MyMedR

A bicycle safety index for evaluating urban street facilities

Asadi-Shekari Z, Moeinaddini M, Zaly Shah M

Traffic Inj Prev, 2015;16:283-8.

PMID: 24983474 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2014.936010

The objectives of this research are to conceptualize the Bicycle Safety Index (BSI) that considers all parts of the street and to propose a universal guideline with microscale details.

Fulltext Performance evaluation of four-parameter models of the soil-water characteristic curve

Matlan SJ, Mukhlisin M, Taha MR

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:569851.

PMID: 24971384 DOI: 10.1155/2014/569851

Soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) are important in terms of groundwater recharge, agriculture, and soil chemistry. These relationships are also of considerable value in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. Their measurement, however, is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Many empirical models have been developed to describe the SWCC. Statistical assessment of soil-water characteristic curve models found that exponential-based model equations were the most difficult to fit and generally provided the poorest fit to the soil-water characteristic data. In this paper, an exponential-based model is devised to describe the SWCC. The modified equation is similar to those previously reported by Gardner (1956) but includes exponential variable. Verification was performed with 24 independent data sets for a wide range of soil textures. Prediction results were compared with the most widely used models to assess the model's performance. It was proven that the exponential-based equation of the modified model provided greater flexibility and a better fit to data on various types of soil.

Fulltext Local convexity-preserving C2 rational cubic spline for convex data

Abbas M, Abd Majid A, Ali JM

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:391568.

PMID: 24757421 DOI: 10.1155/2014/391568

We present the smooth and visually pleasant display of 2D data when it is convex, which is contribution towards the improvements over existing methods. This improvement can be used to get the more accurate results. An attempt has been made in order to develop the local convexity-preserving interpolant for convex data using C(2) rational cubic spline. It involves three families of shape parameters in its representation. Data dependent sufficient constraints are imposed on single shape parameter to conserve the inherited shape feature of data. Remaining two of these shape parameters are used for the modification of convex curve to get a visually pleasing curve according to industrial demand. The scheme is tested through several numerical examples, showing that the scheme is local, computationally economical, and visually pleasing.

Fulltext A novel approach toward fuzzy generalized bi-ideals in ordered semigroups

Khan FM, Sarmin NH, Khan HU

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:275947.

PMID: 24883375 DOI: 10.1155/2014/275947

In several advanced fields like control engineering, computer science, fuzzy automata, finite state machine, and error correcting codes, the use of fuzzified algebraic structures especially ordered semigroups plays a central role. In this paper, we introduced a new and advanced generalization of fuzzy generalized bi-ideals of ordered semigroups. These new concepts are supported by suitable examples. These new notions are the generalizations of ordinary fuzzy generalized bi-ideals of ordered semigroups. Several fundamental theorems of ordered semigroups are investigated by the properties of these newly defined fuzzy generalized bi-ideals. Further, using level sets, ordinary fuzzy generalized bi-ideals are linked with these newly defined ideals which is the most significant part of this paper.

Fulltext Selective growth of ZnO nanorods on microgap electrodes and their applications in UV sensors

Humayun Q, Kashif M, Hashim U, Qurashi A

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2014;9(1):29.

PMID: 24423232 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-9-29

Selective area growth of ZnO nanorods is accomplished on microgap electrodes (spacing of 6 μm) by using a facile wet chemical etching process. The growth of ZnO nanorods on a selected area of microgap electrode is carried out by hydrothermal synthesis forming nanorod bridge between two electrodes. This is an attractive, genuine, direct, and highly reproducible technique to grow nanowire/nanorod onto the electrodes on selected area. The ZnO nanorods were grown at 90°C on the pre-patterned electrode system without destroying the electrode surface structure interface and geometry. The ZnO nanorods were tested for their application in ultraviolet (UV) sensors. The photocurrent-to-dark (Iph/Id) ratio was 3.11. At an applied voltage of 5 V, the response and recovery time was 72 and 110 s, respectively, and the response reached 2 A/W. The deposited ZnO nanorods exhibited a UV photoresponse that is promising for future cost-effective and low-power electronic UV-sensing applications.

Fulltext Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida species: Is low susceptibility to itraconazole a trend in Malaysia?

Santhanam J, Yahaya N, Aziz MN

Med J Malaysia, 2013 Aug;68(4):343-7.

PMID: 24145264

Resistance to antifungal agents has increased in Candida spp., especially in non-albicans species. Recent findings reported a strikingly low susceptibility in Candida spp. towards itraconazole in Malaysia. In this study, a colorimetric broth dilution method was utilized to determine the susceptibility of Candida spp. isolated in Kuala Lumpur Hospital within a six month period. A total of 82 isolates from blood, peritoneal and other fluids were tested against 8 antifungal agents using the Sensititre Yeast One method. These comprised of 32 (39%) C. albicans, 17 (20.7%) C. glabrata, 15 (18.3%) C. tropicalis, 13 (15.9%) C. parapsilosis, two (2.4%) C. sake and 1 (1.2%) each of C. pelliculosa, C. rugosa and Pichia etchellsii/carsonii. Overall, susceptibility of all isolates to caspofungin was 98.8%, amphotericin B, 97.6%; 5-flucytosine, 97.6%; voriconazole, 97.6%; posaconazole, 87.8%; fluconazole, 82.9%; ketoconazole, 79.3%; and itraconazole, 56.1%. A total of 18 Candida spp. isolates (22 %) were resistant to at least one antifungal agent tested, and half of these were resistant to three or more antifungal agents. C. glabrata was the most frequently identified resistant species (10 isolates), followed by C. tropicalis (4 isolates), C. parapsilosis (3 isolates) and C. albicans (1 isolate). Resistance was highest against ketoconazole (20.9%), followed by itraconazole (13.4%). However, 30.5% of isolates were susceptible-dose dependent towards itraconazole. Long-term usage of itraconazole in Malaysia and a predominance of nonalbicans species may account for the results observed in this study. In conclusion, susceptibility to antifungal drugs is species-dependent among Candida spp.; reduced susceptibility to itraconazole is concomitant with the high number of non-albicans Candida species isolated in Malaysia.

Microencapsulation of alpha-mangostin into PLGA microspheres and optimization using response surface methodology intended for pulmonary delivery

Elsaid Ali AA, Taher M, Mohamed F

J Microencapsul, 2013;30(8):728-40.

PMID: 23631380 DOI: 10.3109/02652048.2013.788081

Documented to exhibit cytotoxicity and poor oral bioavailability, alpha-mangostin was encapsulated into PLGA microspheres with optimization of formulation using response surface methodology. Mixed levels of four factors Face central composite design was employed to evaluate critical formulation variables. With 30 runs, optimized formula was 1% w/v polyvinyl alcohol, 1:10 ratio of oil to aqueous and sonicated at 2 and 5 min time for primary and secondary emulsion, respectively. Optimized responses for encapsulation efficiency, particle size and polydispersity index were found to be 39.12 ± 0.01%, 2.06 ± 0.017 µm and 0.95 ± 0.009, respectively, which matched values predicted by mathematical models. About 44.4% of the encapsulated alpha-mangostin was released over 4 weeks. Thermal analysis of the microspheres showed physical conversion of alpha-mangostin from crystallinity to amorphous with encapsulated one had lower in vitro cytotoxicity than free alpha-mangostin. Aerodynamic diameter (784.3 ± 7.5 nm) of this alpha-mangostin microsphere suggests suitability for peripheral pulmonary delivery.

Fulltext Morphology, geology and water quality assessment of former tin mining catchment

Ashraf MA, Maah MJ, Yusoff I

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:369206.

PMID: 22761549 DOI: 10.1100/2012/369206

Bestari Jaya, former tin mining catchment covers an area of 2656.31 hectares comprised of four hundred and forty-two different-size lakes and ponds. The present study area comprise of 92 hectares of the catchment that include four large size lakes. Arc GIS version 9.2 used to develop bathymetric map, Global Positioning System (GPS) for hydrographical survey and flow meter was utilized for water discharge analysis (flow routing) of the catchment. The water quality parameters (pH, temperature, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen DO, total dissolved solids TDS, chlorides, ammonium, nitrates) were analyzed by using Hydrolab. Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures were strictly followed throughout the field work and data analysis. Different procedures were employed to evaluate the analytical data and to check for possible transcription or dilution errors, changes during analysis, or unusual or unlikely values. The results obtained are compared with interim national water quality standards for Malaysia indicates that water quality of area is highly degraded. It is concluded that Bestri Jaya ex-mining catchment has a high pollution potential due to mining activities and River Ayer Hitam, recipient of catchment water, is a highly polluted river.

Fulltext Slipped upper femoral epiphysis: a case of missed diagnosis

Maj MK, Ar AH, Das S

Chang Gung Med J, 2011;34(6 Suppl):13-6.

PMID: 22490452

A slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is a known hip disorder in adolescents in which the proximal femoral epiphysis slips and displaces relative to the metaphysis. We report an obese 12-year-old boy who presented with acute pain in the left hip after a fall. He was otherwise healthy with no prior joint pain. Pelvic radiography was misread twice before a second fall led to a severe SUFE.

Synthesis of oxygenated fuel additives via the solventless etherification of glycerol

Ayoub M, Khayoon MS, Abdullah AZ

Bioresour Technol, 2012 May;112:308-12.

PMID: 22437049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.02.103

The synthesis of oxygenated fuel additives via solvent freebase-catalyzed etherification of glycerol is reported. The products of glycerol etherification arediglycerol (DG) and triglycerol (TG) with DG being the favorable one. The catalytic activity of different homogeneous alkali catalysts (LiOH, NaOH, KOH and Na(2)CO(3)) was investigated during the glycerol etherification process. LiOH exhibited an excellent catalytic activity during this reaction, indicated by the complete glycerol conversion with a corresponding selectivity of 33% toward DG. The best reaction conditions were a reaction temperature of 240°C, a catalyst/glycerol mass ratio of 0.02 and a reaction time of 6h. The influences of various reaction variables such as nature of the catalyst, catalyst loading, reaction time and reaction temperature on glycerol etherification were elucidated. Industrially, the findings attained in this study might contribute towards promoting the biodiesel industry through utilization of its by-products.

Fulltext Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of various organic extracts of Merremia borneensis from Sabah

Hossain MA, Shah MD, Sakari M

Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2011 Aug;4(8):637-41.

PMID: 21914542 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(11)60162-4

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the chemical composition of different extracts of Merremia borneensis (M. borneensis) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

METHODS: The dried leaves powder was extracted with methanol at room temperature by using Soxhlet extractor. Methanol crude extracts of M. borneensis were extrastel with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol.

RESULTS: Qualitative analyses of various organic crude extracts showed that majority of these are flavonoids, terpeniods, alkaloids and glycosides. Most of the identified compounds by GC-MS are biologically important. Further the M. borneensis leaf possesses certain characteristics that can be ascribed to cultivation on a domestic plantation.

CONCLUSIONS: The suitable extracts for respective compounds can be chosen on the basis of above GC-MS analysis. All the major compounds from different extracts are biologically active molecules. Thus the identification of a good number of compounds from various extracts M. borneensis might have some ecological significance.

Profiling the features of pre-segmented healthy liver CT scans: towards fast detection of liver lesions in emergency scenario

Pasha MF, Hong KS, Rajeswari M

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc, 2011;2011:5169-73.

PMID: 22255503 DOI: 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6091280

Automating the detection of lesions in liver CT scans requires a high performance and robust solution. With CT-scan start to become the norm in emergency department, the need for a fast and efficient liver lesions detection method is arising. In this paper, we propose a fast and evolvable method to profile the features of pre-segmented healthy liver and use it to detect the presence of liver lesions in emergency scenario. Our preliminary experiment with the MICCAI 2007 grand challenge datasets shows promising results of a fast training time, ability to evolve the produced healthy liver profiles, and accurate detection of the liver lesions. Lastly, the future work directions are also presented.

Fulltext Dichlorido(4-meth-oxy-2-{[2-(piperazin-4-ium-1-yl)eth-yl]imino-meth-yl}phenol-ate)cadmium

Saleh Salga M, Khaledi H, Mohd Ali H

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2011 Jul 1;67(Pt 7):m927.

PMID: 21836911 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536811022100

In the title compound, [CdCl(2)(C(14)H(21)N(3)O(2))], the Schiff base ligand chelates the Cd(II) ion in an N,N,O-tridentate fashion. Two Cl atoms complete a distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment around the metal atom. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked through C-H⋯π inter-actions into infinite chains along the a axis. The mol-ecules are further connected into a three-dimensional network via N-H⋯O, N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl inter-actions. The ethyl-ene group is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.520 (10):0.480 (10) ratio.

Trends in the use of Fenton, electro-Fenton and photo-Fenton for the treatment of landfill leachate

Umar M, Aziz HA, Yusoff MS

Waste Manag, 2010 Nov;30(11):2113-21.

PMID: 20675113 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2010.07.003

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as Fenton, electro-Fenton and photo-Fenton have been applied effectively to remove refractory organics from landfill leachate. The Fenton reaction is based on the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the wastewater or leachate in the presence of ferrous salt as a catalyst. The use of this technique has proved to be one of the best compromises for landfill leachate treatment because of its environmental and economical advantages. Fenton process has been used successfully to mineralize wide range of organic constituents present in landfill leachate particularly those recalcitrant to biological degradation. The present study reviews the use of Fenton and related processes in terms of their increased application to landfill leachate. The effects of various operating parameters and their optimum ranges for maximum COD and color removal are reviewed with the conclusion that the Fenton and related processes are effective and competitive with other technologies for degradation of both raw and pre-treated landfill leachate.

Private healthcare quality: applying a SERVQUAL model

Butt MM, de Run EC

Int J Health Care Qual Assur, 2010;23(7):658-73.

PMID: 21125961

This paper seeks to develop and test the SERVQUAL model scale for measuring Malaysian private health service quality.

Late presentation of esophageal cancer: observations in a multiracial South-East Asian population

Abdullah M, Karim AA, Goh KL

J Dig Dis, 2010 Feb;11(1):28-33.

PMID: 20132428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2009.00410.x

Esophageal cancer (ECA) is an important cancer in Malaysia. The aim of the study is to review the demographic data and clinical presentation of patients with ECA seen at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Fulltext Drug reaction with herbal supplement: a possible case of drug induced lupus erythematosus

Muthupalaniappen L, Jamani N, Muhammad M, Adawiyah J, Aziz N

Malays Fam Physician, 2010;5(2):99-100.

PMID: 25606196 MyJurnal

A 24-year-old lady presented with four days history of fever, non-pruritic rash, ankle pain and swelling. She had consumed herbal supplement five days before the onset of symptoms. Examinations revealed erythematous maculo-papular lesions of varying sizes on sun exposed areas. Patient was suspected to have Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus (DILE) and subsequently symptoms subsided rapidly on withholding the herbal medication.

Fulltext Dichlorido(2-{[2-(piperazin-4-ium-1-yl)eth-yl]imino-meth-yl}phenolate)cadmium(II)

Saleh Salga M, Khaledi H, Mohd Ali H

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2010;66(Pt 9):m1131.

PMID: 21588532 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536810032563

In the title compound, [CdCl(2)(C(13)H(19)N(3)O)], the Cd(II) ion is penta-coordinated with the N,N,O-tridentate Schiff base 2-{[2-(piperazin-4-ium-1-yl)eth-yl]imino-meth-yl}phenolate ligand and two Cl atoms in a highly distorted square-pyramidal geometry; the piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. In the crystal structure, adjacent mol-ecules are linked together via N-H⋯O and N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming infinite layers parallel to the ab plane. The layers are further connected through C-H⋯Cl inter-actions into a three-dimensional network.

Coordination of Ce(III) and Nd(III) with pentaethylene glycol in the presence of picrate anion: spectroscopic and X-ray structural studies

Kusrini E, Saleh MI, Lecomte C

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2009 Sep 15;74(1):120-6.

PMID: 19560960 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2009.05.024

(1)H NMR evidence for direct coordination between the Ln(III) ion and the oxygen atoms of the pentaethylene glycol (EO5) ligand and the picrate anion (Pic) in [Ln(Pic)(2)(EO5)][Pic] {Ln=Ce and Nd} complexes are confirmed by single X-ray diffraction. No dissociation of Ln-O bonds in dimethyl sulfoxide-d solution was observed in NMR studies conducted at different temperatures ranging 25-100 degrees C. The Ln(III) ion was chelated to nine oxygen atoms from the EO5 ligand in a hexadentate manner and the two Pic anions in each bidentate and monodentate modes. Both compounds are isostructural and crystallized in monoclinic with space group P2(1)/c. Coordination environment around the Ce1 and Nd1 atoms can be described as tricapped trigonal prismatic and monocapped square antiprismatic geometries, respectively. The crystal packing of the complexes have stabilized by one dimensional (1D) chains along the [001] direction to form intermolecular O-Hcdots, three dots, centeredO and C-Hcdots, three dots, centeredO hydrogen bonding. The molar conductance of the complexes in DMSO solution indicated that both compounds are ionic. The complexes had a good thermal stability. Under the UV-excitation, these complexes exhibited the red-shift emission.

Estimates of economic burden of providing inpatient care in childhood rotavirus gastroenteritis from Malaysia

Lee WS, Poo MI, Nagaraj S

J Paediatr Child Health, 2007 Dec;43(12):818-25.

PMID: 17608648

To estimate the cost of an episode of inpatient care and the economic burden of hospitalisation for childhood rotavirus gastroenteritis (GE) in Malaysia.

Displaying publications 821 - 840 of 6769 in total