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Development and characterisation of kenafnanohybrid dental composites
Get PDFNatural fibres such as kenaf fibres have enormous potential in replacing
synthetic fibre used for composite reinforcement. This study aimed to optimize the
bonding mechanism between kenaf and nanohybrid dental composite from rice husk
and investigate mechanical properties of this composite. Kenaf fibres was processed
to obtain cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and silane treated with hybridization of
tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) sol gel and γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-
MPS). The treated CNC was investigated through Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Six specimens from each
group with different ratio of γ-MPS and TEOS were prepared for compressive and
flexural investigation. The experimental composites were compared with commercial
nanohybrid composite and fibre reinforced composite (Ever-X posterior, Filtek Z350
and Neofil). Data was statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA test and the
fracture surfaces of the samples were subjected to scanning electron microscope
(SEM) assessment. FTIR results showed formation of chemical bonds between kenaf
CNC with γ-MPS and TEOS sol gel. TGA showed highest decomposition temperature
in non-silane treated kenaf fibre compared to silane treated kenaf fibre. Mean flexural
and compressive strength between all groups showed statistically significant results
(p=0.000). Experimental composite group with fibre reinforced showing higher
flexural strength by 31 % while compressive strength increases by 38% compared to
non- fibre reinforced composite, however the strength was lower as compared to
commercial composites. The compressive strength of all the experimental composites were significantly lower than that of commercial composites. Silane treatment
showing evidence of modification and improved bonding between the kenaf fibres and
the resin matrix, even though the strength was lower than the commercial composite
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of junk food consumption among normal bmi and overweight/obese undergraduate health science students in USM Health Campus
Get PDFYoung people consume more junk food than older individuals. University students in developing countries increasingly consume junk food as a major part of their diet. Busy university life often leaves little time for meal planning and preparation, leading students to choose the convenience of junk food. These foods are high in fat, sugar, salt, calories, and artificial colors but low in nutrition, posing health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding junk food consumption among health science students with normal and overweight/obese body mass index (BMI) statuses. It also explored the relationship between KAP scores and sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional approach was used, involving 107 health science students. Participants completed an online questionnaire accessed through a QR code after their weight and height were measured. Results showed that 50.5% of respondents had a normal BMI, while 49.5% were overweight/obese. The study found that participants had high knowledge about junk food, negative attitudes towards it, but still engaged in high consumption. Comparing KAP levels between normal and overweight/obese students, the study found no significant difference in knowledge and attitudes between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in practice scores, with students of normal BMI showing higher practice scores compared to overweight/obese students. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice towards junk food consumption for both groups. In conclusion, health science students, despite being aware of the negative effects of junk food, do not always translate this knowledge into healthier eating habits, especially among those who are overweight or obese. To effectively reduce junk food consumption, interventions should focus not only on increasing awareness but also on changing attitudes and behaviors to promote healthier eating habits among university students
The relationship between food access to fruits and vegetables, body mass index (bmi), and fast-food consumption behaviour among health sciences undergraduate students in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan.
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between food access to fruits and vegetables, body mass index (BMI), and fast-food consumption behaviour among health sciences undergraduate students in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan. This study was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling technique. Data were collected from March 2024 until May 2024 through online Google Form which consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, food access to fruits and vegetables section and fast-food consumption behaviour section. A total of 99 respondents were participated in this research. Majority of participants were female (77.8%) and Malay (71.7%). Most respondents were students from year 3 from School of Health Sciences (PPSK). The result showed that 89.9% of the respondents do not has any problem in accessing food while only 10.1% does have problem in accessing food. For body mass index (BMI) category, 19.2% was identified as underweight, 47.5% was normal weight, 20.2% was overweight and another 13.1% was identified as obese. Regarding fast-food consumption behaviour, 45.5% of respondents reported that they have high fast-food consumption. However, there is no significant relationship between food access to fruits and vegetables and fast-food consumption behaviour tested using Fisher’s Exact test as p-value > 0.05 (p=0.178). Meanwhile, there is no significant relationship between BMI and fast-food consumption behaviour tested by using Pearson’s Chi-Square test as p-value > 0.05 (p=0.866)
Influences Of Learning Environment And Basic Psychological Needs On Self-determined Learning Of Postgraduate Students: The Mediating Effects Of Heutagogical Activities
Get PDFThis study aims to investigate the influence of the learning environment and basic psychological needs on self-determined learning among postgraduate students. The mediating effect of heutagogical activities on the relationship between these two variables was also examined. A mixed-methods study was conducted at a research university in Malaysia to achieve the research objectives. A total of 664 postgraduate students were sampled through an online questionnaire. Four highly valid and reliable instruments were used to collect data namely Postgraduate Self-Determined Learning Questionnaire, Learning Environment Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale, and Heutagogical Activities Scale. Next, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 28 postgraduate students. Descriptive analysis results showed that postgraduate students had a high level of self-determined learning (M=3.18; SD=0.41). The involvement of students from medical, dental, and health, engineering, and arts programs in explore heutagogical activities was high, while their participation in learning activities requiring connection with others and information sharing were low. The structural equation modeling (SEM) results indicated that the learning environment (β=0.150, p< 0.01) and basic psychological needs (β=0.379, p< 0.01) had a direct effect on self-determined learning. Furthermore, heutagogical activities had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between these two variables
Effects Of Pretreatments On Chemical And Physical Alterations Of Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) Empty Fruit Bunch For Enhancing Enzymatic Saccharification Yield
Get PDFThe direct impacts of chemical composition and physicochemical properties alterations in pretreated biomass on the effectiveness of enzymatic saccharification yield have not been comprehensively elucidated. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of lignocellulose chemical composition and physicochemical properties of pretreated oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre on enzymatic saccharification (total glucose yield, TGY). Three simple aqueous pretreatments (autohydrolysis, acid pretreatment and alkaline pretreatment) and mechanical refining were applied on oil palm empty fruit bunch (Elaeis guineensis) (OPEFB) fibres to enhance its enzymatic hydrolysability by the cellulolytic enzyme. The aqueous pretreatments were conducted at appropriate temperatures for 45 minutes with a solid: liquid ratio of 1:7. The refined untreated and pretreated OPEFB fibres were enzymatically saccharified at a fixed condition of 50°C and pH 4.8 for a duration of 48 hours with a substrate concentration of 25 g/L and an enzyme dosage of 70 FPU/g substrate of Celluclast 1.5 L. The results found that conducting aqueous pretreatment on unrefined OPEFB fibres caused lower lignocellulose degradation and dissolution than the pre-refined one, resulted in minimum cellulose loss and higher TGY. Based on the chemical composition analysis of OPEFB fibres and their enzymatic saccharification/ total glucose yield (TGY) by HPLC, autohydrolysed OPEFB fibre achieved the maximum (> 99.9%) TGY, attributed to 77% hemicellulose and 24% lignin removals, with only 16% cellulose loss during pretreatment
Knowledge, attitude and practice in burn first aid among nursing student at school of health sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFBurn injuries represent a significant public health concern globally, with
substantial impacts on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Despite advancements in
burn injury knowledge and first aid protocols, a notable gap exists in understanding the
practices and perceptions of burn first aid among nursing students. This study aims to
determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding burn first aid among
nursing students at Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. A cross-sectional study
design was employed, involving 165 nursing students who were selected through
convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that
assessed participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning burn first aid. The
findings reveal that the mean knowledge score was 3.802, with 88 respondents (52.4%)
demonstrating good knowledge of burn first aid. The mean attitude score was 3.464,
with 83 respondents (49.4%) showing a favourable attitude, while the mean practice
score was 0.652, with 83 respondents (49.4%) displaying poor practice. Descriptive
analysis indicated that knowledge, attitudes, and practices varied among respondents,
highlighting areas needing improvement. Association between sociodemographic and
KAP was tested using Chi-square test showed significant associations between better
knowledge and advanced years of study (p=0.021), degree-level education (p=0.046),
and prior awareness of burn first aid (p=0.016). Degree students exhibited significantly
better practices (p=0.017). However, age, participation in burn first aid training, timing
of training, personal burn experience, and level of attitudes were not significantly
influence knowledge or practice levels. The study concludes that addressing these
educational gaps is crucial for improving overall burn care preparedness and outcomes.
By ensuring timely and effective responses to burn incidents, the quality of patient care
can be significantly enhanced