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Fulltext A diagnostic dilemma: catatonia, serotonin syndrome and Parkinsonism

Mohd Miharbeim M.F., Ahmad Zafri, A.B., Suhaila, M.Z.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2017;26(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Catatonia may concomitantly occur with other psychiatric diagnoses such as
Major Depressive Disorder, however problem in diagnosis may arise due to
the overlapping features with other problems such as serotonin syndromes,
neuroleptic malignant syndromes and Parkinsonism. Despite the diagnostic
dilemma and lack of diagnostic tools, the clinical correlation between the
carbon monoxide poisoning and the late-onset development of the
Parkinsonian features is the highlight of this report.
Fulltext The effects of modality imagery training on overhead skill performance in volleyball game

Yusop Ahmad, Nur Haziyanti Mohamad Khalid, Trevor Glen Philip

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2012;1(1):82-88.
MyJurnal

This study aimed to test the effect of modality imagery training via video tapes and audio tapes to improve the performance of overhead service skills in volleyball. 45 subjects who followed the volleyball professional course in Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI) were selected for this test and they were randomly divided into three groups: video, audio group and control group. Russel-Lange Volleyball Test was used to obtain data on the overhead service performance. The results showed significant differences in overhead service performance before and after participants were exposed to the methods of video and audio tapes. There were also significant differences in overhead service performance among the video, audio, and control group. The study should that the introduction of audio and video imagery method may helps improve the overhead service skills performance in volley ball.
Gender, citizenship and health-related quality of life: An overall perspective from Malaysia

Makmor Tumin, Ahmad Farid Osman, Nurhidayah Abdullah, Yong, Sook Lu

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2017;11(2):14-23.
MyJurnal

Objectives: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is
an essential dimension of overall human quality of life,
in which disparities have been hypothesised between
women and men, as well as between citizens and
non-citizens of a country in past literatures. This study
is to evaluate and compare the HRQoL of citizens and
non-citizens living in greater Kuala Lumpur and Johor
Bahru, as well as comparing HRQoL between genders.

Materials and Methods: The SF-8 questionnaire was
used to collect information from 1,708 respondents
(1,032 Malaysian citizens and 676 non-citizens),
via face-to-face interview between October and
December 2015.

Results: Overall, respondents reported moderate
HRQoL. Non-citizens reported better HRQoL than the
Malaysian citizens, while men reported better HRQoL
compared to women (for both citizens and non-citizens).

Conclusions: The HRQoL of both citizens and noncitizens’
in Malaysia could be improved. Measures should
be taken to remove the disparity in HRQoL between
men and women, aiming to achieve equal health status
for both genders.
Fulltext Interlinked motivation model to use mobile Crowdsourcing platforms among low-income citizens

Mahmod, M., Na’in, N., Ahmad, R., Chit, S.C., Habbal, A.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(110):99-108.
MyJurnal

Crowdsourcing is an initiative implemented by the Malaysian government to support its National Key Result Area (NKRA) agenda to improve the lives of citizens with low household income in the B40 group. Crowdsourcing activities are done on mobile crowdsourcing platforms that enable workers to perform micro tasks at any time for a fixed payment. However, without active and constant participation from the crowd, this initiative might not be successful. This paper describes a preliminary study in identifying motivation factors for participating in mobile crowdsourcing platforms. This study identified intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors that can attract crowds to participate in mobile crowdsourcing platforms. Technology efficacy factors that interlink with motivation factors were also identified in this study. The preliminary study employed the qualitative method where in-depth interviews were conducted among 30 crowdsourcing participants in Peninsular Malaysia. The findings of this study are the basis for a motivation model that can attract crowdworkers from among the B40 group of household-income earners to participate in crowdsourcing to procure and perform available micro-tasks. The findings will also help improvise mobile platforms for crowdsourcing.
Fulltext Analysis of the perception of occupational accidents in mining and quarrying sector towards a safe and healthy working environment

Nur Azlina Abd Rahman, Muhamad Arifpin Mansor, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):165-170.
MyJurnal

The occurrences of occupational accidents and incidents are increasing in parallel with the growth of industries
such as mining and quarrying. The main objective of this study was to analyze data on the perception of occupational
accidents in the mining and quarrying sector in Malaysia. The data was collected and examined based on the
questionnaires on the level of perception of accident investigation in mining and quarrying sector. Statistical data
reported by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) was also reviewed. The findings of this study
prove that the level of perception of workers towards occupational accident issues in mining and quarrying sector
is still in the moderate level with the mean value of 3.28. The findings show that 51.7% of the workers agree while
25.9% totally agree to the accident occurrence. Only 1.7% of the workers are not aware of accident occurrence at the
workplace. Employers and employees must carry out their responsibilities to prevent accidents by adhering to health
and safety practices at the workplace.
Fulltext An overview of industrial dust explosion incidents and the best mitigation practices in Malaysia

Mohd Azimie Ahmad, Norazura Ismail, Mohamad Rizza Othman

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):179-182.
MyJurnal

The trends of safety incident process have been put in the statistical research and development in order to prevent
and mitigate the phenomenon. One of the incidents is known as dust explosion. It represents a constant hazard to
industries which includes any manufacturing using and handling combustible dust materials. Lack of sharing and
know-how on best practices in managing the workplace must be avoided throughout the industries. The severity and
the consequences of not taking the safety precautions at workplace have not been foreseen by the process team. This
present paper discusses the best practices in managing the hazards from the catastrophes to happen again. In addition,
the mitigation response has also been explored thoroughly through database of best practices.
Fulltext Care to care: an innovative oral health educational method for patients with hearing and/or speech impairment

Mas Suryalis Ahmad, Fouad Hussain Al-Bayaty, Farhana Abdul Ghani

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2016;39(1):26-34.
MyJurnal

People with hearing and/or speech impairments (HSI) reported having difficulty communicating with the dental team, indicating the need for the profession to develop an effective communication strategy when dealing with these patients. This paper discusses the development of a toolkit designed to guide delivery of oral hygiene instruction, oral health education and dental consultation for patients with HSI, and how its use had resulted in an improved oral health outcome in a patient with such disabilities.
Fulltext Allergic cutaneous and visceral angioedema secondary to clozapine: a case report

Chia, L.C., Ahmad Nabil, M.R., Marhani, M., Muna Hamiza, A.

Medicine & Health, 2017;12(1):122-126.
MyJurnal

This report stresses on the occurrence of a rare adverse reaction to clozapine, i.e. allergic cutaneous and visceral angioedema, in a patient with treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS). We report the case of a schizophrenic patient who was resistant to treatment and developed an allergic reaction involving her skin and gastro-intestinal system upon the commencement of clozapine. She was then treated with a combination pharmacotherapy which left some residual symptoms. The manifestation of allergic reactions to clozapine and its management strategies are discussed in the paper. There is a pressing need to develop a new psychotropic which is on par with clozapine.
Keywords: allergy, angioedema, clozapine, schizophrenia
Fulltext The efficacy of 3 irrigating solution in surgical removal of lower wisdom tooth: a pilot study

Keat, John Hon Chong, Ahmad Dzulfikar Samsudin, Mei, Siang Ma

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2016;11(1):1-6.
MyJurnal

Surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom tooth has become increasingly costly to patient while still remains as the most common dental surgical procedure that is performed on outpatient basis. In the present study, a total of 23 patients with impacted lower wisdom tooth were surgically removed under local anaesthesia by using different irrigating solution namely, normal saline, distilled water and chlorhexidine. The samples underwent standard operating procedures and medication. Post operative complications in terms of pain, swelling, infection and delayed wound healing were assessed and compared on Day 1 and Day 7 after surgery. The result of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the three irrigating solution used in surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom tooth in terms of postoperative complication. A bigger scale of research with more samples is recommended to evaluate the most efficacy irrigating solution during surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom tooth.
Study site: Oral surgery clinic, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fulltext The introduction of a secondary reinforcer during therapy based on the ABA model for children with autisme

Ban, Weng Lun, Kartini Ahmad, Susheel Kaur Dhillon Joginder Singh

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2016;14(2):89-102.
MyJurnal

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a technique used to teach children with autism a variety of skills. In ABA, children with autism often do not receive reinforcers because they have difficulty performing their targeted behaviors, which consequently leads to challenging behaviors. Objectives of this study are to increase spontaneous request and decrease challenging behavior among children with autism by introducing a secondary reinforcer during therapy based on ABA model. Secondary reinforcer has lower reinforcing value than the primary reinforcer. When the children tried but were unable to produce their targeted behavior, they were given the secondary reinforcer. The children were divided into two groups, five children in the intervention group and four children in the control group, and they were taught specific target requesting behavior (TRB) to request for a preferred item. Three children in the intervention group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a reduction in challenging behaviors. Only two children from the control group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a decrease in challenging behaviors. However, only children from the intervention group were able to maintain their performance during the generalization sessions. The results suggest that children respond differently to specific prompts and interventions. Future studies should focus on how prompts affect children’s performance and also on reinforcer selection. Bigger scale studies are still needed to further determine the effectiveness of a secondary reinforcer in assisting the learning of requesting skill and in reducing challenging behaviors among children with autism during therapy based on ABA model.
Fulltext Allergens derived from shrimp

Mary Margaret, P.D.S., Jinap, S., Ahmad Faizal, A.R.

International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(5):1751-1754.
MyJurnal

Allergy caused by food is usually type 1 allergy of four types of allergic reactions. One of the most widespread allergic is those that are caused by crustacean shellfish. Crustaceans are classified among arthropods which include crab, crayfish, lobster, prawn and shrimp. Shrimp which are broadly consumed as nutritional food is one of the most important food that contribute to allergy. Thus, reducing the allergenicity of shrimp allergen will be helpful to individuals who are sensitive to shrimp and for this reason the characteristics of each allergen need to be studied. Those sensitized individuals can develop urticaria, angiodema, laryngospasm, asthma and life threatening anaphylaxis. To date, four main allergens contribute to allergic reactions. They are tropomyosin (TM), a highly conserved and heat stable myofibrillar protein of 35-38 kDa followed by arginine kinase (AK) which is also known as Pen m 2 or Lit v 2 with 40 kDa. Two other contributing allergens are sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein (SCP) also known as Lit v 4 with 22 kDa and myosin light chain (MLC) which is also termed as Lit v 3 with 20 kDa. This mini-review will provide a better understanding of each allergen derived from shrimp which subsequently will help to reduce the allergenicity.
Fulltext Modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease among adults in rural community of malaysia: a cross sectional study

Aniza, I, Nurmawati, A, Hanizah, Y, Ahmad Taufik, J

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(1):53-61.
MyJurnal

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Malaysia and many parts of the world. Potentially modifiable risk factors for CVD include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, abdominal obesity, smoking and psychosocial stress. Over the last several decades, efforts to prevent or treat CVD risk factors have resulted in significantly lower rates of CVD-related mortality. However, many patients have never achieved adequate control of CVD risk factors despite them being identified. The aims of this study were to measure the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and to determine its associated factors. A cross sectional study was carried out in a rural area of Malaysia from March 2011 to November 2011 on 1489 respondents aged 18 and above who were selected via convenient sampling. The survey was conducted via a face-to-face interview using a standardized self administered questionnaire. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease identified was 72 cases (4.8%). Overall, the prevalence of modifiable risk factors were predominant compared to non modifiable, with abdominal obesity (51.2%) hypertension (39.5%) and psychosocial stress (33.8%) being among the highest. However, the prevalence of other modifiable risk factors was relatively low with smoking (25.2%), and diabetes mellitus (10.9%) respectively. Respondent with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were 4 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease and those who are obese had associated 2.5risks towards cardiovascular disease. Therefore, community health intervention measures should be mobilized,specifically on prevention and control of lifestyle-related risk factors.
Fulltext Non-destructive blended fibre analysis from forensic perspective

Wong, T. L., Ahmad, U. K., Tharmalingam, S.

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2016;2(1):44-56.
MyJurnal

– The increasing use of fibre blends in clothing requires effective characterisation methods.
Fibre analysts have often relied on the methods developed for single fibres to characterise fibre
blends. This study was thus carried out using light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy to
characterise binary-blended specimens and to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools on blended
fibres. The blended samples were successfully characterised with the application of stereomicroscope,
polarized light microscope (PLM), fluorescence microscope and attenuated total reflectance Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). PLM was more effective in discovering the presence of
fibre blends compared to other techniques used in this work. Stereomicroscope allowed preliminary
screening while fluorescence microscope provided useful information in fibre discrimination. High
correlations (>80%) with combined infrared spectra of individual fibre components were reached for
most blended samples. Therefore, light microscopy (stereo, polarizing and fluorescence) and infrared
spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) are recommended for the effective characterisation of fibre blends.
Copyright © 2016 Penerbit Akademia Baru - All rights reserved.
Fulltext Obstacles avoidance mobile robot system in uncertain and everchanging surroundings

Farah Kamil, Tang, S.H., Zulkifli, N., Ahmad, S.A., Khaksar, W.

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2016;2(2):103-120.
MyJurnal

Robotic navigation has remained an open issue through the last two decades. Mobile robot
is required to navigate safely to goal location in presence of obstacles. Recently the use of mobile
robot in unknown dynamic environment has significantly increased. The aim of this paper is to offer a
comprehensive review over different approaches to mobile robots in dynamic environments,
particularly on how they solve many issues that face the researchers recently. This paper also explains
the advantages and drawbacks of each reviewed paper. The authors decide to categorize these articles
based on the entire content of each paper into ten common challenges which have been discussed in
this paper, including: traveling distance, traveling time, safety, motion control, smooth path, future
prediction, stabilization, competence, precision, and low computation cost. Finally, some open areas
and challenging topics are offered according to the articles mentioned.
Fulltext Review article: appropriate hydrothermal pretreatment of oil palm biomass in palm oil mill

Khairiatul Nabilah Jansar, Ahmad Muhaimin Roslan, Mohd Ali Hassan

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2018;4(1):31-40.
MyJurnal

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is one of the most planted trees in Malaysia for the palm oil production. Thus, solid biomass had been generated from this industry such as empty fruit bunch, shell, mesocarp fibre, frond and trunk produced that causes problematic to the nation and expected to escalate up to 85-110 million tonnes by 2020. Besides that, palm oil mill effluent and excessive steam also generated from the production of palm oil. In situ hydrothermal pretreatment means the utilisation of excessive steam produced by the oil palm mill and at the same time, generating value added product as well as reducing the biomass. Oil palm biomass is rich in lignocellulosic materials which comprised of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose. Refinement of lignocellulosic from oil palm biomass can be utilised to form fermentable sugar, bioethanol and other potential chemicals. Recalcitrant property of lignocellulosic reduces the ability of enzymes to penetrate, thus pretreatment is required prior to hydrolysis process. Pretreatment can be either physical, chemical, biological or combined. In this review paper, three types of hydrothermal pretreatment were discussed as suitable in situ pretreatment process for oil palm biomass; in palm oil mill. The suitability was measured based on the availability of excess steam and energy in the mill. Furthermore, physicochemical pretreatment also facilitate the saccharification process, whereby it loosened the lignocellulose structure and increase the surface area. The effects and factors in choosing right pretreatment are highlighted in this paper.
Leptospermum flavescens Sm. protect pancreatic β cell function from streptozotocin involving apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathway in in vitro and in vivo case study

Hidayat AFA, Chan CK, Mohamad J, Kadir HA

J Ethnopharmacol, 2018 Nov 15;226:120-131.
PMID: 30118836 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.08.020

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE: Leptospermum flavescens has been used traditionally in Malaysia to treat various ailments such as constipation, hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the potential protective effects of L. flavescens in pancreatic β cells through inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy cell death mechanisms in in vitro and in vivo models.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: L. flavescens leaves were extracted using solvent in increasing polarities: hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. All extracts were tested for INS-1 β cells viability stimulated by streptozotocin (STZ). The extract which promotes the highest cell protective activity was further evaluated for insulin secretion, apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways. Then, the acute toxicity of extract was carried out in SD rats according to OECD 423 guideline. The active extract was tested in diabetic rats where the pancreatic β islets were evaluated for insulin, apoptosis and autophagy protein.
RESULTS: The methanolic extract of L. flavescens (MELF) was found to increase INS-1 β cells viability and insulin secretion against STZ. In addition, MELF has been shown to inhibit INS-1 β cells apoptosis and autophagy activity. Notably, there was no toxicity observed in SD rats when administered with MELF. Furthermore, MELF exhibited anti-hyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats where apoptosis and autophagy protein expression was found to be suppressed in pancreatic β islets.
CONCLUSION: MELF was found to protect pancreatic β cells function from STZ-induced apoptosis and autophagy in in vitro and in vivo.
Fulltext Consolidated backpropagation neural network for Malaysian construction costs indices data with outliers problem

Saadi Ahmad Kamaruddin, Nor Azura Md Ghani, Norazan Mohamed Ramli

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2018;26(1):353-366.
MyJurnal

Neurocomputing has been adjusted effectively in time series forecasting activities, yet the vicinity of exceptions that frequently happens in time arrangement information might contaminate the system preparing information. This is because of its capacity to naturally realise any example without earlier suspicions and loss of sweeping statement. In principle, the most widely recognised calculation for preparing the system is the backpropagation (BP) calculation, which inclines toward minimisation of standard slightest squares (OLS) estimator, particularly the mean squared mistake (MSE). Regardless, this calculation is not by any stretch of the imagination strong when the exceptions are available, and it might prompt bogus expectation of future qualities. In this paper, we exhibit another calculation which controls the firefly algorithm of least median squares (FFA-LMedS) estimator for neural system nonlinear autoregressive moving average (ANN-NARMA) model enhancement to provide betterment for the peripheral issue in time arrangement information. Moreover, execution of the solidified model in correlation with another hearty ANN-NARMA models, utilising M-estimators, Iterative LMedS and Particle Swarm Optimisation on LMedS (PSO-LMedS) with root mean squared blunder (RMSE) qualities, is highlighted in this paper. In the interim, the actual monthly information of Malaysian Aggregate, Sand and Roof Materials value was taken from January 1980 to December 2012 (base year 1980=100) with various levels of anomaly issues. It was found that the robustified ANN-NARMA model utilising FFA-LMedS delivered the best results, with the RMSE values having almost no mistakes at all in all the preparation, testing and acceptance sets for every single distinctive variable. Findings of the studies are hoped to assist the regarded powers including the PFI development tasks to overcome cost overwhelms.
Fulltext 24-hour discharge post Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy: a feasibility study

Wan Ahmad Hazim, Nur Hidayah Aeshah Ng, Salleha Khalid

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2018;26(2):719-728.
MyJurnal

Minimally invasive surgery results in faster recovery. The objective of this study is to identify criteria for the feasibility of 24-hour discharge post laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. This is a prospective cross-sectional study that was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department in Putrajaya Hospital between 1 January and 31 December, 2016. The inclusion criteria were: age between 15 and 45, no comorbidities, no family history of malignancy, BMI of less than 30, mass size less than 18 weeks, single uninoculated simple cyst and no ascites. The exclusion criteria were post-menopause women, known medical illness, family history of malignancy, mass size more than 18 weeks, multiloculated or bilateral ovarian cyst, presence of solid area within the cyst and ascites. The sample size was calculated to be 14. A total of 16 participants were identified. Results showed that using the Visual Analogue Score (VAS), the mean pain score post operatively in the first six hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, two weeks and three months were 3.67, 2.57, 0.5, 0 and 0, respectively. Two of the subjects experienced post-operative nausea and vomiting, one had urinary tract infection and one had minor bleeding from the surgical site. All the participants were discharged within 24 hours post-operatively. There was no readmission. In conclusion, 24-hour discharge post laparoscopic cystectomy is safe and feasible. Factors determining the success must be adhered to closely to ensure a good and satisfactory outcome. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Fulltext The influence of income level and remuneration scheme on job satisfaction among professional driving instructors in Malaysia

Zulhaidi, M.J., Baba, M.D., Mohd Hanif, S., Ahmad Azad, A.R.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):128-134.
MyJurnal

This study aims to determine the job satisfaction (JS) level among professional driving instructors (PDIs) in the driver
training and licensing system in Malaysia. Specifically, it looks at the influence of income level and remuneration
scheme on PDI’s satisfaction. The average income of PDI is relatively low with three remuneration schemes: fixed
income; fixed income plus commission; and commission only. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey using the
20-item Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) (short-form) with end-specified 10-point scale. Analysis of
the data revealed that PDIs with higher income are more satisfied with their job, t (179) = -3.248, p = 0.001.
Similarly, three level One-way ANOVA of JS scores with three remuneration schemes revealed a significant difference
of JS across these schemes, F (2,178) = 3.51, p ≤ 0.032. Researchers’ further exploration found a significant
interaction between these two variables (income level vs. remuneration scheme), F (5,175) = 4.88, p = 0.001. In
general, PDIs with higher income are more satisfied with their job only if they received it as a fixed income
(regardless of having commission or not). This insightful finding can be a basis for relevant stakeholders in
understanding the influence of income and remuneration scheme towards JS among PDIs in Malaysia.
Fulltext Assessing the relationship between perceived restorativeness and psychological wellbeing among students

Nurul Ain Nabilla, Samsilah Roslan, Zeinab Ghiami, Noorlila Ahmad

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this paper was to identify theories that underpin the relationship between perceived restorativeness and psychological wellbeing. This study also aimed to identify the types of activities that the respondent preferred to use as psychological resources when dealing with threatening situation. The instruments used in this study were Perceived Restorativeness for Activities Scale (PRAS) and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. The questionnaires were administered to a sample of 192 Master of Education students. The findings demonstrated that Master of Education students possess a high level of psychological well-being (Mean = 4.39, SD = 0.611) and high level of perceived restorativeness for their preferred activities (Mean = 4.57, SD = 0.76). The most preferred activities for restorativeness approach included participation in social context, followed by engaging in outdoor activities and lastly observing nature. The fascination property of perceived restorativeness obtained the highest score. Thus, the findings of the study illustrate the students’ preferred activities of restorativeness for maintaining their level of psychological wellbeing.

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