Calcium Absorption and Bioavailability of Isoflavones from Tempeh Compared to Milk Among Postmenopausal Malay Women

The main objective of this study was to determine the absorption of calcium from tempeh compared to milk and apparent bioavailability of isoflavone in urinary excretions of postmenopausal Malay women consuming tempeh. There were three phases in this study. In phase one, food analyses on tempeh showed every 100 g of fried tempeh contained 41.8 ± 5.1% moisture, 18.6 ± 1.2% crude protein, 18.8 ± 7.2% crude fat, 19.9 ± 3.4% total carbohydrate, 0.8 ± 0.2% total ash, 63.3 ± 2.7 mg Ca, 34.57 ± 11.07 mg daidzein (DA) and 30.50 ± 11.41 mg genestein (GE), based on wet weight. Deep frying tempeh in batter for 30 minutes decreased 45% of the total isoflavones in fried tempeh (113 ± 41 mg) compared to the raw one (205 ± 56 mg). Raw tempeh contained the highest total amount of DA (25.64 ± 5.65 mg) and GE (28.41 ± 9.15 mg) compared to other studied local soy products. In phase two, health screening was conducted to select healthy subjects for clinical trial in phase three. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) prior to the study. A total of 125 postmenopausal Malay women screened from five locations in suburban of Kuala Lumpur and 42 of them met the inclusion criteria and were qualified to take part in the clinical trial. The mean age of the subjects was 59 ± 4 years and they were on average 10 ± 7 years postmenopausal. Average weight, height and body mass index (BMI) for these subjects were 63.7 ± 10.1 kg, 1.5 ± 0.1 m and 28.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Majority (46%) of the women was overweight while 31% were obese and two percent were underweight. Two-thirds of them have been taking medication for chronic diseases like hypertension (27%), diabetes mellitus (9%), heart disease (1%) and combination of the three chronic diseases (19%). Average values for fasting serum lipid for these subjects were 5.97 ± 1.23 mmol/L of total cholesterol (TC), 1.40 ± 0.33 mmol/L of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), 3.84 ± 1.02 mmol/L of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and 1.77 ± 0.96 mmol/L of triglyceride (TG). About 74% of subjects were hypercholesterolemic and 58% were hypertriglyceridemic. Based on the calcaneal measurement, 37% of the subjects were osteopenic while 6% were osteoporotic. Based on the dietary history questionnaire, average calcium intake of the subjects was 505 ± 263 mg/d when. Their main source of calcium was obtained from vegetables (37%), dairy products (32%), meat and seafood (17%), cereal (7%), fruits (5%) and beverages (2%). Using the semi food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) for soy products the average estimated isoflavone intake for these subjects was 25 ± 15 mg/d. The most frequently consumed soy products for this population was tempeh (25%), fujook (17.4%), homemade soy bean drink (11.2%), unfried tofu (10.3%), fried tofu (8.9%), tofufah (8.4%), soft tofu (7.4%), boxed soy bean drink (7.2%) and egg tofu (4.3%). In phase three, 21 healthy postmenopausal Malay women volunteered to take part in the clinical trial for calcium absorption and apparent bioavailability study. The study was carried out at the in patient clinical trial ward of UKMMC. Only 20 subjects completed the study since one subject was excluded for not completing the urine collection. The mean age of these subjects was 57 ± 3 years and they were on average 9 ± 5 years postmenopausal. Average weight, height and BMI for these subjects were 63 ± 11 kg, 1.5 ± 0.1 m and 27 ± 4 kg/m2. Majority (55%) of these women was overweight while 20% were obese. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual energy absorptiometry (DXA), indicated that 50% of the subjects was osteopenic, 35% were normal and 15% were osteoporotic. Body weight was significantly correlated to the BMD of the total body (r = 0.457, p = 0.037) and neck (r = 0.507, p = 0.019). Based on 3-day food records, 20 postmenopausal Malay women have average low calcium intake of 426 ± 122 mg/d, and 30% of them have reported of not taking any milk. Their mean values for parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and serum alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were : 59.5 ± 21.6 pg/ml, 11.1 ± 4.1 ng/ml, 11.1 ± 1.8 nmol/mmol and 37.1 ± 8.3 U/L, respectively. The majority (95%) subjects had serum 25(OH)D less than 20 ng/ml, which are indicative of vitamin D insufficiency. Correlation analysis showed a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and BMI (r = - 0.388, p = 0.045,). About 30% of the subjects had secondary hyperparathyroidism with PTH concentrations exceed 65 pg/ml. Fractional calcium absorption from tempeh was compared to that observed from milk, using a dual stable isotope approach in a randomized cross-over design. Subjects consumed the same calcium load (130-150 mg Ca) from either milk or tempeh with a one-month washout period between each test meal. 42Ca (0.036 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to subjects prior to oral administration of 44Ca (0.272 mg/kg) in milk. All urine from subjects was collected for 24 h post-dosing in 8 h pools. Average percent calcium absorption from tempeh (36.9 ± 10.4%) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that observed from milk (34.3 ± 8.4%). Estimated calcium balance (VBal) from taking tempeh (108 ± 63 mg/d) was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to milk (71 ± 64 mg/d). Apparent bioavailability of isoflavones was determined from the urinary isoflavone excretions following ingestion of 240 g tempeh (160 mg isoflavones) and milk. Tempeh consumption for day one was carried out at the clinical trial ward and the same three-8h urine pool collected for calcium absorption study at the ward was used for isoflavone study. Tempeh consumption and 24 h urine collection for day two and three was carried out at subjects’ home. DA, GE, equol (EQ) and flavone (FLA) standards eluted at mean retention time of 16.8 ± 0.1, 20.6 ± 0.1, 21.1 ± 0.1, 25.4 ± 0.1 min, respectively. An average excretion of 3.51 ± 0.62 μmol/h DA and 2.79 ± 0.35 μmol/h GE were detected after consumption of milk. DA (47.06 ± 4.18 μmol/h), GE (33.27 ± 3.71 μmol/h) and EQ (24.35 ± 4.34 μmol/h) were detected in three-8 h urine pool, following tempeh consumption (Day 1). There was a significant correlation (r = 0.453, p = 0.045) between percent calcium absorption and total isoflavone excretion in 9-16 h urine pool. Urinary isoflavone excretions following ingestion of tempeh (Day 1) were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to that of the milk. The average amount of total isoflavones consumed in three days of tempeh consumption was 154.83 ± 1.82 mg per day. Total isoflavones excreted in each day one, two and three of tempeh consumption were as follows: 104.68 ± 9.21, 32.64 ± 3.18 and 30.25 ± 3.99 μmol/day, respectively. The average isoflavone excreted from three days of tempeh consumption were 26.16 ± 2.64 μmol/h DA, 16.64 ± 1.98 μmol/h GE and 13.06 ± 1.79 μmol/h EQ. Almost all subjects excreted EQ following three days of tempeh consumption. There was only one subject (5%) that can be classified as equol producer based on ratio of equol produced to daidzein consumed >0.2. Isoflavone intake of the 20 subjects was estimated to be 26 ± 13 mg per day, ranging from 6 - 58 mg. Based on SFFQ for soy products, the frequently consumed local soy products were consisted of tempeh (19.6%), fujook (16.5%), firm tofu (13.4%), fried firm tofu (11.3%), tofufah (10.3%), homemade SB drink (10.3%), boxed SB drink (7.2%), soft tofu (6.2%) and egg tofu (5.2%) In conclusion, this sample of postmenopausal Malay women has low calcium intake that achieved only 40 - 50% of the Malaysian RNI. Low intake of calcium among these subjects may be due to their predominantly non-milk based diet where 30-40% of them do not take any milk. Calcium bioavailability from tempeh provided similar amounts of absorbed calcium to that obtained from a glass of milk. These findings indicated that tempeh may have the potential to contribute significantly to the calcium needs of these postmenopausal Malay women who were at risk of low bone mass and were insufficient of vitamin D. Increased incorporation of tempeh, the affordable and available plant sources of calcium and isoflavones may contribute significantly to the calcium needs of this high-risk population and also help to reduce the abnormal serum lipid levels in majority of these subjects

Match between UMP furniture dimension and student's anthropometry

Ergonomic issue is one of the important issues not only in workstation but also in educational institution since it is related to the human. Chair is one of furniture that is used widely in our daily life in purpose of sitting. Having a match chair that applied ergonomic is an important aspect to look at to avoid bad effect such as back pain and should provide comfortness and safety to the user. This project is conducted to determine whether the UMP chair in the student hostel match with the students' anthropometry or not. The seat height and seat depth of the chair is measured and the student popliteal height and buttock-popliteal length is analyzed. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the chair in student hostel did not match with the student. As a solution, an adjustable chair which applied ergonomic is designed to match the UMP students' anthropometry to optimize safety, comfort and prevent back pain

Kriterium Majmuk bagi Penganggaran Parameter dan Peramalan Sambutan

A multiplicative compound criterion is used to generate a unique design which can simultaneously fulfil two important objectives: parameter estimation and response prediction. Thegene ralised variance criterion is chosen for the first objectivec while the variance function or the integrated variance criterion is fOr the second

The Relationship between Readiness and Facilitation of Self-Directed Learning and Academic Achievement: A Comparative Study of Web-Based Distance Learning Models of Two Universities

The purpose of this research was to explore the practise of self-directed learning in web-based learning environments. The main objectives of the research were: (1) to determine whether students following UNITAR and UiTM web-based learning models were ready as self-directed learners, (2) to determine whether the web-based learning models facilitate self-directed learning, (3) to establish the relationship between level of readiness and academic achievement and between level of facilitation of self-directed learning and academic achievement. The research employed the quantitative methodology. Data were collected using two survey instruments. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale or SDLRS is developed and designed to measure the level of readiness for self-directed learning among adult learners. The second instrument is the Self-Directed Learning in Webbased Learning Environment Survey Instrument or the SDLWEB which was designed to measure to the level of facilitation of self directed learning in web-based learning models. Approximately 244 students from two universities participated in this research. There were two data sets involved in this research. The first data set comprised of 109 students responding to the SDLRS instrument. From the 109 students, 53 students were from UNITAR and 56 students were from UiTM. The second data set consist of 135 students responding to the SDLWEB instrument. From the 135 students, 65 students were from UNITAR and 70 students were from UiTM. The research revealed that Malaysian web-based learners are below average in their level of readiness for self-directed learning. Both groups from UiTM and UN ITAR have a mean score of 203 and 189 respectively. However, UiTM’s web-based distance learners have a higher SDLRS score than UNITAR’s web-based distance learners. Test of significance shows that there is a significant different between the means of the two groups. The research also revealed that Malaysian web-based learning models are average in their capability to facilitate self-directed learning. Results shows that UNITAR have a higher SDLWEB score than UiTM that is 124 for UNITAR and 118 for UiTM. The t-test shows that there is no significant difference between the two groups means in the level of facilitation. The research also revealed that there is a strong and positive relationship between level of readiness and academic achievement. The test of significance shows that the relationship is significant. However, there is a weak yet positive relationship between the level of facilitation of self-directed learning and academic achievement. The test of significance shows that the relationship is insignificant. The research concluded that (1) there is a need to provide students’ with knowledge, skills, and support to be more ready for self-directed learning. (2) there is a need for universities that offer web-based distance education programs to developed the webbased learning models to be able to highly facilitate self-directed learning. Further research should explore these areas within different web-based distance learning models

Contractors’ Approaches to Risk Management at the Construction Phase in Malaysia

Abstract - Often times, contractors failed to identify, plan, strategize, analyzed, execute, monitor, control and manage the risk involves during construction phase in Malaysia. Consequently, the contractor failed to complete the project on schedule, within client’s budget and quality. The idea of introducing formal risk management among Malaysian contractors during construction phase is seem to be a proactive approach to achieve the project objectives. This paper intends to identify the application of formal risk management among the contractors during the construction phase in Malaysia. Questionnaires and interviews were used. It was found that although the risk management process in Malaysian construction industry has been introduced, most of them are not well structured and not being implemented in a formal manner. Therefore, it is suggested that these contractors should try to implement formal risk management and hope that the construction industry in Malaysia can enjoy the benefits and lead our industry effectively into the next stage of building the nation.Keywords : Risk Management, Contractors, Construction Phase, Malaysia

Usability evaluation framework for Malaysian hospital / Siti Norsazlina Haron

The main priority of the Malaysian Hospital design quality has been to organise an informational domain for patient-oriented care design that requires a userfriendly environment. Despite the variety of quality design assessment, the usability evaluation has brought a new dimension in tracking the quality in-use by exploring the meaning of users’ experiences. Furthermore, those methods lack the procedures that can effectively identify the needs of users would lead to what of the quality dimension to be considered in its implementation. Therefore, the aim of this research had been to develop a usability evaluation framework, in which the nature of patients and visitors’ experience could affect the quality of Hospital environments. The theoretical part suggested that the experiences of hospital end-users might be understood through their feedback on the status of Hospital environments by extending usability and quality theories. This research adopted nine usability criteria, which were identified from the literature. After synthesising the literature, a usability evaluation framework was developed. In addition, the usability parameters for each usability criteria and the domain of user experience context of-use the Hospital physical environment were investigated. Phenomenological philosophy and qualitative dominant approach with case studies were carried out in three Malaysian public hospitals

Tinjauan Ke Atas Rekabentuk Rumah Pangsa Dari Aspek Sosio - Budaya Orang Melayu

The process of housing development is growing rapidly over these past few years due to the increase of demand fast development of the country. The reason for the development of housing sector is not only to gain profit but also has become an agenda in the social - government aspect. The development of flats has however become the main issue amongst the Malay community. It is said to result in the social problems in this community as a result of the design and suitability of living for the lower income group. This study to analyze the changes of the social aspects and culture of the Malay community whose living in flats. This study involves the distribution of these survey forms to the residents and through observation done on the chosen area. The analysis is to prove the objectives of the studies. Few suggestions were carried out and done in order to design a proper and more comfortable unit of flats and housing area through the use of the components and characteristic of a traditional Malay house. The reason for search of design is to maintain the activity of the Malay community so that they can have a better and more comfortable living environment with the better design. In this way the Malay culture can also be preserve. Proses pembangunan perumahan berkembang pesat sejak tahun-tahun kebelakangan ini kerana kepada peningkatan permintaan pembangunan pantas di negara ini. Sebab bagi pembangunan sektor perumahan bukan sahaja untuk mendapatkan keuntungan tetapi juga telah menjadi satu agenda dalam sosial - aspek kerajaan. Pembangunan rumah pangsa mempunyai bagaimanapun menjadi isu utama di kalangan masyarakat Melayu. Ia dikatakan menyebabkan sosial masalah dalam komuniti ini sebagai hasil daripada reka bentuk dan kesesuaian hidup untuk kumpulan berpendapatan rendah. Kajian ini menganalisis perubahan aspek sosial dan budaya masyarakat Melayu yang tinggal di rumah pangsa. Kajian ini melibatkan pengagihan ini borang kaji selidik kepada penduduk dan melalui pemerhatian yang dilakukan ke atas kawasan yang dipilih. Analisis ini adalah untuk membuktikan objektif kajian. Tidak ramai cadangan telah dilaksanakan dan dilakukan dalam usaha untuk mereka bentuk yang betul dan banyak lagi unit selesa rumah pangsa dan kawasan perumahan melalui penggunaan komponen dan ciri-ciri rumah Melayu tradisional. Sebab untuk mencari reka bentuk adalah untuk mengekalkan aktiviti masyarakat Melayu supaya mereka boleh mempunyai yang lebih baik dan lebih persekitaran hidup yang selesa dengan reka bentuk yang lebih baik. Dengan cara ini budaya Melayu juga boleh memelihara