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- PublicationAssessing Weight Management Knowledge Among Undergraduate Students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian Campus, Kelantan(2025-01)This study focuses on undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia's Kubang Kerian Campus in Kelantan's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about healthy weight control. 169 students in all, representing a range of demographic backgrounds, took part. A validated questionnaire measuring attitudes toward healthy eating, knowledge of nutrition, and compliance with suggested dietary behaviors was used to gather data. According to the results, 90.53% of participants knew a lot about nutrition, and 93.49% had favorable opinions about eating healthily. None of the subjects received a "good" practice score in spite of these favorable results, indicating a significant discrepancy between awareness and actual action. While gender, academic major, and year of study did not substantially correlate with KAP levels, statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between ethnicity and KAP levels (p = 0.031). Furthermore, there was a slight, non-significant positive correlation (r = 0.089, p = 0.25) between BMI and KAP, and there was no significant relationship between BMI status and KAP levels (p = 0.086). These findings highlight the significance of implementing focused interventions to close the knowledge-practice gap, especially those that take cultural influences on eating habits into account. 8
- PublicationUnderstanding the reasons behind inadequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables in final year nutrition and dietetics students: a qualitative research(2025-01)Fruits and vegetables (FV) are a vital part of a healthy diet. According to the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines (2010), individuals should consume at least five servings of FV daily. This equates to two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables, echoing the WHO 2003 recommendations. Based on their study area and nature of the degree, the final-year students enrolled in Nutrition and Dietetics programmes are expected to have better eating habits than their peers. However, studies found that students with high nutritional knowledge do not necessarily translate to healthy eating habits due to various factors and challenges. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to understand the reasons behind intake of FV in final-year Nutrition and Dietetics students. Individual interview sessions using Zoom were conducted with 11 female final-year students of the Nutrition (n=7) and Dietetics (n=4) programme. Interview time took approximately an hour per person. The interviews were conducted to uncover the influences, barriers and opinions that influenced their current daily intake of FV. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and checked before the thematic analyses. The themes and subthemes include; the current lack of dietary FV intake, personal perceptions and feelings towards FV intake, limitations in surroundings on eating habits; insufficient FV variety and availability and other barriers to practising healthy eating habits; and suggestions on improving FV intake. In conclusion, the study found that various factors cause participants to have inadequate daily intake of FV.
- PublicationOptimization of brown seaweed flour (kappaphycus alvarezii) to replace gelatin using response surface methodology (RSM) for gummy candy preparation(2025-01)The gummy confectionery industry is showing a growing interest in adding novel ingredients to conventional formulations since consumers are looking for healthier and more nutritious products. Kappaphycus alvarezii is a well-known source of important food hydrocolloids such as carrageenan which acts as gelling agents. Thus, in this study, the interaction effects of independent variables such as seaweed powder (4%, 5% & 6%), sugar (10%, 18% & 26%) and water (62%, 81% & 100%) from the original formulation was investigated to evaluate the optimal gummy candy formulation using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the texture profile analysis response. Two optimal formulations were obtained from RSM with minimum hardness, lower firmness and stickiness and high springiness attributes. Those optimized samples are gummy candy with (seaweed 4%, water 100%, sugar 26%) and (seaweed 5%, water 81%, sugar 18%). Comparative analyses were conducted between control gummies and these two most optimized samples. Results revealed that seaweed addition significantly increased moisture (56.86%), ash (1.63%), and fibre (0.39%) content while reducing fat (0.04%), and carbohydrate (39.06%) levels. Sensory evaluation indicated that gummies with seaweed were less preferred compared to control samples, with differences noted in texture, taste, and overall acceptability. Mould growth was monitored over three weeks, revealing that all samples remained mould-free in refrigeration, though gummies with seaweed exhibited mould in 3 days. The findings highlight the potential of seaweed-enriched gummies as functional foods, emphasizing the need for further optimization to balance enhanced nutrition with sensory appeal and shelf stability.
- PublicationScreening of the anti-proliferative effects of baicalein and carbon nanodot combination on hela cancer cells(2025-01)This study identifies the anti-proliferative effects of a novel combination therapy using baicalein, a flavonoid, and carbon nanodots (CDs) on HeLa cervical cancer cells. Baicalein, known for its potent anti-cancer properties, has shown limitations in clinical applications due to low bioavailability. Carbon nanodots, with their excellent biocompatibility, solubility, and drug delivery potential, were used as a carrier to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of baicalein. The study evaluated the anti-proliferative effects of the baicalein-carbon nanodot (Bai-CDs) combination in comparison to standalone treatments of baicalein, CDs, and cisplatin on HeLa cells using the MTT assay. Results demonstrated that the combination therapy significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50 69.85 ± 4.145μg/ml and p-value less than 0.05. These findings highlight the potential of the Bai-CDs combination as a new therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer, providing enhanced bioavailability and targeted anti-cancer effects while minimizing adverse outcomes associated with conventional chemotherapy
- PublicationAnticancer effects of apis cerana and heterotrigona itama honeys on temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells(2025-01)Glioblastoma is characterized by high aggressiveness and poor prognosis with median survival rate of less than 15 months. Due to the complexity of surgery to remove whole tumour and rapid development of chemoresistance towards temozolomide (TMZ), apitherapy using honey emerges as potential alternative treatment for glioblastoma due to its rich phenolic compounds with high antioxidant properties. However, the difference between Apis cerana honey and Heterotrigona itama honey for anti-glioblastoma effects has not been extensively studied. In this study, the phytochemical composition of A. cerana and H. itama honey were compared using phytochemical screening test and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Their antioxidant capabilities were also compared using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Then, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of both honeys on TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cell line (DBTRG-05MG cells) were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the analysis of cancer invasiveness and recurrence were determined through scratch assay and clonogenic assay respectively. After that, gene expressions between both honey-treated DBTRG-05MG cells were compared using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to elucidate their effects towards apoptosis (MDM2 gene), metastasis (WNT5A gene) and chemoresistance (YTHDF2 gene). The analysis revealed that A. cerana honey contained higher levels of alkaloid and saponin as compared to H. itama honey, which contributed to its higher antioxidant activity as evidenced via the DPPH assay. This data was also supported by its lower IC50 value (130.5 ± 33.1 mg/mL) than H. itama honey (185.8 ± 27.6 mg/mL) in 72-hour treatment on DBTRG-05MG cells. In contrast, H. itama honey contained higher levels of flavonoid than A. cerana honey. Both honeys shared similar functional groups as indicated in FTIR analysis. A. cerana honey exerted strong inhibitory effect towards invasiveness and migration of DBTRG-05MG cells with its lowest closure percentage up to 72 hours while H. itama honey exerted strong prophylactic effect towards recurrence of DBTRG-05MG cells with its lowest colony number formed. However, there was no significant difference in MDM2, WNT5A and YTHDF2 expressions between honey-treated DBTRG-05MG cells. These findings suggest that A. cerana honey could be more effective in killing TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells while H. itama honey could be more effective in preventing glioblastoma recurrence. The anticancer effect of each phytochemical in both honeys should be further investigated in future for better elucidation towards apoptotic, metastasis and chemoresistance mechanisms
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- PublicationA Model For The Fuzzy Front End Of New Product Development Process(2016-01)In 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.
- PublicationCopper ion removal from aqueous solutions using 3d-printed pla scaffolds coated with chemically treated magnetic particles(2025-08-05)Heavy metal pollution, especially from copper ions, poses significant environmental and health risks due to its persistence and bioaccumulation in water sources. This research develops and evaluates a 3D-printed PLA scaffold coated with APTES-modified silica-coated magnetic particles for efficient copper ion removal from wastewater and assesses the scaffold’s reusability. Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation, surface-modified with silica to form a core-shell structure, and functionalized with APTES to introduce amine groups. These nanoparticles were dip-coated onto 3D-printed PLA scaffolds. Characterization by FTIR, zeta potential, and SEM-EDX confirmed successful modification and coating. Batch adsorption experiments examined the effects of coating layers, pH, contact time, and reusability on copper adsorption capacity. Results confirmed the successful synthesis of APTES-modified silica-coated magnetic particles. A single dip-coated PLA scaffold showed the highest adsorption capacity compared to multiple coatings. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 5, with a maximum capacity of 115 mg/g after 120 minutes. The coated scaffold retained over 80% adsorption capacity after four adsorption-desorption cycles. These findings suggest the APTES-modified silica-coated magnetic particle coated PLA scaffold is a promising, sustainable adsorbent for heavy metal removal from water.
- PublicationAnalisis prestasi dan perbandingan bagi sistem perhubungan data jalur lebar bertalian tetap ( xdsl dan modem kabel)(2007-03-01)The rapid development of data communication nowadays and the higher demand from users has motivated the research in data communication. This project will present brief introduction to two competitive fixed line broadband implementations which are cable modem and also digital subscriber line (DSL). A deep research regarding the characteristics of these technologies will be performed in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Among various types of digital subscriber line (xDSL), Asymmetry digital subscriber line (ADSL) is focused because of its popularity. This performance analysis concentrates on the factors that affect the services. For ADSL technology, tests are being carried out to prove that the performance is affected by loop length and also noise issue. Besides, attention is drew in their impairment issues especially crosstalk issue for ADSL. Crosstalk is severe phenomenon for DSL technology due to copper technology. Thus, crosstalk modeling is performed to discuss the performance of ADSL in crosstalk environment. Method is proposed to mitigate crosstalk in ADSL system. By carrying out this study, both technologies are being compared. The comparison will indirectly give ideas to enhance the existing services. Besides, both operators can be benefited by being equipped with a clearer knowledge about these technologies.
- PublicationMechanism and kinetic reactions of malaysian ilmenite from terengganu in a hydrochloric acid leaching system(2023-07-01)The potential of ilmenite sand from Sungai Cheniah, Bukit Kelip, Terengganu, Malaysia to produce synthetic rutile through a reductive leaching method that uses hydrochloric acid as a leaching reagent and iron as a reducing agent is studied. Since inadequate information regards ilmenite deposited at this catchment area, it is critical to investigate the properties of the ilmenite that used in this study which can shed light on the behaviour of ilmenite during the leaching process. Based on the characterization analyses, the ilmenite sand, IS is classified as low grade since the TiO2 content is 41.53% right after the pre-treatment process conducted and were used as the feedstock for the leaching process. It is also having wide span value meaning that its h has a wide size fraction of unidentical size particles. Therefore, the liberation study was executed and (+53-63) µm size fraction was selected to be the input of the leaching study as it consists of the highest liberated particles compare to other size fraction. As to determine the optimum conditions of the reductive leaching process for ilmenite, parameters such as concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCI), acid-to-solid ratio, temperature, and concentration of reducing agent was studied using design of experiment (DOE). The result of the leaching process was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and optimal criteria were pointed out to be 9M HCl, 90°C, 0.4g/g of iron powder, and 4g/L solid liquid ratio. The maximum recovery is 96.42% Fe and 97.24% Ti. By developing this analysis statistically which is based on the mathematical models, it could be useful for predicting and comprehending the effects of experimental conditions. To elucidate the reaction kinetics and mechanism of ilmenite leaching in HCl solution, only HCl concentration and temperature were considered as the factors for leaching study. Based on Fe-Ti correlation for both factors, it shows that the Fe dissolved two-time folds compared to Ti dissolution. This direct leaching of ilmenite particles obeyed a shrinking core kinetic model, supporting the view that the proton diffusion through a product layer is the rate-controlling step. This can be supported by the activation energy values obtained for both 32.3 kJ/mol Fe and 30.2kJ/mol Ti which is below 40 kJ/mol which indicates the diffusion control rate.
- PublicationPrevalence and risk factors of endocrine disorder in childhood brain tumor survivors: a single- centre study(2023)Objective: We aimed to study the prevalence and risk factors of endocrine disorder in childhood brain tumor survivors. Methodology: This study took place at Hospital USM and recruited 124 childhood brain tumor survivors from January 2002 till December 2017. We included brain tumor survivors, 18 years old or younger with either stable disease or in remission and survived for at least 2 years after diagnosis. Demographic data (age at diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status), clinical clues for endocrine disorders, anthropometrics (weight, height, midparental height), pubertal stage according to Tanner staging, tumor-related characteristics, treatment modalities and endocrine laboratory measurements at diagnosis and during follow up. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate risk factors of endocrine disorder in childhood brain tumor survivors. Results: The prevalence of endocrine disorders in childhood brain tumor survivors was 62.1%. The risk factors were high BMI [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.29 , 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.5] , high risk site [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.15, 95% CI: 1.41 to 36.3] dan chemotherapy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.18 , 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.62]. Conclusion: The prevalence of endocrine disorders in childhood brain tumor survivors in our centre was 62.1%. The significant risk factors were high BMI, tumor location (suprasellar and intrasellar) and chemotherapy.