Karboksimetil kitosan menunjukkan potensi untuk digunakan sebagai polimer induk bagi aplikasi elektrolit polimer
pepejal. Kesan garam litium nitrat terhadap sifat elektrokimia elektrolit polimer pepejal berasaskan karboksimetil kitosan
telah dijalankan. Elektrolit polimer pepejal berasaskan karboksimetil kitosan disediakan melalui teknik pengacuan
larutan dengan nisbah garam litium nitrat (LiNO3
) yang berbeza. Pencirian filem telah dijalankan dengan menggunakan
spektroskopi inframerah transformasi Fourier-pantulan penuh kecil (ATR-FTIR) dan Spektroskopi Impedans Elektrokimia
(EIS) bagi penentuan interaksi kimia dan sifat elektrokimia polimer elektrolit tersebut. Spektrum ATR-FTIR menunjukkan
ion litium cenderung untuk berinteraksi dengan kumpulan karbonil dan kumpulan ester dalam struktur karboksimetil
kitosan. Kekonduksian ion tertinggi yang dicapai adalah 8.44 × 10-4 S cm-1 dengan kepekatan garam 30 bt. % LiNO3
pada suhu bilik dan 5.25 × 10-3 S cm−1 pada suhu 70°C. Filem karboksimetil kitosan-30% LiNO3
mencapai kestabilan
secara elektrokimia sehingga 2.94 V. Keputusan kajian yang diperoleh menunjukkan elektrolit polimer pepejal berasaskan
karboksimetil kitosan memberi satu tarikan baru bagi aplikasi bateri ion litium.
Thirteen formulations of cinnamaldehyde/non-ionic surfactant/water system nanoemulsions were prepared using highpressure homogenisation. The result showed that varying the cinnamaldehyde/surfactant ratio had effect significantly
(p<0.05) to mean droplet diameter, polidispersity index, ζ-potential, turbidity and whiteness index, while no significant
effect (p>0.05) to viscosity. The mean droplet diameter ranged from 50.48 to 106.4 nm, polydispersity index from 0.06 to
0.28 and ζ-potential from -4.11 to -6.98 mV. The smallest droplet size was produced using 5% cinnamaldehyde and 5%
Tween 80. Response surface for droplet diameter showed that the higher the cinnamaldehyde and surfactant concentrations,
the larger the droplet diameter, polydispersity index and whiteness index. However, the ζ-potential increased as the
cinnamaldehyde concentration decreased and Tween 80 increased. Increasing the cinnamaldehyde concentration led
to an increase in turbidity. Formulation of 5% cinnamaldehyde and 6.23% Tween 80 gave no observable separation of
the nanoemulsion with minimum droplet size, polidispersity index, viscosity, turbidity, whiteness index and maximum
ζ-potential in modulus. The stability of the optimum formulation was sustained for 10 days upon storage at 4°C. The
values of droplet diameter, PDI and ζ-potential were 55.50 nm, 0.08 and -5.38 mV, respectively.
This research was carried out to study the effects of kenaf loading and alkaline treatment on tensile properties, density,
thermal and morphological properties of kenaf filled natural rubber latex foam (NRLF). Samples were prepared using a
Dunlop method. From the results, increasing loading of kenaf reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break for
both samples, treated and untreated kenaf filled NRLF. Meanwhile, modulus at 100% elongation and density increased
with an increased in kenaf loading. Samples with treated kenaf showed higher tensile strength, modulus at 100%
elongation and density but low in elongation at break as compared with samples with untreated kenaf. Thermal study
by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that thermal stability reduced with increased in kenaf loading for
both samples. Samples with treated kenaf have higher thermal stability compared with samples of untreated kenaf. The
filler-matrix interaction and the pores size variation of both samples was clearly seen in the micrograph images by using
scanning electron microscope (SEM).
The improved block hybrid collocation method (KBHK(B)) with two off-step points and four collocation points is proposed
for the direct solution of general third order ordinary differential equations. Modification is done by adding first
derivative of third order function into the general form of block hybrid collocation method to yield KBHK(B). Both main
and additional methods are derived via interpolation (power series function) and collocation of the basic polynomial.
An improved block method is derived to provide the approximation at five points concurrently. Zero stability, consistency,
convergence and absolute stability region of KBHK(B) are investigated. Some numerical examples with exact solution are
tested to illustrate the efficiency of the method. KBHK(B) is compared by other block hibrid collocation method in term
of global error and step number. It is shown that KBHK(B) generates minimum global error with minimum step number.
The human hexokinase isoform II (HKII) is one of the important enzymes for dengue virus (DENV) replication and thus has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for DENV drug development. In this work, compounds were identified using Ultrafast Shape Recognition with CREDO Atom Types (USRCAT) by utilizing both HKII’s substrate and product; alpha-D-glucose (GLC) and beta-D-glucose-6-phosphate (BG6), as well as a known HKII’s inhibitor, 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), as the query molecules. The analogues of the three query molecules were subsequently docked against the HKII’s crystal structure (PDB ID: 2NZT) by using Auto Dock 4 program on Chain B, where the active sites and strong bonds were located. Among the top-ranked compounds, Compound 4 (ZINC26898487), which was the most similar to 2DG, showed the best binding energy (-7.63 kcal/mol) and contained two H bonds. Compound 9 (ZINC16930948), an analogue of GLC emerged as the best inhibitor candidate because it had six H bonds. Similarly, among the molecules similar to BG6, Compound 14 (ZINC4403351) had been suggested as a potential inhibitor because it contained four strong H bonds. All compounds were predicted to be non-toxic, based on Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST) analysis. By providing these valuable findings, this study has paved the way for the discovery of compounds that should be further tested for the development of anti-dengue drugs.
Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly occur following exposure to traumatic events. Since its formal introduction into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 3rd Edition (DSM-III) in 1980, it has seen a few changes to its criteria. Currently in DSM-5, major changes was made and tools such as the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were developed to reflect those changes. Tools to screen and diagnose PTSD is invalu- able to properly manage the condition, but to date no measure, in keeping with the DSM-5, has been produced for the Malaysian population. The objective was to translate the PCL-5 into Malay and validate it for use in the Malaysian population. Methods: The PCL-5 was translated according to guidelines. A convenient sample of subject were re- cruited from those attending the Orthopaedic Ward and Outpatient Departments due to injuries from motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Subjects completed the Malay PCL-5 (MPCL-5) on the day of recruitment and were then inter- viewed using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Two weeks later they were followed-up to again complete the MPCL-5. Results: 204 subjects participated in the study. The MPCL-5 was found to have good face, content and construct validity. It also demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .89) and inter-rater reliability (r = .81). Conclusion: The MPCL-5 is a valid and reliable measure for PTSD to be used in the Malaysian population.
In Malaysia, drug addiction has been a big threat since 1983. As of by latest statistic by National Anti-Drug Agency in 2016, the number of drug abusers in Malaysia was 30846. Acknowledging the importance of drug abuse and relapse as a public health issue, Malaysian government had implemented Harm Reduction Programme .Under this programme, Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) was launched in Oct 2005. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of MMT programme among opiate dependent individuals in their daily life. In this study, 100 individuals from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Klinik Kesihatan Bayan Lepas (Bayan Lepas Health Clinic) and Agensi Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan (National Anti-Drug Agency) in Telok Bahang were involved. The subjects were interviewed with WHOQOL BREF questionnaires before joining the MMT programme and also after minimum 4 months of joining MMT. Results obtained were used for comparing life style implications among methadone patients before and after joining the MMT programme. Subjects were predominantly of Malay ethnicity (82%). Subjects were mostly aged between 51 to 60 years old (34%). Paired t-test was done on the WHOQOL scores at baseline (before MMT) and after minimum of 4 months enrolment for all four domains. Each domain showed significant improvement in QOL (P < 0.05).The highest improvement was shown in the psychology domain with the mean value increment of 15.13 ± 17.49. Physical domain showed the least improvement with the mean value of 9.39 ± 16.21.This study has proven that MMT have highly contributed to improvement of quality of life among MMT clients in Klinik Kesihatan Bayan Lepas and AADK Telok Bahang.
On May 2018, Malaysia witnessed a full-scale wave of change when the dominant authoritarian party
Barisan Nasional was defeated under the pretext of democratic process known as the “mother of all
elections”. The electoral victory was finally secured by the opposition party Pakatan Harapan. The
outcomes suggested that the wave of political change and the democratization process were not
impossible and yet inevitable and inclusive by taking into account the notion of multi-racial society.
This study presents a theoretical debates by inserting an empirical comprehension so that the embedded
phenomenon can be explored profoundly in regards to the ideas of regime change and democratization
through election.
Introduction: Exergames is defined as a technology-driven physical activity, which is an innovative way of physical activity that integrates interactive gameplay in the exercise process. The exergames may provide enjoyable expe- riences that could motivate people to participate and continue playing the game play, while also exercising at the same time. Methods: This article presents a treasure hunt-based walking exergames on android platform with the implementation of intelligence-based image recognition. The exergame, termed USM ExerHunt uses images of Universiti Sains Malaysia buildings as the hints. The participant of the game supposes to find a building shown in the hint, and once reaching the destination captures the image of the building. Then, the application will calculate the total steps taken and calories burnt by the participant using an implementation of accelerometer from the mobile phone. Results: The developed USM ExerHunt application is able to achieve accurate image recognition of USM building, with the accuracy rate of 92%. Besides that, the application is capable of calculating the number of total steps and calories burnt after an exercise routine is completed. Conclusion: This android application has shown a proof of concept in incorporating machine intelligence into an exergame application, with pilot study within the USM community.
Panoramic radiograph is a routine investigation tool in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning however the limitation of two-dimensional image in assessing the position of impacted canine and surrounding tissues had cause unnecessary treatment options and complications during treatment. This report highlights the differences in investi- gation outcome and orthodontic treatment planning of two similar cases of patients with impacted upper canine, in which one only had panoramic radiograph and another case supplemented with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The case supported only by panoramic radiograph had changes in treatment planning during canine remov- al surgery as prevention from oro-antral fistula. This event could have been prevented if CBCT was taken where the canine can be assessed for proximity towards maxillary sinus. It is recommended for CBCT in orthodontic assessment for canine impaction especially for cases where canine is positioned higher than root apex of adjacent teeth and when root resorption is suspected.
In the past few years, compelling data have shown the potential crosstalk between dysbiosis of gut microbiota (GM) and impairment of systemic immune system. Since then, ideas on how GM partake in autoimmune conditions was put forward. Although genetic variability have been proven to contribute towards the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions, epigenetics control have gained interest among researchers. Current review highlights the crosstalk be- tween autoimmune conditions and GM and its potential regulatory mechanisms. Convincing data from existing literature help in paving ways for more well-defined species in the future studies. The studies should focus on identi- fying the distinct species involve in different types of autoimmune diseases and their definitive role in autoimmunity. Ultimately, these data can be used for the advancement of therapeutic approach in personalized medicine.
Introduction: General Hospital`s Emergency Departments (ED) have become focal points for individuals presenting with mental health problems seeking help. However, frontline ED nurses and Assistant Medical Officers (AMOs) often lack the skills and competency to effectively triage and manage clients presenting with a myriad of psychiatric issues. The objective of the study is to assess ED nurses & AMOs ’s perceived competency and associated factors in providing care for clients presenting with psychiatric concerns. Methods: This study is a quantitative, cross-section- al survey design. One hundred and forty-six ED nurses & AMOs were recruited from two tertiary general hospitals in Kota Kinabalu by random sampling. A validated tool (α = 0.92), the Behavior Health Competency Care (BHCC) questionnaire was used to measure psychiatric care competency among participants. Data analyses used descrip- tive and inferential statistics to identify the association of respondent’s work setting, designation, age, years of work experience, qualification with competency scores. Findings: low total mean score of 2.52(SD 0.68) was found in perceived psychiatric competency among ED nurses & AMOs. Other findings indicate, low perceived competence in risk assessment and poor ability to provide intervention for clients presenting with acute psychiatric conditions. Con- clusion: This study found major gaps in psychiatric care competency among ED nurses & AMOs. As ED`s of general hospitals continue to be a focal point for clients with psychiatric disorders seeking help, competency shortfall among frontline ED nurses & AMOs, will negatively affect the quality of psychiatric care delivery and needs to be addressed.
Body sizes of patients undergoing x-ray examination vary in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between BMI and WC on the image quality of abdominal computed radiography (CR). Anteroposterior supine abdomen projection was conducted on 69 patients from Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainun, Ipoh using a Siemens Multixtop general x-ray unit, and the images were processed with CR Carestream Direct view Max. Samples were categorised into normal BMI (n = 23), overweight (n = 23) and obese (n = 23). Image quality was measured quantitatively in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and qualitatively by visual grading analysis (VGA) based on the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) image criteria. Data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation for comparison and determining the relationship among BMI, WC and image quality. Results showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in image quality of VGAmean (normal = 4.40 ± 0.15, overweight = 4.35 ± 0.13, obese = 4.03 ± 0.34) and SNRmean (normal = 60.79 ± 2.19, overweight = 59.66 ± 1.68, obese = 55.78 ± 4.31). A moderate to high negative correlation existed between SNR (r = −0.73), VGA (r = −0.7) with BMI (p < 0.01) and between SNR (r = −0.83), VGA (r = −0.79) with WC (p < 0.01). This study suggests that WC has a higher negative linear relationship than BMI and can be used as an effective image quality predictor for abdominal CR examination.
Increasing physical activity level during and after treatment is recommended by the American Cancer Society because of the many benefits namely reducing fatigue and improves psychological distress which leads to an improvement in the quality of life. This study is aimed to compare physical activity level and body composition between oncology patients who are still undergoing treatment and those on medical follow-up. Patients were recruited based on convenience sampling from the Oncology Outpatient Clinics of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC). Anthropometric measurements and body compositions were measured using calibrated tools while physical activity level were assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Medical treatment history was obtained from patients medical records. A total of 53 patients (n=38 were undergoing treatment and n=15 was on follow-up) consisting of Malays (54.7%) and Chinese (45.3%) and with mean age of 55.3 ± 9.3 years. Most patients were previously diagnosed with ovarian cancer (39.6%) and colon cancer (18.9%) patients and they were at cancer stage III (18.8%). Body mass index (BMI) and percent fat mass were significantly different (p<0.05) between patients undergoing treatment (22.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2, 28.7 ± 7.2%) and on follow-up (26.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2, 37.1 ± 11.9%). Majority of the patients undergoing treatment were categorized under low physical activity compared to those on follow-up (p<0.05). Physical activity level measured as METS-minutes/week is also found to be significantly different (p<0.05) between patients on treatment and follow-up. As a conclusion, cancer patients undergoing treatment have low physical activity, with lower BMI and fat mass compared to those on follow-up. This is consistent with their nature of living where during treatment the patients will resting while coping with side effects of treatments.
HEIs are facing major challenges in the current era, and an investigation of their
structures and roles is imperative. The survival and continued competiveness of HEIs
depend on the willingness and acceptance of changes and consideration for the
methods that will allow their practices to be improved. A learning organization is one
that seeks to maximize fully the capacities of its people to change, to survive in a
volatile environment and to sustain competitive advantage. The HEI sector is one such
sector that exists in a volatile environment; this sector needs to be resilient in facing
these challenges and adopting new ways to survive and cope with them. Thus, this
paper proposes that the learning organization approach has a direct influence on
knowledge transfer and organizational performance, which in turn, leads to HEIs
attaining success and continued survival.
The purpose of this study examines the effect of Selangor weightlifters concerns over the performance of the National Weightlifting Championship in Johor Bahru 2015. The sample is Selangor weightlifting athletes aged 13 to 15 years who participated in the national weightlifting championship in Johor Bahru. Data were collected through questionnaires Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2) to measure the level of anxiety (cognitive, somatic, self-confidence). The mean value analysis, the percentage used to determine the level of concern for athletes. Correlation tests were used to examine the association between the phases of concern with the performance of athletes during the competition. The results showed the level of anxiety (cognitive, somatic and self-confidence) athletes a day before the tournament is at a moderate level. Other while, cognitive anxiety level significantly correlated with performance or achievement during the tournament. Therefore, the coaches and athletes must continue to concentrate on the concerns of cognitive intentions to achieve excellent performance in a weightlifting tournament in the future. Researchers suggest the management should seek the help of a sports psychologist to provide psychological training for athletes particularly to address the concerns of cognitive as well as physical exercise by periods of sustained exercise.
This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to evaluate the performance and to identify faults of a 10-year old 1.1kW grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system installed at Green Energy Research Center (GERC), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam. The system performance was evaluated by comparing the real operating field data with the data declared by the manufacturer. Eight performance indicators were used, which are: reference yield, array yield, final yield, capture losses, system losses, performance ratio, PV array efficiency and total efficiency. The fault detection has used three techniques - which were visual inspection as outlined in the International Energy Agency (IEA) document, thermal imager technique and the I-V curve characteristics. The finding for the system performance evaluation gives a 13.2% difference between the real operating field data and the declared manufacturer data. Among the faults detected from the visual inspection are browning and cracks of PV modules.
Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. is traditionally used as medicine especially in the treatment of diseases
caused by bacterial pathogens. The objectives of the present study were to identify the bioactive
compounds in the stem of Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS)
analysis, and to investigate their potentials as an alternative for antimicrobial activity. Two-microliters
of dried powdered of Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. stem were mixed with methanol followed by injection into
splitless mode of GC-MS. Separation was achieved by Elite-5MS fused capillary column. The mass spectra
were compared with the spectra of known components stored in the NIST and WILEY databases for
compound identification. Forty-six chemical constituents were identified. The major constituents were
lanosta-8,24-dien-3-ol, (3β)- (13.60%), (23S)-ethylcholest-5-en-(3β)-ol (7.02%), linoleic acid (2.96%) and
viminalol (2.57%). Most of the active compounds present in the stem of Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. have
previously been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties.
This is a study on employees’ perception of justice towards performance-based pay and
the effect of these perceptions on their turnover intention. This study aims to examine
the mediating role played by distributive and procedural justice in linking pay distribution
and pay procedure of performance-based pay to employees’ turnover intention. A
review of past literature in this particular area has prompted the researchers to narrow
the gaps in previous studies. Towards that, this study utilized questionnaires which
were administered among 50 non-managerial employees currently working in a private
company located in Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Data analysis was done using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 20.0. Pearson Correlation and
Stepwise Regression were used to examine the relationship between the variables. The
outcomes of Stepwise Regression revealed that distributive justice fully mediated the
relationship between pay distribution and employees’ turnover intention in contrast to
procedural justice which did not have a significant impact in the relationship. The findings
of this study are useful references for organisation management of the pay system
to improve employees’ performance.
Congenital leukemia is an extremely rare disease but frequently fatal. We report a case of intrauterine death (IUD) secondary to congenital erythroid leukaemia associated with maternal Parvovirus B19 infection. Further research is needed to ascertain the association between maternal Parvovirus B19 infection and congenital leukemia.