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- PublicationNutritive and physical quality analysis of black pepper dried with optimized-hybrid solar drying systems(2025-01)Black pepper holds significant commercial importance in Malaysia. Consumer preference is driven by its nutritional and physical properties. While open sun drying (OSD) is widely used in tropical countries by virtue of its cost effectiveness, it presents several limitations, including labour intensive, time consuming, weather dependency and contamination risks. Hybrid Solar Drying System (HSDS) have emerged as an alternative to address these limitations. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the efficiency of HSDS compared to OSD and assess the nutritional composition and physical quality of HSDS-dried black pepper relative to commercial black pepper. The efficiency of HSDS drying the black pepper was evaluated by plotting a moisture removal graph to analyse the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in the curve. Nutritional composition (moisture, ash, protein, oil, crude fiber and carbohydrate (CHO)) of HSDS-dried and commercial samples were determined using standard methods. Physical properties including colour, density, geometric mean diameter, and sphericity, were also analyzed. Drying kinetics demonstrated that HSDS was more efficient than OSD in removing moisture from black pepper. Proximate analysis revealed significantly higher oil content (6.23%) and lower ash content (3.08%) in HSDS-dried pepper compared to commercial pepper (4.71% and 3.70% respectively, p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in moisture, protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate, density, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and a* value between HSDS-dried and commercial black pepper. Significant differences were observed in L* and b* values, indicating that HSDS-dried pepper exhibited a darker colour and a bluish hue compared to commercial black pepper which increase the market value. dE*ab value of 4.50 represented significant colour difference between HSDS-dried black pepper and commercial black pepper. In conclusion, these outcomes highlight the effectiveness of Black pepper holds significant commercial importance in Malaysia. Consumer preference is driven by its nutritional and physical properties. While open sun drying (OSD) is widely used in tropical countries by virtue of its cost effectiveness, it presents several limitations, including labour intensive, time consuming, weather dependency and contamination risks. Hybrid Solar Drying System (HSDS) have emerged as an alternative to address these limitations. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the efficiency of HSDS compared to OSD and assess the nutritional composition and physical quality of HSDS-dried black pepper relative to commercial black pepper. The efficiency of HSDS drying the black pepper was evaluated by plotting a moisture removal graph to analyse the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in the curve. Nutritional composition (moisture, ash, protein, oil, crude fiber and carbohydrate (CHO)) of HSDS-dried and commercial samples were determined using standard methods. Physical properties including colour, density, geometric mean diameter, and sphericity, were also analyzed. Drying kinetics demonstrated that HSDS was more efficient than OSD in removing moisture from black pepper. Proximate analysis revealed significantly higher oil content (6.23%) and lower ash content (3.08%) in HSDS-dried pepper compared to commercial pepper (4.71% and 3.70% respectively, p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in moisture, protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate, density, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and a* value between HSDS-dried and commercial black pepper. Significant differences were observed in L* and b* values, indicating that HSDS-dried pepper exhibited a darker colour and a bluish hue compared to commercial black pepper which increase the market value. dE*ab value of 4.50 represented significant colour difference between HSDS-dried black pepper and commercial black pepper. In conclusion, these outcomes highlight the effectiveness of HSDS in maintaining quality through controlled drying conditions, minimizing colour degradation and ensuring better preservation of key characteristics.
- PublicationThe physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of cookies made with pumpkin flour(2025)Dietary habits play a crucial role in overall health, yet limited research has explored the impact of nutrient-dense cookies on consumer preferences. This study examined the use of pumpkin flour as a fat replacer to enhance the nutritional value of cookies while reducing their fat content. Pumpkin flour was produced in-house and incorporated into cookie formulations at substitution levels of 10%, 15%, 20%, and a control group. The cookies were analyzed for physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and sensory attributes through panel evaluations. Substituting butter with pumpkin flour at a 20% level resulted in cookies with the highest carbohydrate content (70.42%) and ash content (1.07%), while maintaining similar protein levels, highlighting its potential to improve nutritional value. A 10% substitution level had minimal effects on aroma, taste, and overall acceptability, closely resembling standard cookies with slight differences in hardness, color, and appearance, making it a well-received option. Additionally, partially replacing butter with pumpkin flour significantly reduced the fat content of cookies, with levels decreasing from 37.0% in the control group to 29.7%, 28.25%, and 25.62% in the experimental groups (p < 0.05), underscoring its effectiveness as a fat-lowering alternative in baked products. Pumpkin flour's naturally high carbohydrate and fiber content contributed to increased moisture, ash, and carbohydrate levels, further demonstrating its effectiveness as a fat replacer. In conclusion, pumpkin flour can be effectively incorporated into cookies as a fat replacer, enhancing their nutritional profile without compromising sensory acceptability.
- PublicationKnowledge and attitude towards dysmenorrhea among female undergraduate student at Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus(2025-08)Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is a prevalent condition affecting a significant number of women, particularly adolescents and young adults. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and management practices towards dysmenorrhea among female participants. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that while most participants had experienced menstrual pain, many lacked adequate knowledge regarding effective management strategies. A notable proportion relied on non-pharmacological methods, such as rest and heat application, while awareness and use of medical treatments were limited. The study highlights the need for increased health education and awareness programs to improve knowledge and promote effective coping mechanisms. Addressing these gaps can lead to better quality of life and academic or work performance among affected individuals. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards dysmenorrhea among female undergraduate student in Universiti Sains Malaysia Health. A total of 194 participants were involved, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation through SPSS version 28.0. The average knowledge score was 9.01 (SD = 1.06), while the average stigma score was 13.41 (SD = 1.81). The majority of participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge (N = 138, 71.13%) and a moderate level of stigma (N = 105, 54.12%). Pearson Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between knowledge and stigma towards Dysmenorrhea (p > 0.05). In conclusion, enhancing public knowledge about Dysmenorrhea can contribute to increase attitude level of dysmenorrhea
- PublicationAwareness towards heart attack and stroke among the community of Batu Maung, Penang(2025-08)Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and strokes are leading causes of death globally and in Malaysia. Despite their prevalence, many people still lack adequate awareness of the symptoms and appropriate actions to take. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and actions toward heart attack and stroke among the community in Batu Maung, Penang, and to determine the relationship between selected sociodemographic characteristics and awareness levels. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected using a validated questionnaire from 215 respondents. The results showed that 56.3% of respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding heart attack symptoms. 44.2% of respondents showed a high level of awareness regarding stroke symptoms. There was no significant association between age or education level and awareness level for both heart attack and stroke (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that while the community is relatively more aware of heart attack symptoms, stroke awareness is still moderate. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve stroke awareness
- PublicationKnowledge, attitude and practice towards acne vulgaris among adolescents in secondary schools in district of Kota Bharu, Kelantan(2025-08)Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition that significantly affects adolescents worldwide, particularly during puberty when hormonal fluctuations are at their peak. Although it is not life-threatening, acne can have profound impacts on an individualās psychological, emotional, and social well-being, often leading to issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In Malaysia, acne vulgaris remains a prevalent concern among school-aged adolescents, yet there is limited research focusing on their understanding, attitudes, and behaviours toward acne management. This study aims to examine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards acne vulgaris among secondary school adolescents in the Kota Bharu district, Kelantan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 344 school students in school in the Kota Bharu district, Kelantan, using stratified sampling and convenience methods. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Pearson Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between attitude and practice towards acne vulgaris, while One-way ANOVA and independent t-tests were used to study the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and practice towards acne vulgaris. The age of the participants involved was between 13 and 16 years. The findings revealed that 52.9% of respondents had a good level of knowledge. In terms of attitude, 56.1% demonstrated a positive attitude, whereas 42.2% of respondents reported good practices in managing acne. Through the results analysed, there was a significant relationship between attitude and practice towards acne vulgaris with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.135. In addition, through the results analysed, there was a significant relationship observed between the level of practice towards acne vulgaris and the socio-demographic characteristics of household income. Therefore, it can be concluded that practices against acne vulgaris can be influenced by attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics of household income among secondary school students in the Kota Bharu district, Kelantan
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- PublicationThe association between toxoplasma gondii infection and psychiatric disorders among psychiatric patients in hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia(2023-12)Toxoplasma infection, caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses globally. This facultative heteroxenic, polyxenic organism has been identified as playing a role in the etiology of various psychiatric disorders. The present comparative cross-sectional study purposed to investigate the association between Toxoplasma infection and psychiatric disorders in patients at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Fifty-four psychiatric disorder patients from each category (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder) and 54 healthy individuals were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG). Subsequently, all IgG- positive plasma samples were analyzed for Toxoplasma-specific IgM. IgG avidity ELISA was tested for the positive samples of T. gondii IgM. The presence of the Toxoplasma B1 gene and ITS-1 region was determined in all extracted deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs) from the whole blood using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sociodemographic, clinical manifestations, and behavioural factors of the psychiatric patients and healthy individuals were assessed using a data collection form. Out of 54 patients with depressive disorder, 24/54 (44.4%) were IgG+/IgM-, and four (16.7%) were IgG+/IgM+. A high avidity index that described a past infection for more than 20 weeks was reported in half of the sample (50.0%) and the other half (50.0%) showed a contradicting result that indicated a possible recent infection within 20 weeks. Moreover, 30/54 (55.6%) patients with bipolar disorder were IgG+/IgM-, five (16.7%) were IgG+/IgM+, and four of them had high avidity index and one showed a low avidity index. Meanwhile, 29/54 (53.7%) patients with schizophrenia were IgG+/IgM-, 2 (6.9%) were IgG+/IgM+, one of them had a high avidity index, and one low avidity index. Out of 54 healthy individuals, 37.0% (20/54) were seropositive for T. gondii antibodies. In this study, no positive results were found for the presence of the Toxoplasma B1 gene and ITS-1 region. A Chi-Square and multiple logistic regression proved age (p=0.031), marital status (p=0.007), and employment (p=0.012) were significantly associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity rate in patients with psychiatric disorders. Close contact with cats/pets (p=0.033) and contact with soil (p=0.012) also were significantly associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity rate in the patients. In conclusion, the findings revealed varying seropositivity rates, indicating that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder may have experienced both past and potentially recent infections with T. gondii. However, additional research is needed to elucidate the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms. This is essential for the development of targeted interventions and preventive strategies, with the potential to enhance overall mental health outcomes for those affected.
- ItemAdhesion of streptococcus mutans on tooth coloured restorative materials(Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2016)Currently, the application of nanotechnology has become broadly developed in aesthetic dentistry due to its nanofiller particles size which offered numerous excellent advantages such as capable in reducing the bacterial adhesion of cariogenic oral bacteria mostly of early oral colonizers of S. mutans. This initial adhesion of S. mutans on the surface of materials contributed to the biofilm formation, surface deterioration of materials and may cause dental caries. In order to restore a carious tooth, the use of composite resin and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in the restoration field has been increased due to the demand for aesthetic value. Different filler sized materials such as nanofilled, microfilled and microhybrid were used to compare and evaluate the adhesion of S. mutans on these materials at several incubation times. Four materials were used in this study which were RMGICs; KetacTM N100 (nanofilled) and Fuji IITM LC (microfilled) and composites resins; FiltekTM Z350 (nanofilled) and FiltekTM Z250 (microhybrid). A microscopy study was performed which include atomic force microscopy (AFM) for evaluation of surface roughness of the incubation materials, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) for evaluation of biofilm thickness and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for distribution observation of S. mutans on materials. Fluoride release measurement was carried out for RMGIC materials to analyse the fluoride release of the materials. In addition, bacteria growth was done to assess the growth activity of S. mutans on the tested materials. Gene expression was also performed to determine the gene expression levels of gtfB and gbpB genes. Data obtained were statistically analyzed with either Independent T-test or One-way ANOVA at significance level of p<0.05. From the result, Fuji II LC gave a significantly higher of fluoride release compared to Ketac in both storage media (pā¤0.001). Both nanofilled materials gave a lower value of surface roughness while no significant difference of biofilm thickness between nanofilled and microfilled materials was shown except on day 7. RMGIC groups gave a lower S. mutans growth compared to composite resin group at all the incubation times. Nanofilled RMGIC gave significantly lower of expression levels of gtfB and gbpB gene compared to other materials p<0.05. From the results, surface roughness and fluoride release by RMGIC materials were recognized as a significant factor that affected the adhesion and accumulation of S. mutans on materials. In general, both nanofilled materials has the capability in reducing the bacterial adhesion of S. mutans compared to micron sized materials since most results in this study proved that nanofilled gave lower surface roughness, less biofilm thickness and low level of gene expression. Comparison between both nanofilled groups, Ketac showed an excellent improvement in reducing S. mutans adhesion compared to Z350 due to its fluoride release ability. These finding suggested a nanofilled RMGIC as the ideal material in reducing the accumulation of S. mutans, which could inhibit the adhesion of S. mutans on the surface materials.
- ItemContributions of TGFJ31 and SMAD4 genes to the etiology of keloid scars in the Malay population(Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2012)Background: Keloid scars are complex dermal condition with genetic and environmental contributing factors. TGF(3 and SMAD candidate genes, which are located in the same signaling pathway, are highly expressed in the keloid fibroblast cells. To date, only few documented reports showing relationship between TGF(31 and keloid in Caucasian population but none on SMAD4. Purpose: The contributions of TGF(31 and SMAD4 in the keloid formation of Malay population were studies. Subjects and Methodology: The DNAs were extracted from the blood samples of 1 00 Malay patients with keloids with another 100 healthy individuals without keloids as controls. The DNAs were analyzed via Polymerase Chain Reaction and single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. Results: TGF(31 halotypes showed a strong association with the risk of keloid formation. The CC halotypes of TGF(31, composed of both c.29C>T and -509T>C variants, showed higher frequency among keloid patients compared with the controls (11% versus 2.7%, corrected p=0.037), showing 4.5-fold increased risk for keloid formation. The c.5131A>G variant of SMAD4 revealed a statistically significant trend (p=0.0573). Taken together, either of these variants is the most probable causative factor at the expression level or is in linkage disequilibrium with other causative variants in a complex pattern with the environmental factors, contributing to keloid formation. Conclusion: This is the first study documenting strong positive association between TGF(31 and SMAD4 variants and keloid formation in the Malay population.
- ItemPutative inhibitory actions of selected medical plants against exonic splicing enhancers(Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2020-10)A previous study had demonstrated the successful use of isodiospyrin as an inhibitor of splicing factor and the use of a small-molecule compound as exon skipping inducer. Inhibition of serine and arginine-rich (SR) protein using isodiospyrin and their homolog results in exon skipping and indirectly restore the reading frame and protein product. Creating a novel minigene model can be used for studying the complexity of the splicing mechanism, potentially translatable into the identification of therapeutic targets in various related other conditions, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy where the Dystrophin gene is affected. The objective of this study was to determine the inhibitory actions of isodiospyrin and isodiospyrin homolog of selected medicinal plant extracts for inducing skipping in the designed minigene against exonic splicing enhancers. Exonic splicing enhancers of dystrophin minigene was identified using ESEfinder 3.0 software. There are two subtypes of minigene which are genuine minigene and artificial minigene. Genuine minigene includes Gen-Ex45, Gen-Ex 51 and Gen-Ex53 while artificial minigenes with specific exonic splicing enhancers (ESE) are Art-SF2/ASF, Art-Sc35, Art-SRp40, Art-SRp55 and Art-NO ESE. All minigenes were constructed before being subjected to the cloning process and targeted minigenes were validated using sequencing before to transfection into the HEK-293 cell line for splicing assay. The assay was again validated using 2 methods which are luciferase assay by the fluorescent signal and another method by the presence of targeted size band after reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and were then confirmed by sequencing analysis. Six extracts from 5 plants similar to isodiospyrin homolog were screened using NADI software. Direct sequencing further validated the absence of exon after compounds exposure to all minigene, results showed no skipping in all genuine minigene, different with artificial minigene which showed all skippings based on the RT-PCR results. After luciferase analyses, their skipping values were still far from mock minigene (standard skipping) which showed a higher threshold indicating that no skipping occurred and that luciferase assay was more sensitive than RT-PCR. Based on the result obtained, it was proven that fewer ESE sequences in the exon are unable to retain exon. Also, there was a higher potential of skipping to occur if there are few ESE in the sequence, the presence of a silencer motif as well as when that sequence consists of positive splicing potential value. Five of the compounds were shown significantly to induce skipping after exposure to the Art-SRp55 and one of each Art-SC35 and Art-SRp40, while no compounds showed significant skipping after exposure to the Art-SF2/ASF. However, it was shown that the skipping level was not as much as that which occurred in the mock minigene that acted as a skipping standard. Interestingly, isodiospryin showed to have a high tendency to become ESE skipper when exposed to the Art- SRp40 minigene, because it showed a significant skipping value (p= 0.049) although with the presence of silencer motif 1 and higher SP value. In a conclusion, isodiopsyrin and its homologs might have shown the capacity to induce skipping, although in an ESE-specific manner, even with or without the presence of silencer motif and hnRNP A1. This approach may provide a view to further study ESE on the disease-related conditions.
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