Optimization Study of Decolorization Process of Oyster Mushroom's Chitin Thin Film

This study focuses on decolorizing the thin film using sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) to produce highly transparent chitin nanocomposite from chitin nanofiber. Preparation of the thin film from chitin extract of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) demonstrated in this study. Optimization of decolorization of chitin thin film in sodium hypochlorite (NaCIO) was done by one-factor-at-time (OFAT) and statistical approach using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Design expert Software. This is to determine the optimal process conditions of decolorization based on three parameters which are concentration of NaCIO, duration and temperature of the process. The optimization was conducted on the basis of response mechanical properties (tensile strength) of chitin thin film. The OFAT method indicated that the optimum condition for decolorization of thin film was at concentration of 6%, duration of 4 hours and temperature of 30οC with the tensile stress value of 52.57 MPa

Association between sleep quality and mental health among IIUM medical students during COVID-19

Medical students usually sacrifice their sleep to adjust to their workloads. It is worth noting the importance of a good night's sleep to ensure the body and mind's optimum performance. However, depriving oneself of much-needed sleep in exchange for productivity has been shown to have deleterious consequences on the students' physical health and their state of mind. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and mental health among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) medical students in the COVID-19 era. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 until August 2021 in IIUM and all year 1 and year 2 medical students were invited to participate. A total of 158 students responded, consisting of 77 first-year and 81 second-year medical students. The survey was distributed to assess the sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the mental health status was measured using WHO-Five Well Being Index (WHO-5) for the depression level and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for the anxiety level. The association between sleep quality and mental health was tested using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test. The findings showed a significant association between sleep quality and the mental health of medical students. A higher proportion of participants (86.4%) with depressive symptoms had poor sleep quality. Similarly, 81.8% of participants with anxiety symptoms had poor sleep quality. There was significant association between sleep quality and depression and/or anxiety (p<0.001). This study has shown a significant association between sleep quality and mental health status among IIUM medical students. It is highly recommended that the university provide interventions including advertising good sleep hygiene and coping mechanisms to support students' mental health in this COVID-19 era