Prevalence of depression and its association with suicidal ideation among older people

Objective: Suicidal ideation is common in older people worldwide. However, there is a lack of data about suicidal ideation and its risk factor among Malaysian population. Aims: To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms, and risk factors contributing to suicidal ideation among older people.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 200 older people aged 60 years and older who attended Medical Outpatient Department (MOPD) Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan. A questionnaire consisted of three parts; (1) Socio demographic background, (2) Depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and (3) Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire Revised (SBQ-R). The data were analyzed by Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results: The prevalence rate of older people who experienced suicidal ideation was 3% and 29.5 % older people reported depression. It was found that there was an association between ethnicity (p < 0.00), marital status (p= 0.008), depressive symptoms (p < 0.00) and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Ethnicity, marital status and depressive symptoms are associated with suicidal ideation among older people in Malaysia. Future interventions should focus on these factors while planning for the intervention specific for this group of older people

Conceptualización de la concientización sobre educación verde en la escuela primaria para promover la sostenibilidad

This research aims to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of life at school. This should include the students, teachers, non-teaching staff, and parents, as well as the Local Authority, the media, and local business. Green education endeavors to extend learning beyond the classroom and develop responsible attitudes and commitment. Schools consume enormous quantities of paper and energy, produce tons of waste and carbon emissions, and rarely purchase environmentally friendly products. Schools use cleaners and pesticides with neurological and reproductive toxins, which are dangerous. Poor indoor air quality and nutrition at school are linked to soaring asthma and childhood obesity rates. Research now shows that greener, sustainable school environments can save money and resources, expand learning, and improve health. And ultimately, sustainable schools teach children to become good environmental citizens and will empower them to make a difference in the environment.Esta investigación tiene como objetivo hacer de la conciencia y la acción ambiental una parte intrínseca de la vida en la escuela. Esto debe incluir a los estudiantes, maestros, personal no docente y padres, así como a la Autoridad Local, los medios de comunicación y los negocios locales. La educación verde se esfuerza por extender el aprendizaje más allá del aula y desarrollar actitudes y compromisos responsables. Las escuelas consumen enormes cantidades de papel y energía, producen toneladas de residuos y emisiones de carbono, y rara vez compran productos ecológicos. Las escuelas usan limpiadores y pesticidas con toxinas neurológicas y reproductivas, que son peligrosas. La mala calidad del aire interior y la nutrición en la escuela están vinculadas a las elevadas tasas de asma y obesidad infantil. La investigación ahora muestra que los entornos escolares más verdes y sostenibles pueden ahorrar dinero y recursos, ampliar el aprendizaje y mejorar la salud. Y, en última instancia, las escuelas sostenibles enseñan a los niños a convertirse en buenos ciudadanos del medio ambiente y los capacitarán para hacer una diferencia en el medio ambiente

Physicochemical characteristics of bionanocomposites, polycaprolactone/starch/cocoa pod husk microfibrillated cellulose

The development of biocomposites has increased due to their biodegradability,renewability, and high specific strength which are comparable with other polymer composites. Even though, the conventional composites are still in high demand due to their durability, however, it cannot decompose and the accumulation of these wastes for a long period is harmful to the living things and to the environment. Therefore, in this study the biodegradable polymers, polycaprolactone (PCL) and starch were selected in this study to synthesize bionanocomposite incorporated with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). The microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was extracted from cocoa pod husk (CPH–MFC) and was mixed with PCL and starch, where its amount was varied between 3-10wt%. The prepared bionanocomposites were characterised in terms of its water uptake rate, and structural and thermal properties using Fourier transform infared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the CPH–MFC extracted was in nanoscale size. The percentage of water uptake of the prepared bionanocomposites increased with the amount of CPH–MFC. Meanwhile, the FTIR spectra of the prepared bionanocomposites showed almost similar characteristic peaks with the FTIR spectra of pure PCL. DSC analysis showed that the melting temperature increased as the amount of CPH–MFC increased. This study justifies that the incorporation of CPH–MFC with the PCL–starch matrix improved the water uptake rate and thermal properties but did not show significant changes to the structure of PCL

Service quality, doctors’ communication quality and patient satisfaction in KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital / Azura Ahmad Zahdi, Nizman Hadi Nor Hashim and Sharifah Arina Syed Mhd Hanafiah

The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between service quality, doctors’ communication quality and patient satisfaction in KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital. A scale comprising of 21 items of service quality, 15 items of doctors’ communication quality and 9 items of patient satisfaction in a hospital were developed based on literature review. A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed to outpatients in KPJ Selangor and 222 questionnaires were collected (response rate of 92.5%). The data collected were analysed using SPSS version 23. The data analysis showed that the five dimensions of service quality (tangibles, responsiveness, reliability, assurance and empathy) is reduced into three new dimensions (Accuracy, Competency and Appeal) while doctors’ communication quality is reduced into two new dimensions (Approach and Interaction). Accuracy, Appeal and Interaction have statistically significant relationship with patient satisfaction p=0.000 (p<0.05). The new model explains 74.2% of variance in our dependent variable which is patient satisfaction. Limitations of the study include that the results of this study is only applicable to KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital and does not reflect the situation in other KPJ Hospitals or other private healthcare providers and certainly not the public hospitals. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the patient satisfaction dimensions in a Malaysian context and how those dimensions affected patient’s overall satisfaction. Hospitals, in general, can use the study findings to measure and improve their operational performance

Community-Based Corporate Social Responsibility: a Series of Confirmatory Factor Analyses

Purpose: Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), this study sought to develop and evaluate a new model of CSR activities from a community perspective.   Theoretical Framework: The levels of CSR activities are evaluated by the four dimensions summarized by Carroll (1991): ETH (Ethical dimension), PHil (Philanthropic dimension), Eco (Economic dimension), and Law (Legal dimension). Items in every dimension were validated using CFA. The ethical, philanthropic, economic, and legal frameworks also provided evidence of validity and reliability.   Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a cross-sectional survey method in which structured questionnaires were used to gather data from a randomly selected sample of 317 residents from three selected villages in the State of Malacca, Malaysia. The statistical analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).   Findings: The CSR model approaches were validated and demonstrated to be effective. Four constructs' results demonstrated the validity and reliability of the measurement methodology for CSR practice components. The results showed that the fitness index is satisfactory. Additionally, all correlations were found to be less than 0.85, suggesting that the construct correlations are satisfied. Thus, the model is proven to be valid.   Research, Practical &amp;  Social Implications: This research provides valuable information concerning community-based CSR practices that could supplement organizations’ efforts toward offering positive social contributions. This research could also help organizations to adopt a more creative approach to profit maximization.   Originality/value: This research developed a new model for community-based CSR. This new perspective can offer insights into the development of CSR in the Malaysian context

Financial Literacy among University Students and its Implications towards Financial Scams

The acquisition of financial literacy is crucial in facilitating improved financial decision-making and promoting the long-term financial stability of individuals, families, and the nation as a whole. It is anticipated that increased levels of financial literacy, particularly among younger cohorts, will result in enhanced economic indicators, improved payment records, and more sustainable levels of debt for both people and the nation. The attainment of a high quality of life is of paramount importance for Malaysia's progression towards achieving the status of a developed nation. However, it is worth noting that a significant proportion of Malaysians, specifically one out of every three individuals, perceive their level of financial awareness to be relatively low. Moreover, a significant disparity exists in the level of financial literacy among 15-year-old pupils in OECD and partner countries, such as Malaysia. This study attempts to explore conceptually the relationship between financial literacy and its impacts on financial scams among university students. This study will increase the level of financial literacy among Malaysians before embarking on any financial investments

Necessary Skills for Success in Higher Learning

The study focuses on identifying whether other factors, apart from academic qualification, are needed to ensure success in higher learning

Removal of Phosphate by Paper Mill Sludge: Adsorption Isotherm and Kinetic Study

Phosphate ions have been removed from aqueous solution by paper mill sludge. The influences of experimental conditions such as pH, amount of adsorbent, initial concentration of phosphate, adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics of paper mill sludge were studied. The adsorption of phosphate was more efficient in the basic pH region (pH 12). Pseudo second-order model fits better than the pseudo first-order model for adsorption kinetic data and indicates the adsorption process is based on chemisorptions. The calculated activation energy (Ea) is 37.01 J/mol which further suggests that the sorption of phosphate by paper mill sludge was based on chemical adsorption. Consequently, the equilibrium isotherm data were fitted well to Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity of 12.65 mg/g. From the study, it showed that paper mill sludge has the potential to be utilized as a cost effective and high capability adsorbent for removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions

Prevalence of Tuberculosis among health care workers in a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia

Health care workers are at increased risk of nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TB among health care workers and its associated factors. A retrospective analysis was conducted using database of TB screening program at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Mukhriz (HCTM) over the period of three years (2018-2020). The prevalence rate of TB showed increasing trend, from 1.54 per 100 health care workers in 2018 to 5.02 per 100 health care workers in 2020. Aged group of 31-40 had higher risk for contracting TB B (p<0.001), health support workers had significant association with TB acquisition (p=0.008), workers in Diagnostic Laboratory Department had the high risk of getting infected with TB (p<0.001) and the workplace with the highest prevalence was in laboratory (45.9%). In terms of TB index cases among health care workers, 16 cases (69.5%) were pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), 6 cases (26.1%) were extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and 1 case (4.4%) had both PTB and EPTB. It was crucial for health care workers to be aware of these significant associations and for relevant authorities to carry out protective measures

Assessment Of Aboveground Biomass And Temperature In The Tropical Rainforest Of Malaysia

The relation between tropical rainforest to the climate variability is very important. This research aims to determine the relationship between aboveground biomass which prefer tree in the tropical rainforest and surrounding temperature. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of ten tree species and surrounding temperature collected data were taken to measure the correlation between the two variables by using statistical test. Furthermore, forest biomass estimation is also important towards the assessment of the productivity, structure and forest condition. The analysis in this research shows that simple linear regression model can be used to predict the future value of DBH for each species. The findings may help the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with proper conservation and sustainable management