Legal analysis on jurisdictional conflicts relating to waqf / Bailey Luigi Ubu…[et al.]

List II of the Ninth Schedule to the Federal Constitution provides that Islamic law is a state matter. Article 74(2) of the Federal Constitution empowers the legislature of a state to make laws for the whole or any part of the state in respect of any matter enumerated in the State List. Waqf is also included in one of the matters governed by states in Malaysia. According to List II of the Ninth Schedule, waqf falls under the jurisdiction of Syariah Court in Malaysia. On top of that, each state in Malaysia has enacted waqf 'laws, either in its own waqf enactment or in the Administration of Islamic Law Enactments. Although it is clearly provided in the legislation that disputes on waqf shall be heard in Syariah Courts, there are still several cases on waqf that are being heard and decided in Civil Courts. Follows from this, the people having interest in waqf under Islamic law are deprived of their rights. This paper will elaborate on the laws on waqf in Malaysia, examine the issues raised and several decided cases on waqf and discuss further on the jurisdiction of Syariah and Civil Courts in hearing disputes of waqf. Therefore, this paper is intended to provide an overview on the legislations and jurisdictions of courts concerning waqf in Malaysia

Eduplay Dashboard Application

As the use of technology evolves in education, an extensive range of new smart devices and digital applications is becoming available to academics. Eduplay Dashboard is an example of such technologies, which can help educators to improve the learning experience of their students inside and outside of the classroom. This app allows access to mediate and self-access services, as well as databases, online quizzes, go live, create game, slide presentation and etc. The project provides Mobile and Web-based application tools (apps) that allow online access for different users - students, instructors, and administrators. In addition, the app provides integrated all the existing free game based interactive learning platform and presentation tools into one center control

Investigation of capabilities of electromagnetic tomography for pipeline imaging

In industrial process, pipeline leakage often only noticeable pipe condition is critical henceforth causing damages to its internal content. Therefore, pipeline inspection and monitoring work is highly demanding to take early precautions. Electromagnetic Tomography (EMT) is capable to produce images of the internal structure of an object by using external sensors without disrupting it. The coil sensors are placed around the object where the source coil transmits an oscillating magnetic field while the rest acts as receiver and measure the received signals. The measured signal provides the magnetic field distribution of the pipe, and will differ according to the materials’ passive electrical properties. In this paper, we investigate the capability of using EMT to identify metallic pipe openings by conducting a finite element analysis simulation study. The design and parameters of the EMT system, as well as the results of using the EMT model to detect various degree of metallic pipe openings is presented. The results confirm that the EMT imaging as a promising tool for inspection of metallic pipelines where the magnetic field of the investigated region differs according to the pipe opening and material of the pipeline

A cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge and beliefs about, and the use of antibiotics amongst Malaysian university students

Background: The introduction of antibiotics into modern medicine has changed clinical care by saving millions of lives. However, misuse of antibiotics has led to their benefits being overshadowed by the development of antimicrobial resistance. Aims of Study: This study aimed to assess university students’ knowledge and beliefs about and their use of antibiotics. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 674 medical and non-medical students of the National Defence University of Malaysia, using universal and convenience sampling methods. The data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS 24, and the MANOVA test and Logistic Regression were used to explore the associated factors. Results: More than half of the respondents’ knowledge was low and their health beliefs outdated. Age, race and program were significantly associated with up-to-date knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic use, factors associated with finishing a course of antibiotics were studying medicine, personal health, and ethnicity. The significant factors associated with antibiotic self-prescribing were beliefs having been prescribed antibiotics during the last one year, and trusting the doctors who did not prescribe antibiotics. Conclusion: This study has identified a concerning low knowledge about antibiotics amongst some Malaysian university students, reflected in use of un-prescribed antibiotics and a lack of adherence to treatment. There is a need for educational interventions for students regarding antibiotic usage and resistance issues

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

The Integration of a Dual-Wavelength Super Pulsed Diode Laser for Consistent Tissue Ablation in the Esthetic Zone: A Case Series

Introduction. A diode laser is one of the universally compact accepted laser systems used fundamentally for soft tissue applications. Most diode laser devices have a single wavelength of either 810 nm for superior coagulation or 980 nm for tissue ablation. In these case series, the use of dual wavelengths (810 nm and 980 nm) in combination with super pulsing has provided a cleaner cut (no charring) with faster healing that eases the placement of the final restoration in the esthetic zone. Case Description. The present case series describe four cases in the esthetic zone that achieved hemostasis ablation without collateral damage to enhance gingival balance of definitive restoration. The gingivoplasty and gingivectomy modes are used to achieve efficient tissue ablation. Although there is no specific mode indicated in the FDA laser requirement for gingival depigmentation, the procedure could be safely performed with the dual-wavelength diode laser Result. All four patients revealed a good esthetic outcome and reported no pain postoperatively. Healing was uneventful, and definitive restoration was delivered within two to four weeks postoperatively. Conclusion. Within the limitation of these case series, the dual-wavelength super pulsed diode laser has the capacity to deliver peak powers resulting in efficient cutting and less tissue charring and also as an alternative tool for removal of gingival pigmentation. Prospective clinical research with larger sample size is needed for conclusive results

Graphene quantum dots: A comprehensive overview

Because of their prospective applications and exceptional features, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have gotten a lot of recognition as a new class of fluorescent carbon materials. One of the carbon family’s newest superstars is the GQD. Due to its exceptional optoelectrical qualities, it has sparked a lot of curiosity since its debut in 2008. Two of the most important traits are a band gap that is not zero, biocompatibility, and highly changeable characteristics. GQDs have several important characteristics. GQDs have shown potential in a variety of fields, for instance, catalysis, sensing, energy devices, drug delivery, bioimaging, photothermal, and photodynamic therapy. Because this area constantly evolves, it is vital to recognize emerging GQD concerns in the current breakthroughs, primarily since some specific uses and developments in the case of GQDs synthesis have not been thoroughly investigated through previous studies. The current results in the properties, synthesis, as well as benefits of GQDs are discussed in this review study. As per the findings of this research, the GQD’s future investigation is boundless, mainly if the approaching investigation focuses on purifying simplicity and environmentally friendly synthesis, as well as boosting photoluminescence quantum output and manufacturing output of GQDs

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in children : an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study

Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, there is a lack of data available about SSI in children worldwide, especially from low-income and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of SSI in children and associations between SSI and morbidity across human development settings. Methods A multicentre, international, prospective, validated cohort study of children aged under 16 years undergoing clean-contaminated, contaminated or dirty gastrointestinal surgery. Any hospital in the world providing paediatric surgery was eligible to contribute data between January and July 2016. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI by 30 days. Relationships between explanatory variables and SSI were examined using multilevel logistic regression. Countries were stratified into high development, middle development and low development groups using the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Results Of 1159 children across 181 hospitals in 51 countries, 523 (45 center dot 1%) children were from high HDI, 397 (34 center dot 2%) from middle HDI and 239 (20 center dot 6%) from low HDI countries. The 30-day SSI rate was 6.3% (33/523) in high HDI, 12 center dot 8% (51/397) in middle HDI and 24 center dot 7% (59/239) in low HDI countries. SSI was associated with higher incidence of 30-day mortality, intervention, organ-space infection and other HAIs, with the highest rates seen in low HDI countries. Median length of stay in patients who had an SSI was longer (7.0 days), compared with 3.0 days in patients who did not have an SSI. Use of laparoscopy was associated with significantly lower SSI rates, even after accounting for HDI. Conclusion The odds of SSI in children is nearly four times greater in low HDI compared with high HDI countries. Policies to reduce SSI should be prioritised as part of the wider global agenda.Peer reviewe

Exploring the cost-effectiveness of high versus low perioperative fraction of inspired oxygen in the prevention of surgical site infections among abdominal surgery patients in three low- and middle-income countries

Background: This study assessed the potential cost-effectiveness of high (80–100%) vs low (21–35%) fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) at preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) after abdominal surgery in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Methods: Decision-analytic models were constructed using best available evidence sourced from unbundled data of an ongoing pilot trial assessing the effectiveness of high FiO2, published literature, and a cost survey in Nigeria, India, and South Africa. Effectiveness was measured as percentage of SSIs at 30 days after surgery, a healthcare perspective was adopted, and costs were reported in US dollars ($). Results: High FiO2 may be cost-effective (cheaper and effective). In Nigeria, the average cost for high FiO2 was$216 compared with $222 for low FiO2 leading to a −$6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −$13 to −$1) difference in costs. In India, the average cost for high FiO2 was $184 compared with$195 for low FiO2 leading to a −$11 (95$15 to −$6) difference in costs. In South Africa, the average cost for high FiO2 was$1164 compared with $1257 for low FiO2 leading to a −$93 (95% CI: −$132 to −$65) difference in costs. The high FiO2 arm had few SSIs, 7.33% compared with 8.38% for low FiO2, leading to a −1.05 (95% CI: −1.14 to −0.90) percentage point reduction in SSIs. Conclusion: High FiO2 could be cost-effective at preventing SSIs in the three countries but further data from large clinical trials are required to confirm this