USM Journal Management System (Univ. Sains Malaysia)
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Hepatitis B Seroprevalence and Associated Factors Among Inpatients From 2014 to 2023: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study in a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital
No full textBackground: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global health burden, causing significant health problems, including morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030, with a focus on the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, HBV incidence rose from 2.26 per 100,000 in 2010 to 12.65 per 100,000 in 2015, classifying the country as having an intermediate burden with a seroprevalence of 1.5% to 9.8%. The major transmission routes include perinatal transmission, blood exposure, sexual contact, and needle sharing. This study aimed to provide insight into the epidemiology and disease burden of HBV in a large tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Insights from this study will assist in future directions regarding public health strategies to reduce the burden of hepatitis B by 2030.
Methods: This study investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) among inpatients at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia over 10 years from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2023. This retrospective study included patients who underwent HBsAg screening during ward admission. Subjects were selected based on probability sampling after reviewing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed following data collection. Statistical significance was determined by P-values using IBM SPSS version 29.
Results: A total of 308 patients were identified. The overall seroprevalence was 9.1% (95% CI: 0.06, 0.12), with annual rates fluctuating between 6.3% and 10.7%. The highest positivity rate was observed in the 45 to 54 age group (14.3%), whereas the lowest positivity rate was observed in those aged > 64 years (5.0%). Males exhibited a higher positivity rate (11.7%) than females (6.5%). Private employees had the highest positivity rate (28.6%) among the occupational groups. Individuals coinfected with HIV had a strikingly high positivity rate of 62.5%. Our analysis identified needle sharing as a significant risk factor, with an adjusted odds ratio of (OR = 8.87; 95% CI: 1.64, 47.91; P = 0.011). Other risk factors, such as family history of chronic hepatitis, multiple sexual partners, history of blood transfusions, and body tattooing, showed increased odds but were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Our study provides insights into the local epidemiology, the burden of hepatitis B infection, and the factors that contribute to disease transmission. This study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce risk behaviours, particularly needle sharing, to control the spread of hepatitis B in the region
Resensi Buku: Sejarah Falsafah Karya Ahmad Sunawari Long
No full textIlmu falsafah merupakan salah satu cabang ilmu yang mengkaji asas permulaan sesuatu ilmu lain. Subjek ‘Falsafah dan Isu Semasa’ merupakan salah satu subjek wajib universiti yang wajib dipelajari oleh semua mahasiswa universiti awam di Malaysia sejak tahun 2019. Oleh itu, buku Sejarah Falsafah karya Ahmad Sunawari Long merupakan salah satu rujukan penting dalam pengajian falsafah, khususnya dalam konteks pengajian falsafah Islam dan Barat di Malaysia. Buku ini memperkenalkan perkembangan falsafah secara kronologi bermula dari zaman Yunani purba hingga ke zaman moden serta menyentuh pemikiran tokoh-tokoh besar seperti Plato, Aristotle, al-Farabi, dan Ibn Sina. Disusun dengan pendekatan yang sistematik dan mudah difahami, buku ini berfungsi sebagai sumber rujukan asas kepada pelajar dan penyelidik dalam bidang falsafah, pemikiran Islam, serta sains kemanusiaan. Resensi ini meneliti kandungan, matlamat penulisan serta keistimewaan buku tersebut dari sudut ilmiah dan pendidikan. Artikel ini turut menyentuh sumbangan intelektual Ahmad Sunawari Long sebagai tokoh akademik Islam kontemporari yang banyak menyumbang dalam pemerkasaan wacana falsafah Islam di Malaysia
Mapping Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE): A Bibliometric Analysis of Citation, Co-Occurrence, and Co-Citation (2000–2024)
Get PDFThis bibliometric study maps the global evolution of Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) research from 2000 to 2024. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we analysed 330 Scopus-indexed documents to identify publication trends, key themes, and theoretical shifts through co-citation, co-occurrence, and network analyses. The findings reveal major thematic clusters (e.g., self-regulated learning, learner autonomy, IDLE, online learning, motivation), signaling a pivot from computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to more dynamic, ecological paradigms. Findings indicate a significant geographic concentration, with China contributing 52% of publications, which points to a potential regional bias. We conceptualise IDLE not as a linear extension of CALL, but as a complex, socio-technical ecosystem where autonomy, motivation, and context dynamically interact. We recommend that future research broaden regional perspectives, employ longitudinal and mixed-method approaches, and critically examine how generative AI tools reshape learning dynamics. For educators, this study cautions against a passive, “hands-off” approach to IDLE. The prominence of metacognitive and psychological factors underscores the need for teachers to act as facilitators who guide learners in developing learner autonomy, fostering motivation, and reflecting on their learning process across formal and informal settings
An Electroencephalography (EEG) Study of Cognitive Load and Neural Efficiency During Higher-Order Thinking in Secondary Science Learning
Get PDFHigher-order thinking skills (HOTS) are vital for scientific reasoning and problem-solving, yet many students—particularly in Malaysian secondary schools—struggle to master them. Despite curriculum reforms emphasising HOTS, traditional instruction and assessment practices often fail to stimulate the cognitive processes required for deep learning. This study investigates the neural correlates of HOTS engagement using electroencephalography (EEG) among 45 Form Two students, categorised into high-, moderate-, and low-ability groups based on prior science performance. Students completed two 15-minute HOTS-based tasks: a learning activity and an assessment. EEG data were collected following the international 10–20 system, and spectral analyses focused on theta (4 Hz–8 Hz), alpha (8 Hz–12 Hz), and beta (12 Hz–30 Hz) bands to assess cognitive load and neural efficiency. Results revealed that high-ability students demonstrated elevated alpha and beta power, suggesting efficient processing and sustained engagement. In contrast, low-ability students exhibited increased theta activity, indicating cognitive overload. Assessment tasks elicited stronger beta responses than learning tasks across all groups, reflecting higher cognitive demands. Correlation analyses confirmed a positive relationship between alpha/beta activity and HOTS performance. This study provides empirical support for using EEG to explore learning engagement and cognitive effort in science education. The findings highlight the need for neuroscience-informed teaching strategies that reduce cognitive overload and promote deeper engagement with HOTS content
Urban and Military Defense in Ancient Rome: Infrastructure, Strategy, and Capital Security
No full textThis study examines the military defense system of ancient Rome, focusing on how its cities and military infrastructure evolved from the founding of the Roman Empire in 27 BCE to 284 CE. It highlights the technological innovations and strategic decisions that allowed Rome to maintain imperial dominance. Using historical analysis of significant architectural structures such as the Aurelian Walls, along with the layout of key military sites including barracks and ports in the capital, the research explores how Rome organized its defenses. It also investigates the role of the Tiber River, its bridges, canals, and surrounding facilities in supporting both military operations and economic activities. The study emphasizes the importance of critical military infrastructure, including warehouses, ports, and the extensive road network, which sustained Rome’s economy and defense. The findings show that Rome’s integrated system of garrisons, fortified structures, and natural features effectively countered external threats and preserved internal security. Key roads, exemplified by the Appian Way, facilitated the rapid movement of troops and supplies, thereby strengthening stability across the empire. Overall, the research demonstrates how Rome’s advanced coordination of defense, logistics, and urban planning contributed significantly to the resilience and longevity of the Roman Empire
Recovery Phase in the Chain of Survival in Cardiac Arrest Patients: Scoping Review
No full textSudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a major global health concern, with an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 deaths annually in the United States and around two million worldwide. In 2020, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated the Chain of Survival by adding a new component recovery to highlight the importance of post-resuscitation care. However, the implementation of this recovery phase remains limited and requires further exploration. This study aimed to review the implementation of the recovery phase within the Chain of Survival. A scoping review design was employed, with literature searches conducted in ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Sage, and PubMed databases using the keywords (“Cardiac Arrest”) AND (“Chain of Survival”) AND (“Recovery”) AND (“Rehabilitation”). The inclusion criteria included articles published within the last five years, written in English, and available in full-text open access format. Of the 330 articles initially identified, 13 met the eligibility criteria and were analysed using the JBI framework, with the findings reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Three major themes emerged: (i) multidimensional challenges among survivors, including physical, cognitive, psychological, and social impairments; (ii) multidisciplinary interventions, such as the ROCK and SCARF programmes, which were shown to improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and enhance independence; and (iii) factors influencing recovery, including biomarkers, prognostic scores, and socioeconomic status. The recovery phase is a crucial yet often neglected component of the Chain of Survival. Post-cardiac arrest care should adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach involving evidence-based rehabilitation, psychological support, and family counselling to achieve optimal recovery and long-term quality of life
Developing and Validating a Breast Cancer Screening Health Literacy Questionnaire Guided by Sørensen’s Integrated Model for Malaysian Adults
No full textBackground: Health literacy is essential for informed decision-making and cancer prevention. In Malaysia, limited health literacy contributes to delayed breast cancer diagnoses and poorer outcomes among disadvantaged populations. However, there is no validated instrument for assessing breast cancer screening health literacy. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop and validate such a questionnaire for Malaysian adults.
Methods: A three-phase, multi-method design was employed. Phase One involved item generation through a systematic review, online surveys, expert validation and translation. Phase Two included cognitive debriefing and an analysis of test–retest reliability. Phase Three consisted of a cross-sectional survey of 779 adults (mean age 36.6 years; 66% female) attending clinics in Selangor and Johor. The scale was evaluated psychometrically with exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis using covariance-based structural equation modelling.
Results: The initial 66-item tool was refined to a questionnaire with 41 items in seven domains showing strong reliability (Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.93; corrected item–total correlations ≥ 0.71). Weighted kappa values indicated moderate to almost perfect agreement (> 0.41) for most items. Confirmatory factor analysis showed factor loadings of 0.75 to 0.92, average variance extracted > 0.50, composite reliability > 0.70, heterotrait–monotrait ratios < 0.90 and acceptable fit indices (χ²/df = 2.18, GFI = 0.85, AGFI = 0.83, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.052).
Conclusion: The validated 41-item Breast Cancer Screening Health Literacy Questionnaire is a reliable and culturally appropriate tool in Bahasa Malaysia that can be employed in clinical and community settings to identify literacy gaps, develop tailored health promotion strategies and strengthen early detection initiatives
Sexting and Displacement of Pride in a Contemporary Digitised World
Get PDFThis study focuses on the impact of sexting on the sense of pride among digital technology users who communicate virtually anything with their digital devices such as the mobile phones, laptop or tablets. Interactions across digital platforms involve the exchange of pictures, videos and messages generally referred to as “sexts.” The researchers relied on secondary data sources and identified both positive and negative dimensions of sexting. Findings of the study demonstrated that sexting affects individuals’ sense of pride through vulnerability, exposure, objectification, unrealistic expectations, regret and shame. However, some positive outcomes of sexting are affirmation and exploration of one’s sexuality, self-expression, intimacy as well as connections between partners involved in such communications. On the other hand, the researchers noted glaring negative effects prominent of which is the issue of diminishing self-esteem particularly when sexting is non-consensual. The coercion to sext can lead to feelings of powerlessness especially among those categorised as “victims” of the act. Gender and social dynamics also play a significant role in sexting. The researchers concluded that there is a correlation between digital communication and personal identity as acts such as sexting conducted in digital space can have dire consequences for an individual’s sense of pride or self-esteem. It is, therefore, recommended, among several others, that digital literacy and education be promoted among young persons to teach them about risks and responsibilities associated with sexting in the digital age
Social Media Use and Acculturation among International Students in Xi\u27an: A Pilot Study Based on the Uses and Gratifications Framework
Get PDFWith the growing internationalization of Chinese higher education, the cultural adaptation of international students has become an increasingly relevant topic. Social media plays a vital role in their daily lives, facilitating information access, social interaction, and emotional support. Grounded in the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) framework and acculturation theory, this pilot study conducts a descriptive statistical analysis (n = 40) of international students in Xi\u27an, focusing on their motivations for social media use, intergroup contact, perceived social support, and acculturation outcomes. Results indicate that students tend to use social media in a strategic and instrumental manner, primarily to access localized information and connect with peers. While online cross-cultural interaction is relatively frequent, a sense of belonging remains limited. Social media proves effective for informational support but less so for emotional reassurance or practical intervention. Furthermore, findings suggest a Behavioural–psychological adaptation gap, where surface-level adjustment precedes deeper cultural integration. The study highlights the selective role of social media in the acculturation process and calls for more comprehensive, emotionally responsive support systems in higher education institutions.
Reforms and Long-run Inputs Use Efficiency of Indian and Pakistani Commercial Banks.
Get PDFThe banking sectors in Pakistan and India were reformed in the 1990s to promote competition and boost output through more efficient use of resources. This study assesses the input usage efficiency of both banking industries during pre- and post-reform periods via data spanning nearly four decades and addresses methodological concerns after applying the order-m frontier. According to the data, rather than operating on the predicted or notional frontier to deliver the specified output level, the average commercial banks in both nations appear to operate beyond the efficiency frontier. Indian banks, both domestic and foreign-owned, seem to use inputs around 30% more efficiently than Pakistani institutions of the same kind. Evidence of resource-use efficiency increases and their maintenance over a longer post-reform period is seen in industries from both nations (15% and 3% for Indian and Pakistani banks, respectively). Indian banks’ order efficiency did not significantly alter in the early post-reform period, but it later began to improve and kept improving over a longer period (averaging 5% improvement between 2005 and 2020). Evidence of improvements in Pakistani banks’ input use efficiency points to a notable improvement in the first post-reform period (about 12%) and then a longer term trend (an additional 5% from 2005 to 2020)