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Fulltext Physico-chemical, malting and biochemical properties of some improved Nigerian barley cultivars and their malts

Makeri, M.U., Nkama, I., Badau, M.H.

International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(4):1563-1568.
MyJurnal

Five improved Nigerian barley cultivars (ESCOBA, ASE – 2, ALOE, GOB – 2, SUMBARD) were obtained from Lake Chad Research Institute Maiduguri, Nigeria, and their physicochemical, malting and biochemical properties investigated employing standard procedures. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA [at 95% significant level] and correlations using SPSS 14 software. Results showed GOB-2 grain and malt recording the highest kernel weight (47.50 g) and kernel volume (41.21 ml); whereas ALOE grain had the longest kernel length (13.40 mm) and GOB-2 the shortest (9.40 mm). GOB-2 had the largest major diameter (3.39 mm) and SUMBARD had the least (2.86 mm). ESCOBA, SUMBARD and ASE-2 cultivars had the highest protein values (as %N) of 14.90%, 13.90% and 13.69% respectively, while ALOE, ASE-2 and GOB-2 had the highest total carbohydrates of 69.97, 69.39 and 68.90% respectively. All the cultivars had good germinative capacities (> 90%), with GOB-2 and ASE-2 having the highest germinative energy values of 96.65% and 95.00%. No significant (p > 0.05) changes
in the dimension of the kernels after malting. SUMBARD recorded the highest malt yields (88.55%) followed by ASE-2 (83.45%) and ALOE (82.00%). The highest α-amylase activities of 105.34 and 96.23 unit/mg protein/min were recorded by ASE-2 and ALOE, respectively, with corresponding diastatic powers of 81.92 and 76.23oL. Thousand kernel weight correlated positively with protein (r = 0.500, P < 0.05) and with total soluble solids (r = 0.435, p < 0.05) but negatively with α-amylase (r = -0.869, p < 0.05) and with diastatic power (r = -0.838, p < 0.05). This study showed that the cultivars have good potentials for use as malting materials in beverage making.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Evaluation of Ocular Surface Disease in Asian Patients with Primary Angle Closure

Ling TE, Othman K, Yan OP, Rashid RA, Tet CM, Yaakob A, et al.

Open Ophthalmol J, 2017;11:31-39.
PMID: 28400889 DOI: 10.2174/1874364101711010031

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of ocular surface disease (OSD) and to determine the effects of topical pressure-lowering drugs on ocular surface disease in primary angle closure patients.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional comparative study comparing primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients (Group A) with primary angle closure and primary angle closure suspect (Group B). Group A was treated with topical pressure-lowering drugs; Group B was not. Data on ocular diagnosis and details of treatment were obtained from medical records. Ocular surface disease incidence was assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and from clinical signs using Schirmer's test, tear break-up time and corneal fluorescein stain. Predictive Analytic Software 20 and STATA analysis software were used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS: Group A demonstrated a higher rate of OSD (OSDI 52.3%, Schirmer's test 70.5%, tear break-up time (TBUT) 75%, corneal staining 77.3%) compared to Group B (OSDI 39.0%, Schirmer's test 73.2%, TBUT 58.5% and cornea staining 14.6%) except for Schirmer's test. There was a significant difference in mean score of OSDI (p=0.004), TBUT (p=0.008) and cornea staining (p<0.001) between two groups. Primary angle closure glaucoma treated with more than two medications and for more than three years had worse ocular surface disease parameters but without statistical significant difference.
CONCLUSION: Ocular surface disease is common in PACG patients treated with topical pressure-lowering drugs. Topical pressure-lowering drugs caused significant OSD symptoms and signs except for tear production in PACG patients. Thorough evaluation of ocular surface disease is important to ensure appropriate treatment and intervention in PACG patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I in Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Populations in Malaysia

Seri Masran SNA, Ab Majid AH

J Med Entomol, 2017 Jul 01;54(4):974-979.
PMID: 28399302 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw227

The tropical bed bug is scientifically recognized as a significant public health problem. While there is an increased awareness about their resurgence by medical and life science committees, efficient bed bug management still remains unresolved. The solution may soon arise, as information about bed bugs' infestation dynamics and systematics are becoming more distinguishable. Recent developments in studies about bed bugs are based on molecular intervention by determining their genetic variation and phylogeography. The aim of this study is to assess the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity among the populations of tropical bed bugs inhabiting Malaysia. A molecular genotyping study was conducted with 22 tropical bed bug populations composed of three individuals per population. The mitochondrial (COI) gene was used as a marker. The data obtained were analyzed using the T-Coffee, ClustalX, MEGA 6.0, and PAUP software. The results showed one main monophyletic clade that consisted of two groups: Ch01 and Ch02. Ch02 consists of samples from the Bandar Hilir population, differing from the other populations studied by one singleton base. However, as there were no changes in the amino acid, this singleton genetic variation was considered to have no effect on genetic differentiation. Ch01 shows similarity with some sequence of Cimex hemipterus (F.) from Thailand, suggesting an international diversity connection. The disparity index apparently suggests that all isolates are homogeneous populations and are supported by the low value of the mean pairwise distance between isolates. This study will increase the knowledge about phylogeographic diversity of tropical bed bug in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Measuring peak angular velocity of Knee Extension during unloaded kicking: a pilot study

Vanrenterghem, Jos, Zulezwan A. Malik, G. Burniston, Jatin

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2016;5(2):9-14.
MyJurnal

Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 5(2): 9-14, 2016 - Jump squat tests can be
used to investigate the differences in the force - velocity (f-v) profile in movement that is
more a sport-specific than isolated exercises such as open chain leg extension. However,
squat jumps involve multi-joint movement, making it questionable which muscle is the main
contributor for the movement. The main aim of this study is to develop a test of isolated knee
extension that encompasses the entire range of human f-v relationship and to investigate the
correlation between linear encoder and kinematic measurement of angular velocity using a
camera system during unloaded kicking. One healthy male subject volunteered to participate
in the study and performed 10 unloaded kicks (knee extension). A cuff was strapped around
the lower leg, approximately 2 cm above the medial malleoli and connected to a linear
velocity encoder (MuscleLab Ergotest version 4010, Norway). During the test sessions, threedimensional
motion analysis was performed with an Oqus Motion Capture System (Qualisys,
Sweden). Data were transferred to Windows-based data acquisition software (Qualisys Track
Manager). There was a positive linear relationship (r = 0.94). The unloaded kicking test to
determine maximum angular velocity at knee extension measured using the QTM showed
that the mean angular velocity was 362˚.s-1, with the highest value being 528˚.s-1. This
preliminary study suggests isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) can be used to investigate the
entire range of velocities (i.e isometric – velocity maximum) of knee extension in normal
human subjects. Further studies can examine the use of IKD in measuring higher velocities.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Association between functional dentition with inadequate calorie intake and underweight in elderly people living in “Pondok” in Kelantan

Seman, K., Abdul Manaf, H., Ismail, A.R.

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2007;2(1):10-19.
MyJurnal

This study was to investigate the association between functional dentition with inadequate calorie intake and underweight in elderly people living in “Pondok” in Kelantan. A cross-sectional study participated by 369 elderly people was carried out. A simple random sampling method was utilized for the selection of the subjects. Subjects were interviewed using a structured form to collect information about subjects’ demographic background and self-reported health status. The 24-hour recall method was used to provide information on the subject’s exact food intake during the previous 24 hours. Body mass index was calculated from subjects’ weight and height, followed by oral assessment. The “Nutrical Software” was used for nutrient calculation, followed by SPSS version 11.5 for data analysis. The response rate was 95.6%. Majority of the respondents were female (92.4%). The percentage of subjects who had inadequate calorie intake and underweight was 71.0% and 25.7% respectively. The percentage of edentulism was 81.0%. The proportion of elderly with compromised functional dentition was 48.2% and majority was edentate elderly without wearing any complete dentures or wearing defective dentures, 23.6% and 56.2% respectively, while 20.2% was dentate elderly. The odds of having inadequate calorie intake and getting underweight among elderly with a compromised functional dentition was 3.7 times and 42.0 times respectively, compared to elderly with a non-compromised functional dentition. There was a significant association between inadequate calorie intake and underweight with functional dentition among elderly living in “Pondok” in Kelantan.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Reliability and validity of the adult learning inventory among medical students

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

Education in Medicine Journal, 2011;3(1):22-31.
MyJurnal

Objective: To determine the internal consistency and construct validity of the Adult Learning Inventory (AL-i) among first year medical students in a Malaysian medical school. Methods: Cross sectional study was done on 196 first year medical student in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The Cronbach’s alpha reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to measure internal consistency and construct validity of the AL-i respectively. These analyses were done using Predictive Analytics SoftWare (PASW) version 18 and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 19. Result: A total of 196 medical students responded to this study. Exploratory factor analysis showed that two potential constructs would be extracted from the inventory. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the two factor model with six items had a good fit with the latent constructs (X2 (df) = 25.63 (8), p = 0.048, RMR = 0.045, GFI = 0.974, AGFI = 0.933, NFI = 0.974, RFI = 0.951, IFI = 0.987, TLI = 0.975, CFI = 0.987, RMSEA = 0.07). Each domain of the final model of the AL-i has three items. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the AL-i was 0.72. The Cronbach’s alpha values of andragogy and pedagogy domains were 0.87 and 0.86 respectively. Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted values were more than 0.6 and 0.5 respectively indicating good construct reliability and adequate convergent validity. Conclusion: This study suggested that the two factor model with 6 items of the AL-i has a good fit and shown good psychometric values. It is a valid and reliability measurement to determine types of leaner among first year medical students.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext A confirmatory factor analysis study on the medical student stressor questionnaire among Malaysian medical students

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

Education in Medicine Journal, 2011;3(1):44-53.
MyJurnal

Objective: To determine the construct validity, convergent validity, construct reliability and internal consistency of the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) among first-year medical students in Malaysia. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was done on 375 medical students of four medical schools in Malaysia. The confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were applied to measure construct validity, construct reliability and internal consistency of the MSSQ. These analyses were done using Predictive Analytics SoftWare (PASW) version 18 and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 19. The Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted of the final constructs were calculated manually to determine construct reliability and convergent validity. Results: A total of 359 (95.7%) medical students responded to this study. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the six factor model with 20 items had a good fit with the latent constructs (X2 (df) = 258.02 (155), p < 0.001, RMR = 0.055, GFI = 0.933, AGFI = 0.910, NFI = 0.931, RFI = 0.916, IFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.965, CFI = 0.971, RMSEA = 0.043). The Cronbach’s alpha value of the MSSQ was 0.92. The Cronbach’s alpha values of the six constructs were more than 0.7. Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted values of the six constructs were more than 0.6 and 0.5 respectively indicating good construct reliability and adequate convergent validity. Conclusion: This study suggested that the six factor model with 20 items of the MSSQ had a good fit and shown good psychometric values. It is a valid and reliability measurement to identify stressors among medical students across institutions in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Psychometric properties of the learning approach inventory: a confirmatory factor analysis

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

Education in Medicine Journal, 2011;3(2):24-31.
MyJurnal

Objective: To determine the internal consistency and construct validity of the Learning Approach Inventory (LA-i) among first year medical students in a Malaysian medical school. Methods: Cross sectional study was done on 196 first year medical students in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The items of the LA-i were framed based on characteristics of three learning approaches. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to measure internal consistency and construct validity. These analyses were done using Predictive Analytics SoftWare (PASW) version 18 and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 19. The Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) were calculated manually to measure construct reliability and convergent validity. Result: A total of 196 medical students responded to this study. Exploratory factor analysis showed that three potential constructs were extracted from the inventory. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the three factor model with nine items had a good fit with the latent constructs (X2(df) = 26.07 (20), p = 0.163, RMR = 0.04, GFI = 0.969, AGFI = 0.93, NFI = 0.967, RFI = 0.941, IFI = 0.992, TLI = 0.985, CFI = 0.992, RMSEA = 0.04). Each domain of the final model of the LA-i has three items. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the AL-i was 0.86. The Cronbach’s alpha values of surface, strategic and deep approach domains were 0.62, 0.73 and 0.88 respectively. Most of learning approach domains had Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted values were more than 0.6 and 0.5 respectively indicating good construct reliability and adequate convergent validity. Conclusion: This study suggested that the three factor model with 9-items of the LA-i has a good fit and shown good psychometric values. It is a valid and reliability measurement to determine learning approaches among first year medical students.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
A study of the effectiveness of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach

Ng, C. S., Leman, A. M., N. Asmuin

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2012;9(3):1-8.
MyJurnal

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is used in industries to capture contaminants such as gases, dusts, mists, vapours or fumes out of workstations to protect occupants’ exposure to contaminants. LEV is allocated and installed by employers, however it doesn’t work accordingly. LEV design is often overlooked and underappreciated. Effectiveness of LEV system can be achieved if more attention is focused to proper design of LEV system. To solve this issue, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be performed. CFD is a software tool to predict and simulate fluid dynamic phenomena. CFD is used to forecast or reconstruct the behaviour of an engineering product under assumed or measure boundary conditions. However, CFD is just a prediction tool, which can lead to inaccuracy of predicting airflow due to problems with pre-processing, solver and post-processing with parameter from actual experimental results. Therefore, validation is needed to help minimizing percentage error of CFD methods. In this research, measurements of airflow parameter of LEV system at National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Bangi, Selangor were conducted. Control Speed panel found at NIOSH Bangi, which is used to increase or decrease speed of fan, was performed using Control Speed of 20%, 40% 60% and 80%. Upon validation, average absolute error obtained from four different control speeds ranges from 3.372% to 4.862%. Validity of CFD modelling is acceptable, which is less than 5% and good agreement is achieved between actual experimental results and CFD simulation results. Therefore, it can be concluded that CFD software tool can be performed to simulate air velocity in LEV system. CFD methods can save labour costs and time consumption when it is used during earliest stage of LEV design, before actual construction is implemented. The outcome of this paper can be used as a baseline for factories equipped with LEV system to protect occupants’ exposure to contaminants.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Application of anthropometric dimensions for estimating stove height, stove depth and cooking task envelope for Malaysian elderly population

Ruhaizin Sulaiman, Zahari Taha, Siti Zawiah Md. Dawal

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2013;21(1):15-28.
MyJurnal

Elderly are exposed to physical impairment. This has a strong impact on their daily activities including
frying, which is one of the most popular cuisine preparations. The stove height and work envelope
are two major ergonomic issues in performing cooking task. There has been little research focusing
on Malaysian elderly task performing in addressing these issues. The objectives of this study were to
identify the acceptable stove height and depth and to determine the working envelope among Malaysian
elderly using anthropometric data. A total of 55 Malaysian elderly (25 male and 30 female) aged between
60 to 85 years participated in this study. Five body measurements were taken from each subject using
an anthropometer. The measurements are stature height, shoulder height, arm span, arm reach forward
and waist height. Apart from these anthropometric measurements, their present stove height was also
measured. The acquisition of stove height dimensions was performed through a series of door to door
visit of the elderly homes in Kg. Sg. Merab. These variables were used to estimate the elderly working
envelope and determine the stove height, width and depth. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The
waist height dimension was to estimate the stove height, the arm reach forward for the depth and the arm
span for the length of the table-top where the stove was placed. Meanwhile the stature and shoulder height
were used for estimating the position of the overhead compartment or placement of cooking utensils.
The 5
th
percentile was chosen since it is appropriate to accommodate 90% of the studied population. The 5
th
percentile was also applied for the setting
of the working envelope so as to provide better
reaching tolerances. Meanwhile, standard was used
to compare the present state of the studied kitchen
setting. The results show that 56.4% of the elderly
waist height is lower than the standard table-top
height which is 36 inches (91.4cm) and 36.4% of the stove height was found higher than that of the standard. This could apparently cause fatigue and
discomfort to shoulders, the neck, the arm and the back of the user. Anthropometrics measurements can
be used for estimating the stove height, length and depth. These could also calculate a space taken for
certain physical activities, such as frying task envelope. Providing a good combination of stove height,
length, depth and ergonomic working envelope could hopefully improve the elderly cooking task and
increase their quality of life.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Faktor pendorong salah laku sosial dalam kalangan remaja dalam Daerah Melaka Tengah

Jamsiah, M., Hazlinda, H.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(1):21-31.
MyJurnal

Background: Social misconduct amongst adolescents is a worrying and ever growing problem in Malaysia, despite efforts taken to overcome it.
Methods : A cross sectional study was conducted among secondary school students in Melaka Tengah District to measure the prevalence and determine the factors associated with social misconduct amongst adolescents. A total of 414 form four students were recruited by systematic random sampling fulfilling the study criteria between Jun to September 2008, from eight randomly selected secondary schools in the district. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 12.0. Socio-demographic, housing and family factors in relation with social misconduct were studied.
Results : The prevalence of the social misconduct in this study was 70.5%. The most prevalent misconduct includes loitering (37.4%), truancy (30.0%), watching pornographic films (28.7%), and involved in pre-sexual activities (23.7%). The factors that showed significant association with social misconduct were sex and race.
Conclusion : The prevalence of social misconduct is high among adolescent and males as well as Malays are at higher risk. Activities planned for adolescents should be stressed on the danger and effects of social misconduct and be more focused towards male and Malay adolescents.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Confocal laser scanning microscopy study of dentinal tubules in dental caries stained with alizarin red

Marzuki, A.F., Masudi, S.M.

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2008;3(1):2-6.
MyJurnal

Dentin morphology and the lesion found in dental caries have been studied for many years. It was first observed under optical microscopy, and later using electron microscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) applied with several fluorescent dyes such as alizarin red to see normal dentinal tubules. However, as far as authors aware, the CLSM studies of dentinal tubules in human caries using alizarin red is rare. The aim of this study is to examine histopathological and morphological changes in dentinal tubules of dentin caries stained with alizarin red using CLSM. Fifteen extracted carious teeth (premolar or molar) was collected and fixed in neutral formalin solution buffered with phosphate buffer, rinsed and stored in calcium free phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at 4°C. The specimens were dehydrated and embedded in resin. Longitudinal or cross sections were cut and polished and then stained with alizarin red S (100 μg/ml) in 0.5 M HCl solution for 24-48 hour at 37°C. After dehydration specimens were mounted on glass slide and examined under CLSM using epi-flourescent mode or transmission light mode with wave length of 512 nm. The images of dentinal tubules were taken serially and optimum images of three-dimensional structures were reconstructed using software of CLSM. Histopathological changes of dentinal tubules in human caries showed area of demineralized dentin, translucent zone, and normal area. The dentinal tubules were thin and had numerous branches. In conclusion, confocal microscopy revealed Study shows that confocal microscopy revealed histopathological changes in dentinal tubules affected by carious lesions.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Survey of computer literacy among patients with schizophrenia: potential of developing a computerised cognitive remediation program in Kota Bharu, Malaysia.

Alwi, M.N.M., Roslaili, R., Noraniza Hayati, M.N., Harris, A.W.F.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2006;14(1):23-28.
MyJurnal

The aim of the study was to acquire background information on computer literacy among schizophrenia patients in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, prior to the introduction of a computerised cognitive remediation programme in the local setting.
Method: Fifty consenting consecutive patients with schizophrenia attending the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital psychiatric clinic were surveyed using the Computer Literacy Scale (CLS), a scale designed to specifically look at their level of computer knowledge, confidence and attitude towards computers.
Results: The majority of the patients studied have had schizophrenia for 5 years or less. While the majority of them have used computers befoie, about half had a poor level of knowledge, although they showed reasonable confidence and a positive attitude towards computers. Few played computer games.
Conclusions: Implementation of a computerised cognitive remediation programme in the Malaysian setting has a promising potential based on the results of this study but the programme needs to be adapted in light of the negative attitudes towards the use of games.
Study site: Psychiatric clinc, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Assessment of 137 Cs activity concentration in soil from tea plantantion areas in Cameron Highlands

Zaini Hamzah, Che Yasmin Amirudin, Seh Datul Riduan, Ahmad Saat

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2012;9(1):1-5.
MyJurnal

137 Cs is well known man-made radionuclide produced from nuclear industry. Nuclear weapon tests and nuclear accidents had contributed to presence of 137 Cs into the worldwide environment including Malaysia. It has spread out to the entire world through the air and water current. Since Cameron Highlands is located at high altitude, there is a better chance of the 137 Cs to settle down on the trees and later the soil underneath. In this study, the soil samples were taken at the slopes of two different tea plantation areas namely A and B. The soil samples were oven dried, ground, sieved and packed and sealed properly in plastic containers before measurement. Each plastic container contains around 450 g of sample. The measurement of 137 Cs activity concentration was done using HPGe detector gamma spectrometer. The spectrum was analyzed using Gamma Vision software to calculate the activity concentration of 137 Cs with energy peak of 661.66 keV. The activity concentration of 137 Cs found in the samples ranged from 0.23 to 1.90 and 0.11 to 3.01 Bq/kg for tea plantation A and tea plantation B, respectively. From the activity concentration of 137 Cs result, it was comparable to the others research regarding to 137 Cs in the soil around Asian.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Comparing cost for elective lower segment caesarean section costing using top-down and activity based costing methods

Aniza I., Putri, N., Azimatun Noor, A., Amrizal, M.N., Saperi, S., Aljunid, S.M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2011;11(1):36-46.
MyJurnal

Top-down costing and activity based costing are the most frequent costing methodologies used for analyzing cost. Top-down costing is accomplished by assigning total expenditure of hospital to patient by apportioning the expenditure of cost centers (unit of service) in hospital to give the cost per patient per visit, per day or per admission. Conversely, activity based costing is accomplished by tracking every resource used by patient individually. Since this study started in 2009, Top-down costing calculation was based on financial year in 2009 with adjusted up to 12.6% from 2008 data. This percentage was taken based on the trend of hospital expenditure during 2005 till 2008. An assumption was made that non-financial data (performance and administrative data) for 2009 was similar to 2008. Top-down costing was calculated using Clinical Cost Modeling Software developed by Unit Case-mix of UKMMC to obtain cost of elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) per day at ward which was RM922. Whereas activity based costing was calculated using clinical pathway of elective LSCS. Given the average length of stay in 2009 was 4 days, the cost of elective LSCS according to top-down costing was RM3, 688 and activity based costing was RM1774. As a result, cost of elective LSCS is 108% higher using top-down costing.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext A preliminary study of malay and chinese bite mark in UKM using dental wax

Wong, Lai Hong, Balkis Bashuri, Atiah Ayunni Abdul Ghani, Khairul Osman, Nor Atika Md Ashar

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2015;13(1):1-5.
MyJurnal

Identifi cation of unknown suspect through bite marks has always been challenging. Narrowing list of suspects through sex and race markers is always recommend but rarely utilized due to limited publication in this area. Thus, this preliminary research was aimed to study the difference of bite mark made on dental wax between sex and race. A sample size of 40 UKM undergraduates comprising of Malay (male = 10, female = 10) and Chinese (male = 10, female = 10) were used in this study. Bite mark of subject was obtained through dental wax, digitally scanned and analyzed using Image-J software. Parameters measured were anterior teeth size, intercanine width and anterior teeth relative rotation. Result indicated that mandible left canine tooth size had signifi cant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.05) in differentiating sex. The means for male and female measured were 4.63 ± 1.05 mm and 5.35 ± 0.87 mm respectively. In addition to the result, tooth size of maxillary left canine and mandible left lateral incisor were signifi cantly different (p < 0.05) between races. Means for mandible left canine Malay and Chinese were 5.27 ± 1.01 mm and 4.50 ± 1.22 mm respectively. Furthermore, left lateral incisor mandible had means of 5.15 ± 0.87 mm and 4.60 ± 0.74 mm for Malay and Chinese respectively. Unfortunately, there were no signifi cant differences for intercanine width and anterior teeth relative rotation between the two major races in Malaysia. In conclusion, this research has demonstrated the possibility of using tooth size of mandible left canine, maxillary left canine and mandible left lateral discriminate sex and race.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext Rietveld quantitative phase analysis of non-stoichiometric cordierite synthesised from mainly talc and kaolin: effect of sintering temperature

Banjuraizah Johar, Hasmaliza Mohamad, Zainal Arifin Ahmad

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2009;2009(1):103-110.
MyJurnal

Indialite or α-cordierite was synthesized by glass crystallization method using mainly talc and kaolin and with small amount of MgO, Al2O3, SiO2 to compensate the chemical formulation of non-stoihiometric compositions of cordierite. (3MgO.1.5Al2O3.5SiO2). B2O3, P2O5 and CaO was also added to decrease the melting and sintering temperature of cordierite. The glasses were pelletized and sintered from 850 o C up to 1050 o C. Phase compositions of both heat treated glass was quantified by X-ray powder diffraction data by the Rietveld method using TOPAS Ver 3 software. Result shows that about 60wt% of α cordierite has successfully crystallized at 850 o C. Beside secondary phases (forsterite) which come from initial raw materials, phases from grinding media were also presents in the sample. The contamination was considered high since it has reacted with existence phases to form a new phase at higher temperature. Without any contamination from grinding it was expected to obtain more than 90wt% α cordierite using the same composition.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Fulltext The Study of Drag Reduction on Ships Inspired by Simplified Shark Skin Imitation

Ibrahim MD, Amran SNA, Yunos YS, Rahman MRA, Mohtar MZ, Wong LK, et al.

Appl Bionics Biomech, 2018;2018:7854321.
PMID: 29853998 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7854321

The skin of a fast swimming shark reveals riblet structures that help reduce the shark's skin friction drag, enhancing its efficiency and speed while moving in the water. Inspired by the structure of the shark skin denticles, our team has carried out a study as an effort in improving the hydrodynamic design of marine vessels through hull design modification which was inspired by this riblet structure of shark skin denticle. Our study covers on macroscaled design modification. This is an attempt to propose an alternative for a better economical and practical modification to obtain a more optimum cruising characteristics for marine vessels. The models used for this study are constructed using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are then carried out to predict the effectiveness of the hydrodynamic effects of the biomimetic shark skins on those models. Interestingly, the numerical calculated results obtained show that the presence of biomimetic shark skin implemented on the vessels give about 3.75% reduction of drag coefficient as well as reducing up to 3.89% in drag force experienced by the vessels. Theoretically, as force drag can be reduced, it can lead to a more efficient vessel with a better cruising speed. This will give better impact to shipping or marine industries around the world. However, it can be suggested that an experimental procedure is best to be conducted to verify the numerical result that has been obtained for further improvement on this research.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Primary care barriers to cataract surgery in the eastern zone of Peninsular Malaysia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Nurulain MZ, Ahmad S, Asma H, Abdul M

Med J Malaysia, 2018 04;73(2):67-72.
PMID: 29703868

OBJECTIVE: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in Malaysia. There is an alarming backlog of cataract extraction surgery as the majority believes they did not require surgery. This study aimed to explore the barriers at the primary care level to cataract surgery from the perspective of patients with severe cataract blindness.
METHODS: Eleven participants were involved in this qualitative research which utilised the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach more renowned in health psychology research. All interviews conducted at their home. The interviews were recorded, typed verbatim, and the transcripts were analysed using NVivo software version 8.0.
RESULTS: The main barriers identified at the primary care level were 1) nondisclosure of their visual problems originated from their belated needs for better sight, delayed awareness of their visual status and social stigma and 2) patient-provider-related issues namely miscommunication and delayed referral. The first main theme explains their belief for not requiring surgery. This has led to their delayed awareness and impeded disclosure of their visual problems to family members or primary care providers. The second main theme reflects the provider-patient-related issues which retarded cataract detection and referral process required for earlier cataract extraction surgery.
CONCLUSION: Thus, the appropriate approach targeting these specific barriers at primary care level will be able to detect, motivate and assist patients for early uptake of cataract extraction surgery to improve their vision and prevent severe blindness.

Matched MeSH terms: Software
Locating fish bomb blasts in real-time using a networked acoustic system

Showen R, Dunson C, Woodman GH, Christopher S, Lim T, Wilson SC

Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Mar;128:496-507.
PMID: 29571401 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.029

Results are presented of a demonstration of real-time fish blast location in Sabah, Malaysia using a networked hydroacoustic array based on the ShotSpotter gunshot location system. A total of six acoustic sensors - some fixed and others mobile - were deployed at ranges from 1 to 9 km to detect signals from controlled test blasts. This allowed the blast locations to be determined to within 60 m accuracy, and for the calculated locations to be displayed on a map on designated internet-connected computers within 10 s. A smaller three-sensor system was then installed near Semporna in Eastern Sabah that determined the locations of uncontrolled blasts set off by local fishermen. The success of these demonstrations shows that existing technology can be used to protect reefs and permit more effective management of blast fishing activity through improved detection and enforcement measures and enhanced community engagement.

Matched MeSH terms: Software

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