Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan - Monograf

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    3D computerised forensic facial reconstruction using blender
    (2026-02)
    Shyan, Lee Sy
    This research focuses on the three-dimensional (3D) artistic reconstruction of facial appearance from unknown human skulls, examining the relationship between cranial morphology and overlying soft tissues that define facial form. Facial reconstruction remains a critical approach in forensic identification when conventional methods fail, and no antemortem information is available. The primary aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a 3D digitised facial reconstruction methodology using Blender software and to assess its performance through skull–face comparison. An additional objective was to assess the facial similarity between the 3D reconstructed face and the 2D reconstructed face from previous studies (Kanesa, 2020; Nurul Hikmah, 2022). Cicero Moraes’s reconstruction framework was adopted as the primary methodology and was further modified using updated and established techniques for individual facial features, including the eyes, nose, ears, and lips, to improve reconstruction accuracy. A control study was first conducted using two computed tomography (CT) skull scans, and the resulting faces were compared with corresponding facial photographs to validate and refine the reconstruction workflow. The revised methodology was then applied to five unknown physical skulls as experimental samples. The reconstruction workflow comprised skull acquisition and analysis, skull digitisation, importation into Blender, placement of Facial Soft Tissue Thickness (FSTT) markers, tissue modelling, individual facial feature modelling, and final rendering. The reconstructed faces were evaluated using facial superimposition, fade and wipe mode examination, and facial mapping to assess the reconstruction performance. Additional comparisons were made with previously published two-dimensional (2D) facial reconstructions to examine the facial similarity between 2D and 3D methods. The results demonstrated that the proposed 3D workflow enabled consistent placement of facial features and improved control over facial proportions and surface morphology. The use of a complete population-specific FSTT dataset enhanced anatomical coherence. Nevertheless, discrepancies were observed in facial similarity examination due to methodological variation, biological variability, and practitioner-related factors, including artistic subjectivity and the cross-race effect. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the viability of Blender as a platform for 3D forensic facial reconstruction and highlights the importance of methodological standardisation, population-specific data, and practitioner training in improving reconstruction accuracy and reliability.
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    Antibiofilm activity of quercus infectoria (QI) gall methanol extract against biofilm-forming staphylococcus aureus
    (2026-01)
    Rajendra, Abiramy
    Quercus infectoria (QI) galls, rich in hydrolysable tannins and phenolic compounds, have long been used in traditional medicine and are increasingly studied as sources of novel antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. This study evaluated the antibiofilm activity of QI gall methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, focusing on (i) biofilm kinetics, (ii) minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal concentrations (MBC), and (iii) biofilm-inhibitory and biofilm-eradication effects at defined developmental stages. QI galls were extracted using absolute methanol, and the crude extract was concentrated and stored at 4 °C. MIC and MBC against planktonic S. aureus were determined by broth microdilution and confirmed via subculture. Biofilm formation was modelled in microtiter plates, with incubation for initial adherence (3 hours) and maturation (14 hours). Extract effects at 1x and 2x MIC were assessed using resazurin reduction combined with corrected optical density (OD570 – OD600). In the adherence phase, extract concentration and exposure time did not significantly inhibit early attachment, suggesting tolerance of initial adhesion to tested concentrations. In contrast, during biofilm maturation, corrected OD decreased markedly by 24 hours, indicating substantial inhibition or disruption of metabolically active biofilm, followed by partial regrowth at 48  hours. These results suggest that QI gall methanol extract is more effective against established biofilms than early adhesion events. This study provides quantitative, phase-specific evidence supporting the antibiofilm potential of QI gall extract. Despite limitations including a single strain, two concentrations, and reliance on a single assay, the findings justify further evaluation using multiple strains, complementary structural and viability assays, extended dosing, and combination therapy to explore potential synergy against S. aureus biofilms.
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    Effects of exercise on memory ability and quran memorization in adolescent girls
    (2018-06)
    Alias, Nur Najwa Mohd
    Part of learning involves memorisation and it is a vital component in learning to recite the Quran. As exercise may play a part in enhancing cognitive and memory ability, we aim to examine the effects of exercise on memory ability and memorisation of the Quran in adolescent girls. Twenty-nine adolescent girls ( 13.5±0.5 years) who were involved in memorizing Quran (huffaz) volunteered to be part of this research. Two tests were conducted to measure their memory ability and Quran memorization performance, which were Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RA VL T) and Quran verbal recital (tasmi '), respectively. Subjects were their own control and we conducted baseline measurements with the tests repeated (pre-intervention) two weeks later before starting any exercise intervention. After the pre-intervention tests, subjects participated in a 6-week, researcher-supervised circuit training programme that consisted of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercises combined with strength training, conducted three times a week and lasted 30-40 minutes per session. Consequently, the same pre-intervention tests were repeated twice, at the end of four weeks of exercise (mid-intervention) and at the end of six weeks (post-intervention). Results showed that exercise significantly improved memory ability and Quran memorization. Subjects significantly increased their RA VLT scores (+4.65 points or +3.5%, p=0.001) and tasmi' remembered verses (RV) test (+ 14.5%, p=0.032) and reduced tasmi' errors made (EM) test (zero errors increased from one to nine persons, p=0.014). In conclusion, exercise may enhance adolescent girls' ability in memorising the Quran. However, further studies are warranted to strengthen the findings in this study.
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    Dietary diversity and nutritional status among primary school children aged between 7 to 10 years in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
    (2018-06)
    Mustapa, Nik Nur Izyan Nik
    Nutritional status of children is influenced by diet and diet quality can be reflected by dietary diversity which is defined as the number of different food groups consumed over a reference period, such as one day or one week. Dietary diversity has long been recognized by nutritionists as a key measure of the diet quality because nutrients essential for meeting nutritional requirements are not always found in sufficient amounts in a single food item. This cross sectional study aimed to determine dietary diversity and nutritional status among primary school children aged between seven to ten years in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The present study examined dietary diversity and BMI for age of 253 children including 115 boys and 138 girls that attending primary school. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and dietary diversity score (DDS) questionnaire was adapted by using open access questionnaire from Food and Agriculture Organization. Information was collected using 24-hour dietary recall and DDS were assessed based on frequency of consumption for individual food items categorized into fourteen food groups. DDS were calculated in order to measure diet diversification. Anthropometric measurements which are weight and height of the children were taken and data were analysed by using AnthroPlus software, and body mass index (BMI) for-age and gender classified according to the WHO Child Growth Standards reference to monitor growth of children. The data obtain were analysed for both descriptive and inferential statistics by using Statistical Package for Special Social Science version 22 software (SPSS). Out of the fourteen food groups, the mean of DDS was 6.52±1.40, with cereals being the most (99.6%) commonly consumed food group and 50.2% of children had medium dietary diversity. While, 48.6 % had lower dietary diversity with only 1.2% of children had higher dietary diversity. Other commonly consumed foods included eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds and other vegetables. The least consumed food groups were organ meat, vitamin A rich vegetables and tubers, other fruits, vitamin A rich fruits, and white roots and tuber. The mean of BMI was 16.36 kg/m2, with 60.5% normal BMI, 15.1% of the respondents were underweight, 11.9% overweight and 12.6% were obese. However, Fisher’s Exact test and Pearson’s Correlation test showed dietary diversity was not significantly associated with BMI of children, socio-economic status (parental occupation, maternal education level and monthly household income) and demographic factors (household size and gender). As conclusion, the present study showed high prevalence of low dietary diversity and poor nutritional status among children focusing on underweight, overweight and obese. This demonstrates the need for continuing programs aimed at improving variety consumption of food groups and nutritional status of children.
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    Knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding among male staff in health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
    (2018-06)
    Mahat, Muhammad Azmi
    Exclusive breast feeding is the common practice for women soon after giving birth. Men's knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breast feeding are very important factors that contribute to the success of exclusive breast feeding practices. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding among male staff in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. A cross sectional study design was used in this study. One hundred and thirty three participants were recruited in this study using stratified random using proportionate sampling of 65% in each strata in Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan (PPSK), Pusat Pegngajian Sains Pergigian (PPSG) and Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan (PPSP). Data collection period was from December 2017 until February 2018. A set of self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 2.0. The result found that the male staff level of knowledge was good and attitude was positive towards breast feeding. Pearson chi square analyses were used to identify the association between the level of knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding among male staff in health campus, USM. The result found that there is a significant association between level of knowledge and level of attitude towards breast feeding p among male staff in Health Campus, USM (p = .001). Besides that, the association between socio-demographic characteristics with knowledge and attitude towards breast feeding also analyses using Pearson chi square. The result found that there was no significant association between participants' socio-demographic characteristic with the level of knowledge towards breast feeding and also there was no significant association between participant's socio demographic characteristic with the level of attitude towards breast feeding.