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.

“Any doctoral thesis or academic work owned by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) that is downloaded through its official platforms shall not be shared, distributed, printed, or reproduced in any form to third parties without explicit written permission from USM. Any breach of this condition constitutes a violation of institutional intellectual property rights and may result in disciplinary action, legal proceedings, or revocation of academic credentials, depending on the severity of the offence.”

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  • Publication
    Design Strategy Guidelines For Processed Food Micro, Small, And Medium Entrepreneur In Bandung, Indonesia
    (2025-08)
    Prabawa, Bijaksana
    The role of design has evolved significantly in the business context. Previous studies have shown how design, through innovation and brand strengthening, can play a significant role in enhancing a company's competitiveness. However, the strategic use of design to enhance the competitiveness of micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in the processed food industry faces many challenges. Limited design knowledge and a lack of understanding of the use of design in business strategy are among them. This situation makes it difficult for processed food MSMEs in Bandung Regency to compete with the established brands. Thus, this study aims to identify the internal capabilities of MSMEs in integrating design into their business processes, analyze design opportunities in the processed food industry, and present applicable design strategy guidelines for MSMEs. Using a phenomenological paradigm qualitative descriptive approach based on the design strategy framework, this study aims to fully understand the external and internal elements of MSMEs. Data gathering consisted of questionnaires, interviews, document studies, and observations. NVivo's thematic analysis and Gillian Rose's method-based visual analysis were employed in the data study. The resulting design strategy guidelines are expected to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs, benefiting both entrepreneurs and other stakeholders involved.
  • Publication
    Production Of Polyhydroxybutyrate (Phb) From Biomass Of Scenedesmus Sp. By Priestia Megaterium
    (2025-08)
    Hussain, Azieyati Hani
    The high cost of carbon substrate for microbial production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) currently remained as one of the obstacles in the industry, hampering the transition of conventional plastic to bioplastics. To address this situation, the biomass of Scenedesmus sp. was investigated as an alternative carbon substrate for PHB production by Priestia megaterium. First, carbohydrate content from biomass of Scenedesmus sp. was extracted using hydrothermal dilute-acid pretreatment. Among different H2SO4 concentration, temperature and treatment duration that were studied, it was found that pretreatment with 4% (v/v) H2SO4 at temperature of 105C for 30 min has released maximum total carbohydrate and total sugar of 10.66% (w/w) ± 0.05 and 8.11% (w/w) ± 0.08, respectively. Then, the growth of P. megaterium and the production of PHB in medium using sugar hydrolysate from Scenedesmus sp. (PM-MH) was evaluated for 120 h and compared to medium using glucose (PM-GLU). The maximum CDW of P. megaterium in PM-MH was 3.41 g/L, and total sugar consumed was 83.78%, which were comparable to PM-GLU (3.56 g/L, 75.7%). However, PHB yield in PM-MH was lower than PM-GLU, with value of 0.74 g/L and 1.51 g/L, respectively. Lastly, the properties of PHB produced from PM-MH (PHB-MH) was characterized and compared to the commercial PHB (PHB-C). FTIR analysis of PHB-MH confirmed the presence of functional groups unique to PHB, meanwhile DSC analysis result revealed the melting point (Tm) of PHB-MH to be 153.45°C, which is lower compared to PHB-C. All these findings demonstrate the potential use of microalgae as alternative carbon source in the production of PHB.
  • Publication
    Sedimentology, Depositional Environment, And Ancient Relative Sea-Level Fluctuations For Paleozoic Sedimentary Outcrops In Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia
    (2025-07)
    Abdul Rahman, Aqillah
    This study investigates the sedimentology, depositional environments, and ancient sea-level fluctuations of Paleozoic sedimentary formations on Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Despite Langkawi’s significance as a Paleozoic outcrop locality, there remains a gap in understanding the detailed relationship between its facies, depositional environments, and ancient sea-level changes. Furthermore, although Fischer plots are valuable tools for illustrating relative sea-level changes, existing methods often lack accessibility and suitability for diverse datasets, particularly in field-based stratigraphic studies. Utilizing an integrated approach that combines fieldwork, petrographic analyses, Fischer plot modeling, and sequence stratigraphy, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of the sedimentary and tectonic history of the study area. The study aims to delineate relative sea-level changes and their relationship with depositional environments, offering insights into regional and global geological processes. Fifteen distinct facies and microfacies (F1-F15) were identified, reflecting depositional settings such as foreshore, shoreface, offshore, tidal flats, glaciomarine and carbonate ramps.
  • Publication
    A Comparative Study Of Sanskrit Loanwords In Standard Thai And Patani Malay Languages
    (2025-07)
    Songkhla, Angsana Na
    This study investigates Sanskrit loanwords in Thai and Patani Malay as a result of the spread of Indianization in Southeast Asia (Thepa & Saengpare, 2022; Halimshah, 2019). Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's biggest and most ethnically varied nations. Thailand is a multilingual nation, home to more than 70 minority languages (Premsrirat & Burarungrot, 2021). Among these is Patani Malay, which is spoken by Thai Malays in the southernmost regions (Sisamouth, 2017). There are no studies focusing on the comparison between both languages (Chaipunya, 2018). On that account, the aims of this study were to find out the proportion of Sanskrit words in Thai and Patani Malay and to investigate the phonetic and semantic similarity and difference of Sanskrit loanwords in both languages.
  • Publication
    Developing A Turn-Based Strategy Game To Introduce The History Of The Majapahit Kingdom For Generation Z In Indonesia
    (2025-07)
    Yongkie, Angkawijaya
    The diminishing interest of Indonesian Gen Z in local culture and traditions poses a significant threat to national unity, as it fosters a lack of knowledge, kinship, and empathy among the youth. This study investigates the factors contributing to this cultural disengagement, evaluates the effectiveness of media in promoting cultural learning, and explores gamification as an innovative solution.
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  • Item
    Synthesis And Evaluation Of Silica Particles From Rice Husk For Fabrication Of Dental Nanohybrid Composites
    (Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2015-10)
    Noushad, Mohammed
    The objective of this study was to synthesize silica particles from rice husk with ideal characteristics, like spherical shape, low surface area and wide particle size distribution, for use as fillers in dental composites. The silica was leached in to a solution of NaOH to form sodium silicate. The silica was synthesized from sodium silicate solution using a simple acid precipitation technique. Several parameters were tested to obtain silica particles with ideal characteristics for use as fillers in dental composites. These included the effect of various precipitating acids and solvents, effect of dilution of sodium silicate solution, mixing speed, feed rate and various concentrations of solvents. It was possible to obtain spherical silica particles with a BET surface area of 30 m2/g and a mean diameter of 261nm. The silica particles were modified using a coupling agent, 3--(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate. The silica surface was successfully modified using a very simple technique and was characterized using FTIR and NMR studies. Dental composites with two different filler/matrix ratios (EC1: 40/60 and EC2: 50/50) were fabricated from the surface modified nanohybrid silica, followed by mechanical properties testing, which included flexural strength, flexural modulus, compressive strength, Vickers’ hardness and surface roughness tests. Although both experimental dental composites showed promising results, EC2 exhibited better test values. EC2 showed a flexural strength of 106.6 MPa, flexural modulus of 6.2 GPA, compressive strength of 190.6 MPa, Vickers’ hardness of 38.66 HV1 and surface roughness of 0.057 Ra which are comparable with a commercial dental composite. Biocompatibility of the silica particles and EC2 were tested using cytotoxicity studies on human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells using the MTT assay. The silica particles were non-cytotoxic at all the concentrations tested. The results for experimental dental composite showed that it was moderately cytotoxic only at the highest tested concentrations, which is in agreement with several other studies. The results indicate that rice husk, which is an agricultural waste, is a good and inexpensive source of silica for potential use as fillers in dental composites.
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    A cross sectional study of the proximal femur morphology of the normal malay population using computed tomography images (scanogram) at HUSM
    (Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2008)
    Dzuraimy, Ismail
    A cross sectional study on the morphometry of proximal femur in Malay patients who were treated in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Objectives To quantify the proximal femur dimensions in Malay patients, to compare the parameters between male and female patients and to determine the correlation between the parameters. Summary of the Background Data Previous studies have shown a significantly smaller proximal femur parameters in the Asian population compared to Caucasian population. Currently used proximal femur implants size were based on Caucasian studies. However, due to the smaller size of proximal femur in Asian population, improvement in the design of implant are required to optimize component fixation and to restore the normal biomechanics of the hip joint. Methods Proximal femoral bones were studied in 140 patients ( 70 male and 70 female ) who had undergone computerized tomographic scan for various pelvic pathology but with normal proximal femur morphology. The age range was between 18 to 80 years old. The VII following parameters were studied : 1) Femoral neck shaft angle, 2) Femoral head diameter, 3) Femoral neck isthmus diameter, 4) Vertical offset of femur, 5) Horizontal offset of femur. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using independent T -test to determine the differences between male and female patients. The mean of all the parameters of current study were compared with published Western and Asian studies using one sample T -test. Significant differences for all the statistical test were set at p < 0.05. Results There were significant differences between male and female patients in femoral head diameter, femoral neck isthmus diameter, vertical offset and horizontal offset. However, there was no significant difference in neck shaft angle. Female patients have significantly smaller dimensions in all the parameters measured except for neck shaft angle which was larger. When the observations in the current study was compared to radiographic study by Sugano et al and Noble et al, significant differences were found in head diameter, neck isthmus diameter, vertical offset and neck shaft angle. The head diameter, neck isthmus diameter and vertical offset of the current study were significantly smaller compared to their study. However the neck shaft angle of the current study was significantly larger than their study. Vlll Conclusions The current study have shown that the proximal femur morphometry of Malay population was smaller compared to Caucasian and Thai population.
  • Publication
    Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine : A meta-analysis
    (2022)
    Sazali, Suhairul
    Objective To determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for reduction the severity, frequency of migraine attacks and duration of headache in adult patients with migraine. Design Systematic review and meta- analysis. Data sources Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO) from inception till December 2019. Study selection All randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing CoQ10 with placebo or used as an adjunct treatment included in this meta-analysis. Crossover designs and controlled clinical trials (CCT) were excluded. Data synthesis Heterogeneity at face value by comparing populations, settings, interventions and outcomes were measured and statistical heterogeneity was assessed by means of the I2 statistic. The treatment effect for dichotomous outcomes were using risk ratios (RRs) and risk difference (RD), and for continuous outcomes, mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean difference (SMD); both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used. Subgroup analyses were carried out for dosage of CoQ10 and if CoQ10 combined with another supplementation. Sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the impact risk of bias for sequence generation and allocation concealment of included studies. Results Six studies with a total of 371 participants were included in meta-analysis. There is no statistically significant reduction in severity of migraine headache with CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 supplementation reduced the duration of headache attacks compared to the control group (mean difference -0.19, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.11; random effects; I2 statistic = 0%; P < 0.00001). CoQ10 usage reduced the frequency of migraine headache compared to the control group (MD -1.52, 95% CI -2.40 to -0.65; random effects; I2 statistic = 0%; P = <0.001). Conclusion CoQ10 appears to have beneficial effects in reducing duration and frequency of migraine attack.
  • Publication
    Emotion recognition in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typical development with exploratory observation on comorbid case
    (2025-08)
    Ni, Chee Hui
    Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and comorbid ASD + ADHD often exhibit challenges in emotion recognition, which can impact social functioning. This study aimed to investigate the unique and shared emotion recognition profiles of children with ASD, ADHD, ASD + ADHD, and typically developing (TD) peers. A total of 17 children (15 males, 2 females; mean age = 9 years) participated, including 5 with ASD, 6 with ADHD, 1 with comorbid ASD + ADHD, and 5 TD children. Using a two-phase methodology, Phase 1 involved translation, cultural adaptation, and pilot testing of a screening questionnaire - selected modules from the Autism-Tics, ADHD, and other Comorbidities Inventory (A-TAC) used in phase 2 to categorize participants into diagnostic groups. Phase 2 utilized computerized experimental tasks, including a Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) task and Affective Prosody (AP) task, to assess and compare visual and auditory emotion recognition abilities across the groups. Given recruitment constraints, the initial 4 × 2 factorial design was adapted, and analyses were conducted using ANOVA, ANCOVA, and regression to examine group and modality effects while accounting for age and FSIQ. Findings revealed no significant group-level differences in overall emotion recognition accuracy. However, across conditions, children performed significantly better in visual than in auditory emotion recognition, highlighting a consistent modality effect. This suggests that visual cues, particularly facial expressions, may represent a relative strength, whereas auditory prosody presents greater challenges across groups. These results imply that interventions may be more effective when they build on visual strengths while providing targeted support for auditory processing difficulties. The absence of strong diagnostic or cognitive predictors further underscores the potential value of shared, transdiagnostic approaches to intervention, rather than disorder-specific models. Future research should prioritize larger and more balanced samples to clarify the impact of comorbidity and individual variability on emotion recognition profiles.
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    White-Matter Lesion Segmentation In Brain Mri Using Adaptive Trimmed Mean Approach
    (Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011-06)
    Ong, Kok Haur
    White Matter (WM) lesions are diffuse white matter abnormalities, that appear as hyperintense (bright) regions in cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). WM lesions are often observed in older population and are important indicators of stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia and other brain-related disorders. Manual detection of WM lesions is laborious and the currently adopted visual scoring approaches for lesion grading is very subjective. In this thesis, a new approach for automated WM Lesions Segmentation is presented. In the proposed approach, the presence of WM lesions is detected as outliers in the intensity distribution of the Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) MR images using an Adaptive Outlier Detection technique. Outliers are detected using a novel adaptive Trimmed Mean and Box-Whisker Plots. In addition, the approach includes pre and post-processing steps to reduce False Positives attributed to MRI artefacts commonly observed in FLAIR sequences. The proposed approach is validated using the cranial MRI sequences of 38 subjects. A significant correlation (R=0:8506;P=3:94x10􀀀6) is observed between automated approach and manual visual scoring (Age-related White Matter Changes Scale). The accuracy of the proposed approach was further validated by comparing the lesion volumes computes using the automated approach and lesions manually segmented by an expert radiologist. The proposed approach is also compared against leading lesion segmentation algorithms using a benchmark dataset.