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Background Neck of femur fractures result in impaired function for older people. Despite surgery, many patients experience a decrease in functional level and poorer health status after the injury. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the short-term mobility and hip function of geriatric patients who underwent hip replacement surgery for a displaced neck of femur fracture in our local population and (2) to identify factors which affect the functional outcome of these patients. Methods Patients aged 60 years and above, who were admitted for neck of femur fracture from January 2017 to December 2020, and treated surgically with arthroplasty, were included. Information on patient demography, comorbidities, perioperative data, mobility, hip function and complications were retrospectively collected. Outcome measures used were independent ambulation and recovery of pre-fracture mobility at 1 year after surgery while hip function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total, pain, stiffness, and physical function scores. Factors associated with these outcomes were analyzed. Results 168 patients with a mean age of 75.2 (SD 8.4) years met the inclusion criteria. 32.1% of patients regained their pre-fracture mobility and 59.6% remained independent 1 year after surgery. Logistic regression analysis identified age, gender, surgical procedure, and time to surgery as significant contributors to recovery of pre-fracture mobility. Older age and increasing requirement for postoperative ambulatory aid resulted in worse WOMAC total and physical function scores. No significant differences were observed in patient-reported hip function between those who had a total hip arthroplasty and those who had a hemiarthroplasty. Conclusion Most geriatric patients with displaced neck of femur fractures did not regain pre-fracture mobility despite surgical treatment with arthroplasty.

This study aims to investigate the determinants that influence level of job satisfaction and the relationship on work environment, payment, promotion opportunities, supervision and nature of job towards job satisfaction among management and professional officers in DBKL. The population was selected due to the diversity of the officer’s group, particularly in terms of age, gender and race. The stratified sample size of 217 respondents were collected through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 26.0. The collected data was tested and analyzed using descriptive analysis, reliability testing, multiple linear regression, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and one-way ANOVA. Findings have shown significant, positive and strong relationship between all the independent variables and the dependent variable. DBKL as a local authority for capital city of Malaysia may use this study as a reference in order to make a right decision towards job satisfaction among the employees. In addition, the study impacts upon the future performance of the organization by taking all the factors that influence job satisfaction more seriously within their organizations to increase the motivation and commitment level of their employees. As a conclusion, the top management may relook and further improve aspects that influence the job satisfaction, design better work policies and provide a conducive work environment to enhance job satisfaction as well as performance and productivity of the employees.

Abstract Piper sarmentosum is a herbaceous shrub with numerous pharmacological benefits. However, the presence of two toxic phenylpropanoids (α- and β-asarone) limits the medicinal usage of the plant. In this study, the extraction of three asarone isomers, namely α-, β-, and -asarone was optimised using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SC-CO2) combined with Box-Behnken experimental design. Comparison of asarone contents in different conventional solvent extracts of P. sarmentosum leaves prior to and after SC-CO2 extraction was performed. The SC-CO2 method successfully maximised the extraction of α-, β-, and ɣ-asarone at P = 81.16 bar, T = 50.11°C, and t = 80.90 min, yielding 13.91% α-asarone, 3.43% β-asarone, and 14.95% ɣ-asarone. The SC-CO2 residue of the leaves re-extracted with conventional solvents showed a significant decrease of asarone ranging from 45% to 100% (p

Abstract The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in the COVID-19 pandemic had raised questions on the route of transmission of this disease. Initial understanding was that transmission originated from respiratory droplets from an infected host to a susceptible host. However, indirect contact transmission of viable virus by fomites and through aerosols has also been suggested. Herein, we report the involvement of fine indoor air particulates with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) as the virus’s transport agent. PM2.5 was collected over four weeks during 48-h measurement intervals in four separate hospital wards containing different infected clusters in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our results indicated the highest SARS-CoV-2 RNA on PM2.5 in the ward with number of occupants. We suggest a link between the virus-laden PM2.5 and the ward’s design. Patients’ symptoms and numbers influence the number of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA with PM2.5 in an enclosed environment.

Abstract Background Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a concern in kindergartens as children spend much of their time there. Yet, there is a shortage of biological indicators needed for assessing IAQ. Thus, this study evaluated IAQ using transplanted lichen Usnea misaminensis as a biological indicator. Methods Lichen samples, collected from Bukit Larut, Perak, Malaysia, were exposed to indoor and outdoor environments in an urban area (Ummi Aiman Kindergarten) and a rural area (Ummi Qaseh Pelangi Kindergarten) for 2 months during August 15 to October 14, 2019. The concentrations of 12 selected elements and the vitality of the lichens were then evaluated. Results Increased concentrations of eleven of the twelve elements deposited in the lichen samples in both urban and rural areas were observed. For both areas, the element concentrations in the samples from the indoor environment was lower than those from the outdoor environment, and those in the rural area were lower than those from in the urban area, suggesting the impacts of traffic emissions. The vitality of the lichens showed no significant change in indoor environment, compared to that in outdoor environment, indicating that even exposed to indoor environment, the lichens remained effective biological indicators as same as they were in the outdoor environment. Conclusions Lichens are effective biological indicators for both outdoor and indoor environments. Furthermore, outdoor emissions could influence IAQ, which could be problematic in densely populated areas such as kindergartens. Mitigation measures should be taken.

This paper presents a critical assessment analysis on mental health detection in Online Social Networks (OSNs) based on the data sources, machine learning techniques, and feature extraction method. The appropriateness of the mental health detection was also investigated by identifying its data analysis method, comparison, challenges, and limitations. This study reviewed articles published in major databases between 2007 and 2018 through keyword searches. The articles were screened base on their titles and abstracts before the full texts were reviewed. The articles were coded in accordance with data set (e.g., data sources, keywords, and geographical locations), method of data analysis, machine learning or deep learning technique, classifier performance, and feature extraction method. 22 articles were selected for review from the total of 2770. As OSNs exhibit high potential as a data source in early detection of mental health problems, most researchers used text analysis on a new data set extracted from different OSNs sources. The extracted data were examined using a statistical analysis or machine learning techniques. Several studies also applied multimethod techniques, which included distributing questionnaires while requesting for the respondents' consent to later access and extract information from his/her OSNs account. Big data in OSNs contribute on mental health problem detection. The presented method is an alternative approach to the early detection of mental health problems rather than using traditional strategies, such as collecting data through questionnaires or devices and sensors, which are time-consuming and costly. However, mental health problem detection through OSNs necessitates a comprehensive adoption, innovative algorithms, and computational linguistics to describe its limitations and challenges. Moreover, referrals from mental health specialists as subject matter experts are also required to help obtain accurate and effective information.

Abstract – Autonomous intelligent vehicles are keep expanding under a real development in this era after many researches have been made to implement a better safety features in a transportation sector. In this paper, an algorithm of recognition of the traffic light arrow in the daytime specifically for the operation of the video system has been proposed using the technology of the image processing and machine learning. In the machine learning technique, the Support Vector Machine, SVM classifier has been used for the learning process and conduct a classification process as well. Firstly, the images are converted to Hue Saturation Value (HSV) color space while the color thresholding has been used to obtain the region of interest for the traffic light arrow in the image. In the learning process, each of the traffic light arrows in the dataset will go through the pre-processing phase, detection phase before going through the hog descriptor for feature extraction purpose. Prior to send the image to the SVM, the hog descriptor process is to extract the features for each of the shape of the traffic light arrow. As a result, this algorithm has achieved 98.52% accuracy, 1.48% error, 98.52% precision and 98.68% of recall through the testing process.

Air quality monitoring is important in the management of the environment and pollution. In this study, time series of PM10 from air quality monitoring stations in Malaysia were clustered based on similarity in terms of time series patterns. The identified clusters were analyzed to gain meaningful information regarding air quality patterns in Malaysia and to identify characterization for each cluster. PM10 time series data from 5 July 2017 to 31 January 2019, obtained from the Malaysian Department of Environment and Dynamic Time Warping as the dissimilarity measure were used in this study. At the same time, k-Means, Partitioning Around Medoid, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and Fuzzy k-Means were the algorithms used for clustering. The results portray that the categories and activities of locations of the monitoring stations do not directly influence the pattern of the PM10 values, instead, the clusters formed are mainly influenced by the region and geographical area of the locations.

Air pollution has recently become a subject of increasing concern in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly 4.2 million early deaths are due to exposure to fine particles in polluted air, which causes multiple respiratory diseases. Algae, as a natural product, can be an alternative treatment due to potential biofunctional properties and advantages. This systematic review aims to summarize and evaluate the evidence of metabolites derived from algae as potential anti-inflammatory agents against respiratory disorders induced by atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant published full articles from 2016 to 2020. The main key search terms were limited to “algae”, “anti-inflammation”, and “air pollutant”. The search activity resulted in the retrieval of a total of 36 publications. Nine publications are eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. A total of four brown algae (Ecklonia cava, Ishige okamurae, Sargassum binderi and Sargassum horneri) with phytosterol, polysaccharides and polyphenols were reported in the nine studies. The review sheds light on the pathways of particulate matter travelling into respiratory systems and causing inflammation, and on the mechanisms of actions of algae in inhibiting inflammation. Limitations and future directions are also discussed. More research is needed to investigate the potential of algae as anti-inflammatory agents against PM in in vivo and in vitro experimental models, as well as clinically.

Agarwood has been used widely in various ways, including traditional medicine and art. The usage of agarwood has grown broader in modern times include in therapeutic medicines and perfumery. In this paper the agarwood waste has been explored to be used as a fluid loss control agent to control fluid loss without affecting the drilling fluid rheological properties which are density, pH, viscosity, yield point and gel strength. Agarwood waste was used as an additive in the drilling fluid system due to its unique characteristic. Rheological and filtration measurements were performed on the formulated water-based drilling fluid. Formulations of a base solution of fresh water, sodium hydroxide, bentonite, barite, and xanthan gum were presented. The performance of the agarwood waste as the fluid loss control agent was compared with based fluid formulation and water-based drilling fluid with treating with conventional fluid loss control agent (starch). The filtrate volume of drilling fluid with agarwood waste was about 13 ml while for drilling fluid with conventional fluid loss control agent, starch gave 12 ml of filtrate volume after undergoing filtration test by using LPLT filter press. The performance of drilling fluid with agarwood was efficient as drilling fluid with starch. Doi: 10.12777/ijse.5.2.101-105 How to cite this article: Azizi, A., Ibrahim, M.S.N., Hamid, K.H.K., Sauki, A., Ghazali, N.A., Mohd, T.A.T. (2013). Agarwood Waste as A New Fluid Loss Control Agent in Water-based Drilling Fluid. International Journal of Science and Engineering, 5(2),101-105. Doi: 10.12777/ijse.5.2.101-105]

Conventional air quality monitoring systems, such as gas analysers, are commonly used in many developed and developing countries to monitor air quality. However, these techniques have high costs associated with both installation and maintenance. One possible solution to complement these techniques is the application of low-cost air quality sensors (LAQSs), which have the potential to give higher spatial and temporal data of gas pollutants with high precision and accuracy. In this paper, we present DiracSense, a custom-made LAQS that monitors the gas pollutants ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The aim of this study is to investigate its performance based on laboratory calibration and field experiments. Several model calibrations were developed to improve the accuracy and performance of the LAQS. Laboratory calibrations were carried out to determine the zero offset and sensitivities of each sensor. The results showed that the sensor performed with a highly linear correlation with the reference instrument with a response-time range from 0.5 to 1.7 min. The performance of several calibration models including a calibrated simple equation and supervised learning algorithms (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system or ANFIS and the multilayer feed-forward perceptron or MLP) were compared. The field calibration focused on O3 measurements due to the lack of a reference instrument for CO and NO2. Combinations of inputs were evaluated during the development of the supervised learning algorithm. The validation results demonstrated that the ANFIS model with four inputs (WE OX, AE OX, T, and NO2) had the lowest error in terms of statistical performance and the highest correlation coefficients with respect to the reference instrument (0.8 < r < 0.95). These results suggest that the ANFIS model is promising as a calibration tool since it has the capability to improve the accuracy and performance of the low-cost electrochemical sensor.

A moderate absorbency polymer derived from fish gelatin was investigated to enhance its mechanical properties and hydrophilicity through irradiation-induced crosslinking. Tilapia skin gelatin, plasticized with glycerol, was used to examine the effects of varying concentrations of glutaraldehyde (GTA) and different irradiation doses on the biopolymer's performance. The formulations were optimized, then incorporated GTA, and subjected to electron beam irradiation to explore the impact on the swelling capacity and mechanical integrity of the films. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to confirm the integration of crosslinkers and glycerol into the gelatin matrix, facilitating an understanding of the molecular interactions within the biopolymer. The study aims to advance the applications of fish gelatin-based moderate absorbency polymers in environmentally friendly and biodegradable products.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) together with oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a very rare condition in neonates. We presented a case of an infant with Gross type C oesophageal atresia with TOF coexisting with Stocker Type III CPAM in our centre. It is interesting to know that TOF associated with type III CPAM has never been reported in the literature. The child was delivered through caesarean section, and because of respiratory distress post-delivery, endotracheal intubation was carried out immediately. CPAM was diagnosed by a suspicious finding from the initial chest X-ray and the diagnosis was confirmed through computed tomography scan of the chest. The patient was initially stabilised in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and after the successful ligation of fistula and surgical repair of TOF, lung recruitment was started by high flow oscillatory ventilation. The patient recovered well without complications and able to maintain good saturation without oxygen support through the stay in the neonatal unit. Early recognition of this rare association is essential for immediate transfer to NICU, the intervention of any early life-threatening complications, and for vigilant monitoring in the postoperative period.

The effects of carbon nanotubes addition (nanotube contents and functionalized MWNTs) and also irradiation modification on the mechanical behaviours and thermal stabilities of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50)/poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites were investigated. ENR-50/PVC/MWNTs nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing in a Brabender Plastigraph at 150 °C with a rotor speed of 50 rpm followed by compression molding at 160 °C. The samples were irradiated in a 2 MeV electron beam (EB) machine at a dose of 200 kGy. The dynamic mechanical properties and glass transition temperature properties of the resulting composites were investigated as a function of MWNTs contents, functionalized MWNTs, and irradiation dose. The storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) increased by increasing nanotube content (0 to 8 phr) at 0 kGy and further increased after being irradiated with 200 kGy. Moreover, this is inversely proportional to loss modulus and can be seen that loss modulus decreased with the addition of nanotube content. In the aspect of functionalization effects, MWNTs-COOH recorded higher Tg at 0 kGy and MWNTs-OH at 200 kGy. However, results for storage modulus by the effect of functionalization totally dropped as compared with ENR-50/PVC and ENR-50/PVC/MWNTs blends. This showed that the storage modulus is not proportional to the increase of Tg and also the loss modulus.

Acute appendicitis is the most common diagnosis of an acute abdomen in children, however, it is extremely rare in neonates. Premature infants are more predisposed to the condition with increased rate of perforation causing peritonitis. The diagnosis is usually delayed and more often made during laparotomy or autopsy.Here, we report a baby girl with uneventful antenatal history was brought to the emergency department on day 15 of life with intestinal obstruction symptoms who was initially thought to have intussusception or small bowel volvulus. The infant was brought in for surgery and intraoperatively, a perforated appendix was found. Appendicectomy and peritoneal washout was performed. Post-operatively, the infant had persistent ileus and remain refractory to treatment with antibiotics and prokinetics. A re-laparotomy was done with colostomy and serial biopsies of large bowel. The histopathological examination of the biopsies could not exclude Hirschsprung disease. Then, rectal suction biopsy was performed prior to discharge and the acetylcholinesterase (ACH) enzyme study revealed a strong positivity for Hirschsprung disease. The infant subsequently underwent laparoscopic assisted transanal pull-through at 5 months old. The histopathological examination of the continuous section from anus to mid-transverse colon showed devoid of ganglion cells.In conclusion, neonatal appendicitis is a rare condition with atypical presentation and high rate of morbidity and mortality. It is paramount to have a high index of suspicion and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of an infant presenting with an acute abdomen with vague symptoms and signs.

Introduction: This is a unique and rare case of a huge pelvic tumour in a child whom primarily presented as acute urinary retention and haematuria after a fall. Case report: A 4 y-o child presented to casualty as he was not able to pass urine and was having dysuria for 1 day. Examination showed suspicious suprapubic mass which is likely to the urinary bladder. Bedside ultrasound showed the mass was likely to be the bladder. Further workup by Computer tomography showed large heterogenous solid mass arising from the pelvic cavity extending to lower abdomen measuring 6 × 11 × 9cm (APxWxCC). We performed laparotomy and debulking of the pelvic tumour. Intra-operatively we found the tumour to be gelatinous and friable. The tumour was removed in piecemeal. The overall histopathological features are consistent with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Discussion: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumour with skeletal muscle differentiation. The subtypes include embryonal(20%), alveolar(20%), and pleomorphic(20%) (Vinay Kumar and Aster, 2018) [1]. RMS in a paediatric age group accounts for almost 3.5% of cancer cases for children between 0 and 14. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumour with skeletal muscle differentiation. The subtypes include embryonal(20%), alveolar(20%), and pleomorphic(20%) (Vinay Kumar and Aster, 2018) [1]. RMS in a paediatric age group accounts for almost 3.5% of cancer cases for children between 0 and 14. Conclusion: Rhabdomyosarcoma has a good overall survival prognosis with approximately 70% of patients 5 years after diagnosis.

Asiaticoside, a pentacyclic triterpene of Centella asiatica with broad pharmacological actions. Higher asiaticoside content of Centella extracts in food products increases their nutritional and medicinal values. Protic ionic liquids (PIL) were utilized as bioactive extraction additives. The research focuses on obtaining the optimum extraction parameters for higher asiaticoside yield, and Centella extract antioxidant capacity. Optimization of all responses (asiaticoside yield, TPC, TEAC) achieved through faced-centered composite design (FCCD) involving three factors (temperature, extraction time, and triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate, [TEA][HSO4] %). The optimal conditions were 66 °C, 12 h duration, and 20% [TEA][HSO4], which resulted in 4.44 ± 0.05% (w/w) asiaticoside, TPC of 114.11 ± 12.58 mg GAE /g and TEAC of 70.01 ± 5.74 µmol TE/g respectively. All responses fit the quadratic model with proximity between predicted and experimented values. Procurement of higher asiaticoside yield, TPC, and TEAC verified the pertinent of the optimal conditions. In addition, the outcomes give an overview of PILs potential for higher bioactive extractions. Research expansion by utilizing other PILs for plant extraction in addition to solute–solvent interaction study will be beneficial for the designation of an efficient plant extraction process that maximizes the plant-based product market.

The decline in air quality is a significant global issue, with agricultural practices and biomass burning being a few of the factors contributing to harmful pollutants. In 2015, Malaysia faced severe air quality deterioration due to forest fires and agricultural burning, worsened by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions. Vegetation fires, particularly forest fires, emit pollutants and cause temperature fluctuations, significantly impacting air quality. Although satellites like NOAA’s GOES16 and NASA’s MODIS are used for fire detection, data coverage and capture frequencies create uncertainties. This study examines local vegetation burning data from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), MODIS hotspots from the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), and MODIS Burned Area Monthly L3 Global 500m (MCD64A1). The analysis focuses on the spatial distribution and trends of vegetation burning in Peninsular Malaysia’s forests and agricultural lands in 2015. It also compares fire detection data from BOMBA and MODIS to identify discrepancies between the local and remote sensing datasets. The research aims to enhance understanding of vegetation fire activities in Peninsular Malaysia, offering insights for more effective fire management and mitigation strategies.

Animal slaughtering is the most vital step in the preparation of chicken meat. The step ensures the meat is safe for human consumption since the procedure of animal slaughtering can affect the meat quality. In this study, we compare the quality of chicken meats obtained via two common slaughtering procedures: neck slaughtering (NS) and neck pocking (NP). The meat quality was assessed based on physicochemical analyses (ultimate pH, colour, heme iron content, drip and thaw loss measurements and TBARS value) and metabolite profiling (FTIR, GC–MS and UHPLC with PCA and PLS-DA). The study found that, relative to the NP-, the NS-chicken meat had slightly acidic pH, and much lower values of the following parameters: L* (lightness) (P = 0.023), heme iron content (P