Assessing students’ abilities in interpreting the correlation and regression analysis

A case study was carried out on students who were being exposed to some theoretical concepts of the correlation and regression topics to investigate their ability to compute and interpret the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the slope of regression. The findings revealed that a low percentage of students (19.43%) successfully completed their interpretation of correlation coefficient and 33.18% of the students managed to interpret the computed value of regression slope completely. It was also found that the students’ ability to interpret regression slope was significantly associated with the ability to interpret the correlation coefficient correctly. It is hoped that the findings obtained from this study will shed some light on improving teaching practices of statistics educators so as to help students in gaining better understanding on interpreting the correlation and regression analysis.Keywords: correlation; Pearson; regression; coefficients; interpretation; students’ abilit

Comparative Adsorption Studies by using Low Cost Adsorbents of Rice Husk and Rice Husk Ash on Methylene Blue Dye Removal

In this study, the rice husk (RH) and rice husk ash (RHA) were used as a low cost adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution by batch sorption technique. Effects of initial dye concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent dose on sorption were studied. It was shown that the percent removal also increased when the adsorption capacity (qe) were increased. In the batch system, the adsorption capacity was increased when the parameters were increased until it achieved the equilibrium. The Langmuir and Freundlich’s models were applied to the data related to adsorption isotherm. The optimal parameters for this experiment were 7.5ppm for initial concentration, 0.6g adsorbent dosage and pH 5.8. In the batch system, the adsorption capacity was increased when the parameters were increased until it achieved the equilibrium. The RHA could be employed as the more effective low oval of Methylene Blue Dye from aqueous solution

Saliva sampling of alcoholic participants using three saliva collection methods

The potential of using saliva as a diagnostic fluid is well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and quantity of saliva DNA of alcoholic and non-alcoholic participants using three saliva collection methods; DNA-SalTM (Oasis Diagnostics, USA), Oragene-DNA (DNA Genotek Inc, Ontario, Canada) and whole saliva collection method. Saliva DNA of non-alcoholic (n=30) and alcoholic participants (n=10) age between 25 and 35 years was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using spectrophotometry. Saliva DNA quantity was the highest for all participants when using the DNA-Sal TM saliva collection kit (p<0.05). The use of a mechanical scraper provided only in the DNA-Sal TM kit may have contributed to the highest DNA yield for all participants. The quantity of saliva DNA when assessed using spectrophotometer was found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) for the alcoholic (16±3.57 ng/μL) than non-alcoholic participants (19.92±6.18 ng/μL). To determine the integrity of the DNA samples, PCR amplification of the Alcohol Dehydrogenase gene, ADH1B was carried out and the PCR was found to be successful. For all participants, the DNA quality of the saliva collected using the three saliva collection methods was found to be in the acceptable range considered as pure DNA. The DNA quality and quantity of saliva collected from the three saliva collection methods were considered suitable for research purposes

A dichotomous PCR–RFLP identification key for the freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) of Peninsular Malaysia

Accurate species identification is the basis for successful species conservation and research, but extensive phenotypic plasticity in freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionida) species often leads to misidentification by morphology alone. Molecular techniques have proven a powerful alternative tool for identification of freshwater mussels in North America and Europe. Unfortunately, no such tools are currently available for tropical mussels, which are subject to particularly severe habitat alteration and destruction. We developed a PCR–RFLP key for the freshwater mussel fauna of Peninsular Malaysia, comprising nine native and one non-native species from seven genera and three unionid subfamilies (Gonideinae, Rectidentinae and Anodontinae). The key enables identification of each species in two to four single digestion steps using six restriction endonucleases. All species can be identified using a single PCR fragment of 374 bp length (Histone H3) with the exception of two Pseudodon species, which can be differentiated through amplification and subsequent digestion of a 709 bp CO1 gene fragment. Reliability of the key was tested with specimens from 46 populations sampled from 13 different river basins of Peninsular Malaysia

Seagrass on the edge: Land-use practices threaten coastal seagrass communities in Sabah, Malaysia

Seagrass meadows are susceptible to coastal environmental impacts and serve as early indicators of system-wide degradation. Two SeagrassNet monitoring sites were established in Sabah (Malaysia) in 2001 in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: one a pristine, reference site and one anticipating impacts from nearby, ongoing waterfront development. At both sites, percent cover of all seagrass species declined significantly between 2003 and 2005. Water temperature, fine sediment and specific leaf biomass increased, while percent surface light intensity reaching the plants decreased. Evidence suggests that the temperature changes observed during the monitoring period were not sufficient to impact seagrasses; rather, the documented reduced subsurface light intensity caused the observed seagrass declines. Concomitantly, satellite imagery revealed a persistent sediment plume in these coastal waters associated with deforestation. SeagrassNet monitoring quickly documented seagrass losses and identified the causal environmental factor, providing timely information for management consideration

Wudu’ workstation design for elderly and disabled people in Malaysia’s mosques

Background: Ablution area is one of the facilities used by most Muslims in all categories. There are numbers of de-sign guidelines for praying facilities but lack on ablution area specification. Therefore, this study was conducted to design an ergonomic ablution area for the Muslim’s disabled and elderly based on their preferences and anthropomet-ric dimension. Methods: Kano questionnaires and user evaluation form, was used to investigate the preferences of elderly and disa-bled in ablution area to 20 respondents at Masjid Bulat, Petaling Jaya and Masjid Kampung Kerinchi,Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur in 2015. Anthropometric dimension of elderly and disabled people was measured. Besides, dimensions of two existing ablution units at selected mosques were evaluated using ‘Ablution Unit Dimension Evaluation’ form. Results: New ablution area design was developed based on elderly and disabled people anthropometric dimension and user preferences as well as user satisfaction survey. This study can be considered as preliminary study for the de-velopment of ergonomic ablution unit design. Conclusion: It is hoped that the findings and recommendations from this research will be referred by the stakehold-ers to determine the best solution to increase the level of comfort and accessibility for elderly and disabled at mosques in Malaysia

Overview of the current status of familial hypercholesterolaemia care in over 60 countries - The EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC)

Background and aims: Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries. Methods: Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management. Results: 63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in ∼2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in ∼60 countries, although access is limited. Conclusions: FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed. © 2018 Elsevier B.V