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  1. Zainal Abidin MR, Tuang GJ, Mansor M
    Ear Nose Throat J, 2023 Oct 16.
    PMID: 37843046 DOI: 10.1177/01455613231205538
    We read with great interest the article by Kobayashi KE et al. published in 2023 entitled: "Presentation of external ear Rosai-Dorfman disease with laryngeal involvement" and wish to reconnoiter Rosai-Dorfman Disease's (RDD) clinical entities and the possible implications from the perspective of otology.
  2. Rafiq MT, Abdul Hamid MS, Hafiz E
    Arch Rheumatol, 2023 Dec;38(4):590-601.
    PMID: 38125060 DOI: 10.46497/ArchRheumatol.2023.9018
    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the lower limb rehabilitation protocol (LLRP) using mobile health (mHealth) on quality of life (QoL), functional strength, and functional capacity among knee OA patients who were overweight and obese.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2019 and November 2020, a total of 96 patients (42 males, 54 females; mean age; 52.9±4.8 years; range, 40 to 60 years) were randomized into either the rehabilitation group with mobile health (RGw-mHealth) receiving reminders by using mHealth to carry on the strengthening exercises of LLRP and instructions of daily care (IDC), the rehabilitation group without mobile health (RGwo-mHealth) following the strengthening exercises of LLRP and instructions of daily care (IDC) and control group (CG) only following the IDC for duration of 12 weeks. The reminders for using mHealth were provided two times a day for three days a week. Primary outcome measures were QoL assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index summary score, and functional strength by five-repetition sit-to-stand test. Secondary outcome measure was functional capacity assessed by the Gait Speed Test. The assessments of QoL, functional strength, and functional capacity were taken at baseline and post-test after 12 weeks of intervention.

    RESULTS: After 12 weeks of intervention, the patients in all three groups had a statistically significant improvement in QoL within groups (p<0.05). Patients in the RGw-mHealth and RGwo-mHealth had a statistically significant improvement in functional strength and walking gait speed within groups (p<0.05). The pairwise between-group comparisons (Bonferroni post-hoc test) of the mean changes in QoL, functional strength, and functional capacity at post-test assessments revealed that patients in the RGw-mHealth had a statistically significant greater mean change in QoL, functional strength and functional capacity relative to both the RGwo-mHealth and CG (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: The improvement in QoL, functional strength, and functional capacity was greater among patients in the RGw-mHealth compared to the RGwo-mHealth or CG.

  3. Irfan M, Sulehri NA, Manickiam N
    Front Robot AI, 2023;10:1293904.
    PMID: 38273894 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2023.1293904
    Introduction: In the current landscape marked by swift digital transformations and global disruptions, comprehending the intersection of digitalization and sustainable business practices is imperative. This study focuses on the food industries of China and Pakistan, aiming to explore the influence of digitalization on cleaner production. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, data were gathered through online surveys involving a diverse group of employees. Special attention was given to the emergent phenomenon of technostress and its subsequent implications for individuals in the workplace. Results: The findings of the study demonstrate a significant impact of digitalization on both resource mobilization and interaction quality within the surveyed food industries. Notably, technostress emerged as a mediating factor, shedding light on the psychological challenges associated with digital transitions. The study further reveals the moderating role of the COVID-19 pandemic, altering the dynamics among the variables under investigation. Discussion: From a theoretical perspective, this research contributes to the cleaner production literature by bridging it with the human-centric nuances of technological adaptation. On a practical level, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning digital strategies with resource mobilization to achieve sustainable outcomes. For the food industry and potentially beyond, the research offers a roadmap for integrating digital tools into operations, ensuring efficiency, and promoting cleaner production.
  4. Munir MZ, Khan AH, Khan TM
    PMID: 38263904 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2310004
    BACKGROUND: To evaluate the opinions of healthcare workers regarding drug therapy problems linked to anti-infective medicines used for the treatment of COVID-19 infection in Pakistan.

    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire developed by the authors, having three sections: demographics, knowledge, and perception. The study was validated by research experts and pilot-tested on 30 subjects. The study included medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists from Punjab's government and private medical institutes.

    RESULTS: In this study, 382 of 400 participants replied. The mean knowledge score was 9.52 (SD 2.97), showing that participants had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 pharmacological interventions. The knowledge scores were significantly higher of those who treated COVID-19 patients and were from Lahore. Many doctors considered that elderly patients and those with blood disorders were at greater risk of experiencing drug-related problems. Most pharmacists support electronic prescription systems. Many doctors thought the lack of unified treatment guidelines, multiple prescribers, and self-medication were key obstacles in managing COVID-19 patients.

    CONCLUSION: Most respondents had adequate knowledge. Older patients with comorbidities are at risk of adverse effects. Self-medication, polypharmacy, and multiple prescriptions can lead to misdiagnosis and complications. Electric prescriptions, team effort, and training programs can decrease these issues.

  5. Azeem W, Shahzad MK, Wong YH
    Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23818.
    PMID: 38205339 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23818
    Perovskite materials are the well-known of solar cell applications and have excellent characteristics to study and explain the photocatalytic research. Exchange generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof-PBE correlation functionals and density functional theory (DFT)-based Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) software are used to inspect the structural, electrical, mechanical, and the optical aspects of Zinc-based cubic perovskite RbZnO3. The compound is found to be in a stable cubic phase according to our study. The predicted elastic characteristics also satisfy the mechanical criterion for stability. Pugh's criterion indicates that RbZnO3 is brittle. The examination shows that the electronic band structure, RbZnO3 possesses an indirect bandgap (BG) that has 4.23eV. Findings of BG analysis agree with currently available evidence. Total and partial density of states (DOS) are used in the confirmation of degree of a localized electrons in special band. Optical transitions in compound are evaluated by adjusting damping ratio for the appropriate peaks of the notional dielectric functions. On one hand, the material is a semiconductor at absolute zero. On the other hand, the dielectric function's fictitious element dispersion illustrates the wide range of values for energy transparency. This substance might therefore be used in a solar cell to capture ultraviolet light.
  6. Musa MSH, Yeoh ZX, Azman M
    Cureus, 2024 Jan;16(1):e52918.
    PMID: 38406054 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52918
    Foreign body (FB) inhalation in the pediatric population is a common emergency referral in otolaryngology practice. Mismanagement can lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. Anesthesiologists conventionally use the Cook® airway exchange catheter (CAEC) during endotracheal tube exchange in the intensive care unit, but its usage as an oxygen conduit is beneficial in other airway procedures. A healthy two-year-old boy was brought to casualty for allegedly choking on a boneless chicken meat bolus during mealtime. The initial presentation showed that the child was comfortable with soft audible stridor without signs of respiratory distress. Bedside video laryngoscopy revealed a whitish FB in the proximity of the vocal cord. The patient was subjected to emergency direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy to retrieve the FB. Under general anesthesia, the true nature of FB was revealed, which was an embedded chicken bone into the laryngeal ventricle, causing a significant reduction of the rima glottis opening. CAEC was used to maintain oxygenation during the complex extraction process, and the child was discharged without any morbidity. Eyewitness history is an essential component in diagnosing FB inhalation in the pediatric population. Despite that, identifying potential difficulty is important to provide backup, especially in the case of unexpected events during managing airway emergencies.
  7. Musarat MA, Alaloul WS, Liew MS
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e26037.
    PMID: 38375301 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26037
    Over time, the change in the inflation rate causes cost overruns by deviating the prices of goods and services in construction projects that require practitioners to make budgeting revisions. Hence, this study aims to develop a construction rates forecasting model that can incorporate the changing impact of the inflation rate on construction rates and predict the prices in a particular year, which can be adjusted when developing the Bill of Quantities. Following the time series analysis standards, a mathematical model was developed using MATLAB for forecasting. Construction rates, building prices, labour wages and machinery rates were forecasted from 2020 to 2025 based on the data collected from 2013 to 2019. Akaike information criterion was used to validate the self-developed construction rate forecasting model. It was revealed that the model yielded better results when the construction rates were compared with the autoregressive integrated moving average time series model results. The rates forecasting model may be used for any construction project where rates are affected by the inflation effect.
  8. Taher M, Tik N, Susanti D
    Drug Metab Pers Ther, 2021 Apr 05.
    PMID: 33818031 DOI: 10.1515/dmdi-2020-0173
    By 9 February 2021, the Coronavirus has killed 2,336,650 people worldwide and it has been predicted that this number continues to increase in year 2021. The study aimed to identify therapeutic approaches and drugs that can potentially be used as interventions in Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) management. A systematic scoping review was conducted. Articles reporting clinical evidence of therapeutic management of COVID-19 were selected from three different research databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct). From the database search, 31 articles were selected based on the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review paper showed that remdesivir and ivermectin significantly reduced viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) activity. On the other hand, convalescent plasma (CP) significantly improved COVID-19 clinical symptoms. Additionally, the use of corticosteroid increased survival rates in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Findings also indicated that both hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir were effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, lopinavir-ritonavir combination was not effective against COVID-19. Finally, ribavirin, galidesivir, and sofosbuvir showed potential therapeutic benefit in treating COVID-19, but there is a lack of clinical evidence on their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir, ivermectin, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and CP are the therapeutic agents that can potentially be used in COVID-19 management.
  9. Yanan L, Ismail MA, Aminuddin A
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25627.
    PMID: 38384513 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25627
    Rural tourism has been widely recognized as a means of promoting the revival of traditional villages and has been supported by numerous researchers. It has the potential to provide significant social and economic advantages, making it a popular strategy for rural development in both developed and developing countries. Nevertheless, a growing body of research has substantiated the significant disruptions that rural tourism has imposed on traditional villages. This study employed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) qualitative method to systematically analyze 92 papers from WOS and SCOPUS that investigate the impact of rural tourism on traditional villages. The papers were categorized into five groups: spatial, economic, sociocultural, and holistic. This categorization allowed for the identification of the purpose, theme, sub-topics, research methods, and data sources used in these papers, which in turn provided an overview of the characteristics and overall trends in research in this field. It compensates for the deficiencies of lesser reviews that just emphasize rural tourism as the primary catalyst for the sustainable development of traditional villages. Based on a thorough investigation, this paper asserts that the development of tourism in traditional villages should be differentiated from typical rural tourism sites that prioritize the preferences of tourists. The primary objective should be to prioritize the preservation of community values, with a strong emphasis on community participation. This should be done while considering the interests of various stakeholders and promoting a diverse range of livelihoods that are rooted in traditional practices. By doing so, the essence of authenticity in traditional villages can be reinforced, leading to a greater sense of connection and loyalty among tourists. The preservation of traditional village genes fosters a symbiotic relationship with rural tourism, resulting in a mutually beneficial cycle.
  10. Hassanudin SA, Ponnampalam SN, Amini MN
    Oncol Lett, 2019 Feb;17(2):1675-1687.
    PMID: 30675227 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9811
    The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic aberrations and novel transcripts, particularly the fusion transcripts, involved in the pathogenesis of low-grade and anaplastic oligodendroglioma. In the present study, tissue samples were obtained from patients with oligodendroglioma and additionally from archived tissue samples from the Brain Tumor Tissue Bank of the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. Six samples were obtained, three of which were low-grade oligodendroglioma and the other three anaplastic oligodendroglioma. DNA and RNA were extracted from each tissue sample. The resulting genomic DNA was then hybridized using the Agilent CytoSure 4×180K oligonucleotide array. Human reference DNA and samples were labeled using Cy3 cytidine 5'-triphosphate (CTP) and Cy5 CTP, respectively, while human Cot-1 DNA was used to reduce non-specific binding. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization data was then analyzed for genetic aberrations using the Agilent Cytosure Interpret software v3.4.2. The total RNA isolated from each sample was mixed with oligo dT magnetic beads to enrich for poly(A) mRNA. cDNAs were then synthesized and subjected to end-repair, poly(A) addition and connected using sequencing adapters using the Illumina TruSeq RNA Sample Preparation kit. The fragments were then purified and selected as templates for polymerase chain reaction amplification. The final library was constructed with fragments between 350-450 base pairs and sequenced using deep transcriptome sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencer. The array comparative genomic hybridization revealed numerous amplifications and deletions on several chromosomes in all samples. However, the most interesting result was from the next generation sequencing, where one anaplastic oligodendroglioma sample was demonstrated to have five novel fusion genes that may potentially serve a critical role in tumor pathogenesis and progression.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Shah MD, D'Souza UJA, Iqbal M
    Environ Health Prev Med, 2017 Sep 11;22(1):66.
    PMID: 29165163 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-017-0673-0
    BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the hepatoprotective potential of Commelina nudiflora against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats.

    METHOD: Antioxidant activities were determined. Phytochemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). In the in vivo study, Sprague Dawley rats were pretreated with C. nudiflora (150, 300, and 450 mg kg body weight (b.wt.)) once daily for 14 days followed by two doses of CCl4 (1 ml/kg b.wt.). After 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and hepatoprotective analysis was performed.

    RESULTS: In vitro studies have shown that the extract possessed strong antioxidant activity and has ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-free radicals effectively. GCMS analysis of the C. nudiflora extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. Administration of C. nudiflora significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity on serum markers of liver damage, serum aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT). C. nudiflora also increased antioxidant levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes and ameliorated the elevated hepatic formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by CCl4 in rats. Histopathological examination indicated that C. nudiflora protect the liver from the toxic effect of CCl4 and healed lesions such as necrosis, fatty degeneration, and hepatocyte injury as irregular lamellar organization and dilations in the endoplasmic reticulum. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that pretreatment of C. nudiflora decreased the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified protein adducts and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Furthermore, overexpression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin E2 is also reduced.

    CONCLUSION: These findings exhibited the potential prospect of C. nudiflora as functional ingredients to prevent ROS-related liver damage.

  15. Ismail MA, Norhayati MN, Mohamad N
    PeerJ, 2021;9:e11173.
    PMID: 33868820 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11173
    BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of olive leaf extract on cardiometabolic profiles among prehypertensive and hypertensive groups.

    METHODOLOGY: The Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Medline (1966 to April week 1, 2020), Embase (1966 to April week 1, 2020) and trial registries for relevant randomized clinical trials were used. Published and unpublished randomized clinical trials were reviewed and evaluated. Random effects models were used to estimate the continuous outcomes and mean differences (MDs); both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcomes were changes in systolic and diastolic BP. The secondary outcomes were changes in lipid profile, glucose metabolism, inflammatory markers for CVD, kidney and liver functions safety parameters. We assessed the data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias and quality of evidence.

    RESULTS: Five trials were included involving 325 patients aged 18-80 years. Two trials involved high-income countries and three trials involved moderate-income countries. The analysis performed was based on three comparisons. No significant changes were found between systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP) for the first comparison, 1,000 mg per day for a combined formulation of olive leaf extract versus a placebo. The second comparison, 500 mg per day of olive leaf extract versus placebo or no treatment, showed a significant reduction in systolic BP over a period of at least 8 weeks of follow up (MD -5.78 mmHg, 95% CI [-10.27 to -1.30]) and no significant changes on diastolic BP. The third comparison, 1,000 mg per day of olive leaf extract versus placebo shows no significant difference but an almost similar reduction in systolic BP (-11.5 mmHg in olive leaf extract and -13.7 mmHg in placebo, MD 2.2 mmHg, 95% CI [-0.43-4.83]) and diastolic BP (-4.8 mmHg in olive leaf extract and -6.4 mmHg in placebo, MD 1.60 mmHg, 95% CI [-0.13-3.33]). For secondary outcomes, 1,000 mg per day of olive leaf extract versus captopril showed a reduction in LDL (MD -6.00 mg/dl, 95% CI [-11.5 to -0.50]). The 500 mg per day olive leaf extract versus placebo showed a reduction in inflammatory markers for CVD IL-6 (MD -6.83 ng/L, 95% CI [-13.15 to -0.51]), IL-8 (MD -8.24 ng/L, 95% CI [-16.00 to -0.48) and TNF-alpha (MD -7.40 ng/L, 95% CI [-13.23 to -1.57]).

    CONCLUSIONS: The results from this review suggest the reduction of systolic BP, LDL and inflammatory biomarkers, but it may not provide a robust conclusion regarding the effects of olive leaf extract on cardiometabolic profile due to the limited number of participants in the included trials.

    REVIEW REGISTRATIONS: PROSPERO CDR 42020181212.

  16. Qazi HH, bin Mohammad AB, Akram M
    Sensors (Basel), 2012 Nov 29;12(12):16522-56.
    PMID: 23443392 DOI: 10.3390/s121216522
    Optical chemical sensors have promoted escalating interest in the determination of various pollutants in the environment, which are creating toxicity and may cause serious health problems. This review paper focuses particularly on the recent progress and developments in this field; the working principles and basic classes of optical chemical sensors have been briefly described.
  17. Naznen F, Al Mamun A, Rahman MK
    Curr Psychol, 2022 Dec 16.
    PMID: 36540692 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04119-2
    While the public sector authorities and governments struggle to ensure socioeconomic balance at all levels of society, social entrepreneurship is widely known as the optimum solution to societal issues, such as unemployment, social disparities, and ecological imbalances. Despite the fact that the younger generation holds the highest potential to be future social entrepreneurs, a few studies have been conducted to explore the factors that influence their social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. Furthermore, the empirical studies based on the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory for addressing SEI were scarce in the existing literature. The study aims to measure the influence of Altruistic Values (AV), Traditional Values (TV), Personal Normative Beliefs (NB), Awareness of Consequences (AC), Ascription of Responsibility (AR), Personal Norms (PN), and Social Norms (SN) on SEI implementation of the VBN framework. A combination of web-based and hardcopy surveys was used to collect data from 797 students of higher educational institutes in Bangladesh. The hypotheses and associations between the factors were statistically analysed using structural equation modelling. As a result, it was demonstrated that AV and TV had a notable influence on NB. Similarly, NB showed a significant positive impact on PN and AC, while AC and AR were reported to have a substantial influence on PN. Finally, PN and SN showed a strong impact on SEI. The holistic social entrepreneurship model proposed in this study should be effective for socioeconomic development by incorporating commercially feasible and sustainable principles. Overall, the study findings would assist researchers, current social entrepreneurs and organisations, educational institutes, government agencies, and individual potential entrepreneurs with accurate knowledge and insight to construct their strategies and efficiently pursue social ventures.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-04119-2.

  18. Abdul-Latiff MAB, Md-Zain BM
    Zool Stud, 2021;60:e50.
    PMID: 35003344 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2021.60-50
    The pig-tailed macaque, Macaca nemestrina, which is distributed in Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, and Sumatra, has been the subject of unstable and changing taxonomic entity in the M. nemestrina group. This species is involved with a human-macaque conflict in Malaysia and at the same time played an important role in the ethnozoological culture of Malaysian. Even so, comprehensive phylogenetic, population genetics and biogeographical analysis of M. nemestrina in Malaysia are non-existent after decades of intensive research on the genus itself. Thus, we conducted the first comprehensive genetic study of M. nemestrina in Malaysia, based on three mitochondrial loci-Cytochrome b (567 bp), D-loop (398 bp), and COI (577 bp)-from 27 individuals representing Malaysia, plus an additional 26 sequences of Southeast Asian macaques from Genbank. Comparative biogeographical analysis in this study supports the positions of M. nemestrina in M. nemestrina groups as opposed to the silenus or Sulawesi groups. Results from this study also indicate that Bornean populations are the first extant lineages to separate from the other examined lineages of M. nemestrina, M. leonina, M. pagensis, and M. siberu in Southeast Asia. Molecular clock analysis suggested that M. nemestrina arrived in the Malay Peninsula about 0.32 million years ago (MYA). Our results indicate that the population of pig-tailed macaque from Perak (west Peninsular Malaysia) differs genetically based on all phylogenetic and population genetic analyses. Morphologically, Perak's pig-tailed macaque shows brighter coloration than M. n. nemestrina. Thus, we proposed a new subspecies for Perak's pig-tailed macaque as Macaca nemestrina perakensis distributed in the state of Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. This research helps resolve the taxonomic position and population genetics of pig-tailed macaque in Malaysia, which contribute directly to conservation and management of the species in Malaysia.
  19. Rafiq MT, Hamid MSA, Hafiz E
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2021;2021:6672274.
    PMID: 34975349 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6672274
    BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is defined as a progressive disease of the synovial joints and is characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage and underlying bone. This study aimed to determine the short-term effects of the lower limb rehabilitation protocol (LLRP) on pain, stiffness, physical function, and body mass index (BMI) among knee OA participants who were overweight or obese. Methodology. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial of one-month duration was conducted at Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Postgraduate Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. Fifty overweight or obese participants with knee OA were randomly divided into two groups by a computer-generated number. Participants in the rehabilitation protocol group (RPG) were provided with leaflets explaining the strengthening exercises of the LLRP and instruction of daily care (IDC), while the participants in the control group (CG) were provided with leaflets explaining the IDC only for a duration of four weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores for pain, stiffness, and physical function. The secondary outcome measures were BMI, exercise adherence, and patients' satisfaction assessed by using the numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 10. The paired-sample t-test was used to analyze the differences within groups from baseline to posttest evaluations. The analysis of variance 2 × 2 factor was used to analyze the differences in BMI, knee pain, stiffness, and physical function between the groups.

    RESULTS: Participants in the RPG and CG reported a statistically significant reduction in knee pain and stiffness (p ≤ 0.05) within the group. The reduction in the scores of knee pain was higher in participants in the RPG than that in participants in the CG (p=0.001). Additionally, participants in the RPG reported greater satisfaction (p=0.001) and higher self-reported exercise adherence (p=0.010) and coordinator-reported exercise adherence (p=0.046) than the participants in the CG.

    CONCLUSION: Short-term effects of the LLRP appear to reduce knee pain and stiffness only, but not physical function and BMI.

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