Clinical features and risk factors for HIV encephalopathy in children

A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of progressive encephalopathy (PE) and its associated clinical manifestations amongst a cohort of HIV infected children attending the HIV/AIDS clinic of the Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. Neurological and neurobehavioral assessments were performed in 55 children with HIV over a 24-month study period. Parameters assessed were physical and neurological assessments, CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, RNA viral loads and an IQ assessment at four monthly intervals. PE was diagnosed when patient developed at least one of the definitive criteria for PE based on the Consensus of Pediatric Neurology / Psychology Working Group, AIDS Clinical Trial 1996. The incidence of encephalopathy was 18.2% (n=10) in 2002. All the patients had hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abnormal deep tendon reflexes and five had impairment in brain growth. The CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were more likely to be associated with PE compared to the non-PE group

Morphological and electrical characterization of hybrid thin-film composed of titania nanocrystals, Poly (3-hexylthiophene) and Piper Betle Linn

In this research, the effect of scan numbers of titania nanocrystals (TiO2 NCs) on the morphological and electrical characteristics of hybrid thin-films is investigated. These hybrid thin-films consist of a combination of organic (Piper Betle Linn extraction and Poly (3-hexytlthiophene) (P3HT)) and inorganic TiO2 NCs (anatase structure) materials. These hybrid thin-films are fabricated in bilayer heterojunction of ITO/TiO2 NCs/P3HT/Piper Betle Linn via electrochemistry method using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The scan numbers of TiO2 NCs are varied by 1, 3 and 5 number of scans. The morphological characterization is carried out via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) meanwhile the electrical characteristic of the hybrid thin-film is measured by using four point probes. FESEM image indicates the particle size was found to be around 17-34 nm. The increment of scan number of TiO2 NCs from one to five scan numbers of TiO2 NCs in bilayers thin films showed that the atomic percentage of titanium decrease from 5.23% to 2.20%. This result indicates that as the thickness of thin films increases, the electrons required more energy to excite into conduction band of TiO2. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivities of hybrid solar cell increase from 0.385 Scm-1 to 0.389 Scm-1 as the scan numbers of TiO2 increase from one to three, however the electrical conductivity decrease to 0.346 Scm-1 at five scan numbers. As a conclusion, this study shows that the morphological and electrical properties of hybrid thin-films can be significantly affected by the scan number of TiO2 NCs

The effects of conventional and microwave heating techniques on extraction yield of orthosiphon stamineus leaves

The heating technique in a solid-liquid extraction system plays a significant role in the design and economic potential for the extraction of active components from herbs. This paper focused on the effects of extraction parameters such as ratio of sample to solvent, temperature and time of processing on the extraction yield of Orthosiphon stamineus leaves in conventional and microwave heating extraction techniques. The extracts were concentrated and dried using a rotary evaporator and freeze dryer in order to relate the yield to the processing parameters quantitatively in both heating techniques. The analysis results revealed that the processing parameters; ratio of sample to solvent, temperature and time of extraction had essential effects on the extraction yield of Orthosiphon stamineus leaves. Microwave heating extraction produced a comparable yield to conventional heating extraction with a relatively small deviation of approximately 2.8 % in average. Furthermore, microwave heating extraction reduced processing time, where this technique required about 25 % of the conventional heating time in heating up the extraction mixture to set-point temperature (60 ºC). This study concludes that microwave heating extraction, which is a green technology, has great potential in reducing the carbon foot print due to a shorter processing time and reduced energy consumption (~77 % less) compared to conventional heating extraction

Keunikan Metadologi Hafazan al-Quran Deobandy dari India

There are several methods to memorize the Qur’an in Malaysia. These methods have been studied and adopted by the huffaz. The methods of memorizing the Qur’an is an important matter to ensure that students can memorize and remember the Qur’an as soon as possible after they become Hafiz al-Qur'an. Method of memorization is the basic technique in memorizing the Qur’an. However different techniques and approaches in each method will give a different impact on the quality of memorization. There are many methods of memorization in Malaysia are imported from foreign countries and among them is the Deobandy method from India. Deobandy method has some unique and special privilege compare to other method. Deobandy method adopted a few techniques such as memorizing preparation, sabak, para sabak, ammokhtar, halaqah dauri and so on

Assessing Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome in public University buildings: a cross-sectional study of office worker health and well-being

Exposure to indoor air pollution among office workers can result in various health issues and increase the incidence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exposure to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) among office workers and the relationship with the prevalence of SBS at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi. A cross-sectional comparison research involving 144 office workers from various new and old buildings was carried out at UKM, Bangi. Information was gathered and symptoms associated with SBS were determined using a series of questionnaires. During office hours, IAQ parameters were collected using air quality sensor. The old building had substantially higher levels of NO2 (24.26 ppb), CO (0.62 ppb), and PM10 (4.99 μg/m3) than the new building. It was found that, with a p < 0.001, the concentration of O3 in the new building (11.47 ppb) was significantly higher than in the old building (4.93 ppb). The study’s findings also showed that the difference in temperature between the old buildings (26°C) and new buildings (24°C) was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Referring to relative humidity (RH), the result of the old building is lower (56%) compared to the new building (62%). Although old buildings exhibited a higher prevalence of SBS (34.7%), it was found that there was no significant difference compared to new buildings (27.5%). According to the study’s findings, found that exposure to CO (χ2 = 5.242, p = 0.022), PM10 (χ2 = 13.449, p < 0.001), and PM2.5 (χ2 = 19.755, p < 0.001) among office workers with the prevalence of SBS has significant association. In conclusion, this study suggests that exposure to high levels of CO, PM10 and PM2.5 can increase the prevalence of SBS. Good housekeeping and regular maintenance of ventilation can keep good IAQ and reduce health effects among occupants

Time-lag analysis of potential waste materials as thermal insulation in tropical climate: A preliminary investigation

Energy consumption has shown that residential building is among the main contributors of energy demand. Besides, the harsh climatic conditions have causes substantial amount of energy which contributes indirectly towards the impact on carbon emission to the nations. Hence, this research utilised the potential agricultural wastes materials that is potential for insulate the thermal building performance. The outer and inner surface temperature has been measured on selected seven (7) type of wastes material from agricultural and processing sector every 30 minutes from 0900hr to 1800hr for a day in order to determine the decrement factors (DF), average daily time-lag for heat transfer as one of the thermal insulation properties. Results on the time-lag for all selected potential waste materials as thermal insulation whereas sugarcane bagasse is the lowest 107.5 minutes, followed by both coffee grounds and coconut husk with 130 minutes and wood wool with 132.5 minutes. Meanwhile, empty fruit bunch, coconut fibre and pineapple leave with time-lag of 140 minutes, 142.5 minutes and 145 minutes respectively are the highest time-lag occurred. Generally, the lowest Tis is the better the thermal performance therefore, coconut fibre with smaller DF, larger LT but slightly higher Tis than EFB (32°C) which is 32.2 °C might be the suitable material use as thermal insulation

The Qari Icons and Their Influences in The Evolution of Tarannum Art in Kedah: A Historical Review

&lt;p&gt;Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia ,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Institute for Advanced and Smart Digital Opportunities (IASDO), School of Computing, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia&nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;School of Education, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, Raub Campus, Malaysia&lt;/p&gt

Pengunaan model CIPP dalam penilaian pengajaran tarannum bagi program kelas kemahiran Al-Quran

Proficiency in al-Quran recitation is an essential skill to be mastered by a muslim. Possessing this skill enables muslims to better internalise and appreciate the Holy Quran. To achieve proficiency in reciting a-Quran, the Ministry of Education has established a special class for reciting and learning al-Quran by heart which is known as KKQ for all secondary schools in Malaysia. After three decades of its establishment, it was found that there are some issues and weaknesses in KKQ that can be tackled and improved especially in tarannum. Besides, this programme has never been evaluated for its effectiveness by the teachers directly involved in it. Hence, a study should be conducted to create a model or an evaluation template that can specifically evaluate eight major constructs in the teaching evaluation of tarannum and Quranic recital at KKQ. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the achievement of the tarannnum teaching objectives, to evaluate the constraints in teaching KKQ tarannum, to evaluate teachers‟ preparations of KKQ teaching resources, to evaluate teaching strategies of KKQ tarannum, to evaluate the assessment methods used, to evaluate students‟ skills in learning tarannum, to evaluate KKQ students‟ practices of values, and to identify significant differences among teachers based on school placement zone, school types and teaching experiences. In this study, the CIPP Evaluation Model by Stufflebeam (2007) will be used as the conceptual framework. This model portrays how the evaluation made can be used as an indicator to make an accurate decision in the teaching practices of tarannum in KKQ. The current study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach through qualitative and quantitative analyses. Qualitative data was analysed based on the interview transcripts of five KKQ master teachers. Meanwhile, for quantitative data, the analysis was done based on 250 survey forms representing KKQ teachers in Peninsular Malaysia using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 21.0. Based on the analysis of the eight main constructs in the teaching evaluation concept, it was found that seven of them had significant differences, whereas only one construct showed in significant differences in the evaluated categories. The study can contribute to the theory and concept of teachers‟ evaluation in the teaching of tarannum in terms of the objective, preparation and teaching resources. Besides, it provides input for teaching strategies and evaluation methods to be adopted efficiently for students in the KKQ programme based on the evaluation elements in the CIPP model

Cabaran penyeragaman undang-undang jenayah syariah di Malaysia

Sharia Criminal law has long been implemented in every state in Malaysia. However, the implementation of the law often receives negative perceptions and views from the society. One of the issues raised regarding the shariah criminal law is that the law is not standardize and is varied among the states. This difference may cause injustice to the accused those involved in a sharia criminal offences. A significant difference can be seen from the aspects of types and categories of offences, texts, nature and level of punishment even though it refers to the same offence. Efforts towards the standardization of sharia criminal law has long been sought, but has yet to be materialised due to some issues and challenges faced by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), an agency which is responsible to coordinate and standardise the sharia law in Malaysia. This article aims to analyse the challenges face in the effort to uniform the sharia criminal law in Malaysia. This study is a qualitative study which utilises documents analysis approach in its data collection process. The study found that there are three major challenges to uniform the sharia criminal law in Malaysia which include the jurisdiction, politics and social. Therefore, further studies should be undertaken to assist the religious authorities in finding the best method to address these issues and challenges in order to standardize the sharia criminal law in Malaysia

A legal analysis of the liabilities for wrongful disclosure of private informations by credit reporting agencies / Razian Abdul Rahim ... [et al.]

On May 2010, Malaysia for the first time had a law regarding personal data protection which is the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA). On the other hand, the Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) which carry credit reporting businesses are control and regulated by the Credit Reporting Agencies Act 2010 (CRAA). We had carried out a study on the law and regulations on privacy regarding personal data and analyzed the extent of protection, rights and remedies given to the victim of the CRAs under the CRAA. The scope of this study focuses on the applicability of the law regarding personal data protection for the people from the CRAs in Malaysia. This paper analyses and evaluates how the CRAs acquire the information and how can it being disclosed. It also looks at the penalties and remedies that may be acquired by the people if the CRAs had misused their information or gave false or outdated information. The objectives of this study are to critically study the extent of the protection and rights of privacy which is provided under the CRAs, significantly analyze the remedies for the victims of CRAs and to propose any recommendations or amendment to the CRAs in order to improve the protection for an individual