Perspektif pelajar terhadap budaya bekerja sendiri

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pandangan pelajar Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Kampus Bangi terhadap budaya bekerja sendiri. Kajian ini dijalankan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sampel kajian terdiri daripada 150 orang pelajar yang telah mempunyai pekerjaan sendiri atau individu yang berminat untuk memulakan pekerjaan sendiri yang terdiri daripada pelajar dari pelbagai fakulti di kampus Bangi bagi menjawab borang soal selidik. Data yang diperolehi melalui soal selidik akan dianalisis dengan menggunakan SPSS. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa sebahagian besar pelajar memilih untuk melakukan pekerjaan sendiri berbanding bekerja dengan majikan atau makan gaji. Bagi mereka yang telah melakukan pekerjaan tersebut, individu terbabit akan tetap memilih untuk meneruskan bidang pekerjaan itu. Manakala, bagi pelajar yang baru sahaja ingin melibatkan diri dalam pekerjaan sendiri ini yang tidak mempunyai pengetahuan atau pengalaman berkaitan pekerjaan yang bekerja sendiri, mereka lebih berminat untuk melakukan pekerjaan itu. Pekerjaan sendiri ini sering dikaitkan dengan bidang keusahawanan. Penemuan kajian ini memberikan peluang kepada pelajar untuk mempunyai atau melibatkan diri dalam bidang keusahawanan serta dapat membawa perubahan kepada diri mereka untuk lebih menceburi bidang pekerjaan sendiri

Effect of blender and blending time on color and aroma characteristics of juice and its freeze-dried powder of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaves (pandan)

The color and aroma properties of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaves (pandan) were studied by mechanical extraction using normal and turbo blade blenders under different blending times (60–180 s). The extracted juice was freeze-dried into powders and its aroma components were measured in a solid-phase microextraction using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) analysis. The turbo blade blender provided maximum color pigment of greenness and yellowness at blending time of 90 s as compared to the normal blender that required 180 s. In GC-MS analysis, the major component, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, was found to be one time higher in the freeze-dried pandan juice samples obtained from turbo blade blender than normal blender. Other components including the cis-3-hexanal, 2-methylene-4-pentenenitrile and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene were also detected in the samples. In conclusion, the turbo blade blender is more effective than normal laboratory blender in terms of color extraction, particle size reduction and the aroma retention

Cholesterol-crystal embolism presenting with delayed graft function and impaired long-term function in renal transplant recipients: two case reports

Introduction Impaired renal function and/or pre-existing atherosclerosis in the deceased donor increase the risk of delayed graft function and impaired long-term renal function in kidney transplant recipients. Case presentation We report delayed graft function occurring simultaneously in two kidney transplant recipients, aged 57-years-old and 39-years-old, who received renal allografts from the same deceased donor. The 62-year-old donor died of cardiac arrest during an asthmatic state. Renal-allograft biopsies performed in both kidney recipients because of delayed graft function revealed cholesterol-crystal embolism. An empiric statin therapy in addition to low-dose acetylsalicylic acid was initiated. After 10 and 6 hemodialysis sessions every 48 hours, respectively, both renal allografts started to function. Glomerular filtration rates at discharge were 26 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 23.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, and remained stable in follow-up examinations. Possible donor and surgical procedure-dependent causes for cholesterol-crystal embolism are discussed. Conclusion Cholesterol-crystal embolism should be considered as a cause for delayed graft function and long-term impaired renal allograft function, especially in the older donor population

Cognitive impairment in older patients undergoing colorectal surgery

Background: With increasing numbers of older people being referred for elective colorectal surgery, cognitive impairment is likely to be present and affect many aspects of the surgical pathway. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and assess it against surgical outcomes. Methods: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was carried out in patients aged more than 65 years. We recorded demographic information. Data were collected on length of hospital stay, complications and 30-day mortality. Results: There were 101 patients assessed, median age was 74 years (interquartile range = 68–80), 54 (53.5%) were women. In total, 58 people (57.4%) ‘failed’ the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (score ≤ 25). There were two deaths (3.4%) within 30 days of surgery in the abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment group and none in the normal group. Twenty-nine (28.7%) people experienced a complication. The percentage of patients with complications was higher in the group with normal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (41.9%) than abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (19.9%) (p = 0.01) and the severity of those complications were greater (chi-squared for trend p = 0.01). The length of stay was longer in people with an abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (mean 8.1 days vs. 5.8 days, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment was common, which has implications for informed consent. Cognitive impairment was associated with less postoperative complications but a longer length of hospital stay

Control over the Self-Assembly Modes of Pt^II Complexes by Alkyl Chain Variation: From Slipped to Parallel π-Stacks

We report the self-assembly of a new family of hydrophobic, bis(pyridyl) PtII complexes featuring an extended oligophenyleneethynylene-derived π-surface appended with six long (dodecyloxy (2)) or short (methoxy (3)) side groups. Complex 2, containing dodecyloxy chains, forms fibrous assemblies with a slipped arrangement of the monomer units (dPt⋯Pt≈14 Å) in both nonpolar solvents and the solid state. Dispersion-corrected PM6 calculations suggest that this organization is driven by cooperative π-π, C-H⋯Cl and π-Pt interactions, which is supported by EXAFS and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. In contrast, nearly parallel π-stacks (dPt⋯Pt≈4.4 Å) stabilized by multiple π-π and C-H⋯Cl contacts are obtained in the crystalline state for 3 lacking long side chains, as shown by X-ray analysis and PM6 calculations. Our results reveal not only the key role of alkyl chain length in controlling self-assembly modes but also show the relevance of Pt-bound chlorine ligands as new supramolecular synthons. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Parent-of-origin-specific allelic associations among 106 genomic loci for age at menarche.

Age at menarche is a marker of timing of puberty in females. It varies widely between individuals, is a heritable trait and is associated with risks for obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and all-cause mortality. Studies of rare human disorders of puberty and animal models point to a complex hypothalamic-pituitary-hormonal regulation, but the mechanisms that determine pubertal timing and underlie its links to disease risk remain unclear. Here, using genome-wide and custom-genotyping arrays in up to 182,416 women of European descent from 57 studies, we found robust evidence (P < 5 × 10(-8)) for 123 signals at 106 genomic loci associated with age at menarche. Many loci were associated with other pubertal traits in both sexes, and there was substantial overlap with genes implicated in body mass index and various diseases, including rare disorders of puberty. Menarche signals were enriched in imprinted regions, with three loci (DLK1-WDR25, MKRN3-MAGEL2 and KCNK9) demonstrating parent-of-origin-specific associations concordant with known parental expression patterns. Pathway analyses implicated nuclear hormone receptors, particularly retinoic acid and γ-aminobutyric acid-B2 receptor signalling, among novel mechanisms that regulate pubertal timing in humans. Our findings suggest a genetic architecture involving at least hundreds of common variants in the coordinated timing of the pubertal transition

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

Geohazard features of the north-western Sicily and Pantelleria

9 pages, 3 figures, supplemental material https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2024.2342931.-- Data availability statement: Department of Earth and Marine Science of the University of Palermo for institutional purposes, so their access will be available by contacting the reference people (attilio.sulliunipa.it) upon reasonable requestWe present maps of geohazard features identified across north-western Sicily and Pantelleria in the framework of the Magic project (MArine Geohazard along Italian Coasts), which involved Italian marine geological researchers in 2007-2013. These seafloor features were recognized using high-resolution bathymetry data and rely on the morphological expression of the seafloor and shallow sub-surface processes. The north-western Sicily is a complex continental margin, affected by morphodynamic, depositional, and tectonic processes. The Egadi offshore is controlled by fault escarpments and alternating retreating and progradational processes. Ustica and Pantelleria submerged edifices show the effect of volcanic activity. The Ustica seafloor is interested in volcanic, tectonic, and gravitational instability processes, while the Pantelleria offshore underwent erosive-depositional processes and the effect of bottom currents. Two levels of interpretation are represented: the physiographic domain at a scale of 1:250.000 and the morphological units and morpho-bathymetric elements at a 1:100.000 scaleThe Magic Project has been funded by the Italian Civil Protection Department. [...] With the institutional support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)Peer reviewe

Children’s and adolescents’ rising animal-source food intakes in 1990–2018 were impacted by age, region, parental education and urbanicity

Animal-source foods (ASF) provide nutrition for children and adolescents’ physical and cognitive development. Here, we use data from the Global Dietary Database and Bayesian hierarchical models to quantify global, regional and national ASF intakes between 1990 and 2018 by age group across 185 countries, representing 93% of the world’s child population. Mean ASF intake was 1.9 servings per day, representing 16% of children consuming at least three daily servings. Intake was similar between boys and girls, but higher among urban children with educated parents. Consumption varied by age from 0.6 at <1 year to 2.5 servings per day at 15–19 years. Between 1990 and 2018, mean ASF intake increased by 0.5 servings per week, with increases in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa. In 2018, total ASF consumption was highest in Russia, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey, and lowest in Uganda, India, Kenya and Bangladesh. These findings can inform policy to address malnutrition through targeted ASF consumption programmes.publishedVersio