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A controller based on Optimal Type-2 Fuzzy Logic: systematic design, optimization and real-time implementation

Fayek HM, Elamvazuthi I, Perumal N, Venkatesh B

ISA Trans, 2014 Sep;53(5):1583-91.
PMID: 24962934 DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2014.06.001

A computationally-efficient systematic procedure to design an Optimal Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller (OT2FLC) is proposed. The main scheme is to optimize the gains of the controller using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), then optimize only two parameters per type-2 membership function using Genetic Algorithm (GA). The proposed OT2FLC was implemented in real-time to control the position of a DC servomotor, which is part of a robotic arm. The performance judgments were carried out based on the Integral Absolute Error (IAE), as well as the computational cost. Various type-2 defuzzification methods were investigated in real-time. A comparative analysis with an Optimal Type-1 Fuzzy Logic Controller (OT1FLC) and a PI controller, demonstrated OT2FLC׳s superiority; which is evident in handling uncertainty and imprecision induced in the system by means of noise and disturbances.
Fulltext Efficient oil palm total RNA extraction with a total RNA extraction kit

Habib SH, Saud HM, Kausar H

Genet. Mol. Res., 2014;13(2):2359-67.
PMID: 24781991 DOI: 10.4238/2014.April.3.8

Oil palm tissues are rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides and secondary metabolites; these can co-precipitate with RNA, causing problems for downstream applications. We compared two different methods (one conventional and a kit-based method - Easy-Blue(TM) Total RNA Extraction Kit) to isolate total RNA from leaves, roots and shoot apical meristems of tissue culture derived truncated leaf syndrome somaclonal oil palm seedlings. The quality and quantity of total RNA were compared through spectrophotometry and formaldehyde gel electrophoresis. The specificity and applicability of the protocols were evaluated for downstream applications, including cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR analysis. We found that the conventional method gave higher yields of RNA but took longer, and it was contaminated with genomic DNA. This method required extra genomic DNA removal steps that further reduced the RNA yield. The kit-based method, on the other hand, produced good yields as well as well as good quality RNA, within a very short period of time from a small amount of starting material. Moreover, the RNA from the kit-based method was more suitable for synthesizing cDNA and RT-PCR amplification than the conventional method. Therefore, we conclude that the Easy-BlueTM Total RNA Extraction Kit method is suitable and superior for isolation of total RNA from oil palm leaf, root and shoot apical meristem.
Permeable pavement and stormwater management systems: a review

Imran HM, Akib S, Karim MR

Environ Technol, 2013 Sep-Oct;34(17-20):2649-56.
PMID: 24527626

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff not only creates drainage problems and flash floods but also presents a considerable threat to water quality and the environment. These problems can, to a large extent, be reduced by a type of stormwater management approach employing permeable pavement systems (PPS) in urban, industrial and commercial areas, where frequent problems are caused by intense undrained stormwater. PPS could be an efficient solution for sustainable drainage systems, and control water security as well as renewable energy in certain cases. Considerable research has been conducted on the function of PPS and their improvement to ensure sustainable drainage systems and water quality. This paper presents a review of the use of permeable pavement for different purposes. The paper focuses on drainage systems and stormwater runoff quality from roads, driveways, rooftops and parking lots. PPS are very effective for stormwater management and water reuse. Moreover, geotextiles provide additional facilities to reduce the pollutants from infiltrate runoff into the ground, creating a suitable environment for the biodegradation process. Furthermore, recently, ground source heat pumps and PPS have been found to be an excellent combination for sustainable renewable energy. In addition, this study has identified several gaps in the present state of knowledge on PPS and indicates some research needs for future consideration.
Validation of a HPLC method for determination of hydroxymethylfurfural in crude palm oil

Ariffin AA, Ghazali HM, Kavousi P

Food Chem, 2014 Jul 1;154:102-7.
PMID: 24518321 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.12.082

For the first time 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (HMF) was separated from crude palm oil (CPO), and its authenticity was determined using an RP-HPLC method. Separation was accomplished with isocratic elution of a mobile phase comprising water and methanol (92:8 v/v) on a Purospher Star RP-18e column (250mm×4.6mm, 5.0μm). The flow rate was adjusted to 1ml/min and detection was performed at 284nm. The method was validated, and results obtained exhibit a good recovery (95.58% to 98.39%). Assessment of precision showed that the relative standard deviations (RSD%) of retention times and peak areas of spiked samples were less than 0.59% and 2.66%, respectively. Further, the limit of detection (LOD) and LOQ were 0.02, 0.05mg/kg, respectively, and the response was linear across the applied ranges. The crude palm oil samples analysed exhibited HMF content less than 2.27mg/kg.
Outcome of corticosteroid injection versus physiotherapy in the treatment of mild trigger fingers

Salim N, Abdullah S, Sapuan J, Haflah NH

J Hand Surg Eur Vol, 2012 Jan;37(1):27-34.
PMID: 21816888 DOI: 10.1177/1753193411415343

We compared the effectiveness of physiotherapy and corticosteroid injection treatment in the management of mild trigger fingers. Mild trigger fingers are those with mild crepitus, uneven finger movements and actively correctable triggering. This is a single-centred, prospective, block randomized study with 74 patients; 39 patients for steroid injection and 35 patients for physiotherapy. The study duration was from Jun 2009 until August 2010. Evaluation was done at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-treatment. At 3 months, the success rate (absence of pain and triggering) for those receiving steroid injection was 97.4% and physiotherapy 68.6%. The group receiving steroid injection also had lower pain score, higher rate of satisfaction, stronger grip strength and early recovery to near normal function (findings were all significant, p
Fulltext Modelling the effect of water activity and temperature on growth rate and aflatoxin production by two isolates of Aspergillus flavus on paddy

Mousa W, Ghazali FM, Jinap S, Ghazali HM, Radu S

J Appl Microbiol, 2011 Nov;111(5):1262-74.
PMID: 21883729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05134.x

This study was conducted to characterize the growth of and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus on paddy and to develop kinetic models describing the growth rate as a function of water activity (a(w)) and temperature.
Fulltext Knowledge and attitude of university students in health sciences on the prevention of cervical cancer

Tan YY, Hesham R, Qodriyah HM

Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):53-7.
PMID: 21265250 MyJurnal

Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer after breast cancer both in Malaysia and worldwide although it can be mostly prevented. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge level and attitude of University Kebangsaan Malaysia female students in the Faculties of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences on the prevention of cervical cancer. A total of 675 respondents were recruited for this cross-sectional study involving pre-tested questionnaires. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0. There was significant association between grade and mean score of knowledge with different faculties and year of education (p<0.05). However, significant association was shown only between grade of knowledge with different programs in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. For mean score of knowledge, significant difference only existed among different races (p<0.05). Mass media was the most common source of information. In conclusion, the knowledge level of respondents on cervical cancer and its prevention was not satisfactory despite their positive attitude on prevention. Thus, more awareness programs should be conducted in University campuses to provide students with knowledge on prevention of cervical cancer.
Composition and thermal characteristics of Madhuca longifolia seed fat and its solid and liquid fractions

Marikkar JM, Ghazali HM, Long K

J Oleo Sci, 2010;59(1):7-14.
PMID: 20032594

This study was to characterize the seed fat from Madhuca longifolia known as Mee fat and its solid and liquid fractions with the objective of distinguishing them. A sample of Mee fat was partitioned into solid and liquid fractions using acetone as the solvent medium. The isolated fractions were compared to the native Mee fat sample with respect to various physico-chemical parameters using standard chemical methods as well as instrumental techniques such as, gas liquid chromatography (GLC), reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Basic analyses indicated that there were wide variations between the native sample and its fractions with respect to iodine value (IV), and slip melting point (SMP). The cloud point (CP) of the liquid fraction was found to be 10.5 degrees C. Fatty acid compositional analyses showed that the proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) such as palmitic and stearic went up in the high-melting fraction (HMF) while in low-melting fraction (LMF) the proportion of unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) such as oleic and lenoleic increased. According to the HPLC analyses, Mee fat had a tiacyl glycerol (TAG) sequence similar to that of palm oil. After fractionation, the solid and liquid fractions obtained were found to have TAG profiles very much different from the native sample. Thermal analyses by DSC showed that Mee fat had two-widely separated high and low melting thermal transitions, a feature which was beneficial for the effective separation of solid and liquid fractions. The thermal profiles displayed by the fractions were clearly distinguishable from that of the native sample.
Fulltext The blood pressure variability, arterial elasticity and humoral factors in subjects with family history of hypertension

Rafidah HM, Azizi A, Suhaimi H, Noriah MN

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Mar;63(1):9-16.
PMID: 18935724 MyJurnal

Normotensive subjects with family history of hypertension (FHT) have been reported to have increased left ventricular mass index and reduced ventricular compliance. Of interest is whether blood pressure variability (BPV), which has been associated with target organ damage, is then part of this complex inherited syndrome? The objectives of this study are to determine whether there are any significant differences in BPV, arterial compliance and humoral factors in subjects with FHT as compared to controls. Thirty-five subjects with self reported FHT and 35 matched controls underwent 24 hour BP monitoring (BR-102, Schiller Inc. Germany). Arterial compliance was measured using systolic pulse wave tonometry (HDI/Pulsewave Cardiovascular Profiling Instrument, Hypertension Diagnostic Inc. USA). None of the subjects were hypertensive or diabetic. Out of these numbers, 25 subjects with FHT and 26 controls had measurements of plasma catecholamines, plasma renin and serum aldosterone. Catecholamines were assayed with high performance liquid chromatography, while both renin and aldosterone measurements were by radioimmunoassay. Subjects with FHT have higher night time BPV. There was no significant difference in arterial compliances between both groups. There were increased level of norepinephrine (NE) in subjects with FHT but epinephrine (E), renin and aldosterone levels were similar in both groups. There were no correlations between NE and BPV but E was negatively associated with daytime and mean arterial systolic BPV. In conclusion subjects with FHT demonstrated a higher night time BPV and NE level as compared to controls.
Fulltext The relationship of p53 protein in meninigioma grading and their various influencing factors amongst neurosurgical patients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Kantha R, Saffari HM, Suryati MY

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Aug;62(3):194-6.
PMID: 18246905 MyJurnal

Meningioma, is the second most frequent intracranial tumor in Malaysia and are classified according to the World Health Organization classification. The relationship of p53 protein in the determination of meningioma grading and their influencing factors were studied via immunohistochemistry studies on 77 intracranial meningiomas (67 benign, 10 atypical). The higher the p53 reaction was correlated to the poorer the histological grade (19.4% in benign and 90% in atypical meningioma) (p < 0.001). Other variables like age, sex, ethnicity, demographic location, surgical clearance, midline shift and contrast enhancement of CT Scan Brain and clinical features were found not to be significant.
Fulltext Migration of a foreign body in the maxillary sinus illustrating natural mucociliary action

Pang KP, Siow JK, Tan HM

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Oct;60(4):523-5.
PMID: 16570724

We present a case of a foreign body which migrated to the maxillary ostia by mucociliary action from its initial location on the floor of the maxillary sinus where it was traumatically introduced. This report illustrates that a powerful mechanism of mucociliary action can cause relatively heavy objects within the maxillary sinus to migrate naturally to the sinus ostia against gravitational force.
Fulltext Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: a report of six cases

Thomas GST, Hussain IHMI

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Aug;59(3):342-51.
PMID: 15727380 MyJurnal

Six children with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) were seen at the Penang Hospital over a two year period (July 1999-June 2001). Diagnosis was based upon typical clinical features and characteristic findings on neuroimaging. Cerebrospinal fluid examination and other investigations were done, where appropriate, to rule out other causes of central nervous system disease. Three children had a prodromal illness. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, seizures, ataxia, focal neurological deficits and labile mood. Two children presented with status epilepticus. All children had an abnormal neurological examination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense signals on T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences in the subcortical and deep white matter regions of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, as well as in the thalami, cerebellum and brainstem. One child had multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (three episodes). The child with multiphasic disease had only one treated episode, and has suffered mild disability. Three children were treated with either methylprednisolone or immunoglobulins, and remain well. One child received both treatments but expired as a result of severe gastrointestinal bleeding from the use of methylprednisolone. The child who was not treated has severe disability.
Accuracy of single and parallax film and digital periapical radiographs in diagnosing apical periodontitis - a cadaver study

Kanagasingam S, Hussaini HM, Soo I, Baharin S, Ashar A, Patel S

Int Endod J, 2017 May;50(5):427-436.
PMID: 27063356 DOI: 10.1111/iej.12651

AIM: To compare the accuracy of film and digital periapical radiography (PR) in detecting apical periodontitis (AP) using histopathological findings as a reference standard.
METHODOLOGY: Jaw sections containing 67 teeth (86 roots) were collected from nine fresh, unclaimed bodies that were due for cremation. Imaging was carried out to detect AP lesions using film and digital PR with a centred view (FP and DP groups); film and digital PR combining central with 10˚ mesially and distally angled (parallax) views (FPS and DPS groups). All specimens underwent histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of AP. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of PR were analysed using rater mean (n = 5). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was carried out.
RESULTS: Sensitivity was 0.16, 0.37, 0.27 and 0.38 for FP, FPS, DP and DPS, respectively. Both FP and FPS had specificity and positive predictive values of 1.0, whilst DP and DPS had specificity and positive predictive values of 0.99. Negative predictive value was 0.36, 0.43, 0.39 and 0.44 for FP, FPS, DP and DPS, respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) for the various imaging methods was 0.562 (FP), 0.629 (DP), 0.685 (FPS), 0.6880 (DPS).
CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of single digital periapical radiography was significantly better than single film periapical radiography. The inclusion of two additional horizontal (parallax) angulated periapical radiograph images (mesial and distal horizontal angulations) significantly improved detection of apical periodontitis.
Fulltext Lamotrigine as an add-on therapy in intractable paediatric epilepsy--the Kuala Lumpur Hospital experience

Vigneswari G, Sofiah A, Hussain IHMI

Med J Malaysia, 2001 Sep;56(3):359-64.
PMID: 11732083

An observational study of all children with intractable epilepsy at the Paediatric Institute prescribed Lamotrigine as an add-on therapy between January 1994 and November 1998 was conducted. A total of 30 children were recruited. Three had adverse effects to the drug and it was withdrawn. Of the remaining 27, there were 20 boys and 7 girls, ranging from 2 to 17 years. Fifteen children had generalised epilepsy, 6 had partial epilepsy, 2 had West syndrome and 4 had Lennox Gastaut syndrome. Six children (20%) became seizure free, and 14 (54%) had a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency. However 7 children (23%) did not respond and 3 experienced a deterioration in seizure severity. Nine children were noted to have an improvement in alertness and behaviour. Our small series suggests that Lamotrigine is useful as add-on therapy in childhood intractable epilepsy.
The effect of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) on drug-metabolizing enzymes in sheep and comparison with normal cells

Khairi HM, Elsheikh HA, Salam Abdullah A

Vet Hum Toxicol, 2000 Aug;42(4):193-5.
PMID: 10928679

The effect of Brachiaria decumbens (signal grass) on drug-metabolizing enzymes was studied in sheep. After 14 d of grazing a pure signal grass pasture, significant declines were observed in hepatic aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline 4-hydroxylase (phase I biotransformation) and in conjugative enzymes UDP-glucuronyltransferase and glutathione S-transferase. Kidney enzymes were significantly decreased except for UDP-glucuronyltransferase. Enzyme activities were also compared for normal sheep and cattle livers and kidneys. Lower activities were found in cattle, indicating that factors other than biotransformation are responsible for the clincial tolerance of cattle to B. decumbens toxicity.
Blending of palm oil, palm stearin and palm kernel oil in the preparation of table and pastry margarine

Norlida HM, Md Ali AR, Muhadhir I

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 1996 Jan;47(1):71-4.
PMID: 8616676

Palm oil (PO ; iodin value = 52), palm stearin (POs1; i.v. = 32 and POs2; i.v. = 40) and palm kernel oil (PKO; i.v. = 17) were blended in ternary systems. The blends were then studied for their physical properties such as melting point (m.p.), solid fat content (SFC), and cooling curve. Results showed that palm stearin increased the blends melting point while palm kernel oil reduced it. To produce table margarine with melting point (m.p.) below 40 degrees C, the POs1 should be added at level of < or = 16%, while POs2 at level of < or = 20%. At 10 degrees C, eutectic interaction occur between PO and PKO which reach their maximum at about 60:40 blending ratio. Within the eutectic region, to maintain the SFC at 10 degrees C to be < or = 50%, POs1 may be added at level of < or = 7%, while POs2 at level of < or = 12%. The addition of palm stearin increased the blends solidification Tmin and Tmax values, while PKO reduced them. Blends which contained high amount of palm stearin showed melting point and cooling curves quite similar to that of pastry margarine.
Isolation of Moraxella catarrhalis from sputum specimens of Malaysian patients

Ahmad N, Cheong YM, Tahir HM

Malays J Pathol, 1994 Jun;16(1):63-7.
PMID: 16329578

Moraxella catarrhalis has gained reputation as a pathogen in the lower respiratory tract especially in patients with underlying chronic lung diseases. It is considered significant when isolated from sputum specimens of adults with respiratory tract infections. A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Moraxella catarrhalis isolated in sputum specimens and beta-lactamase production of these isolates. Sputum specimens sent to the Bacteriology division, Institute for Medical Research from April 1990 until April 1993 were screened for Moraxella catarrhalis. A total of 1678 sputum specimens were processed and Moraxella catarrhalis was isolated from 15 (0.89%) of the sputum specimens. Six out of 15 (40%) were isolated from patients with chronic lung disease. Eight out of 15 (47%) were beta-lactamase producers. Moraxella catarrhalis isolated in good-quality sputum must not be disregarded and should be looked for especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Beta-lactamase production should be tested on all isolates so that appropriate treatment can be given. All the isolates in this study were sensitive to cotrimoxazole.
Fulltext Serological evidence of schistosomiasis in the Malaysian police field force

Hanjeet K, Lai PF, Anuar HM

Med J Malaysia, 1996 Mar;51(1):129-30.
PMID: 10967991

A total of 1131 Police Field Force personnel were screened serologically for schistosomiasis in Malaysia. A total of 150 (13.3%) were tested positive or borderline. Stool samples from 75 of these cases were however all negative for schistosome eggs. This survey suggests that Police Field Force personnel may be agents for propagating the schistosome life cycle in Malaysia.
Childhood deaths from physical abuse

Kasim MS, Cheah I, Shafie HM

Child Abuse Negl, 1995 Jul;19(7):847-54.
PMID: 7583742

This paper gives a detailed account of 30 cases of childhood deaths caused by physical abuse, detected by the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) team, General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. They consisted of 12 Malays, 6 Chinese, 9 Indian, and 1 Indonesian child. Three cases could not be ascertained as to their ethnic origin. There were 13 male and 17 female children. The average age of the abused children was 2 years 5 months. The most frequent causes of death were intracranial hemorrhage and intraabdominal trauma. Of the 17 cases of intracranial hemorrhage, only four had X-ray evidence of skull fracture. This suggests the possibility of whiplash injuries with/without the abuser suspecting that he/she had injured the child. Of the 22 abusers who could be identified, there was no sex differentiation. Fathers formed the largest group of perpetrators, followed by mothers and childminders. Fifteen of the natural parents of the abused children were married, four were divorced and four were never married. Five of the abusers had aggressive personalities and three were drug addicts. Only one abuser was found to be an alcoholic even though a few were also under suspicion. For most cases, trigger factors could not be identified.
Fulltext Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the cranial vault mimicking a meningioma: a case report

Muin IA, Saffari HM, Hasimah YN

Med J Malaysia, 1997 Mar;52(1):86-8.
PMID: 10968060

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the brain is rare. Majority of the lesions are intraaxial, multicentric and involve the leptomeninges. We report a case of malignant primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising from the cranial vault. Computed tomography of the brain showed an extraaxial lesion in the right parietal region mimicking a meningioma.

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