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- PublicationThe association between perceived stress, eating behaviour with body weight status among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus(2025-07)Young adults are commonly have been linked with stress and exhibit extensively variety patterns of eating behaviour to adapt to their circumstances, especially among undergraduate students. This study aimed to determine the association between perceived stress level and eating behaviour with Body Mass Index (BMI) among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus. A total of 179 respondents were participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire, which included the Sociodemographic data, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ), while anthropometric measurements were taken by the researcher physically to assess the BMI. The mean age of respondents was 21.4 years. The study sample consisted mostly of female students (74.3%) and those of Malay ethnicity (76.5%). Students from all years of study were represented, with Year 3 students making up the majority (36.3%). Nearly half of the respondents were from the School of Health Sciences (47.5%). Most participants belonged to the M40 income group (41.9%), and the majority (80.4%) reported receiving student loans during their studies. The findings indicated that more than half of the students (50.3%) had a normal body weight. The overall mean score for the Food Approach domain (3.43 ± 0.56) was higher than that of the Food Avoidance domain. Within the Food Approach subscales, “Enjoyment of Food” had the highest mean score (4.34 ± 0.63), while “Food Fussiness” had the highest mean score (3.43 ± 0.53) among the Food Avoidance subscales. The majority of respondents (73.7%) reported experiencing moderate levels of stress. The results of the study found no significant association between stress levels and BMI. However, some eating behaviour traits showed weak but significant correlations with BMI. “Food Responsiveness” (r = 0.149, p = 0.046) and “Emotional Over-Eating” (r = 0.319, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with BMI, while “Satiety Responsiveness” (r = -0.246, p < 0.001) and “Emotional Under-Eating” (r = -0.184, p = 0.014) were negatively correlated. Future studies are recommended to explore additional factors such as socioeconomic status and physical activity level, and to adopt longitudinal designs to better establish causal relationships
- PublicationThe association between diet quality and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patient in Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM)(2025-07)Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increasingly concerning health issue in Malaysia, where poor diet quality contributes to uncontrolled glycaemic levels and elevates the risk of complications. This study aimed to assess diet quality and glycaemic control among patients with T2DM and to determine the association between these two variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 91 T2DM outpatients at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). The majority of respondents were male (51.6%), aged ≥60 years (67.0%), Malay (96.7%), married (85.7%), and had a family history of T2DM (67%). Most had diabetes for ≥5 years (89%), were on oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs) (84.6%). Diet quality was assessed using the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI), while glycaemic control was based on HbA1c levels recorded within the past 3 to 6 months. Most respondents (79.1%) had moderate diet quality (M-HEI score 51–80%), while 20.9% had poor diet quality (<51%), and none achieved high scores (>80%). Regarding glycaemic control, only 19.8% had controlled HbA1c (≤7.0%), whereas the remaining 80.2% had uncontrolled levels (>7.0%). Pearson’s correlation test revealed no significant correlation between diet quality and glycaemic control (p= 0.586, r= -0.058). In conclusion, this highlights the need for a more comprehensive diabetes management approach that includes not only dietary aspects but also medication adherence, physical activity, and psychosocial support
- PublicationOptimization Of Immunoillstochemistry: Testing For Mlhl And Msh2 Proteins In Colon Tissue(2005-05)Microsatellite instability (MSI) accounts for the development of about 15% of all colorectal cancers. It is characterized by mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes that render cells unable to detect errors during DNA replication. Mutations in the MMR genes, MLHl and MSH2 are responsible for the majority of CRC with MSI. These MMR proteins can be detected by immunohistochemistry (lllC). IHC has proved sensitive and specific when compared to molecular analysis of MSI. Nevertheless, generally, there is no published literature as yet on studies of MSI in Malaysia, and specifically using lliC. Before any lliC staining procedure can be done, it has to be optimized. In this study, attempts were made to optimize rnc staining of MLHl and MSH2 proteins using polyclonal rabbit antibody by Biovision on formalin-fixed paraffm-embedded sections of normal colon, taken from resected margins of colectomy specimens. Either Vectastain Elite ABC Kit or DAKO En Vision Kit was used as secondary detection system. The staining procedure was done using different dilutions of the primary antibodies and incubated for different durations at different temperatures. Antigen retrieval procedures were introduced using citrate buffer pH 6 or Tris-EDTA buffer pH 9. The results showed that incubation of sections at room temperature using different dilutions of antibody failed to produce any nuclear staining. Staining with DAKO En Vision was still unsatisfactory, although background staining was reduced. Introduction of antigen retrieval procedure using microwave did not improve results. When incubated at 4°C, non-specific background staining was produced.
- PublicationDetermination Of Epstein-barr Virus In Gastrointestinal Lymphomas (With Special Reference To Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma Of Small Intestine): Study On Malaysian Patients.(2005-05)Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is ranked twelfth among all cancers world-wide, in which it is more prevalent in males compared to females. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence and distribution of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tissue samples obtained from 25 Malaysian patients diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. The gastrointestinal lymphomas analysed in the present study was divided into NHL of the ileocecal (9 cases), NHL of the small intestine (7 cases), NHL of the stomach (5 cases), NHL of the abdomen (1 case), NHL of the wedge ulcer (1 case), NHL of rectum fotic (1 case) and finally NHL of the hemicolon (1 case). The presence of EBV in all of the above mentioned tissue samples, after formalin fixation and paraffin embedding was carried out by using conventional in situ hybridization technology. Two out of 25 cases of NHL of the GIT analysed in the present study, demonstrated positive signals for EBV/EBER. In the first positive case, EBV/EBER signals were located in transformed lymphocytes in the serosa layer of the small intestine (14.3%). In the second EBV positive case, EBV/EBER signals were located in diffuse B-cell lymphomas of the ileocecal (11.1 %). In conclusion, these finding demonstrate a rare association between EBV and lower gastrointestinal lymphomas (excluding stomach).
- PublicationInvestigation of plasma pyrolysis gasifier for municipal solid waste(2023-07-01)This project focuses on the investigation of plasma pyrolysis gasifier for treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW). Plasma pyrolysis gasification is an advanced waste treatment technology that holds promise for efficient and sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW). The process involves subjecting MSW to high-temperature plasma generated by plasma electrodes, leading to the thermal decomposition of the waste into syngas and other valuable byproducts by incorporating steam. Synthesis gas, comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other combustible gases, can be utilized for energy generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. The main advantages of plasma pyrolysis gasification for MSW is high conversion efficiency and the ability to handle diverse waste compositions. This project aims to investigate the plasma pyrolysis gasification for MSW and analyse the syngas produced from the decomposed MSW. To power the plasma electrodes, three pairs of 26kV,48mA transformers which can produce high voltage arc (more than 2000℃) is used, controlled by Solid State Relays (SSRs) in conjunction with an Arduino Uno microcontroller. The control system, comprising the Arduino Uno and SSRs, ensures precise and reliable regulation of the power supply to the plasma electrodes. Simulation of pyrolysis/gasification process has been done in Solidworks to study and analyses the heat transfer during the pyrolysis process. The experiment has been conducted several times in order to obtain the average results. The sample gas has been tested using gas chromatography in order to determine the syngas composition which is produced from the plasma pyrolysis gasification experiment. The experiment was conducted in two different ways where the feedstock feeding type is different. Method 1 is batch-to-batch feeding while method 2 is one-time feeding. Syngas was produced from both experiment type. The average hydrogen gas composition in volume for method 1 is 2.64% and for method 2 is 0.58%. The obtained syngas composition volume in this project is not sufficient enough to act as a fuel. Future works has been stated in order to improve the efficiency of overall pyrolysis/gasification process. A stirrer can be added in the chamber to allow all the MSW are exposed to the plasma arc.
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- PublicationLocalization of the primary gustatory cortex within insular lobe using structural white matter connectivity evidence as determined by diffusion tensor imaging(2022-12)The primary taste cortex localisation has been inconsistent in previous research. The current study aims to divide the insular lobe into subdivisions to determine investigate their individual structural connectivity to taste processing areas of the brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffusion-weighted imaging data from thirteen healthy female participants were obtained from a databse built in 2013. All participants had normal taste perception as determined by the modified Monell-Jefferson Taste & Smell Questionnaire. Probabilistic tractography using FMRIB Software Library (FSL) was performed to determine the relative connection probability of eleven divisions of insula lobes to target brain areas shown to be associated with taste processing, namely amygdala, frontal operculum and ventral striatum. RESULTS: The inferior part of the middle lobe and the inferio-posterior part of the anterior lobe of the insula had the highest connection probability to the areas of taste processing targeted in this research. The posterior lobe of the insula had the least connection probability to all targets as shown in previous research, while the frontal operculum had widespread connection to all lobes of the insula. The results of this research are with the statistical value of p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The inferior aspect of the middle lobe and the inferio-posterior part of the anterior lobe of the insula had the highest probabilistic connection to the areas of taste processing making it highly probable to be the site for primary taste cortex.
- ItemMembangun satu model 'TAMAN BOTANIK 'SainS' yang mensinergikan unsur Sains dan sastera (puisi).(2014)Taman Botani merupakan satu taman yang mempamerkan pelbagai sepsis tumbuhan. Di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) telah dibangunkan satu taman botanic yang keci! yang dikenali sebagai USM eco-hub yang menjadi satu aspek penting daripada konsep 'Universiti di dalam Taman' yang dibangunkan oleh USM dalam tahun 2001-2002 di mana wujudnya jalinan di antara peranan university sebagai satu intitusi pengajian tinggi dan alam sebagai sebahagian daripada Jatar ekoJogikal global.
- ItemWater Washing Pretreatment On Empty Fruit Bunches Of Oil Palm Waste(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011-10)The water washing pretreatment on empty fruit bunches (EFB) of oil palm waste has been investigated in this study, with the objective of removing some ash from the EFB to improve the quality of biomass. This study also investigated the effectiveness of water washing to remove ash by changing the appropriate parameters of the water washing pretreatment such as residence time, amount of water, type of water and use of soaking and stirring. Tap water and distilled water were solely used throughout the work. The original ash content for the unwashed EFB is 5.19 mf wt%. From this study, the average ash content of the washed EFB by soaking the feedstock of size 1-3 cm in 3 l of tap water for 5 min residence time at ambient temperature is found to be 2.95 mf wt%. It is found that the ash content less than about 3 mf wt% was successfully achieved. It also showed that tap water is as effective as distilled water in reducing ash in EFB. The electrical conductivity in waste liquor by soaking the feedstock for 5 min at ambient temperature in 3 l of tap water was 991 μS/cm and it was increased with the prolonged soaking time. The electrical conductivity in waste liquor was found to increase due to the diffusion of mineral and inorganic materials from biomass.
- ItemKEJIRANAN YANG SESUAI DIDIAMI: PERSEPSIPENDUDUK TERHADAP PERSEKITARAN YANG SESUAI DIDIAMI(2007-04)Research regarding the satisfaction of the residents towards the neighbourhood is not longer something new in Malaysia. Like foreign countries, quality of the neigbourhood environment is very much paid attention to. Thus, the neighbourhood quality also plays an important role as an indicator to measure the quality of life (kualiti hidup). The satisfaction level towards the neighbourhood gives an impact on the satisfaction for quality of life. In the foreign countries, "Liveable Neighbourhood", a neighbourhood which is suitable to stay in, is a policy or trend which intends to improve the neighbourhoods environment. Safety, accessibility and friendly to those who walk are the concept which they integrate in their neighbourhood. The aim for the "Liveable Neighbourhood" is to solve the problem which can cause the environment to be unsustainable. For instant, overly dependent to the private transportation, interaction among the people has been decreasing and extreme usage of the natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas. The residents' perception is important as it is a demand for their neighbourhood so that it could improve their quality of life. From this research, even every individual has their unique characteristic in judging their environment, however, the criteria in choosing a suitable neighbourhood is based on the accessibility. It is related to the condition of the traffic in Pulau Pinang which is congestion occasional especially in the trade centre as well as the working area. Due to this reason, it is not surprise that accessibility is the main criteria for resident in choosing the liveable neighbourhood.
- ItemRekabentuk Sistem Konkrit Prestasi Tinggi Terhadap Ciri-Ciri Ketahanan(Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2006-06)Penggunaan konkrit berprestasi tinggi (KPT) semakin meluas di dalam industri pembinaan di Malaysia mahupun di seluruh dunia. Aplikasinya meliputi pembinaan bangunan tinggi, jambatan, empangan dan lebuh raya-lebuh raya pada kadar kekuatan dari 55 N/mm2 sehingga melebihi 124 N/mm2 . Objektif utama kajian ini adalah untuk merekabentuk KPT dan mengkaji prestasi bahan-bahan tambah bagi mengenal pasti kelebihan dan kekurangan setiap satunya terhadap prestasi dan ciri-ciri ketahanan. Beberapa sir! ujian dijafankan terhadap sifat kejuruteraan, kebolehke~aan, ketumpatan, halaju denyut ultrasonik, kekuatan mampat, kekuatan lentur, ujian kadar resapan, dan ujian ketelapan oksigen. Hasif daripada keputusan ujian makmat yang telah dijatankan menunjukkan bahawa bahan tambah super pempalstik (SP}, silika fume (SF) dan pemecut (ACC} memberikan kesan terhadap pencapaian kekuatan awal konkrit dan mengekalkannya hingga ke suatu jangka masa yang panjang. Manakala bahan isian polimer iaitu lateks stirena butadiena (SBR) dan cecair polimer resin epoksi (ER) boleh mempertingkat kekuatan lentur dan mempunyai ciri-ciri yang baik terhadap kadar resapan air dan ketelapan udara (oksigen).