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
6279
Projects
0
People
0
Recent Additions
- PublicationThe association between perceived stress, eating behaviour with body weight status among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus(2025-07)Young adults are commonly have been linked with stress and exhibit extensively variety patterns of eating behaviour to adapt to their circumstances, especially among undergraduate students. This study aimed to determine the association between perceived stress level and eating behaviour with Body Mass Index (BMI) among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus. A total of 179 respondents were participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire, which included the Sociodemographic data, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ), while anthropometric measurements were taken by the researcher physically to assess the BMI. The mean age of respondents was 21.4 years. The study sample consisted mostly of female students (74.3%) and those of Malay ethnicity (76.5%). Students from all years of study were represented, with Year 3 students making up the majority (36.3%). Nearly half of the respondents were from the School of Health Sciences (47.5%). Most participants belonged to the M40 income group (41.9%), and the majority (80.4%) reported receiving student loans during their studies. The findings indicated that more than half of the students (50.3%) had a normal body weight. The overall mean score for the Food Approach domain (3.43 ± 0.56) was higher than that of the Food Avoidance domain. Within the Food Approach subscales, “Enjoyment of Food” had the highest mean score (4.34 ± 0.63), while “Food Fussiness” had the highest mean score (3.43 ± 0.53) among the Food Avoidance subscales. The majority of respondents (73.7%) reported experiencing moderate levels of stress. The results of the study found no significant association between stress levels and BMI. However, some eating behaviour traits showed weak but significant correlations with BMI. “Food Responsiveness” (r = 0.149, p = 0.046) and “Emotional Over-Eating” (r = 0.319, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with BMI, while “Satiety Responsiveness” (r = -0.246, p < 0.001) and “Emotional Under-Eating” (r = -0.184, p = 0.014) were negatively correlated. Future studies are recommended to explore additional factors such as socioeconomic status and physical activity level, and to adopt longitudinal designs to better establish causal relationships
- PublicationThe association between diet quality and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patient in Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM)(2025-07)Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increasingly concerning health issue in Malaysia, where poor diet quality contributes to uncontrolled glycaemic levels and elevates the risk of complications. This study aimed to assess diet quality and glycaemic control among patients with T2DM and to determine the association between these two variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 91 T2DM outpatients at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). The majority of respondents were male (51.6%), aged ≥60 years (67.0%), Malay (96.7%), married (85.7%), and had a family history of T2DM (67%). Most had diabetes for ≥5 years (89%), were on oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs) (84.6%). Diet quality was assessed using the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI), while glycaemic control was based on HbA1c levels recorded within the past 3 to 6 months. Most respondents (79.1%) had moderate diet quality (M-HEI score 51–80%), while 20.9% had poor diet quality (<51%), and none achieved high scores (>80%). Regarding glycaemic control, only 19.8% had controlled HbA1c (≤7.0%), whereas the remaining 80.2% had uncontrolled levels (>7.0%). Pearson’s correlation test revealed no significant correlation between diet quality and glycaemic control (p= 0.586, r= -0.058). In conclusion, this highlights the need for a more comprehensive diabetes management approach that includes not only dietary aspects but also medication adherence, physical activity, and psychosocial support
- PublicationOptimization Of Immunoillstochemistry: Testing For Mlhl And Msh2 Proteins In Colon Tissue(2005-05)Microsatellite instability (MSI) accounts for the development of about 15% of all colorectal cancers. It is characterized by mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes that render cells unable to detect errors during DNA replication. Mutations in the MMR genes, MLHl and MSH2 are responsible for the majority of CRC with MSI. These MMR proteins can be detected by immunohistochemistry (lllC). IHC has proved sensitive and specific when compared to molecular analysis of MSI. Nevertheless, generally, there is no published literature as yet on studies of MSI in Malaysia, and specifically using lliC. Before any lliC staining procedure can be done, it has to be optimized. In this study, attempts were made to optimize rnc staining of MLHl and MSH2 proteins using polyclonal rabbit antibody by Biovision on formalin-fixed paraffm-embedded sections of normal colon, taken from resected margins of colectomy specimens. Either Vectastain Elite ABC Kit or DAKO En Vision Kit was used as secondary detection system. The staining procedure was done using different dilutions of the primary antibodies and incubated for different durations at different temperatures. Antigen retrieval procedures were introduced using citrate buffer pH 6 or Tris-EDTA buffer pH 9. The results showed that incubation of sections at room temperature using different dilutions of antibody failed to produce any nuclear staining. Staining with DAKO En Vision was still unsatisfactory, although background staining was reduced. Introduction of antigen retrieval procedure using microwave did not improve results. When incubated at 4°C, non-specific background staining was produced.
- PublicationDetermination Of Epstein-barr Virus In Gastrointestinal Lymphomas (With Special Reference To Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma Of Small Intestine): Study On Malaysian Patients.(2005-05)Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is ranked twelfth among all cancers world-wide, in which it is more prevalent in males compared to females. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence and distribution of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tissue samples obtained from 25 Malaysian patients diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. The gastrointestinal lymphomas analysed in the present study was divided into NHL of the ileocecal (9 cases), NHL of the small intestine (7 cases), NHL of the stomach (5 cases), NHL of the abdomen (1 case), NHL of the wedge ulcer (1 case), NHL of rectum fotic (1 case) and finally NHL of the hemicolon (1 case). The presence of EBV in all of the above mentioned tissue samples, after formalin fixation and paraffin embedding was carried out by using conventional in situ hybridization technology. Two out of 25 cases of NHL of the GIT analysed in the present study, demonstrated positive signals for EBV/EBER. In the first positive case, EBV/EBER signals were located in transformed lymphocytes in the serosa layer of the small intestine (14.3%). In the second EBV positive case, EBV/EBER signals were located in diffuse B-cell lymphomas of the ileocecal (11.1 %). In conclusion, these finding demonstrate a rare association between EBV and lower gastrointestinal lymphomas (excluding stomach).
- PublicationInvestigation of plasma pyrolysis gasifier for municipal solid waste(2023-07-01)This project focuses on the investigation of plasma pyrolysis gasifier for treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW). Plasma pyrolysis gasification is an advanced waste treatment technology that holds promise for efficient and sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW). The process involves subjecting MSW to high-temperature plasma generated by plasma electrodes, leading to the thermal decomposition of the waste into syngas and other valuable byproducts by incorporating steam. Synthesis gas, comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other combustible gases, can be utilized for energy generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The main advantages of plasma pyrolysis gasification for MSW is high conversion efficiency and the ability to handle diverse waste compositions. This project aims to investigate the plasma pyrolysis gasification for MSW and analyse the syngas produced from the decomposed MSW. To power the plasma electrodes, three pairs of 26kV,48mA transformers which can produce high voltage arc (more than 2000℃) is used, controlled by Solid State Relays (SSRs) in conjunction with an Arduino Uno microcontroller. The control system, comprising the Arduino Uno and SSRs, ensures precise and reliable regulation of the power supply to the plasma electrodes. Simulation of pyrolysis/gasification process has been done in Solidworks to study and analyses the heat transfer during the pyrolysis process. The experiment has been conducted several times in order to obtain the average results. The sample gas has been tested using gas chromatography in order to determine the syngas composition which is produced from the plasma pyrolysis gasification experiment. The experiment was conducted in two different ways where the feedstock feeding type is different. Method 1 is batch-to-batch feeding while method 2 is one-time feeding. Syngas was produced from both experiment type. The average hydrogen gas composition in volume for method 1 is 2.64% and for method 2 is 0.58%. The obtained syngas composition volume in this project is not sufficient enough to act as a fuel. Future works has been stated in order to improve the efficiency of overall pyrolysis/gasification process. A stirrer can be added in the chamber to allow all the MSW are exposed to the plasma arc.
Most viewed
- ItemKnowledge, attitude and practice toward family planning among married men in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia(Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2020)Family planning is important for a family institution. Family planning can be a disharmony to the family if they take things too easily. The objectives of this study were to determine knowledge, attitude and practice towards family planning among married men in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). A cross- sectional design study was undertaken involving 90 respondents that were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling in pharmacy, HUSM. The data collection period was from February 2020 until March 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were then analyzed using software (SPSS) version 24.0. Only 44.4% of married men have good knowledge about FP which is considered moderate. However, the attitude and practice of FP among married men is 60% good attitude and 73.3% have poor practice respectively. Therefore, we can see that married men have a good attitude but poor knowledge and practice when it comes to family planning. The Chi -square test used to examine the association between selected socio-demographic characteristics and it was found that there is a significant association between prevalence rate on family planning and education level (p<0.044) among married men. In conclusion, this study showed that knowledge and attitude toward family planning among married men was not adequate. However, each man who is married need more interactive health education to enhance their knowledge, attitude and practice.
- ItemStudies Of Removal And Recovery Of Palladium From Chloride Media Via An Electrogenerative System(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2019-08)The use of palladium nowadays is extensive especially as catalytic converter of vehicles which contributed to increasing demand every year. With the limited source and higher cost in mining and purifying process, palladium is recycled by the industries. However, this precious metal is difficult and required high cost to be treated especially in such low concentration (<500 mg L-1). To overcome this problem, an electrogenerative system was introduced to recover palladium in chloride medium. It is alternative method to other electrochemical methods where the chemical reaction takes place spontaneously in this system since it does not require any external supply of energy. A static batch cell was set up to treat low concentration of palladium in dilute solutions. The dilute chloride with the concentration of 0.1-0.2 M NaCl was optimum to treat palladium with concentration 100-500 mg L-1. A three-dimensional cathode material of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) treated with sulphuric acid appeared to give the best performance for optimum palladium deposition. The RVC was found to have low resistance and high mass transfer from supporting analysis using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The generated flow current in this system was supported with a zinc as an anode. Overall, this system showed about >90% of palladium being recovered within 6 h of operation. The reduction of palladium ion was proved by controlled potential using cyclic voltammetry. The deposited palladium on the cathode RVC is visible with naked eyes and was further confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy.
- ItemSurvival time and prognostic factors of AIDS patients in Kelantan : 2010-2014(Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2018-05)Background: The AIDS death is still a worldwide concern as well as in Kelantan. However, the median survival time and predictor factors that contributing to risk of death among AIDS patients in Kelantan were unknown. Objectives: To determine the overall median survival time and survival rate of AIDS patients and predictors factors of death in Kelantan population from 2010 to 2014. Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in January 2018 using secondary data obtained from National AIDS Registry for the period of 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2014 and followed-up until 31st Mac 2015. A complete 1073 data was selected for descriptive analysis and survival analysis. Kaplan- Meier survival analysis and Cox’s proportional hazard regression model with estimates of hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval were used. Result: The mean (SD) age was 37.08 (7.37). The patients were predominantly males (87.0%), Malays (87.5%), single (62.3%), unemployed (38.0%), with background of secondary education (78.1%) and cases without HIV-TB co-infection (62.8%). Approximately 53% of the patients death during follow-up. The overall median survival time was 11 months. The probability of survival in 1-year, 2-year and 5-year were 49.1%, 47.8%, and 46.7% respectively. Multivariate Cox regression showed that significant prognostic factors were age 30-49 years (Adj. HR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.16; p=0.006), male (Adj. HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.79; p=0.012), unemployed (Adj. HR
- PublicationA comparative study of intra venous patient-controlled analgesia morphine and tramadol in patients undergoing major operation(2004)The success of major surgery depends partly on providing effective post-operative pain relief, which can be achieved by morphine administration via PCA system. Tramadol is a weak opioid analgesic, which act mainly on f..L-opioid receptor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) Tramadol in comparison with PCA Morphine in tenn of analgesic properties, sedation and other side effects such as nausea, vomiting and pruritus. randomized, double-blinded study was conducted on 160 selected ASA I and II patients who were divided into two groups by a closed envelope technique. Following surgery, the PCA morphine (M) group (n=80) received a loading dose of 0.1 mglkg of intravenous morphine followed by I mg ( 1 mg/ml) of PCA infusion as required. The PCA tramadol (T) group (n=80) received a loading dose of 2.5 mg/kg of intravenous tramadol followed by 10 mg (10 mg/ml) ofPCA infusion as required. The lockout intervals for both groups were 10 minutes. None of the patients received baseline infusion. In the recovery room, patients were given oxygen via facemask and monitored for pain score according to Modified Pain Score, sedation score according to Ramsay Sedation Score, respiratory rate, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, blood pressure and pulse rate. Patients were evaluated at the end of 30 minutes in recovery room. After 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours post operation, patients were again evaluated in the ward. Showed no difference in the demographic data between the two groups (p>0.05). The mean pain score in tramadol group at 30 minutes, 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours post operation were 1.32 ± 0.79, 1.04 ± 0.79, 0.35 ± 0.48 and 0.09 ± 0.33 respectively. Whereas, the mean pain score in morphine group at 30 minutes, 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours post operation were 1.35 ± 0.99, 1.14 ± 0.81, 0.40 ± 0.54 and 0.10 ± 0.34 respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean pain score between the t\vo groups at each duration of assessment (p>0.05). The mean sedation score in tramadol group at 30 minutes, 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours post operation were 0.90 ± 0.74, 0.56 ± 0.59, 0.08 ± 0.27 and 0.02 ± 0.16 respectively. Whereas, the mean sedation score in morphine group at 30 minutes, 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours post operation were 0.84 ± 0.70, 0.46 ± 0.64, 0.08 ± 0.27 and 0.01 ± 0.11 respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean sedation score between the two groups at each duration of assessment (p>0.05). There were also no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus. This study indicates that PCA tramadol is suitable to be used as an alternative to PCA morphine in controlling pain following major surgery. The incidence of sedation, Dallfiea and pruritus were similar in the two groups.
- ItemA Study Of Burkholderia Pseudomallei K96243 Hypothetical Bpsl3393 Gene Product As A Putative Coa-Binding Protein(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2014-01)Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis. From the whole genomic comparison by using B. pseudomallei K96243 as reference genome, a total 48 genes were found specifically and common in B. pseudomallei strains. Amongst, the hypothetical gene, BPSL3393, was deduced to contain the CoA-binding motif based on its sequence analysis. However, this gene is still remaining as a putative gene where it is still functionally uncharacterized. The objective of this study is to elucidate the biological function of gene BPSL3393 in B. pseudomallei K96243. An unmarked deletion mutant of gene BPSL3393 was constructed by using pDM4 suicidal vector. This vector employed catR, chloramphenicol resistant gene as the selection marker and sacB, levansucrase gene as the counter-selection marker. The biochemical profiles of ΔBPSL3393 mutant and wild type strains were determined by using th Biolog GN2 MicroPlateTM system. The ΔBPSL3393 mutant showed significant reduction in 2-aminoethanol utilization as compared to wild type. Apart from this, the ΔBPSL3393 mutant also has shown some physiological difference as compared to wild type. The ΔBPSL3393 mutant aggregated at the exponential phase in M9 minimal media whereas the wild type did not. Thus, further study is needed to characterize this ΔBPSL3393 mutant and to uncover its biological role.