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  1. Fulltext Muscular pain among dentists- a pilot study
    Faezah Sabirin, Siti Sarah Abdul Ahmad, W. Zahira Akmal W. Kamarudin
    Compendium of Oral Science, 2015;2(1):32-39.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Muscular pain is the most common symptom associated to muscular skeletal disorders (MSDs). Dentists were exposed to ergonomic hazards while treating the patients. Without proper dental ergonomics, they are predisposed to the MSDs. Objective: This present study was designed to analyse the prevalence of muscular pain among practising dentists in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and it relatedness to ergonomic factors. Methodology: A total of 25 dentists were participated in this pilot study. The inclusion criteria include working experience of at least six months and those who were readily diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded. A self-administered questionaire was employed to gather demogaphic informations and close ended (“yes” or “no”) questions were asked to assess the muscular pain experienced in the last 12 months. The collected data were then analysed statistically. Result: The result showed a 100% response rate. 92% of the respondents were reported to experience muscular pain, particularly on the upper body parts. Only maintenance of same postures without microbreaks and performing torsions or cervical flexions to improve vision of oral cavity correlate significantly (P
  2. Fulltext Isolation and Characterization of Magnetic Oil Palm Empty Fruits Bunch Cellulose Nanofiber Composite as a Bio-Sorbent for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) Removal
    Khalid AM, Hossain MS, Ismail N, Khalil NA, Balakrishnan V, Zulkifli M, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Dec 30;13(1).
    PMID: 33396583 DOI: 10.3390/polym13010112
    In the present study, magnetic oil palm empty fruits bunch cellulose nanofiber (M-OPEFB-CNF) composite was isolated by sol-gel method using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) obtained from oil palm empty fruits bunch (OPEFB) and Fe3O4 as magnetite. Several analytical methods were utilized to characterize the mechanical, chemical, thermal, and morphological properties of the isolated CNF and M-OPEFB-CNF. Subsequently, the isolated M-OPEFB-CNF composite was utilized for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution with varying parameters, such as pH, adsorbent doses, treatment time, and temperature. Results showed that the M-OPEFB-CNF as an effective bio-sorbent for the removal of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The adsorption isotherm modeling revealed that the Freundlich equation better describes the adsorption of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) on M-OPEFB-CNF composite. The kinetics studies revealed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model was a better-described kinetics model for the removal of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) using M-OPEFB-CNF composite as bio-sorbent. The findings of the present study showed that the M-OPEFB-CNF composite has the potential to be utilized as a bio-sorbent for heavy metals removal.
  3. Assessment of abdominal obesity using 3D body scanning technology
    Suhana Japar, Thamilvaani Manaharan, Asma Ahmad Shariff, Abdul Majid Mohamed, Amir Feisal Merican Aljunid Merican
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:567-573.
    Abdominal obesity is an important contributor for health risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the application of a proper method is important prerequisite in performing abdominal obesity assessment. In this study, we applied 3D body scanning technology to measure waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) precisely in an effort to improve the current health assessment for abdominal obesity. A total of 200 Malaysian women with sedentary lifestyle, aged between 18 and 60 years participated in this study. Paired t-test was used to determine the differences between the automated (3D body scanner) and manual measurements of WC, HC and WHR. 3D body scanner measurements show that 27% of subjects had mild abdominal obesity (80 - 90 cm) and 34.5% of subjects had severe abdominal obesity (≥90 cm) based on WC cutoff points. Based on WHR cutoff points, 57% of subjects had abdominal obesity (≥0.85) while the remaining were without abdominal obesity (<0.85). Lower percentages of abdominal obesity prevalence were reported for both WC and WHR categories using manual measurements. We also found that in normal BMI category, 8.5% of subjects have mild abdominal obesity based on automated measurements while only 5.5% of subjects were identified on manual measurements. The result of this study indicated that 3D body scanner provided better assessment method as it enables detection of abdominal obesity in more subjects based on WC and WHR categories. Public agencies are encouraged to consider the application of 3D body scanning in health assessment of abdominal obesity.
  4. Fulltext Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) into the Malay Language
    Zun AB, Ibrahim MI, Mokhtar AM, Halim AS, Wan Mansor WNA
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 06 10;16(11).
    PMID: 31185665 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16112054
    BACKGROUND: Patient feedback is an important tool in assessing health system quality. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) was developed in 2006 as a standardized instrument to assess patient perceptions in the United States of America. This study aimed to translate and validate the HCAHPS questionnaire into the Malay language in order to assess patient perceptions of health services in Malaysia.

    METHODS: The original HCAPHS in English was translated into Malay based on the established guideline. The content validation involved an expert panel of 10 members, including patients. The face validation pilot testing of the HCAHPS-Malay version was conducted among 10 discharged patients. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) used principal axis factor, and varimax rotation was established based on a cross-sectional study conducted among 200 discharged patients from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM).

    RESULTS: The overall content validity index was 0.87, and the universal face validity index was 0.82. From the EFA, the factor loading value ranged from 0.652 to 0.961 within nine domains. The internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha was 0.844.

    CONCLUSION: The HCAHPS-Malay is a reliable and valid tool to determine patients' perception of healthcare services among inpatients in Hospital USM based on the content and face validation result together with a good construct validity and excellent absolute reliability. Further testing on HCAHPS-Malay version in other settings in Malaysia needs to be done for cross-validation.

  5. Fulltext Phytochemical properties and traditional uses of selected medicinal plants in Malaysia: a review
    A’attiyyah A.A., Wan Afiqah Syahirah W.G., Kannan, T.P., Suharni M., Ahmad A., Nor Azah M.A.
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(2):14-25.
    MyJurnal
    Medicinal plants have healing properties and are able to synthesize various chemical compounds. These chemicals (also known as phytochemical compounds) play vital roles in determining the pharmacological properties existing in certain plants. The phytochemical compounds present in plants are associated with primary and secondary constituents. Most of the time, the secondary constituents exhibit the bioactivities in plants such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some common medicinal plants that have been used in curing various diseases by traditional practitioners in Malaysia are Ficus deltoidea Jack, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma longa, Clinacanthus nutans and Eurycoma longifolia Jack. This review discusses the morphology, phytochemical compounds and phytochemical properties of selected medicinal plants in Malaysia. The plants of focus have been found to possess anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. This review, it is hoped will enable Malaysian researchers to explore further on the potential of these plants in investigating new and novel drugs in the future.
  6. Fulltext Health risk assessment of pm10 exposure among Malaysian adult population based on physical activity pattern
    Norlen Mohame, Lokman Hakim, S., Thahirahtul Asma Zakaria, Anis Salwa Kamarudin, Ahmad Riadz Mazeli, Sirajuddin Hashim
    Int J Public Health Res, 2017;7(2):814-828.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Most health advisories related to outdoor physical activity during haze are general in nature. The advisories normally advise everyone to reduce or limit prolonged exertion or heavy exertion without mentioning the acceptable duration for performing outdoor physical activity causing difficulty for public to decide to stop or cancel a particular outdoor or sport event. The aim of this paper is to determine the acceptable duration for performing outdoor physical activity pattern during haze based on API level.

    Methods: Health risk assessment approach that comprises of hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization steps was used to determine the potential inhaled dose and risk associated with performing the physical activity during haze. We have considered many factors that include time spent for physical activity patterns for Malaysian adult, age and physical intensity-specific inhalation rate (m3/min), and the indoor/outdoor ratio of PM10. A hypothetical exposure scenario of PM10 was created using the breakpoints of PM10 concentration for the calculation of respective API levels during haze.

    Results: The association between physical activity pattern, API level and risk quotient were presented in the form of risk radar diagram. Based on the 50th percentile inhalation rate, all prolonged exertion and heavy exertion should be avoided when API reach >201 (very unhealthy) and >175 (unhealthy) respectively. Below the said API, the duration for performing prolonged exertion and heavy exertion should be reduced according to the API level. When API reaches 140, high intensity physical activity should be limited to < 90 minutes. A football match which requires 90 minutes, should be postponed of cancelled if API > 140. Whereas, for the same API level, prolonged exertion (moderate intensity physical activity) should be limited to 4 hours.

    Conclusions: Reducing the physical activity is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled pollutants and reduce the health risk during poor air quality. Based on the assessment, taking into account the uncertainty of risk assessment methodology, we proposed all prolonged exertion should be avoided when API reach very unhealthy status (>201). Below the said API level, outdoor physical activity should be reduced according to the level of API respectively. The recommendation is not applicable for the sensitive groups. The computed risk radar provide a valuable guide for the public to organize or considering postponing an outdoor event during haze.
  7. Fulltext Perceived fairness in performance appraisal system and its relationship with work performance
    Xervaser, Arene Ursolo, Rusli Ahmad, Nur Fatihah Abdullah Bandar, Siti Mariam Abdullah
    Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2016;1(2):71-83.
    MyJurnal
    This study aims to identify employee perceptions of perceived fairness in performance appraisal system and work performance as the performance appraisal system is crucial to evaluate employees’ performance in every organization; public or private. A private Oil & Gas company in Miri, Sarawak was chosen for this study. Quantitative research method was employed in this study, and closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. Statistical analysis using One Way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Independent sample t-test were used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed that there were no significance differences between the selected demographic factors (age, gender, duration of service, highest educational level, and rank) in performance appraisal system and the work performance. Also, there was a significant relationship between the rating accuracy in the performance appraisal system and work performance. Besides that, there was a significant relationship between employee perceptions of leadership styles in decision making in the performance appraisal system and work performance. The findings also showed that employees are concerned with the evaluation and rating given by their supervisor because the outcomes of the performance appraisal will influence their career development in the organization. Thus, performance appraisal system is crucial in increasing the work performance of employees and organization. Organizations should emphasize the role of the performance appraisal system practiced in their organizations and recognize that it is important in improving employees’ performance. Future researchers are encouraged to explore further on the performance appraisal elements that have not been investigated in this study, and conduct the research with a bigger population and sample size.
  8. Fulltext Prevalence of Reduced vancomycin susceptibility measured by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) among Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from surgical site infected patients at clinical training centre, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
    Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi, Nur Hazirah Kamal Bahrin, Farah Amirah Ahmad
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):78-92.
    MyJurnal
    Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing
    surgical site infections is one of the most common nosocomial infections
    affecting post-surgery patients. Vancomycin is the recommended treatment
    with MRSA-resistance breakpoint for minimum inhibition concentration (MIC)
    of 2 ug/mL where the pathogen can be considered as susceptible. Here, we
    describe the MIC of vancomycin against our MRSA isolates. Retrospective
    data of MRSA positive cultures from post-surgical patients who were admitted
    to the Clinical Training Centre Sungai Buloh public section from 2016-2017
    with documented MIC to vancomycin were analyzed. The specimens consist
    of pus swabs, mediastinal fluid, sternal bone, and tissue. A total of 29 MRSA
    were isolated from 11 patients. There were 19, 3, 3 and 4 MRSA with
    vancomycin’s MIC (ug/mL) of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 respectively. The MRSA with
    MIC of 2 ug/mL were observed from two different patients with one of them
    showing MIC of 0.5 ug/mL which grew from wound swabs to 2.0 ug/mL which
    grew from sternal bone and mediastinal fluid isolates. Vancomycin reduced
    susceptibility MRSA has been observed in our clinical training centre with a
    1.1% incidence. Identification of possible risk factors and follow up of
    outcomes is required to fully elucidate the importance of this occurrence.
  9. Fulltext Preliminary investigation on the flexural behaviour of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete ribbed slab
    Nur Aiman Suparlan, Muhammad Azrul Ku Ayob, Siti Hawa Hamzah, Hazrina Ahmad, Mohd Hisbany Mohd Hashim
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):31-45.
    MyJurnal
    A ribbed slab structure has the advantage in the reduction of concrete volume in between the ribs resulting in a lower structural self-weight. In order to overcome the drawbacks in the construction process, the application of steel fibre self-compacting concrete (SCFRC) is seen as an alternative material to be used in the slab. This preliminary investigation was carried out to investigate the flexural behaviour of steel fibre selfcompacting concrete (SCFRC) asthe main material in ribbed slab omitting the conventionalreinforcements. Two samples ofribbed slab were prepared for this preliminary study; 2-ribbed and 3-ribbed in 1 m width to identify the effect of the geometry to the slab’s flexural behaviour. The dimension of both samples is 2.5 m x 1 m with 150 mm thickness. The compressive strength of the mix is 48.6 MPa based on the cubes tested at 28 days. Load was applied to failure by using the four point bending test set-up with simple support condition. The result of the experiment recorded ultimate load carrying capacity at 30.68 kN for the 2-ribbed slab and 25.52 kN for 3-ribbed slab. From the results, the ultimate load of the 2-ribbed sample exceeds 3-ribbed by approximately 20%. This proved that even with lower concrete volume, the sample can still withstand an almost similar ultimate load. Cracks was also observed and recorded with the maximum crack width of 2 mm. It can be concluded that the steel fibres do have the potential to withstand flexural loadings. Steel fibre reduces macro-crack forming into micro-cracks and improves concrete ductility, as well as improvement in deflection. This shows that steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete is practical as it offers good concrete properties as well as it can be mixed, placed easier without compaction.
  10. Fulltext Pull-out performance of t-stub end plate connected to concrete filled thin-walled steel tube (CFTST) using Lindapter Hollo-bolts
    Nazrul Azmi Ahmad Zamri, Petrus, Clotilda, Azmi Ibrahim, Hanizah Ab Hamid
    Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):59-74.
    MyJurnal
    The application of concrete filled steel tubes(CFSTs) as composite members has widely been used around the world and is becoming popular day by day for structural application especially in earthquake regions. This paper indicates that an experimental study was conducted to comprehend the behaviour of T-stub end plates connected to concrete filled thin-walled steel tube (CFTST) with different types of bolts and are subjected to pullout load. The bolts used are normal type bolt M20 grade 8.8 and Lindapter Hollo-bolt HB16 and HB20. A series of 10 mm thick T-stub end plates were fastened to 2 mm CFTST of 200 mm x 200 mm in cross-section. All of the specimens were subjected to monotonic pull-out load until failure. Based on testresults, the Lidapter Hollo-boltsshowed better performance compare to normal bolts. The highest ultimate limit load for T-stub end plate fasten with Lindapter Hollo-bolt is four times higher than with normal bolt although all end plates show similar behaviour and failure mode patterns. It can be concluded that T-stub end plate with Lindapter Hollo-bolt shows a better performance in the service limit and ultimate limit states according to the regulations in the design codes.
  11. Fulltext Development of an Automated Biaxial Solar Photovoltaic Tracking System
    Ahmad Maliki Omar, Muhamad Rizuan Yahir, Sulaiman Shaari, Abdul Rahman Omar
    Scientific Research Journal, 2006;3(2):3-12.
    MyJurnal
    This paper presents and describes a prototype product code-named SolT2A
    which is a system that tracks the position of the sun automatically across the
    celestial vault in two axes. This kind of system is typically used in a solar
    photovoltaic (PV) system in terrestrial applications to provide electrical
    power. It is designed and fabricated due to Malaysia’s location near the
    equator, thus the solar altitude crosses the zenith and the azimuth reverses
    direction during the year. Thus the use of a static PV system is not maximised
    during half of the year. This situation can be addressed by using a two-axes
    solar tracking system. So far, Malaysia has not implemented such powertracking
    systems. Thus SolT2A has been designed and fabricated to address
    the problem by using a combination of electro-mechanical devices with an
    element of programming ingenuity and intelligence. Basically SolT2A
    measures solar irradiance at four points and makes comparisons in terms of
    the intensity received. These data are then analysed and processed by a
    controller before being sent to a DC motor that ensures the maximum amount
    of solar irradiance received on the PV panels all the time. Thus SolT2A is a
    system that maximises the power output of the PV panels to obtain the highest
  12. Fulltext Mango compost extract for enhancing growth and yield of momordica charantia
    Tsan, F.Y., Ngilah, E.I., Gundadon, H., Choo, C.Y., Ahmad Nazarudin, M.R.
    Science Letters, 2018;12(1):1-16.
    MyJurnal
    Mango as a climacteric fruit is known to have increased auxins with concomitant increased ethylene and carbon dioxide production during ripening. Such hormonal properties alongside many other nutritional benefits prepared in the form of compost extract were tested for enhancing production of medicinal bitter gourd of Momordica charantia. This cucurbit was planted on field beds at 0.8 x 0.5 m followed by application of compost extract prepared with anaerobic decomposition of rotting mango fruits, fish wastes of gills and internal organs and brown sugar at different ratios in plastic containers. The results obtained showed that mango:fish wastes:sugar compost extract of 2:1:1 applied to soil around the root collar at 10 ml at fortnight intervals allowed the plants to gain the highest mean number of fruits per plant of 18.3, mean individual fruit weight of 25.95 g or mean yield of 11.80 tonnes per hectare. Mango compost extract is, hence, beneficial in organic production of this medicinal bitter gourd.
  13. Fulltext Aquaponics recirculation system: a sustainable food source for the future water conserves and resources
    Azizah Endut, Fathurrahman Lananan, Ahmad Jusoh, Wan Norsani Wan Nik, Nora'aini Ali
    Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(1):1-12.
    MyJurnal
    The current and escalating extent of soil degradation, water scarcity and environmental concern
    plaguing agricultural productivity, demands re-assessing the direction of food production. Aquaponics
    is a concept relatively new to modern food production methods and can contribute to food security.
    This study was conducted to establish sustainable aquaculture systems that maximize benefits and
    minimize the accumulation of detrimental compounds and other types of negative impacts on both
    natural and social environments. This study carried out at an average inflow rate of 1.28 m/day to
    evaluate the operation of the aquaponics recirculation system (ARS) on nutrients removal and growth
    and yield of African catfish as well as water spinach. A special design of ARS was used to provide
    nitrification of fishery wastewater, where the combination of sands and gravels in hydroponics trough,
    providing both surfaces for biofuel development and cultivation area for plants. Removal efficiencies
    of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), total ammonia nitrogen
    (TAN), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), and orthophosphate (PO4
    3-
    ) were 82%, 89%,
    93%, 94%, 81%, and 80%, respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and specific growth rate
    (SGR) of African catfish were 1.08 and 3.34% day-1
    , respectively. The average water spinach
    production was 3.56 kg per m2
    . This study showed that ARS is a method of producing crop along with
    a healthy protein source and among the best alternatives for achieving economic and environmental
    sustainability.
  14. Fulltext Zamzam water: influence of containers on ionic concentration and in-vitro cytotoxic effects on U87 cell line
    Nasir Mohamad, Shariff Halim, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Nor Hidayah Abu Bakar, Ahmad Zubaidi A. Latif
    Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(1):68-72.
    MyJurnal
    Zamzam is holy water believed by Muslim to have remedial power for all kinds of diseases. It contains
    many electrolytes and the concentration of the electrolytes may be affected by the types of container
    used for its storage. This study was carried out to determine the difference in ions concentration of
    Zamzam water stored in plastic and glass containers, and to determine cytotoxicity effects of Zamzam
    water against U-87 cell line (human primary glioblastoma cell line). Ion Chromatography (IC) was used
    to analyze the concentration. The analyzed anions in the Zamzam water include bromide, chloride,
    phosphate, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate and fluoride whereas the cations were ammonium, lithium, potassium,
    sodium, calcium and magnesium. Subsequently, MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of
    Zamzam water on U-87 cell line. This study reveals that Zamzam water anions and cations
    concentration was not statistically significant neither in plastic nor glass container. In addition, the
    Zamzam water did not cause any toxicity on the U87 cell line. We postulate that types of container do
    not have much influence on the ion concentration of Zamzam water and it is non-toxic on U87 cell line.
  15. Fulltext A new strategy of handling general insurance modelling using applied linear method
    Wan Muhamad Amir W. Ahmad, Mohamad Arif Awang Nawi, Mustafa Mamat
    Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(1):45-54.
    MyJurnal
    This paper proposes the use of bootstrap, robust and fuzzy multiple linear regressions method in
    handling general insurance in order to get improved results. The main objective of bootstrapping is to
    estimate the distribution of an estimator or test statistic by resampling one's data or a model estimated
    from the data under conditions that hold in a wide variety of econometric applications. In addition,
    bootstrap also provides approximations to distributions of statistics, coverage probabilities of confidence
    intervals, and rejection probabilities of hypothesis tests that produce accurate results. In this paper, we
    emphasize the combining and modelling using bootstrapping, robust and fuzzy regression methodology.
    The results show that alternative methods produce better results than multiple linear regressions (MLR)
    model.
  16. Detection of naringenin and kaempferol in Justicia gendarussa leaf extracts by GC-FID
    Zahidah Ayob, Shajarahtunnur Jamil, Siti Pauliena Mohd Bohari, Farediah Ahmad, Azman Abd Samad
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:457-461.
    Justicia gendarussa methanolic leaves extract from four different locations in Southern region of Malaysia and distribution
    of two flavonoids, naringenin and kaempferol in plant organs (young and mature leaves) were determined using gas
    chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis. Naringenin and kaempferol contents were detected
    and quantified in leaves extract. The results indicated that mature leaves contained more naringenin and kaempferol
    compared to young leaves. The highest concentration of naringenin and kaempferol were recorded in mature leaves from
    Skudai and Muar regions which were 507.692 and 1226.964 mgkg-1, respectively. Data analysis showed that naringenin
    content was directly proportional to the amount of kaempferol in the leaf extracts. In conclusion, this study suggested
    geographical variation among plant samples and physiological stage of organ parts could contribute to variation in
    flavonoids concentration in a plant species.
  17. Geospatial techniques for assessment of bank erosion and accretion in the Marala Alexandria reach of the River Chenab, Pakistan
    M. Hamid Ch, M. Ashraf, Qudsia Hamid, Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Zulfiqar Ahmad Saqib
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:413-420.
    Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are widely used for change detection in rivers caused
    by erosion and accretion. Digital image processing techniques and GIS analysis capabilities are used for detecting
    temporal variations of erosion and accretion characteristics between the years 1999 and 2011 in a 40 km long Marala
    Alexandria reach of River Chenab. Landsat satellite images for the years 1999, 2007 and 2011 were processed to analyze
    the river channel migration, changes in the river width and the rate of erosion and accretion. Analyses showed that the
    right bank was under erosion in both time spans, however high rate of deposition is exhibited in middle reaches. The
    maximum erosion was 1569843 m2
    and 1486160 m2
    along the right bank at a distance of 24-28 km downstream of the
    Marala barrage in the time span of 1999-2007 and 2007-2011, respectively. Along right bank mainly there is trend of
    accretion but erosion is much greater between 20 and 28 km reach. Maximum accretion was 5144584 m2
    from 1999-2007
    and 2950110 m2
    from 2007-2011 on the right bank downstream of the Marala Barrage. The derived results of channel
    migration were validated by comparing with SRTM data to assess the accuracy of image classification. Integration of remote
    sensing data with GIS is efficient and economical technique to assess land losses and channel changes in large rivers.
  18. Performance characterization of schottky tunneling graphene field effect transistor at 60 nm gate length
    Noor Faizah Zainul Abidin, Ibrahim Ahmad, Pin JK, Menon PS
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1089-1095.
    A planar Graphene Field-Effect Transistor GFET performance with 60 nm gate length was evaluated in discovering new material to meet the relentless demand for higher performance-power saving features. The ATHENA and ATLAS modules of SILVACO TCAD simulation tool was employed to virtually design and assess the electrical performance of GFET. The developed model was benchmarked with the established results obtained from the DESSIS simulator model by using the same graphene channel’s parameters and simulated at fixed threshold voltage of 0.4V. The GFET was also analyzed and ranked its performance for four different gate oxides which includes HfO2, Al2O3, TiO2, and Ta2O5. Compared to the benchmarked device, our GFET shows a competitive performance although it possesses a lower drive current (ION). However, the leakage current (IOFF), subthreshold swing (SS) and the device’s switching capability (ION/IOFF) are more superior than those of the benchmarked device, with an improvement of 99%, 48.3% and 99.36%, respectively. The with different gate dielectrics were also proven to possess a lower IOFF, competitive ION, smaller SS and better switching capability compared to the established DESSISS model. The graphene parameters in this experiment can be utilized for further optimization of GFET with smaller gate lengths.
  19. Pengoptimumam pemprosesan komposit rHDPE berpenguat sekam padi dengan kaedah tindak balas permukaan (RSM)
    Nishata Royan Rajendran Royan, Abu Bakar Sulong, Nor Yuliana Yuhana, Mohd Hafizuddin Ab Ghani, Sahrim Ahmad
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1749-1756.
    Kaedah tindak balas permukaan (RSM) telah digunakan untuk mengoptimumkan penyediaan biokomposit rHDPE berpenguat sekam padi sebagai pengisi. Sekam padi adalah sisa pertanian yang mempunyai ciri-ciri kayu dan digunakan secara pesat dalam bidang komposit kayu plastik. Kesan parameter suhu, tekanan serta masa proses tekanan panas ke atas kekuatan tegangan telah dikaji. Reka bentuk Box Bechken telah digunakan untuk menentukan parameter optimum biokomposit yang mempunyai kekuatan tegangan yang tinggi. Model tertib kedua telah dibangunkan untuk meramalkan kekuatan tegangan berdasarkan reka bentuk komposit. Didapati bahawa komposit sesuai digunakan apabila model regresi kuadratik dengan pekali penentu bilang (R2) yang tinggi. Keadaan proses menekan yang optimum dicapai pada suhu 180°C, tekanan 1000 psi dan masa 9 min dengan pekali penentu berbilang mencapai 97%. Di bawah keadaan yang optimum ini, komposit yang mengandungi 10, 20, 30, 40 dan 50% gentian RH telah disediakan. Kekuatan tegangan dan modulus tegangan biokomposit menunjukkan peningkatan apabila kandungan gentian RH ditambah.
  20. Bone mineral density and associated risk factors among female athletes: a cross-sectional study
    Jadeera Phaik Geok Cheong, Sareena Hanim Hamzah, Mohamad Shariff A. Hamid, Nur Syamsina Ahmad
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:123-129.
    Menstrual irregularity and disordered eating were previously identified as risk factors for low bone mineral density
    (BMD) in female athletes. Therefore, an investigation for more potential factors that could be associated with low BMD
    among Malaysian female athletes is required. The aim of this study was to assess the association of BMD with energy
    availability, body weight, body fat, estrogen level and bone loading status in female athletes and to what extent those
    factors predict BMD. Energy intake and expenditure, body weight, Bone Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ) score
    and estrogen level were determined from 85 female athletes aged 18-30 years in this cross-sectional study. Bone mineral
    density was measured by using an ultrasound bone densitometry device at the calcaneus bone. The female athletes’ body
    weight and fat percentage were 56±9 kg and 27±6%, respectively and they were all eumenorrheic. Fifty three percent
    of them had low BMD (z- score < 0). Their mean energy intake (1291±33 kcal/day) was lower than energy expenditure
    (1807±34 kcal/day) which resulted in a low energy availability (29±1 kcal/day/kg FFM). BMD was positively associated
    with BPAQ score (r=0.4, p=0.000) and body weight (r=0.3, p=0.005) but negatively associated with energy expenditure
    (r=-0.4, p=0.000). There was no association of BMD with energy intake, energy availability, body fat percentage and
    estrogen level. In conclusion, BMD was associated with energy expenditure, body weight and BPAQ score among female
    athletes. Regression analysis showed that energy expenditure and BPAQ score were the main factors to predict BMD.
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