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  1. Aziemah Zulkifli, Emilia Zainal Abidin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction of electronic cigarette (EC) in the global market posed a new challenge to public health experts
    in terms of controlling the widespread use of the device among general population. This systematic review aimed
    to explore the trend of EC use among population of adults reported in literature across multiple regions. Using
    Scopus search engine and several screening strategies, specific keywords were applied in the advanced search
    field and the search have yielded a total of 33 articles. The key findings include i) the existence of dual users of EC
    and conventional cigarette smokers and ii) the emergence of EC users who previously never smoked reported
    among adult populations. The present study suggests that future tobacco control strategies should be strengthen
    in preventing the initiation of nicotine addiction among non-smoking population and established nicotine
    replacement therapy instead of EC should be further promoted smokers as a method to quit smoking.
  2. ‘Aina Rusydina Ahmad Raji, Emilia Zainal Abidin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: : Hotel housekeepers are exposed to various ergonomic risks and there is a need to assess the physical risk factors for the work tasks performed. This study aims to determine the distribution of musculoskeletal symp- toms (MSS) and perform ergonomic risk assessment among hotel housekeepers working in budget hotels in District of Sepang, Selangor. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hotel housekeepers from 13 budget hotels around District of Sepang. Nordic questionnaire was used for the assessment of MSS. The overall risk level was determined by Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) while Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) was used to evaluate the whole body postural risks. Data obtained were entered into statistical program for further analysis according to objectives. Results: This study received 67.0% (n=40) response rate. In total, MSS was reported by 100% (n=40) of the participants in this study. Lower back is the most affected region (77.5%, n=31) and this was followed by heels (57.5, n=23) and shoulders (52.5%, n=21). WERA results showed that all housekeepers are found to be in medium action level of risk meanwhile REBA assessment reported scores that are categorised into medium, high and very high risk. This study suggests that there is the need for changes being implemented in daily work tasks performed. Conclusion: Hotel housekeepers were exposed to high body postural risk due to exposure to highly re- petitive movements and awkward posture while performing work tasks. Effective ergonomic intervention is needed for prevention of debilitating musculoskeletal disorders besides to increase work productivity.
  3. Mohamad Zamzami Zakaria, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Nur Afifah Ya’acob
    MyJurnal
    Frequent and high severity exposure to hazards can contribute to increased probability of harm among workers in agricultural sectors. Systematic risk assessment process will assist employers to mitigate risk using suitable control methods. The aim of this study was to perform Hazards Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) in commodity-based agricultural plantation in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study among 74 workers in se- lected cocoa and tea plantations. All work activities performed at the plantations were video recorded and hazards were identified from interview-based questionnaire and work observations. The highest Risk Rating (RR) within work activities was harvesting characterised by prolonged standing with repetitive bending. Ergonomic hazard is the most common hazard. The outcome of this study can be used to provide information to assist employers and authorities in the management of safety and health at the selected type of plantations.
  4. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Irniza Rasdi
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This paper provides an overview of chemical toxic pollution in Pasir Gudang industrial area Johor
    Malaysia. It discussed the health symptoms, argument of the psychology manifestation among children and the
    application of biomarkers and monitoring systems in chemical detection. Methods: The systematic search was
    conducted for four digital scientific journal databases: Science Direct, SCOPUS, PubMed and Google Scholar
    with a specified keyword. Results: Seven (7) chemicals were related to this incident namely; Methane,
    Hydrogen chloride, Acrylonitrile, Acrolein, Benzene, Xylene, and Methyl mercaptan. These chemicals are
    mainly generated from industrial activity and easily breakdown through interaction with other chemicals
    and sunlight. Inhalation is the major route of exposure and the major symptoms of these chemicals are headache,
    nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, chest tightness, and wheezing. There is no clear
    evidence to indicate that the victims in this incident are having a psychological manifestation since all chemicals
    involved are proven to cause the reported symptoms. Conclusion: Industrial chemicals are potential
    to produce toxic gas in the air through reaction with other substances or rays and causes acute health symptoms.
    Diagnose all post-emergency illnesses including mental and physical health is needed. Biomarker testing should
    consider a specified period after exposure occurs as the reactivity of some types of chemical and its short half-life,
    rendered limited for use as markers of exposure in the body.
  5. Dora Esphylin, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Zailina Hashim, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Sarva Mangala Praveena
    MyJurnal
    The generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in South East Asian and developing countries has become a serious concern worldwide. Population growth, urbanization, economic productivity and demand for consumption had accelerated the amount of waste generation each year. This paper presents a short definition of MSW landfill, an overview of current status of MSW landfills in Malaysia and generation of solid waste in Malaysia and other neigh- bouring countries.
  6. Huong Pei Zam, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Karmegam Karuppiah, Mohd Sapuan Salit
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Innovative ways of balancing indoor relative humidity without compensate for the optimal working environment is crucial as excessive dampness is a risk factor for health symptoms among people and deteriorate building performance. This study examines the potential of fabricating humidity controlling material by sintering a mixture of diatomite, waste glass and cockle shell powder. Moisture sorption isotherms, moisture buffer values, pore structure, surface morphology and flexural strength of the final products were determined. Methods: Mixture of diatomite, powdered waste glass and cockle shell powder is mixed at different ratio, pressed and sintered at 1100°C for 20 minutes. The final products were examined using nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption and scanning electron microscopy for mesoporous and morphology properties. The moisture adsorption-desorption performances of the samples were tested using desiccator method while the flexural strength is tested using universal testing machine. Results: The sintered products have specific surface area from 5.744 m2/g to 14.765 m2/g and have pore size from 39.5-67.7 nm. The best product, manufactured by mixing 60% diatomite, 30% waste glass and 10% cockle shell powder, showed a good moisture buffer value (MBV: 1.3 g/m2 %RH) and flexural strength of 8.23 ± 1.8 MPa satisfy the standard of those commercial porous ceramics. Conclusion: Usage of waste glass and cockle shell powder in development of humidity control material helped in the waste reduction. The humidity control material produced can regulate indoor humidity without additional energy consumption. The superior products show excellent charac- teristics and highly promising for various construction applications.
  7. Nurulain Mustafa Udin, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Vivien How, Emilia Zainal Abidin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: An assessment of dermal exposure to pesticide mixtures among sprayers was made as a function of crop type, in four agricultural subsectors in Malaysia. Methods: The potential and actual dermal exposures for 160 pesticide sprayers performing pesticide spraying task were estimated by using Dermal Exposure Assessment Method (DREAM). Results: Results showed that there was significant difference between nationality (p
  8. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Nur Fasihah Zulkipli, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Azlini Razali, Suriyani Awang
    MyJurnal
    Agriculture activity in Cameron Highland is one of the sources of river water pollution. This study evaluates the phys- icochemical properties and heavy metals contamination (Cu, Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb) in Bertam River. The results indicate the river water pH was slightly acidic. Based on the Malaysia National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS), the river water is not suitable for drinking as it has exceeded the safe value for turbidity, chemical oxygen demand COD and lead (Pb). Spatial distribution of heavy metals showed that Cr, Cu and Pb were concentrated at the downstream area.
  9. Aziemah Zulkifli, Najihah Zainol Abidin, Noor Hassim Ismail, Emilia Zainal Abidin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Discrepancies of nicotine content labelling of e-liquid products has been reported and it may
    have existed to circumvent legal requirements that imposes restrictions on the sale of nicotine-containing
    products in the market. Mandatory labelling requirement of e-liquid products is still pending in Malaysia.
    This case study aimed to examine labelling discrepancies of e-liquid refill products declared as nicotine-free
    sold in e-commerce platform in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 10 Malaysian-made e-liquid refill samples
    were purchased via a popular e-commerce platform available to Malaysian. The e-liquid refills were
    specifically chosen because it was declared to contain zero-nicotine. Nicotine concentrations were
    measured using a Gas-chromatography with flame-ionisation detector (GC-FID). Results: About 80% (n = 8)
    of the purchased e-liquid samples were contained nicotine despite being declared as nicotine-free.
    The average nicotine levels were 1.092 (0.989) mg/mL. Conclusion: This case study confirmed the
    presence of labelling discrepancies which non-comply with the existing Malaysian Poison Act.
    Such non-compliance will contribute to the sale of unrestricted nicotine products. As a result, it will increase
    addiction among novice smokers because e-liquid refills declared as “nicotine free” contained nicotine.
    Implementation of stringent legal requirement on the nicotine content of local e-liquid products is
    urgently needed as it will support the accomplishment of Malaysian Tobacco Endgame.
  10. Nur Hidayah Rani, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Noor Afifah Ya'acob, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi
    MyJurnal
    Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to strenuous physical activities. This study aims to determine the prevalence
    of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), analyse the body postural risks related to work tasks and identify relevant MSS risk factors
    among pineapple plantation workers. This was a cross-sectional study performed at a pineapple plantation in Johor in 2016. MSS,
    information on socio-demographic background and occupational history were collected via structured questionnaires. Identification
    and risk assessment of ergonomic hazard and postural risk analysis were performed for a subset of workers. Data were entered into
    statistical software and analyse according to relevant objectives. A total of 108 workers participated in this study. The prevalence
    of MSS was 87.0% and was highest for the lower back (64.8%). In terms of ergonomic hazards, Harvesting were categorised as a
    task with the highest risk. Harvesting was also the task with the highest postural risk. From the multivariate analysis, lower back
    pain is mainly contributed by a working tenure of 10 to 25 years (Odds Ratio, OR: 3.90; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.05-14.4) and
    more than 25 years (OR: 7.45 (95% CI 1.26 to 44.0). Workers who worked more than 7-hour daily have a higher risk for reporting
    lower back pain. Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to excessive bending, twisting and carrying of heavy loads that may be
    linked to MSS. Effective preventive strategies are required to address MSS in this population in order to minimize risk for subsequent
    musculoskeletal disorders.
  11. Aida Soraya Shamsuddin, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Bin, Ho Yu
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study determined nitrate concentration and identify the classifying sources of nitrate pollution in the alluvial deposit aquifer system in Bachok, Kelantan. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 groundwater samples were collected in two different areas; agricultural area (150 samples) and non-agricultural area (150 samples). The samples were analyzed for nitrate and other parameters such as pH, EC, NH4+, TDS, turbidity and salinity. The multivariate analyses were used to identify factors that govern the groundwater quality and potential nitrate sources in the study area. Results: Samples in the agricultural area were slightly acidic (5.89 ± 0.67), contained high nitrate (15.10 ± 15.90 mg/L NO3-N), NH4+ (0.82 ± 1.24 mg/L) and turbidity (3.25 ± 2.78 NTU). The principal component analysis (PCA) have identified the groundwater quality in the study area was influenced by the natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Based on the hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA), Cluster II in the agricultural area was identified to be most heavily nitrate contamination, while Cluster III in the non-agricultural area was identified to be strongly affected by seawater intrusion. Conclusion: The findings of this study are useful for developing protection alternatives of private well waters to prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality by nitrate such as control of nitrogen fertilizer use, manure applications and other agricultural practices in the agricultural area. In order to reduce the health risk of nitrate, private well water users in this area should be advised to treat their water or find alternative sources for drinking.
  12. Dora Esphylin, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Sarva Mangala Praveena, Zailina Hashim, Emilia Zainal Abidin
    MyJurnal
    Background: Prolonged exposure of heavy metals in the respirable particulate matter (PM10) from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills may affect children health. Objective: To investigate the association of reported respiratory symptom with heavy metals in PM10, with heavy metals in fingernails among children residing close to MSW landfills. Methods: Two groups of children age 7 to 12 years old were involved in this cross-sectional study. Those residing within 3 km radius from a landfill were the exposed group and those residing more than 3 km radius as the unexposed group. Questionnaires adapted from American Thoracic Society were applied in the survey. Fingernails were used as biomarker. Ten heavy metals elements in PM and fingernail samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: The cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel and lead concentrations in PM around the MSW landfills and residential areas exceeded the Canada and USEPA standard permissible limit. Heavy metals in fingernails (p
  13. Azlini Razali, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Suriyani Awang, Sarva Mangala Praveena, Emilia Zainal Abidin
    MyJurnal
    Extensive agriculture activities in the upstream area causes pollutants flow to the downstream area and contaminate the drinking water resources. Methods: Water samples were collected from 27 sampling points of Bertam River in Cameron Highlands, during wet season in September 2017 for physicochemical properties and heavy metals analyses. Potential health risk was calculated based on the heavy metals concentration detected. Results: The pH value of the river ranged from neutral to slightly acidic (6.15-7.01). The overall mean level of turbidity (109.94 ± 160.73 NTU), DO (7.86 ± 0.71 mg/L), E. coli (5191.00 ± 14937.42 CFU/100 mL), and NH3-N (0.85 ± 0.54 mg/L) were exceeded the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) (Ministry of Health Malaysia). The concentration of heavy metals were in the following order; Fe>Al>Cu>Zn>Pb>Cd. The overall mean concentration of Cd (0.015 ± 0.007 mg/L), Fe (0.442 ± 0.191 mg/L) and Pb (0.021 ± 0.005 mg/L) were exceeded the national standard (NSDWQ). The non-carcinogenic health risk for adult and children from daily water consumption was within an acceptable risk. There is a potential cancer risk through Cd exposure in the drinking water where the risk higher among children (4.92 x 10-3), followed by adult male (3.06 x 10-3) and adult female (2.98 x 10-3). Conclusion: Significant heavy metals contamination and health risk through water consumption were observed in the highland river watershed, possibly due to the anthropogenic activities.
  14. Aziemah Zulkifli, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Najihah Zainol Abidin, Sarva Mangala Praveena, Hasanah Mohd Ghazali, Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The electronic cigarette (EC) usage has raised public health concerns; whether its advantages to smok- ers as a potential smoking cessation aid have outweighed its negative health impacts among EC users. This study aims to estimate health risks associated with chemical exposures to nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and selected To- bacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) namely 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N’-nitro- sonornicotine (NNN) in e-liquids locally-manufactured in Malaysia. Methods: The health risk assessment (HRA) was performed using established guideline by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The average daily dose (ADD) and lifetime average daily dose (LADD) were calculated using previously published data on chemical concentration of selected compounds and local EC usage topography data. Next, the non-carcinogenic risk (nicotine and PG) and carcinogenic risk (NNK and NNN) were calculated and denoted as total hazard quotient (HQT) and total lifetime cancer risk (LCRT) value, respectively. Results: For non-carcinogenic risk, the mean of HQT was 78.9 which falls un- der “unacceptable” risk as demonstrated by HQT value of more than 1. While for carcinogenic risk, the mean of total LCRT value was 1.54E-04 which may place EC users at risk of developing cancer resulted from exposure to selected TSNAs. Conclusion: Comprehensive HRA using currently available data of local EC usage topography and chemical evaluation of Malaysian-made e-liquids have revealed that the exposure to nicotine, PG and selected TSNAs are expected to be a significant health concern for local EC users. This finding supports the local health authority to issue a stringent health policy in considering EC as a tool for smoking cessation among heavy smokers.
  15. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Faridatul Hanim Salleh, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Nur Azlin Kather Mahiddin, Josfirin Uding Rangga
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) in urine and inhaled dust of the municipal waste operators was assessed. Methods: Urine spot samples were collected and analysed for Cd and creatinine of 60 municipal waste operators between April to June 2013. Respirable dust was collected using personal air sampling pump GilAir-3 and GilAir-5 for 8 working hours. Cd in urine and dust were analysed using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 800) while urinary creatinine was measured using Reflotron® Plus creatinine. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of Cd in the respirable dust (0.59 ± 50.27 µg/m3) was within the permissible exposure limit (PEL). The level of Cd in urine (0.015 ± 0.0097 µg/g Cr) was lower than the safe limit of 5 µg/g. The creatinine level (173.59 ± 50.27 mg/dl) was within the normal range (20 to 350 mg/dl). The multiple regression model shows smoking and years of smoking were the significant predictors for the Cd in the urine (R² = 0.216 F(3,56) = 5.150, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Municipal waste operators were exposed to minimal Cd exposure while handling waste and the accumulation of this metal urine was correlated with smoking habit.
  16. Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Zailina Hashim, Irniza Rasdi, Vivien How, Praveena, Sarva Mangala, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Flood is a natural disaster cause by heavy rainfall and high tide phenomenon. In the event of flood, substantial amount of wastes tend to be moved away and washed with mud that cause the task of waste recovering extremely challenging. The objective of the study was to assess flood victims participation, duration and major problem arise during post flood waste clean-up activity together with respondent’s knowledge and psychological importance in the recovery process. Methods: A cross sectional survey using interview and self-administered questionnaire was conducted involving 150 flood victims in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, who were heavily affected by the recent flood. Results: Respondents participation in the clean-up process was high (N = 126, 84%). Average 1 to 3 months were taken for the clean-up activity. Majority of the respondents had low and moderate satisfaction on the cleaning service provided by the authority (N = 84, 56%). Major problem arises from the past flood waste clean up activity was the biased waste removal process (N = 124, 83%), victims have to find alternative ways for disposal (N = 108, 72%) and the temporary disposal site were located near to the housing area that creates discomfort (N = 105, 70%). The correlation test obtained significant relationship between knowledge and education level (X2 = 0.203, p=0.013). But no significant relationship was obtained between knowledge with gender, age, monthly income, duration of clean-up process, respondents participation and satisfaction. Conclusion: Disaster debris management and disposal is critically important to support the victims in their recovery process.
  17. Aziemah Zulkifli, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Najihah Zainol Abidin, Hasanah Mohd Ghazali, Praveena, Sarva Mangala, Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Electronic Cigarette (EC) usage has been gaining acceptance in Malaysia despite its lack of analytical evidence on the chemical constituents of its liquid formulations. This study aims to evaluate the chemical concentrations of nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and selected Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs); 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N’-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in e-liquids locally sourced from the Malaysian market. Methods: A total of 17 e-liquids from a variety of flavours and brands were purchased from local EC retailers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Nicotine and PG concentrations were assessed using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) while NNK and NNN were quantified using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The concentrations of nicotine and PG (mg/mL) were described in comparison with the levels indicated on the labels when present while levels of TSNAs were descriptively explained. Results: Nicotine was detected in all e-liquid samples, despite several samples being declared as nicotine-free. The average (standard deviation) level of nicotine, PG, NNN and NNK were 3.26 (1.04) mg/mL, 484.10 (98.24) mg/mL, 0.383(0.288) μg/L and 0.086 (0.057) μg/L, respectively. Labelling discrepancies (when indicated on the label) of nicotine and PG were between the range of 27%-73% and 3%-63%, respectively. Conclusion: The concentrations of nicotine and PG in local e-liquids were varied. There were evidences of labelling discrepancy in that local e-liquids. TSNAs were detected in all samples of e-liquids. This study brought forth strong evidence on the need for the implementation of regulation on e-liquid manufacturing and sales, particularly on the accuracy of labelling and licensing to protect the public health.
  18. Irniza R, Emilia ZA, Muhammad Saliluddin S, Nizam Isha AS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):42-50.
    PMID: 25977621 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) was developed to measure police-specific stressors. The present study was the first to have translated the PSQ to Malay. This study aims to test the reliability, construct validity, and component structure of the Malay-version PSQ.

    METHODS: A set of survey consisted of the Malay-version PSQ, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), Global Stress Questionnaire (GSQ) and General Self-rated Health (GSRH) were distributed to 300 traffic police officers in Kuala Lumpur and all traffic police officers in a few districts of Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

    RESULTS: The response rate was 65.5% (N = 262). The reported Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93 for Operational PSQ (PSQ-Op) and 0.94 for Organisational PSQ (PSQ-Org). Findings indicated that the PSQ had positive construct validity with the GSRH, GSQ, and GHQ. After excluding four factors related to lifestyles, all police-specific stressors were highly loaded (0.50) in one component.

    CONCLUSION: It is confirmed that the Malay-version PSQ, excluding the four factors related to lifestyle, was uni-dimensional, reliable, and a valid questionnaire. This study proffers a potentially better instrument for assessing the stressors among Malaysian police.

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