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Dose verification of 3D printed male pelvic phantom for radiotherapy quality assurance
Get PDFProstate cancer is a serious health concern worldwide, and its treatment includes advanced radiotherapy techniques that requires patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) for safety and accuracy of the treatment. Commercially available PSQA phantoms are homogeneous and fail to mimic photon interactions in the pelvis. Therefore, a heterogeneous 3D printed male pelvic phantom was developed to replicate the male pelvis. In this study, the phantom material was characterized by its physical density and computed tomography (CT) numbers and profile. In addition, dose verification was conducted using the phantom with thermoluminescent dosimeter-100 (TLD-100) and ionisation chamber. The results show that the phantom matches the density of real human organs with a maximum difference of 0.22 g/cm3 for prostate. The CT numbers measured at 120 kV well matched with the CT number of real organ with differences ranging from 12.30 HU to 189.77 HU. CT profiles at 90 kV, 120 kV, and 140 kV exhibited consistent gray values with small variation and overlapping standard error bars, indicating high uniformity in the 3D printing. Dose verification using the 3D printed male pelvic phantom revealed in 3D-CRT plans that TPS calculations agreed within ±5% and ±2% for TLD-100 and ionisation chamber measurements, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test for 3D-CRT showed no significant differences between TPS calculated dose and the dosimeters measured dose (p > 0.05). In VMAT plans, the TPS calculations showed lower doses in the GTV compared to measurements by TLD-100 (deviations: -14.1% to -17.1%) and ionisation chamber (deviation: -4.8%), despite no statistically significant difference found by the Mann-Whitney U test (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the dose calculations and measurements using the 3D printed male pelvic phantom in 3D-CRT plans demonstrated agreement within acceptable limits, but further verification is essential to ensure accurate dosimetry in VMAT plans
Knowledge and practice of first aid management of epistaxis among parents of under-age children in Hospital USM.
Get PDFEpistaxis, commonly known as a nosebleed, is bleeding from the blood vessels in the nose. It is a frequent medical condition that can range from a minor annoyance to a serious medical emergency. The study aims to assess the level of knowledge and practice of first aid management of epistaxis among parents of underage children in Hospital USM. A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents who have underage children. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. 138 parents attending the Hospital USM and fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this study. They were selected through a convenient sampling method, and the data collected were version 27. The study used descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-Square. The results show that participants have a high level of knowledge about epistaxis 83(60.1%) and have an average level of practice in first aid management of epistaxis 68(49.3%). There is a significant association between selected demographics and total knowledge of epistaxis regarding gender where the P-value is 0.008. Meanwhile, there is no association between selected demographic factors and total practice of first aid management of epistaxis. As a result, only 18(21.7%) have a high level of knowledge and good practice in first aid management of epistaxis. In conclusion, the assessment of the level of knowledge and practice of first aid management of epistaxis among parents of underage children should be enhanced and improved so that they are more knowledgeable
Improving Building Information Modelling (Bim) In Technical Vocational Education And Training (Tvet) In Malaysia Polytechnics.
Get PDFThis study investigates the Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia Polytechnics, particularly for the Diploma in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) courses. The objectives are to critically assess the improvement of BIM in the TVET curriculum, evaluate educators’ awareness of BIM, identify the barriers encountered, and propose strategies to enhance BIM education in these institutions. Despite BIM's critical role in the AEC industry, its implementation within the Malaysian TVET curriculum faces significant obstacles, including the absence of a standardised approach, limited resources, and gaps in both practical and theoretical BIM expertise among educators. While the subject has garnered attention, research specifically addressing BIM education within the context of Malaysian higher education remains insufficient. A quantitative methodology was used, utilising a comprehensive questionnaire designed to gather data on educators' demographics, levels of BIM awareness, and the barriers to BIM implementation. The findings reveal that 50% of educators possess only moderate BIM skills, with a considerable number lacking adequate qualifications in the field. The study underscores the necessity for continuous curriculum development, improvement of the existing BIM education framework, and the removal of barriers impeding effective BIM education. The proposed strategies include enhancing educators’ BIM knowledge, ensuring access to up-to-date software, and integrating practical workshops into the curriculum
Fatigue and sleep quality among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFCancer is a major global issue, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients. The fatigue experienced by cancer patients differs from that of ordinary people and is influenced by chemotherapy and the disease itself. This study aims to assess the levels of fatigue and sleep quality among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Day Care Oncology Unit and Oncology Ward at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM) from January to March 2024. A total of 99 respondents were selected using convenience sampling, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Pearson's Correlation was used to determine the correlation between fatigue levels and sleep quality among the participants. The results showed that most patients (n=93, 93.9%) had low levels of fatigue and good sleep quality (n=66, 66.7%). Pearson's Correlation indicated a significant correlation between fatigue levels and sleep quality [r= .467, p = .001] among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Hospital USM. In summary, the findings of the study can be used as a basis for determining fatigue levels and sleep quality among cancer patients in the Malaysian healthcare setting
Knowledge, attitude and practice on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr) among critical care nurses in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical intervention that can significantly impact patient outcomes in emergency situations. A cross-sectional study was conducted among critical care nurses at HUSM using a structured questionnaire. A total of n=125 critical care nurses participated in the study. The research location will be at 7 ward in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), which are 2 Delima, ICU Trauma, 4 Timur Depan, 1 Kristal, 2 Kristal, SICU and 1 Mutiara. These wards are the critical care ward in Hospital USM. This study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive frequencies and Chi-Square test by using Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 software. Most of the participants in this study (n=75, 60%) have good knowledge on CPR, (n=78, 62.4%) have poor attitude on performing CPR and (n=104, 83.2%) have perform good practice on CPR. Age and Level of Knowledge, the chi-square test result (χ² = 33.685, p < 0.001) indicates a significant association between the age of nurses and their level of knowledge. Age and Level of Attitude. The chi-square test result (χ² = 9.554, p = 0.023) suggests a significant association between the age of nurses and their attitude towards CPR. Education Level and Level of Knowledge. The chi-square test result (χ² = 12.228, p = 0.002) shows a significant association between the education level of nurses and their level of knowledge. Education Level and Level of Attitude. The chi-square test result (χ² = 16.332, p < 0.001) indicates a significant association between the education level of nurses and their attitude towards CPR. Working Experience and Level of Knowledge. The chi-square test result (χ² = 22.609, p < 0.001) suggests a significant association between the years of working experience in critical care and the level of knowledge
Knowledge and practice of neurological assessment using glasgow coma scale among critical care nurses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Get PDFGCS was a neurological assessment tool utilised to evaluate the degree of consciousness in individuals suffering from brain injury. The study aims to assess knowledge and practice assessment of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) among critical care nurses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Besides that, this study also investigates the association between knowledge and selected sociodemographic factors (level of education and years of working experience) of GCS among critical care nurses at HUSM. A cross-sectional study design was used in this research. The data was collected using a hard copy questionnaire distributed to the respondents. Data was collected using a self- administered questionnaire. Data collected were statistically analysed using the SPSS software version 27. The study used descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square. The findings of the study revealed that 70 (51.1%) of participants have a good level of knowledge GCS and only 33 (24.1%) of participants have a good level of practice assessment GCS. There was no association between sociodemographic factors [level of education (p = 0.221) and years of experience (p = 0.634)] and the level of knowledge GCS. Lastly, there was no association between sociodemographic factors [level of education (p = 0.534) and years of experience (p = 0.942)] and the level of practice assessment GCS. In conclusion, the level of knowledge and practice of GCS among critical care nurses must be enhanced and improved and it should be a more structured and detailed approach to teaching the skill that should go along with demonstrations
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Human Clinical Trial On The Effects Of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.) Oil Supplementation In Hyperglycaemia, Hypertension And Hyperlipidaemia Patients
Get PDFThe incidence of hyperglycaemia, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (3Hs)
have been prevalent in many developed and developing countries. Sacha Inchi oil (SIO) is a rich source of plant-based omega-3, 6, and 9 polyunsaturated fatty acids with promising health effects. However, the effects of SIO as complementary medicine among the 3Hs individuals are narrowly investigated. The present randomised, doubleblind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial aimed to explore the effects of SIO supplementation on (1) glycaemic control; (2) BPs; (3) lipid profiles; (4) inflammatory
status; (5) oxidative stress; (6) circulating arterial calcification biomarkers; (7)
anthropometry measurements; (8) quality of life; (9) mental health status; and (10)
compliancy and tolerability among 3Hs patients. Fifty-four (n=54) 3Hs patients were recruited from Specialist Day Care Clinic, Pusat Perubatan USM Bertam, and
randomised into two groups: the SIO group (n=27) (received 1000mg of SIO soft gel per day) or placebo group (n=27) (received 1000mg corn oil soft gel for 12 weeks).
Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and post week-12 to assess clinical and laboratory biochemical markers
