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- Publication3D-CT craniofacial morphometry among Malay down syndrome and normal subjects in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia(2018-05)Al-Shammari, Haider Ali HasanThis is the first three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) study, as far as the author is aware, of the craniofacial morphology of Malay Down Syndrome (DS) subjects. This information is intended to increase understanding of the DS quantitative phenotypic features in order to improve the strategies required with the management of these patients. To study the size of the craniofacial structure which include linear and angular measurements in Malay DS subjects and to compare them with normal subjects. Additionally, sexual dimorphism and age differences of both the DS and normal subjects were also investigated. This is a cross sectional 3D-CT study on 240 Malays (Normal = 180, DS = 60) aged between 0 to 35 years old. The initial 2D formats were then reconstructed into 3D utilising Mimics V17.0 software. Linear and angular dimensions of craniofacial structures were measured for each subject using consistent landmark definitions. Comparisons were made between DS and normal subjects, between the males and females and among selected age groups. The selected ages are children (0 to 6 years), pre-adolescents (7 to 12 years), adolescents (13 to 20 years) and adults (21 to 35 years). High reliability of the examiner in carrying out the measurements was detected with ICC values in the range of 0.8 to 1. Generally, each craniofacial region showed unique growth pattern as observed from infancy to adulthood. Most of craniofacial measurements in DS subjects showed smaller values than normal from infancy to adulthood. Sexual This is the first three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) study, as far as the author is aware, of the craniofacial morphology of Malay Down Syndrome (DS) subjects. This information is intended to increase understanding of the DS quantitative phenotypic features in order to improve the strategies required with the management of these patients. To study the size of the craniofacial structure which include linear and angular measurements in Malay DS subjects and to compare them with normal subjects. Additionally, sexual dimorphism and age differences of both the DS and normal subjects were also investigated. This is a cross sectional 3D-CT study on 240 Malays (Normal = 180, DS = 60) aged between 0 to 35 years old. The initial 2D formats were then reconstructed into 3D utilising Mimics V17.0 software. Linear and angular dimensions of craniofacial structures were measured for each subject using consistent landmark definitions. Comparisons were made between DS and normal subjects, between the males and females and among selected age groups. The selected ages are children (0 to 6 years), pre-adolescents (7 to 12 years), adolescents (13 to 20 years) and adults (21 to 35 years). High reliability of the examiner in carrying out the measurements was detected with ICC values in the range of 0.8 to 1. Generally, each craniofacial region showed unique growth pattern as observed from infancy to adulthood. Most of craniofacial measurements in DS subjects showed smaller values than normal from infancy to adulthood. Sexual dimorphism was observed for linear and angular variables in both DS and normal subjects. The number of variables that showed sexual dimorphism increased from infancy to adulthood. Differences in size between males and females were not obvious during infancy as only a few variables showed significant differences. During preadolescent and adolescent stages, only some of the variables showed significant size differences between the sexes. Sexual dimorphism in the craniofacial region was most evident during adulthood with more variables displaying significant differences between the sexes. The majority of the craniofacial variables increased in size significantly from birth to 35 years of age in both DS and normal subjects. This study provides comprehensive description of the craniofacial dimensions of Malay DS subjects. This study has generated craniofacial reference data for DS and some additional normal data. These reference data is hoped to facilitate management of Malay DS subjects. Moreover, these information could also help maxillofacial, orthognathic, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, orthodontists, medico-legal experts and forensic scientists to perform objective and quantitative management, decide treatment strategies and assessment of treatment outcome. In addition, the size of craniofacial structures showed sexual dimorphism at most age categories. Gender consideration should be taken into account in clinical assessment and procedures which may affect the craniofacial complex. Furthermore, quantification based on 3D data provides new insights into craniofacial growth changes and morphology compared with conventional 2D approaches.
- Publication8 Bit Cmos Hybrid Digital-To-Analog Converter For Bluetooth Low Energy Application(2019-03)Rosli, AliaIn the bluetooth low energy implementation, the digital-to-analog converters act as the bridge gap between digital signal processing chips, and power amplifiers that transmit analog signals. This thesis presents the design of a hybrid Digital-lo-Analog Converter( DAC) intended for RF transmitter in 2.45 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) application by using CMOS 180 nm technology. The hybrid DAC design strategy is based on iterative scheme whose variables are adjusted in a simple way, minimizing the power consumption as well as area and also meeting the design specifications.
- PublicationA 11-year review of emergency obstetric hysterectomy (eoh) in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan January 2007 – December 2017(2020)Hashim, Noor Adibah Hanum CheIntroduction: Emergency obstetric hysterectomy (EOH) is one of the life saving procedure performed in cases of intractable hemorrhage due to uterine atony, rupture uterus and placental disorders and it is usually reserved for the situations where conservative measures fail to control the hemorrhage. It is sometimes associated with both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, indications, maternal and perinatal outcome associated with emergency obstetric hysterectomy in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A retrospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetric & Gynaecology in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) for 11 years from January 2007 until December 2017 involving a total of 43 women who underwent emergency obstetric hysterectomy. The records of all cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy were analyzed included patient profile, obstetric history, details of present labour, indications for obstetric hysterectomy and the fetomaternal morbidity and mortality associated with emergency obstetric hysterectomy. Results: Among 79,777 deliveries, there were 43 cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy, giving the prevalence of emergency obstetric hysterectomy was 0.29 per 1000 deliveries. Maternal demographic characteristics showed that mean age was 36 years old in caesarean hysterectomy group while mean age for postpartum hysterectomy group was 33 years old. The most common parity group encountered in emergency obstetric hysterectomy was para two to para five. Whether or not women underwent prior uterine surgery was investigated and 30 women (69.77%) had history of previous caesarean section. Of the 30 women with an obstetric history of caesarean delivery, 15 (50%) had more than two caesarean deliveries. Placenta accreta was the most common indication for emergency obstetric hysterectomy (30 women, 69.8%) followed by uterine atony (10 women, 23.3%), uterine rupture (2 women, 4.7%) and extended tear (1 woman, 2.3%). Futhermore, about 93.33% (28 out of 30 patients) with adherent placenta had history of caesarean section prior. No maternal mortality reported in this study. The most significant maternal complications postoperatively include coagulopathy (12 out of 43 women), where 27.91% required massive transfusion protocol, followed with re-laparotomy (4 women, 9.3%), and febrile illness (3 women, 6.98%). Most of the babies were born with good Apgar score. The perinatal complication include perinatal death, 2 out of 43 babies, 4.65% were fresh stillbirth were both cases were referred to our center for abruptio placenta. Conclusions: Caesarean section, especially repeat caesarean sections in women with placenta previa and uterine atony, significantly increased the risks of emergency obstetric hysterectomy. Emergency obstetric hysterectomy is safe with reduce complications compared to before with advancement of obstetric care and good clinical practice. Early decision to perform emergency obstetric hysterectomy is essential before the patient’s condition deteriorates
- PublicationA 4-week internal training load monitoring and fatigue responses of malaysian under-18 rugby players during competitive season(2018-08)Azis, Muhamad Fakhrul HakimMonitoring internal training loads using session ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) has been used extensively to manage fatigue and to optimise sports performance in athletes but none was reported in Malaysian athletes. Accurate monitoring of internal training loads could assist coaches in the adjustment of training, mode, intensity and duration during the competitive season. This study was to quantify the internal training loads (training load, monotony and strain) and fatigue and to identify the correlation of internal loads on fatigue responses of Malaysian under-18 rugby players for 4-weeks during competitive season. Thirty eight male participants of the study, aged from 16-18 years old, were recruited among the students from the Kolej Vokasional Pengkalan Chepa (N=38). The research variables of this study were collected in four weeks prior to their competition. After 90 minutes of every training session, they were asked to rate their training session using the RPE scale. Then, the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI)-Short form were administered once per week at the end of their training session for 4 weeks. The participants were trained five days per week as per coach’s training programme, hence the total number of days of data collection were 20 days. The types of training consisted of cardiovascular, strength, power and tactical. All data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2013. Statistical analyses was performed using IBM SPSS version 24.0. All data are presented as mean �} standard deviation (SD) in descriptive statistics. The statistical analysis used in this study was repeated measure ANOVA. The statistical significance was set 0.05. Pearson correlation at p was used to analyse the relationship between internal training load variables and MFSI. Results showed that the training load in week 4 (2594.00 �} 2.30) was significantly higher compared to week 1 (2388.55 �} 343.87), week 2 (2284.34 �} 411.41) and week 3 (2218.42 �} 521.63). Monotony in week 4 was higher (1.70 �} 3.13) compared to week 3 (1.43 �} 0.44). The mean of monotony in week 2 was higher (1.60 �} 0.35) than week 1 (1.49 �} 0.09). Strain increased in week 2 was higher (3728.44 �} 1228.51) compared to week 1 (3605.57 �} 653.51). In week 3, the mean strain decreased (3354.59 �} 1810.58) and increased in week 4 (4145.66 �} 306.38). In training load, monotony, strain and the total score of fatigue (TSF) correlation, the result showed that training load increased with moderate correlations to TSF (r=0.342; r=0.402; r=0.469). In monotony (r=354; r=0.371; i=0.421) and strain (r=0.343; r=0.383; r=0.446), there were also moderate correlation to TSF. The results obtained in this study will help the coaches and trainers to develop an effective training programme in order to maximise their athlete’s performance, reduce fatigue and subsequently prevent injuries.
- PublicationA 5-year review of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse following pelvic reconstructive surgeries in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah.(2020)Recurrent pelvic organ prolapse after primary pelvic reconstructive surgery is common with recurrence rate 29-34%. The study was carried out to determine the local prevalence of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to determine the associated factors for its recurrence following primary pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS). It was a retrospective observational study which was carried out at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu involving all patient who underwent PRS between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2015. Case notes were review and patients who had recurrent POP more or equal to grade 2 Baden-Walker System within two years of the operation were included. A total of 125 patients were involved. The prevalence of recurrent POP following primary PRS in studied population was 24.8%. The association between each related variable towards recurrent POP was examined. However, no variables were found to be significant at the end. The prevalence of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse in HSNZ was 24.8% within two years interval between primary operation and recurrence. There were no significant risk factors identified to be associated with the recurrence in the studied population. However, the age was the nearest factor that influence recurrence of POP.
- PublicationA Case Control Study To Determine The Association Of Blood Groups And Allergic Rhinitis(2022-08)Chai Hui YiThe primary objective is to discover the association between ABO/rhesus blood groups and allergic rhinitis. Also, this study aimed to find out the association of demographic factors (gender and races) of patients and ABO blood groups.
- PublicationA combination of methodology building for multi-layer feed-forward neural network (MLFF) and linear modeling: an application in biometry modeling(2024-01)Jusoff, Muhammad Khairan ShazuanBiostatistics, also known as biometry, is a field of statistics that focuses on the application of statistical methods to the field of biomedicine and health sciences. Biostatistics can assist researchers and healthcare professionals in identifying risk factors, evaluating intervention effectiveness and many more. However, biostatistics has not been entirely embraced by medical professionals due to several reasons. One of the main reasons is that the medical field is challenging, and maintaining a high level of accuracy is critical. In addition, many previous studies focused on individual modeling technique that has limited ability to capture the dynamic and complexities in the medical field. This study aims to develop a biometry model that combines several statistical techniques, namely bootstrap, Multi-Layer Feed-Forward Neural Network (MLFF) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). This study will propose two distinct models: (i) Hybrid MLFF-MLR model with case resampling and (ii) Hybrid MLFF-MLR model without case resampling. The two models will be compared using the Mean Square Error of Neural Network (MSE.net) and the Mean Square Error of the Linear Model (MSE.lm). The model with lower MSE.net and MSE.lm values will be deemed superior. The analysis results from both models show that the hybrid MLFF-MLR model with case resampling yields a more accurate output. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the potential of biometry modeling and can be a reference for future researchers in the same field.
- PublicationA comparative study of haemodynamic effects between two different doses of oxytocin in lower segment caesarian section under spinal anaesthesia.(2012-05)Zainudin, AsmahA comparative study of haemodynamic effects between two different doses of oxytocin in lower segment caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. There is always a discussion within the obstetric anaesthesia community about the correct dose of oxytocin and its method of administration. Oxytocin may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia and hypotension, whereas an inadequate dose can result in increased uterine bleeding. We compared the effects of two doses of oxytocin in a randomised doubleblind trial. Seventy patients undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section received an intravenous bolus of either 10 unit or 2 unit of oxytocin after cord clamping. followed by oxytocin infusion 10 unit per hour. All patients received spinal anaesthesia. phenylephrine was used if the blood pressure fell more than 15% from the baseline. We compared changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, uterine tone, blood loss, additional usage of uterotonic drugs and emetic symptoms. There was a larger decrease in MAP in patients who received 10 unit, MD — 12.54 mmHg (15.1%), p value <0.0001 than in those who received 2 unit, MD= - 5.46 mmHg (7.1 %), p value = 0.023 There was a greater increase in mean heart rate in patients who received 10 unit , MD - +9.20 bpm (10.2%), p value <0.0001 than in those who received 2 unit , MD= -+8.23 bpm (9.5%), p value = 0.004. Maximum increase in HR was at 2 minutes (+15.57 bpm, 17.28%).The frequency of antiemetic use was higher after 10 unit (27.6%) than 2 unit (2.9%), (/?=0.042). There was no difference in blood loss, uterine tone, or request for additional uterotonic drugs in both groups. In elective lower segment caesarean under spinal anaesthesia with low risk for post-partum haemorrhage, a 2 unit bolus of oxytocin results in less haemodynamic changes than 10 unit, with less nausea and no difference in uterine tone, estimated blood loss and the need for additional uterotonics drugs.
- PublicationA Comparative study of haemodynamic effects between two different doses of oxytocin in lower segment caesarian section under spinal anaesthesia.(2012)Zainudin, AsmahA comparative study of haemodynamic effects between two different doses of oxytocin in lower segment caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. There is always a discussion within the obstetric anaesthesia community about the correct dose of oxytocin and its method of administration. Oxytocin may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia and hypotension, whereas an inadequate dose can result in increased uterine bleeding. We compared the effects of two doses of oxytocin in a randomised doubleblind trial. Seventy patients undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section received an intravenous bolus of either 10 unit or 2 unit of oxytocin after cord clamping. followed by oxytocin infusion 10 unit per hour. All patients received spinal anaesthesia. phenylephrine was used if the blood pressure fell more than 15% from the baseline. We compared changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, uterine tone, blood loss, additional usage of uterotonic drugs and emetic symptoms. There was a larger decrease in MAP in patients who received 10 unit, MD — 12.54 mmHg (15.1%), p value <0.0001 than in those who received 2 unit, MD= - 5.46 mmHg (7.1 %), p value = 0.023 There was a greater increase in mean heart rate in patients who received 10 unit , MD - +9.20 bpm (10.2%), p value <0.0001 than in those who received 2 unit , MD= -+8.23 bpm (9.5%), p value = 0.004. Maximum increase in HR was at 2 minutes (+15.57 bpm, 17.28%).The frequency of antiemetic use was higher after 10 unit (27.6%) than 2 unit (2.9%), (/?=0.042). There was no difference in blood loss, uterine tone, or request for additional uterotonic drugs in both groups. In elective lower segment caesarean under spinal anaesthesia with low risk for post-partum haemorrhage, a 2 unit bolus of oxytocin results in less haemodynamic changes than 10 unit, with less nausea and no difference in uterine tone, estimated blood loss and the need for additional uterotonics drugs.
- PublicationA Comprehensive Study On Microbial Activity And Lipids Extraction From Chicken By-Product Waste Via Supercritical Carbon Dioxide For Biodiesel Production(2022-02)Muhammad Khalish Mohammad IliasThere is an increasing concern on the safe disposal and sustainable utilization of chicken by-product waste to minimize adverse environmental impacts. The disposal of chicken by-product waste into the landfill leads to the release of antibiotics resistant bacteria into the environment. However, chicken by-product waste contains about 50% fat. The presence of the enormous volume of fat content (about 50 wt.%) in the chicken by-product waste indicates that it could be utilized as a potential low-cost feedstock for biodiesel production. In the present study, the supercritical CO2 (scCO2) technology was utilized to sterilize the chicken by-product waste to ensure safe handling for the subsequent processing towards sustainable utilization of the waste byproduct. The presence of bacteria in the chicken by-product waste and their antibiotics susceptibility were identified. The experimental conditions of scCO2 sterilization were optimized based on the inactivation of the antibiotics resistance bacteria in chicken byproduct waste using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum experimental conditions for the complete inactivation of the antibiotics resistance bacteria in sterilized chicken by-product waste were scCO2 pressure 18 MPa, temperature 60 oC, and treatment time 45 min. The supercritical CO2 (scCO2) extraction is employed to separate lipids from sterilized chicken by-product waste for biodiesel production. The experimental conditions of scCO2 separation were optimized based on the maximum separation lipids from chicken by-product waste using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
- PublicationA cross sectional study of ambulance response time using Ambulance Vehicle Locator and Global Integrating System (AVL-GIS), and the factors contributing to delayed ambulance response time at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.(2020)Asri, ZulailiThis study aims to determine ambulance response time in Kubang Kerian district, Kelantan, Malaysia using Ambulance Vehicle Locator and Global Integrating System (AVL-GIS) device and the factors associated with delayed response time. This was a 6-months prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at Emergency and Trauma Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. The possible factors identified to have caused delayed ambulance response time from previous literatures were included in this study. All prehospital cases from September 2017 until February 2018 attended to by AVL-GIS installed ambulances were included in this study. Data were obtained from the standardized prehospital Proforma forms and extracted from AVL-GIS using a GPS software. Simple and multiple logistic regression tests were used to determine the factors associated to delayed response time. The mean ambulance response time was 12 minutes. A total of 505 cases were included in this study in which 75% was recognized as delayed cases and 25% cases as non-delayed. Internal factors associated with delayed response time were found to be call duration (OR:1.67; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.05) and caller type in which calls from the public had higher odd of delayed response time as compared to calls received from Medical Emergency Call Centre (OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.59) and other emergency sectors (OR=0.16, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.34). For external factors, team allocation time (OR=1.57, 95% CI:1.32, 1.85), travelling time (OR=3.7, 95% CI: 2.82,4.85) and traffic condition (OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.90) were significantly associated with delayed ambulance response time. Conclusion This study concluded that type of caller, call duration, team allocation time, travelling time and traffic condition were found to be significant in affecting ambulance response time. Evaluation of each component contributing to delayed ambulance response time is needed for intervention to improve prehospital care in the future.
- PublicationA cross-sectional study to assess pattern in wrinkle formation in different age groups in female population in Kelantan(2018)IV, Zosimo Ken L. JimenoBackground Facial wrinkles encompasses superficial and mimetic wrinkles, and facial lines; formation of which are combined effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Quantitative study of facial wrinkles using photographic methods enables researchers to measure the amount of wrinkles on specific area, and in this case the face. The aim of this study is to determine the means of facial wrinkles in female population of different age groups in Kelantan. Methods A total of 168 women aged 20 to 48 years old, were recruited in this study based on convenience sampling. Subjects were divided equally into 3 age groups (later adolescence, early adulthood and middle adulthood). Digital photography of subject’s frontal view of face at zero degree was taken using device developed by OptoBioMed (Korea). Measurement of wrinkles at glabella, forehead and frontal face were calculated using provided software. Results Wrinkle formation was more marked at all assessed regions in the older age group (p<0.01). Glabella showed an area more affected than forehead. In each age cohort, the formation of wrinkles in glabella and forehead showed positive correlation (p<0.05, Pearson Correlation Test). Conclusion The results of this present study showed progressive increase of facial wrinkles, more significantly in the older age group. The formation of facial wrinkles was expected to progress simultaneously as shown by their positive correlation.
- PublicationA Five Year (2013-2017) Retrospective Study On The Data Of Laboratory Testing For Biocompatibility Of Medical Device Implant Registered With Malaysia Medical Device Authority(2021-11)Sunthara Murthi A/L AnamalaiThe study focused on the implantable medical devices which require most number of biocompatibility data. Data collection form reflecting the MeDC@St data entry pages is prepared to manually retrieve the deposited information for registration between July 2013 to December 2017, amounting to 1925 registration with some exceeds 100 pages content per registration.
- PublicationA Machine Learning Classification Approach To Detect Tls-Based Malware Using Entropy-Based Flow Set Features(2022-11)KinanAs internet encryption has grown to safeguard users’ privacy, malware has evolved to leverage encryption protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) to conceal its hazardous connections. The difficulty and impracticality of decrypting TLS network traffic before it reaches the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) has driven numerous research studies to focus on anomaly-based malware detection without decryption employing various features and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. Nonetheless, several of these studies used flow features with low feature importance value and poor capability to distinguish malicious flows, such as the number of packets sent and received in a flow or its duration. Furthermore, the outliers and frequency-based flow feature transformations (FTT) applied to mitigate the poor flow feature have several flaws. This thesis proposes a TLS-based malware detection (TLSMalDetect) approach based on ML classification to address flow feature utilization limitations in related work. TLSMalDetect includes periodicity-independent entropy-based flow set (EFS) features produced by an FFT technique. The efficiency of EFS features is assessed in two ways: (1) by comparing them to the relevant related work’s features of outliers and flow using four feature importance methods, and (2) by analyzing the classification performance in the scenarios with and without EFS features. This study also investigates TLSMalDetect detection performance using seven ML classification algorithms and identifies the one with the highest accuracy.
- PublicationA Model For The Fuzzy Front End Of New Product Development Process(2016-01)Abd Rahman, Md NizamIn general, New Product Development (NPD) methodology can be broken down into five phases, Strategic Planning. Idea Generation, Pretechnical Evaluation, Technical Development, and Commercialization. The first three steps are known as the front end and the last two are known as the back-end of the NPD methodology. The scope of this research work is limited to the first two steps of the NPD methodology, which are strategic planning and idea generation. The objectives of this research work are I) to piece together the various steps required in executing strategic planning process to ensure its effectiveness and 2) to define guidelines in selecting idea generation techniques that are suitable for a given set of conditions. Through analyzing case studies on thirty cornpapies that have been proven successful in NPD programs, the main factors that have significant impact on the success of NPD strategic planning process are verified and guidelines for selecting suitable idea generation techniques for a given set of conditions are developed.
- PublicationA novel moldless sintering porous titanium for dental post system: development, characterization and evaluation of mechanical properties(2022-08)Al-Hajj, Mohammed Nasser AhmedDifferent types of intraradicular posts are available to restore the endodontically-treated teeth. However, debonding of the post is still the main drawback till date. In this study, we developed a porous titanium dental post with porosity to increase the flexibility of the post, and with porous surface to improve the micro-interlocking with the luting cement. In the first part, pure titanium powder was mixed with wax binder (as space holder) in three different percentages (85%, 90%, and 95% wt. titanium powder). The samples were exposed to heating temperature through two phases. In the first phase (air heating), the samples were heated in an open-air environment for 2 hours (at 380◦C) to remove the wax binder. In the second phase, the samples were sintered in a tube furnace with argon environment for 10 hours (at 1100◦C) to complete the process. The samples were then characterized and tested to select the best mixture for further investigation. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed good roughness of the surface and thorough porosity of the structure, with better melting of the titanium particles in the 85% group. The energy dispersive X- ray spectrometry (EDX) analysis showed higher percentages of titanium within the material. The density values were close to the theoretical ones, and the porosity revealed good distribution with less than half of the volume (40%). The compressive and flexural strength tests revealed higher values of 85% group than other groups. The 85% group was then selected to fabricate the porous titanium post (PTP). In the second part, 96 extracted human teeth were collected to investigate the push-out bond strength of the porous post. Two different luting cements (RelyX U200TM 3M ESPE and ParaCore® Coltene Whaledent) were used and the roots were sectioned at the coronal and middle levels (3.00 ± 0.2 mm thickness). The push-out bond strength of the PTP was compared to other dental posts (Coltene Whaledent) namely commercially-pure titanium post (CTP) (ParaPost® XP), stainless steel post (SSP) (ParaPost® XP), and fiber glass post (FGP) (ParaPost® Fiber Lux). The push-out bond strength values of PTP were comparable to that of the other posts, with no significant differences (P> 0.05) in RelyX U200 group at both sections of the root. The adhesion of PTP was better than the other posts, with no prevalence of post-cement failure in PTP. FESEM images on the post-cement-dentin interface showed better adhesion of PTP to both types of cements, with no visible separating line between post and cement. The findings of this study provide a possibility to use the porous titanium post as alternative option for dental post systems.
- PublicationA pilot study of serum anti-müllerian hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship with insulin resistance, lipid profile and adiponectin(2018)Jun, Thien JunObjectives: This study was done to estimate the level of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to correlate serum AMH level with insulin resistance, lipid profile and adiponectin levels. Study design: This cross sectional study was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. Total of thirty (30) women (aged 18-40 years old) diagnosed with PCOS were recruited from patients attending gynaecology clinic between July 2016 and April 2017. Fasting venous blood sample were collected from all subjects. Serum AMH, insulin, adiponectin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and plasma glucose levels were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated based on homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The serum AMH level was estimated by using descriptive analysis and the correlation of serum AMH level with the metabolic parameters were analysed by using either Pearson correlation or Spearman correlation. Results: The median of serum AMH levels in women with PCOS was 6.8 ng/mL (IQR: 7.38 ng/mL). There was a significant negative correlation between serum AMH and HOMA-IR or triglycerides levels (r = -0.49, p = 0.006 and r = -0.55, p = 0.002, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between serum AMH and serum HDL-C or serum adiponectin levels (r = 0.56, p = 0.001 and r = 0.44, p = 0.014, respectively) in all study subjects. Conclusion: The serum AMH level in patients with PCOS is associated with HOMA-IR, triglycerides, HDL-C and adiponectin levels. Therefore, this pilot study suggested that AMH may be used as a potential cardiometabolic risk marker in women with PCOS.
- PublicationA pilot study on Pedsql™ modul impak keluarga among caregivers of children with transfusion dependant thalassaemia in Hospital USM, Malaysia.(2013)Tan, Suria Emilia Suhana OthmanThalassaemia is one of the commonest genetic blood disorders worldwide (Cao et al., v v Approximately 240 million people are heterozygous for [3-thalassaemia and estimated 200.000 affected homozygous are born each year(Cao et al., 2007). In Malaysia, it was estimated that around 150 to 350 babies were born with thalassaemia each year (Ismail et al., 2006). A child with beta thalassemia usually is well at birth, but they will develop progressive anemia due to partial or total absence in hemoglobin, which will lead to early death without blood transfusion. In those who survive, the condition imposes serious implications on their health and quality of life as well as their families. Parents of children with transfusion dependant thalassaemia need to accompany their child for monthly blood transfusion in which they usually spend the whole day in the hospital. The children need to come in the morning for blood investigations to check for hemoglobin level and blood cross match and then, they need to wait for the blood products to be available. Usually, this process takes about two to three hours but it may be prolonged if there is a problem with the children's blood. For example, if the children develop autoantibodies towards the red blood cell, the blood bank needs to do further test to find the most suitable blood for the child. It may take another one or two days depending on the availability of blood and severity of the autoantibodies. Thus, the parents need to bring the child home first and then bring back the child to the hospital once the blood is ready. For the uncomplicated situation, the children need to wait for two to three hours for blood cross matching and then only the blood transfusion can be started. The duration for each transfusion usually takes about 4 hours. The children also need frequent iron chelation therapy in order to reduce the impact of transfusion-related toxicity due to iron overload. This iron chelation therapy is available in subcutaneous and oral form. Unfortunately, this therapy also has its own adverse effects and limitations that contribute to noncompliance to the drugs. Patient who does not comply to iron chelation therapy often develop various complications such as cardiomyopathy, endocrinopathy, infection, coagulopathy, liver toxicity and others that might compromising the child and family quality of life further. Currently, only successful hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can offer a permanent cure but it is limited by HLA-matched sibling donor and procedure related complication (Cheuk et al., 2008). Thus, parents of these children are exposed to protracted physical and emotional suffering because of their children’s devastating health problem leading to disruption of their normal psychosocial life. Previous literature has mainly focused on assessing health-related quality of life in children with beta thalassaemia but less is known about their parents and families (Ismail et al., 2006; Dahlui et al., 2009; Clarke et al., 2010). Findings of studies conducted elsewhere might not be the reflection of true Malaysian due to difference in their ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic background of the family. Therefore, this study was conducted to look at the impact of having a child with beta thalassaemia on the parents’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family functioning in Kelantan.
- PublicationA Postcolonial Analysis Of Advertisements In The British North Borneo Herald(2022-07)Abdul Rahim, AnisNow known as Sabah, North Borneo was under the British administration from 1881 until 1963. The British North Borneo Herald was published by The British North Borneo (Chartered) Company and circulated from 1883 until 1941. This study discussed the relationship between advertising, consumerism, and text production by utilising The British North Borneo Herald advertisements. The objectives of this research are to examine the meanings of the text in the selected colonial advertisements found in The British North Borneo Herald; to ascertain the ideology of consumerism in the selected colonial advertisements found in The British North Borneo Herald in a colonial environment, and to study the relationship between the ideology of consumerism and the production of text through Eagleton’s Materialist Criticism. Thirty-four advertisements, published between 1937-1941, were selected based on four criteria: the advertisements must have both visual and body copy; the advertisements were selected from the last five years of The British North Borneo Herald publication; the products advertised were originated from Britain and its allies, and the advertisements chosen promote essential and luxury products. Two types of analysis were utilised for this study: social semiotic analysis (Halliday’s Transitivity Model (2004) and Kress and van Leeuwen’s Grammar of Visual Design (1996/2006)) and Marxist analysis (Eagleton’s Materialist Criticism (1978)). Based on the semiotic analysis on 34 advertisements, there are three categories of needs and desires: health, lifestyle, and relationship.
- PublicationA preliminary study of colorimetric nanoparticle evaluation of adulterated Simulated urine for amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) abuse testing(2023-09)Majeed, Masar IbrahemDrug abuse is a serious and widespread problem, and urine testing is considered one of the most used methods to detect drug abuse, but as evidenced by the history of people who have been referred to forensic laboratories, the use of cleaning powders, bases and their components, birth control pills, or aspirin pills to change Drug analysis results, because it is believed that these substances will affect the urine screening test, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of these substances on common colorimetric laboratory tests (UDSTs) and to use colorimetric detection of unmodified gold nanoparticles to detect false negative results. In this study, a drug screening test strip (commonly performed on urine samples using immunoassays) will be screened using urine positive for amphetaminetype stimulants (ATS) and verifying the authenticity of the sample and the presence of ATS in the sample after addition of counterfeits using thin layer chromatography method. A method was used to screen false negative results with less effort and time than the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method using nanoparticle techniques of unmodified gold, the effect of eleven common types of adulteration was studied. Acetic acid, citric acid, hydroxide, hypochlorite based bleach, Pyridinium chorochromatic PCC, potassium dichromate, sodium chloride, ammonia and nitrate compounds, eye drops and detergents are the compounds discussed. In four tests, were tested on urine positive for ATS by adding adulterants at a 2:1 ratio, urine Dipstick testing and drug presence testing gave negative results for the adulteration cases, and a third colorimetric test was performed in the urine using TLC method, Marquis reagent, iodoplatins, and Dragendoff reagent. A silica plate was sprayed with a reagent for the virtual determination of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4- methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) at a temperature higher than 20 °C as a result, false negative medications can be detected in the urine sample. But this method requires time, effort and materials, the fourth test is to use a nanoparticle detector formulated to detect the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants, by changing the colour from red to blue at a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, the nanoparticle detector was able to detect the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants in low concentrations in urine samples, when compared the use of the TLC colorimetric detection method with the nanoparticle colorimetric detection method, we conclude that the latter is superior because it gives results in less time and requires less effort.