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High rate treatment of hospital wastewater using activated sludge process induced by high-frequency ultrasound

Karami N, Mohammadi P, Zinatizadeh A, Falahi F, Aghamohammadi N

Ultrason Sonochem, 2018 Sep;46:89-98.
PMID: 29739516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2018.04.009

The biomass concentration of conventional activated sludge (CAS) process due to low sludge sedimentation in clarifiers is limited to 3000 mg/L. In this study, high-frequency ultrasound wave (1.8 MHz) was applied to enhance the CAS process performance using high Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid (MLSS) concentration. The study conducted using a pilot scale CAS bioreactor (with and without ultrasound) and their performance for treating a hospital wastewater were compared. Experimental conditions were designed based on a Central Composite Design (CCD). The sets of data analyzed, modeled and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The effect of MLSS concentration 3000-8000 mg/L and hydraulic retention time (HRT) 2-8 h are considered as operating variables to investigate on process responses. The obtained results showed that high-frequency ultrasound was significantly decreased the sludge volume index (SVI) 50% and effluent turbidity about 88.5% at high MLSS. Also, observed that COD removal of both systems was nearly similar, as the maximum COD removal for sonicated and non-sonicated systems were 92 and 92.5% respectively. However, this study demonstrates that the ultrasound irradiation has not had any negative effect on the microbial activity.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance and Engineering, Hospital*
The relationship between Type D personality and insomnia

Akram U, McCarty K, Akram A, Gardani M, Tan A, Villarreal D, et al.

Sleep Health, 2018 08;4(4):360-363.
PMID: 30031529 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2018.04.005

OBJECTIVES: Type D personality is characterized by the combination of social inhibition and negative affectivity. This study examined the relationship between Type D personality and insomnia symptoms amongst a sample of the general-population.
METHODS: Adults from the general-population (n = 392) completed online measures of Type D personality (DS14) and insomnia severity.
RESULTS: Individuals with the Type D personality trait reported significantly greater symptoms of insomnia relative to Non-Type Ds. Moreover, insomnia-symptoms were independently related to negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI) and the Type D interaction (i.e. synergistic product of SI and NA). Linear regression analysis determined that NA but not SI significantly predicted insomnia symptoms after controlling for age and sex. However, after accounting for the Type D interaction, negative affectivity remained the only significant predictor of insomnia-symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: The Type D personality type appears to be related to insomnia-symptoms, both as a categorical and dimensional construct. These outcomes support prior research evidencing that whilst Type D personality is related to poor sleep in adolescents, NA appears to be the main contributor.

Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology*
Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection?

Choudhary AK, Lee YY

Nutr Neurosci, 2018 Jun;21(5):306-316.
PMID: 28198207 DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1288340

Aspartame (α-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine-o-methyl ester), an artificial sweetener, has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems. Possible neurophysiological symptoms include learning problems, headache, seizure, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The consumption of aspartame, unlike dietary protein, can elevate the levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid in the brain. These compounds can inhibit the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are known regulators of neurophysiological activity. Aspartame acts as a chemical stressor by elevating plasma cortisol levels and causing the production of excess free radicals. High cortisol levels and excess free radicals may increase the brains vulnerability to oxidative stress which may have adverse effects on neurobehavioral health. We reviewed studies linking neurophysiological symptoms to aspartame usage and conclude that aspartame may be responsible for adverse neurobehavioral health outcomes. Aspartame consumption needs to be approached with caution due to the possible effects on neurobehavioral health. Whether aspartame and its metabolites are safe for general consumption is still debatable due to a lack of consistent data. More research evaluating the neurobehavioral effects of aspartame are required.

Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/chemically induced; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/diagnosis
Fulltext Effects of sleep changes on pain-related health outcomes in the general population: A systematic review of longitudinal studies with exploratory meta-analysis

Afolalu EF, Ramlee F, Tang NKY

Sleep Med Rev, 2018 06;39:82-97.
PMID: 29056414 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.08.001

Emerging longitudinal research has highlighted poor sleep as a risk factor of a range of adverse health outcomes, including disabling pain conditions. In establishing the causal role of sleep in pain, it remains to be clarified whether sleep deterioration over time is a driver of pain and whether sleep improvement can mitigate pain-related outcomes. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Proquest PsycINFO, to identify 16 longitudinal studies involving 61,000 participants. The studies evaluated the effect of sleep changes (simulating sleep deterioration, sleep stability, and sleep improvement) on subsequent pain-related outcomes in the general population. A decline in sleep quality and sleep quantity was associated with a two- to three-fold increase in risk of developing a pain condition, small elevations in levels of inflammatory markers, and a decline in self-reported physical health status. An exploratory meta-analysis further revealed that deterioration in sleep was associated with worse self-reported physical functioning (medium effect size), whilst improvement in sleep was associated with better physical functioning (small effect size). The review consolidates evidence that changes in sleep are prospectively associated with pain-related outcomes and highlights the need for further longitudinal investigations on the long-term impact of sleep improvements.

Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders*
Internal model control for industrial wireless plant using WirelessHART hardware-in-the-loop simulator

Tran CD, Ibrahim R, Asirvadam VS, Saad N, Sabo Miya H

ISA Trans, 2018 Apr;75:236-246.
PMID: 29478749 DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2017.12.010

The emergence of wireless technologies such as WirelessHART and ISA100 Wireless for deployment at industrial process plants has urged the need for research and development in wireless control. This is in view of the fact that the recent application is mainly in monitoring domain due to lack of confidence in control aspect. WirelessHART has an edge over its counterpart as it is based on the successful Wired HART protocol with over 30 million devices as of 2009. Recent works on control have primarily focused on maintaining the traditional PID control structure which is proven not adequate for the wireless environment. In contrast, Internal Model Control (IMC), a promising technique for delay compensation, disturbance rejection and setpoint tracking has not been investigated in the context of WirelessHART. Therefore, this paper discusses the control design using IMC approach with a focus on wireless processes. The simulation and experimental results using real-time WirelessHART hardware-in-the-loop simulator (WH-HILS) indicate that the proposed approach is more robust to delay variation of the network than the PID.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext GreenVMAS: Virtual Organization Based Platform for Heating Greenhouses Using Waste Energy from Power Plants

González-Briones A, Chamoso P, Yoe H, Corchado JM

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Mar 14;18(3).
PMID: 29538351 DOI: 10.3390/s18030861

The gradual depletion of energy resources makes it necessary to optimize their use and to reuse them. Although great advances have already been made in optimizing energy generation processes, many of these processes generate energy that inevitably gets wasted. A clear example of this are nuclear, thermal and carbon power plants, which lose a large amount of energy that could otherwise be used for different purposes, such as heating greenhouses. The role of GreenVMAS is to maintain the required temperature level in greenhouses by using the waste energy generated by power plants. It incorporates a case-based reasoning system, virtual organizations and algorithms for data analysis and for efficient interaction with sensors and actuators. The system is context aware and scalable as it incorporates an artificial neural network, this means that it can operate correctly even if the number and characteristics of the greenhouses participating in the case study change. The architecture was evaluated empirically and the results show that the user's energy bill is greatly reduced with the implemented system.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Vascular Access Outcomes Reported in Maintenance Hemodialysis Trials: A Systematic Review

Viecelli AK, O'Lone E, Sautenet B, Craig JC, Tong A, Chemla E, et al.

Am J Kidney Dis, 2018 03;71(3):382-391.
PMID: 29203125 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2017.09.018

BACKGROUND: Many randomized controlled trials have been performed with the goal of improving outcomes related to hemodialysis vascular access. If the reported outcomes are relevant and measured consistently to allow comparison of interventions across trials, such trials can inform decision making. This study aimed to assess the scope and consistency of vascular access outcomes reported in contemporary hemodialysis trials.
STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.
SETTING & POPULATION: Adults requiring maintenance hemodialysis.
SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomized controlled trials and trial protocols reporting vascular access outcomes identified from ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialized Register from January 2011 to June 2016.
INTERVENTIONS: Any hemodialysis-related intervention.
OUTCOMES: The frequency and characteristics of vascular access outcome measures were analyzed and classified.
RESULTS: From 168 relevant trials, 1,426 access-related outcome measures were extracted and classified into 23 different outcomes. The 3 most common outcomes were function (136 [81%] trials), infection (63 [38%]), and maturation (31 [18%]). Function was measured in 489 different ways, but most frequently reported as "mean access blood flow (mL/min)" (37 [27%] trials) and "number of thromboses" (30 [22%]). Infection was assessed in 136 different ways, with "number of access-related infections" being the most common measure. Maturation was assessed in 44 different ways at 15 different time points and most commonly characterized by vein diameter and blood flow. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain (19 [11%]) and quality of life (5 [3%]), were reported infrequently. Only a minority of trials used previously standardized outcome definitions.
LIMITATIONS: Restricted sampling frame for feasibility and focus on contemporary trials.
CONCLUSIONS: The reporting of access outcomes in hemodialysis trials is very heterogeneous, with limited patient-reported outcomes and infrequent use of standardized outcome measures. Efforts to standardize outcome reporting for vascular access are critical to optimizing the comparability, reliability, and value of trial evidence to improve outcomes for patients requiring hemodialysis.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Manic switch on mirtazapine: a case report

Khairani Yahya, Azizah Saie

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2018;27(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

In recent years, more cases of manic switches on Mirtazapine have been reported. In this report, we discuss a case of manic switch in a gentleman who was treated as unipolar depression. A 66-year-old man presented to psychiatry 8 months following a nephrectomy for symptoms of depression. Treatment with Sertraline 50mg daily was initiated and titrated to 150mg, along with Zolpidem and Clonazepam to aid his sleep. Despite these medications he never achieved remission and continued to have persistent anxiety and insomnia. Due to suboptimal control, treatment was changed to Mirtazapine 15mg daily. At day 20 he showed symptoms of mania which included talkativeness, increased goal directed activities, reduced need for sleep and socially disinhibited behavior. Mirtazapine was discontinued, and treatment was changed to Sodium Valproate, optimized to 1000mg daily, augmented with Quetiapine 150mg daily. Remission was achieved after 4 months and he has remained asymptomatic for 2 months. This was his first episode of mania, and a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder was made. In conclusion, antidepressant induced manic switches are common, they are relatively under-appreciated and under-reported, especially with the use of sleep-promoting antidepressants. All antidepressants should be considered to be a potential mediator of a switch in view of its pharmacological properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Fulltext Bending strength of steel fibre reinforced concrete ribbed slab panel

Amir Syafiq Samsudin, Mohd Hisbany Mohd Hashim, Siti Hawa Hamzah, Afidah Abu Bakar

Scientific Research Journal, 2018;15(1):15-29.
MyJurnal

Nowadays, demands in the application of fibre in concrete increase gradually as an engineering material. Rapid cost increment of material causes the increase in demand of new technology that provides safe, efficient and economical design for the present and future application. The introduction ofribbed slab reduces concrete materials and thusthe cost, but the strength of the structure also reduces due to the reducing of material. Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) has the ability to maintain a part of its tensile strength prior to crack in order to resist more loading compared to conventional concrete. Meanwhile, the ribbed slab can help in material reduction. This research investigated on the bending strength of 2-ribbed and 3-ribbed concrete slab with steel fibre reinforcement under static loading with a span of 1500 mm and 1000 mm x 75 mm in cross section. An amount of 40 kg/m steel fibre of all total concrete volume was used as reinforcement instead of conventional bars with concrete grade 30 N/mm2 . The slab wastested underthree-point bending. Load versus deflection curve was plotted to illustrate the result and to compare the deflection between control and ribbed slab. Thisresearch showsthat SFRCRibbed Slab capable to withstand the same amount of load as normal slab structure, although the concrete volume reduces up to 20%.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Maintenance and physical asset management issues in project commissioning

Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani, Azrin Ahmad, Nor Salim Muhammad, Reduan Mat Dan, Rustamreen Jenal

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(2):10-28.
MyJurnal

This study describes the review on maintenance related issues during design and construction stage
within construction industry. The paper highlights the causes and errors made during design and
construction stage and their impact during the operation/production/occupancy stage as well as the
maintenance costs associated with it. The study identifies the mistakes in the working processes within
design and construction stage leading to the errors that affect the durability, performance, reliability,
maintainability, availability and safety of the systems. The paper presents a comprehensive review of
the published literatures, journals, technical papers in the related areas in the construction field. The
review highlights the new approaches and decision framework which link the designers and
construction personnel that could reduce the errors and defects in construction which then lead to
maintenance issues and asset management. The factors of accessibility, materials, design and
documentation standardization have been discussed thoroughly for better understanding in improving
maintenance and physical asset management in project commissioning.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Challenges for a safe workplace and cope up strategy: a case study for construction industry in Sarawak, Malaysia

Mohammad Fazley Hossain, Chowdhury, Rusli, Bin Ahmad

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2018;4(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

Like many other parts of the globe, in Malaysia, construction industry has a vital support to
the national economy, even though statistics indicates that, at the same time, it is an extremely
risky profession due to high accident rate. In addition, current evidences suggest that, in
general, safety in Sarawak construction industries lack attention. As, human behavior is regarded
as the principal component that contributes to accidents in this industry, this study
intends to explore existing barriers in development and maintaining safety performance behavior
as well as possible coping strategies. A qualitative analysis of in-depth interview (N=4)
among different levels of professions within industries in Kuching, Sarawak reveals that,
price sensitive subcontracting, short-term projects, irregular cash flow, dependency on larger
companies, less managerial and supervisory engagement, and priority on progress alone create
obstacles for safety behavior. On the other hand, possibly, the challenges can be managed
through integration of safety into contracts as compliance, associated disbursement, and introducing
incentives.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Insomnia and its correlates among elderly patients presenting to family medicine clinics at an academic center

Farazdaq H, Andrades M, Nanji K

Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(3):12-19.
PMID: 30800228

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the frequency and correlates of insomnia among elderly patients presenting to family medicine clinics at an academic center in Karachi, Pakistan.

Study design: This is a cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at the Outpatient Family Medicine Clinics at Aga Khan University Hospital between February 2013 and June 2013.

Methodology: Patients 60 years old and above were recruited (n=152) through non- probability consecutive sampling. Information was collected on a pretested structured questionnaire on demographics, insomnia symptoms, medical co-morbidities, lifestyle factors and sleep disorders. Data was analyzed on SPSS 19. Proportions and the Chi-Square test were used in the analyses, along with binary logistic regression.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.68 years, and 38.80% of the participants were male and 61.20% were female. The prevalence of insomnia was 42.1%. It was more common in women than in men (64.10% vs. 35.9%). Increasing age [ORadj: 4.54; 95%CI: 1.85-11.17], being divorced/widowed [ORadj: 10.26; 95%CI: 2.79-37.73] and having an average household income of over Rs.50, 000, were significantly related to insomnia. The other factors associated with insomnia were Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease [ORadj: 4.30; 95% CI: 1.67-11.04], depression [ORadj: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.13-7.33], caffeine consumption [ORadj: 6.50; 95% CI: 2.27-18.57], and cigarette smoking close to bed time [ORadj: 4.78; 95% CI: 0.88-25.90].

Conclusion: The study showed that older adults with multiple diseases were at high risk of insomnia. Certain life style practices enhanced the risk; hence, physicians should incorporate sleep history and tailor treatment to target both insomnia and related factors to optimize quality of life.

Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Fulltext Devastating insomnia experience following general anaesthesia for mastoidectomy surgery

Misron, L.H., Misron, K., Misron, S.N.F.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(2):139-142.
MyJurnal

Sleep disorder including insomnia is one of the complications of general anaesthesia. It is not uncommon and it is temporary but majority remains unnoticed and untreated. The effect of insomnia ranges from mild to severe, influencing both physical and mental health. Surgeon and anaesthetist need to identify this complication so that an appropriate treatment can be delivered. In complicated case, psychiatrist involvement is crucial. The treatment is symptomatic and temporary. We reported a case of distressful sleep disorder as a sequelae of general anaesthesia for mastoidectomy surgery. Subsequently after symptomatic treatment, he recovered completely and regained his normal sleep pattern.

Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Fulltext Sensor application for soil treatment and behaviour

Syahrul Affandi Saidi, Syarifah Idrus Sofia Syed Mohd Yamin, Mohd Sharizan Md Sarip, Wan Azani Mustafa

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2018;13(1):8-15.
MyJurnal

In Malaysia, it is estimated that almost 80 percent of the world's population today used palm oil in their daily lives. Malaysia is the second country exporting palm oil, about 39 percent of world palm oil output. Besides that, Malaysia also recorded about 44 per cent of world exports, making the palm industry very important for countries other than rubber and cocoa. However, to keep the palm industry running smoothly and constantly, there are many challenges to face. One is to maintain soil fertility because the soil can affect the growth of oil palm trees. With the use of this system, it will show the condition of soil behaviour to the farmer about the treatment given. Arduino board is used in this project which it is programmed to calculate and display the level of soil condition by using temperature sensor and soil moisture sensors as an input. This sensor will detect the level of soil moisture and temperature and it is easier for farmers to monitor the soil conditions. Controlled soil conditions can improve the soil's ability to maintain the fertility of palm trees and help plant growth suit to the weather and local climate.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Investigation of Deacetylation Treatment at Different Temperature for Chitosan Extraction from Shrimp Shell Waste

William, W., Newati Wid

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(101):65-0.
MyJurnal

Disposal of shrimp shell waste is gradually increasing throughout the years due to the constant growing of cultured shrimp production at the local area which in turn increases the bio-waste of shrimp shell. Shrimp shell waste contains valuable components such as protein and chitin. Chitin can be found at the outer surface of shrimp shell, while chitosan can be derived from chitin. Chitosan is a valuable natural polymer as it holds major potentials for industrial applications. However, the poor quality of chitosan has restricted its potential in applications and this is due to the difficulties in maintaining its degree of deacetylation, solubility, and ash content. Hence, several factors such as the temperature for deacetylation treatment, concentration of alkaline solution, ratio of chitin to alkaline solution, and few other factors are important to produce a good quality of chitosan.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing for Deciphering the Colorectal Cancer Gut Microbiome: Current Protocols and Workflows

Osman MA, Neoh HM, Ab Mutalib NS, Chin SF, Jamal R

Front Microbiol, 2018;9:767.
PMID: 29755427 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00767

The human gut holds the densest microbiome ecosystem essential in maintaining a healthy host physiology, whereby disruption of this ecosystem has been linked to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies such as the 16S rRNA gene sequencing has enabled characterization of the CRC gut microbiome architecture in an affordable and culture-free approach. Nevertheless, the lack of standardization in handling and storage of biospecimens, nucleic acid extraction, 16S rRNA gene primer selection, length, and depth of sequencing and bioinformatics analyses have contributed to discrepancies found in various published studies of this field. Accurate characterization of the CRC microbiome found in different stages of CRC has the potential to be developed into a screening tool in the clinical setting. This mini review aims to concisely compile all available CRC microbiome studies performed till end of 2016 and to suggest standardized protocols that are crucial in developing a gut microbiome screening panel for CRC.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Evaluation of residential satisfaction towards building maintenance at Rumah Selangorku Damai Utama

Mohd Aliff Farhan Musa, Rafizah Musa

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2018;46(1):23-29.
MyJurnal

Low-cost high rise housing project is developed to provide a chance for low-income
citizen to own a house at a lower market price. Each low-cost high-rise residential
building possesses its own building management body where one of its duties is to
manage residential area after the strata title has been issued to the purchaser. The
study was carried out to evaluate the level of satisfaction among residents of one lowcost
housing area towards the maintenance activities administered by the building
management body. This research employed mixed-method approach; quantitative and
qualitative, as it able to capture accurate data from both residents and the building
management body. This study concluded that the residents of Rumah Selangorku
Damai Utama are mostly leaning towards dissatisfaction with the building and facilities
maintenance services provided by the building management body.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Design and development of a spatial immersive track cycling simulator

Yap, H.J., Tan, C.H., Sivadas, C.S., Wan, W.L., Taha, Z., Chang, S.W.

Movement Health & Exercise, 2018;7(2):39-52.
MyJurnal

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that makes use of computer graphics,
algorithms and special hardware to simulate the real world in real time. There
are four main elements required to make a VR system a success, namely
virtual world, immersion, sensory feedback and interactivity. The virtual
world created must be as real as possible. Users should have a sense of
immersion in the virtual world. Position tracking is usually incorporated into
a VR system for visual, sound and force feedback on the users and the virtual
objects in the VR world must be interact-able with the users. VR has proven
to be effective in training and widely used in many areas, for example medical
surgery, dental treatment, psychology treatment for phobia, engineering
design, maintenance and repair, sports and many more. By implementing VR
technology in training, users are able to reduce the training cost and time. VR
training is also safer for users, as harsh environments can be simulated despite
the environment and/or human factors. On the other hand, the physical
facilities and infrastructures of the track cycling are very costly. In track
cycling, the game field, known as a velodrome, requires a large space of area.
It requires a huge budget and professional manpower to maintain these
facilities. Therefore, the proposed spatial immersive track cycling simulator
is invented to overcome these issues. The aim of this study is to simulate the
velodrome track cycling in VR environment and synchronize with a 6 degreeof-freedom
motion platform. The simulator is aimed to be low cost and
minimal space requirement compared to actual velodrome. A trainee who
undergoes VR track cycling simulator training wears a head-mounted-display (HMD) to visualize the VR environment. An actual bike will be mounted on
the 6-DOF motion platform, which the platform will synchronize with the VR
environment to simulate the track condition for the training purposes. An
encoder is placed at the bicycle wheel to feedback the moving speed and
synchronize the visualize feedback to the HMD.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Development of community-based early warning system (CBEWS) in enhancing community preparedness for dam-related disasters in Malaysia

Azrul Ghazali, Sivadass Thiruchelvam, Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha, Ahmad Kamal Kadir, Fatin Faiqa Norkhairi, Nora Yahya, et al.

ASM Science Journal, 2018;11(2):117-123.
MyJurnal

Series of catastrophic floods that we have witnessed over the last decade in Malaysia have necessitated the adoption of reliable early warning system. Ultimate concern during any event of natural or manmade disaster would be information dissemination to lessen the disaster impact on lives and property. The Bertam Valley incident in the wee hours of 23rd October 2013 has been considered as the game changer of how we view the role of vulnerable communities in facing dam-related disasters. Empowerment of local communities has been considered as vital in disaster management, as they are often the first responders to disaster. Local Community-Based Early Warning System (CBEWS) is a smart mechanism operated by the communities. This study revolves around the actual implementation of such system in Cameron Highlands in the effort of increasing human resilience towards damrelated disasters. While establishing the system, the Bertam Valley community has received support from different individuals and organisations. It is paramount that the community develops and maintains close coordination and strong links with these stakeholders. The performance of early warning systems can be evaluated via key parameters such as timeliness, accuracy, reliability, user friendliness, flexibility, and costs & benefits.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Fulltext Risk factors of urinary incontinence among community dwelling older adults

Resshaya Roobini Murukesu, Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Suzana Shahar

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):227-227.
MyJurnal

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common disorder among older adults, with a global prevalence between 2% to 58%. UI has been associated with social isolation, increased morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive and physical function risk factors of UI among Malaysian community dwelling older adults. This study is part of a larger scale population based longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity among older adults (LRGS TUA). A total of 1560 Malaysian community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above were screened in this phase III LRGS study. Participants sociodemographic and clinical history were obtained. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Digit Span tested cognitive function. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Hand Grip Strength Test, Chair Stand Test and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living tested physical function. The overall prevalence of UI was 15.7% (n = 245) in this study, with 11.8% (n = 88) in men and 19.3% (n = 157) in women. Logistic regression analysis showed that TUG (Adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.071; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.13), MMSE (OR, 0.93; CI, 0.90-0.97), weight (OR, 1.02; CI, 1.00-1.03), and constipation (OR 0.60; CI, 0.46-0.78) (p < 0.005) were significant risk factors of UI. The results indicate, decreased physical and cognitive function; increase in weight and having constipation increased the risk of UI. Maintaining optimum mobility, cognitive function, body weight and constipation prevention are vital in the prevention and management of UI among older adults.

Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance

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