Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 78 in total

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  1. Rozaimi M, Fairoz M, Hakimi TM, Hamdan NH, Omar R, Ali MM, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2017 Jun 30;119(2):253-260.
    PMID: 28460878 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.03.073
    Seagrass meadows provide important carbon sequestration services but anthropogenic activities modify the natural ecosystem and inevitably lower carbon storage capacity. The tropical mixed-species meadows in the Sungai Pulai Estuary (Johor, Malaysia) are impacted by such activities. In this study, we provide baseline estimates for carbon stores analysed from sediment cores. In sediment depths up to 100cm, organic (OC) and inorganic carbon (IC) stores were 43-101MgCha-1 and 46-83MgCha-1, respectively, and are in the lower end of global average values. The bulk of OC (53-98%) originated from seston suggesting that the meadows had low capacity to retain seagrass-derived organic matter. The species factor resulted in some variability in OC stores but did not appear to influence IC values. The low carbon stores in the meadow may be a direct result of sediment disturbances but natural biogeochemical processes are not discounted as possible causal factors.
  2. Ngeow YF, Ong SB, Thong ML, Teoh SK, Omar R, Low BT
    Med J Malaysia, 1979 Sep;34(1):65-70.
    PMID: 542157
  3. Zghaibi N, Omar R, Kamal SMM, Biak DRA, Harun R
    Molecules, 2019 Oct 04;24(19).
    PMID: 31590304 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193581
    Toward attaining a sustainability and eco-friendly process, a green and low-cost solvent-brine (NaCl solution) is proposed, as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique solvent to extract lipids from microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. The effect of NaCl concentration on the quantity and quality of the extracted lipid was assessed, while MAE parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The content of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in the lipid was analyzed by using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The highest lipid yield (16.1%) was obtained using 10% (w/v) brine at optimum extraction parameters of 5% (w/v) solid loading, 100 °C, and 30 min. The lipid extraction yield via optimized MAE-brine technique was thrice better than that Soxhlet extraction did and only 2% less than Bligh and Dyer (B&D) lipid extraction, which utilized harmful solvents. The proposed MAE-brine technique offered better quality lipids containing the highest amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (44.5%) and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) (43%). Hence, the MAE-brine solvent technique appears to be a promising extraction method for cheaper, greener, and faster extraction of a high-quality lipid for specialty food applications.
  4. Dadrasnia A, Usman MM, Abutawila Z, Omar R, Ismail S, Abdullah R
    J Environ Health Sci Eng, 2019 Dec;17(2):571-579.
    PMID: 32030135 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-019-00371-0
    Arsenic is a global environmental contaminant that imposes a big health threat which requires an immediate attention to clean-up the contaminated areas. This study examined the biosorption ability of a novel Bacillus strain for the removal of arsenate (pentavalent arsenic) from aqueous solution. The optimum biosorption condition was studied as a function of biomass dosage, contact time and pH. Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), Freundlich, and Langmuir models were applied in describing the biosorption isotherm. The maximal biosorption capacity (92%) was obtained at 25 °C, biomass concentration 2000 mg/L at pH value of 4 and contact period of 50 min. Strain 139SI act as an admirable host to the arsenate. Thermodynamic assessment (ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0) also suggested the chemisorption and feasible process of As(V) biosorption. The reuse study illustrated the highest recovery of 93% using 1 M HCl, and a decrease of 25% in recovery of As(V) ions after 10 times desorption process.
  5. Zghaibi N, Omar R, Kamal SMM, Biak DRA, Harun R
    Molecules, 2020 Feb 12;25(4).
    PMID: 32059440 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040784
    The kinetics of lipid extraction utilizing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) from Nannochloropsis sp. microalgae were studied using a low cost and green solvent, namely brine (NaCl) solution. The kinetic modelling of the lipid extraction was performed to evaluate the mechanism of the lipid mass transfer using different extraction models, including Fick's Law, First and Second-order Rate Law and the Patricelli mathematical model. The Patricelli mathematical model described the kinetics of lipid extraction well, with the highest average values of determination coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.952) and the lowest average values of mean relative percentage deviation (MRPD ≤ 8.666%). The lipid analysis indicated a positive influence of the microwave temperature and time on the quantity and quality of extracted lipids. SEM analysis of spent microalgae clearly shows an increase in the distorted cell with increase microwave temperature and time, which could be directly correlated to the mechanism of the MAE-brine technique.
  6. Islam SZ, Izzati NS, Abdullah MN, Kamarudin MS, Omar R, Uddin J
    SN Appl Sci, 2022;4(11):321.
    PMID: 36339650 DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-05205-7
    Abstract: Wet dust on the Photovoltaic (PV) surface is a persistent problem that is merely considered for rooftop based PV cleaning under a high humid climate like Malaysia. This paper proposes an Automated Water Recycle (AWR) method encompassing a water recycling unit for rooftop PV cleaning with the aim to enhance the electrical performance. This study makes a major contribution by developing a new model to correlate output power ( P out ) and dust-fall factor. For model validation, we conducted an experiment of taking one set of Monocrystalline PV (mono) on a 340 W m 2 of medium luminance day. One mono module was cleaned by AWR - pressurized water sprayed through 11 small holes over its front surface, while the other module was left with no-cleaning. The dust-contaminated water was filtered and collected back to the tank for recycling process. The water loss per cleaning cycle was achieved 0.32%, which was normalized to net loss of 28.8% at a frequency of 1 cycle/day for 90 days of operation. We observed that P out of no-cleaning PV was decreased by 29.44% than that of AWR method. From this experimental data also, a unique and more accurate model is created for P out prediction, which is much simpler compared to multivariables equation. Our investigation offers important insights into the accuracy of this regression model demonstrated by R 2 = 0.744 or a strong negative quadratic relationship between P out and dust-fall. The cleaning of PV modules is expected to save significant energy to reduce the payback period.

    Article Highlights: An automated water recycle method for cleaning dust-fall in rooftop photovoltaic module is proposed.Both simulation and experimental models are developed to predict output power of the photovoltaic module.Proposed method can produce 24.40% more output power than a no-cleaning system with a mere water loss of 0.32%/cycle.

  7. Omar R, Anan NS, Azri IA, Majumder C, Knight VF
    BMJ Open, 2022 Jan 31;12(1):e048965.
    PMID: 35105614 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048965
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of eye injuries, medical costs and return-to-work status among industrial workers to provide better vision rehabilitative services.

    SETTING: Nationwide data from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) of Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: A stratified random sample of workers registered with the SOCSO of Malaysia with documentation of eye injury.

    PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Characteristics of eye injuries and medical costs related to eye injury (primary) and return-to-work status (secondary).

    RESULTS: A total of 884 from 8861 case files workplace accidents involving eye injury registered with Social Security Services (SOCSO) were identified. The mean age was 35±10 years and the highest incidence of work-related eye injury occurred in the age group 30-39 years and among Malay ethnics. Males are affected more than females' workers. The highest cause of eye injury was the impact from a moving object excluding falling objects (89.2%) and anterior segment injuries occurred more than posterior segment injuries. The total direct and Indirect medical cost was RM1 108 098.00 (US$316 599.40) and RM4 150 140.00 (US$1 185 754.20) for 884 cases.

    CONCLUSION: The majority of workers suffered from the low level of eye injury. A significant relationship was found between the severity of eye injury and employee work status. The indirect cost of medical and vision rehabilitation was higher than the direct cost. Awareness and vision rehabilitation programmes at the workplace need to be addressed for better prevention and rehabilitative service.

  8. Lim SM, Thambiah SC, Zahari Sham SY, Omar R, Hambali Z, Samsudin IN
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):135-140.
    PMID: 28866694
    Introduction of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTn I) assays for routine clinical use in Malaysia requires determination of the 99(th) percentile upper reference limit (URL) for each assay to suit local context. Hence, this study aimed to determine the 99(th) percentile URL for hscTn I in the Malaysian population. A total of 250 (120 males and 130 females) healthy Malaysian blood donors aged 18 to 60 years old were recruited. Blood samples for hscTn I were measured using Abbott Diagnostics hscTn I assay on Architect i2000sr analyser. The 99(th) percentile was calculated using a non-parametric method and gender specific results were compared. The 99(th) percentile URL for hscTn I for the overall population was 23.7 ng/L, with gender specific values being 29.9 ng/L and 18.6 ng/L for male and female, respectively. Females had significantly lower hscTn I compared to males. This study confirms the use of gender specific 99(th) percentile URL for hscTn I for clinical use in a multi-ethnic Malaysian population.
  9. Zakaria SM, Kamal SMM, Harun MR, Omar R, Siajam SI
    Molecules, 2017 Jul 03;22(7).
    PMID: 28671617 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071105
    Chlorella sp. microalgae is a potential source of antioxidants and natural bioactive compounds used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a subcritical water (SW) technology was applied to determine the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Chlorella sp. This study focused on maximizing the recovery of Chlorella sp. phenolic content and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay as a function of extraction temperature (100-250 °C), time (5-20 min) and microalgae concentration (5-20 wt. %) using response surface methodology. The optimal operating conditions for the extraction process were found to be 5 min at 163 °C with 20 wt. % microalgae concentration, which resulted in products with 58.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g phenolic content and 68.5% inhibition of the DPPH radical. Under optimized conditions, the experimental values were in close agreement with values predicted by the model. The phenolic content was highly correlated (R² = 0.935) with the antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that extraction by SW technology was effective and that Chlorella sp. could be a useful source of natural antioxidants.
  10. Mydin MAO, Nawi MNM, Omar R, Khadimallah MA, Ali IM, Deraman R
    Chemosphere, 2023 Mar;317:137661.
    PMID: 36608888 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137661
    Efforts to modify cement-based mixtures have continuously engrossed the interest of academics. Favourable impacts of nanoparticles, for instance, fine particle size and great reactivity, have made them be utilized in concrete. Foamed concrete (FC) is immensely porous, and its properties diminish with an increase in the number of pores. To enhance its properties, the FC matrix could be attuned by integrating numerous nanoparticles. The influence of ferrous-ferric oxide nanoparticles (FFO-NP) in FC was not discovered previously in the present body of knowledge. Thus, there is some uncertainty contemplating the mechanism to which extent the FFO-NP can affect the durability properties of FC. Hence, this study focuses on utilizing FFO-NP in the FC matrix. FC specimens with a density of 1000 kg/m3 were cast and tested. The objective was to assess the influence of different FFO-NP weight fractions (0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, and 0.35%) on durability properties such as drying shrinkage, porosity, water absorption and ultrasonic wave propagation velocity of FC. The results implied that the presence of a 0.25% weight fraction of FFO-NP in FC facilitates optimal water absorption, porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity and drying shrinkage of FC. The presence of FFO-NP alters the microstructural of FC from loose needle-like into a dense cohesive microstructure of the cementitious composite. Besides, FFO-NP augments the FC matrix by filling the voids, microcracks, and spaces within the structure. Further than the ideal weight fraction of FFO-NP addition, the accretion of the FFO-NP was found, which caused a decline in durability properties.
  11. Wahi R, Bidin ER, Mohamed Asif NM, Nor Hamizat NA, Ngaini Z, Omar R, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Aug;26(22):22246-22253.
    PMID: 31152421 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05548-6
    Sago bark (SB) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) are available abundantly as agricultural waste in Sarawak. This study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of SB and EFB as composting materials and used as a plant growth medium. The SB and EFB composts were prepared in a separate container by mixing chicken manure as compost accelerator and wood chips as a bulking agent in dry weight equivalent ratio (1:1:1). The maturity and stability of compost in 60-day composting periods were evaluated via physicochemical characterization of the composts in terms of pH, elemental content, total ash content, moisture content and nutrient analyses. The effect of the compost usage as growth medium was assessed towards water spinach and green mustard via seed germination and pot study. After 2 months, the colour of both composts was dark brown with an earthy smell. The acidic pH of the initial composting stage has changed into alkaline pH after 60 days of composting. Total NPK present in the SB and EFB composts were 0.96% and 1.21%, respectively. The germination index (GI) for the studied vegetables was above 100%, while the pot study showed that vegetables in compost media has higher growth compared to the control, after 14 days. SB and EFB are renewable waste which can be used as an excellent compost and able to improve the quality of the soil.
  12. Omar R, Mahjom M, Haron NH, Mat Lazim R, Kamal FSQ
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 24;19(23).
    PMID: 36497673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315601
    This study aimed to examine the characteristics of HCWs infected with COVID-19 and factors associated with healthcare-associated infection. A cross-sectional study, using secondary data of COVID-19 HCW cases from a registry developed by the Occupational and Environmental Health Unit (OEHU) in Kedah State Health Department, Malaysia, was analysed using Excel and STATA version 14.0. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify the factors for healthcare-associated COVID-19 infection. A total of 1679 HCWs tested positive for COVID-19 between 1 January 2021 and 19 September 2021. The infection was mainly non-healthcare-associated (67.0%), with healthcare-associated cases contributing to only 33% of the cases. The significant factors associated with healthcare-associated transmission were the following: doctor (aOR = 1.433; 95% CI = 1.044, 1.968), hospital setting (aOR = 1.439; 95% CI = 1.080, 1.917), asymptomatic (aOR = 1.848; 95% CI = 1.604, 2.130), incompletely or not vaccinated (aOR = 1.400; 95% CI = 1.050, 1.866) and CT-value ≥ 30 (aOR = 2.494; 95% CI = 1.927, 3.226). Identifying factors of healthcare-associated infection would help in planning control measures preventing healthcare-associated transmission in the workplace. However, more than half of COVID-19 cases among HCWs involved non-healthcare-associated COVID-19 infection, and, thus, requires further study to identify high-risk behaviours.
  13. Alasil SM, Omar R, Ismail S, Yusof MY, Dhabaan GN, Abdulla MA
    Int J Otolaryngol, 2013;2013:408238.
    PMID: 24454384 DOI: 10.1155/2013/408238
    Diseases of the tonsils are becoming more resistant to antibiotics due to the persistence of bacteria through the formation of biofilms. Therefore, understanding the microbiology and pathophysiology of such diseases represent an important step in the management of biofilm-related infections. We have isolated the microorganisms, evaluated their antimicrobial susceptibility, and detected the presence of bacterial biofilms in tonsillar specimens in correlation with the clinical manifestations of tonsillar diseases. Therefore, a total of 140 palatine tonsils were collected from 70 patients undergoing tonsillectomy at University Malaya Medical Centre. The most recovered isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (39.65%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (18.53%). There was high susceptibility against all selected antibiotics except for cotrimoxazole. Bacterial biofilms were detected in 60% of patients and a significant percentage of patients demonstrated infection manifestation rather than obstruction. In addition, an association between clinical symptoms like snore, apnea, nasal obstruction, and tonsillar hypertrophy was found to be related to the microbiology of tonsils particularly to the presence of biofilms. In conclusion, evidence of biofilms in tonsils in correlation with the demonstrated clinical symptoms explains the recalcitrant nature of tonsillar diseases and highlights the importance of biofilm's early detection and prevention towards better therapeutic management of biofilm-related infections.
  14. Mohd Omar R, Ismail IA, Md Yasin M, Ahmad Affandi K, Hasbullah HH, Mohamad Ali ND
    Am J Case Rep, 2023 Aug 23;24:e940594.
    PMID: 37608536 DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.940594
    BACKGROUND Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a diverse category of malignancies diagnosed in patients who have metastatic disease but without an identifiable primary tumor at initial presentation. CASE REPORT We report a case of CUP which was later diagnosed to be metastatic adenocarcinoma of the breast in a 62-year-old woman. The patient initially presented to a primary care clinic with an incidental finding of a small hard mass in the middle of the sternum, with no other clinical findings in the breast or axillary lymph nodes. Chest X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scan of the sternum suggested a benign sternal lesion, and a mammogram was normal. Due to the persistence of the mass, a biopsy was performed. The histopathological findings revealed a metastatic adenocarcinoma, most likely from breast origin, with positive estrogen receptor (ER) and mammaglobin on immunohistochemistry studies. The patient subsequently underwent PET scan, repeat mammogram, and MRI of the breast. Following high uptake in the rectum on PET, a colonoscopy was performed, revealing a suspicious rectal mass. The mass was surgically excised, and the final histopathological examination concluded the mass was a second primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Genetic analyses for BRCA1 and BRCA2 were negative. CONCLUSIONS This is a rare case of an isolated bone-like lesion on the sternum due to metastatic adenocarcinoma of the breast in a patient with no prior history of breast cancer and lacking any clinical or radiological evidence of breast or axillary lymph node lesions on presentation. The patient was also subsequently diagnosed with 2 primary carcinomas. Thorough clinical examination, extensive radiological investigations, laboratory investigations, histopathological examination, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential in managing CUP.
  15. Othuman Mydin MA, Jagadesh P, Bahrami A, Dulaimi A, Onuralp Özkılıç Y, Omar R
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25858.
    PMID: 38420447 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25858
    Nowadays, the application of nanotechnology has gained increased attention in the concrete technology field. Several applications of concrete require light weight; one such concrete used is foamed concrete (FC), which has more voids in the microstructure. In this study, nano-silica (NS) was utilized, which exhibits a pozzolanic nature, and it reacts with other pozzolanic compositions (like lime, alumina, etc.) to form hydrated compounds in concrete. Apart from these hydrated compounds, NS acts as a filler material and enhances properties of concrete such as the fresh and hardened properties. This research examines the fresh, hardened, and microstructural properties of FC blended with NS. The ratio of binder and filler used in this research is 1:1.5, with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45 and a density of 880 kg/m3. A total of six different weight fractions of NS were added to FC mixes, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Properties assessed for FC blended with NS were the slump, bulk density, strength parameters (flexural, splitting tensile, and compressive strengths), morphological analysis, water absorption, and porosity. It was concluded from this study that the optimum NS utilized to improve the properties was 3%. Apart from this, the relationship between the mechanical properties and NS dosages was developed. The correlations between the compressive strength and other properties were analyzed, and relationships were developed based on the best statistical approach. This study helps academicians, researchers, and industrialists enhance the properties of FC blended with NS and their relationships to predict concrete properties from other properties.
  16. Rezaei Motlagh S, Harun R, Awang Biak DR, Hussain SA, Omar R, Elgharbawy AA
    Mar Drugs, 2020 Feb 12;18(2).
    PMID: 32059424 DOI: 10.3390/md18020108
    One of the essential fatty acids with therapeutic impacts on human health is known to be omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). More lately, ionic liquids (ILs) have received significant attention among scientists in overcoming the disadvantages of traditional solvents in biomass lipid extraction. However, the large pool of cations and anions possibly accessible will lead to a growing number of innovatively synthesized ILs. Nevertheless, the exhaustive measurement of all these systems is economically impractical. The conductive screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) is considered a precious approach with the availability of a few models to predict the characteristics of ILs. This work introduces the estimate of capacity values at infinite dilution for a range of ILs using COSMO-RS software as part of solid-liquid extraction. This favorable outcome presented that the capacity values of the IL molecules are extremely dependent on both anions and cations. Among the 352 combinations of cation/anion tested, short alkyl chain cations coupled with inorganic anions were found to be most efficient and therefore superior in the extraction method. Sulphate-, chloride-, and bromide-based ILs were found to have higher extraction capacities in contrast with the remainders, while propanoate revealed an extraordinary capacity when combined with ethyl-based cations. Eventually, the predicted results from COSMO-RS were validated through the experimentally calculated extraction yield of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) compound from Nannochloropsis sp. microalgae. Three selected ILs namely [EMIM][Cl], [TMAm][Cl], and [EMPyrro][Br] were selected from COSMO-RS for empirical extraction purpose and the validation results pinpointed the good prediction capability of COSMO-RS.
  17. Heng Hah M, Norliza Raja Omar R, Jalaluddin J, Fadzillah Abd Jalil N, Selvathurai A
    Int J Ophthalmol, 2012;5(3):384-8.
    PMID: 22773993 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2012.03.26
    AIM: To study the success and outcome of trabeculectomy in Hospital Melaka.
    METHODS: Medical records of all patients who underwent trabeculectomy between January 1, 2007 and October 31, 2010 whom were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively in Hospital Melaka were retrospectively reviewed.
    RESULTS: A total number of 117 eyes of 91 patients with the age range between 12 to 84 years underwent primary trabeculectomy (n=20, 17.1%), combine trabeculectomy with cataract surgery (n=90, 76.9%), repeat trabeculectomy (n=5, 4.3%), and combine repeat trabeculectomy with cataract surgery (n=2, 1.7%). The disease spectrum includes primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (54 patients, 59.3%), priamry angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) (14 patients, 15.4%), secondary glaucomas (19 patients, 20.9%) and juvenile glaucomas (4 patients, 4.4%). Preoperative mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was (24.69±8.67)mmHg as compared to postoperative mean IOP of (15.81±6.66)mmHg, (15.07±4.72)mmHg and (15.68 ±3.65)mmHg at 6-month, 12-month and 24-month respectively. Eighty-two point one percent of eyes (n=96) achieved complete success (CS), 12.8% (n=15) with qualified success (QS) and only 5.1% (n=6) failed at 6 month with two of them warrant other filtering surgery. At twelve months, trabeculectomy with CS was 71.6% (n=63), QS in 22.7% (n=20) and failure in 5.7% (n=5). Sixty-seven point five percent (n=27) attained CS, 20.0% (n=8) with QS while 12.5% (n=5) failed at 24 month postoperative.
    CONCLUSION: As the understanding of the lower the IOP, the better the patients retaining the visual function, trabeculectomy is significantly a choice of treatment in uncontrolled glaucoma. This study concluded that trabeculectomy performed in Hospital Melaka has produced significant success as compared to other studies.
    KEYWORDS: glaucoma; success rate; trabeculectomy
  18. Omar R, Kuan YM, Zuhairi NA, Manan FA, Knight VF
    Int J Ophthalmol, 2017;10(9):1460-1464.
    PMID: 28944208 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.09.20
    AIM: To compare visual efficiency, specifically accom-modation, vergence, and oculomotor functions among athletes and non-athletes.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study on sports vision screening was used to evaluate the visual skills of 214 elementary students (107 athletes, 107 non-athletes), aged between 13 and 16y. The visual screening assessed visual parameters such as ocular motor alignment, accommodation, and vergence functions.

    RESULTS: Mean visual parameters were compared between age-group matched athletes (mean age 14.82±0.98y) and non-athletes (mean age 15.00±1.04y). The refractive errors of all participants were corrected to maximal attainable best corrected visual acuity of logMAR 0.0. Accommodation function assessment evaluated amplitude of accommodation and accommodation facility. Vergence functions measured the near point of convergence, vergence facility, and distance fusional vergence at break and recovery point. Ocular motor alignment was not statistically significant between both groups. Athletes had a statistically significant amplitude of accommodation for both the right eye (t=2.30, P=0.02) and the left eye (t=1.99, P=0.05). Conversely, non-athletes had better accommodation facility (t=-2.54, P=0.01) and near point of convergence (t=4.39, P<0.001) when compared to athletes. Vergence facility was found to be better among athletes (t=2.47, P=0.01). Nevertheless, non-athletes were significantly better for both distance negative and positive fusional vergence.

    CONCLUSION: Although the findings are still inconclusive as to whether athletes had superior visual skills as compared to non-athletes, it remains important to identify and elucidate the key visual skills needed by athletes in order for them to achieve higher performance in their sports.

  19. Khairuddin MZF, Sankaranarayanan S, Hasikin K, Abd Razak NA, Omar R
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2024;10:e1985.
    PMID: 38660193 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1985
    BACKGROUND: This study introduced a novel approach for predicting occupational injury severity by leveraging deep learning-based text classification techniques to analyze unstructured narratives. Unlike conventional methods that rely on structured data, our approach recognizes the richness of information within injury narrative descriptions with the aim of extracting valuable insights for improved occupational injury severity assessment.

    METHODS: Natural language processing (NLP) techniques were harnessed to preprocess the occupational injury narratives obtained from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from January 2015 to June 2023. The methodology involved meticulous preprocessing of textual narratives to standardize text and eliminate noise, followed by the innovative integration of Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) and Global Vector (GloVe) word embeddings for effective text representation. The proposed predictive model adopts a novel Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) architecture and is further refined through model optimization, including random search hyperparameters and in-depth feature importance analysis. The optimized Bi-LSTM model has been compared and validated against other machine learning classifiers which are naïve Bayes, support vector machine, random forest, decision trees, and K-nearest neighbor.

    RESULTS: The proposed optimized Bi-LSTM models' superior predictability, boasted an accuracy of 0.95 for hospitalization and 0.98 for amputation cases with faster model processing times. Interestingly, the feature importance analysis revealed predictive keywords related to the causal factors of occupational injuries thereby providing valuable insights to enhance model interpretability.

    CONCLUSION: Our proposed optimized Bi-LSTM model offers safety and health practitioners an effective tool to empower workplace safety proactive measures, thereby contributing to business productivity and sustainability. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of predictive analytics in the occupational safety and health domain.

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