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Fulltext Optimization of integrated impeller mixer via radiotracer experiments

Othman N, Kamarudin SK, Takriff MS, Rosli MI, Engku Chik EM, Adnan MA

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:242658.
PMID: 24741344 DOI: 10.1155/2014/242658

Radiotracer experiments are carried out in order to determine the mean residence time (MRT) as well as percentage of dead zone, V dead (%), in an integrated mixer consisting of Rushton and pitched blade turbine (PBT). Conventionally, optimization was performed by varying one parameter and others were held constant (OFAT) which lead to enormous number of experiments. Thus, in this study, a 4-factor 3-level Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was introduced to obtain an accurate optimization of mixing efficiency with minimal number of experiments. This paper describes the optimal conditions of four process parameters, namely, impeller speed, impeller clearance, type of impeller, and sampling time, in obtaining MRT and V dead (%) using radiotracer experiments. The optimum conditions for the experiments were 100 rpm impeller speed, 50 mm impeller clearance, Type A mixer, and 900 s sampling time to reach optimization.
Fulltext Optimization of a continuous hybrid impeller mixer via computational fluid dynamics

Othman N, Kamarudin SK, Takriff MS, Rosli MI, Engku Chik EM, Meor Adnan MA

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:619474.
PMID: 25170524 DOI: 10.1155/2014/619474

This paper presents the preliminary steps required for conducting experiments to obtain the optimal operating conditions of a hybrid impeller mixer and to determine the residence time distribution (RTD) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this paper, impeller speed and clearance parameters are examined. The hybrid impeller mixer consists of a single Rushton turbine mounted above a single pitched blade turbine (PBT). Four impeller speeds, 50, 100, 150, and 200 rpm, and four impeller clearances, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mm, were the operation variables used in this study. CFD was utilized to initially screen the parameter ranges to reduce the number of actual experiments needed. Afterward, the residence time distribution (RTD) was determined using the respective parameters. Finally, the Fluent-predicted RTD and the experimentally measured RTD were compared. The CFD investigations revealed that an impeller speed of 50 rpm and an impeller clearance of 25 mm were not viable for experimental investigations and were thus eliminated from further analyses. The determination of RTD using a k-ε turbulence model was performed using CFD techniques. The multiple reference frame (MRF) was implemented and a steady state was initially achieved followed by a transient condition for RTD determination.
Fulltext Optimisation of Botryococcus sp. growth using synthetic media (N: P) for biodiesel production

Wellson, R., Othman, N., Matias-Peralta, H.M.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(105):129-136.
MyJurnal

Algae biodiesel is undeniably very promising as an energy substitute for fossil fuel. It mass cultivation though requires huge capital investment. The aim of this study was to find a simple, inexpensive and tolerable media for algae growth. The optimal growth conditions for algae growth were studied. Botryococcus sp. was isolated from Sembrong Dam in Johor, Malaysia. In this study, two media were used, namely bold’s basal medium (BBM) and synthetic media from nitrogen and phosphorus compound. The synthetic media consisted of ammonium chloride and monopotassium phosphate that were blended together and modified into desired ratios. The N: P ratio of 1.5:1 yielded the highest chlorophyll-a concentration and the optimal growth conditions of algae for both media were at 6000 Lux, pH 7 and 30 rpm. The BMM had the highest algae growth, 3.25 x 107cell/ml while the synthetic media yielded a maximum cell concentration of up to 1.025 x 107 cell/ml which is 68.5% lower compared with BBM. The findings of this study point to the importance of large scale production of algae useful for industrial production of biodiesel.
Fulltext Optimal protein extraction methods from diverse sample types for protein profiling by using Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis (2DE)

Tan AA, Azman SN, Abdul Rani NR, Kua BC, Sasidharan S, Kiew LV, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2011 Dec;28(3):620-9.
PMID: 22433892 MyJurnal

There is a great diversity of protein samples types and origins, therefore the optimal procedure for each sample type must be determined empirically. In order to obtain a reproducible and complete sample presentation which view as many proteins as possible on the desired 2DE gel, it is critical to perform additional sample preparation steps to improve the quality of the final results, yet without selectively losing the proteins. To address this, we developed a general method that is suitable for diverse sample types based on phenolchloroform extraction method (represented by TRI reagent). This method was found to yield good results when used to analyze human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), Vibrio cholerae, Cryptocaryon irritans cyst and liver abscess fat tissue. These types represent cell line, bacteria, parasite cyst and pus respectively. For each type of samples, several attempts were made to methodically compare protein isolation methods using TRI-reagent Kit, EasyBlue Kit, PRO-PREP™ Protein Extraction Solution and lysis buffer. The most useful protocol allows the extraction and separation of a wide diversity of protein samples that is reproducible among repeated experiments. Our results demonstrated that the modified TRI-reagent Kit had the highest protein yield as well as the greatest number of total proteins spots count for all type of samples. Distinctive differences in spot patterns were also observed in the 2DE gel of different extraction methods used for each type of sample.
Fulltext On the duration of trade competitiveness: the case of the Malaysian palm-based oleochemical industry

Othman N, Tahir MS, Joremi L

Heliyon, 2022 Nov;8(11):e11903.
PMID: 36458305 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11903

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand for oleochemicals, due to the increased demand for cleaning and disinfectants products. Since Malaysia is one of the world's largest palm oil producers, the demand for oleochemicals will be a key driver supporting the Malaysian palm oil industry. Palm oil is used in millions of products, from foods to soaps, personal care products cosmetics, and biodiesel feedstock. Currently, palm oil related exports are still highly dependent on the upstream segments such as crude palm oil (CPO), with a total contribution to the overall industry of 81.4%. In comparison, that downstream contribution is still low at about 18.6%. It is thus important to expand the production and export of high-value-added palm oil downstream products, including oleochemicals products. Therefore, this study aims to assess Malaysia's relative competitiveness in oleochemical products as compared to the main oil and fat producing countries - namely Indonesia, China, the European Union (EU) member states, the United States and Argentina. We examine the trade competitiveness by using the Revealed Trade Advantage (RTA) developed by Vollrath (1991) and utilizing yearly data spanning from 1999 until 2019. We also analyze the duration of comparative advantage using Kaplan-Meier Analysis. The results indicate that Malaysia has higher and more stable trade advantages relative to other main producers of oleochemical products.
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among healthy adults

Choi CS, Yin CS, Bakar AA, Sakewi Z, Naing NN, Jamal F, et al.

J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2006 Dec;39(6):458-64.
PMID: 17164947

Data on the carriage rate and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Staphylococcus aureus strains prevalent in the community are not available for many developing countries including Malaysia. To estimate the extent of community S. aureus transmission, in particular methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), the prevalence of S. aureus nasal colonization in a population of healthy adults was determined. Factors associated with S. aureus nasal carriage and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolates were also analyzed.
Fulltext Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection complicated by empyema: a rare presentation

Othman N, Yip CW, Samat NA

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Aug;60(3):389-91.
PMID: 16379202

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common causative agent for childhood pneumonia. However, empyema is a rare presentation. We report a case of a previously well child who presented with a right-sided empyema. M. pneumoniae was confirmed serologically with evidence of a four-fold rise in Mycoplasma IgM titre. The empyema required drainage procedures for more than two weeks. The infection resolved with a course of six weeks of treatment with erythromycin.
Multiple polypoid endometriosis--a rare complication following withdrawal of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for severe endometriosis: a case report

Othman NH, Othman MS, Ismail AN, Mohammad NZ, Ismail Z

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol, 1996 May;36(2):216-8.
PMID: 8798320

A 30-year old female who initially had typical endometriosis treated according to a standard regimen later developed numerous highly vascular endometrial polyps on the vagina, cervix, ureter, serosal surfaces of the uterus, pouch of Douglas (POD) and other areas of pelvic peritoneum as well as the endometrium 8 months after withdrawal of treatment with Zoladex gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist used for treatment of this disease. We postulate that these polyps developed as a rebound phenomenon upon withdrawal of Zoladex. We believe this is the first report of this complication following use of GnRH analogue.
Multimodality cardiac imaging of submitral left ventricular aneurysm with concurrent descending aorta mycotic aneurysm

Abdullah H, Jiyen K, Othman N

BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Sep 27;2017.
PMID: 28954754 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221466

We present a case of a 20-year-old Malay man with underlying tuberculous (TB) lymphadenitis who presented with shortness of breath and found to have submitral left ventricular aneurysm (SLVA). SLVA is well recognised but rare. Incidence of SLVA in Malay has never been documented. This is the first reported case of SLVA in Malays with concomitant thoracic aorta mycotic aneurysm. TB has been reported to be associated with SLVA. Treatment is either surgical or conservative. Imaging is required for diagnosis and preoperative assessment. Multimodality imaging include echocardiography (ECHO), cardiac CTangiography and the robust multiparametric cardiac MR (CMR). ECHO is the first line imaging and useful for initial detection of the aneurysm. CMR including the late gadolinium enhancement allows excellent visualisation of the LV aneurysm, tissue characterisation, cardiac function and detection of associated pathology as shown in this case.
Fulltext Molecular testing for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in Malaysia: Consensus statement from the College of Pathologists, Academy of Medicine Malaysia, the Malaysian Thoracic Society, and the Malaysian Oncological Society

Rajadurai P, Cheah PL, How SH, Liam CK, Annuar MAA, Omar N, et al.

Lung Cancer, 2019 10;136:65-73.
PMID: 31446227 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.08.005

In the recent years, increased understanding of the molecular profiles of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has allowed for targeted treatment of actionable genetic mutations. The management of NSCLC now requires multiple molecular tests to guide the treatment strategy. In the light of this, there is a need to establish a molecular testing consensus statement for advanced NSCLC patients in Malaysia. This Malaysian consensus statement was developed by a panel of experts, chaired by a pathologist and composed of three other pathologists, four respiratory physicians and three oncologists. It reflects currently available scientific data and adaptations of recommendations from international guidelines to the local landscape. Expert recommendations on different aspects of molecular testing agreed upon by the panel are provided as structured discussions. These recommendations address the appropriate patients and samples to be tested, as well as when and how these tests should be performed. The algorithms for molecular testing in metastatic NSCLC, in the first line setting and upon disease progression beyond first line therapy, were developed.
Fulltext Mobile phone reminders and peer counseling improve adherence and treatment outcomes of patients on ART in Malaysia: A randomized clinical trial

Abdulrahman SA, Rampal L, Ibrahim F, Radhakrishnan AP, Kadir Shahar H, Othman N

PLoS One, 2017;12(5):e0177698.
PMID: 28520768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177698

BACKGROUND: Adherence to treatment remains the cornerstone of long term viral suppression and successful treatment outcomes among patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
OBJECTIVE(S): Evaluate the effectiveness of mobile phone reminders and peer counseling in improving adherence and treatment outcomes among HIV positive patients on ART in Malaysia.
METHODS: A single-blind, parallel group RCT conducted in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia in which 242 adult Malaysian patients were randomized to intervention or control groups. Intervention consisted of a reminder module delivered through SMS and telephone call reminders by trained research assistants for 24 consecutive weeks (starting from date of ART initiation), in addition to adherence counseling at every clinic visit. The length of intended follow up for each patient was 6 months. Data on adherence behavior of patients was collected using specialized, pre-validated Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group (AACTG) adherence questionnaires. Data on weight, clinical symptoms, CD4 count and viral load tests were also collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and R software. Repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's ANOVA and Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate efficacy of the intervention.
RESULTS: The response rate after 6 months follow up was 93%. There were no significant differences at baseline in gender, employment status, income distribution and residential location of respondents between the intervention and control group. After 6 months follow up, the mean adherence was significantly higher in the intervention group (95.7; 95% CI: 94.39-96.97) as compared to the control group (87.5; 95% CI: 86.14-88.81). The proportion of respondents who had Good (>95%) adherence was significantly higher in the intervention group (92.2%) compared to the control group (54.6%). A significantly lower frequency in missed appointments (14.0% vs 35.5%) (p = 0.001), lower viral load (p = 0.001), higher rise in CD4 count (p = 0.017), lower incidence of tuberculosis (p = 0.001) and OIs (p = 0.001) at 6 months follow up, was observed among patients in the intervention group.
CONCLUSION: Mobile phone reminders (SMS and telephone call reminders) and peer counseling are effective in improving adherence and treatment outcomes among HIV positive patients on ART in Malaysia. These findings may be of potential benefit for collaborative adherence planning between patients and health care providers at ART commencement.
Fulltext Microbial Diversity in Decaying Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) and Isolation of Lignin-degrading Bacteria from a Tropical Environment

Tahir AA, Mohd Barnoh NF, Yusof N, Mohd Said NN, Utsumi M, Yen AM, et al.

Microbes Environ, 2019 Jun 27;34(2):161-168.
PMID: 31019143 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.ME18117

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) are the most abundant, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly lignocellulosic biomass in Malaysia. Investigations on the microbial diversity of decaying OPEFB may reveal microbes with complex enzymes that have the potential to enhance the conversion of lignocellulose into second-generation biofuels as well as the production of other value-added products. In the present study, fungal and bacterial diversities in decaying OPEFB were identified using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene. Fungal diversity in decaying OPEFB was dominated by the phylum Ascomycota (14.43%), while most of the bacterial sequences retrieved belonged to Proteobacteria (76.71%). Three bacterial strains isolated from decaying OPEFB, designated as S18, S20, and S36, appeared to grow with extracted OPEFB-lignin and Kraft lignin (KL) as the sole carbon source. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the 3 isolates as Paenibacillus sp.. The molecular weight distribution of KL before and after degradation showed significant depolymerization when treated with bacterial strains S18, S20, and S36. The presence of low-molecular-weight lignin-related compounds, such as vanillin and 2-methoxyphenol derivatives, which were detected by a GC-MS analysis, confirmed the KL-degrading activities of isolated Paenibacillus strains.
Fulltext Medicines information provided by pharmaceutical representatives: a comparative study in Australia and Malaysia

Othman N, Vitry AI, Roughead EE, Ismail SB, Omar K

BMC Public Health, 2010;10:743.
PMID: 21118551 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-743

BACKGROUND: Pharmaceutical representatives provide medicines information on their promoted products to doctors. However, studies have shown that the quality of this information is often low. No study has assessed the medicines information provided by pharmaceutical representatives to doctors in Malaysia and no recent evidence in Australia is present. We aimed to compare the provision of medicines information by pharmaceutical representatives to doctors in Australia and Malaysia.
METHODS: Following a pharmaceutical representative's visit, general practitioners in Australia and Malaysia who had agreed to participate, were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the main product and claims discussed during the encounter. The questionnaire focused on provision of product information including indications, adverse effects, precautions, contraindications and the provision of information on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) listings and restrictions (in Australia only). Descriptive statistics were produced. Chi-square analysis and clustered linear regression were used to assess differences in Australia and Malaysia.
RESULTS: Significantly more approved product information sheets were provided in Malaysia (78%) than in Australia (53%) (P < 0.001). In both countries, general practitioners reported that indications (Australia, 90%, Malaysia, 93%) and dosages (Australia, 76%, Malaysia, 82%) were frequently provided by pharmaceutical representatives. Contraindications, precautions, drug interactions and adverse effects were often omitted in the presentations (range 25% - 41%). General practitioners in Australia and Malaysia indicated that in more than 90% of presentations, pharmaceutical representatives partly or fully answered their questions on contraindications, precautions, drug interactions and adverse effects. More general practitioners in Malaysia (85%) than in Australia (60%) reported that pharmaceutical representatives should have mentioned contraindications, precautions for use, drug interaction or adverse effects spontaneously (P < 0.001). In 48% of the Australian presentations, general practitioners reported the pharmaceutical representatives failed to mention information on PBS listings to general practitioners.
CONCLUSIONS: Information on indications and dosages were usually provided by pharmaceutical representatives in Australia and Malaysia. However, risk and harmful effects of medicines were often missing in their presentations. Effective control of medicines information provided by pharmaceutical representatives is needed.
Fulltext Medicines information in medical journal advertising in Australia, Malaysia and the United States: A comparative cross-sectional study

Othman N, Vitry AI, Roughead EE

South Med Rev, 2010 Feb;3(1):11-8.
PMID: 23093878

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the provision of medicines information in medical journal advertising in Australia, Malaysia and the United States.
METHODS: A consecutive sample of 85 unique advertisements from each country was selected from the advertisements published between January 2004 to December 2006 in three widely circulated medical journals and one prescribing reference manual. The availability of brand name and generic name, indication, contraindications, dosage, side-effects, warnings, interactions and precautions was compared between the three countries.
RESULTS: We examined 255 distinct advertisements for 136 pharmaceutical products. Journal advertising in Australia, Malaysia and the US usually provided brand names and generic names (range 96 -100%). Information on dosage was significantly less likely to be mentioned (32%) in the US than in Australia (92%) and Malaysia (48%) (P < 0.001). Warning information was significantly less likely to be provided in Australia (5%) than in the US (81%) and Malaysia (9%) (P < 0.001). Apart from information on brand name, generic name, warnings and dosage, other product information significantly less likely to be provided in journal advertising in Malaysia than in Australia and the US (P < 0.001). Similar trends in the provision of product information for the same medicines published in these countries were noted. Brand name and generic name were always provided in the three countries (100%). However, information on the negative effects of medicines was less frequently provided in Malaysia than in Australia and the US.
CONCLUSIONS: Journal advertising in Australia, Malaysia and the US failed to provide complete product information. Low quality of information provided in Malaysia indicates the need for effective regulation of provision of medicines information in journal advertising. Different standards of medicines information provided in these three countries suggest that pharmaceutical promotion needs to be better controlled at the international level.
KEYWORDS: Australia; Malaysia; Pharmaceutical advertisements; promotion; regulation
Medication errors reported to the National Medication Error Reporting System in Malaysia: a 4-year retrospective review (2009 to 2012)

Samsiah A, Othman N, Jamshed S, Hassali MA, Wan-Mohaina WM

Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 2016 Dec;72(12):1515-1524.
PMID: 27637912

PURPOSE: Reporting and analysing the data on medication errors (MEs) is important and contributes to a better understanding of the error-prone environment. This study aims to examine the characteristics of errors submitted to the National Medication Error Reporting System (MERS) in Malaysia.
METHODS: A retrospective review of reports received from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2012 was undertaken. Descriptive statistics method was applied.
RESULTS: A total of 17,357 MEs reported were reviewed. The majority of errors were from public-funded hospitals. Near misses were classified in 86.3 % of the errors. The majority of errors (98.1 %) had no harmful effects on the patients. Prescribing contributed to more than three-quarters of the overall errors (76.1 %). Pharmacists detected and reported the majority of errors (92.1 %). Cases of erroneous dosage or strength of medicine (30.75 %) were the leading type of error, whilst cardiovascular (25.4 %) was the most common category of drug found.
CONCLUSIONS: MERS provides rich information on the characteristics of reported MEs. Low contribution to reporting from healthcare facilities other than government hospitals and non-pharmacists requires further investigation. Thus, a feasible approach to promote MERS among healthcare providers in both public and private sectors needs to be formulated and strengthened. Preventive measures to minimise MEs should be directed to improve prescribing competency among the fallible prescribers identified.
Mature Erythrocyte Surface Antigen Protein Identified in the Serum of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Patients

Zainudin NS, Othman N, Muhi J, Abdu Sani AA, Noordin R

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2015 Dec;93(6):1268-73.
PMID: 26392156 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0333

This study was performed to identify circulating Plasmodium falciparum proteins in patient serum, which may be useful as diagnostic markers. Depletion of highly abundant proteins from each pooled serum sample obtained from P. falciparum-infected patients and healthy individuals was performed using the Proteoseek Antibody-Based Albumin/IgG Removal Kit (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, IL). In analysis 1, the depleted serum was analyzed directly by NanoLC-MS/MS. In analysis 2, the depleted serum was separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by western blot analysis. Subsequently, the selected band was analyzed by NanoLC-MS/MS. The result of analysis 1 revealed the presence of two mature erythrocyte surface antigen (MESA) proteins and chloroquine resistance transporter protein (PfCRT). In addition, analysis 2 revealed an antigenic 75-kDa band when the membrane was probed with purified IgG from the pooled serum obtained from P. falciparum-infected patients. MS/MS analysis of this protein band revealed fragments of P. falciparum MESA proteins. Thus, in this study, two different analyses revealed the presence of Plasmodium MESA protein in pooled serum from malaria patients; thus, this protein should be further investigated to determine its usefulness as a diagnostic marker.
Malignant paraganglioma of frontoethmoidal region

Sharma HS, Madhavan M, Othman NH, Muhamad M, Abdullah JM

Auris Nasus Larynx, 1999 Oct;26(4):487-93.
PMID: 10530746

Nonchromaffin paragangliomas are unusual tumours arising from widely distributed paraganglionic tissues probably of neural crest origin. In the head and neck region they are usually seen as carotid body or jugulotympanic tumours. Other rarely reported sites in the head and neck region are the orbit, nose and larynx. This report deals with a case of sinonasal paraganglioma which was initially treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Twenty two years later the tumour recurred and showed a rapid growth due to malignant transformation which we believe is late effect of radiotherapy. The clinical features, histopathology and role of radiotherapy in sinonasal paragangliomas together with a review of the medical literature have been discussed.
Lymphoma with superimposed tuberculosis and fungal infection mimicking parapharyngeal abscess complicated with recurrent neurocardiogenic syncope: a case report

Sharudin SN, Huda Al Firdas AN, Hitam S, Hamid Z, Nordin NJ, Othman N, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2020 Aug;42(2):287-291.
PMID: 32860384

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoma of parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a rare condition. The clinical presentations may vary and often masquerades as infection or an inflammatory condition. A misdiagnosis will lead to a delay in treatment of the disease. Due to the complex anatomy of PPS, any attributed pressure from masses can lead to a life-threatening event such as cardiac syncope.
CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of PPS B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with superimposed Tuberculosis (TB) and fungal infection that presents with several episodes of syncope and hemodynamic depression.
DISCUSSION: The clinical entities in PPS lesions syncope and its associated syndromes, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis together with possible managements are further discussed.
Fulltext Low back pain problem amongst port crane operator

Kadir, Z. A., Mohammad, R., Othman, N.

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2015;1(1):13-26.
MyJurnal

Purpose of this study to be conducted is to identify the risk factor of low back pain amongst port crane operator and to improve the health management program in the company. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the major group of port crane operator that having low back pain problem, to analyse the risk factors that associated to low back pain problem (WBV, Awkward prolonged sitting and shift work-psychological) , individual characteristics (sport activity or hobby), to analyse the associated rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) and low back pain problem and to propose the basic ergonomic assessment checklist for management to investigate health incident cases and fit-to-work (ergonomics) screening checklist for new recruitment. A survey research design through the distribution of the questionnaire and interview & field observation will
be used for research methodology. The population of this study consists of port crane operatorsRubber Tyred Gantry Operator (RTG). Questionnaire method used to collect all relevant information from correspondence. Interview also will be conducted to gain further details information. Data were analyzed with the usage of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to make the process of analysis easier. As result, firstly, the study shown that there are association of risk factor for working posture and years of exposure with Low back Pain. The null hypothesis was rejected and there is probability that these risk factors have influence the low back pain. It was also concluded that the null hypothesis was accepted which means there are no correlation of risk factors for heavy physical works, previous job experience, previous accident with low back pain problem. Thirdly, the study
shown there are no correlation of rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) with low back pain problem as the null hypothesis was accepted with p value <0.05
Keywords: Port, Low Back Pain, Ergonomics, Occupational Safety & Health, Rubber tyre gantry, Back Pain
Fulltext Limitation of nutrients stimulates musty odor production by Streptomyces sp. isolated from a tropical environment

Shudirman S, Abang Kassim A, Shamsol Anuar NS, Utsumi M, Shimizu K, Muhammad Yuzir MA, et al.

J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2021 Jul 31;67(3):92-99.
PMID: 33642451 DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2020.08.001

Musty odor production by actinomycetes is usually related to the presence of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), which are synthesized by enzymes encoded by the geoA and tpc genes, respectively. Streptomyces spp. strain S10, which was isolated from a water reservoir in Malaysia, has the ability to produce geosmin when cultivated in a basal salt (BS) solid medium, but no 2-MIB production occurred during growth in BS medium. Strain S10 could produce higher levels of geosmin when the phosphate concentration was limited to 0.05 mg/L, with a yield of 17.53 ± 3.12 ✕ 105 ng/L, compared with growth in BS medium. Interestingly, 2-MIB production was suddenly detected when the nitrate concentration was limited to 1.0 mg/L, with a yield of 1.4 ± 0.11 ✕ 105 ng/L. Therefore, it was concluded that phosphate- and nitrate-limiting conditions could induce the initial production of geosmin and 2-MIB by strain S10. Furthermore, a positive amplicon of geoA was detected in strain S10, but no tpc amplicon was detected by PCR analysis. Draft genome sequence analysis showed that one open reading frame (ORF) contained a conserved motif of geosmin synthase with 95% identity with geoA in Streptomyces coelicolor A3 (2). In the case of the tpc genes, it was found that one ORF showed 23% identity to the known tpc gene in S. coelicolor A3(2), but strain S10 lacked one motif in the N-terminus.

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