bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Anthropological Study of COVID-19: Effects on Socio-cultural Life of the People
Authors: Sapkota Prakash Prasad
Published: January 2021

The disease is such a situation in the body of the people which adversely affect physical, mental, and the social situation remains. This situation appears with an imbalance relation between human's particular biology and his environment. The germ theory of disease trusts scientific theory for the multitude of disease caused by the activities of microorganisms. Coronavirus, too small microorganism cause COVID-19 disease in people. In this paper, an attempt has been made to understand the coronavirus and its effects on the socio-cultural life of the people based on the non-participatory observation and available literature by using descriptive research design. From this study it can be said that, coronavirus caused COVID-19 disease in the respiratory organ of people which is the most sensitive part of the body to alive. Coronavirus has increased fear among the people across the world which directly affects all socio-cultural dimension as educational, economic, inequality and domestic violence, cultural, religious, risk perception, and suicide activities of people. In this situation, it is better to focus on personal safety, complete social responsibility, develop knowledge and skills on both indigenous and modern medicine to cure and protect from such types of pandemic diseases based on their ecological environment.
Supply Chain Analysis Using Distribution Requirement Planning (DRP) Based On Bullwhip Effect Parameter (Case Study: Ud. Narwastu, Surabaya)
Authors: Putu Ni Luh , Fardiya Elia
Published: January 2021

Narwastu Firm is a company in Surabaya which produces traditional body care and aromatherapy. During the product distribution, this company encounters many mistakes such as inappropriateness between Purcashing Order (PO) from distributors/consumers and the goods delivered due to bullwhip effects. Therefore, this research aimed at reducing the bullwhip effects by implementing Collaborative, Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) method and investigating a lot sizing technique for producing minimum distribution cost by Distribution Requirement Planning (DRP) method in order to regulate order and plan a certain distribution activity. The research results demonstrated that the bullwhip effect values after CPFR improvement of two products that could be repaired were 1.0 for Body Scrub Goats Milk Balibloom (BSC GM BB) 200 gr and 0.96 for Body Mist Sparkling White (BM SW) 60 ml. Meanwhile, the calculations by Distribution Requirement Planning (DRP) method with Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) method got the plans for ordering Body Scrub Lightening (BSC LIGHT) 200 gr by 182 times with total cost IDR 96,886,476 and Body Lotion Lightening (BL LIGHT) 250 ml by  235 times with total cost IDR 125,873,816.
Optimization of Flour Smoke Making Through Microencapsulated Technology as Food Natural Preservatives
Authors: Abrina Anggraini Sinar Perbawani , Suryanti Fenni
Published: January 2021

There should be a safe natural preservatives consumed to increase the shelf life of food products. Liquid smoke is a natural food preservative. Liquid smoke if left longer in storage will reduce the saving power of food products. There is a need to develop technology by changing liquid smoke into flour through microencapsulation technology so that it will improve the save power of food products. This research aims to determine long storage time and the optimal drying temperature in the manufacture of microparticle solutions to the quality of food products. In this research the process of pyrolysis and purification of liquid smoke from coconut shell by using pyrolysis, distillation and filtration processes using active zeolite and activated carbon. Then make solution encapsulation, drying, forming microparticles with destruction and sieve, after that applied to food products. Results of the research on the manufacture of optimum smoked flour in the treatment of drying temperature of 140 oC and maximum storage time 3 days with a pH value of 5, water content 28.470% and 3.120% protein content
Dora Mavor Moore: Before the New Play Society
Authors: Sperdakos Paula
Published: January 2021

When Dora Mavor Moore founded the New Play Society in Toronto in 1946, she was already close to sixty years old and had been working in the theatre as actress, director, producer and teacher for almost forty years. During those years, Canada had virtually no indigenous professional theatre; it was the amateur stage that kept Canadian theatre alive. Her work from 1906 to 1946 serves as evidence not only of what forms Canadian theatrical activity took, but also of what it meant to make one's living in the theatre then.
A Palpable Hit: A Study of the Impact of Reuben Ship's the Investigator
Authors: Gross Gerry
Published: January 2021

Reuben Ship (1915-1975), a Canadian scriptwriter working in Hollywood during the fifties, was blacklisted after being accused of being a Communist by the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1951 and deported to Canada. In 1954, The Investigator, Ship's radio drama satirizing McCarthyism, was broadcast by the CBC. This study uses relevant files of the U.S. Department of Justice and the CBC, as well as other materials from the period, to assess the impact of the work in Canada and the USA.
Otherwise Engaged: Towards a Materialist Pedagogy
Authors: Knowles Richard Paul
Published: January 2021

This paper makes some suggestions towards the development of a pedagogy and a curriculum for the teaching of Canadian drama from a materialist perspective in which the pretenc of 'proper scholarly detachment' is replaced by an acknowledgement and analysis of the nature of our engagement. This involves interrogating th historical, social, cultural and institutional forces at work in the construction both of curricula and of our own reading lists, in the writing and teaching of histories, and in the interpretation of performance texts. It also involves 'teaching differences' in the classroom, viewing both texts read and their interpreters as historically and otherwise contingent sites of struggle.
Enseigner l'Inenseignable ou "Les Fous Inventent les Modes et les Sages les Suivent"
Authors: Egervari Tibor
Published: January 2021

Il est intéressant de noter que parmi tous les arts d'interprétation, le théâtre est le seul à ne pas avoir de véritables concours ou de compétitions. Certes, il existe des festivals avec des prix, des palmarès de fin de saison dans quelques grandes villes de théâtre, mais il n'y a rien de comparable à l'influence des Oscars, de la Palme ou du Lion d'or. Encore moins y a-t-il des concours d'interprètes comme en musique ou en danse classique. La raison en est relativement simple: il y a longtemps que le théâtre a perdu toute communauté de codes, seul instrument pouvant permettre des comparaisons justes et équitables. Or, comme l'enseignement est essentiellement une transmission de savoir, ou de savoir-faire, organisée autour de codes, l'enseignement théâtral de ce siècle a été fortement marqué par cette absence. Plus affecté que tout le reste par cet état de choses, l'enseignement de la mise en scène demeure constamment empêtré dans des débats idéologiques. Afin de démêler un peu l'écheveau je vais consacrer quelques lignes à l'évolution générale de l'enseignement théâtral.
Mettre la Scène en Cage:Provincetown Playhouse et Le Syndrome de Cézanne
Authors: Huffman Shawn
Published: January 2021

Cet article a pour objectif général d'étudier l'univers clos au théâtre du point de vue de la mise en scène. A partir de différentes productions de deux pièces-- Provincetown Playhouse de Normand Chaurette et Le Syndrome de Cézanne de Normand Canac-Marquis--l'auteur analyse les techniques qui produisent la cage en scène . Ce faisant, il effectue une comparaison entre les différentes productions des deux pièces afin d'établir des liens entre la mise en scène et le huis-clos, non pas de façon purement descriptive, mais en interrogeant aussi les paradigmes théoriques, surtout sémiotiques, qui s'y répercutent.
Scenes from a Failed Marriage: A Brief Analytical History of Canadian and Québécois Feature Film Adaptations of Drama from 1942 to 1992
Authors: Loiselle André
Published: January 2021

Depuis 1992, de nombreuses adaptations cinématographiques de pièces de théâtre canadiennes ont produites. A tel point que certains critiques parlent d'un nouveau phénomène "de la scène à l'écran" au Canada. Ceci contraste de façon marquée avec la période précédente. Avant 1992, peu d'adaptations avaient été réalisées et, en général, ces oeuvres n'avaient pas attiré l'attention des critiques ou du public. Cependant, si l'on considère l'histoire de ce corpus peu apprécié, on se rend compte que, malgré son manque de succès, la ciné-médiatisation des dramaturgies canadienne et québécoise présente une cohérence digne d'intérêt. Cet article se propose de tracer l'évolution du "mariage manqué" entre le théâtre et le cinéma au Québec et au Canada depuis les débuts de cette pratique en 1942, pour montrer que la transposition de pièces au grand écran s'est fait à partir d'un parallélisme entre la structure dialectique des textes adaptés, la composition médiatique des films et, ultimement, l'expression typique de l'imaginaire canadien et québécois tel que décrit par Simon Harel, Northrop Frye, Gaile McGregor et plusieurs autres. Peut-être qu'à la lumière de cet historique, le renouveau dont nous sommes présentement témoins prendra un sens Plus marqué.
"A Golf Club for the Golden Age": English Canadian Theatre Historiography and the Strange Case of Roy Mitchell
Authors: Duchesne Scott
Published: January 2021

This article contends that through the work of academics committed to recording and discussing the efforts of the alternate theatre movement, the narrative of English Canadian theatre history was subsequently revised. As a result, two suppositions were established which form the implicit basis of much research into contemporary English Canadian theatre history. They are: (1) the significant development of an English Canadian dramatic literature by a movement of professional and postcolonial theatre-makers signaled the theatre's "coming of age", and therefore (2) a specific set of events from 1968 to 1975 constitute the "golden age" of English Canadian theatre history. The narrative as it stands, therefore, clearly and unfairly privileges the achievements of the alternate movement at the expense of numerous other, equally vital historical voices. This article will focus on a particular individual who serves as a prime example of this exclusion; the director and theorist Roy Mitchell (1884-1944).
"One Must Please to Live": The Survival of Harry Lindley in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Smith Mary Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Harry Lindley belongs to a stalwart group of touring actor-managers like Henry Preston, Wilson and Clarke, and H. Price Webber whose passion for theatre endured through immense hardship. This paper examines his tours to large and small communities in Atlantic Canada between 1879 and 1894, where he consistently demonstrated ingenuity and flexibility in using whatever resources of actors and facilities were at hand. He catered to a broad spectrum of theatrical sophistication and showed a developing sensitivity to the moods of audiences in diverse locales, even as he introduced increasingly aggressive marketing strategies. Over time he became a familiar figure in the region and thus increasingly inspired confidence.
Canadian Scene-Painter William Gill and the Survival of an 1892 Garden Scene
Authors: O'Neill Dianne , O'Neill Patrick
Published: January 2021

William Gill (1854-1943) was a respected and prolific scene-painter based in Halifax and Boston. Of his many works, only one known example remains--an Italianate Garden Scene sitting in a small theatre in Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia. This feature briefly outlines the career of a neglected Canadian artist, and provides for the journal's readers the images of his damaged, deteriorating, but still evocative legacy of scene design in Canada.
Peter Dickinson. Here is Queer: Nationalisms, Sexualities and the Literatures of Canada
Authors: Defraeye Piet
Published: January 2021

Peter Dickinson's Here is Queer is an important book because it is a pioneering study. It is the first book, to my knowledge, that combines three foci of critical investigation within a Canadian context: identity, nationality, and sexuality. Dickinson problematizes assumptions of ‘Canadianess' (English, French, Native) by looking at notions of sexual identity as alternative indications of Canadianess or dissidence—hence "nationalisms" as a plural noun found in the subtitle. The title of the book is a clever answer to Northrop Frye's speculations on what ties Canadian literature together. If Canadianess is a given in the fact that the writing is from and/or about a place that situates itself within the geopolitical borders of Canada—a place, in other words, that is "here"—where, then, is "here"?
Herbert Whittaker. Setting the Stage: Montreal Theatre 1920-1949
Authors: Reid Gregory J.
Published: January 2021

Herbert Whittaker's memoir of his life and work in the theatre in and around Montreal during the roaring twenties, dirty thirties, and world-warring forties is aptly titled. Although Whittaker is best known as having been a theatre critic with the Globe and Mail from 1949 to 1975, Setting the Stage covers the early, formative years of Whittaker's career as a critic with the Montreal Gazette (1937 to 1949) and as a director, thespian, and pioneer of English theatre in Montreal, while underscoring his work as a set designer. Whittaker's capacious and copiously detailed recollections are also clearly intended to set the stage for younger generations of theatre historians and researchers. Editor Jonathan Rittenhouse's afterward in this volume provides an immediate example of how the wealth of facts, descriptions, anecdotes, and observations that Whittaker supplied both encourages and requires a more distanced, abstracted perspective, as well as some theoretical reflection on the theatrical world view Whittaker inscribes.
Trevor Schmidt Retells Tales from the Hospital: A Postmodern Theatrical Experiment
Authors: Kerr Rosalind
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the 1998 Edmonton production of Tales from the Hospital, a new work comprised of four monologues by two employees and two inmates of a large, long-term care institution that bears certain resemblances to real life stories of medical experiments and sterilization practised on unfortunate inmates under the Albertan Protection of Life Act that was in place between 1928 and 1973. Timely because many of these individuals are still in the process of seeking compensation, Tales offers a powerful political message, implicating spectators in the power/knowledge systems that allowed such places to function. Through stage design that requires spectators to move from site to site, various narrative devices, and the gestic handling of hospital linens, spectators found themselves involved in the production of not only the theatrical, but also the wider political meanings of the event.
Violent Women: The Bernardo/Homolka Case in Famous by Carol Bolt and Paul's Case by Lynn Crosbie
Authors: Scott Shelley
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses a play called Famous by Carol Bolt, which was produced in Toronto at the Tarragon Theatre in 1997. The play is based on the real-life crimes committed by Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, and addresses the issue of violent and deviant behaviour in women. The play activates a social discomfort with the very idea of violent women and certainly with representations of "real-life" violence, which prevented Famous from receiving the critical attention it deserved.
A Playwright from the Canadian Past: W.A. Tremayne (1864-1939)
Authors: Edwards Murray D.
Published: January 2021

The author reveals recently discovered details about the life and career of WA. Tremayne, a prolific playwright from Canada's past.
Canadian Television Drama 1952-1970 Canada's National Theatre
Authors: Miller Mary Jane
Published: January 2021

From the mid-1950s to 1970 television drama served as Canada's national theatre. Television drama trained actors (such as Drainie, Hyland, Hutt, Henry, Reid, Rain and Campbell), writers (such as Ryga, French, Dubé, Remillard) and directors (such as McGowan, Gardner, Till, Duke, Prizek, Hart) who prepared audiences, recorded performances and produced a body of work which forms a distinctive, dramatic oeuvre of high quality.
Theatre and the Politics of Confederation: Elzéar LaBelle's La Conversion d'un Pêcheur de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Authors: Doucette L. E.
Published: January 2021

A brief survey of political theatre in French Canada to Confederation, in its rapid evolution from the paradramatic to the public and performable, exemplified in Elzéar Labelle's popular La Conversion d'un pêcheur de la Nouvelle-Écosse. There follows an analysis of the latter, music and lyrics, and a reproduction of the operetta itself, with notes.
The Interplay of Action and Set in the Plays of David Fennario
Authors: Nunn Robert C.
Published: January 2021

This essay studies the four plays David Fennario wrote during the time of his association with Centaur Theatre in Montreal. It examines the contradiction between two aspects of the plays. On one side of the contradiction is their adherence to the conventions of Naturalism, which signify a made environment in which human beings are trapped. On the other side is the fundamental premise of Marxism, that the social and physical environment is not fixed but is determined by a continual struggle between classes supporting the status quo, whose weapons are direct repression (force) and indirect repression (ideology), and the working class, whose weapon is praxis. The interaction between the characters and the set is the site of this contradiction. Following the productions of Moving, Fennario abandoned both Centaur and Naturalism. The essay concludes with a brief examination of the first play Fennario wrote for the Black Rock Theatre in his home community of Pointe Saint-Charles/Verdun.
PROPOLIS IN MEDICINE (USE OF PROPOLIS IN FOLK AND SCIENTIFIC MEDICINE)
Authors:   Bukhara State Medical Institute, the city of Bukhara. Republic of Uzbekistan., Saidova Lubat Boltaevna , Karomatov Inomjon Djuraevich , Rakhmatova Dilbar Bahriddinova
Published: January 2021

The monograph is an overview of the literature on the use of the beekeeping product propolis for medical purposes. At the beginning of the book, data are given on the chemical composition of propolis, its use in ancient and folk medicine. Involving literature - scientific articles, results of clinical, randomized trials, results of meta-analysis, systematic reviews are presented perspectives, effectiveness of propolis application in various branches of medicine - in cardiology, nephrology, otolaryngology, neurology and others. Separate chapters are devoted to the toxicology of propolis, its antitoxic properties and the effects of its combined use with modern medicines.
Outcome of NEXGEN® fixed bearing and posterior stabilising total knee replacement
Authors: Noor Rahin Mohd Shahidan , Siron Khairul Nizam , Japar Khan Ed Simor Khan Mor , Zulkifly Ahmad Hafiz , Harris Mohammed
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) represents a major advance in the treatment of degenerative joint disease, providing excellent restoration of joint function and pain relief. This study aim to evaluate the survival analysis of the implant, the functional and knee scores outcome and to identify a complication following Nexgen fixed bearing and posterior stabilizing total knee replacement. Methods: The present study was conducted to retrospectively review the results of all primary TKA performed at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan over a period of 15 years from 2000 to 2015. The study sample consisted of 160 TKA. Oxford knee score and SF 36 were used and statistical analysis of both knee scores and functional scores were compared using SPSS software. Survivorship analysis was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Endpoints of implant defined as revision with removal of implant and addition or exchange of prosthetic components. Results: Functional and knee score post operatively was excellent and good. Mean range of movement of knee during the study period were left 107.50 degrees and right 106.49 degrees. Mean femoral flexion angle is 92.38 degrees and mean tibial angle is 89.48 degrees. The outcome categories for the Oxford knee score have 101 patients showed excellent result, 41 patients good, and 18 patients fair. In this study mean total SF 36 score is 80.99. Conclusions: The outcome shows that total knee replacement is a reproducible surgery for which a trained surgeon will be able to produce excellent and good results.
Bilateral total knee replacement in severe knee osteoarthritis with large bone defect using autologous bone graft augmentation
Authors: Noor Rahin Mohd Shahidan , Siron Khairul Nizam , Japar Khan Ed Simor Khan Mor , Zulkifly Ahmad Hafiz , Nik Najmy Nik Fatmy
Published: January 2021

40 years old malay gentleman with underlying gout presenting with severe pain in both knees for 10 years, analgesic dependant and wheelchair ambulation. Examination of right knee shows fixed flexion at 10 degrees, range of movement 10-100 degree flexion, lateral collateral laxity and varus deformity. Left knee had fixed flexion at 10 degrees, range of movement 5-100 degree and varus deformity. Blood investigation showed uric acid. X-ray of bilateral knee showed severe tricompartmental arthritis with large medial tibial defect. The patient has undergone bilateral knee replacement in 5 months interval started with left knee. Surgical technique is the same for both knees, intraoperative shows a large posteromedial bone defect. We used 5mm metal augmentation on the right knee, but due to limited financial resources, we have to use the bone graft from the osteotomized bone for the augmentation on the left side. The bone augmentation was fixed with cancellous screw. The patient was referred to physiotherapy for range of motion exercises. 1 year post operatively patient able to ambulate without aid. Pain score improved. The patient does not require analgesia. Functional and knee score is excellent. Range of movement, bilateral knee are 0-100 degree. Radiological finding shows no evidence of construct failure in both metal block and bone graft construct. Severe arthritis with bone defect is common due to late presentation. Using autologous bone graft can provide good result as using expensive meta block for reconstruction.
Seasonal influences on the levels of particulate Cd, Cr and Pb in Kuantan River, Pahang
Authors: Yunus Kamaruzzaman , Faudzi Fikriah , Miskon Mohd Fuad , Rahman Mokhlesur , A. S. Asnor
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Temporal and spatial variations of selected toxic element distributions were studied in the Kuantan River waters. Methods: Water samples from 9 sampling stations were taken from downstream of the estuary towards the upstream of the Kuantan River during the rainy and dry season. Particulate Cd, Cr and Pb were filtered, dried, weighed and analyzed using Teflon Bomb digestion processes. Results: The concentration of particulate Cd, Cr and Pb were in the range of ND to 14.480 mg L-1 , 6.047 to 271.497 mg L1 and 0.646 to 174.859 mg L-1 , respectively. The distribution of the elements in suspended particulate matter was found influenced by the rainy season and dry season. Particulate metals obtained mostly higher in May 2012 (dry season) while Cd and Cr were found above the limits authorize by the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution (ICPR). Conclusions: Correlation matrix between various parameters revealed that most of the parameters were found to bear a statistically significant correlation with each other.
Traditional postpartum dietary practices and maternal nutritional status
Authors: Mohd Shukri Nor Azwani , Abdul Basir Siti Munirah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: In Malaysia, new mothers commonly practice traditional postpartum dietary restrictions, which generally involve food proscriptions and prescriptions. These practices may affect the success of breastfeeding as it may impact the ability to meet the increased nutritional requirements during lactation period. This review examines the postpartum dietary practices of different cultures. It also intends to assess maternal nutritional status during the confinement period. Methods: A literature search was conducted through Mendeley software and PubMed (from year 2001 to 2016) by the keywords postpartum, practices, dietary, beliefs, culture, and nutritional status. Search by bibliography was also done. Results: A total of 30 literatures were examined in this review, which included quantitative and qualitative studies. Typically, mothers in Eastern cultures avoid intake of particular foods perceived to have properties of “cold”, “gassy”, “itchy”, etc. A study found that women in confinement have 19% lower mean energy intake as compared to Malaysian Recommended Nutrients Intake (RNI) and more than 90% of mothers did not meet nutritional requirements for some micronutrients and minerals. As lactating mother needs higher energy and nutrients intake, food restrictions practiced during this period may impact their ability to meet these nutritional requirements. Consequently, the lactation process may be affected. Conclusions: More investigations are needed to determine the potential effects of dietary postnatal restrictions on maternal nutritional status and lactation practices. This is necessary to optimize the effectiveness of breastfeeding, which would enhance the intermediate as well as the future health of the country’s next generations.
Proximate composition of Malaysian Trigona and Tualang Bee Honey
Authors: Hazali Norazlanshah , Kharsa Badr Eddin , Ibrahim Muhammad , Masri Mashita , Anuar Mohd Nur Nasyriq , Azoddein Abdul Aziz Mohd
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Honey is widely known as a natural product which is collected from various plants by bees. The aim of this study was conducted to determine the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, total fat, dietary fiber and total carbohydrate) of four Malaysian honey samples. Methods: TB1 (Trigona bee honey from Kedah), TB2 (Trigona bee honey from Kelantan), TU1 (Wild Tualang bee honey from Pahang) and TU2 (Tualang bee honey was collected from a farm from Pahang) were examined for their proximate compositions. Proximate composition was determined using the methods of AOAC (1990; 1995; 2003). Results: Moisture content was significantly the highest (p<0.05) in TB2 with a value of 30.586± 0.109 g/100g and the lowest in TU2 with a value of 18.914± 0.264 g/100g. TB2 had significantly (p < 0,05) higher ash content than other examined samples with a value of 0.766±0.010 g/100g. Protein content of TU1was significantly higher than the other analyzed honey samples with a value of 1.776±0.04 g/100g. The total fat content of TB2 was significantly lower than the other honey samples. Dietary fiber of TB1 was found to be significantly higher compared to the others with a value of 0.612±0.027. Total carbohydrate content was significantly (p<0,05) the highest in TU2 compared to other samples  with a value of 79.980±0.280 g/100g. Conclusions: All honey samples are good sources of nutrients for human consumption. Moreover, the differences in the components of the different honey samples were probably connected with the variances in the floral sources
Flooding impact on distribution of pathogenic bacteria in Pahang river
Authors: Abd Razak Fatin Hafawati , Nordin Noor Faizul Hadry , Chowdhury Jalal Ahmed Khan , Yunus Kamaruzzaman
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Pahang River is one of the important inland aquatic biodiversity resources that provides major economic activities along the river. It is an excellent source of food and habitat for organisms including microorganisms leading to higher bacterial diversity. This analytical study determines the impact of flooding event to the bacterial distribution and pathogenic bacteria in the river. Methods: Sampling was done during pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons. Water samples were taken at 19 stations along the Pahang River. Bacterial was isolated from the water samples using cultivation method. Subsequently DNA from the isolated bacteria was extracted using conventional method. 16s RNA was used in the study to amplify the bacterial DNA. Following restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), selected bacteria were sent for sequencing to the First Base company. The sequences were then analyzed using blast from NCBI to obtain the bacterial name. Results: Here, we evaluated the colony forming unit (CFU) and the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the river before and after the flood event in 2014. The CFU calculated was lower before the flooding event and Bacillus sp. were found in many of the water samples. After the flooding event pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter cloacae were discovered while the CFU calculated was shown to be higher. Conclusions: The pathogenic bacteria diversity was increased after the flood in 2014 in Pahang River. The river became contaminated with various types of potential human bacterial pathogens which might pose a health risk to the public.
Comparison of Ex-Vivo X-Ray changes in different groups of injectable biomaterials (JectOS, MIIGÂ®X3, Osteopaste) in critical size defect of Rabbit Tibia Bone
Authors: Wan Salleh Wan Maihan , Mohamed Amin Mohamed Azril , Wan Salleh Wan Muhamad Salahudin , Buyong Zunariah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Critical size defect (CSD) is defined as a defect that will not heal without intervention within the lifetime. The gold standard treatment for CSD is bone graft, although with some limitations. Substitute biomaterials were introduced to overcome the limitations. JectOS and MIIG® X3 are commercially available biomaterials in the market. Osteopaste is a local product produced by SIRIM. The objective of this study is to compare the radiological changes between Osteopaste, JectOS and MIIG® X3 in CSD in rabbit tibia bone. Methods: New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups: control group (Sham operation, n=3); Osteopaste treatment (n=12); JectOS treatment (n=12) and MIIG® X3 treatment (n=12). CSD was created at the right proximal tibia bone of the rabbits in each of the groups and the defects were filled with the biomaterial as assigned. Four animals from each group were sacrificed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks respectively. The bones were harvested and x-ray imaging performed using SkyScan 1176 at 90kV, 281µA, resolution 4000x2672 with Aluminium 1.0mm. Results: The radiographic density at the CSD area was more prominent in the JectOS group throughout the 24 weeks. Meanwhile, in the MIIG® X3, full resorption occurred at 24 weeks. The Osteopaste group exhibited radiographic density in between that of JectOS and MIIG® X3. Conclusions: Different types of biomaterial exhibit different radiological changes over the period of bone healing.
Augmented Renal Clearance in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcome
Authors: Abdul Rahim Shahir Asraf bin , Md Ralib Azrina , Mohamad Abdul Hadi , Osman Ariff , Mat Nor Mohd Basri
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a phenomenon where there is elevated renal clearance and defined by creatinine clearance more than 130ml/min. ARC results in changes of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic of antimicrobial therapy being administered, which may result in its subtherapeutic dose. We evaluated the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of ARC in critically ill patients with sepsis. Materials and method: This is an interim analysis of single centre, prospective observational study of critically ill patients. Inclusion criteria were patients older than 18 years old with sepsis with plasma creatinine less than 130 µmol/l. Urinary creatinine and flow rate were measured and creatinine clearance (CrCl) calculated.ARC is defined as CrCl of more 130 ml/min. Ultrasonic cardiac output montoring (USCOM) was used to measure cardiac index. Results: Nineteen patients were analysed so far, of which 11 (57.9%) had ARC. There were no differences age, gender, or category of patients between patients with and without ARC. Baseline APACHE II and SOFA score were similar in the two groups (p=0.47 and 0.06, respectively).There was no difference in the hospital mortality (p=0.86). However, duration of ICU admission amongst survivors was longer in patients with ARC (10 (5-12) vs 4 (3-5) days, p=0.04). Of the 11 with ARC, 7 persisted to day 2. Measured creatinine clearance correlated well with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (r=0.68, p<0.0001), however it did not correlate with cardiac index (r=0.40, p=0.14). Conclusion: ARC occurs in almost half of critically ill patients with sepsis, and is associated with longer duration of ICU stay. However, there was no difference in the outcome in this small study. Future larger study may be important to investigate this.
Comparison between Point-Based and Ring-Based Technologies in Keratometric Measurement among Post Myopic Laser Refractive Surgery Patients
Authors: Syah Md Muziman , Sofian Sauri Aminul Hakim , Mohd Kamal Khairidzan , Mokhtar Mahfuzah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Corneal power or keratometric value represents two-third of total refractive power of the eye. It is an important parameter in intraocular lens calculation. Purpose of the study was to evaluate repeatability and agreement of keratometric measurements obtained from a six points-based keratometry device; IOLMaster 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and two Placido disc-based keratometry devices; Atlas Topographer 995 and 9000 models (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). Materials and method: A total of 97 post myopic laser refractive surgery subjects were recruited. Three set of mean corneal power measurements from each device were performed by an examiner in a single visit. The repeatability was evaluated by withinsubject standard deviation, coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate keratometric measurement differences between the devices. The BlandAltman analysis was employed to assess inter-device agreement. Results: There were no significant differences of three repeated keratometric measurements in each device (p > 0.05). IOLMaster showed the lowest coefficient of variations in all meridians (< 0.30%).The intraclass correlations were higher than 0.90 in all devices. For inter-device agreement, there were statistically significant differences between Atlas 9000-IOLMaster and Atlas 995-IOLMaster (p < 0.05). The 95% limit of agreement ranged from 0.94 to 1.68. Conclusion: The six points-based technology has a higher repeatability compared to ring based technology in measuring postoperative keratometric measurements. Different keratometry technologies cannot be used interchangeably in clinical setting.
Expression and Purification of Soluble Recombinant Gsttagged Bpsl2774 Protein from Burkholderia Pseudomallei K96243
Authors: Mohamed Rehan Aisyah , Ujang Hanisah , Drahaman Siti Marhamah , Mat Akhir Nor Azurah , Muhamad Bunnori Noraslinda , Raih Mohd Firdaus
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, an infectious disease endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Cases have been reported in Pahang, Johor Bahru and Kedah. The disease is difficult to combat as B. pseudomallei has shown resistance to various antibiotics and much is still not understood about its pathogenicity. It is suggested that investigating the bacterium hypothetical proteins may provide potential new targets for the development of antimicrobials. The gene of interest in this study, BPSL2774, encoding BPSL2774 hypothetical protein, is a target gene that was predicted as essential using transposon-directed insertion site sequencing technique (TraDIS). We aimed to express and purify soluble GST-tagged BPSL2774 protein at sufficient concentration for future functional assays. Materials and method: The BPSL2774 gene has previously been amplified from genomic DNA of B. pseudomallei K96243 and cloned into pDEST15 (GST-tag) plasmid vector. In this work, the clone was transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) expression strain cells for up-scaled protein preparations in 0.5 L and 1 L cultures. The auto-induction method was adopted for protein expression. GST-tag affinity chromatography was performed for protein purification and the fractions obtained were analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Results: The target protein was successfully expressed in soluble form and its highest concentration from a 0.8 mL elution fraction was at 1.38 mg/mL. Mass spectrometry analysis of 60 kDa coomassie-stained gel band cut confirmed the presence of the soluble expressed target protein, co-purified with E. coli chaperonin proteins, possibly due to their interaction with the target protein. Higher purity can be achieved through further purification steps following initial GST-tag affinity chromatography. Conclusion: The purified protein was at an acceptable purity and at sufficient concentration for use as samples in a glycosyltransferase bioluminescence assay in the near future.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (Gaba) Encephalitis: Case Report
Authors: Md Yusof Mohd Farid bin , Sharip Shalisah binti , Mohamed Saini Suriati binti , Abdul Rahman Fairuz Nazri binti , Abdul Rahman Hamid bin , Abdul Khalid Raihanah binti
Published: January 2021

A Severe encephalitis with an uncontrolled seizure may produce impairment in a variety of cognitive functions. The appropriate treatment for cognitive impairment postencephalitisis are currently unknown. We are reporting a case of depression and cognitive impairment post- encephalitis with an uncontrolled seizure. Our case presented with global cognitive impairment and severe depression. The patient showed improvement following pharmacological treatments coupled with cognitive stimulation, and family education. The combination of multimodal treatments are needed following encephalitis. Intensive cognitive training may serve as a potential harbor for treatment of cognitive impairment post-encephalitis.
Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Laser and Ultrasound on Bone Fracture Healing
Authors: Al-Habib May F. , Al-Ani Imad M. , Salman Mohammad O. , W. Faleh Farah
Published: January 2021

Objective: To study the effect of both laser and ultrasound radiation on bone fracture healing process. Materials and method: Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm wavelength, 135 mW power, 16 joules energy) and ultrasound (1 MHz frequency, 50 mW/cm2 power intensity) were used in this work. Fifteen mature, male, albino rats were divided into three groups and subjected to a partial fracture on the lateral aspect of femur by a sharp blade. The first group of these animals served as the control group. The second group was illuminated by the Nd:YAG laser for two minutes, the first dose was given immediately after surgical fracture induction, the other doses were given on days two, three, six and then one dose weekly for the next three weeks. The third group was treated with the addition of continuous wave ultrasound perpendicular to the laser treatment site in the second group. Results: The histological assessments at day 28 after the fracture of first group showed incomplete healing of the bone with disfiguration and disarrangement of Haversian system and the periosteum was not yet well developed. Treatment with laser in the second group showed irregularity and lack of Haversian system formation in bone healing. The laser and ultrasound treatment in the third group expressed a complete healing at the site of fracture with a complete layer of periosteum and a well arranged Haversian system. Conclusion: The combination of laser and ultrasound in therapy can enhance healing process of a fractured bone more than laser therapy alone, as ultrasound increases the depth of laser penetration in tissue.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self-Wound Management among Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer (Dfu) in Pahang
Authors: Saidi Sanisah , Farouzy Hamizah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: A survey in 2011 reported that the prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia is 20.8% (2.8 million people) and 88% have uncontrolleddiabetes. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the common diabetes complications in Malaysia that leads to other devastated situation including infection, amputation and death. In Pahang, 95% of the patients have uncontrolled diabetes and 50% of them suffered from DFU. Self-wound management is an important element in reducing the risk of further complications of DFU. However, little is known on the patients' understanding of diabetes and their practice of selfwound management. This study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-wound management among patients with diabetic ulcer in Pahang. Materials and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Pahang involving 100 participants. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling from April 2017 until May 2017. Participants' knowledge, attitude and practice of self-wound management were measured using self-administered questionnaires. Additionally, the data on socio-demographic was gathered. The data was computed into SPSS and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 100 participants, 95% of them had good knowledge on diabetes and DFU, 84% had a positive attitude towards self-wound management and 56% perceived good practices of self-wound management. However, a chi-square test between knowledge on diabetes and DFU and practice of self-wound management found no significant interaction (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, there was a significant interaction between attitude and practice of self-wound management (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Good knowledge on diabetes and DFU do not determine the patients’ practice of self-wound management. However, positive attitude towards self-wound management would contribute to the practice and willingness of the patients to selfmanage their foot ulcer wound at home.
Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude Related to First Aid among Iium Kuantan Campus Students
Authors: Thandar Soe Sumaiyah Jamaludin @ , Zakaria Muhammad Allif Bin
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Accidental injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately 1.25 million lives are cut short because of road traffic accident every year. As the incidences of emergencies is steadily increasing in recent years, it is important to ensure that individuals are adequately trained to deal with such events including university students. First aid is given to preserve life and minimize the consequences of injury and illness until help is obtained from health care practitioners. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, awareness and attitude related to first aid among IIUM Kuantan campus students. Materials and method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey with stratified random sampling was conducted among 348 IIUM Kuantan undergraduate students who met the study inclusion criteria. Data were collected by using the self-administered questionnaire which was adapted from Hong Kong Red Cross. Results: A total of 316 participants had positive awareness and attitude towards first aid knowledge. Nevertheless, 149 participants had moderate level of first aid knowledge. There were significant associations (p value of 0.05) between gender, faculty, year of study, and first aid training experience and their level of first aid knowledge. However, 55.4% of study participants did not have experience in taking first aid course and they have little knowledge on first aid. Conclusion: Although the majority of participants had positive awareness and attitude towards first aid, their knowledge and experience in taking first aid course were unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is a need of proper and regular educational programs to raise awareness in the student community about the importance of first aid.
Optimization of Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (Ddpcr) For Dna Copy Number Variation Analysis of Cnv Esv27061 in Young Adults with Higher Blood Pressure
Authors: Shaik Alaudeen Siti Radziah , Abdullah Aszrin , Shah Mohd Shah Azarisman , Abdul Talib Norlelawati
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Copy number variation (CNV) caused by changes in DNA sequences of 1000 or more bases is implicated with susceptibility to common diseases. A study on CNV esv27061 among hypertensive Australian adults reported association with high blood pressure (BP). In Malaysia, no study on CNV among hypertensive young adults is available. Thus, this investigation aimed to assess the CNV esv27061 of young Malaysian adults with high blood pressure using optimized ddPCR. Materials and method: Ten samples each from hypertensive and healthy controls were randomly selected from samples collected for an on-going comparative cross-sectional research project among young adults living in Kuantan. The DNAs were purified using Maxwell RSC Buffy Coat DNA Kit and the concentration was measured using SimpliNano spectrophotometer. Subsequently, restriction digestion of DNAs by EcoRV was performed prior to ddPCR. The products were later subjected to droplet generation (QX100 Droplet Generator), PCR amplification and finally CNV was read by QX100 Droplet reader. Unfortunately, the above method did not yield any result. Thus, an alternative method in which purified DNA concentration was determined by QuantiFluor ONE dsDNA System (Quantus fluorometer). The DNAs (60 ng) and Alu1 were added in master mix during ddPCR and CNV esv27061 analysis was performed as stated above. Results: Optimization of method in this study showed that the detection of CNV esv27061 was possible by the use of more sensitive measurement of DNA concentration, Alu1 restriction enzyme instead of EcoRV and digestion in ddPCR reaction method rather than prior digestion. The finalized protocol run on selected hypertensive and healthy controls has shown to be reproducible and easily interpretable discrimination of gene's copy numbers. Conclusion: This optimized protocol for CNV esv27061 analysis proved useful in identifying CNV and will allow a reproducible assay evaluation and the application of this method to a bigger sample size.