Repository@USM
Welcome to closed access digital repository of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
This repository contains multiple types of scholarly materials, especially USM theses and exam papers.
To access the full text, please log in with your USM email account.
Research outputs
6253
Projects
0
People
0
Recent Additions
- PublicationHealth-related quality of life and its association among medical officers in Selangor(2025-06)Introduction: Health is a fundamental human right and a vital resource for societal productivity and well-being. For health professionals, particularly medical officers (MOs), maintaining optimal physical, mental, and social well-being is crucial, as it affects both their quality of life (QoL) and the quality of patient care. Despite their essential role, MOs are increasingly affected by occupational stressors, including extended working hours, administrative burdens, job insecurity, and system inefficiencies, which negatively impact their QoL. Objectives: This study aims to assess the QoL of medical officers in Selangor and examine the underlying factors influencing their well-being. The findings are expected to contribute to policy recommendations that enhance work-life balance, reduce psychological distress, and improve healthcare delivery. Methods and Results: 165 MOs were selected through simple random sampling from hospitals and health clinics. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with sociodemographic information and the WHOQOL-BREF to measure QoL. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and linear regression. The mean score for the psychological health domain was 55.45, lower than the general population norm, indicating considerable psychological challenges among MOs. Multiple linear regression analysis identified two significant factors associated with better psychological health: normal body mass index (BMI) and permanent employment status. MOs with a normal BMI scored 3.61 points higher in psychological well-being than those who were overweight (p = 0.030). Additionally, MOs in permanent positions had psychological scores 9.55 points higher than those employed on a contract basis (p = 0.003). These results suggest that physical health and employment stability are important determinants of psychological well-being among MOs. Conclusion: The results highlight the impact of lifestyle and job security on mental health. Holistic interventions addressing work conditions and personal health are essential to improve the quality of life and performance of MOs.
- PublicationDesign and analysis of power saw for palm oil harvester(2023-06-23)The reciprocating saw is one of the power saws that can be used in the oil palm industry to harvest the fruit bunches below three meters height of the oil palm trees. However, the heavy design of the power saw required a better design of saw blades with reduced cutting force to improve the productivity to collect fruit bunches and reduce the fatigue of the workers. The objectives of the study were to study the effect of the blade geometry of different saw blade design, to evaluate which aspects of geometry plays an important role in reducing cutting force, and to propose a better design of a blade geometry that is suitable for cutting oil palm fronds and its fruit bunches. The experiment used a 1.3kg reciprocating saw, WORX WG894E with two different designs of blades: steel cutting blade (B1) and wood cutting blade (B2) to cut two types of oil palm fronds: dry frond (F1) and green frond (F2) with different moisture content to analysis the cutting force of both blades. After the experiment, the measurement result of cutting force shows that the dry frond required less cutting force compared to the green frond, where the parallel force, Fx of the dry frond is 27.14% of the green frond, and the normal force, Fy of the dry frond is the 71.43% of the green frond. While the steel cutting blade (B1) used less cutting force compared to the wood cutting force (B2), where the parallel force, Fx and normal force, Fy of the wood cutting blade is 107% and 116% of the steel cutting blade, respectively. In general, the result suggests that the suitable design of the saw blade to cut the oil palm frond is the blade with less TPI (3 – 6), with a larger tooth height (3.00 mm – 4.00 mm), and thicker blade (1.25 mm – 1.5 mm) to increase the material removal rate and reduce the cutting time, the rake angle should be less negative or zero (-11° – 0°) to reduce the cutting force and energy consumption required to cut the oil palm fronds.
- PublicationTrend and associated factors of food poisoning outbreaks in secondary schools in Kelantan, from 2022 to 2024(2025-06)Background: Food poisoning is a recurring challenge in Malaysia’s public health system, consistently ranking among the nation’s top five communicable diseases. In Kelantan, the concern over the increasing trend of food poisoning involving school settings has been growing. Objective: This study aimed to describe the trend of food poisoning outbreak cases, to describe the proportion of food poisoning outbreak cases and to determine the factors associated with food poisoning cases during outbreaks among secondary school students in Kelantan within the same period. Methodology: This study conducted a cross-sectional design to describe the trend and proportion of food poisoning outbreaks reported among secondary school students in Kelantan from 2022 to 2024. For the analysis of associated risk factors, a case-control design with a 1:3 ratio was applied, where student cases from selected outbreaks were compared with matched controls. Data were extracted from the final outbreak reports using the “Borang Siasatan Keracunan Makanan (FWBD/KRM/BG 001), Revision 2008”. Result: The findings showed an upward trend in food poisoning outbreaks from 2022 to 2023, followed by a plateau in 2024. The proportion of outbreaks involving secondary schools was 90.9% in 2022, 44.4% in 2023, and 33.3% in 2024, with an overall combined proportion of 45.9% across the three years. The mean age of affected students was 14.77 years (SD = 1.38), with 62.5% in the lower secondary age group (13-15 years). Schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE) accounted for 73.5% of the cases, and 55.9% of outbreaks occurred in rural areas. Notably, 85.3% of incidents were linked to hostel canteens. Poultry was identified as the leading food vehicle (50.0%), while Salmonella spp. emerged as the most common microbial agent (64.7%). Inadequate cooking and reheating and improper storage were the most frequent critical control point (CCP) failures (64.7%). Male students were found to have a lower likelihood of being affected (AOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60,0.96; p = 0.023). Conversely, consumption of red meat significantly increased the risk of food poisoning (AOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 3.25,6.08; p < 0.001), as did exposure to inadequate cooking and reheating (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.20,1.89; p < 0.001). Conclusion This study revealed a clear link between food poisoning outbreaks in Kelantan’s secondary schools and specific operational practices within school. While non-modifiable factors like student’s sex influenced susceptibility, the more concerning aspects were preventable factors particularly in cooking, reheating, and storage of high-risk foods such as red meat. These findings highlighted the need for strengthening food safety training for canteen personnel, enforcing strict CCP monitoring, and integrating targeted health literacy for students in preventing future outbreaks.
- PublicationOccupational safety and health knowledge and its predictors among medical officers in government primary healthcare facilities in Kedah(2025-06)Background : Occupational safety and health (OSH) knowledge is essential in promoting a safe healthcare work environment, especially in primary healthcare settings where medical officers face multifaceted occupational hazards. Despite Malaysia's commitment to OSH through legislative reforms, knowledge gaps remain evident, particularly in primary care. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of OSH knowledge among medical officers in Kedah’s primary healthcare and to identify the predictors associated with higher knowledge scores. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 173 randomly selected medical officers from government primary healthcare facilities across Kedah was conducted between January and March 2025. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to measure sociodemographic data, occupational characteristics, and OSH knowledge. Descriptive analysis, one-way ANOVA, simple linear regression (SLR), and multiple linear regression (MLR) were employed to determine predictors. Results: The mean OSH knowledge score was 71.66 (SD=14.16), with only 36.4% of respondents achieving satisfactory knowledge (≥75%). Age, gender, ethnicity, job grade, unit of service, duration of service, and prior OSH training were significantly associated with knowledge levels in univariate analysis. MLR revealed two significant predictors: prior OSH training (Adj. β = -19.37; p < 0.001) and 10–20 years of service (Adj. β = 7.09; p < 0.001). The final model explained 52.5% of the variance in knowledge scores (R² = 0.525). Respondents who had received OSH training scored significantly higher, In contrast, younger officers and those without training showed notable knowledge gaps. Conclusion: This study highlights critical gaps in OSH knowledge among primary healthcare medical officers in Kedah. Structured OSH training and accumulated service experience are associated with adequacy of OSH knowledge. The findings underscore the need for mandatory training, mentoring programs, and curriculum integration to ensure uniform OSH competency among all healthcare personnel.
- PublicationThe association between dietary intake and bloating symptoms in type 2 diabetes patients at HPUSM(2025-06)GI symptoms, particularly bloating, are frequently reported among individuals with T2DM. Such symptoms may negatively affect quality of life and dietary habits. However, limited local data exists on how dietary intake relates to bloating symptoms in this population. This study aimed to assess the dietary intake of T2DM patients with mean age of at HPUSM, determine the severity of bloating, and to explore the association between dietary intake and bloating severity. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 T2DM patients at Hospital USM. Data collection included a 24-hour dietary recall, sociodemographic questionnaire, and the Bloating Severity Questionnaire (BSQ) consisting of SevGen and Sev24 components. Results of this study indicated that there is no association between dietary intake and bloating symptom among T2DM. The overall mean energy intake was 1491.83 ± 615.2 kcal, with carbohydrates contributing 52.5%, protein 17.4%, and fat 30.1% of total energy. The average SevGen and Sev24 scores were 14.4 (6.2) and 9.66 (4.7), respectively, indicating moderate bloating symptoms. No statistically significant differences in dietary intake were found between participants with and without bloating symptoms (p > 0.05). Additionally, Pearson correlation results showed no significant association between energy or macronutrient intake and bloating scores, though fat intake showed a weak negative trend with bloating symptoms (Sev24: r = -0.190, p = 0.058). In conclusion, this study found no significant association between dietary intake and bloating among T2DM patients. However, observed trends suggest further research is warranted, especially focusing on fat intake, fiber content, and eating behaviour. These findings contribute preliminary evidence on the dietary patterns and bloating experiences of Malaysian diabetic patients
Most viewed
- PublicationLocalization of the primary gustatory cortex within insular lobe using structural white matter connectivity evidence as determined by diffusion tensor imaging(2022-12)The primary taste cortex localisation has been inconsistent in previous research. The current study aims to divide the insular lobe into subdivisions to determine investigate their individual structural connectivity to taste processing areas of the brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffusion-weighted imaging data from thirteen healthy female participants were obtained from a databse built in 2013. All participants had normal taste perception as determined by the modified Monell-Jefferson Taste & Smell Questionnaire. Probabilistic tractography using FMRIB Software Library (FSL) was performed to determine the relative connection probability of eleven divisions of insula lobes to target brain areas shown to be associated with taste processing, namely amygdala, frontal operculum and ventral striatum. RESULTS: The inferior part of the middle lobe and the inferio-posterior part of the anterior lobe of the insula had the highest connection probability to the areas of taste processing targeted in this research. The posterior lobe of the insula had the least connection probability to all targets as shown in previous research, while the frontal operculum had widespread connection to all lobes of the insula. The results of this research are with the statistical value of p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The inferior aspect of the middle lobe and the inferio-posterior part of the anterior lobe of the insula had the highest probabilistic connection to the areas of taste processing making it highly probable to be the site for primary taste cortex.
- ItemMembangun satu model 'TAMAN BOTANIK 'SainS' yang mensinergikan unsur Sains dan sastera (puisi).(2014)Taman Botani merupakan satu taman yang mempamerkan pelbagai sepsis tumbuhan. Di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) telah dibangunkan satu taman botanic yang keci! yang dikenali sebagai USM eco-hub yang menjadi satu aspek penting daripada konsep 'Universiti di dalam Taman' yang dibangunkan oleh USM dalam tahun 2001-2002 di mana wujudnya jalinan di antara peranan university sebagai satu intitusi pengajian tinggi dan alam sebagai sebahagian daripada Jatar ekoJogikal global.
- ItemWater Washing Pretreatment On Empty Fruit Bunches Of Oil Palm Waste(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011-10)The water washing pretreatment on empty fruit bunches (EFB) of oil palm waste has been investigated in this study, with the objective of removing some ash from the EFB to improve the quality of biomass. This study also investigated the effectiveness of water washing to remove ash by changing the appropriate parameters of the water washing pretreatment such as residence time, amount of water, type of water and use of soaking and stirring. Tap water and distilled water were solely used throughout the work. The original ash content for the unwashed EFB is 5.19 mf wt%. From this study, the average ash content of the washed EFB by soaking the feedstock of size 1-3 cm in 3 l of tap water for 5 min residence time at ambient temperature is found to be 2.95 mf wt%. It is found that the ash content less than about 3 mf wt% was successfully achieved. It also showed that tap water is as effective as distilled water in reducing ash in EFB. The electrical conductivity in waste liquor by soaking the feedstock for 5 min at ambient temperature in 3 l of tap water was 991 μS/cm and it was increased with the prolonged soaking time. The electrical conductivity in waste liquor was found to increase due to the diffusion of mineral and inorganic materials from biomass.
- ItemKEJIRANAN YANG SESUAI DIDIAMI: PERSEPSIPENDUDUK TERHADAP PERSEKITARAN YANG SESUAI DIDIAMI(2007-04)Research regarding the satisfaction of the residents towards the neighbourhood is not longer something new in Malaysia. Like foreign countries, quality of the neigbourhood environment is very much paid attention to. Thus, the neighbourhood quality also plays an important role as an indicator to measure the quality of life (kualiti hidup). The satisfaction level towards the neighbourhood gives an impact on the satisfaction for quality of life. In the foreign countries, "Liveable Neighbourhood", a neighbourhood which is suitable to stay in, is a policy or trend which intends to improve the neighbourhoods environment. Safety, accessibility and friendly to those who walk are the concept which they integrate in their neighbourhood. The aim for the "Liveable Neighbourhood" is to solve the problem which can cause the environment to be unsustainable. For instant, overly dependent to the private transportation, interaction among the people has been decreasing and extreme usage of the natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas. The residents' perception is important as it is a demand for their neighbourhood so that it could improve their quality of life. From this research, even every individual has their unique characteristic in judging their environment, however, the criteria in choosing a suitable neighbourhood is based on the accessibility. It is related to the condition of the traffic in Pulau Pinang which is congestion occasional especially in the trade centre as well as the working area. Due to this reason, it is not surprise that accessibility is the main criteria for resident in choosing the liveable neighbourhood.
- ItemRekabentuk Sistem Konkrit Prestasi Tinggi Terhadap Ciri-Ciri Ketahanan(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2006-06)Penggunaan konkrit berprestasi tinggi (KPT) semakin meluas di dalam industri pembinaan di Malaysia mahupun di seluruh dunia. Aplikasinya meliputi pembinaan bangunan tinggi, jambatan, empangan dan lebuh raya-lebuh raya pada kadar kekuatan dari 55 N/mm2 sehingga melebihi 124 N/mm2 . Objektif utama kajian ini adalah untuk merekabentuk KPT dan mengkaji prestasi bahan-bahan tambah bagi mengenal pasti kelebihan dan kekurangan setiap satunya terhadap prestasi dan ciri-ciri ketahanan. Beberapa sir! ujian dijafankan terhadap sifat kejuruteraan, kebolehke~aan, ketumpatan, halaju denyut ultrasonik, kekuatan mampat, kekuatan lentur, ujian kadar resapan, dan ujian ketelapan oksigen. Hasif daripada keputusan ujian makmat yang telah dijatankan menunjukkan bahawa bahan tambah super pempalstik (SP}, silika fume (SF) dan pemecut (ACC} memberikan kesan terhadap pencapaian kekuatan awal konkrit dan mengekalkannya hingga ke suatu jangka masa yang panjang. Manakala bahan isian polimer iaitu lateks stirena butadiena (SBR) dan cecair polimer resin epoksi (ER) boleh mempertingkat kekuatan lentur dan mempunyai ciri-ciri yang baik terhadap kadar resapan air dan ketelapan udara (oksigen).