Presence of faecal coliforms and selected heavy metals in ice cubes from food outlets in Taman Universiti, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Consumption of iced beverages is common in Malaysia although specific research focusing on its safety parameters such as presence of faecal coliforms and heavy metal elements remains scarce. A study conducted in Kelantan indicated that faecal coliforms were detected in the majority of the ice cube samples analyzed, largely attributable to improper handling. Hence, it was found pertinent to conduct similar study in other parts of the country such as Johor Bahru for investigating if the similar pattern prevailed. Therefore, this present crosssectional study which randomly sampled ice cubes from 30 permanent food outlets in Taman Universiti, Johor Bahru for detecting contamination by faecal coliforms and selected heavy metal elements (lead, copper, manganese and zinc) acquires significance. Faecal coliforms were detected in 11 (36.67%) of the samples, ranging between 1 CFU/100 mL to > 50 CFU/100 mL; two of the samples were grossly polluted (>50 CFU/100 mL). Interestingly, while positive detection of lead was observed in 29 of the 30 ice cube samples (mean: 0.511±0.105 ppm; range: 0.489-0.674 ppm), copper, manganese and zinc were not detected. In addition, analysis on commercially bottled mineral water as well as in tap water samples did not detect such contaminations. Therefore, it appears that (1) contamination of faecal coliforms in ice cubes in food outlets in Malaysia may not be sporadic in pattern but rather prevalent and (2) the source of water used for manufacturing the ice cubes that contained significant amount of lead would suggest that (3) it was neither originated from the treated tap water supply nor bottled mineral water or (4) perhaps contaminated during manufacturing process. Further studies exploring the source of water used for manufacturing these ice cubes as well as the handling process among food operators deserve consideration

Applications of X-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats for Human Identification: A Review

The forensic DNA profiling technique has tremendously contributed to forensic human identification, an important aspect in forensic investigations. In instances whereby comparison samples are unavailable, utilization of short tandem repeats of X chromosome (X-STRs) may prove useful to resolve complex kinship investigations involving missing persons and mass disasters. Despite such evidential values, the use of X-STRs during investigations remains scarce in many Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, requiring concerted efforts for establishing forensic statistical support for its diverse populations (especially the admixture populations), standardizing core loci and procedure, improving the knowledge among practitioners as well as developing suitable standard operating procedure for incorporating X-STRs analysis in the overall DNA profiling framework. Hence, this review paper aims to highlight the developments, applications and population data of X-STRs, as well as its challenges and future insights for forensic casework

Sustainable production of the emulsifier methyl oleate by Candida rugosa lipase nanoconjugates

Acid functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) using a mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4 (1:3, v:v) was used as support materials for the adsorption of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) as nanoconjugates (CRL-MWCNTs) for producing methyl oleate. To evaluate the competency of the CRL-MWCNTs nanoconjugates, parameters viz. reaction time, surfactant as well as thermostability and reusability were investigated. The characterization of CRL-MWCNTs nanoconjugates using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Field Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed successful attachment of CRL onto the F-MWCNTs. Utilization of CRL-MWCNTs nanoconjugates resulted in a higher acid conversion in the synthesis of methyl oleate (79.85% at 11 h of reaction time) when compared with the free CRL i.e. an approximately 1.5-fold improvement over the free CRL. The highest percentage of esterification (83.62%) was observed following the use of nonionic surfactant when compared with the anionic and cationic ones. The CRL-MWCNTs nanoconjugates could be used up to 5 cycles, retaining 50% of its residual activity. Since the preparation of the CRL-MWCNTs nanoconjugates was facile and cheap while producing reasonable yield, the CRL-MWCNTs nanoconjugates developed here were found as promising biocatalysts for the production of methyl oleate

Penetapan harta asas pembayaran diat dalam konteks Malaysia: Determining the basis of diyya payment property in the Malaysian context

Islam provides a unique two-pronged legal mechanism that is known as diyya. Diyya is not just a punishment for the offender in the form of a fine but also compensation for the victim. A certain amount of fine must be paid by the offender. Unlike summons, the compensation paid belongs to the victim and is not taken by the authorities. However, in the context of the implementation of diyya, the questions that arise are: who will bear the burden of this and what property can be used as a medium of payment? Hence, this article will describe the concept of diyya property in its implementation situation in Malaysia and the types of property that can be used for diyya payment. This article will also focus on the diyya rate and methods to set the rate in Malaysia. The methodology used is a library research method based on primary sources such as hadith and secondary sources from the collection of documentation such as books, articles, journals, working papers, internet sources, newspapers, and others. This article sums up the concept of main property in a country. In the context of Malaysia, it is the national currency which is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The ratio of the exchange of Dirham to RM transactions is applicable in Malaysia

Developing criteria for a profession to be considered as profession of allied health in Malaysia: a qualitative study from the Malaysian perspective

Abstract Background The Malaysian Allied Health Profession Act (Act 774) regulates the practice of allied health practitioners in Malaysia, with two described professions viz. allied health profession (AHP) and profession of allied health (PAH). While AHPs have been clearly identified by the law, comprehensive implementation of the act requires development of specific criteria in defining any profession as PAH in the Malaysian context. Hence, the research aims to explore and identify the criteria for defining such professions for healthcare policy direction in Malaysia. Methods This research utilised two methods of qualitative research (document review and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 25 participants from four stakeholders (higher education providers, employers, associations and regulatory bodies). Both deductive and inductive thematic content analysis were used to explore, develop and define emergent codes, examined along with existing knowledge on the subject matter. Results Sixteen codes emerged from the FGDs, with risk of harm, set of competency and skills, formal qualification, defined scope of practice, relevant training and professional working within the healthcare team being the six most frequent codes. The frequencies for these six codes were 62, 46, 40, 37, 36 and 18, correspondingly. The risk of harm towards patients was directly or indirectly involved with patient handling and also relates to the potential harms that may implicate the practitioners themselves in performing their responsibilities as the important criterion highlighted in the present research, followed by set of competency and skills. Conclusions For defining the PAH in Malaysia, the emerged criteria appear interrelated and co-exist in milieu, especially for the risk of harm and set of competency and skills, with no single criterion that can define PAH fully. Hence, the integration of all the empirically identified criteria must be considered to adequately define the PAH. As such, the findings must be duly considered by policymakers in performing suitable consolidation of healthcare governance to formulate the appropriate regulations and policies for promoting the enhanced framework of allied health practitioners in Malaysia