28 research outputs found

    Land use and deforestation modelling of river catchments in Klang Valley Malaysia.

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    This paper presents analyses of the land use and land cover change of the Langat-Dengkil sub-catchment and the deforestation of the Klang-Langat catchment in the context of water resource availability. The Langat-Dengkil sub-catchment lies within the upper catchment of Klang-Langat. For both catchments, the landsat TM and ETM satellite imageries, ERDAS Imagine 8.4 and ArcView/Arc GIS softwares were used to detect spatial and temporal changes in land use and deforestation between the year 1990 and 2001. For Klang-Langat deforestation, CLUE model was used to forecast change up to year 2020 using two set scenarios. Langat-Dengkil sub-catchments experienced multiple changes of land use and land cover at varying quantum for the years 1990 and 2001. It was found that forest land and agriculture were reduced by 9.5% (4,303 ha) and 17.3% (11,598 ha), respectively. During the same period (1990 to 2001), urbanised land has increased by nearly six folds (18,860 ha). Land use change matrix has indicated that the increase of urbanised area was at the expense of agriculture and forest land. For Klang-Langat catchment, the deforestation for 1989 – 1999 were also serious. About 36,351 ha were deforested including 12,244 ha of Permanent Forest Reserve. Deforestation prone areas are located within 1000 m from major access, 2000 m from town, confined to altitude less than 100 m and within slope of less than 5o. Projection for year 2020 has predicted that if the Permanent Forest Reserve is strictly protected, deforestation will be reduced to 22,340 ha or 22%. Otherwise, it will be heavily deforested at 50,851 ha or 50%. Both results showed that the accelerated land use change and deforestation can only be mitigated through stringent management of land conversion, and as for the forest, it has to be through the total protection by law. This can be achieved by strengthening the Permanent Forest Reserve law and the commitment in adopting sustainable resource policy

    The Influence of Self-Regard on Response of Belief in God and Awareness of Prophetic Teaching

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    Personality and religion relationship has long been studied by Western and Muslim researchers in order to find any association between religious factors anda person\u27s behavior and thought. The present study sought to expand research by investigating the differences in the latent factors, namely Tawhid (Belief in God), Nubuwwa(Awareness of Prophetic Teaching), Self-striving, and Self-regard, in a newly developed scale of Integrative Islamic Personality Inventory (IIPI). The sample of this study was a group of undergraduate students (n= 1235) in ten universities in Turkey. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. The main goal of this study was to investigate the statistical properties of this scale and examine if it could be applied across university students. It is apparent that Belief in God and Awareness of Prophetic Teaching, Self-regard and Self-striving represent psychological and social implications for individuals. Thus, the model of this research makes an important contribution to understanding and predicting how Muslims think, act, and experience Islam

    The influence of consumer complaint behaviour on relationship quality among Malaysian mobile phone services subscribers: complainers versus non-complainers

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    Mobile phone service subscribers in Malaysia have been increasing tremendously. However, the number of complaints received with regard to mobile phone services is small as compared to the number of subscribers. Evidently complaining is one of the consumer behaviours which provides significant impact to organisations as well as to complainers or consumers. Studies on Consumer Complaining Behaviour (CCB) are continuously carried out due to its importance. Although, CCB has extensively been studied in various countries and industries, limited studies are found investigating the relationship between CCB and relationship quality. Therefore, this study was conducted to reduce the existing research gap by concentrating on the Malaysian mobile phone services industry. A total of 550 of mobile phone users consisting of complainers and non-complainers from two selected states in Malaysia were selected as respondents. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze the data, the GOF, AVE, CR and convergent validity values confirmed the measurement model of the CCB dimensions which consist of public complaint soft action, public complaint extreme action, private complaint soft action and private complaint extreme action for complainers and non-complainers, respectively. The structural model revealed mixed results of the relationships between the exogenous and endogenous variables. The results provide the indicator of the relationship quality between service providers and consumers. As the mobile phone services industry involves a huge number of Malaysian population this issue should become the focal point to the parties concerned in protecting the consumers

    Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath masquerading as trigger finger.

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    We report a case of a 59-year-old female who presented in the general orthopaedic clinic with triggering of her right middle finger. She did not respond to conventional treatment methods; subsequently she underwent surgical open release under local anaesthesia. Five months postoperatively, the patient presented with signs and symptoms of acute flexor tenosynovitis, and was thought to have a postoperative infection. Re-examination by a hand surgeon raised the possibility of a different aetiology. Based on clinical findings and response to initial treatment, giant cell tumour of the flexor tendon sheath was suspected and later confirmed following surgical biopsy. A high index of suspicion and knowledge of the variegated presentations of giant cell tumour in the hand are beneficial in these types of cases

    Assessing respiratory inflammation among children living near to non-sanitary landfill using interleukin-6 (IL-6)

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    Aims: To determine the respiratory inflammation among children living near to non-sanitary municipal solid waste landfill area and the concentration of Interleukin-6 cytokine. Study Design: A cross-sectional comparative study design. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Pajam, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, between September 2013 and April 2014. Methodology: A total of 72 children were randomly selected based on the inclusive and exclusive criteria. A set of pre-tested questionnaires were utilized to obtain socio-demographic information and to predict health risk faced by the respondents. Saliva samples of the respondents were collected and analyzed using Human Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Platinum ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit. Results: The PM10 concentration for the exposed group was higher than the unexposed group with the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 152.31±31.07 μg/m3 and 87.77±30.77 μg/m3 respectively. The mean ± SD of the Interleukin-6 for the exposed group was slightly higher than the unexposed group with the mean ± SD of 6.34±1.95 pg/ml and 5.77±1.08 pg/ml respectively. The most common symptoms reported was sneezing and sore throat. There was no significant correlation between PM10 concentration and IL-6 in this study. Conclusion: The findings exhibit that there was no association between Interleukin-6 and PM10 concentration of the respondent. However, there are likely potential adverse health impacts arising from particulates exposure among exposed children in this study. Respondents are advised to have a medical check-up in order to determine respiratory health status thus elimination the risks of acquiring respiratory inflammation

    The social, psychological, educational opportunities and economical impact on spina bifida families in King Fahd University Hospital, Saudi Arabia

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    BackgroundIn Saudi Arabia, there is insufficient data about the incidence and prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Based on single hospital studies on limited geographical areas here, the incidence ranges approximately from 0.97 per 1,000 births to 1.09 per 1,000 births. During the past six decades, medical care for NTDs has improved significantly, resulting in better life expectancy.AimsIn this study, we are aiming to identify the impact of SB on educational opportunities for the affected individuals, and the psychological, social and financial burden on the families.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted at the Mylomengiyocele clinic at King Fahad University Hospital in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. 50 caregivers of patients with SB (between 2018–2019) were included. Data were obtained by answering a structured questionnaire through a telephonic interview.ResultsFinancially, 14.6 per cent pay for medications needed but not provided by the hospital. 52.4 per cent need to use a wheelchair, with 66.7 per cent provided by the family only. 46.5 per cent of the total patients needed to use urinary catheters, 52.4 per cent of them provided by the family. 71 per cent of the families receiving financial aid complained that it was not enough to cover the main needs of their child. Socially, 13.6 per cent reported some issues between the child and child’s siblings. Psychologically, there was significant association between caregiver feeling loss of interest and sadness with spina bifida (SB) child interaction with his/her brothers or sisters. Regarding the schooling of SB Child, 33.3 per cent of our sample discontinued their education for a period. Also, 13.6 per cent of our sample reported lack of wheelchair ramp, and 59.1 per cent of the school faculty were not trained enough to provide the needed help to the child in cases of emergencies.ConclusionWith the results yielded, we recommend funding the social medias more in order to increase the awareness of this condition, more campaigns to advocate for SB rights. Also, providing public and school special needs preparations

    At-Risk Students' Response to Learning Mathematics and Science in a Second Language

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    The Malaysian government recently reverted to the English language as the medium of instruction in its education system for important content subjects such as Mathematics and the Sciences. This policy decision was made in the midst of widespread concern over the perceived falling standards of English language proficiency after the country had used Malay, the native language of the majority Malays, as the medium of instruction for almost two decades. This year marks the first year high school students will sit for the national standardized examinations in English. Dissenters to this policy shift in the language of instruction fear that many will suffer as a result of this change. In this study, the self reports of academically high and low performing students are compared in terms of their ability to perform language related tasks in Malay and the English language. Using the Chi-square statistic, the results of the yes-no responses given by the students indicate that while high performing students report no major difficulties in either language, responses from the low performing students indicate otherwise. Additionally open-ended responses to learning Science and Mathematics in a second language are also qualitatively analysed in order to obtain a more comprehensive view of the challenges these students may face. Several implications based on these results are also discussed

    Which level of preoperative glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) affect early morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery?

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    BackgroundDiabetics account for 34 per cent of all patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and have higher rates of postoperative mortality. Furthermore, they are at risk for ICU admission postoperatively due to complications of hyperglycaemia, which in turn increases hospital mortality.AimsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and to establish it is an independent predictor for postoperative mortality and morbidity.Methods This retrospective study was conducted at King Fahd University Hospital. Files of 146 diabetic patients who underwent cardiac surgery in the period between September 2015 to June 2018 were included. One hundred and five patients met the inclusion criteria. Depending on the results of HbA1c preoperatively, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A, with a HbA1c > =8.5 per cent, accounting for 33 patients, and Group B with a HbA1c < =8.4 per cent accounting for 71 patients.Results This study included 79 males and 25 females, with ages ranging in between 17 to 87 years old, with no significant difference between both groups in age and sex. A significant difference was found between Group A and Group B in postoperative mortality (p-value < 0.002). No significant difference was found when comparing length of hospital stay, wound infection postoperatively, reoperation, or readmission.ConclusionThere was a significant difference in mortality postoperativly between the two groups, with patients who had higher HbA1c levels experiencing higher mortality. Since our sample size was small, we recommend that further studies be done in multiple centres

    Evidence for perinatal and child health care guidelines in crisis settings: can Cochrane help?

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is important that healthcare provided in crisis settings is based on the best available research evidence. We reviewed guidelines for child and perinatal health care in crisis situations to determine whether they were based on research evidence, whether Cochrane systematic reviews were available in the clinical areas addressed by these guidelines and whether summaries of these reviews were provided in Evidence Aid.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Broad internet searches were undertaken to identify relevant guidelines. Guidelines were appraised using AGREE and the clinical areas that were relevant to perinatal or child health were extracted. We searched The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify potentially relevant reviews. For each review we determined how many trials were included, and how many were conducted in resource-limited settings.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Six guidelines met selection criteria. None of the included guidelines were clearly based on research evidence. 198 Cochrane reviews were potentially relevant to the guidelines. These reviews predominantly addressed nutrient supplementation, breastfeeding, malaria, maternal hypertension, premature labour and prevention of HIV transmission. Most reviews included studies from developing settings. However for large portions of the guidelines, particularly health services delivery, there were no relevant reviews. Only 18 (9.1%) reviews have summaries in Evidence Aid.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We did not identify any evidence-based guidelines for perinatal and child health care in disaster settings. We found many Cochrane reviews that could contribute to the evidence-base supporting future guidelines. However there are important issues to be addressed in terms of the relevance of the available reviews and increasing the number of reviews addressing health care delivery.</p

    Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

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    Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P &lt; 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely
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