Displaying publications 801 - 820 of 2121 in total

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  1. Ooi SY, Ishak Ahmad, Mohd Cairul Iqbal Mohd Amin
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:793-799.
    In this research, a novel method was performed to obtain hydrogel with superior thermal stability by incorporation
    of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) into gelatin based hydrogel. Glutaraldehyde was used as cross-linker due to its high
    chemical reactivity towards NH2
    group on gelatin. Different ratio of gelatin/CNC hydrogel was produced in order to study
    the effects of CNC towards the swelling behaviour and thermal stability of gelatin based hydrogel. The obtained hydrogel
    was subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to verify that gelatin had been cross-linked, swelling test with different
    pH for swelling behaviour and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability. The presence of C=N stretching
    group in the FTIR spectrum for gelatin/CNC hydrogel indicated that the cross-linking reaction between gelatin monomer
    had been successfully carried out. The hydrogel showed impressive pH sensitivity and maximum swelling was obtained
    at pH3. The TGA results clearly showed that the incorporation of CNC into gelatin was able to produce hydrogel with
    higher thermal stability compare to neat gelatin.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research
  2. Ahmad MA, Ajit Singh DK, Chua WQ, Abd Rahman NNA, Mohd Padzil FA, Hendri ENM
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):171-177.
    MyJurnal
    Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease that results in pain and disability in many people. Cultural practice may influence patients’ views about their condition, its related issues and management. The aim of our study was to explore the perspective about knee OA and its related issues among Malaysian patients with knee OA. Twelve patients diagnosed with knee OA (8 females and 4 males) attending physiotherapy sessions at a University Hospital, mean age (SD): 67.1(9.4) years and median visual analog scale score of 5/10 participated in this qualitative study. One to one in-depth interviews were conducted, audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Three main themes were identified from the transcribed data; knee pain and its’ related issues (reason and aggravating factors of knee pain, coping strategies), impact of knee pain (impact on daily activities and emotions) and physiotherapy management (effects and expectations of physiotherapy, compliance and adherence towards home exercises). Most participants expressed that their knee pain was aggravated by certain movements that had an effect on their daily activities namely squatting. The findings also suggested that physiotherapy management was perceived as secondary prevention rather than a cure. Findings from this study provides information about the perceptions and related issues of patients with knee OA. This information may help health professionals in tailoring patient-centered care and provide better management.
    Study site: Physiotherapy department, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Qualitative Research
  3. Pulikkotil SJ, Jayaraman J, Nagendrababu V
    Eur Arch Paediatr Dent, 2019 Oct;20(5):383-391.
    PMID: 30887462 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-019-00432-w
    AIM: To systematically evaluate the reporting quality of the abstract of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric dentistry journals.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic reviews with meta-analyses in paediatric dentistry were searched in PubMed and Scopus databases from inception to December 2017. Selection of studies by title and abstract screening followed by full-text assessment was independently done by two reviewers. The quality of abstracts was assessed by PRISMA-Abstract checklist comprising of 12 items; one each for title and objective, three items for methods, three items for results, two items for discussion and two items for others. PRISMA-A median scores were calculated and compared with the article characteristics. Statistical significance was set at p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Research Report
  4. Meseret Nasir, Wan Mansor Wan Muhamad, Raja Aziz Raja Maarof
    MyJurnal
    Cogeneration systems are extensively used in Malaysia to produce power as a primary
    source. However, in the event of cogeneration system failure, the customer or the client are
    forced to use a redundancy to avoid power interruptions. There are two methods commonly
    used as a backup in the cogeneration systems which are Generator set and public utility. In
    order to choose the best redundancy for a particular cogeneration system, it is essential to
    evaluate the economic benefit analysis by considering several factors such as Maximum
    demand charge, installation cost and Discount interest. In the evaluation of economic
    benefit, this study identifies the number of failure and associated downtime using reliability
    and availability approach, and then present value method was applied. The result shows
    that the usage of public utility as redundancy is beneficial if the cogeneration system
    operates within five years period. However, if the cogeneration system operates more than
    five years, generator set option would be a better option to minimize the total cost. This
    research also addresses the effect of various factors such as installation cost, maximum
    demand charge, fuel cost, discount interest rate and production capacity. In general, the
    output of the research would be beneficial for the plant operator to select the appropriate
    redundancy option based on the economic advantages.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research
  5. Khoo KS, Lee SY, Ooi CW, Fu X, Miao X, Ling TC, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2019 Sep;288:121606.
    PMID: 31178260 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121606
    Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the most abundant sources of natural astaxanthin as compared to others microorganism. Therefore, it is important to understand the biorefinery of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis, starting from the cultivation stage to the downstream processing of astaxanthin. The present review begins with an introduction of cellular morphologies and life cycle of H. pluvialis from green vegetative motile stage to red non-motile haematocyst stage. Subsequently, the conventional biorefinery methods (e.g., mechanical disruption, solvent extraction, direct extraction using vegetable oils, and enhanced solvent extraction) and recent advanced biorefinery techniques (e.g., supercritical CO2 extraction, magnetic-assisted extraction, ionic liquids extraction, and supramolecular solvent extraction) were presented and evaluated. Moreover, future prospect and challenges were highlighted to provide a useful guide for future development of biorefinery of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis. The review aims to serve as a present knowledge for researchers dealing with the bioproduction of astaxanthin from H. pluvialis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research Personnel
  6. Rini Asnida Abdullah, Takashi Tsutsumi
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:683-689.
    The tensile strength of intact rock materials has been determined by indirect method more frequent than the direct method.
    The most commonly used indirect method is Brazilian test. Stress and deformability undergo during the test reflected by
    geometry shape of the samples with respect to the different diameter ratio. This study focuses on influence of geometry
    shape in solid and ring disk with different diameter ratio on the stress distribution and deformations within sandstone
    subjected to indirect tensile loading by Brazilian test. Then, the finite element method in RS2 software was utilised to
    simulate and gain in depth understanding the behaviour of Brazilian test. The analysis shown that the maximum tensile
    strength in a ring disk with diameter ratio of 0.1 is three times higher than in solid disk. Meanwhile, as the diameter
    ratio of ring disk increases, it produces lower tensile strength. The numerical simulation also has successfully illustrated
    the shear failure which observed near the loading platen of solid disk during Brazilian test. The finite element analysis
    utilised in this research has successfully enables the stress distribution and deformation behaviour of the rock under
    tension to be studied closely
    Matched MeSH terms: Research
  7. Ahmad Fikri Abdul Karim, Hanafi Ismail, Zulkifli Mohamad Ariff
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2163-2169.
    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).
    Matched MeSH terms: Research
  8. Jeyaraman S, Hanif EAM, Ab Mutalib NS, Jamal R, Abu N
    Front Genet, 2019;10:1369.
    PMID: 32047511 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01369
    Circular RNAs (circRNAs) which were once considered as "junk" are now in the spotlight as a potential player in regulating human diseases, especially cancer. With the development of high throughput technologies in recent years, the full potential of circRNAs is being uncovered. CircRNAs possess some unique characteristics and advantageous properties that could benefit medical research and clinical applications. CircRNAs are stable with covalently closed loops that are resistant to ribonucleases, have disease stage-specific expressions and are selectively abundant in different types of tissues. Interestingly, the presence of circRNAs in different types of treatment resistance in human cancers was recently observed with the involvement of a few key pathways. The activation of certain pathways by circRNAs may give new insights to treatment resistance management. The potential usage of circRNAs from this aspect is very much in its infancy stage and has not been fully validated. This mini-review attempts to highlight the possible role of circRNAs as regulators of treatment resistance in human cancers based on its intersection molecules and cancer-related regulatory networks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomedical Research
  9. Ahmad P, Elgamal HAM
    J Endod, 2020 Aug;46(8):1042-1051.
    PMID: 32417289 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.04.014
    INTRODUCTION: Bibliometric analysis is the quantitative measure of the impact of a scientific article in its respective field of research. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the main features of the top 50 most cited articles published in the Journal of Endodontics since its inception as well as the top 50 most downloaded articles in 2017 and 2018 in order to evaluate the changing trends and other bibliometric parameters of the contemporary literature compared with the classic literature.

    METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science "All Databases" to identify and analyze the top 50 most frequently cited scientific articles. After ranking the articles in a descending order based on their citation counts, each article was then crossmatched with the citation counts in Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed.

    RESULTS: The citation counts of the 50 selected most cited articles ranged between 218 and 731 (Clarivate Analytics Web of Science). The years in which most top 50 articles were published were 2004 and 2008 (n = 5). Among 131 authors, the greatest contribution was made by M. Torabinejad (n = 14). Most of the articles originated from the United States (n = 38) with the greatest contributions from the School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA (n = 15). Basic research-technology was the most frequent study design (n = 18). A negative, significant correlation occurred between citation density and publication age (correlation coefficient = -0.708, P < .01).

    CONCLUSIONS: Several interesting differences were found between the main characteristics of the most cited articles and the most downloaded articles.

    Matched MeSH terms: Research Design
  10. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Dragicevic M, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2020 Apr 24;124(16):162002.
    PMID: 32383915 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.124.162002
    The polarizations of promptly produced χ_{c1} and χ_{c2} mesons are studied using data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC, in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=8  TeV. The χ_{c} states are reconstructed via their radiative decays χ_{c}→J/ψγ, with the photons being measured through conversions to e^{+}e^{-}, which allows the two states to be well resolved. The polarizations are measured in the helicity frame, through the analysis of the χ_{c2} to χ_{c1} yield ratio as a function of the polar or azimuthal angle of the positive muon emitted in the J/ψ→μ^{+}μ^{-} decay, in three bins of J/ψ transverse momentum. While no differences are seen between the two states in terms of azimuthal decay angle distributions, they are observed to have significantly different polar anisotropies. The measurement favors a scenario where at least one of the two states is strongly polarized along the helicity quantization axis, in agreement with nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics predictions. This is the first measurement of significantly polarized quarkonia produced at high transverse momentum.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research
  11. Ahmad Ramli FZ, Tilse C, Wilson J
    J Gerontol Soc Work, 2021 04 12;64(5):499-517.
    PMID: 33843484 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1912240
    Religion and culture affect the meaning and practicalities of caring for families with mental illness in Malaysia. Such care also differs according to social background, family values and support, commitment, availability, practicality and the needs of the care recipient. This qualitative study explores 14 Malay caregivers of the older adults with mental health problems in Kelantan, Malaysia. A semi-structured interview was translated and transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software. The findings show that cultural values and religion shaped the meaning of care as provided by the caregivers. The nature of the relationship is also important in determining the best person in the family to take over the caregiving role.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qualitative Research
  12. Yong CY, Sudirman R, Chew KM
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44(12):1661-1669.
    A scalable tracking human model was proposed for recognizing human jogging and walking activities. The model aims to detect and track a particular subject by using wearable sensor. Data collected are in accelerometer readings in three axes and gyroscope readings in three axes. The development of proposed human model is based on the moderating effects on human movements. Two moderators were proposed as the moderating factors of human motion and they are angular velocity and elevation angle. Linear regression is used to investigate the relationship among inputs, moderators and outputs of the model. The result of this study showed that the angular velocity and elevation angle moderators are affecting the relation of research output. Acceleration in x-axis (Ax) and angular velocity in y-axis (Gy) are the two main components in directing
    a motion. Classification between jogging and walking motions was done by measuring the magnitude of angular velocity and elevation angle. Jogging motion was classified and identified with larger angular velocity and elevation angle. The two proposed hypotheses were supported and proved by research output. The result is expected to be beneficial and able to assist researcher in investigating human motions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research Personnel
  13. Lee SWH, Teh PL
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:376.
    PMID: 32984232 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00376
    Background: Healthcare professionals who have a positive attitude and who are more empathetic toward older adults are in a better position to deliver quality healthcare. This study examines the impact of using an aging simulation suit on undergraduate pharmacy students' empathy levels.
    Methods: One hundred and twenty first-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy course were randomized to either a medication review polypharmacy workshop (control) or an immersive aging simulation suit and medication review polypharmacy workshop (intervention). Intervention participants donned the aging suit and performed a series of tasks, including walking up a flight of stairs and filling up a form to simulate the physical limitations experienced by an older adult. The workshop was delivered at week 10 of semester. Both groups also completed a medication review polypharmacy workshop at week 12 of semester. The primary outcome was a measurement of change on the Jefferson Empathy Scale-Healthcare Professional Questionnaire among both groups at week 12 of semester. Secondary outcomes include the longitudinal impact of intervention after 3 months of the workshop and perceptions on learning.
    Results: The use of a simulation suit did not increase participants' self-rated empathy compared to control. However, the suit enhanced the ability of participants to understand the physical limitations and visual issues associated with aging. Participants also felt that it enhanced their health advocacy, as it taught them the importance of listening, patience and respect for older adults.
    Conclusion: The use of an immersive aging suit can be a useful adjunctive tool to help enhance students' understanding of the physical limitations and visual limitations of aging. Further research is needed to understand how these limitations affect other healthcare students. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04133727.
    Study site: Monash University Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Research Design
  14. Sorokowski P, Sorokowska A, Karwowski M, Groyecka A, Aavik T, Akello G, et al.
    J Sex Res, 2021 01;58(1):106-115.
    PMID: 32783568 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1787318
    The Triangular Theory of Love (measured with Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale - STLS) is a prominent theoretical concept in empirical research on love. To expand the culturally homogeneous body of previous psychometric research regarding the STLS, we conducted a large-scale cross-cultural study with the use of this scale. In total, we examined more than 11,000 respondents, but as a result of applied exclusion criteria, the final analyses were based on a sample of 7332 participants from 25 countries (from all inhabited continents). We tested configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance, all of which confirmed the cultural universality of the theoretical construct of love analyzed in our study. We also observed that levels of love components differ depending on relationship duration, following the dynamics suggested in the Triangular Theory of Love. Supplementary files with all our data, including results on love intensity across different countries along with STLS versions adapted in a few dozen languages, will further enable more extensive research on the Triangular Theory of Love.
    Matched MeSH terms: Empirical Research
  15. Ang Eng Suan, Arshat H
    Malays J Reprod Health, 1987 Jun;5(1):1-9.
    PMID: 12269175
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research*; Research*
  16. Kiew SJ, Majid HA, Mohd Taib NA
    Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 2022 Jan;31(1):e13530.
    PMID: 34693588 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13530
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the dietary practices and factors affecting Malaysian breast cancer survivors' dietary behaviours.

    METHODS: We conducted an in-depth qualitative interview on 20 participants from a cohort study. An ecological framework was used to construct the semi-structured topic guide. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis with theoretical saturation was used in data analysis.

    RESULTS: The participants were found to have variable dietary practices that either followed or did not follow dietary recommendations. The social environment was critical as most women relied on family and friends for food choices; additionally, individuals in charge of food preparation had to prepare food based on their family member preferences. Furthermore, individuals had difficulty sustaining healthy dietary changes during the acute survivorship phase due to a lack of health consciousness and difficulty in healthy food access. Notably, there was a lack of dietary guidance from health care professionals, especially dietitians, in long-term survivorship care.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlights the lack of breast cancer survivors' healthy diet and lifestyle knowledge. A holistic multidisciplinary approach involving individual, social, physical, and macro-level environmental elements are crucial to influencing healthy eating behaviours.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qualitative Research
  17. Meli AM, Ali A, Mhd Jalil AM, Mohd Yusof H, Tan MMC
    Medicina (Kaunas), 2021 Dec 30;58(1).
    PMID: 35056365 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010057
    Background and Objectives: Cognitive performance is essential for children, given this is a critical stage of brain growth and development. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain if physical activity or micronutrients impact cognitive performance in children. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus®) were searched for relevant articles published between 2012 and 2021. We emphasized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of physical activity and micronutrients on cognitive performance. Data from eligible studies were gathered and evaluated using random-, fixed- or pooled-effects models with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Physical activity appeared to improve both Mathematics (d = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.67) and attention (d = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.15, 1.14) performances. The micronutrient vitamin B12 had a positive effect on Mathematics (d = 2.39, 95% CI: 0.79, 3.98), English (d = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.76, 7.83), Geography (d = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.76, 7.83), Science (d = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.62, 4.16) and Arts (d = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.79). Zinc was found to positively affect English (d = 3.78, 95% CI: 0.44, 7.13), Geography (d = 4.77, 95% CI: 0.56, 8.98) and Arts (d = 2.39, CI: 0.33, 4.45). Iron positively affected Mathematics (d = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.54, 2.06), English (d = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.44, 7.13), Geography (d = 4.77, 95% CI: 0.56, 8.98) and Arts (d = 2.39, 95% CI: 0.33, 4.45). Conclusions: A more comprehensive intervention with a specific dose/level of physical activity, an increased range of cognitive performance, and a well-designed study design that accounts for dietary intake and other health outcomes are required for future studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research
  18. Haji Mukhti MI, Ibrahim MI, Tengku Ismail TA, Nadal IP, Kamalakannan S, Kinra S, et al.
    PMID: 35055764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020942
    BACKGROUND: Stroke is a chronic disease that requires stroke survivors to be supported long-term by their families. This is especially because of the inaccessibility to post-stroke rehabilitation outside hospitals. The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and the pandemic restrictions in Malaysia are expected to exponentially increase the demand from family caregivers in supporting stroke survivors. Thus, this study aims to explore the burden, experience, and coping mechanism of the family caregivers supporting stroke survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    METHODOLOGY: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021 in Malaysia. A total of 13 respondents were recruited from two public rehabilitation centers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. Comprehensive representation of perspectives from the respondents was achieved through purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted in the Kelantanese dialect, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Three themes on burdens and experiences were identified. They were worsening pre-existing issues, emerging new issues, and fewer burdens and challenges. Two themes on coping strategies were also identified. They were problem-focused engagement and emotion-focused engagement.

    CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the entire system of stroke management. While family caregivers mostly faced the extra burden through different experiences, they also encountered some positive impacts from the pandemic. The integrated healthcare system, especially in the era of digitalization, is an important element to establish the collaborative commitment of multiple stakeholders to compensate burden and sustain the healthcare of stroke survivors during the pandemic.

    Matched MeSH terms: Qualitative Research
  19. Ab. Karim, M.S., Nasouddin, S.S., Othman, M., Mohd Adzahan, N., Hussin, S.R., Khozirah, S.
    MyJurnal
    Melicope ptelefolia (MP) is one of the alternative herbal resources which have a great potential to be marketed worldwide. Because of its exploratory nature, this study used qualitative research methodology, which is natural and highly interpretive in order to gain consumer insights. This preliminary qualitative study used an in-depth personal interview approach for data collection. Informants for this study were 30 regular consumers of MP, aged from 18 years old and above. From the findings, it is reported that MP had a slightly bitter taste, crunchy young leaves, pungent, and lemon-lime aroma. In terms of its physical characteristics, it is said that MP has trifoliate, green, thick, broad leaves and has small white and greenish flowers. Respondents have varying levels of awareness and knowledge regarding MP but most of them believed that medicinal products can be produced from this herb. Respondents also stressed the importance of scientific research to properly develop MP into medicinal products and turn it into alternative treatment that has commercial values in the market.
    Matched MeSH terms: Qualitative Research
  20. Said N, Wong KC, Lau WJ, Khoo YS, Yeong YF, Othman NH, et al.
    Molecules, 2022 Dec 01;27(23).
    PMID: 36500475 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238381
    Most researchers focused on developing highly selective membranes for CO2/CH4 separation, but their developed membranes often suffered from low permeance. In this present work, we aimed to develop an ultrahigh permeance membrane using a simple coating technique to overcome the trade-off between membrane permeance and selectivity. A commercial silicone membrane with superior permeance but low CO2/CH4 selectivity (in the range of 2-3) was selected as the host for surface modification. Our results revealed that out of the three silane agents tested, only tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) improved the control membrane's permeance and selectivity. This can be due to its short structural chain and better compatibility with the silicone substrate. Further investigation revealed that higher CO2 permeance and selectivity could be attained by coating the membrane with two layers of TEOS. The surface integrity of the TEOS-coated membrane was further improved when an additional polyether block amide (Pebax) layer was established atop the TEOS layer. This additional layer sealed the pin holes of the TEOS layer and enhanced the resultant membrane's performance, achieving CO2/CH4 selectivity of ~19 at CO2 permeance of ~2.3 × 105 barrer. This performance placed our developed membrane to surpass the 2008 Robeson Upper Boundary.
    Matched MeSH terms: Research Personnel
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