The writing performance of undergraduates in the University of Technology Mara, Terengganu, Malaysia

Writing well and effectively helps our students achieve three important objectives. Firstly, it reinforces grammatical structures, idioms and vocabulary. Secondly, writing provides opportunities for our students to be more adventurous with the language, to go beyond what they have learnt and to take risks with the effects of writing. And, finally, the importance of writing lies in the ability to develop language skills in terms of fluency, accuracy and appropriateness, in the communication of meanings and messages. This paper attempts to investigate a comparative study on the undergraduates’ writing performance and the problems that hinder students’ perception of good writing skills. As English Language is used in all the subjects taught in their degree performance, these students should acquire and also achieve some kind of satisfactory level of writing proficiency. Lecturers expect them to use and write daily tasks, assignments and answer examination questions using English proficiently and effectively. In this study, the students from the Diploma Programme acquired better writing skills than the Matriculation students. The Diploma students performed better in all the five writing components like content, vocabulary, organization, language use and mechanics. This was because the Diploma students had more exposure in English as all the subjects were taught in English Language. Therefore, the Matriculation students were slightly less proficient in their writing performance compared with the Diploma students. Nevertheless, the component like mechanics in writing did not contribute greatly to their writing proficiency and both groups of students scored almost the same percentage. The most significant component in writing that hindered their writing proficiency was language use. Both the Diploma and Matriculation students scored very low percentage in this component. Firstly, because ESL students faced more problems than the first language students as they have to acquire or consciously learn the grammar, syntactic structure, vocabulary, rhetorical structure and idioms of a new language. Secondly, composing and writing is already a difficult task for them and the acquisition of grammar and other language structures make it even more difficult. Finally, students who do not read and write well in their first language need to work harder on the new creative activity of forming ideas and thoughts in English for the readers to understand. Therefore, it is recommended that writing lecturers to provide our students ample time and opportunities for them to write and form ideas clearly. Next, choosing topics for students to write with care can also nurture the development of composing abilities. It can be concluded that lecturers should focus on helping students to become aware of how and why they write, and on encouraging them to write freely, fluently and well

Small bowel perforation secondary to intestinal tuberculosis in patient with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis

Idiopathic myelofibrosis is a clonal hematopoetic stem cell disorder due to a mutation in the signaling regulator gene Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2).The condition is widely treated with Ruxolitinib which is a JAK2 inhibitor along with prednisolone. However, these treatment despite promising has been linked with the risk of opportunistic infections and reactivation of tuberculosis.We reported a patient with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis who developed small bowel perforations secondary to flare up of gut tuberculosis. The perforation sites were resected and double barrel stoma was created.peer-reviewe

Controlled release of lysozyme from double-walled poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres

Double-walled microspheres based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) are potential delivery systems for reducing a very high initial burst release of encapsulated protein and peptide drugs. In this study, double-walled microspheres made of glucose core, hydroxyl-terminated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (Glu-PLGA), and carboxyl-terminated PLGA were fabricated using a modified water-in-oil-in-oil-in-water (w1/o/o/w2) emulsion solvent evaporation technique for the controlled release of a model protein, lysozyme. Microspheres size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, lysozyme in vitro release profiles, bioactivity, and structural integrity, were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that double-walled microspheres comprising of Glu-PLGA and PLGA with a mass ratio of 1:1 have a spherical shape and smooth surfaces. A statistically significant increase in the encapsulation efficiency (82.52 ± 3.28%) was achieved when 1% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 2.5% (w/v) trehalose were incorporated in the internal and external aqueous phase, respectively, during emulsification. Double-walled microspheres prepared together with excipients (PVA and trehalose) showed a better control release of lysozyme. The released lysozyme was fully bioactive, and its structural integrity was slightly affected during microspheres fabrication and in vitro release studies. Therefore, double-walled microspheres made of Glu-PLGA and PLGA together with excipients (PVA and trehalose) provide a controlled and sustained release for lysozyme

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

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Rheological properties of palm oil and palm-mineral oil blend

This paper deals with the rheological study of refined bleached and deodorized grade palm oil, mineral oil and the effects of blending mineral oil with palm oil. This rheological study precedes the work done to investigate how hydraulic system performance and its dimensionless parameters are affected by palm oil properties. The aim of this initial work is to provide an equation to predict the apparent viscosity of the oils with better accuracy as a function of temperature and shear rates. The apparent viscosity of pure Shell Tellus 100, pure refined bleached and deodorized palm and their blends were measured over a temperature range of 30-100°C and shear rate range of 3.9-131.6s-1. It was observed that all oil samples viscosities were affected by shear rate and temperature. Therefore, a modified Andrade's equation was proposed. Viscosity data were fitted to the modified Andrade's equation for constant shear rate range of 3.9-131.6s-'. It was found that the modified Andrade's equation fits well with the experimental data where all the coefficient of determinations (R2) were greater than 0.98000

Computational approach using Johnson-Cook model on dual phase steel

In this research, two different hypo-eutectoid steels with different carbon content and alloying elements were made into samples with dual phase ferrite martensite microstructure. Their morphology and the mechanical properties were then compared. Computational model varying the ferrite percentage was also proposed. The model adopts the failure rule of Johnson–Cook’s. The result shows that the difference in mechanical property was not only due to the variation of the ferrite parts in them but also due to the shapes of the constituents. It tends to follow the continuum mechanics rule. It is also concluded that modeling using two-dimensional approach is sufficient to estimate the properties of the dual phase structure

Increase of purification capacity and the performance of slow filtering in the removal of bacteria in an activated carbon-soil-sand filter unit

Abstract Mini scale carbon-soil-sand filtering system can be highly effective on surface waters, without requiring the use of coagulation preceding filtration. It is effective in removing suspended solids, toxic metals and imposes a 98-99 % reduction in bacteria. A novel filtering system is described here, where the bacterial removal zone was set above the purification zone in the filtering system. This paper gave an introduction on the working principle of this novel filtering system, which was developed for a single-family size in rural community. It demonstrated the visualization of the flow field and the exchange of water between the different layers. It also clarified the mechanism for bacteria removal in an activated carbon-soil-aquifer filtering system. This phenomenon can be explained by the formation of bacterial flocks where bacteria were removed by irreversible separation and adsorption. The bacteria were also removed from the liquid phase by separation onto the ceramic filter. Carbon-soil-aquifer filtering systems operating at a temperature of 250 C to 300 C were fed with source waters characteristic of polluted surface water samples. Coliform and total count (TC) data are presented. Slow filtration lengthens filter runs and produces filtered water with less taste and odour, and free of enteric bacteria. As the quantity and quality of the world's traditional drinking water sources decline, the use of alternative water sources grows

Determination of mercury in environmental samples in Muar river estuary

This study was carried out at the Muar River Estuary, Johore, Malaysia. Water samples, sediment and biota that are Crassostrea iredalei, Perna viridis and Anadara granosa were collected during monsoon season in November 2005. All the samples were analyzed for the mercury concentration by using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer (CV-AAS). The temperature was between 28.70°C to 29.83°C, salinity at 12.78-29.96 ppt, dissolved oxygen at 5.0-6.83mg/L and pH at 6.71-7.93. The report of water samples show that the dissolved mercury in water samples was between 0.271μg L-1 and 0.8261tg L-1 while the total mercury in sediment was between 0.560-3.513μg g-1 dry weights. For biological sample, the average concentration of mercury in Crassostrea irredelei was 1.854 ± 1.012 μg g-1. Perna viridis was 0.366 ± 1.125 μg g-1 and Anadara granosa was 1.178 ± 1.182 μg g-1. The water at Muar River Estuary is still in safety level of mercury but biota especially Crassostrea irredelei and Anadara granosa are not safe to be taken due to the total mercury concentration was exceeding (WHO) level of 0.5 μg g-1

Mercury determination in biological organism in the estuary of Muar River, West Johor, Malaysia

Determination of Mercury in Biological Sample in Muar River Estuary, West Johor, Malaysia. This study was carried out at the Estuary of Muar River, west Johor, Malaysia. Different types of biota species namely Crassostrea irredalei, Perna viridis and Anadara granosa were collected all through the torrential rainy season in November 2005. These biota species were dried and then cooked in an acid solution for Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometric (CV-AAS) analysis. CV-AAS) was used for decisive the mercury (Hg++) concentration in the collected biota species. The average Hg++ concentration in C. irredalei, P. viridis and A. granosa were 1.854 ± 1.012 μg g-1, 0.336 ± 1.125 μg g-1 and 1.178 ± 1.182 μg g-1 respectively. These results directed that the biota especially C. irredalei and A. granosa are contaminated by Hg++ and these are not safe to be consumed for publicly used due to the total Hg++ concentration exceeding 0.5 μg g-1 according to WHO