Problem-based learning (PBL) awareness among academic staff in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

The present study was conducted to determine whether the academic staff in UTHM was aware of Problem-based Learning (PBL) as an instructional approach. It was significant to identify if the academic staff in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) had the knowledge about PBL. It was also crucial to know if the academic staff was aware of PBL as a method of teaching their courses in class as this could give the feedback to the university on the use of PBL among academic staff and measures to be taken to help improve their teaching experience. A workshop could also be designed if the academic staff in UTHM was interested to know more about PBL and how it could be used in their classroom. The objective of this study was to identify the awareness of PBL among academic staff in UTHM. This study was conducted via a quantitative method using a questionnaire adapted from the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ). 100 respondents were involved in this study. The findings indicated that the awareness of PBL among UTHM academic staff was moderate. It is a hope that more exposure could be done as PBL is seen as a promising approach in the learning process. In conclusion, the academic staff in UTHM has a moderate level of knowledge about PBL as a teaching methodology

Ibn Fadlan's role in the Islamisation of Bulghar society

Islam is the oldest established religion among Bulghar entity, the residents along the riverbanks of the Volga-Kama triangle. This valley was famous as the first Islamic country erected in the Eastern European region. The presence of Islam in the region has raised the name of the ruler of Volga Bulgaria and was reinforced by relationship with Baghdad. The Islamisation of the Bulghar society is relevant to the role played by Ahmad ibn Fadlan, the ambassador of the Abbasid government based in Baghdad. Therefore, this article aims to examine the role played by Ibn Fadlan in the Islamization of the Bulghar society. For this study, a qualitative method using historical descriptive approach was employed, which involved compilation and evaluation of the facts of the Risalah Ibn Fadlān. Data for this study were obtained through library research. The data analyses were conducted through texts and document analyses, as well as comparison method. This study finds that Ibn Fadlan plays an important role in the islamisation of the Bulghar society, not just as an ambassador of Abbasid government but as a teacher, preacher and counselor to the Bulghar king and the whole nation

Ibn Fadlan’s Role in the Islamisation of Bulghar society

Islam is the oldest established religion among Bulghar entity, the residents along the riverbanks of the Volga-Kama triangle. This valley was famous as the first Islamic country erected in the Eastern European region. The presence of Islam in the region has raised the name of the ruler of Volga Bulgaria and was reinforced by relationship with Baghdad. The Islamisation of the Bulghar society is relevant to the role played by Ahmad ibn Fadlan, the ambassador of the Abbasid government based in Baghdad. Therefore, this article aims to examine the role played by Ibn Fadlan in the Islamization of the Bulghar society. For this study, a qualitative method using historical descriptive approach was employed, which involved compilation and evaluation of the facts of the Risalah Ibn Fadlān. Data for this study were obtained through library research. The data analyses were conducted through texts and document analyses, as well as comparison method. This study finds that Ibn Fadlan plays an important role in the islamisation of the Bulghar society, not just as an ambassador of Abbasid government but as a teacher, preacher and counselor to the Bulghar king and the whole nation

Innovative invention skills and individual competency model for vocational education

Invention is a process of developing creative minds, innovative and inventive in preparing the workforce informed, and competent in facing the challenges of rapid technological development today. Knowledge and individual competency are needed to produce a new design of a product. Knowledge and skills are the components related to invention process that could be identified easily. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of student’s knowledge and preferences in invention process, student’s skills in selecting the process knowledge, and to identify the relationship between the student’s knowledge and the preferences process that they chose. 528 students from vocational colleges were involved in this study. The set of questionnaires based on Renwick model and iceberg competency model was used to measure the variables needed. The results showed the level of student’s knowledge in invention process was high and the students also preferred the idea of development when they chose the invention process. This study also concluded that there was a significant relationship between knowledge and student’s preferences in invention process. In conclusion, the application of skills and knowledge in invention process will be applied in students’ competency and it is capable of developing new ideas to create innovative and creative products

Analysis on social change among Bulghar society based on Risalah Ibn Fadlan 922 AD

The role of Islam in the forming of the society solidarity consisting of multi-ethnic backgrounds into a consistency ethno system is a great thing about the Volga Bulgaria that occupied by Bulghar society. The process of Islamization has become the main factors for social changes happened in the society. Thus, this writing is intended to analyse the social changes that occurred in the society that affected Bulghar society achievement, by referred to text analysis on Risalah Ibn Fadlan, 922 AD and some other sources related. For this study, the qualitative method using historical descriptive approach has been employed which involving compilation and evaluation of the facts of the Risalah Ibn Fadlān. Therefore, data onto this study were obtained through library research. The analyses on data study were conducted through texts and document analyses, as well as comparison method. This study finds islamization is the major factor contributing to the social change among Bulghar society. The social change in Bulghar society incorporating the changing of thinking to achieve development in education, the way of life, infrastructure, literature and the spirit of dacwah, the norms and values based on Islam, which the society adheres after becoming Muslim

Sovereignty of a nation: a lesson learnt from the case of Batu Puteh Island (Pedra Branca)

This paper discusses on the issues related to Batu Puteh Island (Pedra Branca) which is a topic of discussion in relation to the sovereignty of a country and its implications in the future. Losing territories will undermine the sovereignty of a country and is an insult to them. The reality is a bitter truth. Sovereignty is a symbol of power to many countries. The corresponding letter by the Acting Secretary of Johore dated 21st September 1953 stated that Johore does not claim ownership of Pedra Branca. The letter was seen by ICJ as a sign that Johore had handed over its sovereignty on Batu Puteh Island over to the British. Therefore, the court concluded that the letter clearly indicates that since 1953, Johore has declared that it no longer had sovereignty over Pedra Branca. Various questions arise regarding the letter. Where is the authority and sovereign of the Sultan of Johore who ruled over Johore and its territories? Can an Acting Secretary of State legitimately decide on matters of sovereignty, land and territorial rights? Or, should it be decided by the Sultan as head of a sovereign state? These are some of the questions which are yet to be answered and documentation is vital. It will determine the future and the road to success. Learn from history, learn from the administrative weaknesses and individual mistakes, and remember that history repeats itself in the future. Our own mistakes cost us an island which was originally ours for centuries. Our absent mindedness led us in losing the island’s sovereignty to other nation. Everyone knows that the island belongs to Johore with all related documents are complete and history has proven it. Always be careful when making any decisions or be sorry for life

The concept of leadership and constitution from the Islamic and Malay archipelago perspectives according to Taj Al Salatin manuscript

The aspect of leadership has existed since the dawn of time, with scholars conducting extensive studies from various angles and views, which were then produced into literary works. In the Malay Archipelago, Taj al-Salatin manuscript (1603M) is widely known as a masterpiece which highlighted leadership qualities from the Islamic perspective. This study was conducted to identify the author‟s ideas on Islamic leadership in the context of Malay Archipelago, using descriptive method by analysing the manuscript. The findings showed that leaders and leadership are considered as a mandate from Allah S.W.T. Good leaders must be qualified, with higher knowledge and morals than their subjects. Taj al-Salatin introduces the idea that leaders should practice Tasawwuf, which among its practises include constant self reminder of death, rejecting lust and desires, and prioritising remembrance to Allah. In his manuscript, Bukhari al-Jauhari presents the vision, idealism and the idea of "leaders are perfect beings", which embodies the concept of Tauhid and upholds noble character for universal humanity. A leader of a nation should always stand on the grounds of good moral values and the people are led towards creating a peaceful, prosperous and happy nation

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Socializing One Health: an innovative strategy to investigate social and behavioral risks of emerging viral threats

In an effort to strengthen global capacity to prevent, detect, and control infectious diseases in animals and people, the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT) PREDICT project funded development of regional, national, and local One Health capacities for early disease detection, rapid response, disease control, and risk reduction. From the outset, the EPT approach was inclusive of social science research methods designed to understand the contexts and behaviors of communities living and working at human-animal-environment interfaces considered high-risk for virus emergence. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, PREDICT behavioral research aimed to identify and assess a range of socio-cultural behaviors that could be influential in zoonotic disease emergence, amplification, and transmission. This broad approach to behavioral risk characterization enabled us to identify and characterize human activities that could be linked to the transmission dynamics of new and emerging viruses. This paper provides a discussion of implementation of a social science approach within a zoonotic surveillance framework. We conducted in-depth ethnographic interviews and focus groups to better understand the individual- and community-level knowledge, attitudes, and practices that potentially put participants at risk for zoonotic disease transmission from the animals they live and work with, across 6 interface domains. When we asked highly-exposed individuals (ie. bushmeat hunters, wildlife or guano farmers) about the risk they perceived in their occupational activities, most did not perceive it to be risky, whether because it was normalized by years (or generations) of doing such an activity, or due to lack of information about potential risks. Integrating the social sciences allows investigations of the specific human activities that are hypothesized to drive disease emergence, amplification, and transmission, in order to better substantiate behavioral disease drivers, along with the social dimensions of infection and transmission dynamics. Understanding these dynamics is critical to achieving health security--the protection from threats to health-- which requires investments in both collective and individual health security. Involving behavioral sciences into zoonotic disease surveillance allowed us to push toward fuller community integration and engagement and toward dialogue and implementation of recommendations for disease prevention and improved health security