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  1. Fulltext The development of inpatient cost and nursing service weights in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia
    Hassan NH, Aljunid SM, Nur AM
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2020 Oct 14;20(1):945.
    PMID: 33054861 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05776-4
    BACKGROUND: The current healthcare sector consists of diverse services to accommodate the high demands and expectations of the users. Nursing plays a major role in catering to these demands and expectations, but nursing costs and service weights are underestimated. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the nursing costs and service weights as well as identify the factors that influence these costs.

    METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) using 85,042 hospital discharges from 2009 to 2012. A casemix costing method using the step-down approach was used to derive the nursing costs and service weights. The cost analysis was performed using the hospital data obtained from five departments of the UKMMC: Finance, Human Resource, Nursing Management, Maintenance and Medical Information. The costing data were trimmed using a low trim point and high trim point (L3H3) method.

    RESULTS: The highest nursing cost and service weights for medical cases were from F-4-13-II (bipolar disorders including mania - moderate, RM6,129; 4.9871). The highest nursing cost and service weights for surgical cases were from G-1-11-III (ventricular shunt - major, RM9,694; 7.8880). In obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G), the highest nursing cost and service weights were from O-6-10-III (caesarean section - major, RM2,515; 2.0467). Finally, the highest nursing cost and service weights for paediatric were from P-8-08-II (neonate birthweight > 2499 g with respiratory distress syndrome congenital pneumonia - moderate, RM1,300; 1.0582). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that nursing hours were significantly related to the following factors: length of stay (β = 7.6, p 

  2. Fulltext Predictors of stakeholders' intention to adopt nutrigenomics
    Mustapa MAC, Amin L, Frewer LJ
    Genes Nutr, 2020 Sep 22;15(1):16.
    PMID: 32962632 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-020-00676-y
    BACKGROUND: Nutrigenomics is an emerging science that studies the relationship between genes, diet and nutrients that can help prevent chronic disease. The development of this science depends on whether the public accept its application; therefore, predicting their intention to adopt it is important for its successful implementation.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse Malaysian stakeholders' intentions to adopt nutrigenomics, and determines the factors that influence their intentions.

    METHODS: A survey was conducted based on the responses of 421 adults (aged 18 years and older) and comprising two stakeholder groups: healthcare providers (n = 221) and patients (n = 200) who were located in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The SPSS software was used to analyse the descriptive statistics of intention to adopt nutrigenomics and the SmartPLS software was used to determine the predicting factors affecting their decisions to adopt nutrigenomics.

    RESULTS: The results show that the stakeholders perceived the benefits of nutrigenomics as outweighing its risks, suggesting that the perceived benefits represent the most important direct predictor of the intention to adopt nutrigenomics. The perceived risks of nutrigenomics, trust in key players, engagement with medical genetics and religiosity also predict the intention to adopt nutrigenomics. Additionally, the perceived benefits of nutrigenomics served as a mediator for four factors: perceived risks of nutrigenomics, engagement with medical genetics, trust in key players and religiosity, whilst the perceived risks were a mediator for engagement with medical genetics.

    CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the intentions of Malaysian stakeholders to adopt nutrigenomics are a complex decision-making process where all the previously mentioned factors interact. Although the results showed that the stakeholders in Malaysia were highly positive towards nutrigenomics, they were also cautious about adopting it.

  3. EU28 region's water security and the effect of bioenergy industry sustainability
    Alsaleh M, Abdul-Rahim AS, Abdulwakil MM
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Nov 03.
    PMID: 33141381 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11425-4
    Water is an essential component of agriculture-food production. As the biomass and biofuel are known excellent sources of renewable and sustainable energy, cultivating process consumes significant quantities of water. Without sufficient, good-quality and easily accessible water, the European agriculture-food production could thus be under threat. This research analyses the impact of the water supply on the bioenergy production in the 28 European Union countries, for the 1990-2018 period within the pathway of the European Union 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The findings using the generalised least squares (GLS) technique show that bioenergy production and population density appear to decrease water supply. Precisely, the magnitude of the effects is - 0.224 and - 0.136 for developing countries and developed countries in the EU, respectively. This indicates that a serious reduction of water security is more likely to happen in developed countries than in developing countries as a result of the increase in bioenergy consumption. In the meantime, fossil fuel, income generation activities and institutional quality have already positively affected water supply. Thus, these findings implied that water scarcity is becoming one of the main obstacles for bioenergy expansion and growth. The results were also further verified by the random effect and pooled oriented least squares method. This study recommends that the Member of the European Union States should continue to increase bioenergy production in the energy mix efforts without any strenuous water security issues. Notwithstanding, there are several situations where a developing bioenergy industry is unlikely to be constrained by water shortage, and with the drive of bioenergy demand, the efforts might unlock new opportunities to adapt to water-related challenges and to improve water usage efficiencies. The authorities should illustrate organised water security and sustainable bioenergy policy by way of developing alternative strategies in reducing fossil fuel power and related CO2 emissions, accordingly to the unique characteristics of both developed and developing countries in the EU.
  4. Fulltext Supporting Role of Society and Firms to COVID-19 Management among Medical Practitioners
    Zandi G, Shahzad I, Farrukh M, Kot S
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 10 29;17(21).
    PMID: 33138254 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217961
    Measurement of job stress and employees' commitment are few of the admired topics in the corporate world amongst business writers. With a principal aim to trial the blow of exposure to COVID-19 patients on doctors' job stress and commitment, in Pakistan; data have been collected through 7-10 min telephonic interview from voluntary participants and a sample of 129 responses were analyzed by Structure Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) path modeling through Smart PLS 3.2. The results of the study indicated; direct positive & significant impact of Extent of Exposure on Job Stress while direct negative, significant association with Commitment. Job Stress also observed having direct negative impact on commitment. The Extent of Exposure-Job Stress relationship was also found stronger among group of doctors having Low level of Perceived Organizational Support and weaker among group of doctors having High level of Perceive Organizational support. Perceived Organizational Support showed a moderating effect on the Extent of Exposure-Job Stress relationship; while, Social Support showed no moderation. Researchers are required to investigate more and management of the medical services providers (both hospitals and government) needs to focus on doctors' perception about Organizational Support, as doctors show no concern about the support from society as long as their well-being is cared for by respective hospitals. This study is an effort to stimulate more empirical evidence towards the treating and handling of COVID-19 patients and the psychological well-being of doctors.
  5. Fulltext Process Evaluation of a Nutrition and Lifestyle Behavior Peer Support Program for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
    Mahadzir MDA, Quek KF, Ramadas A
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 04 12;17(8).
    PMID: 32290570 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082641
    Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that increases the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle intervention is the gold standard of MetS management and prevention. Despite the growing positive influence of peer support-based interventions on management of various chronic diseases, its potential among adults with MetS has not been elucidated. We describe the development and process evaluation of a nutrition and lifestyle behavior "PEeR SUpport program for ADults with mEtabolic syndrome" (PERSUADE) using a systematic five-step approach-(i) review of evidence; (ii) focus group discussions; (iii) behavioral matrix development; (iv) module development; and (v) feasibility and process evaluation. High program adherence was recorded with 81.3% of participants attending all peer sessions. Participants' content satisfaction score was high (93.3%) while peer leadership score was satisfactory (70.0%). There were significant reductions in all anthropometric and metabolic parameters assessed post intervention, except for diastolic blood pressure. Significant correlations were found between reductions in body fat and triglyceride, and content satisfaction. Peer leadership was only significantly correlated with reduction in triglyceride. Future studies can explore aspects of module interactivity, use of social media, and other means to stimulate consistent engagement of participants, as well as extending the implementations to other lifestyle-related diseases.
  6. Determinants of stakeholders' intention to adopt pharmacogenomic
    Mustapa MAC, Amin L, Mahadi Z
    Pharmacogenomics J, 2020 12;20(6):801-812.
    PMID: 32457399 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-020-0167-0
    Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing, which aims to identify the genes that affect our responses to drugs, has been favoured by healthcare professionals as a means of maximising drug efficacy and improving the safety and cost-effectiveness of healthcare. Support from the public is needed to determine the successful development of this technology and its implementation in society. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to analyse factors that influence stakeholders' intentions to adopt pharmacogenomic testing in Malaysia. A validated instrument was administered through face-to-face interviews with a total of 421 adult respondents who were stratified according to 2 stakeholder groups: healthcare providers (n = 221) and patients/family members (n = 200). The data were then analysed using SPSS® version 24 software and the advanced multivariate statistical approach of Partial Least Square (PLS) path modelling in order to analyse the complex relationships among variables. Results of the studies indicated that the Malaysian stakeholders had a high amount of trust in the key players (mean score of 5.31), perceived high benefits (mean score of 5.53) and claimed to have high intentions of adopting PGx (mean score of 5.39). The majority of the predictors have significant direct relationships with the intention to adopt PGx, with the exception of moral concerns. Perceived benefits appeared to be the most important direct predictor of the intention to adopt PGx testing (ß = 0.371, P 
  7. Prevalence and pattern of dyslipidemia in hyperglycemic patients and its associated factors among Pakistani population
    Sarfraz M, Sajid S, Ashraf MA
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2016 Nov;23(6):761-766.
    PMID: 27872574
    In diabetes mellitus dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In type 2 diabetes mellitus early detection and treatment of dyslipidemia can avoid risk for cardiovascular disorder. The present study was carried to determine the prevalence and pattern of hyperlipidemia in patients with hyperglycemia. The cross sectional study was done in different laboratories of Pakistan, the laboratories served patients referred from different government and private hospitals between July 2014 and June 2015. All known cases of diabetes mellitus were evaluated for their lipid profile. Totally 200 diabetic patients were included in the study in which 120 (60%) were males and 80 (40%) were females. Prevalence of dyslipidemia among diabetic males was 97.18% while for females 87.15%. Among dyslipidemic male the proportion with mixed dyslipidemic patients was 17.5%, combined two parameters dyslipidemia was 47.5% and isolated single parameter dyslipidemia was 35%. In females these proportions in mixed, combined two parameters and isolated single parameter were 16.25%, 51.25% and 32.5%, respectively. Majority of hyperglycemic patients were dyslipidemic. The most prevalent pattern among male was combined dyslipidemia with high triglycerides (TG) and low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and in female it was high Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and low HDL. The most prevalent lipid abnormality in our study was low HDL followed by high TG.
  8. Sulfur dioxide removal: An overview of regenerative flue gas desulfurization and factors affecting desulfurization capacity and sorbent regeneration
    Hanif MA, Ibrahim N, Abdul Jalil A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Aug;27(22):27515-27540.
    PMID: 32415453 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09191-4
    Numerous mitigation techniques have been incorporated to capture or remove SO2 with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) being the most common method. Regenerative FGD method is advantageous over other methods due to high desulfurization efficiency, sorbent regenerability, and reduction in waste handling. The capital costs of regenerative methods are higher than those of commonly used once-through methods simply due to the inclusion of sorbent regeneration while operational and management costs depend on the operating hours and fuel composition. Regenerable sorbents like ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, ammonium halide solutions, alkyl-aniline solutions, amino acid solutions, activated carbons, mesoporous silica, zeolite, and metal-organic frameworks have been reported to successfully achieve high SO2 removal. The presence of other gases in flue gas, e.g., O2, CO2, NOx, and water vapor, and the reaction temperature critically affect the sorption capacity and sorbent regenerability. To obtain optimal SO2 removal performance, other parameters such as pH, inlet SO2 concentration, and additives need to be adequately governed. Due to its high removal capacity, easy preparation, non-toxicity, and low regeneration temperature, the use of deep eutectic solvents is highly feasible for upscale utilization. Metal-organic frameworks demonstrated highest reported SO2 removal capacity; however, it is not yet applicable at industrial level due to its high price, weak stability, and robust formulation.
  9. Fulltext Monitoring Bioaccumulation (in Gills and Muscle Tissues), Hematology, and Genotoxic Alteration in Ctenopharyngodon idella Exposed to Selected Heavy Metals
    Shah N, Khan A, Ali R, Marimuthu K, Uddin MN, Rizwan M, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2020;2020:6185231.
    PMID: 32382561 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6185231
    Health and environmental problems arising from metals present in the aquatic ecosystem are very well known. The present study investigated toxicological effects of LC15 of metals such as copper, chromium, and lead for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h on hematological indices, RBC nucleus and cell morphology, and gill and muscle tissues of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Experimental dose concentrations of copper were 1.5, 1.4, 1.2, and 1 mgL-1. Similarly, dose concentrations of chromium were 25.5, 22.5, 20, and 18 mgL-1 while those of lead were 250, 235, 225, and 216 mgL-1, respectively. Maximum decrease in the concentration of Hb, RBCs, and monocytes was observed against chromium, while maximum increase in the concentration of lymphocytes was reported against lead. Abnormalities such as single and double micronuclei, deformed nucleus, nuclear shift, irregular nucleus, deformed cells, microcyte cells, and vacuolated and swollen cells were observed. Gill tissues absorbed maximum concentration of lead followed by chromium and copper. Muscle tissues also absorbed maximum concentration of lead followed by chromium and copper, respectively. Histological alterations such as epithelial lifting, interlamellar spaces, club gill filaments, gill bridging, curling filaments, swelling and fusion of cells, irregular cells, destruction of epithelial cells, cellular necrosis, and inflammatory cells were observed in gill tissues while inflammation and necrosis of muscle fibers, degeneration of muscle fibers, edema of muscle bundles, zig-zag of muscle fibers, and lesions were observed in muscle tissues of fish exposed with different doses of these heavy metals, indicating the toxicity of metals to aquatic fauna as well as to human being via food chain.
  10. Fulltext SEM, XRD and FTIR analyses of both ultrasonic and heat generated activated carbon black microstructures
    Wibawa PJ, Nur M, Asy'ari M, Nur H
    Heliyon, 2020 Mar;6(3):e03546.
    PMID: 32190760 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03546
    The microstructures of the activated carbon black microparticles (ACBMPs) generated through both treatments of 20 min ultrasonic and 400 °C thermal energy equivalent have been analyzed properly using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods. The research was aiming to generate binding or active sites points on the outer surface of the ACBMPs body of which commonly plays an important role in both adsorption and catalytic processes. It was observed that around 150 nm up to 400 nm in average diameter super macro voids with many various turns of nano-scale wells, and around 1.84 angstrom (Å) up to 15.98 Å intraparticle pores were generated. In addition, the parallel planes spacing of the carbonaceous framework sheets, namely d hkl in Miller indexes terminology, of about 4.44 Å up to 2.98 Å constructed the inner particles of the ACBMPs body. A new nomenclature method for the binding or active site shapes identification and classifying them into four categories based on the quadrants terminology, i.e. quadrant one (Q1), two (Q2), three (Q3) and four (Q4) is proposed. Each the quadrants contains four categories of turns types, i.e. sharp, semi sharp, obtuse and non-significant turns depending on the angle of the associated turn in radian angle, θ. Finally, it can be concluded that the combination of ultrasonic and thermal energy treatments in fabricating ACBMPs could generate binding or active site points with unique shapes as a transit terminal for any guest molecules, in this context is methyl red (MR) molecules to enter into the suitable intra-particles pores of the ACBMPs body.
  11. Fulltext Response surface optimisation of high antioxidant jelly from Musa paradisiaca and Trigona sp. honey using central composite design as a convenient functional food
    Mohd Nur Nasyriq, A., Muhammad, I., Badr Eddin, K.,, Nur Aizura, M. A., Ainin Azwani, A. R., Norazlanshah, H, et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2019;26(4):1201-1209.
    MyJurnal
    The optimum combination of Musa paradisiaca (MP) and Trigona sp. Honey (TH) in formulating high antioxidant jelly was analysed for total carbohydrate content (CHO), antioxidant capacity (AC), and acceptability via the Response Surface Methodology. Central composite design was employed to optimise the combination effect of two independent variables; namely MP (X1: 20-100%) and TH (X2: 20-100%) on the recovery of three responses; total carbohydrate content (Y1), antioxidant capacity (Y2), and acceptability (Y3). A polynomial model generated a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regards to total carbohydrate content (R2
    = 0.8974, p < 0.0024), total antioxidant capacity (R2 = 0.9702, p < 0.0001), and acceptability (R2 = 0.9136, p < 0.0001). The optimum combination for maximum recovery of CHO, AC and acceptability were 20% of MP and 20% of TBH, with a predicted CHO of 33 Kcal/5 g, AC of
    0.34 nm and acceptability score of 6.16 (< 5: not accepted; > 5: accepted).
  12. Fulltext A Low-Cost Information Monitoring System for Smart Farming Applications
    Saqib M, Almohamad TA, Mehmood RM
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Apr 22;20(8).
    PMID: 32331212 DOI: 10.3390/s20082367
    A low-cost, low-power, and low data-rate solution is proposed to fulfill the requirements of information monitoring for actual large-scale agricultural farms. A small-scale farm can be easily managed. By contrast, a large farm will require automating equipment that contributes to crop production. Sensor based soil properties measurement plays an integral role in designing a fully automated agricultural farm, also provides more satisfactory results than any manual method. The existing information monitoring solutions are inefficient in terms of higher deployment cost and limited communication range to adapt the need of large-scale agriculture farms. A serial based low-power, long-range, and low-cost communication module is proposed to confront the challenges of monitoring information over long distances. In the proposed system, a tree-based communication mechanism is deployed to extend the communication range by adding intermediate nodes. Each sensor node consists of a solar panel, a rechargeable cell, a microcontroller, a moisture sensor, and a communication unit. Each node is capable to work as a sensor node and router node for network traffic. Minimized data logs from the central node are sent daily to the cloud for future analytics purpose. After conducting a detailed experiment in open sight, the communication distance measured 250 m between two points and increased to 750 m by adding two intermediate nodes. The minimum working current of each node was 2 mA, and the packet loss rate was approximately 2-5% on different packet sizes of the entire network. Results show that the proposed approach can be used as a reference model to meet the requirements for soil measurement, transmission, and storage in a large-scale agricultural farm.
  13. Fulltext Nutrition and Lifestyle Behavior Peer Support Program for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: Outcomes and Lessons Learned from a Feasibility Trial
    Mahadzir MDA, Quek KF, Ramadas A
    Nutrients, 2020 Apr 15;12(4).
    PMID: 32326541 DOI: 10.3390/nu12041091
    BACKGROUND: While peer support interventions have shown to benefit adults with certain chronic conditions, there is limited evidence on its feasibility and effectiveness among people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This paper describes the outcomes of a pre-post feasibility trial of "PEeR SUpport program for ADults with mEtabolic syndrome" (PERSUADE), an evidence-based and community-specific nutrition and lifestyle behavior peer support program for Malaysian adults with MetS.

    METHODS: We recruited 48 peers (median age: 46 (IQR = 11) years old) into four peer groups, who underwent 3 months of PERSUADE, followed by 3 months of follow-up period. Statistical analyses were conducted at post-intervention and post-follow-up to assess the changes in nutrition intake, anthropometry, and metabolic parameters.

    RESULTS: Although there were significant overall increases in total carbohydrate intake and glycemic load (both p < 0.001), we noted significant reductions in the intakes of total energy and fat (both p < 0.001). Physical activity (total METS/week) also showed a significant improvement (p < 0.001). Overall, significant but marginal improvements in anthropometric and vital metabolic parameters were also observed.

    CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility trial supported the adoption of PERSUADE, though there is a need to assess the long-term impact of the peer support program in local community settings.

  14. Delayed diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma in a young patient presented with left knee monoarthritis
    Lim CH, Lim YH, Radzi M
    BMJ Case Rep, 2020 Mar 19;13(3).
    PMID: 32198224 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232193
    A 19-year-old girl presented to the rheumatology clinic for left knee monoarthritis for the past 4 months. She also had constitutional symptoms with significant weight loss. On physical examination, she appeared cachexic, her left knee was swollen and tender. MRI of the left knee showed a soft tissue swelling extending into the knee joint. Left knee synovial fluid showed small round cells. Histopathology results were compatible with Ewing's sarcoma. Due to the delay in seeking medical advice, she succumbed to the disease 1 week after the diagnosis was made. Soft tissue/bone tumour causes monoarthritis is not common. A careful history taking, physical examination and investigations should be done in order to identify a sinister cause of monoarthritis such as Ewing's sarcoma. Early treatment should be initiated to ensure a better outcome.
  15. Fulltext Strategies for radiology departments in handling the COVID-19 pandemic
    Ashari MA, Zainal IA, Zaki FM
    Diagn Interv Radiol, 2020 Jul;26(4):296-300.
    PMID: 32352915 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2020.20232
    The world is facing an unprecedented global pandemic in the form of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which has ravaged all aspects of life, especially health systems. Radiology services, in particular, are under threat of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients affected, unless drastic efforts are taken to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus. Proactive measures, therefore, must be taken to ensure the continuation of diagnostic and interventional support to clinicians, while minimizing the risk of nosocomial transmission among staff and other patients. This article aims to highlight several strategies to improve preparedness, readiness and response towards this pandemic, specific to the radiology department.
  16. Occult primary breast carcinoma presented as an axillary mass: A Diagnostic Challenge
    Wong YP, Tan GC, Muhammad R, Rajadurai P
    Malays J Pathol, 2020 Apr;42(1):151-155.
    PMID: 32342946
    INTRODUCTION: Occult primary breast carcinoma (OBC) manifesting as axillary nodal metastasis without an identifiable breast primary is exceptionally rare. It continues to pose a diagnostic challenge to pathologists. Here, we report a case of OBC with emphasis on the usefulness of immunohistochemistry to determine the primary site of tumour.

    CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old female presented with a 3-cm painless right axillary mass. Extensive radiological investigations that include mammography, ultrasonography of the breasts and positron emission tomography (PET) scan failed to conclude the primary site of the tumour. Histological examination of the lymph node revealed loosely cohesive sheets of poorly differentiated malignant cells, without discernible glandular or squamous differentiation. Immunohistochemically, the malignant cells exhibited diffuse immunoreactivity toward pan-cytokeratin and CK7, while leukocyte common antigen, S100 and CK20 were negative. A second panel of immunomarkers was carried out. The malignant cells expressed breast-specific markers (GATA-3, GCDFP-15 and mammaglobin), and were negative for ER, PR and TTF-1 immunohistochemistry. A diagnosis of OBC was rendered.

    DISCUSSION: Breast primary must always be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with sole presentation of axillary lymphadenopathy. The breast-specific immunomarkers play a pivotal role in the diagnosis of ER, PR-negative occult breast cancer.

  17. Mouth pain and cheek numbness
    Chong W, Musa MSH, Sugumaran V
    Emerg Med J, 2020 Jul;37(7):436-443.
    PMID: 32616656 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2019-209395
  18. Suffering doubly: How victims of coworker incivility risk poor performance ratings by responding with organizational deviance, unless they leverage ingratiation skills
    Azeem MU, De Clercq D, Haq IU
    J Soc Psychol, 2021 Jan 02;161(1):86-102.
    PMID: 32544025 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2020.1778617
    Building on conservation of resources theory, this study investigates the relationship between employees' exposure to coworker incivility and their job performance ratings, while also considering the mediating role of their deviant work behaviors and the moderating role of their ingratiation skills. Results based on multisource, three-wave data from employees and their supervisors in Pakistani organizations show that disrespectful coworker treatment diminishes employees' performance evaluations, because they seek purposefully to cause harm to their employing organization, as a way to vent their frustrations. This mediating role of organizational deviance is mitigated to the extent that employees have a greater ability to ingratiate with others though. This study accordingly identifies a key mechanism - deviant work behaviors that undermine organizational well-being - through which coworker incivility leads to negative performance consequences, and it reveals how organizations can subdue this process by honing pertinent personal resources within their ranks.
  19. The impact of traffic-related air pollution on lung function status and respiratory symptoms among children in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Suhaimi NF, Jalaludin J, Mohd Juhari MA
    Int J Environ Health Res, 2022 Mar;32(3):535-546.
    PMID: 32579034 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1784397
    Increasing the range of vehicles on traffic roads in the urban area has led to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and is currently becoming the main concern for health, especially among children. The study aimed to determine associations between TRAP and respiratory health, also to identify the main factors that influenced them. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among children in high and low traffic areas. Air quality monitoring was conducted in six primary schools. A set of standardized questionnaires was distributed to obtain respondents' exposure history and respiratory health symptoms, while spirometry test was carried out to determine the lung function status. There were associations between TRAP and abnormality of FEV1% among children. NO2 was the main predictor that influenced both chest tightness and abnormality of FEV1%. Children exposed to a high level of traffic-related air pollution have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and abnormality of lung function.
  20. Fulltext Sustainability of Palm Biodiesel in Transportation: a Review on Biofuel Standard, Policy and International Collaboration Between Malaysia and Colombia
    Yusoff MNAM, Zulkifli NWM, Sukiman NL, Chyuan OH, Hassan MH, Hasnul MH, et al.
    Bioenergy Res, 2021;14(1):43-60.
    PMID: 32837676 DOI: 10.1007/s12155-020-10165-0
    Biodiesel is gaining prominence as a superior alternative source of energy to replace petroleum-based fuel in transportation. As of today, the biodiesel market continuous to rise up as the biofuel has been introduced to more than 60 countries worldwide. The aim of the present review is to highlight on the scenario of the biofuel implementation in transportation sector towards sustainable development in Colombia and Malaysia. Colombia serves as an ideal comparative case for Malaysia in terms of biodiesel development since the country is the main palm oil producer in Latin America region and the pioneer in bioethanol industry. The first section shows an overview on the biodiesel as an alternative fuel in transportation. The next section will focus on a comparative study between Malaysia and Colombia biodiesel sector in terms of energy supply, resource, production and consumption, standards, techno-economic cost and their biodiesel policies. A comprehensive review was studied to discuss on the sustainability of palm cultivation and biodiesel, impact of palm industry and biodiesel policy in transportation sector and potential international collaboration between Malaysia and Colombia to improve their existing policies, strategies and blueprints related to the palm biodiesel industry, thus overcoming the challenges when dealing with global energy issue.
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