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- PublicationWorkplace based learning, a legitimate forum for faculty development(2025-08)Faculty development is an increasingly vital component of medical education, playing a critical role in fostering academic excellence. Although various faculty development approaches have been implemented, many are conducted outside the medical educator’s workplace context. A review of the literature reveals that such approaches rarely result in effective skill transfer to the workplace. This study aims to design, evaluate, and compare the impact of two faculty development approaches: a formal method (workshop) and a combined formal-informal method through a workplace-based faculty development (WBFD) model. The WBFD model is grounded in social learning theories and the cognitive apprenticeship model, focusing on medical faculty performance and the transfer of learning to the workplace, while identifying factors that facilitate or hinder this process. The research was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved a meta-synthesis of the literature to design WBFD version 1 (V1) and identify factors influencing learning transfer using the learning transfer system inventory. Phase 2 focused on content validation and feasibility testing of WBFD V1 by medical education experts and institutional stakeholders, leading to the development of WBFD version 2 (V2). Phase 3 employed a quasi-experimental design based on the Kirkpatrick model (reaction–learning–behavior), where junior faculty members were divided into two groups: one trained via workshops, and the other through WBFD V2. Training was conducted in the context of case-based learning (CBL) facilitation, with senior faculty serving as coaches. Performance was assessed using validated pre- and post-tests with a CBL facilitation rating scale,alongside post-training satisfaction surveys. Findings revealed that participants trained through WBFD V2 achieved significantly higher outcomes across all measured domains, particularly in group management, goal and role setting, and communication. A qualitative exploration of factors influencing learning transfer further enriched the study, resulting in a mixed-methods approach. Behavioural changes were reassessed two months post-training using the Mann-Whitney U test, which showed statistically significant improvements in five key domains of CBL facilitation skills. In conclusion, the WBFD V2 model, embedded within the cognitive apprenticeship framework, effectively enhances skill transfer among novice medical educators in the workplace. It provides a legitimate and impactful platform for learning and holds strong potential for adoption by medical education institutions both nationally and internationally
- PublicationExperimental and in silico studies on bioengineered polyester nanobeads for latent tuberculosis diagnosis(2025-08)Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the causative agent for tuberculosis (TB) and remains one of the top ten causes of mortality, with 1.4 million deaths in 2021 alone. With a 50% mortality rate if left untreated, active TB infection needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible. Currently, it is estimated that a quarter of the world's population is infected with latent TB infection (LTBI), that acts as an MTB reservoir. Current diagnostic methods for LTBI, such as the Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), have limitations: the former exhibits low specificity, while the latter is expensive to be widely use especially in high TB burden areas. Aiming to decrease the cost of TB infection diagnostic methods, a feasibility study on a new platform (i.e., bioengineered biopolyester nanobeads), using the IGRA technique was conducted. This platform was already successfully tested to diagnose M. bovis-infected cows. The same three MTB antigens (i.e., ESAT-6, CFP-10, and TB7.7) used in IGRA, was utilised to bioengineer the MTB-antigen-coated biopolyester nanobeads platform (BMTB). Optimisation of the BMTB concentration was performed using human samples. The optimised concentration of BMTB was determined to be 10 ng. A comparative analysis of IFN- levels between BMTB and QuantiFERON (QFT) kit, as recommended by the manufacturer, was performed. QFT demonstrated superior performance compared to BMTB in the IFN- release assays. In order to evaluate the discriminatory power of BMTB in three sample groups: pulmonary TB (PTB), TST positive (TSTp), and TST negative (TSTn), the concentrations of six selected cytokines (i.e., IFN-γ, IP-10, IL-2, TNF-α, CCL-3,CCL-11) in them were analysed. IL-2 and CCL-11 were the best-performing individual cytokines for distinguishing PTB against TSTp, TSTn, and healthy individual (TSTp and TSTn) group, achieving greater than 80% sensitivity and specificity. The best cytokine combination is IFN-+IL-2 when PTB is compared to TSTn, TSTp, and to healthy individual (i.e., TSTn + TSTp) groups. Then, to further improve the sensitivity of the BMTB platform, additional antigens that have high immunogenic properties were identified using in silico (immunoinformatics) approaches. These properties are based on six T cell epitope (TCE) criteria: matching with MTB H37Rv antigens, coverage across 273 MTB strains, association with highly expressed MTB genes, promiscuous epitopes, population coverage, and overlap with B cell epitopes (BCEs). Each TCE has a cumulative score of all six criteria. MTB antigens were then ranked based on their corrected total TCE scores within them. Top -ranked antigens were compared to literature for their inferred diagnostic potential. Among the shorlisted antigens are the existing IGRA antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10), newly identified potential antigens like ESAT-6-like proteins (i.e., EsxJ, EsxK, EsxM, EsxP, EsxW), the Ag85 family (i.e., Ag85A, Ag85B, and Ag85C), and several others (e.g., HspX, PfkB, and Rv1733). In conclusion, the BMTB showed potential as a low-cost LTBI diagnostic platform, although its sensitivity can be further enhanced by incorporating additional highly immunogenic MTB antigens
- PublicationEffects of moderate-intensity training exercise program on body composition and metabolic markers among overweight and obese dental students in Universiti Sains Malaysia(2024-01)Introduction: Overweight and obesity are global health issues that pose a threat to individuals in various professions, including dentistry. Dental practitioners often spend prolonged hours in a seated position while treating patients, placing them at a higher risk of developing low back pain. Studies have consistently reported that back pain has a strong correlation with overweight and obesity and significantly impacts the quality of life. Hence, it is crucial to raise awareness among dental students about the importance of maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle to prevent factors that contribute to back pain during their undergraduate studies and future dental practice. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of moderate-intensity training programs on body composition and metabolic markers among overweight and obese dental students of Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methodology: Thirty-three overweight and obese dental students (control, n=17 and exercise, n=16) were recruited, and their body composition and blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention. Participants' 24-hour diet recalls were recorded. Students participated in 10 minutes of dynamic warm-up, followed by moderate-intensity Tabata exercise, carried out three times per week for 12 weeks, with an incremental increase in exercise duration every four weeks. Data was analysed using Independent T-test and Paired Sample T-test for normally distributed data and Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon-Signed Ranked test for not normally distributed data. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, the exercise group showed no significant differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) of 1524.1±60.24 kcal/day (p>0.584), while their BMI remained stable at 27.8±0.88 kg/m2, indicating no significant change in body composition. Conversely, the control group showed a significant difference in BMI (p<0.034) which had increase in post-intervention (28.92±3.87 kg/m2). Both groups exhibited increases pattern levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, insulin, and IL-6 (interleukin-6) post-intervention. Additionally, the participants consumed high amounts of protein, fats, and sodium, exceeding the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Conclusion: This study revealed that there were no significant differences in body composition between the control and exercise groups. However, the maintenance of BMI in the exercise group represents a positive outcome as it indicates that participants did not experience weight gain during the intervention. The investigation also detected increases pattern levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL cholesterol, insulin, and IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, in both group, which could be associated with excessive adipose tissue and high caloric intake. Therefore, future studies with stricter dietary restrictions are needed to determine the effects of moderate-intensity physical exercise on dental students' body composition
- PublicationOral hygiene practices, treatment needs and barriers to dental care among adolescents attending special education schools in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia(2025-09)Adolescents with special healthcare needs have been reported to have poor oral health in compared to normal adolescents due to various factors, include sociodemographic backgrounds, oral hygiene practices and perceived barriers. This study aimed to evaluate the oral hygiene practices, oral health status, dental treatment needs, and barriers to dental care of adolescents with special healthcare needs attending special education schools in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, while also evaluating the association between these barriers and their dental treatment needs. Shah Alam, an urban area in Selangor, Malaysia, was chosen for this study due to the high enrollment of special needs adolescents in special schools in Selangor compared to other states in Malaysia. Conducting the study in Selangor ensures that the findings will be representative of adolescents with special healthcare needs attending special schools across Malaysia. A total of 131 adolescents with different types of special healthcare needs aged 13-18 years old, who fulfilled the criteria, participated in this study. All information on sociodemographic, oral hygiene practices and possible barriers to the dental care of the participant was supplied by the parents as a proxy through an online survey form. The oral examination on Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT), Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHIS) and treatment needs was carried out in the school with teachers in attendance. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data was analyzed via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29.0. Over 60% of participants demonstrated good oral hygiene with a mean DMFT and OHIs scores of 0.79 ± 1.49 and 0.73 ± 0.4, respectively. Most participants, (59.5%), brushed their teeth more than once a day, and about 93.9% used fluoridated toothpaste. The barriers perceived by the parents or caregivers where time constrains to bring their child to dental clinic and child dental anxiety. Most of them required oral prophylaxis and restorative treatment. The present study shows no association between barriers to dental care and dental treatment needs. Adolescents with special healthcare needs in the present study generally have a satisfying oral health status. However, improvements in oral hygiene practices are needed and unmet treatment needs remain high. This study also provides a valid picture of barriers to dental care among adolescents with special needs. This study was conducted in an urban area in Selangor, Malaysia and considering that these adolescents had a new set of teeth, therefore, no association was observed between barriers to dental care and dental treatment needs. A multi-centre study area with a larger sample size is recommended for the future studies
- PublicationApplication of eggshells and seashells for latent fingermark development.(2025-09)Fingerprint identification remains an essential aspect in the field of forensic science, being a reliable tool for identifying suspects and reconstructing criminal events. The current research explores the possibility of producing fingerprint powders from eggshells (ES) and seashells (SS), two widely available biowaste products that are mainly made up of calcium carbonate. The characterisation of ES and SS powders using FTIR, SEM, and EDX methods demonstrated that both the magnetic and non-magnetic types are efficient green alternatives for the development of latent fingermarks. The magnetic type is especially suitable for application on sensitive or valuable surfaces. A Friedman test revealed considerable differences in the development of latent fingermarks among the various powders, with a p-value noted at less than 0.001. Magnetic eggshell powder (MES) proves to be the best natural alternative for use on non-porous surfaces, exhibiting a durability profile that allows for multiple recovery attempts. Magnetic seashell powder (MSS) exhibited the most consistent detail in microscopic ridge patterns, showing great potential as an eco-friendly substitute for commercially magnetic powders in the development of latent fingermarks rich in amino acids, cholesterol, and squalene on non-porous surfaces. Non-magnetic ES and SS powders performed well in the case of DL-serine-based deposits. MES and MSS powders showed great promise as environmentally friendly alternatives to palmitic acid-based fingerprints. In addition, both magnetic and non-magnetic variants exhibited the most pronounced ridge definition for lactic acid-rich fingerprints, indicating their great potential for the development of hydrophilic residues. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the type of powder did not significantly affect fingermark scores for either heat ageing (p = 0.998) or submersion ageing (p = 0.903). This means that fingermark development was similar across all powder types in both conditions. In contrast, fingermark scores varied significantly among the ten surface types examined (p < 0.001 for both ageing studies). Natural powders derived from ES and SS, especially their magnetic forms, had shown competitive, and often better, performance than commercial powder under water exposure. On the other hand, their non-magnetic powder had proven to be remarkably resilient under different conditions, especially when subjected to high heat. In summary, this research offers valuable information on the forensic process relating to natural resource powders, moving the field towards a green and safe method for latent fingermark visualisation
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- PublicationIntergrated rfid system with gps functionalities(2012-06-01)In this paper, a new integrated solution is proposed through active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Global Positioning System (GPS) to enhance the performance of wireless network in wider coverage area. Active RFID is used instead of passive for the purpose of better performance. The main feature of RFID technology is its ability to identify, locate, track, and monitor objects without a clear line of slight between tag and reader. New solution can complete the problem for tracking object in long distance area by using identification. Tracking in such a place consists of various obstacles is solved by integrated both active RFID with GPS. For the purpose to promote the accuracy system tracking is by advancing the wireless communication system to manage system monitoring and tracking. NMEA data from GPS system provides location information whereas the RFID system provides the ID of the RFID tag. Using Visual Basic.NET, these NMEA data are extracted to latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, UTC time, number of satellites and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The latitude and longitude data from GPS receiver are mapped on Google Earth to search the location in map. Moreover, low cost and reliable wireless system is designed by integrated RFID with GPS functionalities. Better system monitoring and tracking can solve the problem of stolen car by detecting the identity of the car after was reported to responsible ones. Therefore, it would be easy for other people nowadays to achieve modern management of transportation that reduces crime.
- PublicationMonolithic microwave integrated circuit (mmic) power amplifier(2009-04-01)The aim of this project was to design a MMIC power amplifier for wireless application by using 0.15 μm GaAs Power Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (PHEMT) technology with a gate width of 100 μm and 10 fingers at certain low frequency points at 2.4 GHz and 3.5 GHz. This project will focus on the power amplifier performances and layout design. The design methodology for power amplifier design can be broken down into three main sections: architecture design, small-signal design, and large-signal optimization. For 2.4 GHz power amplifier, with 3.0 V drain voltage, the amplifier has achieved 17.265 dB small-signal gain, input and output return loss of 16.310 dB and 14.418 dB, 14.862 dBm 1-dB gain compression power with 12.318 % power-added efficiency (PAE). For 3.5GHz power amplifier, the amplifier has achieved 14.434 dB small-signal gain, input and output return loss of 12.612 dB and 11.746 dB, 14.665 dBm 1-dB gain compression power with 11.796 % power-added efficiency (PAE). The power amplifier for frequency point at 2.4 GHz applies for Wireless LAN applications such as WiFi and WPAN whereas power amplifier for frequency point at 3.5 GHz applies for WiMax base station and W-CDMA. For the power amplifier MMIC, the requirements of power amplifier including aspects of high efficiency, high gain, unconditional stable and operation at 2.4 GHz and 3.5 GHz are produced.
- PublicationSound characterization and analysis using matlab™(2008-05-01)The project scope is to characterize and analysis sound using Matlab™ . Greatly understand the characteristic of sound is beneficial to us. Nowadays, sound characterization is very important especially in voice/speech recognition which is commonly used in advanced security system, identifying people by detective and many other applications. However, not much of us understand about the sound. So, this project is going to explore more about the sound and the ways to extract the characteristics of the sound. During the whole project, Matlab™ is used because Matlab™ is user- friendly software, flexible and relatively easy to use. Experiments of sound transmitting and receiving are carried out so that much understanding about the propagation of sound in air and the importance of the sampling process in digital signal processing can be gained. Sound classification is done on the received signal to extract out the characteristics and parameters of sound such as frequency, amplitude, gain, power, spectral characteristic, harmonistic, shape and etc. Characterization will help us much in sound understanding. Sound characterization is implemented by Fast Fourier Transform algorithm due to the flexibility and high computational rates. Furthermore, noise is always surrounding us and considered as undesirable sound. So, filter is required to filter out the noise and returns the original signal as accurate as possible. The algorithm used to filter out the noise of low amplitude in this project is Inverse Fast Fourier Transform. Lastly, the characterization of different signals from different sources is successfully implemented during this project.
- PublicationAntibacterial, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of nano-hydroxyapatite-silica glass ionomer cement and its dentine pulp complex response in a rat model(2025-08)The aim of this study was to assess antibacterial and genotoxic effects of nano-hydroxyapatite-silica glass ionomer cement (nano-HA-SiO2-GIC) and its dentine pulp complex reactions’ evaluation in an animal model. Minimal bacterial concentration (MBC), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time kill assay (TKA) were carried out to assess antibacterial efficacy for 10% nano-HA-SiO2-GIC and compared with conventional Glass ionomer cement (cGIC) against three different bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Mutagenicity and DNA damage of nano-HA-SiO2-GIC using Comet assay and Ames test were also evaluated. Further, an in-vivo study was performed to evaluate and compare the dentin–pulp complex response following occlusal and cervical restorations in rat molars restored with nano-HA-SiO2-GIC and cGIC. It was found that both S. aureus and E. faecalis exhibited comparatively greater resistance to cGIC with an MIC of 30μg/mL. In contrast, the MIC of cGIC against S. mutans was 20μg/mL. The MIC for nano-HA-SiO₂-GIC were the same for E. faecalis when compared with cGIC (30μg/mL) whereas it was 10μg/mL for both S. mutans and S. aureus (p < 0.05). Time kill assays revealed that nano-HA-SiO₂-GIC effectively killed 99% of the tested bacteria after 6 hours whereas cGIC was able to eradicate these bacteria in 8 hours. The highest cell viability (159.4%) for nano-HA-SiO2-GIC was noticed at 3.125 mg/ml, while the lowest (24.26%) was observed at 200 mg per ml. IC50, IC25 and IC10 values were 95.27, 51.4 and 20.1 mg/ml for cGIC, and 106.9, 55.8 and 22.9 mg/ml for nano-HA-SiO2-GIC respectively. The IC10 of both test materials showed no significant DNA damage compared to that of the negative control based on the Comet assay (p > 0.05). Despite this, a significant difference was present in the tail moment between all concentrations of both types of GIC groups as well as the positive control (p < 0.05). Nano-HA-SiO2-GIC showed less than double the average number of revertant colonies compared to that of the negative control when tested using Ames test. For in-vivo studies, parameters such as disorganization of the pulp tissue, inflammatory cell infiltration, detection of bacteria, and tertiary dentin deposition were measured for each group. Overall, there was no difference between cervical and occlusal restorations in terms of remaining dentine thickness (RDT). One week after the sacrifice, the odontoblastic layer was disrupted the pulp area close to the cut dentin displayed moderate inflammation in both types of restorations. One month after sacrifice, there was no evidence of disruptions of the odontoblast layer. In terms of inflammation, the pulp tissue recovered in almost all cases except one of c-GIC, but a few cases of the nano-HA-SiO2-GIC group still displayed mild-to-moderate inflammatory reactions, especially on the occlusal restorations. A significant difference in tertiary dentin thickness (TDT) in first molars was observed for both cGIC (66.21 ± 43.15), and nano-HA-SiO2-GIC (96.66 ± 41.2) as compared to second molars (31.97 ± 5.30). The addition of nano-HA-SiO2 to cGIC significantly enhanced the antibacterial properties, found to be non-mutagenic and do not cause DNA damage at the lowest concentration of IC10 based on the Comet assay. In addition, it exerted favourable dentine pulp complex response when compared to cGIC. Based on the findings of the current study, nano-HA-SiO2-GIC produce promising findings and thus can be suggested as a future potential material for use in clinical dentistry
- PublicationFactors associated with body weight status and internet addiction among malaysian university students in Penang: mixed method study before and during covid-19 pandemic(2024-08)The Internet began as a divine gift to humans to enlighten society by transferring knowledge and making available all the information required for human well-being, growth, and prosperity. But as the internet grew popular, it created a set of problems on its own, one of the major ones being Internet Addiction (IA). In Malaysia, internet addiction is surfacing as a key problem among the younger generation. This mixed method study was performed to examine the factors associated with body weight status and internet addiction of Malaysian university students in Penang before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 352 Malaysian undergraduate students studying in public/ private colleges or universities. The level of internet addiction was determined based on Young’s internet addiction self-reported scale, and students were classified as no IA users (0.3%), mild IA users (56.8%), moderate IA users (37.5%), and severe IA users (5.4%). The multiple logistic analysis showed that the students gender (reference, female; male: OR = 7.795, P < 0.001), year of study (reference, third year of study; second year: OR = 5.924, P < 0.001), mother’s highest level of education (reference, primary level of education; secondary level of education OR = 0.095, P < 0.001; College/ University level of education OR = 0.021, P < 0.001), family size (reference, big family size; medium family size OR = 5.515, P < 0.001) made a unique statistically significant contribution to the model. The chi-square test was used to analyse the relationship between the students’ levels of internet addiction and lifestyle patterns and dietary behaviour. Irregular bedtimes were higher among severe internet addiction students than in mild internet addiction students. In Phase I study, all the students showed sedentary behaviour but in Phase II study physical activity was found to be higher among students with severe Internet Addiction. Diet quality among severe internet addiction students was also poorer than in moderate internet addiction students and mild internet addiction students. Moreover, improper dietary behaviour due to the loss of appetite, high frequency of snacking and skipping meals might cause imbalanced nutritional intake among severe internet users. In this study, it has been demonstrated that severely internet addiction students have inappropriate dietary behaviour and poor diet quality. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the variable family size (reference, big family size; small family size OR = 0.060, P < 0.05) were found to be significant to predict the underweight. The internet addiction level (reference, no internet addiction; mild internet addiction OR = 412973.188, P < 0.05; moderate internet addiction OR = 143209.451, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (OR = 0.206, P < 0.001) were found to be significant to predict the normal weight of the students. Thirty-six students were subjected to a focus group discussion where they were motivated to share their experience in internet-related activities, the effect of internet usage on their significant aspects of life and the experience of withdrawal symptoms while trying to limit their online activity. They were also encouraged to share their perception of face-to-face personal interaction with family and friends, sports and other offline activities as compared to similar online activities. The findings of this study prove that there is a significant contribution of demographic and socio-economic factors to internet addiction among Malaysian university/college students in Penang. In addition, there is a significant contribution of demographic factors, internet addiction, and sleep quality to the body mass index of Malaysian university/college students in Penang.