- Military Medicine, Health screening programmes, Health Planning, Emerging and Re emergence Human Pathogens, Arboviruses and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Pandemic Influenza, and 7 moreVaccine Preventeable Childhood Infectious Disease, Public Health Syndromic Surveillance Systems, Spatio temporal Dynamics of Infectious Diseases, History of Medicine, Medical Anthropology, Bioethics, and Military Historyedit
The thermal and rheological properties of bio-composite filament materials are crucial characteristics in the development of a bio-composite Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) filament since the printing mechanism of FDM strongly depends on... more
The thermal and rheological properties of bio-composite filament materials are crucial characteristics in the development of a bio-composite Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) filament since the printing mechanism of FDM strongly depends on the heating and extrusion process. The effect of chemical treatment on the thermal and rheological properties was investigated to develop composite filaments for FDM using natural fibres such as sugar palm fibre (SPF). SPF underwent alkaline and silane treatment processes before being reinforced with PLA for improving adhesion and removing impurities. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC), and Melt Flow Index (MFI) analyses were conducted to identify the differences in thermal properties. Meanwhile, a rheological test was conducted to investigate the shear stress and its viscosity. The TGA test shows that the SPF/PLA composite treated with NaOH and silane showed good thermal stability at 789.5 °C with 0.4% final ...
Research Interests:
Background: A vision-screening program is effective in prevention of vision impairment. The validity of vision screening conducted by nurses, medical assistants, and teachers has been previously reported. However, the validity of... more
Background: A vision-screening program is effective in prevention of vision impairment. The validity of vision screening conducted by nurses, medical assistants, and teachers has been previously reported. However, the validity of preschool teachers in conducting external eye observations in preschool children has not been widely investigated. This study aimed to determine validity of preschool teachers in conducting external eye observation tests, including the observation of behavior and external eye health, in preschool children.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, preschool teachers from Kemajuan Masyarakat kindergarten in Klang Valley, Malaysia, were randomly allocated to the study (n = 30) or control (n = 30) groups. The study group underwent theory training with an optometrist and practical sessions with preschool children on vision screening, while the control group received only brief verbal instructions on steps to conduct the screening. After the briefing, teachers from...
Research Interests:
Chlorine gas is extensively utilised in industries as both a disinfectant and for wastewater treatment. It has a pungent and irritating odour that is comparable with that of bleach and can cause serious health issues such as headaches and... more
Chlorine gas is extensively utilised in industries as both a disinfectant and for wastewater treatment. It has a pungent and irritating odour that is comparable with that of bleach and can cause serious health issues such as headaches and breathing difficulties. Hence, efficiently, and accurately monitoring chlorine gas is critical to ensure that no undesirable incidents occur. Due to its remarkable characteristics, numerous researchers have explored the potential of ferrite nanoparticles as a sensing material for chlorine gas detection. Among several ferrite nanoparticles, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) is extensively studied as an inverse spinel structured magnetic material that may be ideal for sensing applications. However, the magnetic characteristics of NiFe2O4 cause agglomeration, which necessitates the use of a substrate for stabilisation. Therefore, nanocellulose (NC), as a green and eco-friendly substrate, is ideal for stabilising bare nickel ferrite nanoparticles. In a novel ex...
Research Interests:
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and status of refractive error among Chinese primary school children in a rural area in Pahang. Methods: This investigation entailed a cross-sectional retrospective study design... more
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and status of refractive error among Chinese primary school children in a rural area in Pahang. Methods: This investigation entailed a cross-sectional retrospective study design involving case file analyses. The study site was a Chinese medium primary school in a rural locality within Bentong district. A total of 82 school children met the B40 classification and selection criteria; therefore, universal sampling was done. Analyses were done according to age group: Level 1 included ages 7 to 9 years, while Level 2 comprised 10- to 12-year-olds. Results: The mean age of the 82 Chinese school children was 9.72±1.5 years; the percentage of refractive errors found was 80.48%. A total of 53 (64.63%) children had myopia. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant difference (P=0.038) in the refractive error between age groups Level 1 and 2, but no significant difference (P=0.947) was observed in refractive error between genders. The chi-square t...
Research Interests:
Enzymatic detection of organophosphate (OP) compounds can be tailored using highly sensitive and selective enzymes in the development of biosensors. Previously, mutant (YT) phosphotriesterase (PTE) was reported to efficiently hydrolyze Sp... more
Enzymatic detection of organophosphate (OP) compounds can be tailored using highly sensitive and selective enzymes in the development of biosensors. Previously, mutant (YT) phosphotriesterase (PTE) was reported to efficiently hydrolyze Sp and Rp enantiomers of phosphotriester. This study reports the use of phosphotriesterase mutant YT (YT-PTE) immobilized onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and fabricated onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for electrochemical detection of OP compounds. Immobilization of YT-PTE onto rGO was secured using N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N’-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) cross-linker, and the resulting immobilized enzyme was able to retain up to 90% of its activity. Electrochemical analysis of the SPCE/rGO/YT-PTE showed detection of paraoxon in a linear range of 1 mM–0.005 μM with its limit of detection as low as 0.11 μM. SPCE/rGO/YT-PTE exhibited high selectivity towards paraoxon and parathion and have good reproducibility. ...
Research Interests:
Background: Clear vision is crucial for effective learning among preschool children. Hence, early detection of vision impairment and prompt treatment are required to improve prognosis. Currently, limited information is available, and no... more
Background: Clear vision is crucial for effective learning among preschool children. Hence, early detection of vision impairment and prompt treatment are required to improve prognosis. Currently, limited information is available, and no program exists to screen for vision impairment among preschoolers in Bangladesh. This study aimed to validate the KieVision™ Preschool Vision Screening Kit, translated into the Bengali language, to improve vision impairment detection among preschool children. Methods: In this prospective case–control study, 60 preschool teachers from Chittagong were randomly selected. The study group was trained to conduct vision screening among preschool children using the translated kit, whereas the control group was trained using the Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex (CEITC) School Teachers’ Training Module. Fifteen preschool children aged 4–6 years were screened by each preschool teacher and again by the optometrist. Results: Sixty preschool teachers ...
Research Interests:
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of eye injuries, medical costs and return-to-work status among industrial workers to provide better vision rehabilitative services.SettingNationwide data from the Social... more
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of eye injuries, medical costs and return-to-work status among industrial workers to provide better vision rehabilitative services.SettingNationwide data from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) of Malaysia.ParticipantsA stratified random sample of workers registered with the SOCSO of Malaysia with documentation of eye injury.Primary and secondary outcome measuresCharacteristics of eye injuries and medical costs related to eye injury (primary) and return-to-work status (secondary).ResultsA total of 884 from 8861 case files workplace accidents involving eye injury registered with Social Security Services (SOCSO) were identified. The mean age was 35±10 years and the highest incidence of work-related eye injury occurred in the age group 30–39 years and among Malay ethnics. Males are affected more than females’ workers. The highest cause of eye injury was the impact from a moving object excluding falling objects (89...
Research Interests:
Background: The MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Bahasa Melayu-Language is widely used to determine the health outcomes in Malaysia. Low vision is a condition where the vision cannot be restored and require vision... more
Background: The MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Bahasa Melayu-Language is widely used to determine the health outcomes in Malaysia. Low vision is a condition where the vision cannot be restored and require vision rehabilitation to overcome the challenges faced by them. The SF-36 Bahasa Melayu-Language can be used to measure the health outcome among low vision patients. However, little information is available among low vision patients. The aim of this study was to assess reliability of the SF-36 Bahasa Melayu-Language among low vision patients. Methods: Fifty low vision patients were randomly selected between age 14 to 74 years old with a mean ± standard deviation of age of 44.58±18.70 years old. All low vision patients were interviewed by the same interviewer twice. The second interview was conducted 2 weeks later. Results: The SF-36 Bahasa Melayu-Language showed very good Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.68, 0.67, 0.76, 0.72, 0.73, 0.75, 0.72, 0.73 respectively for physic...
Research Interests:
Background: Dyslexia is a key learning disorder associated with reading difficulties in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of simple visual devices in improving the reading performance of children with... more
Background: Dyslexia is a key learning disorder associated with reading difficulties in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of simple visual devices in improving the reading performance of children with dyslexia. Methods: A case?control study was conducted by selecting 80 school children with dyslexia, aged 8?11 years, from the Special Dyslexic School Program of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia. Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: the typoscope, magnifier, visual tracking magnifier (VTM), and control groups. Reading performance was measured based on reading speed and reading error rate. The time taken to complete reading of text was measured, and reading errors were recorded. The reading performance of each group was assessed at baseline, week 2, week 6, and week 12. Results: Reading performance was significantly different (P < 0.05) for both Level 1 and Level 2, before and after intervention only in children with dyslexia us...
Research Interests:
The wide availability and diversity of dangerous microbes poses a considerable problem for health professionals and in the development of new healthcare products. Numerous studies have been conducted to develop membrane filters that have... more
The wide availability and diversity of dangerous microbes poses a considerable problem for health professionals and in the development of new healthcare products. Numerous studies have been conducted to develop membrane filters that have antibacterial properties to solve this problem. Without proper protective filter equipment, healthcare providers, essential workers, and the general public are exposed to the risk of infection. A combination of nanotechnology and biosorption is expected to offer a new and greener approach to improve the usefulness of polysaccharides as an advanced membrane filtration material. Nanocellulose is among the emerging materials of this century and several studies have proven its use in filtering microbes. Its high specific surface area enables the adsorption of various microbial species, and its innate porosity can separate various molecules and retain microbial objects. Besides this, the presence of an abundant OH groups in nanocellulose grants its uniqu...
Research Interests:
Anthropometric and lung function characteristics of triathletes are important for the implementation of individual specific training and recovery recommendations. However, limited data are available for these parameters in triathletes.... more
Anthropometric and lung function characteristics of triathletes are important for the implementation of individual specific training and recovery recommendations. However, limited data are available for these parameters in triathletes. Hence, the aim of this study was to characterize and examine the gender differences of lung function and anthropometry parameters in competitive triathletes from Malaysia. Body composition assessment and lung function tests were performed on sixteen competitive triathletes (nine male and seven female). The subject&#39;s body composition profile including muscle mass (Kg), fat free mass (Kg), and percent body fat was measured using a bio-impedence segmental body composition analyser. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured by Quark PFT2 spirometer). The anthropometric measurements revealed that male triathletes were significantly taller than female triathletes and had significantly more protein and skeletal muscle mass. The female triathletes, however, had significantly higher percent body fat. Male triathletes had statistically significant higher FVC and FEV1 than female triathletes.Both the male and female triathletes showed a positive correlation between height, fat free mass and the lung function markers FVC and FEV1. This association was not seen with body mass index (BMI) in female triathletes. The data from our study shows that anthropometric parameters are directly linked to lung function of a triathlete. We also found the relationship between BMI and lung function to be gender specific in triathletes and is dependent on the body protein and fat content. Hence, body composition characterization is essential and provides valuable information for developing individual specific training modules.
Research Interests:
The adsorption and desorption of contaminants by nanocellulose.
Research Interests:
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been recognised as a promising material in a wide range of applications, from safety to energy-related devices.
Research Interests:
Acephate (Ac), an organophosphate (OP) insecticide, is very harmful to human and the environment. Conventional techniques of detection are sensitive and selective but relatively time-consuming, expensive, and require trained personnel.... more
Acephate (Ac), an organophosphate (OP) insecticide, is very harmful to human and the environment. Conventional techniques of detection are sensitive and selective but relatively time-consuming, expensive, and require trained personnel. This paper describes the use of an image processing technique to digitize the red values (RVs) of the colour image of Ac-capped gold nanoparticles (Ac-Cit-AuNPs) complex captured using a digital microscope to improve the detection accuracy and precision. The formation of the suspension was characterised using laser test, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR). The linear regression analysis revealed that the detection sensitivity improved as the smaller gold nanoparticles were used. For quantitative measurement using image processing, a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9905 and 0.9924) for Cit-HAuNPs and Cit-MAuNPs, respectively, betwe...
Research Interests:
Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are highly toxic synthetic compounds which have been used as pesticides and developed as warfare nerve agents.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Work-related ocular injuries and illnesses were among the major causes of job absenteeism. This study was conducted to determine if low vision rehabilitation was provided following work-related ocular problems among industrial workers in... more
Work-related ocular injuries and illnesses were among the major causes of job absenteeism. This study was conducted to determine if low vision rehabilitation was provided following work-related ocular problems among industrial workers in a developing country. This was a retrospective analysis of case records. Randomly selected records of all employees from the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) Medical Board for 2004 who suffered from ocular injuries and illnesses were selected. Rates of ocular injuries and illnesses according to age, gender, races, types of injuries, types of industries, visual rehabilitation and types of medical interventions were tabulated and analysed. A total of 26 cases of ocular injuries and illnesses were identified where 46.2% suffered from ocular injuries. The remaining 53.8% had ocular and/or systemic diseases. The 40-49-yearold age group suffered the greatest number of injuries (26.92%). Ocular perforating injuries (66.67%) and ocular contusions (33.33...
Research Interests:
This study looked at the causes of vision loss, levels of distance, near vision and the use of low vision devices (LVDs) in children studying at special schools in Malaysia. A total of 139 children from two special education schools took... more
This study looked at the causes of vision loss, levels of distance, near vision and the use of low vision devices (LVDs) in children studying at special schools in Malaysia. A total of 139 children from two special education schools took part. Visual acuity was measured with and without LVDs. Those who required further assessment were referred to Low Vision Clinic. Near visual acuity in 71 children ranged from N4 to N64. Sixty eight children could not read the N64 chart or they were totally blind. Only eight students were using LVDs before intervention. Seventy one children were referred for low vision assessment and 48 were found to benefit from the LVDs prescribed. The major cause of visual impairment was cataract (17%). Hand held magnifier was the most preferred LVD. Majority of the children attending the blind schools had residual vision but did not have LVDs. LVDs are able to significantly improve near visual acuity and hence there is a need to prescribe and train the children ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Conducting polymers have been widely used in electrochemical sensors as receptors of the sensing signal’s analytes and transducers. Polypyrrole (PPy) conducting polymers are highlighted due to their good electrical conductive properties,... more
Conducting polymers have been widely used in electrochemical sensors as receptors of the sensing signal’s analytes and transducers. Polypyrrole (PPy) conducting polymers are highlighted due to their good electrical conductive properties, ease in preparation, and flexibility of surface characteristics. The objective of this review paper is to discuss the theoretical background of the two main types of electrochemical detection: impedimetric and voltammetric analysis. It also reviews the application and results obtained from these two electrochemical detections when utilizing PPy as a based sensing material in electrochemical sensor. Finally, related aspects in electrochemical sensor construction using PPy will also be discussed. It is anticipated that this review will provide researchers, especially those without an electrochemical analysis background, with an easy-to-understand summary of the concepts and technologies used in electrochemical sensor research, particularly those inter...
Research Interests:
We successfully optimized AuNPs, modified DNA aptamer and magnesium sulphate salt to enhance the selectivity and sensitivity for detection of Ac. The accuracy of the detection was also improved by image processing technique.
Research Interests:
This study determined the outcome of combining home based and clinic based amblyopia therapy among preschool children. A total of 479 preschool children were randomly selected for vision screening. Amblyopic therapy was prescribed to... more
This study determined the outcome of combining home based and clinic based amblyopia therapy among preschool children. A total of 479 preschool children were randomly selected for vision screening. Amblyopic therapy was prescribed to children whose visual acuity (VA) could not be improved to <0.1 LogMAR after a 6 week adaptation period with glasses. Intensive near work activities were conducted daily at home for 12 weeks, monitored by parents while weekly therapy was conducted at the optometry clinic by an optometrist. Six preschool children were diagnosed with refractive amblyopia, spherical equivalent (SE) was-11.25D to +0.75D. Significant improvement was found in the VA of right eye, t(6) = 3.07, left eye t(6) = 3.07 and both eyes t(6) = 3.42) p<0.05, at the end of the 12 week therapy. Combining home based and clinic based amblyopia therapy among preschool children showed a positive improvement in VA after 12 weeks of therapy. KEY WORDS: Preschool children, visually impaire...
Research Interests:
The threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is worrying as millions of people suffered from this outbreak. The COVID-19 can be airborne by attaching to human nasal or saliva secretion of an infected person or suspended fine... more
The threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is worrying as millions of people suffered from this outbreak. The COVID-19 can be airborne by attaching to human nasal or saliva secretion of an infected person or suspended fine particulates in the air. Therefore, in order to minimize the risks associated with this pandemic, an efficient, robust and affordable air‐borne virus removal filters are highly demanded for prevention of spreading viruses in hospitals, transportation hubs, schools, and/or other venues with high human turn‐over. Respirators such as N95, N99 and N100 as well as surgical masks have been widely used. To date, there is no filter standards or special filter technologies tailored for effectively adsorbing the airborne viruses. Studies had shown the electrostatic fibers were capable to entrap the negatively charged viruses including COVID-19. Researchers believed that the positive surface charge of filtration material is an important key to efficiently adsorb...
Research Interests:
In recent years, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has become an avidly researched material in cutting edge research fields involving prominent researchers, both in academia and industry. This has become an exciting time reaching beyond just... more
In recent years, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has become an avidly researched material in cutting edge research fields involving prominent researchers, both in academia and industry. This has become an exciting time reaching beyond just scientific curiosity as CNF is beginning to enter various marketplaces. CNF shows unique and potentially useful features, which includes abundance, high specific surface area, renewability, high strength, eco-friendliness and high crystallinity. It is an excellent material for polymer reinforcement. Many studies have been conducted to understand the effects of CNF as a filler in polymer composites. Interestingly, most CNF polymer composites have shown a better mechanical performance compared to the neat base polymer. Thus, this enhances the application of CNF into reinforced polymer composites in several industries such as automotive, packaging, medical implant, electronics, building material and paper. Therefore, in this review, the performances of CNF...
Research Interests:
Background: Strenuous exercise may cause DNA, skeletal muscle as well as renal damage. Triathletes experience strenuous muscular activity both during competition and training. Studies have shown changes in renal function after competition... more
Background: Strenuous exercise may cause DNA, skeletal muscle as well as renal damage. Triathletes experience strenuous muscular activity both during competition and training. Studies have shown changes in renal function after competition which returns to normal after few days. However, these finding have only focused on a single event. There is no literature studying the cumulative effect of “training and competition” cycles over a season of triathlon competitions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cumulative effect of “training and competition” on renal function in elite male triathletes using urine protein and creatinine.
Research Interests:
Vision impairment when undetected early can affect the social and mental development of a child. Early detection of visual impairment can provide better prognosis and can be conducted through vision screening at pre-school. Vision... more
Vision impairment when undetected early can affect the social and mental development of a child. Early detection of visual impairment can provide better prognosis and can be conducted through vision screening at pre-school. Vision screening performed using pre-school teachers would allow cost and time savings while providing greater access to perform this screening. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of vision screening conducted by pre-school teachers. A total of sixty pre-school teachers from KEMAS Tabika’s and Taska’s in the Klang Valley were randomly selected and divided into two groups i.e. a Study Group and a Control Group. The Study Group was given participative and handson vision screening training whereas the Control Group was only given brief verbal instructions on conducting the screening. Each of these pre-school teachers was asked to conduct vision screening on 15 pre-school children aged 4 to 6 years old. Trained optometrists then repeated t...
Research Interests:
Article history: Received 12 November 2014 Received in revised form 26 December 2014 Accepted 29 January 2015 Available online 10 February 2015
The search for new compounds other than oxime as potential reactivator that is effective upon organophosphate poisoning treatments is desired. The less efficacy of oxime treatment has been the core factor. Fourteen compounds have been... more
The search for new compounds other than oxime as potential reactivator that is effective upon organophosphate poisoning treatments is desired. The less efficacy of oxime treatment has been the core factor. Fourteen compounds have been screened via in silico approach for their potential as sarin-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase poisoning antidotes. The selection of the compounds to be synthesized based on this computational screening, reduces the time and cost needed. To perform the docking study of sarin-inhibited acetylcholinesterase and reactivator-sarin inhibited acetylcholinesterase complexations, a bioinformatics tool was used. Estimation of the nucleophilic attack distance and binding energy of fourteen potential compounds with sarin inhibited acetylcholinesterase complexes to determine their antidote capacities was carried out using Autodock. A commercially available antidote, 2-PAM was used for the comparison. The best docked-pose was further examined with molecular dyna...
Research Interests:
Military systems have become more complex, and the development of future advanced materials for defence applications has received much attention.
Research Interests:
Immobilization is a method for making an enzyme more robust in the environment, especially in terms of its stability and reusability. A mutant phosphotriesterase (YT PTE) isolated from Pseudomonas dimunita has been reported to have high... more
Immobilization is a method for making an enzyme more robust in the environment, especially in terms of its stability and reusability. A mutant phosphotriesterase (YT PTE) isolated from Pseudomonas dimunita has been reported to have high proficiency in hydrolyzing the Sp and Rp-enantiomers of organophosphate chromophoric analogs and therefore has great potential as a decontamination agent and biosensor. This work aims to investigate the feasibility of using Fuller’s earth (FE) as a YT PTE immobilization support and characterize its biochemical features after immobilization. The immobilized YT PTE was found to show improvement in thermal stability with a half-life of 24 h compared to that of the free enzyme, which was only 8 h. The stability of the immobilized YT PTE allowed storage for up to 4 months and reuse for up to 6 times. The immobilized YT PTE showed high tolerance against all tested metal ions, Tween 40 and 80 surfactants and inorganic solvents. These findings showed that th...
Research Interests:
This review article provides an overview of the background of nerve agents (NAs) and their hydrolysis products. The analytical techniques that are used for the analysis of hydrolysis products are also discussed. The analysis methods... more
This review article provides an overview of the background of nerve agents (NAs) and their hydrolysis products. The analytical techniques that are used for the analysis of hydrolysis products are also discussed. The analysis methods include the chromatographic, mass spectrometric, electrophoretic, and sensing technologies that are currently available for the detection of exposure to a number of hydrolysis products of NAs. All reviewed information was gathered through a detailed search of Scopus, PubMed, and the World Wide Web using relevant keywords, e.g., NA, hydrolysis products, and methylphosphonic acid. Most analyses of NA hydrolysis products still rely on chromatographic techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography. Analyses based on mass spectrometry are now fairly routine and can be further improved by providing analyses with precise and accurate masses and faster scan speeds that provide further gains in sensitivity. Although these techniques have high selectivity and sensitivity, most of them are rarely applied to real samples or suffer from destructive real sample analysis. In addition, there is still a lack of studies on the development of portable sensors for the detection of NA hydrolysis products. Although the analysis of NA hydrolysis products has experienced a transition from qualitative analysis toward rapid and quantitative identification, portable, and fast sensing technologies have not been well established or investigated extensively. In the future, more analysis methods are expected to be developed and may involve the development of sensors and lab-on-chip devices that should address specificity, sensitivity, stability, response time, and repeatability/reproducibility.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The ability to anticipation accurately and consistently plays a vital role to excel in sports performance. The present study was designed to determine the differences of visual anticipation time between dynamic and static sports. A total... more
The ability to anticipation accurately and consistently plays a vital role to excel in sports performance. The present study was designed to determine the differences of visual anticipation time between dynamic and static sports. A total of 95 junior athletes, aged 13 to 16 years old (=14.84±1.04 years) from Bukit Jalil Sports School participated in the study. Participants were distributed to dynamic (n=47) and static (n=48) sports according to their sports participation. Visual anticipation time was tested using Bassin Anticipation Timer in response to stimuli at the speed of 5, 10, and 15 mph, measuring absolute and variable error. Absolute error measured the accuracy of responses while variable error focused on the consistency of responses. The results of this investigation showed that in general dynamic sport are not superior over anticipation ability in relations to accuracy and consistency as compared to static sports across all speeds (p < 0.05). The evidence from this st...
Research Interests:
An experimental investigation was conducted to explore visual reaction time and visual anticipation time between athletes and non-athletes. These visual perceptual skills form the base for cognitive processes required by the brain to... more
An experimental investigation was conducted to explore visual reaction time and visual anticipation time between athletes and non-athletes. These visual perceptual skills form the base for cognitive processes required by the brain to respond instantaneously to a stimulus. A total of 228 adolescents, equally distributed between athletes and non-athletes, aged 13 to 16 years (mean age 14.69 ± 0.99 years) were examined. The visual reaction time and visual anticipation time were measured using a Lafayette Reaction Timer (Model 63035) and Bassin Anticipation Timer (Model 35575) respectively. The visual reaction time results revealed that athletes have faster reaction time scores as compared to non-athletes, whereas with visual anticipation time, athletes had fewer errors and a higher consistency compared to non-athletes. There was, however, no interaction between gender and sports participation noted for both these visual perceptual skills. These research findings indicate that gender wa...
Research Interests:
Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes during the fasting phase of the fast-fed cycle. Ramadan fasting involves prolonged fasting for up to twelve hours and thus could lead to increased secretion of adiponectin by adipocytes.... more
Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes during the fasting phase of the fast-fed cycle. Ramadan fasting involves prolonged fasting for up to twelve hours and thus could lead to increased secretion of adiponectin by adipocytes. However, studies on the role of adiponectin on glucose and body weight homeostasis during Ramadan fasting is still a matter of controversy. Thus the specific aim of this study was to assess the effect of fasting during Ramadan on the adiponectin levels, body weight and glucose homeostasis in healthy male Malaysian subjects. Twenty healthy male (19-23 years) Muslim subjects were followed up during the fasting month of Ramadan. Anthropometry and blood samples were taken one week before and during the fourth week of fasting. Plasma glucose, insulin and adiponectin were estimated and insulin sensitivity indices were estimated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment. Subjects experienced a significant decrease in body weight (2.4 %, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) and body mass index (5.5 %, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). There was also a significant decrease of 12.3 %, 52.8 % and 45.6 % of plasma glucose, insulin and adiponectin respectively (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). The drop in adiponectin was positively correlated with the decrease in body weight (r = 0.45, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). There was also a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in insulin resistance (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). These results indicate that Ramadan fasting in young healthy individuals has a positive impact on the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. It also shows that adiponectin levels dropped along with significant loss in weight. We feel caloric restriction during the Ramadan fasting is in itself sufficient to improve insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.
Abstract Background: Vision impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy, is well known and low vision rehabilitation is always recommended. In this report, the importance of objective measure of mental health and quality of life... more
Abstract
Background: Vision impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy, is well known and low vision rehabilitation is always recommended. In this report, the importance of objective measure of mental health and quality of life screening in diabetic retinopathy low-vision assessment is discussed.
Case presentation: We describe the case of a 43-year-old Asian female who has mild vision impairment due to tractional retinal detachment secondary to diabetic retinopathy and how mental health screening and quality of life screening during low vision rehabilitation can improve in the management of this patient.
Conclusion: Although vision impairment was mild, the psychological impact was enormous and affected her quality of life substantially. This case report illustrates that recognition of the mental health and quality of life impact on visual impairment is critical to the rehabilitation management of low vision patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Background: Vision impairment associated with diabetic retinopathy, is well known and low vision rehabilitation is always recommended. In this report, the importance of objective measure of mental health and quality of life screening in diabetic retinopathy low-vision assessment is discussed.
Case presentation: We describe the case of a 43-year-old Asian female who has mild vision impairment due to tractional retinal detachment secondary to diabetic retinopathy and how mental health screening and quality of life screening during low vision rehabilitation can improve in the management of this patient.
Conclusion: Although vision impairment was mild, the psychological impact was enormous and affected her quality of life substantially. This case report illustrates that recognition of the mental health and quality of life impact on visual impairment is critical to the rehabilitation management of low vision patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Explosion from an anti-tank mines or improvised explosive devices are recognized as one of the lethal threat towards occupants inside an armoured vehicle. The detonation of these threats creates high intensity blast waves that were... more
Explosion from an anti-tank mines or improvised explosive devices are recognized as one of the lethal threat towards occupants inside an armoured vehicle. The detonation of these threats creates high intensity blast waves that were transmitted to the occupant through vehicle structures and seats. Minimizing the occupant's casualty can be achieved by properly dissipating the shock waves exerted to the vehicle. It is important to distinguish the contributing factors that affected the behavior of the blast wave so that proper reduction on the shock waves can be achieved. In this paper, three factors such as occupant seating height, charge weight placement and the Hopkinson-Cranz blast scaling were studied using numerical simulations. Design of experiment (DOE) was utilized to determine the ranks and interactions between each factor fro m the most influential on the results to the least affects towards the results. Fro m the results it was found that the seating position play s a significant role in reduction of the shock response towards the finite element dummy model.