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Utilizing Interactive Mobile Technology for Health Education: Creation and Evaluation of a Calorie and Nutrition Tracking Application For The Malaysian Population
Get PDFThis study investigates the transformative capacity of interactive mobile technology as creative tools for revitalizing health education, highlighting their potential to enhance user understanding and promote greater engagement. This article assesses a detailed calorie and nutrition tracking mobile application designed exclusively for the Malaysian demographic. The main aim of this study was to furnish clients with precise and thorough information regarding their nutritional intake, enabling informed dietary and health decisions. The program comprised multiple components, including user registration, a food database and logging system, goal setting and progress tracking, instructional resources, and a mindfulness evaluation. Contemporary calorie and nutrition tracking programs are predominantly designed for users beyond Malaysia and have a limited database of Malaysian food items, making them less relevant to the local populace. This
study focused mostly on Malaysian who wanted to track their calorie consumption for weight loss, muscle
development, or weight stabilization. The efficacy of the application as a novel instrument for enhancing
dietary control and fostering healthy eating practices was assessed through extensive testing with a representative cohort of Malaysian users. Preliminary findings demonstrate that mobile content significantly improves knowledge and awareness, presenting it as a dynamic, engaging, and accessible medium for disseminating information. This effort utilized mobile technologies to improve food knowledge and health outcomes in Malaysia
Garis Panduan Pengurusan Kebakaran Tanah Gambut Sarawak (Jilid 3) : Pengurusan dan Pencegahan Kebakaran Hutan Sarawak).
No full textProblem-Based Learning : What do we know about it today?
No full textObjective: To evaluate the awareness of problem-based learning (PBL) among academic staff in Russian medical universities' Basic Medical Sciences departments. This assessment was conducted using a standardized, partially modified questionnaire. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the faculty's readiness to implement PBL in their curriculum within their departments.
Methods: A total of 268 faculty members from the Basic Medical Sciences departments participated in a survey designed to assess their level of awareness and engagement with PBL as a modern educational approach. The survey data were analyzed using Statistica 10 software, employing
statistical methods such as the chi-squared (χ²) test, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: The analysis indicated that faculty members at Russian medical universities generally possessed a relatively high level of awareness regarding PBL (72%). This awareness was significantly associated with various factors: gender (p<0.05, with higher awareness in women), age (p<0.01, peaking among those aged 41-50), academic degree (p<0.05, being highest among PhD holders), and teaching experience (p<0.01, most prevalent in lecturers
with 5-10 years of experience). However, awareness was not shown to be related to academic position. However, only a few lecturers received formal training in PBL (21%), and fewer implemented the obtained skills in their teaching practices (46%). The level of knowledge about PBL among
respondents was categorized as high, medium, and low in 7.6%, 45.8%, and 46.5%, respectively. Knowledge levels were associated with age (p<0.05) but not with other socio-demographic or professional factors.
Conclusion: The collected data can identify faculty members best prepared to participate in the pilot project introducing PBL in Russian medical schools’ curricula
Multi-agent reinforcement learning for Bai ethnic traditional dwelling protection in Dali : cultural identity-oriented community relationship optimization and urbanization adaptation algorithm.
Get PDFThe preservation of residential architecture from traditional ethnic groups has never faced the types of challenges it does today due to urbanization. These challenges include the insufficient retention of landmarks due to competing stakeholder interests, which often leads to irreversible loss of cultural heritage. This research proposes a new culturally identity-oriented multi-agent reinforcement learning system for the protection of Bai ethnic traditional dwellings in Dali, Yunnan Province. The research combines diverse multi-source data collection approaches, including the building’s architecture and culture, urbanization statistics, and stakeholder networks, and develops an advanced computational framework in which every stakeholder category is embedded as an independent intelligent agent with specific behavioral patterns and autonomous decision-making skills. Specialized deep Q-networks of enhanced Q-value methods that consider cultural identity loss in Q-value calculus through loss function adjustments aimed at balancing cultural preservation and stakeholder appeasement were employed within the framework. Implementation results show performance with an overall accuracy of 89.3% for implementation and 87.2% for cultural preservation effectiveness. Conventional approaches previously achieved significantly lower accuracy within these parameters, 15-25 percentage points. Enhancements in cultural identity increase from a baseline of 58.3% to optimized values of 91.2%, while community satisfaction improves from 54.7% to 86.4%. The framework maintains coordination indices above 85% for all stakeholder groups, showing scalability with over 85% replication success rates for populations between 5,000 and 50,000 residents. This demonstrates theoretical and practical value in the use of AI concerning culturally aware heritage preservation
Photocatalytic Performance Of Fe/Zeolite Bead Catalyst For The Removal Of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone
Get PDFThe increasing presence of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in industrial wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge due to its toxicity, chemical stability, and resistance to conventional treatment methods. This research presents the synthesis and application of a novel 3wt% Fe/Zeolite bead catalyst for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of NMP under visible light irradiation. The beads were fabricated by incorporating Fe/Zeolite into a sodium alginate polymer matrix, followed by crosslinking with epichlorohydrin to improve their mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, and structural stability. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized beads was systematically evaluate d under varying conditions, including pH levels (3–11), catalyst dosages (20–100 g L⁻¹), and initial NMP concentrations (20–100 mg L⁻¹). Optimal degradation efficiency was achieved at pH 7, with a catalyst dosage of 40 g L⁻¹ and an initial NMP concentration of 20 mg L⁻¹, resulting in a maximum removal rate of 86.41% within 120 minutes of visible light exposure. The 3wt% Fe/Zeolite bead catalyst exhibited excellent reusability, magnetic recoverability, and structural integrity, making it a promising candidate for scalable and sustainable wastewater treatment. This study demonstrates the potential of magnetically recoverable 3wt% Fe/Zeolite beads as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for the remediation of organic pollutants in industrial effluents
A New Class of Vitamin K Analogues Containing the Side Chain of Retinoic Acid Have Enhanced Activity for Inducing Neuronal Differentiation
Get PDFVitamin K, primarily known for its roles in coagulation and
bone metabolism, has recently been implicated in neuroprotection and neuronal differentiation, particularly via its bioactive form, menaquinone-4 (MK-4). Here, we synthesized 12 vitamin K compounds with retinoic acidconjugated side chains and methyl ester modifications to enhance neuroactive properties. Among these, compound 7 demonstrated superior stability, robust transcriptional activation via steroid and xenobiotic receptor and retinoic acid receptor, and efficient induction of neuronal differentiation in mouse neural progenitor cells. Mechanistic analyzes revealed that Vitamin K activates
metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1). Docking simulations confirmed its stronger mGluR1-binding affinity compared to MK-4. In vivo pharmacokinetics in C57BL/6 mice showed effective blood−brain barrier penetration, with compound 7 metabolizing into MK-4 over time. These
findings establish compound 7 as a promising candidate for neurodegenerative disease therapies through its unique neuroactive mechanisms
Incidental Zenker’s Diverticulum During Thyroid Surgery : A Rare Challenge
Get PDFThis paper discusses the rare intraoperative finding of Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) during thyroid surgery. While only two cases of incidental ZD during neck surgery have been previously reported, this discussion presents a third case discovered during a hemithyroidectomy. The complexities of managing such an incidental finding are highlighted, particularly given the lack of preoperative imaging confirmation and potential for complications. The importance of considering ZD as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with dysphagia, even in the presence of thyroid nodules, is emphasized. Postoperative imaging, particularly fluoroscopic contrast swallow studies, is crucial for confirming the diagnosis. The paper outlines various surgical management options for ZD and the need for heightened awareness and careful consideration of incidental ZD during thyroid surgery to ensure optimal patient outcomes
Synthesis of Nanosized Cellulose Beads from Wastepaper for Control Release Fertilizer
No full textCellulose from wastepaper is a promising raw material for synthesizing biodegradable nanosized cellulose beads (nCBs). As the environment is concerned with unsustainable agriculture management and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW), controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) show promising roles in sustainable modern agriculture activities compared to conventional fertilizers. Green synthesis methods of water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion and nanoprecipitation are not only straightforward and simple but also a practical alternative to obtain nCBs as CRFs. The purity of extracted cellulose was similar to that of commercial α-cellulose by FTIR analysis. The acid solution can be repeated over four cycles without affecting the purity of cellulose and the mean particle size of nCBs, ranging between 36.8 ± 7.2 nm and 53.8 ± 9.2 nm by W/O microemulsion. Other synthesis parameters were shown to affect the morphology and mean particle size of nCBs, such as cellulose concentrations, Span 80 concentrations and stirring speed. The optimal physical conditions to fabricate spherical-sized nCBs are a medium-sized egg-shaped stirring bar and a flat-bottom flask. For the nanoprecipitation technique, the mean particle size and yield of nCBs are significantly influenced by cellulose concentrations, the addition of Tween 80 and the volume ratio of solvent to antisolvent. The surface morphology and mean particle size of nCBs were analyzed using FESEM and TEM, showing non-uniform spherical shape and size due to agglomeration, but with smooth morphologies. The yield of nCBs correlates with the mean particle size, particularly agglomeration, which was observed to reduce the yield. Between these two methods, nanoprecipitation is preferred over W/O microemulsion in producing a better yield of nCBs. Also, the good swelling and water-conserving characteristics of nCBs by nanoprecipitation exhibited promising urea loading. The highest loading capacity is achieved at 173.85 ± 1.00 mg/g by nCBs of 0.50% w/v cellulose concentration or mean particle size with 30.5 ± 8.3 nm owing to their high BET surface area at 9.32 m2/g. The urea release profiles in water and different kinds of soil under frequent watering conditions are demonstrated for 96 hours. During the urea release, augmentation in soil properties, including pH, soil moisture and electrical conductivity, is noted. The deterioration in the soil properties over time is observed, except for the soil moisture. A study on the effect of nCBs in soil without urea is also conducted. The water-swollen nCBs only slightly improve soil pH and electrical conductivity. Specifically, nCBs of 30.5 ± 8.3 nm show a satisfactory increase in these properties. However, soil moisture measurement cannot be obtained due to insufficient swollen-nCBs added. Based on the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, the urea release kinetic mechanism is proven to be quasi-Fickian diffusion-controlled
The Effect of Environmental Disclosure Practices on Firm Value of Malaysian Listed Firms
No full textThere are no clear laws in Malaysia requiring firms to disclose environmental information, although the Department of Environment and the Occupational Safety and Health Act mandate some disclosures, which creates uncertainty for investors and complicates the assessment of environmental risks and liabilities associated with their investments. In Agency theory, environmental disclosure reduces information gaps, which in turn increases the value of a firm, thereby aligning the interests of investors and managers. According to Legitimacy Theory, firms disclose environmental information to satisfy societal expectationsand secure public approval, increasing their market value. This paper tries to find the relationship between environmental disclosure and firm value within a final sample of 344 firms listed in Bursa Malaysia. The non-financial data, which are environmental disclosure and firm age, were collected in the annual report, while other remaining data, such as firm size, leverage, profitability, and turnover ratio, were collected from Orbis's database. The panel regression analysis shows that environmental disclosure has a positive relationship with firm value. Investors and firms should acknowledge the enduring advantages of openness in environmental practices, as it enhances market valuation and aligns with the increasing desire for sustainable company operations
A RETROSPECTIVE DOCUMENT REVIEW ON THE DISCHARGE OF ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS IN A MALAYSIAN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
No full textAdolescents in Malaysia face a range of serious mental health challenges that often lead to repeated admissions to psychiatric wards. To ensure continuity of care and the effectiveness of long-term treatment, proper discharge intervention and comprehensive interventions prior to discharge are essential. This study aims to explore the current discharge interventions provided to adolescent psychiatric patients in a psychiatric hospital located in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Using a descriptive qualitative design, discharge records of 81 adolescent psychiatric patients admitted between 2021 and 2023 were reviewed. A data abstraction checklist was developed to systematically extract relevant information from the documents. Content analysis was conducted using the READ (Read, Extract, Analyse, Distil) approach to identify key patterns and gaps. Preliminary findings indicate an absence of standardised discharge intervention protocols. Notably, four critical components were frequently missing from the discharge process: integration of technology, linkage to community resources, collaboration with schools, and access to peer support. These findings underscore the urgent need for a structured and standardised discharge framework tailored to adolescents with psychiatric conditions. Strengthening discharge interventions could help reduce hospital readmissions and support sustained recovery within the community. Future research should delve deeper into specific psychiatric issues, particularly among adolescents with a history of suicide, to inform targeted discharge strategies.
Keywords: Adolescent psychiatric patient, discharge intervention, discharg