Rapid development of technology has made simulator as a promising training tool. Advantages offered such as interactive and realistic training environments, mistake tolerance and training in hazardous scenario without causing harm to trainee, cost effectiveness, opportunity of training review and training time flexibility makes simulator widely used in aviation training, driver training, medical training and rehabilitation. Despite of these advantages, a major drawback of simulator is simulator sickness. Simulator sickness is a condition caused by inconsistency perceived by our vestibular system. Effected individual reported that they are experiencing nausea, fatigue, postural instability, headaches and difficulty in focusing which linger for hours or days in some cases. This paper will discuss the simulator usage and simulator sickness condition in Malaysia as experienced by researchers and a few organizations that use simulator as their training tool.
Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) isolates are toxigenic and can cause food poisoning. Cooked rice is
a potentially hazardous food, especially in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis in raw and cooked rice marketed in Selangor, Malaysia. In this research combination of Most Probable Number - Polymerase Chain Reaction (MPN-PCR) was used to detect gyrB gene in B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. Five local varieties of raw rice samples were negative for B. thuringiensis but all (100%) were positive for B. cereus. A total of 115 cooked rice samples (nasi lemak, nasi briyani, nasi ayam and nasi putih) were studied for the presence of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. Nasi ayam was found to have the highest prevalence (100%) of B. cereus compared to nasi putih (76.2%) and nasi lemak (70.4%). Nasi briyani had the lowest prevalence (50%) of B. cereus. The frequencies of B. thuringiensis were found to be 10, 30 and 35.2 % in nasi putih and nasi ayam, nasi briyani and nasi lemak, respectively. The range of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis in the samples was from < 3 to 1100 MPN/g in different samples. Maximum number of B. cereus was observed in nasi lemak, nasi briyani and nasi putih ( > 1100 MPN/g) while nasi ayam showed less contamination (460 MPN/g) with B. cereus which was significantly different (P < 0.05 ) from others. The number of B. thuringiensis in nasi lemak, nasi briyani, nasi putih and nasi ayam were found to be >1100, 93, 9.2 and 3.6 MPN/g, respectively.
Radiation Monitoring System aims to limit the exposure dose to personnel to the lowest level
referring to the concept of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). Atomic Energy Licensing
(Basic Safety Radiation Protection) Regulations 2010 is useful to control employee and public
radiation protection program and guideline. This paper discussed the methodology and
implementation of the radiation protection program at PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor (RTP) which is
implemented in Nuklear Malaysia, Complex Bangi.
Detection of neuraxial abnormality in neurologically asymptomatic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is crucial prior to surgery. It can only be detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was not routinely done in this group of patient. On the other hand, whole spine radiographs for measurement of Cobb angle have been routinely included during clinic follow-up. This study aimed to determine the correlation between Cobb angle progression and neuraxial abnormality finding on MRI in asymptomatic AIS.
INTRODUCTION: There is a pressing need to better understand the complex biochemical pathways that lead to the pathogenesis of obesity. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity have been identified to be associated with obesity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of Malaysian subjects and to evaluate its potential association with obesity and related anthropometric measurements.
METHODS: Plasma TAC of 362 multi-ethnic Malaysian subjects from the Kampar Health Clinic (138 males, 224 females; 124 ethnic Malays, 152 Chinese, 86 Indians; 192 non-obese, 170 obese) was measured using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) 96-well plate assay.
RESULTS: Plasma TAC was significantly lower in obese subjects (M +/- SE = 292 +/- 10.4 micromol/L) compared to non-obese subjects (397 +/- 8.58 micromol/L), whereas it was significantly higher in males and those in the 21-30 age group. Those with salty food preference and practising a strict vegetarian diet also had significantly higher plasma TAC. However, no association was found for other dietary habits (coffee intake) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking). Plasma TAC was also significantly negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, weight, body mass index, total body fat, % subcutaneous fat, visceral fat level, resting metabolism and % skeletal muscle.
CONCLUSION: Plasma TAC was found to be associated with obesity, strict vegetarian practice, salty food preference and all obesity anthropometric indicators, except systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. Obese people have decreased plasma TAC indicating a compromised systemic antioxidant defence and increased oxidative stress.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
On-campus foodservices were thought to be the first choice for university students to dine in. However, these seemingly captive consumers have been opting for off-campus foodservice as their preferred outlet. This paper aims to uncover specific factors that motivate undergraduate students to dine-in at university foodservice facilities using Profile Accumulation Technique (PAT). PAT is a semi-quantitative method that provides freedom for informants to answer in their own terms and words, alternatively the data could be analyzed statistically. 115 questionnaires were distributed to students and staff of a local university. Findings include a list of factors (positive perception, negative perception and expectations) that the students considered to be significant in determining their choice of food outlet. These factors are then descriptively analyzed to determine attributes influencing university customer preferences. This paper significantly contributes in providing a deeper insight into factors that influences dining choice of university foodservice's customers in Malaysia.
‘Nasi kandar’ is defined as boiled white rice placed inside a wooden basket and carried on the shoulder using a pole. The rice is served with a variety of pairing dishes that are usually fried, curried or boiled. The tradition of carrying rice and pairing dishes on the shoulder began to die out in the 20th century as seller resorted to a more conventional way of selling ‘nasi kandar’. The ‘nasi kandar’ business in Malaysia has evolved from being sold as a street food into a multi-million dollar franchise business rivalling the fast food business. It is available 24 hours and enjoyed by Malaysians from all walks of life. This study aims to compare ‘nasi kandar’ eating pattern among patrons in the Klang Valley and Penang. Three hundred sets of questionnaires were answered and collected. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed in PASW 18.0 using descriptive statistics and chi-square test for association. Klang Valley patrons (72%) would consume ‘nasi kandar’ once a week. More than half (53.3%) of the patrons from Penang consumed ‘nasi kandar’ more than twice a week. A significant relationship exists between patron’s region and frequency of ‘nasi kandar’ consumption where p = <0.0001 and r = 0.277. A significant but moderate relationship between patron’s region and consumption of ‘nasi kandar’ during breakfast (p = <0.001, r = 0.250), lunch (p = <0.0001, r = 264) and dinner (p = <0.0001, r = 0.336). Patrons in Penang consumed ‘nasi kandar’ more often than their Klang Valley counterparts. Klang Valley patrons were more particular than Penang patrons when it comes to cleanliness, menu pricing, friendly service, air-condition and separate smoking area. Klang Valley patrons tend to consume more chicken based dishes while Penang patrons tend to consume more meat, fish, and squid based dishes.
In the present study, six different rice varieties marketed in Penang, Malaysia (locally grown and imported) were evaluated for proximate composition, physiochemical properties and cooking qualities. Overall, 'Black rice' variety had the highest protein content (8.16%) with lowest fat content (0.07%). Between the various rice varieties investigated, thousand kernel weight varied between 16.97-19.43 g, length/breadth (l/b) ratio was between 2.09-3.75, while bulk density varied between 0.81-0.86 g/ml. Amylose content was highest (27.71%) in white rice (local, medium grain type) with lowest recorded for brown rice variety (3.36%). Results on minimum cooking time showed it to range between 10 to 31.67 minutes with the brown rice cooking the slowest. The water uptake ratio ranged between 2.33 to 3.95 and was low in glutinous rice (2.33), while gruel solid loss (range from 3.17 to 6.43) was lowest in Basmati rice variety (3.17%). The minimum cooking time was found to be negatively correlated with amylose content (r = -0.97). A positive correlation was recorded for both amylose content and l/b ratio in relation to elongation of cooked rice. These results highlight cooking and physiochemical properties of rice to be strongly dependent on their amylose content. Results generated in this study might be able to provide vital information's on identifying 'superior quality of rice' marketed in Penang, based on their proximate composition as well as on their physiochemical and cooking properties.
The earwig (Dermaptera) fauna of Penang Island, Malaysia, was evaluated by means of an extensive field survey together with revision of the few published data. Based on the results of the field survey, 31 species are recognized (2 Diplatyidae, 3 Pygidicranidae, 5 Anisolabididae, 2 Labiduridae, 14 Spongiphoridae, 4 Chelisochidae, 1 Forficulidae). Fifteen of these taxa are new to Peninsular Malaysia (=West Malaysia): Diplatys annandalei Burr, 1911, Diplatys mutiara n. sp., Euborellia philippinensis Srivastava, 1979, Metisolabis punctata (Dubrony, 1879), Pseudovostox brindlei Srivastava, 2003, Chaetospania anderssoni Brindle, 1971, Chaetospania javana Borelli, 1926, Chaetospania huisiangi n. sp., Paralabellula boettcheri (Borelli, 1923), Paralabellula rotundifrons (Hincks, 1954), Nesogaster amoenus (Stål, 1855), Hamaxas crassus Borelli, 1926, Proreus coalescens (Borelli, 1927), Hypurgus humeralis (Kirby, 1891), and an unidentified Echinosoma sp. Species composition of the island are compared with the dermapteran fauna of Thailand. Descriptions of females (or female genitalia) are given for some species for the first time.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) refers to a group of lesions presenting with a spectrum of clinical. features but sharing similar histology. These lesions are rare and treatment has been quite variable with current treatment protocol recommended being dependent on whether it is a unifocal or multi focal bone disease or a multi focal multisystem disease. However, the clinical presentations of LCH are variable and the decision to place into the appropriate clinical types may sometimes be masked by the non-discovery of all the lesions. In the oral maxillofacial area, the clinical features of these lesions may further pose a problem by nondescript manifestations as dental/periodontal/oral mucosal disorders. These oral findings may sometimes lead to inappropriate choice of treatment and delay in the diagnosis of all the lesions involved. This paper describes one such case where LCH manifest itself as a periodontal disease thus leading to delay in identifying all the sites involved and consequently a delay in id~ntifying the appropriate clinical type.
A cross-sectional study of 71 laboratory technicians in Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) Hospitals (response rate 89.9%) was conducted from September ZOO1 till February 2002. Seven MOH Hospitals in Kelantan were chosen. Karase job Content — Questionnaire (Malay Version) was used as research instrument in this study. There were five scales in the questionnaire; two scales were used to dehne job strain - decision latitude and psychological demands. Results showed that the majority of laboratory technicians in MOH Hospitah were classified as passive. However, the proportion of high strain group was the second highest after passive group. The percentage of laboratory technicians in MOH Hospitals which was classified as having a high job strain was 26.8%. The “high strain" group scored significantly higher for hazardous conditions, toxic exposures, total psychological stressors, total physical hazard, and total physical stressors as compared to the “non»high strain” group. Laboratory technicians in “high strain" group had significantly younger in age (18-34 years) group (42.1%) compared to those in “non·high strain" group (7.7%) and shorter total duration of employment (yr) ( 15 .3 x 6.8) compared to those in “non»high strain" group (19.2 x 6.7). We therefore conclude that less experienced and higher psychosocial factors at work experiencing higher job strain compared to those who were more experienced and less psychosocial factors.
This study was undertaken to investigate the outcome of traumatic intracapsular neck of femur fractures treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients aged >=60 years who underwent THA for traumatic intracapsular neck of femur fractures from January 2005 to March 2009 were included in the study. Telephone or personal interviews were conducted. There were 49 patients identified within the study period. The mean age was 74.12 years. Most patients were females 81.6%), with a male: female ratio of 1: 4.4. In total, 29 patients were available for outcome scoring. The one-month mortality rate was 4.1%, and the one-year mortality rate was 20.5%. Of the 29 patients 82.8% obtained a Zukerman Functional Outcome Score of good (80 – 100) and 13.8% obtained a score of fair (60 – 80). THA for the treatment of traumatic neck of femur fractures in elderly is a good option with 96.6% of patients obtaining a satisfactory functional outcome, with acceptable morbidity and mortality statistics.
We report a case of a 21 years old female who presented with a history of anterior knee pain for previous 3 months. Pain was localized to the anteromedial aspect of the left knee and aggravated by flexion. Clinical examination revealed a 2x2cm painful lump on the anteromedial aspect of the left medial condyle with no effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an anterosuperior tear of the medial collateral ligament. The patient subsequently underwent left knee arthroscopic examination. Two yellowish pedunculated masses arising from the anteromedial portion of the synovium were discovered and completely excised. Histopathological examination of the excision biopsy revealed pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) with marked central necrosis. One year post excision, she is well with no signs or symptoms of recurrence. This case highlights an uncommon cause of anterior knee pain. Localized PVNS typically presents with mechanical symptoms, however, pain could arise from pedicle torsion and necrosis.
This is a case of a 65 year old lady who presented with Cushing’s syndrome secondary to ingestion of a complementary and alternative medicine that has been adulterated with exogenous glucocorticoids. In a clinical consultation, it is important to include assessment of complementary and alternative medicine use for a comprehensive care.
PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor (RTP) is the only nuclear research reactor in Malaysia. It has been safely operated and maintained since 28 June 1982. Over 28 years of operation, some of the reactor systems have been upgraded or replaced to ensure the functionality and safety of the reactor. One of the major reactor systems which is primary cooling system is used to remove heat generated in the reactor core. The former primary cooling system consisting of single unit of shell-and-tube heat exchanger, three centrifugal pumps and piping system was replaced with a new system due to decreasing of the cooling performance. The new primary cooling system, consisting of two units of the 1.5-MW plate-type heat exchangers, new three primary pumps and new piping system was installed in accordance to the specified AELB requirements and guidelines of Nuclear Malaysia Safety, Health and Environment Committee (JKSHE). This paper summarises the replacement process of the former RTP primary cooling system. The activities involved preparation before and during construction and installation phases as well as safety consideration based on International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) requirements and Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 514) were discussed and evaluated.
Sejarah awal negara Malaysia yang terdapat dalam pensejarahan Asia Tenggara telah menjadi sumber rujukan di peringkat sekolah dan juga universiti. Periode dari 100EU hingga 1400EU lazimnya mengandungi naratif ringkas mengenai kerajaan tua. Semenanjung Tanah Melayu mewarisi negeri-kerajaan tua Kataha (Kedah), Langkasuka, Panpan, Chihtu dan Baruas yang telah lama terdapat dalam buku sejarah. Bagaimanapun Sarawak kini tidak mewaris apa-apa sedangkan pesisir pantai Borneo di sebelah barat, selatan dan timur terdapat banyak negeri-kerajaan tua seperti Sambas, Mempawah, Pontianak, Landak, Sukadana, Sampit, Banjarmasin, Kutei, Pasri, Bolongan dan Brunei. Terdapat kekosongan dari segi masa dan ruang dalam pensejarahan negeri Sarawak kini. Kajian yang lebih teliti terhadap beberapa sumber primer peribumi di Arkipelago Melayu seperti Silsilah Raja-Raja Brunei dan karya Jawa, Nagarakertagama, telah membongkar beberapa toponim seperti Sarawak, Samarahan, Saribas, Kalaka dan Malanau yang kini merupakan pusat pentadbiran negeri itu. Sumber primer peribumi telah menyatakan bahawa toponim ini adalah negeri yang pernah menjadi jajahan takluk Majapahit selepas itu di bawah Brunei pula. Karangan ini tuba memaparkan naratif ringkas seperti pendekatan yang terdapat dalam pensejarahan Asia Tenggara dan Semenanjung Malaysia. Akhirnya karangan ini mencadangkan negeri kerajaan awal yang diwarisi oleh negeri Sarawak sekarang dinobatkan ke dalam buku sejarah kurikulum sejarah Negara.
Assessment of source and sediment quality was carried out on marine sediments collected from the Tuanku Abdul Rahman National Park. Enrichment factors (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were used to identify the sources of pollution, degree of contamination and sediment quality, respectively. Elemental analyses of marine sediment samples were performed by using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Results from the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park of Sabah indicated that most of the elements are considered to be from lithological or natural origin with EF values of less than 2 except for As (10 stations), Cr (3 stations), Lu (5 stations), Mg (2 stations), Sb (6 stations) and U (3 stations). For the sediment quality, most of the study area can be categorised as unpolluted for most of the elements (Igeo value < 2) except for As, Cr, Lu, Mg, Sb and U. A few study areas were slightly low contaminated with As, Cr, Lu, Mg, Sb and U. The contamination of As, Cr, Lu, Mg, Sb and U in the study area can be categorised as moderate with Igeo values ranged from 1 to 2. Meanwhile, the results of PLI value for sediment were ranged from 0.93 to 1.47 (PLI < 50) indicating there are not required to perform drastic rectification measures for the screening of the elements in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Overall, assessment of the sediment quality at the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park showed a few elements such as As, Cr, Lu, Mg, Sb and U were slightly enriched while most of the elements were similar to background values.
Kajian ini untuk menunjukkan bahawa penentuan tanah air umat Melayu perlu dilihat dalam perspektif pendekatan atau teori yang baru, yakni teori 'The New Malay Homeland'. Ahli Linguistik sejarah pada abad ke-20 dan pada abad ini, iaitu pada abad ke-21 banyak telah melakukan kajian untuk membuktikan bahawa sebenarnya umat Melayu bukan bermigrasi daripada Yunan, sebaliknya daripada Taiwan dan kemudiannya menjadikan Borneo sebagai tanah air kedua umat Melayu. Untuk menjitukan lagi teori ini, maka kajian rekonstruksi dan klasifikasi bahasa Iban di Sarawak dilakukan agar maklumat-maklumat fosil linguistik yang wujud dalam bahasa Iban pada peringkat purbanya dapat membuktikan dan memperkukuhkan hujah bahawa teori di atas adalah benar. Dua kaedah kajian diaplikasi dalam penelitian ini, iaitu kaedah kepustakaan dan kaedah lapangan. Kaedah kajian kepustakaan lebih melihat kepada aspek pembacaan untuk mendapatkan maklumat berkaitan bidang kajian. Kajian-kajian awal ke atas bahasa Iban sejak abad ke-18 sehinga abad ke-21 telah diselidiki. Maklumat berkaitan bidang ilmu linguistik bandingan juga telah dibaca secara seksama. Berkaitan kaedah kajian lapangan, metode semak dan metode cakap dengan pengaplikasian teknik-teknik khas telah dilakukan. Berdasarkan lokasi kajian, tujuh varian bahasa Iban telah diteliti, yakni varian Iban Sri Aman (SA), Betong (BTG), Sarikei (SKEI), Sibu (SBU), Kapit (KPT), Bintulu (BTL) dan Limbang (LMBG) . Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahawa bahasa Iban Purba Sarawak (IPS) memiliki enam fonem vokal *a, *a, *i, *u, *e, *o; tiga diftong *-uy, *-ay, *-aw dan sembilan belas konsonan, iaitu *p, *b, *t, *d, *k, *g, */, *s, *h, *1, *r, *m, *n, *0, *N, *dZ, *tS, *w, dan *y. Beberapa inovasi fonologi juga diperoleh apabila perbandingan dilakukan antara IPS dengan Bahasa Melayik Purba (BMP), iaitu i) BMP *h > IPS */; ii) BMP *-d > IPS *zero, iii) BMP *-g > IPS *zero, iv), dan BMP *r, *1 > IPS *r. Pada tahap morfologi wujud inovasi dan retensi antara IPS dan BMP, iaitu BMP *ni/di > IPS *ba/ dan morfem BMP *{une (N)}, *{be(R)} dan *ite(R)1 diretensi sepenuhnya dalam IPS. Berdasarkan dapatan daripada kajian ini membuktikan bahawa terdapat ikatan rapat antara BMP dengan IPS dapatan ini juga membuktikan bahawa Borneo adalah tanah air kedua umat Melayu setelah umat ini bermigrasi keluar daripada Taiwan.
This quasi experimental study is aimed to determine the effect of 8 weeks physical exercise training program among 219 obese an overweight National Service Training Program (NSTP). It is a purposive sampling and divide to experimental group (n = 110) and control group (n = 109). Body fat (BFP) measured using Omron Karada Scan HBF 375 with Height Scale. The experimental group underwent 8 weeks physical exercise program using the NSTP wellness module. The module contains 18 low intensity training, 40 moderate intensity training and 14 high intensity training with 8 psychological sessions. Analysis showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test after 8 weeks in experimental group. There was a greater decrease BFP (-1.44%) and weight (-2.03%). The control group showed slightly increase in BFP (+2.97%) but decrease weight (-0.28%). This means the intervention program very effective and manage to reduce the BFP and weight among 18 years old obese and overweight NSTP in Malaysia.