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Fulltext A goal programming model for portfolio optimisation problem in fuzzy environment

Mokhtar, M., Shuib, A., Mohamad, D.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(2):593-606.
MyJurnal

Portfolio optimisation is one of the most crucial issues in investment decision-making and has received considerable attention from researchers and practitioners. Traditionally, the portfolio optimisation models are formulated based on the assumption that investors have complete information on the distribution of random returns. However, in real life case, this is not possible since decisions have to be made under uncertainty. This paper deals with a fuzzy portfolio optimisation problem in which returns and turnover rates of securities are represented by fuzzy variables. A goal programming model is proposed to optimise three objectives: maximisation of portfolio return, maximisation of liquidity and minimisation of the portfolio risk. The cardinality constraints, floor and ceiling constraints are also taken into consideration. Finally, a numerical experiment using real data is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the model.
Fulltext Criteria towards achieving sustainable construction through implementation of environmental management plan (EMP)

Rashidi, M. N., Begum, R. A., Mokhtar, M., Pereira, J. J.

Journal of Advanced Review on Scientific Research, 2014;1(1):43-64.
MyJurnal

Malaysia is experiencing an encouraging socio-economic development, especially in its
quest towards Vision 2020 and achieving the status as a developed country. The success can be
attributed to the government’s efforts and commitment in developing projects, which include the
construction of new townships and public infrastructures. Through the implementation of
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) during the construction phase, the government has taken
great efforts and initiatives to ensure that construction projects are well-developed in a sustainable
manner. Unfortunately, these rapid physical developments affect and pollute the surrounding
environment, even though EMP is implemented at the construction site. The effectiveness of
sustainable construction methods in the plan has been found to be very limited in the actual industrial
practice. Hence, this paper aims to determine the important criteria needed to be incorporated into
EMP in enhancing and ensuring its effectiveness in managing environmental aspects during the
construction stage.
Fulltext Implementation of content analysis as research methodology for identifying criteria for sustainable construction

Rashidi, M. N., Begum, R. Ara, Mokhtar, M., Pereir, J. J.

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2014;1(1):18-27.
MyJurnal

Research implementation methodology is an important element in any study. Good data
are obtained from the study that is carefully planned based on an appropriate design, as well as the
approach that is used in the process of obtaining the data. The main objective of the proposed study is
to identify criteria for sustainable construction. Therefore, the right selection of study design and
implementation methodology is very important to ensure that the objectives are successfully achieved.
This manuscript writing presents the description of the design and implementation methodology used
in this study, namely content analysis, to meet the objective. Justification for the selected method to
achieve the objectives of the study is also discussed.
Fulltext The conduct of structured interviews as research implementation method

Nor Rashidi, M., Mokhtar, M., Pereira, J. J., Begum, R. Ara

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2014;1(1):28-34.
MyJurnal

Selection of a suitable and appropriate method is an important aspect in ensuring successful
implementation of a research. The proposed study aims to obtain weights for sustainable construction
criteria from the input and perception of industrial practitioner, and also to explore their opinion on
the criteria. Therefore, the selection and use of study implementation method will determine the
direction of the study whether the intended objectives can be achieved. This manuscript writing presents
the description of the structured interview used to obtain and collect the required data. The suitability
and implementation of the methods have been described in this study, in which the ultimate aim of its
application is to ensure that the collected data is meaningful to the study.
Fulltext The effect of pravastatin in patients with primary hyperlipidaemia

Mafauzy M, Mokhtar M, Wan Mohamad WB, Musalmah M

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Sep;50(3):272-7.
PMID: 8926908

Thirty-four (34) subjects with primary hyperlipidaemia were enrolled for this study. After low fat dietary therapy for 6 weeks, subjects' whose serum total cholesterol fell to below 6.2 mmol/l (11 subjects) were excluded from the study and those whose serum total cholesterol were 6.2 mmol/l or more (23 subjects) were started on pravastatin 10 mg nocte. After 8 weeks of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mean total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. However 13 of the subjects still had serum total cholesterol 6.2 mmol/l or more and their pravastatin dose was increased to 20 mg nocte. After 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. There was also a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol. The triglyceride fell by a mean of 15.7%, total cholesterol by a mean of 18.1% and LDL-cholesterol by a mean of 26.3%. HDL-cholesterol on the other hand, increased by 19.4%. The subjects whose total cholesterol fell below 6.2 mmol/l at week 8 had significantly lower total cholesterol to begin with than those whose total cholesterol failed to do so and hence were commenced on 20 mg pravastatin. This suggests that the optimum dose of the drug is dependent on the initial level of total cholesterol. We conclude that pravastatin is effective as a lipid lowering agent.
Community-based monitoring for environmental sustainability: A review of characteristics and the synthesis of criteria

Muhamad Khair NK, Lee KE, Mokhtar M

J Environ Manage, 2021 Jul 01;289:112491.
PMID: 33813302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112491

Community-based monitoring is increasingly recognised as one solution to sustainable environmental management. However, the development of community-based monitoring has led to confusion or misconceptions regarding other similar initiatives. Through a review of the characteristics and synthesising criteria of effective community-based monitoring, this article addresses how to distinguish community-based monitoring from other forms of community engagement research. A review of relevant community-based monitoring literature identifies the characteristics of and knowledge gaps in procedures and governance structures. Additionally, evidence of common benefits, challenges and lessons learned for successful community-based monitoring are deliberated. As an outcome of the review, the article synthesises a set of community-based monitoring criteria as follows: (1) efficacy of initiatives, (2) technicality aspects, (3) feedback mechanisms and (4) sustainability. These synthesised criteria will be instrumental in designing customised community-based monitoring initiatives for environmental sustainability.
Fulltext Community-Based Monitoring in the New Normal: A Strategy for Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

Muhamad Khair NK, Lee KE, Mokhtar M

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jun 22;18(13).
PMID: 34206384 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136712

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the global public health system and led to many deaths worldwide. COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be spread by symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. As such, determining the risk of infection within a community is difficult. To mitigate the risk of the spread of COVID-19, the government of Malaysia implemented seven phases of the movement control order (MCO) from 18 March to 31 December 2020. However, the socioeconomic cost was substantial despite the effectiveness of the MCO in bringing down cases of infection. As noted by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the final criterion that should be met is community empowerment. In other words, community-based mitigation measures through which communities unite to contain the pandemic are essential before the completion of the vaccination program. As a measure for controlling the pandemic, mitigation strategies in the new normal should be feasible, practical, and acceptable to communities. In this paper, we present a deliberation of a set of community-based monitoring criteria to ensure health and well-being in communities, such as efficacy, technicality, feedback, and sustainability. The proposed criteria will be instrumental in developing community-based monitoring initiatives to achieve the desired goals in coping with the pandemic as well as in empowering communities to be part of the governance process.
Fulltext Characterization of 10 novel microsatellite loci for the brown marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Serranidae)

Mokhtar MA, Normah MN, Kumar SV, Baharum SN

Genet. Mol. Res., 2011;10(2):885-8.
PMID: 21644205 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-2gmr1117

Epinephelus fuscoguttatus is a commercially important marine fish species in southeast Asia. Due to overfishing and water pollution, this species has been declared as near-threatened. Thus, to provide information to help maintain and preserve the species, microsatellites were developed, using an enriched genomic library method. Thirty individuals were collected from the hatchery of the Fishery Research Institute, Terengganu, Malaysia. These individuals, from four to six years old, originated from Sabah and are maintained in captive culture as broodstock. Genomic DNA was extracted from the fins of selected individuals that weighed 3-8 kg. Ten microsatellite loci were found to be polymorphic in this population, with 5 to 21 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.53 to 0.97 and 0.59 to 0.95, respectively. Only one locus deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no significant linkage disequilibrium was found among the pairs of loci. These polymorphic microsatellite loci will be used by the Malaysian Fishery Research Institute for investigating genetic diversity and for developing breeding strategies.
Seamless tuning range based-on available gain bandwidth in multiwavelength Brillouin fiber laser

Ajiya M, Mahdi MA, Al-Mansoori MH, Hitam S, Mokhtar M

Opt Express, 2009 Apr 13;17(8):5944-52.
PMID: 19365413

We experimentally demonstrate a simple widely tunable multiwavelength Brillouin/Erbium fiber laser that can be tuned over the entire C-band, thereby greatly improving the tuning range limitation faced by the previous Brillouin-erbium fiber laser architectures. Tuning range of 39 nm from 1527 nm to 1566 nm, which is only limited by the amplification bandwidth of the erbium gain was successfully achieved. At Brillouin pump wavelength of 1550 nm and 1480 nm laser pump and Brillouin pump powers of 130 mW and 2 mW respectively, all the generated output channels have peak power above 0 dBm, with the first output channel having a peak power of 8.52 dBm. The experimental set up that consists of only 4 optical components, is simple, devoid of the complex structure employed previously to enhance the tunability and feedback mechanism normally associated with multiwavelength Brillouin-erbium fiber laser sources. The generated output channels are stable, rigidly separated by 10 GHz (0.08 nm).
Fulltext Damage control resuscitation: A case of thoraco-abdominal impalement

Nur AK, Mohd Mokhtar MA, Izzat I, Abdul Halim S, Nor Elayni B

Med J Malaysia, 2016 04;71(2):77-8.
PMID: 27326948 MyJurnal

Damage Control Resuscitation and Surgery is the concept of controlled hypotension, haemostatic resuscitation and abbreviated surgical procedures following severe trauma; the practice of which has resulted in improved mortality and morbidity. We describe a rare case of thoraco-abdominal impalement successfully managed based on the concept of Damage Control Resuscitation.
Lead in blood and hair of shipyard workers, Sabah, Malaysia

Mokhtar MB, Awaluddin AB, Yusof AB, Bakar BB

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2002 Jul;69(1):8-14.
PMID: 12053250
Lead in blood and hair of population near an operational and a proposed area for copper mining, Malaysia

Mokhtar MB, Awaluddin AB, Fong CW, Woojdy WM

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 1994 Jan;52(1):149-54.
PMID: 8130410
Fulltext Classified Chemicals in Accordance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals: Comparison of Lists of the European Union, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand

Yazid MFHA, Ta GC, Mokhtar M

Saf Health Work, 2020 Jun;11(2):152-158.
PMID: 32596009 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.03.002

Background: The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) was developed to enhance chemical classification and hazard communication systems worldwide. However, some of the elements such as building blocks and data sources have the potential to cause "disharmony" to the GHS, particularly in its classification results. It is known that some countries have developed their own lists of classified chemicals in accordance with the GHS to "standardize" the classification results within their respective countries. However, the lists of classified chemicals may not be consistent among these countries.
Method: In this study, the lists of classified chemicals developed by the European Union, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand were selected for comparison of classification results for carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity.
Results: The findings show that only 54%, 66%, and 37% of the classification results for each Carcinogen, Mutagen and Reproductive toxicants hazard classes, respectively are the same among the selected countries. This indicates a "moderate" level of consistency among the classified chemicals lists.
Conclusion: By using classification results for the carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity hazard classes, this study demonstrates the "disharmony" in the classification results among the selected countries. We believe that the findings of this study deserve the attention of the relevant international bodies.
Important skills for biomedical services: The perspectives of Malaysian employers and employees

Buntat Y, Saud MS, Mokhtar M, Kamin Y, Feh LS

Work, 2016 Oct 17;55(2):481-487.
PMID: 27689600

Increase in the occurrence of existing diseases, continual emergence of new or exotic diseases and re-emergence of old diseases have placed increasing demands on biomedical services in Malaysia. Biomedical technicians play an important role in operating biomedical instruments. However, there are no clear specifications about characteristics and traits for these semi-professional employees. Employers in a few studies claimed that biomedical graduates are not ready to enter and face challenges in the job market.
Establishing mercury-free medical facilities: a Malaysian case study

Amir Sultan MM, Goh CT, Wan Puteh SE, Mokhtar M

Int J Health Care Qual Assur, 2019 Feb 11;32(1):34-44.
PMID: 30859864 DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-08-2017-0161

PURPOSE: Mercury is widely used in medical and healthcare facilities as dental amalgam, mercury-added medical devices, thiomersal-containing vaccines, laboratory analysis and for other general applications despite the hazards. Various agencies consistently promote mercury-free medical facilities through mercury-free alternatives and better management practices, which are in line with the Minamata Convention on Mercury that aims to protect human health and environment from anthropogenic mercury release. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors conducted a gap analysis on recommended practices gathered from the literature and current practices gathered through semi-structured interviews with Malaysian medical personnel. A life cycle approach was adopted covering mercury use: input, storage, handling, accident, waste disposal and governance phases.
FINDINGS: The authors found that there are significant gaps between recommended and current mercury management practices. Analysis indicates improper mercury management as the main contributor to these gaps. The authors found from recommended practices that core components needing improvement include: mercury management action plan, mercury use identification team, purchasing policy, proper guidelines and monitoring systems.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study helps us to understand mercury management practices and suggests essential steps to establish a mercury-free medical facility.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study explored the gaps between recommended and current mercury management practices in a medical facility and contributes to the Minamata Convention on Mercury aspirations.
Dataset from Code-switching between English and Malay Languages in Malaysian Premier Polytechnics ESL Classrooms

Mohamed Mokhtar M, Muhamad M, Bahari AA, Mohd Khaja FN

Data Brief, 2022 Dec;45:108709.
PMID: 36426022 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108709

The data was collected using a mixed method study of convergent parallel design, conducted using classroom observations, interviews and questionnaires to triangulate the data obtained from the three Premier Polytechnics in Malaysia, which involved nine lecturers and 183 students. The data is useful in focussing on the structure that normally occurs whenever code-switching happens and to test on how effective it is in the learning of English. Further research could also be based on these data as to identify the potential functions of code-switching and its contribution towards the language policy in Malaysia as reference to other countries too. It will provide an understanding of patterns and reasons for code-switching and subsequently offer insights into the use of code-switching as an effective language teaching and learning strategy.
Assessing sequence heterogeneity in Chlorellaceae DNA barcode markers for phylogenetic inference

Wong EB, Kamaruddin N, Mokhtar M, Yusof N, Khairuddin RFR

J Genet Eng Biotechnol, 2023 Oct 18;21(1):104.
PMID: 37851281 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00550-5

Phylogenetic inference is an important approach that allows the recovery of the evolutionary history and the origin of the Chlorellaceae species. Despite the species' potential for biofuel feedstock production, their high phenotypic plasticity and similar morphological structures among the species have muddled the taxonomy and identification of the Chlorellaceae species. This study aimed to decipher Chlorellaceae DNA barcode marker heterogeneity by examining the sequence divergence and genomic properties of 18S rRNA, ITS (ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2-28S rRNA), and rbcL from 655 orthologous sequences of 64 species across 31 genera in the Chlorellaceae family. The study assessed the distinct evolutionary properties of the DNA markers that may have caused the discordance between individual trees in the phylogenetic inference using the Robinson-Foulds distance and the Shimodaira-Hasegawa test. Our findings suggest that using the supermatrix approach improves the congruency between trees by reducing stochastic error and increasing the confidence of the inferred Chlorellaceae phylogenetic tree. This study also found that the phylogenies inferred through the supermatrix approach might not always be well supported by all markers. The study highlights that assessing sequence heterogeneity prior to the phylogenetic inference could allow the approach to accommodate sequence evolutionary properties and support species identification from the most congruent phylogeny, which can better represent the evolution of Chlorellaceae species.
Outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

Iqhbal KM, Mokhtar NAM, Isa MR, Mokhtar MF

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Sep;78(5):639-645.
PMID: 37775492

INTRODUCTION: There are insufficient data available regarding the outcome of cardiac arrest (CA) resuscitated in the emergency department in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the incidence of CA, the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to admission (STA), survival to discharge (STD) and factors influencing the overall outcome of CA.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study done in Hospital Sg Buloh (HSB), a tertiary referral centre in an urban area located north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city, from January until December 2018, involving 289 patients. All cases with CPR and a sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were included in the study and followed up until discharged or died in the hospital.
RESULTS: Out of 236 patients recruited, 25.8% achieved ROSC, 15.7% survived on admission, and 4.2% of patients were discharged alive. Of 74.1% of witnessed OHCA, only 17.5% received bystander CPR. Factors with favourable outcomes include CA in ED (p<0.001), the initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation (p=0.003), defibrillation (p=0.024), OHCA witnessed by emergency medical services (EMS) (p=0.024) and intravenous adrenaline administration (p=0.001). When using multivariate regression analysis, positive outcomes were associated with the cardiac and respiratory cause of CA (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) 3.66; 95% Confidence Intervals, 95%CI: 2.52 - 12.61 and AOR 8.76; 95%CI: 5.76- 15.46, respectively) as well as OHCA witnessed by EMS (AOR 10.81; 95%CI: 1.84- 19.52).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite being an upper-middle-income country and having advancements in the healthcare system, a relatively lower STD rate among survivors of CA in the ED was observed in this study. There was underutilization of the EMS among patients with CA. The bystander CPR rate among patients with CA in Malaysia is also worryingly low. Aggressive community participation in cardiac arrest awareness programmes is much required. Additionally, in achieving better outcomes, implementing standardized post-resuscitation care protocols with existing resources will be a challenge for physicians managing cardiac arrest cases.
Quantifying carbon pool in ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands of Paya Indah Wetlands, Selangor, Malaysia

Jamion NA, Lee KE, Mokhtar M, Goh TL

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Mar;31(11):16291-16308.
PMID: 38315340 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32140-4

Ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands play a significant role in the carbon cycle, offering a great potential to sequester carbon and mitigate climate change and global warming. Investigating the quantity of carbon storage capacity of ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands provides information and justification for restoration and conservation efforts. The present study aims to quantify the carbon pool of the ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands and characterise the physicochemical properties of the soil and sediment. Pearson's correlation and a one-way ANOVA were performed to compare the different sampling stations at Paya Indah Wetland, Selangor, Malaysia. An analysis of 23 years of ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands of Paya Indah Wetlands, Selangor, Malaysia, revealed that the estimated total carbon pool in soil and sediment accumulated to 1553.11 Mg C ha-1 (equivalent to 5700 Mg CO2 ha-1), which translates to an annual carbon sink capacity of around 67.5 Mg C ha-1 year-1. The characterisation showed that the texture of all soil samples was dominated by silt, whereas sediments exhibited texture heterogeneity. Although the pH of the soil and sediment was both acidic, the bulk density was still optimal for plant growth and did not affect root growth. FT-IR and WDXRF results supported that besides the accumulation and degradation of organic substances, which increase the soil and sediment carbon content, mineral carbonation is a mechanism by which soil and sediment can store carbon. Therefore, this study indicates that the ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands of Paya Indah Wetlands, Selangor, Malaysia have a significant carbon storage potential.
Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in a leukemic child: a nearly missed diagnosis

Ding CH, Wahab AA, Tzar MN, Mokhtar MN, Arunasalam V

Trop Biomed, 2024 Jun 01;41(2):206-208.
PMID: 39154274 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.2.011

Globally, Campylobacter spp. are responsible for most cases of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans and although rare, extraintestinal Campylobacter infections have been described. A 2-yearold neutropenic girl with underlying precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with a 3-day history of diarrhea. Her stool culture yielded no enteric bacterial pathogens. However, when her blood culture was flagged as positive for bacterial growth, no colonies could be observed on routine bacteriological isolation media. Nonetheless, gram-negative bacilli with seagull and spiral morphologies were seen when the surface of the isolation media used to subculture her blood was Gram-stained. Bacterial colonies were only visible when a subculture was attempted on a Campylobacter blood-free selective agar medium. The organism was identified as Campylobacter jejuni by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Since the organism was erythromycin-resistant and the patient's age precluded the use of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic regimen consisting of piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin was commenced. Her C. jejuni bacteremia resolved following eight days of antibiotic therapy.

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