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- PublicationAssociation between stress and eating behaviours among female undergraduates in Universiti Sains Malaysia, school of health sciences(2026-06)University life represents a critical period for health science students, who are frequently exposed to intense academic and clinical pressures. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between stress and eating behaviours among 108 female undergraduates at the School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). Findings revealed that 85.2% of the participants experienced moderate levels of stress. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between total stress scores and Food Responsiveness, Satiety Responsiveness, and Emotional Undereating (p < 0.05). Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated no statistically significant differences in stress levels or eating behaviours based on age, ethnicity, or year of study, suggesting that the academic environment acts as a shared psychological experience for this population. In conclusion, moderate stress is a pervasive experience that influences dietary responses regardless of demographic background. These results highlight an urgent need for the university to implement continuous, campus-wide stress management interventions and to ensure the availability of accessible, nutritious food options to mitigate the negative impact of academic pressure on student well-being.
- PublicationThe association between sociodemographic factors, mindful eating and body shape dissatisfaction among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, health campus(2026-06)Body shape dissatisfaction is an increasingly important issue among university students as it may affect psychological well-being and eating behaviours. Mindful eating, which emphasises awareness of hunger, satiety, emotions, and eating experiences, has been suggested as a potential factor influencing body image perceptions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between sociodemographic factors, mindful eating, and body shape dissatisfaction among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 undergraduate students selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic information, the Malay Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-M), and the Body Shape Questionnaire-34 (BSQ-34). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 30.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe respondents’ characteristics, while Chi-square tests were used to determine the associations between the study variables. The findings showed that the mean total MEQ-M score was 2.61 ± 0.22, indicating a moderate level of mindful eating among respondents. Most respondents reported no concern regarding body shape dissatisfaction (49.5%). There was no significant association between gender (p = 0.784), age category (p = 0.570), and ethnicity (p = 0.193) with body shape dissatisfaction. In addition, no significant association was found between mindful eating level and body shape dissatisfaction (p = 0.279). In conclusion, undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus) demonstrated a moderate level of mindful eating and a relatively low level of body shape dissatisfaction. Sociodemographic factors and mindful eating level were not significantly associated with body shape dissatisfaction in this study
- PublicationAssociation between the usage of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) and sociodemographic factors among hemodialysis patients in HPUSM(2026)Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is frequently utilized by patients with chronic diseases to support recovery and self-care, including those undergoing hemodialysis. Although T&CM is often used to support well-being and symptom management, its use among hemodialysis patients may raise clinical concerns, particularly regarding safety, treatment interactions, and the unsupervised use of herbal products or dietary supplements. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T&CM usage, types, and reasons for T&CM use, and to examine its association with sociodemographic factors among hemodialysis patients at HPUSM. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 85 hemodialysis patients selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics, prevalence, types, and reasons for T&CM use, while the Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact test were used to examine associations between variables. The findings showed that 60.0% of participants had used T&CM, with most users reporting use before initiating dialysis. Herbal medicine (45.1%) was the most commonly used type of T&CM, followed by dietary supplements (39.2%), cupping therapy (37.3%), and massage (35.3%). The main reasons for using T&CM were to increase confidence (49.0%), to treat kidney disease directly using traditional medicine (41.2%), to improve physical well-being (33.3%), and to boost the body’s ability to treat other illnesses (31.4%). However, no significant association was found between T&CM use and sociodemographic factors or the presence of comorbidities. This study indicates that T&CM use is common among hemodialysis patients in HPUSM. The findings highlight the need for open communication, culturally sensitive patient education, and routine assessment of T&CM use in clinical care to promote safer patient management.
- PublicationDesign Strategy Guidelines For Processed Food Micro, Small, And Medium Entrepreneur In Bandung, Indonesia(2025-08)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.
- PublicationProduction Of Polyhydroxybutyrate (Phb) From Biomass Of Scenedesmus Sp. By Priestia Megaterium(2025-08)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 105C 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.
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- ItemSynthesis And Evaluation Of Silica Particles From Rice Husk For Fabrication Of Dental Nanohybrid Composites(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2015-10)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.
- ItemA 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)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.
- PublicationCoenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine : A meta-analysis(2022)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.
- PublicationEmotion recognition in children with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typical development with exploratory observation on comorbid case(2025-08)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.
- ItemWhite-Matter Lesion Segmentation In Brain Mri Using Adaptive Trimmed Mean Approach(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011-06)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=3:94x106) 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.