 40.25 respectively. On the other hand, MVIC 2% rms μV values: 1.19 and 1.2 are obtained in the position of pressing the pedal. The knee angle with TA muscle contractions is significant [F (1, 10) = 660, p
Objective: This descriptive cross-section, community-based study examined the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and quality of life (QOL) and the associated factors among family caregivers of hospice patients with cancer. Methods: Subjects were 50 family caregivers of cancer patients under the care of Hospice Malaysia homecare. Home visits were done in Klang Valley. Psychiatric morbidity was detected using GHQ-30 English and Bahasa Malaysia versions, and the QOL was assessed by the Short Form 36 items (SF-36) questionnaire. Results:The study results showed that 54% of respondents had psychiatric morbidity. The educational status and the relationship between family caregivers and the cancer patients were statistically significant (p
Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) is deemed an important aspect of being good medical doctors. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Emotional Quotient Inventory (USMEQ-i) is an EI inventory in Malay language developed primarily as medical student selection tool in USM. Although it was already validated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), EFA is considered insufficient evidence of construct validity, thus confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. Objectives: To determine measurement model validity and construct validity of USMEQ-i among medical degree program applicants in USM by CFA. Methods: USMEQ-i data file for medical degree program applicants in USM for year 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 academic sessions were obtained from Medical Education Department in USM. A random sample of 512 cases was drawn from the data file. Of the sample, only 453 cases were valid study sample after preliminary data screening and assumption checking. CFA was conducted on the sample using maximum likelihood (ML) estimation with bootstrapping technique due to violation of multivariate normality assumption. USMEQ-i measurement model was proposed as a second-order EI factor with seven first-order factors of EI and a Faking Index (FI) factor, with correlation between second-order EI factor and FI factor. Results: The proposed model could not be fit into the study sample data. EI factors and FI factor had to be analyzed separately due to non-positive definite problem. After modifications to the model, CFA of EI factors were suggestive of two-factor model instead of the proposed seven-factor model. Consciousness, Maturity and Control (CoMaCt). CFA of FI factor maintained one-factor model and also valid in term of construct. Conclusion: The modified USMEQ-i, which consisted of separate EI and FI models, was proven to have valid measurement models and reliable constructs. It is considered to be suitable for use among applicants to medical degree program in USM. However, its use as medical student selection tool may require further research, especially how predictive USMEQ-i scores with real performance of medical students, generalizability of the inventory and its stability over time.
Dental caries is the main oral health problem in hearing-impaired (HI) children and remains the most neglected need. The present study aimed to determine caries prevalence and treatment needs in HI children and the association with salivary parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 63 HI children aged between 7-14 years who attended a special school for the deaf. Clinical oral examination was done and salivary parameters (resting flow rate and resting pH) were measured. Caries experience was charted using the index of decay-filled teeth (dft) and Decay-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) for primary and permanent dentition respectively. Data were analysed using SPSS version 12.0. The mean age was 11.5 (SD 2.39) years and 53.8% were female. Dental caries prevalence was 88.0% (95% Cl: 73.0, 100.0) in primary dentition and 85.0% (95% Cl: 73.0, 96.0) in permanent dentition. The mean dft was 6.1 (SD 4.14) and the mean DMFT was 4.9 (SD 3.28). The mean resting flow rate was 0.14 (SD 0.08) ml/min while mean pH was 6.8 (SD 0.79). Both pit and fissure sealants and restorations were the highest (83.1%) treatment needs. Only 3.1% of the children did not require any treatment. There were no significant association between both salivary flow rate and salivary pH with caries experience in the primary (p=0.342, p=0.610 respectively) and permanent (p= 0.99, p=0.70 respectively) teeth. In conclusion, children with HI have high caries prevalence and unmet need for dental treatments. Salivary pH and resting flow rate of the children were not associated with their caries experience.
Introduction: Ratings are known to have a generosity error, provide limited discrimination and distorted interpretation, and often fail to document serious deficits. A potential source of these problems is rater judgement. These problems compromise the capability of raters to maintain the standards of rating. The authors propose a simple grading system to improve this situation including providing feedback to raters. Method: The authors developed a grading system named the Discrepancy-Agreement Grade (DAG) to provide feedback on rater judgments. Dependent-t and intraclass correlation tests were applied to determine discrepancy and agreement levels of raters. Rater judgments were then classified into grades A, B, C or D. This grading system was tested in an examination and a student selection interview to assess rating judgments of examiners and interviewers. The purpose was to evaluate the practicability of the grading system to provide feedback on examiners’ and interviewers’ rating judgements. Results: in the examination, five short essays were rated by five pairs of senior lecturers. Out of 5 pairs, 2 (40%) obtained grade A and 3 (60%) obtained grade B. In the student selection interview, a total of 48 pairs of interviewers interviewed ten applicants. Out of 48 pairs, 20 (41.7%) obtained grade A, 1 (2.1%) obtained grade B, 23 (47.9%) obtained grade C and 4 (8.3%) obtained grade D. Conclusion: The grading system showed variability of rater judgments on medical students’ and applicants’ performance in an examination and interview session respectively. It provided feedback on the examiners’ and interviewers’ judgments on candidate performances. This exercise demonstrated practicability of the grading system to provide feedback on rater judgements.
Objective: This study validates The Malay Version of The Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviour. Methods: The psychometric properties of the ISSB- Malay Version were examined on sixty-eight women who were Malay native speakers and diagnosed with breast cancer. Respondents answered the questionnaire at three weeks and ten weeks following surgery for breast cancer. Results: The Malay Version of ISSB showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.96). Test-retest Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.03. Small mean differences were observed at test-retest measurement with Effect Size Index 0.18. Conclusion: The Malay Version of the ISSB could be an appropriate tool to measure the supportive behavior of the Malaysian population. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January – June 2014: 23-29.
The paper relates a study on the development of an analysis procedure for measuring the gold coating thickness using EDXRF technique. Gold coating thickness was measured by relating the counts under the Au Lα peak its thickness value. In order to get a reasonably accurate result, a calibration graph was plotted using five gold-coated reference standards of different thicknesses. The calibration graph shows a straight line for thin coating measurement until 0.9μm. Beyond this the relationship was not linear and this may be resulted from the selfabsorption effect. Quantitative analysis was also performed on two different samples of goldcoated jewelry and a phone connector. Result from the phone connector analysis seems to agree with the manufacturer’s gold coating value. From the analysis of gold-coated jewelry it had been able to differentiate the two articles as gold wash and gold electroplated.
This research was aimed to examine the ability of breadfruit OSA starch (BOSA) to stabilize fish and microalgae oil emulsions. Fifteen percent of BOSA or pre-heated BOSA (7.5%) and maltodextrin (7.5%), or mixture of unheated BOSA (7.5%) and maltodextrin (7.5%) were used to stabilize 10% fish and microalgae oils. Characterization of native starch and BOSA included measurement of moisture, starch and amylose content, degree of substitution (DS), emulsification capacity, starch microstructure and thermal properties. The emulsion stability was monitored by emulsification index (EI), mean droplet size (D32), microstructure using photomicroscope and Peroxide Value (PV). Modification of starch (DS, 0.0243) caused decreasing in starch and amylose content to 75.34% and 27.62%, respectively. Starch thermal properties also decreased the onset temperature to 71.23°C (BOSA). Emulsions prepared with pre-heated mixture of BOSA and maltodextrin both in fish and microalgae oils have the smallest droplet size (D32 4.45 ± 0.09 µm and 3.54 ± 0.22 µm, respectively). Microalgae oil emulsions showed significantly (p
This study aimed to explore the influence of adult attachment on relationship quality among parents having children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A correlational research design was used to achieve the research objectives. Sixty eight parents of children with ADHD participated in this study. Two measures were used in this study: the Experience in Close Relationship (ECR) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). The findings indicated that when the anxiety attachment level of the participants was high, the marital satisfaction was low.The findings of this study can make a contribution to those focusing on conflict resolution and marital quality with a deeper understanding on the interpersonal problems in the relationship from attachment theory perspectives. It is suggested that a longitudinal research be conducted in the future with both groups of clinical and community in order to explore how attachment variables can predict relationship adjustment and child adjustment overtime.
Fifth metatarsal bone fracture is one of the most commonest fractures of the foot.
The decision for surgical or conservative approach is still inconclusive. Scoring
system, decision analysis model and classification system are established to weigh
between surgical and conservation approaches. Its unique anatomy and surgical
complication influence decision on optimal surgical approach. Therefore, the
present review attempts to look at factors that might influence decision making in
management of fifth metatarsal fracture.
This study presents an investigation about the effect of size variation on mechanical
performance of square core interlocking structures, by using finite element analysis
(FEA). The material used in this study is flax fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP)
composite. Abaqus software was used for modelling and visualizing number of six
interlocking honeycomb structures with different cell sizes and heights. In the first
analysis, Abaqus/standard was performed on the perfect models by applying quasistatic
loading to identify the imperfection shape and obtaining the buckling Eigenmodes
for the models, then the Eigen-modes from abaqus/standard were imported
to abaqus/explicit to run post-buckling analysis and simulate the overall imperfection
behaviour of models. The numerical results from the finite element analysis
simulation were used to plot load-displacement curve to each model. The area under
the load-displacement curve represents the total absorbed energy, energy absorption
per unit mass indicates the specific energy absorption, and the highest value of
specific energy absorption represents the optimum size. The findings demonstrated
that the square interlocking structure exhibits good energy absorption performance
in some geometrical cases, and also revealed that the natural fibre composites have
unique energy absorption capability under quasi-static loads.
Housing is ranked second as a basic human need after food. Generally, there is
inadequate housing both in the rural and urban centres in most of the developing
countries. The issue of housing quality seems to be common in the rural areas
whereas the major housing problem in urban areas is more of insufficient supply
from which the people can make choices. In any preference and choice situation,
certain underlying motivational factors make it possible for an individual to evaluate
available alternatives. Preferences and choices are dynamic operational activities
individuals make based on changing circumstances and situations. The study
examines housing choices and preferences within the Nigerian housing delivery
systems. The study employed quantitative method of data collection. A total of 434
questionnaires were distributed to selected households in the South West,
geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The analysis was based on 359 retrieved questionnaires
that represented 82.7 percent response rate. Descriptive statistics, relative
importance index and regression analysis was used for the analysis. Using relative
importance index, the study found out that 41 percent of the respondents preferred
3 bedroom flat with a relative importance index of 0.74, followed by 2 bedrooms flat
with RII of 0.64, self-contain with RII of 0.61. The study also revealed that the state of
the national economy plays a prominent role in individual’s housing preferences and
choices and increasingly a large number of Nigerians find housing to be beyond the
family budget. The authors are also of the opinion that policy measures that
incorporate the design of low-cost social housing and the creation of conducive
environment for developers such as the granting of tax break and provision of
subsidy may promote a better housing delivery system. Consideration of user
preferences for housing is a requirement to meeting and satisfying housing needs.
Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are known as
high-risk groups for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Adequate related knowledge among them
helps to increase their awareness towards CKD and adapt healthy attitude and practices for CKD
prevention, which will result in better health outcomes. This study aimed to identify the patients'
knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards the risks for CKD. This cross-sectional study used a selfadministered
survey questionnaire on 103 adult male and female patients at four general surgical and
medical wards in a teaching hospital using convenient sampling method. The data were computed using
STATA version 12. Data on KAP were obtained through the Chronic Kidney Disease Screening Index
questionnaire. The majority of respondents had poor knowledge (69.9%, n=72), but most of them had good
attitude (68.9%, n=71) and good practices (88.3%, n=91) towards the risk of CKD. Significant associations
were indicated between education level, occupation and monthly family income with knowledge (p-value <
0.05). Significant associations were also indicated between age, sex, marital status and occupation with
their attitude (p-value < 0.05). Meanwhile, marital status was found to be significantly associated with the
practices towards the risk for CKD (p-value=0.008).
Poor knowledge on the risk of getting CKD among hospitalized adults in this study implied the need for
improvement in the public understanding towards the risk for CKD.
Nowadays consumer is more demand on natural foodstuff instead of synthetic product due to their concern on health. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of C. caudatus extract on the number of microflora in oyster mushroom at different concentration of C. caudatus extract and exposure time using dilution method. The results showed that the number of microorganisms (Log10 CFU/g) in oyster mushroom in term of Total Plate Count (TPC), Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 6.13 ± 0.04, 6.15 ± 0.09, 5.97 ± 0.04, and 6.46 ± 0.00, respectively. The effect of C. caudatus extract on microflora in oyster mushroom at concentrations of 0.00%, 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5.0% with exposure time of 0, 5, 10, and 15 min demonstrated that the reduction number of microflora in oyster mushroom was dependent on the concentration of C. caudatus extract and exposure times. The number of TPC (Log10 CFU/g) in oyster mushroom was significantly reduced after treated with C. caudatus extract at concentration of 0.05% for 15 min; 6.13 ± 0.04 reduced to 2.62 ± 0.07. Moreover, B. cereus (Log10 CFU/g) in oyster mushroom was significantly reduced by treatment of C. caudatus extract at concentration of 0.05% for 5 min; 6.15 ± 0.09 reduced to 3.77 ± 0.15. Meanwhile, the number of E. coli (Log10 CFU/g) in oyster mushroom was significantly reduced at concentration of 0.05% for 10 min; 5.97 ± 0.04 reduced to 3.21 ± 0.13. Lastly, the survival number of S. aureus in oyster mushroom was significantly reduced after treated with C. caudatus extract at concentration of 0.05% for 15 min; 6.46 ± 0.00 reduced to 4.83 ± 0.07. In conclusion, C. caudatus extract has potentiality to be developed as natural sanitizer for rinsing raw food materials such as oyster mushroom.
Learning through game scene is considered a game-based learning approach. Teaching and learning process using game scene is deemed interesting and effective due to the nature for this approach which seems alive with asserted activities. Students experience their own game via narration through the virtual world they undertook. This investigation is targeted towards conceptual change and explanation for basic programming theorem through navigated game scene by evaluating motivation and student experience. 55 respondents consisted of semester three students from computer software application certification a program from a community college is selected for the undertaken study. Motivation and experience surveys are reference based on intrinsic motivation inventory instrument (IMI). Findings were tabulated based on t-test statistics and descriptive to get the frequency, mean, standard deviation and percentage. Initial results reflected student acknowledgement on utilizing game scenes in terms of elaborating basic game programming key points in providing elevated learning experience.
Safe driving requires an ideal posture to bring comfort to drivers. A problem that commonly exists in driving is nonideal
driving posture, which can cause discomfort to the driver, especially when interacting with automotive pedals.
Research on contraction of Soleus muscle on driver's posture based on the knee angle more than 144º in a position of
pressing and releasing a pedal was conducted to investigate and overcome this problem. This is a field experimental
study and surface electromyography (sEMG) is used in collecting data on the Soleus muscle. The procedure of
collecting data on the Soleus muscle before and after experiments follows the Surface Electromyography for the
Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) recommendations. The result from the experiment shows that there is
a strong positive relationship between driver's postures in nature based upon the angle at the knee with Soleus
muscle contraction, where the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) is .990. While the temporal analysis measurements
based on Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) 60% in a position of pressing a pedal exceeding rms µV
25.34, and 25.47 respectively. On the other hand, MVIC 3% rms µV values: 1.18, 1.21 and 1.26 are obtained from the
position of releasing the pedal. The knee angle with Soleus muscle contractions is significant [F (1, 10) = 38.06,
p
Proper driving requires a proper posture to bring comfort to drivers. A problem that commonly exists in driving is
incorrect driving posture which can cause discomfort to the driver, especially when interacting with automotive
pedals. Research on fatigue of Soleus muscle on driver's posture based on the knee angle more than 144º in a
position of pressing and releasing a pedal was conducted to investigate and overcome this problem. This is a field
experiment study and surface electromyography (sEMG) is used in collecting data on the Soleus muscle. The
procedure of collecting data on the Soleus muscle before and after experiments follows the Surface
Electromyography for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) recommendation. The result of the
experiments shows that there is a strong positive relationship between driver's postures in nature based on the angle
of the knee with Soleus muscle contraction, where the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) is .890. While the muscle
fatigue index based on value MDF (MNF) in position of pressing a pedal. The results show that the Soleus muscle
fatigue occurs when the foot pressing a pedal on MVC-normalized 60%. This is because the value of MDF (MNF) there
is displacement of decrease of frequency MDF (MNF), from 130.21 Hz (313.42 Hz) to 127.60 Hz (312.49 Hz). The
increase in the knee angle will directly provide discomfort to the driver while interacting with the pedal; and this is
due to Soleus muscle fatigue.